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

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