Today was a sunny day.  Oh my, how I have needed that.  I began by shoveling, but with a sense that it is close to be done.  I tried again to get an early/on-time start to my day.  It worked well.  When I left early and went to the office, I was quite productive.  I have learned so much about the Scripture passage this week.  I feel that I have the raw material for a powerful message come Sunday.  I don’t know how people who don’t read the Bible can ever know the Lord.  That is not a conclusion, but just a wondering.  It seems sad to me.

The catch is that once you begin to see the intricacies, it is that much harder to find a path through the Scripture.  It is just so dense and interconnected, I guess so as to make foolish the wise.  The parable of the fig tree is hard, for it puts in plain terms the call to be productive for the Lord.  There is judgment in the story, undoubtedly.  There is good news, too.

1a)  Driving the speed limit–Did quite well, though one road that should be 45 is 35.  3:4

1b) Foul language–A few comical slip ups.  2:4

2)  Fasting Lunch–Yes, worked through lunch, but had a late snack at 3PM.  3:4

3)  Giving up Facebook–About 2 minutes into writing this, I realized that a good buddy of mine is donating bone marrow, but I am not sure when.  The only way we keep in touch is through Facebook.  Disciplines mean giving up some important things, too.  3:4

4)  Reading–Yes.  Read Christian Century and several sermon passage references.  I’ve decided that reading is important and worth celebrating.  It does not have to be Niebuhr.  4:4

5)  Something strictly between God and me–Yes.  4:4

6)  Visiting Parishioners–Saw 1.  3:4

7)  Guitar–No.  1:4