Tag: happy

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.

Follow me on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/channel/UCcrxz9YI7Eg7ycPTbPyllSw

Annette Harris – YouTube

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

Cheery Tidbits

**Humor does a body good, so keep smiling & laughing!
** “You may trust the Lord too little, but you can never trust Him too much.” ~Anonymous
** Spice up your diet with Cayenne pepper (fresh, dried and/or powdered). It has impressive health benefits.

*** Tidbit  1   Humor Time

Laughing is good exercise; It’s like jogging on the inside.
~Kurt Vonnegut

Helpful Prayer

Billy had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. After a while he emerged and informed his mother that he had thought it over and then said a prayer. “Fine”, said the pleased mother. “If you ask God to help you not misbehave, He will help you.” “Oh, I didn’t ask Him to help me not misbehave,” said Johnny. “I asked Him to help you put up with me.”

Politically correct ways to say someone is stupid (not so intelligent):

  • A few fries short of a Happy Meal.
  • A few clowns short of a circus.
  • His antenna doesn’t pick up all the channels.
  • His belt doesn’t go through all the loops.
  • One Fruit Loop shy of a full bowl.
  • One taco short of a combination plate.

Things My Mother Taught Me (Part 1)

  1. My mother taught me to APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
    “If you’re going kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
  2. Mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
    “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!”
  3. My mother taught me RELIGION.
    “You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”
  4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
    “Because I said so, that’s why.”
  5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
    “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”
  6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
    “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”
  7. My mother taught me IRONY.
    “Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.”
  8. My mother taught me about science of OSMOSIS.
    “Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”

*** Tidbit  2   Trusting the Lord

 “You may trust the Lord too little, but you can never trust Him too much.”
                                                                                               ~Anonymous

As born-again believers we are called to trust God. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. It’s especially hard when things don’t seem to work out the way we think they should. Are you feeling anxious, worried, and/or depressed? Are you going through a negative situation and you doubt that God will come through? Maybe you believe He can come through but, will He come through for you? Maybe you’re thinking that He needs your help, and you can come up with a solution that is better than His. The bottom line is that you don’t trust Him. I think we’ve all been there. It started with Adam and Eve. Read the 3rd chapter of Genesis in the Bible. They doubted God and took matters into their own hands, and look at the results.

Trusting God is an act and a process. The following are tips for trusting Him in every area of life.

  1. Get to know Him. The more we get to know Him (by praying and talking to Him throughout the day) & the more we learn more about Him (by reading the Bible) the easier it will be to trust Him.
  2. Believe. Believing increases our trust in God. Believe that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. He cannot fail.
  3. Remember the past. We all have testimonies of how we trusted God on some issue and how He came through for us. This causes our confidence to grow. If He did it before, He can do it again.
  4. Meditate on how He feels about you. He loves you (John 3:16, Zephaniah 3:17) and wants the very best for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

So, the next time something goes wrong, you find yourself filled with fear and anxiety or if you are uncertain about what the future holds, try these 4 tips. Take some deep breaths; know that Daddy God has this, and all you need to do is simply trust Him.

Trusting Jesus

Author – Edgar Page Sites, 1836-1921          Composer – Ira D. Sankey, 1840-1908

1. Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way; even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus that is all

Refrain:
Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by; Trusting Him whate’er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all.

2. Brightly doth His Spirit shine into this poor heart of mine; While He leads I cannot fall; Trusting Jesus, that is all.

3. Singing if my way is clear, praying if the path be drear; if in danger for Him call; Trusting Jesus that is all.

4. Trusting Him while life shall last, Trusting Him till earth be past; Till within the jasper wall, Trusting Jesus, that is all.

*** Tidbit  3   Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper (fresh, dried and powdered) has impressive health benefits. The pepper’s active ingredient, capsaicin, is valued for its therapeutic effects. Here are 10 reasons to include cayenne pepper in your diet.
  1. May improve digestion.
  2. May lower blood pressure.
  3. May help relieve pain.
  4. May protect your heart against inflammation.
  5. May improve Psoriasis.
  6. May reduce cancer risk.
  7. May provide detox support.
  8. May boost your metabolism.
  9. May prevent allergies and clear congestion.
  10. Is easy to include in your diet because of the many ways it can be consumed.

There are simple ways to take advantage of the awesome benefits of cayenne pepper:

  • Add it to meals.
  • Take it in capsule form.
  • Mix the powder with water and lemon as a detox drink.
  • Apply it topically. There are creams available to treat skin infections, sore muscles and tension.

Cayenne pepper powder lasts between 3-4 years. You can tell it has gone bad when it loses its flavor. Red-colored spices should always be stored in the fridge. Remember that it adds heat and can be too much for people who are spice-sensitive.

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

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.  Hope you were blessed.

Don’t forget to click the “follow button.”

Find me on YouTube: Annette Harris – YouTube        
www.youtube.com/channel/UCcrxz9YI7Eg7ycPTbPyllSw

Resources
Kurt Vonnegut
https://www.beliefnet.com/ilovejesus/features/hilarious-christian-jokes.aspx
https://tensionnot.com/jokes/one_liner_jokes/how_say_if_someone_stupid
https://tensionnot.com/jokes/one_liner_jokes/things_my_mother_taught_me
https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/10-bible-verses-trusting-god/
https://hymnary.org/text/simply_trusting_every_day

OCTOBER Tidbits 

*Keep smiling & laughing!

* When I look around and see what this world is coming to & what the aging process is doing to me, I don’t know what I would do without the Lord!

* 50 and over? You are automatically a member of the Celebrated 50 PLUS club. Enjoy the journey!


Great day everybody! It’s a great day because Jesus is alive! I don’t know what I would do without Him. 

Tidbit 1  Humor Time
*** A good laugh is sunshine in the house.
— William Thackeray
*** Biblical Songs
Noah: “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head”
Adam and Eve: “Strangers in Paradise”
Lazarus: “The Second Time Around”
Esther: “I Feel Pretty”
Job: “I’ve Got a Right to Sing the Blues”
Moses: “The Wanderer”
Jezebel: “The Lady is a Tramp”
Samson: “Hair”
Salome: “I Could Have Danced All Night”
Daniel: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
Joshua: “Good Vibrations”
Peter: “I’m Sorry”
Esau: “Born To Be Wild”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: “Great Balls of Fire!”
The Three Kings: “When You Wish Upon a Star”
Jonah: “Got a Whale of a Tale”
Elijah: “Up, Up, and Away”
Methuselah: “Stayin’ Alive”
Nebuchadnezzar: “Crazy” ~Unknown

*** Actual Announcements from Church Bulletins
 – Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack’s sermons.
– Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
– This evening at 7 pm there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
– Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

Tidbit 2  I Don’t Know What I Would Do Without The Lord
In times like these we need someone that we can depend on. We need someone who will always be there. We need someone who we can call on anytime and anywhere.  When I look around and see what this world is coming to, I don’t know what I would do without the Lord. When I look in the mirror and see what the aging process is doing to me, I just don’t know what I would do without the Lord. Click on the video below to hear my (50 PLUS) rendition of I Don’t Know What I Would Do without the Lord.(4:11 min.)

Tidbit 3 Welcome to the club! 
If you’re 50, 60, 70, 80 and over, you are automatically a member of the Celebrated 50 PLUS.  Age brings intelligence, experience, wisdom and beauty. So why are many people scared of it? I blame society. Society has played a big role in our perceptions of aging.  As a result some people struggle with the fact that they are growing older. Is it possible that we fear and deny aging, because we fear and deny death? As a result, are we rejecting the wisdom of the aged? Are we robbing old age of its meaning and the youth of its direction?

Adults 50 and over can feel that they are invisible and neglected by society.  JESUS loves you!  You are not invisible to Him. He will never neglect you. He can still use you if you’re on top of the hill (50) or over the hill (PLUS).

Really though, age is just a number… a number that gets you extra discounts and savings (woohoo)! Turning 50 and going beyond 50 is not a time to look down, but a time to look up.  Exciting things can still happen.  We’ve got places to go, people to see, goals to fulfill, books to write, songs to sing, people to inspire, people to mentor. The list goes on and on. 

  • Harland Sanders, didn’t become “The Colonel” of Kentucky Fried Chicken until he was 65.
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t publish her first novel until she was 65 years old. She’s known for the book –Little House on the Prairie. She went on to write 12 more books.
  • Grandma Moses (Anna Mary Robertson Moses) was 76 when she began her career as a painter.
    Research shows that people 50 years and older who had a more positive self-perception of aging lived 7.5 years longer than people with negative self-perceptions about aging. Research also suggests that those who are grateful report less pain and take better care of themselves, which can increase longevity. 
      
    Affirmations for the Celebrated 50 plus:
  • Whatever my age, my personal relationship with Jesus Christ will empower me to discover and share the hidden wealth that lies within me.
  • Today I make the choice to enjoy life fully, with no regrets (no shoulda, coulda, or woulda from me).
  • It is what it is. I can’t reverse all of the effects of aging.  I WILL strengthen those things that remain because I have work to do for God.  Read Revelation 3:2.
  • Laughing, living in the moment, and adopting a positive attitude will help me stay young at heart.

    Perks Of Being on & over the Hill
  • Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
  • In a hostage situation you are the most likely to be released first. 
  • No one expects you to run — anywhere.
  • You can quit trying to hold in your stomach no matter who walks into the room.

    It’s good to keep a sense of humor as we age, otherwise we could become bitter. The last thing I want to become is a bitter older woman. The aging process and all that goes with it is a reality, a natural part of the life cycle. It’s going to happen, whether we like it or not. The only alternative is – instead of being on top of the hill or over the hill – to be under the hill. So, why not just celebrate?

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 the “likes.” Don’t forget to click the Follow Button.
 
Until next time, have a blessed day!


                      

Resources
https://www.laughteronlineuniversity.com/quotes-about-laughter/
http://swapmeetdave.com/Humor/Religious.htm
https://www.google.com/search?q=funny+quotes+about+aging&sa=X&biw=1494&bih=766&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ved=0ahUKEwi_uKPDrrjOAhUCSyYKHR1QDc0QsAQIGw#imgdii=1O2Zt42HnEhdlM%3A%3B1O2Zt42HnEhdlM%3A%3Bl_jSHhHlBHBRcM%3A&imgrc=1O2Zt42HnEhdlM%3A

Why blog? Why sing?

I asked myself, “Why do you bother blogging? Not many people read your posts or view your videos.” Then I answered myself, “I blog and I sing because I get to share Jesus and I enjoy doing it.” Stop by for a little humor, some health nuggets and some singing!

Sometimes I talk to myself.  Some people say it’s okay to talk to yourself as long as you don’t answer back.  Well, I talk to myself and I answer back.  I tell myself jokes and then I laugh.  I ask myself questions and answer them.  I make comments to myself.  I talk to the Lord.  Sometimes I quote scripture.  I talk to myself when I’m out in public but I try to make sure my lips don’t move.  Even if I slip and my lips move, hopefully people will think I’m just singing.  I’ve read that there are benefits to talking to yourself.  They include:  motivating yourself, talking yourself through a task, and organizing your thoughts.

The other day I asked myself, “Why do you bother blogging?  Not many people read your posts or view your videos.  You certainly don’t have many followers. You might get one or two comments (thank God for the one or two positive comments).  It takes a lot of time and effort to gather and organize the information.  You’ve stopped and started several times yet you keep coming back.  Why even bother?”  If you’re one of the few reading this, don’t feel sorry for me.  I don’t feel sorry for me.  There’s more that I could do to promote my blog.  I choose not to at this time.

Why do I blog? I blog because when I get started writing, I feel a release.  It’s therapeutic.  Sometimes I don’t even know what I’m going to write about but when I get started, the words and motivation come.  That’s what’s happening as I write these words.

I love researching and organizing.  I really love it when a plan comes together.  I love sharing the humor.  Humor and laughter help me get through the seriousness of life.

Why do I sing?  I sing because I can.  Now don’t take my statement the wrong way.  If you have a voice you can sing also.  It doesn’t matter if you can or can’t carry a tune.  I may not be able to sing like some of the celebrities but I can do what I do.  It’s also therapeutic.  Unless God performs a miracle, I won’t be famous for my singing, but that’s not why I put my videos on this blog and on YouTube.  I do promise that if you focus on the words of the songs you will be blessed.

This blog, YouTube and my radio broadcast are platforms for sharing Jesus.  I may never travel to other parts of the world like some missionaries, sharing Jesus.  There are many, many, many churches that I will never speak in.  There are people who I will never be able to witness to physically.  But I do have this platform for this season of my life. When I’m dead and gone, the words and songs that I share on this blog and YouTube will still be around on the Internet.

As you can see, I asked and answered my questions.  When I get discouraged, don’t feel like it and want to quit during 2018, I will refer back to the conversation I had with myself and keep running.Capture5

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.   Isaiah 42:16 King James Version (KJV)

What a wonderful promise!  Hope this video blesses you.

Humor Time

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

There was an elderly couple who in their old age noticed that they were getting a lot more forgetful, so they decided to go to the doctor. The doctor told them that they should start writing things down so they don’t forget. They went home and the old lady told her husband to get her a bowl of ice cream. “You might want to write it down,” she said. The husband said, “No, I can remember that you want a bowl of ice cream.” She then told her husband she wanted a bowl of ice cream with whipped cream. “Write it down,” she told him, and again he said, “No, no, I can remember: you want a bowl of ice cream with whipped cream.” Then the old lady said she wants a bowl of ice cream with whipped cream and a cherry on top. “Write it down,” she told her husband and again he said, “No, I got it. You want a bowl of ice cream with whipped cream and a cherry on top.” So he goes to get the ice cream and spends an unusually long time in the kitchen, over 30 minutes. He comes out to his wife and hands her a plate of eggs and bacon. The old wife stares at the plate for a moment, then looks at her husband and asks, “Where’s the toast?”                   –Donald Fre…

A boy asks his father, “Dad, are bugs good to eat?” “That’s disgusting. Don’t talk about things like that over dinner,” the dad replies. After dinner the father asks, “Now, son, what did you want to ask me?” “Oh, nothing,” the boy says. “There was a bug in your soup, but now it’s gone.”   –John Ocall…

My friend thinks he is smart. He told me an onion is the only food that makes you cry, so I threw a coconut at his face.

Q: Is Google male or female?
A: Female, because it doesn’t let you finish a sentence before making a suggestion.  –Montgomery…

The 2018 DO Better! Challenge

(If you’re new to this blog just go back to a few previous posts to get caught up.)

Report:   My goal for February: a) Can have meat (red, turkey, chicken, etc.) only two days a week.  b) Can have salmon or other fish two days a week.

I achieved my goal for February (thank you Jesus).  I didn’t have any setbacks this time.  What’s your report?  If you had some setbacks just remember – you may fall down but you don’t have to drop out. The good news is: life is a marathon.  Here’s the key to the marathon of life: You’re not in a race to run fast. You’re in a race to end well. You’re in a race to get to the finish line. You make progress one step at a time. That’s the way you go towards your goals – one step, one day at a time.

March is National Nutrition Month.  nutrition

National Nutrition Month is an educational campaign focusing on the significance of physical fitness as well as eating nourishing meals.  Scientists and researchers are trying to make a difference and encourage people to try a healthier lifestyle.

Here are 3 possible goals for March:

  1. Incorporate certain veggies and fruits (ex. Collard greens, kale, cranberries, avocado, bananas, and cauliflower, Swiss chard) into your diet. (be specific) Ex. I want to eat five servings of fruits and veggies 3 days a week.

Try some fresh veggies and fruits.  The fresher the food, the more nutritious.  Get fresher produce by shopping in season.  There are also some benefits to eating lightly steamed veggies.  Why not do both.  Please don’t cook them to death because you’ll lose a lot of the nutrients.  Step out of the boat and try some new veggies and fruits.  You get a variety of phytonutrients with colorful produce.5 to 82. No soda and sugary drinks (with meals or days)Studies have shown that people who consume sugary drinks regularly have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart, disease, and other chronic conditions.

3. Drink more water (Ex. I’ll begin by drinking 6 8-ounce glasses a day). You lose water throughout the day.  It’s very important that it be replaced. You become dehydrated when your water intake doesn’t equal your output.

Avocado is not one of my favorite fruits.  I’ve tried and tried, but don’t see what all the excitement is about.  Research shows that there are many wonderful benefits of including it in your diet. I’m going to give it one more try before I totally give it up.

My goal for March: Include a serving of avocado in my diet 2 days a week.

Feel free to share what goals you (and hopefully a friend, family member, or co-worker) set for March. and how you plan to achieve them.

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

Bye for now.

 

 

 

 

Sources

http://www.laughfactory.com/jokes/clean-jokes

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+42%3A16&version=KJV

https://www.google.com/search?q=funny+nutrition+quotes&sa=X&biw=1579&bih=647&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=t7wIgPt-uRr8WM%253A%252CmiSdvul7DvzhHM%252C_&usg=__YOig1d24NgeVcoP_A8Y7V4vSnaU%3D&ved=0ahUKEwi63vTY4MPZAhXwpVkKHTfsA_8Q9QEIKzAB#imgrc=9qnGTUzn8PyN_M:https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/soft-drinks-and-disease/

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.laughfactory.com/jokes/clean-jokes

Yes I Can

Let’s get started on the DO better! Challenge, so that we can better fulfill our destinies and enjoy all the plans God has for us on this earth. You only have one body – so look after it. Do better in February than you did in January!

Humor Time
Have Faith My Child

For the umpteenth time Mrs. Youngston came to her pastor to tell him, “I’m so scared! Joe says he’s going to kill me if I continue to come to your church.”

“Yes, yes, my child,” replied the pastor, more than a little tired of hearing this over and over. “I will continue to pray for you, Mrs. Youngston. Have faith – the Lord will watch over you.”

“Oh yes, he has kept me safe thus far, only…..”

“Only what, my child?”

“Well, now he says if I keep coming to your church, he’s going to kill YOU!”

“Well, now,” said the pastor, “Perhaps it’s time to check out that little church on the other side of town.”

Going Out

A couple was going out for the evening. The last thing they did was to put the cat out.

The taxi arrived, and as the couple walked out of the house, the cat shoots back in. So the husband goes back inside to chase it out.

The wife, not wanting it known that the house would be empty, explained to the taxi driver “He’s just going upstairs to say goodbye to my mother.”

A few minutes later, the husband got into the taxi and said, “Sorry I took so long, the stupid thing was hiding under the bed and I had to poke her with a coat hanger to get her to come out!”

What would you like them say?

Three buddies die in a car crash, and they go to heaven to an
orientation.

They are all asked, “When you are in your casket and friends and
family are mourning upon you, what would you like to hear them say about you? The first guy says, “I would like to hear them say that I was a great doctor of my time, and a great family man.”

The second guy says, “I would like to hear that I was a wonderful
husband and school teacher which made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow.”

The last guy replies, “I would like to hear them say, “Look! He’s moving!”
laughing face

Nutrition

The best vitamin for a Christian is B1.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms is a hymn published in 1887 with music by Anthony J. Showalter and lyrics by Showalter and Elisha Hoffman.  Showalter said that he received letters from two of his former pupils saying that their wives had died. When writing letters of consolation, Showalter was inspired by the phrase in the Book of Deuteronomy 33:27 “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms….”

Hope this video blesses you.

The 2018 DO Better! Challenge

Faith confession: Yes I can! I believe I can so I will Do Better!  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

This challenge came about in Dec. 2015.  One night in choir rehearsal  I asked, “How many of you have healthy lifestyle habits that you know you need to pick up or put down – you don’t have to go home and pray about it- you just know you need to do it?” Everybody raised their hands.  I said, “I want to challenge you to pick a goal for the next 30 days.  They picked a goal and the Do Better challenge began the next day.

Every week after rehearsal we met and gave a report.  It was based on the honor system.  I asked,” Did you meet your goal?”  There were only 2 possible answers – Yes or No.  Why is it that you have to almost fight people for an answer to a yes or no question?  If you did not complete your goal for that week, the answer is No.

We would then share about our successes and failures.  We encouraged each other.  This is why you should invite others to join you –for accountability and support.  Every month we added another individual goal.

Each goal rolls over.  You don’t do one for a week or a month and stop doing it the next week or month.  You add a new goal every month and continue with the previous one.  That’s how it becomes a lifestyle change or habit.   The challenge is flexible.  You may want to add a new goal every week for nine weeks.  You decide.

Our challenge lasted 13 months.  We started off with 9 participants.  Two of them dropped out.  At the end of Jan. 2017, we had adopted 13 healthy lifestyle habits.

The goal of the DO Better! Challenge is to help you develop and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.  It’s never too early or too late to begin living healthier.  Any healthy lifestyle change is better than none at all.  This is not a weight loss challenge.  You may shed some pounds but it will depend on the goals that you choose.

It’s very unlikely that you will live to be 100, 120, or older.  Even if you do live to be 103 wouldn’t you like to be a spry, feeling good 103 – still doing some kind of work for God?  I’m not striving or praying to live to be 103.  I’ve often shared that my goal is not to live longer.  My goal is to improve the quality of my life.  I don’t want to be old, in pain, on medication, and hardly able to get around.  I want to be spry, able to dress myself and drive myself around for as long as possible.

Research shows that if you’re going to be successful at almost anything in life, the very first choice to make is to set some goals.  Remember, your goal must be measurable.  For example, if you choose exercise, how many days and how many minutes will you do it?  If you choose to stop drinking so many sodas, how many will you drink each day or each week?

The following are a list of possible goals.  Conduct your own research.  Discover why and how adopting some of these goals may help you become and remain fit for the Master’s use – for the rest of your life.

Here are 4 possible goals for February:

  1. No fried foods days (ex. no fried foods 4 days a week).  Fried foods can increase your fat, calorie and salt intake.  You won’t find a lot of nutrients in fried foods.  Eating a lot of fried foods can have negative effects on your health.
  2. Meatless days (ex. No meat at all, no chicken, no red meat, no pork).  Health experts suggest that most Americans eat way too much protein.  Excessive protein intake can also have negative effects on your health. There could be an association between red and processed meats and cancer and inflammation.
  3. Junkless days (candy, cake, etc. and/or chips, cheese puffs, etc.).  The word junk implies that something is extra and useless. We usually want to get rid of junk not accumulate it.  Junk food can contribute to depression, fatigue, obesity and other ailments. They have lots of calories and very little nutritional value.
  4. Improve sleep habits (ex. Avoid heavy and/or large meals within a couple hours of bedtime. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night).  The amount of sleep you get or don’t get can affect your health, mood and weight. Studies have found a link between insufficient sleep and health problems, such as diabetes and heart attacks.  Sleep also helps fight some of the fallouts of stress.

Let’s get started on the DO better! Challenge, so that we can better fulfill our destinies and enjoy all the plans God has for us on this earth.  You only have one body – so look after it.  Do better in February than you did in January!

One of my goals during 2017 was to eat less meat.  I did really well with this goal until Thanksgiving.   After then I jumped off the wagon.  I didn’t fall off, I jumped off.  I ate way too much meat.

I’m getting back on the wagon.  My goal for February: a) Can have meat (red, turkey, chicken, etc) only two days a week.  b) Can have salmon or other fish two days a week.

Feel free to share what goals you (and hopefully a friend, family member, or co-worker) set for Feb. and how you plan to achieve them.

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

 

Bye for now.

 

Sources:

http://jokes.christiansunite.com/Faith/Out_Of_Gas.shtml

http://www.broadcaster.org.uk/section2/jokes/parentingjokes.html

http://www.christian-jokes.net/Jokes/Heaven-and-Hell-Jokes/31-What-would-you-like-them-say.aspx

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

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_on_the_Everlasting_Arms

 

 

Wellness

Need a little humor? Stop by. Wellness involves the whole person: the body, mind, and spirit. We must strive to have a balance in all three areas. We should periodically examine our lives to make sure that we improve and maintain our emotional, as well as physical and spiritual wellness.

Humor Time

A woman goes to the Doctor, worried about her husband’s temper.

The Doctor asks: “What’s the problem?”

The woman says: “Doctor, I don’t know what to do. Every day my husband seems to lose his temper for no reason. It scares me.”

The Doctor says: “I have a cure for that. When it seems that your husband is getting angry, just take a glass of water and start swishing it in your mouth. Just swish and swish but don’t swallow it until he either leaves the room or calms down.”

Two weeks later the woman comes back to the doctor looking fresh and reborn.

The woman says: “Doctor that was a brilliant idea! Every time my husband started losing it, I swished with water. I swished and swished, and he calmed right down! How does a glass of water do that?”

The Doctor says: “The water itself does nothing. It’s keeping your mouth shut that does the trick.”

blog 16blog 16a

 

10 Things You Never Hear in Church

  1. Hey! It’s my turn to sit in the front pew!

  2. I was so enthralled; I never noticed your sermon went 25 minutes over time.

  3. Personally I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.

  4. I’ve decided to give our church the $500 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.

  5. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.

  6. Forget the denominational minimum salary. Let’s pay our pastor so he can live like we do.

  7. I love it when we sing hymns I’ve never heard before!

  8. Since we’re all here, let’s start the service early.

  9. Pastor, we’d like to send you to this Bible seminar in the Bahamas

  10. Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment like our annual stewardship campaign!

    Submitted by: NoNo & Co.
    Author/Creator Unknown

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I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

Psalm 34:1-3 Kings James Version(KJV)

Hope this video blesses you.

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WELLNESS

Wellness:“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit – the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.” – Greg Anderson

Emotional Wellness implies the ability to be aware of and accept our feelings, rather than deny them, have an optimistic approach to life, and enjoy life despite its occasional disappointments and frustrations.

Seven tips to improve and maintain emotional wellness:

  1. Learn to accept changes in your life. Change happens whether we like it or not. It may not always feel good, but it provides an opportunity for growth.

  2. Think about what you’re thinking about. Only you can decide what you think about. So make the decision to think positive.

  3. Learn to laugh, especially at yourself. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body, and reduce stress.

  1. Have hope. Having hope helps you to believe that your situation won’t last always. We read in Psalm 42:5, Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.(KJV)

  2. Enjoy life. Do at least one thing every day that you enjoy doing (taking a walk, drawing, knitting, etc). Write down things you are thankful for. Practice smiling.

  3. Learn to love and accept yourself just as you are. You can’t change your height. You can’t change your skin color. You can’t change your age. Don’t compare yourself or your life to those around you. The bottom line: it is what it is.

  4. Let bygones be bygones. Holding on to past hurts and failures can be toxic for your emotional wellbeing. It’s important to learn how to forgive and move forward.

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

The Do Better challenge for this post:  Examine your emotional wellbeing.  Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I able to maintain a balance of work, family, friends, and other obligations?

  • Do I have ways to reduce stress in my life?

  • Am I able to make decisions with a minimum of stress and worry?

  • Am I able to set priorities?

If you answered “no” to any of the questions, you’re lacking in this area at this time of your life.  Set some goals to help you adopt healthy habits and attitudes that foster wellness. The better you are able to master your emotions, the better able you are to cope with the stressors of life. You will also be able to move forward in a positive direction.

blog 16b

Bye for now.  Thanks for visiting.

 

Resources

http://www.sunnyskyz.com/funny-jokes/146/A-Woman-Goes-To-The-Doctor-Worried-About-Her-Husband-s-Temper#l5iRs5DdM0om7zmr.99

https://wellness.ucr.edu/emotional_wellness.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=emotional+well+being&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwiR2Oac083TAhVFKWMKHVPkBUgQ_AUIBygC&biw=1390&bih=763&dpr=1#imgrc=f-IYgXuMOkEnrM:

 

 

Half empty or Half full?

A little birthday humor 

  • Q: How can you tell that you’re getting old? A: You go to an antique auction and three people bid on you!

  • After much convincing from my husband, I finally agreed to call an old family friend to sing her happy birthday.  It was only after I finished singing, that the voice at the other end of the line informed me, that it was the wrong number. “Oh I’m so sorry” I said, embarrassed.  “It’s okay” the voice said, “you can use all of the practice you can get!”

  • You know you’re getting old when you walk up the stairs and call it exercise. Happy Birthday!

  • Have a great time on your birthday, and don’t worry about getting old.  That happened years ago.

Three Old Sisters

There were 3 sisters living together 92, 94 and 95 yrs. old. The oldest went upstairs one evening to take a bath. As she was getting in the tub with one foot in and one foot out, she called down to her sisters, “Am I getting in the tub or am I getting out of the tub?”

The 94 yr. old decided to go upstairs to see if she could help figure out the situation. She got to the 3rd step and stopped – then called out, “Was I going up the stairs or was I coming down the stairs?”

The 92 yr. old, sitting at the kitchen table, thought she better knock on wood and as she knocked on the kitchen table she said, “I hope I never get as bad as my sisters. Now was that the front door or the back door?”

Birthday humor time is dedicated to my oldest sister, Pastor Charlotte “Happy” Bryant, who celebrated her 70th birthday yesterday.

water 2

Do you view your birthday as half full or half empty?

If you have read my previous posts, you know that I have not always been the most positive person.  My history includes low self-esteem, depression and suicidal thoughts.  God has helped me over the years and my positive days now outweigh my negative days.  I try to be more grateful and thankful each day.  I also laugh more.  My prayer was: “Lord, for the rest of my life, help me to see the glass half full each day and not half empty.”

I have never known anyone like Pastor Bryant.  I marvel at the wisdom God gives her.  One day while talking on the phone with her, I shared my desire to always see the glass half full.  I have been kind of down because I still have not found a full time job.  I’m still working 6 – 12 hours a week in retail, making minimum wage. That’s enough to make anyone depressed (if you’re viewing the glass as half empty).

It seems like this season in my life has been going on a long, long, long, time and is never going to end.  Ecclesiastes tells us that seasons must come to an end, but God left out the “how long” part.

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

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

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

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

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

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

When I look at the glass as half full: No utilities have been turned off; I’m still driving my 2014 car with insurance; I haven’t lost any weight due to lack of food; I’m not getting phone calls from bill collectors; I haven’t filed for bankruptcy.  Those are all miracles. God has been faithful.

In response to my statement about wanting to see the glass as half full, Pastor Bryant said, “Well I choose to see the glass as full.”  Now why did she have to say that?  She had just burst my balloon and raised the bar.  I thought I was doing a great job seeing the glass as half full instead of half empty but she had to throw in the “full” picture glass vision.  That is one of the many, many examples of how God gives her wisdom to share with others and to help us grow.  I must admit that my faith is not yet at the level of seeing a half full glass of water as a full glass of water, water 3 but I’m working on it.  Thanks to God and my big Sis, I believe I’ll accomplish that faith goal.

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.        Hebrews 11:6

Food for thought: According to Romans 4:17  “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”  

 If God called things into existence, why can’t I call a half full glass of water  – full?

The words to the hymn “It is will with my soul” were written by Horatio G. Spafford in 1828.  He had a successful legal practice in Chicago.  He invested heavily in real estate and his holdings were wiped out, as a result of the Chicago Fire of 1871.  Just before this, he had experienced the death of his son.  He wanted to get away for a rest, so he planned a trip for his family.

Spafford had an unexpected last minute business development right before they were to leave, so he stayed in Chicago but sent his wife and four daughters on ahead on the ship.  He was going to follow a few days later.  The ship that his wife and daughters were on, sank.  His four daughters drowned, but his wife survived.  In his grief, he wrote the words to this hymn and was still able to say, “It is well with my soul.”  He had many reasons to see the glass as half empty but I believe he chose to see it as half full.

To view this video, click on the link beside my picture.  I hope it blesses you.

Sing like God is the only one listening.  It’s okay if you get off key, don’t do any “runs” or forget the words.  You’ll get no negative comments from Him.  Just sing from your heart. -Annette M. Harris

What do you do when life hands you a bag of lemons?  You make  lemon waterlemon water.

Lemons contain many nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.

Lemon water may:

  • Give your immune system a boost.

  • Aid digestion.

  • Cleanse your system.

  • Alkalize your body.

  • Help fight viral infections.

  • Reduce inflammation.

  • Keep your skin blemish free.

  • Give you an energy boost.

  • Help you lose weight.

  • Freshen your breath.

One doctor recommends starting the day with the juice of ¼ to ½ of a lemon, and filling the rest of the glass with warm water.  You can dilute the lemon juice more, depending on your personal taste.  During the rest of the day, you can sip lemon water at a cooler temperature, if you prefer it. This will keep you hydrated, and it may also help quench your thirst for unhealthy drinks that contain too much sugar and too many calories.

Remember: we are not making lemonade, we’re making lemon water.

I like to drink a warm glass of lemon water with 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of ginger.  It gives me a morning boost.  I like to think of it as a detoxification drink.

I believe that we have the power to contribute to the healing of our bodies by adapting what we consume every day.  Drinking lemon water is one of the little things that we can do on a regular basis that can have long term benefits.

We’re so used to instant gratification in almost everything we do, so when it comes to healthy diets and exercise, we can easily get discouraged if we don’t see results in a few days.  As with any new addition to your diet, give it a minimum of two weeks to see what positive benefits you can get.

I highly recommend that you do your own research on drinking lemon water. Then choose at least one benefit that will motivate you to start incorporating it into your daily life.

Commit to 14 days of drinking lemon water. Write down how you feel on day 1, then on day 14.  Share your experience in the comment section of this post or with someone else.

Bye for now.  Thanks for visiting!  laughing face

 

 

 

Sources

 

http://www.funny-jokes-quotes-sayings.com/funny-birthday-wishes.html

http://jokes.christiansunite.com/Old_Folks/Three_Old_Sisters.shtml

Ecclesiastes 3King James Version (KJV)

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

Holman Christian Standard Bible                 http://biblehub.com/hebrews/11-6.htm

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Romans-4-17/        King James Version (KJV)

Osbeck, K. W. (1982). 101 Hymn Stories. Grand Rapids, MT: Kregel Publications

http://news.health.com/2015/02/24/why-you-should-start-your-day-with-lemon-water/

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/12/the-2-week-lemon-water-challenge/

http://www.jokes4us.com/holidayjokes/birthdayjokes.

htmlhttp://www.greatcleanjokes.com/jokes/life-jokes/birthday-jokes/

http://www.wishesquotes.com/birthday/100-funny-birthday-wishes-for-friends#ixzz40lWHCQP9

 

 

 

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

 

Life Happens

Do You Remember?         

Grandma and Grandpa were sitting in their porch rockers watching the beautiful sunset and reminiscing about “the good old days”. Grandma turned to Grandpa and said, “Honey, do you remember when we first started dating and you used to just casually reach over and take my hand?”
elderly coupleGrandpa looked over at her, smiled and obligingly took her aged hand in his. With a wry little smile, Grandma pressed a little farther, “Honey, do you remember how after we were engaged, you’d sometimes lean over and suddenly kiss me on the cheek?”

Grandpa leaned slowly toward Grandma and gave her a lingering kiss on her wrinkled cheek. Growing bolder still, Grandma said, “Honey, do you remember how, after we were first married, you’d kind of nibble on my ear?” Grandpa slowly got up from his rocker and headed into the house. Alarmed, Grandma said, “Honey, where are you going?”

Grandpa replied, “To get my teeth!”     laughing happy face with tongue

 

“Pain is what the world inflicts upon us. Suffering is our emotional reaction when we fail to make the difficult conscious choice to choose Joy.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Jonathan Lockwood Huie        

Life Happens

One morning I woke up, got out of bed and began to go about my day as usual.  Only this morning my mood was not so happy.  I tried to encourage myself by singing gospel songs and hymns.  That didn’t work.  Singing, I’m Happy and I Know It, didn’t work.  I tried quoting scripture.  That didn’t work.  I spoke with my sister on the phone.  She’s always encouraging, but this day, even her words weren’t encouraging.  All I could think about was my situation and how it seemed hopeless, and how tired I was in believing that trouble doesn’t last always.

I guess you could say that I just refused to be comforted.  I explained in my first blog how my car was totaled and that I was laid off of my job in 2013.  Some, days are better than others.  I try to keep the faith.  I get knocked down, but God helps me to get back up.

On this particular day, I counted my little money.  I had enough to pay a bill.  I went to the bank to make a deposit.  While driving to the bank the tears began to flow.  I was thinking, “When is my change going to come?”  I have had enough.  Can’t I just get a break?  I rode up to the outside terminal at the bank. I didn’t want the teller to see the tears streaming down my face.

I got home.  I asked the question, “Why do I have to go through this?  Why even be saved (a born again believer) if things are no better for me than the unsaved?  Then it happened  – just what I needed!”  The thought came to me: Every single person in life will go through something at one time or another.  The only difference is that I can go through with Jesus.  I don’t have to suffer alone.  The bible tells us that it rains on the just and the unjust.  No one is exempt from trouble.

I believe it was God, speaking to my heart.  God is the only one who knows exactly how to get through to me when nothing or no one else can.  My tears stopped!  I was back in my right mind.  Back to my regular self.  One of my favorite sayings is, “God loves Him some Annette!”  He won’t allow more things to be put on me than I can bear.  He loves Him some YOU too.   I hope the words to this song blesses and encourages you.

 

It is not our place to know the mind of God. The Spirit knows what is best in the long run -best for each of us individually, and best for humanity as a whole. This is often very difficult to accept when we see war and disease in the world and experience physical and emotional suffering in ourselves, our family, and our friends. I consider this belief in God’s infinite power and ultimate wisdom to be the true test of faith.

– Jonathan Lockwood Huie

 

SWEET SLEEP

sleeping face with bear

Sleep is often the first thing to go when we get overworked.  We get so busy that we stay up just another hour or two or three to finish a project, get some chores done, etc. etc.  We must make sure that we are getting enough rest.  The mind’s ability to deal appropriately with stress factors can become very limited if our bodies are tired. Without adequate amounts of sleep we feel lousy and our abilities to learn, memorize and reason are sharply impaired; we are more susceptible to colds and flus or just getting sick in general.

Most medical professionals recommend 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.  Many in both medical and psychological fields find benefits in taking time during the day to get alone with oneself, relax, breathe deeply and allow the mind to rest from the stress factors of the day.  Some individuals may be able to function perfectly on only four hours of sleep per night; others require as many as ten, to feel refreshed.   Some professionals suggests that you get as much sleep as you need to feel rested and able to function at your maximum the next day.  There are some tips to help you maximize the quality and quantity of your sleep:

  • Go only to bed when you are tired.  Don’t try to make sleep happen.  Instead, get up and read or do something constructive until you feel tired.
  • Don’t stockpile sleep.  Going to bed earlier than your regular time probably won’t help. You will only condition yourself not to fall asleep later.  It’s not possible to save on your sleep.
  • Avoid late meals and snacks.  Heavy meals can interfere with sleep.  If you must eat something, consider eating a light snack containing protein.
  • Cut the caffeine.  Have your caffeinated drinks in the morning or early afternoons.  Caffeine can stay in your bloodstream for up to six hours.
  • Limit your liquids after 8:00 P.M.  Frequent trips to the bathroom can keep you up all night.
  • Individuals who are physically fit and active will be better sleepers, so make exercise a part of your daily routine.
  • If napping makes you feel good the rest of the day, if it doesn’t interfere with your evening sleep and if your schedule permits, a 20 to 45 minute nap after lunch may help revitalize you.

Scientists know that the body releases it greatest concentration of growth hormone – the substance that helps our bodies repair damaged tissue – during sleep.  Most sleep specialists believe the mind benefits equally from a good night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation makes us moody and irritable.  Most individuals have trouble adequately approaching stressful situations when their bodies lack rest.  It also limits our ability to concentrate, make judgments and perform mental tasks.  As a result, it can affect our job performance or, even worse, lead to industrial or traffic fatalities.

Sleepless nights can be a sign of eating the wrong thing or a fearful, angry, or fretful attitude.

Christians are promised “sweet sleep.”  If you consistently experience sleepless nights, the devil is robbing you of something God guarantees.  Memorize Scriptures, meditate on the Word during those sleepless periods, and cast all of your care on God.  If you start reading the Bible and praying, I’ll bet it won’t be long before you get sleepy.  You know the devil doesn’t like it when we spend time reading the word and praying, sometimes he’ll send a spirit of sleepiness.  If you read and pray and don’t get sleepy, well then be happy cause that was time spent constructively.

Leave your troubles outside before you enter your bedroom.  You will never sleep well if you lie in bed obsessing over your troubles.   If I remember correctly in the movie Gone With The Wind, Scarlett O’Hara said in one scene, “I won’t think about this today, I’ll think about it tomorrow.”  Tell yourself, “I’m leaving these worries and concerns out here.  I’ll deal with them tomorrow or the next day.  I refuse to bring them into my bedroom this night.”

Proverbs 3:24 – 26 Verse 24 reads, When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

When you meditate on God’s Word, the Word will lead you, keep you, and speak to you during your waking and sleeping moments. Proverbs 6:22, When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

The truth of the matter is that
you always know the right thing to do.
The hard part is doing it.
– Norman Schwarzkof

Bye for  now.  Thanks for visiting!

Resources

http://jokes.christiansunite.com/Old_Folks/Do_You_Remember.shtml

http://www.i-heart-god.com/images/Happy_Married_Couple.jpg

http://www.clker.com/clipart-laugh.html

http://www.joyprogram.com/hard.php