The Blood of Jesus... :) 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 . . . . ,-,--. __| //``-, \ \_`\ )\a-a-? \ \ \_`(_=_/_-`__ \__, , \| | _ _,' ___7 ) | (_)(_`__(_,---' | ( _( ) | / /_| |________| __/__/__|__|_________) _________(__,_|)/ (__)|/____\(_______________ mic 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 ~ *~* 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 Follow 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 red hot new page is from our friend LouiseAu. Unless you are a history buff, this one might sound a bit boring, but don't let it fool you. I was intrigued by it and the huge human effort that went into it. Besides it is among one of the wonders of the world so who wouldn't find it simply irresistible? It may just amaze you as it did me. Check it out here... .-""-.. __ .--. .-.`( > ""- ,)_ ( ( `_( > ~<| 0)-')')---') -."_( > ~<`-" " " vV -._( > -._ < .___.Y' `._( > `._( (( . '-._( > '-._( \\__^_^,'; .-( > ~< .-.-.-./ '--._( > { v V Y .-< > \ "-< > \ (PS) Great Wall Of China http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/greatwall.html --- ...Wow! Quite a tremendous work! Thanks LouiseAu! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: __ HH HH BBB HH ,z. === .___. HH %%%% .o. ,zZZZ> BBB | | HH 838 \\\\ EEE AAAAA ,0X0' ,zZZZ" BBB |<<<| HH 838 %%%% EEE ## DDDDD ,0X0' ,zZZZ" BBB | E | HH 838 %GR% +++ ## AAAAA ,0X0' ,zZZZ" BBB | M | HH 838 %%%% EEE ## <> ,0X0' ,zZZZ" BBB | C | HH 838 %%%% EEE ## AAAAA ,0X0',zZZZ"HH$HHHHHHHDDHH$HH === |<<<| HH 838 //// EEE ## AAAAA.0X0;zZZZ" EE$EEEEEEEDDEE$EE BBB |___| HH 838 %%%% EEE ## AAAAA'"0' "Z" HH$HHHHHHHDDHH$H Evan M Corcoran >THE PAGES LONG FORGOTTEN by Michael T. Smith John stepped into the used bookstore and smiled as he smelled the old pages. Here was a wealth of old stories, history waiting to be read, and a host of other joys. On a back shelf, he found what he was looking for... They'd served their use to those who once held them dear, but now gathered dust in the darkest corner of the store. They were Italian, American, French and Greek. They contained secrets from around the world. There were collections of chicken, beef, pastries, bread, and desserts. They waited, hidden in a little explored part of the store, and hoped someone discovered their treasures. John knew what to do. He picked one up, held the spine in his hand and let the book fall open. They always opened to the most used pages, the recipes loved by lost generations. The page in front of him was for a recipe called "Beef- filled cornbread." The picture showed a delicious layer of meat and cheese, layered with cornbread and covered with a hot sauce. The pages were stained with splatters of tomato sauce. It was obviously a favorite of the previous owners. He'd try this one. Those used the most are the best. He found several other books, each with its own marked pages, and carried them to the counter to make his purchase. "I hope you found something you like," the cashier said. "Oh yes. Very much! I'm sure these are exactly to my taste." He paid for his purchase, left the store and carried them in a bag on his way to work. In the locker room, he placed his books on the top shelf and changed into his scrubs. The recipes would wait. He had a duty. Freshly dressed, he walked his floor. "Hello, Mrs. Smith!" He smiled at the elderly lady sitting in the sun room reading a book. In her day, she must have been a beautiful woman. She still was, for a woman in her eighties. "How was your day?" "Horrible!" she growled. He sat beside her, held her hand and looked into her eyes. "My grandson didn't visit me," she continued. "He promised me he'd be here today." She adjusted her shawl and tried to hide the tears about to spill from her wizened eyes. "Maybe tomorrow," he replied. "You know how busy these young people are." He noted the tear in the corner of her eye and changed subject. "Mrs. Smith, didn't you tell me you lived during the great depression?" A smile came to her face. "Oh, yes. What a time that was. There was no work, ya know. But we survived." "How did you get by?" "Well, we all worked together. Everyone worked together. We helped each other." She frowned. "It's not like today, where people are too busy to worry about anyone but themselves. In those days, we worked together. If you didn't, you starved." "It must have been a hard time, Mrs. Smith. I don't know how you did it." "I didn't," she grinned. "We did. We did it together, the neighbors and my family." He left her smiling and hoped her grandson paid a visit the next day. He moved down the hall and stepped into Mr. Walker's room. "Hey, Walk! How's things?" He used the name Walk, as all the others in the center called him. It made Walk feel comfortable. Mr. Walker looked up from a puzzle he leaned over. "Could be better, John. This damn puzzle has me stumped. These eyes aren't what they used to be." "I know, Walk. Just take your time. There's no rush." "There is too," Walk chuckled. "I need to finish it before I die." "Not too soon I hope," John said. "Say! Have I told you about the guy who walks into a bar with a giraffe under his arm?" John chuckled. Walk loved a good joke. "I don't believe you have." Walk's face broke out in a smile. "You see, this guy walks into a bar with a giraffe under his arm. He has a few beers. The giraffe falls asleep on the floor. The bartender looks down, sees the giraffe and asks, 'What's that lying on the floor?' The guy says, 'That's not a lion! That's a giraffe.'" Walk broke into a laugh that turned into a coughing spell. John slapped him on the back. "Come on, Walk. Cough it up." Walk got himself under control. "You're OK now. I got your back." "I know about covering someone's back." Walk sat straight in his seat. "I was in WWII ya know." "I heard that. Did you have a hard time?" John asked. "John, you have no idea. It was the winter of '41, or was it '42. I can't remember now. Snow was up to here." Walk pointed to his thigh. "We were on the front. The enemy was close." Thirty minutes later, John said, "WOW! That's a story, Walk. I knew you were in the war, but I don't think I ever thanked you. I want to say, Thank you. You made us safe." "Ah, stop it. It was nothing," Walk turned to his puzzle, too embarrassed to continue their talk. He and others knew what they did, but don't want to take credit. It's an unspoken rule between the veterans. They did what they had to. John continued on his rounds, held hands, shared hugs and listened. Here they were, like the cookbooks, sitting in dark corners, ignored. John knew what to do. He held them, let their hearts fall open, and found the pages stained with use. They are the most valued. They are the pages long forgotten. -- Michael T. Smith __________________________________________________ You can read more of Michael's stories here: =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _|_ | _|_ //_/\ __| ||____ ////////////\ /////////////\\ |^^^^^^^^^^||+| | # # # |||| .... ....". ||||||||||||||||| unknown >New Pastor In Town A new pastor moved into town and went out one Saturday to visit his parishioners. All went well until he came to one house. It was obvious that someone was home, but no one came to the door even after he had knocked several times. Finally, he took out his card, wrote on the back "Revelation 3:20" and stuck it in the door. The next day, as he was counting the offering he found his card in the collection plate. Below his message was a notation "Genesis 3:10." Upon opening his Bible to the passage, his face turned red, and he let out a roar of laughter. Revelation 3:20 reads: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me." Genesis 3:10 reads: "And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked." -<>- >Remembering a Child's Love The story goes that some time ago a man punished his 5-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became even more upset when the child pasted the gold paper so as to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy." The father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found the box was empty. He spoke to her in a harsh manner, "Don't you know, young lady, when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside the package?" The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was full." The father was crushed. He fell on his knees and put his arms around his little girl, and he begged her to forgive him for his unnecessary anger. An accident took the life of the child only a short time later and it is told that the father kept that gold box by his bed for all the years of his life. And whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems he would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there. In a very real sense, each of us as human beings have been given a golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends and God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold. -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >'The Blood of Jesus" One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs and prostitution But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife-to-be. He began to speak and his statement was this: "My fiancé's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. Does it wash away sin or not?" The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!! Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:23 -<>- _ _V.-o / |`-' (7_\\ jg >AN OLD FRIEND By: Joseph J. Mazzella I am looking at an old friend of mine as I write this. He has been one of my best friends for almost twelve years now. He has blessed my life with his loyalty, kindness, wisdom, and love since the day that I first met him. It doesn't matter to me then that he has four legs instead of two, fur instead of clothes, and barks at me instead of talking to me. As I watch my friend sleeping in the sun, I can't help but think of all the goodness he has brought into my life. He has been a protector of my children, a companion to all of my family and a fountain of love and affection to everyone he meets. He has been with me everyday through good times and bad. He has always reminded me that I am loved and showed me how to love at the same time. He has been more than just a little, 20 pound mutt that my father-in- law gave me. He has been rather a teacher, a friend, an angel in disguise, and a gift from God in my life and in my family's lives. My friend has aged far quicker than me and has had more and more health problems over the years. I can see now the end approaching of his time with me. I am not sure how much longer we will have together before he passes from this world to await me in the next. One thing I do know, however, is that I will always thank God for bringing a tiny, mixed breed puppy into my life. This wonderful dog has showed me that it is natural to be joyous, that it is so easy to be loving, and that life is always wonderful when you choose to do both every single day. He has showed me again and again that you don't have to be perfect to be loved and that you can be happy in spite of all the difficulties life throws at you. He has showed me that poor health and old age might affect the body, but they don't have to diminish the spirit. He has shown me what it means to be a good friend and I will always cherish every single day we will have together. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Direction Home http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/home.html Love Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html Dreamy Ladies!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dreamy.html Driftwood Horses!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/horses.html Girl Gets New Ear!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/girlgetsear.html When God Paints!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Nap Time!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/naptime.html Kid Lessons!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidlessons.html Kids On God!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidsonGod.html Kids With Dad!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidswithdads.html Why God Gave Us Pets!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpets.html You Have Six Minutes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lovetest.html Awww Animals!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals.html Kids With Animals 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidswithanimals2.html Amazing Blind Artist!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blindartist.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Attitude Is Everything!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Church Mouse Wisdom!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churchmouse.html -<>- >Please Visit This Link to Get New Traffic For Shangrala :) Fun Pages http://www.funpageexchange.com/go.php?uid=3559 -<>- >Please Follow Me On StumbleUpon: http://tinyurl.com/ztomwpy -<>- >From TruthOrTradition: Our Newest Free Resources! Wondering what resources you may have missed from STF recently? New to the REV Commentary: Commentary for 1 Kings 10:14 http://tinyurl.com/zc8tq6k Commentary for Jeremiah 12:1 http://www.revisedenglishversion.com/Jeremiah/12/1/1 Commentary for Proverbs 12:18 http://www.revisedenglishversion.com/Proverbs/12/18/1 Commentary for Proverbs 13:13 http://www.revisedenglishversion.com/Proverbs/13/13/1 Commentary for Proverbs 14:1 http://www.revisedenglishversion.com/Proverbs/14/1/1 Latest Sower Magazine article: Presenting Jesus – Rightly by John Schoenheit http://thesowermagazine.com/presenting-jesus-rightly/ -<>- >In The News: Remember in 2009 when they did the Gigapixel of the crowd at Obama's Inauguration? Well, they did it for Trump! Pretty cool! You can zoom in on anyone there and span the entire crowd - a mile or so of bodies or as others put it, a sea of bodies! http://tinyurl.com/zuhfxep Here's an editorial on it too from a man who was there filming it... Some Still images of the famous ones there. http://tinyurl.com/goyy6v8 It is refreshing to see a nice positive report on the news: http://tinyurl.com/hek7chx >From Our Friend Deci :) President Donald Trump is blessed by Christian leaders: No human can change America, 'but we know God can and will do it,' said Dr.Alveda King. https://stream.org/group-called-potus-shield-descends-washington-pray-trump/ --- ...So true And Oh So Lovely! Thank you Deci! >From TheTeaPartyExpress: Inauguration Photos (personal) http://archive.mailsquadron.com/csb/Public/show/efuht--bjwhb-4ikbv795 -<>- >From AFA: Good News on the Pro-Life Front! The pro-life movement has reason to celebrate and thank God for several things in the recent past and near future. http://tinyurl.com/h3qjlp8 AFA Latest: http://www.afa.net/ -<>- >From Students For Life: Man ripping up one of our signs: https://www.facebook.com/100009591803490/videos/1731630733833303/ Our pro-life banners at the front of the March: https://www.facebook.com/studentsforlife/videos/10154179540272927/ -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Beauty and the Beast - Beauty and the Beast (1991) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YSKhahIdCA Take My Breath Away - Top Gun (1986) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx51eegLTY8 I Just Called to Say I Love You - The Woman in Red (1984) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwOU3bnuU0k Theme from Shaft - Shaft (1971) https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFvRvSxsW-I?autoplay=1 Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) - The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZbKHDPPrrc --- ...All time greats! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: _|_ | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ,%%%% // \\ ,@@@@@@@, ,%%%%/%%% // \\ ,@@@\@@@@/@@, @@@%%%\%%//%%%// === \\ @@\@@@/@@@@@ @@@@%%%%\%%%%%// =-=-= \\@@@@\@@@@@@;%#####, @@@@%%%\%%/%%// === \\@@@@@@/@@@%%%######, @@@@@%%%%/%%//| |\\@\\//@@%%%%%%#/#### '@@@@@%%\\/%~ | | ~ @|| %\\//%%%#####; @@\\//@|| | __ __ | || %%||%%'###### '@|| || | | | | | || ||##\//#### || || | | -|- | | || ||'#||###' || || |_|__|__|_| || || || || ||_/` ======= `\__||_._|| || jgs__||_/` ======= `\_||___ >THE CHURCH Read | Ephesians 1:18-23 The church is that group of people called to stand apart from the world because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. All believers in heaven and on earth make up one body — the universal church. There are many denominations and approaches to theology, but the local fellowships that comprise the body of Christ are united by a common message, mission, and motive. Message. The three-part message of the church is simple. 1) Man is sinful and can alleviate neither the guilt nor the penalty of sin. 2) Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay our debt, was buried, rose again, and ascended to heaven to sit at the Father’s right hand. 3) One day everyone will stand before God and give account for his life. Believers will take responsibility for what they did with the truth they knew, but unbelievers will answer for every day they lived in rejection of Jesus Christ. Mission. Matthew 28:19 sums up what should be the personal quest of every member of the living church: to spread the gospel to the whole world and teach new believers how to grow in faith. We witness and make disciples by sharing the experiences we’ve had with God and His Word. Motive. The church’s motive is to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and to glorify God The Father. Church is not a place to hide from the world. Our mission is to spread the gospel message all over creation in order to glorify God. There will be opposition and persecution that is worse for some than for others. But we stand together as one body and persevere. Charles Stanley as seen at Linda's Place in Cyberspace -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >ENCOURAGE -Mike Benson I READ OF a TV program aired on PBS on the most staid of subjects—a library... This, however, was the Library of Congress, and the PBS’s former chairman, Sir Hue Weldon, was standing in a forest of card index files. The program had all of makings of a slow-moving, dull documentary until…about halfway through, Dr. Daniel Boorstin, the Librarian of Congress, bought out a little blue box from a small closet that once held the library’s rarities. The label on the box read, “Contents of the President’s Pockets on the Night of April 14, 1865.” Since that was the fateful night Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, every viewer’s attention was seized. Boorstin then proceeded to remove the items in the small container and display them on camera. There were five things in the box: a handkerchief, embroidered “A. Lincoln”, a country boy’s pen knife, a spectacles case repaired with string, a purse containing a $5 Confederate bill, and some old worn newspaper clippings. “The clippings,” said Boorstin, “were concerned with the great deeds of Abraham Lincoln. And one of them actually reports a speech by John Bright which says that Abraham Lincoln is “one of the greatest men of all times.” Today, that’s common knowledge. The world now knows that British statesman John Bright was right in his assessment of Lincoln, but in 1865 millions shared quite a contrary opinion. The President’s critics were fierce and many. His was a lonely agony that reflected the suffering and turmoil ripped to shreds by hatred and a cruel, costly war. THOUGHT: Everybody needs encouragement; especially those in positions of leadership. How do you support and uplift the leaders in your congregation? KneEmail: "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all." 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Bible reading for 12.30.10: Revelation 21; Zechariah 13, 14 Be a missionary. Forward KneEmail to a friend, loved one, or co-worker today. as seen in KneEmail -<>- /'\ / / , c-' / /'-._ ,____,' .-'''-. .-'.// \ '-;-========,"-,' ' ,` /, \_//\ ,/ ( '- *) ) ( ./ ) {,}========'===='- ' , , , \/ ', -muse. _____'-.-`_______________________'-..-'____ s i t b a c k r i d e 'n' r e l a x r e c u m b e n t b i c y c l e s ____________________________________________ >LIFE IS LIKE RIDING A BICYCLE READ: Hebrews 11:32-40 All these...obtained a good testimony through faith. - Hebrews 11:39 In a letter to his son Eduard, Albert Einstein gave this advice: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” The great physicist’s advice is wise and practical. This wise counsel can apply to the Christian life. Many believers by faith keep moving ahead through painful and trying circum- stances. But when they experience a personal moral failure, they lose their balance and fall. Their regret and feeling of unworthiness of God’s forgiveness may then keep them down and they no longer move ahead in their spiritual life. The Bible gives us many examples of those who have experienced serious personal failure. Abraham lied to Pharaoh about his wife, Sarah (Gen. 12:11-17). Jacob deceived his father to acquire Esau’s blessing (Gen. 27:18-29). Moses disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it (Num. 20:7-12). Despite their failures, we are told: “all these . . . obtained a good testimony through faith” (Heb. 11:39). These biblical characters are lifted up as examples because after they fell, they turned back to God and began to follow Him again. Have you lost your spiritual balance through a sinful choice, which is keeping you down? Repent and follow the God of second chances once again. —Dennis Fisher I’ve strayed, O Lord, and turned aside, I’ve disobeyed Your voice; But now contrite of heart I turn And make Your will my choice. —D. De Haan Our God is a God of second chances. as seen in Our Daily Bread -<>- >AN HOUR WITH THEE My heart is tired, so tired tonight; How endless seems the strife— Day after day the restlessness Of all this weary life! I come to lay the burden down That so oppresseth me, And shutting all the world without To spend an hour with Thee, Dear Lord, To spend an hour with Thee. I would forget a little while The bitterness of tears, The anxious thought that crowds my life That buried hopes in years; Fraught with woman’s weary toil My patient care must be. A tired child I come tonight To spend an hour with Thee, Dear Lord, One little hour with Thee. A foolish, wayward child, I know, So often wandering; A weak complaining child—but, O! Forgive my murmuring, And fold me to thy loving breast— Thou who hast died for me, And let me feel ‘tis peace to rest A little hour with Thee, Dear Lord, One little hour with Thee. The busy world goes on and one, I cannot heed it now, Thy sacred hand is laid upon My aching, throbbing brow. Life’s toil will soon be past, and then, From all its sorrow free, How sweet to think that I shall spend Eternity with Thee, Dear Lord, Eternity with Thee! --Mary Wheaton Lyon (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. =============================================================== __..,,... .,,,,,. '''' ,' ` . ,' ,. .. ` . `.,' .. ` __..,. . .. . ` . . `. .` ` , `. `. `._|,.. . `. `..' ` -'`'' >A "Hands-On" Landlady Story Editor: by Jan Gerston Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA Elaine was a successful real estate broker and land developer. In addition to running a busy office of real estate agents and property managers, she had been recently widowed with the challenge of raising two teenaged children on her own. She was also my landlady for seven years. Elaine was a "hands-on" landlady: despite her manicured nails and elegant coiffure, she would spend a hard day cleaning the duplex next to mine each time a tenant moved out. Several times I found her outside doing yard work at the duplex adjoining mine. Then it was my turn to move. Returning to clean an empty rental property after your furniture has been moved out is one of the more unpleasant moving tasks. One is in transition between the former and the future parts of one's life. It was a few weeks before Christmas, all my worldly goods were in storage, and my life was in upheaval. I had lost my job and was about to embark upon a somewhat risky adventure -- a long-held dream. After cleaning, I dreaded the inevitable long wait at the post office to mail out my Christmas gifts. When I arrived back at the duplex with cleaning supplies, the technicians working to rehabilitate the kitchen cabinets were rude and unpleasant, adding to the chore. I was exhausted from packing and moving, uncertain about my future, and already missing my friends and all that was familiar. Elaine came to check on the place and found me scrubbing a stained floor without effect. Because of some water damage and the usual wear and tear, I did not expect my cleaning deposit to be returned. Plus, when signing my lease I had agreed to have the carpets professionally cleaned after I moved out. I was embarrassed at the condition of my place, but instead of showing the disappointment she must have felt, Elaine just took charge. She offered to ship my packages, saying that if I got in line at the post office, I'd be stuck there all day, delaying my departure. She said she would arrange to have the carpets cleaned after I left. She seemed to forgive me for the water damage. She returned my entire cleaning deposit. I was overcome with emotion and could not speak for several minutes. Sometimes all it takes to release a big burden of pent-up emotion is the kindness of one stranger. In a situation in which she could have been brusque, this hard-working businesswoman showed compassion for one of her many tenants. She assessed my situation and set about immediately trying to make it better, despite the additional load it placed on her. She lightened the daunting workload I faced in moving. I was able to leave town with a light heart and a positive attitude -- due to the kindness of my landlady. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: Jesus declared the truth - He never gave opinions! \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp "No one denies that people can do incredible emotional and physical harm to each other. But we should not give another human being the right to determine who we are. We are children of God, and only He has the right to decide who we are - and who we are meant to become. The fear of man will compromise our witness, and we will end up trying to please others and fail to please God. Paul said, 'If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ' (Gal. 1:10)." - Neil T. Anderson >Shaking Kingdoms (By Dr. Walter Martin) "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters." {Matthew 12:30} Some time ago, I was invited to appear on a national Christian television program. I go on this program about twice a year, because it takes six months for them to recover from my previous appearance. I arrived in the studio and they put out the red carpet, shook hands with me, and sent me to makeup. As I was sitting there enjoying my coffee and doughnuts, a smiling assistant producer showed up and chirped, "Now, we want you to feel perfectly free and at liberty, you know. Just get out there and do your thing." "Thank you!" I said. "I'm planning on doing that." Then they handed me a sheet of paper that read, "Try to be positive in everything you say." Saint Norman was there also -- Vincent Peale. The obvious attitude was: whatever you do, don't get anybody upset! I continued reading and it said, "Do not make any remarks about Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, or Christian Scientists." Well, that was it. I wanted to leave because I was insulted. Can you imagine inviting a world authority on a subject -- one who's spent thirty-four years getting a reputation in the field -- to come there and talk about "Mary Had a Little Lamb"? The only reason they invited me to the program was because of who I was. That's it. And when I got there, they wouldn't let me talk! So I prayed, "Lord, give me some tact -- that's not my long suit -- so I can get this message across," and I walked down onto the set. We sat down, and the moderator smiled at me, "How are you, Dr. Martin? So good to see you." (He was a show -business type, you know.) He shook my hand and asked, "What's going on in the kingdom of the cults?" I stared at him for a split second before I let him have it! "I'm not so much interested in what's going on in the kingdom of the cults as I am in what's going on in the church of Jesus Christ. There's evil right at the alter of God, and we're not doing anything about it!" "There is?" "Yes! If I had a few minutes, I'd tell you." "Go right ahead," he said. And that was his first mistake. I began, "Well, I'll tell you what it is. Do you know there are people today on Christian television and radio programs screeching for freedom of religion on our airways in the United States? They want freedom. They're out there with petitions against Madalyn Murray O'Hair. They want to stop all these things from encroaching upon our religious freedom, but they will deny you your rights under the Constitution of the United States to speak on the airways owned by the American people. Do you know that?" "No!" he gasped. "Yes! They hand you pieces of paper that say, 'Don't mention Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Christian Scientists!'" I thought I was very tactful. He almost died. He nearly had a coronary right on the middle of the set. "That's awful," he finally managed. "Yes," I said. "Give me thirty seconds and I'll tell you why." "Go right ahead." "It's the day of Pentecost and the disciples were in the upper room. The Holy Spirit came upon the Church. Power such as the world has never seen flowed to fisherman, tax collectors -- and from there, to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth -- shaking kingdoms, creating civilizations. God honored his promise to Abraham 'in thee will I bless all the kingdoms of the earth' (Gen. 12:3). Power! Peter stood up and preached a sermon, and three thousand people got saved. One fisherman, filled with the Holy Spirit, stepped out on the street without even a megaphone, and three thousand people trampled each other to get to Calvary. That's power such as the world has never seen before. "And then Peter gathered them all into the upper room, and he proclaimed, 'Now, we're going to carry this message to the ends of the earth: Jerusalem! Judea! Samaria! The world is going to know about Jesus Christ! However, when you run into the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the scribes, and the Herodeans, don't say anything negative!'" The audience roared, and the moderator laughed, "I think you made your point." SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com =========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: It can't be me after all, ;%%%; I am only a %o.o% Hand Doll `=´ \/ _ _(\@/)_ _ / (_}_Y Y_{_) / \ /_____\ /___/ ___ /___o| \ / / \ / / \ / / \ / / \_ \/ / |\_ / / | \_ / | \___/ MJP >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY Sharon was talking with her niece Ivana, 4, about preschool, because Ivana had just started. Ivana started telling about her trip to the library and the books she borrowed. Sharon asked, "Are they good?" Ivana said, "I don't know. We didn't eat them." -- Sharon Courchesne of Canada Dylan was having a particularly difficult day in kindergarten. Every time he turned around, it seemed as though he was in trouble for talking, getting out of his seat or bothering other students. When class ended, his teacher took him aside to talk to him about his behavior. Dylan listened politely, then warned the teacher, "If you think I'm a problem, just wait till my little brother gets here!" -- Dennis Smith (Dylan and Dalton's PawPaw) of Oak Ridge, North Carolina Dalton, Dylan's little brother, now 4, was visiting Nanna and PawPaw last summer. He asked for something to drink. PawPaw reached into the cupboard and took down a Barbie glass. As soon as Dalton saw the glass, he flatly refused to drink from it, saying, "That's a girl glass." Now when he visits and asks for something to drink, he insists on "a boy" glass. Dalton considers Nemo and Sponge Bob to be acceptable. __, .-"`{*} ." ::{*} / .:. {*} |:: ' ::{*} {^"*"^"*"^"*"^"*"^"*"^"*"^} |^=.=^=.=^=.=^=.=^=.=^=.=^| ()-():. .:. .:. .:. .:. | /o o\' :: ' :: ' :: ' :: ' | _\ Y /_. .:. .:. .:. .:. | O__`&`__O : ' :: ' .--. ' |_ / \^"*"^[A]^"*"^/____\"^,_(')< jgs ()/^\()=^=[B][C].=^\~~~~/.=\___) '--' Lynne remembers that they called ointment/diaper rash medication "ouch-y" juice. It came in tubes. When her son was 2 Lynne injured her knee and had it wrapped in a bandage. Mitch asked why it was wrapped and Lynne explained to him that she had hurt her knee. He immediately ran into the bathroom and returned with the toothpaste, crying, "Ouch-y juice, ouch-y juice!!" to help Mom feel better. -- Lynne Harkness of Longmont, Colorado Natalie was in the car with her daughter Brooke, 4, and her grandmother. Natalie's grandmother said, "Let's go get something to eat." Natalie replied, "I'm tired of eating fast food." Brook, who was in the back seat, piped up, "Well, let's get slow food!" -- Natalie Janas of Medina, Ohio Here is another one from Natalie. She was watching cartoons with Brooke. Woody Woodpecker came on and Brooke asked who it was and Natalie told her. A few days later Woody Woodpecker was on TV again and Brooke asked, "Mommy, is that Woody Wood Pickle? twoep mkkkkkkk z1 ldk Vtmn i Cm k k Tkm k xk D k V m yl m m m h l l k Y k p yk l l k V y k l k r 7h z l k l l o `' l 7 l k k r ' p m k lmmmt k l .l m k l km l r k Yh y k 2oP k t tyyy k ' y k Dk D m mm m V mmmmyt mn Tyl t m Ymmm (---. ' __ r mt Yz (`-- `-' ) mmm mmlt YMmmmmnnc -_ = -- wwwwt D > = (BP mkT Y ---______) K m mkT Ym y Y ym m Ymm - Justice, 2, was visiting his grandmother. He got into the refrigerator and burned his finger on the light. It wasn't bad, but he kept crying and crying. Finally his mom said, "Justice, that's getting old." A little while later his grandmother asked him if it felt any better. He said, "No, Ma-maw, it's getting old". -- Patricia Stover (grandmother of Justice) of Red House, West Virginia Blake, 7, was helping his grandmother Michele clean out family mementos, papers, etc. from her hutch. As he handed her each item, he asked Michele what it was, who it belonged to, where it came from and how old it was. Michele was pleased that he was so interested in family history, thinking he might begin to appreciate the value of keeping things over time for the next generation. One batch of papers was yellowed and crackling with age. Blake handed them very carefully to Michele and said, "Gee, Grandma, these must be REALLY old. They must be from... um ...1999!" -- Michele Rathke of Albion, Indiana Eva, almost 2, was eating lunch at the table and looking out the window. She said with excitement to her mother, "Look! It's mashed potatoes! In the sky!" (She was pointing out some very plump, fluffy white clouds.) -- Krista Bayer (mother of Eva) of Sandstone, Virginia Emilee is 2. The other evening her mother was getting her ready for bed and Daddy came in the room. Emilee was studying his face and asked what was on it. He had not shaved so his face was covered in stubble. Her mother told her they were whiskers because he had not shaved. Emilee looked at him very seriously and with his face in her hands she said, "Daddy, I love your wickers." -- Miranda (mother of Emilee) of West Virginia : : : : : : : : : : .' : _.-" : _.-" '. ..__...____...-" : : \_\ : : .--" : `.__/ .-" _ : / / ," ,- .' (_)(`,(_,'L_,_____ ____....__ _.' "' " """"""" """ cgmm Cali, 3, had a friend who had a hurt foot. She came to her mother, Cathy, and told her that Anna had a hurt foot and then she said, "I reckon it has a bone in it." -- Cathy of Dillard, Georgia After being sent to her room for washing the entire bathroom with toilet paper, Mya, 5, was asked repeatedly why she did it. She finally replied, "My mind told my hands not to do it, but my hands did it anyway." -- Connie Miles of Purdy, Missouri .::\)`:`, .:;\/~`\``;) ,.~-----, ;;==`_ ~:;( ,,~{*}\~~--,.`. ;:== 6 6;;) ,(((((({*});~~. .\ ;;C } )' (('`)))~({*}) . \ .\ :;` `--'; >6 6`({*}))) . \~~ | `____/ ( { ))())) . .`, ____._| |_____. `--' (((())) . | / \ \__ _| | \ `-- )))))) . .| | ) \/\/\_{@} | ,-| ((((((( . | | \_ \ \ | / | / | / ))))))) .| | |\ : \ |/ | Y | (/*@@*( ' ` ) . | \ \ \_\/_/ | | / */ \ \'/ /. | \ \ |o | | \. \ |'@'| .| \ \ | ; ,'--,.,.,., \ ~*@*~. . | \ \_________._--`((,:{@}.:))_\ |~@~| . | \ ' | ((,{@}:{@}.))-----' ;/\ (, \._____________`-__((;,{@},:))_________/|{ | . ; | | | `';{@},) /`-----'\ |. | | .__/\__ | `{@};,; / / | \ \ \/ .| | / :; \ | `(@))\ / \. . | | /! | \| ';; ))_/`-'/`_`., \. | | | ! | | ';(( | | ! `_ \ .| | | ! | | )) | | ! |.\_| | |/ ! | | (/ | | ! | . | | ! | | | | ! |~~~~' | ! | | | | ! | Maureen and her 4-year-old daughter Stephanie went to visit a great aunt of Maureen's. Stephanie had never met Aunt Marion before and kept asking for her name and that of her husband. "Why don't we call him married?" Stephanie asked. Maureen didn't understand the question. "Well," Stephanie said, "you keep calling the lady Aunt Married Onion but you only call the man Uncle Joe. Why don't you call him Uncle Married Joe?" (Stephanie thought Marion sounded like "Married Onion!") -- Maureen of Stillwater, New Jersey Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== 8a . `. _ ___________ s, _____ /_/ ____________________a:f____ .Jktbc._ _ ./ xft#kTJ: _. (_)/) -._ cf8#6C. , ( ( ,-' ) ` `"P:'. '-._\_\___.---' >-->HEALED AND WHOLE (By Carol Parrott) One day I dug a little hole And put my hurt inside I thought that I could just forget I'd put it there to hide. But that little hurt began to grow I covered it every day I couldn't leave it and go on It seemed the price I had to pay. My joy was gone, my heart was sad Pain was all I knew. My wounded soul enveloped me Loving seemed too hard to do. One day, while standing by my hole I cried to God above And said, "If You are really there -- They say, You're a God of Love!" And just like that -- He was right there And just put His arms around me He wiped my tears, His hurting child There was no safer place to be. I told Him all about my hurt I opened up my heart He listened to each and every word To every sordid part. I dug down deep and got my hurt I brushed the dirt away And placed it in the Master's hand And healing came that day. He took the blackness of my soul And set my spirit FREE! Something beautiful began to grow Where the hurt used to be. And when I look at what has grown Out of my tears and pain I remember every day to give my hurts to Him And never bury them again. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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