"I feel revived again. I am alive again." -TobyMac

When I woke up this morning, I knew it was going to be a good day. The weather was beautiful. And just when Alive doesn't seem like it could be much better, weather like this just brings it to the next level. As I looked around this morning, I could tell that I wasn't alone in this excitement. The lake was full of people, young and old, boating, swimming, diving, and playing. The skate park and putt-putt courts seemed full, and the volleyball courts were completely covered with eager individuals.

I personally was excited to see some of the daytime concerts and events happening, so I made my way to a packed Woods Stage to catch a band that I love, Jackson Waters. Not wanting to miss anything else, I began almost rotating between the Alive's Got Talent auditions, the Woods Stage, and the amphitheater. The concerts and auditions in all three places were so great, I couldn't really choose between them. I finally settled down into the Woods Stage when it was time for Reggie Dabbs to speak, but more on him later...

Tonight's main amphitheater concerts were some of the most entertaining moments of the week. After 33 Miles opened the show, the musical rampage that is Family Force 5 took the stage, and I (along with the rest of the crowd) loved every second of it. I am convinced that all anyone needs to cheer up from a bad day is to just watch Family Force 5 dance a little bit. I was also excited to see new artist Francesca Battistelli, along with Paul Baloche, who again brought the Alive amphitheater into worship in a way that only Paul can.

Reggie Dabbs was up next. I had seen him speak several times in the past, so I knew it was going to be good. Only Reggie can draw people in by having them dancing so hard, laughing so hard, and singing so loudly--only to hit home with a powerful message minutes later. The invitation afterwards was powerful. The prayer tent was full, and I heard some amaing stories of people later on that night that decided to change their lives.

The evening finished out with another two great shows. I loved Thousand Foot Krutch years ago when they first came out, and they still know how to rock just as much (if not better) than they did back then. Playing hit after hit, the crowd ate it up. And finally, the always entertaining TobyMac and the fantastic Diverse City Band put on their show that never fails to leave me in awe. It just never, ever gets old.

On my way out, I stopped by the Late Night Cafe to catch some line dancers doing what they do best. I'm amazed at the energy these people still have, because I'm quickly fading after such a busy day. There's only one more day left!

Once again for fun, here are some random thoughts of the day:

11:10am: This Woods Stage tent would make a nice place for a wedding reception. I still don't understand how there are no poles!

12:15pm: It is gorgeous outside today.

1:36pm: My friend just informed me she is going to marry Willet. All of them.

2:17pm: I'm always amazed at how the free hugs and bottle-in-hair traditions never seem to fade away.

2:30pm: The lake looks so inviting that I'm trying to figure out how long it'd take my clothes to dry off if I just jump in...

2:39pm: I just saw a kid smash a sandcastle, and my heart sunk a little.

3:50pm: I actually have been packing myself food every day, but I just can't say no to Chic Fil-A.

5:39pm: I'd like to see anyone else in the world besides Soul Glow Activator (from FF5) try to pull off those pants.

5:39pm: Family Force 5 has more energy in this hour than my 2 year old niece has in a month.

7:40pm: Reggie has the whole amphitheater dancing and singing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Awesome.

9:55pm: John Reuben is my favorite host ever. Look at that shirt! (below)

10:24pm: Toby's lip is bleeding from getting kicked in the face and he's going on like nothing happened. That takes talent.

12:30am: The line dancing DJ is cracking me up.

1:05am: I don't think my legs are working anymore. Time to sleep so I don't miss Saturday!