What's A Certified Music Practitioner? Find out by looking at the YouTube video I just posted.

Just posted a video to YouTube.  I speak to Gail Best, a certified therapeutic music practitioner.  After life changing events, Gail, a talented musician, reconnected with God and found her purpose in life.  She shares her gift of healing through music with the sick and dying.  I believe you'll be touched by what Gail says.  I think you will also be touched when you hear a sample of her music.  If you have an infirmed friend or family member, I highly encourage you to contact Gail.  She is a blessing to those in need.

Mexico, Mariachis and Mom

In November, Mary and I were fortunate to celebrate my mom’s 87^th birthday with her in the coastal city of Mazatlan, Mexico.  She has been a huge blessing in my life.  Not only is she a great mom, but also a best friend.

No opportunity was spared to tell everyone we could that it was her birthday.  At first, she didn’t want anyone to know, but as she was showered with compliments and treated like a VP, she opened up to it nicely; it started in the Continental Airlines President’s Club and upgrading her to first class.  She was thrilled…it was her first time and the flight crew treated her like a queen, after they found out…

…that’s right…it was her 87^th birthday.

In Mazatlan, Mary and I became friends with Johnny Brown, the owner, of a wonderful restaurant…Los Zarapes.  We enjoyed it so much, we ate there several times.  The food, service and atmosphere were outstanding.  Once Johnny learned it was mom’s birthday, he and his crew treated her like she was their mother too!  They showed her a great time with music, dancing, and a special meal.  These guys really know how to have fun and throw an impromptu party, and they truly seemed to enjoy mom as much as she enjoyed them.  Though one of them said she reminded him of his grandmother…she didn’t like that comment too much.

Luckily, I captured some of the festivities on video.  I even got mom’s permission to share all of this with you.  I think you’ll love it.

Check it out at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3gRTTOxd_c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chOC352n_1E

Mom, Johnny Brown, Mary and Rick

Johnny, Mom, Rafaellle and waiter

Rick and Johnny

 

Johnny and Rick

By now, you may be asking, “What’s mom’s secret to health and vitality?”

It’s not easy to point to just one thing.  There are a number of factors.  Some are readily identifiable; others will remain a mystery to me.  Certainly we can’t count family history; her parents died at 57 and 64 years of age.  I am confident that a strong faith, love for God, and a prayerful spiritual life path have been factors.

Good solid relationships; she has friends that span her entire life since she was a young girl.  Having meaningful long term relationships create peace, stability, and certainly strong bonds that satisfy the heart at a deep level.  What else?

·        A great wit and penchant for humor.  She has always been quick with a joke.  Her comical side reminds me a lot of the actress, Betty White.

·        A long and loving marriage.

·        Mom loves to make people happy and always gives the best of herself in countless ways, but especially showing her love through food.  (She has always been a magnificent cook and baker.)

·        A deep abiding faith in God.

·        A very physically active youth and adolescence.  She was a gymnast, and also worked hard since childhood.  Mom was always involved in jobs that were physically demanding.  She is a hands on person at home as well.  Assisting in home repairs, yard work, painting, etc.  There was never a physical task that mom wouldn’t participate in.  She still cleans her own house, cooks, and bakes and does yard work.
 
·        As an adult, she became very interested in nutrition, learning as much as she could about good nutrition and vitamin, mineral and herbal nutritional supplementation.  She was on the forefront of taking vitamins and minerals…way before it became popular.

·        Chiropractic—though she found this much later in life, she enjoyed the benefits of regular chiropractic care well before I chose that path as my vocation.  Naturally, she enjoys regular chiropractic treatments under my care.  Not a bad situation to have her son as her chiropractor, right?

Perhaps mom has even been given special grace by God to stay with us this long and in such superior condition.  That, of course, is a matter of faith and belief that won’t be answered in this lifetime.

My mom is an inspiration to me on many levels…how to act, how to love, how to persevere, how to…be.  Perhaps she will inspire you too!

I say, live life to the fullest, eat, drink and be merry.  Do it with honesty, integrity, and allow God to be part of the party.  And I say go to Mazatlan.  Visit Los Zarapes and tell Johnny…Mary, mom and I sent you.  You’ll be treated like family, experience friendly people, wonderful food and maybe Johnny will even buy you a drink!

If you haven’t clicked on the video yet, here’s the link…enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3gRTTOxd_c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chOC352n_1E

Meeting World Renowned Organist, Pavel Kohout

Did you know there is no musical connection between Bach and Bachman Turner Overdrive?  I'm sure you did.  If you like organ music you need to go to a performance by Pavel Kohout (www.pavelkohout.org) He was fantastic and is considered one of the most brilliant representatives of the new generation of European organists.  Pavel is from Prague in the Czech Republic where much of my family lives.  After the performance, we attended a very nice reception at the Czech Center Museum  http://czechcenter.org/ in his honor where I had the privilege of speaking with him for quite a while and yes, I spoke some Czech.  We had a great time.  Czech out his music (pun intended) at http://www.pavelkohout.org/listen-pavel.html. You'll enjoy it, even if you're a hard core Stevie Ray Vaughan or Joe Bonamassa fan like me!

P.S.  Wonder if mom has saved any recordings of my organ music!  If so, I'll send it to Pavel.  Maybe I can play in Prague, too.

I'm Benign!

I know most people don’t have the guts (pun intended) to speak about their colon. But I do. I just had a colonoscopy. Found: One small polyp. Removed: one small polyp. Results…

It’s benign! So great news…I don’t need another colonoscopy for five more years…YEAH! Considering my sister had a large tumor removed two years ago, I was at risk.

Colon cancer can be cured or prevented.

The majority of polyps are benign…though, some can be cancerous.

According to the experts, the most effective approach to prevent colon cancer from developing is screening. However, I believe we should start preventing cancer well before screenings through a healthy lifestyle. This means good nutrition with a high antioxidant diet. Lots of fruits and veggies!

Since it’s hard to eat the massive quantities we need, I suggest good whole food products like Greens First by Wellness Watchers Global, LLC. http://www.greensfirst.com/3368 and Youth Juice http://barrettchiro.ourworldnetwork.com/. These are two products I use, but there are other good products available also.

Colon cancer rarely causes symptoms. This was true for my sister. A routine colonoscopy identified a problem. We didn’t know the extent of it until the surgeon said, “I just removed a tumor the size of a tangerine.” Can you imagine having that in your colon and not knowing it?

Mayo Clinic says one out of every 17 people will develop colon cancer. That’s scary, too! It’s the third leading cancer killer in the U.S. –about 50,000 people per year.

Ninety percent of people developing this type of cancer are fifty plus years of age. So that leaves ten percent who develop it younger. A good friend of mine lost his sister to this disease at 27 years of age! It’s tragic and does happen!

Risk factors include smoking, a high fat, low-fiber diet, sedentary lifestyle, and inflammatory bowel diseases and, of course, living in a toxic world. Since there’s a connection to inflammation, do everything possible to reduce it in the body especially the gut. In fact, inflammatory processes are behind most health problems. Even good foods can be harmful and create inflammation. A simple food allergy/sensitivity test will suffice and yield wonderful information as to which foods to avoid. Call my office if you want this test done. We’ve been using food allergy testing for about 16 years.

Also, use of high quality enzymes for digestion and repair. I use Transformation Enzymes out of Houston, Texas. http://www.transformationenzymes.com/

I know, most people don’t like to think about their colon and especially talk about it. We just eat, poop (sorry) and keep on going. “Out of sight, out of mind.” But please start taking your colon seriously. This really is an easy one to pay attention to. It really can be a matter of life and death. Get your colon checked…now!

I hope this has been helpful.

Wishing you great colon health!

Dr. Rick Barrett

In Search of the Virgin Mary; The Medjugorje Chronicles

Medjugorje--Prayers Answered?

In my essay, “In Search of the Virgin Mary” written a few weeks ago, I invited you to partake in my journey to find the Blessed Virgin Mary, find God and simply discover what Medjugorje holds for those that pilgrimage there.

Reporting about my journey won’t be as simple as I first thought.  I’m still processing information and emotions that both my logical mind and my spiritual self have received during my Medjugorje experience.  I’m confident I’ll be doing this for a long time, as more is revealed to me.  So, I’ve decided to chronicle the trip in a few essays accompanied by photos to expose you to some of what we experienced.

An invitation was also extended to send me prayer petitions that I would bring to Medjugorje.  Thousands of people around the world received that essay…

…and the response was overwhelming!

This is where the journey begins…

Reading the e-mailed prayer petitions were actually uplifting and draining at the same time.  I felt emotionally spent...they were that moving!   

Why?—Because of the openness and purity with which they were written.  Entrusted to me were people’s inner private thoughts and feelings about the pain and suffering they or their loved ones were enduring.  Stories of physical pain, cancer, drug, alcohol and pornography addictions, family issues, depression, loss of jobs and homes, estranged family members and so much more.

In one petition, a woman wrote that her mom was in the hospital, suffering with cancer. She read my letter “In Search of the Virgin Mary” to her mom, and it made her smile.  She went on to say that before she was able to send her prayer petition to me, her mom passed away.  And although her mom no longer needed prayers, she was sure that mom was in heaven praying for us!  This was incredibly touching!

Many people also sent sealed petitions to me.  Regardless of how they came; I was honored and humbled by the trust that was placed in me to deliver them.  To be the messenger delivering to God—the hopes, dreams, needs, and desires of people is a task and responsibility not taken lightly, and I am thankful for that opportunity.

Still others weren’t requesting anything for themselves, but sent their blessings and prayers for a safe and rewarding journey for our group.  This, too, was gratifying and humbling to be in the hearts and minds of so many.

More prayer requests came via e-mail even while we were on our journey.  Rest assured, all those petitions were prayed for too!

Prayers, of course, are not bound by time, space or physical location.  The moment a prayer petition is thought, God knows the intention, and the heart that requests it.

When we gathered together and collectively prayed for everyone's petitions, I sensed a special power...a heightened energy that surrounded us.

It was quite exhilarating  being part of this group of people, who with a common purpose, throughout each day of our journey, joined in unity to pray for all our intentions and for peace and love to reign in our world.  This was intensified when we were in Medjugorje where the Blessed Virgin Mary has been said to appear and a veil of holiness seems to encapsulate the village.

Our prayers, once again, seemed to be intensified by commingling with an international legion of people,  who were praying and seeking God in the town, at the church and on the mountain...everywhere.

The energy was incredible!  I have no doubt that our prayers were and are, being answered.

So what did we do with the petitions?

Well, they were all placed in a special red bag that Paul, our group leader, had brought with him.

Each day, one person in our group volunteered to safeguard the bag carrying it with them for as long as they wished before handing it over to someone else.  This ensured the petitions were always in the forefront of our minds, for quiet reflection and prayer.

As others before us, both Mary (my wife), and I were fortunate bearers of this honorable responsibility—charged with dutifully carrying out our assignment with respect for the contents of those petitions.  Even when I wasn’t carrying the red bag but could see it with another person, I had a sobering sense of duty and allegiance to those petitions, as well as a feeling of reverence for them.  After all, they represented the lives of so many people.

After days of carrying the bag of petitions, a day was picked to deliver them to the top of Mount Krizevac (Cross Mountain) to be buried and prayed over.

Paul had also brought a small but simple wooden cross with him.  On it we were asked to write the names of additional people to be prayed for.  This cross was also lovingly carried up Cross Mountain.

It was a vigorous climb, therefore, some of our group opted out and rightfully so.  As we climbed, our modest cross was passed from one person to another symbolically re-enacting Jesus carrying his cross.  It, also, represented the burden of carrying peoples' names and petitions being offered to God. 

A few members of our group were inspired to climb the mountain barefoot.  Thus intensifying the harship of the climb while showing their willingness to sacrifice and endure suffering for Christ.

We encountered many barefooted people on the trail doing the same. I applaud their sacrifice and dedication. This was not an easy path, but a rock strewn swatch cut through brambles almost as though an earthquake had heaved jagged rocks up through the surface of the earth.

In the Catholic Church there is a tradition of prayer and meditation called the Stations of the Cross.  There are fourteen stations depicting the final hours leading to Jesus Christ’s death.  Positioned at various points along the rocky trails of Krizevac are beautiful large bronze reliefs of these stations of cross, by an Italian artist.  Some of the stations are:

•Jesus condemned to death

•Forced to carry his cross

•Falling the first time

•Simon forced to carry Jesus’ cross

•Jesus stripped of all his clothes

•Nailed to the cross

•Taken down from the cross

•Jesus is placed in the tomb

Trekking up the mountain, carrying our red bag of petitions and small cross, we stopped at the Stations of the Cross.  There we read from a booklet about Jesus, reflected on his suffering, prayed, and meditated about how each station relates to experiences we may have had in our lives.

Atop Mount Krizevac towers a formidable thirty foot tall concrete cross, erected in 1933 to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of the Passion of Jesus.  It is a beautiful spot with a spectacular view of Medjugorje and the surrounding area.  

 

 
This was the destination for the burial of our petitions; a befitting place, though not the site where the Virgin had first appeared to the six children.

A palpable sense of peace and tranquility could be felt there, and yet at the same time, one could sense the pain of people who overcame hardships to journey to Krizevac to place their troubles, fears, burdens and pain before God.  Again---a sobering experience.
  
There people prayed, while others placed petitions, and even photos at the base of the cross. Many picked up small rocks to take home and some simply dug up some dirt with their hands from the holy site. 

It has been reported by many people...pilgrims...towns’ people...priests and nuns that the Virgin Mary has been seen at Krizevac...at the cross!  Mary has told the visionaries that she has allowed people to see her there praying before God.  These glimpses of her are rewards to strengthen the faith of people.

You may be wondering if I saw Mary there.  The answer is no… but something unique...definitely supernatural did occur... somewhere else.  I will share that story with you later. 

There was no absence of  time spent collectively or individually in prayer and worship.  Everyday there was mass at St. James church in the heart of Medjugorje and other churches throughout various communities and more opportunities to pray for our petitions. 

Next to the church was a very beautiful outdoor area designed for quiet reflection and prayer.  Stone walls and shrubbery surrounded it.  Central to this, a large crucifix stood atop a cascading fountain of water.  Here, hundreds of votive candles were lit for the intentions of the prayerful. 

I found myself drawn to this area on several occasions—mostly at night when it was the most quiet and peaceful.  The glow from the red votive candles was beautiful.  There, I lit candles and once again, placed everyone's petitions in God’s hands.

One night I even endured the rain.  But somehow the candles didn’t seem to mind as they continued to glow brightly.

Carrying the petitions for days…hiking the rugged terrain to the top of Krizevac…the willingness to endure some discomfort perhaps even a little hardship for others, even those you don’t know is strangely satisfying. 

Yet, at the same time I was always keenly aware that any troubles I’ve encountered in my life are minuscule by comparison to so many who suffer real and long lasting hardships.  It was heartening to witness the strength, character, courage and faith of so many of our pilgrimage group.

 

I knew of at least three of our companions who were suffering from a variety of cancers…brain, breast and metastatic.  One young woman with cancer has been living two years longer than the doctor’s prognosis! There was a myriad of other health problems in our group and even one with a pacemaker, yet no one ever complained.  They all displayed great strength and fortitude.

I was inspired by my mom, who was the oldest person on the journey just a few weeks from her 87^th birthday.  She is challenged by glaucoma, but was willing to endure some hardships for her faith...out of love.

The solidarity of many, praying for the needs of others, is profoundly powerful.  Who’s to say what touched God’s heart?  And why, and for whom petitions will be granted? 

 

Since our return, I’ve learned that God was working on our petitions while we were away.  The day after, I was told of three people (not on our trip) whose petitions were granted while we were still in Medjugorje!  At least one of these with verifiable health complaints was supernaturally healed.

So the petitions were delivered!  They were, and continue to be... prayed for.  Some have been answered, and I’m confident many more will be answered still.  I hope and pray yours are granted...soon.  If they are, please let me know.  I hope you'll share your story with me.

Soon, I will be writing more that may challenge your beliefs, test your boundaries, push some buttons, or…at the very least...have you question my sanity.  For others, it may just reinforce your faith.

What I’ll reveal is something I’m still attempting to understand myself… but perhaps never will.  It is intriguing and, I believe, worth waiting for.  Hopefully, you will feel the same.

I know you're still wondering if I found the Virgin Mary...but you'll have to wait a little while longer for that answer.

By the end of The Medjugorje Chronicles, I certainly hope you deem the journey worthwhile.  Perhaps even taking away something of value for yourself.  Maybe you'll make the trip to Medjugorje or simply be encouraged to continue your path to God.

I’ll write more In Search of the Virgin Mary; The Medjugorje Chronicles soon.

Stay tuned!

Blessings,

Dr. Rick Barrett

 

Guatemala Mission www.givetolivebook.com

In Search of the Virgin Mary

In just a few weeks, my family and I will embark on a journey that millions before us have made. We will be on a quest to see the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. To some, this may sound strange and to others not so much. Let me explain…

The journey will take us to a small village called Medjugorje in what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslavia. Since 1981 people of all faiths from countries around the world have been trekking there to worship, pray, give thanks, seek enlightenment and discernment or just to experience something holy, mystical, and divine. Perhaps, even be touched in some way by the Blessed Mary or God.

The story goes that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to six children revealing ten secrets to them regarding events to take place in our world. The children have not shared these secrets with anyone. Three of the six continue to receive daily apparitions of Mary and the others only at certain times during the year. Of course, the six are now all adults. Some travel and share their experiences of Mary and her communications to them. Media from around the world have interviewed them and been to the apparition site. Books have been written with accounts of the children and the parish priest, Father Yozo who was even imprisoned by the communists for this.

I realize that for many people these events and Mary’s continued visitations to these six faithful are farfetched and unbelievable. Perhaps others think it a shear hoax, the biggest scam imaginable. Still others don’t acknowledge Mary as the mother of Jesus Christ and this journey to them probably is seen as ridiculous and pure folly.

Though there are many people that don’t understand this, or are repelled by it, there are the countless others who either believe in Mary or at least have an open heart and mind to the possibility of something spiritual taking place in Medjugorje.

Are we all being duped?

I guess we will see.

But I don’t believe so.

We are travelling with a dear friend and one of my patients, Father Roy Oggero. Father Roy has been to Medjugorje several times and his experiences, I trust, are real.

But I’m not attempting to convince or convert anyone—simply to advise you of my journey
.
I am going to see for myself.

Not to prove or disprove anything.

Just to be open and experience whatever may be there for me.

Of course, my mind races with questions like:
Will I and others be cured-partially-fully, of our health complaints?
Will I or anyone in our group see the Virgin Mary individually or collectively?
Will we have an internal feeling, a knowing, that she is present?
Will the prayer petitions that we carry to the site be granted?
Will miracles happen at home for those we carry in petition while we are still there?
Will there be some tangible sign that the Virgin Mary or God visits Medjugorje?
Will I feel different, act differently or be different in some way?
There are about a hundred more questions rolling around in my mind. Perhaps some will be answered.

I’ve joked with patients that when I return, I may look like Charlton Heston playing Moses in the movie, The Ten Commandments. After God spoke with him his hair turned completely white and his face glowed. Of course, I’m joking about this, but I do harbor the hope that I will find Mary and experience something divine, powerful and eternal.

I just don’t want my hair to turn white! But hey, it would be a small price to pay.

Those I’ve spoken with who have made this journey before have been enriched and blessed in some way.

We will stay in Medjugorje for several days. Miracles have been said to occur there.

Apparition Hill is the original site where Mary appeared to the children and where all the spiritual sojourners hike in the hope to see Mary and have a divine experience. I am sure I will hike this hill many times. Of course, there will be lots of time for prayer and reflection.

While in Medjugorje, we may even have an opportunity to visit and talk with one of the six and maybe Father Yozo, the parish priest who was imprisoned.

We will be taking prayer requests and petitions to leave at the site to be prayed over.

I already have a long list of friends, family and patients, of course, to carry with me.

If you would like to add a name to my list with a specific or non-specific petition, I encourage you to do so. I will be honored to carry your wishes.
For me, this trip is especially exciting because I will be on a spiritual journey travelling with family and a great friend, Father Roy Oggero and even a few of my fellow medical missionary compadres.

I sincerely ask for your prayers and positive energy for all of us travelling to Medjugorje. Rest assured, every person on my mailing list will be included in prayer even if you don’t ask—prayers for your health, happiness and wonderful blessings to be showered upon you. I look forward to reporting my experiences to you and letting you know if I actually found the Virgin Mary.

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. I must receive all petitions by October 8th. Send all prayer requests to me at drrickbarrett@yahoo.com or mail all sealed requests to my office at:
Dr. Richard F. Barrett
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, TX 77459
Attention: Prayer Request

Want more information to see where we will be? Go to http://www.medjugorje.org/