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March 27, 2009
Issue #607
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THE ABCs OF TODAY’S TVs by John Woodson
In this day and age, brand names and options are plentiful when you’re planning to buy a new television. Would you prefer standard-definition or high-definition? LCD or plasma? 720 or 1080? HDMI or DVI? Read on for a crash course in what we like to call TV2K9. • When buying a TV, the first consideration is to identify its intended use. If you spend most of your time watching 1960s sitcoms, you’ll have little use for the newest technology. A wide-screen model with surround sound just isn’t going to make Gilligan’s Island look or sound any better than it does on a regular old TV. If you’re a media junkie who likes to enjoy Blu-Ray discs in high definition, however, it’s important to know which equipment will best suit your needs, your desires, and your wallet. • Many television networks have expanded their broadcast from a 4°—3 aspect ratio to a wider 16°—9 format, but for the most part, only high-definition shows recorded over the last couple of years were shot in this format. Still, wide-screen is the way to go. More networks will adopt this format over the next few years. What’s more, if you enjoy watching post-1950 feature films, the wide-screen format more closely matches what you would see in a cinema. turn the page for more Tidbits!
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THIS IS A HAMMER By Samantha Mazzotta
Cheap Ways to Boost Your Home’s Value Q: I know home prices are dropping like a rock, but I’m still considering putting my cottage in Maine on the market. Is there anything I can do to keep its value up? Sign me -- Ogonquit Snowbird, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. A: The housing market has gotten pretty interesting in the past year, but while prices have sunk in many areas of the country, other areas have seen only a modest decrease. And, despite all the doom and gloom we hear about, homes are still being bought and sold. The biggest difference is that buyers can demand more for their money. As a seller, you will need to offer a home that satisfies at least some of those buyer demands, while avoiding getting soaked on the final selling price. So, what does that mean? Renovations? Probably -- but now more than ever, you’ll want to be careful which renovations you make, because you want to get the biggest return for the amount you invest. Steve Berges wrote a great guide in 2004 that tackles this concern. “101 Cost-Effective Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home” (Dearborn Trade Publishing) doesn’t just throw out ideas like redoing your kitchen; it breaks down, by the numbers, which project is most desirable to consumers and is therefore most likely to help improve that sale price. Visual appeal ranks very high in his guide (and in general). That means improving your home’s exterior and its surroundings (the yard, trees and garden, for example). If your cottage doesn’t get much attention while you’re away for the winter, or the yard looks a little ratty, call a professional landscaper to spruce up the lot -- or completely redo it. The interior of your cottage should get thorough consideration as well. A fresh coat of paint and clearing away clutter costs little, yet vastly improves the look and feel. Hire a decorator if you want to create a complete “look” in the house that will tempt buyers. What if major repairs need doing, such as plumbing or foundation work? You can make them before putting the house on the market, or you can disclose the problems to potential buyers and work out an agreement on who will tackle the work before finalizing the sale. In this case, talk to your Realtor to get more details ahead of time. HOME TIP: Keeping your house and yard in good condition is the most cost-effective way to maintain the home’s value in any market -- good or bad. Send questions or home-repair tips to homeguru2000@hotmail.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.
Too Early to Tell About Earnhardt
www.spokanetidbits.com “Maybe I should just keep doing things to get all the criticism and give him a break, which is fine with me.” There’s more fretting going on in Earnhardt Nation than the real one. (SET ITAL)Oooh. He’s going to fall out of the top 35 in points.(END ITAL) (SET ITAL)Oooh. He’s not going to make the Chase.(END ITAL) Earnhardt’s not doing any of the “oohing.” His head seems to be on straight. He’s had backto-back bad races. So did Carl Edwards in last year’s Chase, and he finished second in it. Maybe Earnhardt will have a bad year, but that can’t be concluded by the season’s first two races. It’s simply too soon to tell. *** Monte Dutton has covered motorsports for The Gaston (N.C.) Gazette since 1993. He was named writer of the year by the National Motorsports Press Association in 2008. His blog NASCAR This Week (http://nascar.rbma.com) features all of his reporting on racing, roots music and life on the road. You can e-mail Monte at nascar_thisweek@yahoo.com.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. deals with hard times a great deal better than many of the fans who love him. A cynic -- or, perhaps, a marketer -- could say that the slings and arrows fired at Junior’s crew chief (and first cousin), Tony Eury Jr., are functional because they aren’t blaming Earnhardt himself. But Earnhardt isn’t a cynic or a marketer. He’s as honest as anyone in NASCAR, which means that, when he’s asked about how honest he is, he replies by saying he’s pretty honest. “I always try to be honest, and I’ve never really tried to intentionally lie to somebody, especially when it comes to the media,” he said at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “But I have never said I was always right about everything.” Earnhardt is 34. The Shelby 427 in Las Vegas was his 330th. He’s won 18 of them. Six of them were in the same season, but that was five years ago. Being the favorite driver of well over half the (c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc. fans isn’t without its side effects. Last year, when he moved to Hendrick Motorsports after eight years with the team his father founded, Earnhardt improved. He made the Chase after failing in two of the previous three years. Still, he only won once last year and has only three victories in the last four seasons. But Earnhardt isn’t afraid of the pressure. He’s willing to accept his share of the blame. Asked about the criticism of his crew chief, Earnhardt was up for a good-natured retort. “Well heck, I’ve been getting most of it (criticism) here lately, so I told him, after Daytona, I’d done him a big old favor,” he said, “which is actually pretty good. Because when he’s not getting so much criticism, he’s not under so much pressure and I get what I hope is a better PHOTO: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (John Clark/NASCAR This Week) race car.
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THE ABCs of TODAY’S TVs (continued): • When comparing resolutions like 480p and 1080i, consider the number first, and then the letter. A higher number means that more scan lines are used to create the picture, so higher is better. 480 represents standarddefinition signals (like the TVs of 20 years ago), while 720 and 1080 modes are used for high-definition, widescreen broadcasts. And the letters following the numbers? The p stands for progressive-scan, which provides a better image than those marked i (noninterlaced). If the term “progressive scan” sounds familiar, it’s probably because the technology has long been employed in DVD players to improve the visual quality. • A 1080p television is considered top-of-theline, followed by 1080i, 720p, and 720i. High-definition TVs are compatible with lower-mode signals, too. So while a 1080i TV won’t play in higher-quality 1080p, it will be able to show 720 or 480 programming. (For the record, all HDTVs can also show standard-definition programs.) • What does this mean to you? Well, if you’re buying a smaller TV or have poor eyesight, it’s quite possible that the only difference you’ll notice between a 1080p TV and a 720p model is in the price tag. You’ll pay a premium for the higher-resolution sets. Of course, if you’re really serious about “home cinema,” a 1080p set will likely serve you longer before video technology outpaces it. • Today’s flat-screen TVs are either plasma models or LCD models. In a nutshell, most critics claim that plasma TVs offer a brighter, better-quality image, while LCD TVs tend to last longer. This may be an important consideration: While older, picture-tube television sets could be left on 24/7 for decades without damage, newer plasma and LCD sets have a much shorter “active” life. turn the page for more Tidbits!
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Wouldn’t you love to be debt-free and have six months of expenses in the bank before they perform this operation? You can do it, if it becomes important enough to make it priority one. - Dave
Donald F. Morgan, Account Vice President 601 West Riverside Avenue, Suite 1200 Spokane, WA 99201 509-744-3317 donald.morgan@ubs.com
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THE ABCs of TODAY’S TVs (continued): • After a period of time (perhaps thousands or tens of thousands of hours of watching), the picture quality of an LCD or plasma TV will become duller and darker, and the set itself will eventually fail. As a result, even though newer sets are much more energy-efficient than their older counterparts, it’s best to turn the unit off unless you’re actively watching it. Do you watch TV during dinner? Or do you just listen to it? Try the radio instead. The two or three hours a week that you save might add an extra year (or even more) to the overall life span of a new TV. • What about projection TVs? They’re fine as long as you have the space. Unlike flatscreen sets, projection televisions require a larger footprint. But if your TV room is spacious, you will find that you can purchase a projection TV with a much larger screen for the same price as a smaller LCD or plasma unit. There are a few varieties of projection television units, each of which have certain benefits and drawbacks. One key to remember is that since these TVs use light to project video onto the screen, they look best in darker rooms. This is particularly true with external projectors that throw the image onto a screen located across the room. • Most TV salespersons are honest, hardworking people, but there are exceptions. Some – but not all – use questionable tactics to move their stock. A good retailer will ask you how you plan to use the unit, and will steer you to a quality set that will meet your needs without breaking your budget. Whatever you do, don’t allow anyone to press you into buying a larger or more complex TV than you require. A 60-inch model sounds fab, but it’s far too large for a smaller room. Your eyes would be more comfortable watching a smaller set, and you’d save money as well. • Picture it: You find a great bargain advertised in the newspaper, and head to the store to examine the noname TV being offered. Funny, though… the picture and sound of the sale model aren’t half as clear as the more expensive, name-brand TV blaring nearby. To make the bargain set less appealing, an employee may have set the color in an unflattering way or used a lower-quality input setting. You’ve made up your mind to come home with a brand new TV, however, so you shell out an extra $700 for the “better” model. Cha-ching! You’ve just been “taken.” • What about inputs? Again, it depends on the quality of the programming you enjoy. With satellite, digital cable, and Blu-Ray discs, the preferred input is called HDMI. It provides the best quality, and also has the benefit of carrying both video and audio signals in a single cable, which reduces clutter. So if your source (cable, satellite, etc.) has an HDMI output, and your TV has an HDMI input, that’s the best and easiest route to take. • DVI is another digital format, identical in quality to HDMI but without the audio signal. (So you’ll have to use a second cable to transmit the sound.) Composite video uses three analog RCA cables to transmit the video. This should be fine for televisions that scan no higher than 720, but again, you’ll have to use a separate audio cable. • On the lower end of the spectrum are S-video and component video, both of which are beginning to lose their luster. The lesser quality of these connections aren’t well suited for today’s sharper, clearer TV sets. And finally, don’t skimp by purchasing the cheapest cables you can find, but don’t feel obligated to buy super-expensive gold-plated ones, either. A good middleof-the-road set of cables will provide a picture you’ll be happy with. The End
Page 3
Dear Dave, My husband has Hepatitis C, and at this point his only option is a liver transplant within the next two years. We make about $70,000 a year, but we also have $25,000 in debt. He’s still able to work right now, and we have health insurance, but how should we begin preparing for the operation and medical bills? Nikki Dear Nikki, God bless you guys. This is going to be really tough. You’re going to face a lengthy loss of income, and skyhigh medical bills even if everything goes well. I’m really sorry you have to go through this. Life can be hard enough without major health issues knocking you over. The good news is that there’s something you can do about all this, and it all starts with saving. First, set aside an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses as quickly as you can. In your case, I’d recommend leaning toward the six month side, because you’ll be facing a real emergency pretty soon. Second, you guys need to have no life for the next year or two, and get very serious about paying off as much debt as possible after you get your emergency fund in place. I’m talking about following a very strict budget, and living on rice and beans. Bottom line? The less debt you have, the better off you’ll be.
Dear Dave, My wife and I just had our first child. Not long before that we bought a house, and since then we’ve been getting calls and letters about buying mortgage protection insurance. They say it would pay off the mortgage if we die. Our mortgage is $114,000, and we’re both 26-years old. Is this a good idea? Robert Dear Robert, No, it’s not a good idea. Mortgage insurance is a rip-off, and here’s why. This stuff is nothing more than a life insurance policy with the word “mortgage” stuck on the front. They make it sound like a high-end, specialized product, and they jack the price way up! Sometimes you can get guaranteed issue if you become very sick and can’t get insurance anywhere else, but other than that it’s just a racket. At your age, if you’re healthy, you could easily get $250,000 on a 20-year level term life insurance policy for $12 to $15 a month. Then, if something happened to you, your wife could pay off the house with the insurance money, and still have some left over. I always recommend a good, level term life insurance policy – not just to cover your mortgage – but for eight to 10 times your annual income. You’ve got a responsibility to take care of your family now, and in the event that something unexpected happens, and you’re no longer around! - Dave * For more great financial advice, please visit www.davesays.org.
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Alzheimer’s Study Needs Volunteers Elan Pharmaceuticals is looking for more volunteers for a clinical trial for a drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Called the Investigational Clinical Amyloid Research in Alzheimer’s study, its purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of a drug called bapineuzumab in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s. This is a Phase III study, which means it’s found enough positive reason to continue since the study started in December 2007. Phases I and II are fairly small groups of people, and the study involves some adjustments to dosing. Phase III involves a larger group for a longer duration and is much more expensive for the company. Here are some of the eligibility
requirements: You must be between 50 and 88 years old, have a diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s and have a caregiver who can go to the study with you. If accepted, you’ll get medical monitoring, exams and lab tests for free, as well as the drug itself. Researchers plan to give 60 percent of participants the real drug, while 40 percent will receive a placebo for comparison. You’ll have to go to the study location 15 times during the course of 83 weeks. During that time you’ll receive six doses of the drug every 13 weeks and have exams and blood tests. To learn more about the study and to see if you live near one of the 186 study locations, go to clinicaltrials.gov and put NCT00575055 in the search box. Or you can call the Study Coordinator at 1-866446-5463. There is more information at www.ICARAstudy.com and 1-(877)-BE-VITAL. The best first step is to consult with your doctor and ask if this is something you should do.
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Human Guinea Pigs A lawsuit has been filed by Vietnam Veterans of America, plus six individuals, against the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army and others. The lawsuit claims that human experimentation was conducted on military personnel during the 1950s and ‘60s at Edgewood Arsenal, Fort Detrick, Md., and other locations in a secret program called MK-ULTRA. According to the lawsuit documentation, some of the tests involved drugs, hypnosis, electric shock, substances that cause mental confusion or enhance the ability to withstand torture and brainwashing, substances to produce physical disability or paralysis, and sinus/brain implants. Participants were promised health care, but never got it. Instead the experimentation was covered up, and attempts to get medical care over the years have been met with denial that the tests ever took place. In 1977, the then-director of the CIA, after being prodded by Congress, promised to find the participants of
those tests. You can guess what happened -- yearslong buck-passing, even in the face of a Department of Justice opinion that said the CIA did have a duty to find the participants. When some of the participants got hold of part of their records, they learned for the first very time just what chemicals they were exposed to all those years ago. What they want is pretty simple. The suit asks that participants be released from the secrecy oath that has kept them mute all these years about MK-ULTRA. They want to know what chemicals and procedures they were subjected to, and they want medical care. If you were there and want more information, go to www.edgewoodtestvets.org. You can see the lawsuit documents at the same site. Be sure to read the histories of the participants in those experiments. They’re chilling. Write to Freddy Groves in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.
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COMFORT FOODS
-- Made Fast and Healthy! By Healthy Exchanges
BISTRO LASAGNA Here is a dish that will serve you well during Lent and some at your table won’t even know it is meatless. 2 cups cooked mini lasagna noodles 1 (8-ounce) can Hunt’s Tomato Sauce 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, well drained 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1/2 cup shredded carrots 1/2 cup chopped zucchini 1/4 cup chopped ripe olives 1 tablespoon Splenda Granular 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 1 cup fat-free cottage cheese 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Kraft 2 Percent Milk mozzarella cheese
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Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with olive oil-flavored cooking spray. Arrange lasagna noodles in prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, tomatoes, onion, carrots, zucchini, olives, Splenda and Italian seasoning. Spoon tomato mixture evenly over noodles. Spoon cottage cheese evenly over tomato sauce. Spoon mozzarella cheese over top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Place baking dish on wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Divide into 4 servings. TIP: Usually 1 3/4 cups uncooked lasagna noodles cooks to about 2 cups. • Each serving equals: 266 calories, 6g fat, 19g protein, 34g carbs, 840mg sodium, 228mg calcium, 4g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 1/2 Vegetables, 2 Meat, 1 1/2 Starch; Carb Choices: 2. Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyexchanges.com, or call toll-free at 1-800-766-8961 to sign-up for our FREE monthly newsletter. All you pay is the shipping and handling. This is the only national food newsletter for diabetics, heart/cholesterol concerns and healthy weight loss. (c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.
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To have your community event listed in this section of TIDBiTS, email us at: ads@spokanetidbits.com. Free space is limited. STORY TIME & BOOK SIGNING - Jane Nord presents her book Paranoia: A Cat’s Tale When: March 27th, 4pm • Where: Hastings - 2512 E. 29th Fun and educational for children.
• Open to the public.
INLAND NW HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE When: March 27 & 28 - 3-5 pm • Where: Valley Assembly Of God Church - 15618 E. Broadway, Veradale For more information or to register go to www.valleyhomescholars.org
13TH ANNUAL AUCTION GALA When: Åpril 25th - $3000/person • Where : Saint Michael’s Academy - 8500 N Saint Michaels Rd, Spokane 509-467-0986 ext. 100 • Proceeds go to a scholarship fund for disadvantaged students.
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Doreen Fox Kelsey Eating Right March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is “Eat Right.” I asked my colleague – certified personal trainer Jeff Thaxton – for his advice on how to eat right this month and always. Jeff has some great ideas that are simple to do for eating right on the run: Contrary to what many people think, if you want to optimize your nutrition you need to eat more often. Five to six smaller meals per day is actually what experts suggest to improve your metabolism and boost energy levels. In addition to a balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner, two to three good snacks are necessary each day to keep your body operating efficiently. Just because you are in a hurry does not mean you have to make unhealthy snack decisions. Here are some quick and healthy snack options that taste great and will not cause you to buy larger pants! These snacks will give you longer lasting energy, avoiding the immediate sugar high and soon-to-follow comatose feeling associated with eating unhealthy snacks. Healthy Snacks to Go: - sliced apple w/ slice of low fat American cheese - handful of almonds/mixed nuts - 6 oz. container of low fat fruit yogurt w/ granola - natural energy bar - 1 c chocolate protein shake w/ ½ banana and milk - ½ baked potato w/ fat-free Ranch - small whole grain bagel w/ sugar-free jam - ½ wheat English muffin w/ honey Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated.
According to the American Dietetic Association, a healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fatfree milk products; includes lean meats, fish, beans, eggs and nuts; and, is low in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars.
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Fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables offers the sensation of fullness with the added benefit of a variety of minerals and vitamins for healthy cell growth and development. Fiber also is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system, and a high-fiber diet can help lower cholesterol for better cardiovascular health.
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Low-fat protein from lean meats, fat-free dairy products, and legumes helps you feel less hungry and more energized by helping to keep blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. And, the right type of fat is more important than going fat-free. Fat is, in fact, a necessary nutrient. The most healthy fats are monounsaturated (olive, peanut and canola oils, avocados, nuts and seeds) and polyunsaturated (safflower, corn, sunflower, soy and cottonseed oils, Omega-3 fatty acids, nuts and seeds). Make March the month you start on the path to eating right! Jeff Thaxton is a certified personal trainer with Fit for Life who offers in-home and over-thephone personal training. He can be reached @ 509-990-9119 or fitforlifespokane@hotmail. com. Doreen Fox Kelsey is a consumer advocate and freelance writer with expertise in financial and physical wellness based in Spokane, Wash. She can be contacted at dfoxkelsey@ hotmail.com.
PAWS CORNER By Sam Mazzotta
Reader Scolds Dog Owner’s Dad
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I am very disappointed by your light-hearted response to the letter written by Rod S. (“How to Correct a Pet Owner”). You start out by blaming the breed of the dog! As if all small dogs get ill-tempered and neurotic, excitable and energetic. Like that’s the issue at hand. It clearly is not. You went on to say that the dog’s owner has some issues, but that there are no clear signs of abuse or neglect. You’re wrong! Clearly there is abuse! You told him the best thing to do is lead by example. So by not telling his son to knock it off and ignoring the real issues here is a good example? You told him not to “preach” to his son. That’s about the only thing I agreed with you on. Heck no, I wouldn’t preach either. I would tell him straight out he’s wrong and if he keeps it up, I would take the dog and give it to someone who doesn’t have dominance issues and the need to control. Rod needs to “step-up” and tell his son just like it is. Be
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a real man, Rod! When something makes you uncomfortable and you think it’s wrong, then it most likely is. -- Disappointed in New York DEAR DISAPPOINTED: I wrote that the son’s “discipline” (flipping Junior on his back and scolding him) was a terrible way to correct a dog. But we’ll have to agree to disagree on how the owner’s dad should approach the situation. Confronting his grown son and making him angry could cause the son’s treatment of Junior to become worse, if he is in fact harming the dog. I am with you on the possibility of abuse -- Junior’s behavior is a big warning sign -- but unfortunately there was no clear evidence given in the original letter. You quite rightly point out that if something feels wrong, then it most likely is. If the father feels this way, he needs to investigate further. Send your tips, questions and comments to Paw’s Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or e-mail them to pawscorner@hotmail.com. (c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.
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~Camp Gifford Story~ Camp Gifford, a summer camp operated by The Salvation Army of Spokane, enriches the lives of hundreds of young campers each summer. Below is the story of how one vulnerable girl overcame her self-destructive thoughts and gained renewed hope for the future through her experiences at camp. The story is told by Jeff Potts, Camp Gifford’s director. After one of the initial chapel services one week, an eight year old girl, who I’ll call Tabitha, came up to me and said, “I’m not beautiful.” Perplexed, I asked Tabitha what she meant. She told me that during chapel I had said God loved all the campers and that he thought they were beautiful. She flatly told me I was wrong. I asked Tabitha why she thought she wasn’t beautiful. After reflecting for a few seconds, her dejected answer came: “I’m just not. I’m ugly and stupid!” Well, Tabitha was neither ugly nor stupid. I imagined she had heard such statements, and possibly even worse, from people she loved and cared about. We discussed this more throughout the day and I assured her that both God and I loved her and thought she was beautiful. For the next several days, I did not have an opportunity to talk with Tabitha. At the final chapel service that week, the camp staff offered the campers an opportunity to ask Jesus into their hearts and begin a relationship with their Heavenly Father, who loves them and wants them to make good choices. The camp staff then offered to pray with any camper. We described prayer as simply talking to God. Many campers were interested. After chapel, I went outside and saw Tabitha near a picnic table. She appeared to be waiting for me. She had a big smile on her face and I curiously asked her, “What’s up?” She replied, “I believe you know.” “About what,” I asked. She looked down and then looked up again, smiling. “That God thinks I’m beautiful,” she said, looking down shyly at the ground. I was overwhelmed with joy witnessing the transformation occurring before me in this little girl’s heart and mind. Smiling myself now, I asked her “do you think you’re beautiful?” Tabitha looked down at the ground again, and then looked up at me with tears in her eyes. She didn’t respond immediately, but finally said, “yes,” hugged me and started weeping. The tears continued for several minutes. I could feel her releasing the tremendous pain and suffering which had been welling up inside of her for some time. We then had a wonderful, heartfelt talk. Tabitha gained a refreshing, life-changing perspective that sunny summer day. Most of us grow up in nurturing environments where we are encouraged, complimented, given positive feedback, and loved. It is difficult for most of us to imagine how someone like Tabitha might feel coming from an environment so different from our own experiences. Through no fault of her own, her little shoulders had been forced to bear tragic psychological and emotional burdens which would cripple many adults. Nor can we understand the feelings of immense freedom and release when that transformation occurs—from feeling worthless to understanding and appreciating our value in God’s eyes. Even though Tabitha returned home to the same challenges and the same unsupportive environment she left one week earlier, there was a difference in how she thought of herself. She also gained a genuine belief that the Creator of this world thought she was significant, special, beautiful, and loved. I believe with all my heart Tabitha’s life changed for the better on that day. When a little girl believes in her heart that she is beautiful and loved, she can do anything! Camp Gifford impacts the lives of nearly 800 youth every summer. It serves children ages 5-17 from low-income, foster, and homeless families. Camp Gifford is one of the few camps in the Inland Northwest that is truly affordable to these underprivileged children. Here’s the good news...YOU CAN HELP!! Even though it costs The Salvation Army over $220 per child for each week of camp, our average camper pays less than $60 to attend! We would love for you to partner with us in providing life-changing experiences and hope to these precious children. Please visit our website at www.campgifford.org or call 509233-2511 for more information on how you can assist us in helping uplift the heart, mind, and spirit of every young camper. God bless you! Att
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