Category: Happy, Grateful, Laugh, Let It Go

Bright Tidbits

** Have you smiled or laughed today? Come on, smile and laugh yourself to life!
** Making healthier food swaps may be easier than you think. All it takes is a made up mind.
** If the SON makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36

Tidbit 1 Humor Time 
**Teacher: Glenn, how do you spell ‘crocodile?’
Glenn: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L
Teacher: No, that’s wrong.
Glenn: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.
-Anonymous

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

**A bus full of ugly people had a head on collision with a truck. When they died, God granted all of them one wish. The first person said, “I want to be gorgeous.” God snapped his fingers and it happened. The second person said the same thing and God did the same thing. This went on and on throughout the group. God noticed the last man in line was laughing hysterically. By the time God got to the last ten people, the last man was laughing and rolling on the ground. When the man’s turn came, he laughed and said, “I wish they were all ugly again.”

**A husband and wife were driving through Louisiana. As they approached Natchitoches, they started arguing about the pronunciation of the town. They argued back and forth, then they stopped for lunch. At the counter, the husband asked the blonde waitress, “Before we order, could you please settle an argument for us? Would you please pronounce where we are very slowly?” She leaned over the counter and said, “Burrr-gerrr Kiiing.” -Bill mills

Tidbit 2  Easy, Healthy Food Swaps
I hope you are still trying to DoBetter with your food choices. Making swaps does not have to be difficult or time consuming. Many times it just takes a made up mind. A mind that says, “I will try most things at least once, cause if I don’t try – how will I know that I can do this?”  The goal is to find a healthier ingredient that tastes or performs the same as the original ingredient – or as close to it as possible. These food swaps may contribute to your overall well-being. They may lower your risk of or help you manage diet-related diseases like obesity, stroke, heart disease and diabetes.

I discovered that I can eat a boiled egg without adding any salt. Yay! I wanted a hot dog. I don’t eat them often. I wanted the works: chili, coleslaw, & onions. I took a lot of the bread out of the bun. Yay! You may be thinking, “What’s the big deal?” The big deal for me was I made an effort. Every change, even if it’s a small one could contribute to your health. I love fried fish. I discovered that I can cook it in my air fryer or in a conventional oven and it tastes just as good as fried fish. I use the same coating that I would fry it with. I spray it with cooking spray. I am always happy with the results. Yay!

The following are some recommendations from health experts on how to make healthier food swaps.

  • Replace refined grains with whole grains. The first ingredient should be a whole grain or look for the “whole grain’ stamp on the package.
  • Swap white rice for brown rice, bulgur wheat, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
  • Replace mayonnaise with mashed avocado or hummus when making a sandwich.
  • Replace enriched pasta with whole wheat, spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or bean based pasta.
  • Replace iceberg lettuce with darker greens.
  • Swap fried snacks with baked snacks.
  • Swap fruit juice for whole fruits.
  • When baking, replace all or part of oil with natural, unsweetened applesauce. Use an equal amount of the applesauce.

    Don’t stop here. If you will be bold enough to experiment, you should be able to find plenty of other healthy food swaps to make.

HAPPY EXPERIMENTING!

Tidbit 3   John 8:31-36, NKJV
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Some of Jesus’ listeners were offended when He told them that they were in bondage to sin. They insisted that they had always been free, because of their ancestry. They had never been slaves to any man. Jesus spoke of another kind of bondage. He made it very clear that without Him, they lived like slaves, like oppressed people. Only the Son of God could set them truly free and give them a place in God’s family.

Freedom is not free. It comes with a price, sometimes a great price. Men and women died in service so that we could continue to enjoy our freedom. Jesus paid the ultimate price when He gave His life for our freedom. Those of us who have accepted Him are free, but there are things we must do to remain free. We must continue in the living Word (Jesus). We must continue in the written Word (Scripture). Jesus tells us that if we continually obey and live according to His teachings, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. Praise Jesus! We never have to be slaves to sin again!

Full freedom is doing what will make you happy in 1,000 years, leaving you with no regrets in eternity. -John Piper

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://www.laughfactory.com/jokes/clean-jokes#
https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/food-facts/healthier-food-swaps/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/171277592070444304/
https://www.scripps.org/news_items/5012-6-simple-food-swaps-for-better-health
https://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-food-swaps
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/642255596880048467/

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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

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)

Inspiring Tidbits

***In everything give thanks. ***Food – Creation Retold: In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and vegetables of all kinds and colors, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. ***Laughter is a good form of stress relief. Have you laughed today?

Be grateful for what you have and stop complaining – it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn’t solve any problems. – Zig Ziglar

Tidbit 1:   Give Thanks

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the Apostle Paul writes, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  Paul says very directly: No exceptions, no buts, no excuses—in everything give thanks.  No matter how we think or feel, no matter what the situation is, we need to find a reason to thank God.  I heard a minister say, “When I hear somebody say they have nothing to be thankful for, a spirit of slap comes over me and I just want to slap them.”

Here are some quotes that I came across.  The authors are all unknown.

“I want to say thank you to all the people who walked into my life and made it outstanding, and all the people who walked out of my life and made it fantastic.”

There’s one thing for which you should be abundantly thankful – only you and God have all the facts about yourself.

“There’s always something to be thankful for. If you can’t pay your bills, you can be thankful you’re not one of your creditors.”

 The thing I’m most grateful for right now is elastic waistbands.”

As you go about your day, make a point to be grateful for the things you may otherwise not even notice.  For instance, when you go outside to get in your car, thank God that the car is still there, and nobody stole it during the night.  If you really like coffee, sometimes take a minute in the morning to thank God for this “little thing” that brings you joy and comfort. How about the blessing of having hot water? It’s something we can easily take for granted, but it makes our lives so much better!  How many times have you entered your house, turned on the lights and thanked God for the lights? As we begin to thank God for the small things in our lives, it will help us to focus on the positive and everything we do have. As result, we will also be much happier!  

Click on the video to hear an oral presentation of this blog and to hear my rendition of: My Tribute (to God Be The Glory) by Andraé Crouch.


Tidbit 2   Food – Creation Retold

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

Then using God’s great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, “You want chocolate with that?” And Man said, “Yes!” and Woman said, “and as long as you’re at it, add some sprinkles.” And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.

So God said, “Try my fresh green salad.” And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side.  And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.

God then said, “I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them” And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof. God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it “Angel Food Cake,” and said, “It is good.”  Satan then created chocolate cake and named it “Devil’s Food.”

God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man Would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald’s and its 99-cent double cheeseburger Then said, “You want fries with that?” And Man replied, “Yes! And super size them!” And Satan said, “It is good.” And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then Satan created HMOs (health maintenance organization plans).

Tidbit 3   Laughter

When was the last time you had a good laugh? Laughter is a great form of stress relief.  It increases oxygen to your heart, lungs and muscles, improves your mood.  According to Milton Berle, “Laughter is an instant vacation.” Research shows that the body doesn’t know the difference between real or fake laughter.  Fake laughter turns into real laughter.  If you don’t believe it, try it.  Turn up the corners of your mouth up into a smile and then give a laugh.  It may begin as fake laughter but the longer you do it, the less fake it will be.  Give your body that needed vacation!

I hope enjoyed these inspiring tidbits. Thanks for watching.  

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.

Have a blessed day!

Sources
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/z/zigziglar617796.html#K0bTpyWuSd4udz7C.99

Creation revised (westminster.edu)

Laughing Clipart Free Laughter Clip Art Free Clipart – Boy Vs Girl Joke In English – Png Download (#2939421) – PikPng

Smile!

One day while watching Pastor Steven Furtick on TBN, he said, “If you’re happy and you know it – tell your face.” I thought what he said was so funny and so true that I decided to sing about it. This blog is dedicated to those of us who need to smile more. Take the challenge!

smile-1-poster

One day while watching Pastor Steven Furtick on TBN, he said, “If you’re happy and you know it – tell your face.”  I thought what he said was so funny and so true that I decided to sing about it.  Hope you enjoy the video. 

I am dedicating this rendition to those of you (like me) who have serious faces.  People have told me that I look “mean.”  I agree with them although I don’t look “mean” intentionally.  Sometimes I have other things on my mind and I don’t even realize my facial expression.

Some people just naturally look friendly and happy.  I have to work at it.  I have to remind myself to look pleasant and to smile more when I’m out and about.  I know that I am not alone.  Many people have this same issue.  Can I get an AMEN?  How do I know?  I know because I observe people when I’m out and about.  

Sometimes I visit a particular church.  It’s a big church.  Most of the people don’t know me and I don’t know them.  I find it interesting that as people are walking through the parking lot to go into the church, they will walk right past each other without even smiling or simply saying, “good morning.”  What’s up with that?  We’re going in the same direction to worship God, yet we can’t even greet each other.  I have also walked into the restroom and received neither a smile nor a good morning.  As a result, I decided that I would be the initiator – I would smile and I would speak first.  I’m trying to make it a habit.  I don’t always feel like doing it, but at least I’m trying.

One day I was in Costco’s siting at a table waiting for my sisters to pay for their purchases.  A man walked towards me.  I asked myself, “Why is this man coming towards me? I don’t know him.”  Yes, you all, I talk to myself and answer myself back.  Anyway, he walked up to me and said, “Smile, you are gorgeous!” 

Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather.  I’m at the age where I feel like I am invisible to men.  I was so shocked.  I smiled and replied, “Thank you.”  He then replied, “No, thank you!  He then proceeded to walk out of the store.

smile-2-poster

Instead of saying “Thank you” I should have said “No, thank God” because I had nothing to do with how He created me.  I’m His handiwork.  Really, I was too shocked to say anything else.

 The take away from my story: 

Smile because you never know how your smile might bless and uplift someone.

 

My brother Sam is in a nursing home, recovering from a stroke.  When I visit him I usually end up saying something funny.  I don’t plan it; it just comes out of my mouth.  It really blesses me when I say something that causes him to smile.  It really makes my day.

___________________________________

Sometimes I wake up with a smile on my face because I wake up thinking and thanking God.  I lie there for a few minutes, throwing Him kisses.  I imagine Him smiling as He catches those kisses.

____________________________________

I’m sure you know the wonderful benefits of laughing.  Do you know the wonderful benefits of smiling? 

Smiles:

  • Boost your mood.  You can’t be happy and sad at the same time.
  • Change your mindset when you’re in a bad situation. This can contribute to you finding other ways to successfully deal with that situation.
  • Keep stress at bay.  Stress plays a major role in heart conditions and hypertension.
  • Are contagious.  Ever notice how often a friend, colleague or complete stranger will reciprocate a smile after you share one?
  • Make you more approachable. You come across as more likable and friendly.
  • Through pain show strength.  It takes a strong person to smile through pain.
  • Can redirect your day toward adventure, possibility, and being carefree.

Meditating on the Word of God will help you smile more.

 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22 King James Version (KJV)

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.  Proverbs 15:13, 15 (KJV)

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.

The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.  Psalm 126:2, 3 (KJV)

 If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face and wear a smile,’ Job 9:27 New (NKJV).

Humor Time

At Sunday school they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings.  Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs.  Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, Johnny what is the matter?  Little Johnny responded, “I have pain in my side.  I think I’m going to have a wife.”                                                            –Author Unknown

Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil.  One said to the other, “What do you think about all this satan stuff?”  The other boy replied, “Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out.  It’s probably just your dad.”           –Author Unknown

An elderly woman died last month.  Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers.  In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, “They wouldn’t take me out while I was alive, I don’t want them to take me out when I’m dead.    – Author Unknown

_________________________________________________________________

One of my quests for 2017 is to encourage people (myself included) to do better (mentally, spiritually, and physically).  I believe the best way to do this is by setting goals that you can live with for the rest of your life. 

The Do Better challenge for this blog:  SMILE MORE

Ways to do this include, but are not limited to:

Goal A  

  1. Write the word “Smile” on an index card. You’re painting a picture that your brain can see. If it visualizes something – it will aim to work toward it. 
  1. Tape the index card to your bathroom or bedroom mirror. The bathroom mirror would probably be better because then everyone else who goes in there will also be encouraged to smile.
  1. Every time you look in that mirror, smile. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between what is real versus what is false.  So smile whether you feel like it or not.

Goal B

  1. Smile at a complete stranger at least once a day. Someone may think you’re strange and won’t smile back.  They may even think you’re trying to get a date, but don’t let that stop you.  If they refuse to smile back, it’s their loss.  Just move on to the next person.  Think of your smile as a two-fold good deed.  You’ll feel good and you could also brighten someone’s day.

Did you achieve your goal?  Ways to measure:

  • Take a few minutes at the end of each day to write down your smiling experience for that day.
  • Keep a calendar where you can check off or put a smiley face each day that you complete your daily goal. Keep doing this every day, and you’ll have a chain of days you’ve checked off.

Do this challenge for 2 weeks or until it becomes habit.  Encourage someone to join you.  

I can’t encourage you to do something that I’m not willing to do.  So I’ll be taking this challenge beginning March. 1st.

_________________________________________________________________

When I sat down at the computer to begin this blog, I didn’t know what I was going to share.  The only thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to share my song.  Now I have to make myself stop typing.  It’s like eating potato chips.  Once you get started, it’s hard to stop.

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to view the video and read all the nuggets. 

Bye for now.           2 smiling faces.jpg

“Smile”

Smile tho’ your heart is aching
Smile even tho’ it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You’ll get by

If you smile
Thro’ your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shin-ing thro’ for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide ev-‘ry trace of sadness
Altho’ a tear may be ever so near

That’s the time
You must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worth-while

If you just smile

— NAT KING COLE

 

Resources

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/520165825686344332/

Steven Furtick, Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina

https://stevenfurtick.com

TBN  (Trinity Broadcasting Network)

https://www.tbn.org/

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+9%3A27&version=KJV

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+9%3A27&version=NKJV

http://www.goal-setting-motivation.com/set-your-goals/writing-goals/

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/natkingcole/smile.html

 

 

It can be done

new-year

Humor time

  • Remember you can reset your resolutions on January 14th (Orthodox New Year) and February 8th (Chinese New Year). After that, even I can’t help you.

  • My 2017 resolution is for everyone else to gain the 50 pounds I refuse to lose.

  • I have only one resolution. To rediscover the difference between wants and needs. May I have all I need and want all  I have.

  • This New Year’s I’m going to make a resolution I can keep: no dieting all year long.

  • May all your troubles last as long as your New Year resolutions.

Jemima was taking an afternoon nap on New Year’s Eve before the festivities. After she woke up, she confided to Max, her husband, ‘I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year’s present. What do you think it all means?’
‘Aha, you’ll know tonight,’ answered Max smiling broadly.
At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Jemima and handed her small package. Delighted and excited she opened it quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled: ‘The meaning of dreams’.

___________________________________________________________________

It Couldn’t Be Done             (This is one of my favorite poems.)
BY EDGAR ALBERT GUEST
Somebody said that it couldn’t be done
      But he with a chuckle replied
That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
      Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
      On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
      That couldn’t be done, and he did it!
For the entire poem visit: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/44314
Hope you enjoy the video.  🙂 Don’t let my face scare you. 🙂
 Adapted from the works of Edgar Albert Guest and Dr. Mattie Moss Clark.

____________________________________________________________________

I stepped away from my blog for a while, but now I’m back.  I didn’t mean to stay away so long.  I felt neither motivated nor inspired nor encouraged.  The next thing I knew Dec. 2016 had arrived and I had posted nothing since February.  I had received emails during the past few months, letting me know that people were still following my blog. That news encouraged me, but it was God who gave me that final push.  I can’t say exactly what He did, but He did it – on the inside of me. 

My job situation hasn’t changed (for more of my story, you’ll need to read previous blogs).  I’m still working in retail, just a few hours a week.  I’m still waiting on that full time job or several streams of income that equals a full time job.  I should be on cocaine, an alcoholic, or suicidal – but God!  He has kept my mind.  I’m still praising Him.  All of my needs are constantly being met.  I’m not homeless.  I’m not broke.  I’m not depressed.  I haven’t had to beg, borrow, or steal.  I’m not bragging on me; I’m bragging on God.  I’m learning how to patiently wait on Him and to continue with my projects while I’m waiting and praising Him.

My New Year’s resolution is to keep going, keep trying, even when I don’t feel like it. Write when I don’t feel like it.  Make videos, sing my songs, and continue with my radio broadcasts – even when I don’t feel like it.   Yep, that’s the plan.

______________________________________________________________________

You can – – Do Better!

One of my quests is to encourage people (myself included) to do better (mentally, spiritually, and physically).  Do better today than you did yesterday.  Do better this week than you did last week.  Do better this month than you did last month.  Do better in 2017 than you did in 2016.

In order to do better, we must set some goals.  I want to explore goal setting.  Stay with me because it’s going to lead to a challenge, but it may take a few blogs to get there.

Research shows that if you’re going to be successful at almost anything in life, the very first choice to make is to set some goals.  When we set goals we must realize that it may not be a walk in the park.  There are things we are going to have to start doing and things we are going to have to stop doing or do less of, if we’re striving to be fit for God’s use (in every area of our lives) until we die. 

Hebrews 12:1 & 2 reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

This verse tells us that we are to run a race that has been marked out for us.  We trust God to set the race up but we must also recognize that we have a part to play in order to cooperate with His plan.  In order to run the race, we have to endure some training.  We have to set some goals.

  • Let’s look at some benefits of goal setting.

Goal setting is a spiritual discipline.  God is a goal setting God.  He has goals for history that have not happened yet. God has goals for His family, the church, that haven’t happened yet. God has goals for your life that have not happened yet. God is a planner.  He doesn’t just sit around and let things happen.  If God plans and God wants us to be like him, then it would make sense that He wants us to set goals also.

Godly goals are statements of faith. They affirm our trust in God. When you say, I believe God wants me to accomplish this by this date, that’s a statement in faith.

Goal setting builds character.  One of the ways you develop character is by setting a goal and going after it and not giving in when you have all kinds of difficulties. It is in that process, that struggle, you develop the kind of character that God wants you to have.  Goals are achieved with God’s power.

“We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.”Prov. 16:9 That’s why we fail at our goals. We don’t depend on him. 

Zechariah 4:6 says, “You will not succeed by your own strength or power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.” 

Prov. 3:5& 6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.”

First you’ve got to trust the Lord with all your heart and rely on His power.  Then you need to get either a partner or in a small group.  Accountability plays an important role goal setting.  You check up on each other and help each other out.

The goals that you set should be “SMART” goals.  Ask yourself: if this goal is:

  • Specific– is it clear what the goal is? Is it clear exactly what I mean?

  • Measurable– how will I know if I have achieved the goal? How will I measure my success?

  • Attainable– is it possible to achieve this objective? What do I need in place to make it attainable?

  • Relevant– is this objective one that I consider appropriate. Does it deliver wider priorities? Is it worth doing?

  • Time-bounded– by when am I going to achieve this? Setting a timescale provides focus and urgency, clarifying when you intend to achieve the objective. The objective has a deadline and is therefore more than just a wish!

You may have some setbacks. You may fall down. But the good news is: life is a marathon. Here’s the key to the marathon of life: You’re not in a race to run fast. You’re in a race to end well. You’re in a race to get to the finish line. You make progress one step at a time. That’s the way you go towards your goals – one step, one day at a time. 

 It can be done!  You can do better. I’ll share more about this subject in the next blog.

What are your goals for 2017?  How’s it going so far?  Feel free to share with us.

 

Thanks for stopping by!  great-day-face

 

Sources:

https://clipartfest.com/download/5bb6ef60a4fcffd96195bbe256229babea17e618.html

http://www.jokes4us.com/holidayjokes/newyearsjokes.html

http://www.theholidayspot.com/newyear/jokes.htm#WDyqsMqHQmTQ0sIO.99

https://www.valentinesdaywishes.org/happy-new-year-poems-jokes-shayari-memes-fireworks-images-photos-2017.html

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/44314

New International Version (NIV)    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012

 

 

Let it go and be happy.

Letting Go

A man named Jack was walking along a steep cliff one day, when he accidentally got too close to the edge and fell. On the way down he grabbed a branch, which temporarily stopped his fall.  He looked down and to his horror saw that the canyon fell straight down for more than a thousand feet.

He couldn’t hang onto the branch forever, and there was no way for him to climb up the steep wall of the cliff. So Jack began yelling for help, hoping that someone passing by would hear him and lower a rope or something.

HELP! HELP! Is anyone up there? “HELP!”

He yelled for a long time, but no one heard him. He was about to give up when he heard a voice. Jack, Jack. Can you hear me?”

“Yes, yes! I can hear you. I’m down here!”

“I can see you, Jack. Are you all right?”

“Yes, but who are you, and where are you?

“I am the Lord, Jack. I’m everywhere.”

“The Lord? You mean, GOD?”

“That’s Me.”

“God, please help me! I promise if, you’ll get me down from here, I’ll stop sinning. I’ll be a really good person. I’ll serve You for the rest of my life.”

“Easy on the promises, Jack.  Let’s get you off from there; then we can talk.”

“Now, here’s what I want you to do. Listen carefully.”

“I’ll do anything, God. Just tell me what to do.”

“Okay. Let go of the branch.””What?” “I said, let go of the branch. Just trust Me. Let go.”

There was a long silence.

Flaughing faceinally Jack yelled, “HELP! HELP! IS ANYONE ELSE UP THERE?”

 

 

 

    http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/9iz/xAe/9izxAeL4T.jpeg                                                                                                  http://www.aish.com/j/j/122650799.html

        We all have or will experience “letting it go.”  We have to make a choice to do it, just like we have to make a choice to be happy, grateful and laugh.  Letting go of situations, people, bad habits, hurts, relationships, unhealthy food, etc., etc., can be very painful.  It’s not always easy to do.

“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.”

― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience                                                       http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/letting-go

Ecclesiastes

3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A5&version=KJV

“If you let go a little you will have a little happiness. If you let go a lot you will have a lot of happiness. If you let go completely you will be free.” –Ajahn Chah

http://findinghappinessmovie.com/find-happiness/happiness-quotes/

        I shared in my first blog: I was on my way to work in August of 2013.  I went through the green light.  A driver didn’t stop at her red light and ran into my car. My car was totaled.  I have replayed that incident over and over in my mind.  What if I would have waited a few minutes longer before going through that green light?  What if this, and what if that?  Coulda, shoulda, and woulda haven’t helped anyone that I know of.  The fact is, it happened, it’s over and I must let it go.

        Some bad situations can actually be  blessings in disguise.   We block those blessings because we choose to not let go.  I believe some people enjoy holding onto things. Some people want to let go, but just don’t have the strength, or know how to do it.

Here are 8 things that I do or say to myself to help me let it go and be happy:

1.) What does the Bible say about your situation? Find out, and then meditate on those scriptures.

2.) Instead of focusing on what you have lost, focus on positive things.

3.) Look at your actions and see if you can do things differently the next time.

4.) What’s done is done.  You can’t put spilled milk back into the glass.

5.) Concentrate on today, this hour, this minute.

6.) Be grateful.

7.) Laugh.

8.) God loves you and He caCarry your books pictureres.  He’ll help you “let it go and be happy.”

http://bocsupportnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/admin/1893/09/cast_your_cares_1peter5_7.jpg

 

What will you say or do to help you let it go and be happy today?

 

 

 

 

Bye for now.