*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!

*Mandy the Builder* 

A true Mandy of all trades...Not only do I write and sing like an idiot; I also wear pink and install siding onto Habitat for Humanity houses in Berea! 

*wild animals*
"...the real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day." - C. S. Lewis from Mere Christianity
*my humble interpretation*
I read this last night just before going to sleep and didn't realize the amount of truth in it until I woke up this morning. Like a circus of wild creatures, as soon as I was cognizant I was surrounded by thoughts of my daily activities. It's a bit daunting to wake up like that. It almost gives you a panicked feeling - am I actually going to be able to make it through all these tasks? It seems like a miracle if I actually get everything on my "To Do" list checked off.
This is my nature denying me the experience of the actual miracle. The true glory is that I have woken up another day. I will have another chance to learn something about God and bring Him glory through my interactions and thoughts. The room for error here is huge, but consider the vast expanses of God's grace and mercy.
If I was important enought that the Son of the Living God died for me, than surely He will guide me through my day if I earnestly seek Him and ask for guidance.
*my prayer for you*
It is my prayer this morning that you will take the time to slow down and realize that you are not still on this earth today just to satisfy your own agenda. We are all here to love and to be loved.

.::lazy Sunday afternoon::.
So, as you can see, I've added some details to the left of things. The quotes came from Dr. Lindell Ormsbee, the courageous Gandalf of our Fellowship that meets at 8 p.m. Thursdays.
My friend Joe called me on Friday with the startaling realization that God has emotions. It was so cool to hear him talk about what he has been learning though our study...isn't it interesting how God can affect different people in so many different ways, and yet still be the same for everyone?
*St. Louis on the horizon*
So I think that Nashville is out.
My sister and I talked last week for a while about my options and she has me convinced that I need to be closer to my family. Her little girl will be 5 next August and closer to starting school and having recitals and soccer games and stuff. I really want to be a part of all that, not to mention that I think my sister and I could become great friends. I would love to be more a part of my family than I have been since starting college, and I think that a move to St. Louis would facilitate it much more than 4 hours away from them in Nashville.
*GREENDAY*
My buddy Gus and I trucked it up to Cincinnati last night to see Sugarcult, New Found Glory and Greenday. I have to say that I loved Sugarcult...wasn't the least bit impressed by NFG and Greenday made me feel really old. I used to have the biggest crush on Billie Joe Armstrong, so it was nice to finally see him live. They played a mix of stuff from their new album, American Idiot, and stuff that came out when I was about 13 years old. It was a bit surreal hearing some of those songs...sort of like being in my room at my old house in the floor playing with my sticker collection or something while listening to Dookie.
I guess the point of it all is, if you are going to see Greenday live, be prepared to be offended. This must be the part where I start sounding like an old woman, so I'll just stop.
*Well, that's what I'm thinking*
I have been spending the day getting things around the house done. I don't feel like I've been here for more than 10 minutes in the past two weeks and stuff is starting to pile up.
I used to never let myself take naps because I thought they were counterproductive, but I had to quit that junk. I took an hour nap today and woke up feeling like a million bucks. I highly reccommend that you go take one now if you can. It's well worth the messed up hair.
*Quote of the Day*
Romance is the deepest thing in life; romance is deeper even than reality." -C. K. Chesterton