Exercising Your Joy And More ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ .0. / \ ; \_/ ; | | | | | | _______; ;_______ `======='\ /`=======` \ / _ | | _ _( \____|=|____/ )_ ( .---. .---. ) `-' / \ '-' / HUG \ ; ; | .---.|__, jgs : / :--' .--\ \ | `" `"".-' < =""` `"== `""""""` =""` `"""===="""` =""` `""==="""` *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) We have a new delicious recipe from our friend James! Check it out here... ,-"""-. / - -'. db, 0 0 '---. 88b, \ 8888 0 | YUM!!! 8888, '.____,'/ Y88P \ .------' jgs `` |=( / ', | \ | \ | | ; | | | ,_(__/ / `--\ .-' | ||__ / '--.` '------` Fried Chicken With Gravy http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/easy.html --- ...Sounds yummy James! Thank you! -<>- >2 Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This hottie sizzler is from our friend Tammy. It is a tear jerker. Get out the tissues and enjoy this one! __...._ .'` .-`. / //``\\____ / .-. .'\\_.'/ `'. | / \ /'-'` \ | \ / | ;) \ '-' | .' '-.,_ | __..-' _'=,_______'-,\__.-' Dog Of Valor! .=[_______.-'(___( _ -"` / __|__/ )_ / .--. ) / / -\-.-' / \ | ~; ;-' _| | jgs ___.| ` | `'---'`---------' Dominic And Jobe http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jobe.html --- ...Awww, so sweet! Thanks Tammy! This next one is from our friend Johanna. One of those that just leaves you thinking - 'And I thought I was having a bad day!' - Sure to strike your funny bone! , , \`-.|`. _, ) ` / .-'6 6 '--, ( ,-' `---. (`--' ,__ / \____, '=| ,==' _, \ \__.-'' ( '.____.`---='`` __||_\\_ jgs '===':.=' Life's Little Oops 6 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops6.html --- ...Wow! Amazing! Thanks Johanna! -<>- >-->From Emergency Email: BREAKING HEALTH: UPDATE Aug 19 2010 Salmonella Egg Recall http://www.emergencyemail.org/newsemergency/anmviewer.asp?a=578&z=34&ref=fem Gulf Oil Situation Page UPDATE http://www.emergencyemail.org/newsemergency/anmviewer.asp?a=528&z=34&ref=fem ================================================================= ,--""""-., .'` ', / | | _ / __,'(,-'/ `\ _. / .=="=| '-. | .'===,=|-. | / /===\==\| \ \ _;' | |====\==\ '.___,u' \__/ |===.##,=\ |==/####\='-.__ \#|#####|`/^|_))._________________ #######/`| |_.-'""""""=' ] #####/\/ /__,________;------.---' jgs `###' |_/ V V >Positive Reverberations... For Decades Story Editor: by Mary Young Joyce Schowalter Georgia, USA My childhood was less than ideal -- in fact, I was the only girl in my immediate family who did not run away from home during adolescence. After high school I moved 300 miles away for college, but quickly had second thoughts about whether I belonged there. Coming from a blue-collar family and an easy rural high school to a white-collar university that gave a "C" for work that would be a "B" at another school, I felt like a misfit financially, culturally, and educationally. Somehow I made it through my freshman year, and headed back for year two. I'm so glad I went back, because that was the year I met Barb. Barb seemed the exact opposite of myself, and everything I wished I could be. She was popular, out-going, confident, talented, and artistic. One day I watched Barb doodle, making beautiful calligraphic swirls while waiting for class to start. I sighed, thinking how Barb could do anything she wanted to: draw, paint, sing, play guitar, even calligraphy. I was lucky to be able to read the notes I took in class -- forget about anyone else being able to read them. Barb heard me sigh, and asked what was wrong. "I wish I was artistic," I replied. "Mary," she said in amazement. "You ARE artistic!" "No, I'm not. I can't draw or do calligraphy. I can color inside the lines, but that's about it." "Well," she said. "I think you're artistic." I figured she was just being nice, but still, if Barb said it, there must be something to it. I knew I was creative -- I'd been writing poems and short stories since I was 12. But artistic? I could barely draw stick figures, and crafts I tried came out looking clunky. But if Barb thought I was artistic, there must be something to it, even if I thought my only artistic abilities were with words. It was 1980 when Barb said those words to me. Thanks to her, I learned to recognize my artistic abilities: the way I instinctively frame a field of wildflowers for the best possible photograph, and my ability to see beauty in unexpected places, like sun-dried sea oats hanging from their stem, backlit by the morning sun. The summer of 2009 I wrote Barb and reminded her of that conversation, and let her know her words are still working their magic. I had ripped out a closet in my bedroom for more space, and needed to choose colors, wall hangings and draperies. I felt totally inadequate -- interior decorating has never been my forte. Just as I was about to give up, I heard Barb's voice in my memory, "Mary, you ARE artistic!" With her words ringing in my head, I found the perfect color for the walls, the perfect pictures for the walls, and the perfect drapes to tie it all together. Thanks, Barb, for believing in me all those years ago. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend James :) ..-"""--. .' '. .'_ _ \ _..-' 0) 0) ,;;,'. .' /,;;;;; \ / ___ / ,;;;;; | ; (;;;) , ,| ;;;;;; | ; `"` ,_ .'(.-')| ;;;;;; / \ \ ` ( \';;;'.' '._;--' _ _ '-./`--` '-, _ _ ) (`-/ \/ |_--; ;- \ ) \ \.' .-' | / | / \ /'._.'\ .-""-./`'---;-""-. | / \ / \ | | | | ||__.-`) | | | |/__.-' | |_.| |' jgs \ / \ / '----' '----' >From MrMom: GO AHEAD AND CRY ~ Aug. 19, 2010 When you hurt the worst—go to your secret closet and weep out all your despair! Jesus wept. Peter wept—bitterly! Peter carried with him the hurt of denying the very Son of God. Those bitter tears worked in him a sweet miracle. He came back to shake the kingdom of Satan. Jesus never looks away from a crying heart. He said, "A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Psalm 51:17). Not once will the Lord say, "Get hold of yourself! Stand up and take your medicine! Grit your teeth and dry your tears." No! Jesus stores every tear in his eternal container. Do you hurt? Badly? Then go ahead and cry! And keep on crying, until the tears stop flowing. But let those tears originate only from hurt—and not from unbelief or self-pity. Life goes on. You would be surprised how much you can bear with God helping you. Happiness is not living without pain or hurt. True happiness is learning how to live one day at a time, in spite of all the sorrow and pain. It is learning how to rejoice in the Lord, no matter what has happened in the past. You may feel rejected. You may feel abandoned. Your faith may be weak. You may think you are down for the count. Sorrow, tears, pain, and emptiness may swallow you up at times, but God is still on his throne. He is still God! You can't help yourself. You can't stop the pain and hurt. But our blessed Lord will come to you, and he will place his loving hand under you and lift you up to sit again in heavenly places. He will deliver you from the fear of dying. He will reveal his endless love for you. Look up! Encourage yourself in the Lord. When the fog surrounds you and you can't see any way out of your dilemma—lie back in the arms of Jesus and simply trust him. He wants your faith—your confidence. He wants you to cry aloud—"Jesus loves me! He is with me! He will not fail me! He is working it all out right now! I will not be cast down! I will not be defeated! I will not be a victim of Satan! God is on my side! I love him—and he loves me!" The bottom line is faith. And faith rests on this one absolute: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…" (Isaiah 54:17). Today Inspirational Web Page From Mr. Mom's Web Site: JUDGE ME BY THE FOOTPRINTS I LEAVE BEHIND http://mrmom.amaonline.com/special/judgemeby.htm Click Here SAYING NO http://mrmom.amaonline.com/special/justsayno.htm Click Here , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Want to listen to the Bible? http://www.audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html Click Here The Animal Rescue Site: Click on the purple button at The Animal Rescue Site and give food to an animal living in a shelter or sanctuary -- at no cost to you. http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/tpc/ERA_022408_ARS Click Here -<>- ____ .-'& '-. / \ : o o ; ( (_ ) : ; \ __ / `-._____.-' /`"""`\ / , \ /|/\/\/\ _\ (_|/\/\/\\__) |_______| __)_ |_ (__ jgs (_____|_____) Your Daily Bible Verse: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20/KJV -<>- _,,_ __ ." ".' '. / ) | /`-.__.' \ _| (, \_ ,_\ ( ) \ `\ __\ '-'.__/ (_ Move It!! jgs | .---' >Light turned Yellow The light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally....I assumed you had stolen the car." Priceless. --- ...HaHa So Very Nice! Thanks James! ================================================================== >-->From Our Friend DonnaL :) >INSPIRING (I had to look twice to see Jesus in the tree & thought I would pass it on to see if you can see what they are talking about here. DL) Jesus Tree http://www.alighthouse.com/jesustree.htm -<>- _,,_ __ d888888bd888b d88888888888888B 8888888P`Y8888P Y888888 (, \_ ,_Y88( ) Y888888b __\ '8"888P (_ I Made A Friend! jgs | .---' ~;~~\~ .=. \ (_ _) \ |=| \ _ /| | \ /_\/ | | | .-'--/_/------'-. `-.,___________,.-' | || |___|| |___|| .'""'';.__ (_________)) (I love this story found in Guideposts Magazine) My ten year old daughter Donna burst through the front door, “Mom, I made a new friend in school today. I think we will be best friends, can she come over tomorrow?” I had secretly been praying for a friend to bring Donna out of her shell like I had when I was young. “Sure honey,” I said as I thought back to my best friend growing up. Lillian and I grew up from each other across the street from each other in Washington Heights, New York. We were both 10 also and were instantly joined at the hip. Like my daughter I was introverted but Lillian drew me out of my shell and helped boost my confidence. She was popular and friendly too, with shiny black hair almost the color of indigo with a mile-wide smile. I knew Lillian and I would be best friends forever. My senior year of high school Lillian went on a trip to Florida and it was the first time we were going to be apart for more than a few days. “I’ll be back soon” Lillian reassured me but a few days later Lillian’s grieving sister came to tell me that Lillian had drowned while on vacation. Shortly after, my family moved to New Jersey and I lost touch with Lillian’s family even though Lillian was never far from my heart. Every time I thought of her I cried and wanted to feel close to her again. The next day Donna brought her new friend home. As her new buddy came skipping in full of energy, she told me her name was Lillian. She flipped her indigo hair at me and gave me The most amazing smile. That hair, the name and that smile! Oh how she reminded me so much of my long gone best friend that I had lost so long ago. I was dizzy with the similarities when Lillian’s mom came by to pick her up later that afternoon. “Judy!” Lillian’s mother screamed. Before I knew it she had me in her arms wrapped in a tight hug. Pretty friendly for someone I had never met I thought. “It’s me!” she corrected, “Lillian’s sister from Washington Heights!” Yes my daughter’s new best friend looked familiar all right. She was my Lillain’s namesake. Wow, thank God, awesome! I know that was no coincidence. -<>- _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.' Friendship is like the breeze, You can't hold it, smell it, taste it, Or know when it's coming, But you can always feel it, And you'll always know it's there, It may come and then go, But you can know it'll always be back. ~Terri Fanning - --- ...Sweet! Thanks DonnaL! ================================================================ >-->From Heartwarmers: ,--.,-"";-"-. .-;-/ / / .- `\ .-. ` ( ' ' ` ; `\/ \ \ / \ / (. C . ) | .-. | | _ / (` / | \ /}| | )(\ | `-> (____.| / ||| / \=====| | |\| | |====| \ _/ ` \__/=====| |` `-'======| \ |=======/ | |=======| | .--, ########\ |/ / jgs |_|__|| ` `--. ,---;-'--'\ `--. `---`-------'-.___,___.---' >LOCK THE BATHROOM DOOR by Ken Pierpont When I was a boy I got into a lot of mischief. Sometimes I got in trouble for the mischief I did. Sometimes I didn't get caught. Other times I got in trouble for things I didn't do. Sometimes I was blamed for things over which I had no control. Some days my life just took an ugly turn and one bad thing led to another like falling dominoes. One afternoon, I was sitting on the toilet after school in the privacy of our own bathroom. I finished my business and rose to leave. I looked up and there conveniently in front of me were two handles for the metal wardrobe that my mother used to store cleaning supplies and clean linens and towels. When I pulled myself up, the door came open and the cabinet started to tip over. I didn't have time to pull my pants up. With my pants around my ankles I pushed the cabinet back into an upright position. Then I bent to pull my pants up. What I didn't know is that the cabinet was resting on the base molding and when I let go to pull up my pants the cabinet door opened and the wardrobe started down again. This time things began to spill out and crash into the toilet. My sister Melony heard the commotion and took it upon herself to whip open the door, whereupon she began to scream loudly. She didn't come in and help. She didn't go out and shut the door. She just stood there and screamed while I struggled with my pants around my ankles to get the cabinet back into an upright position and dodge the cans and jars and linens that were falling into the toilet. That was forty years ago, but what is fresh in my mind is the thing that bothered me the most. Not the mayhem in the bathroom, but my irritation with my sister for standing there screaming while my pants were down. I try not to be bitter but it troubles me. How could she do that to me knowing that if I bent to pull up my pants the cabinet would fall over, and if I didn't I would be exposed and publicly shamed? That's a heavy burden to carry for four decades. Mom came in and saw the toilet full of towels, linens, broken furniture polish and other things. The first thing she said was, "Kenny, pull your pants up!" The other day, my mom and I were having a laugh about this incident. It's good to remember that when everything is coming unraveled in your life and all the bad things you have ever done are catching up to you at once, that one day you will be able to laugh about it. Trust me, you will. You will laugh some day. In the meantime it might be a good idea to get in the habit of locking the bathroom door when you use it. -- Ken Pierpont __________________________________________________ Ken is a storyteller, writer, and pastor from Michigan. He met his wife Lois in college. They have been married thirty years and have four sons, four daughters, two grandsons and stories to tell. He is the author of the book Sunset on Summer. He publishes a weekly newsletter. You can subscribe free at http://www.kenpierpont.com ==================================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: __,=,__ .~`` .` `.``~. | . . |____ `-;=============;""""` ( (. _).) \ | | \ `-.___.' / '._ _.' /`''''\ / \ | |/\/\/\/|.-. |-|/\/\/\/|;' ) (__/_______| _) #########'._) jgs |==|=|__ ,,,(______)_),,,, ,,,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;,,,, ,,,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;,,, ,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;, >OPEN HEART The heart is like a flower - unless it is open it cannot release its fragrance into the world. The fragrance of the heart is made up of the qualities and virtues of our spirit. Most of us have learned how to keep our heart closed in a world that would trample all over us if we let it. Being open hearted today seems to require tremendous courage. It is a courage which comes only when we realize that no one can hurt us, no matter what they say or do. They may hurt our body, but if we have realized we are spirit, nothing outside can touch us, if we so decide. Little by little, practice opening your heart to those you think have hurt you. Realize it wasn't them that hurt you, it was yourself. And it taught you not to trust and you closed your heart. A closed heart is in need of opening. And when you do, you will have begun to heal yourself. as seen in Inspiration Plus -<>- .0. / \ ; \_/ ; | | | | | | _______; ;_______ `======='\ /`=======` \ / _ | | _ _( \____|=|____/ )_ ( .---. .---. ) `-' / \ '-' / JOY \ ; ; | .---.|__, jgs : / :--' .--\ \ | `" `"".-' < =""` `"== `""""""` =""` `"""===="""` =""` `""==="""` >OVERFLOWING WITH HIS JOY By Rick Ezell "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them" (John 17:13 NIV). Joy has ever been one of the most significant hallmarks of God's people. Joy is the product of a Christ-relationship. Yet it remains conspicuously absent in many Christians. Why? Why does the fullness of joy elude even the most committed Christians? I love how an old British educator defined joy: "Joy is the flag which is flown from the castle of the heart when the King is in residence there." Think about that definition. Joy is the result of a relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. If Jesus is King and Lord, in other words, he is in control, then what do we have to worry about. If joy is a flag that we fly indicating that Jesus is in our hearts, when we come into a room or when we are in phone conversations can people tell that Jesus is in our hearts by the joy on our face and the happiness in our voice? Jesus prays that we will have this disposition, this attitude, this confidence in our lives. He is praying for joy in our lives. But, and this is an important question, whose joy is it? Look closely at John 17:13 for the answer. Did you notice the personal pronoun before the word joy? This joy that we are talking about is not ours; it is Jesus'. It is one of his gifts to us. Don't confuse ownership with stewardship. Just as in all of life, joy is a gift from Jesus. He is the source of joy. It is this joy he gives to us. When he gives it to us, how much joy does he give? Jesus prays that we will have "the full measure of his joy." Jesus is not stingy. Like with all of his gifts to us, he wants to give in overflowing, superabundant proportions. The idea of full measure often communicated as an overflowing cup was a symbol for total satisfaction. It means, "I've got everything I need." When someone gives one a cup that is full measure or overflowing, it means that they're wasting something-water or wine. One doesn't waste water or wine in the desert unless one's got more then they need. Jesus wastes his joy on us. He wants us to have joy in a brimming over supply. It is this joy that he gives to us. The "they" and the "them" in this verse are the followers of Jesus. To have his joy one must be in relationship with Jesus. Only the followers of Jesus can receive the gift of his joy. Remember Jesus is praying for his disciples-then and now. Only believers can be the answer to Jesus' prayer. When we look at the totality of this prayer we see the impending result is joy. Everything that Jesus prayed for was designed to bring us joy. The question is: do you have it? Are you experiencing Jesus' joy? If not, here's how to get it. Live in close contact with Jesus. If Jesus is a man of joy, then get close to him. Haven't you ever noticed that certain people bring a life, an energy, a happiness, a joy to a room. Jesus was that kind of person. We have been led to believe that joy is found in stuff and things; but the reality is that joy is found a person and a relationship. Joy comes through prayer, but don't be quick to ask for it when you pray. Joy comes in the presence of Jesus. So bask in his presence. The Shorter Catechism asks, "What is the chief end of man?" We answer, "The chief end of man is to worship God and enjoy him forever." We tend to be too quick in our prayers and too fast with our worship. Slow it down. It is in the time with God that we become joyful, and become the answer to Jesus' prayer. Copyright 2010, Rick Ezell. as seen in One Minute Uplift --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...Check out this teaching... Psalm 16:11 (KJV) Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Joy: God’s Energy Drink http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1125 -<>- .------------------------. | PSYCHIATRIC | | HELP 5¢ | |________________________| || .-"""--. || || / \.-. || || | ._, \ || || \_/`-' '-.,_/ || || (_ (' _)') \ || || /| |\ || || | \ __ / | || || \_).,_____,/}/ || __||____;_--'___'/ ( || |\ || (__,\\ \_/------|| ||\||______________________|| |||| | |||| THE DOCTOR | \||| IS [IN] _____| \|| (______) jgs `|___________________//||\\ //=||=\\ ` `` ` >MISSING THE FOREST FOR THE TREES by John Paul Jackson Some followers of Christ can get so wrapped up in pursuing the details of His direction that they ignore the “road signs” He has put right in front of them. They don’t realize that in many cases, He has already prepared them for the journey, and all they need to do is move forward. Take a look at some of the heroes of the faith. Gideon was told he would defeat the Midianites. He was told to kill the second calf, tear down the altars of Baal, send home anyone who was afraid — and 22,000 men left, which dwindled his army to a mere 10,000. Then, to prove a point, God separated out the remaining men and sent home 9,700 more. Gideon now had an army of 300, and apparently, the only instruction God gave him was to sneak down to the Midianite camp to be strengthened “if” he needed it. That was it; that was all the direction Gideon received. Yet he and his small group of soldiers attacked the eastern tribes who had come against Israel and killed 120,000 men. Before Gideon, there was Abraham, who was told to go to a land promised him by God. But he was never told how to get there. Then there is the case of Elijah, who, during a harsh drought, was sent by God to a woman in Zarephath — a woman God had prepared to take care of him. But when Elijah got there, the woman had no clue what was going on. She had one meal of flour and oil left for her and her son; then they were going to die. God said He had prepared her, but she had no idea Elijah was coming. What kind of “preparation” is that? My point is this: Too many times we expect God to tell us more than He plans to tell us. As the days and years pass, we often find ourselves wondering when He is going to give us clearer direction. I will do what You want me to do, God — I just need to know how. You have told me to take these steps, but I don’t know how to start. Could You give me specifics? Details would be great. I’ll go forward the moment You tell me what to do. Frequently, it seems to me that God tells us what to do in the beginning (He gives us His vision), then He places within our hearts everything else we need for the choices we will have to make in the journey, even down to the way we sling our sword in the midst of the battle. Conversely, if we wait until we have all the answers before we take any action, we won’t get very far, and we’ll eventually find ourselves sitting down and doing nothing. There, in that place of spiritual paralysis, we quickly atrophy and wonder why the prophecy never came to pass. We are waiting on God, and all the while, God is waiting on us. Can we move forward presumptuously? Yes — but only if we do more than God said or add to what He said. Admittedly it is a fine line, but those sensitive to God’s voice will not cross it. They will feel the check or nudge of the Spirit before they go too far. God wants us to reach what we were meant to reach, to be the people He created us to be. Just as He gives a way out of tempta- tion every time (1 Corinthians 10:13), so He will prepare us to do what He has for us to do, whatever that is, every time. We live in a day and age when we must be sensitive to God’s immediate plan. If we wait to start the journey until we have all the answers, we may find that we are full of potential but never achieve that potential. It is sad to see a life wasted for lack of movement. I have seen that far too often. What is the difference between a mediocre life and that of a champion? One significant difference is this: When they know God has spoken, leaders and champions go toward the sound of His voice. Not all of them know how to get there. For some, not even the next step is visible. But they know what has stirred their hearts — the draw of the Holy Spirit that directs them toward a goal — and they fully believe that what God has said, He will do. Sometimes it is good to wait for God to give us details. But often, He is waiting for us to trust Him and make the next move. as seen in Inspiration Plus --- .o. | | _ , .', L.-'` `\ || __\___,|__--,__`_|__ | % `=` | | ___%_______________| | ` | | -------------------| |____________________| |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| jgs | ---------------| , \| | _______________| / / \. \,\\|, . . /, / |///, / ...Check Out These teachings... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Choose His Children http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/choosehischildren.html A Kairos Moment http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/kairosmoment.html You Are The Only You God Has http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. =================================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .0. / \ ; \_/ ; | | | | | | _______; ;_______ `======='\ /`=======` \ / _ | | _ _( \____|=|____/ )_ ( .---. .---. ) `-' / \ '-' / JOY \ ; ; | .---.|__, jgs : / :--' .--\ \ | `" `"".-' < =""` `"== `""""""` =""` `"""===="""` =""` `""==="""` >EXERCISING YOUR JOY By: Joseph J. Mazzella I have been exercising a lot more lately. I am not talking about those push-ups and sit-ups I do in the morning, either. The exercise I am talking about lasts all day long and makes me feel better than I have ever felt before. The exercise I am talking about is the greatest work-out in the world and benefits you in every way imaginable. The exercise I am talking about is exercising your joy. This wonderful exercise can help every part of you everyday of your life. It keeps your mind alert by thinking positive thoughts full of optimism and enthusiasm. It keeps your eyes clear by looking at all the wonders of the world around you and by reading words that inspire you to become the person you want to be. It makes your ears sharp by listening to lovely music, singing birds, tinkling wind chimes, and the three greatest words in the world, "I love you." It keeps your lips fit by giving thanks to God all day long. It keeps your voice strong by singing beautiful songs. It helps your teeth shine by sharing your smile. It gives your arms a workout with hug after hug. It helps out both the taste buds and the stomach by sharing good food with people you love. It keeps those legs firm and healthy by dancing in delight and walking with God. It gives your insides a lot of work with happy and frequent doses of laughter. It makes your heart stronger by giving your love to everyone. It makes your soul even brighter by sharing its light with the whole world. It makes every bit of your life more fit by helping you to do what you were always meant to do and to be the Child of God that you were always created to be. Don’t be afraid to exercise your joy everyday then. It not only helps you to feel good, but it also helps you to be good. It not only makes you better, but it also makes the world better. It not only makes you fit for this life, but it also makes you fit for the next life as well. --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...Check out this audio teaching from TruthOrTradion On Joy The Cabaret & A Bible study on Joy Comes from God, Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12sXEg-LzOI And this one... Joy Is An Inside Job http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Joy_Is_An_INSIDE_Job.htm -<>- .0. / \ ; \_/ ; | | | | | | _______; ;_______ `======='\ /`=======` \ / _ | | _ _( \____|=|____/ )_ ( .---. .---. ) `-' / \ '-' / HUG \ ; ; | .---.|__, jgs : / :--' .--\ \ | `" `"".-' < =""` `"== `""""""` =""` `"""===="""` =""` `""==="""` >BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WHERE YOU ARE We cannot all be famous or be listed in "WHO'S WHO," But every person great or small has important work to do, For seldom do we realize the importance of small deeds Or to what degree of greatness unnoticed kindness leads For it's not the big celebrity in a world of fame and praise, But it's doing unpretentiously in undistinguished ways The work that God assigned to us, unimportant as it seems, That makes our task outstanding and brings reality to dreams. So do not sit and idly wish for wider, new dimensions Where you can put in practice your many "GOOD INTENTIONS" But at the spot God placed you begin at once to do Little things to brighten up the lives surrounding you, For if everybody brightened up the spot in which they're standing By being more considerate and a little less demanding, This dark old world would very soon eclipse the "Evening Star" If everybody BRIGHTENED UP THE CORNER WHERE THEY ARE! -by Helen Steiner Rice -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment My family Reunion http://www.buffaloschips.com/sdg.htm National Anthem Cactus http://www.buffaloschips.com/iuyuy.htm Negotiating a Real Piece of Work http://www.buffaloschips.com/jhgtgf.htm New Energy Drink http://www.buffaloschips.com/hfhgtf.htm New Guy In Prison http://www.buffaloschips.com/jhtgtr.htm Boeing 727 Suit http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/727suite.html Extreme US Spas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/topspas.html Day And Night http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dayandnight.html Chalk Art 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart3.html Advertising Truck Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/truckart.html Keep On Smiling http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smiling.html Top Reasons To Smile http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/smile.html Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffalosjokes.com ================================================================= Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it. -- Bill Cosby >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Chriistian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->Pass this on as it should be of interest to all who served. The study was carried out in Austrialia on their Vietnam Veterans. ABC Nat. Radio Health Report Autralian Vietnam Vets: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/HealthReportVV.mp3 VV ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARRE 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 ************************************************************************