Jolly Tidbits

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

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

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

*** Tidbit  1   Humor Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


*** Tidbit  2  Praise the Lord!

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

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

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

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

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

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


*** Tidbit  3   Peppermint & the Candy Cane

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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