2009 Economic Predictions

I read other blogs from time to time but here is one that aligns fairly close to my own.

Give it a read...and Happy New Year!

Calafia Beach Pundit

PLW

In Memoriam, 2008

Sorry to my close friends, Ben and Bobby Kennedy...May 2009 bring both teams closer to obtaining the glory years of Walter Payton and Danny White...



PLW

Leap Second!

Amusing...
I guess if we can print money that doesn't exist, why not create more time? ;)

Leap Second!

Christmas Insanity

Here is a recap of the week (for those of you interested):

• Christmas Eve - Traditional Christmas Eve service at Oak Grove Church. Colin and Wes Woelfle did a fantastic job playing saxaphone as well as singers and intrumentalists. Although stressful for me, I really enjoy playing and singing to my savior

• Christmas Eve - post church: Santa (?) showed up at the house when we came home and gave each of the kids a gift. Needless to say they were a little bright-eyed about how Santa knew so much about their day's events...I know, I know...but it's still cute

• Christmas Day in Hutchinson with my brother Mark and his family. My boys got the Wii game Mario Kart and now I'm addicted...

• Christmas at Heidi's folks on Saturday - WAY TOO MUCH food but enjoyable to be with brother and sister's in-law. I find a lot of comfort and encouragement being with Heidi's side of the family (and mine as well). I am very blessed to have a loving and caring family

• New Years Eve - playing keyboards for a overnight youth event in New Hope - we'll see...

Grace & Peace

PLW

WSOTW

Being that it is Christmas, I thought I would add a little bit of 'jazz' to spice up the Christmas Season (not sure if this qualifies as 'worship' but I'm taking a little liberty since this is my blog)...

Enjoy

Minnesota Vikings

I have to admit. Going to Green Bay and Lambeau Field this past fall reminded me how much I hate the Green and Gold. However, on a rare occasion and in an act of total desperation, I found myself rooting for the Green and Gold once again to enable the Vikings a playoff spot Monday night.


The ending of said event was nothing short of a tale scripted out of a Viking's playbook. If you haven't seen the highlights or footage from ESPN, where Chicago won in overtime due mostly to a blocked field goal with 20 seconds left in regulation, and if you are a Viking's fan, spare yourself the agony.


It really is setting itself up for a typical get-your-hopes-up Vikings season and then having them CRUSH the slightest glimmer of playoff hope (i.e. Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons - pretty much name the team).


I am resigned to not watching in hopes of the best outcome, but in fear for the worst.

Christmas, etc.

History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.- Sir Winston Churchill

History will show that the greed and consumer borrowing of America in the late 90's and early 2000's along with an insatiable spending appetite has lead to the current economic crisis that we now are all paying for and will continue to pay for.

But, like in other times of crisis, Christians in America show their true 'stripes' and declare with boldness Christ's love through charity, prayer, and support for friends, neighbors and loved ones who are hurting or in need.

A casual acquaintance through basketball announced this weekend that his son, Marcellus (14), just had surgery for cancer and is recovering. It is one thing to simply pray and ask for healing (which I have done), but surely another to go visit the hospital, drop off a note for the family, and relate in a more personal way (which I have not YET done).

To me, that is the message of Christmas. It's not the intention, it's not the act of simply praying or giving ( although those are important), but the heart condition where Christians are so deeply concerned for others that we are willing to sacrifice our time, talents and treasures in order that others may see Christ through our lives and ultimately give Him the praise for it.

Because of Christ's sacrifice for my life, its now my turn to sacrifice my life for the needs of others following in His footsteps.

Let the records hopefully reflect that Patrick Wight's 'history' gave others a true glimpse of who Christ really is.

Merry Christmas!

PLW

WSOTW - Revelation Song

(HT to Kevin McGuire)

Laminin!

This blew me away (HT to dillusional Vol's fan)...





Grace & Peace...
PLW

Big 12 Champions!!!

Big 12 Champions...again...by 6 touchdowns...If I am Florida, I am a little scared at that offensive force that is the Boomer Sooners!!!

Hats off to Missouri for at least trying (only a 3 touchdown lead by OU at halftime). I do find it amusing that Texas has continued to champion their cause by running a banner after OU destroyed Missouri stating "Enjoy the BeatByTexas.com Bowl." I guess the only way they could be satisfied is if OU doesn't beat Florida, in which case they will of course insist that they would have been able to..

My guess is that Texas loses to Ohio State - Go Buckeyes!!!
(please note that I have the utmost respect to the dillusional Longhorn fans ;))

And, btw, sorry Phineas...

Report Cards

My boys received their first half report cards yesterday. It seems as though academics are on track but there are always places for improvement.

Boys basketball started today for Hunter & Jalen and Heidi is running Olivia to her company Christmas party. Seems like weekends are busier than the weekdays...

I went to a MN Wild game last night against the hated Canucks and we lost 2-1. But, it was a well played game (minus a pretty cheap goal for Vancouver in the 2nd).

GO SOONERS!!!

Oklahoma!!!

Ho-hum, Sooners play tomorrow for yet another Big 12 Championship (I know what you're thinking - Missouri Tigers - gee I hope its not as 'riveting' as that Texas Tech game)...
But, a couple of things to be worried about if you are OU:

• Sam Bradford tore some ligaments in his non-throwing hand. This resulted in bad snaps against Oklahoma State and almost cost them a key touchdown at the end of the game (ok maybe 'almost' is a bit of an exaggeration). We have yet to see how this may affect a full game


• Special Teams can indeed be called 'special' for OU. They HAVE to get better in this area, especially agianst Big 12 teams and in a bid for a national championship. Remember the hook and ladder...I will say no more


• Austin Box is out for the game and may be out for the rest of the year (not sure on his status). This leaves a weak but getting-better defense more vulnerable. I just hope they don't play like the OU basketball team did last night...my goodness

I hope OU isn't looking past these guys 'cause I am certainly not.

Boomer Sooner!!! Good luck to the Crimson & Cream!!!

December to Remember

I am curious about this whole governmental bailout of Detroit. What do my readers think of this? Certainly, you could argue that the Big 3 have had troubles long ago and, as a friend of mine pointed out, what is different this time?
Common sense screams 'No'! The unfortunate outcome is that unemployment spikes by approximately 1%, more people are on the unemployement line (which equals tax dollars to support them). Yet, I really feel for the individuals that will be effected by this. Certainly demand in the US doesn't stop for cars (rental agencies, taxi companies, bus companies, police and governmental vehicles, etc.). So, I would imagine that even if the companies did declare bankruptcy, some if not many of the jobs would be absorbed by the new entity formed.
Its economically ugly out there but I have found when things are bad, thats when God really does his greatest work within each of us.
Grace & Peace

Thanksgiving 2008

For the first time, my niece and nephew from California are coming to visit the great state of Minnesota over Thanksgiving.



I think they were a bit shocked coming off the plane and walking down the boarding gate yesterday when they left weather of 75 and sunny to 24 and dark.



People talk about Thanksgiving and always talk about the conventional turkey, apple pie, etc.



I will challenge my limited but awesome blogosphere fans to not only remember the first part of Thanksgiving (giving thanks to God the Father for His many blessings) but also the 'giving'.



My prayer is that God will provide an opportunity for each of us to give of our time, treasure, or talents to encourage others this holiday season.



Grace & Peace.



PLW

Birthday Reflections

So for my birthday my wife asks if I wanted anything? After a few smart aleck responses, I replied in the only way a true husband knows how to with, 'Just your love for the rest of your life'.

As I thought about this, I am still blown away that besides Christ, there are others around me who love me unconditionally for who I am and no matter what I do to try and screw that up, it never changes the base equation.

I have some friends and even family members that are divorced and trying to juggle custody battles, parenting problems, a tough economic environment, and the whole single-mom/dad situation. I know people in jail and in prison serving out sentences for bad choices in their lives, the just consequence for their actions.

While I am thankful and blessed to have an awesome wife and family, we need to go out of our way to make sure our friends, family, etc. who are divorced or single moms or dads have our support, encouragement, and love especially during the holiday season.

Jesus said in Matthew 25, 'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'.

I guess if I had a birthday wish, it would be that my friends, family and people around me would see Christ's love exemplified through my life and that they would see my unconditional love for them at all times.

Anything short of that is simply coal in my stocking...

Grace & Peace

PLW

Defense

OU plays Texas Tech (yes, Bobby Knight's old school) who boasts a very potent offense and stout defense. It will be a great game -7:00pm on Saturday...OU's defense will be the key to winning.

Have you ever been told something by someone that you didn't want to hear but you needed to hear it? That happened to me yesterday.

At first, I was a little ticked, but then I realized that he was right and now I am at a place where I appreciate the honesty spoken into my life. We all need people in our lives that can speak truth into us. I am blessed to have a few of those.

Tonight, my wife is home from her travels and I am no longer a single dad...whew!!!



Grace & Peace

PLW

Early Thanksgiving

Sorry for not updating lately as it has been a whirlwind...



My wife's side of the family celebrated Thanksgiving last weekend at the farm in New Prague, MN. We ate a ton o turkey and fabulous pies and cakes baked by some of the finest cooks in Minnesota - Heidi, her mom and her sisters! Needless to say, the gym will be my friend for the next couple of years...



I'm excited for my brother from California to be visiting next week and I am in full-gear getting the house ready for 22 people at Thanksgiving. And with Heidi out of town, this makes life super fun for dad.



I was able to catch the Sunday night UFC fight at a friend's house on Saturday where Brock Lesnar became the UFC Heavyweight Champion.





A friend of mine used to wrestle at the UofM and has wrestled against Brock and he can't imagine anyone beating him because of his sheer size, strength and quickness. Needless to say, my kids will be playing basketball and looking up to the likes of Jamaal Wilkes, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Kurt Rambis...







Grace & Peace.



PLW

WSOTW

We have sung this one at church a couple of times, but I like the instrumentation of this version - good vibe...



Have a blessed week...

PLW

Texas A&M

Recently, my wife and I had the pleasure of staying with friends in College Station, TX to observe the Oklahoma Sooners crush the aTm Aggies 2000-9 (ok I may be exaggerating a bit).

We also had the opportunity to experience some REAL southern hospitality and to that end, I am dedicating this blog to my friends in TX.

Thanks for an incredible weekend and opening your house up to a couple of hicks from Minnesota. We truly had a blast and will not soon forget bass fishing in November, fire ants and the infamous skunk episode.

PLW

Election, Deception...Oh My

One of the funnyiest yet saddest things I have ever seen in my life was observed on YouTube following an Obama rally. I know that this has been going around for a bit but its very telling of our generation:





Sadly, I think many Americans are thinking about what others can do for them verses what we can ultimately do for other people. A friend of mine wrote in a blog last week that says it better than I ever could:



'....Again - my point isn't that the right guy won. My point is, as Christians, we have a responsibility this morning. It's the same responsibility we had yesterday, and the same one we'll have tomorrow.And it has nothing to do with declaring the end of the world due to an election that didn't go our way. We are to shadow God as he redeems the world here and now.President Obama is our president. - but God is still pretty important. If you don't like the election results, keep doing your part to change the world from where you are. After all...that's change you can believe in...' - Ben Redmond, Various Parables

Meaningless Under the Sun?

I have been reading in Ecclesiastes lately and it has reminded me of our constitutional right to vote tomorrow.

As many of you know, I enjoy reading and listening to political thought and discourse especially as it ties to economic and philispophical choices and alternatives.

However, sometimes as a voter I get easily confused and discouraged as to the 'who', 'what', 'where' and 'why' of voting and admit that I feel a bit like Solomon in some of his violent mood swings.

But, it is our constitutional right and duty and it's the only true check and balance we have on the leaders of our country.

So, here are some links that I have found useful in the past while making up my mind on who to vote for...:

Presidential Election
Minnesota Local Elections
Voting Guide - Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life

Remember to vote tomorrow. See you at the polls!

WSOTW

This week's worship song is an oldie but goodie - but a little more contemporary.

Also, please note the time difference for WSOTW since beginning of the week makes way more sense than the end. Grace & Peace!

Halloween Nostalgia

Halloween always brings back fond memories from childhood and I, for one, enjoy the ghouls and goblins and the cute little costumes parents force thier toddlers to wear.

Olivia had a giraffe outfit a couple of years ago that I thought was tremendous. I think sometimes we need to let kids be kids but also to certainly not neglect the negative outside influences that bombard us and our kids.

One of the greatest single events in my life occurred during Halloween - I met my wife, Heidi. So, you will not hear any negative sentiment coming from me. Also, a little advice. If you want your kids or yourself not to be sick on Saturday, remember to eat before you treat...

PLW

PS: I'll try to post some pictures next week-of the kids, but for all of you three people who read this blog, please send me your pictures so I can put them up as well (if you want)

Historic World Series

Not that I'm a fan of either team, but I am curious why they started the game the other night? Was it because the tv networks needed the money and the commissioner of baseball acquiesced?

They are talking on the news about owners of those tickets (because they cancelled the game) getting BIG money right now because it is like the only time its happened in the history of baseball.

Amazing...

Lamplighters

A few years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a bible study series written by a local twin cities non-profit called Lamplighters International.

The studies are a very intense guide through a number of old testament and new testament books.

Personally, I have grown tremendously in my understanding of the scriptures and my relationship with Jesus Christ through the Bible because of the direction and guidance of these studies. Along with that, I have been able to connect with some really cool men going through the study with me.

Lamplighters International

The Well

For the last few months, I have been attending 'The Well'.

Its a gathering of people interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and who he really is. I think many people are confused about Christ, either by pre-concieved notions from others or by the local churches in general.

Many people my age who are not comfertable going to church feel threatened about attending a church because they think that they have to dress a certain way or act a certain way to attend and learn.

The Well gives people an opportunity to sit down in a public place and learn about Jesus without any judgemental looks or stares. Like Jesus said:

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." (Matt 9:12,13)

(Facebook Link)

PLW

WSOTW

New addition to the blog, people.

This is an opportunity to share some of the worship music you like singing with the rest of the world.

This is called the Worship Song of The Week (WSOTW). The first unofficial song was a Hillsong post I sent out a couple of weeks ago.

Ironically, the second is also a hillsong contribution by Katie and the song speaks to how no matter what the opposition, God can't be defeated. Sometimes, I think as Christians we walk around feeling defeated and beat up at every turn. This song speaks to that.

Desert Song (link)

My Wife

God has showered me with a blessing beyond belief.

She is everything that I am and what I want to be: encouraging, loving, talented, respected, intelligent, God-fearing, and beautiful.

It blows me away sometimes as I look at the sacrifice that she has made so that I can pursue my dreams - working full-time, mother of three awesome kids, disciplinarian while I am working late, keeper of the checkbook, master of the house, love of my life.

I love you!

Alma Maters Matter!

Today it was announced that Pillsbury College, my wife's alma mater, will be closing its doors for good on December 31st, 2008. This is a sad day as many of my friends and family members have either gone to this school or have been associated with it in some form or fashion.

Announcement

In other sad news, my OU Sooners lost to Texas (a travesty to be sure) but will try and regain their composure this weekend when they face Kansas State. A special shout-out to Oklahoma State (my mother's alma mater) for beating over-hyped Missouri (Chez is not that good people).

Weekend

I love the fall. The colors are great and hunting season has begun. Here is a picture of my buddy Chad and his son Nate. Even though we passed on a couple of flocks (my fault), we still had a great time

I took my kids the Mall of America's Underwater World this weekend. Very cool sharks, rays, turtles, and various fish species. The highlight for the boys was actually being able to touch a real live shark. Needless to say, that was not Olivia's favorite...

I know, next time I will bring a better camera...

This week has brought upon conferences for Hunter and Jalen. I was very pleased that both are brilliant (carrying on the traits of their mother) but now aware of behavioral 'changes' that are needed (carrying on the traits of their father). We will see...

The Phillies won the NL pennant last night. Factoid: the Phillies hold the esteemed position of having the most losses of ANY professional sports team.

I'm glad the stat above didn't include college sports as the Gopher football team may hold that undesirable position - BUT NOT THIS YEAR. The Golden Gophers are 6-1, and are having a break out year. They are being led by stud quarterback Adam Weber and wide-receiver Eric Decker.
(Gopher Football)

Pray for less market volatility, everyone and make sure you hug your local financial advisor this week. He or she needs it. I heard something funny yesterday: the only people carrying their bibles around these days are pastors and financial advisors...

Grace & Peace

PLW

Duck Blind

Hunting season is in full bloom. This weekend, one of my best friends (Chad) and I went to shoot some ducks and had a blast. It was great to spend time with him just like the old days, watching the sunrise and seeing all the ducks flying around. It was cool. This weekend promises to be fun as well. For those of you who have never hunted, don't knock it until you try it.

Stupid event of the week: Parking on the street and receiving a meter ticket when the meter (so I thought) wasn't charging after 6. I forgot to check the front of the meter which read 'checked until 10pm)...$34 to the city of Minneapolis....

I read Psalms 22 & 23 this morning at 4:00am as I couldn't sleep thinking about the market volatility. Great medicine!

Grace & Peace - Patrick

Unprecedented

Vikes win 30-27 after giving up an inconcievable amount of special teams yards to Reggie Bush and others. I'm extremely irritated...


Red River Shoot-Out! This weekend, my beloved OU Sooners crush the University of Texas by 40! Boomer Sooner!!!

Awesome worship this weekend at Oak Grove (at least I thought)! For those of you not there, my brother-in-law Kevin Zackariasen told of sacrificial love. Pray for Kevin and his family as he trains local pastors in South Africa.

Amazing sports night, which I missed...

1. TWINS WIN! TWINS WIN! TWINS WIN!
In a comeback reminiscent of David Lee Roth returning to Van Halen, the Twins came back from the dead (6-1 deficit) to beat and sweep the Chicago White Sox at home, taking sole possession of first place in the AL Central with 3 games left. Incredible game, here are the highlights.

2. Oregon State beat the USC Trojans last night which means with a win this weekend that my beloved Oklahoma Sooners will be the #1 team in all the land.

3. The University of Minnesota Gophers will play at THE Ohio State Buckeyes Saturday morning. I'm thinking they lose by 50...

Hillsong Rocks

Not that I am a big fan of stealing other peoples music, but there is some AWESOME stuff coming out of our friends from Australia right now.

This is the song we sang on Sunday - I'm digging it. Let me know what you think...