Divine Providence, Whisper A Little Prayer And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* 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! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) . . . . ,-,--. __| //``-, \ \_`\ )\a-a-? \ \ \_`(_=_/_-`__ \__, , \| | _ _,' ___7 ) | (_)(_`__(_,---' | ( _( ) | / /_| |________| __/__/__|__|_________) _________(__,_|)/ (__)|/____\(_______________ mic I am very pleased to announced we have two returning sponsors for our ShangralaFamilyFun.com web site! Our first returning sponsor is Cookist.com. 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Be sure to check them out here... ___ _____________________ d8888 888______888_888888P' d8'888 888 /\ 888 A 888 ,oo. ,d8' 888 888,' `.888/ \888 d8PY8b ,d8Y'__888 888______888___888 Y8bd8P 8888888888 888888888888 888 d8b `""' [888P""Y888 888888888888,--888] Y8P 88P db Y8P Y8888888888P db Y8= o \ YP / \ YP / bmw `--' `--' Dealer Alternative Parts Geek https://www.partsgeek.com/ Take a few moments and check out both of these fine companies! _ ( | ___\ \ (__() `-| (___() | (__() | (_()__.--| .. unknown You can be sure I only go with the best sponsors. Why? Because I care About you! (`v) `*..* ..*) .*) (. (. . .`. Huggums!... :) Shangy! -<>- >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends LouiseAu and Geniann. This one will give you your aww quota for the day. It is full of sweet adorable animals. Be sure to give this a few minutes of your time and check it out here: .,uuuuuu,, ,%%uuu==#uuuu%%\ ,,,<%%uu".a.=#uuuu%%%% ,;;;;;)#uu...,#/uuu%%%%%%% \;;/####\%mmmmmmmmmnu%%`%%; u####"""' (mmmmmmmmmmnu%%`%%%% uuuEE,..:;;#\mmmmmmmnuu%;,`%%%% uuuu\#####/uu,mmmmmnu%..;, :.%%% \uuuuuuuuuuuuu,mnu/\.;; :..%% >##&&#######<%%% \;' :.%% (###&&&#######%%%%% :%' (###&&&&######(%%%%%% (#####&&&####(%%%%%%%%% (###########(%%%%%%%%%%% %%(###########(%%%%%%%%%%%% ;%%%(##########'%%%'%%%%%%%%% (%%%%; ;n####n'%%%%'n%%%%%%%%%%(@) \%%%' %%nnnn'%%%%'nnnn%%%%%%%(@@@) ``' %%%nnnn``'nnnnnn%%%%%%%%(@@@@)-Susie Oviatt- ,%%%nnnnnnnnnnn%%%%%%%%%(@@@@@ ,.,nnn%%%%nnnnn)nnnn%%%%%%%%%/ (@@) (u(uuuuuuuuuuuuuu/ (u;;;;;;u) (uuuuuuu) ()()() Cuteness Overload 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cuteoverload3.html --- ...Aww, so many warm smiles! Thanks Ladies! Our next super sizzling hot new page is from friends Linda and CarolC. It has some awesome real wildlife photos along with a great video that takes you on a fun African safari that is sure to please the adventurist in you! Check it out here: , ,, , , ,; ; ;; ; ; ; , ; '; ; ;; .-''\ ; ; , ; ;` ; ,; . / /8b \ ; ; `; ; .;' ;,\8 | ; ; ` ;/ / `_ ; ;; ; ; ; |/.' /9) ; ; ` ; ; ; ,/' ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; /_ ; ; ` ; ; `?8P" . ; ; ; ; ; ; ;; | ; .:: ` ;; ; ; ` ; ; `' `--._ ;; ;; ; ; ; ; `-..__..--'' ; ; ;; ; ; ; fL ; ; ; ; ; ; Mara Photo Winners! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maraphotos.html --- ...I love this! Thank You Ladies! -<>- *~* We Had Another Awesome Month Of Sharing And Caring! _ /|\ .--, | |/__.'/`/ | .-~-(--' | .-~~-\ ; \ | .-. .\ | | | |`\ | _\o|_|o|\ | / __--,=""", | | || '=,_,'\ ; | || /\ | \; \ \_.' |\/ \\ \._ \ ;-, jgs \\ \_:-' /_ ((\\_____/_)) }'======'{` /`"""""""""`\ * Please Visit And Share All Of Our Newest Web Pages :) Trump Saves Christmas! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trumpchristmas.html Only At Walmart! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/walmartshopping2.html Dog-Snaps Photos! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogsnaps.html Animal-Snaps Photos! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalsnaps.html Funny Movie Memes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/funnymoviememes.html Celeb Lasting Couples! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/couples.html Life's Little Oops 16! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops16.html Kennel Club Dog Contest 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kennelclubdog2.html Expensive Mistakes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mistakes.html _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.' *~* Bunches Of Hugs And Blessings In Christ To All Our Contributors! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age. -- Jeanne Moreau We have a wonderful little story for you today from Lynelle who finally discovered some "secret" messages her mother and step-father had been sending back and forth... What kind of special language do YOU use? And, another special Valentine treat from PoppyK -- a great poem you'll want to share with the teachers in your life. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@,""""""@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@"- "@@@@@@@@@@ "@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@( ^^^ )@@@@@@@@@ ' @@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@( ( 0@@@@@@@@@, (@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@) ) _/@@@@@@@@@@@m "@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@(__/ (@@@@@@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@" )@@@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@' \@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@' )@@@@@@' A @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@ ,@@@@@@@" /@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@, @_____" =, @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@ :',@@@@ `@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ M@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@' `@@@@@@@@@@@@@" ,@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@" / @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@" @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@@@" / @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@@" ," .@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@' .@@ `@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@m `@@@, @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| :@@@@@@@@@m )@@. )@@@@@@@@ unknown >HEY! by Lynelle Dawson I remember hearing them throughout my childhood. "Hey," my step-dad would say out of the blue. "Hey what?" my mom would automatically reply. I had noticed nothing more was generally said, but then I was young and didn't pay too much attention to the "old fogies." Years passed by uneventfully, I was now in my twenties and still I would hear their apparently meaningless conversation. "Hey." "Hey what?" For over 25 years I heard this exchange, never knowing what it meant. Quite truthfully, I never knew it was supposed to be anything other than a greeting of some odd sort. I didn't hear it frequently, only occasionally, therefore I didn't really spend a lot of time dwelling on the custom either. Around the ripe old age of 35, which was quite a bit older than one of the "old fogies" of my childhood, and barely a decade younger than the other, I learned what the expressions were meant to convey. Saying, "Hey," meant, "I love you." Replying, "Hey what?" meant, "I love you too." For 27 years now, this has been their secret way of expressing the depth of their love for one another without anyone being the wiser. Hey! -- Lynelle Dawson ___________________________________________ Lynelle and her daughter, Kallie, live in Oklahoma with their menagerie of pets. "After over 25 years of hearing my parents say these words, my mom let me in on the secret. Boy, was I ever shocked and pleased. I was able to return the shock favor last year by throwing a surprise 25th anniversary party for them too!" Today, February 6, happens to their anniversary! Lynelle is a Heartwarmer Gem, HeartTouchers featured author and published writer. -<>- ____ ____ .-" "-. .-" "-. / `. .' \ | (`-"-`) | | /'Y'\ | ; __\_^_/__ ; \ ()_ >o< _() / `\ ) : ( /' `\ / /-\ \ /' `\ ()/ \() /' jgs `\ /' `\ /' `\ /' Y >THE VALENTINE REWARD by James "PoppyK" Kisner The classroom was quite empty; all the children had gone home, My fourth grade room was quiet, as I sat there all alone. That day in class, I told the children what they were to do, Make a Valentine for someone, who is close to you. Someone who you look up to and someone you admire, Someone who is helping you become what you desire. Then I told the children, print a poem that is your own, Then leave them on my desk to read, before you all go home. Tomorrow, you can take them home to give to those you love, But first I'd like to read them to see, who you're thinking of. As I sat and read the poems, the little cards weren't bad, Some were for grandparents and then some for mom or dad. Some had standard verses, "Roses red and violets blue," While others had cute verses, that the children made up new. But then I started reading one and tears filled up my eyes, I never had expected this; it caught me by surprise. "I love my mom and dad, she wrote, but you are special too, That is why I want to make this Valentine for you. I heard my mom once say, you are a blessing in disguise, The way you love to teach and help to open children's eyes. So you will know and understand, 'cause next year I'll be gone, You've help me to be who I am; you are a special one." I closed the little card from her and I just sat and cried, This precious fourth grade girl had done more than she realized. A teacher doesn't earn a lot, there's much they can't afford, But all the money in the world can't match this great reward. To know you make a difference when you teach a little child, And know you have influenced them does make it all worthwhile. I know that all who teach will never earn themselves great wealth, Their riches come from knowing one has given of one's self. To know we make a difference, having helped a child soar, To know we had a part will be our "Valentine reward." -- James "PoppyK" Kisner ___________________________________________ PoppyK is a Heartwarmer Gem and a valued contributor to our publications. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Praise God at All Times After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.' As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.1 We praise God when His favor is evident or when our prayers are answered. However, in times of grief, expressing gratitude can seem impossible. But praise is important to God, and from His perspective, it shouldn't depend on our feelings. It's a choice we can make that not only delights Him but also helps us recognize and receive His blessings. As we praise God, we realize how dependent we are on Him. Our helplessness and hopelessness position us to receive blessings that we would have missed while trying to handle things on our own. When Jehoshaphat was about to face a terrifying army, he said, "Lord, we do not know what to do, and to you we turn our eyes." In other words: "We are weak and we need you to intervene. We're waiting, God, what are you going to do?" The Lord loves this because His power can then be released in all its fullness. And He alone is glorified. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that everything is under Your control, and I praise You that nothing can touch me unless it first passes through Your protecting power. Father, I praise You for Your omniscience and omnipotence that You use for my benefit. I pray in Jesus Christ's name, Amen. 1. 2 Chronicles 20:21-23 (NIV). Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Yes, Often we think of God being in full control and cannot imagine why bad things happen to us or in the world. The bible gives us the answer. 2 Cor.4: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. The god of this world is Satan. Eph. 6: [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness. See This Teaching: Ephesians 6: 12 [A Scripture Study on Ephesians 6: 12] https://tinyurl.com/dxc3d4pw <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Change Under Pressure She said to them, 'Do not call me Naomi, call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me'.1 Naomi, whose name means "beautiful, lovely, and pleasant", lived a comfortably secure life with her husband in their hometown of Judah. A famine in the land had caused them to leave their comfortable home and move to a foreign country. The young couple happily raised their sons there, until the sad day that Naomi was left widowed. In her pleasantness, she continued bringing up her boys to be fine young men and found them wives among the foreigners. A few years later, a tragic turn of events took both of her sons lives and Naomi was left helpless and alone. She had lost everything. With no hope in sight, she sadly gathered her few belongings and prepared to return to Judah. To her surprise, her daughters in law clung to her and refused to leave her. Naomi tried to convince them to stay among their own people and succeeded with one of the young women, but the other still refused. Naomi and Ruth traveled to Judah together with only a slight hope for their future. Upon their arrival, Naomi was instantly recognized by her kinfolk. They greeted her warmly, for they remembered her sweet spirit. But they encountered a very much changed Naomi who returned their greeting by saying, "Do not call me Naomi. My name is now Mara, it means bitter. I am no longer the pleasant girl you remember for I have lost everything." This story might be relatable to some. When tragic events steal our joy, we face the world differently. Our outlook on life is different and we may become bitter. But God did not leave Naomi to her sorrow. God blessed Naomi and used her daughter in law, Ruth, to bring joy back into her life. The stereotypical Mother and Daughter in law relationship was turned because the Lord looked down on them with kindness and they allowed themselves to be used by God, even in their sorrow. Life may deal us unpleasant changes, but God remains faithful and true when we seek His will first. Take comfort in the blessings that he has in store for you today. Do not change your name to Mara yet - God still has great plans for you! Suggested Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your faithfulness in my times of weakness. Allow me the strength to carry on knowing that your plan for me is not finished yet. Renew my joy in you and be glorified by my praise. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. 1. Ruth 1:20. Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...A great reminder. The devil dealt some hard blows to Naomi, but her faith in God allowed Him to work in her favor. Romans 8: [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ALL Things work together for good - so if the devil makes your life miserable guess what? God will make it work out for good IF - you Love God AND you are saved - His child. Romans 8: [29] For whom he did foreknow - (knew before the foundation of the world)-, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (chose you to be have God in Christ in You spirit), that he - (Jesus Christ) might be the firstborn among many brethren (Christians). [30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. [31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? See these Teachings here: The Promises of God - Sonship Rights: http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Promises.htm =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _______________________ _ ,' _j'_.' .'``.\ / /,--.\ /,--. \\ | |({{}})| |/,--,\|| | \`--'/ ||\___/// \ /""/\ \`.__// `.____/ /._`.________`._.' hjw / / /,'\| He was a high school dropout. He had noticeable big ears. He flunked his first MGM screen test. Yet he became successful. Who was he and why did he succeed? Answer: Clark Gable. He did pretty well for himself, becoming "The King of Hollywood" and starring in many of the most popular films ever made simply because he believed in himself and didnt loose faith in his conviction that he'd win. That is the quality one should apply either in worldly or spiritual affairs. One should not get discouraged if his prayers do not be answered in the beginning, for, eventually the Lord would be left with no choice except to reply to our prayers. Perseverance should be the main element of any devotee. - Malladi Venkata Krishna Murthy --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...That's right! Check out this teaching: Never Give Up! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html -<>- .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx >What I Did For Love Thursday, May 5, the National Day of Prayer, I drove across town to attend the noon gathering near the Kenner, Louisiana, City Hall. The lovely little park sports a pavilion large enough for a hundred people and we fairly filled it up. The temperature hovered in the low 70s, the humidity was low, and a breeze stirred the trees just beyond the memorial flag display. I could have stayed a week. An interfaith women's group has been assigned responsibility for the annual prayer observance, and they did an excellent job. Only two or three of us knew that the little white-haired lady on the second row, Josie Lanzetta, actually started these prayer observances nearly 15 years ago. She took it upon herself to call the mayor's office and ask if we could use the park and the pavilion for the prayer service. Sometimes a dozen of us would meet, and once or twice a school-bus load of children. In time, the idea caught on and now others have taken the leadership. Miss Josie is so kind and unassuming, she simply shows up as a participant and would never in a hundred years tell that she originated these observances in Kenner. Even though the program exceeded the noon hour, each speaker/pray-er was outstanding and brought a special contribution to the proceedings. These included the mayor, a judge, several ministers, a medical doctor, a local television personality, and a deacon from the Hispanic Apostolate Church. I wanted you to know about this last one, the deacon. Deacon Luis Campuzano is perhaps sixty years old. He said, "I am from Honduras. Had you told me 20 years ago I would someday be addressing this group of community leaders, I would not have believed it." Then he told us about his mother. "My mother moved to the United States in 1962. But I stayed behind in Honduras." He didn't say why she came or why he stayed. "My mother was unable to read or write, even in her native language. So you can imagine how helpless she was in this new country. That's why I decided to move up here and help her." "She was living in New Orleans on Magazine Street. When my mother and some friends met me at the airport, she said, 'Luis, tonight, I am making for you a wonderful meal like I used to when you were a boy." "Across the street from my mother's apartment was the super market. I went with her to buy the groceries. When we walked in, I knew immediately that everything was going to be different in this country. The employees all saw my mother and said, 'Good morning, Mama.' She spoke to each one and they all called her 'mama.' We bought our groceries, then we went to the butcher shop. When he saw my mother, the butcher stopped what he was doing and said, 'Hello, mama.' He helped us buy three large pieces of meat for supper." "My mother prepared the supper the way I remembered. It looked so beautiful and I was so hungry, I could not wait to get at it. Then she said, 'I will not be eating with you. I have to go somewhere.' I said, 'Mama, wherever you go, I am going with you.'" "What she did next surprised me. My wonderful mother took part of the food she had prepared for our dinner and we walked across the street to the super market. She gave some of it to everyone who worked there. That's why they all knew her and loved her. I said, 'Mama, you can't afford to do this. You barely have enough money to take care of yourself. You shouldn't be doing this.'" "She looked at me and said, 'My son, you know I am a Christian. I go to church every Sunday. I cannot read a word in that Bible, but I know what it says. On every page, the Bible says 'love.' And 'love' means we must share." I would have driven all the way across town just to hear that story of his mother's faith. I have no idea whether he told it because the following Sunday was Mother's Day. On Saturday, Margaret and I drove to Eutaw, Alabama, to bury her Aunt Winona Franklin in a plot beside her husband of 40 years who died some 15 years ago. Winona and Cornelius were always two of my favorite in-law relatives. Cornelius drove an oil delivery truck in that part of rural Alabama, while Winona worked at Banks & Co. department store in Eutaw. They lived in a little white frame house a few miles out of town, near the community of Clinton, not far from where she grew up. They never had children, so everyone around them adopted them as their own. Never was there a more loving, laughing, positive couple. I met them in the early 1960s when Margaret and I began making plans, and soon liked them so much, I would have gone to see them by myself. Even after Cornelius died, if I were traveling down Interstate 20 below Tuscaloosa, I would try to find time to detour a few miles, just to run by and say hello to Winona. She would stop whatever she was doing and make you feel that your visit was the high point of her day. "Tell me about the children," she would say. An hour later, I would be back on the road, refreshed. When Margaret and I moved to the seminary in 1964, we would sometimes receive a note from Aunt Winona to remind us she and Cornelius were praying for us. Invariably, there would be a check enclosed. Sometimes it would be for five dollars, and a time or two for fifty. Always, in the lower left corner of the check would be written "For love." At her funeral, I told that story. Everyone nodded their heads, because nothing sums up this lady's life like those two words: "for love." I have a hunch that when she arrived in Heaven, and after she got reacquainted with loved ones long departed, Aunt Winona knelt at the Throne of her Lord. I can see her reaching out and touching the scars in His hand, and I hear Him saying to her, "This was 'for love.'" "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." By: Dr. Joe McKeever --- ...So sweet! !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ 'Whisper a little prayer' For the last two days, this song has popped into my head and again after reading this story - even though I have not heard it years. I figure it must be important for me to share it with you. Think of it as a song from God in heaven to all of us (His children) spreading the Gospel here on earth. ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt Dedicated to the One I Love by The Mamas & The Papas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMad_HGAC1Y Deliver (1967) Lyrics: While I'm far away from you my baby I know it's hard for you my baby Because it's hard for me my baby And the darkest hour is just before dawn Each night before you go to bed my baby Whisper a little prayer for me my baby And tell all the stars above This is dedicated to the one I love (Love can never be exactly like we want it to be) I could be satisfied knowing you love me (And there's one thing I want you to do) (Especially for me) And it's something that everybody needs While I'm far away from you my baby Whisper a little prayer for me my baby Because it's hard for me my baby And the darkest hour is just before dawn If there's one thing I want you to do especially for me Then it's something that everybody needs Each night before you go to bed my baby Whisper a little prayer for (to) me my baby And tell all the stars above This is dedicated to the one I love This is dedicated (to the one I love) This is dedicated to the one I love This is dedicated (to the one I love) This is dedicated This is dedicated _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` God truly loves us! It's all about love. :) Also see this teaching: Are The Dead Alive Now? http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/Are_The_Dead_Alive_Now.htm -<>- ________ _jgN########Ngg_ _N##N@@"" ""9NN##Np_ d###P N####p "^^" T#### d###P _g###@F _gN##@P gN###F" d###F 0###F 0###F 0###F "NN@' ___ q###r "" >Tell me Why From the Garden of Gethsemane unto Golgotha's hill, Lord Jesus Christ determined to fulfill the Father's will. The Sinless One, the Perfect Man, the One who had no blame, Chose to endure the agony, the thorny crown, the shame. Legions of holy angels watched in horror, swords drawn high, One nod from Him, they'd purge the earth and everyone would die. But Jesus, full of mercy, who is called Faithful and True, Pleaded, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." The Father's heart was breaking as Christ hung upon that tree, When He heard Jesus cry out: "Why hast Thou forsaken Me?" The Most High One, the Creator, Magnificent I Am, Had now fulfilled the scriptures as The Sacrificial Lamb. When Christ said, "It is finished!" and He bowed His head and died, The temple veil was rent in twain, the earth shook side-to-side. And dead saints came out of their graves and walked the street unshod, "Truly," said the centurion, "this was the Son of God!" The crucifixion, long foretold and planned before creation, Has made Lord Jesus Christ, "The Door," the one way to salvation. John 3:16, God sent His Son down to this earth to die, If you reject so great a Love, I ask you, tell me why. ~ Connie --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...The answer 'Why' is in this teaching: For The Joy That Was Set Before Him http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/joy.html -<>- (.,------...__ _.'" `. .' .' `, `. `. ` . .' .'/''--...__`. \ . .--.`. ' "-. '. | '' .' _.' .()) .--":/ ''( \_\ ' (()( ''._' ( \ ' ' `. `--' ' `.: . `-.___.' ' `. . _ _ .' ) .____.-' .'`. (--.. .' \ /\ / / `. .' \( \ /|/ `. .' \__/ `. / | o | \ | | | jro >Echoes Of Kind Words A little boy said to his father, "Let's play darts. I'll throw the darts and you say, `Wonderful!'" Here is a boy who was not afraid to ask for the encouragement he needs. Maybe we all have something to learn from him! Inspirational author and educator, Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, relates a story about the devastating effects of discouragement. Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th Century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man who asked him to look at a few of his sketches and drawings. The gentleman wanted to know if the artist thought they were of any value. As gently as possible, Rossetti told the man that the sketches were of no value and showed little talent. He apologized for the harsh assessment but said that he believed he should be honest. The visitor was disappointed but asked the artist if he could take a look at just a few more, which were all done by a young art student. Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. "These," he said, "oh, these are good." He went on to say that the young student shows much promise and should be given every help and encouragement, as he may have a great future if he will study and work hard. The old man was deeply moved. Rossetti asked, "Who is this fine, young artist? Your son?" "No," replied the visitor sadly. "It is I - forty years ago. If only I had heard your praise then. For you see, I became discouraged and gave up too soon." Mother Teresa wisely said, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Sometimes it may be enough to just say, "Wonderful!" ~ Steve Goodier -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Life Is...!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifeis.html I Believe...!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html Lean On Me!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/leanonme.html Kid Lessons!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidlessons.html God's Little Love Notes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Love Stories!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lovestories.html Love Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html What Is Love 1!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wlove1.html All About Hugs!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hugs.html No Words Needed!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html My Precious Child!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mychild.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Who Is This Jesus?- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Playing With Words!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html More Abundant Life!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abundantlife.html Making A Difference!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/makingdifference.html Unforgettable Photos!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/unforgettable.html Random Acts Of Kindness!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/actsofkindness.html Sweet Humanity!- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/sweethumanity.html That's God!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html VALENTINE Index!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valentineindex.html -<>- How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Spirit & Truth Index: https://stfi.org/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ White House Actions - 2026 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump executive orders and actions, 2025-2026 https://tinyurl.com/musd7m3x DOGE Latest News https://doge.gov/ DOGE Latest Savings https://doge.gov/savings From The Daily Acorn: Positive News https://www.thedailyacorn.com/ Latest From Lifezette: https://www.lifezette.com/ Latest From Hannity: https://hannity.com/ Latest From American Action News: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Newsmax: https://www.newsmax.com/ Latest From Expose: https://expose-news.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://greatergood.com/clicktogive/ggc/home ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Shiny Stones There are many types of monkeys that can be captured with nothing more than a hollow wooden ball and a few shiny stones. The wooden ball contains a hole just large enough for the open hand of the monkey to pass through. The shiny stones are placed inside the ball and the ball is then tied to a tree. The curious monkey reaches into the hollow ball and grasps the stones but then finds his hand will no longer pass through the hole while he clings to his prize. The monkey fights to free his hand but will not drop the stones and is therefore easily captured. This is a fun story - but I'm not sure it's true. Monkeys are probably much smarter than this illustration makes them appear. But I wonder how many of us are being trapped by similar tactics. Jesus had chosen His twelve disciples and was giving them instructions as He sent them out to minister. He told them where to go and some of the hardships to expect. He also told them one of the great secrets of a successful journey. Matthew 10:39 "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Another translation of this same verse reads: "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for Me, you will find it." This is a truth the world doesn't want us to hear! The only way to find the freedom of true life is to let go and give God our complete trust. We are saved only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8); but a saving faith must be a faith in the complete Jesus, all He is and all He represents! He came as our Savior, the Lamb who was sacrificed for the forgiveness of our sin. But He also came as the Son of God, our Sovereign Lord. A saving faith cannot pick and choose what portion of Jesus to accept; we either let go and give Him our complete trust or we show we have rejected Him as we cling to self-control. The world is packed full of "trappings" which lure us and keep us from surrendering to Jesus as Lord. We are continually enticed to follow "The Road to Happiness" with promises of pleasure and power; but if we look closely, we will see nothing but a handful of worthless stones which keep us from true freedom. We can no longer cling to the empty values of the world; we must let go and present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). If we want to find the freedom of true life, we must have a faith which allows us to lose our life to the will of our Lord - we must be willing to let go of our shiny stones. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Exodus 21:22-23:13; Matthew 24:1-28; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 7:6-23 Exodus 23:14-25:40; Matthew 24:29-51; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 7:24-27 Exodus 26:127:21; Matthew 25:1-30; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 8:1-10 Exodus 28:143; Matthew 25:31-26:13; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 8:11-13 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching God First http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/GOD_FIRST.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Pain of Separation (edited) When we read the story of creation, we can clearly see how man was created for a blessed and intimate relationship with God. Man was made in the image of God [spirit] (Genesis 1:27) and given life with God's own breath (Genesis 2:7). From the very beginning, God intended man to live under His blessing and in dominion over creation: "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground" (Genesis 1:28). Being in a perfect relationship with the Almighty God meant there were guidelines for living; "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Genesis 2:16-17). But this relationship also meant there was an unparalleled level of fellowship; "He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name" (Genesis 2:19). Can you imagine such a relationship of love? Can you imagine being in such intimate fellowship that God actually talked with you about the names of animals? Now, can you imagine the heartache when that relationship was shattered by sin? "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it" (Genesis 3:6). In this one act of disobedience, Adam and Eve said, "We do not believe!" For at the core of every sinful action is a heart which does not believe enough to trust that what God says is absolutely true. And the results can be devastating! Genesis 3:23-24 "So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After He drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life." We completely miss what happened in the garden if our picture of God is that of a bearded man on a throne with a judgment calculator who says from a distance, "They didn't follow the rules, send them away." That is not the God of the Bible! God gave life, sustenance, blessings, direction, and fellowship; and yet, the receiver of His gifts trusted and followed a lie. The consequences of the first sin must have broken God's heart though, I don't fully understand what this means. Our Father still longs for His children to believe and return home. We've been away far too long and He desires for us to come back into His loving arms. And if we would take time for an honest examination, we would find a painful longing that wants only to return and be held close. Let's not wait another moment. Let's begin right now to walk with a consistent belief and end the pain of separation. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Exodus 5:22-7:25; Matthew 18:23-19:12; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 5:22-23 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See This Teaching Return To Me - God http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/return.html ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: ( . ) ) ( (| . ) )\/ ( ( ( * ( (( / ))\)) ( ) ) ( \ )\( | ))( ) (| >) ))/ | )/ \(( ) \ ( ( . -. V )/ )( ( \ / . \ . \)) )) )( ( | | ) . ( / )( ,')) \ / \( `. ) >HOW FLEETING FAME IS! I shared this recently on Facebook: Just GOT to share this---went to a store in Daphne, Alabama, last Saturday--store was called "Bama Fever, Tiger Pride." You walk in and the register is directly in front of you. To the right is all Auburn University stuff, and to the left is all University of Alabama stuff. While we were shopping for a new Alabama T-shirt, we had to keep apologizing for stepping on and bumping into each other because there were so many people. But on the Auburn side---NOT ONE PERSON was shopping. Yes, I am an Alabama fan. Born in Mobile, Ive been an Alabama fan all my life. But the reason I share this with you is to emphasize one very important fact. While Alabamas football team won the National Championship this year, Auburn won it last year. Just one year removed from being at the very top, and no one was shopping for Auburn stuff. The clerk said it had been very slow on that side. All of which just goes to show us that fame is very fleeting. Its here today for Alabama. But next football season, what they did this year wont matter. What Auburn did the year before didnt matter. When spring training begins, every team in America thinks about winning it all. But once you do win it all, youve only got that for one year, before you have to do it all over again. You and I may chase after a lot of things, fame included. But in the end, we should realize that it doesnt last very long. Do you remember who won the Heisman trophy twenty years ago? Unless you have a phenomenal memory for sports trivia, you probably dont. But do you remember the name of a teacher who really touched your life? I could name several, even though Ive been out of school for a long time. So while we should be careful about chasing after things that dont matter and wont last, we should also be careful about throwing our accolades toward people and things that wont last. That would include our favorite college football teams, movie stars, entertainment icons, politicians, etc. In fact, there is Only One Who deserves that kind of praise and adoration from usthe Lord Jesus Christ, the One Who is the same yesterday, today and forever. --Rocky Henriques, www.timothyreport.com -<>- .-""-._ / ___/ \ _&_ _.--""|/ `\| // \\ .' ( ^/ ^ )'. / / \ \ / | _ | \ // / \ \\ | _\____/ | /_/_/_\_\_\ | .' \____/-._ | .-"-. | / `; /# \ | / / _|_.---\ | | |.-.; :--.-(_/.____/.-""\___/"-. / \ / ~~/ /\ \{"=.______.="} /--. ; /___/_~~/ ; .--\"=...__...="} / \-/ `\______|/ \-.______..-; | /`| | \ | |||| || | /_ | |_______/ | |||| || | \_/| |-------' |--'||'--._|| | | | | || |> |______| |____________|._ || _..-;| | [___] | `||() || |______ |\/|____________|jgs|| () (__) \__/ (__) () >UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT (Author Unknown) As I was driving today, I couldn't help notice a sign outside a restaurant that read "Under New Management" in bold, colored letters. The owners were trying to convey the message that, even though the restaurant looked the same, perhaps even had a similar menu, something was definitely different. It wasn't easy to spot the change from a distance. My first impulse was to go inside and question why things had to change. Why couldn't the new owners just pick up where the former left off, keeping it "business as usual"? The answers were simple: the former owners went bankrupt; they lost touch with what was important; their accounts were out of order. In order to bring it back to its former glory, the old had to be replaced with the new. Some things, like the design, had to change gradually so others could become accustomed to it. Others needed immediate attention. But it had to come "Under New Management" for it to be effective. That's the same way it is with us, beloved, when we finally come into a relationship with God: we have to come under new management . . . God's management! It can't be business as usual! God places a sign outside our hearts and begins to phase out the old things, those things which caused spiritual bankruptcy; those "accounts" in our lives that were in disarray. They are the past. These "accounts" are not important any longer, nor do they have any bearing on God's ability to bring about change in our lives. And maybe we won't suddenly wake up and see someone else in the mirror . . . maybe from a distance others can't notice the change, but make no mistake about it: we're under God's new management! It might not always seem like it. Our life's menu might sometimes seem like it's unchanged, but we can't be fooled! In some areas, we'll experience immediate change. In others, change will be gradual. Before long, however, the new Owner will bring in more changes, a more palatable menu for our lives and spiritual abundance. That's Jesus' heart and desire for us. "What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" 2 Cor. 5:17 (NLT) "For what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter into another!" -Anatole France as seen in Laugh and Lift -<>- ,;;;;;, ,;;;;;;;;, ;;;'____ ; ;;;(\\\\\; `/'((||||| ___< C))|||| ,' \__(((||), | \ _)))))))\,_ /| |/"\`\`""""' |) ; \ \ ) \_____/_| | |\ \' _.,-' | | ' \ \.,-' _./ | ( _,-\ _.-'' | ; "'|___\__.-' ; ) |----| _.--,;' ; ,' , | ( __.,-' | ,' ,' `""'' `. | ; ) `, ( ) | ( ,' | | ( | | | | | | | |___________| | | | | Normand Veilleux based on work by Tua Xiong >LOVE FOR THE LONG HAUL Poetic words from the pen of Solomon remind us that married love ought to include some sizzle: "Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be enraptured with her love" (Proverbs 5:18-19). These are not X-rated words, and they ought not to be embarrassing for us to read or teach. These are Holy Spirit inspired words originally written by Solomon to remind his son that the best way to affair- proof his marriage was to not let his marriage sizzle file! Sadly, some marriages file far too quickly. One man lamented to his friend, "My wife, a registered nurse, once fussed over every pain or mishap that came my way. Recently, however, I got an indication that the honeymoon is over. I was about to fix the attic fan, and as I lifted myself from the ladder into the attic, I scratched my forehead on a crossbeam. Crawling along, I picked up some splinters in both hands, and I cut one hand replacing the fan belt. On the way down the ladder, I missed the last two rungs and turned my ankle. When I limped into the kitchen, my wife took one look and said, `Are those your good pants?' " Sizzle is good in a marriage, especially young, newly married couples (as Solomon noted). But sizzle alone won't sustain a marriage. The fuel that binds husbands and wives together over the long haul of a lifetime is love, not lust. Not the syrupy, sexy, sensual, superficial "I may hate myself in the morning, but I'm gonna love you tonight", "desperate housewives" kind of love so popular in movies and music. I'm talking about the powerful, stick- with-it-kind of love described in the Bible. The kind that carried Jesus to and held Him on the cross when it would have been so easy to quit. The kind of love that "suffers long" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Phillip Yancey writes about the kind of love that lasts over the long haul: "Early on in our marriage an older and wiser couple counseled, 'Don't depend on romantic love. It won't last. Love is a decision, not a feeling.' Honey-moon blinded, I dismissed their advice as symptomatic of an older generation out of touch with feelings; now, years later, I would agree. Yes, marriage lives on love, but it is the kind of love that parenthood demands, or Christian discipleship: a gritty decision to go forward step by step, one foot In front of the other" (Reaching For the Invisible Goal, pp 110-112). Someone said love at first sight is easy to understand. It's when two people have been looking at each other for years that it becomes a miracle. That kind of love will sustain a marriage over the long haul of a lifetime. If You Think, You Thank! -Dan Gulley church of Christ Smithville, Tennessee -<>- _____ .---...-. ,' -. `. ,' _____...' / - _ - \ : .' _ _ \\ : ' _)' : | :-(_).(_):: (_ ;) | | -' || \ _ / ; | _ || `..___..' `-'..____.'`' ;._: _; :_ / \ SSt ,' `' `. SSt >HEY, WASN'T THIS US? A little house with three bedrooms, One bathroom and one car on the street. A mower that you had to push To make the grass look neat. In the kitchen on the wall We only had one phone, And no need for recording things, Someone was always home. We only had a living room Where we would congregate, Unless it was at mealtime In the kitchen where we ate. We had no need for family rooms Or extra rooms to dine. When meeting as a family Those two rooms would work out fine. We only had one TV set And channels maybe two, But always there was one of them With something worth the view. For snacks we had potato chips That tasted like a chip. And if you wanted flavor There was Lipton's onion dip. Store-bought snacks were rare 'Cause mother liked to cook. And nothing can compare to snacks In Betty Crocker's book. Weekends were for family trips Or staying home to play. We all did things together -- Even go to church to pray. When we did our weekend trips Depending on the weather, No one stayed at home because We liked to be together. Sometimes we would separate To do things on our own, But we knew where the others were Without our own cell phone. Then there were the movies With your favorite movie star, And nothing can compare To watching movies in your car. Then there were the picnics At the peak of summer season, Pack a lunch and find some trees And never need a reason. Get a baseball game together With all the friends you know. Have real action playing ball, And no game video. Remember when the doctor Used to be the family friend, And didn't need insurance Or a lawyer to defend The way that he took care of you Or what he had to do, Because he took an oath and strived To do the best for you. Remember going to the store And shopping casually, And when you went to pay for it You used your own money? Nothing that you had to swipe Or punch in some amount, And remember when the cashier person Had to really count? The milkman used to go Go from door to door For just a few cents more Than going to the store. There was a time when mailed letters Came right to your door Without a lot of junk mail ads Sent out by every store. The mailman knew each house by name And knew where it was sent. There were not loads of mail addressed To "present occupant." There was a time when just one glance Was all that it would take, And you would know the kind of car, The model and the make. They didn't look like turtles Trying to squeeze out every mile; They were streamlined, white walls, fins And really had some style. One time the music that you played Whenever you would jive Was from a vinyl, big-holed record Called a forty-five. The record player had a post To keep them all in line And then the records would drop down And play one at a time. Oh sure, we had our problems then, Just like we do today, And always we were striving, Trying for a better way. Oh, the simple life we lived Still seems like so much fun, How can you explain a game, Just kick the can and run? And why would boys put baseball cards Between bicycle spokes? And for a nickel, red machines Had little bottled Cokes? This life seemed so much easier And slower in some ways. I love the new technology But I sure do miss those days. So time moves on and so do we And nothing stays the same. But I sure love to reminisce And walk down memory lane. -author unknown -<>- /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/| / /######/ / | / /______/ / | ========================= /|| |_______________________|/ || | \****/ \__,,__/ || |===\**/ __,,__ || Joe Jacques |______________\====/%____|| | ___ /~~~~\ % / | _| |===|=== / \%_/ | | | |###| |########| | / |____\###/______\######/__|/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >MY BLINKING COFFEE MAKER (edited) My coffee maker is winking at me! Honestly: on and off, on and off goes the little red light. It's actually telling me that the machine needs cleaning, but what it isn't recognizing is that I have cleaned it -- I removed every removable part that I can find; I removed the filter mechanism and replaced the filter, and then cleaned it some more just to be sure. But the blinking red light still winks at me! What is its problem? What have I missed? Every nook and cranny has been dealt with that I can see, but it chooses not to take any notice -- and so-o-o, day in, day out, whenever I make coffee, the machine winks at me. I even tried to hide the light with a black marker -- a big, black, permanent marker that I thought I could use to daub onto the little red light and mask it -- well, that didn't work! No way was it going to be hidden. I think I'd miss it now -- I've become quite used to its presence. Psalm 51:1-2 - Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (NKJV) When God sees the need for us to be cleaned, His light, the Holy Spirit, convicts us that unnecessary sediment is present in our spirits and hearts, the remainder of all the wrongs we have committed. He pursues us continually in many ways. He puts His people in our path to get our attention, to speak to us, and help us to recognize where improvement is needed. He reminds us continually through His Word -- if in fact we are actually checking the interior of the Book. He will keep reappearing in many forms, reminding us that it is time for change. Yet, how many times we try to mask Him so that we can go on doing what we are doing -- things that we know He would not approve of. It's as if we are picking up a big, black marker and trying to obliterate Him from the eyes of our hearts and spirits. We do that in vain because His light will not be blocked, however hard we try to make it happen. He will continue to pursue each one of us and make us aware of His disciplines and His way. His light will be ever present until we take notice and attend to what needs correction. John 12:46-48 - I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him -- the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. (NKJV) Those who have received Christ need periodic cleanings, but others need to confess their sins and receive Christ's forgiveness for the very first time. Only when we choose to conform and repent and call upon God in the name of Jesus to help us and accept us and change us from the inside out can we begin to understand what a difference His cleansing in our lives will make. It is a feeling beyond any other and cannot be adequately described by mere words -- we've got to try it ourselves. Many years ago, He called me to change and to follow Him. Thankfully, He took over, and I had no control over the powerful spirit of love that wrapped itself around me. He walked me to the prayer rail of my (then) church, where I gave my life to Him. I have rejoiced in that action ever since. You can do it too! Prayer: Dear God, I want to know You personally. I know that I have done wrong things in the past and I am sorry. I am willing, with Your help, to turn away from my sins and turn to You. I believe that your only begotten son, Jesus, died for me and that you, God, rose him from the dead... Say This Part Out Loud: 'Jesus Christ is my Lord', Please come into my life and change me and show me Your ways, right now. In the name of Jesus Christ, I than you. Amen. -Patricia Day Barrie, Ontario, Canada as seen in PCCWeb Daily To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: When we preach atonement, it is atonement planned by love, provided by love, given by love, finished by love, necessitated because of love. When we preach the resurrection of Christ, we are preaching the miracle of love. When we preach the return of Christ, we are preaching the fulfillment of love. - Billy Graham __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Your Significance in Christ (here by divine Providence) By Dr. Jack Graham "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1 God loves you and has a plan for your life that is truly amazing. God has something significant that He wants to do in and through you. Do you really believe that today? Despite what our culture says, you're not here by accident! You're here by divine Providence... and God has a plan and purpose for you. Not for just the Josephs of the world, but for the Joes, the Marys, the Bettys, the Sues, and the Bills. God has something significant for all of us to do... and that includes you! Now, success is wonderful. As a matter of fact, the Scripture says that God gave Joseph great success. But beyond success, he had significance. Joseph certainly had vision, courage, determination, character, ability, and perseverance - all the qualities of a leader. But there was one quality that stood out in this great man's life. That quality was faith. Joseph trusted God throughout all of his days... in good times as well as bad times. And that faith is what gave Joseph significance! In spite of the obstacles, against all the odds, this man persevered by faith. He started over many times in his life. He faced circumstances that would have defeated the average, ordinary individual. And yet regardless of the difficulties, he kept believing God. He kept following his Lord. He kept trusting his Master. Why? Because Joseph believed that God had a plan for his life, and he was determined to discover his destiny. I mean, think about it: Joseph was despised and rejected by his own dysfunctional family! He was kidnapped and left for dead. He was sold as a slave. He was falsely accused and imprisoned. He was used and abused. He was failed and forgotten. And yet by faith he carried on! And I want to encourage you to carry on by faith as well! Whether you're in good times or bad times right now, God has a perfect plan for you. I hope you will trust in this promise today... and know that as a child of God, you have true significance in Him. 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 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching THE CHRISTIAN WALK http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/The_Christian_Walk.htm ========================================================== ___ / \ | o | \ / ________) (________ | | '------. .------' | | | | | | | | /\ | | /\ /_ \ / \ / _\ \ '. .' '. .' / \ '--' '--' / jgs '. .' '._ _.' `'-. .-'` \ / ` >-->Peace On Stormy Seas I sailed upon a tranquil sea Where all was peace and calm; I felt my life serene and blessed, I knew not storm or qualm. Then clouds of doubt began to form, The wind did stir and blow; My tranquil sea did heave and toss, I felt my anguish grow. I cried, "Dear Lord, are you out there? You see my ship storm-tossed? Why do you leave me here alone? I fear I may be lost." God smiled and spoke these simple words, "Peace my child, just be still; I'm the God of the raging sea, The waves obey my will." "Hook your anchor onto 'The Rock' That holds your vessel sure. No evil can alarm you child, I'll keep your life secure." "No harm will touch you if you trust And place your faith in me; Your storm-tossed ship will once again Sail on a tranquil sea." "So do not fear the storms of life That oft assail your soul; I am the Master of the Sea, I'm always in control." "The storms will surely strengthen you When on rough seas you sail, For you will know the victory That comes when you prevail." -Linda J. Stevenson >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 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 Foundational Teaching Seminar 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 **********************************************************************