September 6th Birthday Greetings to Todd Mitchell Palin! Traits of a Champion We all know those who have the attitude that whatever happens, happens. They just go through the daily motions of life, sometimes winning and sometimes losing. Not Todd Palin. The four-time Iron Dog champion, commercial fisherman, husband of Governor Sarah Palin, dad to Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig, and "Pap-paw" to Tripp and Kyla, knows that life is really what a person makes of it. Todd is proof positive that to be a champion and win the game of life, we must do something to make it happen. Success doesn’t just “fall” on us. We have to act like champions, and that starts by thinking and acting like winners. Todd looks like a champion. He has confidence. He believes in himself, and as a man of Christian faith, he has the ability to tap into God's abilities. Todd acts like a champion. No matter what pundits and polls may say about his family, he still acts like a winner knowing that integrity and faith in God will turn around adversity. Todd stays in shape like a champion. No one said it better than his wife when ridiculously questioned as to whether or not she and her "First Dude" were getting a divorce: "Divorce Todd? Have you seen Todd?" Todd examines his friendships like a champion. We are a reflection of our friendships.  Todd is loyal to his family and friends as they build each other up, not tear one another down. Todd never quits, just like a champion. Todd knows that as long as he keeps getting up, he's still in the game. Remember when he broke his arm on the final leg of an Iron Dog race but still finished first? That's the heart of a champion! If Todd had a motto, I bet it would be something like, "I cannot be defeated, and I will not quit." That is his attitude; he never gives up. No matter how the lamestream media misrepresents his family, or whether or not he had a good salmon run on Bristol Bay, he continues to stand in faith. Faith in his God. Faith in his family. Faith in his country. Todd Palin. A champion in every situation! “In due time we will reap, if we faint not."  Galations 6:9"The man of integrity walks securely…” Proverbs 10:19

   Governor Palin Heart to Heart in Haiti It's Christmastime. The lights, the carols, and the beautifully wrapped packages are all part of the sights and sounds of this magical holiday season. To some, Christmas is the shepherds, the magi riding their camels, and the angels singing “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). But we must not allow the sights and sounds of the season to take away from the true meaning of Christmas. As I thought about all of the gifts that would be given and received during this festive holiday celebration, my thoughts drifted far away to Haiti to the recent compassionate visit by Governor Sarah Palin, her husband Todd, and their daughter Bristol, as volunteers with Rev. Franklin Graham's humanitarian outreach, Samaritan's Purse. Following the January 2010 catastrophic 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti, the photos and news from that nation have been mind-boggling. The images have been inescapable from the quake-cracked structures to wars and rumors of wars to a deadly cholera epidemic. Gov. Palin and Bristol Palin comfort a cholera stricken infant in Haiti Yet in the midst of this country's great devastation, Governor Palin and family reached out to hundreds of Haitians by sharing comforting smiles, speaking kind words, lending helping hands, opening compassionate arms, and yes, even distributing Christmas gifts.  Governor Palin distributes Christmas gifts to Haitian children while volunteering with Samaritan's Purse As the Palins and other volunteers were lovingly handing out gifts to Haitian children, Rev. Graham commented that, "For most of these kids it is the first time they've ever had a gift in their life. Some... just sat there and didn't know what to do."  He went on to say, "It just breaks your heart. But at the same time it fills your heart to know that there's so many people behind this program that have prayed, that have worked, that have given." "The kids don't have much", observed Governor Palin, "yet they have smiles and they're looking around for... I think for some little bit of compassion that the rest of us can provide." "It's quite sobering, puts things in perspective, reminds us as Americans who have so much, that we were put on this earth to reach out and help those who are less fortunate", Governor Palin tells Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren after seeing the devastation first-hand. The Palins, Greta Van Susteren, and Rev. Graham inside one of the 10,000+ Samaritan's Purse shelters Shaking my thoughts back to the present, I pondered how over the past few days and weeks, the stores were crowded with shoppers who purchased many gifts that will be placed under Christmas trees. As these gifts are opened, there will be lots of bows, wrapping paper, and boxes strewn around the tree—all because this is the season for giving gifts. But as we open gifts in celebration of Christmas, let us remember that Jesus lived and died for one purpose—to redeem the world from the devil’s tyranny. God gave his greatest gift, His only Son, and we can pass the gift on by following Governor Palin's example of giving of ourselves to those in need.    

  Maybe it was the endorphins pulsating through my body as I sped to nowhere Friday afternoon on a stationary bike in the fitness center, or perhaps it was the forbidden pieces of chocolate I savored earlier in the day. Whatever the culprit, a single photograph featured in the Washingtonian caught my eye as together the periodical and I raced toward the weekend. Follow: American author Mark Twain once said, “Hawaii is the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean”. No one would argue with Twain that the Hawaiian Islands’ tropical weather, low humidity and infrequent severe storms make it a traveler’s dream destination. Hawaii not only boasts of its great beauty but also claims to be the birthplace of Barack Obama.    By contrast, Alaska’s majestic mountain peaks and rugged topography covered with glaciers, countless rivers and lakes, huge tracks of forested land, and over 34,000 miles of tidal shoreline is beauty personified. Alaska is a constant adventure for those that live there, and for those fortunate enough (or smart enough) to travel there, it often proves to be their most exhilarating and worthwhile adventure. The Last Frontier is the beloved home of Sarah Palin, the youngest and the first female governor of that state, and is like no other place on our planet. No doubt these two states are uniquely and breathtakingly beautiful, but under a microscope the resolution of their great beauty becomes a study in contrasts. Their magnification and resolution prove to be an eerily accurate characterization of their most famous residents. Take a look at this photo from National Geographic. Believe it or not, this is the magnification of a dipperful of Hawaiian seawater. Describing the photo, journalist Jennifer S. Holland, writes, “Gelatinous shape-shifters lazily ride the currents (dead fish going with the flow). Familiar [and unfamiliar] forms — wide-eyed fish larvae, baby squid and octopuses—dart liberally (left wing radicals). Their lives are precarious (reckless decisions). Some wear shells (disguises) or exude toxins (media malpractice) against enemies (Main Street America); others are active only after dark (opaque government).” Even the name of the photograph is telling- The Secret Life [of Marine Microfauna].   No two alike? According to Discover, physicist Kenneth Libbrecht says it’s essentially impossible for any two ice crystals to have the exact same molecular structure (unique and one of a kind). He claims that, “Out of all the complex (smart, intelligent, quick study) snow crystals ever made over the history of the planet, it’s unlikely that any two ever looked completely alike (unprecedented). The elaborate branching structure indicates that the crystal was formed under high pressure (hard work, dedication, boldly speaking the truth, fearless), even where molecules encounter more resistance (‘drill, baby, drill’; ‘we eat, therefore we hunt’; ‘quit making things up’). The more easily the clear branches (government transparency) accumulate molecules, the more fabulous the shapes take form”. We the People are like magnifying glasses making it possible for all to see self-serving political agendas purposely hidden to the naked eye. We must magnify our lawmakers’ policies to a point of resolution where lines are not blurred but clearly defined and transparent. Who knew such musings could come from looking at a single photo published by a liberal medium while riding a stationary bike? Maybe next Friday I will join the line dancing class where Britney tunes are blared at a thousand decibels. Who knows I may oops, do it again.    

Willow Palin by Lacroix Photography Governor Sarah Palin wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas via Facebook: My family and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I offer this to all because Christmas is a holiday for all, whether you are a Christian believer or not. The message of Christmas is full of hope, peace, joy, and the fellowship of all mankind; so I find it amazing that every year we hear more accounts of a ramped up “war on Christmas.”   How sad and ironic that a handful of grinches are at war with the annual celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace, whose coming was prophesied centuries earlier and was then gloriously heralded by the angels with a blessing for “peace on earth” and “good will toward men.” Even if one doesn’t believe the story, can’t one at least recognize the beauty of the message? Or at the very least, let everyone else enjoy the season without throwing a temper tantrum at the sight of a Nativity scene? People who feel affronted by a baby in a humble Manger display or a few Christmas carols have truly lost all sense of proportion and seem to be most in need of some holiday cheer.   At a time when our country is divided on so many things, Christmas unites us. It’s a beautiful part of our culture, and for many of us it’s a beautiful part of our Faith. In fact, for believers it’s “the main thing.” In today’s tumultuous times we can remember the bible’s record of Three Wise Men from the East who received an angelic message of Jesus’ birth. They may have been unsure of the message, so they sought truth. They trekked to Bethlehem to find out more. There, they found Jesus and they honored Him. The story of the wise men reminds us that today wise men still seek Him. So in this season especially, let’s seek truth.   Let’s celebrate with family and friends. Let’s shout a cheery “Merry Christmas” to everyone we meet. Let’s remember our brave men and women in uniform defending us far from home. And let’s all pray for a peaceful New Year. From our home to yours, Merry Christmas. -Sarah Palin “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke

  I challenge you to find someone who has received more vile and vicious hate hurled at them than Governor Sarah Palin. It seems adversity comes her way no matter what she says or does, as in the latest media-generated hysteria over her timely and most appropriate video response to the terrible tragedy in Tucson on January 8th leaving many wounded or dead. Liberals are up in arms over Governor Palin’s use of the term “blood libel” to describe the left-wing and lamestream media elite attacks on conservatives following the horrific events wielded from one lone loon with a gun; however, attorney and Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz agreed that the former vice presidential candidate used the term correctly saying: “There is nothing improper and certainly nothing anti-Semitic in Sarah Palin using the term to characterize what she reasonably believes are false accusations that her words or images may have caused a mentally disturbed individual to kill and maim.” “Falsely accusing someone of shedding blood is the definition of a blood libel,” said a spokesperson for Jewish Americans for Sarah Palin in an interview with the Daily Caller. “Sarah Palin got it right.” It is time to wake up, America. The Tucson tragedy was not the fault of Governor Palin or the Tea Party. We must understand that such hatred driving one to commit an act of extreme violence begins silently within the mind and is incubated over time. As the hatred is mentally rehearsed, it grows to such proportions that it soon affects the person’s attitude and perception toward an individual or a group of individuals. As the hatred festers, it moves into the realm of influencing the person’s words and actions, often resulting in a violent rampage. Point in case? Jared Loughner, the disturbed man who aimed a gun and pulled the trigger wrecking havoc and taking lives during an otherwise peaceful gathering of American patriots in Tucson on a sunny Saturday morning. However, we can expect the left and the media elite to forever point an accusing finger at Governor Palin no matter the circumstance or situation. Why? Reverend Franklin Graham founder of Samaritan's Purse said it best: “She [Governor Palin] is a kind and compassionate God-fearing woman who believes with all her heart that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”      Rev. Franklin Graham and Gov. Sarah Palin in Wasilla, Alaska leading a group in prayer before a Samaritan's Purse mission to distribute boxes of food to remote Alaskan villages in February 2009   Gov. Palin on a mission of mercy in Haiti with Samaritan's Purse in December 2010   The Bible says in I John 3:13 to, “Marvel not if the world hate you,” and “… if you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of this world, the world hates you.” (see John 15:19-21). The “world” in this context refers to non-Christian believers. Here's the bottom line. Because Governor Palin is a woman of prayer and strong faith, adversity will always be aimed at her. But as her track record has proven time and time again, she will never allow it to move her or shake her, nor will she allow it to defeat her or keep her from her God-ordained destiny. So Governor Palin, be encouraged and never back down!  Don’t let anyone say you can’t. You can! The thing God created you to do, you will do. And you will rock and shake the world. Whatever God speaks to your heart, step out and walk on water like Peter[1], and watch God be God. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand." (Ephesians 6:13) As for me and my house, we stand with Sarah. [1] Bible verse: Matthew 14:22-33   

  Who dat? Who dat? Dat be Governor Sarah Palin in the Big Easy where she wowed the crowd at the 2010 Southern Republican Leadership Conference this weekend. The 2008 Republican Vice Presidential nominee lived up to her billing as the main draw as she electrified thousands of supporters with her clarion call for common-sense conservatism and smaller government. “There is no shame in being the party of no if the other side is proposing an idea that violates our values, violates our principals, violates our Constitution.” Governor Palin’s passionate delivery addressed several policy issues and challenged the current administration’s position on the nuclear arms reduction treaty questioning why an enemy like Iran was being “coddled” while a friend like Israel was being “alienated”. She also made the connection between energy and security calling for domestic, reliable and environmentally sound energy to secure freedom for America, and she reminded the audience that, “The party of Lincoln, the party of Reagan is back and we have our eyes wide open going into 2010.” Another hot-button topic Governor Palin discussed was President Obama’s proposal for off-shore drilling that is nothing more than a decoy to attract votes for a larger cap-and-trade energy bill. “I hope the Senate Republicans tell him, ‘You can drill all you want off the shores of Virginia, but you won’t find bi-partisanship down there.’” Characteristic of her personal charm and wit, she held up her left palm on which was written, “Geaux Saints”, declaring that there is nothing wrong with saying to those who oppose, “We win, you lose”, to an eruption of thunderous applause and another standing ovation as Governor Palin praised New Orleans as an inspiring city. She mentioned her last visit to the Crescent City to attend an oil and gas conference, thanking those who had “rebuilt”, “restored” and “revitalized” in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and my thoughts drifted to a passage in her best- selling book, Going Rogue: An American Life, where Governor Palin talked about being in New Orleans when she discovered a new change… a new beginning… a new life on the horizon for the Palin family. It was while attending this conference in late summer 2007 where she learned the Creator was perfectly forming her fifth child, Trig Paxson Van Palin. I noted to myself the significant correlation of that exciting news of new life for the Palins and the exciting anticipation on this visit of a new hope… a new change… a new birth for America with the upcoming 2010 elections this November. As a delegate to the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans, I witnessed Governor Palin’s rousing speech to an audience jazzed with elevated excitement ready to “kick the bums out” in 2010. We must keep the momentum going by taking that same energy and excitement to our neighbors, our friends, our families and to our nation not letting it fade with the conference spotlight because in Governor Palin’s own words, “There’s nothing… that a good old fashioned election can’t fix.” Reload, baby, reload.