SAY FAREWELL TO 2008...WELCOME IN 2009!

With all of the challenges that many persons endured and met head on in 2008, the New Year of 2009 will continue with significant new and improved challenges that will make our Country either United or Divided or both! With all of the misinformation that has travelled along the media networks, persons living in the twenty-first century in 2009 will need to reconsider their missions, their goals, their objectives, and their fundamental philosophies. To overcome the mistrusts, the absurdities, the distortions, and the mismanagements individuals will be encouraged to reexamine their philosophies of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To stand firm on your principles of life and your inherent beliefs and values, individuals will need to take a stand that will propel them to the scorn of many biased and prejudiced individuals who seek other novelty ways of life.

Making a firm commitment to your legacy of life will mean a blast from individuals who will SMEAR, DISCREDIT, AND DESTROY your points of view in order to promote their special agendas. We all have been reminded to STAND UP AND BE COUNTED for what you affirm as your unique philosophy of life and values. Your ethical foundations will often run the risk of losing even your closest friends and acquaintances. But that risk is worth the risk since you are your own person. The SILENT MAJORITY will again rise up to challenge the negatives that have permeated our news headlines and media coverage. The GRASSROOTS will again say: "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.!"

Now is the time for all good persons to come to! Apathy has no role for responsible citizenry. Challenge with critical thinking and documented information any affront to your covenant that you have made as part of your philosophy of education, your informed theology, and your spiritual achievement ladder. You have the right and the duty to be all that God has created you to be. IN GOD WE TRUST is our BATTLE CRY! WELCOME 2009 with a NEW YOU that will impact your sphere of influence and your environment. BE BOLD AND BE YOURSELF. RESPECT ALL HUMAN LIFE AS THE CONTINUUM FROM NATURAL CONCEPTION TO NATURAL DEATH. Any other human approach is contrary to divine law, which supersedes all human law. Secular, humanistic, civil religion, and purely human law will be challenged at every turn in 2009 by those who are committed to the TRUTH!

HAVE A HOLY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2009, WITH RENEWED ENERGIES TO EFFECTIVELY ENHANCE YOUR LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT DEVELOPMENT!

ANYONE CAN BE CALLED FATHER, BUT YOU MUST BE SOMEONE SPECIAL TO BE CALLED "DADDY"

Today is a special day of remembrance in my life and in the lives of my brother and my sister. We share a special memory for a Man for all Seasons, for a Faithful Husband, for a Loving and Caring Father, and especially for a Just Man who we call "Daddy." Ten years ago, our loving Daddy was taken back home to His Loving Father, His Abba, His Daddy. We remember all of the times that our Daddy sacrificed for us to provide for our physical, for our social, for our educational, and for our spiritual needs and wants. His Wisdom will far exceed any person with a "sheepskin" from a exclusive or extraordinary educational environment. His "College of Hard Knocks" was a unique CLIMB UP THE LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT that will be second to none of any of his competitors. He served his country in a special way in working in a shipyard that prepared and repaired vessels of combat. He learned by doing and by hands-on experiences to discover the who, the what, the where, the why, the when, the how, and the how much of every mystery and challenge.

He made time to give to each of his children during his free time and his own time. He always said "yes" to assisting the children with their homework and their educational challenges. He was a "Mister Fix It" by trade and a "Daddy of Inventions" when necessity and life sent him a curve ball. He loved sports of all types and encouraged his children to get involved whenever the opportunity was presented. Going to the local park with our Dad to play catch or to hit the ball was awesome and memorable. His love of music and dance coined him the expression of being an "Old Smoothie" when he danced with our mother. He loved the game of darts. "Knock them in baseball" was one of his favorite games. As a "Lefty" he was extremely competitive, but he sought the fun of the game rather than what money could bring in because of his talents. He was a great "Poker Player." He learned the art of finesse in all of life's challenges including playing cards of all descriptions. In addition, his love of playing checkers was the best. He was unbeatable when his mind was totally on the game.

Although my Dad never owned an automobile nor owned a home, he used public transportation in the city up until his natural death at 87. He was a wonderful provider for the family, and his commitment to his work environment was exemplary. His work ethic motto was: "If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well or not at all." Our Dad lived in the city, in the ghetto, in the environment where he felt at ease with his people. His greatest asset as a human being was that HE HAD A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR. He loved life; and even in death, he continued his LOVING SENSE OF HUMOR. He loved the God who created him, and he loved the family that God gave him to air, care, share, and bear for even into eternity. He discovered even as an orphaned child that LOVE CONQUERS ALL and THERE IS NO END TO LOVE. For those who were fortunate to know him, he was the MAN FOR ALL SEASONS and a LOVING FAMILY MAN who knew what being a DADDY means. As the saying goes: "Anyone can be a Father, but it takes a special someone to be a DADDY."

THANK YOU, DADDY, FOR GIVING US LIFE AND LOVE. IT IS GREAT TO BE ALIVE AND TO REMEMBER ALL THAT YOU ACCOMPLISHED FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FOR THE MANY FAMILIES THAT YOU TOUCHED IN YOUR LIFE TIME. And as a special remembrance, Dad, as you enjoy eternal happiness with Mother and our Brother and all of your friends, "Here's to it and to it again. If you don't do it when you get to it, you will never get to it to do it again."

REMEMBER WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED THROUGH ACHIEVEMENT

As we approach the end of 2008 and look forward to 2009, many positive achievers will reassess their Ladder of Achievement goals as they continue their climb up and down the Achievement Ladder of Success. Looking backwards will benefit those who are determined to learn from their past experiences especially for 2008. In preparing for 2009 and beyond, the positive achievers will redefine their missions, their goals, their objectives, and their short-term and long-term goals. The education and the experiences that they have received through the "College of Hard Knocks" will determine their focus for 2009 and beyond.

Today is the tomorrow that we thought about yesterday. To simplify your economic, social, psychological, physiological, political, ethical, philosophical, and spiritual aspirations will be a challenge worth considering and pondering to achieve the highest, maximum level of accomplishment. Encouraging yourself and others to perform at their maximum potential requires a self-assessment to enhance self-esteem and self-discipline. Being aware of your learning styles and your confidence level, you will become more confident and understand how you will successfully learn what really is appropriate for your unique person.

Making New Year's resolutions for many is a waste of time, talent, and treasures if they are determined to resist change from within rather than change from without. Remember to reflect on the following verse: "God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference." A mind is a terrible thing to waste! "Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life. Guard it well!"
(Proverbs 4:13)

You hold the key to your success...Act on your aptitudes, altitudes, and especially your positive attitude to make things happen!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2009! Your vote for yourself always counts!

THE AGELESS ACHIEVEMENT LADDER -- PART TWO

Today is my brother's birthday within one year of achieving his 70th birthday, a special milestone. Last year, my dedication special for my brother had a unique, significant memory of its own. We both realize that we both lost a younger brother at age 33 to the power of drink and drugs. His love of music will live on every year when we witness and listen to the Fralinger String Band and the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on New Year's Day. Our youngest brother now lives on in eternity at peace, joy, and love with his mother and his dad and our mother and our dad. Love was always in the home even when challenges to that love were often tested in many different ways by the world, the flesh, and the devil. When love exists in the home and God's love is enthroned in the home, anything is possible and achievable with God's special presence. Today many families have excluded God in their homes, in their workplaces, and in their hearts because of so many earthly distractions, social, political correctness, and secular, humanistic religion. GOD IS ALWAYS LOVE!

Happy Birthday, Brother, on your special day of remembrance. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the gifts of LIFE AND LOVE...IT IS GREAT TO BE ALIVE! May many more houses become homes enthroned with the Love of God and be a haven for the lost, the outcast, the homeless, the ignored, the forgotten, the unloved, the despised, the neglected, the discouraged, the depressed, and the orphaned. Remember that GOD IS LOVE and where LOVE EXISTS THERE IS GOD! May the Spirit of Christmas continue for the next 365 days for all!

MARY CHRISTMAS FOR ACHIEVABLE CHANGE

Every year we hear well-intentioned people requesting a change of rules, customs, traditions, lifestyles, political offices, financial guidelines, etc. When rational people decide that they have had enough of a certain habit, pattern, focus, or any other plausible reason, the decisions often changes the usual routine that others have been accustomed to observe. People change their minds everyday about a number of issues that may or may not have a good effect in the long run. Even bureaucrats who pride themselves on status quo and sticking to the rules, often bring about change that takes months and even years to effectively implement. Talk about procrastination and anxiety over change agents, you will find individuals who promote change for change sake rather than for a serious reason. The agenda is often self-serving and self-directed to accomplish selfish ends.

Yes, change is inevitable on the human and natural level of things. Days, months, years go by with change in governments, families, lifestyles, educational missions and goals, geographical mobility, climate and environmental factors, and numerous other changes that as human beings we have no control. Yet, in the many centuries that we have observed and studied changes, the one component that needs considerable attention is the change in individual decisions to achieve or not to achieve in the short run and in the long run. When individuals are confused, upset, distressed, discouraged, disillusioned, defeated, and disoriented, the "war inside" that person eventually comes to the surface and is evident in the behaviors of these persons.

History has indicated numerous "negative leaders" who were exulted to world prominence affecting many innocent persons brought their "personal wars" to the rest of society. The negative behaviors of these "warring persons" brought death and destruction to many men, women, and children whose only mistake was being in the wrong place and in the wrong time. Today we still see "warring attitudes" by self-exulting leaders who bring fear, anxiety, and despair to their communities and countries. Gangs and terrorists are encouraged by "warring factions" who really have a negative purpose that impacts many innocent victims. To reach a maximum altitude with their aptitudes, an individual needs to assess their attitudes towards themselves and towards others in their midst.

THE TIME FOR A CHANGE IS NOT WITH NEW POLITICAL CANDIDATES OR A NEW POLITICAL PARTY. The change must happen with each innocent human being who wants PEACE in their hearts to make a difference where they are located. BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED is a slogan for many PEACE-LOVING persons who understand that the only person that they can change is themselves. Change for change sake is no change at all but an illusion of change.

More than 2000 years ago, a dramatic, divine change occurred that has changed our world as we know it forever. A teenage virgin who was engaged to a just man was asked by an angel to say "Yes" to a divine request. She was asked to be a Mother to a God-man through the power of the Holy Spirit...SINCE NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! Mary said "Yes" to God's special request because she lived a life devoted to God's ways, to God's truths, and to God's life within her. She conceived an unborn baby through the power of the Holy Spirit as God's special messenger had indicated. Mary and Joseph were poor persons, but they were wealthy in God's wonderful graces to take on this ACHIEVEMENT LADDER TO SAY, "YES, LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING."

As we celebrate MARY CHRISTMAS in 2008, we are reminded of that first Christmas when Jesus, Savior, was born Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus asked for a CHANGE OF HEART to make a difference in this world. For those who accepted that CHANGE IN THEIR LIVES, JESUS OFFERED THEM THE ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS KINGDOM, which will never end. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are the examples of FAMILY LIFE that offers their services for the greater glory of God and for the salvation of all. GOD'S PROMISES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HONORED, RESPECTED, AND CONFIRMED. GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR ALL OF HIS CREATION HAS NEVER CHANGED AND HIS LOVE WILL NEVER WILL CHANGE. For GOD IS LOVE and where you find LOVE, YOU FIND GOD.

How can we change to allow God to come into our lives and to make a real change for our neighborhoods, our communities, our states, and our nation, UNDER GOD? Make a personal change by reassessing our time, our talents, and our treasures to climb up and down the LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT and to say in the long run....WE DID IT TOGETHER, 100 PERCENT, WITH THE HELP OF GOD'S GRACES AND LOVING ATTENTION TO HIS WAY, HIS TRUTH, AND HIS LIFE WITHIN US. Let us sing a song that is appropriate every day of the year:
"LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH AND LET IT BEGIN WITH ME."

IDES OF DECEMBER 2008 TRIBUTE TO THE WORLD'S CHILDREN

For December, 2008, our special tribute is to all of the World's Children. These special individuals are the future generation that will make the greatest impact on the world sometimes in spite of their parents, their governments, and their communities. In many parts of the world, these children are objects of abuse, contempt, ridicule, abandonment, pornography, and genocide. These children who are able to survive all of the negative aspects in their lives are many times given an opportunity to transcend their environments and make turnarounds in a very positive manner. The adults in their lives who want to respect the beauty of children's existence are the heroes that will never make the mass media for obvious reasons. If the attitude of these adults is to honor the dignity and the sacredness of all human life, these adults will encourage and promote a positive atmosphere for the beautiful children that have been entrusted to their care.

The headlines and the internet stories of serious crimes against children have been increasing over the past thirty years or more because of the innocence that these children reflect to the casual observer. Some adults are taking away the innocence of children by their selfish and heinous attitude toward God's wonderful creation. From the unborn to the early childhood years, children are seen as a distraction and a necessary nuisance that has to be tolerated by uncaring adults who have lost their ability to give and to receive a loving relationship. For many adults, the addictions of alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, and other infirmities have caused an unwillingness to take responsibility for the upbringing and the education of the most vulnerable human beings.

When a loving family relationship is shattered by divorce, by alternate lifestyles, by economic conditions, and by pure selfishness of all dimensions, the children the first to feel the affects of this unwanted relationship. To survive all of the challenges that the world enticements, the sexual allurements, and the devilish compromises that these families are asked to endure, the success for the growth and the development of the the child will be successful with loving and caring adults who AIR, CARE, SHARE, AND BEAR. In many areas of the world, adoption of abandoned and orphaned children is an option for responsible adults who know how to give and to provide a loving environment for these love-starved children. Adoption has always been an option for adults who are willing to give of themselves and to share their lives with children in need of love.

Yes, this is a season of the year when children receive gifts of all types of descriptions. The greatest gifts for these children is for these children to experience JOY, PEACE, AND LOVE in their lives. These gifts are priceless. Unconditional love has no price tags and no strings attached. Giving without any thought of return to another is expressing a willingness to give love. GOD IS LOVE. God has a special place in His eternal Kingdom for all of His children. "Unless you become as little children, you will not enter the KINGDOM OF GOD."
To be childlike rather than childish is the thought to be derived from the previous quotation. Many adults have lost their ability to be CHILDLIKE. To recapture that treasure consider what Childlike attributes are important. To be spontaneous, to be joyful, to be happy, to be realistic, to be loving, to be a giving person, to be a servant for others, to be an understanding person, to be an empathetic person, TO BE THE CHILD OF GOD THAT WE WERE MEANT TO BE!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WORLD'S CHILDREN FOR BEING CHILDREN AND CHILDLIKE. THANK YOU FOR GIVING US AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNIZE ALL CHILDREN AS OUR IDES OF DECEMBER 2008 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT LADDER TRIBUTE. Children, unborn and born, deserve the respect, the dignity, and the sacredness for the very reason that children were divinely created...TO LOVE AND TO BE LOVED!

WHAT IS YOUR PACE UP THE ACHIEVEMENT LADDER?

For many years, students were in a hurry to complete their education with their classmates. Some individuals felt that they were behind if they were unable to keep pace with all of the persons in their same social class. Competition often has led some persons to seek shortcuts to achieve the ultimate goal of gathering a corner of the market for their exclusive interests. In many cases, these individuals were running a "Sprint" rather than a "Marathon." The pace is obviously very different for these two different types of activities. A Sprint is a short distance and consumes very little time, but requires a specific preparation and training to arrive at the finish line in the desired time. Many injuries occur when a sprinter lacks a "good warmup" prior to the actual sprinting event.

Practice, Practice, Practice and an exception warmup routine helps prepare the individual for the actual event. For example, a 100 meter runner knows that the starting blocks are their friend or their enemy depending how they come out of the blocks when the starting signal is given. A false start uses up excess energy, and a good start gives the individual a good edge in focusing on the finish line.

For too many persons who are striving to achieve their mission, their goals, and their objectives, their preparation mirrors a typical "sprint runner's routine" rather than a "marathoner's routine." The preparation and the commitment is more demanding for a marathoner than a sprinter. The pace depends on the individual's desire, dedication, and determination to meet their goals in the long run rather than in the short run. Life is a "marathon" rather than a "sprint."

How effective and how efficient is your life's focus on becoming a "marathoner" instead of a "sprinter?" Up and down the Ladder of Achievement will depend on your pace and your focus to achieve your aspirations with your limited aptitudes to achieve your altitude. However, your attitude will make the difference. Your positive attitude will make the difference in your long range success. For example, there are many individuals who were once trained to acquire skills for a specific career. When that career outruns its usefulness, your attention may need to be focused on changing your career focus. Many persons have a "cluster of career choices" using their aptitudes and their transitional skills to adjust to the new career path.

In a economic crisis, many individuals are able to make that a smooth transition if they are "marathoners." They can adjust their emphasis and adapt to a new approach in using their time, talents, and treasures. For the "sprinter" who accepted a given career and "put all of their eggs in one basket" may find their adjustment much more challenging. There are many unemployed workers who have given up because they are typically using a "sprinter" mentality rather than a "marathoner" mentality. In making economic, financial, and personal adjustments to their new career choices will be successful only if they are OPEN TO ACCEPT CHANGE.

Lifelong Learning means being a "marathoner" for learning and for gaining experiences that will be transitional to other areas of their untapped human resources. Saying "I will" is better than saying "I won't even try." Age is not a barrier unless you make age a barrier. Using your God-given talents takes a positive attitude. When you look up the word, "attitude," and give each letter a number value, you will find that the word, "attitude" equals 100 percent. A "marathoner" gives 100 percent focus for a considerable period of time. A "sprinter" gives attention to a short duration and the event is over. Yes, we are "marathoners" in our lifelong conquest of achieving our ultimate mission, goals, and objectives. Are you a "marathoner" or a "sprinter?"

HOPE....THE REASON TO ACHIEVE YOUR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL

Have you ever watched individuals who are totally committed to achieving their lifelong dreams and visions? Their Ladders of Achievements are built on solid ground with life's basic tools to accomplish their short term and their long term goals. These individuals' experiences include many challenges and short comings that give them an increased desire, dedication, and determination. Their focus is on what really matters rather than wasting their time, talents, and treasures on the world's distracting concerns that brings about procrastination, apathy, and depression. These individuals may experience extreme poverty, extended unemployment, and consistent underemployment. These individuals may also feel deserted, homeless, and despondent because they are considered outcasts in their own community. There are takers and there are givers in every community. Who are you: A taker or a giver?

As these positive individuals who put their complete TRUST IN GOD, their spiritual Ladder of Achievement accelerates from I WON'T DO THIS until WE DID THIS TOGETHER...from 0 percent to 100 percent. Quite a turnaround. Why? Their listened to the Words of the Master, "Come unto Me all you who labor and find LIFE TO BE BURDENSOME and I WILL GIVE YOU REST. For My yoke is easy and My Burden is light. Learn from Me for I AM MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART." Yes, Emmanuel, God With Us, has already spoken!

The world, the flesh, and the devil will never give you peace, joy, and love. You will never find contentment in accumulating all the wealth in the world and allowing your person to become a slave of the flesh. Your positive decision to accept God in your life and to allow HIS LIFE TO CONSUME your identity will give you HOPE in your unique life time. You will discover how LOVE came down at the first Christmas, and how LOVE made possible your opportunity for eternal salvation. That is a lifelong longing for all human beings to be with their CREATOR who is ALL FAITH, ALL HOPE, AND ALL LOVE. ADVENT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REDISCOVER HOPE rather than despair. NEVER GIVE UP, GET UP! It is not the size of the individual in the fight that counts, but the size of the fight in the individual that REALLY COUNTS. HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL!

IT'S OK TO SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Have you noticed that every year at this time, we witness the additional politically correct persons who want to secularize Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To make a civil religion get more popularity, many individuals have resorted to HAPPY HOLIDAYS or SEASON'S GREETINGS or XMAS or some other term to distract the attention of well-intentioned persons to go through the period of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day without understanding the true meaning of why we stop to realize the significance of these wonderful days. Families gather with well-intentioned thoughts and ambitions and are overwhelmed by the world's emphasis on money, money, money for any reason. Retail sales are considered a flop if they are unable to be successful in the four to six weeks that end a given calendar year. Why are we giving presents to others?

In the Judeo-Christian world, the weeks before Christmas are preparations for the most significant remembrance of the Incarnation of the Son of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in the "temple of a virgin named, Mary." This woman said "Yes to God." Her "Yes" was the turning point of the Old Covenant with God to begin the New Covenant with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit...a Triune God who has unconditional love for His creation. Jesus Christ came as a baby, born of a virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit to live, die, and rise again and to be King of the Kingdom of Heaven for all eternity. Jesus is King, Friend, Brother, Lord, Savior, the Anointed One, the Messiah, and Emmanuel. Jesus told His followers, "I will be with you all days until the end of time." Yes, we have reason to celebrate every day the Love that God provided for His people. Every Day is a Celebration of Christmas...Christ's Mass...a remembrance of His Love come down at the first Christmas. He comes to us each day through the Holy Eucharist as He explained in John 6 and at His Last Supper on earth. He came to serve, not to be served. HIS KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD, BUT OF THE WORLD TO COME FOR EACH ONE OF US. He wants to dwell in each person's soul as a living reminder that His work of His Mystical Body continues every day through each one of us.

Yes, It is OK to say MERRY CHRISTMAS. Also, It is OK to say MARY CHRISTMAS. Let us leave room in the Inn for our Lord and Savior by being open to His promptings, His Love, His Attitude, His LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EACH ONE OF US. Let us be able to say: "WE DID IT TOGETHER." Together Everyone Achieves More using our eyes, our ears, our mouth, our heart, our mind, our attitude in tune with His attitude, our hands, and our feet. Jesus lives through us and with us to accomplish His purpose through our time, our talents, and our treasures. HE MUST INCREASE, WE MUST DECREASE. PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD, COME LORD EMMANUEL, COME LORD JESUS CHRIST. LET US HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH HIS PEACE, JOY, AND LOVE IN 2008.

MARANATHA -- COME, LORD, BE WITH US

Today is the New Year's for the Christian World with the beginning of Advent. Today all Christians are asked to look inside their hearts and to renew their commitment to really live the Christian life as Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, gave as a loving example to each of His followers. Waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, was the HOPE of all of God's people as expressed through each of the Prophets that foretold the coming of Emmanuel, God with us. His first coming was the First Christmas more than 2000 years ago. His humble beginnings were in poverty, but HIS WEALTH OF LOVE WAS ABUNDANT to all of His followers. He came as an embryo, a fetus, an unborn baby, and then as a baby born of poor but loving parents. His Mother, Mary, and His foster Father, Joseph, were living examples of what God's love can accomplish for all of His followers who say, "Yes," to His invitation to live a life of Faith, Hope, and Love. AND HIS KINGDOM WILL HAVE NO END, AND HE SAID, "I WILL BE WITH YOU ALL DAYS UNTIL THE END OF TIME."

With all of the hustle and bustle of the secular world to buy presents for gifts for their family, their friends, and their many acquaintances, the BEST PRESENT OF ALL DURING THIS ADVENT SEASON is to prepare for the SECOND COMING OF THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD for each one of us. WE KNOW NOT THE DAY NOR THE HOUR WHEN THE SON OF MAN WILL VISIT HIS PEOPLE AND CALL THEM BACK TO HIM. Yet, every day is an opportunity to recommit and to rededicate ourselves to the GLORY OF THE HOLY TRINITY, THE HONOR OF MARY, AND FOR THE SALVATION OF SOULS especially our own soul and those souls entrusted to our care. Our growth in holiness, in spiritual formation, and in converting our environments to God's ways demands that we renew the face of this earth through the power of the Most Holy Spirit and the spirit of the Good News that we have received since the First Christmas. "What does it profit a person to gain the whole world but then lose his/her own soul?" Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. HIS KINGDOM COME, HIS WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. O COME, O COME EMMANUEL!

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON -- 2008

On this Black Friday established by the secular society throughout the United States, many persons will be seeking and maybe finding the object of their affections and their enthusiasm to spend hours prior to waiting and waiting and waiting. What are they waiting for, you say? They are looking for bargains, for ways of saving "money," and for any reason to escape the real reason for the season. Of course the marketers prefer the term, "Black Friday" versus "Red Friday" because of what being in the red indicates. Of course, consumers are asked to buy on CREDIT and any other gimmick that will entice the consumer to VOTE for their products or services. YOUR VOTE ALWAYS COUNTS!

Even in the word, "Credit," you will find the word "RED." When you buy on credit now, you will pay much more later. There are better plans that encourage consumers to LAYAWAY their choices, and fit their buying habits into their actual, liveable budget. Using credit wisely works well in the long run. But, try telling that to the many individuals who bought products and services on CREDIT in the past and who now are unable to meet their current financial obligations. There are many respectable Credit Counseling Services that will assist the overcharged consumers with a viable method to resolve their debt effectively and efficiently.

So what is the real reason for the season? Is it to go deeper into debt? Is it to buy out of luxury rather than out of necessity? Have the consumers really come to grips with their standard of living versus their scale of living? There is a big difference. Foreclosures are occurring because greedy financiers extended CREDIT beyond what the consumers were actually able to resolve over time. To shop around for the best possible options takes time, but time is your money. The cycle for poor choices by consumers has to end soon. There are too many scams out there that prey on the vulnerability of "shaky" and misguided consumers. Be a smart consumer. If the idea sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true. Beware of "foxes" dressed in "sheep" clothing.

Are you still seeking the reason for the season? Break away from the secular atmosphere for a moment and breathe the air of God's plan for your life, if you give God a chance. Your loving Creator never lets you down, but He allows you to make choices because He gave you FREE WILL and a CONSCIENCE. Both are good features in your life. However, when you allow the world, the flesh, and the devil to dictate how you are to live, then you risk the loss of understanding the REASON FOR THE SEASON.

For many persons who have been seeking the Uncaused Cause of their human existence, meditation and reflection will lead to the TRUTH. For many persons, their NEW BEGINNINGS start on this coming Sunday when they will recognize the ADVENT of their lives. They will spend the ADVENT SEASON as a SPIRITUAL PREPARATION for the memorial of the FIRST CHRISTMAS in which God came to earth and became a human being to show how much LOVE HE is willing to GIVE to show HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE for all of HIS CREATION. YES, LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS! GOD IS LOVE!

A THANKSGIVING TRIBUTE TO ALL AMERICAN FAMILIES 2008

With all of the negative news that has been broadcasted through the national media, the American Family is alive and well even with all of the challenges that they are facing in the 21st Century. To reach their successful Ladder of Achievement of 100 percent..."We did it," the American traditional family will be celebrating this Thanksgiving Day, 2008, with an economy that has gone the "roller-coaster ride" for much of 2008. For all American Families who are striving to live within their means and to plan positively for the forseeable future, there will be budget restraints that will be taken in stride for most American Families. The climb up the Ladder of Achievement for all American Families will be challenged in the next couple of years to have faith and confidence in a Republic that allows many freedoms that do not exist in other parts of the world. IN GOD WE TRUST will be the battlecry and the surge that will make the difference. "And they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights and among these are LIFE, LIBERTY, AND PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS." (Declaration of Independence, 1776, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)


In many parts of our wonderful Country, many American families will be homeless, unemployed, underemployed, and ignored by the greed that some individuals who could care less for the sacredness and the dignity of the human spirit. On the other hand, there will be many private volunteers who will step up and make a difference by their courageous generosity to provide for those unfortunate people who need the care and the attention that they deserve. "When did I see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and gave you a drink? When did I ever see you a stranger and welcomed you in my home, or naked and clothe you? When did I ever see you sick or in prison, and visited you? ...I tell you WHENEVER YOU DID THIS FOR ONE OF THE LEAST IMPORTANT OF THESE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, YOU DID IT FOR ME!" (Matthew 25)

In my mail during these past two weeks, my attention was drawn to a prayer that will be appropriate for all American Families to think about on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the next year:

"Good and gracious God, we come before You today united with all who give You thanks and praise. Fill us with gratitude for Your many blessings both physical and spiritual."

"We thank You in particular this day for the gifts of food and family. Bless this food, Lord, that it may nourish our bodies. Bless our family, especially those who can't be with us today. Also today, we remember those of our family who have gone to be with You."

"Grant us Your spiritual blessings and help us pray daily for the grace to serve You in response to Your bountiful gifts to us. Bless all who serve You throughout the World."

"We pray this in the name of Jesus, Your Son, Our Lord, who gives all things freely according to our needs. Continue to bless us and give us Your peace." Amen." (The Marianist Mission, Dayton, Ohio...www.MarianistMission.org)

MAY YOU ALL HAVE A HOLY, A BLESSED, AND A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

AN OPEN THANKSGIVING MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH, 43rd PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

THANK YOU, PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH, FOR YOUR COURAGEOUS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY DURING THESE PAST EIGHT YEARS. ALTHOUGH MANY PRESIDENTS HAVE COME AND GONE OVER THE YEARS WITH DISTINGUISHABLE RECORDS, YOUR LEGACY TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAS BEEN TO STAND UP TO YOUR ENEMIES AND SHOW THAT YOU HAVE TRUST IN GOD, IN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, AND IN YOURSELF. We commend your tireless and unselfish commitment to perform your duties as the 43rd President of the United States of America with honor, dignity, valor, respect, and your uncompromising, moral and ethical life principles.

During this THANKSGIVING WEEK in 2008, may God continue to bless you and your family for your desire, dedication, determination, discretion, discernment, and discipline as you did your ordinary tasks in an extraordinary manner. As one American citizen among many, you have my respect and my admiration for meeting the challenges of your Presidency. You brought back the respect for the Office of the Presidency even when others attacked you for your heroic decisions.

As a token of my acknowledgment of your outstanding living and being an honorable Commander-in-Chief in the face of past and present challenges, would you please accept this prayer for your future endeavors:

"O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending in Heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, would you please grant the same Holy Spirit to President George W. Bush that He may perfect in his soul the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten President George W. Bush's mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that he may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining Heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear his cross with You, and that he may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose his salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know God and know himself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that President George W. Bush may find the service of God sweet and amiable, the Spirit of Fear (Wonderment and Awe in the Presence of God) that he may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark President George W. Bush with the sign of Your true disciples and animate him in all things with Your Spirit. Amen."

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED AND HOLY AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY 2008. THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LIFE!

THE TRUTH ABOUT STEM CELL RESEARCH (PART 5)

Dr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Yale University and post-doctoral research at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, shares "The 10 Great Myths in the Debate over Stem Cell Research."

"MYTH 1: Stem cells can only come from embryos.

In fact, stem cells can be taken from umbilical cords, the placenta, amniotic fluid, adult tissues, and organs such as bone marrow, fat from liposuction regions of the nose, and even from cadavers up to 20 hours after death."

"MYTH 2: Christians are against stem cell research.

There are four categories of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, embryonic germ cells, umbilical cord stem cells, and adult stem cells. Given that germ cells can come from miscarriages that involve no deliberate interruption of pregnancy, Christians in general oppose the use of ONLY one of these four categories, i.e., embryonic stem cells. In other words, most Christians approve of three of the four possible types of stem cell research."

"MYTH 3: Embryonic stem cell research has the greatest promise.

Up to now, no human being has ever been cured of a disease using embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, have already cured thousands. For example, bone marrow cells from the hipbone have repaired scar tissue on the heart after heart attacks. Research using adult cells is 20-30 years ahead of embryonic stem cell research and holds greater promise. This is in part because stem cells are part of the natural repair mechanisms of an adult body, while embryonic stem cells do not belong in an adult body (where they are likely to form tumors, and to be rejected as foreign tissue by the recipient). Rather, embryonic stem cells really belong only within in the specialized microenvironment of a rapidly growing embryo, which is a radically different setting than an adult body."

"MYTH 4: Embryonic stem cell research is against the law.

In reality, there is no law or regulation against destroying human embryos for research purposes. While President George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America, has banned the use of federal funding to support research on embryonic stem cell lines created after August 9, 2001, it is not illegal. Anyone using private funds is free to pursue it."

"MYTH 5: President George W. Bush created new restrictions to federal funding or embryonic stem cell research.

The 1996 Dickey Amendment prohibited the use of federal funds for research that would involve the DESTRUCTION OF HUMAN EMBRYOS. Bush's decision to permit research on embryonic stem cell lines created before a certain date thus relaxes this restriction from the Clinton Administration."

"MYTH 6: Theraputic cloning and reproductive cloning are fundamentally different from each other.

The creation of cloned embryos, either to make a baby or to harvest cells, occurs by the same series of technical steps. The only difference is what will be done with the cloned human embryo that is produced. Will it be given the protection of a woman's womb in order to be born? OR WILL IT BE DESTROYED FOR ITS STEM CELLS?"

"MYTH 7: Somatic Nuclear cell transfer is different from cloning.

In fact, 'somatic cell nuclear transfer' is simply cloning by a different name. The end result is still a cloned embryo."

"MYTH 8: By doing somatic cell nuclear transfer, we can directly produce tissues or organs without having to clone an embryo.

At the present stage of research, scientists are unable to bypass the creation of an embryo in the production of tissues or organs. In the future it may be possible to inject elements from the cytoplasm of a woman's ovum into a somatic cell to 'reprogram' it into a stem cell. This is called 'de-differentiation." If so, there would be no fundamental moral objection to this approach to getting stem cells, so LONG AS AN EMBRYO IS NOT CREATED."

"MYTH 9: Every body cell, or somatic cell, is somehow an embryo and thus a human life.

People sometimes argue: 'Every cell in the body has the potential to become an embryo. Does that mean that every time we wash our hands and are shedding thousands of cells, we are killing life?' The problem is that this overlooks the basic biological difference between a regular body cell, and one whose nuclear material has been fused with an unfertilized egg cell, resulting in an embryo. A normal skin cell will only give rise to more skin cells when it divides, while an embryo will give rise to the ENTIRE UNIQUE ADULT ORGANISM. Skin cells are not potential adults. Skin cells are potentially only more skin cells. ONLY EMBRYOS ARE POTENTIAL ADULTS (or better put: ADULTS WITH POTENTIAL TO BE SELF-ACTUALIZED)."

"MYTH 10: Because frozen embryos may one day end up being discarded by somebody, that makes it allowable, even laudable, to violate and destroy those embryos.

The moral analysis of what we may permissibly do with an embryo doesn't depend on its otherwise 'going to waste,' nor on the incidental fact that those embryos are 'trapped' in liquid nitrogen. Consider a radical case in which a group of children are permanently trapped in a schoolhouse through no fault of their own; that would not make it morally acceptable to send in a remote control robotic device which would harvest organs from those children and cause their demise."

Thank you, Dr. Tadeuwsz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., for your insights into this most challenging debate for the 21st Century. Will the elected political representatives take the time to do their own research and to discern the proper way of treating HUMAN LIFE, or will they continue to listen to "itching ears" and "false prophets of doom" to be popular for their own agendas and selfish concerns? The time has come to STAND UP AND BE COUNTED and to WALK YOUR TALK. Consider each unique person's future as they develop from conception to natural death. We are all on equal footing when we call ourselves a HUMAN BEING WITH THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE A DIFFERNCE. Allow the progression up the LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT for each HUMAN BEING to reach the 100 percent plus....I DID IT. RESPECT ALL HUMAN LIFE AS PRICELESS!

THE TRUTH ABOUT STEM CELL RESEARCH (PART 4)

Continuing our series on the TRUTH ABOUT STEM CELL RESEARCH, you will find information on Human Embryos and why those who support Pro-Life efforts are seriously concerned about the attitudes of those who are Pro-Death in America. Will we create a culture of death or a culture of life?

Dr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D in Neuroscience from Yale University, points out the TRUTH that everyone who is willing to listen should understand and respect.

"Where do Human Embryos Come From? From the combining of sperm and egg (fertilization); from embryo splitting (fission); and from somatic cell nuclear transfer (cloning)."

"Are Embryos Human? Are they really One of Us?

"Embryos are no different in their essential humanity from a fetus in the womb, a 10-year old boy, or a 100-year old woman. At every stage of development, human beings (whether zygote, blastocyst, embryo, fetus, infant, adolescent, or adult) retain their identity as an enduring being that grows towards its subsequent stage(s); embryos are integral beings structured for maturation along their proper time line. Despite their unfamiliar appearance, EMBRYOS ARE WHAT VERY YOUNG HUMANS LOOK LIKE."

"Isn't it a Matter of Religious Belief as to when human beings begin?

"It is NOT a matter of religious belief, but a matter of BIOLOGY. A human embryo is a HUMAN BEING, a being that is clearly and unmistakably HUMAN. It is not a zebra-type being, a plant-type of being or some other kind of being. EACH OF US WAS ONCE AN EMBRYO, and this affirmation does not depend on religion, belief systems, or imposing anything on anyone. It depends only on a grasp of BASIC BIOLOGY. It is a matter of empirical observation. Once you are constituted a HUMAN BEING (which ALWAYS occurs at fertilization or at an event that mimics fertilization, like cloning), YOU ARE A NEW MEMBER OF THE HUMAN RACE WHO MUST BE PROTECTED UNCONDITIONALLY. The human embryo is a being that is HUMAN, and such beings are INVIOLABLE ENTITIES, because that's what we all directly spring from at the root level."

"Why is the Destruction of Human Embryos Wrong?

"The well-known moral principle that good ends do not justify immoral means applies directly here. ONCE YOU'RE A BEING WHO IS HUMAN, you are the bearer of HUMAN RIGHTS and you should NEVER BE VIOLATED FOR ANY REASON. We know that the HUMAN EMBRYO IS A HUMAN BEING because it possesses an internal code for SELF-ACTUALIZATION and it is an organism with an INDEPENDENT and INHERENT TELEOLOGY (goal-directedness) to develop into an adult. It is physiologically alive and genetically HUMAN. Our existence as human beings is a continuum that extends all the way back to our origins in that humble ball of cells we call an EMBRYO. EACH OF US HAS OUR ORIGINS IN SUCH AN EMBRYO, and therefore HUMAN EMBRYOS should NEVER BE DEPERSONALIZED or INSTRUMENTALIZED for research purposes by STRIP-MINING them for their cells or tissues."

In the upcoming segments, you will learn the TEN GREAT MYTHS in the debate over stem cell research. HUMAN LIFE IS A CONTINUUM FROM CONCEPTION (FERTILIZATION) TO NATURAL DEATH. CHOOSE LIFE! THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN. With the whole truth being revealed, let us CHANGE OUR ATTITUDE and GIVE EACH HUMAN BEING AN OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THEIR SELF-ACTUALIZATION AND TO REALIZE THEIR ACHIEVEMENT LADDER SUCCESS IN THEIR UNIQUE LIFETIME AT THE 100 PERCENT LEVEL!

THE TRUTH ABOUT STEM CELL RESEARCH (PART 3)

As we continue with Part 3 of our series about the Truth in Stem Cell Research, Dr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., gives us the whys and wherefores of Embryonic Stem Cells vs. Adult Stem Cells research and applications.

"Why are Adult Stem Cells Preferable to Embryonic Stem Cells?

"Adult stem cells are a 'natural' solution. They naturally exist in our bodies, and they provide a natural repair mechanism for many tissues of our bodies. They belong in the microenvironment of an adult body, while embryonic stem cells belong in the microenvironment of the early embryo, not in an adult body, where they tend to cause tumors and immune system reactions. Most importantly, adult stem cells have already been successfully used in human therapies for many years. NO therapies in humans have ever been successfully carried out using embryonic stem cells. New therapies using adult type stem cells, on the other hand, are being developed all the time. There are many examples of success stories using adult stem cells."

"Treatments from Adult Stem Cells"

"Spinal Cord Injury, Leukemia, Krabbe's Leukodystrophy, Parkinson's Disease examples show the use of Adult Stem Cells that have been successful for the following patients: Laura Dominquez, Patrizia Durante, Gina Rugari, and Dennis Turner. (details on request)" There are many other documented examples of successful adult stem cells usage to this very day.


"IS STEM CELL RESEARCH ETHICAL?"

Most types of stem cell research are morally acceptable and laudable. Only research using EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS RAISES INSUPERABLE MORAL OBJECTIONS. An ethical overview:

"Embryonic Stem Cells -- ALWAYS MORALLY OBJECTIONABLE, because the human embryo MUST BE DESTROYED in order to harvest its stem cells.

"Embryonic Germ Cells -- MORALLY OBJECTIONABLE when utilizing fetal tissue derived from ELECTIVE ABORTIONS, but morally acceptable when utilizing material from SPONTANEOUS ABORTIONS (MISCARRIAGES) if the parents give informed consent.

"Umbilical Cord Stem Cells -- MORALLY ACCEPTABLE, since the umbilical cord is no longer required once the delivery has been completed.

"Placentally-Rerived Stem Cells -- MORALLY ACCEPTABLE, since the afterbirth is no longer required after the delivery has been completed.

"Adult Stem Cells -- MORALLY ACCEPTABLE, assuming informed consent from the adult donor."

As we travel up the Achievement Ladder of Success in Stem Cell Research, we will find documented proof that Adult Stem Cell Usage has been extremely successful with many patients over the years. When we start to explore Embryonic Stem Cell Usage, we are ignoring the respect and the dignity that the sacredness of human life demands and requires of an informed citizenry. MAKING THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS has never been a good reason to risk DESTROYING HUMAN LIFE AT ANY AGE OF EXISTENCE, DEPENDENCY, OR RESIDENCY. HUMAN LIFE IS A CONTINUUM FROM CONCEPTION TO NATURAL DEATH.

THE TRUTH ABOUT STEM CELL RESEARCH (PART 2)

In this next segment on the Stem Cell Research, we will explore the subject in a comparative way. How Do Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells Compare?

"Embryonic Stem Cell Advantages:
1) Flexible -- appear to have the potential to make any cell.
2) Immortal -- one embryonic stem cell line can potentially provide an endless supply of cells with defined characteristics.
3) Availability -- embryos from in vitro fertilization clinics."

"Embryonic Stem Cell Disadvantages:
1) Difficult to differentiate uniformly and homogeneously into a target tissue.
2) Immunogenic -- embryonic stem cells from a random embryo donor are likely to be rejected after transplantation.
3) Tumorigenic -- Capable of forming tumors or promoting tumor formation.
4) DESTRUCTION OF DEVELOPING HUMAN LIFE."

"Adult Stem Cell Advantages:
1) Special adult type stem cells from bone marrow and from umbilical cords have been isolated recently which appear to be as flexible as the embryonic type.
2) Already somewhat specialized--inducement may be simpler.
3) Not immunogenic--recipients who receive the products of their own stem cells will not experience immune rejection.
4) Relative ease of procurement -- some adult stem cells are easy to harvest (skin, muscle, marrow, fat), while others may be more difficult to obtain (brain stem cells). Umbilical and placental stem cells are likely to be readily available.
5) Non-tumorigenic -- tend not to form tumors.
6) NO HARM DONE TO THE DONOR."

"Adult Stem Cell Disadvantages:
1) Limited quantity -- can sometimes be difficult to obtain in large numbers.
2) Finite -- may not live as long as embryonic stem cells in culture.
3) Less flexible (with the exception of #1 above) -- may be more difficult to reprogram to form other tissue types." (Dr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D.)

In our next segment, we will explore "Why Adult Stem Cells are Preferable to Embryonic Stem Cells? Human life is a continuum from conception to natural death. Will we create a culture of life or a culture of death?

THE TRUTH ABOUT STEM CELL RESEARCH

Since the votes have been cast and officially counted for the new President-Elect, Barack Obama, speculation has been fast and furious about what CHANGES the new President will enact or what Executive Orders will be reversed that were made by the previous White House Administration. One of those concerns has been on the subject of Stem Cell Research. With all of the medical advancements and the ethical dilemmas that each new medical discovery challenges the traditional practices, Congressional lobbyists and legislators are seeking ways to implement these new discoveries on the American People.

There have been many individuals who have researched many years for ways to affectively find cures for medical conditions that have been left unchanged for lack of good information and research. One of those researchers, Dr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, who earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience from Yale University and his post-doctoroal research at Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, has written many informative research theses and documentations on Stem Cell Research, Cloning, and Human Embryos. Here are some of his findings and factual information:

"What is a Stem Cell? A stem cell is essentially a 'blank' cell, capable of becoming another more differentiated cell type in the body, such as a skin cell, a muscle cell, or a nerve cell."

"Why are Stem Cells Important? Stem cells can be used to replace or heal damaged tissues and cells in the body."

"What are the Two Broad Classes of Stem Cells? The two basic types of stem cells are embryonic type and adult type. Embryonic type - embryonic stem cells, embryonic germ cells. Adult type - Umbilical Cord Stem Cells, Placental Stem Cells, Adult Stem Cells."

"Where do Embryonic Type Stem Cells Come From? Embryos - Embryonic stem cells are obtained by harvesting living embryos which are benerally 5-7 days old. The removal of embryonic stem cells invariably results in the DESTRUCTION OF THE EMBRYO. Fetuses - Another kind of stem cell, called an embroyonic germ cell, can be obtained from either miscarriages or aborted fetuses."

"Where do Adult Type Stem Cells Come From? Umbilical cords, placentas and amniotic fluid - Adult stype stem cells can be derived from various pregnancy-related tissues. Adult tissues - In adults, stem cells are present within various tiessues and organ systems. These include the bone marrow, liveer, epidermis, retina, skeletal muscle, intestine, brain, dental pulp, and elsewhere. Even fat obtained from liposuction has been shown to contain significant numbers of adult type stem cells. Cadavers - Neural stem cells have been removed from specific areas in post-mortem human brains as late as 20 hours following death."

This is the first of a series of blogs on this very medical and ethical topic that is gaining some top priority in the new Democratic Administration, which will take office in January, 2009. According to Dr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, "The bioethical challenges facing us can be confusing and abstract to many people. The use of human embryos for stem cell research and cloning represents a critical crossroads in the life of our culture and society. Will we protect human life in all its stages or will we come to regard it as a tool to be used, a MEANS TO AN END?
In short, WILL WE CREATE A CULTURE OF LIFE OR A CULTURE OF DEATH?"

WHAT IS OUR SPIRITUAL ACHIEVEMENT LADDER THERMOMETER?

If each person were to assess their current Spiritual Achievement Ladder Thermometer, what would be their present status? Would that reading be TOO COLD? TOO MEDIOCRE? or TOO HOT? Each person would have to make the judgment based on their spiritual attitude or desire to advance to a new horizon. Knowing yourself is the first step. Changing yourself is your choice!

With all of the talents, aptitudes, and altitudes of each legal American citizen, we may find some who are unwilling to live their true values and goals because they have no commitment, no desire to make a difference. Imagine if all of the talents, aptitudes, and altitudes of every man, woman, and child in our Globe were to live up to their expected goals and ideals, what would world of ours be like? There are some individuals who have been gifted with multiple talents and gifts that are being unused and abandoned because of their lack of desire, dedication, and determination to be all that they are capable of being. Take this natural state of human kind and take that to a spiritual level. We are made up of both natural and spiritual levels in our lives. If we lack food, shelter, and clothing and all of the basic needs for our existence, the spiritual may seem to be far removed. However, many poor persons and poor in spirit are driven to live a total life in the spirit because of their desire to grow into all that their Creator wills for them, IF THEY ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT THAT CHALLENGE with a simple, "YES." How many others have said, "Yes" to make our lives different?

The Cold part of the Achievement Ladder Thermometer says, "Don't bother me. I am an island unto myself. I do not need others. I do not need any one to make a difference in my life. Just, leave me alone." The Mediocre part of the Achievement Ladder Thermometer says, "I want the best of both worlds. Just don't ask me to give too much to anything. I will constantly change my mind as the wind and the weather changes. I have some goals that are "civilly appropriate" for my current environments. I want to have friends and acquaintances that will be my support, if I choose to stay with them. I will live my apathetic life as I see fit and will to continue my merry-go-round life." The Hot part of the Achievement Ladder Thermometer says, "My life does have meaning beyond this current life. I have dual-citizenship, here and in eternity. What do I need to change in my life in order to live a life that shows my love for my neighbor as well as for my Creator. His Kingdom Come, His Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. I want to lay down my life for what I believe because I have a community of faith that believes and wants to make an eternal difference. IN GOD WE TRUST becomes my battle cry, and I will not be snowed by the "politically correct" and the "civil religion" that is being fostered and brainwashed on me from the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. MY LIFE IS HOT TO TROT FOR THE CREATOR AND THE SPIRIT THAT HE ENKINDLES IN MY COMMITMENT TO LIVE THE LIFE WORTHY OF MY CREATION AND CREATOR."

Where do you stand in your assessment of your Spiritual Achievement Ladder Thermometer? What do you need to change in your life and your attitude to soar like an eagle to enhance your altitude in life and your aptitudes in life?

PRAYERS FOR THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, BARACK OBAMA

On January 20, 2009, our Country will witness the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. Since our Country was founded on sound moral and ethical standards expressed through our Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution plus Amendments, we offer the following prayers for the incoming President of the United States. His climb up the Ladder of Achievement gave him ....I DID IT! on November 4, 2008. Now as American citizens of a Great Nation under God, we ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit on his acceptance and his actions as the new Commander in Chief and as the humble servant of the American People that he said he would represent to his maximum perseverance.

IN GOD WE TRUST! E PLURIBUS UNUM!

"O Lord Jesus Christ, Who before ascending into Heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, please grant the same Holy Spirit to President-Elect, Barack Obama, that He may perfect in his soul the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant him the Spirit of Wisdom that he may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten his mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that he may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining Heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that he may bear his cross with You and that he may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose his salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that he may know God and know himself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that he may find the service of God sweet and amiable, the Spirit of Fear (Wonderment and Awe in the Presence of God) that he may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark him, O Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate him in all things with YOUR SPIRIT. AMEN."

"Come, O Divine Spirit, fill the heart of President-Elect, Barack Obama, with Your heavenly fruits: Your charity, joy, peace, patience, long-suffering, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that he may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Your inspiration may he merit to be united eternally with You in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen."

"Lord, make President-Elect, Barack Obama, an instrument of Your peace,
Where there is hatred, let him sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that he may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love, for it is in giving that we receive, and it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life." (Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi)

NEW CHALLENGES FOR A NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT -ELECT

There are 74 days before the United States of America witnesses the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009. As in all festive occasions, this festive day will be very special and uniquely historic. With all of the economic, political, social, ethical/moral, issues that will be seriously considered, our Nation will continue to survive and to meet the challenges that every change presents. With a new Congress and a new President and Vice-President much will be anticipated and the expectations will be riding high especially for the beginning of the "honeymoon" as Commander-in-Chief and Chief Executive Officer. The Global environment will be listening and wondering what will really be the focus of the new administration at the White House. The World community is looking for leadership that is honorable.

In 76 days from today, there will be a gathering of Americans in Washington, D.C., to call attention to the greatest scourge on human life in the 20th and 21st century. The decision to declare elective abortion of innocent unborn babies as legal in the United States of America in 1973 separated and divided our Country on a very serious CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE. As we resolved one Civil Right issue with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 at least legally, we still need to deal with attitudes that make the atmosphere in most communities civil and respectful. If we are unable to have respect for the most vulnerable and innocent of all human life, how can we expect to see any attitude change regarding age, race, gender, and national origins. The Declaration of Independence demands more than apathy.

With more than 50,000,000 unborn babies aborted in our Country since 1973, the time has come to reexamine our attitudes and our reasons for killing unborn babies because of their age, residence, and state of dependency. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was used as a scapegoat for resolving the issue for so-called "women's rights to choose." Whenever that term is used by an advocate of extreme feminism, the freedom of choice really means....freedom to kill an innocent unborn baby. CHOOSING LIFE MEANS RESPECT FOR THE HUMAN LIFE FROM CONCEPTION TO NATURAL DEATH. This is a CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE as well as an ethical and moral dilemma that needs to be resolved before the other end of the spectrum is tested to eliminate humans of a certain age, handicap, or state of dependency.

When human law supersedes divine law, divine law always takes top priority. "Render to government what is government and to God what is God's." Let us all pray for our newly elected President and Vice-President for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they assume the most responsible offices in our Country. Let us all pray for the 4,000 unborn babies that are aborted daily in our Country that a change in attitude as well as law will soon come about. CHOOSE LIFE!

WE THANK JOHN MCCAIN AND SARAH PALIN FOR THEIR COURAGEOUS EFFORTS

We are proud to be Americans and to THANK TWO COURAGEOUS AMERICANS FOR THEIR PUTTING COUNTRY FIRST in their exhausting campaign efforts. Yes, we are proud of JOHN MCCAIN AND SARAH PALIN for giving their total dedication to the campaign for the Presidency and the Vice-Presidency in 2008. You can count on our continued prayers and support for your Platform agenda that will be carried out by other dedicated Republican candidates who were elected to the Congress. Your combined TEAM REPRESENTATION shows that you are living in the SPIRIT OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE and the original intent of the Constitution of the United States. IN GOD WE TRUST was obviously your preamble and your battlecry as you went from coast to coast and met many Americans who are seeking a better dream than was presented by the opposition.

The change Americans really want is a CHANGE OF ATTITUDE towards one another. LOVE GOD WITH YOUR WHOLE SOUL, YOUR WHOLE MIND, YOUR WHOLE HEART, AND YOUR WHOLE STRENGTH AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF. That goal is the REAL LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT that can also be monitored by a LIVING THERMOMETER from 0 degrees - I don't want to 100 degrees - I do accept the challenge and the responsibility.


WHERE ARE AMERICANS NOW IN THEIR RISING TEMPERATURES? 0 degrees - I don't want to...10 degrees - I can't...20 degrees - I don't know how...30 degrees - How can I do it?...40 degrees - If I only could...50 degrees - Perhaps I could...60 degrees - I could if...70 degrees - I believe I can....80 degrees - I can....90 degrees - I will...100 degrees - I do want this...

ARE WE FRIGID? ARE WE LUKEWARM? ARE WE HOT?
By their Level of desire, dedication, determination, discipline, discretion, discernment, and depth of their skills, talents, and concentration, we will observe a passion, a work ethic, a focus, a push, a creative mentality, an improvement, a willingness to serve, and a persistence that will make the difference in themselves, in their families, in their communities, and in their networkings, partnerships, and collaborations. STILL WATERS RUN DEEP!

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, a Courageous American Patriot, " Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continues...until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid another drawn with the sword...so still it must be said that the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and for his orphans to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." (Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865)

Again, THANK YOU, SENATOR JOHN MC CAIN AND GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN, for your persevering courage and your American enthusiasm for the causes of American Freedom even when the voting numbers were not in your favor. As the saying goes: "It is not the size of the dog in the fight that counts, but the size of the fight in the dog that really counts." GOD BLESS YOU...Our prayers are with you and with your families as you prepare for your next positive encounters.

CONGRATULATIONS AND SINCERE PRAYERS FOR OUR NEWLY-ELECTED U.S.A. PRESIDENT

Congratulations and heartfelt prayers to the Freshman United States Senator from Illinois. May you always remember your creative roots; and honor and praise the dignity and sacredness of each American legalized citizen, born and unborn. Yes, human life is a continuum from conception to natural death.

As a reminder of your tremendous challenges that will focus your attention for the days to come, here is a profound statement from a former dedicated American and co-author and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

"Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Your favor and glad to do Your will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought forth out of many kindreds and tongues. Endow with Your spirit of wisdom those whom in Your name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Your law, we may show forth Your praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in You to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen"
(Thomas Jefferson, Washington, D.C., March 4, 1801)

We pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, ONE NATION UNDER GOD with liberty and justice for all. IN GOD WE TRUST is your pledge as you accept this most awesome responsibility of President-Elect of the United States of America. CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES ON YOUR RECENT LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT SUCCESS! YOU DID IT! (100 PERCENT)

GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES, AMERICA!

For the past two years, we have witnessed the most expensive drive for candidates to run for the top job in the United States...THE PRESIDENCY. Can you imagine what more than ONE BILLION DOLLARS ALONE BY ONE CANDIDATE could feed the whole African Continent especially in the poorest regions? What a waste of resources to BUY VOTES to impose a special brand of SOCIALISM on the rest of a FREE COUNTRY! Yes, America, CHANGES ARE COMING, but not what you have been PROMISED...To give permission by your voting to political candidates who prefer a government that will SPEND, SPEND, SPEND...AND TAX, TAX, TAX without any accountability is a travesty and an injustice to honest, conscientious American patriots.

YES, AMERICA, GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY BEFORE YOU CAST YOUR VOTE FOR ANY OF THE POLITICAL CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFFICE AT THE LOCAL, COUNTY, STATE, AND NATIONAL LEVELS. Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to determine and to discern what would be best for a Judeo-Christian Country. For all full-time Judeo-Christians, there is no room for a philosophy that allows the most vulnerable and the most innocent human beings to be killed because of their age, residency, and state of dependency. What good is better health care, better economic conditions, better education for all citizens, and better safety programs if our basic premise is: WE DENY HUMAN LIFE BECAUSE THE UNBORN BABY IS INCONVENIENT AND TOO EXPENSIVE TO CARE FOR. WE ALLOW SO-CALLED PROFESSIONALS TO DICTATE THEIR WAY OF LIFE AND THEIR NEGATIVE PHILOSOPHIES TO EXIST AND TO BE PREVALENT FOR THE HELP OF THE "POOR PEOPLE" AND THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE MEANS TO RAISE A HUMAN LIFE, BUT PREFER TO BE SELFISH IN THE DECISIONS FOR ANOTHER INNOCENT HUMAN BEING.

America, beware of what you are doing when you allow worldly desires to influence your judgments. You are playing "god" by your actions and ignoring the Uncaused Cause who is the origin of all human life. This is a CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE that is being ignored at the rate of 4,000 elective abortions each day performed by a multi-billion industry that is minimally regulated and ABUNDANTLY FINANCED by all sorts of funding. CONTROLLING POPULATION GROWTH is the means of the ELITISTS who prefer to CONTROL ECONOMIES and strongly influence political circles. IN ALL ELECTIVE ABORTIONS, A BABY DIES! Human life is a continuum from conception to natural death.

Be prepared, America, to pay the price for your ignorance and your apathy with this most vital concern...the price so far: 50,000,000 plus elective abortions since 1973. In 2008, the Democratic Party has endorsed the Supreme Court decision to abort innocent unborn babies legally without the consent of the parents for minor girls. How many women today are regretting the decision that they made in the past because no one was there to assist these women with good information and empathy and support. But the abortionists have profitted from their daily activities without any ethical or moral implications to make them think differently.

History has proven that civilizations that mistreats any segment of its society will soon crumble from within. We have no fear of terrorists since the terrorists are already here among us to destroy us one person at a time. RISE UP, AMERICA, AND STAND FIRM FOR HUMAN LIFE. GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES, AMERICA, AND ASK FOR FORGIVENESS FROM THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE. IN GOD WE TRUST IS STILL OUR MOTTO! Allowing the EGO (EASING GOD OUT) from our daily lives has weakened our resistance to the 21st Century crime....EACH HUMAN LIFE IS PRICELESS because GOD DOES NOT MAKE JUNK! Pray for the Conversion of the United States to the Judeo-Chritian values that once made us a proud nation, ONE NATION UNDER GOD WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. CHOOSE LIFE, AMERICA!

If you vote for a political candidates that support killing innocent unborn babies, you are voting for an atheistic approach to solving social challenges. You are voting for CHANGE that will destroy our Nation, one person at a time without any thought of showing LOVE for the least of God's wonderful creatures.
TO AIR, CARE, SHARE, AND BEAR means to live up to your civic responsibility to select political candidates that have a sound moral and ethical code of values.
YOUR VOTE WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN IMPROVING THE NATION'S ENVIRONMENT OF WONDERFUL HUMAN RESOURCES AND FOR ALL AMERICANS! GOD BLESS AMERICA, AND AMERICA, BLESS GOD!

POSITIVE ACHIEVEMENT STIFLED BY AGE AND GENDER BIAS

Although much has been improved over the last forty years or so regarding the age and gender bias, there is much still to be accomplished to encourage individuals to maximize their total potential as a human being especially for the very young and the very matured in age. In addition, there have been "glass ceilings" that have been broken to open up opportunities for women who want to achieve their life's goals through their effective use of time, talents, and treasures. However, in this arena there is a long way to go to encourage women to strive to succeed in the typical "man dominated" environments. Assertiveness has proven to be a valuable asset to accelerate the process in the long run. In addition, effective communication skills and interpersonal skills have helped women who already know how to effectively multi-task better than their male counterpart. When you want the job to be done correct, ask a woman.

Our Country's attitude toward age on both ends of the spectrum have a long way to go to return RESPECT for the unborn as well as the extremely elderly, dependent person of advanced age and maturity. RESPECT means to convert the attitude of a "throwaway mentality" to preserving the value of each unique human being from conception to natural death with RESPECTFUL DIGNITY and SACREDNESS. When a Country like the United States of America elects to abort more than 50,000,000 unborn babies during the past 35 years through humanly constructed laws, the negative attitude is contrary to any DIVINE law that says: "EACH UNIQUE HUMAN BEING HAS A RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS." When this attitude exists on one spectrum of human life, the effect impacts the other end of the spectrum that encourages euthanasia as a way of creating the so-called "death with dignity" or mercy killing. ONLY GOD HAS THE RIGHT TO GIVE HUMAN LIFE AND TO TAKE HUMAN LIFE as the third party in creating each HUMAN LIFE.

Women have found themselves the targets of "pornography" as a way of distorting the beauty of each woman. Women have found that men demean women through their conversations, their attitudes of selfishness, and their ways of creating women as second-class citizens. Look at the criminal statistics regarding forcible rape...about 90 percent against women...Look at the criminal statistics regarding domestic violence by live-in boyfriends and some spouses...about 90 percent against women. Look at the creation of executive positions for women...about 20 percent or close to that figure. Look at the way we look at women homemakers who choose to be stay-at-home mothers, they are considered to be non-contributors to the economy and to society. Imagine what women are going through who desire a sizable family by choosing to have more than two children...going against zero population growth by the myth makers.We need to return to a RESPECT FOR WOMANHOOD that God intended a woman to be. We find many examples of WOMANHOOD in Scripture, in Tradition, and in many cultures. Here is a verse that my research has found over the years:

"Woman was made from the rib of man; she was not created from his head--to top him nor from his feet--to be stepped upon."

"Woman was made from his side--to be equal to him: from beneath his arm--to be protected by him: near his heart--TO BE LOVED BY HIM."

When we return to a love that transcends animal love and human love, we will find the divine love that says: WE ARE MADE IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD. IN GOD WE TRUST. "FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE, BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE." Remember that OCTOBER IS RESPECT HUMAN LIFE MONTH!

PRAYERS FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

During the next nine days prior to November 4, 2008, ELECTION DAY, our prayers and sacrifices will be offered for the conversion of the United States of America to come back to the moral and ethical values that once made our Country the best in the world. With all of the negativism during the last two years of the Presidential Elections and the inactions of the leadership in the Congress of the United States of America during the last two years, our attention needs to come back to the basic moral and ethical values that our Declaration of Independence embodies. The change that some want in our Country is NOT really a change but a deliverance and a retreat. YOU SHOULD FEEL PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! There are those who want to take away our basic freedoms and enslave our rights to ownership by controlling the basic factors of production that makes our American enterprise prosper and flourish. OUR PROBLEM IS THAT TOO MANY LAWYERS ARE PROMOTING THEIR OWN VISION IN THE PUBLIC ARENA AND TAKING GOD OUT OF THE PICTURE WITH THEIR OWN AGENDA.

The American People deserve a better representation to encourage the process of proceeding with the challenges that the daily LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT requests and demands of all Americans. On one hand, we may say we don't won't to change for the better; and on the other hand, after much thought and positive attention, we find the means to achieve a 100 percent achievement level. TOO MANY PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE SELFISH AND ARE FORGETTING THEIR CONSTITUENCY. PRAY THAT THESE OFFICIALS WILL FIND THE ERRORS OF THEIR WAYS AND REPENT AND REFORM THEIR WAYS.

Pray for the Conversion of the United States of America to live the way our Creator designed for us to live in His peace, joy, and love. GOD HAS ALREADY BLESSED AMERICA...NOW THE TIME HAS COME TO BLESS GOD...IN GOD WE TRUST...not in secular humanism, not in liberal socialism or worse, not in destroying innocent human life at the rate of 4,000 unborn babies a day, not in ignoring the poor, the handicapped, the oppressed, the lonely, the forgotten, the homeless, the elderly, the youth, the sick....

OPEN YOUR ARMS AMERICA AND START TO SHOW THE LOVE THAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF SHOWING BY BEING THERE FOR OTHERS IN THEIR TIME OF NEED. Stop supporting so-called agents of change who have their own self-interest at heart. PROMISES, PROMISES, PROMISES...ALL EMPTY PROMISES...HISTORY SHOULD BE OUR REMINDER. There is nothing in this world that is free; freedom comes with a price...sometimes a serious deadly price...sometimes with deception to even the gullible and the most intelligent....ONLY GOD HAS MADE PROMISES THAT HAVE BEEN KEPT OVER THE MANY CENTURIES. HIS PROMISE: "I WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS UNTIL THE END OF TIME." IN GOD WE TRUST IS OUR RALLYING CRY TO TRUE FREEDOM, TRUE PEACE, AND TRUE LOVE.

WELCOME WORLD SERIES 2008 -- ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

Tonight, the first game of the 2008 World Series will take place at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The TEAMS are the TAMPA BAY RAYS VS. the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES. Each TEAM has survived their tests in their respective leagues to gain the opportunity to play in this year's World Series Spectacular. Both TEAMS have displayed their desire, dedication, determination, discipline, discernment, diplomacy, and their trust in one another as a TEAM to accomplish this special LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT. For one TEAM, THE TAMPA BAY RAYS, they went from LAST in 2007 to FIRST in 2008 in the AMERICAN LEAGUE. The PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES played in the World Series in the 90s by representing the NATIONAL LEAGUE. Each TEAM (TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE) will show why they have been successful during their 2008 Baseball season. Both TEAM Managers have given the positive tone of ENTHUSIASM during the course of this season. CONGRATULATIONS!

For the fan base, each brings an enormous sense of energy that will be displayed on each play, of each inning, and of each game. For the TAMPA BAY RAYS FANS, this will be their first World Series appearance in their ten-year franchise history. For the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES FANS, they have been there before with a rich history of excitable fans. Ask any Philadelphia native about this sports town history for all of the sports in Philadelphia. As a Philadelphia native myself, my loyalties will be divided for both the TAMPA BAY RAYS and for the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES since my 29 years residency in Florida attests. MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN THE WORLD SERIES. BOTH ARE WORTHY OF REPRESENTING THEIR RESPECTIVE LEAGUES. GO PHILLY! GO RAYS!

YOU CAN TRUST POLITICIANS TO BE POLITICIANS

Many years ago, a famous author by the name of Shultz wrote a book regarding the infiltration of individuals in controlled governments and economies. His title for his book was, "You can trust communists to be communists." His premise is that when someone has an agenda and a total dedication to that agenda you can expect that person to achieve their goals because of their total control of all facets. These dedication leaders will overwhelm the opposition.

In the next two weeks, the American people will again witness in many varying ways the ways political lawyers running for public office stay the course of their controlled agenda. Yes, "you can trust lawyers to be lawyers." The final outcome of their adventure will be well calculated to achieve a successful conclusion. Control and power are their tools to make the difference. Sometimes manipulating facts and agendas to meet their own purposes solves their thinking of "the ends justifying the means." Say YES when you mean Yes and NO when you mean NO. However, we need more information to state a better case.

In this election year, two presidential candidates are vying for the same goal: TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS. For a seasoned diplomat, the approach is to disarm the advantages that a Ivy League Educated Lawyer has as a smooth, eloquent orator and debater. In obtaining close to ONE BILLION DOLLARS IN CAMPAIGN FINANCING, THIS ILLINOIS SENATOR is buying his way into the minds and hearts of the duped public by his charm and grace. This freshman Senator politician knows how to SPEND other peoples' money by his advertisements in all types of media including the internet, direct mail, phone calls, door-to-door visits, and expensive television advertisements that are misinformation, misconceptions, biases, prejudices, and stereotypes. He avoids anything that would be libel or slander, but that goes with the territory in political circles. If he is elected, this freshman Senator from Illinois will OWE many people for his opportunity to further his liberal, socialistic, secular-humanistic agenda that is shared by many of his colleagues in Congress.

Remember, America, you get what you pay for and what you listen to. Jim Jones was able to lead many people to their unfortunate demise because they were gullible, apathetic, ignorant, and overly committed to the CAUSE of Jim Jones. THEIR FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE for their own lives and the lives of many innocent human beings was eroded by the lies of a MESSIAH that promised them many things, but were unable to deliver the most important promise of all...ETERNAL LIFE. There has ONLY BEEN ONE MESSIAH that has come to this earth to die for all of us; but HE ROSE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY and NOW SITS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER ALMIGHTY...HE IS KING OF KINGS...LORD OF LORDS...and HIS KINGDOM WILL NEVER END. Yes, we can depend on HIS PROMISES because HE SAID: "I WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS UNTIL THE END OF TIME." HE IS THE ONLY WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE!

Remember to vote your conscience on November 4 or before, if you are voting early. REMEMBER TO RESEARCH YOUR CANDIDATES FROM ALL ASPECTS BEFORE MAKING YOUR CHOICE. If what you hear on television, on the radio, read in an email, or receive in the mail is TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, then IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. YOUR LEGAL VOTE WILL COUNT FOR THE POLITICAL CANDIDATES OF YOUR CHOICE. YOUR LIFE MAY DEPEND ON IT!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2008 -- TAMPA BAY RAYS

Congratulations to the TEAM (Together Everyone Achieved More) TAMPA BAY RAYS for winning the American League Championship in 2008! YES, this TEAM illustrates what can be accomplished when working together for a COMMON CAUSE. CONGRATULATIONS ALSO GOES TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THIS WORST TO FIRST AMERICAN LEAGUE TEAM, especially JOE MADDON, who encouraged his TEAM everyday during this DREAM SEASON. His persevering, positive attitude made the difference in the QUALITY and PERFORMANCE of his TAMPA BAY RAYS. Your TEAM, Manager Joe Maddon, faced ups and downs all season long; but you always BELIEVED in YOUR TEAM because you saw their DESIRE, DEDICATION, DETERMINATION, DISCIPLINE, DIGNITY, DISCERNMENT, AND DISCRETION in performing their TEAM-ASSIGNED RESPONSIBILITIES. WE ARE ALL LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ACHIEVE THE NEXT CHALLENGE....WORLD CHAMPIONS IN 2008!

ALSO, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PERSEVERING TAMPA BAY FANS who supported their TEAM in their quest to climb the LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT and be able to say...WE DID IT! WE GAVE OUR 100 PERCENT PLUS! TAMPA BAY RAYS BASEBALL TEAM...YOUR FANS APPRECIATE YOUR GIFT TO THEM!

PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGES AND PROMISING FUTURE HOPES

For the two major candidates running for the President of the United States in this election year, there seems to be varying distinguishing characteristics that make the choice more challenging than ever before. Here is a partial listing of some of the marks and caricatures that represent these two candidates:

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE/ REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Freshman, political Senator - Illinois (D)

Mature, experienced, veteran Senator - Arizona (R)

Inexperience in leadership positions (D)

Experienced, diplomatic Senator (R)

Partisan Politician (D)

Multi-partisan Diplomat (R)

Community activist (D)

Combat veteran and Prisoner of War (R)

Liberal, socialistic dictator (D)

Laissez Faire Entrepreneur (R)

Pro-Abortion, companionship advocate (D)

Pro-Life, Pro-Family Supporter (R)

100 percent Liberal voting record in Senate (D)

Balanced voting record (R)

Ivy League graduate (D)

Naval Academy graduate (R)

Non-military experience (D)

Distinguished military career (R)

Debater, Exemplary Orator (D)

Action oriented for constituency and grassroots' supporters (R)

Limited Foreign Affairs experience (D)

Extensive Foreign Affairs rapport (R)

Illegal immigration sympathizer (D)

Advocate of legal immigration and
citizenship requirements (R)

Lax on terrorists and their causes (D)

Strong on fight against terrorism (R)

Willing to retreat from combats (D)

Advocate for winning trust in war and gaining respect (R)

Spender of mass revenues for election campaign (D)

Selected limited resources in honor (R)

Desires mass federal spending and taxation to fund federal spending (D)

Supports the free enterprise way of bringing about jobs (R)

There are many more comparisons that may be made for each candidate running for the office of President of the United States in 2008. However, you can add or subtract those characteristics that will give our Country a TRUE LEADER THAT WE CAN BE PROUD TO CALL....PRESIDENT. VOTE LEGALLY ON 11/4/08.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROMISES...2008

Before and on November 4, 2008, many registered voters will be voting for the very first time. Others will be voting for their eighth or more times in their lifetime for the President of the United States of America. Whatever choice they make in this year's voting will make the difference for the next 20 years or more. The impact will be felt within the next two or three years by the prevailing social/economic philosophy that Congress will control to the dismay or the applause of the constituency. The ongoing attitudes of control at all costs will be taken over by a socialistic, dictatorship on one hand or a free-enterprise, balanced economic approach on the other hand. IF YOU ARE POLITICALLY FREE, YOU ARE ECONOMICALLY FREE; IF YOU ARE POLITICALLY CONTROLLED, YOU ARE ECONOMICALLY CONTROLLED. THINK ABOUT IT!

Whoever wants to BUY THE PRESIDENCY BY $$$$$$$$$$$$$ may find out the PRICE TAG for that purchase in the long run. Whoever wants to be a servant to the American people by their selfless service will hold a PRICELESS legacy. In the end, the American Voter is the one responsible for making that choice when they enter the voting booth. For some voters, GOD DOES NOT EXIST; and therefore, their APATHY will be their reward and their doom. For some voters, GOD ONLY EXISTS FOR ONE HOUR A WEEK FOR THEM; therefore, the other 167 hours for these voters means that they only care about their self-interest without any concern for the welfare of others. For some voters, GOD EXISTS FOR 168 HOURS A WEEK; and therefore, their positive attitude will consider all of the information and research that will bring quality of life for all concerned. Their positive achievements will propel their enthusiasm to turn this dark time in our lives into a more fitting, effective environment with the help of GOD'S ASSISTANCE. IN GOD WE TRUST is their rallying cry.

The decision is in the hands of the legal American, registered and authentic voters of our United States of America. May God bless all of the voters of this wonderful country to discover the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE that really matters in their life. PRAY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to find the values that are consistent with the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, the BILL OF RIGHTS, and the United States CONSTITUTION as was originally intended. YOUR VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4 IS YOUR BATTLE CRY FOR YOUR PERSONAL FREEDOM, FOR YOUR PERSONAL OWNERSHIP, AND FOR YOUR GOD-GIVEN TIME, TALENTS, AND TREASURES THAT WILL BE USED FOR THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THIS GREAT NATION...GOD'S WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN! YOUR VOTE ALWAYS COUNTS!

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT ON THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

With all of the hype on the outcome of the National Election on November 4, the national news media is already gearing up for a short election night because they have endorsed a presidential candidate that they have decided will be the President-Elect. Imagine how these individuals can sleep each night knowing that they have swayed the National Election in their favor since they basically control the Eastern Establishment of the United States of America and in other areas of our Great Nation. Are we, as Americans, going to be in for a "rough ride during the next four years?" With a Democratically controlled Congress and a Democratic President in the White House, the presumption is that all of the socialistic policies that were shortchanged during the past eight years will be become reality by a "rubber stamping" that would make the Roosevelt era seem like ancient history and un-eventful especially during his reign during the "Great Depression." His promise to keep Americans out of the war in the late 30s and early 40s became a matter of history.

Time will tell whether an inexperienced and untested, first term Senator from Illinois will be able to survive the challenges of the next four years. With very little military know how in actual participation and combat experience, this Senator will have his credibility tested often by the veterans and the current leadership of the military. Again, even Harry Truman stated that "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." Lee Iacocca simply put it bluntly: "Lead, follow, or get out of the way." With more and more nationalization of private ownership in many sectors, the socialist liberals will have a field day in expanding their taxing methods to accomplish their socialist, liberal philosophies at the expense of the American taxpayer. LET THE VOTER BEWARE....LET THE BUYER BEWARE....IF IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. BY THEIR FRUITS YOU WILL KNOW THEM.

Now is the time for all good men and women to come to.....God has certainly blessed this wonderful country of ours even in difficult times and circumstances. However, this Nation has drifted away from respecting the gifts that God has blessed this Country over the years. Unless we get down on our knees in prayer, our Country is in for a "rough ride" if we continue to listen and to respond to the atheistic and apathetic atmospheres that we have allowed to occur because of tepidity, greed, lust, avarice, and all of the deadly vices that have been allowed to exit because we lost our pride and patriotism over economic challenges.

America needs to BLESS GOD especially during our most challenging dilemmas that are unraveling in this United States of America. We need Faith, Hope, and Love...and the greatest of these is LOVE...GOD'S LOVE which is beyond all human understanding and comprehension. WE NEED PRAYERS TO REQUEST FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in the days and years to come...to be a fitting witness and example of what it means to live the Golden Rule. LOVING GOD AND LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR AS WE LOVE OURSELVES takes prayer power beyond our current one hour a week. We live 168 hours of our week in GOD'S WONDERFUL PRESENCE. FOR HIS KINGDOM, HIS POWER, HIS GLORY...NOW AND FOREVER...AMEN!

Let your conscience be your guide when you cast your vote this November 4. Ignore the hype, the biased news media, the misinformation, the polls, and the prejudiced commentators...USE YOUR OWN JUDGMENT....THINK FOR YOURSELF...LIVE WITH WHATEVER CHOICE YOU MAKE...FOR BETTER, FOR WORSE, FOR RICHER, FOR POORER, IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH, UNTIL DEATH DO YOU PART. The life you save may be your own and your neighbor's.