The most important thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother. Henry Ward Beecher A Father’s Day Tribute to Todd Palin… A Man for All Seasons “Todd is a good dad”. Governor Sarah Palin said these words often on the 2008 presidential campaign trail when introducing her four- time Iron Dog champion husband, Todd Mitchell Palin, to cheering audiences. The First Dude, as she affectionately calls him, is deeply committed to his marriage, is fiercely protective of his children, and constantly shows patriotic allegiance not only to his native Alaska, but to America.  Never slothful or lazy, Todd is always by his wife’s side and works hard to provide for his family whether it be on a Bristol Bay salmon run or in the oil fields of Alaska’s North Slope.  He understands that trust between a father and his children generates  happiness, hope, confidence, and security.  He strengthens his family by instilling faith and security.  He leads his children – by example – to spend their energy helping others and not just themselves.  He takes great pleasure in his wife’s success and much pride in seeing his children make quality decisions on their own.  As are all “good dads”, Todd is rewarded by the achievements of his children.  The man of integrity walks securely…” Proverbs 10:19  Happy Father’s Day to Todd Palin and all the “Good Dads” across America, including mine.  

  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.

“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.     

     All involved in the Heroic Media Pro-Life event at First Baptist Houston on Tuesday, October 5th reveled in the moment.  Why?  Former Alaska Governor and 2008 Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin was on hand speaking about faith, family, and the miracle of life.  Texas State Senator Dan Patrick had the honor of serving as Master of Ceremonies for the evening which included sitting on a discussion panel with the self-proclaimed 'hockey mom' after her heart-touching testimony touching on all things great about America.  "She was enjoying the event, speaking from the heart and touching all of us", the Senator said of Palin's almost 40 minute speech in front of a sold out crowd.  He also mentioned that, "She spoke from the heart--- no teleprompters".   April Jones of Lake Jackson, Texas was looking forward with great anticipation to seeing the former Alaska Governor in person and recounts the evening: "The first time that I saw Sarah Palin give her speech at the Republican Convention, I knew that she got it, and understands me along with the rest of us conservatives in America.  When I saw that she was coming to Houston for the Heroic Media fundraiser for Pro Life, I wanted to go."  April Jones (right) and friend have a photo op with "Sarah Palin"  (Photo courtesy of April Jones) "Listening to Sarah speak with great compassion from her heart on the sanctity of life was evident to not only me but the rest of the audience.  When I was listening at this event, Sarah was not campaigning or trying to convince us of any political agendas, but just simply sharing from her heart and her experiences.  She was very informative of certain statistics and information about abortion in America that the oposing side does not want the Americans to know. " "She is about people, not about politics.  After the event was over, I walked away wanting to continue to stand up for what is right and not to give in or give up hope.  I walked away a better person."   Governor Sarah Palin speaking from the heart- no teleprompter required   Governor Sarah Palin speaking the truth with boldness at the Heroic Media fundraiser in Houston, TX   Governor Sarah Palin and Texas State Senator Dan Patrick share a few thoughts before the discussion panel gets underway   Texas State Senator Dan Patrick sits on a discussion panel with Governor Sarah Palin   Sarah shares a laugh with a new friend at the October 5th Heroic Media Fundraiser in Houston The People for Palin thanks great American April Jones for sharing her personal story of hearing Governor Palin speak in person at the Heroic Media event at First Baptist Houston. April and many patriots like her are proud to stand alongside Governor Sarah Palin as she speaks the truth with boldness about faith, family, freedom, and the precious miracle of God-given life.   Photos courtesy of Texas State Senator Dan Patrick, unless otherwise noted.

  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.   

Known by its Athabascan name “Denali”, meaning “Great One”, majestic Mount McKinley is located in Alaska’s Denali National Park.  With a peak at 20,320 feet high, Denali is the tallest mountain in the United States.  History tells us that the first settlers are believed to be nomadic hunters and fishermen who developed villages and fish camps on the rugged terrain, and by the early 1900s, settlers came to Denali for the prospect of finding gold and striking it rich.  President Eisenhower signed the Alaska Statehood Act on July 7, 1958 which made Alaska the 49th state of the United States of America, and Old Glory was proud to boast seven rows of seven stars. Despite the destructive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck south central Alaska on Good Friday in 1964, hard working Americans with pioneering spirits from the Lower 48 continued to pack up their belongings and move north to Alaska in search of adventure and a better life.  Chuck Heath, Sr. and his family from Sandpoint, Idaho were no exception. Can you imagine what the Heath family thought as they soared above the Rocky Mountains and the Yukon in a Grumman Goose marveling at the lofty summits and snowy peaks of the Land of the Midnight Sun?  Never becoming dismayed at the enormity of their challenge or the uncertainty of their future, the young family pressed onward to Skagway via Juneau when others would have turned around and headed back home. Just as the Heath family encountered physical mountains upon their move to Alaska, our nation today is confronted with figurative mountains:  energy dependence, illegal immigration, socialized healthcare, record-high unemployment, disregard for the unborn, the debt crisis, and the war situation.  These troubling issues can seem daunting and permanent.  Never learn to live with a mountain of difficulty.  Instead, like the Heath family, move forward in faith without fear or intimidation.  As Chuck, Sr. moved his family into a small house in the tiny town of Skagway, he had no way of knowing that his infant daughter, Sarah Louise, would grow up to be a city councilwoman, a mayor, a governor, a vice presidential nominee, a best-selling author, and a serious contender for the American Presidency. Fast-forward to Fairbanks on July 26, 2009, as the infant daughter is now Governor Sarah Palin bidding farewell to the Alaska governorship by wholeheartedly thanking its citizens for allowing her to serve and challenging the media to respect freedom of speech and honor the American soldier by, “Quit making things up.”  Governor Palin may have walked off that Fairbanks stage into an unknown political future, but she had mountain-moving faith in that, “The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.” (Psalm 37:23)  Governor Palin stepped out of one realm and into another as she has effectively endorsed common-sense conservative candidates like Alaska’s Joe Miller, Washington’s Clint Didier, and California’s Carly Fiorina, who are ready to take the U.S. Sentate by storm, and gubernatorial candidates like Iowa’s Terry Branstad, South Carolina’s Nikki Haley, and New Mexico’s Susan Martinez who are principled leaders and know what is right for their state. Encountering mountains--- difficulties, problems, hardships, the unknown – in life is inevitable.  Like the Heath and Palin families, we all come across them.  Some of our “mountains” are big like the Rockies, and some are as intimidating as Denali. The secret to moving mountains is to never become separated from our statement of faith.  We must keep our words connected to our faith as we stand alongside Governor Palin to take our country back in the 2010 mid-term elections.  America’s best days are ahead, and there ain't no mountain high enough that can't be conquerored as we move toward conservative victory in 2010!