Hi Everyone,
We are passing the celebration of Veterans’ Day and thanking all that have secured and protected our freedoms. We are racing toward Thanksgiving, starting to think about Christmas or other religious celebrations and wondering where the last year went as we approach 2010. Without question 2009 has seen challenges that have tested our metal. However, I hope that through all the distractions we do not forget the true meanings of this Holiday season.
The song "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" was written in England during the time of Robin Hood. The word “rest” had several meanings but the most prominent one was "make". Likewise, “merry” also had multiple meanings and the one that was used the most was "mighty". So when they talked about Robin Hood and his merry band, they were really saying, his "mighty" band of men because they were successfully challenging the strongest military in the world at that time. So, substituting the true meaning of the words in today’s language the song would sing as follows:
"God make you mighty people, let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray;
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy."
What a different perspective that gives this song. We can have courage even in these times—because God makes us mighty with attitudes that are not dismayed because His power is stronger than any of our temporary circumstances.
Ravi Zacharias, a former Hindu who now runs a Christian organization, once posed the question, “How do you reach a generation that listens with its eyes and thinks with its feelings?” As I thought about that insightful question, I started to understand how political correctness got started. I have to say that I’m wired differently. I try to see with my eyes, listen with my ears, think and reason with my mind and then respond from the heart. That’s why these news letters are different. I want to inform you what is going on at GFD but I also want a place you can feel safe. I’ve have had an overwhelming positive response to these letters yet a few have disagreed. Yes indeed these letters represent a set of values but as the old saying goes, “Those that stand for nothing fall for everything.” But, even those that disagreed with the letter’s values will agree they like the way the results of those values are practically applied and drive GFD services such as:
o Honorably serving all people no mater what religion, color, or creed;
o Assuring that no work is recommended that is not needed;
o 24/7 emergency dental availability;
o Hiring caring and knowledgeable staff that are friendly, honest, and have your best interest in mind;
o Providing you a better value with advanced technology and the highest quality skill, work and materials;
o Pushing the status quo and always striving for new levels of excellence, requiring our team to stay abreast of the latest breakthroughs and a total dedication to continuing education;
o Fighting for your best interest & covering all the options—no matter what the restrictions of the employer, insurance or government plans are—because paying less can cost you more without timely & complete care;
o Compassion that commits us to give free laser treatment for those with oral sores that are caused by chemo and radiation treatments for cancer.
As part of the GFD family, it’s good to know that we can have differing opinions, but its more important to know that regardless of opinion, you’re always welcomed as part of the family and you have trusted friends at GFD.
Flex Spending Accounts and remaining Dental benefits
Please consider using any dental benefits that will not carry over to 2010. Many with insurance have finally met all their deductibles and still have not met their insurance plan maximums which are “use it or lose it” benefits. In addition you may also have a flexible spending account (FSA) whose balance must be used before the end of the year. Therefore, if you have dental care that needs to be completed, it would be wise to have it done now. If you need 2009 services provided statements for your 2009 tax and final FSA submittals please let us know.
New Things
In an effort to meet new government regulations to protect against identity theft, we will be updating your facial photos in our systems. However, these photos will have four purposes;
1.] To guard against anyone else using
your identity
2.] For accident identification purposes
3.] For facial trauma reconstruction if needed; and
4.] For an imaging model in case you would like to see what the dental results will look like prior to starting the treatment.
New Orthodonic systems
We have found a more economical orthodontic system that can help parents save money if they or their kids need braces. The system is called Clear Correct and has many of the same capabilities as Invisalign. Clear Correct is proving to be a better value for those kids and adults with mild to medium difficulty teeth straightening needs. We will provide a 10% introductory discount for anyone that starts a Clear Correct program before February 15, 2010. Please get anassessment from our doctors as to whether this process would be right for you or your child.
Save $$$$
Our Lumineers program has been very successful in helping people permanently whiten their teeth and visually correcting minor and mild teeth crowding and deformities. As one of Lumineers’ top certified specialist in the State of Wisconsin you’ll like the look and protection that Lumineers’ provide. To celebrate our 4 years of leadership in Lumineers, we will offer a buy 3 get one free program on 6 or more Lumineers if you invest in a Christmas gift certificate towards Lumineer’s or start a Lumineer’s program before the end of February. Research shows that you’re more likely to get your best results if you put forth your best appearance. In this challenging economy and job market, Lumineers may be able to give you an edge in confidence and respect helping secure the success you deserve. Call for an evaluation to see if Lumineers will work for you.
Holiday Shopping 2009
We realize that GFD won’t be your first choice when buying Christmas gifts but you may find that it is your smartest choice for holiday presents. Please look at our Christmas flyer accompanying this newsletter. Our selections are unique, quick, easy, include gift wrapping, work really well for those hard to buy for people and keeps giving long after the season is over! Just think, one call will save you from the mall (or one click if you are on our website).
Final Comments
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier: “A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.”
Isn’t it interesting that the ancient Athenians faced many of the same issues that we are grappling with today. It seems that history repeats itself and if we analyze why, the most apparent common denominator is the nature of humankind. It does appear that unless you change a person’s nature, the results of change are just more of the same.
A little over 2000 years ago, a group of low social status sheep herders, during a difficult time in their lives, visited in the middle of the night, a virgin teenage, unwed mother with a Child who could literally say that He was born in a barn—and her fiancée who was forced to return to his hometown to be registered so that an oppressive foreign government could increase his taxes. Hope was almost gone and change was meaningless. However, these shepherds who saw the child and heard the angelic message had hope regenerated that this Child would bring peace, love, salvation and true change to their lives. That new hope and true change would impact their lives for eternity.
History confirms that in the next 33 years this Child through love and service brought hope of change and in His final unselfish act on Easter freed them (and us) from evil and fear of death, giving all the ability to change their natures inspiring new hope, confidence, purpose and courage. This change was empowered by love and freedom from fear, self-centeredness and selfishness.
Despite all the current negativism, threats in the world and difficult challenges in our lives—this holiday season is about hope, about meaningful change by changing our natures from within resulting in the elimination of our guilt and fear. No government, no personal crisis, no good/bad economy and not even winning the lottery can provide or prevent this change. It can only come through the empowerment of sacrificial love that came to us in a gift 2000 years ago. If we can just remember that Jesus is the reason for the season, we’ll find that true hope and change is on its way. Merry Christmas and happy holidays and may hope inspire you to action creating change that gives you both courage and joy in 2010.
See you soon