Category: vegetables

Worthwhile Nuggets

** Have you smiled today? Have you laughed today?
** You can grow sprouts any place, in any climate and any time of the year. You don’t need soil, sunshine or fertilizer.
** We should seek to honor God in all our ways, actions, and thoughts.

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time

What is the funniest experience you have ever had in church?
—Pastor Dan had reached the end of his heart-stirring message which led to an invitation. He was reminding us of God’s great sacrifice and love. His next words, “And the Lord says…” were followed by (very loudly from my pew) “BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!” (….the ring tone on my phone)! (SLD)

—My son’s name is Samuel. My brother was a reader that day. The reading: Samuel, Samuel, where are you? By the time he read those lines again, my son yelled out, Uncle Mark, I’M RIGHT HERE!
Small church, everyone knows everyone, that was it. Everyone burst out laughing. (ML)

If Jesus was from Alabama
A little girl from Alabama went to church for the first time ever when she was visiting her grandparents in Michigan. When the pastor announced it was time for the Lord’s Supper, she was excited–and hungry. The congregation filed up to the altar rail, and the child watched in confusion as her grandparents received a wafer and small plastic cup of wine. She could hardly wait to get back to the pew to tell her grandma that Jesus wasn’t from Alabama.

“How do you know that, dear?” asked her grandma.

“Because that was the poorest meal I’ve ever seen,” she said. “Mama would’ve at least given everybody some corn bread and sweet tea.”

*** Nugget 2  Sprouts (continued)

I shared in September’s post that I was on a new adventure: sprouting. I am enjoying this adventure. I love seeing the sprouts start off as tiny seeds and grow into what you see in the picture below: Salad Mix sprouts. Aren’t they just beautiful?

So far, I have sprouted: Salad Mix (Alfalfa, Radish, Broccoli, & Clover), Kale Trio (Blue Curled Scotch, Premier & Red Russian Kale), Mung Bean, and Red Clover. Alfalfa, Clover & Mung Bean are complete sources of protein. I add sprouts to my daily blended salad. I don’t eat a lot of cooked vegetables. I don’t eat a lot of salads, but I will throw all kinds of veggies into my Vitamix blender. I add water, sometimes with some veggie powder, sometimes with some type of veggie juice. I blend it into a liquid or a semi-liquid. It’s fast & simple and cuts down on my chewing time.

You can grow sprouts any place, in any climate and any time of the year. You don’t need soil, sunshine or fertilizer. They’re easy to digest. They’re jam packed with vitamins and nutrients. I get tired of consuming the same vegetables day after day. Sprouts bring some variety.

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.

*** Nugget 3  Honor God

1 Corinthians 6:12-20
“All things are permitted for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are permitted for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for sexual immorality but for the Lord and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.” 17 But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Shun sexual immorality! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against the body itself. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

I can max out my credit cards by shopping till I drop. I’m free to eat what I want, how much I want, whenever I want. I don’t have to exercise another day in my life. I can curse like a sailor. I am free to have sex with a married man or a single man. Although I am free to do these things, they are not beneficial to me. These actions do not glorify God. What I start to do freely can quickly become my master.

The Corinthians thought they could freely live their lives on their own terms. In our Gospel passage today, Paul corrected their view of sexual relationships. He explained that just as a married man and woman become one flesh, on a spiritual level, anyone united to the Lord becomes one flesh with Him. Our every action (especially sexual immorality) will affect that bond.

We should seek to honor God in all our ways, actions, and thoughts. Christ did not set us free so that we could do whatever we want. He set us free so that we could have an eternal relationship with Him. He set us free so that we could fulfill our destinies. He set us free because He loved us.

Part of honoring Him is to ask ourselves some practical questions when we have to make a decision:

  • What is the wisest thing for me to do?
  • What will happen if I choose to do this or not?
  • Will this draw me or others closer to Jesus?
  • Will doing this represent Jesus well?
  • Is it necessary or helpful?
  • Will my decision please God?

The more we spend time with God, the more we begin to think like He does. The more we ask for wisdom, the easier it becomes to make decisions.

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://jeevankumar.com/2022/01/26/honour-god-with-your-words-and-life/

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)





November Tidbits

** “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” – Martin Charnin
** Got Mushrooms? Mushrooms are loaded with many health-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
** The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” It tells of ordinary people who dared to believe the promises of God.

*** Tidbit 1  Humor Time

Why did the storm cloud blow past New York on Thanksgiving?
It didn’t want to rain on the Macy’s Day parade.

A frog wanted to escape the coming winter by going south to the warm weather. So, the frog found two birds that were getting ready to fly south for the winter and asked if he could go with them. The birds said, “There’s no way we can fly you south with us.”

But the frog came up with a clever idea. “Why don’t we get a stick? One of you can hold one end and the other can hold the other end. I will hold on to the stick with my mouth and you two can fly me south.”

The birds thought about it and replied, “OK, we think we can do that.” So they got a stick and grabbed each end and the frog took hold with his mouth in the center of the stick and they flew off headed south.

As they were flying over a farmer’s field, the farmer looked up, saw this unusual sight, and remarked out loud, “That is the most ingenious thing I have ever seen in my life. I wonder whose idea it was.”

The frog was so flattered he said, “It was miiiiiine….” Bragging can cost you.

How did the toad die?
He croaked

Where do rabbits go out to dance?
A hip-hop club.

*** Tidbit  2  Got Mushrooms?

I use to hate mushrooms. If I had any food that had mushrooms on it or in it, I would take them out and throw them away.  I hated them because they were ugly.  I would take mushroom powders.  I’d buy protein drinks that had mushrooms in them, but I would not eat them. One day while listening to a health segment on the news, a lady began explaining the benefits of including mushrooms into your diet. I decided to incorporate the fresh ones into my diet. When I buy them and slice them, I try not to concentrate on how they look but on their benefits.

There are many types of mushrooms, and they are all loaded with many health-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  They are classified as vegetables but technically they are part of the kingdom called, fungi. You can find them in the produce section of any grocery or health food store. Don’t try to pick wild ones because you might pick the ones that are poisonous. Researchers have found a number of great reasons for adding them into your diet. Six reasons are listed below.

Mushrooms:

  • Have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling.
  • May help prevent dementia, Alzheimer’s or reduce the symptoms (Lion’s mane).
  • May boost your immune system against colds and the flu.
  • Are rich in potassium and may help lower blood pressure.
  • May help keep cholesterol levels low (Shiitake).
  • Are a great low-calorie, low-fat alternative to meat.

Mushrooms can be:

  • Chopped and sprinkled over your meals.
  • Added into stir fry veggies, eggs, meat and other cooked foods.
  • Included in soups and salads, pasta sauces.

These are only a few reasons and a few ways to include them into your diet. Do your own research and see how they may benefit you. They can be purchased fresh, dried, in certain drinks, or as powder supplements.

Remember no one food is a cure for anything. Include a rainbow of fruit and veggies into your diet.

*** Tidbit 3  Keep the Faith

Hebrews 11:13-16
All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14 for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.  

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” It tells of ordinary people who dared to believe the promises of God. The people in verse 13 waited and waited and then died. It seemed like God’s timing was off, but His timing is not our timing. He may not come when we think He should, but He is always right on time.

There have been times in my life when I didn’t agree with God’s timing. I came close to giving up. I had temper tantrums. I cried. I over shopped. I overate, but afterwards my situation was still the same. I haven’t arrived. I still sometimes want God to speed things up, but I’ve learned that His timing is perfect. He knows exactly what He’s doing.

 Yes, these heroes died, but they died still believing God’s promises. They believed because they saw those promises in the distance. They believed that earth was not their home and that they had a heavenly country. They were living this life just to live again. God was pleased with them because of their faith.

As we experience the ups and downs of this life, let us take courage from these heroes in the “Hall of Faith” (especially those in verse 13). Don’t quit. Hold on. Keep the faith. God promises good things (​in this ​land​ and/or ​after we’ve sailed to our new land​) to those who please 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

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

Sources:

https://www.funnyeditor.com/joke/why-did-the-stormcloud-blow-past-new-york-on-thanksgiving

https://www.funnyeditor.com/post/how-did-the-toaddie?msg_id=47f0503e85f94a1ead66cb7b89360584&md5=31733c63481f00599c10bfa36d869c57&utm_source=FE-&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FE-_herolink

https://www.funnyeditor.com/post/where-do-rabbits-go-out-to-dance?msg_id=47f0503e85f94a1ead66cb7b89360584&md5=31733c63481f00599c10bfa36d869c57&utm_source=FE-&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FE-_alt5
white and red mushrooms and mushrooms photo – Free Image on Unsplash
Irina Iacob
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/893547.htm

August Tidbits

**”Somehow when you smile, the day seems brighter” – Phil Collins
**Watch your mouth. Words kill. Words give life.
** Got broccoli? It’s a nutritional powerhouse. What are you waiting on? Put it on your grocery list.

*** Tidbit 1  Humor Time

An 8-year-old girl went to her dad, who was working in the yard. She asked him: “Daddy, what is sex?” The Dad was surprised that she would ask such a question but decides that if she is old enough to ask the question, then she is old enough to get a straight answer.

He proceeded to tell her all about the ‘birds and the bees’. When he finished explaining, the little girl was looking at him with her mouth hanging open.

The father asked her: “Why did you ask this question?”

The little girl replied, “Mom told me to tell you that dinner would be ready in just a couple of secs.”

Words of wisdom: “There’s a fine line between a long, drawn-out sermon and a hostage situation.”

A man died and went to heaven.  He was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter who led him down the golden streets.  They passed stately homes and beautiful mansions until they came to the end of the street where they stopped in front of a rundown cabin. The man asked St. Peter why he got a hut when there were so many mansions he could live in.  St. Peter replied, “I did the best with the money you sent us.”

*** Tidbit 2   Watch Your Youth

“Watch your mouth.” “You better watch your mouth!” For those of you who may not understand, watch your mouth simply means – consider carefully what you’re about to say; think before you speak, make sure you’re not about to say the wrong thing.

For many years I was a very negative person. If there would have been a prize for the most negative person, I certainly would have won it. I couldn’t find anything good to say to myself about myself. I considered suicide (this was many years ago). One day one of my sisters said, “Just go on and kill yourself.” That kind of woke me up. My next thought was, “The way my luck is (I wasn’t a Christian then. I don’t believe in luck now) I’ll try to kill myself and make a mess of it. I’ll run my car off of a bridge and then end up being paralyzed for the rest of my life.” That kind of woke me up also.

One day while I was in my dorm room in college, I looked in the mirror and said to myself, “You are somebody and you’re going to be somebody.” That was a new beginning for me. I began to change what I thought, spoke and believed about myself. I had turned my back against God. I was in a backslidden state, but I know that God was doing a work in me.

Years later I rededicated my life to the Lord. He told me that He was going to help me love myself. It has been work. It didn’t happen overnight, but thanks be to God, I am no longer that negative person.

Over the years I have learned to watch my mouth. Job 22:28 says, “Thou shalt also decree a thing and it shall be established unto thee.” I try to watch my thoughts. Proverbs 23:7a says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” It’s so easy to speak negatively: I’ll never have anything. These children are going to drive me crazy. I just look at food and gain weight. Nobody likes me. I’ll never find a job. This type of negative speaking and thinking can go on and on and on.

Then there’s the negative way we take ownership of sickness and disease: my high blood pressure, my bad back, my arthritis. Well child, you know diabetes runs in our family. My mama had it, my aunt Lucy had it. My cousin has it now. You had better get ready cause you’re gonna get it to.

So we take these statements as truths. We sign for them like we (used to) sign for a package when the UPS man came to the door. The truth is, we have to make the choice to not sign for any negative words or thoughts. Romans 8:37 tells us, “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” 2 Corinthians 2:14a says, “Now thanks be to God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ.”

Starting right now, watch your mouth, your thoughts, and your beliefs. There are many resources available that can help you overcome in this area. The most important one is the Word of God. Remember, it’s a process. The more you do it the easier it will become.

*** Tidbit 3  Got Broccoli?

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Lightly steamed or raw, it’s a healthy addition to your diet. Broccoli may support heart health, reduce constipation, and support healthy brain function. It’s a healthy source of vitamin C. The benefits go on and on. Put broccoli on your grocery list if you haven’t already. Remember that good health doesn’t come from any one food. We should strive to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables.

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.

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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 spend time with Him and get to know Him even better.

Sources
Straight Talk About Sex – Common Myths About Sex Sermon by David Elvery, Genesis 1:26-28 – SermonCentral.com
Jokes (stewardshipoflife.org)
Vector graphics of huge grin face smiley | Public domain vectors
Vector graphics of pink talking callout | Public domain vectors
Broccoli | Public domain vectors

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

Winning Tidbits

**Humor does a body good, so keep smiling & laughing!
** Overcoming & Winning – all the way! Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. -Romans 8:37
** Celebrate National Salad Month – Salads are nutrition powerhouses. Have you had one today?

*** Tidbit  1   Humor Time

Email Goes Astray 

Mr. Arnold, a businessman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, went on a business trip to Amarillo, Texas. He immediately sent an e-mail back home to his wife, Paula.  Unfortunately, he forgot his wife’s exact e-mail address and the e-mail ended up going to a Mrs. P. Arnold in Rapid City, South Dakota, the wife of a preacher who had just died. The preacher’s wife, Penny, took one look at the e-mail and promptly fainted.

When she was finally revived by her daughter, Penny hysterically pointed to the message, which read, ‘Arrived safely, but it sure is hot down here.’

The Ugly Baby

A woman got on a bus holding a baby. The bus driver said: “That’s the ugliest baby I’ve ever seen.” In a huff, the woman slammed her fare into the fare box and took an aisle seat near the rear of the bus.

The man seated next to her sensed that she was agitated and asked her what was wrong.

 “The bus driver insulted me,” she fumed.

 The man sympathized and said: “Why, he’s a public servant and shouldn’t say things to insult passengers.”

  “You’re right,” she said. “I think I’ll go back up there and give him a piece of my mind.”

  “That’s a good idea,” the man said. “Here, let me hold your monkey.”

Things My Mother Taught Me

  • My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
    “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”
  • My mother taught me about STAMINA.
    “You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”
  • My mother taught me about WEATHER.
    “This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”
  • My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.”
    If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!”

*** Tidbit  2   Overcomer

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. -Romans 8:37

An overcomer is someone who succeeds in dealing with or gaining control of some problem, weakness, opposition, difficulty, etc. In most cases, we have to choose to be overcomers (I choose to think positive. I choose to exercise today. I choose to pray every day.)  Sometimes we have gifts in certain areas that allow us to be overcomers with minimal effort. Sometimes we have to really put forth an effort, for example, training to run a marathon or working to earn a degree. Being an overcomer is not all about winning.  It’s about putting forth your best effort. If you’re a born- again believer, God wants you to overcome. He’s your biggest cheerleader.

Here are some are some tips that can help you be an overcomer in every situation.

  • Have confidence in yourself and God, the Creator.
  • Renew your mind with the Word of God.
  • Have a support system.
  • Stick with it. Don’t quit unless God tells you to quit.
  • Don’t dwell on negative thoughts or past failures.
  • Remember that nothing is impossible with God

*** Tidbit  3    Celebrate National Salad Month

Tomorrow begins the month of May. May is National Salad month.  It’s the perfect time to enjoy a lighter meal with the warmer weather approaching. Eating a salad almost every day could be one of the healthiest eating habits you can adopt. It can be a nutrition powerhouse as long as you don’t douse it with salad dressing, meat, croutons, etc. (remember – moderation).

Experts tell us over and over again, the importance of including fruits and vegetables in our diet. How many of us actually strive to be overcomers in that area? Need more convincing? Okay. Salads are good for you because:

  • They provide fiber, which may help lower cholesterol levels and prevent constipation.
  • They provide much needed vitamins and minerals.
  • They can help you get enough fruits and vegetables.
  • When you eat most veggies and fruits raw, you can get the most benefits. Some people cook the nutrients out of their fruits and veggies. All that’s being consumed is dead food.

You don’t have to eat the traditional side salad or green salad. Use your imagination. Be sure to add lots of color and texture. 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.  Include them in your 2022 DoBetter Challenge. I hope you’re still trying to do better. Set a goal to get them in.  Enjoy and have fun!

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

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

Thanks for stopping by.  Don’t forget to click the Follow button. Thanks for following this blog.  Thanks for the “likes.”

Until next time, have a wonderful day!

sources:
http://www.guy-sports.com/jokes/funny_religious_stories.htm
The Ugly Baby – Mistakes Jokes (christiansunite.com)
http:// clipart-library.com/clipart/yck5yn5cE.htm
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208%3A37&version=NKJV
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/1098244.htm
https://unsplash.com/photos/2RrBE90w0T8

Motivational Tidbits

* Smiles and laugher really do a body good!

* Don’t let the devil ride. If you let him ride, he’s gonna wanna drive.

* Popeye the Sailor Man ate spinach for strength to fight the bad guys. Although spinach won’t help you in a physical fight, it may help your body fight disease.

Tidbit 1    Humor Time

The young couple invited their aged pastor for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having.

 “Goat,” the little boy replied.

“Goat?” replied the startled pastor. “Are you sure about that?” “Yes,” said the boy. “On the drive back from church I heard Mom say to Dad, ‘Remember, we’re having the old goat for dinner tonight.’ ”

Sunday Funnies – A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, “Dear Lord, please don’t let me be late! Dear Lord, please don’t let me be late!” As she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again. As she ran, she once again began to pray, “Dear Lord, please don’t let me be late… But please don’t shove me either!”

What do you call a cheese that’s not yours?               

Nacho cheese!

Tidbit 2    Don’t let the devil ride.

Sometimes we give the devil too much credit.  When we see all the evil going on in the world, we may forget that God has more power than the devil.  We cannot combat the devil successfully without God.  God has given us the power to say, “No” to the devil.  Because God has given us free will, we can say yes to the devil and allow him to come right on in. 

If you are always quick to say, “The devil made me do it.”  Stop lying.  In most instances you let the devil influence you.  As you go through your day, your week and the devil tries to influence you, get you discouraged, tries to get you to go off on somebody, I want you to say to him, “Oh no devil, God is gonna help me and I’m not gonna let you ride today!”

[Click on the video to hear the oral presentation of this blog and to hear the song: Don’t Let The Devil Ride.]

Don’t forget to smile today. – Don’t let the devil ride! – Got spinach?

Tidbit 3     Spinach

There used to be a cartoon called Popeye the Sailor Man.  Popeye got his strength from eating spinach.  He was the good guy and he was always getting into situations.  In each episode, when he had taken all he could take, he would pull out a can of spinach.  When that can of spinach came out, you knew Popeye was going to kick some “butt.”

Although spinach won’t help you in a physical fight, it can help your body fight disease. There are many benefits of including spinach in your diet.  Here are 6 of them.  Spinach:

  1. May help protect the eyes.
  2. Is high in insoluble fiber and may help with constipation or irregular stools.
  3. Provides many vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin C, calcium and magnesium.
  4. Contains antioxidants, which may help reduce stress and the damage it causes.
  5. May help slow down cancer growth.
  6. May help reduce blood pressure levels.

Some vegetables provide more nutrients when they are lightly cooked.  When spinach is cooked the body will absorb more calcium and iron. Once you’ve cooked and eaten the spinach, you can drink the water or pot liquor.  Pot liquor is the liquid left in a pot after cooking something.

Cooked spinach can be added to almost any dish, or eaten as a side dish.  If you choose to eat spinach raw, here are a few ways.

1. Tear the spinach into smaller pieces and add to tuna salad or chicken salad. 
2. Add it to your favorite smoothies.  You won’t even notice that it’s in there.   
3. After rice or pasta has been cooked, add it to the dish. 
4. Put it on the top of your pizza. 
5. Add it to already prepared hummus or bean dish. 

Keep in mind that eating veggies lightly cooked or raw is something that most people should be doing more of.  They provide so many nutrients and very few calories.  Let’s get that spinach in ya’ll!

What other ways do you include spinach in your diet?  Please share with us.

The information that I have shared with you is intended for informational purposes only.  Spinach is very high in vitamin K1, which can be a problem for people on blood thinners.  People who are prone to kidney stones may want to avoid spinach. Check with your physician 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!

Resources

https://www.stewardshipoflife.org/jokes/
https://www.beliefnet.com/ilovejesus/features/hilarious-christian-jokes.aspx
https://www.fatherly.com/play/50-great-clean-jokes-for-funny-people-who-dont-swear/
yam what i yam popeye gif – Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)