One of our favorite restaurants in Maui, Peggy Sue's. It's always our first stop after settling into our condos and we make sure to get there several times during our stay. It has a great Malt Shop atmosphere with great burgers, teriyaki chicken, rice, and fantastic shakes!

Hi,

I became a Baltimore Colts and Johnny Unitas fan during the 1958 season. The Colts defeated the New York Giants in overtime for their first NFL championship. They repeated in 1959. They won the Super Bowl in the 1970 season. The Colts from 1958-1972 were the best franchise in the NFL.

My favorite Baltimore Colts are Johnny Unitas, Raymond Berry, Lenny Moore, Jim Parker, Gino Marchetti, Mike Curtis and Alan Ameche.

Shalom,

Bill

The Maui Vista condos where we stay when in Maui, Hawaii.

Do You Know Your Bible?

Answers to previous quiz.

1. David (2 Sam. 8:4)

2. Zechariah (Zech. 6:103)

3. Joseph (Gen. 41:42-43)

4. Pharaoh (Exod. 14:23-28)

5. Solomon (1 Kings 10:26)

6. Sisera (Judg, 4:3)

7. Elisha (2 Kings 2:11-12)

8. Jehu (2 Kings 9:16-20

9. Ahab (1 Kings 22;34-38)

10. Absalom (2 Sam. 15:1)

New Quiz: City Events

The events in the top list happened in the cities in the bottom list. See if you can match them.

1. This city's walls fell on 27,000 men.

2. When this city was threatened by an enemy, King Hezekiah shut off its water works.

3. Pharaoh gave this burnt city to his daughter for a gift.

4. By capturing this city, a man was given Caleb's daughter for a wife.

5. This city was destroyed by fire and brimstone.

6. Eighty-five priests were slain in this city.

7. At the sound of trumpets and men shouting, this city's walls fell flat.

8. This besieged city suffered such terrible famine, a woman boiled and ate her son.

9. Books worth thousands of dollars were burned at a public bonfire in this city.

10. This city was beat down and sowed with salt.

1. A Nob

2. B Samaria

3. C Kirjathsepher

4. D Ephesus

5. E Jericho

6. F Shechem

7. G Jerusalem

8. H Gezer

9. I Sodom
10. J Aphek

Answers and a new quiz will be posted next Thursday!

The Novak and Swoverland families rode bikes down Mt. Haleakala in Maui.

Hi,

In the late 1950s the Milwaukee Braves were the closest team to Minnesota. The Braves won the World Series in 1957, defeating the New York Yankees. The following year they lost to the New York Yankees in the World Series. My favorite Milwaukee Braves were Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Johnny Logan, Del Crandall, Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette. The Braves left Milwaukee after the 1965 season and went to Atlanta.

The New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Braves were and are my two favorite baseball teams. Tomorrow we'll talk some football with the World Champion Baltimore Colts.

Have a great day,

Bill

In 1999, Nick played in the Inline Hockey League in Maui.

Hello,

Our last area in the study on priorities is interests. As you abide in the Word of God your strengths, interest and passion for things will become clearer. My first area of interest is sports.

Let's begin today with the New York Yankees. The Yankees are the most successful sports team in the United States. They have won 26 world championships. I was born in 1951. Thirteen of the championships occured before I was born and thirteen after. The last one was in 2000. Since 1986, I have watched practically every Yankees game. Over the years my favorite players have been Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford. In recent years Derek Jeter, Chuck Knoblauch and Bernie Williams. Tomorrow we'll look at the Milwaukee Braves.

Shalom,

Bill

Bill, Roxy, Robin and Greg getting ready for a luau in Maui.

Shalom,

Another area of priority is school. This would include public school, private school, tech school, college and so on. In the United States getting a degree after high school is important for your future. Choose the right school for you and do your very best. Remember, though, having the wisdom of God operating in your life and knowing how to pray far surpasses the wisdom of man.

For the remainder of this week we will cover interests. My interests are sports, movies, entertainment, vacations and my CD music collection.

Shalom,

Bill

Bill flashing the "V" for victory while standing under the statue of Vince Lombardi at Lambeau Field earlier this month.

Hi,

That didn't help the Vikings in the game against the Packers, but they have won two games in a row since then! Today's game: Vikings 41 / NY Giants 17! Yeah!!!

Bill

Roxy busy at work on her laptop!

Hi,

The Vikings are in New York to play the Giants tomorrow. Go Vikings!

Shalom,

Bill

Nick with his car at Kristine's house after a Vikings game.

Hi,

Today we're covering your occupation. You have been given the skills and passion to perform specific jobs here on earth. As you delight in the Lord, he will give you the desires of your heart. As you pursue those God-given desires, he will help you fulfill them in your life. What you have a passion for is usually what God has assigned for your life's work.. Notice, though, that while your job is important, there are a number of things before it on God's priority list for your life.

Have a great day,

Bill

Nick and Kristine with their godmother, Robin, who prays for them daily and loves them both very much!


Do You Know Your Bible?
Answers to previous quiz.

1. E (Gen. 25:31-33)
2. D (1 Chron. 21:22-25)
3. B (Acts 16:14)
4. J (Neh. 13:15-19)
5. G (Jer. 32:6-9)
6. I (Acts 18:1-3)
7. F (Gen. 23:10-17)
8. C (2 Kings 4:2-7)
9. A (Exod. 5:5-18)
10. H (Gen. 37:25-28)


New Quiz: Chariot Events

1. In a battle, who took 1,000 chariots from king Hadadezer and "houghed" all the chariot horses"?
2. Which prophet had a vision of four chariots, each drawn by a different colored horse, coming from between what looked like two brass mountains?
3. Who was made "to ride in the second chariot" of king Pharaoh?
4. Whose war chariots were lost in the Red Sea?
5. Who set up "cities for chariots" for his 1,400 chariots?
6. Who had 900 iron chariots, and made life unbearable for the Israelites for 20 years?
7. When "there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire," who watched his friend depart upward to heaven in the vehicle?
8. Who had the reputation of driving chariots "furiously"?
9. Which king, wounded in battle, died in his chariot and was brought to Samaria where "one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria"?
10. Who brought a magnificent chariot and chariot horses and hired 50 footmen to run ahead of him?

Answers and a new quiz will be posted next Thursday!

Kristine at home after a Vikings game with her godmother, Robin.

Shalom,

Today we'll be talking about ministry partners. The Holy Spirit will instruct the pastor of the local church on partnering up with ministries who will help the local church spread the Gospel. As a local church, we support our partners spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially. The Spoken Word Church has the following partners: Jerry O'Dell, Rick Renner, Jerry Savelle, Bob Yandian, Kenneth Copeland and Hillsong Praise. Our partners represent us throughout the world, the United States of America and the state of Wisconsin. We take our partnership seriously.

Tomorrow we'll talk about your job and occupation.

Shalom,

Bill

Roxy, Nick, Kristine and Godmother Robin, after a Vikings home game in October, at Kristine's new home in Columbia Heights.

Shalom,

The next three areas of priority are all on the same level and we'll take them one at a time.

Friends, family and relatives. You may have a number of acquaintances, but only a few close friends. The Bible says a friend sticks closer than a brother. Close friends are invaluable to your growth as a believer. Being able to share with a close friend causes the Word to come alive in your own personal life. Never share something important with those unqualified to help you.

The family and relatives we're referring to here is your extended family. Here we are talking about grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and so on. Staying in contact with family members provides an excellent opportunity to do the work of the ministry.

Tomorrow we'll talk about ministry partners, jobs and schools.

Shalom,

Bill

Bill and Kristine in front of Kristine's new house in Columbia Heights, Minnesota.

Hi,

There are three other areas in your priority list that we will discuss this week. #1 is friends, family and relatives. #2 is partners, job and school. #3 is personal interests. We will talk about these in detail over the next few days.

Have a great work week,

Bill

Minnesota Vikings 29/Oakland Raiders 22. Green Bay Packers 31/Carolina Panthers 17.

Thank you , Jesus!

Bill, beneath a statue of former Green Bay Packers head coach, Vince Lombardi.

Hello,

The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Michigan Wolverines today to win the Big 10 Championship. Make sure to start your week off right in church tomorrow!

Shalom,

Bill

The weather in Green Bay on November 11 was gorgeous!


Hello,

Next in line in your priority list, after Jesus and spouse and children, is your local church. Every believer should be led by the Holy Spirit to a local church that He wants you to be faithful to. A good local church will have great services.

A great worship service includes study of God's Word, preaching the Gospel and teaching the Word of God. It should also include prayer; praying in your known language and in other tongues as well. A great service will include praise and thanksgiving for what God has done in your life and worshipping God for Who He is. Every great service should include receiving of tithes and offerings from the people and families of the local church. Hands on ministry under the anointing will destroy the yokes of bondage and break down ungodly burdens. Every worship service should include a time of fellowship with like-minded believers. Time with like-minded believers is time well spent.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Bill

With memories of Lambeau Field in the past, the Vikings return home to the Metrodome on Sunday to host the Oakland Raiders.

Do You Know Your Bible?
Answers to previous quiz.

1. C (Rev. 14:3)
2. E (2 Chron. 35:25)
3. G (2 Chron. 20:18, 21-22)
4. F (Deut. 31:14, 19)
5. I (1 Sam. 18:6-8)
6. H (Judg. 4:10, 5:1)
7. B (Acts 16:25)
8. J (Num. 21:17-18)
9. D (2 Sam. 1:11-12, 17-18)
10. A (Mark 14:16-18, 26)


New Quiz: Business Dealings
The people in the top list were involved in the business dealings described in the bottom list. See if you can match them.

1. Esau
2. Ornan
3. Lydia
4. Nehemiah
5. Hanamel
6. Paul
7. Ephron
8. Elisha
9. Pharaoh
10. Judah

A. He used unfair labor practices in his brickmaking business.
B. This person sold purple cloth.
C. He set up a widow in the oil business.
D. He sold his threshing floor.
E. He sold his birthright to his brother.
F. He sold a widower a burial ground.
G. While a prisoner, he sold a field to his cousin.
H. He sold his brother to a camel caravan.
I. He went in the tent-making business with a man and wife team.
J. He banned the Sunday sale of goods in Jerusalem.

Answers and a new quiz will be posted next Thursday!

Kristine is one of the most loyal and faithful Vikings fans around. She plays touch football for the Target Corpration team throughout the year. This winter she will play on Wednesday nights in an indoor football league.

Shalom,

Our first priority should be Jesus, as we discussed yesterday. Our second and third priorities should be our spouse and children. We should love them. That means we should look at them as being precious and valuable in our thoughts and words about them and our actions toward them. We should give of our time, energy and resources to them. Most importantly, we should confess the Word over them.

Shalom,

Bill

Lifelong friends, Kristine and Kori Swoverland Ewer, met at the game. They both were happy before the game. Needless to say, Kori kept her smile throughtout the day. Kristine says "I'll be back"!

Hi,

This week we're talking about priorities. As a believer, our first priority should be Jesus. We can prove that Jesus is our #1 priority in a number of different ways.

Our daily schedule should be evidence that Jesus is #1. Every day should include study of God's Word, prayer, praise and fellowship with like-minded believers.

Our weekly schedule should include attending Sunday morning services, midweek services, as well as other special meetings your local church offers.

Shalom,

Bill

Kristine and I posed for a picture outside of Lambeau Field. We started the day in jackets, boots, gloves and scarves. We ended the day in beautiful sunshine without our jackets on.

Shalom,

Kristine and I had two fun-filled days in Eastern Wisconsin. On Saturday we had a nice trip from Ladysmith to Shawano, Wisconsin. The traffic was smooth and we made the trip in record time. Shawano is located about 30 minutes from Green Bay. We checked into our hotel, took our key cards to our room and found out they didn't work. Upon seeing the hotel manager, we returned with a new set of keys and found the room was already occupied. We returned to the manager. She promised she would find us a room and we went out to eat as planned. We returned back to the hotel and were told we would be spending the night in the one and only hotel suite. To say the suite was large would be an understatement. The suite had two queen size beds. We could have fit an additional 12 of them! After settling in we made a couple of stops around town. We returned to the hotel, talked a little bit and watched a little college football on TV. I fell asleep while Kristine was reading a book.

Kristine's plan for Sunday morning was to wake up at 8:00 AM. I woke up at my regular 5:30 AM. time to pray and study. At 7:30 AM. Kristine jumped out of bed and said: "I'm ready for some football"! After getting ready to meet the public, we went to a fantastic breakfast buffet at the hotel. The buffet was wonderful and we had a good time. We checked out of the hotel and headed for Green Bay. We listened to Vikings music and highlights during our short trip to Green Bay. We found a nice place to park on a residential street, walked 4 blocks to the game and Kristine had her first glimpse of the outside of Lambeau Field. She was impressed by the amount of people that were gathered around grills over 2 hours before game time. At the Metrodome, most of the tailgating is done far away from the Metrodome. We entered the stadium about 1 hour before kick-off. Visited friends. Went back to our seats. Sang the National Anthem as 4 military helicopters flew over the stadium. Very impressive! Kristine was awed by the beautiful field, the over 70,000 fans and being able to see the sky and not a roof. The seats, section 117, row 17, 40 yard line, right behind the Vikings bench, behind the defensive unit, were fantastic. The people around us were very friendly and needless to say, the game was a blowout!

After the game, we returned to our car, headed to the freeway and had a nice, safe trip home. Kristine and I vowed that we would be back to Lambeau Field some day soon and BEAT THE PACKERS!!!!!

Shalom,

Bill

The Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers play today at Lambeau Field.

Shalom,

Packers 34, Vikings 0. Ouch!!!

Shalom,

Bill

The Vikings and Packers have played each other only once in the Playoffs, 1/9/05. The Vikings defeated the Packers 31-17 at Lambeau Field.

Shalom,

Places I have lived (years).

1. 16 Ely, Minnesota
2. 2 Virginia, Minnesota
3. 5 Minneapolis, Minnesota
4. 7 Ladysmith, Wisconsin
5. 1 Tulsa, Oklahoma
6. 25 Ladysmith, Wisconsin

Go Vikings!

Bill

Nick and I had a great weekend in Green Bay in 2003. Kristine and I are looking forward to this weekend with eager anticipation.

Hi,

Remember, anything good that happens in your life, give the God of the Bible the credit, appreciation and thanks! Anything bad, don't blame God.

Have a great weekend,

Bill

Nick has been a loyal Vikings fan since attending his first game at the Metrodome in 1994 when the Minnesota Vikings played the Green Bay Packers.


Do You Know Your Bible?
Answers to previous quiz.

1. F (Dan. 6:6-13)
2. D (Num. 16:46-49)
3. I (2 Sam. 23:11-12)
4. H (Mark 15:43)
5. J (1 Sam. 17:4, 49)
6. B (Judg. 7:7-22)
7. E (Esther 4:11-16)
8. C (2 Sam. 23:20)
9. G (Neh. 6:10-11)
10. A (1 Sam. 14:13-14)

New Quiz: Break Into Song
Match the persons in the top list to the singing event in the bottom list.

1. John
2. Josiah
3. Jehoshaphat
4. Moses
5. Saul
6. Barak
7. Silas
8. Israelites
9. David
10. Disciples

A. At the end of a meal they sang a hymn, then went to a mount.
B. While in a dungeon with another man, he sang hymns at midnight.
C. He had a vision of a choir 144,000 strong, singing a new song before God's throne, but "no man could learn that song but the 144,000 which were redeemed from the earth".
D. At the death of two men, he composed a dirge for them and commanded that it be sung throughout Israel.
E. This slain king was mourned by temple choirs, and to this day sad songs are still sung about his death, the songs being officially recorded.
F. At the end of this man's life God gave him a song he was to teach to the children of Israel.
G. He had a choir lead the march into battle, and when they began to sing, the Lord "set ambushments" against the enemy.
H. After winning a battle with the help of a woman, he sang with her a song of victory.
I. He became jealous when singing women included another man in their songs of praise.
J. When a well was dug, they sang a song.

Answers and a new quiz will be posted next Thursday!

I took Nick for his first trip to Lambeau Field on September 7, 2003. We watched, along with the rest of the 70,505 people in attendance, as the Vikings beat the Packers 30-25. Kristine and I will be attending the game on Sunday.

Shalom,

Three steps to victory:

1. Be quick to repent. Change your thinking to always agree with God's Word. God's Word is Truth, therefore it is unchangeable.
2. Be quick to forgive and forget. Forgive others when they wrong you and forgive yourself when you miss the mark. Forget your past mistakes and keep your eyes focused on your eternal goal.
3. Be willing to pay the price. Don't sin, but also lay aside any good thing that is stopping you from fulfilling your God-given assignment.

Shalom,

Bill

Nick has a great work ethic. He works hard and plays hard. He's always been a sound sleeper, once he gets there!

Shalom,

This week is Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers week. Kristine and I will be travelling to Green Bay on Saturday and going to the game at Noon.

The Packers are off to an outstanding start with a 7-1 record. The Vikings are 3-5, but have been in every game so far. Both teams are playing good football right now and it should be an exciting football game.

GO VIKINGS!!!!!!

Shalom,

Bill

Nick liked to play hide and seek. Here he comes out of hiding, knowing for sure he was the winner. Nick has always been a winner as a player and a coach. We love him and are very proud of him.

Shalom,

Three steps to success:

1. Acknowledge that God's Word is Truth. It is unchangeable. The Bible has no contradictions. If you think you've found a contradiction, you've just found a place that you need to study deeper to find where you've missed it.
2. God loves you. Believe that. God is always for you. Satan is always against you.
3. Everything good in your life, give God the credit, praise and thanksgiving. Anything bad, don't blame God.

Have a great Monday,

Bill

Nick's first long trip was in 1986 to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. He did a wonderful job and he was only 11 months old. Mickey Mouse was proud of him!

It's November,

Our first service in November was fantastic. Robin taught on Ecclesiastes and I started a new series entitled "Desperation". Praise and worship was outstanding and everyone was extemely blessed!

The Vikings and Adrian Peterson upset the San Diego Chargers 35-17 today at the Metrodome. The amazing rookie of the Vikings, Peterson, rushed for an NFL record 296 yards. Kristine and I have 50 yardline tickets, row 17, at Lambeau Field next week for the big Vikings/Packers rivalry game. GO VIKINGS!!!

Have a great week,

Bill

Nick always liked to have a ball in his hands.

This New York Yankees fan looks happy and content. Don Mattingly must have just hit a home run.

Larry Bird and Nick Novak, a lethal combination.

Nick hitting a short jumper from the right corner at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Timberwolves could use a few shooters like him!

Howdy,

What a super day in Ladysmith, Wisconsin today. Beautiful sunshine and nice temperatures. I am super-energized today! Saturday is always a full day of inside and outside activities.

The Minnesota Vikings play the San Diego Chargers Sunday at noon. The Red Wings are off until Wednesday when they host Nashville. On Friday night they host Columbus. Looking forward to Sunday services tomorrow morning.

Shalom,

Bill

Nick was one of ten varsity players to play for the Ladysmith State Championship basketball team in 2003. He was a freshman letter winner at Hamline University during the 2004-2005 season.

Shalom,

Six benefits to praying in the Spirit:

1. You edify, recharge and build yourself up.
2. You pray divine secrets, Godly imaginations, creativity, witty inventions, dreams, visions, Bible revelations and Godly mysteries into your life.
3. You give thanks well and pray God's perfect will into the earth.
4. You stir up boldness, confidence and courage, while being empowered to do the works of Jesus.
5. You become more sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
6. You develop a deeper hunger, thirst, panting and desperation for the things of God.

Have a great weekend,

Bill

Nick was a very happy baby who was dedicated to the Lord Jesus.

Do You Know Your Bible?

Answers to previous quiz.

1. Pharaoh's daughter (Exod. 2:5-6)

2. Joseph (Gen. 43:29-31)

3. Pilate (Matt. 27:24)

4. Moses & Aaron (Exod. 40:30-32)

5. Lot (Gen. 19:1-2)

6. Jacob (Gen. 35:1-3)

7. Laban (Gen. 24:29-32)

8. David (2 Sam. 11:2)

9. Job (Job 9:30)

10. Jesus (John 9:1, 7-11)

New Quiz: Be Of Good Courage

In the top list are the names of ten courageous people. In the bottom list are the brave deeds they performed. See if you can match them.

1. Daniel

2. Aaron

3. Shammah

4. Joseph of Arimathea

5. David

6. Gideon

7. Esther

8. Benaiah

9. Nehemiah

10. Jonathan

A. Accompanied by only an armor bearer, he climbed up into an enemy garrison and killed some 20 men.

B. He dared to attack vast armies of Midianites and Amalekites with only 300 men.

C. He killed two lion-like men and a lion in a pit of snow.

D. During a terrible plague, in which thousands of people died, he bravely mingled with the stricken people to make atonement for them with God.

E. Aware that going before a king without his summons meant death, this person disobeyed the decree in an effort to save Jews.

F. He disregarded a king's edict against petitioning God and continued praying even though it meant being thrown to lions.

G. Even though his life was threatened by Sanballat and Tobiah, he refused to hide in a temple behind bolted doors.

H. After Jesus' crufixion he dared to ask Pilate for Jesus' body.

I. When deserted by his soldiers, he stood alone and struck down enemy Philistines.

J. He dared to face an enemy giant, armed with only a sling and stones for a weapon.

Answers and a new quiz will be posted next Thursday!