Happy 250th US Birthday America! ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ __, ,___) ______) ,_) ,_) _____),_) (--|__| _, _ _ (--|_ _ ,_-|-|_ _ |_ (--| | _| |(_||_)|_)(_| _| (_)(_)| | | | (_)| |(_)|(_| ( | | ,_| ( |_, | (__| ,_| .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. *~* Have A Happy Safe And Blessed July 4th Celebration! :) This 4th marks our 250th Birthday Celebration! May God Continue to Bless and Keep Us Safe And Prosperous Thru Christ! _ _.-'`-._ _ ;.'________'.; _________n.[____________].n_________ |""_""_""_""||==||==||==||""_""_""_""] |"""""""""""||..||..||..||"""""""""""| |LI LI LI LI||LI||LI||LI||LI LI LI LI| |.. .. .. ..||..||..||..||.. .. .. ..| |LI LI LI LI||LI||LI||LI||LI LI LI LI| ,,;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;,;;;,;;;,;;,, ;;jgs;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; >-->From The White House: Happy Independence Day - America celebrates 250th anniversary! .''. .''. *''* :_\/_: . :_\/_: . .:.*_\/_* : /\ : .'.:.'. .''.: /\ : _\(/_ ':'* /\ * : '..'. -=:o:=- :_\/_:'.:::. /)\*''* .|.* '.\'/.'_\(/_'.':'.' : /\ : ::::: '*_\/_* | | -= o =- /)\ ' * '..' ':::' * /\ * |'| .'/.\'. '._____ * __*..* | | : |. |' .---"| _* .-' '-. | | .--'| || | _| | .-'| _.| | || '-__ | | | || | |' | |. | || | | | | || | ___| '-' ' "" '-' '-.' '` |____ jgs~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >AMERICA CELEBRATES ITS 250TH ANNIVERSARY As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, VA honors the brave Veterans whose service and sacrifice has shaped our nation. In this Independence Day message, VA Deputy Secretary Lawrence reflects on the enduring legacy of those who answered the call to defend our nation and highlights VA's continued progress in delivering the care, benefits, and services Veterans have earned. Visit here for the full VA Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/5d376z4x o /\ /::\ /::::\ ,a_a /\::::/\ {/ ''\_ /\ \::/\ \ {\ ,_oo) /\ \ \/\ \ \ {/ (_^____/ \ \ \ \ \ \ .=. {/ \___)))*) \ \ \ \ \/ (.=.`\ {/ /=; ~/ \ \ \ \/ \ `\{/( \/\ / \ \ \/ \ `. `\ ) ) \ \/ jgs \ // /_/_ \/ '==''---)))) >America 250 Kicks Off, Triple SCOTUS Wins, Iran Peace Advances & ISIS Leader Eliminated! The nations 250th birthday countdown is underway and President Trump is making sure it matches the moment. The Great American State Fair kicked off on the National Mall, and Trump announced he will personally headline the Mount Rushmore fireworks celebration on July 3rd - the first time fireworks have lit up the Black Hills since 2020. It was also a week of legal and national security dominance. The Supreme Court handed the Trump administration three consecutive 6-3 immigration victories in a single week TPS termination, green card enforcement, and more while oil prices fell to $70 a barrel as Iran peace talks continued to advance in Switzerland. U.S. forces eliminated a senior ISIS leader in Syria. And for the 13th straight month, not a single illegal immigrant was released at the border. America is winning on every front. Read on... https://tinyurl.com/39n7xd6f -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends Fran and LouiseAu. It's chock full of interesting US historic photos for our 250th celebration. It's amazing to see what differences may have occurred over the years from a place in the US. Check it out here: .. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ .$$$$. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. .$$$$$ * * * * * * * * * * ::::::::::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::' * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$F * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$d$$$$$$$" ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ":::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::" ""$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$P $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$L ;; ;::::::::::::::::;; ;;:::. $$$$$$" "" $$$$$; ^$$" $$$$ Donna Shepherd "" Places Then And Now! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/placesthenandnow.html --- ...Stunning! Thanks Ladies! -<>- *~* We Had A Fantastic Month Of Sharing And Caring Last Month! _ (_) |_________________________________________ |* * * * * |##########################| | * * * * *| | |* * * * * |##########################| | * * * * *| | |* * * * * |##########################| | * * * * *| | |* * * * * |##########################| |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | |#########################################| | | |#########################################| | | |###################################JGS###| |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | | *~* Please Visit And Share All Of Our Newest Web Pages :) World Nature Awards! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/worldnatureawards.html Amazing Science Facts 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sciencefacts2.html Winnie The Pooh - Disorders! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poohdisorders.html Adorable Animal Memes! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalmemes2.html Cute Raccoons 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/raccoons2.html Largest Steam Trains! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/steamtrains.html Funny Birds! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/funnybirds.html Bird Photography Winners! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/birdawards.html _ (_) <___> | |______ | |* * * ) | | * * (_________ | |* * * |* *|####) | | * * *| * | (________________ | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | | * * *| * | | | | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | |~~~~~~| * | | | | |######|* *|####|##############| | | |~~~' | | | |######|########|##############| | | | | | | |######|########|##############| | |~~~~~~| | | | | |########|##############| | | '~~~~~~~~| | | | |##########JGS#| | | '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | *~* May God Bless All Our Sweet Contributors! They Give Us A Bit Of The 'Spice Of Life' With Their Kind Forwards And Links! :) =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarming: ( __________ )\ / /\______{,} jgs \_________\/ Just when you wonder if what you do ever makes a difference... Her name was Mrs. Thompson. As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers. At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise. Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners... he is a joy to be around." His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle." His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death had been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken." Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class." By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of her self. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to," After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets." A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life. Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer-the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD. The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference." Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you." Warm someone's heart today . . . pass this along. Please remember that wherever you go, and whatever you do, you will have the opportunity to touch and/or change a person's outlook. Please try to do it in a positive way. "Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly." -<>- ============;===========;() # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # jgs # # # # # # # >THE MATCHLESS GIFT By: Stephanie Ray Brown After my 21 second graders completed reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, my students settled back in their seats. But Duane remained standing. Duane was an exceptionally bright and lovable student. However his home life was far from perfect. His mother was a single parent who had so many problems, such as drinking, that she had difficulty being a good parent. Duane and his three younger sisters were often taken out of the home until social services thought that it was safe for them to return. Thinking that maybe he had had a bad night, I walked over to him to see what was the matter. As he looked up at me with his dark brown eyes, I could see his hurt and disappointment. "Mrs. Brown, aren't you going to open my present?", he asked. "I put it on your desk." As I looked at my desk, all I could see was an avalanche of papers, stickers, and books. Seeing my puzzled look, Duane went to the front of the room and retrieved his gift from my desk. As he handed it to me, I noticed the wrapping paper was a napkin from the lunchroom. Carefully removing the napkin, my gift appeared to be a matchbox. Although I had only been a teacher for three months, I had learned the important lesson of asking a child to explain a picture or, in this case, a gift, instead of disappointing him with a wrong guess. So I asked Duane to tell me about his gift. First of all, Duane instructed that I had to use my imagination before opening my gift. He then began to tell me that this wasn't really a matchbox but a jewelry box. Inside, if I would use my imagination, I would find two precious gems. As I opened my jewelry box, I was surprised by the sight and the smell of two beer caps. Duane informed me that instead of beer caps they were really two precious silver earrings. He had noticed that I never wore earrings and wanted me to have some pretty ones. As my eyes began to tear, I was touched by his creativity and the thoughtfulness of Duane's precious gift. Since birth, one of my ears was slightly deformed. Fearing that wearing earrings might draw attention to the ear, I never wore them. But how could I not wear these precious earrings given by this special child? As I placed the earrings on my ears with masking tape, my class clapped, and Duane stood proudly beside me. Every year after that, the matchbox remained on my desk. It reminded me of Duane's act of kindness and of the lessons he taught me. Although his situation at home was not the best, Duane continued to see the good in life. The beer caps were an ugly reminder of some problems at home, but Duane had made them into something beautiful - two precious gems. Although my ear was deformed, Duane still wanted me to have pretty earrings. Although Duane did not have much money, he still wanted to give. Whenever I see Duane's gift on my desk, it encourages me. If I am having trouble reaching a student, I try to be like Duane and give that student a piece of my heart. Out of the good heart of a second-grade boy, one teacher will always have a gift to treasure. School years come and go, but the memory of my matchbox gift never will fail to warm my heart, or be extinguished from my mind. -Stephanie Ray Brown Until Next Time...CARPE DIEM! =Bill Rayborn= =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >You Are Important The Lord gave me this message: I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.1 The book of Jeremiah begins with the calling of Jeremiah. Many may believe that this passage applied only to Jeremiah, but we know that the Bible is the Word of God to all of us, His people. Therefore, this passage applies as much to you and me as it did to Jeremiah. We may not all be called to be a prophet, but God formed us and has chosen us for an important task. There are three things that I believe God wants us to remember in this passage: I knew you. God knew everything about us even before we were born. God knows us better than we know ourselves! Psalm 139:16 says, 'Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.' I set you apart. God has chosen us for a purpose. We are special to him. Deuteronomy 14:2 says, 'You have been set apart as holy to the LORD your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.' I appointed you. God has called us and sends us out into the world to be a testimony. John 15:16 says, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.' There may be times when we lose sight of our purpose or feel discouraged because we feel we do not have the needed qualities for our situation. However, just as God prepared Jeremiah for the time he was living, God has also prepared you and me for the times we are living. He has been preparing us since before we were born, and we can be confident that we can do all things through Him. Each of us is unique. There is no one that possesses the same gifts as you. Even in moments of discouragement, let us remember that God has chosen us to do great things. Just as God told Jeremiah, he is also telling us 'Get up and prepare for action!'2 Suggested prayer: Dear God, what a privilege to be fully known and fully loved by you. Thank you for choosing me to be your child and making me unique. Thank you for being with me always and preparing me for such a time as this. I am ready to be used by you. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1. Jeremiah1:4-5 (NLT). Jeremiah 1:17 (NLT). Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...I am reminded of this Eph, 1: [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: [4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: [5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, God chose us in his foreknowledge before he even created the world. That means he knew we would be saved by confessing Jesus Christ as our Lord and believing that God raised him from the dead. predestinated means: To predetermine or foreordain; to appoint or ordain beforehand by an unchangeable purpose or decree; to pre-elect. God knew we would be His children because He chose us! Just as He chose Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world. Without Jesus Christ giving his life as our sacrificial lamb, there would be no reason to create the world. God looked in His foreknowledge and knew it would all be worth while because of Jesus and each of us. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Remember to Laugh 'A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.1 Norman Cousins tells of being hospitalized with a rare, crippling disease. When he was diagnosed as incurable, Cousins checked out of the hospital. Aware of the harmful effects that negative emotions can have on the body, Cousins reasoned the reverse was true. So, he borrowed a movie projector and prescribed his own treatment, consisting of Marx Brothers films and old Candid Camera reruns. It did not take long for him to discover that 10 minutes of laughter provided two hours of pain-free sleep. Amazingly, his debilitating disease was eventually reversed. After the account of his victory appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine, Cousins received more than 3,000 letters from appreciative physicians throughout the world.2 We all know that stress can lead to health complications, yet we still have the tendency to focus more on the problem at hand, then find joy in the many other blessings God has given us, one of them being a sense of humor! I have found, as a mom,that if I join in my children's laughter throughout the day, my stress levels decrease significantly compared to days when I allow myself to get caught up in the craziness of life. Give it a try - have your children or grandchildren tell you funny jokes or go watch America's Funniest Home Videos for a while, and you will see what I am talking about! God loves us. He knew that this life would have its difficulties, so he made sure to give us cheerful moments to help us through it all. However, if we become bitter because of our circumstances, we will fail to see the joy in life, and this could be detrimental to our overall well being. The Bible tells us that there is a time for everything, so in the midst of the stress of life, don't forget to laugh! Suggested prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me all the tools I need to live this life. Please give me a cheerful heart to enjoy the beautiful moments you give me, and help my cheerfulness be contagious to others. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1. Proverbs 17:22 (NLT). 2. www.sermoncentral.com Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. --- ..::''''::.. .:::. .;'' ``;. .... ::::: :: :: :: :: ,;' .;: () ..: `:::' :: :: :: :: ::. ..:,:;.,:;. . :: .::::. `:' :: .:' :: :: `:. :: '''::, :: :: :: `:: :: ;: .:: : :: : : :: ,:'; ::; :: :: :: :: :: ::,::''. . :: `:. .:' :: `:,,,,;;' ,;; ,;;, ;;, ,;;, ,;;, `:,,,,:' :;: `;..``::::''..;' ``::,,,,::'' ...Yes. That is why I post my SMILES ezine every week. It is full of jokes and things to give you plenty of smiles for your week! Visit it here: https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ShangyFunList.html We also have plenty of funny pages to give you smiles too - Like These: Adorable Animal Memes! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalmemes2.html Animal SMILES! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalsmiles.html Little Help Please! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/helpplease.html Comedy In Nature! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/comedyinnature.html Come Smile With Me! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smilewithme.html Funny Pet Photo Winners! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/funnypets.html Kids Being Kids! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kids.html Top Reasons To Smile! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smile.html To List a few :) When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From InspiringWords: _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >Quotes "A cheerful disposition is good for your health . . ." -Proverbs 17:22 (Message Translation) "Laughter is God's hand on a troubled world." -Johann Weiss "Laughter is the most beautiful and beneficial therapy God ever granted humanity. It is often just as sacred to laugh as it is to pray." -Charles R. Swindoll "It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God that is afraid to laugh in his presence." -George Macdonald "Laughter is one of God's greatest gifts to the world. It really is the answer to most of our problems. We are free to smile. Our maker makes room for laughter!" -Emmett Kelly, Jr. "Humor is mankind's greatest blessing." -Mark Twain One feels increasingly the height of the faculty in which it (humor) arises, the nobility of things associated with it, and the greatness of services it renders. -Oscar W. Firkins May the pages that follow bring a smile to your face and a lift to your spirit. May your heart be filled with the certain knowledge of God's love and His joy! I remain your brother in Christ always. Sheltered under His wing and overwhelmed by His love, Steve Hall -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >STREET SMARTS (Received from WestiMom via GCFL) The following bits of wisdom were taken from T-Shirts: * I work hard because millions on welfare depend on me! * Stupidity is NOT a handicap. Park elsewhere! * I used to have a handle on life, but it broke. * Don't take life too seriously; you won't get out alive. * You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me. * Quoting one is plagiarism; Quoting many is research. * I'm not a complete idiot - some parts are missing. * Out of my mind. Back in five minutes. * The trouble with life is there's no background music. * God must love stupid people; He made so many. * It IS as bad as you think and they ARE out to get you. * I took an IQ test and the results were negative. * Failure is not an option. It comes bundled with the software. -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >SUSPICIOUS MIND (Received from Horace Hooper) Sometimes women are overly suspicious of their husbands. When Adam stayed out very late for a few nights, Eve became upset. "You're running around with some other woman," she charged. "You're being unreasonable," Adam responded. "You're the only woman on earth." The quarrel continued until Adam fell asleep, only to be awakened by a finger poking him in the chest... It was Eve. "What do you think you're doing?" Adam demanded. "Counting your ribs," said Eve. -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >PRECIOUS PEARLS FROM CHILDREN (Received from Kimberly Cook) While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my four-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!" -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg To close each day's activities in summer and on holidays in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., a huge fireworks display lights up the sky. One night I noticed a small boy about three years old perched on his father's shoulder. The child sat mesmerized, aware only of what was exploding in the heavens. When the fireworks were over, the little boy looked up into the sky again and said, "Thank you, God." -<>- My best lesson in child psychology came when I saw our five-year-old, Steven, roughly jerking our toy poodle's leash. Suddenly his fuming father appeared and asked, "Do you want to tell me how sorry you are?" "I would, but I don't know how much you saw!" Steven stammered. -<>- A little girl had just finished her first week of school. "I'm wasting my time," she said to her mother. I can't read, I can't write -- and they won't let me talk!" -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >GREAT DELIVERY (Received from Pastor Tim's CleanLaugh) "What's the usual tip?" a man growled when, Jason, a college student delivered his pizza. "Well," Jason replied, "this is my first delivery, but the other guys said that if I got a quarter out of you, I'd be doing great." "Is that so?" grunted the man. "In that case, here's twenty dollars." "Thanks," Jason said, "I'll put it in my college fund." "By the way, what are you studying?" inquired the man. Jason replied, "Applied psychology." -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO "Surely God does not reject a blameless man or strengthen the hands of evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:20-21 (NIV) =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .''. .''. . *''* :_\/_: . :_\/_: _\(/_ .:.*_\/_* : /\ : .'.:.'. .''.: /\ : /)\ ':'* /\ * : '..'. -=:o:=- :_\/_:'.:::. | ' *''* * '.\'/.'_\(/_ '.':'.' : /\ : ::::: = *_\/_* -= o =- /)\ ' * '..' ':::' === * /\ * .'/.\'. ' ._____ * | *..* : |. |' .---"| * | _ .--'| || | _| | * | .-'| __ | | | || | .-----. | |' | || | | | | | || | ___' ' /"\ | '-."". '-' '-.' '` |____ jgs~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As you celebrate the fourth of July with your family and friends please take time to pray for those protecting or freedoms. Our troops abroad and at home all need the protection our prayers offer. Please also include prayers for physical and mental healing for those who have served and sacrificed for our country and the families some have left behind. -Nancy -<>- .-"""""""-. .' __ \_ / / \/ \ | \_0/\_0/______ |:. .' oo`\ |:. / \ |' ; | | |:.. . \_______ | |::.|' , \,_____\ / |:::.; ' | . '| ====)_/===;===========;() |::; | | ; ; | | # # # #:::::: /::::.|-| |_|-|, \ # # # #:::::: /'-=-'` '-' '--'\ # # # #:::::: jgs / \ # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # H A P P Y # # # # # # # # # # # # # # F O U R T H O F J U L Y # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # >STILL FREE By: Joseph J. Mazzella I winced as I filled up the tank on my car the other day. Seeing another record high at the gas pump didnt bode well for the rest of the day. I knew too that the food prices would be up again as well. I put just what we needed on the shopping list and nothing more. I had promised my boys that we could eat out first, so we headed to a local fast food place and gazed at the value menu. On the counter by the cash register was the half-empty box for a childrens charity. I had often put my extra change in it over the years but this time when the cashier handed the coins back to me I slowly put them in my pocket. I ate sadly still wondering about how high the prices would go when I heard my thoughts echoed by the couple in the next booth. "The prices just keep going up," said the dejected husband. "I know," his wife replied. "Everything costs an arm and a leg these days." In that moment of stress and worry, though, somehow the sweet voice of wisdom sounded in my mind. "Gods love is still free," it said, "and it always will be." I got up then and smiled at the couple. I fished the change back out of my pocket and some bills out of my wallet, walked over and put them in the childrens charity box. "Prices may keep going up," I thought, "but the most priceless thing in the world is still free to us all." The next time you feel squeezed by the price of living remember that the thing that makes life worth living is still free. God loves us and is willing to fill us with His love everyday of our lives. Even when our wallets are empty our hearts can still be full. God will always give us just what we need as well to live, learn, and love. There is no supply and demand with Gods love either because the supply is endless. The more love you give away, the more love you will have. May we all help God share His love today then. It costs us nothing but gives us everything. -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >The dotted line Signing on the dotted line is often a huge step of faith -- when buying a house for instance. When you sign, you are "putting your money where your mouth is." You've said, "I want it" and your signature proves it. Just as signing is an act of faith in the commercial world, stepping out is an act of faith in the spiritual world. For instance, when Joseph's brothers were told by Joseph that they could have a new home in Egypt if they would return to Canaan and get their families and father, they stepped out: "Then the sons of Israel did so . . ." (Genesis 45:21). Is there something you believe God wants you to do? When you sign on the bottom line with God, you prove your faith in God. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...So True - See These Teachings: Act First and Then You See http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Act_First_and_Then_You_See.htm God Moves When You Move http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/God_Moves_When_You_Move.htm -<>- ,ggg, gg ,ggg, d8P""8b ,d88b, d8""Y8b Y8b,__,,aadd88888bbaaa,888888,aaadd88888bbaa,,__,d8P "88888888888888888888I888888I88888888888888888888" /|\`""YY8888888PP""""`888888'""""YY8888888PP""'/|\ / | \ `WWWW' / | \ / | \ ,dMMb, / | \ / | \ I8888I / | \ / | \ `Y88P' / | \ / | \ `YP' / | \ / | \ 88 / | \ / | \ i88i / | \ / | \ 8888 / | \ "Y88888888888888888888888P" i8888i "Y88888888888888888888888P" `""Y888888888888888P""' ,888888, `""Y888888888888888P""' I888888I Y888888P `Y8888P' `WWWW' dMMb _,ad8888ba,_ __,,aaaadd888888888888888bbaaaa,,__ d8888888888888888888888888888888888888b Normand Veilleux >I WEIGHED MYSELF one day recently... I weighed a certain amount (nope, I am not going to tell, so dont even ask!) on one scale. I guess I wanted a second opinion, so I weighed on another one. It showed me 20 pounds heavier than the first one did. (I liked the first one better; it must be doing a better job.) Therefore, just to see if I could get a majority ruling, I found a third one and weighed on it. It showed me 10 pounds heavier than the first scale, and 10 pounds lighter than the second scale. (I still liked the first one better.) To be honest, I do not know which one was right, so I just went with the one that pleased me the most. Sadly, I believe that many religious people follow this same path. They try one religious organization, church or preacher, and then, they try another, which tells them something different, and maybe another that tells something totally different yet. They get confused, and then they just go to the one that pleases them most. How can I know how much I truly weigh? I have to find a reliable scale, one that is calibrated properly and that is consistent with the true weight of what it weighs. While all three of the scales I used were different, the fact is that I did actually weigh a certain amount when I used those scales. All of them could have been wrong, or one right and two wrong (I know you figure the heaviest one was right), but only one could have been right. Religiously, there is a truth that does not change. It is the truth that is Gods Word (John 17:17), and that truth is understandable. In the religious world, we may find all kinds of interpretations, sort of like the measurements of my weight on those scales. The fact is, however, that there is a truth that is sure and certain, and is right. If two or more people are teaching different things on a matter of doctrine or Scripture, then either all of those teachings are wrong, or one is right and the others are wrong. That is an unpopular sentiment in todays world. If we take it and think about it in terms of how much I weigh, it is not hard to understand. I have a true weight. However, it cannot be 20 pounds different from one measurement, and 10 pounds different from another and all three measurements be true. That just makes sense. For example, I cannot weigh 100 pounds (I wish!), 110 pounds and 120 pounds all at the same time. If three scales weigh me these weights, then at least two of them are wrong (I know what you are thinking, in my case all three would be wrong at these weights, although the three combined might come close-Ha,Ha!). From the perspective of religion, we must go to the Bible, and allow it to speak as the authority of God. We need to use it as our spiritual scale, or measuring instrument. In the end, it will be that by which we are judged. It is truth in its purest form. We must measure by Gods measurements and not by ours. I would like to lose some weight. However, just going from one scale to another that gives me a reading that pleases me more does not change my real weight. I want to go to heaven. Just changing to some other organization or preacher that tells me what I want to hear will not change the course I am on. Only obedience to the truth of God can do that. Be careful what measuring instrument you use to guide your life. -Dean Kelly --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...I've found these to be most true in their teachings: Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 All Seminars https://stfi.org/seminars Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ -<>- (\ /) \/ W.Madison \/ (\ /) (X) o00- _ _ -00o (X) (/|\) (')< >(') (/|\) | (@ ) ( @) | \|/|||||||||| ^^ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ^^ ||||wsm|||\|/ ~~~~ ~~~~ >CARL'S GARDEN Carl was a quiet man. He didn't talk much. He would always greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake. Even after living in our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could really say they knew him very well. Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning. The lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us. He had a slight limp from a bullet wound received in W.WII. Watching him, we worried that, although he had survived W.W.II, he may not make it through our changing uptown neighborhood with its ever- increasing random violence, gangs and drug activity. When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers for caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence, he responded in his characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up. He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared finally happened. He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang members approached him. Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked, "Would you like a drink from the hose?" The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said, "Yeah, sure," with a malevolent little smile. As Carl offered the hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down. As the hose snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl's assailants stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled. Carl tried to get himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad leg. He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him. Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he couldn't get there fast enough to stop it. "Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?" the minister kept asking, as he helped Carl to his feet. Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking his head. "Just some punk kids. I hope they'll wise-up someday." His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose. He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water. Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, "Carl, what are you doing?" "I've got to finish my watering. It's been very dry lately," came the calm reply. Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel. Carl was a man from a different time and place. A few weeks later the three returned. Just as before, their threat was unchallenged. Carl again offered them a drink from his hose. This time they didn't rob him. They wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched him head to foot in the icy water. When they had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done. Carl just watched them. Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up his hose, and went on with his watering. The summer was quickly fading into fall Carl was doing some tilling when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone behind him He stumbled and fell into some evergreen branches. As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall leader of his summer tormentors, reaching down for him. He braced himself for the expected attack. "Don't worry old man, I'm not gonna hurt you this time." The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl. As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket and handed it to Carl. "What's this?" Carl asked. "It's your stuff," the man explained. "It's your stuff back. Even the money in your wallet." "I don't understand," Carl said. "Why would you help me now?" The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease. "I learned something from you," he said. "I ran with that gang and hurt people like you. We picked you because you were old, and we knew we could do it. But every time we came and did something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink. You didn't hate us for hating you. You kept showing love against our hate." He stopped for a moment. "I couldn't sleep after we stole your stuff, so here it is back." He paused for another awkward moment, not knowing what more there was to say. "That bag's my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess." And with that, he walked off down the street. Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it. He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist. Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo. He gazed for a moment at the young bride, who still smiled back at him from all those years ago. He died one cold day after Christmas that winter. Many people attended his funeral in spite of the weather. In particular, the minister noticed a tall young man he didn't know, sitting quietly in a distant corner of the church. The minister spoke of Carl's garden as a lesson in life. In a voice made thick with unshed tears, he said, "Do your best, and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never forget Carl and his garden." The following spring another flyer went up. It read: "Person needed to care for Carl's garden." The flyer went unnoticed by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was heard at the minister's office door. Opening the door, the minister saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer. "I believe this is my job, if you'll have me," the young man said. The minister recognized him as the same young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl. He knew that Carl's kindness had turned this man's life around. As the minister handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, "Yes, go take care of Carl's garden, and honor him." The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables, just as Carl had done. In that time, he went to college, got married and became a prominent member of the community. But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory, and he kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it. One day he approached the new minister and told him he couldn't care for the garden any longer. He explained with a shy and happy smile, "My wife just had a baby boy last night, and we're bringing him home on Saturday." "Well, congratulations!" said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys. "That's wonderful! What's the baby's name?" "Carl," he replied. By Bill Walker -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Feather Painting! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/feather.html Lean On Me! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/leanonme.html Directions To Father's House! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/home.html Wyoming Cowgirl! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/cowgirl.html Undersea Restaurant http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/undersea.html Mini Baby Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/baby.html Hot Air Balloons! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html Roller Coasters! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/coaster.html Real Eagle Story! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eagle.html Useless Signs! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/uselesssigns.html Freedom Isn't Free! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/freedom.html Who Is This Jesus? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Proud Of Our Troops 5 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops5.html Liberty Air Show! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/liberty.html DC Tea Party! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/teaparty.html No Words Needed! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html Rich Vs Poor! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/richvspoor.html Paper Sculpture! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/paper.html God's Night Lights! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/night.html World Of Peacocks! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/peacock.html That's God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html Chalk Art 7! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart7.html Tale Of Two Swallows! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/swallows.html Thoughts Into Action! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/action.html Attitude Is Everything 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude2.html Floating Hotel! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fhotel.html Backpack Cat! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/backpack.html Birth Of An Elk! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/elk.html America's 4th Of July! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/america4th.html Troop Index: https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html -<>- How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Spirit & Truth Index: https://stfi.org/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President 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 ========================================================== ============;===========;() # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # jgs # # # # # # # >-->Have You Noticed? Lately our American youth and others are siding with those that call themselves 'Democrat Socialists'. This may not seem such a bad thing to those who don't much think about it. Democrats Socialists like to offer the people free things. Free food, free housing, free busing, free child care, free education and the list of free stuff keeps growing. I was watching a show on Fox and got an awaking. While all this free stuff sounds good, it has to come from someone. The Democrat Socialists say they will tax the rich and make them pay their fair share. OK. Again, that sounds good except the rich already pay the majority of taxes. AI says 'The top 1% of taxpayers in the U.S. paid an average federal income tax rate of 23.1%, while the bottom half of taxpayers paid an average rate of 3.7%." What got me from the show was the obvious that had escaped me before. In order to give things free to people, the government, who doesn't earn a dime, must take money from other people. They are in essence stealing from others to give people free stuff by raising taxes. This is totally not biblical. God wants people to give according to what they desire to. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion or the government forcing them to give. For God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9: [6] But this I say, He which soweth (works) sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth (works) bountifully shall reap also bountifully. [7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: So, according to Jesus Christ... John.10: [10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. We don't want to be in the 'thief' category stealing by forcing others to pay for our things! If we are disabled and can't earn our own living, then that is where we all pitch in to help. The more I watch ID shows, the more I learned that it is true what Jesus said about thieves coming to steal, kill and destroy! Many of those that murder do so starting out as a thief or during the act of stealing. Amazing! Another thing I recently learned was that the left socialists that control Europe went so crazy on the green climate control that when they would see someone with an A/C unit, they would tax them so heavily that only the rich over there can afford air conditioning! Many are dying now from a heat wave there. AI says 'Only about 20% of households in Europe have air conditioning, with significant variation across countries; for example, around 50% of homes in Spain have it, while in Germany, the figure is only about 6%.' The United States has 90% of us having air conditioning! Can you imagine those leftists socialists governing here in the US taxing you super heavy because you have an A/C unit? Right now we have people complaining that their A/C can't keep up with the mid American Heat Wave we are having with heat indexes as high as 110F. Just think if they had no where to go to cool off? We have cooling stations all over here in the US and almost all our stores and public places have A/C. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Jas.1: [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Air Conditioning is a 'good gift' from God to help us deal with the extreme weather. God gave it 'with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' - simply means He gave it to all of mankind whether they believe in Him or not. History of Air Conditioning - Department of Energy Learn about some of the key milestones in one of the most important inventions of modern times -- air conditioning. https://www.energy.gov/articles/history-air-conditioning A Frenchmen who doesn't have A/C at home put it this way: Describing that it is hotter than bait then Satan's b%tt crack in America but you have air-conditioning and he then explains how it should be added to our European national anthems. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY0_WXNO9_k I think we need to educate people NOT to ever Vote for a socialist! They live in comfort and expect everyone else to suffer. The socialist like to make people think they are like Robin Hood who robbed from the rich to give to the poor. However, the rich were those rulers governing Nottingham. Robin himself wasn't rich. The Democrat Socialists are rich and evilly not caring about the individual integrity and well-being of US citizens over that of illegals or criminals. They don't like the United States or the US citizens. They feel we are all white racist nationalists that don't deserve our great freedoms and prosperity. They have sanctuary cities to harbor illegal criminals. They want to abolish American democracy, free enterprise and capitalism as we know it. They want big government control and want to end private ownership. Forget about owning your own house or car with them! They want to limit or remove law and order by abolishing ICE, limit or abolish the police, limit or abolish prison terms and have wide open borders so anyone can live here. They are more like the rulers in Nottingham than like Robin Hood. They are the party of hate. They hate Jews, Israel, Christians and American and its legal citizens. As Trump put it, 'They are ungodly communists'. Bernie Sanders, who leads the Democrat Socialist (Communist) party, for instance is a millionaire owning 3 mansions but speaks of equality and sharing the wealth all the time - yet I don't think he'll sell his mansions or private jet or expensive car to share his wealth with all of us - do you? .-"""""""-. .' __ \_ / / \/ \ | \_0/\_0/______ |:. .' oo`\ |:. / \ |' ; | | |:.. . \_______ | |::.|' , \,_____\ / |:::.; ' | . '| ====)_/===;===========;() |::; | | ; ; | | # # # #:::::: /::::.|-| |_|-|, \ # # # #:::::: /'-=-'` '-' '--'\ # # # #:::::: jgs / \ # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # H A P P Y # # # # # # # # # # # # # # F O U R T H O F J U L Y # # # # # # # # # # # # # # GOD BLESS AMERICA! # # # # # # # Go God's way and vote for individual freedom, free enterprise and capitalism over government control and handouts that led to the downfall of Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea to name a few - and has never resulted in anything but death and destruction for the common people. America is Great because we don't go against God! Praise God for America - May He Always Bless Our Great Nation and People through Christ Jesus our beloved Lord and Savior! ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) In Honor Of our 250th Independence Day... July 4th ( (_) ### . (#c __\|/__ #\ wWWWw \ \-. (/. .\) /\ /`\/\ /\ |\/ \_) (_| `\.' ; ; `' ;`\ `\; ; . ;/\ `\; ; ;| \ ; .' ' ; / |_.' ; | /) ( ''._;/` | ' . ; |.-' .:) | | ( .' : | |,- .:: | | ,-' .;| jgs_/___,_.:_\_ [I_I_I_I_I_I_] | __________ | | || | | || | _| ||_|__|_|| |_ /=--------------=\ / \ | | >America The Beautiful I'm glorious America I'm beautiful and free I offer many lovely things In a land of Liberty I like to watch how people Enjoy all that they see But most of all, I like to watch How they take care of me I wave a flag of stars and stripes In red and white and blue I'm proud and I am happy To be flying over you. Many lives were shed for me And many more will pay If people start forgetting They want me here to stay. Count your blessings every night Be honest, good, and true And I'll be proud to recognize An American like you. --- ...Sweet! Thanks LouiseAu! ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Fight Bravely and Trust God We've considered the protection available for our daily battles as we dress in the full armor of God. We also saw how getting properly dressed is actually a moment-by-moment process of coming into the presence of God and placing our life in His hands. It's worth noting that God never directs us to get un-dressed. We are to put on His armor and keep it on at all times. When the enemy attacks, His armor will protect; but we may also be called to fight with all the strength and ability God provides. During the time of King David, a battle was about to occur between Israel and two neighboring kingdoms: "The Ammonites came out and drew up in battle formation at the entrance to their city gate, while the Arameans were by themselves in the open country" (2 Samuel 10:8). Joab, the commander of David's military, saw enemy troops in front and behind him so he divided his army - one group remained with him, and the other group went with his brother. 2 Samuel 10:11-12 "Joab said, 'If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to rescue you. Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in His sight.'" Joab knew God was in complete control, but he never allowed his faith to be a reason for becoming complacent in preparation or passive in battle. Joab used all his intellect and past experience - all the tools God provided - to devise a plan. He then encouraged those with him to fight bravely with all their ability. Joab knew he was accountable to use everything God had given, but he also knew the real battle belonged to God. Notice Joab never said God would guarantee a victory in this battle. Trusting God with all our heart means knowing with certainty the final result will be good in the eyes of God - regardless of whether the immediate battle is won or lost. Many times, our Christian walk turns into a battle zone. We may face spiritual battles of doubt, fear, and anxiety. We may also face painful physical and emotional battles. And yet, God remains in control. He has gifted us all in many ways; and as He leads, we must not hesitate to use those gifts bravely and fully. We must "fight" with all the perseverance we can manage, but we must also completely surrender the outcome to God. True victory comes as we look past the success or failure as seen with our own eyes and trust God for the working of the good in all our battles. Let's stand against the enemy and trust God will do "what is good in His sight." As we enter the battle today, let's fight bravely and trust God. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?1 Samuel 26:1-28:25; John 11:1-53; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23 <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Trust His Vision After entering the promised land, the Israelites were ruled by a series of Judges. This time was characterized by God's discipline when the hearts of His children turned away, and deliverance when they repented and cried out for help. Unfortunately, this cycle was repeated many times! Deborah led the Israelites to forty years of peace, but then; "the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years He gave them into the hands of the Midianites" (Judges 6:1). After seven years of oppression, "Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help" (Judges 6:6). The Israelites were living in such fear that when God answered their cry and called Gideon to be the next deliverer of Israel, he was "threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites" (Judges 6:11). Gideon would eventually lead a small army to victory and rule Israel for another forty years; but when God first called, he was fearfully sifting grain for his next loaf of bread. Judges 6:14-15 "The Lord turned to him and said, 'Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?' 'But Lord,' Gideon asked, 'how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.'" Gideon was scared and saw himself as one with little worth, "the least in my family," but God saw the next brave leader of a nation. Gideon saw weakness, but God saw strength. Gideon saw his past failures, but God saw the future victories of a mighty warrior. Gideon's vision required him to fearfully work for his next loaf, but God's vision was calling Gideon to boldly lead many others closer to His side. God sees each of us much differently than we see ourselves; "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Not only does God see deeper, He sees with an expanded spiritual spectrum which we can scarcely imagine. Our Father is intimately aware of all our failings... and He loves us anyway! He not only sees who we are, but also who we will become as our heart is fully devoted to Him and we learn to walk in step with His Spirit. He sees every opportunity we will ever have to glorify His name. Let's put aside the baggage of our past which clouds and distorts our view. Let's refuse to look through the filter of our present understanding and perceived limitations; "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen" (2 Corinthians 4:18). God has called us into His Glorious Kingdom, uniquely equipped us for His service, and given us an assignment to share His love and truth. Our Heavenly Father sees our full potential as we walk in His strength. Let's answer the call and move forward with confidence as we trust His vision. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?2 Kings 8:1-9:15; Acts 16:16-40; Psalm 143:1-12; Proverbs 17:26 2 Kings 9:16-10:31; Acts 17:1-34; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 17:27-28 2 Kings 10:32-12:21; Acts 18:1-21; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 18:1 2 Kings 13:1-14:29; Acts 18:22-19:12; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 18:2-3 ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend PatDeE :) o /\ /::\ /::::\ ,a_a /\::::/\ {/ ''\_ /\ \::/\ \ {\ ,_oo) /\ \ \/\ \ \ {/ (_^____/ \ \ \ \ \ \ .=. {/ \___)))*) \ \ \ \ \/ (.=.`\ {/ /=; ~/ \ \ \ \/ \ `\{/( \/\ / \ \ \/ \ `. `\ ) ) \ \/ jgs \ // /_/_ \/ '==''---)))) Compare these real men to the creatures we now have representing us! Would they have thought it was worth it? -Pat More than flags.. They pledged their honor...and did not beat their breasts Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; Another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, Nine were farmers and large plantation owners; Men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallishad taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free! --- ...So True! Thanks PatDeE! Review the full of this here... http://www.snopes.com/history/american/pricepaid.asp ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend KanenF :) >On this 250th Independence Day weekend, something to consider. Amid all the barbecues and fireworks in the Land of the Free, it may be worth a short pause to remember the words of Thomas Jefferson long ago: .:::. ':::' .: .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.: :. .:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.: :. .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.: :. .:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .: :. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .: :. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .: :. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .: jgs .: .: .: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed," "That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." Powerful stuff. In one of the most eloquent treatises in history, Jefferson lays out that human beings are born free. And that we create governments in order to stay free. Further, whenever governments become destructive to this effort, human beings have a right to dissolve the government and create a new one. Jefferson then lays out an entire laundry list of grievances against the British King that have compelled the colonists to throw off the chains of tyranny and form a new government. This "long train of abuses" includes: He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance. He has obstructed the Administration of Justice He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments As the modern, dysfunctional version of the US government has become little better than the court of King George III, one might make the exact same arguments today. They have employed a multitude of offices, from the National Security Agency to the US Postal Service, to illegally spy on their citizens. They have used the power and intimidation of tax authorities to bully political opposition groups. (Obama And Biden Administrations) They have authorized the military detention and drone assassination of their own citizens. (J6) They have indebted future generations who will not be born for decades, and squandered the nations wealth on fraud, waste, and foreign military folly. (Obama and Biden especially) They have destroyed the primary function of the free market by awarding supreme monetary authority to a tiny banking elite. They have passed tones of new laws and regulations which criminalize everything from collecting rainwater to childhood lemonade stands. (In Blue States now) By Jefferson's own standard, it seems rather clear that the government-- most governments-- have become destructive against their higher purpose: to safeguard the people's liberty. Today shouldn't be a celebration... it should be a memorial service. Or at least a time to reflect heavily-- when will enough finally be enough? --- ...A Good Reminder! Thank God For Trump AND Our Freedoms! Thanks KarenF! Something we need to continually pray about! ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: "Most of the verses written about praise in God's Word were voiced by people faced with crushing heartaches, injustice, treachery, slander, and scores of other difficult situations." - Joni Eareckson Tada E _ \ o .|.:.|.:.|.:.|.:.|.:.|. \/() \cjr//\/'.'.'.'.'.'.\//\\//\/ \7] \__, \/\\//\\/'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'\//\\//\/<,] /==() .:.|.:.|.:.|.:.|.:.|.:.|.:.|.:.|.:.|. >Sowing and Growing (By Heidi Viars) This year I had decided not to plant a garden. Typically I love to spend time outside and plant all sorts of vegetables in the spring and usually look forward to this time of year. I love to spend time with the Lord outside early in morning. In the past years I have so enjoyed my carrots, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and a host of other things. I always sense the lessons God is teaching me of good soil, fruit, and the rewards of dedication. Not so this year. This year I told God that I was tired of "gardening". Since He knows my heart of hearts and my motivations, He knew it was because of being exhausted from ministering to difficult people and not seeing fruit. The garden was my way of protesting. Every time I looked at my garden, I sat back and said to God: "Not this year. I will sit out one season. I am tired of trying to work at planting and investing, only to find unproductive crops." Several days ago, I walked up to my garden and found something amazing. I was looking at about 50 (no kidding) tomato plants that came up where last year's tomatoes had grown. Why does it take me so long to learn that I am only in charge of sowing and planting, the growing is God's job. Why do I take so much pride in thinking I have anything to do with it? All He asks of me is being faithful in telling others about Jesus. I just came in from outside and saw how the garden I dreaded is blooming with a bunch of tomato blossoms. I am so glad He is so patient with me and works despite my messing up and falling short. I guess I'll be gardening after all. SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ========================================================== / / / / __.__ / .-' `-. / _ / .' `. .' '._ / / / _.--._ \ ( )' .-'-. ; / \ | / '(._)--' (-'|'-) | | / | | / / / / O | | \_ _/ | / / . ' '=;-|-' | `--' / ______ . q|p | .' /' '\ .___. ( ) /| ._ `. | ,"""", | |"""| |""",.-"'"._ / | | `-. '. | | | | | | ,., '. | | `. \ '____' | | 3-| | | '. | | | / \ ' __ | | | | | | | | | ' ;| | | | 2-| | | | | | | / .@< ; ;| | | |~~~| | | | | >@ | | '(u) | || | | | 1-| | | | | (u)' / ~~~| |~~~~~~~~~| ||~~| |~| |~~| |~~~~| |~~~~~~~~ `--' '---'' '-' '-' '-' '-' )=;;') >';;=( ########################PjP#################################### - >-->Rainy Night It was a rainy night in New Orleans; At a bus station in the town, I watched a young girl weeping As her baggage was taken down. It seems she'd lost her ticket Changing buses in the night. She begged them not to leave her there With no sign of help in sight. The bus driver had a face of stone And his heart was surely the same. "Losing your ticket's like losing cash money," He said, and left her in the rain. Then an old Christian man stood up And blocked the driver's way And would not let him pass before He said what he had to say. "How can you leave that girl out there? Have you no God to fear? You know she had a ticket. You can't just leave her here. You can't put her out in a city Where she doesn't have a friend. You will meet your schedule, But she might meet her end." The driver showed no sign That he'd heard or even cared About the young girl's problem Or how her travels fared. So the old gentleman said, "For her fare I'll pay. I'll give her a little money To help her on her way." He went and bought the ticket And helped her to her place And helped her put her baggage In the overhead luggage space. "How can I repay," she said, "the kindness you've shown tonight? We're strangers who won't meet again A mere ' 'thank you 'doesn't seem right." He said, "What goes around comes around. This I've learned with time - - What you give, you always get back; What you sow, you reap in kind. Always be helpful to others And give what you can spare; For by being kind to strangers, We help angels unaware. - Author Unknown -<>- _..._ ||||||| ||||||| _|*****|_ ( '-...-' ) {`;-----;`} {(| a a|)} \| _\ |/ \ - / jgs '{_}` >"More Than" William Arthur Ward wrote Twelve Guideposts for Living which emphasize the principle of going beyond what one might be "supposed to do." I will do more than belong- I will participate. I will do more than believe- I will practice. I will do more than care- I will help. I will do more than be fair- I will be kind. I will do more than forgive- I will forget. I will do more than dream- I will work. I will do more than teach- I will inspire. I will do more than earn- I will enrich. I will do more than give- I will serve. I will do more than live- I will grow. I will do more than be friendly- I will be a friend. I will do more than be a citizen- I will be a patriot. - Edsel Burleson, Evangelist, The World Evangelist _ (_) |_________________________________________ |*%%*%%*%%*%%*%%########################### |%*%%*%%*%%*%%*%########################### |*%%*%%*%%*%%*%%########################### |%*%%*%%*%%*%%*%########################### |*%%*%%*%%*%%*%%########################### |%*%%*%%*%%*%%*%########################### |*%%*%%*%%*%%*%%########################### |########################################## |########################################## |########################################## |########################################## |########################################## |###################################JGS#### |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | | Have A Happy 4th of July! 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