The True Meaning Of Christmas... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends Linda and Geniann. Being at the right place at the right time with a camera in hand is what this series is all about - Capturing that rare and/or once in a lifetime shot. Check this stunning page out here: ^^ @@@@@@@@@ ^^ ^^ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ ^^ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~~~~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ pjb Amazing Photos 8! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazingphotos8.html --- ...Love these rare photos! Thanks Ladies! Our simmering hot new page is from our friend Linda. I've been sitting on this one for a while and finally decided to get busy and make a new page with it. She is such a character! She has a huge fan base. For plenty of chuckles, visit here: /|_\|/_/| , ,--,-. . / ( O O ) \ | (___)' | |. , | / '-'\__,' | //|. \\\ \ ||| , `-'|\\ ||| ' ||| c D ' , c D UU ' '-' ' UU \ __ / __|| ||__ (___/ \___) [lf] Aunty Acid Humor! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/auntyacidhumor.html --- ...Such a fun one! Thanks Linda! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: 'A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away.' -- Eva Logue Is there anything more fun than decorating the Christmas tree with your 2 and 3 year old grandchildren? Probably not. Kathy shares her story today about Avery and Gemma. ,;;, ';;;' )`\ .--' ) .--' / .' ( ."`-./_ _ _ _\.-'". | (` `=``_````_``=` `) | `) (0)__(0) (` /` .-( )-. `\ | ( \/ ) | \ '._/\_.' / '-._ `""` _.' jgs /'-. _.;_...-'' | ()` | '-`/\`-./ ((\\ \)\\ )) (/ >THE LITTLEST CHRISTMAS HELPERS by Kathy Whirity It takes a little effort to turn our home into a Christmas wonderland. Each year the totes filled with holiday treasures seems to magically multiply, so it takes a wee bit of motivation to get the halls decked out for the season. Turning on the radio was all we needed to turn on the Christmas cheer. Humming along to the tunes of Rudolph and Jingle Bell Rock helped us along. Bill and I, are a good team. Bill lugs in all the totes and boxes from the garage and I begin the Yuletide task of unpacking everything. Every year, I swear I'm going to take pictures of where everything goes but I never do. I tell myself I'll remember and then curse myself when I don't. This year we had unexpected helpers, our little grand girls, Avery and Gemma. Avery is a little over 3 years old and Gemma will be 2 in December. The Christmas tree was up but a strand of lights was out so Bill sat on the floor trying patiently to replace the defected set. It didn't stop Avery from gathering up ornaments and putting them on the tree. Gemma wasn't so helpful. She'd pick up an ornament and throw it back into the tote. Thankfully nothing shattered. Gemma was more enthused with the variety of snowmen I was unpacking. She began arranging them here there and everywhere. There was no pattern, no rhythm or reason. But we were accomplishing one thing -- we were having a blast with the grand kids. I showed them Baby's First Christmas ornaments that had photos of their mommy and their aunt when they were babies. I tried to keep them all in the middle of the tree, next to the pictures of them in their Baby's First Christmas ornaments. They weren't so impressed with Nonnie's nostalgia. They were too busy hanging Mistletoe on door knobs and wearing wreaths like necklaces. Every year since they've been born I've made it a tradition to buy each one a special ornament. This year, Bill got a train ornament with his name on it and the girls each got a personalized Princess castle. When Gemma, who has suddenly began talking non-stop, opened hers she looked at the pretty pink and purple castle and said, "Once Upon A Time..." When it was time for them to go home, Bill and I looked around our house, that now looked like a couple of dysfunctional elves had visited, and had a good laugh. The joy of sharing this experience with two bright eyed little helpers had reenergized my decorating duties. With Christmas carols blaring in the background I worked fast and furious to get the house done. This Christmas, I have the gift of three beautiful grandkids to share this special time of year. They are definitely the ornaments that decorate my heart with all the love this Christmas season can hold. -- Kathy Whirity __________________________________________________ Kathy is a syndicated newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. She is also a contributing author to The Chicken Soup For the Soul book series. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >From Gratitude Comes Generosity Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.1 In the middle of President Lincoln's Presidency, an elderly lady made an appointment to see him. As she entered his office, he inquired, "How can I be of service to you, Madam?" The lady answered, "Mr. President, I know you are a very busy man, and I have not come to ask you for anything. I simply came to bring you this box of cookies." There was a long silence. Tears flowed from Lincoln's eyes as he began: "Madam, I am greatly moved by what you have done. For since I have become President, people have come into this office one after another asking for favors and demanding things from me. You are the first person who has ever entered these premises asking no favor but bringing a gift. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."2 We celebrated Thanksgiving and gave thanks to God for the many blessings he gives us. Yet today, people across the country are running to the stores to fulfill their premade lists of Black Friday items they want to buy! Now, there is nothing wrong with buying a needed item on sale. However, many will buy simply because the item is on sale, not because they need it. Before we run out and spend money on unnecessary items, could this be an opportunity God is giving us to bless someone else? One of the best gifts we can give God, is by caring for those in need. God cares for us, and when we learn to trust his provision in our life, we will experience His peace and contentment in our lives. Let us not forget all the things we are thankful for and may this attitude of gratitude lead us to practice generosity towards those around us. Suggested prayer: Dear God, in moments when I start to worry about the things I don't have, let me bring it to you in prayer and trust your faithfulness. Help me learn to be content and keep me from the temptation of always wanting more. Please shift my focus to ways in which I can bless someone else today and show them your love. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1: Philippians 4:6-7 2: www.sermoncentral.com Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Reason for the Season 'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.1 A recent poll revealed that almost half of all Americans surveyed choose Christmas as their favorite Holiday. The wintery season, with or without snow, has come to hold a beloved place in the hearts of most people around the nation. For many, the cold (or cooler) weather, accompanied with the white and colored lights that decorate neighborhoods, causes a nostalgic feeling that brings memories of warmth and joy. Families look forward to the time-honored traditions of trimming the tree, wrapping special gifts and baking sweet treats. Christmas carols play over the speakers in the grocery store and in our car, putting us in a Christmas mode. Although many of our beloved traditions came to America only a couple of centuries ago, other countries have celebrated Christmas in a similar manner for a lot longer. And of course, the history of Christmas dates back to that quiet night in a worn stable, 2000 years ago, when our Savior came to this world to bring us hope and salvation. Even in a world where many still reject Jesus as Savior, the word 'Christmas'¯ brings honor to the one whose name is uttered. It is hard to say, 'Merry Christmas'¯ to someone without saying 'Christ'¯. It is hard to sing 'Silent Night' without giving reference to the events of that Holy Night. And the star (or Angel) atop the tree still announces the birth of Christ so long ago. So, you see, the reason for this beloved season and all the joy it brings is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ! This Season, as you go about in the "Hustle and bustle" of the Holiday, let us make sure our focus stays on the real reason for the celebration, giving honor to the birthday Joy-giver. Let the words 'Merry CHRISTmas' ring true to all those you wish it to! Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, as we head into this very busy Holiday season, help me to keep focus on the fact that this most popular celebration was made to bring glory to you. Help me make you the priority 'the Reason' for the Season! In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. 1: Luke 2:11. Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _.._ .::::::. ::' ':: ::. .:: `:(>()<):' , //\\ , , # / \ # , ___#_#______#_#___ [__________________] |=_/\ /\ /\ /\ =| |- \ \\ \\ \\ \_-| |=-(_/(_/(_/(_/_=| |_.------------.=| |=| o o |=| _|-| ! `( ! |-|_ /==_| ! _(_.)_ ! |=_-\ |jgs|/^\^=^^=^/^\| _=| >THIS IS A HOME WHERE CHILDREN LIVE You may not find things all in place, Friend, when you enter here, But we're a home where children live, We hold them very dear. And you may find small fingerprints, And smudges on the wall, When the kids are gone, we'll clean them up, Right now we're playing ball. For there's one thing of which we're sure, These children are on loan, One day they're always underfoot, Next thing you know they're gone. That's when we'll have a well-kept house, When they're off on their own, Right now, this is where children live, A loved and lived in home." -Judith Bond (1980) -<>- _...._ .::o:::::. .:::'''':o:. :o:_ _::: `:(_>()<_):' `'//\\'' jgs // \\ /' `\ >At Day's End Is anybody happier because you passed his way? Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today? The day is almost over, and its toiling time is through; Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you? Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast, That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed? Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said; Does the man whose hopes were fading, now with courage look ahead? Did you waste the day, or lose it? Was it well or sorely spent? Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent? As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say, "You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?" -John Hall -<>- _..._ _..._ /\_|_/. .\_|_/\ |-(` \/\ /\/ `)-| '/_> \/\ /\/ <_/' _ \/\/\/ _ /'-:_\/\/_:-'\ | '=_/``\_=' | | .= \__/ =. | \_.-'/;|\'-._/ /\/|'||\/\ jgs /\/ / || \/\ /\/ |_/ | \/\ /\/ \_\ \/\ \/ \/ >What Matters Most I'd watched this old man for many months, with tattered clothes most worn I'd seen the look on many a face, as each looked at him with scorn He did not hold a sign up, on the corner where he stood Begging for food or money, like others like him would And each day that I'd see him, I'd glimpse into his eyes He'd catch my gaze and look away, and I'd often wonder why I began to think to myself, what life he'd lived before A beggar not was this man I saw, was he rich or feigned be poor? One day I noticed he wasn't there, that corner, his familiar place And I vowed that if I saw him again, I'd speak to him face to face As days went by I forgot this man, this man who'd seen much hate He must have been just another bum, another corner would be his fate One day I walked past his spot, on my way to meet a friend And saw him right in front of me, my vow this day I'd spend "Sir, I vowed I'd talk to you, if ever I saw you here. And ask you what your life had been, throughout your many years." "Son", he said, "I know you, I've seen your face before I'm not a bum as you probably think, I'm rich and not poor." "If rich why do you dress this way, can you explain this to me? The rich own cars and have big homes, they stand not on the street." He reached into his pocket, and showed me a picture of His wife who'd died one year ago, the one he dearly loved "It matters not how big the home, I have everything I need What matters most in life my son, is that which we can't see." Copyright © 1998 Brian Jett -<>- _.-"""-. .' \ `\ .' .-' '. _ | /.__ ) C, ^ \ .' `'-. ( ;-.-' / '. ) | / \ / _., ; . ';-"`;_.'\ | '. \ | / .* ** *, |___ `'-..___.|__/--' * .--. * | ```"""-----'/ '*/_ _`\*'`\ )"""----....___.; _.`.|^.^ ?;` .' .' '.`'. .;-.-'\_- /-.',( / '. \ /_.' ;.| |'--....___ ___..--` \ .;' .-' .; L.._ __ ```` __..-' /; / `.' / ;._`__````""--""`` \ .'( _.'`.' /` 7 | ``""";--.._ | /`,'`'"".`"` '.' .' | 7 | | `' | \__.` '. _`;.' .' \__| .--'._; / |_`""-'` | .' \__/` jgs `'-.___.; .-; `\...._/-' {_}-' \ \ `-.._ | / `"-' >Somewhere Somewhere someone is lonely somewhere someone is blue somewhere someone is saying a prayer of love for you. Somewhere someone is weeping somewhere someone is weak somewhere someone is hoping to feel the prayer you speak. Somewhere someone has fallen somewhere someone needs a hand somewhere someone kneels in prayer and hopes the good Lord understands. Somewhere someone is praying somewhere someone prays for you somewhere someone is wishing for all of the good God can do. Say a prayer... -<>- * . . . | . * \|/ -->*<-- . /|\ . ' | ' * | . | . ' jgs^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >I KNOW WHO I AM... I am God's child (John 1:12) I am Christ's friend (John 15:15) I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17) I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20) I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27) I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1) I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10) I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8:1-2) I am assured all things work together for my good (Rom. 8:28) I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34) I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22) I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3) I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20) I am the salt and light of the earth (Matt. 5:13-14) I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15:1-5) I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8) I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3:16) I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor.5:17-21) I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph.2:6) I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10) I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1:5) I have been justified (Romans 5:1) I have been adopted as Gods child (Eph 1:5) I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:18) I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14) I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16) I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13) I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom.8:35-39) I belong to God Do you know who you are? -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Christ's Life! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html Bailey's Jesus! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html Amazing Grace! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html The 2nd Commandment! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/2ndcommand.html Who Is This Jesus? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Come Adore Him! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html Winter Wonderland And Life Lessons! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lessons.html Colorful Birds! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/birds.html God's Paintings 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints2.html Humor in Politics 4! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/politics4.html Just Have Faith! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faith.html Never Give Up! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Celebrities Then And Now http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/celebrities.html Attitude Is Everything! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Ocean Exploration! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ocean.htm Christmas Index!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasindex.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 ========================================================== >-->Tips And Hints From ViralLife: .--,--. `. ,.' |___| :o o: O _`~^~'_ | by dcau /' ^ `\=) .' _______ '~| `(<=| |= /' | | |_____| ~~~~~~~ ===== ~~~~~~~~ >The Unsuspected Power of Nutmeg We had no idea that nutmeg could be so potent. This spice originates in India, where people have used it for many purposes beyond just flavoring food. This is because it contains Eugenol, an excellent component for heart health that also possesses strong antibacterial properties. Nutmeg can eliminate bacteria in the mouth and help prevent cavities. Researchers have found that nutmeg helps alleviate feelings of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Some people even claim that nutmeg acts as an aphrodisiac; in an experiment conducted on male rats, the libido of those who consumed nutmeg soared. The Unsuspected Power of Nutmeg We had no idea that nutmeg could be so potent. This spice originates in India, where people have used it for many purposes beyond just flavoring food. This is because it contains Eugenol, an excellent component for heart health that also possesses strong antibacterial properties. Nutmeg can eliminate bacteria in the mouth and help prevent cavities. Researchers have found that nutmeg helps alleviate feelings of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Some people even claim that nutmeg acts as an aphrodisiac; in an experiment conducted on male rats, the libido of those who consumed nutmeg soared. NOTE: A Word of Caution Of course, nutmeg is not intended to be a substitute for visiting a doctor if you are experiencing pain. But it certainly won't hurt to consume a little nutmeg to alleviate minor discomfort. Put some in a cup of tea or a mug of warm milk, or add it to your cooking, and feel its positive effect on your body. Just be sure not to consume too large an amount of nutmeg—it can cause mild hallucinations. -<>- ______________________ (___________ | [XXXXX] | | __ /~~~~~~~\ | | CT / \|@@@@@@@@@\ | | ) \ |@@@@@@@@@@|| | ( \@@@@@@@@@@|| ______ | __)__ \@@@@@@@@/ | |on|off| | C\| \ __\@@@@@@/__| ~~~~~~ | \ / (____________|__________| \___/ |_______________________| ccw@aloha.com ccw@aloha.com >Coffee Grounds 14 original and ingenious uses that you did not know you could make with ground coffee. Coffee is the favorite drink for millions of people. Especially in the morning. It gives us the feeling of awakeness that we need so much at the beginning of the day, a feeling that many of us don't know how they would function without it. Well, it turns out that coffee has other advantages aside of spurring us in the morning. Take the ground coffee for example. Most people toss the ground coffee in the bin after use. But it turns out that there are important uses for the remains of ground coffee. 1. Fertilizer Ground coffee is used as a wonderful fertilizer. Rich in nutrients, it contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphates, all excellent for plants. 2. Cure for cellulite Although there are all kinds of expensive creams and lotions that will help you deal with cellulite, you may throw away the best solution - ground coffee! Combining it with ground coffee oil can help you deal with cellulite problem. 3. Compost Ground coffee can be used as an excellent compost. If you have a compost container in the garden, you must include the ground coffee that you planned to throw in the trash with it. Worms are important for compost and ground coffee can attract these worms. 4. Prevents snails Snails hate ground coffee! So if you have a snails problem in the garden, just sprinkle ground coffee, thus avoiding the snails invasion to your vegetables. 5. Prevents ants Just like preventing snails, ground coffee is effective in preventing ants. It turns out that the smell of the coffee is so strong that it makes the ants go away from the place. 6. Prevents wasps You can prevent wasps from flying near your house, but this time you'll have to do things a little differently. Take the ground coffee and place it in a fireproof jar. Then turn on the coffee with a lighter or a match. The smell would keep the wasps away. 7. Prevents cats Believe it or not, but you can use ground coffee to keep cats away. Just sprinkle ground coffee around your house, and the cats will not come near. Visit here for the rest of this list: https://veer.li/10251 ========================================================== __,_,_,__) __,__ ,__) ,__) (--| | | _ ,_,_ (--/ `|_ ,_' ,-|-,_,_, _, , _| | |(/_| | (_| _\__)| || |/_)| | | |(_|/_) ( ,_| ( |_, |_, .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._ >-->Merry Christmas From Eightball It is Christmas eve and I can't sleep. I get up and walk through the house. It is quiet, dark, and still. The children are asleep, no doubt dreaming of Christmas morning. I walk quietly down the hall. The only light is the glow of the Christmas tree in the living room. I walk to the front window. It is Christmas eve and it is snowing. Those big, perfect flakes, wafting silently down upon the quiet street evoke feelings of peace and wonder. I feel like a child inside; full of wonder and innocence. Looking back is like looking at an old painting; painted by some unknown artist, for only my eyes to see. In the silence of the evening, I drift back to a time when I was a small child. I remember Christmases, now long past. I see myself a little boy getting up on Christmas morning, wide-eyed and innocent and seeing brightly colored packages neatly arranged around the tree. I can't stand the anticipation; wondering what is in those packages. I pick them up, give them a shake, and try to guess. It is 5:00AM and too early to wake mom and dad. But, I am too excited to go back to sleep. A bounty of innocence and childlike wonder am I. I can remember the stillness, the peace, and the joy of Christmas mornings as I look back in time through the eyes of a child. Pensive now, more cynical in my adulthood, I wonder what has happened to the world in the decades since then. It has changed so much. Now it seems no one says "Merry Christmas", it's always "Happy Holidays" as if "Merry Christmas" was an offensive term. I hear "retail sales up seventeen percent as Christmas shoppers pack stores" on the news. I see advertisements where it appears that the value of a gift is not in the spirit of giving but in how much one spent on it or how prestigious the store from which the gift was purchased. Has Christmas become a time when we measure the depth of love by the price of the gifts we receive? Or, has the world not changed at all; only my perception of it? Maybe now that my own children have grown up and gone on to live their own lives, I've lost that child inside. If so, it is my own fault. I let my child inside go and didn't even know it. Why don't we say "Merry Christmas" much anymore? Is it for the same reason that children can't say the Pledge of Allegiance in schools these days? For the same reason that schools call Christmas vacation, "Winter Break" now? Is it for the same reason that many cities are reluctant to put up Christmas decorations? Christmas is a Christian tradition, to be sure. But, the true Spirit of Christmas should be embraced by all people everywhere, regardless of religious beliefs or lack of them. Peace on Earth, goodwill, joy, charity, forbearance, kindness, generosity and love are all part of the Spirit of Christmas. What kind of person would be offended by these, the best and highest expressions of humanity? We cannot blame the ones who do not observe Christmas for making it the glittering commercial frenzy it now appears to be. Rather, it is those of us who embrace it who must shoulder the blame. If it has become a commercialized and glitzy holiday, maybe it is time we look inside ourselves. Are we reluctant to say "Merry Christmas" because we let the Spirit of Christmas get lost in the shuffle of the holiday rush? Are we are embarrassed about what we, ourselves, the ones who embrace it, have done to Christmas? Perhaps many of us have lost the child inside and that magical innocence and wide-eyed wonder that can only be felt when you find that child inside. It's true that only when we find that child can we experience the joy of giving for the sake of giving. The happiness of giving from the heart and giving because we want to give. Giving, not because it is expected of us, but giving because it is the true Spirit of the Season we call Christmas. Giving without expecting anything in return is truly giving with the heart and spirit of a child. This year, I am going to try hard to find that child inside. I am going to seek the true Spirit of Christmas and let it shine in my life. When I greet people I'm going to smile and say "Merry Christmas" and mean it. It's not just a Christian tradition, but a deep and beautiful Spirit that transcends all of humankind. Christmas is more than a holiday or religious celebration. Indeed Christmas embodies the spirit of love, peace, joy, hope, and compassion; indeed the very best inside each one of us. I hope that all of you will find your own "child inside". If you do, the Spirit of Christmas will always shine within you. With a child's heart you can be a messenger for the real Christmas. No matter what you give this Christmas, the one gift that matters most, is the one that you cannot buy. This Christmas, give the greatest gift of all; give the gift of love. Merry Christmas! Peace I leave with you: my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled: nor let it be afraid. - John 14; 27 --- * . . . | . * * . \|/ . . -->*<-- . /|\ . ' | ' * | . * . | . ' _ _ .:. . ( | .-. ___ .'_`. WWW \w/ \V/ |/(_)\ .'.-.`. `(_)' (_) (_) (_) |// \\ `/(_)\' // \\ _/ | _/ | _/ | _ _ \/| |/ //)_(\\ \| |/ %%__/| $$__/| &&__/| _-(_)- _-(_)- | | | /(o___))\ | | | | | | | | `(___) `(___) | | | ` / \' | | | | | | | | jgs // \\ // \\ | |_| /_____\ |_| |_| |_| |_| ...A gentle reminder - The True Meaning Of Christmas We need to get back to the True Meaning Of Christmas. We get caught up in our daily grind and some have even let politics define their Christmas. I saw this on the news and thought how horrid - from churches no less! 'Dedham church keeps anti-ICE nativity scene, defying diocese leaders - The Nativity scene at St. Susanna Parish is missing the figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Instead a sign reads, 'ICE WAS HERE.' https://tinyurl.com/5c9jaebd And this one: 'An Illinois church is in the spotlight for displaying a Nativity scene that depicts baby Jesus with his hands zip-tied and guarded by soldiers labeled as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.' https://tinyurl.com/y735bpaf It is not only despicable for churches to stoop so low, it is also furthering the devil's lies about ICE. The real truth is that ICE is doing God's work! Which really irritates the devil! Homan: Trump Rescues Over 62K Kids From Human Trafficking: White House border czar Tom Homan said the Trump administration has rescued more than 62,000 migrant children from human trafficking. "Over half a million children were smuggled into this country under Joe Biden. They lost track of 300,000," Homan said Sunday on "Fox & Friends." Homan was referring to a Department of Homeland Security inspector general report that found nearly 291,000 unaccompanied minors had not yet been issued immigration court notices as of May 2024, and about 32,000 had missed hearings. Homan described President Donald Trump's second-term response as immediate and aggressive. "President Trump committed on day one that we will do everything we can to find every one of these children," Homan said. Federal agencies launched joint operations to locate kids released to sponsors who never followed up, disappeared from contact, or were flagged for potential criminal exploitation. DHS has also said it uncovered a backlog of tens of thousands of neglected child-safety leads and restarted investigations into suspect sponsors. "We know many of them are in s%x trafficking. Many are in forced labor. Many are being abused," Homan added, saying investigators have found children working in dangerous jobs and being sold for s%x." https://tinyurl.com/mv4h62hv Besides saving women and children from trafficking, ICE is going after those with criminal records from other countries that entered here illegally by Biden's open border policies. They are also finding and deporting those who are here illegally who broke our laws that the Democrat run states and cities have released back to victimize our American citizens and other migrants. In other words the nasty child molesters, drug sellers, rapists, muggers, thieves and violent criminals that are here illegally. Under Pres. Trump they are being hunted down and deported. Praise God! We need to keep our mind and hearts on the true miracle of our Christmas celebration. The birth of Jesus Christ. This was our salvation and our hope for a new life with our God and Father. Without Jesus Christ we were dead in sins and without hope in an evil world. With Him, we have life and have it eternally! What an awesome gift God gave us! ^ _ ^ | { \ 0 / } ---*--- { /|\ } |\ { /|||\ } | /---------------\ {/ ||| \} | \ / \ ||||| | \ \ / _ \ ||||||| *^* o | \ \ \ / O| _ \ / \ |0| (=) | /| - / \ | ) |\ ## /|\ 0 | \ \ \ | (\ | |\/| | (|\ /|||\ === \ \ ___ || | | | | __|| \[=]/ /o\ \ /o=/| || | | | /\___ | | || ||| =O= |---|/ / |\| | | \ |\| o/ \ ||| ||| |---|| |___\ | | || | | |__\ / \ ||| | | 'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.' -Luke 2:11 We need to be most Thankful and Praise God! ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Attitude of Encouragement EVERYONE needs encouragement. No matter how secure and confident someone may appear, everyone needs to be reassured, built up, and comforted. And we are all called to minister to one another, every day, with encouragement; "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today" (Hebrews 3:13). Therefore, we are all called to meet one another's need for encouragement. True encouragement requires us to be "others" oriented: "Consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). We will never effectively encourage until we begin to look outside our own needs and intentionally examine the needs of others. And our encouragement of others will always be hindered unless we are genuinely excited by the new growth and health we see in others. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His Kingdom and glory." I was excited when each of my children learned to roll over, and I cheered when they began to crawl. When they started to walk, I clapped my hands and beamed with pride, as if my kids were the first in the world to ever move about on two feet. Each small accomplishment was encouraged... and my manhood was never threatened by their progress. I wasn't worried about losing my position within the family, and I had no desire to be the only walker in the house. Every time my children fell, I picked them up and encouraged them with full confidence of their future success. Our journey with the Lord actually begins long before our day of Salvation as He calls us and draws us to the cross; we would never even seek if He did not first call and soften our heart. This part of the journey (the part which leads us to His secure arms of Salvation) may last MANY years and require encouragement from many different people. But as we place our faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and continue our journey (with all the many hills and valleys), our walk is definitely much easier and enjoyable if we join with others and walk together. Let's encourage one another with each wonderful step toward Heavenly glory. Let's be proud and excited for the accomplishments of others no matter how great or small. And let's refuse to become threatened when we witness others mature and grow - we are absolutely secure in the love of God (and we really don't want to be the only walker in His Family!). Let's turn our hearts outward and begin to minister with a compassionate, loving, and secure attitude of encouragement. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Ezekiel 16:43-17:24; Hebrews 8:1-13; Psalm 106:13-31; Proverbs 27:7-9 Ezekiel 18:1-19:14; Hebrews 9:1-12; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 27:10 Ezekiel 20:1-49; Hebrews 9:13-28; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 27:11 Ezekiel 21:1-22:31; Hebrews 10:1-17; Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 27:12 <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Teach the World His Grace When Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment, He said; "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). Jesus clearly said the most important thing we can do in this life is to love God with absolutely every part of our being. But Jesus immediately added, "the second is like it: Love your neighbor (loved ones) as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). After our love for God, we are called to love others with a love which flows from the love of Christ. At the end of His ministry, on the night before He was crucified, Jesus set a new standard for our love. John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Love for others had always been important, but Jesus called the command "new" and changed the standard from the way we love ourselves to the way He loved us. Why is this significant? Jesus came into the world with the single purpose of dying for the forgiveness of our sin so we could be restored to a right relationship with God - this is true love; "God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son..." (John 3:16). We didn't do ANYTHING to deserve this love. While we were completely lost in a world of sin, God looked down on us, and loved: "God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). This degree of love, poured out for those who are utterly undeserving, is the definition of God's grace. Peter said we are saved by this undeserved love; "it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved" (Acts 15:11). Paul said the same in many different ways: "{We} are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24), and, "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). God's love is demonstrated through grace! The concept of grace is essential in beginning our relationship with God as well as continuing with every step of our journey along His path. But try as we might, we can never adequately convey the meaning of God's grace with words. We must continue to proclaim His truth through spoken and written words, but in this important area of God's grace, we are given a "new command" to teach through our actions - to teach through our love. We have been given an incredible gift! We are given a gift we can never repay, but it's a gift we must share. The world is in great need! It is lost and desperate to know the grace of our Lord and Savior. Let's pour out love to those around us in the same manner it was poured out on us - undeserved and without restraint! Let's live out Jesus' new command and, through love, teach the world His grace. 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 ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this Teaching: The Simplicity and Grace of THE NEW BIRTH [Romans 10: 9 and 10] https://tinyurl.com/3cp5jyh5 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: .... .::\:::. ::::)`\::: :::/ /::: ::| |::: ':\_/::' /`"'-:___ | _`\ | .-. ( \ ; , , , , \_) '--' | ( |\_.'/ )`-'\__,| \_)|\_/ .`(_ / `. (| _| . '_.-'` '--. `'. | (_)_' ( /.-. `\______(_)(_)`--' ` \/ jgs _). '-. '--._ _.-' . `) : ( `-. < ) . <'-. ' .-', _'._'. '-. '.-'` )'/ \/ \( `\( `; >5 TIPS TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF LOSING -Dan Miller Losing a job can lead to anger, resentment, guilt and depression. I once worked with a gentleman who having lost his job, tried to reposition himself and do a job search, only to become discouraged after just a few days with no success. Then he started hiding out from his wife, pretending to be doing a job search, while in reality he was going to the library to surf the Internet and read magazines. He consoled himself in fast food and high sugar snacks and quickly added about 25 pounds. This, in turn, made him self-conscious about his weight and ill-fitting clothes. "I hated my job, but am still angry about being let go," he said. This story is not unusual. New research confirms that losing a job can put people at an elevated risk for emotional and physical problems. Unemployment can start a vicious cycle of depression, loss of personal discipline and decreased emotional health. "Depression can contribute to much longer searches," notes John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Failure in a business, the dissolution of a relationship, a breakdown of health, or a financial disaster can also be a set-up for these negative, self-defeating feelings. Any of these situations can make a person a candidate for the downward spiral of anger, resentment, guilt and depression. To break the cycle, take charge of the areas where you can experience immediate success. Five Tips to Break the Cycle of Losing: 1. Start with doing what you can to stay sharp physically. If that's walking two miles a day, then start with that. Notice the birds, children, trees and sky as you're walking. 2. Spend at least two hours every day reading or listening to positive, uplifting materials. Limit TV watching - much of what you see and hear there will add to your pessimism and discouragement. 3. Invite a friend and treat yourself to a great concert -- in every city I visit there are amazing concerts at the local universities and churches every week. 4. Take a class -- there are multiple agencies and churches offering free career transition classes and workshops in nearly any city. 5. Volunteer to help someone else. A man asked Dr. Carl Menninger, "What would you advise a person to do if he felt a nervous breakdown coming on?" Most people expected him to reply, "Consult a psychiatrist." To their astonishment he replied, "Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find someone in need and do something to help that person." Helping at one of the prisons, your local mission or the Salvation Army will do wonders for helping you see your own brighter future. Making deposits of success in life areas aside from the career and financial pieces are the best way to prepare yourself for success in those areas ultimately. If you are depleted in personal areas you will come across as weak and needy when presenting yourself for a job opportunity. None of these are directly related to getting a new job, starting another business, rebuilding your health, or finding another friend and yet they are very much related. From these actions come the boldness, confidence and enthusiasm necessary to nurture the success you are seeking in the work area. "They say when one door of happiness closes, another opens. But the problem is... we look so long at the closed door that we never notice the open one." as seen in Love Your Work -<>- _...._ .' _`;, _ / .-'` _.\/ \ / .` _.-'` C/ | ; .' _ _ \ \ \/ a _ a | )/'. Y .' /` \ >._ ^ _.< \__//` ````` `\ | /.:.:.:.\ | \ \:::::::/ / \ |:::::| / |\,,/:::::\,,/| ;:':':':':':':; | | ;.-._.-. | ( =(_)= ) | |'-/T\-' | | //`\\ | | ` ` | | | /. \ |:::. '. |::::. '. |:::::. .:\ \::::: .::::| '-::: .:::::/ jgs `-._ :::::' `-.__:::' >THANKS TO YOU KNOW WHO A fourth-grader stood up in his public school class, giving a report concerning the origins of the Thanksgiving holiday. Here's how he began: "The pilgrims came here seeking freedom of you know what. When they landed, they gave thanks to you know who. Because of them, we can worship each Sunday, you know where." (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) -<>- _..._ _..._ /\_|_/. .\_|_/\ |-(` \/\ /\/ `)-| '/_> \/\ /\/ <_/' _ \/\/\/ _ /'-:_\/\/_:-'\ | '=_/``\_=' | | .= \__/ =. | \_.-'/;|\'-._/ /\/|'||\/\ jgs /\/ / || \/\ /\/ |_/ | \/\ /\/ \_\ \/\ \/ \/ >STRING US TOGETHER A couple buttons snapped off in the laundry. As I was sewing them back on I began to think about how the Holy Spirit uses a sewing stitch to ‘string’ together the believers, the body of Christ. In my mind’s eye, the picture of a lovely, plush Christmas tree came into view. It was decorated from top to bottom with garlands of cranberries and popcorn. I could almost smell the pungent pine aroma wafting in the air. Then I noticed the cranberries were fresh, strung together with heavy thread; the popcorn held together by some rough, tan twine. Recently I attended a women's conference. There were women of all ages there, from teens to, I’d guess, eighties. People were from all walks of life, lifestyles, churches and denominations. As we stood together, all around the huge arena, singing and praising God, we were most definitely being ‘strung together’ by the love of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. I thought of the old song ‘Bind Us Together’ with new words, string us together, Lord... string us together with Love. Lord, Thank you that in Your mercy and grace it is Your plan to string together Your children, Your body, Your church. Thank you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, amen. John 10:16 there shall be one flock and one shepherd. -Jesus inspirational messages by Sally I. Kennedy Sally I. Kennedy, ©2010 -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >THE RIGHT WORDS Lord, give me the right words to say To broken hearts that come my way To those who have been hurt before That, I not hurt them any more To those whose hearts have hardened up To those who won't hold out their cup That, Lord, You long to overflow With love and mercy. Lord, let me know That I might have the words to say That I might plant a seed today That glory would be given to You Through all I say and all I do Lord, give me the right words to say More hearts are breaking every day They're out there crying in the night I long to help them see the light But, fragile are those souls and weak So this is why Your words I seek And pray Thee give me words to say That I, not one soul, turn away. ~ Susan Tier~ -<>- _ , (_\______/________ \-|-|/|-|-|-|-|/ \==/-|-|-|-|-/ \/|-|-|-|,-' \--|-''' \_j________ (_) (_) hjw >ONE MAN'S TRICK IS ANOTHER MAN'S TREAT For me, a party means fun, but planning for that party is more like work. I am not afraid of work, I'll have you know. I can sit down and stare at it for hours without flinching. I just refuse to allow work to get anything over on me. It all started when the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage mentioned to me rather casually, "We need to get ready for the children who will be coming this weekend for their trick or treat." I must confess having a rather fascinating interest in words. For example, when my wife uses the word "we," it is a mono- syllable, which in all practical purposes means "me," which is another monosyllable. In our house, the word "we," is never used in the collective sense, "us." Therefore, the burden of planning for this party rested upon Yours Truly. Actually, when I say planning I should qualify that. My job was to go to the store and purchase everything on a shopping list my wife so graciously handed to me. I suppose somebody could say that this was a joint venture. She made a list and I was to buy everything on that list. Sending me to the grocery store with a shopping list borders on the precarious. I always know what my intended purpose and my task at hand. Often, the results have very little to do with the intended purpose. I try, but every time I get into a store environ- ment, something happens to me. I don't know exactly what it is, but I begin sweating and getting the nervous shivers. I vaguely remember my wife saying something to the effect, "Make sure you get everything on the list and nothing else." I remember glancing at the list but could not remember what happened to it once I got in my truck. As soon as I got into the store, I remembered the list and searched my person as carefully as possible to no avail. Now I faced a choice. Do I call my wife, confess that I lost the list and ask her for help, or, do I guess what was on the list and finish my task? Being the cavalier kind of person I am, I chose the second part. After all, a party is a party and what is so hard about getting things for a party? This should be rather easy. At this point, I was getting a little envious of those little tricksters that would be coming to my door. I walked around the grocery store once just to get my bearings. I need to get the lay of the land before mounting the kind of an attack that I was about to mount. Sometimes it takes two or three walks around the store to accomplish this, but the end result is all that really matters. At this point, I saw something I never noticed before. There was a shelf full of Halloween masks and they drew my attention. I looked at them smiling to myself and then a strange thought tiptoed into the dark recesses of my mind. Normally, I do not have such foreign muses but this one fascinated me. Why don't I select a mask for myself? After all, you are only as young as you feel and someone said you only live once, so why not make the most of it. It was not long before I was utterly consumed with this idea of buying, not only a mask but also a costume to go along with it. I cannot remember when I smiled so much in my entire life. In fact, another thought teased me to no end. Why not get dressed up in my Halloween outfit and try it out tonight on my wife? The more I thought about this, the more intriguing it became. My wife is very good at multitasking, whereas, I can only focus on one thing at a time. At this point, I had completely forgotten why I had come to the grocery store in the first place. I was beginning to feel like a kid again and I could not stop chuckling to myself. Carefully, I selected an appropriate mask with a corresponding costume, all the time laughing inside to the point of hysteria. I could not wait to see the look on my wife's face when I came a- knocking at her door tonight surprising her by saying, "Trick or Treat." I parked my truck about a block from our house and quickly put on my costume and mask. I quietly walked up to my house and knocked on the door. All the time I'm laughing inside to beat the band. I heard her come to the door. The anticipation was killing me. Then I heard her through the door, "You better not be my husband dressed in a stupid Halloween costume without those things on the shopping list that I gave him." How did she know? Walking back to my truck a verse of Scripture came to mind. “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards” (Proverbs 29:11 KJV). Sometimes the most prudent thing to do is nothing. I have discovered that many times my expected treat turns out to be an awesome trick. The Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship as seen in Da Mouse Tracks 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. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: "If you fall asleep as you pray, don't worry. What better place to doze off than in the arms of your Father." - Max Lucado _ .'` '`. .-", @ `, `. '-=; ; `. \ : `-. / '; `. / .' `. | ( `. `-.._ \ \` ` `. \ `-.._ `. ;`-.._ `-`._.-. `-._ `-._ `..' `-.```. `-._ `-.._.' `--..__..-`--' `-.,' `._)`/ / / /--( -./,--'`-, ,^--( hjw/gs ,--' `-, >The Sparrow at Starbucks (By John Thomas Oaks, appearing on ChristianityToday.com) It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square. For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right. I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. During our emotional rendition of "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along. After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked. "No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?" To my delight, she accepted my invitation. "You choose," I said. "What are you in the mood to sing?" "Well... do you know any hymns?" Hymns? This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one." "Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one." "Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'?" My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah. Let's do that one." She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing: "Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come?" The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. "I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free. For His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me." When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, "Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!" But the ovation continued. I embraced my new friend. "You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!" "It's funny that you picked that particular hymn," she said. "Why is that?" She hesitated again, "that was my daughter's favorite song." She grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual. "She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week." I said the first thing that found its way through my silence. "Are you going to be okay?" She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. "I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine." She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone. Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night? Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop? Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the week before? I refuse to believe it. God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that he could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival. It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting him and singing his songs, everything's gonna be okay. -<>- Faith is an area where growing up means we must become more like a child. reICareI reICareIC ICareICareICar ICareICareICare reICareICareICareI reICareICareICareIC CareICareICareICareICa reICareICareICareICareI ICarICareICareICareICareI ICareICareICareICareICareI ICarICareICareICareICareICare CareICareICareICareICareICare ICareICareICareICareICareICareI CareICareICareICareICareICareICa ICaICareICareICareICareICareICareI ICareICareICareICareICareICareICar eICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICar ICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICar ICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareIc eICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICa ICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareI reICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICare ICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICa reICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareIc ICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICareICare reICareICareICareIICareICareICareICareIca ICareICareICareICareICareICareICarICa reICareICareICareICareICarICare areICareICareICareICareICa ICareICareICareICare areICareICareICa eICareICareI -Grim CareICar reIC eI >Cast All Your Cares On Him (By Dr. Ann Shorb) [Edited/additional text by Chris Long] I Peter 5:7 "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." Recently I had a conversation with a friend. It was one of those conversations I will not soon forget, because it was a time when I was able to pour out my heart to her and share some of the things that I have been thinking about - those deep things that you do not share with anyone but a good, close friend - someone you trust. There are times when we pray and we long to pour out our heart to God, but for whatever reason we feel we cannot. I would encourage you to talk to God just like you would talk to that good, close friend - the one with whom you can pour out your heart and be completely unafraid. We read in Hebrews 4:15-16, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." That verse is telling us that Jesus Christ, our High Priest, is a feeling person, and He can feel our pain and our infirmities. He was tempted like we are, and He knows what it is like. The next verse goes on, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." As you pray, I encourage you to go boldly before the throne of God. Tell Him the things that are on your heart. Tell Him your hurts and your pains, your disappointments, the things you struggle with, the things that you are tempted by. Do not hesitate. Do not think, "Well I can't tell God this. He doesn't want to hear it." He already knows anyway. You know, it was said of Martin Luther, the famous theologian, that when he began his prayers, he prayed with such repentance that you almost felt sorry for him. But then as he labored on in prayer, he prayed with such boldness that you almost feared for him because he spoke to God so boldly. He shared with God everything that was on his heart - his anger, his hurt, his pain, even at times his disappointments with God. We can do that (reverently, of course). Why? Because in I Peter 5:7 it says, "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." God gives us permission to come boldly, to cast our cares on Him. My friend, I encourage you to do that. Come boldly before His throne. Tell Him everything just as you would a good, close friend, and enjoy the release of knowing that He cares and that He can do something about it. When you get down to it, God is much better than a good, close human friend because as fellow fallen humans, they can - and will eventually - fail you - and they really don't have the power to change your circumstances anyway. But God - as God, and not a mere human, does. Cast your cares on Him - trusting Him to take care of everything in the way He deems best for you. He cares for you. 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 ========================================================== .-""""""""""-. / `\ / .--.---.-.-.--.-;. ; { ' . ' . ' . '} | {__'_,__.__'__.__'_} | / _ _ \ | ; / \ / \ ; | | |0| |0| | \ | \_/ \_/ | .-'\; \ / ; |. ' \ '. .' / \ ` / '. '-.__.-' .' '--' '-._ _.-' jgs '''' >-->Thoughts On Christmas by Thundercloud All the children's eyes are smiling, Christmas Eve is finally here! Outside my window snow is falling, This brightest evening of the year. Children dream of Christmas morning; Santa Claus is on the way! And I, a father, watch it snowing, And drift back to another day When I, a child, watched in wonder As Christmas filled the world with joy. I see myself, in faded shadows, Long ago a little boy. The house is quiet, dark, and still, And I can't sleep although I'm trying. The children's dreams are filled with visions Of Santa Claus and reindeer flying. In the silence of this evening I watch the winter snowflakes fall; Time is such a precious gift... And love the greatest gift of all. __,_,_,___) _______ (--| | | (--/ ),_) ,_) | | | _ ,_,_ | |_ ,_ ' , _|_,_,_, _ , __| | | (/_| | (_| | | || |/_)_| | | |(_|/_)___, ( |___, ,__| \____) |__, |__, | _...._ \ _ / .::o:::::. (\o/) .:::'''':o:. --- / \ --- :o:_ _::: >*< `:}_>()<_{:' >0<@< @ `'//\\'` @ >>>@<<* @ # // \\ # @ >@>*<0<<< __#_#____/'____'\____#_#__ >*>>@<<<@<< [__________________________] >@>>0<<<*<<@< |=_- .-/\ /\ /\ /\--. =_-| >*>>0<<@<<<@<<< |-_= | \ \\ \\ \\ \ |-_=-| >@>>*<<@<>*<<0<*< |_=-=| / // // // / |_=-_| \*/ >0>>*<<@<>0><<*<@<< |=_- |`-'`-'`-'`-' |=_=-| ___\\U//___ >*>>@><0<<*>>@><*<0<< | =_-| o o |_==_| |\\ | | \\| >@>>0<*<<0>>@<<0<<<*<@< |=_- | ! ( ! |=-_=| | \\| | _(UU)_ >((*))_>0><*<0><@<<<0<*< _|-,-=| ! ). ! |-_-=|_ |\ \| || / //||.*.*.*.|>>@<<*<<@>><0<<@>>>>>| ( ~~~ )/ (((((((()))))))) ~~~~~~~~ '""""`------' `w---w` `------------' >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 **********************************************************************