Beside The Still Waters... :) 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 or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ >-->OoooWEeeee!! oo 8 "} > @ < .8 .-._/| .'_'`')`_.' \| ) / (>'/ |_,_ | (,| .' ,'\| `._/ ) \| '`- -- ''-- --- VK/ejm I'm doing a 'Happy Angel' dance! Why? Because Shangrala has been blessed with another donation from our long time Shangrala Angel, M.D. from MO! She has been stepping up to the plate to help Keep Shangrala Alive with her sweet donations year after year! We sure do thank God for her and all our past wonderful angels! If you'd like to help too and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. EVERY LITTLE BIT WILL HELP! 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 YOU ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends LouiseAu and Fran. One thing we've seen over and over again this year is that supporters of Trump are having lots of fun. They hold boat, truck and car 'Trump Train' parades that have thousands joining in even without Trump there. On the other hand Biden and even Obama can barely get a hundred to come to their events with them there! This page will give you plenty of Smiles if you are like most Americans and love our President Trump. The rest should just hide in their basement like their leader, Biden, does most of the time! Check this fun one out here - sound on... .. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ .$$$$. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. .$$$$$ * * * * * * * * * * ::::::::::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::' * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$F * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$d$$$$$$$" ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ":::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::" ""$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$P $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$L ;; ;::::::::::::::::;; ;;:::. $$$$$$" "" $$$$$; Donna Shepherd ^$$" $$$$ "" Humor In Politics 20 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/politics20.html --- ...Absolutely great - Just like Trump! Thanks Ladies! Our second hot new page is from our friend Linda. It is sure to perk your interest with its little known facts that may just surprise you that you never knew of them before! Be sure to check this one out here... |..| ? ? c >| ? \'/ /><\ unknown Amazing Trivia Facts 9! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/triviafacts9.html --- ...Awesome! Thanks Linda! -<>- .0. / \ ; \_/ ; | | | | | | _______; ;_______ `======='\ /`=======` \ / _ | | _ _( \____|=|____/ )_ ( .---. .---. ) `-' / \ '-' / HUG \ ; ; | .---.|__, jgs : / :--' .--\ \ | `" `"".-' < =""` `"== `""""""` =""` `"""===="""` =""` `""==="""` *~* We Had A FANTASTIC Month Of Caring And Sharing Last Month *~* Be sure to check these out and share them with all your loved ones! Life Hacks! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifehacks.html Italy's Lifeguard Dogs! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifeguarddogs.html The Pet Python! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/python.html Duesenberg Model! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/duesenberg.html Funny T-Shirt Wisdom! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/teeshirts.html When Artists Get Bored 4! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abored4.html The Newly Born! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/newlyborn.html Jean-Marc Janiaczyk Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jean-marc.html Weird Rainy Days 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rainyday2.html Australia's Dugouts! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/australia2.html _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.' *~* Big THANK YOU And Huggums In Christ To All Our Super Contributors! =========================================================== >-->From HeartTouchers: __ _ / /| |\\ \/_/ \_\| / __ \/_/__\ .-=='/~\ ____,__/__,_____,______)/ /{~}}} -,------,----,-----,---,\'-' {{~}} jgs '-==.\}/ >A Promise Kept by Kristi Powers (from the book Heart Touchers: Life Changing Stories of Faith, Love and Laughter) In a world where so many lives are being torn apart by divorces and heartaches, comes a story of a father and a daughter, and a promise that was kept. My father was not a sentimental man. I don't remember him ever "ooohhing" or "ahhing" over something I made as a child. Don't get me wrong; I knew that my dad loved me, but getting all mushy-eyed was not his thing. I learned that he showed me love in other ways. There was one particular time in my life when this became real to me. I always believed that my parents had a good marriage, but just before I, the youngest of four children, turned sixteen, my belief was sorely tested. My father, who used to share in the chores around the house, gradually started becoming despondent. From the time he came home from his job at the factory to the time he went to bed, he hardly spoke a word to my mom or us kids. The strain on my mom and dad's relationship was very evident. However, I was not prepared for the day that Mom sat my siblings and me down and told us that Dad had decided to leave. All that I could think of was that I was going to become a product of a divorced family. It was something I never thought possible, and it grieved me greatly. I kept telling myself that it wasn't going to happen, and I went totally numb when I knew my dad was really leaving. The night before he left, I stayed up in my room for a long time. I prayed and I cried-and I wrote a long letter to my Dad. I told him how much I loved him and how much I would miss him. I told him that I was praying for him and wanted him to know that, no matter what, Jesus and I loved him. I told him that I would always and forever be his Krissie...his Noodles. As I folded my note, I stuck in a picture of me with a saying I had always heard. "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy." Early the next morning, as my Dad left our house, I sneaked out to the car and slipped my letter into one of his bags. Two weeks went by with hardly a word from my father. Then, one afternoon, I came home from school to find my mom sitting at the dining room table waiting to talk to me. I could see in her eyes that she had been crying. She told me that Dad had been there and that they had talked for a long time. They decided that there were things that the both of them could and would change-and that their marriage was worth saving. Mom then turned her focus to my eyes-"Kristi, Dad told me that you wrote him a letter. Can I ask what you wrote to him?" I found it hard to share with my mom what I had written from my heart to my dad. I mumbled a few words and shrugged. Mom said, "Well, Dad said that when he read your letter, it made him cry. It meant a lot to him and I have hardly ever seen your dad cry. After he read your letter, he called to ask if he could come over to talk. Whatever you said really made a difference to your dad." A few days later my dad was back, this time to stay. We never talked about the letter, my dad and I. I guess I always figured that it was something that was a secret between us. My parents went on to be married a total of thirty-six years before my dad's early death at the age of fifty-three cut short their lives together. In the last sixteen years of my parent's marriage I, and all those who knew my mom and dad, witnessed one of the truly "great" marriages. Their love grew stronger every day, and my heart swelled with pride as I saw them grow closer together... When Mom and Dad received the news from the doctor that his heart was deteriorating rapidly, they took it hand in hand, side by side, all the way. After Dad's death, we had the most unpleasant task of going through his things. I have never liked this task and opted to run errands so I did not have to be there while most of the things were divided and boxed up. When I got back from my errand, my brother said "Kristi, Mom said to give this to you. She said you would know what it meant." As I looked down into his outstretched hand, it was then that I knew the impact of my letter that day so long ago. In my brother's hand was my picture that I had given my dad that day. My unsentimental dad, who never let his emotions get the best of him, my dad, who almost never outwardly showed his love for me, had kept the one thing that meant so much to him and me. I sat down and the tears began to flow, tears that I thought had dried up from the grief of his death, but that had now found new life as I realized what I had meant to him. Mom told me that Dad kept both the picture and that letter his whole life. I have a box in my home that I call the "Dad box". In it are so many things that remind me of my dad. I pull that picture out every once in a while and remember. I remember a promise that was made many years ago between a young man and his bride on their wedding day, and I remember the unspoken promise that was made between a father and his daughter... A promise kept. Kristi Powers NoodlesP29@aol.com Copyright © 2000 by Kristi Powers Write Kristi and let her know your thoughts on her story! Kristi is happily married to Michael and they have three boys. Her writing appears in seven inspirational books, including many in the Chicken Soup series, and their own book entitled: Heart Touchers. Kristi is also homeschool mom and works with seniors who want to stay in their home but need some extra help. She fills her "free time" doing youth ministry with her husband. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Empowered by God's Spirit - Part III Jesus said, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!."1 Yesterday we discussed several of the steps we need to take to be filled with and empowered by God's Holy Spirit. These were: desire, faith, commitment, confession of sins, openness, and personal honesty. Today we want to discuss four more steps. Sixth, removing barriers. Another barrier that blocks God's Spirit can be an unforgiving spirit, which usually has its roots in an impaired relationship or a hurtful experience from the past. To be filled with the Holy Spirit it is essential that, wherever humanly possible, impaired relationships be resolved, hurt and angry feelings resolved, and forgiveness extended to those who we felt have hurt us. If it isn't possible to reconcile the relationship (which takes both parties), we need to at least deal with our side of the conflict, resolve our negative feelings, and forgive the one who hurt us. Seventh, obedience. Another requirement for the filling of the Holy Spirit is living in harmony with, and obedience to, the will of God. As Peter said, the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God.2 Eighth, ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."3 Finally, abiding. As Jesus said: "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him will bear much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing."4 Christ's allegory is a good illustration of how to have a fruitful life. As we, the branches, abide in Christ, the vine, by spending time with Him (learning what His Word teaches, praying regularly, and living in obedience to Him by practicing what His Word teaches), so the Holy Spirit flows from Christ through us, the branches. Fruit is the natural outcome. The good news is that we don't have to struggle to produce God's fruit. We can't anyhow; and if we try to, the fruit is stunted and useless. That's what Christ meant when He said that without Him, we can do nothing. Only His Spirit within can produce His fruit without. As we commit our lives in full surrender to Jesus Christ, abide in Him, and resolve the barriers in us, the Holy Spirit fills us and the fruit of the Spirit--love, joy, peace, longsuffering--are produced automatically like the grapes on a healthy vine. The vine dresser doesn't put the grapes on the vine from without. The fruit comes from within. In conclusion, let me add that the evidence of the filling of God's Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit--not the gifts of the Spirit as many claim and are thus confused. "By their fruit you will know them," Jesus said, not "by their gifts." Suggested prayer: "Dear God, again today I surrender the control of my heart and life to You. Help me to live according to the principles as found in Your Word, the Bible, and as I do, please fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit so that the fruit of the Spirit will be so evident in my life that others seeing Jesus in me, will want Jesus for themselves. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Luke 11:13 (NIV). 2. Acts 5:32 (NIV). 3. Luke 11:13 (NIV). 4. John 15:5 (NKJV). <:))))>< _,--''--,_ _,-'~~'-, ( '' {}{} }{ {}{} }{| {}{} }{}( ) ,__ , \ {}{} {}{) / \' ) '\ / ~/\ (\/) {}{/ / \ | | /| / \ }{ }{( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) | |} {}{\\ \\ (/ || | u|{ }{}{\\ \\ || || \ | |\ |\ |\ |\ (\o -- '' -'-' ~` "" ~` ~`' ~` '"' "' -- '' -'-' miK >Horse Sense "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."1 "On his radio broadcast Steve Brown explained that when a group of thoroughbred horses face attack from an outside enemy, they stand in a circle facing each other and with their back legs, kick out at the enemy. Donkeys, on the other hand, do just the opposite. They circle up, facing the enemy, and use their hind legs to kick each other! How often does the church [or families] do the identical thing--ignore the real enemy while attacking fellow believers?"2 An old cliche, but worth repeating, says, "The church is the only army that shoots its wounded." Some churches have fought and split over their church music. Some denominations have split over insignificant doctrinal issues. I've seen bickering and backbiting destroy one church I know, and I know one pastor who was "crucified" through idle gossip started by a jealous, critical person. For the past few weeks, I have seen and heard harsh words and judgement from one Christian towards another regarding today's election. And while this is an important matter, we should not forget that God is in control and he has a plan and purpose for anything he allows to happen. Our job is to pray, do our part, and trust Him for the outcome. Furthermore, when the name of someone we don't like comes up, all we have to do is to say, "Oh him," in a put-down-tone-of-voice, to sow doubt in someone's mind about that person. And when we label people negatively, we negate them. When we do these things, we are not acting like thoroughbred horses! Let us work on being peacemakers and be living testimonies of the work God is doing in us. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, deliver me from the sin of gossip, slander, backbiting, and divisive behavior. Help me to become a 'thoroughbred' Christian and not like the other kind. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Ephesians 4:30-32 (NIV). 2. E. Glenn Wagner, Ph.D, The Awesome Power of Shared Beliefs (Word Publishing, 1995). <:))))>< .--._ .'""""-t--. /_. .-._ \ `. __.-. :/o: "o.` ; .'\.-" .--."-._ . /; ; :/ _;. ( `-._\ .-" "--._.: : :s, t,-"/ j"_. _._\`\ ___._.._.._/ _. _ \; .--. / "-: / 'o.` \.o`; ; .-"" ( "" / "-. : : ;,: . .$; :/:_.---.-. :: .-""""^._ / \_.gp.____.-j ;; ' __ :_; _.--`-.t ; Y ( : ;`^$$P^" ; : \ ' ` ; : ; l--t"'.;_ ,_.-. ; ; / \ ( : \ t-.___ / ;/ ,---=-: \ ;o; .o.` : : .-" \ ) ; `.; """\ .' .o' :o; ; : ; ; ; : ""--.._ `. : .'"-. Y .d.: : ; Ts,-. .-: `-- .' "-._`.; .' \ \ .---, ; : ---. ` : ; \ :.---: : ;-- __; : ;--.. " ) ; _:tjtjt-; ; : """"-.__L./ '^:;:^' `-._ bug : : /\ : >Getting Rid of the Gunk "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."1 Ron Ledford reports how "each year thousands of tourists journey to Mount Rushmore National Memorial that is carved above the town of Keystone in southwestern South Dakota. It is there that the images of four of the great presidents of the United States are carved in granite. "What the average tourist does not realize is the constant work that goes on to keep this giant sculpture from deteriorating. For one week in September workers go over this magnificent piece of art removing bird nests, pulling shrubs that have grown in the crevices in the rock. But the most important task of all is filling the hundreds of natural rock fissures that crisscross the executive figures. Workmen carefully fill these cracks with a special mixture of white granite dust, linseed oil, and white lead. If these fissures were left unattended, the autumn rains and melting snow could creep into the rock and freeze, thus shattering a president's image."2 Our life is like that too. We need to constantly be on guard against all things that in time, if not put away or cleaned up, could destroy our Christian walk and testimony, and eventually lead us far from God. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to be aware of anything in my life that is not pleasing to You and is harmful to me and my testimony for You. Let Your Spirit convict me of these things and lead me to confession and 'cleaning up my life.' Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Ephesians 4:30-31 (NIV). 2. Ron Ledford. Cited by King Duncan http://www.sermons.com/. <:))))>< When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." -- unknown ______ _\ _~-\___ = = ==(____AA____D \_____\___________________,-~~~~~~~`-.._ / o O o o o o O O o o o o o o O o |\_ `~-.__ ___..----.. ) `---~~\___________/------------````` = ===(_________D -Rolan >A Little Boy Named Michael - author unknown I was on the aisle in a two seat row. Across sat a businesswoman with her nose buried in a newspaper. No problem. But in the seat beside mine, next to the window, was a young boy wearing a big red tag around his neck: Minor Traveling Unattended. The kid sat perfectly still, hands in his lap, eyes straight ahead. He'd probably been told never to talk to strangers. Good, I thought. Then the flight attendant came by. "Michael, I have to sit down because we're about to take off," she said to the little boy. "This nice man will answer any of your questions, okay?" Did I have a choice? I offered my hand, and Michael shook it twice straight up and down. "Hi, I'm Jerry," I said. "You must be about 7 years old." "I'll bet you don't have any kids," he responded. "Why do you think that? Sure I do." I took out my wallet to show him pictures. "Because I'm six." "I was way off, huh?" The captains' voice came over the speakers: "Flight attendants, prepare for takeoff." Michael pulled his seat belt tighter and gripped the armrests as the jet engines roared. I leaned over and said, "Right about now, I usually say a prayer. I ask God to keep the plane safe and to send angels to protect us." "Amen," he said, then added, "but I'm not afraid of dying. I'm not afraid because my mama's already in heaven." "I'm sorry." I said. "Why are you sorry?" he asked, peering out the window as the plane lifted off. "I'm sorry you don't have your mama here." My briefcase jostled at my feet, reminding me of all the work I needed to do. "Look at those boats down there!" Michael said as the plane banked over the Pacific. "Where are they going?" "Just going sailing, having a good time. And there's probably a fishing boat full of guys like you and me." "Doing what?" he asked. "Just fishing, maybe for bass or tuna. Does your dad ever take you fishing?" "I don't have a dad." Michael sadly responded. Only 6 years old and he didn't have a dad, and his Mom had died, and here he was flying halfway across the country all by himself. The least I could do was make sure he had a good flight. With my foot I pushed my briefcase under my seat. "Do they have a bathroom here?" he asked, squirming a little. "Sure," I said, "let me take you there." I showed him how to work the 'Occupied' sign, and what buttons to push on the sink, then he closed the door. When he emerged, he wore a wet shirt and a huge smile. "That sink shoots water everywhere!" The attendants smiled. Michael got the VIP treatment from the crew during snack time. I took out my laptop and tried to work on a talk I had to give, but my mind kept going to Michael. I couldn't stop looking at the crumpled grocery bag on the floor by his seat. He'd told me that everything he owned was in that bag. Poor kid. While Michael was getting a tour of the cockpit the flight attendant told me his grandmother would pick him up in Chicago. In the seat pocket a large manila envelope held all the paperwork regarding his custody. He came back explaining, "I got wings! I got cards! I got more peanuts. I saw the pilot and he said I could come back anytime!" For a while he stared at the manila envelope. "What are you thinking?" I asked Michael. He didn't answer. He buried his face in his hands and started sobbing. It had been years since I'd heard a little one cry like that. My kids were grown -- still I don't think they'd ever cried so hard. I rubbed his back and wondered where the flight attendant was. "What's the matter buddy?" I asked. All I got were muffled words "I don't know my grandma. Mama didn't want her to come visit and see her sick. What if Grandma doesn't want me? Where will I go?" "Michael, do you remember the Christmas story? Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus? Remember how they came to Bethlehem just before Jesus was born? It was late and cold, and they didn't have anywhere to stay, no family, no hotels, not even hospitals where babies could be born. Well, God was watching out for them. He found them a place to stay; a stable with animals." "Wait, wait," Michael tugged on my sleeve. "I know Jesus. I remember now." Then he closed his eyes, lifted his head and began to sing. His voice rang out with a strength that rocked his tiny frame. "Jeeesus looooves me--thiiiiiis I knowwwwwww. For the Biiiiiible tells meeeeee sooooo....." Passengers turned or stood up to see the little boy who made the large sound. Michael didn't notice his audience. With his eyes shut tight and voice lifted high, he was in a good place. "You've got a great voice," I told him when he was done. "I've never heard anyone sing like that." "Mama said God gave me good pipes just like my Grandma's," he said. "My Grandma loves to sing, she sings in her church choir." "Well, I'll bet you can sing there too. The two of you will be running that choir." The seat belt sign came on as we approached O'Hare. The flight attendant came by and said we just have a few minutes now, but she told Michael it's important that he put on his seat belt. People started stirring in their seats, like the kids before the final school bell. By the time the seat belt sign went off, passengers were rushing down the aisle. Michael and I stayed seated. "Are you gonna go with me?" he asked. "I wouldn't miss it for the world buddy!" I assured him. Clutching his bag and the manila envelope in one hand, he grabbed my hand with the other. The two of us followed the flight attendant down the jet way. All the noises of the airport seemed to fill the corridor. Michael stopped, flipping his hand from mine, he dropped to his knees. His mouth quivered. His eyes brimmed with tears. "What's wrong Michael? I'll carry you if you want." He opened his mouth and moved his lips, but it was as if his words were stuck in his throat. When I knelt next to him, he grabbed my neck. I felt his warm, wet face as he whispered in my ear, "I want my mama!!!" I tried to stand, but Michael squeezed my neck even harder. Then I heard a rattle of footsteps on the corridor's metal floor. "Is that you baby?" I couldn't see the woman behind me, but I heard the warmth in her voice. "Oh baby," she cried. "Come here. Grandma loves you so much. I need a hug baby. Let go of that nice man," she knelt beside Michael and me. Michael's grandma stroked his arm. I smelled a hint of orange blossoms. "You've got folks waiting for you out there Michael. Do you know that you've got aunts and uncles and cousins?" She patted his skinny shoulders and started humming. Then she lifted her head and sang. I wondered if the flight attendant told her what to sing, or maybe she just knew what was right. Her strong, clear voice filled the passageway, "Jesus loves me -- this I know..." Michael's gasps quieted. Still holding him, I rose, nodded hello to his grandma and watched her pick up the grocery bag. Right before we got to the doorway to the terminal, Michael loosened his grip around my neck and reached for his grandma. As soon as she walked across the threshold with him, cheers erupted. From the size of the crowd, I figured family, friends, pastors, elders, deacons, choir members and most of the neighbors had come to meet Michael. A tall man tugged on Michael's ear and pulled off the red sign around his neck. It no longer applied. As I made my way to the gate for my connecting flight, I barely noticed the weight of my overstuffed briefcase and laptop. I started to wonder who would be in the seat next to mine this time... And I smiled. Thank You Bill for sending this in.... -<>- i______i I______I I I I______I / /I (______( I I I I I I I Van Moniek >The Empty Chair A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit. "I guess you were expecting me," he said. "No, who are you?" said the father. The minister told him his name and then remarked, "I see the empty chair; I figured you knew I was going to show up." "Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?" Puzzled, the minister shut the door. "I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head." "I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old man continued, "until one day four years ago my best friend said to me, "Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest." "Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, 'I'll be with you always.' Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now." "So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm." The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon. "Did he die in peace?" he asked. "Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him gone. But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?" The minister just smiled and wiped a tear from his eye. -Author Unknown -<>- /())) //( oo (/|| _ \__ /||||/ '._-' / \ |\ / \ \ \_____ | \ \.___ /==, | ='.___/=. | ) '.______ | (______( | || snd |_|| _/ | |_\ '---'--' >Will I Dream I know you beckon me to come But where and when will we finally be together It is autumn for me now and I'm growing weary of this lonely vigil Too many roads less traveled Always apart somehow from all the others I see them caught up in things that don't matter Forsaking their dreams like misplaced treasures Lying to themselves and staying busy at nothing have become their way of life As if that would add rather than subtract from whom they are I look forward to winter now A sweet respite from life and all its noisy confusions and tangled webs A simpler time is what I crave Like snow angels born on a frosty night just for the joy of it And afterwards, the peace of being cozy by a crackling fire while drifting with my dreams But for this moment I only feel tears falling in the wilderness for what we might have shared Sleep will come for me soon now And, I wonder, "Will I dream?" And if I do, "Will you be there?" dennis j hopkins mrseven@netropolis.net -<>- .-~*~--,. .-. .-~-. ./OOOOOOOOO\.'OOO`9~~-. .`OOOOOO.OOM.OLSONOOOOO@@OOOOOO\ /OOOO@@@OO@@@OO@@@OOO@@@@@@@@OOOO`. |OO@@@WWWW@@@@OOWWW@WWWW@@@@@@@OOOO). .-'OO@@@@WW@@@W@WWWWWWWWOOWW@@@@@OOOOOO} /OOO@@O@@@@W@@@@@OOWWWWWOOWOO@@@OOO@@@OO| lOOO@@@OO@@@WWWWWWW\OWWWO\WWWOOOOOO@@@O.' \OOO@@@OOO@@@@@@OOW\ \WWWW@@@@@@@O'. `,OO@@@OOOOOOOOOOWW\ \WWWW@@@@@@OOO) \,O@@@@@OOOOOOWWWWW\ \WW@@@@@OOOO.' `~c~8~@@@@WWW@@W\ \WOO|\UO-~' (OWWWWWW@/\W\ ___\WO) `~-~'' \ \WW=*' __\ \ \ \ \ __\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \\ \ \ >Face The Storms That Come Your Way A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she herself feared that the electrical storm might harm her child. Following the roar of thunder, lightning, like a flaming sword, would cut through the sky. Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school. As she did so, she saw her little girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and smile. Another and another were to follow quickly and with each the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile. When the mother's car drew up beside the child she lowered the window and called to her, "What are you doing? Why do you keep stopping?" The child answered, " I am trying to look pretty. God keeps taking my picture." May God bless you today as you face the storms that come your way. Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quietest voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow". ~Paulette Tuers~ -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) I Believe... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html Dreamy Ladies!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dreamy.html God's Paintings!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Just Have Faith!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faith.html Liberty Air Show!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/liberty.html Adam In Paradise!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/adam.html Real Fantasy Trees!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trees.html Thoughts For Today!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thoughts.html Attitude Is Everything!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Amazing Trivia Facts US!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/triviafactsus.html US Natural Works Of Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/usnaturalart.html Sgt.Stubby War Dog Hero!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stubbywardog.html God's Water Paintings!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/water.html The Real Bambi And Thumper!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bambi.html Old Barns, Old People, Old Friends!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/barns.html Ronald Reagan Quotes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/reaganquotes.html Nation's Tallest Flagpole!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/flagpole.html Anthem Veterans Memorial! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/anthemmemorial.html Kilroy Was Here!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kilroywashere.html Full 9/11 And Troops INDEX!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html -<>- Behind The Scenes http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Adversary/Behind_The_Scenes.htm Dealing With The Adversary - Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Adversary/Adversary.htm What’s in a Word? – Leadership https://tinyurl.com/y46rqtby 5 Ways to Revolutionize our Relationship with Each Other in the Body of Christ: A Study of 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 https://tinyurl.com/yy9kn2a7 New Study Proves That Respect for Religious Liberty Leads to ‘Human Flourishing’ / Trump Admin Launches Investigation of OH Hospital That Left Premie Twins to Die / Women Traumatized by Abortion Suffer ‘Lifetime Of Pain,’ More Studies Show / How “Divine Intervention” from God Saved This Police Officer’s Life https://www.christianlifedaily.com Making Sense of the World & Knowing What to Do / Divorce Rates Drop in Covid and Girls Scouts Shamed on Twitter https://tinyurl.com/y64skvzt -<>- >In The News: VA News: File for your Economic Impact Payment, Free National Park Passes, Free Virtual Shadowboxes https://tinyurl.com/y4cvwrfv MyHealtheVet: Aging and Muscles | Gathering at the Holidays | Stay Heart Healthy https://tinyurl.com/y3ttnvps Hannity 11-4-20 https://www.bitchute.com/video/uyiCAc2Y20lO/ Tucker Carlson 11-4-20 https://www.bitchute.com/video/YlPoXpf94ZYQ/ Laura Ingraham 11-4-20 https://www.bitchute.com/video/mZdp5TarmfBi/ This Is Not Normal Election Behavior - The sketchy details of huge turnarounds in favor of Biden, overnight, in swing states raised some eyebrows. https://insidescooppolitics.com/archives/3042 Former NeverTrumper casts her ballot: The 'overtly anti-American direction of the left has been decades in the making' https://tinyurl.com/y6xcl8j6 CA Voters Save Uber and Lyft from Dem Legislature / Tucker: The Election is in the Hands of Lawyers Now, Not the Voters / Frank Luntz’s Final Prediction – Polling is Done / Al-Qaeda Calls for the Murder of All Who Insult Mohammed / Woke Politics and Black Lives Matter are the Big Losers of the 2020 Election / Rush Limbaugh Explains Why the Trump Campaign Thinks it will Win Arizona and Pennsylvania And MORE: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Westwing News: The Trump Administration Scores Another Win for Peace https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: WATCH: The best is yet to come https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Recall Alert: Crashes Prompt Recall of Vehicles http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) See a grocery store shopping cart collector having a bad day and one of the rowdiest pool parties ever as you get your Daily Dose Of Internet. I hope the law enforcement officer got a laugh out of breaking up that crazy pool party but more likely was probably disgusted that someone wasted his time with that call. I hope you enjoyed today’s edition of your Daily Dose Of Internet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLBJY8iP7h0 See what wild animals look like from a very low perspective on the ground and more cool and interesting videos. Seeing elephants, hippos, and lions from a perspective on the ground is not something I would want to experience first hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYduGBjjQ68 Take a short break from your day to watch a series of cool and interesting video clips. I’m not really sure what is going on in several of these clips but they are always interesting and entertaining to watch. That stairway on the mountain in Hawaii looks like it would be a crazy hike. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPVvQLjSd00 See one of the cutest puppies ever and more cool and interesting videos as you get your Daily Dose Of Internet. I just love how adorable that puppy is and it would be hard not to adopt him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I1iX2vxyno See the dumbest package thieves ever who stood in front of a Ring Doorbell and more entertaining videos as you get your Daily Dose Of Internet. I have no tolerance for people who steal and despite the entertainment value, these idiots provided I hope they were caught and punished. Given that he posed for the camera it should have been easy police work to find them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_gYWcCVIZ4 --- ...Great Selection! Thanks LouiseAu! There must be over a hundred pic's and I think you will love them here is a sample: The people that vote for him are Puppets AKA stupid empty headed Dummies! https://tinyurl.com/y6bkfpbg --- ...LOL! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >BEFORE YOU GO Please read to the end and then click on the website -- this is wonderful! The elderly parking lot attendant wasn't in a good mood! Neither was Sam Bierstock.. It was around 1 a.m., and Bierstock, a Delray Beach, Fla., eye doctor, business consultant, corporate speaker, and musician was bone tired after appearing at an event. He pulled up in his car and the parking attendant began to speak. "I took two bullets for this country and look what I'm doing," he said bitterly. At first, Bierstock didn't know what to say to the World War II veteran. But he rolled down his window and told the man, "Really, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you." Then the old soldier began to cry. "That really got to me," Bierstock says. Cut to today. Bierstock, 58, and John Melnick, 54, of Pompano Beach - a member of Bierstock's band, Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Band, have written a song inspired by that old soldier in the airport parking lot. The mournful "Before You Go" does more than salute those who fought in WWII. It encourages people to go out of their way to thank the aging warriors before they die. "If we had lost that particular war, our whole way of life would have been shot," says Bierstock, who plays harmonica. "The WW II soldiers are now dying at the rate of about 2,000 every day. I thought we needed to thank them." The song is striking a chord. Within four days of Bierstock placing it on the Web, the song and accompanying photo essay have bounced around nine countries, producing tears and heartfelt thanks from veterans, their sons and daughters and grandchildren. "It made me cry," wrote one veteran's son. Another sent an e-mail saying that only after his father consumed several glasses of wine would he discuss "the unspeakable horrors" he and other soldiers had witnessed in places such as Anzio, Iwo Jima, Bataan, and Omaha Beach. "I can never thank them enough," the son wrote. "Thank you for thinking about them." Bierstock and Melnick thought about shipping it off to a pro- fessional singer, maybe a Lee Greenwood type, but because time was running out for so many veterans, they decided it was best to release it quickly, for free, on the Web. They've sent the song to Sen. John McCain and others in Washington. Already they have been invited to perform it in Houston for a Veterans' Day tribute - this after just a few days on the Web. They hope every veteran in America gets a chance to hear it. GOD BLESS EVERY veteran.....and THANK you to those of you veterans who may receive this! CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO HEAR THE SONG... Before You Go https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHo1wlYcZ74 Website: https://managedmusic.com/ -<>- (() ()) (() ()) (() ()) (() ()) (() .+. _.-//_\\-._ .'.-' XII '-.'. /`.'* *'.`\ / /* / *\ \ | ; _/ ; | | |IX (_) III| | | ; \ ; | \ \* \ */ / \ '.* \ *.'./ jgs '._'-.__VI_.-'_.' '-.,___,.-' >THE OLD WATCH By L. Wellington Miller, Westland, Michigan The night was quiet as I sat at my desk with some bookkeeping. I glanced over at the glass dome that displayed my father's pocket watch. Not that it was going to tell me the time. The old watch had stopped running after Dad died. Dad was a fireman for the Pennsylvania Railroad in the days of steam engines, and he truly worked all the livelong day, as the old song goes. In fact, he was away most of the time, coming back for a few days once a month to collect his paycheck. There was an uneasiness between us when he was home since we talked together so seldom. I never found words to tell him I loved him, or that I was proud of him and his work on the railroad. I sat quietly, just enjoying his company, the ticking of his watch sometimes the only sound in the room. The watch was a Hamilton, very popular with railroaders. It slipped easily in the small watch pocket that trousers had in those days. Sometimes I wished Dad could slip me in his pocket and take me with him on his journeys. My desk lamp illuminated the dome, and the watch's stainless-steel case shone inside. There was a small chip on the edge of its ceramic face, broken off once when it fell to the floor. Still, it kept running. "A guardian angel looks after this watch," Dad explained. I knew better. Dad spent an awful amount of time looking after it himself, winding it twice a day, an elaborate process which he allowed me to witness. It was like time stopped for a while. If the hour needed to be reset for some reason, my dad would put the palm of his hand over the crystal faceplate and unscrew it from its case. At the two o'clock position on the edge of the ceramic face was a small lever that had to be pulled up. Once done, he set the correct time by turning the stem. When the lever was down and covered he could wind the watch. Dad retired in the 1960s. He became ill soon after and was hospitalized. I visited every day. We were mostly quiet, as always. He kept his faithful timepiece on the nightstand, but it didn't run well anymore. Dad was too weak to take care of it. On the day he died I picked it up. It was no longer ticking. That seemed right somehow. Later I bought the glass dome to display it. I never took the watch to a jeweler. I figured I wouldn't know how to maintain it anyway. That night sitting at my desk I felt sorry I had never told Dad how I felt. "Why, God? Why didn't I find a way to tell him?" I dropped my head into my hands. Something startled me. I heard a ticking sound, and looked up. It came from my dad's watch. Impossible. I slid the dome closer to the desk lamp. The second hand moved. The watch was running again. Almost as if Dad had heard my thoughts. As if he had heard my thoughts even when I was a boy, and knew I loved him. Perhaps a guardian angel did look after Dad's watch, and after me. -<>- z z Z .--. Z Z / _(c\ .-. __ | / / '-; \'-'` `\______ \_\/'/ __/ ) / ) | \--, | \`""`__-/ .'--/ /--------\ \ \\` ///-\/ / /---;-. '-' jgs (________\ \ '-' >YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH MORE BY LEARNING TO DO LESS 'He makes me lie down in green pastures...' Psalm 23:2 NIV Are you like the man who said, 'The devil never takes a vacation, so why should I?' Since when did the devil become your role model? The words 'He makes me lie down in green pastures' teach us that only the Shepherd can choose the path, prepare the pasture, and protect us. Our role is simply to follow, feed and fellowship with Him. Getting the idea? Of the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses, which one do you think required the most words? Adultery? No, that only took one Hebrew word. Murder? No, that only took one word too. The longest of the Ten Commandments is about taking a day off: 38 words! (Exodus 20:8-11) God knows us so well: He knew the store owner would say, 'Somebody's got to work that day; if I can't my son will.' So God says, 'Nor your son.' 'Then my daughter will.' 'Nor your daughter.' 'Then an employee.' 'Nor your servant.' God says, 'One day a week you'll say no to work and yes to worship. You'll slow down, sit down, lie down and rest. After all, I rested on the seventh day and the world didn't crash. So repeat after Me, 'It's not my job to run the world.' Charles Spurgeon said, 'The very sea pauses at ebb and flood; earth keeps the Sabbath of the wintry months, and man... must rest or faint, trim his lamp or let it burn low. In the long term we shall do more, by sometimes doing less.' The bottom line is that if you honour God's principles you will find rest for your body, mind and emotions. SoulFood Reading: 2 Pet 1-3, John 4:27-38, Ps 87, Pro 24:1-4 as seen in The Word For Today -<>- _|_ | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ,%%%% // \\ ,@@@@@@@, ,%%%%/%%% // \\ ,@@@\@@@@/@@, @@@%%%\%%//%%%// === \\ @@\@@@/@@@@@ @@@@%%%%\%%%%%// =-=-= \\@@@@\@@@@@@;%#####, @@@@%%%\%%/%%// === \\@@@@@@/@@@%%%######, @@@@@%%%%/%%//| |\\@\\//@@%%%%%%#/#### '@@@@@%%\\/%~ | | ~ @|| %\\//%%%#####; @@\\//@|| | __ __ | || %%||%%'###### '@|| || | | | | | || ||##\//#### || || | | -|- | | || ||'#||###' || || |_|__|__|_| || || || || ||_/` ======= `\__||_._|| || jgs__||_/` ======= `\_||___ >MY CHURCH I want my church to be a place Where I can meet God face to face, And meditate upon His grace. I want each worship hour so sweet, That I can think each time we meet A presence comes and takes His seat. I want her doors to stand so wide No hungry soul who waits outside Will think that he has been denied. I want my church to be much more Than stone and timber, pew and doors, Or carpet laid upon a floor. But, oh, that which is found in me. So teach me, Lord, to show forth Thee. --Author Unknown (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: Knowing the Scripture is one thing; knowing the Author is another. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >"Soul Food" (Author Unknown) I love the taste of T-bone steak, Delicious every bite, But there's nothing like the Word of God, For my spiritual appetite. The Word of God has milk and meat, And even ice cream and cake. Take a slice of the Bread of Life, And coffee to keep us awake. Open your Bible and turn to Psalms, For David's famous buffet. You can drink all the wine of the Word you want, And still feel fine the next day. There's enough of the Word for everyone, And no one has to cheat. The Word of God is a smorgasbord, So take all you are able to eat. Let's have a little long-suffering, Job gives the recipe. Patience is the main ingredient, Self-denial is the fee. Wrap that up in temperance, It may not make much sense, Cover that with contentment, Then add some joy for strength. Let's have love for dessert, Jesus made this dish, Cream of joy and peace together, Sift out all selfishness. Add some deeds of righteousness, Enough to make it sweet. Humility is the frosting, That makes the dish complete. Or are you on a diet, Because the race seems hard to run? For a weight losing menu, Try Hebrews 12 and 1. Are you suffering from malnutrition, And don't know what to do? Your spiritual growth seems hindered, Try I Peter 2 and 2. If when every time you battle, The enemy always wins, Try some Holy Ghost Protein, And spiritual vitamins. God's Word can feed millions, And still have plenty left. Because the Word of God is Soul Food, Sent from the World's Greatest Chef! -<>- Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. _ ____( )_____ ___ | | ____ \ \ _---__________---_ / __ \ \ \ / \/ / \ \ _______| |_____/ \/____\ \_________________________________ | | / \ | | \ \__| | | | _____________ \ | | | | | |/\ \ | | / / |___________| \ \__\ /__/ / \-----------/ / \ /____/ |---------|__/ \____________________/ / \ _____ / \ Vicky Wilks |__________________| \___________/ >The Teacup (Author Unknown) There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery and especially teacups. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful teacup. They said, "May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful." As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke. "You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'let me alone,' but he only smiled, 'Not yet.' "Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the teacup said, "and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. 'Stop it! I'm getting dizzy,' I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet.' "Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as He shook his head, 'Not yet.' "Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'There, that's better,' I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Stop it, stop it!' I cried. He only nodded, 'Not yet.' "Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening, nodding his head saying, 'Not yet.' "Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And I did. I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful.' "'I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have had any color in your life. And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'" ------------- The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord saying, "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I shall announce My words to you." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, "Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel." ~ Jeremiah 18:1-6 (NASB) ~ 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 ========================================================== , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >-->Beside the Still Waters Beside the still waters, He walks and talks with me, each day. He gave His life that I might live, again, in a glorious way. He's the fairest of ten thousand. For Him the water doth still And all, who truly love our Master, will live and do His will. He leads me beside the still water. He restoreth my soul, today. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. Beside me He will stay... From now until forever, when I go up beyond the stars and sky; Because I gave my life to Him and this is the reason why. He gave His own life for me. He went to the cross, in my stead. He watches over me at night, when I'm afraid in my own bed. He preparest a table before me. Mine enemies He doesn't mind. He doth lift me, when I am low. His heart, to me, is good and kind. He maketh me to lie in green pastures. Beside the still waters He leads. I shall fear no evil. He is with me. He would have me to plant good seed. With me is His rod and staff. I shall never have naught to fear. For, my Savior, of the still waters, is always standing near. He is my Shepherd. I shall never want. He is my comfort in all things. He is my Master of the universe. Goodness and mercy He brings... Into this life of mine, as through the valley I goeth each day, And He will go with me, beside the still waters, all the long way. --Author Unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian 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 DARE 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 **********************************************************************