Budjie's Thoughts

How to love your summer

2012-07-15T06:18:00.000-06:00

Here are 17 creative ways to make the rest of your summer a season to cherish... courtesy of oprah.com. May you find a few.. or all... that will spice up your lifestyle.

Have a delightful summer... whatever is left of it.

Fun Summer Activities

Live the life you want

2012-07-14T06:23:00.000-06:00

One of my life's many blessings is regularly receiving electronic nuggets of wisdom from oprah.com, Opra Winfrey's cyber newsletter.

Below is one example... Martha Beck's 7-step map that can lead to an awesome lifetime journey.

Cheers to those who would like to venture on such a trip. Good luck!

How to Live the Life You Want

Burned Biscuits

2012-07-13T21:38:00.000-06:00

From Ken in the Gold Coast comes this story about burned biscuits... and the lesson we should all learn. Thanks, Ken!

* * *

When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!
All my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly burned biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing...never made a face nor uttered a word about it!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said, "Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Mom put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides--a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"

As I've grown older, I've thought about that many times. Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people.

I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults and choosing to celebrate each other's differences is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today... that you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket--keep it in your own."

So, please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine. And PLEASE pass this along to someone who has enriched your life--I just did! Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil--it has no point."

Life's surprises‏

2012-07-12T06:01:00.000-06:00

My gratitude to BFF Josie for sharing this wonderful piece. The pictures tell the story!

* * *

This is wonderful…and the thought
at the end is so true!

Never look down on anybody, unless you're helping them up.

Please read the following quietly then send it back on its journey

To realize the value of a sister/brother ask someone

who doesn't have one.

To realize the value of four years: ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year: ask a student who

has failed a final exam.

To realise the value of nine months:

ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize the value of one month: ask a mother

who has given birth to a premature baby..

To realize the value of one minute: ask a person

who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one-second: ask a person

who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when

you can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

The origin of this letter is unknown,

but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.

Remember....

Hold on tight to the ones you love!

Do not keep this letter.

Send it to friends & family to whom you wish a good, long, happy, life.

Calming colors

2012-07-11T06:40:00.000-06:00

For anyone who has taken for granted the beauty of a well-landscaped garden or the soothing sight of a sunset, just to name a few, take a moment to appreciate the blessing of seeing colors. My BFF Josie who forwarded this piece (thanks, amiga!) and I found the momentary calm we needed from our busy world.

* * *

To see the transition from black and white to color - WOW - This is beautiful to watch and if you feel any stress with getting things done or not having enough time, this will relax you and make you appreciative of all we have.

Turn up your sound too! Enjoy!

Click here: Colors

An adorable two-legged dog

2012-07-10T06:33:00.000-06:00

The following is a dog story everyone will love. It illustrates that even furry creatures can rise to the occasion despite their handicap. Thanks to my friend Kenneth in the Gold Coast for sharing this lovely story.

* * *

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002. He was born with only 2 legs. He of course could not walk when he was born. Even his mother did not want him.

His first owner also did not think that he could survive and he was thinking of 'putting him to sleep'.

But then, his present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met him and wanted to take care of him.

She became determined to teach and train this little dog to walk by himself.

She named him 'Faith'.

In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let him feel the movement. Later she used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure and reward for him for standing up and jumping around.

Even the other dog at home encouraged him to walk.

Amazingly, only after 6 months, like a miracle, Faith learned to balance on his hind legs and to jump to move forward.

After further training in the snow, he could now walk like a human being.

Faith loves to walk around now.

No matter where he goes, he attracts people to him. He is fast becoming famous on the international scene and has appeared on various newspapers and TV shows.

There is now a book entitled 'With a Little Faith' being published about him.

He was even considered to appear in one of Harry Potter movies.

His present owner Jude Stringfellew has given up her teaching post and plans to take him around the world to preach that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul.

In life there are always undesirable things, so in order to feel better you just need to look at life from another direction.

I hope this message will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each & every beautiful day.

'Faith' is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life.
A small request: All you are asked to do is keep this story circulating.

Lethal gas

2012-07-09T06:49:00.000-06:00

I never thought that passing gas could inspire an act of violence. Obviously, life is stranger than fiction as the following story demonstrates.

Thanks to BFF Josie for sharing this material and bringing some laughs to my day.

Man pulls gun on neighbor for farting

The Typewriter Song

2012-07-08T06:27:00.000-06:00

The Underwood manual typewriter was my first serious toy as a child. Therefore, this piece shared by Kenneth in the Gold coast is quite endearing to me. Thanks, Kenneth!

The Typewriter Song

by Leroy Anderson

The power of visualization

2012-07-07T06:21:00.000-06:00

Visualization, or what I love to call manifesting our dream, is a powerful tool that many people can take advantage of, if they so desire. Our mind has the magnetic force to make the realities we want come to pass. Instead, human nature nurtures the tendency towards negativity.

Let us not forget that thoughts have the power to fulfill our destiny.

The following material expounds on the subject of visualization... from a psychic's point of view.

4 Secret Keys to the Power of Visualization

Agree or Delete

2012-07-06T06:15:00.000-06:00

My wish is to see the return of Godliness and God-fearing citizens in our society. But as it turns out, the separation of church and state has become the rule, rather than the exception, in our way of doing things. America is a free country... so be it!

Nevertheless, I really believe that if every man and woman in our world will believe in a Supreme Force, adhere to the Golden Rule, and live each day being an asset to the community, there will not be a reason to Agree or Delete.

Thanks to my friend, Lina, for sharing this piece.

* * *

AGREE OR DELETE

This is by a daughter of a murdered couple in Raytown , MO , who had a Bible and Bookstore on 63rd street .. She says:

When I had to testify at the murder trial of my parents a week ago, I was asked to raise my right hand... The bailiff started out "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?"

I stood there and waited but she said nothing. She said "Do you?"

I was so stunned I blurted out "What happened to "so help me God'?"

She came back with "Do you?" I replied yes, but I was perplexed.

Then the judge said . "You can say that if you want to."

I stopped, raised my right hand, and finished with "So help me God!"

I told my son and daughter that when it came time for them to testify, they should do the same.

I don't know what can be done about it, but it's time for us to step up and DO something.

NBC this morning had a poll on this question.. They had the highest number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls, and the percentage was the same as this: 86% to keep the words, 14% against... That is a pretty 'commanding' public response.

I was asked to send this on if I agreed... or delete if I didn't.

Now it is your turn. It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God.

Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a mess about having "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Why is America -- our nation -- catering to this 14%? If you agree, pass this on, if not, simply delete....

In God We Trust

If You Choose To Delete
Perhaps Then You Are Part Of The Problem

Me? I'm Passing It On.
It seems to get worse daily.

AGREE OR DELETE (although I pray that you will forward this...)

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

HONOR GOD. MAKE DISCIPLES.

Lina

Burning human greed

2012-07-05T06:48:00.000-06:00

The burning inferno in some parts of my world has overstayed its welcome. Weather conditions such as triple digit temperatures, unpredictable high winds, and lack of moisture have contributed to the proliferation of wildfires in many places.

When finally it was deemed okay for the fire evacuees to return to their homes, many found their houses burglarized. The vehicles of those who stayed in hotels were broken into and robbed of possessions.

Burglaries in the fire zones? Talk of rubbing salt to the wound!

Really, people... how much lower can anyone go? The fire victims were already worried sick over the possibility of losing their home and security, what kind of sick mind would have the nerve to take advantage of their belongings?

While good souls have come forward during these challenging times, the cult of satan also saw it as an opportunity to unleash their wickedness. Kicking people when they are down is not only cruel, it is a surefire way of getting a first-class ticket to hell.

Saluting the Brave

2012-07-04T06:39:00.000-06:00

Like my BFF Josie who shared the following piece, I felt touched while reading this story. There have been military folks in my life. Josie's father was a WWII veteran while her husband served in Vietnam.

We both are saddened by the fact that despite the courageous sacrifices of our military people who went overseas to risk their lives, they come home and hardly get the respect and honor they deserve.

The veteran charities are among my favorites... always will be! Supporting them is the least I can do to say Thank You for the awesome work they have done, and continue to do, for our country.

* * *

Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.

'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to

Afghanistan

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.'

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in

Iraq

; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.

'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room.

A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seat belt I stood and took the Captain's hand.

With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane.

Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers.

As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little....

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'

Beyond disrespect

2012-07-03T06:02:00.000-06:00

My friend Lina forwarded the following via e-mail to me and a bunch of friends. Being a good Catholic, I raise eyebrows at the ridiculous depiction of my Forever Friend in this upcoming film, "Corpus Christi." Some filmmakers simply shove shameful productions down our throats! It is up to you to pick up the cause and share with the folks you know. Thank you.

* * *

Abraham asked the Lord to spare 50 righteous people. God responded to Abraham's plea "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all".... Genesis 18:16-33

The movie "Corpus Christi" is due to be released this June to August. A disgusting film set to appear in America later this year depicts Jesus and his disciples as homosexuals! As a play, this has already been in theaters for a while. It's called "Corpus Christi" which means "The Body of Christ". It's revolting mockery of our Lord. But we can make a difference.

That's why I am sending this e-mail to you. If you do send this around, we just might be able to prevent this film from showing in America and the Philippines. Let's stand for what we believe in and stop the mockery of Jesus Christ our Savior. Where do we stand as Christians? At the risk of a bit of inconvenience, I'm forwarding this to all I think would appreciate it, too. Please help us prevent such offenses against our Lord. There is no petition to sign, no time limit, or minimum number of people to send this to.. It will take you less than 2 minutes!

If you are not interested and do not have the 2 minutes it will take to do this, please don't complain when God does not have time for you because He is far busier than we are. Hey it's worth a shot!

Apparently, some regions in Europe have already banned the film. All we need is a lot of prayer and a lot of e-mails.

JUST GET THE WORD OUT!

....Will God be able to find at least 50 righteous people who are willing to express their concern and voice their opinion against this act of blasphemy.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

HONOR GOD. MAKE DISCIPLES.

Lina

Elephant bath

2012-07-02T06:03:00.000-06:00

Ever seen elephants take a bath? If you haven't, below is a link that gives you an idea, thanks to some Dutch tourists who happened by a bunch of elephants on their way to a bath break.

Thanks to Kenneth in the Gold Coast for passing this on!

Elephant Bath

Products containing aborted fetal cells

2012-07-01T06:35:00.000-06:00

The following shocking piece was shared by my long-time chum, Lina. The information is mind-blowing, but it is good to be informed specially about products that find their way into our bodies.

Thanks, Lina!

* * *

Avoid Any Products Containing Aborted Fetal Cells

Many opposing viewpoints have been raised on the morality of using consumer products which are cultivated on aborted fetal cell lines. Regardless of your position on abortion, the fact that there is an entire industry around the manufacture of foods, beverages and medical products which routinely utilize aborted fetal tissue should be a cause for great concern.

There has always been a great deal of excitement within the medical community regarding the use of fetal tissue for transplantation and for the manufacture of vaccines.

Fetal tissue technology has evolved tremendously in the two decades especially in the area of treating various neural and endocrinal diseases.

http://beforeitsnews.com/story/1873/528/Avoid_Any_Products_Containing_Aborted_Fetal_Cells.html

However, serious ethical questions are being raised as to the source and procurement of the necessary tissue. While some experts in the medical community forecast unlimited potential for fetal tissue technology, others have expressed deep concern as to the limits to the ethical and moral dynamics of the issue. Where is the line drawn?

The Economic Drive of Abortion
The world of economics runs on the basis of supply and demand. And this is perhaps the largest fear to approving fetal tissue research and transplants from elective aborted fetuses. While it is claimed that supply is sufficient to meet current demand - which is a tragedy in itself - what is to happen when researchers discover that the fetal tissue products can effectively treat a broader assortment of disease and illnesses? What happens when there is still not enough supply? While these questions may seem overstated, we should not underestimate the advances of medical technology or the moral corruption of modern society. Several proposals were brought to the National Institutes of Health Panel to protect babies from being procured for the motive of profit. Yet with an estimated annual income of six billion dollars, the potential for abuse in fetal tissue industry would be substantial, not to mention very difficult to regulate and enforce. ‘With the anticipated profitability of the industry once the technology can alleviate a larger number of diseases, there will be increasing pressures to "share the wealth" produced by these transplants.’ (Scott Rae, ibid)

Related to the supply of the fetus, is the supply of fresh and more mature fetuses. The timing of abortion becomes an important consideration to the researchers and medical community who benefit from a more matured and developed fetus. The majority of abortions procedures are performed between the sixth and eleventh weeks of pregnancy, however delaying until the fourteen to sixteenth weeks will yield fetal tissue that is usable in pancreatic transplants. Simply put, the older the fetus the more valuable! A subsequent concern of delaying the abortion procedures until the ‘ripe’ time period, is the emotional effects this will have for the mother. Aborting the unborn baby at four months old (as opposed to 6-11 weeks old) will compound the emotional impact on the mother resulting in a significant increase in post abortion trauma.

Avoiding Foods, Beverages and
Vaccines Containing Aborted Fetal Cells

As recently as May, Pepsi ignored concerns and criticism from dozens of pro-life groups and tens of thousands of pro-life people who voiced their opposition to PepsiCo contracting with biotech company Senomyx even after it was found to be testing their food additives using fetal cells from abortions.

“The company’s key flavor programs focus on the discovery and development of savory, sweet and salt flavor ingredients that are intended to allow for the reduction of MSG, sugar and salt in food and beverage products,” the Senomyx web site says. “Using isolated human taste receptors, we created proprietary taste receptor-based assay systems that provide a biochemical or electronic readout when a flavor ingredient interacts with the receptor.”

Debi Vinnedge, of the pro-life group Children of God for Life, explained, “What they don’t tell the public is that they are using HEK 293 -- human embryonic kidney cells taken from an electively aborted baby to produce those receptors. They could have easily chosen animal, insect, or other morally obtained human cells expressing the G protein for taste receptors.”

In August 2010, PepsiCo entered into a four-year agreement with Senomyx for the development of artificial high-potency sweeteners for PepsiCo beverages. Under the contract, PepsiCo is paying $30 million to Senomyx for the research and future royalties on PepsiCo products sold using Senomyx technology. When the prolife group wrote both companies requesting they use one of several non-objectionable, viable cell lines listed in their patents, Senomyx did not respond. PepsiCo did reply however and insisted that its use of the research from Senomyx would produce “great tasting, lower-calorie beverages.”

The following products are manufactured using aborted fetal cells:

PEPSI BEVERAGES
- All Pepsi soft drinks
- Sierra Mist soft drinks
- Mountain Dew soft drinks
- Mug root beer and other soft drinks
- No Fear beverages
- Ocean Spray beverages
- Seattle's Best Coffee
- Tazo beverages
- AMP Energy beverages
- Aquafina water
- Aquafina flavored beverages
- DoubleShot energy beverages
- Frappuccino beverages
- Lipton tea and other beverages
- Propel beverages
- SoBe beverages
- Gatorade beverages
- Fiesta Miranda beverages
- Tropicana juices and beverages

NESTLE PRODUCTS
- All coffee creamers
- Maggi Brand instant soups, bouillon cubes, ketchups, sauces, seasoning, instant noodles

KRAFT - CADBURY ADAMS PRODUCTS
- Black Jack chewing gum
- Bubbaloo bubble gum
- Bubblicious bubble gum
- Chiclets
- Clorets
- Dentyne
- Freshen Up Gum
- Sour Cherry Gum (Limited)
- Sour Apple Gum (Limited)
- Stride
- Trident

CADBURY ADAMS CANDIES
- Sour Cherry Blasters
- Fruit Mania
- Bassett's Liquorice All sorts
- Maynards Wine Gum
- Swedish Fish
- Swedish Berries
- Juicy Squirts
- Original Gummies
- Fuzzy Peach
- Sour Chillers
- Sour Patch Kids
- Mini Fruit Gums

OTHER CADBURY ADAMS PRODUCTS
- Certs breath mints
- Halls Cough Drops

NEOCUTIS PRODUCTS
This company produces anti wrinkle creams that
contain cells from a 14 week gestation aborted male
baby. Following is the list of the creams, but we
recommend a full boycott of all Neocutis Products.

- Bio-Gel Prevedem Journee
- Bio-Serum Lumiere
- Bio Restorative Skin Cream

VACCINES
MMR II (Merck)
ProQuad (MMR + Chickenpox -- Merck)
Varivax (Chickenpox -- Merck)
Pentacel (Polio + DTaP + HiB -- Sanofi Pasteur)
Vaqta (Hepatitis-A -- Merck)
Havrix (Hepatitis-A -- Glaxo SmithKline)
Twinrix (Hepatitis-A and B combo -- Glaxo)
Zostavax (Shingles -- Merck)
Imovax (Rabies -- Sanofi Pasteur)

OTHER MEDICINES:
Pulmozyme (Cystic Fibrosis -- Genetech)
Enbrel (Rheumatoid Arthritis -- Amgen)

Dave Mihalovic is a Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in vaccine research, cancer prevention and a natural approach to treatment.

Pepsi stops using aborted fetal cell lines to test flavors

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

HONOR GOD. MAKE DISCIPLES.

Lina

Calendar for July 2012 - FYI‏

2012-06-30T06:44:00.000-06:00

The following information was passed on by Rollie (BFF Josie's friend). Thank you, both!

I don't know about the promised "money bags," but we won't know for certain if we don't give the instruction a shot, right?

* * *

THIS IS THE ONLY TIME WE WILL SEE AND LIVE THIS EVENT
Calendar for July 2012

(United States)

July

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens once every 823 years. This is called money bags. So, forward this to your friends and money will arrive within 4 days. Based on Chinese Feng Shui. The one who does not forward.....will be without money.

Green papaya fix

2012-06-29T06:17:00.000-06:00

Shared by my BFF Josie (muchas gracias, amiga!), the following home medication is recommended for folks suffering from uric acid, gout, joint and stomach pains. No harm trying! To see is to believe.

It is just too bad that the author of this piece cannot be given credit as he or she has remained anonymous. Whoever you are, a bundle of thanks!

* * *

photo credit: zumaorganic.com

Just try if you've got uric acid, after all no harm done.

This is really effective, just mix green papaya cubes to the ordinary green tea, my cousin's brother tried and found it very effective. I have also shared with a friend with gout to try this (his "toe joints" started to deform), after a week of drinking this formula there was significant improvement, after two weeks the toe joints healed and reverted to normal state. It is almost three years now, the joint pain is gone, but he maintains the intake between 1-3 times monthly to avoid relapse.

Other friends suffering from years of gout problem have also recovered. It is good for all, even those without gout. Good formula! Do share with the people in need!

An improved sequence by Professor Lai from the China School of Pharmacy:

Cut green papaya into small cubes, place into the water, bring to boil, then add green tea leaves, similar to the tea-making process. Clinical tests show that this brings better effects for treatment of gout, subject to frequent drinking of this formula.

Mr. Liu Qing, Chief of the Rende Town in Tainan, was suffering for years from severe stomach pain around the posterior wall of the stomach. He used green papaya as a tea pot to prepare the family tea daily. After a month his chronic disease condition was much improved. His family members with high uric acid were also healed by the same papaya tea. For this Mr. Liu planted a lot of papaya to share with relatives and friends with similar sickness.

According to Mr. Liu, in the selection of the green papaya as tea pot, pick those the shape of which is fat and short, with larger capacity. Cut off the top part of the papaya, clear away the seeds, open a small hole at the upper side wall to facilitate pouring of tea. Create a small ventilation hole at top cover, put in the tea leaves, pour in boiling water, place the top cover back to papaya, you may use the toothpicks to secure the top cover. Similar to normal process of preparing tea.

photo credit: foodsubs.com

Liu like to use Oolong tea as the taste is good. He was pleasantly surprised that the stomach pains he suffered for many years was healed after a month of drinking tea from the green papaya pot, without taking any other medication. He passed some green papaya leaves to a friend who worked at a Medical Center to test and analyze the content. The tests confirmed that the healthy enzyme present in papaya is beneficial to human health. Now as papaya in Mr. Liu's orchard is yielding suitable size fruits, he would share the fruits with family and friends.

Xu Fuchang, an experienced papaya farmer, said the green papaya refers to papaya that is not ripe, where the skin is still green in color. Generally, the papaya takes about four months to fully mature and ripe, but the healing effect would be lost after it is fully ripe. Green papaya should be harvested when the papaya is approximately three months old, when the fruit is still firm, and the "papaya milk" contains high papaya enzyme and other healthy ingredients.

Not only the green papaya can be used in tea drinking, you may also cut them into cubes, and boil with the meat (parang tinola), or even slicing the green papaya into fine long pieces and fried with garlic, very tasty, and no adverse effects on the human body.

Angels among us

2012-06-28T06:06:00.000-06:00

Do you believe in angels? Not the winged creatures who have the ability to fly, but mere mortals we meet in our everyday business.

Well, one day last week I met one while I was hot and bothered, waiting for my ride home.

That day at work was absolutely frustrating, probably the worst day I have spent in the workplace... ever. I shared my ready-to-explode predicament with someone in the office. Instead of getting the boost that my sagging spirit was pining for, I walked away from our conversation feeling attacked. My work day went downhill from that moment, but being a pro I went about my business without allowing the let-down feeling to consume me.

I really miss the good old days when coming to work was such a genuine joy. Many decades ago, I worked with someone named Kenneth who, to this day, I consider to be the best boss in the world. Despite his corporate executive responsibilities, he always had time to chitchat with the "little people," literally, because in the country we worked in, everyone was miniature compared to Kenneth's tall, overpowering presence.

Today Corporate America is all about getting-the-job-done-so-that-we-can-stay-in-business mentality. Amen, brothers. But let us not forget the glorified slaves who make sacrifices so that the bottom line continues to shine.

I am completely resigned to the fact that I may never work again for a company that takes care of the people who take care of the profit margin. But my Pollyannaish mind cannot help but wish that company owners and business leaders would see the importance of making their employees feel rewarded. A joyful staff makes for a profitable organization. Treating employees well brings good business karma. Just ask the Prosperity Minister, Joel Osteen. Does anyone ever wonder why Oprah Winfrey continues to be rich and powerful? The lady genuinely cares for those who make her look good and she shows it!

Anyway, back to the subject of angels. As I tried to divert my mind from the unhappy episode at the office by working on a word puzzle, a gray-haired man came to join me at the bus stop. He carried a case that looked like a guitar container. He asked if he was at the right gate for his ride to wherever he was scheduled for music practice. After a bit of small talk, he offered me a card that listed a link to an online Bible which I gratefully accepted. We got to talking about spiritual stuff and how politicians are messing with our sanity. I noticed that he had the most angelic looking face I had ever seen. He had the glow of someone who had found the Lord. Without any encouragement, he started singing a song that praised God's goodness. I thought that was so charming and before I knew it, my day-old sadness melted in the hot afternoon air.

In other words, that total stranger was the angel who lifted the burden from my heart. Whoever you are, sir, a million thanks! I came home with a really big smile on my face.

I totally believe that people come into our lives for a purpose. That man came from out of the blue to bring back the joy that got away from me that day.

Wildfires in the cities

2012-06-27T06:49:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a day from hell... literally... for many folks in my part of the world. Wildfires were raging uncontrollably in some areas many miles from my home.

The biggest fire started last Saturday and due to the triple digit weather we have been having, containment by fire fighters has not had much progress. Constant high winds have contributed to the difficulty.

The news reported that 12,000 evacuations have already happened since the weekend. Meaning, a huge number of folks are temporarily homeless, if they have not totally lost their homes and precious possessions.

I can relate to the fire victims. When I was a little girl, I came home from school to watch my home in flames. My family lost everything. But God was really Good because He gave my father (the sole breadwinner) the positive outlook, determination and fighting spirit to start over. In the part of the world where we lived, there was no insurance coverage for a loss like a home. Fortunately, my father had invested in real estate because his long-term plan was to give a piece of land to each of his children. His visionary mentality paid off because the sale of one of the properties provided the opportunity for him to start over and re-establish his business.

When I look back to that long-ago time, I cannot help but feel so proud of my parents. If not for their care in handling the family finances and foresight in covering for any type of crisis, I do not know where I will be now. I might not have gone to college, found gainful employment and become a productive citizen of society.

The point I am trying to say is that fire victims should not lose hope. My advice is for them to quickly move on and not allow themselves to wallow in self-pity. If they maintained a frugal lifestyle and took care in getting appropriate insurance for their assets... job well done! They will not find it difficult to start over. Just like the mythical Phoenix, they can rise from the ashes.

These fire tragedies should send a lesson to everyone. Let us not get too attached to our material belongings because whether we like it or not, they come and go. What is important is to have the resolve of an indefatigable fighter, to not buckle down at the first sign of trouble. More important, leave the rest to the Good Lord. Things happen for a reason and it is up to us to find the message in every mess.

For those of us who remain safe and snug in our comfort zones, besides counting our blessings, let us spend a moment to commiserate with the fire victims. One great way of doing that is to send financial donations to the Red Cross and other organizatiions that shelter fire victims. This is a time when our assistance is needed and appreciated the most. Let us always remember that "what goes around, comes around."

Take 2: Our home's sacred zone

2012-06-26T06:43:00.000-06:00

For many people, an altar in the home provides the much-needed spiritual anchor in their lives. We all need a distraction from the pressures of daily living or a diversion from whatever battle we are fighting.

The following piece originally graced this site in late 2010.

Our home's sacred zone

The world of babies

2012-06-25T06:19:00.000-06:00

The documentary, “Babies,” kept me captivated over the weekend. The film by Thomas Balmés documents the culturally disparate lives of four children in different parts of the globe… Hattie in San Francisco, U.S.A.; Bayar in Bayandchanmani, Mongolia; Mari in Tokyo, Japan; and Ponijao in Opuwo, Namibia.

From their entry into the world until their triumph over their first step, Balmés captured each baby's one year's worth of endearing moments.

After watching it, I could not help but notice that the child (Ponijao in Namibia) who was raised in the least privileged (primitive actually) surroundings grew up the happiest with a constant big smile on her face. Growing up almost naked, playing in the dirt, drinking muddy water and playing with Nature's gifts reiterated my belief that simplicity can inspire a joyful life. In contrast, the Japanese kid (Mari) often got cranky despite the abundance of play things in her world.

Below is an educated observation… from someone who should know what he is talking about… a psychologist.

A psychologist’s commentary

Prayers for cancer patients

2012-06-24T22:16:00.000-06:00

St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients. He himself suffered from and was cured of this disease after receiving a vision of the Crucified Jesus reaching out His Hand to touch his afflicted limb. Below are prayers for St. Peregrine's intercession for cancer-stricken people.

Prayer to Saint Peregrine

O great St. Peregrine, you have been called “The Mighty,” “The Wonder-Worker,” because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.

For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.

(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)

Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy.

Amen.

Novena to St. Peregrine

Glorious Wonder-Worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.

You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine Hand.

Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His Will in all events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men.

Deliver me from the infirmities that afflict my body (especially… )

Obtain for me also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send me, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, I may merit eternal glory in heaven.

St. Peregrine, pray for me and for all who invoke your aid.

Take 2: Cyber clutter

2012-06-23T06:32:00.000-06:00

With the advent of computers came a maddening situation waiting to happen: electronic clutter.

Have you never cleaned out your e-mail folders? Are there electronic files hanging around in your hard drive that you have not retrieved in five years? Do you store every funny e-mail forwarded by a friend or member of your family?

If you answered a confident YES to all of the above, welcome to the CCC (Cyber Clutter Club)! Click on the link below and read on...

Cyber clutter

Taylor's wisdom

2012-06-22T06:37:00.000-06:00

I was never a Taylor Swift fan until I caught her "60 Minutes" interview with Leslie Stahl last Sunday evening.

“Every singer on the radio is raising the next generation. Make your words count.” No wiser words could have come out of a 21-year old’s mouth. Taylor drove the nail on the head!

Entertainers need to realize the important job they do in the world: their significant impact on the young generation’s attitude about life, love, success and failure. They have to realize that being good role models should be part of why they are in the business besides the obvious reason of wanting to amass their personal wealth. Today’s youth are fixated on celebrities for inspiration in their personal lives. Famous faces have the weight on their shoulders of providing good examples for their fans to emulate. The kind of clothes they wear, their manner of speech and how they conduct their personal lives away from the spotlight are not lost on the adoring young minds.

Because celebrities make obscene amounts of money, it is all the more expected of them to prove they are worthy of the blessing. Their fans who buy their movie or concert tickets, music albums, accessories, dress designs and what-have-you deserve to be uplifted in return. The best way to accomplish that is to demonstrate what ideal role models they are in the lives of the average Joes and Janes.

Fortunately, the world has a Taylor Swift who knows and accepts her mission in the industry she moves in. She is willing to rise to the occasion. Thank goodness for that. More power to her!

photo credit: http://taylor-swift-wallpapers-hd.blogspot.com/2012/01/taylor-swift-hot-pictures.html

Take 2: Cellular chatting unleashed

2012-06-21T06:09:00.000-06:00

I think there should be a law against obscene cell phone conversations. In my daily bus/train commute to and from work, I have been the unwilling eavesdropper to many a private chat that I had no business hearing.

The sad reality is that humanity (the kind I interact with on Planet Earth) has lost respect for boundaries. The practice of good conduct and proper behavior is lost, hopefully not, for good. Shame on us!

Cellular chatting had been a subject of a blog last year. The topic remains very relevant and I feel the need to re-publish the post. Call it a friendly reminder to the constant uncontrollable offenders. I should apologize to those whose toes may get stepped on, but I do not see the need to do so.

Cellular chatting unleashed