It began yesterday, sleet and freezing rain at about 3:00.  So, when I left the church building, my windshield was covered with a thick, solid piece of ice.  And while I was busy scraping it off, the wind was howling around at about 30-40 mph (bbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrr). 

I got up early to take a friend to work, because he had a flat tire, and once again had to scrape, scrape, sssssccccccccrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaappppppppppppeeeeeeeeeeee ice from my windshield .  I had parked in my covered parking spot, thinking it would protect me, but apparently the wind blew the freezing rain in sideways, and plastered my windshield yet once again.  This most recent freeze moved the small crack in our windshield all the way to the other side, so I guess that will need to be replaced before the next inspection.

Today was kind of a lazy day.  I've been goofing around on Myspace more, and have been trying to form sort of a hub for Calvinists.  So, this week my friend count went from 80 to 690.  I think I'm going to purchase some software that will more automate the process, and save me some time.......  I've met several interesting people that have messaged me with questions about Calvinism, or various points of Reformed theology.  They seem to feel more comfortable talking to me because I'm a pastor, and they recognize the Westminster Seminary education.  I also had an interesting interchange with an athiest, but I won't go into that....  Eventually, I hope to use Myspace as a forum to send out short quips on things I'm studying.  Maybe the Spirit will use them for edification?

Tomorrow I'm preaching 2 Samuel 15:13-30.  This is the passage where Absalom (David's son) claims the throne of Israel for his own, and incites a civil war in Israel.  This is of course a judgment of God, carrying the prophecy of the prophet Nathan from chapter 12.  I wrote this sermon over 3 years ago!!!!  As I've been going back through the text, I find myself more and more disatisfied with the sermon that I was proud of when I was writing it for one of my homoletics courses .  So, I've been doing some major "remodeling" of the sermon today.  I imagine that will continue for the rest of my life, as I continue to grow over time in my understanding of the text and my ability to write and preach sermons increases.  Just a part of life I guess?

We got Nate a new bed yesterday.  I bought it on ebay from a local woman, and I got a great deal on it, BUT, she didn't mention she lived in the middle of nowhere, and really questioned if I could make it to her house w/o a 4 wheel drive truck!!!!!  Well, my friend and I made it in the mini-van, and it worked out ok, except she was a divorced older woman who was obviously lonely (for male companionship) and seriously talked our ears off.  But, we freecycled Nate's old firetruck bed, so that's gone now (whew)!

I've been playing my guitar more with my friend Miller, and we're beginning to write some songs together.  Maybe in a few months we'll lay some tracks down and I'll put a link to them.  I'm trying to learn more old bluegrass and country tunes.  I guess I'd characterize it as the stuff that's on the Oh Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. 

Right now it's snowing outside, which really excites me!  I keep getting up every 5 minutes to look out the window.  I feel childish, but I like to see the snow fall, and then watch it blow around on the street below as the cars drive by.  However, I don't like scraping ice off my car!!!

Have a wonderful Lord's Day!   ~Andrew