8:35am — This has been an interesting and pretty good week. We had a variety of guests checking out our new place. I had lunch with Brian Doten on Tuesday; Jeff Berger on Wednesday.

Todd Fierst came over on Wednesday night (with his dog). We watched the wedding video, saw the pictures, and then he and I went out for a few drinks to discuss religion. I was a bit surprised to learn that he is fairly lonely. I don’t care too much to go with him, though. He looks as though he gets easily distracted. I did get a chance to point blank share the gospel with him — since he asked what I believed.

I think I definitely need to follow up with him.

This guy I just met from Wooddale, Jeff Berger is really a great guy. I found out, too, that we’re neighbors! He lives right here in Hartford Commons. We’re doing some planning for a Defender’s type ministry.

I’m really learning the key to success in anything (virtually) is planning. If enough time hasn’t been devoted to planning something out, the risk of failure is much greater.

Another key is determination — the ability to set your mind to something and visualize your successful creation of it. I told myself yesterday, that I wasn’t going to drink too much last night; and while I did drink more than anyone else, and was tempted beyond belief, I managed to exercise self-control.