Happy Valentine's Day Weekend! ... :) 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 ================ __, ,___) __, ,_) ,_) ______) (--|__| _, _ _ (--| /_ | _ ,_-|-',_ _', (--| \ _, _| |(_||_)|_)(_| _|/(_||(/_| || || |(//_) _|__/(_|(_| ( | | ,_| ( |_, |_, ( ,_| _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ /` \/ `\ _ _ /` \/ `\ _ _ /` \/ `\ _ _ /` \/ `\ _ _ \ / /` \/ `\ \ / /` \/ `\ \ / /` \/ `\ \ / /` \/ `\ '. .' \ / '. .' \ / '. .' \ / '. .' \ / \/ '. .' \/ '. .' \/ '. .' \/ '. .' jgs \/ \/ \/ \/ **************************************** *~* Wishing You And Yours A Very Happy Blessed Valentine's Day! :) -<>- >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press ?? Our too hot to handle new page is from my daughter Tammy. This is a fun one highlighting police messages that are particularly interesting or funny. Be sure to give this and its video a couple minutes of your time here: , /\ , / '-' '-' \ | POLICE | \ .--. / | ( 19 ) | \ '--' / '--. .--' jgs \/ Cop Talk Memes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/coptalk.html --- ...HaHaHa! So Rich! Thanks Tammy! This second sizzling hot newbie is from our friends LouiseAu and Geniann. This one will give you your aww quota for the day. It is full of sweet adorable animals. Be sure to give this a few minutes of your time and check it out here: .,uuuuuu,, ,%%uuu==#uuuu%%\ ,,,<%%uu".a.=#uuuu%%%% ,;;;;;)#uu...,#/uuu%%%%%%% \;;/####\%mmmmmmmmmnu%%`%%; u####"""' (mmmmmmmmmmnu%%`%%%% uuuEE,..:;;#\mmmmmmmnuu%;,`%%%% uuuu\#####/uu,mmmmmnu%..;, :.%%% \uuuuuuuuuuuuu,mnu/\.;; :..%% >##&&#######<%%% \;' :.%% (###&&&#######%%%%% :%' (###&&&&######(%%%%%% (#####&&&####(%%%%%%%%% (###########(%%%%%%%%%%% %%(###########(%%%%%%%%%%%% ;%%%(##########'%%%'%%%%%%%%% (%%%%; ;n####n'%%%%'n%%%%%%%%%%(@) \%%%' %%nnnn'%%%%'nnnn%%%%%%%(@@@) ``' %%%nnnn``'nnnnnn%%%%%%%%(@@@@)-Susie Oviatt- ,%%%nnnnnnnnnnn%%%%%%%%%(@@@@@ ,.,nnn%%%%nnnnn)nnnn%%%%%%%%%/ (@@) (u(uuuuuuuuuuuuuu/ (u;;;;;;u) (uuuuuuu) ()()() Cuteness Overload 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cuteoverload3.html --- ...Aww, so many warm smiles! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. Joe Walker tells us that after 33 years of marriage, things aren't exactly what they used to be. But as he says, "passion can burn at different temperatures." Have a Happy Valentine's Day with all your loved ones. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@,""""""@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@"- "@@@@@@@@@@ "@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@( ^^^ )@@@@@@@@@ ' @@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@( ( 0@@@@@@@@@, (@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@) ) _/@@@@@@@@@@@m "@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@(__/ (@@@@@@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@" )@@@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@' \@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@' )@@@@@@' A @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@ ,@@@@@@@" /@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@, @_____" =, @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@ :',@@@@ `@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ M@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@' `@@@@@@@@@@@@@" ,@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@" / @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@" @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@@@" / @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@@" ," .@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@' .@@ `@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@m `@@@, @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| :@@@@@@@@@m )@@. )@@@@@@@@ unknown >FIRST DEGREE ROMANCE by Joseph Walker Well, it's finally happened. After 33.5 years of marriage and 34 Valentine's Days as a couple (I count that first one because I was TOTALLY concentrating on her from across the room during that church Valentine's dance even though she was so busy being a dancing queen with that one ballroom dancing guy that she didn't even notice me), Anita and I have hit the wall -- Valentinsically speaking. This realization dawned on me last night, shortly after the following conversation (the "I saids" and "she saids" have been omitted because, frankly, I forget who said what): "Well, Valentine's Day is coming up." "Yeah." "So... what do you want to do?" "I don't know." Pause. "What do you want to do?" "I don't know." Another pause. "Do you want to go out to dinner or something?" "We could do that, I guess." Still another pause. "What do you want for dinner tonight?" "I don't know." Pausing yet again. "What do you want?" Sound familiar? Please don't misunderstand. It's not that the fires of romance have gone completely cold in our relationship. It's just that Anita and I are... well... older than we used to be, and we both channel so much energy into daily living that it's kind of hard to generate much enthusiasm for life's hearts and flowers. I mean, do you really think Anita wants to have me chase her around the house all night after she's spent the day chasing information from the world financial markets at her office? Romance is a very different thing for us today than it was 34 years ago. And that's OK, I guess. "Different" doesn't necessarily mean "worse." It can also mean "deeper," "richer" and "more fulfilling" -- especially if we can find a way to follow Janet and Jerry's example. Janet and Jerry have lived in our neighborhood for years. They raised a good family together. They were successful enough in their professional lives that they had a lovely home and the time and means to do the things they wanted to do in their retirement years. But for all of that, there was never any question in the minds of those who knew them well what was most important to Janet and Jerry -- Jerry and Janet, respectively. You could see it in the way they held hands at church. You could hear it in the kind, loving, respectful words they used to talk about each other -- even when the other wasn't within hearing distance. And you could feel it, palpably, whenever you were with them --the stolen glances, the knowing winks, the gentle teasing and words of praise. Every shred of evidence convicted these two people of First Degree Romance. Jerry died recently after a long and difficult illness. And while I don't think any of us who knew them will ever get used to seeing Janet sitting by herself at church, I'm not sure we'll ever be able to see Janet without seeing a little of Jerry there, too. They became so much a part of each other, so inseparably connected, it's almost as if their love transcends death. Which, in a very real way, it does. "I've always drawn strength and energy from our love for each other," Janet told me not too long ago. "That hasn't changed. It's different now, obviously. But the love remains, and still gives focus and meaning to my life." So I guess it's OK if the onset of Valentine's Day doesn't set our hearts aflutter like it used to. Life's seasons ebb and flow, and the only thing we can absolutely count on is that things will change. But change can be a positive thing, even in our most cherished relationships. Hearts can grow fonder even as they grow older. Love can be compelling even when it is calm. Passion can burn at any number of different temperatures. And romance can flourish even when you're too tired to be romantic. Valentinsically speaking, or otherwise. -- Joseph Walker =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Friendship "A friend loves at all times."1 According to an article in an English magazine, "A true friend is one who has the courage to disagree with us when we are in the wrong, and advise us for our own good, rather than let his sympathy or sentimentality cause him to agree." Charles Spurgeon once said, "Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend." Dr. Alfred Adler, internationally known psychiatrist, based the following conclusions on a careful analysis of thousands of clients: "The most important task imposed by religion has always been 'Love thy neighbor.' It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow man that has the greatest difficulties in life and provides the greatest injury on others. It is from among such individuals that all human failures spring." It may not be the most desirable, but it is true that we can live without romantic love, but we cannot live healthy without at least one loving friend. As Dinah Craik so eloquently said, "Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away." And, oh, the priceless value of having at least one such deep abiding friendship. Thank God for the gift of friendship. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be a loving friend and be a friend to fellow sinners as you are a loving friend to me. And help me to find at least one loving friend with whom I can be totally open and honest without fear of judgment or rejection. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Proverbs 17:17 (NIV). <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Overflowing Love (edited) “And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows."1 The Bible is filled with an abundance of verses about loving others. Love is the essence of who God is, and as His children, it should be a natural part of our new life in Christ. However, I think we can all agree that having a genuine love for all those we encounter is much easier said than done! The greatest need in our world today is not more power, knowledge, or science, but LOVE. The world has distorted what love is and, instead of promoting the unselfish and sacrificial love that we are meant to show each other, it has been replaced with an “all about me" mindset. I would like to say that this distorted view only affects those who don’t know Christ yet, but unfortunately, many long-time Christian’s also have this mindset. When Jesus told us to love each other as he has loved us in John 13:34, it wasn’t a suggestion... it was a commandment! Jesus didn’t tell us to love the lovable or those who show us love, he actually made sure to also tell us to “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6:27-28). When Jesus died on the cross, he made no exception of who was worthy of that great love and sacrifice. Instead, he reminded us that we have ALL sinned and fall short of His glory, that God loved the WORLD and gave His only begotten Son, and that WHOEVER believes in Him will have eternal life. This is the love he had for us and the love that he wants to see overflow in our lives to others. Augustine said, “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has the eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. This is what love looks like. "May our daily desire be to not only know God’s love, but to BE God’s love to others. Suggested prayer: Lord, help me be a channel of your love today. Give me your eyes to see beyond my erred perception of others, and give me your heart to genuinely love like you love me. In this world where so many are experiencing great loneliness, use me to be a listening ear and true friend to those who need it most. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen. 1. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NLT). Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ _ ( Y ) \ / \ / \ /^\ _ ) //^\\ -= (_) =- ( // \\ ) // \\ / \ __ // \\ |=^| // _ \\ __|= |__// (+) \\ /LLLLLLL// ~ \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// |~[|]~| |~[|]~| \\ ^| [|] // | [|] | | [|] | \\ | [|] ^| |_[|]_| |_[|]_| |^ ___|______| | /LLLLLLLLLL|_____________________| /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ ^||^^^^^^^^/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ || |~[|]~|^^||^^^^^^^^^^||^|~[|]~|^||^^ || | [|] | || |~~~~| || | [|] | || || |_[|]_| || | [] | || |_[|]_| || ||__________|| | o| ||_________|| .'||][][][][][|| | [] | ||[][][][][||.'. ."'||[][][][][]||_-`----'-_||][][][][]||"." .(')^(.)(').( )'^@/-- -- - --\@( )'( ).(( )^(.) '( )^(`)'.(').( )@/-- -- - -- -\@ (.)'(.),( ).('). ".'.'." ." '.". @/- - --- -- - -\@ '.".'.".'.".'." jgs'' ".".".'.'@/ - -- -- -- -- -\@".'..'".'."'.'.' '.".".''.".''."@/ -- --- --- -- - -\@.".''.".''.".'". >THE HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILT? This house was built with pride, with love and guidance from above. This house was built by my Daddy's hands and they were filled with love! It would tell how Momma saved her tips from the restaurant and paid cash for the lot it sits on? This house has been a home and a home away from home, for, four generations? If this house could talk, oh the stories it would tell! It would tell of the many years of family dedication. It would tell of, the glad times, the Sad times and all the in between times.? It would tell about the laughter and the tears. It would tell of, times of sickness, times of health, times of much joy and happiness. It would tell of births, first days of school, graduations, first jobs, new careers, weddings, grand hellos and sad goodbyes. It would tell of the day my brother left for Korea, to serve in the U.S. Air Force.? It would tell of my parent's 56 golden years of marriage. It would tell about the days my parents and my brother passed away. It would tell about how carefully this house has been cared for over the years. It would tell about the day I was born and came home here from the hospital. It would tell about the day of my wedding and the birth of my son and The day he took his first steps?. It would tell about my son's wedding and the births of my two grandchildren. It would tell about the day I retired after 22 years and then earned my Teaching Credential?. It would tell about the births of my parent's five grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.? It would tell about the beautiful rose garden and flowers, and the fresh fruits and vegetables that Daddy tended and grew? his yard and garden were his recreation after a long day's work. It would tell how Momma canned those fresh fruits and vegetables, preserves, jellies and jams, enough to last all winter long?. It would tell about the great times shared with our beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends?! It would tell about the many beloved family pets that called this house their home. It would tell of all the dear friends and neighbors that touched our lives over the past 57 years.? It would tell of times of family and friends shared together, these precious memories that will never fade away?! It would now tell you that it's time for me to close the door here, in 2004, to begin a new Chapter along life's journey! And in closing it would say, "Take good care of me, I will shelter you and fill your hearts with warmth and love. Yes, if these walls could talk! -Barbara J. Ervin-Weymouth ©Copyright, July 28, 2004, ®All Rights Reserved -<>- __ @@;, ( ; ? : ); _| |_ | | || | | _| |_ | \ \ \/ || \/ ___ / / | __| |\ __||____||___||______/| | ||| | |_______ _________| | ||| ||| |____ | | ____| ||| Design by \ \______ ) | | / ______/ / || | | | | | /___| || Samule J. Neptune || | | |_ /| | |\ _| || || || | \__, / | | | \<__/ | || >"God's Table Requires Table Manners" You undoubtedly felt awkward the first time you had to learn which fork to use. But with that knowledge you can enter any dining experience with confidence. The same is true when you dine at God's table. At first it seems difficult. But learning the right manners makes it possible for you to be in any situation and please the Father. Table manners at God's table: * You have to do your own chewing. Too many Christians expect God to take out a spoon and dish up the blessing for them. He is supposed to place it in our mouths, work our jaws to chew it up, and help us swallow it. We want God to do everything. The fact is that you have responsibility in God's sovereign world. * Accept the seating. God has a place for you - in Him - that far outweighs anything the pleasures of this life have to offer. The fleshly, carnal attitudes of your world will be a constant source of contention in this life. But God calls you to sit in His kingdom, not in the world. Satan will try to convince you to take a lesser seat, that those serving God have more time, money, or talent than you. He wants you to measure flesh against flesh. Don't listen to him. Sit in the seat of inheritance that God has waiting for you * Finish the meal. John 3:16 tells us, God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son. Some believe that because Jesus has already come and died for the sins of the world, they don't have to do anything else. However, it's important to finish the phrase regarding man's responsibility: whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. You must come to Him in order to receive the forgiveness that He purchased for you. * Read the menu. You must spend time reading what God has prepared. Read your Bible, meditate on the Word. It will give you strength and illumination according to God's plan for your life. It will keep you on course and remind you of your responsibilities in order to fulfill the plan of God. * Count the fruit. If you are not willing to bear fruit for Him, then He is not obligated to answer your requests, even if you ask things in His name. Jesus declares, Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away (John 6:37). The Holy Spirit inspires us to go to Jesus and do what He asks of us. His sovereignty makes the first move toward us, but because He gave us free will, we must move toward Him as well. -<>- ________ \______ \ _______ ____ _____ _____ ______ | | \ \_ __ \ _/ __ \ \__ \ / \ / ___/ | ` \ | | \/ \ ___/ / __ \_ | | \ \ \___ \ /_______ / |__| \___ > (____ / |__|_| / /____ > \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ _______________________________________________ '._____________________________________________.' an evenings '.| .-}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}-{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{-. |.' breeze, a |`|//' .' / / .' `. \ \ `. `\\|'| cool blue .' .' .' / / ) _( \ \ `. `. `. drapes a veil .' .' / / .'/) _( \`. \ \ `. `. comforting / / / /' .' )_ ( `. `\ \ \ \ softness / / .' // .' | ) ) _( | `. \\ `. \ \ over me .' / .' .' ./ | _) | \. `. `. \ `. |.' / / .' ' | _) _( |. `. \ \ `.| /' .' .' /._ | _) (_| _.\ `. `. `\ |.' .' / .'| `-| )_ _) |-' |`. \ `. `.| .' / / / | '| (_ )_ (| | \ \ \ `. .' .' .' / .| | _) (_ | |. \ `. `. `. / / .' .' | | | | `. `. \ \ .' .' / / |. | entwining |. | ' \ \ `. `. .' / .' /|_____|____| lace |____|_____|\ `. \ `. .' .' / .' | | | with | | | `. \ `. .` ; / .' / .' | | | .| purple |. | . | | `. \ `. \.; ; / .' .' ( \| | '| | sunsets | | | |/ ) `. `. \; .' / / .' \ | ' |. | \ : : : / | | '| / `. \ \ ;` ; .' .' | .' | | | \ .-----. / | . | .' / | `. `..; ;./ .' ' ( | | |_.-'|.' '.|'-._| . \ `.` `. \; ;' / .' '. | .-| ' | | |-. |`. `. \ ;` ;. .' / | / |.-' | |~~~~~~~~~~~~~|. | '-.| |`. \ `. .; ;./ .' \.'| | ' | _ | | _ | | | \ `. \.; |;;./ \_.-' | | _( )_| |_( )_' | | `. \.;;| \;/ | |. (_ ~}_) (_{~ _) | | `-._\;/ gently | | _/(_)-' '-(_)\_ . | | blurring | | )==(---------------------)==( | | I sleep as till once _| |.-(____) (____)-.| |_ if cradled again .' '''-----------------------------------''' '. in ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;LGB;; your arms >"DON'T EVER STOP DREAMING YOUR DREAMS" Don't ever be reluctant to show your feelings when you're happy, give in to it. When you're not, live with it. Don't ever be afraid to try to make things better - you might be surprised at the results. Don't ever take the weight of the world on your shoulders. Don't ever feel threatened by the future, take life one day at a time. Don't ever feel guilty about the past what's done is done. Learn from any mistakes you might have made. Don't ever feel that you are alone there is always somebody there for you to reach out to. Don't ever forget that you can achieve so many of the things you can imagine. It's not as hard as it seems. Don't ever stop loving. Don't ever stop believing, Don't ever stop dreaming your dreams. -Christine. -<>- .. |\\ .====^^\\==. |\ || |\ kya :X"====^^====' \|XXXXXXXXXX| """"""""""" "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!" "So you think it is useless?" the old man said. "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. "You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out." --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Studying Bible teachings from here too! Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm -<>- . , )). -===- ,(( ))). ,((( ))))). .:::. ,(((((( ))))))))). :. .: ,((((((((' `))))))))))). : - : ,(((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))_:' ':_(((((((((((((((' `)))))))))))).-' \___/ '-._((((((((((( `))))_._.-' __)( )(_ '-._._((((' `))'---)___)))'\_ _/'((((__(---'((' `))))))))))))|' '|((((((((((((' jim `)))))))))/' '\(((((((((' `)))))))| |(((((((' `))))))| |((((((' /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ '---..___..---' >Invisible Worlds by Fi Yeskel My grandfather believed in an invisible world. It was populated by angels, demons, and a beneficent God. For unknown reasons God had chosen to avoid being directly perceived by human beings. It had once been otherwise: He had shown himself many times 3300 years ago. Nevertheless, it was still possible to perceive Him indirectly, most powerfully via tracks left in history. I am an engineer and a computer scientist. My world is different from my grandfather's but, like him, I believe that the world we see is a manifestation of an invisible world we cannot see. My fellow technicians and I share a belief in an invisible world that is no less miraculous than my grandfather's and, many would say, no less evidence of a beneficent God. To hear about our invisible world, play the child's game of "Why?" Ask an elementary technical question, then ask Why? or What? or How? in response to each answer. After a few levels you're at the invisible domain; another level or two and you're in the spiritual domain. The depth of the stack is a measure of human knowledge. These layers often seem thin compared to a dimly perceived core. I walked such a path with an inquisitive girl of 13. I was demonstrating some graphics software during a "career day" event and had just closed a window on the screen. "Where did the picture go?" she asked. "It's in memory," I answered. "What does that mean?" "It means that the picture is now stored in a different way and in a different place." "OK, where is it?" I sensed that misty path that lives in the marrow of every technophile. "Not where, what. It's not a picture anymore, it changed when I closed the window; transformed like a butterfly going back to a caterpillar. It's an arrangement of bits now. The computer broke it into pin head size pieces. It recorded the position, brightness, and color of each piece in a binary code." "Can I see the bits?" Drop down into the next world. "They're stored in CMOS structures. This means they're just below the surface of a few pinkie nail size flakes of shiny silicon metal." "Show me." I powered down, opened the case, and showed her the memory chips. "Show me the little flecks of metal inside the black plastic." We used pliers to split a spare module so we could see the chip inside. "You said the bits are just below the surface. If we scrape the surface, can we see them?" Invisible world coming up. "Sorry. The structures that hold the bits can be seen, but not the bits themselves." The teacher came up with a micrograph of the top layer of a memory circuit. They look like very regular cityscapes seen from high in the air. "Each room in the city holds one bit. A transistor acts as a door to each room that can open to admit millions of electrons." "How do you know they're really there?" "Why millions?" "We can't detect one electron, only whole thunderclouds of them." "Can I see them?" "Sorry again. First, the room is never empty. New electrons simply add to a sponge-like latticework of atoms and electrons that's already there. Second, electrons can't be seen. Any attempt to see them changes, in a random way, what you're trying to see. It's like trying to grab smoke." "How do you know they're really there?" "By their effects. They're detectable in how they influence other things. They leave tracks; they leave history." When all is said and done, I'm not so far from my grandfather. It's possible to leap from a visible world we sense, to an invisible one we can detect but never really "see," to one just out of reach of our machinery, but real nevertheless. The vast majority of the world is invisible. We perceive this indirectly. All of our doings, petty and otherwise, are built on a foundation that runs very deep. We do well to remember, with awe, the worlds that exist just out of sight. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Awesome! What intrigued me to become a computer programmer. Fascinating! This reminds me of this Bible verse... Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -- Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. We were designed by God to respect Him and to keep God's commandments. This verse near the end of Ecclesiastes contains a great truth, but many do not understand it. The word 'fear' is a stumbling block to many Christians. We must realize that in the King James Version of the Bible, the word translated as 'fear' in this verse does not mean to be afraid of God. It means to reverence or venerate, or in simpler terms, to regard someone or something with awe and respect. Another word to watch out for in this verse is 'duty'. It is in italics, which means it was a word added by the translators. A current translation of this verse could be: Ecc.12:13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Have awe and respect for God, and keep His Word, for this is the whole of man (the reason he was made)." And it reminds me of this astounding proof from NASA... . . + : . : _ . ! ' (_) ,|.' - -- ---(-O-`--- -- - ,`|'`. , ! . : : " . --+-- .: . ! O!o NASA just recently confirmed what the Bible has said all along... https://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/media/060915/index.html Believe in God in 5 Minutes (Scientific Proof) Gerald Schroeder is a scientist with over thirty years of experience in research and teaching. He earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees all at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with his doctorate thesis being under the supervision of physics professor Robley D. Evans. This was followed by five years on the staff of the MIT physics department prior to moving to Israel, where he joined the Weizmann Institute of Science and then the Volcani Research Institute, while also having a laboratory at The Hebrew University. His Doctorate is in two fields: Earth sciences and physics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQVm8RokoBA -<>- ,sdPBbs. ,d$$$$$$$$b. d$P'`Y'`Y'`?$b d' ` ' \ `b / | \ \ / / \ | \ _,--' | \ | /' _/ \ | \ _/' /' | \ `-.__ __/' ,-' / | | \ `--...__ /' / | / \ \ `-. `\ / /;;,,__-' / / \ \ `-. / |;;;;;;;\ \ >THE HARDEST THING The hardest thing on the road of life is not the length of the way For some it is long For some it is short... The shadows at close of day.. The hardest thing and the saddest thing that weighs upon the breast ... That brings despair... That brings a deep care.. to the one that seeks rest... Oh yes, dear friend the hardest thing is lonesomeness we feel... The suffering soul... The long lost goal ... For his friends that weren't so real. But the hardest thing and the saddest thing The lonesomeness of soul ... Is someone gone... is fled from me... Who maketh Christ his goal. He's gone before on the lonesome road He knows each cure and snare He is the way... Eternal day He seeks to lead you there. Believe in Him, reach out in faith Trust in His loving care The Christ who dies ... The Christ who lives ... He seeks to lead you there. -<>- The perfect treat for these wintery days! ||::|:|| .--------, |:||:|:| |_______ / .-. ||::|:|| ."` ___ `". {\('v')/} \\\/\///: .'` `'. ;____`( )'____ \====/ './ o o \|~ ^" "^ // \\// | ())) . | Love \ || \ `.__.' /| Greetings // || _{``-.___.-'\| from: joan \ || _." `-.____.-'`| ___ // ||` __ \ |___/ \_______\ ."|| (__) \ \| / / `\/ __ vvvvv'\___/ | | (__) | \___/\ / || | .___. | || | | | ||.-' | '-. jgs || | ) ||----------'---------' >SNOWMAN SOUP 1 package hot chocolate mix 3 Hershey Kisses 15 or so marshmallows 1 candy cane Place all the above in a mug, attach the following poem. THE POEM: Was told you've been real good this year. Always glad to hear it. With freezing weather drawing near, You'll need to warm the spirit, So here's a little Snowman Soup, Complete with stirring stick. Add hot water, sip it slow, It's sure to do the trick! -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Sunken Treasure In A Field!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/steamboat.html Pet Confessions!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/petconfessions.html Amazing Trivia Facts 3!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/triviafacts3.html Elephant Rescue 4!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/elephant4.html Dog Family Portraits!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogfamilies.html Big Baby Big Dogs 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bigdogs2.html Brilliant Women Inventors!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/womeninventors.html Singapore's Sky Park!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/skypark.html Advice For Living!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/advice.html Hippo And Tortoise!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hippo.html Attitude Is Everything 5!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude5.html Top Ways To Stay Healthy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stayhealthy.html Boys To President!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/boystopres.html US Presidents And The Queen!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/queenofengland.html VALENTINE Index!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valentineindex.html -<>- How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Spirit & Truth Index: https://stfi.org/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ TrumpRx doesn't sell medications. Instead, it connects patients directly with the best prices, increasing transparency and cutting out costly third-party markups. https://trumprx.gov/ White House Actions - 2026 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump executive orders and actions, 2025-2026 https://tinyurl.com/musd7m3x DOGE Latest News https://doge.gov/ DOGE Latest Savings https://doge.gov/savings From The Daily Acorn: Positive News https://www.thedailyacorn.com/ Latest From Lifezette: https://www.lifezette.com/ Latest From Hannity: https://hannity.com/ Latest From American Action News: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Newsmax: https://www.newsmax.com/ Latest From Expose: https://expose-news.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://greatergood.com/clicktogive/ggc/home ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Times of Waiting As Paul was returning to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey, he already had a sense of where his next journey would lead; "after I have been there, I must visit Rome" (Acts 19:21). But he also knew he was about to face many difficulties; "in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me" (Acts 20:23). Paul was arrested less than ten days after arriving in Jerusalem. He probably didn't realize it at the time, but his journey to Rome had just begun. Paul's journey to Rome would last about two and a half years and include many legal and physical trials, and many opportunities to demonstrate his faith in Jesus Christ. Surprisingly, it also included two long years where Paul had nothing to do but sit in prison and wait for an occasional visit with Governor Felix before being transferred to the courts of Rome. Acts 24:25 "As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.'" This must have been a difficult time for someone accustomed to being so actively involved in ministry. Paul was treated well in this prison, but after receiving specific instructions to minister in Rome, two years must have felt like a painfully long time. We are never told of God's reason for this waiting period. Many times, waiting is necessary to allow other events to occur and other people to be properly positioned. And many times, waiting is necessary because we need to better learn some of God's truths... or we simply need a good rest. Paul was about to face his most challenging journey and possibly his most significant ministry opportunity; "Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome" (Acts 23:11). On his journey, Paul faced a severe storm, shipwreck, snakebite, and many threats on his life, but Paul was also given the opportunity to minister to the leaders of the Roman Empire. Much of our own journey involves patience and learning how to trust and wait on God. Almost nothing seems to occur as fast as we would like; difficult situations take longer to resolve, people take longer to mature, and ministries take longer to grow. But our present circumstances always serve a purpose! If we have earnestly sought God and not received specific direction, it's possible we are simply being told to wait - wait and be refreshed; wait and spend time abiding in His presence; wait... and prepare. Let's continue to rejoice and learn to trust Him even more during our times of waiting. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Exodus 32:1–33:23; Matthew 26:69-27:14; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 8:33-36 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Yes Waiting is often the hardest part. I think of our Presidential election in 2020 not turning out like the majority of us who were praying and believing it to be. It was confusing and disheartening to say the least. We knew the best President for our country in 2020 was Donald J. Trump, but it didn't turn out that way. Instead we saw the rise of evil and lawlessness as Joe Biden took it and the country was headed full steam toward the ungodly side. Now with President Trump with Christ on his side taken the reins, we can more fully understand the reason why this happened. It was a time of spiritual awakening for many of us who just weren't being enlightened to it before. Many more youth have come aboard God's train and better see the difference between God and the devil. Sometime we need to be ht smack in the face to wake up. This waiting period helped us with that. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See these teachings: Wait On God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Wait_On_God.htm The Exact Right Moment in Time https://tinyurl.com/492h3nkm THE PARASITE PRINCIPLE http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Adversary/THE_PARASITE_PRINCIPLE.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Light And Momentary There is no example of a Christ-changed life which is more dramatic than the Apostle Paul. While on his way to Damascus to capture Christians and put them in jail, Jesus blinded Paul and asked, "Why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). When Paul asked who was speaking, Jesus replied: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:5-6). Jesus identified Paul as "My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" (Acts 9:15). This special selection did not make Paul perfect, but he was gifted with a close relationship with Jesus as well as special insight into the true gospel message. Paul suffered many hardships and trials during his years of ministry. His life was continually threatened; he was beaten many times, placed in prison for extended periods, and faced the frustration of ministering to people who failed to truly appreciate his message. And yet, Paul weighed his trials on the scale of eternity. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." Paul had learned "the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:12). This secret involved knowing who he was in Christ and viewing his life from the perspective of eternity. This secret also gave him a new understanding of his trials. Our life must no longer be viewed with a beginning and an end, but truly as being eternal. Though our days on earth may sometimes be difficult, our days are very few. A hundred years is not even a visible speck on the canvas of eternity - our days are momentary! And the weight of our burdens vanish to nothing when compared to the glory of Heaven - our burdens are truly light! This is the lasting power of an eternal perspective. God's peace and contentment require us to expand our view to include an eternity we cannot see and a glory we may not understand; "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace" (John 16:33). His peace is available today; it is available in our relationships, our work, our finances, our health, and our ministry. Let's allow the world to see our confidence in His promised eternal glory by the peace which fills our life. Let's live by the faith of an eternal perspective and be renewed as we rightly consider ALL our trials to be light and momentary. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Exodus 30:11-31:18; Matthew 26:47-68; Psalm 32:1-11; Proverbs 8:27-32 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See This Teaching Learn To Do Well http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Learn_To_Do_Well.htm ========================================================== >-->From Heartwarming: (\/) \/ (\/) .-. .-. \/ ((`-)(-`)) \\ // (\/) \\ // \/ .="""=._))((_.="""=. / ., .' '. ,. \ /__(,_.-' '-._,)__\ ` /| |\ ` /_|__ __|_\ | `)) ((` | | | jgs -"== =="- >LISA by Michael Powers I love sports! Don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about the many professional athletes of today who have developed a me-first attitude, after being raised in a win-at-all-cost generation. A generation where role models are severely lacking and most of the headlines that capture our attention are of those athletes who are in trouble. No, I am talking about high school sports, where lessons of life are still being learned, and where athletes still compete for the love of the game and their teammates. I know some of you are thinking, "The high school athletes of today are just as bad!" And you would be partially right. The me-first attitude is trickling down into the high school and junior high athletes. But in the midst of all of this is a young lady from Wisconsin. I first met Lisa Kincaid on the volleyball court as she played for a rival high school in the conference I coach in. Many times I was on the opposing sidelines and could only watch in awe at her athleticism. The speed of a cheetah, the mental toughness of veteran, and a 32 inch vertical jump! (Unheard of for a high school girl, and she was only a sophomore!) Starting her junior year I was fortunate enough to coach Lisa on a USA Junior Olympic Volleyball team and it was during these two years that my wife and I grew to love and respect her. Respect, not only for her many athletic achievements, but for her unselfishness and humility to those around her in the face of the many honors that were bestowed upon her. Besides being one of the most coachable athletes I have ever had she was the epitome of a team player and went out of her way to be humble. If anyone had a right to be cocky or proud of herself it was Lisa. Besides being one of the best volleyball and basketball players in the state, she became a track legend in the Dairy State. How good was she? She went 64 straight conference meets and never lost in any event she was entered in. She made trips to the state finals all four years she was in high school and came away with six state titles. Many times she was the lone representative at the state competition for her team and would single-handedly place her high school as high as third. While she excelled in the triple jump, long jump, 100, and 200 meter dashes, there were times when her coach needed her to fill in for other events. One particular day he asked her to run the 300 meter hurdles. She had never competed in this event before, but the coach needed her that day for the good of the team. How did she do? She not only won, she set the school record in the first and only time she competed in that event! Never once did she ever brag about her accomplishments. In fact she felt uncomfortable talking about her achievements and would usually steer the conversation away from herself to the performances of her younger sisters or other teammates. Besides coaching her in volleyball I was able to observe her at many track meets, as I was hired to produce track videos by other high schools in the conference for my video production company. I saw many instances where she would loan her shoes to someone who forgot them, or slow down at the end of a race to finish up stride for stride with her sister, both of them smiling from ear to ear as they crossed the finish line together. And I vividly remember Lisa going up to an athlete from a different team and wishing her a happy birthday. The young lady's face just beamed as she told Lisa of her birthday plans for later that night. I was smiling as I walked away because I happened to know that it was Lisa's birthday that day, too but never once did she mention it. But there was one particular track meet during Lisa's junior year where she impressed upon me what is still good about sports these days. It was a non-conference meet late in the year and Lisa's coach told her he needed her to run the mile. Lisa had never done so, but agreed to do what was best for the team. Lisa easily outdistanced the competition but on the last lap she slowed and seemed to grow uncharacteristically "tired". Two athletes from the opposing team passed her, and then so did Julie, Lisa's teammate. Lisa "hung on" and was able to stay just behind her teammate and cross the finish line at her heels. Lisa lost an event for the first time in her track career. You see, athletes in Lisa's track program need to earn a set amount of points in order to earn a varsity letter. Lisa knew that Julie, who was a senior, needed to finish at least third to earn a letter for the first time. Lisa also knew that the two athletes on the other team were most likely going to beat Julie if they ran anywhere near the times they had been running all year. Barring an injury during the race, ulie was a lock to finish third. But that was until the coach entered Lisa in the event. Lisa remembered all this as she lined up for the start of that race, and I had often wondered why she had a slight smile on her face after having lost for the first time ever. After four years of working hard Julie finally received her first varsity letter and helped her team win the meet. And Lisa? On that day she earned my respect and admiration, and in my mind, solidified herself as the role-model this generation sorely needs. The day Lisa lost she was truly a winner without equal. Lisa has continued her success at the college level where she is pursuing her education at the University of Wisconsin- Madison on a track scholarship. Although she is now competing against the best athletes in the country, she continues to win, both on and off the track. "Sometimes you can win and still lose, and lose and still win." =======HeartWarming======= ,@@@@@@, ,@@@@@""@@, ( _ _ , @@@@@ 6.6\@ :\ ( \/ ) {{^\@@@C _-_)@ : \ \ / {{:\\@@@) (@@' : \ \/ (\/) {{::\\ / \---.:.__\_ \/ \`::\( , \---:---._) `"`"; \ \|_.-;====I======{> | \ _.-': / (\/) | `"/ : / \/ // \/ : / \\_ \ :/ \ \ | ( ) ) ) / / / jgs / / /_ (_(____) >Thoughts from *Carole's Heart" While waiting in the checkout line at a local discount store, the mom and daughter standing ahead of me were gleefully telling the checker that it was the daughter's birthday. The checker shyly smiled, finished bagging their birthday goodies, and wished them a nice day. Now my turn, I transferred all my bargains onto the conveyor belt and the checker dutifully proceeded to beep each item over the scanner. I began our conversation, "How are you today?" "Okay," the checker answered trying to sound positive. "Talking about birthdays," I continued, "my mother-in-law's birthday is just two days away and we're planning a party for her." In a barely audible voice, she replied, "My birthday's next Monday." She scanned another item and under her breath vented the words, "I'm going to be 21. My family doesn't celebrate my birthday." With an obvious question on my face, the checker went on to elaborate that because her birthday was so close to the holidays, her mother thought it would be enough to give her one gift at Christmas for both events. "It's always been like that," she said. Standing quietly trying to process what I had just heard, I finally asked, "Do you have to work on Monday?" Nodding, she continued to robotically beep through my pile of stuff. This precious young woman shared just a tiny portion of her hurting heart with me and then, after bagging everything, handed me the receipt and said, "Have a nice day!" Yes, my life was very busy that following Monday, but I found a card in my desk, a gift assortment of lotions, and the perfect scripture gift book from my keep-on-hand collection. With tissue paper and a birthday gift bag, I quickly assembled the items and dashed to the store. Arriving a few minutes early, I spoke with the manager explaining my plan. It was then I learned the checker's name and finished filling out the birthday card. The manager and co-worker also stated that they'd do something for her in the staff room later that day. Hooray! Trying to keep the gift bag behind my back, my eyes looked up to see that my checker had arrived for work. She noticed me, voiced a hesitant "Hi", and then, I shamelessly raised my voice. "May I please have your attention?" My stage voice carried well over the three lines of customers. "Today is Carrie's 21st birthday! Let's show our appreciation for the excellent job she does here. Please join me in singing Happy Birthday!" Most everyone sang with me... after concluding that I wasn't completely nuts! Stunned and teary-eyed, Carrie thanked me for the gift and gave me a hug. Several people greeted her and expressed their best wishes as well. On her 21st birthday, this special person was made to feel loved and valued. We've all been wired by our heavenly Father to hunger for significance. It's in Christ alone that our intense need to be valued is completely fulfilled. His love that exceeds all understanding is an absolutely free gift to each one of us. It's the ultimate bargain! This month, as we celebrate love, embrace the love of the Savior and look for meaningful ways to share His love with others. Give your time, a kind word of encouragement, your smile, and the warm touch of your hand. Yes, life is busy, but in His strength we can do it! God bless you! In Christ always, Carole Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 =======HeartWarming======= ...:::::::... ...:::::::... .:::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::'.-=.-~, ':::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::' /{,_;--'},'::::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::: | .=~`|//| :::::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::::: | / ; \ | :::' __, '::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::::' || | | | :' .' \/\ ::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::::: |\| | | |\ / \ /_| :::::::::::::. ::::::::::::::::::::::. \ | | /|'/ / | \ /_ | :::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::' ,_ '::: `\ \/|/ / /`.: \ /__/ ::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: /\/`'. ':. `\ `./.'/\ : /.--' .:::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: |_\ / \ ::. '. ,/|\/| // '''''::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: | _\ / | .:: | | \ \/// .""'-. ::::::::::::: :::::::::::::: \__\ / .: .'/| | `)`/__//_/_/_\ :::::::::::: ':::::::::::::: '--.\ : /\/_| |} /.---. \ \ \ / :::::::::::' '::::::::::::'' \\ |\/_/| | //` . `'...-' :::::::::::' :::::::::: .-""'. \\\/ /{| |// .:::::....:::::::::::::: '::::::: /_\_\_\\__\`(` | '/ :::::::::::::::::::::::' ':::::: \ / / / .---.\ | | :::::::::::::::::::::::' '::::::. '-..,'` .:.`\\ | |} ::::::::::::::::::::::' '::::::......:jgs:: \\| | ::::::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::::::: \` | ::::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::::: | | ::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::: {| | ::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::: | | ::::::::::::' ':::::::::: | | ::::::::::' ':::::::: | |} ::::::::' ':::::: | | ::::::' ':::::. |/ ::::::' ':::.....:::::' ':::::::::' ':::::' ':' >Courage of the Heart I sit on the rickety auditorium chair with the camcorder on my shoulder and I can feel the tears well up in my eyes. My six-year-old daughter is on stage, calm, self-possessed, centered and singing her heart out. I am nervous, jittery and emotional. I try not to cry. "Listen, can you hear the sound, hearts beating all the world around?" she sings. Her little round face turns up to the light, a little face so dear and familiar and yet so unlike my own thin features. Her eyes - eyes so different from mine - look out into the audience with total trust. She knows she is loved. "Up in the valley, out on the plains, everywhere around the world, heartbeats sound the same." The face of her birth mother looks out at me from the stage. The eyes of a young woman that once looked into mine with trust now gaze into the audience. These features my daughter inherited from her birth mother - eyes that tilt up at the corners, and rosy, plump little cheeks that I can't stop kissing. "Black or white, red or tan, it's the heart of the family of man . . . oh, oh beating away, oh, oh beating away," she finishes. The audience goes wild. I do, too. Thunderous applause fills the room. We rise as one to let Melanie know we loved it. She smiles; she already knew. Now I am crying. I feel so blessed to be her mom. She fills me with so much joy that my heart actually hurts. The heart of the family of man . . . the heart of courage that shows us the path to take when we are lost . . . the heart that makes strangers one with each other for a common purpose: this is the heart Melanie's birth mother showed to me. From deep inside the safest part of herself, Melanie heard her birth mother. This heart of courage because of her commitment to unconditional love. She was a woman who embraced the concept that she could give her child something no one else ever could: a better life than she had. Melanie's heart beats close to mine as I hold her and tell her how great she performed. She wiggles in my arms and looks up at me. "Why are you crying, Mommy?" I answer her, "Because I am so happy for you and you did so well, all by yourself!" I can feel myself reach out and hold her with more than just my arms. I hold her with love for not only myself, but for the beautiful and courageous woman who chose to give birth to my daughter, and then chose again to give her to me. I carry the love from both of us . . . the birth mother with the courage to share, and the woman whose empty arms were filled with love . . . for the heartbeat that we share is one. By Patty Hansen from A 3rd Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul Copyright 1996 by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen ========================================================== ..8888888.. ..8888888.. .8:::::::::::8. .8:::::::::::8. .8:::''''''''':::8:::''''''''':::8. .8::: .::::::. ::::: .::::::. :::8. 8::: ::::::::::. ' .:::::::::: :::8 8::: ::::::::::::.:::::::::::: :::8 8::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::8 '8::: ::::::::::::::::::::::: :::8' '8::: ::::::::::::::::::::: :::8' '8::: ':::::::::::::::::' :::8' '8:::. ':::::::::::::' .:::8' '8:::: ':::::::::' ::::8' '8::::. ':::' .::::8' '8:::: ' ::::8' jgs '8:::::8' '8' >-->From LaughAndLift: "There is only One Being who can satisfy the last aching abyss of the human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ." - Oswald Chambers >Two Valentines (By list member Debbie Preuss) __ _ / /| |\\ \/_/ \_\| / __ \/_/__\ .-=='/~\ ____,__/__,_____,______)/ /{~}}} -,------,----,-----,---,\'-' {{~}} jgs '-==.\}/ VALENTINE TO THE LORD (By Debbie Preuss, February 3, 2002) Lord, I love You, You are mine You fill me with a love divine In everything I say or do Father, I want to glorify you May Your love light shine through me To lead others to eternity Every breath I take is Yours As Your love over me pours My heart beats only for You May I honor You in all I do My spirit lifts it's voice in praise I will worship You, all my days Lord, I cannot understand Where I'd be without Your hand You lift me up when I fall You answer me when I call Lord, all I am I give to You For You make my heart brand new I am the branch, You are the vine Lord, I want to be Your valentine __ _ / /| |\\ \/_/ \_\| / __ \/_/__\ .-=='/~\ ____,__/__,_____,______)/ /{~}}} -,------,----,-----,---,\'-' {{~}} jgs '-==.\}/ DEAR CHILD, A VALENTINE FROM THE LORD (By Debbie Preuss, February 10, 2002) Child I love you, you know that now As I reach down, to caress your brow Trust Me now to work things out Child, please come, don't My love doubt I love you with My love divine I know you are My valentine So come to Me with everything Let your doubts and fears take wing Rejoice in Me, let your hair down Someday, you will wear a crown Lift your voice and sing with Me Join all nature in the harmony Come and worship, take a rest Lay down your burden, be My guest Let Me hold you for a while How I love to see your smile Know My child, that you are mine I'm glad you are My valentine -<>- The desire of love is to give. The desire of lust is to get! _.-"""""'. .;__ `\ / `\ | ;a/ a `'. _ | ,_ |/_ _) / .-.-. {(}`\ \.___, \.' | | '--''-.( \_ _ / \ / .-\_ _."-.... ;_ ` .-.-. _/ '--. \ | | ."\ _/\ , | \ / / \_.' /'./ ; ` \__.' '-./ ' / __/ `\ / .' ``""--..__\___/ / | | , | \ ';_ / \ \`'-...-' \ \ | __ \ \ /-----; '. .--\_.-"\ | \ jgs / |._______|\ \ \_____,__/ '.__| >The Presence of His Love (By Rev. John F. Perling) [Edited] The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he'd told her was empty. Then she settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg. It had been a year since Susan, thirty-four, became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. Once a fiercely independent woman, Susan now felt condemned by this terrible twist of fate to become a powerless, helpless burden on everyone around her. "How could this have happened to me?" she would plead, her heart knotted with anger. But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed, she knew the painful truth her sight was never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan's once optimistic spirit. Just getting through each day was an exercise in frustration and exhaustion. And all she had to cling to was her husband Mark. Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all of his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again. Mark's military background had trained him well to deal with sensitive situations, and yet he know this was the most difficult battle he would ever face. Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city. At first, this comforted Susan and fulfilled Mark's need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task. Soon, however, Mark realized that this arrangement wasn't working - it was hectic, and costly. Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But just the thought of mentioning it to her made him cringe. She was still so fragile, so angry. How would she react? Just as Mark predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I'm blind!" she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I'm going? I feel like you're abandoning me." Mark's heart broke to hear these words, but he knew what had to be done. He promised Susan that each morning and evening he would ride the bus with her, for as long as it took, until she got the hang of it. And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to determine where she was and how to adapt to her new environment. He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her, and save her a seat. He made her laugh, even on those not-so-good days when she would trip exiting the bus, or drop her briefcase. Each morning they made the journey together, and Mark would take a cab back to his office. Although this routine was even more costly and exhausting than the previous one, Mark knew it was only a matter of time before Susan would be able to ride the bus on her own. He believed in her, in the Susan he used to know before she'd lost her sight, who wasn't afraid of any challenge and who would never, ever quit. Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus riding companion, her husband, and her best friend. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, his love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday... Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan had never felt better. She was doing it! She was going to work all by herself! On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying for her fare to exit the bus, the driver said, "Boy, I sure envy you." Susan wasn't sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all, who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live for the past year? Curious, she asked the driver, "Why do you say that you envy me?" The driver responded, "It must feel so good to be taken care of and protected like you are." Susan had no idea what the driver was talking about, and asked again, "What do you mean?" The driver answered, "You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one blessed lady." Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For although she couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mark's presence. She was blessed, so blessed, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe - the gift of love that can bring light where there had been darkness. God watches over us in just the same way. We may not know He is present. We may not be able to see His face, but He is there nonetheless! Be blessed in this thought: "God Loves You - even when you are not looking." 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 ========================================================== .-. .-. ( \/ ) .-. .-. \ .-. .-. ( \/ ) \ ( \/ ) \ .-. .-. / \ / jgs \ ( \/ .-. .-. / .-. \.-.\ ( \/ )/ ( \/ )\ /\ // \ / \ / \ / \ / \/ \ / \ / \/ \/ >-->The Dash I read of a reverend who stood to speak at the funeral of his friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning...to the end. He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth, and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard, are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left. (You could be at "dash mid-range.") If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash... would you be pleased with the things they say about how you spent your dash? _ _ _ _ /` \/ `\ _ _ /` \/ `\ \ / /` \/ `\ \ / _ _ '. .' \ / '. .' _ _ /` \/ `\ \/ '. .' \/ /` \/ `\ \ / \/ \ / '. .' '. .' \/ _ H A P P Y _ \/ /` \/ `\ VALENTINE'S /` \/ `\ \ / D A Y \ / '. .' _ _ _ _ '. .' \/ /` \/` \ /` \/ `\ \/ \ / _ _ \ / '. .'/` \/ `\'. .' \/ \ / \/ '. .' jgs \/ >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 **********************************************************************