There are some interesting races in the US Senate that will be decided next week. Particularly, the states of California and Nevada. I think, despite my misgivings about pretty much everything she votes for, Barbara will carry California (interesting op.ed from California today).
However, I think Angle will win in Nevada. The polls show the same but I just don't believe the hype from conservative radio this morning saying that Barbara Boxer is in trouble.
There are also a number of judicial seats that are up for election this year in Minnesota. Congressional lawmaking not withstanding, local judges and common sense go a long way for me in the administration of law. With my current office location housing a number of lawyers in both the family law and estate planning arenas, we often talk about current decisions that are impacted significantly by the right judge hearing the case. This isn't a surprise really but more of a commentary on the need for wisdom on the judiciary.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to this: Fiscal policy is the only way in which we are going to climb out of the mess our government and our society has put us in. And right now, lawmakers can't even agree on if its day or night let alone make the important, significant decisions quickly and efficiently to reduce ambiguity, free up credit and properly incent small business development along with a reduction to entitlement programs to grow our domestic economy.
WE NEED CONGRESS ultimately to stop bickering, reduce costs, fix fraud and entitlement programs so that they are reasonable and provide the necessary support and assistance while not empowering laziness and government reliance.
WE NEED CONGRESS to provide tax incentives to small businesses (with proper oversight of course) so that our economy can grow and reduce our increasing unemployment while not overly taxing the wealthy to dis-incent them to invest in small businesses.
It's really not rocket science, but it does require compromise (I can't believe I am saying that).
Grace & Peace
PLW
Oct 29, 2010
Oct 28, 2010
Oct 25, 2010
Elder Board
I am pretty impressed with our Elder Board at church.
Having served on many boards and committees, I have a great deal of confidence and trust with the current group of guys that I am honored to serve with. Sometimes, I don't necessarily think that things work as efficiently and as quickly as I would like, but I guess that is life.
What really has been interesting to me is the breadth of decision-making and the integrity that is identified by the members. God has blessed me to have some great guys to learn from.
I would also encourage everyone who is attending churches to get involved in ministry areas. They are usually understaffed and need new blood for different ideas, more efficient processes, etc. Its also a place where its definitely true that the more you give, the more you receive.
Grace & Peace
PLW
Having served on many boards and committees, I have a great deal of confidence and trust with the current group of guys that I am honored to serve with. Sometimes, I don't necessarily think that things work as efficiently and as quickly as I would like, but I guess that is life.
What really has been interesting to me is the breadth of decision-making and the integrity that is identified by the members. God has blessed me to have some great guys to learn from.
I would also encourage everyone who is attending churches to get involved in ministry areas. They are usually understaffed and need new blood for different ideas, more efficient processes, etc. Its also a place where its definitely true that the more you give, the more you receive.
Grace & Peace
PLW
Oct 19, 2010
California Dreaming
Just got back from a work / vacation / family visit to southern California with Heidi. We haven't had much time together in awhile and this was the perfect excuse to do it.
Even though it was a work trip, I also was able to spend time with my older brother while away from the Minnesota fall and the boy's football playoffs (which they ended up winning on Saturday's games).
What I didn't expect was that it rained every day, I only was able to spend a very limited amount of time with my brother and his family, and I didn't get a chance to meet with any clients.
On the bright side, I was able to make some new acquaintances, spent some real quality time with Heidi, and relaxation came pretty easy while walking on the beach everyday
While trying to locate the sun, I read John Piper's book 'This Momentary Marriage'. The premise of the book is that marriage is covenant. And not only is it ordained by God, marriage was designed to show Christ's love for the church (his bride).
It also struck me that this would be a great tool or guide-book for people perhaps searching for meaning behind their marriage or another good resource for those trying to find answers for marriages that are under some stress.
You can buy the book at Piper's website (www.desiringgod.com), or I am sure there are used copies on Amazon or something.
Greetings to Dave in Colorado - hope your time together with your wife was special.
Grace & Peace
Even though it was a work trip, I also was able to spend time with my older brother while away from the Minnesota fall and the boy's football playoffs (which they ended up winning on Saturday's games).
What I didn't expect was that it rained every day, I only was able to spend a very limited amount of time with my brother and his family, and I didn't get a chance to meet with any clients.
On the bright side, I was able to make some new acquaintances, spent some real quality time with Heidi, and relaxation came pretty easy while walking on the beach everyday
While trying to locate the sun, I read John Piper's book 'This Momentary Marriage'. The premise of the book is that marriage is covenant. And not only is it ordained by God, marriage was designed to show Christ's love for the church (his bride).
It also struck me that this would be a great tool or guide-book for people perhaps searching for meaning behind their marriage or another good resource for those trying to find answers for marriages that are under some stress.
You can buy the book at Piper's website (www.desiringgod.com), or I am sure there are used copies on Amazon or something.
Greetings to Dave in Colorado - hope your time together with your wife was special.
Grace & Peace
Oct 14, 2010
JoAnn
I thought I would mention that yesterday was JoAnn, my office assistant's, last day.
Thinking back, we grew tremendously as a firm in the last three and 1/2 years and JoAnn has been a fantastic ally and support, not only for me but also for my business partner.
For the last three years, she has worked many thankless hours setting up and hosting seminars, listening to me bicker about nonsense and the faulty computer systems, but really allowing me to be myself while the day-to-day was handled (and expertly at that).
I am blessed to have many wonderful people in my life to support and encourage me and I will miss her smile and 'specific encouragement' in the years to come.
Thanks for everything and may God bless you continually.
Grace & Peace
PLW
Thinking back, we grew tremendously as a firm in the last three and 1/2 years and JoAnn has been a fantastic ally and support, not only for me but also for my business partner.
For the last three years, she has worked many thankless hours setting up and hosting seminars, listening to me bicker about nonsense and the faulty computer systems, but really allowing me to be myself while the day-to-day was handled (and expertly at that).
I am blessed to have many wonderful people in my life to support and encourage me and I will miss her smile and 'specific encouragement' in the years to come.
Thanks for everything and may God bless you continually.
Grace & Peace
PLW
Oct 11, 2010
Oct 8, 2010
Twins Commentary
First off, I want to make clear to my readers that I bleed Twins and am amazed every year how they continue to make the playoffs despite adversity.
However, I liken their current task of defeating the Yankees to that of David and Goliath psychologically. If they would simply believe that they can, they will because I think their pitching is better and their defense superior.
In my previous sports career, that psychological barrier was a regional playoff with the town of Wilmar, MN. It started by watching my brother get beat over and over, and it continued with my high school career.
No matter how well we played during the year and our confidence going into playoffs, we always had to get past them. Very daunting and it was always in my head even before the game started.
My senior year we smoked them and I remember before the game thinking that all I had to do was simply make my shots and play tough defense and dish when they double-team, which worked (along with some stellar play from my friend Tim in the low post).
Bottom line: It starts with believing that you can do anything (Phil. 4:13). Then, its simply a matter of playing the game without your head getting in the way. A lot easier said then done, apparently, for the Twins.
Grace & Peace - enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend.
PLW
However, I liken their current task of defeating the Yankees to that of David and Goliath psychologically. If they would simply believe that they can, they will because I think their pitching is better and their defense superior.
In my previous sports career, that psychological barrier was a regional playoff with the town of Wilmar, MN. It started by watching my brother get beat over and over, and it continued with my high school career.
No matter how well we played during the year and our confidence going into playoffs, we always had to get past them. Very daunting and it was always in my head even before the game started.
My senior year we smoked them and I remember before the game thinking that all I had to do was simply make my shots and play tough defense and dish when they double-team, which worked (along with some stellar play from my friend Tim in the low post).
Bottom line: It starts with believing that you can do anything (Phil. 4:13). Then, its simply a matter of playing the game without your head getting in the way. A lot easier said then done, apparently, for the Twins.
Grace & Peace - enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend.
PLW
Oct 6, 2010
Another Supreme Court Justice?
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt) has introduced legislation aimed at allowing current justices to 'vote in' on a majority basis, retired SC Justices when there are recusals so that the full court hears the cases presented.
To keep my readers informed, recusals occur when SC Justices have conflicts with companies, issues, etc. from the cases that are being heard - call it a conflict of interest. A current example of this occurred when new Justice Kagan had already submitted briefs on some cases because of her Solicitor General role. Others include SC Justices owning stock of companies that are presented in the case being heard, etc.
Currently, there are three SC Justices to choose from: O'Connor, Stevens, and Souter that the court would be able to choose from should this legislation pass.
Except for the SC, most states allow a 'fill-in' when federal judges are recused.
On one hand, it establishes the full court and a majority opinion is once again achievable. On the other, what is the unintended consequence of this decision?
Grace & Peace.
PLW
To keep my readers informed, recusals occur when SC Justices have conflicts with companies, issues, etc. from the cases that are being heard - call it a conflict of interest. A current example of this occurred when new Justice Kagan had already submitted briefs on some cases because of her Solicitor General role. Others include SC Justices owning stock of companies that are presented in the case being heard, etc.
Currently, there are three SC Justices to choose from: O'Connor, Stevens, and Souter that the court would be able to choose from should this legislation pass.
Except for the SC, most states allow a 'fill-in' when federal judges are recused.
On one hand, it establishes the full court and a majority opinion is once again achievable. On the other, what is the unintended consequence of this decision?
Grace & Peace.
PLW
Oct 4, 2010
Quote
“Economic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or executive pronouncement. Economic wounds must be healed by the action of the cells of the economic body – the producers and consumers themselves.”
Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover
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