Lesson learned/ Sunkist is evil

Those who know me well know that I don't drink caffeine after 3pm or I am up until 2am.  It has been YEARS since I have deviated from this much past 3:30.  I know what is at stake.  It is not worth it.

However, terrible things happen when you drink a soda that you don't know has caffeine in it.  Raise your hand if you knew that Orange Sunkist has caffeine in it?  Not only does it have caffeine, but it has MORE caffeine than a Dr. Pepper.  And I drank one with my dinner at 6:30 last night.  I was at small group.  I always drink water for dinner at small group.  I saw the Orange Sunkist and thought, "Hey, I haven't had one of those in years.  That would be fun."  Never once thought about caffeine, because it's an orange drink that most kids drink.  So, I was getting ready for bed but wasn't feeling very tired.  So I read until about 10:45. As soon as I turned off the light and closed my eyes, I knew.  I knew that I was not going to get any sleep. See, caffeine doesn't really make me feel awake.  I still feel tired, but as soon as I close my eyes, my mind races and my eyes behind my eyelids don't stop moving.  I know that sounds weird, but it's the best way I can describe it.  So I got out of bed, turned the computer back on, and looked up the dreaded information about the caffeine content in Sunkist.  I almost cried.  Because at that point I have to make a decision: do I stay up until 2am and get some things done/ watch TV?  Or do I lay in bed for 3 hours in hopes that I might at least doze a couple of times?  Usually I choose the lay in bed option, but I knew that I was really frustrated and the laying in bed option sometimes causes more frustration and tears and anxiety when I can't fall asleep.  Sometimes I just calmly lay in bed.  I decided on the first option.  I watched a couple of episodes of Chuck and then read through old posts on my blog until 1:30am.  It was a rough day today because of the lack of sleep, but I made it through.  Sometimes it was even humorous.  My boss had to restart my sentence for me twice when I couldn't remember what I was saying.  Not embarrassing at all, I promise. :)

So, here's to a good night of sleep and a better day tomorrow.

PS.  I just looked up the caffeine content in Orange Crush.  It's caffeine free.  So I'm not entirely crazy for thinking that Orange Sunkist would be caffeine free.

Not for a Moment

This song was sung in church today. It is not the first time I have heard it, but I really enjoyed it today.  Thank you, Lord, for not forsaking me.

"Not For A Moment (After All)"

[Verse 1]
You were reaching through the storm
Walking on the water
Even when I could not see
In the middle of it all
When I thought You were a thousand miles away
Not for a moment did You forsake me
Not for a moment did You forsake me

[Chorus]
After all You are constant
After all You are only good
After all You are sovereign
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Not for a moment will You forsake me

[Verse 2]
You were singing in the dark
Whispering Your promise
Even when I could not hear
I was held in Your arms
Carried for a thousand miles to show
Not for a moment did You forsake me

[Chorus]

And every step every breath you are there
Every tear every cry every prayer
In my hurt at my worst
When my world falls down
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Even in the dark
Even when it's hard
You will never leave me
After all

[Chorus]
Not for a moment will You forsake me

'Tis the Season, Take 2

As I told you last week, it is wedding central here in Central Illinois! Today I had the privilege of attending Josh and Becky's wedding.  I have known Becky most of my 8 years living in Illinois.  I've been on adventures with her, done Bible studies with her, went to a Beth Moore conference with her, and watched 4 years worth of cheesy Christmas movies with her.  And that is just a short list of time I have spent with Becky.  The saddest part of her wedding day is that Josh is taking her away to Nebraska. :(  But we all tried not to think of that while we celebrated with her yesterday.

Above is the full bridal party.  This was another great ceremony that was full of worship and where Christ was central in the ceremony.

Exchanging vows.

A sweet prayer together.  I didn't get a picture of it, but toward the end of the ceremony, Becky and Josh's parents came up and prayed with the couple.  Very sweet.

Mr. and Mrs. Josh Peppers!  I love Josh's face in this picture!

There was a photo booth at the reception and I very excitedly rounded up the Cheesy Christmas Movie Night gals for some pictures.  I love these girls.  We even found some reindeer ears for me to wear for the picture!  Becky will be the second of the group to move away.  But we keep adding to our numbers every year, so hopefully we can continue the tradition.

Susan and I at the reception.  I had a great time laughing with the people I was seated with.  God has blessed me with some great friends!

Congratulations Becky and Josh!  It was a beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with you!