SIMPLIFYING AND DE-STRESSING: MY PATH TO HAPPINESS

Thanks to Mr. Choi Sung Bong, Korean Master Herbalist, my GERD/LPR is gone. I'm totally cured. I have no more spitting bouts and hyperacidity. I was right, pharmaceutical drugs like Proton pump inhibitors and antacids are useless. I don't want to cause more damage to my body by using such allopathic drugs. Next step is to simplify and de-stress.

Our bodies give us signals that we must not ignore. Having GERD/LPR was God's way of communicating to me to slow down and relax. Working too hard and worrying much harder will not benefit me spiritually and physically. Amidst all my trials, I realize that God always comes through in the nick of time and all the anxiety of worrying was and is always useless. In fact, fear and worry are actually an insult to God, for fear is the opposite of faith.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6

I have decided to stay positive and be grateful for what God blesses me with everyday. Resigning myself to my present condition and learning from my mistakes gives me a sense of freedom from fear and anxiety. Now I feel as if everything is falling into place and that I am on my way to fulfilling my dreams. And our decision to move back to the province of Mindanao is timely and reassuring.

Here in Mindanao I will stop working full-time to focus on my kids. Time flies and I am quite fed up with babysitters who don't treat my children the way they deserve to be cared for. Also my family needs more fresh air and organic fruits and veggies to strenghthen our immune system. The pollution and stressful lifestyle in Manila has left our vital organs abused and beaten up. Not to mention the financial burdens that goes with keeping up with the Joneses or the Ayalas.

It gives me pleasure to find my children happy to be back to the city where my eldest sons were born. They don't really mind that there are no SM supermalls in this humble town. I never really raised them to be materialistic. They love the sense of family that the province has. In Manila, I never really had the time to visit relatives because of my work and my distaste for heavy traffic and travelling. But here relatives will drop by every other day and they are ever willing to give a helping hand, with no price tag involved. Did I mention the lovely food here and the wide variety of very affordable fruits that I can gobble on each and everyday? I have to watch my weight and not abuse my good health. I am also very grateful for all the free time I have to blog and read books and pray and go to Mass, and of course doing all these things with my children beside me.

This is the perfect time to do this big experiment that Bro. Bo Sanchez is suggesting, come and join me in this endeavor. It's called “If I had only 30 days to live, how will I live?” - Source: Live Like A Dying Man, BoSanchez.ph

Just imagine that these next 30 days of your life are your last 30 days.

Make it an agreement between you and God… (Print this out and sign this prayer. Or get a piece of paper and copy this prayer.)

Prayer:

Lord, I will live the next 30 days

like they were my last 30 days.

Starting Date: _________

Ending Date: __________

____________________

Signature

Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

–Psalms 90:12

What 10 Things Should I Do

In The Next 30 Days—If They Were My Last?

Get a pen. Answer this question: What 10 things should I do in the next 30 days—if they were my last? Write whatever comes to your mind. You’ll be surprised at the stuff that’ll come out. What will come out are the most important things in your heart.

1. _________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________

4. _________________________________________________

5. _________________________________________________

6. _________________________________________________

7. _________________________________________________

8. _________________________________________________

9. _________________________________________________

10. _________________________________________________

Invite Friends To Take the Retreat With You!

Get friends to take this journey of 30 Days with you.

Invite one or more persons to do it with you.

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NO TO CREDIT CARDS! YES TO THE EON PAYPAL CARD!

Eversince I declared Death to my credit cards a few years ago, I thought that was the end of my online transactions. But thank God I discovered the EON CyberAccount, Unionbank's internet based deposit account. It is a debit card with no minimum balance to maintain. And the best thing is it can be used to fund Paypal accounts.

So if you haven't cut your credit cards in half, now is the perfect time to switch to the EON debit card. Goodbye to monthly charges/interests and piling bills! Don't forget, debt is dumb.

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MY MEETING WITH A KOREAN MASTER HERBALIST

"Whoever stepped with faith, was made well of whatever disease he had". - John 5:4

I thought I’d died and gone to herbal heaven. I have wanted to consult with a certified herbalist, acupuncturist and chiropractor. But due to financial constraints I can only afford to cure my GERD and LPR through open source healing using the internet. With God’s grace the long wait is over thanks to my mother-in-law who had to come here from Turkey just to avail the services of this Korean healing master, Mr. Choi Sung Bong.

The late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia is just one of his many international clients. People from Israel, Jordan, Dubai and Korea all travel across the globe to visit his humble office in BF Homes Paranaque. Now I am also one of his satisfied customers who actually never paid the Php 3000.00 (($60) consultation fee. This is because my mother-in-law helped him when he was starting out his business here in Manila. An affable man, he welcomed us and invited us for dinner.

Mr. Choi took my yellowish hand and pressed on key points on my palms. He didn’t speak good English but I didn’t mind. I was so elated to be there in his presence. For this is sacred ground. This is where real cures are found. No pharmaceutical drugstore in the world can carry so much potent stuff than the herbs that he showcases here. Herbs that God gave man to cure his disease.

Good thing he didn’t communicate well in English for I would have bombarded him with a thousand questions and he would have charged me for the effort (lol). His diagnosis is that I have stomach and small intestine problems. I’m sure he meant GERD. I am not allowed to eat pork and chicken because it prompts the stomach to produce too much acid. Other foods to avoid are chocolates, bread, milk, cheese, coffee, green tea, oily/fried foods, processed foods and preservatives. I am only allowed to eat fruits and vegetables.

I was feeling very weak that day and boy did I look like I had a low battery charge. Mr. Choi gave me a cup of his herbal medicine. It tasted like rancid coffee but I pretended it was delicious and satisfying. In a few minutes, the pain on my back was gone, I could feel the blood flowing with energy in my veins and I was fully charged and energized. Wow! Can you say Halleluiah?! My mother-in-law bought me this medicine good for one week at almost 50% discount. From Php3500 ($75), she paid Php2000 ($42) only. I went home a happy patient, grateful to have found a true naturopath that I can run to in case of emergency. I am truly incensed with the drugs that a conventional medical doctor prescribes whenever I go to a hospital or clinic. All they ever give you are antibiotics that further damage the immune system and my wallet. Thank God for these real doctors, the unsung heroes of modern times.

Visit Mr. Choi Sung Bong at Bethesda Herbal Clinic, #28 Elsie Gaches St., BF Homes, Paranaque City Metro Manila. Tel. no. 850-6347, 807-9637. Mobile no. 0928-376-777.
Services offered: Moxibustion, Acupuncture, Chiropratic, Massage, Herbal medicine, Ortho-dental.

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IT PAYS TO BE FRUGAL in these difficult times

Got a wake up call from a fellow Link referral member's review about this blog. Patrick of TorontoCityLife.com says...

Nice personal blog with a clean layout, plenty of content, and good design. The focus seems to be a bit off -- I didn't see much about debt management or credit card reduction, but otherwise it's a nice blog..

Great observation there Patrick. The reason I don't focus on my debt is because I want to re-organize my life first and change my bad habits. I feel that I have to undergo a personal transformation then everything else will follow. To fixate on my shortcomings and mistakes is not exactly a recommended technique from my spiritual and financial mentors. To be honest, I'm still a bit traumatized for digging myself into this big trap. So for now I am centering on how to release all that negative energy and try to do something productive. I am constantly on the lookout for strategies to create passive income. The most convenient for me is making money on blogging and internet marketing. But I am still learning all the ropes so I really can't give much advice on this topic for I haven't made my first $100 yet. And the recession with it's doom and gloom situation is not exactly encouraging.

Despite the gloomy economy in the U.S. and the rest of the world, there are lots of opportunities out there for anyone willing enough to become rich. But I'm just taking things slow right now, trying not to push myself too hard because of my LPR/GERD disease. The most convenient thing that I can impart to you, at the moment dear reader, is a budget plan. There is an Excel spreadsheet that I got from Deadbeef.com author Jeremy Bettis, a facilitator in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace class . Download it here.

With the current recession our best weapon is to practice frugality and self-control. I'm sure economists will frown on this statement. But we have to admit that the cause of the recession boils down to overspending and too much debt. Please make sure that you only buy things that you need and be creative in recycling your old stuff so that you can keep your spending to a minimum. And please stay away from the mall, haha!

Another budget plan, a simpler one (because I hate complications) is setting a realistic amount
everyday. For example, on a small notebook you can write say 100.00 Php ($2) as the amount that you can only spend for each day. Whatever you need that is more than 100 pesos you can just create something out of your old stuff or go to the junk yard or sell whatever you own to add to your budget. There are a lot of creative ways you can come up with and it's totally fun to use your imagination and other available resources that you can find to live within your budget or even expand it. Or another idea is every payday you can live on 50% of your salary then keep the other 50% and put it in your emergency fund or invest it on a business venture (only if you already have an emergency fund). There are numerous ways to save money and make money. Don't be afraid to be called a cheapskate. Better to be a rich killjoy than a pauper (or amuyong). The bottom line is you better acknowledge first that you have a financial problem and be willing to learn from others on how you can be frugal and how to Get rich slowly. Then the universe, or God if you will, will show you how to make your dreams come true. You only have to unload everything that restrains you from moving forward, forgive and forget, then love and the world will love you back. Don't forget to pray and count your blessings everyday too.

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MUSIC AND SATANISM

Music is the most powerful tool that Satan uses today to promote his religion. The sad part is teenagers are the most vulnerable victims of Satanic music. Once they get hooked, they become followers until their dying day. As parents, it is our responsibility to guide our children to the right path and not allow them to destroy their lives. We should not make the same mistake that our own parents made when we were young. It is NOT acceptable behaviour to rebel and dress up like vampires, witches or sorcerers.

Heavy metal and Rock music produces very young satanists, murderers, rapists, drug users and the like in our society today. I was watching the 700 Club Asia last night (one of my fave shows) when I saw how a College student pawned his soul to the devil, an innocent teen almost lost his soul and a Goth rock star who wanted to rule hell side by side with Satan. And what do all 3 of them have in common? You guessed it, their lives revolved around heavy metal and rock music. The music feeds them and drives them to do evil unto themselves, their families and the community.

There have been studies on the influence of Rock and Roll and its harmful effects on the human mind and body. It was also discovered that the Satanic Church recruited rock stars to spread their religion and propagate cult followers. There are numerous evidence out there that points out how a simple love for rock and roll music can turn into disaster and can even cost you your soul.

Nowadays though it's not just rock music anymore. Pop, rap or gangsta rap, punk, reggae and even EMO (short for emotional) songs can induce the same results. So we need to protect our children, not by putting a leash on them, but by being there for them as much as we can. To sacrifice for them and build a close relationship with them are key to raising good and loving Christians. Let us not neglect our children. They deserve our love and full attention.

When I was young, I grew up to the music of Queen, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and many other rock icons. My dad loves his rock and roll music. And he influenced me so much that until my college days I was a big grunge and alternative rock fan. I didn't turn out to be a criminal but I am also not exceptional. From my experience I feel that to some degree my love for rock and roll music did not do me any good. In high school, I would rather listen to my walkman than learn from my teachers. I would prefer to watch MTV all day than hang out with my parents and spend time with them. In short, I became a rebellious spirit that epitomizes the Gen-X attitude. Later in life did I realize that all those labels and so called "cool attitude" are just distractions orchestrated by the devil so that families can be dysfunctional and unwelcoming to children. All those precious years wasted on rock and roll and trying to be cool when I should have achieved more by focusing on my spiritual and financial development. My parents never really gave importance to such ideals. All they ever cared about are themselves. My dad with his women and booze. My mom with her casino dealings and ballroom partners. If only my parents guided me on how I could build my nest egg so that I could retire in style and leave a legacy to my children. Now my parents are unemployed and penniless, living off of my sister's charity. I have learned from their mistakes that is why I am trying so hard to break the chain of bad habits and recklessness. I hope you would do the same for the sake of your family, your children.

Incidentally, I have a new blog about Mass Songs that will nourish the soul and stimulate positive vibes. Check it out...Filipino Mass Songs...Your Heavenly Source!

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WARNING SIGNS THAT REVEAL YOU ARE ADDICTED TO BLOGGING

Guilty! That is my personal verdict on my blogging habits. I admit I am addicted to blogging. Let me tell you why...

1. I find myself writing 2 articles for the same blog in 1 day.
2. I consider myself a professional blogger despite the fact that I have yet to earn from my 4 blogs.
3. Meal times are dictated by the rumblings of my stomach. I feed on my endorphins.
4. I actually read and personally critique every blog I visit while dropping Entrecards or visiting affiliates.
5. I am continually coming up with new blogsites in my head and I am actually up to date with all my 4 blogs.
6. I do not care anymore what kind of job I'm going to pursue. I am excited with the sense of adventure it will contribute to my blog.
7. I'd rather blog than cuddle or watch TV.
8. I'm always on the lookout for the niftiest and trendiest features to add to my blogs.
9. I keep forgetting to sign on to YM (Yahoo Messenger) and LM (Windows Live Messenger) whenever I'm online.
10. I keep putting aside prayer time to spend more time on my PC.

This is becoming a bad habit indeed. I was supposed to master my time management plan. Time to muster enough self control and discipline to end this addiction. For anything addicting is not healthy to one's body and soul. For my fellow bloggers out there you can follow these 12 traditions to recovery (based on Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Traditions).

The Twelve Traditions for Blogaholics Anonymous

One—Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon Blogaholics Anonymous or B.A. unity.

Two—For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

Three—The only requirement for B.A. membership is a desire to stop excessive blogging.

Four—Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or B.A. as a whole.

Five—Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the Blogaholic who still suffers.

Six—A B.A. group ought never endorse, finance or lend the B.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

Seven—Every B.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

Eight—Blogoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.

Nine—B.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.

Ten—Blogholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the B.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

Eleven—Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.

Twelve—Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

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ARE YOU AN EFFECTIVE WITNESS FOR THE LORD?

Go ye therefore into all the world, teaching and preaching.

I went to a family reunion a few days ago. Nobody recognized me because I used to be round and chubby. After fasting for 25 days last year during the Lenten Season, I have lost almost 30 pounds and never gained it back. Bro. Bo Sanchez, a Filipino preacher, invited his followers to 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting . I only lasted 25 days though. The mission for this fast: To grow closer to God and receive all that He wants to give to us. And he was right, it was the most amazing and rewarding experience of my life. Not only did I detoxify my body, I have exorcised my demons and have grown closer to God than ever before.

My relatives kept asking me what was my secret. I told them about my diet plan and lifestyle changes that improved my health. I never mentioned about my "spiritual revival", my fasting experience and how it changed my life. This has been the same reply I have for the last year whenever somebody would ask me about my weight loss. But after talking to more than a dozen relatives and seeing the astonished look on their faces I realized how selfish I was.
This was what Zig Ziglar was pointing out in his book Confessions of a Happy Christian. I was not sharing all the benefits that I was receiving from the Lord. What good would it do me if I am not an effective witness for Him? I am committing a graver sin because I am too lazy or even embarrassed to acknowledge God's presence in my life. I'm sure it will definitely please God more if I spread His good news and not keep all my blessings to myself. How rewarding it will be if I can lead others to God not only in prayer or in blogging, but also through my words and deeds. On that note, let me leave you with a prayer from the Preacher in Blue Jeans.

Lord use me.
Help me to be your channel of peace and love and healing to many people.
Send me lord. Amen.

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JOB HAUNTINGS...A Makati Horror Story

Makati has a deep, dark secret. The police are keeping it all hush-hush for fear that investors will flee in horror once they discover what goes on in this city. For evil lurks in its busiest and most progressive streets, particularly along Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas. There are monsters lurking here, disguised as yuppies or students. And many people are totally unaware that these predators lie in wait for their next victim.

Jeline (not her real name) is a resident of Makati. But she chose not to work close to home for she has heard of these criminals that prey on call center agents and white collar employees even in broad daylight. So when she encountered them herself, despite her terror, she did not panic for she knew what to do.

It was around 6 p.m. when Jeline was on her way to work. A handsome couple, who looked like they just stepped out of the office, was just behind her and seemed to be asking her something. She refused to turn around and tried to walk away from these people but they followed her. The couple was then chanting inaudible words behind her back, so she started to run for dear life. She was now positive that this is the gang that her neighbors were talking about. And she was so relieved as soon as she got on the bus hoping that this would be the last time she will encounter the band of thieves known as the Budol budol gang.

In these difficult times, criminals are now more creative in preying on their victims by employing new techniques such as witchcraft and hypnotism. Other stories include three victims allegedly hypnotized into giving up their cash and valuables. There were three women speaking in Mandarin that roam the streets of Binondo and swoop down on unsuspecting Chinese females walking alone. One victim was hypnotized into going back to her residence in Quezon City to retrieve her cash and valuables and return to Binondo to turn them over to the hypnotizers. Another victim even went to her bank to open her safe deposit boxes. Lastly, a woman felt weak after the perpetrators tapped her on the shoulder. She went home, took her valuables from her cabinet and turned them over to the thieves. She then fell asleep and awoke refreshed and puzzled as to how she agreed to give the thieves her valuables. Through some form of hypnotic suggestion, the victims follow the commands of their perpetrators.

My husband and I had a big fight because I keep applying for jobs in the Makati area. At first, I was unaware, like everybody else, that the city is infiltrated with these evil minions. Residents even allege that street vendors may be accomplices of the gang members. But after hearing the story of Jeline, his officemate, he doesn't have to convince me twice to stay away from this city. Sure, I may be protected by my own set of prayers and orations. But I always believe that Prevention is better than cure. I pray dear reader that you will be more vigilant when you go by the Makati business district. Don't leave home without your rosary or scapular and ask the angels and saints to protect you from these evil forces.

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OF SEX SCANDALS AND KATRINA HALILI

I refuse to talk about Dr. Hayden Kho's mental state or sexual trysts. He is just another face behind the stigma that is ailing our society today. My concern is the injustice and sexual abuse that is rampant against Filipino women . It is disturbing to note that most victims are teenagers who are being raped and even gang-raped by their friends or acquiantances.
After being drugged, these poor women are then violated and filmed at the same time. But the nightmare doesn't end there. Copies of these molestations are freely distributed thru cellphones and the internet or are sold on every street corner.

While the public feasts on sex scandals, its victims are outcasted and maligned by their community despite the fact that heinous crimes have been committed against them. And I commend Katrina Halili for representing these women. Because of her courage and fighting spirit, somehow the deadly silence of these victims are being heard. Without her efforts, the perpetrators are free to carry on with their deviltry and roam the streets unpunished. Nevermind that politicians are riding on this issue for their personal gain. This is the kind of attention it deserves so that appropriate laws will be ratified and the victims can now defend themselves in court.

I can only hope that the lawmakers will do their job and not treat this issue as a passing scandal that will be overlooked as time goes by. Anyone at anytime can be a victim. This is a serious crime that every parent should be concerned about. I do not want my children to live in a country where these crimes are tolerated. And horror of horrors, what a nightmare it would be if I find copies of these gang rape films and sex scandals in my children's bedroom or worse discover their participation in these evil acts.

This is a great opportunity for parents and especially women to fight for their rights and defend their chastity. Let us not view this issue as simple gossip for the implications are definitely revelent to our spiritual and physical sanctity and the future of our children.

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CREATED MY EXPANDABLE POST SUMMARIES AT LAST!

After 48 years, I mean 13 days and 9 failed attempts, I have finally succeeded in creating expandable post summaries for my blog. Thanks to It's a Fun! blogger tutorial and the Blog Doctor my blog looks better than ever! Just the way I like it!
Thank you for your help. This was the most effective tutorial I have tried. I have attempted sooo many times and I almost lost my mind! Check out the site and learn more about blogging. God bless you!

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