Memorial Day Weekend —> By the Numbers

Normally I shy away from numbers but just to mix up my posting style, I figured why not.

0 = Times Bella peed in her kennel. (Even though she was in there about 8 hours a time a couple of times.) I don't know if I could hold it for 8 hours.
1 = Time we grilled out
2 = Days without air conditioning working. Yuk.
3 = Sports games watched (2 U.S. Soccer games and 1 Twins game.)
8 = DVD's purchased (Stupid Best Buy ads.) :)
11 = Minutes early for church (It's a rarity we are ever early for church.)
107,000,000 = Dollars earned by X-Men over the weekend. (About $25 of those were from us.)
Infinite = Times Bella licking Leif and Cyri's faces

—b


Tuesday, May 30th, 2006/1 Corinthians chapters 11 and 12

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked. —1 Corinthians 12:24b

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Here we are talking about spiritual gifts. (Servant's heart, leadership, empathy, humor etc. that we use for God's glory.)

Now earthly wisdom would tell us that a pastor would get more honor from God than a church custodian would. But, God says the exact opposite. Yes, the pastor is extremely important and has a huge reponsibility, but he receives more honor from people becuase he is in the spotlight.

Where as the custodian does his work behind the scenes and is a less glorifying earthly position. God will give more honor to the one who is not glorified on earth because of his status.

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE WORLD RELIGION AND CULT/SECT/OCCULT GROUPS THAT ADVERTISE IN HOMOSEXUAL PUBLICATIONS
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)
• Eckankar, Chanhassen

Memorial Day Weekend

Image taken from usmemorialday.org

In Loving Memory of
Lyle (Grandpa) Horkey

—b

Friday, May 26th, 2006/1 Corinthians chapters 6-8

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? —1 Corinthians 6:7

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Paul seems to ask 2 stupid questions. But when taken in context of Christ's life, they become obvious. Jesus was not only wronged but put to death because of our sin. That is ultimate love. He took the fall for us. Now we are called to do the same.

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE WORLD RELIGION AND CULT/SECT/OCCULT GROUPS THAT ADVERTISE IN HOMOSEXUAL PUBLICATIONS
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)
• Dawning from Within, St. Paul

BEing Designed — Print Edition

Coming Soon. . . BEing Designed #6

Amidst a crash course in illustrating stats/charts in a creative way, designing and modifying wedding inviations, babysitting a 500+ print run of prayer letters, and answering any and all IT maintenance questions, I have a prayer letter of my own that needs to be done...today!

The above screen shot is where I'm currently at. Like it? I really like what I said in the third paragraph...umm...oh yea, I don't have a third paragraph. Well, I should quickly end my daily post so I can get back to work. Be sure to look for your very own BEing Designed in your mail box soon!

—b

Thursday, May 25th, 2006/1 Corinthians chapters 3-5

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves. —1 Corinthians 5:12 and 13

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
When we see someone not living the way we know is right, we automatically judge them. (At least I know I do.) But we are not supposed to judge those who aren't Christians. That's for God to do. (Frankly, I would rather face the wrath of man than the wrath of God.)

We are called to judge/keep fellow Christians accountable. Just as other Christians should do for us. So if and when we see another Christian living in sin without remorse or repentance, we are to give them over to sin by removing them from the church family.

This sounds harsh. But this is how God deals with us. When we struggle with a particular sin and don't ask for repentance, God will eventually let us endure the full consequences of that sin. After we get in over our heads and come back to God and ask for repentance, we will become stronger in Him. So we are called to do the same with each other. (Again, it's one of those passages thats easier said than done.)

(Don't believe me? Read 1 Corinthians 5 and keep me accountable.)

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE WORLD RELIGION AND CULT/SECT/OCCULT GROUPS THAT ADVERTISE IN HOMOSEXUAL PUBLICATIONS
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)
• Covenant of the Goddess, Minneapolis

"Send-Off Series" 1 of 3

U.S. Tripped up by Morocco 1-0

In their first match of the three-game Send-Off Series before the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. Men’s National Team fell to Morocco, 1-0, on a last-minute goal in front of 26,141 fans at the Coliseum in Nashville, Tenn.

• Mohamed Madihi Buries a 90th Minute Strike to Provide Morocco With the Win
• U.S. Falls Despite Outshooting Morocco 13 to 5
• U.S. Men Will Continue Send-Off Series Against Venezuela on Friday, May 26 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, Live on ESPN2

(Yea, I have too much to do today so I'm copying the article of which I most care about. Nothing new on a personal level.)


On a fun note, here is a link to an old WWII Civil Defense Film concerning what to do if an atomic bomb hits. (Yes, this is real.) Just remember to "Duck and Cover". (Approx. 9 min.)



—b

Wednesday, May 24th, 2006/1 Corinthians chapters 1 and 2

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. —1 Corinthians 2:4 and 5

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
This is another example of how the gospel is grom God and not man. We don't need to be persuasive in sharing God's word. All we need to do is share God's word and the Holy Spirit will do the rest.

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE WORLD RELIGION AND CULT/SECT/OCCULT GROUPS THAT ADVERTISE IN HOMOSEXUAL PUBLICATIONS
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)
• Clouds in Water Zen Center, St.Paul

Boston Bound

Friday afternoon, I was asked if I would be available to fly to Boston.

"So...what's in Boston?"

Well, I'm glad you asked. This years upcoming Mission Maker magazine will feature a 6 page layout containing the status of the world in numbers. Basically it would be charts and stats of the Christian influence and what we as Christians need to work on. (Unreached peoples, certain religious groups, etc.) I can't give you more details because I don't know them myself. Which is why I'm going to Boston.

"So...why do you need to go to Boston again?"

For several months, STEM CEO Roger Peterson has been in contact with Dr. Todd Johnson. He is nationally known for his work with Christ related statistics. He has a laundry list of accomplishments and just being able to meet with him for Mission Maker is an honor. The Lord has truly used him in the area of number crunching and now we get the privelage to illustrate those numbers/souls. Pretty cool. (Here's a link to his bio.)


"When will you be in Boston?"

May 31st - June 2nd, I'll be in Boston. Roger, our editor Dana, and I will be leaving Minneapolis at 10:31 am on the 31st and will return to the Twin Cities at 8:24 pm on the 2nd. By the time we leave, I need to have some examples of what we might be able to do with Dr. Johnson's numbers graphically. (Nope, I have no idea of how to pull it off, but I have confidence that I will.)

Anyway, that's it for now. I need to give a shout-out to J-Bone since his 21st birthday was yesterday.

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY J-BONE!

—b


Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006/Romans chapters 15 and 16

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification —Romans 15:2

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
In keeping with the greatest commandment, we are to love our neighbors (everyone) as ourselves. We are called to lift up others, in Christ, for their own good so that we may show them Christ's love.

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE WORLD RELIGION AND CULT/SECT/OCCULT GROUPS THAT ADVERTISE IN HOMOSEXUAL PUBLICATIONS
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)

While praying for people practicing homosexuality, we must love them as Christ loved us. If we engage them or if they come to a church we are attending, we must love them and not necessarily focus on their lifestyle, but show them Christ's teachings. After all, there is no sin greater than another. But all sin doesn't have the same consequences either.

HOMOSEXUAL CHURCHES: The following is a list of churches that are exlusively for the homosexual, bi-sexual, and transgender population of the Twin Cities.
• Church of the Earth, Aquarian Wicca, Minneapolis

Romans 14:1 = Harry Potter vs DaVinci Code?

Romans chapters 10 and 11

Friday, May 19th, 2006/Romans chapters 10 and 11

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. —Romans 11:22

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
God is the ultimate Father. He was the perfect example in Jesus Christ and shows us the path we should take. If we love Him, we'll obey Him and take the path that He lays before us. If we take our own way, He won't prevent us. He'll be disappointed, but He'll let us stumble along the way. The great thing is, when He come back to His path, He'll always let us back on.

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE WORLD RELIGION AND CULT/SECT/OCCULT GROUPS THAT ADVERTISE IN HOMOSEXUAL PUBLICATIONS
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)

While praying for people practicing homosexuality, we must love them as Christ loved us. If we engage them or if they come to a church we are attending, we must love them and not necessarily focus on their lifestyle, but show them Christ's teachings. After all, there is no sin greater than another. But all sin doesn't have the same consequences either.

HOMOSEXUAL CHURCHES: The following is a list of churches that are exlusively for the homosexual, bi-sexual, and transgender population of the Twin Cities.
• Beyt G'Vurah—Jewish Gays, Minneapolis

Romans chapters 8 and 9

Thursday, May 18th, 2006/Romans chapters 8 and 9

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, —Romans 9:3

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Paul loves his brethren and kinsmen so much, that he wishes to be separated from Christ for the sake of his fellow Jews. Since the only way to be truly separated from our heavenly Father is hell, he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for others.

This is just another goal that I need to set for myself. That I love everyone so much, that I would be willing to go to hell for them. I'm sorry but I need more faith and love because, as of right now, I don't see that happening.

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE HOMOSEXUAL CLIMATE OF THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)

While praying for people practicing homosexuality, we must love them as Christ loved us. If we engage them or if they come to a church we are attending, we must love them and not necessarily focus on their lifestyle, but show them Christ's teachings. After all, there is no sin greater than another. But all sin doesn't have the same consequences either.

HOMOSEXUAL CHURCHES: The following is a list of churches that are exlusively for the homosexual, bi-sexual, and transgender population of the Twin Cities.
• Women's Eclectic Spirituality Group

I Just Had To Look...

Why did I look at StarWars.com? It always leads to trouble.

Have you ever been really psyched and really bummed at the same time? That's how feel right now.

Coming September 12th, Lord of the Nerds himself, aka. George Lucas, will be launching the "Holy Trilogy" in, not 1 version, but 2! Disc one will be the altered, suped up, Greedo-shot-first version. Disc two will be the theatrical presentation. No special effects added. Just the way they appeared in '77, '80, and '83. (See full article here.)

ARRRHHHH!!! Why George!?! Why did you have to put out one more thing that I want and yet don't need!?!

I think I should start a "I want another Star Wars thing so please give me money so that my wife won't get mad because I keep pestering her for it" fund. (I might have to come up with something a little bit more catchy.)

—b

Introducing Marae Ann

"Just a little peanut."
(Not literally of course.)

On 9:22 pm, May 1st, my cousin and his wife (not pictured) had their first child. A beautiful baby girl. Here are 3 pics from the proud grandma!

Marae Ann. Weighing in at 5 lbs. 14 oz. 19 inches long.

The new, happy grandma!

The proud father and his sister holding the newest addition to the family.

—b

Wednesday, May 17th, 2006/Romans chapters 6 and 7

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? —Romans 7:22-24

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Periodically throughout the New Testament, the Christian walk is described as a battle. This is a great illustration of that. The never ending fight between soul and flesh. Way too often my flesh wins. I know what I should and shouldn't do but I give into sin anyway. After I "give up the fight" I always regret it. Always.

Sometimes I just want to give up all together and Paul obviously feels the same way. But we must not give up. That's exactly what Satan wants. We need to remember that the war has already been won by Christ and it's up to us to use the Holy Spirit to fight the everyday battles.

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE HOMOSEXUAL CLIMATE OF THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)

While praying for people practicing homosexuality, we must love them as Christ loved us. If we engage them or if they come to a church we are attending, we must love them and not necessarily focus on their lifestyle, but show them Christ's teachings. After all, there is no sin greater than another. But all sin doesn't have the same consequences either.

HOMOSEXUAL CHURCHES: The following is a list of churches that are exlusively for the homosexual, bi-sexual, and transgender population of the Twin Cities.
• Trinity River Church, Minneapolis.

Erin, Shannon, and Grey's Anatomy

[gasp] "Noooooooo..."

—Erin's reaction during the season finale

Nothing to exciting happened last night but the highlight was hanging out with Shannon and Erin as they sat glued to their favorite TV show, Grey's Anatomy.

Shannon's husband Mike flew out yesterday at 5:30 am with an end destination of Baghdad. His total travel time will be 44 hours (give or take). So yesterday after work, we invited Shannon over to watch part 2 of the season finale of "Grey's Anatomy". We had started recording it on the cable box and so we were about 20 minutes behind live TV. It was nice being able to take advantage and fast forward through commercials.

It was fun. I put in a frozen pizza, served everyone some drinks while they were engrossed in the drama. The episode was actually pretty good. I had casually watched the series over the past 2 seasons but never really got into it. Who knows come next season, I might take more of an interest.

HIGHLIGHT: 10:00 on the nose, the phone rings. "That's probably Danae calling about Grey's Anatomy," Erin remarked. "Hello...hi Danae."

—b

Tuesday, May 16th, 2006/Romans chapters 3-5

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, —Romans 5:2b–5a

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Hope. Christianity is all about hope. Not a "wishful" hope, but a promised hope. When we go through tough times, all we have is hope. Hope that life will get better. And unlike our unsaved friends, we have that hope promised to us. "And hope does not disappoint."

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE HOMOSEXUAL CLIMATE OF THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)

While praying for people practicing homosexuality, we must love them as Christ loved us. If we engage them or if they come to a church we are attending, we must love them and not necessarily focus on their lifestyle, but show them Christ's teachings. After all, there is no sin greater than another. But all sin doesn't have the same consequences either.

HOMOSEXUAL CHURCHES: The following is a list of churches that are exlusively for the homosexual, bi-sexual, and transgender population of the Twin Cities.
• Spirit of the Lakes United Church of Christ, Minneapolis. It started in 1987 and was the first homosexual church in the United Church of Christ denomination.

Leif's 26th Birthday

Our Weekend in Sioux Falls

The birthday boy and his beautiful bride.

This is what we pretty much did over the weekend. Watched movies (Rumor Has it... and Memoirs of a Geisha) and relaxed. (Yep, they were pretty happy I took their picture, especially my wife.)

Bella and her green eyes say "hi".

Leif and Cyri gave us a quick tour of this park. (I can't remember the name.) It was fun and cold. HIGHLIGHT: Bella accidentally jumping into a deep puddle. :)

On the way home we stopped in Windom and I just had to stop in the middle of the road and take a picture of what used to be my grandma and grandpa's house.


—b

Monday, May 15th, 2006/Romans chapters 1 and 2

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? —Romans 2:4

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
When we sin and "get away with it", does it mean God didn't see it? Or maybe it's ok with Him what we did? Nope, no such luck. When we sin and feel guilty, that's probably the Holy Spirit tugging at our heart strings letting us know that God is ready for us to say "sorry". If God used wrath as His only punishment, I would have been struck by lightning a long time ago. It's a good thing He loves us. (Just don't take advantage of His kindness, after all, what we reap we sow.)

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE HOMOSEXUAL CLIMATE OF THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)

While praying for people practicing homosexuality, we must love them as Christ loved us. If we engage them or if they come to a church we are attending, we must love them and not necessarily focus on their lifestyle, but show them Christ's teachings. After all, there is no sin greater than another. But all sin doesn't have the same consequences either.

HOMOSEXUAL CHURCHES: The following is a list of churches that are exlusively for the homosexual, bi-sexual, and transgender population of the Twin Cities.
• GLBT Church Service — Women of Another Choice, Brooklyn Park

Goodbye Julie :( [Visual]

We'll Miss You Julie!

Julie is honored to sit in the "chair of honor".

Outside of Julie's card (I asked people to act sad)

Inside of Julie's card


—b

Acts 23:1

Goodbye Julie :( [Audio]

Sneek Peek

Sorry I missed yesterday's post. I'm under some tight deadlines right now. And I won't be able to post a regular one today so I'm going to give you a sneek peek at tomorrows topic. Stay tuned!

—b

Acts chapters 16-18

Tuesday, May 9th, 2006/Acts chapters 16-18

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. —Acts 17:13

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Peoples reactions to Christ's teachings, either your for or against. Sure their are some people who haven't really thought about them but when it comes down to it, you either agree or disagree. The same thing will happen in eternity, your either in heaven or hell. There's no middle ground.

Another point I got out of these chapters and more specifically, this text, was the extent these particular Jews went to hassle Paul (and ultimately God). They traveled to a different town just to persecute him. Which means they went out of their way to note people's reactions to Christ's teachings. They couldn't just look it up on the internet, and then hop in a car either. They most likely found out by word of mouth, then walked there. I don't know about you, but I'd rather do something different with my time. These particular Jews must have been pretty scared of Paul teaching people for them to go to this extent.

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE HOMOSEXUAL CLIMATE OF THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)

While praying for people practicing homosexuality, we must love them as Christ loved us. If we engage them or if they come to a church we are attending, we must love them and not necessarily focus on their lifestyle, but show them Christ's teachings. After all, there is no sin greater than another. But all sin doesn't have the same consequences either.

HOMOSEXUAL CHURCHES: The following is a list of churches that are exlusively for the homosexual, bi-sexual, and transgender population of the Twin Cities.
• Full Truth Fellowship of Christ, Minneapolis
—"Full Truth" huh. Are they trying to cover something??? Possibly the Truth!

MI3=EH?

P05t n C0d3
(Post in Code)

Fri. nite=Food store
Sat. day=ZZZZZ
Sat. nite=MI3 w/ J-Bone. (Erin=yeh! J & Me=eh...)
Sun. morn.=God's house w/J
Sun. noon=Spring clean

—b

Monday, May 8th, 2006/Acts chapters 14 and 15

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, —Acts 14:19-21

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Yep, that's exactly what I would have done if some people stoned me and thought I was dead. I would have just gotten back up and walked right back into the city. I would have even done exactly what Paul did by going to other cities, still preaching the name of Jesus and, while I was traveling thought, why not go back to the home cities of those who tried to kill me and teach the same stuff that they tried to kill me for in the first place. Yep, I'm sure of. That's exactly what I would have done.

(Is my sarcasm coming through loud and clear?) I need to love Christ more.

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

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE HOMOSEXUAL CLIMATE OF THE TWIN CITIES
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)

HOMOSEXUAL CHURCHES: The following is a list of churches that are exlusively for the homosexual, bi-sexual, and transgender population of the Twin Cities.

• All God's Children Metropolitan Community Church, Minneapolis — started in 1974