Meaning of Christmas?

"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about!?!"

"Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about."

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. —Luke 2:8-14

"That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."

With Erin and I traveling to Moorhead tonight and then after Christmas, making the trek to Peshtigo, I'm not sure how much I'll be able to update the blog. 'Til next time, have a great Christmas and Happy (earthly) 2006 Birthday Jesus!

—b

Weekend Word Find

(click to enlarge)

Weekend Word Find

Instead of writing a novel of a post about this past weekend that no one would want to read, I decided to create a word find that no one will want to do. ;)

—b

P.S. You can create your own word find here.



Yesterday I received this email from John Mayer (the CityView guy).

Dear Friends,

Yesterday Tri Dey found out that her father died in Indonesia. Please pray for Tri Dey during and her family during this time. Tri Dey’s father had been a Christian converted from Islam for the last 15 years. This is difficult for Tri Dey because she was planning on having her father visit us in America in June 2007 to celebrate our graduations and our 10 year anniversary. It is also difficult because Tri Dey will graduate this Thursday December 21 with her second college degree (this one is an A.A.S. in Culinary Arts) and she needs to finish her finals, papers, etc. and attend her ceremony. She did very well graduating with honors with the highest GPA in her program and at the same time working four jobs. Her father and all of us are very proud of her but this will be hard on her so close to her father’s death and so close to Christmas time. She also needs to plan a trip to Indonesia ASAP and her passport expires on January 17 so pray about that also. Just wanted to let you know so you could remember us in your prayers. You can e-mail her at tjmayer@usfamily.net. Thanks.

John A. Mayer

Thanks for emailing this to me John. I've added her to my Prayer Requests book. I'm praying the Lord will be able to reach Tri Dey's fathers unsaved friends through his death. (Did I say that right?)


Tuesday, December 19th, 2006/Leviticus chapters 21-27

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"'If also after these things you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.'" —Leviticus 26:18

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
This theme is repeated four times between verses 18 and 27. God punishes us for our own good. He gives us more than enough opportunities to repent and follow Him. When we sin, not only are we sinning against God, but we are hurting ourselves as well.

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Silver Phoenix, Coon Rapids

Blind?

Check out what this blind kid can do!



—b

Congrats Cliff & Michelle!

Introducing
Mikayla Grace Rockwell

A couple from our Tuesday night Bible study group had their first child Saturday night. Here is an excerpt from an email:

We are proud to annouce the EARLY arrival of our little girl, Mikayla Grace Rockwell. Mikayla decided to grace us with her presence 5 weeks and 2 days early when she was born last night, December 16th @ 11:46 p.m. She weighed in at 5 lbs and was 17 3/4 inches long.

Being that Mikayla was born within the 34th week, she was quickly taken off to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for further evaluation. As of right now she appears to be doing really well. She is no longer having to have her oxygen levels monitored, but is having her cardiac levels continually monitored. She is having troubles regulating her temperatures, which is normal for her gestational age, and thus is having to stay in the isolet unit in order to stabilize her bodily temperatures. As of right now the doctors are thinking that she will be in house for 1 - 2 weeks.

Congratulations Cliff and Michelle! It's fun to finally see the little girl we have been praying for.

—b

A Wild(less) Evening

A Wild(less) Evening
Which turned out to be a winless evening

In preparation for Mom, Dad, and Emily Eidsmoe and Mom and Dad Johnson coming this weekend, Bella got her monthly spritzing. (Is that even a word?) Her "spritzing" entails a bath, clipped nails, sanitizing her ears, and a quick tooth brushing.

Luckily she is usually really good through all of her primping... Minus the toothbrushing. She probably eats more toothpaste than gets on her teeth. Oh well, I try. Afterwards she usually is so relaxed, she falls asleep and last night was no different. In fact both her and Erin fell asleep before 9:00! I was left alone to watch the Minnesota Wild.

It was a good game. Well, the first two periods anyway. The game started late since Edmonton was hosting so I only watched the first two periods. When I fell asleep, the Wild were up 1-0. When I woke up this morning, the Wild lost 1-3. [sigh]

Anyway, that was our exciting night. I loved it. It wasn't really worth reporting except for the point of taking time to relax. Sure both Erin and I had stuff we could have done, but we have both been busy at night preparing for the upcoming holiday.

I know people reading this are busy as well so I'm hoping you will be able to just STOP, RELAX and watch...or sleep through a Wild game. :)

—b

Friday, December 15th, 2006/Leviticus chapters 21-24

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
There was no one passage that stood out to me today. But as a whole, the book of Leviticus has shown that God demands perfection. Reading it has given me a new-found appreciation for Jesus Christ and his perfect sacrifice.

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Sidhe Tribe, Minneapolis

Frosty

Good Ol' Frosty.

We finished Christmas shopping last night (and when I say we I mean Erin) and I have just been craving snow. So Erin let me pick up the Christmas classic Frosty the Snowman. I threw it in right away when we got home and fed my hunger for snowfall. Not the best idea. Anyway, so I made some desktop pictures to feed my need while at work. Enjoy. ;)

—b

Thursday, December 14th, 2006/Leviticus chapters 15-20

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"'Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.'" —Leviticus 20:26

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
There it is. That's what it means to be a Christian; a person who belongs to God. We are not to follow what the usaved do, but be holy (set apart) for we belong to God!

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Shades of GrayCircle, Minneapolis

Sugar, Spice, & Everything Nice...

. . . Maybe Not.

Monday night, Erin and I had to run some errands. I was in for a non-eventful evening. . . Or so I thought. Only this time I could sum up the evening with defiant little girls.

First was our exciting trip to Famous Footwear! Just what every husband wants to do, go shoe shopping with his wife. (Erin is actually pretty good. She doesn't take long at all.) As we were walking down the aisle's, we heard a mother telling her daughter to follow her. We saw the little girl just standing at the end of the aisle staring at us. The mother called again and the little girl still didn't move. Finally a couple of minutes later, the little girl ran to her mother gabbing away.

Huh...

A few seconds later we heard a disgusted voice saying "Natalie! Why didn't you tell me you had to go to the bathroom! Come on, let's finish this up, your stinking up the store."

So as it turns out, the little girl who was staring at us was actually "concentrating" on the moment. Gotta love poopie diapers.

Next came Target.

While I went to covet the DVD's, Erin visited the little girls room. Suddenly an annoying ringing sounded throughout the store. It sounded like someone had gone out the emergency door. No big deal.

Not too long after the sound initially started, I saw a few security guards walking quickly followed by my wife. She called me over and recounted how while she was outside the restroom, she saw a mother come out and tell a Target employee that her daughter had just pulled the fire alarm!

Five minutes later, Target's entrance was consumed with a dozen firefighter's in full gear, three fire trucks outside with siren's blaring, two fire marshall trucks, and two squad cars. So much for a non-eventful evening. ;)

—b


Wednesday, December 13th, 2006/Leviticus chapters 13 & 14

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
I learned how to spot leprosy!

Actually, last night at Bible study we continued in John Ortberg's book, The Life You've Always Wanted, and I was able to take away a good lesson and a question I must periodically ask myself.

Concerning spiritual discipline's: I will try and sum it simply by saying; Why do we pray, read the Bible, go to church etc? Is it to earn merit with God? To please Him? To proudly say to others that we are good Christians?

Nope.

We have spiritual discipline's to grow closer to God. If we have the wrong heart while doing them, we might as well not do them. Plain and simple.

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Sacred Fire, Minneapolis

Leviticus Chapters 8-12

Tuesday, December 12th, 2006/Leviticus chapters 8-12

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"'For I am the LORD your God Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.'" —Leviticus 11:44a

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Holy = Set apart to God. We are to be holy because God is holy. Every aspect of our life is to be set apart to God. That doesn't mean we are to join a convent or something like that, but what it does mean is that we are to live our life in order to bring glory to God.

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Rowan Tree, Minneapolis

Christian No More?

Christian No More. . .Huh!?!

Now before you jump to conclusions as to what I'm referring to, check out the video. What do you think? Is it appropriate? Do you agree? Do you care? :)

According to the person who posted the video on YouTube, it was created by the Community Christian Church. Besides them being based in Illinois, I have no idea what they stand for (which kinda scares me actually). Click here to visit their website if you're curious.

—b

Monday, December 11th, 2006/Leviticus chapters 4-7

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"'So it shall be when he becomes guilty in one of these, that he shall confess that in which he has sinned.'" —Leviticus 5:5

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
We know that we need to ask God for the forgiveness of our sins. But when we ask, do we spefically name the sins we committed? That is something I need to work on. Instead of just saying "Lord, please forgive my sins." I should say, "Lord, please forgive me for getting upset while sitting in traffic..." Hopefully by remembering and admitting the specific sin that I committed against God, I will consciously work on that area of my life.

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Reformed Druids of North America (Grove Coven), Minneapolis

Blogger In Beta

As if this blog hasn't already gone through some changes, it's about to go through some more. Although this time it shouldn't be nearly as a dramatic change. (I think.) I have updated this blog to Blogger's "beta" version. It supposedly is easier to use and offers more options. Only time will tell.

—b

Friday, December 8th, 2006/Exodus chapters 35-40

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
So the sons of Israel did all the work according to all that the LORD had commanded Moses. —Exodus 39:42

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
The phrase "just as the LORD commanded Moses" (or something very similar) appears 18 times throughout chapters 39 and 40. So either the Israelites or Moses did just as the Lord commanded. I wish it was that easy for me. For my response to temptation or to the leading of the Holy Spirit should be "Sure Lord, whatever you say. No problem." But unfortunately my struggle is a constant one. But I must not and will not ever give up!

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Prodea, Minneapolis

CityView Snoring

CITYVIEW REPORT 2007

Last night, my ginormous nose and I had a meeting with John Mayer of CityVision. My goal of the night was to finish the cover of the upcoming CityView Report. By God's grace, it happened. I think this is my favorite cover of the few that I have done. In fact, I'm going to use this cover instead of last year's on my portfolio site. Be sure to look for the 2007 edition early next year. It's a great guide for what's happening spiritually behind the scenes in the Twin Cities.

After I got back from freelance, I needed to crash for the night. Like I had mentioned earlier, it was by God's grace that I was able to get the cover done because I was feeling lousy. So I grabbed some of Erin's "happy medicine" as she calls it, and headed for bed.

As a side note, Erin's happy medicine is actually Tylenol: Severe Cold and Flu. It works wonders! Give it 10 minutes and you can't feel your legs. 5 more minutes and Mr. Sandman has hit you upside the head.

Anyway, I barely remember Erin coming to bed and her waking me up because of my snoring. (I normally don't snore but since I couldn't breath through my nose, I guess I had no choice.) ;) I must have kept snoring since she ended up sleeping in the other room. SORRY HONEY!

That's true love. When your significant other will sacrifice her own sleep just so her big-nosed husband can continue in his comatose state. Hopefully she won't have to do that again. It should have been me getting up and moving to another room but her gesture has been well noted.

—b

Thursday, December 7th, 2006/Exodus chapters 32-34

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight." The LORD said to Moses, "I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name." —Exodus 33:13a & 17

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Christianity is a realationship, not a religion! I love how close God and Moses are to each other. Both God and Moses knowing each other. When we know God's ways, then we will know Him. Just stop and think about it. We can know God! Verse 11 sums it up: Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Prarie Spring Teaching Circle, Minneapolis

All Nose

All Nose

I ended up leaving work early on Monday and didn't make it in yesterday. Today, that picture is me. The only thing I should have added was how red my nose is. Owie. Anyway, I'm alive and breathing through my mouth. :0

—b



Wednesday, December 6th, 2006/Exodus chapters 26-31

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"And behold, I Myself have appointed with him [Bezalel from verse 2] Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you:" —Exodus 31:6

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Our "skills" have been give to us by God. Not everyone is going to have the same areas of expertise. They aren't supposed to. And despite what society says, all skills are valuable. From working at Burger King to having a doctorite. You were given your talents for a reason. All skills are to be used to glorify God.

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Pagan Youth Circle, Anoka

Christmas Closeups—Revealed

Monday, December 4th, 2006/Exodus chapters 19-22

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
All the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do!" And Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD. —Exodus 19:8

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
When we said "yes" to following Christ, did we think we were done? We're saved and will be going to heaven, that's not changing. So now we can just sit back and relax and continue with our lives as if there was no change when we became Christians right? Obviously that's wrong. We must obey our heavenly Father. As Paul said in Romans 12:2 we must "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Our Lady of the Lakes Nest, Minneapolis

Christmas Closeups

(click to englarge)

Christmas Closeup

When I got home last night from freelance with CityVision, I noticed that Erin had started decorating for Christmas. Here are 8 blurry, macro images of items she has put up. Can you guess what they are? Answers Monday.

—b

Friday, December 1st, 2006/Exodus chapters 5-???

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Having woken up late, I decided to dive into my prayer requests notebook. In it are (so far) a page and a half of prayer concerns that I lift up to my heavenly Father on a near daily basis and sometimes multiple times a day.

Beneath each prayer request is a place where I can write how God has answered that prayer. So far only two have been answered but both were answered beyond my expectation. One of them was the last pro-life banquet. Long story short, Erin and I really wanted to get 10 people to sit at our table. (We got a bonus for getting a full table). Anyway, we only had 4 that night. But the next day, one of our co-workers said we could get the credit for the people she brought! Final total=11! One more than we were shooting for!

I know God won't always answer prayer like that but if you ever feel like having something prayed for, let me know; or make your own prayer notebook if you don't already have one.

P.S. Having a notebook also helps my mind from wandering while praying since I can just focus on the list. :)

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• One Voice, White Bear Lake

Exodus Chapters 2-4

Thursday, November 30th, 2006/Exodus chapters 2-4

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
The LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say." —Exodus 4:11 & 12

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Our own self doubt can sometimes be the reason why we aren't more active in doing the Lord's work. Just as Moses was concerned about being "slow of speech" we may find excuses for doing something the Lord has put on our heart. We must not rely on ourselves, but God. He will be the source of our confidence.

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• Oak and Stone Traning Coven, Minneapolis

BEing CarbonMade

Online Portfolio

I have just completed uploading 35 pieces of work to CarbonMade.com. It's a site for the "artsy" people of the world who want to display their stuff for fun, for potential employers, or both. Feel free to have a look. The link to it is shown below (I made it easy). ;)

Feel free to give me any advise concerning the wording or oranization. Erin already has some recommendations for me. Also, if you have time, check out the link directly below the one circled; Noemi Photography.

Noemi used to work full time at STEM but has since become a mom and her photography hobby has started paying off. She just launched her website last week. It's very professional and clean. I also like her different perspectives and angles she accomplishes in her work. Give it a looksee!

--

The Monday following Thanksgiving I posted some fun award winners. One of you (mom?) is trying to get me into trouble with my father-in-law by pointing out that I hadn't given him an award. (To see the comment, look under that post in the comments section.)

I hadn't given one to Kevin because I didn't have a good picture of him. But because I don't want to get into trouble with my favorite father-in-law, I had to make an award so here it is:

The "Best father-in-law in the world who happend to be just getting off of work and still wearing scrubs and caught with his eyes half-way open while smiling" award.

(I hope that gets me outta trouble?)

;)

. . . Just for fun.

Can you find Bella?

(As always, click to enlarge.)

If you didn't, then here's all we initially found of her; a single paw.

Here's the other side. Still can't find her?

Here's a closer look. I think she gave up looking for badgers and found a good place to curl up and fall asleep. I wish I could be doing that right now. (Sleeping I mean...not looking for badgers.)

—b

Wednesday, November 29th, 2006/Genesis chapters 49 & 50 and Exodus chapter 1

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live. —Exodus 1:17

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Even though Pahraoh had commanded the midwives to kill the baby boys, the midwives feared and/or had reverence for God so they disobeyed Pharaoh. Even though their lives would have more than likely been at stake if found out, they feared God more than Pharaoh. I hope I have enough love for God if a situation came about where my life would be at stake, that I would cherish God more than my life.

Copyright 2006, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
WITCHCRAFT IN THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 20,000 witches of all types who live in our metro area who meet in 179 different witch covens/groups. Many witches are drawn to the Twin Cities area because of the many lakes and rivers, which have spiritual significance to them.
• New Earth Circle Coven of the Northern Dawn Local Council of the Covenant of the Goddess, St. Paul