Category: Christmas

Jovial Nuggets

** “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” – Martin Charnin
** Self-Advocacy: Be Your Own Health Advocate.
** Giving Thanks in the Worst of Times (Psalm 68:4-10, NRSV)
** I pray that you will meet the Lord and/or continue to walk with Him in 2024. Happy New Year!

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time

Actual children’s versions of Christmas Carols:
“…sleep in heavenly peas”;
“Joy to the world, the Savior rains”;
“This is he whom Sears of old…”;
“Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plane”;
“While shepherds washed their socks by night.”

When short hemlines came back into fashion, a woman dug an old miniskirt out of her closet. She tried it on, but couldn’t figure out what to do with the other leg. -Ashley Cooper (Charleston, SC.)

The stranger approached the pastor after service and said, “I’d like you to pray for my hearing.” The pastor placed his hands on the man’s ears and said a passionate, earnest prayer. “How’s your hearing now?” the pastor asked.

Looking surprised, the man said, “Well, it’s not until tomorrow.”

*** Nugget 2  Be Your Own Health Advocate

2024 will be here in a matter of hours. How time flies! It seems like the older I get, the faster it flies. I want to challenge you in 2024 to become your own health advocate. If you already are, then good for you! Health advocates take control of their health care experience. As a health advocate you should never be afraid to ask questions. There’s no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your health. Speak up with your needs, concerns and preferences. Take notes during your visit or ask about recording the conversation for future reference. Make sure you and your doctor are on the same page when it comes to treatment, medication, therapy, etc.

I went to see a doctor. A prescription was called in for me. I was supposed to take one medication first, and then the other one. First of all, the order of the prescriptions was called in wrong. I called the pharmacy. They told me what happened and said they would call the doctor’s office.  Well, I waited and waited. I finally called the doctor’s office and told them what was going on. They hadn’t heard from the pharmacy. Then there was a mix up about the correct dosage. I called the doctor’s office again. They finally got it right.

There were a few other things that happened this year that encouraged me to become my own health advocate, but I won’t go into them. The point is, I took action with this incident. I didn’t wait for both parties to keep going back and forth with the prescriptions. I questioned. I investigated. I spoke up with my concerns. After all, my health is worth it!

*** Nugget 3  Giving Thanks in the Worst of Times

Psalm 68:4-10, NRSV
4 Sing to God; sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds—
his name is the Lord—be exultant before him. 5 Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
6 God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad; you restored your heritage when it languished;
10 your flock found a dwelling in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.

Psalm 68 is a Psalm of triumph and victory. The Israelites were urged to praise God for all He had done for them as they wandered through the wilderness. He brought them into the promised land of Canaan. They gave thanks and proclaimed of His goodness even during the worst of times on their journey.

God brings protection, provision and hope for orphans, widows, prisoners, and other lonely people. We also are called to bring hope to people who need help. As we do this, we become more like Jesus. Hope can be provided in many different ways, through giving, encouragement, sharing the Word of God, showing love, prayer, being good examples, etc. If we go to God in prayer, He can show us how He wants us to provide that hope.

Like the Israelites, we too are urged to:Sing to God; sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds—his name is the Lord—be exultant before him (verse 4).  It’s easy to praise Him in the best of times, but can you praise Him in the worst of times? Some people stopped their praise during the pandemic. They still haven’t picked it back up.

Praise glorifies God. It brings restoration, peace, & gets the focus off of ourselves and directed back to God.  The more you praise Him in the worst of times – the better you’ll feel. The more you obey him as He leads you to provide hope for others – the better you’ll feel.

What a mighty God we serve! Angels bow before Him, heaven and earth adore Him. What a mighty God we serve!

The information that I have shared with you is intended for informational purposes only.

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?  If you wait, it could be too late. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting live (John 3:16).

If you have already accepted Him, He wants you to get to know Him even better.

Bye for now. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to click the Follow button.

Sources
stewardshipoflife.org
-Ashley Cooper (Charleston, SC., News and Courier)
https://improvingliteracy.org/brief/self-advocacy-it-you
https://clipart-library.com/clipart/251845.htm

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Jolly Tidbits

*Don’t laugh yourself to death. Laughter does a body good. Laugh yourself to life!

* You can’t praise God and be depressed at the same time, so praise Him. Your situation may not change, but your attitude will.

* Keep reading to find out several health benefits of peppermint.

*** Tidbit  1   Humor Time

Round John Virgin
A kindergarten Sunday school teacher had her class draw a nativity scene. One youngster had done a very fine job in drawing the baby in a manger, with Mary and Joseph and the animals; but the teacher noticed with anxiety that he had drawn a little fat man right beside the manger. She asked, “Jimmy, that isn’t Santa, is it?” Jimmy replied, “Of course not, that’s the guy we sing about in Silent Night, That’s Round John Virgin.”

Cheap Perfume Christmas Gift
Michael wanted to buy something different for his wife for Christmas this year.  He knew she liked “girlie” things, and “things that made her feel special.”  He wasn’t quite sure what that meant however.

He went to the big department store downtown.  After all, they had counters and counters of ladies’ things.  They also had helpful clerks that would understand this stuff better than he could.

“How about some perfume?” he asked the cosmetics clerk.
She showed him a bottle costing $50.

“That’s a bit much,” said Michael.
She returned with a smaller bottle for $30.

“That’s still quite a bit,” Michael wined.
Growing disgusted, the clerk brought out a tiny $15 bottle.

Michael was becoming more and more frustrated, “What I mean,” he said, “is I’d like to see something real cheap.”

. . . . . . . So the clerk handed him a mirror.

I love Christmas. I receive a lot of wonderful presents I can’t wait to exchange.
– Henny Youngman

*** Tidbit  2  Praise the Lord!

For years I would get depressed during the Christmas season. I got depressed before I accepted Christ as my Savior. I got depressed after I accepted Him.  A group called the Emotions sang the song, “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas.” “Tis the season to be jolly, but how can I be, when I have nobody? The yuletide carol doesn’t make it better, knowing that we won’t be together. A silent night I know it’s gonna be. Joy to the world, but it’s gonna be sad for me.”

That was my theme song and as I said, I sang it for years. My testimony is – I don’t sing that song anymore. I haven’t sung it for years. I’m still single. There’s no boyfriend in the picture. I can’t tell you the exact date or time God delivered me, but He did!

If you’re depressed this Christmas (maybe you’ve lost a loved one, maybe you’re single with no prospects in sight, maybe your money’s funny and you can’t buy what you desire for your family) whatever the reason, you don’t have to stay depressed. If God delivered me, He can deliver you. Go to Him, tell Him how you feel. Find some praise scriptures in the Bible and meditate on them. Begin to thank and praise God.

When you allow yourself to get down and out, praising God is the best way to lift your spirit. Praising God may not change your situation, but it can change how you feel about the situation and how you react to it. You can’t praise God and be depressed at the same time.

Praising God is more effective than any advice from a counselor. It’s greater than any medicine. Praise invites God to come into your presence, and when He does miracles can happen. You don’t have to ask for any favors or anything like that. Just praise Him with your whole heart.

[Click on the video below to view the oral presentation of this blog and hear the song that I’m singing, “Praise the Lord.” The Lord gave the words to my sister, Pastor Charlotte Bryant, years ago. I hope it blesses you.]

*** Tidbit  3   Peppermint & the Candy Cane

Peppermint is the most universally used plant and is considered to be the greatest of all therapeutic remedies. You can get peppermint leaf through tea, capsules or as an extract. You can get peppermint oil in essential oils, extracts and capsules. Make sure that you know what kind of oil you are using. Read directions very carefully. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted if you are going to drink them or apply them to your skin.

Here are 8 health benefits of peppermint. 
1. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties and has been shown to kill germs that lead to bad breath.
2. Studies confirm that it effectively fights several types of bacteria like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella.
3. Peppermint may treat gas, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and diarrhea.
 4. Help ease tension headaches when it is applied to the forehead and temples.
5. Provide relief from itching and muscle pain when it is applied to the skin.
 6. Reduce the intensity and length of menstrual cramps because it helps prevent muscle contractions.
7. Boost your memory and increase energy.
8. Reduce common cold symptoms as well as allergy symptoms like an irritated, stuffy nose, sneezing, and red, itchy eyes.

The original candy cane was made 50 years ago. It was white, completely straight and flavored with only sugar. The first red and white striped candy canes were made at the turn of the 19th century. The first striped candy canes appeared around that same time. Then, the peppermint flavor was added. Over time the candy cane has become a symbol and tradition during the Christmas holiday.

The solid texture or hardness of the candy cane is said to symbolize the solid rock which was the foundation of the church, and firmness of the promises of God. Jesus is our solid rock of all ages. Turn the candy cane upside down and you will see the “J” that reminds us of Jesus, who was born to save us. Turn it back upright and you will see the crook that reminds us that He is the Good Shepherd.

The stripe on the candy cane reminds us that Jesus was beaten for us. Some canes have 3 fine stripes and some do not. Those three fine stripes are believed to represent the Holy Trinity. The red color reminds us of how He shed His blood on Calvary to save us from our sins.

The white represents the virgin birth and the purity, (the sinless nature) of Jesus. It tells us that He can wash our sins white as snow. The peppermint flavor is said to originate from an herb called hyssop. Hyssop was used in the Old Testament to symbolize the purity of Jesus and the sacrifice He made.

When you break the candy cane be reminded of Jesus’ broken body. As you eat it be reminded that fellowship with Jesus is so very sweet.

The information that I have shared with you is intended for informational purposes.

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?  If not, what are you waiting on? In crazy times like these, we need a Savior. If you have already accepted Him, He wants you to get to know Him even better.

Thanks for stopping by.  Thanks for following this blog. 
Until next time, have a blessed day!

Resources
Funny Christmas Stories: Kids Say The Funniest Things! (clean-jokes-and-humor.com)
Cheap Perfume Gift (atimetolaugh.org)
christmas candy cane clipart – Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)

Merry Tidbits

SMILE! It’s hard to smile and be sad at the same time. What do you say about a Christmas gift you don’t like? Have you jumped off the “healthy living” wagon? It’s not too late to jump back on. Make a plan and finish strong in 2020.

Tidbit 1   Christmas Humor

Things To Say About A Christmas Gift You Don’t Like

  • If the dog buries it, I’ll be furious!
  • To think — I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.
  • I love it — but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.
  • Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Federal Witness Protection Program.

“Keep your friends close, your enemies closer, and receipts for all major purchases.” – Bridger Winegar

“Christmas is the season when you buy this year’s gifts with next year’s money.” – Author Unknown

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On the Sunday before Christmas Reverend Billy Graham was walking down Highland Street in Mt Holly, North Carolina on his way to see a parishioner. However, he wanted to post a parcel urgently so he asked a young boy where he could find the post office. When the boy had directed him, Reverend Graham thanked him and said, ‘If you’ll come to the Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven.’

The boy replied, ‘I think I’ll give your sermon a miss. If you don’t even know your way to the post office, how will you lead me to heaven?’

Click below to view a special Christmas PowerPoint presentation.

Tidbit 2   Finish Strong

There’s something in the air from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day that makes you want to indulge in ALL the holiday treats. Something that makes you say, “I’ll start doing better next year.”  There’s something that makes you want to forget about exercise, forget about calories, etc., etc. There are the treats that you only get during this time of the year like egg nogg, Christmas cookies, fruit cake and pumpkin pie.  Some people simply jumped off the “healthy living” wagon because the temptations were too great.

I don’t know about you, but I can do a lot of damage between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day if I don’t keep myself on track. So I know that I can’t just let myself go crazy and forget about my health goals.  I can’t afford to say, I’ll start all over again in January. If I go two days without doing some form of physical activity, it’s hard for me to get started again. If I go two days without any type of raw vegetable, I just don’t feel right. If I went from Thanksgiving until January without working on my goals, I don’t know if I would ever get started again. It would definitely be much harder for me get started again.

Have you jumped off the “healthy living” wagon?  Well, it’s not too late to get back on.  Start thinking about the things you can do today, then start planning. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.  Keep moving forward and finish 2020 strong!

Tidbit 3   Anniversary Time

This is the 10th year that the Fit 4 the Master’s Use radio broadcast has been on WNCA 1570AM, Siler City, NC. Prior to 2010, I was a guest on my sister, Pastor Charlotte Bryant’s broadcast. I thank Pastor Bryant, Praise Tabernacle and the Lord for that beginning.  Many times, I have wanted to throw up my hands and quit.  Many times, I wondered whether or not I was making a difference. It takes time and research to produce those little 15-minute broadcasts.  Sometimes I wonder what in the world am I going to present next.  What topic is left?  Then God steps in and gives me something.  He has been and continues to be faithful.

Years ago, I began this healthy living quest because I was dealing with a health issue.  I had no idea that I would be inviting others to come along on this quest with me.  I haven’t done and still don’t do everything perfectly.  I eat too much sometimes.  I eat unhealthy foods sometimes.  I am a work in progress.  I’ll continue to be a work in progress until the day I die. 

I’ve shared many times before; my goal is not to live to be 100.  I just want to feel good, with no pain, or as less pain possible, while I live. I want to be able to drive myself around.  I want to be able to care for myself.  I don’t want to be so sick and tired that it negatively affects my ability to do what God has called me to do.  We all have a destiny to fulfill. We all have gifts.  I hope you will continue to join me in 2021 on this healthy living quest.

I hope you enjoyed these merry tidbits.

If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, now is the time to get to know Him even better.  If you don’t know Him, accepting Him as your Savior will be one of the wisest decisions you will ever make.

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a blessed day!


Sources
http://www.you-can-be-funny.com/CleanChristmasJokes.html
https://www.keepinspiring.me/funny-christmas-quotes/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419116309057910306/
Free Jingle Bells Clipart, Download Free Clip Art, Free Clip Art on Clipart Library (clipart-library.com)
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/66828.htm