Tag: God

Joy to the World

Welcome to the buffet table.  I couldn’t let 2015 end without posting a blog.  I’m thankful, thankful, thankful.  We have a few more days left in this year.  Many changes can take place before then.  Things can get worse.  Things can get better.  Either way, I’m thankful.  I believe that they will get better.  God has been good to me.  I know that His love for me will never change.

I don’t have a lot to say, but I have several things I want to share.  Enjoy!

Joy to the world, the Lord has come! To view video, click on the link beside my picture.

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‘Twas The Night Before Jesus Came’

written by Unknown Author

‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said “it’s not here” my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!

http://www.btmi.org/Christmas/twas.html

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collards2Gotta love those collard greens  

 

collards

Collard greens pack in lots of nutrients for a little amount of calories. If you are trying to eat healthier, cruciferous vegetables (collard greens, kale, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, rutabaga and turnips) should be on your grocery list. Studies have shown and continue to show that increasing consumption of plant foods like collard greens may help decrease the risk of several diseases, promote a healthy complexion and hair, and increase energy.  Collard greens are high in both fiber and water content, which may help to prevent constipation and promote reqularity.

Collard greens hit peak season January through April. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked.  You don’t want to cook them to death because you’ll kill all of the nutrients and will be eating dead food.  Your collards shouldn’t look like baby food after you’ve cooked them.

Here are some ways to include them in your diet.

  • Collard green chips: Remove the ribs from the collard greens and toss in extra-virgin olive oil or lightly spray and sprinkle with your choice or a combination of cumin, curry powder, chili powder, roasted red pepper flakes or garlic powder. Bake at 275 degrees F for 15-30 minutes to desired crispness.
  • Sauté: Try sautéing fresh garlic and onions in extra-virgin olive oil until soft then add collard greens and continue to sauté until desired tenderness. Add black-eyed peas and brown rice instead of ham hock or salt pork.
  • Smoothies: Add a handful of collard greens to your favorite smoothie.
  • Salsa: Combine cooked collard greens with fresh tomatoes,

    onions and jalapenos and use the mixture as a nutritious salsa.

Resources

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277957.php

http://juicing-for-health.com/basic-nutrition/healing-vegetables/health-benefits-of-collards.html

 

I’m sure that by now you just can’t wait to experiment with some collard greens!  I’d like to see people add more raw or lightly steamed veggies in their diets.  Try this and let me know what you think. You can also share with us one of  your favorite collard green recipes.

Marinated Collard Greens

¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
¼ cup chopped scallions, white parts only
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoon sea salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bunch collard greens, washed
1/8 cup olive oil

In a large bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, scallions, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon sea salt and pepper. Set aside. Take several collard leaves and roll into a cylinder the shape of a fat cigar. Using a knife, cut the through the collard cylinder, making strips. Repeat steps two and three until you have cut all the collard leaves. Place strips in a large bowl. Pour olive oil on collard strips and sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Massage the oil and salt into the strips until all are well coated. Transfer the collard strips to the bowl with the apple cider vinegar marinade. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.

Servings: 4

Note: The raw collard greens won’t get as soft as its cooked counterpart. That’s a good thing, cooking your greens gets rid of all the water and nutrients that they provide.

http://thenewrawyou.com/recipes/marinated-collard-greens/

 

Humor Time:

  • Tonight’s sermon: ‘What is hell?’ Come early and listen to our carol practice.
http://www.guy-sports.com/humor/christmas/funny_christmas_religious.htm

Christmas Spirit

It was just before Christmas and the magistrate was in a happy mood. He asked the prisoner who was in the dock, ‘What are you charged with?’

The prisoner replied, ‘Doing my Christmas shopping too early.’

‘That’s no crime’, said the magistrate. ‘Just how early were you doing this shopping?’

‘Before the shop opened’, answered the prisoner.

http://www.guy-sports.com/jokes/christmas_jokes.htm

laughing people

Top Ten Things to Say about a Christmas Gift You Don’t Like

10.    Hey! There’s a gift!
9.      Well, well, well …
8.      Boy, if I had not recently shot up 4 sizes that would’ve fit.
7.      This is perfect for wearing around the basement.
6.      Gosh. I hope this never catches fire! It is fire season though. There are lots of unexplained fires.
5.     If the dog buries it, I’ll be furious!
4.      I love it — but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.
3.      Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Federal Witness Protection Program.
2.      To think — I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.
And the Number One Thing to say about a Christmas gift you don’t like:
1.    “I really don’t deserve this.”

http://www.you-can-be-funny.com/CleanChristmasJokes.html

 

Until next time, thanks for stopping by.  joy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sing your song

shepherd

 

A Sunday school teacher decided to have her 2nd grade class memorize Psalm 23, one of the most quoted passages in the Bible. She gave the children a month to learn the chapter.

One little boy was excited about the task, but he just couldn’t memorize the Psalm. Although he practiced and practiced, he could hardly get past the first line. The day came for the children to recite Psalm 23 before the congregation. The little boy was nervous. When his turn came, he stepped up to the microphone and proudly said, “The Lord is my Shepherd and that’s all I need to know!”

http://www.jokesclean.com/ChristianJokes/

I shared my story in previous blogs about how in 2013, I lost my job of 11 years and how my 13 year old Mustang was totaled in an accident. I got a brand new 2013 Ford and it turned out to be a lemon in less than a year. The Ford Company finally replaced it with a 2014.  There have been no problems so far. In the midst all of the drama, I decided to go back to college. God blessed me to earn a 4 year degree (B. S. in Health Promotion) in a year and nine months. I had a lot of credits that transferred from previous degrees. 

If someone would have told me that at the seasoned age of 30 +++ laughing happy face with tongue, I would have multiple degrees and yet be working 6 – 14 hours a week in retail making minimum wage, I might would have just run away. This job was a good fit while I was in school but now I need a full time job (or a rich husband laughing face).  I’ve been seeking a full time job, with no success. In the meantime, I try to keep hope alive. Some days are better than others. I know that things could be a lot worse, so I’m thankful for what I do have.

God has been a faithful shepherd. Although I don’t like my situation,  don’t understand it, and it doesn’t feel good, I believe with all my  heart that He loves me. I know that God has a plan for me. This is not the end.  He has provided and continues to provide for me.  Nothing has been cut off, my car has not been repossessed.  My refrigerator has not been empty. Yes, Jesus loves me more than anyone on this planet. This situation hasn’t killed me. I believe that it will make me a stronger, better, and wiser person.

I haven’t blogged in months. I lost my motivation. I couldn’t think of anything to write about.  Today I decided that I needed to sing, so I’m singing my song. Keep in mind that when I encourage you to “sing your song”, I’m talking about the song that is within you. It doesn’t matter who wrote it or who recorded it. Anna B. Warner wrote the words to the hymn, Jesus Loves Me and William B. Bradbury was the composer. It’s my song because it’s within me. Of course I can’t take the credit for writing the text nor composing it, but I can sing it as only I can sing it. I used to wonder why God didn’t give me a voice like Patti LaBelle, opera singer, Jessye Norman, or gospel singer, Yolanda Adams. Now I accept the fact that He gave me the voice that He wanted me to have.

Sing your song!

It doesn’t matter if you’re in tune or out of tune.  My oldest sister, has many gifts, but singing is not one of them. We joke about it. Nevertheless it doesn’t stop her from singing anywhere and anytime.  Sometimes (when the anointing hits) you wouldn’t know that singing was not one of her gifts.  

There are social, emotional and physical benefits to singing. Singing can:

  • Help reduce depression and anger.
  • Encourage creativity.
  • Bring people together.
  • Release endorphins, the brain’s “feel good” chemicals.
  • Increase the amount of oxygen you take into the body as you inhale deeply, producing a feeling of alertness as more oxygen gets to the brain.
  • Improve muscle tone in the face, throat, neck and jaw.
  • Help manage stress.
  • Improve your ability to listen attentively without having to think of responses.
  • Be a form of meditation because it enables you to just “let go.”

I’m gonna sing my song while I live because when I die, no one will be able to sing it for me.

To view my video, those who receive email notifications of new blog posts can click on the link beside my picture.

 

HUMOR TIME

Hymns for People Over 50

  • Give Me the Old Timers Religion
  • Precious Lord, Take My Hand, And Help Me Up
  • Just a Slower Walk with Thee
  • Go Tell It on the Mountain, But Speak Up
  • Nobody Knows the Trouble I Have Seeing
  • Guide Me O Thou Great Lord God, I’ve Forgotten Where I’ve Parked The Car
  • Count Your Many Birthdays, Count Them One By One
  • Blessed Insurance
  • It Is Well With My Soul, But My Knees Hurt

http://www.jokesclean.com/ChristianJokes/

There’s a slimmer person inside me yelling to get out, but I can usually shut her up with ice cream and cake.

ACTUAL Church Bulletin Bloopers:

Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine.  Come tonight and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

“Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale.  It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around   the house.  Don’t forget your husbands.”

“Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.”

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to conflict.

The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water.” The sermon tonight: “Searching for Jesus.”

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir.  They need all the help they can get.

Don’t let worry kill you. Let the Church help.

Thursday night will be a potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.

For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

This afternoon there will be a meeting in the south and north ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

http://javacasa.com/humor/church.htm

smiley faceThanks for stopping by.  It’s been therapeutic for me.  Hope it has made you smile.

 

Resources

 

http://www.moresingingplease.com/benefits-of-singing

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/singing-happy1.htm

http://www.businessballs.com/singing.htm

 

It happened to me.

Andrae Crouch sang these words:  Somebody told me of the joy they had.  Somebody told me that in sorrow they could be glad.  Then they told me, once they were bound but now set free.  But I didn’t think it could be until it happened to me. 
My oldest sister, Pastor Charlotte Bryant has shown me the joy that she has over the years.  She has shown me that in sorrow she can be glad.  I know stories of when she was bound and then set free.  But I STILL didn’t think it could be – until it happened to me. 
To be honest, I didn’t want to believe it could happen to me.  I didn’t want to change.  I wanted to continue being depressed.  I wanted to keep singing songs like What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas?,  Nobody Knows the trouble I’ve seen, and Trouble in my way, I have to cry sometimes – I lay awake at night but that’s alright- Jesus will fix it after while.  I didn’t want to sing songs like: I’m an Overcomer, Victory is Mine, and Joy bells Keep Ringing in My Soul.
Slowly but surely, it has happened to me.  I’m not singing those negative songs anymore.  When I hear them being sung, I will make up words to replace them.  Everyone in life will experience trouble.  1Peter 4:12, 13 clearly says, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.”  Trouble will come.  It’s up to me how I react to it. 
I won’t say that I am the most joyful person in the world.  I won’t say that I never get sad and depressed.  I will say that those bouts don’t happen often.  When they do happen and I examine myself, I find that I have not been praying, praising god and reading the Word like I should. 
I challenge you.  Don’t meditate on the negative, don’t sing the negative. Don’t declare the negative: Oh, I’m having a bad day, I have the worst luck, Nothing good ever happens to me, I don’t feel like thinking happy thoughts.  Don’t claim the negative:  my arthritis, my bad back, my lazy husband, my ugly self, my broke self. Look at the glass as half full and not half empty.  Praise God.  Meditate on the Word of God.  Invest in some laughter DVDs or books.  Do your part and God will do the rest.  Then you can share with others how, IT HAPPENED TO YOU.
To view my video, those who receive email notifications of new blog posts can click on the link beside my picture.

 

Word to meditate on:        
Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you.  Isaiah 26:3
A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17

HUMOR TIME

God is Like a TV Commercial
Then there’s the Sunday School teacher who had her 5th grade class watch commercials to see if they could use them to come up with ways to communicate truths about God. Here’s what they said:
God is like.
Allstate: You’re in good hands.
Alka-Seltzer: Try him, you’ll like Him
Tide: He gets the stains out that others leave behind.
Sears: He has everything.
A Ford: He’s got a better idea.
Hallmark Cards: He cared enough to send the very best.
Bayer Asprin: He works miracles.
Delta: He’s ready when you are.
Alberto Vo-5: He holds through all kinds of weather.
Coke: He’s the real thing.
The US Post Office: Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail will keep Him from His appointed rounds.
Scotch Tape: You can’t see Him, but you know He’s there.
Dial Soap: Aren’t you glad you’ve got Him? Don’t you wish everybody did?
General Electric: He brings good things to life.
Charity Begins at Church
After the church service, seven year old Brian said to the preacher: ‘When I grow up, I’m going to give you some money.’
‘Well, thank you, ‘the preacher replied, ‘but why?’
‘Because my daddy says that you’re one of the poorest preachers we’ve ever had.’
 Going Down!!
As the storm raged, the captain realized his ship was sinking fast. He called out, “Anyone here know how to pray?” One man stepped forward. “Aye, Captain, I know how to pray.” “Good,” said the captain, “you pray while the rest of us put on our life jackets – we’re one short.”
Get moving.bicycle
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.  People who are physically active tend to live longer and have lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers.  Physical activity can help control weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and if you’re an older adult, improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls.  In December 2010, the Department of Health and Human Services launched Healthy People 2020, which has four overarching goals:
  • Attain high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury, and premature death;
  • Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups;
  • Create social and physical environments that promote good health for all; and
  • Promote quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across all life stages.
Healthy People 2020 tracks approximately 1,200 objectives organized into 42 topic areas, each of which represents an important public health area.  Increasing physical activity is one of the objectives.  Specific goals for physical activity are:
Here are 8 more reasons to get moving:       
  1. To reduce tension and enable you to handle stress more effectively
  2. To help prevent constipation
  3. To improve your sleep
  4. To relieve arthritis
  5. To improve your posture and general appearance
  6. To improve your circulation
  7. To have more energy to praise the Lord in dancing
I get moving because I want to have flexibility and to strengthen my bones and muscles.
 What motivates you to get moving?      apple weights                      
Thanks for stopping by.

Resources

Physical Activity. (April 2015). Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/data-search/Search-the-            Data?f%5B%5D=field_topic_area%3A3504&ci=0&se=0&pop=

http://biblehub.com/akjv/1_peter/4.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Isaiah%2041:10

http://biblehub.com/akjv/isaiah/26.htm

http://www.jokesclean.com/ChristianJokes/HolyOneLiners.php

http://www.guy-sports.com/jokes/clean_religious_jokes.htm

http://www.beliefnet.com/iLoveJesus/Features/Hilarious-Christian-Jokes.aspx?p=6#8SyJPYTfowTjR3eU.99

Hold on, it’s not over.

I love plants!  I don’t have a lot of space for them so I only have five.  I try to get plants that are low maintenance because I don’t have the gardener’s touch that my mama had.  I talk to my plants.  Research says it’s good for them.  I have given my plants names:  Tangy, Grapefruit, Sunshine, Blossom, and Rae.

One summer day a few years ago, I decided to try to prune Rae’s leaves cause she was getting too big and I didn’t want to put her in a bigger pot.  Then I had this bright idea to just take some of her leaves out of the pot.  I ended up taking her completely out of the pot, and she kind of fell apart.  I put her back in after removing some of the leaves.  She didn’t like it.  Her leaves started withering one by one.  I was sad to see that she was dying.  I took her outside on the back porch.  She’s an indoor plant but I thought that maybe being outdoors would help.  It didn’t seem to help.  She continued to wither away.  I saw little gnats on her soil.  I placed her in the corner on the back porch and stopped watering her.  I figured it was over.

All her leaves withered and turned brown.  She looked completely dead to me.  My feelings were a little hurt because she had been with me for a long time.  You may be saying, “My goodness, it was only a plant”, yes, but it was my plant.  One day I was getting ready to throw everything out of the pot, I saw something green.  Now remember all the leaves were withered and brown.  I immediately pulled out the brown, withered leaves and there it was: a little green baby leaf.  I asked myself, “How could this possibly be?”

I added some dirt to the pot and left it outside.  I noticed a few days later that she seemed to be doing just fine.  I cleaned up the pot and took it back inside.  Everyday Rae grew a little bigger, and then I saw another leaf.  I smile now every time I look at Rae.  She seems to be doing just fine.  What would have happened had I just dumped everything out of the pot without looking closely at it?  Yes, it was just a plant, but I think God used that plant to remind me and you that, it’s not over until He says it’s over.

Are you on a quest to be fit for the Master’s use?  Have you been on a quest to be fit for the Master’s use and have given up and quit?  Have you been letting healthy living information that you have heard about go in one ear and out the other, thinking that it’s too late to change or improve now?  Well my friend, it’s not too late!

Let me share two examples of when it looked like it was over, but God said it wasn’t.  We read in the 11th chapter of John about three people whom Jesus loved: Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus.  One day Jesus got the message that Lazarus was sick.  Jesus didn’t go see about him for two days.  Lazarus had died and had been buried by the time Jesus arrived.  Now you’ve got to admit, this was a hopeless situation.  It was indeed over!  When Jesus arrived, they took Him to the tomb where Lazarus was buried.  Jesus took time and spoke to God the Father.  He then cried out with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth and in the first part of the 44th verse we read: And he that was dead came forth.   God showed everyone that it was not over!

We read in the book of Exodus about the freedom of God’s people from slavery and the beginning of national identity.  Pharaoh had finally let the people go in verse 13, but later had a change of heart.   He took his army and went after them.  They had gotten as far as the Red Sea when they saw Pharaoh and his men.  This situation looked hopeless.  I’m sure they thought it was over.

God said it wasn’t over!  He divided the waters of the Red Sea like a wall in two directions at once (north and south).  The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground.  The Egyptians pursued and went in after them, like a bunch of fools.  God released the waters once the children of Israel had crossed to the other side.  That was the end of Pharaoh’s army.  They drowned in the Red Sea.  Can’t you just imagine God saying, “Now, it’s over“!

You may be sick in your in your mind, in your body, in your spirit and/or financially.  It may seem like every time you lose five pounds, you gain back eight.  It may seem like trying to live a healthy lifestyle is just too difficult. You may feel like you will never get to where you desire to get to in life.  You may have already said, “Just forget it.”  There have been many times when I have said those words – but God is saying, “It’s not over.”

Job 22:28 reads, “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.”   We want to decree and declare these words:  “It’s not over, it’s not over, it’s not over until God says it’s over.”  Family members may say it’s over.  Circumstances may say it’s over.  You may have said before you read this blog, that it’s over.  My friend, it’s not over until God, the author and finisher of your faith says it’s over!

You can still experience peaceful living if you have a right relationship with God.  You can still learn a way of eating that is simple, balanced, and easy to understand.  You can still make time to do some form of exercise. You can still stop smoking and drinking.  You can still stop speaking negatively.  You can still be delivered from any habit.  You can still have the victory. You can still give your life to Christ and let Him use you.

When I think of Rae, I am reminded that it’s not over until God says it’s over!

A little humor

Jonah and the Whale

One day, a teacher was talking to her first grade class about whales when a little girl had a question.

Little Girl: “Do whales swallow people?”

Teacher: “No, even though they are much bigger than a person, they have throat pleats that filter their food of krill and plankton.

Little Girl: “But Mrs. Thurston says Jonah was swallowed by a whale.”

Teacher getting angry: “Blue whales cannot swallow people.”

Little Girl: “Well, when I get to heaven I’ll just ask Jonah if he was really swallowed by a whale.”

Teacher, still red with anger: “What if Jonah went to hell?”

Little Girl: “Well, then you can ask him.”

Do you want to go to Heaven?

Father Flannagan was diligently trying to win souls for the kingdom of God. One day he had a fine idea. He would go to the local pub to evangelize the local drunks and bar flies. He walks into the pub and notices one of his flock from the local church he preaches in. “John!” he screams, John! do you want to go to heaven!!!! John answered,” Father Flannagan,, why ,,yes! of course I want to go to heaven.”” Then, get over here behind me now,” says the father. “Patrick!, Father Flannagan screams out again.. “Patrick do you want to go to heaven?” Well father,, yes… yes ,, I do. “Then get over here with us now… so Patrick joined the two men..

Father Flannagan spotted anouther and said,, ” you! do you want to go to heaven? The third man paused. No answer! Flannagan again asked the man,” you sir! Do you want to go to heaven!! The man paused again and then shouted,” no!” the Father was dumbstruck and asked the same quesion,, What do you mean you DON’T WANT TO GO TO HEAVEN?? The young man then stated, ” no,,not today ,, it seems as if you’ve got a group to go today and I don’t want to go today!!!!

Bye for now.

Jonah and the Whale            http://www.jokesclean.com/ChristianJokes/

Do you want to go to Heaven?     Submitted by Evelyn  http://www.christian-jokes.net/Jokes/Heaven-and-Hell-Jokes/404-Do-you-want-to-go-to-Heaven.aspx

http://clipartpictures.org/images/stories/flowerclipart/potplants/Plant_in_Pot3_Flower_Clipart_Pictures.png

Still Standing

It’s been a while since I’ve written a post.  I haven’t been motivated.  I thought and thought about what I could write about and my mind went blank.  I really couldn’t think of anything.  Then it hit me: I’m still standing.  I began to think about all the things I’ve been through since August 2013.  You can read more about my story in my first post.  I went through some storms but I’m still standing: spiritually, mentally and physically.  I could have given up on God.  I could have had a nervous breakdown.  I could have allowed myself to become so stressed out that I had a heart attack or a stroke.  But God didn’t see fit to let any of those things happen. The winds and the rain came.  I swayed, but didn’t fall.   God kept me.

tree

Here’s a short update to my story.  Ford Credit Company finally exchanged that brand new 2013 Ford that had to be towed so many times, for a brand new 2014.  I’m making a little spending money.  I work a few hours a week in a retail store making minimum wage.  I am still working on what I hope will be my last degree.  Things could be much better, but they could also be much worse.  I feel that I have grown closer to God.  There’s a saying,  “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.”

I like to think that I’m stronger, wiser, and better.  I’m grateful.  I’m happy.  I have peace. My current situation is not where I will stay.  I’m just passing through.  When you’re going through something remember that you have to go through to get to the other side.

I don’t know how long I will continue with this blog.  Some things are only for a season.  I may still be posting next year.  I do know that it’s been fun and a little scary stepping out of the boat and doing something that I had never done before.  I challenge you to step out of the boat.  Do something new, something different.  Have no fear.  Follow your dream(s) in 2015.

 

“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 supersize them!” And Satan said, “It is good.” And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then Satan created HMOs.

 

Thanks for stopping by.  Thanks for letting me know that you stopped by.  Thank you to those of you who chose to follow this blog.  Happy New Year!

God has been mighty, mighty good down through the years and He’ll continue to be good in 2015.

 

Refunds

Try Jesus. If you don’t like Him, the devil will gladly take you back.

 

 

 

 

http://dir.coolclips.com/Nature/Plants/Trees/Deciduous/Tropical_storm_natu0309.html

http://www.wholehealthclinic.net/whc/humor

http://www.jokesclean.com/ChristianJokes/HolyOneLiners.php