Our God Is Awesome... :) 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. While the ads on the website do help, I don't want to drag the site down with tons of them to pay for it. I need your help! "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 MOST 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 Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This super scorching hot new page is from our friend PatDeE. This has beautiful pictures from a photographer near Dorset in South West England, who scours the countryside for the most beautiful and interesting scenes to shoot. Be sure to check this one out here... . : ; , ___ ""------.__ \. ,/ .----'" ""`--. ____.------'- ,--. - ""-------'"""" \_______-_-=___/____\__=-_-_______/";\.____dgb/itz `\. -- .--' \"-. . `\._ "" -- """\""/"" ` `"--.. _-- " --',.---' - " ----'""" "_- / ____,,....__ / ___..------'""" `"" Beautiful England! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/england2.html --- ...Wow! Captivating! Thanks PatDeE! =========================================================== Something for us with snow on the ground can look forward to! :) >-->From Heartwarmers: Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day. -- W. Earl Hall spring is in the air... \ boooooh! \ / _/\_/\ __(\___/)___ (, (o\\/ \_/_ _ (__/ /` _ /\ ), (o \ /~ _//\ \___ /_ / \___ \_('|| ~ || \ \__,-' ~ || \ ||____||/ \ ||____||/ \ | === | \_\ | === | \_\ _| . |_/ ) _/| . |_/ ) _____ / | | / /\_____/ /| | / /\_______ | (_(| - (_(/ \_\| - \_\/ | | | | | | | | | ' | | ' | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |__'____| |__'____| | | || || || || | |b'ger____/ /\/ /\___________/ /\/ /\_________| (_(_(_(_/ /_/_/_/_/ >THE GLORY OF SPRING by Kathy Whirity I opened up the door this morning and did a little jig. I smiled at the falling rain even though the drops were big. Those drops didn't discourage me as they fell on the window pane, before the dawn of sunshine I knew there'd be some rain For now the barren gardens are floating in muddy gloom, soon they'll house the buds from where the flowers bloom. We've looked forward to a grand awakening that is happily in the works, a burst of new life from where the bare tree limb lurks. The snow has all melted, Jack Frost has been sent on his way, though we thought we'd never see it we welcome Spring this day. I saw a robin perched on the roof, perhaps scouting out a nest, I placed shedded dog hair on the fence post, mama robin will do the rest. Soon tiny tots on swing sets will be reaching for the sky, filled with wonder and laughter, the magic won't pass them by. The glory of Spring and the awakening it brings, is the joy in the tune that the bluebird sings. It is a chance for us to improve on the days that lie ahead, to make sure the bounty of our blessings keep our hearts and souls well fed. Gardener's thumbs will once again regain their color green, while blooming shades of purple, pink, and red will reign supreme. Spring nights are for young lover's walking hand and hand in the park, beneath the starry skies, a chance to dance in the dark. Every Spring season we are rewarded with this glorious gift of rebirth, and reminded of our own new beginnings every Springtime on this earth. Young dreams will be carried along on warm soothing breezes, sweet recollections of life anew and all that pleases. So, I'm enjoying the rhythm of the gentle falling rain, it's nature's way of saying there is so much for us to gain. These wonderful days of Spring will be bursting out in song, a sweet melody of promise that carries our hopes along. AND THAT'S THE GLORY OF SPRING! -- Kathy Whirity __________________________________________________ Kathy Whirity is a syndicated newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. You may visit her web site at: http://www.kathywhirity.com =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Geniann :) \ i. / s / \ \ / / .n' | a |_.-._ / / / .-' `-. --._ / / | / \-.__' `. | ( | | _ \ _ .-. \ | `-.-' | .-' '-. | ' `-. ( )_ | `-._ \ ( | \ / \ `-' `. `--. \ ) \ \`-' / | .' \ .- '-.| `-._.-' \ / \ | / \ . `._.-' | | / | | ' / | (_/ | `-._ _.' \ //\ .| `--' \" \ '\ \___/)_ | | ` \_ \` , \ \ (\ .o-`-o | \__ _______,-'\` \ ( | | | \\ | [nabis] b "" \ >THE CASHEW NUT ~ DID YOU KNOW? The Question: Where Do Cashews Come From? You might think they grow inside a shell like any other nut, but their true origins are far more bizarre. First of all, cashews are not actually nuts, but rather fruits from the cashew tree, a large evergreen tree that thrives in tropical climates. The tree produces red flowers, which in turn produce yellow and red oval structures resembling apples. These so-called cashew apples are very juicy and pulpy, and their juice is often added to tropical fruit drinks. However, cashew apples are not actually fruits in a scientific sense; the real fruit of the cashew tree is the kidney-shaped formation growing at the end. These fruits, also called drupes, are harvested and become what we know as a cashew nut. In their raw form, the outer layer of the fruit contains multiple toxins including anacardic acid, a powerful skin irritant similar to the toxin found in poison ivy that must be removed prior to eating. Roasting the cashews destroys the toxins, but roasting must be performed carefully outdoors because the smoke can irritate the lungs, sometimes to a life-threatening degree. When they are roasted, cashews change from their natural greenish-gray color to the light brown nut sold in stores. Next time you crack open a tin of cashews, take a moment to appreciate the long journey those little c-shaped nuts took from the tree to your table! More Info and See images here: http://mentalfloss.com/article/31226/cashew-nuts-grow-out-crazy-apples --- ...Wow! Didn't know that! Amazing! Thanks Geniann! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >Did I Stop To Thank God I said that I feel so good Things worked out well for me My life is going oh so nice In every way I see. It seems as nothing can go wrong All things just turn out right The sunlight is so bright each day The moon glows strong at night. My friends all like to be with me I've countless of them you know The road goes so straight for me Everyplace that I go. When I rejoice in all these things This thought it seems so odd When all these were going well Did I stop to thank God? RONNIE LEVINER COPYRIGHT©1989 -<>- (' `), __cD"`.__ !_________! \_____/ !___! | | | | _!_!_ /_______\ fsc >Stoop and Drink Albert Einstein once arrived in London carrying his violin. After greeting him, an old friend asked, "You still play the violin, Albert?" The mathematical genius nodded and said, "Yes, but not very well. My teacher says, 'The trouble with you, Mr. Einstein, is that you can't count.'" He knew that he had much to learn if he were to play the violin well. So he approached his endeavor with a sense of humility, even to the point of laughing at his poor rhythm. I heard of a hotel that has a water fountain in the lobby that is operated by an infra-red beam of light. When a thirsty person wants a drink, she simply bends down and the water automatically turns on. There is a sign above the water cooler that reads, "Stoop and drink." What a marvelous parable for a life attitude. Stoop and drink. Especially when drinking from the fountain of knowledge -- stoop and drink. Like Albert Einstein, wise people know that they can only learn something new AFTER they realize two important points: 1) They do not yet know it all, and 2) There are others willing to teach. It is an attitude of humility...we stoop in order to drink. One man says, "Every person I work with knows something better than me. My job is to listen long enough to find it and use it." He is not always the teacher. He figuratively stoops before his employees by listening carefully to their ideas so he might drink from their knowledge. Everyone we will ever meet knows something better than us -- our children and our parents; the woman who drives the bus and the receptionist who answers the telephone; the man who sweeps the floor and our neighbor next door. Those who realize that all the world has something to teach will never run short of opportunities to stoop and drink. And they will always be refreshed. By Steve Goodier © 2004 -<>- _ _(_)_ wWWWw _ @@@@ (_)@(_) vVVVv _ @@@@ (___) _(_)_ @@()@@ wWWWw (_)\ (___) _(_)_ @@()@@ Y (_)@(_) @@@@ (___) `|/ Y (_)@(_) @@@@ \|/ (_)\ / Y \| \|/ /(_) \| |/ | \ | \ |/ | / \ | / \|/ |/ \| \|/ jgs|// \\|/// \\\|//\\\|/// \|/// \\\|// \\|// \\\|// ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING By: Joseph J. Mazzella I am on a tree watch right now. I am keeping my eyes open for the first budding of the trees near my house. It is the first sure sign that Spring has arrived here in the mountains of my home and that the rebirth of the world has begun. Soon the lengthening days and warm sunshine will make the trees here awaken once again. Buds will appear, followed by red, pink, white, and purple blossoms. Next the leaves will appear turning the woodlands here into an ocean of green. Flowers will shoot up in the meadows. Birds will return from the South to sing their songs of delight. Baby animals will be born. And everywhere the sweet laughter of children playing outside will be heard. It will be a special time, a wonderful time, a time of new life and new joy. As this glorious Springtime of rebirth gets closer to happening outside my door, I am reminded again how each day for us can be a rebirth as well. Everyday we are given a new chance to choose love, a fresh opportunity to share joy, and a new life to live in goodness and oneness with God. Everyday for us is the first day of Spring and our hearts and souls are always ready to blossom and bless this world with their beauty, love, and light. Celebrate each new chance you are given then. Rejoice in each new day you are blessed with. God loves you so much that everyday you are given again the gifts of life, of love, and of joy. Let these gifts fill your heart and soul full to overflowing everyday. Share them with the world everyday of your life. Make every single day of your life the first day of Spring. Make every single day of your life an awakening to love, joy, and oneness with God. Make every single day of your life a living testament to the truth that God is love, that life is joy, and that we are all one in this world. -<>- _____________ / __ /| / __/ /_ / / / /_ __/ / // / /_/ / // /_____________/ // |______&______|// ejm |_____________|/ >A POWERFUL LESSON ON FORGIVENESS My father taught me a powerful lesson on forgiveness. His own father was a mining engineer and his family lived in the Philippines prior to World War II. They were captured by the Japanese and incarcerated there during World War II. He, his mother and sisters were sent to a prison camp at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila where they remained until the Philippine Islands were freed at the end of the war. His father, an enlisted man, was separated from the family and imprisoned with captured military personnel. My dad was a teenager at the time. He, like other prisoners, struggled to survive. To keep from starving, he learned to eat his small, daily rations of rice without first removing the carcasses of worms in the bowl. But he ate better than most prisoners - he worked as an orderly in the prison hospital and, on occasion, was able to finish leftover food from patients. Though almost six feet tall, when he was finally freed he weighed only 95 pounds. Life was difficult there by any standards. Numerous prisoners became ill and many died. Anger and bitterness toward their captors abounded. For years, even decades, after their eventual release from the prison camp, the men and women of Santo Tomas (like other prisoners of war) felt a smoldering bitterness toward the people who incarcerated them. My father lost almost everything. His family lost their home. They lost their possessions. And harder still, they lost their freedom. But he also lost his father. My grandfather did not survive his captivity. Yet I never heard my dad express any anger or resentment toward the Japanese soldiers or the Japanese people. Just the opposite. He taught me to regard ALL people with respect. He taught me to honor people of all races, nationalities and religions. He knew that bitterness only kept his wounds open and infected. Like a disease, his festering resentments could even infect others. And they could kill. Alexander Pope has said, "To err is human; to forgive, divine." But that is not accurate. It's better said, "To err is human, but to forgive is human, too." Forgiveness is not an option for human beings. Forgiveness is essential for our health as individuals and necessary if we are to live together. To err is human, but to forgive is human, too. Perhaps to be perfect is divine. But to forgive is one of the most human things we can do. And its never too soon to do something so very human. By Steve Goodier © 2004 -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Holy Alphabet!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/holyalpha.html Three Old Men!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/oldmen.html Dreamy Ladies!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dreamy.html Keep On Smiling!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smiling.html Chocolate Train!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chocolatetrain.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Stainless VS Gold!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stainlesscar.html Wood Carving Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/woodart2.html Why God Gave Us Pets!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpets.html Small Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smallthoughts.html Under His Wings!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wings.html Top Reasons To Smile! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smile.html Romantic Getaways!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/romantic.html Easter Index!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/easterindex.html -<>- >Please Visit/Follow Me On StumbleUpon: https://tinyurl.com/y8qxhy3w Some of Shangrala's Best Pages http://www.amazfamily.com/index.html -<>- >From TruthOrTradition: Why is the Bible Considered a Holy Book? https://tinyurl.com/y8ubaa6c The Unlimited Ways of Worship Ultimately Require Obedience https://tinyurl.com/ya7b6wd8 Developing a Proper Understanding of the Bible https://tinyurl.com/ycz3dep2 -<>- Home Free - How Great Thou Art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXQpDDcrN-w Mercy Me - Finally Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlxFee1mRtE David Phelps - We Shall Behold Him (Live) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBvGzrnirT8 Glorious Day (Living He loved me) ~Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXp6xcY5IqU Our God is an Awesome God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RGcb7alSk0&feature=related 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 ========================================================== ____ _ /////|\\ ``````\\\ `/` ))) \`, ((( `--- ,\\\ ,---/ )),))) / , `(( ((( `--. ) `__)) ________ | | ,-./\ \ _,-' \ \__,-. \ \,-' /`.__,-'_,-\ `-. / \____`--'____________ | \ Starshine >What Courage Really Is Story Editor: by The Counselor Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA I'm a child counselor for an organization providing therapeutic foster care for children who've experienced abuse or neglect by their families. One of my former clients now lives with her grandparents in another state. She was placed into foster care with her two older sisters because her mother's boyfriend s%xually molested all three of them. At the time of this story, she was eight years old, about four feet tall, weighed 41 pounds, and looked like a little elf. When her abuser went on trial, the District Attorney tried him on charges against this child only, because she got the very worst of the abuse. She returned to our state to testify, spending two hours on the stand recounting in excruciating detail everything that he did to her over two years. She didn't back down when the defense lawyer tried rattle her during cross-examination. Instead, she announced that she knew he was trying to trick her, and he'd better knock it off! The investigating police officers, the doctor who examined her, the police examiner, her former foster mother, her grandparents and I also testified. The jury took 30 minutes to convict. My client's sister testified to his abuse of her during the penalty phase, to establish a pattern, and the jury gave him 30 years. The District Attorney found two prior felony convictions for aggravated assault which this abuser lied about, adding another five years to his sentence for aggravated perjury. After sentencing, this tiny girl amazed us all. When she entered foster care she was so scared of her abuser she could barely even speak his name. After the verdict she informed her former foster mother that she had something to say to the perpetrator. "You need to help me find a way to do that." The foster mother talked to the District Attorney, who talked to the judge. The judge said this was unprecedented -- she'd never had a victim in any s%xual assault case want to make a victim's statement. But nothing legally prevented it, so she agreed. After the jury announced the abuser's sentence, this little girl stood up in the witness stand, looked straight at her abuser, and said, "I'm really sorry you have to go to jail, but you deserve it for what you did to me. I'm really happy to know that you're never going to be able to hurt me again. And that's all I have to say to you." Everybody in the room, with the exception of the defendant and his family and lawyer, was in tears by the end of her statement. We were all so proud of her! She made it possible for justice to be done that day. She faced her abuser bravely -- in a way that few adults have the courage to do. From the look of it, this little child is going to be just fine. Seeing her on the stand that day made it clear to me exactly what courage really is. =======HeroicStories======= >-->Story Time From Our Friend Fran :) >Quotes: "When you look at yourself from a universal standpoint, something inside always reminds or informs you that there are bigger and better things to worry about." - Albert Einstein "A barking dog is often more useful than a sleeping lion." - Washington Irving "Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own." ~ Harold Coffin -<>- ______ _\ _~-\___ = = ==(____AA____D \_____\___________________,-~~~~~~~`-.._ / o O o o o o O O o o o o o o O o |\_ `~-.__ ___..----.. ) `---~~\___________/------------````` = ===(_________D -Roland >In Serenity's Shoes In 2002, I started a job that required regular travel around the U.S. After six months, I had a couple of trips under my belt and had earned my solo wings; next I would be traveling to three states for business meetings and then flying to a conference in a fourth state. On day three, I was in my third state and had wrapped up my business meetings for the day. I checked into my hotel and headed out to a local outlet mall'typical for a visitor to New England. While in the first store, my cell phone rang, and I could see it was my sister. I knew something must be up, because I only turned my cell phone on when I traveled, and other than business contacts, my husband was the only one that knew my number. My sister asked me where I was and if I could find a place to sit down. I walked outside the store and sat down on a bench beside the parking lot. She proceeded to tell me that our father, who had been away on a business trip that week, had come home to find our mother dead in their bed. My mother was a 54-year-old working woman who had already had beast breast cancer. This was unexpected and devastating news. When I hung up the phone, I was distraught, sobbing, and thoroughly confused. I was alone in a state I had never been to, had just received the worst possible news, and I felt lost. I started wandering around the parking lot, struggling to remember what my rental car looked like. A woman approached me and asked me if I needed help. She listened to me babble incoherently, hugged me, helped me find my car, stayed with me while I called my husband, and gave me her phone number in case I needed help later that night. When she told me her name, Serenity, it was like a warm blanket had enfolded me. Within two hours, I had changed my flight, checked out of my hotel, turned in my rental car, and was on a plane headed to my birth state. I didn't even call my dad until I had all of the details worked out, including a ride to his house from the airport. The next morning, my dad called this woman to thank her for helping me. She wanted to speak to me, and asked me to tell her a story about my mom. I told her about a car trip we took to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, where my mom couldn't decide which shoes to wear before we left. We made a pitstop about half way there and when mom climbed out of the van, she was wearing two different shoes! Serenity suggested that I wear two different shoes on my mother's birthday to remember the fun we had together, and I have done so every year. I often wonder if I would have the strength to approach a crying stranger in a mall parking lot. I don't know what I would have done in her shoes, but I am so thankful she was there. by Sara Ruiter --- ...So sweet a story! Thanks Fran! ========================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >I KNOW I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end. I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy. I know He has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself. I know He is a healer, so why do I speak of sickness. I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can't. I know He will protect me, so why do I fear. I know He will supply all my needs, so why can't I wait. I know He is my strength and my salvation, so why do I feel weak. I know that everything and everyone has a season, so why when someone's season is over do I weep instead of rejoice. I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way. I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness. I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, so why am I scared to ask. I know tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today. I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie. I know He gives us revelation knowledge and understanding, so why do I lean on my own understanding. I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, so why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh. I know that when praises go up blessings come down, so why do I refuse to praise Him. I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me. I know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His will, when it is His time not my time. -- Author Unknown -<>- .--._ . \ ).' )|/ _.'''-._ ( \ \ ) )'-. ( / _.-'\ / ) ('-._ / \ _/ AoS '-.__=='' >Isn't Your Bag Heavy Enough? One of my teachers had each one of us bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes. For every person we'd refuse to forgive in our life experience, we were told to choose a potato, write on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag. Some of our bags, as you can imagine, were quite heavy. We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere for one week, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driving, next to our desk at work. The hassle of lugging this around with us made it clear what a weight we were carrying spiritually, and how we had to pay attention to it all the time to not forget, and keep leaving it in embarrassing places. Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated to a nasty slime. This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for keeping our pain and heavy negativity! Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to the other person, and it clearly is for ourselves!! So the next time you decide you can't forgive someone, ask yourself.... ISN'T YOUR BAG HEAVY ENOUGH? ========================================================== >-->From Laugh&Lift: The closer we walk with the Shepherd, the farther we are from the wolf. The Lift , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >"The Whole Armor of God" (Author Unknown) [Edited] Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." The historic USS Constitution, built in Boston in 1797, earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" because in a sea battle the shots of the British Guerriere glanced off its heavy planking, causing a British sailor to say "Her sides are made of iron." Are our sides of iron? Saint Paul tells Christians to put on the armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:13-17). "That is cumbersome armor," some will say -- and add, "We can get along with our own personal defenses, our know-how, our natural powers, our latest electronic equipment." But Paul reminds us that we are not contending with flesh and blood or with physical forces, but with spiritual enemies, with Satan himself and all his cohorts (Ephesians 6:12). We do need God's armor -- and not just a part of it, but all of it. The two most important weapons are the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, one defensive and the other offensive. With the shield of faith -- faith, that is, in Jesus Christ and His victory over sin, death, and the devil -- we "can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16). The devil's darts are not only sharp but also incendiary. They are unbelief, doubt, temptation, indifference, or outright hostility to God. Equipped with faith, we can turn the shots aside. The other weapon is the sword of the Spirit, that is, the Word of God. God's Word, supported by the Holy Spirit, conveys God's power, and against it Satan cannot prevail. Because of God's Spirit working in us, we can be called "Old Ironsides," having the protective armor of faith and the sword of God's Word to put Satan to flight. PRAYER: Thank you O God, for equipping me with the spiritual weapons I need to win in the battle for my faith. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. (Taken from "Each Day with Jesus," copyright 1994, Concordia Publishing House) ========================================================== \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp >-->God's Touch A heart can be touched in many different ways But, oh, how mine was touched on that glorious day... Tears filled my eyes until I could not see Tears filled the eyes of those around me. What happened that day, words cannot describe On that glorious day, a piece of me died. God reached into my heart and took out the misery He banished all the sadness that for years consumed me. The sorrows of the world is what filled my heart I was trapped in a darkness that would not depart. I was filled with the pain that took over the world I was filled with the sorrows that before us unfurled. I was sad for those who do not have love I was full of a grief that you could never dream of. I was sad for the victims of insurmountable crimes I was hurting and hurting time after time. My heart was sickened and I felt much grief Then God touched my heart and granted me relief. He said "My Child, No Longer Will You Cry" He said to me "That Part of You Shall Die" God said "This is too much pain for one person to bear" He said "Leave that to Me, that's why I'm here." So, I took my pain and sorrow to the alter that day And that is where I left it when I walked away. Y E S! O u r G O D I S A W E S O M E! (¯`v´¯) `*.¸.*´ ¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•. 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