Sealed With That Holy Spirit Of Promise... :) 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 friends LouiseAu and Fran. This one was a surprise to me. My kids and I were never into this story book but my grandkid's mom was and made sure her kids were too. You'll have to check this one out here, especially if you are a Pooh Adventures lover! __ ( y--. .=-. \_\/_,' / | --("))))))= __|__ | / < > > `\ .=-. .-' `-:._.-. | | / \' / | .\_. | | | ,- `(\|.--. .' \ . / \ / `'| ),' `-\_/ |` ` (\ `-'| / \ ' ; .' \ , /\ .' \ '`-.___.-> \ .> \ /\\ `---'| `. -' || `-..-' hjw .=`-....___ || / _.-`--=._ `----.___// \.' _.-'-.`-. `----' '\ ;' \ ; _.'`-. .' / ___ ' _.-'`. / / ,' , `-._ _.-| / /.--\ \ `._ __.---' `./ | \' \ `. `._.-' `. ``. | | `. d8oooo._\_ `. \ /\ / 988888888b. `. \ /::`-.__.'\ 688888888888b : | ___ |::::::::::\ "d8b""888888, ; |`-. .' _`. |::::::::::::. 8888888 | `. / .::::\ |::::::::::::::. /888888' / / /:::::| \:::::::::::::::.._ .' d88888 ___ .' | |:::::| `:::::::::::::::::"--.' `88888`. .-' _`._ |:::::| `::::::::::::::::-' d8889 `/ ,.::.\`-.__ |:::::/ `::::::::::;'`-._ `"' / /:::::| `-. \:::;' ``''''' `-._ /::::::| `-`"' `-._ |:::::::/ `-._ |::::::/ `. \:::;' `--`"' Winnie The Pooh - Disorders! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poohdisorders.html --- ...Wow! Thanks Ladies! Maybe why I was never so much into these stories. Our next sizzling hot new page is from our friends Linda and KarenF. This one will peak your interest with some little-known, bizarre and even a bit on the scary side, science facts. Be sure to check this one out here: . ,-"-. ,-"-. ,-"-. ,-"-. ,-"-. , X | | \ / | | X | | \ / | | X | | \ / / \| | |X| | |/ \| | |X| | |/ \| | |X| `-!-' `-!-" `-!-' `-!-' `-!-' `- Ojo Amazing Science Facts 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sciencefacts2.html --- ...I love the last one here! Thanks Ladies! -<>- *~* We Had A Tremendous Month Last Month Of Caring And Sharing! __,=,__ .~`` .` `.``~. | . . |____ `-;=============;""""` ( (. _).) \ | | \ `-.___.' / '._ _.' /`''''\ / \ | |/\/\/\/|.-. |-|/\/\/\/|;' ) (__/_______| _) #########'._) jgs |==|=|__ ,,,(______)_),,,, ,,,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;,,,, ,,,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;,,, ,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;, * Please Visit And Share All Of Our Newest Web Pages :) World's Famous Animals! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/famousanimals.html Beautiful Sea Slugs! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/seaslug.html Kid's With Animals 4! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidswithanimals4.html Kids With Animals 5! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidswithanimals5.html Rescued Baby Dormice! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dormice.html Amazing Trivia Car Facts 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/triviacarfacts2.html Adorable Capybaras! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/capybara.html _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.' *~* May God Abundantly Bless All Our Sweet Contributors! :) =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you." -- Dale Carnegie Okay. We sheepishly admit that when we make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches we spread the jelly on top of the peanut butter rather than on the other slice of bread. Today, Darlene provides us some great insights into the new colors, and smells, up and down the supermarket aisle, including those "pre-mixed" peanut butter and jelly spreads. You'll get a kick out of it. ,----------. ( Skandal! ) `----------' O o ,-. .:\ '`-. |:| __ b `;-( ,' | ( \|||_ ,-----(.-''--``-------. /_______`'______________\ / SSt\ >COLOR ME CONFUSED Little Cindi graced me with a gap-toothed grin as she squirted catsup on her plump, juicy, hotdog. Her sweet, squeaky, "Here Auntie have a bite," was drowned out by my tomato-curdling scream. "Ewwwww! What's that?" I stared in horror as a big, PURPLE glop soaked into the bun. "It's our new cool catsup. We have purple and green in the cupboard," Cindi smiled. Color me confused, but the thought of purple catsup made my brow wrinkle almost as much as Granny Clampett's face. Believe me, I am not a catsup snob. In fact, I consider it one of the major food groups and think nothing of dousing fries, potato chips, hamburgers and fish sandwiches in rich, red, catsup. The problem arises when the catsup is not bright red, but Grinch Green or Passion Purple. I know color shouldn't affect the taste, but the thought of purple catsup is enough to give me sweaty palms, dry mouth, and heart palpitations (similar to seeing Brad Pitt on the movie screen). So what's the deal with all these food companies trying to "new and improve" their products? It's getting to the point that I'm afraid to put anything into my grocery cart these days. For instance, I recently stood in the garbage bag aisle and my brain turned to compost as I stared at the brands, sizes, and colors of bags that just get thrown out anyhow. Whatever happened to black cinch sacks for garbage, and clear plastic bags for recyclables? Scented bags, that's what! I actually saw "French Vanilla" scented garbage bags on sale. For only three times the cost of plain old "plastic scented" bags, I could buy a garbage bag that would "soar my senses" with aromatherapy. Somehow the thought of my garbage smelling better than me made me want to yank out my hair, but not my checkbook. So, besides sweet Cindi, who buys this supply of purple catsup and vanilla garbage bags? Probably the same try-anything- once folks who throw a vertically striped jar of peanut butter and jelly into their grocery baskets. Frankly, I find that concept as un-American as a kid who won't eat PB&Js at all. Everyone knows you have to slather creamy, gooey, peanut butter on one slice of Wonder Bread and then spread sweet, sticky, grape jelly on another piece before doing the old "slap and squish". You know, slap the bread together and the squish to join the flavors. The thought of calmly spreading PB&J at the same time should be grounds for court marshal! With all of these bizarre foodstuffs, it scares me to think what the world will be like when my kids (now in their terrible teens) go forth and multiply (after college and marriage) and take their kids to the grocery store. Will the little tykes beg for pink mac-and-cheese? Will the lime-green mustard clash with the purple hot dog nestled in its navy-striped bun? Color me old-fashioned, but no grandkid of mine is going to be served purple oatmeal or green spaghettios. Even if I have to stockpile "normal" foods, I will serve the little sweethearts food that is good, nutritious, and THE RIGHT COLOR. Now, all this talk about food is making me thirsty. Excuse me while I pop the top of a Code Red Mountain Dew. I know this soda "should" be green, but I broke down and tried a free sample the other day and its sparkly cherry taste is just like a kiddie cocktail. See, I'm not so set in my ways. I may never dunk my fries in green catsup, but color me courageous, there may be hope for me yet. -- Darlene A. Buechel ___________________________________________ We congratulate Darlene, as we proudly bestow upon her the title of Heartwarmer Gem. We reserve this honor for our most beloved writers who have consistently contributed outstanding and memorable works that have captured the hearts and minds of our members around the world. Darlene is well known for her humorous and light hearted stories that bring a smile to readers everywhere. And make no mistake. She has her opinions about colors too! She eats her RED catsup on GOLDEN french fries and throws her garbage in BLACK cinch sacks. She hails from Wisconsin. --- ____ ___ | _ \ ___ _ _.' _ `. _ | [_) )' _ `._ _ ___ ! \ | | (_) | _ |:;.| _ <| (_) | \ | |' _ `| \| | _ | .:;| | `.[_) ) _ | \| | (_) | | | | |.',..| ':. `. /| | | | | _ | |\ | | |.' :;::' !::, `-!_| | | |\ | | | | | \ !_!.' ':;! !::; ":;:!.!.\_!_!_!.!-'-':;:'' '''! ';:' `::;::;' '' ., . `: .,. `' .::... . .::;::;' `..:;::;:.. ::;::;:;:;, :;::;' "-:;::;:;: ':;::;:'' ;.-' ""`---...________...---'"" Bugbyte ...Like Heartwarmer Authors, I like my toasted slice of bread layered with oleo, peanut butter and then jelly. For a deluxe treat, I'll add about 5 banana slices on top of it. Hmmm Hmmm Good! :) =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Embracing Life’s Seasons 'He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.1 Life is full of seasons, more than just the temperature-changing ones; though there are definitely warm and cold seasons throughout our lives. There are seasons that come with age -- childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and other seasons that are related to our work of the moment, whether it’s school, career, or retirement. Most of the time it is our relationships that mark our seasons. We may be cautiously dating or blissfully married; on the roller coaster of parenthood, or tenderly caring for elderly parents; maybe your season is being the elderly parents. Many times, our season may be filled with joy and laughter and memory-making; other seasons seem to be filled with trials, difficult moments, and many tears. During those burdensome times, it may be difficult to appreciate that season or to focus on what God may be trying to teach us. The first few chapters of Ecclesiastes remind us that nothing comes as a surprise to God because he has made everything in His perfect time. We cannot even begin to comprehend the greatness of His plans for us but rest assured that whether our seasons are filled with joy or sadness, God is in control. In fact, He perfectly planned that season for our growth and benefit! If we look back on past seasons, it is easy to see God’s hand on our lives and the beauty of His plan. Sometimes we can see His beauty bright and clear and other times His beauty shines like a night-light in our darkness. Allow God’s love-letter, His Word, to fill you with comfort during every season. During the “warm" seasons, allow His Word to guide you and bless you. In the “cold" seasons, let His Word be your cover and your strength. In any season, God is shaping us into the vessels He needs to bring Him glory. So, find the beauty in every season and embrace all of life’s seasons for they are a gift from God! Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, how comforting it is to know that I don’t need to fret over what is happening in my life because you’ve timed everything perfectly. You know when I need a push and when I need a hug. You’ve carefully planned my seasons for your glory and in you I can rest. Thank you for loving me so much. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen. 1. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV). Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Bible 'As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.1 The Bible gives an accurate account of God's character, actions, and purposes. Together, the Old and New Testaments teach us that the problem of man is sin, and the only remedy is faith in the Son of God: Jesus Christ. Through his Word, God has entrusted us with the knowledge of who he is, what he is doing, and how the future of humanity will unfold. God gave us the Bible to guide us into a deeper relationship with Him and to enable us to serve as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians5:20). In this position, we are called to follow the example of Christ in glorifying God (Matthew 5:16): our Savior did not focus on Himself, but on the Father, whose plan is to reach the whole world with His saving grace. The will of God includes different tasks that His children are to perform, according to the way He has arranged for each one (Romans 12:4-6). Pondering Bible principles and examples will help us discern what He has in mind for us. What place does the Bible, this wonderful book, have in determining the course of your life? Take time today and every day to listen to the Lord, benefit from His wisdom, and discern what He is saying to you personally. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that through Your Word You have entrusted us with the knowledge of who You are. Thank you that you have given us the Bible to guide us into a deeper relationship with you and to enable us to serve as ambassadors. God, help me to appreciate the privilege I have of being able to have Your Word with instructions directly from Your heart to guide my life according to Your will. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen. 1. Acts 17:10-12 (NIV). Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .-~*~--,. .-. .-~-. ./OOOOOOOOO\.'OOO`9~~-. .`OOOOOO.OOM.OLSONOOOOO@@OOOOOO\ /OOOO@@@OO@@@OO@@@OOO@@@@@@@@OOOO`. |OO@@@WWWW@@@@OOWWW@WWWW@@@@@@@OOOO). .-'OO@@@@WW@@@W@WWWWWWWWOOWW@@@@@OOOOOO} /OOO@@O@@@@W@@@@@OOWWWWWOOWOO@@@OOO@@@OO| lOOO@@@OO@@@WWWWWWW\OWWWO\WWWOOOOOO@@@O.' \OOO@@@OOO@@@@@@OOW\ \WWWW@@@@@@@O'. `,OO@@@OOOOOOOOOOWW\ \WWWW@@@@@@OOO) \,O@@@@@OOOOOOWWWWW\ \WW@@@@@OOOO.' `~c~8~@@@@WWW@@W\ \WOO|\UO-~' (OWWWWWW@/\W\ ___\WO) `~-~'' \ \WW=*' __\ \ \ \ \ __\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \\ \ \ >Staying Power by Kim Sherer, in Today’s Christian Woman One night while my young son, Ryan, was sleeping, a storm began brewing outside. After a loud clap of thunder, I heard Ryan wake up so I headed toward his room to comfort him. He asked me to stay with him until he fell asleep. As I lay there I realized Ryan hadn’t asked me to make the storm go away, but to stay with him. How many times, I wondered, have I asked God to take away the storms of life, when instead I need to ask him to stay with me and help me weather them more peacefully? -<>- twoep mkkkkkkk z1 ldk Vtmn i Cm k k Tkm k xk D k V m yl m m m h l l k Y k p yk l l k V y k l k r 7h z l k l l o `' l 7 l k k r ' p m k lmmmt k l .l m k l km l r k Yh y k 2oP k t tyyy k ' y k Dk D m mm m V mmmmyt mn Tyl t m Ymmm (---. ' __ r mt Yz (`-- `-' ) mmm mmlt YMmmmmnnc -_ = -- wwwwt D > = (BP mkT Y ---______) K m mkT Ym y Y ym m Ymm >The Power of Kindness After having just lost his bride of 42 years, a reader named Bob wrote to tell me how deeply important it's been to him to be the beneficiary of grand and spontaneous acts of kindness of strangers. In one case, he was overcome with emotion and began to cry while making copies of all the notes of love and support he received. Seeing his pain, a young woman hugged him until he regained control. Weeks later, he was at a restaurant alone and began to cry when he thought about his wife. A waitress sat beside him and held his hand. As long as there are people like that in the world, Bob concluded, there's still hope. The great musician Pablo Casals said, "Each person has inside a basic decency and goodness. If he acts on it and listens to it, he is giving a great deal of what the world needs most. It is not complicated, but it takes courage. It takes courage for a person to listen to his own goodness and act upon it." Poet William Wordsworth put it another way, declaring that the best portions of a good person's life are "little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love." And novelist Henry James said, "Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind." Think how much better the world would be, and how much more gratifying your life would be, if every day each of us set out to lighten the life or brighten the day of another with simple kindness. This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts. -<>- _ _ __ ___.--'_`. .'_`--.___ __ ( _`.'. - 'o` ) ( 'o` - .`.'_ ) _\.'_' _.-' `-._ `_`./_ ( \`. ) //\` '/\\ ( .'/ ) \_`-'`---'\\__, ,__//`---'`-'_/ \` `-\ /-' '/ ` ' VK >KEEP SWIMMING!! Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl. One was an optimistic soul. But the other took the gloomy view. "We'll drown," he lamented without much ado, and with a last despairing cry, he flung up his legs and said "Goodbye." The other frog said with a steadfast grin, "I can't get out but I won't give in, I'll just swim around 'till my strength is spent, then I'll die the more content." Bravely he swam to work his scheme, and his struggles began to churn the cream. The more he swam, his legs a flutter, the more the cream turned into butter. On top of the butter at last he stopped, and out of the bowl he gaily hopped. What is the moral? It's easily found... If you can't hop out, keep swimming around! -<>- \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp >The Dearest Friend! I have a Friend in Jesus, He's ever walking near To share my every burden And take away my fear. It's in His precious name I pray To our God above; It's through His sacred teachings that I learned the way to love. God did not put me on this earth To walk life's path alone; He sent His Son to be my Guide, The dearest Friend I've known. No other One could be so true, He bore the cross for me; Because He died for my sins I must ever faithful be. If you are lonely on life's way And feel that no one cares, You have a Friend in Jesus If you will kneel in prayer. Poet, Kay Hoffman LOVE AND GOD BLESS -<>- ..e=******=e.. .r"" .F ^"4. .@" $ .d$b. z$b. J" .d$$$$$$$c .$$$$$$bc. $ .e$$$$$$$$$$$$$$c d$$$$$$$$$$$$bdbe$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. d$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$b $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$F*$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$%3 ^"**$$$$$$$$$. d$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" L .^$$$$$ 4$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" 4 "^$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$*" b ^$$$$L 4$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" 'r "$*" $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ .="" "*$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ^F .r^" ^*$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ..*" "$$$$$$$$$$$P .="" "*$$$$$$$ ./^" "*$$$L.=" Gilo94' " >What goes around comes around.... So True... Please read to the end... Beautiful Story. The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before "Leave me alone," he growled.. To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away." The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone. Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked... "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?" The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?" "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything." "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it.." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this. Is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered. "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place." The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company." "Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?" "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, ma'am That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer." The officer watched him walk away.. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this." She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry. "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry. "I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat." Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know", the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said. "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business, that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you." There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said. "Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus... He led me to you." Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said. "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And... thank you for the coffee." If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh. But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world. Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always. And don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you. (Hope this is repeated many times today!) God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up into your heart. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) More Abundant Life! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abundantlife.html Sweet Humanity 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sweethumanity2.html Ashikaga Flower Park! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/flowerpark.html Here's Your Frog! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/frog.html Texas Outhouse Art! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/outhouse.html US Natural Works Of Art! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/usnaturalart.html Most Beautiful Churches! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churches.html Grand Teton National Park! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/grandteton.html Science 2024 Breakthroughs! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/science2024.html Mysteries Around The World! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/worldmysteries.html Short Life Stories! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifestories.html Aww Animals 4! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals4.html Little-Known UNESCO Sites! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/UNESCO.html Attitude Is Everything! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Thank you Lord! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thanks.html Seasons Of Life! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/seasonsoflife.html Akiane - Child Prodigy! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Biblical Advice! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bibleadvice.html Tale Of Two Penguins! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/penguins.html Classic Chevy Collection! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chevy.html The Bible! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thebible.html Sgt.Stubby War Dog Hero! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stubbywardog.html Car Show 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carshow2.html Silly Veggies! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/veggies.html World's Fastest Cars! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fastcars.html Moms And Dads INDEX: https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/momsanddadsindex.html Troops INDEX: https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.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 God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >A Belief That Saves Father's will is "that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life" (John 6:40). We are given the gift of eternal life because of our belief in Jesus, not because of what we do; "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). Salvation can never be earned; it is a gift to those who believe. However, we must understand what it means to believe and what changes will occur when we believe. "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder" (James 2:19). A saving belief is much more than just acknowledging God's existence or even the existence of His Son - even the demons believe this! Belief in Jesus is never simply an intellectual understanding. Belief implies a humble surrender. We will never "look to the Son" unless we first recognize our eternally lost condition due to sin; and we will never truly "believe in Him" for salvation until we accept our complete inability to save ourselves. A drowning man will never reach up for help until he first understands and accepts his need to be rescued. To be rescued, we must believe so completely that we abandon all other "rescuers" and cling to the only One who can truly save; "any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33). Giving up everything cannot save us, but true belief gives up all other sources of hope. It also reveals the trivial nature of our worldly attachments and creates an understanding that everything belongs to God. We see our life as lived for Him and desire to do ALL for His glory. James 2:14,17 "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? ... In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Belief must produce a change in our life or we know it is not a true belief - it is nothing more than dead intellectual understanding! At the moment we truly believe, we are "marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13), and we become "a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Belief creates change through the work of the Holy Spirit!! If we lack the evidence of a changed life, we must not focus on creating the change. This type of change becomes self-righteous "filthy rags." Rather, we must return to the cross and place ALL our trust in Jesus, truly believing He has paid the penalty for our sin and has granted us passage through the narrow gate to eternal life. As we completely turn over control to our Heavenly Father, fruit and good deeds will abound. Our life will be forever changed, but only when we begin with a belief that saves. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** 2 Samuel 18:1-19:10; John 20:1-31; Psalm 119:156-176; Proverbs 16:14-15 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...So True The one thing God did through Jesus Christ was to make sonship available with him... Rom.8: [29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brethren. Jesus Christ was God's only begotten son. Through him, God planned on having many more children... Gal.4 [7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. For those of you who may take offense to God talking about 'a son', you need to realize that God was talking to the Eastern people who gave their first son the inheritance over all their other children. Woman were not given an inheritance but were taken care in other ways by their parents. Usually getting them wed with a dowery or making sure they were well cared for. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Check this out here: https://www.gotquestions.org/firstborn-in-the-Bible.html Gal.3 [26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. That was what God wanted. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord by declaring out loud - 'Jesus Christ is my Lord' and believing in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, we become born again with the seed of God in Christ in us. We are a spiritual child of God and He is not only our God but also our Father. Just like we cannot change who our earthly parents are, we (and no one else) can change who our heavenly Father is. 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. Why? Because it is permanent - it is seed! _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Visit here to see what rights you have as a Son Of God: http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Promises.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Eternally Secure "everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him" (John 6:40). But we also saw that belief is much more than a mere acknowledgement of existence; "Even the demons believe that - and shudder" (James 2:19). Eternal life is a gift given only to those who so intensely believe that Jesus is the only way to receive forgiveness that they stand before a living God and enter into a relationship of an eternal covenant. Covenants were first introduced by God to Noah after the flood; "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood" (Genesis 9:11). Over the years, God made covenants with Abraham (Genesis 15), the nation of Israel through Moses (Exodus 19), and with David (2 Samuel 7). In each case, God initiated the covenant and clearly established the guidelines. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God spoke about the new covenant He would make through Jesus; "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people" (Jeremiah 31:33). This new covenant was designed to be permanent and under God's complete protection: "I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear Me, so that they will never turn away from Me" (Jeremiah 32:40). Through the prophet Ezekiel, God gave further indication of how this would be accomplished. Ezekiel 36:26-27 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws." When we truly believe in Jesus, we enter into a covenant and God transforms our heart by His Spirit; "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance" (Ephesians 1:14). At that moment we are "sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). And when we enter into His saving covenant, we are purchased with the blood of Jesus: "You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are still called to continue in the faith, but God has promised we WILL continue; "He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:8). He is the giver and sustainer of eternal life; "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish" (John 10:28). There is great debate whether this covenant can ever be broken, whether it is truly eternal, whether we can ever walk away or lose what has been given. But perhaps this debate only distracts from the greater truth: We are called to love God and continue to love Him with all our heart. This calling is clear! Let's remain within His arms of love, and trust that as we do, we are eternally secure. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Sealed With That Holy Spirit Of Promise 2 Cor.1: [22] Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Eph.1: [13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Eph.4: [30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Note: The new birth is 'Christ in you' and does not mean the same thing as being 'in Christ'. To be 'in Christ' is to be renewing your mind so that you can stay in fellowship with God. When we sin by not renewing our mind to the Word, we get out of fellowship. Our state with God can fluctuate, but our standing as a son of God is permanent. If we get out of fellowship, we confess our sin to God and get back in alignment and harmony with Him. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See the teaching: A BELIEVER'S STANDING AND STATE [Sonship and Fellowship] https://tinyurl.com/3jr7bxkp ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >WHAT DO YOU EXERCISE? Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. (1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)) Our society places way too much emphasis on the physical appearances of people while the spiritual aspects of their lives is hidden from even themselves. We are taught from an early age that we need to "put on a good face." We are told that physical perfection is to be valued. We are constantly bombarded with media propaganda touting the virtues of the latest exercise craze or the latest diet, and, yes, even the latest cosmetic surgery technique. All of these are designed to make us feel good about out outward appearance while ignoring the inner spiritual issues. We cannot hide behind physical facades forever. No matter what people can do with exercise and medical technologies, all of us will grow old. All of us will eventually die. Contrary to the saying, he who has the most toys does not win. We have not been placed on this earth to behave vainly and in a superficial and shallow manner. We have been lied to by Satan. God desires for us to seek Him and His Word! We are to exercise our spiritual side, for it is eternal. We have accepted the lies of the enemy as the truth. We have been told to focus on the fleeting while ignoring the aspects of our existence that may last forever. We cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven if we have not prepared for this. How we are to prepare is simple. We must accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, and then focus on following God's Word. We must spend time within it on each and every day. We must exercise our faith. What do you exercise? Copyright 1998 - 2012 Dennis J. Smock Daily Living Ministries, Inc. -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >THE SIMPLICITY OF THE GOSPEL For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. —1 Corinthians 1:21 I have traveled all around the world and have preached in every kind of venue imaginable, yet I never cease to be amazed by the power of the gospel. Regardless of how educated or how illiterate people are, no matter how wealthy or how poor they are, whatever their circumstances, the gospel always connects. People have sometimes come away from a Harvest Crusade commenting on how simple my message was. But that simplicity was intentional. As I am preparing a message, I reach a point where I start clearing away the clutter so that it is as simple as it possibly can be. Why? Because I don't want anything to clutter the message of the cross of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth, "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). I can't emphasize this enough. The message is not Christianity; it is Jesus Christ. The message is not religion. I don't want to make people religious. I don't even want to be religious myself. In fact, if it weren't for a relationship with Jesus, I would not be a religious person. Some people love the rituals of religion. Not me. I have no interest in them whatsoever. But I have the greatest interest in having a relationship with God. I once had the opportunity to ask Billy Graham, "If you knew as a younger man what you know today after preaching the gospel all of these years, what would you tell yourself that you need to do more of?" He told me, "I would preach more on the cross and the blood of Christ, because that is where the power is." I thought that was good advice. And I've tried to keep it. as seen in Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie -A LEGACY OF FAITH Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV) Last year, upon learning the fascinating ancestral background of my friend Parise Arakelian, I became interested in discovering more about the Armenian people -- their culture, religious history, and beautiful land, including Mount Ararat, where it is believed that Noah's ark still rests. According to ancient boundaries, this mountain is situated in the very heart of Armenia. So, with this sentiment in mind, I began a search to find a rare book published in 1939 entitled Under a New Banner, a narrative which tells the life story of Parise's father, Armen John Arakelian, who was a young survivor of the Armenian genocide which took place in Turkey during the year 1915. Fortunately for me, my library in southern Delaware was able to locate the book on the west coast in Fresno, California, USA. During the course of my reading, I closely traced the path that God prepared in leading Armen out of danger: from Neshver, Turkey, across the Syrian Desert to the ancient city of Mosul in northern Iraq, then toward the beautiful metropolis of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), before finally arriving at the port of liberty -- Ellis Island, New York, USA. Following his steps, I was inspired by the divine trail of people, places, and events that God put forward in order to save Armen's life. Consequently, I wrote one of my first short stories, called Journey to Freedom, based on this miraculous story. Indeed, it was an incredible journey to experience. I could not help but marvel at the extraordinary measures God provided in helping His child reach safety. For instance, the Lord even supplied the enemy's camel as a means of transportation. Amazingly, Armen hid for days in a huge bag of foul-smelling camel hides, hanging from the camel's back. Nevertheless, despite tragedy and loss, some situations were quite endearing and light-hearted, reminding me that God never gives us any more than we are able to bear. Lastly, after much hardship and grief, God's plan for Armen was to go to America where he was called for ministry; as a result, many have been blessed by his legacy of faith. Years have come and gone since the Armenian genocide, yet, as if it were yesterday, I was deeply moved by this amazing testimony. Furthermore, as I considered the spiritual parallels in my own life, I thought about the various people who have crossed my path, places that have affected my journey, as well as certain events God has ordained for a specific time and purpose. Therefore, may we, too, be encouraged to follow the path that God has laid out for our lives, as we trust in His awesome power to deliver us from any harm. Regardless of our circumstances, let us continue to watch as His plan unfolds in ways that we could never imagine. Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for always keeping our best interests at heart. We acknowledge that it is Your will to guide us safely through our earthly journey until our work for Christ has been fulfilled. We praise You for Your awesome power and tender care. Open our ears to Your Spirit's leading so that we may experience Your good and perfect will for our lives. Help us today to take another step of faith toward Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose precious name, we pray. Amen. Lori Ciccanti Ocean View, Delaware, USA as seen in PCCWeb Daily Devotional --- ...Reminds me of our page here: ARMENIAN WISE SAYINGS! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/armenian.html -<>- \/_ \, /( ,/ \\\' /// \_ /_/ (./ '` as >FEATHERED FIDELITY Michael Smith It's a sad reality. All relationships start with love and promise, but all too often we see them weaken, crumble and finally fail. It's too bad all relationships don't go to the birds. I know that sounds strange, but read on. Many years ago, when I was just a young boy, a small yellow bird hit our front door. When I looked outside, I saw its tiny, unmoving body on our deck. I opened the door to see if it was just stunned, or worse, dead. I was kneeling over it when my mom joined me. "Michael, I think it may be dead. I heard the bang on the glass. It hit pretty hard." "Mom, should we bury it?" "I'm not sure, Michael. When I first looked out I saw another bird land beside it. It looked like it was trying to pick this one up. I think we should let nature take care of this. Let's put it on the roof of the car and see what happens." We placed the unmoving, little bird on the roof of my dad's car and went back into the house. From our living room window we watched as the bird's mate flew to its side, carefully grip the back of the dead bird's neck in it's tiny beak, and with a strength only love and devotion could provide, lifted its mate in the air. It carried the body from the car, across the street, over the meadow on the other side and into nearby trees. It flew only a few feet off the ground. Sometimes it would get up to six feet high and then the weight of its companion would pull it lower again. Its struggle was great, but the desire not to be parted from its mate was greater. Thirty-five years later, I stepped out of my home on a warm summer morning. I looked toward my next door neighbor's -- we lived in attached townhouses -- and noticed a single strand of a spider's web strung from the bush by the corner of their townhouse to the wheel of one of their cars. I thought it was strange for a spider to spin such a web, especially just one tiny strand. I moved closer to investigate. When I reached down to break the web I discovered it wasn't a web at all. It was a piece of fishing line. I gave it a tug and saw it was tangled in the bushes, and the other end was knotted under the car. One of the boys was sitting on the front deck of the house. I remarked, "Looks like someone booby- trapped your friend's car." He came closer to see what I was talking about. I gave the line a tug. It was tightly jammed under the wheel of the vehicle. "Strange, it seems to go all the way under," I said. I walked to the back of the car and saw a robin. It fluttered to get away, but the line, which was wrapped around its tiny leg, held it firm. The poor bird flapped around on the pavement with only a foot of line for it to move. Slowly I approached and reached to grab it. When my fingers first touched his feathers it squawked and flapped away from me. I moved faster on the second attempt and managed to get a grip around his trembling body. It squirmed and twisted its head to snap at me, but I held tight. The boy came closer for a look, and then went for a knife. When he returned I realized he would probably break the poor bird's leg when the knife pulled the string tight before cutting it through, so I sent him for scissors. He came back and we carefully removed the string. The bird was free, but I held him a little longer, so I could remove one last strand of the line from his tiny leg. It made a great effort and escaped from my grasp. He flew low across the pavement, under a row of mailboxes, and up into a tree. It was free again. Then I noticed a second robin fly down from a nearby tree and land next to the newly-freed robin. It had stayed close by, as its mate struggled for freedom, and would not have left until freedom or death ended their relationship. The birds I witnessed mated for life and the struggles that come with it. Now don't you wish a lot more relationships would go to the birds? I know I do. --- _ _ ('< >') \(_)________( \ (___________)\\ ( ) \ | | | | | | _| |_ (_______)lc ...Reminds me of our sad page here: Tale Of Two Swallows https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/swallows.html Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. You can find me on Facebook as Kimberly B. O'Brien Quiggle. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: "Just because of His unfathomable love, the God of LOVE, when He sees His children resting their souls on things that can be shaken, must necessarily remove those things from their lives in order that they may be driven to rest only on the things that CANNOT be shaken; and this process of removing is sometimes very hard." - Hannah Whitall Smith _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >He Will Be Found (By Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries) ...The Psalm writer longed to be close to God; "my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God" (Psalm 84:2). The writer knew his heart would only be satisfied by being in the presence of God; but unfortunately, not many of the children of Israel shared this same understanding. The Israelites continually rebelled and failed to devote their hearts to God. They sought pleasure and security in the world, and turned to worship idols and false gods. And though God sent many messengers to call His children home, they refused to change. Finally, God allowed the armies of Babylon to destroy the temple and lead the people into seventy years of captivity. But even in this most severe discipline, God demonstrated His love and true desire for His Children to return Home. Jeremiah 29:10-13: "'I will come to you and fulfill My gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.'" God's plan has always been to give us hope and a future, to prosper us and keep us from harm, but His plan can never be separated from a life devoted to Him. There is no hope - no future or security - apart from resting in His arms. And the only lasting prosperity and peace comes as we walk in step with His Spirit. Why do we not trust Him to fully guide our path? And why do we seek His plan for our life without bothering to first seek Him?! God's plan is for us to be restored to Him and glorify His name as we love Him with all our heart. All other plans regarding the specific circumstances of our existence flow out of His plan for a loving relationship filled with worship; "seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). Seek Him first! Yes, He has promised a glorious future - not necessarily a future free of trouble, but a future filled with "the peace of God which transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7), a future where we can learn real prosperity by "being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:12). But this future can only be had by those who seek Him with all their heart. Let's allow God to be the all-consuming top priority of our life. Let's diligently seek Him in times of quiet as well as in the midst of the endless multitude of daily activities. And let's be filled with hope and encouraged by His promise that as we faithfully seek Him with all our heart, He will be found! -<>- "Common sense tells us that if we want victory in our thought life, we must exercise discipline over what we read, what we see, and those with whom we fraternize. Spicy books and magazines, Hollywood films, the average TV show offer instant pollution. And there are material objects that awakens lust in people's lives. A good bonfire will help considerably." - William MacDonald in his book "The Forgotten Command: BE HOLY" \ \ ___ \ :` o `: \ |`---`| \ |MmmmM| .--. () |MMMMM| / \ /\ |mMMMm|/ `.' '.__. `---` jgs >God's Embroidery (From "Grace and Truth," by Pastor Jack Hyles) When I was a little boy, my mother used to embroider a great deal. I would sit at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was doing. She informed me that she was embroidering. I told her that it looked like a mess from where I was. As from the underside I watched her work within the boundaries of the little round hoop that she held in her hand, I complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat. She would smile at me, look down and gently say, "My son, you go about your playing for a while, and when I am finished with my embroidering, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side." I would wonder why she was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my view. A few minutes would pass and then I would hear Mother's voice say, "Son, come and sit on my knee." This I did only to be surprised and thrilled to see a beautiful flower or a sunset. I could not believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy. Then Mother would say to me, "My son, from underneath it did look messy and jumbled, but you did not realize that there was a pre-drawn plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it. Now look at it from my side and you will see what I was doing." Many times through the years I have looked up to my Heavenly Father and said, "Father, what are You doing?" He has answered, "I am embroidering your life." I say, "But it looks like a mess to me. It seems so jumbled. The threads seem so dark. Why can't they all be bright?" The Father seems to tell me, "'My child, you go about your business of doing My business, and one day I will bring you to Heaven and put you on My knee and you will see the plan from My side." 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 ========================================================== n _.---._ .' '. ( (.) (.) ) .'.----(_)----.'. | ( / | | | \ ) | \ / | | | \ / AoS / | | | \ / | | | \ / | | | \ | | | | | | >-->WORDS LEAVE TRACKS -J. T. Blackstone This I believe that words are things And when they are spoken they have wings That carry them to hearts and minds. If evil false or true and kind. Each word we speak contains a thought And by it good or evil wrought It may go to some remote spot To leave a blessing or a blot. And not a word can be called back For as they go they leave their tracks. So choose with care the words you tweak, For from the heart the mouth does speak. Those secret thoughts your very own, Will come to light and be made known. They'll come to light for all to see, For as one thinks, then so is he. If we would all clean up our minds, Our words would then be true and kind. Consider this before too late That love brings love and hate brings hate!! -<>- ___ .dSSSS$$pp.. .dSSSS$$$$$$$$; .dSSSS$$$$$$$$$$$ :SSP^" T$$$$$$$$$$b_ dSSP $$$S$$$$$$$b` dSS$;_. .:$$$SS$$$$$$b dSS$$$_ ; __."^TSS$$$$$b dSS$$P;" ""' :lSS$$$$$b :SS$$$ ; ::SS$$$$$$b_. 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"-._ ---""" /; ; : : \ "-._....____; : : \ :\ `. \ ; ; \ \\ \ \ ; : : `. \\ \ \ : ; ; ;"-t\ `. \ : : : : `; \ ; ; ; ; : \ / : : / ; \-..__ .'; : ; / : ; """T ; : / / ; \ : ; ; ;/ : : \ ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : ; ; / : : : ; ; ; / ; :; : ; ; / : :: ; ; ;_ `""--..__; :_; __ ;____;.-;'; ;.__.: :..t-"" j" ; ; : ; ; ;--"" \ [bug] ; ; ; : ; : \ ; ; : \ ; ; ;. ; ; \ \ ; : / ; ; ; \ \ ; : ; ; ; \ `-. ; ; .' ; ; \ \ ;___/ /______;.-' \ ---; / / ;______: .-' / '-------' >-->ON MY OWN By Debbie Preuss Lord, I've been trying to make it on my own Now I sit here, feeling all alone I'm overwhelmed by life and I'm feeling scared Wishing there was someone who really cared I've wandered away from Your own face Lord, please help me by Your infinite grace Father I'm weary, weary to the bone I know I just can't make it on my own Forgive me Lord, a sinner am I Please come near, Lord hear my cry The tears fall freely, I am spent I wonder now, where my peace went The bills are mounting higher and higher I am trapped in the mud and the mire Lord, please come, please be my friend I have a broken heart for You to mend Lord, please hold me, hear my pleas I come to You Father, down on my knees I know You will always stay by my side I want to always with You abide Oh Lord, I love You, this is so true May I live only, to glorify You I sit here now, not so alone For I know I can't make it on my own You will be with me all along the way Thank You Father with me You'll stay >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 **********************************************************************