Can iPhone Home?

As you have all heard (and that's even without this new phone) that Apple today released there coveted iPhone. You know the one. It all-but has the same capabilities as a laptop only in phone form. So why did I choose to post on this today? Well, besides trying not to covet it, I thought I share some timeless wisdom from my dad.

The cell phone as we know it is a relatively new invention. The first time I heard of a phone that wasn't located in a house was my brother's friends dads (did you follow that) car phone. How cool! A phone in your car! Well that was almost 20 years ago (yes Naener, I'm old) and now you can even access an invention barely even around called the internet on one.

Well, I read an article this afternoon about how this morning on NBC's "Today" show was outside the Apple store reporting on the long lines and the latest fad. To show how the new phone worked, host Matt Lauer called co-host Meredith Vieira from London and her new iPhone showed his incoming call. The only problem was she didn't know how to "answer" the phone. Oops. So much for being "the most user friendly smart phone ever".

So what does this have to do with some fatherly wisdom?

Two longs and a short. Yep, you read me correctly. That's how my dad's first home telephone worked. You know the kind they used in the Andy Griffith show. You picked up the phone and if none of your neighbors were on it you could call my dad at two long handle turns and one short one. Not the most extravegant thing in the world but hey, at least you knew how to "answer" it.

Roto phone = 1, iPhone = 0

—b

PS. You can read that article here.

Jeremiah 44:16 & 17

Friday, June 29th, 2007/Jeremiah chapters 37–44

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"As for the message that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we are not going to listen to you! But rather we will certainly carry out every word that has proceeded from our mouths... just as we ourselves, our forefathers, our kings and our princes did... for then we had plenty of food and were well off and saw no misfortune. —Jeremiah 44:16 & 17

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
The over-used phrase "Everyone else is doing it so why can't I?" comes to mind. We must not confuse God's patience as acceptance. He gives us more than enough time to turn and repent. It is wise not to test God. After all, it's for our own good.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / Dr. John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

43. Turkish — Pop. 825

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 90s.
• Most are in there 20s and 30s.
• Religion: Majority are Muslims (some Sufi Muslims) and a few are Chrisitian.

Ok, so british actor Jason Statham isn't from Turkey but in the movie Snatch, his charachter's name is Turkish.

Not Telling You Anything?

I was going to post about how much Erin and I enjoyed supper last night with some friends from church. I was going tell you about the traditional Indian food that was prepared that reminded us a lot of the food in Trinidad. I was also going to tell you how much of a testimony it is to anyone who can cook exotic food and my wife will clean her plate. I was thinking about letting you know much fun playing with their little terrier named "Ezra" was and how much she reminded us of Bella.

But I won't tell you about all that.

Instead I'll show you a picture of the STEM staff sitting outside waiting for the right people to come and check out a "strong smoke smell". But what the picture didn't show was they were working on the buildings air conditioning unit and something caught fire. It also doesn't show Erin taking the rest of the day off since the smell caused her to get a headache.

So having said all that, have I told you anything?

(Yea, it's a weird post but I'm in a weird mood.)

—b

Jeremiah 35:14

Thursday, June 28th, 2007/Jeremiah chapters 32–36

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are observed So they do not drink wine to this day, for they have obeyed their father's command But I have spoken to you again and again; yet you have not listened to Me." —Jeremiah 35:14

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
This makes me wonder what kind of "rules" I have either set for myself or have implemented per someone's leading and yet haven't obeyed what my heavenly Father has commanded. Even if those other "rules" are good, God's need to be obeyed!

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

42. Yugoslavian — Pop. 900

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 90s.
• Religion: Majority Orthodox, some Catholic and some Chrisitian.

Dejan Stankovic (Captain of the Serbia and Montenegro National football team.)

I'm Givin' Her All She's Got Captn!

Ah man...I'm feeling overloaded on what to post. It has been such a busy past week for us. My initial reaction when feeling overloaded is to leave the problem and hope it goes away. So far my method hasn't worked. Just so I can get this blog updated, here are some of our happenings over the past few days with one cute picture thrown in:


First off is a constant. It will be til it happens. Brevin Isaac. He (or rather preparing for him) has been dominating our time and thoughts. Sad thing is, he's not even here yet! So what do I mean when I say he's been dominating our time?

Well, we have had two baby showers since I last posted. One from my side of the family at my aunt and uncle's in Hastings, and the other was here at work. Looking at all of the stuff we got I can't help but think we are spoiling him already! But when I stop and think about it, it would be nice having a place for him to sleep, clothes to wear, and tons of those white, poop-catchers. So we really haven't spoiled him but it's still a lot of stuff for someone who doesn't even contribute financially to the family. :)

Still on the Brevin subject is the doctor's appointments and baby classes we have gone to. The doctor visits I was prepared for but when Erin said she signed us up for an "All About Baby's" class, "Breastfeeding" class, and a series of 4 "Childbirth and Parenting Preparation" classes each lasting at least 3.5 hours...wow! Who knew there would be more than enough information to fill 3.5 hours of nothing but breastfeeding. Good grief. As for the whole parenting thing, can't we just buy a kennel and stick him in there when ever we feel like it? After all, Bella loves hers!

(I'm joking by the way concerning the whole kennel thing. I don't want some child protection agency banging down our door.)

This past weekend my dad, mom, and sister came down to visit and attend the baby shower in Hastings. Even that was busy. We ended up going to Claire Givens Violins, seeing a guy get arrested for shoplifting at Barnes and Noble, attending a High School and Doctorite graduation (in the same day I might add), stopping by STEM, and even squeezing a meal in at Applebee's.

Whew...I'm tired after just reading that.

I know I'm missing events but it's getting close to quitting time so I need to cut this short and I aplogize if I missed something important. Enjoy your Wednesday night!

—b

Jeremiah 31:20

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007/Jeremiah chapters 29–31

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a delightful child? Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him; Therefore My heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him," declares the LORD. —Jeremiah 31:20

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Our child/parent relationship with God is so clearly laid out in this passage. God the Father punishes His people/children/the ones He loves, so that they will repent and turn back to Him. That doesn't make God a "mean dad". As His children, we need to recognize He disciplines us out of love and wants nothing but the best for us.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

41. Malaysian — Pop. 900

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 90s.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s.
• The average Malaysian household size is 3.4 people.
• Religion: Majority Muslim, some Buddhist, some Hindu, and a few Chrisitians.

Professor Dato' Dr. Balwant Singh Gendeh, President of Fulbright Alumni Association of Malaysia (FAAM)

Scotty...Status Report!

Whew...ok so the inconsistant internet isn't my excuse this time for not being able to update the blog. It's work. I'm currently bouncing between 5 computers trying to get them up and running/updated with the current software. I'm guessing I'll be back to my normal odd self tomorrow.

Thanks for checking in! I really appreciate it.

—b

Morrison's Update

Earlier this month I reported about Ryan and Brianna Morrison giving birth to sextuplets. A lot of you have been keeping up on this but for those of you who haven't, the following was posted the 16th on wcco.com:

3rd Sextuplet Newborn Dies, 3 Others Critical

(AP) Minneapolis Half of the sextuplets born prematurely to a Minnesota couple have now died, hospital officials said Saturday.

A third boy, Lincoln Sean Morrison, died Friday. Two of his brothers, Tryg and Bennet, died earlier.

The three remaining babies remained in critical condition Saturday in the neonatal intensive care unit at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis.

Parents Ryan and Brianna Morrison released a statement saying it's been "a difficult week" for them, and thanking everyone for their prayers and support. "We continue to trust in the Lord and are hopeful for a good outcome for Cadence, Lucia and Sylas," the statement said.

The four boys and two girls were born last Sunday about 4 1/2 months early.

The STEM staff haven't stopped praying for this family since we heard the news of their premature birth. It has been hard for us to hear the news and since Erin is pregnant it strikes a little more closer to home.

Would you please continue to pray for this family.

If you'd like to know more, check out Noemi's blog as she is the one responsible for the pictures and has been a very close friend of the family.

—b

Jeremiah 8:4b–5

Thursday, June 21st, 2007/Jeremiah chapters 8–10

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"Do men fall and not get up again? Does one turn away and not repent? Why then has this people, Jerusalem, Turned away in continual apostasy? They hold fast to deceit, They refuse to return." —Jeremiah 8:4b–5

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
I love the simplicity and the effectiveness of this analogy. When we trip and fall, we quickly get up and hope no once saw and are more careful in the furture. So why should our constant fight with sin be any different? Never stop fighting! It's encouraging to me knowing death brings our fight to a stop and we know we will win!

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

40. Jamaican — Pop. 925

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 90s.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s.
• Religion: Some Chrisitians.


Former Secretary of State, Colin Powell

Free Caribou

Attention fellow coffee lovers! To celebrate the first official day of summer, Caribou Coffee is offering a FREE Northern Light Cooler! It's only for tomorrow between 2:00 and 3:00. You don't even have to buy anything to get it. Very cool.

Let me know if you get one!

—b

Flea Market Montgomery

Some friends from church asked if I was "a YouTube guy?". Of course I responded in the positive and they then asked if I had seen the commercial for "Flea Market Montgomery". That one was a negative. After hearing them describe this horrible yet hilarious commercial I just had to check it out for myself.



Wow. I don't even know what to say. It's sad and yet tragically funny. But I guess the commercial has been a national success as it was featured on the Ellen Degeneres Show and numerous people have both gone to his store and made their own spoofs on the commercial.

This is definitely not your typical success story.

[sing] Living room, bedroom, dinette, oh yea!

—b

P.S. If you'd like to see the two minute extended version, which is probably funnier because it just keeps going, click here.

Educational, Elegant, Entertainment

In brainstorming on how to relay this weekend's events, the words educational, elegant, and entertainment came to mind.

EDUCATIONAL

Saturday afternoon brought our first baby class. Four hours of everything baby. In fact they should have called it "Baby from Concentrate". Wow. It was very educational and intimidating.

The highlight for both of us was going up to the maternity ward and seeing a one day old baby getting a bath. The lowlight would have been me introducing us the class and explaining the origin of Brevin's name being "from his two dad's". When everyone started laughing, Erin quickly jumped in and corrected my error with "from his two grandpa's". Oops. Sorry honey.

ELEGANT

With Brevin's due date quickly approaching, Erin and I have been a bit more motivated to get some projects done around the home. This past weekend was a filled with the ever popular cleaning of the garage. We ended up making a couple trips to the Google of the physical world called Wal•Mart to pick up some potted flowers, plastic shelving, grilling essentials, kryptonite, outdoor furniture, and the must-have for every garage, a push broom.

(Ok, so we didn't pick up any kryptonite at Wal•Mart. I was just making sure you were paying attention. As everyone knows, kryptonite is a Target exclusive.) ;)

I was very impressed with Erin's determination and pursuit of excellence when it came to cleaning and organizing the garage. (Yes, I'm serious.) She managed to make our garage look as elegant as a garage could look. If I was a foot shorter, had a watermellon attached to my stomach, and had to work in 90 degree heat, I would care less what the garage looked like. In fact, I'd probably burn it down just so that I wouldn't have to worry about organizing it.

Thankfully we didn't only work. Since everyone who has seen Stanley Kubrick's The Shining knows "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

ENTERTAINMENT

Saturday we met up with the Friendly Stegosaurus and his wife to achieve some full belly's courtesy of the Cheesecake Factory then all headed over to see Norrin Radd and Galactus make their big screen debut in the second Fantastic Four flik. It was fun to hang out with them. Since in the past it has only been Stego and I attending the nerd movies, it was fun for our wives to get know each other a little better and enjoy our fanboyness.

After worship on Sunday, Erin and I (along with 73.8% of our church family) headed out across the street for some "Food, Fun, and Fellowship". Thankfully it was just that. I have a tendancy to sterotype these type of get-to-gethers as forced smiles and clock watching. While Erin and Brevin sat in the shade conversing, a friend of mine from church (Danny) and I headed out to the baseball field to kick the soccer ball around.

So there you have it and "Thanks for stopping by San Diego"...err...where ever you may be from. ;)

—b

Jeremiah 7:9 & 10

Tuesday, June 19th, 2007/Jeremiah chapters 4–7

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not known,then come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, 'We are delivered!'—that you may do all these abominations? —Jeremiah 7:9 & 10

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
As followers of Christ, we are called to be set apart to God. So when we continually live in sin, we are hypocrites. "We are delivered" from the bondage of sin so we must live that way. We can't serve two gods. It has to be one or the other, ouselves or the one true God.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

39. Romanian — Pop. 1,000

• Initially came to the Twin Cities early 1900 but a second wave started in the 90s.
• Religion: Majority are Orthodox and some are Chrisitians.


Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Hulk, (just to name a few) creator Stan "The Man" Lee

Tomorrow's Post...

Hey everyone, thanks for sticking with me during our internet hiccups. I ran out of time today so a teaser of tomorrow's post:

Title: EDUCATIONAL, ELEGANT, ENTERTAINMENT.

—b

Jeremiah 1:7

Monday, June 18th, 2007/Jeremiah chapters 1–3

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. —Jeremiah 1:7

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
I am so good at coming up with excuses why I shouldn't share Christ's love. But the bottom line is if and when I get an urging from the Holy Spirit

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

38. Belarusian — Pop. 1,200

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since 1990.
• Religion: Many are Orthodox and Catholic. Some are Chrisitians.


Vitali Kutuzov (European soccer player)

Consistant Internet?

Hopefully Monday will bring us a consistant internet connection!

—b

Isaiah 47:10

Wednesday, June 13th, 2007/Isaiah chapters 47–50

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"You felt secure in your wickedness and said, 'No one sees me,' Your wisdom and your knowledge, they have deluded you; For you have said in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one besides me.' —Isaiah 47:10

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
When we willingly sin, do we buy into the lie that if it doesn't affect others or if I get away with it, it's ok? What about when we think we are smarter than God in that we know what's best for us? And finally, as much as I deny it, I want to think that the world revolves around me and my happiness. I am guilty of all these things.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

37. Jordanian — Pop. 1,300

• Religion: Most are Muslim and a few are Chrisitians.


Jordanian actress Mais Hamdan

14.4 Modem?

Sorry everyone, it has been very frustrating trying to update the blog. For the past couple of weeks, Bethany College of Missions (who STEM rents property from) has been updating it's ethernet cables and our internet has been inconsistant at best. There will be times when it will fly then we'll go a couple of hours wishing we had 14.4 dial-up speed. Ouch! Hopefully by the end of the week it will up and running properly...hopefully.

—b

Sextuplets Born at 22 Weeks!

Late this morning we received and email from the step-mother of Brianna Morrison. Last night, she had to give birth very early in her pregnancy. The following is an excerpt from the email:

Hello Everyone:

Well, the big day for the babies has come at 22 weeks 6 days. Brianna's circlauge (sp) slipped and she dialated to 7cm very quickly. The drs. said the time has come, we have to take the babies. They had the whole team , 20 to be exact, of drs. at the hsopital within about an hour.

The prognosis was very alarming, the dr's. thought that 1 or maybe 2 babies would survive the birth due to the underdevelopment of these precious little ones. He stated that in most cases with high order multiples that mom is in ICU for at least 1 day, and in many cases 2. So we prayed and turned all this over to the Lord. Ryan and Brianna were obviously overwhelmed with all that was happening but they held on to their faith and trust in the Lord.

We asked God to let the babies survive, to carry Brianna safely through as the dr. had discussed the MANY complications that can happen to mom, and that God would decide the outcome for these babies clearly so that Ryan and Brianna would not have to make life and death choices regarding their little ones as the dr. said they needed to decide if they wanted to revive the babies if there were complications.

The frist baby was born at 11:23pm and the sixth was born at 11:25 pm. Yes, all 6 were pulled with 2 minutes! God has miraclously intervened. All six of the babies are alive. They weigh between 10 ounces to 1.2 pounds. The dr. said that Cadance Alana, the 10 ounce baby girl was the smallest baby he has delivered that has survived. They are very tiny, a little bigger than an average adult hand, but seem to be fighters. Brianna did NOT need to be placed in ICU and was able to be wheeled to Children's in order to see the babies.

The babies are not out of the woods by any means but God has shown His power and His presence. Everything we cried out to the Lord for was answered. We continue to pray for the lives of these babies and Brianna's recovery. The needs for prayer right now are:

1. Brianna to continue to recover quickly
2. Several of the babies fingers and toes are blue due to oxygen issues. They may need to have them removed at some point.
3. There are SO MANY medical issues these babies are dealing with and it will only be by miracle if they thrive and survive.
4. The Dr. said there is an 80% chance for handicap with these babies. Possibilities include: deafness, blindness, autism, along with many of issues.

Please continue to lift them up. God has been so present through all the pregnancy, and the birth last night. We NEED each one of you to pray and to pass on this prayer request to others .

The babies names are:

• baby girl- Lucia Rae (Rae after Brianna's mom's middle name) 11 ounces
• baby boy- Bennet Ryan (after dad! Ryan)1.2 pound
• baby boy- Tryg Brenton (Brenton after Brianna's dad's first name) 1.2 pound
• baby boy- Lincoln Sean (Sean after Ryan's dad's first name) 1.2 pound
• baby boy- Sylas Christopher (Christopher after Ryan's brother's first name)
• 1.2 pound
• baby girl- Cadence Alana (Alana after Ryan's mom's middle name) 10 ounces

Thank you all for your love and prayers!

These little babies are in urgent need of prayer. Please take time and lift up the Morrison family.

Thanks everyone.

—b

Isaiah 42:20

Monday, June 11th, 2007/Isaiah chapters 41–43

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
You have seen many things, but you do not observe them; Your ears are open, but none hears. —Isaiah 42:20

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
I would think this principle (which is in both the Old and New Testament) would be so frustrating to God. Knowing that people, whom God created, can go their entire lives without really recognizng that they are seeing God in His creation. From birds singing, water rushing, people being changed by Him, and even witnessing those "lucky coincidences". When we see and hear God calling, we must take the next step to act and obey.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

36. Burmese — Pop. 1,500

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1990s with new Karen Burmese refugees arriving in 2004.
• The largest Karen population in the U.S.
• Religion: Mostly Buddhist and some are Christians (Karen).


American singer/songwriter Robin Natalise Chow

Jousting For Jesus

Our church has wanted to be more involved in helping the community and "being Jesus" to them by serving them in love. Last night several of us helped out at the Hiawatha school located across the street from the church. The school held, what appears to be, it's annual last day of school celebration. Kids (kindergarten-5th graders) were able to go on pony rides, toss bean bags, jump in inflated cages, and joust.

Can you guess what area Erin and I were assigned to?
Good job! The joust! You guys are so smart.

While Erin was able to take advantage of a folding chair taking the kids' tickets, I helped them get their helmets on and cheered for them while they were up on their pedastals. I had a lot of fun shouting with them and commentating as the kids struggled to even hold the heavy "sticks" and keep their balance. Occaisionally you could tell the kids took some of the hits personally but overall they all had a lot of fun. I'm not sure who had more fun, me clapping and routing or the kids themselves.

The following is an email from one of our pastors:

Hey amazing team!!!

I'm so proud of all of you for giving up your Thursday evening in service to Hiawatha School in the name of the Lord. It was truly wonderful to see you all there. There were so many comments made by the parents and teachers about how amazed they were or thankful they were or how this was the first year they were able to walk around and enjoy the Fiesta as a participant, and on and on.

So thanks for being Jesus to the community. I hope you were blessed in it. I know I was. As you remember, please pray that those who know who we were would be encouraged by the Spirit to seek him out whether that's coming to Hiawatha or not. May Jesus be evermore known through our actions!! Amen.

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who really had fun.

Have a great weekend!

—b

My Desk

Yesterday, Stego and I were talking and he was wondering if I had an iSight (webcam). I don't but that got me wondering what his office workspace looks like. Well, below is a 30 second clip of mine.





Do you think if they had a contest of messiest desk, I would be in the running for the lead?

Below are a few detail pics. View if you dare! ;)






—b

Isaiah 33:6

Thursday, June 7th, 2007/Isaiah chapter 31–35

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is his treasure.—Isaiah 33:6

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
What is my treasure? Things I own? My job? My wife and son? Why doesn't reverence for the Lord immediately (if at all) come to mind? God is the one aspect of my life that not only can't be taken away, but is forever.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

35. Pakistani — Pop. 1,700

• The average Pakistani household size is 3.5 people.
• Religion: Majority are Muslim and a few are Christians.


Comedian Rubi Nicholas and her daughter Yasmin

My Desk — Preview

Due to technical difficulties, I wasn't able to get the post up that I wanted today, so here is a teaser of what it will be about tomorrow.

—b

Isaiah 30:1–26

Wednesday, June 6th, 2007/Isaiah chapter 30:1–26

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
—Isaiah 30:1–26

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
I like how these 26 verses break down the process of sin to redemption.

• 1–11 The people sin against God.
• 12–17 God punishes the people for their sin.
• 18 God wants the people to turn from their sin so that he may be "gracious" and "compassionate" toward them.
• 19–20 The people repent and God promises to answer them.
• 21–22 The people's hearts are right and now they will listen to God's instruction (contrast verses 9–11).
• 25–26 The people now hear and obey the Lord and He helps and redeems them.
  

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

34. Sri Lankan — Pop. 1,900

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the mid 1980s.
• The average Sri Lanken household size is 3.3 people.
• Religion: Majority are Hindu and Buddhists. Some are Muslims and a few are Christians.

Isaiah 29:15 & 16

Tuesday, June 5th, 2007/Isaiah chapters 27–29

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, And whose deeds are done in a dark place, And they say, "Who sees us?" or "Who knows us?" You turn things around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay, That what is made would say to its maker, "He did not make me"; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, "He has no understanding"? —Isaiah 29:15 & 16

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
If we don't get caught doing something wrong, is that victory? What I should say is I can't do anything, good or bad, with out it being seen. Our heavenly Father sees all. Also, if we feel that He doesn't understand us, was it not Him who made us? Turn to God always; good and bad.

Copyright 2007, City Vision / John A. Mayer
You can purchase a copy of the CityView Report here.

PROFILES OF IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN THE TWIN CITIES

33. Tibetan — Pop. 2,000

• The Twin Cities has the second largest Tibetan population in the U.S.
• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since 1992.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s.
• Religion: Culturally Buddhist, and one known Christian in the Twin Cities. No Tibetan church exists in the U.S. and only a few in the entire world.

Joyful Noise

A few weeks ago I told you I was involved in making a logo for Hiawatha's first all-church camp get away. Well...ta-da! The theme is "Make a Joyful Noise" which represents our walk with the Lord, loving our neighbors, and proclaiming the Gospel just to name a few.

It is being held at Camp Shamineau on October 5–7. We will be doing everything you typically do at camp. Whether it's activities outside (group and family) praise and worship, devotions, and of course a bonfire.

The Logo Explained
In case you care, the following is my reasoning of what certain aspects of the logo represent:

• The basics is it’s a heart at the base of the volume symbol (represented by the curved lines).

• The heart represents our heart wich is born into sin (hense the black base) and when we come to Christ, He becomes the light of our world (represented by the brighter top).

• The volume lines represent proclaiming the gospel, loving our neighbors, growing with God, or our “Journey”.

• The top volume line is gray representing the fact that whatever those lines may be for each individual person, we aren’t done; or rather, God’s not done with us yet. In all of us there is still that “gray matter” which will never be completed til the return of Christ. But we will never stop pursuing Him.

Erin, Bella, and I will be leaving at noon today to make the five and half hour trip to Peshtigo. We'll be there through Monday so enjoy your weekend and I see everyone again Tuesday!

—b