God Knows... :) 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 ~ *~* 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 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! ================ >-->3 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our flaming hot new poetry page is from our friends Velma and my daughter Tammy. It's full of sad thought provoking with a touch of warm Smiles at the end with its sweet videos. Be sure to check this one out here: __, .-"`{*} ." ::{*} / .:. {*} |:: ' ::{*} {^"*"^"*"^"*"^"*"^"*"^"*"^} |^=.=^=.=^=.=^=.=^=.=^=.=^| ()-():. .:. .:. .:. .:. | /o o\' :: ' :: ' :: ' :: ' | _\ Y /_. .:. .:. .:. .:. | O__`&`__O : ' :: ' .--. ' |_ / \^"*"^[A]^"*"^/____\"^,_(')< jgs ()/^\()=^=[B][C].=^\~~~~/.=\___) '--' The Newly Born http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/newlyborn.html --- ...So Touching! Thanks Ladies! This next pipping hot new page is from our friends Linda and LouiseAu. It's sure to spark your imagination while turning the tables on your logical brain. Check out these awesome optical illusions here... __ _ (` ). |,|_ _( ). ||//\ ,-_ _( ` '`. |// \ |-_'-, .-(( ` . ) //# \ |-_'-' ( `.__.;-`-_.' // # \ _ |-_'/ `( ) ) // # \ _,_ /;-,_ |-_' `-__.;' ) // # \ / \_\ /-.-;,-,___|' `--' \\ # /_ _______O^O-D/ /;-;-;-;_;_/|\_ _ _ _ _ \\######[)=^\___/ / | / /-_| ` ___||\\/_ (___(__/___/__ |/ ,'-_| \ | | |: | | / ____. ) /____|'-_|___\ | | |: | | / _/`\____\> / .,.__]__|_\-_'|_[__,.._ | | |\ | | / / || | / mic ;) ``'--,.,.._,_| | | \| | __/ / || |<_ cl a:f |__|_|\_>_|-.(__,|,.\.,./__\,\__),.. When Graphic Artists Get Bored 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abored4.html --- ...Wow! Most Stunning! Thanks Ladies! Our last hot new page is from our friend LouiseAu. It's sure to tickle your funny bone and give you plenty of SMILES for your day. Turn your sound up and check it out here... _____ _ _____ ____ /_ /, | ,-, ) /'_`\ |_ _| | __| \ \> | `-'< | (_) | | | | _| ) )__ ,_ |_|`\_\ \___/ |_| |_| (_.-'_)__$ ;-'' pb Funny T-Shirt Wisdom http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/teeshirts.html --- ...HaHa! A Fun One! Thanks LouiseAu! =========================================================== >-->From HeartTouchers: ,-. ,-. ( * ) ( * ) `-' `-' <##> /\/\ /\ / \ / \/\ /\/\/ \ / \/\/ \ / / \ /\ / \/\ /\/\/ \/\/\ / \/\/ \/ Krogg >She Yelled And Called Me Names by Susan Basham Pulling my car into the drive-thru line at Starbucks, I wondered why it was a dozen people deep. It wasn't raining, yet it seemed everyone was driving through today. I was transporting three dogs to the groomer, and there was no way I could leave two wild Shih-tzus and one crazy Bichon alone while I went inside for my daily dose. Millie, the Bichon, sat on my lap licking the window. As I peeled her away from the glass, I saw the woman. She sat across the parking lot, leaving just enough room for a thoroughfare, as she too was waiting in the Starbucks line. I smiled, and gestured to her. It went something like this: "Are you next, or am I?" Really, I was fine either way. She was not. Thinking I was trying to snag her spot of next up, she gunned her Suburban, rolled down the window, and let out a string of expletives that made me blush. Millie barked back a retort. "Go ahead, please," I said. "I wasn't sure who was first." I pulled Millie back onto my lap, so she could see I had been dog-distracted and truly didn't know who was next. She didn't buy it. She continued with the name calling without taking a breath. I won't write them down here, but the main mantra shared initials with the number one social networking site. Then something really strange happened. Instead of getting mad or yelling back at her, a sense of empathy invaded me. I looked at her again, and this time I saw someone different, someone who wrenched my heart. Her eyes were red and puffy. Her hair was pulled back in a natty ponytail. She held her phone in her palm, glancing down at it every few seconds. And she was driving that big ole' gas hog of a Suburban, my own car of choice when I had three kids at home and a carpool. Dear God. I was looking at myself ten years ago. Same car, same ponytail. Same frustration. We've all been there. Dog vomits on the sofa. Both kids have strep throat. The garbage disposal chooses today to break, when you are trying to disintegrate moldy fridge leftovers. Husband is mad because you forgot to pick up the dry cleaning and he's going on a business trip. Sound familiar? And by the way, was that him she had been talking to or texting? She gunned forward, just to show me that she could. I left her a wide berth, smiled at her splotchy face. She shot me a sideways scowl, mouthed the mantra again. Pulling up to the loudspeaker behind her, I said "I want to pay for whatever the woman in front of me has ordered. And please tell her I hope she has a better day." I meant every word. The woman idled in front of me for a good four minutes, talking to the barista who had leaned out the window. She shook her head and handed over a bill. She drove around the side of the building slowly, this time no gunning. Hmmm. "No takers, huh?" I said to the barista as I pulled forward. "Nope. She said she couldn't believe you wanted to pay for her drink after all the names she called you. She said she couldn't allow it, and said to tell you she was sorry. She felt really bad." "Did you tell her I hoped she had a better day?" "Yep. She said thanks— that she already was." "Good to hear." I smiled and handed her a dollar to put in the tip jar. As I drove away, I began to cry. Not because I had been called so many terrible names, but because God had answered my very recent prayer—which was that He would allow me to see people as He sees them, not as I see them. That I might be able to see the hurting inside, instead of just the hurtful outside. And maybe a few tears were of gratitude and amazement that He always shows up with an answer when I sincerely ask. Have you ever had an experience that made you see someone in a new way? -- Susan Basham --- ...Reminds me... This story reminds me of our Lord. So many times when faced with mean nasty hateful people, I think of Jesus with his dying words on the cross... __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown Luke 23: [34a] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. How could he say that about the people who treated him with such disdain? I marvel at how awesome and loving our Lord was. The thing that Jesus had that they didn't have was spiritual insight. Being God's only begotten Son, He had God's spirit. He knew the invisible forces of the devil were to blame for how he was treated. Like the bible later says... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' 1 Cor.2: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Jesus knew it wasn't the people but the princes of this world. How did He know? His spirit revealed it to Him. Just as we have now... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' 1 Cor.2: [12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. [13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the holy spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. [14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. The 'natural man' would have been all those people who took part in crucifying Jesus. They didn't have spirit like He did so they couldn't see that they were being used by the devil. 1 Cor.2: [15] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. [16] For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ We (born-again believers) are like Christ now. We need to look at things like Jesus and understand the invisible spiritual battle taking place that is often running the show by influencing people. When we stop and think about what is happening aside from our emotional reaction, we can see the motives behind the actions. Like the 'politics' of today here in the USA. When you look at both candidates, one wonders why there is such a contest. Trump has already proven himself to be a good leader. His manner is often a bit on the harsh side or what one may think is not presidential, but that is hardly reason to dump him for a man who has not achieved much of anything during his 47 years in politics and is having cognitive difficulties stemming from early stages of dementia. Trump, on the other hand, has given us the lowest unemployment numbers across all our minorities that we've ever had in our nation's history. Economically, there is no reason to get rid of him. Then you factor in him strongly supporting our military, veterans and law enforcement along with his deep love of our country, it's Constitution and our freedoms and religious rights and you see he is a perfect candidate for another 4 year term. It is no wonder he draws massive crowds during his open air rallies - even in the rain - people love Trump - compared to Biden who last got 12-20 people showing up - and that included his staff! So why so much division in this country? Why are so many against President Trump? Well, there has to be another reason. It has to be spiritual. For many, it all boils down to the money. Like most things - follow the money and you'll find the answer. The root of all evil they say. First off, the devil doesn't want Trump. The reasons are simple. Trump is all for God, Country, law and order and capitalism. All things the devil is totally against. That gives you a big spiritual battle. Lots of corrupt people work in government and positions of power. They want to keep their money flowing and they can't do so with a man who cannot be bribed or persuaded by money to do what he feels is not in the best interest of America. That's the problem they have with President Trump. They have been on the losing streak with him in office. Not to mention, Trump's Attorney Barr with Durham, is close to putting some of them in bars for their corrupt wheeling and dealings and treason! The rest that are against Trump seem to be more based in ignorance or fear of losing their ungodly positions and lives. While yet others are totally influenced by hate inspired by the devil. So remember when people seem to be nasty and mean about President Trump, they are doing so for underlying reasons. Pray for them, smile and don't bother to engage them and their hatred... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Matthew 10:14 [14] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. [16] Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' See These great Teachings... Heart Matters https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/heart-matters Viewpoints: God’s – Man’s https://tinyurl.com/y6glvwl9 =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Taking a Stand--Making a Difference "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."1 An English bishop once said, "Everywhere the Apostle Paul went there was either a revival or a revolution. Everywhere I go they serve tea." As you can well imagine, when I write on such topics as homos%xuality and abortion, and seek to present a biblical view, I don't get served tea. In fact, I get both bouquets and bricks. The bouquets are very nice and are appreciated. The bricks are usually well aimed and could hurt deeply if I took them personally, which I don't. I also usually lose a number of subscribers at these times. The reality is if as a preacher, teacher, or communicator I speak or write to please everybody, I will end up pleasing nobody and my life will never amount to anything worthwhile, and I certainly won't please God. If we want to make an impact on our society, Christians need to take a loving but firm stand against pornography, illicit s%xuality, abortion for any reason (not including if the mother's life is in serious danger), homos%xuality, alcoholism, etc., and all the things God opposes, for they are ultimately self-destructive. And let us not purchase the products of companies we may know who support organizations or groups who promote the things God hates. By way of interest, if we don't hate unrighteousness, we don't love righteousness. If we are to be true followers of Jesus, we need to hate the things God hates and love the things He loves. While He loves all sinners, He hates all sin. Furthermore, as Christians we are called to impact and change our culture and not allow the culture to impact and change us. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the desire to know Your Word, the wisdom to understand Your ways, and the courage to stand up for what You say, and not be conformed by today's culture with its ever-increasing non-biblical, politically correct world view. Grant that my life will make a difference--no matter how small--so that I will not have lived in vain. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV). <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Responsibility = Response Ability "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands … so that you will not be dependent on anybody."1 One of the great principles we need to emphasize to keep ourselves and our society healthy and productive is the principle of personal responsibility. It's a principle that needs, through repetition, to be programmed into our belief system. It needs to be taught and demonstrated in the home and at every level of society--including among the highest business and political leaders in our communities and nation. If people don't believe they are responsible, they will not act responsibly. If they believe and know they are responsible, most will consistently act responsibly. Obviously, we weren't responsible for our background and upbringing, but we are fully responsible for what we do about these and for what we become. The world doesn't owe us a living. As the Bible teaches, if we are unwilling to work we shouldn't eat. When we repeatedly do anything for others that they can and need to do for themselves, we can make and keep them over-dependent, immature and irresponsible. It is not the loving thing to do. I remember reading about some sea gulls in a fishing village that, for many years, fed on the scraps the fishermen left. When the fishing industry in this place closed, the sea gulls had forgotten how to gather food for themselves. They died of starvation. The same principle applies to people. When we do things to keep them over-dependent, we destroy their growth and maturity. It's the same with God, He will bend the heavens to touch the earth to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves--such as giving His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross of Calvary to pay the just penalty for all our sins--but He won't do for us what we can and need to do for ourselves. As another has said, “God feeds the sparrows but He doesn’t throw the food into their nest." One effective way to program responsibility into one's unconscious mind is by constantly saying to one's self, either silently or out loud: "I am responsible. I am responsible. I am responsible." And say it with the feeling that you really mean it and believe it. Just mouthing the words is meaningless. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I am responsible. Thank You for granting me this freedom. Help me to remember this and act accordingly always in all ways. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NIV). When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ___ _-"_-" _-_-" _-_-" _______________________-"-"_ \ / \ / mga .--_\______________________/_--. ""--------------------------"" >OUR OWN SAUCE By: Joseph J. Mazzella I have been trying for the last few weeks to reproduce our family’s homemade spaghetti sauce. It hasn’t been easy. My first attempt used far too much parsley. My second attempt had way too much sugar. After that I put the recipe aside and went over to my Dad’s house for some hands on instruction. After watching my Dad put it together I brought the pot home to try again. I didn’t slow cook it long enough, though, and it came out watery. I was about to give up after that, but then I remembered something my Dad had told me. He had said that there were a lot of different ways to make the sauce depending on how you wanted it. I remembered too how my Grandma’s and Dad’s homemade sauce was never exactly the same from one meal to the next. Sometimes it was slow cooked with sausages, meatballs, chicken, and potatoes simmering in it all day long. At other times it was cooked in few hours for a quick spaghetti dinner with a can of tomato paste thrown in to thicken it up. No matter how it was cooked, however, it was always made with love and it always tasted delicious. It may take me a while, but I am going to get that sauce just right for me and my family. It might not be exactly like my Dad’s, but it will be made with love and it will taste delicious. Maybe that is what God wants for each of us to do with our own lives as well. When it comes to the feast of life we can learn from the greatest chefs in the world, but in the end we all have to make our own sauce and cook our own meal. We are all different, after all. We are all unique. We are all special in our own way. We all bring our own one of a kind ingredients of experience, wisdom, and goodness to the cooking pot. Let’s not be afraid then to create a glorious meal all our own to share with the world. As long as we remember to cook it with love and serve it with joy God will make sure that it turns out just right. -<>- === === === === ___===____________oooo___________oooo____________===___ |___===___________________________________________===___| === | /O O\ | === dwb || || jrb === || || === ( | _ | ) || ( ) || _ || _/_-_\_ || \ ooooO /___|___\ Ooooo == ((( )|____^____|( ))) / \ (|)MMMMM| |#####(|) |MILK| (_)MMMM/ \####(_) |____| --------------------------------------------------------------------- __ ____ ___ __ ___ ___ ( )(_ _) ( \ / \( _)/ __) )( )( ) ) )( () )) _)\__ \ (__) (__) (___/ \__/(___)(___/ ____ _ _ ___ ___ __ ___ _ _ __ __ __ ___ _ (_ _)( )( )( _) ( ,) / \( \( \/ ) / _) / \ / \( \ / \ )( )__( ) _) ) ,\( () )) ) )\ / ( (/\( () )( () )) ) )\_/ (__) (_)(_)(___) (___/ \__/(___/(__/ \__/ \__/ \__/(___/ (_) >Glass Of Milk One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?" "You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said, "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit. Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words: "Paid in full with one glass of milk". - Author Unknown -<>- ,-----. W/,-. ,-.\W ()>a a<() (.--(_)--.) ,'/.-'\_/`-.\`. ,' / `-' \ `. / \ / \ / `. ,' \ / / `-._.-' \ \ ,-`-._/| |=|o |\_.-< <,--.) |_____| |o____| )_ \ `-)| |// _ \\| )/ || |' | `| || | | | || ( )|( ) || | | | || | | | || |_.--.|.--._| || /'""| |""`\ [] `===' `===' hjw >Grandpa’s Hands Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice. "I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to him. "Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?" I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. Grandpa smiled and related this story: "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years .. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my Mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my Parents and Spouse and walked my Daughter down the aisle. Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friend's foot. They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ. I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my Grandpa's hands and led him home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of Christ and feel His hands upon my face. -<>- ,,,,, \ e e\ C _\/ |\\, )\_) \_ / _/|/_ _// ,'\ ~ /'-,_/ \ / \_/ / / , | \_._,-" ( < _' | \ \ ', -',-~.-' _/ ) | |// | ' ' ) | | | | ._., - |.,_ // _\-' )___|__|_ '-._ b'ger /____\__\ >The Homeless Man It was a cold winter's day that Sunday. The parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car that fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked to the church. As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He was almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face. He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet with holes all over them, his toes stuck out. I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church. We all fellowshipped for a few minutes, and someone brought up the man laying outside. People snickered and gossiped but no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me. A few moments later church began. We all waited for the Preacher to take his place and to give us the Word, when the doors to the church opened. In came the homeless man walking down the aisle with his head down. People gasped and whispered and made faces. He made his way down the aisle and up onto the pulpit he took off his hat and coat. My heart sank. There stood our preacher...he was the "homeless man." No one said a word. The preacher took his Bible and laid it on the stand. "Folks, I don't think I have to tell you what I am preaching about today." Then he started singing the words to this song. If I can help somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, If I can show somebody that he's traveling wrong, Then my living shall not be in vain. IS YOUR LIVING IN VAIN? - Author Unknown -<>- | v . ._, |_ ., `-._\/ . \ / |/_ \\ _\, y | \// _\_.___\\, \\/ -.\|| `7-,--.`._|| / / , /' `-. `./ / |/_.' | |// |_ / |- | | =| | | --------------------/ , . \--------._ jg >Lessons on Life There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment. The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall. Moral: Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later. Have a Great Rest of Your Life! -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Face Of Christ!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faceofchrist.html Aww Animals 14 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals14.html Autumn Of Life!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/life.html Our Valuable Anchor!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html The Giver And The Gift!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/givergift.html Never Give Up!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html The 23rd Psalm!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/psalm23.html Lean On Me!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/leanonme.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html I Believe In You!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ibelieveinyou.html Playing With Words!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html Akiane - Child Prodigy http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html When God Paints!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Blind Woman Sees!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blindsees.html Believe In Your Dreams!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/dream.html Proud Of Our Troops 5!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops5.html Attitude Is Everything 4!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude4.html Fall And Halloween INDEX! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/halloweenindex.html SHANGRALA Home INDEX Page! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html -<>- Practical Ways to Fight Darkness https://tinyurl.com/y4ny5fxo Our Glory and Joy https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/our-glory-and-joy Seattle Pastor Fights Washington State Law Forcing Churches to Pay for Abortions https://tinyurl.com/y3sgfgga Pastor Tweets Powerful Christian Solution to a Deeply Divided Nation https://tinyurl.com/yxjbeqzg Pastor Declares ‘We Are Holding Church’ After Court Victory Against California’s ‘Draconian’ Rules https://tinyurl.com/y4l2e25o University That Discriminated Against Christian Students Is Headed to Court – Again https://tinyurl.com/y3grddck -<>- Zach Williams - Chain Breaker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd_xxmXdQz4 TobyMac - Love Broke Thru https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44l9PRI4c2M Newsboys - God's Not Dead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_OTz-lpDjw Tauren Wells - God's Not Done With You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVHrkYBEgFM -<>- >In The News: VA News: Blue Water Navy Claims, Free Audiobooks and Events for Disabled Veterans, Hispanic family defines service https://tinyurl.com/y3xvmqmw Trump Rally 10/14/2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvXfU8L396c LIVE: Trump Holds Campaign Rally in Greenville, North Carolina https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFhI_jtOi9Y President Trump will participate in an NBC News town hall held outdoors in Miami on Thursday, the network announced, setting up an evening of competing events featuring the incumbent president and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. https://tinyurl.com/y343resp Hannity full show 10/14/2020 https://www.bitchute.com/video/PCjHCgbXvr7E/ Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late Dr. Martin Link King Jr., has called out Joe Biden for his racism. “One thing that Joe Biden does, he wants to say he is helping the black farmers. No, he is not. He has suppressed everybody … putting our people in jail, saying our young men were predators and all of that, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1g5xMtyuVk&feature=emb_logo Huge crowd turns out for Trump rally in Iowa - “I’m thrilled to be back in the American heartland with thousands of loyal hardworking Iowa patriots,” Trump said after landing in Air Force One on Wednesday. https://tinyurl.com/y5vfhjd4 OH BOY! Joe Biden Looks Like Death at Campaign Stop — Something Is Wrong with Old Joe! Jim Hoft from The Gateway Pundit reports, On Saturday Joe Biden held a small rally with about 12-20 people in Erie, Pennsylvania, including staff. https://tinyurl.com/y4e23ape CREEPY Joe Can’t Stop Being CREEPY – This Latest Gaffe PROVES IT! https://tinyurl.com/y6aasj3s YES! President Trump BREAKS the Internet after Sharing This Hilarious Biden Meme https://tinyurl.com/y42q72p6 Whistleblower Drops HARD Evidence, Biden, Obama, Hillary EXECUTED Seal Team 6, Audio Proof https://tinyurl.com/yys8lzq2 Twitter Expands Blocking to Include Hunter and China News / Facebook Official who Spiked Hunter Biden Story is a Former Dem Activist / China’s President to His Troops: “Prepare for War” / Emails Show Hunter Trying to Cash in On Chinese Too / Fauci Wants to Cancel Thanksgiving /Red States Have Economic Recovery, Blue States Have a Recession and MORE: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Rush Limbaugh REVEALED His Plan To Make Sure Trump Wins! / SICK Liberals Go TOO FAR, Caught Destroying Statue Of Lincoln! /Twitter CAUGHT Trying To Rig The Game For Sleepy Joe! And More https://tinyurl.com/y2u2fw4j Melania Trump: 'My personal experience with COVID-19' https://tinyurl.com/y5l6k7zr Westwing News: Trump on the Right Side of History in Confronting Latin America’s Dictators - “The brutal regimes in Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua pose a grave threat to our country’s national security interests. We must continue to consistently deny funds to these regimes, which work together to oppress their people, wreak havoc in our hemisphere and oppose U.S. interests,” Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) writes in the Miami Herald. “The Trump administration has responded effectively to this reality, marginalizing these intertwined dictatorships while supporting humanitarian and pro-democracy efforts for the populations they oppress.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ Legislation Seeks To Allow “Transgender” Inmates To Choose Either Male Or Female Prison – Regardless Of Biological gender https://tinyurl.com/y3sub7m3 WhiteHouseNews: During President Trump’s first three years in office, incomes for the average American family grew by $6,000– more than five times the gains seen during the entire Obama Administration. https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From AmericanActionNews: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: 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 :) Magician and comedian Ben Seidman's funny and amazing magic performance on 'Penn and Teller: Fool Us.' https://youtu.be/lg13nJdQAy8 Usually, when you know how an illusion works, it stops being an illusion. But not the 'Ames Window' illusion. https://youtu.be/DkVOIJAaWO0 --- ...Super! Thanks LouiseAu! Virginia Tech Coach teaches Players the meaning of our National Anthem http://viewpure.com/AWRJvl2TkNk?start=0&end=0 --- ...Sweet! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: "The Bible is to be read as if written expressly for you." - A. B. Simpson _____ (((\\\\\ )_ \\\| / \\|\/ \\( ), & \) ( (( |` \\ ))) _ | \` __| ` | , \ ` , \ | \ ,\ , \ ' \/ \_ \/ \ `_,`-._ ` \ ejm / `-. _ \ ` / ,`. \ === / '== =`. | ==== / | === ` / /========= / | / , /______| / , ======== __-' | = === / ,======= ' - -- ( \ \ \ ` \ ` \ ` \_____ \ / ` _/ / '-- ' >When You Worry (Written by Kimberley Dubard, Arlington, Virginia, USA) [Edited] Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. Have you been struggling and planning, worrying and sweating, crying and running at a furious pace, trying to move that mountain by yourself again? God asks that you "cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you" *(1 Peter 5:7)*. Think about what your worrying says to God when you refuse to give things over to Him. When you worry about money, you're telling Him that He is unable to provide for His children, that although He has riches beyond belief in heaven, He is too stingy to share them with you. When you worry that no one understands you, you're telling Him that although He has been with you since before you were formed in the womb and has carved you into the palm of His hand, He doesn't know you. When you worry that you will not have enough food, you're telling Him that although He rained down bread from heaven in the desert to feed His children, you are the one He's forgotten. When you worry that your enemies will have victory over you, you're telling God that, although He has given you spiritual battle gear to defend yourself, that despite His track record of being a giant slayer, a Red Sea divider, a lion mouth closer, and a furnace cooler, He can't handle your co-worker, your neighbor, your former friend. When you worry that your children have decided to follow the world instead of your example, you're telling God that He doesn't keep His promises, that, despite the fact that you have raised them up in the way they should go, they'll stray because, basically, He lied. When you worry because the doctors told you that children are impossible, that a cure is impossible, that healing is impossible, you're telling Him that this world controls your fate. You're saying that prayer time with Him is merely something to pass the time. You're saying that although He can raise the dead, make a virgin conceive, open the womb of a woman well past eighty, heal a 12 year issue of blood, make the blind see, and the lame walk, He can't help you. When you worry that you won't be able to do enough to earn forgiveness, you're telling Him, "That's okay, Lord; no need for Your Son to die, I can earn my own forgiveness." You're acting like Jesus never died, or like there was no need for Him to go to the cross. When you worry that no one will love you, that you'll be lonely for the rest of your life, you're telling Him that His love is insufficient. You're also saying that, although He has promised life more abundantly, He was lying, that despite the fact that He started off saying that it is not good that we be alone, He's changed His mind. When you worry and refuse to give the problem over to Him, you're telling Him that although He could create the world, He can't handle what's going on in your world, so *you* will. You are saying that He won't work things out, that obstacles cannot be overcome, that mountains can't be climbed, that healing cannot occur, that what is lost will not be found, that joy does not come in the morning, that He is not the God of a second chance, that the promised land has been swallowed up by the desert, and that you have explored the height, depth and width of His love and found it to fall short of your needs. Think about all that you're saying to the one who loves you the most and who has all power. Really think about it. Then open your hands and release what you've been holding onto. Bow down on your knees and ask Him to forgive you for doubting Him. Walk away with a peaceful heart and note the footprints that go before you to straighten the crooked places, prepare a way in the wilderness and make water spring forth in the desert. "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive my nearsighted nature and pride. That is You around the bend, Lord; how could I not see You? How could I not trust You? Let me tell you, dear God, all that is on my mind. I'm tired of standing in the rain. Allow me to find shelter under Your wings. My list of worries is long but so is Your patience. Allow me to begin..., in Christ's name, Amen. 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 ========================================================== | ____.......__ |\ .' _.--""''`` ``''--._ | \ .'/ ..--'` .-'` .._ | \.' / ..-'' .-' '.`'"-: ' .-'` .-' '. __...----""""""""""--.. \ - ..-'' ``""-._ \ .' _. \ `"- \ _.-'` | /-. \ `-. \ | / `. \ wkm `.\ |/ `-\ `. | >-->Forever Family A little star fell from the sky one lovely starlit night; She landed in a family's hearts to share her sparkling light. They didn't know when first they met how they would love her so, or how her smile and twinkling eyes would keep their home aglow. They feared that she would leave them, so they all joined in to pray: "Heavenly Father, hear our prayers, and let sweet Maddy stay." The loving Father, looking down, knew they should be together; He smiled as He told them, "You're a family forever!" Please bless this little shining star and her dear family, too. Help each and every one of them shine on, Dear Lord, for you! ~ Connie Faust ~ -<>- , \ : / `. __/ \__ .' _ _\ /_ _ /_ _\ .' \ / `. / : \ hjw ' >"God Knows" (Written by Kelly D. Caron) When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts... God knows how hard you have tried. When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish... God has counted your tears. If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by... God is waiting with you. When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call... God is by your side. When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn... God has a solution. When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated... God has the answer. If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope... God has whispered to you. When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for... God has blessed you. When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe... God has smiled upon you. When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow... God has opened your eyes and called you by name. Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing... God knows! --- ...Reminds Me Of This... ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt for KING & COUNTRY + Dolly Parton - God Only Knows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFiyEFmIXvA >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. 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