One of the highlights of my junior year in Virginia was going back to Ely to play. Mike Carlson and I led Virginia to an exciting victory over Ely on their Homecoming.

My senior year, we won the Iron Range Conference Championship. The starting lineup of Mark Lind, Doug Foschi, John Possin, Neil McKenzie and Bill Novak averaged 80 points a game. John and Neil averaged 10 points a game, while Mark, Doug and I averaged 20 points per game.


Do You Know Your Bible?
Answers to previous quiz.

1. C (Judg. 6:1-20)
2. H (Acts 12:7)
3. J (Gen. 18:1-2)
4. G (Luke 2:8-9)
5. F (1 Chron. 21:18-20)
6. I (Gen. 16:6-8)
7. E (1 Kings 19:5-7)
8. A (Acts 10:30)
9. B (Gen. 19:1)
10. D (John 20:11-12)

New Quiz:Anger Flare-ups

1. Which king became so angry with his son he hurled a spear at him?
2. Which king was angry because the man he had told to curse his enemies, blessed them three times instead?
3. When God abandoned his plan to destroy the city of Ninevah, which prophet became angry?
4. Who became so angry when he saw the Israelites worshipping a calf idol, he ground the god into powder, sprinkled the dust on water, and made the idolaters drink the solution?
5. Which soldier became angry with his young shepherd brother because he left his sheep to come and watch a battle?
6. Which prime minister became so angry when a man refused to bow to him, he planned to destroy all Jews throughout the kingdom?
7. When a man refused to sell him a vineyard, which king became so angry he went to bed without eating?
8. Which man, afflicted with leprosy, became angry with a prophet's suggestions for his healing?
9. Which king, angered because his nightmare could not be interpreted, ordered the execution of all the wisemen of Babylon?
10. Who became angry because his father-in-law pursued him and searched his belongings?

Answers and a new quiz will be posted next Thursday!

1967 was a fabulous year. Exciting basketball tournament victories, trips to the VFW and Legion State Baseball Tournaments, and a cute girlfriend.

Susie Luecke, my beautiful and precious high school sweetheart. My first love and true friend.

Kristine, Roxy and I had our first chance to visit Susie and her family in Arizona in 1985.


The sun is shining in Wisconsin,

Bible prophecy indicates that, in the last days, the world will begin to align itself into four regional political empires; the western empire led by the antichrist and headquartered in Europe, the Kings of the South, the Gog-Magog Alliance, and the Kings of the East, whom the Apostle John forecast will be able to field an army of two hundred million men. There is no mention of a fifth superpower resembling the United States of America.

Today, there are four regional political empires roughly corresponding to the Bible's outline headed by Russia, China, Europe and the Islamic Middle East, all of whom are overshadowed by the increasingly shaky American superpower.

For decades, prophecy scholars have wondered, "Where is America in Bible prophecy?"

The British thought the sun would never set on THEIR flag, either.

As Americans, we pray that the United States of America will repent of her ungodly ways and give praise and thanksgiving to the God of the Bible.

Bill

The transition in 1967 from Ely High School to Virginia High School was life changing. I went from being a red and white Ely Timberwolf to a blue and white Virginia Blue Devil.



It is difficult for Americans, having grown up in unprecedented peace and prosperity, the envy of the entire world, to imagine America being anything but the world's unchallenged superpower. It is all most of us know.

It was equally difficult for the British, who held the title for more than three hundred years. In the 19th century, it was said that the sun never sets on the British flag. Today, the seat of the once-vast British Empire is itself part of a smaller, European empire, governed, not by London, but by Brussels.

As we look back on history with the benefit of hindsight, it seems obvious to Americans that the United States was destined to rule the 20th century. We had the resources, the population, the geographic advantage, the finances and the manpower.

Now, all those advantages are shifting to the East. And the once-vast American empire is the one looking toward membership in a North American regional alliance for its future collective security.

Keep praying for America and the peace of Israel.

Bill

Bill at 15 playing for the Ely summer baseball Legion Team.

Hello,

The New York Yankees closed out another regular season baseball schedule with another trip to the playoffs. After starting slowly the first two months of the season, the Yankees closed as the best team over the last 4 months in the major leagues. The Yankees begin post season play on Thursday when they travel to Cleveland for the first game in a best of five playoff series against the Indians.

Since 1996 the Yankees have won four world championships. The Yankees are looking to win their fifth championship in the last twelve years. The Yankees won the world series in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Have a great week,

Bill

Happy Birthday, Roxy!

Roxy and I have been married for 34 years and today is her 56th birthday. Here are some of my favorite Roxy pictures:


Bill and Roxy at 21.

Bill and Roxy at the Spoken Word Church Hallelujah Night celebration.

Bill and Roxy in Maui.

Roxy at our first house in Ladysmith.

Roxy at Mackinac Island.

Roxy in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.

I know who I am.

I am a believer.

I know where I came from.

I came from heaven.

I know why I'm here.

To be a bright light in and to the world.

I know where I'm going.

I'm going back home to Heaven!

Bill

Nick, who turned 22 on Thursday, as a member of Ladysmith's 2004 Regional Champion golf team.

Two State Champions, Coach Larson and Junior guard, Nick Novak.

Three Juniors on Ladysmith's State Championship basketball team, Riley, Nick and Shane.

Nick showing his strength by carrying his sister, Kristine.

Hi,

The New York Yankees play on Wednesday as Major League Baseball playoffs start this week.

The Detoit Red Wings begin their National Hockey League regular season with a game on Wednesday.

The Minnesota Vikings' National Football League season gains momentum heading into October.

Enjoy the games!

Bill

Classmates and friends from Ely, Minnesota.


Celia Domich and Nancy Takavitz, my favorite girls from 6th grade.

Celia Hutar, my favorite girl in 7th grade.

Rainelle Rikhus, my first major crush in 8th and 9th grade!

Ely Pep Club in "ye grande old E" formation

Joel Adamic, played golf and hockey. A lifelong friend from 6th grade through the present time.

John Priyatel, a basketball teammate from high school and still a very close friend.

Doug Luthanen, Vince Hren, Paul Starkovich, John Priyatel, Bill Novak

February 28, 1967 - Ely 60 Aurora 59 (ranked 2nd in the entire state of Minnesota) Huge upset!!!

District 27 Basketball Tournament at the Eveleth Hippodrome.

Hi,

This weekend we will be celebrating Roxy and Nick's birthdays. We are looking forward to the Minnesota Vikings/Green Bay Packers football game on Sunday.

Bill

Bill with his three sisters and their puppy, Princess.

Do You Know Your Bible.
Answers to previous quiz.

1. Abraham (Gen. 22:1, 2, 6-9)
2. Paul (Acts 17:16, 23)
3. Gideon (Judg. 6:27-32)
4. Ahaz (2 Kings 16:10)
5. Joshua (Josh. 8:30-32)
6. Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:16-21)
7. Joab (1 Kings 2:5, 29-343)
8. Jeroboam (1 Kings 13:1-4)
9. Isaac (Gen. 26:23-25)
10. Josiah (2 Kings 23:16)

New Quiz: Angel Encounters
In the top list are ten Bible folk who encountered angels. In the bottom list are the places where they met them. See if you can match them.

1. Gideon
2. Peter
3. Abraham
4. Shepherds
5. Ornan
6. Hagar
7. Elijah
8. Cornelius
9. Lot
10. Mary

A. House
B. City gate
C. Oak tree
D. Sepulchre
E. Juniper tree
F. Threshing floor
G. Field
H. Prison
I. Wilderness spring
J. Tent door

Answers and a new quiz will be posted next Thursday!

Bill, the VFW baseball player, at 13, with Margie, Maryann and Nancy.

Hi,

Revival is going on around the world. Unbelievers are being born again. Believers are more excited about Jesus than ever before. Families are being restored. People are being healed, delivered and set free.

In the USA signs of revival are beginning to show up. Where do you see the USA in this signs of revival list?

1. Increase in sin.
2. Increase in prayer.
3. Increase in holiness.
4. Increase in evangelism.
5. Increase in persecution.
6. Holy Spirit revival.

I personally see the USA entering step #5, and ready to burst into #6. Amen!

Talk with you again tomorrow,

Bill

Bill at 12 in the 6th grade. The first and last year of Little League. Played for the IGA Cardinals. Won the championship with a 16 - 2 record. Miss Bjorkman's homeroom. Celia and Nancy were my two favorite girls.

Hi,

Roxy, Kristine, Nick and I are looking forward with much anticipation to the upcoming Vikings - Packers football game on Sunday. Roxy and Nick will be celebrating their birthdays this week. Nick's birthday is on September 27 and he will be 22 years old. Roxy, who has been married to Bill for 34 years, will be 56 on September 30. We are all believing we will cap off a week of birthday celebrations with a Vikings victory.

Go Vikings!

Bill

Bill at 10 with his dad, Frank, in Ely, Minnesota, getting ready for the 1961 Minnesota/Michigan Little Brown Jug game. Minnesota won 23-20. My second Gopher game in person.

MY FAVORITE TEAMS AND PLAYERS

New York Yankees (Baseball)
Mickey Mantle
Yogi Berra
Derek Jeter
Mariano Rivera

Milwaukee Braves (Baseball)
Hank Aaron
Eddie Matthews
Warren Spahn
Lew Burdette

Minnesota Twins (Baseball)
Harmon Killebrew
Tony Oliva
Rod Carew
Kirby Puckett

Baltimore Colts (Football)
Johnny Unitas
Raymond Berry
Lenny Moore
Gino Marchetti

Minnesota Vikings (Football)
Fran Tarkenton
Chuck Foreman
Carl Eller
Randy Moss

Boston Celtics (Basketball)
Bill Russell
Bob Cousy
John Havlichek
Larry Bird

Detroit Red Wings (Hockey)
Sergei Fedorov
Chris Chelios
Nicklas Lidstrom
Pavel Datsyuk

Minnesota Golden Gophers (Football)
Sandy Stephens
Tom Brown
Bobby Bell
Julian Hook

Have a good work week!

Bill

Bill at 9 with Nancy and Margie, two of his favorite fans.

Hello,

Had a wonderful service this morning. We are teaching on "Jesus Today". "What has Jesus been doing since He rose from the dead"? "The present day ministry of Jesus". To the unbeliever Jesus is the Mediator. To the believer, we learned today, Jesus is their Advocate. It is always a great way to start the week, in the local church with people who love each other.

Have a great week!

Bill

Bill growing up as a Roman Catholic and celebrating first communion at 9 years old.

Hi,

Outside of the United States of America the world is experiencing revival. Unbelievers are receiving Jesus as their Lord and personal Savior. Believers are being filled with the Holy Spirit. People are being healed, set free and delivered.

In the United States revival has been slower in coming. Other nations are openly thanking the believers of the United States of America for sending the Gospel to them. They are praying for America, that the good, godly seeds that have been planted in their country will produce a huge harvest of revival in the United States. The best days for the church in America are almost here. Are you ready? Our greatest day is ahead. Thank You, Jesus!

See you in church Sunday,

Bill

Bill at 8 in Ely, Minnesota

Hi!

We have a great sports weekend starting tonight. The New York Yankees begin a 4 game series at the Stadium against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees go into this last series at home only 1 game out of first place in the East.

The Minnesota Vikings take a 1 and 1 record to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs on Sunday.

The Detroit Red Wings host the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight in another preseason game leading to the home opener at the Joe Louis Arena on October 3.

The Minnesota Gophers open their Big 10 season when they host Purdue on Saturday night.

A very good sports movie just out on DVD: "We Are Marshall". I highly recommend it!

Have a great weekend,

Bill

Bill at 7 with Nancy and Margie in Ely, Minnesota

Do You Know Your Bible?
Answers to previous quiz.

1. c (Exodus 14:28)

2. e (1 Kings 18:5)

3. g (Isaiah 36:8)

4. f (2 Chronicles 9:25)

5. i (2 Kings 14:17-20)

6. h (2 Kings 9:16, 20)

7. b (1 Chronicles 18:4)

8. j (2 Kings 3:6,7)

9. d(1 Kings 20:20)

10. a (Esther 6:7-11)

New Quiz: Altar Events

1. Who, following God's instructions, built an altar and laid his son on it for a burnt sacrifice?

2. Who, while waiting for two friends in Athens, saw an altar with the inscription, "To the Unknown God"?

3. Who was given the nickname of Jerubbaal after he knocked apart the altar of Baal?

4. Which king, while visiting Damascus, saw an unusual altar and had Urijah, the priest, build one just like it in his hometown?

5. Who built an altar of stones on Mount Ebal and carved each of the Ten Commandments on the stones?

6. Which king, because he disobeyed God's command and burned incense on a holy altar, was stricken with leprosy as punishment?

7. Which general of David's army murdered two generals and was slain at a tabernacle altar as punishment?

8. Which angry king's arm became paralyzed after he shook it at a prophet who said an altar would split apart with its ashes spilled to the ground?

9. Who, after building an altar at Beersheba, had his servants dig a well?

10. Which king had bones taken from mountainside graves, and burned them on an altar at Bethel to defile it?

Answers and a new quiz will be posted next Thursday. Have a great day!

Bill

Dreaming of being a future New York Yankee!

Hello,

The Bible has things to say about the economy of the world just before Jesus comes the second time. Think about it for a moment. When many of us were young, the economy of the United States was the only economy that mattered. The 1929 Stock Market Crash set off a world wide economic depression that ultimately ended in world war.

The post-war economic boom was led by the United States. Europe, as a viable economic entity, did not exist, and what remained of the European economy was in shambles. Europe was an economic basket case requiring the U.S.-led Marshall Plan to rebuild it. This process took more than a half-century.

Yet the Apostle John fortold this exact scenario, from exile, sitting on the Isle of Patmos, almost 2000 years ago. Only 20 years ago, the concept of America's economy being eclipsed by Europe was laughable.

But this morning, the headline reads: "Greenspan says Euro could replace U.S. dollar as reserve currency."

Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready?

Shalom,

Bill

Kristine and Grandpa Cliff enjoyed the weekend together in Ladysmith, Wisconsin.

Clifford with his daughter Roxy and granddaughter Kristine surrounding him with love.

Kristine and her boyfriend Brian smiling and trying to explain to Clifford how they lost the mixed-doubles tennis match to Bill and Roxy.

Kristine and Brian at a friend's recent wedding reception.

Good Tuesday to you,

We enjoyed having Kristine and Brian visiting us for the weekend. They're back in the Twin Cities at Target headquarters in downtown Minneapolis. Brian's four-man band "Watson" has been writing a number of new songs and is looking forward to some hard work in the recording studio soon. Kristine plays in two touch football leagues on Tuesday and Thursday nights. She plays in two co-ed leagues and is really having a fantastic time.

Nick is well into his classes at Hamline University. He's eagerly looking forward to the upcoming basketball season at Blaine High School. Blaine is the seventh largest high school in Minnesota. Nick will be beginning his third season on the basketball staff. He is an assistant with the varsity and the head junior varsity coach.

This fall Nick is working for the Hamline athletic department. He works football games, working game preparation and can be seen on the sidelines during the games. He also works men's and women's soccer games keeping game statistics.

I have recently been in touch with four of my friends. Joel, a pharmacist in Stillwater, just returned with his son from a four day trip to Baltimore, Maryland. Pritz, living in Elk River, has a son, Kevin, who is a junior at Carroll College in Wisconsin. Carroll is the oldest college in Wisconsin. My son Nick goes to Hamline, which is the oldest college in Minnesota. John, in his personally owned insurance business, is doing well in Hibbing, Minnesota, and he is looking forward to his daughter's upcoming high school basketball season. Kevin has left the Detroit Pistons coaching staff and is the new admissions director at Bethany College in West Virginia.

It's nice to see everyone keeping in touch.

Bill

Bill and Margie in front of the house in Ely, Minnesota in 1957

EIGHT MORE APOSTLES

1. Matthias was selected to be the apostle to replace Judas Iscariot, first by qualifications, then by prayerful lot (Acts 1:26).
2. Barnabas was an apostle and companion of Paul (Acts 14:14).
3. Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13).
4. Paul mentioned Andronicus as an apostle (Romans 16:7).
5. Paul mentioned Junia as an apostle (Romans 16:7).
6. Paul mentions James, the brother of Jesus, as being an apostle (Galatians 1:19).
7. Paul called Silvanus a fellow apostle (I Thessalonians 1:1 and 2:6).
8. Paul called Timothy a fellow apostle (I Thessalonians 1:1 and 2:6).

Talk to you again tomorrow,

Bill

Bill at 6, bat in hand, with sister Margie in Ely, Minnesota.

Hello,

Welcome to the start of a new week. We had one of our best and most anointed services of the year this morning. We began a new series on what Jesus is doing today. The present day ministry of Jesus. What has Jesus been up to since His resurrection from the dead.

The Gospels tell us about the earthly ministry of Jesus before his resurrection. The Epistles tell us what Jesus is doing now, after His resurrection. Beginning with this first lesson we have all the teachings available on our church website. Be sure to listen, I know you will be blessed.

The Epistles tell us what Jesus did for us. What Jesus is doing for us now. What the Holy Spirit is doing for us now as believers. There has never been a better time to be a born again believer. A true Christian. Full of faith and full of power. Full of God's Word and filled with the Holy Spirit. Is there any reason you can't receive Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior right now? Be sure to check our website and find out just how easy it is.

Have a great week,

Bill

Bill at 5, as Davey Crockett, and sister Margie in Ely, Minnesota.

Hi,

What a beautiful day in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Many things are happening in the United States of America. We are blessed by the Lord and that has enabled us, as a country, to be a blessing to the world. God's law of sowing and reaping has applied to our country as well as our individual lives.

We must continue to pray for the peace of Israel and Jerusalem, as well as our enemies. By doing this, God's Word promises our continued protection, provision and safety.

God bless the USA.

Bill

Cowboy Bill at 4 in Ely, Minnesota!

Happy Friday!

Friday is the day that I share my interests and let you know what is happening in the upcoming week.

Friday night is always prayer meeting from 6:30-8:00 pm. It's always a fun and exciting time in the Holy Spirit to insure a blessed weekend. Friends, family and relatives will be gathering for New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox baseball, outdoor barbeque, and a movie.

Saturday begins with morning prayer from 6:00-7:00 am. A 10:00 am. tennis doubles match with Roxy against Kristine and Brian. Enjoying the outdoors cooking on the grill in the early afternoon. Yankees/Red Sox game 2 at 3:00 pm. Popcorn and a movie after the game.

Sunday, starting out the coming week with morning prayer, adult Bible study with Robin and worship service at 10:30, where I will be starting a new series entitled Jesus Today (what Jesus is doing now). Before the Vikings game we'll be enjoying the outdoors and grilling. The Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions kickoff at 3:00. The weekend ends with the Yankees/Red Sox game 3 at 7:00 pm. at Fenway Park in Boston, Roger Clemens pitching against Curt Schilling.

Next week the Yankees play their final homestand of the regular season when they host the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays in their final push to the playoffs.

Have a great weekend,

Bill

Bill at 3 in Ely, Minnesota, with baby sister Margie.

Do You Know Your Bible?
Answers to previous quiz.

1. g (2 Kings 9:20)
2. d (2 Kings 5:1, 14)
3. h (Judges 16:3)
4. j (Genesis 32:24)
5. i (Exodus 15:20)
6. c (2 Samuel 18:19-23)
7. a (Luke 19:2-4)
8. b (2 Samuel 22:30)
9. f (1 Kings 18:44-46)
10. e (Matthew 14:29)

New Quiz: All the King's Horses
Match each king, from the top list, to an event with his horse(s), from the bottom list.

1. Pharoah
2. Ahab
3. Hezekiah
4. Solomon
5. Amaziah
6. Jehu
7. David
8. Jehoshaphat
9. Ben-hadad
10. Aheusurus

A. His royal horse was used to honor a man by letting him ride the steed through city streets.
B. He crippled captured chariot horses, with the exception of 100 which he kept for his own use.
C. He lost all his horse-drawn chariots in a sea
D. When hhis army panicked and fled, he rode a horse to escape the enemy.
E. During a famine he set out with another man to find grass to feed his horses and mules.
F. This richest and wisest of kings had 4,000 stalls of horses and chariots.
G. The king of Assyria promised him 2,000 horses if he had that number of soldiers left from a battle who could ride them.
H. He had the reputation of being a fast chariot driver, and rode to Jezreel to find king Joram.
I. After he was killed by assassins in Lachish, he was carried to his grave on horseback.
J. He agreed to go to battle with king Jehoram telling him, "my horses are thy horses".

Answers and a new quiz will be posted next Thursday. Have a great day!

Bill

Bill at 2 in Ely, Minnesota.

Wake up world! Jesus is coming back soon!

Wednesday is world news day on my blog. Many people think the events in the world are not related to Bible prophecy. When the United Sates of America encouraged Israel to give away land to it's enemies, then an earthquake, hurricane, flood or some other disaster hits our country, many people think they are two isolated events. When a European country comes against the nation of Israel and then some terrorist incident occurs in that country, people think that's coincidence. When Israel persecutes it's own people in a political move, they wonder why their enemies come against them. Is that just coincidence? When the United Nations condemns Israel for some of it's actions unjustly, United Nations scandals are revealed for the whole world to see. Is that just an accident? The Bible says:

Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly (completely) of the Lord (even the events that seem accidental are really ordered by Him).

Think about these words, they affect your future!

Bill

A view from the Metrodome for Sunday's home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

Another Metrodome view as the Vikings and Falcons battle in their first regular season game.

Nick and Roxy at our post-game restaurant, Granite City in Roseville.

Kristine and Bill, obviously happy after a BIG Vikings win.

Hi,

Tuesday is family day on my blog. On Sunday Roxy and I made the drive to the Twin Cities. After picking up Nick at his house near the Hamline campus, we drove downtown to Minneapolis to meet up with Kristine. It was a beautiful sunny day as we walked a few blocks from our car to the Metrodome for the Vikings home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

We had a great time at the game as the Vikings won 24-3. Kevin Williams and Antoine Winfield returned interceptions for touchdowns. Rookie running back Adrian Peterson caught a short pass and turned it into a long touchdown run and Ryan Longwell kicked a 49 yard field goal. The Vikings defense recorded 6 sacks of the quarterback. The Vikings only had 1 turnover and 4 penalties in a solid opening day win.

The opening day crowd was loud and supportive and it was a great family experience. After the game we drove to Roseville, Minnesota, to one of Kristine's favorite restaurants. I had a fantastic London Broil as we celebrated and enjoyed one another's company.

Nick is starting his second week of classes at Hamline University. Kristine and Brian are coming to Ladysmith to spend the weekend. Roxy and I are looking forward to playing that "Dynamic Duo" in doubles at the local tennis courts.

Have a great day,

Bill