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.