Magnifying God And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList 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 ~ _..---.._ .' .-'''-. '. / .' _..._'. \ __ : : /`;' ) : : _,="`\ ,--''` ``'.; : |; ,-; : ; __..==""==.,_| `-, `; .\; / ^\ _,.="// '-,_.--._ '.(;_.'__/`_.-'`\ ,.--''`` _..=. `'--.// `` \ `--, '` `- |_\ '-. | `-._ _.;--`-..___,.-'` `'-...-_:',;`==,| \ _.--',=" / /"=;="=, _.' ,=".-'` .' /| ,=" _.--' .-' "=, : .' | ", `;._ .--'.' .-' .' . ; ,;;\_ . '._.'--'` -' / ,;;;._ '-._ .''.__.' `\_ .' '._ / '._ .(` jgs '._ ';./ `;` *~* 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! ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This first sizzling hot new page is from our friends Linda and LouiseAu. It's a cute one for all you creative souls out there looking for ideas to dress up your fall festivities or kid's plates or for those who just like a little cuteness in their life. Be sure to check this one out and for additional rib tickling, check out the video here too. .-'''''-. |'-----'| /`-.....-`\ | <_} | | .-\-. | _,._ | /# ` \ | __.-` `"""-. | \ / | ..--' `"-. `)_,._ \ '-'-' / (` )--.-"``` `"-.`'-----'` '-----------' ( ) jgs `-------------` Playing With Food 6 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/food6.html --- ...Such a fun art series! Thanks Ladies! This next flaming hot new page is from our friend Linda. It's for all you who love soaring to dangerous heights and riding the edge. Here's adventurous folks who will take you there virtually. Just hold on to your stomachs and visit here: | /"\ |\ | |"\ /"\ |\ | |\/| /"\ /"\ .-"L"-. |__ \_/ | \| |_/ \_/ | \| | | \_/ \_/ .--""L""---___ J | | J J ""L L J J J----"""J""---__ | | J J L L_--""|"--L | F J L L__ ___ L L | J | J F J F \""""""" | """""-----, L | J J F | \ L L L | | | J J _.---""" \ J | | | | F F F / \ | J | | | J J | / \ L ___---++...;.++'--__ F J / \ J L""----____ __---""J__--=----_E_ / \ | J | |--__ __--"/ / __ \ L L | F ""F / / """--__ J J | J | / / ""; | L | | J / / __--""" \ L J | F F / / __--"" \ J L | J | / / --"" \ | J | | J / / \ L L | F F / / \ J J | J | / / \ | L | | J / / \ L J | F F / / \ J L | J | / / \ | _J | |"-J+' / \-L" L | F / \ J | J / '-. \ "-.|+' / '-. \ / . '-. \ / .-' '-. .-' "-. .-' hs '-. .-' . "-. .-' '-. .-' .' '. '-.-' ' .' '. Through Daredevil Eyes 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/daredevil2.html --- ...Lots of fun jitters here! Thanks Linda! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarming: ,"=-. / _),`'". ( /a( ), ) ) C = = ?/ ( )) (_ o-< ) ( `-' \; ( \_ ( | \ ) )| \_/} \ \ \(_;/-|_) )/) `._,--/ / / `!__!! ( (_o)) ---`-._, )--- ------( / |---- | ( | :__/|\_; \ |/ )(\_ /_)--` gpyy \_! >ALL YOU REMEMBER by Debbie Farmer All you remember about your child being an infant is the incredible awe you felt about the precious miracle you created. You remember having plenty of time to bestow all your wisdom and knowledge. You thought your child would take all of your advice and make less mistakes, and be much smarter than you were. You wished for your child to hurry and grow up. All you remember about your child being two is never using the restroom alone or getting to watch a movie without talking animals. You recall afternoons talking on the phone while crouched behind the shoetree in the bedroom closet, and being convinced your child will be the first Ivy League college student to graduate wearing pull-ups at the ceremony. You remember worrying about the bag of M&M's melting in your pocket and ruining your good dress. You wished for your child to be more independent. All you remember about your child being five is the first day of school and finally having the house to yourself. You remember joining the PTA and being elected president when you left a meeting to use the restroom. You remember being asked "Is Santa real?" and saying "yes" because he had to be for a little bit longer. You remember shaking the sofa cushions for loose change, so the tooth fairy could come and take away your child's first lost tooth. You wished for your child to have all permanent teeth. All you remember about your child being seven is the carpool schedule. You learned to apply makeup in two minutes and brush your teeth in the rear view mirror because the only time you had to yourself was when you were stopped at red lights. You considered painting your car yellow and posting a "taxi" sign on the lawn next to the garage door. You remember people staring at you, the few times you were out of the car, because you kept flexing your foot and making acceleration noises. You wished for the day your child would learn how to drive. All you remember about your child being ten is managing the school fund-raisers. You sold wrapping paper for paint, T-shirts for new furniture, and magazine subscriptions for shade trees in the school playground. You remember storing a hundred cases of candy bars in the garage to sell so the school band could get new uniforms, and how they melted together on an unseasonably warm spring afternoon. You wished your child would grow out of playing an instrument. All you remember about your child being twelve is sitting in the stands during baseball practice and hoping your child's team would strike out fast because you had more important things to do at home. The coach didn't understand how busy you were. You wished baseball season would be over soon. All you remember about your child being fourteen is being asked not to stop the car in front of the school in the morning. You had to drive two blocks further and unlock the doors without coming to a complete stop. You remember not getting to kiss your child goodbye or talking to them in front of their friends. You wished your child would be more mature. All you remember about your child being sixteen is loud music and undecipherable lyrics screamed to a rhythmic beat. You wished for your child to grow up and leave home with the stereo. All you remember about your child being eighteen is the day they were born and having all the time in the world. And, as you walk through your quiet house, you wonder where they went -- and you wish your child hadn't grown up so fast. -- Debbie Farmer =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) _ / } /'.\ _/ ) (`- ( ,) |/ /| ' ` Elb >I Refuse To Be Discouraged - by Lita Kurtzer I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why... I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team. He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His Son; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end, His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend. When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go. When circumstances threaten to rob me from my peace; He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease. And when my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control; He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul. The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand, The "Son of God" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand. I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod. I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love. I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race. --- ...I do love this poem! Thanks LouiseAu! It reminds me a lot of the times I have been going through here lately with myself, my pets and my family. Never give up. Always give it to God and expect the Best from Him. :) =========================================================== --- _________________ / /| / / | /________________/ /| ###| ____ |//| # | / /| |/.| # __|___ / /.| | |_______________ # / / //|| | / /| ___ # / /___// || | / / | / \ \ # /______/! || ||_____|/ / | / \ \ #| . . . ! || || / _________________/ \ \ #| . . ! || // ________ / /\________________ { / } /| . ! ||//~~~~~~/ 0000/ / / / ______________ { / / / | ! |'/ /9 0000/ / / / / / { / / / #\________!___|/ /9 0000/ / / / /_____________/___ / / / # /_____\/ /9 0000/ / / / /_ /\_____________\/ / / # ``^^^^^^ / \ \ . ./ / ____________ / +=#==================================/ \ \ ./ / /. . . \ / / |# | \ \/ / /___________/ / # |_______\__/________________/ | | | | / / | | | | / / | | ________| |/ /________ | | /_______/ \_________/\ | | / / / \ ) | | /OO^^^^^^/ / /^^^^^^^^^OO\) | | / / / | | / / / | | /___\/ |hectoras | oo |____________________________________| ...Before we continue... Just a quick note here, I went to the Inspired Buffalo Archives to get what I am going to post now from them. I randomly picked a year and date that is close to today's date and when I look over the post, what do I see - first thing? The above poem that I just shared from LouiseAu! I always ask for God's guidance and help when composing these emails to you - I want to do my best for you - so, of course, I realize, this was no random choosing but God guiding me to the perfect inspiration for you. Just thought I'd share God's greatness with you. He never ceases to amaze me how He is there for each and every single one of us whenever we call upon Him. Even something so simple as this, He doesn't forsake. I wonder at how many children He has to care for and I am totally dumbfounded at how He is able to be here 24/7 for each of us. Then I am reminded of His Word and I marvel: Eph.3: [20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, -<>- >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * arm * >BEING KIND By: Joseph J. Mazzella Over the years I think that I have heard people give me over a thousand reasons for not being kind. I have yet to find a single one of them that was true. People have told me that you will be taken advantage of if you are kind. This may happen once in a while, but ninety nine times out of a hundred my own kindness has been rewarded with gratitude and kindness returned. People have told me that kindness will never put a single dime in your pocket. I have found my own kindness has always led me to greater opportunities financially, and priceless joy spiritually. People have told me that nice guys always finish last. I have found that being kind and nice has helped me to finish first in joy, first in happiness, first in love, first in delight, first in laughter, first in peace, and first in every essential thing in life. People have told me that showing kindness is weak. I have never felt stronger, more powerful, or more at one with God than when I am being good and kind to others. The truth is choosing to be kind is one of the greatest, best, most beautiful, most loving, and most God-like things we can ever do. At the heart of every wonderful happening is kindness. In the soul of every special person is kindness. On the head of every angel in disguise is a halo of kindness. Kindness does more good, helps more people, changes more hearts, and uplifts more souls than a million smiling angels could ever count. It is the light of a shining eye, the music of a gentle laugh, the glow of a smiling face, and the magic of a caring heart. It makes the Earth like Heaven, spreads joy from the soul, brings love to the world, and makes saints of us all. Let us all follow Mother Teresa's wonderful advice then and: "Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, and kindness in your warm greeting." Let us all always choose to be kind. -<>- ' * . * ' * * * '* * * * * * >Seeing God as He Is Failure due to seeing Our God as Too Small "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." Psalm 34:3 I am positively sure after many years of observation and prayer that the basis of all of our trouble today, in religious circles, is that our God is too small. When he says magnify the Lord, he doesn't mean that you are to make God big, but you are to see Him big. When we take a telescope and look at a star, we don't make the star bigger, we only see it big. Likewise you cannot make God bigger, but you are only to see Him bigger... My brethren, God calls us to magnify Him, to see Him big. A meeting is not big because a lot of people are present. A meeting is big because a number of people see a big God in the meeting. And the bigger God is seen, the greater the meeting. A friend of mine has a little saying, 'I would rather have a big, little meeting than a little, big meeting.' There are a lot of big meetings that are little because the God in them is a small God. And there are a lot of little meetings that are big because God is big in the midst of them.... That is the first thing - magnify God. Your ministry will be little, and you will live and die little unless you have a bigger God. From A.W. Tozer's: "Success and the Christian", pp. 36-37,40 "Lord, help me always to not only be satisfied with, but in fact to strive for, that 'big, little meeting' rather than a 'little, big meeting.' and Lord help me show my excitement about your presence everywhere I go,' Amen." Sent by Bob Raines --- ...Absolutely! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' We are to Magnify God. That is why the verse says... Eph.3: [20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, I always thought that the 'according to the power that worketh in us' was a defeating thing - and it bothered me, but I now realize it is something we need to take very seriously. I am reminded of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here is this super strong man of God - God's only begotten Son - healing the sick, raising the dead and turning water to wine and what happens? Matt.13: [58] And he (Jesus) did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Jesus Christ was the same man of God except what happened? They did not believe so He could not do many mighty works there! Wow. Jesus said HOW he was able to do many mighty works... John 8: [28] Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. It is according to the power that works in Him from God... Just like with us... Eph.3: [20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, With God in Christ in us, we can do ANYTHING! Phil.4: [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. There is the trick. Once you utilize the power inside of you and do not belittle God, you become an awesome powerful child of God! Rom.8: [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. We just have to stop limiting God in our lives. _________ (=========) |=========| |====_====| |== / \ ==| |= / _ \ =| _ |=| ( ) |=| /=\ |=| |=| /=\ |=| |=| USA |=| |=| |=| |=| _ |=| |=| |=| |=| | | |=| |=| |=| |=| | | |=| |=| |=| |=| | | |=| |=| |=| |/ | | \| |=| |=|/ | | \|=| |=/NASA |_| NASA\=| |(_______________)| |=| |_|__|__|_| |=| |=| ( ) ( ) |=| /===\ /===\ ||||||| ||||||| ------- ------- (~~~) (~~~) Steven M Sullivan I am reminded of the NASA image of God and then I see God for how enormously glorious and powerful He is... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' In the beginning was God... (That bright light): https://tinyurl.com/yynh624w -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Angel Falls!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/angelfalls.html Kilroy Was Here!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kilroywashere.html Space Trivia Facts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/spacetrivia.html God's Instructions!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/instructions.html Earth In Perspective!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/earth.html Cano Cristales River!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cristales.html Amazing Trivia Facts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/triviafacts.html Mars Panoramic View!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mars.html God's Water Paintings!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/water.html Arrows Across America!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/arrows.html Australian Cockatoo Story!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cockatoos.html Lighthouses Of The World!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lighthouses.html Northern Lights Over Teepees!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/teepees.html Scientists Unveil New Species 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/newspecies2.html World's Most Spectacular Places!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/spectacularplaces.html Fall And Halloween Index Page!- https://tinyurl.com/y4xyz2w8 -<>- Magnifying God’s Love For You https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/magnifying-gods-love-for-you The Promises Of God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Promises.htm Law Of Believing http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Believing/Believing.htm Does Everything Happen For a Reason? https://tinyurl.com/y2ck85t9 The Palms Of God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/THE_PALMS_OF_GOD.htm -<>- >In The News: WIKILEAKS: Hillary Got $12 Million for Clinton Charity As Quid Pro Quo For Morocco Meeting https://tinyurl.com/yyzo4xbr Soro's Son Joins With Democrats To Try And Steal Key State From GOP https://tinyurl.com/y522swzu Westwing News: Schiff’s Secret Bombshells https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: President Trump secures permanent ceasefire in northeast Syria https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: 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 :) What happens when you point the Hubble Space Telescope to a seemingly blank patch of sky? A view that takes you to the edge of the universe! Hubble Ultra Deep Field 3D https://youtu.be/oAVjF_7ensg --- ...Quite Awesome! How Great is our God? Thanks LouiseAu! Reminds me of these... Earth In Perspective 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/earth2.html God's Night Lights 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/night3.html -<>- >From our Friend Cloie :) I heard they started something in Japan, called Domino's Roulette Pizza. A regular looking pizza, but one slice contains some of the hottest pepper sauce in the world, and no visible signs which slice has it. The fun is a group of guys/gals each sitting around and grabbing a slice, and discovering which one grabbed the pepper laced slice, and watching his/her head pop off! I like food a bit spicy, but think I'll sit this one out! https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/10180516/dominos-pizza-r --- ...Oh My! Yes, I'm with you Cloie - not for me! HaHa! 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 AndyChaps: \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >"Posted To Warn Them" By Ron Hutchcraft Brent was a Marine guard at Camp David, the retreat of the President of the United States. And he was working there on September 11, 2001 at a time when it was believed that Camp David could be a target that would be hit by hijacked airliners, as the World Trade Center and Pentagon had been. Well, Brent said there were alarms going off all day as the security at Camp David was on high alert. Several low-flying aircraft had gone over before all the flights were grounded, and at one point, Brent was assigned to a rooftop where he was to watch for threatening aircraft. He was armed only with his M-16 rifle. I said, "Brent, what good would an M-16 do against a big airplane?" His answer really set me back - "Oh, it probably wouldn't do any good at all. But at that moment, I knew what my last mission would be - to give the warning." I think the reason that Marine's answer hit me so hard is because his mission that day is my mission every day. And it's your mission, too, if you belong to Jesus Christ ... to give the warning. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' God gives us a graphic picture of our assignment - and of the consequences of failing to carry it out - in our word for today from the Word of God. In Ezekiel 33:6-8, God uses the picture of a watchman on the wall of an ancient city and He says, "If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood." Then God brings it down to us. "I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel (where it says "house of Israel," put in the place you work, the area you live in, the school you attend); so hear the word I speak and give them warning from Me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die, and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.'" You and I are the watchmen on the wall for the people around us who do not yet understand the eternal consequences of running their own lives - and that the Son of God Himself paid those consequences so they don't have to. The Bible leaves no doubt that the people we know who have never grabbed Jesus as their personal sin-Rescuer have no hope of heaven. They are, in God's words, "being led away to death," (Proverbs 24:11) "without hope and without God," (Ephesians 2:12) and will be "shut out from the presence of the Lord" (2 Thessalonians 1:9) if they die without Christ. And you have the information that can save their life forever. Have you told them? It's very sobering to put the name of a lost person you care about in that statement from Ezekiel - "When you do not speak out to dissuade ___________ (put their name in there) from his/her ways, then ____________ (there's that name again) will die for his/her sin, and I will hold you accountable for his/her blood." You are the watchman that God is counting on. There's a reason you are where you are. Jesus Christ has assigned you where you are to be the one who will give the warning ... to deliver the news that can literally forever save the life of someone you know and someone you care about. So, your mission is nothing less than life-or-death. Ron Hutchcraft Ministries is a member of the Gospel Communications Network - http://www.gospelcom.net --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...Romans 10: [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, (say out loud Jesus Christ is my Lord) and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. -<>- >PATIENCE ** "Patience is a bitter plant that produces sweet fruit." -- Charles Swindoll ** "Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast." -- William Shakespeare ** "Unreasonable haste is the direct road to error." -- Jean Baptiste Moliere ** "Haste trips its own heels, and fetters and stops itself." -- Lucius Annaeus Seneca -<>- >CAN WE PROVE THAT GOD EXISTS? , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1, NIV). A young lady from overseas wrote, "I have been posed a question by one of my non-believing friends: 'How can you prove if God is real?' he asked. I didn't know how to explain because it's just something I feel in my soul and heart. Can you please help me?" I shared with her some helpful articles from our web site but also suggested that she might like to ask her friend how he/she could prove that God doesn't exist? For a simple but excellent answer allow me to quote the following poem: There was a little boy, On the week's first day, Coming home from Sunday School And wandering on the way. He scuffed his shoes into the grass And found a caterpillar. He found a fluffy milkweed pod And blew out all the filler. A bird's nest in a tree above, So wisely placed on high, Was just another wonder That caught his eager eye. A neighbor watched his crooked course And hailed him from the lawn. He asked him where he'd been that day And what was going on. "I've been to Sunday School," he said As he turned a piece of sod, And picking up a worm, he smiled, "I've learned a lot from God!" "That's a fine way," the neighbor said, "For a boy to spend his time. Now if you can tell me where God is, I'll give you a brand new dime." Quick as a flash the answer came, The boy said without complaint, "I'll give you a dollar, Mister, If you can tell me where God ain't!" - Author Unknown Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to so live and love that people will see Jesus in me and in so seeing, will want him for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen." <:))))><< NOTE: For additional helpful articles see the following: Where Is God? http://www.actsweb.org/findgod/wheregod1.htm Astronauts Who Found God http://www.actsweb.org/findgod/astronauts.htm The Stones Cry Out http://www.actsweb.org/findgod/stones.htm FOR HELP to be sure you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, click on http://www.actsweb.org/htbs1.htm (or cut and paste the URL in your browser) for the article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian." When copying, please include the following: -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >“Eternity In The Balance” written by Pastor Chuck Scripture: Ephesians 3:11 ”This was his plan from all eternity, and it has now been carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.” NLT Thirty years ago to this month (September, 1972)--the day bodes well in his memory, though the number of the calendar day was not recorded. His Chevy Vega came to rest in the back driveway of a home in Alabama, New York, a four-corner rural community that hardly merits ink on the map. Eternity came into focus for a young college graduate who had been seeking, but had finally given up on the possibility of knowing God. Too much guilt, unanswered questions, pain—and pride had finally gotten the better of him. He tried, he really did! But, his attempts to find God fell short. It was all a façade, a charade. And he was embarrassed that he even tried. A final goodbye was made, for his mind, though confused, yet resolute. He wanted no part of this “religions stuff” any more. This would be the final goodbye. Walking the young lady to the door who had been relentlessly witnessing to him about her friend, Jesus Christ who died for him—he turned to leave. In that moment, the door of eternity was squeaking shut. Darkness was flooding in. But, what use was there? The idea of “God” had been tried, and found “wanting”. In that moment, that very small sliver of time—eternity was hanging in the balance for this young man. She spoke up one last time, “Can we pray before you go?” What a strange request, it seemed. Recite a few rote prayers? “Suit yourself” he said. Upon that they went back to the car to sit and she began to pray aloud. It was the first time he had heard anyone pray spontaneously rather than reciting something someone else wrote. She talked like Jesus was sitting in the back seat. The young fellow listened, and thought –and began to pray silently. They talked, and then she prayed, they talked, she prayed. This went on for about three hours. His soul was engaged in war. Was God really there? What is he like? Can he really forgive someone like him? What was he supposed to feel, say or do? What did God expect of him? Does he have to start going to church and keeping his nose clean? The question that come into sharpest focus was, “How could God possibly want to have a relationship with me? I have been a sinner as long as I can remember, doing things wrong, living for myself. He rejects me.” He knew that if there really was a God, there would be no hiding anything from him. Yet, in that short span of time, the message became clear: rather than God being angry at him, the love of God began to pour into his heart and mind. Could this possibly be true? Finally, the death of Jesus began to make sense. Jesus took our place on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, so that we might have a relationship with God based on his love, not on our failed efforts to live a good life. The light turned on! “Yes, I believe. I dare to believe it is true. God loves me and wants me. Out of the whole world, he chose me to be his child!” I am as amazed today as I was thirty years ago when this happened to me. My eternity was on the line. God used the prayers of a faithful witness to swing the balance in my favor! It could have so easily gone the other way. Praise the Lord. Prayer: Father, thank you for sending faithful people to pray for me when I needed it. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! Copyright (c) 2002. Pastor Bill. All Rights Reserved ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx "Love lies at the very core of God's nature. In fact, when John summed up the substance of God, he did so in a very simple statement: 'God is love.'...When that love touches you, you will discover there is nothing more powerful in the entire universe. It is more powerful than your failures, your sins, your disappointments, your dreams, and even your fears...That's why it is so critical to understand Jesus' death on the cross as an act of love for you...Seeing what Father and Son accomplished together in that climactic moment defines love...John said it best. 'We love him because he first loved us' (1 John 4: 19)." - various from Wayne Jacobsen (\ \'\ \'\ __________ / '| ()_________) \ '/ \ ~~~~~~~~ \ \ \ ~~~~~~ \ ==). \__________\ (__) ()__________) unknown >A LOVE LETTER FROM GOD (Edited - Based on Scripture; put together by Kathryn Taylor, The King's High Way Ministries, www.kingshighway.org) My Dearest, Most Beloved Child, "I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with loving kindness to myself.' 1 Do you not know that I created your inmost being? I knit you together in your mother's womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. 2 See, I have even engraved you on the palms of my hands." 3 My Son's nail scars are for you. "Fear not", my beloved, no matter what circumstances trouble you, "for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you, do not be afraid, for I am with you." 4 "You are my servant; I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I have promised a bruised reed I will not break and a smoldering wick I will not snuff out, so I will strengthen you and help you," my beloved, "I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 5 & 6 If you are feeling confused, overwhelmed, maybe even hopeless today, and are in need of my wisdom, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. 7 And "I will put my law in your mind and write it on your heart." 8 "I will teach you my ways", my love, "so that you may walk in my truth." "I will give you," simply for the asking, "an undivided heart that you may honor my name." 9 "Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your soul." 10 I am calling you and saying, "Come to me, you who are weary and heavy-burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light and you will find rest for your soul." 11 Remember beloved, "I am the Lord who comforts his people and I will have compassion on my afflicted ones." 12 "Those who hope in me will not be disappointed," 13 and "I will repay you," my precious one, "for the years the locust have devoured." 14 Therefore, "be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to (ME), and the peace that only I can give, which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind." 15 And remember, "I your God am not a man that I should lie, nor a son of man that I should change my mind. Do I speak and then not act? Do I promise and then not fulfill?" 16 Even though right now my beloved, my precious child, you may see no immediate answers to your prayers and cries to me, again, remember, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, and my covenant of peace will not be removed." 17 Trust me in this my dearest one, "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." 18 And you will keep calling to me and praying to me and I will listen to you. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you." 19 "Lean not unto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge (ME) and I will direct your path." 20 And yes, my child, I do know the waves may seem awfully high right now, and the fire may feel unbearably hot, but "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you," just as I have always been, and "when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you", no matter what your flesh or the enemy of your soul tries to tell you. And "when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." 21 But just like the Hebrew children who were in the furnace and the cords that bound them were burned away, so will the cords that bind you be burned away "And if you hold to my teaching you truly are my disciple. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." 22 If you're in bondage to your past, to your sins and failures, or if you're bound up in un-forgiveness or bitterness to those who have hurt you, hear my word to you my beloved: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." 23 "I, even I, am He who blots out your iniquities, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." 24 And, as I have forgiven your sins, even so, you must also forgive those who have sinned against you. Did even my Son not say from the cross to those who pierced him, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do?" He hung on that cross just for you my beloved. So you too must forgive. He and I gave His body to be tortured - just for you. We suffered - just for you. When they beat him and ripped away his flesh from his bones, He was thinking of you. When they plucked out His beard and tore His face away with it, I let him submit to it for you. He was stripped naked for you. Spit on for you. Insulted and humiliated for you. My sorrow deeped as I had to watch them drive nails into His wrists and when the nail hit the nerve and sent swooning pain clear to His spine, I know He was thinking of you. Thinking of you, because We both love you. And, when taking on all the sins of the world, including yours my child, our hearts became as one when my Son declared triumphantly, "My God, my God, for this reason was I spared!" 25, We did it all for you. Jesus did it for you, because I love you and He loves you! That's why when you think of me loving you, let me remind you that, "man looks at the outward appearance, but (I, your Lord) look at your heart." 26 And though you've gone through sorrows and have been tested, you will come forth as gold." 27 "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." 28 "And I will bestow on you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. You will be called an oak of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of (MY) splendor." 29 "I will keep you in perfect peace as your mind is steadfast and trusting in me. 30 I am the Lord, your Rock eternal." 31 Nothing is impossible for me, 32 and I will provide all your needs according to my glorious riches" 33, and especially your need for love. My child, if you will offer me your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable 34, and walk with me bearing your cross of death to self daily, 35 I will fill you with the "fruit of my Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." 36 Then, you will be able to love me in return and love your neighbor here on earth, just as I have commanded you. I can't wait to show you the delights of My Kingdom precious one. You have so much to look forward to. In fact, it is true, that "no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, nor has it even entered into the heart of man, all that I have prepared for those who love me." 37 It won't be much longer now. So "be still and know that I am God." 38 And take comfort in knowing that even at this very moment I am preparing a place just for you in my holy city. I will come again, and I will take you to be with me where I am for eternity. I will do it just as I promised, my beloved. And I will do it just because I love you. Your loving God and Father, , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES 1. Jeremiah 31:3 2. Psalm 139:13-14 3. Isaiah 49:16 4. Isaiah 43:1c, 43:4a, 43:5a 5. Isaiah 41:9b, 41:10 6. Jeremiah 33:3 7. Jeremiah 31:33b 8. Psalm 86:11a 9. Psalm 86:11b 10. Jeremiah 6:16a 11. Matthew 11:28-30 12. Isaiah 49:13b 13. Isaiah 49:23c 14. Joel 2:25 15. Philippians 4:6-7 16. Numbers 23:19 17. Isaiah 54:10 18. Jeremiah 29:11 19. Jeremiah 29:12-13 20. Proverbs 3:5-6 21. Isaiah 43:1b-2 22. John 8:31-3 23. Isaiah 43:18-19 24. Isaiah 43:25 25. Matthew 27:46 26. 1 Samuel 16:7b 27. Job 23:10 28. Psalm 30:5 29. Isaiah 61:3 30. Isaiah 26:3 31. Isaiah 26:4 32. Luke 1:37 33. Philippians 4:19 34. Romans 12:1 35. Luke 9:23 36. Galatians 5:22 37. 1 Corinthians 2:9 38. Psalm 46:10a 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 ========================================================== .-. __/ ( , '-.____\ u=='/ \ /_/ \ .-'' | ( ____/_____ _>_/.-------- \/// // snd // >-->Little Fingerprints Little fingerprints on my walls In the kitchen and down the halls Little ones so full of fun I can't complain at what they've done They didn't grow next to my heart As my own children did But were implanted from the start From a mighty powerful seed Each one unique in it's own way But each so dear to me I love them more each passing day And I know they love me Most are grown, some still small Some are short and some are tall Each are loving kind and sweet They think I am kinda neat I embed those tiny fingerprints In my heart and wipe the walls They've grown up much too fast I don't like that at all But they know that if they need me There's no place too far to go I call them my grandchildren And they call me Mammaw Should they ever want me They all know how much I care I will find a way to get there There's no place that far ~*© Raylene Boggs*~ 2002 >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. 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