Well it's been awhile to say the least. Life has been so flippin' hectic these past few weeks. I'm not even going to get into it.

Lately my time in the word has been next to nothing. Here and there I'll get a bit of encouragement from church or Bible study. But I've been realizing hardcore that those things are suppliments to my spiritual growth; If I don't have solid time w/God at least every other day, I won't grow. Actually, I've found myself backslidding into habits that I once thought I could never overcome. I did overcome them after time. And then I fell back into them because I didn't have adequate fellowship this summer, or time in the word or a prayer life at all. I hate that I have to learn the power of God's Word in my life the wrong way- by leaving it out of my life.

Today was a good day, the first in awhile. I have amazing friends who seek after the Lord and are always encouraging and challenging me in my faith. I don't often hang around non-Christians, but when I do, I tend to realize again how lucky I am I've found the source of ultimate joy, love, peace, hope and forgiveness.

Last night was Vespers. Always a highlight of the week; usually it's the best part. Last night was no different. And after a crappy weekend, it was the thing I needed. I went into practice very mad, almost to the point of tears, pretty much wanting to throw a pitty-party for myself. Instead I was able to focus on the words that were sung. I took them to heart. And it made a huge difference.

Tonight I was on the way home, flipping radio channels in search of something good. I often listen to the radio a lot more when I have a MCOM radio class- last semester I had Audio Production, and this semester, Broadcast News, of which radio news is a part. I digress. I settled on LIFE 96.5 FM, a station I would be more inclined to make fun of than listen to.

But they had this guy talking about making Christ the number one thing in your life, and it's something I have been trying to do for the past few weeks. Last week I finally understood that I can't get everything done in a day that I would like to, so I need to just give up my day to the Lord and do what He wants me to.

More on this later, I'm sure, as I forget this and try to put things that I think are 'urgent' ahead of those that are actually important.

day one.

My first day of class today, and it went pretty well. I have some decent prof's that should keep me awake during class, and interesting textbooks that will definitely keep me occupied on weekends. I'm managing a consignment store in downtown vermillion as a part of SIFE with a few other undergrads. I'm excited for the challenege; our advisor called it a make or break year for Charlie's Closet. It's my intention to make it- and hopefully do better than just breaking even, but we'll see. The first Cru meeting is tomorrow and I've got some great help that is ready for another year to begin. More to come this weekend.