Happy? Halloween.

Gophers Lose. Vikings Lose. Bengal fan loses to security guard.
The picture says it all. I won't even go into sports...

A busy weekend recap:
(WARNING, It's a long and probably boring post. I just felt like recapping everything.)

Friday: Erin and I drove to Shakopee (where our townhome is located) and checked out a couple of furniture stores. We entered Ashley Furniture knowing we had no kitchen table. We left Ashley Furniture knowing we had a kitchen table. The table seats six (four chairs, and a bench), it has black legs and the top is cherry. It's pretty cool for a table. The table is set to arrive November 28th.

Later that night we got a call from Michelle (a woman in our small group) saying that Cara (another woman from our small group) had broken her leg. Big deal right? Well, I don't know how Cara had broke her leg but she needed to have a rod screwed into her bone. Ouch. We arrived at the hospital in St. Paul a little after 8:00 pm. Her husband Nate, his parents, Cara's parents (from Fergus Falls, MN), and Michelle and her husband Cliff were already there. We were able to see Cara about an hour later. She looked good considering she was recently out of surgery and drugged up. We said our hellos, gave her our condolences, and left.

Upon arriving home, we noticed that most of Dave's (my aunt Jan's ex-husband) stuff had been moved out. Apparently he had spent that day taking a lot of his stuff out. Quite a surprise for us seeing that everything had been stationary since we had lived there.

Saturday: Erin and I arrived at her brother Josh's place on the U of M campus about 9:00 am and waited for her dad (Kevin) to arrive. We didn't wait very long before he showed up and we took Betty (our Jeep Cherokee) to the Mariucci parking lot where we took a shuttle to the Metrodome. After enjoying the game but being disappointed with the outcome we headed back to J's place. From there we were off to Erin's great aunt's (notice the spelling of aunt, it's not ant) to pick up Erin's mom De and aunt Helen.

Aunt Helen treated us all to a very expensive but yummy dinner at the Outback Steakhouse. Afterwards we drove down to Shakopee so that Erin and I could show them our empty townhome. (Exciting!) ;) After discovering the hard way that one of our toilets doesn't like to flush and making a trip to Target to purchase a plunger, we headed back to drop off J and spend some time with aunt Helen at her place in Woodbury. Kevin beat us all in 9 holes of golf (the card game) so Erin and I headed home for the night with our tails between our legs.

Sunday: 9:00 am we left for Sunday school/church. While trying to call the Johnson's, we noticed we had no "bars" on our new cell phone. Hmmm...what good is a cell phone if you can't use it? After church, we decided to meet back at aunt Helen's. Erin and I headed over to Rosedale mall to visit the T•Mobile dealer and the Johnson's left to drop of J.

All Mr. T•Mobile did to fix our phone was to remove our battery and put it back in again. (Genius!) We no longer have T-Zones, but at least we can actually call people. We'll have to figure out where our T-Zones went to later.

We met up the Johnson's and aunt Helen and took off for Old Country Buffet. By the time we got there, the Vikings were already losing 17-0 and the Packers were down 14-7. Four helpings later, I had removed my belt, the Panthers had removed Viking's QB Daunte Culpepper, and a deranged fan had removed the football from Brett Favre. We said our "goobyes" and went our separate ways.

We got home, put in the Titanic Special Edition DVD. We tried taking naps but didn't accomplish that. All in all it was a relaxing Sunday and enjoyable weekend.

(For those of you who read the entire post, I have to wonder, don't you have anything better to do?) ;)

—b

White Sox Win

A quick congratulations to the Chicago White Sox for winning the 2005 World Series. I was routing for Houston just because the Sox are in the same division and rivals of the Twins, but Chicago deserved the victory. At least the Yankees didn't even make it to the World Series. ;)

—b

Anna and the Great Pumpkin

Yesterday Erin, Anna, and I went to a pumpkin patch. Anna had a lot of fun looking for "baby" pumpkins. After about 30 minutes of searching, she ended up finding three of them. Although she kept dropping the one she was holding so even though we paid for three, only two made it out alive.

With our new phone, I was playing around with the camera and video camera and got some shots of Erin and Anna at the pumpkin patch. They are low res but what do you expect from a phone? Unfortuately I can't get the video to upload. I know there is a way to do it but I don't have the time to try and figure it out. Maybe some other time.

—b

Mission Maker Received???

A quick update for everyone who is on our mailing list...

Several people from our office have received the latest Mission Maker magazine in the mail. Have you? 'Cause Erin and I haven't. But that might not mean anything since we are still waiting for last years issue to arrive.

Anyway, I would love to get any feedback, positive or negative. Getting feedback is the only way we can make the magazine better. If you get the time, leave a message or email what you liked or didn't like. Please don't feel like you have to be "nice" and not say how you really feel. I won't take anything personally. In the end, my goal is to create the best possible product to hopefully inspire others into missions.

If anyone hasn't received the magazine and would like one, you can order one here for $6.30. The retail is $7.00. (No, I don't get any commission.) ;)

Thanks everyone!

—b

Terri Schiavo

Last night (Monday), Erin and I, along with most of the STEM staff, attended a banquet put together by Pro-Life Action Ministries. The main speaker was Bobby Schindler, Terri Schaivo's brother. Most of you most likely have heard or remember the well publicized case concerning whether Terri should live or die.

A very quick recap of her story: Terri was 26 when she suffered a brain injury. Terri received $1 million dollars two years later due to malpractice on the part of her doctors. $750,000 was designated towards her treatment. In 1998, five years after her accident, Terri's husband Michael, petitioned the courts to have her feeding tube removed. After much deliberation, March 18, 2005 her feeding tube was removed permanently and 13 days later, Terri died of dehydration.

Anyway, Terri's brother had some very good insights from being their first hand. He also pointed out how the media skewed information. If you click on the header of this post, there is a good website from the point of view that the general public didn't get to see.

My hope is that the United States will learn from this tragedy and people with handicaps won't be considered "less valuable" than others. We were all created in the image of God and not one person is worth more than another. No matter what society says.

—b

Packers vs. Vikings #1 2005

Well, what can I say? The Vikings took this one even though I don't think they should have. But hey, I'm not complaining.

Erin and I went to Joe Sensors sports bar after church and got a bite to eat. We were literally surrounded by big screen projection TV's all showing football games! (I think I witnessed a glimpse of heaven.) Anyway, by the time we had finished our burgers the score at half-time was Green Bay 17, Minnesota 3. I was extremely tired and didn't want to ruin the rest of my day having witnessed the Vikings horrible play.

We drove home and went straight to bed. An hour or so later, I woke up from my nap and the game was still on. Except the score was Green Bay 20, Minnesota 20! What happened? Not soon after I was able to witness Paul Edinger kick the 56 yard winning field goal. Whoa! (Erin was still sleeping and I knew that if I wanted to wake up the next day, I would let her sleep.)

Like I said in a previous post, I will always route for the Vikes but never put my faith in them. Being a Vikings fan has more ups and downs, twists and turns than a rollercoaster. You will always be in for a ride. Sometimes you want more and sometimes you want to throw-up.

—b

A New Cell Phone!

Friday night Erin, her brother Josh, and I were at Mall of America waiting for the 9:50 movie to start when we decided to head over to a T•Mobile dealer. About a half hour later we came out with a new cell phone!

Yea!!! I don't know why it's fun to have a new cell phone but hey, I'm easily amused. After almost two years with this last one, some of the buttons not working properly, and some long-distance static, Erin and I both thought it was time for a change.

This latest one (Nokia 6101) has more features than we will know what to do with. Including voice dialing, a camera, a video camera, and a FM radio! Currently our cell rings to the song "Under Pressure" by David Bowie and Queen. And our background picture on the phone is Erin and I with our wedding cake. (Thanks dad.) You can also see the Lady and the Tramp porcelin figures on the top of the cake. (Thanks Em.)

As for the cost, normally it would cost $250-$300 and we got one for $65. (Yes it is all legit.) In the past we have always gone for the freebie phone that is offered but it's kind of an early Christmas present to ourselves.

Anyway, I love the purchase but am keeping it in perspective because as with everything, I will soon become bored with it and want something new. (See my previous post concerning the new iPod.) But for now we have a new phone and our old phone is now a new doorstop.

—b

Lego Star Wars

Since I don't get to play video games like I used to, I was able to "nerd out" on this one while Erin was at a friends place. The following is a description of it so some of you probably won't want to spend the time reading about a video game (although it would make for a great Christmas present).

Lego Star Wars is one of the most enjoyable and creative game I've ever played. It's easy enough so that you don't get too frustrated but has enough "extras" to keep seasoned gamers entertained. It's Episode's I, II, and III in the Star Wars world set as Lego's. Even the characters are the lego versions.

The main location is the diner from Episode II. There you can purchase "extras", tips, and other Star Wars characters. From the diner you will choose which Episode/movie you want to play. You can also head out to the parking garage and see vehicles you have collected through the various stages. Once you have unlocked all of the secrets, you can play one level of the original Star Wars movie (Episode IV) and play as a Stormtrooper, Princess Leia, and best of all, Darth Vader!

One of the most enjoyable parts of the game is after you have completed a level, you can go back in "free play" and choose any two of the characters you have unlocked. My favorite is going through the levels as Darth Vader and Darth Maul. (A great team-up for fellow Star Wars nerds.) You can also go to the parking garage outside of the diner and start a lightsaber battle between fellow Jedi and Sith.

All in all, it's a great game for any age. It's clean (unlike a lot of video games out there now) and extremely fun. Two players can play at the same time which would also add to the enjoyment of it. The game is available on the Playstation 2, X-Box, GameBoy Advance, PC, and Mac. It would make a great Christmas present!

—b

It's Official

Well, like the title of this post says, it's official. Last night Erin and I sat down with my aunt Jan and told her we will be moving out. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

To get everyone up to speed; Erin and I moved in with my aunt last December. She was going through a divorce and raising a 17, 15, and 3 year old. She asked for help with the daily chores of raising a family so we felt the call. Taking care of the youngest (Anna), going grocery shopping, mowing the lawn, keeping the house clean, and pretty much anything that was needed to be done. We have been living in her basement ever since.

About a month ago, one of STEM's long-term, on-field missionary families (the Stufflebeam's) who live in Haiti, had their townhouse in Shakopee open up for rent. Erin and I both felt called to move. After much deliberation and working out details with one another, we emailed the Stufflebeam's and let them know we would like to rent their place. After hearing back from them, it was time to inform Jan. Last night it happened.

It was very hard. The conversation went well, uncomfortable as it was. But both Erin and I know this is the right decision. Following what the Lord wants us to do is not always easy, but it is always right.

We both still want to be involved in their lives and we hope they want to be involved in ours. In the upcoming weeks we'll work out the details. In the meantime, please add the Alswager family to your prayer list. Jan needs to figure out what to do in our absence and pray that Anna will not feel rejected when we leave.

Thanks everyone.

—b

Lady and the Tramp

Last night Erin and I stopped at the new Super Target on Snelling Ave. (It was the location of the first Target ever opened.) Anyway, being it was "New DVD Tuesday" (every Tuesday, new DVD's are released to the public) we were anxiously waiting for Disney's "Tarzan" to come out. After Bible study, we put in the movie and were treated to a preview from "Lady and the Tramp". We are so excited about it finally being released! (February 28th.) For those of you who don't know about Erin's and my connection to the Disney dogs, I will have to give you the "411" in a later blog.

—b

Hampton, Iowa

Here's a quick recap of the great weekend I had with the Pratt's in Hampton, Iowa:

Friday After Work: Rode about two and half hours to Hampton, Iowa.
Friday Night: Screamed my heart out (not literally) at a high school football game and lost my voice for the next few days.
Saturday Morning: Wore coveralls, big rubber boots, and a mask as I visited 4,000 hogs and gave a few of them shots. (I can still taste the smell. Yuk.)
Saturday Mid-Morning: Rode in the Semi to the elevator to deliver yesterday's corn.
Saturday Noon: Got to drive a combine and harvest four rows of corn.
Saturday After-Noon: Delivered more harvested corn to the elevator and hauled the extra corn to a silo.
Saturday Evening: Hayride time! Met up with the great group of kids from my Urban Minneapolis mission trip. Grilled hot-dogs and played "sardines".
Saturday Night: Paid $5.00 for a "haunted" barn.
Sunday Morning: Church with communion that served real wine. (Not expecting it.)
Sunday Afternoon: Was treated to Godfather's Pizza, got stuffed, witnessed the begining of the Vikings getting smoked by the Bears, played catch with a football outside, and then got schooled at college football on the GameCube.
Sunday Late Afternoon: Left for home in Minnesota.

The entire experience was great. The Pratt's (Rod, Stacey, Tara, Kody, and Levi) were wonderful. I would love to visit them again!

—b

Minnesota Football

Being a fan of Minnesota football can be summed up in one word, FRUSTRATING! First seeing the highlights (in this case it would be "lowlights") on ESPN of the Gophers inability to punt the ball! All they had to do was kick the pigskin for the win and they couldn't even do that!

Next was witnessing the Vikings getting owned by the Chicago Bears! THE BEARS!!! Not only is losing to them bad enough but when the final score is 28-3. Ouch! I won't even start to go over the Vikings problems in yesterdays game because I would never finish. Let me just say that I changed my vote on my own poll to the Detroit Lions winning the division. (I'm just hoping it won't be the Packers.)

Don't get me wrong. I'm still going to route and follow the Gophers and Vikes but I'm going to start putting more attention and hope into Minnesota hockey. GO WILD!

—b

Thou Shalt Not Covet...Do'h!

iPod. Just hearing the word and I start to salivate. Yes I realize I need help. I've already got one. But alas, we aren't ever satisfied are we? I've got more songs than I can possibly listen too. (approximately 20,000. It would take two months to listen to them all if they were playing 24/7.) But I still want more! Yes I realize I need help. So why do I "need" this? I don't. But "wanting" is so much fun isn't it?

Anyway, I just felt convicted after coveting the new evolution in the iPod family. With all that's happening in the world: tsunami's, hurricanes, and earthquakes (and those are just the natural disasters) why set my eyes towards an object that won't satisfy my cravings? We always want more. What we have is never enough.

I honestly feel "full" after a good quiet time. (Oh great, he just had to bring God into the picture.) So why is it sometimes (more than I'd like to admit) like pulling teeth to sit down and spend some time with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? To be honest, I don't know. Sinful nature? Maybe. Lazy? Sometimes. Not enough time? Not at all. If I really wanted to spend time with Him, I'd make the time. All I know is that I experience such and uplifting experience every time I read God's Word.

Anyway, I'll get off of my high horse because I don't have quiet time everyday. Yikes! Can I admit that and still be a "good Christian". (If there is such a thing.) It's a daily struggle. Hmmm... where have I heard this before? Oh yea (to paraphrase) We must take up our cross daily.

If you need a push in the right direction as to where to start or how to start a quiet time, one of my favorite reads for a Bible study program is "How to Study the Bible for Yourself" by Tim LaHaye. It was originally published in 1976 (way before his success with the Left Behind series) and has several re-printings. It's a quick read and will motivate and encourage you. It sets up a three-year Bible study program. (I'm on pace for five-years).

Anyway, don't be discouraged or feel intimidated. Til next time...

—b

Bernt's Wednesday Evening

What to do on a rainy Wednesday night babysitting…

5:37 pm Put in the DVD "Robots" to keep four-year old Anna entertained while I try and figure out what to make for supper.
5:48 pm Since I can only make cold cereal, macaroni and cheese, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, that should make supper easy.
5:52 pm Ah nuts, out of "Lucky Charms". I guess mac and cheese it is.
5:54 pm Decide which noodle shape to eat. Scooby-Doo or SpongeBob SquarePants…
6:12 pm …better hurry up and pick one before the movie ends…
6:19 pm …hmmm…
6:27 pm …SpongeBob it is. Sorry Scooby, no offense.
6:39 pm Suppers ready. SpongeBob mac and cheese, baby carrots, cottage cheese, and 1% milk. Stop the movie while we eat and catch up on the many mis-adventures of "Jimmy Neutron".
7:33 pm Start up the movie for Anna while I clean. Yep me and cleaning. Will wonders never cease.
8:04 pm Movies done. (I would recommend it. Very good.) Time for bed.
8:34 pm Anna's in bed and has been reasurred that there are no monsters in her closet. I even put Clifford in front of the closet doors to re-assure her.
9:00 pm Celebrate a U.S. National Soccer team victory over Panama.
9:06 pm Celebrate (silently) that Anna didn't wake up from earlier celebration.
9:38 pm Celebrate Erin returning home from Awana.
9:42 pm Celebrate (silently again) that Anna didn't wake up from either celebration.
9:56 pm Update newly created blog.
10:18 pm Publish this post and head to bed myself. Goodnight all!

—b

POST #1

Mission Maker Magazine 2006/Weekend

Well, Mission Maker 2006 is done and being printed. If you are on our mailing list, you will get one for free but if not, click here to order it from the new STEM Int'l website to order one. There was a lot of time and hard work put into it. It is set to be mail-dropped on the 14th. But since it is going via the bulk mail rate, don't expect to see it in your mail box until closer to Halloween.

This weekend Erin is heading to the state that starts with "W" and ends with "sin". ;) She will be hanging out with a high school friend. I, on the other hand, will be in the majestic state of Iowa. I'm going to see the team from my urban Minneapolis mission. I'm going to try my hand at farming! That will be interesting. Has anyone seen the movie "Son-in-Law"?

That's it for now.

—b