Grandma's Quilts

Darla's mom has been making quilts for her grandkids for a few years now. She started with the oldest and is working her way down to the youngest, Andrew. Wednesday night Kelsey and Alyssa received theirs. Nothing like grandma's quilt on a cold Minnesota night.

HTC touch pro

I am attemping to use my new cell phone to do this blog. So far Iam really liking all of the features. I am attemping to upload a picture and will try a video later.

Husky Hockey

Andrew and I had the opportunity to go to the St. Cloud State Husky Hockey game tonight. They won 4-2 against Denver. Special thanks to Rob for the two tickets.


I love sitting in the first row where you can feel the checks as they crash into the boards. It reminds me of my younger days.

WWF combines with hockey.

I especially enjoyed watching #11, Jared Festler. He was always exciting to see when he played for the Little Falls Flyers. It's nice to have him close to home. He had two assists tonight and nearly a goal if he wouldn't have been tripped up as you can see in the video.

Blizzard, the Husky mascot was having a good time.

Deer Hunters of Living Hope

I am asking attenders of Living Hope to submit their 2008 deer hunting pictures. We want to celebrate with those who were successful. After a week or two of submissions, we'll have people vote for the top kill. Perhaps I'll even give out a little prize.

Ethan Alver #1

Ethan Alvar #2
Ethan Alvar #3

Chris Olin on left. A 5 & a 7 point buck. His nephew on the right with his 10 pointer. Don't worry, his nephew is not eligible for the prize :)

Gabi Drill and her nice doe

Callan Drill and his 6 point buck.

Linda Tatro and her 6 point buck.


Dan Olsen...three...wow

Dan Tonder's dream deer


Shelley Starz...10 point buck.

The Big Hunt?

Watch the video first, then read the results.

No, I didn't get the 20 point buck. I did however get a shot at one. I was in the middle of my morning exercise routine while in the deer stand (actually, just trying to stay warm). Suddenly I noticed two deer running through the field just over 100 yards away. I managed one shot at the buck. It didn't appear that I hit it. It started to run in a direction that may have given me another shot. Unfortunately by the time I was ready to take the second shot it was behind some trees. It crossed the road and went into the woods that I was talking about in my video.

In regards to the book, "Sinner", by Tedd Dekker, I finished it. What a great book. I love this author. Tedd really foreshadows some great, and scary, thoughts about our countries belief regarding tolerance and free speech. It really is a thought provoker. The time may soon be approaching where a Christian with a Biblical world view will not just be considered intolerant, but illegal.

It's ironic how those who are angry and hateful towards Christians do not see their hatred as being intolerant.

I do believe that we Christians have brought on some peoples hatred, not because we are acting like Jesus, but because we have not loved as Christ did. He is the perfect example of how one can love people deeply, while maintaining and encouraging others to live a holy life.

Happy Birthday Billy Graham

Today is Billy Graham's 90th Birthday!

Rev. Billy Graham is the most respected minister in America, perhaps the world. He has lived a life of integrity, is a man of great influence upon leaders and upon average people, and most importantly, has preached the gospel without compromise.

I appreciate how he always preached with compassion and on a level that all could understand.

If you would like to send him a birthday wish just click on this link.

The Pick

My daughter Alyssa just had her first game of basketball for the season. As a father, I like to be involved in my kids athletic games, sometimes even coaching. One game I never played much was basketball. In my years of pastoring in Little Falls I have been to hundreds of games and have learned a little bit. You have to understand that I grew up playing hockey. I would spend hours OUTSIDE in the freezing, sub-zero temps, enjoying every minute of it.

I say all of this to simply set up this video. My daughter Alyssa was involved in a "pick" which allowed her teammate to score. I'm not quite sure it was a totally legal pick but it was sure fun to watch.

Speed The Light

I just received this email from Mark & Janie. They are missionaries that our church supports and our youth have raised money for. Mark grew up in our church. We are so proud to claim him as one of our own.


"Janie and I just bought our new STL car, and understand that you provided part of the purchase price. Thank you so much for your continued support for us. We are so blessed to have such a solid, caring church behind us. We love and appreciate you. Please pass along our heartfelt thanks to the youth and anyone else that may have played a role in this.

We bought a Honda CRV as you can see in the picture. It will be a blessing to us and to the churches and people we serve here for a long time.

Blessings!

Mark & Janie"

I am not only proud of Mark & Janie but of our incredible youth. Under the leadership of Pastor Bobby, they have captured the heart of missions and know what it is to sacrifice to share the message of Jesus.

I watch my three kids that are a part of Motion Student Ministries here at Living Hope. I know they don't make much money, yet they continue to surprise me at what they give to Speed the Light. I pray that this attitude of giving will continue on in the lives of our young people even as they grow older and take on the financial reality of life as an adult.

Post Elections

I am sure that most people are filled with intense emotions today. Whether the individuals you voted for were elected or not may determine how you feel today. Perhaps you're simply excited that the political commercials will now come to an end; at least for a few weeks. I heard a political consultant tell of how President-elect Obama started campaigning about two years ago. He stated that it could start a trend in the future. Could you imagine two plus years of these commercials. The couches at the psychologist offices would be filled.

No matter how you voted, don't forget that God has asked us in His Word to pray for those who are authorities over us. The Assemblies of God General Superintandant, George Wood, has a great video that you should watch. He addresses some key points that we be good for us to apply. George Wood

Vote

I just returned from voting. It was good to see that there was a steady flow of people. If you are reading this blog today and have not made your way to vote, stop, grab your keys and go. You can finish reading this when you return.

I believe it is the duty of every American, certainly every believer in Jesus Christ, to get out and cast our vote. I also encourage you to vote based on Biblical values!

New Gadget Added

Not that I'm egotistical or anything. I'm really just curious to find out if there is anyone that follows my blog. I have added a gadget on the right side tool bar entitled, "Followers". I would love to have you add yourself to the list.

Steak Dinner

Thanks to a special friend of the church, those who attended church on Sunday were blessed by a great steak dinner.

Steak you could cut with a plastic knife

(Tim-our favorite butcher from Fergus Falls & his daughter)

Sunday was a fantastic day at Living Hope. We had our semi-annual, Combined Campus Celebration with about 320 in attendance. It was also our first Sunday that people could make a pledge towards our "Impacting Generations" capital campaign. So far, with 24 pledges in, we are at around $130,000+ towards our goal of $1.3 million. (If you would like more info you can go to www.ourgreathope.org or email me).

The church also blessed the pastors and their families for Pastor Appreciation Sunday. Thanks to everyone for the kind words and gifts. We are so blessed to be able to minister to an incredible group of people.

Fall Fun

One of my favorite things to do in the Fall is a hayride. This afternoon, our Rice campus was blessed to be able to enjoy a great time at the Schwab's. Nothing like a smore to go with the evening. By the way, I am the best smore maker ever. Cooked to perfection.




When I was in high school, our church youth group had a lot of hayrides. The name of my home town would probably give that away...Farmington.
Some of us were a little wild. We enjoyed stuffing hay down the backs of everyone and pulling each other off the wagon. I was only run over once, right across the leg.

My wife strongly advised me to refrain from pulling her off the wagon today. She reminded me that I would be the one paying for her chiropractic bill.

It's no fun growing old.