Meineke & Me

Yesterday after running errands, it looked like our Jeep was leaking coolant. After popping the hood, our fears were confirmed. The coolant level was none. This morning while getting ready to go to the hospital (more on that later), I was almost overcome with fear as to how I would pay for a new radiator. Of course I didn't know what the problem was but I had let myself worry and fear the worst. Thankfully I remembered the passage in scripture where it tells us to cast all our cares upon God (1 Peter 5:7). After some praying, I felt better knowing that God would provide.

Upon getting home from the hospital, De and I drove to Meineke to have Betty the Jeep looked over. Thankfully De was here so we had a vehicle to get home in. (Perfect timing God!) Not 30 minutes later we got a call from Meineke. We held our breath as they told us it was only a hose. Thank you God! While it was still a rather expensive hose/labor combination, it was doable.

As De and I pulled into our driveway after picking up Betty the Jeep, she noticed Betty was dripping coolant...a lot. Oh no. So I called Meineke back up and they said to bring her back in. As I arrived they told me to pull into the garage and pop the hood. When I got out, I noticed a familiar song playing on the radio, Avalon's "Testify to Love". Definitely not a secular song. Hmmm...

Thankfully the leaking came from the radiator cap which wasn't tightened securely. So as they were cleaning up the green fluid that had been leaking from Betty, I asked the lead mechanic (who had a heavy Australian accent) what radio station they had on. His answer, KTIS.

I responded with a "great!" and after some brief small talk, I learned that he attended Bethany Church in Bloomington. The same Bethany church that is on the campus of STEM! Cool!

Now as to why we were at the hospital again. Brevin was born with a higher level of bilirubin which produces Jaundice. Basically, his skin and the whites of his eyes turn a yellow color. A low level is common and nothing to worry about. But higher levels can cause sever brain damage.

Brevin was at a level 12 when we left the hospital. Yesterday he read a 16. Today he was a 17. Danger levels are at 30. So he is in no danger but we would like the number to go down instead of up. We have another appointment tomorrow for another test and with that result, the doctors will have a better idea of how his bilirubin levels are coming.

We'll keep you updated and thank you for your prayers!

—b

Brevin's Arrival!

On Friday at 4:27 am, our son Brevin Isaac was born. He was 7 lbs 2 oz and 19.5 inches long. He has dark brown hair and thankfully looks like Erin's side of the family. More specifically, her brother J-Bone. (Which is definitely a good thing!)

A very tired family.



Brevin looks too tiny for his carseat.


Grandma Johnson holding her grandson for the first time.


Really dad? Do you have to keep taking pictures!

—b

Brevin UpDATE(s)?

Being that when ever I talk with my parents or basically anyone I know for that matter, one of the first things they ask is "how's Erin?", here is one way I can help out.

This morning we had our weekly checkup and received one of the oddest and yet most truthful comments from our doctor. Our due date is August 8th, and when Erin asked about when they would consider inducing her labor, he said:

"Well, probably August 15, 16, or 17. So I'll see you next week unless I see you in the hospital first."

Now is it just me or do that many possible due dates confuse anyone else? Brevin is due to arrive 8/8. The latest he could be born is 8/17. But it's possible he could be born anytime from 7/19–8/14 on his own.

So, to bring this post back to the original question of "how's Erin?". My answer has to be:

"Any day now."

—b

A Day in Pompeii

"You could hear the wails of women, the cries of children, the shouts of men...many raised their arms to the gods, others...declared that the gods were no longer and that this was the last night on earth."

For a few weeks now, the guys from my discipleship group have been planning a "secret group date" for us and our wives. After throwing around several ideas, we came up with the Science Museum of Minnesota.

At first I was hesitant at the idea of spending the healthy entrance fee for something I wasn't sure Erin would enjoy. But I made sure to clear the price and date with Erin before springing the event on her. When she asked what we'd be doing, still trying to keep the date a secret, I reassured her it involved limited walking and air conditioning. That made her smile.

The eight of us (plus one 6 month old) started out our adventure in the Omnitheater with an interesting piece called Greece: Secrets of the Past. It was fun hearing it narrated by "My Big Fat Greek Wedding(s)" very own Nia Vardalos.

Can I get an "Opa!"

After the surprisingly entertaining film, we headed down to the main exhibit, A Day in Pompeii. To quote the website:

On August 24, 79 A.D., a massive eruption of Mt. Vesuvius buried the ancient Roman resort city of Pompeii, freezing the city and its people in a historic moment in time.

While walking through we saw several authentic artifacts which included coins, jewelery, statues, mummified food, and even entire wall paintings. But what impacted us most of all was the "casts" of people left behind.

These poor souls were caught by Mt. Vesuvius' blast and forever encased in it's ash. Archeologist's discovered the impressions in the ash and filled them with plaster creating a lasting impression. (No pun intended.)

Seeing a woman on the ground trying to cover her head with her clothing to protect herself or a man found crouched in a gymnasium trying to hide from the blast (pictured above) made us all just stop and think. No one was safe from the power of the deadly gas. Even a dog's impression was well preserved as he was chained to his owner's house.

Out of all of the casts, the most heart wrenching was the husband sacrificing his own well being in a vain attempt to save his wife. The husband had sprawled out next to his wife's head trying to keep her safe. Wow.

It's funny how seeing them made us all "care" for them.

—b

If you'd like to see pictures of these (unfortunately minus the husband and wife) as well as some of the other pieces, click here.

Joel 2:12–14

Wednesday, July 18th, 2007/Joel

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"Yet even now," declares the LORD, "Return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping and mourning; And rend your heart and not your garments." Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness And relenting of evil. Who knows whether He will not turn and relent And leave a blessing behind Him, Even a grain offering and a drink offering For the LORD your God? —Joel 2:12-14

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
I like the principle of the Lord blessing us enough to bless Him back with an offering. Unfortunately we confuse this and take the Lord out of blessing us in the first place. After all, we have only because God gave.

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

52. Sierra Leonian — Pop. 500

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since 1990.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s.
• Religion: Majority are Muslim and some are Christian.


Elgin Olu Stafford

Hosea 13:6

Tuesday, July 17th, 2007/Hosea chapters 12–14

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, And being satisfied, their heart became proud; Therefore they forgot Me. —Hosea 13:6

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
I have been feeling convicted of this recently. Having my "stuff" take time away from spending it with God. Video games, DVD's, TV, internet, and even books. Please don't get me wrong. These aren't bad, but they aren't productive either. When I have free time, I hope I will eventually get to the point where I will crave time spent with God or showing His love to others.

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

51. Hungarian — Pop. 575

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since 1990.
• Religion: Most are Catholic and some are Christian.


Escapologist Harry Houdini

4th Wedding Anniversary

Being today is Erin and my fourth wedding anniversary, here is a one and a half minute clip courtesy of YouTube and America's Funniest Videos showing a bunch of people fainting. Most of which were from weddings.





Thank you Lord that something like that didn't happen four years ago at ours. :)

We'll be out of the office Friday so have a relaxing weekend everyone!

—b

Zero Done, Much Accomplished

Yesterday was one of those days that I didn't get anything done and yet accomplished a lot.

Huh!?! I'll explain.

9:00 AM we had a "baby doctor" check up. (So already I'm missing work.) Thankfully it only lasted about 45 minutes. The best part was obviously getting an update concerning Brevin's status. Here are the nitty-gritty details:


• He currently weighs 5.5 lbs
• His head is down and in the correct position
• He could be born in either July or August
• If Erin would go into labor now (36 weeks) they wouldn't stop it


When Erin and I heard he could be born in August, we were honestly a little disappointed. For as many Braxton Hicks contractions Erin is having, we were hoping he could come any day. Oh well, he still might.

Finally getting into work a little after 10:00 I set up my laptop and get ready for a shorter day. As it turns out, some of the office staff were waiting for me to come in so I could help them out with computer issues. Fair enough. I guess that's why I'm here. ;)


On Monday, STEM's new COO had his first day. So the past few days have been showing a PC guy the wonderful world of Macs. He's (Steve Miller) is a Bethany College of Missions alum and is a very quick learner when it comes to computers. Anyway, I had tried to get his computer set up before he came but was unsuccessful so there a bunch of little settings that I haven't completed. So while he was involved in a mid-morning meeting, I was busy playing away at his eMac trying to get it to where it should be.

In the midst of rushing against his meeting clock, I get another inquiry concerning the lack of internet and email from another co-worker. D'oh! So while I'm updating Steve's software I take up the mystery of the missing emails

Long story short, I get accomplished enough to satisfy my fellow STEMonians. But now it's 11:55 and we have a mandatory all-staff meeting to which I'm responsible for leading the devotions. (Definitely a Christian workplace huh?) Guess who hasn't even looked over his notes. Ding! Ding! Ding! You are correct! It's me. Thankfully I had prepared for a few in advance and the Holy Spirit took over.

Whew. Ok. Now it's 1:05. I can finally sit down and start my day. WRONG! For STEM's upcoming golf fundraising event, Erin and I need to run several errands to pick up prizes/supplies. Oh man.

Our destinations included, Dick's Sporting Goods, Wal•Mart, Sam's Club, and Michael's. All of these involved travel on the ever-lovely 494. (Which always seems slow.)

A few hours later, we're done. Hooray! So by the time I sit down for the first time able to work, we only have 15 minutes before we have to pack up and head to the post office and bank...also for STEM. Oh well.

So that's how I spent my Wednesday not getting anything done yet accomplishing a lot.

—b

Daniel 6:4

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007/Daniel chapters 5–12

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. —Daniel 6:4

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
If a group of people were to set out to find "dirt" in my life, what would they find? I'm not talking about past sins either. What am I currently involved in that could be "ground(s) of accusation"? The commissioners and satraps could find nothing on Daniel. Perfection is an attribute that I will never attain but must always strive for.

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

50. Ugandan — Pop. 600

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since 1990.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s
• Religion: Muslim and Christian.


Artist Dan Sekanwagi

Optimus Insured by GEICO

In talking with the Friendly Stegosaurus, he pointed me to a site he thought I might enjoy. (Little did he know I'd post about it.) McSweeneys.net is a humor site which happened to post about the ever popular movie Transformers.

Anyway, for those of you who have seen Transformers, and even those of you who haven't, I think you might find this amusing. It's a mock letter from the good people at GEICO concerning Optimus Prime's (the big robot on the right hand side of the picture who transforms into a semi-truck) most recent insurance claim.

A LETTER TO OPTIMUS PRIME FROM HIS GEICO AUTO INSURANCE AGENT.

BY JOHN FRANK WEAVER

- - - -

Dear Mr. Prime,

We have received your accident-claim reports for the month of June—they total 27. I regret to inform you that GEICO will not be able to reimburse you for any of those repairs. I feel that I have sent the same letter to you once a month for the last six months, and I am now sending it again.

Since becoming a GEICO customer in January of this year, you have reported 131 accidents, requesting reimbursement for repairs necessitated by each one. You have claimed not to be responsible in any of them, usually listing the cause of the accident as either "Sneak attack by Decepticons" or "Unavoidable damage caused by protecting freedom for all sentient beings."

The only repairs for which you were reimbursed were the replacement of a cracked fender and a headlight, required after a Mr. I. Ron Hide backed his van into your truck; these cost $1,286.63. Our own investigation concluded that you were not at fault and that Mr. Hide had been drinking prior to the accident. Though police were unable to test his blood-alcohol level—Mr. Hide claimed that it would be impossible for police to examine his blood-alcohol content with a Breathalyzer, because he "doesn't breathe"—under Washington-state law, refusal to take a Breathalyzer test is equivalent to returning a result above the legal level.

But, I repeat, those were the only repairs for which you have been reimbursed, and it was a very minor accident in comparison to your other claims. I mention a few to illustrate the larger trend:

• 
  
• $379,431.34 requested reimbursement for repairs to your truck cabin. You claimed the damage was caused by attacking fighter jets.

• $665,789.11 requested reimbursement for repairs to your trailer. You claimed the damage was caused by a giant mechanical scorpion, which I can only assume is some amusement-park ride, although I question the wisdom of bringing your mobile home so close to such dangerous equipment.

• 
  
• $6,564,239.44 requested reimbursement for repairs to a truck part called the "Autobot Matrix of Leadership." You stated this occurred in "an ultimate confrontation between good and evil," with a Ms. Meg Atron and a Mr. U. Nicron causing the damage in question. Mr. Prime, I have checked every known car- and truck-part catalog published in the United States and have found nothing even resembling that part, never mind any part so expensive. Whatever disagreements you had with Ms. Atron and Mr. Nicron, I suggest that next time you either settle things peaceably or leave your Autobot Matrix of Leadership at home so it doesn't break. GEICO does not cover Autobot Matrix of Leaderships.

And the list goes on. Mr. Prime, I am going to remind you again: Your policy with GEICO only reimburses you for accidents that occur while you are engaged in the reasonable use of your truck and trailer. As I told you when you originally purchased the policy, GEICO does not offer Megatron coverage, Starscream coverage, Soundwave coverage, Decepticon coverage, or Energon-blast coverage. Those are just not the types of damages we would expect from reasonable use.

To sum up, GEICO has been unable to reimburse you for any repairs, but due to the high number of accidents you have been a party to this month, combined with the many accidents you have had in the preceding five months, your premium has increased to $235,567.50 per month. While that may seem like a lot, I remind you that it is a savings of $137 over Progressive and $98 over State Farm. Please have your check into our main office by the end of July.

Regards,

Simon Furman
GEICO Agent

Thanks Stego. Enjoy your Tuesday everyone!

—b

Daniel 4:30

Tuesday, July 10th, 2007/Daniel chapters 1–4

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"The king reflected and said, 'Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?'" —Daniel 4:30

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Pride is a huge downfall for us all. Non-believer and believer alike. God is always in control. Since God is in control, who are we to exalt ourselves? God uses Christians and non-Christians to bring Him glory. He despises it when we take credit for something He accomplished. In this case, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, takes credit for his kingdom when the first two verses of the book state it was God's doing. (Check out verse 33 for the kings funny punishment.)

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

49. Bangladeshi — Pop. 600

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1990s.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s
• The average Bangladeshi household size is 3 people.
• Religion: Majority are Muslim. Some are Hindu and a few are Christian.

Mohammed Jubaer Arif

Vikings Vs. Packers!

Today at 9:00 AM, individual ticket sales for Vikings regular season games went on sale. Today at 9:57 AM, Erin and I purchased tickets to our third Vikings/Packers game! We were both so pumped knowing we will be able to continue our tradition of seeing the two rivals face off. This will be the third time in four years we've been able to make the game. The only time we weren't able to is when they played at the 'Dome on Christimas Eve.

Every year it's a scramble to get tickets to the big event. Case in point, we tried getting the cheapest available seats ($30 each) at 9:35 but they were sold out. Our second attempt was for the second cheapest seats ($59 each) but with the same result. Finally we were able to secure the $92 seats a few minutes later. They go fast!

Unfortunately, the only way you can get tickets to watch the Vikes/Pack game, you also have to buy the preseason game between the Vikings and Rams. Oh well. Those games are also fun.

This year will be an added bonus as we will probably take Brevin along so he can witness his parents passion for their home states. I doubt the TV camera's would pan that far up into the nose bleeds but we'll be the crazy parents with a baby dressed half in Packers clothing and half in Vikings. ;)

—b

Ezekiel 44:24

Monday, July 9th, 2007/Ezekiel chapters 44–48

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"In a dispute they shall take their stand to judge; they shall judge it according to My ordinances They shall also keep My laws and My statutes in all My appointed feasts and sanctify My sabbaths. —Ezekiel 44:24

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
How do we judge between right and wrong? After all, everyone has different views and standards. We all need the same measure by which we judge between right and wrong and the only perfect set of stands are the the ones the creator of life gave us. God's are perfect and there is no room for compromise. One set of standards, carried out in love, and there is no confusion.

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

48. Indonesian — Pop. 700

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1970s.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s
• The average Indonesian household size is 2.7 people.
• Highly educated (150 of those in the Twin Cities, are international students).
• Religion: Some Christians, Muslims, Buddhist, and a few are Hindu.


Dr. John Mayer's wife and professional chef, Tri Dey Mayer.

Ezekiel 23:31

Friday, July 6th, 2007/Ezekiel chapters 21–28

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
'You have walked in the way of your sister; therefore I will give her cup into your hand.' —Ezekiel 23:31

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Why is it that I think I can get away with something even though others have done the same thing and been caught? Do I think I'm more clever than they are? Chapter 23 is a really vulgar chapter about the sexual sins of two sisters. Bottom line is the first sister died because of her gross sins and instead of the second sister learning from her sisters mistakes, she not only did the same things, but worse. Our heavenly Father is a just God.

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

47. South African — Pop. 750

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1990s.
• Religion: Some Muslim and Catholic while a few are Christian.


Actress Charlize Theron

Wii Experienced Transformers

("Dr." Phil and I doing our best Roger Federerererer impression.)

As Erin and I have been working through my "Top 10 Movies I Want to See Before Brevin is Born" list, we have had a few let downs and a few that were beyond expectation. The past two movies we witnessed were the latter.

The first of the two was Live Free or Die Hard (Die Hard 4). Erin reluctantly saw this one with me since she has never been interested in the Die Hard saga. But by the time the credits were rolling, she had a new second favorite movie she'd seen this summer. Yea, I couldn't believe it. My wife enjoying a Die Hard movie! I love it!

The second movie that was beyond our expectation was Transformers. This one we both wanted to see and we found out that several friends who also attend Hiawatha wanted to see it as well. So Aaron and Leah Hintgen opened their home for some grilled food and some exciting Wii.

After we enjoyed some grilled dogs, burgers, and corn on the cob, we all headed into the living room for some exhausting Wii time. (For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Wii, it's a video game system but instead of just using your thumbs to control the action, you use...well...everything! When bowling, you literally walk through the bowling motion. When playing tennis, you use your backhand, forehand, and overhead smash. Needless to say you get a fun little work out by the time your done.) Anyway, by the time 9:00 rolled around, we all gathered in our respective vehicles to head to the movie that's "More Than Meets the Eye."
As I said before, Transformers was better than I was expecting. Having loved the cartoon/toy series growing up (and obviously still love it) I was afraid Mr. Hollywood would destroy my childhood hero's. All I can say is that I wanna go see it again! While it won't win any academy awards, and putting the cheesy yet expected one liners out of mind, I had a lot of fun at this movie.

Getting home after 1:00 AM we went right to bed and the next night, we drove the 10 minutes to Valley Fair to watch the fireworks.

Even though we had a great couple of days that would have been more difficult to pull off by having a child, we wouldn't want it any other way. We can't wait to see you Brevin!

—b

Ezekiel 16:6

Thursday, July 5th, 2007/Ezekiel chapters 16–20

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, 'Live!' Yes, I said to you while you were in your blood, 'Live!'" —Ezekiel 16:6

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
For whatever reason, there is a misconception that non-believers need to "clean ourselves up" before they seek God. Which is an ironic statement since it is impossible to "clean ourselves up" without God. Thats one of the great attributes of our heavenly Father. He loves us while we are in our sin. Once we have been saved through God's grace, we are no longer slaves to sin, an dbecause of God, we are washed white as snow! So if you haven't yet been saved from your sin, don't try and clean yourself, go directly to God!

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

46. Bulgarian — Pop. 750

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1990s.
• Most are in their 20s and 30s.
• Religion: Majority are Orthodox and Catholic while some are Christian.

Ezekiel 6:9

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007/Ezekiel chapters 1–7

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"Then those of you who escape will remember Me among the nations to which they will be carried captive, how I have been hurt by their adulterous hearts which turned away from Me, and by their eyes which played the harlot after their idols; and they will loathe themselves in their own sight for the evils which they have committed, for all their abominations." —Ezekiel 6:9

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Sin. It hurts God, others, and ourselves. And yet, while we willingly commit it, we somehow are blinded to the inevitable consequences of it. Be assured, we will pay for our sin, and we will regret it.

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

45. Armenian — Pop. 750

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 1890s.
• Majority are older in age.
• Religion: Majority are Orthodox and some are Chrisitian.

Aris Janigan is an Armenian American author and professor of humanities at the Southern California Institue of Architecture in L.A.

Lamentations 3:19–21

Monday, July 2nd, 2007/Lamentations

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness. Surely my soul remembers And is bowed down within me. This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. —Lamentations 3:19–21

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
It is always tough going through hard times, but we do get through them! Some hardships last longer than others but there is an end thanks to God. So when another period of distress comes, we can have authentic hope that God will see us through them again! For as the next verse says "The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail."

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

44. Iraqi — Pop. 800

• Have been coming to the Twin Cities since the 80s.
• Religion: Majority are Muslims and a few are Chrisitian.

Deena Shakir is an Iraqi-American currently attending Harvard.