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

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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still Standing

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

tree

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

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

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

 

“Food” –Creation retold    

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

Then using God’s great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, “You want chocolate with that?” And Man said, “Yes!” and Woman said, “and as long as you’re at it, add some sprinkles.” And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.

So God said, “Try my fresh green salad.” And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.

God then said, “I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them.” And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.

God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it “Angel Food Cake,” and said, “It is good.” Satan then created chocolate cake and named it “Devil’s Food.”

God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald’s and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, “You want fries with that?” And Man replied, “Yes! And supersize them!” And Satan said, “It is good.” And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then Satan created HMOs.

 

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

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

 

Refunds

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

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