This is my second attempt at writing this tonight.  I started writing this on Microsoft Word – offline.  We are using a G3 Wireless card and we pay for the data usage, so I try to limit my time online with the wireless card.  I was well into my second paragraph when Word just stopped — it hadn’t even autosaved, so I lost my first two paragraphs.  About the time I forced Word closed, I noticed that my laptop was picking up a wi-fi signal from the church.  I wasn’t quite able to logon, but earlier this week we learned that if we move the van to the turn around space (about twenty feet) the wi-fi signal comes in well enough to connect to the church’s wi-fi network.  I find this very odd – why? you ask.  The parsonage is a good 100-150 yards from the church and it is a bit further to the wireless router.  This is well beyond (I think) the usual distance of a wireless router.  The thing that makes it stranger is that many times, I can’t access the same router from my office, which is only a hundred feet or so (in a straight line) from the router.  So strange.  Anyway, I am taking the opportunity to write online, since I have access to the church’s wifi from home.

Wow! what a way to start off this edition of Sunday Night Thoughts.  It has been a really good day and that good day has really followed a really good week.  I have been amazed as I have watch God work this week.  We had another amazing worship service this morning.  Our lead pastor was out this week, that means I took many of the duties in leading worship that he normally does (Welcome, announcements, pastoral prayer, offertory prayer, and the benediction.) Pam was preaching this morning, so I didn’t have to worry about that.  By the way, she hit a home run.  Great job, Pam.  Not only were there those things to think about, but we also had several additions to the service (a video for Sanctity of Human Life, a missions moment, and a children’s sermon.) All that I had to remember.  We also had an unplanned addition, but the Holy Spirit was in it and it was beautiful.  We have be so blessed to be visited by the Holy Spirit over these past few weeks.  I am excited about what God is doing.  Not only that, but the worship team did an excellent job this morning.  I am so proud of our team.

I do want to go back and share about this week, because as I’ve said, it has been a good week.  Our warmer than usual winter continues in the Shenandoah Valley.  I’m glad in a way, because it has been wet as well and if it would have been colder, we would have alot of snow.

The weather has really helped my running game this winter.  In December, I was able have my second best month of running ever, completing somewhere in the vicinity of 130 miles.  As of today, I have completed 100 miles, with a long run (11 or so) miles scheduled for Saturday.  I will be making a run at that 130 miles this month.  Yesterday was a challenge for me.  I wanted to go out for a run, but we had some freezing rain overnight.  In anticipation of the rain, I had bought a new C9 windbreaker/rainjacket to combat the elements.  The new jacket worked wonderfully and kept me warm and dry (to a point.) I was sweating underneath.  It looks like I made need it again this week with more rain showers forecast, although the high temps are to be in the 50′s all week.

I have hit a major goal this week.  For the first time that I can remember, I am under 200 pounds.  Friday morning I woke up and weighed in at 199.  I am so excited about this journey that I have been on. I can honestly say that I have never been as fit in my life as I am at the moment.  I would expect by the end of 2012, I will be near or at my goal weight.
One of the interesting things that happened this week is that we had another encounter with a stray dog — it was a good encounter however.  The cute dog pictured on the left is an Australian Cattle Dog.  He was running around the church property.  At one point, Pam tried to get her, but she jumped into the van.  Not long after that we were able to catch up to her and bring her into the church kitchen, so she could warm up and we could give her something to drink and to eat.  She was cold, thirsty and hungry.  We also didn’t want to see a dog end up as roadkill.  While Pam and I aren’t creature people, I do believe that we have an obligation to take care of God’s creation.  Taking care of this stray was part of that. We enjoyed having a dog for an hour or so, until Animal Control came and got her.  I saw her picture on the county animal shelter website, but I noticed yesterday it was gone.  It looks like she has been reunited with her owner.  From what I understand this is an expensive dog.

This week finds us preparing for a chili cook-off.  I think Pam is entering this year.  We are also getting ready for showing Courageous to the Staunton community.  Be praying as we show this powerful movie.  I hope you have a great week and as always – Seize the Day!