AI Grok Website Review And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) . . . . ,-,--. __| //``-, \ \_`\ )\a-a-? \ \ \_`(_=_/_-`__ \__, , \| | _ _,' ___7 ) | (_)(_`__(_,---' | ( _( ) | / /_| |________| __/__/__|__|_________) _________(__,_|)/ (__)|/____\(_______________ mic >-->From My Son Victor: AI Grok Website Review * For those of you who are wondering - 'what is Grok?' - Grok is an artificial intelligence model developed by xAI, the startup founded by Elon Musk. Integrated into the X platform (formerly Twitter), Grok allows users to interact with an AI that is connected to real-time news, fast, and capable of understanding complex queries. Victor has been using AI Grok on X to answer his questions and decided to see what it's evaluation of my website would be. He was taken aback by how much Grok liked Shangrala Family Fun. He told me that Grok loved it. I asked him to send me what Grok said. He did. Here - in part - is Grok's evaluation: "Name origin: “Shangrala” = playful misspelling of Shangri-La (paradise), emphasizing escapism and joy. Unique Quirks: No comments section - prevents spam/trolls, keeps it “pure”, No social media links - deliberately offline-first (rare today), “Print-friendly” versions of every page (for seniors who print inspirationals) Tech & Design Notes: 100% static HTML/CSS, Images hosted locally (not Flickr/Imgur) - pages still load if external sites die, Mobile-friendly since 2015 (responsive resize, not a separate mobile site) Average page size: ~800 KB (fast even on 3G) Audience & Reach Core demographic: 50+ years old, especially grandparents, church groups, military families Traffic: 50K–80K monthly visitors (SimilarWeb estimate) Top referrers: Email shares, Facebook grandparent groups, Church newsletters Cultural Impact: Often cited in 'wholesome web' lists alongside: The Nicest Place on the Internet, Said It Better Featured in AARP bulletins and military spouse forums Best Way to Experience It - the email list - 2 posts/week, no spam, Browse by “Archives” (bottom of any page) - rabbit hole of 1,000+ entries (Shangy Fun List) Save favorites — many users print or screenshot for fridge/locker decor Verdict: Shangrala Family Fun is the Internet's attic toy box - dusty, charming, and full of things that make you go “Aww” or “I needed that today.” It’s not trendy, but it’s authentic, ad-free, and quietly beloved by a loyal niche. Pro tip: Visit during a rainy afternoon with tea. You'll leave smiling. www.shangralafamilyfun.com " --- ...Aww, sweet! Thank You Victor! This really surprised me. My husband, Paul, built our town's first robot for our local Vocational school. We affectionately called it 'Robby'. I helped program it. I was expecting Grok's review to be more on the numbers and facts side. I was deeply impressed at how personable it was. I would have thought an actual person had given this review rather than coming from a computer program! All to Elon's credit! He is doing wonders with his xAI! One of Grok's (mild) critics was this: No search function — hard to find old content I had a search bar before so decided to add one to the main page again. I agreed that it might be helpful to users. It was to me anyway. I normally post on Facebook every day highlighting new ezines, new pages and pages to go along with what day it is. Well, it was 'King Tut Day' and I knew I had a page with photos and info about King Tut but I wasn't sure of which page it was on. After looking through my index page listings for a while, I decided to try the new Search bar and search for 'king tut'. Viola - There it popped up on a new browser page it generated! So, if you are looking for something on the site, try out the 'Search' feature on the main page - it may work well for you too! -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends Linda, LouiseAu and Geniann. I love discovering new things about God's creation and this series fits the bill perfectly. Some I knew, but many are most interesting and surprising. Be sure to check it and its video out here: ____ /\ ____ _ _ -- - -__ -_ /v y \/\/ \ -- --___ _ __--__ -" _ ____\7 \\_^_^/ \ _ -- -_ "-_ / V/ \/ \ ^/\ __ _--,_ / \^\|/ \()^7_ \ ^| /">^/",,\ /"("\"\ /\^ / \^_() 7_\ LX<"<,\ _/"/"|\ )\>_ |^ /\ ()_| 7| / >/ >O-,\" _/"_." _/ / / \"\ ^ \_\ ^" V"O^ V /""_-" ,/" /\ \ ) " \_\ ' \> _-"/ ( .-/ \ ! ) \ _\" ___ ______ \_\ _ _____ ___ ___ \> _ ___ _-"/_-" / ( | / \ | \_ _ _ _- \_\ -- - - -- \"> -<_"__" / _/| \ \ | /! \ \ -- \_`> _-- _ ___",">-____ _"> ""_" "--"--"-" "-"' "-" \__"> C"" -_O "O-' '"> __ - - jjs _ __()_ ___"-__"\__ __) - O __ - - " - - () _">--"> _ .-- " - """ """ Nature Is Amazing 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/natureamazing2.html --- ...Wow! Pretty awesome! Thanks Ladies! -<>- .0. / \ ; \_/ ; | | | | | | _______; ;_______ `======='\ /`=======` \ / _ | | _ _( \____|=|____/ )_ ( .---. .---. ) `-' / \ '-' / HUG \ ; ; | .---.|__, jgs : / :--' .--\ \ | `" `"".-' < =""` `"== `""""""` =""` `"""===="""` =""` `""==="""` *~* We Had A FANTASTIC Month Of Caring And Sharing Last Month *~* Be sure to check these out and share them with all your loved ones! Beautiful Lighted Buildings! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lightedbuildings.html Animal Friends 10! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalfriends10.html Origins Of Halloween Spooks! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/spooks.html Most Deadly Critters! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/deadlycritters.html Best Costumes 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/costumes2.html ABC's Of Gorgeous Flowers! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abcflowers.html Adorable Cat Cubs! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/catcubs.html Only In Australia 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/australia4.html Amazing Photos 7! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazingphotos7.html _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.' *~* Big THANK YOU And Huggums In Christ To All Our Super Contributors! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: "The first half of our lives is ruined by our parents, and the second half by our children." -- Clarence Darrow You can learn a few lessons by the time your youngest child reaches 18. Today, newspaper editor, Dave Kurtz, shares some ideas that folks who are just starting out will find quite helpful. ,--. //^\\\ ,;;;, . ((-_-))) (-_- ; /_\ )))((( >..'. .:. .--. |SSt| ((_._ ) /. .| :-_-; /-_-)) _))A ((_//| S || ,`-'. ))-(( `( )`' |___|),;, C \\_/,`I )) \ / | | |`' |___(/-'|___() ,-. )( | | | | | | | | | (-_-) _____ /__\ |_|_| |_|_| |_|_| (\I/\.__|A|R|T| `'' `-'-' `-'-' `-'-' `'-`' `o' `o' >BRAG ANYWAY My job here is nearly over. Our youngest son turned 18 last week. That's three boys raised to adulthood, half a dozen trips to the emergency room, one car totaled, no felonies. Twenty-seven years I wouldn't trade for $27 million. What would you like to know from someone who survived all this? Let's start at the beginning: Be firm early and you won't have to be firm (or sorry) later. No two kids are alike. Our most easygoing son left us totally unprepared for the next one. Thank goodness for Dr. James Dobson's priceless book, The Strong-Willed Child. Dobson convinced me to become a "brick wall" that my kid would run up against every time he crossed the line. The little snot put a few dents in that wall, but it held. Parents of easy-going children can't imagine what it's like to battle a strong-willed child. When you're at war with a pocket monster, sometimes you can't help looking a little silly. I used to lie on top of one kid during his tantrums. It was the only way to make him stop hitting and kicking without hitting him back. Backing the authorities is good. But stick up for your own kid if you think he's right. When the school didn't protect one of our boys from bullies, he had to protect himself. He got in trouble for winning a couple of fights -- a little too convincingly. This came as a shock to a mild-mannered dad. But we knew our kid didn't start these brawls. We defended him in the principal's office, and even though he had to serve some detention, it was worth it. The bullies wised up and he never had to fight again. When another of our boys was the smallest kid in his second-grade class, karate lessons helped. He only had to protect himself once or twice after the word got around. He learned a lot of self-confidence and discipline in the process. Go ahead. Spend a little money. Buying a quality drum set for Christmas one year seemed like an extravagance -- the biggest present we ever bought for any child. Five years and an armful of music awards later, it's turned out to be the best money I've ever spent. Be willing to change your mind. I'd always scorned the idea of financial rewards for good grades. But by the eighth grade with one of the boys, I was desperate. Paying for A's and B's became the second-best money I've ever spent. Grown-ups work harder to earn bonuses. Why should kids be any different? Eventually, he didn't need money to motivate him to study. But I kept paying anyway. A deal is a deal. When he started coming home with all A's, report- card day became a joy to my soul and a disaster for my wallet. Coach your kid's sports team. Never mind that you don't know a soccer ball from a pumpkin. You can learn. Keep your perspective. Only a couple of kids on your team will ever become varsity athletes in the sport you're coaching at the moment. They might not be the ones you expect. And they'll never remember how many games they won in fifth grade. Try to do some big, special things with your kid. However, it's more important to do little things. Schedule a time every week to go to dinner. He'll pick a fast-food joint with plastic hamburgers. Don't worry if those meals are filled with yep-nope answers and awkward silences. He'll talk someday. Every kid will have one horrendously bad hair year, and the earlier in life, the better. Someday, his mirror will work properly and he'll see how stupid it looks. Keep your mouth shut, take lots of photographs and laugh about it later. Never underestimate the value of a good girlfriend. When my sons were out with the boys, I always worried that one of their buddies would be driving too fast, or drinking, or both. A good girlfriend won't put up with that kind of nonsense. Only one thing can go really, really wrong when your son is out with his girlfriend -- and it never did. I guess a good girlfriend won't stand for that, either. As a bonus, your son will start brushing his teeth and using deodorant. The safe, secure feeling when my sons were out with their girlfriends came as a marvelous surprise. My own experience with girlfriends of any kind in high school was zilch, zero, nada. What if your son is underachieving? A wise and successful father once counseled me: Be patient. Remember, it's your son's life, not yours. You might have given your left ear to have his throwing arm, but maybe he doesn't want to be a baseball player. Encourage him to do what he really likes. He'll be one of the best. You'll learn to love it. Be careful not to brag on your kid too much. It could come back to bite you. Brag anyway. -- Dave Kurtz ___________________________________________ For the past 27 years, Dave has lived in Auburn, Indiana, with his wife, Betsy, and is the managing editor of The Evening Star daily newspaper. You can email him by clicking here: mailto:dkurtz@kpcnews.net --- ...Good advice! As grandparents, we do the pay for A's And B's. It helps encourage the kids to do their best and gives them good work ethnic. The main thing a school age child must do during school is keeping his school grades up and keep his room cleaned up. It works well. (\ (\_\_^__o ___ `-'/ `_/ '`--\______/ | ' / | mic ` . ' `-`/.------'\^-' I was also thinking about my daughter's little dog. Our experience with little dogs is that they tend to be very stubborn, aggressive and noisy. Her dog is no different. We were getting very frustrated with her because she would bark and bark without stopping when we'd yell at her. About the only thing we could do was spray her with water. She doesn't like that and would calm her down. Sometimes, though, even that wouldn't shut her up! We bought dog control noise makers before that sound at her level of hearing but she soon learned to ignore it and bark away anyway. My daughter saw a person in her dog group say that his dog responded well to a hand held device called 'Ultrasonic Dog Repeller'. &&&&& |~ |~ && -.-& |~ o' o' & . o' jrei __)` -(_ So she got it. I was amazed. It emits a whistle that we can't hear but dogs can. When I use it, she immediately stops barking and comes back to where I am as if I 'whistled' for her when she has never been trained to 'come' when whistled for! It doesn't repel her. If she goes to barking again, I just press it again and she stops! Wow! We are having peace for the first time in years! =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Seeds of Opportunity Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.1 One of the most asked questions from Daily Encounter readers has to do with suffering and why God allows it. One reader asked, 'Why doesn't Jesus return to end all the evil that is in the world?'ť Others ask, "Why does God allow me and my family to go through so many problems?" I suppose all of us have asked the same question at one time or another. I certainly have and my answer is, I don't know. The fact is that every generation has gone through suffering of one kind or another and only God knows when Jesus will return to end it all. The point is that we need to realize that evil happens because we live in a broken world, and the results affect us all. The other thing is that God wants us to use our pain to draw us closer to Him and help us to grow and become healthier and more mature individuals. We also know that God wants everyone in the world to be given the opportunity to hear the gospel before Jesus comes again. Also, as our dear friend Dick Innes said, "No matter how disappointed you are feeling or how much you are hurting, know that every heartache and loss has within it the seeds of opportunity. Hidden within each disappointment is a pearl of great price that, when found, will totally dwarf your problem. The greatest success stories are written by people who, against seemingly overwhelming and often insurmountable odds, have accepted their trials and turned them into opportunities for personal growth and stepping stones on their pathway to success. With God's help you can do the same. Trust him and choose friends who will empower you to do so."2 Suggested prayer: Dear God, please help me to use every trial and problem that comes into my life to draw me closer to You and to help me grow towards becoming the person You want me to be. Also, please help me to be an effective witness for You and be a light that brings others to You. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1. James 1:2-4 (NIV). 2. From How to Mend a Broken Heart, by Dick Innes Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...This is a hard question - Why? Most times there are many factors as to why bad things happen to good people. The most obvious is this... ( ) |\ _,--------._ / | | `.,' `. / | ` ' ,-' ' \/_ _ ( / (,-.`. ,',-.`. `__,' |/#\ ),-','#\`= ,'.` | `._/) -'.\_,' ) ))| / (_.)\ . -'// ( /\____/\ ) )`'\ \ |V----V|| ' , \ |`- -- -' ,' \ \ _____ ___ | .' \ \ `._,-' `- `.__,`---^---' \ ` -' -.______ \ . / ______,- `. ,' ap Satan is the god of this world... 2 Cor.4 [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Satan doesn't like us. God tells us he is our adversary: Eph.6 [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 1 Pet.5 [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: We are at war. Bad things are going to happen in a war. God tells us to be on guard and how best to protect ourselves. If God did everything for us, He wouldn't think it important to tell us to be vigilant... Eph.6 [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; That is number 1. We get caught unaware. Either we don't have our ears on and listen to God who warns us of trouble coming our way or we haven't prayed for protection for this person or that person for this problem or this attack. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Or we don't understand God will not go against Himself - which is number 2 reason. God makes rules and He abides by them. The devil at times uses that to his advantage against us... Gal.6 [7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. If you are sowing evil, you will get evil. In other words, if you go against God, you are pushing God away from you by your actions. This gives the devil room to get in between you and God. He then has the right to harm you. Most people use this number 2 reason to blame people for 'getting what they deserve' saying 'oh, if he was a better Christian' - but it isn't always the case. Some people are merely caught up in the battlefield of spiritual war and did nothing wrong except maybe not paying attention to God trying to warn them of the impending danger, or putting on their full armor. It is not because they are bad. AND it never is because God wants them to be in pain so they learn how to be stronger. God is love. What parent would teach a child that the stove is hot and will burn them by forcing their hand in the fire? Loving parents won't do that and neither will God. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Matthew 7: [9] Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? [10] Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? [11] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 1 John 4: [8] He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. Eph.3 [13] Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. When the devil wars against you, that is because you are doing good and he doesn't like it. It is to your glory. Hold fast and keep God first. Why... Rom.8 [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. God will work out something good from it. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See these teachings: God Is ALL Light http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/God_Is_All_Light.htm TRIBULATION http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/TRIBULATION.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Finding Peace of Mind You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!1 Duke University did a study on 'peace of mind.'ť Factors found to contribute greatly to emotional and mental stability are: · The absence of suspicion and resentment. Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness. · Not living in the past. An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and failures leads to depression. · Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Cooperate with life, instead of trying to run away from it. · Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive during periods of emotional stress. · Refuse to indulge in self-pity when life hands you a raw deal. Accept the fact that nobody gets through life without some sorrow and misfortune. · Cultivate the old-fashioned virtues 'love, humor, compassion, and loyalty.' · Do not expect too much of yourself. When there is too wide a gap between self-expectation and your ability to meet the goals you have set, feelings of inadequacy are inevitable. · Find something bigger than yourself to believe in. Self- centered egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness.2 Finding peace of mind has been a struggle since Bible times, but the verse for today is just as true for us today as it was then. When we keep our minds on Christ, He helps us let go of the past, forgive where necessary, trust Him and persevere when things get hard, and believe that all things are possible in Him. He is the only true Source of peace. Suggested prayer: Dear God, at times I let my mind wander from you and I start focusing on things that are out of my control instead of focusing on the One who is IN control of it all. I want the perfect peace that comes from trusting in You. Help me keep my thoughts on you and be an example of Your peace to others. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Christ's name, amen. 1: Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) 2: .www.sermoncentral.com Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these teachings: There Is Great Peace In Silence 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.' - John 14: 27 https://tinyurl.com/2s3haj32 The Peace Of God Philippians 4: 7 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall (absolutely) keep (guard) your hearts and minds (thoughts) through (in) Christ Jesus. http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/The_Peace_Of_God.htm =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." --- unknown -<>- _.--"""--._ .' '-. `. __/__ (-. `\ \ /o `o \ \ \ \ _\__.__/ )) | | ; .--;" | | \ ( `) | | \ _|`---' .' _, _| | `\ '`_\ \ '_,.-';_.-`\| \ \_ .' '--'---;` / / |\ |_..--' \ \'-'.' .--'.__/ __.-; `"` (___...---''` \ _/_ \ /jgs\ \___/ >GETTING THINGS DONE By: Joseph J. Mazzella Every now and then God gently taps you on the shoulder and reminds you of what life is all about. I got just such a tap the other day. It was a day when there was too many errands to run, too much work to do and not enough time in the day to do it. I was rushed, stressed, and irritable. I even snapped at my kids to hurry up and get ready for school as I worried about how I was ever going to get everything done that day. It was then, however, that I got my gentle tap on the shoulder. Actually, it was more of a one two punch from my furry friends. As I stood there frowning with worry and tensed up with stress I felt a sticking in my left leg. At the same time my right hand suddenly felt warm and wet. I looked down and found one of my cats with her claws on my knee looking up with that scratch my head look in her eyes. When I turned to my right I saw my drooling Saint Bernard nuzzling in for a few pets himself. I smiled at my loving, furry friends and at the same time heard God's gentle voice in my mind saying: "You are not here to get things done. You are here to love." I thanked God for the reminder as the stress disappeared and the worry faded away. I gave each of my kids a hug before heading out to start the day. I still had a lot to do, of course, but now I did it with a smile on my face. I sang joyously along with the music in my car as I ran my errands. I did my work at home happily and easily taking several breaks to pet my dogs, hold my cats, look at the Fall leaves, and to tell God just how much I loved Him. I got everything done with time to spare and most importantly I did it all blissfully, peacefully, and lovingly. The next time that the stress of getting things done starts to build up inside you then take a break and remember why you are really here. In the end it is the love we share, the joy we spread, and the happiness we create that matters. Those are the things God wants us to get done. -<>- ,;;;;;, ,;;;;;;;;, ;;;'____ ; ;;;(\\\\\; `/'((||||| ___< C))|||| ,' \__(((||), | \ _)))))))\,_ /| |/"\`\`""""' |) ; \ \ ) \_____/_| | |\ \' _.,-' | | ' \ \.,-' _./ | ( _,-\ _.-'' | ; "'|___\__.-' ; ) |----| _.--,;' ; ,' , | ( __.,-' | ,' ,' `""'' `. | ; ) `, ( ) | ( ,' | | ( | | | | | | | |___________| | | | | Normand Veilleux based on work by Tua Xiong >Don't hope. Decide! While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life-changing experiences that you hear other people talk about -- the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly. This one occurred a mere two feet away from me. Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jetway, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family. First he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other's face, I heard the father say, "It's so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!" His son smiled somewhat shyly, averted his eyes and replied softly, "Me, too, Dad!" Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe nine or ten) and while cupping his son's face in his hands said, "You're already quite the young man. I love you very much, Zach!" They too hugged most loving, tender hug. While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one-and-a-half) was squirming excitedly in her mother's arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, "Hi, baby girl!" as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder, motionless in pure contentment. After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, "I've saved the best for last!" and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then silently mouthed. "I love you so much!" They stared at each other's eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands. For an instant they reminded me of newlyweds, but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn't possibly be. I puzzled about it for a moment then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm's length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I was invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, "Wow! How long have you two been married? "Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those." he replied, without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife's face. "Well then, how long have you been away?" I asked. The man finally turned and looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile. "Two whole days!" Two days? I was stunned. By the intensity of the greeting, I had assumed he'd been gone for at least several weeks if not months. I know my expression betrayed me. I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), "I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!" The man suddenly stopped smiling. He looked me straight in the eye, and with forcefulness that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me, "Don't hope, friend... decide!" Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, "God bless!" With that, he and his family turned and strode away together. I was still watching that exceptional man and his special family walk just out of sight when my friend came up to me and asked, "What'cha looking at?" Without hesitating, and with a curious sense of certainty, I replied, "My future!" Dream what you want to be... Make a decision where you want to go... Be committed to it and be what you wanted to be... Because you have this precious life and chance to do all the things you want in life! -<>- ..::''''::.. .:::. .;'' ``;. .... ::::: :: :: :: :: ,;' .;: () ..: `:::' :: :: :: :: ::. ..:,:;.,:;. . :: .::::. `:' :: .:' :: :: `:. :: '''::, :: :: :: `:: :: ;: .:: : :: : : :: ,:'; ::; :: :: :: :: :: ::,::''. . :: `:. .:' :: `:,,,,;;' ,;; ,;;, ;;, ,;;, ,;;, `:,,,,:' :;: `;..``::::''..;' ``::,,,,::'' >Lesson in Unconditional Love by Brenda I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called "Smile". The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reaction. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway... so, I thought, this would be a piece of cake (literally). Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonalds, one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special play time with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch...an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell... and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling"... his beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally deficient and the blue eyed gentle man was his salvation. I held my tears... as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford (to sit in the restaurant and warm up they had to buy something... they just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it... the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me... judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you". I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you...God is here working through me to give you hope". I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me honey....to give me hope". We held hands for a moment and at that time we knew that only because of the Grace were we able to give... We are not church goers but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love. I returned to college, on the last evening of class,with this story in hand. I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it....then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?" I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings (part of God) share this need to heal. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonalds, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I Graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn... unconditional acceptance... after all... we are here to learn! -<>- ___ .dSSSS$$pp.. .dSSSS$$$$$$$$; .dSSSS$$$$$$$$$$$ :SSP^" T$$$$$$$$$$b_ dSSP $$$S$$$$$$$b` dSS$;_. .:$$$SS$$$$$$b dSS$$$_ ; __."^TSS$$$$$b dSS$$P;" ""' :lSS$$$$$b :SS$$$ ; ::SS$$$$$$b_. SSS$$$ : ` ;:SS$$$$$$$bp. :SS$$$$b \ -=- .-" SSS$$$$$$$$$$b SSS$$$$$b.`. / d$SS$$$$$$$$$$$b :SS$$$$$$$; ""T :$$$SS$$$$$$$$P^^t--' SSS$$$S$$$ : $$$$$SS$$$$$$$ : :SS$$$SS$; __; _$$$$$$SS$$$$$$ : SSS$SS l;: ; : $$$$SS$$$$$; ; :SS$SS $;: ; : $$$SS$$$$$$; /; TSSSS :$ \ ; ; :$S$$$$$$$$.-"/ `SP; :; ;: ; T$$$$$$$$; /; : ; ; : `.; /)T$$$$$P .' : ; : : ; .'/ :$$$P'.' .'\ ; \ :; / /$P^".' .-" ; : ;: .' .-" / \ `.____/_'.___:--""\ --' .' ) .-" .' "-._ "-._ ..--"")\ :-' : "-. "-._ ---""" /; ; : : \ "-._....____; : : \ :\ `. \ ; ; \ \\ \ \ ; : : `. \\ \ \ : ; ; ;"-t\ `. \ : : : : `; \ ; ; ; ; : \ / : : / ; \-..__ .'; : ; / : ; """T ; : / / ; \ : ; ; ;/ : : \ ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : ; ; / : : : ; ; ; / ; :; : ; ; / : :: ; ; ;_ `""--..__; :_; __ ;____;.-;'; ;.__.: :..t-"" j" ; ; : ; ; ;--"" \ [bug] ; ; ; : ; : \ ; ; : \ ; ; ;. ; ; \ \ ; : / ; ; ; \ \ ; : ; ; ; \ `-. ; ; .' ; ; \ \ ;___/ /______;.-' \ ---; / / ;______: .-' / '-------' >Regret City -Author Unknown I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. This is my annual "Guilt Trip." I got tickets to fly there on "WISH-I-HAD" airlines. It was an extremely short flight. I got my "baggage," which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the way. It was loaded down with a thousand memories of "what might have been." No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport. I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town. As I checked into the "Last Resort" Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event... the annual "Pity Party." I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the towns leading citizens would be there. First, there would be the "Done" family; you know, "Should Have," "Would Have" and "Could Have." Then came the "I Had" family. You probably know old "Wish" and his clan. Of course, the "Opportunities" family; "Missed and Lost," would be present. The biggest family there would be the "Yesterday's." There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. Of course, "Shattered Dreams" would surely make and appearance. "It's Their Fault" family would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in their life. Each story would be loudly applauded by the "Don't Blame Me" and "I Couldn't Help It" committee. To make a long story short, I went to this depressing party, knowing full well there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that this trip and subsequent "pity parties" COULD be canceled by ME! I started to realize that I did not have to be there. And I didn't have to be depressed. One thing kept going through my mind, I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY. I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as being encouraging. Knowing this, I left Regret City immediately, and didn't leave a forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES! But there is no way to undo them. So, if you're planning a trip back to Regret City, please cancel all those reservations now. Instead, take a trip to a nice place called: "Starting Again." I like it so much that I made it my permanent residence. My neighbors, the "Been Forgiven" and the "We're Saved" are so very helpful. By the way, you don't have to carry around the heavy baggage anymore either.. That load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. Just thank God for salvation. If you need directions, just look in your Bible and enter by "Grace Way." No taxes or other cost. God's Son paid the price, in full, for all sins and transgressions, a long time ago. Look me up if you're ready for a total change in your life. I now live on "His Will Way." Sincerely, "Born Again." --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching The Simplicity and Grace of THE NEW BIRTH [Romans 10: 9 and 10] https://tinyurl.com/3cp5jyh5 -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Hong Kong's Noah's Ark! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/noahsark2.html Grand Canyon! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/grandcanyon.html Cactus Blooms! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cactusblooms.html Wood Festival! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/woodfestival.html Trivia Facts! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/triviafacts.html Great Engineering! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/engineering.html Baby's First! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babyfirsts.html Dogs Vs Cats! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogcat.html Dolphin Rescue! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dolphinrescue.html Ocean Exploration! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ocean.html World's Largest Web! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/web.html Signs For Woman! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wsigns.html No Passing Zone! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/elephant.html Slow Loris! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sloris.html Silly Veggies! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/veggies.html Sgt. 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Veteran's Day 11/11/2025 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html -<>- How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ 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 God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Our Unconditional Love When we become a Child of God, through faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, He loves us in spite of our failures - in spite of the way we stumble and sometimes fall. But what type of love do we give in return? Do we have a continual love which remains through good and bad, or do we love only during our "scheduled" times and only when the conditions of our life are favorable for worship? The prophet Habakkuk ministered during the same general time as Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel. This was a time when the southern kingdom of Judah was being invaded by Babylon and eventually taken into captivity. There was great wickedness, sorrow, and fear in the land. Habakkuk asked God many of the same questions we might ask today: "How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but You do not listen? Or cry out to you, 'Violence!' but You do not save?" (Habakkuk 1:2). Habakkuk was frustrated that God appeared slow in answering his prayers and was allowing so much evil to go unpunished. Yet through these many trials, Habakkuk developed a deep and unwavering love. Habakkuk 3:17-18 "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Habakkuk presented his heart-felt and anguished concerns; but regardless of the outcome, his love for God would remain unchanged. Even if every one of his prayers seemed to go unanswered, he was determined to love God with all his heart. This same love was expressed by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego before they were thrown into the furnace. They knew God could save them, but their love did not depend on being rescued: "But even if He does not {save us}, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:18). They loved God simply because He was God! We know there will be times when the world around us seems to fall apart - times when our life begins to crumble and the heat of the furnace seems very real. There will also be many times when we just don't understand God's plan or timing. Our path may seem unclear and His timing painfully slow. When this occurs, we must strive for a love that doesn't fade or waver; a love which isn't weakened by heat or torn by the force of the wind; a love which is pure and not conditioned by external circumstances. Our Heavenly Father is our only true source of comfort and strength; "He alone is my rock and my salvation: He is my fortress, I will never be shaken" (Psalm 62:2). He has given His very best, and we ought to return our very best with a life of unbroken worship. Let's truly rejoice that He is God and faithfully give Him our unconditional love. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Ezekiel 7:1-9:11; Hebrews 5:1-14; Psalm 105:1-15; Proverbs 26:28 --- ...It is a matter of trust Concerning the sweeping Democratic elections this last Tuesday - No matter the outcome or what is happening around us in America, I am reminded of God's promise to our founding Father George Washington about the United States: . , )). -===- ,(( ))). ,((( ))))). .:::. ,(((((( ))))))))). :. .: ,((((((((' `))))))))))). : - : ,(((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))_:' ':_(((((((((((((((' `)))))))))))).-' \___/ '-._((((((((((( `))))_._.-' __)( )(_ '-._._((((' `))'---)___)))'\_ _/'((((__(---'((' `))))))))))))|' '|((((((((((((' jim `)))))))))/' '\(((((((((' `)))))))| |(((((((' `))))))| |((((((' /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ '---..___..---' George Washington’s Angel Vision as Recorded in the Library of Congress: ‘While the stars remain, and the heaven send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the UNION last.’ And taking from his brow the crown on which blazoned the word ‘UNION,’ he placed it upon the Standard while the people, kneeling down, said ‘Amen.’” This article was reprinted in the Stars and Stripes Dec. 21, 1950. https://tinyurl.com/42282rky So even though there are many young voters who are uneducated about the sorrows of socialism aka Communism, I know our country will not go the way of Venezuela or Cuba - that would abolish our Union as our forefathers have outlined in our Constitution. Electing people who are against capitalism, Jews, Israel, Law and Order and Christianity goes against the foundation of our country and against God Almighty. They shall not prevail. Unfortunately, the will of the people will be done, even if it means they will suffer from their own choices. In this age of Grace, God gives us our will - even if it is bad for us - which history has proven over and over again that socialism is bad. May God bless America even though many have gone against Him. There are still at least half of us who put our Trust in God no matter what happens. We know God will make it all turn out for good - eventually - through Christ Jesus our victorious Lord and Savor! :) _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See this teaching: Trust In the Lord! http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Trust_In_The_Lord.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >All For His Glory A few years ago I visited a planetarium and remember coming away with a renewed wonder of God's creation. I saw many pictures taken from large telescopes and even many taken from space. The stars are fascinating! I've often looked into the night sky and wondered about God's promise to Abraham: "'Look up at the heavens and count the stars - if indeed you can count them.' Then He said to him, 'So shall your offspring be'" (Genesis 15:5). When Abraham looked into that dark clear sky, you can be sure he saw a LOT of stars. But as incredible as our night sky appears, the facts of our universe quickly become staggering. During the day we see the sun - which is really just the closest of all the stars. Our sun, though it appears large, is a relatively small star located 93 million miles from Earth. This distance is about the same as traveling around the world 4,000 times. And though this distance is hard to comprehend, the next nearest star is 270,000 times farther away. But that's only two of the 200 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy - a galaxy which takes light 100,000 years to travel from one end to the other!! But as incredible as our galaxy appears, the Milky Way is but one of billions of other galaxies within the Universe. There are estimated to be as many galaxies in the Universe as there are stars in the Milky Way. But as incredible as our Universe appears... Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Just like that, it was done... and it was good. The Creator spoke and the Universe appeared. He then selected one of the billions of galaxies, one of the billions of stars within the galaxy, and one of the many planets around this star to create a people to call His own. God's plan from before the foundations of the world was to create a family who is adopted "as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will - to the praise of His glorious grace" (Ephesians 1:5-6). We who believe that Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of our sin have become a testimony of praise to God's glory and grace. In the same way, the immensity of the stars give testimony; "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" (Psalm 19:1). I can barely understand the distance to our sun, let alone the size of our galaxy or the size of the Universe, and I'll spend a lifetime trying to comprehend the "size" of our God; "The heavens proclaim His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory" (Psalm 97:6). If we would look up on a clear night we might see that our perceived status, as well as our varied problems, are all quite small. And we might begin to understand our God to be much, much bigger than we thought. We might even just shake our head, as we try to understand His love, and realize this is all for His glory. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Lamentations 1:1-2:19; Philemon 1:1-25; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 26:20 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...We know We know that our time on earth is but a fraction in God's timing - And We shouldn't think too highly of ourselves... James 4: [14] Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. God reminds us of this so that we... 1 Pet.5: [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. We give it to God. He'll take care of it for us and get it done. :) See these pages: God's Night Lights! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/night.html Earth In Perspective 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/earth2.html ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: : '. _ .' -= (~) =- .' # '. /""""" | (')') C _) \ _| \__/ <___Y> / \ :\\ / | :|\ |___| :|/\ | | :|\ \ \ \ :| \ \_ \ \==L| \\\ ///` || | || | || | || | || | || | || [___]] jgs (____)) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >QUOTES "When God was ready to judge the world with a flood, He came to Noah. When He desired to build a nation for Himself, He turned to Abraham. When He heard His children groaning under Egyptian bondage, He appeared in a burning bush to Moses. They were three of the most ordinary of men. But God had work to do, and He knew just who to do it with. God has always given His people assignments that are too big for them to handle alone, so that a watching world can see - not what we can do - but what God can do." - Henry Blackaby "I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough hellos to get through the final goodbye." ~ author unknown A bulldog can whip a skunk, but sometimes it's not worth it. - J. Nowell Marriage is like a deck of cards, in the beginning all you need is 2 hearts and a diamond. Some years later you'll want a club and a spade... -<>- _____ / \ / ````` \ /|`o o'|\ /|| . ||\ |*\\ _ //*| |*/ \ / \*| // / \ \\ /(__/\___/\__)\ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\ /| | / // \| | / // | | / / | | | /___\ | |___\ / / | | | / \ | / \ //^`, | | | // | |~~ | | | | | | | | | | | | / \ / \ / \ Alyssa >TO THE WOMAN OF ISRAEL I bought one of those little magnifying mirrors some months ago. It was one of the most frightening experiences of my life. I had no idea what my face really looked like. There were holes, red splotches, little lines and crevices in places on my face that I had no idea existed. I didn't know what to do about it. My family and I had recently moved back to the United States after living in Israel for nine years. I never noticed these types of things in Israel. Somehow, facial lines, faded clothes and worn shoes fit into the fabric of life in the Holy Land. Here in the States, those same things glared like red sirens. Once I moved back here I realized that the clothes on our lift -- the "good ones worth keeping" -- were not good, or worth keeping. They matched the lines on my face, which I now thought weren't good or worth keeping either. Here in my corner of America, I have noticed spas or salons on pretty much every commercial block in a 20-mile radius. I haven't been in one yet, but they beckon me with each peek into that dreadful mirror. I overheard my 10 and 12 year-old daughters discussing with their new classmates how many times they had their nails "done." My kids had a big lead for last place. I started thinking about some of the women I left behind in Israel and the lines on their faces. Did they notice? The woman who has 14 children and makes it to the Western Wall every morning at sunrise, no matter the weather, to cry out for the sake of the Jewish people. The grandmother who swam across Lake Kinneret to raise money for autistic children. The woman who opens her home for thousands of soldiers to thank them and give them honor. The women who lived in a tent near the Tomb of Rachel with their children to insure that the Israeli Government would protect it. The women of Gush Etzion who produced extraordinary musicals to heighten the spirits of women suffering from the destruction of bombings. The women who have taken in families from Gush Katif, providing shelter, food and comfort, in already crowded homes. These are not women who frequent spas. These women are too busy "earning their stripes." These are the women who live in Israel, raise their families in Israel, and deal with all that the Land and the politics dole out to them. These are the women who by virtue of living in Israel, "hold our place in line" for the time when we choose to visit, or make aliya. These women have no fear of that dreadful mirror. The lines on their faces represent lines of love, giving, caring, sharing, struggle, sacrifice, and commitment to the Jewish people, and the One Above. To the women of Israel, we thank you. -author unknown -<>- ______________________ .' __ `. | .'__`. = = = = |_.-----._ .---. | `.__.' = = = = | | | \ _______________ / .-. \ |`. | | | | ````````````,) \ `-' / | `. |_| |_/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~' `---' | `-;___ | `-----' ___ | /\``---..._____.' _ _...--''' ``-._ | | \ /\\` `._ | | ) __..--''\___/ \\ _.-'```''-._ `; | | / / .' \\_.-' ```` | | / |_.-.___| .-. .'~ | `( | `-' `-' ;`._ | `. jgs \__ ___.' //`-._ _,,, | ) ``--../ \ // `-.,,,..-' `; `----------' \//,_ _.-' ^ ```--...___..-' _.---. .---. ,--------, '---, `.________________________.' _ `. ,--------,' | ) ________________________ <_> : | _ | | .---' .' `. .' | .' `. | | `----' `---' | `._.' | | | |,',-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-==, |__________\---------------------------------------------------==' >USE THE GIFTS GOD GAVE - This is Stewardship: If you have a warm handclasp, use it. If you have a gift of speech, speak. If you have energy, spend it for good. If you have money, give it. If you have time, give it. If you have a hospitable home, share it. If you have a generous spirit, minister to the needy. If you love little children or youth, lead them. If you can sing, by all means glorify God with your voice. If you are fond of the beautiful and artistic, decorate God’s altar. If you have a heart of love, visit the sick, greet the stranger, sympathize with the troubled or sorrowing ones. If you have a business ability, the church and the pastor need you. If your faith is genuine, pray without ceasing. If your church means life to you and yours, then attend the worship services regularly and give thanks. You need the church and the church needs you... be active and begin now! Let us each do that which is ours to do, and pooling our efforts, rejoice in the total accomplishment of great and good things in service and loyalty. Will we, dare we, withhold our talents? --Author Unknown (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) -<>- \_/ --(_)-- . / \ /_\ |Q| .-----' '-----. __ /____[SCHOOL]___\ ())) | [] .-.-. [] | (((()) ..|____|_|_|____|..................................)(... ldb >MYSTERY OF THE MISSING REPORT CARD By Pamela K. Keyser, Otto, North Carolina With every nerve in my body tensed, I hurried down the dark streets of San Francisco's Mission District. Frightening even in the daytime, the neighborhood took on a sinister life of its own in the early morning hours. Only an emergency would have gotten me into those filthy alleyways at 2 a.m., and that was exactly why I was there that night in 1956. Clutched in my hand was my third-grade report card. It had to be signed for school the next day; "No excuses," my teacher had warned. So I had to find my mother. I reached the back door of another loud, smoky bar and pushed it open. Inside I stood for a long moment, giving my eyes a chance to adjust to the dim light before I scanned the bar. Not here. I slipped out and continued down the garbage-strewn streets. Teacher's words ran through my head: "No tricks this time, Pamela Parton. Understand?" Every six weeks we got our report cards, and every six weeks those cards had to be signed and returned the day after. It had taken me a month to return the first one, and each day, in front of the whole class, Teacher made sure to remind me of it. The next time around I had signed the card myself. "Did you think you would get away with this?" she had demanded, brandishing the stiff card with my mother's name childishly printed on it. The class had snickered at my failure at this simple assign- ment. How hard could it be to get your mother to sign a piece of paper? None of them knew that drugs and alcohol could make it impossible. Gripping the card in my hand, I considered my options. There was only one bar left, a biker hangout everyone called the Harley-Har- Har Bar. I peered down the alley and hesitated. The passageway was two blocks long and dark; anything could be lurking in it. But the open street would take twice as long. Better to get it over with. I took a deep breath and started down the alley. About a third of the way through I heard heavy footfalls behind me. I looked over my shoulder. In the murky night I could just make out the gigantic figure of a man standing in a boarded-up doorway. He was as tall as the doorframe, almost as broad and dark as night itself. I took a few steps forward. The footsteps followed. I walked faster—so did he. I started running, my arms pumping as my feet flew over the debris that littered the alley. Then I heard the thunder of his shoes right behind me! In the next instant I was dangling in midair, held up by the back of my shirt, my feet thrashing uselessly. Slowly I was twisted around, like a spider hanging on a thread, to face the man who had caught me. His blazing brown eyes pierced me like lasers. The veins in his neck twisted into steel cables. "What're you doin' here?" he snarled. I opened my mouth, but not a sound came out. "Come on," he growled, tucking me under his arm like a rolled newspaper and carrying me back the way we had come. I lay limp in his grip, too frightened to move. And then I realized my hands were empty. The report card! Had I dropped it in the alley? It doesn't matter now, I thought, wondering what terrible thing was going to befall me. And who would care anyway? No one was looking out for me. I'd heard an old man on the street once talking about God in heaven, who watches over us. God, are you watching me now? I asked. When we reached the sidewalk the man jerked me out from under his arm. "Stand up, girl!" I locked my wobbly legs and waited. The man bent down toward me. "You listen to me, white girl," he roared. "I'm gonna give you some change and I'm gonna put you on the bus. And I don't ever want to see you in this part of town again! You hear?" I nodded. I didn't care what Teacher did to me. I would never go looking for my mother around here again. Then a city bus materialized behind the man like a moving island of light. It was my bus, the one that would take me home. The clock read 3:30 a.m. as I crawled to my hidden bed behind the living room couch. I couldn't chance sleeping out in the open at my house. I could never be sure who was going to end up spending the night. The next morning I was surprised to see my mother at home. I sat beside her on the bed and took one of her trembling hands in mine. I told her all about what had happened the night before. My mother twitched on the bed, but once in a while she focused her green eyes on mine and tried to smile. "So I'll probably get in trouble again for not having my report card," I finished. "You're lying," a voice behind me sneered. "That's the dumbest story I ever did hear!" Spice, my mother's boyfriend, stood laughing at me from the bedroom doorway. "I'm from that part of town, and ain't no man there as big as all that!" I grabbed my satchel and took off for school. What did Spice know? As the other students chattered around me in the classroom, I sat at my desk, dreading the moment I would have to reveal that I didn't have my signed report card—again. "Okay, students," Teacher said. "Please come up as your name is called." I hugged my book bag to my chest as, one by one, my classmates put a signed report card on top of her desk. "Parton!" she called. I squeezed my satchel closer to my chest. Not hearing the expected footsteps, Teacher snapped her head up and looked at me over her half-glasses. "Parton!" she repeated. "Your report card." Instinctively, I nodded and opened my book bag, pretending to look for the report card as I tried to come up with an excuse. My hand rummaged over the contents of my bag: school books, an orange peel, a broken barrette, my Ginny doll and—What's that?— a square of thick folded paper. The class had fallen silent. Teacher stood. My hand closed around the piece of paper. I'll tell her I grabbed this in the dark this morning instead of my report card! I thought, pulling it out of my bag. I swiped my tongue over my dry lips to begin my lie and unfolded... my report card! "I got it! I think," I stammered, holding the card out in front of me like I was offering a bone to a snarling dog. "Well, bring it up here!" Teacher commanded. I went to her desk, laying the bent manila card on top of the pile. "It is signed, isn't it?" she said, eyeing me over those glasses. I looked down at the card. There on the signature line was the light cursive writing of my mother's signature. I stared at it in wonder. "Yes," I whispered. "It is." Behind me, I heard a few giggles from the other kids. "Well?" Teacher asked, frowning. "Anything else?" "No, ma'am," I said. "Then take your seat, please." I smiled to myself as I walked back to my desk. Teacher didn't know a miracle had happened. And the signed report card was only the half of it! . , |`. ,'| \_`-._ _,-'_/ ./ \-._`-._ _,-'_,-/ \, \._/._ `._>`-.__ __,-'<_,' _,\_,/ /_ \_.`-._\_-._ `--__ __--' _,-_/_,-',_/ _\ /._`\_./ _`_./`.-._ `-. ,-' _,-,'\,_'_ \,_/'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./ _/`\_ `. ,' _/'\_ \,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /._`/ _/ _`_./` _/ `\_ `\_ _/' _/' \_ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./` __/ >. `-.,-' ,< \__ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /_`/._/._`_./` __.`.-\_.-`'-._/-,',__ '\,_'_,\_,\'_\ `\._`_./`\._/_/' _ `\_\_,/'\,_'_,/' /_\ \./ __/(__ / `--' \ / _ _ \ \'| |`/ \|____|/ \/ -] \/ / | \ | | | | | \ / | \ \__,-`\___/ (_) |__) mic God had sent me an angel in that dark alley. Not a beautiful, gossamer-winged creature I might have returned to look for, but an imposing giant sure to shock some sense into me, and make me think twice about coming and going whenever and wherever I pleased. I was only a child, after all, and since there was no adult around to remind me of that, God's angel had stepped in to do it. Not long after, I was taken away from my mother by the state. Eventually I was given to my father, who sent me to live with relatives and friends. People often wonder how I survived. Simple: I was on my own from a very early age, but I was never, ever alone. as seen in Inspiration Plus 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: "I went to see Lenin's tomb when I was in Moscow. He is sealed in a crystal case. You can see his waxen face and his trimmed beard, and on that tomb these words are written: 'He was the greatest leader of all peoples of all countries of all times. He was the lord of the new humanity. He was the savior of the world.' Do you notice it's all past tense? He was. Jesus IS alive. He IS the great I AM. It is an encounter with the living Christ that makes the difference in our lives. We serve a Savior who is alive and listening to our every prayer. He is bottling every tear and rejoicing with every victory." - Adrian Rogers "Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything. Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret, and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God." - Oswald Chambers __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Did Jesus Use... (Author Unknown) [Edited] Did Jesus use Twitter, At the Sermon on the Mount? Did He ever try Facebook, To send His message out? Did the disciples carry cell phones, As they went about their route? Did Jesus use Twitter, At the Sermon on the Mount? Did Paul use a Laptop, With lots of RAM and ROM? Were his letters posted on a blog, At Paul.Rome.Com? Did the man from Macedonia, Send an E-Mail saying "Come?" Did Paul use a Laptop, With lots of RAM and ROM? Did Moses use a joystick, At the parting of the Sea? And a Satellite Guidance Tracking System, To show him where to be? Did he write the law on tablets, Or are they really on CD? Did Moses use a joystick, At the parting of the Sea? Did Jesus really die for us, One day upon a tree? Or was it just a Hologram, Or Technical Wizardry? Can you download the Live Action Video Clip, To play on your PC? Did Jesus really die for us, One day upon a tree? Have the wonders of this modern age, Made you question what is true? How a single man, in a "simple time", Could offer life anew? How a sinless life, a cruel death, Then a glorious life again, Could offer more to a desperate world, Than all the inventions of man? If in your life, the voice of God, Is sometimes hard to hear. With other voices calling, His doesn't touch your ear. Then set aside your laptop, And all your fancy gear. And open your Bible, open your heart, And let your Father draw near. 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 ========================================================== |\ |\ |\ |\ || .---. || .---. || .---. || .---. ||/_____\ ||/_____\ ||/_____\ ||/_____\ ||( '.' ) ||( '.' ) ||( '.' ) ||( '.' ) || \_-_/_ || \_-_/_ || \_-_/_ || \_-_/_ :-"`'V'//-. :-"`'V'//-. :-"`'V'//-. :-"`'V'//-. / , |// , `\ / , |// , `\ / , |// , `\ / , |// , `\ / /|Ll //Ll|| | / /|Ll //Ll|| | / /|Ll //Ll|| | / /|Ll //Ll|| | /_/||__// || | /_/||__// || | /_/||__// || | /_/||__// || | \ \/---|[]==|| | \ \/---|[]==|| | \ \/---|[]==|| | \ \/---|[]==|| | \/\__/ | \| | \/\__/ | \| | \/\__/ | \| | \/\__/ | \| | /\|_ | Ll_\ | /|/_ | Ll_\ | /|/_ | Ll_\ | /|/_ | Ll_\ | `--|`^"""^`||_| `--|`^"""^`||_| `--|`^"""^`||_| `--|`^"""^`||_| | | ||/ | | ||/ | | ||/ | | ||/ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | L___l___J L___l___J L___l___J L___l___J |_ | _| |_ | _| |_ | _| |_ | _| jgs (___|___) (___|___) (___|___) (___|___) ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ >-->Remembering at least one day a year should not be a trial. "They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old; Age shall not wither them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning WE WILL REMEMBER THEM" (caps are mine) Maurice Byers aka mojo "In Flanders' fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place and in the sky The larks still bravely singing fly, Scarce heard amidst the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset's glow, Loved and were loved and now we lie In Flanders' fields. Take up our quarrel with our foe. To you from failing hand we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high And if ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep though poppies blow In Flanders' fields. - Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae (a doctor with the Canadian Army's 1st Field Artillery Brigade, he wrote this at Ypres, one of the most terrible battles in a war of terrible battles. He had also served as a doctor in the Boer War) --- \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz ...Happy Veterans Day! US Troops Index! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html >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 **********************************************************************