Super Diet

* 2-3 Tablespoons liquid Bentonite in a glass of water

* 1 teaspoon Psyllium husks powder in a glass of unsweetened juice     

* Drink at least 16 ounces of liquid within the 3-hour period between each dose

* Do this regiment 5 times a day, starting at 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM; 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

* At 9:00 PM take an enema to eliminate all the waste from the colon so you may sleep soundly.  On the 4^th or 5^th day you will lose besides long ropes of waste, black matter which is a sign that you may start adding food to your diet like some raw and steamed fruits or vegetables.  Discontinue clay after the 7^th day, re-establish friendly bacteria with acidophilus or yogurt, and go on a good natural diet.     

During this fast you don’t feel hungry.  You may feel a little light-headed at times but you can continue most everyday work, except some strenuous exercise.

I have done this diet several times over the years, always with good results.  I feel more energy and truly clean inside out.  It can also be a good start for weight-loss but since it doesn’t build muscles most of the weight lost during the time of the fast will be toxins and water.  The best part is it cleanses the intestines where most of our troubles start anyway.

This diet was suggested by Rev. Hanna Kroeger, MsD (1917- 1998)   in her book “Old Time Remedies for Modern Ailments.”  Mrs. Kroeger was trained in German and other European hospitals during the war years of WWI & WWII.  She was often called the “Grandmother of Health” and achieved her fame similar to holistic health professionals during the 20^th century like Linus Pauling, Ann Wigmore, Dr. John Christopher and Edgar Cayce.

I believe that we can do many things for ourselves.  That’s part of our human responsibility to care for our bodies before we get seriously sick.  That doesn’t exclude  seeking out a qualified health care professional when something serious happens.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Dr. George W. Calver

Image - Library of Congress

I came across an article in the AARP magazine regarding the advice of Dr. George W. Calver who was an appointed physician for the U.S. Congress.  During the 1920s as many as 20 U.S. Senators and Representatives were dying every year.  With the care of Dr. Calver and his 10 Commandments of Health, he calmed down the politicians.  He even posted the list throughout the Capitol and printed them on wallet-sized cards, so that every member could carry them with them.

Here are 10 Commandments of Health

1. Eat wisely
2. Drink plentifully (of water)
3. Eliminate thoroughly
4. Bathe cleanly
5. Exercise rationally
6. Accept inevitables (don't worry)
7. Play enthusiastically
8. Relax completely
9. Sleep sufficiently
10. Check up occasionally

P.S.: Give 5% of your time to keeping well and you won’t have to give 100% getting over being sick.”

This advice is not only good for politicians but for all of us. Obviously, he was a physician, not a chaplain.  Maybe, that’s why he didn’t include the spiritual aspects of life.  Our physical body can only work properly when we take the 5% in account and become responsible for our whole life.

Honk, honk – Lessons Learned from the Wild Geese

This past Sunday’s sermon, given by our brother Rev. Bruce Grodner, District Pastor at HSA-UWC,  left a deep impression on me.  Bruce talked a lot about team work, co-operation, caring for each other and being kind.  As an example he mentioned about migrating birds, especially wild geese which can travel whole continents by flying in the v-formation.

When we unite, we can achieve so much more than when we work alone.  By joining together we create a force for positive change, discover new territories, and can accomplish anything we set our minds on.  Working together gives a feeling of belonging; it makes us stronger, and helps us accomplish our human purpose.



I found a beautiful poem-like story, written by Dr. Harry Clarke Noyes in 1992 which describes their activities:
The Goose Story

Next
fall, when
you see Geese
heading South for
the Winter, flying along
in V formation, you might
consider what science has dis-
covered as to why they fly that way:
as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an
uplift for the bird immediately following. By
flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least
71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

People who share a common direction and sense of community
can get where they are going more quickly and easily
because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When
a goose falls
out of formation,
it suddenly feels the drag
and resistance of trying to go it alone
and quickly gets back into formation to take
advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

If we have as much sense as a goose,
we will stay in formation
with those who are headed the same way we are.

When
the Head Goose
gets tired, it rotates back
in the wing and another goose flies point.

It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs
with people or with geese flying South.

Geese
honk from behind to
encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

What do we say when we honk from behind?

Finally,
and this is important,
when a goose gets sick, or is
wounded by gunshots and falls out
of formation, two other geese fall out with that
goose and follow it down to lend help and protection.
They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until
it dies. Only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation
to catch up with their group.

IF WE HAVE THE SENSE OF A GOOSE,
WE WILL STAND BY EACH OTHER
LIKE THAT.

by Dr. Harry Clarke Noyes
ARCS NEWS, Vol. 7, No. 1, January 1992

To get a view of what Dr. Noyes is talking about you can watch a video:

We should learn from the wisdom of the flocks of wild geese. "Everyone works hard, all help, and encourage each other. Pull those who fall behind. If someone cannot climb up, help that person by becoming a base for him to step on. This is what it is like to go on the path to Heaven.”
Rev. Sun Myung Moon

Lessons learned from the Goose story:

They geese fly in the v-formation because it helps them conserve energy.  The formation reduces the wind resistance and gives each bird to take the lead (exerting the most energy).  It also helps with visual assurance (like keeping track of each bird), space orientation and communication.  Scientists have now discovered that single flying birds tire much faster.

And so it is with us humans, too.  We can accomplish so much more if we are willing to co-operate, encourage and share with each other.  A common goal can be reached much faster and with less effort by the individuals.

“People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.”

~ Dr. Harry Clark Noyce

Military adaptations of v-formation

Military flight formations are using the v-form in aerodynamics because they have discovered that the leading bird (plane) does not simply block the wind for the following birds. The wings of the birds create wing-tip vortices which create a wind called upwash for the following birds.  Scientist Cutts and Speakman have written extensively about it.

“I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love.”

~Mahatma Gandhi

When we unite, we can achieve so much more that when we work alone.  By joining together we create a force for positive change, discover new territories, and can accomplish anything we set our minds on.  Working together gives a feeling of belonging; it makes us stronger, and helps us accomplish our human purpose.

The Great Communicator

Happy 100^th Birthday, Mr. President! 

On this day February 6, 1911, Ronald Wilson Reagan  our 40^th President was born in Tampico, Illinois.  He was 70 years old when he became president and served for two terms.  Ronald Reagan became president during the 80s.  He faced many similar circumstances as today: slow economy, raising inflation, the thread of liberal expansion, etc.  Mr. Reagan faced these challenges with optimism, faith and belief in the ideals that made America “the shining city on the hill.”

“Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.”
~ Ronald Reagan

The Man

Ronald Reagan’s life unfolds almost like a fairy tale.  He was an accomplished athlete, an honored veteran, a famous actor, the governor of California and finally became our nation’s president.  His greatest attributes were his affection for people; he was comfortable with who he was.  He took responsibilities for his office but didn’t take himself too serious which he showed often in telling jokes.  Through his actor’s training he projected a certain cordiality with toughness, but his faith allowed him to stay humble.  He was the eternal optimist and always spoke of a better future.

Here is a video testifying to his faith:

“Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known.”
~ Ronald Reagan


The Actor
Ronald Reagan’s film courier spanned over almost 30 years, starting in 1937-1965. He never won an Academy Award, but he did win a Golden Globe Award for Hollywood Citizenship in 1957.  He appeared in more than 50 films and became a famous movie star.  During his Hollywood years, he was a supportive Democrat which allowed him to become the president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the union of the actors.  He tried to distance the union from the Communist influence in Hollywood.  His growing aversion against Communism changed his involvement in the guild and also cost him his marriage to his first wife, Jane Wyman.  When he left Hollywood, he was a conservative Republican.  He developed a following there which eventually helped him to become the Governor of California in 1966.  His motto: A Time For Choosing.

"Every time the government is forced to act, we lose something in self-reliance, character, and initiative."

~ Ronald Reagan

The President
Ronald Reagan’s presidency began with a landslide victory predicted by an unknown New York newspaper called The News World.  Mr. Reagan had many victories as well as setback during his presidency.  His greatest accomplishment from my perspective were that he “befriended” the Russian president and therefore helped “to tear down this wall.”

Here is a link to his famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin June 12, 1987: 

video

His training as an actor and great communicator helped him to give many historical speeches as the president.

Through his optimism and love of the people the 1980s  became a decade of “peace through strength.”

"While I take inspiration from the past, like most Americans, I live for the future." ~ Ronald Reagan

The Great Communicator

Mr. Reagan was often called the great communicator because of his skill of talking evocatively and using folksy tales that ordinary people could understand.  A statement that National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane made to Secretary of State George Schultz sums up best his abilities to communicate: “He knows so little, and accomplishes so much.”

I want to finish this tribute to a great president with a link to a recent documentary by Newt and Callista Gingrich, called “Rendezvous with Destiny.”

Mr. President, your legacy will not be forgotten.  You appeared on the American scene when America needed you most.  We hope and pray, that you can inspire, from the other side, another great leader during this time to step forward to lead us into a better future, somebody who also believes in “the city on the shining hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere."

UNCOVER YOUR DIVINITY - Where to Search for God?

Man’s search for the Divine and his longing for meaning and oneness have been expressed in both civil as well as spiritual life.  In many ways we cannot separate one from the other, even though some people mandate the separation of church and state.  Whole cultures have been built around spiritual founders who have influenced all aspects of life. 

The general definition for Divinity is the study of religion or the quality of being divine. 

“It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read.”

~ Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

Religions

There are many religions and infinite belief systems among the world population.  Traditionally, religions were the vehicle for people to gather around to worship God.  The meaning of religion is, according to the Webster’s New World Dictionary:

Latin - relegio – reverence for the gods, holiness;

Latin - religare – to bind together or to reconnect. 

Most religions have a belief in the divine as a superhuman power to be obeyed and worshiped as the creator and ruler of the universe; or any specific system of belief, worship, or conduct.

Let’s take a look at some of the major religions:

Christianity – is a monotheistic faith formed on the basis of the life and teachings of Jesus.  His teachings have been accounted for in the New Testament of the bible.  After only 3 years of public ministry, he was able to lay a foundation of spiritual salvation through his sacrifice on the cross.

Judaism – is a teaching which has been handed down through the Old Testament based on the traditions of Abraham and his tribes.  Isaac who was one of Abraham’s sons, had a son name Jacob who became the father of the Israelites. Followers of Judaism believe in one God and follow the Ten Commandments.

“We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them to discover it within themselves.”

GalileoGalilei (1564-1642),  Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher.

 

Islam – The belief of Islam is found in the Koran which tells us that there is one God, Allah, and that his prophet is Mohammed who is the founder of their faith.  The roots of Islam come from Ishmael who was a son of Abraham.

Confucianism – is a teaching based on the philosophy of Confucius who lived in China during 6^th century before Christ.  It includes principles of morality and cultural values.   

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”  ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Buddhism – originated with Buddha in India during the 6^th century BC.  Buddha taught self-discovery and to overcome suffering (the four noble truth).   Buddhists don’t believe in a personal God.

Hinduism - Hindus believe in one creative Force, Brahma, and many smaller deities.  Their main belief is reincarnation, which is to carry out karma.

Divinity

In our search of divinity, looking into different religions may not be enough.  I like to share a short story which has its origin in a Hindu legend:

There is a Hindu legend about a time when all humans were gods, but they abused that divinity. They so abused it that Brahma, the chief god, decided to take it away from them and hide it where they would never find it again.

Where to hide it, became the big question. The lesser gods were called into council to consider this question: “Where shall we hide humanity’s divinity?” The council said, “We will bury humanity’s divinity deep in the earth,” but Brahma said, “No that will not do; one day they will dig down deep into the earth and will find it.”

Then they said, “We will sink their divinity into the deepest ocean.” Again Brahma replied, “No, not there, for they will learn to dive into the deepest waters, and search the ocean bed and find it.”

Then the lesser gods said, “We will take it to the top of the highest mountain and hide it there.” But again Brahma replied, “No, for eventually humans will climb every high mountain on earth; they will be sure some day to find it and take it up again.”

Then the lesser gods gave up and concluded, “We do not know where to hide it, for it seems there is no place on the earth or in the sea that humans will not eventually reach.” Then Brahma said, “Here is what we will do with humanity’s divinity. “We will hide it deep down in humans themselves; they will never think to look for it there.”

Ever since then, the legend concludes, humans have been going to and fro throughout the earth, climbing, digging, diving, exploring, and searching for something already within themselves. The divinity within humanity is still the best-kept secret of the ages.

I like this story because it shows us that we have what we are looking for already within us.  From my understanding the definition of divinity is the capacity to give and receive love.  Divinity describes our original true nature and our God-given potential for fulfillment and happiness.

I used to think that life is a journey with the destination of being “perfect.”  I understand now that it is in journey itself where we experience life and in the “being-ness” which is the present moment; kind of like “acting as if.” It is in the process of everyday experiences that we realize our DIVINITY.  We don’t have to look for it, rather we have to unearth our true original heart and mind by emulating the one God has send during this time. 

"Don't aim at success - the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one's dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the byproduct of one's surrender to a person other than oneself."
~ Viktor Frankl (1905-1997) 


Religions have provided a framework and community for the practices of loving and serving others.  The religions which have emulated God’s principles and practiced a sacrificial life have survived for thousands of years.

The common questions all people are asking:

Who am I?

Why am I here?

How can I be happy?

How can I understand and fulfill my full potential?

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.”

~ Matthew 13:44

In our desire to uncover our divinity we cannot stop until we feel and experience the love of God in everyday life.  The power of love video gives you a glimpse of how to discover it:

God is our Heavenly parent, the father and mother who has only our best interest in mind.  They created us in their own image, male and female they created us (Gen. 1:26).  Throughout history (God’s story), God has been searching for a man and a woman who can represent them here on earth.  All of the major faiths have been started by a single man.  What we need is the example of parents, the representation of a father and a mother here on earth.  Could it be that the predictions of the coming of a Messiah, return of Christ, Avatar, or modern day prophet which the above mentioned religions are waiting for, appear in form of parents, truly representing God’s masculinity and femininity here on earth?  That sounds to me like a good reason to start a “NEW Age” and the blueprint for a great family. 

For the past 39 years I have been studying and living according to the teaching of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his wife Hak Ja Han Moon.  In their teaching I have found my own divinity and how to build a wonderful, healthy family.

“Why do we seek justification by faith, justification by works, and justification through attendance? Without being justified you cannot distinguish between good and evil. The evil world and the world of goodness would not be separated. What is the standard of righteousness? It is God. What God believes, how He works and attends is the standard. Why is that so? Satan cannot accuse righteous people who resemble God. If you create an environment in which God's faith, works, and standard of attendance lives through you, then Satan cannot intervene. Even if you are within the satanic realm, if a righteous standard is created that enables you to be with God in such an environment, Satan will withdraw from there.”
 ~ Rev. Sun Myung Moon sermon from 2-15-1987
 

Welcome to the Year of the Black Water Dragon

According to the Chinese Zodiac we just entered into the Year of the Black Water Dragon (January 23, 2012).  The Black Water Dragon brings happiness, fertility and success.  It is also favorable for the establishment of a family.  Historically, Chinese hoped to have children during Dragon years.  The Dragon personality is similar to the Lion character, considered to be smart and bold.  Although dragons are strong and decisive, they are not manipulative or sly.  Dragons don’t compromise and set a high standard for themselves.  They enjoy being in command.  Sounds to me, we will have a group of excellent leaders in another twenty years or so. 

Dragons are the symbols of protection and decorate ancient monuments and buildings.

What’s the meaning of the black water dragon?

The year of the dragon comes every twelve years, but the water dragon only returns every 60 years.  There are five elements: earth, fire, metal, water and wood.  Each element rules for one lunar year:

·         02/19/1904 to 02/03/1905, ruled by wood 

·         02/03/1916 to 01/22/1917, ruled by fire

·         01/23/1928 to 02/09/1929, ruled by earth

·         02/08/1940 to 01/26/1941, ruled by metal

·         01/27/1952 to 02/13/1953, ruled by water

·         02/13/1964 to 02/01/1965, ruled by wood

·         01/31/1976 to 02/17/1977, ruled by fire

·         02/17/1988 to 02/05/1989, ruled by earth

·         02/05/2000 to 01/23/2001, ruled by metal

·         01/23/2012 to 02/09/2013, ruled by water

Purpose of Calendars: 

To make sense of their surroundings and seasonal changes people have been using counting systems or epochs.  Some followed the moon, some counted the days of the sun; others went by the rainy season or their culture events.  That was all good when the cultures and countries were isolated and uneducated.

In our modern times the Gregorian calendar serves as an international standard for civil use.  The Gregorian calendar was first adapted by Pope Gregory XIII on February 24, 1582.  It took about 400 years until it was world-wide accepted.  Even though this calendar has been accepted for commercial purposes most of Asia is still following the lunar calendar.

Adoption of the Christian Calendar

The ChristianCalendar follows mostly the Gregorian calendar.  The Gregorian calendar developed out of the Julian calendar where the differences were mainly in the discrepancy of the length of the tropical year (the length of time the sun takes to return to the same position in the cycle of season, as seen from the earth) and their rules for calculating Easter.  Another purpose for the Gregorian calendar is that it is ecclesiastical.  It regulates the ceremonial cycles of the Catholic and Protestant churches.

Lunarcalendar versus Gregorian calendar

Only history will show which calendar will be more suitable for mankind in the future.  2,000 years ago, a man named Jesus the Christ walked the earth.  After his appearance here on earth mankind calculated the ages BC (before Christ) and AC (after Christ), disregarding of which calendar they used.  What kind of being was Jesus that he had such an incredible influence on history?  Biblical history has recorded parallels which symbolically reach as far back as Adam and Eve.  The bible calculates 2,000 years from Adam and Eve to Abraham, who was the father of three main religions today: Christians, Jews and Islamists.  There was another 2,000 years from Abraham to Jesus.  From Jesus until today is another 2,000 years.  Many religions, including the Eastern faiths are waiting for their Messiah, Christ, Mohammed return, Avatar, during the years of eschatology.   

One thing for sure, the Second Advent will occur for all people.  The Lord will decide which calendars to use and which traditions to follow.

In the light of the Year of the Water Dragon, 2012 is a critical year for humanity.  The changes are not just happening on the world stage, with economic upheavals, political unrests, natural disasters, or astronomical realignments.  The greater changes are taking place in peoples’ minds.  We are entering a spiritual age and everyone will eventually experience the SHIFT and enjoy the new aliveness.  The Chinese calendar predicts the spiritual end of “this world.”  During the year of the dragon we can discover our true self, explore our true potential and practice our psychic powers.  As an astrological cycle, the black water dragon indicates change, but with a measure of calm, sensibility and prudence.  The black dragon year began today, January 23, 2012 and will end February 9, 2013. 

The water dragon will cool down any potential global crisis and we all can experience true transformation.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

I always loved coconut, especially for the holidays I like to make macaroons. Lately, I also started using coconut milk for cooking and coconut oil for cooking and baking. Then, I started to investigate the health benefits of coconut and was very amazed to discover so many other benefits for coconut oil.



There have been many opinions about coconut oil regarding its “saturated fat” status, mainly that the experts say that it is not good for our diet. Recent studies have proven different; there are diverse kinds of saturated fats. The saturated fats that are not good for our bodies are the trans-fats which are made from hydrogenated oils and the long chain fatty acids (LCFA) like animal fats.



So, what’s so special about coconut oil?

Coconut oil is derived from the fruit of the coco palm (Cocos nucifera). The coconut palm produces fruits for up to 80 years and may live as long as 100 years. In its full production periods, each tree can yield 50-200 fruits per year depending on growing conditions.


The uses of coconuts are far-reaching. Along with being useful as food, the oil is being used in the beauty industry for hair and skin products. As a young plant it is used in gardens and public places as ornaments. After the production period, the palm tree gives its wood for furniture and home decorations. In the recent years, scientists have discovered the healing properties of the coconut and its oil.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil


• The greatest benefit of coconut oil is that it is rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCT)  besides containing many minerals and anti-oxidants. MCT are helpful with weight-loss and the control of high cholesterol. MCT also called medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) produce energy while other dietary fats (long chain fatty acid) produce fat. There is MCT in mother’s milk to nourish and protect the young baby.



• Coconut is also rich in saturated fatty acids (about 92%)  such as lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which are all MCTs. These MTCs have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,  anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. Since the oil is also absorbed through the skin one can rub it on the affected area. I have been using it on warts and with the help of wart removers, coconut oil helps to heal the skin without scars.


• Coconut oil supports the immune system. By replacing unsaturated vegetable oils with coconut oil we avoid their oxidation process. Many oils like corn or soybean oil oxidate through high heat. Coconut oil can be reheated with no harm to its original structure.



With so many health benefits and a very palatable taste, what do we have to lose? You will also discover that coconut oil will increase the metabolism and support weight loss.  It is beneficial for the heart because of the medium chain triglycerides content.

When you go to the grocery store next time, check out the international or health food aisle and look for the jar with the coconuts on it. I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised.