Saturday, December 31, 2011

ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIASTS WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR .....2012

As the closing moments of 2011 become history, may we be aware of all that we have learned and all that we have accomplished in the last 365 days. As Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts, we realize the value and the dignity of each person that we have met for the first time and for all of the strangers that have become our friends because of our positive attitudes towards life and love.

In 2012, we hope to discover who we are, what are we doing in our environments, and where are we going ultimately. In a very special poem entitled, "A Place For Me" by Grace E. Easley, Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts will fully understand the meaning for this special poem for 2012.

"A Place For Me"

"There is a special place in life that needs my humble skill. A certain job I'm meant to do, nobody else can fill. The hours are demanding, and the pay is not too good; and yet, I wouldn't change it for a moment, if I could.

"There is a special place in life, a goal I must attain, a dream that I must follow, for I won't be back again. There is a mark that I must leave, however small it be, a legacy of love for those who follow after me.

"There is a special place in life that only I may share, a little path that bears my name, awaiting me somewhere. There is a hand that I must hold, a word that I must say, a smile that I must give, for there are tears to blot away.

"There is a special place in life that I was meant to fill, a sunny spot where flowers grow upon a windy hill. There is always a tomorrow, and the best is yet to be, and somewhere in this world I know there is a place for me!"

From all Achievement Ladder Enthusiasts throughout this world, may you have a Happy and Prosperous Holy New Year and find your special place in life that is your legacy for all of your friends and loved ones. WELCOME, 2012!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

YES, IT IS ALL RIGHT TO SAY, "MARY CHRISTMAS"

For so many years, Christ was taken 0ut of Christmas as the world and its secular approach to being "politically correct" influenced many people of good will. Today, the time has come to recognize the "First Holy Family" in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph who were Jewish faithful persons who lived in extreme economical conditions. However, these Holy persons accepted the Will of God in their lives by living ordinary exemplary examples in an extraordinary way. Their "First Christmas" was an exceptionally challenging situation since they were being occupied by foreign rulers and troops who gave their allegiances to Rome. Nevertheless, this special Holy Family was following God's promise to His people that a Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Many prophets foretold the coming of Emmanuel, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Even innocent children who were two years and younger were martyred because the king at that time felt threatened by the possibility of his kingship would be challenged. Today, more than two thousand years later, many persons have accepted the notion that elective abortions, being secular legal, kill innocent unborn babies daily in the name of "reproductive rights" or "an inconvenience" in a throwaway mentality promoted by socially elected and unelected officials. Human life is a continuum from conception to natural death by those who respect and honor the dignity of each human life. Although the socially-moved individuals push an agenda of human rights, these individuals are unable to touch the "soul" of each innocent unborn and born human beings who suffer each day a death to the "physical body." Yes, each human life is precious and deserving of total sacredness and dignity at all stages of human development. In America alone, more than 60,000,000 unborn babies have been destroyed because of the legality of protecting "reproductive rights" since 1973.

Image if these persons who received elective abortions for whatever reasons were given a chance to live a life with love, there may have been many new ideas that could have benefited other Americans since 1973. Amanda Bradley in a verse that captured my attention many years ago, expressed her thoughts in the following verse entitled, "Only One Life,"

"It only takes one smile to offer welcome; blessed be the person who will share it.
"It only takes one moment to be helpful; blessed be the person who will spare it.
"It only takes one word to lend real comfort; blessed be the person who will speak it.
"It only takes one truth to light the darkness; blessed be the person who will seek it.
"It only takes one word to lift a spirit; blessed be the person who will give it.
"It only takes one life to make a difference; blessed be the person who will live it."

During these days of celebrating many cultural holidays, let us remember the reason for the season...THE FIRST FAMILY OF CHRISTMAS...Jesus, Mary, and Joseph...Yes, for this cultural celebration, saying "Mary Christmas with Joseph" is all right to say; and saying Mary Christmas because Joseph was a Just Man is also a way of honoring and respecting the First Family of Christmas!"