SIMBANG GABI....An offshoot of Filipino Spirituality and Western Christianity

One cannot fully grasp the meaning of Simbang Gabi without taking into account richness of the Filipino culture. The Simbang Gabi, which is an ancient Filipino tradition, may not make a lot of sense to some. However, for those who are open to multi-cultural challenges, understanding the spirit of Simbang Gabi would be a good start to generate genuine cultural dialogue in the community. 

The belief system of the ancient Filipino culture always upheld the "Otherness" of God as a Spirit, while maintaining the idea that the immortal souls of their ancestors were mediators between human and the divine. It is interesting to note that when the Spanish missionaries introduced Jesus as the God Incarnate -it was warmly received because it did not undermine the basic theological structure of the native belief system, but rather brought it to completion. The truth of the Son of God becomes the definitive manifestation of Bathalang-Maykapal (God the Creator).

For Filipinos, the incarnation of God is the highlight of each liturgical calendar. The act of God to become human is the most crucial event in human history. As such, for Filipinos, Advent must be celebrated not in abstinent disposition but in a festive atmosphere that contrasts the western way of observing it, which is often characterized by sobriety or contemplation. 

Officially, for Filipinos, Christmas begins on the 16th of December - the first day of the Simbang Gabi novena masses that lasts until the 24th of December. Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, a renowned Filipino liturgist, almost perfectly described this rich tradition when he said that, "For nine consecutive dawns the faithful throughout the country flock to the churches in a festive mood. The Mass itself is anything but sober, contrary to what liturgists normally expect during Advent. The Gloria is sung daily, white vestments are used, flowers decorate the sanctuary, and musical instruments are played. Church bells are rung festively before Mass begins and in some  places a music band goes around town. "

Simbang Gabi is an Aguinaldo Mass that literally means "Gift Mass." The Bathalang Maykapal - the Supreme Being who is the origin of all things, both visible and invisible, deserves human gratitude, the gifts and sacrifices. Such primordial religious consciousness motivates Filipinos to wake up early in the morning for nine consecutive days to attend the Simbang Gabi in honor of the Mother of Jesus. Besides, the Philippines is a very matriarchal society that is culturally inclined to put Mary on the pedestal. 

Furthermore, Simbang Gabi is also known as Misa de Gallo, loosely translated as Roosters' Mass. In pre-industrial age, the crow of roosters served as the natural clock for Filipino farmers who had to till the land before the sun heats up the earth. The first rooster's crow at the crack of dawn, when darkness still cover the earth, alarms the farmers to prepare and rush to a nearby church for the communal celebration of Simbang Gabi.

It is remarkable how the native Filipinos preferred to hold the Simbang Gabi at a time when daylight breaks the darkness of night. Certainly, a creative visual artist could easily configure the aesthetic relevance of such time of day. But theologically, the breaking of dawn reinforces the strong Filipino notion that Jesus is the true light who comes to illumine the world in darkness. In fact, even at night when darkness is thick-- the light of Jesus prevails. Such a strong luminary attribution to Jesus is accentuated by a lighted parol -- a star shaped lantern that is often hanged in a window. For Filipinos, Christmas is incomplete without the lighted parol that stands for Jesus as the Guiding Star. 

Finally, the Simbang Gabi is as unique Filipino expression of faith that took centuries to evolve. It is as offshoot of Filipino spirituality and western Christianity. 

Smiling

The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling. And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!! 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

The biggest entertainment of the week, the latest craze today on XBOX 360, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. . My husband and my son are going crazy about this right now. I'm not much of an XBOX gamer but most popular topic at home is the game. One day I will have to give it a try. I've always been pretty good with games. It must be really fun.  No matter how bad our economy is right now, the sales of this game is just phenomenal, 4.7 Million copies sold on its release. Thanks to gamers, sure helps the economy. And soon we will be hosting an XBOX Call of Duty party at home.

Turn positive facts into positive experiences

Good things keep happening all around us, but much of the time we don't notice them; even when we do, we do, we hardly feel them. Someone is nice to you, you see an admirable quality in yourself, a flower is blooming, you finish a difficult project—and it all just rolls by. Instead, actively look for good news, particularly the little stuff of daily life: the faces of children, the smell of an orange, a memory from a happy vacation, a minor success at work, and so on. Whatever positive facts you find, bring a mindful awareness to them—open up to them and let them affect you. It's like sitting down to a banquet: don't just look at it—dig in!

Proud of ZsaZsa

This blog is dedicated to my niece ZsaZsa. I am very proud of her to  qualify to compete in the 2009 National Short Course Swimming Championships to be held on Nov 27-29 in Laguna.  She will be competing in the 50 and 100 meter breaststroke.  Qualifying for this event means that she is one of the Top 24 swimmers nationwide in her age bracket in the said events.  Imagine she just started swimming 7 months ago.  From here they will get the swimmers for the national training pool preparing for the Youth Olympic Games and the FINA World Youth Swimming Championships. Also in November she will be competing in the Palarong Maynila...She qualified because she is studying in Malate Catholic School in Manila City.  If she wins she can be one of the representative of Manila City in the city events then regional then palarong pambansa...  Please support and pray for zsazsa for the said events............Anybody interested to be a sponsor is very much welcome.

Way to go ZsaZsa. We are so proud of you. We love you!

21 Reasons To Nutritionally Cleanse and Replenish

1. STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM. Cleansing impurities and flooding the body with high grade essential nutrients supports the immune system. Some studies indicate that a healthy dose of high-grade, absorbable protein may strengthen your immune system by as much as 500%.

2. LOVE YOUR LIVER. A clean, healthy liver supports metabolism and burns fat. A healthy liver promotes normal thyroid function and when the thyroid is healthy, your metabolism and energy levels escalate.

3. SUPPORT HEALTHY BRAIN CHEMISTRY. When your body can effectively absorb and digest fats and protein, it converts these nutrients into healthy brain chemicals. When your brain chemistry is aligned, you will make healthier food selections.

4. RESTORE ANTIOXIDANTS. Toxic compounds created "free radicals" that have the potential to damage cellular DNS. Antioxidants are substances that block free radical formation and destroy already formed free radicals.

5. FREE YOURSELF FROM STRESS. In herbal medicine, adaptogens are  used to help the body "adapt" to imbalances that stress the body externally or internally. Replenishing the body's needed adaptogens assists in the body's own self-regulatory systems, thus reducing stress and it's negative health affects.

6. MAXIMIZE ABSORPTION OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS. Maximizing absorption of nutrients helps to fuel the internal body to support all major organ systems including the circulatory, musculoskeletal and neurological systems.

7. AID DIGESTION. Herbs such as suma, peppermint, fennel seed and licorice have been used in many cultures to support and aid in digestion. Peppermint is a nontoxic digestive remedy that can provide relief from gas, bloating, nausea and gastric upset. Peppermint has a calming effect on the smooth muscle of the intestinal tract and is felt to promote the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the small bowel, thus aiding in the digestion of fats.

8. REJUVENATE YOUR CELLS WITH IONIC MINERALS. Minerals are the key to enzyme in our digestive tract. When minerals are present, our intestines allow for ultimate absorption of vitamins and essential nutrients. Modern lifestyles has taken its toll on our digestive/ elimination organs. Ionic (charged) minerals are the most easily absorbed by our body.

9. SUPPORT YOUR VITAL ORGANS. If your body is overwhelmed with impurities, gentle cleansing herbs and essential nutrients can allow it to eliminate impurities through the liver ( the major detoxifying organ of the body), colon, urinary tract, sweat glands, skin pores and the lymphatic system much more effectively.

10. LOSE WEIGHT AND FEEL GREAT. Studies have shown that fat cells can provide the perfect environment for holding onto impurities. This is our body's natural mechanism for protecting itself from dangerous, possibly deadly impurities. Cleansing aids in the body's ability to flush fat and increase metabolism.

11. ELIMINATE UNHEALTHY CRAVINGS. The healthy body will crave healthy things. The unhealthy body will crave unhealthy things. Cleansing and replenishing helps the internal body create an environment that craves good, nutritious food.

12. ENHANCE CELLULAR COMMUNICATION. Our cells want two things: good nutrients and a clean environment in which to communicate. Cleansing helps provide our cells with both.

13. BUILD MUSCLE. Cleansing and then replenishing with pharmaceutical-grade natural organic whey protein provides the body with essential amino acids that are the building blocks for the development of lean, dense muscle.

14. RESTORE NORMAL SUGAR LEVELS. Abnormal sugar levels have been linked to serious health challenges and are often the result of weight gain. Effective weight loss and fueling of the body can aid in the body's ability to restore normal sugar levels.

15. BEAUTIFY THE SKIN. Our skin is the largest organ of our body. Cleansing and replenishing rejuvenates our skin, making it appear younger and more supple.

16. CREATE ABUNDANT ENERGY. Better sleep cycles may be achieved through cleansing to provide the body with stamina, energy and mental clarity throughout the waking hours.

17. BALANCE YOUR HORMONAL SYSTEM. Cleansing and replenishing can help balance hormone levels and lead to a feeling of constant well being, increased stamina and increased sexual drive.

18. SLOW THE EFFECTS OF AGING. Toxins and nutritional deficiency can lead to premature aging on an internal and external level. Cleansing and replenishing helps our cells attack the affects of aging head on. A younger appearance along with incredible energy is often the result!

19. RENEWED DESIRE TO EXERCISE. Often when you cleanse and replenish the body with high-grade essential nutrients you have a renewed sense to start an exercise program. The health benefits of exercise are endless.

20. ENHANCE ELIMINATION. Refined, processed, low fiber foods, animal fats, lack of exercise, dehydration and an ever-increasing level of stress all contribute to an irritable bowel and to sluggish elimination from the intestinal tract. Cellular cleansing and replenishing with fiber rich nutrients allows for better colonic elimination of impurities and is essential in the prevention of intestinal disorders.

21. ULTIMATE QUALITY OF LIFE. Cleansing and refueling the body is a revolutionary approach to optimal health and weight management. "Traditional Diets" are often imbalanced and neither strengthen the immune system nor rid the body of toxins. Imbalanced diets rob the body of essential nutrients and only offer temporary results. Why not embrace a program that helps give your body the right nutrients, the right balance and the ability to once and for all chemically defend itself against the battle of the bulge?

To know more visit: Http://MariaTheresa.Isagenix.com

My First Blog Award from Christine

I would like to thank Christine for giving me an award. This is my first blog award. I am truly grateful for your generosity in spirit. May God bless you and I will pass this on to my deserving friends......

Tes at The Craftista

Al at Burnt Chicken Republic

The Salitype Society

Linda at Linda's Photo Journal

Lisa at A Bead A Day

Ann at Michaela de Angeli

Windie at Things That Make You Go; Hmm
Nat at Girls Are Made Of
Bluesy-Nista at Designer Denim Science
Cheryl at Life Is What You Make It
Coralie Cederna Johnson at A Vintage Cottage Home
Virginia Palomeque at Arte En Cuadros
Gingeyginge at The Adventures of Gingeyginge
Jordiegirl at Hand Made Greeting Cards by Me
Elsie at Namaste
SonyaAnn at A Mom, Money and More
Karen Hooper at Karen Amanda Hooper
Maria I. Morgan at Life Lessons
Anissa at Anissa Off the Record

My First Drawing of Myself

When I'm not writing......I am drawing.

My first drawing of myself when I was 17 years old.

'A work of art goes through many phases of development, but in each phase it is always a work of art. (Therein lies the importance of sketches.) A work of art is finished, from the point of view of the artist, when feeling and perception have resulted in a spiritual synthesis. - Hans Hofmann

Diwali Festival

The Diwali Celebration at Rainbow Montessori

Diwali as explained in Wikipedia:Diwali or
 Dīpāvali (Sanskrit: a row of lamps^[1]) is a significant festival in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, and an official holiday in India.^[2] Adherents of these religions celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Lights. They light diyas—cotton string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with oil—to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual.

On the day of Diwali, many wear new and colorful Indian clothes and share sweets and snacks. We celebrate different occasions and events of different cultures in our school because it is important for us to accept others both for the ways in which we are different and also for the ways in which we are similar and to express our identity in ways that do not harden boundaries with others.

with my Director Miss Boi

Miss Geraldine and Miss Boi

Miss Jayashri with the children

Lakshita and Ananya

Miss Verma and Miss Sami with the children

Miss Kausar

Arjit, Pranav, Mayur and Bhargav telling us stories on Diwali. 

It was a wonderful day getting to know, understand and embrace other culture, tradition and belief. It was an exciting day for everyone of course with the help of the sweets and snacks. 

Happy Diwali!

Reusable Grocery Bags

My small way of contributing to "saving the earth" is bringing my own shopping bag. Helping advance the adoption of reusable shopping bags and reduction of plastic bags as a lifestyle choice. Over the years, I have collected different sizes and colors. They are all reusable and some of them are even washable. Whenever I go to the store, the cashiers are always delighted that I have my own shopping bag. They give me a big smile and some would even say "thank you" to me for saving our planet. A little contribution as may seem but if we will all do it, it will make a great deal. 

Hidden Villa

Hidden Villa is a nonprofit educational organization that uses its organic farm, wilderness, and community to teach and provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice.  Hidden Villa stretches over 1600 acres of open space in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 40 miles south of San Francisco. 

Hidden Villa was founded by Frank and Josephine Duveneck, who purchased the land in 1924 and offered it as a gathering place for discussion, reflection, and incubation of social reform. Over the following decades, the Duvenecks established the first Hostel on the Pacific Coast (1937), the first multiracial summer camp (1945), and Hidden Villa’s Environmental Education Program (1970). The Trust for Hidden Villa was established as a nonprofit in 1960.

The Duveneck House

Keerthi, Abi and I are all excited to get in the bus.

In the bus, Anna and Shannon are having a wonderful time. They wanted me to seat with them but it was a 2-seater. 

Ian, Tyler, Dylan and his mom got all geared up. We are so lucky it was a rainy day. We all had to wear ponchos. I am so tiny I had to wear the kid's poncho. 

That's me with Betty. Betty, a happy cow was very delighted to meet us. She felt like a celebrity all the kids wanted to touch her and take pictures with her. 

And of course Ruby, she is the friendliest. I took her photo because she is the only one who approached me and wanted me to pet her. I did. Her wool was the softest. She is adorable. 

That's Eric and I after lunch at the  Duveneck House. All fed, happy and ready to go. We are seating on a century old chair. Isn't that awesome! I was wondering how many people of different generations have sat on that chair and what were their stories. Hmmmm! 

Hike to the top! I am afraid of heights. I can't believe I made it. 

On our way back to school, Eric fell asleep. Everyone had a great time. It was a fun and educational trip. We surely want to do it again even if it's raining and muddy. Much more fun!!!

Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

I want to share this with friends who are using the Isagenix Nutrional Cleansing Program. 

Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes

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 Tue at 4:42pm

If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, then there are a few things of which you should be aware if deciding to use the Cleansing and Fat Burning System.

Type 1 diabetes

It’s common to have lower levels of glucose while on the products. Be careful with your use of insulin. I recommend to my patients that they cut their insulin in half while they do this program and adjust it accordingly. I also recommend my patients use short-acting insulin. Please consult your doctor before adjusting medication. You cannot expect to get off of insulin, of course, but you can expect to feel better and lower the levels of insulin required.

During the Shake Days you may find that the glucose levels increase. This is expected, but if the rise is too high then you can consider switching to diluting the shake with our unflavored whey protein, IsaPro, or having ½ a shake 4 times a day or ½ a shake 2 times day. Watch your glucose levels to guide you.

Type 2 diabetes

Monitor your glucose levels closely since it’s easy to have low levels while on the program. I personally recommend to my diabetics that they cut their medications in half if they are going to start on the 9-Day Program and if they are using insulin to only use the shorter-acting insulins. Please consult your doctor before adjusting medication.

A temporary glucose rise would be OK since it’s better than you falling into a hypoglycemic state, which is more dangerous than a hyperglycemic state. What we generally see is a reduction of both medication and glucose levels with this program. The Shake Days may very well show an increase in the glucose levels but as your weight goes down this generally is self-correcting. If this rise is too great for you then you can switch to just the IsaPro or you can use ½ a shake 4 times a day or reduce the amount to just ½ a shake 2 times a day.

I have also seen my patients no longer require any type of medication for diabetes, but individual differences doesn’t make this the case for everyone.* At the very least you should see a reduction in your weight and a reduction in the amount of medication that you are using.

Dennis Harper, DO
Isagenix Scientific Advisory Board Chair

This information on this Web site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient and her or his physician or other health-care professional.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Feast of the Holy Rosary

Feast of the Holy Rosary

The feast of the Holy Rosary was established by Saint Pius V on the anniversary of the naval victory won by the Christian fleet at Lepanto, October 7, 1571. The victory was attributed to the help of the holy Mother of God whose aid was invoked through praying the Rosary.

The celebration of this day invites all to mediate upon the mysteries of Christ, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was so singularly associated with the incarnation, passion and glorious resurrection of the Son of God. 

Cyber Farming

One morning, I was talking chatting with my sister who is in Luxembourg. Suddenly, she said she needs a few minutes because it is harvest time and she needs to harvest and plant after. I'm like..."Are you a farmer now?' I thought she was banker. All along she was talking about this game on Facebook, which my other sister got her hooked. I got curious. Sure enough minutes later I am hooked. Now I am maintaining two farms. One at FarmVille and the other FarmTown. The nice thing about it I met a lot of farmers who became friends. Surprisingly, most of the people playing the game who are now my farm neighbors are people I know. Family, relatives and friends from all over the world. It was fun getting in touch with relatives, friends from elementary and high school

I have not spoken for ages and had no clue where they were. 

FarmVille

FarmTown

Meet my adorable cat "Ranger"

I am not a pet lover not until we adopted a new member of our family, Ranger. He is the sweetest. Everyday when we come home, he is always there to greet us and get all cuddly and affectionate. He is also very funny. I love playing with him. He goes nuts with the laser pointer and goes hyper with the squeaky toy mouse. Whenever we are having a conversation he would make funny sounds like yapping as if he is part of the conversation. He would normally look outside the window and watch the birds. Whenever he spots one he would go, "ekekekekekek". 

On a lazy mood, he would lay on my white fur throw blanket I got from Costco. Good thing this fur is machine washable. This furry throw is my favorite when I am lazing around on the couch watching TV or reading a book especially now that is getting cold. But  Ranger would lay on it and no one can get him off it. He acts like this is his territory. He is so cute. At the end of a stressful and tiring day, my cat would lay next to me and helps me relax. I'm glad we adopted him. 

Prayer to Archangel Gabriel

"Angels transcend every religion, every philosophy, every creed.

In fact angels have no religion as we know it ...

their existence precedes every religious system

that has ever existed on earth."

St. Thomas Aquinas

Archangel Gabriel is my favorite angel. I firmly believe in their existence. Several instances in my life I have experienced. And I still do in the present. I want to share this prayer for it may be significant to someone as it is to me.

Saint Gabriel Prayer

Saint Gabriel the Archangel, I venerate you as the Angel of the Incarnation, because God specially appointed you to bear the messages concerning the God-Man to Daniel, Zechariah, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Give me a very tender and devoted love for the Incarnate Word and his Blessed Mother more like your own.

I venerate you also as the "Strength from God" because you are the giver of God's strength, consoler and comforter chosen to strengthen God's faithful and teach them important truths. I ask for the grace of a special power of the will to strive for holiness of life. Steady my resolutions; renew my courage; comfort and console me in the problems, trials and sufferings of daily living, as you consoled our Savior in his agony and Mary in her sorrows and Joseph in his trials.

I put my confidence in you. Saint Gabriel I ask you especially for this favor: (mention your request). Through your earnest love for the Son of God made man and for his Blessed Mother I beg of you, intercede for me that my request may be granted, if it be God's holy will.

Pray for us, Saint Gabriel the Archangel, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Jedric Got Talent

Jedric is one of the First Graders I know in school. He is not in my class but I see him everyday at the playground during recess. Jedric has a magnetic personality. He is very sociable, outspoken and very talented. Whenever I see him at the playground he would approach me and would tell me stories of his favorite adventure and sometimes he would sing for me. One afternoon on my way home, I came across Jedric with his mom at the Administrative office. He was delighted to see me and was very excited to let me know that he wrote and song and he wanted to sing it o me. Of course the first thing I did was grab my Iphone and captured the moment. Jedric surely proved himself as a great talent.  I know one day Jedric will be one of the superstars we will see in Hollywood. To watch the video I posted on YouTube click on the link below Jedric's photo.

One Afternoon With The Girls

These are some of my students from last year. They are the most adorable kids I ever had in my class. Not only are they smart, they are also very active in sports and performing arts. I am proud of my students. I have been getting feedbacks from parents and present teachers how they have grown and performed so well in all areas of academics. I will never forget this group. I had so much fun with them. Every now and then I would see them around the school. They would give me the biggest hug ever and express their love to me. Every time I am touched by their affection. Before they go home, they would always pass by my room and say goodbye to me. I sure miss them everyday. I am looking forward to their success in the future. I can't wait to see them become leaders of their chosen field. They promised me they will keep in touch and will keep up with their excellent performance. They have shared their dreams and aspirations to me and they know I will always be there to support them.

To my 2008 adorable students, I miss you all. It was a fun  and productive year for all of us. With all the challenges we encountered we all grew up, learned from it and became a better person. I wish you all the best.

A Day At The Beach

This photo is very special to me because my beautiful daughter Candice took this photo. She was playing around with the camera while I was watching the waves. It was a beautiful afternoon. I was embracing my 41st birthday. I chose to spend it at the beach with my family. It was peaceful and nature provided the perfect ambiance. We had a little picnic and just enjoyed each other's company.

My son staring at the blue sky and the waves, reminiscing.

Mother and son bonding time. We were having a talk on growing up. It was a lovely moment for me as my son enter adulthood.

And my daughter testing the water, wondering if she can take a dip. Not a chance, the water was pretty cold.

Wall Kicking Moment

I started my day so beautifully, excited to go to work, pick out the perfect dress, until I got into my car. Driving less than a mile. I notice my break lights are forever on and started smelling like something is burning. I felt it's not safe to continue driving, so, I decided to call work, took a day off and took care of the problem. Still looking forward to a perfect day, I got home and just got more frustrated. The house was a big mess . All kinds of stuff all over the place. A fowl stench led me to the kitchen. Whoever was responsible to take out the garbage failed to do so. Everywhere I look is just adding up cortisol in my brain. I took a breath, closed my eyes and said a prayer. I realized there are two things I can do. Leave the mess as it is and spend the rest of the day stressing oout and eventually drive myself nuts and get angry. Or I can be more productive for my own good, saving myself from insanity by cleaning up and enjoying the rest of the day in a clean and happy place. Later during the day, I am on a calm state, I will deal with whoever is responsible in a constructive way. I chose the latter. For the reason, I intend to save my relationships and in the process teach my children on taking responsibility and consideration for others. For me relationships are more important and in this experience we all grow up closer to one another in the context of loving, caring and respecting the people around us and not taking advantage of any situation.

"The Success Principle"

One of my favorite book is Jack Canfield's "The Succes Principle." I read this book over and over, especially on days when I am needing inspiration and direction. Chapter 1 alone is so profound. Chapter 1, "Take 100% Responsibility For Your Life", easier said than done, but, once I did it, I realize life became easier became less complicated. It's pretty simple. If I get fat I can't blame it on anything but me. First of all fats would not accumulate in my body have I not ate too much bad food. So, who's responsibility is it? Mine. I did not look anywhere to blame for the challenges I encounter. I look at myself and evaluate all my actions. From there I make a decision to learn from it and do what is right. With this in practice, growing up takes place and things start to fall in the right place at the right time making me happy and making the people around me happy. Going back to getting fat, if I put in so much unhealthy food in my body which makes me feel miserable because of the toxins and impurities, I know I have to take responsibility for the consequences. Therefore, I do something about it. I get rid of it through nutritional cleansing. Eventually, I start feeling revitalized again. Get your dog a sombrero

Fruits and Vegetables

It's hard to argue with the health benefits of a diet rich in vegetables and fruits: Lower blood pressure; reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and cancers; lower risk of eye and digestive problems; and mellowing effect on blood sugar that can help keep appetite in check. However, fruits and vegetables are loaded with pesticides. Pesticides are unique among the chemicals we released into the environment; they have inherent toxicity because they are designed to kill living organisms-insects, plants and fungi that considered "pests." Because they are toxic by design, many pesticides pose health risks to people, risks that have been acknowledged by independent research scientists and physicians across the world. It is estimated that the average American meal travels about 1500 miles to get from farm to plate. In order to transport food long distances, much of it is picked while still unripe and then gassed to "ripen" it after transport, or it is highly processed in factories using preservatives, irradiation and other means to keep it stable for transport and sale. I am grateful there is always a solution. My favorite Isagenix Greens and IsaFruits. Isagenix Greens is packed with nutrient-rich plants,balanced formula of specific herbs, vegetables and antioxidants, vitamin E, three forms of Vitamin C and prebiotics. All there to fortify the immune health, promote a healthy digestive system and creates a cleaner internal environment boosting overall health. While the IsaFruits meets your daily fruit requirement. One scoop is equivalent to 30 amazing fruits. I have them everyday. Perfect blended with my shakes and mix with water on my cleanse days.

Producing with ease and connecting with family.

I was not looking forward to this weekend. My husband is off to Tucson, Arizona to visit his mom and dad. It turned out fun weekend anyway. Friday night, just before I start watching a movie with my daughter. I got a call. It was my friend Nemia inquiring about Isagenix. After which, we got started with the movie. The next day, Saturday, my cleanse day. On days I am cleansing, I want to make it very relaxed and spiritual. But there is one problem, I couldn't get my mind off food. Suddenly, all kinds of food seem very tempting. So, I decided I will keep myself busy. I made a production day. A day for me to connect and share Isagenix. Perfect as the day was. I received an email from Isagenix letting me know my co-worker signed up for a nutritional cleanse program. Yes! That was an awesome news. I love coaching people to cleansing. I know this way I am fulfilling my mission of helping one person at a time taking their health to the next level. Then the phone rings. Nemia who called last night about Isagenix, is asking more questions about Isagenix. After I got all her questions answered, again I got an email from Isagenix that she signed up. Saturday was just such a great day. I am so grateful. It feels good knowing you have the privilege to help other people and they are giving you a chance to do so. Now come Sunday. Thanks to Facebook, I got to connect with relatives I have not spoken with for ages. I got to talk to my cousin Homer, Auntie Meding and Uncle Tim. I had a wonderful time connecting with them. The only sad part was my uncle. Turns out my Uncle Tim was in bad shape. He has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. My aunt was okay except for her diabetes. She said it is under control, she just hates the fact she has to take so many medications. So, immediately, I introduced them to Isagenix with all hopes it would help them both a great deal and hopefully it is not too late for Uncle Tim. My aunt said it happened so fast. They just found out last April. There were no symptoms. One day he got very sick. Then they found out he has cancer and it was already stage 4. It's devastating to hear this happening to someone you know and care about. Just the more reason we need to make our health the first priority. If you don't have your health, what have you got? Hopefully, they will be open to nutritional cleansing because I know it can help.