Blessed 9-11 Remembrance Day... :) 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 ================ _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ *~* Happy Blessed 9-11 Remembrance Day! Prayer: May America always stand watchful and alert, never forgetting and thus keeping us and our children and our children's children safer. May our prayers and our diligence keep God close and at hand to watch over and protect us and our country for all time. May God bless the hearts and lives of all of us and especially those who have been hurt by this horrible tragedy through Christ Jesus our victorious Lord and savior, Amen. *~* Shangrala's 9-11 And Troop Index Page: https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html -<>- >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends Johanna and LouiseAu. It is full of real signs people got a good laugh over and shared on social media. It'll give you some good chuckles too. Check it out here: . / \ / . \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / WW \ \ / / C_ "-.__ \ \ / / "- "_ \ \ / / //|--L-\\ \ \ / / // |// \\ \ \ / `-----------------' \ `-----------------------' ctr Humorous Signs 9! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hsigns9.html --- ...Teehee! Love this series! Thanks Ladies! Our next sizzling hot new page is from our friend Geniann. It'll give you plenty of SMILES for your day. Be sure to check it out here.. ______ _\ _~-\___ = = ==(____AA____D \_____\___________________,-~~~~~~~`-.._ / o O o o o o O O o o o o o o O o |\_ `~-.__ ___..----.. ) `---~~\___________/------------````` = ===(_________D -Roland Airport Moments 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/airport2.html --- ...LOL! Great ones! Thanks Geniann! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: "A hero is a man who does what he can." -- Romain Rolland Did you see the group of people who got together to lift a burning car off an accident victim? Looks like the inspirational heroism that 9/11 spawned seems to have lived on... Today, Joe Walker shares his thoughts. Thanks, Joe! ___ / _\ | /\_| __-'' _' ----'-. |#\#)_,_ )##\__ _\__.-. - .- (###) '---. `. - __\____`.#\( ) L(| .'__//\ \#)`-._.' / \\==. /_/_//\_\_ /#/ ### / //\\ \ |(________(##)___/-' '| (_) | ____\___/_________________\___/________________________________________VK >ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE by Joseph Walker It's the middle of the day. You're walking -- or driving or working or bicycling – along a busy highway that borders a university campus when you come upon a serious traffic accident that has just occurred. A motorcycle is lying on the roadway, in flames. A badly damaged automobile is stopped near the motorcycle, and the fire is beginning to spread to the car. Suddenly you notice that someone – probably the motorcycle driver – is pinned underneath the car. He isn't moving. For all you know, he might already be dead. But you don't know for sure. And the fire is spreading toward him. What are you going to do? For 14 or so passers-by Monday, the answer was immediate and unflinching: they rushed in to help. They tried to get him out from under the car, but he was stuck under there, and the fire was moving ever closer. A few people tried to life the car, but barely moved it. There was a moment of hesitation, and then a larger group -- including several hard hat-wearing construction workers – moved as one to the side of the car, and with all their collective might they lifted the 3,000-pound burning vehicle up onto two wheels while another construction worker pulled the unconscious young motorcycle driver out from under the car. I'm not making this up. The flames were lapping at the young man's foot as they drug him to safety. Miraculously, the young man survived, with only broken bones, some road rash and a few bruises to show for his brush with death. Oh, and he has one other thing: a thankful heart. A day after his dramatic rescue he was still in the hospital recuperating from his injuries. But he sent his uncle out to thank the people who risked their lives to save his. "He knows that there are angels out there that saved his life," his uncle said. "People came together, risked their lives, to save him." He paused, then added: "Just... thank you... from all of us in the family." In my mind, there were two remarkable things that happened in those few anxious moments from the time the accident occurred until the time the young motorcyclist was dragged to safety. First was the heroic rush of people -- more than one -- to offer assistance despite the very real possibility of harm to themselves. I think of the gallant police officers and fire fighters who rushed IN to the twin towers on 9/11 when everyone else was rushing OUT, the office workers on the upper floors who ran UPSTAIRS to help others instead of following their natural self-protective impulses to rush DOWN. I'm awed and inspired by such compassionate courage. I don't know that I possess it – and quite frankly, it's OK with me if I never find out for sure -- but I'm grateful to live in a world in which so many do. The second remarkable thing that happened that morning was that all of these brave, caring people managed to work together to save a life. It would not have happened if they had not. One or two people couldn't lift that car. Even six or seven -- they tried. It took all of them pushing together to get the car up on two wheels so the injured young man could be moved out of the way. There's a lesson in that for all of us, I think. No matter how strong we are individually, we are infinitely stronger in the face of adversity if we work together. Like the young man's uncle said: "A lot of times things happen these days that shake our faith in humanity. But here we have not one person, not two people, but nearly a dozen people rushing together to a burning scene to lift a thousand-pound car. That is absolutely incredible." -- Joseph Walker __________________________________________________ Joseph is a Heartwarmer Gem from Utah. Y __________________________________________________ --- ...I checked this out... I did a search in my browser with this link: https://tinyurl.com/2uw4yww5 You'll see like I did, how many courageous and thoughtful people there are! All doing their best to save a life! -<>- \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >-->IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT by T. Suzanne Eller (Used by Permission of Suzanne Eller) It was rare for the squirming children to miss children's church where they could jump and shout. But here, they had to be well-mannered and quiet. After all, they were in big church. Three little boys sat in front of me. To their credit, they were trying to be good, but soon, the boys got warmed up and I had to stifle my laughter as I watched their antics. They reminded me of a Three Stooges comedy. The first would stretch his face and roll his eyes to delight his co-conspirators as well as any Jerry Lewis impression. The second had the face of an angel but enough energy to boost the next NASA shuttle into space. During worship, he had his own style of clapping, sort of a hee-haw hoe- down slap your leg, clap out of rhythm version. This delighted his buddies to no end. The third boy was a master of timing, watching the adults around him and keeping an eagle eye on his mother in the choir. At the appropriate moment, he would poke his friends. The first boy feigned outrage, his eyes bulging and his hands curled into claws. It was the best show I had seen in a long time. Moments later, the boys were mesmerized as a man dressed in full Army attire marched to the podium. His shoulders were thrown back. He walked with purpose and dignity. Each movement was sharp and when he snapped to attention -- the boys followed his every movement. The first boy was especially attentive for this man was his Grandpa. He stared, obviously intrigued and proud at seeing Grandpa in a whole new light. "Colors, hep," Grandpa commanded. Men and women in full military attire marched down the aisle. Grandpa gave marching orders and each was instantly obeyed. The choir rang out songs from various branches of the armed forces, honoring those who had fought for the freedom of our country. You couldn't help but see the pride and training as men and women who had served their country stood across the congregation, shoulders squared, eyes straight ahead. The boys gawked at what were ordinary men and women only moments before. The crowning moment came when Grandpa Stiles walked down and sat by the boys. His grandson puffed up his chest and grinned. The third boy glanced nervously. This was a different man than the warm, grandpa-type person from last week. Grandpa turned and smiled at the boys and the third boy nervously smiled back. Yes, Grandpa Stiles was still in there, but today he was definitely different. In an amazing transformation, all three boys remained still for the rest of the service. Our nation once had a simple need -- what the founders perceived to be the right of every human being -- freedom. The call for independence was costly, for freedom is never free. There is always a price to pay. Today, we benefit for we are truly a free nation. We have to recognize we have gained much from the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. Whether they languish in small crude crafts in the ocean, or crawl through barbed wire, there are thousands around the world who strive to find the one hope we take for granted. Three little boys gave me a glimpse into the wonder of seeing our brave men and women through the eyes of a child. Now that our nation is at war, we once again have the opportunity to support our military heroes. It is never too late to thank God for our freedom and to honor our nation's forbearers by saluting the men and women who bravely maintain that freedom today. -- T. Suzanne Eller ___________________________________________ T. Suzanne Eller is the author of Real Teens, Real Stories, Real Life. She lives in Oklahoma and is a conference speaker to teens and parents of teens and women. She has written several Heartwarmers including, That's What Friends Do, and Berry Mauve and Muted Wine. Suzie can be reached at http://daretobelieve.org or at mailto:eller @intellex.com =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >God Keeps Working 'So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. In his defense Jesus said to them, My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working. For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.'1 Throughout the Bible, we see God at work in the lives of different people. Sometimes He acts in a dramatic way, such as in the parting of the waters of the Red Sea. At other times, it may seem like He is not doing much. For example, Mary and Martha sent him the message that their brother was dying, but the Lord Jesus was slow to come to them (John 11:3-6). Our Father has given us the holy spirit to help us recognize His presence and His work. The spirit cultivates discernment in us so that we can understand when and where He is at work. We must also develop patience, because God acts according to His timing, not ours. After being promised numerous offspring, Abraham had to wait years before Sarah conceived, a time when they were both very old. The actions of God can bring delight, as was the case when Hannah gave birth to a child (1 Samuel1:27-2:1). His plan can also lead to painful times, as was the experience with Joseph. Before the Lord elevated him to a position of authority, Joseph was sold into slavery and wrongfully imprisoned. We will be encouraged and strengthened when we recognize how the Lord is operating in us and around us. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You keep working. Whether in a dramatic way or a way that teaches me patience, You are still working. Lord, You have given us the holy spirit to recognize Your presence and Your work. Help me to develop patience because You act according to Your timing and Your will, and both are perfect. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. 1. John 5:16-19 (NIV). The Encounter for today was written by: Rosina N. --- ...Reminds me of Capitalism vs Socialism (communism) Socialist will make you think that you don't have to work because they will give you this and that for free. However when asked, they will admit that you will pay a higher tax so that everyone can get free health care and other things free. AI - UK residents pay about 40% of their income in taxes. Nearly half of Canadian adult tax filers pay no income tax at all, while the top 20% of income-earning families pay 65.3% of personal income taxes. in Capitalist America, those in the top 1 percent will pay a little over a third (33%) of their income in taxes this year on average, those in the middle will pay about 26 percent, while those among the poorest fifth of Americans will pay about 17 percent of their income in taxes on average. Universal health care is another matter. Where it is, people find it very slow - you can go to the ER in Canada and have a 10 hour wait time and also not very reliable or good care. The hospitals, doctors and medical staff are not paid much so they have less qualified personal wanting to work for them then in our capitalist America. That is why so many from Canada and abroad come to America for the finest health care. That too is why God supports capitalism over socialism and puts it this way in the bible... 2 Thessalonians 3:10 'For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.' Socialism = Communism has been tried over and over and over again all thru history. Every time it winds up with most people poor, starving, suffering and dead. Anyone who claims to say they admire Russia, Cuba, N.Korea or the Communist dictator Stalin should make your red flag go up! AI 'Estimates of Joseph Stalin's death toll vary widely, but declassified Soviet archival records include 799,455 executions (1921–1953) and about 1.713 million deaths in the Gulag, labor colonies, and prisons combined for 1931–1953. Another 1993 study of declassified data reports 1,053,829 Gulag deaths (not including labor colonies) from 1934 to 1953 After taking power in the 1920s, Joseph Stalin killed at least 9 million people through mass murder, forced labor, and famine, but the true figure may be as high as 60 million. From the 1920s through his death in 1953, Joseph Stalin ruled the Soviet Union through fear and violence. By 1941, under Joseph Stalin, millions had already died from famine, exile, and executions. Read all about him here: https://allthatsinteresting.com/how-many-people-did-stalin-kill The Democrat Socialists like Piker don't like America. They feel we deserved 9-11. They want to destroy our country as we know it saying they want to limit or abolish ICE, Our military, the police and jails, little private home ownership or businesses, little gas powered machines just like with Biden when they were outlawing gas mowers and trimmers along with cars and farm machinery - even semi trucks! They also want to open the borders as they proved they prefer illegals over US citizens. They want to limit your conveniences and comforts such as air conditioners due to their Green agenda. Taxing them so high that most can't afford them like in Europe and over seas. They want all Americans to suffer for their per-conceived ideas of the US's past evils - except for themselves of course. Most all are rich or living off their parents but refuse to share their wealth like they want to do with yours. Make sure to get out and Vote RED this midterm - save freewill Enterprise and Capitalism and the USA's Constitution - This is God's Country! <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Pruning for Productivity 'Jesus said, I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.'1 In preparation for his sermon about Jesus being the vine and we the branches, Brett Blair shared the following: I must admit that I know very little about the particulars of the wine industry. So I did some reading in this area and found it to be quite fascinating. Grape vines are very rugged in one way, but in another sense their fruit is very delicate and requires being treated with kid gloves. A young vine is not permitted to bear fruit for the first three years. It is therefore drastically pruned in December and January to preserve its energy. The particular branches that do not bear fruit are cut out to further conserve the energy of the plant. If this constant cutting back was not done, the result would be a crop that was not up to its full potential.2 Sometimes we wonder why God allows us to go through so many trials and tribulations, however, when we look back over the past, we can see how God was with us guiding our every step and pruning us so our lives would become more fruitful and productive. From personal experience, I have seen how the hardest times in my life have produced the healthiest fruit in my life. It was definitely not an easy or enjoyable process, but I cannot deny the growth that happened in me as a result. As the writer to the early Hebrew Christians wrote, No discipline (or pruning) seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.3 Suggested prayer: Dear God, while I cannot say that I have enjoyed Your pruning in my life, I thank You for all circumstances You have used in my life to help me grow. Help me realize, even in the hard times, that You are working to mak eme more like Jesus and accept it with an attitude of gratitude. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, amen. 1. John 15:1-2 (NIV). 2. Rev. Brett Blair. http://www.esermons.com/. 3. Hebrews 12:11 (NIV). The Encounter for today was written by: Crystal B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Reminds me of 1 Cor.10: [13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. The devil is the one who tries and tempts us. God makes sure we are able to handle it giving us a way out. Rom.8: [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. God makes these temptations and trials - hard times we go through - work together for good - so that we are thankful to God for them. God is always good! _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See this teaching: TRIBULATION https://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/TRIBULATION.htm When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->(Politics) From Dr. Ben Carson: _________________________________________________________ ||-------------------------------------------------------|| ||.--. .-._ .----. || |||==|____| |H|___ .---.___|""""|_____.--.___ || ||| |====| | |xxx|_ |+++|=-=|_ _|-=+=-|==|---||| |||==| | | | | \ | | |_\/_|Black| | ^ ||| ||| | | | | |\ \ .--. | |=-=|_/\_|-=+=-| | ^ ||| ||| | | | | |_\ \_( oo )| | | |Magus| | ^ ||| |||==|====| |H|xxx| \ \ |''| |+++|=-=|""""|-=+=-|==|---||| ||`--^----'-^-^---' `-' "" '---^---^----^-----^--^---^|| ||-------------------------------------------------------|| ||-------------------------------------------------------|| || ___ .-.__.-----. .---.|| || |===| .---. __ .---| |XX|<(*)>|_|^^^||| || , /(| |_|III|__|''|__|:x:|=| | |=| Q ||| || _a'{ / (|===|+| |++| |==| | | |Illum| | R ||| || '/\\/ _(|===|-| | |''| |:x:|=| |inati| | Y ||| ||_____ -\{___(| |-| | | | | | | | | | Z ||| || _(____)|===|+|[I]|DK|''|==|:x:|=|XX|<(*)>|=|^^^||| || `---^-^---^--^--'--^---^-^--^-----^-^---^|| ||-------------------------------------------------------|| ||_______________________________________________________|| Qryz >Remember the stories we grew up with? When many of us were growing up, the stories we watched and read reinforced things like character, responsibility, and a basic understanding of where our country came from. Those stories weren’t perfect—but they helped give us a sense of grounding. Today, the media children are absorbing looks very different. So much of what kids watch now either ignores America’s history altogether or presents it in confusing and misleading ways. Children are forming their understanding of the world earlier than ever, and without a clear foundation, it’s no wonder so many young adults today feel disconnected, uncertain, and adrift. That’s one of the reasons this project matters so much to me. We’re producing Star Spangled Adventures: The Movie—a new film created specifically for children to help them understand America’s story through engaging, clear, and inspiring storytelling. It’s designed to be something families can watch together and trust. As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary this year, I believe we have a responsibility to be intentional about the stories we pass on. What the next generation believes about our country, and about themselves, will be shaped by what they’re taught today. I’d like to invite you to take a simple pledge to stand with us. When you take the pledge, you’ll receive exclusive behind-the- scenes sneak peeks of filming, along with updates as the project moves forward and opportunities to help bring stories like this to life. __..._ _...__ _..-" `Y` "-._ \ Once upon | / \\ a time..| // \\\ | /// \\\ _..---.|.---.._ /// jgs \\`_..---.Y.---.._`// '` `' The pledge says: I believe it is crucial to support projects like this to help raise a generation of children who understand and value the truth about our country—so that truth is not lost to the next generation. If that reflects what you believe, I hope you’ll take a moment to sign the pledge and enjoy these exclusive behind-the-scenes sneak peeks of filming. Add your name to the pledge here: https://tinyurl.com/4hbtwav5 Thank you for caring about the stories shaping our children—and the future they will inherit. With gratitude, Dr. Ben Carson Founder and Chairman American Cornerstone Institute --- ,----. ,-. ,----.,------. ,-. ,-.,-. ,-. / ,-,_/ ,' | / /"P /`-, ,-',' | / // |/ / / / __ ,' ,| | / ,---' / / ,' ,| | / // J P / / '-' /,' ,--. |/ / / /,' ,--. |/ // /| / `----''--' `-'`'.--""""--.--' `-'`' `' `-' nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn,'.n*""""*N.`.####################### NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN/ J',n*""*n.`L \##### ### ### ### #### : J J___/\___L L :##################### nnnnnnnnnnnnnn{ [{ `. ,' }] }## ### ### ### ### ## NNNNNNNNNNNNNN: T T /,'`.\ T J :##################### \ L,`*n,,n*',J / nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn`. *n,,,,n* ,'nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN`-..__..-'NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN ,-. ,-. ,-. ,----. ,----.,-. ,----. ,-. | `. \ `.| \\ .--`\ \"L \\ \\ .-._\ | `. o!0 | |. `. \ \ ` L \\ __\ \ . < \ \\ \ __ | |. `. | .--. `.\ \`-'\ \\ `---.\ \L `.\ \\ `-` \| .--. `. `-' `--``' `-'`----' `-'`-' `' `----'`-' `--' ...This reminds me of these links: Helping You Teach American History And Founding Principles For Free! Educating our children on America’s true history is an investment in America’s future. -Dr. Ben Carson Our Mission Is To Teach Children the values that made America the greatest country on earth. Visit Here: Grades 1-5 - Little Patriots! https://littlepatriotslearning.com/ -<>- _..---.._ .' .-'''-. '. / .' _..._'. \ __ : : /`;' ) : : _,="`\ ,--''` ``'.; : |; ,-; : ; __..==""==.,_| `-, `; .\; / ^\ _,.="// '-,_.--._ '.(;_.'__/`_.-'`\ ,.--''`` _..=. `'--.// `` \ `--, '` `- |_\ '-. | `-._ _.;--`-..___,.-'` `'-...-_:',;`==,| \ _.--',=" / /"=;="=, _.' ,=".-'` .' /| ,=" _.--' .-' "=, : .' | ", `;._ .--'.' .-' .' . ; ,;;\_ . '._.'--'` -' / ,;;;._ '-._ .''.__.' `\_ .' '._ / '._ .(` jgs '._ ';./ `;` >George Washington’s Vision and Prophecy About America George Washington’s Vision as Recorded in the Library of Congress: ‘While the stars remain, and the heaven send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the UNION last.’ And taking from his brow the crown on which blazoned the word ‘UNION,’ he placed it upon the Standard while the people, kneeling down, said ‘Amen.’" ‘Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted: Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful for her is the third. But the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land, and UNION.’ With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown me the birth, the progress, and the destiny of the United States." "Such, my friends," the venerable narrator concluded, "were the words I heard from Washington’s own lips, and America will do well to profit by them." The first-hand account of this vision was given in 1859 by an old soldier named Anthony Sherman. He gave it to a writer, Wesley Bradshaw, ho published it. The account was taken from the reprint in the U.S. war veterans’ paper The National Tribune, in December 1880. The National Tribune is now called "The Stars and Stripes". This article was reprinted in the Stars and Stripes December 21, 1950 here: https://tinyurl.com/42282rky =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ............. .... .... .. .. .. .. . ___ ___ . . / , \ / , \ . . \___/ \___/ . .. . .. . .. O . . | | . . \ / . . \ / . .. \______________/ .. .. \_____\ \ \/ .. .... | \ |.... ...... | | | Derek S. Tan \___/ >A HEALTHY DOSE OF LAUGHTER I read that a child laughs 400 times a day on the average, while an adult laughs only 15 times each day. Which is puzzling since laughter feels so good and is so good for us! You may know the benefits of laughter on the mind and spirit, but are you aware of how much a good laugh can help you physically? Nor­man Cousins used to say that laughter is so bene­ficial for your body that it is like "inner jog­ging." Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic Health Letter, March 1993) reports that laughter aids breathing by disrupting your normal respiration pattern and in­creasing your breathing rate. It can even help clear mucus from your lungs. Laughter is also good for your heart. It in­creases circulation and improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout your body. A good laugh helps your immune system fight off colds, flu and sinus problems by increas­ing the concentration of immunoglobulin A in your sa­liva. And it may help control pain by rais­ing the levels of certain brain chemicals (endorphins). Furthermore, it is a natural stress reliever. Have you ever laughed so hard that you doubled over, fell off your chair, spit out your food or wet your pants? You cannot maintain muscle tension when you are laughing! The good news is that you are allowed more than 15 laughs a day! Go ahead and double the dose and make it 30 times today. (You may begin to no­tice immediate improvement in your relationships!) Then double it again! You are bound to feel better, you will cope with problems more effectively and people will enjoy being around you. Laughter: it's just good medicine! -- Steve Goodier -<>- hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses& & hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hu &hugs&kisses s&h es&hugs&kisses&hugs&kiss gs&kisse es&h sses&hugs&kisses&hugs&k s&kiss ses& isses&hugs&kisses&hugs &kiss s&kis sses kisses&hugs&kisses&hu ugs&kiss s&ki isse &kisses&hugs&kisses&h &hugs&kiss gs&k kiss s&kisses&hugs&kisses& es&hugs&kis ugs& &kis gs&kisses&hugs&kisses sses&hugs&k hugs s&ki ugs&kisses&hugs&kisse kisses&hugs &hug gs&k hugs&kisses&hugs&kiss s&kisses&hu s&hu ugs& &hugs&kisses&hugs&kis ugs&kisses& es&h hugs s&hugs&kisses&hugs& i hugs&kisse ses& &hug es&hugs&kisses&hug k hugs&kis sses s&hu ses&hugs&kisses&h & hugs& isse es&h sses&hugs&kisse s& &kiss s gs&ki hugs&kis s ugs&kisse sses&hugs&ki i ses&h k k sses& & &kis gs&kisses&hug isses&hugs s&hugs&kisse s s&kis gs&kisses&h &kisses&hug es&hugs&kisses g gs&ki ugs&kisses& s&kisses&hu ses&hugs&kisses u ugs&ki ugs&kisse ugs&kisses&h sses&hugs&kisses h hugs&k hugs&kiss hugs&kisses& isses&h gs&kisses& &hugs&k hugs&ki s&hugs&kisses kisses ugs&kisses s&hugs& &hugs&k es&hugs&kisse hugs&kisse es&hugs& &hugs sses&hugs&kiss s&kiss &hugs&kiss ses&hugs s&hug isses&hugs&kis gs&kiss s&hugs&kis sses&hugs s&h &kisses&hugs&ki ugs&kisses&hugs& i isses&hug es& s&kisses&hugs&k hugs&kisses&hug k kisses&hug e ugs&kisses&hugs& &hugs&kisses&h & &kisses&hu hugs&kisses&hugs s&hugs&kisse s s&kisses&hu s&hugs&kisses g gs&kisses&h es&hugs&kisse u ugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&hugs&kisses&h -- Matt Ryan >THE BEAUTIFUL COLOR OF LOVE What color is God, Asked the child with skin so fair Is he white like me, Does he have light hair? Is God dark like me, Asked the child with skin of golden hue, Has he hair that's dark and curly, Are his eyes black or blue? I think God is red like me, The Indian boy is heard to say -- He wears a crown of feathers, And turns our nights to day Each one of us knows that God is there In ALL the colors above But be sure of this, the one color he is, Is the beautiful color of love So when your soul goes to Heaven, When your life comes to its end -- He will be waiting, and his hand to you Will he extend. There will be no colors in Heaven, Everyone will be the same. You will only be judged by your earthly deeds, Not your color or your name So when your time comes, And you see God in his Heaven above, Then you will see the only color that counts, The beautiful color of LOVE. -- Author Unknown -<>- __ ___ _// \ _/ \/__|_ \ / __//_/==\_| ___ / | / /|// == \ \ / | | |\|| //_\ | |_/ \ \ \\ / \_/| || \ \___/\\| _ ///___\ \__|\_\=//_// _\_| \___\_____/ !! \____/ !! !! ___ -(!! __ ___ _ |\| \ !!_.-~~ /|\- \~-._ | -\| | !!/ / | |\- | |\ \ \__-\|______ !! | \___\| \_\| _____ _.-~/|\ \\!! \ | / ~-. / /| / /| \ \!! \ / |\~- / ---/| | | |\ | !! \__| | ---/| | | \ /| / -(!! | -/| | / \|/ !! |/____ / !!)- !! >The Most Beautiful Flower The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree. Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown, For the world was intent on dragging me down. And if that weren't enough to ruin my day, A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play. He stood right before me with his head tilted down And said with great excitement, "Look what I found!" In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight, With its petals all worn - not enough rain, or too little light. Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play, I faked a small smile and then shifted away. But instead of retreating he sat next to my side And placed the flower to his nose and declared with surprise, "It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too. That's why I picked it; here, it's for you." The weed before me was dying or dead. Not vibrant of colors, orange, yellow or red. But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave. So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need." But instead of him placing the flower in my hand, He held it mid-air without reason or plan. It was then that I noticed for the very first time That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind. I heard my voice quiver, tears shone like the sun As I thanked him for picking the very best one. "You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play, Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day. I sat there and wondered how he managed to see A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree. How did he know of my self-indulged plight? Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight. Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see The problem was not with the world; the problem was me. And for all of those times I myself had been blind, I vowed to see beauty, and appreciate every second that's mine. And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose And smiled as that young boy, another weed in his hand About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man. -Author unknown -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Jacqueline Kennedy! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jkennedy.html Leon The Watchcat! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/watchcatleon.html Semper Fidelis!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/semperfi.html Signs For Woman! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wsigns.html Humorous Signs! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hsigns.html Our Valuable Anchor! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Proud Of Our Troops 3! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops3.html Thoughts For Today! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thoughts.html Keukenhof Gardens! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kgardens.html Montreal Gardens! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/montreal.html Silly Veggies! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/veggies.html Transparent Butterfly! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/butterfly.html Jesus Clinic! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/clinic.html Ronald Reagan Quotes! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/reaganquotes.html Akiane - Child Prodigy! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Beautiful Rare Flowers! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rareflowers.html Car Show 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carshow2.html Church Mouse Wisdom! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churchmouse.html Story Behind The Photo! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/photostories.html Where Was God? https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/where.html For Coffee Lovers! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/coffee.html I Believe... https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html Love Caught On Camera! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lovecamera.html 9/11 And Troop 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: VET Resources: Accelerating Veterans' access to employment & benefits https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/4294591 Previous VA Newsletters: https://tinyurl.com/34dxk4xd 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 ========================================================== W __ __ [ ] |::||::| 3 ._. |::||::| ._. /| |:| ._. |::||::| |/| \|// / |:|_|/| |::||::|_ |/| -( )-| |:|"|/|_|::||::|\|_|/| _ J V | |:|"|/|||::||::|\|||/||:| ___ ' / ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ \ \/ | ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ *~* In Remembrance: >-->Memories of September 11: >The Lord's Prayer by James P. Moore, Jr. By 9:30 a.m. the country was told that one hijacked aircraft aboard had made a turn on its way from Newark to San Francisco and was now headed towards Washington, D.C. Like all of the other flights, it too was full of gasoline for the transcontinental trip, allowing any attack to have a far more lethal force. Where United's Flight #93 actually would strike became a terrifying guessing game—possibly the Capitol, maybe the White House. Wherever it hit, the plane would be down within the half hour. Beyond the wrenching horror of the attack itself and the lives that it changed forever that day came the unsettling realization that the men who inflicted such human carnage upon innocent men, women, and children of every color, national origin, and religious persuasion, had used prayer in the practice of their religion to validate their cause. Wanting the world to know of their deeds, even in the remaining minutes of their synchronized attack, the terrorists allowed their victims to call their families from their cell phones to let them know they were about to die. Passengers like Jeremy Glick called their spouses to let them know what was happening but telling them over and over again in their last seconds, "I love you." Tom Burnett, an executive from California with three little girls at home, ended the last conversation with his wife, "Just pray, Deena, just pray." There was no single call that gripped the country's heartstrings more that day, however, than the one Todd Beamer made to the GTE Airfone Customer Center near Chicago. Not being able to contact his wife directly, Todd Beamer was connected to Lisa Jefferson, an operating supervisor with more than eighteen years on the job. Calmly he began to tell her what was unfolding on board. Finally, Beamer and a few others, men like Jeremy Glick, Tom Burnett, and Mark Bingham, realized they had no choice but to divert the flight from its intended course to the nation's capital even if it meant crashing the plane into the ground. "I don't think we're going to get out of this thing," he told her, "I'm going to have to go out on faith." Before jumping the hijackers with his fellow passengers, Todd Beamer then unexpectedly asked his last contact with someone on the ground, "Would you say the Lord's Prayer with me?" With precious little time left, they recited together the prayer they had learned from childhood. It was a prayer that included the words "as we forgive those who trespass against us." Somewhere over Pennsylvania Todd Beamer and Lisa Jefferson began to recite together: _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ Our Father, which art in heaven Hallowed be Thy name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done In earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, And the glory forever. Amen. When they finished, Lisa Jefferson heard Todd Beamer call out, "Jesus, help me" and then with the other passengers, she heard voices recite the 23rd Psalm, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." The plane downed at approximately 10:00 that morning in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. In another fifteen to twenty minutes the plane would have been directly over the nation's capitol. This excerpt is drawn from One Nation Under God: The History of Prayer in America by James P. Moore, Jr. to be published by Doubleday on November 1, 2005. More information can be found on www.1NUG.com. -<>- >-->Remembering 9/11 _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >From TruthOrTradition: >Where was God on September 11, 2001? In a few days, we here in the USA will be faced with the anniversary of "9-11." No doubt the world's television screens will once again show the horrible images that are burned into our collective consciousness here. And, concurrently, many people will again ask the same questions, like the one above, that they asked years ago in an attempt to make some sense out of this indescribable tragedy. How sad that most such questions will continue to remain unanswered because most people in the world lack true knowledge about the Word of God. Rather than let Him speak for Himself by reading and properly understanding the Bible, far too many well -meaning people, Christians included, will venture their own groundless opinions about the critical issue of God's relationship to evil. Even sincere and loving Christian leaders, called upon for some spiritual explanation by those still grieving, can say only what they have been taught, and the traditional responses to which they are shackled will bring little comfort. Some will mention "evil," but fail to mention the Devil (Hey-- just add a "D"). Thankfully, some Christian leaders will tell the truth that it was Satan who is ultimately responsible for this unspeakable evil, but the majority of dear people asking questions will be left with the false idea that God allowed it to happen as part of His overall will. It is very hard to see how that idea will enhance either their love for or their faith in our heavenly Father. In fact, it will no doubt turn many away from His outstretched heart, wherein lies their only hope for truth, which is the only basis for genuine comfort, strength, and hope. Americans inundated by postmodernism’s "truth" that "there is no such thing as truth" are stuck between a rock – "no standard for right and wrong beyond the mind of man" – and a hard place – their visceral knowing that what happened on September 11 was WRONG. What standard can we use to evaluate Osama Bin Laden’s assertion, which he bases upon the words of the Koran, his source of "truth," that what happened was the will of Allah? We can, and must, use the God-breathed revelation from the Creator of life. And what is the chief difference between the Bible and every other document purported to be the Word of God? THE ROCK, Jesus Christ, who went through a hard place, the world. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Where was God on September 11, 2001? His answer to that question, taken from His own Word, is: "I was right there looking on in great pain, and unable to stop those planes from crashing into those buildings." Yes, we have by now heard countless stories of how He worked in a myriad of ways to keep people away from the Twin Towers that day, and to save as many as He could who were there, but He could not stop those planes from hitting the Towers. You may be thinking, "WHAT? He's GOD! He can do anything He wants to do." If so, you are contradicting what He says in the Bible. No doubt those who believe that well worn lie do so because of misguided Christian teachers who continue to propound the fallacy that "God is in control," and that whatever happens is somehow in line with His will. Apparently JESUS did not understand that, however, because he encouraged us to pray that "the will of God be done on earth as it is in heaven." Why should we pray that if everything that happens IS God's will? Good question. How do we know that God COULD NOT stop those planes? Because He DID NOT. The Bible says that God IS love (1 John 4:8), which means it is impossible for Him to do anything that is not loving. Is it loving to "allow" (that is, be able to stop something from happening but choose not to) thousands of innocent people to be killed? No. Okay, then we know that God didn't allow it, and since He sure didn't CAUSE it, that means He couldn't stop it. That certainly brings up the question: WHY couldn't He stop it? And the biblical answer is: He did not have enough HUMAN COOPERATION. Hey, did God stop Goliath? Did He stop the 850 prophets of Baal? Did He stop a number of Old Testament armies bent on destroying Israel? Totally--because David, Elijah, and other people stepped up and did their part. And will God one day stop the Devil, as in crush his ugly head? Absolutely. Why? Because JESUS CHRIST stepped up like no other man and perfectly cooperated with God, all the way to the Cross. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Jesus Christ is the subject of Scripture from Genesis 3:15 to the last page of the Book of Revelation, and what the Bible says about him is either true or false. Scripture, history and the human experience of those who trust him combine to prove that he is the crux of history and the linchpin of life. Those who follow him must proclaim that the written Word of God found in the Bible is the only source of truth because it is the only book showing who Jesus Christ is and why he is man’s only Savior from sin and death. Scripture says that Jesus Christ is also the only valid "image of the invisible God." As such, it is he who most vividly shows us God’s heart. Jesus Christ is the key to our understanding that God is NOT in control of everything that happens; that God’s will does NOT always happen; that God NEVER causes or "allows" evil; that God gave free will to all men; that God WEEPS with us in our trauma and sorrow; and that He is there to comfort us. What happened September 11 should make clear to all men that we live in a perpetual war zone. September 11 was a manifestation of the spiritual war raging between God and the Devil, and that war, fought on the earth between godly people and evil people, will go on until Jesus Christ comes back to the earth and WINS IT! Remember that it was his LOVE for people that cost Jesus his life, because the Devil’s total hate could not coexist with such pure love. -<>- . '@(@@@@@@@)@. (@@) ` . ' . @@'((@@@@@@@@@@@)@@@@@)@@@@@@@)@ @@(@@@@@@@@@@))@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@)@@` . @.((@@@@@@@)(@@@@@@@@@@@@@@))@\@@@@@@@@@)@@@ . (@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@)@@@@@@@@@@@\\@@)@@@@@@@@) (@@@@@@@@)@@@@@@@@@@@@@(@@@@@@@@//@@@@@@@@@) ` .@(@@@@)##&&&&&(@@@@@@@@)::_=(@\\@@@@)@@ . .' @@`(@@)###&&&&&!!;;;;;;::-_=@@\\@)@`@. ` @@(@###&&&&!!;;;;;::-=_=@.@\\@@ ' ` @.#####&&&!!;;;::=-_= .@ \\ ####&&&!!;;::=_- ` ###&&!!;;:-_= ##&&!;::_= ##&&!;:= ##&&!:- #&!;:- #&!;= #&!- #&= jgs #&- \\#/' ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >Where is God When Tragedy (like Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods) Strikes? "Why did God allow this to happen?" This is often the question that runs through the minds of family and friends when tragedy occurs. To some, it sounds too hideous to say something like, "God killed your son," when a child is killed in a car accident. So they euphemistically say that God "allowed" the child to die such a death. But can a logical mind make any distinction between the two? Ours do not, and we doubt if yours does either. If God could have stopped it, but instead allowed it, He necessarily shares the responsibility for the tragedy. Why not let God speak for Himself from the pages of His "God-breathed" Word? By way of a number of godly men whom He inspired, He is the One Author of His cohesive, written revelation to mankind about who He is, what kind of God He is, and exactly how He relates to people, who were His idea in the first place. The Bible says that Satan is the one who now holds the power of death, that is, he is the ultimate cause of death. This is either directly, via evil spirit intervention, such as a spirit of murder causing one person to murder another, or indirectly, via one of the countless diseases he has introduced into the world, or by destructive weather, or by a myriad of "accidents." Hebrews 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil. Suppose you are sitting in a restaurant visiting with two friends, Bill and Joe. Bill sees a guy with a lead pipe in his hand sneaking up behind you. He turns to Joe and asks, "How’s your family?" When you wake up, don’t you think you will blame Bill almost as much as you blame the guy who hit you with the pipe? Who can truly love a God who causes suffering, or one who could stop it, but just decides to "allow" it to happen? In the beginning, God decided to give both angels and man genuine free will. God is LOVE (1 John 4:16), and true love requires giving the other party freedom not to reciprocate love. Thus, God "allowed" or "permitted" the possibility of evil in order to make possible an unforced response of genuine goodness and love. If something contrary to His will happens, it is because God cannot at that moment stop it without going against His own nature. How could that be? We believe there are three very good reasons: First, because although He is the most powerful One in the spiritual war currently raging between good and evil, His righteous nature requires Him to act justly even toward His formidable foe, the Devil. Second, He cannot usurp anyone’s personal freedom of will. Third, His justice requires Him to allow people to experience the consequences of their disobedience. To say that God cannot always stop evil flies in the face of many Christians’ fatalistic concept of "the sovereignty of God," [1] a phrase, by the way, not found in Scripture. To most Christians, this means that God is ruling over everything that happens, and is thus responsible for it all. Most Christians have also been taught that God is "omnipotent," which according to Webster’s actually means "all powerful." [2] Obviously God does not have all power, because Satan also has plenty. We believe that most Christians use the term "omnipotent" to mean that God has the most power and therefore can do whatever He wants. Although we certainly believe that God is the most powerful, His Word shows that He cannot always do whatever He wants whenever He wants to. Clearly, He has limited Himself in His Word as to what He will and will not do. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Despite how much we may love to sing the verses of "Joy To The World" at Christmas time, a quick glance at any newspaper or TV news program blatantly shows that Jesus is not ruling on the earth, because the place is an absolute mess. Paradise is definitely lost. More definitively, there are a number of Scripture verses that make it plain that the world is not yet subject to the rule of the Lord. [3] For example: 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 (24) Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. (25) For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. (26) The last enemy to be destroyed is death. It is obvious from the above verses that there is some "dominion," some "authority," and some "power" that is not yet subject to the Lord. Furthermore, it is obvious that death is an enemy of God, not a tool He uses, and that it is not yet destroyed. Here are more pertinent verses: Hebrews 10:12, 13 (12) But when this priest [Jesus Christ] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. (13) Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. Because the Lord Jesus is now waiting for his enemies to become his footstool, it is obvious that they are not yet under his subjection. But God is the most powerful and most wise one in the fight, and that means that human history as a whole will be resolved according to His will. The "whole" will be made up of the parts of human history - individuals - who chose to believe God’s Word and do His will. In regard to God’s eventual victory, consider the analogy of a chess match between former World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer and the president of a high school chess club. Although the latter might capture a few of his opponent’s pieces and perhaps, to an untrained eye, even appear to gain the upper hand at some point, the outcome is never in doubt. No matter what the lesser player may do by the freedom of his will, the master player always has a superior strategy that will result in ultimate victory. Likewise, God need not stoop to manipulating His opponent in order to achieve His goals. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Hearing that God is not controlling everything that happens may at first cause some Christians great consternation, and even feelings of helplessness. Perhaps this is because they have actually trusted more in fatalistic pre-determinism than in the love, power, ability, resourcefulness, and willingness of God to keep His promises regarding the present and the future. Also, this truth "ups the ante" in regard to the importance of one’s personal choices in response to God’s directives. As we see it, here are the only alternatives: (A) There is no God, your great-grandfather was a lizard and life is a "crapshoot." Good luck! (B) You are God. Good luck! (C) There is a God who determines everything that happens. He is able and willing to both help you and hurt you, and there are no guarantees which He will do, or when He will do it. Good luck! (D) There is a God who once made a Paradise for man and who has guaranteed for those who believe His Word that it will one day again be so. In the meantime, He and His Son are far more powerful than their (and your) enemy, and they are doing their absolute best for you each day. You have God’s Word on it. You don’t need "luck." Which sounds best to you? When properly understood, this truth will for you result in greater love for God, greater hatred for the Devil, and greater desire to obey God’s wonderful Word, which contains "everything we need for life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3). -From TruthOrTradition Site: The article above, edited somewhat, was taken from our book, _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` "Don't Blame God!" https://www.stfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Dont-Blame-God.pdf ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Strengthened By Hardship On Paul's first missionary journey, he traveled with Barnabas to Cyprus and then up through several cities in Galatia. After preaching the gospel in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, they returned back through the same cities so they could strengthen those who had recently placed their faith in Jesus. Acts 14:21-22 "They returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said." The early church was facing great persecution for simply turning to faith in Jesus Christ. Paul himself faced many hardships and was recently stoned for preaching the gospel. Paul encouraged the churches by letting them know they were not alone in their suffering. But he also seemed to encourage by saying that hardship was a necessary part of the Christian walk. Those who have placed their complete faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin have begun a journey which leads to the kingdom of God. Once we truly begin this journey, we are His child and our place with God has been reserved; "He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). However, while on this journey, God has a great plan and purpose for our life; "For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29). Every step is for the purpose of drawing us closer and conforming us to the image of Christ. And hardship is the tool which seems to best accomplish this goal. We all might prefer that God would shape us through praise and blessings, but we seem to respond best to hardship. It's hardship which reminds us of our dependence on God when we've begun to trust in our own abilities and understanding. It's hardship which brings us back to our knees in prayer after long seasons of silence. It's hardship which develops the character of a mature believer: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4). As difficult as this truth may be to accept and understand, part of God's plan is for us to experience some hardship. Not all hardship can be said to come from God, but in our lost and fallen world where we come to God filled with pride and arrogance, hardship is often the only way to humble our spirit and soften our heart. Our Heavenly Father loves us enough to do whatever it takes to draw us closer to His side - even when this means being strengthened by hardship. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 22:15 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Just remember Our hardship comes from the devil - not God. God is love. In His perfect kingdom there will be no more pain or sorrow. He wants that for us now but we have to wait for the Return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Until then, we can lean on God to help us through the hardships the devil puts us through. See These Teachings Here: Promises Of God Index https://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Promises.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Praise Him Even More I don't recall ever being asked to explain the importance of breathing. It's pretty well accepted that breathing is a good idea and we should do it many times every day; a lack of breathing is definitely bad for our physical health! And it's not an exaggeration to say that praise is just as important; it should become as natural and occur as often as our breathing. For if we choose to live a life without praise, we will just as surely suffocate and spiritually die. The life of praise requires only a little instruction and a great deal of application. To begin with, we must learn to ALWAYS praise! Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Notice that rejoicing is so important that Paul decided to repeat himself. If we are living to love and glorify God, then He has promised to work ALL things together for the good (Romans 8:28). So why do we wait for what appear to be the proper conditions for praise? If we really understood and believed that God is with us and working all things together for good, wouldn't we praise Him regardless of our particular situation? "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). There is never a wrong time to praise God and there are never circumstances which should lessen our thankfulness. Job lost absolutely everything he had except his wife. He then developed sores over every part of his body and was so miserable that his wife encouraged him to "Curse God and die!" (Job 2:10). Job was in great pain and heavy sorrow, but he knew God was in the midst of all things and had a purpose; "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10). God is in the good as well as the trouble; we must learn to praise Him in ALL situations! Though God does not necessarily bring the trouble, He is there! No matter the trial, He can be found and praised. Our life can often become difficult and painful; we may feel bored and unfulfilled, cheated and abused. But if we look at the reasons which keep us from praising, we will find self- expectations and pride - we will find a life lived according to the desires of the flesh and not according to the fruit of the spirit. Every portion of our life is to be offered "as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1). As we fix our eyes on the eternal glory we have through Jesus, we will find more and more reasons to praise. Let's never allow our earthly circumstances to direct our praise: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" (Psalm 150:6). If we are still breathing, we should still be praising! He has given us eternal life, an eternity of worship in His presence...and that is a GREAT gift! Let's look for the hand of God working around us each and every day. Let's praise Him with all our heart, and then let's praise Him even more! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Isaiah 3:1-5:30; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; Psalm 53:1-6; Proverbs 22:28-29 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching Be Ye Thankful https://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Be_Ye_Thankful.htm ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: At a press conference in Denmark, a reporter asked Billy Graham: "What's so special about you?" Billy replied: "I'm not sure there is anything special about me. In fact, I don't think there is at all. The message I am preaching is the message the Church has been proclaiming for centuries. I believe God gave me the gift of an evangelist. And there are many evangelists being raised up all over the world." Another reporter in Australia asked: "What is the secret of your success?" Billy replied: "The secret is not me. So many people think that I carry a revival around in a suitcase, and they just announce me and something happens - but that's not true. This is the work of God, and the Bible warns that God will not share His glory with another. All the publicity that we receive sometimes frightens me because I feel therein lies a great danger. If God should take His hand off me, I would have no more spiritual power. The whole secret of the success of our meetings is spiritual - it's God answering prayer. I cannot take credit for any of it." _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >Not So, Lord! Stephen Olford, in his book "The Way of Holiness," once told about an incident in the life of his friend and mentor, Graham Scroggie: Dr. Scroggie was speaking at the Keswick convention in England on one occasion when he was approached by a young woman who had been greatly stirred by his message on the Lordship of Christ. Walking up to him at the close of the service, she said, "I want Jesus to be Lord of my life, but I am afraid God will send me overseas as a missionary, and I don't want to go." Opening the Bible to Acts 10:14, Dr. Scroggie explained the utter absurdity of Peter's answer. You will remember that God had given Peter a vision of a sheet in which were all manner of four-footed animals, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter, kill and eat." But Peter answered, "Not so, Lord." (See Acts 10:12-14). The doctor went on to explain, "A slave never dictates to a master. Therefore, to say, 'Not so, Lord' was impertinent! Now," advised Dr. Scroggie, "I want you to cross out the two words 'not so,' and leave the word 'Lord'; or else cross out the word 'Lord' and leave 'not so.'" Handing her his pencil, he quietly walked away. For some time she struggled. Then he returned. Looking over her shoulder, he saw a tear-stained page. The words 'not so' were crossed out. With a glad light in her eyes, she repeated affirmatively, "Lord!" "Lord!" "Lord!" No longer would she dictate. She was now His disciple, and He was her Lord and Master. 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 ========================================================== , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >-->Quotes: "If my hands are fully occupied in holding on to something, I can neither give nor receive." -- Dorothee Solle "Good timber does not grow in ease. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees. The farther the sky the greater length, The more the storm, the more the strength. By sun and cold, by rain and snows, In trees and men, good timber grows." -- Roger Bower Littleton Colorado USA "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." -- 1 Pet.4:14 "Behold, we count them happy which endure" -- James 5:11a "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:" -- Pss.146:5 >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. 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