Thursday, December 31, 2009

ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIASTS REMEMBER 2009 AND LOOK FORWARD TO 2010!

Although this is the last day of 2009, Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts worldwide will remember the many changes that have occurred during 2009 that will have impact for the future generations of Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts. Some of those changes were in governments around the globe that have emerged as catalysts for reformation rather than for transformation. More and more governments have seized control through power hungry enhanced leaders who wanted total control over all of the individual choices made by their constituency. Many of the elected representatives have decided to choose selfish returns and deals in order to appease the masses of uninformed and misguided elitists. Many have sold out their ethics and morals to gain a "worldly" gain at the expense of the "innocent" victims of social injustice and apathy. However, on a lighter note, 2009 indicated a surge of "grass roots" commitments to turn a 360 degree on the truths that have made humanity free from tyranny for many generations. The dedicated "underground" Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts will continue their vigilance in making "freedom" from unwanted terrorists, both domestic and foreign, a reality in days and years to come in spite of the lack of effort by bureaucrats.
The positive thrust into 2010 is a renewed challenge for all Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts. The focus on the holistic intelligences that have made countries throughout the world worthy of honor, respect, dignity, and courage will be encouraged and enhanced by a new dedication for growing as a total person to maximize the effective use of time, talents, and treasures to bring about a transformation in multiple dimensions. The world, the flesh, and the demonic presence will be challenged by a networking, partnering, and collaborating entities that will seek a stronger and solid transformation that seeks the Way, the Truth, and the Life for the Kingdom that is not of this world. This Kingdom will last forever. The Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts will intensify their daily efforts to grow in holiness, to enhance their formation, and to rediscover the evangelistic opportunities that metanoia encourages from each dedicated A.L.E. The weekly groupings and the monthly perseverance opportunities will give the momentum into a new enlightenment that will transcend the mundane and will focus on the transformation process.
May each Achievement Ladder Enthusiast throughout the world rediscover the Eucharistic presence that has always been in evidence but has been overlooked for the transitory distractions. The allegiance will again be focused on the eternal and on the divine presence within our midst. "I will be with you always until the end of time." This assurance is one promise that is always trustworthy going into 2010. Let us live as He lived in 2010!

Commentary: Contend for the Future by Setting Freedom Free - Catholic Online

Commentary: Contend for the Future by Setting Freedom Free - Catholic Online

Eagle Forum Blog

Eagle Forum Blog

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO AN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIAST

On December 30, 1998, a very special person was called by Our Heavenly Father to a resting place in eternity. He is remembered today as the inspiration in my life in so many dimensions. He was a gentle man, an honorable human being, a loving husband, a loving Dad, a friend, a confidant, and a man for all seasons. He loved life, and he always had a sense of humor that helped to resolve many critical disputes with all those persons that had the pleasure of meeting him. He was a very spiritual person who had a living faith beyond comprehension. He walked his talk with consistency. He always had time for everyone. He remembered everyone's birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and New Years' reminders. He was in love with his city, the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although he was orphaned at a very early age, he knew how to dispense love in multiple ways including the many strangers who made his acquaintance. He loved playing cards especially poker and rummy. He loved sports of all kinds. He was a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Mummers Association and Parade even though he was unable to perform as an adult. He encouraged others to get involved including my younger brother who played the banjo for an award-winning String Band, the Fralinger String Band. He loved to play darts as a southpaw, and he could have won many dart tournaments but he declined the many invitations. He never owned a home; he never owned a car; but he always gave of his treasures for 30 years with his love of sending good wishes for others including his own family and their extended families. He did not need a computer to organize the information. His computer was attached to him. Although he completed only the fifth grade, he would run circles around PHDs with his common sense approach. He lived the Ladder of Achievement every day of his mortal life. He climbed up and down that Ladder for 87 years. He accomplished a lifetime legacy by being a loving Dad, a loving husband, and a man of courage.
THANK YOU, DAD, FOR THE GIFTS OF LIFE AND LOVE. YES, DAD, IT IS GREAT TO BE ALIVE AND TO HAVE EVERYONE IN OUR FAMILY RETURN THEIR LOVE TO YOU. Matthew Patrick Hillen is living eternal life with the Holy Trinity and the loving Mother Mary. He is with all of the Saints whom he touched here on earth. Yes, Dad, you went from one "throne to another throne." May you and all of the rest of the faithful departed through the mercy of God REST IN PEACE. I LOVE YOU, DAD! YOU ARE THE BEST ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIAST THAT I HAVE EVER KNOWN!

Monday, December 28, 2009

ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIASTS REMEMBER THE HOLY INNOCENTS OF WAR, DOMESTIC ABUSE, STARVATION, AND ELECTIVE ABORTIONS

Yesterday, my adventures gave me an opportunity to view a recent movie entitled, "Blind Side." This movie was based on a real life story that eventually had a successful path for an Achievement Ladder Enthusiast who assisted an abused young man from the terrors of the "extreme ghetto atmosphere" that often claims many innocent human lives through numerous illegal activities. Imagine the impact if more Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts would STAND UP and be their BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S friend without any strings being attached to the charity donated. In the news every day we hear of the HOLY INNOCENTS who are victims of WAR, DOMESTIC ABUSE, STARVATION, PERVERSION, AND ELECTIVE ABORTIONS.

Unfortunately, these HOLY INNOCENTS do not have a voice in what is happening in their lives unless COURAGEOUS ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIASTS TAKE A STAND AND SPEAK UP FOR THE HOLY INNOCENTS. How many innocent children are starved to death because their legal guardians are unwilling to live up to their responsibilities of being a parent? How many domestic violent situations impact the innocence of children who are unable to defend themselves from the horrors of parental abuse and are scarred for life? How many innocent children are orphaned because of war torn areas that take away their loving parents and neighbors? How many innocent children are tricked by unscrupulous adults into performing acts that are animalistic in nature and heinous at best? How many innocent babies are killed in the womb because their mothers received inadequate information and misleading pressures by multi-billion businesses that make PRO-CHOICE a PRO-DEATH decision? How many innocent children are deprived of an opportunity to receive quality education because of the laxity and the lack of any dedication by uncaring professionals? Yes, the HOLY INNOCENTS of our current generation deserve much better care and understanding than the extreme situations that have been cited. If Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts really want to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in their unique environments, let each A.L.E. be an adult model that airs, cares, shares, and bears the "wounds" that innocent children are carrying as unnecessary burdens in their life.

Today is the tomorrow that we thought about yesterday. Let us begin NOW to take on the responsibility of being Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts that will be the authentic leaders that these HOLY INNOCENTS have been waiting to find in their lives. "Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life. Guard it well!" (Proverbs 4:13)

Sunday, December 27, 2009

ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIASTS TREASURE THEIR SPECIAL FAMILY SPIRIT

In a world that prides itself on the value of family life, there seems to be an inconsistent movement to discredit the priceless value of anything that resembles the true meaning of a family commitment. Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts focus on providing a genuine support of all family concerns that would in any way undermind the common thread that keeps families together. In some families the answer is "a family that prays together, stays together." In other families the answer is "open communication at all levels" to bring about a sincere understanding of the nature of each member of the family. In yet other families, the concentration on "rugged individualism" with modern technological devices divorces family members from really listening to one another with compassion and with sincerity.
Why are there so many attacks on family life? Why are there so many challenges to the functions of the family members to reach harmony rather than be disfunctional in critical areas of basic endeavors? The answers are different for various reasons depending on the makeup of the basic unit of society: THE FAMILY! Even when individuals are asked about the meaning of what it is to be a family, the different notions are mystifying to say the least. Are we losing the value of what a family is?
More than 2000 years ago, a small family was noticed in a very small town by those who work in the fields as shepherds. These shepherds were given directions by following a star shining in the East as revealed to them by heavenly angels. In far off lands, royal persons were reading the stars and they were attracted to follow that same star to the same locations as the shepherds. These royal ambassadors brought gifts to honor the presence of a HOLY FAMILY who were seeking shelter in a stable since there was no room for this SPECIAL FAMILY in the Inn. The HOLY FAMILY were greeted by songs of angels, honored and reverenced by royalty from the East, and respected by the local shepherds attending their flock in the fields. There were prophets that had foretold the coming of a Messiah, of a Redeemer, of a God-man, of a Friend who would save His people by His Love. His HOLY FAMILY was Mary, Joseph, and himself, EMMANUEL, GOD IS WITH US! He came as a tiny baby, grew to be a young man, and then spent three years evangelizing about the COMING OF THE KINGDOM, HIS KINGDOM! "If you Love Me, you will also Love My Father who sent me to you." "My Kingdom is not of this world. My Kingdom will never end. I will be with you all days until the end of the world."
With all of the committed Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts who believe in the essential value, unique dignity, and sacredness of each family unit in society let us STAND UP and be PROUD OF OUR FAMILY that gave us life and love as we began our mission on this earth. In addition, let each family RENEW, REJOICE, RESPECT, RECONCILE, RECONNECT, AND REMEMBER the sacredness and the unique value of each family member from conception to natural death. Each innocent human life is priceless in all stages of development, born and unborn. Let us continue to value the value of each family member no matter what age, sex, national origin, race, religion, dependency, language, cultural diversity, and holistic intelligences. "Whatever you do to the least of Mine, you do to ME." Let our FAMILY SPIRIT CONTINUE TO GROW in the world of ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIASTS who want to maximize the potential of each family member. Let our rallying cry be: "THANKS, MOM AND DAD, FOR THE GIFTS OF LIFE AND LOVE...IT IS GREAT TO BE ALIVE AND TO BE A SPECIAL GIFT TO OUR FAMILY." LET OUR SOCIAL JUSTICE CONCERNS PRESERVE THE FAMILY!

Feast of the Holy Innocents: No to Funding Abortion in Health Care. Stop Killing Children! - Catholic Online

Feast of the Holy Innocents: No to Funding Abortion in Health Care. Stop Killing Children! - Catholic Online

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Opinion: The Senate Health Care Legislation Does Not Protect Children in the Womb. - Catholic Online

Opinion: The Senate Health Care Legislation Does Not Protect Children in the Womb. - Catholic Online

Video: The Senate Health Care Vote - In Case You Want To Remember Names

Video: The Senate Health Care Vote - In Case You Want To Remember Names

AN ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIAST'S SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISH!

Today is the 70th Birthday of a special Achievement Ladder Enthusiast who makes the most of each day by giving to others his special time, talents, and treasures. He is the marketer's marketer who knows how to market any product or service with exemplary precision and innovation. His creative talents gives him an edge over many competitors who think they know how to get attention, create the desire, develop the interest, obtain the conviction, and then pursue the action that will complete any challenging sale. He is an entrepreneur and an intrapreneur who has developed transfer skills that benefit each and every customer and client that makes his acquaintance. He has worked with many managers and owners over the years. These managers and owners often saw the value of his desire, dedication, and determination in giving only the BEST and the MOST POSITIVE approach in satisfying returning clients and customers. He is a tremendous sports enthusiast in his region, and an avid music critic and entertainer who knows the values of the music spectrum in multiple dimensions. His exceptional concern for the American public would be seriously wasted in the realm of politics because his ethics and sound judgment would avoid any disdain for the common person whom he values to the maximum. He is a gentleman and an honorable person who respects the values of others even when they differ from his own values and judgments. Today we wish my brother, Rich, the happiest and best BIRTHDAY EVER...May God continue to bless you and keep you in His loving care and guidance...now and forever. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RICH. GOD LOVES YOU!

Friday, December 25, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIASTS WORLDWIDE....

Before we close the date of December 25, 2009, on this wonderful Christmas Day that is celebrated by Christians throughout the world, let us recognize the humility, the courage, and the heroics of the many Christians in parts of the world that suffer persecution for living their Christian heritage. Many Achievement Ladder Spiritual Enthusiasts are questioned about their faith and their traditions and are often put to death in martyrdom for their living faith in Jesus Christ, our Messiah, our Redeemer, our Emmanuel...God is with us! For the freedom to express our living faith in the written Word of God through the Sacred Scriptures and in living our Christian Traditions and Customs that have roots to the Birthday of Jesus Christ more than 2000 years ago. There have been many martyrdoms over the centuries for our Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts who were unafraid to express and to live their faith through their actions. The saying goes, "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" In being followers of Jesus Christ down through the centuries, Christians have had to "hide" their opportunties to expressing their faith in action because of "human respect." Today is a reminder that Jesus Christ came that we might have LIFE and have that LIFE in abundance. Jesus Christ is the Only Way, the Only Truth, and the Only Life that we can count on because of His Promises during His lifetime and throughout the centuries. "By their fruits you shall know know who is with Jesus and who is against Jesus. You are either with Him and you are against Him. You and I are unable to serve TWO MASTERS. CHOOSE JESUS...ACCEPT JESUS...JESUS IS COUNTING ON US...AND WE ARE COUNTING ON JESUS. For all Achievement Ladder Spiritual Enthusiasts who live their 100 percent commitment to their faith, their hope, and the LOVE OF THEIR LIFE...PERSEVERE TO THE END....HIS KINGDOM COME, HIS WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN!

A CHILD IS BORN TO US, A SON IS GIVEN TO US, JESUS CHRIST, OUR MESSIAH AND REDEEMER....MARY CHRISTMAS

Today we celebrate the Birthday of Jesus Christ born more than 2000 years ago. He came that we might have LIFE...and have that LIFE in abundance. He came into a HOLY FAMILY...MARY, HIS MOTHER, AND JOSEPH, HIS FOSTER FATHER. JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH ARE THE HOLY FAMILY OF BETHLEHEM...He came as an INNOCENT BABY, born of a Virgin and protected by a JUST MAN! His birth changed the world forever! His mission was to die that we may have LIFE...ETERNAL LIFE....And His legacy continues today through the EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION that is celebrated all over the world..."DO THIS IN COMMEMORATION OF ME!....AND I WILL BE WITH YOU UNTIL THE END OF TIME...MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD....MY KINGDOM WILL LAST FOREVER."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS, IN 2009! MAY YOUR PEACE, YOUR JOY, AND YOUR LOVE RADIATE IN OUR LIVING TEMPLES that you will TRANSFORM through your EUCHARISTIC PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES...if we are willing to say, "YES, JESUS, I AM COUNTING ON YOU." He came as EMMANUEL, GOD IS WITH US...He came as MESSIAH, to bring HIS FATHER'S LOVE through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT...He was killed for what he believed...and HE ROSE in three days as He had promised...HIS PROMISES YOU CAN COUNT ON...HIS CHANGES AFFECT OUR ETERNAL LIFE....LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS, the first Christmas, AND LOVE COMES TO ALL OF THOSE WHO ARE OPEN TO RECEIVE HIS LOVE......HE IS THE ONLY WAY, THE ONLY TRUTH, AND THE ONLY LIFE that really matters. LET US BE IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF THE WORLD...Let us be Jesus Christ's DOUBLES...AND HE CONTINUES HIS SALVATION OF ALL SOULS to each unique innocent human being, unborn and born. CHOOSE LIFE...CHOOSE JESUS CHRIST!

LET US ALLOW HIM TO BE OUR EYES, OUR EARS, OUR MOUTH, OUR HEART, OUR MIND, OUR HANDS, OUR FEET AS HE CONTINUES TO BRING LOVE TO THE UNLOVED, THE BROKEN HEARTED, THE HOMELESS, THE NEGLECTED, THE OUTCASTS, THE DISADVANTAGED, AND THE INNOCENT, UNBORN AND BORN CHILDREN...OUR FUTURE! MERRY CHRISTMAS, MARY CHRISTMAS, AND CHRISTMAS IN ALL LANGUAGES AND CUSTOMS...JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH...make our families grow in LOVE, PEACE, AND JOY...today and forever..

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIASTS LOVE THE LOVE OF CHRISTMAS

Receiving a special gift this morning from an Achievement Ladder Enthusiast who works at a local hospital was an expression of love beyond all measure. This person daily radiates the love that Jesus Christ came to bring to this earth more than 2000 years ago. She shared her special verse that is worth sharing with many more prospective Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts who believe in the Love that came down and that will continue to come down at Christmas for all of those honest, innocent, and dedicated persons who are givers rather than takers each year during the Christmas season. Here is the special verse:

"This Christmas....Let's give a little Jesus, a thoughtful word or deed, an act of generosity for someone who is in need. Let's give a little Jesus, to everyone we meet--the salesclerk or the server, the person on the street. Let's give a little Jesus, that's what really counts---not what is spent or bought, or for whom, in what amounts. Let's give a little Jesus to everyone large or small...For Jesus, the Messiah, is the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL!"

Thank you for sharing with all of your friends, co-workers, strangers, and the outcasts the TRUE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS....Yes, LOVE DID COME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS...and LOVE CONTINUES TO RADIATE EACH DAY THROUGH THE COMING YEAR with a simple commitment to LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU...GOD IS LOVE!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS

More than 44 years ago, my music experience was enhanced by participating with The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, which is the city's oldest major chorus totally more than 180 amateur and professional members. The conductor, Russell G. Wichmann, decided during that 58th season to record a Christmas album using the Allegheny Carnegie Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and recording with Columbia Record Productions. The title of the album was, "Love Came Down at Christmas." Christina Rossetti's poem, "Love Came Down at Christmas," was set to music by Leo Sowerby.

The album included the following:
Joy to the World with chorus, organ, brasses and timpani that calls for a new setting of "A Handelian Fanfare." This wonderful selection was a Handel inspired festive carol by Lowell Mason (1830), Boston hymn composer and music educator, Joseph Wilcox Jenkins, of the music faculty at Pittsburgh's Duquesne University. The next selection was "Love Came Down at Christmas with Chorus and strings with an arrangement by Roland Leich of the music faculty at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Institute of Technology. The lyrics of the carol were written by Christina Rossetti in 1885. Here are the lyrics of the carol:

"Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love Divine; Love was born at Christmas,
Stars and Angels gave the sign. Worship we the Godhead, Love Incarnate, Love Divine; Worship we our Jesus: But wherewith for sacred sign? Love shall be our token, Love shall be yours and Love be mine, Love to God and to all men and women, Love for plea and gift and sign."

In addition, The Chorus and the accompanying professional musicians presented A Sequence of Carols; Kolyada, Glory to God; Silent Night; Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; Adeste Fideles; Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming; For unto Us a Child is Born; Christmas, the Year One, A.D.; The Shepherd's Star; Slumber Now Beloved Child; and Glory to God, which was the grand finale of this recorded concert focusing on Ron Nelson's , The Christmas Story. Mendelssohn Choir members would agree with the distinguished composer, William Byrd, who wrote almost 400 years ago: "Since singing is so good a thing, I wish all men and women would learn to sing."

The color photo reproduced on the front jacket of this Christmas album is a reproduction of the Nativity Window in the Heinz Chapel on the University of Pittsburgh Campus. This Nativity Window was given in memory of their grandfather, Henry John Heinz, by H.J.Heinz II; Rust Heinz; Nancy, Dorothy and Clifford S. Heinz, Jr.; Sarah Given Larson and John L. Given, Jr. The recording was recorded October 8th and 9th, 1965, in Allegheny Carnegie Hall, Pittsburgh, PA.

As we commenorate the first coming of Jesus Christ more than 2000 years ago, may we prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ in our lives every day through prayer, penance, and almsgiving during this Advent season and throughout the New Year 2010 as a preparation for the final coming when we meet Jesus Christ face to face in eternity. When we read the inspired Word of God in the Sacred Scriptures, we discover two passages that are closely related. The first passage is John 3:16: "Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him may not die, but may have eternal life." The second passage is I John 4:16: "God is Love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." May all good men and women who really live God's Love in their every day lives, which includes all of the Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts, find His peace, His joy, and His love beyond all measure as we commemorate the BIRTHDAY OF JESUS CHRIST ON CHRISTMAS DAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS! WE TRUST IN YOU, JESUS! MARY CHRISTMAS AND A HOLY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Opinion: This is a ‘Prophetic Moment’ for Pro-Life Politicians - Catholic Online

Opinion: This is a ‘Prophetic Moment’ for Pro-Life Politicians - Catholic Online

EagleForum.org

EagleForum.org

"MARY CHRISTMAS" ...OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, PATRONESS OF THE AMERICAS AND THE UNBORN

Today we celebrate and honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of the Americas and the Patroness of the Unborn. "On a summit of a hill a few miles north of Mexico City, Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego, a poor Aztec Indian convert, in December, 1531. In order that the Spanish Archbishop Zumarraga of Mexico might have faith in the apparitions, Mary made roses bloom on the cold, arid hillside, and impressed a picture of herself upon Juan Diego's roughly woven mantle. Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe has helped to weld into a nation the various peoples of Mexico; and her shrine has never been closed, even during the most bitter conflicts between Church and State in that Country."

"Outside of Mexico City, hundreds of years ago, Mary prepared the way for the Lord so well that 8,000,000 people gave their lives to Jesus Christ in seven years. Mary prepared the way of the Lord by: obeying (I am the servant of the Lord. Let is be done to me as you say); evangelizing (Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town in Judah, where she entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth); prophesying (...the Lord has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. The hungrey He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away); suffering (near the cross of Jesus there stood His Mother); and praying (together they devoted themselves to constant prayer).

Prepare the way of the Lord during this Advent season in remembering the first Christmas by asking the Mother of Jesus, the Lady of Guadalupe to pray for us.....now and at the hour of our death. Let us also prepare for the coming of Jesus for the second coming when we will meet our Savior at our death. The final coming of Jesus, our King and our God, will be in God's good time.
May we prepare others for His coming as Mary did and does with celebrating her, "MARY CHRISTMAS." As our gift to Our Spiritual Mother, let us adopt spiritually an unborn child who may be threatened by possible elective abortion during the next nine months. Although the abortionist may kill and tear apart the body of the unborn baby from the mother's womb, God claims the soul of the unborn child who will live forever in eternity praying for their mother and the uninformed and misguided professionals and individuals regarding the dignity and the sacredness of all human life, born and unborn. May all those who are seeking healing from past elective abortions reach out to a special program entitled, Rachel's Project, for their own peace of mind, of heart, and of soul. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us, intercede for us with God.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Thank you Catholic Bishops! New Catacombs Call for New Catholic Action - Catholic Online

Thank you Catholic Bishops! New Catacombs Call for New Catholic Action - Catholic Online

REMEMBERING AN ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIAST WHO IS NOW IN ETERNITY

Twenty-one years ago, my brother, Paul, went to his eternal reward at the age of 33. Although at the time my brother's passing was extremely difficult for all of those who knew him well, the death was a blessing in disguise. No longer would he be plagued about the separation of himself and his mother who went to her eternal reward when he was in high school. The loss of her motherly concern was most profound on my Dad who went to his eternal reward eleven years ago. Although Dad gave his 100 percent in providing for the needs of my brother, grieving over a loss was most difficult for a very talented young person. Paul learned how to play the banjo while still in high school, and he participated in many Philadelphia Mummers Parades in two different string bands and one fancy division. The Fralinger String Band was his pride and joy and he played well for his fellow band members and for the general public in many parades.
His children carry on his name and his tradition even with challenging aspects in their lives. Paul may you rest in peace for all eternity. You will always be remembered for your radiant smile, your friendly attitude, and your courageous attention in bringing peace, joy, and love to others.
Paul, you have earned the ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIAST AWARD for just being you!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

IDES OF DECEMBER 2009 HONORS THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD

In a season that focuses on the needs of children throughtout the world, we salute the innocent children of the world as they face challenges beyond their expectations. As dependent children count on the adults in their various communities to provide for their daily needs, these same children seem to be at the mercy of selfish adults who consider these children as unwanted. Yes, many adults should refrain from caring for innocent children since these adults avoid responsibilites at all costs. However, many of these naive adults use innocent children to satify their own cravings and unbridled appetites that are sub-human at best. We observe innocent children who are handicapped, homeless, neglected, sexually abused, orphaned, and enslaved. These same innocent children are surrounded by irresponsible adults who overdose on drugs, on alcohol, on gambling, on sexual addiction, and on greedy appetites to "keep up with the Js."
Many responsible adults really do care for the most vunerable children when they give full attention to their homeschooling, to their day-care selections, to the chronically ill and terminally ill, to the gifted, to the exceptionally talented, and to the many other challenges that innocent children are faced with every day of their precious lives. The message that these faithful adults give to the children in their care is a message of love. In assisting these children as they climb up the Ladder of Achievement, these loving adults air, care, share, and bear with these priceless, innocent children who count on these mothers and daddys, on these professional educators, on these professional medical personnel, on their adult leaders in all walks of life, and on their spiritual leaders who live a life of integrity, honor, and courage. Innocent children learn from their adult supervisors, from their traditional parents, and from the many holistic individuals who bring about an aura and an atmosphere of loving considerations.
We applaud all of the Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts International Association members who are currently innocent children waiting for their opportunities to make their mark on the legacy that they wish to leave for others. We are saddened by the loss of more than 50 million innocent unborn children since 1973 in the United States of America. These legions of souls may have been the anticipated leaders that would have discovered better ways to live in a holistic intelligent society that respects the dignity and the sacredness of each human being. For those who escaped the "holocaust of the womb," may these innocent children grow up to be the leaders that this County and this World urgently needs to rediscover and to transform themselves into human beings that honestly respect the human continuum of going from conception to natural death with pride in living faithfully their ethical and moral values and that focuses on a faith, a hope, and a love that transcends the human to an eternal dimension.
Congratulations to all the Children of the World who we honor as our Ides of December 2009 Recognition Award recipients. "A child is born to us...Emmanuel...God is with us."

Monday, December 7, 2009

TODAY WE REMEMBER THOSE ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIASTS WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY WITH COURAGE AND PATRIOTISM

On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked by enemy aircraft as a way of saving face from an oriental point of view. Many men and women died on that "Day of Infamy" and that propelled the United States of America into World War II in Asia as well as Europe. We proudly salute all of those heros that gave their lives for their Country in the face of limited resources but with a courageous spirit unparelled on United States soil. On another occasion, September 11, 2001, another attack brought about a sense of true patriotism when more than 3,000 Americans were killed in plane attacks in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania by 19 terrorists and their many supporters throughout the world. When we wave the flag today, we honor the men and women who bravely offered their innocent lives by both attacks that occured on American soil by enemies of the United States of America. "Let us always remember that true freedom demands sacrifice, honor, bravery, and total dedication to the cause that America will always stand for and be counted as heroic."

May the lessons that we learned in both attacks keep us ever vigilant to those who want to take away our God-given freedoms that have come at such a price. Let us reevaluate our priorities and our belief systems that require a total respect for the dignity and the sacredness of each human being not only in the United States of America but also throughout the whole world. Let us join all of our Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts International Association members in bringing about a peace, a joy, and a love that is above the human level. "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."

Friday, December 4, 2009

ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIASTS MEET THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGES

Have you ever considered the every day "problems" that life brings to be really "opportunities" to prove your unique skills? Many persons seem to be slowed down by "problems" because they view life's ups and downs in a negative manner. Giving up rather than getting up requires a mindset that seeks the positive rather than dwelling on the negative. Some individuals see rain as drowning in their own sorrows; yet, other individuals see the rain as a necessity to growing and nurturing the fruits and vegetables for life's dinner table. Negative thinking begets negative reactions. Positive thinking creates positive proactive decisions. To strive to be the best in any given field of careers means to develop a positive attitude that reaches for the unreachable. For example, a long jumper often extends the desired distance with a "towel" to achieve a new mark; yet, other long jumpers who miss the mark throw in the towel and give up.

In an economy that often runs aground because of many factors that are unexplained and misunderstood, the creative achievement ladder enthusiast brainstorms the many options that will be successful in the long run rather than seek a "bandaid" solution that will temporary at best. Entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs consider "problems" as "challenges" to be accepted and resolved with critical and creative thinking that brings about long range success. To throw "money" at any economic crisis or to place "blame" on other opinionated foes of the past is a way of placating the "challenge" with rhetoric and spin that run come back to haunt all of us in the future.

Deficit financing has been the way of thinking for many economists who like to use the leverage of others' resources to bring about a selfish and greedy gain that is disasterous for the future generations who will need to absorb the "buy now pay later" philosophy that has no merit. Using credit effectively and efficiently means to bring about a TRUST that belongs to each buyer and seller. In addition, the CONFIDENCE that is acquired by this trust multiples itself in resolving the supply-demand complex of every economic and political challenge. All human resources are required to be respected, admired, and accepted in bringing about a long range solution to the many humanist challenges that life deals each one of us.

To maximize each person's time, talents, and treasures to the benefit of the common good, each person has to be respected from the very moment of conception to the very last moment of natural life. In addition, each person deserves to be considered sacred as living temples of the Uncaused Cause who dwells in each one of us from the first moment of human life until eternity. To develop a sense of values, traditions, and customs that are consistent with natural law and in tune with divine law creates the greatest of all challenges.

TO BE ONESELF AND TO ACCEPT OTHERS AS THEY ARE. To be your BEST FRIEND rather than your WORST ENEMY is the first step in creating HOPE in a world that loves despair and depression. Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts consider each day another opportunity to climb the Ladder of Achievement and to learn what was learned from past experiences. To grow as a Confident Learner in a world that ignores uniqueness unless there is profit to be made from selfishness means that numerous traits and characteristics of the unique individual must be cultivated and nurished and respected. To say, "We Made It," or "I made it," means that a person is on their way to a humble yet truthful relationship with the Creator of their environments. Positive growth and development maximizes the Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts' desire to achieve the unachieveable and the impossible. "For nothing is impossible for God." In God we Trust!