SuperDaddy!

Yup...Superdaddy is on a holding pattern this week again....but I'm teetering on a gain if I don't step it up. I actually tracked my hours last week between my last week of frantically packing up my classroom for summer, and one of the busiest weeks in real estate ever.....about 90 hours on the clock between my now two full time jobs. No wonder I never hit the gym this week! Next week I start just one job for the whole summer....and I wrote 2 contracts last week so I lightened my real estate load, too. AMEN! What do we have, sarge, one more official week? Then by golly, I'm going to break -12 pounds (gotta' lose about 4 pounds!). Sounds kind of pathetic, actually...but it's a start. Jon

The idea of "prosperity gospel" has been tied into many big churches and TV programs for many years and it is a MAN-MADE belief, not a GOD-BREATHED idea from the scripture. You need only to look at Christ's example and words to see that worldly riches are meaningless. Christ walked the earth with very little more than the clothes on his back. God DOES REWARD PEOPLE with riches that are not of this earth, however. Just as clearly as the Bible teaches against greed/money and "idol worship" of material things (did you know that the Bible teaches about money more than any other subject...including love?), the Bible is very clear about telling us to "store up our treasures in heaven". The reward is great to the faithful in heaven. No...that does not believe that you earn salvation...but the Bible speaks of reward and station to faithful men and women. The problem is....the church is made up of a bunch of messed up sinners just like every other institution. We have good intentions but we are humans with selfish flaws that cloud the vision God intended. I receive the little tithing envelopes from my church that Wheatsin mentioned, but it is only for organization and tax recording for me. I am not commanded to tithe by my church...I'M COMMANDED BY GOD TO GIVE BACK TO HIM A TITHE. It's my challenge from him to trust God to provide...and so I am to give with a cheerful heart. To whom much is given, much is required- that's a scripture quote (I do not have time to reference it right now), so thoes with much to share have a great challenge to do so. Somebody must support the local church and it's ministry, and it should be the believers who are attending the church. They receive no income or state funding. I'm sorry that your local church has witnessed to you in such a negative way, Wheatsin. PLEASE DO NOT USE THAT ONE NEGATIVE EXAMPLE TO DETERMINE THE VALUE OF CHURCHES AS A WHOLE. That's a plea to all of you! Just as you cannot discriminate against a whole race because of a few misguided people, the same is true for the body of church. Here's the truth...I would love to be finanacially whole and strong forever. Compared to 90% of the world's population, my income in America is tremendous. The average family in Uganda currently lives on $1 a day...and here I'm complaining that it costs me $9 to wash by new car! I'd rather have much than little...but that does not and will never determine MY VALUE. I'm a sinner saved only by God's grace. It's not something that I earned or could ever deserve. Jesus Christ's gift of salvation and sacrifice is the only thing that makes me truly RICH! Watching my daughter pray to Jesus and invite him to be a part of her life....now that was the moment that I stood in awe of how untouchably wealthy I already am, and how meaningless worldly pursuits are. God DOES make you rich....but it has NOTHING to do with cars, houses, or bank accounts. If Christ is your saviour, and you've allowed his love and forgiveness to envelope you...then great is your reward! Some day I wish for him to look at me, a messed up sinner, and say "Well done, good and faithful servant". God Bless you all, LBT. May God pursue you with a passion and make his presence in your life abundant. Jon

Well Sarge....sometimes little news is good news. So although I did only lose one teeny wussy little pound...by golly, it was the first Memorial Day weekend up at the Lake that I did not overeat, drink any alcohol, or simply "graze" on snacks all day. So Boo-hoo and hooray all at once. Jon

I laughed for several minutes at the "food porn" NJ! hee hee hee...just smiled again! For the record...Marshmallow flavored syrup from the coffee shop=wasted calories. Marshmallow fluff spreadable from the jar....FABULOUS! Time to lay off the food porn. Jon

I laughed for several minutes at the "food porn" NJ! hee hee hee...just smiled again! For the record...Marshmallow flavored syrup from the coffee shop=wasted calories. Marshmallow fluff spreadable from the jar....FABULOUS! Time to lay off the food porn. Jon

I've known my wife since I was 5 years old! We grew up in church together, taught Sunday school together, and dated since I was 15 years old. Now 16 years later (11 of them married), we're happier than ever! Seriously...find your ONE TRUE LOVE at a local church...and I believe with everything in me that God will then allign your heart with a soul mate and reveal a great plan for you if you plug into a local community of earnest people! God bless you on your journey! Jon

Oh my gosh....quit passing out meth at snack time kids! Jon

um....huh? Jon

The Bandster boys chime in....B-E-A-U-T-I-ful! Your have a knockout smile and you can see a dramatic difference in those pictures. Nothing to be down about, are you kidding? Keep up the great work and the weight will keep shedding off. God Bless you! Jon

I'll keep forgetting to send picks of our new house (no...I didn't manage to spend a million...but I have several million-dollar homes in our neighborhood). It varies in Minneapolis area, but average price is around $265k for under 2,000 sqft, 3-4 beds and 2 + baths. In my new neighborhood off a big man-made lake...a million will buy you about half of that square footage if it's done dramatically. Finish is everything here. I could get better more square footage for what I paid, but granite, oak, maple, customizing....boy it all adds up. I think our neighborhood average is about $350-500. we have several on the Water at 1.4 and 1.8million, though.....nice neighbors to have when I go to sell! I'm kind of the poor guy around my hood....but I don't mind a bit! Jon

Aww shucks. Now I can grin all day! Thanks to Kim...who I'm sure looks nothing like like Keith Urban!? (uh, that's the guy in that pic, right?) Jon

Katherine repeated two songs that made them both sound tired. The last songs that were written for the cometition (?) were awful cheese-fests...much like the season ending songs "moment like this" and "flying without wings", etc. Hicks was the only original last night. Bad finish to a good season (IMHO). Taylor should win...no wait, that rocker Chris should still win even though he was kicked off! Jon

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. THIS is what support should be about. I agree with Telly that it would seem as if our board is under some serious attack (spiritual warfare?). Blessing to you all. Jon

I'll have you know that Delarla called me a sexy boyfriend...and some nice lady here winked at me online yesterday. Your harem is in jeopardy of full-scale mutiny! Hah! Big Paul....go eat something starchy! Your overachieving a little too close to me (way to go, man!) BTW, I just dipped toward 55 pounds this week. I will be below 280 for the first time in YEARS this weekend if I stay with it. NSV for SuperDaddy! Have a great day, gang! Jon

Love the sinner, hate the sin. I think I learned that in Kindergarten Sunday School! We have governing rules at LBT just like we have rules at work, school, public places...because we need guidance to all exercise and enjoy our freedoms TOGETHER. In real estate, when you buy property, you are entitled to undisturbed QUIET enjoyment of the land you own. Why is "quiet" in that freedom? Because by the very nature of your rights, you are also to enable people to enjoy their freedoms around you as well. Respect, integrity, maturity...let YOUR freedom coexist with other people's freedom. This is true at LBT as well. I love visiting this board. Let's keep it edifying and worthwhile for each other, shall we? Jon

Love the sinner, hate the sin. I think I learned that in Kindergarten Sunday School! We have governing rules at LBT just like we have rules at work, school, public places...because we need guidance to all exercise and enjoy our freedoms TOGETHER. In real estate, when you buy property, you are entitled to undisturbed QUIET enjoyment of the land you own. Why is "quiet" in that freedom? Because by the very nature of your rights, you are also to enable people to enjoy their freedoms around you as well. Respect, integrity, maturity...let YOUR freedom coexist with other people's freedom. This is true at LBT as well. I love visiting this board. Let's keep it edifying and worthwhile for each other, shall we? Jon

Delarla- Oh Dear Dear Delarla. How boring life would be without you in LBT! Forget hijacking controversial threads...we just all want to talk on your threads! Lighthouses, Latex, non-failure mode....all of it is glorious. Uh Jack....I'm having a difficult time clearing that Vin Diesel/Jack picture out of my head from about 5 threads ago!! Have a deeeeelightful Day! Jon - Official member of Lisa's Bandster Boys

Here's a few big prayer requests. This has been a big week in my house. 1. Please pray for miraculous healing for my Mother-in-law Audrey. She has bravely battled Inflammatory Carcinoma for 3 years. It's one of those breast cancers that make doctors say "oooh, that kind of cancer. Sorry". She was given 12 months nearly two years ago. After countless chemos, surgeries, radiation, her lung collapsed twice this week. Cancer has ravaged her lungd, lymph system...everywhere. She's fought hard...but this week has shown how she's wearing down. ...But God's promise to me is that I can plead to him for my heart's desire. God is so faithful and loving. He does not say I have to qualify my pleas with "Lord, if it's your will...." so I pray for complete healing. It will take a miracle, but my God is still the God of miracles and he can save her even in the eleventh hour. She is a believer, and I know her heart is secure. I will not be angry with God if it is not his will for her to be healed, but I pray nonetheless that my children can know her greater,longer. Which brings me to our other BIG prayer request.... 2. I want Audrey to meet a perfect, healthy little baby in January. My wife is pregnant, but we hold our breathe in fervant prayer as the baby devlops right now. My wife has had 2 awful miscarraiges in the past 18months. Please Lord, send a healthy little one that we can love and nurture, and let her meet her grandma! Thanks. Grace and Peace to you. Jon

Yeah...too bad for Vin that's exactly what the Bandster boys look like in the shower! Yup...the spittin' image. The pictures are on the way...in about 75 pounds! I think if you look at that picture close enough you can see his ego popping out underneath his pecs -Your humble bandster, Jon

Well...SuperDaddy just held steady this week at 283. I should be happy with that considering the crazy week of real estate I had...but it seems like a waste to not lose weight when summer is COMING! Missed the gym and missed eating healthier at home. This week I'll try and make up for it! Jon-

That's it....I'm huntin' down that Jack character. Jack Attack!!!! He's stealing all of our women. Harrrrr to you! I was on Delarla's boyfriend list for awhile....but alas, I think I've been dumped. You're all very silly, very wonderful people! Jon

Thanks for the kind words Gentle Spirit! I wish I was so deserving! God Bless You! Jon

Actually Paul....you're kind of a skinny little twerp now! Way to go. Holy Crap! I need to hustle. Jon

SuperDaddy....because that's my passion in life: my kids! I grew up as "JJ", my dad named me Jon J. because he thought JJ would look good on a football program! He was Mr. Minnesota in football and was given a full ride to play for the Minnesota Gophers in the 60's. I had a football inmy crib. All through high school and college I was "JJ", middle linebacker. Problem is...even when you're pretty good that's a short gig! Now I'm Jon the professional singer, Jon the Realtor, Jon the third grader teacher...but what I want to be remembered for someday is that I was Jon, the man of integrity, the good husband and the great father. I'm successful in two (and a 1/2) careers that I focus on to provide for my family. I read books, attend Bible studies, and lead worship in my church as an example for my kids to follow. I want to be a rock star Dad...a Super Daddy. You know what? They love me...even though I'm obese still! But I'm here, post surgery, because I want to get healthy and be here for them for as long as the Lord will allow me to enjoy them. And the superhero avatar is here to stay. If that goofy costume came in my size, I'd own a dozen of them! Jon "JJ" SuperDaddy!

SuperDaddy....because that's my passion in life: my kids! I grew up as "JJ", my dad named me Jon J. because he thought JJ would look good on a football program! He was Mr. Minnesota in football and was given a full ride to play for the Minnesota Gophers in the 60's. I had a football inmy crib. All through high school and college I was "JJ", middle linebacker. Problem is...even when you're pretty good that's a short gig! Now I'm Jon the professional singer, Jon the Realtor, Jon the third grader teacher...but what I want to be remembered for someday is that I was Jon, the man of integrity, the good husband and the great father. I'm successful in two (and a 1/2) careers that I focus on to provide for my family. I read books, attend Bible studies, and lead worship in my church as an example for my kids to follow. I want to be a rock star Dad...a Super Daddy. You know what? They love me...even though I'm obese still! But I'm here, post surgery, because I want to get healthy and be here for them for as long as the Lord will allow me to enjoy them. And the superhero avatar is here to stay. If that goofy costume came in my size, I'd own a dozen of them! Jon "JJ" SuperDaddy!