Dancing With Jesus Christ... :) 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 ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ .---. / ,-- \ .--. ( (^_^) ) .--. ,' \ (.-`-'(_) / `. / `-/ \ `. \-' \ : (_,' . / (.\_ ") \ . `._) : | `-'(_,\ \ / /._)`-' | | . `.\,O,'.' . : | | . : ! /\_ /\ ! . ! | | ! |-'-| : ""T"" : |-'-| | | | |-' `-'| H |`-' `-| | `-' | H .:| `-' | . H !|| | : H :!| | ! H !|| | | H ||| | | H ||| Ojo 98 /_,'V.L|.\ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form 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. 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 MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press Our latest flaming hot new page is from our friend LouiseAu. If you are like me, you are aware of how old a tortoise can be but had no idea these other animals could live so long. This and the video here just may surprise you. ,-"""-. oo._/ \___/ \ (____)_/___\__\_) /_// \\_\ unknown World's Oldest Animals! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/oldanimals.html --- ...Quite interesting! Thanks LouiseAu! This too hot to handle new page is from our friends LouiseAu and Geniann. It is sure to give you your aww quota for the day along with plenty of smiles. Take a moment and check it out here... __ /\/'-, ,--''''' /" ____,'. ) \___ '"""""------'"""`-----' pb A Tribute To Dogs http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogtribute.html --- ...Awww, so adorable! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: * v \ _ ('_. ( )( ) (\ )) - a:f - >Not From My Heart by: Michael Timothy Smith I sat on the front deck reading a magazine. There was a tapping on my right leg. A small white poodle tapped my leg. “Hi, little one. Do you need help?” I reached down and picked her up. She sat in my lap and accepted my loving. I called Ginny, “Come out and see what I have.” She stepped outside and saw the angel in my lap grabbed her up and took her into the house. The two of them bonded instantly. The dog was soon cuddled in Ginny’s lap. We worried what our cat would do to it. They were the same size, but the dog was loving. Our cat can be mean. Sure enough, our kitty tracked the dog everywhere she went and attacked whenever she could. The dog stayed close to Ginny and I for safety. Her tag identified her as “Riley”. It had a phone number, which I called. The owner said I was the third person to call. “That is my number, but it is not my dog.” I think he lied, but that was his problem. He tossed away a sweet loving dog. That night, Riley slept in bed with me under the covers. In the morning, Ginny went to work. Riley woke, got off the bed, wandered around the house and came back into my bedroom. She pawed at the side of the bed. I picked her up, and sat her beside me. She snuggled for a bit, but soon lay across my neck, licking my face and ears, until I got up, knowing she needed to go outside. This is where I made a mistake. Our backyard is fenced in, but our evil cat was out there. I took Riley out front. I sat on the front porch, read a magazine and watched Riley walk around the corner of our garage. That was the last I saw of her. She took off. My heart was broken. In a short time, I fell in love with that little beauty. It was my fault. I should never have taken her out front. I drove all over our neighborhood, but I could not find her. She’s gone from my life, but not from my heart. Michael T. Smith __________________________________________________ You can sign up to get Michael's stories directly by clicking here: =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ _(_)_ wWWWw _ @@@@ (_)@(_) vVVVv _ @@@@ (___) _(_)_ @@()@@ wWWWw (_)\ (___) _(_)_ @@()@@ Y (_)@(_) @@@@ (___) `|/ Y (_)@(_) @@@@ \|/ (_)\ / Y \| \|/ /(_) \| |/ | \ | \ |/ | / \ | / \|/ |/ \| \|/ jgs|// \\|/// \\\|//\\\|/// \|/// \\\|// \\|// \\\|// ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >God’s Garden Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do laundry and there's no detergent? I guess it was time for me to do my "Dollar Store" run, which included Light bulbs, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go. I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about Sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here." It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as He turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?" "My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly. "Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal." "Hal like Halloween?" he asked. "Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny? "How old am I now Mommy?" He asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. "You're fifteen-years-old Denny. Now be a good boy and let the man pass by." I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because, He was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section. Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me For taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, Much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something. I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the holy spirit. I told her that.... There are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses In God's garden, however.... "Blue Roses" are very rare And should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a "Blue Rose" snd if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart And touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God. She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?" Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a "daffodil or maybe even a dandelion," But I sure love living in God's garden. - Pastor Hal Steenson This real life story took place July 12, 2006. -<>- ________ _________ \________\--------___ ___ ____----------/_________/ \_______\----\\\\\\ //_ _ \\ //////-------/________/ \______\----\\|| (( ~|~ ))) ||//------/________/ \_____\---\\ ((\ = / ))) //----/_____/ \____\--\_))) \ _)))---/____/ \__/ ((( (((_/ Andrew Fabbro | -))) - )) >An Angel Is What I'd Be If I had a choice An angel's what I'd be, And everything that happened I'd be there to see, You'd be right there with me To wrap my wings around, Only you would know I'm there For I wouldn't make a sound, I would see ahead of you To help direct your path, I'd always be there with you You'd never have to ask, I'd be there protecting you And keeping you from harm, For nothing is too hard for me With my loving arms, When you have somewhere to go I'll be with you in flight, I'll also be there protecting In the middle of the night, So if I had a choice An angel's what I'd be, I'd be right there beside you Helping you so see, By Melinda Tanner -<>- __ @@;, ( ; ? : ); _| |_ | | || | | _| |_ | \ \ \/ || \/ ___ / / | __| |\ __||____||___||______/| | ||| | |_______ _________| | ||| ||| |____ | | ____| ||| Design by \ \______ ) | | / ______/ / || | | | | | /___| || Samule J. Neptune || | | |_ /| | |\ _| || || || | \__, / | | | \<__/ | || >TABLE FOR TWO by Kirsten Burgess He sits by himself at a table for two. The uniformed waiter returns to his side and asks, "Would you like to go ahead and order, sir?" The man has, after all, been waiting since seven o'clock--almost half an hour. "No, thank you," the man smiles. "I'll wait for her a while longer. How about some more coffee?" "Certainly, sir." The man sits, his clear blue eyes gazing straight through the flowered centerpiece. He fingers his napkin, allowing the sounds of light chatter, tinkling silverware, and mellow music to fill his mind. He is dressed in sport coat and tie. His dark brown hair is neatly combed, but one stray lock insists on dropping to his forehead. The scent of his cologne adds to his clean cut image. He is dressed up enough to make a companion feel important, respected, loved. Yet he is not so formal as to make one uncomfortable. It seems that he has taken every precaution to make others feel at ease with him. Still, he sits alone. The waiter returns to fill the man's coffee cup. "Is there anything else I can get for you, sir?" "No, thank you." The waiter remains standing at the table. Something tugs at his curiosity. "I don't mean to pry, but..." His voice trails off. This line of conversation could jeopardize his tip. "Go ahead," the man encourages. His is strong, yet sensitive, inviting conversation. "Why do you bother waiting for her?" the waiter finally blurts out. This man has been at the restaurant other evenings, always patiently alone. Says the man quietly, "Because she needs me." "Are you sure?" "Yes." "Well, sir, no offense, but assuming that she needs you, she sure isn't acting much like it. She's stood you up three times just this week." The man winces, and looks down at the table. "Yes, I know." "Then why do you still come here and wait?" "Cassie said that she would be here." "She's said that before," the waiter protests. "I wouldn't put up with it. Why do you?" Now the man looks up, smiles at the waiter, and says simply, "Because I love her." The waiter walks away, wondering how one could love a girl who stands him up three times a week. The man must be crazy, he decides. Across the room, he turns to look at the man again. The man slowly pours cream into his coffee. He twirls his spoon between his fingers a few times before stirring sweetener into his cup. After staring for a moment into the liquid, the man brings the cup to his mouth and sips, silently watching those around him. He doesn't look crazy, the waiter admits. Maybe the girl has qualities that I don't know about. Or maybe the man's love is stronger than most. The waiter shakes himself out of his musings to take an order from a party of five. The man watches the waiter, wonders if he's ever been stood up. The man has, many times. But he still can't get used to it. Each time, it hurts. He's looked forward to this evening all day. He has many things, exciting things, to tell Cassie. But, more importantly, he wants to hear Cassie's voice. He wants her to tell him all about her day, her triumphs, her defeats... anything, really. He has tried so many times to show Cassie how much he loves her. He'd just like to know that she cares for him, too. He sips sporadically at the coffee, and loses himself in thought, knowing that Cassie is late, but still hoping that she will arrive. The clock says nine-thirty when the waiter returns to the man's table. "Is there anything I can get for you?" The still empty chair stabs at the man. "No, I think that will be all for tonight. May I have the check please?" "Yes, sir." When the waiter leaves, the man picks up the check. He pulls out his wallet and sighs. He has enough money to have given Cassie a feast. But he takes out only enough to pay for his five cups of coffee and the tip. Why do you do this, Cassie, his mind cries as he gets up from the table. "Good-bye," the waiter says, as the man walks towards the door. "Good night. Thank you for your service." "You're welcome, sir," says the waiter softly, for he sees the hurt in the man's eyes that his smile doesn't hide. The man passes a laughing young couple on his way out, and his eyes glisten as he thinks of the good time he and Cassie could have had. He stops at the front and makes reservations for tomorrow. Maybe Cassie will be able to make it, he thinks. "Seven o'clock tomorrow for party of two?" the hostess confirms. "That's right," the man replies. "Do you think she'll come?" asks the hostess. She doesn't mean to be rude, but she has watched the man many times alone at his table for two. "Someday, yes. And I will be waiting for her." The man buttons his overcoat and walks out of the restaurant, alone. His shoulders are hunched, but through the windows the hostess can only guess whether they are hunched against the wind or against the man's hurt. As the man turns toward home, Cassie turns into bed. She is tired after an evening out with friends. As she reaches toward her night stand to set the alarm, she sees the note that she scribbled to herself last night. '7:00,' it says. 'Spend some time in prayer.' Darn, she thinks. She forgot again. She feels a twinge of guilt, but quickly pushes it aside. She needed that time with her friends. And now she needs her sleep. She can pray tomorrow night. Jesus will forgive her. And she's sure he doesn't mind. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: My Precious Child!!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mychild.html God's Night Lights!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/night.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Playing With Words!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html Walk With Jesus!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/walk.html Adam In Paradise!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/adam.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html God's Little Love Notes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Church Mouse Wisdom!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churchmouse.html You Are The Only You God Has!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Full New Years Index! https://tinyurl.com/y4xyz2w8 -<>- Body - Soul - Spirit http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/BODY_SOUL_SPIRIT.htm Sancing With Jesus Christ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKtDUJyKDW4 Working in the Future Kingdom: what will we be doing in heaven? https://tinyurl.com/u495p32 Bible Basics http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Basics.htm -<>- >In The News: Trump's Phase One China Trade Deal Result of Negotiator-in-Chief's Courage “President Trump signed the much-anticipated ‘Phase One’ trade agreement with China after months of hard-fought negotiations,” Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) writes in Fox Business. “This is a monumental achievement for farmers and ranchers in my district in West Texas and across rural America, who will reap the blessings of China’s commitment to purchasing as much as $50 billion worth of U.S. agriculture products. This is nearly 100 percent more than the largest amount of U.S. commodities purchased by China since normalizing relations in the 1970s.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ McConnell Outlines Case for Trump's Acquittal https://tinyurl.com/tf9gf4m Illegal Immigrant Crossings Fall 78% and Once Overcrowded Cells are Empty https://tinyurl.com/w2sa4fj The U.S. economy is the best it’s been in 50 years. https://tinyurl.com/wmnyzth “Ivanka Trump says the White House is committed to ending human trafficking, which she called ‘modern day slavery.’ President Donald Trump’s daughter and adviser made the comments during a trip to Atlanta on Tuesday. She visited nonprofit groups that help victims of human trafficking,” https://tinyurl.com/vqpqxw2 WhiteHouseNews: PROMISE KEPT: President Trump signs landmark phase 1 deal with China 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: 10 Million Airbags Recalled 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 :) Just about everyone has eaten a banana but have you ever wondered how the bananas are harvested? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l7sak6Vlq8 --- ...Wow! Most interesting! Thanks LouiseAu! A safari group in Kruger National Park was treated to a spectacular wildlife scene when two rutting male impalas got a scary surprise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTzeI0OP-0Q --- ...I'd not feel safe if I was in that group watching! Thanks LouiseAu! Legendary actor Jimmy Stewart tells a funny joke about a man getting remarried in this classic clip from The Funniest Joke I Ever Heard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IiICcSH8iY --- ...Haha! Thanks LouiseAu! He's My all time favorite actor because he has the most unique voice! I love it and it turns out he was quite a hero as well as an actor... Famous Veteran: Jimmy Stewart https://tinyurl.com/w9bzjps 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: .~""~.,--. | > :::i_, ~; | mmn <, ?::j~?`_{} | (_) l_ fl_ f {} | \ `. ,__}--{_/_l___. | \ `--~' `m,_`. | \ )} | `~----f i :-----~' | } | |-'/ | ________________________| ! | f__________________________________! l j | \ }==I===I={~( \ f. 1( ) | } }` `. | ' { ) ) } f |( `\ | | | ) ) | | |. ( `. | | ,l ) `. ) /{ | \ ( `\ ('| |\ \ ; `. ) (;!| |`\ \ ',' ) YX| |XX\ \XXXXXY !____j_) \__,'> _) ,_.'`--('Y,_' ,^' /`! L___-__J L_,'`--' mab'95 >FOLLOWING GOD’S LEAD Sharon Jaynes Today’s Truth The LORD says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you (Psalm 32:8 NLT). Friend to Friend Several years ago, my husband and I decided to take a few ballroom dance classes. I wanted to be the next Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. So we signed up for a six week class. The first thing we learned was the Fox Trot, which is like making little boxes with your feet. I put my right hand on Steve’s left shoulder and my left hand into his right and we began to march in little boxes. Slow, slow, quick, quick. The teacher explained that Steve was the leader and I needed to learn how to follow his cues. But I had trouble with this. After all, I was the better dancer and felt that if he would just let me lead, then the classes would go a lot quicker. But that’s not how it works. Steve was the leader, and I had to learn how to follow. For the first few weeks, the teacher kept saying, “Sharon, you’re leading again.” Here’s the thing. Steve was the leader and I needed to learn how to trust him. Did you catch that? It was really about trusting him. And that’s the same way it is with God. When we learn how to trust Him, our walk through life becomes a beautiful dance. God, as the leader, has the hard part. We just have to learn to follow His lead, to trust Him. Then we get to dip and spin and make the fancy moves. He actually makes us look good. J Steve and I are still no Fred and Ginger, but I have learned how to follow his lead on the dance floor. And when it comes to my dance with God, I’m learning how to follow His lead as well. And let me tell you, He knows all the right moves. I want you to think about that today. When you give up control and learn how to trust God, He turns your walk through life into a beautiful dance that’s He’s choreographed just for you. Let’s Pray Dear God, today I’m trusting You! I’m giving up control and following Your lead. Help me to follow Your cues - Your gentle nudges throughout the day. Thank You for extending Your hand and inviting me onto the dance floor of life! I think I hear the heavenly host playing our song! In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. Now It’s Your Turn In your own life, would you say that you tend to take the lead and ask God to join you, or does God have the lead and you join Him? That’s a tough question. We know what the answer should be, but what is the reality of your life? What does relinquishing control look like? How do you relinquish control and yield to God’s leading in your life? as seen in Girlfriends in God -<>- O (_) _ )_( _ /`_) H (_`\ .' ( { } ) '. _/ /` '-'='-' `\ \_ [_.' _,...,_ '._] | .:"`````":. | |__//_________\\__| | .-----------. | | | .-"""-. | | | | / / \ | | | ||- < -|| | | | \ \ / | | | |[`'-...-'`]| | | | ;-.___.-; | | | | | ||| | | | | | | ||| | | | | | | ||| | | | | | | ||| | | | | | | ||| | | | | | | _|||_ | | | | | | >===< | | | | | | |___| | | | | | | ||| | | | | | | ;-; | | | | | | ( ) | | | | | | '-' | | | | | '-------' | | jgs _| '-----------' |_ [= === === ==== == =] [__--__--___--__--__] /__-___-___-___-___-__\ `"""""""""""""""""""""""` >THE GOD OF TIME For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him (Eccl 8:6). How we use our time is a good indicator of the god we choose to serve. There is a god whose name is "the urgent" that can rule our lives if we are not diligent. The wrong use of time can lead to misery. The right use of time can result in fulfillment. "You need to take time to turn to God. Do not pray only when you have set aside time to do. The busier you are, the more you must practice turning to God. If you wait until the time is convenient, there is little doubt that you will end up spending little time with God. Try to come before God both in the morning and the evening. Pray during and between all your other jobs as much as you can. You cannot retire too much from the mindless chatter of the world. Learn to steal this time in little snatches, and you will find these moments the most precious part of your day" said Francois de Fenelon, a sixteenth century Christian leader.* The amount of time we spend with anyone or any activity is a good indicator of the value we place on that person or activity. Time equates to money for some. For others it can be a cruel dictator. It is the physical evidence of what is at the center of our lives. People can generally make time for what they choose to do; it is not really the lack of available time, but the will to set a priority for the time they have. Time can be the evidence that convicts our soul that our devotion has waned. What does the evidence of time tell you about yourself? Today, give God the time needed to develop a relationship that is meaningful for both of you. *Francois de Fenelon 100 Days in the Secret Place, Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, PA p. 117 2001 as seen in Today God is First -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >THE PRODIGAL SON AND NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Often the Parable of the Prodigal son is recited To speak about the repentance of the Wicked, However, we find in the 15th chapter of Luke’s Gospel- to merely illustrate about the transformation of a sinner Was neither the only nor the main intention of the Saviour So dear friends, let's discover the main purpose behind The recitation of the Prodigal son parable to the spiritually blind There they were - some religious souls - exhibiting spiritual pride They looked down upon those willing to seek the Saviour and come over to His side So the Saviour started teaching that sinners we ought not to shun, The Redeemer used three “Lost and found” lessons culminating with that of the Prodigal son I repeat, it was to open the eyes of the religious who were fuming hot To their own hard-heartedness towards God’s grace for the wayward lot The Master taught when angels are celebrating the transformation of a sinner We have no right to be whinner Let’s share the joys of heaven When the Almighty removes in the heart of a sinner all of leaven The Saviour’s stance has always been “hate sin but love the sinner” So you too need to adopt the same attitude, if you are His true follower At this New year time, friend resolve NOT to be a “prejudicial religious elder brother” Whose holier-than–attitude (in the parable) caused the forgiving father, a lot of bother Resolve rather to welcome all who come to Christ with love They need sympathy and empathy and not a cruel shove Remember your many sins and your hopelessly lost condition From which the Saviour saved you, on the day of your salvation. A “Lost and found” Suresh Manoharan -<>- __..--.._ ..... .--~ ..... `. .": "`-.. . .' ..-'" :". ` ` `._ ` _.'`"( `-"'`._ ' _.' ' ~~~ `. ~~~ .' / ( ^---' Lester >LOOKS CAN DECEIVE Looks can deceive what lives on inside while many people just wish to hide. Yet many people seen daily true are just deceived the way that we view. Looks will not always show in detail how on the inside one's going through Hell. Looks can deceive what's truly the case, for you might not see pain on their face. Learn to look deeper than just what you see, and see the person that needs you and me. Often our judging just makes the things worse as of a sad song that's sung verse by verse. Look and see truly how they may just need a little hug truly to help them succeed. ©By Bill Pearce Dec 10, 2011 -<>- / / /____________________ |________ __________ /_____ /|| | |".___."| || | |_______|/ | | || .___."|| / ||_______|| / |_________|/ >STUFFED WITH JUNK (By Ron Hutchcraft, Copyright 2002, Ron Hutchcraft. Used by permission.) The other day one of our team members shared a discovery she made during the remodeling of her kitchen. The counter top had been removed, and as she looked into this little 6"x8" drawer by the sink, she saw that it was completely stuffed - with "stuff"! She realized that for 24 years she had been sticking things into that drawer - twist ties, rubber bands ... you know, everything. There were some useful things in the back, but there were inaccessible because of all the "stuff." Now, it had been a long time since the drawer had been opened very much - our friend just crammed things into it and occasionally pulled it open an inch or two to use something out of it. But looking down on it all from above, she was surprised to see what was in there. Almost everything in that drawer could be thrown away - but it was accumulating for years. And that drawer was much more useful now that it was emptied out. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Stuffed With Junk." You've got to wonder what God sees when He looks down on the contents of our life. The "top" is always off as far as His view of us is concerned. He sees directly into our heart, our motives, our every thought. And all too often, our life and our heart are cluttered with "stuff" ... things we've filled our life with that are simply unnecessary to Him, useless to Him - actually limiting our usefulness to Him. Some of us won't realize how useless a lot of our life has been until it's too late to do anything about it - we'll wait until the Judgment Seat of Christ. Paul talks about it in 1 Corinthians 3, beginning with verse 11, our word for today from the Word of God. He says, "No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones (that's filling your life with things that will last, that have eternal significance), wood, hay, or straw (things that are just "stuff"), his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light ... the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames." You get one life. You can fill it with things that really matter or with things that really don't. With things that will last forever or things that will be gone in a moment. And often what this world stresses as being important is really just "stuff" - and what Jesus says is important, our world thinks isn't much. So when the Lord looks down inside your life, is it crammed with a lot of "stuff" that just doesn't mean much? A lot of time in front of a television, hours on the Internet, listening to music, talking on the phone, following sports, pouring yourself into causes and diversions that won't matter much in eternity at all? It's not that these things are necessarily bad. The problem is when "stuff" that should be peripheral becomes central in your life. That's when it's time to reevaluate your priorities. It's time to see your life through God's eyes, and clean out what's not useful - the trivial pursuits. When you do, you become so much more useful to your Lord. And the more you fall in love with Him, the less you'll be stuffing your hours, your days, your mind and your heart with "stuff." You'll be about what Jesus is about. You'll be "seeking first the Kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33) -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. =========================================================== .--------------. |~ ~| |H____________H| |.------------.| ||::.. __ || |'--------'--''| | '. ______ .' | | _ |======| _ | |(_)|======|(_)| |___|======|___| [______________] |##| |##| jrei '""' '"" >Tandem Highway Dance Story Editor: by M. H. Niemann Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA It was too early and still dark at 5:30 a.m. as I drove through Houston, Texas on the way to my parents' house for our 2008 Thanksgiving dinner. As I drove south out of town on Highway 59, somewhere between Richmond and Rosenberg, I noted brake lights on the cars in front of me. As I got closer I saw two 18-wheeler tractor-trailer rigs, one in each lane, slowing down until they were next to each other and blocking any traffic from getting around them. I thought maybe there was an accident, or perhaps one of the trucks was getting in position to pass the other one. When the situation continued and the rigs even slowed down even further, I naturally got annoyed and started grumbling at the delay, cursing the rudeness of drivers with no consideration of others sharing the road with them. By this time, the rigs had slowed to almost 20 miles per hour and there was a long line of impatient cars behind them. My whole mindset changed dramatically, however, when I was able to get a peek into the gap between the rigs at the road ahead. I saw a car weaving all over the road, slowing down and speeding up, slewing from one shoulder to the other. The two rigs never faltered in their tandem blockade, ignoring the impatient honks of the cars behind them and moving over as necessary to keep cars from going around them on the highway shoulders. This situation continued for about another 15 minutes until three police cars, lights flashing, came racing up the access road and around the two 18-wheeler rigs. I watched while the police cars herded the weaving car to the side of the highway and forced it to stop. The 18-wheeler rigs then sped up and moved over to let all the cars pass by. I have no doubt those two 18-wheeler rigs saved many lives, not to mention the impaired driver of the weaving car, on that Thanksgiving morning. I only wish I had had the presence of mind to note which trucking companies those drivers worked for so I could have sent their companies a note. I've always considered 18-wheeler truckers the unofficial "angels" of the highway -- they are often in the right place at the right time and always, in my experience, help when they can with no expectations of reward or even thanks. What I observed that November only reinforced my opinion of these unsung Good Samaritans. I gave those two truckers what thanks I could by honking and waving as I drove by... on my way to a truly thankful day with my family. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: "As soon as you begin to live the life of faith in God, fascinating and luxurious prospects will open up before you, and these things are yours by right; but if you are living the life of faith you will exercise your right to waive your rights, and let God choose for you. God sometimes allows you to get into a place of testing where your own welfare would be the right and proper thing to consider if you were not living a life of faith; but if you are, you will joyfully waive your right and leave God to choose for you. This is the discipline by means of which the natural is transformed into the spiritual by obedience to the voice of God." - Oswald Chambers ___ /_\_\ |;-^-'| ; ._ d - j :. ,<%@. |-_-| / \ {_ _,l ___/\_ _/\_ \,< ___ <~L~>\. /___\_\'/_/_`-.( `___\ \ - |` /___ \ \|/|po /||_/-___L":--;" L _ \ \ |o|LY| |(n==\^\^''--`-,-_ [-><-]=3 || ^;| |`\ _')>\ /<__/\ |< !c)|o ; |;| "| _' \ \/ /po | |- | | ; ' |,-. |.V \/ |LY | |\__, _L |o : | / \ \||\ |o^ ^| | _|/| / _\__ : / 7 '<|`. | | | / |L/ < /\: | Y \ | \|' | | | |/ /_ | | | | \| A|. | | /| |/|PO| | || | | |V| | | || |<|LY| | || | |,| | |_ | / | | ^^ | | | | | |____| |" | | | | | | | | |#^' |4 \ | | | | | | |,| | |%_| | | |m | A \ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | / | / | | \ || | | | | | | / /| |__| || | | l | | |> / / | | \___/|_A_| | | | | / / | | | | || |m1a >Identifying with Non-Christians (Author Unknown, Provided by Student Discipleship Ministries, TX) 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV) says: "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." What did Paul say was his motive for identifying with non-Christians? How can you identify with non-Christians without compromising a godly lifestyle? In the last century a missionary to the West Indies was employed to reach out to slaves in a particular area. The slaves had to work long, hard hours every day, and at night they were too tired to listen to the missionary's preaching. He tried every possible means to share the good news about Christ, but they just did not respond. Finally he decided to take a drastic step. He sold himself as a slave to one of the plantation owners. He then was driven with the others to work and had occasional opportunities to share the Gospel with them. Although he lost his freedom, he found tremendous freedom and joy through his newfound means of winning the slaves-and he led many to Christ. What price are you willing to pay to see your non-Christian friends come to Christ? In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul is talking about finding areas you have in common with your non-Christian friends-identifying with the hurts and joys in their lives. He is not talking about joining in their sin. Identification does not mean participation in ungodly actions. Who is a friend whom you can reach out to and identify with today? -<>- "One secret act of self-denial, one sacrifice of inclination to duty, is worth all the mere good thoughts, warm feelings, and passionate prayers in which idle people indulge themselves." - Cardinal John Henry Newman , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Back To The Basics (By Alan Smith) One of the world's most famous merchant captains died, having long been admired by his crew and fellow officers. They remained puzzled, however, over a strange ritual he performed daily. While at sea he would lock himself in his cabin and open a small safe, take out an envelope with a note inside and read it. After locking the paper back in the safe, he would return to his duties. For years this went on, and his crew became very curious. Was it a treasure map? Was it a letter from a long lost love? Everyone speculated about the contents of the strange envelope. After laying the captain's body to rest, the first mate led the entire crew back to the ship and into the captain's quarters. He opened the safe, got the envelope and read the words aloud to an astonished crew: "Port: Left, Starboard: Right." Sometimes we need to be reminded of the basics! That's true of those of us who are Christians as well. We would all do well to lock away the basics of Christianity in a safe and get away to ourselves daily and go over them once again. So that we never forget. So that we don't get so caught up doing a million different things that we forget the most important and the most basic rules of life. What belongs in the safe? We don't have to wonder. Jesus himself told us: "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:37-39) That's what's in the safe -- "Love God. Love others." Don't ever forget. If you need to, put those words in a secret place and go to that spot daily. 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 ========================================================== _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >-->Hello God Hello God, I called tonight To talk a little while I need a friend who'll listen To my anxiety and trial. You see, I can't quite make it Through a day just on my own... I need your love to guide me, So I'll never feel alone. I want to ask you please to keep, My family safe and sound. Come and fill their lives with confidence For whatever fate they're bound. Give me faith, dear God, to face Each hour throughout the day, And not to worry over things I can't change in any way. I thank you God, for being home And listening to my call, For giving me such good advice When I stumble and fall.. Your number, God, is the only one That answers every time. I never get a busy signal, Never had to pay a dime. So thank you, God, for listening To my troubles and my sorrow. Good night, God, I love You, too, And I'll call again tomorrow! P.S. Please bless all my friends and family too. Let them know God is there for them. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen >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. 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