Truth Is Always Right... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press: Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends Linda, Melinda and Geninan. It is one to give you your aww quota for the day with plenty of warm smiles. Visit it here: _,.---""----.,_ .-' __.----...---.; .' .' `'. / .' '. / / `'", `\ .'_,' ,"` `'. /,' .-. \ .' .-. /___\ ( . `, / .-' /___\ |_ | \ '. \ ;| / |_ | \_)_/ | \ \ /| | ; _\_)_/ ` , / | \ / | | / ___ ` .-~`````~-. ,=' | | | ; \ \ /.-' `-._ | /| | \ .'``''--' _.- `\ | .' \ | |; / ' _, \ |-`| | | || / / /_\ /_\ .-~``~-. | | | / || | | \(/ |(| | / | | || ,| | -~~` ;`| .---. | | | / || .-/ | | / .-~`~ \| ( '.| / ;--/ /| / / | \ | -t- | -~'-\ \ `--' `-..-` ; |/| / \ |`._ \ -~` / | \ / /\| | .--' `\ `._`._ / |-~` | / \/\ '.____,.-' `""`-._.' ~-. / / .' .' \ .--._.-'` .'`- _.' (.-' | ( , ',_.-'`"""` | \ \ .-' '-;---;..--' /,----.y | jgs | '. `.__,-' / | | | | |`-.,__, Y | | | | | == | =| | | |- ~ -. | | .- ~ -. | | | | | == | =|~ - ~` | | '~ - ~' | /.-.-.-\-.-\ | | | | | | `""""""`""""`/.-.-.-\-.\-.-.-.-\ /.-.-.-.-.-.\ `"""""""`""`-------' '------------' Wild Kisses And Snuggles 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wildkisses3.html --- ...Such an adorable one! Thanks ladies! Our next smoking hot new page is from our friend Johanna. This one is most interesting and a bit amazing. I only knew about one of these. Check this one out here: ## #++# #+#++# #++++# ##+++++# #++++#+# #++++++# #+#+++## #++++++# ##++++## ##++## #### # ## # ## ## ## ###### #### Top Stinky Flowers! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stinkyflowers.html --- ...Wowsers! Most Intriguing! Thanks Johanna! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the person who'll decide where to go. -- Dr. Seuss _.----._ ,'.::.--..:._ /::/_,-;._.:._.;,-=_(.-' __ `._ ,;' _..-(((('' .,-'' `-._ _,'<.-'' _..``'.'`-'`. ` _.-((((_..--'' \ \ `.`. -' _.``' \ ` SSt ,' >BEFORE THE FLEDGLING FLIES by Kelly Kimura It is less than a year before my only child heads off to college. I worry. She hates to do the dishes, "forgets" to do her laundry until it is absolutely necessary, and leaves a trail of chaos throughout our home. She rubs her eyes with her contacts in, broke the toilet last year with the accidental drop of a decorative rock, and has dropped her cell phone too. How will she manage? She's five inches taller than me, but as she has since she was a toddler, she likes to plop herself down on my lap. "Don't kill me," I gasp, and she shifts to share my seat in front of my computer. With a flash of her fingers, she opens a new tab on my screen and clicks on a video clip she wants us to watch together. I protest that I have work to do, but she coaxes, "Come on, Mom, you'll miss this when I'm gone," and I give in. She casually asks me a question on a topic touching on something we've seen, and soon we're deep in discussion. It's only later that I wonder if she had intentionally chosen a particular clip. We are Americans, living in Japan, so going to college for my daughter means living for the first time in the U.S. She won't be able to come back very often, so now, as our time together dwindles, we talk and talk and talk. Afternoons go by, weekends pass, and we talk. One topic leads to another until we can't remember where we began, and we talk. I try to tell her all I know, to equip and protect her with my half-century of accumulated bits and pieces of knowledge. When I fall short, we look things up online and then talk again. We talk about the future and her plan to go to a two-year college and then transfer to a university, instead of going straight to university. She is determined to have the freedom to explore her academic interests and regain the joy of learning. We talk about the pros and cons of her choice. She wants to learn with people of all ages for the richness their opinions and experiences will add, but she will be on a commuter campus that may make friendships harder to develop. She will live in an apartment and learn how to be independent without the transition of dorm life. She was self-conscious about her choice at first, but talking it out has helped her to explain to herself and others why it is the only choice that feels right to her. We talk about friends who will disperse after graduation. She wonders which friendships will endure. Will Facebook be enough? We talk about boys, and now, a boy who is unexpectedly the one she might share her future with. What will happen? Will he stay true in the lonely spaces between visits in person and cyberspace? We talk about how she might cope with different possibilities and, like my mother did with me, I remind her of all the fish in the sea. I will miss her and the sweet moments that come out of the blue, like being squashed in my chair or being asked for hugs with and without words. I will even miss the mess. Most of all, I will miss our talks. Through talking, she has become more aware and confident, and that will help her manage her life through the coming years. Keeping her apartment clean and her laundry done, becoming more careful with her things -- these are important, but secondary to the growth of her character and mind. Each time she visits in the future, I know I will see that she has grown in ways I cannot imagine now. I hope that, somewhere in her, memories of our talks will remain. -- Kelly Kimura __________________________________________________ Kelly is originally from California and a long-term resident of Tokyo, Japan. She is a university teacher, a journal editor, and a soon-to-be empty nester. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Grace Transforms Everything (edited) "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding."1 Grace: A Central Message of the Christian faith. The apostle Paul experienced grace in such a dramatic way that it transformed his entire life. Before he was Paul, the apostle, church planter, and writer, was Saul, a religious fanatic, full of hatred and violence, who persecuted Christians and supported them when they stoned Stephen, without lifting a finger, watching as stones rained down on Jesus' loyal supporter. But when Saul meets Jesus on the road to Damascus, a radical transformation takes place in him. Grace knocks him down that day and he never recovers from its shock. After discovering true grace in the face of Jesus, Saul, now Paul, spends the rest of his days proclaiming the message of grace. A grace that wells up and overflows from him at every moment, permeating his life, his message, and his mission. Grace is the best thing Paul can wish for us, because grace is the best thing he himself received. Would you like grace to overflow into your life like this? Sometimes, the message of grace doesn't completely transform us because we find it hard to believe. The news is too good for us, or our past seems too bad. Like Paul, the writer Brennan Manning experienced a complete transformation through grace, which marked his life. Having suffered from alcoholism and becoming homeless, Manning finally allowed grace to transform him forever. In his "Ragamuffin Gospel" he asks this revealing question: "Do you believe that God loves you regardless of whether you are worthy or unworthy, faithful or unfaithful; who loves you in the morning sun and in the afternoon rain; Who loves you when your intellect denies it, your emotions refuse it, and your whole being rejects it? Do you believe that God loves unconditionally and unreservedly, and loves you right now as you are and not as you should be?" God is not averse to showing us His grace. In today's passage we read that he "lavished" his grace on us. In other passages we have seen him run to meet us, even when we have been far away. "I believe in the forgiveness of sins" is a phrase mentioned by C.S. Lewis at a time when the truth of grace overwhelmed him to the depths of his being: "This truth appeared in my mind with such a clear light that I perceived that I had never before believed it with all my heart." What would it mean to you today to believe in grace wholeheartedly? Grace has the power to rewrite your story. Open wide the windows of your heart and let the light of grace illuminate you today and always. Suggested Prayer: Precious God Almighty, thank you so much for the transforming power of your grace. Where there is death, you bring life, where there is drought, you bring rivers of living water. I know that many times I have been like Saul, closed to the truth and blind to your love through Christ, but today, I decide to surrender myself to you, and open myself to the power of your transforming grace. Open my spiritual eyes, form my heart, and renew my mind to be an instrument of your grace and peace. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. 1. Ephesians 1:4-8 (NVI). Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / 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 '---' >Praying with Authority At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, 'O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.' ťImmediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, "The Lord He is God! Yes, the Lord is God!' God has given us the privilege of crying out to Him to receive everything we need, in fact, He has promised to respond. The Bible also encourages us to intercede for others, and tells us that the prayers of a righteous person can accomplish much (James5:16). To pray with power, we must first accept God's offer of salvation. Before redemption, we were sinners under His judgment. But through faith in Christ, we have been made new and declared saints. Second, we must align our prayers with His will. Let's look at Elijah. The Lord sent him to defeat and humiliate the wicked King Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal. This was a spiritual conflict to prove who the true God was: Baal or the Lord of Israel. Elijah's weapons were his knowledge of God's plan and the authority he had in prayer as his prophet. His request for the Lord to make himself known publicly to his adversaries was in line with the Lord's will. And when God answered Elijah's prayer, the people declared, "The Lord is God, the Lord is God!" (1 Kings 18:39). Are you a child of God? If so, you can pray powerfully if your requests are in line with God's will. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege You have given us to be able to cry out to You. Thank You that we can pray with power by aligning our requests according to Your will. Thank you that we can declare with joy as the people of Israel: The Lord is God! Thank you in Jesus Christ's name, Amen. 1. 1 Kings 18:36-39 (NLT). 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. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these teachings here Your Power of Attorney http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Your_Power_of_Attorney.htm The Promises of God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Promises.htm =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: $$$$$$$$$$$$R$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$V "Y .""**##%%$$$$$$$$$ $$$$# `$$N$$$$$$$$$mmmuuu:.""# $$R $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $! @$$$$$""R$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $> '$$$$$F $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $W $$$$: R$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$ $$8$$R:x@$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$ $$$$x$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$ $N$ "$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$ $$$$ @ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $` u$$$$$ R$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ N$R$$$$ R$$$$$$$$$$$$$ *$$@$$$f .i. `$$$$$$$$$$$$ k 9$$$. $$$$$$$$$$$ R M$$$$$. $$$$$$$$$ $ 4$$$$$$$. $$$$$$$$ $ @$$$$$$$$$b-B>R$$$$ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ < $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ $b $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$i $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$c #$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$R ?$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$ .i. #$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$R d$b M$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$r $$$$$$ 9$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$# X$$$$$$$od$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Bob Allison >Dancing in the Rain It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.' I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.' True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. With all the jokes and fun that is in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did. 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain.' God bless!!!!!!!!!!! -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >Blessed When you give to others, you'll find yourself blessed. The more you sow, The more you reap. It's a universal law: You have to give before you Get. You must plant your seeds before you reap the harvest. The law Works to give you back more than you have sown. He who obtains has Little. He who scatters has much. Nature does not give to those who will Not spend. You only get to keep what you give away. -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >SEE WHAT HAPPENS by Max Lucado God does uncommon works through common deeds. A friend of mine saw proof of this truth as he cared for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Being a physician, he gave his time and talent to treat some of the 12,500 New Orleans evacuees who ended up in San Antonio. One survivor told him a riveting story. As the water rose around his house, this New Orleanian swam out a window. With two children clinging to his back, the man found safe refuge atop the tallest building in the neighborhood. Other people joined him on the roof. Soon a small circle of people huddled together on what would be their home for three days until they were rescued. After an hour on the building, the man realized he was on a church. He patted the rooftop and announced to the others, "We are on holy ground." His news jogged the memory of another roof dweller. She looked around at the area, crawled over to the steeple, hugged it, and proclaimed, "My grandfather and grandmother helped build this church!" Do you think those grandparents ever imagined God would use their work to save their granddaughter? They surely prayed for God to use that building to save souls... but they couldn't have imagined he would use it to save their grandchild from a hurricane. They had no idea how God would use the work of their hands. Nor do you. What difference do selfless deeds make? Do you wonder if your work makes a difference? I'm envisioning a reader at the crossroads. One recently impacted by God. The divine spark within is beginning to flame. Should you douse it or fan it? Dare you dream that you can make a difference? God's answer would be, "Just do something and see what happens." From Cure for the Common Life Copyright 2005 (Thomas Nelson Publishers) Max Lucado Used by permission. -<>- \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >The Old Marine As I came out of the supermarket that sunny day, pushing my cart of groceries towards my car, I saw an old man with the hood of his car up and a lady sitting inside the car, with the door open. The old man was looking at the engine. I put my groceries away in my car and continued to watch the old gentleman from about twenty-five feet away. I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm, walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too and took a few steps towards him. I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say something. The young man put his grocery bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade and then turn back to the old man and I heard him yell at the old gentleman saying, "You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car at your age." And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot. I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief and mop his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the engine. He then went to his wife and spoke with her and appeared to tell her it would be okay. I had seen enough and I approached the old man. He saw me coming and stood straight and as I got near him I said, "Looks like you're having a problem." He smiled sheepishly and quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood myself and knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me. Looking around I saw a gas station up the road and told the old gentleman that I would be right back. I drove to the station and went inside and saw three attendants working on cars. I approached one of them and related the problem the old man had with his car and offered to pay them if they could follow me back down and help him. The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his wife. When he saw us he straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine) I spoke with the old gentleman. When I shook hands with him earlier he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a Marine too. I nodded and asked the usual question, "What outfit did you serve with?" He had mentioned that he served with the first Marine Division at Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. He had hit all the big ones and retired from the Corps after the war was over. As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the mechanics lower the hood. They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me and I told him I would just put the bill on my AAA card. He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it and I stuck it in my pocket. We all shook hands all around again and I said my goodbye's to his wife. I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the station. Once at the station I told them that they had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me. One of them pulled out a card from his pocket looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the men told me then, that they were Marine Corps Reserves. Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given to me and I said I would and drove off. For some reason I had gone about two blocks when I pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long, time. The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name... "Congressional Medal of Honor Society." I sat there motionless looking at the card and reading it over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together, because one of us needed help. He was an old man alright, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and courage and an honor to have been in his presence. America is not at war. The U.S. Military is at war. America is at the Mall. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Animated Gallery! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs.html Amazing Animal Facts! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalfacts.html Mini Crochet Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/crochetart.html The Black Dot! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/blackdot.html Amazing Trivia Car Facts! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/triviacarfacts.html Girl Gets New Ear! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/girlgetsear.html Inspiring Life Quotes! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/lifequotes.html Journey Through Life! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/journey.html Think Happy Thoughts! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/happythoughts.html Living Tree Church! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/treechurch.html Stone Painting Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stonepainting.html Random Acts Of Kindness! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/actsofkindness.html Unforgettable Photos! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/unforgettable.html Building Advertising Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buildingads.html Albino Bears! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/albinobear.html The Moses Bridge! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mosesbridge.html Salvation Mountain! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/salvation.html God's Paintings! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html God's Water Paintings! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/water.html Nanny Animals! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nannyanimals.html Peek-A-Boo Panda! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/panda.html Rose Petals! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/rose.html Small Thoughts! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/smallthoughts.html Silly Veggies! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/veggies.html Veggie Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/veggie.html Car Show 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carshow2.html True Duck Tale! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/duck.html Notes to God and turn your sound up: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cnotes.html Our Valuable Anchor! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Are Angels Real! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Running Horses! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/runninghorses.html Trucks! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trucks.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 '---' >Preparing God's People To Serve Jesus' ministry on earth lasted only three short years, but His message continues to be preached today and has spread to nearly every country and language of the world. When Jesus began His ministry, He knew His time would quickly pass; yet rather than trying to preach to the greatest number of people, Jesus focused the majority of His effort on a small group of twelve men. Jesus taught His disciples about the Kingdom of God and how they must learn to truly love; "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). He taught them about the forgiveness of sin through His sacrificial death, and about their true source of strength: "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you... apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:4,5). Jesus intensely taught His twelve closest followers with one overriding purpose - He taught so they would be prepared to serve in the Kingdom of God: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus provided a model for effective ministry which we ought to follow today. Ephesians 4:11-12 "It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." We are all called to be a disciple, a close and intimate follower of Jesus Christ. We are each given different gifts and different ministry opportunities, but the focus of a disciple is always to serve as we build up the body of Christ and love Him with all our heart. We help others become His disciple as we teach them to follow Jesus and provide the necessary tools which prepare them to serve. We have been blessed in so many ways. By His grace we have been granted the forgiveness of all sin and given a place to worship God for all eternity. As we better grasp this wonderful truth, we will be filled with an unshakable contentment and peace while we walk in the presence of God. But this blessing must never be selfishly held - it must be shared; "Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8). I pray that every day brings us closer in our relationship with God through the forgiveness and love of His Son, Jesus. I pray we minister in our church, our work, our family, and among the friends God places in our path, with love and uncompromising truth. And I pray that each of us looks for ways to build up the body of Christ by preparing God's people to serve. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Exodus 15:20-17:7; Matthew 22:1-32; Psalm 27:1-7; Proverbs 6:20-26 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these teachings: THE FIVE GIFT MINISTRIES http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/THE_FIVE_GIFT_MINISTRIES.htm Witnessing and Undershepherding https://tinyurl.com/j9akehks <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Opportunity To Praise There are going to be days when we just don't feel like being thankful. We wake up and don't seem able to praise. We know we should "rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4), and we are trying to learn "the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:12). We want to believe that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). But sometimes it's just difficult. There are many reasons for days like this. We sometimes may lose the eternal perspective of our life and our surroundings. We take our eyes off Jesus and begin to look at the gathering storm (Matthew 14:30). We may become entangled in the weeds and get choked by "the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth" (Matthew 13:22). Or we may simply become tired and weary. Days like this are to be expected. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33a), and our trouble will sometimes strain our relationship with God. But even in the midst of our trouble we are all being "transformed into His image" (2 Corinthians 3:18). When we place our life in His hands, He begins the process of transformation - a process which WILL continue; "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Philippians 1:6). Even though we may sometimes struggle and find ourselves in a dry desert, we are still progressing from what we once were to what we will yet become. God will use these difficult seasons to mold our heart if we will simply continue to trust, love, and praise. We ought to remember that Jesus also said of our troubles; "But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b). We must continue to grow in our relationship with God until He is so near that we truly see how He has overcome, and praise Him all day and every day. He desires our praise, and He is, without a doubt, deserving of our praise! Psalms 113:3 "From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised." The Psalm writer is stating a simple fact: The Lord IS to be praised! Jesus affirmed this truth when He was riding into Jerusalem and made it clear that He will receive praise with or without our participation. Crowds had begun to praise Him and some of the religious leaders told Jesus to make them stop. But Jesus responded; "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:40). Either we offer up our praise to the Creator of the Universe, or the rocks will begin to sing! No matter what our situation is today, let's remember God is worthy of our praise! He has picked us up, cleaned us off, and adopted us into His Family. It is sad, and a terrible shame, but we often forget how many reasons we have for being thankful. Let's rise up and use this and every other moment of the day to rejoice with thanksgiving in our heart. This is the day that the Lord has made; let's not miss this opportunity to praise. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Exodus 2:11-3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Yes. Sometimes, the devil throws everything but the kitchen sink at us to keep us from praising God. He knows that if we get negative in our walk with God through Jesus Christ, that he can get in and do all he can to destroy our believing and ultimately us. We are holding him and his evil deeds down by simply being here. Our God in Christ inside us, irritates the devil to the point he wants to eradicate us. Why? Because it is like having millions of 'Jesus Christs' walking around on earth! This was prophesied to the devil here when God cursed him for his part in mankind's fall: Gen.3: [15] And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Once we are born again and saved with Christ in us, we are at odds against the devil and his kind. We walk on the devil and his evil doers while we hold them down. Not to worry though. God tells us... 1 John 4: [4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Notice this is in PAST Tense - not saying you will or shall overcome but that you already have! You are the victorious winner because of what God did through your lord and savior, Jesus Christ! That is why the devil hates you. You being a child of God have already defeated him and his! See these teachings: THE RENEWED MIND - The Believer's Key To Power http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/THE_RENEWED_MIND.htm Walking In Power http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: . , )). -===- ,(( ))). ,((( ))))). .:::. ,(((((( ))))))))). :. .: ,((((((((' `))))))))))). : - : ,(((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))_:' ':_(((((((((((((((' `)))))))))))).-' \___/ '-._((((((((((( `))))_._.-' __)( )(_ '-._._((((' `))'---)___)))'\_ _/'((((__(---'((' `))))))))))))|' '|((((((((((((' jim `)))))))))/' '\(((((((((' `)))))))| |(((((((' `))))))| |((((((' /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ '---..___..---' >QUOTES Christianity is not a voice in the wilderness, but a life in the world. It is not an idea in the air, but feet on the ground, going God’s way. It is not an exotic to be kept under glass, but a hardy plant to bear twelve months of fruits in all kinds of weather. Fidelity to duty is its root and branch. Nothing we can say to the Lord, no calling Him by great or dear names, can take the place of the plain doing of His will. -- Maltbie D. Babcock "Time doesn't heal wounds; it only watches them take different shapes and forms until they look so different that where they came from is often obscured. The real capacity to heal inner wounds comes from heaven, not earth. Only the power of Jesus can go to the deep places and bring healing." - Robert Whitlow He who yields himself fully to God finds God as fully yielded to him. This is the true condition of all effective service. God does not ask our work first, but ourselves first, and then our service follows. He does not use hired servants or borrowed vessels. He owns His servants and puts His coat-of-arms on all the vessels of His house, and will use nothing fully until it becomes His and His alone. --A. B. Simpson -<>- /|\ [] |"""""""""""--__ /| |\ / | \ || |____________--"" ( |__| ) | ( ) | || | | \ / | .-. | || | | |12| ]( 0 )[ || | | | | / `-' \ || | | | | / /' `\ \ || | | | | | | | | |%%| | | | | | | | | ,'`, | | | | | | | | |||| | | |14| | | | | |||| | | / __ \ \ \ / / |||| | | ( | | ) `-' `-' `--' `-' \| |/ pb >WORKS "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." Philippians 2.10 Mike Benson, Editor A WOMAN PUT an ad in the local paper: “Lost 50 pounds! Selling my fat clothes – they’re in good condition, sizes 18-20...” She was bombarded with phone calls, but nobody wanted to buy her fat clothes. They all wanted to know how she had lost the 50 pounds. You see, the callers wanted to know about something that had changed her life hoping that this something could change their lives too! That’s what folks outside of Christ are really looking for. They want to know if Jesus really works in your life. Jeff Strite KneEmail: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5.16; cf. 2 Cor. 3.2 Bible reading for 02.28.11: Mark 7.1-13; Numbers 20 - 22 Be a missionary. Forward KneEmail to a friend, loved one, or co-worker today. To SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE or to find ARCHIVES go to https://forthright.net/ -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >THE SURRENDERED LIFE “Surrender.” What does this word tell you? In literal terms, surrender means “to give up something to another person.” It also means to relinquish something granted to you. This could include your possessions, power, goals, even your life. Christians today hear much about the surrendered life. But what does it mean, exactly? The surrendered life is the act of giving back to Jesus the life he granted you. It’s relinquishing control, rights, power, direction, all the things you do and say. It’s totally resigning your life over to his hands, to do with as he pleases. Jesus himself lived a surrendered life: “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). “I seek not mine own glory” (8:50). Christ never did anything on his own. He made no move and spoke no word without being instructed by the Father. “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things... For I do always those things that please him” (8:28–29). Jesus’ full surrender to the Father is an example of how we all should live. You may say, “Jesus was as God in flesh. His life was surrendered before he even came to earth.” But the surrendered life is not imposed on anyone, including Jesus. “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:17–18). Jesus was telling us, “Make no mistake. The act of self- surrender is totally within my power to do. I’m choosing to lay down my life. And I’m not doing it because some man told me to. Nobody’s taking my life from me. My Father gave me the right and the privilege to lay down my life. He also gave me the choice to pass up this cup and avoid the cross. But I choose to do it, out of love and full surrender to him.” Our heavenly Father has given all of us this same right: the privilege to choose a surrendered life. No one is forced to yield his life to God. Our Lord doesn’t make us sacrifice our will and give back our lives to him. He freely offers us a Promised Land, full of milk, honey and fruit. But we may choose not to enter that place of fullness. The truth is, we can have as much of Christ as we want. We can go as deep in him as we choose, living fully by his word and direction. Received from: David Wilkerson Today -- Daily Devotions To Subscribe: http://www.worldchallenge.org/wc/mailing_list/subscribe --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this great teaching: For The Joy that Was Set Before Him! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/joy.html -<>- _________________________ (, ______________________ ) | | || | | @@@@ || @@@@ | | @@@@@@@ || @@@@@@@ | | @@ - - || - @@@@ | | @ c/ || '_ @@@ | | _@| |_ || __\@ \@ | | ( \ )/_\ /_ || _\\ (/ ) @\_/) | | \ \|) / \) || |(__/ / /| | | |\_/ ( -/ || \___/ ----/_| | | / \ || ,: '( | | : _/| || |: \ | | : | || |: ) | | : | || |: | | |_______'____,_|_______|| |_____,_| .---('________________________)--. | / ( |____ __________ _| | /\ ) |___| -o- | |__| -o- | ( \| / |___| -o- | |__| -o- | | /'=. b'ger|________| |__|______| '=>/ \ / \ /|/ ,___/| >THE MOST IMPORTANT MIRROR IN YOUR LIFE So, did you look in the mirror today before you left the house? What did you think? It's amazing how much damage one night can do, isn't it? Probably when you went to the mirror today you combed something, or you brushed something, or you washed something, or you covered up something. Or if you had a full- length mirror, maybe you decided there's something you need to lose? Or maybe you needed to straighten something. What's the purpose of having a mirror in the first place? I suppose you could be like Fonzie when he looked in the mirror and went, "Whoaaa!" You know? And you really liked what you see. But I think for most of us, the reason we have a mirror is so we can see what needs changing. Did you know you own another mirror besides that one in the bathroom and in the bedroom? Oh, this mirror is made of paper, not glass. It's designed to be looked into, though. And you're supposed to change something when you see yourself. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Most Important Mirror in Your Life." Our word for today from the Word of God - it's found in James chapter 1, verse 22. And here's what it says: "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it, he will be blessed in what he does." Kind of a neat analogy, isn't it? The Bible is called a mirror. You look into it and you decide what needs to be done. Now, most of us when we look in a mirror in the morning, we don't just say, "Oh, well, I give up. I can't do much about it." Come on, we comb it, we brush it, we change it, whatever. So the question seems to be to test your spiritual health, "What have you changed today because of something you saw in the Bible today?" You say, "Well, I read something. I know something because of what I read." But see, the point of the Bible isn't just to know something. Any more than the point of looking in the mirror is just to see how you look. The point is, "What do I need to change?" See, in order to do that, you have to go looking for yourself in the Bible. And it makes so much difference in your study of the Bible if when you open it up each morning you say, "I am looking for my reflection here." God says He wants to show it to you. Then you apply what you're reading to some specific part of your life that you see. Whether it's your temper, or your patience, or your relationship with a neighbor, a member of your family, a way you're treating your children. Whatever it is, you make that application. Then you write it down. The Bible says that it's important not to forget what you saw or you won't make the changes. So you write it down. I have found personally that keeping a spiritual diary helps me remember where I've read. I have years of those journals now, and I thank God for them. You work with Jesus on that specific combing, or brushing, or whatever it is during that day - the change that needs to be made. This process on a daily basis begins to change once and for all your spiritual countenance. And it gets to be a really exciting spiritual adventure to get up in the morning and look in the mirror and see what God wants to work on next. That's the thrill! That's the adventure of following Christ. So, don't start a day without a look in your spiritual mirror. And make whatever changes that are called for that day. I think you'll be amazed at how good you'll start to look. -- Ron Hutchcraft Received from: A Word With You To Subscribe: http://www.hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/ --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this sweet teaching: Beholding As In A Glass http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/Beholding_As_In_A_Glass.htm 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: To reply to a nasty remark with another nasty remark is like trying to remove dirt with mud. -<>- _ (/_ /| ,o(_/)_/ | /` ___/ < /` _ | __ / / _` \/ \ \ Y / ))\ / \ | / /\ \ \_| /` \| | _,___/ \\_ \ / |\ \ \ | / | \ \ | |/ /|\ / / / | | \ s-v >Frogs (Author Unknown) A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time. This story teaches two lessons: 1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day. 2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. May we take the time to encourage another this day. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Edify - means to build up: Rom.14: [19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Eph.4: [29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. -<>- Truth is not always popular, but it is always right! -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >God Billboards Several years ago a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida advertising agency launched a billboard campaign (including the inside and outside of buses) that included different messages from God. This non-denominational campaign was sponsored by an anonymous client. How cool to drive by one of these billboards! 1. Let's Meet At My House Sunday Before the Game -God 2. C'mon Over And Bring The Kids -God 3. What Part of "Thou Shalt Not..." Didn't You Understand? -God 4. We Need To Talk -God 5. Keep Using My Name in Vain And I'll Make Rush Hour Longer -God 6. Loved The Wedding, Invite Me To The Marriage -God 7. That "Love Thy Neighbor" Thing, I Meant It. -God 8. I Love You... I Love You... I Love You... -God 9. Will The Road You're On Get You To My Place? -God 10. Follow Me. -God 11. Big Bang Theory, You've Got To Be Kidding. -God 12. My Way Is The Highway. -God 13. Need Directions? -God 14. You Think It's Hot Here? -God 15. Tell The Kids I Love Them. -God 16. Need a Marriage Counselor? I'm Available. -God 17. Have You Read My #1 Best Seller? There Will Be A Test. -God 18. I don't question your existence. -God 19. Don't make me come down there. -God 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 ========================================================== .-~*~--,. .-. .-~-. ./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=*' __\ \ \ \ \ __\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \\ \ \ >-->THE BLESSINGS OF A STORM I did not know His love before, The way I know it now. I could not see my need for Him, My pride would not allow. I had it all, without a care, The "self-sufficient" lie. My path was smooth, my sea was still, Not a cloud was in my sky. I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace, I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place. But when the way grew rough and dark, The storm clouds quickly rolled; The waves began to rock my ship, My anchor would not hold. The ship that I had built myself Was made of foolish pride. It fell apart and left me bare, With nowhere else to hide. I had no strength or faith to face The trials that lay ahead, And so I simply prayed to Him And bowed my weary head. His loving arms enveloped me, And then He helped me stand. He said, "You still must face this storm, But I will hold your hand." So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain. I could not see the light of day Or when the storm might wane. Yet through the aches and endless tears, My faith began to grow. I could not see it at the time, But my light began to glow. I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too. For only when all self was gone Could Jesus' love shine through. It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?" At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt and doubt and cry. But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day. Through pain and strife, Through fire and flood, He helped me all the way. And now I see as never before How great His love can be. How in my weakness He is strong, How Jesus cares for me! He worked it all out for my good, Although the way was rough. He only sent what I could bear, And then He cried, "Enough!" He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease. He opened up the gates of joy And flooded me with peace. I see His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong. I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong. Now I know more storms will come, But only for my good, For pain and tears have helped me grow As naught else ever could. I still have so much more to learn As Jesus works in me; If in the storm I'll love Him more, That's where I want to be. Written By: Wendy Greiner Lefko >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO Foundational Teaching Seminar NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************