Preach The Word... :) 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 friend LouiseAu. God gave us lots of beautiful flowers to bless us. This page gives us some of the most stunning ones from A to Z. Take a few moments and check this out here: _.--. ;.-'i.`._.--, {(;{} y`-.`,_`--. <`~;`-( _.'`.~`.' \ \ `i.' ` Y },-,) .j~. | ; / _j\ <_ `! ;_.'( / >-, `---.,' .'-j / `. ,<_ ( `. \ `=-j\ `--->From Heartwarmers: _.~._ ,~'.~@~.`~. / : _..._ : \ { :,"''))`".: } `C) 9 _ 9 (-'.._,-"7o-.__ ( )(@)( ) /o `. `-.___.-' `-._ / \ \ / `-' ;`-._,-. y ,' `---t.,-. \_____ ,' /---.__\ _( \--------' _,\ ,' `-.__.--' `. \_____ '///,-`-' `-------' hjw >HOT RODS VS. BABIES by Dawn Thompson The Camaro was always my dream car. I had started wanting one when I was 15 years old. I just knew that would be my first car. I wasn't sure then how I would get it, but I knew I had to have one. I started saving for it as soon as I started working part time in high school. By the time I was 19, out of school and working my first full-time job, I had enough money saved to buy my dream car, put gas in it and pay for insurance. I poured over the newspaper everyday until an ad caught my eye. A metallic blue, 1969 Chevy Camaro with white interior and the original owner! I called right away, breathless and nervous that someone else might get to it before me. I was in luck. It was still available and I knew it was meant to be mine. I bought it that same day. I can still remember just like a photograph how it felt to be sitting in the driver's seat of my new car. I can see the layout of the dashboard all lit up and I can still smell and remember the feel of the leather interior. I was so pleased with myself -- I had worked hard, saved my money and realized my dream. What a great feeling! I loved that car! I drove it for a few years, going on many road trips with my friends to the river and back, gliding over the highways with the windows down, having a great time, young and carefree. I was the designated driver more times than I could count to parties and concerts. A few years later, I met my husband and married him. My beloved blue Camaro went with me to my new home. It started having some problems here and there and some engine trouble after a few years, but my husband was a good mechanic and he could fix almost anything. He did regular maintenance and repairs, but he eventually had to put in a new engine. That worked out great for awhile, but more costly problems started to crop up with the car and we decided to sell it and buy another. This time I went for a new model, a 1978 Camaro, a beautiful brown color with golden flecks in the paint. I loved that car too! The long, rounded front end, the sleeker shape of the car, the light colored pinstripes down the sides of the hood. It was a great car and I was proud to drive it. My husband and I had a lot of fun with that car too, driving back and forth to the local mountains for ski weekends in winter and lazy summer weekends by the lake. A few years later, after we'd been married for about 5 years we decided the time had come for new cars for both of us. We had been doing pretty well at our respective jobs and we felt we had earned our first brand new cars. Of course I wanted another Camaro! Camaros were becoming more and more sleek and racy looking and I was thrilled to be buying another one. It didn't take long for me to find what I wanted -- a brand spanking new sports car, a glossy white with black interior. It was the most gorgeous car I had ever seen. I drove it off the lot that day and I never felt so special. I would look at my reflection driving by in my white sports car and I was on Cloud Nine. I washed and vacuumed that car every weekend myself and polished and oiled the black interior till it shone. Another love affair with another car! A few years later, another love affair was about to begin. I found out I was pregnant for the first time in 1988. My husband and I couldn't have been happier. At this point I had had my sports car for 2 years. The months went by and I got bigger and bigger and the space between my steering wheel and my growing belly got smaller. It got harder for me to lean into the car and put things in the backseat of my two door Camaro. But I knew as soon as I had the baby my belly would go down and I wouldn't have that issue anymore. We were going to fit the baby into our lives just fine! Eventually my due date was only a few weeks away. I was uncomfortable yet very excited and I couldn't wait to see my baby. I got up late one night when I was feeling especially restless and hot and couldn't sleep. I happened to pass by the kitchen window. I stopped and stood looking out at my sporty car and suddenly a feeling of sheer panic came over me -- that car in the driveway was not going to work with my new baby! How would we get the car seat into it? How was I going to fit all of the baby's things in the car? Stroller, playpen, diaper bags? How had I not thought of this before? It became clear as I stood looking out the window. I knew right then and there that the dream car was going to go. I had a new dream. My baby was coming and I knew I needed to replace my beloved car with a vehicle that would accommodate baby and all of baby's things. For the first time, I had the realization that we were going to fit into the baby's life, rather than us fitting him into ours. The baby was going to change our lives in a good way. I made my first really grown up decision that night standing there in the moonlight. I had to get another, roomier car for our new family. My focus was shifting from my youthful wants and desires. Our family was growing and so was I -- I was growing up. -- Dawn Thompson __________________________________________________ Dawn is frmo California and the mother of 3 boys. She loves to read about other people's lives and stories. She says, "I submitted the first story I ever wrote to Heartwarmers a few years ago, and was published, so hopefully here is another." --- ...Reminds me of my daughter She worked hard to buy her dream car only her Camaro was teal. :) =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >God’s Perfect Plan But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?"1 In the 1880s, James Naismith, spent 3 years in a seminary but never became a pastor. He earned a medical degree but never practiced medicine. As a teacher at the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, he invented a game he hoped would hold his students' interest in the gym during the long winter months. With a soccer ball and a couple of peach baskets nailed to the balcony above the hardwood floor, Dr Naismith invented basketball and changed the world of sports. He didn't become what he set out to be. His life moved in an entirely different direction from what he had originally planned. When we think of the direction our own lives have taken we may find that we are living far differently than the life we had planned for ourselves. Maybe you studied theater in high school and imagined yourself starring in Broadway musicals; perhaps you were the MVP of your school sports teams and dreamed of playing on a professional team. We all had an image of the life we wanted, but God’s plans for our lives led us in other directions. We may find ourselves wondering what might have been, but can you honestly say that you are disappointed with the outcome? You see, God's plans for us are perfect and if you've sought His direction for your life then you are exactly where you are supposed to be! When the “Father of Basketball" died in 1939 at age 78, he had no idea what he had created. The game's phenomenal appeal was still decades away! Like James Naismith, we may never know how what we’ve done on Earth will reach into the future, but God does. And on days when our future seems bleak, we can be comforted knowing that God set the course of our lives and he knows where we're heading because he's leading us there. Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, even though I seek my own way and follow my own desires, you always lead me back to the path you have carefully designed for me. Help me to know that your way for me is perfect and that you will walk beside me every step of the way. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen. 1. Romans 9:20 (ESV). Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Greatest Gift But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.1 What’s the best gift you have ever received? Have you ever received a gift that has changed your life? Or a gift that has inspired you and affected your future? Maybe there are gifts that have had an influence on your life; what have you done with those gifts? Did you put them to good use or are they just decorations on a shelf? When you ask these questions to a child, they might tell you it was the beautiful doll or new bike they received last year or maybe it was the newest gaming system. When you ask an adult, it takes a minute before they can answer. Perhaps it was a much-needed vacation or spending time with family. It might have been a raise or bonus at work or a long-awaited marriage proposal. I do love it, though, when people take time to buy a gift; to give a gift that they have put some thought and consideration behind -- a gift that will be useful and helpful. Unexpected gifts are the most memorable. These such gifts remind me of the Greatest Christmas Gift of all: Jesus Christ. Every year we hear the Christmas story and think, “what a wonderful story". In fact, some have even gotten tired of hearing the “Christmas Story" year after year. The age-old story of Joseph and a very pregnant Mary riding to Bethlehem on a donkey and the baby Jesus being born in a stable; the star, the shepherds, and the wisemen -- all characters in a beautiful narrative. You might think, “I’ve heard this so many times before that I have it memorized!" Well, if that’s the case, I am so very glad that you do! Having the Scripture memorized makes it so much easier to share it! However, the Christmas Story is far more than just a lovely story that happened in the past. Today’s Scripture says, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." Jesus didn’t come into the world for us because we deserved Him or because we were friends with Him or part of His family. God gave us the Gift of Jesus because we needed Him! We could spend our whole lives reading about the Love of God and “The Christmas Story" and never really grasp it all. And when we share this Good News -- this Beautiful Gift -- with others, we are sharing the same Kindness and Love shown to us by our Savior when He gave us His only begotten Son, Jesus, the Greatest Gift of all! Suggested Prayer: Father God, never let me tire of hearing your story. Never let me be ashamed to share your loving- kindness with others. Your Gift to mankind so many years ago is still the Greatest Gift of all! Thank you for the thought you put into making Jesus the most memorable part of Christmas. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. 1. Titus 3:4-5 (NIV). Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Yes, this reminds me This reminds me again of Charlie Kirk. Pres.Trump gave him the Medal Of Freedom award Tuesday. Charlie did what we all should do - He witnessed God's Word proclaiming Jesus Christ to about everyone he debated. His legacy was bringing young people around the world to God through Jesus Christ so they could - as he liked to put it - 'Make heaven crowded.' _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See these teachings: Mightily Grew the Word of God and Prevailed https://tinyurl.com/tycxtznd Witnessing and Undershepherding https://tinyurl.com/3yue4snv =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: , \ : / `. __/ \__ .' _ _\ /_ _ /_ _\ .' \ / `. / : \ hjw ' >Forever Family A little star fell from the sky one lovely starlit night; She landed in a family's hearts to share her sparkling light. They didn't know when first they met how they would love her so, or how her smile and twinkling eyes would keep their home aglow. They feared that she would leave them, so they all joined in to pray: "Heavenly Father, hear our prayers, and let sweet Maddy stay." The loving Father, looking down, knew they should be together; He smiled as He told them, "You're a family forever!" Please bless this little shining star and her dear family, too. Help each and every one of them shine on, Dear Lord, for you! ~ Connie Faust ~ -<>- ,-----. W/,-. ,-.\W ()>a a<() (.--(_)--.) ,'/.-'\_/`-.\`. ,' / `-' \ `. / \ / \ / `. ,' \ / / `-._.-' \ \ ,-`-._/| |=|o |\_.-< <,--.) |_____| |o____| )_ \ `-)| |// _ \\| )/ || |' | `| || | | | || ( )|( ) || | | | || | | | || |_.--.|.--._| || /'""| |""`\ [] `===' `===' hjw >Afraid To Risk? An old poem by Richard Armour makes a good point: The bride, white of hair, is stooped over her cane Her faltering footsteps need guiding. While down the church aisle, with wan toothless smile, The groom in a wheelchair comes riding. And who is this elderly couple you ask? You'll find, when you've closely explored it, That here is that rare, most conservative pair, Who waited 'til they could afford it. Are you ever afraid to take a risk? Afraid to commit because of an uncertain future? Afraid of failing? Not that anyone would wait an entire life before taking a chance on marriage, but do you tend to wait until all possible risks are minimized before setting out in a new direction? Though caution and common sense are certainly important, sometimes a risk is called for. As the late William Arthur Ward wisely said: To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk revealing your true self. To place you ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk rejection. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk disappointment. To try is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. Those who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, and become nothing. They may avoid present suffering and sorrow, but they will not learn, feel, change, grow, love, or live. Chained by their fear, they are slaves who have forfeited their freedom. Only a person who risks is free. The pessimist complains about the wind; The optimist expects it to change; And the realist adjusts the sails. Is fear preventing you from taking a necessary risk today? ~ Steve Goodier ~ -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Teach Me to Forgive One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he Thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job. His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment and frustration. Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had Failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there, and with tears in his eyes, he prayed "Lord, You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot. I don't know how. It is not fair Lord. I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how To forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do - teach me to how forgive." As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a Large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them. He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes As he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn And battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak. "Have you ever told a lie?" He asked. The man answered "Yes, Lord." "Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?" The man answered "Yes, Lord." And the man sobbed more and more. "Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours?" Jesus asked. And the man answered "Yes, Lord." "Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?" The man, crying now, answered "Yes, Lord." As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"? The man's crying became uncontrollable, For he could only answer "Yes, Lord." Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on His other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back Up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before. Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you." -Author Unknown --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching Forgiveness http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/Forgiveness.htm -<>- .--. ." o \__ _.-" ,( ` _.-" ,;;| _.-=" _," ,,;;;' .-"`_.-"``-..,,;;;;:' `"'` `\`\ jgs /^\\\ >The Legend Of The First Robin One day, long ago, a little bird in Jerusalem saw a large crowd gathered around a man carrying a heavy wooden cross. On the man's head was a crown made from a thorn branch. The thorns were long and sharp. The little bird saw that the thorns were hurting the man. It wanted to help him, so it flew down and took the longest, sharpest thorn in its tiny beak. The bird tugged and pulled until the thorn snapped from the branch. Then a strange thing happened. A drop of blood fell onto the bird's breast, staining it bright red. The stain never went away. And so today the robin proudly wears a red breast, because it helped the man named Jesus. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Charlie Kirk! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/charliekirk.html Think Positive! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/positive.html You Are The Only You God Has! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Just Have Faith! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faith.html Attitude Is Everything! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Believe In Your Dreams! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/dream.html Rules For Raising Children! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rulesforchildren.html Human Chameleon! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/chameleon.html Horse Costumes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/horsecostumes.html Casa Batllo - House Of Bones! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hbones.html Feather Painting 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/feather2.html Leaf Art Paintings! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/art.html Extreme Poodle Makeover! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poodlemakeover.html Until We Write Again! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/write.html God's Water Paintings! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/water.html My Precious Child! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mychild.html Christ's Life! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html Moses And The Red Sea! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mosesredsea.html Tricks For Treats 3! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/tricksfortreats3.html Never Give Up! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Fall And Halloween INDEX! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/halloweenindex.html -<>- How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Truth Or Tradition.com Index: https://www.truthortradition.com/ 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/ Latest From Mommy Underground: https://mommyunderground.com/ Latest From Christian Life Daily: https://www.christianlifedaily.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ White House Actions - 2025 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump Accomplishments 2025 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/ Tucker Carlson On Rumble https://rumble.com/c/TuckerCarlson Latest Eric Bolling: https://ericbolling.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 Billings Report: https://billingsreport.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 Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Linda :) _________ _________ _,.,-----''''---.. _,--' '-.. __ ___________ _,' '-."+_ .-"""+.-' .- ___.' \ L )-.__ _/---"""""' .-'\`\ __ `-..-' """"---------""(____ ___.-'\ \\ \ \ / .:----'\___\ \_\ |/_/ _.---. ( :" _ ( `\ ( \_.\ __________ / `--.'.==< . `G \.\`'/`. ________ __ ______ ( \_.--/ '/ | /_ __/____/ /_ ____ ____\ _a8a._/_.---:-..`,+| ' ,' / / / ___/ __ \/ __ \/ __ \`---'_ _ \|'('|| ,-'. / / (__ ) / / / /_/ / /_/ /__ _/_)_ _,+'|.;' /.:::. /_/ /____/_/ /_/\____/\____/ _ _`-:-=_/`---;',/|\|' ,-'.::::: _______ ` _ -,/://:|/|_/.|,/++/\--'.:::::::' _________ ` _\.,-';'),;//(_+:|:,_+.:'.::::::::::' - :./-;/'=\,;/.',|;|','/'/.:::::::::::' -,-/','/;|;,'//,,/|'/:/-.::::::::::::' - : -/'/'/',';:/,|,//:+'|',:::::::::::::' _.-,,/-//.=,'/:'|//+;-.::::::::::::::' /';_'-'/:/ ;'|-::::::::::::::::::' _+..::':::/:::::::::::::::::::::::::' .:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::' .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::' .:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: '''''':::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ''''::::::::::::::::a:f::::' >8 Effective Cold Prevention Strategies 1. Wash your hands - The world we live in is filled with viruses and bacteria that can make us ill. Your hands are no exceptions. Wash your hands often to keep them clean. If you cannot wash them, at least use some hand sanitizer. 2. Drink hot fluids, especially in the morning - The rhinovirus incubates in the back of the throat and spreads in the upper respiratory area because it's cooler than the body temperature. Rhinovirus can't survive at 98.6 (hence it doesn't travel far down into the bronchi or the lungs). By drinking hot fluid (such as hot tea and lemon) you can prevent the virus from incubating. 3. Keep your hands out of your face - We have already discussed the germs and viruses on your hands. You cannot wash them continuously, so in between washings keep your hands out of your face. Your face is an open portal to your insides. Keep the germs away from your portal. Note: If you are around those that are sick, wipe your nostrils out with rubbing Alcohol. This simple trick keeps the virus from entering your body from the air you breath. Watch that you don't do this too often or you may dry out your nose and be prone to nose bleeds. 4. Drink water - Drinking more water is my answer to everything. Water will help clean out your body and keep it clean. It will also keep your body functioning at 100%. You should drink several 8oz glasses of water everyday. This will also help you lose weight. 5. Eat your fruits and vegetables - There are phytochemicals and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables that can help strengthen your immune system and prevent diseases. You should eat at least four servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits every day. 6. Multivitamins - If you are not eating all of your fruit and vegetable servings, you should take a multivitamin to ensure you are getting all of the vitamins your body needs to function properly. Take a simple one-a- day multivitamin everyday. 7. Stay warm - Being cold weakens your immune system and makes your body more susceptible to illness. Look at the day’s temperature before leaving your home. Wear layers in and out of your home when it is cold. 8. Relax and rest - Stress weakens your immune system. You can reduce your stress levels by relaxing and getting more sleep. Sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. Sleep will also boost your recovery time if you become ill. Getting a cold can derail your nutrition and activity plans. However, if you follow the strategies laid out for you here, you can prevent this from happening. --- ...Great advice! Thanks Linda! ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Preach The Word "We each have a message to share, a message which can encourage and be used to draw others to faith in Jesus." We are exhorted to "begin to share this message with ALL." But as we boldly go out and begin to minister to others, we must ensure we are ministering according to truth. Paul's second letter to Timothy was the last of his writings. Written while in prison and awaiting a certain death, Paul used this letter to give some final encouragement to a young preacher. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 "I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction." Paul knew his time of ministry had come to an end, and with his last words he told Timothy to carefully "Preach the Word." Timothy had been taught the true Word of God, but Paul warned that people would not accept this truth; "Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:3). There have always been those who distort the Gospel message - always those who remove the sufficiency of the Cross or the necessity of a repentant heart. The world rewards those who dilute the truth of Christ with the philosophy of man and his methods of success. Unfortunately, false teachers will continue to abound and will always have an audience. But we must refuse to compromise! We have been given the Word of God - a message of truth which can change the world. And while this message is a wonderful blessing, it also carries an incredible responsibility. We are called to know this message and apply its principles of forgiveness, grace, and love as we live a life devoted to holiness, thanksgiving, and praise. We then must share this message of absolute truth with others at every opportunity. Our time here is very, very short. We are "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). Some of us may vanish in a few days, others not for many years - but we will ALL vanish. What remains in the end will ONLY be that which is done according to truth and for the glory of God... so let's make the most of every moment! Let's focus more of our time and effort on the treasures which last for eternity and demonstrate the love of Christ. Let's remain aligned to His Word and continue to apply the truth we have received, sharing with others without shame or compromise. Let's accept the charge today to stand firm and Preach the Word! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Jeremiah 22:1-23:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 25:11-14 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these teachings DOING ALL THE WORD [All of the Time] http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/Doing_All_The_Word.htm The Renewed Mind http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/THE_RENEWED_MIND.htm Study the Word Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Study/Study.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Name of Jesus We are strongly encouraged to share a message of truth which is uncompromising and aligned with the Word of God. We cannot continue to trust in the messages of the world, or in the teaching of the "religious," when their words are not supported by Biblical Truth! Toward the end of a passage we call "The Sermon on the Mount," Jesus gave a strong warning: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). Our message must always lead down the "narrow road" and toward the "narrow gate" of Salvation. If it does, it is truth and honoring to God; if it does not, it is full of deceit and grieves our Heavenly Father. Of course, the most important aspect of a true message is the name of Jesus. If our message does not include the sacrifice of Jesus as our necessary and sufficient path to forgiveness and eternal life, then we do not carry a message of truth. Without Jesus there is no Christian faith - there is no eternal hope. Philippians 2:9-11 "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." God exalted (lifted up) Jesus to the highest place in Heaven. Have we exalted Him to the highest place in our own life? Before we have any chance of communicating a message of truth with the world, we must have a message of truth residing in our own heart. Have we truly accepted His forgiveness which only comes through faith, or are we still trying to earn our way, chasing after false messengers, and traveling down the broad road of destruction? Do we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30), or are we still just getting acquainted from a distance? What about our place of worship? God has an important role for the local church and desires each of us to be in fellowship with other believers. But if our church does not lift up the name of Jesus Christ, it becomes little more than a social club leading an entire flock of lost sheep down the broad road away from the gate. God forbid! Let's exalt Jesus to the highest place in our life, in our home, and in our church. Let's love Him with all our heart and take active steps to draw closer to His presence. Let's show the world that eternal life is only through faith in the name which is above all other names - the name of Jesus. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Jeremiah 23:21-25:38; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 25:15 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: _ _( } -= _ << \ `.\__/`/\\ -= '--'\\ ` -= // jgs \) >ADDITION BY SUBTRACTION When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. - Genesis 32:25 Have you ever heard the phrase "addition by subtraction"? You often hear it used by sports analysts when an athlete leaves a team. Take the Texas Rangers, for example. In 2000, they signed Alex Rodriguez, or "A-Rod," to the biggest contract in sports history. He was one of the best shortstops in the game! Yet the Rangers finished last in their division three years in a row. After trading A-Rod to the New York Yankees three years later, the Rangers finished the 2004 season only three games out of first place in their division! This is a good example of addition by subtraction. In the same way, God often removes things from our lives that we consider very important. But in the end, we see that by removing that thing, we are better off. In today's verse, we see that Jacob lost something that was extremely important to him: his ability to run! That's right. Jacob's pattern was simple, he would deceive and then he would run away. He ran from Esau after stealing his birthright and he later ran from Laban, taking all his possessions with him. However, after the Lord injured his hip, Jacob was forced to confront his biggest fear. He had to face Esau. And much like the Prodigal Son, Jacob was welcomed with open arms by Esau. By subtracting his ability to flee, God added back Jacob's brother. The Lord may be removing dependencies in your own life. What you may be missing, though, really may be God's provision through these times. How is the Lord taking care of you even while stripping away things you thought you needed? I want to encourage you to look for the addition that results from God's subtraction. PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to show you how He is using a recent loss for good. as seen in Daily Living For Seniors -<>- ________ _jgN########Ngg_ _N##N@@"" ""9NN##Np_ d###P N####p "^^" T#### d###P _g###@F _gN##@P gN###F" d###F 0###F 0###F 0###F "NN@' ___ q###r "" >ARE YOU READY? hosted by Les Lamborn READ: 2 Peter 3:1-13 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise. —2 Peter 3:9 Many will remember the fall season of 2008 as the beginning of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of 1929. In the months to follow, many lost their jobs, homes, and investments. In a BBC interview a year later, Alan Greenspan, former head of the US Federal Reserve, indicated that the average person doesn’t believe it will happen again. He said, “That is the unquenchable capability of human beings when confronted with long periods of prosperity to presume that it will continue.” Assuming that things will continue as they always have is not just 21st-century-type thinking. In the first century, Peter wrote of people who thought that life would continue as it was and that Jesus would not return. He said, “Since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4). Jesus said He would come back, but the people continued to live in disobedience as though He would never return. But His delay is only because of God’s patience with us, for He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (v.9). Paul tells us that Christians ought to live “soberly, right­eously, and godly” in the light of Christ’s certain return. (Titus 2:12). Are you ready to meet Him? —C. P. Hia Faithful and true would He find us here If He should come today? Watching in gladness and not in fear, If He should come today? —Morris Jesus may come any time, so we should be ready all the time. as seen in Our Daily Bread --- ' . . o ' o . ' . O ' . ' . _____ ' . . . . .mMMMMMMMm. ' o ' . ' . .MMXXXXXXXXXMM. . ' . . /XX77:::::::77XX\ . . . o . ;X7:::''''''':::7X; . ' ' . |::'.:' '::| . . . . ;:.:. :;. o . ' . \'.: /. ' . . `.':. .'. ' . ' . ' .`-._____.-' . . ' . ' o ' . O . ' o ' . ' . ' . ' ' O . ' ' ' . . ' ' . ' . ' ' . .'..' . ' ' . . '. . ' `.':.' ':'.'.' `\\_ | _//' \( |\ )/ //\ |_\ /\\ (/ /\(" )/\ \) \/\ ( ) /\/ |( )| | \( \ | ) \ | \ | \ | `.__, \_________.-'Ojo/gnv ...Reminds me Just like a magician promises to give something for nothing, this reminds me of the people of Venezuela. They were living mostly prosperous Capitalist lives but were sucked in to electing a socialist leader because they wanted 'free stuff' that he promised to give them over their hard working lives. Like all socialists, Maduro lied to the people promising an easy free life so he would get elected. Now that he is their leader he has won his third six-year term after a reelection widely viewed as illegitimate. "The most severe symptoms of the new Venezuelan economy are ones that make it difficult for the average citizen to simply exist, let alone thrive. Food is either scarce or astronomically expensive, and hospitals are chronically understaffed and have to endure subpar equipment. Schools are increasingly characterized by the need to feed children who arrive hungry and have brought nothing to eat. The Washington Post describes the situation as an “entirely man- made disaster,” identifying Nicolas Maduro’s government as one of the primary causes of poverty in Venezuela. Corruption is endemic in Venezuelan politics and enormous oil profits are often siphoned off into private hands. Transparency International identifies Venezuela as the ninth most corrupt country in the world, by far the highest in the Latin America region." https://borgenproject.org/causes-of-poverty-in-venezuela/ The problem is, these socialists promise lots of free stuff, but what happens is that the people suffer while the leaders get to be fat cats - enjoying all the bounty they steal from the people. Communism and socialism have never worked to prosper a country. The people always suffer. Whenever people go against God, they suffer the consequences. The bible put it bluntly here... 2 Thes.3: [10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 'would' means they can but won't work. This is what happens - the people wind up so poor under socialism that they can't afford food. Capitalism is God's way. Socialism is the devil's lie. Don't let those calling themselves a 'Democrat Socialist' fool you. ---_ ......._-_--. (|\ / / /| \ \ / / .' -=-' `. / / .' ) _/ / .' _.) / / o o _.-' / .' \ _.-' / .'*| \______.-'// .'.' \*| \| \ | // .'.' _ |*| ` \|// .'.'_ _ _|*| . .// .'.' | _ _ \*| \`-|\_/ / \ _ _ \*\ `/'\__/ \ _ _ \*\ /^| \ _ _ \* ' ` \ _ _ \ ASH (+VK) \_ They smile and act like they care, but they are like a snake ready to strike and remove all you have worked hard for. -<>- ______ __ \___\___ / \ \ \ __/ cjr >THE LAND OF LOOK BEHIND A tourist was visiting the lush, tropical island of Jamaica. In the hotel where he was staying there was a map which hung in one of the hallways. In a corner of the map there was some faint lettering over an almost uninhabited part of the island. Looking closely, he could make out the word, "The Land of Look Behind." Intrigued, he asked the hotel manager what those words meant. The manager explained they came from the days of slavery on the island. At that time slaves would escape and run away from sugar plantations where they were forced to work long hours in the scorching heat. Their destination was the uninhabited part of the island. Although they could enjoy relative safety in that wilderness, the runaway slaves were constantly looking over their shoulders in fear to see who was coming after them. Hence, the name for that part of the island, The Land of Look Behind. Too many of us live in The Land of Look Behind. We waste tremendous energies living in a time of past sins, mistakes, regrets and painful experiences. It is wise to visit often the promises of God. --Proclaim! Fall 2001, p. 45 -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >A GRAND MAGNITUDE The morning of blessings comes in with bliss as a grand magnitude of Jesus kiss. Painted as pictures found on display is a grand magnitude day after day. Often our viewpoints are found as blue, but we have choices to start off anew. Leaving the sorrow that yesterdays found and seeking blessings on solid ground. A grand magnitude is found in place waiting each day with a smile for your face. Let each and every venture arrived find as many blessings daily derived. ©By Bill Pearce Oct 2, 2011 -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >LOOKING BACK Bible Study Verses Philippians 3:13b-14 But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV) Thoughts It's always fun to think back to hunts of former years. I can still see my first deer in my scope that crisp October morning over forty-five years ago. A few years later in almost the exact same spot a mountain lion fell to the trusty .270 Winchester. In 1976, a desert sheep filled the scope at thirty-five yards. In 1977, the .270 was used to take my buffalo and, in 2009, an antelope. My son's first big game kill, a javelina, and his first deer and elk kills (with his .270!) were really special moments in the field. However, some hunts aren't such good memories. Still fun, just not as pleasant. There were missed shots, blown stalks, storms that blew the tent down, and a few times that the truck sunk to the axles in mud. But, what I like most about hunting is the next season! I have a fall deer tag in my pocket and know I'm going to have a great time on the mountain and will get to spend some good time with some good friends. And, hopefully that monster Coues Whitetail deer will fill my scope! Now, where did I put that .270 ammunition? (Cliff S) Action Point As Christians it's easy to get stuck looking at life in the rear view mirror. Sometimes we look back so much that we don't see where it is that God wants us to go. We may think so much about past victories or failures that we don't experience all that God has planned for us. Maybe it's a former job, position, relationship, or event (positive or negative), that keeps us focused on what's behind rather than what's ahead. And, Satan is good at reminding us of our failures! But, God is better at reminding us that, if we've put our faith in Him, He has forgiven us of ALL of our sins and that He has a great future planned for us. The challenge is to put the past, both victories and losses, behind us as Paul did and press on to the adventures and blessings that God has for us to experience. Jesus set the greatest example for us. In His own words in John 17:4 when speaking to the Father Jesus said, "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do," (NIV). Let's not miss the future God has planned for us because we're stuck in the past!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Anticipation is a huge part of the hunt. Pre-hunt planning: sighting in your rifle or bow, studying maps, pre-season scouting trips, gathering up your camping and hunting equipment, and even grocery shopping is a part of the hunting experience. Be thorough in your pre-hunt planning and the actual hunt will go much more smoothly. as seen in Sportsmen's Devotional --- i Track it! I_-_ ' I(")_____. <\. ,----~ :/_( ( ,) uU `-.---U`= lL (~~/> - a:f - ...Reminds me Some people think hunters are evil. I am not so much for hunting and killing. My brother enjoys it. He is as much a child of God as I am - having confessed Jesus as his Lord and savior just as I have done. Yet we share this difference. Reminds me of the bible story... _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Genesis 25:29-34 (KJV) And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: and Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright. ( ) ) _.(--"("""--.._ /, _..-----).._,\ | `'''-----'''` | \ / '. .' jgs '--.....--' Jacob was like me - cooking stew - and Esau was like my brother - a hunter. I thought it was pretty sneaky and bad of Jacob at the time to take such an advantage of his brother though. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. You can also find me on Facebook as Kimberly B. O'Brien Quiggle. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: "The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly opiate for the consciences of millions." - A.W. Tozer __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Occupy Til I Come (A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church) Luke 19:12-13 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Jesus had been to Jerusalem a number of times, beginning when He was a child. But, this time was different. He would be mocked and rejected, then suffer and die for our sins, the Lamb of God taking away the sins of the world. Because some of His listeners thought the kingdom of God would soon appear, Jesus spoke this parable to them. The meaning is clear. He would soon be leaving for a "far country" and would one day "return." As He departed, He would disperse His resources to His "servants" with a simple command: "Occupy till I come." Thank God for the incarnation, sinless life, vicarious death, and bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is salvation in none other. Today our Lord is seated in Heaven, but one day He will return. The return of Jesus Christ is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. Christians in the first century looked for the return of Christ. For two thousand years, believers have anticipated our Lord's return. Paul wrote to Timothy that there was a crown of righteousness laid up for those who "love his appearing" (II Timothy 4:8). Jesus is coming back. All indications show that He could come at any moment. We look forward to our being united with our Lord and loved ones who have gone before. We look forward to being free from this world of sin and our sinful flesh. In the meantime, what should we be doing? The Lord's Word is clear: we are to occupy until He comes. To occupy means "to be busy, to busy ourselves with the responsibilities given to us." Until the Lord Jesus Christ returns, we are to continue to be busy about the business He entrusted to us. He has given each of us gifts and abilities to use for His work. We all do not have the same gifts or assignments, but all of us are equipped to serve Him. All are to be busy until He comes. There are many who talk, with apparent interest, in matters concerning the return of Christ; and yet they are not busy serving Him. There are others who served Him at one time, but have ceased to do so, for one reason or another. By the grace of God, we are to obey His command and occupy until He comes. 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 ========================================================== ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt >-->Let The Church Sing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oVhViT8-wY Lyrics: We love one truth We crown one name We bow to one king We follow one way One faith, one gospel One cross, one grave One resurrection We share by grace So, we say No one like our God Only one we need Holy is our Lord Hallelujah let the church sing No one like our God Only one we need Holy is our Lord Hallelujah let the church sing Halle Halle Halle Hallelujah let the church sing Halle Halle Halle Hallelujah From cathedrals To forgotten towns Behind stained glass and underground On fire we’re charging Pentecost til now Lighting up the darkness And we won’t burn out Everybody say Hallelujah let the church sing Ever since He called my name it gotta new ring So I’m forever lifting praise up to the True King You can’t tell me nothing about His loving it’s a new thing All of my days You said You got me You sent Your son, You gave His body Made me a way You call what's not thee I sit and pray You take what’s not me Cause I was down bad I was left out in the worst way Bounced back picked me right up like the third day Outcasts, we gon outlast all this hurt pain Let the church say “Amen” Turn in from my old path, couldn’t earn grace Burdens, ima throw back like it's Thursday Learning it was His plan in the first place Let the church say “Amen” No one like our God Only one we need Holy is our Lord Hallelujah let the church sing No one like our God Only one we need Holy is our Lord Hallelujah let the church sing Halle Halle Hallelujah let the church sing Halle Halle Hallelujah let the church sing Halle Halle Hallelujah let the church sing Halle Halle Hallelujah -<>- .. ____ . | / + \ || || . | |o x.| =**= _ =**= . | |____| || _( )_ || . | || /_____\ || . | ______________//| |/__________________ . |_______^________/ | + | /__ . . _U_ / |___| // . | /_______________________________________// . /|\ |______________________________________|/ >-->Preach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrsfhouHlsw LYRICS: I talk about grace, I talk about love, I talk about faith but some days I don’t have enough I talk about forgiveness, but still learning how to give it Lord, I need your strength to live what I believe I want my life to preach, every breath, every beat I want my life to preach, when I’m strong, when I’m weak Through valley lows and mountain highs, every moment testifies further than my words could ever reach, I want my life to preach I talk about peace, I talk about hope, I talk about serving others, but most days I don’t I talk about freedom, but getting’ lost in religion Lord, give me strength to live what I believe I want my life to preach, every breath, every beat I want my life to preach, when I’m strong, when I’m weak Through valley lows and mountain highs, every moment testifies further than my words could ever reach, I want my life to preach Turn my days into your canvas, let me stay open handed, with a humble heart to serve the least of these I want my faith to be in action, let this flame of compassion be louder than every word I speak I want my life to preach, every breath, every beat I want my life to preach, when I’m strong, when I’m weak Through valley lows and mountain highs, every moment testifies further than my words could ever reach, I want my life to preach ? 2025 RS Records LLC. Under exclusive license to Gotee Records -<>- .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx >God Is Good! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Q9YD2PD0o Lyrics: Title: "God Is Good All The Time" Album: Rivers of Joy Artist: Don Moen God is good all the time He put a song of praise In this heart of mine God is good all the time Through the darkest night His light will shine (God is good) God is good all the time If you're walkin' through the valley And there are shadows all around Do not fear He will guide you He will keep you safe and sound 'Cause He has promised to never leave you Nor forsake you and His Word is true We were sinners so unworthy Still for us He chose to die Filled us with His Holy Spirit Now we can stand and testify That His love is everlasting And His mercies they will never end Though I may not understand All the plans You have for me My life is in Your hands And through the eyes of faith I can clearly see God is good He's so good God is good He's so good God is good He's so good all the time >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 **********************************************************************