A Small Step.... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ === (`\,;+++;,/`) (- (((^.^))) -) (- ))\-/(( -) (- (() ()) -) \ `/`@`\` / \ / \ / \/ \/ / \ /_/_/_|_\_\_\ ldb *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2011 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2011 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This beautiful one comes from our friend Johanna. If you are wanting a little peace and tranquility, this is for you! Check it out here... _..__ . ____...--...__.-'' ''-. ....---: .--''' ''-. '. '. .' :_._ : __..--'''. : ___ .' '--..--' _.-''-.. _.- '-.___..--'' '''---'' .-' .' :"": .._ .' : : : '"-. .' : : .: '-. : : . : '. . : '. . : _ '. . : .-" : : . :-' : : . .'$$bn.: : .' "**: '. :_ : :. .'$$$$Mnn.'. :. .' "": : : . :__ : : '. . :$$$$$NNnnn: : : . .: """: '. : . .: : : '. . .:...__ .' : : . . .'***##nnnnnn: : : . . : """"" : '. : . . .' .' : '. . . :MMMnnnccccnn: : : . . : """""".'. : : . . .' : . : : . . :$$$$$NNnnnnnn: . : __: . . .' """"".' . : ....--"" . . """"":.------: . """ :: . ----____ :: . ________::...--------""""""""/ \ """"----'____.... ...--""" ___--""""-- .. / \__ ....----"""""" ---"""" """"" """" """...___ _____.....---"""" ____....___ """----""""" ......----"""" Giethoorn - The Venice Of Holland! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gvillage.html --- ...Stunning! Thank You Johanna! ============================================================= >-->From Heartwarmers: ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >EXPECT NOTHING by Jeannie Paslawsky My Aunt Helen celebrated her 97th Birthday on December 8, 2010. Amazing! More amazing is her life and attitude. Her parents moved to Tamaqua to a house on Railroad Street in 1918. The fourth of ten children, she spent her early years picking coal and huckleberries to help the family get through the Great Depression. She has so many warm and good memories of growing up in tough times. She shared one bed with two sisters. She saw many things including the Hindenberg blimp, just before it met its demise in New Jersey. Being on that street, she also witnessed hundreds of "Troop Trains" taking the boys off the WWII, often handing homemade treats to them through the open windows. During her young adult life, she and Uncle Pete traveled, sometimes with Aunt Josephine and Uncle Joey, visiting shrines and baseball parks around the country. Aunt Helen lost Uncle Pete to Cancer in September, 1965. I remember how brokenhearted everyone was about it. Uncle Pete was a great guy with a most generous heart and terrific funny bone. After Uncle Petsey died, she moved from their apartment back home to Gram Baddick's and her childhood home. Many people in town know her as one of the servers in her clean crisp white uniform and apron at the St. Jerome's First Holy Communion breakfast. Some of the ladies made and served the class breakfast while parents waited in the back of the gym which was decorated by none other than... Aunt Helen! Aunt Helen decorated everything and anything using just about everything and anything! I remember one centerpiece that was a styrofoam base sporting a Christmas yard scene. Strung atop was a miniature Santa Claus and sleigh. It was such a magical scene! Aunt Helen always had a ton of construction paper to use and make things. She would often sit and color with me either in a book or on a page where you would draw a picture adding sparkles if you wanted! Nobody else ever had sparkles at their house! Aunt Helen is also the only aunt who would make peanut butter and marshmallow on crackers! She also had Oreos. I asked my mom why she never made these and she explained, "I bake cookies. Why would ever you want to eat those store bought cookies?" Over the years our photos show her sitting on the floor with one or many of us kids, playing a game or quietly telling us a story, or coloring. Truly, it was more her presence that we enjoyed. Not so much what she did, but just being with her. That is the greatest lesson -- it is not about the stuff, it's about the love, attention and time that she gave us. When she turned 80, I asked her for some sage life advice. She told me, "Jeannie Marie, expect nothing! Take the word 'expect' out of your vocabulary. Then, everything nice in life will be a wonderful surprise and your will never be disappointed!" At 97, she still lives by her advice. May she live as she hopes for 100 years as we say in Polish -- "STO LAT!" -- Jeannie Paslawsky __________________________________________________ Jeannie was born and raised in the anthracite region in Tamaqua, PA, and now resides in Willow Grove. She has worked in telecommunications and was always an avid writer. She enjoys the outdoors, family times, reading, and watching non-professional sports, except for the Phillies! --- ...My two cents... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' The bible teachings us the same thing... Paul The apostle wrote: Phil.4: [11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. And here in Hebrews we are told: Heb.13: [5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Content 1 Definition: Contained within limits; hence, having the desires limited by that which one has; not disposed to repine or grumble; satisfied; contented; at rest. It's easy to be contented knowing that God is always there for you! ================================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: _.,_ ,-'.' .`-, ;; '. ' `. ;` - _ _,-; ' ; `. ,% .-, - *click* ,_.,-'` ';; ; : ;%' | | \ ___ _._,-`'\ `'-`' _.,' `. ) __,--`-,,`' ,._,.-`-., _.,-.--.-,`''` | _| |__ `---'////\ / .-, `-`-^--`'^`-...,,| | |.,/ //\)(/ `-\.-. | `-' ( .-; | | ,. `-~ ~~-. `._.' ,/ / `~ ~~~ ~~ /,.`) // / /_ `/ ( `/ `-' mic >NOT DRUNK A dedicated pastor decided to follow up with a man he had been working with to try help quit drinking, dry out, and start life as a Christian. One day when as they visited, the pastor noticed he appeared to be drunk and challenged him. The man defiantly insisted he was telling the truth and wasn't drunk. As the persistent pastor continued to question the man about his drinking he finally confessed, "Pastor I only drank a little alcohol, but I'm really not drunk." While continuing to talk to him the pastor inquired, "So how do you know when you are drunk?" "Well," he replied pointing up the road, "When these two men coming toward us begin to appear as if they are four, then I know I'm drunk." Just as the pastor started thinking that there might be some truth in what the drunk had said, he turned to look up the road. Only one man was walking toward them. === This post is brought your way by Sermon Fodder. To get a regular dose of Christian humor and a modern-day parable drop a note to Sermon_Fodder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Please leave this on if you forward this to friends ot post on the web. ===================== Worth Repeating..... "Life's just a bus stop to somewhere infinitely better." --Jim Varney, aka Ernest P. Worrell (1949-2000) ====================== ___ (___) /` `\ / /"\ \ \_/o o\_/ ( _ ) `\ /` /\\V//\ / /_ _\ \ \ \___/ / \/===\/ || || || || ||___|| |_____| jgs ||| / Y \ `"`"` >THE GOODNESS OF GOD PSALM 103:4-5 There's a Dennis the Menace cartoon in which Dennis and his friend Joey are walking away from the Wilson's house with their hands full of cookies. Joey asks, "I wonder what we did to deserve this?" Dennis tells his friend, "Joey, Mrs. Wilson gives us cookies not because we're nice, but because she's nice." The same can be said of our Heavenly Father. He gives, not because we're good, but because he's good. He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us for our iniquities. Instead, he is the one... ...who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:4-5) as seen in Monday Memocup ============================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: : : : : : : : : : : .' : _.-" : _.-" '. ..__...____...-" : : \_\ : : .--" : `.__/ .-" _ : / / ," ,- .' (_)(`,(_,'L_,_____ ____....__ _.' "' " """"""" """ cgmm >SEVEN STEPS FOR FINDING GOD'S WILL Step 1 : Be obedient to what God has already shown you. Step 2 : Pray and continually seek God's wisdom and guidance in everything you do, yield to what The Holy Spirit Says to you. Step 3 : Re-arrange your priorities, so that your primary motivation should be - to glorify God at all circumstances. Step 4 : Saturate yourself with "The Word of God". Step 5 : Keep a receptive mind & seek advise from mature Christians or Christian counselors. Step 6 : Look for the providential overruling of circumstances Step 7 : Regularly Read "The Holy Bible", Hear It's Messages & Increase Your Faith. -<>- _ ( \nnnn / / (` \ / `-. \/ `, ) `` BP >A Small Step Is Still A Step Progress and positive change take time. Maybe you've been there. Maybe you are there. You are convicted that a change needs to occur and you take the initial steps that produce a sense of exhilaration about what lies ahead, then progress slows. You begin to feel frustrated, you get impatient, and before long you begin to question the need for change. When that happens here's a simple principle that might be helpful. Remember: A small step is still a step. Here's what I mean. You know you need to lose weight. Not notice that some of your clothes are a bit snug, but assume the clothes were left in the dryer too long. Then, you are looking through a box of old family photos and you ask, "Who is that?" Your wife says, "It's you." Then, to make matters worse, your doctor gently reminds you, "You gotta lose some weight!" You agree and confidently say, "I'm going to do it!" You set your goal. You buy new exercise clothes and shoes. You pick a place and a time and start running. You run about half a block when you realize that you are out of breath and ever muscle in your body hurts. You think you are going to die right there. You question your sanity. You want to quit. Please don't. Remember: a small step is still a step. You and your spouse are not getting along. In fact, you both admit that you cannot remember the last time you were happy. In the heat of an argument one of you uses the word divorce. It scares you both. You agree to see a counselor. You tell your story to the counselor and she lays out a plan to improve your relationships - to save your marriage. You both agree and commit to do the hard work. The first week goes well, but about midway in the second week you have another argument. "We're right back where we started!" You both get so discouraged that you wonder if there is any hope. There is. Remember: a small step is still a step. You decide the best thing for your career is to go back to school and finish your education. You get the catalog. You apply. You are accepted. You buy your books. You begin going to class. Then, everything piles up on you. Going to school and holding down a full-time job is too much! You feel like you are getting behind and losing ground. In the middle of another late night of studies you say to yourself, "What in the world am I doing?". You doubt whether you'll ever finish. You think about dropping out. Please don't. Remember: a small step is still a step. Someone you love has passed away. The holidays are approaching. You are not sure what you are supposed too feel. You are not sure what you are supposed to do. All that you know is that there is an ache in your soul that will not go away. Nothing you do makes the pain any less. You pray for strength, you get out of bed and somehow you make it through the day. The next day you do it again. Remember: a small step is still a step. You decide to learn to play a musical instrument. You buy the instrument. You take a lesson or two. You set aside time for practice. You work hard for several weeks, but then you begin to feel like you are not making any progress, so you set it aside and try to forget about it. Please don't quit. Remember: a small step is still a step. A group of spiritual searchers agree that something has to change. One more Sunday of the same old stuff is not acceptable. Dreams of what could be are shared. Plans are made. Decisions are made. Then, the opposition strikes. Criticism escalates. You wonder if this really is what the Lord wants. You entertain the thought of going back to the way it was. Please don't. Remember: a small step is still a step. Everything we do begins with one small step. The idea. Sharing the dream. Walking around the block. A baby learns to walk by taking a small step. We learn to ride a bike with a small step. Businesses are built because someone took a small step. Ordinary athletes become great athletes by taking a small step. Addictions are conquered by one small step at a time. Churches develop great ministries by taking a small step. Couples celebrate anniversaries because they take small steps that turn into years. Remember: a small step is still a step. When Jesus was beginning His ministry and preparing for the coming of the Kingdom He selected a small group of men and challenged them to take one step: "Follow me." They did. The world was changed. Our faith walk begins with a step of faith: "I believe." We are not sure what all is involved or what it means, but we are willing to take the small step in faith. Without that small step, nothing changes. Are you facing a crossroad in your life? Are you wondering if the dream you have is possible, if it is worth the effort, if you even want to continue the pursuit? Are you wanting to see change, but it's happening too slow? Remember: a small step is still a step. Remember: a small step is still a step. Don't give up. Take the small step. Tom Tom Norvell - A Norvell Note -<>- .####. .#' `#. # # head phones # # .#. .#. /###\ /OOO\ ##### OOOOO \###/ \OOO/ `-' `-' VK >Taking Time to Listen "Behold, I [Jesus] stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." In response to a Daily Encounter about the famed violinist, Fritz Kreisler, Martha Nixon, a good friend, who some years ago was the well-known soloist with the famed Neil Macaulay musical team, wrote to tell me about a fascinating experience Neil had some years ago. On one occasion when Neil was in New York, "he paid a 'small fortune' to buy two tickets to hear the world famous violinist Fritz Kreisler play at New York's Carnegie Hall. Macaulay was himself a concert musician who had been heard around the world and highly valued the greater skill of the famous Fritz Kreisler. The performance was brilliant and worth the money spent on the tickets. Mid-concert, however, Kreisler made an amazing comment. 'The reason I'm a bit weary tonight,' he said, 'is because I played on the streets of New York all day today dressed as a busker (street musician) with my violin case opened for donations. It does me good to play for the people. But not one person stopped to listen, or gave me a cent!'" Interesting that this famous musician was totally ignored amidst the rush and bustle of New York City life. People passing by didn't take the time to stop and listen. Instead, they turned a deaf ear to him. And yet, at night, people paid a high price to hear him. How sad. But how much sadder when God "speaks" to us in innumerable ways and we turn a deaf ear to him because he doesn't appear to us in the way or manner which we expect. Even the religious people in Jesus' day who were actually looking for and expecting the Promised Messiah (Savior) totally missed him because he didn't appear in the way or manner that they expected. So dear reader, whatever you do, don't turn a deaf ear to God who, in his still small voice may be whispering to you while he is knocking on the door of your heart and life today.* -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Happy New Year http://www.buffaloschips.com/76tg.htm Hard Day http://www.buffaloschips.com/o8u.htm Helicopter http://www.buffaloschips.com/09i.htm Hilarious Prank http://www.buffaloschips.com/5t6r.htm Hombres http://www.buffaloschips.com/juyg.htm Our Valuable Anchor! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Quit Smoking! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/quitsmoking.html Never Give Up! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html God's Bumper Stickers! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gbumper.html Love Thoughts! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html City That Time Forgot! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/city.html Endangered Wolf http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wolf.html Floating Hotel! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fhotel.html Newborn Moose http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/moose.html Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffalosjokes.com ================================================================ >-->From Laugh And Lift: Thought for Today "God knows where we are. Sometimes we forget this. Sometimes we even feel that God has forgotten us. He hasn't. God knows exactly where we are. So when you are afflicted with those forsaken feelings, when you're on the verge of throwing a pity party thanks to those despairing thoughts, go back to the Word of God." - Charles Swindoll SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com --- ...My two cents... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' I am sure we are all guilty of a pity party. Ever pray to God for something time and time again to seemingly be praying to the wall? It can be rather depressing trying to figure out the problem. Especially when your prayer is for something that is not selfish or extravagant that seems to be right up God's alley of giving it to you. Well, I've been there and know exactly how you feel. It is perfectly normal to go from excited and thinking no problem to getting your prayer answered to the depths of despair and unhappiness because you are simply at a loss as to why God seems to be totally ignoring you. We can quote scripture till we are blue in the face that tells us God will never not answer our prayers or treat us without love and respect as any loving earthly father would do with their child, yet the prayer goes unanswered. Not just for days, but for weeks, months and maybe even years. But, if you are like me, you do not give up because you know - I mean absolutely know - that God will not ever not listen to you or ignore you. So of course the problem must be with yourself. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Here's some top Reasons Why Prayers Don't Get Answered: #1: Believing is often the problem. Little doubts creep in to cancel your positive belief. Matt.21: [22] And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. #2: Asking for something that God won't do. God won't make somebody do something for you. They have their freedom of will. God also won't give you something that is bad for you. No parent gives their child something that will hurt them or be bad for them in the long run. Matt.7: [11] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? And you may also have this problem: #3: Not putting your Trust in God. Limiting God. Prov.3: [5] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. That was my problem. I was binding my own self up by not fully trusting in God. I already had the answer to my prayer, but I didn't believe it was actually from God. I was limiting God and leaning on my own understanding of what I thought instead of trusting God and accepting what he had told me was true. Now I know better and have been set free from my own imprisonment. Don't let trust be an issue. If you have asked God time and again and the answer is always the same, then trust that it is from God instead of asking for the same thing again. Let Go And Trust In God through Jesus Christ. =================================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: QUOTES "You never know whose heart you will touch when you share a piece of your own." ~ Linda ~ flagrat You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens. ~ Louise Hay I think I began learning long ago that those who are happiest are those who do the most for others. ~Booker T. Washington Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. ~ Samuel Ullman I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot. ~Gary Hart Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow. ~ Douglas Pagels "When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup." ~ Sam Lefkowitz -<>- _..._ _..._ .' _ '. .' _ './ (a) .-'-. / (e) .-'-. '-,-'` | '-,--'` / ; / ; | _ / |/ .\ _ (_\ __..;__ \ ::\ ,/_)._ _;\;``""----...___...---:"`` .-'_ `'. \ '::.()\__) (\())(`._'- `-._ ,:-" '. '. - : ; '::\--;__ _\()`''----...__ `-._ '-. '._ .' | .:::|()\_) (_/`;-. jgs _ ()`-. `""--...____..-'` ;_ .:::| `. \_) _;/_)/).;()'._ (`\.-();/_).__ .::::/().-./`) (_\`;(()(_/(()/(. __.--;();`\_)()\__) .::()--;__:() '-;---()_;\_/()"-._ (_/ (/ /()';();--._\_::'`.();\_)` ,() (_.-(); \._ ``""(_.();_().(`\.-();__)`(_/ `--.__ (_/ (_/() \_) __/(_/|\();__\_)` \_) ` (_/ \_)`-._); >SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE Author Unknown * A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences. * An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment. * A loss of interest in judging other people. * A loss of interest in judging self. * A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others. * A loss of interest in conflict. * A loss of ability to worry (this is a very serious symptom). * Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation. * Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature. * Frequent attacks of smiling. * An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen. * An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it. as seen at Food For Thought -<>- ______________________________________________________________________ |: : : : : : : : : : : : : :|____|____|____|: : : : : : : : : : : : : :| | : : : : : : : : : : : : : |__|____|____|_| : : : : : : : : : : : : : | |: : : : : : : : : : : : : :|____|____|____|: : : : : : : : : : : : : :| | : : : : : :_: : : : : : : |__|____|____|_| : : : : : : :_: : : : : : | |: : : : : :/_\: : : : : : :|____|____|____|: : : : : : :/_\: : : : : :| | : : : : : :|: : : : : : :/___|____|____|__\: : : : : : :|: : : : : : | |: : : : : :[=]: : : : : :/_|____|____|____|_\: : : : : :[=]: : : : : :| | : : : : : :!: : : : : :/_____|____|____|____\: : : : : :!: : : : : : | |=========.-----.=======/___|____|____|____|___\=======.-----.=========| | | | /_|___| ) ( |___|_\ | | | | .;. | * | |___|_| o )( ) ) o |_|___| | * | .;. | | _;(;);_ | | |_|___| | ( ) )( | |___|_| | | _;(;);_ | |__|;;;|__()_____()____|___|_|/!\@@@@@@/!\|_|___|____()_____()__|;;;|__| lc | ; | ||_____|| /____________________________\ ||_____|| | ; | || || |____________________________| || || `====================================================` `======================================================` `========================================================` >21 CHARACTERISTICS OF LUKEWARM PEOPLE THE FIRST 10 By Rick Ezell "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! . . . you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold" (Rev. 3:15, 16 NIV). Jesus is saying that rather than "hot" or its synonym found in verse 19 "earnest" there is lukewarmness. William Hendriksen describes the condition: "The people of Laodicea were lukewarm, tepid, flabby, half-hearted, limp, always ready to compromise, indifferent, listless: that 'we're-all-good-people-here-in-Laodicea' attitude." Shockingly, Jesus prefers coldness to lukewarmness. How can you tell if a person is lukewarm? Here are twenty-one characteristics of lukewarm people. (Most of these are from Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love). 1. Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them; it is what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go. Isaiah 29:13. 2. Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church as long as it doesn't intrude on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so, After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right? 1 Chronicles 21:24, Luke 21:1-4. 3. Lukewarm people crave acceptance. They tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. Luke 6:26, Revelation 3:1, Matthew 23:5-7 4. 4. Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one. Consequently, they tolerate and rationalize unconfessed sin. John 10:10, Romans 6:1-2. 5. Lukewarm people are moved by stories of people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all his followers. James 1:22, James 4:17, Matthew 21:28-31. 6. Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion. Matthew 10:32-33. 7. Lukewarm people gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. Luke 18:11-12. 8. Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and he is, indeed, a part of their lives, their money, and their thoughts, but he isn't allowed to control their lives. They have changed the words of their favorite hymn from "Take My Life and Let It Be" to "Take My Life and Let Me Be." Luke 9:57-62. 9. Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; its only for pastors and missionaries and radicals. Matthew 22:37-38. 10. Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love for others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. Little love is left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached. Matthew 5:43-47, Luke 14:12-14. What's frightening about these statements is that many of those statements apply to me. And, if we are honest, they apply to most people in our churches who call themselves Christians. At times I am lukewarm. Are you? Copyright 2010, Rick Ezell. -<>- ____ .-'& '-. / \ : o o ; ( (_ ) : ; \ __ / `-._____.-' /`"""`\ / , \ /|/\/\/\ _\ (_|/\/\/\\__) |_______| __)_ |_ (__ jgs (_____|_____) >WHERE'S THE LINE TO SEE JESUS? Here’s the story behind the song: While at the mall a couple of years ago, my then four year old nephew, Spencer, saw kids lined up to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, he asked his mom, "where's the line to see Jesus"? My sister mentioned this to my dad, who immediately became inspired and jotted words down to a song in just a few minutes. After putting music to the words, and doing a quick recording at home, he received a great response from friends. He sent the song off to Nashville without much response, except for a Christian song writer who suggested adding a bridge at the end of the first chorus. My dad then asked if I wanted to record the song to see what we could do with it. I listened to the song, made a few changes to the words to make it flow better, and we headed to Shock City Studios. It was at the studio where Chris, owner and producer, rewrote the 2nd verse and part of the chorus... with goose bumps and emotions high, we were all hopeful and felt like we had something special. The demo was recorded in just under 2 hours and sent off again to Nashville... still no response. Then 2 weeks before Christmas last year, my cousins Greg and Robbie decided to do a video to see what we could accomplish on YouTube. The first day we had 3000 hits and it soared from there. We received e-mails, phone calls, Facebook messages from people all over asking for the music, CD's, iTunes, anything... we had nothin'. After a couple of meetings with Chris following the amazing response, we got serious. We headed back into the studio this past spring... this time with guitars, drums, bass, pianos, choirs... the real deal.... and here we are today. Getting iTunes set up, a website put together, and loving that thousands upon thousands of Christians have come together... remembering the true meaning of Christmas. Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults can not understand. Hopefully Spencer's observation will cause people all over to reflect on the love of Jesus, and that one day we will all stand in line to see Him. We are most thankful to our Heavenly Father to have this chance to share our music with you. Merry Christmas everyone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPViKJRHyZo --- ...My Two Cents... clap clap Clap clap clap clap clap clap Clap clap clap clap clap , clap clap clap Clap clap clap . \ ` Clap \ ( (\ ) / ` ` / _\ , \(") ___ .- )=| (` ') ' _ /'| |-n___n ' (/\| a:f____________|_L___J__ < L _______________________ I had to post this one as it kind of echoed my thoughts when I watched as the new speaker of the house was applauded for by all the people. The applause went on and on and on so long that I wondered why he didn't stop them. Then my thoughts were, 'I wonder if people will give such a long applause with a standing ovation when our Lord Jesus Christ is before them?' And then my thoughts changed and I thought, 'probably not' - because of this: Phil.2: [9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. They'll be bowing not standing :) -<>- _/\_ __\ /__ <_ _> |/ )\| ejm97 / >WHOEVER FINDS THIS, I LOVE YOU! On a quiet street in the city a little old man walked along shuffling through the autumn afternoon, and the autumn leaves reminded him of other summers come and gone. He had a long lonely night ahead, waiting for June. Then among the leaves near an orphan’s home a piece of paper caught his eye, and he stooped to pick up with trembling hands. As he read the childish writing the old man began to cry, cause the words burned inside him like a brand. “Whoever finds this, I love you, whoever finds this, I need you. I ain’t even got no one to talk to, So whoever finds this, I love you! The old man’s eyes searched the orphan’s home and came to rest upon a child. With her nose pressed up against the window pane. And the old man knew he found a friend at last, so he waved to her and smiled. And they both knew they’d spend the winter laughing at the rain. And they did spend the winter laughing at the rain, talking through the fence and exchanging little gifts they made for each other. The old man would carve toys for the little girl. She would draw pictures for him of beautiful ladies, surrounded by green trees and sunshine, and they laughed a lot. But then on the first day of June the little girl ran to the fence to show the old man a picture she drew, but he wasn’t there. And somehow the little girl knew he wasn’t coming back so she went to her room, took a crayon and paper and wrote…. “Whoever finds this, I love you, whoever finds this, I need you, I ain’t even got no one to talk to. So whoever finds this, I love you!” Author Unknown -<>- ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt >THE UNSUNG SONG God knows of all the songs still drifting Of unsung songs ahead, He knows every path He needs to take us To where we'll be content. Where we will find the songs yet unknown To sing with great intent, He knows how many songs are left To us that need be sent. So He'll take us to all the many places For us to find each note, Along winding roads and byways Each song we're made to know. There is always a hope for tomorrow To find these unsung songs, That God will unveil each day to hear Where we alone belong. Each sorrow to be borne He will bring To reveal all of His new light, His inspiration, His joy Found only in His life. He plans each sweet melody for us Each symphony that flows, There is no dread, foreboding, on the road Of songs that take us home. Tomorrow's plan is unveiling as sure as the sun sets above. The songs unsung are still waiting... God wants us to sing of His love. ~Jill Lemming~ To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. =============================================================== , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >-->SIDE BY SIDE (Author Unknown) They lie on the table side by side, The Holy Bible and the TV guide. One is well worn and cherished with pride, Not the Bible . . . but the TV guide. One is used daily to help folks decide, No, not the Bible . . . but the TV guide. As the pages are turned, what shall they see, Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV. Then confusion reigns, they can't all agree, So they open the book in which they confide, No, not the Bible . . . but the TV guide. The Word of God is seldom read, Maybe a verse as they fall into bed. Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be, Not from reading the Bible . . . from watching TV. So then back to the table side by side, Lie the Holy Bible and the TV guide. No time for prayer, no time for the Word, The plan of Salvation is seldom heard. But forgiveness of sin, so full and free, Is found in the Bible . . . not on TV >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Chrristian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DAARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************