By God's Grace...

I graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School.

I got an internship at the Federal Public Defender's Office to begin in September.

I am officially registered for BARBRI and taking the TN Bar.

I have been studying all day every day since my decision 48 hours ago!

I am thrilled to watch as God unfolds His plan for my life.

I have not lost my faith... and that is all folks! I'll be back to blogging (hopefully) in August!

Just a few more miles...

Today at noon I plan to hit "SEND" on my last email to a professor (as their student).... My LAST project for a grade and not a check!

Whew! ...It's quite overwhelming, and joyous, and exciting... and depressing. Why today of all days am I so discouraged? Sigh.

I have just a few more miles to the finish line, and that should make me happy. Instead I am overcome by the fear of what's on the other side of the line. No job... Sallie Mae... and another signed lease for an apartment in Nashville (a city that I'm ready to leave).

I'm sharing this because in spite of it all I'm hopeful and confident in my God, my husband (thank you Lord for Christopher), and myself. Someone reading this may be going through the same thing... Remember that God will never leave you nor forsake you, even when your friends and family aren't understanding or supportive. Remember that God's plan is greater than any plan that you could conjure on your own. Remember that He won't put more on you than you can bear, and that your bread and water will be sure. These verses never get old to me, because God's the same yesterday today and forever. He brought you this far... keep on striving until you reach your goal.

Trying to be a better servant.

Yesterday, my husband and I prayed for the Lord to reveal avenues for us to be servants. God desires that we love Him with all our hearts, AND serve Him with our whole lives. We've got the loving part down no doubt... but... honestly, there is room for improvement when it comes to service. Today's devotional (sent by my friend Brandon Rose) gave the perfect [simple] way to be a better servant - reading the word, living the word, and speaking openly about Scripture in conversation. Next time you are conversing with someone who needs encouragement, share Christ by sharing scriptures that encourage you. The Holy Spirit, through your words, will do the rest.

Read the full devotional below:

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV) ¹⁸Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ¹⁹Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

The Jews took this quite literally. Even today at the Western Wall you can see them fix the Scripture Boxes (phylacteries) to their foreheads and wrap their arms. Almost every home has a Scripture container on the doorframe.

There was a time in the USA when people included portions of Scripture in their daily conversation. The Bible was read daily by many, and many of our old expressions come from Scripture. That trend has all but died out. We rarely speak in the expressions of the Bible, and are even mocked when we quote Scripture. That shouldn't bother us though. The word of God is powerful and living and will accomplish God's purposes. If we speak the Scripture that God lays on our heart during a conversation, it will surely do its work.

For the Holy Spirit to bring it to memory, we should be reading it DAILY. We should be taking unhurried time to dwell on a passage. We should be memorizing it. Then it can be brought to our minds to be effective for us and for those with whom we communicate.

We have a duty to model this for our children, and teach them to do the same. The passage here is a good pointer for morning and evening devotions. The word should start AND end our day. It should also be a topic during the day.

Consider: How far are you from God's request? What will you do to change th

It's a New Day and God is Still Good...

Well, Teach for America says that I'm [not a good fit].

I'm reminded that God's plan for my life is greater, far greater than any plan I come up with.

Yesterday, it rained and stormed... I received bad news and was discouraged.... today the sun is shining and I'm inspired by my new-found freedom to explore opportunities. God is still good...

Taking pictures

Check me and my hubby!

RaChImages.blogspot.com

On working in a Corporate Law Firm:

"Not for me. Breaking my life into 6 minute increments is the biggest waste of my life."

~ a classmate.

Change.

Once upon a time we talked to friends on telephones...

Now we blog to the universe. If we're lucky, our friends may read and reply.

Once upon a time, through a letter... a conversation over tea... a slumber party.... we unfolded our feelings.

Now we tweet every passing thought... to the universe.

We used to celebrate great acting on television. Lucille Ball.

We now celebrate reality, as if a trip to the convenience store is news worthy. Kim Kardashian.

OMG and LOL are in the dictionary.

Sometimes I really think I miss the old days... but I'm into Keeping up with the kardashians and blogspot.com. I Facebook and one day I may tweet... I say OMG at least 10 times a day, and I text much more than I call.

I suppose tonight I'm just feeling the growing pains of CHANGE.

God Restores, Let Him

I used to think that people who sat in church and scribbled notes furiously were either 1) bored and trying to stay awake, 2) showy and trying to impress their neighbors with their display of righteousness, or 3) just dramatic... you know the shout-hallelujah-hop-all-around-the-sanctuary-waving-their-hand-and-screaming types... Wow! Praise God for spiritual growth and maturity. I was that person this Sabbath - notebook in hand, hand involuntarily lifted and uttering the occasional hallelujah and amen. The sermon was on point, and the pastor referenced a passage that we'd meditated on just a few days before...

Hebrews 11 - GOD's Faith Hall of Fame. If you haven't yet been introduced - its awesome! The writer goes through a list of heavy hitters who did illogical things based on faith and were rewarded... I mean, things that make you seem silly for doubting God and hesitating to keep the simple commands that we struggle with today. My favorite part of that passage comes in verse 32, when the writer basically says

What more can I say? I don't even have time to tell you about Gideon, Barak, Samson.... and the list goes on!

If you are struggling to believe, just try it and be encouraged.

I digress... This Sabbath, my blessing came from the sweet reminder that God restores.This means that if you've been broken (hurt, embarrassed, injured, abandoned), if you've ever yielded to sinful temptation, if you've ever drifted away from your relationship with the Lord... its ok. He wants to restore the joy and peace in your life. His yolk is easy and His burden is light. But here's the thing - we have to let Him. Did you know that we have the power to block our own blessing? Let Him change your life from sad to glad again. Its awesome.

A Good Time

... is often as simple as driving the extra mile to Publix even though you'll pass Kroger and Walmart on the way. I did that last Friday, and was so inspired by the clean floors and pleasant smiles that I bought things I never would have considered in another grocery store. Things like strawberries and peach preserves. I bought Pillsbury flaky croissant rolls and almond paste. Sometimes, all you need to have a good time, is to slow down in the middle of the grocery store and google a new recipe on your cell phone. I did that during my Publix trip... and later that night I came up with this!!!!

Dessert pizza! (actually pretty tasty)

Of course I also had to grab out-of-the norm toppings for the dinner pizza as well... Tried turkey pepperoni for the first time (thanks to Chris) and it was delish!

This is my boo, doing his thug thizzle in the kitchen with the pizza dough!

notice that his half (L) has meat and cheese while mine (R) has more refined ingredients like spinach and feta....

Our generous hosts and great friends!

It certainly pays to be easy to please! For me, that extra mile and a few fruits and veggies just made my night!

Spring in Bellevue

For Engaged Girls...

11 tips ...because I just married my best friend, and it was great! ...because the excitement is still hard to contain, and the details are still fresh. ...because when I was a bride-to-be, I asked recent brides for their best advice.

Here goes... Take em, or leave em! (They are in no particular order)

1. Involve your fiance enough to let him know that it's his day too. Listen. Incorporate the things that are important to him. It actually is his day too. Exclude him enough to get the job done. ALWAYS keep the lines of communication open.

2. Only spend what you have. It's ok to go over budget a little here and there, but think hard before you go into debt. After the day is done, you'll still be married. (How to stay in budget - prioritize your list with "must haves" at the top. Don't be afraid to chop the things on the bottom of the list when the money runs out).

3. DIY projects: only for creative brides with lots of free time. No experimenting with new craft/makeup/hair/sewing projects on your wedding day.

4. Only put things on your gift registry that you actually want.

5. DO NOT skimp on the money that you spend on your dress (unless that's just not your thing).

6. DO NOT skimp on the money that you spend on your photographer. Period. The pictures (and videos) are the only things that will last beyond the day. Great photos can make an inexpensive wedding look like a million bucks. A wack photographer can make your million dollar wedding look like hot cheese.

7. Be calm, respectful, and polite to all who are involved in helping you. Be gracious and properly thank people who were awesome during the process.

8. Keep God first in your relationship. Don't let the wedding-planning come before having worship with your boo, going on dates together, and being loving towards each other.

9. Don't send out invitations with a date and venue listed before you actually book the venue on that date... and don't start announcing a venue before you are certain that it's THE ONE (that you can afford and that you LOVE).

10. PACK YOUR WEDDING WEEKEND BAG like two weeks before the big day. Underwear, cute changes of clothes, socks, makeup... everything! If you're spending the weekend in a hotel, you don't want to be scattered all over the city trying to find your things. The last few days will be a whirlwind!

11. Remember why you are planning a wedding - its not for the wedding day, its for the marriage. So, don't sweat the small stuff!

Congratulations! You'll be beautiful! Smile pretty :) Everybody is taking your picture.

What am I going to do after I graduate?!?

That's what everyone is wondering...

Just a few years ago, a student at a T1 law school would win any bet on having a firm job. At firms big and small, 1st year associates were welcome... money was flowing. Now, things have changed. Thankfully, God has a plan for my life - one greater than any plan that I could come up with on my own. For those who do not rest in that sweet confidence, this is a very stressful time.

This month's ABA Journal included a story about a law student who decided to create (or rather, modify) an online bidding service where clients can select lawyers who bid the lowest rate hoping to get some work! Pretty sad that we have resorted to "E-bay lawyering..." Still, I say kudos to the kid who came up with it. It's time to embrace the change in times and think outside the box. I'm thinking of teaching and business and art... Not because I am afraid of the law. I'm actually grateful for the recession which has given me an "excuse" for boldly switching gears.

For anyone who considers harshly judging a graduating law student who has chosen a different path... think again (after reading some stats on the job market).

Perspective: Spring at Vanderbilt

Photography is more about creativity and perspective than equipment or "skill." The photographer's eye is trained to aim from artistic angles to capture depth in a flat frame... trained to compose a photo so that the simplest of subjects can be interesting... The great photographer's mind is bright and ever active.

Oh to be...

I am blessed to study on such a beautiful campus!

Love love love the cherry blossoms!!!

God is the master artist!!!

Love photos of things in a row for some reason... I always think that there is meaning in seeing the whole picture instead of focusing on the one tree or "thing" in front of you...

Finally learned how to focus and blur the background!

These next shots make me nostalgic in advance... these are my final days in school! (probably forever!!!)

I am such a HUGE fan of cherry blossoms and dogwoods... Shameful that we only have them for a short time at the beginning of the year.

This is depth.

Raquel Buzz Words... and thoughts to follow them.

Law School: over in 56 days. Hallelujah!

New husband: at work... I miss him.

Photography: difficult, but exciting. I recognize my need for training and practice.

Work: I am boss. If I work for a traditional employer, then I am my boss with only one client. My ideal is to be a boss with many clients. Excited to see where that goes...

Art: still intriguing.

Immigration: still intriguing...

Money: necessary evil.

The "funnest" day of my life...

in photos.

...so far marriage is just sugary sweet!

Who am I? Why am I here?

Challenge: to write about my the topic (title) in 140 words or less, with wide latitude on interpreting the topic...  Professor's tips: "No extraneous BS!!! No fluff!!! Make it interesting and funny! Remember your audience!!! ME!"

Context: First assignment in an interesting (to say the least) "Effective Writing" class.

Setting: Panera Bread Company.... mid-morning after the breakfast rush and before the lunch crowd... in front of a deliciously warm jalepeno egg and cheese bagel and a small (VERY small) cup of orange  juice...

Finished Product:

I have only 34 more days as “bride-to-be!” My life is filled with love songs, flowers, dresses, and phone calls from mommy with new ideas. “Kell! Check out this new shade of violet.” Oh the joys!


… Oh the stress! I’m counting down the days and the dollars drained from my account for caterers to feed uncle so-an-so and aunt what’s-her-face... I’m counting the times my fiancé said, “Baby let’s just elope?” I can’t even remember the reasons against it that I once spouted freely.

So, I’m here. I’m maintaining sanity. Between working as an art instructor and finishing law school, I have managed to avoid that sad stupor of bridezilla-ism. No watching re-runs of “Say Yes to the Dress” for me. True love is the hustle of learning, working, and being the organized superwoman that I think I am.

What do you think? Success?

Love Lesson from Lombard Rd.

This weekend I let my photography-bug run wild as my Honey and I traveled to Cousin Frank's for pre-marital counseling and family time... Here are the fruits of my hard labor :) Can't wait to see my improvement at the end of this ten week photography class!

My favorite take-aways from our first session left me feeling more confident that taking this "plunge" is a gift from God. To find a companion who doesn't complete you, but instead adds to your completeness and loves your soul, not just your physical appearance and temporal beauty....wow. It's breath-taking... I'm thinking of all the ways that I can do little things that aren't expected of me so that Chris always knows how much I cherish being his wife (in THIRTY FOUR DAYS!!!)

Can you tell? I'm just a tad excited to marry this man!

Art

Tragedies are commonplace....

all kind of diseases, people are slipping away...

...as for me all I can say is THANK YOU LORD for all you've done for me....

...YOU'LL be my PROTECTION every step of the way.... and I wanna say THANK YOU LORD!!! for all you've done for me....

This is the song in my heart tonight. Its a Walter Hawkins gospel tune... the verses are sitting heavy on my heart right now.  I'm Grateful, so truly grateful...

Tonight I witnessed the most horrific scene of my life. I worked at the art gallery assisting a class of about 80 people as they painted a red cross. I watched some of them as they painted the cross... thought silently about some of the irony in it... the painting was called "Faith" and represented Christ's sacrifice and promise... I wondered if any of the artists pondered the meaning of their work. Long night... I was tired and so ready for Chris to come pick me up... chatted with my coworkers. ....Hopped in the car a few minutes later and got caught up on the evening with my love... I think I had a slight attitude about him showing up a few minutes late... I was riding beside him in silence, cold.... it was 14 degrees out tonight...

In the next moment, a silver Mini Cooper flew past us. I was actually relieved to say "man that car was flying..." It kind of broke our silence... The little car had to be going at least 100 mph... Too fast... so fast that I instantly knew it was going to crash into something... "Lord please, Jesus please, Chris he is going to crash..." Chris slowed down so that we wouldn't be target when he spun out of control... and the rest was like watching a movie in slow motion.... The mini sped swerving toward a median dividing the highway from an exit... I imagine the driver thought "this is my turn... or is it? do I take the exit... Oh man I'm going too fast... stay on the highway.... get it together man.."

He slammed into the concrete median at full speed, flew into the air, instantly caught on fire and landed upside down.

That coulda been me.

We pulled over and called 911. I stayed in the car and prayed. Chris ran to help... Afterward I learned that the driver lived, for a while at least... A man heroically pulled the driver out of the flaming car. Chris helped the man pull the driver to safety and remove his fiery clothes. He used my blanket to help beat the fire off of his reddened body. The man lay fully naked, not a hair left anywhere on his exposed body in 14 degree weather... alive. We, along with many other witnesses, waited for rescue crews. The flames from the fiery car bellowed into at least two lanes of the highway and sent up a monstrous ribbon of gray smoke that covered the other two lanes and filled the sky.

It was horrific.

For Chris, the strangest and most memorable thing about this accident was the cold silence... there were no screams and no cries. Aside from the crackles and pops that escaped the car as it burned, the hushed whisper of the spectators (most of whom were speechless)... there was nothing to hear. The driver's screams were silent because his lungs were on fire.

On the way home... I thought about how silly it was to be upset that Chris was late. I thought about the fact that not one of us has any control over life or death... we just have to live as if today were our last day on this earth. I thought about how undeserving I am to be here - how grateful I am for God's grace and mercy. I'm here, beside my honey, proud of him for always being a valiant first responder (this is the third time I have witnessed an accident with Chris in the short time that I have loved him. Before meeting Chris, I had never witnessed an accident. I know that ministering to those in emergency situations is his calling).

Tonight left me clinging to the joys of life.

For the Love of Money

"Finding something [a career, a hobby, a life partner] that you truly love is a million times better than finding something that will make you rich...."

Do you believe this? I do.

"Do what you love, and the money will follow..."

Do you believe this? The jury is still out for me.

Afterall, if I love giving away food and clothes to those in need, there is a great chance that absolutely no money will follow no matter how good I become at it. But, at the end of the day, does it really matter? The difference between the first principle and the second is the central focus for the person contemplating it - is your focus true happiness or money?

Before answering, remember that you can't take any of it with you when you're gone. Would you rather look back over your life knowing that you enjoyed your career and your family, or would you rather look back knowing that inspite of not following a more desireable path, you earned incredible amounts of money and protected all of your assets from others?

Its a no-brainer for me...