Feel Good Friday – Daily Bread – Faith and Thanksgiving

 

Photo Credit: Catholic News TT

It is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, what are you feasting on? Traditionally families come together to enjoy a feast and fellowship. There is often food left over that can be eaten the next day. Let’s feast on leftovers today, figuratively speaking.

We need daily bread to nourish not only our bodies, but our souls as well. Feed your soul and seek God for your daily direction, refuse to live stressed out. Nibble on this, God’s got this. Whatever you’re facing is a stumbling block that can be turned into a steppingstone. Count your blessings and put God first.

Be hungry for the love and word of God, and you will find nourishment. Not sure where to start? Start with a word of Thanksgiving – Lord I thank you for all you have already done. Now, that’s just my thought, your words may be different. Trust the Lord for all things large and small.

I woke up one morning with a pounding headache, It hurt to lift my head off the pillow. I forced myself to sit up, then felt nauseous. I rolled out of bed and said, “Lord I don’t want to be sick. Especially since I have the day off work tomorrow.” I shuffled to the medicine cabinet for an aspirin, popped one into my mouth, then sat down and listened to a morning meditation.

A warm cup of coffee in one hand and an ink pen in the other. I journaled as I listened to the soothing meditation. I refused to go down without a fight. I had plans for the day, mainly I wanted to get the house ready for Christmas. It wasn’t long before my headache disappeared, and I hung my Christmas lights.

In minutes, I assembled my artificial tree with the pre-lit lights, sprayed a burst of pine scent from a can, and sat. Watching the lights was peaceful. Perched on an end table next to me was a favorite snack – Cheez Its and Sparkling Ice water, accompanied by a daily devotional. These items were part of my daily bread.

I am thankful for each day I awake with energy, and my health. It’s not perfect, but it’s good. Today I am feasting on leftovers – memories of time spent with family.

What are you giving thanks for today?

Wordless Wednesday - Comedy with Karen Mills - Black Friday Shopping List

 

YouTube Video Credit: Karen Mills

Give the gift of humor this Holiday season. Create a funny poem for your friends and family.

Motivational Monday – Thanksgiving

 

A past Thanksgiving - when we could gather we made the most of it. Treasure your family.

Thanksgiving – the expression of gratitude, especially to God. We all have something to be thankful for, even in the midst of challenging situations.

During this season of living through a pandemic, many people are not able to enjoy family in their usual manner. I was planning to visit my mom for Thanksgiving and do what we usually do-eat, watch a movie, then fall asleep during the movie.

Then along came my brother saying, “We can meet at Mama’s house. What are you bringing?”

I said, “We?” If “we” go I’m bringing bleach, Lysol and hand sanitizer.” I knew my brother was referring to food, but I thought I would lighten the situation. My brother and I planned to have dinner with my mother, without our adult children…that has even changed with the latest “stay home” mandate.

How do you save Thanksgiving? Come up with a new recipe…

A Thanksgiving of Hope -  Recipe

1 Cup of Love

1 T of Joy

2 tsp Patience

Mix with gratitude

Serve warm and in large portions

Don’t be overwhelmed by things out of your control. I will go visit my mother, but it may not be the same day that my brother goes. How does that saying go…every day is a day of thanksgiving?

Give thanks for all that God has done and continues to do in your life. What are you thankful for in this moment?

 

Fun Friday – How Do You Exercise Your Humor Muscles?

 

...that moment when your son says he'll watch a movie with you

My grandmother used to say, “if you want to grow up big and strong, you have to exercise and eat right.” I apply this theory to humor. If you want to build your mental health, exercise your humor muscles. Do you remember that adage, an apple a day keeps the doctor away? If you’ve never heard this, it’s because you’ve never met my Grandmama.

My twist on that “apple” theory is that a laugh a day keeps stress at bay. Exercise your humor muscles one laugh at a time. Discover your humor happy place and go there often. Perhaps you need a ten-minute break during your day to regroup, refresh, or recharge. Below are a few things you can do:

1.      Read something funny

2.      Reflect on a funny memory

3.      Make someone else laugh

There comes a time in all of our lives where we must relax and feel comfortable laughing at ourselves. Here are a few scenarios to get you started:

You know it’s going to be a rough day when…

·         Your chin hairs keep snagging your mask – solution: rip that mask off quickly taking the chin hairs with it (no waxing needed).

 

·         Your portioned snack goes wild – maybe it’s just me, but there are some snacks that I can’t keep in the house because uncontrolled eating may occur. It happens often with peanuts. One time I decided not to eat the nuts from the can by the handfuls, but to shake a small portion into  a bowl. The only thing is my hand didn’t cooperate.

As I shook the can it slipped from my hand, knocked the bowl over, nuts scattered on the floor and the can hit the floor. There may have been ten peanuts that made their way into the bowl. That must have been the day that I said, “Lord help me control my eating.” Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor?

·         You look through old photos and discover how you’ve grown…out – as I was cleaning and purging files, I came across old photos. I sat crossed-legged, well I sat with the one leg I could cross, on the floor, and reminisced. There was a picture of me and my sons at a family reunion about 15 years ago.

We were all smiling for the camera. The first thing I thought was, aww, I remember that day. I weighed 150 pounds…the good old days.

How do you exercise your humor muscles? A laugh a day keeps stress at bay.

 

 

Wellness Wednesday - Palate Pleasers - Comfort Foods

 What foods are you finding comforting?

Soup's On - It's Progresso

Spring Mix Salad with Protein (nuts and cranberries)

Snack Time

Monday Musings – 3 Tips for Shopping with Skills of a Ninja

 

Photo Credit: WebStockReview

Shopping during this Coronavirus is different. You have to leave your house with a plan of action…think Ninja skills. You don’t need a covert operation, but you need to move fast and think quick on your feet.

I entered the store ready to grab the few items I set out to get. Before I could began shopping, nature  was calling. I had to make a pit stop at the restroom. Wanting to minimize all touch points, I pushed the door open with my shoulder, like a football player on defense.

Limber as a Ninja, I used my foot push the stall door open. There was wet toilet paper on the floor, I moved to the next stall; the floor was a little wet, perhaps it was just mopped. Not wanting to take a chance, I moved on to the only stall left – the handicapped stall. No one else needed it, so I dashed in, promising to make it quick, in case anyone was listening.

My Ninja senses kicked in again, my thoughts were swirling -  can I lock this stall door without touching it? I used my elbow to slide the lock over and secure it in place. Mission accomplished. I was in and out of the stall with the quickness of a Gazelle. Hand washing was the next obstacle.

I used my wrist to push the water faucet on, the soap was automatic. Singing two rounds of Stevie Wonder’s version of Happy Birthday, and my hand washing was complete. A swift nudge with my elbow and the water was turned off. A glance to the left told me that the paper towel  dispenser was automatic, whew. BUT…the exit door needed to be pulled open.

A wave of my hand in front of the paper towel dispenser rewarded me with a clean brown sheet that I used to pull the door open. I was almost made a lean exit, UNTIL…. I realized the trash can was not near the door. I used my foot as a doorstop, stretched my leg away from the door and leaned my body toward the trash can. I didn’t want to toss my used paper towel on the floor, nor did I want to take it with me.

I had one final Ninja move left in my arsenal – a jump shot. I crumpled the paper towel in a tight ball, leaned over one more inch, and swish, basket good. Once I was safely out of the restroom, I grabbed the few items from my list and headed to a checkout register.

Before you head out on your next shopping trip, have a plan in mind:

1.      Pack your patience.

2.      Don’t have two cups of coffee and a bottle of water before leaving the house.

3.      Take a long your sense of humor.

Be prepared to shop with the skills of a Ninja.

What have you found humorous during a shopping trip?

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Veterans Day

 

YouTube Video Credit: South Central Middle School

Motivational Monday – Chicken Soup for the Soul Day

 

Photo Credit: Tassis Kalas Hanes

What do you think of when hear the words Chicken Soup for the Soul? The first things that come to mind for me are warm and cozy. November 12^th is celebrated as Chicken Soup for the Soul Day.

You are probably familiar with the book series Chicken Soup for the Soul; the stories are heartwarming, funny, and sometimes give you goosebumps. Like a warm bowl of soup feeds your body, these stories feed your soul.

The creators of the book established Chicken soup for the Soul Day as a celebration of, “who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going.” All of this sprinkled with giving thanks for your journey and making it over the speedbumps in your path.

Make this a day of self-care, do something that is healing and relaxing for you. Below are a few tips for celebrating Chicken soup for the Soul Day.

1.      Watch a funny movie – grab your favorite snack, put your feet up, and tune out everything around you (even if it’s only for a short while).

2.      Read a story from Chicken Soup for the Soul – if you don’t own a copy of one of these books, you can subscribe to their newsletter and have stories delivered to your email inbox.

My friend Tassie Kalas Hanes recently had a story published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, look out for it (pictured above).

3.      Pamper yourself – soak your feet in warm bubbles, give yourself a facial, or something else that tickles your fancy.

I’ve heard it said that everyone has a story inside of them. Share a fond memory with your family. Challenge your family members to reflect on a story of gratitude, a warm cozy moment that they remember.

Feel Good Friday – Football and Faith

 

It’s football season. Is God on the sideline in your life? Put Him in the game, He can play Offense and Defense. Wake up each day and give praise for all that you have, and you will not need to call on God as your Safety, your last line of defense.

Punt, pass, or kick, whatever play you decide to use, be sure your playbook is filled with faith. My son plays college football. I am aware of the dangers associated with this sport, but I don’t dwell on the what if’s – what if he breaks a bone, what if he get’s a concussion?  Well, what if he doesn’t?

What are you dwelling on – is it something from the past, a problem, or worry? Turn those negative things around and dwell on God’s presence. When life’s troubles throw you a pass, let God intercept. He can run faster, jump higher, break holds, and get us through to the end zone of our problems.

I’ve found that when you praise and express joy, even when you don’t feel like it, you eventually feel better. Try it, think of a song that you like; start singing it loudly wherever you are. If there is anyone around listening, and you’re singing off key, ask for forgiveness. It if this doesn’t make you feel better, it WILL bring joy to the person laughing at your singing.

Just a quick story…

I was excited about going to my sons’ football game. As I gathered my stadium chair and other items, I began singing and walking with a bounce in my step. From my bedroom to the living room I sang at the top of my lungs. As I got closer to the dining room my son shouted, “Ma, I’m on a zoom call.”

I heard a voice from his computer say, “Somebody’s happy.”

All I could say was, “Oops,”

How does this story relate to football and faith? I was singing a song about faith as I prepared for the football game. Although football season is my analogy for getting God off the sideline and into your game of life. Your analogy could be different. You may need His guidance and protection as you jump hurdles or swim through deep waters.

May you find strength, peace, and joy with any dilemma you face and any situation that stalls you. Call a time out and get God in the game.

Wordlss Wednesday - What's So Funny About Menopause? - Karen Mills Comedy

 

YouTube Video Credit: Karen Mils Comedy - Menopause and Flying Monkeys

Motivational Monday - Take Note and Vote

 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

The first time I cast a vote was in fifth grade. There was a race for class president, and I was a contender. Our school only had two fifth grade classes giving me a fifty/fifty chance at victory. At the urging of my mother my campaign began. My campaign manager (mom) helped me create posters that read – Take Note and Vote. Music notes danced near the words.

 My classmates and I learned about the election process, from campaigning to voting, and delivering speeches. Although I was not elected as class president, I gained a greater understanding of how it felt to step out of your comfort zone.

Another childhood memory of the election process was going with my mother to the voting precinct. I trailed behind her as she stepped into the metal booth and pulled a metal lever that closed the curtain. It felt like we were in the dressing room type booth for eternity (kid terms). Mom starred at the voting panel, slid levers, then finally we were done.

Photo Credit: NY Daily News

Fast forward a few decades and it was my sons turn to take note and vote. They accompanied me to the church that was my polling precinct. The sky was dark, and the air was brisk as we waited in the long line to vote in the 2008 Presidential election. The polling booth was different the metal one from my childhood. However, the reason we were there was the same…to make our voice count; Well…my voice, my sons were too young.

Today, both my sons have voted. What about you, have you voted or plan to vote on November 3^rd? What fond memories do you have about the election process?

Make your voice heard.