What’s the best piece of advice you ever got?

Question of the Month (as featured in January’s Ambassador UPDATE)

Evelyn Gibson: Other than Jim’s “Don’t eat yellow snow”—from my mom, “Sweetie, always add a little flair to whatever you do!”

Jery Lee:

Save 50% of what you earn and try living off the other 50%.

Don't buy on impulse, wait a year before you buy a new hot item, prices will be a lot lower.

Celebrate Christmas on December 26th! (This is the advice we do every year, when everything is 50 to 70% off)

Sheri Cooper: “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” My grandma lived by this saying.

John Williamson: "You can learn more with your ears than your mouth."

Bill Reitler: Find what you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life!

Jim Sanders: Probably from Dr. M.R. DeHaan, founder of RBC Ministries: “Trust God and do right.”

Don’t Put Me on Hold!!

It’s no shock to hear that some company falls short on treating a client properly. It comes with the holidays! But when a Lexus dealer in Newport Beach, falls on its customer service face, that is a surprise.

My car has been in the dealer for a full week. Today I phoned to find out if the car was ready—I just wanted a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.

A message to my service rep went unresponded (I later found out he was out of the office). So, at day's end, I called . . . time and time again. And, in each instance, I was put on hold: the first time 10 minutes. The second time five; the third two. The fourth time, I wanted to see how long an extension could ring without being responded to: 12 minutes before I gave up. The fifth time I called back, I said “I simply need a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to whether my car is ready. That’s all.”

The receptionist went to put me on hold, I said, “Please don’t. I’d like to speak with a person. No one answers the phone…it just rings and rings and rings.”

To which she responded rather curtly, “That’s not our fault.”

I was so startled, I simply responded with a chuckle, “Excuse me?!?!”

You know when you hear “That’s not our fault,” you can surmise only one of two things the person on the other end of the line is saying: “It’s YOU, the customer who’s at fault” (we certainly don’t want to take responsibility for your discomfort) or, “We’re simply so unprepared to take care of customers, we can’t handle another call.”

Either way, that’s a disturbing response. Not just for what it says explicitly, but for what must being going on at that store to trigger such a response.

In great contrast, earlier today I had lunch with a group from work at Lucille’s in Tustin. It’s targeted to a lunch crowd and does a good job of delivering quality food in fairly short order. That’s not easy when you’re serving 150 meals in a short window of time.

I’ve eaten there several times before and usually you can get in and out in 45 minutes. But today, our food arrived an hour after we were seated.

The manager came by to apologize and said he’d comp our $7 appetizer which seemed a bit meager given the circumstances, but I figured something is better than nothing, and it's Christmas...let is pass. When the bill came, he actually took $45 off the bill…about a third of the total. It was far more than I would have even asked for.

Tha manager understood that he needed to something sizeable enough to get my attention. And he did!

The explicit message was “I want you to be happy.” The implicit message was, “I want you to be a customer for life.” I now know, anytime I go into Lucille’s, he will guarantee my pleasurable dining experience.

Big difference between two customer service attitudes.

Now here’s what I want to say: We’re all in the customer service business. Every time you touch someone, you send more than one message. The explicit one: “We need your financial help.” And the implicit one: “We’re doing the financially responsible thing by cutting our overhead everywhere. You can trust our financial management.”

You may think about what you say, but do you think about how it’ll be received? Usually, the later is a far more power message. It was for me today!

One Language is Not Enough!

The most successful engineers I know speak two languages. They talk with each other in secretive abbreviations (MPEG, FEC and BER) or complicated terms like “coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing.” But when they talk with common folks like me, they put it in terms I understand…at least the smart ones do.

If you’ve traveled to Europe, you’ve experienced the same thing: everyone speaks at least two (and many times three or four) languages. I’m grateful when I can ask and receive an answer to a tourist question in English. (Any inquiry requiring more than using the word "fromage" is beyond my ability to speak French.)

So there’s a lesson here for those of us in marketing. Put your message in words that I understand and are important to me.

How about the organization which is “playing a role in diminishing the pandemic of worldwide hunger and disease.” Why didn’t they just say, “We’re saving lives”?

And if I sponsor a child in Sierra Leone, tell me about work going on in Western Africa, not services provided in Latin America.

Speak to me in my language, and in words that a important to me. The most powerful messages are those in your own language.

SHHH...no one knows, but what I really hope to find under the tree on Christmas Day is...

Question of the Month (as featured in December's Ambassador UPDATE)


Anna Sinclair: New carpet :-)

Chad Bishop: An Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!

Evelyn Gibson: Airline tickets for Ethiopia, Tanzania, India, South America and Central America!

Jennifer Perez: A box full of Jani's favorite all-time recipes -- a treasure-trove of good eats!

J.C. Colon: My very first Bible, lost somewhere in a box in our first move.

Katie Burke: an iPhone (but I think everyone knows by now!)

Lee Ann Jackson:

A few more years to enjoy my children at home—time is passing too quickly (my oldest, 15, will be off to college sooner than I’d like!).

Or

An iPhone!

Mark Conner: The biggest smiles and excited reactions from my two girls as they open their presents!

Peggy Campbell: Jon

Robert Jacobsen: A certificate for free Baby sitting!

Sheri Cooper: All my grandkids! (And their parents too!) And, it would be an extra surprise to find fabric to make a new quilt under my tree!


So . . . what about you??

Noel. . .the first day of Christmas!

We're beginning this first week of Advent and the Noel season from Mary's Magnificat in Luke: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Throughout the month, we'll share the "words of Christmas" and here and there even the "look" of Christmas--Ambassador style!

Oh yea. . .and our favorite canine, Chloe, will make her Christmas presence known!

-BB

Chloe's grrrings on Thanksgiving and your pet!

Have you read the tips for pets at Thanksgiving? What are "people" thinking?

1/Check with guests ahead of time in case they're allergic to your pet.

Why would you invite that person in the first place?

2/Don't feed pets food meant for human consumption.

What?

3/Feed your dog her normal food at the regular time.

Which would be whenever I'm sitting at your feet looking up at you!

4/Don't deviate from your dog's regular exercise schedule.

Got it! Eat, nap, eat, nap, eat!

5/Dispose of food wrap. Pets will try to lick the food off the package.

So--what's your point here?

6/Ensure your garbage is secure--away from your pets.

Who's the comedian who writes this stuff?

7/Sequester your dog in a spare room when guests arrive.

Oh yea, just you try it, buster!

Chloe. . .grateful I'm not a turkey!

Jim Sanders--from Quito Ecuador

As part of our week in Quito with a group of Christian broadcasters hosted by HCJB Global, we toured the organization's Hospital Vozandes. It's so very impressive. The halls of these buildings resonate with 75 years of ministry. It's amazing to consider the millions of lives touched by this organization--which continues to this day. We heard stories of listeners who'll spend hours riding a bus to give their $5 gift to the radio ministry. Talk about having a relationship with an audience!

Their annual sharathon may also include gifts of chickens, hand-made items--whatever may be of value to the listener. Then in a huge fair on the grounds of HCJB, all these gifts are sold.

The ministry commits 10% of everything they receive during the sharathon back to a ministry. Last year it was the English speaking church in town. Those who desire to learn English come to hear a pre-produced program while the audience follows along with the script. Then the audience is broken up into basic, intermediate and advanced English-speakers for more learning and discussion. What a great outreach! The church service on Sunday is also available in script form, both English and Spanish, so that those wanting to learn can follow along.

I wonder why we don't do this in the suburbs of Los Angeles--or just about any part of the country these days.

I'll keep you posted!

JS

Greetings from the Southern Hemisphere!

From Jim Sanders in Quito, Ecuador with a team of U.S. broadcasters hosted by

HCJB Global. . .

We've been kept pretty busy--and we've been exposed to an amazing ministry which is reaching people here in Ecuador and around the world. As a group, over the weekend, we helped feed men, women and children who're largely homeless here. We've seen HCJB's Caropungo Clinic which serves hundreds of people who're unable to get into the city for medical care. There've been visits to small churches and remote radio stations, each locally licensed and broadcasting in Spanish and in local languages as well.

Getting around here is not easy! In the city, the streets are quite crowded. Out of the city, the extreme elevations make for interesting travel as tight roads, sharp turns, passing on blind corners--all out-weigh any E-ticket ride at Disneyland!

Today, we're meeting here in Quito with radio folks. Tomorrow it's off to the jungle and a three-day stay at Shell. Hopefully--weather permitting--we'll also have the chance to visit Palm Beach where the five missionaries were martyred. I met Steve Saint at the equator earlier in the week.

Pray with us for the ministry of HCJB Global here in Ecuador. Their primary towers are being dismantled by order of the government--a new airport forcing the issue. With technology changing so rapidly, it's made for great conversation as we grapple with many of these same issues in the U.S. HCJB Global certainly deserves our focused attention as they seek to serve the Lord well into the 21st century.

-JS

Thanksgiving Feasting

While our annual Ambassador Thanksgiving feast is not for a few weeks, we wanted to share our responses (and a few recipes!) to the monthly question see in November Update’s newsletter.

“What always gets the request for a “second helping” at your Thanksgiving table?”

• Fried Turkey. ("JC" - John Colón)

• Stuffing was always big growing up, but I still like an extra slice of turkey…(Bill Reitler)

• When we lived in So Cal, a popular dish was candied yams (you know, the ones with marshmallows melted on top). We never seem to make enough for everyone's 2nd and 3rd helping. (Michelle Blood)

• My Mom’s Jello Salad is the best ever!! :) (Anna Sinclair)

• Green bean casserole. (Sheri Cooper)

• At our Thanksgiving meal, everyone requests seconds of the mash potatoes! (Carolyn Wallace)

Recipe:

Chop 8 potatoes into cubes and boil

Mix in half a cube of butter, ¼ cup Ranch dressing, and milk until it’s the consistency desired.

Add chives and cheese to flavor!

• I absolutely make the best gravy known to mankind. The secret? Leave all the turkey fat in the gravy pan! (Peggy Campbell)

• I’ll tell you what doesn’t get a second helping – the turkey! Why? Everyone’s already had a second and third helping before it hits the table – as it’s being carved! (Katie Burke)

And as you read in November Update . . .

• The kids love HAVEN's corn pudding recipe. (Jani Williamson)

Recipe:

CORN PUDDING

Mix together in a 2 quart (greased) casserole dish:

1 can creamed corn

1 can whole kernel corn

1 cup sour cream

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 package Jiffy Cornmeal Muffin mix

Melt 1 cube of butter (1/2 cup) and pour around edges and over top.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for ½ hour; stir gently then continue baking for another ½ hour.

Uncover and bake for 15 more minutes. YUMMMMMM!

• Everyone always gets seconds of Kay’s cheese mashed potatoes! (Bob Ulrich/General Manager/WPEO)

Recipe:

“Sweet Potato Casserole”!

1- 40 oz can sweet potatoes, drained 1/4 t. nutmeg

2- 15 oz cans pumpkin 1/3 stick butter, softened

1/4 t. salt 1 c. sugar

2 t. cinnamon 2 eggs

1/2 t. ginger 1 t. vanilla

Pre-heat oven to 350.
Mash sweet potatoes, then mix in pumpkin, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
In separate bowl, cream butter with sugar and add eggs and vanilla.
Mix all together well and place in lightly greased (Pam) 9x13 baking dish and top with the following:

3 t. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. pecans
1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon

Mix and sprinkle evenly over the top before baking for 1 hour at 350.

Be sure to share your "best" with us, too!

His Name is Wonderful!

Yesterday was such fun as our dear friend, Joni Eareckson Tada, joined us in what we call our "Ambassador Cathedral!" (It's actually a racquet ball court--but you wouldn't believe how beautiful it makes our singing sound!)

After a time of recording we all gathered together singing hymns of praise and worship! And what a glorious time it was!

BB

Yes He can!

Yesterday we gathered as a staff to pray for the leaders of our country--for the man who is now our new President, Barack Obama and his family, and for those who will lead in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

One of the Psalms we read together was Psalm 96:10-13. . .

Get out the message--God rules!

He put the world on a firm foundation;

He treats everyone fair and square.

Let's hear it from sky,

with earth joining in,

and a huge round of applause from sea.

Let wilderness turn cartwheels

animals come dance

put every tree of the forest in the choir

An extravaganza before God as He comes,

as He comes to set everything right on earth,

set everything right, treat everyone fair.

Yes--He can!

BB

The longest and costliest ever!

Election 2008! Remember Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson, Fred Thompson, Duncan Hunter, Mike Huckabee? And is John Edwards in Witness Protection?

And besides being the longest and costliest campaign, it's also an election of firsts: the first African American nominee for a major party, the first time both candidates were born outside the continental U.S. And if the Republicans win, the first woman Vice President. And while Barack Obama wouldn't be the youngest president, John McCain would certainly be the oldest first-term president in our history.

So we wait! And while we do, take a minute and read this excerpt from a letter Stuart Briscoe (Telling the Truth) wrote to his radio listeners. He said, in part:

"It would be a dreadful mistake to pin our hopes on this man [who will be president], his administration, or any political figures. We must not confuse the President with the Redeemer. So we need two things: prayer for a mere man who has taken on an unenviable task; and a longing for revival--it's better than 'change' or even 'reform.' So welcome Mr. President, whoever you are. We promise to pray for you and commit ourselves to carefully delineating between you and the Redeemer. For you we will pray, and for Him we will proclaim!"

BB

5 reasons for not even mentioning Halloween!

This past week the Los Angeles Times reported Halloween sales were up over last year--obviously beating all expectations. The conclusion was "people need a little fun in hard times."

Fun? Oh we're a long way from fun! Check out any Halloween web site and you'll find witches with ulterior motives, Jack-O-Lanterns representing an ancient symbol of demonic superstition and ghoses--well, ghosts, you know? And in this morning's paper, an article on the front page of the Health section (not sure what that's about) citing young girls' Halloween costumes that have become more and more risque while young boys are going macho.

In the search for fun--what I discovered instead were "alternatives to Halloween." In my opinion--"5 reasons for not even MENTIONING Halloween!"

1/trick or treat alternatives (like what?)

2/candy alternatives containing no sugar (it's just wrong)

3/making Halloween "green" (unless it's Kermit--count me out)

4/alternatives for making Halloween safe (I promise to wear a helmet)

5/alternative names for Halloween! (okay I'm done)

As much as we've tried to bring spirits and saints together for this admittedly ignominious holiday--and with safety of body and mind important issues--still, alternatives just don't make up for the "bee" costume, and the grocery bag filled with candy--so much candy I was sick for a week!

BB

What's your dream Saturday?

If you ask a "boomer" (which Hartford Financial Services Group did) their top choice of four celebrities they'd most like to share a dream Saturday with is. . .Tiger Woods? Number 2 is Rachel Ray, followed by Barak Obama and in number 4 spot, our favorite home improvement guy,

Ty Pennington. I'm thinking Senator Obama's not all that delighted to know he was trumped by a cooking guru!

For me, it's getting up early on a Saturday morning, enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee, some reading--and about 7:00AM talking to my sis, Sharon. We've been doing our Saturday morning "chat" for 40 years--and we rarely miss. Our touch point not only anchors my day--it's been anchoring my life for a lot of years.

So what's your Saturday fav?

BB

Let your donors know!

Hope combats fear!

As ministry leaders we, of all people, understand hope combats fear. It just makes sense to be proactive in letting donor partners know you understand and care, and that this financial catastrophe is a shared journey.

To say. . .we get where you're struggling--we're in ministry to reach out to those we care about the most--YOU

To say. . .thank you more loudly than ever before--and because it's always the right thing to do

To say. . .we're achiving results (be specific) with the support you're sharing with us each month

To say. . .your smallest gift of even $5 is meaningful--and we commit to using it faithfully and efficiently in ministry

To say. . .we're the ministry where you can be encouraged, informed and engaged!

It makes sense!
BB

Doughnut or donut--it's Friday!

Whether it's doughnut or donut--at Ambassador it means--it's Friday!

As a child I watched my grandmother make "fried cakes" nearly every day. Sizzling hot, the ones with powdered sugar sprinkled on top were my favorite. And donut holes? To die for! Now nothing short of a buttermilk with chocolate frosting an inch thick satisfies my Friday morning craving.

It's understating it to say we're "waiting" at the door when Jim arrives with "the box." If you're old enough to remember, think, "Mom it's the Good Humor man!"--and you've pretty much got the scene nailed.

Ode to Dough!

How do we love thee--let us count the ways.

Chocolate, jelly filled, crueler or glazed,

Sprinkles--coconut or sugar topped,

Once we start--we never stop!

What's YOUR fav?

BB

Boss Day--Birthday--we got it covered!

It's been a crazy week! We celebrated our two bosses--Peggy Campbell and Jim Sanders, and Jim's birthday--before either event was official! Jim was born--that IS official, but not on the day we celebrated. Bosses Day is Thursday--but we partied on Tuesday. Don't ask! It's an Ambassador thing--and we like it the way it is!

Any way/any day, there's no catering like Ambassador staff catering--so the grill was sizzling and the salads, sides and dessert--totally awesome!

If you're in the area--stop by for leftovers! Who're we celebrating?

Oh yea, Jim's birthday IS today!

BB

Barak Obama's--on the phone!

It was quite a surprise this weekend when an Ohio woman answered the knock at her door and discovered Barak Obama standing on her porch! She rushed to get her camera. . .no wait. It wasn't her camera. It was her cell phone. In 2008 the primary use of cell phones is to do everything but call!

Today marks the 25th anniversary (sorry Chris--no Columbus Day tie in)

of the first cell-phone connection. It was a media event in Chicago when the president of Ameritech Mobile Communictions made the first commercial cell-phone connect. He called Alexander Graham Bell's grandson on a handset that weighed 2-1/2 pounds and sold for $3,995. (Ameritech was absorbed into what are now AT&T and Verizon Wireless.)

This year we sent more text messages on cells than we made calls.

Up next? You'll be talking to family and friends while watching a video of them at the same time, taking photos of Barak or whomever in higher resolution and browse the Internet faster than your computer with its DSL connection.

Smile for the camera!

BB

Today in Lancaster PA

Living and working here in Lancaster PA has been a whole new experience, especially in comparison to my life in So Cal over a year ago.

Today, was no exception. While my co-workers in the AAA-Irvine office are enjoying much warmer weather and lunch in the AAA Cafe, I spent my lunch time up the road checking out my neighbor's auction where his dairy cows (depending on their pedigree and age) are averaging a price of $5,000 to $25,000--per cow! It was fun listening to the auctioneer speak a language only buyers can understand. But boy, don't every scratch your head at an auction or you could be taking home a prize calf for $25,000!

So how did you spend your lunch today?

True Woman '08--6,000 of them!

On a morning when headlines are screaming the worst day ever on Wall Street--more than 6,000 women are gathered in Chicago for today's opening of True Woman '08 conference hosted by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Revive Our Hearts radio ministry.

Whatever definition you might have for a "true woman"--these women have been invited to embrace God's unique design for their lives.

The worst day ever? Not for the 6,000 women who're encountering God in a whole new way!

See what being a True Woman '08 is all about!

BB

Project Runway--it's debatable!

If given the choice, one wonders which reality show would fare better if up against one another tonight--the highly touted McCain/Obama network debate or the Klum/Gunn cable juggernaught, Project Runway.

One might argue the reality factor in either case--but both are products

of the television age, drawing millions of viewers.

We didn't have major parties debating until 1960. Remember? Vice President Nixon went up against the dashing Senator Kennedy with devastating results for the Nixon campaign.

In 1976 it was Carter and Ford. In 1980 Reagan was at the podium. In 1984 RR's back debating Walter Mondale. Michael Dukakis was up in 1988 and in 1992 Bill Clinton became an overnight sensation.

A bit of history! From 1960-1976 the equal-time provisions of the Communications Act scared off candidates. But in 1975, the FCC ruled that debates were news events. And if sponsored by organizations other than the networks, they were exempt from any equal-time requirements. The League of Women Voters volunteered to sponsor the debates. In 1988 that position was taken over by the Commission on Presidential Debates.

It's highly debatable, but there you have it!

BB

The First Monday of October!

Here's a little test on a Monday morning--the first Monday of October--the opening day of the United States Supreme Court!

How many Justices are required by the Constitution?

Can you name three?

How many on the current court were appointed by a Republican/Democrat?

How many women currently serve?

How many African Americans?

How many Hispanic Justices?

What's the breakdown of religious backgrounds?

In an election year the question--"Who will appoint the next Supreme Court Justice?--becomes an interesting one! The Constitution says each Justice must be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate and typically hold the position for life.

It's a life sentence worthy of a "writ of certiorari!"

BB

How did you do?

1/9

2/Chief Justice Roberts

Alito

Breyer

Ginsburg

Kennedy

Scalia

Souter

Stevens

Thomas

3/7/Rep; 2/Dem

4/1

5/1

6/none

7/5 Catholic;2 Jewish;1 Epis.; 1 Prot.

Sarah who?

George Clinton, George Dallas, Hannibal Hamlin and Schuyler Colfax!

WHO?

All were Vice Presidents of the United States--and the list of other unknowns goes on and on! Which makes Sarah Palin that much more interesting, wouldn't you say?

It may be more difficult to forget her if, indeed, John McCain wins the presidential election November 4.

I thought it would be fun to find out a little more about "Sarah"--stuff you don't get in the general media. For example, I didn't know she was born in Idaho although she's lived in Alaska almost her entire life. She was born in 1964! 1964? Yikes! In high school she was head of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was captain of the girls' basketball team.

Okay, here's something you probably haven't heard yet. Her popular nickname in high school was "Sarah Barracuda" because of her intensity on the basketball court. Before heading for a political career she graduated with a degree in communications and journalism and was a sports reporter for KTUU-TV in Alaska.

Just thought you'd like to know--in case you forget!

BB

Bailout--or Burnout?

It happens--not just in financial institutions but in churches as well!

Dear pastor:

This is Pastor Appreciation Month--and the question is why would anyone want to be the pastor of a congregation that included me?

I pretty much slide by the crowd shaking your hand at the door. (I've got things to do and places to go.)

You cause me to think during your message (often it's actually about what you're saying.)

I'm never shy about expressing my point of view in committee meetings. (Not sure how often I've asked yours!)

When was the last time I sent you a "thank you" note?

A gift certificate?

I pray for you--but not all the time. (Okay so once in awhile.)

You've got a great family. (Have I told you that?)

Your social activism drew me to the church. (Was I supposed to let you know that?)

Every service has your touch added to it--it makes worship that much more meaningful.

Maybe I should be telling you all of this? DUH!

BB

It's been a hard day at the office!

Obviously some of our visitors are more energetic than others!

When Belle's with us, she enjoys a slower pace, maybe a little doggie treat, a nap and that's pretty much the day!

Belle is part of a "family" of three Scotties that belong to Peggy Campbell. But let me tell you about Peg's "girls." You can pet Belle, talk to Belle, dance around her bed--and she's pretty much content to just let you do whatever makes you happy. A little food now and then, water--but the nap? Gotta have the nap!

On the other hand Chloe's a sprinter! She's here every day. She rushes from office to office for the morning treat. Petting? Nooo. Touching? Nooo. It's all about the treats. Oh yea, there's that TV-and-computer screen-watching thing. Had we mentioned that?

Abby never comes to the office. Oh she's welcome, but she's pretty much content staying home playing with her tennis ball, her rubber ball, anything round that rolls on the floor. Even "light reflection" that LOOKS like a ball is enough to make her day.

It's a dog's life--and why not?

BB

Got a dog story to share? Bark it back!

American business--how's it doing?

Wall Street's financial upheaval is changing the economy and the lifestyles of what the Los Angeles Times calls, "its famously well-paid practioners."

So how IS American business doing?

The plumbing business is in the toilet.

The airline business has crashed.
The card table business has folded.

The aquarium business has tanked.

The gravel business is crushed while the cement business has hardened.

The pool business is drained.

The hair-coloring business is dyeing.

The submarine business is belly-up.

The landscape business has been cut.

The construction business has collapsed.

The shock absorber business is bottoming out.

The janitorial business has kicked the bucket.

Add yours to the list!

-Jim Sanders

90210--The Lies Young Women Believe

Noting the young actresses on this fall's return of the popular "90210" TV series, one reporter said, "Several female cast members appear to have last eaten some time during the fifth grade." This while much of the health side of the nation's press is underscoring childhood obesity.

In Nancy Leigh DeMoss' (Revive Our Hearts) best-selling book, Lies Women Believe and her latest, Lies Young Women Believe, she says so many women are "gripped by fear of rejection, fear of what people think of them, and a longing for approval." The core of her message to women is the importance and power of the Truth in Galatians 5:1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."

Beginning October 9-11, Revive Our Hearts is hosting True Woman '08

National Women's Conference in Chicago. Already thousands of women have registered in a commitment to embrace God's design and calling for their lives.

BB

Give Respect!

The Family Violence Prevention Fund's Respect! Campaign has declared today as their "National Respect! Day." The goal is to draw attention to preventing domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

The Scripture says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves." We join this effort not only to speak up, but to follow up with our actions.

Organizations and ministries like FamilyLife, Revive Our Hearts, Life Issues Institute, Compassion International, Mercy Ships, HCJB Global, Prison Fellowship and so many others take seriously the Proverb: "Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." They are doing just that!

BB

China Today--ala brownies!

From security everywhere you looked to secret police, Charles Morris remarked, "In Beijing it's wise to remember the rules and the warnings."

Charles recently returned after broadcasting HAVEN Today during the Olympic games. Among other more security-sensitive observations, he reported the largest growing "church" in China is the unregistered church, largely sparked by business people and professionals who rent facilities all over Beijing for their non-denominational services.

Because of his background in secular media, his grasp of Scripture and a heart to reach the lost--HAVEN Today is becoming a voice for the Gospel in one of the most timely and informative formats in Christian radio.

And the brownies? Not exactly a Chinese delicacy, but no Ambassador event is complete without something from Al's kitchen!

BB

When disaster strikes. . .

This week families are mourning the loss of loved ones, many with homes and businesses destroyed in floods, others impacted by loss and injury in the Metrolink disaster in Los Angeles, and people everywhere are asking, "Why?"

Our hearts go out to those who, today, are suffering grief and loss.

Jon Campbell, our former President, wrote from his own journey to a friend experiencing inexpressible grief, "I rest in the fact our God does everything perfectly--even when our earthly view limits our understanding."

BB

A day to remember. . .

Did you read it? Have you heard? This morning's Los Angeles Times, along with newspapers and media outlets all over the country, are calling for a day of remembrance for our men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan and other trouble spots in the world. NBC, CBS and ABC are supporting the McCain and Obama camps in their unprecedented move to shut down their campaigns for the day, urging the nation to its knees in prayer!

No, I didn't read it or hear it either! In fact, this morning's LA Times was extollng a different kind of champion--as the Angels defeated the New York Yankees. To be fair, there is a small article about Al Qaeda if you look carefully.

Candidates will gather, there will be moments of silent observance and we'll pretty much "do our day" as usual. But it sure wouldn't hurt to recall the fervor, the fear, the pulling together in prayer and fasting, the flags that waved on 9/11--7 years ago. And to pray for our young people who 7 years ago weren't even teenagers yet, and now they're giving their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A day to remember!

BB

Oh yea. . .Pasha has arrived!

One thing's certain--Ambassador devotions are never dull!

Pasha, age 3, was everywhere at once--as we welcomed him to Ambassador this week. Born in Russia, this little guy is fluent in his "love language." No one escaped (and who wanted to?) his smiling and hugging. Arms extended, he rushed to climb in everyone's lap--more than once!

Robert and Amy Jacobsen are Pasha's proud parents and love finally having him home. Sister Gracie (also born in Russia) isn't quite sure he's all he's cracked up to be, but she's warming up to it. And we couldn't be more pleased to have this new little one as part of the Ambassador family.

It's been quite a journey for the Jacobsen's in this second adoption of a Russian child. But one they wouldn't trade for anything!

We have 14 parents who serve here at Ambassador. Moms and dads who're nurturing their children (and grandchildren) to love and serve the Lord. How awesome is that?

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Lee Schafer: Well done!

Jesus said, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful. . .come and share your Master's happiness!"

A sweet spirit of a man, our friend in Christian radio, Lee Schafer, went home to be with the Lord today.

Our Ambassador family is today remembering Lee and praying for his wife, Beth, their son David, and daughter Leigh and the entire Schafer family.

In studio with Jim Garlow

Winnie the Pooh asks, "Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?" Well that's definitely NOT Jim Garlow's problem. He starts thinking and never stops!

And it's why we enjoy the privilege (and fun!) to record his specials and features for The Garlow Perspective.

We asked him about the upcoming election and his efforts on behalf of same-sex marriage. He said: "Marriage isn't just a foundational issue--it's a survival issue. God put society together--when we violate His laws, we pay the price."
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Let Carolyn Wallace know you're interested at Carolyn@ambaa.com and she'll give you the scoop on
The Garlow Perspective.

A Special Birthday Party, Indeed!

WOW--last weekend can only be described as a "slice of heaven" as Nancy Leigh DeMoss "whisked us away" to join her in celebrating her 50th birthday (and her 30th year in ministry!)

As a True Woman who believes it's truly better to give than receive, that's what Nancy did for us as part of a group of 40 "soul friends" to enjoy a retreat in Colorado Springs.

Nancy's intent was to minister and encourage each of us as we returned to our respective areas of service. I'm very thankful for that special time we all shared together and most of all, for God's gift to us in Nancy.

Happy Birthday, Nancy! Hope you're resting in His grace today.

Jenn

What's The Point?

Happy Anniversary. . .Mark Earley and "The Point!"

It couldn't be more timely to celebrate the first anniversary of Mark Earley's 1:00 feature, "The Point!" As a former Senator and Attorney General of Virginia, Mark Earley could just as easily be at the podium at the Republican National Convention this week. He ran for Governor of the State of Virginia in 2001 and became President of Prison Fellowship a year later.

Mark's radio presentation brings a biblical worldview to everyday living in the maze of cultural influences. Huh? Mark would say, "Get to the point! It's all about living right in light of the Gospel."

Listen up!

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An answer--to every man!

Today's newspapers are full of questions demanding an answer. Today we were encouraged by a young college freshman who's seeking the ONLY answer to life's most important questions!

Wesley Cummings (son of former Ambassador staffer, Steve Cummings, now with Prison Fellowship) is a young man on a mission--having just spent a month in Liberia aboard Mercy Ships. His "how I spent my summer vacation" story is complete with what he calls "near death" experiences! (By the way they all occurred OFF the ship.)

He leaves in a week for 8 months of intensive Bible classes in evangelism sponsored by the Torchbearers Center at Ravencrest Chalet outside Estes Park, Colorado.

Kind of an unusual curriculum choice for your first year of college, But Wes says, "When friends ask me why I went to Liberia, I want to be able to give them an answer that fully explains the Gospel."

An answer--to every man who asks the reason for the hope within you.

Now that's a headline!

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Happy Birthday John from Sarah

Well well! What have we here? Sarah Palin from Alaska!

"rAMBlings" caught up with Brad Mattes in Minneaspolis. As Executive Director for Life Issues Institute, we assumed he'd be celebrating the announcement of Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate. We were right!

Brad said this morning, "This is the most fantastic news pro-lifers could expect for a VP pick. Senator McCain's stock went up ten-fold in the eyes of pro-lifers and pro-family voters. He couldn't have done better!"

Now on to the Convention this coming week! We'll be there--in blogdom!

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God bless America--and God bless our children!

This week (and I'm sure next week as well) the major speakers at the DNC consistently invoke God and children. "God bless American!" "We must assure a better future for our children." "We will assure a better future for our children."

In Denver 51% of children live in poverty--and the numbers are growing.

I'm just asking--for whose children are we assuring a better future?

It's difficult to lay your hands quickly on the exact dollars raised to support a national political convention. But I did discover the $50 million price tag to pay for security.

If that amount's just the tip of the iceberg and 10% was "tithed" back to the children of the host city--how many millions would that be? A drop in the bucket for a growing problem? Yea. A mere gesture? Sure. But at least a footprint left behind to say, "We care about children and this gift to the children of Denver is just a beginning!"

God bless America--and God bless our children. . .crickets!

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From the "floor" at the DNC

Dear Barney (Rep/Tx):

I'm here! But finding treats on this floor is like trying to find a Republican in Sacramento! It's going to be a long week.

The Dems have set a precedent for Scotties in the White House since the days of our dear Fala (Dem/NYC). I checked with the Obama posse--no Scottie! No DOG! What's up with that?

Last evening brought new hope, however. A change! Uncle Ted made us cry, Michelle loves America and Diane Sawyer provided penetrating reporting when she gushed, "And I understand that after the elections, the Obama girls will finally get their dog!" I'm feelin' the love!

Give a "high five" to Miss Beasley! I'll get back to you! -Chloe (Ind/Ca)
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Can you buy a Coke at the Pepsi Center?

Well can you? Since Ambassador's the unofficial home of Coca-Cola and we proudly display Peg's Coke machine in our studio lobby--I knew you'd want to know.

No, you can't! But Coke is the official recycling provider for the DNC! In other words, drink a can of Pepsi and it goes into a Coke can receptacle! Coca-Cola Recycling will have their colorful containers all over the Pepsi Center. And guess who's logo's on the vending machines dispensing Pespi? Oh yea!

Tomorrow. . .our guest blogger will be on the floor--at the DNC!

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Peg goes for Gold with Bryan Clay

Bryan Clay has won the gold in the Men's Decathlon and no one is more pleased than Peggy Campbell! She met Bryan recently at an Azusa Pacific University event--Bryan's alma

mater--and is pictured here with Bryan and Azusa's President, Jon Wallace.

Bryan says, "God first, family second, track third." Well today "third" is solid GOLD!

It's a matter of seconds!

We're thrilled that Allyson Felix won the silver in the 200m with a time of 21.93. The Jamaican winner of the Gold came in at 21.74. For Allyson 19 seconds is all that stood between silver and the coveted gold medal she'd trained to win!

We've been keeping our eye on Allyson--her dad, Paul, is a New Testament prof at Masters College.

A matter of seconds can make all the difference!

Yesterday in our Ambassador devotions, Anna and Jereme Sinclair talked about defining moments--one of Anna's was an incident on the freeway when, out of nowhere, a steel hook smashed into her windshield.

It landed in the back seat at the foot of a friend who occupied the car with her. Anna said yesterday, "it was one of those defining moments when you realize how just a few seconds can change your life."

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