Radio Show Appearance, Listen In

I was a special guest on the radio show "Impact On Your Health" with Dr. Dennis Courtney this morning, and I will return on Monday at 8:00 a.m. We had a great discussion about Young Living essential oils and their uses for natural healing. You can listen on the radio (station KHB 620 in Pittsburgh) or on the internet at http://www.youtube.com/user/AMImpactOnYourHealth/live. 
You can listen to both shows in the archives whenever it is convenient for you. Please let me know what you think. 

Was the information clearly presented?
Did you learn something from the broadcast(s)?
Was there information you wished would have been included?

This is Friday, your day to share what's on your mind.  So what are your thoughts today? Do you have a topic that you are excited about? have a question about? want to learn more about? Do tell...

Chick-Fil-A Blew Me Away!

I had a mind blowing experience tonight. I am still a bit stunned. Let me start at the beginning.

Over the last several weeks, I have been listening to various people share tips on being a great salesman, a memorable company, and standing out from the crowd. Some of this advice has come by way of Success magazine publisher, Darren Hardy, through his blog and interviews with social media experts, small business leaders and personal development gurus.

Much of this information seems to be common sense: go the extra mile, offer good customer service, make a customer's experience memorable, deliver what you say you can deliver, be the best in your field, do the unexpected...you get the idea. While this may seem like common sense, it is certainly not a common experience.

When was the last time you had a wow experience when shopping, dining or working with a salesperson or service provider? Well, it happened for me tonight. I can't say I have ever had an experience quite like this before.

I decided tonight to try Chick-Fil-A, largely because my nephew and son kept insisting that I would like it and could find something healthy to eat. I was greeted by a smiling cashier who stepped right up to the edge of the counter, looked me in the eye and genuinely seemed to want to help me. That in itself seemed a bit rare. I admitted that I had never eaten in a Chick-Fil-A and asked for some information on their salads and other healthy options. The cashier gave me clear, helpful information and when asked which was her favorite, gave me a concise answer and her opinion. I chose my salad and pulled out my money.

As I handed her my cash, she stated, "Oh, since this is your first time with us, your order will be free tonight." "Are you kidding?" I asked with disbelief written all over my face. "Yes, we'd like to do this for you." I stammered some more questions and she said matter-of-factly, "We do this all the time. It's alright."

When my meal was ready, a young man stepped forward, called me by name (because the cashier had asked me for my first name), and handed me my food with eye contact and a smile. I had started to wonder if I was really in a fast food restaurant.

I sat down at a table that had a vase with fresh flowers, simple yellow daisies and heard pleasant music playing softly in the background. Children's laughter could be heard in the play area.  My salad was fresh, tasty and filling.

It is one thing to listen to talks that tell you what good business practices should be and how to wow a customer. It is quite another to be the recipient of such practices. I thanked the manager and told him how impressed I was and that I would share my experience, and I am.

So when was the last time you had remarkable service, a wow experience somewhere or received a product that was better than you expected?

And, as I am asking myself, when was the last time you gave this kind of service to someone else? Hmmm... really makes you think.

Homemade Raw Brownies and Energy Bars

Sometimes I just want a treat or something to take with me to a special event. I am choosing not to eat foods with white flour, sugar or hydrogenated oils, so often there are few options for me at parties and gatherings. I can keep from feeling sorry for myself if I am proactive and slip a treat into my purse before I leave home.

I will sometimes keep a Larabar in my purse for those moments when I've been out of the house too long and am starving or I am with others who are all munching on things I would prefer not to eat. Little baggies of nuts, dried fruit and other trail mix type options is another easy to-go snack and can even be left in the car in any weather.

Here are a few fun ideas that others have shared with me. the first is from the November 2013 Young Living Essential Edge newsletter. The second was from a friend. Enjoy!

Raw Chocolate Brownie with Peppermint Cacao Icing

2 cups walnuts
8 large dates, pitted (soft and fresh)
3/4 cup raw cacao or carob powder
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
1/4 cup chopped soft raisins
6 drops YL orange essential oil
2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Place 2 cups of walnuts in food processor (S blade) and grind until finely ground.
2. Add cacao powder and pulse to combine.
3. Add the orange oil and vanilla extract and pulse to mix.
4. Add the dates one at a time through the feeding tube while the processor is running. the mixture should appear like cake crumbs. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
5. Add the remaining walnuts and chopped raisins to the brownie mixture. Mix well with your hands. If mixture is dry sprinkle with water.
6. Pack firmly into a 7X7 inch pan and chill 1 hour before cutting and serving.

Peppermint Topping
1/2 cup YL Blue Agave
4 Tbsp cacao powder
2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 Tbsp coconut manna or coconut oil, melted
3-4 drops peppermint oil

Blend all ingredients together in a high-speed blender and spread on top of the brownies.

Quick Energy Bars
1 cup oats (can use a mixture of oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or other seeds)
1/2 cup organic almond or peanut butter
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
3 Tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla
3 drops YL orange or tangerine EO

Mix dry ingredients and make a well in the center. Add the wet ingredients until blended. Press into a flat pan and chill 1-2 hours.  Cut into bars and wrap individual bars for travel.

Use Your Winter Wisely

I am not going to lie. I am not a huge fan of cold, blustery, frigid winter days. That's what we had today. Sliding along snow covered roads at 10 mph in 5 degree temperatures, and shivering all the way.

Don't get me wrong. I am grateful that I have a warm house to hibernate in and my inconvenience is really minimal. All the same, it is a time of death, barren landscapes, lifeless trees, and little color.

I guess winter reminds me of a cemetery and death. It is a season of waiting. At this moment, there is no growth in sight. But spring always follows winter. Blossoms always follow barren. Growth always follows frozen. Activity always follows hibernation. Always!

So the question for me is, how can I use this time wisely to reflect, take inventory, slow down, reevaluate my purpose and mission, refuel and get ready.

God has great things in store for all of us. We may feel as if we are in a time of waiting, holding, wondering. We might even feel lifeless at times. But God has great things in store for each one of us, and resurrection always follows death. Always!

Will we be focused, energized and ready when the thaw comes? Will we be ready to blossom?

Don't Forget, This Post's For You!

I get to give you an earful all week long. 

On Fridays it is your turn to share something you've been pondering, wondering about or learning.  It's free Friday! What would you like to start a conversation about? 

Go ahead, make my day!

Take Time to See the Snowflakes

This time of the year, it can be very easy to complain about the cold, become impatient with one another and simply forget to look for the beauty all around us. Yes, days are darker and we spend more time indoors, but that should not rob us of our joy and gratitude.

I was rushing out to an appointment and forgot to check the weather to see that it had frosted overnight.  I was already running a bit late and had not left enough time for defrosting the car. I was rushing and impatiently started my car and cranked on the heat. Then I noticed them. The perfectly formed, exquisitely shaped frost flakes all over my car windows. They were like little crystal gems. In my haste and impatience, I had almost missed them. I bowed my head and thanked God for this reminder that each day contains many miracles if we will slow down enough to notice them.

In the dreariness of winter, I delight in color, fragrance and beauty. Occasionally I will buy myself a bouquet of flowers just because they lift my spirits. Today, as I was again running through the living room to grab my coat, I noticed them. Opening perfectly and beautifully, like the day ahead of me. Sweet, soft and fragile. I bowed my head and thanked God for the people I would meet this day and the needs they might have. Could I remember to appreciate them and treat them with gentleness and awe?

So if days are darker, light a candle (or better yet, put a fire in the fireplace if you have one). If you are stuck indoors, start a puzzle with your family. If you miss the colors of spring, buy a bouquet of flowers for your table. Most importantly, remember to say your thanks for the gifts that are still around you. Take time to see the snowflakes.

Ionic Foot Detox

If you want to see something pretty gross, then try having an ionic foot detox. I had the benefit of having one today and have had several over the past two years. You can see the progression of my detox with the photos in this blog. I am intrigued by how the foot detoxes work and what benefits can be expected.  I did a bit of research, and, as with most natural remedies, there is some differing of opinions on the topic.

First, what is an ionic foot bath?  It is a 30 minute foot soak in negatively, positively or "mixed" (negative, then positive) charged water, resulting in the extraction of positive ions and toxins through the soles of the feet. It is said that different colors in the water indicate different toxins being eliminated by different organs or locations in the body. There can also be flecks and foam and these can be interpreted by practitioners to mean the presence of yeast, heavy metals or other toxic substances.

While there is still some controversy over exactly what the colors mean, and what is happening in the body, one article I read stated that the foot detox helps to create a more alkaline state in the body. I am presently out of pH strips so I could not test my pH before and after the ionic detox. I have been battling for some time to keep my body alkaline. Since disease begins in an acid system, keeping the body alkaline is very important. This might be one way to assist that.

My own experience was one of feeling tingling in various places around my body, especially in a few joints that had been giving me a little discomfort from time to time. I felt a bit lighter and clearer in thought when it was done. I understand this is nothing scientific, but isn't that really what happens with many of our healthy habits. We listen to our body and determine if we experience subtle changes and improvements. Most good habits do not produce overnight results, but small steps in a better direction.

In all of the controversy I read, no one seemed to be saying that an ionic
foot treatment would hurt you. Many people were defending it strongly and sharing some powerful testimonies. The couple who did my detox shared that a woman waiting for a liver transplant was able with these detoxes and changes in her diet to repair her liver and avoid a transplant.

The final result of my foot detox. Yuk!

I'd love to know if you have any personal experience with an ionic foot detox that you can share. If you share research, I'd love to know the actual source (scientific journal reference). There seems to be too much "he said, she said" and home grown theories out there already.

Regaining Hope and Health

One thing that I love about sharing natural remedies with people is the hope that I see in their eyes and on their faces as they learn that whole foods heal, therapeutic essential oils assist the cells of the body and have been known to reverse illness and disease, and positive thinking can lead to a brighter future.

Tonight was my third time sharing natural healing at the Moon Township library.  Despite subzero temperatures, twelve people attended my presentation tonight and half the group has joined me for the last two weeks to learn about essential oils, Young Living products and natural healing for children. This group inspires me with their eagerness to learn, their willingness to share and the excitement I see in their faces as they absorb new information and believe in a healthier tomorrow.

Natural remedies work. Period. Sometimes we have to turn to medications, but most of the time starting with whole foods, juices, herbs, essential oils will be enough to regain health and even reverse chronic conditions.

I have also been inspired this week by a few stories that were shared with me that I’d like to pass on to you.  Stories like this lift my spirit and fuel my passion to share the healing gifts God has given us in nature.

One woman shared that a family member has kidney cancer and had completely lost all appetite and desire to live. After using Frankincense essential oil and an essential oil blend called Peace & Calming, this person not only started eating again, but agreed to go out to eat at a restaurant and was taking an interest in life again.

 

Another woman shared her personal protocol for depression. This protocol was shared at a Young Living conference and she started using it with great success. She uses Valor on her wrists, Joy on her heart, Harmony on her solar plexus (stomach) and White Angelica over her head and shoulders and lightly down the body. She states that this works better than Prozac and smells great too! She says it keeps her centered all day.

Have natural remedies given you hope? How have they blessed your life?

(To leave a comment, click the word “comment(s)” below)

Grapefruit, Honeydew and Blueberry Smoothies

I have been teaching Nutritional Healing and Green Smoothie classes at libraries in my area.  There seems to be a growing interest in learning to eat healthier and people are fascinated with the idea of adding more greens to their diet in a quick and delicious way.

Have you tried green smoothies yet?  If not, why not whip up (OK, blend up) a batch to enjoy. I will include a few recipes. Give it a whirl.

A green smoothie is as simple as taking a cup of fruit, a cup of greens and a 1/2 cup to 1 cup of water (depending on the moisture in the fruit) and blending it until it is smooth. You can make the smoothie more complicated by adding more variety in fruits, several types of greens or adding herbs or spices.  I love ginger, cinnamon, YL lemon or tangerine essential oil* in my smoothies. Experiment and share your favorite concoction with us.

Orange Honeydew Smoothie

1/2 a honeydew melon, seeds & rind removed

1 & 1/2 oranges, peeled and seeds removed

2 -3 cups spinach

Blend until smooth and enjoy.

Lemon Blueberry Banana

2 bananas
½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

½ lemon juiced

3 drops YL Lemon EO*

2 cups spinach or other green

2 cups water

Blend all until smooth. Yields 1 quart

Grapefruit Cilantro Smoothie

This smoothie has an unusual taste, but I find myself craving it. I bought some grapefruit today and can't wait to make it tomorrow for breakfast. The grapefruit is loaded with Vitamin C and the cilantro is a great detoxifier of heavy metals.

1 grapefruit, peeled and seeds removed (can juice instead)

8 frozen strawberries

1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 cup water (or just enough for consistency)

Blend all until smooth.
Variation: Optional but delicious - 2 ounces NingXia Red juice & 2 drops of YL Grapefruit essential oil*. Wow!

Tropical Cilantro Smoothie

This is similar to the above smoothie with lots of flavors competing to be noticed.

1 grapefruit, peeled and seeds removed (can juice instead)

2 -4 inches of a cucumber, seeds removed (peeled if not organic)

1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh cilantro

½ lime, juiced

1-2 cups fresh or frozen pineapple

½ tsp vanilla extract

Big pinch of cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Let me know what you think of these recipes.  Did you adapt them? Make them even better?

(Leave a comment by clicking the word "comment" below)
*Only Young Living essential oils are trusted and recommended by this author for internal consumption.

Joy and Fervor from Pope Francis

I have been impressed by Pope Francis, his humility, wisdom and solidarity with the poor. I have been challenged by him and touched by his words.

"I make my own the words of Paul VI, which are as timely as if they had been written yesterday...
[M]ay the world of our time, which is searching, sometimes in anguish, sometimes with hope, be enabled to receive the Good News not from evangelizers who are dejected, discouraged, impatient or anxious, but from ministers of the Gospel whose lives glow with fervor, who have first received the joy of Christ, and who are willing to risk their lives so that the Kingdom of God may be proclaimed and the Church established in the midst of the world." May 17, 2013

Are we a people full of joy? Do our lives "glow with fervor"? That is quite a challenge.

Sometimes poor health or emotional wounds can prevent us from living a life that can be a witness and an inspiration to others.  Do other people look at my life and say, "I want whatever she has that brings her such joy and peace."?

I write this blog in the hopes that we can encourage one another to continue the journey toward better health, emotional freedom and a zeal for life that spills over onto others. We can each choose to take another healthy step, have a thankful heart, speak words of truth to ourselves, eat another raw vegetable (OK, just checking to see if you're paying attention), take time to meditate, pray and nourish our souls.

This can be a day of joy if I choose. This day I can "glow with fervor" if I remember that my life is a gift to be shared with others.

Cat Care with Coconut Oil

I have several friends who are real cat lovers.  Their cats are their babies and they buy them toys, take them on vacation and show pictures of them and their newest antics. Their cats are part of the family, and like all family members, it is important to keep them healthy.

I was talking with one cat lover today who has five cats. She shared several great natural remedies with me that I thought some of you might really appreciate.

Bad Breath and Red Gums - Using just a 1/8 tsp. of organic, cold pressed coconut oil, rub the oil with your finger on the gums of the cat in question. Do what you can, as the cat will probably squirm. In just one application, this woman said she noticed a 70% improvement in the cats gum condition. Repeat as needed.

Saving Teeth - Using coconut oil on the gums also improves the condition of the teeth, gums and digestion. This has saved this cat owner over $300 each time teeth have to be removed surgically, which had happened twice before she started using the coconut oil.

Flea treatment - Instead of paying $12 per cat every month for Frontline flea protection (and having to deal with chemicals, digestive upset and other side effects), my friend started using Young Living Purification oil (a blend of Lemongrass, Rosemary, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Myrtle, and Citronella) on her cats.  She rubs a drop on her hands and then pets each cat. She has also used the coconut oil in the same fashion and the fleas have not been a problem.

Eye Infections - Vitamin E capsules can be opened and the Vitamin E can be used to treat eye infections.  She says she squirts the oil into the corner of the cat's eye and the infection clears up in 2-3 days.

Cuts, scrapes and wounds - Vitamin E also is said to work well for wounds. She had one cat whose belly had been shredded and she used the Vitamin E (from opening capsules, she says this is the best way to get the Vitamin E as the liquid in bottles does not seem to work as well) on the wound and it healed quickly and well. Vitamin E is known to help with scarring too.

Natural Kitty Litter - Essential oils, like Purification, can be added sparingly to baking soda and used in unscented kitty litter. It smells great and keeps odors to a minimum.

Young Living essential oils are wonderful for cats, but most must be diluted as the cat's body weight and organs cannot tolerate strong doses. Often just diffusing the oil (Peace and Calming for anxiety or fear) or using the oil diluted with a carrier oil is enough for many treatments. There are books written on Pets and Essential Oils and vets who use Young Living oils and supplements in their practices. For several good titles, visit www.abundanthealth4U.com.

Have you discovered any natural remedies for your cats? Can you share one with cat lovers everywhere? (Click the word "comment" below)

Let Your Thoughts Flow Freely

It's Friday again.  Today is your day to share what's on your mind.  What would you like to share?

Do you have a favorite health tip?
                    How about a simple but healthy recipe?
                                   Is there a health resource that you depend on for information?
Do share!

Have Courage!

Exceeding Expectations

Yesterday, I ran into a young college student that I have known since he was a child.  He was dressed in a suit and I asked him what the special occasion was.  He stated that he had attended a Student Government meeting. I happen to know he is Student Government President and he was most likely leading the meeting. Even so, college students are not typically known for dressing up for much of anything. Since that encounter, I have been thinking about his choice quite a bit.

How would his dressing in a suit make a difference in his meeting? Would he feel more professional? Would his peers tend to take him more seriously? Would it communicate that he takes his responsibilities seriously? Would he impress others, like me, who take notice of his choice and are impressed by the way he carries himself? Does he exceed the expectations that others may have of him in his role as a leader?

Today, I received an email from a hotel that I am considering doing business with for a large event. While I had received many voice messages and quick responses from other hotels with a name and phone number to call back, this hotel employee sent me a proposal, detailed information and a note of personal concern and a desire to be helpful. This young woman exceeded my expectations, the effort from any other hotel, and is now my favorite option for our event.

How often do I exceed the expectations of others? Do I take the time to write a more personal note in a birthday card? Do I add a little extra information to a customer's order so the person using the product will have a few more suggestions on how to use that product? Do I go to the trouble while answering an email to include the link to a website instead of just referencing that website?

There are so many ways we can live above our own expectations. I find that by making my bed every morning, I am creating a choice for order and neatness that may not seem that important. After all, no one else sees my bedroom. But it is a choice for excellence that affects my own philosophy or view of myself, my perception of my world.

I have so many chances each day to go the extra mile, to pull myself up to a higher level of functioning or to see myself as successful by acting the part until reality catches up. I feel better about myself, about my choices and about my ability to meet the needs of others.

What do you do to exceed expectations? How have you seen others exceed your expectations?

Testimony of Cleanse, Reset, Go!

I was talking with a friend today who is very excited by the changes in her health and her outlook on life. She shared a bit of her journey with me and I was truly inspired by how simple changes in diet and using natural products can revitalize a life and add energy and an excitement for the future. In our world of hard knocks, don't we all need more of both?

She shared that she started with a cleansing program.  While the program was tailored to her specific needs, the basic structure consisted of eating 3 servings of vegetables, 1 serving of fruit and 2 servings of protein each day (servings are fist sized portions with as much raw as possible). She drank a lot of water and added in some other good elements like garlic and olive oil.  She experienced tremendous benefits from doing this cleanse. I will share more detail about cleanses in a future post (or check out the Master Cleanse on 8/20/13). Needless to say, giving our body an internal cleanse can be very beneficial, just as spring cleaning our home can be. More on this later.

My friend also shared that she had purchased a Nutribullet and was making smoothies that were blessing her. She has lost 15 pounds over the past few months and people have been noticing the change. She shared a basic recipe for one of her favorite smoothies and I've included it here for you.

Berry Omega Smoothie
3 medium organic strawberries
1/4 cup organic raspberries
1/2 cup organic baby kale
1 tsp. flax seed (ground if blender is not strong enough to crush)
2 Tbsp organic walnuts
1 cup water (or more if you desire it thinner)

Blend all in high speed blender and enjoy.  Lots of good Omega-3 fatty acids and low in sugar.
(Variation: I used blueberries instead of raspberries and 3 drops of YL lemon oil.  Yum!)

Drinking Young Living lemon oil in water is something else that she has done daily and it has prevented her from getting sick when everyone around her was dropping from colds and flu. When she did "get sick" it lasted only a couple of hours, instead of days as it had for the others. She regularly uses other essential oils for for aches & pains, better sleep, and everyday ailments.

Lastly, she shared a quote from St. Irenaeus, "The Glory of God is man fully alive." We talked about how God is giving our generation a real gift in teaching us about better nutrition, essential oils and other natural methods that can help us live a fuller, more active life of service to God and to our brothers and sisters all over the world. What a blessing to feel good and have energy to be a blessing to others.

So what's one step you will be taking to improve your health? Come on, inspire us!

Winter dehydration

I don't often think of becoming dehydrated in the winter, but this is as much of a concern as it is in the summer. I find myself drinking less water and opting for tea or just not drinking much of anything.

The body is made up of 50-75% water. It cannot store water, but it needs it for every bodily function - removing toxins, absorbing nutrients, maintaining homeostasis and more. Without enough water, the risk of kidney stones increases and women increase their risk of urinary tract infections. Headaches can be a first signal that you are becoming dehydrated, as well as fatigue. Without enough water, congestion is difficult to tackle and mucus stays thick.

Dehydration can occur in the winter because:

1. Many of us have dry, forced air heat and so our nasal passages, as well as our whole body, will tend to dry out. We notice this as our skin gets flaky and itchy, our sinuses can dry and it can be harder to breath, or at least we are more conscious of our breathing.
2. Cold air is often dry too and so as we step outside, the moisture evaporates almost instantly off our skins, nasal passages and can leave us depleted without our really thinking about it.
3. We can tend toward sickness in the winter and often this is accompanied by limited intake of fluids, especially if we have a stomach or diarrhea bug.
4. We tend to eat more junk food, processed foods and less fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter, and this depletes fluids that we would get from our food. Dried foods require moisture to digest, so you can see how we could continue to deplete our body's "water table".

How do you know if you are getting dehydrated? One easy way to tell if you are dehydrated is to pay attention to your bowel movements. Are they regular, smooth and soft? If you have marbles or bullets, or you have diarrhea, then your bowels are having problems and water could be the issue. In the movie Food Matters, David Wolfe tells us that simply drink a large glass or two of water upon rising each day before eating anything will get things "moving".

I have heard people say that they don't want to drink much water because it will make them have to go to
the bathroom more often. Exactly! This is how your body gets rid of toxins, especially in the winter when there are germs and sickness in every public place. If your pee is very yellow (and you haven't just taken your vitamins) then you are probably becoming dehydrated. Urine should be almost clear.

 My biggest struggle with drinking enough water is forgetting. I will sometimes carry a 24 ounce water bottle with me throughout the day and at the end of day I realize the bottle is nearly or completely full. Not good!

I have decided that drinking more water is another of my health goals for 2014. Without enough water, my supplements are less effective and I am compromising my body's ability to detoxify. I have committed to drinking a large glass of water first thing each morning. I am not allowing myself to eat a meal until I have had a full glass of water, preferrably 30 minutes before the meal. This is also good for weight management as there is less tendency to overeat. I will drink a full glass of water an hour before bed (any closer and I will be up early having to use the bathroom). I am getting a flip top for my water bottle and a large straw to make drinking even more accessible and appealing (sucking is a comforting sensation) and carrying it with me wherever I go.

Putting essential oils in my water will also make it appealing to drink. Be sure you are using a glass or stainless steel container as the oils will "detoxify" plastic bottles or cups and then you will be drinking the toxins. One oil that I just recently tried was fennel oil and I love the taste. It is beneficial to digestion and the intestines, so I have the therapeutic benefits too. Lemon, tangerine & cinnamon bark, Citrus Fresh, spearmint, peppermint are just a few other great options for enhancing both taste and health.

Some of my favorite oils to put in water

Your thoughts? Any suggestions for me? I'd love to hear what you could add to this discussion?

Hummus Recipes

Healthy snacks can be quick, easy and delicious and my hummus recipes are exactly this. My blendtec blender with the Twister jar makes this process a breeze and in 10 minutes or less, I can have hummus on the table.

Be creative and experiment with your own variations and then share them below in the comment section.  I am always looking for some exciting options.

Red Pepper Hummus
15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp tahini
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 large clove garlic
1/2 sweet red pepper
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cumin
dash cayenne pepper

I put all the ingredients in my Twister Blendtec Jar and blend/twist for 2 minutes or until completely
blended. Other blenders, you will need to blend in small batches and stir often as it will get thick and may stick near the blades. I serve with fresh cut veggies, organic blue corn chips or rice crackers.

Variations:  

Garlic and Lemon Hummus- used 5 drops of Young Living Lemon oil, 1/2 tsp lemon peel and 2 cloves of garlic in place of pepper, cumin and cayenne.

Cilantro Hummus - add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro in place of red pepper. Add 3-4 drops of YL Lime oil.

Create your own variation with your favorite spices and flavorings.

The Gift of Encouragement

Have you ever been struggling with a difficult task, a frustrating situation or your own weakness in an area and someone came along and offered you a word of encouragement?

Encouragement is a powerful force.  A word of affirmation, a statement of belief in our abilities or success, or an understanding ear can propel us forward with greater confidence, courage and determination. Encouragement can change our lives.

Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." We have the power and the responsibility to walk with one another and pull out the best in those around us. There is good in everyone, and infinite possibilities. Sometimes we just don't see this in ourselves. Sometimes we are very hard on ourselves and another person can bring compassion and mercy to us.

In my own life, there have been those who have looked past my weakness or failings and shared words of hope that have stuck with me.  One friend has been especially good at encouragement and has been a teacher of encouragement to me.  Her most famous line in my life has been, "We all do the best we can."  She would often say this when I was being too hard on myself or someone else.  It gave me patience with my failings and a determination to really give my best to whatever was at hand. It challenged me to give people the benefit of the doubt.

Who needs your encouragement today?  Who has God placed in your life for you to see the best in and give them a nudge forward? God knows (and He does) that this life can be difficult, dark and discouraging.  We can bring His hope, light and joy by something as simple as a smile, a gentle touch, a word of encouragement.

Why not give this a try today and share the results with all of us to Encourage Us!

Microbes, Gut Health and Free Info

I have been shifting my diet to one with less grains and no gluten.  I have been thinking about this change for some time, but what put me over the edge was listening to several talks during a free online health summit several months ago called "The Gluten Summit".

I learned some very useful information during this week long series of classes.  While I was only able to listen to four of the nearly 30 talks, those that I listened to were packed with incredible information and gave me quite a bit to think about.

I just received an email that a follow up conference is planned for January 30 - February 2 and you can listen to five of the talks from the previous Gluten Summit for free in preparation. The new series is called, "Now That You Know, Where Do You Go?" Click here to  listen to the 5 talks.

In preparation for this new online event, a short 5 minute video on Microbes and their importance has been suggested. This five minute video is simple enough for a child to watch (and entertaining enough), yet gives a clear explanation of the importance of microbes for the whole body, how we get them, and how we can encourage their growth.

Educating yourself is the first step toward better health. The information you hear could literally change your life by helping you change your health.
What do you have to lose?  Take a listen and post your thoughts here.

Free Friday & Movie Reviews

Remember that Fridays are your day to talk about whatever is on your mind. You can ask a question, post a favorite natural remedy, share an experience, tell us about a resource that has benefited you.

To get the conversation going, I thought I would ask if anyone has seen a good movie lately that has inspired them to live a healthier life - physically, emotionally, relationally or spiritually.

A few movies that I watch every six months or so to gather a few more health tidbits from, find some good quotes or just renew my zeal for this healthier way of life are Food
Matters, Hungry For Change, Forks Over Knives, Fat Sick and Nearly Dead.

A few movies on my list of ones to watch are Lorenzo's Oil and The Greater Good.

Have you seen any of these movies?  What movie has inspired you or challenged you?

Do you have something else on your mind? We're waiting...

An Ounce of Prevention, Now More Than Ever

With all the changes in health care, insurance coverage and Obama Care, there has never been a better time to focus on being healthy. You've heard the saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." You could also say, "A few dollars spent on proper nutrition, high quality supplements and other natural remedies that boost the body's ability to heal itself and maintain good health is better than thousands of dollars spent in a hospital (sometimes in one day), on drugs and visiting doctors.

I have already heard horror stories of people unable to actually get medical care (with insurance), being sent home from hospitals without really being ready because of staffing issues, and of health care deductibles that are financially handicapping families, especially big families.

I have never been a conspiracy kind of person, but as I look at the government's plan for health care, their approval of drugs and vaccines that have not been properly tested or are known to cause serious health problems, and their limited restrictions on pesticides, GMO foods and other toxins, I begin to wonder what is really going on.

Do politicians, the FDA and the pharmaceutical companies really have the well being of Americans on the top of their priority list, or is it largely about power, money and control? Is there an actual plan to make the American people sick, financially poor and uneducated (the TV is many Americans' primary source for "education") so some group can take over or at least control the masses? Is this really very different than what happened in Germany before WWII?

What are your thoughts? What are you doing to be sure your family can withstand this healthcare storm?

Weight Loss with Orange/Cacao Protein Shakes

 After Christmas, many people decide they want to take off a couple of pounds that were added during the holidays.  This is not a bad objective, if it is done with health in mind.  Keep in mind that your body is what you feed it, literally.  Even when dieting, the body needs to have nutrient rich foods for cell activity. Nutrient rich foods also help the body with detoxifying and this is important if you want to lose fat. 

The body creates fat cells to encapsulate toxins that can’t be gotten out of the body quickly enough, and then stores these fat cells in “out of the way” places. While you may not think of it this way, fat is your friend in this case. In order to release these stored toxins and reduce fat, the body must be relatively free from other incoming toxins.  Otherwise the released toxins can cause greater harm to other tissues or organs of the body. This is a simplified, non-technical description of the process, but you get the idea.

A great way to reduce calories while increasing protein, nutrients and enzymes is with two products that I enjoy using from Young Living. Balance Complete and Power Meal (the vegetarian version) are two protein powders that can be mixed with water, juice or almond/coconut milk and fruit, cacao powder, vanilla, essential oils or spices for a great tasting, enjoyable meal. Easy to take on the go, it makes a wonderful travel companion and meal replacement for busy days.

I have included three of my favorite recipes here for you to try, but experiment and share your own inventions with us. I created the first two recipes below and the third one is from the Young Living website.

Best Chocolate Shake Ever

By Susie Weiss

2 scoops Power Meal™

1 frozen or fresh banana

2 Tbsp organic cacao powder

1 cup almond or coconut milk

1 Tbsp agave nectar or other natural sweetener

1/4 cup chocolate mint leaves (optional, but yummy)

1-2 drops peppermint EO, or Spearmint EO

6 ice cubes

Blend all until smooth.

Variations:  Can add ½ tsp cinnamon powder and 1-2 drops cinnamon EO

Creamsicle

By Susie Weiss

2 scoops Power Meal™

1 cup fresh or frozen mango

1 cup almond or coconut milk

1 Tbsp agave nectar or other natural sweetener (optional)

6 drops orange or tangerine EO

¼ tsp vanilla powder or ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

6 ice cubes

Blend all until smooth.

Chocolate-Cinnamon Breakfast Shake

From YL blog

2 scoops Balance Complete™

2 drops cinnamon bark essential oil

1 banana

1 tablespoon organic cacao

½ cup plain yogurt

¼ cup almond milk

6 ice cubes

Mix all ingredients together and blend until smooth.

What works well for you for a healthy weight loss option?  

Do you have some on-the-go ideas to share?

An Epiphany of Gratitude

Today many churches celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, or the visit of the three wise men to the Christ child in Bethlehem.  These three wise men, magi or kings, whoever they might have been, traveled a long way to show their gratitude and honor to this promised one. They had only a star to guide them. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, valuable gifts that cost them a pretty penny. 

There is a song that I love by the musical group Point of Grace that we sang for many years in our church choir on this day.  It is called "One King".  The refrain is:

One king held the frankincense. One king held the myrrh. One king held the purest gold. One King held the hope of the world.

On Christmas, we received an incredible gift, the realization that God loves us enough to come and be one of us. Today, we receive the challenge to love Him back, to give Him our gratitude and hearts, and to recognize in Him our hope for meaning and joy. 

As another song states, "What can I give Him poor as I am, if I were a shepherd I would bring him a lamb.  If I were a wiseman, I would do my part, but what can I give Him. I'll give Him my heart."

What gift would you like to give the Lord today?

Zyto Compass for Health Support

Today was my first "Scan Day", a day that I set aside four hours to offer Zyto Compass scans to those who want a clearer picture of their body's biological preferences. This technology was found to be 93% accurate in past studies.

I scanned four ladies and had great conversations about their health challenges and the products that displayed on their scans. They were very appreciative of the information they received and were excited to get started trying some of the recommendations.

I use the scan to help my customers or other distributors determine which Young Living products might be most beneficial to them. Sometimes physical issues, such as hormone imbalances or digestive issues, are highlighted. Anxiety or sleep problems may be hinted at through the recommended products. An emotional issue, such as a past trauma, negative energies or depression will be indicated by the products recommended.  Many of my customers have shared how amazed they were at how accurate the scan seemed to be based on their already known health challenges or their situations at work or home. Some have shared very moving stories with me as to how the recommended oils and supplements that they chose to use helped them or their loved ones.

What can I say?  I love my job! I love helping people move to better health and journey to a more rewarding and vibrant future. This scan has assisted me in doing that over the past 9 months.

How does it work? The Zyto Compass is a communication tool utilizing a stimulus/response mechanism to determine what areas of the body are "out of balance" or show an aggressive response. It uses the energy field of the body, actually measuring the GSR or Galvanic Skin Response, through the hand which rests on a hand cradle with 6 metal plates. The Zyto scan measures the body's response to virtual stressors and the responses are recorded. Then the unique signatures of specific products are tested to see if a positive or negative shift in energy occurs in the various sectors of the body, and these responses are recorded. Positive shifts are said to be a biological preference.

Once scanned, it is highly recommended that a product plan be created and then followed consistently for at least a month, or ideally for 90 days as it takes this longs for cells to regenerate and for many changes in tissue to be noticeable.

If you don't live near anyone who provides scans, consider buying the Zyto Compass and offering scans yourself. I'd be happy to mentor you as you begin to use it. You can learn more about this option by going to https://www.zytocompass.com/af/sweiss. The cost is $400 and, if you use my link, I receive a $100, which I would be grateful for. There is also a monthly fee of $39.95 to use the Zyto scan.  I charge $20 a scan unless it is a group, on a "scan day" or before or after a meeting and then I only charge $10.

What tools have you used to help you assess your health?  Have you ever tried a Zyto scan?