All God's Creatures 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 ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press ?? Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends Johanna and LouiseAu. It's one to give you plenty of smiles and chuckles for your day. Be sure to check it out here: . / \ / . \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / WW \ \ / / C_ "-.__ \ \ / / "- "_ \ \ / / //|--L-\\ \ \ / / // |// \\ \ \ / `-----------------' \ `-----------------------' ctr Humorous Signs 8! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hsigns8.html --- ...LMAO! Love this series! Thanks Ladies! Our sizzling hot new page is from our friends LouiseAu and Fran. This page will spark your interest. Learning new things about nature always intrigues me as I am sure it will you too. God's planet earth is most stunning! Check these delightful little trivia tidbits out here: ___ .-' `'. / \ | ; | | ___.--, _.._ |0) ~ (0) | _.---'`__.-( (_. __.--'`_.. '.__.\ '--. \_.-' ,.--'` `""` ( ,.--'` ',__ /./; ;, '.__.'` __ _`) ) .---.__.' / | |\ \__..--"" """--.,_ `---' .'.''-._.-'`_./ /\ '. \ _.-~~~````~~~-._`-.__.' | | .' _.-' | | \ \ '. `~---` \ \/ .' \ \ '. '-._) \/ / \ \ `=.__`~-. jgs / /\ `) ) / / `"".`\ , _.-'.'\ \ / / ( ( / / `--~` ) ) .-'.' '.'. | ( (/` ( (` ) ) '-; ` '-; (-' In The Wild Trivia! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wildtrivia.html --- ...Wow! Super cool! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day. -- W. Earl Hall Here in Western New York, near Niagara Falls, we are known for harsh weather. The joke here is that if you get bored with the weather, wait 5 minutes -- we can experience four seasons in one day! But today, the sun is shining, people are smiling, the flowers are already blooming and the birds are chirping their feathers off. We loved Kathy's timely Spring poem we proudly share with you today. Happy Spring! spring is in the air... \ boooooh! \ / _/\_/\ __(\___/)___ (, (o\\/ \_/_ _ (__/ /` _ /\ ), (o \ /~ _//\ \___ /_ / \___ \_('|| ~ || \ \__,-' ~ || \ ||____||/ \ ||____||/ \ | === | \_\ | === | \_\ _| . |_/ ) _/| . |_/ ) _____ / | | / /\_____/ /| | / /\_______ | (_(| - (_(/ \_\| - \_\/ | | | | | | | | | ' | | ' | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |__'____| |__'____| | | || || || || | |b'ger____/ /\/ /\___________/ /\/ /\_________| (_(_(_(_/ /_/_/_/_/ >THE GLORY OF SPRING by Kathy Whirity I opened up the door this morning and did a little jig. I smiled at the falling rain even though the drops were big. Those drops didn't discourage me as they fell on the window pane, before the dawn of sunshine I knew there'd be some rain For now the barren gardens are floating in muddy gloom, soon they'll house the buds from where the flowers bloom. We've looked forward to a grand awakening that is happily in the works, a burst of new life from where the bare tree limb lurks. The snow has all melted, Jack Frost has been sent on his way, though we thought we'd never see it we welcome Spring this day. I saw a robin perched on the roof, perhaps scouting out a nest, I placed shedded dog hair on the fence post, mama robin will do the rest. Soon tiny tots on swing sets will be reaching for the sky, filled with wonder and laughter, the magic won't pass them by. The glory of Spring and the awakening it brings, is the joy in the tune that the bluebird sings. It is a chance for us to improve on the days that lie ahead, to make sure the bounty of our blessings keep our hearts and souls well fed. Gardener's thumbs will once again regain their color green, while blooming shades of purple, pink, and red will reign supreme. Spring nights are for young lover's walking hand and hand in the park, beneath the starry skies, a chance to dance in the dark. Every Spring season we are rewarded with this glorious gift of rebirth, and reminded of our own new beginnings every Springtime on this earth. Young dreams will be carried along on warm soothing breezes, sweet recollections of life anew and all that pleases. So, I'm enjoying the rhythm of the gentle falling rain, it's nature's way of saying there is so much for us to gain. These wonderful days of Spring will be bursting out in song, a sweet melody of promise that carries our hopes along. AND THAT'S THE GLORY OF SPRING! -- Kathy Whirity __________________________________________________ Kathy Whirity is a syndicated newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Your Life Purpose The Apostle Paul said, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."1 Stephen Covey once said, "Be sure that, as you scramble up the ladder of success, it is leaning against the right building." Many people work hard to achieve goals that they think they want only to find, at the end of the day, they get no joy or satisfaction from their accomplishments. They ask, "Is this all there is?" This occurs when the outer accomplishment is not in harmony with your inner values. Do not let this happen to you.2 God has a divine purpose for your life. Make sure that you know what it is and that you are, with His help, fulfilling it. God's purpose for you will have to do with discovering, developing, and serving God by using the natural and spiritual gifts God has already given to you. It is also important to remember that we serve God by serving people. I encourage you to take a moment to pray and write out your life purpose. You may have to do it often and make changes once in a while as God leads you to do so. Repetition with feeling helps program your life purpose into your unconscious mind and belief system. As we do this, let's make sure that our life-purpose is in harmony with God's will so that our ladder isn't leaning against the wrong wall. Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for having a perfect plan and purpose for my life. Even when I am unsure, I know you are working in me. Help me to discover what your purpose is and work towards it each day. And in doing this, that my life can motivate others to seek you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1. Philippians 3:14 (NIV). 2. Brian Tracy, http://www.briantracy.com/. Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Time to Refresh 'The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.'1 We live in a high paced society, and many times, the busyness becomes the 'norm'¯ and we conform to it. However, this busyness can also raise our stress levels, which if not managed properly, can lead to other health problems. It takes an intentional effort to step back and take a timeout when we feel the pressures of life weighing down on us. Personally, I love being out in nature. I love hiking through the mountains, watching waterfalls, wading in crystal clear lakes - there is such a sense of tranquility in those moments! But the reason I love being outdoors so much is because it is a vivid reminder of my Creator. All the beautiful sceneries we enjoy were made by our Almighty God, and I truly believe He wants to use them to bring us to a place of rest with Him. While it is not always possible to pack up and go to mountains, we can find peace and quiet as we spend time with God. While reading the verse above, we can close our eyes and imagine lying down in the green pastures and sitting by quiet waters. God is inviting us to step away from the noise, leave the distractions aside, and enjoy some one-on-one time with Him. I encourage you to ask our Good Shepherd to lead you to those quiet places where he can refresh your soul. Even in the darkest times in our lives, God is there and will lead us to still waters where we can rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Suggested prayer: Lord, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, help my focus stay on You. Throughout the day, let me hear your voice leading me in the way of green pastures and quiet waters. Refresh my soul today. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. 1. Psalm 23:1-4 (NIV). Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ,-~~~~-, .-~~~; ;~~~-. / / \ \ { .'{ O O }'. } `~` { .-~~~~-. } `~` ;/ \; /'._ () _.'\ / `~~~~` \ ; ; { } { } { } { } { } / \ / \ { { { }~~{ } } } jgs `~~~~~` `~~~~~` (`"======="`) (_.=======._) >JUST LOVE By: Joseph J. Mazzella Our new Saint Bernard puppy, Buddy just keeps growing and growing. He is already nearing the eighty pound mark and I know that he has another hundred to go after that before he is full grown. The biggest thing about him, though, seems to be his heart. Although, he prefers the company of my wife and daughter to anyone else he still seems to have more than enough love to share with the rest of us. Buddy doesn't hold his love back for anyone be they man, woman, dog, or cat. Buddy loves the whole world and he seems to take his greatest joy in sharing that love with everyone he meets. I only wish that one day I will be able to love as easily and freely as Buddy does. I hope that one day my entire life will be a gift of love: given freely and with joy. I hope that one day my love will be free of all judgment, all fear, and all conditions. I hope that one day my love will be as pure as this puppy's love and as strong and beautiful as the love God gives me everyday. Mother Teresa once said: "We have been created to love and be loved." God made us to love. When we refuse to love we slowly kill the beautiful soul within each of us. When we refuse to love we exist without really living. When we refuse to love we deny the true purpose of our lives here on Earth and waste the precious time that we are given here. Let us all follow the advice of a wise dog I know then and just love. Let us give up our worries, struggles, and fears and just love. Let us abandon our prejudices, hatreds, and judgments and just love. Let us live the way that God meant for us to live towards Him, ourselves, and our neighbors and just love. By just filling our hearts and souls with love and sharing that love with everyone everywhere we can make our lives blessed and make this world a better, more beautiful, and more loving place. -<>- _.-'~~`~~'-._ .'` B E R `'. / I T \ /` .-'~"-. `\ ; L / `- \ Y ; ; /> `. -.| ; | /_ '-.__) | | |- _.' \ | | ; `~~; \\ ; ; INGODWE / \\)P ; \ TRUST '.___.-'`" / `\ /` '._ 1 9 9 7 _.' jgs `'-..,,,..-'` >I Almost Sold Your Son for a Quarter Several years ago a preacher moved to Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, you better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it. Then he thought, "Oh", forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from God and keep quiet." When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change." The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking lately about going to worship somewhere. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change." When the preacher stepped off the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, and held on, and said, "O God", I almost sold your Son for a quarter". Our lives may be the only Bible some people will ever read. -<>- . , |`. ,'| \_`-._ _,-'_/ ./ \-._`-._ _,-'_,-/ \, \._/._ `._>`-.__ __,-'<_,' _,\_,/ /_ \_.`-._\_-._ `--__ __--' _,-_/_,-',_/ _\ /._`\_./ _`_./`.-._ `-. ,-' _,-,'\,_'_ \,_/'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./ _/`\_ `. ,' _/'\_ \,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /._`/ _/ _`_./` _/ `\_ `\_ _/' _/' \_ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./` __/ >. `-.,-' ,< \__ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /_`/._/._`_./` __.`.-\_.-`'-._/-,',__ '\,_'_,\_,\'_\ `\._`_./`\._/_/' _ `\_\_,/'\,_'_,/' /_\ \./ __/(__ / `--' \ / _ _ \ \'| |`/ \|____|/ \/ -] \/ / | \ | | | | | \ / | \ \__,-`\___/ (_) |__) mic >Angel Unaware© March 25, 2004 Author, Barbara J. Ervin-Weymouth This happened one August in the early 1970's. This is a true life's experience and I have only shared it with a rare few. Momma and I had gone to our California State Fair this one evening. Our state fair takes place in August and runs through Labor Day. Our summers get pretty hot here in the Sacramento Valley and this particular time was a beautiful summer evening. I remember the nice cool Delta breeze, and how much we appreciated it. And the fair wasn't too crowded. Just a perfect evening to enjoy! We did the usual things, attended all the exhibits of interest, I remember The Hall Of Flowers being exceptionally beautiful, and of course the livestock show. We always looked forward to these two particular exhibits. Momma had grown up on a farm in Colorado and of course I loved animals too. We even listened to a live band. We had a great dinner, and enjoyed each other's company. I remember laughing so much that night. Just like a couple of School Girls. We got tired finally and decided to head for home. We left the fair grounds as we always did and somehow got off track, I will say way off track. It is as much a puzzlement to me today as it was back then. We were driving and driving and I said to Momma, where in the world are we. She said nothing looked familiar to her either. Well, I knew if we kept going we would see something familiar soon. After all, I had lived here my whole life, how could I get lost in my own hometown? Well, we kept driving and nothing was looking familiar. It was getting darker and we somehow had ended up out in the country. I remember seeing a sign that read, Hogs for Sale. I knew we were in trouble then, but we laughed. Momma and I were really getting scared as it was so dark and no city lights as we were accustomed to. As we continued to drive we saw a car up ahead, it was a Volkswagen. Momma said, pull over there's someone inside, I was scared and said no, that's not a safe thing to do. Momma seemed to feel that it was okay. So I pulled over and Momma rolled her window down part way. There was a man inside with the most beautiful smile. We explained what had happened to us. He said, don't worry it's okay, follow me and I will lead you back to the main highway. So we followed this man with the beautiful smile in the Volkswagen. And sure enough he led us back to the main highway out of the darkness. We wanted to wave and thank him, but when we looked to our right to do so, he had vanished completely from the highway. Momma said he was an angel that led us to safety; I think she was right. I still get chills as I'm relating this story to you. The small town where we had ended up was called: Pleasant Grove, can you believe that! It turns out Pleasant Grove is approximately 26 miles from Sacramento. I'll never figure out what happened that night, and probably never will. But as Momma said, "God sent an angel to rescue us"! God moves in mysterious ways, His miracles to perform! Copyright, ©March 25, 2004 Author, Barbara J. Ervin-Weymouth -<>- .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx >I Like Maladjusted People Too Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) Maladjusted: not in harmony with one's environment or conditions of life. Words from a Simple Heartc Terri Macpherson Anne is, admittedly - maladjusted. She's a school teacher and a friend of mine who is not in harmony with an environment where some kids come to school with bulging lunch bags, while other kids come to school hungry. She is not in harmony with an environment where some kids have mittens to keep their hands warm in the winter and other kids come to school with cold, bare hands. Anne keeps a desk drawer full of hearty snacks to share and a box filled with mittens to give away. Allen is maladjusted. He drives a delivery truck. One day, while making a delivery to a nursing home, he was delayed when his truck wouldn't start. After calling his office for assistance, Allen took a seat in the lobby of the nursing home and picked up a magazine to pass the time. One of the residents, an elderly gentleman, introduced himself to Allen and struck up a conversation. Allen felt the man's yearning for company and later learned that the gentleman very rarely had a visitor. The following Saturday, Allen returned to the nursing home, just to chat and visit. Now he's a regular visitor every weekend. The residents know his name and he knows their names. Allen is not in harmony with an environment that tarnishes the golden years of its most senior citizens. Erin is maladjusted. She escaped from an abusive marriage with the help of a women's shelter. Now, she's back on her feet and settled into a new life, but feeling out of sync with an environment where safe havens for victims of domestic violence have to scrimp and scrape and beg for funding. She spends her spare time lobbying the government for funds to support shelters for women and children. I like maladjusted people. I want to be in harmony - harmony of mind, harmony of heart and harmony of soul - with maladjusted people. Maladjusted doesn't mean living a life without serenity. It brings deeper meaning and greater appreciation to the serene moments of life. My littlest grandangel, Lacy, recently spent the night at our house. She woke up at 5:27 in the morning. I carried her out to the kitchen, made her a bottle, then settled in with her on the living room couch and fed her. She was wide awake when she finished her bottle, so I cuddled with her for awhile. The house was quiet, except for the soft, delightful sounds only a seven-month-old baby can make. She laughed, waved her arms and kicked her legs. It would have been easy to lose myself in the moment and think 'all is right with the world'. Except, all is not right with the world. During the time I'd slept, on a planet that has enough food to feed all of its citizens, 27,000 children died of hunger. 27,000...... I held my littlest grandangel close, kissed her face and cried for all the children who didn't make it through the night. Before long, Lacy was sound asleep. I carried her back to bed, tucked the covers around her, then tip-toed to my office. I turned on my computer, connected to the Internet and went to a familiar web site. It was the site of an organization I support every month. They feed hungry children around the world. Soon, smiling faces of children filled the screen. I am maladjusted. I needed to see those faces. Their smiles held back the howling hurt at the core of my being, a hurt that would tear me in two if I wasn't doing something, anything, to contribute to the solution of world hunger. In 1957, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. advocated maladjustment while addressing the student body at UC Berkeley. "Everybody passionately seeks to be well-adjusted... But there are some things in our world to which those of goodwill must be maladjusted. I confess that I never intend to become adjusted to the evils of segregation and the crippling effects of discrimination, to the moral degeneracy of religious bigotry and the corroding effects of narrow sectarianism, to economic conditions that deprive people of work and food, and to the insanities of militarism and the self- defeating effects of physical violence." I pray you are never well adjusted to the conditions on this planet, as they exist today. Not a single one of us is capable of fixing all problems in the world, but every single one of us is capable of contributing to the solution of the world's biggest problem - lack of love. True love is not a feeling you harbor in your heart. It is a feeling so deep and so profound it moves you to action. Find your passion, reflect your light, live your love! Then the King will say, "I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me." Matthew 25:40 MSG Living in love and loving life, Terri McPherson -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Christ's Life!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html The 23rd Psalm!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/psalm23.html Let's Dance!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dance.html Here's Your Frog!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/frog.html Reasons To Smile!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smile.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Why God Gave Us Pets!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpets.html I Believe...!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html That's God!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html All About Hugs!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hugs.html Sweet Humanity!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sweethumanity.html Positive Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/positivethoughts.html No Words Needed!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html Life's Tug Of War!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tugofwar.html Life Is...Continued!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifeis2.html Savor The Moment!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/moments.html Beautiful Rainbows!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rainbows.html More Abundant Life!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abundantlife.html Making A Difference!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/makingdifference.html Albino Hummingbird!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ahummingbird.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Journey Through Life!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/journey.html Beautiful Exotic Birds!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/exoticbirds.html Important Life Truths!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetruths.html Attitude Is Everything!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Beautiful Rare Flowers!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rareflowers.html Church Mouse Wisdom!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churchmouse.html Inspirational Life Quotes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifequotes.html Love Caught On Camera!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lovecamera.html Random Acts Of Kindness!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/actsofkindness.html SPRING Index! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/springindex.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/ 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 ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend CarolC :) \||/ ,--. | o|o //OO\\ | _| ||c || |(_ | /| `--' `--' azc When you cannot get a compliment any other way pay yourself one." --Mark Twain "Love is an exploding cigar we willingly smoke." --Lynda Barry "To the soul, there is hardly anything more healing than friendship." --Thomas Moore -<>- _____ (((\\\\\ )_ \\\| / \\|\/ \\( ), & \) ( (( |` \\ ))) _ | \` __| ` | , \ ` , \ | \ ,\ , \ ' \/ \_ \/ \ `_,`-._ ` \ ejm / `-. _ \ ` / ,`. \ === / '== =`. | ==== / | === ` / /========= / | / , /______| / , ======== __-' | = === / ,======= ' - -- ( \ \ \ ` \ ` \ ` \_____ \ / ` _/ / '-- ' >In Serenity's Shoes In 2002, I started a job that required regular travel around the U.S. After six months, I had a couple of trips under my belt and had earned my solo wings; next I would be traveling to three states for business meetings and then flying to a conference in a fourth state. On day three, I was in my third state and had wrapped up my business meetings for the day. I checked into my hotel and headed out to a local outlet mall - typical for a visitor to New England. While in the first store, my cell phone rang, and I could see it was my sister. I knew something must be up, because I only turned my cell phone on when I traveled, and other than business contacts, my husband was the only one that knew my number. My sister asked me where I was and if I could find a place to sit down. I walked outside the store and sat down on a bench beside the parking lot. She proceeded to tell me that our father, who had been away on a business trip that week, had come home to find our mother dead in their bed. My mother was a 54-year-old working woman who had already had beast breast cancer. This was unexpected and devastating news. When I hung up the phone, I was distraught, sobbing, and thoroughly confused. I was alone in a state I had never been to, had just received the worst possible news, and I felt lost. I started wandering around the parking lot, struggling to remember what my rental car looked like. A woman approached me and asked me if I needed help. She listened to me babble incoherently, hugged me, helped me find my car, stayed with me while I called my husband, and gave me her phone number in case I needed help later that night. When she told me her name, Serenity, it was like a warm blanket had enfolded me. Within two hours, I had changed my flight, checked out of my hotel, turned in my rental car, and was on a plane headed to my birth state. I didn't even call my dad until I had all of the details worked out, including a ride to his house from the airport. The next morning, my dad called this woman to thank her for helping me. She wanted to speak to me, and asked me to tell her a story about my mom. I told her about a car trip we took to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, where my mom couldn't decide which shoes to wear before we left. We made a pit stop about half way there and when mom climbed out of the van, she was wearing two different shoes! Serenity suggested that I wear two different shoes on my mother's birthday to remember the fun we had together, and I have done so every year. I often wonder if I would have the strength to approach a crying stranger in a mall parking lot. I don't know what I would have done in her shoes, but I am so thankful she was there. by Sara Ruiter -<>- __,_____ (( __.==--" - - - - - - -------- ==> /\(-' `-)))/))) (((((\( )/)\)\\ ,//(((((\\. ((( (! !) ))) "bAd hAIr dAy" _))) - |(_ ._//\ O /\\_. `-'_/`,-.'\-`- ,' \/===\/ `. hjw >Tips: Healthy Hair Trim split ends: It and nuts to keep hair thick and strong. Fill up your diet with leafy greens, fresh fruit, wild-caught fish, and nuts and watch your hair grow more vibrant. Protein is the building block for your hair. Omega-3s like salmon, olive oil, nuts and avocados can help keep hair glossy, smooth and looking its healthiest. --- ...A Wonderful story and tip! Thanks CarolC! ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Carry Us To Completion A great tragedy within the Christian faith is that many who believe they are on their way to Heaven will one day find they are sadly mistaken. They have been misled into believing that Church membership, being "good," or working extra hard will ensure Salvation, but on the day of judgment they will be cast aside. This tragedy must be fought by speaking the truth about Salvation. We must teach of the need to trust in the saving grace offered through the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. We must teach that faith in Jesus Christ - the Lord and Savior clearly presented in God's Word - is the ONLY way! A second tragedy is that many who have truly trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, and desire to love Him and serve Him with all their heart, will live their days full of doubt and fear. They are on their way to Heaven but doubt when they don't feel good enough to deserve such a gift, and they fear a Holy God who couldn't possibly save one so unworthy. As they draw closer to the Light, their failures are revealed, and they become discouraged or try to work harder to please God and gain His acceptance. We must also fight this tragedy by speaking the truth about Salvation. The glorious truth is that none of us are good enough! "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Without God's grace, no one can ever hope to hit the mark of His perfect glory. We don't enter Heaven based on what we have done; rather, we are accepted based on the One in whom we have placed our faith; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). At the moment of Salvation, we become an eternal Child of God; "You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We were purchased with His blood and have become a "new creation: the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). But a new creation does not continue down the same path. We are "born again" when the Spirit of God transforms our heart. And as a new creation, we will learn to crawl, then walk, and one day run! We may stumble, but God promises we will continue to grow, for it is His plan that ALL His children become "conformed to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29)...and being conformed is a lifetime process! Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God has given us His Holy Spirit and "sealed {us} for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). Let's be confident in God's promise. We must continue to draw closer and give Him more of our heart, but we must also remember that we are His and He WILL finish the work He began. Our Heavenly Father has saved us AND promised to carry us to completion. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Deuteronomy 4:1-49; Luke 6:39-7:10; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 11:28 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...By Grace you are saved Romans 10:9 - Say out loud 'Jesus Christ Is My Lord' while believing in your heart of hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead. That is when you become saved! You are born again with the spiritual seed of God in Christ in You! You become a person that has a body, soul AND spirit! You are born again into the spiritual family with God Almighty as your Father. Rom.8: [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. In other words, you are going to heaven and all hell can't stop you! <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Hold Up Their Arms Shortly after Moses and the people of Israel miraculously passed through the Red Sea, "the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites" (Exodus 17:8). The Israelites did not have the power to win this battle on their own, so Moses sent Joshua to the battlefield and then climbed to the top of a hill: "I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands" (Exodus 17:9). God had previously demonstrated His power as Moses raised his staff to part the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16). He had also told Moses to use his staff to cause water to flow out of a rock (Exodus 17:5-6). Moses was now trusting God to demonstrate His power once again as he lifted this same staff in battle. Exodus 17:11-13 "As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword." Moses knew what he had to do, but he simply became worn out. Fortunately for the people of Israel, Moses had two trusted companions who stood by his side and were willing to hold up his arms until the battle was won. Many people have committed their lives to fighting the battle for the Kingdom of God. These, who are daily on the front lines, feel greatly outnumbered and are prone to grow weary. They desperately need an Aaron and a Hur to come alongside with prayer and encouragement. I feel very fortunate to have people all over the world praying for this ministry. Almost every day I receive notes of thanks and encouragement. This is a wonderful blessing and a confirmation that I am on the right path! Our pastors, ministry leaders, missionaries, and those who continually look for ways to serve, need this same type of support; "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13). Those who faithfully serve may appear strong and confident, but they come under daily attack and their arms are getting very tired; they need to be reassured and loved. Our missionaries have stepped out with great faith, but they are also very lonely and need to know someone still cares. Many of our Brothers and Sisters are on the front lines of battle today. Let's join them by becoming a continual "supply line" of encouragement and prayer. Let's be like Aaron and Hur, and hold up their arms! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Numbers 26:52-28:14; Luke 3:1-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 11:16-17 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these teachings Witnessing and Undershepherding https://tinyurl.com/4rm8j9h9 Words of Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort https://tinyurl.com/y26y4hjr ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >HAM SALAD AND THE GOSPEL Moving to a new state can at times be enlightening. Our recent move from Ohio to California has taken some adjustment on our part. Things that have always been part of your life are done differently here. For the most part those things are really not important; you make adjustments and just go on with living. When we moved to another country we expected big changes, but just moving to another state, some of the changes have been surprising. Recently I started having a craving for Ham salad. I started checking all of the local Grocery stores, even the local Deli and could find none. This was surprising because in the Mid-West every Grocery store sells it. At most church potlucks, someone brings ham salad sandwiches. After being unsuccessful in finding it I mentioned it to a member of our congregation who has lived in California all of her life. I thought she might be able to point me in the right direction to buy some. Her reply surprised me, she said, "I've never heard of such a thing." I did my best to describe it to her and she said, "That sounds like it would be good, but no, I've never heard of it before." So at this point we are preparing to make our own at home and have bought some ham in anticipation of the coming treat. Most of us are surprised when something we understand and are used to as a part of our life is not part of someone else's life. Often we will do our best to try and describe to them what it is they are missing or why it is important to us. We want them to enjoy and appreciate that which we appreciate and enjoy. It might be a favorite treat or a recipe handed down from your mother or grandmother, but what ever it is we are anxious to share it with others. Now apply that same reasoning to our relationship with Christ. Do you enjoy and appreciate that relationship. Is it something in which you find good memories and live in anticipation of what is to come? If it is, why aren't we more anxious to share with others how they can have this relationship? Jesus had this to say about it in Luke 6:45, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (NIV) "Out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Wow, what does that say about us and what is really important to us? Have you ever met a real sports fan? Whether it is baseball, basketball, football, golf, shooting sports, racing or whatever might be their interest they will talk about it shortly after meeting you. If we don't share our relationship to Jesus with others, what does that say about that relationship? Jesus gave the instructions to those who claim to belong to him to: Go into all of the world, teaching, baptizing and teaching some more. That is part of the mandate from him to us if we have a relationship to him. If we are not doing it, what does that say about our relationship to him? He also said, "If you love me you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15). So do you? Russ Lawson, Messages From The Heart, (http://mfth.net) -<>- ' . ' . . . : . . '. ______ .' ' _.-"` `"-._ ' .' '. `'--. / \ .--'` / \ ; ; - -- | | -- - | _. | ; /__`A ,_ ; .-' \ |= |;._.}{__ / '-. _.-""-|.' # '. ` `.-"{}<._ / 1938 \ \ x `" ----/ \_.-'|--X---- -=_ | | |- X. =_ - __ |_________|_.-'|_X-X## jgs `'-._|_|;:;_.-'` '::. `"- .:;. .:. ::. '::. >LAND FOR SALE When we were looking to buy property I had this over zealous realtor show us what can only be described as a totally worn-out old farm. I mean the land had just been worked to death. The weeds were hardly even growing. The smiling super salesman said, "Now really, all this land needs is a little water, a nice cool breeze and some good people." I replied, "Yeah, I agree, but couldn't the same be said of Hell?" as seen in Inspiration Plus -<>- _____ . '@(@@@@@@@)@. (@@) ` . ' (_____(_[h, . @@'((@@@@@@@@@@@)@@@@@)@@@@@@@)@ oo oo o @@(@@@@@@@@@@))@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@)@@` . @.((@@@@@@@)(@@@@@@@@@@@@@@))@\@@@@@@@@@)@@@ . (@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@)@@@@@@@@@@@\\@@)@@@@@@@@) (@@@@@@@@)@@@@@@@@@@@@@(@@@@@@@@//@@@@@@@@@) ` __o .@(@@@@)##&&&&&(@@@@@@@@)::_=(@\\@@@@)@@ . .' /\ @@`(@@)###&&&&&!!;;;;;;::-_=@@\\@)@`@. _/| ` @@(@###&&&&!!;;;;;::-=_=@.@\\@@ ' ' / ,, ` @.#####&&&!!;;;::=-_= .@ \\ ` &@__, ####&&&!!;;::=_- _--_ ` " " ###&&!!;;:-_= `o--o' ,, ( __E_ ) ##&&!;::_= ~\/~----~ ( /\%%< j ##&&!;:= \|--m/ /|--w\ /==\%< <%\) ##&&!:- /\/----~ \||=|=< <%%\ ) #&!;:- ~''~ ( /|I=\=< <[]| m #&!;= tornado by jgs (( ) <==| )) #&!- ) ) #&= marred by debris ( ) #&- from llizard |=||=|===| \\#/' and Veronica ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >SNATCHING JUST RECEIVED NEWS that my niece Samantha lost her home to a tornado in Alabama last night... She nearly lost her baby boy, but her husband was able to grab hold of his foot and pull him down out of the air as the tornado was taking the roof off their apartment. Thank God all are alive and safe! Please keep her family in your prayers./1 How long would a father delay before grabbing for a child being sucked up into the air by a tornado? How much thought would a parent give before throwing himself to save a son? If the physical life is precious to a father, how much more is the spiritual life of the soul precious to the Father for whom all creation has been named? "And have mercy on those who waver; save others by snatching them out of the fire; have mercy on others, coupled with a fear of God, hating even the clothes stained by the flesh". Jude 22-23 We study and linger, talk and tarry, theorize and temporize. We wait for the right opportunity. We prepare and pray, write and preach to the saved. And fire keeps on destroying. The apostle Paul walked into a city and proclaimed Christ. He didn't wait for people to have a good impression or note his fine example. He didn't start soup kitchens or medical clinics. He didn't rent or build facilities, start programs or study the culture. Our day is absolutely no different than his in any respect that matters. We are wasting time, digging in with excuses, whittling away the hours and spending our days entertaining ourselves and our children. And all the while the Evil One whisks souls away into the dark of the night, sucks them up into his vortex of vanity, snatches them for subjects of his carnal kingdom. We will suffer and sacrifice for everything but evangelism. God forbid that we be inconvenienced by the lost. And we never notice the empty crib of the baby spirited away by the winds of the tornado. J. Randal Matheny at: http://www.forthright.net/final_phase/snatching_from_the_fire.html KneEmail: "And have mercy on those who waver; save others by snatching them out of the fire; have mercy on others, coupled with a fear of God, hating even the clothes stained by the flesh". -Jude 22-23 Bible reading for 04.27.10: Luke 19:28-48; 1 Kings 1, 2 as seen in KneEmail -<>- ()._ _.--. (##)_`-. / . ``u (##), ` `. \__) _/ (##),--. \ | --' ()' \ \ / | | | ,' \ _,' / ,' | ,;--// / ___\ |/ ___V__{(_ | ' \| || ,'-===- `,'| __| ,' /| || |""""""""|-L| ,`__. < _)))_))) |________|,' gnv (,' ool >THE SENIOR ALPHABET A is for Apple, and B is for Boat, That used to be right, But now it won't float! Age before Beauty is what we once said, But let's be a bit more realistic instead. Now A's for arthritis; B's the bad back, C is the chest pains, perhaps cardiac? D is for dental decay and decline, E is for eyesight, can't read that top line! F is for fissures and fluid retention, G is for gas which I'd rather not mention. H is high blood pressure--I'd rather it low; I for incisions with scars you can show. J is for joints, out of socket, won't mend, K is for knees that crack when they bend. L for libido, what happened to s%x? M is for memory, I forget what comes next... Oh, yes... N is neuralgia, in nerves way down low; O is for osteo, the bones that don't grow! P for prescriptions, I have quite a few, Just give me a pill and I'll be good as new! Q is for queasy, is it fatal or flu? R for reflux, one meal turns to two. S for sleepless nights, counting my fears, T for Tinnitus; there're bells in my ears! U is for urinary; big troubles with flow; V is for vertigo, that's "dizzy" you know. W is for worry, NOW what's going 'round? X is for X ray, and what might be found. Y is another year I'm left here behind, Z is for zest that I still have -- in my mind. I've survived all the symptoms, my body's deployed, and I've kept twenty-six doctors fully employed. -<>- My Old Man's a Dustman (Trashman) ======================== Now here's a little story...to tell it is a must. About an unsung hero that moves away yer dust. Some people make a fortune, others earn a mint. My old man don't earn much...in fact...he's flippin' skint! ________________ ___/-\___ ___/-\___ ___/-\___ / / || |---------| |---------| |---------| / / || | | | | | | | | | | / / __|| | | | | | | | | | | | | / / \\ I || | | | | | | | | | | | | (-------------------|| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | || == || |_______| |_______| |_______| || ACME TRASH CO | ============================================= || ____ | ____ | ( | o / ____ \ / ____ \ |) || / / . . \ \ / / . . \ \ | [ |_____| | . . | |____________________________| | . . | |__] | . . | | . . | \_____/ -cfbd- \_____/ Oh...my old man's a dustman. He wears a dustman's hat. He wears gorblimey trousers And he lives in a Council flat. He looks a proper nana in his great big hobnail boots And everytime he pulls 'em up...he calls 'em daisy roots. ,-~~~~~~~-, |`-------'| | | | | | | | | <-- Gucci label in the back `-------' -D C Au- Now some give tips at Christmas, and some of 'em forget. When my old man next goes around, he leaves some on the step. Now one old man got nasty and to the Council wrote. The next time my old man went there he punched 'im up the froat. ___ __//_\\__ ___________ _-~ ~ ~ ~-_ ,-~~ ~~-, ,/ \, `-__ ,- ,- ,-__-' `-__ __-' | ~~~~~~~~~~~ | | ~~~~~~~~~~~ | | ,- _ _ ,- | | ,- _ _ ,- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | -rmcn | | | | | | | | | | | | -Ross McNab- | | | | | | | | | | | | | `- `_ `_ `- | | `- `_ `_ `- | `-__ __-' `-__ __-' ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~ One day he found a tiger's head nailed to a piece of wood. The tiger looked quite mis'rable as I suppose he should. Just then from out the window a voice began to wail " Hey you, where's my tiger's head? " " Four foot from his tail ! " _.,-----/=\-----,._ (__ ~~~"""""""~~~ __) | ~~~"""""""""~~~ | | | ; , , ; | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |. \_| | | |_/ .| `-,.__ ~~~ __.,-' ~~~~~ -Dan Furlani- One day whilst in a hurry he missed a lady's bin He hadn't gone but a few yards when she chased after him. " What game do you think you're playing ? " She cried right from the heart. " You've missed me, am I too late ? " " Nah...jump up on the cart ! " __________________ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ /------------------------------------- //---------------// / | // // / __| // // / / || // // / / || //_______________// o o / / || ___/-\___ ------------------------------------/ ------- | |---------| | DO NOT PLAY | | HOUSEHOLD | | | | | | | | ON OR AROUND| |WASTE ONLY | | | | | | | |-------------- ------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------- |_______| -Thomas Augustus Kimberley- _.,-----/=\-----,._ (__ ~~~"""""""~~~ __) | ~~~"""""""""~~~ | | | ; , , ; | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |. \_| | | |_/ .| `-,.__ ~~~ __.,-' ~~~~~ -Dan Furlani- Though my old man's a dustman he's got an 'eart o' gold. He got married recently though he's 86 years old. We said " Hey, hang on Dad, you're getting past yer prime. " He said " Well when you get my age it helps to pass the time ". ______mXXXXXXm______ *m==================m* T _= _= _= _= T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T Juergen Jakubowski T ~= ~= ~= ~= T ~==================~ Yes, my old man's a dustman, he wears a dustman's hat. He wears gorblimey trousers and he lives in a Council flat. So next time you see a dustman looking all pale and sad... Don't kick him in the dustbin...it might be my old Dad! ____.-.____ [___________] (d|||||||||||b) `|||TRASH|||` ||||||||||| ||||||||||| ||||||||||| ||||||||||| jgs `"""""""""` >WHAT'S IN YOUR TRASH BASKET? Gwen Smith Today's Truth "Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" (John 8:10 NIV). Friend To Friend A four-year-old girl was overheard reciting the Lord's Prayer, "and forgive us our trash baskets, as we forgive those who pass trash against us." When I first heard that story, I smiled. Then I thought of a conversation I had recently had with a girlfriend. She is a Christian friend. Though she has "emptied her trash basket" of sin before the Lord in sincere repentance, she has not emptied the trash basket of self-condemnation. Not completely. She will not allow it. She struggles deeply to let go of mistakes she made in her past. She holds the trash basket lid on tightly. To be free of that waste does not seem fair in her mind. She is haunted by shame. Haunted by sins that are no longer remembered by God. Haunted by sins that have been cast as far as the east is from the west. "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." (Psalm 103:11-13) These memories don't live in her past. They live in her now. They haunt her regularly like a spine-chilling horror film monster. And as much as she would like to move forward in forgiveness, she just can't find the courage to scare the monster away. In the New Testament book of John, chapter 8, we meet a woman caught in the act of adultery. The legalistic teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought her before Jesus. They publicly humili- ated her in front of the entire town's people, saying to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" (John 8:4-5) Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger as they continued to question him. Finally, "He straightened up and said to them, '"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.'" Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground" (John 8:7-8). The crowd eventually thinned to nothing. The older, wiser men cleared first. Then the younger ones trickled away. When the adulterous woman and Jesus were the only ones remaining, "Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:10-12). My sister, do you see that our holy Lord delights to show us mercy? He does not condemn us as we deserve. Time and time again, Scripture reveals merciful pictures of forgiveness. The woman in this story was guilty when she was brought to face Jesus, but as she left His presence, her guilt was forgiven. Her trash basket was empty. When we turn to face Jesus with repentant hearts, our guilt is forgiven as well. TOSS YOUR TRASH This account of the adulterous woman teaches us about forgive- ness and it teaches us a valuable lesson about judging and condemning others. But what does this lesson teach us about judging ourselves? My friend that I spoke of earlier carried around a trash basket filled with junk she threw in herself. Sure, it was accompanied by trash from other people as well, but the lingering condemnation came from memories of decisions she had made, things she had done, places she had been, and brokenness she has experienced because of her own choices. In her heart, she accepts the forgiveness of Jesus, but she can't bear to forgive herself. So many women won't forgive themselves. I have been that woman. I know that woman. I know that self-loathing. I have lived it. I'm not going to sit here and try to tell you that forgiving yourself is easy. It is hard—and, in many ways, it should be. However, I can testify that it wasn't until I prayerfully allowed the stubborn, strong, and unconditional love of Jesus to pry my fingers off the lid of my trash basket and empty the condemning contents, that I experienced true freedom and complete forgiveness. Is there something that you have not been able to forgive yourself for? My friend, we need to stop beating ourselves up for sins of our past. We need to stop allowing guilt and shame to chain us to unproductive living. Jesus humbled Himself by becoming human, endured an excruciating death, and then defied the grave in His resurrection so that we could be restored to a place of complete healing. Complete healing. Second Corinthians 5:21 states that "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteous- ness of God." If you are in Christ, the Bible says that your guilt was paid for on the cross of Calvary. Jesus carried the sins of the world on His shoulders so that you would not have to carry them on yours. If you are holding on to un-confessed sin, the time has come for you to release your grip. God's Word promises that, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). ACCEPT HIS FORGIVENESS. None of us is perfect, just perfectly forgiven. Take your hand off the lid and allow the Lord to empty your trash basket of every condemning voice - once and for all. Embrace the freedom that Jesus intends for you to live in. Let's Pray Holy Father, Your mercy defies logic. I don't deserve it, and I don't understand how You could possibly forgive me for all that I have done. Please take my trash basket and empty it. Forgive me today and help me to forgive myself, and others, so I can live freely in Your amazing grace. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. Now It's Your Turn Recite, write, and memorize these verses: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2). _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ Prayerfully forward this email to a friend (or friends) who might need to read this message. Journal what God is teaching you. Praise Him for revealing truth to your heart and for His matchless grace. as seen in Girlfriends in God --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Yes My sister had this problem. God loves us and understands that until we are in Heaven with Him, none of us are perfect. He'll forgive us our sin through Christ. We just have to remind ourselves that it is the devil who won't let us forget it and wants to drag us down so we are not doing our best for God. ,/ \. (( )) \`. ,'/ )') (`( ,'`/ \,`. (`-( )-') \-'\,-'"`-./`-/ \-') (`-/ `'\\ = = /',ouch! ____/c o ] ' \|// * _/ | /\__C/ -/_ / ,-. * _/ \ \__ ___ _\\_ | \ * __/ \ -/ O\/'_ \ \_ \ x | * / \____,\______\/ ' /\_,/// > ) \_ \ # _/_\/ / ,/ +\ / / _/ )_/ \ \ \ \__|+ O ) \/ _/ \/ \_ \ \ /\__D/ \ _/ ) _> ,) ) / _ o \ _/, _/ _/ / \ / / ,_/ __/ /_ . _/ \_ _\ / / \ o// _/ /_\__/ \_/ \ /__o/ \___| _/ / x( \/ '-,__ _// \__ __/\ \ x\ |______\ \ \> \ \ \ | // | \__ \ '-' / / \___( /_/ / O \ '- \__ \_____) b'ger Kick the devil to the curb! 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 worldly man is one who's plans all stop at the grave." - William McDonnald .---. (_---_) (_/6 6\_) ( v ) `\ /' .-'': ;``-. / \,Y./ \ / (:)___ \ : .-'XXX`-.`\_; `.__.-XXX-.__.'\_ / / XXX \ \ `\_ / XXX \ `\ / XXX \ _`\___ jgs / \ (`--"""-') / \ (=-=-=-=-) `--...___ ___...--' (________) >The House That I Live In (By Mary R. Selleck, on the occasion of her 105th birthday, 1973) 1868-1973: Those are the years I have lived in this house. Perhaps you are moved to declare: "Such a long, long time! Your house Must sadly be in need of repair." Yes, the foundation is a bit shaky And the walls are beginning to sway, The windows have lost their sparkle, The brown roof has turned to gray. But please don't confuse this house with me, I am ageless, and the very day This earthly abode is unfit for me I'll leave, and be on my way. To that place prepared, my title is clear; God's goodness has failed me never; His presence has blessed me all the days of my life And I shall dwell in That presence forever. (By Mary R. Selleck, on the occasion of her 105th birthday, Sunshine Magazine, May 1973) -<>- "Let us study the visible creation as we will; take the anatomy of the smallest animal; look at the smallest grain of corn that is planted in the earth, and the manner in which its germ produces and multiplies; observe attentively the rosebud, how carefully it opens to the sun, and closes at its setting; and we shall see more skill and design than in all the works of man." - Francois Fenelon The email that came in today said this: "Now this is a happy tune - ya can't help but get happy feet." With a link to a youtube video. Well, I admit, it did indeed have me smiling so I joyfully pass along. :) Normally, lip-synching gets on my nerves, but I'll make an exception this time... :) Actually, this is kind of a Lift and Laugh all rolled into one, depending on perspective. ;) ,-.-. / ,-. \ ,-. ( |a a| ) ,-. : `( : o ; )' : ____|____(_.>-<._)____|____ (_| / \ |_) || : `.|,' : || '|___..--|_\_|_/_|-...___|' ; | /SSt\ | : / ; ;| ,'|`. |: : \ / /| /|;._____.:|\ |\ \ / ,' `' / ;| |: \ `' `. \ `' / / | | \ \ `' / / ; : \ \ / / /| |\ \ \ / / / | | \ \ \ / / / ; : \ \ \ / / / /| |\ \ \ \ ( / / / | | \ \ \ ) `(_ / / ; : \ \ _)' `'.(_./___\._).`' Celtic Thunder Heritage - "A Place in the Choir" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqm-S9J1s_k ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt "A Place in the Choir" as performed by Celtic Thunder CHORUS: All God's creatures got a place in the choir, Some sing low and some sing higher, Some sing out loud on the telephone wire, Some just clap their hands or paws or anything they got, now. REPEAT CHORUS Listen to the top where the little bird sings, And the melodies, and the high notes ringing, And the hoot-owl cries over everything, And the blackbird disagrees. Singing in the night time, singing in the day, And the little duck quacks, and he's on his way, And the otter hasn't got much to say, And the porcupine talks to himself. CHORUS The dogs and the cats, they take up the middle, Where the honeybee hums, and the cricket fiddles, The donkey brays, and the pony neighs, And the old gray badger sighs. Listen to the bass it's the one on the bottom, Where the bullfrog croaks, and the hippopotamus, moans and groans with a big to do, And the old cow just goes moo. CHORUS It's a simple song, a little sung everywhere, By the ox and the fox and the grizzly bear, The dopey alligator and the hawk above, The sly old weasel and the turtledove. CHORUS x 3 __ __ |--| |--| .._ o' o' (()))) _ o' o' //\\\ | __ )) _ _)) ,' ; | __ ((-.-\) o' |--| ,;::::;. (C ) / /^ o' |--| _))'='(\-. o' o' ,:;;;;;::. )\ -'( / / o' o' ( \ :' o o `:: ,-)() /_.')/ . | | .)(. |\ \ ( (_ ) / ( `' /\_) .:izf:,_ . | | | _ _| \ \ :| ,==. |: / , _ / 1 \ .:q568Glip-, \ | \ \/ '-' (__\_\____::\`--'/:: / / / \/ /|\ \-38'^"^`8k=' \L, \__\\[][]____(_\_|::,`--',:: / / /__/ <( \ \8) o o 18-'_ ( / :\o*.-.( '-,': _ :`.| L----' _)/ ))-..__)( J 498:- /] : [ \ | |=| ' |\_____|,/.' //. -38, 7~ P88;-'/ / : | \ \ | | |_| | | || :: (( : : ,`""'`-._,' / : | \ \ ; | | | | \ \_::_)) | : , ,_ / :( | / )) / /| | | | | [ | \_\ _;--==--._ MJP: | / / / / | | | | | Y |CJR (_\____:_ _: : | / / _/ / \ |lf | | CJ|mk | | ,--==--. |_`--==--'_| " `--==--' All God's creatures got a place in the choir. https://www.guitaretab.com/c/celtic-thunder/302794.html ========================================================== __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >-->In Jesus' Name Turn away slowly as you leave I'll keep these moments inside For while I am with you this to share The time flows like quiet ebb tide As over the mountain the snow should fall To cover with brightness of white Your presence now has fallen on me And turned my dark days to light Bring me again that I might know A thing you did once before In touching my life with a stroke of your hand And this one thing I implore Turn not away as I said in a line It's more of the same I desire Not once, not twice but times untold At your throne I enquire Up to your face and down on my knees Let Your Blood cover my shame For this sure thing I know and believe All this comes in Jesus' name RONNIE LEVINER COPYRIGHT 2002 >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 **********************************************************************