The Cross Isn't For Sale And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * 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! ================ .0. / \ ; \_/ ; | | | | | | _______; ;_______ `======='\ /`=======` \ / _ | | _ _( \____|=|____/ )_ ( .---. .---. ) `-' / \ '-' / HUG \ ; ; | .---.|__, jgs : / :--' .--\ \ | `" `"".-' < =""` `"== `""""""` =""` `"""===="""` =""` `""==="""` *~* We Had A FANTASTIC Month Of Caring And Sharing Last Month *~* Be sure to check these out and share them with all your loved ones! Snow Fun 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/snowfun2.html Spectacular Places 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/spectacularplaces2.html Spectacular Places 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/spectacularplaces3.html Bible Teaching: Return To Me http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/return.html Final Toast http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/finaltoast.html WWII P-51 Pilot http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wwiipilot.html Maxine On Christmas 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxinechristmas2.html Maxine On Christmas 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxinechristmas3.html Maxine On Christmas 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxinechristmas4.html Christmas Cats http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmascats.html Record Christmas Lights http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/recordlights.html Disney Christmas 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/disneychristmas2.html Kids On Angels http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cangels.html New Year's Advice http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/newyearadvice.html _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.' *~* Big THANK YOU And Huggums In Christ To All Our Super Contributors! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: __,=,__ .~`` .` `.``~. | . . |____ `-;=============;""""` ( (. _).) \ | | \ `-.___.' / '._ _.' /`''''\ / \ | |/\/\/\/|.-. |-|/\/\/\/|;' ) (__/_______| _) #########'._) jgs |==|=|__ ,,,(______)_),,,, ,,,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;,,,, ,,,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;,,, ,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;, >HOW DID WE SURVIVE THE 50s? First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because, WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING! We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the street lights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were OK. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or chat rooms. WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them! Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! We had the good fortune to grow up as kids in America, before the government regulated so much of our lives "for our own good." Give thanks, for such an age will never occur again. -- author unknown -<>- .=~~~~~~~=. {:.. } \::._:._.:. / `~| O |~` .'`~~~~~~~`'. / o o \ : )(_)( ; \ '.___.' / `.,__`=' _,.' jgs /__\V/__\ /\\ / / \ \/`\/ >BETTER THAN MONEY OR FAME by Jaye Lewis What in the world was I doing in Miami Florida, poor and alone in a rich and sophisticated place? It was thirty years ago, and I was a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off. I had entered three recipes, and remarkably, I was chosen as a finalist, out of thousands of entries. I remember clearly the voice of the woman on the other end of the phone. "Congratulations! You are a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off." "No. Who is this, really?" I asked, totally dumb-founded. She laughed as I insisted on calling back and verifying. Wow! It was true! I really was a finalist. I was ecstatic. How could this be happening? Pillsbury flew everyone to Miami. Then they whisked us away to the famous Fontainebleau Hilton in Miami Beach. I was stunned just to be there in the fabulous surroundings. The food was incredible, and the settings like nothing I had ever seen. Nothing could top this, I thought, but I was about to learn one of the greatest lessons of my life. The waiters and waitresses were all Cuban, and they spoke not a word of English. I couldn't help but notice anger in their expressions. It was not long before I understood why. They were ignored as though they didn't exist. No one even gave them a smile. I quickly lost my appetite and barely touched my food. I tried, with difficulty, to keep up with the questions of a very nice Vice President of a Pillsbury subsidiary. I was unsuccessful, but it didn't matter, because I was now a witness to the painful struggle of refugees from another land. Were the refugees as overwhelmed as I? Did they feel as out of place, surrounded by wealthy people, who had no idea of what it was like to have nothing? Our situations were different, yet I felt that we were very much alike. I didn't know what to say to the people around me, and neither did they. I didn't understand the chatter, almost as much as they. All of a sudden, I decided to do something about their situation. I wanted desperately to make them feel visible, important, and welcome in their new country. From somewhere deep inside of me, I began pulling out rusty expressions from my four years of high school Spanish. I could only remember a few phrases in their language, yet with that first phrase, "Gracias," I beheld a remarkable transformation. Warm, brown faces took on a shocked and delighted glow. "De nada!" my delighted waiter replied. "It was nothing," he said, in halting English. So it began, my bad Spanish communicating with another's bad English. I was enchanted by the happiness I saw in their faces. Did they feel more welcome in their new home? I hoped so. After breakfast we were led into a converted ballroom. A hundred stoves and refrigerators were packed inside. We had just a few hours to complete our recipes, twice. One entry for pictures and one for the judges, who were kept in seclusion. I was one of the first contestants finished. Exhausted, I went up to my room to rest, greeting many smiling Cubans along the way. That evening we were treated to a huge award ceremony dinner. No one ate much, and as they began to name the winners, there was sporadic applause from their family and friends. If I were a winner, I thought sadly, there would be no one to applaud for me. I was amazed when I heard my name called out. As I stood, the room erupted in thunderous applause. What in the world?! I turned to look, and I saw dozens of smiling Cubans, waving and cheering for me. Stunned, and blind with tears, I reached out for my prize. Bob Barker handed me my check and said, "You must have a lot of friends." "I do now," I smiled, choking back tears. In that brief moment, I understood that my "prize" was neither money nor my fifteen minutes of fame. My true reward, I told my children later, was in learning that one small kindness can bring unexpected return. -- Jaye Lewis __________________________________________________ Jaye is a Heartwarmer Gem and contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has also contributed to Guide Posts books, God Allows U-Turns, and many other anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. To read more about Jaye, visit her website at http://www.entertainingangels.org or visit her blogs which can be accessed through her website. Jaye is happily married and has two wonderful daughters, along with a menagerie of pets which includes her little Dachshund, HappyDog, the dog of her life. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) _____ _.-'" "'-._ ,-".-. .-."-. ,' .-. .-. `, / / _\ / _\ \ .-. | | ( | | ( | | .-. .-----\ \ | '---' '---' | / /-----. :---- |--| ', ,' |--| ----: :---- '-`|--| ^"-.,_______,.-;^ |--|`-' ----: '---....' | _ `-' | '....---' | [ '-"-.-"-. | \ | .-. .-. | / `. | | | | | | ,' `._ [___]|__]|__] _,' `--.._____..--' / / \ \ jgs / / \ \ .---'"=="\ /"=="'---. ( | | ) '--------' '--------' >Thought for Today: "As we grow older in life, years somehow seem to shorten and New Year's Day approaches with an ever increasing tempo. The more mature we get, the more we realize that time is only relative; how we live means more than how long we live. Haply also we do not live by years, but by days. In His wisdom God does not show us all that lies ahead. So we enter a new year to live it day by day. What is past is past. Today we start anew, and what we do today will make our life for tomorrow. Chin up, shoulders straight, eyes agleam, let us salute the New Year, and each day let us follow more faithfully, more courageously, more daringly the lead of our great Captain who bids us follow Him." - William Thomson Hanzsche --- ...Amen! A Good one! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- .-"""-. / _ _ \ _..._ | (') (') | .'_ _'. _.-._| ._____, |_.-._ / (.) (.) \ (== |-| `-` |-| ==) _.-._| ,_____. |_.-._ `"` \ M / `"` (== |-\ '-' /-| ==) '._____.' `"` '.__M__.' `"` // \\ __// \\__ _\\ //_ jgs (___) (___) (___) (___) >Beginning Again The close of a year is a milestone. We find it both painful and sweet. A dawn has evolved into sunset, A chapter of life is complete. Its wonders are now only memories, And all of the stories are told. Tomorrow's adventures lie waiting with new sagas yet to unfold. Although we are glad to move onward, the past is an intricate part. Its memories, like beautiful music, Were strummed on the strings of the heart. So cherish those wonderful memories. Hold them and cuddle them tight, Then tuck them away in a scrapbook and bid them a tender goodnight. ~ Lois Duncan ~ -<>- , _..._ _.../|__ .' `. .' `~\/ : o _.-' '-._ o= : : `-._ _.-' : `. .' `. .' jgs `-...-' `-...-' >Old Year Out Before you flip your calendar To start a New Year bright, Reflect for just a moment on The year that ends tonight. Each joy and every heartache Has been etched into your heart, But in a few short hours you May make a brand new start. As you review the days and weeks That simply seemed to fly, Would you say fortune smiled on you Or did she pass you by? Since it's not wise to dwell upon Those days that made you cry, The thing to do is set your sights And aim right at the sky. Forget those tears and sorrow As you bid the old, "Adieu," And welcome in the New Year, It's dawning ... just for you! ~ Author Unknown ~ --- ...Sweet! Thanks LouiseA! ========================================================== .-""""--. / ) / --"` / _`:---. | .-' `\ \ / .----'./ \ : ,-' ~(.).)\ \_| \ ._) | / | \.__, / _.--' )`///-,-' / / _| (_\\ | (____/____) \ ___/ | _ `---( ` ) `-, .' (__.'._/'._/ |`| | __/ / / // | `--. || /_____) jgs `=---` >-->From Our Friend Jacinto :) [edited] >NEW YEAR GREETINGS, RESOLUTIONS AND PRAYERS FOR 2015 Let this new year, 2015 be one of the MOST glorious years of your future! Let us integrate the good from the heritage and from the modern for a better life! Let us live a useful, purposeful, fruitful and meaningful life! Let our mind get more and more stabilized to face the negatives in our life! Let us make our family environment heavenly with good mind and action! Let us eat good healthy food for our mind and body! Let us know that each individual is a unit who can contribute for society! Let us elevate our family relations and social bonds! Let us elevate ourselves and not denigrate ourselves! Let us do each activity with a purpose and produce result from that! Let our children feel they are proud of their parents/ us! Let us tell our children that we are proud of having them with us! Let us make our children good and great! Let us lead a harmonic life which becomes an ideal model for our children! Let us demonstrate what our children should become through our own actions! Let us remember that we only can elevate ourselves, our family and society! Let us remember that we are not permanent here, in this world ! Let us remember that if the date of birth is there, date of death will also be there! Let us help the poor, sick, old aged, hungry and orphans using the money which we waste. Let us make our life most successful during the year 2015 from 1st Jan onwards! Happy New Year 2015 --- ...Aww, thank you Jass! ====================================================== >-->From Our Friend Geniann :) .-. .-._ _.../ `, _.-. | `'-' \ \_'` | \ '.__,/ `\_.--, / '._/ | / '. / ; _ _'--; '--|- (_) __ (_) -|--' .--|- (__) -|--. .-\- -/-. ' '. .' ` jgs '-._ _.-' `""--....--""` >They Teach It at Stanford: In an evening class at Stanford University, the last lecture was on the mind-body connection -- the relationship between stress and disease. The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman. ... . whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends. At first everyone laughed, but he was serious. Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences. Physically, this quality "girlfriend time" helps us to create more serotonin -- a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of wellbeing. Women share feelings, whereas men often form relationships around activities. We share from our souls with our sisters/mothers, and evidently that is very GOOD for our health. He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym. There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged? Not true. In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking! So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health! We are indeed very, very lucky. Sooooo let's toast to our friendship with our girl friends. Evidently it's very good for our health. Thanks to all the gal friends in my life who have helped me stay healthy, happy, and feeling very loved. Forward this to your girl friends to stay in touch, just like I did. --- ...Awww, thanks Geniann! ===================================================== >-->From Our Friend Karen :) ___ _..--"\ `|`""--.._ .-' \ | `'-. / \_|___...----'`\ |__,,..--""``(_)--..__ | '\ _.--'`.I._ ''--..' `''"`,#JGS/_|_\###,.--'` ,#' _.:`___`:-._'#, #' ,~'-;(oIo);-'~, '# # `~-( | )=~` # # | |_ | # # ; ._. ; # # _..-;|\ - /|;-._ # #-' /_ \\_// _\ '-# /`# ; /__\-'__\; #`\ ; #\.--| |O O |'-./# ; |__#/ \ _;O__O___/ \#__| | #\ [I_[_]__I] /# | \_(# ; |O O ; #)_/ | | | | ; | | | | ; | | | | | | | ; | | | '-.;____..-' | || | |__||__| [__][__] .-'-.||.-'-. (___.' '.___) >'Twas the Day AFTER Christmas 'Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house, Every creature was hurtin', even the mouse. The toys were all broken, their batteries dead; Santa passed out, with some ice on his head. Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor, While upstairs the family continued to snore. And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans, Went into the kitchen and started to clean. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a little white truck, with an oversized mirror. The driver was smiling, so lively and grand; The patch on his jacket said, "U.S. POSTMAN." With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox, Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox. Bill after bill, after bill, they still came, Whistling and shouting he called them by name: "Now Target, now Best Buy, now Penny's and Sears. There's eBay and Amazon - you're up to your ears! To the tip of your limit, every store, every mall, Now charge away - charge away - charge away all!" He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work. He filled up the box, then turned with a jerk. He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road, Driving much faster with just half a load. Then, I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer, "Enjoy what you got . . . you'll be paying all year!" --- ...TeeHee! That's why it's good not to borrow! Thanks Karen! ==================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ____ .-" _ "-. / _ \ /`| | `\ |\ /\o/ \_o/ |;\ __ _ .-"""-. \;;\ \ `-'/ ;-._.-' , |;;;\ '--. |_ \ \ _.--'| |;;;;| | '. \ \ `-._/ /===;/..-"-. \ '. /`._ __ ___/___(( _ \ \ Y ``-\_/==;===='"`/``---' \ \ \\ \ /` \___/ |\ \ /` | | \ ; / / | | jgs / \ | | .' \_/ | >New Year To leave the old with a burst of song; To recall the right and forgive the wrong; To forget the things that bind you fast To the vain regrets of the year that's past; To have the strength to let go your hold Of the not worth while of the days grown old; To dare go forth with a purpose true, To the unknown task of the year that's new; To help your brother along the road, To do his work and lift his load; To add your gift to the world's good cheer, Is to have and to give a Happy New Year. - Author Unknown -<>- .*. *' + '* , , *'|'* |`;`;`;`| | |:.'.'.'| | |:.:.:.:| | |::....:| | /` / ` \ | ( .' ^ \^) |_., ( \ -/( ,~`| `~./ )._=/ ) ,, { | ( )| (.~` `~, { | \ _.' \ ) } ; | ;`\ `)-` } _.._ '.(\, ; `\ / `. }__.-'__.-' ( (/-;~~`; `\_/ ; .'` _.-' `/|\/ .'\. /o\ ,`~~`~~~~` \| ` .' \'--' '-` |--',==~~`) (`~~==,_ jgs ,=~` `-. / `~=, ,=` `-._/ `=, >The Fairy's New Year Gift by Emilie Poulsson Two little boys were at play one day when a Fairy suddenly appeared before them and said, "I have been sent to give you New Year presents." She handed to each child a package, and in an instant was gone. Carl and Philip opened the packages and found in them two beautiful books, with pages as pure and white as the snow when it first falls. Many months passed and the Fairy came again to the boys. "I have brought you each another book?" said she, "and will take the first ones back to Father Time who sent them to you." "May I not keep mine a little longer?" asked Philip. "I have hardly thought about it lately. I'd like to paint something on the last leaf that lies open." "No," said the Fairy; "I must take it just as it is." "I wish that I could look through mine just once," said Carl; "I have only seen one page at a time, for when the leaf turns over it sticks fast, and I can never open the book at more than one place each day." "You shall look at your book," said the Fairy, "and Philip, at his." And she lit for them two little silver lamps, by the light of which they saw the pages as she turned them. The boys looked in wonder. Could it be that these were the same fair books she had given them a year ago? Where were the clean, white pages, as pure and beautiful as the snow when it first falls? Here was a page with ugly, black spots and scratches upon it; while the very next page showed a lovely little picture. Some pages were decorated with gold and silver and gorgeous colors, others with beautiful flowers, and still others with a rainbow of softest, most delicate brightness. Yet even on the most beautiful of the pages there were ugly blots and scratches. Carl and Philip looked up at the Fairy at last. "Who did this?" they asked. "Every page was white and fair as we opened to it; yet now there is not a single blank place in the whole book!" "Shall I explain some of the pictures to you?" said the Fairy, smiling at the two little boys. "See, Philip, the spray of roses blossomed on this page when you let the baby have your playthings; and this pretty bird, that looks as if it were singing with all its might, would never have been on this page if you had not tried to be kind and pleasant the other day, instead of quarreling." "But what makes this blot?" asked Philip. "That," said the Fairy sadly; "that came when you told an untruth one day, and this when you did not mind mamma. All these blots and scratches that look so ugly, both in your book and in Carl's, were made when you were naughty. Each pretty thing in your books came on its page when you were good." "Oh, if we could only have the books again!" said Carl and Philip. "That cannot be," said the Fairy. "See! they are dated for this year, and they must now go back into Father Time's bookcase, but I have brought you each a new one. Perhaps you can make these more beautiful than the others." So saying, she vanished, and the boys were left alone, but each held in his hand a new book open at the first page. And on the back of this book was written in letters of gold, "For the New Year." -<>- _..._ .'.'|'. '. .' /.'| \ '. /-.|_.-|-._|_.-\ || || ||_, \|/ .-""-. || .' '. ||__./ ,,, ,,, \_ '---. (.)(.) .\ | |\\ | '--' | ||_ | ;=|\. \ //__\\ jgs '-.____.-'|||||| `====' >~ ON IMMIGRATION ~ "In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith, becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, He shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American... There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language ... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." ~ Theodore Roosevelt 1907 -<>- _.---.( ..--._) (_.' `''-.'` `'. / / \_) (_| _,.-'""'-,-'""'-.,_ | \ /.--' '--.\ /_) ,__\ ) (_(_( )_)_) ) /__, \ (_, ( o) ( o) / / `--.-` '-' c '-' `-'-` (O\ (O) '-.....__w__.....-' >Florence Nightingale Her friends couldn't figure her out, and her parents thought she should be happy as a young lady of fashion, but Florence Nightingale determined to be a nurse. Finally Florence's determination won out. She entered a school in Germany, took training as a nurse, and loved every moment of the hard life. Her mother never could understand Florence's insistence on working in the dirt, misery, and suffering of the hospitals of England. In the early 1800's many nurses were untrained, coarse, ignorant women who were sometimes cruel to their patients. But bad as conditions were in England, Florence soon would be involved in something worse. In 1854 the Crimean War broke out between Russia and Turkey. England sent troops to help Turkey, and soon the news came back that in the first battle thousands of English soldiers had been killed or wounded. Florence saw in this a still greater opportunity to help the sick. With permission from the War Department, she sailed with a party of nurses to Turkey. She thought she knew what she was getting into, but when she smelled the foul air of the barracks being used as a hospital, saw the dirt and the lack of common ordinary items she would need, such as bowls, towels, soap, chairs, and tables, she was appalled. Often the wounded men were left lying in the uniforms they had worn on the battlefield. Florence jumped right into the challenge. She didn't know about germs, but she knew about cleanliness. She set up a laundry, scrubbed the floors, organized a schedule for the nurses, including the preparation of good meals, and saw to it that the medicines and supplies sent to the hospital from England actually got to the wounded soldiers. After the war Florence determined that the whole army medical system must be reformed, and she saw that this was done. She helped establish an army medical school, as well as a top-notch nurse's training school. Florence Nightingale's determination hadn't let her take it easy when she was young, and that determination kept her busy and happy until she died at the age of 90. Her life was rich and full, because she determined to do her best. Source: Climbing Jacob's Ladder, by Jeanne Larson & Ruth McLin, C Copyright 1979 by Review and Herald Publishing Association -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Aww Animals 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals3.html Pink The Pig-Puppy! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pigpuppy.html Typewriter Art 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/typeart2.html Maxine On Holidays! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineholidays.html Thoughts Into Action 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/action3.html Home Security! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/security.html Animal Friends 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalfriends3.html Are Angels Real? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Angel Wing Decoys! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/angel.html Chevy: American Pride! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chevypride.html In Days Past! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dayspast.html What Friends Are For! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/whatfriends.html City That Time Forgot! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/city.html Amazing Albino Animals! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/albino.html Aww Animals 6 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals6.html Chinese Wal-Mart http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chinawalmart.html Hoppy The Deer http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hoppy.html Sweets For The Sweet! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sugar.html -<>- >From Our Friend GloriaB :) She sent us one we have here... Cats and Birds Together http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/catsandbirds.html --- ...Such a sweet Reminder! Thanks GloriaB! -<>- >From our Friend LouiseA :) I don't think I've ever seen anyone so young and so confident performing. These girls are so limber and balanced I may have to check them for being robots in disguise! Their performance, their movements, everything is beautifully done to make it look as easy as taking a walk. In reality, it takes years and a truckload of talent to pull something like this off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Zsc_FmausOA Shenea Booth and Nicolas Besnard combine their unique and original artistic knowledge of acrobatic dance to create a breathtaking master piece. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWIhXzZT8dE&feature=player_embedded This video takes you to people around the world and shows them in fantastic situations. The photography is absolutely outstanding! It's fast moving. Blink and you will miss something. BBC Human Planet http ://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=2HiUMlOz4UQ&vq=large This poem was very touching to me!! And to think that there are those in our country that are giving away our freedom and treating our armed forces as second rate citizens. Christmas has passed but still had to forward it. Click here: A Different Christmas Poem - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sUGOjNsE4aY --- ...Very nice! Thank You LouiseA! 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 Laugh&Lift: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' The man who walks with God always knows in what direction he is going. >The New Year (by Hyacinth Kwatashin) [Edited/last stanza changes by Chris Long] 2015 - the New year lies ahead - Like an empty book, unwritten story - Lord I pray my days be spirit-led With testimonies of Your Love and Glory. May I be sensitive to Your calling Obedient to Your Word and voice May I walk Your path without falling Less "feeling" and more by "choice". Guard me against all offenses That would hinder my walk with You To be sincere and avoid pretenses Keeping my eternal reward in view. May I be slow to judge others But quick to lend a helping hand When stress and trials do bother On Your promises help me stand. In sickness may I claim Your healing In stress or sorrow - Your joy and peace Despite circumstances, faith revealing With strongholds, may I find Your release. When the year ends and I reflect On the year right from the start May I be able to rejoice in victory May my life - my story - gladden Your heart. -<>- >Our Help and Our Hope in This New Year (by John Fischer) [Edited] "O God our help in ages past - Our hope for years to come..." This is the time of year when we focus on God and thank Him for getting us through another year. Remember Y2K? We were wondering if we'd survive the turnover to a new century. Hard to believe that was eleven years ago. As the hymn writer has reminded us, God is both our help and our hope - two four-letter words that pretty much sum up what we need to move into 2015. First, we look back on how He has helped us in the past. The greatest thing about this is you can go back as far as you want into the ages past and still find God there, thinking about you. "Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes" (Ephesians 1:4). (By the way, we are so thankful it says without fault "in His eyes," because we have plenty of faults in other people's eyes, including our own.) The point being, you can never go too far back to not have anyone to worship. ("In the beginning, God...") But right now, it would be good to focus on just this last year and think about how God has specifically helped us. What do you have now that you didn't have a year ago? Think in terms of personal growth, experiences, and people God has blessed you with. How do you know God better than you did at this time a year ago? What more do you know about Him? What more do you know about yourself that He has revealed to you? What struggle has He helped you overcome? Is there anyone in your life who wasn't there a year ago that you can honestly thank God for? What has He helped you to accomplish? How has He been faithful to you even when you have not been faithful? Now think about this next year and how God is our only true hope. Think of specifically where you need to apply some of that hope. What are you afraid of? Where are you feeling inadequate? What do you want to change, and how can God help you? How about your plans? [Are they God's?] How far are you willing to stretch? For all of this, He is our hope. And for all that we will face this next year that we don't know anything about right now, He is our hope. And He will be enough. -<>- >Start Over! When you've trusted Jesus and walked His way When you've felt His hand lead you day by day But your steps now take you another way, Start Over! When you've made your plans and they've gone awry When you've tried your best and there's no more try When you've failed yourself and you don't know why, Start Over! When you've told your friends what you plan to do When you've trusted them and they didn't come through And now you're all alone and it's up to you, Start Over! When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong; And now your grandchildren have come along, Start Over! When you've prayed to God so you'll know His will When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still When you want to stop cause you've had your fill, Start Over! When you think you're finished and want to quit When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit When you've tried and tried to get out of it, Start Over! When the year has been long and successes few When December comes and you're feeling blue God Gives a January just for you, Start Over! Starting Over means "Victories Won" Starting Over means "A Race well run" Starting Over means "The Lord's Will Done: Don't just sit there . . . Start Over! -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Don't Forget the Snakes (by Kerry S. Doyal) [Edited] Shhh... Grandpa is telling the traditional Snakes story! What? You've never heard the Snakes story? Well, then listen up real good, ya hear: Can you imagine the fear, the terror of nightfall? No candles, no flashlights. No doors to shut, or windows to latch. No beds with which to be up off the floor. No doctors, no antibodies, no 911: just snakes. Poisonous snakes. Snakes that seem to be seeking people to bite. Friends are grieving the loss of loved ones. The Elderly, who did not see or hear them approaching, are dying. Loving Moms and Dads who were afflicted have died. Children who knew no better than to get near the snakes perish. Others linger, writhing in pain, suffering. "Moses", they cry out, "Moses". This time it was not to sinfully complain. This time was to confess. They had sinned. Sinned against God, against Moses. They had grown impatient - been discontent. Having spoken against the Lord and Moses, they were being disciplined by the Lord. "Why?" they had sinfully cried out, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread. There is no water. And we detest this miserable food. Why? Why?" God's very own gracious provision had become wearisome to them. Familiarity had bread contempt for these pouting pilgrims. "Moses, pray for us. Talk to God for us. Ask Him to remove these snakes." Moses, being meek, heard their plea and pleads to God for them. God, being gracious, hears Moses plea and provides a remedy. "Moses", God calls out to him, "Moses, make a serpent. Make a serpent of bronze and put it on a pole. Take this bronze serpent on the pole and lift it up for the people. Lift it up for the people to see." "Moses, tell the people that those who are bit and look to the serpent will be saved. Tell them to look to the serpent to live." So Moses did as the LORD told him. He gathered some bronze and fashioned a snake. A snake that looked like the snakes that were biting the people. Yet this snake did not contain poison, did not cause death. Not a snake of condemnation, but of salvation. Not a snake of judgment, but of deliverance. Moses gathered the people and told them God's answer. God had seen their plight and heard their penitent plea. "I will be lifting up this serpent in the midst of the camp," Moses said. "All those who have been bitten and look to it will be healed" Lifted up: an image of the source of the suffering. Lifted up: God's solution to the punishment for their sin. Lifted up: God's serpent to simply be looked upon. Some must have thought, might have grumbled: "Look upon that? Look to a snake? How can that help? That makes no sense. What good does looking do? What must we do to undo our wrongs?" Others, undoubtedly, ran home to tell loved ones to look, to look and live. Loved ones too sick to gather for Moses' good news. Loved ones near death themselves. Loved ones who it was feared would not make it through the night. "Look! Look! The serpent has been lifted up! On the pole, on that stick. There, on that simple piece of wood is God's cure, God's remedy, God's sign of love and forgiveness. Look! Look and live." And some did! Some 1500 years later - now in the land Moses lead the people to - a man named Nicodemus came by night to speak to a Teacher. Nicodemus was himself a teacher, a respected leader of his people the Jews. The Teacher that Nicodemus sought taught like no one else, and did things like no one else. "Rabbi / Teacher," Nicodemus said to Jesus, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform these miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." Jesus did not refute or deny these lofty claims. In fact, He would confirm that He was the one who came from God. After telling Nicodemus he needed to be born again - somewhat confusing and befuddling Nicodemus - Jesus told him the mission God sent Him to accomplish. He, like the snake, must be lifted up. He must be lifted up on a pole and looked to for life. As the snake brought healing, brought God's mercy, so too would the lifting up of Jesus. The cruel crucifixion of Jesus Himself was God's remedy. So Jesus said to Nicodemus: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so too must the Son of man be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life" (read John 3). Those bit by the snake and healed would face death again: old age, illness, war, disease. Those who look to God's Son - God's lifted up Son - show faith in God's cure. And that belief is met with a gift of eternal life. Will you look? Do you believe there is a need to look? Do you know you have been bitten, that you too are under God's righteous judgment for sin? "Look to Me" the Lord calls out. "Look to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth." God has set us all under rightful judgment due to our sins. God did not send Jesus as further condemnation, but as One in the image of the condemned - yet sin-free. He took our well-deserved damnation. Sadly, those who refuse to look to the Son stay under condemnation. They - like all of us - are already bit and are dying. Sadder still, those who look only to mock - to scorn the Son - face deeper condemnation. But those who look in faith, admitting their sinful state, believing God has provided, calling out to Him - these are redeemed, rescued, restored, reborn. Have you looked? Will you look? Will you share this good news? Will you go to those who do not know? Will you relay the good news to those sick in sin, those writhing in pain of soul? Jesus was sent by God to be lifted up, so that He could be looked upon and bring salvation. Look and live and spread the good news! 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 ========================================================== \//// ( oO) ./'-._ .oO( /'-. | | '-.| )Oo. =|'-._ / \// unknown '' >A Benevolent Biker Story Editor: by Peg Shambo Joyce Schowalter Iowa, USA In 1979 I had an R75/5 BMW motorcycle. One lovely summer Sunday afternoon my 10-year-old daughter, Shelley, and I went for a ride in the countryside. We took the back roads to John Boyd Thacher State Park in the Helderberg Mountains, overlooking Albany Count, New York. The view is fantastic from up there! Plus, the roads are windy enough to give extra pleasure to riding the motorcycle. Halfway through the park the engine just quit. I switched the petcocks on the gas tank to use the reserve level. Still didn't work! Here we were, a woman and her 10-year-old daughter, 20 miles from home, stranded. Along came a motorcyclist on a Harley Davidson. He slowed, got off his bike, removed his helmet, and asked what the problem was. He had long hair, a beard, lots of tattoos, and a leather vest -- the stereotypical "biker" look. Some people would have looked at him and said, "Uh oh, one of those nasty biker types." But I've known many bikers, both good and bad, so I took the chance that he was among the majority -- the good ones. When I explained that I was out of gas and my reserve petcock was malfunctioning, he offered to help. He put my daughter on the back of his bike, road ahead with her to the top of the next hill, and parked his bike. He then ran back and pushed my bike up to the top of the hill. I then got on the bike, and was able to coast in neutral, using gravity, down the hill and as far up the next hill as inertia would take me. We repeated this maneuver several times until we got to the end of the park, and all there was to go was downhill to reach the next little town. We had gas rationing in those days, and most gas stations were closed on Sunday. That included the station in the small town at the bottom of the hill. I was really starting to despair. Then a fellow came out of his house to see what our problem was. When we explained, that gentleman produced a one gallon plastic milk jug. My new biker friend took the jug, hopped on his bike, and with directions from the local gent, took off in search of an open gas station. Before long the biker was back with a gallon of gas for my bike and we were running again! After taking the time to help out a stranded woman and child, he refused to be reimbursed for his own gas or the cost of the gas he'd bought for us. He just hopped on his bike and was on his way... with us now able to go on our way also. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From CupO'Cheer: __ / _ _ _ _ _ _ _\_ _ _ _| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|\|_|_|_| |-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-\-|-|-| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|\|_|_| |-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-\-|-| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|\|_| |-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-| |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|\ \ \ \ | ____ ____ ____\___ ____ _/ / |____| |____| jgs \__/ \__/ >WITH GLADNESS AND GLUE While Christmas shopping in a jewelry store, I discovered a clearance table of gilded ornaments. Detailed and delicate in design, each had a personality all its own. I sorted among the hundreds of filigreed masterpieces, picked out a few and took them home. Deciding they were much too pretty to disappear among the clutter of a Christmas tree, I used them instead to decorate small eight- inch wreaths. When I stood back to admire my handiwork, a thought crossed my mind: Wouldn’t some of our family and friends like these, too? I raced back to the jewelry store to discover that the stack of ornaments had been reduced even further. This time I bought dozens as I thought of the many people who might enjoy one for the holidays. Armed with a glue gun and bright ribbons of every color, I eagerly began my creative project. The wreaths multiplied like measles and dotted every flat surface in our house. For days, my family tiptoed Around, elbowed their way through and slept among the miniature masterpieces. While I tied dainty bows and glued golden ornaments, my mind wandered to Christmases past, and I pondered how special each had been. I thought about others perhaps not so fortunate. Some people in our community didn’t have a family to share the joy of Christmas. Some didn’t bother with holiday decorations. Some never left their homes to celebrate the season. I nodded my head in determined satisfaction. They would be at the top of my list to receive a little wreath. My husband joined me in the plan, and we set out together to put it into action. We visited the aged. We visited the widowed. We visited the lonely. Each one was thrilled with our cheery stops and immediately hung our small gifts—often the only signs of celebration in their homes. After several days, I realized we had made and given almost two hundred wreaths. Decorated with love and delivered with delight, they filled many homes and hearts with the joy of Christmas. And I came to the simple realization that we were actually the ones who received the greatest blessing that year. We had found our Christmas spirit in the doing. -Nancy B. Gibbs as seen in Inspiration Plus -<>- i Track it! I_-_ ' I(")_____. <\. ,----~ :/_( ( ,) uU `-.---U`= lL (~~/> - a:f - >TAKE THE HIGH ROAD Proverbs 13:10 Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (NIV) Thoughts Several years ago, a friend and I were on an archery elk hunt in northern Arizona. On the afternoon of the third day of the hunt, after about a half-mile walk, my friend and I arrived at our waterhole where we had set up our tree stands over a week prior. We had sat in them the previous two days. But on this day we found a jeep parked in plain view and two hunters sitting in hastily erected ground blinds, one of them under my tree! My friend confronted them. Low voices soon became a loud argument about first-come, first-served ethics. It became apparent to me that the situation was about to get out of hand, so I quickly pulled my friend aside to discuss it. I told him to let me try to reason with them. After a few minutes of sharing about our tree stands, which they had not seen (That was the idea!); they submitted to reason and quietly left the area. The very next day that same water hole produced my first six-point bull! (Ruben C) Action Point As Christians, we have the responsibility to act on the better part of reason, no matter what the circumstances; not only when we are around people we know, but ALL the time. It's not about being right, it's about being righteous. Remember: quarrels solve nothing, but breed animosity. Always take the high road. No favorite hunting or fishing spot is worth the risk of a fight or worse. I Peter 2:23 reflects our example, "When they hurled their insults at him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him Who judges justly," (NIV). It can sometimes be difficult, but we're to follow Jesus' example even when in the field. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day When setting up your tree stand, always make sure you have your name and contact information permanently inscribed on it. It can alleviate a lot of heartache and misunderstanding down the road. as seen in Sportsmen's Daily Devotional -<>- .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx >ANTICIPATION My beloved responded and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along." SONG OF SOLOMON 2:10 We all know how easily boredom can slip into a marriage relationship. It can start soon after the honeymoon. All the emotion, passion, love and commitment between two people can steadily fade until they end up totally isolated from one another. Boredom and isolation are pandemic in marriages today. One way to rebuild romantic energy is through the art of anticipation. This comes from taking a page out of Solomon's romantic songbook: Invest time in thinking about the things that fuel passion in your spouse and in making him or her eager to return your love. It's about injecting the element of surprise back into your relationship. One of the most meaningful examples of this for me was the year Barbara gave me some very special gifts during the two weeks leading up to Christmas, each of them based on the familiar "Twelve Days of Christmas" song. She didn't give them to me in the day, however, but in the night. They were expressions of tenderness and affirmation toward me that communicated her love in a way only she could do as my wife. I have never looked forward to going to bed each night like I did at that Christmas! But, men, this works both ways. You need to take the time to think about what communicates love to your wife, to bust out of your ruts and pursue her in a way that surprises and delights her, as well. It doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate. It just needs to be you, thinking ahead, staying in tune with who she is as a woman—anticipating her anticipating you. DISCUSS What limits you from putting fun and energy into your relationship? Talk about the need to build anticipation into your marriage and how you will share that responsibility. PRAY Pray that no aspect of your life will become dull and cheerless, losing all the energy and spiritual spontaneity, which Christ enjoys adding to our relationships. as seen in Moments Together For Couples -<>- H A P P Y N E W Y E A R! .-. / ) .-. ___ __ ( ) ( ( ( ) .'___) (__'-._) ( \ '._) (,'.' '. '-. '. / "\ ' -. '. ) / \ \ .-. ,'. ) ( ',_) _ .' ( \ \ ( \ . .' .' ) .-. ( \ ( .''. '. \ \| .' .' ,',--, / ( ) ) ) \ \ ', : \ .-' ( ( ( ( _) (,' / \ \ : : ) / _ ' . \ \ ,' / ,' ,' : ; / /,' '. /.' / / ( (\ ( '.' " ( .-'. \ '' \_)\ \ \ | \ \__ ) ) ___\ | \___; / , / / ___) ( ( ( PN '.' ) ;) ; (_/(_/ ---------------------------------------------------- >ENTERING THIS NEW YEAR I enter this New Year without burdens Freed from a mountain of care For last night I gave them to Jesus Who promised my burdens to bear! This year will not be without problems There may be many to face BUT I can approach them with courage Sustained by God's marvelous grace! I enter this New Year with gladness For Jesus restored my joy He filled me with peace and assurance That Satan cannot destroy! I left the old year in repentance For living a life of defeat Leaving my fear and my failures At my Heavenly Father's feet! I enter this year with a purpose To minister Christian love To needy souls all around me And lift them to God above! Now with eager anticipation With faith instead of fear And the Presence Of Christ, my Savior I will enter this New Year! ~Honoria A. Groves~ -<>- .-.._ (_.- )) )' ) )) \_( (( _ )) ) ) |\\ /'-( ( \/\/ / ) ) \ / ( ( '-; ) ) / ( ( / ) ) | ( ( jgs \ ( ) `----`----` >I’M SORRY I am blessed to have my 84 year old mother-in-law (Jo) living nearby. We love having her spend time with us and the oppor- tunity to bless her in any way we can. But knowing that we help her out in many ways, she always seems to want to do something “in return”. I think there may come a time when elderly folks begin to feel “unnecessary”; even a burden. I sense that she wants nothing more than to be helpful to us. Needed, I think, would be even better! One Sunday I was unable to attend church because I needed to be home with Casey. Knowing church is a passion of mine, she offered to come over in the morning so I could go. I told her that was not necessary, but she insisted and I agreed. Typically I attend a 9am service, but since Jo is not an early morning person I told her there was a 10:45 and a 12:30 service. About 8:30 she called me and first thing out of her mouth was “I’m sorry.” Confused I said, “For what?” She said that she overslept, her clock didn’t work and she was sorry she was not there in time for the 9am service. Of course I reminded her that she was giving me an opportunity where previously there was none. Similar to the MANY other times she has unnecessarily said “I’m sorry”, I assured her that there is no need to be. Unfortunately I think I periodically get “short” with her about this. Ugh! Sometimes I wish she would just know that we love her for her and she doesn’t have to “do something” to be worthy of our love and blessings! Just being a part of our family is enough! I pondered the many times I have told God “I’m sorry”. Sorry for the time I said this, did that, or didn’t do the other thing. Sorry for my past and slip ups in my present, but promissory that I’ll be better in the future! I visualize Him just smiling at me… knowing- ly. Unconditionally He loves me, but somehow deep in my soul, I get sorrowful when I’m a part of something that I think doesn’t bless Him. Somehow if I don’t live up to what my opinion is of the way the Lord wants me to be, I won’t be deserving. Like Jo who thought she had failed by not making it to my house by 8:30, I often think I miss the mark with the Lord. But when I allow Him to respond, I always feel His warm smile. Unconditionally, He loves me. I can almost hear Him thinking, “I wish she would just know that I love her for her and she doesn’t have to “do something” to by worthy of my love and blessings. Just being a part of My family is enough!” He loves you that way too. Bask in it. Be moved to bless Him, but don’t kick yourself if you stumble. His love is unconditional! Halleluiah! Have some of you noticed that we are not yet perfect? (No great surprise, right?) And are you ready to make the accusation that since people like me, who go through Christ in order to get things right with God, aren’t perfectly virtuous, Christ must therefore be an accessory to sin? The accusation is frivolous. If I was “trying to be good,” I would be rebuilding the same old barn that I tore down. I would be acting as a charlatan. What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God’s grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily. (Galatians 2:17-21 Message) You are among those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ, dear friends in Rome. God loves you dearly, and he has called you to be his very own people. May grace and peace be yours from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:6-7 NLT) Blessed Father, Thank You for loving us unconditionally. Thank You that Your exact plan was for us to be Your people. While you relish Your children’s effort to bless You, much like a natural father, You would never love us less if our efforts weren’t perfect. Help us to set our opinions and judgments aside and warm ourselves in the comfort of your unconditional love. In Jesus Christ's Name we pray, Amen. As seen in Monday's Bread To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. Y ========================================================== _ xxxx _ /_;-.__ / _\ _.-;_\ `-._`'`_/'`.-' `\ /` | / /-.( \_._\ \ \`; > |/ / // |// jgs \(\ >-->The Cross Isn't For Sale (By Max Lucado) "Lord," I said, "I want to be your man, not my own. So to you I give my money, my car, even my home." Then, smug and content, I relaxed with a smile and whispered to God, "I bet it's been a while since anyone has given so much, so freely?" His answer surprised me. He replied, "Not really." "Not a day has gone by since the beginning of time, that someone hasn't offered meager nickels and dimes, golden altars and crosses, contributions and penance, stone monuments and steeples; but why not repentance?" "Your lips know no prayers. Your eyes, no compassion. But you will go to church (when church-going's in fashion). "Just give me a tear, a heart ready to mold. And I'll give you a mission, a message so bold that a fire will be stirred where there was only death, and your heart will be flamed by my life and my breath." I stuck my hands in my pockets and kicked at the dirt. It's tough to be corrected (I guess my feelings were hurt). But it was worth the struggle to realize the thought, that the cross isn't for sale and Christ's blood can't be bought. >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? 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 ************************************************************************