Deeper Than That & More ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@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 =========================== HAPPY, SAFE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY __ _ / | | \ \/_/ And Weekend! \_\| / __ \/_/__\ .--='/~\ ____,__/__,_____,______)/ /{~}}} -,-----,--\--,-----,---,\'-' {{~}} jgs __/\_ '--=.\}/ /_/ |\\ \/ Here's to you Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr! A True man of God with A Mission! We Still THANK GOD For You & Your Efforts! >From TIME 100: Martin Luther King He led a mass struggle for racial equality that doomed segregation and changed America forever By JACK E. WHITE Intro: Our Century ... and the Next One 21st Century: The Shape of the Future Monday, April 13, 1998 It is a testament to the greatness of Martin Luther King Jr. that nearly every major city in the U.S. has a street or school named after him. It is a measure of how sorely his achievements are misunderstood that most of them are located in black neighborhoods. Three decades after King was gunned down on a motel balcony in Memphis, Tenn., he is still regarded mainly as the black leader of a movement for black equality. That assessment, while accurate, is far too restrictive. For all King did to free blacks from the yoke of segregation, whites may owe him the greatest debt, for liberating them from the burden of America's centuries-old hypocrisy about race. It is only because of King and the movement that he led that the U.S. can claim to be the leader of the "free world" without inviting smirks of disdain and disbelief. Had he and the blacks and whites who marched beside him failed, vast regions of the U.S. would have remained morally indistinguishable from South Africa under apartheid, with terrible consequences for America's standing among nations. How could America have convincingly inveighed against the Iron Curtain while an equally oppressive Cotton Curtain remained draped across the South? Visit here to Read the Rest: http://www.time.com/time/time100/leaders/profile/king.html ======================================= >-->In The 'Shangy' News: >HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press... The other night I just got a new art page done. This one comes from the sharing of our friend Lee. It simply amazed me how fantastic this artist is! So I had to feature his work! Wall Mural Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wallart.html Anyway, that night, I heard an interesting story in the news. Seems over in England the locals have a guy they think is a homeless person who has fun turning walls into his graffiti art. One store owner with his wall newly painted by this man decided to take a picture and put it up on eBay. It sold for an outrageous amount of money... |\ ___ | ) / '-. ||.+ L (__ \ || '-.\ ___)a \__ \ || `-. /.__ J__//--. |J `-. |_ '-._ \ _.------. | L ` L__. _/`----.____ / b a (__c> |J \ __,-_____ __._>\__/ ( c " h\ L L \ ./--+///___)_.--' /\ -. \ d e f g / J J | \\__// `--(_.( `--.....-' | \ J )_ _,- \__ \ `--' L | L ` )-)_/ \_._..--''-..) J | | \ [_._._,.. _] | | | ,,' _/ ( __ | _ | J ,' \ _________ / \ \ | _______a:f____ | J_.L_.' \ / _\_/\ ( L | \ / _| / \_ F J J ( (_ L `-. / L \ \__. `. \__ \ / J ^ \ ) \____ \ / L .---.-)_ _/ ) \ /_ | ( `-' \__/. L__\_\ | `-.__.--.___) --- / (_/ J |_ ( .-' --- `---' News: Ebay sale of Banksy painting on exterior wall http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/01/todays-photo-ba.html The interesting thing of course is this coming out the same time our new wall art page did. Cool Huh? -<>- >One of our friends got me started on checking out the politicians: There is a lot of controversy about one man - Obama - even Fox News got it wrong about his beliefs... He is not Muslim or Mormon: Visit here, scroll down and watch the video: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp Anyway, I was avoiding checking out the politicians I guess. Politics can be rather depressing. Hard to know how someone will be after they are elected. All you can do is hope they have some of the same values and morals you do and keep some of their promises! Lynn-Lynn's Links shared a good link and since it came in the same day our friend was bringing up some questions about the politician, I decided to check them out for myself and participate... Pick your Candidate: http://www.dehp.net/candidate/ Strange, but it said my views and Mitt Romney's were the closest. He was top on my list with Mike Huckabee being one point lower at second place. Between you and me, I'll go with Mike! Mitt is a Mormon and though I have no dislike or ill feelings for Mormons, I won't vote for a Mormon for President. As far as I feel about it, they made such an important decision - their life choice - How can I trust them to make the right choices as my President? I can't. So there ya go. I have Mormon friends but certainly not the way I believe. Mike seems to be more my kind of guy. Conservative just like me. See what you think about him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Huckabee Every one else that is high in the news were off my chart - in the minus category. It is no wonder I haven't been watching them much - they are off my radar! Obama, Clinton, McCane, Edwards - all of them! Here they are all in a nut shell. http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2008-presidential-candidates/ We have to at least TRY to know who is running for President! It is important to be informed so we make a wise choice when we do go to the polls! At least these two sites... Pick your Candidate: http://www.dehp.net/candidate/ 2008 Candidates: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2008-presidential-candidates/ May serve to help you [like they helped me] better know who you like. -<>- >Sharing with you about my pet problems Sharing with you about my pet problems this last week helped me find out about a little unknown thing. It seems I was dropped from my affiliate sponsor. They automatically deactivated my account. Gee. Just because I hadn't gone to their site to check on my account in a couple months, I didn't think they'd drop me! Last year our site earned $5.95 from sales but they don't pay till you've got $25.00. So I got tired of checking them so often for no apparent good reason. Anyway, I got activated again. I don't know how long we weren't with our merchants or if the site lost any revenue, but it is back now, so if you need anything on-line - please check with our Yellow Page list first to see if your purchase could be used to help pay for the Shangrala web site! Thank You ever so much! Visit Petscriptions here: http://tinyurl.com/yj68c2 Our 'Yellow Page' here: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/yellow.html ==================================================================== >Some Little Action I Can Take Story Editor: by Marie Clark Joyce Schowalter Pennsylvania, USA --+-- This Story Originally Ran as #277: 7 February 2002 --+-- Rain began to pour down in buckets as my husband and I left a lovely Philadelphia restaurant and headed back to our car. Purse in one hand, dinner leftovers in the other, we raced toward the parking lot. My husband Mark popped the trunk and I threw leftovers and purse in, and then jumped in the car. As we pulled out of the parking lot onto the one-way street, we both noticed a couple struggling along in the rain. The woman was short and slightly built. She was pushing the man, who was in a wheelchair. Although the night was cold and wet, neither was dressed warmly. This was an area in Old City, where the sidewalks have been around since the revolution and show it in each bump and crack. We could see the effort it took to propel the chair down the walk. We drove slowly by them, each of us wishing we could help them. But what could we do? Our car is small -- we could never have fit both them and the chair into the back. It was silent in the car as we headed for the bridge. Suddenly, my husband made a quick left, and then another. I understood he was heading back, looking for the couple, but I didn't know why. We didn't see them immediately. They must have cut through one of the numerous local alleyways. We made another pass around the block and then, giving up, headed back for the bridge. Just as I was saying, "They must live nearby. I'm sure they're OK," we saw them in the headlights. Mark pulled the car slightly ahead of the couple, who stood looking at him a little fearfully. He went back to the trunk and opened it. "He's giving them the leftovers," I thought. But no. He reached into the trunk and came out with my big, brand-new golf umbrella. He'd noticed it when we opened the trunk earlier. He approached the couple in the pouring rain and opened the umbrella. He handed it to the man and smiled at him, without saying a word. Then he jumped back in the car and we drove away. I had a lump in my throat the size of a grapefruit when I looked back at the two strangers under the huge umbrella. I'll never forget the looks on their faces. And I'll never forget the smile on my husband's face as we headed home. Mark has never told a soul about this. That's just the kind of guy he is. But that event stays with me now, and I find myself looking for opportunities to help others out, even when it seems certain that I am not in the position to help. I am always surprised by how often something will occur to me -- some little action I can take that makes a difference to someone else. You never know what you might have forgotten in your own trunk! =======HeroicStories======= >-->From our friend Tony in Australia :) . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` Who is Gods ‘Chosen?’ Interesting question wouldn’t you say? And…..I guess there would be many variations as to who, why and where the ‘chosen’ ones will come from. I have no idea these days, just how many different churches exist or how many ‘variations’ of the Bible exist or how many different ‘doctrines’ exist and to be honest, I don’t really care. I know there are literally thousands of Churches and even though various churches work under the same banner, often there are subtle differences in what emanates from the pulpits. Some of us here possibly never attended a church other than the one we had been brought up in. Others may have spent many years looking for that ‘perfect’ church. Well let me say this, for those who are quite ‘saintly’ and are still looking for that perfect church and you think you have found it! Then the very instant you join that ‘perfect’ church…..it will become ‘imperfect’! People are born into churches, some never have the ‘wish’ or the ‘want’ to see the inside of another church and so, we can easily say they are ‘narrow minded’. Now, some will take offence at that statement, but hear me out..it was never intended to offend. I think we all want to think that ‘our’ church is ‘the’ church but how do we know? And I dare to say, even the most ‘devout’ have their hearts tested occasionally. So what do we do? do we just take it that. “ I am here! and its as good a place as anywhere else!” or do we keep on looking? Well…. I guess even ‘explorers’ have some idea of what they are looking for! Oh there are a zillion options! Some churches meet once a week, some twice on Sundays , sme twice on Sundays and 2 nights a week, some have Communion once a month, some once a year and some very Sunday. It varies doesn’t it? According to God…… WRONG! It varies according to “ Man”. So which is right?... The Bible says we should have Communion ‘as often as you remember Me’, not on any particular Sunday or any other day. Think on that… Whether or not you belong to the Catholic, Protestent, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal or whatever, we cannot say to another, MY church is THE Church, because if we do, we are saying that the other person is in the wrong church! Dangerous ground! What it really boils down to is…..do we truly believe that The Holy Bible has the truth? Does God ‘hide’ the truth? Is there One Church that is above ALL others? My question is……is there such a thing as the ONE TRUE CHURCH? If there is…..where is it??? How do I find it? Well, best place to start looking..is in the Bible! Because according to its teachings, the One true church DOES exist! But we cant identify it by what it does, what it says, and what teaches IF! it is bound my man made traditions! Bible doesn’t say the One true Church is in Rome or London or New York or Toronto or Adelaide or Indianna! The Church…the TRUE church doesn’t gather in ONE building and restricts itself to one or two days a week! That’s just how we have been ‘brunged’ up to be by ‘religion’! That’s locking ourselves into worldly ways of perceiving the Church! That’s how we ‘worldy’ people think it ought to be! -- Part 2 Who is Gods ‘Chosen?’ “Not everyone who calls out to me will enter into the Kingdom of heaven!” These were Christ’s words recorded in Matt Chapter 7. The implication here is that not everyone who calls out to Christ are really Christians, They may think they are because of their individual beliefs, but the Bible teaches ‘Christians’ are people who ARE “ Christlike”, in other words, people who live as Christ lived and upheld the Word of God in every way not just by ‘name only’. After all, ‘ beleiving’ is one thing,’following is another. It’s a fact that not all of those who ‘say’ they are Christians,,,truly are Christians. The Lord Himself revealed to us that on the Day of Judgement, those who ‘claim’ to have lived a life for Christ and really didn’t, will be exposed as Christians in name only. Jesus told us that not everyone will enter into the Kingdom, only those who do the will of the Father will enter in! But Lord! we have been ‘good’ people! we helped the poor! We gave money at Church! We swept up leaves in the Church Porch! we did this and that! Well, we know what the Bibles says will be His answer…“ I never knew you”! I can literally ‘feel’ some people shaking! at these words when they read then in the Bible! Even TRUE Christians start to wonder.. “Am I truly His? is He truly mine?” Well, Satan would have you doubt yourself! he will sew the seeds of doubt in your mind given half a chance! Its not just by ‘deeds’ we are saved, its not just in ‘believing’ we are saved but it certainly has to do with ‘what’ we believe and how we live our lives. Devils ‘believe’ and I am sure you have heard,,, ‘ they tremble’! and so they should! Because they also KNOW that because of their unbelief, one day the will be swept away in an instant to a place that you and I can hardly comprehend! Who are these people? are they just ‘devils’? My belief is that they are devils and they are also people who call on the Lords name as an end to their own purposes! they call for prosperity and reward HERE! on Earth! and in doing so.. They REJECT Jesus! The Spirit of CHRIST! is NOT in their hearts! That’s where God resides! In the hearts of those who have an understanding that Jesus IS the Messiah and that He died for our sins….and if we follow the Bibles teachings and repent, followed by baptism in His Name then we WILL receive the most precious gift of all….. The Gift of the Holy Ghost! There is NO other way….. Christ tells us today, just what He told others in HIS day….. we MUST be born again! I believe the ONE true church is not four walls and a steeple and array of crosses…. I believe that the Church of God is people all over the earth, from all different backgrounds and who believe ALL of the above mentioned with all their hearts and I believe the True Church is within US who have Him in our hearts! In a conversation with Peter, Jesus asked him ‘who’ Peter thought Jesus really was. Don’t forget that Peter also was the one who denied Jesus not once, but three times! But Peter said back to Jesus… “ You are the Messiah! the Son of the Living God!” and Jesus went on to tell Peter that he was blessed because Jesus said “ My Father in Heaven revealed this to you” No one told Peter ‘who’ Jesus was! and Jesus knew that! We need to say more often in our prayers… “ You Jesus are the Messiah! the Son of the Living God” There is tremendous power in that Name! There is more power than what is in four walls because four walls cannot ‘contain’ Jesus as our hearts can! We build churches! we make them beautiful and some are ‘dressed’ as a harlot! Other are quite plain in appearances but have fancy names! But the only name by which ( the Bible says) we MUST be saved is Jesus! Our salvation, is not just in baptism, it is NOT just in the belief of one or two scriptures that are used to build whole doctrines up! and salvation is NOT to be found in traditions that are man made and sorry to say this, but good ‘works’ and a pleasant disposition will NOT save us! Salvation is found exclusively through Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. End of part 2 “ Who is Gods chosen”? --- ...Thanks Tony! we'll continue on with this next week. ==================================================================== >-->Fom InspiredBuffalo: | \ | / \ / ,d8b, ., (')-")_ 88888 --- ;';' ';'. ('- (. ')98P' ';.,; ,; '-.(PjP)' \ '.';.' | \ | I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow. Obviously, we have no way of knowing what our future will be; however, as Christians, we know the one who knows--God. We should not worry about the future, because our times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15). In other words, God will give you what you need when you need it. Therefore, it is no surprise that Jesus repeatedly tells us not to worry: "Do not worry about tomorrow" (Matthew 6:34). Again, Jesus emphasized that God loves and cares for us, and we therefore should not worry about our life: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25-27). Although you don't know what God has in store for you, be assured that He has a good plan for your life (see Romans 8:28). Because He has such a good plan for you, there is no need to worry about life. Although you don't know what tomorrow holds, you have the opportunity to know the one who holds tomorrow! -<>- . : . . : | : . . | | | , \ | | / . ,-'"""`-. . "- / __ __ \ -" |==| I |==| - --- | _`--^--'_ | --- - |'`. ,'`| _- \ "---" / -_ . `-.___,-' . / | | \ .' | | | `. : | : . : . I Refuse To Be Discouraged I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, And here's the reason why... I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, And I am on His team. He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end, His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend. When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go. When circumstances threaten To rob me from my peace; He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease. And when my heart melts within me, And weakness takes control; He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul. The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand, The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand. I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, As through this life I trod. I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love. I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race. ~ Author Unknown -<>- I hope everyone will take a couple of minutes and read this. It is awesome! Love Sharron hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses& & hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hu &hugs&kisses s&h es&hugs&kisses&hugs&kiss gs&kisse es&h sses&hugs&kisses&hugs&k s&kiss ses& isses&hugs&kisses&hugs &kiss s&kis sses kisses&hugs&kisses&hu ugs&kiss s&ki isse &kisses&hugs&kisses&h &hugs&kiss gs&k kiss s&kisses&hugs&kisses& es&hugs&kis ugs& &kis gs&kisses&hugs&kisses sses&hugs&k hugs s&ki ugs&kisses&hugs&kisse kisses&hugs &hug gs&k hugs&kisses&hugs&kiss s&kisses&hu s&hu ugs& &hugs&kisses&hugs&kis ugs&kisses& es&h hugs s&hugs&kisses&hugs& i hugs&kisse ses& &hug es&hugs&kisses&hug k hugs&kis sses s&hu ses&hugs&kisses&h & hugs& isse es&h sses&hugs&kisse s& &kiss s gs&ki hugs&kis s ugs&kisse sses&hugs&ki i ses&h k k sses& & &kis gs&kisses&hug isses&hugs s&hugs&kisse s s&kis gs&kisses&h &kisses&hug es&hugs&kisses g gs&ki ugs&kisses& s&kisses&hu ses&hugs&kisses u ugs&ki ugs&kisse ugs&kisses&h sses&hugs&kisses h hugs&k hugs&kiss hugs&kisses& isses&h gs&kisses& &hugs&k hugs&ki s&hugs&kisses kisses ugs&kisses s&hugs& &hugs&k es&hugs&kisse hugs&kisse es&hugs& &hugs sses&hugs&kiss s&kiss &hugs&kiss ses&hugs s&hug isses&hugs&kis gs&kiss s&hugs&kis sses&hugs s&h &kisses&hugs&ki ugs&kisses&hugs& i isses&hug es& s&kisses&hugs&k hugs&kisses&hug k kisses&hug e ugs&kisses&hugs& &hugs&kisses&h & &kisses&hu hugs&kisses&hugs s&hugs&kisse s s&kisses&hu s&hugs&kisses g gs&kisses&h es&hugs&kisse u ugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&h -- Matt Ryan >INSTALLING LOVE Tech Support: "Yes..how can I help you?" Customer: "Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me through the process?" Tech Support: "Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?" Customer: "Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?" Tech Support: "The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?" Customer: "Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?" Tech Support: "What programs are running?" Customer: "Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now." Tech Support: "No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own call High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely Turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can You turn those off?" Customer: "I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?" Tech Support: "With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary Until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased." Customer: "Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?" Tech Support: "Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts In order to get the upgrades." Customer: "Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error-Program not run on external components". What Should I do?" Tech Support: "Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet Been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you Can love others." Customer: "So, what should I do?" Tech Support: "Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth and Acknowledge your Limitations." Customer: "Okay. Done." Tech Support: "Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin Patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and Empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back." Customer: "Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment Are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?" Tech Support: "Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it the proper time. So Love is Installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its Various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules Back to you." Customer: "Thank You, God." ---Author unknown. -<>- Links for Your Enjoyment Slides http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011122.htm slim http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011123.htm Slipper socks http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011124.htm What Love Is http://www.dayspring.com/movies/view.asp?moviename=loveverses.swf May you be wrapped in the true love spoken in this video, all other things shall pass away but love never fails. God's Blessings To Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com =================================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt >Ways a Church Choir Director Can Tell Someone They Can't Sing....... 18. The choir voted to move weekly practice to 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. It's OK if you don't like to get up that early. 17. The drama team is in need of someone who can SPEAK Loudly. 16. There's an opening on the parking lot greeting team. 15. We need someone to run the sound board. 14. There are lots of other ways to "make a joyful noise." 13. When we ordered the sheet music for our upcoming special they left out the page with your part. 12. All the chairs in the Choir rehearsal room are full. 11. We're short an usher today, could you help? 10. I'm sorry, we've run out of robes. 9. We need strong singers like you in the congregation to help them sing the hymns. 8. I wouldn't want you to strain your voice. 7. Did you know singing can aggravate sinus problems? 6. We still need good people for the handbell choir. 5. Here's a book on spiritual gifts, why don't you look through it and we can find another place in the church for you to effectively minister. 4. It's a shame composers don't write more songs in your style. 3. You have a unique range - you hit both notes well. 2. Did you know there is a new Bible study starting the same night as choir practice, I think you'd get a lot from it. 1. You have excellent posture. -<>- >DEEPER THAN THAT... .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx Fridtjof Nansen was a Norwegian explorer who led an expedition to the Arctic Ocean in a search for the North Pole. He took his ship in very deep water and, as part of his studies, he would drop a sounding line to check the ocean's depth. Since the line was too short to reach the bottom of the ocean, he would record the date, time, location, length of line, and a final note of "deeper than that". He then lowered a longer line with the same result and notation, "deeper than that". Another attempt, still "deeper than that". Finally, after lowering his longest line, the logbook received the final notation of so and so length of line and "deeper than that". I want to suggest to you that that's the way God's love is. No matter how we may try to measure it, his love is deeper than that. John tells us in I John 4:8 that "God is love", but I feel rather overwhelmed and challenged by the task of trying to explain this incredible doctrine. A.W. Tozer struggled to explain God's love as well. He once said, "I can no more do justice to this awesome and wonder-filled topic than a child can grasp a star. Still, by reaching toward the star the child may call attention to it and even indicate the direction one must look to see it. And so, I stretch my heart toward the high, shining love of God so that we may be encouraged to look up and have hope." Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:17-19, "[I pray] that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height -- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Paul prayed that the Ephesian Christians might be able to comprehend the love of Christ, but he said that it is a love that truly surpasses knowledge. As difficult as it may be, I encourage you seek to grasp a better understanding of the love of God, for it is there that you will find the motivation to love Him in return and to love others around you. Have a great day! Alan Smith White House Church of Christ White House, Tennessee www.TFTD-online.com ==================================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE ,,-,-.,-. ,-. ,,-. ,-,-. ,-.-. ,-.. ,-. ,-.,-.-.. (( ( ( ( '( ' ( ' ) ' )' ) ) ) )) \\ \ \ \ \ ,\ /. / / / / // \\ \ /\ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ /\ / // gpyy'' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '' It was midday when I got the call that my grandfather was not well and his condition was rapidly getting worse. My family did not know how long he had left. People had been visiting him throughout the day and were basically saying goodbye. I knew I had to get to the hospital to tell him how much I loved him. Who knew how long he had left? As I drove to the hospital, I pictured him passing on before I got to tell him how much he meant to me. Struggling to fight back the tears, I wanted to maintain my composure for when I saw him. When I got to the hospital, I hurriedly searched for his hospital room. Once the nurse left the room, I walked to my grandfather's bed. I found him in a semi-conscious state, hooked up to all sorts of machines and tubes going in and out of him. Kneeling down to his level, I quietly whispered, "Hello Grandpa". Still feeling shy, I committed in my mind to not leaving his bedside without letting him know. I pulled up a chair and began talking to him. While I asked about his condition, he told me, "I'll be fine," although we both knew that wasn't true. Then he asked me with a smile how I was doing. While I felt special that my grandpa wanted to know how I was doing, I knew I wasn't there just to give him an update on me. I was a man on a mission. I made the decision that I had to show my gratitude for him. As I summoned all the courage I had, I clutched his hand. From the expression on my face, he knew I had something important to say. Drawing nearer to him, I said, "Grandpa. I have to tell you something." By this time, the tears were streaming down my face. Not a trickle -- it was as if the dam had broken. All those years of love that I had pent up and not let him know, had become free. I took a deep breath and tried to regain my composure. In doing this, our eyes locked. You know what they say about the eyes being the window of the soul? Well, our eyes spoke more than was ever possible. Through my sniffles, I burst out, "Grandpa. I just want to let you know how much I love you. I hope you already know that yet I just wanted to make sure." Smiling broadly, he said, "I know. Thank you for telling me that." He further elaborated, "All I have on this planet is my family and my love for them. If there is anything I could ask of you, I want you to be good to your family, your mother, your father, and your brother. That's all I want of you." Nodding, I promised him that I would. We both turned to notice the nurse coming in the room. She told me that the visitation period had ended and that she needed to do some tests. Squeezing his hand tight, I gave him a warm hug as all the love I had ever felt for him came flooding through my body. I knew this could very well be the last time I ever saw him. I walked out of his room and stopped. I had to look at him one last time. I turned and saw him smile and wave. He was still my grandpa, still smiling, and still happy despite the grave situation. That image is forever etched into my memory. What I learned that day transformed my entire life. From then on, I began telling people how much I love them, care for them, and respect them. I write glowing, unsolicited testimonials for people I come in contact with (for example, my hairdresser, my banker, my aerobics instructor) to show my appreciation. I go down into the city once a week and serve pizza to the homeless. I wake up every morning and list everything I'm grateful for in my life. Since we never really know how long those we care about will be in our lives, I created for myself an "attitude of gratitude". -- Kent Sayre ____________________________________________ Kent is the author of acclaimed book, "Unstoppable Confidence: Unleash Your Natural Confidence Within". In the book, he shows you specific, immediately applicable techniques to increase your inner strength, improve your confidence, and go after your dreams. He is single and lives in Portland, Oregon. His website is at http://www.unstoppable-confidence.com You can also review his book, and readers' comments, at this convenient Amazon website: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0971500304/heart ======================================================================== >-->From AndyChaps: >Andy Says... Just Think About This! ** ** Our God IS an AWESOME God! HE IS! ** This is almost overwhelming when you think about it. Except He Is ... GOD ) ) ( (( (( )) )) )); '';( ) .--. ------' (-)(-) ',----- |- | .-, ==' - -- - '== | ^| /|))))___' )o( '_______ .--. |^ |/ /\ ('. .( |. | |. / // / )) (''(( )) | ^| | ^////)) ( )) ) ( \^ \|^ || ^| (( \. .|/^ / ) \ ^ / \. ^ ./ |^,^| |\/| |. | \\\;;;, __|___|___ /_ ; ( / \ ) / )\ `-. . . . `-. . . -' `./ / '\ /~\_/~\ \ ' | / _ _ \ \ /. \ | | / \ || `- - '||/|\ /WWWWWWWWWWW\ || || ^^^^(_)(_)^^^ \| \| W w W w W ww w W W w W w w w W_______ w W w W wW w W |OOShy Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them? They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food. According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, it is reported that Moses would have to have had 1500 tons of food each day. Do you know that to bring that much food each day, two freight trains, each at least a mile long, would be required! Besides you must remember, they were out in the desert, so they would have to have firewood to use in cooking the food. This would take 4000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day. And just think, they were forty years in transit. And Oh yes! They would have to have water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day and a freight train with tank cars, 1800 miles long, just to bring water! And then another thing! They had to get across the Red Sea at night. Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days and nights to get through. So there had to be a space in he Red Sea, 3 miles wide so that they could walk 5000 abreast to get over in one night. But then, there is another problem...............each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles long..... think of it! This much space for camping. Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt? I think not! You see, Moses believed in God. God took care of these things for him. Now do you think God has any problem taking care of all your needs? Asked the Lord to bless you As You pray today. To guide you and protect you as you go along your way.......... His love is always with you, His promises are true, And when we give Him all our cares, You know He will see us through. Our God is an Awesome God!! So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best, just remember .... pray and God will do the rest. On That you CAN depend! -<>- ** It's Just A Penny ** __-----__ ..;;;--'~~~`--;;;.. /;-~IN GOD WE TRUST~-.\ // ,;;;;;;;; \\ .// ;;;;; \ \\ || ;;;;( /.| || || ;;;;;;; _\ || || ';; ;;;;= || ||LIBERTY | ''\;;;;;; || \\ ,| '\ '|><| 1995 // \\ | | \ A // `;.,|. | '\.-'/ ~~;;;,._|___.,-;;;~' ''=--' - Daniel C Au - Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband was invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the water-way, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely. As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up? Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? "Look at it." He said. "Read what it says." She read the words "United States of America." "No, not that; read further." "One cent?" "No, keep reading." "In God we Trust?" "Yes!" "And?" "And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him! Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!" When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful... And God is patient... Submitted by Thurman Petty And Posted From Wit and Wisdom **Source: DailyInBox: Proverbs Plus, http://mailroom.dailyinbox.com/pplus/ If you enjoy WITandWISDOM(tm) encourage someone to subscribe. You are encouraged to share WITandWISDOM(tm) as long as you do so without charge and credit http://www.witandwisdom.org as your source. TO SUBSCRIBE: Send a blank e-mail: subscribe-wit-wisdom@xc.org ======================================================================== >-->Quotes: Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or we grow weak, and at last some crisis shows us what we have become. -- Bishop Westcott What the heart knows today, the head will understand tomorrow. -- James Stephens The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. --Psalm 103:8, NIV >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :)Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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. 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 ************************************************************************