Rubbing God The Wrong Way ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@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 =========================== >A Class Act Story Editor: by Catherine Granger Glover Joyce Schowalter North Carolina, USA There were eight of us, for five years, back in the late 1980's and early 1990's. I had adopted three boys born of my ex-husband's first marriage. I also had my daughter, and my two nieces and nephew, staying while their mom left an abusive relationship, and me. We were a mixed family, but full of love and luck. ____.----. ____.----' \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ____.----'`--.__ \___.----' | `--.____ /`-._ | __.-' \ / `-._ ___.---' \ / `-.____.---' \ / / | \ \ / / | \ _.--' `-. / | \ __.--' `-._ / | \ __.--' | | `-./ | \_.-' | | | | | | C M | | | L A | | | O C FILL | | | N H WITH | VK | | I I FUN! | _______| | N N |_______________ `-. | G E _.-' `-. | _`..--' `-. | __..' `-|__.--' For the holidays, I started picking up little things in February, so I'd have something for each child. Working four 10-hour days weekly gave me one weekday to shop while they were in school. Each year we carefully filled out "adopt a family" forms asking each child's age, height, weight, favorite color and sports team, and desires. Thanks to various giving organizations, I didn't have to budget money for holiday dinners. We often received very nice gifts for each child, however most were clothes or very generic items. The kids were always thankful to have new items. My 'big bucks went to finding a special gift for each (usually a thrift store, dollar store, or clearance item), which they would know was purchased just for them. In 1991, my daughter was 7 and wished for a baby doll more than anything in the world. She knew Santa would bring her a baby doll, carriage, and all the tools to care for her baby. I found an inexpensive umbrella stroller, a cheap doll, and even some clothes and a bottle, but feared they would break quickly. She was thrilled, as were all the kids with their 'big' presents. Then it came time to open the 'charity' gifts. There was more than one for each child, which confused us but was fun. Each child opened what it expected to be a piece of clothing, or generic dollar store toy. As the wrappings came off, whoops of pure joy resounded around the room, and I sat in stunned silence. Each child had received something just for them! My daughter received a wonderful baby doll with a full set of clothes, and everything to take care of it -- bottles, diapers, bibs, etc. The boys each received a regulation-size ball and a correctly sized team jersey for their favorite team. My nieces received 'real' versions of the items they had asked for. There was even a present for me, a small photo album to hold photographs. I don't remember the exact class that adopted us that year, only that it was from Springfield High School, Virginia. We didn't know how they raised the funds to buy the presents, or why they adopted a whole family rather than just contributing gifts to a drive. I only know that whenever Christmas comes around I send my thanks out once again for that wonderful year. 16 years later we still talk of the joy that class brought to our whole family. About the year that not only were our needs met, but a caring respect for us as individuals was added. =======HeroicStories======= >-->Why We Don't Always Get What We Pray For... .-. [.-''-., | //`~\) (<| 0\0|>_ ";\ _"/ \\_ _, __\|'._/_ \ '='-, It's Magic! /\ \ || )_///_\>> ( '._ T |\ | _/),-' '. '._.-' /'/ | | '._ _.'`-.._/ snd ,\ / '-' |/ [_/\-----j _.--.__[_.--'_\__ / `--' '---._ / '---. -'. .' _.-- '. \_ '--.___ _;.-o / '.__ ___/______.__8----' As children, we always think God our Father is the one who can get us our hearts desire. However, we often forget that if what we want involves the will of others, then God's hands may be tied when it comes to doing it for us. God will not force a person to do what they don't want to do. For instance - are you asking God for a raise in your wages? Well, does that involve another persons will? The company or managers or your boss? What do you intend God to do? He can help sway them your way but if your boss does not want to give you a raise it just won't happen. You can pray till the cows come home but God's hands are tied. People cry - 'God doesn't hear me!' But in reality, God hears you just fine, it is just not something He is going to make happen for you because it is going against another persons will. It is out of God's hands to control. So think of that first when you pray. God will do all He can to sway things your way, but if other people are involved and their will makes what you want totally unavailable, then don't blame God when your prayers aren't answered. God does the best He can for you. Who knows, maybe sooner or later things will change and it will become available. You can count on God making sure your prayer is answered as long as you are still believing and hoping and praying for it! >-->Here is a good lesson on this from our friend Tony in Australia :) >Receiving the fulfilment of Gods promises….Part One .-=-. / ! )\ WHAT? __ \__/__/ / _<( ^.^ ) / / \ c /O You Think I'm \ \_.-./=\.-._ _ `-._ `~` `-,./_< `\' \'\`'----' G O D ? * \ . \ * `-~~~\ . . `-._`-._ * * `~~~-, * () * ) <^^> * ( . .-""-. ) .---. ."-....-"-._ _...---''`/. ' ( (`\ \ .' ``-'' _.-"'` \ \ \ : :. .-' `\`.\: `:. _.' ( .'`.` _.' `` `-..______.-' SORRY, You Rubbed 'GOD' ):. ( ."-....-". The Wrong Way! jgs .':. `. "-..______..-" There are many of us here, who, at times have prayed solely for the things we ‘want’ rather than the things we ‘need’, and in our selfishness, we get angry and disgruntled at God when we feel our prayers are not answered and we even think that maybe God ‘has taken time out’ from even listening to us. Well I am here to tell you that God IS listening and he DOES hear… It’s at the time of ‘lows’ in our lives that our patience and faith are tested, sometimes to the limits. And it’s at those times that we forget what the Bible has taught us from the beginning, about ‘praying in God’s will” . Jesus gave a classic example when He said in His prayer, “ Not MY will, but YOUR will be done”, and Jesus the man, was going through a very ‘stressed’ time. Don’t for one second think that Calvary was a ‘sham’ and that Jesus( God in the flesh) didn’t feel the stress and the pains the He took simply because he was ‘different’. Yes… Praise the Lord for His being ‘different’!.... But what made Him so? How could He have just ‘done’ what he did on that Hill without question? The answer is not so hard really. Jesus had “ faith” and in the Book of Mark Jesus explains that if we put ‘legs’ on our Faith, things DO happen!. In Mark 11:22-24, He says… 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. 23 "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. So here we see a formulae and its known better as ASK, BELIEVE, then RECEIVE. So why then do we often think that God doesn’t want us to have the things we pray for? There are 2 things we need to consider… 1. Are we praying in Faith? 2. Are we praying according to God’s will. Because both are prerequisites. The Bible teaches us ( Heb 11:6) that without Faith, we cannot please God. ‘ faith’ is the point of emphasis in the Book of Hebrews, why? Because without faith, we have little hope. So Faith is emphasized frequently throughout the Bible and is through our faith that we are able to ask for Gods blessings in almost any situations and know that with confidence our prayers will be answered according to HIS purpose. I reiterate the words , ‘according to HIS purpose’…it’s a fallacy for us to say that He answers ALL prayers, He ‘hears’ them yes, and yes, we say he can ‘move mountains’, but I haven’t yet seen that happen, but what we are saying is that there is nothing so big that God can’t do it , God will answer if there is a purpose in your prayer that meets His will for your well being, or those you are praying for. There are people who preach that God will give us anything we ask for and they cite 1 John 5 :14-15 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. Well let me tell you that this is NOT for the worldy ones out in the street until they have become Christians! By using the word ‘Christian’ we mean ‘those who follow Christ’, there’s a difference. When we ask anything of God, through prayers, we need to remember ‘who’ and ‘what’ we are. If our desires are of a’worldly’ nature, then think carefully first. The promises that God will fulfill will be for those who follow Jesus’s teachings, if we are not following Him and our desires are purely of a worldly nature , then this promise will not apply. We HAVE to be following His commandments and praying according to Gods will and that is shown in John 14.. 13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 15 " If you love Me, keep My commandments. The end results of our prayers or the ‘purpose’ of our prayer, must glorify God and not ourselves. There is a verse back in the Old Testament when God is speaking to Solomon and God says…. “ Because this was in your heart and you have not asked for riches or wealth, honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked for long life—but wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge people over whom I have made you King, wisdom and knowledge are granted unto you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the Kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like In this passage, God is revealing Himself to Solomon as the just and fair God that He is . Solomon had asked only for knowledge and wisdom to lead and guide Gods beloved people and Solomon had not asked for himself, but for others and in doing so, Solomon demonstrated that he was seeking Gods will and not that of himself. God honored that.! Well folks, God hasn’t and will not change! He is still honoring those who honor Him!... Jesus said to those who wanted to know the ‘how’s and the wherefores’ of being a Christian…” Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and ALL these things will be added unto you”. It is my belief that IF we ask according to Gods will…he WILL answer our prayers…. If you have gotten ‘off course’…. STOP! right now…. and ask as Solomon did, for knowledge and wisdom to walk the walk that God wants for you. God WILL speak to you if you are listening and obeying HIS will for your life. Ask for Gods Kingdom and your lives will be fulfilled and you desires for yourself will be accomplished if you put God first and ‘self’ second. Remember that Solomon was rewarded because he asked NOTHING for himself. Remember also that Our Father KNOWS the things we have need of , we see that in Matt 6:8-13 That prayer we should all know, but often it is still misinterpreted…..Hallowed be Your´Name….Jesus! The whole prayer honors His name and is through that name, that things are accomplished and through NO other name! We need to ask for wisdom and guidance in following HIS direction, we need to ask for forgiveness when we sin and also for Gods forgiveness to those who do US wrong. Ask God to put that hedge around us that keeps Satan at bay and ask that Gods keeps us in His presence at all times, lest we fall again. Ask for His spirit to attend us and help us to keep our hearts pure for Him. Finish your prayers always giving Glory and thanks for His loving grace and mercy…..Acknowledging all that He has done and all that He will do…. End of Receiving His Promises Part one ---- ...Thank You Tony! You bring up some great points and instructions for us! Here are some more teachings that may be of help: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' The Counsel Of The Lord http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/counselofthelord.html Harmony With God http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/harmonywithgod.html ABRAHAM -- A Case Study in Believing http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/abraham.html Be Ye Thankful http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/beyethankful.html The Law Of Believing #1 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/lawofbelieving1.html The Law Of Believing #2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/lawofbelieving2.html The Law Of Believing #3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/lawofbelieving3.html Following is a story of why God doesn't always answer our prayers and sometimes even though He relents and does give us what we beg Him for, it doesn't mean it is what is best for us. We should seek His counsel. People behaving badly isn't part of His plan for us. He will not control others. ( ,&&&. ) .,.&& ( ( \=__/ ) ,'-'. ( ( ,, _.__|/ /| ) /\ -((------((_|___/ | ( // | (`' (( `'--| _ -.;_/ \\--._ \\ \-._/. (_;-// | \ \-'.\ <_,\_\`--'| ( `.__ _ ___,') <_,-'__,' jrei `'(_ )_)(_)_)' >A BOY SCOUT OF AMERICA by Roger Dean Kiser All the orphans from the Children's Home Society were loaded on the church bus for a Sunday supper held at the Swain Memorial Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Even today at age 53, I can remember those Sunday Methodist Youth Fellowship meetings (MYF) as they had a big impact on my life as a child in the orphanage and maybe as a grown adult. This was one of the only times I can remember when we orphans were allowed to be kids. We ate supper in the church basement and then we played volleyball for several hours. It felt good to run free and it was wonderful not to have someone from the orphanage breathing down your neck, slapping you up side of the head or telling you that you were stupid or worthless. If I have any good feelings in my heart toward the Methodist church community, this one Sunday evening fellowship meeting would be what stands out most in my mind. It was the kindest, friendliest and most loving of all the things the church ever did for us children. This one Sunday evening, one of the members of the church asked us orphans if we would like to become Boy Scouts and join the Boy Scout troop at the church. We were flabbergasted and could not believe that such a thing could ever come true. We told them the orphanage would never allow us to do anything like that. After all, we boys were not allowed to be patrol boys at school; the orphanage told the school principal that orphans were not smart enough to follow directions. The man at church just stood there looking at us. He could see how excited we were and said he would talk with the orphanage and see what he could do. Every night, I prayed to God asking him to allow this miracle to happen. I walked around all day long, every day, saying the different books of the Bible and asking God to give us this one chance to become somebody important. However, hours turned into days and days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months and we never heard anything at all. After a while, none of the boys even mentioned it again. However, I never did stop thinking about it; I never stopped praying about wanting to wear that uniform or become somebody as important as a Boy Scout. Someone had given the orphanage two sets of old roller skates and as we were not allowed to have two skates at one time because of the number of boys at the orphanage, we took one roller skate, put a board on top of it and pushed each other around. This allowed four boys to ride and four boys to push. Then eight boys could play at one time, rather than just having two boys skating. Wayne Evers and I were taking turns pushing one another around the concrete slab out behind the boys’ dormitory. We looked up and saw the man from the church walking toward us, waving his hand in the air. "Are there any want-to-be Boy Scouts here?" he yelled. We all stood up and watched him as he made his way to where we were standing. When he approached us he said, "Well fellows, I have brought your new uniforms. All of you are now Boy Scouts of America and I salute you." We all ran up and started hugging the man, and thanking him for what he had done. I ran toward the bamboos, where other boys were building forts, and playing cowboys and Indians, and told them the good news. "It is Gospel, It is Gospel, we are Boy Scouts,” I yelled as loud as I could at the other boys. Boy! That was a happy day in my life. We followed the man over to the screened-in dining room porch and there lay 15 or 20 uniforms. I will never forget the color of the wonderful uniforms and how they smelled. I picked up one of the shirts and held it up to myself. Then I walked over to the door leading into the infirmary and smiled at myself as I looked at my shadow in the glass window. "You look good," I said aloud. "Now you are going to be somebody important," I thought. I walked over to the man and asked him if I could please try on the shirt. He took the shirt from me, unbuttoned it and handed it back. I slipped it on and very carefully picked up the beautiful scarf that was lying on the chair. I placed the scarf around my neck and slid the metal clip onto the scarf. All the other boys started putting on their shirts and scarves. We were all so proud; we walked around and around the porch just smiling at each other. When we attended church the following Sunday morning, they told us we were going to go on a camping trip for a whole week. When we returned to the orphanage, I studied tying knots day and night, just to get my first merit badge before going on the camping trip. The day before the trip, I earned my first badge, but did not have any way to sew it on my uniform. Therefore, I glued it to my uniform with model airplane glue and off we went to the great outdoors. When we arrived, there were all kinds of strange boys all over the place. I had never seen any of these boys at our church before. I asked the leader where these boys came from. "Well, this is like a jamboree. Boys from all over get together and camp for a week," he said. Well, all day long we kids from the orphanage knew something was not right with these other boy scouts. They kept looking at us and flipping their four fingers at us off the end of their noses, whatever that meant. However, we just rather ignored it so we would not get into trouble. Late that night, we had a campfire and told scary stories with just our own little group from the church and it was lots of fun. Then it was time to go to bed, so we went to our tents, which we set up when we first made it to our campsite. As I went to my tent, I was repeating over and over "a scout is trustworthy, loyal, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty... " And as I got into my sleeping bag, I felt something funny and wet inside, which scared me. I jumped out of my bag and ran over to the other tent. As I walked in, I saw other boys from the orphanage getting out of their sleeping bags with yellow stuff dripping off their shorts. "Hope you orphans like eggs," yelled someone from down the aisle of tents. This really upset the boys from the orphanage and it took quiet a while for the scoutmaster to get everyone settled down. He finally got it through our heads that a scout must always be trustworthy, loyal, friendly, courteous, kind and all that good stuff, so we went to bed after cleaning up the best we could. Later that night, I guess about four in the morning, a bunch of (unknown) scouts ran into our tent and began dumping their canteens of water on our sleeping bags. Then they ran out into the darkness. I tried to calm the other boys. I reminded them that we were scouts and should always be friendly, no matter what. I got up and started to dress, but could not find my shirt. I looked all over, but it was gone. I walked outside the tent and saw three or four men come in with a truck. They were unloading flats of eggs onto a large table. There were tons of eggs and I mean thousands, all stacked on top of one another. I walked over and stood next to the fire to stay warm. When I looked down, I saw my shirt burning in the campfire. I jerked it out and tried to put out the fire by stomping on it, but it was too late. I looked for my badge but it was not on the shirt. I walked back to the tent and told the other boys that someone had thrown my shirt into the campfire. Then I heard someone yell out, "Looking for that stupid badge, creeps?" That was the final straw; the hornet's nest had been violated for the last time. Within minutes, there were more than 3,000 eggs destroyed at that camp all by orphan hands. Not to mention five tents, two canoes and the pride of 10 or 20 non-orphan boy scouts. I remember smiling very proudly as they told us we were not worthy of being boy scouts, that every boy from the orphanage was immediately kicked out of the scout troop. Later that day, when we returned to the orphanage, we were not feeling very trustworthy, friendly, loyal, courteous, kind, obedient, thrifty, clean or reverent. However, we did feel "CHEERFUL" and "BRAVE!" The people at the church called me, "A very bad scout.” Well, at least that made me “something” and that is all I ever wanted to be anyway. Just to be called something other than "a little orphan b@#$." CLICK HERE to order an autographed copy of "ORPHAN" http://www.geocities.com/trampolineone/survive/srv080.htm Visit Roger's Site here: http://www.rogerdeankiser.com/ ======================================================================== >-->From AFA: The Most Courageous Stories You Will Ever Read , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Brought to you by The Voice of Martyrs A Sudanese Christian boy has his knees and feet nailed to a board and he is left to die. When rescued he says he forgives the man who did this because Jesus was also nailed and forgave him. A Vietnamese pastor is sentenced to two years in prison. When he is offered an early release, he declines stating that he has a group of new Believers in the prison he has to disciple. A Colombian missionary is kidnapped and told she only has two hours to live. She tells her captors that if she only has two hours to live, she wants to spend it telling them about Jesus. The persecution of Christians around the world is a tragic reality. Our brothers and sisters are beaten and tortured simply for their faith in Jesus Christ. And some pay with the ultimate price. However, in the midst of this persecution is some of the courageous stories of faith you will ever read. Now you can learn about today's persecuted church, discover practical ways you can help, and be encouraged by their incredible stories with a FREE subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter. This award-winning newsletter brings you into the hearts and minds of today's persecuted church. You will be inspired; you will be challenged; and you own faith may never be the same. Visit Here To Subscribe: http://www.persecution.com/ Sincerely, Don Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman American Family Association ==================================================================== >-->Hopefully You'll Remember. ,-. O / `. <\/ `. |* `. / \ `. / / `>')3s, --------. ,' apc / 7 He was eleven years old and went fishing every chance he got from the dock at his family's cabin on an island in the middle of a New Hampshire lake. On the day before the bass season opened, he and his father were fishing early in the evening, catching sunfish and perch with worms. Then he tied a small silver lure and practiced casting. The lure struck the water and caused colored ripples in the sunset, then silver ripples as the moon rose over the lake. When his pole doubled over, he knew something huge was on the other end. His father watched with admiration as the boy skillfully worked the fish alongside the dock. Finally, he very gingerly lifted the exhausted fish from the water. It was the largest one he had ever seen, but it was a bass. The boy and his father looked at the handsome fish, gills playing back and forth in the moonlight. The father lit a match and looked at his watch. It was 10 P.M. - two hours before the season opened. He looked at the fish, then at the boy. "You'll have to put it back, son," he said. "Dad!" cried the boy. "There will be other fish," said his father. "Not as big as this one," cried the boy. He looked around the lake. No other fishermen or boats were anywhere around in the moonlight. He looked again at his father. Even though no one had seen them, nor could anyone ever know what time he caught the fish, the boy could tell by the clarity of his father's voice that the decision was not negotiable. He slowly worked the hook out of the lip of the huge bass and lowered it into the black water. The creature swished its powerful body and disappeared. The boy suspected that he would never again see such a great fish. That was 34 years ago. Today, the boy is a successful architect in New York City. His father's cabin is still there on the island in the middle of the lake. He takes his own son and daughters fishing from the same dock. And he was right. He has never again caught such a magnificent fish as the one he landed that night long ago. But he does see that same fish - again and again - every time he comes up against a question of ethics. For, as his father taught him, ethics are simple matters of right and wrong. It is only the practice of ethics that is difficult. Do we do right when no one is looking? Do we refuse to cut corners to get the design in on time? Or refuse to trade stocks based on information that we know we aren't supposed to have? We would if we were taught to put the fish back when we were young. For we would have learned the truth. The decision to do right lives fresh and fragrant in our memory. It is a story we will proudly tell our friends and grandchildren. Not about how we had a chance to beat the system and took it, but about how we did the right thing and were forever strengthened. ... hopefully you'll remember. ==================================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: , .__ ._ \_. _, _. ' \/ \.- / \/ .-_` // |/ \, .-""""-. \. ' \`. || \.-' / F Y .-.`-( _/\ V/ \\//,-' >-' ._ F Y .__/ `. \. ' J ) ./ / __._/ J \, I ' _/ \ \ | | / / .'-'.-' `._ ( L \_.--.| \_. ' .___ `\: | / .--'.-'" \ \ '\ . L / \\/ ._/`-.` \ .'.' .'---./__ ' \__ '\ ) \._/ `-.__. ` \\_. ' .---. \ / / , ` ` --' \\ ): // \, `-.`__.' `- \ / / _/-.---.__.- . _.-`.'/ /'\_, ._ >--.-""'____.--"`_ ' /.'..' \ \ _/ _ .---._\ \'/ '__./__.-.. / .-|( x_.-'___ | :' / _..---_' \ .:' /`\ `. `..'.--'\ /.' /`-`._ `-,' ` ' I '_.--'__--..___. ` `. `\/'/ _. _.-' _.____./ .-.--""-. .-" ' _..-.---' -._ .--.\ / /-./ / .---'-//.___. .-' \__ .--. ` `. ,--'/.-. ^. .-.--. ` _/ _// ./ _.. .' `. \ \ |_. /' | >. ' | \._.- ' _..' `.' . `. ) | |\ ` ./ \ \' ) c| / \ \_.. .--' ,\ \_/` : ) (`-. `.|`\\ \' / ,-. | ` ./` ._/ `\\'.--.,-(( `.`.__ | _/ \ |) `--. ______'\ | < __________ //' // _) )/-._`. (,-') ) / \_. a:f | | .__./ // '\ |// `.\ '\ ( ( <` ._ ' > | _. / ..-\ _ _/ \_. \ `\ \_ `---.-'__ . / `- _.' / ` _/| J /` `-,,-----.`-. ' .:' '` ' < ` f I // `­ ' \. J I/\_. __/ `: I .: K ` ` \/ ) `, J L )_(_ . F .-' J / `. . I (. . I _.-.._ ' <' \ ) _.---.J/ :' L -' .:. \. _.->/ _.-'_.) ` `-.`---.,_. :< ( \ .--"" .F' J) `.`L.__`-.___ .: |-'\_.| Y ..Z )) `--' `- . ) | > : . ' :' / ) L_J .x,. L_J ., .:<., .'` ` :J.,` . ;.+K,:. .,L+., >"Lessons from Trees" It's important to have roots. In today's complex world, it pays to branch out. If you really believe in something, don't be afraid to go out on a limb. Be flexible so you don't break when a harsh wind blows. Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow. If you want to maintain accurate records, keep a log. It's okay to be a late bloomer. Avoid people who would like to cut you down. As you approach the autumn of your life, you will show your true colors. You could be Brilliant! In other words "bloom where you are planted and make the best of what you've got." -<>- >LOVING REMINDERS By: Joseph J. Mazzella .-==-. /{.=-.}\ | / . \ | |; : :| \( : )/ `._'__.' |\ || \ \ || | | || | | || /| \ \|| / / \ ||| | | | || | | \||/ / ||| / || | ||/ || ^^^^^jgs^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I am always amazed and delighted at how many reminders of God's love that I get every single day. They are everywhere and in everything. I see them in the twinkling stars, smiling moon, and sparkling snow when I walk my dogs in the morning. I see them in my youngest son's smile and feel them in the warm, caring hugs of my daughter and oldest son. I see them as the sun rises and lights up the sky with beauty and color and hear them in the morning chorus of joyous birdsong. I see them in the sweet, loving eyes of my dogs and cats and hear them singing in my wife's laughter. I see them in the inspiring books I read, hear them in the beautiful music I listen to, and feel them in the cool, gentle breezes that touch my face. I see them in every smiling face I look at and feel them warming my soul every time I hear those magical words, "I love you." I only wish that each of us could give those we love as many reminders of it as God gives us. It isn't, after all, a hard thing to do. It costs us nothing and it brings so much joy, happiness, and delight into their hearts and our own hearts as well. If you don't believe me then just try it for a day and see what happens. It may just change your life. It doesn't have to be anything major either. A reminder of our love can come in the simplest and most beautiful things. It can be a smile, a laugh, or a sincere compliment. It can be a card, a hug, or a kind word. It can be a poem, a flower, or a simple note. It can be a meal, a back rub, or a gentle kiss. It can be a song, a dance, or even a caring look. It can be holding hands, sharing jokes, or playing with your kids. It can come in a million ways as long as it comes from your heart and flows from your soul. Follow God's example today then and remind everyone just how much you love them. -<>- >"THREE POWERFUL WORDS" A funny story is told about General George Patton from his World War II days. He once accepted an invitation to dine at a press camp in Africa. Wine was served in canteen cups but, obviously thinking he was served coffee, Patton poured cream into his cup. As he stirred in sugar, Patton was warned that his cup contained red wine and not coffee. Now, General Patton could never, never be wrong. Without hesitating he replied, "I know. I like my wine this way." And he drank it! I relate this story because I see something of myself, and perhaps most of us, here. It is difficult to admit mistakes. It is hard to admit when we are wrong. Three of life's most difficult words to say are, "I was wrong." But they are also three of the most powerful words we can utter. "I was wrong" breaks down barriers between people. It brings estranged people together. And it creates a climate where intimacy and love may flourish. You may be surprised at how positively many people respond to the words, "I was wrong"! Naturally, it is a risk. But to admit when you are wrong is not to confess that you are a "bad" person. Simply an honest one. And true friends will appreciate you for it. Whole and happy lives are built by people who have learned the power of intimacy, in part, through the use of the words "I was wrong." --From RICHES OF THE HEART, by Steve Gooodier -<>- >A Penny __-----__ ..;;;--'~~~`--;;;.. /;-~IN GOD WE TRUST~-.\ // ,;;;;;;;; \\ .// ;;;;; \ \\ || ;;;;( /.| || || ;;;;;;; _\ || || ';; ;;;;= || ||LIBERTY | ''\;;;;;; || \\ ,| '\ '|><| 1995 // \\ | | \ A // `;.,|. | '\.-'/ ~~;;;,._|___.,-;;;~' ''=--' - Daniel C Au - You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about. Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely. As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up? Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? "Look at it." He said. "Read what it says." She read the words "United States of America." "No, not that; read further." "One cent?" "No, keep reading." "In God we Trust?" "Yes!" "And?" "And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful! When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient... Have a blessed day! -<>- >WASHING DISHES By: Joseph J. Mazzella .-----. _.----""""---._ _.---//-"""-\\---._ .------.___ ( ) ( (/ `-' ) ( ___|-|`"""-..___..-""| _|`"--._________.--"'|_ `---'""" | | (_| |_) | | `--) (--' ________ | | | | _.--""""" """"----._ | | | (_ _)--.--------. | | \`""---...________...----'/__/___ || `-.__ __.-' \___ __/ ""----"---`' VK `""-----""' ""`-----------'"" A friend asked me the other day if I had an automatic dish washer. I smiled and said, "Nope! sometimes I forget to do them at all." The truth is I have washed a lot of dishes in my life. I have faced dried on, caked on, and burnt on food that my dogs wouldn’t even touch. I have scrubbed out pots and pans that needed a barrel’s worth of elbow grease to get clean. I have done dishes when the water pipes were froze and I had to carry in water from outside and heat it on the stove. I have even worked in a restaurant where I had to wash a year’s worth of dishes every single day. A full sink and an empty dish rack don’t scare me then. In fact, I find it peaceful slowly scrubbing away the crust and grime from my dishes, cups, pots, and pans. I sometimes even sing to myself while I wash them. It feels good looking at them when I am done and seeing them sparkling, clean, and ready to use. I only wish that getting the crust and grime off our hearts, souls, and minds was as easy. This world is always working to dry on its anger, cake on its prejudice, and burn on its hatred. Everyday it does its worst to fill our insides with its muck. After a while it is hard not to feel like a 10 foot tall stack of dirty dishes. Thankfully, though, we can all call in the best dishwasher in the universe: God. No matter how much filth this world throws at us when He washes us in His love and rinses us in His forgiveness we too come out sparkling, clean, and ready to use. He is always ready to step up to the sink too. We just have to let Him. The next time you are washing your own dishes then allow God’s love, peace, and forgiveness wash over you too. The next time you are drying your pots and pans allow God to dry your tears as well. You don’t have to go through life feeling like a dirty dish, not when God’s love and joy can make you sparkle and shine. -<>- >Links for you :) Nothing Like A Good Book http://www.buffalosjokes.com/60545.htm Cookie Blues http://www.buffalosjokes.com/21727.htm Dentyne http://www.buffalosjokes.com/21728.htm Dogs http://www.buffalosjokes.com/21729.htm Domino http://www.buffalosjokes.com/21730.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com =================================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: Unlovable In-Laws ______________________________ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ______ ______________ | | || | | | || | |______||______| | | || | / | || | / | |______||______| | /______________/ | __((())__ ______|_ ______|_))O O((_|__ //// | ((\O/)) | oo ) | /\~V~/\ | \-/ |//(_ _)\\| /\\ /// \ / \\\ |// /_\)_/ \_(/_\ //\\ | |_/_____\_| | \\ \\ | | \ \\ \ | | (_)(_) | | / // / | | |_|_/_//_/__|_|jro \_)\_) "Loving your in-laws is one of the dearest ways you can show love to your spouse." It's a love gift we pray you'll find it in your heart to give to your marital partner. For this marriage message we want to share with you a testimony on this very subject that comes from a book entitled, The Best Thing I Ever Did for My Marriage (which contains 50 inspirational real life stories compiled by Nancy Cobb & Connie Grigsby, published in 2003 by Multnomah Publishers ISBN 1-59052-199-4). As Connie says, "When two people marry, they bring with them their own traditions and patterns. This often creates conflict-to say the least! And when the 'conflict' is an opinionated mother-in-law who lives under your roof, things can become rather interesting, rather quickly!" We pray the following story told by Diane Reilly will minister to your heart on loving the unlovable. "Mom Reilly came to live with us at the age of 79 after living alone as a widow for 15 years. We'd been married for 9 years & had 4 small children. "Mom" was determined to get as much attention as possible from my busy doctor husband, who was rarely home. She'd rise early-4 or 5 in the morning-& start banging a spoon on the kitchen table, announcing it was time for her coffee. She insisted on never being alone, which meant I couldn't even go to the bathroom alone. "Diaaaane," followed by knocks on the door, could be heard throughout the house. Carpools weren't immune to her, either. She became a fixture in the front passenger seat-with her hand on the horn if I walked a child inside and took too long. She was also a joy to shop with. When buying school clothes, I would find a comfy chair for her in the shoe department before heading out. Ten minutes later, I'd inevitably hear my name paged over the loudspeaker system! A "quiet and gentle" spirit I did not have, but desperately wanted-and needed! I was in daily turmoil over the increasing demands I tried to place on myself in an effort to be the perfect wife and mother, with my "thorn," Mom Reilly, burrowing deeper and deeper into my side. Her tongue was so sharp: nothing I said or did pleased her. I became compliant on the outside, but seethed with resentment and anger on the inside. She was my "ball and chain." I took out my frustrations on my patient husband, sideswiping him time and again about being a workaholic. My tongue became as virulent as-if not worse than-Mom's. One night God met me in a powerful and unexpected way. I was reading the crucifixion story in John's Gospel. Jesus is on the cross looking down at His mother and His beloved disciples. With great tenderness and compassion, He says to John, "Here is your mother." He was giving me His mother-to love & care for-just as He had given His mother to John. Was I not also a disciple? Was I not also commanded to love others as He loved me? My heart changed that night. God gave me His heart for Mom Reilly. No longer was it an effort to love & care for her. She lived with us for 16 years, and we now see her time with us as a divine gift to bring supernatural love into our family. It was the Lord who asked for a gentle and quiet spirit from me-and it was this thorn of adversity that caused me to learn how to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. I fell more and more in love with Jesus-and my husband-as I practiced on "His mom." And as my heart changed toward Bob and he was no longer battling my angry and critical spirit, we began studying, applying, and then teaching God's blueprint for marriage. One of the best things we did was to begin praying together. Our times together with the Lord are our most intimate. It's hard to be angry, critical, or disinterested when you go into the throne room together. We pray together daily and communion is so sweet. We also honor Mom Reilly and thank God for her, His special gift. From the bottom of my heart I can say that she gave us far more than we gave her." In closing we'd like to give you a few additional insights on the same subject from the book "Toward a Growing Marriage" by Gary Chapman (Moody Press, ISBN 0-8024-8787-4). In it he wrote, "It's true that not all parents live respectable lives. Their actions may not be worthy of honor, but because they're made in the image of God, they're worthy of honor. You can respect them for their humanity and for their position as your parents, even when you cannot respect their actions. It's always right to honor your parents and those of your marriage partner. "Leaving" your parents (as the Bible in Genesis 2:24 commands us to do when we marry) doesn't erase the responsibility to honor them... To "honor" implies that we speak kindly with parents & in-laws. Paul admonishes: "Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father" (1Timothy 5:1). We're to be understanding and sympathetic. Certainly we're to speak the truth, but it must always be in love (Ephesians 4:15). ... When we were young, our parents met our physical needs. As they grow older, we may have to do the same for them. If the need arises, we must bear the responsibility of caring for the physical needs of our parents. To fail in this responsibility is to deny our faith in Christ (1Timothy 5:8). By our actions, we must show our faith in Christ and honor for our parents. If I could make some other practical suggestions, I'd advise you to accept your in-laws as they are. Don't feel that it's your task to change them. If they're not Christians, certainly you'll want to pray for them and look for opportunities to present Christ, but don't try to fit them into your mold. You're expecting them to give you independence to develop your own marriage. Give them the same. And don't criticize your in-laws to your mate. The responsibility of your mate is to honor his parents. When you criticize them, you make it more difficult for him to follow this pattern. When your mate criticizes the weaknesses of his parents, point out their strengths. Accentuate their positive qualities and encourage honor... Keep in mind that freedom and harmony are the biblical ideals for in-law relationships. The train of God's will for marriage must run on the parallel tracks of separation from parents and devotion to parents." We couldn't say it better ourselves! May God richly bless you as you work towards a growing marriage in Christ-loving even the unlovable with the strength and wisdom and grace of God! Steve & Cindy Wright (Tucson, Arizona) We'd love to hear from you. Please write us at: email@marriagemissions.com-that address is also where you'd write if you want to subscribe to our free weekly e-mail message ministry. Just let us know your name(s) & email address when you contact us. You can also visit our web site with all kinds of helpful pro-active (free) marriage information. It can be found at www.marriagemissions.com. Briant & Shanna Seeking His Presence Gift of God Ministries P.O. Box 103 Auburn NY 13021 USA http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SeekingHisPresence ================================================================= .-""-._,-"""-,_.-""-. / .- , (.)_(.) , -. \ | (_ / -\_/- \ _) | '._.\ '.___. /._.' `'-.....-'` jgs ((() ())) >-->To You, From Me Maybe you will never look me right in the eye Maybe you can't ever wipe my tears when I cry. Maybe we can't share some tea and honey so sweet, Or walk together down a path or up the street. But we can still be good friends because, you see, We met on the Internet, you and me. And when you have a Cyber friend, it matters not... How you look, what you wear, or what you've got. I don't care if your last name is Smith or Jones, Or if your size is perfect, plump, or skin and bones. You're there for me. You've been a pal through thick and thin You shared my glad times And in my sad times, you made me grin. So, I have sent this page to you, dear friend, so fine To tell you I'm SO GLAD you're a pal of mine. And here's a hug, though not with arms, For that can't be .-. _ _./.- ) ( `\ .--.' '. .' `'._ | C e_ / `\ '-. e/o \_a ,_/ | \_u/ o\a | \. \/_/.-.__/ .;."-...-' \ \'-. .' \ .' / '. / '--.--' / \ | \__..-'` |) (| | \ /-. \ __ / '.""-.__.' \ ;` `\--; | \'. /`| | | | | | \ \_; | \ ))) / | '._/ jgs \ )))""` ((( / `"""` `"""` But it's a hug straight from my heart To YOU, from me! ~ Unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales && Service You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair. We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with all your computer needs. Please phone us at 419-238-5806 ************************************************************************ -->This is for all you who love food andd 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 ************************************************************************