2009 Family Summer Scavenger Hunt

Let’s have some fun this summer!

Once you have signed up to participate, I will send you the logo and the list below in a word document for you to add your pictures.

Rules of the Game:

1. $5 per family to enter with up to 4 family members, $2 each additional family member
2.  The PRIZE = Movie Passes to your local theater and some spending money if the pot is big enough
3.  EVERYONE = 50% of the participants, for odd numbers round UP (ex 5 family members, everyone = at least 3
4. family members)
5. One picture cannot count for two items
6. PARENTS – The idea behind this is to get you and your kids doing things together.  PLEASE BE SAFE and do not put anybody in danger to get a picture.  PARTICIPANT BEWARE!  You are responsible for your own health and safety. J
7. GUEST BONUS OPPORTUNITY – If the list item has GUEST BONUS, then you get 1 point for every person that you invite to participate in that item with you.  (Ex: Have a family game nite, invite some friends and get a bonus point for every person that is there outside of your team, but all guests MUST be in the picture!)
8.  YOU MUST YOU THE 2009 SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNT LOGO IN EVERY PICTURE FOR THE PICTURE TO BE COUNTED!
9.  We are on the honor system.  Remember Jesus can see you!
10.  Contest starts immediately and ends Aug 3^rd with a drawing to be held on Aug 8^th

All judging decisions are final with no appeal available!  We’re just a bunch of families having fun after all!  YES THE JUDGES ARE ALSO PARTICIPATING AND YES WE WILL BE FAIR.  The winner will be the one with the most points and if there is a tie…we’ll have a tie breaker drawing.  

 TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY:
For each picture you take, paste a copy of it below (PLEASE KEEP THEM IN ORDER) and put the points earned on the dashed line.  Once you are all done with your list or it’s Aug 3^rd, email it to angie at RealHealthyNaturally.com .

Family Name: _________________________________________________

# participating: ___________________  Include a current picture of each person here:

 Pictures:  Each picture is worth 5 points unless bonus points are noted
 PICTURES MUST BE WITH REAL OBJECTS, NOT TOYS, MODELS, STUFFED ANIMALS ETC. (ex: police officer must be with a real live police officer, not a picture of one or an action figure)

 ______  With someone you helped

______ Doing a good deed for someone outside your family

 ______ With a police officer

______ With a local monument

______ Near a live alligator

______ With a person you don’t know walking a dog

______ Someone who got “Pie faced”  (tip: use whipped cream!)

______ With a hummer (5 bonus points for sitting in the hummer for the picture!)

______ With a limo  (5 bonus points for sitting in the limo for the picture!)

______ With a Harley motorcycle  (5 bonus points for sitting on it for the picture BUT ASK FIRST!)

______ With a fire truck  (5 bonus points for sitting in the fire truck for the picture!)

______ With a phone booth

______ With the person who let you pump their gas

______ With the person that let you push their groceries to their car

______ In a tree

______ With a Great Dane

______  Near a real airplane (working or not working)

______  With a strange or unique building

______  In a ball pit (like at indoor playgrounds)

______ On a trolley (working or not working) – (5 bonus points for taking a picture with the conductor!)

 ______ Ding dong ditching but leaving a gift at the door (tip: just a candy bar or such with a note that you hope they have a great day! You MUST have the gift in the picture!)

______  Near an ape or monkey  in a zoo

______  In the weirdest hats you can find at a theme park

______  Take a canoe trip and get a picture of everyone in the canoe GUEST BONUS

______  Make an obstacle course and compete – take a picture of the winner and the course  GUEST BONUS

______  Of everyone making smores around a huge fire  GUEST BONUS

______  Play hide and go seek in Walmart – snapping some pictures along the way  (NO RUNNING KIDS! Stay in pairs and anybody that gets into trouble or causes trouble is disqualified!)

______  Take a nature walk and get a picture with a bug of some sort

______  Get your Florida state park passport stamped at least twice AND  take everyone’s picture in front of the entrance sign (no passport? Go to www.floridastateparks.org to find a qualifying park and just get the picture at the sign)

______  Go fishing and take a picture of each fish you catch with the person who caught it  GUEST BONUS

______  Go swimming and play a game – winner gets pictured  GUEST BONUS

______  Have a water balloon war with before and after pictures  GUEST BONUS

______  Pack a picnic and ride your bikes more than 10 miles one way (Or some other long trip) Take before & after pics!

______  Go off road biking – Take before & after pics

______  Have a silly string fight and take a snapshot of the loser    GUEST BONUS 

______ Of someone buried in the sand up to their neck

______ Build a monstrous sand castle and take a picture of everyone guarding it  GUEST BONUS

______  Have a beach party and take a picture of everyone with zinc on their noses GUEST BONUS

______  At three different schools

______  Watching fireworks (must have some fireworks in the background)

______  Your pastor (or a pastor)

______ Doing a watersport including: jetskiis, boating, tubing, skiing, kneeboarding…remember at least ½ your group has to be in the picture!  GUEST BONUS

______  Someone (just 1) in your group attempting double dutch 

______  Bowling and reaching a combined family score of at least 450 (1 bonus point for each 50 points over 450)  If you have more than 4 people on your team, add 100 points for each family member to the combined score.  Ex: 5 family members have to get to 550 to get the minimum 5 points 

______  Teeing off either at mini-golf, driving range or real golf

______ Flying a kite (tip: the cheap ones are often easy to fly!)

______ Riding a train – real or miniature like the one at Largo Central Park

______ Have a game nite and take a picture of the second place person GUEST BONUS

 Other items:

 ______  Make a home movie (script/shoot/edit/watch/post on youtube or Godtube) 15 points  Tell us where it’s posted: _____________________________________________________________________________________

______  Read a book together (at least 100 pages)  15 points   Name of book: ____________________________

______  Feeding the homeless OR volunteering at a food shelter 20 points   (Be sure and take a picture to include here)

______  Spend a few hours in prayer and worship together as a family outside of church 20 points   Tell us what day you did it and one thing you each got out of it: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________   

_________________________________________________________________________________________________   

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Get Fit for _____________.

Cheap or FREE!

So your doctor has cleared you to start doing some physical activity but the budget isn’t as padded as it used to be, right?  Here are six ideas for getting fit…cheap!

1. Workout Videos – $0 (CHA CHING BABY!)
   You can find lots of free exercise information and workout videos online and at your library for strengthening and flexibility, aerobics/cardio workouts, and Pilates. 
2. Walking – $0
   Walking is one of the best forms of exercise – it’s cheap and it’s accessible to most everyone!
3. Play badminton
   Of all the racket sports, badminton is the most accessible.  It’s great for everyone, even if you have a disability.  This type of aerobic activity is realtively low speed and doesn’t require a high degree of skill and fitness to begin with.
4. Put on your dancing shoes!
   Dance studios, YMCAs, or Community Centers offer classes suited to fit your dancing skill level and they range from ballroom dancing to the sexy salsa! 
5. Cycling
   Before running out to buy a bicycle, rent one and take it for a test spin to see if it’s an activity you’ll enjoy.
6. SWIM!
   Swimming is one of the most popular types of exercise and is a great way to tone up and lose weight.  Most pools offer lessons if you are a beginner so check out a swimming club or call the local YMCA or Community Center

Whatever you do – get your MASS MOVING!  For the health of it!

High Glyce-what?

What is all the hub bub about high and low-glycemic foods?  According to Dr. Blaylock of the Blaylock Wellness Report, quite a bit!  Dr. Blaylock recently published an article comparing high-glycemic and fatty food and here this is what he had to say:

“Many studies support what was said over a half century ago — that sugar and other high-glycemic foods, such as white bread, white rice, and other highly processed carbohydrates, have a far stronger link to cardiovascular disease than any fat.”

WHAT?

SO….I’ve been eating all those tasteless, low-fat versions of my favorite foods for NO GOOD REASON?  Blaylock continues:

” studies show that people with Type 2 diabetes have up to four times the risk of having a heart attack than those with normal blood sugars.  In fact, even having higher than normal glucose, called pre-diabetes, dramatically increases risk.  The Nurses’ Health Study, which followed 75,000 women for 10 years, found that those who ate the most sugar and high-glycemic carbohydrates (called their glycemic load), doubled their risk of haivng  a heart attack, even after adjusting for other risk fastors.  After 20 years of follow-up, researchers found that the glycemic load was a better predictor of heart-attack risk than any type of fat intake.”

The glycemic load, by the way, isn’t a load of bologna, it’s a ranking system for carbohydrates based on their glycemic index OR (in ENGLISH!) how does that donut you are eating affect your blood sugar????  Does it raise it rapidly (HIGH glycemic) or does it break down gradually (LOW glycemic).  Apparently, low and slow is goooooooddd for you!

Dr. Blaylock finishes with this astounding statement:

“Studies have shown a direct link between the glycemic load and heart-attack risk, some cancers, and even age-related macular degeneration.”

GREAT!

So NOW what are you supposed to do?  We encourage you to gather your research on Low-GI foods and meals and make a decision for yourself.  We’ve found that low-glycemic eating is a healthy and sustainable way to lose or maintain an ideal weight and reverse some bad habits!  Our Transistions Lifestyle System is based on a low-glycemic methodology and we believe that is why it has been so successful.  You can get ALL the details at  www.LookinBetterNaked.com Google low-glycemic eating….and prepare to be overwhelmed!

Happy eating!

Are You Sleep Deprived? Take this quiz…

(from Tylenol PM’s Sleep Better.  A goodnight guide)

Check all that apply.

1. I often misplace my: 
     _______ keys _______ wallet  _______kids

2. In my sleep I have been told that I: 
_______ snore _______ kick  _______practice for the Ice Capades

3. Every morning, my first thought involves:
_______ the snooze button  _______ my remaining sick days  _______nothing, I’m sleeping

4. I would rather sleep than:
_______ socialize  _______ go on vacation  _______win the lottery

5. I have trouble concentrating while:
_______ driving  _______ attending meetings   _______finishing sentences

If you checked any of these, it’s likely you aren’t getting the quality (or quantity) of sleep your body needs.  Our recommendation?  Ask your health professional for suggestions on how to sleep better or visit Tylenol’s website to read  some great tips (besides taking Tylenol PM!)  Or..email Angie at angie at waldauers.net and she can tell you about someone that might be able to help.  NOW GET SOME SLEEP!

Dr. Dobson’s Recent Email Regarding the Upcoming Election

Family News From Dr. DobsonOctober 2008   The November election promises to be one of the most consequential in recent memory. Come November 5th, this election will be over, barring hanging chads, voter fraud or an Electoral College tie.Regardless of the outcome, Focus ministries will continue to nurture and defend families as long as the Lord sustains the effort. This month, however, those who wish to contribute to our work have a choice of two organizations to support. The first is Focus on the Family®, which is a nonprofit ministry which can offer a tax-exempt receipt to all donors. Second, Focus on the Family Action™, which paid for this E-mail, needs support too, but contributions to it are not deductible.When Dr. Dobson first took to the airwaves in a tiny rented radio studio in 1977, he never could have fathomed the impact his work would have on the culture in years to come. Thirty-two years later, Focus on the Family, a Christ-centered ministry dedicated to the preservation of the family, continues to minister to people in need. We all appreciate your continued support and welcome any contribution you feel led to offer this month.   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 newsletter. 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 stacked–even more than it already is–with 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 Party’s 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, House 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 34 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 Eight) 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 hours’ 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 November 4th. Please, let your voices be heard. For more information, visit Focus on the Family Action’s Web site. 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 November 4th 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 immediately before the election. After all, it was the Reverend Billy Graham who once said that “To 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 November 4th 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. Endnotes 1 Louis Uchitelle, “2 Mavericks in Economics Awarded Nobel Prize,” The New York Times, Oct. 12, 2004, (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. (Sept. 29, 2008). 3 Republican National Committee, 2008 Republican Platform, (Sept. 28, 2008). 4 “National Journal’s 2007 Vote Ratings,” National Journal Group Inc., 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 5 (September 2008). 6 (Sept. 29, 2008). 7 (Sept. 30, 2008). 8 “Obama Blocked Born Alive Infant Protection Act,” Illinois Federation For Right to Life Daily News online, April 3, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 9 Rick Santorum, “The Elephant in the Room: Why conservatives should support McCain,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 21, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 10 (Sept. 29, 2008). 11 (Sept. 29, 2008). 12 “Ballot Bowl 2008: More Campaign Happenings,” CNN Transcripts, March 29, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 13 Patricia E. Bauer, “What’s Lost in Prenatal Testing: Why Encourage Testing for Down Syndrome,” Jan. 14, 2007, Washington Post. 14 “Days in Session Calendars,” Thomas, The Library of Congress, (Sept. 29, 2008). 15 National Journal online, 2008, Ibid. 16 Paul Kane, “Hill Negotiators Drop Hate-Crime Provision,” Washington Post, Dec. 7, 2007, (Sept. 29, 2008). 17 Byron York, “On Sex-Ed Ad, McCain Is Right,” National Review Online, Sept. 16, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 18 “Obama on Sex Ed in Kindergarten: ‘It’s the Right Thing to Do,’” Free Republic online, Sept. 10, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 19 Michael Foust, “Obama: If elected I will use the bully pulpit for gay causes,” Baptist Press, Feb. 28, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 20 Chuck Spinner, A Book of Prayers: To the Heavens from the Stars, (AuthorHouse: 2008), p. 225 (Sept. 29, 2008). Paid for by Focus on the Family Action.

50′s The New ____________….

Is 50 the new 30? 

Thanks to continual advancements in the areas of health care and wellness education, life expectancies are at an all-time high.  ‘Getting older’ simply doesn’t mean the same thing as it did 30 or 40 years ago.  Now more than ever, adults are learning that taking good care of themselves can translate into decades of active living, extending far beyond the thresholds of middle age.  The following tips can help you assure that you can enjoy life to the fullest – well into your golden years.

1) It’s never too late
Whether you’re 35  or 85 – one of the most important factors in maintaining optimal wellness as you age is realizing that it is never too late to make positive lifestlye changes.  When combined with a balanced diet and an appropriate level of physical activity (as determined by your physician), proper supplementation can help older adults improve energy levels and alertness, and promote mental clarity.

The implementation of a tailored nutritional supplement regimen can help address many issues commonly associated with aging – such as osteoporosis and weight gain, as well as helping to maintain normal sexual function, joint comfort, cardiovascular health and proper digestion.  On a recent episode of ABC’s The View, medical editor of Best Life magazine Dr. Steven Lamm described how antioxidants such as those contained in the mega-supplement Isotonix OPC-3(R) could help longtime smokers support their health after kicking the unhealthy habit.  He went on to explain that even small, gradual changes can have a big impact.*

A brief visit with your regular doctor or a registered dietician can help determine the perfect combination of supplementation necessary to provide optimal support for your lifestyle.

2) Be in the know
When it comes to healthy aging, there is no truer adage than “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.  Knowing what types of health complications you might be predisposed to evnironmentally and understanding your genetics can make all the difference in the world.

3) Experience joie de vivre
Today’s 40-somethings and Boomers are living proof that age is no excuse to slow down.  On the contrary – there is an entire industry dedicated to ensuring that members of the 50+ demographic are able to continue to enjoy their favorite activities, and even embark on  new adventures.

A healthy, active older adult can look forward to engaging in social clubs, competitive recreational leagues, adventure tourism – and even sexual activity, well into their 70s.  Although physical intimacy in the golden years may seem a taboo subject to some, the National Institute on Aging asserts that the ability to maintain normal sexual function is a very importantt indicator of overall physical and emotional health and lifestyle satisfaction within aging populations.

Whatever your pelaseure, get involved! Maintaing an active recreational ad social life is perhaps the most important part of aging gracefully.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

How To Never Hear “Not Tonight I Have a Headache”

I recently was introduced to a very interesting guy who has a great technique for relieving headaches and stress.  I have heard great things about his success rate and so I asked him to share a little about how it works. Let’s hear from David:

 

The Advanced Muscle Relaxation And Pain Relief System

 

Hello.  My name is David Kerezsi and I am a retired Chiropractor and I currently practice in Clearwater Florida as an LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist). I specialize in the Advanced Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief System.

 

This system was developed by me and incorporates three major massage techniques. My purpose was to find the most workable techniques and to arrange those techniques into a sequence of application that when applied helped balance the body. The overall goal is to move the body’s wellness potential, on a scale of 1 – 10, closer to a 10. 

 

The techniques chosen were the following:

 

• CRT or Cranial Release.  This is a technique that through a very specific stretch of the neck, the bones of the skull can be released.  This appears to have a global effect on the body by helping it to relax and come into balance.

 

• Pressure Point Therapy.  This is where the therapist goes over specific points of tenderness on the body and gently releases them.

 

• Foot Reflexology.  This is a system whereby the body is divided into 10 zones and by locating specific points of tenderness on the feet and lessening them, circulation could occur in distant areas of the body aiding healing and body balance,

 

There are three types of stress that can affect the body:

• Emotional Stress
• Physical Stress 
• Chemical Stress

 

These stresses are interrelated, in other words, each one can affect the other two.  The Advanced Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief System takes into account all of these stresses and specializes in the handling of the effects of physical stress on the body. I recommend that clients are well hydrated and have a good diet and nutrition.

 

The client is checked with muscle strength testing (MST) before and after the session, so that the effects of care can be accessed.

 

The Advanced Muscle Relaxation And Pain Relief System was developed to give those individuals looking for an alternative therapy a workable solution. The work is exciting and the results are in many cases immediate.

 

For an appointment, or if you have any questions call David at (727) 744-3654.

  

Disclaimer:  Results may vary depending upon the individual and there are no claims or guarantee as to the outcome of care.  We do not treat medical conditions or disease.  MA44940

Do You Have An Itchy Dog or…..

Do you have an itchy pet?  Here is how one pet owner found relief:

I’ve used many pet shampoos over the years. Medicated, hypoallergenic, good smell, not-so-good smell, oatmeal shampoos for the coat and skin – you name it and I’ve probably tried it. I can honestly say I have never used a pet shampoo this awesome.
 
My dog, Bart, is a Yorkshire Terrier and they are known for getting dry, flaky skin if you wash them too often and for getting oily hair (like people), if you don’t wash them often enough. I gave him a bath with Pet Health’s Hypoallergenic Shampoo and a week later his hair was still soft and silky.
 
I could even still smell the remnants of the fragrance! This is after he’s been in and outside all week! Also, speaking of the fragrance – I have to tell you I am a fan of only a very few fragrances. I have my own allergies and some fragrances irritate my sinuses.
 
This shampoo smells TERRIFIC! My dog sleeps in the bed with me and frankly, I admit I have shooed him to other areas of the bed because of the “dog smell” that inevitably comes back rather soon after every other pet shampoo I’ve ever used.

 

Tonight, a week after his last bath, the fragrance has lessened but I can still smell it slightly and he definitely has no hint of the “Hi mom, I’ve been playing outside today!” smell he usually has by this time.  His hair is still soft to the touch too!  This truly is a fabulous product and I will not be using anything else ever again! 

 
Robyn Edwards – Animal Rescuer

Pet Health Hypoallergenic Shampoo

 

 

Geez, this is hard!

I have to say lately that I am exhausted.  Working full time, building a business and taking boys to football practice EVERY SINGLE NIGHT and games all day Saturday is wearing me out!  I long for the day when I only have to work my business….part-time….in my pajamas….on the beach.  

I could make a different choice though.  I could come home and just “vege out” and I will still be in this same spot next year, 5 years from now…who knows when I could ever retire????????

Sherry, a good friend of mine said it very aptly, “It’s all about choices.”  I have to daily make the choice to keep taking one step forward even when I want to slack off.

What do you guys listen to that helps keep you motivated?  Let me know!  One of my favorites is http://tinyurl.com/6kaptk  with Dani Johson.  Warning!  She could be habit forming!

Read another great and motivating post today…check it out at:
http://shankman.com/why-dont-you-do-some-work/trackback/

It’s time to make things change and do something different today so that tomorrow will be different.  Put on your big girl panties and let’s get to work!

A Movie You Will Want to See

Well – I had not planned on making any more posts today but I received an email about this movie and it looks like it’s going to be FANTASTIC!  Lately this blog has been more about marriage than business but we have to keep marriage first or business success is hollow!

So get your friends together and make it a date night!

www.FireProofTheMovie.com