Where There is Love... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! -<>- * 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! ================ _________________ / /| / / | /________________/ /| ###| ____ |//| # | / /| |/.| # __|___ / /.| | |_______________ # / / //|| | / /| ___ # / /___// || | / / | / \ \ # /______/! || ||_____|/ / | / \ \ #| . . . ! || || / _________________/ \ \ #| . . ! || // ________ / /\________________ { / } /| . ! ||//~~~~~~/ 0000/ / / / ______________ { / / / | ! |'/ /9 0000/ / / / / / { / / / #\________!___|/ /9 0000/ / / / /_____________/___ / / / # /_____\/ /9 0000/ / / / /_ /\_____________\/ / / # ``^^^^^^ / \ \ . ./ / ____________ / +=#==================================/ \ \ ./ / /. . . \ / / |# | \ \/ / /___________/ / # |_______\__/________________/ | | | | / / | | | | / / | | ________| |/ /________ | | /_______/ \_________/\ | | / / / \ ) | | /OO^^^^^^/ / /^^^^^^^^^OO\) | | / / / | | / / / | | /___\/ |hectoras | oo |____________________________________| >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) I saved the WH Trump Accomplishments - They have been removed now by the Biden Administration. email here if you want a copy: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Just ask for the 'Trump Accomplishments' in the subject area. -<>- >HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our flaming hot new page is from our friends Linda and KarenF. This has plenty of eye candy from some of the world's best most stunningly beautiful creatures. Be sure to give some extra time to check this one and its videos out here... o o% // -="~\ ~\\\ \\\ \\\ );\ /|;;\ """;;;;;;;\ ///"""""""";;;;;;\ ___////+++++""""""""""""";;;@@\ __________///////++++++++++++++""""""""@@@@%) ....__/0)///0)//0)//0)/++////////++++++++++"""@@@%%%%%/ ..---0)/--------////////////////+++++++/////+++++@@%%%%%%%/ ..///---0)---0)///0)//0)///0)/////////+++++====@%%%%%%/ ...0)....//----///------////////////+++++///" \/\\// //../0)--0)///0)///0)///0)//++++///// / \/ --///--------///////////+++///// _/ / .-//..0).-/0)--0)--0)--0)--.. /\ / .......--/////////. /\_ .0)..0).. Natural Show-Offs 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/showoffs2.html --- ...Spectacular! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: :+"" ~<<::""+: +Xi<<<: xHMRMMR$$$$$8RMMMMMM<M "` .~i MMMMMMMMM" <LOST IN THE CD AISLES by Diane Dean White I waited to purchase a CD until the very last thing on my list that day. The only reason I was doing this was my new little Chevy Tracker didn't have a cassette player, but a CD player! I would have preferred the cassette. I remember making the change from records to cassettes and it took me a while to get used to that. "Get with it, Mom," my son admonished me over the telephone. "They have oldies on the CDs now. Times are changing, you'll love that new player!" he laughed. It wasn't funny. My other cars had radios, and the last two had a cassette player. I was content with that. For that reason it made me wonder what I was doing in the CD aisle. I walked up to a sales clerk and asked, "Do you have anything by Johnny Mathis?" "Is he country music or pop?" she quipped. "He isn't either." I couldn't believe it. They didn't know Johnny! "He sang Small World and Chances Are," I said. I waited for a reaction. "Nope, never heard of him." She looked like she felt sorry for me! "Okay, I'll just look around a bit. Are these CDs the right size for a car player?" I asked. "They are unless you have something we aren't aware of. And they'll work on your player at home too," she smiled. I looked for a name that I knew. There was nothing by Pat Boone or Ricky Nelson. What was this? I went to the aisle that said "pop tunes" and I was lost again! I saw a CD by Natalie Cole and asked a sales person, "Do you have anything by her dad, Nat King Cole?" "Well, we can look his name up in the music archives and see if it shows," she replied. I said, "Okay, I'm going to keep looking, will you let me know if you find the old guy in your archives?" I wasn't doing research for a war hero from the revolutionary period. Nat had died young, but I remembered his music. I thought of all my records at home. My 45s never cost more than a dollar, and the LPs, depending on the year, were more. But these had $14.95 written on them. And I never heard of the singers. I wondered if they had "40's Swing" and thought of Glenn Miller. Amazing, he never lived to see the progress from a 78 record to a CD. My hubby had a few of his songs, and other CDs, but I continued to buy cassettes -- it made my life easier. I thought I'd pick up the tempo a bit and try to find something by The Fifth Dimension, Burt Bacharach or Dean Martin. I asked the young man next to me. "Do you know where the Dean Martin CDs are?" "Is he that Italian dude? I think they have a section for Foreign," he said and walked away. I stared at the back of his head. Dean didn't sing in Italian, he sang in English. Don't these kids know the greats? My gal came back. "No, we don't have anything by Nat King Cole, just Natalie Cole. Is there something else you'd like to find?" I thought about asking if she had anything by the Motown classics, but decided she might think I was referring to a car. "I think I'm all set," I told the sales girl. I picked up a CD by Barry Manilow and tossed it into my cart. When I got home my hubby wondered how the shopping had gone. "I felt like I was having a panic attack in the CD aisle," I replied. "Do you think I'm asking too much to find an artist I know?" "No, that usually works for me," he stated. "Dear, exactly how far back did your song search go?" He knew my love for the oldies. I didn't comment further. One has priorities in life. I grew up during the 50s and 60s and belonged to a number of fan clubs. I was loyal. I went to the other room and got out my "Unforgettable" album by Nat King Cole. "Hey Nat, they may not have you in the CD aisles, but you still have a place in my home. I turned up the volume and continued to do some work listening to the King. -- Diane Dean White ___________________________________________ Diane is a former newspaper reporter and freelance writer. She and her husband Stephen are the parents of three grown children, and two grand-gals. They make their home on the South Carolina Coast where Diane continues her love for writing. Her new book Beach Walks, a collection of heartwarming stories, is now available. -<>- /())) //( oo (/|| _ \__ /||||/ '._-' / \ |\ / \ \ \_____ | \ \.___ /==, | ='.___/=. | ) '.______ | (______( | || snd |_|| _/ | |_\ '---'--' >RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS by Chris Courtney Generosity warms the spirit. The act of giving, no matter how small, opens our hearts and spreads joy to the giver of the gift as well as the recipient. Random Acts of Kindness are the perfect springboard to leap into generosity. Random Acts of Kindness are good deeds done for strangers who could use a little blessing. We all have stress in our lives. We all have bad days. There's nothing like a Random Act of Kindness to pull a person out of a lousy mood. In our long ago Chicago days, my wife and I used to make sure we had extra change with us when we traveled the tollway system. We would pull up to the booth and give the attendant our toll, plus pay the toll for the car behind us. The reactions were priceless. Some people sped away, unable to understand they had been the recipients of a Random Act of Kindness. But most were appreciative. Some even made the effort to catch up to us and thank us. Another target for Random Acts is Kindness is the drive-thru window. If you go through a fast food joint for breakfast and have an extra four dollars, pay for the meal of the person behind you. Imagine their surprise and delight when they pull up to the window to pay for their food, only to be told, "The guy in front of you already paid for it." Random Acts of Kindness can be big or small. If you would rather be more generous than a sandwich or toll booth change, perhaps you can buy groceries for a needy family. If you can put the groceries on their front porch without them knowing (and without getting shot, or bit by a dog), go for it. What's the worst thing that could happen? If you are unable to buy them food (or uncomfortable doing it) get them a gift card from the local supermarket. Find somebody who knows the family in need (maybe their pastor, or a neighbor) and ask them to please give them the card, but not to tell them the gift is from you. Random Acts of Kindness are best served from God, not from us. Be creative with your Random Acts of Kindness. Have fun with them. Make them a family project. If you think you get a charge from it, wait until you see how the kids get into it. The possibilities are endless, as are the opportunities. We just have to train ourselves to be watchful for the chance to bless. It can be as simple as a greeting card slipped onto a stranger's car windshield that says, "You are loved". You could even send flowers to a hospital patient you've never met. Opportunities to bless surround us every day. It's up to us to grab hold of those opportunities and turn them into Random Acts of Kindness. -- Chris Courtney ___________________________________________ Chris, and his wife, Jennie, run E-ncouragement Ministries. You can reach him by email by clicking here: mailto:cjcourtney@cfaith.com =========================================================== >-->From Ken Pierpont: %% `%%;, ,%%#; %%#%%;___%%;` ;%' ;%-\_#%, / _%_-;%'` %_% %/%% / /%%#%' /_'_____/_____________/ _/ _______ _$_____________/ ,%%; %% %-// $ \ \ %#%%___-%%;` %`;-/_%;` \ \______/ __ %%#%%` %%%%#% $ \$_______/,%%#%%;%`, %;` $ $ ,%%` %', ______O_____________O_____ /.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-\ /.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-\ /.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-\ /.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-\ '==================================' \|| ||/ || _ _ || || ('< <') || ||_______\(_)_______(_)/____|| _||__________________________||_ |________________________________|lc >A Mild Winter So Far Yesterday there were tracks from birds and deer and racoons in the snow around the bird feeder. I think one of the neighbor cats even sauntered over and nosed curiously around. The other night I came in from a late meeting walking slowly and carefully on the ice and snow covered ground and stopped to listen to coyotes howling from the north woods. Sounds carry far in the winter when snow is on the ground and leaves are off the trees. It’s been a mild January on Bittersweet Farm. I haven’t plowed yet though it might have been a good idea to push the last snow off right away before it turned to ice. Every time I go down the icy steps I chastise myself inwardly that I did not build a handrail on the back steps on any one of the balmy days off last summer. The birds are noisier on warmer days. Yesterday, working at my desk, I could hear geese passing over more than once. I love the sound and sight of that. The fields around Bittersweet Farm, the trees, and the buildings are all covered with white and sparkle when we are blessed with sunshine. The sun lingers a little longer before sinking beyond the trees west of here every night and we savor every extra minute of golden light on the snow. The forecast looks pretty tolerable for the rest of January, mild for Michigan. We don’t mind. Satan is at Work. God is at Work. I do hope you and yours are safe and well during the Covid-threat and civil un-rest and general upheaval. Yesterday I told the Bethel Congregation that since the fear of the Lord has been declining the fear and anxiety about everything else have been increasing. I reminded them that during these times they can choose to move toward God–closer to God or they can move further away from Him. I reminded them that during times like this Satan is at work to discourage people, divide churches, friends, and families. But we have seen that God is powerfully at work. In times like these wise, Spirit-filled Christians will try to enhance their spiritual sensitivity and their awareness of what is happening in the world around them good, bad, and ugly and nudge everyone they meet a little closer to Jesus. Read More Here: https://tinyurl.com/y5n2884z =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Taking the First Step “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who rage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’"1 Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase." Taking that first step in any situation, especially difficult ones, requires a great deal of courage, something I would lack greatly if it weren’t for the Lord being with me. I am an introvert and prefer to avoid any kind of confrontation. However, over the years I have realized that our society is going deeper and deeper into sin, and there are things that I cannot stay silent about or “just go with the flow". As Christians we are called to standout and apart from the darkness, therefore it is a guarantee that we will suffer some type of persecution from those around us. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:12, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Whether it be defending the lives of unborn children, standing up for those who are not able to, obeying God’s Word even when it goes against peer pressure, or loving our enemies and praying for those who hurt us to name a few, it is possible. Not because of who we are, but because of who God is! If we look through God’s Word and see all the people God used to do His work, we find that none of them felt capable. We think of Moses who made all kinds of excuses when asked to go free God’s people from Egypt, we see Joseph who was bullied by his brothers because of jealousy, we see David who appeared weak in comparison to his brothers. However, we see all of them take that first step in obedience and God’s plan unfold in great ways. They made mistakes along the way, just as we will, but I encourage you to take heart and be courageous. We may not be able to see the big picture of what God has in store, but I can assure you that anything done for God is not in vain. God will be our strength and help us. We can have an impact in this world, but God is asking us to take that first step and trust that He will be what we are not. Suggested prayer: “Dear God, there are so many times I feel in inadequate when it comes to serving you, but this is only because I focus on who I am instead of who YOU are. I have weaknesses, but you say you will be my strength. I pray that you help me have faith and the courage to take the first step in obedience, trusting that your plan is greater than what I can see. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Christ’s name, amen." Isaiah 41:10-13 (NIV). <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Servant Authority Jesus said, "The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."1 Brett Blair shares how "Robert Fulghum, who wrote 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,' says that he placed alongside the mirror in his bathroom a picture of a woman who is not his wife. Every morning as he stood there shaving, he looked at the picture of that woman. "The picture? The picture is of a small humped-over woman wearing sandals and a blue eastern robe and headdress (sari). She is surrounded by important-looking people in tuxedos, evening gowns, and the regalia of royalty. It is the picture of Mother Teresa, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize! "Fulghum said he keeps that picture there to remind him that, more than a president of any nation, more than any pope, more than any chief executive officer of a major corporation, that woman has authority because she is a servant!"2 According to Jesus' words, Mother Teresa, at the time of her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, was quite likely the greatest among all those surrounding her. Fortunately, there are multiplied thousands of others around the world serving God in humble ways with limited means, who, without earthly recognition or fame, are great in the eyes of the Lord. God doesn't call many of us to fame and fortune, but he calls us all to be faithful in serving him with the gifts he has given to us. And if perchance, what we do gains us recognition, fame and/or fortune, let that be used to glorify God in the serving of others. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, whatever my calling, whatever my lot, whatever my circumstances, and whatever my gifting, help me to use all to serve others and glorify you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Matthew 23:11-12 (NIV). 2. "Giving," Brett Blair at http://www.esermons.com/ <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Keep on Sowing Your Seed "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow. Perhaps it all will."1 One of William Barclay's friends tells the following story: In the church where he worshiped there was a lonely old man, old Thomas. He had outlived all his friends and hardly anyone knew him. When Thomas died, this friend had the feeling that there would be no one to go to the funeral so he decided to go, so that there might be someone to follow the old man to his last resting-place. There was no one else, and it was a miserable wet day. The funeral reached the cemetery, and at the gate there was a soldier waiting. An officer, but on his raincoat there were no rank badges. He came to the graveside for the ceremony, then when it was over, he stepped forward and before the open grave swept his hand to a salute that might have been given to a king. The friend walked away with this soldier, and as they walked, the wind blew the soldier's raincoat open to reveal the shoulder badges of a brigadier general. The general said, "You will perhaps be wondering what I am doing here. Years ago Thomas was my Sunday School teacher; I was a wild lad and a sore trial to him. He never knew what he did for me, but I owe everything I am or will be to old Thomas, and today I had to come to salute him at the end." Thomas did not know what he was doing.2 Suggested prayer: "Dear God, again today I am available. Please make me usable and use me today to be 'as Jesus' in some way to every life I touch so that I will have an influence on others, not only for time, but also for eternity. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Ecclesiastes 11:4, 6 (TLB)(NLT). 2. David E. Leininger, Collected Sermons, http://www.sermons.com/. <:))))>< When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: (>, oo / 8 "} > @ < |`.8 .-._/| `-.'`')`_.' ) / / |__, | ( / .' , / `._/ '`- \| -- -`' - --- VK/ejm >Guidance --Author Unknown When I thought about the word guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person relaxes and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word guidance. When I saw "G," I thought of God, followed by "U" and "I." God, "U" and "I" dance. God, you and I dance. This statement is what guidance means to me. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead. -<>- ' . ' . . . : . . '. ______ .' ' _.-"` `"-._ ' .' '. `'--. / \ .--'` / \ ; ; - -- | | -- - | _. | ; /__`A ,_ ; .-' \ |= |;._.}{__ / '-. _.-""-|.' # '. ` `.-"{}<._ / 1938 \ \ x `" ----/ \_.-'|--X---- -=_ | | |- X. =_ - __ |_________|_.-'|_X-X## jgs `'-._|_|;:;_.-'` '::. `"- .:;. .:. ::. '::. >Planting and Reaping... - Author unknown If you plant honesty, You will reap trust. If you plant goodness, You will reap friends. If you plant humility, You will reap greatness. If you plant perseverance, You will reap victory. If you plant consideration, You will reap harmony. If you plant hard work, You will reap success. If you plant forgiveness, You will reap reconciliation. If you plant openness, You will reap intimacy. If you plant patience, You will reap improvements. If you plant faith, You will reap miracles BUT ... If you plant dishonesty, You will reap distrust. If you plant selfishness, You will reap loneliness If you plant pride, You will reap destruction. If you plant envy, You will reap trouble. If you plant laziness, You will reap stagnation. If you plant bitterness, You will reap isolation. If you plant greed, You will reap loss. If you plant gossip, You will reap enemies. If you plant worries, You will reap wrinkles. If you plant sin, You will reap guilt. So be careful what you plant now ... It will determine what you will reap tomorrow. The seeds you now scatter, will make life worse or better your life or the ones who will come after. Yes, someday, you will enjoy the fruits, or you will pay for the choices you plant today. -<>- \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >THE VETERAN A protest raged on a courthouse lawn, round a makeshift stage they charged on. Fifteen hundred or more they say, had come to burn the flag that day. A boy held up the folded flag, cursed it and called it a dirty rag. A man pushed through the angry crowd with an old gun shouldered proud. His uniform jacket was old and tight, he had polished each button, shiny and bright. He crossed the stage with military grace until he and the boy stood face to face. Then the old man broke the silence. "Freedom of speech, is worth dying for, good men are gone, they live no more. All so you can stand on this courthouse lawn, and ramble on from dusk to dawn. But before the flag gets burned today, this old veteran is going to have his say. My father died on a foreign shore, in a war they said would end all wars. Tommy and I weren't even full grown, before we fought in a war of our own. Tommy died on Iwo Jima's beach, in the shadow of a hill he couldn't reach. Where five good men raised this flag so high, that the whole world could see it fly. I got this bum leg that I still drag, fighting for this same old flag. There's but one shot in this old gun, so now it's time to decide which one. Which one of you will follow our lead, to stand and die for what you believe?" The boy who had called it a dirty rag, handed the veteran the folded flag. The crowd got quiet as they walked away, to talk about what they heard that day. So the battle for the flag this day was won, by a loyal veteran with a single gun, who for one last time, had to show to some, that these colors will never, never run. It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote. It is the veteran, who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, whose coffin is draped by the flag. -- Author Unknown -<>- ,;;;;;, ,;;;;;;;;, ;;;'____ ; ;;;(\\\\\; `/'((||||| ___< C))|||| ,' \__(((||), | \ _)))))))\,_ /| |/"\`\`""""' |) ; \ \ ) \_____/_| | |\ \' _.,-' | | ' \ \.,-' _./ | ( _,-\ _.-'' | ; "'|___\__.-' ; ) |----| _.--,;' ; ,' , | ( __.,-' | ,' ,' `""'' `. | ; ) `, ( ) | ( ,' | | ( | | | | | | | |___________| | | | | Normand Veilleux based on work by Tua Xiong >GENTLENESS AND HUGS By: Joseph J. Mazzella In my life I have experienced a lot of different types of hugs. I have gotten the warm hug that goes on forever. I have gotten the bear hug that squeezes the air right out of your lungs. I have gotten the neck hug where the little child jumps in your arms and wraps lovingly around your neck. I have gotten the back slapper hug where the hugger gives you the bam, bam on the back. I have even gotten the leg hug which toddlers all over the world use to melt your heart. The most memorable hug I ever got, however, came when I was a teenager. I was visiting a monastery in the Midwest with several other boys. Our guide took us through the simple rooms where the Priests and Monks lived, worked, and prayed. As we entered a small kitchen one of the Brothers walked in. To say he was intimidating would have been an understatement. He was a giant of a man. He stood well over six and a half feet tall. He must have weighed over three hundred pounds as well. He looked like a lineman for a professional football team dressed in a brown, wool robe. As we talked, though, his kind spirit and delightful sense of humor put us all at ease. That is until he rose to leave. Then he walked right at me to give me a hug. At first I feared he might crack a rib, but when he took me in his huge arms all I felt was the love from his soul. It was the gentlest hug I ever got. Leo Rosten said: "It is the weak who are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong." I learned that lesson first hand in the arms of one of the strongest but gentlest spirits I have ever met in this world. He showed me with one hug that God is love and that our real strength comes from loving each other as He loves us. He showed me that our true power comes when we aren't afraid to embrace our goodness or express our joy. He showed me too that gentleness and hugs will forever go together. May your life always be full of both. -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >I Can't Thank You Enough Father I can't praise you enough For the blessings you bestow For your wondrous love and mercy For cleansing my heart and soul. Father I can't praise you enough I'm unworthy to speak your name Yet you gave your only Son for me And He willingly took my blame. Father I can't praise you enough For your sweet Spirit living in me And Father I can't thank you enough For your Son who set me free. Father I can't thank you enough That even though I sometimes stray You reach down with rich blessings And you still love me anyway. ~ Lora Cox ~ -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >Beauty Is Soul Deep Abraham Lincoln loved to tell stories on himself. One of his favorites concerned itself with physical appearance. In the days when Lincoln used to be on the circuit (traveling on horseback from one county court to another), he was once approached by a stranger who said, "Excuse me, sir, but I have an article which belongs to you." "How is that?" Lincoln asked in astonishment. The stranger took a jack-knife from his pocket. "This knife," he said "was placed in my hand some years ago, with the injunction that I was to keep it until I found a man homelier-looking than I am myself. I have carried that knife for many years. Now I pass it on to you." Lincoln added wryly, "I've carried that knife ever since." One of Lincoln's greatest assets was his ability to laugh at himself. And he frequently laughed at his physical appearance. But history does not remember him as an "ugly" individual -- in fact, often just the opposite. His outer appearance was clothed in magnificently beautiful garments: character, honesty, humor and courage. But there are other clothes he wore equally well -- such as humility and forgiveness. We say that beauty is skin deep. But it isn't really. It has very little to do with the skin. True beauty is soul deep. It is a fabric that is woven in the soul and worn in plain view. The Bible speaks of something similar. It teaches us to clothe ourselves with "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Then "over all of these put on love, which binds them in perfect unity." Regardless of how good looking we may otherwise be, it is these clothes that will determine our actual beauty. This was taught to me by a woman who used to think that if she were granted only one wish, it would be to be beautiful. She saw her wheel- chair dependent body as unsightly and, therefore, she missed her more attractive assets. But when she was finally convinced of some of her beautiful personality traits by her friends, she came to a different point of view. Today she says, "Now I know I AM beautiful. Very beautiful." Beauty is soul deep. Learn that and you may realize that you are far more attractive than you ever imagined! ~ Steve Goodier ~ -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Unique Mini Clocks http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/clocks.html 100 Years Ago! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/yearsago.html Golden Memories! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/goldenoldie.html Golden Memories 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/goldenoldie2.html Happy Thoughts! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/happythoughts.html Chalk Art 6! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart6.html God's Most Beautiful! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mostbeautiful.html Snow Quilts! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/snowquilts.html Wood Stacking Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/woodstacking.html Signs For Woman!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wsigns.html One Of Those Days!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/days.html Life's Little Oops 7!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hreligion3.html Humor In Religion 3!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hreligion3.html -<>- (History Repeating Itself Obama now Biden?) - Woe is NOT me! When people reject truth and the Lord, they end up looking for those who affirm that which they are leaning toward or believing. They look for affirmation of the lie they are listening to (misery loves company). 5 'Why would you want to be beaten any more? Why do you rebel more and more? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, only wounds, welts and open sores. They have not been cleansed, nor bandaged, nor softened with oil. 7 Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Strangers devour your land right before your eyes, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.' Isaiah 1:5-7 https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/woe-is-not-me/ Seek First the Kingdom https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/seek-first-the-kingdom/ Obedient and Free https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/obedient-and-free Introduction – Of Decaf and Delight https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/introduction-of-decaf-and-delight/ Rooted in Truth – Of Decaf and Delight https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/rooted-in-truth Planted by Living Waters – Of Decaf and Delight https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/planted-by-living-waters You Won’t Believe the Real Reason Police Are Gunning for Indian Christian Families / Sin Is Not a Toy to Be Played With – It Must Be Slayed at the Altar / Despite Persecution Home Churches in China Are Thriving in the Most Incredible Way / From Most Wanted to Born Again Christian – God Reveals His Power to Transform Lives / Gay YouTube Superstar Shocks Fans by Renouncing Lifestyle, Giving Life to Christ AND More: https://christianlifedaily.com/ -<>- >In The News: VA News: File Taxes Free, Free Gulf War Exam, Caregiver Support https://tinyurl.com/yyujffh3 President Donald Trump Touts Achievements, Thanks Everyday Americans For ‘Honor Beyond Description’ In Farewell Speech — Says ‘The Movement We Started Is Only Just Beginning’ https://tinyurl.com/yyzlow7t Lou Dobbs 1/20/21 https://one-news.net/lou-dobbs-tonight-%E2%80%93-12021-fox-business/ Hannity 1/20/21 https://one-news.net/hannity-%e2%80%93-12021-fox-news/ Economic Confidence Starts to Slide as Homebuilders Pull Back / Chicoms Sanctions Individual US Citizens for Trump Ties / US Bishops Warn Joe About Advancing Evil with his Pro-Abortion Policies / Biden Gives Radical Environmentalists the Paris Climate Accord / NBA Will Fine Players for Hugs and Handshakes / Obama-era Adviser says Trump Supporters are "Issue of Homeland Security" / Photographer Challenges Virginia Law that would Force Him to Photograph Same-Sex Couples https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Biden’s Pick to Head COVID Vaccine Effort Shows Link Between Abortion and Vaccine / Big Tech’s Brutal Assault Against Free Speech / Biden renews WHO ties and Now the World Health Organization Predicts a Far Worse Pandemic is Coming / COVID Vaccines and Population Control Advocates Share This Ominous Link / Fauci Wants to End Parents’ Rights on These Health Decisions for Their Children / Democrats Set to Use This as Their ‘Reichstag Fire’ to Seize More Power And MORE: https://deepstatejournal.com/ Karma Just GORED A RINO Right In The A**! / Declassified Report Shows EXACTLY How Deep The Election Fraud Went! / The Declassification Of The Anti-Trump HIT JOB Has Been RELEASED And MORE: https://independentminute.com/ Jesse Watters does hilarious mock read of Trump’s letter that Biden only called ‘very generous’ / ‘We don’t want Biden – We want REVENGE’: Antifa attacks Democrat headquarters in Portland / ‘Racist’ Betsy Ross flag denounced by Dems flies high at Biden inaugural / Biden accuser Tara Reade: ‘Unspeakably hard’ to watch him take office / Stephen Moore: Get ready for more Obama-era green energy scams And MORE: https://www.bizpacreview.com/ CIA Just Declassified THOUSANDS Of Top Secret Documents! / REPORT: Sleepy Joe FRIGHTENED The Military Will Turn On Him! / Homeland Security Announcement Just DESTROYED The Liberal Narrative! / Top Trump Supporter Just Revealed The Real Reason For Inauguration / KAMALA Directly Linked To Dominion Voting Software! And More: https://threepercenternation.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Chocolate Recall, Plastic Contamination http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- Revisiting... >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) It's important that an astronaut's diet is well balanced and full of nutrients so they can perform at an optimal level while in space. In the rare case that they would encounter a space monster they would want to have enough energy to be able to run away and hide from the space monster. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9WoM2bHfr48 Amazing Mountains Timelapse is a beautiful timelapse video featuring colorful mountain scenes from photographer Jonathan Besler. The roughly 10,000 photographs used to create this video were shot near the town of Bad Hindelang in the district of Oberallgäu in Bavaria, Germany. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoktDSp8s_E&feature=player_embedded This cute sleepy puppy is Lulu, a Shiba Inu puppy, and LuLu doesn't like to get out of bed in the morning as you can see. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BXl6WOv0jfs "Arnold & Dazzle" present their incredible and funny magic at the "World's Greatest Cabaret" in Paris, France. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJHmHrax-Y0&feature=player_embedded --- ...FUN! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) The Canadian Rockies Feature DVD Sample https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/4CMb7yj8Cyk?rel=0&;hd=1 Check out Homba http://vimeo.com/18521385 Joni's Corner | Joni and Friend http://www.joniandfriends.org/jonis-corner/ --- ...Sweet! Thanks Melody! 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 ========================================================== ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >My Kind of Town Story Editor: by Shelley Stephenson Clayton Bennett Illinois, USA Robinson, Illinois, is a small and friendly town, about four hours directly south of Chicago. When many people here think of Chicago, they think of a cold, unfriendly city where everyone is a stranger in a hurry, and no one has time for anyone else. That's how I used to feel. You have to realize, though, that the population of Robinson is about 7,000. It seems as though everyone knows everyone else (and their business!), and if you don't know someone, your parents do. When the business club at Lincoln Trail College, the local community college where I am a student, decided to take a trip to Chicago, I was excited -- but also a little apprehensive. The plan was to take an Amtrak train and then rely on city buses for transportation. In Robinson, we've only had taxi service for a few years, so thinking about riding on a crowded bus with Chicago strangers was a little scary. I guess anything unknown can be. There were 13 of us: 11 students and two teachers. We got into Chicago at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2002. The first thing we had to do was figure out what bus would get us from Union Station to our hotel. As we left the Union Station and approached a bus stop, we read the list of stops aloud. Someone asked us where we were headed. We answered, and one gentleman kindly told us what bus to take and where to get off the bus, as it didn't go directly to the hotel. Once we were on the bus, one of the teachers asked the driver if he would tell us when to get off so we would have the shortest walk to the hotel, and he said he would. When we got off the bus, we again had to ask directions, and again, someone pointed us in the right direction. We were in Chicago from early Friday morning until the middle of Saturday afternoon, and we took several buses to different places, and we walked to several places, including the Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. Each time, someone helped us by telling us when it was time for us to get off the bus, or how many more blocks it was to get where we were going. We were all impressed by how helpful and friendly people were. I will never again think of Chicagoans as cold, rushed, and unfriendly. If someone had told me before our trip that I would be walking down the "Magnificent Mile" at 11:30 p.m. with three other people and not feel afraid, I would have said they were absolutely nuts. But that is exactly what I did! It was a wonderful feeling. Even though I feared the worst, the people of Chicago showed us their best. It's definitely my kind of town. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From SermondFodder: ____ ____ ____ ____ |2 | |A | |Q | |T | |(\/)| | /\ | | /\ | | & | | \/ | | \/ | |(__)| |&|& | | 2| | A| | /\Q| | | T| en Bukkems `----` `----' `----' `----' My kids don't know that people once played solitaire with real cards. When they were teaching me to play computer pinball, they laughed at me when I pounded the enter key to get the ball to go faster. Of course, I laughed right back when I caught one leaning into the turns on his imaginary race track. The computer is a big part of our kids lives. They love the games, they can pick up school assignments and schedules, and a research paper is just a couple of clicks away. (One of my kids finally had to write a paper by hand the other day. He asked me how to do a manual spell-check.) Me? Sure, I know my way around the computer. Never mind that the information I've garnered in the past decade my kids picked up in one semester--of THIRD GRADE. It took me longer than that to figure out that a screen saver wouldn't necessarily keep bugs out of my Windows. I also had to nix that pesky habit of fixing typos with correction fluid on the monitor. And my computer savvy has caused a bit (or byte) of confusion around the house. How many times now have I tried to reboot the microwave? My dishwasher hasn't yet completely recovered from that last de-fragging. I've even tried to enter my password on the TV. Artificial intelligence? I could still use the all-natural kind. I have to admit that I would miss life without the computer. I'm picturing my children blinking dazedly at me with every homework assignment. And what if I couldn't check their Web sites to find out what's going on their lives? I think I'd even miss the spam. Life without warm fuzzy stories and goofy jokes? No promises of gift certificates or scrolling pictures? No warnings of bad luck if certain slices of spam aren't forwarded to 47 people within 3 minutes? Thanks, Bill Gates. I may not know everything about computers, but I know enough to know that computers don't know everything. As a matter of fact, they only know what we tell them to know. I also know enough to know that I know the most important thing to know. You know? Ephesians 3:17-19 says, "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able... to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge." Being "in the know" in the one and only important way is knowing the love of Christ. Jesus is the One who has put us "in the know," and he's given us a knowing that "passes knowledge." You can't find a better knowledge in this world. Put that in your computer and forward it. I'll leave you with 2 computer tips for the day: 1. Don't get so wrapped up in any form of earthly/computer knowledge that you forget that real knowing is knowing Jesus, and 2. Never try to roll up your Windows. If you need more information, you'll have to wait for me to download it. Excuse me while I'll go ask my 2nd grader how to do that. Contributed by Rhonda Rhea -- By way of Daily Wisdom ========================================================== >-->From AndyChaps: reICareI reICareIC ICareICareICar ICareICareICare reICareICareICareI reICareICareICareIC CareICareICareICareICa reICareICareICareICareI ICarICareICareICareICareI ICareICareICareICareICareI ICarICareICareICareICareICare CareICareICareICareICareICare ICareICareICareICareICareICareI CareICareICareICareICareICareICa ICaICareICareICareICareICareICareI ICareICareICareICareICareICareICar eICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICar ICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICar ICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareIc eICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICa ICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareI reICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICare ICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICa reICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareIc ICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICare reICareICareICareIICareICareICareICareIca ICareICareICareICareICareICareICarICa reICareICareICareICareICarICare areICareICareICareICareICa ICareICareICareICare areICareICareICa eICareICareI -Grim CareICar reIC eI >An Act of Kindness for a Broken Heart My husband, Hanoch, and I wrote a book, "Acts of Kindness: How to Create a Kindness Revolution," which has generated much interest across America. This story was shared with us by an anonymous caller during a radio talk show in Chicago. "Hi, Mommy, what are you doing?" asked Susie. "I'm making a casserole for Mrs. Smith next door," said her mother. "Why?" asked Susie, who was only six years old. "Because Mrs. Smith is very sad; she lost her daughter and she has a broken heart. We need to take care of her for a little while." "Why, Mommy?" "You see, Susie, when someone is very, very sad, they have trouble doing the little things like making dinner or other chores. Because we're part of a community and Mrs. Smith is our neighbor, we need to do some things to help her. Mrs. Smith won't ever be able to talk with her daughter or hug her or do all those wonderful things that mommies and daughters do together. You are a very smart girl, Susie; maybe you'll think of some way to help take care of Mrs. Smith." Susie thought seriously about this challenge and how she could do her part in caring for Mrs. Smith. A few minutes later, Susie knocked on her door. After a few moments Mrs. Smith answered the knock with a "Hi, Susie." Susie noticed that Mrs. Smith didn't have that familiar musical quality about her voice when she greeted someone. Mrs. Smith also looked as though she might have been crying because her eyes were watery and swollen. "What can I do for you, Susie?" asked Mrs. Smith. "My mommy says that you lost your daughter and you're very, very sad with a broken heart." Susie held her hand out shyly. In it was a Band-Aid. "This is for your broken heart." Mrs. Smith gasped, choking back her tears. She knelt down and hugged susie. Through her tears she said, "Thank you, darling girl, this will help a lot." Mrs. Smith accepted Susie's act of kindness and took it one step further. She purchased a small key ring with a plexiglass picture frame - the ones designed to carry keys and proudly display a family portrait at the same time. Mrs. Smith placed Susie's Band-Aid in the frame to remind herself to heal a little every time she sees it. She wisely knows that healing takes time and support. It has become her symbol for healing, while not forgetting the joy and love she experienced with her daughter. By Meladee McCarty c 1994 ========================================================== >-->More Thoughts from HeartWarmers: Television has proved that people will look at anything rather than each other. -- Ann Landers Heartwarmer Gem, Joe Walker, has just about had it with the programs on television these days. He is quite outspoken in today's thought provoking column and compares television fare with the Ten Commandents. What do you think? .========. .========. // I .'..' \ // VI.'.,".\ || II .'..'| || VII..'..| || III .'."| || VIII,'.'| || IV ,','.| || IX.'".'.| || V '..'.'| || X .'..',| jgs .\_________/ .\_________/ >TV vs. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS by Joseph Walker Several thousand years ago a man named Moses came down from a mountain with some guidelines for living he called The Ten Commandments. Through the years those ten simple rules have proven to be timeless, and men and women the world over have viewed them as a pattern by which to govern themselves. Until now. Now American television knows better. It isn't just that television chooses not to advocate strict adherence to the 10 Commandments -- in many cases it is offering to the public entertainment options that actively work against 10 Commandment principles. For example: 1. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Is there any more sacred rite in all of contemporary society than the Super Bowl? Not only does television genuflect before god-like athletes and coaches for an entire week of Super Bowl build-up and hyperbole, but it also uses this spectacle more than any other to worship at the feet of the Almighty Advertiser. 2. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image." Television is big on idol worship. From His Airness Michael Jordan to Pop Diva Britney Spears, TV fawns on its idols with sacramental devotion. And when it runs out of real idols to adore it creates more of its own through programs like the appropriately named "American Idol." 3. "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." While you could substitute the title for almost any sitcom here, the "Friends" friends deserve special mention for using the phrase "oh my [deity]" so often you'd think each episode was part prayer meeting. 4. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." If there's one thing television doesn't understand, it's the concept of "holy." While there are exceptions to the rule like "Touched By An Angel" and "Seventh Heaven," for the most part television is suspicious of church-goers and casts a skeptical, suspicious eye at anyone who holds anything sacred. 5. "Honor thy father and thy mother." Years ago it was "Father Knows Best." Now it's "Meet the Osborns." What's to honor? 6. "Thou shalt not kill" -- unless you can attract big ratings and critical acclaim for doing it, like "The Sopranos." Then by all means, whack away. 7. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." Where would "Jerry Springer" be without infidelity? Or, for that matter, incest? Or transvestitism? Or sado-masochism? Or... well, just about any gruesome possibility the most warped mind could possibly concoct? 8. "Thou shalt not steal." Steal. Cheat. Fabricate. Do whatever it takes to win. No, we're not talking about the NFL again. We're talking about "Survivor" and other "reality"-based shows that actually have about as much to do with reality as a Road Runner cartoon. 9. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." So what can you say about a television program in which the entire premise is built upon a lie? That maybe the gold-digging women who are sucked into "Joe Millionaire's" televised deceit deserve what they get? 10. "Thou shalt not covet." This commandment had to be the first to go. I mean, you can't do a decent beer commercial without a little coveting, can you? Which makes you wonder: What would Moses have thought about beer commercials? Something tells me he would have taken one look and headed back up the mountain. And taken the 10 Commandments with him. -- Joseph Walker ___________________________________________ Joseph Walker is a Heartwarmer Gem and nationally syndicated columnist. You can contact him by clicking here: mailto:valuespeak@earthlink.net --- ,"``", / (-\-| ___ | `-=-( /.-.\ .(`-.__/-,// || / \ | // DAD DRIVES 110 MILES WITHOUT HEAT SO SON CAN BUILD SNOWMAN A father loaded a van with snow and drove it 110 miles so his son could build a snowman. Two-year-old Elliot O'Sullivan was distraught when no snow settled near his home. So dad, Shaun O'Sullivan, who was working in snow-covered Kent, England, filled his Mercedes Sprinter van with snow and drove it home for a surprise. Shaun, a 24-year-old window fitter, drove the whole way with the heater off to prevent the snow from melting. He told The Sun newspaper, "It was worth it to see the look on Elliot's face, though it was freezing driving back." Elliot's mother, Tracey, 27, said, "Elliot and I pulled up outside our house and could see Shaun getting something out of the van. I could hardly believe my eyes when I realized what he was up to. Elliot's face was a picture." (Ananova.com News, Jan. 11, 2003) ...The Above shows the love of an earthly father for his child - so like Jesus asked here in Matt.7:11 "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" Unconditional love from Our Spiritual Father - none greater! -<>- .-""-._ / ___/ \ _&_ _.--""|/ `\| // \\ .' ( ^/ ^ )'. / / \ \ / | _ | \ // / \ \\ | _\____/ | /_/_/_\_\_\ | .' \____/-._ | .-"-. | / `; /# \ | / / _|_.---\ | | |.-.; :--.-(_/.____/.-""\___/"-. / \ / ~~/ /\ \{"=.______.="} /--. ; /___/_~~/ ; .--\"=...__...="} / \-/ `\______|/ \-.______..-; | /`| | \ | |||| || | /_ | |_______/ | |||| || | \_/| |-------' |--'||'--._|| | | | | || |> |______| |____________|._ || _..-;| | [___] | `||() || |______ |\/|____________|jgs|| () (__) \__/ (__) () >'The Surprising Secret of a Real Man'-Proverbs 16:32 I think it was our son Doug's first official date with a girl - actually, just a couple of hours at the mall, really. The next day Doug ran into some of the guys from school who only wanted to know one thing about Doug's Friday night. "So how much did you get off her?" They weren't talking about money. They were talking about conquest. Doug came home pretty disgusted, frankly. He said, "Man, those guys; they're messed up!" Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Surprising Secret of a Real Man." Actually, a lot of us men have been raised on a messed up idea of what really makes you a man. Guys of all ages seem to think that it is conquest that makes you a real man - s%xual conquest, athletic conquest, financial conquest, business conquest. So many men define their worth, their success, their masculinity by whether or not they are conquering. The conquistadores! Virtually every guy has been told some where in his life, "Be a man!" But by whose definition? Is it your biceps that make you a man, your bank account, your bedroom exploits, being the boss? If you want to know what manhood is really all about, consult the Inventor of manhood - God. If you go by His definition, you get Designer Manhood - and that's the real thing. And guess what? It is all about conquest, but in a very different arena than most of us were ever taught. It's exemplified in our word for today from the Word of God: Proverbs 16:32. "Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city." You say, "Hey, look at these trophies. Look at all the victories I've won. Look, I conquered this whole city!" God isn't impressed. He says, "Oh, yeah? How are you doing with your temper? Are you pretty patient?" Here's the surprising secret of a truly powerful man: he is conquering ... himself! Not a woman, not an opponent, not a competitor, but himself! He's a thermostat who sets a healthy temperature everywhere he goes, not a thermometer who just keeps changing his temperature based on his surroundings. What's it mean to be a man who is conquering himself? Well, a powerful man conquers his mouth. He eliminates the trash talk - the angry words, the critical words, the hurting words. He knows the power of his words and he controls those destructive words and specializes in encouraging words. A powerful man also conquers his passions, focusing all his desire on his wife exclusively. Or, if he's single, keeping his relationships pure and his body reserved for his life partner. A powerful man also conquers his coldness, showing his love, expressing his love so he doesn't leave a lonely son or a frustrated wife or daughter or mother who don't know where they stand. Another conquest that displays real manhood is conquering your hardness - that unwillingness to ever admit you're wrong or that you're hurting. A powerful man is also a conqueror of his neglect - his failure to spend the time with the people who love him, the time they so desperately need. And, bottom line, a truly powerful man conquers his selfishness - his tendency to want everyone to revolve around him. Designer manhood is all about conquest - about conquering yourself, which no man can do alone, no matter how self-sufficient we think we are. A man finds the power to conquer himself when he has finally been conquered - by the power and love of Jesus Christ. Copyright (c) 2002, Ron Hutchcraft. Permission to distribute this material via email, or individual copies, is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes, and will not be sold. To reproduce "A Word With You" transcripts in any other format, including Internet websites, written permission is needed from Ron Hutchcraft. ========================================================== __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >-->YOU STILL HAVE HOPE If you can look at the sunset and smile, then you still have hope. If you can find beauty in the colors of a small flower, then you still have hope. If you can find pleasure in the movement of a butterfly, then you still have hope. If the smile of a child can still warm your heart, then you still have hope. If you can see the good in other people, then you still have hope. If the rain breaking on a roof top can still lull you to sleep, then you still have hope. If the sight of a rainbow still makes you stop and stare in wonder, then you still have hope. If the soft fur of a favored pet still feels pleasant under your fingertips, then you still have hope. If you meet new people with a trace of excitement and optimism, then you still have hope. If you give people the benefit of a doubt, then you still have hope. If you still offer your hand in friendship to others that have touched your life, then you still have hope. If receiving an unexpected card or letter still brings a pleasant surprise, then you still have hope. If the suffering of others still fills your with pain and frustration, then you still have hope. If you refuse to let a friendship die, or accept that it must end, then you still have hope. If you look forward to a time or place of quiet and reflection, then you still have hope. If you still buy the ornaments, put up the Christmas tree or cook the turkey, then you still have hope. If you can look to the past and smile, then you still have hope. If, when faced with the bad, when told everything is futile, you can still look up and end the conversation with the phrase... "yeah...BUT.," then you still have hope. Hope is such a marvelous thing. It bends, it twists, it sometimes hides, but rarely does it break. It sustains us when nothing else can. It gives us reason to continue and courage to move ahead, when we tell ourselves we'd rather give in. Hope puts a smile on our face when the heart cannot manage. Hope puts our feet on the path when our eyes cannot see it. Hope moves us to act when our souls are confused of the direction. Hope is a wonderful thing, something to be cherished and nurtured, and something that will refresh us in return. And it can be found in each of us, and it can bring light into the darkest of places. NEVER LOSE HOPE! ~author Unknown~ -<>- .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx >Where There is Love Where there is love the heart is light, Where there is love the day is bright, Where there is love there is a song To help when things are going wrong. Where there is love there is a smile To make all things seem more worthwhile, Where there is love there's quiet peace, A tranquil place where turmoils cease... Love changes darkness into light And makes the heart take wingless flight Oh, blest are they who walk in love They also walk with God above, And when man walks with God again There shall be peace on Earth for man. ~Author Unknown~ >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $25 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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 **********************************************************************