Tag: smile

Stress-free Nuggets

** Smile! Laugh! You can do it. Your body will thank you.
** What else can you do with Vicks VapoRub?
** Got Patience? It is an admirable and valuable character trait that we all need.

Nugget 1 A Little Humor

***Never Argue With Children – A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. At one point in the discussion, the teacher remarked that it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow an entire human being because, even though the whale was a very large mammal, its throat was very small.
“But the whale swallowed Jonah,” the little girl insisted.
Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human. It was physically impossible, she said.
The little girl said, “When I get to heaven, I will ask Jonah.”
The teacher asked, “What if Jonah went to hell?”
The little girl replied, “Then you ask him.”

***Why frogs are always so happy
Ethan: Why are frogs always so happy?
Brad: Beats me.
Ethan: They eat whatever bugs them.

***A husband and wife get up on Sunday morning. After breakfast, the wife notices that her husband isn’t dressed for church.
“Why aren’t you dressed for church?”
“Simple. I’m not going.”
“Why not?”
“Well, I’ll give you three pretty good reasons why I’m NOT going.
First of all, the church is cold in the morning. It’s just cold.
Second, no one there likes me. Everyone is always talking about me behind my back.
And third, most important of all, I just don’t feel like going!”

Well, I’ll give you three pretty good reasons why you ARE going.
First of all, the church isn’t cold in the morning; it’s warm.
Second, I think, or I’m pretty sure, that there are some people there who do like you,
And third you’re the minister, so get dressed.”

Nugget 2

There is a website that provides DIY projects that may make your life easier and hopefully save you some money. One of the posts was so interesting that I decided to share tips with you all. The title of the post is: “What Else is Vicks VapoRub Good For? 4 Unexpected Deodorizing Hacks.” I grew up with Vicks VapoRub in the family bathroom cabinet. We used it for colds and congestion.  I never knew (until now) that this household staple could be used as a deodorizer.  See the sources at the end of this post and check them out.

We all know that no matter what you do to avoid negative stress; you cannot totally get away from it. Negative stress can impact your state of mind, your physical health, the decisions you make, your shopping habits, your eating habits, etc. It can also rob you of your time. Things we can do like DIY projects, can contribute to less stress. Fresh smells can cause dopamine and serotonin to be released in the brain. The effect can be an uplifted mood, a reduction of anxiety and stress. Most importantly, less stress helps us to be happy & fit for the Master’s use!

The following 4 tips may be used to help keep your shoes, musty closets, and more – FRESH.

1. Deodorize the Trash Can – Vicks has a strong, clean scent that can mask unpleasant odors. Smear a small amount inside a trash bag or under the trash can lid to keep odors in check.

2. Deodorize Closets – Vicks is great for freshening up closets and keeping those pesky moths away—they hate the smell! So, keep a jar tucked in the closet where you store your winter clothes. Poke holes in the lid of the Vicks jar. Place it inside the back of your closet. Voila!

3. Deodorize Boots & Shoes -Vicks helps mask odors and leaves a fresh scent behind. Dab some Vicks on cotton balls and tuck them inside your boots or shoes overnight.

4. Deodorize Smelly Hands After Cooking – The eucalyptus and menthol in Vicks helps remove strong odors like garlic, onion, and fish—scents that soap alone struggles to remove. After cooking, rub a small dab of Vicks on your hands, then wash with warm water and soap. Your hands will be odor-free and lightly moisturized.

DIY DISCLAIMER: This DIY guide involves the use of Vicks VapoRub for various household purposes. Please note that Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients that can be harmful if ingested by pets. It is strongly advised to use this product with caution and keep it out of reach of animals to prevent any health risks.

Nugget 3 Remain Patient

James 5:7-11, NKJV
7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Rich, wicked unbelievers in James 5:1-6 had been oppressing the poor believers. James gave them a warning; Their reckoning day was coming. It’s not a sin to have expensive things, land, or to be rich. It’s what you do with your wealth that counts. They refused to spread their wealth. James let the believers know that their day of justice, deliverance and vindication was coming. He didn’t give a time or date but he encouraged them to remain patient and steadfast to the Lord. In due time, He would intervene on their behalf.  He would keep His promise.

Being patient is challenging for me. I do not like waiting. It can be especially hard when I’m suffering, but I understand that I grow spiritually through patience and endurance.  One thing I have learned is that I cannot make God move any faster than He intends to. My arms are too short to box with Him. He will come to my rescue only when He gets ready. Although I may struggle with waiting, I remain steadfast to Him.

James gave the example of the waiting farmer. The farmer does not sit on the porch, read the newspaper and wait for the harvest to come. He daily cares for his crops during the growing season. He does not grumble and complain because they are not growing fast enough. He knows that after his hard work, the harvest will come.

James gave other examples. The Old Testament prophets spoke for God. They were anointed, obedient and faithful, yet they suffered. Job suffered more than we probably will ever suffer. He had stubborn trust in God, during his trials. Look at how God brought him out. He was applauded for his perseverance.

Are you going through a tough situation? Are you tired of waiting for a change to come? You’re not in this thing alone. God sees and He knows your situation. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. When your change comes, you’ll have another testimony – a testimony that will bring glory to our wonderful God.

Patience is a vibrant Christian virtue, which is deeply rooted in the Christian’s absolute confidence in the sovereignty of God and in God’s promise to bring all things to completion in a way that most fully demonstrates His glory. ~Albert Mohler

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 get to know Him even better.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.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with someone.

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any way.

Sources
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/66076319525059563/
https://jokes.scoutlife.org/jokes/frogs-always-happy/
https://holidravel.com/a-husband-and-wife-get-up-on-sunday-morning/?ssp_iabi=1683551292346
https://www.hometalk.com/
https://www.hometalk.com/posts/clean/what-else-is-vicks-vaporub-good-for-5-45122182
https://www.vicks.co.uk/products/decongestants/vicks-vaporub-ointment
https://itsyourturnblog.com/when-to-be-patient-and-when-to-be-impatient-baca2e2ae697

Delightful Tidbits        

** Aging is inevitable, but losing my filter is not.
** Keep running. This is neither the time nor the place to give up.
** Jesus is a burden barer & heavy load carrier.

Tidbit 1 Humor Time
 
****How to politely tell someone that they are stupid: Wisdom has been chasing you, but you have always been faster.

****Some seniors have no filter as they grow older. I went to sing at an assisted living facility. One of the residents came up to me afterwards. This was our conversation.

Resident: Is that a wig?

Me: Yes, it is.

Resident: I thought so, because most people don’t have that much hair.
(True story )

Lord, as I get older, please let me keep my filter. Aging is inevitable, but losing my filter is not. 

****During Gladys Aylward’s harrowing journey out of war-torn Yang Chen, during the Communist take-over, she saw no apparent hope of reaching safety. A 13-year-old girl tried to comfort her by saying, “Don’t forget what you told us about Moses in the wilderness,” (referring to God’s promise of his presence) to which Gladys Aylward replied, “Yes, my dear, but I am not Moses.” The young girl replied, “Yes, but God is still God.”

Tidbit 2  Keep Running

We are 6 months into 2024. Time is just flying by. Did you set any New Year’s resolutions for 2024? Did you think you would be further along on your healthy living quest?  Have you become complacent?  Did you start out running and now you are walking? Wherever you find yourself, I want to encourage you to keep running.

Yes, I get tired sometimes, but giving up is not an option.  After years of exercising, I still have to make myself exercise.  I still have to make myself eat raw veggies. If I stop my healthy living quest now, it won’t be pretty. I would get stiff. I would get fatter. Who knows what else would go wrong?  So, let us keep getting some form of exercise in, eating those veggies, staying hydrated, taking those vitamins, getting enough sleep, etc. Let us keep, praying, seeking the Lord, reading our Bible, etc. It may be difficult but never impossible. Keep doing better! Keep running!

 Tidbit 3 My Yoke Is Easy

Kid: I didn’t know Jesus put eggs on people in the Bible.

Mom: What are you talking about?

Kid: Well, in Matthew 11:29, Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you ..………                   

Matthew 11:25-30, NKJV
At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. 26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I don’t know about you, but I have had plenty of heavy burdens in my lifetime. Some have been so heavy that I just wished Jesus could come, crack the sky (the Rapture), and beam me up.  Some have been so heavy that I just wanted to die and go home to be with Him. Some have been so heavy that I just wanted to take a bottle of pills. The one thing that kept me from doing so was that I probably would have ended up in a nursing home in my right mind, but paralyzed for life.  I might have lost a limb or two, been disabled and lived with regret for the rest of my life.

Burdens weigh down our hearts and lives. We carry some of them daily: having to always be right, trying to live up to the expectations of others, inferiority, death, loss, financial hardships, guilt, relationship tension, etc.  I don’t have to allow any of these examples to weigh me down, unless I choose to do so. I must remind myself daily that I am a part of God’s team. This means that in every game of life, I win, even when it doesn’t look like I’m winning.

In our reading for today, Jesus extends an invitation for us to come to Him with our burdens. He didn’t say we wouldn’t have them. He said He would make them light. He cannot and will not lie. It is totally possible to live freely and lightly and just rest in Him. What an awesome place to be! I’m not there. I may never get totally there but every day, I’m working on it.

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

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 get to know Him even better.

Bye for now. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to click the Follow button.

Sources
https://barbararainey.substack.com/p/the-barbara-rainey-podcast-growing
https://pixabay.com/vectors/burden-heavy-man-overworked-people-1296754/

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any way.

Jubilant Tidbits

** “Share your smile with the world. It’s the symbol of friendship and peace.” –Christie Brinkley
** How cool it is to watch tiny seeds grow into sprouts!
** Jesus took the Lord’s Supper (Communion) seriously, and so should we. Paul reminds us of the correct way to observe it.

*** Tidbit 1 Humor Time 

One day the schoolteacher scolded young Freddie, saying, “Freddie, you mustn’t laugh out loud in the school room.” Freddie responded respectfully by saying, “Sorry, teacher. I didn’t mean to. I was smiling and my smile busted.”

A fellow walked into a drugstore and headed to the back to speak to the pharmacist. Do you have anything for hiccups?” he asked.
Without warning, the pharmacist reached over and gave the man a sharp smack on the shoulder. “Did that help?” he inquired.
“I don’t know,” the startled man replied. “I’ll have to ask my wife. She’s waiting in the car.”

A teacher asked her students to use the word “beans” in a sentence. “My father grows beans,” said one girl. “My mother cooks beans,” said a boy. A third student spoke up, “We are all human beans.”

*** Tidbit 2  Still Sprouting

I’m still sprouting! I shared the beginning of my sprouting adventure in September’s Blog (Heartening Nuggets, 2023). I wanted to report an update. I’m still enjoying the process: watching the tiny seeds grow into edible small vegetables. How cool is that? I enjoy harvesting them and adding them to my diet.

I can’t say anything miraculous has happened. I can’t say, “Oh they taste so delicious!” I can say that I like the fact that I’m giving my body a variety. I get tired of eating the same veggies every week. I think my body also says, “Thank you for giving me something different to work with.” You can see above in the picture, the sprouts I grew and harvested: God’s beautiful creation!

Sprouts are young plants on their way to full growth. They are harvested a few days after they germinate. Although they are miniature in size, they are big in nutrition. They carry essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.

The health benefits of sprouts may include lower blood sugar levels, improved: immune system, heart health, digestion of carbohydrates and proteins.  They may also help prevent infection, reduce period pain, detox the body and slow osteoporosis.

There is a risk of contamination when adding sprouts to your meals. Most sprout seeds are grown in warm, humid conditions which may cause bacterial growth. There are some things you can do to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

  • Never buy or eat slimy or smelly sprouts.
  • Keep sprouts chilled below 48 degrees at all times.
  • Take extreme caution with sanitization if attempting to make sprouts at home.
  • Rinse sprouts before consumption.
  • You can cook them. You may lose some nutrients, but you can still get a lesser amount of the nutrients as long as you don’t cook them to death.

I take the precautions. I pray before I consume them. I can get food poisoning eating anything, anywhere (at a restaurant, at a church gathering, even at home). God has protected me this far and I’m grateful to Him. You can find sprouts pretty much wherever you find food, particularly grocery stores and farmers markets. I encourage you to conduct your own research & to consult with your health care provider about any changes you plan to make. Happy eating!

*** Tidbit 3  The Lord’s Supper

Corinthians 11:23-26, NKJV
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

The apostle Paul is the author of our scripture for today. He wrote this passage in response to a report about the shameful, disrespectful behavior in the Corinthian church. There was church division and conflict among the believers. They had even begun treating the Lord’s Supper as if it were an ordinary meal.  

Paul was not with the apostles at the very first Lord’s Supper, but he received an understanding of the tradition from the Lord. It was not something that he made up. He reminded them of the correct way to observe it. Not only were they to consider the needs of others, they were to observe this supper as a sacred rite.

As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, let us ………

— Examine ourselves – Ask for forgiveness in areas where we’ve missed the mark (unforgiveness, hatred, disobedience, fear, worry, jealousy, etc.).
— Look back and remember – Bring to mind the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
— Share – Proclaim, preach, teach, and testify about Jesus to those around us.
— Look to Jesus’ return and get happy – The Lord’s Supper is about the death and the reign of Jesus. He got up from the grave and is coming back for us.
— Remember the covenant – The Lord’s Supper reminds us that we are in covenant with the Lord. We told God that we would follow His ways (when we accepted Him as Savior). In turn, He guaranteed that our sins were forgiven and paid for by the blood of Jesus.

Some churches have stopped the tradition of taking Communion (the Lord’s Supper) entirely or it has become a lifeless ritual taken more out of habit. Jesus took this meal seriously as it was one of the final acts of His earthly ministry. The apostle Paul also took it seriously. We may not fully understand the significance of it, but if Jesus commanded it, that’s enough for me. 

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

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 get to know Him even better.

Bye for now. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to click the Follow button.

Sources
https://shcofchapelhill.com/chaplains_corner/a-joyful-heart-is-good-medicine/
https://www.laughfactory.com/jokes/clean-jokes#
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-the-health-benefits-and-risks-of-eating-sprouts
https://markitonutrition.com/red-clover-sprouts/
https://unsplash.com/photos/gray-stainless-steel-chalice-and-bread-bun-dSbfYNeDeiM

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any w



Reassuring Tidbits

** “Learn to smile at every situation. See it as an opportunity to prove your strength and ability.”– Joe Brown
** Take the “Laugh Challenge.”
** Constancy in Prayer – Don’t stop praying. Pray until you get an answer; until you get a release or until something happens.

*** Tidbit 1  Humor Time
A young man took a shortcut home one night. He went through a cemetery. He fell into an open grave. He tried to get out but couldn’t. He yelled and screamed but it was to no avail. There was no one around to hear him. He finally came to the conclusion that he needed to wait until the morning so he settled in for the night. He went to sleep.

Later that evening another person was taking a shortcut through the cemetery. He too fell in the open grave. He started to claw and scratch. He shouted as loud as he could but it was to no avail. Suddenly the first man who had fallen into the grave woke up and in the darkness tapped the man who was scratching and clawing and said, “You can’t get out of here.” You know what? He did! –Author Unknown
Take away: You never know what you are capable of doing until you’re in a crisis.

Out of the mouth of babes.

*** Tidbit 2  The Laugh Challenge
I love to laugh. I love how it makes me feel. God blessed us with the gift of laughter. Laughter makes your heart merry and the Bible tells us in Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Science also confirms it. I’ve heard that laughter can be compared to internal jogging. Laughter increases blood flow, helps relieve stress, and boosts the immune system. It may help reduce pain and reduce calories. It also increases the feel-good hormones (dopamine, endorphins).

Have you laughed today? Did you laugh yesterday? Laughter is so good for your health and it’s a decision that only you can make. One of my goals for the month of February is to laugh more. Four days a week I will laugh intentionally for a minimum of 5 minutes (of course I will go over 5 minutes once I get started). It’s like eating potato chips, once you get started – it’s hard to stop.

Your body doesn’t know the difference between sincere and fake laughter; You will still reap the wonderful benefits. Don’t wait until you feel like it. Begin to think of something funny. Begin to think of how God has given Christians victory in and through all things. Won’t you join me and take the challenge? I promise, you won’t regret it.

*** Nugget 3  Constancy in Prayer
Psalm 77:1-15
1 I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, that he may hear me. 2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. 3 I think of God, and I moan; I meditate, and my spirit faints. Selah

4 You keep my eyelids from closing; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5 I consider the days of old and remember the years of long ago. 6 I commune with my heart in the night; I meditate and search my spirit: 7 “Will the Lord spurn forever and never again be favorable? 8 Has his steadfast love ceased forever? Are his promises at an end for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah

10 And I say, “It is my grief that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”11 I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord; I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will meditate on all your work and muse on your mighty deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; you have displayed your might among the peoples. 15 With your strong arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

Asaph, the author of Psalm 77 was troubled and disheartened. He reached out to God in prayer. He believed that God heard him but God did not respond. Although he felt like God had rejected him, he kept reaching out to Him. He remembered the faithfulness and goodness of God. He remembered how God had brought Israel out of Egypt and the wonders He performed in the past. He still wasn’t comforted, but he did not stop praying. 

When COVID came our way, I bought a ukulele. I practiced that ukulele daily. As restrictions lifted, I stopped showing constancy in practicing. I don’t remember the last time I picked it up. Our purpose this week is to encourage constancy in prayer. Like Asaph, there will be times when we have trouble and allow ourselves to become overwhelmed with sadness, grief or life. What do we do when prayer does not help or when we feel like God is not there? What do we do when we remember God’s faithfulness but it does not seem to help? We keep praying even if we feel faithless. We pray until we get an answer; until we get a release or until something happens. We hold on to what is true about God even if we cannot see or feel it. God is faithful to His children; He always has been and will always be.

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

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 get to know Him even better.

Bye for now. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to click the Follow button.

Sources
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/387168899186511002/
Free Laugh Cliparts, Download Free Laugh Cliparts png images, Free ClipArts on Clipart Library (clipart-library.com)
https://clipart-library.com/clipart/209941.htm

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any way.

Jovial Nuggets

** “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” – Martin Charnin
** Self-Advocacy: Be Your Own Health Advocate.
** Giving Thanks in the Worst of Times (Psalm 68:4-10, NRSV)
** I pray that you will meet the Lord and/or continue to walk with Him in 2024. Happy New Year!

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time

Actual children’s versions of Christmas Carols:
“…sleep in heavenly peas”;
“Joy to the world, the Savior rains”;
“This is he whom Sears of old…”;
“Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plane”;
“While shepherds washed their socks by night.”

When short hemlines came back into fashion, a woman dug an old miniskirt out of her closet. She tried it on, but couldn’t figure out what to do with the other leg. -Ashley Cooper (Charleston, SC.)

The stranger approached the pastor after service and said, “I’d like you to pray for my hearing.” The pastor placed his hands on the man’s ears and said a passionate, earnest prayer. “How’s your hearing now?” the pastor asked.

Looking surprised, the man said, “Well, it’s not until tomorrow.”

*** Nugget 2  Be Your Own Health Advocate

2024 will be here in a matter of hours. How time flies! It seems like the older I get, the faster it flies. I want to challenge you in 2024 to become your own health advocate. If you already are, then good for you! Health advocates take control of their health care experience. As a health advocate you should never be afraid to ask questions. There’s no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your health. Speak up with your needs, concerns and preferences. Take notes during your visit or ask about recording the conversation for future reference. Make sure you and your doctor are on the same page when it comes to treatment, medication, therapy, etc.

I went to see a doctor. A prescription was called in for me. I was supposed to take one medication first, and then the other one. First of all, the order of the prescriptions was called in wrong. I called the pharmacy. They told me what happened and said they would call the doctor’s office.  Well, I waited and waited. I finally called the doctor’s office and told them what was going on. They hadn’t heard from the pharmacy. Then there was a mix up about the correct dosage. I called the doctor’s office again. They finally got it right.

There were a few other things that happened this year that encouraged me to become my own health advocate, but I won’t go into them. The point is, I took action with this incident. I didn’t wait for both parties to keep going back and forth with the prescriptions. I questioned. I investigated. I spoke up with my concerns. After all, my health is worth it!

*** Nugget 3  Giving Thanks in the Worst of Times

Psalm 68:4-10, NRSV
4 Sing to God; sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds—
his name is the Lord—be exultant before him. 5 Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
6 God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad; you restored your heritage when it languished;
10 your flock found a dwelling in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.

Psalm 68 is a Psalm of triumph and victory. The Israelites were urged to praise God for all He had done for them as they wandered through the wilderness. He brought them into the promised land of Canaan. They gave thanks and proclaimed of His goodness even during the worst of times on their journey.

God brings protection, provision and hope for orphans, widows, prisoners, and other lonely people. We also are called to bring hope to people who need help. As we do this, we become more like Jesus. Hope can be provided in many different ways, through giving, encouragement, sharing the Word of God, showing love, prayer, being good examples, etc. If we go to God in prayer, He can show us how He wants us to provide that hope.

Like the Israelites, we too are urged to:Sing to God; sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds—his name is the Lord—be exultant before him (verse 4).  It’s easy to praise Him in the best of times, but can you praise Him in the worst of times? Some people stopped their praise during the pandemic. They still haven’t picked it back up.

Praise glorifies God. It brings restoration, peace, & gets the focus off of ourselves and directed back to God.  The more you praise Him in the worst of times – the better you’ll feel. The more you obey him as He leads you to provide hope for others – the better you’ll feel.

What a mighty God we serve! Angels bow before Him, heaven and earth adore Him. What a mighty God we serve!

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

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 get to know Him even better.

Bye for now. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to click the Follow button.

Sources
stewardshipoflife.org
-Ashley Cooper (Charleston, SC., News and Courier)
https://improvingliteracy.org/brief/self-advocacy-it-you
https://clipart-library.com/clipart/251845.htm

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any way.

Worthwhile Nuggets

** Have you smiled today? Have you laughed today?
** You can grow sprouts any place, in any climate and any time of the year. You don’t need soil, sunshine or fertilizer.
** We should seek to honor God in all our ways, actions, and thoughts.

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time

What is the funniest experience you have ever had in church?
—Pastor Dan had reached the end of his heart-stirring message which led to an invitation. He was reminding us of God’s great sacrifice and love. His next words, “And the Lord says…” were followed by (very loudly from my pew) “BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!” (….the ring tone on my phone)! (SLD)

—My son’s name is Samuel. My brother was a reader that day. The reading: Samuel, Samuel, where are you? By the time he read those lines again, my son yelled out, Uncle Mark, I’M RIGHT HERE!
Small church, everyone knows everyone, that was it. Everyone burst out laughing. (ML)

If Jesus was from Alabama
A little girl from Alabama went to church for the first time ever when she was visiting her grandparents in Michigan. When the pastor announced it was time for the Lord’s Supper, she was excited–and hungry. The congregation filed up to the altar rail, and the child watched in confusion as her grandparents received a wafer and small plastic cup of wine. She could hardly wait to get back to the pew to tell her grandma that Jesus wasn’t from Alabama.

“How do you know that, dear?” asked her grandma.

“Because that was the poorest meal I’ve ever seen,” she said. “Mama would’ve at least given everybody some corn bread and sweet tea.”

*** Nugget 2  Sprouts (continued)

I shared in September’s post that I was on a new adventure: sprouting. I am enjoying this adventure. I love seeing the sprouts start off as tiny seeds and grow into what you see in the picture below: Salad Mix sprouts. Aren’t they just beautiful?

So far, I have sprouted: Salad Mix (Alfalfa, Radish, Broccoli, & Clover), Kale Trio (Blue Curled Scotch, Premier & Red Russian Kale), Mung Bean, and Red Clover. Alfalfa, Clover & Mung Bean are complete sources of protein. I add sprouts to my daily blended salad. I don’t eat a lot of cooked vegetables. I don’t eat a lot of salads, but I will throw all kinds of veggies into my Vitamix blender. I add water, sometimes with some veggie powder, sometimes with some type of veggie juice. I blend it into a liquid or a semi-liquid. It’s fast & simple and cuts down on my chewing time.

You can grow sprouts any place, in any climate and any time of the year. You don’t need soil, sunshine or fertilizer. They’re easy to digest. They’re jam packed with vitamins and nutrients. I get tired of consuming the same vegetables day after day. Sprouts bring some variety.

Keep in mind that there is a risk of contamination when adding sprouts to your meals. Most sprout seeds are grown in warm, humid conditions which may cause bacterial growth. There are some things you can do to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

  • Never buy or eat slimy or smelly sprouts.
  • Keep sprouts chilled below 48 degrees at all times.
  • Take extreme caution with sanitization if attempting to make sprouts at home.
  • Rinse sprouts before consumption.
  • Always wash your hands before handling sprouts.

    I encourage you to conduct your own research & to consult with your health care provider about any changes you plan to make.

*** Nugget 3  Honor God

1 Corinthians 6:12-20
“All things are permitted for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are permitted for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for sexual immorality but for the Lord and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.” 17 But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Shun sexual immorality! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against the body itself. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

I can max out my credit cards by shopping till I drop. I’m free to eat what I want, how much I want, whenever I want. I don’t have to exercise another day in my life. I can curse like a sailor. I am free to have sex with a married man or a single man. Although I am free to do these things, they are not beneficial to me. These actions do not glorify God. What I start to do freely can quickly become my master.

The Corinthians thought they could freely live their lives on their own terms. In our Gospel passage today, Paul corrected their view of sexual relationships. He explained that just as a married man and woman become one flesh, on a spiritual level, anyone united to the Lord becomes one flesh with Him. Our every action (especially sexual immorality) will affect that bond.

We should seek to honor God in all our ways, actions, and thoughts. Christ did not set us free so that we could do whatever we want. He set us free so that we could have an eternal relationship with Him. He set us free so that we could fulfill our destinies. He set us free because He loved us.

Part of honoring Him is to ask ourselves some practical questions when we have to make a decision:

  • What is the wisest thing for me to do?
  • What will happen if I choose to do this or not?
  • Will this draw me or others closer to Jesus?
  • Will doing this represent Jesus well?
  • Is it necessary or helpful?
  • Will my decision please God?

The more we spend time with God, the more we begin to think like He does. The more we ask for wisdom, the easier it becomes to make decisions.

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

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 get to know Him even better.

Bye for now. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to click the Follow button.

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any way.

Sources
Jokes (stewardshipoflife.org)
https://jeevankumar.com/2022/01/26/honour-god-with-your-words-and-life/

Heartening Nuggets

** Have you smiled today?
** “Share your smile with the world. It’s the symbol of friendship and peace.” – Christie Brinkley
** Got sprouts? They have many health benefits and are loaded with vitamins and minerals.
** Don’t lose hope. There is hope even in the darkness. (Psalm 88)

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time
The Sunday School teacher was just finishing a lesson on honesty. “Do you know where children go if they don’t put their money in the collection plate?” the teacher asked.

“Yes ma’am,” a boy blurted out. “They go to the movies.”

 Aging with Humor – An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes  scattered over Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart?” the preacher exclaimed. “Why Wal-Mart?” Then I’ll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week.”

What is the funniest experience you have ever had in church?
Our pianist got locked in the bathroom right before the service was to start!!

During prayer one Sunday at worship service, someone’s phone rang – ring tone was “Great Balls of Fire” Everyone started laughing.

The pastor was going through the bible and listing out book by book and things that happened, after getting about 2/3 of the way through, in the same tone he had been preaching in, he said he forgot where he was going with this.

*** Nugget 2  Sprouts
I’m on a new adventure: sprouting. I have purchased sprouts previously in grocery stores but now a desire has come over me to sprout at home. Sprouts are young plants on their way to full growth. They are harvested a few days after they germinate. Although they are miniature in size, they are big in nutrition. The health benefits of sprouts may include lower blood sugar levels, improved heart health, improved digestion of carbohydrates and proteins. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Keep in mind that there is a risk of contamination when adding sprouts to your meals. Most sprout seeds are grown in warm, humid conditions which may cause bacterial growth. There are some things you can do to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

  • Never buy or eat slimy or smelly sprouts.
  • Keep sprouts chilled below 48 degrees at all times.
  • Take extreme caution with sanitization if attempting to make sprouts at home.
  • Rinse sprouts before consumption.
  • Always wash your hands before handling sprouts.

I encourage you to conduct your own research & to consult with your health care provider about any changes you plan to make.

The picture below shows some sprouts that I’m growing: radish, broccoli, salad mix, & mung beans. I am enjoying watching them grow. I will take the precautions, I will pray before I consume them. I can get food poisoning eating anything, anywhere (at a restaurant, at a church gathering, even at home). Thank God for His protection. Thank God for sprouts!

*** Nugget 3  Don’t Lose Hope
Psalm 88
1 O Lord, God of my salvation, at night, when I cry out before you, 2 let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry. 3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the Pit; I am like those who have no help, 5 like those forsaken among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand.
6 You have put me in the depths of the Pit, in the regions dark and deep.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah 8 You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a thing of horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape; 9 my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call on you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you.
10 Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the shades rise up to praise you? Selah
11 Is your steadfast love declared in the grave or your faithfulness in Abaddon?
12 Are your wonders known in the darkness or your saving help in the land of forgetfulness?

13 But I, O Lord, cry out to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14 O Lord, why do you cast me off? Why do you hide your face from me?
15 Wretched and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am desperate.
16 Your wrath has swept over me; your dread assaults destroy me.
17 They surround me like a flood all day long; from all sides they close in on me.
18 You have caused friend and neighbor to shun me; my companions are in darkness.

Psalm 88 is not a happy psalm. It is a psalm of grief, pain and sorrow. It has no resolution at the end. Heman (the author), was as miserable at the beginning as he was at the end.  His heart was broken. Everything that could go wrong had gone wrong. He saw himself as a dying man without hope.

I had a conversation with a person the other day. They are in a negative situation that has been going on for a very long time. They told me that they feel hopeless. I’ve been where they are – in a seemingly hopeless situation. I know what it’s like to cry out to God and it seems like He’s nowhere to be found. I know what it’s like to feel like God has forgotten about me. Even now, there are some things that I’m crying out to God about. I feel like He’s ignoring me, but I know that He loves me and He hears me.

Heman had faith and hope in God; otherwise he would not have continued to cry out to Him. He continued to pray in spite of everything. He knew that God was his Savior (v. 1). He knew about God’s steadfast love and faithfulness (v. 11). He knew that God was the only one who could help him.

When you find yourself in a seemingly hopeless situation, don’t be afraid to cry out to God. Take your hurt, your disappointment, your shame, your fears, your struggles – everything to Him. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Keep hoping. Keep being thankful. That’s what I’m going to do.

“This too shall pass. It may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.” ~Unknown

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

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 get to know Him even better.

Bye for now. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to click the Follow button.

Sources
Tiny sprouts provide big nutrition | American Heart Association
Sprouts: Are They Good for You? Pros and Cons, Nutrition Information, and More (webmd.com)
Health Benefits of Eating Raw Sprouts – Cleveland Clinic
269 Hope In The Darkness (Psalm 88) [Jon Dunning] by Manhattan Pres PCA (soundcloud.com)

Disclaimer of Advertisements
Please be advised that the ad links and cookies attached to the pages of Happy & Fit for the Master’s Use have nothing to do with my ministry and have nothing to do with this blog. They do not reflect the ministry’s interest or endorsement in any way.

Mirthful Nuggets

** “I wake up every day with a smile on my face.”– Henry Ian Cusick
** National Macaroon Day – Let’s celebrate!
** Nothing Will Separate Us (Romans 8:37-39)

Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture grey, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up. ~Allen Klein

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time  
What did the cake say to the fork? You want a piece of me?
What did the waiter say to the skunk? Sorry, I can’t take your odor.
What kind of tea is hard to swallow? Reality.
Why are frogs so happy? They eat whatever bugs them.

FUNNY COMEBACKS:
Remember when I asked for your opinion? Well, me neither.
Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful. Hate me because your boyfriend thinks so.
I understand what you’re saying but if I agreed with you then we’d both be wrong.

What is the funniest experience you have ever had in church?
It was revival on a Saturday night, it was after 10 pm and the preacher shouted out, “Who wants to go to heaven?” Mindy’s 4 year old grandson Randy answered, “I just want to go home.”  Everyone laughed.

*** Nugget 2   National Macaroon Day
We all like reasons to celebrate, right? Well here is a sweet reason. May 31 is National Macaroon Day! I don’t eat them often but I love them. There’s a difference between macaroons and macarons. Their ingredients are similar (both are made with egg whites, sugar, and vanilla). However, the macaroon is typically made of shredded coconut stirred into whipped egg whites and sugar. Macaroons are larger, denser and chewier than macarons. Some macaroons are also drizzled or dipped in chocolate. Macaroons are traditional Passover treats in some Jewish households because they are flourless cookies – no flour can be used in any foods served at Passover.

Here are some ways to celebrate National Macaroon Day on tomorrow.
** Eat macaroons (in moderation)
** Bake them at home or buy them at a store.
** Take some to work to share.

*** Nugget 3   Nothing Will Separate Us 
No, in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:37-39

The Apostle Paul had suffered unjust persecution, famine, false arrest, shipwreck, and threat of murder. Yet, he still believed that because of God’s love, he was more than victorious. He let us know that we too can adopt the attitude of a victor. We make the choice to believe that we are victims or victors. 

Whatever we go through in life, we can come out on the other side as “more than victorious.” Paul left no stone unturned: the outward pressures of life, the inward distress that we feel in our hearts, hunger or lack of food, lack of clothing or shelter, future risks or threats, violent death or execution. In spite of how things look or how we feel about our tough circumstances, God is for us. He loves us. His love gives us hope, joy, peace, strength, and victory.

Oh that we would trust, believe and act on what the Bible says about what we have, who we are and what we can do in Him!

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 get to know Him even better.

Bye for now. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to click the Follow button

Sources
https://roysutton.co.uk/funniest-one-liners-2/
2-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons Recipe: Sweet 10-Minute Coconut Macaroon Recipe Satisfies Fast | Cookies | 30Seconds Food

Cheery Nuggets

** Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile, and start again. – Anonymous
** It may seem like you’re taking one step forward and two steps backward but don’t you quit.
** “May I Please Have a Miracle?” A miracle gives us an opportunity to brag on God.

*** Nugget 1  Humor Time                                        
Someone put a piece of chocolate cake in the refrigerator with a note saying, “Don’t eat me!”
Now there’s an empty plate with a note saying, “Don’t tell me what to do!”

Have you ever listened to some folks for a minute and thought …………………..
“Their cornbread ain’t done in the middle?”

Two things to make your day better:
1.  Do not watch the News.
2.  Stay off the bathroom scale.

When a kid says, “Daddy, I want Mommy” that’s the kid version of “I’d like to speak to your supervisor.”

*** Nugget 2  Do Better
Every day we have an opportunity to do better than the day before. We can do better in any area(s) that we fall short in (financially, spiritually, mentally, and physically). You have to plan to do better. It just doesn’t happen overnight. It often happens slowly and there are usually ups and downs along the way. Sometimes it may seem like you’re taking one step forward and two steps backward. The main thing is that you don’t stop. You all know the saying, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” Make plans right now on how you can do better tomorrow than you did today.

Here are a few ways to do better & make your life healthier:
Financially: Are you spending too much? Limit the days that you eat out. Plan and cook your own meals more.  / Use any extra money that comes along to pay down debt. / Don’t make impulsive purchases. Think about it, compare prices before you buy.
Spiritually: Spend daily time with God. / Study the Word of God. / Connect with a church.
Mentally: Seek out support groups and/or talk to someone you trust. / Relax & reduce stress. / Practice gratitude.
Physically: Drink plenty of water. / Sit less & move more. / Get plenty of sleep.

Deciding to commit to making your life healthier is a decision you will never regret!

*** Nugget 3  May I Please Have a Miracle?
Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Seneca Falls, New York, is home to The Nation Women’s Hall of Fame. It is where women (living & deceased) are recognized for their invaluable contributions to American society in a broad range of fields. Hebrews 11 is home to the Hall of Faith. It is where ordinary men and women of the Old Testament are recognized for their triumphs as they followed God by faith.

Our reading for today gives us a definition of faith (v 1), commendations for faith (v2) and an illustration of faith (v3). Faith gives way for miracles to happen. By faith Sarah, in her old age, was able to become pregnant (Hebrews 11:11). By faith Joshua commanded the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-15). These are just two examples of miracles that resulted from man’s faith and God’s intervention.

Each person’s definition of a miracle differs. One person may see a miracle as living through a heartbreaking situation that hasn’t caused them to lose their mind. Another’s miracle could be that they still have a roof over their head.  By faith (after I lost my job) I believed that God would give me a job in town, with certain work hours, and several other desires.  I didn’t see how it was going to happen in the small town that I live in, but yet I believed. Then, God did it! He gave me my present job and I get other perks like Fridays off. In my eyes, God performed a miracle.

Not all of the heroes of faith conquered. Some of them died before receiving their miracles, but they all lived by faith in God. We won’t always get the miracles that we pray for, even if we have faith.  God loves us and He knows what’s best.  Let us never stop exercising our faith because faith pleases God. Let us never stop asking, “May I Please Have a Miracle?” A miracle gives us an opportunity to brag on God.  Can we brag on Him? According to Jeremiah 9:23 & 1 Corinthians 1:31, yes we can!

Praises to our faithful and miracle-working God!

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

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 get to know Him even better.

Bye for now. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to click the Follow button

Sources
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/6Tp5erXGc.htm
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/2065059.htm
http://clipart-library.com/clipart/540491.htm

December Tidbits

** That smile looks so good on you!
** Goodbye 2022! What bad habit(s) are you leaving behind in 2022?
**Hello 2023, let’s get it started!
** A Royal Beauty Contest – Esther 2:1-4 (Winning)

*** Tidbit 1 

 “A smile is a friend maker.”
~Bangambiki Habyarimana

 “I’m trying to gain 10 pounds before midnight so I can keep my resolution to lose 10 pounds next year.”  ~author unknown

An iPhone and a firework were arrested on New Year’s Eve. One was charged and the other was let off.

Why should you stand on just your left foot during the New Year’s Eve countdown? So, you start the New Year on the right foot.

What happened to the man who stole a calendar? He got 12 months!

*** Tidbit 2 
Dear 2022, Thanks for all the lessons.
Dear 2023, I’m ready………………..

Now is the time to prepare your mind to say goodbye to some 2022 bad habits. We all have them, and it is possible to say goodbye to them forever. Change isn’t always fast nor is it always easy, but it can be done with time and effort. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. The secret to your success is found in your daily routine. Motivation is what gets you started. Habit keeps you going.

  • Choose the habit(s) you’re leaving behind and start planning.
  • Focus on one or two goals at a time.
  • Set a specific start day.
  • Your goal has to be measureable: what, when, how often, how much.
  • Give yourself 30 days to break the habit.
  • Keep a journal and/or use a chart to monitor your progress.
  • Reward yourself: get a massage, buy a new book, a pair of socks, and/or go see a movie.
  • Get a support system. We tend to do better when we have to be accountable to someone. It’s always good to have someone to check on your progress and encourage you.

What bad habit(s) do you want to leave behind in 2022?
– eating late at night
– eating too much
– not drinking enough water
– not getting enough sleep
– not spending enough time with the Lord
– not reading your Bible
– not going to church
The list goes on and on. If you fall or jump off the wagon, get up, dust yourself off and get back on. Don’t beat yourself up. See what you can learn from the setback. Remember that God is there to help you. He wants to help you.

*Tidbit 3 A Royal Beauty Contest     


Esther 2:1-4, NRSV
 After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. 2 Then the king’s servants who attended him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king. 3 And let the king appoint commissioners in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in the citadel of Susa under custody of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women; let their cosmetic treatments be given them. 4 And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so.

On the final day of a banquet that King Ahasuerus held, he decided to show off his beautiful queen, Vashti. He sent for her. She refused to come. As a result, she was forever banished from the king’s presence. Chapter 2 opens with the king remembering Vashti. His anger had subsided, and he probably wanted to restore the relationship, but the law of the Persians and the Medes could not be revoked. His attendants suggested a royal beauty contest. Esther won the contest and became the new queen.

None of these events appeared to have anything to do with the people of God, but He was behind the scenes working. He effectively orchestrated the salvation of the Jews by placing Esther (a Jew), in that position. She was in His plans and she didn’t even know it at that time. She was given favor. We see in the other chapters how He gave her the wisdom and boldness that she needed to carry out God’s plan.

God may sometimes feel absent in your life. It may seem like He has forgotten about you.  You may even wonder if He still cares about what you’re going through. Good news! He is always at work in your life, just like He was at work in the book of Esther.

Stir up your faith and trust Him. He has a plan and a purpose for you. He’ll orchestrate events in your life. He’ll give you favor. He’ll cause you to be happy in a time of sorrow. He’ll give you peace in the midst of strife. He loves you so much that if He has to, He’ll stage a royal beauty contest and cause you to be the winner.

Oh, how wonderful, oh how marvelous is the Savior’s love for us! 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 get to know Him even better.

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.

Sources:
50 Funny New Year’s Jokes – Parade: Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays
contest clipart – Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)