Counting Our Blessings ... :) 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 ================ >To View the ASCII Art for this... You may View the on-line INSPIRATION text Here: (You may Have to REFRESH your browser) http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html This Weeks regular Shangy emails ================ "we are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo _ _ *"_"* *"_"* /_ `\ _..._ _..._ /`_`\ |/ `-.| .' '. .' '. ( / \ ) \^_^/ / \ , / ')\^_^/( __> <_/ \ , \`--' .--. (_.> <._)` '-' `\ .---. '--`/ jgs '.__.' '._/ \_/ \ \.' '.__.' ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ -=====- _..._ .~ `~. ,_ / } ,_\'--, \ _.'`~~/ \'--,_`{_,} -( '.`-.`\;--,___.'_ '._`/ |_ _{@} / ` |-';/ _ / \ / | _ {@}_ / '--;_ _ {@} _Y{@} _\ `\ {@}\Y/_{@} Y/ / |`-.___. / \Y/\|{@}Y/\|// ^^^jgs^^^`--`------'`--`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ *~* HELP! We NEED 2009 Angels for the Web Site! >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2009 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is appreciated - even just 5 dollars! 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! GOD'S MOST ABUNDANT BLESSINGS TO YOU! ================ GOT A Cool Forward? Easy Yummy Recipe? Miracle Story? Sweet poem? Funny clean Joke? A Godly Inspiration? SHARE IT - We like it, We Love It, We Can't Get enough! Send it to me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net I'll Share It and Gladly Give YOU Credit For It! :) ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) Tuesday we took advantage of the warmer weather - 38F and sunny. My daughter and I went to work repairing her dog's kennel. He had forced half the side loose when trying to get out at something he saw in the yard. After coming back home with my fence war wounds - swollen and bruised knuckles, I couldn't resist spending another 2.5 hours working to get a page done from a forward from our friend Viv. Koalas are one of my favorites! As many of us here have been dealing with an exceptionally cold and harsh winter, many of our friends in Australia, bless their hearts, are dealing with an exceptionally hot and dry summer. Viv sent us a forward of how some Koalas are handling the situation. Check it out here: _,-""`""-~`) (`~_,=========\ |---,___.-.__,\ | o \ ___ _,,,,_ _.--. \ `^` /`_.-"~ `~-;` \ \_ _ .' `, | |`- \'__/ / ,_ \ `'-. / .-""~~--. `"-, ;_ / | \ \ | `""` \__.--'`"-. /_ |' `"` `~~~---.., | jgs \ _.-'`-. \ \ '. / `"~"` Koalas In A Heatwave http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/koalas.html --- ...This is adorable! Thank You Viv! ======================================================= >Brother Ed Story Editor: Jayleen L. Hatmaker Joyce Schowalter Ohio, USA In August 1980 an ugly scene brought my 13-year marriage to an end. I fled our home with my two children, $5 and nowhere to go except my mother's. Staying there more than a couple nights wasn't an option. The next morning I headed out to find help. The welfare office referred me to an emergency agency that found a small apartment. It was dismal and in a rough area, but I had to make the most of it. A woman there wrote down an address and said to go tell "Brother Ed" she'd sent me. The address was a nondescript warehouse near a Catholic school. Inside, floor to ceiling held everything imaginable from furniture to clothing. A short, unassuming, thin Caucasian man approached, introduced himself as Brother Ed and asked how he could help. Scared to death about the future, I told him who sent me. Brother Ed led me through the packed maze to a clearing, his "office". He sat me down, offered a soda, and his lunch! He softly asked me to tell my story. He listened as it poured out... years of abuse, the fix we were in. He nodded, concerned, asked few questions, and accepted my tears. He offered neither sympathy, nor disapproval. When I felt too wrung out to speak, he went to work. We toured the place as he anticipated our needs, referring to himself in third person, as "Brother Ed". He selected twin beds for my children, a sofa bed for me, sheets, blankets, clothing, towels, washcloths, small kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, everything we'd need -- including ironing board and iron! With each step I felt more dumbfounded. Was I expected to pay? Nothing was new, but it represented a small fortune to me. I couldn't believe he was GIVING this stuff to us! Within minutes, a huge pile was gathered near the doors, and Brother Ed explained the furniture would be ready that afternoon. With his next question my heart sank, "Do you have a way to move everything?" As my mind whirled, he said, "You can use Brother Ed's van." I should return at 5 p.m. with helpers, load the van, move everything, then return the van. All matter-of-fact, as if he'd known me his entire life. Overwhelmed, I couldn't believe that he seriously would allow total strangers to disappear with his personal vehicle, possibly never to be heard from again! But that's exactly what happened. I did, of course, return Brother Ed's van along with my eternal gratitude. I later learned Brother Ed was a local Jesuit. The warehouse stored donations for the order's second-hand store. Though his vocation was helping others, I will ever remain indebted to Brother Ed. I do what I can to pay it forward. I've never forgotten his selflessness, and am still deeply touched and grateful, and can only guess how many lives he has touched. I truly believe Brother Ed saved me and my children. I know he saved my spirit. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend John-Paul :) >Hope you find this inspiring Malachi 3:3 says: <()> () () () #| #|\ #/\ # /| # \_ #\_\ #\_\ # /_| ### \ ### \ ### \ ### \ # # \_ # # /_ # # /_ # # /_ 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.' This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy --when I can see my own image in it.' If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in You. At this very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. Remember: Life is like a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once. Always~~~~~~~John-Paul --- ...I've always loved this one! Thank you John-Paul! -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` The Bible on one page http://www.jrsbible.info/bible.htm --- ...Thank You John-Paul! Nice link page! ======================================================= >-->From Our Friend Sandi :) .:.:.:. / .***. \ | / ,,, \ | | \/6.6\/ | | ( _ ) | / /`"""`\ \ .:.:( (/|\) ):.:. ':'/':_A_:'\':' / \ .:.:.:.:.:.:.:. ':':':':':':':':' jgs _|_|_|_ (___|___) Read this sentence closely... 'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.' Something good will happen to you today; something that you have been waiting to hear. Send it to at least 7 great people...! --- ...So true! Thank You Sandi! ========================================================= >-->From Our Friend Viv :) \\\\, / \\ '<' ) Counting Your Blessings... \- / _)_(_ .'\___/'. /.-.___.-.\ [_________] | | ( | , | (\/) ) _\)_ | -|- | <_@__> _(/_ || | | | (/\)(\/) || || | | (\/) <_@_> || || | | <_@_>'(/\) || || | | (/\|/|-. || || .---------. _|_|_ || ||_,-'---------'-,__ |WWWWW| ___jgs|_|____________________|_\_____/__ __ .-. / \ //)\\ | | ||(|| .-. (\__/) .//\\\. //|\\ _)__(_ / `"""` \ )|||( /` `\ .jgs===================================. | | | | | | A Tax Assessor came one day to a poor Christian to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay. The following conversation Took place: "What property do you possess?" asked the assessor. "I am a very wealthy man," replied the Christian. "List your possessions, please," the assessor instructed. The Christian said: "First, I have everlasting life, John 3:16 Second, I have a mansion in heaven, John 14:2 Third, I have peace that passes all understanding, Philippians 4:7 Fourth, I have joy unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8 Fifth, I have divine love which never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8 Sixth, I have a faithful wife, Proverbs 31:10 Seventh, I have healthy, happy obedient children, Exodus 20:12 Eighth, I have true, loyal friends, Proverbs 18:24 Ninth, I have songs in the night, Psalms 42:8 Tenth, I have a crown of life, James 1:12" The tax assessor closed his book, and said, "Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to Taxation." I pray that all of us will have this kind of tax free "wealth." Have a richly blessed day! --- ...ah, yes, duty free for the price has already been paid by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you Viv for this sweet reminder to count our blessings! ============================================================== >-->A Full Teaching From Jerry Blout: The church of the “less Noble” ___ /___\ |/. .\| ( > ) \ - / _)_(_ .' '. /.-.___.-.\ [_________] | | | , | | -|- | | | | | | | | | | .---------. __,-'---------'-,__ __jgs___|___________________|_________ The 3 month old church at Thessalonica The church at Thessalonica was founded in a uproar. With only three weeks of teaching Paul had flee for his life leaving this group of new Christians behind to fend for themselves. Not only that, the people from the community of Thessalonica pursued Paul some 60 miles to Berea and tried their dead level best to destroy Paul’s efforts in Berea. The establishment of the church at Thessalonica so upset the status quo, that Thessalonian community was outraged that anyone would buy into this new thing called Christianity… They found it to be an incredible inconvenience that the gospel was all true. The Jewish community didn’t want to hear it, and were angry at those “less enlightened” Greeks who were loyal to the truth. Here is the text. Acts 17 1. Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2. And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3. explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and {saying,} "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ." 4. And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God- fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. 5. But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6. When they did not find them, they {began} dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7. and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus." 8. They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9. And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them. 10. The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily {to see} whether these things were so. For two thousand years sermons have been preached regarding the noble Bereans. Today I want to ask… What about the decent people left behind to start the new church of Thessalonica? So… What would you advise this group of people? They have only 3 weeks instruction, then they must stand alone. Note that Christianity, (such as it is) still resides at Thessalonica. While many of the churches of the New Testament are no longer there… this group is still there. They lost their buildings for about 400 years when the Muslims took over but they eventually got them back. Like the church at Philippi they would have hoped ... That they will prove themselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom they appeared as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life (adapted from Philippians 2:15-16a) The church at Thessalonica was only about 3-4 months old when the letter that we know as I Thessalonians was written. This particular letter has become of special interest to us locally, because our congregation is now the same age. Even the “less noble” can make their mark in the kingdom of God 1 Thessalonians 1 1. Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2. We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention {of you} in our prayers; 3. constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, 4. knowing, brethren beloved by God, {His} choice of you; Here are the keys, to your success, whether “noble” or “less so” Work of Faith This phrase only shows up 2x in Bible, here and II Thessalonians 1:11. What was impressive about this 3 month old congregation, with only three weeks instruction? Theirs was a working faith. There are plenty of people around to talk about faith. They simply went out and did it. “When Christianity really goes into action it must cause a revolution both in the life of the individual and in the life of society.” (Barclay) At Thessalonica Christianity caused a stink, but the reason is that they tried to live up to their faith rather than just talk about it. Paul gives this compliment to no other church. Labor of love This expression is so compelling that it has become a common expression in the English language. Most have no clue it was the strongest of compliments paid to the “less noble” Thessalonians. This is the only place in scripture that the phrase occurs. Today what most term love is really infatuation, but this is real love. It is a love whose labor can still be seen two thousand years later! That is no passing fad! “For this reason, when I could endure {it} no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.” I Thessalonians 3:5 When their neighbors had tried to kill him, Paul had been forced to leave them behind. Like anyone who has poured his heart into them Paul then worried for them. He didn’t need to. These people went to work and made their place in the kingdom of God, in the scriptures and into our hearts as well as his. What is the difference between work and labor? (A work of faith, and a labor of love?) Well, it is work to weed a garden, even if you like to garden. It is labor to do it at 110 degrees in the shade! In order to motivate you to do it at 110, it has to be love! Similarly, even under the heat of persecution the Thessalonians labored in love with, and for, the Savior. Ultimately they were just like us and all who have ever successfully named the name of Christ. “For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” I Timothy 4:10 Which brings us to the third and anchoring strength of the church at Thessalonica. Steadfastness of hope When Jesus spoke of the various kinds of human hearts in His parable of the Sower, He described one heart in particular that is relevant in contrast to the Thessalonians. "The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no {firm} root in himself, but is {only} temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.” Matthew 13:20-21 What they desperately needed, they had… stability. This church had been founded in persecution. Their entire community was enraged over the gospel. They hunkered down and made their place in God’s kingdom. They labored as if their very lives depended on it. The reality is that it does! “And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, "Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them." Revelation 14:13 Paul continued to worry over them. “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you…” II Thessalonians 2:1-3 Could they handle the slick talking smooth speech of the false teacher? Could they keep their composure as people came along in the name of God and undermined some of the core teachings of Christ? Answer? They did. There is a message here for all of us. Conviction brings courage and stability. They weren’t with Paul all that long, but it was long enough. Consider Paul’s final prayer for them “Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as {it did} also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil {one.}We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will {continue to} do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” II Thessalonians 3:1-5 Yours in Christ Jerry Blount 131 Hillside El Dorado Ks, 67042 3163204321 www.JerrysChristianJottings.info ===================================================== >-->From GreatAmericans: .---. / __ /\ | / `\ | \| . . |/ Great Americans Celebrates ( _\ ) | - | Black History Month \ . / |'---'| WASHINGTON, DC – February 18, 2009 -- Great Americans celebrates Black History month with portraits of three American heroes whose moving stories of service and sacrifice span the history of our nation from World War II, to the Vietnam War, to the conflict with terrorist forces in Iraq. Sergeant Jason Mike shares his story of bravery as he provided medical services and cover fire for his unit while under heavy fire from an overwhelming enemy force that ambushed his convoy. http://link.smartcommunicator.net/?143-75-75-17248822-456 Specialist Fifth Class Clarence Eugene Sasser received the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism with the US Army during the Vietnam War in January 1968 http://link.smartcommunicator.net/?143-75-75-17248822-458 First Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker of the 370th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism in action during a World War II battle in Viareggio, Italy. watch his story. http://link.smartcommunicator.net/?143-75-75-17248822-459 Home page: http://www.greatamericans.com/ ============================================================ >-->Christian Educational Services: ___ /___\ |/. .\| ( > ) \ < / _)_(_ .' '. /.-.___.-.\ [_________] | | | , | | -|- | | | | | | | | | | .---------. __,-'---------'-,__ __jgs___|___________________|_________ >The Trinity: Do you have to believe it to be saved? Romans 10:9 is perhaps the clearest presentation of how to get saved in the Epistles: Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. This instruction does not require one to even know about, much less believe, the Trinity in order to get saved. http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1177 ============================================================ >-->HANG IT ON THE CROSS -author unknown If you have a secret sorrow a burden or a loss, An aching need for healing, Hang It On the Cross. If worry steals your sleep and makes you turn and toss, If your heart is feeling heavy… Hang It On the Cross. Every obstacle to faith or doubt you come across Every prayer unanswered… Hang It On the Cross. For Christ has borne our brokenness and dearly paid the cost To turn our trials to triumph Hanging on the Cross. ====================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: .========. .========. // I .'..' \ // VI.'.,".\ || II .'..'| || VII..'..| || III .'."| || VIII,'.'| || IV ,','.| || IX.'".'.| || V '..'.'| || X .'..',| jgs .\_________/ .\_________/ Suzanna Wesley's Rules for Raising Children (Author Unknown) Suzanna Wesley was the mother of nineteen children, among them were John and Charles Wesley. It has been said that the Methodist denomination was born on the lap of a mother, Suzanne Wesley. She spent one hour each day in prayer. That's seven hours each week! She spent one hour per week with each child individually imparting spiritual life and wisdom. That's nineteen hours! Suzanna Wesley over two hundred years ago formulated sixteen rules for raising children. They are still pretty good rules! 1. Eating between meals is not allowed. 2. As children, they are to be in bed by 8 pm. 3. They are required to take medicine without complaining. 4. They are to subdue their self-will so that they might be open to God's salvation. 5. Teach a child to pray as soon as he can speak. 6. Require all to be still during Family Worship. 7. Give them nothing they cry for, and only that which they ask for politely. 8. To prevent lying, punish no fault which is first confessed and repented. 9. Never allow a sinful act to go unpunished. 10. Never punish a child twice for a single offense. 11. Commend and reward good behavior. 12. Any attempt to please, even if poorly performed should be commended. 13. Preserve property rights, even in smallest matters. 14. Strictly observe all promises. 15. Require no daughter to work before she can read well. 16. Teach children to reverence God. One of Suzanna Wesley's prayers gives a glimpse of her faith: "Help me, Lord, to remember that religion is not to be confined to the church, or closet, nor exercised only in prayer and meditation, but that everywhere I am in Your presence... May all things instruct me and afford me an opportunity of exercising some goodness and daily learning and growing toward Your likeness." Although she lived two hundred years ago, Suzanna's faith lives on today. The important things in life have not changed. It still matters that parents stay in the Lord and spend their lives leading children to do the same. -<>- | '.|.' -= + =- ___ .'|'. ___ ******* | ******* /-====) | (_.- )) | / '( )' ) )) / / _/ \_( (( | |-( _ _ )) ) ) / | \ //| |\\ /'-( ( / \ \/\/ *** \/\/ / ) ) | |\ / .=. \ / ( ( `-;./ ;-' _\/(")\/_ '-; ) ) | \ |'---'| / ( ( | \ _| |_ / ) ) _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( jgs .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. `""---`-----` `----`----`""` "The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him" Nahum 1:7 It's nice to be known. When you walk into a room full of strangers, you immediately look for a familiar face. Why? We don't like to be alone. If we see two faces that we know and they are on opposite ends of the room, we have a choice to make. Invariably we move to the end housing the person with whom we are most comfortable. We just like to have company in a strange or uncomfortable situation. How important it is then that we know the Lord. Even more important that He knows US! There have been times that I walked up to that familiar face only to discover that the person didn't know (or remember) me! Now that's embarrassing. What do you say when you greet a person with a hearty "Hello, Bob? How are you." Only to be greeted with a puzzled look and a "Do I know you?" It makes you want to melt through the cracks in the floor! It certainly is comforting that we are known by the Lord when we take refuge in Him. Not only are we known by Him, but He welcomes us with open arms. He asks how we are doing. He inquires about our spouse, our kids, the job . . . . He is interested in all our doings. He makes us feel welcome -- at home -- at ease. When we are in His refuge, HHis shelter, His fortress, we have nothing to fear. If you are outside the stronghold looking in, open your door and enter. Yes, you read me right. The only door that keeps you out of God's presence is the door that you keep closed to Him -- your door -- your heart -- your privacy. In all reality, God has no doors on His kingdom for He is willing to accept all comers. It is only our refusal to accept Jesus as our Savior, our Lord, our King, that separates us from the joy and peace we all seek. So, open your door and walk into the presence of Jesus. Though you may have done it before, you can do it again -- every day. Don't allow yourself to be kept apart from Him. He certainly wants you in His presence. He will never turn you away if you are seeking His face. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen Author Unknown -<>- Links for your enjoyment: Regis Motoneige http://www.buffaloschips.com/xdert.htm Regis Sautedu Bateau http://www.buffaloschips.com/grfd.htm Reining http://www.buffaloschips.com/hgdry.htm Remember http://www.buffaloschips.com/hgft8.htm Re Open 911 http://www.buffaloschips.com/6t6yu.htm Home Alone http://www.buffaloschips.com/gkjjkk.htm Home Security http://www.buffaloschips.com/gfdrdft.htm Hoppalas Turnen http://www.buffaloschips.com/gcfdrde.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ========================================================= >-->From SermondFodder: The Ice Storm of 2009 Some of you may have noticed the recent absence of Sermon Fodder Postings. Some of you may also have noticed some news stories about a certain ice storm that hit Kentucky and 5 or so other states. Well, the two are connected. I was assigned to help with disaster relief efforts working in the KY Region One Emergency Operations Center. I've done several dozen disaster training exercises, but none of them prepared me for my first encounter with the real thing. I came away with a great respect for our our highway crews that quickly cleared roads of downed trees and the National Guard who brought in food and water. Beth and I were without power for 10 days, much less that the two to four weeks originally projected. My participation in the emergency response was pretty minor, but I count it among the most profound things I've had privilige to be part of. I have a new appreciation for folks out there across the country who are willing to step up to see that people get food, water, and other needed help when things go wrong. I'll try to share more later. Keith The Sermon Fodder Guy =================================== ,____ |---.\ ___ | ` / .-\ ./=) | |"|_/\/| ; |-;| /_| / \_| |/ \ | / \/\( | | / |` ) | / \ _/ | /--._/ \ | `/|) | / / | | .' | | jgs / \ | (_.-.__.__./ / "News Alert: Be Very Afraid!" I may have told you before but, for a short period of time, we had a Playboy icon on one of our websites. It was kind of jarring to the Christians who saw it. If you clicked on that icon, do you know what happened? No, no, no. We wouldn't do that! If you clicked on that icon, you ended up at the main website of Campus Crusade for Christ with an opportunity to hear a plan of salvation. I would have left it there, but Jesus made us take it down. I think he said something about the ends not justifying the means and that dishonesty-no matter the result-was not a good thing. I've been thinking about the people who came to our website, saw the Playboy icon and clicked on it. What a surprise! I wish I could have seen their faces. Surprise! It wasn't what they expected. Something else was going on... Are you worried? I am. Over the last few months on our talk show, we have interviewed a whole lot of people about the economy, the war, the environment, world poverty, politics, etc....and the general impression is that "we're all gonna die!" It's bad and it's going to get a lot worse. (I've been trying to book Joel Osteen or Robert Schuller but, as I understand it, they were tied up, putting the final touches on their bomb shelters and storing food for the coming world famine.) There is a wonderful story in 2 Kings 6. The king of Syria was at war with Israel. Israel, though, had a powerful "secret weapon" in Elisha the prophet who kept warning Israel of the troop movements of Syria. The king of Syria was ticked and sent a large army to take out Elisha. When Elisha's servant got up in the morning and went out, he saw the great Syrian army, panicked and then ran to Elisha, only to find Elisha calm, cool and collected. Elisha said to his servant that he should chill out because "those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (vs. 16). The servant looked around. And it was only the two of them. It was then, I expect, the servant figured that he was following a crazy man. (\ \\ \\ Elisha prayed, "Lord, show him." \\ <*****> \\ .=^=. .""". .=^=. \\ //```\\(/a a\)//```\\ \\{{ ( L ) }} \\{ _ __ \ = / }} \\/@.---,/'-'\,---. }} /(&\ |`-._/\_.-'| \ }} (@ \&\| || |\ \}} {{ \ |___o()o___| > )} {{ `|__((<>))__|` .'}} {{ \ o\/o /`` }} {{ ,'\ || /\', }} {{.' \ || / | '.}} /'.||.' / / // / ( /( / jgs / / \ \ / / \ \ ___/ _/ __\ _\ (______) (______) The text says: "So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (vs. 17). If you're worried, there is plenty to worry you. You could lose your job, you could lose your house, you could become homeless, or you could get cancer from the carcinogens everywhere. The economy could tank. And if that doesn't happen, you could freeze to death from global freezing (Newsweek 1975), be cooked to death from global warming (Newsweek 2007) or starve to death from global famine (Newsweek 2006). The "all news-all the time" news channels pound us 24/7 with "news alerts" that tell us to be afraid...be very afraid. .--.-. ( ( )__ (_, \ ) ,_) '- \\---' Well, I'm tired of it...and _\\ \\ . '.\:.' I'm not going to take it anymore! .':`(\ ' \\ \\ \\ \\ \\ \\ \\ _ \\/@) /(&\ (@(\&\ <*****> ` \/ \.=^=. .""". .=^=. \ \```\\(/a a\)//```\\ \ \ ( L ) }} {\ \ __ \ = / }} {{\ '--,/'-'\,---. }} {{ \ |`-._/\_.-'| \ }} {{ \| || |\ \}} {{ |___o()o___| > )} {{ |__((<>))__|` .'}} {{ \ o\/o /`` }} {{ ,'\ || / ', }} {{.' \ || /| '.}} |'.||.' | | : | | : | | : | | : | | : | | : | jgs |____:__| (_/ \_) I've asked God to remind me about the armies. In order to see the armies, you have to know the Commander of the armies "for from him and through him and to him are all things" (Romans 11:36). That would be pretty scary except for the joyous words of John 1: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth...from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace..." (vs. 14,16) and "to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" (vs. 12-13). During every election, someone says, "It's the economy, stupid!" I don't even remember who first said that...but they are quite wrong. It's not the economy, or the war, or terrorists, or the fearsome specter of death and destruction. It's about God, stupid! It really is. Behind the surreal news, the surmise of "experts" who don't know what they are talking about any more than we do, the silly atheists who say that we're on our own, and the shallowness of what everybody says is important...there is a Commander of the armies who rules, sustains and works all things according to his will. If you forget about the Commander, it will drive you nuts. But there's more than that. If you want to see the armies of God, you have to thank him for them. Paul said to the Ephesians-whose situation was seemingly even more perilous than ours-that they ought to continue with their lives, "singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Ephesians 5:19-20). Giving thanks for everything? Does that mean...? Yeah, that! One of the advantages of being an "old white guy" is that I've watched the false prophets screw it up so often and so badly that I don't listen to them much anymore. That doesn't mean I'm silly or unaware of what they are saying. I'm a news junkie and fascinated by the seriousness and gloom of the "we're all going to die" crowd. I've seen God's circuitous ways so often in bringing "dry bones" to life, in removing pompous and arrogant leaders and replacing them only to replace the replacements, and in glorifying himself in the timeline of history, that I've decided it is all above my pay level and "all things do work together" for those who are on the side of the Commander. I've decided to thank him for the mess. That, of course, doesn't mean I'm going to necessarily like the way God works it out for me personally, for the nation of which I'm a citizen, or for the world. I've often told him that, if I were him, I would do it differently. But he has the armies and I don't. He's my Father and the Commander. So, I've decided I'll just thank him for the mess and then take a nap. But there is one other thing about "seeing the armies." You not only have to know the Commander and trust him in what he does, you've got to act on the reality of the truth that has been revealed. In Matthew 8, Jesus gets together a bunch of ragged, sinful, needy and confused followers. (I always thought he could have done better in his choices...but then I remember that I'm one of his weird choices too.) One of his "choices" says that he will follow Jesus, but he needs to bury his father. It seems reasonable until one realizes that his father isn't dead yet...not even close. So his "excuse" was an option to run. Then Jesus says something that will haunt you if you think about it much: "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead" (vs. 22). You can't let the dead bury the dead unless there's something better than the cemetery... ...and there is. So I have this list where I ask myself what I would do, how I would act and what I would think if the Commander of the supernatural armies were my Father and if I trusted him to do it right. Then I act on the truth that I know. I still get scared and listen to the wrong voices on occasion.I sometimes still hear the "harsh bark" of the con artists and become enamored by the bright wares of the trinket salesmen. I still, as it were, "click on the Playboy icon." But in my finer moments, Jesus comes and prays for me. He says to the Father: "Father, show him!" That's when I see the armies. He'll do that for you too. He asked me to remind you. In His Grip, Steve Brown www.keylife.org --- ,,,,, ////""\ . (((/ m m -|- __ )))c = ) | (__) ////-./~` . [] (((( `.`\ :: [] )))`\ \)).-;.' .------, [] (() `._.-'` _( )[] )/ `. | .'`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^))\`.----'`[] jgs ( \' { ~ - ~~ _ ~ - ~~ - ~ - (( | | [] .-.--\ \ { )) | | [] |_;_._`\ |{ ((__|_|-----[] | ; ``` ;{ )) [] | /``-.____/ `~~~[]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'-' [] `' (__) (__) ...If you are like me, and times get too scary, always remember that you can call upon your Lord. He is ALWAYS close by. Ask Jesus to stay the night with you and if you awaken, you can ask and He'll reassure you that He is here. It helps me! One of my girl friends one time said I was the only one she knew that slept with a smile on her face. It is because I sleep in God's arms. I can't help but smile! When I need extra care, I have Jesus too to totally take the fear away! You can always put your trust in them for they are always there for you! Why? Because they love you! That's what love is all about! =================================================================== >-->More Links... THE CHRISTIAN WALK http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christianwalk.html Real Eagle Story http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eagle.html Bucky & The Beagle http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/visitor.html Endangered Wolf http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wolf.html Egg Stacking Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eggart.html >From Our Friend Sand: Challenger - Amazing Free-Flying Bald Eagle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOZF4vTAF2M&feature=channel >From Our Friend Wesley: U-2 Spyplane Caught in Flight in Google Earth http://tinyurl.com/8dda22 The Little Cat That could http://tinyurl.com/56hvnt Top 100 Dafonts http://www.dafont.com/top.php ========================================================= _ xxxx _ /_;-.__ / _\ _.-;_\ `-._`'`_/'`.-' `\ /` | / /-.( \_._\ \ \`; > |/ / // |// jgs \(\ `` >-->Whisper Jesus Today I got a burden, And I felt that I should pray, For God's spirit seemed to tell me, That you were having a bad day. I don't know just what that problem is, But I sure do know the cure, And if you'll only let Him, God will keep you safe and secure. In life there's always problems, Cropping up to spoil our day, But my friend, you know the answer, All you have to do is "Pray". If you still feel you're defeated, And you want to run and hide, Just reach out and I'll be there, Standing right there by your side. So remember ... Whisper Jesus, For He's just a prayer away, He's so close that you can touch Him, All you have to do is "Pray". ~ Author Unknown ~ --- After all, he gave his life for you There's nothing you can't ask for Remember he loves you always, So now open up the door! ---> Visit my CyberHome - ALWAYS OPEN HOOUSE :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/index.html Shangrala ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales && Service You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair. We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with all your computer needs. Please phone us at 419-238-5806 ************************************************************************ -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. 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