*who knew?*
So, it's a Saturday. That used to mean sleeping in and resting up from a weeks worth of classes and probably a day of reading novels trying to get caught up. Since June, it has meant work. I've not had a Saturday off since June 26 when I went to Adrian's wedding. It seems like forever ago...that was the very beginning of summer.
As I sit here at my desk, taking a break from writing local briefs and getting ready to go to my only assignment today, I decided to pop open an Ale-8-1. For those of you that don't live in Kentucky, it's a soda with a strong taste of ginger native to Winchester, Ky. (about 30 minutes east of Lexington). There are two kinds of people in this part of the state: those who love Ale-8 and those who loathe it. I am one of the lovers...it's different than anything else I've had and distinctly Kentucky.
The biggest complaint about Ale8 is usually that it is thought to be extremely high in caffeine content. I learned different today. If you go to the Ale-8 website, you can find a chart in the FAQ section that details the caffeine content in most popular sodas. Ale-8 contains 37 mg per 12 oz. can as opposed to the 55 mg in Mountain Dew (which I also drink on occasion). Caffeiene runs through the veins of Fourth Estate (establishment of journalism) in this country), as it has since George Washington crossed the Deleware and immediately popped open an Dr. Pepper for a burst of energy.
*bonfire night*
Last night, my fellow singles and I gathered at Jim and Jennifer's house and had a wonderful bonfire. April, Beth and I sat around the fire cracking jokes and sending out laughter that echoed through the woods. It was so nice to spend time with them and just laugh for ages about nothing. Fellowship like that is so important for believers...it's spiritual food and gives us strength for the journey. Something about being with other people that share the most important thing in common with you is so uplifting.
"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near." — Hebrews 10:25
I so look forward to the times that I can be with my brothers and sisters in fellowship. My life has changed so much in the past few years. I used to see church as something that was on obligation to be fulfilled on Sunday morning and just meant that I had to wake up early, but I did it anyway because I felt like I owed it to God.
When I have to make decisions about my plans at night or on the weekend, my heart goes about it in such a different way. I used to schedule my church activities around my "outside life." Now the two are one. It's not just a building anymore. I have friends that mean more to me than anything — both in my bible study fellowship and also in my singles class. I love to spend time with them — they are the ones I look forward to spending eternity with. We are members of the same body and I feel especially settled and contented when I am with them. I would rather spend my night with them going trick-or-treating with April's kids or something than going to a concert or watching my favorite TV show (yes, I actually used to have time to watch the telle). I go to bed early on Saturday nights now because I want to be refreshed in the morning so I can sing praises to my King. It's not that feeling anymore of trying to make church life an afterthought. It's not about the rules and legalism and what I am supposed to do or to not do. It's about nurturing the relationship I have with the other members of the Body.
I guess I just want to thank my Creator for taking my heart of stone and replacing it with one of flesh that beats strong. Thank you for loving me when I was unworthy and blessing me beyond my disobedience. Thank you for each and every moment of life I have, especially those I may spend in fellowship with those who know you. I will put my faith in you and approach your throne boldly, because you have given me your courage and filled me with your Spirit.
Not that they will ever read this, but congratulations to Jeremy Camp and his wife Adrienne (from the Benjamin Gate) who celebrated the birth of their first child on Sept. 25. Jeremy, you stink for splitting my favorite band up, but I guess it's cool since Adrienne is probably goofy happy all the time. Back to the studio with you, Mrs. Camp! We need more music!
So, it's a Saturday. That used to mean sleeping in and resting up from a weeks worth of classes and probably a day of reading novels trying to get caught up. Since June, it has meant work. I've not had a Saturday off since June 26 when I went to Adrian's wedding. It seems like forever ago...that was the very beginning of summer.
As I sit here at my desk, taking a break from writing local briefs and getting ready to go to my only assignment today, I decided to pop open an Ale-8-1. For those of you that don't live in Kentucky, it's a soda with a strong taste of ginger native to Winchester, Ky. (about 30 minutes east of Lexington). There are two kinds of people in this part of the state: those who love Ale-8 and those who loathe it. I am one of the lovers...it's different than anything else I've had and distinctly Kentucky.
The biggest complaint about Ale8 is usually that it is thought to be extremely high in caffeine content. I learned different today. If you go to the Ale-8 website, you can find a chart in the FAQ section that details the caffeine content in most popular sodas. Ale-8 contains 37 mg per 12 oz. can as opposed to the 55 mg in Mountain Dew (which I also drink on occasion). Caffeiene runs through the veins of Fourth Estate (establishment of journalism) in this country), as it has since George Washington crossed the Deleware and immediately popped open an Dr. Pepper for a burst of energy.
*bonfire night*
Last night, my fellow singles and I gathered at Jim and Jennifer's house and had a wonderful bonfire. April, Beth and I sat around the fire cracking jokes and sending out laughter that echoed through the woods. It was so nice to spend time with them and just laugh for ages about nothing. Fellowship like that is so important for believers...it's spiritual food and gives us strength for the journey. Something about being with other people that share the most important thing in common with you is so uplifting.
"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near." — Hebrews 10:25
I so look forward to the times that I can be with my brothers and sisters in fellowship. My life has changed so much in the past few years. I used to see church as something that was on obligation to be fulfilled on Sunday morning and just meant that I had to wake up early, but I did it anyway because I felt like I owed it to God.
When I have to make decisions about my plans at night or on the weekend, my heart goes about it in such a different way. I used to schedule my church activities around my "outside life." Now the two are one. It's not just a building anymore. I have friends that mean more to me than anything — both in my bible study fellowship and also in my singles class. I love to spend time with them — they are the ones I look forward to spending eternity with. We are members of the same body and I feel especially settled and contented when I am with them. I would rather spend my night with them going trick-or-treating with April's kids or something than going to a concert or watching my favorite TV show (yes, I actually used to have time to watch the telle). I go to bed early on Saturday nights now because I want to be refreshed in the morning so I can sing praises to my King. It's not that feeling anymore of trying to make church life an afterthought. It's not about the rules and legalism and what I am supposed to do or to not do. It's about nurturing the relationship I have with the other members of the Body.
I guess I just want to thank my Creator for taking my heart of stone and replacing it with one of flesh that beats strong. Thank you for loving me when I was unworthy and blessing me beyond my disobedience. Thank you for each and every moment of life I have, especially those I may spend in fellowship with those who know you. I will put my faith in you and approach your throne boldly, because you have given me your courage and filled me with your Spirit.
Not that they will ever read this, but congratulations to Jeremy Camp and his wife Adrienne (from the Benjamin Gate) who celebrated the birth of their first child on Sept. 25. Jeremy, you stink for splitting my favorite band up, but I guess it's cool since Adrienne is probably goofy happy all the time. Back to the studio with you, Mrs. Camp! We need more music!
posted by mandypants at 1:00 PM
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