Category: inspiration

Stimulating Nuggets

** Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile, and start again. – Anonymous
** If you don’t take care of yourself who will? Practicing self-care is so important.
** David could have written Psalm 23:1, dropped the mic and walked off the stage.

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time

There was a baptism in church, and five-year-old Emma watched intently as the pastor poured water on the tiny infant’s head and said some important sounding words. Confused by what she saw, Emma leaned over and whispered in her father’s ear, “Daddy, why is Pastor Bob brainwashing that baby?”

A businessman ordered flowers to be sent to the opening of his friend’s new branch office. When the businessman got there, he was shocked to see the flowers with the inscription. “Rest In Peace.” He was so outraged that he stopped at the florist to complain.

“It could be worse,” the florist said, “Just think: Today someone was buried beneath a floral arrangement with the inscription. ‘Congratulations on Your New Location!’ ”                      Oops!

What is the funniest experience you have ever had in church?
When my husband put $50 in the collection plate in a very small church we were visiting and the pastor announced the collection was $45, up from $20 the week before.  

When the pastor said: “Let’s pray.” Everything got quiet and he let out a rolling fart. I decided to silently utter a prayer that he didn’t stink out the whole church. It was hilarious.          

*** Nugget 2  Take Care Of Yourself

Many people juggle a lot: work, family, church & life in general. Do you get so caught up in your to-do list that you forget about yourself? If you’re not taking care of yourself, everything around you could suffer. That’s why self-care is so important. Self-care is putting you first – your happiness and fulfillment – without infringing on others. Self-care is realizing that your spiritual, financial, physical, & mental health is important. Self-care helps you perform at your best.

Only you know how much self-care you need, but regular self-care is recommended. Do something every day, every week, or every month that’s good for you. If you’re a Christian, self-care includes spending time with God. It means talking to Him on a daily basis. Self-care possibilities are endless.

Self-care might include:
**Having a facial once a week
**Getting away by yourself once a month
**Treating yourself to a meal at a nice restaurant
**Getting more sleep
**Learning a new activity such as crocheting or knitting
**Singing in a group 

Neglecting to practice self-care can put you in a bad place. You open yourself up to depression, burnout, frustration, anger, illness, and other risks. God gave you one body. Take time and take care of yourself.

*** Nugget 3  God Is So Near                                        

Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3  he restores my soul.  He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

David could have written Psalm 23:1, dropped the mic and walked off the stage. That one verse says it all. He lacked nothing because the shepherd provided everything he needed. However, David didn’t drop the mic. He went on to explain the benefits of God being his caring and loving shepherd.

The word of God tells us that we will suffer while we’re in this world. It’s inevitable. I recently suffered the unexpected death of my oldest sister, who was like a mother to me.  I feel alone because I have no one to love me like she did.  I have another sister whom I love dearly, but our relationship is sister/sister.

When we experience negative events in life such as death, illness, disaster, etc. we can feel like we’re all alone in a dark valley. We can forget that our Good Shepherd is so near. Psalm 23 is a reminder that we don’t have to suffer or grieve as those with no hope. God is always with us. He will gently lead, comfort, and love us through every dark valley. For this I give Him praise!

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
Jokes (stewardshipoflife.org)
https://freepngimg.com/png/73390-sheep-shepherd-good-christ-psalms-23-jesus
https://www.lifehack.org/882453/take-care-of-yourself8 Reasons Why Self Care Is Important and How to Get Started (beachbodyondemand.com)
Why is Self-Care Important? (snhu.edu)

Heartening Nuggets

** Have you smiled today?
** “Share your smile with the world. It’s the symbol of friendship and peace.” – Christie Brinkley
** Got sprouts? They have many health benefits and are loaded with vitamins and minerals.
** Don’t lose hope. There is hope even in the darkness. (Psalm 88)

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time
The Sunday School teacher was just finishing a lesson on honesty. “Do you know where children go if they don’t put their money in the collection plate?” the teacher asked.

“Yes ma’am,” a boy blurted out. “They go to the movies.”

 Aging with Humor – An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes  scattered over Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart?” the preacher exclaimed. “Why Wal-Mart?” Then I’ll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week.”

What is the funniest experience you have ever had in church?
Our pianist got locked in the bathroom right before the service was to start!!

During prayer one Sunday at worship service, someone’s phone rang – ring tone was “Great Balls of Fire” Everyone started laughing.

The pastor was going through the bible and listing out book by book and things that happened, after getting about 2/3 of the way through, in the same tone he had been preaching in, he said he forgot where he was going with this.

*** Nugget 2  Sprouts
I’m on a new adventure: sprouting. I have purchased sprouts previously in grocery stores but now a desire has come over me to sprout at home. 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. The health benefits of sprouts may include lower blood sugar levels, improved heart health, improved digestion of carbohydrates and proteins. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Keep in mind that 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.
  • Always wash your hands before handling sprouts.

I encourage you to conduct your own research & to consult with your health care provider about any changes you plan to make.

The picture below shows some sprouts that I’m growing: radish, broccoli, salad mix, & mung beans. I am enjoying watching them grow. I will take the precautions, I will pray before I consume them. I can get food poisoning eating anything, anywhere (at a restaurant, at a church gathering, even at home). Thank God for His protection. Thank God for sprouts!

*** Nugget 3  Don’t Lose Hope
Psalm 88
1 O Lord, God of my salvation, at night, when I cry out before you, 2 let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry. 3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the Pit; I am like those who have no help, 5 like those forsaken among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand.
6 You have put me in the depths of the Pit, in the regions dark and deep.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah 8 You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a thing of horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape; 9 my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call on you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you.
10 Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the shades rise up to praise you? Selah
11 Is your steadfast love declared in the grave or your faithfulness in Abaddon?
12 Are your wonders known in the darkness or your saving help in the land of forgetfulness?

13 But I, O Lord, cry out to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14 O Lord, why do you cast me off? Why do you hide your face from me?
15 Wretched and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am desperate.
16 Your wrath has swept over me; your dread assaults destroy me.
17 They surround me like a flood all day long; from all sides they close in on me.
18 You have caused friend and neighbor to shun me; my companions are in darkness.

Psalm 88 is not a happy psalm. It is a psalm of grief, pain and sorrow. It has no resolution at the end. Heman (the author), was as miserable at the beginning as he was at the end.  His heart was broken. Everything that could go wrong had gone wrong. He saw himself as a dying man without hope.

I had a conversation with a person the other day. They are in a negative situation that has been going on for a very long time. They told me that they feel hopeless. I’ve been where they are – in a seemingly hopeless situation. I know what it’s like to cry out to God and it seems like He’s nowhere to be found. I know what it’s like to feel like God has forgotten about me. Even now, there are some things that I’m crying out to God about. I feel like He’s ignoring me, but I know that He loves me and He hears me.

Heman had faith and hope in God; otherwise he would not have continued to cry out to Him. He continued to pray in spite of everything. He knew that God was his Savior (v. 1). He knew about God’s steadfast love and faithfulness (v. 11). He knew that God was the only one who could help him.

When you find yourself in a seemingly hopeless situation, don’t be afraid to cry out to God. Take your hurt, your disappointment, your shame, your fears, your struggles – everything to Him. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Keep hoping. Keep being thankful. That’s what I’m going to do.

“This too shall pass. It may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.” ~Unknown

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
Tiny sprouts provide big nutrition | American Heart Association
Sprouts: Are They Good for You? Pros and Cons, Nutrition Information, and More (webmd.com)
Health Benefits of Eating Raw Sprouts – Cleveland Clinic
269 Hope In The Darkness (Psalm 88) [Jon Dunning] by Manhattan Pres PCA (soundcloud.com)

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.

Golden Nuggets

** “A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose.” – Tom Wilson
** Some people don’t have time to chew or may have difficulty chewing salads. A chopped salad could be an answer.
** Jesus transformed ordinary water into fine wine. Today, He transforms sinners into saints.

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time

What’s the best way to get your kids’ attention?
Sit down and look comfortable.

Favorite Hymns for……..
Gossips: “I Love to Tell the Story”
Formally attired men: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”
Lost drivers: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
Clock watchers: “Moment by Moment”
Moms on the first day of school: “Peace, Blessed Peace”

The doctor told Uncle Fudd that if he ran five miles a day for 300 days, he would lose 75 pounds. At the end of 300 days, Uncle Fudd called the doctor to report he had lost the weight, but he had a problem.
“What’s the problem?” asked the doctor.
“I’m 1,500 miles from home.”
~H. B. McClung

What did the horse say when it collapsed?
“Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t giddyup!”

*** Nugget 2 Chopped Salads
We’re told by health professionals to eat more fruits and vegetables. I don’t think most people have a problem getting in more fruit, but it’s a different story when it comes to raw or lightly cooked veggies. If only raw veggies tasted as good as raw fruit! It’s so easy to pick up an apple and eat it. I don’t really want to pick up a big piece of raw broccoli and bite into it. Nevertheless, I’m encouraged to get those veggies in. I usually eat blended salads. I throw any raw veggies that I have in the fridge into my blender. I add some water, blend and eat with a spoon or drink it. It depends on the consistency.

It can take a long time to chew a big salad, especially if it contains hard veggies such as broccoli and carrots. Some people may not be able to chew well. A chopped salad could be one answer. Chopping the salad into small pieces gives you a head start on chewing.
How to make a chopped salad: try this Hallelujah Acres recipe.
Ingredients
1 head Romaine lettuce, heart only, washed, cut in chunks
1 ¾ cups broccoli florets, cut in chunks
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 radishes, cut in half
2 large carrots, peeled, cut in chunks
¼ cup walnuts
¼ cup pecans
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1.5 Tbsp. lemon or lime juice

Directions
1. Place all items in a food processor with the “S” blade. Place Romaine lettuce in last. All the Romaine lettuce will not go in the processing container in the beginning.
2. Process very briefly.
3. Add remaining lettuce and briefly process until mixture is chopped fine, yet still crunchy.
4. Pulsing the machine may give best results, so the perfect texture is achieved.

Use your imagination. Be sure to add lots of color and texture. More colors mean more diverse nutrients. Instead of using only iceberg, try mixing in darker greens like kale, chard, spinach, and red leaf lettuce. The possibilities are endless: cucumbers, red onions, nuts, seeds, protein, berries, etc.  If you don’t have a food processor, just learn the techniques of fast chopping.😊 Include chopped salads in your 2023 DoBetter Challenge. I hope you’re still trying to do better. Set a goal to get them in.  Enjoy and have fun!

*** Nugget 3  Serving the Better Wine
John 2:1-11, NRSV
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to me and to you? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the person in charge of the banquet.” So they took it. 9 When the person in charge tasted the water that had become wine and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), that person called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

Jesus, his mother Mary, and the disciples attended a wedding at Cana. Well into the festivities, the wine ran out. Mary asked Jesus to attend to the issue. After they exchanged a few words, he did as she asked. He instructed the servants to fill up some jars with water. When they drew from the jars the water had been transformed into wine. This wine was better than the wine that had been served at the beginning of the feast. This was Jesus’s first miracle and because of this act, the disciples believed in him.

Jesus transformed plain, ordinary water into fine wine. The miracle and the wine were amazing. What’s also amazing is that Jesus transformed the lives of men & women throughout the Bible. Today he takes people like us – and transforms us from sinners to saints. He can transform our lives from plain and ordinary to wonderful and unbelievable. We are the miracles that people can see. Let us be determined to let Jesus transform us on a continual basis so that others may choose to believe and trust in him.

God Made Something Beautiful out of My Life
(James Cleveland)
Chorus: He took me and made something beautiful out of my life.
He took a wretch, wretch like me, showed me love and concern.
And by His grace He made my life a new and better one.
I owe Him my all, I cannot let Him down.
Cause He’s the one who made something beautiful out of my life.
I thank Him for making something beautiful out of my life.

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.funnyeditor.com/joke/whats-the-best-way-to-get-your-kids-attention
Mitchell, P. (2013). Hey! Christians Have a Sense of Humor, Too! Colorado Springs, CO: Product Concept Mfg., Inc.
https://funnyeditor.com/joke/what-did-the-horse-say-when-it-collapsed
https://www.veggieinspired.com/raw-veggie-chopped-salad/https://myhdiet.com/blogs/recipes/micro-chopped-salad?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_klaviyo_id=01G8X9K43SRJDA8PDPX72BN5C3&_kx=qRYE8Yp69BujbSHYR3gyZNENuL2SpnS2cXQvj_GxsCE%3D.Umv4Kx
free wine clip art – Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)





Encouraging Tidbits

*A joyful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22. Have you taken your medicine today?

* Encourage yourself and speak LIFE. Matthew 12:37. It does work!

* Planks – One exercise, multiple benefits. It only takes a few minutes a day. The only equipment you need is your body.

Most of us love a smile. Most of us love a good laugh. Proverbs 17:22 even declares that “a joyful heart is good medicine.” So, let’s get started with some humorous titbits.

*** Tidbit  1    Gotta Smile

An inexperienced preacher was to hold a graveside burial service at a pauper’s cemetery for an indigent man with no family or friends. Not knowing where the cemetery was, he made several wrong turns and got lost. When he eventually arrived an hour late, the hearse was nowhere in sight, the backhoe was next to the open hole, and the workmen were sitting under a tree eating lunch.
      The diligent young pastor went to the open grave and found the vault lid already in place. Feeling guilty because of his tardiness, he preached an impassioned and lengthy service, sending the deceased to the great beyond in style.
      As he returned to his car, he overheard one of the workman say to the other, “I’ve been putting in septic tanks for twenty years and I ain’t never seen anything like that.”

Politically correct ways to say someone is stupid (maybe slow-witted would be kinder):

*  Elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top floor.
*  Receiver is off the hook.
*  Couldn’t pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel.
*  A few peas short of a casserole.
*  Doesn’t have all his cornflakes in one box.
*  The wheel’s spinning, but the hamster’s dead.

What did one ocean say to the other ocean?

Nothing, it just waved.

*** Tidbit 2    Encourage Yourself

We all like to be encouraged, but sometimes there’s no one around to encourage us. It’s during those times when must know how to encourage ourselves.

Whenever I need to encourage myself, one of my favorite songs is, “Encourage Yourself” written by Donald Lawrence.

Sometimes you have to encourage yourself. Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test. And no matter how you feel, speak the word and you will be healed.
Speak over yourself. Encourage yourself in the Lord.

Sometimes you have to speak the word over yourself. The pressure is all around, but God is present help. The enemy created walls, but remember giants, they do fall.
Speak over yourself. Encourage yourself in the Lord.

As I minister to you, I minister to myself. Life can hurt you so ’til you feel there’s nothing left. No matter how you feel, speak the word and you will be healed.
Speak over yourself. Encourage yourself in the Lord.

Speak over yourself: I’m encouraged. I’m victorious. I’m a winner. I’m an overcomer. I’m healed. I’m covered by the blood of Jesus. No weapon formed against me shall prosper.

I’m encouraged!

*** Tidbit 3    Planks – One Exercise, Multiple Benefits

Planks are one of the most effective exercises you can do because they offer great results in a short period of time (about 1 – 10 min.). The plank, or planking, is an exercise that involves your core muscles, improving your strength, balance and endurance. They are called planks because, when done properly, you straighten your entire body and maintain it rigidly, just like a plank of wood. No extra equipment or weights are required, only your body, making it a convenient form of strength training if you’re on a small budget or are traveling.

Here are 4 things that can happen when you plank every day.

1.   Your posture could improve.
2.   You could become more flexible than ever.
3.   Your core definition and performance could be improved.
4.  Your risk of injury in the back and spinal column could be improved.

How to hold a plank position

1.  Get into pushup position on the floor.  Position your feet so that your toes touch the floor. You can start with a bent-knee plank if you can’t perform a regular plank yet.
2.  Now bend your elbows 90 degrees and rest your weight on your forearms.  OR Bring your hands forward, near the sides of your head, so that your forearms lie on the floor, parallel to one another and to your torso.
3.  Keep your torso straight and rigid and your body in a straight line from ears to toes with no sagging or bending. Imagine your body as plank of wood.
4.  Your head is relaxed and you should be looking at the floor.
5.  Hold the position for at least five seconds or 10 seconds to start. Over time work up to 30, 45 or 60 seconds. 
6.  Remember to breathe throughout. Inhale and exhale slowly and steadily.
7.  When your form begins to suffer, pull the plug.  Gently bring your torso back to the ground. You’re only benefiting from the plank by actually doing the plank.

How to improve your plank time gradually

— If you can hold a basic plank for more than two minutes with ease, you can move on to these tougher variations. They include the elbow plank, leg raised plank and the side plank.
— Perform other body-weight exercises at the same time. Push-up and squat will improve your core strength too.  You can increase the intensity of the plank position using an inflatable exercise ball. Using an exercise ball, start out with your belly on the ball. 
—Practice every day. Space your planking exercise throughout the day. Do 3-4 times every day if you like.

Are you ready to devote 1-10 minutes of your day, every day, to stay fit, healthy? Then jump in and make doing plank exercises a part of your life.

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 the wisest decision you will ever make.

I am so grateful that you took the time to stop by. Don’t forget to click the Follow button. 

Until next time, don’t forget to smile and/or laugh at least once a day!

The information that I have shared with you is intended for informational purposes only. Remember to do your own research and check with your health professional if you have health issues.

Sources

https://tensionnot.com/jokes/one_liner_jokes/how_say_if_someone_stupid
https://parade.com/1041830/marynliles/clean-jokes/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/202450945740355986/
https://www.google.com/search?q=donald+lawrence+encourage+yourself+lyrics&source=hp&ei=zUMuYf2ZBcSm_Qa0_4bYBw&iflsig=ALs-wAMAAAAAYS5R3TFbIN2X_uewy1nqThSl0nOY-OXW&oq=Donald+laurence+encourage&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAEYATIHCC4QDRCTAjIECAAQDTIECAAQDTIGCAAQDRAeMggIABAIEA0QHjIICAAQCBANEB4yCAgAEAgQDRAeMggIABAIEA0QHjoRCC4QgAQQsQMQxwEQowIQkwI6CwguEIAEEMcBEKMCOggILhCxAxCDAToRCC4QgAQQsQMQgwEQxwEQowI6DgguEIAEELEDEMcBEKMCOggIABCABBCxAzoICAAQsQMQgwE6CwgAEIAEELEDEIMBOgsILhCABBCxAxCDAToFCAAQgAQ6DgguEIAEELEDEIMBEJMCOggILhCABBCxAzoLCAAQgAQQsQMQyQM6BQgAEJIDOgUILhCABDoICAAQgAQQyQM6CwguEIAEEMcBEK8BOgsILhCABBCxAxCTAjoICC4QgAQQkwI6BggAEBYQHjoECC4QDToHCCEQChCgAVCEC1iqZ2CkemgAcAB4AIABoAGIAbwWkgEEMC4yNZgBAKABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz
https://metrowomanng.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/speak-life-into-your-days/comment-page-1/
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d3/8e/7a/d38e7a71782a5ee22d9438a21de46ceb.jpg

Optimistic Tidbits

**Smile – It looks good on you!
** Don’t worry – be happy because God is in charge! Smile, laugh, praise, and trust Him. Believe His word. He’s got your back!
** If you’ve ever been constipated or experienced diarrhea, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that bowel movements are vital to your health.

Tidbit 1   Humor Time

Words to ponder

  • A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.
  • Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
  • Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
  • I don’t repeat gossip, so listen carefully.

What did the paper say to the pencil?
A:  Write on!

Timmy didn’t want to put his money in the offering plate Sunday morning, so his mother decided to use some hurried creative reasoning with him.

“You don’t want that money, honey,” she whispered in his ear. “Quick! Drop it in the plate. It’s tainted!”

Horrified, the little boy obeyed.

After a few seconds he whispered, “But, mommy, why was the money tainted? Was it dirty?

“Oh, no dear,” she replied. “It’s not really dirty. It just ‘taint yours, and it ‘taint mine,” she replied. “It’s God’s.”

Tidbit 2   God is In Charge

Are you optimistic about your today, and your tomorrow?  I hope so.  If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you can be hopeful and confident because – God is in charge!

Don’t worry – be happy.  Smile, laugh, praise, and trust Him.  Believe His word.  He’s in charge!

[Click on the video below to view the oral presentation of this blog and to hear my version of:  God Is In Charge.]

Tidbit 3   Bowel Movements

If you’ve ever been constipated or experienced diarrhea, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that bowel movements are vital to your health. What goes in has to go out. You should learn to be thankful for every bowel movement that you have. 

Do you look at your poop before you flush?  People have told me that they don’t like looking at their poop.  The appearance of your stool can give you clues about your health.  It can signal disease processes that could be happening, like cancer or infections.  Please, look before you flush.  If you start seeing blood in your poop, or your poop is a strange color, you may need to see your doctor. 

Moving your bowels should take no more effort than urinating or passing gas.  If you have to push or strain, it’s an indication that something might be off.

Here are 6 strategies to improve your bowel movements.

  1. Increase your fiber intake.  Fiber adds bulk to your stool, and acts like glue to keep your stool from falling apart. If your stool is on the softer side and lacking in bulk, you may need more fiber in your diet.  Get those veggies, flax seeds, and/or psyllium powder in.

  2. Make sure you drink plenty of fresh, pure water.  It helps break down food in the gut.

  3. Positioning – You may find that changing the way you sit on the toilet stool might be helpful. Your body is actually designed to eliminate by squatting.  Squatting straightens your rectum, relaxes a certain muscle and encourages the complete emptying of your bowel without straining, and has been scientifically shown to relieve constipation and hemorrhoids.

    Try using a foot stool.  It needs to be high enough so that your knees are higher than your hips.  Keep a straight back.  When the time comes, tense the stomach to encourage movement and relax the rectum.  As a result, you maximize the efficiency of elimination.

  4. Take a glass of water mixed with the juice of half a lemon before bed and when you wake up. You may want to drink with a straw because your teeth could become sensitive from drinking it on a regular basis.

  5. Don’t forget the prune juice or dried prunes.  They can really help you out.

  6. Olive oil acts like a lubricant in the digestive system meaning it’s easier for solids to slide through. It also softens up the stool, making it easier to pass.  A teaspoon of olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach may encourage stool to flow through the gut.

Most problems with bowel movements can be prevented or resolved by making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.  I hope these strategies that I’ve shared with you today will help to support healthy bowel movements.

The information that I have shared with you is intended for informational purposes only.  Check with your health provider if you have health issues.

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 the wisest decision you will ever make.

Thanks for stopping by.  Thanks for following this blog.

Until next time, have a blessed day or night!

Sources:

Words to Ponder (laugh-of-the-day.com)
61 Hilarious Clean Jokes for Funny People Who Don’t Swear | Fatherly
https://www.stewardshipoflife.org/jokes/
https://line.17qq.com/articles/uuhtcrrqx.html