Keep Going And Story Time! ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: https://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 ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friend Fran. I do so love knowing these are real photos from pros around the world. Be sure to take a few moments out to see these most interesting pictures here: _.----._ ,'.::.--..:._ /::/_,-;._.:._.;,-=_(.-' __ `._ ,;' _..-(((('' .,-'' `-._ _,'<.-'' _..``'.'`-'`. ` _.-((((_..--'' \ \ `.`. -' _.``' \ ` SSt ,' Bird Photography Winners! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/birdawards.html --- ...Wow! Wonderful! Thanks Fran! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels. -- Hazrat Inayat Khan Sometimes things happen spontaneously. We have a new writer today and we think you'll enjoy his style and message. We also have a short story from one of our members in London. Have a great day! _--_ ( A's) /___7 .~~\ /~~. /""_ V \ om /____/ / .mmmC="_ _/ -----===(((((}{).MMM "" | `"---" ..mMMM"" | \ ( )" \ /\ | / / \ \ /" / \ \ \__/" \__/ '94 the wolfe / / | | .^V^. .^V^. +-+ +-+ >Story Time - ONLY WINNERS by Kurt Kelsey Pat was a man like most, full of dreams and expectations. He sought friendship, companionship and love. But unlike most other men, Pat had Down Syndrome and would never have the opportunity to see some of his dreams come true. My neighbor Mike was Pat's nephew. Mike and I were very best friends and spent the majority of our time hinged at the hip. We did what most twelve-year-old boys did in the seventies -- played Hot Wheels, watched TV, got into some mischief, played baseball and drove Mike's mom crazy with our 45 record of Monster Mash. We had a very close-knit neighborhood with a small park and a baseball diamond right smack dab in the middle of it. When Pat would come to Mike's for a visit, we would play with Pat, and for the most part treated him as our equal. As we all know, kids can also be cruel at times. This, of course, applied to the way we sometimes treated Pat. One of the games that we used to play with Pat was Adam-12. Pat kept a block of wood on the dashboard of his dad's car. This was his "official" police radio. Mike and I used to honk the horn, which irritated Pat to no end. He would run out of the house screaming at us and try to chase us down. Then he would call Adam-12 for back-up on his police radio. As the game continued, the more we honked the horn the closer we got to being caught by Pat. This made our inventive 12-year-old brains kick into gear to devise a more ingenious way of tormenting Pat without getting caught. We tied one end of a rope to the steering wheel horn and the other to the work bench inside of Mike's garage. Then we hit the automatic garage door and ran like mad. The result was a very long continuous honking noise and the sound of Pat screaming at the top of his lungs, "Michael!" Let me make it very clear at this point... we loved Pat dearly. One summer afternoon, Pat came for one of his usual visits. If memory serves me correctly, Mike and I were at my house playing Hot Wheels under my back porch. Since we were not around to play with, Pat wandered out to the neighborhood diamond for a game of baseball. The only problem was that there was nobody around to play with and Pat didn't have a baseball, or a bat. He did have his dime-store glove however. Nonetheless, Pat began to play a game of baseball. First he batted, then he pitched, then he played in the infield, then he batted some more. You could hear Pat from under my porch, "Hey batter batter, swing batter!" One of the neighborhood kids, Patty, walked out to play baseball with Pat. Mike and I looked at each other and without saying a word, went to the diamond to join the game. As the game continued on, each of us took turns in the various roles. Pat decided who played which position. Then something unexpected and amazing began to happen. One by one, kids from all around the neighborhood began joining the game. No one questioned why we didn't have a bat or a ball -- they just walked out to the field or waited their turn at bat. Before we knew it, we had a full-fledged game of invisible baseball, with Pat leading the outcome of the game. There was chanting in the infield and cheering from the sidelines when someone smacked a home run. There were "tens" given as kids crossed the home plate (we didn't do high fives back then) and votes of sympathy when someone struck out. It had all the excitement of a regular game of baseball. Parents stood from their houses, spectators to this wondrous event, filled with pride and some with tears of joy. And Pat, I never saw him happier than that day -- the day of invisible baseball. What we had experienced that day is what God desires for all of us. We experienced love, compassion, friendship, teamwork, pride and joy. We played the game without question, simply because we knew it would make Pat happy. There were only winners that day, nobody lost the game. It was reward enough just to play. -- Kurt Kelsey ___________________________________________ Kurt lives in Warsaw, Indiana. He says, "My neighborhood has many good memories. I still feel a bond with all of those people. Our little piece of the world was incased by four streets -- Oakhill, Nutmeg, Poplar and Elm. There still to this day is a remnant of the tiny park in which we all played, and houses now stand where our baseball diamond was -- smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood. This is the story of something that happened in that baseball diamond and that something remains smack dab in the middle of my heart." __________ __ (`/\ `=\/\ __...--~~~~~-._ _.-~~~~~--...__ `=\/\ \ / \\ `=\/ V \\ //_\___--~~~~~~-._ | _.-~~~~~~--...__\\ // ) (..----~~~~._\ | /_.~~~~----.....__\\ ===( INK )==========\\|//==================== __ejm\___/________dwb`---`__________________________________ >Story Time - LONG LIVE LONDON by Gabriele Cassia I love every little bit of this town and I feel like a Londoner more than I feel Italian. Although my English is still not perfect, I really wish to get my message across -- terrorists are losing out and if they do not realize this, it is all due to their monumental ignorance. People that were divided now are feeling strongly bonded by their common faith. I heard New York's former Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, speaking on the news today. I heard our Prime Minister and others. Everyone agrees London and Londoners showed today that terrorism has lost the war. I remember when New York was at the center of our attention that day in September. I was walking in Leicester Square with my friend Estella, wondering if the airplanes that normally fill the sky of London will soon sentence our death. Talking with her today on the phone, checking that she was alright, I noticed that this was simply "the second one" that we were going through together -- making no distinction between New York and our glorious city of London. I was deeply moved from seeing how people reacted, putting on a brave face and dealing with the tragedies with calm and reason. Learning from the tragedy of our friends "across the pond," everyone knew what they were doing -- rescues were prompt, hospitals were ready to cope and the public showed stoicism. I too, wanted to help in this emergency, and I happily agreed to work overtime to help the children in my school and their stranded families. It was not much, but it was all I was given the chance to do and I am grateful for the opportunity. London is the most beautiful city in the world. It's a great city were I see honest and content people going about their daily business in a peaceful and cooperative way. Perhaps we do not see it because we take it for granted but we all work and live close to each other with a harmony that at times really moves me. Ok, sometimes we fight to get on a train during rush hour, but I always see smiles and people that see the funny side of this, every day! Life is good and I am happy to have invested my future here. We won the Olympics and we are ready for an even greater period of prosperity and excitement, despite these cynical, crazy murderers. Long live London! -- Gabriele Cassia ___________________________________________ Gabriele was born in Trieste, Italy in 1980. She moved to London five years ago to work as an actor. She also works in a high school. She will soon begin studies in Film and Media at the University of London. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Helping Others There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.1 Dorcas, or Tabitha, was a woman who showed her love for God by serving others. She made her community a better place by doing kind things for others and making clothing for those in need. We are told in James 1:27 that the religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is to look after the orphans and widows in their distress, and this was exactly the religion that Dorcas practiced. She was deeply loved by those around her. In the midst of this great ministry Dorcas had of serving those in need, she became ill and died. However, the believers had heard that Peter was in a nearby city, so they sent messengers to beg him to come as soon as possible! Perhaps they were hopeful for a miracle or simply longed to receive words of comfort. When Peter arrived at the house, he was taken to the upstairs room where they had laid Dorcas in preparation to be buried. The room was filled with widows mourning the loss of this amazing woman, and they showed Peter the coats and other clothing items that Dorcas had made for them. Her impact on the life of those around her was evident, which is perhaps why Peter prayed and raised her from the dead! People had already been greatly touched by her love and generosity, but even more came to know Christ through her being resurrected from the dead. As Christians, we are all called to serve others. This should not be an occasional event, but rather something that is displayed in everything we do. Whether it be helping a work colleague complete a task, making dinner for our families, helping a neighbor with school pickups, or serving as a volunteer at church, we have countless opportunities to show the love of God through service. May we, like Dorcas, love others so evidently that others come closer to God because of it. Suggested prayer: Heavenly Father, use me as a channel of your love as I serve others. May my greatest desire be to glorify you in all that I do and to see others come to a personal relationship with you. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1. Acts 9:36 (NLT). Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Keep Going So let us not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.1 Life seems to always be throwing challenges our way, trying to knock us down. Some of those times we give up too soon, maybe right before we were about to witness the breakthrough. In the Bible, there are several instances where someone kept going and eventually reaped a harvest of blessing. For example, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, but that blessing did not come instantly. Instead, he had to wait decades before that promise was fulfilled. There were probably times throughout his waiting season where he doubted God and felt like giving up, but he did not let those feelings control him. Through his patience, endurance, and trust in God, his wife, Sarah, became pregnant and gave birth to their son Isaac at ninety years old. God is always moving and working even when we feel like He is not. He was faithful to fulfill His promises in the past and is faithful to fulfill His promises today, for Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Although at times it seems convenient and easy to just give up, it is important that we turn to God for the strength and willingness to keep going. Those who stay faithful to God and endure to the end will get to see completion and reap a harvest of blessing that the Lord has promised. Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for promising that if we do not give up, You will bless us. In times when I feel giving up, please give me the strength and desire to keep going. When I feel tired of the path leading me to Your blessings, please give me hope. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1. Galatians6:9 (NLT). Today's Encounter was written by: Gianna B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching Never Give Up! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== ___________ @ @ / (@\ @ \___________/ _@ @ _/@ \_____ @/ \__/-="="` \_ / <| <| jgs <| ` >-->Story Time From Our Friend Christiane :) (edited) One week after my car dealer revived these keys that I accidentally put through the washing machine, we lost them sometime Sunday. I always pray over lost things, and this was no exception. However, it's now Tuesday and this time the keys were not turning up, and fear, frustration, and doubt were creeping in. Jesus wasn't listening! I was sure He was disgusted with my stinky attitude and mouth. Actually it was me who wasn't listening. That still small voice reminded me of a song, "In His time He makes all things beautiful." HIS TIME! About an hour later CVS called me saying a gentleman had found my keys, my CVS tag was attached, so he asked them to just call me for him. He explained he didn't want any information on me, he just wanted them to contact me and he'd like to return the keys. They were found on the highway! Long story made shorter the keys had taken a trip down the highway while on route and must have fallen off the car. When the kind guy came to our back door, he explained he loves tracking down people who've lost things. So, after thanking him profusely I asked his name. He said, Steve, adding there's a lot of us. I mentioned who I knew and it was his brother that found the keys! Small world! I cannot believe how God answers prayers. I truly think in trying times He also has a sense of humor. I'm still in shock and Thank You Jesus, Thank you, Bud and Steve! Everybody, please just keep praying, keep trusting, and keep the faith! And don't cop an attitude like me. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...HaHa! It is easy in our rushed 'get it now world' that we forget that God has His own timing. God works thru people to get the job done. He had to find the right person, get them to where your lost keys were and give them additional wisdom as to whom to call to contact you. All this takes a little time. God's timing is always Perfect. Just have a little patience. :) See These Teachings: Wait On God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Wait_On_God.htm The Exact Right Moment in Time https://tinyurl.com/3rnx76fp =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >LIVING BY FAITH! When I say..."I am a Christian," I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin.'' I'm whispering "I was lost." Now I'm found and forgiven. When I say..."I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on. When I say..."I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. When I say..."I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it. When I say..."I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. When! I say..."I am a Christian," I'm not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow. HOW DO WE KNOW HE LOVES US? READ ROMANS 5:6-11 "GOD DEMONSTRATES HIS LOVE FOR US... THAT WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS CHRIST DIED FOR US. -<>- ,__ _, \~\| ~~---___ , | \ | Wash.| | ~~~~~~~|~~~~~| ~~---, _ VT_/,ME> /~-_--__| | Montana |N Dak\ Minn/ ~\~_/Mich. /~| ||,' |Oregon | \ |------| { WI / /~) __-NY',|_\,NH / |Ida.|~~~~~~~~|S Dak.\ \ | | '~\ |_____,|~,-'Mass. |~~--__ | | Wyoming|____ |~~~~~|--| |__ /_-'Penn.{,~Conn (RI) | | ~~~|~~| | ~~\ Iowa/ `-' |`~ |~_____{/NJ | | Nev | '---------, Nebr.\----| |IN|OH,' ~/~\,|`MD (DE) ', \ |Utah| Colo. |~~~~~~~| \IL| ,'~~\WV/ VA | |Cal\ | | | Kansas| MO \_-~ KY /`~___--\ ', \ ,-----|-------+-------'_____/__----~~/N Car./ '_ '\| | |~~~|Okla.| | Tenn._/-,~~-,/ \ |Ariz.| New | |_ |Ark./~~|~~\ \,/S Car. ~~~-' | Mex. | `~~~\___|MS |AL | GA / '-,_ | _____| | / | ,-'---~\ `~'~ \ Texas |LA`--,~~~~-~~,FL\ \/~\ /~~~`---` | \ \ / \ | -jorn \ | '\' `~' >GOD BLESS AMERICA -Christine Though not as lofty a thinker as authors of The Declaration of Independence, the following gave me many reasons to be thankful for those men desiring INDEPENDENCE and pause to think of those whose lives purchased such for me! Their perseverance... their reverence to God and HIS will. Also, their depths of thought for "the common good" for citizens of this new land. (Well, it WAS a new land when you stop to think from where our forefathers came:-) What courage it took and tenacity to indulge in such an undertaking as "beginning anew in a NEW LAND"... mind~boggling, if you ask me! When I think of that group of God~fearing men, some of whom had not reached a final decision for independence from Great Britain ... wrestling with the weightiness of forming The Declaration of Independence... my imagination goes into "high" gear:-) SO many facets to consider... I can almost hear them putting forth an opinion... pausing ~ debating ~ thinking and re~thinking how a particular "Article" should be worded. OH, what an AWESOME responsibility ~ YET, very stimulating at the same time. HOW we use our INDEPENDENCE is the question upon the mind of our Father... GOD SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE!!! _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` God's Word is emphatic regarding our INDEPENDENCE: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. I Peter 2:15~16 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 A great price WAS paid for freedom in "the new land"... the ultimate sacrifice bought and paid for with the blood of AMERICANS!!! Yet, there IS a greater freedom to be had... a greater INDEPENDENCE than those incorporated into our Constitution ~ Declaration of Independence ~ Bill of Rights, precious angel family. I write of the FREEDOM purchased for us on Calvary by our Savior, JESUS CHRIST!! FREEDOM to belong to The Family of God ~ PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!! With HIS OWN BLOOD HE BOUGHT US. Our precious Lamb of God!!! ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt O BEAUTIFUL FOR SPACIOUS SKIES O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain; For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea. O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine. O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self control, Thy liberty in law. By IRVING BERLIN (lyrics and music) ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free, Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer: God Bless America. Land that I love Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America My home sweet home. God Bless America, Land that I love Stand beside her, And guide her, Through the night With the light from above, From the mountains, To the prairies, To the ocean, White with foam, God bless America, My home sweet home. God bless America, My home sweet home. God Bless America. --- ...Lovely! Reminds me of this George Washington’s Vision and Prophecy About America... _..---.._ .' .-'''-. '. / .' _..._'. \ __ : : /`;' ) : : _,="`\ ,--''` ``'.; : |; ,-; : ; __..==""==.,_| `-, `; .\; / ^\ _,.="// '-,_.--._ '.(;_.'__/`_.-'`\ ,.--''`` _..=. `'--.// `` \ `--, '` `- |_\ '-. | `-._ _.;--`-..___,.-'` `'-...-_:',;`==,| \ _.--',=" / /"=;="=, _.' ,=".-'` .' /| ,=" _.--' .-' "=, : .' | ", `;._ .--'.' .-' .' . ; ,;;\_ . '._.'--'` -' / ,;;;._ '-._ .''.__.' `\_ .' '._ / '._ .(` jgs '._ ';./ `;` George Washington’s Vision as Recorded in the Library of Congress: 'While the stars remain, and the heaven send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the UNION last.' And taking from his brow the crown on which blazoned the word 'UNION,' he placed it upon the Standard while the people, kneeling down, said 'Amen.'" 'Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted: Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful for her is the third. But the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land, and UNION.' With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown me the birth, the progress, and the destiny of the United States." "Such, my friends," the venerable narrator concluded, "were the words I heard from Washington's own lips, and America will do well to profit by them." The first-hand account of this vision was given in 1859 by an old soldier named Anthony Sherman. He gave it to a writer, Wesley Bradshaw, who published it. The account was taken from the reprint in the U.S. war veterans' paper The National Tribune, in December 1880. The National Tribune is now called The Stars and Stripes. This article was reprinted in the Stars and Stripes December 21, 1950. https://tinyurl.com/42282rky .. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ .$$$$. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. .$$$$$ * * * * * * * * * * ::::::::::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::' * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$F * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$d$$$$$$$" ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ":::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::" ""$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$P $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$L ;; ;::::::::::::::::;; ;;:::. $$$$$$" "" $$$$$; ^$$" $$$$ Donna Shepherd "" It is telling. The far-left are trying to make us think that America was built on evil doings. That somehow the country has survived and flourished as one of the most prosperous and free countries in the world for all of its 250 years even though it is so evil. That would be the devil trying to give us doubt of our Godly heritage and blessings throughout America's 250 year span. !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ We have much to be thankful for. Our sports visitors are reminding us! World Cup Fans Discover They've Been Lied To About The USA World Cup fans from Europe and around the world are in shock as they visit North America for the World Cup, try things they've never experienced before, and realize they’ve been lied to about so many things, especially about the USA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQDsPs-4FY4 The verdict is in: Europeans are obsessed with rural America during 2026 World Cup stay A Scottish fan called Buc-ee's "a gas station mixed with Disney World wrapped in a gift shop" With that, plenty of folks who have never even seen America up close are getting a firsthand account of just how awesome this country can be when you really stop and take in all it has to offer! https://tinyurl.com/9tfxy22c The World Cup is bringing out the best in the U.S., as people from around the world experience the warm hospitality of Americans. We tend to take America for granted. We are like the millionaire's kid who is spoiled in their lap of luxury not realizing how great they have it compared to so many others around the world. _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ We should all celebrate our 250th anniversary with praise to God for his greatness and blessings of our country. The "Great American State Fair" - a 16-day world's fair-style event - kicked off Wednesday night with President Donald Trump headlining a "Rally to end all Rallies." for the 250th Celebration. The event also brought additional parking restrictions and road closures to the National Mall. Here's what you need to know. https://tinyurl.com/422npt3w The far-left cite that the US is evil due to slavery. However, Slavery in the United States was not widespread and it was legally abolished 161 years ago: _,. ___. . ____ ,._ --=:_ *: ======((|_L]_ \\ c:____]((=- :* _:=- - - - - `' (__(____) \\ / // ___ `' ,._ \\___. / // _/_/_]=== :* _:=-- ,. ___. _((|_L]_ _/ //_.(_(_)(_).. `' --=: *: ======((|_L]_ _/(__(\_ _)\_ /____\_\ `.... `' (__(____) cjr Slavery was legalized on a state-to-state level in the early United States and was the primary cause of the American Civil War. Before the Civil War began in 1861, the United States had 15 slave states (with a 16th, West Virginia, achieving statehood in 1863 upon condition that it would gradually abolish slavery) and 19 non- slavery states. Slavery was abolished throughout the U.S. following the Civil War in 1865. The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." Slavery is still a large problem, though, all around the world. https://tinyurl.com/3snjvf65 |\', \. .' \\| \'. __| |~ \ : /\ \_. \ /\ : | \ \| \ \/ \ / / \/ \ \/\ '._.' / /\ \ '.___.' / /\ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ \/ \/ -Dave Bird Also reminds me of President Trump. He is calling the Democrat socialists what they really are - they are Communists. Just like with Nazi Hitler, they are racist against all Jews and Israel - one of our best Allies in the East - against private ownership of anything - be it business or a home - they want Government (Like dictator Hitler) owning everything and controlling everything. The Socialist Communist Dems even want to abolish ICE so they cannot deport anyone (the more for them to own and control who will vote for them) and they want to limit or abolish the police and criminal prison time so less money is being spent on the very things that protect We The People! As long as people vote for them and pay them with high taxes, they don't care about their well being. The Socialist Communist Dems are against the rich, even though they expect the rich to pay for all their needs and that of the people with extra high taxes. They want to have control of all the money so no private enterprises are allowed. They want the people totally dependent on government for all their food, housing, medical, child care and educational needs. __-----__ ..;;;--'~~~`--;;;.. /;-~IN GOD WE TRUST~-.\ // ,;;;;;;;; \\ .// ;;;;; \ \\ || ;;;;( /.| || || ;;;;;;; _\ || || ';; ;;;;= || ||LIBERTY | ''\;;;;;; || \\ ,| '\ '|><| 1995 // \\ | | \ A // `;.,|. | '\.-'/ ~~;;;,._|___.,-;;;~' ''=--' - Daniel C Au - It all sounds so good. The Communist way - getting a bunch of free stuff. Until the dishing out of free stuff slows down to next to nothing and the people are left sick and hungry with no way to get out of their hell hole due to there being no jobs as all the business owners have long gone packed up and left. The people have to work long and hard to sustain the government leaders just to be able to eat. All through history, Socialism/Communism has only hurt the regular people. It only is good for the leaders. That is why left Democrats are pushing it. Today's Communist leaders - Xi Jinping of China (from $1 million to $1.5 billion net worth), Kim Jong Un of North Korea (around $5 billion net worth) and Vladimir Putin of Russia (from $70 billion - $200 billion net worth) are all rich while their people grovel out a living. Democrat Fetterman seems to be the only one of his party standing up for American over these new anti-American politicians who are racist against the whites and Jews and want to abolish our Constitutional Republic and way of life. He says he stands with and supports Israel and the American capitalist way. These newly elected Democrat NY Socialists/Communists are even against the normal Dems in congress - including Kamala Harrison - saying F her. Make sure NOT to vote for any socialist - Communist. They only have their best interests at heart. Go with capitalists every single time! Your chances are greater that you'll live a more abundant life like God wants for you... _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Remember, Capitalism is God's Way - 2 Thessalonians 3:10, For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. Getting everything for free is against God when you are able to work. It is also referred to here... Proverbs 18:9 He also who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys. Proverbs 19:15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle man will suffer hunger. 2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Hebrews 6:12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Think Happy Thoughts! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/happythoughts.html Soap Carving Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/soapart.html Weird Rainy Days! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rainyday.html Bear Playground! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bearplay.html Disney Character Bushes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/disneybush.html Friends Together! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/together.html Hidden! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/hidden.html I Am Who I Am! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/Iam.html Help - God's Emergency Numbers: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/help.html Our Valuable Anchor! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html 90/10 Principle! https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/giving.html Christianity and The Renewed Mind! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christianity.html Financial Stewardship! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/financialstewardship.html -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Watch the little boy in this video next to Ernie Ford as he sings Children Go Where I Send Thee. I'm not sure how Ernie managed to finish the song without bursting out laughing at this kid's musical antics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_eWR2hT_YM&feature=player_embedded --- ...LOL! He's an awesome singer but he's just not used to kids! Thanks LouiseAu! You just have to watch the story of Alice Herz-Sommer. She was 110 years old and was said to be the oldest living pianist. She went through the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp, but you won't believe her wisdom on life, music and faith. You'll be crying well before the end of this year-old documentary clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8oxO3M6rAPw --- ...Such A heartwarmer! Thanks LouiseAu! -<>- 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: The "Great American State Fair" - a 16-day world's fair-style event - kicked off Wednesday night with President Donald Trump headlining a "Rally to end all Rallies." The event also brought additional parking restrictions and road closures to the National Mall. Here's what you need to know. https://tinyurl.com/422npt3w President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ TrumpRx doesn't sell medications. Instead, it connects patients directly with the best prices, increasing transparency and cutting out costly third-party markups. https://trumprx.gov/ 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 ========================================================== ___ / _\ | /\_| __-'' _' ----'-. |#\#)_,_ )##\__ _\__.-. - .- (###) '---. `. - __\____`.#\( ) L(| .'__//\ \#)`-._.' / \\==. /_/_//\_\_ /#/ ### / //\\ \ |(________(##)___/-' '| (_) | ____\___/_________________\___/___________VK >-->Story Time - Better get tissues for this sweet one! :) 47 bikers kidnapped 22 foster kids from their group home and drove them across state lines before the authorities could stop them. That's what the news reported. That's what the police dispatcher said when she sent six squad cars after us. That's what the group home director screamed into the phone when she realized the children were gone. But that's not what actually happened. My name is Robert Chen. I'm a social worker in Nevada. I've spent nineteen years in the foster care system. I've seen every kind of heartbreak you can imagine. But nothing prepared me for what I found at Bright Futures Group Home that October. Twenty-two kids. Ages six to seventeen. All forgotten. All about to spend another Christmas in a facility with rats in the kitchen and mold on the walls. The state had been "about to" shut it down for three years. I'd spent eight months trying to get those kids placed somewhere better. Nobody would take them. Too many behavioral issues. Too many medical needs. Too expensive. The system had given up on them. So when my riding buddy Marcus called me one Thursday night in November, I was desperate enough to listen. Marcus rode with the Desert Storm Veterans MC. Fifty guys. All military. All decorated. All looking for purpose after coming home. "Brother, the club wants to help. How would your kids like a week at the Grand Canyon?" I laughed. "Marcus, these kids can't get permission to go to the movies. So we don't ask permission. We ask forgiveness." That's how it started. The most beautiful, illegal, insane thing I've ever been part of. The club planned everything. Rented a winter-empty camp facility in Arizona. Found doctors, therapists, and trauma counselors who volunteered their time. Gathered donations. Toys. Clothes. Food. Then they came to get the kids. November 18th. Saturday morning. 6 AM. Forty-seven motorcycles rolled up to Bright Futures like thunder. The kids woke up and ran to the windows. Some screamed. Some cried. They'd never seen anything like it. The club president, Jackson, met me at the door. Seventy years old. White beard. Chest full of medals. He handed me a folder of liability waivers, medical consent forms, and emergency contacts. The group home director, Patricia, came running downstairs in her bathrobe. "What is happening? Who are these people?" "These gentlemen are taking the children camping," I said. "One week. All expenses paid." Her face went purple. "You can't take state wards across state lines! I'm calling the police!" "Call them," Jackson said calmly. "But while you're doing that, we're going to ask these kids if they want to see the Grand Canyon." We gathered the twenty-two kids in the common room. Six-year-old Emma clutching her stuffed rabbit. Seventeen-year-old DeShawn who'd survived fourteen placements. Everyone in between. Marcus stepped forward. "My name is Marcus. These are my brothers. We're veterans. We'd like to take you on an adventure." Little Emma raised her hand. "Are you gonna hurt us?" My heart broke. That's what these kids had learned. Strange adults mean danger. Jackson knelt down. "No, sweetheart. We're going to protect you. Show you the Grand Canyon. Let you ride horses. But only if you want to go." "What if we say no?" DeShawn asked. "Then we leave and you never see us again. This is your choice." Twelve-year-old Maya stood first. "I want to go. I've never been anywhere." One by one, the others agreed. All twenty-two. Even DeShawn. Patricia was screaming into the phone. But we were already moving. Each biker assigned to a kid. Trucks and vans for the younger ones. Special seats. Helmets. Protective gear. Within twenty minutes, we were rolling out. The police caught us fifteen miles outside town. Six squad cars. Lights flashing. Jackson handed the lead officer the folder. "These are consent forms signed by their legal guardian." He pointed at me. "Mr. Chen is a licensed social worker with custodial authority. Full medical information. Full itinerary. This is a supervised field trip." While the officer reviewed everything, ten-year-old Carlos walked up to him. "Please don't make us go back. That place is bad. The food has bugs. The showers don't work." He started crying. "Please. We just want one good week." The officer looked at Carlos. Looked at the bikers. Looked at the kids smiling in the trucks."How long?" he asked Jackson. "One week. They'll be back safe, happy, and fed." The officer closed his folder. "I never saw you. But if anything happens to these kids, I will personally hunt you down." Jackson saluted. "You have my word as a Marine." The next seven days were magic. The camp was decorated with Christmas lights and welcome signs. Each kid got their own cabin with clean sheets. The dining hall had a feast waiting. That first night, Emma crawled into Jackson's lap. "Is this heaven?" she whispered. His eyes got wet. "No, baby girl. But it's close." Horseback riding. Fishing. Hiking to the Grand Canyon rim. Campfires. Dirt bike lessons. But more than activities, the bikers gave them something no program ever had. Presence. Each biker spent hours one-on-one with their kid. DeShawn told Marcus about his mother's overdose. Maya told Jackson about the uncle who hurt her. Carlos drew pictures of his dead father while a biker named Tom just sat and let him talk. The doctors did checkups. Every kid needed dental work. Twelve needed glasses. Three needed medications they hadn't been getting. The club covered everything. On day five, the media found us. Helicopter. Reporters at the gate. "Bikers Kidnap Foster Kids" blazed across every screen. Jackson called a press conference. Brought out all twenty-two kids. Healthy. Happy. Smiling. "You want a story? Here's your story. These children have been neglected by a system that's supposed to protect them. We gave them one week of love. You tell me who the criminals are." The kids spoke for themselves. Emma held up her new glasses. "I can see now. Nobody else got me glasses." DeShawn showed his dental receipt. "Six cavities. Been in pain for a year. They got me to a dentist in two days." The narrative flipped overnight. Donations poured in. The governor got involved. Bright Futures was shut down within a week. Patricia was fired. But the best part came after. Families started calling. Families who saw the story and wanted to adopt. Within three months, eighteen of those twenty-two kids were placed in loving homes. DeShawn was adopted by Marcus and his wife. They'd lost their son in Afghanistan. DeShawn needed a father. It was perfect. Emma went to Jackson and his wife. A seventy-year-old Marine and his bride adopted a six-year-old girl because they couldn't bear to let her go. The four oldest kids aged out before placements were found. But the club didn't abandon them. Scholarship funds. Apartments. Jobs. They still ride with the club on weekends. I lost my job with the state. Violated protocol. Endangered children. Acted without authority. I don't care. I'd do it again tomorrow. Jackson died last year. Heart attack. At his funeral, all twenty-two kids showed up. Some were adults now. All wore patches that said "Honorary Member." All called him Dad. DeShawn gave the eulogy. "Jackson and his brothers taught me that family isn't blood. It's who shows up. Who fights for you. Who loves you when nobody else will." He held up his vest. "I'm a biker now. Not because I ride a motorcycle. Because I learned what brotherhood means." Emma, now ten, sang "Amazing Grace." Jackson's wife had put her in music lessons. Turns out she was gifted. She's applying to performing arts schools now. People ask if we regret the kidnapping. If we'd do it differently. I'd do it again tomorrow. Those kids needed heroes. They got forty-seven of them. Bearded, tattooed, leather-wearing heroes who broke rules to save lives. The system failed those children. The bikers didn't. They never do. (Share this story to show the world the real image of bikers) ___ / _\ | /\_| __-'' _' ----'-. |#\#)_,_ )##\__ _\__.-. - .- (###) '---. `. - __\____`.#\( ) L(| .'__//\ \#)`-._.' / \\==. /_/_//\_\_ /#/ ### / //\\ \ |(________(##)___/-' '| (_) | ____\___/_________________\___/_________VK Visit here to see their group photo: https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/2026/bikers.jpg ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >A Lifetime of Transformation Salvation is a work of the Spirit, a "circumcision of the heart" (Romans 2:29), for those who truly believe in Jesus Christ. This miraculous work of the Spirit will always cause a change and will always produce fruit. However, we must balance this truth with the understanding that spiritual change is a transformation which is sometimes painfully slow. Each new creation in Christ is given the holy spirit as a guide, but we will spend the rest of our life learning who we really are in Christ and how to "keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25). Even Paul recognized his spiritual maturity was not complete. He had the unique opportunity to receive truths and understanding directly from God; "this is what we speak, not with words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit" (1 Corinthians 2:13), but Paul still fell short of God's glory and had to strive to reach the place Christ desired. Philippians 3:10-12 "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Paul knew the goal of his life was to bring glory and honor to God by living in the fullness and power of the resurrection. He knew he was to live a submitted life as one who was born "into an inheritance that can never perish" (1 Peter 1:3-4). But he also knew he had not fully attained this goal. At the moment of salvation, Jesus "took hold" of our life. Every single day after salvation we are given a new opportunity to pick up the pieces and bring Him glory and honor in ALL we do as we "press on toward the goal" (Philippians 3:14). We only arrive at the goal when we are called Home and see Him face to face, when we are fully "transformed into His likeness" (2 Corinthians 3:18). But until that time, we are to press forward in the obedience of worship, holiness, and eternal priorities. No matter how difficult our current circumstances, how terrible our past mistakes or how seemingly hopeless our future, the only step under consideration is our very next. We must begin today to live as a new creation in Christ who desires to step in obedience and glorify His name. Then, we must continue to walk through a lifetime of transformation. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?1 Kings 15:25-17:24; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Yes, what we strive for See this teaching THE RENEWED MIND - The Believer's Key To Power http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/THE_RENEWED_MIND.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Enter The Mission Field The apostles were instructed by the best Teacher the world has ever known; they witnessed the miracles of Jesus' life as well as His death and resurrection. It had been forty days since Jesus walked victoriously out of the tomb, and He was now returning to the loving arms of His Father. But first, Jesus visited with His friends one last time and gave them a charge which would last the rest of their lives. Acts 1:8 "You will receive power when the holy spirit comes on you; you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Jesus' death initiated the new covenant agreement between God and man; "this cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:20). And on the day of Pentecost, the holy spirit was given to all who believed and had entered into this new covenant. Jesus' final instruction to the apostles was for them to be witnesses of this message of hope - to take this message of the new covenant in Christ and the power of His Spirit into the mission field. Jesus defined the mission field as "to the ends of the earth," meaning the extent of the known world (as far as anyone could possibly travel), but He also said to witness "in all Judea and Samaria" (the surrounding area or countries), and "in Jerusalem" (the city where they currently lived). Jesus was saying: Wherever you go - whether near or far - be My witness and boldly proclaim the good news; "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:6). All who truly profess Jesus as Lord and Savior have been sealed and empowered by His Spirit and are now to be witnesses of the Gospel; "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our mission field will not necessarily be in a foreign land, or with a different language, but it WILL be filled with those who need to hear, see, taste, and feel the message of Jesus. And our life ought to be a clear demonstration of that message! We should praise God for the missionaries in foreign lands. They are accomplishing a vital service and need our prayers and support - and perhaps some of us are being called right now to join in this vital service in a deeper way! But we should also praise God for ALL who faithfully look for the hurting and lonely, who seek out those in need of love and encouragement, who minister the love of Jesus and proclaim His message through all they do... right where they are! "I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" (John 4:35). The field is all around us - in our church, our neighborhood, our workplace... even in our own family! Let's accept the charge today to be faithful ambassadors and proclaim the good news wherever He leads. Let's boldly step out in faith and enter the mission field! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?2 Kings 4:18-5:27; Acts 15:1-31; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 17:23 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See These Teachings BODY - SOUL - SPIRIT http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/BODY_SOUL_SPIRIT.htm The Giver And The Gift https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/givergift.html Witnessing and Undershepherding https://tinyurl.com/bdf82mj4 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >OUR HOPE IS HERE Listen to this story and then send it around, including all the Muslims you know! This is the most exciting story of the day... a Muslim crying out to Jesus! JESUS IS OUR HOPE! http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/vod/AL32v1_WS Wonderful video!!! -<>- ______ ______________ ( _) _( )__ (_ ??? ) ( Oh Gee! ) (_____) ____ (_ Was I really EVER _) / \ (_ this dense?! __) () ( Huh? ) (________________) \_ _/ _ O /,' (_) __ ' ___ ('__`> ./, \ () // o( //)< \\\ O ':__/ (/)\__)\` /_/\ | \ ) (_ |( ) \\ ,_ __Y''( \| [|\ `._-'\_(\\________________//_ `-./ /| ||`.___,-[______________________]-.___,'|| \`\.,-) `-.||| ||' `-.,/|| \,`.___. ||| ,|| ,___,'_|| |______`.||| / ||,'_______|| ||==I ||\ / ,||||| ||| __||__ ||_\__ __/_//||||| ||| ---o--o---o-||\_,-'----`-._// ||+||-----+||-------ool >SEE BEYOND THE BOXES OF JUDGMENT Judgment puts people in boxes. When you are judgmental, you create an orderly world out of a disorderly one. For without the boxes, people are neither good nor bad, they simply are, full of failings, shortcomings and inappropriate emotions, full of goodness and love. They simply are. And like a jungle, everything overlaps and runs together. There is no way to judge if this plant is better than that one, since they are growing into each other, overlapping their boundaries and living in tangled coexistence. And you are like this as well. You know how unfair it feels to be judged, since you are a very complex person. Your childhood and everything that happened since that time have led you to be like the tangled jungle, intertwined and complex. And everyone else is like this as well. What you believe is wrong may be right to someone else and vice versa. For all of it simply is. When you stop trying to sort through the jungle, cutting things up and putting them into boxes, and instead, let it be as it is and just observe it, you will find great beauty indeed. You will see that nature doesn’t draw straight lines and doesn’t build boxes. Nature loves curves and entanglements. Nature loves an orderly chaos formed by the lively interchange between living things. And your mind and personality are like this as well, not compartmentalized, not straight and linear, but complex, lively and intertwined, all of your different experiences melding and tangling with each other to make up who you are. And everyone else is like this as well. And so, what we see is that without the boxes of judgment, the world is a lively and interesting place. And anyone that you may encounter, if you will but allow yourself to get past the surface judgment based on age, shape, clothing, accent, color and gender, and talk to them and learn what they have experienced, if you dig deep enough and listen with enough compassion and interest, you will discover a view of life which will teach you much. It is not about agreeing or not agreeing with them, it is not about cutting them up into little pieces which will fit into your boxes, it is about appreciating the complexity and wonder, the deepness and richness of human experience, what truly makes up this life. -Unknown Author -<>- ,"=-. / _),`'". ( /a( ), ) ) C = = ?/ ( )) (_ o-< ) ( `-' \; ( \_ ( | \ ) )| \_/} \ \ \(_;/-|_) )/) `._,--/ / / `!__!! ( (_o)) ---`-._, )--- ------( / |---- | ( | :__/|\_; \ |/ )(\_ /_)--` gpyy \_! >ENCOURAGEMENT "Let us encourage one another." (Hebrews 10:25) One writer observed a mother walking with a small handicapped child whose both legs were in braces. He was having a difficult time but his mother was right there with him encouraging him at every step. "That's great! You're doing splendidly," she kept repeating. "I want to run," the boy called. "Very well, try it," his mother encouraged enthusiastically. As he did, he tripped and almost fell and would have except his mother was right there beside him and caught him so he wouldn't hurt himself. "You did fine," she said again, "and next time you will do even better." God, too, knows our limitations. He sees our brokenness and doesn't expect us to be able to make it alone. He knows we can't run with a broken leg. He also knows we can't live the Christian life without help and encouragement. He wants us to know that he is right there beside us to encourage us to keep trying and to keep growing and become stronger. God also knows that we need supporting friends to encourage us, to help keep us on track, and to keep us accountable-as none of us can make it alone. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to be an encouraging and supporting friend to the people you bring into my life. And help me not to be too proud or afraid to ask for help when I need a friend to lean on. And thank you that I can always ask for and receive your help as needed. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus Christ's name, Amen." -- Dick Innes www.actsweb.org -<>- \\\ ____ ________``` \ =|- [________] \ | =| | _ | | \ __ ejm |__=|- O--(_) `.______.' \ O=======(__) /|\ (/(|(\ >SIGNS YOUR COOKING SKILLS HAVE GOTTEN RUSTY * You know one of these is a strainer, and one is a flyswatter. If only you could remember which is which. * Your kids say they're eating at a friend's house... for the next month. * Your husband just gobbled down your preschooler's macaroni picture and liked it better than the supper you made. * You call a spatula "that flat flippy-turner paddle." * You have to clean the spider webs out of your oven before using it. * You just Googled instructions on how to cook a Pop Tart. * Every night at 6:15, the local pizza place calls *you.* [Chris White's Top Five on Food w/edits and additional material by Mark Raymond] as seen in Mark's Musings -<>- . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >AWESOME CREATOR OF WONDERFUL DAYS The sun glistens on the water Birds skim across the stream of light My heart marvels at such artistry You've painted a wonderful day Awesome Creator, Artist of all time This is the day You have made In it I will rejoice Waves come nowhere and splash against the wall Singing birds, chirping insects, jumping fish Such music to my soul You've orchestrated a wonderful day Awesome Creator, Musician of all time This is the day You have made In it I will rejoice Dark clouds roll across the sky Rain bounces on a moving sea I find delight in such a dance You've choreographed a wonderful day Awesome Creator, Choreographer of all time This is the day You have made In it I will rejoice A family of ducks passes by, conversing as they go A manatee just looks and swims away Simple drama, so profound You've written a beautiful day Awesome Creator, Playwright of all time This is the day You have made In it I will rejoice Awesome Creator of wonderful days My soul delights in You Author ~ Patti Hollingsworth -<>- _--_ dMb __(._ ) d0P < (D) .MP .~ \ /~```M-. .~ V Mo_ \ -------============((((}{) ( (___. {:)-./ ~._____.(:} '94 the wolfe / .M\ / "" \ | /\ | / / \ \ / / \ \ \__/ \__/ / / | | .^V^. .^V^. +-+ +-+ >Story Time - TICKETS FROM HEAVEN By Tom Elliott Baseball is a tradition in my family. Some of my best memories growing up were the days my dad took my brother and me on the 90-minute drive to San Francisco to see the San Francisco Giants play at Candlestick Park. We saw a lot of baseball history being made, like when Willie Mays and the Giants won the National League pennant in 1962. When I had my first child, Zach, Paw—as Zach called him—had another youngster to school in all things baseball. Unfortunately, by the time Zach was old enough to go to games Paw could no longer go. He had Alzheimer's and had to move into an assisted- living facility. Zach couldn't understand that Paw would never "get better" or why we only saw him in his "new home." "Why don't we take Paw with us to a Giants game, Dad?" Zach asked one day as we drove home from a visit. He wouldn't understand a medical explanation, I barely could. The permanence of this disease seemed completely unfair, the situation painful. But I couldn't bear to dash Zach's dream. I just couldn't. "Maybe someday we'll all see a game together," I said. Maybe someday. Even if we couldn't attend ball games together, our bond of three generations stood strong. Paw was Zach's biggest fan until he passed away. After he died, the world seemed pretty gray for all of us, but especially for Zach. "Now we'll never see that game together," Zach said the day of Dad's funeral. I should never have raised Zach's hopes, I thought. I always knew it couldn't happen. Several weeks after Paw died, a good friend who was related to a Giants player offered us some complimentary tickets. I hesitated. Since his death, even baseball had lost some of its flavor. On the other hand, maybe that's just what we needed. It's what Dad would want us to do, I thought. After thinking it through, I accepted my friend's offer. We drove to the game in high spirits. "I can't wait!" Zach said as we entered the stadium. Pleasant memories of my father swirled around my head. I went to see the Giants when I was Zach's age with you, Dad, I thought as we walked up to the will-call window. "First and last name with some ID, please," the attendant said. I slid my driver's license under the partition and ruffled Zach's hair. The attendant flipped through a stack of envelopes. She looked worried. "I'm sorry," she said finally, "there aren't any tickets here for you." "There must be some mistake," I said. She checked again and still came up empty. We backed away from the window in shock. The game was sold out and I didn't have the money for scalped tickets. Lord, I should have been straight with Zach. We weren't ever going to see a game with Dad, nor did it look like Zach and I would see this one. Zach looked down at the ground upset, when someone walked over to us. "Are you taking your young son to the game?" a kindly old gentleman asked. "I was planning on it," I said, "but there was some sort of mix-up with our tickets. We didn't have any." The man held up two. "Here," he said. "Why don't you take these?" I blinked. Was he kidding? People didn't just give away tickets to sold-out games. "I'm sorry," I said. "I don't have the money for scalped tickets." The man shook his head and waved the tickets at me. "Take them," he said. "I want your boy to see the game." He put the tickets in my hand and walked off with a smile. I stared after him, still confused. "Thanks!" Zach hollered as the man disappeared into the sea of sports fans milling around the entrance. Zach tugged at my hand. "Come on, Dad. Let's go!" Inside the stadium I led Zach toward the "nose bleeds," assuming we were seated up there. But when I looked at the box and seat numbers I stopped short and my mouth fell open. Zach bumped into me from behind. "What's the matter, Dad?" "These seats are right behind home plate," I said. "Only a few rows up!" "Unbelievable," I muttered to myself all the way down to the seats. The seat next to us was empty. "The man who gave us the tickets must be coming," Zach said. "We can buy him a hot dog!" It was one of the best game I ever saw. The Giants came back late with a grand slam to tie it up. They won in the bottom of the ninth with a slide around the tag at home plate. Zach and I were exhausted from hooting and hollering. When it was over I took a good hard look at the empty seat next to us. "I can't believe nobody ever sat there," I said. "What a waste of a good seat." "But, Dad," Zach said, "someone was sitting in the seat next to us." Wow, could I really have been that caught up in the game? "I didn't see a soul. Who was it?" Zach grinned. "It was Paw, Dad. He was sitting right here with us the whole time. We finally did get to see that Giants game, the three of us." I pulled Zach close. People around us must've thought we were feeling very emotional about the Giants' win. But only the two of us knew the truth: We were living a gift from above. Well, maybe three of us knew it. "Maybe that old man had it all planned all along," I said as we were leaving the stadium. "I think that angel flew back up to heaven with Paw," said Zach. "They're probably rehashing the game." Just like Zach and I did all the way home. as seen in Inspiration Plus --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching Are Angels Real? https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: A disbelief in God does not result in a belief in nothing; disbelief in God usually results in a belief in anything. ..::''''::.. .:::. .;'' ``;. .... ::::: :: :: :: :: ,;' .;: () ..: `:::' :: :: :: :: ::. ..:,:;.,:;. . :: .::::. `:' :: .:' :: :: `:. :: '''::, :: :: :: `:: :: ;: .:: : :: : : :: ,:'; ::; :: :: :: :: :: ::,::''. . :: `:. .:' :: `:,,,,;;' ,;; ,;;, ;;, ,;;, ,;;, `:,,,,:' :;: `;..``::::''..;' ``::,,,,::'' >YOU WILL NEVER BE SORRY... ...for thinking before acting. ...for hearing before judging. ...for forgiving your enemies. ...for being candid and frank in love. ...for helping a fallen brother. ...for being honest in business. ...for thinking before speaking. ...for standing by your principles. ...for closing your ears to gossip. ...for bridling a slanderous tongue. ...for harboring pure thoughts. ...for sympathizing with the afflicted. ...for being courteous and kind to all. ...for loving God with all your heart though Jesus Christ. -<>- "How divinely full of glory and pleasure shall that hour be when all the millions of mankind that have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb shall meet together and stand around him with every tongue and every heart full of joy and praise. How astonishing will be the glory and the joy of that day when all the saints shall join together in one common song of gratitude and of love and of everlasting thankfulness to the Redeemer! With what unknown delight and inexpressible satisfaction shall all that are saved from the ruins of sin and hell address the Lamb that was slain and rejoice in his presence." - Isaac Watts __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >A Made Up Mind I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won't look back, let up, slow down or back away. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with selfish living, sight walking, small planning, "smooth knees," colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, pity or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with His patience, live by prayer and labor with His power. My face is set; my gait is sure; my goal is heaven; my road is narrow; my way is rough, my companions are few; my Guide is reliable; my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity because I have been sustained by Christ. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, spoken up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner is clear. I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. -Written by a young African pastor: it was tacked on the wall of his house and found after he died as a martyr for the Gospel - seen on a wall at Southeast Bible Baptist Church, Penfield NY, Bruce Craig, pastor 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 ((______| / `"""""""` >-->Trust You in the Little Things (By Debbie Preuss) Lord, I trust You in the little things, Why do I hold the big ones back? Why can't I just trust You? Why does my faith always lack? I can say I trust You Every single day that I live That I know that You know me That Your very best You'll give But when the big things come around I try to do it on my own When they start to fall apart I come to You and moan "I thought that You were in charge That You'd take care of me" But I can faintly hear You saying That You made me free That I can do what I want Or I can trust in You That You have been here waiting To see what I would do The little things are easy Lord To put into Your hand The big ones are harder God But I'm beginning to understand That I can trust You always For Your love for me is true Help me to forever In big and small Lord, trust in You. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your ad 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: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************