Category: encouragement

Stress-free Nuggets

** Smile! Laugh! You can do it. Your body will thank you.
** What else can you do with Vicks VapoRub?
** Got Patience? It is an admirable and valuable character trait that we all need.

Nugget 1 A Little Humor

***Never Argue With Children – A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. At one point in the discussion, the teacher remarked that it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow an entire human being because, even though the whale was a very large mammal, its throat was very small.
“But the whale swallowed Jonah,” the little girl insisted.
Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human. It was physically impossible, she said.
The little girl said, “When I get to heaven, I will ask Jonah.”
The teacher asked, “What if Jonah went to hell?”
The little girl replied, “Then you ask him.”

***Why frogs are always so happy
Ethan: Why are frogs always so happy?
Brad: Beats me.
Ethan: They eat whatever bugs them.

***A husband and wife get up on Sunday morning. After breakfast, the wife notices that her husband isn’t dressed for church.
“Why aren’t you dressed for church?”
“Simple. I’m not going.”
“Why not?”
“Well, I’ll give you three pretty good reasons why I’m NOT going.
First of all, the church is cold in the morning. It’s just cold.
Second, no one there likes me. Everyone is always talking about me behind my back.
And third, most important of all, I just don’t feel like going!”

Well, I’ll give you three pretty good reasons why you ARE going.
First of all, the church isn’t cold in the morning; it’s warm.
Second, I think, or I’m pretty sure, that there are some people there who do like you,
And third you’re the minister, so get dressed.”

Nugget 2

There is a website that provides DIY projects that may make your life easier and hopefully save you some money. One of the posts was so interesting that I decided to share tips with you all. The title of the post is: “What Else is Vicks VapoRub Good For? 4 Unexpected Deodorizing Hacks.” I grew up with Vicks VapoRub in the family bathroom cabinet. We used it for colds and congestion.  I never knew (until now) that this household staple could be used as a deodorizer.  See the sources at the end of this post and check them out.

We all know that no matter what you do to avoid negative stress; you cannot totally get away from it. Negative stress can impact your state of mind, your physical health, the decisions you make, your shopping habits, your eating habits, etc. It can also rob you of your time. Things we can do like DIY projects, can contribute to less stress. Fresh smells can cause dopamine and serotonin to be released in the brain. The effect can be an uplifted mood, a reduction of anxiety and stress. Most importantly, less stress helps us to be happy & fit for the Master’s use!

The following 4 tips may be used to help keep your shoes, musty closets, and more – FRESH.

1. Deodorize the Trash Can – Vicks has a strong, clean scent that can mask unpleasant odors. Smear a small amount inside a trash bag or under the trash can lid to keep odors in check.

2. Deodorize Closets – Vicks is great for freshening up closets and keeping those pesky moths away—they hate the smell! So, keep a jar tucked in the closet where you store your winter clothes. Poke holes in the lid of the Vicks jar. Place it inside the back of your closet. Voila!

3. Deodorize Boots & Shoes -Vicks helps mask odors and leaves a fresh scent behind. Dab some Vicks on cotton balls and tuck them inside your boots or shoes overnight.

4. Deodorize Smelly Hands After Cooking – The eucalyptus and menthol in Vicks helps remove strong odors like garlic, onion, and fish—scents that soap alone struggles to remove. After cooking, rub a small dab of Vicks on your hands, then wash with warm water and soap. Your hands will be odor-free and lightly moisturized.

DIY DISCLAIMER: This DIY guide involves the use of Vicks VapoRub for various household purposes. Please note that Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients that can be harmful if ingested by pets. It is strongly advised to use this product with caution and keep it out of reach of animals to prevent any health risks.

Nugget 3 Remain Patient

James 5:7-11, NKJV
7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Rich, wicked unbelievers in James 5:1-6 had been oppressing the poor believers. James gave them a warning; Their reckoning day was coming. It’s not a sin to have expensive things, land, or to be rich. It’s what you do with your wealth that counts. They refused to spread their wealth. James let the believers know that their day of justice, deliverance and vindication was coming. He didn’t give a time or date but he encouraged them to remain patient and steadfast to the Lord. In due time, He would intervene on their behalf.  He would keep His promise.

Being patient is challenging for me. I do not like waiting. It can be especially hard when I’m suffering, but I understand that I grow spiritually through patience and endurance.  One thing I have learned is that I cannot make God move any faster than He intends to. My arms are too short to box with Him. He will come to my rescue only when He gets ready. Although I may struggle with waiting, I remain steadfast to Him.

James gave the example of the waiting farmer. The farmer does not sit on the porch, read the newspaper and wait for the harvest to come. He daily cares for his crops during the growing season. He does not grumble and complain because they are not growing fast enough. He knows that after his hard work, the harvest will come.

James gave other examples. The Old Testament prophets spoke for God. They were anointed, obedient and faithful, yet they suffered. Job suffered more than we probably will ever suffer. He had stubborn trust in God, during his trials. Look at how God brought him out. He was applauded for his perseverance.

Are you going through a tough situation? Are you tired of waiting for a change to come? You’re not in this thing alone. God sees and He knows your situation. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. When your change comes, you’ll have another testimony – a testimony that will bring glory to our wonderful God.

Patience is a vibrant Christian virtue, which is deeply rooted in the Christian’s absolute confidence in the sovereignty of God and in God’s promise to bring all things to completion in a way that most fully demonstrates His glory. ~Albert Mohler

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

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

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with someone.

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any way.

Sources
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/66076319525059563/
https://jokes.scoutlife.org/jokes/frogs-always-happy/
https://holidravel.com/a-husband-and-wife-get-up-on-sunday-morning/?ssp_iabi=1683551292346
https://www.hometalk.com/
https://www.hometalk.com/posts/clean/what-else-is-vicks-vaporub-good-for-5-45122182
https://www.vicks.co.uk/products/decongestants/vicks-vaporub-ointment
https://itsyourturnblog.com/when-to-be-patient-and-when-to-be-impatient-baca2e2ae697

Entertaining Nuggets

** That smile looks good on you!
** The good news is that there is no time frame for doing better.
** Owe no one anything except to love one another.

Nugget 1

***Parent: My child is an angel.
Church nursery worker [Whispering]: So was Lucifer.

**Teacher: “Which book has helped you the most in your life?”
Student: “My father’s check book”! -Anonymous

***I’m so single that when they ask for an emergency contact, I have just been putting Jesus.

***I want to be so full of the Holy Spirit, that if a mosquito bites me, it will fly off singing, “There is Power in the Blood!”

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cats..
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don’t let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always Catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can’t trust dogs to watch your food..
6) Don’t sneeze when someone is cutting your hair..
7) You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
8) Don’t wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
9) The best place to be when you’re sad is Grandma’s lap.

Nugget 2

My how time flies! In a few hours January will be gone. Some of you may have gone on consecrations, cleanses, diets or some sort of reset. Some of you may have set resolutions. Have your plans fizzled out by now? Are you still excited about whatever you decided to do at the beginning of this month? I applaud you for starting something.

God values our lives, and if He values us, we should surely value ourselves. When He created us He called us, “very good.” We sometimes fall into the trap of not caring for our bodies, or our mental and spiritual health. The good news is that there is no time frame for doing better. You can do better no matter how old you are and no matter where you are on your wellness journey. As January leaves and February comes in, here are some physical and mental goals that you may be interested in setting.

Nugget 3 


Romans 13:8-10, NKJV
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,”  “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

 “There are three kinds of people: the haves, the have-nots, and the have-not-paid-for-what-they-haves.” — Earl Wilson. Many Americans are in that third category. They have some kind of debt: credit card, student loan, medical, mortgage, car, personal, etc. Some people have so many debts that they find themselves in financial bondage. They will never be able to pay all that they owe. They will die in debt.

Paul tells us that we (Christians) have a debt. Some Christians may not be aware of this, but our debt is to love one another. This debt of love is continual and universal. No matter how hard we try, we will never be able to pay it. We will die owing it. We don’t get to pick and choose who we love. We are to love everyone (inside and outside the church), not just the person who lives next door. Even though we may not know them, we love them because Jesus loves us.  

The genuine love that Paul talks about seeks the well-being of others. If we love someone, we won’t sleep with his wife or her husband. We won’t kill them. We won’t steal from them. We won’t tell lies about them. We won’t have an evil desire to get what they have. We will want the best for them, like we want the best for ourselves. We won’t have to wonder how we are supposed to love them. We will naturally avoid anything that will hurt them in any way. When we choose to love, and do no wrong to anyone, the law will automatically be fulfilled.  

One of the reasons some people go to work is because they have debts to pay. We have a much better reason to go to work for God: We owe Him. He sent Jesus, His only son to die for our sins. Jesus gave His life so that we would not have to die spiritually. He paid a debt He did not owe; we owed a debt we could not pay. So, we follow God’s commandments to the best of our abilities and we rely on the Holy Spirit to help us. We never get depressed or angry knowing that our debt to Him will never be paid. We get happy and excited.  We can happily declare, “I owe, I owe, so off to work I go!”

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.

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any way.

Sources
https://clipart-library.com/clipart/n893850.htm#google_vignette
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/66076319525059563/

Delightful Tidbits        

** Aging is inevitable, but losing my filter is not.
** Keep running. This is neither the time nor the place to give up.
** Jesus is a burden barer & heavy load carrier.

Tidbit 1 Humor Time
 
****How to politely tell someone that they are stupid: Wisdom has been chasing you, but you have always been faster.

****Some seniors have no filter as they grow older. I went to sing at an assisted living facility. One of the residents came up to me afterwards. This was our conversation.

Resident: Is that a wig?

Me: Yes, it is.

Resident: I thought so, because most people don’t have that much hair.
(True story )

Lord, as I get older, please let me keep my filter. Aging is inevitable, but losing my filter is not. 

****During Gladys Aylward’s harrowing journey out of war-torn Yang Chen, during the Communist take-over, she saw no apparent hope of reaching safety. A 13-year-old girl tried to comfort her by saying, “Don’t forget what you told us about Moses in the wilderness,” (referring to God’s promise of his presence) to which Gladys Aylward replied, “Yes, my dear, but I am not Moses.” The young girl replied, “Yes, but God is still God.”

Tidbit 2  Keep Running

We are 6 months into 2024. Time is just flying by. Did you set any New Year’s resolutions for 2024? Did you think you would be further along on your healthy living quest?  Have you become complacent?  Did you start out running and now you are walking? Wherever you find yourself, I want to encourage you to keep running.

Yes, I get tired sometimes, but giving up is not an option.  After years of exercising, I still have to make myself exercise.  I still have to make myself eat raw veggies. If I stop my healthy living quest now, it won’t be pretty. I would get stiff. I would get fatter. Who knows what else would go wrong?  So, let us keep getting some form of exercise in, eating those veggies, staying hydrated, taking those vitamins, getting enough sleep, etc. Let us keep, praying, seeking the Lord, reading our Bible, etc. It may be difficult but never impossible. Keep doing better! Keep running!

 Tidbit 3 My Yoke Is Easy

Kid: I didn’t know Jesus put eggs on people in the Bible.

Mom: What are you talking about?

Kid: Well, in Matthew 11:29, Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you ..………                   

Matthew 11:25-30, NKJV
At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. 26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I don’t know about you, but I have had plenty of heavy burdens in my lifetime. Some have been so heavy that I just wished Jesus could come, crack the sky (the Rapture), and beam me up.  Some have been so heavy that I just wanted to die and go home to be with Him. Some have been so heavy that I just wanted to take a bottle of pills. The one thing that kept me from doing so was that I probably would have ended up in a nursing home in my right mind, but paralyzed for life.  I might have lost a limb or two, been disabled and lived with regret for the rest of my life.

Burdens weigh down our hearts and lives. We carry some of them daily: having to always be right, trying to live up to the expectations of others, inferiority, death, loss, financial hardships, guilt, relationship tension, etc.  I don’t have to allow any of these examples to weigh me down, unless I choose to do so. I must remind myself daily that I am a part of God’s team. This means that in every game of life, I win, even when it doesn’t look like I’m winning.

In our reading for today, Jesus extends an invitation for us to come to Him with our burdens. He didn’t say we wouldn’t have them. He said He would make them light. He cannot and will not lie. It is totally possible to live freely and lightly and just rest in Him. What an awesome place to be! I’m not there. I may never get totally there but every day, I’m working on it.

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
https://barbararainey.substack.com/p/the-barbara-rainey-podcast-growing
https://pixabay.com/vectors/burden-heavy-man-overworked-people-1296754/

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any way.

Jubilant Tidbits

** “Share your smile with the world. It’s the symbol of friendship and peace.” –Christie Brinkley
** How cool it is to watch tiny seeds grow into sprouts!
** Jesus took the Lord’s Supper (Communion) seriously, and so should we. Paul reminds us of the correct way to observe it.

*** Tidbit 1 Humor Time 

One day the schoolteacher scolded young Freddie, saying, “Freddie, you mustn’t laugh out loud in the school room.” Freddie responded respectfully by saying, “Sorry, teacher. I didn’t mean to. I was smiling and my smile busted.”

A fellow walked into a drugstore and headed to the back to speak to the pharmacist. Do you have anything for hiccups?” he asked.
Without warning, the pharmacist reached over and gave the man a sharp smack on the shoulder. “Did that help?” he inquired.
“I don’t know,” the startled man replied. “I’ll have to ask my wife. She’s waiting in the car.”

A teacher asked her students to use the word “beans” in a sentence. “My father grows beans,” said one girl. “My mother cooks beans,” said a boy. A third student spoke up, “We are all human beans.”

*** Tidbit 2  Still Sprouting

I’m still sprouting! I shared the beginning of my sprouting adventure in September’s Blog (Heartening Nuggets, 2023). I wanted to report an update. I’m still enjoying the process: watching the tiny seeds grow into edible small vegetables. How cool is that? I enjoy harvesting them and adding them to my diet.

I can’t say anything miraculous has happened. I can’t say, “Oh they taste so delicious!” I can say that I like the fact that I’m giving my body a variety. I get tired of eating the same veggies every week. I think my body also says, “Thank you for giving me something different to work with.” You can see above in the picture, the sprouts I grew and harvested: God’s beautiful creation!

Sprouts are young plants on their way to full growth. They are harvested a few days after they germinate. Although they are miniature in size, they are big in nutrition. They carry essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.

The health benefits of sprouts may include lower blood sugar levels, improved: immune system, heart health, digestion of carbohydrates and proteins.  They may also help prevent infection, reduce period pain, detox the body and slow osteoporosis.

There is a risk of contamination when adding sprouts to your meals. Most sprout seeds are grown in warm, humid conditions which may cause bacterial growth. There are some things you can do to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

  • Never buy or eat slimy or smelly sprouts.
  • Keep sprouts chilled below 48 degrees at all times.
  • Take extreme caution with sanitization if attempting to make sprouts at home.
  • Rinse sprouts before consumption.
  • You can cook them. You may lose some nutrients, but you can still get a lesser amount of the nutrients as long as you don’t cook them to death.

I take the precautions. I pray before I consume them. I can get food poisoning eating anything, anywhere (at a restaurant, at a church gathering, even at home). God has protected me this far and I’m grateful to Him. You can find sprouts pretty much wherever you find food, particularly grocery stores and farmers markets. I encourage you to conduct your own research & to consult with your health care provider about any changes you plan to make. Happy eating!

*** Tidbit 3  The Lord’s Supper

Corinthians 11:23-26, NKJV
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

The apostle Paul is the author of our scripture for today. He wrote this passage in response to a report about the shameful, disrespectful behavior in the Corinthian church. There was church division and conflict among the believers. They had even begun treating the Lord’s Supper as if it were an ordinary meal.  

Paul was not with the apostles at the very first Lord’s Supper, but he received an understanding of the tradition from the Lord. It was not something that he made up. He reminded them of the correct way to observe it. Not only were they to consider the needs of others, they were to observe this supper as a sacred rite.

As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, let us ………

— Examine ourselves – Ask for forgiveness in areas where we’ve missed the mark (unforgiveness, hatred, disobedience, fear, worry, jealousy, etc.).
— Look back and remember – Bring to mind the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
— Share – Proclaim, preach, teach, and testify about Jesus to those around us.
— Look to Jesus’ return and get happy – The Lord’s Supper is about the death and the reign of Jesus. He got up from the grave and is coming back for us.
— Remember the covenant – The Lord’s Supper reminds us that we are in covenant with the Lord. We told God that we would follow His ways (when we accepted Him as Savior). In turn, He guaranteed that our sins were forgiven and paid for by the blood of Jesus.

Some churches have stopped the tradition of taking Communion (the Lord’s Supper) entirely or it has become a lifeless ritual taken more out of habit. Jesus took this meal seriously as it was one of the final acts of His earthly ministry. The apostle Paul also took it seriously. We may not fully understand the significance of it, but if Jesus commanded it, that’s enough for me. 

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
https://shcofchapelhill.com/chaplains_corner/a-joyful-heart-is-good-medicine/
https://www.laughfactory.com/jokes/clean-jokes#
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-the-health-benefits-and-risks-of-eating-sprouts
https://markitonutrition.com/red-clover-sprouts/
https://unsplash.com/photos/gray-stainless-steel-chalice-and-bread-bun-dSbfYNeDeiM

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any w



Good-humored Nuggets

**Have you smiled or laughed today?
** September is Healthy Aging Month. Celebrate the positive aspects of growing older.
** “In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma – but never let him be the period” –Author Unknown
** While you wait on God, find refuge in His sanctuary.

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time  

Oops!  – “Well, I think the time has finally come,” the new priest sadly exclaimed to the people at the bishop’s wake. “I was visiting the bishop in ICU as he was on his deathbed, and as he took his last breaths in this world, he put great effort into writing me a message on a slip of paper. I could see how difficult just jotting down the message was for him, and then he signaled to me to come and take the paper from him.

“I have been waiting,” the priest said emotionally, “to share this message with you. I will now read these words to you, which I myself have not yet read.” With that the priest ceremoniously unfolded the piece of paper he had been holding onto since the death of the bishop, and read in a loud clear voice for everyone at the wake to hear,” You are standing on my oxygen wire, MOVE!” –author unknown

What is the funniest experience you have ever had in church?

  • A bird got into our church one Sunday during the service and chose my dad’s bald head to poop on.
  • The time someone wanted to sit in the empty seat next to my friend. She asked, “Is this seat saved?” My friend replied, “No but I’m praying for it.”
  • Just as the white-haired priest came out on the altar my young son very loudly proclaimed, “There’s God!”

You might be old if…………..

  • Your knees buckle and your belt won’t.
  • You get winded playing chess.
  • The thought of getting out of bed never occurs to you.

*** Nugget 2  Get Ready for September

Aging is not for wimps. It isn’t for the faint of heart. It happens to those of us who don’t die young. If we live long enough we will see some positive and negative aspects of it. A positive thing about aging is that I no longer feel the need to wear trendy clothes. I wear things in style and out of style. I also enjoy those senior discounts (yay). A negative thing about it is that I don’t enjoy looking in the mirror and seeing my sagging jowls. I could really get depressed if I thought about it too long. Whether I like it or not, it is what it is. So, I say, “Thank you Lord. I won’t complain.”

September is Healthy Aging Month. This month is recognized as a time to celebrate life and the positive aspects of growing older. No matter your age, you can still strive to be the best 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 year old that you can be. Use September as motivation to take stock of where you are, where you want to go and how you plan to get there. Why not let September be the beginning of your Do Better Challenge?

Don’t know where to begin? Here are some suggestions:

  1. If you find that you are forgetting things – make lists, follow routines, stop trying to multitask, organize.
  2. Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Make it fun. Do something you will enjoy.
  3. Try to avoid excess processed foods.
  4. Eat beans and other high-fiber foods for digestive and heart health.
  5. Stay hydrated.
  6. Stand up straight. Fix your stance and practice it every day, until it is natural.
  7. Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself right then and change the conversation to something positive.

Don’t celebrate Healthy Aging month alone. Challenge family members, church members, friends, and neighbors to celebrate with you. You can do it. I know you can.

“Aging has a wonderful beauty, and we should have respect for that.”
– Eartha Kitt

“Age is just a number. Life and aging are the greatest gifts that we could possibly ever have.”
– Cicely Tyson

1. “Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
– Betty Friedan

2. “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.”
– Frank Lloyd Wright

*** Nugget 3   Waiting in God’s Sanctuary
 
Psalm 73:1-5, 15-28
Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For they have no pain; their bodies are sound and sleek. 5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not plagued like other people.

15 If I had said, “I will talk on in this way,” I would have been untrue to the circle of your children. 16 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end. 18 Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. 19 How they are destroyed in a moment swept away utterly by terrors! 20 They are like a dream when one awakes; on awaking you despise their phantoms.

21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was stupid and ignorant; I was like a brute beast toward you.  23 Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.    24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me with honor. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever 27 Indeed, those who are far from you will perish; you put an end to those who are false to you. 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all your works.

The psalmist Asaph looked through the fence and saw that the grass looked greener on the other side.  This presented a problem for him. The people on the other side of the fence were wicked and ungodly, yet they were healthy and prosperous.  Everything they touched seemed to turn to gold. Asaph became troubled and envious. As a result, he almost lost faith in God.

Not until Asaph entered God’s sanctuary, and got his eyes off himself and the ungodly, did he receive the answer to his problem.  He focused on God.  He saw what would happen to the ungodly: God would one day destroy them.  He realized that money, fame and fortune were not eternal, but God was eternal.  It became clear to Asaph that he had the most important thing in life – God.

Peter took his eyes off Jesus (Matt. 14:28-33) and literally began to sink. Asaph took his eyes off God and spiritually began to sink. When we find ourselves beginning to sink for whatever reason, let us:

  • Find refuge in God’s sanctuary (wherever we experience Him).
  • Repent and put our eyes back on Him.
  • Wait. As we wait, God will provide peace, calmness, and answers to our problems.

We’ll then realize that we are truly blessed because God will always be with us! It just doesn’t get any better than that.

The information that I have shared with you is intended for informational purposes only. Consult with your health care provider about any changes you plan to make.

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.

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any way.

Sources
https://www.douglasjacoby.com/spiritual-one-liners/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9oDD58zj8AIVBomGCh1qGgCmEAMYASAAEgIRQPD_BwE
https://www.dhd10.org/september-is-healthy-aging-month/
https://healthyaging.net/healthy-aging-month/september-is-healthy-aging-month/
10 Quotes About the Beauty of Aging (homeinstead.com)
https://smallvoice.today/god-is-my-sanctuary/

Mirthful Nuggets

** “I wake up every day with a smile on my face.”– Henry Ian Cusick
** National Macaroon Day – Let’s celebrate!
** Nothing Will Separate Us (Romans 8:37-39)

Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture grey, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up. ~Allen Klein

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time  
What did the cake say to the fork? You want a piece of me?
What did the waiter say to the skunk? Sorry, I can’t take your odor.
What kind of tea is hard to swallow? Reality.
Why are frogs so happy? They eat whatever bugs them.

FUNNY COMEBACKS:
Remember when I asked for your opinion? Well, me neither.
Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful. Hate me because your boyfriend thinks so.
I understand what you’re saying but if I agreed with you then we’d both be wrong.

What is the funniest experience you have ever had in church?
It was revival on a Saturday night, it was after 10 pm and the preacher shouted out, “Who wants to go to heaven?” Mindy’s 4 year old grandson Randy answered, “I just want to go home.”  Everyone laughed.

*** Nugget 2   National Macaroon Day
We all like reasons to celebrate, right? Well here is a sweet reason. May 31 is National Macaroon Day! I don’t eat them often but I love them. There’s a difference between macaroons and macarons. Their ingredients are similar (both are made with egg whites, sugar, and vanilla). However, the macaroon is typically made of shredded coconut stirred into whipped egg whites and sugar. Macaroons are larger, denser and chewier than macarons. Some macaroons are also drizzled or dipped in chocolate. Macaroons are traditional Passover treats in some Jewish households because they are flourless cookies – no flour can be used in any foods served at Passover.

Here are some ways to celebrate National Macaroon Day on tomorrow.
** Eat macaroons (in moderation)
** Bake them at home or buy them at a store.
** Take some to work to share.

*** Nugget 3   Nothing Will Separate Us 
No, in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:37-39

The Apostle Paul had suffered unjust persecution, famine, false arrest, shipwreck, and threat of murder. Yet, he still believed that because of God’s love, he was more than victorious. He let us know that we too can adopt the attitude of a victor. We make the choice to believe that we are victims or victors. 

Whatever we go through in life, we can come out on the other side as “more than victorious.” Paul left no stone unturned: the outward pressures of life, the inward distress that we feel in our hearts, hunger or lack of food, lack of clothing or shelter, future risks or threats, violent death or execution. In spite of how things look or how we feel about our tough circumstances, God is for us. He loves us. His love gives us hope, joy, peace, strength, and victory.

Oh that we would trust, believe and act on what the Bible says about what we have, who we are and what we can do in Him!

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
https://roysutton.co.uk/funniest-one-liners-2/
2-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons Recipe: Sweet 10-Minute Coconut Macaroon Recipe Satisfies Fast | Cookies | 30Seconds Food

Cheery Nuggets

** Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile, and start again. – Anonymous
** It may seem like you’re taking one step forward and two steps backward but don’t you quit.
** “May I Please Have a Miracle?” A miracle gives us an opportunity to brag on God.

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time                                        
Someone put a piece of chocolate cake in the refrigerator with a note saying, “Don’t eat me!”
Now there’s an empty plate with a note saying, “Don’t tell me what to do!”

Have you ever listened to some folks for a minute and thought …………………..
“Their cornbread ain’t done in the middle?”

Two things to make your day better:
1.  Do not watch the News.
2.  Stay off the bathroom scale.

When a kid says, “Daddy, I want Mommy” that’s the kid version of “I’d like to speak to your supervisor.”

*** Nugget 2  Do Better
Every day we have an opportunity to do better than the day before. We can do better in any area(s) that we fall short in (financially, spiritually, mentally, and physically). You have to plan to do better. It just doesn’t happen overnight. It often happens slowly and there are usually ups and downs along the way. Sometimes it may seem like you’re taking one step forward and two steps backward. The main thing is that you don’t stop. You all know the saying, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” Make plans right now on how you can do better tomorrow than you did today.

Here are a few ways to do better & make your life healthier:
Financially: Are you spending too much? Limit the days that you eat out. Plan and cook your own meals more.  / Use any extra money that comes along to pay down debt. / Don’t make impulsive purchases. Think about it, compare prices before you buy.
Spiritually: Spend daily time with God. / Study the Word of God. / Connect with a church.
Mentally: Seek out support groups and/or talk to someone you trust. / Relax & reduce stress. / Practice gratitude.
Physically: Drink plenty of water. / Sit less & move more. / Get plenty of sleep.

Deciding to commit to making your life healthier is a decision you will never regret!

*** Nugget 3  May I Please Have a Miracle?
Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Seneca Falls, New York, is home to The Nation Women’s Hall of Fame. It is where women (living & deceased) are recognized for their invaluable contributions to American society in a broad range of fields. Hebrews 11 is home to the Hall of Faith. It is where ordinary men and women of the Old Testament are recognized for their triumphs as they followed God by faith.

Our reading for today gives us a definition of faith (v 1), commendations for faith (v2) and an illustration of faith (v3). Faith gives way for miracles to happen. By faith Sarah, in her old age, was able to become pregnant (Hebrews 11:11). By faith Joshua commanded the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-15). These are just two examples of miracles that resulted from man’s faith and God’s intervention.

Each person’s definition of a miracle differs. One person may see a miracle as living through a heartbreaking situation that hasn’t caused them to lose their mind. Another’s miracle could be that they still have a roof over their head.  By faith (after I lost my job) I believed that God would give me a job in town, with certain work hours, and several other desires.  I didn’t see how it was going to happen in the small town that I live in, but yet I believed. Then, God did it! He gave me my present job and I get other perks like Fridays off. In my eyes, God performed a miracle.

Not all of the heroes of faith conquered. Some of them died before receiving their miracles, but they all lived by faith in God. We won’t always get the miracles that we pray for, even if we have faith.  God loves us and He knows what’s best.  Let us never stop exercising our faith because faith pleases God. Let us never stop asking, “May I Please Have a Miracle?” A miracle gives us an opportunity to brag on God.  Can we brag on Him? According to Jeremiah 9:23 & 1 Corinthians 1:31, yes we can!

Praises to our faithful and miracle-working God!

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
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/6Tp5erXGc.htm
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/2065059.htm
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/540491.htm

December Tidbits

** That smile looks so good on you!
** Goodbye 2022! What bad habit(s) are you leaving behind in 2022?
**Hello 2023, let’s get it started!
** A Royal Beauty Contest – Esther 2:1-4 (Winning)

*** Tidbit 1 

 “A smile is a friend maker.”
~Bangambiki Habyarimana

 “I’m trying to gain 10 pounds before midnight so I can keep my resolution to lose 10 pounds next year.”  ~author unknown

An iPhone and a firework were arrested on New Year’s Eve. One was charged and the other was let off.

Why should you stand on just your left foot during the New Year’s Eve countdown? So, you start the New Year on the right foot.

What happened to the man who stole a calendar? He got 12 months!

*** Tidbit 2 
Dear 2022, Thanks for all the lessons.
Dear 2023, I’m ready………………..

Now is the time to prepare your mind to say goodbye to some 2022 bad habits. We all have them, and it is possible to say goodbye to them forever. Change isn’t always fast nor is it always easy, but it can be done with time and effort. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. The secret to your success is found in your daily routine. Motivation is what gets you started. Habit keeps you going.

  • Choose the habit(s) you’re leaving behind and start planning.
  • Focus on one or two goals at a time.
  • Set a specific start day.
  • Your goal has to be measureable: what, when, how often, how much.
  • Give yourself 30 days to break the habit.
  • Keep a journal and/or use a chart to monitor your progress.
  • Reward yourself: get a massage, buy a new book, a pair of socks, and/or go see a movie.
  • Get a support system. We tend to do better when we have to be accountable to someone. It’s always good to have someone to check on your progress and encourage you.

What bad habit(s) do you want to leave behind in 2022?
– eating late at night
– eating too much
– not drinking enough water
– not getting enough sleep
– not spending enough time with the Lord
– not reading your Bible
– not going to church
The list goes on and on. If you fall or jump off the wagon, get up, dust yourself off and get back on. Don’t beat yourself up. See what you can learn from the setback. Remember that God is there to help you. He wants to help you.

*Tidbit 3 A Royal Beauty Contest     


Esther 2:1-4, NRSV
 After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. 2 Then the king’s servants who attended him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king. 3 And let the king appoint commissioners in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in the citadel of Susa under custody of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women; let their cosmetic treatments be given them. 4 And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so.

On the final day of a banquet that King Ahasuerus held, he decided to show off his beautiful queen, Vashti. He sent for her. She refused to come. As a result, she was forever banished from the king’s presence. Chapter 2 opens with the king remembering Vashti. His anger had subsided, and he probably wanted to restore the relationship, but the law of the Persians and the Medes could not be revoked. His attendants suggested a royal beauty contest. Esther won the contest and became the new queen.

None of these events appeared to have anything to do with the people of God, but He was behind the scenes working. He effectively orchestrated the salvation of the Jews by placing Esther (a Jew), in that position. She was in His plans and she didn’t even know it at that time. She was given favor. We see in the other chapters how He gave her the wisdom and boldness that she needed to carry out God’s plan.

God may sometimes feel absent in your life. It may seem like He has forgotten about you.  You may even wonder if He still cares about what you’re going through. Good news! He is always at work in your life, just like He was at work in the book of Esther.

Stir up your faith and trust Him. He has a plan and a purpose for you. He’ll orchestrate events in your life. He’ll give you favor. He’ll cause you to be happy in a time of sorrow. He’ll give you peace in the midst of strife. He loves you so much that if He has to, He’ll stage a royal beauty contest and cause you to be the winner.

Oh, how wonderful, oh how marvelous is the Savior’s love for us! 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.

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

Sources:
50 Funny New Year’s Jokes – Parade: Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays
contest clipart – Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)

September Tidbits

**Laugh yourself to life.
** Every day I’m thankful to be a child of God.
** Got hummus? Research shows that hummus has numerous health benefits. Plus, it tastes good.

*** Tidbit 1  Humor Time

A good laugh is sunshine in the house.
— William Thackeray

Christian One Liners
*Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.
*Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.
*The good Lord didn’t create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

Little Angel!
Little Johnny’s new baby brother was screaming up a storm.
Johnny asked his mom, “Where’d he come from?”
“He came from heaven, Johnny.”
Johnny responded: “Wow! I can see why they threw him out!”

Rest In Peace
One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. The plaque was covered with names, and small American flags were mounted on either side of it. The seven year-old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside him and said quietly, “Good morning, Alex.”

Good morning, Pastor,” replied the young man, still focused on the plaque. “Pastor McGhee, what is this?” Alex asked.

“Well, son, it’s a memorial to all the men and women who have died in the service.”

Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Alex’s voice was barely audible when he finally managed to ask, “Which one, the 9:00 or 10:30 service?”

*** Tidbit 2   Your Choice: Child or Slave   

John 8:34-38, NRSV
 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham, yet you look for an opportunity to kill me because there is no place in you for my word. 38 I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.”

The Jews firmly believed they couldn’t be enslaved to sin because they had the Law. They believed that only the Gentiles were enslaved to sin. After all, the Jews were the children of Abraham and did not need to be freed.  Jesus explained that yes, they were Abraham’s physical seed, but he was not their spiritual father. Jesus let them know that everyone who habitually practiced sin was a slave to sin.

There were times I enjoyed being a slave. I thank God for a mother and father who made sure that I learned about God. Someone said, “I had a drug problem growing up. My mother drug me to church. She drug me to Sunday School, Sunday Morning Service, Wednesday night Bible Study, Choir rehearsal, revivals, etc.” I thank God for that drug problem. Because of that drug problem I couldn’t enjoy being a slave for long. The Word had been planted in me. 

God saw my heart. He knew that deep down inside, I didn’t want to be a slave to sin. He offered me freedom through His Son, Jesus. I accepted His invitation. He adopted me as His child. Now I am a member of His family, forever. I still sin, but I don’t habitually practice sin. When I sin, I repent. I don’t allow myself to be eaten up by guilt because I have been forgiven.

The living Word (Jesus) and the written Word (Scripture) keep me in check. I heard someone say, “Check yourself before you wreck yourself.” Every day I check myself. Every day I’m thankful to be a child of God.

*** Tidbit 3 Got Hummus?

Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip and spread. It is a plant-based protein, packed with vitamins and minerals. It is usually made by blending chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini (ground sesame seeds), olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in a food processor.

It can also be purchased in the store. Just make sure you read the label carefully. Buy it with as few ingredients as possible. Look for mostly whole food ingredients with names you recognize on the label. Research has shown that hummus may help:

  • Fight inflammation
  • Improve blood sugar control
  • Aid in weight loss
  • Lower heart disease risk
  • Improve digestive health
  • Prevent cancer
  • Keep you regular

Different ways to add hummus into your diet include:

  • Use it in a sandwich, substitute for mayonnaise.
  • Make hummus toast.
  • Use it as a salad dressing alone or (Use less salad dressing and add hummus).
  • Use it as a marinade. (Let your fish or chicken marinate for an hour then bake as you normally would.)
  • Experiment with different vegetables.(cauliflower, cucumbers, celery, sliced peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, etc.)

Here’s a simple recipe for hummus. It can be made in less than 10 minutes and only requires a food processor.
Ingredients
2 cups of canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
1/3 cup of tahini
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
A pinch of salt

Directions
Place the ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. You can also experiment by adding your favorite flavors including, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, etc. Happy eating!

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
Bible Humor: Good Clean One Line Humor (clean-jokes-and-humor.com)
https://www.pastoralcareinc.com/resources/sermon-helps/jokes-for-sermons/
https://unsplash.com/photos/p2OQW69vXP4
https://unsplash.com/photos/yr-sW_x9aHk
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-hummus-healthy#TOC_TITLE_HDR_10

June Tidbits

**Have you smiled and/or laughed today? Humor does a body good.
** Seasonal fruits: Buy produce in season to get maximum freshness, flavor, and nutrition.
** There is hope during times of despair. God can redeem negative situations. He can remove barriers and restore broken relationships.

*** Tidbit 1  Humor Time

As soap is to the body, so laughter is to the soul.
— A Jewish Proverb

A Pastor’s Power

A pastor was in the middle of his sermon when he noticed a man had fallen asleep with his head on his wife’s shoulder.

“Wake up your husband,” Pastor Riley snapped.

The wife smiled and replied, “You put him to sleep. You wake him up.”

Things My Mother Taught Me (part 4)

1. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
“You are going to get it when you get home!”

2. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.”

3. My mother taught me ESP.
“Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”

4. My mother taught me HUMOUR.
“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

Say what
After 50 years of marriage the couple was sitting at the dinner table and the wife said to her husband: “After all these years of marriage I know that you are Tried and True.”
He replied, “What did you say?”
She said in a louder voice: “After all these years of marriage I have learned that you are Tried and True.”
He said: “Speak louder!”
She said in a louder voice: “After all these years of marriage I have learned that you are Tried and True.”
He replied loudly: “Well, I’m tired of you too!!”

*** Tidbit 2  Summer Fruits & Vegetables

A growing body of research shows that fruits and vegetables are critical to promoting good health. Although most produce is available year-round it’s better to buy when it’s in season. Produce out of season is usually more expensive and sometimes doesn’t taste as good. When you buy produce in season you’re getting maximum freshness, flavor, and nutritional content.  It will more likely be available at the lowest possible price. 

You can buy seasonal produce and preserve it by freezing, canning, and dehydrating it for later. Health experts recommend that we fill half our plates with fruits and vegetables. I like to include more vegetables than fruit because of the high sugar content in most fruit. I suggest lightly steaming vegetables, eating them raw, or making a blended salad (blending them in a blender) to preserve the nutrients.

Summer will be over before you know it so go ahead and enjoy these seasonal fruits and vegetables while you can. Each step you take toward consuming more fruits and vegetables helps you be at your best!

*** Tidbit 3  Hope During a Time of Despair  

Joel 2:23-26, NRSV 

23 O children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God; for he has given the early rain for your vindication, he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the later rain, as before. 24 The threshing floors shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. 25 I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent against you. 26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

The prophet Joel wrote to the people of Judah during a difficult time in their history. An invasion of locusts had destroyed fields of grain, vineyards, livestock, gardens and trees. There was a severe famine throughout the land. People were feeling hopeless and depressed. They were in this predicament because of sin. They were in despair but there was hope. Joel urged them to return to the Lord, to fast, to repent, and to call on the Lord to deliver them. He assured them that if they would repent, they would, once again receive the blessings of God. God would restore to them whatever they had lost. That was a promise.

God desires that we run to Him and not from Him when we’ve sinned. That’s the key to having an abundant life. He’s such a good God! When we turn to Him in genuine repentance, not only will He forgive us – He can compensate us for lost time.

God can redeem negative situations. He can remove barriers and restore broken relationships. This song comes to my mind, “I’m Glad I Don’t Look Like What I’ve Been Through.” We don’t have to look like what we’ve been through. That’s the kind of God we serve. He’s a restorer. Oh, how He loves you and me! There is hope!

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

Sources:
https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/hallelujah-john-f-jackson-sermon-on-prayer-259417
https://tensionnot.com/jokes/one_liner_jokes/things_my_mother_taught_me
http://www.emmitsburg.net/humor/daily_additions/2011/jan/21.htm
www.myplate.gov
grayscale photo of no smoking sign photo – Free Grey Image on Unsplash
Rosie Kerr