Happiness in Christ, His Gentle Knock And More... :) 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 ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friend Johanna. I can't get enough of these new great photos! Be sure to check these winners out here.. _ ,:'/ _..._ // ( `""-.._.' \| / 6\___ | 6 4 | / \_ .--' (_'---'`) / `'---`() ,' | , .'` | )\ _.-' ; / | .'` _ / /` / .' '. , | / / / \ ; | | | \ | | .| | | \ `"| /.-' | | | '-..-\ _.;.._ | |.;-. \ <`.._ )) | .;-. )) (__. ` ))-' \_ ))' `'--"` jgs `"""` Dog Photo Awards! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogawards.html --- ...Adorable! Thanks Johanna! This next sizzling hot new page is from our friends Linda and RichardF. This will give you some good laughs for your day. Check it out here: A _,-' `-._ _-'_________`-_ ``---\_ _/---`` (_ - _) \_._/ 8 __H__ 8 \ | / 8 |\ | /| 8 _|_|||_|_8 `-,/ \,-'8. | | `8< | | |-,-| gnv'-'-' Translation Bloopers 3! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tbloopers3.html --- ...LOL! Lots of good ones here! Thanks my friends! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: "Love is not blind -- it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less." -- Rabbi Julius Gordon ()___ ()//__/)_________________() ||(___)//#/_/#/_/#/_/#()/|| ||----|#| |#|_|#|_|#|_|| || ||____|_|#|_|#|_|#|_|#||/|| jgs || |#|_|#|_|#|_|#|_|| >THE COURTING QUILT by Diane Dean White When I was young, it was always fun to ask my mother how she and dad met. Her answer had been short, "At the roller rink when we were in high school." Thinking I might get a more interesting story, I would ask other family members, and found a good reply from my own grandmother. It seems she and grandpa met at a "church social." "What is a social?" My young mind of 6 could hardly grasp the idea beyond the word "church." Grandma smiled and put her apron aside, and by the hand she took me into the living room where she told me the story. My grandparents had known one another from school, but in their day, the boys were often needed to work on the farms, and the girls sometimes married young. But in grandma's case she quit school after 10th grade to work at the telephone company. Grandpa was a grade ahead of her and he helped his dad with the farming, along with several brothers and sisters. He also worked at the town hardware store and was a pretty good salesman. So as she explained, she remembered him from when he was in school, but he being older, she never really gave him any mind. Until, one Saturday afternoon. A year after she began working at the telephone company, there was a "church social." There were a number of young adults who attended the Crook River Church and the pastor wanted to have a "get-together" for them, and so, a social was planned. Grandma said she wasn't expecting to meet anyone she didn't already know. There was a young man who had come to dinner a couple of times and she knew he came from good stock, so she expected he would be there. She explained how she prepared a picnic lunch for two people, and that she had made ham sandwiches, pickled eggs, macaroni salad, rolls and some apple pie for dessert. She also had some lemonade made with water from their well, which was always cold as Jack Frost. On the day of the social, she wore her yellow gingham skirt with a white high necked blouse that had ruffles on the sleeves. At the top she had a beautiful brooch. Her long red hair was pulled back with a matching piece of gingham material and she always wore lavender scented toilet water that she bought at the town apothecary shop. She even put on a tad more that day and laced up her shoes before leaving with her parents. It was considered to be in "good taste" if the young women were escorted to the church social by their parents. Buggies and wagons were tied up to a post or around a tree in the church yard. The young ladies met and talked together after taking their picnic lunch to a table where the pastor and his wife were taking charge of the event. This was the first "church social" grandma had attended, and she said the young men weren't allowed to actually "bid" on a young lady's basket. However, the idea was for the young men to make a donation to the church and select the basket they wanted. At the same time, the young lady who made the basket went along to a spot nearby to each lunch with the young man. It seemed a bit confusing the first time I heard the story. But the more grandma told it, the more I understood, and as I got older I had the story down about as good as grandma did. The one thing grandma always said was that she may not have known who the young man was that she would someday marry, but the Lord already had him picked out. "Well, mind you, I hadn't seen your grandfather except a few times in school and I didn't even know his last name, but I also didn't expect him to select my basket that day. I think my parents expected it would be the young man who had come to our home for dinner after church, but I was kind of glad it wasn't. "We walked over to a tree with the basket and I took the cloth out and spread it on the ground and the dishes and other fixings I had made. We talked for hours, and enjoyed a nice time together. It was getting towards sunset, and there were a few other couples left talking. The parents had all gone home, except for the pastor and his wife who were chaperones at the function. When your grandfather asked me if I'd like to go for a ride on the way home, and since he had a horse and wagon, I told him I would." After that, they courted for about a year. Grandpa had asked for grandma's hand in marriage. She had been working right along at the telephone company and grandpa was working full time at the hardware in town. They both saved their money and grandpa bought a house on property next to the farm by his parents, a mile out of town. The wedding took place in the home of the bride's parents. Afterwards, family members joined together for a celebration with all kinds of good food. The bride and groom left with their belongings and the gifts that had been given to them and went right to their new home to set up "housekeeping." They didn't have a honeymoon. They had a lifetime for that grandma said. She would also say that the rest is history. Grandpa bought his own hardware store a few years after they were married, and they saved money by living upstairs from the store. In another year my uncle was born, and two years later my mother came along. By that time grandpa had a good business as he had a large implement dealership as well as the hardware business. A few years later they bought a larger home on the main street of town -- the exact same house we were in when I spoke to her about how she met grandpa. When grandpa was around and he would hear us telling the story he'd remark that he fell in love with grandma, her cooking and that pretty yellow skirt, and how it had been keeping him warm ever since. I didn't understand what he was talking about. He then walked into a bedroom and brought out a quilt. He said a few years after they had married, grandma made up a bunch of quilt patches and had included her church social skirt among the pretty others. She called it her "Courting Quilt" and it had a lot of the pretty scraps from dresses and skirts she wore when grandpa came a courting. I asked grandma if I would meet my husband someday at a church social. She said, "Perhaps, but you'll meet him when you are supposed to meet him, and that will be up to the Lord." I love the story about how she and grandpa met. And to be sure I wouldn't forget it, she gave me her "Courting Quilt" with the pretty yellow patches in it. -- Diane Dean White ___________________________________________ Diane is a freelance writer. She has shared her stories with a wide range of publications as well as websites online. Diane is the Editor of HeartCatchers, and the author of Beach Walks and recently released Carolina in the Morning, a moving Christian story set in present day near Charleston, SC. Diane and her husband Stephen, are the parents of three grown children and three grand-gals. They make their home on the Carolina Coast. To read more, you can visit Diane's website here: http://www.dianedeanwhite.com/ =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Real Treasure "let's not get tired of doing good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."ť1 An old farmer who was about to die called his two sons to his bedside and said, "My boys, my farm and the fields are yours in equal shares. I leave you a little ready money, but the bulk of my wealth is hidden somewhere in the ground, not more than eighteen inches from the surface. I regret that I've forgotten precisely where it lies." When the old man was dead and buried his two sons set to work to dig up every inch of ground in order to find the buried treasure. They failed to find it but as they'd gone to all the trouble of turning over the soil, they thought they might as well sow a crop, which they did, reaping a good harvest. In autumn as soon as they had an opportunity, they dug for the treasure again but with no better results. As their fields were turned over more thoroughly than any others in the neighborhood, they reaped better harvests than anyone else. Year after year their search continued. Only when they had grown much older and wiser did they realize what their father had meant. Real treasure comes as a result of hard work.2 Our society is known for wanting immediate results. Whether it is getting something fixed, working towards a goal, or becoming financially sufficient, we like to see the product sooner rather than later. This is sometimes our mentality as we share the gospel of Christ with others as well. We become impatient while we wait, and many times give up thinking that we are wasting our time. However, if we look at the Bible, God never said things would happen quickly. On the contrary, time and time again, we are reminded to persevere, endure, be still, wait on the Lord, and not give up. Whether we are working toward a goal or reaching people for Christ, your work is not in vain. In God's perfect time we will see the fruit of our labor. Imagine the joy you will feel when you accomplish your goal or see that friend or loved one come to Christ. Our work and effort will have been worth every minute. Suggested prayer: Dear God, please help me persevere and keep working in the different areas you have me in. I know you are doing great things, even when I can't see the results yet. Helping me never to give up, especially when it comes to sharing the Good News with others. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. 1: Galatians 6:9 (NLT). 2: Source unknown. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Happiness in Christ "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."1 In his book Living Life on Purpose, Greg Anderson shares the story of one man's journey to joy: ... his wife had left him, and he was completely depressed. He had lost faith in himself, in other people, in God - he found no joy in living. One rainy morning this man went to a small neighborhood restaurant for breakfast. Although several people were at the diner, no one was speaking to anyone else. Our miserable friend hunched over the counter, stirring his coffee with a spoon. In one of the small booths along the window was a young mother with a little girl. They had just been served their food when the little girl broke the sad silence by almost shouting,"Momma, why don't we say our prayers here?" The waitress who had just served their breakfast turned around and said, "Sure, honey, we pray here. Will you say the prayer for us?" And she turned and looked at the rest ofthe people in the restaurant and said, "Bow your heads." Surprisingly, one by one, the heads went down. The little girl then bowed her head, folded her hands, and said, "God is great, God is good, and we thank him for our food. Amen." That prayer changed the entire atmosphere. People began to talk with one another. The waitress said, "We should do that every morning." "All of a sudden," said our friend, "my whole frame of mind started to improve. From that little girl's example, I started to thank God for all that I did have and stop majoring in all that I didn't have. I started to choose happiness."2 I have personally experienced the difference it makes when you start your day off with Christ. Spending even 10 minutes reading a verse and in prayer can change your mood and set the tone for your day. And when the day starts getting stressful, which can sometimes happen with our busy schedules, I listen to worship music and sing along! When we put God first in our lives, we are acknowledging that he is greater than any problem, any worry, any stressor, any decision, and any life event. By putting Him first, we are also accepting the fact that we are not in control - HE IS! God will provide all of our needs when we seek Him first and live righteously. Let us stop excessively thinking of our to-do list, spend some time with our Father, and experience true happiness which only he can give. Suggested prayer: Dear God, it is easy to prioritize our days based on our schedules. Help me realize that it is not about me, but all about you! I choose to put you first, trusting that you go before me, and you are in control. I choose to experience true happiness by counting my blessings and abiding in You. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. 1: Matthew 6:33 (NLT). 2: www.sermoncentral.com When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: Make me a captive, Lord, And then I shall be free. Force me to render up my sword, And I shall conqueror be. -George Matheson -<>- !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ Best thought Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save what Thou art: Thou my best thought, by day or by night; Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son, Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one. Riches I need not, nor man’s empty praise; Thou mine inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art. High King of Heaven, my victory won, May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all! -Anonymous medieval Irish hymn -<>- ( ) |\ _,--------._ / | | `.,' `. / | ` ' ,-' ' \/_ _ ( / (,-.`. ,',-.`. `__,' |/#\ ),-','#\`= ,'.` | `._/) -'.\_,' ) ))| / (_.)\ . -'// ( /\____/\ ) )`'\ \ |V----V|| ' , \ |`- -- -' ,' \ \ _____ ___ | .' \ \ `._,-' `- `.__,`---^---' \ ` -' -.______ \ . / ______,- `. ,' ap >The Devil’s Beatitudes Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians in Church ~ they are my best workers. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked ~ I can use them. Blessed are the touchy, with a bit of luck they may stop going to church ~ they are my missionaries. Blessed are those who are very religious but get on everyone's nerves ~ they are mine forever. Blessed are the troublemakers ~ they shall be called my children. Blessed are those who have no time to pray ~ they are easy prey for me. Blessed are the gossipers ~ for they are my secret agents. Blessed are those critical of church leadership ~ for they shall inherit a place with me in my fate. Blessed are the complainers ~ I'm all ears for them. Blessed are you when you read this and think it is about other people and not yourself ~ I've got you. -Author Unknown -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >Words Have you thought lately about how powerful words are? A spoken word can change the course of history, alter a person's future, give someone a job, pass a law, or start a war. Words are powerful and may be used either for good or for evil purposes. Proverbs 12:18 says: "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Even though words can be destructive in relationships and hurt others, they can also be used for encouraging and blessing others. Warren Wiersbe said the following were words that dynamically changed the atmosphere of his home: "Please" "Thank You" "I'm Sorry" "I Love You" "I'm Praying for You" Of course, when you use these words, you need to make sure that you mean them! If you say "I'm Praying for you" make sure that you actually are... Try using these powerful words this week in your home, at your job, or at school. Make notes of how the use of these words affects those around you. -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg "If there is light in the soul, There will be beauty in the person. If there is beauty in the person, There will be harmony in the house. If there is harmony in the house, There will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, There will be peace in the world." -<>- |\|\ .. \ . o-- \\ / @) v__///\\\\__/ @ { } { } \\\{ } <_| <_| bw >Cap's Angel by Pamela Jenkins The cold wind rattled the window near my chair as I sat at my desk, going through bills that needed to be paid. I was thankful I didn't have to go outside in the nippy air. The forecast was for a hard freeze that night. It was a good day to stay indoors. Suddenly, a sharp rap on the window startled me. I looked up to see my husband peering in. He gestured for me to come outside. With a groan, I stood up and slipped on a jacket. I would have preferred to stay where I was nice and warm, instead of venturing out in the chill. Outside, I found my husband talking to our friend, Tony, who is an animal control officer. They stood next to Tony's truck where there was a break from the wind. I was about to suggest that we all go indoors when my husband pointed at something lying in the back of the truck. I stepped closer for a better look. It was a small terrier, emaciated and dirty. He was shivering in the cold. His eyes were matted and he had several bite wounds that were infected. "I picked up this little stray today," Tony said. "He's in pretty bad shape, and I don't think he's going to make it." I leaned over and whispered, "Hey, sweetie." The little terrier stood up on shaky legs. He squinted at me and slowly wagged his tail. I gasped, because it was then I realized that it was a wire fox terrier, the same breed as our dog, Tell. That was as far as the resemblance went, however. Tell was healthy and well kept, but this fellow was in such poor condition that his future was uncertain. I felt a tug at my heart when I heard my husband say, "My wife wants him." Tony seemed to hesitate, as if he weren't sure we were prepared for the task ahead of us. As he handed the dog to me, I was surprised at how feather-light the little body felt. I murmured my thanks as I hugged the dog tightly and hurried indoors. The first order of business was to fill that empty tummy. I poured a bowl full of dog food, and turned around to see the dog's ears perk up and his attention on the dish. "Nothing wrong with your appetite," I said with a smile as I watched him eat with gusto. After licking the bottom of the bowl, he curled himself on some warm blankets I laid out for him. In a few moments he was fast asleep, exhausted but no longer starving. Later that afternoon, shampoo and towels in hand, I gave him a bath. Layers of dirt and debris were rinsed off, and his bite wounds were cleaned. As I unbuckled his soiled collar, I realized this was someone's pet. How unfortunate that he had no identification tags to help locate his owner. After a second bowl of food was gulped down, the terrier snuggled in his blankets for another nap. I told my husband, "He's bright and alert, eating well, and I think he's going to make it." My husband seemed skeptical and warmed me that we still had a long way to go before this dog was healthy again. In spite of his warning, I went to bed happily thinking of a name to call our little guest. Tell was named after a Louis L'Amour character. I hoped another character's name would be a perfect fit. I decided we would call him Cap after the feisty little cowpoke that befriended the Sackett family in so many L'Amour western novels. The next morning, a happy little dog with a terrible case of diarrhea met me. My husband asked, "Just how much did you feed him yesterday? You know, you almost killed him with kindness." He gave a chuckle as I cleaned up the results of my "kindness". I couldn't help myself, I told him. Poor Cap had looked a little hollow and needed filling out. I vowed to feed in moderation after that episode, and I have to think Cap agreed with the new menu. We took things one day at a time, and Cap slowly began to put on weight. His wounds healed and hair began to grow back in bald places. One day I noticed I couldn't feel his ribs or hipbones anymore, and that hollow look was gone forever. After several weeks of searching for his owner with no results, we decided that little Cap was here to stay. Of course, Tell was ecstatic to have a companion to spend time with. What could be merrier than a wire fox terrier? I have to say it would be having two terriers in the house. Double the trouble and twice the fun, that's their motto! Whether digging holes in the yard, treeing squirrels, or raiding their toy box and scattering squeakies through the house, those boys are busy sunup to sundown with their mischief. This morning, I looked out the kitchen window at Tell and Cap romping in the yard. I felt a surge of pride in my two beautiful little terriers, well groomed and wearing matching collars. I hope that if the unthinkable happens again, they'll both be safely returned to their home with the help of their ID tags. I know it only takes a second for one to slip out the door or gate, and they're off on a great adventure that could have disastrous results. I love my guys and want them to be safe always. As my husband walked up behind me, he asked, "Any idea what you want for your birthday this year?" I considered my pair of mischief-makers that have brought so much joy into our home, and a husband that knows my heart. After a moment, I turned to give Cap's angel a hug and tell him I already had all I could ever want! Pamela Jenkins lives in Oklahoma with her husband Stanley and their four children. She is the office manager of a veterinary clinic and enjoys writing inspirational stories in her spare time. -<>- .`:;ij;f,;, .`;sk568G6itz,-", .\a\x68888888886r/,-' -._sV888P^98^"^9888k,-_" `.-\Q889" " `888/,-', .-_J88f 188KJ-_. ,-;388| o o |888[=- _".>88l j88E:._" _"Z3886._ ,J.__.488R=;. .'/288888888888888S^._" '"j^7Z988888885R^L`-. ,'./jQV9TYVR\[\`". '|'|! |'|`. " ./ l | \ .'_ _.\ j, `._,. (_)_)._) (_.__,._) itz >CLEANING HOUSE Last Week I threw out Worrying. It was getting old and in the way. It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things God's way. I threw out a book on MY PAST, (didn't have time to read it anyway). Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today. I threw out hate and bad memories. Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too; I threw out the one from long ago. Brought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, AND I MUST. Threw out I MIGHT, I THINK and I OUGHT. WOW, you should've seen the dust. I ran across an OLD FRIEND. Haven't seen him in a while. I believe his name is GOD. Yes, I really like His style. He helped me to do some cleaning and added some things Himself. Like PRAYER, HOPE AND FAITH, Yes, I placed them right on the shelf. I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door. I FOUND IT- it's called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore. Yes, I've got my house looking nice. Looks good around the place. For things like Worry and Trouble, there just isn't any space. It's good to do a little house cleaning, get rid of the things on the shelf. It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF. BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE ELSE!!!! May the Lord open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that you will not have room enough to receive it all. Malachi 3:10. May the Lord bless you exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever hope for. Philippians 4:19. -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Behold, I Stand -Bill Walker missourisage@yahoo.com Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.: Have you ever read those words and gave it thought what is said here? These is words spoken by Jesus. Behold, I stand at the door. Not your house door is he standing at. No he is standing at the door of your heart. He is asking to be invited in to your heart. Unless you answer the door, and ask him in, he will not come in. He will turn away this time, you're not at home. He may come back later if there is a later. He will knock one more time if there is a later. For some there may not be a later. He may have knocked before, and no one was home. This may be the last time. If any man, or woman, girl or boy hears the knock, and invites Jesus into the heart. He will come in. He will clean up the sin filled heart. I will come into him. and sup. This is not dine with him, or her as the case may be, thinking of food to eat. This is the food of life, ever lasting life. If Jesus is in your heart, you are eating of the bread of ever lasting life that will take you to the place we know of as Heaven. If you didn't open the door after hearing the knock, your dining on the crumbs of hate, lust, and greed. If you opened the door, Jesus will sweep away the crumbs of hate, lust and greed. Jesus is a good house keeper, he will clean from your heart the things called, hate, lust, and greed. Jesus will knock, one time, maybe two times, maybe three times. The first time for sure, but he may not return if he is not invited in the first time. Is he knocking at this minute, are you going to open the door to your heart? You can answer the knock at the door of your heart. If not he will go away, maybe never to return. Hell is a hell of a place to spend the here after at. When you could have had a Mansion on the hill top. Just by inviting Jesus into your heart. Behold, I stand at the door. I will not force my way in the door. You must open the door, and ask me in. If you invite me in, I will give you ever lasting life in my FATHERS HOUSE.. John 14:2 'In my Fathers House are many Mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.' In my Fathers House, HEAVEN. There is a Mansion for you if you invited Jesus into your heart. -Tinker and Poo; The Boys Write -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Wolf And Donkey! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wolfdonkey.html Rare Animals! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rareanimals.html Adorable Kittens! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kittens.html Uninvited Animal Guests! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/uninvitedguests.html Strange Things! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/things.html Amazing Trivia Facts World 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/triviafactsworld2.html Corner Of Paradise!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/corner.html Beautiful Butterflies!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/butterflies.html Beautiful Photo Winners! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/photowinners.html Sand Sculpture Art 5!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sandart5.html God's Most Beautiful!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mostbeautiful.html Autumn Around USA! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fallinusa.html The 23rd Psalm! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/psalm23.html All About Hugs! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hugs.html Amazing Human Body! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humanbody.html Amazing Human Progress 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humanprogress2.html What I've Learned In Life! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/learnedinlife.html Dangerous Critters! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dangerouscritters.html Love Thoughts! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html Akiane Child Prodigy! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Dogs And Little Ones! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogslittleones.html Car Show 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carshow2.html Silly Veggies! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/veggies.html Space Trivia Facts! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/spacetrivia.html For Coffee Lovers! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/coffee.html You Are The Only You God Has! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Fall/Halloween Index! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/halloweenindex.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: We knew it was bad - Especially the boosters! Tennessee becomes the third U.S. state To introduce legislation designating mRNA COVID-19 "vaccines" as biological weapons of mass destruction. The bill is on the record. The classification is no longer fringe. More states are following the same path. https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/2026/covidv.jpg AI doesn't know everything, but it sure got this one right. :) An unusual exchange involving artificial intelligence has people talking about Jesus Christ. On October 1, 2026, an X user asked Grok AI to remove the “fake gods” from an image featuring Jesus alongside various religious and mythological figures. Grok generated a new image showing Jesus alone. When users asked why, Grok responded, “Jesus is not a fake god.” It pointed to historical evidence for Jesus’ existence and the resurrection accounts that helped shape Christianity. The response quickly spread online, with many Christians celebrating the moment. There is one important detail to remember: Grok is an AI system, not a person professing faith. It has no personal relationship with Jesus and does not hold religious beliefs. Still, the exchange opened a conversation about the historical evidence surrounding Jesus and the message of the gospel. Our faith does not depend on what an AI says. Jesus Christ is Lord, and the truth of who He is deserves to be explored through Scripture, history, and sincere seeking. https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/2026/aigrok.jpg This is what many people say about President Trump. I tend to believe them. :) Danica Patrick has sent a targeted message after travelling on Air Force One with Donald Trump: The former Nascar driver travelled with the President to a campaign rally near Wichita, Kansas. She wrote: "I wish you could all have just 5 minutes with @potus! He is so easy to talk to and SO fun to listen to! He’s a great story teller... funny and obviously interesting. He is also very curious what your opinion is pertaining to any topic. And of course he is really into sports, which I love!" “There will never be another Donald J. Trump! He not only loves his country deeply but delivers intelligence, leadership, entertainment and humor all day long." “Our job was not done with the election 2 years ago. Big shifts take time and we have to keep showing up!" “Let’s help him and his amazing staff make the most of the last half of his presidency by getting out there and voting in 2 weeks! Keeping the house and senate ensure this rational and patriotic momentum keeps going!!!!!!” 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 GodIsFirst >God’s promises often begin with a problem Scripture shows us a consistent pattern. Moses faced a sea before the Promised Land. David faced a giant before the throne. Joseph faced a prison before the palace. God's promises often begin with a problem we cannot solve on our own. That is why so many people resonate with TGIF. It speaks to real work, real pressure, and a real God who meets us in the middle of it all. If God has placed you where you are right now, He has not done so by accident. Even in seasons of uncertainty, He desires to walk with you and guide you step by step. If you would like, you can email me and share one challenge you are facing right now. If prayer would help, please say so. I would be glad to pray for you. Blessings, Os Hillman Os Hillman ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >His Gentle Knock Jesus became the final sacrifice for our sin. When Jesus died on the cross, "the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom" (Matthew 27:51). The curtain had, up to that point, formed a barrier for the Most Holy Place in the temple where God resided. The tearing of the curtain was a clear demonstration that anyone who believes in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin can now enter the presence of God; "We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19). We are a fortunate people! Not since Adam has man had such access to the presence of God. We no longer need a priest with a specific sacrifice, and we need not pray a specific prayer... but there IS a condition. The Most Holy Place of the presence of God can only be entered by those who come by faith in Jesus Christ. If we desire the presence of God, we must first open the door of our heart. Revelation 3:20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me." Here is contained the great mystery of God's plan for man. He desires a people who recognize their need, hear His voice, and open the door to invite Him in. He then promises to enter and "set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" (2 Corinthians 1:22). This is His sovereign, majestic, and glorious plan. God's Word never indicates that Jesus will crash through the door of our heart; He is never pictured as huffing and puffing to blow the door down. And He certainly NEVER sneaks in through a side window! He simply and patiently stands at the door and knocks - He says, "I am here. Won't you invite Me in?" Opening the door involves an understanding of who Jesus is, as related to our need for forgiveness, and an act of submission which releases control of our life. We may hear His voice through something someone says or something we read - we may "hear" Him knocking as we sit in silence - but when we hear, we must be willing to open the door; "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 3:15). Many people will hear the knock of Jesus, but few will open the door. Most will spend a lifetime evaluating the knock and analyzing the One who is knocking; some will even push a little food onto the front porch; but few will actually recognize their need and open the door. Let's invite Him in today and commune with Him EVERY day for all eternity. Today, let's answer His gentle knock. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Jeremiah 49:23-50:46; Titus 1:1-16; Psalm 97:1-98:9; Proverbs 26:13-16 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching The Simplicity and Grace of THE NEW BIRTH [Romans 10: 9 and 10] https://tinyurl.com/3cp5jyh5 <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Clear Line of Communication Communication is a key part of any relationship. Without proper communication, a relationship will slowly drift apart and feel isolated. This is true of friends and married couples, and certainly true in our relationship with God. Without communication, we begin to drift and will soon be unable to even recognize His voice. When faced with sudden burdens, we will feel alone. We may awkwardly call out to God but find our communication line has become noisy, filled with distractions. It's difficult to receive direction or comfort when we can't even hear or understand what God is saying. To keep the communication lines clear, we must develop the habit of continually talking with God; "Pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We cannot limit prayer to those times of great need. David was in the habit of morning prayer; "In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before You and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5:3). But we must also learn to talk with God throughout our day so we are prepared for those times of extra need. Jesus never suffered from a breakdown in communication with His Father; "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). And yet, when faced with major decisions or burdens, Jesus still set aside special time to talk with God. Luke 6:12-13 "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles." There are always going to be times in our Christian walk when we urgently need dedicated time with God - times which involve "critical" or "crisis" situations. These times are greatly enhanced if we have already been walking in daily communion with the Father. Our "crisis" prayers will need to be more intense and require us to intimately know the One to whom we pray, require us to know His voice and understand His ultimate plan for our life, require a relationship! Our Heavenly Father desires to light our path by giving daily guidance. Let's develop the habit of continual prayer so we will follow His leading and walk each step in praise. Let's KNOW Him during the trivial and mundane portion of our day so we will be prepared to know Him during the urgent. Let's prioritize our life to ensure we have a free and clear line of communication. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Isaiah 22:1-24:23; Galatians 2:17-3:9; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 23:15-16 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See These Teachings Prayer http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/PRAYER.htm Speaking in Tongues: What It Is Not (Part 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEJCpOEuw-g Part 2 of 4 Speaking In Tongues: What It Is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3N3hmaHLTE Part 3 of 4 Speaking in Tongues: What Is It For https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nptK7vYy0yA Part 4 of 4 Speaking In Tongues: How to Do It https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKqyiVuDMeE ========================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: __i |---| |[_]| |:::| |:::| `\ \ \_=_\ jsm >The iPhone Pledge Are you BRAVE enough to take the iPhone pledge!! 1) I will have a cup of coffee in the morning and read my newspaper like I used to, before my iPhone. 2) I will eat breakfast with a knife and fork and not with one hand typing or holding my iPhone. 3) I will get dressed before noon. 4) I will make an attempt to clean the house, wash clothes, and plan dinner before even thinking of my iPhone. 5) I will sit down and write a letter to those unfortunate few friends and family that are iPhone deprived. 6) I will call someone on the phone who I cannot contact via a text message. 7) I will read a book... if I still remember how. 8) I will listen to those around me and their needs and stop telling them to turn the TV down so I can hear the music on the my iPhone. 9) I will not be tempted during commercials to check for my iPhone. 10) I will try and get out of the house at least once a week, if it is necessary or not. 11) I will remember that my bank is not forgiving if I forget to balance my checkbook because I was too busy on my iPhone. 12) Last, but not least, I will remember that I must go to bed sometime... and my iPhone will always be there tomorrow! -<>- Remember, people have given up their lives so you can go in a booth and pull a lever twice a year. Do it for them. -The Sermon Fodder Guy _ _.-'`-._ _ ;.'________'.; _________n.[____________].n_________ |""_""_""_""||==||==||==||""_""_""_""] |"""""""""""||..||..||..||"""""""""""| |LI LI LI LI||LI||LI||LI||LI LI LI LI| |.. .. .. ..||..||..||..||.. .. .. ..| |LI LI LI LI||LI||LI||LI||LI LI LI LI| ,,;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;,;;;,;;;,;;,, ;;jgs;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; >Get Out and Vote! The Midterm elections is just days away. Where will you be on November 2 when our country elects who will represent them in the U.S. House and Senate? I hope you plan to spend a few minutes of that day in a voting booth. God has richly blessed America with abundance and freedom. If we are thankful for these blessings and our fellow citizens who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice to preserve them, we owe it to them to get out and vote as our duty to our country. How can anyone in good conscience say they have more important things to do than exercise their privilege to vote in a free country? Recent events have reminded us that we can never take our freedoms for granted. Preserving freedom has always demanded diligence and sacrifice. After taking our freedoms for granted for too many years, patriotism is back and it's a great thing to see. The two great sources of America's greatness are faith and freedom. America was founded on the belief that we all are created by God to have equal opportunities to become all He wants us to be. We're all created in God's image and should be free to pursue our dreams. Many years ago, during the fears of the Cold War, those principles were in doubt in America. Many were saying that our American freedoms would be buried under communism and that perhaps socialism was a more effective system than free enterprise and the wave of the future. I started giving a speech called >=Selling America<= to argue my conviction that our nation was the greatest the world had ever seen and that freedom and free enterprise gave us a standard of living beyond the dreams of most Soviets. God wants us to be free. In gratitude for that incredible gift, we have a duty to never take our freedoms for granted and to do our part in protecting our freedoms. So many of our fellow Americans from our brave history and right up to this day have made the supreme sacrifice to protect our freedoms. We have leaders serving to help ensure our American way of life. All Americans do not have the opportunity to serve our country as protectors of freedom or as national leaders. But in gratitude to those who serve and in appreciation to God for His abundant blessings on America, we all can exercise our patriotic duty to vote. Voting is essential to our democracy, and each vote counts. On November 2, thank God to be an American and be counted as a patriotic, contributing citizen - get out and vote! Rich DeVos is chairman of Gospel Communications. He is also the author of "Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life," co-founder of Amway Corp., and owner and chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic. ========================================================== ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt >-->Ryan Stevenson - This I Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2u4Qrj5txQ LYRICS: I gotta be honest, this life has taken turns that I never wanted, It's kinda chaotic Spend all of my time living up in my head, prepping my mind for another upset Strip it all back till the only thing left is you, nothing but you. Even when it hurts, I'm not letting go For the Lord my God is faithful this I know, this I know Come pain, come heartache, it is well with my soul For the Lord my God is faithful this I know, this I know I've learned to get what you want's maybe not what you need I've learned that faith is a fight and it's more than you see I've learned that pain is a gift when it leads you to Christ I've learned that beauty can dawn from the darkest of nights. Even when it hurts, I'm not letting go For the Lord my God is faithful this I know, this I know Come pain, come heartache, it is well with my soul For the Lord my God is faithful this I know, this I know When I'm swinging my fists, taking hard hits, feelin like I'm gonna break When I'm holding back tears, counting lost years, watching my dreams slip away Go on and let it cave in, get me out of my skin I've been getting in my own way Need you to do whatever it takes, whatever it takes. Even when it hurts, I'm not letting go For the Lord my God is faithful this I know, this I know Come pain, come heartache, it is well with my soul For the Lord my God is faithful this I know, this I know Written by R. Stevenson, B. Fowler, M. Kiuper ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' "Am I Really Forgiven?" (By Micca Monda Campbell, Director of Outreach, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member) 1 John 5:11-12b "This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life." (NKJ) As a minister of the gospel, I'm often asked a reoccurring question: "How do I know that I'm really forgiven?" I always give the same answer to each person. However, it's not my words, thoughts or even my own opinion that I offer. I tell them what God's says about forgiveness. "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9, NKJ) All those who have sincerely given their lives to God and trust Him alone for the forgiveness of their sins have eternal life. It's not a feeling. It's a fact that we must act on in faith. My eldest son's father died when he was four months old. Two weeks before his accidental death, my husband purchased life insurance. I've always considered that money as a gift to my son and me from God, our Provider. Like any mother, I wanted only the best for my son. I chose to live on very little and place the insurance money in a CD under the name of our son so that one day he could go to college. That day arrived all too quickly. I'll never forget my son's reaction when I gave him this gift. He was shocked and overwhelmed. Through the years, the amount had grown significantly. At first, my son had a hard time receiving the large gift. It was unexpected. He had not worked for it, nor did he feel that he had earned it in anyway. "What a sacrifice you've made for me to have this, Mom." My son said softly. "No, I said. "I didn't make the sacrifice, son. You're Dad did." It would have deeply saddened me if my son had chosen not to receive my gift. What about all those times I held onto the money when I could have used it to prevent hardships? What about the wasted opportunities that passed by to help someone else in need? But that is not what this gift was for. I didn't raise a dummy! It would be foolish for my son not to accept the gift and use it for college. That's just what he did. Forgiveness is a free gift offered to us by our heavenly Father. While it cost you and me nothing, it cost our Savior His life. How foolish it would be for us to doubt it or not to accept it at all - for it's the way to peace. We can't earn God's forgiveness and we don't deserve such an unspeakable gift, but our heavenly Father, who loves us beyond measure, offers it freely. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJ) If God is a God who cannot lie - and He is - then His promise to forgive is given and received the moment you ask. It's not based on feelings, but fact, and received by faith. "Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free, indeed." (John 8:38, NKJ) "Dear Lord, thank You for making the ultimate sacrifice so that my sins can be forgiven. I trust by faith that my past has been wiped away and I have been given a new start. I don't trust this by my feelings, but by the truth of Your Word. If you said it's true, I believe it, Lord. Thank You for giving me such a wonderful gift through the death and resurrection of my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. In Christ's Name I pray, Amen." Follow-up Application: It's true, we don't always "feel" forgiven. Praise God our forgiveness is not based on our feelings but the work Christ did on the cross. So whenever you need reassurance, mediate on God's truths and pray them back to Him, thanking God for making you clean. In His presence, what is fact will eventually be felt in your heart. 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 ((______| / `"""""""` ...Also remember Speaking in tongues is your proof that you have the spirit of God inside of you and that all hell can't stop you from going to heaven! This also reminds me of the gift Trump has bestowed on every child in America. The Trump account will help them appreciate capitalism, finances and give them a head start for their adulthood. Visit here for details and to sign up: https://trumpaccounts.gov/?source=govdelivery ========================================================== , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >-->"Soul Food" (Author Unknown) I love the taste of T-bone steak, Delicious every bite, But there's nothing like the Word of God, For my spiritual appetite. The Word of God has milk and meat, And even ice cream and cake. Take a slice of the Bread of Life, And coffee to keep us awake. Open your Bible and turn to Psalms, For David's famous buffet. You can drink all the wine of the Word you want, And still feel fine the next day. There's enough of the Word for everyone, And no one has to cheat. The Word of God is a smorgasbord, So take all you are able to eat. Let's have a little long-suffering, Job gives the recipe. Patience is the main ingredient, Self-denial is the fee. Wrap that up in temperance, It may not make much sense, Cover that with contentment, Then add some joy for strength. Let's have love for dessert, Jesus made this dish, Cream of joy and peace together, Sift out all selfishness. Add some deeds of righteousness, Enough to make it sweet. Humility is the frosting, That makes the dish complete. Or are you on a diet, Because the race seems hard to run? For a weight losing menu, Try Hebrews 12 and 1. Are you suffering from malnutrition, And don't know what to do? Your spiritual growth seems hindered, Try I Peter 2 and 2. If when every time you battle, The enemy always wins, Try some Holy Ghost Protein, And spiritual vitamins. God's Word can feed millions, And still have plenty left. Because the Word of God is Soul Food, Sent from the World's Greatest Chef! >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 **********************************************************************