Happy, Safe And Blessed Memorial Day Weekend... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz *~* Happy, Safe And Blessed Memorial Day Weekend! :) We are most thankful to all our Vets and their families! Thank You! Many American high school and college students are graduating this month, and those at our Nation's military academies are no different. President Trump tells Coast Guard graduates to 'never surrender' May 20 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump delivered the commencement address Wednesday at the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut, telling graduates that they'll be tested but to "never surrender." "Wherever the duty calls, whatever danger comes your way, you will fight, fight, fight, and you will win, win, win," the president said. Read More Here: https://tinyurl.com/yc2mw6ew See this teaching: Never Give Up! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html -<>- >-->3 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press ?? Our too hot to handle new page comes from my daughter Tammy. I first did a page on one of these family pets 16 years ago. Since then, they have become a sensation on the internet due to their easy going friendly and lovable nature. They get along with all animals - even crocodiles! Check this and its video out here: _ _ (`-`;-"```"-;`-`) \.' './ / \ ; 0 0 ; /| = = |\ ; \ '._Y_.' / ; ; `-._ \|/ _.-' ; ; `"""` ; ; `""-. .-""` ; /; '--._ \ / _.-- ;\ : `. `/|| ||\` .' : '. '-._ _.-' .' jgs (((-'` `"""""` `'-))) Adorable Capybaras! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/capybara.html --- ...Amazingly cute! Thanks Tammy! \\\ ____ ________``` \ =|- [________] \ | =| | _ | | \ __ ejm |__=|- O--(_) `.______.' \ O=======(__) /|\ (/(|(\ We have a new delicious recipe here Under Meals And Breads: Buttermilk BISCUITS https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/easy.html Our steaming hot new page comes from our friends Linda and Geniann. It's for all you classic car buffs giving you photos and some old car firsts trivia. Be sure to check this interesting one out here: _______/_____ D'-. | / ) '(o)'-.....'(O)' ind Amazing Trivia Car Facts 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/triviacarfacts2.html --- ...Wow! Full of fun historic firsts! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: A man's feet should be planted in his country, but his eyes should survey the world. With our tribute to Memorial Day this Monday, we present a poem from Grady Fuller. You'll find it very fitting, especially this year, when we have come to understand and appreciate the contribution from so many who protect us. ,__ _, \~\| ~~---___ , | \ | Wash.| | ~~~~~~~|~~~~~| ~~---, _ VT_/,ME> /~-_--__| | Montana |N Dak\ Minn/ ~\~_/Mich. /~| ||,' |Oregon | \ |------| { WI / /~) __-NY',|_\,NH / |Ida.|~~~~~~~~|S Dak.\ \ | | '~\ |_____,|~,-'Mass. |~~--__ | | Wyoming|____ |~~~~~|--| |__ /_-'Penn.{,~Conn (RI) | | ~~~|~~| | ~~\ Iowa/ `-' |`~ |~_____{/NJ | | Nev | '---------, Nebr.\----| |IN|OH,' ~/~\,|`MD (DE) ', \ |Utah| Colo. |~~~~~~~| \IL| ,'~~\WV/ VA | |Cal\ | | | Kansas| MO \_-~ KY /`~___--\ ', \ ,-----|-------+-------'_____/__----~~/N Car./ '_ '\| | |~~~|Okla.| | Tenn._/-,~~-,/ \ |Ariz.| New | |_ |Ark./~~|~~\ \,/S Car. ~~~-' | Mex. | `~~~\___|MS |AL | GA / '-,_ | _____| | / | ,-'---~\ `~'~ \ Texas |LA`--,~~~~-~~,FL\ \/~\ /~~~`---` | \ \ / \ | -jorn \ | '\' `~' >THIS HALLOWED LAND As I composed this verse, tears melded with the words, as I remembered those friends and acquaintances whose lives were taken. With the utmost gratitude and honor, I offer my deepest respect to those brave young men and women who gave their last full measure, and to those who endured enormous physical and mental hardships in the defense of our homeland. It has been said that only the good die young. Most did not want to die, they just wanted to get back home and live the life that most of us enjoy. They just wanted to be near their loved ones, grow up, marry and raise their children. They just wanted a house, a car, some conveniences, to live in the suburbs, and take photographs on a Sunday afternoon. They just wanted to teach their sons to play baseball, ride a horse, and throw a football. They did not want to point a gun at another human, nor take the lives of other individuals. Their lives were snuffed out so very young, but they did want to do whatever they could, or whatever was necessary, to permit others like you and me to enjoy this hallowed land. .. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ .$$$$. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. .$$$$$ * * * * * * * * * * ::::::::::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::' * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$F * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$d$$$$$$$" ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ":::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::" ""$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$P $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$L ;; ;::::::::::::::::;; ;;:::. $$$$$$" "" $$$$$; Donna Shepherd ^$$" $$$$ "" * MEMORIAL DAY The Day of Infamy, sixty years ago this year Somehow, the memory is ever so clear. It was in a harbor, the name of Pearl, An American Flag remained unfurled. It was a morn of sunshine clear, The birds could be heard in every ear. A thunderous roar came out of the West, The direction of the sweet robin's nest. A soldier's thoughts were that of home, For now he seemed to be so very alone. The bombs came, they rained their hell! Soldiers, flyers, sailors, and people fell. A bomb fell so very close by, A soldier was heaved high into the sky. Those last few moments of his life, He dreamed of a world without strife. He longed for the folks back home, A girlfriend not, for he was alone. His thoughts were of Mom and Dad As the life from this young man bled. And now once a year in this month of May, From his grave, this soldier has his say. Remember me, and my comrades at arms, Bless those that keep this country from harm. -- Grady Fuller ___________________________________________ Email addresses in our publication have a space before and after the @ symbol. This is to prevent viruses from reaching our writers and others. If you want to correspond, just remove the spaces. -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >THE GREATEST Although writer-motivator Earl Nightingale left us some years ago, his ideas and concepts remain reasonable. Some are classic. Here, taken from his writings and recordings, are living concepts worth re-reading and reconsidering: The greatest puzzle: life The greatest thought: God The greatest mystery: death The greatest mistake: giving up The greatest need: common sense The greatest invention of the devil: war The greatest secret of production: saving waste The greatest bore: one who keeps talking after he has made his point The greatest comfort: The knowledge that you have done your work well The greatest sin: fear The greatest blessing: good health The greatest law of nature: cause and effect The greatest gamble: substituting hope for fact The greatest joy: being needed The greatest opportunity: the next one The greatest victory: victory over yourself The greatest handicap: egotism The greatest loss: loss of self-confidence The greatest waste: all the talent and ability that most of us have but never quite get around to using The greatest thing, bar none, in the world: love, love for family, home, friends, neighbors... and for the land in which we enjoy our freedom. -- Ron Gold Publisher's Note: Ron Gold has quoted Earl Nightingale whom I had the honor and privilege of interviewing many years ago. He is still considered one of the greatest minds on human potential and success. His book and tape, "The Strangest Secret" changed my life, and I have listened to it hundreds of times. I highly recommend it for anyone wishing to change their life for the better." -- Lee Simonson =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Transformative Power (edited) 'No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'1 Modern society has many solutions to unhappiness, but the happiness that the world offers always fails. Only God's transforming power can turn someone with a broken spirit into a follower of Christ, who truly knows his worth. To find wholeness, we must receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, for this, the sin that separates us from God must be erased. Then, with the strength of the gift of holy spirit, we can face the disappointments, hurts, and sins of the past that left us feeling unworthy. Someone who is fulfilled feels satisfied with life. Adversity is inevitable, but it does not destroy the born-again believer, for they know that God works all things together for good(Romans 8:28) for them as they love God and keep His commandments. In contrast, someone who feels fragmented or empty often has the opposite experience. They may look good on the outside while having a struggle on the inside. This may even be the case for Christians who have not learned to fully experience God's love and renew their mind to His Word. The Lord can and will make His love known to believers who ask Him. And through Him comes the fullness that you have been seeking. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to remember that in You I am more than a conqueror. Help me to remember Your transforming love whenever I am drawn to the fleeting happiness the world offers. Thank You, Dear Father, that nothing and no one can change Your love for me. Thank you for this revealing truth. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. 1. Romans 8:37-39 (NIV). Today;s Encounter was written by: Rosina N. --- ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt ...Reminds me of this song I heard this morning: Matthew West - The God Who Stays https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHMVSdIjBcg "The God Who Stays" If I were You I would've given up on me by now I would've labeled me a lost cause 'Cause I feel just like a lost cause If I were You I would've turned around and walked away I would've labeled me beyond repair 'Cause I feel like I'm beyond repair Oh, but somehow You don't see me like I do Somehow You're still here You're the God who stays You're the God who stays You're the one who runs in my direction When the whole world walks away You're the God who stands With wide open arms And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart From the God who stays I used to hide Every time I thought I let You down I always thought I had to earn my way But I'm learning You don't work that way 'Cause somehow You don't see me like I do Somehow You're still here You're the God who stays (You're the God who stays) You're the God who stays (You're the God who stays) You're the one who runs in my direction When the whole world walks away You're the God who stands (You're the God who stands) With wide open arms (With wide open arms) And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart From the God who stays My shame can't separate My guilt can't separate My past can't separate I'm Yours forever My sin can't separate My scars can't separate My failures can't separate I'm Yours forever No enemy can separate No power of hell can take away Your love for me will never change I'm Yours forever You're the God who stays (You're the God who stays) You're the God who stays (You're the God who stays) You're the one who runs in my direction When the whole world walks away You're the God who stands (You're the God who stands) With wide open arms (With wide open arms) And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart From the God who stays You're the God who stays You're the one who runs in my direction When the whole world walks away You're the God who stands With wide open arms And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart From the God who stays Hearing the song reminded me of this from Romans: [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. And I thought, "what is the difference from us and Adam and Eve? We who are born-again have God's spirit like they did, yet their's was conditional - they sinned and lost their spirit - ours is not conditional . We shall never lose our spirit. Of course, the simple answer is that we have God in Christ in Us. Jesus lived a life free of sin and never went against God. We who are born again have Christ's spirit. Jesus proved his love to God. When God looks at us, He sees our perfect spirit. We have eternal life because of our savior Jesus Christ. ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt Which brings my thought to the song... Where Would I Be (Lyric Video) - Peter Burton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TinJk_p9ZVs Lyrics: Standing where I stand now I know that He's the reason I almost can't believe it Every wrong turn He turned around and I can just imagine If it didn't happen How it happened Oh Seeing how good He's been to me Oh I can't help but think Where would I be if I didn't have Jesus Pulling me outta that grave Where would I be if I didn't have mercy Pulling me away from my ways I'd probably crash and burn Stay stuck down in that dirt Like a prodigal running from home Where would I be if I didnt have Jesus Thank God, thank God, thank God Ill never know I used to feel the weight Of the chains that I was holding Til my savior came and broke em I used to walk with shame I was living at a loss Til he settled up my cost At the cross Oh Giving His life so I could live Oh Didn't leave me where I've been Where would I be if I didn't have Jesus Pulling me outta that grave Where would I be if I didn't have mercy Pulling me away from my ways I'd probably crash and burn Stay stuck down in that dirt Like a prodigal running from home Where would I be if I didn't have Jesus Thank God, thank God, thank God I'll never know Thank God I'll never know Where would I be if I didn't have Jesus Pulling me outta that grave Where would I be if I didn't have mercy Pulling me away from my ways I'd probably crash and burn Stay stuck down in that dirt Like a prodigal running from home Where would I be if I didn't have Jesus Thank God, thank God, thank God I'll never know Thank God I'll never know Thank God I'll never know Written by Peter Burton, Matt Armstrong, AJ Pruis 2025 Integrity's Praise! Music (BMI), Peter Burton Publishing (BMI) (adm at IntegratedRights.com), Pruis Not Prius (ASCAP) / Combustion Five (ASCAP) / Story House West Wing Music (ASCAP) (admin by Me Gusta Music LLC), Music of Story House Music (BMI)/Sam and Hank Songs/Be Essential Songs (BMI) (admin at EssentialMusicPublishing.com) <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Deliverance from Fear 'I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.'1 Humanity has always had the tendency to worry and experience fear, which is why we can find numerous verses in the Bible related to this topic. With all that has changed and the added pressures of modern life, it seems that most of the people I speak with these days are experiencing even higher levels of fear based on the high levels of uncertainty we are facing. Although today's verse is short, it gives us the answer on how to be delivered from fear. Let's take a closer look: 'I sought the Lord.' The first thing we are reminded of is the importance of seeking the Lord. As Matthew 6:33 says, 'Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.' God holds our future and we need to make Him our starting point for any situation. 'He answered me' Many times you may question if God is hearing your prayers because you aren't seeing the results you expected. However, God answers and will act according to HIS will, not our will. Jeremiah 33:3 says, 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' God answers and is working His perfect will in and around us. We may not understand, but we can trust Him. 'He delivered me from all my fears.' When we are caught up in fear, we tend to forget how great and faithful our God is. He cares about what we are feeling. He looks on us with love and compassion. I love how Isaiah 35:4 tells us, 'Say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with a vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.' God has never left us and He won't start now! Regardless of the cause of your fears, take a moment to seek God and lay them down at His feet. He cares for us and wants to take away our fears and give us peace. Suggested prayer: Dear God, allow me to give you my fears and anxieties without hesitation. I choose to trust that you remain in control and YOU are greater than he who is in the world. Thank you that you will answer when I seek you, and you will deliver me. In Jesus Christ's name, amen. 1: Psalm 34:4 (NIV). Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Reminds me of this verse 1 Pet.5: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Reciting God's Word, helps to expel fears. Give it to God :) When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== . , )). -===- ,(( ))). ,((( ))))). .:::. ,(((((( ))))))))). :. .: ,((((((((' `))))))))))). : - : ,(((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))_:' ':_(((((((((((((((' `)))))))))))).-' \___/ '-._((((((((((( `))))_._.-' __)( )(_ '-._._((((' `))'---)___)))'\_ _/'((((__(---'((' `))))))))))))|' '|((((((((((((' jim `)))))))))/' '\(((((((((' `)))))))| |(((((((' `))))))| |((((((' /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ '---..___..---' >George Washingtons Vision and Prophecy About America George Washingtons 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. Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted: Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful for her is the third. But the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land, and UNION. With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown me the birth, the progress, and the destiny of the United States. Such, my friends, the venerable narrator concluded, were the words I heard from Washingtons own lips, and America will do well to profit by them. The first-hand account of this vision was given in 1859 by an old soldier named Anthony Sherman. He gave it to a writer, Wesley Bradshaw, who published it. The account was taken from the reprint in the U.S. war veterans paper The National Tribune, in December 1880. The National Tribune is now called The Stars and Stripes. This article was reprinted in the Stars and Stripes December 21, 1950. https://tinyurl.com/42282rky =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .---. (_---_) (_/6 6\_) ( v ) `\ /' .-'': ;``-. / \,Y./ \ / (:)___ \ : .-'XXX`-.`\_; `.__.-XXX-.__.'\_ / / XXX \ \ `\_ / XXX \ `\ / XXX \ _`\___ jgs / \ (`--"""-') / \ (=-=-=-=-) `--...___ ___...--' (________) >An Unexpected Moment By Sara L. Henderson It was hard to watch her fail. Physically she was growing thinner and more stooped. Mentally she was losing her ability to sort out reality. Initially, my grandmother had railed angrily against the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease that were eroding who she had always been. Eventually, the anger gave way to frustration, and then resignation. My grandmother had always been a strong woman. She had a career before it was common for women to have careers. She was independent. In her eighties, she was still dragging out her stepladder every spring to wash all the windows in her house. She was also a woman with a deep faith in God. As my grandmother lost her ability to live alone, my father moved her into his home. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren were often in the house. She seemed to enjoy being surrounded by the noise and activity of a large, extended family. As she slipped further away from us mentally, my grandmother would occasionally have moments of lucidity when she knew where she was and recognized everyone around her. We never knew what prompted those moments, when they would occur or how long they would last. Toward the end of her life she became convinced that her mother had knit everything she owned. "Mama knit my boots," she would tell strangers, holding up a foot clad in galoshes. "Mama knit my coat," she would say with a vacant smile as she zipped up her raincoat. Soon we were putting on her boots for her and helping her zip up her coat. During my grandmother's last autumn with us, we decided to take a family outing. We packed up the cars and went to a local fair for a day of caramel apples, craft booths and carnival rides. Grandma loved flowers, so my dad bought her a rose. She carried it proudly through the fair, stopping often to breathe in its fragrance. Grandma couldn't go on the carnival rides, of course, so she sat on a bench close by and waited while the rest of the family rode. Her moments of lucidity were now a thing of the past - having eluded her for months - but she seemed content to sit and watch as life unfolded around her. While the youngest members of the family ran, laughing to get in line at the next ride, my father took my grandmother to the nearest bench. A sullen-looking young woman already occupied the bench, but said she wouldn't mind sharing the bench. "Mama knit my coat," my grandmother told the young woman as she sat down. We didn't let my grandmother out of our sight, and when we came back to the bench to get her, the young woman was holding the rose. She looked as though she had been crying. "Thank you for sharing your grandmother with me," she said. Then she told us her story. She had decided that day was to be her last on Earth. In deep despair and feeling she had nothing to live for, she was planning to go home and commit suicide. While she sat on that bench with Grandma, as the carnival noises swirled around them, she found herself pouring out her troubles. "Your grandmother listened to me," the young woman informed us. "She told me about a time in her own life, during the Depression, when she had lost hope. She told me that God loved me and that He would watch over me and would help me make it through my problems. She gave me this rose. She told me that my life would unfold, just like this rose, and that I would be surprised by its beauty. She told me my life was a gift. She said she would be praying for me." We stood, dumbfounded, as she hugged my grandmother and thanked her for saving her life. Grandma just smiled a vacant smile and patted her arm. As the young woman turned to leave, she waved good-bye to us. Grandma waved back and then turned to look at us, still standing in amazement. "Mama knit my hat," she said. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...So sweet and sad The devil stole my husband's mom from us. We watched as day by day he stole her memory taking the woman she once was away from us. I pray for a cure for Alzheimer's disease. John 10: [10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I thank God that we'll be with her again after Christ Returns because we know she was born again. -<>- .-. __/ ( , '-.____\ u=='/ \ /_/ \ .-'' | ( ____/_____ _>_/.-------- \/// // snd // >Second Chance You only go around once they say, But my second chance is here; I have this through my grandchildren, Each one I hold so dear. With our children young we are so rushed, To do each daily chore; So little time for games and play, I wish that I'd had more. But I have this now and I feel the joy, And I take the time to see; That it's the little things that mean the most, Like a hug and kiss that they give to me. I can love them and I can spoil them, And have them stay the night. Then home with Mom and Dad; They've been a pure delight. Each one is so very different, I had found this in my children, too; Different is just another wondrous thing, He's given to me and you. So with my grandchildren, my second chance has surely come back around, I thank you God, for those special gifts; And the sweetness in each that I've found. Written by Shirley Jean Pickens --- ...Same with those we love Take the time to be with them a second time. -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >A BLESSING IN MY LIFE God knew I needed a Blessing, So he sent you my way. God knows what my needs are and blesses me each Day. With your laugh, your smile, and in every deed you do, God Blessed My life with so much love; When HE blessed My life with YOU!!! --Unknown -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >"The Common Denominator" A few years ago I went to California for a vacation and visited Rodeo Drive, an exclusive shopping district in Los Angeles. While wandering up and down the street and looking into the store windows, this cotton mill boy saw more wealth behind panes of glass than I ever saw in a Sears-Roebuck catalog. For the first time in my life, I saw doormen turning shoppers away trying to enter the stores solely by their appraisal of how wealthy they appeared to be. I do not know how I got in, but I went into Gucci's store, but wished I had not. About the cheapest thing I saw was a man's handkerchiefs priced at $150.00 EACH! That visit opened my eyes, but the experience kept my eyes opened. I wonder why too many of us are enthralled with celebrities. Do we, vicariously, flock around them because of the way they are dressed, their wealth, or who they know? Do we look to them for great dissertations of wisdom, or their contributions to society? I think not. I think those who find a self-fulfilling prophesy in the well-to- do find fulfillment through a projection of their lives through them and for their wealth. They dream their dreams through a fantasy of their power, money, and the common denominator of what they have and what they wish they had. To the "have nots," the "haves" live in a world of the "golden rule," or "those that got the gold make the rules." When the "haves" and the "have nots" come to the final days and breaths of our lives, what will be the common denominator of us all? It will not be how much gold we have, how much we spend on clothes, or what car we drive! The greatest common denominator of all times is salvation through Jesus Christ. To those who look to gold for power, when they take that last breath before drifting off into eternity, He will look at them saying, "Depart from Me, for I never knew you." If wealth of power or the power of wealth is your common denominator, I suggest you turn your life over Jesus Christ, the One owns the cattle on a thousand hills and all the gold in those hills. His Father teaches us in the Scriptures that if we confess Jesus as our Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved. For the with the mouth confession is made and with the heart man believeth unto righteousness." --Lawrence Brotherton --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...I've got a couple comments on this one... Yes, God made it simple Because of all that Jesus went through and did for us, all we have to do is say out loud "Jesus Christ is my Lord" and mean it while truly believing in our heart that God raised him from the dead. That is so simple a child cab be saved and have eternal life. Once saved, you become a child a God's and a joint-heir with Christ! See These Teachings: The Simplicity and Grace of THE NEW BIRTH [Romans 10: 9 and 10] https://tinyurl.com/3cp5jyh5 Sonship Rights here: http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Promises.htm '! !' '\).-.(/' .) o o (. n (o) n' .-@ =-= @-. / .'=._.='. \ .-' '-.".-' '-. )_ /-._,6,_.-\ _( '. /. " .\ .' '"' ; ; '"' '. .' 6: :6 : : '. .' : : '. .' ! ! : : .-. ! ' ; ' ; " '. .' "^Y$bpgd$P^" "Y$$P' fsc / \ Also today's Democratic Socialists are exploiting those 'have nots' and turning them against those 'haves' making it seem as if being well off is a crime. It isn't. Even God sets it straight here... _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` 3 John 1 [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. God wants us to prosper. That way we aren't in fear over where our next meal will come from or how our bills will get paid. God wants us to rely on him... See this teaching: God Is Our Sufficiency http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/God_is_our_Sufficiency.htm That is what is so great about the United States. Anyone who wants to can succeed and be well off. It is because the USA is a capitalist country. Not a socialist country. All socialist countries in history have failed the people. Why? Because it is against God. 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. If a person just wants to beg and live off the country getting free this or that while they are fully capable of working, then the bible says they should not eat. Which is exactly what happens in socialist countries. They get free stuff until they run out of other people's money. Then the leaders stay wealthy while the people starve. Look to Cuba for instance. God wants those who are able to work. It is good. He also wants those who are able to give to those who are unable to work. He made the law of Giving = Receiving so that those who gave to the unfortunate may receive back in abundance for their charity. Galatians 6: 9 -- And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See this teaching: GIVING EQUALS RECEIVING http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/GIVING_EQUALS_RECEIVING.htm Being jealous of the rich is not healthy. I first saw this a long time ago. I never was around a rich person before. But while I was, I noticed that the people around him running errands for him or doing things for him, treated him differently. It was as if he was a celebrity and they couldn't do enough for him. Like he was going to give them his money for them falling head-over-heals to do all they could for him. Literally gushing all over him. What I felt was funny was that, he was a big skinflint. I felt this was probably why he was so well to do. He didn't spend lavishly or foolishly. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Stretching For The Lord! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/stretching.html Our Gifts And Callings! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html Are Angels Real? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Rose Petals! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/rose.html Journey Through Life! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/journey.html Our Valuable ANCHOR! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Military Dogs! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/militarydogs.html Dog Warriors! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogwarriors.html Kilroy Was Here! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kilroywashere.html Military WWII Posters! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/militarywwii.html War Pics: Daily 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/daily3.html Rescued Squirrel! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rsquirrel.html Lest We Forget 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lestweforget2.html Rays Freedom Rock! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/freedomrock.html Cute Squirrels! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/squirrels.html Sgt.Stubby War Dog Hero! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stubbywardog.html Origami Dollar Art 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dollarart2.html Car Show 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carshow2.html Silly Veggies! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/veggies.html World's Fastest Cars! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fastcars.html Moms And Dads INDEX: https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/momsanddadsindex.html 911 And Troops INDEX: https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html -<>- How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Spirit & Truth Index: https://stfi.org/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Trump Honored America's Mothers this week with the launch of Moms.gov, a new federal resource hub providing expecting and new mothers with centralized access to health, benefits, and family support. https://www.moms.gov/ The President also hosted a Mother's Day Rose Garden Luncheon at the White House, bringing together Angel Moms and Gold Star Mothers for a deeply personal tribute to their courage and sacrifice. Read More White House News Here: https://tinyurl.com/yyj4x26f President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ TrumpRx doesn't sell medications. Instead, it connects patients directly with the best prices, increasing transparency and cutting out costly third-party markups. More meds added! https://trumprx.gov/ White House Actions - 2026 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump executive orders and actions, 2025-2026 https://tinyurl.com/musd7m3x DOGE Latest News https://doge.gov/ DOGE Latest Savings https://doge.gov/savings From The Daily Acorn: Positive News https://www.thedailyacorn.com/ Latest From Lifezette: https://www.lifezette.com/ Latest From Hannity: https://hannity.com/ Latest From American Action News: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Newsmax: https://www.newsmax.com/ Latest From Expose: https://expose-news.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://greatergood.com/clicktogive/ggc/home ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Meet Them Where They Are Peter heard the call of Jesus in the middle of a storm and "got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus" (Matthew 14:29). Peter knew the voice of his Lord and knew that if He called, He would also provide a way to follow. But Peter soon "saw the wind...and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!'" (Matthew 14:30). Matthew 14:31-33 "Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' He said, 'why did you doubt?' And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, 'Truly You are the Son of God.'" Jesus' words to Peter might seem a little harsh. After all, Peter had stepped onto the water while the other disciples remained in the boat. But Peter needed to be encouraged in what true faith could accomplish. He needed to clearly see that "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26), but only if he kept his eyes focused on Jesus. God had great plans for Peter - plans which would require extreme faith - so Jesus ministered to Peter's doubts and fears by meeting him on the water. Jesus then climbed into the boat with the other disciples. Rather than chastising them for their lack of faith and telling them how they should have climbed out of the boat with Peter, Jesus simply allowed them to worship. These disciples had failed to understand who He was, and now they needed to just spend time loving and worshiping their Lord. Jesus ministered to the needs of these disciples by meeting them in the boat. The Apostle Paul had a similar understanding of ministry opportunities: "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). Paul never sinned in order to save the sinner, but he understood where a person was in their spiritual journey and met them on their road as he began to minister. Every day God places people in our life who need encouragement and desperately need to be directed onto a path which will lead them closer to God. None of us know all the answers, and we certainly don't need to force everything we know into a single conversation, but we each are given an opportunity to minister - an opportunity which may only last a moment and may never truly return. Let's look for the specific needs of those who cross our path and be prepared to encourage with the truth of God's Word. But as we speak the truth, whether on the water, in the boat or even back on the shore, let's minister as we meet them where they are. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ? Ruth 21:1-1:22; John 4:5-42; Psalm 105:1-15; Proverbs 14:25 <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >A Defeated Enemy As we study God's Word, we should be reminded of how fortunate we are to have so many stories and testimonies upon which to build our faith. This is particularly true of the multitude of Old Testament stories; "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4). One of the great encouragements is shared through a prostitute named Rahab. As Joshua led the Israelites out of the desert and into the promised land of Canaan, the first enemy they faced lived in the mighty walled city of Jericho. When spies were sent to Jericho to determine the enemy's strength, Rahab told the spies, "all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you" (Joshua 2:9). Rahab said the people of Jericho had heard how God parted the Red Sea and how He had been with the Israelites in previous battles. Joshua 2:11 "When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." God caused the walls of Jericho to collapse and allowed the Israelites to take the city, but this first enemy in the promised land was conquered long before the Israelite army even arrived. The people of Jericho knew of God's miraculous power and were already defeated. The only thing necessary for victory was for the Israelites to show they were willing to walk in the strength God provided. God does not desire for us to remain in the desert. He has "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). But to enter the promised land, we must be prepared to face our enemies and trust in the strength of our Heavenly Father. The enemy "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This enemy is very real and ready to attack our areas of weakness. But the enemy is also well aware of God's power and will turn away any time we make a stand; "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). The enemy's fate has been sealed - his end has already been determined - but we must daily resist by getting dressed for battle and then trusting in the power of God for our strength. Let's submit our lives into the loving hands of our Heavenly Father and boldly enter the peace-filled land He has promised. The lion will continue to roar and try to bite, but we must never forget that Jesus has already assured complete victory. When we trust Him with all our heart and daily walk in His strength, we truly face a defeated enemy. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13; John 11:54-12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26 2 Samuel 1:1-2:11; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23; John 13:31-14:14; Psalm 119:17-35; Proverbs 15:31-32 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching Your Power of Attorney http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Your_Power_of_Attorney.htm ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >JESUS' BURIAL When Pilate learned that Jesus was dead, he asked the soldiers if they were certain. They were. Had they seen the Nazarene twitch, had they heard even one moan, they would have broken his legs to speed his end. But there was no need. The thrust of a spear removed all doubt. The Romans knew their job. And their job was finished. They pried loose the nails, lowered his body, and gave it to Joseph and Nicodemus. Joseph of Arimathea. Nicodemus the Pharisee. They sat in seats of power and bore positions of influence. Men of means and men of clout. But they wouldve traded it all for one breath out of the body of Jesus. He had answered the prayer of their hearts, the prayer for the Messiah. As much as the soldiers wanted him dead, even more these men wanted him alive. As they sponged the blood from his beard, dont you know they listened for his breath? As they wrapped the cloth around his hands, dont you know they hoped for a pulse? Dont you know they searched for life? But they didnt find it. So they do with him what they were expected to do with a dead man. They wrap his body in clean linen and place it in a tomb. Josephs tomb. Roman guards are stationed to guard the corpse. And a Roman seal is set on the rock of the tomb. For three days, no one gets close to the grave. But then, Sunday arrives. And with Sunday comes lighta light within the tomb. A bright light? A soft light? Flashing? Hovering? We dont know. But there was a light. For he is the light. And with the light came life. Just as the darkness was banished, now the decay is reversed. Heaven blows and Jesus breathes. His chest expands. Waxy lips open. Wooden fingers lift. Heart valves swish and hinged joints bend. And, as we envision the moment, we stand in awe. We stand in awe not just because of what we see, but because of what we know... We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us (Rom. 6:59 MSG). From From When Christ Comes: The Beginning of the Very Best Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1999) Max Lucado -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. . . . Mark 16:9 Of all the people Jesus could have appeared to first after His resurrection, He appeared to Mary Magdalene. It is interesting to think about, because among the Jews of the day, the testimony of a woman was not held in high regard. In fact, some of the rabbis falsely taught that it was better for the words of the Law to be burned than to be delivered by a woman. Yet Jesus chose a woman to be the first herald of His resurrection. It is also worth noting that women were the last at the cross and the first at the tomb. Mary had courage that many of the men did not have when Jesus was crucified. She stood by Him through it all. In fact, the Bible tells us that after He was crucified, Mary "observed where He was laid" (Mark 15:47). She watched as they took His crucified body from the cross and wrapped it and placed it in a tomb that belonged to Joseph of Arimathea. And while the guards were deciding to post a soldier by that tomb, she spent an entire night there all alone, before the guards were there . . . before the disciples were there. And her love was rewarded. God said, "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). God rewards the person who is diligent. And for those who will take time in their day to seek the Lord, for those who will take time to read His Word, for those who will take time to wait upon Him, He will reveal His truths to them. as seen in Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie -<>- .----------. / .-. .-. \ / | | | | \ \ `-' `-' _/ /\ .--. / | \ | / / / / / | `--' /\ \ /`-------' \ \ Jym Dyer >DO NOT BE AFRAID OF CHANGE II Kings 22:11-13, 22: 15-20 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant: "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this Book that has been found. Great is the LORD's anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this Book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us." She said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, 'This is what the LORD says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and aroused my anger by all the idols their hands have made, My anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.' Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people-that they would become a curse and be laid waste-and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the LORD. Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.'" So they took her answer back to the king. (NIV) Thoughts I bought my first Leupold scope 2nd hand when I was 20 years old. It is still on my primary hunting rifle 27 years later. I have since bought 3 more scopes plus binoculars, I'm not likely to change brands easily. (Ruben C) Action Point Josiah became king when he was 8 years old. In the 18th year of his reign the Book of the Law, Deuteronomy, was found in the temple of Solomon when one of his high priests were renovating it. When the scriptures were read to King Josiah, he tore his robes and not only he, but all his people pledged themselves to God's Word. Wow!!! I just imagine most men, like me get set in their ways and making a radical change from our status quo is just not very likely. Even Christians who follow Christ and God's Word in the Bible can have a difficult time walking the straight and narrow. But fortunately, He gives us grace and an opportunity to repent. King Josiah was a man whose example in repentance and change - when it was the best thing to do for God and the good of those around him - was exemplary of a true disciple. Do not be afraid of change when it comes to obedience of God's Word. John 13:17 promises, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (NIV). Sportsman's Tip of the Day I inherited an original Redfield scope a while back and I have looked through some very fine "Widefields" in my time. This one however looked a little dim, but I mounted it on my daughter's deer rifle anyway. Big mistake. I learned the hard way that in low light it was a disaster and have since replaced it with a new scope. Do not take equipment into the field if it is not 100% regardless if it's a name brand or not! as seen in Sportsmen's Daily Devotional -<>- \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp >ONE PAIR OF HANDS One pair of hands formed the mountain One pair of hands formed the sea One pair of hands made the sun and the moon Every bird, every flower, every tree One pair of hands formed the valley The ocean, the river and the sand Those hands are so strong, so when life goes wrong Put your faith into one pair of hands One pair of hands healed the sick One pair of hands raised the dead One pair of hands calmed the raging storm And thousands of people were fed One pair of hands said I love you And those hands were nailed to a tree Those hands are so strong, so when life goes wrong Put your faith into one pair of hands Those hands are so strong so when life goes wrong Put your faith into one pair of hands Put your faith into one pair of hands -<>- _________ ' |. |_ . |. |:| . .-----. ` |. |/ / RIP \ |_________| | | __|___|__ ____________|_______|______[_________]______________ | | | _______ _______ ______ __ __ _______ ______ | | | __| | | | |/ | ___| __ \ | | |__ | | | ---| <| ___| < | | |_______|_______|______|__|\__|_______|___|__| | | | | | |____________________________________________________| b'ger >COLLEGE KIDS AND CREDIT CARDS: A DEADLY DUO Steve Diggs Less than ten percent of college kids carried credit cards in the 1990's. Approximately 70 percent carry these little gems today. Those that have credit cards don't just carry one card; five is the average. The most striking aspect of this decline into indebtedness is that many of these young people are using their long-term college loan money to pay off short-term plastic debt. Many young adults are coming out of college with so much debt they will likely be in debt for the rest of their lives! Unless they make a u-turn in a New York minute, many will never be able to save for their own kids' college educations, give to others, or prepare properly for their own retirements. Frankly, I get angry at colleges (even Christian colleges) that let the credit card companies set up their little card tables on campus loaded with $3.00 gifts: tee-shirts, Frisbees, and coffee mugs. All they have to do to get one of these fabulous gifts? Sell their soul and accept a credit card. In many cases, under present law they don't even have to show a source of income. With all that said, I am not suggesting that it's always a mistake for a college student to carry a credit card. I am saying it's time for parents to get involved, and stop letting the inmates run the asylum! If you want to let your Joe Cool go to college with a credit card, fine. But consider doing five things first: 1. Set a low spending limit. In most situations, a card with a $500 or $1000 limit is more than adequate. 2. Decide what the card can (and, cannot) be used to purchase. Is it just for emergencies? Can she buy gas with the card? What about cloths or books? Make a list (hopefully a short one) and have both parties sign off on it. 3. Determine to pay every penny every month -- no exceptions. This is the time when life-long habits are being formed. A "zero tolerance" plan makes great sense here. A credit card is not a magic carpet ride. It is simply an instrument for paying bills and keeping records. Using a credit card to buy stuff we don't have the cash to pay for is the beginning of a train wreck. A little further education here: It would be wise to help your son or daughter understand that one of the reasons merchants like credit cards is because they know plastic spending is less painful to the spender than using real money. People using credit cards will spend on average 12 to 18 percent more than they would if they were using cash. The goal is to avoid the urge to splurge. 4. Every month, within 24 hours of the time the student receives his credit card bill, he promises to fax you a copy to review. 5. If any of the provisions in 2, 3, or 4 above are broken the card is closed and canceled. No exceptions. Tough love? Maybe. But there are millions of young American adults today who now wish someone loved them enough to apply these five simple rules a few short years ago. March 1, 2010 Steve Diggs presents the No Debt, No Sweat! Christian Money Management Seminar at churches and other venues nationwide. Visit Steve on the Web at www.stevediggs.com or call 615-834- 3063. The author of several books, today Steve serves as a minister for the Antioch Church of Christ in Nashville. For 25 years he was President of the Franklin Group, Inc. Steve and Bonnie have four children whom they have home schooled. The family lives in Brentwood, Tennessee. --- _____ _____ |K WW| _____ |Q ww| | ^ {)| _____ |J ww| | ^ {(| |(.)%%| _____ |10 ^ || ^ {)| |(.)%%| | |%%%||A . | |^ ^ ^||(.)% | | |%%%| |_%%%>|| /.\ | |^ ^ ^|| | % | |_%%%O| |(_._)| |^ ^ ^||__%%[| | | | |___0I| |____V| ...Yes Like all credit, it is good as long as you pay it off within a month. After that, they pile their fees on to your loan and it can easily mean you are paying 2-3 times as much for an item than it is worth. Don't play into their game - You can beat them at their own game if you keep Number 3 in mind at all times. as seen in Debt Busters 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: "A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he gets to know something." - Wilson Mizner , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Destroy The Ites (By Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries, www.gdwm.org) Moses had led the people of Israel through the desert for 40 years and was now preparing them to cross the Jordan River into the promised land of Canaan. As part of this preparation, Moses reminded the people how God had provided for all their past needs and reviewed the laws by which God expected them to live; "and if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us, that will be our righteousness" (Deuteronomy 6:25). The people of Israel would be brought into a right relationship with God as they worshipped Him and obeyed His commands. But as they entered the promised land, there were many enemies which had to be removed. Deuteronomy 7:1-2: "When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations - the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you - and when the Lord your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy." These enemies posed a serious physical threat, but the longer term danger was to their spiritual survival. God wanted these "Ites" completely destroyed because their worldly gods would continually pull at the heart of His chosen people; "Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods" (Deuteronomy 11:16). This can be a difficult message with today's soft view of sin. But there is an important lesson for each of us who desire a close relationship with God. Today, Jesus has provided the path to righteousness; "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" (Romans 3:22). But God still desires the entirety of our heart and expects us to turn from anything which pulls us away from an unhindered and unrestrained devotion. As he leads us into His promised land of rest and peace, there will always be enemies which entice us to turn from God, many temptations which compete for our time and thoughts... and for our worship. These "Ites" will appear stronger than our ability to conquer. But as we follow hard after God, He will grant us victory; "the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you" (Deuteronomy 7:22). What enemies take us away from the worship of God? What addictions, activities, desires or fears are consuming our heart and keeping us from being focused on Jesus - keeping us from a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father? Let's be determined to possess the land and fully give our heart to God. Let's identify the enemies which hinder our walk and, without mercy, let's completely destroy the Ites. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Reminds me Socialists are like the 'Ites'. They shows us 'shiny objects' we can have all for free! All we have to do is vote for these socialist leaders and give them all the power over our lives. However, The bible clearly teaches us... 1 Cor.4: [12] And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: The socialists take from the rich as they can't make any money themselves. God doesn't want us stealing from the rich or from anyone for that matter: Eph.4: [28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Socialists want us to go against God - Just give up our own power to do as God wants us to do and take their socialist handouts! They want to take from the 'haves' and give to the 'have nots'. This is fine until you run out of people willing to work for others that are too lazy to work. Then all people except those in charge suffer. They make sure they are ion the 'haves' category. The devil always makes it look good to go against God. In the end, though, it is always best to do God's Will. Josh.22 [5] But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deut.11: [13] And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, [14] That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. [15] And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full. [16a] Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived Why? Because God wants us to prosper as long as we live: 3 John 1: [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 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 ========================================================== _ /_) (8_))}- . \_) '. .--. . , .-.-,_, : '. .' )`-.>'` ( '---'`; / `\ | . | | | _.' \ / / .' `=(\ /.=` ' `-;`.-' '._ `)| , ` ' ' ' ' ' || .-'| ,_|| \_,/ , \|| .' |\|\ , ||/ ,_\` |/| |Y_, '-.'-._\||/ >_.-`Y| ` ,_|| \|| || jgs || |/ >-->PERFECT ARRANGEMENT I sat beside a rosebud Fragrant and full-blossomed Beside her sits an Iris Dog-eared, brilliant, awesome The church is full of flowers Each different and unique The view is most delightful Though a sight most fail to see If God made each a flower For the world to fix a gaze We would make a fine bouquet As we send up our praise God made each unrivaled In shade, design and sniff Yet I know there are times We treat each other as if... We've encountered stinkweed The stench, it does offend The color seems too gaudy Or far to dingy in the end But God made each bloom special Selecting color, scent and hue We are his full arrangement Made of him, her, me and you. by Glenn A. Hascall -<>- . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >-->NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE THE FUTURE IS YOURS, IT BELONGS TO YOU, WITH FAITH IN GOD AND IN YOURSELF, TOO. NO HILL'S TOO HIGH, NO MOUNTAIN'S TOO TALL, FOR WITH FAITH IN THE LORD, YOU CAN CONQUER THEM ALL. ALL THAT YOU WISH FOR, THAT IS HONEST AND TRUE, THE LORD WILL CERTAINLY GIVE TO YOU. NOT ALWAYS THE WAY YOU MOST DESIRE, BUT ALWAYS HE GIVES WHAT YOU MOST REQUIRE. SO ACCEPT WHAT HE SENDS, BE IT 'BITTER OR SWEET', FOR GOD KNOWS BEST WHAT MAKES LIFE COMPLETE. GREAT IS YOUR GLADNESS AND RICH YOUR REWARDS WHEN YOU LEARN TO ACCEPT THE WILL OF THE LORD! -HELEN STEINER RICE >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your ad message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO Foundational Teaching Seminar NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. 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