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.    

  "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power..." (I Corinthians 2:4) Not one to just talk-the-talk but instead to walk-the-walk, Governor Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, demonstrated their belief in God's abundant life by giving birth to a precious baby boy with special needs. Trig Paxson Van Palin made his world debut on April 18, 2008 at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska. Gov. Palin and her son Trig soaking up some sun in Arizona on November 5, 2008 "The moment he was born... my heart overflowed with joy... I felt a love I had a never felt before and a compassion I didn't even know was there... Trig is a miracle", Gov. Palin often says of her fifth child. Speaking to more than 9,000 at the Women of Joy Conference in Oklahoma City on April 15, 2011, Governor Palin made it known in no uncertain terms that when it comes to Trig, "There are our standards of perfection, and then there is God's standard of perfection." Women of Joy worshipping the Lord in Oklahoma City where Gov. Palin made the keynote speech Governor Palin continued demonstrating God's goodness to those present with her encourarging faith-building words of wisdom. The following are excerpts from her message of exhortation: "Your passions and interests were given to you for the service of others and our Creator.” “In Matthew [Chapter] 5, Jesus taught something… ‘Bless those who are hurt and mourn’, and He said they would be comforted… they’d be blessed… when people insult… and make things up about you, or say false things because of His Name.” “Jesus’ blessings are directly tied to getting out of self and risking our hearts in service to others for His sake. That is what our purpose is, and He didn’t promise it would be easy.” Gov. Palin demonstrating God's power and grace to Oklahoma's Women of Joy “Our road… I know the Palin’s road, hasn’t been easy… if you were to ask people like my parents or your parents if their most important growing years were their easiest years, they would tell you ‘no’, because with trial and struggle comes significance and the power to live with purpose.” “My prayer for all of you through this conference, starting tonight, is that this year you’ll really hone in on seeking opportunities to focus on taking the steps forward into what God’s prepared for you…  to grow more tender to Jesus [and] to really listen to his voice… forgo any role of victim to pursue the role of visionary.” “You’ve got to learn to deal with unnecessary criticism because the critics will always be there.” Dance, Sarah, Dance! “The bottom line, gals, is to be a ‘woman of joy’, you might as well dance.”   

    Extra! Extra! Read all about it! It seems The New York Times finally discovered what Governor Palin’s supporters have known all along: Her intelligent and intuitive ideas have built a bridge across the proverbial political aisle and linked the great divide known as ‘left versus right’. Times contributor, Anand Giridharadas, lamented with chagrin in an article published on September 9th that, “Something curious happened when Ms. Palin strode onto the stage last weekend [September 3rd] at a Tea Party event in Indianola, Iowa… she delivered a devastating indictment of the entire U.S. political establishment — left, right and center — and pointed toward a way of transcending the presently unbridgeable political divide.” At least one lamestream media outlet was paying attention to Gov. Palin’s wise words. Whether this “discovery” by the Times was flashbang or a three alarm wake-up call to the devastation wielded upon Americans by one Barack Hussein Obama is anyone’s guess. The article is worth a read as Mr. Giridharadas even goes as far as to briefly synopsize Gov. Palin’s “interlocking points” made during her speech to the thousands gathered in an Iowa cornfield while peppered by a driving rain. Will the Times continue traveling this bridge-to-somewhere or follow the signs leading to the left exit detour? Buckle your seat belts; it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Photo source: Getty Images; Gov. Palin speaks in Indianola, IA on 9/3/11.  

  I believe America is at a pivotal moment. Like the Israelites, we can choose to either go into the Promised Land -- the "shining city on a hill" -- or be satisfied with wilderness living. ___________________________________________________________________ "In the hour of my favour I gave heed to you; On the day of deliverance I came to your aid. The hour of favour has now come; now, I say, has the day of deliverance dawned.” (II Cor. 6:2) Some years ago the Mills family, long time friends of mine, ministered the Word of God at the Fairbanks Inn in Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks was experiencing an ice storm; the temperature was between 15-20 degrees below zero. They had never experienced such cold weather. About 11:15 a.m. an Eskimo couple came into the room fully dressed for the cold weather. They had come 26 miles from a small village populated with only 10 - 12 families. They were the only Christians in the village, and the husband functioned as the Constable. Both were very concerned about the spiritual condition of their community and were discouraged by the lack of response to God and His Word. Pastor Mills ministered to the couple saying, "The Lord will create over your dwelling place a light! A pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. This covering shall be a canopy and a defense." (Isaiah 4:5). The message was given at 11:45 a.m.. At that same moment in the couple’s village, a light appeared over their home. Light phenomena in the North Country is not unusual. Such terms as "Northern Lights", "Prismatic Refractions" and "Aurora Bourealis" go with the territory. However this light over their home stayed and stayed. The next day, the couple returned home and were greeted by the ladies in the village saying that the light over their home appeared shortly before noon Saturday (the men of the village were away hunting caribou). The Constable’s wife showed the women Isaiah 4:5 and told them the message they had received from the Lord. All of the villagers became Christians. The village became a missinary outpost, and two years later when the Mills returned to Fairbanks, the whole village came and gave their testimony. The thrilling conclusion happened when one of the women said, "When we left yesterday the light was still there!" America, the light it still here. And like the light seen over the village near Fairbanks, it comes from the North Star in the voice of Governor Sarah Palin. She is like a bright light illuminating the darkness of the current White House Administration. Don't despise the light, and don't confuse it with darkness. That is what America's enemies do.    Like President Ronald Reagan, Gov. Palin sees a strong, prosperous America as an example to the rest of the world. She unapologetically and unconditionally loves our country and believes that the best days are ahead. Gov. Palin connects with people. She "gets it". Remember the Israelites? After the death of Moses, the children of Israel once again stood at the edge of what God had promised them. They had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and were about to enter the Promised Land. The last time they’d stood at this place, they had refused to cross the Jordan River. But 40 years later, they were finally going to step into the blessings of God. During the Israelites’ time in the wilderness, they had to rely constantly on God to provide food and water. They had only just enough to get by and never came into the fullness of what God intended for them. Unfortunately, many of us today feel as though we are living in a wilderness. We need to realize, however, that God wants us to have everything He promised in His Word. He wants to do some wonderful things in our lives. Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, Joshua told them, “Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Josh. 3:5) Joshua was telling the people to get ready, because they were going to a new level of living. They were going to experience a new level of provision and blessing. This was the hour they had been waiting for. This was a new day—a pivotal moment for them.     I believe America is also at a pivotal moment. Like the Israelites, we can choose to either go into the Promised Land -- the "shining city on a hill" -- or be satisfied with wilderness living.  It's time to cast off the darkness of the past and realize that the dawn -- the light -- of a new day is here. "This is our time for choosing... how we answer will be our glory or our shame." - Gov. Sarah Palin speaking at Reagan Ranch Center on February 4, 2011.   

“And of the children of Issachar, men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…”  (I Chronicles 12:32) Never would I describe myself as a great theologian, a professor of God fascinated with historical events of Biblical proportions. I’m far from it. My faith is rather simple. God said it. I believe it. Jesus did it. I receive it. That settles it. But somewhere along the way of my private personal pursuit of God and all things Holy, the twelve tribes of Israel and their various identities caught my interests. One tribe in particular had a unique identity. The Tribe of Issacher were men who understood the times which gave them great wisdom and knowledge (I Chronicles 12:32). They were aware of what was going on in their day and in their lives, but they also knew what to do about it. The timing of God is KNOWING and DOING. Once you know His plans and purposes for your life, you can confidently go forward putting them into action. He will make you time sensitive so you can cooperate with His guidance. I remember reading a story that came out of the hippie era at Haight-Asbury in San Francisco about an overdosed young man who wrapped an alarm clock around his arm with duct tape. All it had was twelve numerals and a face but no working parts. People would stop him and say, “Hey, what time is it”? He would stare at the clock and say, “It’s RIGHT NOW man, that’s what time it is!” The time is RIGHT NOW for we who support Governor Palin. Like the Tribe of Issacher, we are aware of America’s time and we know what to do about it. We know what is taking place on Capitol Hill, and We the People are the voices (and votes) needed to steer our nation toward conservative principles such as smaller government and energy independence. It is 2010… a new year, a new day, a new beginning. We have the opportunity this year to stop that out-of-control liberal socialist machine during the mid-term elections. Purpose in your heart to stand up for our nation alongside Governor Palin by letting your voice and vote be heard. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Get in the game! The time is NOW.     

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