Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Valley Fever

Our Charlie dog got very sick!

After ruling out trachyitis and a sprained ankle the Vet decide to test him for Valley Fever. Sure enough Charlie has it! he started with a cough, then started limping about a month later. During that time his appetite decreased and he was grumpy! We could tell he was hurting and unable to bare weight on his left back leg. We didn't realize that he was running a temp the whole time and that a fungal infection was growing in his lungs and had already spread to his joints. If left untreated or not caught soon enough, the infection would spread to his spine and brain. In that case the disease is fatal.

We hope that we caught Charlie's illness in time, but only time will tell. The Vet said he could easily be on meds for a full year to his whole life. Currently, he takes an anti fungal, anitpyretic and anti inflammatory. We are hoping that he continue to show signs of improvement. And, in the mean time wanted to share this information with our friends and family.

The following article is taken from: http://www.vfce.arizona.edu/VFID-home.htm


Yes, dogs get Valley Fever! Like people, dogs are very susceptible to Valley Fever. Dogs primarily contract Valley Fever in the low desert regions of Arizona, New Mexico and southwestern Texas and the central deserts of California. Dogs accompanying people traveling through these areas or wintering in these warm climates have about the same chance as their owners of being infected.

Dogs comprise the majority of Valley Fever cases in animals.


Valley Fever is caused by a fungus that lives in the desert soil in the areas described above (Del Rio). As part of its life cycle, the fungus grows in the soil (saprophytic cycle) and matures, drying into fragile strands of cells. The strands are very delicate, and when the soil is disturbed - by digging, walking, construction, high winds - the strands break apart into tiny individual spores called arthroconidia or arthrospores. Dogs and people acquire Valley Fever by inhaling these fungal spores in the dust raised by the disturbance. The dog may inhale only a few spores or many hundreds.

Once inhaled, the spores grow into spherules (parasitic cycle) which continue to enlarge until they burst, releasing hundreds of endospores. Each endospore can grow into a new spherule, spreading the infection in the lungs until the dog’s immune system surrounds and destroys it. The sickness Valley Fever occurs when the immune system does not kill the spherules and endospores quickly and they continue to spread in the lungs and sometimes throughout the animal’s body.
About 70% of dogs who inhale Valley Fever spores control the infection and do not become sick. These dogs are asymptomatic. The remainder develop disease, which can range from very mild to severe and occasionally fatal.

After talking with friends I have found three people who's dogs have had Valley Fever. They all have live on base. Another guys wife got Valley Fever and nearly died from it.

For more info:

http://www.pethealthpharmacy.com/valley.htm

http://www.dlrrphoenix.org/vf.html

The Oasis on Lake Travis

After graduation we went to The Oasis on Lake Travis.

http://www.oasis-austin.com/
The Oasis reminds me of what Austin love to claim. "Weird Austin" The restaurant had several different decors running throughout and tons of interesting sculptors. I highly recommend it to everyone!



I got to meet hubs babysitter from when he was little and they lived in San Antonio. She was a wonderfully sweet lady and I am thankful that she opened her home to us.

Trying to get my niece to crack a smile for the camera.

The newly hooded Master and her Hub. You can see the shinning waters of Lake Travis in the background.

Me and my guy! So handsome, such shadows.
The gals! Check out those Christmas trees behind us! Aren't they weird!

Mr. and Mrs. Claus

we had a great dinner with friends and family and looking forward to seeing you all again soon.
I couldn't resist taking this picture! Look at all the stuff on that tree. I think the main theme is peacocks and butterflies. It looked gorgeous up close.

Thanksgiving

"Thanksgiving day is a happy day and we say thank you God" This thanksgiving was a treat! I had to work the night before and I was given instructions that I needed to go right to bed when I came home and when I woke up dinner would be served. I am so blessed! Hub made the potatoes au gait the day before and the sausage stuffing. The day of he only had to make the turkey and the cranberry sauce. It was so good! For someone who picked up culinary skills a year ago, I think his cooking is above average.
We had to get dressed up for Thanksgiving because our goal was to get a decent Christmas card photo out the the event. We tried different poses and still have not decided which one to use! My favorite part was after we finished taking pictures Hub says, "Okay get all this nice stuff out of the way, I'm not eating off it!" I had to laugh! So there I had set the table with the good china, but we used our everyday dishes instead. This is the more serious side! And, this the expression I usually get after I suggest we change our outfits so that we have more pictures to choose from!
We had a great little thanksgiving and hope that you all did too!

Master in the House

Can you guess where sister in law got her master's?
In what field did she graduate with her masters ?Yep, that's right! Congrats! We love you and are so proud of you!
Waiting in line to be hooded.
Almost there.

Adjusting the hood. Looks like a good fit!
The walk, the shake and the diploma.
Awww, all done! whew...


When should I do back from my doctorate??



Friends make the whole thing easier. Congrats we love you!

Christmas at the Home

I decided to hang lights the other day. So, I put on my work clothes, old pants and a tank top. Believe it or not I was burning up trying to get those little lights in the right place. My neighbor suggested I climb on the roof, but I thought a balancing act with the kitchen step stool worked way better.
I love the way the house just glows with Christmas! I would leave lights up all year long...but then I really don't want to be that neighbor.
After all the decorating at the club and the extremely long line at Garden Ridge. I decided my card tree would be all the Christmas tree we would have this year. I was surprised at how I really didn't mind not putting up a tree. Please notice I only have two Christmas cards on my little tree so far...humm. Have you sent out your Christmas cards yet?

My little Santa collection.

I love my sled! Maybe someday it will get recommissioned.
My advent calendar from Julie is one of my favorite Christmas decorations this year. I can't wait to fill it with little goodies and notes someday. I would do it now but Hub really wouldn't be that excited about it.
Not really a Christmas decoration, but also a favorite this season...my chandelier! Okay it is small and not too fancy, but it was the right size and I have been wanting to put a light there for almost three years. We drilled a whole in the top shelf then again in another cabinet so that the cord is complete concealed. I love it!!
Merry Christmas to all!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Christmas at Club XL

Merry Christmas
This year I got to organize and plan the decorations for the OSC Club. After several hours and one hug trip to San Antonio. This is the end result of a slightly rustic/old world Christmas theme.
This tree was decorated with popcorn and cranberry garland. We had dried orange slices and applesauce cinnamon ornaments. The smell was so Christmasy! I even put this tree in my tub that usually holds my garden hoes!
The bar had to be decorated as well. I wasn't too into decorating the bar. I figured most people would be drunk in here and not even care what the decorations looked like. This tree had a Texas/western theme. Really, I just used the same tree they'd used the year before.
The women's bathroom took on a more elegant look. Landy graciously allowed us to use her white feather wreath and I wrapped several "presents" for a little decoration. Confession: most are cereal and diaper boxes. But, they looked good.



The ladies bathroom tree. I spray painted ting ting (or branches off my tree) for a little frosty color.

An amazing master florist, Kelly, made two wreath for the entrance to the ballroom. The picture doesn't do the wreath enough justice. She got several request to make more wreaths and at least two people has request to buy these wreaths when the Christmas season is over. I think we will just save them for next year.

I copied the basic design that Kelly used and made four wreaths for the hall. Yes, I am a copy cat! Kelly also came up with the idea to add the sparkle red material to each table. Excellent touch!
The two identical foyer trees! I was really happy about the outcome here and once again Kelly jumped into add the finishing touch. She and Janette knew they need something extra so they made the bow. It is exactly what the tree needed to be complete.
Two of these light poles greet guests as they enter the Dinning room and the Ballroom.
We were able to decorate four of the main pillars. We wrapped them with garland, lights ribbon and raffia.
The Dinning room and the Ballroom also had matching trees.
Our last project was to decorate the stage where Santa would be taking pictures with the kids. Hubby painted the sleigh for two days to get it just right. We hung snowflakes from the ceiling and hung a boarder to bring a little snowy weather to Laughlin. It was a lot of work but I had a great time.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Texas Homecoming

Here in Del Rio Texas everything is bigger. You already know Texans are obsessive about the size of their state, the size of their truck and the size of their steaks! But, I bet you didn't know the high school population has also bought into these ideas.


Here is a High school Mum. For Homecoming each of the guys will buy or make a mum for their date. Here in fabulous Del Rio the street vendors are set up selling mums out of the back of cars and tents. Also, Wal-mart dedicates a whole craft area where you can buy your own supplies. That is what Ashley and Ivan did. Ashley is a senior and daughter of my co-worker. She needed some help[ finishing her mum and so she brought it to work so her mom could glue the flowers and the cow on. You can hardly see it, but I made the bow-tie the cow is wearing!This is a fairly average mum. From what I hear, some gals get mums that go all the way down to the floor and if you are really a cool kid then your mum will loop over your shoulder and down your back! The whole thing is ribbons and steamers. You also attach bells and little trinkets to the get to make noise as you walk down the hall.
I find the whole thing WAY OVER THE TOP!!!
But, I couldn't resist trying it on just for size! In Ohio we don't do this! All I got was a carnation with a pipe cleaner "X". I think it's true what Kelly Rippa says, (yes I am going to quote Rippa) "If the USA was a high school, Texas would be the cheerleaders". They do seem to have much more spirit than Ohio!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Under God

I am reading one of the best book I have ever found!
Under God by Toby Mac and Michael Tait...(yes from DC Talk)
Here is part of Lincoln's Presidential Proclamation:
We know that by His divine law, nations...are subjected to punishment..in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?
We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have gown in numbers, wealthy and power as no other nation has ever grown.
But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness or our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own... we have become too self sufficient to feel he necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.
It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and pray for clemency and forgiveness...
All this being done in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the divine teachings, that the united cry of the nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering country to its former happy condition of unity and peace.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Vote


We have no government armed in power capable of
contending with human passions unbridled by morality
and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a
religious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate
for the government of any other.
- JOHN ADAMS

Friday, October 24, 2008

Dr. Dobson's October Newsletter

October 2008


Dr. Dobson's October Newsletter

Dear Friends,
Can you feel the tension in the air? The nation — and indeed, the world — is holding its collective breath as the final days of the presidential campaign wind down and the candidates engage in one last round of electioneering and debating. By this time next month, we'll know whether Senator John McCain or Senator Barack Obama will be inaugurated in January as the 44th President of the United States.

Considering the stark differences between the two presidential candidates and the critical issues that are hanging in the balance, it's not difficult to understand why Campaign 2008 has been such a spirited affair. I'd like to take a few moments to consider what is at stake in this year's election, particularly for those of us who embrace a biblical worldview. Please understand that I will share these thoughts under the umbrella of Focus on the Family Action™, which has supported the preparation and distribution of this letter. Focus Action is, in turn, supported by contributions from those who do not receive tax deductible receipts for them. Thanks so much to you who made it possible.

Let's start with the need to elect a pro-family, pro-life President. The importance of this objective cannot be overstated. Between 2009 and 2012, there will likely be two or more opportunities for the President to nominate new justices to the Supreme Court. Some court watchers say there could be as many as four resignations. That alone should give us serious pause as we consider for whom to cast our votes. In the months ahead, the Supreme Court will likely hand down rulings that will impact America for generations to come. We need a President who will nominate conservative, strict-constructionist judges to the Court. If that doesn't happen, the highest court in the land could become stackedóeven more than it already isówith justices who will endeavor to legislate from the bench and impose a liberal agenda on the nation. It will likely affect the definition of marriage, religious freedom, and the protection (or lack thereof) of life in the womb.

It's probably obvious which of the two major party candidates' views are most palatable to those of us who embrace a pro-life, pro-family worldview. While I will not endorse either candidate this year, I can say that I am now supportive of Senator John McCain and his bid for the presidency. This is not because I am beholden to the Senator from Arizona or to the Republican Party. Anyone who has even a passing familiarity with my views knows that I have agonized at times during this election process, and have been strongly critical of Senator McCain and the Republican Party on numerous occasions. My concern is for the biblical and moral values that I and millions of Americans hold dear. I will gladly support politicians of any stripe who are willing to defend the sanctity of human life, support the institution of traditional marriage, protect the country from terrorism and advance the cause of religious liberty. While certainly not perfect, the 2008 Republican platform comes closest to embracing those ideals by a wide margin.
In recent weeks, I have received some measure of criticism from those who feel that my "change of heart" toward John McCain is unwarranted. I understand those views and concede that the Senator continues to embrace positions that concern me. I don't apologize, however, for reevaluating our options in this election year. John Maynard Keynes, whose views I have disagreed with strongly, said this about reversing course: "When the facts change, I change my opinion. What do you do, sir?"1 In this instance, Keynes' perspective is correct. Every thinking person will eventually have reason to change his or her mind as circumstances evolve, as they have done during this long political ordeal.

There are four primary — and I believe compelling — reasons why I now view the McCain presidential candidacy favorably:
During the "Saddleback Forum" on Aug. 16, Sens. Obama and McCain fielded questions from the Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren. Senator McCain gave very solid and encouraging answers to questions about the sanctity of life and the institution of marriage, whereas Senator Obama came down at the other end of the argument.
You will recall the following interchange during the forum:

Pastor Rick Warren: "At what point does a baby get human rights, in your view?"
Senator Obama: "...Answering that question with specificity, you know, is, uh, is, above my pay grade."2

With all due respect, Senator, if this question is above your pay grade, then so is the job attached to it.

The Republican Partyís 2008 national platform is a remarkably conservative document.3 Indeed, it is the strongest pro-life platform in the history of the party, surpassing even the pro-life advances of the Reagan years. It was approved and sanctioned by the McCain campaign.
Senator McCain selected an astonishingly strong pro-life, pro-family running mate in Governor Sarah Palin. Although he could have embraced a liberal Vice Presidential nominee, such as Senator Joe Lieberman or Tom Ridge, he made the bold decision to join forces with a VP pick whose views reflect those of the party's conservative base. I'll discuss Governor Palin's candidacy in greater detail in a moment.

The longer the campaign continues, the more concerned I have become with Barack Obama's liberal views. Certainly, he is an attractive and very charismatic candidate who has embarked on a campaign of historical proportions. However, the majority of his policies represent the antithesis of principles I hold dear. Senator Obama's record is more liberal than that of any other Democrat in the Senate4 — and that's saying something! For example, when he was a state senator in Illinois, he voted four times in three years against legislation that would have saved the lives of babies that managed to survive the abortion process.5 The U.S. Senate subsequently passed similar legislation called The Born-Alive Infant Protection Act by unanimous consent.6 (Obama was not a U.S. Senator at the time.) State Senator Obama was chairman of the committee that opposed this protection of babies, and in 2001 and 2002 was the only legislator who rose to argue against the Illinois Born Alive Act.7 That is an undeniable fact!
My good friend, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum published a scathing analysis of Senator Obama's pro-abortion record earlier this year. Here is an excerpt of what he wrote:
In March 2001, [Senator] Obama was the sole speaker in opposition to the bill on the floor of the Illinois Senate. He said: "We're saying they are persons entitled to the kinds of protections provided to a child, a 9-month child delivered to term. I mean, it would essentially bar abortions, because the equal protection clause does not allow somebody to kill a child."8 So according to [Senator] Obama, "they", (babies who survive abortions or any other preterm newborns,) should be permitted to be killed because giving legal protection to preterm newborns would have the effect of banning all abortions.9

To further underscore Senator Obama's radical devotion to abortion rights, he has promised that "the first thing I'd do as president" would be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act.10 The FOCA is a devastating piece of legislation that would overturn nearly every local, state, and federal anti-abortion law passed in the last 40 years.11 In fact, it's so broadly written that legal analysts suggest the bill may prevent institutions and physicians from refusing to provide abortion services by invoking the conscience clause.

Earlier this year, while talking about sex education and abortion, the Senator said the following: "I've got two daughters, 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby."12 In other words, a pre-born baby is viewed as a form of punishment, and can therefore be murdered in the name of convenience.

It is a matter of historic significance that Barack Obama has become the first African-American to capture the nomination of a major political party for the office of President of the United States. I applaud that remarkable accomplishment. Nevertheless, I cannot support his candidacy because the positions he holds on moral, social and family issues place him at the extreme left of the political spectrum. What the Senator believes and the policies he would seek to implement are on a collision course with the biblical principles and beliefs I have fought to defend for more than 35 years.

Turning the corner, the significance of Governor Palin to the 2008 presidential race is also worthy of further consideration. Here is a woman who is a deeply committed Christian, and who is pro-life not only with regard to her policies, but in her personal life. She and her husband welcomed their latest child, Trig, into the world even though he was diagnosed with Down syndrome while still in the womb. Approximately 90 percent of babies with Down syndrome are aborted,13 but Governor Palin carried her precious child to term and now loves and cares for him despite the challenges associated with a special needs child. Similarly, her teenage daughter, Bristol, who became pregnant out of wedlock, could have bowed to cultural pressure to seek an abortion. Instead, she and the father plan to get married and raise their child together. Governor Palin has been married for 20 years, and by all accounts, she is a portrait of Christian motherhood and womanhood.

As for Governor Palin's qualifications to be Vice President of the United States and to assume the mantle of President, should that ever become necessary, she is much better suited for the job than the talking heads on the liberal Left would have you believe. She came out of nowhere to win the Alaskan gubernatorial race against a powerful incumbent. While in office, she bravely fought widespread corruption — including that within her own party — in the face of great opposition. Govenor Palin's critics suggest that her experience as mayor of a "small town" is somehow a liability, but it is an asset. In fact, her time as Mayor of Wasilla and then as Governor of Alaska gives her a greater degree of executive experience than Senator Barack Obama can claim. Her qualifications to be Vice President, I would submit, exceed those of Senator Barack Obama, who spent only 143 working days in the U.S. Senate prior to announcing his run for President.14 He authored no significant legislation during that time.

I'm sure you have heard the shrill voices from the political Left decrying Mrs. Palin for any and every reason under the sun. They gloat over the pregnancy of her daughter Bristol and claim it as "evidence" that abstinence education, which Sarah Palin strongly supports, is somehow a sham. They criticize Governor Palin for daring to hold political office and run for Vice President while having a baby at home, even though the Left has for decades supported a woman's right to do just that. The attacks on Governor Palin and her family in recent weeks have been astonishingly unfair and mean-spirited. If she were a liberal Democrat, she would be praised and lauded for making the same decisions for which she is now being criticized. The double standard is obvious.

Governor Palin's decision to run for Vice President while raising a baby with special needs has given pause to some conservative voices as well. Some have even questioned my enthusiasm over Governor Palin's candidacy in light of these circumstances. It's important to note that although I have often said stay-at-home moms are vitally important to raising the next generation, I have never suggested that it is wrong for mothers to work outside the home. Indeed, Focus on the Family® has hired thousands of mothers over the years. I have said, however, that if a mother is going to enter the workplace, she and her husband must first find a way to meet the needs of their children. Sarah Palin appears to have done that. Todd, her husband, is actively involved in the raising of their children, and it seems obvious that Sarah will continue to be a positive force in her children's lives even as she carries out her duties in the political arena. Regardless of your political views, may I suggest that the Palins need our prayers, not our disdain, at this critical moment in our nation's history.

Senator Obama's selection of fellow liberal Democrat Joseph Biden (Del.) is also extremely revealing. While the National Journal ranked Obama the most liberal Senator last year, Senator Biden was ranked 3rd on their list — just ahead of Vermont's Bernie Sanders, a self-avowed socialist.15 While the Senator of 36 years from Delaware stands in blatant opposition to the pro-family movement, many of you will remember him from his vociferous opposition to several of our finer Supreme Court justices, namely, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Alito and Thomas.

Returning to our theme, America's future seems to hang in the balance at this time. Our next President will have a dramatic impact on countless legislative issues. Since being relegated to minority status in 2006, Senate Republicans have skillfully used the rules of parliamentary procedure to frustrate many of the Democrats' attempts to pass bad legislation. To this point, that effort has almost always been backed by a President who is willing to use the veto pen when necessary. The threat of President Bush's veto on hate crimes legislation and issues regarding the sanctity of life have kept a Democrat-controlled Congress from implementing its liberal agenda. Will our next President stand up to Congress in the same manner, or will he side with them, thereby giving the Democrats free reign to impose their liberal values on America?
It is likely, say the pundits, that both the House and the Senate in the 111th Congress will still be controlled by Democrats. If that party also takes the White House, a wave of anti-family, pro-homosexual legislation is almost guaranteed to pass in 2009. The bills put forward and advanced this year by Democrats reveal where they want to take the country. For example, they inserted hate crimes language into the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill, but were forced to remove it in conference, again under the threat of veto.16 While in the Illinois Senate, Senator Obama voted for a bill authorizing "comprehensive" sex education beginning in kindergarten. Defenders have attempted to downplay its significance, citing the fact that it called for the content to be "age appropriate" and "medically accurate" — dubious and subjective qualifiers given the sensitive nature of the topic and innocence of the audience!17 (When criticized for supporting this legislation, the Senator was dismissive and said proudly, I quote, "It's the right thing to do."18)
Large portions of the agenda promoted by homosexual activists will also be enacted. The implications for a federal hate crimes law are clear. People speaking against homosexuality have already been prosecuted under hate crimes laws both in the United States and abroad. If a federal hate crimes law passes, there will be little to prevent the government from endeavoring to control and curtail religious speech, especially from the pulpit. It is entirely possible that a pastor could be charged with inducing a federal hate crime simply by preaching from one of the many biblical passages that address homosexuality.

Congressional Democrats will also seek to pass the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, meaning businesses will be forced to accept and condone homosexuality — and possibly transgenderism — in making employment decisions. Further, business owners, including religious businesses, will not be able to make hiring and firing decisions based on their religious convictions. Earlier this year, Senator Barack Obama said, "I will place the weight of my administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepherd Act to outlaw hate crimes and a fully inclusive Employment Nondiscrimination Act."19

Finally, I am deeply concerned about the tax and spend policies Senator Obama will impose on the American people if he is elected, especially in light of the current financial crisis. This is not the time to be taking money out of the economy, yet, he has proposed enormous new federal programs and entitlements that will cost multiple billions of dollars. These initiatives cannot be effected without huge increases in taxation on businesses, which will be passed on to the public and to individual families. This will almost certainly require a return of the odious marriage penalty tax that plagued families for 32 years!

The races for the White House and the Congress are hardly the only matters worthy of concern in this election cycle. At the state and local levels, numerous policies and pieces of legislation are being put to a vote, and many of them are directly related to family and moral issues. For example, the definition of marriage is on the ballot in Arizona (Proposition 102), California (Proposition 8) and Florida (Amendment 2). Voters in Colorado will be given the opportunity to expand the definition of "personhood" to include all human beings from the moment of fertilization (Amendment 48). In South Dakota, voters will be asked to ban all abortions except those involving cases of rape and incest, or when the pregnancy seriously jeopardizes the life or physical health of the mother (Measure 11). Michigan is considering whether to legalize embryonic stem cell research, which would result in the killing of tiny human beings. In California, voters will also get the chance to decide whether minor girls should be required to give 48 hoursí notice to a parent or adult relative before having an abortion (Proposition 4). Arkansas voters will decide whether to prevent couples living together out of wedlock — heterosexual or homosexual — from adopting children or serving as foster parents.
These are just a few of the important issues that, depending on which state you live in, will be on the ballot next month. I implore you to spend the few days remaining before the election researching the various amendments, ballot measures, and local and national candidates. Then, exercise your responsibility before God to vote on or before Nov 4. Please, let your voices be heard. For more information, visit Focus on the Family Actionís Web site at focusaction.org.
Regardless of your political views, I want to urge Christians everywhere to be in prayer about this election. There are many scriptural references wherein King David "inquired of God" when he was faced by troubling circumstances (1 Samuel 23:2,4; 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1; 5:19,23). It is time for Christians everywhere to turn to Him for guidance and wisdom. Find some time to be still and listen to what He wants to tell you. The National Day of Prayer Task Force, led by my wonderful wife, Shirley, has embarked on a national campaign entitled "Pray for Election Day." All around the country, individuals and groups are being encouraged to gather every Thursday leading up to Nov. 4 between 12 noon and 12:30 p.m. Spend time with the Lord, asking Him to guide and direct those privileged to cast a ballot. If you are able, I would also encourage you to fast and pray immed"ately before the election. After all, it was the Reverend Billy Graham who once said that ìTo get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees."20 Amen, Dr. Graham.

This election is about the future of the nation, but it will also go a long way toward determining the culture your children and grandchildren will come to know. I know you will vote with your children and your children's children in mind. That certainly puts the election in a different light, doesn't it?

You know my heart on these issues, and I hope you understand that I am less concerned with politicians and political parties than I am with the timeless biblical principles that those parties have the power to either strengthen or damage. No candidate is perfect, whether in this election or any other. Please don't make your decisions lightly. There is simply too much at stake. May God grant each of us wisdom as Nov. 4 approaches.
Sincerely,

James C. Dobson, Ph.D.Founder and Chairman

P.S. Since I began researching and writing this letter, the economic meltdown on Wall Street and congressional reaction to it has occurred. These are, indeed, difficult times for American families and businesses. Thank you for continuing to support this ministry, even though in many cases it has required sacrificial giving. You are helping to keep us afloat during this financial crisis, and we appreciate your contribution and prayers more than I can tell you.

Please share this with your friends and family.
This letter may be reproduced without change and in its entirety for noncommercial and nonpolitical purposes without prior permission from Focus on the Family Action.

ENDNOTES
1 Louis Uchitelle, "2 Mavericks in Economics Awarded Nobel Prize," The New York Times, Oct. 12, 2004, http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/aml6/econ001/pdfs/nobel2004.pdf (Sept. 29, 2008). Also: Alfred L. Malabre, Lost Prophets: An Insider's History of the Modern Economists (1994), p. 220. (Responding to criticism when changing monetary policy in the midst of the Great Depression.)
2 Saddleback Presidential Candidates Forum, CNN Transcript, Aug. 16, 2008. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/16/se.02.html (Sept. 29, 2008).
3 Republican National Committee, 2008 Republican Platform, gop.com/2008Platform/ (Sept. 28, 2008).
4 "National Journal's 2007 Vote Ratings," National Journal Group Inc., 2008, nationaljournal.com/voteratings/sen/lib.htm (Sept. 29, 2008).
5 bornalivetruth.org/obamarecord.aspx (September 2008).
6 frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2002_record&page=S7084&position=all (Sept. 29, 2008).
7 bornalivetruth.org/obamarecord.aspx (Sept. 30, 2008).
8 "Obama Blocked Born Alive Infant Protection Act," Illinois Federation For Right to Life Daily News online, April 3, 2008, ifrl.org/ifrl/news/080403/1/ (Sept. 29, 2008).
9 Rick Santorum, "The Elephant in the Room: A Harsh Ideologue hidden by a feel-good image," The Philadelphia Inquirer, February 29, 2008, http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/rick_santorum/20080228_The_Elephant_in_the_Room__Obama__A_harsh_ideologue_hidden_by_a_feel-good_image.html (Sept. 28, 2008).
10 youtube.com/watch?v=uUl99id2SvM (Sept. 29, 2008).
11 aul.org/FOCA (Sept. 29, 2008)
12 "Ballot Bowl 2008: More Campaign Happenings," CNN Transcripts, March 29, 2008, transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0803/29/bb.01.html (Sept. 29, 2008).
13 Patricia E. Bauer, "What's Lost in Prenatal Testing: Why Encourage Testing for Down Syndrome," Jan. 14, 2007, Washington Post. washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/12/AR2007011201954.html
14 "Days in Session Calendars," Thomas, The Library of Congress, thomas.loc.gov/home/ds/ (Sept. 29, 2008).
15 National Journal online, 2008, Ibid.
16 Paul Kane, "Hill Negotiators Drop Hate-Crime Provision," Washington Post, Dec. 7, 2007, washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/06/AR2007120602453.html (Sept. 29, 2008).
17 Byron York, "On Sex-Ed Ad, McCain Is Right," National Review Online, Sept. 16, 2008, article.nationalreview.com/print/?q=NzI3ZDUzOTE0ZThlMTU3MTY0MDI4ZTY0MTZhY2I2MGY= (Sept. 29, 2008).
18 "Obama on Sex Ed in Kindergarten: 'It's the Right Thing to Do,'" Free Republic online, Sept. 10, 2008, freerepublic.com/focus/news/2079415/posts (Sept. 29, 2008).
19 Michael Foust, "Obama: If elected I will use the bully pulpit for gay causes," Baptist Press, Feb. 28, 2008, bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=27510 (Sept. 29, 2008).
20 Chuck Spinner, A Book of Prayers: To the Heavens from the Stars, (AuthorHouse: 2008), p. 225, excerpts online at: books.google.com/books?id=cfgSFGcC_n0C&pg=PA225&lpg=PA225&dq=%22To+get+nations+back+on+their+feet%22+and+%22get+down+on+our+knees%22+and+Graham&source=web&ots=HjqHwcw-mT&sig=OYFZAIONNVb_Ff138BCi2TmH1yo&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result (Sept. 29, 2008).

Thursday, October 23, 2008

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" Ecc 3:1

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven
...A time to plant and a time to uproot". Ecc 3:1-2



Air Force families know there is a time to uproot, and a dear family is doing that right now. They are uprooting from their home and moving into a totally new season of life. It will be sad that they are leaving friends and family but, I am excited as God is shaping their life's in a new direction.

We believe in arranged marriages here at Laughlin,
meet Mr. and Mrs. Baan to be in like 20 some years!

Oh and yes we had Buckeyes, not chocolate covered peanuts butter balls.