Light Of The World... :) 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 ================ *~* 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!! ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ . , )). -===- ,(( ))). ,((( ))))). .:::. ,(((((( ))))))))). :. .: ,((((((((' `))))))))))). : - : ,(((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))_:' ':_(((((((((((((((' `)))))))))))).-' \___/ '-._((((((((((( `))))_._.-' __)( )(_ '-._._((((' `))'---)___)))'\_ _/'((((__(---'((' `))))))))))))|' '|((((((((((((' jim `)))))))))/' '\(((((((((' `)))))))| |(((((((' `))))))| |((((((' /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ '---..___..---' *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2011 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2011 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! ================ >-->From Spirit&TruthFellowshipInternational - TruthOrTradition.com: ,~~;,~~.~~, (`'` ` ` `, ~~``` ` ` ; |@ , @ | , '; ' ( ' ` ; `._o__/^;' '; ;..' ';.` ; . ' * _ ;.;)_____ . _- \____/ ) )_____ )’ _- __-- \_____/ |-_ -_:-._- __-- ___ |______| --_/:::\_-- _-- / , \---=|:::::|=---------- | , \ __-\:::/-__ -__ / ; | _- | -_sd--__ --- | , |_- . | . -_ --__ / ; | ‘ | ‘ -_ | , ; | ‘ | ‘ - / ; | |__'___^^_______^^ ~~ ^^ >The Sower - You Are The Light Of The World! Darkness has often been used to refer to what was evil, hurtful, or dangerous. In contrast to darkness, God tells us in His Word that He is light, that Jesus was the light, and now we too are to be lights in the world. In this issue of The Sower we explore what it means to "let your light shine." We must pay attention to how our light shines, just as we pay attention to the lights in our world, watching out for dim bulbs, fogged over lenses, and things that block the light. This month's lead article, "Let Your Light Shine" by Dan Gallagher, discusses how God uses light as a demonstration of His glory and how He uses the light to get out attention. Jesus told his followers that they were the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14) He never said, "Turn on your light," rather his instruction was to "let" their light shine. Dan points out that our lives should be so clearly different from the world that it causes people to pause and take notice. That's what a bright light does. The Contender article, "Reflecting God's Light," by John Schoenheit, shows us that believers are lights, but it helps us keep it in proper perspective when we realize that our light is derivative—we get it from God. John reminds us that we do not originate the light, we reflect it. Today, the glory of God is not found on Moses' face, but in Jesus Christ and on his face, and that glory is permanent. We can always see the glory on the face of Jesus, and can always be lightened, empowered, and transformed by it. Read the rest here: http://www.stfonline.org/sower/current.html ================================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .-. __/ ( , '-.____\ u=='/ \ /_/ \ .-'' | ( ____/_____ _>_/.-------- \/// // snd // >"I'M RIGHT HERE!" by Kristine Lowder "And now, here is the host of Jeopardy!" announced Johnny Gilbert as Alex Trebek strode into the studio. Alex greeted his TV audience and contestants Elaine, a New York librarian; Larry, a tax attorney from Minneapolis; and the returning four-day champ, Sylvia, a journalist turned stay-at-home mom from Phoenix -- my heroine. The big blue board splashed categories across the studio as my husband, Chris, and I settled in for the duration. Juggling questions like a Barnum and Bailey circus act, Sylvia, Elaine and Larry zipped through inquiries like, "Al Gore was one of the speakers at the 1992 U.N. Earth Summit held in this South American city" ("What is Rio de Janeiro?") "Of 9, 13, 20 or 100, the age of Betty Parris, one of the first people to make an accusation in the Salem Witch Trials?" Tossing her russet mane, Elaine picked up another $900 as she correctly answered, "What is nine?" Blond and petite, Sylvia hit it big with the Daily Double in Songs' Later Verses: "I don't want clever conversation, I don't want to work that hard" is heard in what pop hit?" Answer: "What is, Just the Way You Are?" Larry led Elaine by $2,000 after the Double Jeopardy round. But neither the Juris Doctor nor the "librarian with two master's degrees" could stop Sylvia the Steam Roller. The stay-at-home mom was wiping up the floor, outdistancing her nearest competitor by $3,600 going into Final Jeopardy. But the match wasn't a runaway. It would come down to careful wagering in the Final Jeopardy category of Popular Fiction. I whooped as the blue box binged and Alex read the Final Jeopardy question: "This series of over 200 books began with Kristy's Great Idea." "I know this! I know this!" I hooted, sure that Sylvia did, too. Her answer was, "The Boxcar Children." "I'm sorry, that's incorrect" Alex smiled, shaking his hoary head. "No way!" I spouted. Alex the Omniscient was mistaken. There was no way Sylvia could be wrong. After all, her answer was my answer. She had to be right. "Did she risk more than $3,000?" Alex asked. Like any self-respecting writer turned stay-at-home mom, Sylvia wagered her entire wad. She lost it all. I pouted as Elaine was crowned "the new Jeopardy champion." Jeopardy! was over and I snuggled up with my four-year old son to read "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street." Voice thick with sleep, Josiah announced, "Mommy, this is just like Heaven." Dr. Seuss is good. But not THAT good. "What do you mean?" I asked, "What is heaven like?" "It's like this," Josiah replied from his burrow of blankets, "all warm and fuzzy and nice and love-y." I nodded. "Except there's one bad thing about heaven," Josiah the Theologian frowned. "What's that?" "Heaven's soldiers." I had to bite. "Who are they?" Josiah looked up at me, rolling his droopy eyes. "You know, those bad soldiers who put Jesus on the cross, where He died for our sins. They were bad soldiers. But God loves even bad soldiers." We returned Marco to Mulberry Street with his "plain horse and wagon" and it was time for kisses and bed time prayers. Josiah bowed his head and addressed the Almighty, "Dear Lord," he boomed in a voice that could give Pavarotti a run for his money, "Thank You for this day..." Josiah prayed for Mommy and Daddy, asked God to bless his brothers, stuffed animals, intrepid AWANA teacher, and Eve, our yellow Lab. He wrapped up with, "God, are You listening? Can You call me? When You want me, I'm right here. My phone number is..." Well. The correct answer to the Final Jeopardy question? "What is The Babysitter's Club?" I knew that. In fact, I can usually answer most Jeopardy! questions without too much brain strain. But if you want answers to real questions, don't look at me. Ask my preschooler. He knows -- "God, are You listening? Can You call me? When You want me, I'm right here." -- Kristine Lowder __________________________________________________ Kristine makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their four sons. Visit her at: http://www.KristineLowder.com =================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Linda :) >A small request... Today is world cancer day - I'd appreciate it if you will forward this request I just did A small request.. Just one line. _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ Dear God, I pray for a cure for cancer. Amen --- ...Thanks Linda! As one who lost both her sister and mother from cancer, I have no problem with this request. ============================================================== >-->From Our Friend Sandi :) (\ /) \/ W.Madison \/ (\ /) (X) o00- _ _ -00o (X) (/|\) (')< >(') (/|\) | (@ ) ( @) | \|/|||||||||| ^^ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ^^ ||||wsm|||\|/ ~~~~ ~~~~ >How To Plant Your Garden First, you Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses. FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING , PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS : 1. Peace of mind 2. Peace of heart 3. Peace of soul PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH: 1. Squash gossip 2. Squash indifference 3. Squash grumbling 4. Squash selfishness PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE: 1. Lettuce be faithful 2. Lettuce be kind 3. Lettuce be patient 4. Lettuce really love one another NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS: 1. Turnip for meetings 2. Turnip for service 3. Turnip to help one another TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME: 1. Thyme for each other 2. Thyme for family 3. Thyme for friends WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. NOT BAD, HUH?! My instructions were to send this to people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you! --- ...Aww, what a lovely garden! Thanks Sandi! ============================================================= ,==. \\// .-~~-. ,",-""-.". | | | | | | .-"| |. ". `,",-" ,'.". `| |_,-' | | | | | | hjw ". `-._,-' ." `-.___,-' >-->From HeartsAndHumor: Band of Love by Michael T. Smith Georgia slipped the band of gold around my finger, looked into my eyes and completed her vows. We were husband and wife. A week later, I sat in my chair, mindlessly watching television. I twirled the unfamiliar band of gold circling my ring finger. It was the first piece of jewelry I'd ever worn. It made me feel different. My life changed. I no longer thought of "me". I thought of "us". I had a wife. The band of gold proved it. From that day forward, people saw it and knew I was committed to another. It became a part of me. Whenever I sat idle, my right hand would reach to play with it. Other times, my left thumb would polish it - savoring the symbol of love. ****************** "Michael?" Georgia asked? I looked across our dining room table at her. Her brown eyes sparkled. "What, Hun?" "I'm pregnant." She smiled. "You are? Are you sure?" I rose from my chair. "Do you feel OK? Do you need anything?" I had an expectant mother to take care of. The doctor confirmed it today. And yes, I am OK. Now sit and finish your dinner." "But?" I stammered. "This calls for a toast. I'll get that bottle of champagne." I rushed from the table. "Michael!" She reached for my hand and rested her other hand on her stomach. "I can't. The baby! Remember?" I stared at her and frowned. "Why ..." I paused. "Oh right! The baby! I forgot. No drinking." "Relax. I'm OK. Sit and finish your dinner." We sat and ate. Afterward, I reached across the table and held her left hand in mine. I looked into those sparkling brown eyes. "Thank you, Hun. Thank you for wanting to be the mother of our children." I looked down at the table where I still held her hand. The flickering candle reflected off our bands of gold. "I love you, future Mama." I lifted her hand and kissed her ring. ****************** "It hurts so bad!" Georgia screamed. "Pant!" I screamed back. "Pant! Puff, puff, puff, pufffff!" "Stop blowing in my face!" She yelled at me. Another contraction ripped through her body. "Mrs. Smith!" the doctor said. "I need one more big push." "You can do it, Hun!" I held her hand, or rather; she gripped mine in a vice. I saw our hands. My fingers were white from the lack of circulation. The lights above the table reflected off our rings. ****************** "Look at her eyes, Michael! She's so alert." Georgia was in the recovery room. She cradled our little Vanessa in her left arm. I stroked Georgia's hair. My ring twinkled as her hair polished it. "She's beautiful, Hun. Thank you." She looked up at me. "That wasn't so bad. I could do it again?" Tears streamed down my cheeks. "Honey, you mean you would go through this again? You had so much pain!" "I want our dream of a girl and a boy." Her hand rested on the blankets warming our new daughter - the gold of her band accented by the white cloth. ****************** "Mr. Smith, meet your new son." The nurse smiled and placed him in my arms. "Hi, Justin!" He cried and waved his tiny arms in response. I placed our new son in Georgia's arms. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" I bent and kissed her. My left hand stroked her cheek. The gold band sparkled with her perspiration. "I love you." ****************** We sat across the table from each other. A candle burned between us. Hushed voices from other tables filtered through my thoughts. I looked into those brown eyes, as I so often did. "Happy anniversary, Georgia." "Happy anniversary, Michael." "Ten years! Can you believe it?" "I hope the kids are OK." "Hun, they're fine. This is our night." I reached for her hand and held it in mine. Like the bands in a tree trunk, our skin had begun to show the wrinkles of life. The fire of the candle reflected off our rings, reminding me of a night long ago, when she smiled and said, "I'm pregnant." ****************** I sat on our sofa playing with my ring. I remembered forgetting to put it on after Georgia cleaned it one day. At work, I kept reaching for it with my thumb. I felt empty without it. I looked at Georgia's picture on the TV stand. I was alone. Our children were in their rooms, grieving in their own way. Georgia's urn rested on the credenza in the dining room. We'd brought her home from the service that afternoon. Her ring rested in my left palm. I had a decision to make. "When do I take mine off?" I asked no one. I was afraid. If I took it off, would it mean the love we shared was gone? The band of gold stayed on my finger. When my thumb touched it, my thoughts drifted to past times and not to the future and the life we planned. "When do I take it off?" I asked myself again. It was with me from the day we'd married more than nineteen years earlier. It'd been on my finger when I changed my children's diapers. When we took drives, my hand held the steering wheel. The ring reflected the sunshine. It circled my finger when we made love. The day she took her last breath, I held her hand and the ring reflected the machines that had kept her alive. I reached behind my neck and undid the clasp of the gold chain. She'd given it to me on our first Christmas together. I threaded her ring onto it and started to put it back around my neck. I paused and put it down. The fingers of my right hand reached for my ring a final time. I twirled it around like old times and then slipped it off. I held it to the light. It was scratched and dented from the rigors of living. It joined Georgia's ring on the chain. My hand felt empty without its comforting weight, but the combined rings hanging around my neck soothed me - a reminder of our years together. ****************** Almost a year later, I stood with Ginny in a New York City court house. She took my hand and placed a new band of gold around my finger. The Justice of the Peace smiled. "I pronounce you man and wife. Michael, you may now kiss the bride." Ginny slipped into my arms. Our lips met. I hugged her to me. On her shoulder, I saw my hand and the ring on my finger - a band of love. ****************** Ginny and I sat on our deck reading. I held my book in my right hand. My left hand rested on my lap. A sparkle caused me to blink. I looked down. The new band reflected the sun. Ginny looked up at me, "I love you." "Love you more." "Love you too." We played our game. She turned back to her book. I stared at my ring again. It meant more than marriage. Like life, it had a beginning and an end. I started one journey with Georgia. "Until death do we part." We repeated - a beginning and an end. We followed the band of gold to her end. "Gin?" She looked up from her book. "Yes?" "I need to do something." She looked puzzled. "What?" I reached up, unclipped my chain, and removed the two rings. "Michael, what are you doing?" "It's time to let go, Gin." "But they mean so much to you." "Yes they do, but it is time to move forward. It's like starting a new year. I need to let go of the old and enjoy the new." She stood, walked over, sat in my lap, and wrapped her arms around me. "I understand." I held up my left hand. "Look!" She stared at my hand. "What?" "See how the sun reflects off it? I've been blessed to have you in my life. I have a new band of love, a new life, a new beginning, a new year and you. It's time to move forward with you." - Michael T. Smith If you want to send a comment along, send it to: HeartsandHumor@gmail.com [mailto:HeartsandHumor@gmail.com] I include a few in each post. To sign up for my stories go to: Join Hearts and Humor for FREE [http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101828445578&p=oi] ============================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: _.--._ _.-'(//|(\'-._ _.-'(\)))(\\\\((|\'-._ _.-')/)/)\((|\))/(/\()\\(/'-._ .-'/))/))(\\))\)//)\\)))(/))\)(\\'-. /')/)\(/\)\))/\(/|)\))/((||\/)\)\)\\'\ \((\\(/((\///)))/(\\(/)\\\\\)\)\))\))/ V )/.-.__(/|_/|' ' ' |\_|)/__.-. ))V | | | |_/| ' ' '|\_| | | | | | | |_/|' ' '|\_| | | | | '-.__| |_/| ' ' '|\_| |__.-' | | |_/|' ' '|\_| | |_ |_/| ' ' '|\_| _| ||'-._ |_/|______|\_| _.-'|| || '-.|_/< >\_|.-' || || ||\__________/|| || || || \________/ || || || || \______/ || || LGB || || |______| || || || |______| || || |______| || >Is Your Hut Burning? The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. BUT then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground - it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God. For all of the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it: You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible because God can do all things (Luke 18:27) You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30) You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16 and John 13:34) You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9 and Psalm 91:15) You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13) You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6) You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8) You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28) You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I FORGIVE YOU (l John 1:9 and Romans 8:1) You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19) You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7) You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (1 Peter 5:7) You say: "I don't have enough faith" God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30) You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will NEVER leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) -<>- ,-. ( \()Oo `-,---. .-. \ | oO()/ ) \ \ ,--- ,-' |_/ | / ,-. / _/ |_/ \_/ ,-. \_/ s-v >FOCUS ON GOD (Author Unknown) Once there were three boys playing on the snow-covered ground. Along came a man who suggested that the boys race, with the winner receiving a prize. The boys readily agreed. The man explained the rules for the race. He would stand at the end of the field. When he gave the signal, the boys were to start to run. The boy who had the straightest footprints in the snow would be the winner. The race started and the first boy kept looking at his feet to make sure his steps were straight. The second boy kept looking at his contestants to see what they were doing; but the third boy just ran on with his eyes firmly fixed on the man at the end of the field. The third boy was the winner, because his footsteps were straight in the snow. He had kept his eyes on the goal ahead of him. Life is like that race. If we take our focus off Christ and begin looking down at our circumstances, we will fail. It is easy to get bogged down with the day-to-day struggles that we encounter, but we must realize that God will take care of us. We can never be the man and woman that Christ wants us to be if we lose our focus. A focused life is a life built on faith. When we trust God to take care of the circumstances, we will be free of the worry and doubt that will throw us off track. Quote: A man focused on God always knows the direction he is headed. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) 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 =================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Sandi :) _ ( ) ,,,,, \\ . . , \\ | - D (._) \__- | | | \\|_ , ,---- _ |----. \__ ( ( / ) _ | \/ \. ' _.| \ ( ) | \ /( / /\_ \ // \ / ( / / ) // ( , / / , (_.) |......\ | \, / / ) \--- b'ger /___/___^// >STRONG PERSON A strong person knows how to keep their life in order. Even with tears in their eyes, they still manage to say "I'm ok" with a smile. Send this to a strong person. I just did. God is good. Change is coming. God saw your sadness and said hard times are over. Be honest and send this to anyone who made you smile this year. It may surprise you how many you get back. Thanks for making me smile. Live, Laugh, Love --- ...Awww, thanks Sandi! ================================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: __ _ | | Yye |_| |--| .---. e AA | | | | /.--./\ e A // || \/\ e A //|/|| |\/\ aa a |\o/ o/-- ///|\|| | \/\ . ~o \.'\.o' //|\|/|| | |\/\ . /.` \o' //\|/|\|| | | \/\ ( ( . \o' __ __ _//|/|\|/|| | | |\/`--' ' __/__/__//|\|/|\|| | | | `--' |\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|| | | | | RG +a:f >Roller Coaster Secret Pat Koch is matriarch of the family that created the World's First Theme Park. Started as Santa Claus Land in 1946, it eventually became Holiday World and Splashin' Safari. On many summer mornings she can be found greeting visitors at the front gate of her family's world class entertainment complex in Santa Claus, Indiana. I recently had the high honor of spending a few minutes visiting with Mrs. Koch. Holiday World is home to four great roller coasters, the Legend, The Raven, The Voyage, and the Howler (Did I mention that I'm a coaster fan?). As we talked, I shared some memories of visiting Santa Claus Land when I was a kid and how much I love roller coasters. I figured that since she runs a theme park centered on roller coasters, Pat Koch would be a big roller coaster fan, too. However, during our visit she smiled as she confessed privately, "I can't ride them, they make me sick." === This original post is brought your way by Sermon Fodder and Joke A Day Ministries. To subscribe go to http://www.sermonfodder.com or drop an email note to Sermon_Fodder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Please leave this attached if you forward this to friends. ======================================== ___ .dSSSS$$pp.. .dSSSS$$$$$$$$; .dSSSS$$$$$$$$$$$ :SSP^" T$$$$$$$$$$b_ dSSP $$$S$$$$$$$b` dSS$;_. .:$$$SS$$$$$$b dSS$$$_ ; __."^TSS$$$$$b dSS$$P;" ""' :lSS$$$$$b :SS$$$ ; ::SS$$$$$$b_. SSS$$$ : ` ;:SS$$$$$$$bp. :SS$$$$b \ -=- .-" SSS$$$$$$$$$$b SSS$$$$$b.`. / d$SS$$$$$$$$$$$b :SS$$$$$$$; ""T :$$$SS$$$$$$$$P^^t--' SSS$$$S$$$ : $$$$$SS$$$$$$$ : :SS$$$SS$; __; _$$$$$$SS$$$$$$ : SSS$SS l;: ; : $$$$SS$$$$$; ; :SS$SS $;: ; : $$$SS$$$$$$; /; TSSSS :$ \ ; ; :$S$$$$$$$$.-"/ `SP; :; ;: ; T$$$$$$$$; /; : ; ; : `.; /)T$$$$$P .' : ; : : ; .'/ :$$$P'.' .'\ ; \ :; / /$P^".' .-" ; : ;: .' .-" / \ `.____/_'.___:--""\ --' .' ) .-" .' "-._ "-._ ..--"")\ :-' : "-. "-._ ---""" /; ; : : \ "-._....____; : : \ :\ `. \ ; ; \ \\ \ \ ; : : `. \\ \ \ : ; ; ;"-t\ `. \ : : : : `; \ ; ; ; ; : \ / : : / ; \-..__ .'; : ; / : ; """T ; : / / ; \ : ; ; ;/ : : \ ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : ; ; / : : : ; ; ; / ; :; : ; ; / : :: ; ; ;_ `""--..__; :_; __ ;____;.-;'; ;.__.: :..t-"" j" ; ; : ; ; ;--"" \ [bug] ; ; ; : ; : \ ; ; : \ ; ; ;. ; ; \ \ ; : / ; ; ; \ \ ; : ; ; ; \ `-. ; ; .' ; ; \ \ ;___/ /______;.-' \ ---; / / ;______: .-' / '-------' >Mixed Emotions Some of you may have noticed the absence of Sermon Fodder postings over the last month. It is with mixed emotions that I share the loss of my mother on February 22nd. Mom would have been 93 in August. She spent about 3 weeks in the hospital battling an infection. About the time the doctors would get one under control another would pop up. Eventually, she got pneumonia and while they were treating it several other infections ganged up on her. Mom was a great Christian lady. After the death of my father about 12 years ago, she had missed him dearly. My sister and I were joined by our extended family in an effort to keep her engaged and occupied with the things of life. A few months before her death, Medicare had some questions about a medical bill that required her to provide her birth certificate. On close observation we found that she had been celebrating her birthday on the wrong date all of her life. It was even wrong on her gravestone. We decided not to change it. Her funeral became a great celebration of a life well-lived. My son, Ross, noted that it was significant that after she had lived much of her life in the shadow of my father we had almost 12 years to honor and appreciate her on her own. Mom and Dad dated and married during the Great Depression. I've often wondered what kind of character and optimism it took to start a family during those tough times. Actually, I know the answer to that question because my parents lived it out in front of me each and every day. I remember Mom asking me to turn the mattress on their bed shortly before my father died. Underneath the mattress I found an envelope. When I picked it up what I estimated to be about $800 fell out of it. I asked Mom what that was about. She said, "We like to keep a little cash around in case we have an emergency." I managed to talk her into depositing most of it in the bank. I'll attempt to share some additional stories as my healing heart allows. Meanwhile, your prayers are both appreciated and sufficient. We'll try to get Sermon Fodder back on track in the next few weeks. Keith The Sermon Fodder Guy ============================================================ >-->From CupO'Cheer: (`,---.') (\ (w,_,w) )) -=>_Y_<=- _,;' /`"'\.-'.' .' `<' | ; ; | |`, , | \ ;`; / pb ||,|| /|| ||\ (,|( )|,) (,,Y,,) >MAKE UP YOUR MIND, OREO (by Arthur Gordon) This morning our cat Oreo (so named because he is a handsome black-and-white), and I went through a familiar ritual at the back door. Oreo had been outside for a while and began meowing because he wanted to come in. I opened the door and waited, but he did not come in! He stopped and lowered his head suspiciously, as if I were a deadly enemy. "Come on, Oreo," I said impatiently. He sat down thoughtfully and began to wash his face. "Oreo," I said, "I give you food, and I supply all your needs. If you do anything in return, I don't know what it is.. Now I'm personally inviting you into my home. Please come in." Oreo put one foot across the threshold, then drew it back. He turned to look out across the yard with some remote, unfathomable expression, and he didn't come in. "Oreo," I said, "I'm not going to stand here forever. If you don't come in, I'm going to close this door. This is your last chance!" I started to slowly close the door. Did he come in? No, he sat there exercising his free will or something. He'd come in when it suited him and not before. He figured I'd be patient. So far, he's always been right. God made cats, He also made people. I wonder how He feels when He stands at the door and waits ... and waits ...and waits I think I know. as seen in Laugh and Lift -<>- _________________________ || || || || || ||, , ,|| || || (||/|/(\||/ || || ||| _'_`||| || || || o o || || || (|| - `||) || || || = || || ScS || ||\___/|| || ||___||) , (||___|| /||---||-\_/-||---||\ / ||--_||_____||_--|| \ (_(||)-| S123-45 |-(||)_) >THE JOSEPH COMPANY Joseph had a vision that his life would be used mightily by God. But that vision seemed like a pipe dream after his jealous brothers sold him into slavery. The following years of Joseph’s life were filled with hardship and injustice. Then, when Joseph seemed to get back on his feet, he was falsely accused of attempted rape and sent to prison. Yet, all this time, God was watching over Joseph’s life. And finally, after years of turmoil, Joseph ended up serving in Pharaoh’s house. Pharaoh eventually appointed Joseph ruler over all of Egypt. Beloved, that’s how God works; he was preparing a man to save a remnant. Indeed, in every generation, the Lord raises up a Joseph Company. He takes these devoted servants through years of trouble and trials, to prove and strengthen their faith. What does this mean? Scripture says it’s what Joseph endured: “He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him” (Psalm 105:17–19). The Lord also has a Joseph Company today. These are godly men and women he has touched and called. They don’t seek fame or fortune. All they want is to live and die fulfilling the calling God has placed on them. And the Lord promised their lives would count for his kingdom. Joseph told his brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt” (Genesis 45:7–8). Joseph could look back over his years of suffering and testify, “God sent me on this journey. He had a purpose in taking me through all these hardships. I see now that everything I’ve endured has led up to this moment. Brothers, the Lord has been preparing me to minister to you. He orchestrated all of these things, to bring you under his preserving grace as he did with me.” What an incredible revelation for Joseph. Yet, what is the lesson here for God’s people today? It is this: Our Lord has preserved us in the past and he will preserve us in the days ahead. And, most important of all, he has an eternal purpose behind it all. He preserved you because he has a purpose for you. He has laid out a divine work ahead of you. And only a tried, tested, proven believer can accomplish it. This is not a time for timid faith. It’s a time when every Christian who has endured great testings must step forward. Our Captain is calling us to stand up amidst a fearful society and engage in “power faith.” We’re to make the Joseph Declaration: “God sent me before you…to save your lives by a great deliverance” (Genesis 45:7). -- David Wilkerson Received from: David Wilkerson Today -- Daily Devotions To Subscribe: http://www.worldchallenge.org/wc/mailing_list/subscribe -<>- .-=--. .' .--. '. : : .-.'. : _ _ : : : .': : (o)o) : '. '-' .' //// fsc _'.__'--=' '-.//i' .-' / '---..____...---'' >SWAPPING HEAVEN FOR SNAILS The great old evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, used to tell a legend about a beautiful swan that alighted one day by the banks of the water in which a crane was wading about seeking snails. For a few moments the crane viewed the swan in stupid wonder and then inquired: "Where do you come from?" "I come from heaven!" replied the swan. "And where is heaven?" asked the crane. "Heaven!" said the swan, "Heaven! Have you never heard of heaven?" And the beautiful bird went on to describe the grandeur of the Eternal City. She told of streets of gold, and the gates and walls made of precious stones; of the river of life, pure as crystal, upon whose banks is the tree whose leaves shall be for the healing of the nations. In eloquent terms the swan sought to describe the hosts who live in the other world, but without arousing the slightest interest on the part of the crane. Finally the crane asked: "Are there any snails there?" "Snails!" repeated the swan, "No! Of course there are not." "Then," said the crane, as it continued its search along the slimy banks of the pool, "you can have your heaven. I want snails!" "This fable," said Moody, "has a deep truth underlying it. How many a young person to whom God has granted the advantages of a Christian home, has turned his back upon it and searched for snails! How many a man will sacrifice his wife, his family, his all, for the snails of sin! How many a girl has deliberately turned from the love of parents and home to learn too late that heaven has been forfeited for snails!" Moody spoke those words a century ago, but people are still swapping heaven for snails. How about you? John the Baptist's words are for each of us: Are there some changes that need to be made in your life? --Moody's Anecdotes, Page 125-126, adapteed by King Duncan (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) -<>- _|_ ____|____ #%@@ /~~~~.~~~~\ @@%# @%%#%%, /~~~~/ \~~~~\ ,%%#%%@ %%@@%%@%/~~~~/ : \~~~~\%@%%@@%% `@%%%@#@/____/ (X) \____\@%%%@#@` @@\@%%@`|.`.| ___ |.`.|`@%%@/@@ `#%/@ |:x:|| .||:x:| @\%#` || |:x:|| ||:x:| || -_|| _-|:x:||~ .||:x:|-_ ||_- !-!-!-!-!-|___||___||___|-!-!-!-!-!lc >THE CHURCH'S FINEST HOUR By Rick Ezell "David said to Solomon his son, 'Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished'" (1 Chron. 28:20 NIV). This verse contains three sentences. The first sentence speaks of the Power: Be strong and courageous. It always takes a great deal of strength and courage to lead a people. Just do it. Nike lays claim to that slogan, but it has been God's from the beginning. The next sentence speaks of the Presence: Do not be afraid or dismayed. Fear may be our constant companions, but we have an even stronger companion than fear-God's presence. The third sentence speaks of the Promise: For he has promised and is faithful to be with us. He's not going to leave us or forsake us until all the work has been completed. I needed to hear those words. Maybe you do too. A scene in the move Apollo 13 has always gripped me, bringing a tear to my eye. That movie is based on the true story of the Apollo 13 space mission that was intended to land on the moon. During the flight a mechanical malfunction caused the commander, Jim Lovell, to radio back to earth, "Houston, we have a problem." While landing on the moon was now not an option, the task before the team on earth and in the injured space craft was to get the three astronauts back home alive. Many amazing feats were accomplish- ed to keep those men alive and to put them in a position to reenter the earth's atmosphere. This would be the most difficult test of all. As the men in mission control were weighing the odds, two men were talking in hushed tones, indicating that the odds were slim that the three astronauts on board Apollo 13 would return home. Then one of those men, a flight director, said, "This could be the worst disaster NASA's ever faced." The Mission Commander, Gene Kranz, overheard the men talking. With a stern and resolute face, he replied, "With all due respect, sir, I believe this is gonna be our finest hour." Ladies and gentlemen, I, too, believe that this will be the church's finest hour. We have God's power, his presence, and his promise. But we have a role to play too. David gave Solomon the blueprint for the temple, the financial resources to build it, and even the workers to complete project. But, they had to go to work. They had a role to pay. They had things they had to do. For this to be the church's finest hour it will take: Putting the church's vision over personal preferences. Speaking positively about the church. Working together as a team. Reaching out to those outside the church. Understanding that positive change takes time. Getting the word out about the church. Letting people go. Valuing unity. Get over the little stuff. Enlarge the heart. At one point in Apollo 13, Gene Kranz, the flight director said to the people in mission control:" We've never lost an American in space, we're sure as hell not gonna lose one on my watch! Failure is not an option." My wife said to me as we were talking about the church, "This is not a time to be fearful; this is a time to be faithful." Let's be faithful in building a church-a palace for God. Much work has yet to be done. I believe that this will be our finest hour. Copyright 2011, Rick Ezell. as seen in One Minute Uplift o SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ================================================================= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _\\''/ -- o_o // .__/ / _/ ,` , \ |\ \_)___ ) \___,.-._) / / /\ | | |-\ |--..___/| \_____/__(__`-,--._.' gnv >Excuses That Could Keep You Out Of Heaven Luke 14:16-22 I. Everybody Else Is Doing It 1. God is a non-conformist. Every great man of God that was used of God was a non-conformist. The Bible tells us “to be not conformed to this world.” 2. Noah in his day was different. 3. Enoch did not conform to the world. He walked with God. 4. Abraham was a non-conformist. Everybody else went to Sodom and Gomorrah. II. Times Have Changed 1. They sure have, but that doesn’t change God’s word. 2. Politics change – Society changes – Customs change – Fashion changes, but God’s Word - truth - does not change. 3. In these days of inflation the wages of sin is still the same. III. I Don’t Believe As You Do Some say I was brought up in such and such a church or under another religion. It doesn't matter what you were brought up. The Bible says “Ye must be born again.” IV. It Doesn’t Matter What You Believe As Long As You Are Sincere 1. Satan uses this excuse more than any other to send people to Hell. 2. You may have Faith but unless your faith is in Jesus Christ, you can’t be saved. V. I Don’t Understand It 1. Rom. 1:20 says they are without excuse. There is no excuse for not being saved. 2.. We live in a realm of things we don’t understand. – Electricity – Life (1st birth) – But we believe it. VI. I’ll Put It Off The Bible is full of people who put it off. 1. The rich young ruler 2. The rich man in Hell 3. Felix 4. Agrippa VII. I Am Just Too Bad 1. In Acts chapter 2 Peter saw some of the men who had crucified Jesus believe. 2. Paul the Apostle called himself “the chief of sinners.” I Tim. 1:15 Conclusion If you were sitting on the railroad tracks and a train was coming. You could make one of three decisions. 1. You could totally ignore the train and live like it was not coming. – Until it hit you. 2. You could say, “It’s a long way off. I still have time. I’ll just wait until it gets closer. – Problem, You are still sitting on the track. 3. You could heed the warning and get off the track and be saved. Only one of these responses will save your life. Which one have you made? -<>- + /_\ ,%%%______|O| %%%/_________\ `%%| /\[][][]|% ___||_||______|%&,__ hjw / \ >You Might Be In The Wrong Church If............ - You have to pass through a metal detecttor to get inside. - The scripture lesson is on "Jonah the SShepherd Boy and His Ark of Many Colors." - The choir performs "A Mighty Fortress iis Our God" - as a polka! - It's over 100 degrees outside, and the trustees haven't approved turning on the air conditioning yet. - Everyone drives a nicer car than the paastor. - They believe that an elected official aattending religious services is a violation of the separation of Church and state. - The preacher is wearing a "David Koreshh Rules!" t-shirt - The sign out front says "First Church oof the Gooey Death and Discount House of Worship." (In Del Rio, Texas?) - A week before Christmas the pastor annoounces the church will be "closed for the holidays." - Everyone agrees the temperature in the Sanctuary is absolutely perfect! - You're on your way to a wedding and wallk in on a funeral (or vice versa). - The music director has you sing "Amazinng Grace" in the round (a la "row row row your boat"). - Three words: Pastor Larry King. - The pastor is out of town, but he leavees a video taped message to be shown during the worship service. - The church picnic will be held at KFC tthis year. - You are a member of AARP but they ask yyou to attend "Children's Church." - There's no "Reserved For Minister" parkking place, only a sign saying 'Visiting preachers can shelter their horses in the stable stall marked 'preacher'. - The sign out front says "Church-Lite: HHome of the original ten minute Sermonette, and the 7.5 Percent Tithe." - The baptismal fount has bubbling water,, is large enough to hold two or three seated adults, and looks suspiciously like a jacuzi. - Every illustration the preacher uses soomehow refers to "those hilarious Budweiser frogs". - The missions budget just got cut in hallf, but the church treasurer just bought a "kickin'" new Harley. - Elders Council "prayer meetings" usuallly break up in a fight for the remote control. - New "Purpose-Driven" mission statement includes vague reference to jello-wrestling. - Most frequent complaint to worship commmittee: "Too much Charo, not enough Elvis." - New head greeters: Mike Tyson and WWF PPresident Vince McMahon. - On your second Sunday as a visitor theyy ask you to be their pastor. - The acolytes are roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the altar candles. - You are told your offering is nice but the ushers want your wallet, watch, and wedding rings too. - The usher that meets you at the door saays "Hurry on in, the show is about ready to start." - The announcements last 2 minutes and innclude the starting time of the afternoon's NASCAR Race, the sermon lasts 6 minutes, and the benediction is "Christians, start your engines ." - The pastor wears his golf togs in the ppulpit. - The regular pastoral retreats almost allways seem to be in either Las Vegas or Atlantic City. - The organist is Boris Karloff or appearrs to be his stunt double. - On the offering envelopes is printed "PPlease make checks payable directly to the pastor." - A Hazmat team just sealed the doors andd placed quarantine signs up. - People in the last 10 pews are yelling for more pepperoni pizza with anchovies. - Everyone is handcuffed together at the ankles before preaching starts. - You are asked to fasten your seatbelt bbefore the service begins moving. - You are the only person in the sanctuarry and it's 15 minutes after church is scheduled to start. - The confessional has a coin slot and a hand lever. - The pastor search committee never disbaands. - Bill Clinton is the speaker of the day and his topic is "Morality In America - How To Be A Shining Example." - The pastor is introduced with a Johnny Carson style "Heeeeere's Sparky." - The media refers to the church facilitiies as a "compound". - Just before the sermon, cups of strong black coffee are distributed along the pews. - The ushers passing around the offering basket are wearing ski masks. - The band for the services has a tip jarr on the loudspeaker and all the songs are about money. - They have a volunteer blood drive in thhe morning service - that is to be used for some vague purpose in the evening service. - The Bible they use is the Dr. Seuss verrsion. - The Choir wears black leather robes. - The sanctuary has only entrances, no "eexits"! - The ushers look mysteriously like "Men in Black"! (Yes, with sunglasses) - The offering plate has been passed threee times and the sermon hasn't even begun yet. - The people in the pew next to you brougght a sack lunch. - The acolyte is the youngest member of tthe congregation, and she is 76. - The pastor's sermon begins: "Let me telll you about my book..." - The music minister announces that the lliturgy will be sung to the tune of "Wagner's Etude in F sharp minor" and raises his baton. - When the choir sings, the dogs outside begin to howl, and are closer to being in tune. - New member candidates are required to ssubmit W-2's for the last 5 years. - You discover the church refers to the 110 commandments as the 10 suggestions or offers to let you "pick any six." - The Pastor preaches an eloquent sermon on ancient heresies and the elders want to make them part of the doctrinal statement. - The New Member's kit includes a certifiicate of membership, a Bible, church-by-laws, and an assault rifle. - You're the only person in the congregattion who is carrying a Bible, including the preacher. - The Ushers ask "Smoking or non-smoking??" - The Church bus has a gun rack. - There's an ATM machine in the vestibulee. - Members of the Women's quartet are all married to the pastor. ...and the number one sign you're in the wrong church... - They have open Communion ...but there iis a two-drink minimum. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment German Coast Guard http://www.buffaloschips.com/sdfsafe.htm 7 Wonders Of The World http://www.buffaloschips.com/gfsgfagh.htm ABC Banner http://www.buffaloschips.com/012101.htm Adidas DM http://www.buffaloschips.com/012102.htm Bad Weld http://www.buffaloschips.com/012103.htm Bambi http://www.buffaloschips.com/012104.htm Study Guides http://www.studygs.net/ The Sleep Metaphor http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/sleepmetaphor.html Walking In Power! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html I Believe In You! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ibelieveinyou.html Maxine On Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonjesus.html Rules For Raising Children http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rulesforchildren.html Truth In Advertising http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ads.html This Is India http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/india.html Bear Playground http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bearplay.html World's Best Husbands http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/husbands.html When Sandman Attacks! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sandman.html ============================================================= ((), ))) -\ (((.__/ ))))_/ ((( , \ )|\ \_)___ ( ) \___,.-._) / / /\ | | |-\ |--..___/| \_____/__(__`-,--._.' gnv >-->RETIREMENT GOD’S WAY ~ by Greg Asimakoupoulos Not retired! You’re re-treaded For the journey yet ahead. Find God’s purpose and keep traveling. Don’t just veg until you’re dead. While it’s fun to golf and garden Or to hunt for “early birds,” Don’t just graze and take it easy With the AARP herds. Joy is found in serving people. You feel younger when you give. Fill your free time with some meaning. Don’t become an empty sieve. You were meant to make a difference For as long as you’re alive. God intends that your retirement Be a time in which you thrive. Let the Bible be your compass. Steer your life toward those nearby. Share your time and skills with others. Don’t just diddle ’til you die. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 CChristian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. 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 ************************************************************************