CONVERSATION BETWEEN MR. SMITH AND GOD

Smith climbs to the top of Mt. Sinai to get close enough to talk to God. Looking up, he asks the Lord. "God, what does a million years mean to you?"

The Lord replies, "A minute."

Smith asks, "And what does a million dollars mean to you?"

The Lord replies, "A penny."

Smith asks, "Can I have a penny?"

The Lord replies, "In a minute." 

ONLY A MAN WOULD DO THIS!

This is a picture of a man shoveling snow into a grocery cart - needless to say the snow fell through the bottom of the cart.  But that didn't stop him - he kept shoveling.  Now if it was a picture of a woman, she would at least have plastic bags on the bottom of the cart!

A LITTLE DEATH HUMOR!

Three friends from the local congregation were asked, "When you're in your casket, and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?"

Artie said, "I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man." 

Eugene commented, "I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in people's lives.." 

Al said, "I'd like them to say, 'Look, he's moving!'" 

DID YOU KNOW THERE IS A MIDDLE EAST CONFLICTS WALL MEMORIAL FOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS??

Dear Readers:

I just learned about this today - there is a Memorial Wall for those who have fallen during the Middle East Conflicts in Marseilles, Illinois.  Apparently, it has been there a couple of years, built by a private business, and without government funds.  The business maintains it and updates it.  To see and hear about it CLICK HERE

ALL FATHERS WISH THIS WOULD HAPPEN ON THEIR DAUGHTER'S WEDDING DAY!

All eyes were on the radiant bride as her father escorted her down the aisle. They reached the altar and the waiting groom, the bride kissed her father and placed something in his hand.

The guests in the front pews responded with ripples of laughter. Even the priest smiled broadly.

As her father gave her away in marriage, the bride gave him back his credit card.  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Because they had no reservations at a busy restaurant, my elderly neighbor and his wife were told there would be a 45-minute wait for a table.

"Young man, we're both 90 years old," the husband said. "We may not have 45 minutes."

They were seated immediately.

MY IDEA OF THE SUPER BOWL...

This says it all:

 

"WHEN LIFE SEEMS ALMOST TOO MUCH TO HANDLE"

Dear Readers:

Read this today and wanted to share:

When Life Seems Almost Too Much to Handle

Posted 02/02/2014 | Family3

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 glasses of wine…

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “yes.”

The professor then produced two glasses of wine from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed. “Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things; your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.” The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else; the small stuff. “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.” “Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. Do one more run down the ski slope. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the wine represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of glasses of wine with a friend.”

LAUGH FOR THE DAY!

I was in the six item express lane at the store quietly fuming.  Completely ignoring the sign, the woman ahead of me had slipped into the check-out line pushing a cart piled high with groceries.  Imagine my delight when the cashier beckoned the woman to come forward looked into the cart and asked sweetly, "So which six items would you like to buy?"

Wouldn't it be great if that happened more often?

A 'LIFE' THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

"Everything you do is based on the choices you make.  It’s not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame.  You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make.  Period!" 

 (author unknown)

A SIMPLE IDEA THAT MAY KEEP YOU FROM HARM OR SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Dear Readers:

I really have some great friends that send me the best emails.  Here is one that could possibly keep you safe or save your life:

WHAT TO TAKE TO BED WITH YOU

Pretty neat idea.  Never thought of it before.  Put your car keys beside your bed at night.  

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.  

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage.  

If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds, all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.  

P. S.  

I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone.  My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him... he can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.

A BOTTLE OF WINE...A STORY ALL WOMEN WILL ADORE!

Dear Readers: 

What better way to end this day, but with humor. Please enjoy! ..............................................................................

 

THE BOTTLE OF WINE

For all of us who are married, were married, wish you were married, or wish you weren't married, this is something to smile about the next time you see a bottle of wine:

Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road.

As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride.

With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman.  The old Woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally.

'What in bag?' asked the old woman.

Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, 'It's a bottle of wine.  I got it for my husband.'

The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. 

Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said:
'Good trade.....'

SHOULD WE RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE? READ THE ARTICLE AND DECIDE

Should We Raise the Minimum Wage? 01/24/2014 In last year’s State of the Union address, President Obama called for an increase in the minimum wage. Since then, Democrats in Congress have argued that the President didn’t go far enough, proposing even more of an increase. The question is: Would this actually help the entry-level workers it is supposed to help? Check out and share our infographic. Learn more: Obamacare Already Raises the Minimum Wage

LIKE TO DRINK DIET DRINKS? YOU MAY WANT TO RETHINK - READ THE ARTICLE

Here is an article about diet drinks and weight gain.  It starts:

"Heavy Americans who drink diet beverages rather than those sweetened with sugar appear to eat more, according to a study released on Thursday that raised questions about the role lower-calorie drinks play in helping people lose weight."

To read the article click HERE 

HAVE FIBROMYALGIA? YOU MAY WANT TO READ THIS ARTICLE

Dear Readers:

Came across this article to day about Vitamin D and Fibromyalgia.  It starts:

"Taking vitamin D supplements may alleviate chronic pain in people with fibromyalgia who have low levels of the vitamin, according to a new study from Austria.

Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome suffer from chronic, body-wide muscle and joint pain, and fatigue. Previous studies have pointed to the possible role of vitamin D in the perception of chronic pain."

To read the complete article click on the link - http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/01/17/vitamin-d-reduces-pain-in-people-with-fibromyalgia/

RECIPE TIME - QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN 'NOODLE' SOUP

Dear Readers:

You've had a long day at work, it's cold outside, and you don't feel like cooking, but would love to have some soup.  So, for the first recipe of the New Year, here is a quick and easy way to prepare chicken 'noodle' soup.  Click on the current recipes at the top of the web page. 

  

Don't forget to check out the coupon web pages posted this week on my web page to see if there is any that can be used for the  ingredients.

• For Coupons.com - Click - HERE
• For RedPlum - Click HERE 
• For Hopster - Click HERE
• For CellFire - Click HERE
• For SavingStar eGrocery Coupons - Click HERE

For those new to my web, this recipe page can be found by clicking on the words 'Current Recipes' in the upper left hand corner of the page.  To find older recipes, click on the  'Archived Recipes' pages (5).  

If you would like to receive a weekly email from me when I post a recipe, notify me at hjcouponlady30@gmail.com and I will place you on my list.  As stated in my privacy policy, I do not share email information with other parties.

Enjoy!

"THIS IS NOT A RANKING WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF"

Dear Readers:

The article below comes from the Heritage Foundation:  (the highlight is mine)


Would you want to live in a country that is losing freedom?  

How about a country that has lost ground in property rights and become more corrupt? 

If you’re an American, you’re living there. 

The 20th anniversary edition of the Index of Economic Freedom reveals that the United States has dropped out of the top 10 freest economies in the world. 

When President Obama took office, the U.S. was ranked 6th. Now it is 12th.

According to the Index, which is published jointly by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal:

Over the 20-year history of the Index, the U.S.’s economic freedom has fluctuated significantly. During the first 10 years, its score rose gradually, and it joined the ranks of the economically “free” in 2006. Since then, it has suffered a dramatic decline of almost 6 points, with particularly large losses in property rights, freedom from corruption, and control of government spending. The U.S. is the only country to have recorded a loss of economic freedom each of the past seven years.

Which country is #1? Check out the new Index to find out >>>

The Index grades each country in 10 areas of economic freedom. The area where the U.S. ranks the worst: government spending. America’s out-of-control government spending is having a major impact on our economic freedoms—which isn’t too surprising when you see that total public debt has grown bigger than the size of the entire U.S. economy.

And in case you were wondering whether Obamacare has had real economic effects, the authors note that the law “appears to be significantly hurting job creation and full-time employment.”
 
That’s part of a bigger trend: “Substantial expansion in the size and scope of government, including through new and costly regulations in areas like finance and health care, has contributed significantly to the erosion of U.S. economic freedom.”


This is a trend that needs reversing. Derrick Morgan, Heritage’s vice president for domestic and economic policy, urges:

The 2014 Index of Economic Freedom rankings should act as a wake-up call to U.S. policymakers and citizens alike. Freedom leads to prosperity, and our founders put us on that path of freedom. As we fight for just government, we must also fight for a government that lives within its means and does not spend the next generation’s money.

The Index’s release is well-timed as Congress prepares to spend a possible $1 trillion in the next week or so.

COFFEE DRINKER - DID YOU KNOW THAT IT MAY HELP YOUR MEMORY?

Here is some good news for those of us who drink coffee.  The article starts...

"There’s yet another reason to indulge in a midday cup of coffee: New research indicates that caffeine may help boost long-term memory, Medical News Today reported.

 

In a study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, researchers analyzed how caffeine consumption affected learning in 160 people between the ages of 18 and 30. In the first portion of the study, participants looked at pictures of various objects and were asked to determine whether they were ‘indoor’ or ‘outdoor’ products. After the task, participants received either a placebo pill or a 200 mg caffeine pill..."

To read the complete article click HERE

ADULT BEVERAGES MAY HELP BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THIS STUDY

Dear Readers:

Read this interesting article today and it brought back the memory of my grandmother.  When I was a little girl, I remember her drinking a glass of red wine two or three times a week.  She said it was prescribed by her doctor to help build up her blood.  Well, it looks like his advice may have had some merit.  The article starts...

"You know alcohol in hand sanitizer can ward off germs, but what if it's served in a martini glass? Surprisingly, drinking in moderation may boost your immune system, according to a new animal study published in the journal Vaccine..."

Here's the link to the rest of the article - Click Here 

INTERESTING PHOTO...

Nustar-Hand-of-God

 This is an actual photo from space.

LAUGH FOR THE DAY - THIS SAYS IT ALL ON HOW COLD IT IS!

OUR NATIONAL DEBT IS OVER 17 TRILLION - HOW MUCH IS THAT?

A RETIRED MILITARY - CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT - PENS A LETTER TO PAUL RYAN ABOUT THE CUTS TO VETERAN'S RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Dear Readers:

Most of you by now, know how dear to my heart are military veterans.   I read this letter today on the Blaze web site.  This retired Chief Master Sergeant says it well on how once again Congress, both Democrat and Republican, has betrayed our veterans, both those currently serving and those retired.  I have posted the letter in its entirety below.  If you are as disgusted with Congress as I am, then all I can say to you is SPEAK OUT and then get up and get out to VOTE them out of office!

To Congressman Paul Ryan
Today at 8:19 AM

Congressman Ryan,

Please note that this request by you for a cash donation from me is extremely unfortunate and very ill-timed. You see sir, I am one of the military retirees your “bipartisan” budget just impacted. You and every Republican (both in the House and Senate that voted to pass this travesty betrayed and broke trust with me and everyone like me. You may not know us by name, but we’re the people, Congressman, who answered our Nation’s call, some of us at a very early age to willingly serve YOU and others LIKE YOU so you could safely attend college and pursue your personal ambitions without fear of harm.

You might also want to note that for at least 20 years, my brothers-in-arms answered that call of duty EVERY SINGLE DAY, without fail, without complaint, without enough money to sustain our loved ones we had to leave behind while we DID OUR JOB in every corner of the Earth. And for that service, we were given absolute assurance our so-called retirement benefits would be protected by law. The very law you shattered in your zeal to impress your Democratic cohorts in your back room deal–with the enemy. Yes, I said it. The liberal Democrats are an enemy to the American people and our Nation. Your lack of judgement and eagerness to compromise on the backs of us who protected you is sickening. Congressman, you and every Republican that voted for injuring military retirees have engaged in a complicit, sordid affair with the Democrats who’s objective has always been to dismantle the military. By climbing into their bed on this issue, you have confirmed you are absolutely no better than they and have proven it with your vote.

Congressman Ryan, the audacity which you display is noteworthy, but to unceremoniously snatch earned money from a small group that has added so much more value than the paltry $6B you looked to “save” (which is all smoke and mirrors and you know it), is reprehensible and insulting.

We have, despite the hardships, meager salaries and harsh conditions, have performed with honor and excellence…in silence, which is something most members of Congress have no idea about doing. Our job approval was, is and always be better than yours. We knew our mission and we got it done, then handed it off to a new generation in better shape than we found it.

Your ability to look us in the eye, take money from us (apparently there was ZERO, other source of waste within the federal government that you could have recovered this money from…right, got it), while simultaneously holding your hand out to beg (with passion) for our cash is stunning. Your actions have proven you do not have the tremendous intellect you’ve sold the American people on. I say, with all seriousness, Congressman, what you lack in intellect and spinal rigidity, you make up for in cajones.

I hope you and your cowardly, Republican “colleagues” hear a message from me loud and clear. You will NEVER receive another cent of financial support from me. Further, if you happen to be at a Capitol Hill dinner or at a K Street cocktail party with RNC Chair Reince Priebus, Rep. Ron Barber, Sen. Jeff Flake or Sen. John McCain, I would be honored if you communicate with them that I am launching an effort to ensure NONE of you traitorous “representatives of the people” ever receive another vote from a military retiree. Remove me from your contact lists.

Chuck Wooten,
Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret)

I USED TO THINK MY HUSBAND HAD NAPPING DOWN TO A FINE ART. I WAS WRONG!

I think I'm jealous...

 

FIND THE CHRISTMAS KITTY!

RECIPE FOR THE WEEK - GINGERBREAD

Dear Readers:

What would Christmas be without a little Gingerbread.  Here is a simple recipe with old fashioned taste that you can dress up or down for dessert.  

NOTE:  Thank you for following my web page.  During the Christmas holidays, I will not be posting any recipes.  My next recipe posting will be January 9th.  I will however continue with my regular posts.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful and prosperous New Year!

Don't forget to check out the coupon web pages posted this week on my web page to see if there is any that can be used for the  ingredients.

• For Coupons.com - Click - HERE
• For RedPlum - Click HERE 
• For Hopster - Click HERE
• For CellFire - Click HERE
• For SavingStar eGrocery Coupons - Click HERE

For those new to my web, this recipe page can be found by clicking on the words 'Current Recipes' in the upper left hand corner of the page.  To find older recipes, click on the  'Archived Recipes' pages (5).  

If you would like to receive a weekly email from me when I post a recipe, notify me at hjcouponlady30@gmail.com and I will place you on my list.  As stated in my privacy policy, I do not share email information with other parties.

Enjoy!

LAUGH FOR THE DAY - "THE DOG REINDEER"

RECIPE FOR THE WEEK - APRICOT ALMOND BREAD

Dear Readers:

This week's recipe is a little something you can serve during the holidays - it is Apricot Almond Bread.  Easy to do and something you can dress up with a little Powdered Sugar glaze.  This recipe uses Pastry Flour - I have included the link about different flours so you can read all about the difference between flours and decide if you want to use it.    

The difference between cake flour, all purpose flour and bread flour. Which do you need, and why?

Don't forget to check out the coupon web pages posted this week on my web page to see if there is any that can be used for the  ingredients.

• For Coupons.com - Click - HERE
• For RedPlum - Click HERE 
• For Hopster - Click HERE
• For CellFire - Click HERE
• For SavingStar eGrocery Coupons - Click HERE

For those new to my web, this recipe page can be found by clicking on the words 'Current Recipes' in the upper left hand corner of the page.  To find older recipes, click on the  'Archived Recipes' pages (5).  

If you would like to receive a weekly email from me when I post a recipe, notify me at hjcouponlady30@gmail.com and I will place you on my list.  As stated in my privacy policy, I do not share email information with other parties.

Enjoy!

EAST TENNESSEANS ARE STRUGGLING UNDER THE PRESIDENT'S HEALTH CARE LAW

Once again my Congressman, Phil Roe, is right on the money...

 

East Tennesseans Are Struggling Under the President’s Health Care Law​

This week, after his administration announced that Healthcare.gov was finally working, President Obama launched his campaign to promote his health law. Over the next few weeks, the president plans to tout the law’s successes, but the list of Obamacare’s failures is much longer, and stretches far beyond a broken website. During his speech on Tuesday, the president told stories of people that have been helped by Obamacare, but what about those hurting because of it?

Kelly is a single mother from East Tennessee. She works hard to provide for her family and is trying to pay to go back to school. Kelly said, “I felt it was important to have health care coverage. I had purchased what I could afford. The policy wasn't ideal but reasonable. However, that policy will go away come the first of the year. I have been on the health insurance marketplace. I was floored to find either with my premiums or out of pocket cost would be almost three-quarters of my income.”

Unfortunately, Kelly’s story is one being lived by more than 2 million Americans that will lose their health insurance because it does not meet the standard set by Obamacare. I believe that when the president and his allies argue that plans like the one Kelly purchased are substandard, it's a smack in the face to all the people, like Kelly, who have spent time researching health care coverage and purchasing plans that their families can afford. Despite the president’s late announcement that insurance companies could continue to offer those plans, many states and insurers are rejecting his “fix” because premium rates for next year have already been negotiated. The very law intended to make health care affordable for Kelly and her family has seemingly made it unattainable. Linda, also from East Tennessee, says she hasn’t lost her insurance, but her premiums have doubled because of the president’s health care law.

Barbara also lives in the First District. She is 58 years old and has a catastrophic plan with a $5,000 deductible. Barbara said she is angry that she’s being forced to purchase insurance that requires her to carry coverage she doesn’t need, like maternity, pediatric dental and substance abuse treatment. I share Barbara’s frustration, as the minimum coverage requirements have forced my wife and me to purchase a policy under Obamacare with these same protections, despite being at a time in our lives when we will not have more children.

Lisa’s company is still offering employer-sponsored insurance, but her cap on out-of-pocket expenses has gone up to $4,500 with a $1,300 deductible and 20 percent copay. In 2012, Lisa’s deductible was $700 and her co-pay was 20 percent. Quentin also gets insurance through his employer, but his premiums have doubled because of Obamacare. He’s now paying $137 a month for the same high-deductible, health savings account plan he used to pay $55 for.

These are just a few of the many stories I’ve heard from East Tennesseans about their struggles because of this health care law. The president claims the law is working and that Republicans opposed to the law have already convinced themselves the law has failed simply because they want it to fail. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is that the law isn’t working for most residents of the First District. President Obama advised those opposed to his law to check with those across the country the law is helping, but I’d advise the president to check with East Tennesseans like Kelly, Linda, Barbara, Lisa and Quentin. We owe it to them, and to the millions of Americans across the country who have lost their insurance plans, who can no longer see their doctor and who have seen their premiums skyrocket, to find a better way to reform health care in this country. I believe this so strongly that I wrote a market-based, patient-centered health care reform bill, the American Health Care Reform Act.

No one is talking about returning to the status quo before Obamacare. The health care system in this country was broken before Obamacare, and the truth is, it still is. Obamacare isn’t working, and that’s not a party-line talking point, that’s a fact. And as long as I hear from Tennesseans who struggling because of this law, I will continue to fight against it. There is an answer to our country’s health care problems, but Obamacare isn’t it.

RECIPE FOR THE WEEK - WILD RICE STUFFED ACORN SQUASH - Gluten Free/Vegetarian

Dear Readers:

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  This week's recipe is a change from all of the turkey leftovers.  A friend of mine, Kirsten, got creative in the kitchen and came up with this recipe.  Lucky for me she shared a little.  I hope you will enjoy it, too.  
  
Don't forget to check out the coupon web pages posted this week on my web page to see if there is any that can be used for the  ingredients.

• For Coupons.com - Click - HERE
• For RedPlum - Click HERE 
• For Hopster - Click HERE
• For CellFire - Click HERE
• For SavingStar eGrocery Coupons - Click HERE

For those new to my web, this recipe page can be found by clicking on the words 'Current Recipes' in the upper left hand corner of the page.  To find older recipes, click on the  'Archived Recipes' pages (5).  

If you would like to receive a weekly email from me when I post a recipe, notify me at hjcouponlady30@gmail.com and I will place you on my list.  As stated in my privacy policy, I do not share email information with other parties.

Enjoy!