His Message, His Ministry And His Timing. :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friend Fran. Many of us own cats or rather they own us. This page gives us sweet stories of how people got their fur baby. Be sure to give it a few moments of your time for some warm smiles here: _ \`*-. ) _`-. . : `. . : _ ' \ ; *` _. `*-._ `-.-' `-. ; ` `. :. . \ . \ . : .-' . ' `+.; ; ' : : ' | ; ;-. ; ' : :`-: _.`* ; [bug] .*' / .*' ; .*`- +' `*' `*-* `*-* `*-*' New Cat Owner's Stories! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/newcatowners.html --- ...Aww, so enjoyable! Thanks Fran! This flaming hot new page is from our friend LouiseAu. It is full of cute and funny memes to give you plenty of chuckles for your day. This one will elevate your mood. Check it out here: .-. _ ( `. .' ) `\ ` .' | | | | | 66|_ | ,__) |(,_| | | | \_, | | | | .' \ ( , ) jgs '--' '-' Funny Lighthearted Memes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/funnymemes.html --- ...So funny! Thanks LouiseAu! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: A grandmother is a babysitter who watches the kids instead of the television. Remember what it was like when you visited your grandparent's home? Kathy offers us a great story today about making a house a home. _ _ ( Y ) \ / \ / \ /^\ _ ) //^\\ -= (_) =- ( // \\ ) // \\ / \ __ // \\ |=^| // _ \\ __|= |__// (+) \\ /LLLLLLL// ~ \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// |~[|]~| |~[|]~| \\ ^| [|] // | [|] | | [|] | \\ | [|] ^| |_[|]_| |_[|]_| |^ ___|______| | /LLLLLLLLLL|_____________________| /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ ^||^^^^^^^^/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ || |~[|]~|^^||^^^^^^^^^^||^|~[|]~|^||^^ || | [|] | || |~~~~| || | [|] | || || |_[|]_| || | [] | || |_[|]_| || ||__________|| | o| ||_________|| .'||][][][][][|| | [] | ||[][][][][||.'. ."'||[][][][][]||_-`----'-_||][][][][]||"." .(')^(.)(').( )'^@/-- -- - --\@( )'( ).(( )^(.) '( )^(`)'.(').( )@/-- -- - -- -\@ (.)'(.),( ).('). ".'.'." ." '.". @/- - --- -- - -\@ '.".'.".'.".'." jgs'' ".".".'.'@/ - -- -- -- -- -\@".'..'".'."'.'.' '.".".''.".''."@/ -- --- --- -- - -\@.".''.".''.".'". >OLD HOUSE, WARM MEMORIES by Kathy Whirity Dusting off the collection of photos that grace our family room wall, I lingered over the water color painting I had done of the old house, a gift to Bill, before it was torn done to make room for the new one. It seems like decades ago that we occupied that small two bedroom, gray sided home. Memories continued to flow freely as I stared at the home that Bill and I had lived in for over 23 years, and also the place where our two daughters grew up. In the painting, the house was depicted in all its summer time glory -- lush pink, red, white and purple flowers overflowed in the flower beds that, by August, resembled tall colorful bushes in all their flowering finery. The proof was there right on the wall. When we bought the house we fell in love with its cozy, lived-in charm. What we learned was that old fashioned charm translated into lots of repairs. That old house was far from perfect but the memories invoked are priceless. I'm particularly remembering back to when the girls were young. It was raining one Saturday afternoon and they wanted to play on their swing set. Bill went to the garage and returned with 4 huge round eye hooks and his trusty power drill. He went to work drilling the heavy duty bolts into the frame of the kitchen doorways. Then he went back outside to retrieve the swings. A few seconds later the girls were happily swinging from the kitchen doorways -- laughing and squealing with delight over their rainy day adventure. Another time Bill came home with an over-sized plastic slide. I foolishly asked him where he thought he was going to put it as our house was way too small to accommodate such a big toy. He gave me a look like I was the loony one and told me it would fit just fine in the front-room. When it was discovered that the slide wasn't slick enough Bill had a solution -- some baby powder sprinkled on the surface and, viola!, It was smooth sliding all the way. Afterwards, my clever hubby vacuums up the powder on the rug, and the front-room was none the worse for wear. I guess the reason for flashing back to these memories is sparked by the fact that we are now grandparents. This new turning point in our lives has definitely brought out the kid in us. Oh, and I'm also looking at familiar hooks in the door frame. We have a double doorway that divides the family room and my home office. Bill sized it up one day and decided it would be a great spot to hang a swing for our granddaughters. At first I balked at the idea. I resisted and then I remembered the fun the swinging sisters had and I relented. The bolts were screwed in and a pink baby swing gets hooked up whenever our little angel Avery wants to go for a ride. Our new house is a perfect home compared to the one we lived in for so many years. It is big, beautiful and can handle any ideas that my dear hubby can concoct. Last Christmas the girls had another painting done, this one of the new house. It is hung right next to the old one, and in between them is a silver heart that says, "Home is where you hang your heart. It doesn't matter if your house is big or small, fancy or plain. It takes love, laughter and joy to make a house a home." I'm looking forward to the years ahead with my grand kids. Those here and those yet to be born. I hope our house will be a home they'll have fond memories of, whether it be sliding, swinging or dancing their way into the future. -- Kathy Whirity __________________________________________________ Kathy is a newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. She and her husband, Bill, live in Chicago where they are enjoying life as grandparents. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Favoritism Forbidden “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."1 Vending machines have come a long way over the years. It used to be you slid in a couple of coins and pulled a lever and down would drop your snack or drink. Now there are lights, levers, cranes, codes, and chutes that make the purchase a production of its own. But one of the greatest advances in vending machine technology was the ability of the machine to accept bills rather than just coins. Especially as prices increased, it came as a relief not having to search the car seats for that extra quarter - now you just slide in a dollar bill or two and you’re ready to snack. That is unless your dollar bill is rejected! What a terrible feeling. You watch your dollar get sucked into the machine and then it spits it back at you. You check the little picture to make sure George’s head is facing the right way and try again. If you’re rejected again, you do that little ritual that you saw some other guys do - you take the bill and rub it on a corner trying to take out any possible crease in the bill. You unfold any turned-up corners and hope your bill is good enough. If you still find your bill rejected, you’re now ready to take the machine on - that’s why they put those machines behind metal bars!! "What’s the deal," you think. A dollar is a dollar, after all, whether it’s fresh out of the mint or if it’s been folded, wadded, washed and taped. Why should this machine accept a good-looking bill but reject an old, worn out one? A clean, fresh bill is of no more value than a worn-out one, right?2 As much as we would hate to admit it, we can be much like these vending machines. Many times, we have the tendency to accept the people who seem to have it all together and are less accepting of people who have been folded, creased, washed, or taped. People in the second category often find themselves rejected, or 'spit out' due to our favoritism much like those old dollar bills in the vending machine. However, in James chapter two we are told clearly the type of behavior we should exhibit as Christians. James gives the example of a man wearing fine clothes walking in, and at the same time a poor man in filthy old clothes also coming in. The rich man is shown special attention and given the best seats, but the poor man is not invited to sit at the same seat, but instead told to “stand there" or “sit on the floor by my feet."3 In verse one James tells us, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." All kinds of people, many of whom had been rejected by society, found themselves welcomed and accepted by Jesus. Jesus saw past the flaws that others focused on, and saw the worth in every individual. Let us imitate His example. Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you that you came to seek that which was lost. You came to the broken people like me who had many times been rejected or fallen short of society’s expectations. Help me imitate your example of acceptance and love to all - without showing favoritism. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Christ’s name, amen. 1: James 2:8-10 (NIV). 2: www.sermoncentral.com James 2:2-3. Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...This also applies to race - See this teaching GOD IS NOT A RESPECTER OF PERSONS https://tinyurl.com/m2b2dfhv <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Fight For Faith Fight the good fight of the faith.1 When I first came to Christ, I began to hear words that I'd never really paid attention to before; words like faith. Faith. Certainly I had heard it before, but what did it mean? I remember a preacher trying to illustrate the word in his sermon saying, 'Before you sat down, did you consider if that chair would hold you or did you just have faith that it would?'¯ So, faith was like trust? Or, he'd ask us to consider the fact that we can take a deep breath and fill our lungs with an oxygen that we can't see? So, faith is trusting in something I can't see! (Heb. 11:1) Once we understand what faith is, we can begin to grow in our own spiritual maturity. Biblical faith, God's gift of faith, is something we will want to fight for! Toward the end of his ministry, the apostle Paul lovingly addressed Timothy, his companion and son in the Lord, urging him to protect his faith. Throughout the two personal letters that Paul wrote, we can almost feel him pleading with Timothy to remain steady in his faith to the point of fighting for it. (1Tim.6:12) Fighting for our faith is the only battle truly worth fighting. In Paul's second letter to Timothy, written from a prison cell, we see him fondly looking back on his ministry, first recalling the sincere faith he had seen in Timothy's own mother and grandmother. (2 Tim. 1:5) After reminding Timothy that the same faith is in him also, Paul continues encouraging him until at last, leading once more by example, says: 'I have fought the good fight. I have kept the faith.'¯ (2 Tim. 4:7) Know that your fight will not be in vain. A victor's crown of righteousness awaits all of those who have loved the Lord and have had faith in Him. (2 Tim. 4:8) Let this be the encouragement we need to keep fighting today. Dear Lord, I admit that my faith in You has wavered and I have found myself in places of doubt and worry. But today I return to the fight because You fought for me first. I love you, Lord. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. 1. 1 Timothy 6:12a. Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these teachings THE FIVE CROWNS http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/THE_FIVE_CROWNS.htm The Christian’s Joy and Crown - A Study of Philippians 4 https://tinyurl.com/4a2yvsc9 When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->A Repeat From Our Friend John-Paul :) my song to you... ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt >I'm Going To Go Walking On The Clouds With Jesus It got quiet in Heaven Then Jesus looked around He caught the eye of HIS Heavenly Father About the time He heard the Trumpet sound. With a nod of His head Jesus said I know exactly what YOU want me to do I'm going to go down to Earth below, and bring back those belonging to YOU. Then Jesus mounted HIS GREAT WHITE HORSE, and THUNDERED through the Sky TEN THOUSAND Angels spread their wings As they begin to fly With a GREAT and POWERFUL MIGHTY NOISE HE will appear in the Eastern Sky I'M GOING TO GO WALKING ON THE CLOUDS WITH JESUS In the Great bye and bye YES!, I'M GOING TO GO WALKING ON THE CLOUDS WITH JESUS, in the Great by and by I`m on the way to meet my Savior up yonder in the sky I'M GOING TO GO WALKING ON THE CLOUDS WITH JESUS Would YOU like to come along with me? we`ll be on our way to Our HOME in GLORY Where Our Souls Longs To Be Now, OUR SOULS will be quickened by the HOLY GHOST, And the Dead in CHRIST WILL RISE, Every knee SHALL BOW, Ever tongue CONFESS, As we look into our SAVIOR'S EYES. This old corruptible body will be made brand new, In The Twinkling of An Eye And GLORY HALLELUJAH, We'll meet Jesus In the Sky YES!, I'M GOING TO GO WALKING ON THE CLOUDS WITH JESUS, in the Great by and by I`m on the way to meet my Savior up yonder in the sky I'M GOING TO GO WALKING ON THE CLOUDS WITH JESUS Would YOU like to come along with me? we`ll be on our way to Our HOME in GLORY Where Our Souls Longs To Be Well, We been on our knees, and we've prayed through, And received The HOLY GHOST We'll be singing with new Heavenly TONGUES, As we walk along, Among the Heavenly Host. my feet are dancing, my body is light, This old World can't hold me down, SO EVEN COME NOW LORD JESUS, AND WE'LL BE HOMEWARD BOUND. YES, I'M GOING TO GO WALKING ON THE CLOUDS WITH JESUS in the Great by and by I`m on the way to meet my Savior up yonder in the sky I'M GOING TO GO WALKING ON THE CLOUDS WITH JESUS Would YOU like to come along with me? we`ll be on our way to Our HOME in GLORY Where Our Souls Longs To Be -John-Paul --- ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt ...I Love this! Gives me Shivers! Thanks John-Paul! Here's the closest song I could find - not as good as yours! :) The Hoppers - Stepping On the Clouds [Live] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90sKNny9aZ4 _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Our Hope! - See these Great teachings... T h e F i n a l V i c t o r y - 1 http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/The_Final_Victory.htm T h e F i n a l V i c t o r y - 2 http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/The_Final_Victory--Part_2.htm T h e F i n a l V i c t o r y - 3 http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/The_Final_Victory--Part_3.htm T h e F i n a l V i c t o r y - 4 http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/The_Final_Victory--Part_4.htm Also See: Promises of God Index page http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Promises.htm =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ ///-._ ////////-._ /////////////-. ////////////////`. //////////////// .'`. //////////////// . '.'`. '|`'//////////// . .'.::|` : `'/////// . '.':| | . . `'// ' _|- ::| |. .-._ . | . | .':: | |:|:| | ' ' '.::| | |:|:| :. . .'.':| | . |:|:| . | .._.::: : `':| | ' ////-:| |. . | '/////////-._ | . . : .//////////////-._ : : ///////////////////-._ |. |////////////////////////-._ | . . :`'//////////////////////////-._ | . _.-\\\\``'//////////////////////////-._ | /\\\\\\\\..``'//////////////////////////". : . . /. \\\\\\\\\. .``'///////////////////// .'`. : / _ \\\\\\\\\. ``'//////////////// . .'`. | . / (@) \\\\\\\\\. . . ``'/////////// . '.'::|. {`)._ '| _` .\\\\\\\-`:|#| . . ``'////// '. .'.:| `-{_/`| ||::. \\'`.:|:.|#| |#| . ``'/ ' .##:'::: `-| ||||| |`.'::|::|#| |#| |#| . . '| . .|##|'.:| pils | ||||| : .'::|:.'#| |#| |#| |#| | |##|'::| | ||||| .| .'.:|::.'' '#| |#| |#| . : ' |##|'.:| {`\:|||| : .'::|:_.:. . '#| |#| | .|##|'::: `-{_/'|_ |_.-'/}_/'-._ '#| :. |##:'.:| `'{._('}_)-' `-}_}(-._ . . | ' '` .'::| `-' `-.} /-._ . : .'.'_:-'\ `-}_}(-._ | . _.-')_(-' `-/_)`-.:.-{ \{-' `-{_'_)-'' ^ They're Back! Church Bulletins: Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services: The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. ---------------------------------------------------------- The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus." ---------------------------------------------------------- Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King. ---------------------------------------------------------- Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. ---------------------------------------------------------- The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict. ---------------------------------------------------------- Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help. ---------------------------------------------------------- Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. ---------------------------------------------------------- For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. ---------------------------------------------------------- The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: "Break Forth Into Joy." ---------------------------------------------------------- Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. --------------------------------------------------------- A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. -------------------------------------------------------- At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice. ---------------------------------------------------------- Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. ---------------------------------------------------------- The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. ------------------------------------------------------- Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow. ----------------------------------------------------- The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon. ----------------------------------------------------- This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin. ------------------------------------------------- Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done. ----------------------------------------------------- The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday. ----------------------------------------------------- Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7PM. Please use the back door. ---------------------------------------------------- The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy. ----------------------------------------------------- Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance. ------------------------------------------------------ The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: " I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Forgiveness "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." A friend sent me the following illustration: One of my teachers had each one of us bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes. For every person we refused to forgive for whatever they did, we were told to choose a potato, write on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag. .--._ . \ ).' )|/ _.'''-._ ( \ \ ) )'-. ( / _.-'\ / ) ('-._ / \ _/ AoS '-.__=='' We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere for two weeks, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driving, next to our desk at work, etc. The hassle of lugging this around with us made it clear what a weight we were carrying spiritually and emotionally, and how we had to pay attention to it all the time to not forget it and leave it in embarrassing places. Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated. This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for nursing our grudges. Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to the other person while it clearly is for ourselves! So the next time you decide you can't forgive someone, ask yourself, Isn't your bag heavy enough? -<>- \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp Place yourself in God's hands first thing in the morning so that your Entire day will be in His care. Lord, may my prayer and my attitude be One so that my relationship with You never becomes casual. Everything we need to deal with life's problems lies within us. Our Trials are tests to see if we can discover the solution. Lord, I call Out Your name when I face my difficulties and together we will overcome Them. -<>- ( ( ) ) ) ( ) ..... .:::::::::. ~\_______/~ (BZ Baker) >Cherry Pie My mom always knew my favorite desert craving... cherry pie. Not the frozen kind, but real homemade cherry pie. As I grew up during my birthdays, thanksgiving and other specials occasions a cherry pie would wind up on the table. Fast forward to 1994. My wife had just passed away from cancer. My heart was broken and I was depressed. I went home to visit my mom and her husband. No words were needed as she brought out a cherry pie. The pie if it could have talked would have said, "I am so sorry. I love you" Peace be with you." My mom will not make any more pies, but she had made many many memories for me. She has been my rock. I wonder at the ingredients of the pie, love, tenderness, compassion mixed together and warmed with a hug. B.J. Cassady Guthrie, Oklahoms -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >MIRACLES WITHIN US By: Joseph J. Mazzella I am always amazed at how many miracles there are in this life. Everywhere you look there they are. They are in the first flower that pokes its head up in the Spring. They are in the singing of the birds and music of the frogs as the sun sets and the world turns to night. They are in the parting of the clouds and the magnificent lighting up of the world that follows. They are in the golden sunlight that chases the grey and gloom away and fills the heart with joy. They are in nature, in animals, and in life itself. Most of all, though, they are in each one of us. Now many of you might object that there is a single miracle inside of you let alone countless ones. The truth, however, is that all of us have within ourselves miracles upon miracles. God loves us all and gives each of us the miraculous power to change the world with His love. We may not be able to heal the sick, but we can uplift their spirits with our caring and love. We may not be able to feed the world, but we can help to save the lives of one or two with our support and charity. We may not be able to take away the pains of life, but we can hold another up with our kindness and compassion as they face them. We may not be able to bring happiness to everyone, but we can share our happiness, optimism, enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and delight with everyone we meet. We may not be able to do the work of God, but we can help God do His work through us by sharing our love, joy, prayers, and oneness with Him. Don't miss out on the miracles within you then. Choose them, share them, and live them everyday of your life. God has sent us all on the miraculous journey called life and during it we touch countless other souls. Let us always bless them with the miracles of our love, joy, giving, caring, compassion, helping, and goodness. Let us never miss the chance to share a miracle. -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >ANYWAY People quite often are unreasonable, illogical and self centered. Love them anyway! If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway! If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway! The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway! Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway! The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds. Think big anyway! People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs. Fight for some underdogs anyway! What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway! People really need help, but may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway! Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you've got anyway! Good luck and God bless you! -<>- __ _.-~ ) _..--~~~~,' ,-/ _ .-'. . . .' ,-',' ,' ) ,'. . . _ ,--~,-'__..-' ,' ,'. . . (@)' ---~~~~ ,' /. . . . '~~ ,-' /. . . . . ,-' ; . . . . - . ,' : . . . . _ / . . . . . `-.: . . . ./ - . ) . . . | _____..---.._/ ____ Seal _ ~---~~~~----~~~~ ~~ >Anna's Miracle By Linda Schnecker Erb Each time the dolphins and trainers meet a new student, excitement charges the air. How will the dolphins react to the individual's personality? To his or her disability? How will the child (or adult) react to meeting a dolphin eye-to-eye for the first time? And, the most important question, will this unique experience trigger something inside the student that will open his mind and allow new learning to take place? When we met Justin, we all wondered how these questions would be answered during his first dolphin encounter. His parents had arranged a two-week visit to Dolphin Research Center (DRC) to participate in our Dolphin/Child Therapy program. Justin had cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder. Cerebral palsy is a serious condition, causing paralysis or muscle weakness as a result of trauma to the brain. Typical symptoms, which range from mild to severe, include partial or total inability to walk, little or no speech production, seizures and generally impaired coordination. Justin had better motor skills and coordination than many children with cerebral palsy, but one primary difficulty he had was with speech. At three years old, he had not yet spoken his first word. We hoped that the interaction with Annessa (who we nicknamed Anna) would encourage Justin to speak at least some components of words. Justin was a beautiful child, with blond hair and green-gold eyes. When he joined the therapist, his mother and Linda (the dolphin trainer) on Anna's dock, Justin's small face was devoid of expression. It was very hard to figure out what he was feeling. Anna tried to engage Justin in play while he was on the floating dock, but he would only glance at her briefly then look away. We decided to place Justin in the water with Anna to see what progress could be made in that environment. Floating in the warm Gulf waters, Justin's mother held him in her arms as Anna slowly circled them. Justin's eyes locked onto Anna's movement immediately. Anna offered her dorsal fin and towed Justin and his mother gently through the water. Anna then approached Justin head-on, very carefully, and he reached out a pudgy hand to touch her snout. Anna inched closer. Justin then raised his arms and gently hugged Anna's big, gray face. They held this embrace for several seconds, then the eight-foot-long dolphin delicately eased herself backward, moving with incredible care, barely rippling the water's surface. Linda watched in awe. This was not a behavior trained to Anna, but a spontaneous gesture and offering from dolphin to child. Justin wore a solemn expression throughout the exchange, but immediately began vocalizing when Anna backed away. The therapist asked Justin to try to make specific sounds, such as the "B" sound in "baby," promising Anna's return if Justin attempted the new sound. Justin quickly caught on to the game and responded to the coaxing. After each sound he looked expectantly for his new friend Anna. She was ready and waiting with a kiss for him! As the lesson time came to an end, Justin was much more animated than when he started. After getting out of the water, he smiled and pointed around with excitement as his mother dried him with a towel. Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around her neck and quietly said into her ear his very first word. For any parent, hearing the first word from your baby is a magical moment. For the parent of a child with disabilities, however, that moment is much, much more. It is a miracle that brings hope for a brighter future. Most children's first word is "mama" or "dada," but Justin was different. Justin's first word was . . . "Anna." -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Carnival Paper Sculptures! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/paperart4.html Beautiful Flower People! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/flowerpeople.html Love Caught On Camera! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lovecamera.html Beautiful Kea Parrots! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/keaparrots.html Random Acts Of Kindness! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/actsofkindness.html Tips For Dog Owners! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogfacts.html Story Behind The Photo! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/photostories.html What I've Learned In Life! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/learnedinlife.html Wood Chip Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/woodart.html Wisdom Of Peanuts! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wisdomofpeanuts.html Kyle The Goose! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kylegoose.html Cute Little Antelope! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/antelope.html Unforgettable Photos! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/unforgettable.html Tale Of Two Swallows! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/swallows.html Aww Animals 14! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals14.html Ricochet And Kids With SMA! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ricochetsmakids.html Nanny Animals 4! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nannyanimals4.html Value What You Have! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuewyh.html Thank You God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thankgod.html Our Valuable Anchor! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html When Sandman Attacks 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sandman3.html Flower Art 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/flowerart4.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: Did you see Pres. Trump's State of the Union address? So heartwarming. Also so TELLING! The Democrats were doing their normal 'no show, or walk out, or no clap and/or no standing' when President Donald Trump, asked the members of Congress to stand up if they agree with the statement: "The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens." ...and virtually all Republican members rose but Trump and I were amazed when Democrats refused to stand up. https://tinyurl.com/yc47puyt President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ TrumpRx doesn't sell medications. Instead, it connects patients directly with the best prices, increasing transparency and cutting out costly third-party markups. https://trumprx.gov/ White House Actions - 2026 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump executive orders and actions, 2025-2026 https://tinyurl.com/musd7m3x DOGE Latest News https://doge.gov/ DOGE Latest Savings https://doge.gov/savings From The Daily Acorn: Positive News https://www.thedailyacorn.com/ Latest From Lifezette: https://www.lifezette.com/ Latest From Hannity: https://hannity.com/ Latest From American Action News: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Newsmax: https://www.newsmax.com/ Latest From Expose: https://expose-news.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://greatergood.com/clicktogive/ggc/home ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Great Cloud of Witnesses Running has become a big part of my life. In 2003 I set a goal of running 500 miles for the year. I finished the year with 1500 miles and ran my first marathon in January of 2004. I've run many marathons since and have now moved into the strange world of running distances much longer than marathons. Much has changed with my understanding of running, but one thing that has remained the same is my appreciation for the cheering crowd. In every marathon I've run, crowds have lined the course cheering encouragement and helping me to run faster and farther than I thought possible. Our journey with the Lord is like a marathon in many ways. We must maintain a disciplined training program to ensure we are prepared. The race itself can be long and hard. There will be times we run out of energy and want to quit, but crossing the finish line will be more rewarding than anything we can imagine! And along the way, we will certainly learn to appreciate the encouragement we receive from the cheering crowd. Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." This verse follows what we often refer to as The Great Hall of Faith. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews describes many people from the Old Testament who were commended for their faith: Able, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Samson, David, and many others. At the end of this impressive list, we read that even though they were faithful, "none of them received what had been promised" (Hebrews 11:39). Their reward was postponed until the coming of Jesus; "God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:40). The testimony of the faithful is meant to give us much needed encouragement. It's as if they are cheering us on with great anticipation, knowing that one day we will be "caught up together with them" (1 Thessalonians 4:17) to receive our eternal reward. This cloud of witnesses now also includes the testimony of New Testament believers as well as Christians throughout the last 2000 years. It also includes Brothers and Sisters who love us and pray for us today. As we run the race and sometimes grow weary - sometimes even stumble and fall - these witnesses continue to cheer and encourage our every step; "You can do it, I believe in you! And if you stumble, I'll help you back up!!" We can all run faster and further in this great Christian race than we believe possible! Yes, the race is long and sometimes difficult, but we're definitely not alone. Let's run with renewed perseverance; and when we become discouraged, let's listen for the cheers from the great cloud of witnesses! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ? Leviticus 19:1-20:21; Mark 8:10-38; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 10:17 Leviticus 20:22-22:20; Mark 9:1-29; Psalm 43:1-5; Proverbs 10:18 Leviticus 22:21-23:44; Mark 9:30-10:12; Psalm 44:1-8; Proverbs 10:19 Leviticus 24:1-25:46; Mark 10:13-31; Psalm 44:9-26; Proverbs 10:20-21 <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Stand Firm On The Rock We can compare Salvation through faith in Jesus to the words of praise written by David: "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand" (Psalm 40:2). God gives us an eternal hope by lifting us up, washing us clean, and setting our feet upon a new and solid path. But what should we do now that our feet have been set? When we are in the slimy and muddy pit, we are vulnerable to attack; it's difficult to move and we easily lose our balance. We tend to live in fear, not knowing who to trust or which way to turn. But as Christ lifts us up, we become "a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Life on solid ground should not be the same as life in the pit! That's worth repeating - Life should NOT be the same!! As the Spirit of God transforms us, He also provides everything we need to accomplish God's work and live a victorious life; "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). Knowing that our Heavenly Father has created us anew and gifted us with ALL we ever need, we must now be resolved to stand firm. 1 Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." We must make every effort to firmly stand; and yet, we must realize we cannot stand in our own strength. The ground is solid only because of Christ. He IS the rock upon which we have been set - the Rock of our Salvation. Whenever we feel unworthy or unable to follow - whenever we feel we can no longer stand - we have surely begun to look to our own strength rather than God; "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:21). He alone gives us the strength. We have trusted Him to lift us out of the pit, and now that we are His child, we must continue to trust Him to strengthen us and be the stable Rock of our life. "For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!" (Romans 5:10). The solid Rock is no place to tremble, no place to fear. He will remain solid for all eternity, and as we stand on Him, He will accomplish through us what we are unable to do in our own strength. He is our new life, our strength, our identity, and all our self-worth. He is our comfort when we grieve, and He is our guiding light when we have lost our way. Let's honor our Heavenly Father as we continue to stand. Let's bring Him glory as we resolve to stand firm on the Rock! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Leviticus 6:1-7:27; Mark 3:7-30; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 10:3-4 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: ______________________ (0RGSDOFCJftli;:.:. . ) T""""""""""""""""""""T |.;....,..........;..| |;;:: . . . | l;;;:. : . .. ; `;;:::.: . . .' l;;:. .. . .: ; `;;::.. . . ; .' l;;:: . . / ; \;;:. . .,' / `\;:.. ..' .' `\;:.. ..' \;:. / l; f `;f' || ;l. ;: l / ; \ ,/ .: `. ./' . : `. /' ,' : \ f / . : i ,' ; . : `. f ; . : . i .' : : . `. f , . ; : i | : ,/`. : | | ;,/;:. `. . | |___,/;;:. . .`._____| (QB0ZDOLC7itz!;:.:. . ) """""""""""""""""""""" >FINDING SUPERNATURAL PATIENCE AS YOU WAIT ON GOD (God's Timing) We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. - Colossians 1:9-12 Some of the greatest missionaries in the history of our faith were firmly devoted to spreading the seed of God’s Word, and yet had to wait long periods before seeing the fruit of their efforts. William Carey, for example, labored 7 years before the first Hindu convert was brought to Christ. In western Africa, it was 14 years after the first missionary came before one convert was received into the Christian church. In New Zealand, it took 9 years; and in Tahiti, it was 16 years before the first harvest of souls began. Thomas a' Kempis described that kind of patience in these words: “He deserves not the name of patient who is only willing to suffer as much as he thinks proper, and for whom he pleases. The truly patient man asks (nothing) from whom he suffers, (whether) his superior, his equal, or his inferior… But from whomever, or how much, or how often wrong is done to him, he accepts it all as from the hand of God, and counts it gain!” It’s one thing to wait begrudgingly for God’s timing. It’s another to truly show supernatural patience—being joyful and anticipating God to come through in a big way. So when God calls you to wait, remember you’re in good company and trust in Him with joy and eager expectation! Prayer Challenge Pray and ask God to give you supernatural patience as you wait for His perfect timing! as seen in Daily Living For Seniors --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching Wait On God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Wait_On_God.htm -<>- __..,,... .,,,,,. '''' ,' ` . ,' ,. .. ` . `.,' .. ` __..,. . .. . ` . . `. .` ` , `. `. `._|,.. . `. `..' ` -'`'' >T-R-A-V-E-L (Author Unknown) Inmate Mitchell King had a visitor -- his wife. King was serving a six-year jail term in Auckland, New Zealand for armed robbery. But his wife didn't want to be away from him for that long. So they held hands. And they stuck. She'd rubbed her palms with Super Glue. Their new-found closeness was short-lived. And their separation painful. Her technique is not one I'd recommend for a closer relationship. But if you want more closeness; if you desire relationships that are deeper and broader, more meaningful and longer-lasting, then remember the word "travel." T is for TRUST Trust is the glue that holds people together (not Super Glue). A relationship will go nowhere without it. R is for RESPECT "Do not save your loving speeches for your friends till they are dead; do not write them on their tombstones, speak them rather now instead," writes Anna Cummins. It's about respecting others and letting them know that you value them. A is for AFFECTION Love - genuine love and care is a key. V is for VULNERABILITY Though we may feel afraid to let another too close, no relationship will go anywhere without risking vulnerability. Entrepreneur Jim Rohn says, "The walls we build around us to keep out the sadness also keep out the joy." And the love. E is for EMOTIONAL INTIMACY Learn to be open. Learn to communicate freely. What kinds of relationships you make are largely determined by how openly you have learned to communicate. L is for LAUGHTER Victor Borge got it right when he said, "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." It's also the most enjoyable. For relationships that can really go somewhere, just remember the word "travel." Make sure the relationship is one that God wants for you. Then enjoy the trip! --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching GOD FIRST http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/GOD_FIRST.htm -<>- ,. ( . ) . " (" ) )' ,' ) . (` '` .; ) ' (( (" ) ;(, (( ( ;) " )" _"., ,._'_.,)_(..,( . )_ _' )_') (. _..( '..jb >THE NEAREST PLACE TO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT Early in life, Rodney (Gipsy) Smith came under the influence of William Booth, who saw in this wild gypsy boy great potential. Booth gave Smith a position in the Salvation Army and sent him out to preach. Smith was gifted with a beautiful voice for singing and speaking, and he was an immediate success as an evangelist. In December of 1881, after concluding a campaign, he was asked at headquarters where he wanted to go next. “Send me,” he said, “to the nearest place to the bottomless pit.” Perhaps more churches should be performing their ministries nearer the “pit.” After all, Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) -<>- O ~O <|\ /|\ | ~o/ | \o ~o/ _o |\ /| |\ |\ /| |\ jgs / | / \ |// > / \ / > >GIVING OUR CHILDREN TO GOD Sharon Jaynes Today’s Truth: “Everything is possible for him who believes,” (Mark 9:23 NIV). Friend to Friend Once a distraught father had an unruly son with multiple physical and emotional problems. Many people even said the boy was possessed by a demon. The dad had tried everything, but the boy continued to demonstrate antisocial behavior by throwing himself in fire and then in water. That sort of behavior, on top of frequent seizures, rolling on the ground, foaming at the mouth, and an inability to talk, made the dad desperate to find a solution. He even took the boy to some faith healers who were traveling through his hometown. But nothing seemed to work. Finally, the dad realized no human being was going to be able to help his son, so he took him directly to God. The father heard that Jesus was visiting in his community, so he boldly brought the boy to Him. With desperation in his voice the father pleaded, “If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” And Jesus answered, “If You can! All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe: help my unbelief.” With that profession, Jesus healed the man’s son. Oh how this story from Mark 9 stirs my heart. Can’t you feel the father’s pain? How desperately he must have felt every time the child threw himself into the water or the fire. “Why son? Why do you do these things? I don’t understand,” he must have asked. Imagine the humiliation of the whispers as the family walked down the streets. “That’s the Jones family. Have you heard about their son? He's...” The stares. The snickers. The off-color comments. Don’t you know there were many days when this dad wanted to just give up? Instead, he offers us a beautiful picture of what all parents must do, the ultimate act in parenting - hand our children over to God. As mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and a host of other caretakers, at times we find ourselves at the end of our mental and emotional resources. We feel we have done everything humanly possible and don’t know the best action to take with our children. That’s exactly where God wants us every day, not depending on our human capabilities but on His unlimited abilities, not depending on our own impotence but on His potent power, not depending on our limited knowledge but on His unlimited wisdom. When we realize that we do not have and never will have all the child-rearing answers, we can find peace in giving our children to the One who does. S.D. Gordon, in Quiet Talks on Prayer, said, “You can do more than pray, after you have prayed. But you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.” _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ Let’s Pray (For those who have children still at home) Dear God, today, I once again bring my child to you. Please show me how to parent this precious gift that you have given me. Help me to be the best mother (or caregiver) that I can be. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will teach me, Your wisdom will guide me, and Your love will move me. Most of all, Lord, I give this child to You. Please make him (her) a child after Your own heart. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. (For those with grown children) Dear God, my child is no longer under my roof or under my wing. He (She) is now out in the world making life decisions of his (her) own. I give this adult child to You, Lord. May he (she) seek You with all his (her) heart. I pray that You will protect him (her), guide him (her), and open his (her) heart to the truth of Your Word every day. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (3 John 4 NIV). In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. Now It’s Your Turn Make a list of things about your child over which you have no control. Now turn that list into a prayer and relinquish each item of concern to God. Remember Jesus’ reply to the father who said, “If you can do anything…” Write today’s key verse on an index card and commit it to memory. as seen in Girlfriends in God 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: "Abandonment of self-centeredness is the triumph of trusting Christ in our lives." - Brennan Manning , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >His Message and His Ministry (and His Timing) (By Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries, http://www.gdwm.org) Ahithophel was a highly regarded advisor to King David; "Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God" (2 Samuel 16:23). But when David's son, Absalom, rebelled and sought to become the new king, Ahithophel joined with Absalom. Ahithophel had reason to be angry with David; he was the grandfather of Bathsheba and had watched as David violated his granddaughter and then had her husband killed (2 Samuel 11). In his anger Ahithophel advised Absalom how to defeat David, but God had other plans; "The Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom" (2 Samuel 17:14). When Absalom refused to follow his advice, Ahithophel took the rejection very personally. 2 Samuel 17:23 "When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself." Ahithophel had once been close to God and was used for many years to give godly direction. But at some point Ahithophel began to take too much ownership of his ministry. He determined his self- worth based on the results of his ministry and began to use his gifts for his own selfish purpose. When his message was no longer trusted and his ministry was not going in the direction he desired, his self-worth fell and he found he had no reason to continue. God has called each of us to be His messengers and has given us a ministry of sharing the Gospel; "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). Some are called to preach a message of hope to a large congregation. Others have been called to instruct a small group or to encourage just one...but we have all been called! We are never responsible for the outcome of a ministry, only for the obedience of faithfully delivering His message. God remains in complete control of any and all results: "My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11). As we walk in obedience, His purpose (not ours!) will be accomplished. We must never lose sight of the One who called us to serve. Our worth is in being a Child of God, not in the praises we receive or in what we can accomplish. We must continue to be obedient messengers who proclaim the Good News, teach the truth, and encourage at every opportunity. And when we become discouraged, we must check our focus and always remember...this is His message and His ministry. 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 --- ...See this teaching God Moves When You Move http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/God_Moves_When_You_Move.htm ========================================================== . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >-->THE SIGNS RIGHT BEFORE THEIR EYES What's wrong with people who just can't see the signs right before their eyes; though exact day and hour can't be known, the season's there for the wise! "Things are just as they have always been, He's not coming soon!, they say! I tell you the clock's been ticking since Israel was born in a day! Most churches don't teach the End Times, I cannot understand why! When these things begin to occur, we're to look up in the sky! Everything is all lined up, the players are center stage! Soon He'll call us Home to Him, and close the present Church Age! ~Peggy McIlveene~ <}}}>< >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO Foundational Teaching Seminar NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************