Send me any comments you have.
DonB!
December 29, 2008
December 27, 2008
Laughter IS good medicine
The first thing I do when I meet someone with a grouchy attitude is to find myself thinking, "What could have possibly happened that was so bad that they act that way?"
Those that have known me for years know that I used to react in an exaggerated way when things upset me. I got extremely angry and outspoken. It was a terrible thing to be known for.
I would like to think that I now take a different approach to anxiety, frustration and other upsetting circumstances. Due to my own off-center sense of humor I tend to allow things to roll off my back much easier, and go on with life as it should be instead of how I want it to be.
Humor is a life-saver, and here are some great quotes I've found:
Humor is the affectionate communication of insight.
Leo Rosten
If you could choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
Jennifer Jones
A sense of humor... is needed armor. Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.
Hugh Sidey
Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it.
E. B. White
Leo Rosten
If you could choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
Jennifer Jones
A sense of humor... is needed armor. Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.
Hugh Sidey
Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it.
E. B. White
Enjoy life and all of the surprises it brings. Many times your two choices are to laugh or cry. Trust me, laughing will take you much further, and give you more, needed relief.
Happy almost New Year.
DonB!
December 23, 2008
An interesting thing happened on the way to school
Today, my daughter, Deanna, asked me to come into her history class and show a few of my favorite magic tricks. It is only a half-day of school before Christmas vacation, and there really aren't any assignments being handed out or getting turned in. Why magic tricks in a history class? Because Deanna's history teacher also does some magic in the classroom, and when Deanna told him what I do for a living, he suggested she bring me in some time. So I did.
Why do I tell you this? Deanna feels challenged by this teacher on more than one level, mainly because of her faith. But when Deanna told him I was a professional magician, he said "prove it", and bring me into class sometime.
Apparently this teacher has also asked Deanna to defend her beliefs from time to time. From Deanna's recollections, this teacher is not a Christian.
This teacher asked her "how can you believe in creation, when you can't prove it?" She said he asks other similar questions, regarding God, Jesus, Christianity, etc. Not because he believes, but more as if he's asking, "How can you possibly believe THAT?!"
My first reaction was to think, "How dare he question her belief system, when he can't prove his own beliefs, such as species-to-species evolution, entropy is regards to higher evolution and other small things like that." But then, things changed.
In MY mind they changed.
I realized that the quote by Friedrich Nietzsche stating,
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger"
is true in this situation. I think EVERYONE, regardless of what they believe should be questioned and challenged about WHAT they believe, WHY they believe it and what the BENEFITS of their belief system are. If you don't understand your OWN faith, then why believe it in the first place?
I think that if this teacher is simply challenging her to explain her beliefs, and not belittling nor condemning her for them, then I think it will deepen her understanding of her Christianity. It's not going to kill her to be faced with those questions, so my hope is that it will MAKE HER STRONGER.
Does this mean I can explain every little nook and cranny of knowledge about God and Jesus and Christianity? Obviously not. But neither can scientists explain every nook and cranny about how the universe came to be, how species evolved from one to another, how if the universe is slowly running down how can there be higher life forms "evolving" from lower ones. I understand the evolutionary process involving "survival of the fittest", and how lions get to be stronger lions, giraffes get to be taller giraffes, but not how an iguana "evolved" into a dog.
I believe what I believe because 1) it makes the most sense to me, 2) it brings a hope and peace that I couldn't have if I trusted only in my own self for my survival, and 3) it has changed my life. If studying evolution brings those things to someone else, that's wonderful. For them. For now. But I hope he/she is ready to defend what they believe the same way that I am challenged to defend what I believe.
In the end, I have put my hope in God and the promises that he has laid out before me in the Bible. Am I an idiot? Some people would say so. But I'm sticking with it.
Oscar Wilde summarized it this way:
A man who does not think for himself does not think at all.
Think about it...
...and have a merry Christmas.
DonB!
December 19, 2008
Merry Christmas everyone
Merry Christmas everyone!
Greetings everyone. As we get nearer and nearer to December 25th, lights go upon houses, stockings are hung, we eat too many wonderful baked goods, and the music programs become more abundant.
Our church musical, "Journey to Bethlehem", as well as the high school choir concert, were both postponed due to the frigid cold we had last Sunday. The church musical was presented on Wednesday instead and all went well, despite the music director being laid up at home in bed. The high school musical is rescheduled for next Monday.
Greetings everyone. As we get nearer and nearer to December 25th, lights go upon houses, stockings are hung, we eat too many wonderful baked goods, and the music programs become more abundant.
Our church musical, "Journey to Bethlehem", as well as the high school choir concert, were both postponed due to the frigid cold we had last Sunday. The church musical was presented on Wednesday instead and all went well, despite the music director being laid up at home in bed. The high school musical is rescheduled for next Monday.
This is the first in 6 years that I have not worked for UPS during the month of December, due the desire to get a lot of my own ministry tasks accomplished. I spent about 60 hours editing and reediting the church musical video segments. I've been learning more and more about PhotoShop and the fun ways to use it. I'd love to say that I've spent much of the time cleaning around the house, but...(insert laughter here).
I've been working on a couple of new routines for my shows, but I can't disclose what they are at this time until they are done and ready to try out on an audience. Watch for them: one has to do with fishing, and one has to do with juggling, but it's not by me. I also have started working on a bigger project that should be ready by Summer, and it will start showing up at corporate events by June (I hope).
Our family has chosen to spend less $$$ this year at Christmas time than in the past. One of the things we opted not to do is set up a Christmas tree (it was already December 6th). Deanna wasn't too happy about that, so she and 2 of her friends took the task upon themselves, and when we arrived home that weekend, we found this sitting in the living room:
It looks very Charlie Brown-like, and we love it. I think there are less than 100 total needles on the entire tree. We love it.
I want to encourage all of you, whether these are lean times or richer times, to simply think about all of the blessings that your family has experienced this year. Take a moment and thank God for his great love for us, and for the birth of his son, Jesus.
Merry Christmas everyone,
DonB! and Family.
Our family has chosen to spend less $$$ this year at Christmas time than in the past. One of the things we opted not to do is set up a Christmas tree (it was already December 6th). Deanna wasn't too happy about that, so she and 2 of her friends took the task upon themselves, and when we arrived home that weekend, we found this sitting in the living room:
It looks very Charlie Brown-like, and we love it. I think there are less than 100 total needles on the entire tree. We love it.
I want to encourage all of you, whether these are lean times or richer times, to simply think about all of the blessings that your family has experienced this year. Take a moment and thank God for his great love for us, and for the birth of his son, Jesus.
Merry Christmas everyone,
DonB! and Family.
November 21, 2008
For those who like words...
I was shown a website that generates word images based on blog feeds or internet sites. So I tried it, and it generated this image:
Now try it with your own text. it would make a great logo or t-shirt printing.
DonB!
UPDATE: I forgot to give you the link to the site. Click HERE.
Now try it with your own text. it would make a great logo or t-shirt printing.
DonB!
UPDATE: I forgot to give you the link to the site. Click HERE.
November 13, 2008
Bursell family involved with Pirates
I am so proud of my family. They were all 3 involved with the Junior High production of the Pirates of Penzance Jr. at our local high school.
Click HERE to read about it, as well as see a nice photo of Dale as the Modern Major General.
Martin Luther's Wisdom
My good friend, Randy Christensen, sent this quote to me. It reiterates the idea I've felt for so long that the Gospel, spoken in simple words and actions, is most easily understood by most people.
“Cursed be every preacher who aims at lofty topics in the church, looking for his own glory and selfishly desiring to please one individual or another. When I preach I adapt myself to the circumstances of the common people. I don’t look at the doctors and master…but at the young people and children. It is to them that I devote myself. Take pains to be simple and direct.”
- Martin Luther
November 12, 2008
Another fantastic "Sens de Vie" trip
I returned home from Dallas, Texas, yesterday, and I slept about 10 hours last night into today. Needless to say, I am tired.
I flew into Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was picked up by a friend from Sandia Presbyterian Church, Mike Malony, who took me around Albuquerque until it was time for lunch. We had some great Mexican food, and then he dropped me off at the hotel for a little rest.
The rest of the Sens crew showed up that afternoon, and we all got a good night's rest.
On Friday we did the show in Sandia Presbyterian Church to a very responsive group.
We then drove down to Ruidoso, New Mexico, arriving early in the morning hours. I was able to get about 5 hours of sleep before heading over to the venue at noon to help with the set-up that Josh and Danny has begun at 9 AM. This time the stage size was very small, but everyone agreed that we would do the full show on it anyway. And we did it. It involved a lot of lifting of illusions on & off the stage throughout the show, but the audience never knew the amount of work we were doing backstage to make it happen.
We chose to spend the night there in Ruidoso. The next morning it was remembered that BJ was supposed to do a presentation in the church in Artesia that morning. So with Josh at the wheel, we were able to make the drive in lightning speed, just in time for BJ to walk into church at 10:20 for his part.
While he performed at church, the rest of us went to the show venue and began the set-up. Of all of the volunteers that helped us on this tour, the guys in Artesia were the best. When the winch we use broke during load-in, two guys sat down on the floor and fixed it. When the 2 big illusions that I am responsible for needed assembling, at least 6 guys jumped in to help, setting record time for complete set-up. (Usually it takes about 1.5 hours to set-up the 2 big illusions. This day we did both in under 25 minutes!)
Here's an idea of what our day is like on the road: I wake around 6:30AM, eat, shower and pack. I start unloading by 9 or 10AM at the venue. Unloading takes about an hour, depending on how many extra people help us. Set-up takes until about 3 or 4 PM, when we usually sit down to a quick dinner backstage. The doors open at 6, with the show at 7 PM. The show runs just over 2 hours. We go out and meet the audience in the lobby for about 30 minutes, and then change I change out of my performing clothes. Tear down takes about 90 minutes. Loading takes another 60-75 minutes, and then we go for dinner somewhere. I have been getting to bed by 12 midnight (at the earliest) and 2:30 AM at the latest. The next day we do it all over again somewhere else. IT'S A BLAST! Really!
All 3 shows these days went really well. Almost all of the technical and staging glitches were gone, and the audiences were so responsive. All 3 shows ended with standing ovations.
When I think about the "Sens de Vie" show, it amazes me that with only 6 people on the road (and one dog), that such a large production can happen. It is a HUGE show for 6 people to do, but it happens, and has done so for almost 10 shows now.
Please stay tuned to my blog here, or to BJ's website for future dates to be announced. Or, join us in Dayton, Tennessee, on November 16th for this year's final "Sens de Vie" performance.
NOTE: Wonderful pictures to be posted here after this weekend. I've seen them, and they are fantastic!
October 8, 2008
October 7, 2008
PC and Mac: DonB! now uses both!
After looking at laptop computers for 3 years, and wondering when I would actually get around to purchasing one, it finally happened.
Thanks to 2 generous gifts from supporters of DonB! Ministries, I went and bought a laptop. The change for me is that it is a MacBook, and not a Windows-based PC. So now I have two different computers, running two totally separate types of programs. The good news is that I now can continue working even while I am on the road (which will be quite a bit in the next 5 weeks).
The reason that I went with a Mac is this: I talked with graphic artists that I know, and ALL OF THEM said that if I plan to continue doing my own photographs and web photos, a Mac is more stable (no crashes) and runs much faster. And they are right. This computer loads fast, runs fast and is very "intuitive", meaning that if I don't know how to accomplish something, I experiment with what seems right to me, and I'm usually right!
So, next time you find me travelling, ask to see my newest baby, born only yesterday.
DonB!
September 25, 2008
Photos from "Sens de Vie" Show
Here are a few photos from the show I did in Georgia with BJ Harris.
In the audience Pre-Show.
A light moment with BJ
My Plate Spinning, without any injuries.
The Amazing Sawing A Woman in Half Illusion
On My 7-foot Unicycle
September 23, 2008
Feeling that God can't use you?
This excerpt is taken from the SundaySchoolNetwork.com newsletter. It is an interesting perspective on who God chose to be teachers of his word.
Noah was a drunk
Now, no more excuses! God can use you to your full potential...Besides you aren't the message,you are just the messenger. And one more thing...Share this with a friend or two...In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your full potential.
The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zacchaeus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer...
AND
Lazarus was dead!
Now, no more excuses! God can use you to your full potential...Besides you aren't the message,you are just the messenger. And one more thing...Share this with a friend or two...In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your full potential.
DonB! and "Sens de Vie" Show
An amazing new touring show, "Sens de Vie", featuring illusionist B.J. Harris is hitting the road. And DonB! is a big part of it.
I spent a week in Franklin, Tennessee, working with BJ Harris and his managers (former Audio Adrenaline members) on this new touring show. I could try and describe it, but I will instead provide you with some links to information about it.
To see the promotional video click HERE
To see BJ describe the purpose behind the show click HERE
We did the show for the first time in Jekyl Island, Georgia, and it was a huge success. Amazing lighting, curtains, sound, and the show itself is probably the highest quality 3-performer show I've ever been a part of.
If you can get out and see the show, wherever it tours to over the next 2 years, do it. You will be glad you did.
Wow! Look who DonB! is with
WOW! I opened the page of artist listings for the upcoming K-Love Friends and Family Cruise I am performing on in January, and saw this listing: ARTISTS
It is a real honor to be listed among so many talented people.
What a blessed time in my life. Every day I am reminded of how much God has put into my life that adds value and meaning to it. I have a great wife, 2 beautiful kids, a family that all are unique and extremely smart and talented in their own individual ways, friends that span the globe (literally) in all walks of life, performing opportunities that go far beyond anything I could have ever imagined or hoped for and so many other things that I cannot begin to try and list them all.
I constantly ask myself how people, that don't have a personal relationship with God through his son, Jesus, ever find deep joy in their lives. Happiness: Yes, but not true joy that goes beyond our circumstances.
What an amazing God we serve.
It is a real honor to be listed among so many talented people.
What a blessed time in my life. Every day I am reminded of how much God has put into my life that adds value and meaning to it. I have a great wife, 2 beautiful kids, a family that all are unique and extremely smart and talented in their own individual ways, friends that span the globe (literally) in all walks of life, performing opportunities that go far beyond anything I could have ever imagined or hoped for and so many other things that I cannot begin to try and list them all.
I constantly ask myself how people, that don't have a personal relationship with God through his son, Jesus, ever find deep joy in their lives. Happiness: Yes, but not true joy that goes beyond our circumstances.
What an amazing God we serve.
September 12, 2008
A great quote about kids.
While waiting for my plane at the Minneapolis-St.Paul airport, I walked into a small store and saw this saying:
Isn't that true? For some folks, having kids is not an option, or they've chosen not to. I simply hope that each of them allows the laughter of a kid to permeate their life. What a joy. I've always said that there is no better sound than a baby, or a young kid, laughing.
The above quote is from a website, Story People. It contains many unique and fun sayings regarding life. Feel free to check out their site HERE.
DonB!
There are lives I can imagine without children but none of them have the same laughter & noise.
Isn't that true? For some folks, having kids is not an option, or they've chosen not to. I simply hope that each of them allows the laughter of a kid to permeate their life. What a joy. I've always said that there is no better sound than a baby, or a young kid, laughing.
The above quote is from a website, Story People. It contains many unique and fun sayings regarding life. Feel free to check out their site HERE.
DonB!
September 7, 2008
Some will laugh. Others won't get it.
I found this stupid saying in one of my emails today. Being an entertainer, I look for things that mention "unicycles" and "stilts". Laugh if you want. -DonB!
"I think that instead of burning people at the stake, we should have burned them at the STILTS. That way, it would last longer and it would be fun to watch them run around." Jack Handey
Touring Adventures
I'm writing this from a big RV that I am travelling in with 5 other people. We are returning back to Franklin, Tennessee, after presenting the first show of the "BJ Harris Variety Road Show" in Jekyl Island, Georgia. This was the first show of a tour that is being named "Sens de Vie" which means "Meaning of Life".
It was a 2-hour show, obviously featuring magician/illusionist BJ Harris. I was involved with the show as the preshow act, the juggler, the unicyclist and the plate spinner. Right before going onstage for my first act, the lapel microphone I was scheduled to use wasn't working properly. On a whim, I said "I'll do it all silently, without talking." I wasn't sure how I was going to accomplish it, but IT WORKED!
I performed my Ring Juggling routine, followed by the Unicycle Medley. Performed solely to music, it was a challenge for me, but it was a challenge I enjoyed. In the 2nd half of the show, I then performed the Spinning Plates routine that many of you have seen over the years. I was told afterward, by the producer of the show, thhat it was this routine that "makes it for the audience". In other words, he felt that this routine was the capstone of what my character can be/do. It was a good compliment.
I had a little time to see the ocean, take a 2 hour morning walk and listen to a couple of sermon podcasts while I walked.
I will post some pictures, as well as links, when I get home to Minnesota tomorrow.
DonB!
It was a 2-hour show, obviously featuring magician/illusionist BJ Harris. I was involved with the show as the preshow act, the juggler, the unicyclist and the plate spinner. Right before going onstage for my first act, the lapel microphone I was scheduled to use wasn't working properly. On a whim, I said "I'll do it all silently, without talking." I wasn't sure how I was going to accomplish it, but IT WORKED!
I performed my Ring Juggling routine, followed by the Unicycle Medley. Performed solely to music, it was a challenge for me, but it was a challenge I enjoyed. In the 2nd half of the show, I then performed the Spinning Plates routine that many of you have seen over the years. I was told afterward, by the producer of the show, thhat it was this routine that "makes it for the audience". In other words, he felt that this routine was the capstone of what my character can be/do. It was a good compliment.
I had a little time to see the ocean, take a 2 hour morning walk and listen to a couple of sermon podcasts while I walked.
I will post some pictures, as well as links, when I get home to Minnesota tomorrow.
DonB!
August 12, 2008
The Grin Doctors returned!
On April 29th, in Garrison, Minnesota, Mike Norton & I revived "The Grin Doctors" show as a community fundraiser for the Garrison Seniors Federation. The event was organized by Mike Norton and Mike Palkie, the pastor of Garrison Alliance Church.
For those of you that have not had the opportunity to see the Grin Doctors show in the past, it is a 90-minute variety show that takes the "best of" Mike's shows and the "best of" the DonB! shows, mixes in a little new stuff, and cranks it all out as a community fund raiser event.
Mike & I are hoping to present another version of it around Christmas time here in Mora, along with some music guests, great door prizes and some other surprises that WE don't even know about yet! Watch for the postings on it right here.
August 1, 2008
July 29, 2008
June, July updates
Hello, hello, hello. DonB! reporting in. Here is my latest journal/newsletter entry:
June 7th
I flew to Arkansas to work at Camp Quality, a place where kids and family members with cancer can have a special week all to themselves. I was invited by Chris Allison (one of my roommates at Ringling Brothers Clown College way back in 1984) of Cirque du Jour to work that week. It was an awesome week of teaching circus skills to kids aged 5-17. I taught various things, with my own focus on juggling in all aspects.
One of the 15 year old students, "Marie", started the week off very introverted, separating herself from others, taking an "I don't FEEL like doing that" attitude toward all of the circus stuff. Two of us circus staff befriended her, encouraging her to persist and not give up. We wouldn't let her have the bad attitude, but instead kept encouraging her to smile, to show her "good side" to others, and especially to show herself that her own image of herself could be better, but only with her own hard work.
Anyhow, at the end of the week, the campers put on a circus show for parents and other family members. Marie went out and did her part in 4 acts, and SHINED. She held her head high, she felt good about what she had accomplished, and I was proud of her.
When she signed my staff book at the end of the week, she actually wrote, "Thanks for not giving up on me, and pushing me to explore my own limits and abilities. I appreciate it." Wow. Comments like that really made the week worthwhile. Not to mention that I was able to celebrate my birthday (6/12) by flying on the outdoor flying trapeze and going across to the catcher for a successful plange. Happy 43rd Birthday to me, happy birthday to me...
June 16th
I drove down to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to perform for Oakland Church of the Nazarene's Upward Soccer Awards Night. According to the folks at the church, the whole soccer program was a huge success. We even saw at least 3 first-time decisions made that night. The church will continue to follow up with all of the folks that participated in the event.
After the show that night, and due to the extreme flooding that Cedar Rapids had been hit with, I made a trip over to one of the temporary shelters to perform for some of the folks that had been there almost 9 days by that time. They really seemed to appreciate some entertainment amidst that dreary time of patience and waiting.
June 27th
For the first time in almost 6 years I was able to attend the Minnesota gathering of magicians and illusionists at a conference called Close-Up and in the Parlour. I had the privilege of seeing some of the best magicians in the country perform and lecture, including a friend that that I hadn't talked with for a few years, Gregory Wilson. Greg is a great Christian, and he shares his faith openly and often in his work around the world.
I headed up to Trout Lake Camp near Emily, Minnesota, to perform for family camp that week. Program Director James Rock gave me a great tour of all the new offerings that Trout Lake has, including an indoor climbing wall, a downhill scooter run, a huge outdoor paintball area, a full skateboard park, a double 17 second long zip line ride, many new cabins built on the side of camp's sloping hills, a new chapel, and much much more that attracts families, and especially kids, to camp. The neat thing about Trout is that they bring in really strong Christian speakers and teachers for every camp session they run. Lives are being changed there almost every day of the year. Amazing!
July 13th
Our family drove down to Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to ride our unicycles in the Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days parade. We rode them, representing House of Hope Lutheran Church, my parent's church. The parade seemed longer than when I was a kid and rode in it with the Twin Cities Unicycle Club, but we had a blast.
July 17th
I had lunch with a Christian performer friend, Toby Travis, and learned of his life-changing plans. He recently has moved to Quito, Ecuador, to begin his preparation as a teacher of choral music, drama and performance ministry at a high school there. School starts in September, and it will be the first time he has used his formal education since receiving his doctorate a few years back. Please continue praying for Toby, as life has dealt him some other major blows in the last year. He can use prayer more than ever during this next year.
I returned back to Sonshine Music Fest in Willmar, Minnesota, for my second time. Children's pastor, and long time friend of mine, Randy Christensen, invited me back this year after a great time we had last year. I presented my DonB! Variety Show complete with a fun message for the families in attendance. It was great, in that I started with only about 60 people at the start of my show, but finished with the entire tent filled to standing room only. I would guess that there were about 300-400 people when I finished.
On my trip to Sonshine, my daughter, Deanna, and her friend, Libby, accompanied me. After my show was done, we walked around and found quite a few friends from the Mora area attending. We ended up spending the rest of the evening with Mike & Connie Hart (former Mora folk), listening to Pillar, FlyLeaf and our favorite, The Newsboys. What a great way to round out the day, praising God with the music of the Newsboys. It was great.
July 20th
The day started by my returning from Sonshine at 2:30 AM, and having to get up by 8 AM. We went to church, and then headed over to the community swimming pool for one of the highlights of the last year: our daughter, Deanna, was baptized in the swimming pool by her wonderful youth pastor, Tim Reynolds. Amazing and awesome to see her publicly state her desire to follow after Christ for the rest of her life. Praise God for his wonderful and unlimited blessings.
I then headed down to Elk River to do an outreach program for the kick-off of Vacation Bible School at River of Life Church. It was great to perform and speak before such a responsive crowd. I don't know the exact stats, but I believe there were at least 6 first time decisions made at my show that night. God is good, all the time.
July 21st
I drove to Hackensack, Minnesota, to do my first of 2 services/shows for Camp Patmos, a camp owned and run by Trinity Lutheran Church of Minnehaha Falls. I had the privilege of doing a show on Monday evening and also on Tuesday. I stayed right at the camp on Monday night, and had the day to run around with the campers and staff, playing games, swimming and trying the outdoor challenge course. This is a beautiful camp facility, and one to look into if you are looking for a simple, but relaxing place for you and your church to hold a retreat or getaway weekend.
July 24th
I drove down to New Hope and picked up one of my long-time juggling buddies, Craig Carlson. We then drove to Chanhassen, Minnesota, to do 4 hours of entertainment for Stratasys, Inc., the company that my uncle Del has worked for for many years. The neat thing for me about this event was the groups of people that just kept asking for more and more magic throughout the evening. In one case, I actually stood in one place and performed for over an hour for the 20 member group standing there. They kept challenging me to do something else, and thankfully my memory kept serving up more and more ideas to entertain with.
July 29th
Well, that about wraps up my travel adventures for the last 2 months. I have a lot to say on other topics, but they'll have to wait until I have a little more time.
Blessings to you all,
DonB!
June 7th
I flew to Arkansas to work at Camp Quality, a place where kids and family members with cancer can have a special week all to themselves. I was invited by Chris Allison (one of my roommates at Ringling Brothers Clown College way back in 1984) of Cirque du Jour to work that week. It was an awesome week of teaching circus skills to kids aged 5-17. I taught various things, with my own focus on juggling in all aspects.
One of the 15 year old students, "Marie", started the week off very introverted, separating herself from others, taking an "I don't FEEL like doing that" attitude toward all of the circus stuff. Two of us circus staff befriended her, encouraging her to persist and not give up. We wouldn't let her have the bad attitude, but instead kept encouraging her to smile, to show her "good side" to others, and especially to show herself that her own image of herself could be better, but only with her own hard work.
Anyhow, at the end of the week, the campers put on a circus show for parents and other family members. Marie went out and did her part in 4 acts, and SHINED. She held her head high, she felt good about what she had accomplished, and I was proud of her.
When she signed my staff book at the end of the week, she actually wrote, "Thanks for not giving up on me, and pushing me to explore my own limits and abilities. I appreciate it." Wow. Comments like that really made the week worthwhile. Not to mention that I was able to celebrate my birthday (6/12) by flying on the outdoor flying trapeze and going across to the catcher for a successful plange. Happy 43rd Birthday to me, happy birthday to me...
June 16th
I drove down to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to perform for Oakland Church of the Nazarene's Upward Soccer Awards Night. According to the folks at the church, the whole soccer program was a huge success. We even saw at least 3 first-time decisions made that night. The church will continue to follow up with all of the folks that participated in the event.
After the show that night, and due to the extreme flooding that Cedar Rapids had been hit with, I made a trip over to one of the temporary shelters to perform for some of the folks that had been there almost 9 days by that time. They really seemed to appreciate some entertainment amidst that dreary time of patience and waiting.
June 27th
For the first time in almost 6 years I was able to attend the Minnesota gathering of magicians and illusionists at a conference called Close-Up and in the Parlour. I had the privilege of seeing some of the best magicians in the country perform and lecture, including a friend that that I hadn't talked with for a few years, Gregory Wilson. Greg is a great Christian, and he shares his faith openly and often in his work around the world.
I headed up to Trout Lake Camp near Emily, Minnesota, to perform for family camp that week. Program Director James Rock gave me a great tour of all the new offerings that Trout Lake has, including an indoor climbing wall, a downhill scooter run, a huge outdoor paintball area, a full skateboard park, a double 17 second long zip line ride, many new cabins built on the side of camp's sloping hills, a new chapel, and much much more that attracts families, and especially kids, to camp. The neat thing about Trout is that they bring in really strong Christian speakers and teachers for every camp session they run. Lives are being changed there almost every day of the year. Amazing!
July 13th
Our family drove down to Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to ride our unicycles in the Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days parade. We rode them, representing House of Hope Lutheran Church, my parent's church. The parade seemed longer than when I was a kid and rode in it with the Twin Cities Unicycle Club, but we had a blast.
July 17th
I had lunch with a Christian performer friend, Toby Travis, and learned of his life-changing plans. He recently has moved to Quito, Ecuador, to begin his preparation as a teacher of choral music, drama and performance ministry at a high school there. School starts in September, and it will be the first time he has used his formal education since receiving his doctorate a few years back. Please continue praying for Toby, as life has dealt him some other major blows in the last year. He can use prayer more than ever during this next year.
I returned back to Sonshine Music Fest in Willmar, Minnesota, for my second time. Children's pastor, and long time friend of mine, Randy Christensen, invited me back this year after a great time we had last year. I presented my DonB! Variety Show complete with a fun message for the families in attendance. It was great, in that I started with only about 60 people at the start of my show, but finished with the entire tent filled to standing room only. I would guess that there were about 300-400 people when I finished.
On my trip to Sonshine, my daughter, Deanna, and her friend, Libby, accompanied me. After my show was done, we walked around and found quite a few friends from the Mora area attending. We ended up spending the rest of the evening with Mike & Connie Hart (former Mora folk), listening to Pillar, FlyLeaf and our favorite, The Newsboys. What a great way to round out the day, praising God with the music of the Newsboys. It was great.
July 20th
The day started by my returning from Sonshine at 2:30 AM, and having to get up by 8 AM. We went to church, and then headed over to the community swimming pool for one of the highlights of the last year: our daughter, Deanna, was baptized in the swimming pool by her wonderful youth pastor, Tim Reynolds. Amazing and awesome to see her publicly state her desire to follow after Christ for the rest of her life. Praise God for his wonderful and unlimited blessings.
I then headed down to Elk River to do an outreach program for the kick-off of Vacation Bible School at River of Life Church. It was great to perform and speak before such a responsive crowd. I don't know the exact stats, but I believe there were at least 6 first time decisions made at my show that night. God is good, all the time.
July 21st
I drove to Hackensack, Minnesota, to do my first of 2 services/shows for Camp Patmos, a camp owned and run by Trinity Lutheran Church of Minnehaha Falls. I had the privilege of doing a show on Monday evening and also on Tuesday. I stayed right at the camp on Monday night, and had the day to run around with the campers and staff, playing games, swimming and trying the outdoor challenge course. This is a beautiful camp facility, and one to look into if you are looking for a simple, but relaxing place for you and your church to hold a retreat or getaway weekend.
July 24th
I drove down to New Hope and picked up one of my long-time juggling buddies, Craig Carlson. We then drove to Chanhassen, Minnesota, to do 4 hours of entertainment for Stratasys, Inc., the company that my uncle Del has worked for for many years. The neat thing for me about this event was the groups of people that just kept asking for more and more magic throughout the evening. In one case, I actually stood in one place and performed for over an hour for the 20 member group standing there. They kept challenging me to do something else, and thankfully my memory kept serving up more and more ideas to entertain with.
July 29th
Well, that about wraps up my travel adventures for the last 2 months. I have a lot to say on other topics, but they'll have to wait until I have a little more time.
Blessings to you all,
DonB!
June 2, 2008
What a great life I've been given!
DonB! & Mike Norton heading for the 24-hour ice cream
When I look at the events I've done over the last few weeks, I realize how blessed I am.
On May 14th, I drove to Chaska, Minnesota, and did my school show for the students at Clover Ridge Elementary. They were great! I told how to build character into their lives, utilizing HONESTY, HARD WORK and RESPECT FOR THE ADULTS that can help them reach their goals in life. The teachers loved it, I loved it, and especially the kids loved it.
On that evening I drove to Willmar, Minnesota and performed at First Baptist Church for their year-end celebration of kid's club. Dinner was served first, and when everyone came upstairs for the show the placed was packed. My sound had a few glitches (my fault), but with a little improvisation it all went down just fine.
Then, from the 18th-23rd I worked my 4th cruise with Premiere Christian Cruises , again sailing out of Miami. This was the second time I have worked on the MusicBoat Cruise for them. I invited Magic Mike Norton, his wife, Kathy, and Norm Barnhart to perform along with me. It was another great experience at sea with other Christians.
Norm, Kathy, Me & Mike
The main music artists on the cruise were Casting Crowns, Toby Mac, Dallas Holm (a MAJOR highlight), NewSong (one of my favorites), Todd Agnew (another favorite), Hawk Nelson, as well as comedians Mike Williams, Lanny Moody and a newer band on the scene that you can watch for: Unspoken. They won the onboard Indie band competition (actually they tied for 1st place) and opened that night for Toby Mac and Ayesha Woods. They have a cross-cultural sound that is "outside the box" for most Christian music and I believe that it is that sound that will bring them to the forefront of Christian music very quickly.
On our way to snorkel in underground caverns.
Oh look! Norm made some new friends.The first night when we went to dinner, there were 2 empty seats at our table. Within 5 minutes, the "fillers" came and sat with us. To our great enjoyment it was Dallas Holm and his always smiling wife, Linda. Dallas performed the first concert of the cruise, and along with our favorite Dallas Holm songs, he also played some off of his new CD, Good News Blues. Between songs he told funny stories of life on the road and made us all laugh. A lot. To have Dallas and Linda at our table was a real treat.
Also, please pray for Linda Holm, as she has started her latest round of chemo (or radiation). You can find details on Dallas' website HERE. What a great family.
Club Juggling in the Ritz Lounge.
On May 27th I began filming for the new DVDs I will be releasing this Summer. Watch for them.
On June 1st, I returned to Woodland Hills Church in White Bear, MN. Patrick Showers invited me to open their summer ministry schedule, so I did. Two shows, each for all of the elementary kids at the church. Thanks Patrick for the invite.
A note of blessing: In 1989, when Debbie and I started in ministry work, Mary VanSickle, who at the time was at Trinity Baptist Church in Maplewood, MN, invited us to perform/minister at her church. She then passed our name onto 100s of other churches in the area, helping us expand our ministry around Minnesota. When I look back to 1989, she was one of 4 people that really kicked our ministry into full gear. I want to thank her for inviting me back, multiple times over the last 19 years, to her church. She's been at Woodland Hills Church now for....... a long time.
BIG THANKS goes to her, along with 3 other children's ministry directors that opened their doors right away to us: Dorothy Hansen (Wayzata Free Church), Barb Cionca (Calvary Church) and Phyllis VanRossum (Minnetonka Baptist). Because of them, I'm still here ministering around the country.
Well, I have to run. I am expected at my son's school at Noon to help disect pig hearts for biology. What a great life I have! All praise to God, the One that makes it all happen, in His time, in His will and in His way.
May 7, 2008
Flattering photo of DonB!
Today I was informed that I appear on a website, with a non-flattering photo of me during a show.
I am also told that the photos change constantly, so it may not be there tomorrow.
Here's the website: Willmar Assembly of God Church
DonB!
I am also told that the photos change constantly, so it may not be there tomorrow.
Here's the website: Willmar Assembly of God Church
DonB!
Ministry Report
Last week was a nice week. It was the first shows I've had after a really slow April.
On April 29th, Mike Norton and I presented a version of the "Grin Doctors" show in Garrison, MN, as a fundraiser for the Senior Community Alliance. It is a group of people that raise money to help folks in the community that need a little extra funding, or need manual labor help to complete work on thier homes or in their commmunity. We presented the show at the Blue Goose Inn, located on the shores of Lake Mille Lacs. The turn-out wasn't what they were hoping for, but they raised about $1000.00 for their projects. The show was organized by Pastor Mike Paulkie, a friend of our from the Garrison Alliance Church. He had the same vision as we did: the program was a way to show the good that the community, and the local churches, can do for the people of Garrison. It was a success according to Pastor Mike.
On May 1st I drove up to Fargo, North Dakota, and presented the "Professional Goofball Show" for Oak Grove Lutheran School. I had the opportunity to use the program to show how God really does have a special plan for each of our lives, and that when we choose to include God in our life, he can do amazing things beyond anything we could ever expect or imagine. The program was the last thing of the day at the school, so many kids stayed around for about 45 minnutes talking and asking questions. Kids are so cool with the questions and ideas they have. I then ended up signing about 70 autographs. So much fun.
That evening, Jim Sanders, from Century Financial Advisors, invited me to perform and speak at his client appreciation dinner (he also sponsored the school show in the afternoon). The neat thing was that Jim is a firm Christian and asked me to present my testimony and a challenge to the attendees at the dinner. I told them about my short time on the circus, and how it led me to become a Christian. I challenged the folks that within all aspects of their own lives, to include God, and the free gift that he offers of his Son, Jesus Christ, the goals and objectives have a much deeper meaning and purpose. It was a very fun group of people, and responsive to all parts that I talked about. Thanks, Jim, for the opportunity to share my faith with kids and adults, all within the same day. God is good. All the time.
After the Fargo evening program, I packed up and drove the 4.5 hours down to Minneapolis. I slept for 3 hours and then headed for the airport to catch a 6 AM flight to Bloomington, Illinois. Because of lightning, I was delayed in Chicago for 4 hours, arriving in Bloomington with just enough time to get set-up and ready for a show there. Bloomington Evangelical Free Church has built a beautiful new multi-purpose sanctuary/gymnasium, and I was asked to be the opening night speaker/entertainer. 200 people were expected, but I think there were closer to 300-350 in attendance, all sitting on the floor around the front of the new stage. I did a 50 minute program, including my testimony, emphasizing the personal invite that was given to me at 19 years old, to attend church with some friends, and how it was because of that invitation that I heard the Gospel presented in a way that I understood it. I encouraged those that were visitors that night to come back again and hear more about Christianity in its simplest form. Click HERE to read more, in another newsletter posting.
I then flew back to Minnesota and rested, but not for long.
Last night, Mike Norton & I tried something brand new. In preparation for the upcoming Music Boat Cruise we are both working on, we did a program for the seniors in our church, and presented all brand new routines and material. These were routines that neither of us had ever done in front of a live audience. Ever. And, yes, we were both a little nervous. The good thing about the program was that our audience was probably the most forgiving one ever. The funny parts got the laughs, the singing got the oohs and aahs (I didn't do the singing), the bowling ball got gasps of surprise, and Mike and I were able to test out some new stuff. I think we both learned some details about the routines that we presented. Some routines worked great, while others still need a little tweaking in order to be fully ready for our shows. Overall, it was a great night of potluck food, great fellowship with the folks in our church, and one step closer to adding in new material to our shows.
God is good. All the time. Whether we acknowledge it, or accept it, is up to us.
Blessings to you all.
DonB!
On April 29th, Mike Norton and I presented a version of the "Grin Doctors" show in Garrison, MN, as a fundraiser for the Senior Community Alliance. It is a group of people that raise money to help folks in the community that need a little extra funding, or need manual labor help to complete work on thier homes or in their commmunity. We presented the show at the Blue Goose Inn, located on the shores of Lake Mille Lacs. The turn-out wasn't what they were hoping for, but they raised about $1000.00 for their projects. The show was organized by Pastor Mike Paulkie, a friend of our from the Garrison Alliance Church. He had the same vision as we did: the program was a way to show the good that the community, and the local churches, can do for the people of Garrison. It was a success according to Pastor Mike.On May 1st I drove up to Fargo, North Dakota, and presented the "Professional Goofball Show" for Oak Grove Lutheran School. I had the opportunity to use the program to show how God really does have a special plan for each of our lives, and that when we choose to include God in our life, he can do amazing things beyond anything we could ever expect or imagine. The program was the last thing of the day at the school, so many kids stayed around for about 45 minnutes talking and asking questions. Kids are so cool with the questions and ideas they have. I then ended up signing about 70 autographs. So much fun.
That evening, Jim Sanders, from Century Financial Advisors, invited me to perform and speak at his client appreciation dinner (he also sponsored the school show in the afternoon). The neat thing was that Jim is a firm Christian and asked me to present my testimony and a challenge to the attendees at the dinner. I told them about my short time on the circus, and how it led me to become a Christian. I challenged the folks that within all aspects of their own lives, to include God, and the free gift that he offers of his Son, Jesus Christ, the goals and objectives have a much deeper meaning and purpose. It was a very fun group of people, and responsive to all parts that I talked about. Thanks, Jim, for the opportunity to share my faith with kids and adults, all within the same day. God is good. All the time.
After the Fargo evening program, I packed up and drove the 4.5 hours down to Minneapolis. I slept for 3 hours and then headed for the airport to catch a 6 AM flight to Bloomington, Illinois. Because of lightning, I was delayed in Chicago for 4 hours, arriving in Bloomington with just enough time to get set-up and ready for a show there. Bloomington Evangelical Free Church has built a beautiful new multi-purpose sanctuary/gymnasium, and I was asked to be the opening night speaker/entertainer. 200 people were expected, but I think there were closer to 300-350 in attendance, all sitting on the floor around the front of the new stage. I did a 50 minute program, including my testimony, emphasizing the personal invite that was given to me at 19 years old, to attend church with some friends, and how it was because of that invitation that I heard the Gospel presented in a way that I understood it. I encouraged those that were visitors that night to come back again and hear more about Christianity in its simplest form. Click HERE to read more, in another newsletter posting.
I then flew back to Minnesota and rested, but not for long.
Last night, Mike Norton & I tried something brand new. In preparation for the upcoming Music Boat Cruise we are both working on, we did a program for the seniors in our church, and presented all brand new routines and material. These were routines that neither of us had ever done in front of a live audience. Ever. And, yes, we were both a little nervous. The good thing about the program was that our audience was probably the most forgiving one ever. The funny parts got the laughs, the singing got the oohs and aahs (I didn't do the singing), the bowling ball got gasps of surprise, and Mike and I were able to test out some new stuff. I think we both learned some details about the routines that we presented. Some routines worked great, while others still need a little tweaking in order to be fully ready for our shows. Overall, it was a great night of potluck food, great fellowship with the folks in our church, and one step closer to adding in new material to our shows.
God is good. All the time. Whether we acknowledge it, or accept it, is up to us.
Blessings to you all.
DonB!
For Origami Interests
While searching for a particular origami figure, I found this website: Origami Club. You can download diagrams for folding, or you can watch a simple animation, showing how each item is folded. Very handy for those that are new to origami. Check it out, and fold something out of that paper you no longer use.
DonB!
May 6, 2008
Preacher Don's Sermon-for-the-Day
I'm really not a preacher. I'm not a religious person. I'm not an activist. There are just some things that get talked about over and over and I never respond to them. Here's my response to the latest one:
--------------------------------------------------------
"Oh, you can't do THAT at church."
"You're having a JUGGLER at your CHURCH?!?"
There is a lot of talk about what church should and should not be. "Should we have this music, or should we have this other kind of music?" "Should kids attend the main service with their parents, or is a children's church best?" "Can a church have an entertainer as a drawing factor to get people into a new church facility in their neighborhood?"
Well, I hear questions like that all of the time while I am on the road. My answer would be this: Is the Gospel being presented? If it is, then these questions become external, legalistic details. For example, the Bible does not say that a kid should hear the Gospel in the main service. Let's face it, a kid can hear the Gospel from his parents, his friends, in children's church, at kid's club, from a song on the radio, in Sunday school, and "YES", even from a juggler like me.
The crucial question is not HOW he hears the Gospel, but THAT HE HEARS IT. Period.
No matter how much we might hope for it, your neighbor may never show up at your church to hear a guest pastor speak, to listen to a Gospel quartet sing, or to hear the missionary report from Uruguay. But they may come out of their comfort zone to see what they believe will be a fun time with their family at an entertainment show. Then, when they are comfortable with me as an entertainer, I can then present the message in a way that is comfortable, but hits them straight where they're at.
Jesus told parables. Jesus spoke directly to someone's sin. Jesus stood quietly. Jesus overturned the tables in the temple. Jesus used various ways to share His message, and I know that I can use the situations that God has given me to share Jesus' message also.
I love the opportunities that I have had to sit down, face to face at a table with someone and talk about the Gospel. But those times don't happen as often as I'd like? So, it is important to take advantage of every moment and opportunity that God lays before us to share his Good News. That means that whether you are a doctor, a house wife, a plumber or a teacher, God will bring people into your life that need to hear the Gospel in a friendly way. My challenge is to be ready in all circumstances to share the faith and hope you have.
1 Peter 3:15 says, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,..." NIV
Notice the "with gentleness and respect" part. Through my programs, I believe that God has led me to a place where I can present the Gospel with "gentleness and respect". Let me be straight: I am not soft on sin, nor am I a respecter of persons. But sharing the Gospel does not have to come at people like a punch to the face. The Gospel is a Gospel of love, not a Gospel of hate and forcefulness. We don't have to shove it down the throats of everyone we meet, but when God brings someone into our lives that needs to hear the truth, we had better be ready to tell it to them. Not watered down, not lovey-dovey feel-good stuff. But the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
So, what is important?
Who is God? Who are we? What is sin? Who is Jesus? What does His death and resurrection mean for us? These are the questions that need to be answered when someone asks us about that truth we have within us.
Skip the denominational stuff. Skip the stereotypical televangelist stuff. Skip the contemporary/traditional debate. Skip the legal-eze, and share the Gospel, the WHOLE Gospel, and nothing but the Gospel.
Preacher Don, checking out of the pulpit now.
--------------------------------------------------------
"You can't do that in here!"
What should our church be?
"Oh, you can't do THAT at church."
"You're having a JUGGLER at your CHURCH?!?"
There is a lot of talk about what church should and should not be. "Should we have this music, or should we have this other kind of music?" "Should kids attend the main service with their parents, or is a children's church best?" "Can a church have an entertainer as a drawing factor to get people into a new church facility in their neighborhood?"
Well, I hear questions like that all of the time while I am on the road. My answer would be this: Is the Gospel being presented? If it is, then these questions become external, legalistic details. For example, the Bible does not say that a kid should hear the Gospel in the main service. Let's face it, a kid can hear the Gospel from his parents, his friends, in children's church, at kid's club, from a song on the radio, in Sunday school, and "YES", even from a juggler like me.
The crucial question is not HOW he hears the Gospel, but THAT HE HEARS IT. Period.
No matter how much we might hope for it, your neighbor may never show up at your church to hear a guest pastor speak, to listen to a Gospel quartet sing, or to hear the missionary report from Uruguay. But they may come out of their comfort zone to see what they believe will be a fun time with their family at an entertainment show. Then, when they are comfortable with me as an entertainer, I can then present the message in a way that is comfortable, but hits them straight where they're at.
Jesus told parables. Jesus spoke directly to someone's sin. Jesus stood quietly. Jesus overturned the tables in the temple. Jesus used various ways to share His message, and I know that I can use the situations that God has given me to share Jesus' message also.
I love the opportunities that I have had to sit down, face to face at a table with someone and talk about the Gospel. But those times don't happen as often as I'd like? So, it is important to take advantage of every moment and opportunity that God lays before us to share his Good News. That means that whether you are a doctor, a house wife, a plumber or a teacher, God will bring people into your life that need to hear the Gospel in a friendly way. My challenge is to be ready in all circumstances to share the faith and hope you have.
1 Peter 3:15 says, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,..." NIV
Notice the "with gentleness and respect" part. Through my programs, I believe that God has led me to a place where I can present the Gospel with "gentleness and respect". Let me be straight: I am not soft on sin, nor am I a respecter of persons. But sharing the Gospel does not have to come at people like a punch to the face. The Gospel is a Gospel of love, not a Gospel of hate and forcefulness. We don't have to shove it down the throats of everyone we meet, but when God brings someone into our lives that needs to hear the truth, we had better be ready to tell it to them. Not watered down, not lovey-dovey feel-good stuff. But the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
So, what is important?
Who is God? Who are we? What is sin? Who is Jesus? What does His death and resurrection mean for us? These are the questions that need to be answered when someone asks us about that truth we have within us.
Skip the denominational stuff. Skip the stereotypical televangelist stuff. Skip the contemporary/traditional debate. Skip the legal-eze, and share the Gospel, the WHOLE Gospel, and nothing but the Gospel.
Preacher Don, checking out of the pulpit now.
April 28, 2008
Words of Wisdom
Last month I made a flying trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to perform/speak at an inter generational men's breakfast at Sandia Presbyterian Church. It was the first time they had tried this event, but hearing the responses from attendees, it sounds like it could become an annual event for them. I had a great time performing, as well as seeing some of Albuquerque with my host, Mike Molony. Mike is a performer in his own right, having worked in radio broadcasting for 26 years, and doing some stand-up comedy too. Mike, thanks for your wonderful hospitality while I was there.
While travelling in New Mexico last month, I had the opportunity to see a few sights in the Albuquerque area.
One of my hobbies is Geocaching (treasure-hunting with a handheld GPS), and this trip took me driving to the top of the Sandia Mountains. Take a look at my GPS screen: it went that way for 13 miles.
I love it! I also read a sign that Ross had painted that I liked, but can't figure out who to attribute the original saying to. It says,
How true. I hope I never stop learning how to have fun throughout life, whether it is a time of harvest, or a time of trials. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." -AKJV I've grown into the realization that no matter what life can throw at me, I can still have peace. The world offers us satisfaction (peace) through the material things we get, or through power over others. The Bible's teaching is contrary to that, in that we can have peace at ALL times, knowing that God provides all of our needs, whether in slim times or hearty times.
If you are not at peace about your own life, let me challenge you do talk to folks at your church, or within your community of believers, and discover true peace for yourself. Or, give me a call, and maybe I can offer some words of encouragement, hope and peace. I would find it an honor to share time together with each one of you.
April here in Minnesota has been WEIRD. That's the only word I can think of to describe it. Here's why:
I had some shows booked for April, and every one of them cancelled or changed the date. With no shows for the month, I set my focus on getting my DVDs filmed, edited and packaged. Due to construction at the studio, I had to cancel that time slot also.
I did end up with a few bookings near the end of the month, but I found out how I could spend my time accomplishing other things.
I went and watched Deanna (15 years old) earn a spot on the JV Golf Team at her high school. I played tennis with Dale (12 years old) and Debbie to get Dale ready for his summer on the tennis team. I honestly believe that tennis is Dale's sport. He has excelled so quickly, and plays it so naturally. Go Dale!
I have started a short course in the use of Adobe InDesign, a computer publishing program. My hope is to re-release my magic/clowning lecture notes from 18 years ago, "The Creative Mind", using this program, as well as compile many files from my computer into more manageable formats. The course is about 18 hours long, and I've completed the first 3 lessons (about 5 hours).
One more strange thing about Minnesota is that you can never predict the weather. Last week it was sunny and 70 degrees, so I planned a get together here in Mora with the East Central Minnesota Geocachers group. Saturday rolled around, and Minnesota got socked by a snow storm. In April. Mora only received about 2 inches, but other parts of northern MN received as much as 16" in 24 hours. Thankfully the folks that I had invited were all hearty outdoor people, and more showed up than were expected. Here is a photo of some friends out searching in the blowing snow:
Until next time,
DonB!
While travelling in New Mexico last month, I had the opportunity to see a few sights in the Albuquerque area.
One of my hobbies is Geocaching (treasure-hunting with a handheld GPS), and this trip took me driving to the top of the Sandia Mountains. Take a look at my GPS screen: it went that way for 13 miles.
"I did all this while you were watching TV."
I love it! I also read a sign that Ross had painted that I liked, but can't figure out who to attribute the original saying to. It says,
You don't stop playing because you grow old.
You grow old because you stop playing.
How true. I hope I never stop learning how to have fun throughout life, whether it is a time of harvest, or a time of trials. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." -AKJV I've grown into the realization that no matter what life can throw at me, I can still have peace. The world offers us satisfaction (peace) through the material things we get, or through power over others. The Bible's teaching is contrary to that, in that we can have peace at ALL times, knowing that God provides all of our needs, whether in slim times or hearty times.
If you are not at peace about your own life, let me challenge you do talk to folks at your church, or within your community of believers, and discover true peace for yourself. Or, give me a call, and maybe I can offer some words of encouragement, hope and peace. I would find it an honor to share time together with each one of you.
------------------------------------------
April here in Minnesota has been WEIRD. That's the only word I can think of to describe it. Here's why:
I had some shows booked for April, and every one of them cancelled or changed the date. With no shows for the month, I set my focus on getting my DVDs filmed, edited and packaged. Due to construction at the studio, I had to cancel that time slot also.
I did end up with a few bookings near the end of the month, but I found out how I could spend my time accomplishing other things.
I went and watched Deanna (15 years old) earn a spot on the JV Golf Team at her high school. I played tennis with Dale (12 years old) and Debbie to get Dale ready for his summer on the tennis team. I honestly believe that tennis is Dale's sport. He has excelled so quickly, and plays it so naturally. Go Dale!
I have started a short course in the use of Adobe InDesign, a computer publishing program. My hope is to re-release my magic/clowning lecture notes from 18 years ago, "The Creative Mind", using this program, as well as compile many files from my computer into more manageable formats. The course is about 18 hours long, and I've completed the first 3 lessons (about 5 hours).One more strange thing about Minnesota is that you can never predict the weather. Last week it was sunny and 70 degrees, so I planned a get together here in Mora with the East Central Minnesota Geocachers group. Saturday rolled around, and Minnesota got socked by a snow storm. In April. Mora only received about 2 inches, but other parts of northern MN received as much as 16" in 24 hours. Thankfully the folks that I had invited were all hearty outdoor people, and more showed up than were expected. Here is a photo of some friends out searching in the blowing snow:
--Doug, Jeff and Bill. I took the photo.--
As you read this blog, please feel free to post comments at the bottom of each listing. I love to hear from you all, and what is happening in your lives.Until next time,
DonB!
April 8, 2008
DonB! now sells juggling equipment
I love to juggle, not only in my shows, but because it is great exercise for the arms. And depending how involved you get, it is also great for your cardiovascular (I never thought I'd use that word in a real sentence) system.
Well, after years of folks coming up after my show asking me where they could purchase juggling equipment, now I can simply say, "From Me."
Higgins Brothers, out of Canada, has been making fine juggling equipment for a long time. When I was searching around looking for someone that could offer me quality beginner equipment, as well as quality performer's equipment, I found these guys.
Feel free to browse their online catalog to find things you like. Then simply call the office of DonB! Ministries to order. Right now I carry juggling rings, clubs, scarves and flipping sticks (referred to as devil sticks, though I don't know why).
Call my office during the week to place your order: 320-679-0060, and then let's get together and juggle sometime.
DonB!
March 26, 2008
Latest News from Minnesota
"There's no place like home. There's no place like home."
Those famous words, spoken by Judy Garland, in the Wizard of Oz, are so true. I have had the great opportunity to travel allover the United States in the last 3 months, but no matter where I go, or how amazing and scenic (and warm) those places are, it is always nice to get home, sleep in my own bed, kid my kids goodnight, and eat cereal in my pajamas. There really is no place like home.
My good friend, Greg Phillips, from Melbourne, Florida, made the trek up to Minnesota for a 4-day Kid's Crusade at Willmar Assembly, and then did a great lecture for the MN chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Entertainers. It was good to see him again, this time in Minnesota.
On March 19th I did a program at Bethel Church in Owatonna, Minnesota as a community outreach event. The comment cards indicated that as many as 13 people gave their hearts and lives to Christ that night during the message invitation. God still works his wonders every day.
My Easter program that was scheduled was cancelled at the last minute, so this actually turns out to be the first Easter that I spent at home in over 7 years! It was a busy weekend too. On Friday, our son, Dale, celebrated his 12th birthday by having 7 other boys sleep overnight through to Saturday. The boys headed home around noon, just in time for the relatives to arrive and celebrate Easter, and the birthdays. You see, on Sunday, was our daughter, Deanna's 15th birthday. So, we celebrated that too. Easter, plus our 2 kid's birthdays, equals some of the best reasons to celebrate.
This weekend I am heading to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a Men's Outreach Breakfast at Sandia Presbyterian Church. Pastor Mike Molony invited me to be the entertainment/speaker at this 1st Annual Event for their church. And, because of the airline's goofy pricing policy, I get to/have to stay in the warmth of Albuquerque an extra day. I'm hoping to ride the Sandia Peak Tramway to the top of the 10,378 foot Sandia Peak while I'm there too.
Finally, I ask that you pray for me during the month of April. As busy as the first part of the year has been, April drops off to almost nothing in regards to shows. Income will be a little tighter, and with the production of the DVDs, pray that we use our finances correctly, and in a way that is God-honoring. Or, simply pray that a flood of shows comes flowing in for April. Or, pray for both. Either way, I thank you for your encouragement in this ministry work. I wouldn't trade it for any "job" in the world.
Happy late Easter to you all,
DonB!
March 11, 2008
Times fun when you are having Flies
I can't believe it has been so long since I updated this page. So much has happened.
I did two great shows at Groves Academy in MN for their Jump Rope for Heart event. While there, I happened into the wife of the Campus Life director I knew in high school. She recognized me, but couldn't think of where from. Hi George.
I then performed for the fundraiser banquet at Trinity Lutheran in Minneapolis. The senior highers used the banquet as a way to raise $$$ for their missions trip. What also amazed me about the event is that over 135 items were donated for the silent auction. I bid on 12 items, and won only two: a clear glass chess/checkers/backgammon set for my son, Dale, and a nice wooden clock for my office. I've heard that the fundraiser raised over $3000.oo towards the trip. What a blessing.
I then spent 8 days in northern California travelling with my good friend, illusionist Toby Travis. The shows went great, but the part I really loved was running around in a part of the country that expresses the beauty of creation everywhere you look. I've heard that northern CA was beautiful, but it was breathtaking in many places. We performed in El Sobrante, San Andreas, Bass Lake and North Fork, California. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. The last night was spent with my good circus friend, Nicole Portwood, and her family. We didn't get enough time to visit, but it's always good to meet up with them. Timmy, keep practicing that unicycle!
I then started my Upward basketball programs for the year, with the first one in Minooka, Illinois (say that one 3 times fast). I had a huge stage, and an audience of about 600 people, all of whom enjoyed the show, but also responded to the message. God is REALLY good!
I headed over to Bloomer, Wisconsin for another one, and again, had a great response to the message. It was great that even though the program was sponsored by the Lutheran church, they had families from all denominations involved with the basketball camp. I love it when I get to see different denominations uniting for the greater cause of Christianity, rather than using it as a dividing factor. Bloomer did a great job in their community!
March kicked off with business, doing a Cub Scout dinner, 4 days of office work, and then flying down to Pace, Florida, for another Upward event. On Saturday, I performed for 600 people for their Upward awards night, and then Sunday I had an hour to share some various messages in the Kid's Church ("SuperChurch") at Pace Assembly of God. This was their first year involved with the Upward program, but they did a fabulous job of organizing the season, and sharing the Gospel with players and families. I feel so honored to be a part of the ministry of church like this around the country. I not only get to perform, but I also get to share the simple message of what it means to me to be a Christian. How many people can honestly say that they love their job? Well, to make it official, I LOVE MY JOB!!! There, I said it.
I still have 5 more events this month, and then next month I begin the filming for my 3 new DVDs. I am hoping they are done by September, so watch here for the official announcements.
I have a lot of pictures from this last month, and I will try and post them here as soon as I can.
Thanks again to all of you that make it possible for me to travel around sharing the Gospel. Thanks for your prayers, the opening of your homes for me to stay in, the sharing of your time, and finally for your $$$ gifts. I don't know if I could do it without knowing all of you are out there supporting me in your thoughts and prayers.
Life is good for me, sop take a few moments this month and pray for someone you know that could really use an uplift at this time. Prayer can work wonders, even if we never see the final outcome of some of it.
Talk again real soon...
DonB!
I did two great shows at Groves Academy in MN for their Jump Rope for Heart event. While there, I happened into the wife of the Campus Life director I knew in high school. She recognized me, but couldn't think of where from. Hi George.
I then performed for the fundraiser banquet at Trinity Lutheran in Minneapolis. The senior highers used the banquet as a way to raise $$$ for their missions trip. What also amazed me about the event is that over 135 items were donated for the silent auction. I bid on 12 items, and won only two: a clear glass chess/checkers/backgammon set for my son, Dale, and a nice wooden clock for my office. I've heard that the fundraiser raised over $3000.oo towards the trip. What a blessing.
I then spent 8 days in northern California travelling with my good friend, illusionist Toby Travis. The shows went great, but the part I really loved was running around in a part of the country that expresses the beauty of creation everywhere you look. I've heard that northern CA was beautiful, but it was breathtaking in many places. We performed in El Sobrante, San Andreas, Bass Lake and North Fork, California. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. The last night was spent with my good circus friend, Nicole Portwood, and her family. We didn't get enough time to visit, but it's always good to meet up with them. Timmy, keep practicing that unicycle!
I then started my Upward basketball programs for the year, with the first one in Minooka, Illinois (say that one 3 times fast). I had a huge stage, and an audience of about 600 people, all of whom enjoyed the show, but also responded to the message. God is REALLY good!
I headed over to Bloomer, Wisconsin for another one, and again, had a great response to the message. It was great that even though the program was sponsored by the Lutheran church, they had families from all denominations involved with the basketball camp. I love it when I get to see different denominations uniting for the greater cause of Christianity, rather than using it as a dividing factor. Bloomer did a great job in their community!
March kicked off with business, doing a Cub Scout dinner, 4 days of office work, and then flying down to Pace, Florida, for another Upward event. On Saturday, I performed for 600 people for their Upward awards night, and then Sunday I had an hour to share some various messages in the Kid's Church ("SuperChurch") at Pace Assembly of God. This was their first year involved with the Upward program, but they did a fabulous job of organizing the season, and sharing the Gospel with players and families. I feel so honored to be a part of the ministry of church like this around the country. I not only get to perform, but I also get to share the simple message of what it means to me to be a Christian. How many people can honestly say that they love their job? Well, to make it official, I LOVE MY JOB!!! There, I said it.
I still have 5 more events this month, and then next month I begin the filming for my 3 new DVDs. I am hoping they are done by September, so watch here for the official announcements.
I have a lot of pictures from this last month, and I will try and post them here as soon as I can.
Thanks again to all of you that make it possible for me to travel around sharing the Gospel. Thanks for your prayers, the opening of your homes for me to stay in, the sharing of your time, and finally for your $$$ gifts. I don't know if I could do it without knowing all of you are out there supporting me in your thoughts and prayers.
Life is good for me, sop take a few moments this month and pray for someone you know that could really use an uplift at this time. Prayer can work wonders, even if we never see the final outcome of some of it.
Talk again real soon...
DonB!
February 11, 2008
How a child would write the Bible
This was sent to me from Sunday School Network.com. It is how a kid may re-tell what the Bible says. Whether it's for real or not, it does give me a chuckle to read it.
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel. Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town. After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn, too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Any way's, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.
Did you smile? Good! -DonB!
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel. Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town. After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn, too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Any way's, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.
Did you smile? Good! -DonB!
February 9, 2008
Who are these clowns?
This photo shows 2 clowns.
Can you identify who they are?
The Auguste on the left wrote a funny paragraph
about the whiteface on the right.
An Amazing Working Vacation
(Watch this slide show first)
On January 27th, our entire family flew down to Miami, Florida, to travel and work on the 2008 K-Love Friends and Family Cruise. This was my 3rd time working a Premiere Christian Cruises event, but the first time my entire family was able to go with. Very cool.
Monday morning we boarded the ship, Carnival's Fascination, and headed out to sea.
On Tuesday, we spent 4 hours in Key West, Florida (the southern-most spot in the United States), and then reboarded the ship to set-up for my show that evening.
My first show was in the Ritz Lounge, a nice room, but a low ceiling. I was on right after Earl & Kimberly Long finished their first show. My show went really well, with about 100 people in attendance.
Throughout the cruise, wherever there were people gathered while waiting for something else to happen (concert, dinner), I performed close-up magic for them. It is a great time to face-to-face interact with not only the kids, but the adults too.
Wednesday was spent at a hotel/park/resort just outside of Cancun, Mexico. It was terrible for me to have to imagine all of my friends back in Minnesota, bundled to the gills in the frigid temperatures, and there we stood in our bathing suits. Alright, maybe not "terrible". Maybe more like unbelievably cool. :)
My fan club, made up of our 6 family members that were on the cruise, all showed up at both of my programs wearing their very limited edition "DonB! Ministries" polo shirts. I was honored.
My second show, in The Palace, was filled with amazing blessings. A camera crew, onboard to film some other comedians, agreed to leave a camera set-up to film my show the next day. For very little $$$, he gave me a digital copy of my entire show! I hope to have some of it up on my website fairly soon. AND, Tom Wilson, the audio/lighting guy, hung a beautiful scrim backdrop for my show, and had it lit with some simple, but elegant lighting. Another blessing, for sure. Finally, as my show was coming to an end, many more people were filing in to the Palace to hear the debarkatiopn talk, and were able to see the Unicycle Medley at the end of my show.
As I carried my stuff backstage, a Carnival employee, affiliated with the entertainment department, came backstage and talked for a good 40 minutes about the possibility of having me cruise more often with them. If you want something to pray about, read this paragraph one more time, and imagine the door that would be open to me for ministering to the crew and other guests. Wow!
SIDENOTE: As great as it is to perform for and meet the guests on the cruise, I saw something that I felt I had to do something about. Since it was a Christian cruise, the casino and the bars were not very busy at all. There was one main bar, in the hallway where everyone has to walk to get from one of the ship to the other. The two people behind the bar (one from Romania, one from Peru) were always smiling, but seldom had any customers. Well, with all of the magic tricks I was loaded down with, I stopped and started showing them a few routines. 20 minutes later, when I was finishing up, there were at least 20 other bartenders and wait staff gathered to watch the magic.
Why do I tell you this? Because on the last day of the cruise, I asked one of the wait staff if the guests on this crew were any different from other cruises. "Oh yes, much happier, more polite, and when something DOES go wrong, they don't cause a scene" said the waiter. I asked if he knew why, and then simply explained "...that the love we try and show is only an extension of the love that God has for each one of us, including him." He thought it over for a moment, and asked when we would be coming back again. I told him I would be back in May, and he became really excited. He was probably excited about seeing more magic tricks and being treated politely. I hope for it to be another opportunity to tell him the reason for the hope that I have. - 1 Peter 3:15, Romans 5:1-5
So who was on he cruise? Other than 2500 guests from around the world, we travelled with MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, SuperChick, Natalie Grant(our next-door neighbor on the cruise), Sanctus Real, Big Daddy Weave, Aaron Shust, Nicole C. Mullen, Jeremy Riddle, Shane & Shane, Stellar Kart, Bebo Norman, Starfield, NASCAR chaplain Lonnie Clouse, Bob & Lary (the VeggieTales) and a crew of some of the funniest Christian comedians ever gathered on one ship. Ever heard of any of those folks?
We arrived back in Miami on Friday morning, and headed up to Fort Lauderdale to pick up a rental car. We then spent Friday night at the home of the Greg Philips family near Melbourne, Florida. A nice, relaxing visit, preparing us for the day to come.
Saturday we headed over to the beach. Cocoa Beach to be exact. We made a stop at the famous RonJon's Surf Shop, where Dale purchased a "Skim-Board" and Deanna bought a "Boogie Board". From there we right to the beach and tried them out. As much as the kids loved the cruise, they were in their absolute prime playing at the beach. The water was cold, but they gradually convinced themselves it was worth it to try out their new boards.
We then drove up to Palm Coast, Florida, to visit with some of our best friends, Kevin & Laura Bechard and their 2 kids, Rachel & Joe. What was intended to be a dinner visit ended up finding us leave there a little after midnight. As tired as we all were, the kids slept in the truck while I drove back to the Orlando Airport.
We returned the rental car, boarded our plane at 5 AM, and headed back to reality: Minnesota.
It was such a great trip. We've created memories that our kids will remember for a long, long time.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please look at the pictures of the cruise in the slide show above.
DonB!
January 24, 2008
A Beautiful Family Photo
My brother took this at Christmas, of us, in all of our glory.I love photos like this one, because they show who we really are.
DonB!
January 22, 2008
My latest itinerary
I am having trouble getting my itinerary updated to the top of this newsletter, but you can see it by clicking HERE. Not all of my shows are listed, but most are.
DonB!
DonB!
DonB! made it on the Billboard Charts. sort of
Another cold day in Minnesota, with the thermometer reading -4 as the kids leave for school.
I am here in my office, finally feeling the beginning of the end of my bout with the flu. As the flu was leaving, it left behind one of the worst sinus infections I have ever had. The constant headache was almost unbearable, but thanks to a great doctor, it is beginning to ebb away. And that's a very good thing, since our family leaves on the K-Love Friends and Family Cruise in less than a week.
As I sat down to check on my email this morning, once again I hit the "big time" and didn't even realize it. My wonderful Google-centralized computer told me "DonB! has hit the Billboard charts". So, I followed the link, and sure enough, I had. Click HERE, and you'll see what I mean. I'm listed right there with Jeremy Camp, Salvador, SuperChick, MercyMe, comedian Mike Williams, Big Daddy Weave, Natalie Grant and Jaci Velasquez. The thing we all have in common? Once again, it's the K-Love Cruise (that starts in 6 days).
So, it's not really the big time, but it's a start.
DonB! - smalltime comedy entertainer
I am here in my office, finally feeling the beginning of the end of my bout with the flu. As the flu was leaving, it left behind one of the worst sinus infections I have ever had. The constant headache was almost unbearable, but thanks to a great doctor, it is beginning to ebb away. And that's a very good thing, since our family leaves on the K-Love Friends and Family Cruise in less than a week.
As I sat down to check on my email this morning, once again I hit the "big time" and didn't even realize it. My wonderful Google-centralized computer told me "DonB! has hit the Billboard charts". So, I followed the link, and sure enough, I had. Click HERE, and you'll see what I mean. I'm listed right there with Jeremy Camp, Salvador, SuperChick, MercyMe, comedian Mike Williams, Big Daddy Weave, Natalie Grant and Jaci Velasquez. The thing we all have in common? Once again, it's the K-Love Cruise (that starts in 6 days).
So, it's not really the big time, but it's a start.
DonB! - smalltime comedy entertainer
January 16, 2008
2008 is coming on strong!
I sit here and write this on January 16th, while I medicate my way through my first bout with the flu in years.
I've already done 5 shows here in Minnesota, with 3 more and a cruise to Mexico still to come this month.
Working with our Wednesday night Kid's Club has been great also. I play Jessie Cranks
haft, the guy that runs J.C. Salvage. The theme is all about how God doesn't see us as junk, but rather as people that can be "salvaged", made new and usable once again. Jessie is slowly falling in love with Melba Toast, a bag-lady character that Debbie plays. Tonight, if I can keep my head cleared long enough, I am playing "Red", one of Jessie's brothers, along with two other guys playing "Green" and "Blue".
Right before Christmas we finished up the 10 Commandments series, and tonight we start down the Romans Road to salvation. Please pray that the impact on these kids can be as good as the last series was. I work with some of the best adult workers in our church, and it is great to hear them having one-on-one time with the kids, explaining all the various aspects of Christ, God, salvation, etc.
I have to get a short nap before tonight, so I'll write again soon.
Happy new year to you all.
DonB!
I've already done 5 shows here in Minnesota, with 3 more and a cruise to Mexico still to come this month.
Working with our Wednesday night Kid's Club has been great also. I play Jessie Cranks
haft, the guy that runs J.C. Salvage. The theme is all about how God doesn't see us as junk, but rather as people that can be "salvaged", made new and usable once again. Jessie is slowly falling in love with Melba Toast, a bag-lady character that Debbie plays. Tonight, if I can keep my head cleared long enough, I am playing "Red", one of Jessie's brothers, along with two other guys playing "Green" and "Blue".Right before Christmas we finished up the 10 Commandments series, and tonight we start down the Romans Road to salvation. Please pray that the impact on these kids can be as good as the last series was. I work with some of the best adult workers in our church, and it is great to hear them having one-on-one time with the kids, explaining all the various aspects of Christ, God, salvation, etc.
I have to get a short nap before tonight, so I'll write again soon.
Happy new year to you all.
DonB!
January 4, 2008
DonB! Travels - Near & Far
It is that time of year that I sit down and take a look at where I have been this year. I have been involved with many new secular entertainment events, but the ministry work is where my heart really is. Here's a list of some of the many places:
Along with all of that, I worked 34 days for UPS leading up to Christmas, I performed in quite a few events for Mannequin in Motion, I played various super heroes at "Hero Headquarters" during the Wednesday night Kids Club activities at church, I attended a 3-day workshop with world famous clown, Avner the Eccentric, I ran PowerPoint at our church once or twice a month on Sundays, attended the leader's retreat for our kids workers at church, I performed in the community play with Debbie, I added 4 new routines to my shows, I read about 15 books, attended Men's Fraternity at our church, met an Ed Sullivan look-alike, flew on a few airplanes, put another 42,000 miles on our vehicles, and watched our kids continue to grow up and keep busy.
God is good, and He has shown much of that goodness on me and my family this year. If you want to see the many ways He has done so, please read back through the many posts that I have written this year. It's all good.
What is in store for 2008? Well, I have 23 shows on the calendar already, and look forward to another 50 or more. Open doors of opportunity to share the Gospel with folks around the United States and the world.
Thank you for reading this online newsletter. Please continue to pray for many lives changed in 2008.
My hopes and prayers for you all,
DonB!
Minnesota Zoo - stilt walker
St. Joseph's Home for Children
K-Love Christian Cruise - Bahamas
Colonial Church of Edina
Cub Scout Blue & Gold Dinner Show
Mt. Airy Christian Academy - Maryland
Upward Basketball Awards Night - Virginia Beach, VA
...time with my sister, Amy, in Virginia
First Assembly of God - Fort Wayne, IN
Upward Basketball Awards Night - Fort Wayne, IN
St. Joseph Upward Basketball Night - Fort Wayne, IN
First Baptist - Owatonna, MN
Easter Show - Willmar Assembly of God
Slap Happy Clown Convention - Winnipeg
Calvary Church - Fargo, ND
Grin Doctors Show - Mora, MN
Elm Creek Comm. Church - Osseo, MN
Premiere Christian Cruise - Jamaica
Camp Lebanon Family Camp - Upsala, MN
Grace Chapel - Bagley, MN
Trout Lake Camp Family Camp - MN
Menominee Alliance Church - Menominee, WI
Fairview Elementary - Mora, MN
Mabel Tainter Theatre Outreach - Menominee, WI
Sandy Cove Ministries - North East, MD
Metro Connections Event - Mpls, MN
Woodcrest Baptist Church - MN
Macy's Plate-Spinning Event - Mpls, MN
Sunset Christian Center - Rocklin, CA
Creekside Community Church - Castro Valley, CA
Rogers, MN parade (our whole family on unicycles!)
High Point Church - Rogers, MN
Metro Connections Event - Nicolett Island, MN
Grindstone Lake Bible Camp - Sandstone, MN
Camp Lebanon Family Camp - Upsala, MN
Calvary Baptist - North Carolina
Sonshine Music Fest - Willmar, MN
TNT Clown Conference (speaker/performer) - GA
Crosspoint Christian Church - Selma, AL
New Life Church - Woodbury, MN
Cirq du Jour Circus Camp - Detroit Lakes, MN
Corporate Party - New Hope, MN
Cirque Imaginings tour - MN, SD, IA
MN State Fair w/Mannequin in Motion (MIM)
Calvary Comm. Church - St. Cloud, MN
Trout Lake Camp again
Inspiration Point Family Camp - Clitherall, MN
Trout Lake Camp again
Pinewood Elementary School - Moundsview, MN
Metro Connections Event - Mpls, MN
UofM outdoor cancer event - stilts & magic
MIM - Palace Guard at Jaguar Dealership
Ogema Baptist Church - Ogema, MN
New Life Church - Princeton, MN
Faith Church - Hudson, WI
MIM "Snowstorm in China" Event -Prior Lake, MN
MIM Private Event
Chaska School District - Chaska, MN
Northwestern College Alumni Weekend - Roseville, MN
Maple Grove Free Church - Maple Grove, MN
Stilts for Halloween event - Ramsey, MN
School Fun Fest Show - Chaska, MN
St. Paul's Lutheran Church - Melrose, MN
Christian Life Fellowship - Port Edwards, WI
Trailview Title I Show - Mora, MN
Variety Outreach Show - St. Cloud, MN
Verndale Elementary - Verndale, MN
Kilber Fun-raiser Show - Champlin, MN
MIM White Statue Event - Sartell, MN
Higher Expectations - Brooklyn Park, MN
Cathedral Press Christmas party - Long Prairie, MN
Hanco Christmas Party - Eagan, MN
Leadership Appreciation Dinner - Fort Wayne, IN
Chaska School show - Chaska, MN
MIM - MN Vikings Christmas Party
Inspiration Point New Year's Party - Clitherall, MN
Along with all of that, I worked 34 days for UPS leading up to Christmas, I performed in quite a few events for Mannequin in Motion, I played various super heroes at "Hero Headquarters" during the Wednesday night Kids Club activities at church, I attended a 3-day workshop with world famous clown, Avner the Eccentric, I ran PowerPoint at our church once or twice a month on Sundays, attended the leader's retreat for our kids workers at church, I performed in the community play with Debbie, I added 4 new routines to my shows, I read about 15 books, attended Men's Fraternity at our church, met an Ed Sullivan look-alike, flew on a few airplanes, put another 42,000 miles on our vehicles, and watched our kids continue to grow up and keep busy.
God is good, and He has shown much of that goodness on me and my family this year. If you want to see the many ways He has done so, please read back through the many posts that I have written this year. It's all good.
What is in store for 2008? Well, I have 23 shows on the calendar already, and look forward to another 50 or more. Open doors of opportunity to share the Gospel with folks around the United States and the world.
Thank you for reading this online newsletter. Please continue to pray for many lives changed in 2008.
My hopes and prayers for you all,
DonB!
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