Tag: life

Heavenly Tidbits 

• Have you smiled or laughed today? Humor does a body good.
• When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! I want to go to heaven, don’t you?
• A neti pot is a natural way to relieve nasal congestion and allergies.

*** Tidbit  1  Gotta Smile

The Hand of God
Little Philip was walking home in the rain with his mother following Sunday worship. It finally stopped raining as they rounded the corner, where to their surprise and delight appeared a vivid double rainbow in the sky. “Doesn’t it look like an artist painted this rainbow?” his mother exclaimed. “I bet God painted this just for you!”

“Yes,” replied Philip, “God did it and he did it left-handed.”
Confused, his mother asked him, “What makes you say God did this with his left hand?”
“Well,” said Philip, “we learned in Sunday School that Jesus sits on God’s right hand.”

There Ain’t No Hell
A man in his conversation with another man, made this following statement.
“I traveled all over the world and there ain’t no hell. Preachers preach about hell just to get us to come to church and take our money. I tell you there ain’t no hell.”

A little boy standing by said, “Mister, you ain’t dead yet.” ~Author unknown

How to Get to Heaven?
A teacher asked the children in her Sunday school class, “If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would I get into heaven?” “NO!” the children all answered.

“If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?” Again, the answer was “NO!”

“Well,” she continued, “then how can I get to heaven?”
In the back of the room, a five-year-old boy shouted out, “You gotta be dead!”

*** Tidbit 2 Heaven

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!
We’ll be singing, praises ringing, saints rejoicing, up in glory – forever more!
O what a time, what a time that will be!

A Sunday school teacher asked her students if they wanted to go to heaven. All but one raised their hands. She asked, “Timmy don’t you want to go to heaven?” Timmy replied, “Yeah, I wanna go, I just don’t wanna go right now.”

The majority of individuals probably feel the same as Timmy. I grew up in church. During that time, the emphasis seemed to be on not going to hell: (You better get saved so that you won’t go to hell. If you don’t get yourself together, you’re going to hell.) There were times when I was scared to go to bed because I knew if I died during the night, I would go to hell. The main reason I accepted Christ as my Savior was because I didn’t want to go to hell.

The main reason I stay with the Lord is because over the years, I’ve gotten to know Him. He’s a good, good father. I don’t want to live without Him. He has provided and continues to provide for me. He’s kept my mind, especially during this pandemic. He’s kept my body. I don’t have time to tell it all, but He has been so good!!! I know that He loves me & I love Him!

Heaven was talked about during my youth, but not nearly as much as going to hell. Even today, you don’t hear many sermons about heaven and spending eternity with Jesus. I think if, as children we were taught more about going to heaven, people wouldn’t be so afraid of dying. There are people who refuse to entertain the thought of dying. They won’t even think about getting burial insurance or making a will.

I’m reminded of the times when my friends and I would go to parties. When it was time for the party to end, we would hear these words, “The party is over. You all have to get up out of here. We don’t care where you go, but you got to get up out of here.”

One thing we know for certain is: one day we have to get up out of here. We all have to leave this earth. Whether we go to heaven or hell is up to us. I want to go to heaven, don’t you?

*** Tidbit  3  Neti pot

A neti pot is a natural way to relieve nasal congestion and allergies. It thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages. It looks like a cross between a small teapot and Aladdin’s magic lamp.

It’s used to treat chronic visual, ear, nose and throat problems. Many people believe that regular use of a neti pot works better than over-the-counter medications. There are other ways you can rinse your nose but the neti pot is the most popular.

You’ll need non-iodized salt because iodized salt can irritate your nose over a long period of time. You’ll need warm water. The neti pot usually comes with an insert that explains how to use it. They are available over-the-counter. They usually cost between$15 and $30 dollars. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any concerns about nasal irrigation.

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

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

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

Sources:
https://www.stewardshipoflife.org/jokes/
https://www.beliefnet.com/ilovejesus/features/hilarious-christian-jokes.aspx
http://clipart-library.com/laughing-smiley-face-cliparts.html
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/866063.htmhttp://clipart-library.com/clipart/866090.htm

Cheerful Tidbits

Have you smiled today? How’s your memory? Need to hear a hymn?

These mental, physical, and spiritual tidbits are here to encourage, enlighten, motivate you, and/or simply make you smile. Enjoy!

Tidbit #1                                            Humor time

Church Gossip:  Mildred, the church gossip and self-appointedBlog 2a 2020 arbiter of the church’s morals, kept sticking her nose in the other members’ private lives. Church members were unappreciative of her activities but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his pickup truck parked in front of the town’s only bar one afternoon.

She commented to George and others that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing.

George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just walked away. He didn’t explain, defend or deny; he said nothing.

Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred’s house… and left it there all night!                    

Actual Announcements from Church Bulletins
–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.”

–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.

The Visit:  A preacher visits an elderly woman from his congregation. As he sits on the couch he notices a large bowl of peanuts on the coffee table. “Mind if I have a few?” he asks.

“No, not at all!” the woman replied.

They chat for an hour and as the preacher stands to leave, he realizes that instead of eating just a few peanuts, he emptied most of the bowl. “I’m terribly sorry for eating all your peanuts, I really just meant to eat a few.”

“Oh, that’s all right,” the woman says. “Ever since I lost my teeth all I can do is suck the chocolate off them.”
——————————————————-
Tidbit #2
The hymn At the Cross was published in 1707.  It has definitely stood the test time.  It was written by Isaac Watts who wrote over 600 hymns during his lifetime, including Joy to the World. The main subject of the hymn is salvation.  The scripture verses – 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (KJV).
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Click on the video link https://youtu.be/vvkUN4u4tMc to hear the oral presentation of this blog and my rendition of At the Cross.
——————————————————-

Blog 2b 2020

Tidbit #3
How’s your memory?
A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a senior, there are many things you can do to improve your memory and mental performance.

One way to improve your memory is to give your brain a workout. You need to do brain training just like you need to do strength training.  Here are 4 things to consider when choosing a brain boosting activity.

  1. Choose an activity that is unfamiliar and teaches you something new. Let it take you out of your comfort zone.  It shouldn’t be something that you’re already good at. To strengthen the brain, you need to keep learning and developing new skills.

  2. The activity should be challenging and demand your full and close attention. It’s not enough that the activity was challenging at one point. It must still be something that requires mental effort. For example, learning to play a challenging new piece of music counts. Playing a difficult piece you’ve already memorized does not.

  3. Look for an activity that allows you to start at an easy level and work your way up as your skills improve —always pushing the envelope so you continue to stretch your capabilities. When a previously difficult level starts to feel comfortable, that means it’s time to tackle the next level of performance.

  4. Choose an activity that’s challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding. Rewards support the brain’s learning process. The more interested and engaged you are in the activity, the more likely you’ll continue doing it and the greater the benefits you’ll experience.   

Right now is the perfect time to do something you haven’t had the time to do, like learning how to play a musical instrument, take a cooking class, learn how to crochet, play chess, learn a foreign language, or master your golf swing.

— Test your recall. Make a list — of grocery items, things to do, or anything else that comes to mind — and memorize it.  An hour or so later, see how many items you can recall.  Make items on the list as challenging as possible for the greatest mental stimulation.blog 2 memory

— Do math in your head. Figure out problems without using a pencil, paper, or computer; you can make this more difficult — and athletic — by walking at the same time.

Any of these activities may help you improve your memory, as long as they keep you challenged and engaged.  Let’s get started!

The information that I have shared with you is intended for informational purposes only.  It doesn’t replace your doctor’s orders.

If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, get to know Him even better.

If you do not know Him, accepting Him as your Savior will be one of the wisest decisions you will ever make.  He’ll give you strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.  He’ll be faithful.  You may change on Him, but He’ll never change on you!

Bye for now.  Feel free to share any tips or positive thoughts.

Thanks for visiting!

 

 

RESOURCES:
https://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/05/Aug/gossip.html
http://swapmeetdave.com/Humor/Religious.htm
http://swapmeetdave.com/Humor/Religious.htm
https://www.animatedimages.org/cat-laughing-1309.ht
https://www.greatchristianhymns.com/at-the-cross.html
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A5-6&version=KJV
https://www.pinterest.se/pin/328481366545003612/
https://www.pinterest.se/pin/214906213459293354/

 

Positive Tidbits

Need to escape from the stressors of today? You’ve come to the right place! I hope that at least one of these mental, physical and spiritual tidbits will encourage, enlighten, motivate you, and/or simply make you smile.

Have you smiled today?  Have you laughed today?  Studies show that something as simple as smiling can benefit your health and wellbeing.  Studies have also shown that you can still reap health benefits even if your smile is fake.

social media smiley April 2020

Let’s begin with a little humor.

A Healthy Lifestyle: A woman walked up to a little old man rocking in a chair on his porch.

“I couldn’t help noticing how happy you look,” she said. “What’s your secret for a long happy life?”

“I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day,” he said. “I also drink a case of whiskey a week, eat fatty foods, and never exercise.”

“That’s amazing,” the woman said. “How old are you?’

“Twenty-six,” he said.

A Special Request: A certain pastor conducts an expanded altar call at the end of his sermons. He asks those who wish to make spiritual decisions to come forward, as well as those with prayer requests or some other questions. One Sunday, his three-year-old daughter responded to his invitation. She waited patiently while others ahead of her made their requests. When her turn came, her father leaned down to ask for her request. She whispered, “Can we go to the restaurant after church”?

Busted Smiles: A boy was reprimanded for laughing out loud during school. “Teacher, I didn’t mean to. I was smiling, and the smile busted.”

Take Care of Yourself!
It can be easy to get stressed due to this “new normal” brought to us by coronavirus. It is important to make your physical, spiritual and mental health a priority during this time. God does not want us to be stressed out to the point where it negatively impacts our health.

Here are some potential stress busters.

PHYSICAL
• Physical Activity – Aim for at least 150 minutes a week. You don’t have to get it all in at one time. It can be broken down in 10-minute increments. The main thing is that you find something that you will do and then just – do it.

• Limit processed foods and include a variety of foods like citrus fruits, vegetables, spices, yogurt and other whole foods in your diet on a consistent basis. You build a stronger immune system by maintaining healthy eating habits over time.

• Get that water in – Staying hydrated can boost your immune health. Staying hydrated helps your body naturally eliminate toxins and other bacteria that may cause illness.

• Get enough sleep – God designed us to need sleep. Sleep gives your body time to rest and repair. When or if you have trouble sleeping, here are 2 Bible verses that can help you.

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”(King James Version, Psalm 4:8)

“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” (KJV, Proverbs 3:24)

SPIRITUAL
• Just like you eat food every day, you should do the same with your prayer life. You move closer to God and get to know Him better when you develop and maintain a consistent prayer life.

• Praise God when you feel like it and when you don’t. “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” (KJV, Psalm 150:6)

social media 2 April 2020The more you praise Him, the better you’ll feel. There’s no way you can be sad and praise God at the same time.

• Meditate on Scripture. Meditate on the awesome works of God. Meditate on God himself. Psalm 145 is an excellent place to start.

MENTAL
• Write down something you are grateful for.
I’m grateful that when I get out of bed every morning, I need the help of nobody but God.

• Take a break: step away from the news, radio, social media, etc.
Turn on the radio and dance like you’ve lost your mind.

• Speak positive things to yourself. For example: Read aloud:
Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Throughout the day speak it and make it personal:
This is the day that the Lord has made. 
I will–     I choose to–     I have a right to–     I get to–
REJOICE and BE GLAD in it!

Click on the video to hear a shortened oral presentation of this blog and to hear my rendition of the song: This is the Day.

Did I make you smile?  Were you able to escape from what’s going on in the world for just a few minutes?  I hope so.

Try to find something to smile about every day and it’s okay if your smile breaks out into a laugh.

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 one of the wisest decisions you will ever make because – in times like these we need a Savior.

Bye for now.  Feel free to share any tips or positive thoughts.

Thanks for visiting!

The information that I have shared with you is intended for informational purposes only. It doesn’t replace the advice of your doctor.

Resources:
https://clipartart.com/categories/free-clipart-smiley-face-thumbs-up.html
https://www.arcamax.com/entertainment/humor/jokes/s-1219284
Finding Faith During Times of Chaos
Hodgin,  M.(1994). 1001 Humorous Illustrations for Public Speaking.  Zondervan Publishing House.

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:

 

 

Smile!

One day while watching Pastor Steven Furtick on TBN, he said, “If you’re happy and you know it – tell your face.” I thought what he said was so funny and so true that I decided to sing about it. This blog is dedicated to those of us who need to smile more. Take the challenge!

smile-1-poster

One day while watching Pastor Steven Furtick on TBN, he said, “If you’re happy and you know it – tell your face.”  I thought what he said was so funny and so true that I decided to sing about it.  Hope you enjoy the video. 

I am dedicating this rendition to those of you (like me) who have serious faces.  People have told me that I look “mean.”  I agree with them although I don’t look “mean” intentionally.  Sometimes I have other things on my mind and I don’t even realize my facial expression.

Some people just naturally look friendly and happy.  I have to work at it.  I have to remind myself to look pleasant and to smile more when I’m out and about.  I know that I am not alone.  Many people have this same issue.  Can I get an AMEN?  How do I know?  I know because I observe people when I’m out and about.  

Sometimes I visit a particular church.  It’s a big church.  Most of the people don’t know me and I don’t know them.  I find it interesting that as people are walking through the parking lot to go into the church, they will walk right past each other without even smiling or simply saying, “good morning.”  What’s up with that?  We’re going in the same direction to worship God, yet we can’t even greet each other.  I have also walked into the restroom and received neither a smile nor a good morning.  As a result, I decided that I would be the initiator – I would smile and I would speak first.  I’m trying to make it a habit.  I don’t always feel like doing it, but at least I’m trying.

One day I was in Costco’s siting at a table waiting for my sisters to pay for their purchases.  A man walked towards me.  I asked myself, “Why is this man coming towards me? I don’t know him.”  Yes, you all, I talk to myself and answer myself back.  Anyway, he walked up to me and said, “Smile, you are gorgeous!” 

Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather.  I’m at the age where I feel like I am invisible to men.  I was so shocked.  I smiled and replied, “Thank you.”  He then replied, “No, thank you!  He then proceeded to walk out of the store.

smile-2-poster

Instead of saying “Thank you” I should have said “No, thank God” because I had nothing to do with how He created me.  I’m His handiwork.  Really, I was too shocked to say anything else.

 The take away from my story: 

Smile because you never know how your smile might bless and uplift someone.

 

My brother Sam is in a nursing home, recovering from a stroke.  When I visit him I usually end up saying something funny.  I don’t plan it; it just comes out of my mouth.  It really blesses me when I say something that causes him to smile.  It really makes my day.

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Sometimes I wake up with a smile on my face because I wake up thinking and thanking God.  I lie there for a few minutes, throwing Him kisses.  I imagine Him smiling as He catches those kisses.

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I’m sure you know the wonderful benefits of laughing.  Do you know the wonderful benefits of smiling? 

Smiles:

  • Boost your mood.  You can’t be happy and sad at the same time.
  • Change your mindset when you’re in a bad situation. This can contribute to you finding other ways to successfully deal with that situation.
  • Keep stress at bay.  Stress plays a major role in heart conditions and hypertension.
  • Are contagious.  Ever notice how often a friend, colleague or complete stranger will reciprocate a smile after you share one?
  • Make you more approachable. You come across as more likable and friendly.
  • Through pain show strength.  It takes a strong person to smile through pain.
  • Can redirect your day toward adventure, possibility, and being carefree.

Meditating on the Word of God will help you smile more.

 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22 King James Version (KJV)

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.  Proverbs 15:13, 15 (KJV)

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.

The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.  Psalm 126:2, 3 (KJV)

 If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face and wear a smile,’ Job 9:27 New (NKJV).

Humor Time

At Sunday school they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings.  Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs.  Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, Johnny what is the matter?  Little Johnny responded, “I have pain in my side.  I think I’m going to have a wife.”                                                            –Author Unknown

Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil.  One said to the other, “What do you think about all this satan stuff?”  The other boy replied, “Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out.  It’s probably just your dad.”           –Author Unknown

An elderly woman died last month.  Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers.  In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, “They wouldn’t take me out while I was alive, I don’t want them to take me out when I’m dead.    – Author Unknown

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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 blog:  SMILE MORE

Ways to do this include, but are not limited to:

Goal A  

  1. Write the word “Smile” on an index card. You’re painting a picture that your brain can see. If it visualizes something – it will aim to work toward it. 
  1. Tape the index card to your bathroom or bedroom mirror. The bathroom mirror would probably be better because then everyone else who goes in there will also be encouraged to smile.
  1. Every time you look in that mirror, smile. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between what is real versus what is false.  So smile whether you feel like it or not.

Goal B

  1. Smile at a complete stranger at least once a day. Someone may think you’re strange and won’t smile back.  They may even think you’re trying to get a date, but don’t let that stop you.  If they refuse to smile back, it’s their loss.  Just move on to the next person.  Think of your smile as a two-fold good deed.  You’ll feel good and you could also brighten someone’s day.

Did you achieve your goal?  Ways to measure:

  • Take a few minutes at the end of each day to write down your smiling experience for that day.
  • Keep a calendar where you can check off or put a smiley face each day that you complete your daily goal. Keep doing this every day, and you’ll have a chain of days you’ve checked off.

Do this challenge for 2 weeks or until it becomes habit.  Encourage someone to join you.  

I can’t encourage you to do something that I’m not willing to do.  So I’ll be taking this challenge beginning March. 1st.

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When I sat down at the computer to begin this blog, I didn’t know what I was going to share.  The only thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to share my song.  Now I have to make myself stop typing.  It’s like eating potato chips.  Once you get started, it’s hard to stop.

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

Bye for now.           2 smiling faces.jpg

“Smile”

Smile tho’ your heart is aching
Smile even tho’ it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You’ll get by

If you smile
Thro’ your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shin-ing thro’ for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide ev-‘ry trace of sadness
Altho’ a tear may be ever so near

That’s the time
You must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worth-while

If you just smile

— NAT KING COLE

 

Resources

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/520165825686344332/

Steven Furtick, Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina

https://stevenfurtick.com

TBN  (Trinity Broadcasting Network)

https://www.tbn.org/

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+9%3A27&version=KJV

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+9%3A27&version=NKJV

http://www.goal-setting-motivation.com/set-your-goals/writing-goals/

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/natkingcole/smile.html

 

 

It can be done

new-year

Humor time

  • Remember you can reset your resolutions on January 14th (Orthodox New Year) and February 8th (Chinese New Year). After that, even I can’t help you.

  • My 2017 resolution is for everyone else to gain the 50 pounds I refuse to lose.

  • I have only one resolution. To rediscover the difference between wants and needs. May I have all I need and want all  I have.

  • This New Year’s I’m going to make a resolution I can keep: no dieting all year long.

  • May all your troubles last as long as your New Year resolutions.

Jemima was taking an afternoon nap on New Year’s Eve before the festivities. After she woke up, she confided to Max, her husband, ‘I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year’s present. What do you think it all means?’
‘Aha, you’ll know tonight,’ answered Max smiling broadly.
At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Jemima and handed her small package. Delighted and excited she opened it quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled: ‘The meaning of dreams’.

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It Couldn’t Be Done             (This is one of my favorite poems.)
BY EDGAR ALBERT GUEST
Somebody said that it couldn’t be done
      But he with a chuckle replied
That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
      Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
      On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
      That couldn’t be done, and he did it!
For the entire poem visit: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/44314
Hope you enjoy the video.  🙂 Don’t let my face scare you. 🙂
 Adapted from the works of Edgar Albert Guest and Dr. Mattie Moss Clark.

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I stepped away from my blog for a while, but now I’m back.  I didn’t mean to stay away so long.  I felt neither motivated nor inspired nor encouraged.  The next thing I knew Dec. 2016 had arrived and I had posted nothing since February.  I had received emails during the past few months, letting me know that people were still following my blog. That news encouraged me, but it was God who gave me that final push.  I can’t say exactly what He did, but He did it – on the inside of me. 

My job situation hasn’t changed (for more of my story, you’ll need to read previous blogs).  I’m still working in retail, just a few hours a week.  I’m still waiting on that full time job or several streams of income that equals a full time job.  I should be on cocaine, an alcoholic, or suicidal – but God!  He has kept my mind.  I’m still praising Him.  All of my needs are constantly being met.  I’m not homeless.  I’m not broke.  I’m not depressed.  I haven’t had to beg, borrow, or steal.  I’m not bragging on me; I’m bragging on God.  I’m learning how to patiently wait on Him and to continue with my projects while I’m waiting and praising Him.

My New Year’s resolution is to keep going, keep trying, even when I don’t feel like it. Write when I don’t feel like it.  Make videos, sing my songs, and continue with my radio broadcasts – even when I don’t feel like it.   Yep, that’s the plan.

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You can – – Do Better!

One of my quests is to encourage people (myself included) to do better (mentally, spiritually, and physically).  Do better today than you did yesterday.  Do better this week than you did last week.  Do better this month than you did last month.  Do better in 2017 than you did in 2016.

In order to do better, we must set some goals.  I want to explore goal setting.  Stay with me because it’s going to lead to a challenge, but it may take a few blogs to get there.

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.  When we set goals we must realize that it may not be a walk in the park.  There are things we are going to have to start doing and things we are going to have to stop doing or do less of, if we’re striving to be fit for God’s use (in every area of our lives) until we die. 

Hebrews 12:1 & 2 reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

This verse tells us that we are to run a race that has been marked out for us.  We trust God to set the race up but we must also recognize that we have a part to play in order to cooperate with His plan.  In order to run the race, we have to endure some training.  We have to set some goals.

  • Let’s look at some benefits of goal setting.

Goal setting is a spiritual discipline.  God is a goal setting God.  He has goals for history that have not happened yet. God has goals for His family, the church, that haven’t happened yet. God has goals for your life that have not happened yet. God is a planner.  He doesn’t just sit around and let things happen.  If God plans and God wants us to be like him, then it would make sense that He wants us to set goals also.

Godly goals are statements of faith. They affirm our trust in God. When you say, I believe God wants me to accomplish this by this date, that’s a statement in faith.

Goal setting builds character.  One of the ways you develop character is by setting a goal and going after it and not giving in when you have all kinds of difficulties. It is in that process, that struggle, you develop the kind of character that God wants you to have.  Goals are achieved with God’s power.

“We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.”Prov. 16:9 That’s why we fail at our goals. We don’t depend on him. 

Zechariah 4:6 says, “You will not succeed by your own strength or power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.” 

Prov. 3:5& 6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.”

First you’ve got to trust the Lord with all your heart and rely on His power.  Then you need to get either a partner or in a small group.  Accountability plays an important role goal setting.  You check up on each other and help each other out.

The goals that you set should be “SMART” goals.  Ask yourself: if this goal is:

  • Specific– is it clear what the goal is? Is it clear exactly what I mean?

  • Measurable– how will I know if I have achieved the goal? How will I measure my success?

  • Attainable– is it possible to achieve this objective? What do I need in place to make it attainable?

  • Relevant– is this objective one that I consider appropriate. Does it deliver wider priorities? Is it worth doing?

  • Time-bounded– by when am I going to achieve this? Setting a timescale provides focus and urgency, clarifying when you intend to achieve the objective. The objective has a deadline and is therefore more than just a wish!

You may have some setbacks. You may fall down. But 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. 

 It can be done!  You can do better. I’ll share more about this subject in the next blog.

What are your goals for 2017?  How’s it going so far?  Feel free to share with us.

 

Thanks for stopping by!  great-day-face

 

Sources:

https://clipartfest.com/download/5bb6ef60a4fcffd96195bbe256229babea17e618.html

http://www.jokes4us.com/holidayjokes/newyearsjokes.html

http://www.theholidayspot.com/newyear/jokes.htm#WDyqsMqHQmTQ0sIO.99

https://www.valentinesdaywishes.org/happy-new-year-poems-jokes-shayari-memes-fireworks-images-photos-2017.html

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/44314

New International Version (NIV)    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012

 

 

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

 

 

 

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