Living Stones And More... :) 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 ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) We have a too hot to handle new page from our friend PatDeE. This one is astounding. A true life story from a lobster fisherman. It gives new meaning to the Old Testament bible story of Jonah. Check it and its video out here: __________...----..____..-'``-..___ ,'. ```--.._ : ``._ | -- ``. | -.- -. - -. `. : __ -- . \ `._____________ ( `. -.- -- - . ` \ `-----------------\ \_.--------..__..--.._ `. `. : `--' SSt `-._ . | `.` | \` | \ | / \`. / _\-' /_,' Trapped Inside A Whale! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/insideawhale.html --- ...Wowsers! Totally amazing! Thanks PatDeE! Our next sizzling red hot new page is from our friend LouiseAu. These may have you taking a double-take and make you think they are AI pictures, but they aren't. Some will amaze you. Check this out here: o o% // -="~\ ~\\\ \\\ \\\ );\ /|;;\ """;;;;;;;\ ///"""""""";;;;;;\ ___////+++++""""""""""""";;;@@\ __________///////++++++++++++++""""""""@@@@%) ....__/0)///0)//0)//0)/++////////++++++++++"""@@@%%%%%/ ..---0)/--------////////////////+++++++/////+++++@@%%%%%%%/ ..///---0)---0)///0)//0)///0)/////////+++++====@%%%%%%/ ...0)....//----///------////////////+++++///" \/\\// //../0)--0)///0)///0)///0)//++++///// / \/ --///--------///////////+++///// _/ / .-//..0).-/0)--0)--0)--0)--.. /\ / .......--/////////. /\_ .0)..0).. unknown Strange Real Photos! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/strangephotos.html --- ...Wow! Pretty awesome! Thanks LouiseAu! =========================================================== .--. .--. (_ _) "SICK" (_ _) I CANNOT GO TO SCHOOL TODAY )( -by Shel Silverstein )( Said little Peggy Ann McKay. /__\ /__\ [____] __,--"""""""--,__ [____] "I have the measles and the mumps, ) ( _/ \_ ) ( A gash, a rash, and purple bumps. \__/ / ((((((()))) \ \__/ My mouth is wet, my throat is dry, [ _]/ (((((((())))))) \[ ] I'm going blind in my right eye. [(_`"-._((((((( ))))))--"`_) ] [ ) (((( ,_ _, )))) ( ] My tonsils are as big as rocks, [ / (() |*| |*| (() \ ] I've counted sixteen chicken pox. [/ ()) ''' ''' ()) \ ] And there's one more- ( (() '' ^ '' (() )] ...that's seventeen! [ ())'. C====O.'()) / ] And don't you think [(\_/) (() '-._____.-' (()( ( ] ...my face looks green? ./o o\())____/ \____())____) . :(= Y =)@-----'---`-----@--------: My leg is cut, my eyes are blue- |/`----'/|\ /|\ \It might be instamatic flu. |``________________________________ I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke | |\'.'''.'''.".'.'".'..'".'.'.'."" I'm sure that my left leg is broke. | |'\.'"..'...."'"'..'...'.'.'.'.'..'.\ | |.'\.''.'...'''"'..'..'.'.'.'..'. My hip hurts when I move my chin, | |.'.\.'"..'.'."".'".'..'.'.".'.'. My belly button's caving in, | |.'.'\'.".'.".'.".''.'".'.'".'.'. My back is wrenched, | |.".'.\'.'..'.".'.'.-".'.'.'.- '.' ...my ankle's sprained, | |.'.' .\'.'.''.''.''.''.'.'.''.'' My 'pendix pains each time it rains. | |'.'.' .\'".'.-".'.''".''.-'".'.'.'.".'.'.'.\ \ |.'.'." .\".'.'-'.'".'..'.'.'.'.' My nose is cold, my toes are numb, \|.'.'..".'\".'.''.'..".'.''-'''.' I have a sliver in my thumb. \'.'.'.''.'\.'.''.'..'".'.'..'.'. My neck is stiff, my spine is weak. \.'.'.'".'.\'.'".'.'.'".'.".".'. I hardly whisper when I speak. \'".'.".".'\".'.'.".'.'-".'.".'.'.'."."-".'.'.'\ \.'.".'.".'\'.'.".'-'.''.'.'.'.'.'.".'.'.".'.'.\ \'.'.'".".'\'.'.".'.-''".".'. My tongue is filling up my mouth, \'.".'.'.".\'.'.'.'.".'.'.'. I think my hair is falling out. \".'.".'.".\".'-".." .".'.' My elbow's bent- \ \'.".''.".'\".'.'." .'.' ". ...my spine ain't straight. \".'.-'.".'\.'.'- .'.".'. My temperature is one-o-eight. \".".'.'.'|~.-~~-.~~-~.'~-~-.-'~-~..~~'-~-~-~-~| \'.'.''.'|.".'.'..-'.'. My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear, \".'..".|".''.''.'.".' There is a hole inside my ear. \'.".'.|".''..'.'.'.' I have a hangnail, and my heart is- \".'.'|".-.'..'..-'.' ...WHAT? \'.'.|.'.'.-'.'.'.".'..'".'.'.".'.'.".'"..| \'.'|'.'.".'.'..'. What's that? What's that you say? \.'|".''.'-'.'.'. You say today is...Saturday? \'|.-.'-'.-".'." G'bye, I'm going out to play!" \|jgs''.'.'.'.'.'-'.'".'.'.'".'.'.'.'"| ~~~~`~~~`~~~``~~~~```~~~~~`~~~~`~~~~~ =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: "Forgiveness is almost a selfish act because of its immense benefits to the one who forgives." -- Lawana Blackwell, Are you holding a grudge today? Is there something that is eating away at you? Are you scheming to get back at someone who has done you wrong? Take a deep breath, read today's story, and begin living a new life a few minutes from now. It's time to let go. (\ /) (v\ /v) (vvv\ /vvv) (vvvvv\ /vvvvv) (vvvvvvv\ /vvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvv\ _---_ /vvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvvv\/ XII \/vvvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvvvv/ / \vvvvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvvv/ / \vvvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvv|IX @ III |vvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvv\ \ /vvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvv\ /vvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvv\ VI /vvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvv-___-vvvvvvvv) (vvvvvv/ \vvvvvv) (vvvvv/ \vvvvv) (vvv/ \vvv) ejm97 (v/ \v) (/ \) >WASTING PRECIOUS TIME by Joseph Sica I recently visited a friend in the hospice unit at one of our local hospitals. As I was talking with Bill, a gentleman walked into the room. Bill began to cry and so did the gentleman. The gentleman leaned over the bed to embrace Bill. After a few moments the gentleman, Ken, said to me, "He's my brother. We haven't spoken in over 25 years." Caught by surprise by his comment, I said, "You're kidding me?" "No," replied Ken. "We had an argument over a piece of property and have been estranged from each other." Bill said, "Ken, you haven't met my children." Then Bill introduced his children to their uncle. I left the hospice unit thinking, there's something wrong when we can't forgive. Life is short and it's difficult to make up for all the time that has been lost. This experience caused me to think the power of forgiveness and the need for it in our lives. Sure, when someone says something or does something to cause us harm, it hurts. But we need to move beyond the hurt, to healing, which comes from forgiveness. I like to think of forgiveness as the bold choice we make to clear out of our lives resentment, bitterness, anger, hatred, and revenge. We need to ask ourselves, "Do I want to waste precious time and energy carrying around these nasty feelings?" It's the unfinished business we may have with a spouse, parent, child, brother or sister, or friend which we need to take care of before it's too late. Holding on to the past only weakens the relationship and keeps us from mending it and putting it back together. When we refuse to forgive, the other person owns us. Often forgiveness is not for the other person, it's for us -- to let it go and begin again. Charlie came to see me about a problem he was having. He was angry with his father for dying. He said, "He died just when I was getting to know him as a buddy, a friend. We'd fish, hunt, and golf together. Now it's all gone." I told him, "You have unfinished business with your father. Go and tell him." "He's dead," Charlie said, "How can I?" I said, "Get in your car and go to the cemetery and tell him how angry you are with him." He left me looking confused. Two weeks later, Charlie came and told me, "I feel better. I drove to the cemetery and stood over his grave and dumped my anger. Then I closed my eyes and said to myself what I felt my dad would say. Wow, I never realized how much energy keeping all that anger inside can do to a person." I agreed and applauded Charlie for what he did. Forgiveness brings healing, freedom, and peace back into our lives. It opens our eyes to see what happened. It calls us to break down the walls, stop the silent treatment and put an end to the cold war. One day, the roles of wronged and wrongdoer may be reversed. Use today as an opportunity to open a door that has been closed too long. Forgive. Let it go. Put it behind you and see how much better you will feel. Give it try. It works. -- Joseph Sica ___________________________________________ Joe Sica is a priest from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His book, Embracing Change, 10 Ways to Grow Spiritually and Emotionally, is now available. You can review and purchase it at this convenient Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1585952486/heartref=nosim You can email Fr. Sica by clicking here: mailto:frjoesica@hotmail.com --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these teachings Forgiveness http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/Forgiveness.htm Avenge Not Yourselves http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Avenge_Not_Yourselves.htm Dwelling on the Past http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/DWELLING_ON_THE_PAST.htm =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Recognizing Our Vulnerability 'If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.' 1 If we see a fellow believer fall into sin, it can be tempting to judge him. But we often forget that we, too, can easily stumble. Although believers have a righteous standing before God, we must recognize, like Paul, our inner problem: the sin that dwells in us (Romans 7:20). Christians must always be vigilant. Ignorance about the nature of sin, the strategies of our enemy, and our own weaknesses make us more vulnerable to falling, so we cannot neglect our thoughts. Every time we find ourselves excusing, redefining, or rationalizing sin, it is because we have ceased to be sensitive to God. If you have turned away from the Lord, return to Him by acknowledging your sin and taking responsibility for it. Repentance means changing your mind and taking a different course, toward God, instead of turning away from Him. The next step is more difficult: reacting with gratitude for His correction. Every time we fall into sin, our Father works in love to bring us back into fellowship with Him. His discipline can be painful, but it is always good because it brings us back to our senses and reconnects us with God. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have bestowed Your mercy upon me when I have needed it most. Lord, instead of judging when others fall into sin, help me to bestow mercy. Help me to give grace like the grace that has been given to me. Thank You, Lord, for Your correction, because although it maybe painful, it helps us reconnect with You. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. 1. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT). Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Detours 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.'1 The year was 1920. The scene was the examining board for selecting missionaries. Standing before the board was a young man named Oswald J. Smith. One dream dominated his heart. He wanted to be a missionary. Over and over again, he prayed, 'Lord, I want to go as a missionary for you. Open a door of service for me.' Now, at last, his prayer would be answered. When the examination was over, the board turned Oswald Smith down. He did not meet their qualifications. He failed the test. Oswald Smith had set his direction, but now life gave him a detour. What would he do? As Oswald Smith prayed, God planted another idea in his heart. If he could not go as a missionary, he would build a church which could send out missionaries. And that is what he did. Oswald Smith was pastor of The Peoples Church in Toronto, Canada, which sent out more missionaries than any other church at that time. Oswald Smith brought God into the situation, and God transformed his detour into a main thoroughfare of service.2 Over the course of eighty years, Oswald Smith preached more than 12,000 sermons in 80 countries, wrote thirty-five books, which were translated into 128 languages, and wrote 1,200 poems. His heart was to be a missionary and take the Gospel message around the world, and that is exactly what he did! God just had a different image in mind of what that looked like for Oswald. So, when God puts a detour in your path, you will never know what results it may produce. Our limited mind cannot see the larger picture God has in mind, so trust His plan for you. Through Him you can do amazing things! Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you that when I surrender my life to you, you direct my paths and lead me in the way you want me to go. Help me trust your plan and be faithful in the work you have given me to do. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1. Romans 8:28 (NIV). 2. Brian L. Harbour, Rising Above the Crowd. Cited on http://www.bible.org/ The Encounter for today 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: . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >DAWNING OF A NEW DAY Sometimes when I'm weary And feel I can't go on, I sneak off to my "special place " In the light of early dawn. My place is deep in woodlands; " God's Country " it's called by some. When my burden gets too heavy, I hear my place call, " Come ". I go there when I'm saddened, And my heart is aching so; The beauty and serenity Help to ease my pain, I know. It's there that I find comfort; Sometimes I need solitude. I feel so much closer to God, And He gently lifts my mood. I don't know if it's my special place, Or the Lord above, Himself; But somehow when I leave there, I feel that I have wealth. Perhaps it's just my being there; Or maybe it's God's own way, Of telling me to try again; It's the dawning of a new day -<>- _ / } /'.\ _/ ) (`- ( ,) |/ /| ' ` Elb >LETTER FROM GOD TO WOMEN When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone, I shaped you.... I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side. You are my perfect angel... You are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes... don't change them. Your lips... how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose... so perfect in form. Your hands... so gentle to touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep. I've held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you; my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support. You are special because you are an extension of me. Man represents my image, woman my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God. So man... treat women well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile but yet strong at the same time. -<>- (_v_) _|_ | | |-----+-----| ,%%%. | 1ST | % 1 % | PRIZE | `%%%' '---------' ( ( \ / ) ) '. .' ( ( | | )' ) .' '. (/ \/ apc _|___|_ [#######] apc >When Only The Best Will Do Bill Walker missourisage@yahoo.com I noticed this on a dog deal, I have seen it before on such as a dog deal. This was an ad about buy your Peke from us, we have only the best, all others is second rate. Made me wonder about all the Pekes that has came in my life. I feel so bad to know all was second rate. Well let me tell you something first rate breeders. I will have you know, none of mine was second rate, not by a damn sight. Mine looked like first rate to me. They looked, acted like full blooded Pekes to me, and that is just fine with me. I didn't take them for nothing but a pet, a true friend of mine. How dare you tell me. Ming Toy, Chinker, Chinker Boy, Tinker, Poo, and now Little Girl is second rate. If all the Pekes that as these people says other then the ones they have to breed and sell is second rate, I feel sorry for all the poor ones looking for a home. I guess those should be done away with. Well your going to have a heck of a time putting that over on this Peke lover. Most of us people that love and have a Peke got them for one reason. We fell head over heels in love with the little ball of fur. It was love at first sight. This little fur ball I just got to have. This is true with any kind of dog, makes no difference what kind or how pure it is. I have yet to see or find to many people here in the states of pure something or other blood lines. Seems to me most are a duke mix. I have had people say to me your Pekes are a bit bigger then what I thought Pekes grew to be. Yes that may be true. I also know Pekes do come in a few different sizes. I have heard of one years ago that almost fit in a coffee cup, full grown, still a Peke. Mine seemed to be a bit larger. Tink, he weighed in at about 25 pounds. He was still a Peke. He would tell you so if you thought any different. Poo was as pure a Peke as any gets. I had a Peke breeder Vet doctor tell me so. He said he was perfect in every way, second rate, never. Yes first rate, when nothing but the best will do. I think you are barking up the wrong tree. There is many out there that gets a Peke or any other dog for one reason. They don't care about the first rates. They find a dog, fall in love with it, and take it home. Most of us can't pay a thousand dollars or more for a first rate, we like the second rates, those too have a full big heart of love to give. I can take Little Girl to the beauty shop. She dances out the door in fine fashion. Her fur looks as good as the ones in the first rate pictures. She has that bow leg look, tail flapping in the wind, and has that look of get out of my way. I am a Peke, and darn proud to tell you so. And you better not tell me I am second rate, I will jump up and take a bite out of your rump. Now do I get a new toy today or not? If not let me get near the toy rack, think I see one with my name on it. -<>- O (_) _ )_( _ /`_) H (_`\ .' ( { } ) '. _/ /` '-'='-' `\ \_ [_.' _,...,_ '._] | .:"`````":. | |__//_________\\__| | .-----------. | | | .-"""-. | | | | / / \ | | | ||- < -|| | | | \ \ / | | | |[`'-...-'`]| | | | ;-.___.-; | | | | | ||| | | | | | | ||| | | | | | | ||| | | | | | | ||| | | | | | | ||| | | | | | | _|||_ | | | | | | >===< | | | | | | |___| | | | | | | ||| | | | | | | ;-; | | | | | | ( ) | | | | | | '-' | | | | | '-------' | | jgs _| '-----------' |_ [= === === ==== == =] [__--__--___--__--__] /__-___-___-___-___-__\ `"""""""""""""""""""""""` >Time To realize The value of ten years: Ask a newly Divorced couple. To realize The value of four years: Ask a graduate. To realize The value of one year: Ask a student who Has failed a final exam. To realize The value of nine months: Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn. To realize The value of one month: Ask a mother who has given birth to A premature baby. To realize The value of one week: Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize The value of one day: Ask a person who received interview letter To realize The value of one minute: Ask a person Who has missed the train, bus or plane. To realize The value of one-second: Ask a person Who has survived an accident. Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have. and use it to pray Him. That`s the only way to put it to proper use, for, after all, the entire stock is supplied by Him only. -<>- __-----__ ..;;;--'~~~`--;;;.. /;-~IN GOD WE TRUST~-.\ // ,;;;;;;;; \\ .// ;;;;; \ \\ || ;;;;( /.| || || ;;;;;;; _\ || || ';; ;;;;= || ||LIBERTY | ''\;;;;;; || \\ ,| '\ '|><| 1995 // \\ | | \ A // `;.,|. | '\.-'/ ~~;;;,._|___.,-;;;~' ''=--' - Daniel C Au - >Money -Bill Walker missourisage@yahoo.com Preacher was on a kick Sunday about money. He drummed up the story of the rich man and the poor beggar. It does make one think of many things. Money, just what can money do? It is nice to have enough to buy you the things you think you need, but how much is enough? Can you ever have enough? Can money buy the thing called being happy? Can money buy you health? Money, every one need the stuff, but how much do you need? I once knew a woman who I figured was rich. She had lots of the green as best as I knew. One day in talking to her, she said she was worth only 3 million green backs. She was poor compared to Mrs. So and So. I guess she needed more to have enough. Today Mrs. 3 Million is dead. Her grave I pass by, it looks about like all the others out there in that place. I notice most others on a certain day has something like flowers, hers don't. I guess she is poor, her people can't buy a flower to put on her grave. It seems to me the more one has, the more one wants. Like in her case. Had a real nice home, real nice things in a real nice home in the best part of town. A real nice car, a new one every year. As soon as the new models came out, the old was gone, and a new one. The one traded in might only have 2 or 3 thousand miles. The thing here is she had many nice things and more money then needed, but she is looking at Mrs. So and So, who has more green and a bigger home, and bigger car. Was she happy? I can't say, but I did know she was not happy as to the fact there was Mrs. So and So with more green then she had. I know one thing money can't buy is time. You may think so. But when it is your time to die, all the money in the world can't buy you one more second. After you stop breathing and the heart stops pumping, you're history. And not worth a flower on the grave. I also know many, that has worked hard for what little they have. Some has just lived pay check to pay check. Make not much difference what the pay check is, it just seems like some are at a stand still as far as getting much saved. It seems like there is something that comes up to take the nickel saved. When there is an pay raise, the cost of something that is needed has already took that and more. President Herbert Hoover said one time. "When you think your going to make ends meet, some one moved the ends. Not closer, but put more distance between the ends." Now getting back to what the preacher said... I look at people both rich and poor, and in between. I wonder really who is happy and gets more out of life? I some times think the rich sure isn't. Those worry about getting more, and for what? I have seen a lot of poor and the in between that seem to live not real great, but those seem to have a few happy times. I also know if all you worry about is your vast savings, you do love money. You are putting money first. Every thing else is fighting for second place and sure is not winning. Some times the rich even puts money ahead of family. Like can't spend 20 dollars on putting a few flowers on Mama's grave. Now getting back to what the Bible says about the rich man and the poor beggar. Luke chapter 16 verse 19 I believe you start, and read to the end of that chapter. I read nothing that tells me the beggar was any thing but dirt poor. Was also with sores, had nothing in way of food. He begged for the crumbs from the table of the rich man. The rich man had fine food, and drink, but could not spare any for the beggar. About all the comfort poor man had was the love he got from dogs. Just a side line here. DOG, turn the letters around and you have GOD. Both died some time or other, that is the beggar and the rich man. The rich man was not too happy with his living arrangements, as the Bible tells us. While the beggar was in much better. I don't read any where about what the poor man did to have better. But he must have done something in his life time to reach to finer living in the after life. Now I don't believe there will be no rich people in Heaven, that is money wise. There is a few lines that make me think this. We read in St.John. Chapter 4. verse 46, to 52. A nobleman came to Jesus and asked for his son to be healed of some great sickness. Now if you read this and think a bit.. The man had faith Jesus could cure his son. He was a man of some means, and by faith son lived. Money in this case could not buy health. The man called Jesus could. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Rich or poor? It makes no difference to God as long as the person loves God with all his heart. See these teachings Need Vs Greed http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Need_Versus_Greed.htm The Love Of Money http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/The_Love_Of_Money.htm -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >The power of choice is real. We can . . . Choose to love--rather than hate. Choose to smile--rather than frown. Choose to build--rather than destroy. Choose to persevere--rather than quit. Choose to praise--rather than gossip. Choose to heal--rather than wound. Choose to give--rather than grasp. Choose to act--rather than delay. Choose to pray--rather than despair. Choose to forgive--rather than curse. Each day brings a new opportunity to choose. What kind of choices will you make today? -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Sand Sculpture Art!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sandart.html For Coffee Lovers!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/coffee.html Midnight To The Rescue!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/midnight.html Eagle Rescue!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eaglerescue.html Silly Veggies!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/veggies.html Adorable Animal Selfies!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalselfies.html Thoughts Into Action 8!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/action8.html Expensive Mistakes!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mistakes.html North Korean Life!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/northkoreanlife.html World's Fastest Cars!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fastcars.html Crazy Old Ads!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/oldads.html Brilliant Women Inventors!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/womeninventors.html Amazing Human Progress 2!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humanprogress2.html Woman Cops Around The World!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/womancops.html Red Hat!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/redhat.html Kid Lessons!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidlessons.html Lean On Me!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/leanonme.html Dreamy Ladies!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dreamy.html Thank You God!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thankgod.html I Believe In You!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ibelieveinyou.html Maxine On Jesus!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonjesus.html God's Night Lights!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/night.html Jesus Laughing Art!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Playing With Words!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html Earth In Perspective 2!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/earth2.html Troops Index!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html SUMMER Index!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/summerindex.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: From US Veterans Affairs: VA secures $10B+ in pharmaceutical price reductions in 2026 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/4258b86 From The White House: First New Naval Shipyard in 80 Years, Prescription Drug Prices Record 60-Year Low, Apple Opens U.S. Manufacturing Center in Houston, and Federal Cybercrime Powers Expanded https://mailchi.mp/mail.whitehouse.gov/8-2-13573823?e=ed99bf053c 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 Off The Grid News: For our 250th Anniversary! ,__ _, \~\| ~~---___ , | \ | Wash.| | ~~~~~~~|~~~~~| ~~---, _ VT_/,ME> /~-_--__| | Montana |N Dak\ Minn/ ~\~_/Mich. /~| ||,' |Oregon | \ |------| { WI / /~) __-NY',|_\,NH / |Ida.|~~~~~~~~|S Dak.\ \ | | '~\ |_____,|~,-'Mass. |~~--__ | | Wyoming|____ |~~~~~|--| |__ /_-'Penn.{,~Conn (RI) | | ~~~|~~| | ~~\ Iowa/ `-' |`~ |~_____{/NJ | | Nev | '---------, Nebr.\----| |IN|OH,' ~/~\,|`MD (DE) ', \ |Utah| Colo. |~~~~~~~| \IL| ,'~~\WV/ VA | |Cal\ | | | Kansas| MO \_-~ KY /`~___--\ ', \ ,-----|-------+-------'_____/__----~~/N Car./ '_ '\| | |~~~|Okla.| | Tenn._/-,~~-,/ \ |Ariz.| New | |_ |Ark./~~|~~\ \,/S Car. ~~~-' | Mex. | `~~~\___|MS |AL | GA / '-,_ | _____| | / | ,-'---~\ `~'~ \ Texas |LA`--,~~~~-~~,FL\ \/~\ /~~~`---` | \ \ / \ | -jorn \ | '\' `~' [God and Country - a bit long] One thing almost all of today's liberals (and even many neo-cons) absolutely hate is that America was founded as a Christian nation. The Colonies were in fact started by Christians, many of them religious refugees who were in fact, zealous Christians. I guess you would have to change that to "extremist" Christians for today's vernacular, but you get the point. They had very explicit Christian purposes in the founding and attempted to establish a Christian law order. In the early fifties, Earl Warren spoke in no uncertain terms of America's founding: Patrick Henry takes a stand with his "Give Me Liberty or Give me Death" speech. "I believe no one can read the history of our country without realizing that the good book and the spirit of the Savior have, from the beginning been our guiding genius. Whether we look at the first Charter of Virginia or to the Charter of Massachusetts Bay, or to the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the same objective is present, a Christian land governed by Christian principles. I believe the entire Bill of Rights came into being because of the knowledge our forefathers had of the Bible and their express belief in it. I like to think that today we are living in the spirit of the Christian religion. And I would also like to believe that as long as we do, no great harm can come to our country." A most remarkable set of comments coming from a Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, Justice Warren was no right-winger and certainly not a tea partier. In fact, you might even make the case for him being a liberal. My point is that just 50 years ago, even liberals knew that the roots of liberty rested on Christianity because they knew the true history of our nation. Roger Schulz, head of Liberty University's history department, has framed Justice Warren's comments into four main points: 1. The country at its origin was anchored in the Bible and Jesus Christ 2. The foundational documents of American history testify to its Christian roots 3. Our liberties rest upon a Christian and Biblical law order 4. God will providentially protect a faithful nation Listen Up: We live at a time when these roots are both ignored as well as suppressed, especially by our government-run schools. There is a genuine hostility to Christianity, especially as it relates to the history of the founding up to the writing of the Constitution. More and more folks call our office and say something like this: "Bill, what's the best way to respond to a guy in my local paper who says America was never a Christian nation? Can you help me? Can you teach me how to argue with these guys? Can you? Huh? Huh?" Well, strangely enough, the answer is yes, sort of. At least I can give you a "qualified yes" answer to such questions. And actually I can't teach you myself, but I know of a few people who can get you started. Provided of course, that the person wanting to learn has the ability to overcome the propaganda they've learned in public education. And, most importantly, they must possess a desire to learn how to defend our Christian heritage as well as an appetite for freedom under God. So here's what I recommend: If you were my student, the first thing I would ask you to do is give yourself a basic education in what constitutes true liberty. So to begin with, you should go to the web-page www.TheOnlyWayBack.com and learn what you can about the difference between freedom and slavery. It's simply the best presentation I have ever heard on where liberty actually comes from. Ok, after you master that course, I would further instruct you to get John Eidsmoe's course on the Constitution as well as his book Christianity and the Constitution. They can be found at www.thefoundersplan.com. As I mentioned before, getting a good education on the founding and the constitution borders on the impossible in America today. You see, most books written about American history are not just bad: they are downright dangerous! Onward. Once you've got a grip on the real history of our nation, simply sit down, pick a part of Christian history you like and then... get writing! The goal here isn't to re-write the Magna Carta or even a Wall Street Journal Op-Ed article. The goal of this exercise is to get you started, period. Keep in mind that once you absorb the information in the previous courses I've mentioned, your pen will start to move on paper right before your very eyes. But you must saturate your mind with true history first. Now, once you start writing, keep it short. What you want to do is stick with the facts you have learned and cite only one or two historical examples at a time as you write your short letter to the editor. Then, put your letter away for a day or so and let your brain work. Then get it out and take another look. You will be surprised at what this does to your perspective. Next, "re- write" your article and put it away one more time for a day. Get up early on the following day with a fresh cup of coffee and finish your letter by massaging any rough spots and putting on the finishing touches. That's it, you're done. What? You want Off the Grid News to publish your article? Sure, no problem. I've decided to create a special section on Off the Grid News for our readers who want to self-publish their articles on America's Christian history. So, if you want to practice writing at OfftheGridNews.com before you go out into a cold, hostile world with your articles, send them to submissions@offthegridnews.com. Why do this? Why go through all the effort, blood, sweat and tears of writing articles on America's Christian heritage? Because the soft, easy and prosperous times in America are over. Many of the freedoms that we have taken for granted are coming to an end unless we return to America's roots. Right now, more than anything, America needs tough-minded Christian writers who are willing to take a stand for the truth. The great heroes of the Bible: Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Jeremiah, and Elijah, were tough-minded, courageous doers who took a stand. As I write this, the forces of darkness seem to be prevailing. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is looking for courageous men and women who will stand for righteousness and against the wickedness of our day. Moses told the people of Israel "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the Lord goes with you, He will never leave you or forsake you." Then as now, we are commanded not to be afraid of the evil of the day. Once again, check out the courses at www.TheOnlyWayBack.com and www.thefoundersplan.com to beef up your knowledge of our Christian history. Then, submit your articles to us at submissions@offthegridnews.com. We look forward to receiving and publishing them. Do this. Do it. Do it. If you feel called to take a stand at this time, please don't procrastinate. We look forward to taking a stand with you against the growing evil of our day and for the Kingdom of our Lord and His Christ. Yours for taking a stand, Bill Heid Founder Off The Grid News P.S. One more thing. If you get good at this and want a job writing for Off The Grid News, we are always looking for passionate, professional writers. If we publish a few of your articles, and you're the best of the best, we would love to talk to you about joining our team. This is not a writing contest. We're just looking for good writers. Help a friend by forwarding this newsletter to them! This newsletter is a free weekly service of Solutions from Science. You can reach us at: Solutions from Science 815 W. Main St. P.O. Box 518 Thomson, IL 61285 Email us at info@solutionsfromscience.com --- .. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ .$$$$. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. .$$$$$ * * * * * * * * * * ::::::::::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::' * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$F * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$d$$$$$$$" ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ":::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::" ""$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$P $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$L ;; ;::::::::::::::::;; ;;:::. $$$$$$" "" $$$$$; Donna Shepherd ^$$" $$$$ "" ...This is especially pertinent With all the Democrat Socialists winning around the country, it is a good idea to get back to our roots and realize why America is the greatest country in the world! It isn't due to socialists, Communists or dictators - it is doing things God's way - which is freewill capitalism. Giving everyone equal opportunity to be winners or losers according to their own free choice. No big-government control. 250 Years - We have Served God, Family and Country well! ======================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Put On The New Self How does (or should) a Christian live? We might say a Christian is "made" by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; and we might define a Christian as a child of God who will spend eternity in His presence. And while these are true statements, it still seems there ought to be something about Christians which make them different from the rest of the unbelieving world; "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). The moment we truly believe in Jesus Christ and accept the forgiveness offered through His sacrifice, we are transformed by the power of the holy spirit and become a "new creation." But at the very instant of what we call our new birth, there is little recognizable difference between the old creation and the new. The transformation is done on our heart when we receive His Spirit, but there still remains a long process of maturing and allowing this transformation to consume every area of our life. Much of the letters written by Paul were devoted to this same subject. He spent most of his ministry preaching the good news of Salvation through faith in Jesus; but most of his writing was to Christians, instructing them on how they should live. Ephesians 4:22-24 "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." These verses are part of a three chapter passage (Ephesians 4-6) which begins with "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4:1) and includes teaching about unity, love, humility, anger, purity, husbands, wives, parents, children, slaves, masters, and the full armor of God - all teaching about what is meant by the new self! Some find it hard to understand that a Christian must be taught and urged how to live, but Paul understood. In fact, it's clear in the original language that Paul is saying to put on the new self... and to KEEP putting it on!! This is perhaps the most important, yet also the most neglected, teaching of the church today. We seem to have lost the understanding that the Christian life is designed to be a radical transformation process which lasts all the rest of our days. The call to "come as you are" is also a call to prepare for, and expect, change. The new life we have been given is not like the old; it is "created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Let's rise up every day and be determined to put away the old and live according to the new. Let's show the world that our walk is different, that we walk hand in hand with Jesus, and that we have and will continue to put on the new self. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ? Nehemiah 12:27-13:31; 1 Corinthians 11:3-16; Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 21:17-18 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See These Teachings THE RENEWED MIND - The Believer's Key To Power http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/THE_RENEWED_MIND.htm The BALANCED Walk http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/The_BALANCED_Walk.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Answer The Challenge Why are so many "believers" content to live a life of mediocrity in Christ - a life partially devoted to following God and partially devoted to following the ways of the world? Without question, some have only put on the face of a Christian and have never given their heart to God through a saving faith in Jesus. But others are true believers in desperate need of a spiritual kick in the pants! Paul's letters comprise much of the New Testament. They were written to give instruction on the Christian faith and to encourage perseverance through times of testing. Paul often wrote of the simplicity of the gospel message; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). But he also wrote to encourage those who truly put their faith in Jesus to live a life of service, holiness, and unity. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we begin a new life. We are set free from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:22) and are called to follow Christ as we are conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). But Paul saw many believers sitting on the sidelines of the Christian life; "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4:1). Paul gives encouragement by "urging" a life worthy of Salvation. This has nothing to do with earning our way to Heaven; rather, we are encouraged to live in holy thankfulness for the gift we have received. The word Paul uses for urge can also be translated as beseech, beg, implore, exhort, or challenge. He's not giving a gentle pat on the back which says, "You're doing well, keep running a good race." Rather, Paul is presenting a firm challenge to draw nearer to God and give our lives more fully to Him. Paul uses the same word in his letter to the Romans. Romans 12:1 "Therefore, I urge {beg, implore, exhort, and challenge} you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." We have been set free and made new! We are a new creation and CANNOT continue to walk with one foot on God's path and the other being allowed to tiptoe along worldly desires. These simply have no place in the life of a worshiper of the One True God! Today, we are being urged (challenged) to trust God more; to talk with Him more and seek His presence more diligently; to not get pulled away by the lies of the world! We are being challenged to love Him with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). As we face this day with its multitude of struggles, let's live a life worthy of the calling we have received and forevermore answer the challenge! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Esther 4:1-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See This Teaching Walking With God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Walking_With_God.htm ========================================================== , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >-->Wisdom From Mel Gibson: Mel Gibson has often argued that one of the strongest historical cases for Christianity is the fate of the Apostles. As he put it: "No one dies for a lie." Nearly every Apostle endured persecution for proclaiming that they had seen the risen Christ. According to ancient Christian tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome, Andrew was crucified in Greece, James the Great was executed by the sword in Jerusalem, Thomas carried the Gospel as far as India before being martyred, and the others likewise faced imprisonment, exile, torture, or violent deaths. People may willingly die for something they mistakenly believe to be true. But the Apostles were in a unique position. They were either telling the truth about witnessing the Resurrection-or they knowingly invented it. If the Resurrection had been a deliberate hoax, they would have known it better than anyone. Yet instead of gaining wealth, political power, or comfort, they accepted suffering, persecution, and, according to longstanding Christian tradition, martyrdom rather than deny what they had witnessed. For Mel Gibson, this is one of the most compelling arguments for the credibility of the Gospel accounts. The extraordinary courage of the Apostles does not, by itself, prove the Resurrection, but it strongly suggests they were utterly convinced that they had encountered the risen Christ. That conviction changed the course of history. -<>- __ /\/'-, ,--''''' /" ____,'. ) \___ '"""""------'"""`-----' pb >This went Viral: A stray dog wandered onto the stage. This incredibly touching event actually happened in real life during a Holy Week Passion play in Brazil. He had no idea about scripts or history. He only saw a man lying on the ground, surrounded by aggressive figures - actors playing Roman soldiers whipping Jesus. Without hesitation, the dog charged in barking, nipping, defending the actor playing Jesus with pure instinct. When the 'danger' passed, he walked over and softly licked Jesus' face, offering comfort the only way he knew how. In that moment, the dog became the very thing the story is about: unconditional love and protection. Humans saw a performance. This sweet soul saw someone who needed a savior... and decided to be one. See the images here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFJhctt5zQ8 __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown Mel Gibson's next major project is The Resurrection of the Christ, a massive, two-part biblical epic serving as the direct sequel to this 2004 film The Passion of the Christ. Mel Gibson's new movie is titled The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One, which is set to be released on May 6, 2027. It is a sequel to his earlier film, The Passion of the Christ, and focuses on the resurrection of Jesus. ========================================================= >-->From CupO'Cheer: _._ \ O ___ O @ O-. | _._ \/ _> / \ _\|__ \/) | | _[_][_]| | / ( )_\ | (U | | \ | | \___/ ;/__)_( ejm 97 /| /|\/|\ ~/|\/|\ /|\ ( ) / / / | \ ~ ~ ~ ~ >ONLY AN INSTRUMENT We raised a son who loves sports, but he also had ability in music. How do you put those two together? A lot of times those two interests don't go together. Well, it was fourth grade when we thought it was time to introduce our son to a musical instrument. And when we talked a little bit about what instrument he'd be interested in, he said, "Well, maybe the saxophone." We really didn't have a saxophone or the money to buy one, but a friend called us and said that he knew we were interested in getting a saxophone for our son. He'd found a classy, reconditioned instrument that was all shined up and looked great and was willing to make it available to us. Now, I really wasn't too sure how my son and the saxophone would get along at their first meeting, until our friend handed it to him for a first try. I've got to tell you, I was expecting squawks and squeaks. But instead, out came a couple of notes loud and strong as if he'd been playing it for a while. It was great! He played it loud and strong for many years! I looked at that saxophone one day; I saw myself. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Only an Instrument." _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Well, our word for today from the Word of God comes from 2 Timothy 4:17. Paul's talking about how God has played His music through him. "But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it." Now, this is Paul's reflection on his life's work as he's nearing the end of his life. And I was struck by these two words "through me." The Lord through me is seeing that the message is fully proclaimed. Notice he doesn't say it's being proclaimed by me. He said, "Everything that's happening in my ministry comes through me. All those churches that have been established, all those people that have come to Christ, all those letters that are going to become part of the New Testament; ultimately, all those sermons preached. I'm just an instrument." Which brings me back to my son's saxophone. It never did produce any music by itself. It would really just kind of lay there like a piece of shiny plumbing...only an instrument. But it could play jazz, or pop, or gospel, or patriotic. But that sax didn't decide what it would play; it was only an instrument. And the music was not by the sax, it came through the sax. Without the master playing it (by the way, my son would love that...the master). Without the master playing it, it's shining but it's useless, because it's only an instrument. But then, so are you, and so am I. God has designed you for some special purposes. And if you try to play yourself, you'll be useless. When you realize that you're only an instrument, good things start to happen. First, you relax and you realize you can make a difference because it isn't up to you. You let the master musician pick you up and use you, and play melodies through you that you could never manufacture yourself. Secondly, you stop telling the master what tune you should be playing. You let Him pick the tune. And thirdly, you give the credit where credit belongs. Anything that happens as a result of my life is not by me, it's through me. That means you can be surprised daily by what He's going to play through you, and you can wake up expectant daily, that He's going to use you. You're only an instrument, but you don't belong in the case. No, the Master Musician wants to play through your life. -- Ron Hutchcraft Received from: A Word With You -<>- .-'"`/\ // /' /\`\ ('//.-'/`-.; \ \ / /-. __.__.___..__._.___.\\ \\----,_ .:{@&#,&#@&,@&#&&,#&@#&@&\\` \-. .-'-. .:{@#@,#@&#,@#&&#,@&#&@&,&@#&&\\, -._,"- \ .{#@#&@#@#&#&@&#@#@&#,@#@#&@&&#@#\ \// = \`=\__ `{#@,@#&@&,@&#@,#@&#@#&@#&@,&#@,#/\/ =`-. -_=__ `:{@#&@&#@&#@&#@,#&&#@&,@#/.' / / "/.-', / `:{@#&,#&@#,@&#&@&,@&#/.-// //-'-_= ",/ jgs `~`~~`~~~`~`~`~~`~( / , /__,___.-" \ \\/ `\\\' >GROWING GOOD CORN Have you noticed how all of life is connected? You probably know about the relationship between honey ants (farm ants) and aphids. The ants can't seem to get enough of the tasty honey dew left behind by aphids, those tiny sap-sucking insects probably living in your garden. These two insects have a fascinating relationship. In exchange for all the sugary treats aphids deposit on leaves, the ants wage fierce battle against wasps, beetles and spiders that try to dine on aphids for lunch. As those aphids keep their ant friends happy, the ants keep their aphid buddies alive. Everyone wins, except the plants, of course. The ants do better because of the aphids. The aphids do better because of the ants. It's a relationship called mutualism, and the rest of us could probably take a lesson. People, too, succeed best when they help others out. James Bender, in his book How to Talk Well (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 1994), illustrates how it benefits to everyone when we mutually help each other. He relates a story of a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his best corn in the regional fair where it won a blue ribbon. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him to learn about how he grew blue-ribbon corn year after year. The reporter discovered something interesting. He learned that the farmer actually shared his best seed corn with his neighbors. "How can you afford to share your best seeds with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition against yours each year?" the reporter asked. "Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn." It's a simple and important principle. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor's corn also improves. He cannot succeed simply by watching out for Number One. He succeeds best by helping his neighbors succeed. That's mutualism. And I am aware that it goes for me, too. Do I want to succeed? Then I must help others to succeed. Do I want to live in peace and harmony? Then I need to help my neighbors also live in peace, and the very peace they experience will add to my own. Do I want to live meaningfully and well? Then I should help to enrich the lives of others, for my own happiness and well-being is bound up in the lives I touch. In other words, if I want to grow good corn, I need to help my neighbors grow good corn. Call it mutualism. Call it a principle of success. Call it a law of life. I only know that none of us truly wins until we all win. -- Steve Goodier as seen in Life Support -<>- _ ///-._ ////////-._ /////////////-. ////////////////`. //////////////// .'`. //////////////// . '.'`. '|`'//////////// . .'.::|` : `'/////// . '.':| | . . `'// ' _|- ::| |. .-._ . | . | .':: | |:|:| | ' ' '.::| | |:|:| :. . .'.':| | . |:|:| . | .._.::: : `':| | ' ////-:| |. . | '/////////-._ | . . : .//////////////-._ : : ///////////////////-._ |. |////////////////////////-._ | . . :`'//////////////////////////-._ | . _.-\\\\``'//////////////////////////-._ | /\\\\\\\\..``'//////////////////////////". : . . /. \\\\\\\\\. .``'///////////////////// .'`. : / _ \\\\\\\\\. ``'//////////////// . .'`. | . / (@) \\\\\\\\\. . . ``'/////////// . '.'::|. {`)._ '| _` .\\\\\\\-`:|#| . . ``'////// '. .'.:| `-{_/`| ||::. \\'`.:|:.|#| |#| . ``'/ ' .##:'::: `-| ||||| |`.'::|::|#| |#| |#| . . '| . .|##|'.:| pils | ||||| : .'::|:.'#| |#| |#| |#| | |##|'::| | ||||| .| .'.:|::.'' '#| |#| |#| . : ' |##|'.:| {`\:|||| : .'::|:_.:. . '#| |#| | .|##|'::: `-{_/'|_ |_.-'/}_/'-._ '#| :. |##:'.:| `'{._('}_)-' `-}_}(-._ . . | ' '` .'::| `-' `-.} /-._ . : .'.'_:-'\ `-}_}(-._ | . _.-')_(-' `-/_)`-.:.-{ \{-' `-{_'_)-'' ^ >LIVING STONES 'And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.' 1 Peter 2:5 There is a famous story about a Spartan king who was boasting to a visitor about the walls of Sparta. The visitor looked around, however, and could not see any walls. "You see, in Sparta, every man is a brick," the Spartan king told his guest, pointing to his army. "These are the walls of Sparta." When it comes to the church, every believer is a brick. And we are described in the Bible as living stones: "And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple . . ." (1 Peter 2:5). We should not be spectators in the church; we should be participants. It is easy to play armchair quarterback. But it is another thing altogether to be down on the field with the team. And that is where God wants each of us to be. President Theodore Roosevelt said, "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming. . . ." It is easy to stand back and criticize, but the credit goes to the man or woman who goes out and does the work of God's kingdom. Maybe they make a mistake here. Maybe they don't get it right there. But I would rather try and make a mistake than never try at all. As each part of the body of Christ does its special work, it helps the entire body. The key is every one of us doing our part. as seen in Devotions with Greg Laurie -<>- + | /\\ | || -----| |/\ / \ ------/ ^^ \ O O | || | | || | ------------- unknown >ULTIMATE REASONS YOU MIGHT BE IN THE WRONG CHURCH" (Original version Copyright 2000 by Keith Todd of the Sermon Fodder. This version has been edited.) You Might Be In The Wrong Church If............ - You have to pass through a metal detector to get inside. - The scripture lesson is on "Jonah the Shepherd Boy and His Ark of Many Colors." - The choir performs "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" - as a polka! - It's over 100 degrees outside, and the trustees haven't approved turning on the air conditioning yet. - Everyone drives a nicer car than the pastor. - They believe that an elected official attending religious services is a violation of the separation of Church and state. - The preacher is wearing a "David Koresh Rules!" t-shirt - The sign out front says "First Church of the Gooey Death and Discount House of Worship." (In Del Rio, Texas?) - A week before Christmas the pastor announces the church will be "closed for the holidays." - Everyone agrees the temperature in the Sanctuary is absolutely perfect! - You're on your way to a wedding and walk in on a funeral (or vice versa). - The music director has you sing "Amazing Grace" in the round (a la "row row row your boat"). - Three words: Pastor Larry King. - The pastor is out of town, but he leaves a video taped message to be shown during the worship service. - The church picnic will be held at KFC this year. - You are a member of AARP but they ask you to attend "Children's Church." - There's no "Reserved For Minister" parking place, only a sign saying 'Visiting preachers can shelter their horses in the stable stall marked 'preacher'. - The sign out front says "Church-Lite: Home of the original ten minute Sermonette, and the 7.5 Percent Tithe." - Every illustration the preacher uses somehow refers to "those hilarious Budweiser frogs". - The missions budget just got cut in half, but the church treasurer just bought a "kickin'" new Harley. - Elders Council "prayer meetings" usually break up in a fight for the remote control. - New "Purpose-Driven" mission statement includes vague reference to jello-wrestling. - Most frequent complaint to worship committee: "Too much Charo, not enough Elvis." - New head greeters: Mike Tyson and WWF President Vince McMahon. - On your second Sunday as a visitor they ask you to be their pastor. - The acolytes are roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the altar candles. - You are told your offering is nice but the ushers want your wallet,watch, and wedding rings too. - The usher that meets you at the door says "Hurry on in, the show is about ready to start." - The announcements last 2 minutes and include the starting time of the afternoon's NASCAR Race, the sermon lasts 6 minutes, and the benediction is "Christians, start your engines." - The pastor wears his golf togs in the pulpit. - The regular pastoral retreats almost always seem to be in either Las Vegas or Atlantic City. - The organist is Boris Karloff or appears to be his stunt double. - On the offering envelopes is printed "Please make checks payable directly to the pastor." - A Hazmat team just sealed the doors and placed quarantine signs up. - People in the last 10 pews are yelling for more pepperoni pizza with anchovies. - Everyone is handcuffed together at the ankles before preaching starts. - You are asked to fasten your seatbelt before the service begins moving. - You are the only person in the sanctuary and it's 15 minutes after church is scheduled to start. - The confessional has a coin slot and a hand lever. - The pastor search committee never disbands. - Bill Clinton is the speaker of the day and his topic is "Morality In America - How To Be A Shining Example." - The pastor is introduced with a Johnny Carson style "Heeeeere's Sparky." - The media refers to the church facilities as a "compound". - Just before the sermon, cups of strong black coffee are distributed along the pews. - The ushers passing around the offering basket are wearing ski masks. - The band for the services has a tip jar on the loudspeaker and all the songs are about money. - They have a volunteer blood drive in the morning service - that is to be used for some vague purpose in the evening service. - The Bible they use is the Dr. Seuss version. - The Choir wears black leather robes. - The sanctuary has only entrances, no "exits"! - The ushers look mysteriously like "Men in Black"! (Yes, with sunglasses) - The offering plate has been passed three times and the sermon hasn't even begun yet. - The people in the pew next to you brought a sack lunch. - The acolyte is the youngest member of the congregation, and she is 76. - The pastor's sermon begins: "Let me tell you about my book..." - The music minister announces that the liturgy will be sung to the tune of "Wagner's Etude in F sharp minor" and raises his baton. - When the choir sings, the dogs outside begin to howl, and are closer to being in tune. - New member candidates are required to submit W-2's for the last 5 years. - You discover the church refers to the 10 commandments as the 10 suggestions or offers to let you "pick any six." - The Pastor preaches an eloquent sermon on ancient heresies and the elders want to make them part of the doctrinal statement. - The New Member's kit includes a certificate of membership, a Bible, church-by-laws, and an assault rifle. - You're the only person in the congregation who is carrying a Bible, including the preacher. - The Ushers ask "Smoking or non-smoking?" - The Church bus has a gun rack. - There's an ATM machine in the vestibule. - Members of the Women's quartet are all married to the pastor. ...and the number one sign you're in the wrong church... - They have open Communion ...but there is a two-drink minimum. as seen in Laugh and Lift Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. You can find me on Facebook as Kimberly B. O'Brien Quiggle. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: "It is scarcely possible in most places to get anyone to attend a meeting where the only attraction is God. One can only conclude that God's professed children are bored with him, for they must be wooed to meeting with a stick of striped candy in the form of religious movies, games, and refreshments." - A. W. Tozer . ____ ____ | / + \ || || /+ . \ | |o x.| =**= _ =**= | o x| | |____| || _( )_ || |____| | || /_____\ || | ______________//| |/__________________ |_______^________/ | + | /____^___ _U_ / |___| // _U_ | /_______________________________________// | /|\ |______________________________________|/ /|\ >The Day the Crickett Preached (Author Unknown) [Minor Editing] As a youth, I squirmed through many a worship service. This particular Sunday was to have an added distraction. As soon as the preacher got up to deliver his sermon, a cricket walked out onto the stage. He probably came from one of the cracks that were to be found most anywhere in the old building. Everyone in the first three rows saw the cricket. He looked dazed, and stumbled near the edge of the pulpit area. Our eyes followed his every step. We could see that he had to come to the other edge again, and we shouted to ourselves, "Jump! Jump!" But alas, the cricket did not jump. Time after time he walked back and forth. I don't know if the sermon was any good that day, but the cricket was sure fun to watch. When the invitation song began, we all stood up and watched the cricket run. He almost got stepped on when the song leader walked toward the microphone, and we all laughed. Then my laughter turned to amazement. Someone had gone forward! My dad. He wasn't a Christian, and my mom and I had been trying for years to get him to come to church with us, to no avail until today. Now the preacher was taking him back to baptize him. "Dad," I asked later. "What made you want to be baptized today?" Dad asked, "Didn't you hear how Jesus gave His life for us so that we could be saved?" I hung my head in shame. The beautiful message of the Bible did not reach me that day. I had been watching the cricket. To this day, I believe that cricket was preaching to me. He was saying, "Watch me! Jesus isn't important. I'm more fun!" Since then there have been many more crickets walk across the stage: fretful babies, sneezes, coughs, etc. A lot of things will tend to distract a person from worshiping God. But I learned my lesson. God is more important than anything. Every time God's Word is being preached, the devil is nearby! Jesus said, "And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts" (Mark 4:15). What "cricket" are you watching in worship? 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 ========================================================== ,,,,, ////""\ . (((/ m m -|- __ )))c = ) | (__) ////-./~` . [] (((( `.`\ :: [] )))`\ \)).-;.' .------, [] (() `._.-'` _( )[] )/ `. | .'`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^))\`.----'`[] jgs ( \' { ~ - ~~ _ ~ - ~~ - ~ - (( | | [] .-.--\ \ { )) | | [] |_;_._`\ |{ ((__|_|-----[] | ; ``` ;{ )) [] | /``-.____/ `~~~[]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'-' [] `' (__) (__) >-->ALZHEIMERS PRAYER I'm sorry for keepin' ya up late. But, I wanna know If'n you're too busy, I can wait. You see grandma's been forgettin' A lot of things. Mamma says so. She forgot my name, today, Mr. God, And she's a walkin' kinda slow. Yesterday, she jest left Without even sayin' bye. Daddy brought her back and He had a tear in his eye. So, I was wonderin', can you fix her? She has somthun' called 'all tizers', daddy said. She forgets who we are sometimes, And she forgot that grandpa's dead. Mr. God, you give her a new brememberer 'Cause I miss her playin', and stuff, with me And the cookies we used to bake. And, she was so smart, wasn't she? She used to talk 'bout you a lot. Now, she jest talks to herself and, Mr. God, she don't know herself From the pictures on the shelf. Sometimes, she calls me 'little one' And pats my cheek or hair. And she don't seem to care. Please, Mr. God, Will ya fix her, all new again, A'fore she gets lost and Can't bremember where she's been? She ain't sang a Jesus song Like I like to hear her to do. Daddy says 'cause she is getting old. But, she's not as old as you. Daddy says you never forget and You are older than anyone, anywhere. Mamma says, "All we can do is Bremember her in prayer. So, Mr. God, I'm jest askin' 'Cause I don't know how to pray. 'Cause you un'erstand what I try to say. Does Jesus have a grandma And does she forget people, too? I guess she would be your mommy And wouldn't she be older than you? Well, I gotta go to bed. Would ya keep grandma safe, O please, So as she won't wander off and get lost? She forgets her hat and coat, and she could freeze. I love her lots and I wish she bremember I'm her little Sandy And bake some good cookies with me, And even share my candy. Tell my friend, Jesus, I was here and Give Him a hug from grandma and me. She used to know Him and I heard her say, "Thank you, Jesus, for little Sandy." Good night, Mr. God. Are ya tired? You work, so hard, all day. I'll be back a'morrow, to visit, Before I go out to play. XOXOXO - author unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your ad message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO Foundational Teaching Seminar NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. 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: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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