According to HolidayInsights.com, ASK A STUPID QUESTION day was created by teachers in the 1980’s to encourage students to ask more questions in the classroom. The theory is that kids hold back, fearing their question is stupid, and asking it will result in ridicule.
I graduated in 1979, so I was part of the generation that kept the stupid questions locked up inside. Apparently nowadays the questions are asked and that’s a good thing. How can people, regardless of age, learn anything if they do not ask questions?
A few questions have come to my mind through the years:
If you have M&M’s in your hand and have a hot flash, will they melt?
If there’s a speed of sound and a speed of light, is there a speed of smell?
If quitters never win, why do they tell us to quit while we’re ahead?
If you blew a bubble in space would it pop?
If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME stuff, why didn’t he just buy dinner?
If prunes are dehydrated plums, where does prune juice come from?
If sour cream is sour, why does it need an expiration date?
If cats like mice, why don’t they make mouse flavored cat food?
If an ambulance is on its way to save someone, and it runs someone over, does it stop to help them?
If a jogger runs at the speed of sound, can he still hear his iPod?
If a kid refuses to sleep during nap time, are they guilty of resisting a rest?
If you are bald, what hair color do they put on your driver’s license?
If money doesn’t grow on trees then why do banks have branches?
If pro and con are opposites, wouldn’t the opposite of progress be congress?
If parents say, “Never take candy from strangers” then why do we celebrate Halloween?
If a parsley farmer loses a law suit, do they garnish his wages?
If there’s an exception to every rule, is there an exception to that rule?
So many stupid questions, so little time. Ask away with wild abandon! 😀
What kind of sweetener do you use in your morning cup of Joe???
A diabetic needs as many facts as possible when choosing foods, but have you given much thought to the sweetener you use? There are so many choices out there! Most of us know that sugar is not really an option because it’s a simple carbohydrate and raises blood sugar very quickly. It has 15 calories per teaspoon.
When I was a kid in the 1960’s, the first diet soda, TAB, hit the market. That is the only soda my mother would drink. It was sweetened with SACCHARIN, which was linked to cancer back then, but that research was debunked, and the FDA and the National Cancer Institute believe it is safe. Saccharin these days goes under the name SWEET ‘N LOW. I call it as PINK SWEET. I don’t use pink, but I just don’t like the aftertaste.
A product containing ASPARTAME came out called EQUAL. It has 4 calories per teaspoon and is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It’s not easy to cook with and doesn’t work well in baked goods. Aspartame is deemed safe by the FDA and the National Cancer Institute, however, a study of more than 3,000 women linked it with kidney decline. Diabetics fight kidney issues to begin with, so for that reason alone I choose to leave aspartame alone. I call Equal BLUE SWEET. I don’t use blue, but it’s because I don’t like the aftertaste. I hate to disagree with Cher, but… oh well.
Then an artificial sweetener came out that begins as table sugar, undergoes a chemical process, and comes out 600 times sweeter than sugar with no calories. When you cook with it, use only half cup for one cup of sugar and check baked goods a few minutes before the recipe suggests. SPLENDA is my number two choice of artificial sweeteners. I call it YELLOW SWEET. I’m cautiously optimistic about SUCRALOSE, but wonder about chemically altering sugarcane. I think it’s too soon to tell if there are any side effects. It’s just too soon to tell. I use it – mostly in store-bought “diet” products such as diet cranberry juice, etc.
I use STEVIA, a zero-calorie sweetener extracted from a South American plant that is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. I do not recommend the brand Pure Via or Truvia. I like spoonable Stevia and liquid stevia in coffee flavor for my coffee in the morning. There are also flavors like English toffee and lemon drop. Go to http://www.iherb.com for more information. And you can use Leslie’s code to save $5 off your first order.
OK – I think this guy is nuts – but there ya go.
Other natural choices would be agave nectar and monk fruit extract. Surprisingly, agave’s glycemic index is lower than sugar’s. It is not, however, calorie-free. It is better than sugar but not ideal in my opinion. Monk fruit extract is calorie-free and 150-300 times sweeter than sugar. It’s a little tricky to cook with because it varies in sweetness. Something more consistent should be used for cooking or baking.
We’ve come a long way since the days of TAB and horrible aftertaste! It’s great that we have so many choices these days. I’m so glad that diabetics can enjoy just a bit of SWEET once in a while. 😉
Have you ever over thought over thinking? LOL! Well, maybe not, but on high pain days or bad blood sugar days it’s easy to over think things! As a young woman I hardly got a cold, but now it feels as though I’m falling apart some days. If I’m having an extremely bad day, it can feel downright unfair.
My mother died ten years ago today. I know some people don’t remember dates like that, but I can’t help but remember. Grief is a large weight, even after such a long time. I don’t weep like I used to, but these days the sorrow comes out of the blue. I was walking around an antique store and spotted a set of bowls that my mother had.
The largest one was a bright yellow (maybe that’s why it’s my favorite color), the bowls nested inside one another. I didn’t keep my mom’s set of bowls (you can’t hang on to everything) but seeing them brought back memories of cookie-baking, pie-baking and great conversations with my mom. Those bowls made me smile – and cry. Sounds strange – how can I do both? I don’t know – but I can.
What does our Lord want us to do when we are weary and heavy laden?
We cannot find life’s treasure if we’re rushing here and there, chasing shadows through the clouds and beating at the air, draw apart, be still and pray when weary and hard pressed. “Come unto Me” the Master said, “and I will give you rest.” – David Catherwood
Through the physical pain and mental anguish of life we have a Savior with open arms, ready to hold us and speak peace to our hearts and minds. He promises to give us rest if we will draw apart, be still and pray.
Today I will go to my prayer closet to pray. Jesus will meet me there.
June 1979
Mama and me in front of her tea roses.
Of course, there’s Rusty lying in front of us!
Please, Jesus, tell Mama I love her. Thank you! Amen. ❤
OK, I just gotta say, that Starrkeisha person is very brave to wear those blue pigtails. LOL! Such a weird little video – but so cute.
The weather is beginning to get a little colder, the nights come earlier and everyone is getting sweaters from the drawer. I’ve seen some pretty scary weather predictions already. They say we are in for record snowfall this winter. I wonder where summer went, to be honest. Oh well… along with the changes in temperature, we will inevitably begin to experience cold and flu season.
Of all the medicines available OTC, my favorite will always be good ol’ classic chicken soup! Nothing helps your tummy and opens clogged nasal passages better. I have a tried and true recipe from The Hungry Mama blog. http://thehungrymama.blogspot.com/
Classic Chicken Soup
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1/2 onion, cut lengthwise through the root, peeled and trimmed
4 cups (32 oz. box) low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp. salt
3 whole black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
1 cup shredded white or dark chicken meat
Directions:
1. Pour oil in large pot. Set over medium heat. Add carrot and celery; toss to coat. Place onion half in pot, cut side down. Saute until celery is translucent (about 3 minutes).
2. Add chicken broth, salt, peppercorns and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Add shredded chicken, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer until vegetables are fork-tender (about 20 minutes).
3. Remove soup from heat. Carefully spoon out and discard onion, peppercorns, and bay leaf.
Serve to the one that is sick with love.
Nutritional information
161 calories
6 g. fat
1 g. sat. fat
15 g. protein
3 g. fiber
11 g. carb
Here’s a few jokes you can annoy that sick loved one with. I’m sure they will make everything better – wink! 😉
In a Catholic school cafeteria, a nun places a note in front of a pile of apples, “Only take one. God is watching.” Further down the line is a pile of cookies. A little boy makes his own note, “Take all you want. God is watching the apples.”
A young lady visited a computer dating service and requested, “I’m looking for a spouse. Can you please help me to find a suitable one?” The matchmaker said, “What exactly are you looking for?” “Well, let me see. Needs to be good-looking, polite, humorous, sporty, knowledgeable, good at singing and dancing. Willing to accompany me the whole day at home during my leisure hour if I don’t go out. Be able to tell me interesting stories when I need a companion for conversation and be silent when I want to rest.” The matchmaker entered the information into the computer and, in a matter of moments, handed the results to the woman. The results read, “Buy a television.”
With jokes this bad, your loved one will feel better really fast… LOL! 😀
It’s LOVE NOTE DAY, a great time to tuck a little note somewhere for your mate or significant other. There is one special love letter that I keep close to my heart. Your God loves you so much! Please take a moment to read this slowly and meticulously. Let the truth of God’s precious promises sink into your spirit. Apply His love to your life. In this day of fear – uncertain days – let the love of God make a home in your heart and mind.
My Child,
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented
by those who don’t know me.
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4
And I’ll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7
I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
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Have you ever wanted to put on your red cape and be a super hero??? Hmm… I can’t think about that without thinking of Frankie Heck from the series “The Middle”. The first time I saw that pilot episode, I literally rolled on the floor laughing when I heard her say, “I put on my SPANX and went!” It’s just a pretty funny show!
Today is NATIONAL COMIC BOOK DAY!!! If ever we needed some comic relief – it’s now! What were the popular comic books when you were a kid? My husband likes Hagar the Horrible. I don’t think comic books are something that I just had to have as a kid, but once in a while I enjoyed reading a Super Man comic book. There’s just something about a tall, strong man wearing a red cape!
If that red cape gave me supernatural powers, I’d wear it, wouldn’t you? This world needs some super heroes for sure. Who do your kids and grandkids look up to ? There just are not any decent heroes out there these days. We need some positive influences for the kids – desperately.
We see our government officials doing anything they want whether it’s legal or not – with no fear of being held accountable. What does that teach the kids? We don’t have to feel shame for doing wrong anymore because nobody will punish us for doing the wrong thing. Wow – what a slippery slope!
The Bible clearly teaches the concept of right and wrong – good and bad. Where are all the positive influences for children?
God offers to every mind its choice between truth and repose. Take which you please — you can never have both. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Now more than ever it’s up to the family of kids to be the hero and wear the red cape – show the morals and values that matter and will teach children how to travel the high road in life. We can no longer look outside our own gated community – well, unless we watch Veggie Tales or something. Videos are the new comic books, right?
I think most parents enjoy wearing the red cape to escape reality once in a while – and that’s not a bad thing. Your kids and grandkids need to see your super hero qualities once in a while. 😉
Oh, pardon me… this IS a Christian blog, after all! What was I thinking??? 😉
Speaking of punctuation… oh, weren’t we? Well we should be since today is PUNCTUATION DAY!!!
Punctuation errors are probably at the top of most writer’s lists. Hidden verbs are at the top of my list, and I’m so thankful to the proofread feature here on WordPress for catching those errors, but punctuation is probably the next problem area for me. It can be tricky, especially if I’ve written all day long and begin to go into auto-pilot typing mode. Sometimes the concept overrides the construction, whether it be a poem, prose or blog post. When I have an idea and feel confident that it’s a winner, I just begin to type without much thought about punctuation. That’s why it’s a very good idea to edit everything you write very carefully.
My best friend is the humble coma. I tend to overuse it, but without a well-placed coma, you could end up with a reputation you don’t want. Remember the famous cover from “Tails” magazine?
“Rachael Ray finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog.”
Um… she cooks her family and her DOG? Imagine the surprised looks on the faces of all those animal lovers who saw that statement on the cover of the magazine! A couple of comas could have saved her reputation! I’m sure her reputation was not really harmed. I’m just kidding.
Or, see the difference between, “Let’s eat, grandma.” and “Let’s eat grandma.” Hmm… shall we barbecue her or fry her on the grill?
Remember Victor Borge’s Phonetic Punctuation? Here he is with Dean Martin:
I’ve tried to use phonetic punctuation, and it is much more difficult than it looks! Victor really made it look easy, but people like Sam and Patrick are keeping this great form of communication alive and well. I think that’s great!
Well done, Sam and Patrick! I’m so glad to see that these funny comedy skits are not fading away. That would be a real shame. Keep the good clean comedy alive and well!
Yeah, you’re making the sound for that exclamation point, aren’t you??? And for those question marks too. 😉
If you’ve ever been to a Cracker Barrel restaurant, you know there are some tables that have a checkerboard on them. They provide everything you need to enjoy a great game of checkers while you’re waiting for your food to show up!
Yesterday morning we watched the cutest game of checkers I think I’ve ever seen! They were strangers, so I’m not certain of the relationship between them, but I would guess it was a father and his young son. This dad was really getting into this checker game, and I think he forgot he was in a restaurant, which is sort of cute and funny. He was intently focused on his son and their game.
His son was whooping his butt – but I think dad was throwing the game, to be honest. No one could miss that many great moves – no one! This kid was so excited, when he’d get to the goal he’d yell, “King me, dad… King me!”
The whole restaurant took interest in the game. People were pointing and laughing as they watched the father and son bonding moments. It reminded me of an old saying:
Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad. – Author Unknown
I have a feeling this dad carried a lot of photographs in his wallet of his son. Their relationship reminded me a lot of the way my dad and I acted when we went places together.
Since today is Checkers Day, why not take your checker-playing family to Cracker Barrel for some fun? 😉
To celebrate ELEPHANT APPRECIATION DAY, I wanted to do something fun. Nobody wrote more fun music for movies than Henry Mancini! Of course, this is BABY ELEPHANT WALK, from the 1962 motion picture Hatari! I am a John Wayne fan and this is one of my favorite movies.
Years ago, a friend of mine collected figurines of elephants because she believed they brought her good luck. If her back yard had been large enough, she would have had a pet elephant – trust me.
As I did research for this post, I found some interesting fun facts about elephants that I did not know. Let’s learn together:
1. Elephants don’t like peanuts. They don’t eat them in the wild or in captivity.
2. Elephants are the largest land animals in the world.
3. Elephants can swim – they use their trunk to breathe like a snorkel in deep water.
4. Elephants can hear each other’s trumpeting calls from up to 5 miles away.
5. Elephants can live for up to 70 years.
6. Elephants give HUGS by wrapping their trunks together in displays of greeting and affection.
7. Elephants have pads on their feet that act to cushion each step, absorbing impact.
8. Elephants are blind at birth, and some suck their trunks, much like human babies suck their thumbs.
9. Elephants flap their wet ears, cooling the blood in these veins which keeps the entire body cool.
10. Elephants (cows, females) are pregnant for 22 months.
Oh – and they know how to sling mud, so watch out…
And since I’ll never go on an African safari… guessing you won’t either… 😉
And more play – hey, let’s just step all over mom’s face!
Cruelty is one fashion statement we can all do without. – Rue McClanahan
I read that elephants have a philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child. Are those little babies loved, or what? ❤
Today’s special day strikes a very dark, minor, sad chord in my soul. Today is INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE.
We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace. – William Ewart Gladstone
My first instinct was to turn away from it. I could write something fluffy and light – and maybe that is what you would rather read, I don’t know. But something made me come back to it, I suppose because I have prayed that God would intervene and grant us peace on this ol’ earth. In the meantime, we just have to ask that God keep the flame of God’s Holy Spirit burning in our souls no matter what.
I know you’ve prayed for the same thing. You’ve let me know you are praying. We’ve agreed together in prayer for peace on planet earth. We always ask and end our prayers with “Thy will be done” though. So be it. We keep being the people God wants us to be and we keep praying for His will.
It would have been easier to write about the many times my husband and I have played mini-golf. How he keeps score – and always wins (I find that very suspicious in nature – hmm) but the International Day of Peace is pulling at my mind. I want peace so badly and feel so sad because there are those who just want to kill because everyone is not like them.
I don’t understand people who can not live and let live. Of course I want to share my faith, but I do not condemn any who don’t choose to accept it. I’m sad, but I do not say you have to perish by my hand if you refuse it. That’s God’s call to make – not mine.
There are 12 presidents in Africa who credit a Peace Corps volunteer with starting them on the path to the presidency. – Carrie Hessler-Radelet
He’s your judge, not me. There’s just one answer. We need to PRAY FOR PEACE. 🙂
HEART HUNGER 
