Welcome to the buffet table. I couldn’t let 2015 end without posting a blog. I’m thankful, thankful, thankful. We have a few more days left in this year. Many changes can take place before then. Things can get worse. Things can get better. Either way, I’m thankful. I believe that they will get better. God has been good to me. I know that His love for me will never change.
I don’t have a lot to say, but I have several things I want to share. Enjoy!
Joy to the world, the Lord has come! To view video, click on the link beside my picture.
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‘Twas The Night Before Jesus Came’
written by Unknown Author
‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said “it’s not here” my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!
http://www.btmi.org/Christmas/twas.html
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Gotta love those collard greens
Collard greens pack in lots of nutrients for a little amount of calories. If you are trying to eat healthier, cruciferous vegetables (collard greens, kale, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, rutabaga and turnips) should be on your grocery list. Studies have shown and continue to show that increasing consumption of plant foods like collard greens may help decrease the risk of several diseases, promote a healthy complexion and hair, and increase energy. Collard greens are high in both fiber and water content, which may help to prevent constipation and promote reqularity.
Collard greens hit peak season January through April. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked. You don’t want to cook them to death because you’ll kill all of the nutrients and will be eating dead food. Your collards shouldn’t look like baby food after you’ve cooked them.
Here are some ways to include them in your diet.
- Collard green chips: Remove the ribs from the collard greens and toss in extra-virgin olive oil or lightly spray and sprinkle with your choice or a combination of cumin, curry powder, chili powder, roasted red pepper flakes or garlic powder. Bake at 275 degrees F for 15-30 minutes to desired crispness.
- Sauté: Try sautéing fresh garlic and onions in extra-virgin olive oil until soft then add collard greens and continue to sauté until desired tenderness. Add black-eyed peas and brown rice instead of ham hock or salt pork.
- Smoothies: Add a handful of collard greens to your favorite smoothie.
- Salsa: Combine cooked collard greens with fresh tomatoes,
onions and jalapenos and use the mixture as a nutritious salsa.
Resources
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277957.php
http://juicing-for-health.com/basic-nutrition/healing-vegetables/health-benefits-of-collards.html
I’m sure that by now you just can’t wait to experiment with some collard greens! I’d like to see people add more raw or lightly steamed veggies in their diets. Try this and let me know what you think. You can also share with us one of your favorite collard green recipes.
Marinated Collard Greens
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
¼ cup chopped scallions, white parts only
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoon sea salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bunch collard greens, washed
1/8 cup olive oil
In a large bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, scallions, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon sea salt and pepper. Set aside. Take several collard leaves and roll into a cylinder the shape of a fat cigar. Using a knife, cut the through the collard cylinder, making strips. Repeat steps two and three until you have cut all the collard leaves. Place strips in a large bowl. Pour olive oil on collard strips and sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Massage the oil and salt into the strips until all are well coated. Transfer the collard strips to the bowl with the apple cider vinegar marinade. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
Servings: 4
Note: The raw collard greens won’t get as soft as its cooked counterpart. That’s a good thing, cooking your greens gets rid of all the water and nutrients that they provide.
http://thenewrawyou.com/recipes/marinated-collard-greens/
Humor Time:
- Tonight’s sermon: ‘What is hell?’ Come early and listen to our carol practice.
http://www.guy-sports.com/humor/christmas/funny_christmas_religious.htm
Christmas Spirit
It was just before Christmas and the magistrate was in a happy mood. He asked the prisoner who was in the dock, ‘What are you charged with?’
The prisoner replied, ‘Doing my Christmas shopping too early.’
‘That’s no crime’, said the magistrate. ‘Just how early were you doing this shopping?’
‘Before the shop opened’, answered the prisoner.
http://www.guy-sports.com/jokes/christmas_jokes.htm
Top Ten Things to Say about a Christmas Gift You Don’t Like
10. Hey! There’s a gift!
9. Well, well, well …
8. Boy, if I had not recently shot up 4 sizes that would’ve fit.
7. This is perfect for wearing around the basement.
6. Gosh. I hope this never catches fire! It is fire season though. There are lots of unexplained fires.
5. If the dog buries it, I’ll be furious!
4. I love it — but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.
3. Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Federal Witness Protection Program.
2. To think — I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.
And the Number One Thing to say about a Christmas gift you don’t like:
1. “I really don’t deserve this.”
http://www.you-can-be-funny.com/CleanChristmasJokes.html
Until next time, thanks for stopping by. 
Happy & Fit 4 the Master's Use! 