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!