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.

  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.    

“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.     

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!

  “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever  state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11) I confess. More than occasionally I dream of living in a state other than muggy Mississippi.  Okay, so I think about it more than occasionally, and in my search for greener pastures, I came across these tidbits. Mississippi has more than 2 million people, Alaska has approximately 700,000 people. Mississippi is nearly 49,000 square miles while Alaska is a sweeping 663,267 square miles.  In winter, Mississippi is green, Alaska is white. Mississippi borders four other states, Alaska borders none. Mississippi’s highest point is a hilly 807 feet but Alaska’s is a majestic 20,320 feet. Alaska's Kenai River (photo by Rick Small) Mint The Restaurant’s mint julep chicken and waffles is a Mississippi favorite, and while Alaska has no Mint, they do have a Nordstrom’s, my favorite department store for those stuffy-but-work-required business suits. Want to taste Mississippi’s mouth-watering catfish? Going once… going twice… wait, maybe you’d prefer Alaska’s healthy Omega 3-rich King Salmon. Residents of both states enjoy the great outdoors. Mississippians water ski while Alaskans snow ski.  Deer hunting in Mississippi or moose hunting in Alaska… take your pick. Line your pockets with Mississippi “white gold”, cotton.  On second thought, it’d be more profitable to line them with Alaska gold. So what am I driving at?  Here’s the bottom line. Both states have their unique landscapes, local color, and differences… much like people. Governor Sarah Palin has made a life in Alaska. I’ve made a life in Mississippi. We’ve both decided to “bloom where we were planted”, or maybe grow where we landed. No matter, we both have a home, family, friends, and fun things we like to do. We are using our skills, gifts, and talents to make a mark where we live.     Sarah Heath is Warrior #22 Looking to Governor Palin, she made a mark on Wasilla High School as point guard for the Warriors basketball team leading them to their very first state championship. She made a mark on Alaska small business by slaying salmon on Bristol Bay alongside her commercial fisherman husband Todd. When not knee-deep in fish slime, the self-described sports enthusiast was making her mark on the pageant world winning such titles as Miss Wasilla and Miss Alaska Congeniality, all for the sake of scholarship money for college. As a mom, Governor Palin made her mark on the community by getting involved with the PTA at her children’s school. And no one --- and I do mean no one -- can refute the indelible mark she made on the Mat-Su Valley as Wasilla City Councilwoman and Mayor or as the Alaska Oil and Gas Commissioner and Governor of the Last Frontier. Reaching beyond Alaska, Governor Palin splashed her mark across America as the 2008 Republican Vice Presidential nominee. Today she continues to make her mark as a wife, mom, and “Na Na”… a daughter, sister, niece, friend, prayer warrior, caribou-hunter, best-selling author, political analyst, keynote speaker, travelogue star via "Sarah Palin's Alaska", and endorsee of commonsense conservative candidates running for office, to name just a few of her providential “marks”. Sarah Palin was the mayor of Wasilla 1996 - 2002         Governor Palin of the great State of Alaska 2008 Vice Presidential Candidate Palin Are you making a mark where you live? Your circle of influence has eternal ramifications, you know that... right? God is looking for people to stand up and make their mark. He’s waiting for somebody who will be a leader in this hour—someone who’s not just waiting for the door to be opened, but who’s opening the door and pressing through. This is not the time to sit back and just watch what’s happening. Follow Governor Palin's example. It’s time to make your mark!  

  Bill Ponath meets Gov. Sarah Palin in AZ                Respect Is Valuable But Must Be Earned written by Bill Ponath I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Governor Sarah Palin on November 23 at Barnes & Noble in Phoenix. I gave her a signed copy of my book and she allowed me the honor of posing for a photo with her; a copy of which is now posted on my Facebook page. I sincerely express my thanks for her allowing me that privilege and for her accepting my gift. I hope that she reads it, appreciates it's content, and uses it as a minor authority for her service to our nation. This alerts us to what many members of the media may claim to be an "issue" concerning Ms. Palin's possible candidacy for President of the United States in 2012. Her recent slip of the tongue by using the word "North" instead of "South" in reference to Korea has caused political pundits to question her qualifications to serve as leader of the United States of America; despite the fact that she immediately corrected herself after doing so. It is actually pretty funny that her attackers are grabbing this slight error and running with it; which is another way of their saying that they are hunting for some kind of an angle on her every day but they simply can't find anything. Her recent neighbor left his temporary abode frustrated that it was a waste of time scouting her to look for something to write about and he came up with nothing. Who knows? Maybe her saying "North" instead of "South" was part of her "strategery" to lead the liberal media down a wild goose chase. That sounds pretty smart to me! At this time there is a long list of potential candidates for the Presidency in 2012. I have great respect for Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee and Tim Pawlenty. I assume there will be a few other hats in the ring as time passes; but I have made an absolutely final decision that my vote is going to Sarah Palin. The reason for this is quite clear: she has proven that she can do a phenomenal job by her work as Alaska governor. She has absolutely no baggage based on comparatively less experience because she has proven that her primary goal is serving her country rather than herself. She is the person that will grasp any challenge and work until it has been completely overcome. I truly believe that she will never shrug her shoulders and give up. If you want the job done right; she is the one we need to hire. Yes; lack of experience will always be the angle used by her opponents. But ask yourself a question: If you need open-heart surgery are you going to hire the doctor with forty years of experience who doesn't really care if you live or die; or are you going to hire the one with five years of experience that has already done miracle surgery on a patient named "Alaska" and who wants desperately for you to live. I will take the second doctor and I trust that most of America will agree with me in November, 2012. The People for Palin graciously thanks Bill Ponath, author of "Verdict For America" The Common Sense Judge, for sharing his thoughts on meeting Governor Palin and her possible 2012 presidential candidacy.  Bill Ponath, J.D., B.A., the Common Sense Judge, is a skilled attorney with more than 26 years of experience and has served for seven terms as a judge pro tem in Maricopa County Justice Courts in Arizona since 2001. His analytical skills are well-known; he gained the highest scores in the nation on two uniform mathematics examinations, and has issued rulings directly impacting the criminal court system. For more information, including how to order "Verdict for America", please visit www.VerdictForAmerica.com. Also please follow Bill Ponath on Twitter at  http://twitter.com/CommonSenseJudg and join his Facebook Fan page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=128321940521474.