Allen Hunt's Blog

Rescue Riders for Georgia's Kids

Allen Hunt — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:29:59 EST

I am proud to help sponsor a motorcycle rally on Saturday, April 14 to benefit the children at the Murphy Harpst Children's Center in Cedartown. The kids there are the most abused and sexually traumatized kids in Georgia. They have rarely, if ever, known love and stability. And Murphy Harpst is usually the first place they find healing, help, and hope.

Our rally will have multiple starting points in metro Atlanta (Great South Harley Davidson in Newnan and Frazier's Harley Davidson in Buford) and we will all then funnel through to Harley Davidson of Atlanta on Thornton Road near Douglasville on I-20 to head to Cedartown. Once, there you will receive a tour of Murphy Harpst to meet some of the precious children there who are growing stronger each day, receive a gift bag with all kinds of gifts and cards from the kids, and eat a meal furnished by Chick-fil A. Plus you'll get to >>>>> Read Entire Post

She Had Beautiful Eyes

Allen Hunt — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:18:58 EST

My friend, Randy, was eating dinner at the airport by himself when a lady sat down at the counter near him. A few minutes later, another woman and her young daughter sat across on the other side of the counter. The small girl's face was marred by a terrible scar. The woman seated near Randy stared intently at the girl as Randy looked down embarrassed for her. About a minute passed, with Randy growing more and more awkward with each second as the woman stared at the young girl. Finally the woman said, "How old are you, little girl?"

"I’m 8", came the reply.

"My, what beautiful eyes you have," said the woman.

My friend Randy went away sad. He had been able to focus only on the disfiguring scar. So much so that he had missed the opportunity to see those beautiful eyes.

What a shame to hear of Whitney Houston's death and to focus only on her addictions and failures. My, what a beautiful voice >>>>> Read Entire Post

Sunday's Show and Podcast

Allen Hunt — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:30:06 EST

FYI for you podcast fans. We recorded the show last night (2/12) but I am having difficulty uploading it and will need to recapture the audio from WSB's computer. Will get it on the site next weekend along with the 2/19 show. Thank you for listening to the Allen Hunt >>>>> Read Entire Post

Give me Liberty or Give me Death

Allen Hunt — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:43:01 EST

Peggy Noonan says it well. "If the church is forced to go against its conscience, religious liberty in America is not safe. If religious liberty is not safe, you are not >>>>> Read Entire Post

Go Geek

Allen Hunt — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:49:37 EST

My younger daughter, Little G, and her friends were robbed at Georgia Tech this past Sunday. Purses, laptops, wallets all taken. Fortunately, no one was physically hurt.

As they feverishly called to cancel credit cards, one of the girls called her boyfriend. I now call him King Geek. He quickly logged into her ICloud account, activated the GPS tracking on her cell phone, and located where the stolen phone was. Tech police officers immediately headed to that location, and sure enough, there were the two men, standing with bag loads of stolen goodies. Nearly everything (but not all) was recovered. Two men arrested. Case closed.

So, here's to the geeks who know how to use all the stuff that confounds pen and pad users like me in order to save the day for young damsels in distress. Well done!

Do me a favor. Hug a geek (or a police officer) >>>>> Read Entire Post

The One Thing To Know Before You Die

Allen Hunt — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:59:26 EST

I've been working on my next book this week. May call it The One Thing to Know Before You Die. Which reminded me of one of my favorite real life stories.

Aldred Pruden Wallace is an odd name for a man. His son, Peter, is my friend. Aldred lived his last 18 months in a nursing home, surviving on his small pension. He had no other possessions besides his wonderful, warm and generous spirit.

The staff loved Aldred and would do anything for him. In his final few months, dementia set in, and Aldred created scenarios in his mind. For example, one day The President had consulted Aldred for advice on foreign policy. But most of the scenarios revolved around money. He thought he had $200MM left over from World War II and he really wanted to bless his caregivers and friends at the nursing home.

So several times a >>>>> Read Entire Post

Great book on an airplane

Allen Hunt — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:58:36 EST

Most people desperately desire to believe that they are part of a great mystery, that Creation is a work of grace and glory, not merely the result of random forces colliding. Yet each time that they are given but one reason to doubt, a worm in the apple of the heart makes them turn away from a thousand proofs of the miraculous, whereupon they have a drunkard's thirst for cynicism, and they feed upon despair as a starving man upon a loaf of bread.

- Dean Koontz in Odd Thomas

Just read this suspense/thriller on the plane. It was a fascinating >>>>> Read Entire Post

My Inspiring Friend

Allen Hunt — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:02:35 EST

My friend, Tom, is riding a bike from California to Boston to inspire people regarding the dignity of human life. Proud of you, >>>>> Read Entire Post

Lunch with "Cathy"

Allen Hunt — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:40:31 EST

My friend, Gary, and I had lunch with "Cathy" this week. We were blessed.

Cathy's mom lost custody of little 4 year old Cathy because her drug habit had spiralled out of control. Cathy's dad is nowhere to be found. Cathy has been in and out of more than 20 foster care homes and several adoptive family situations over the past 11 years. Her life has lacked stabiiity and unconditional love, and the 15 year old Cathy we shared lunch with has often found herself repeating her mother's cycle of drug abuse and treating the adults around her with anger and disrespect.

Eight months ago, Cathy came to live at the Murphy Harpst Center, which treats kids who have been sexually abused, traumatized, and rejected. This is likely the longest she has ever lived in the same place. Cathy has been clean now for 8 months, and her favorite part of Murphy Harpst is the library. She loves to read, and now for the first time is making good >>>>> Read Entire Post

What I Wish I had Known BEFORE My Daughters went to College

Allen Hunt — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:56:03 EST

I rarely have guests on the show. Too much that I want to say and I only have a 3 hour show once a week!

But when I heard that Dr. Miriam Grossman, M.D., was coming to town, I knew I had to have her be a part of the show. Her talks and books have been most helpful to me as a dad and as a person of faith. I only wish I had discovered her work sooner, like before my two daughters went off to college.

Check out this site that shares some of her work and the dates for her appearances and talks here in Atlanta in the coming week. I will be attending some of these and you should >>>>> Read Entire Post

North Atlanta Compassion

Allen Hunt — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:47:27 EST

For many years, I have assisted North Fulton Charities in my community. They do good work, and it is a privilege to partner with them. North Fulton Charities will celebrate February as Have A Heart for NFCC month.

NFCC’s mission is to build self-sufficiency and prevent homelessness and hunger in our community by providing emergency assistance and enrichment programs. The purpose of this month long campaign is to secure much needed funds to support our programs while increasing the awareness of the needs of our families. Our goal is to raise $200,000. Your participation in the “Change Your Heart For NFCC,” campaign will help us reach this ambitious goal.

Here are some suggestions about how YOU can Have a Heart for NFCC during February.

Host a party in your home, invite your friends, and provide insight about the >>>>> Read Entire Post

Growth is Good not Bad

Allen Hunt — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:50:19 EST

I have made countless mistakes in my life. I wish they were only confined to my youth and my 20's. Yet the older I get, the more I realize how flawed I am. We all are; we're humans. Since we all mess up, the goal should be to learn from mistakes rather than pretend like they never happened. Regret where you have failed, learn why you did, and grow forward to become a stronger, healthier, holier person. As a Christian, the goal and destiny of my life is a holy future not a perfect past.

News reports this week shout how Karen Santorum, Republican candidate Rick's wife, lived with an abortion doctor for several years while in her 20's. Now she and her husband, Rick, staunchly promote the dignity of life and the sacred worth of each human being. The contrast of her past with her present has generated criticisms that she is somehow discredited and hypocritical. As a faithful wife, and a mother of 7, actually, >>>>> Read Entire Post

Must see MLK Photos

Allen Hunt — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:31:41 EST

On this MLK holiday weekend, we all take a deep breath reminder of the significant progress America has made in the past 50 years toward becoming the best version of ourselves.

No one has played a greater role in that progress than Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I give thanks for his courage, vision, and perseverance. The greatest American of the 20th century.

Found these photos online this weekend that capture the stunning moment and shock experienced by his inner circle on the evening when he was assassinated. Powerful must see shots that capture that moment better than >>>>> Read Entire Post

Antonio ran out of Grace

Allen Hunt — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:02:39 EST

Right before Christmas last month, Antonio searched his wife's chest of drawers and found quite a surprise. Love letters she had written to a man with whom she was having an affair. In the 1940's.

Irate, Antonio confronted his wife, who guiltily confessed the affair. From the 1940's. 70 years ago.

This was it. The straw that broke the camel's back. So Antonio filed for divorce. After 77 years of marriage, 5 kids, and 12 grandkids. He ran out of grace.

Did I mention that Antonio is 99 years old? I have to wonder what his long-range plan is.

He's now the oldest person on record ever to have gotten a divorce. Would you prefer to be remembered for that or for finishing strong by embracing a measure grace and a sprinkle of forgiveness? Finding a way to become better, rather than bitter, at the age of 99. Come on Antonio, you can do it. By the grace of God, we all >>>>> Read Entire Post

Email of the Week: Divorce and Remarriage

Allen Hunt — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:40:30 EST

Fun show last Sunday on Arnie and Maria reconciling and how reuniting during or after a divorce is a good thing. Reconciliation, redemption - when possible.

Great calls and emails on the topic - here's a good one for chewing on the subject. Enjoy!

Allen,

Great radio show as always!

My Ex and I have been divorced coming up on 7 years after 22 years of a mostly good marriage (the last 2 of those years were a little rocky, I feel because of his retirement from US Military, type A personality, midlife crisis). He said he didn't feel like I was attentive enough.

All I knew was that I thought we were going to be married until we died and his announcement that he couldn't remain faithful (had already found someone online) and I needed to let him go, hit me to my core. I had heart attack >>>>> Read Entire Post

Stupid Things Never to Do Again

Allen Hunt — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:30:10 EST

Appreciated this excellent piece on the 12 stupid things not to do again. Hope it helps you as it did   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

27 Rules of the Gym

Allen Hunt — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:32:53 EST

Loved this column on the 27 rules of the gym as the new year begins and I try to lose all the strawberry cake I ate for Christmas and my birthday. #20 is my   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Death meets Life in Utah

Allen Hunt — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:04:12 EST

Roger Andersen thought it was over.

The 46-year-old dad lost control of his car on an icy winding Utah canyon road and slid into a frigid river, trapping his 9-year-old daughter Mia and 4-year-old son Baylor, along with their friend, 9-year-old Kenya. The car flipped upside-down and within a second the cabin of the vehicle was full of water.

Andersen's first thought? "So this is it how it ends." He struggled to free the children from their seatbelts, but couldn't get them loose, and he had to breathe.

"I decided the best thing was to get out of the car and get air," he said. When he got up, within five second, he saw eight men jumping into the river, ready to assist.

But the story gets even more amazing. The rescuers   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Christmas Book Fare

Allen Hunt — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:57:40 EST

In addition to the 4 movies over Christmas break, I read two books worthy of passing on recommendations.

Galway Bay - by Mary Pat Kelly

Had actually been suggested by one of my listeners for my annual summer book indulgence list but I never got to it then. A long historical novel that chronicles the life of an Irish family in the early 1800's through the potato blight and ultimately to America, Chicago, and the Civil War. Kelly does a nice job of painting the the scene of life in rural Ireland at the time and makes you care about many of the characters. A long read but one well worth the time.

AHS Grade: B

Great by Choice - by Jim Collins

A follow up book of research to Collins' classic Good to Great. In this work, Collins looks at how the healthiest companies navigate times of great change and/or chaos (appropriate for the time   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Christmas Movie Extravaganza

Allen Hunt — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:47:24 EST

Our Hunt family Christmas movie festival was a blast. Saw 4 movies, and here are the official rankings and reviews. In order of preference.

Mission Impossible 4: Spellbinding suspense from the very beginning. Clean enough to take kids to and great action all woven into a gripping story line. Not a big Tom Cruise fan but gotta give credit where credit is due. This was an excellent experience.

AHS Grade: A-

War Horse: Supposed to be the best movie since Gone with the Wind according to some reviewers, and it is a good story Spielberg has produced. Think Secretariat meets Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryanas the story traces a horse's journey and its relationswhip with the people around it over a the years of World War I. But it really is a very long (2.5 hours) World War I movie more than anything else. Edit out 30 or 40 minutes and you   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Help for "Dee Dee"

Allen Hunt — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 06:40:38 EST

The founder of the Murphy Harpst Children's Center had a motto: "We'll make room." In a world where adults abuse and discard children, the need to make room grows larger every year.

For years, I have partnered with Murphy Harpst to serve the most traumatized children, little ones who have been violated by the very people who were supposed to care for them. Children like "Dee Dee."

Dee Dee came to the attention of authorities when she was just two, because her five year old brother needed treatment for aggressive behavior, and both children were in the care of their nine year old brother. Their mom was addicted to meth through all three of her pregnancies, and she had allowed the kids to be exposed to people who abused them consistently.

Still fed by a bottle, little Dee De could not eat solid food and would not allow anyone to touch her.   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Christmas Eve Show - LIVE!

Allen Hunt — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:34:07 EST

Will be doing my show live this weekend on SATURDAY (Christmas Eve) from 4:00-6:00 pm as a way to spruce up the Christmas weekend. You will also be able to hear the show replayed several times throughout the weekend on News Talk WSB.

Plan to listen live on Saturday on WSB to these two shows

Santa with Captain Herb - 2:00-4:00

Allen Hunt Christmas Eve special - 4:00 -   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Camping for Christmas

Allen Hunt — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:47:19 EST

I get asked it a lot. What's your favorite verse of Scripture?

Easy: John 1:14 - the perfect verse for Christmas (CHRIST-MASS).

The Word became flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that he has from the Father as only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

You could even translate that: The Word became flesh and pitched His tent among us. God in Christ set up His tent right here by yours. As a Christian, I believe that Jesus, clothed in flesh, stepped out of eternity into this temporal world as the supreme Christmas gift from God.

Have a wonderful Christmas, my   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Journey Home

Allen Hunt — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:31:34 EST

I've had a thoroughly Catholic week. First, an interview regarding my own journey on the Journey Home show. And then 3 days with several other Catholic lay people thinking about how we can partner together for good. Reminds me once more how glad I am to be home.

God is good. Merry   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

A Very Generous Christmas

Allen Hunt — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:50:46 EST

Being a Christian, at its core, means to lead a generous life. A Christian believes that his life is not his own, that his life and everything in it belongs to God. A Christian follows Jesus, who is the divine embodiment of giving. When a Christian gives her money or her time, she imitates Jesus Himself, who emptied Himself to become a human being at Christmas. God made flesh. The most generous gift of all.

One man made me think about Christmas this way:

The shepherds gave their time. The wise men gave their money.

Joseph gave his reputation and good name. Mary gave her future.

God gave his most valuable possession. And Jesus gave His life.

Yep, Christmas is   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Janitorial Redemption

Allen Hunt — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:50:55 EST

Tommie Campbell blew his chances. Over and over again.

An all-state football player in high school, he received a full scholarship to the University of Pittburgh. Bad behavior and poor grades blew that chance in two years. He enrolled at a smaller college to play football, and again failed to perform in class. Blown chance #2.

Twice failed, Tommie went home, hung out in bars, and landed a job as a janitor at the Pittsburgh aiport for $8 per hour to pay his bar tab. He scrubbed toilets and swept the floors. Until he got fired 6 months later. Blown again.

One mentor still believed in Tommie and arranged for a tryout at yet another small college where the coach agreed to give Tommie Campbell one final chance. Most folks wondered why. Here was a guy with bad habits and a worse attitude.

Maybe it was the work ethic he learned scrubbing toilets all day, or maybe something else clicked   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Sandwiches for Women Vets

Allen Hunt — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:14:34 EST

Listeners are getting creative with ideas for sharing Chick fil A sandwiches in order to be a blessing. This week's winner is Janice. We will be meeting at the Rivermont Station Chick-fil A this week to use Chick fil A sandwiches to assist women veterans and their children. Well done Janice! Merry Christmas!

I was thinking last night around 2am how to multiply 50 sandwiches to help our friends in need and here's what I came up with.

If I had 50 sandwiches to give away, I'd start an email blitz asking for people to trade in their "treasures" for the sandwiches.

They could donate anything of value (Their treasures) that I could sell on ebay and turn into cash to help Mary Hall's Women Vet program.  I am working with   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Rebuttal to Compassionate Christmas

Allen Hunt — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:51:41 EST

In response to my last blog post, which also was distributed to my weekly email list, I received one response that should be shared. Not everyone sees the world like I do, and this email from V proves that to be sure.

As a reader, you likely know how I feel - that helping kids is helping kids, whether they are citizens or not. But I always like to hear from those who disagree.

I am so disgusted with Christmas! This has been brewing for many years. I always try to buy gifts for children on our church Angel Tree. I don’t have a clue who decides which families meet the requirements but last year the kids wanted name brand toys, DS games, CD players, bike, skate board and Bratz dolls. They wanted an outfit of clothes. I have walked the aisles of Kmart many years with tears in my eyes because a child wanted socks and underwear for Christmas.   All of the   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Mae West Christmas

Allen Hunt — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:10:43 EST

Mae West said, "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful." When it comes to Christmas, perhaps she's right.

A new study shows that, when it comes to Christmas, lots of us don't like too much of a good thing. In fact, 35 million Americans dread being kind for Christmas. Scrooge (Bah humbug!) or the Grinch.

If December and Christmas overwhelm you or create a deep desire to escape to a faraway cave, please allow me one word of suggestion. Be kind but cling to one word. Simplify.

Remember that you control your life and calendar; no one else does. When it comes to December, less is better than more. Remember that you can choose not only to decline invitations but also to focus your gift-giving on things that matter. One family I know gives no presents but rather makes one large gift in honor of their friends and family to a ministry that serves homeless children   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Special Delivery

Allen Hunt — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:47:19 EST

If we're not careful, life can become so busy that we ignore, even avoid, the people around us. Especially when they are in need. On Tuesday, at the request of listener "Mike," I will be joining a group of 10 men and their sons who volunteer to serve at the Atlanta Mission in downtown, serving meals to the homeless men and women. A small, simple way to begin my own family's week of Thanksgiving.

This is my first visit to the Atlanta Mission, and I look forward to making some new friends, eating with them, and listening to their lives. Thank you Mike and friends for suggesting it!

Many thanks to the Chick-fil A stores in Atlanta for supplying 200 free sandwiches so that the men and women we serve can enjoy something they rarely get to eat, a fresh tasty sandwich.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed, and may God teach each of us to notice the small, simple ways we   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Persecution Prayer for Thanksgiving

Allen Hunt — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:41:39 EST

Youcef Nadarkhani sits in a prison cell in Iran. He is 34 years old. His crime? He is a Christian pastor. It continues to appear that Youcef may well be executed for his refusal to revert to Islam. For months, authorities have worked to force him to renounce his Christian faith and relinquish his ministry.

This past Sunday, on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted, I prayed for Youcef. And for others like him in a world where 75% of persons enduring religious persecution right now are doing so because of their Christian beliefs. Earlier this week, in Damatru, Nigeria, about 150 persons were executed when they refused to renounce Christianity and embrace Islam.

O Lord, forgive my self-centeredness as Thanksgiving approaches. Forgive my lack of gratitude for liberty, physical comfort, and democracy. Embrace those who are suffering in your name and hold them close. Let them know that others stand with   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Free Sandwiches #2

Allen Hunt — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:24:47 EST

Today was our second free Chick-fil A sandwich giveaway. At the suggestion and leadership of show listener (Tony, featured in the Facebook photo with the principal Peggy Goodman and me), we delivered 50 free sandwiches to the teachers at Gwin Oaks Elementary School in Lilburn in honor of National Education Week. Tony wanted to recognize the teachers for their excellence and hard work.

Subscribe to my weekly email here and then submit your own idea for how you would use 50 free Chick-fil A sandwiches to be a blessing. You just might be the next winner! Every week between now and Christmas.

Thanks   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Sunday Show 8:30-10:00

Allen Hunt — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:36:13 EST

FYI - my show this Sunday (Nov. 13) will be live on WSB from 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. due to a UGa basketball game. Please adjust your listening plans to a little later time slot this week only.   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Allen's ABC's of Thanksgiving

Allen Hunt — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:30:55 EST

My wife, Anita, (aka She Who Must not be Named) fell and broke her arm last week. Right on the elbow. Yikes! So in a rare effort to be caring and thoughtful, I've been an attentive nursemaid the past few days. Call me Lawrence Nightingale.

All that to say, the situation has given rise to a spirit of gratitude for my wife and the remarkable person she is and the things she does. Nothing like a little short-term inconvenience to make you notice how blessed you are and how special your spouse is.

Thus, much of my annual ABC list this year is devoted to her. After having created my list each Thanksgiving for close to 20 years, where I name specific blessings in my life by each letter of the alphabet, the time has come to honor her with more than one entry this year. So this year she is the subject of half of the ABC's since she is my better half.

In fact, I have made this year's really is a   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Emails of the Week: Sexual Harassment

Allen Hunt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:27:56 EST

Great conversation last night on the show regarding Herman Cain, Justin Bieber, and Jerry Sandusky at Penn State and the cottage industry of sexual harassment that has sprung up in America over the past 25 years.

It is indeed true that men can sometimes act like pigs. Our system seeks to address that. However, our system is not as effective at realizing that sometimes women can be liars too. Human sinfulness is not limited to males alone. And the usual M.O. of presuming a man to be guilty of harassment not only is wrong, but it also makes it very difficult for a man to regain his life and reputation once exonerated.

Emails came pouring in - here are three of the best.

From Carl

Some of the same people who defended Bill Clinton from accusations as
serious as the rape of Juanita Broderick, by saying there was no
proof,and the same people who regarded the women   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

72 Years Better than 72 Days

Allen Hunt — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:46:38 EST

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries could not manage 72 days of marriage. Iowa's Gordon and Norma Stock celebrated 72 years.

Gordon and Norma were married on May 26, 1939, the day that Norma finished high school. Gordon was the life of the party, a large personality. Norma loved to serve quietly and keep everything running smoothly, a hostess par excellence. Together, they were blessed with 4 children.

When they said, "Til death do us part," they meant it. Last week, Gordon and Nancy were headed to town when Gordon pulled out in front of an oncoming car. When Gordon and Nancy were taken to the hospital, nurses knew not to separate them. Gordon and Nancy did everything together. So they were placed in the same room in ICU, where they held hands. Gordon died at 3:38 p.m., with their family surrounding him and his hand gently resting in Norma's. Even after he stopped breathing, his   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

FIrst Sandwich Giveaway

Allen Hunt — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:35:45 EST

About to make our first delivery of 50 free Chick fil A sandwiches. To FIre Station 28 in Atlanta to thank them for rescuing an Allen Hunt Show listener earlier this year. Each week in November and December, we'll be giving away 50 sandwiches to the person whose idea for generosity inspires me the most.

To participate, sign up to receive my free weekly email, then send me an email with your idea - maybe you'll win!

Check back here soon for photos of today's fun. And below you'll find the email from Jane, who is this week's winner.

Allen,

I would like to nominate Fire Station #28 in Atlanta for the free   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Sandwich Generosity

Allen Hunt — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:03:48 EST

Your ideas for what you would do with 50 free Chick-fil A sandwiches are pouring in. You are really inspiring me. Thank you!

Below are a few of the first ideas to come in. If you have not already signed up to receive my weekly email and qualify to share your idea regarding what you would do with 50 free CFA sandwiches, just sign up for the email here. Then watch my weekly emails and follow here and on Facebook to see who wins each week. I'll be giving these away each week in November and December from the Peachtree Corners location of Chick-fil A at Peachtree Parkway and Woodhill Drive.

This is gonna be fun!

Here are two fun early suggesters:

From Philip

In Birmingham, Alabama two ladies get up every Thursday and serve breakfast to some of the homeless in our   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

You are No Accident

Allen Hunt — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:11:37 EST

You are quite the machine. Ever think about it?

You have:

100 million receptors in your eye to behold the world around you

24,000 fibers in each ear to discover the sounds of music, tears, and laughter

36 milliion heart beats a year to sustain your daily life

60,000 miles of veins, arteries and blood vessels to carry lifeblood in your body

22 trillion blood cells, and within each cell millions of molecules, and within each molecule, an atom oscillating 10 million times each second

3 pound brain, with 13 billion brain cells - perhaps the most complex entity in the universe

All combined to give you the ability to think, reason, feel, and create. You are a remarkable creation of God. He gave you 8 cylinders. Use them   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

The Dodgers and the 5:1 Principle

Allen Hunt — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:48:28 EST

Frank and Jamie McCourt owned the Dodgers before their vicious divorce proceedings smashed everything in their orbit into bits and pieces. Their divorce is concluding, and it will likely be the costliest in California history - legal bills over $21 MM!

This catastrophe could likely have been prevented if Frank and Jamie had simply remembered and lived by the 5:1 Principle. I share this nugget from John Gottman often.

Successful, healthy marriages are rooted in the 5:1 Principle. For every 1 negative interaction (frown, insult, rolled eyes, cold shoulder, etc..), there must be 5 positive interactions (smile, kind word, love pat, held hand, etc..). Remarkably, Gottman's research has proven this ratio of 5:1 to be the single most effective predictor of the long-term strength of a marriage.

If Frank and Jamie had remembered this precious insight, they likely would   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Help for Women in Problem Pregnancies

Allen Hunt — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:20:27 EST

A caller named Kia shared in the LIfeline hour on the show tonight, asking for help in comforting a friend whose pregnancy ended painfully.

After the show, an excellent email arrived from another listener, so I am posting it to help spread the word.

A caller "Kia" called about a friend of hers who recently delivered a baby who had died. I am a labor and delivery nurse here in Atlanta. I specialize in perinatal loss (the loss of a pregnancy or baby within the first year of life.) I don't know if it is possible, but I would love to leave our info for you to distribute as you see a need. I am one of the Perinatal Loss Clinicians at Northside Hospital. We have a website Read Entire Post

She was the Only One at the Meeting

Allen Hunt — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:41:51 EST

Bob Greene was a lucky man to have had Miss Barbara. In 1947, she began her life's work: teaching kindergarten in Bexley, Ohio. For 32 years, Barbara Drugan would greet new, nervous groups of 5-year-olds in her classroom on the first-floor hallway of Cassingham School.

Miss Barbara never forgot a child's face or a child's name, even when the boys and girls had grown older and had children and grandchildren of their own. How she did it, no one knows. She knew your name, she knew your parents' names, she knew your brothers' and sisters' names -- 20, 30, 40 years after you had left her kindergarten class, she knew.

That matters. In a world where relationships can be fast and fleeting, that matters. For generations, when students would return for a visit years later and run into Miss Barbara around town, the sight of her face and the sound of her welcoming voice made it official: They   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Emails of the Week: The Death of Manhood

Allen Hunt — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:10:49 EST

Great conversation around what we are doing to men, or what is happening to men, on the show last night.

Emails are streaming in, so I thought I'd share a few for good reading.

FROM A MAN - "David"

Mr. Allen,

Thank you for the great shows, and subjects of your shows. I really enjoy them.

The show on Sunday 10/19/2011 was great.

I am a manager for large a retail company; as you could imagine, in my position and for a duration of many years I have had the opportunity to work with many hundreds of people.

I have had the opportunity to work with women and men of all ages and ethnicities.

For many years I have had the same thought you were expressing on your show. I feel sometimes devastated to see the attitude young men   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

1 Lesson from Cancer and Amanda Knox

Allen Hunt — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:28:21 EST

I admit it. I was glued to the television as Amanda Knox heard the news that she would be freed from Italian prison. Not guilty. Her reaction was rivaled only by the look she had as she boarded the plane to head home to America. That look of relief, joy, and delight could only be matched by a child at Christmas. Or a cancer patient who just got good news.

My friend, Jack, has fought cancer for two years now. 3 major surgeries, nearly 40 chemo treatments. And he received the news this week that his scan shows an all-clear. At least for the next two months, no more chemo, no more exhaustion. When I saw him yesterday, his face shone like Amanda Knox's.

Amanda and Jack have both learned a lesson that most humans fail to grasp on a day to day basis. We rarely remember this unless we suffer. Too often, our busy-ness in life causes us to take the most valuable lesson for granted. Here it is:   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Forgot to Tell You

Allen Hunt — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:49:14 EST

Mentioned this on the show last night but forgot to share the highlights. You emailed and asked, so I am providing it here now. Sorry not to get to it during the show as promised.

Regarding Chris Christie's potential run for the Presidency and his weight, David Letterman joined the mainstream media onslaught to label Christie as fat. Al Sharpton, Michael Kinsley, Eugene Robinson all weighing in on Christie's weight. Here's Letterman and his entertaining top 10 list of White House changes should Christie get elected.

My favorite? Secretary of   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Serendipitous Discovery

Allen Hunt — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 11:54:15 EST

A friend took me down to the Rock Ranch about an hour south of Atlanta this week. I had never heard of it before.

A 1200 acre operating cattle ranch with what they call "agri-tainment." I was mesmerized.

The highlight? A pumpkin cannon.

A huge corn maze. A partnership with NASA. Yes, that's right - a partnership with NASA in a corn maze. Paddle boats, racing pedal cars, petting zoo, zip lines, corn cannons to fire at targets, conestoga camping, this place amazed me. Plus, they grow fresh strawberries, blueberries and pomegranates for the picking.

Again, I had never heard of it before. Now my only complaint is that I don't have grandkids I can take there. To my daughters: hint, hint. :)

Too bad the grandkids won't   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Change of Plans

Allen Hunt — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:32:55 EST

Producing a good show requires a lot of effort. Since my show is now something I do for fun in addition to my full-time job, I have taken a look at how much time I devote to my blog, Facebook, weekly emails, and other forms of communication. As you likely know, I am directing a lot of my time and writing to my work at Dynamic Catholic and two books that are in progress. In analyzing my allocation of resources, it has become clear that my blog by far requires the most time from me, so I have decided to move all my personal communications to the other, less time-intensive venues.

From now on, there will be fewer blog posts and no space for comments. I invite you to respond to my ideas and thoughts by calling the show each Sunday night, in the forum at Facebook (facebook.com/allenhuntradio), or by email (allen@allenhuntshow.com) where I still read all my own emails.

Thanks for listening and for understanding how I am   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Every Other Week Delight

Allen Hunt — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:43:27 EST

The Obama administration acknowledges that we have had an average of one Islamic terror attack/plot every other week for close to three years now. So here is this week's delight.

Physics student plotting to blow up the Pentagon and the Capitol. And hoping to throw in a few American soldiers overseas if possible too. No surprise - Male Islamic practitioner between the age of 20 and 40. Virtually every plotter/jihadist has fit that profile. Most have grown up here as the kids of parents who immigrated here.

He told the undercovers, "I have no choice. There is no other choice for me." Americans are "enemies of Allah." Same old stuff. Hasan. Shahzad. Mohamud. Abdul-Latif. Ahmed. The list grows and grows.

Here's the interesting thing in the now familiar string of these. "I want   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Freedoms to Treasure

Allen Hunt — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:39:40 EST

As if we needed another reminder of the precious gift we enjoy in our freedom of religion in America, here comes yet another story to jolt us. This one from Iran and shared by the Washington Post.

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani will likely be executed in the next few days in Iran. His crime? Being unwilling to revert back to the faith of his ancestors, Islam. Pastor Yousef has refused to recant his Christian faith. His Christian faith in Iran may cost him his life.

May his faith and steadfastness inspire you and me to greater levels of fidelity. And may the State Department intervene on his behalf to have his life spared much as they did on behalf of the hikers arrested in Iran and the woman, Sakineh Ashtiani, accused of adultery there who was also scheduled   >>>>>   Read Entire Post

Columbus' Wisdom for You and Me

Allen Hunt — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:21:37 EST

It has been a stormy 10 years. We've seen:

   The first and (God willing) only attack on our mainland,

An economic recession at the beginning of the decade, an economic crash towards the end,

Giant businesses shattered by the moral failings of leadership within and without,

Two wars bringing great pain and   >>>>>   Read Entire Post