Give It Our All... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) We have a too hot to handle new page from our friend Linda. These are as astounding as they are hilarious. Some finished buildings don't even come close to the designs given! Be sure to check this one out here: BUILD BUILD BUIL BU BUI BUI BUILD BUIL BUI BUILDI BUI BUILD BUILDINGBU BUIL BUI BUILDING BUI BUILD BUILDINGBU BUIL BUI BUILDING BUI BUILDI BUILD BUILDINGBU BUIL BU BUI BUILDINGB BUI BUILDI BUILD BUILDINGBUILDINGB BUILDINGB BUI BUILDINGB BUILDINGB BUILDI BUILD BUILDINGBUILDINGB BUILDINGB BUILDINGBUILD BUILDINGB BUILDI BUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDIN BUILDINGBU BUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDING BUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDING BUILDINGBU BUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBU BUILDINGBU BUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBU BUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDIN BUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDIN BUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGB dp BU BUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDINGBUILDIN Design Failures! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/designfails.html --- ...Wow! Incredulous and Funny! Thanks Linda! Our next sizzling hot new page is from our friend LouiseAu. This is one to give you plenty of Smiles for your day - especially if you are a Star Trek fan. Be sure to check this out for some giggles here: AMC Voyager 2 ______ 0 (_ __) .-""""-. 0 ) (___/ '. 0 ( ___ : _) (__ \ .' (______) '-....-' Funny T-Shirt Wisdom 3! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/teeshirts3.html --- ...What A Riot! Thanks LouiseAu! =========================================================== >-->From AmazingGrace: ___..__ __..--""" ._ __.' "-..__ '"--..__"; ___ '--...__""; `-..__ '"---..._;" """"----' DrS "And Jesus said, who touched me" Luke 8.45 This verse comes from a familiar setting in scripture. Jesus you remember was swamped by people pressing his way through the crowd to go to the home of Jairus to heal his daughter. A woman ill for many years with an incurable disease pushes her way through the crowd desiring only to touch the hem of Jesus Garments so that she could be healed. She makes it through the crowds and touches him and is instantly healed and Jesus asks his disciples, "Who touched me?" They are confused and say, "There are many people in the crowd. A lot of people touched you." Jesus says, "No someone touched me in another way. Virtue went out from me." Many people brushed up against Jesus that day, but only one person truly touched him. And when she did her needs were met. Today, we have a lot of people brushing up against Jesus. People go to church, sit in their pews, say all the right things, but they never touch Jesus. Why? Because it's all a surface religion. They go to church because their parents did or because it's good for business or because the kids should be in Sunday school or... Maybe at one time they had a strong relationship with God, but they let it grow cold as the cares of this life pressed in around them. Whatever the reason, when they pray, it's mostly from with little or no substance. But some people do more than go through the motions. They know that God is still on the Throne and he is ready to hear and answer our prayers. They know that he is not limited in his power, in his goodness and in his love. They aren't spiritual giants. They are simple Christians who believe that God's word is true. And when they pray, they do more than brush up against the savior, they touch him, his virtue flows through them, and they receive what they need. Amen and Amen. =========================================================== >-->From HeartWarmers: (.,------...__ _.'" `. .' .' `, `. `. ` . .' .'/''--...__`. \ . .--.`. ' "-. '. | '' .' _.' .()) .--":/ ''( \_\ ' (()( ''._' ( \ ' ' `. `--' ' `.: . `-.___.' ' `. . _ _ .' ) .____.-' .'`. (--.. .' \ /\ / / `. .' \( \ /|/ `. .' \__/ `. / | o | \ | | | jro >SISSY BOYS by Roger Dean Kiser As we kids left the dining room at the orphanage, my friend David "Freddie" Hutchins came running up to me. "Roger, I got something I want to show you!" "What is it?" I asked him. "Can't show you until tonight. However, you have to cross your heart that you will never tell anyone. NEVER, ok?" "Ok." I waited all the way until bedtime but David never came to see me. "Roger, wake up." David was shaking me awake. "What are you doing, David?" "Come with me. I want to show you something important," he told me. On my tiptoes, I followed David down the hallway. Down the backstairs we went until we reached the door next to the telephone room. Very carefully he unlocked the door, and outside we went. We made our way over to a fifteen-foot tree that we boys always called, The Christmas Tree. David got down on his knees and began to dig. Within a minute or two he retrieved a small tin box that he had buried. He sat down on the ground and pried off the lid. Then he took out the contents of the box. "Gosh! That's only for girls," I told him. "I know. But it's something for us to do." What David said was true. We had no toys and there was nothing for us kids to do, except work all the time. Every day was spent raking the large grounds of the orphanage. That, together with cleaning toilets, and washing pots and pans, was all we had to do. Almost every night David and I would sneak out of the building and dig up the small tin box. We would play with the contents for about an hour. Each time David would remind me we could never tell anyone about what we were doing. David and I were about thirteen or fourteen when the orphanage sent us off to the Florida Boys Reform School, at Marianna. When we arrived at the school, we were sent to the main office where we sat for almost an hour. David and I were both scared and said not a word to anyone. "OK, you two follow me over to Mr. Curry's Office," said a large man who only had one arm. "Who's Mr. Curry?" David asked the man. "Curry is the school psychologist. He will make the decision on where you boys will be assigned." We entered a small building, and were instructed to stand with our noses in the corner. About ten minutes later we were taken into Mr. Curry's office. Sitting at a large wooden desk was a balding, heavy-set man in his fifties. He was one mean looking man. He had big bushy eyebrows and eyes that stuck out from their sockets. David and I just sat there staring at him. "You aren't sissy boys, are you?" asked Mr. Curry. We sat there looking at one another, wondering what the heck he was talking about. Neither one of us said anything. "Sissy boys! Sissy boys!" he repeated in a gruff voice. Still, we just sat there staring at him. He swung around in his big wooden chair and then he sat forward. He picked up a pencil off his desk and pointed it directly at us. "Have either one of you two ever worn girl's clothing, like panties, bra, anything like that?" he asked, as he raised his eyebrows again. "I rode a girl's bicycle one time," I told him. "I won't count that," he responded. All at once, Mr. Curry got up from his desk and he walked out into the outer office. I looked over at David and said, "What about that tin box?" "You keep your mouth shut about that box," he said, as he shook his balled up fist at me. "But that would be telling a lie," I told him. "You promised. Remember?" He was still shaking his fist at me. Within an hour our interview was complete. David was assigned to cottage one, Washington Cottage, and I was assigned to cottage twelve. Cottage twelve was for children who were in need of further psychological evaluation. Ten months later David was released and returned to Jacksonville, Florida. Several months later, I was released. It was almost forty years before he and I saw one another again. David had gone on to become a police officer, and later a private investigator. As for me, I had made my way to jail and then on to prison. After we finally met again, it was less than a year before David developed cancer. The day before he died, I was standing beside his bed at the hospital. "Roger, I know that I am not going to make it much longer," he said to me. I reached down and took his hand. I did not say a word. "Do you remember that tin box at the orphanage?" he asked. "I remember Mr. Curry at the reform school," I told him. David smiled. "I wonder if that tin box was ever found," he said. "Don't know. But it sure was nice to have something to do once in a while." The next day David died. Several days after his funeral I drove to Jacksonville and once again entered the orphanage grounds. I parked in front of our old dormitory building. I looked around and did not see The Christmas Tree, which had once stood at the end of the cement walkway. I walked over to where it had once been and found the ground was flat and hard. It was hard to tell for sure where it had been. Yes, I will forever remember David and I sneaking out almost every night for nearly two years. We would dig down into the ground about six or eight inches, and retrieve the small tin box. Once the lid had been forced off we would take out the long slender rope, with its two red handles, and we would take turns jumping rope. As I look back at how our lives turned out, it was probably best that we did not say anything to Mr. Curry about jumping rope together. After all, I cannot think of anything more ridiculous than an ex-cop and an ex-con jumping rope together. -- Roger Kiser ___________________________________________ Roger is a Heartwarmer Gem and one of our most beloved and renowned contributors. You can learn more about Roger's fascinating life by visiting his website at: http://www.rogerdeankiser.com =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >When We Face Difficult Times 'I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord, let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness, let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy, no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened, he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard, he surrounds and defends all who fear him.' 1 God promises that when we face difficult times, He will be with us. He wants to be our teacher and guide, but we must be willing to respond to Him. We need to: Have a longing to follow His way. The Bible compares that longing to a deer panting for water (Psalm 42:1). So, too, should we act, seeking His direction rather than relying on our own initiative. Be willing to learn from the Lord. When we seek His guidance, God transforms our adversities into learning opportunities. This was the case with Hannah, who pleaded for a son (1 Samuel 1:1-10), and with Mary and Martha at the death of their brother Lazarus (John 11:17-27). We need a willing spirit to learn what He wants to teach us. Submit to His will. Before He reveals His solution to us, God asks us to commit to His way. The Lord calls us to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), and to recognize that without Him we can do nothing(John 15:5). Declaring our commitment to His way is always best. Difficulties are inevitable, but they are also valuable. God accompanies us in each of them, only asking for a humble heart, a teachable spirit and that we surrender to His will. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I ask Your forgiveness because in my life I have been very rebellious. Many times I have done things my own way and I have paid the consequences. But now, Lord, I ask You to help me do it differently. I want to feed that longing to follow You, every day. I am willing to learn from You and submit to Your will. I want to have a humble heart and a teachable spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. 1. Psalm 34:1-7 (NLT). Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Importance of Obedience The importance of trusting and waiting in God is something we all need to learn. Let us look at three points that help us review how we can do this: 1. Meditate. If we want to know God's mind, we must meditate on His Word (Psalm 119:27). We do not need to choose specific verses to know His will. He has the power to direct us from anywhere in the Bible. Our part is to look for wisdom in the Bible over a continuous period of time. 2. Listen. We must make an effort to learn to recognize the prompting of our holy spirit. If we are studying a passage of Scripture, He will shed His light on its meaning so that we can understand how God is leading us. Or it will bring to mind a passage we have learned and reveal how it applies to our situation (John14:26). 3. Walk. A final lesson about obedience is that sometimes we must walk even when the path is not clear. Abraham is a good example. The Lord told him to leave his homeland, but he did not specify the destination. As you begin each day, think about the importance of obedience in the life of faith. Then ask God what He wants you to do first: whether to trust, hope, meditate, listen, or walk with Him. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that through Your Word You give me the clarity necessary to be obedient. Forgive me, because sometimes it is difficult for me to wait, but if I meditate on Your Word it is easier for me to listen to You and walk with You. Thank You for the divine instruction You left us through Your Word! I pray in the name of Christ Jesus, Amen. 1. Psalm 119:147-148 (NIV). Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | OV"|OO@@@6@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@. Washington .@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@6@@@OV"IOO | | OO |OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO IOO | | OO_|OOOOOOOOOOO> O N E D O L L A R A Dollar For God Nine thousand for my brand new car Five thousand for a piece of sod Fifty thousand for my brand new house A dollar I gave to God! A tidy sum to entertain My friends in pointless chatter And when the world goes crazy mad I ask God what's the matter ---A DOLLAR I GAVE TO GOD! Yet there is one big question For the answer I will search With things so bad in this whole world What's holding back the church? ---A DOLLAR I GAVE TO GOD! -<>- /'\ / / , c-' / /'-._ ,____,' .-'''-. .-'.// \ '-;-========,"-,' ' ,` /, \_//\ ,/ ( '- *) ) ( ./ ) {,}========'===='- ' , , , \/ ', -muse. _____'-.-`_______________________'-..-'____ s i t b a c k r i d e 'n' r e l a x >ENJOY THE RIDE By: Joseph J. Mazzella When I was a boy I used to love to go bike riding. There was a Summer 4-H camp full of paved roadways across the road from my home. During the Spring and Fall this camp was mainly empty and the roadways were clear for me and my bike. I would ride my old, banana- seat, foot-brake bicycle for hours. The camp grounds had a lot of steep hills that were tough to get up. Often I would have to climb off and push my bike up them. The downhill rides, however, made it all worthwhile. I felt like I was flying, and I barely had to pedal at all. It was pure fun, pure delight, pure joy, and pure happiness. I laughed all the way with the wind in my face, my heart in my throat, and my soul in Heaven. Choosing love, joy, and oneness with God each day often reminds me of those childhood bike rides. It can take a bit of work to get going at first. You can even feel like you are pushing your bike up a steep hill full of problems, work, and worldly concerns. Once you get going, however, you find that the ride becomes easier and easier. Soon you feel like you are flying along without even having to pedal at all. Soon you feel wind blowing in your face, joy filling up your heart, and love radiating from your soul. You find yourself laughing more, smiling more, and singing more. You find yourself sharing more, giving more, and helping more. You find yourself loving others, spreading joy, and living the way that God meant for you to live. You find yourself realizing that God is love, that life is joy, and that we are all God’s children. If you choose then each day of your life can become a fantastic ride of love and joy that takes you a little further along the road to Heaven. The longer you ride too the less steep the hills will become. The longer you ride the faster and smoother you will go. The longer you ride the more you will feel God pedaling right along beside you and smiling all the way. Enjoy the ride. -<>- _____ _..--'''@ @'''--.._ .' @_/-//-\/>/>'/ @ '. ( @ /_"Scripture Cake" This Scripture cake recipe is taken from Grandma's handwritten recipe book, circa 1912. You will have to study the Bible to solve this novelty cake recipe; there are no ingredients listed. Remember, at the time these recipes were invented, the women prided themselves on being able to make the cake without referring to their Bible. How is your knowledge of Old Testament Scripture? Judges V, 25 Jeremiah VI, 20 Isaiah X, 14 1 Samuel XXX, 12 Genesis LXIII, 11 Exodus XVI, 31 Genesis XXIV, 17 1 Kings IV, 22 Leviticus II, 13 Amos IV, 5 Kings X, 10 Follow Solomon's advice for making good boys (Proverbs XXIII, 14), and you will have a good cake. Blend all ingredients and beat well by hand. Pour into a buttered and lightly floured baking pan. Bake at a medium temperature for about three hours and allow to stand for 24 hours for the maximum flavor. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...For those who don't have the OT memorized Online Bible site https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ If this still leaves you lacking... Visit here: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/7678/scripture-cake/ -<>- ' . ' . . . : . . '. ______ .' ' _.-"` `"-._ ' .' '. `'--. / \ .--'` / \ ; ; - -- | | -- - | _. | ; /__`A ,_ ; .-' \ |= |;._.}{__ / '-. _.-""-|.' # '. ` `.-"{}<._ / 1938 \ \ x `" ----/ \_.-'|--X---- -=_ | | |- X. =_ - __ |_________|_.-'|_X-X## jgs `'-._|_|;:;_.-'` '::. `"- .:;. .:. ::. '::. >EATING WELL By: Joseph J. Mazzella It is hard at times to eat the right foods for our bodies when the wrong foods can taste so delicious. I am just glad then that when it comes to food for the soul the choices are a little easier to make. Imagine, for instance, that you had two types of food before you. The first one is great for you. It makes your heart healthier, your mind clearer, and your body more energetic. It makes you feel fantastic both inside and out. It also tastes delicious. You could eat it for a million years and never get tired of it. It just takes a bit of effort and a few minutes to cook each day. The second food is terrible for you. It is hard on your heart and destroys your health. It depresses your mind and steals your body's vitality. It makes you feel miserable both inside and out. It also tastes terrible. You can eat it right away, though. It is instant and takes no effort to make. Which one would you choose? Sadly, more people than you would think make the second choice. The second choice is acting from fear. It is choosing to feed the soul hatred, violence, negativeness, misery, pain, meanness, and loneliness. It is easy to do even though it hurts you every time you do it. It slowly poisons your life and the lives of those around you if they let it. The first choice, however, is choosing love. It is feeding the soul joy, peace, positiveness, happiness, delight, goodness, and oneness with God. It takes a bit of effort, but it brings a lot of Heaven to Earth. It enriches your life and the lives of everyone you share it with. What you eat is up to you. Choose your foods wisely then. God wants you to eat well not just with your stomach but also with your heart, soul, mind, and life. Lay out a table full of all the love, joy, light, goodness, and oneness with God that you possibly can. Then pull up a chair and invite everyone to the feast. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these teachings GOD'S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Gods_Fountain_Of_Youth.htm The Fountain of Living Waters http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/The_Fountain_of_Living_Waters.htm -<>- __..._ _...__ _..-" `Y` "-._ \ Once upon | / \\ a time..| // \\\ | /// \\\ _..---.|.---.._ /// jgs \\`_..---.Y.---.._`// '` `' >Story Time For those of you who don't know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother of two daughters. She is a member of First Baptist in Houston. This is one of her experiences: April 20, 2005 at the Airport in Knoxville: Waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you. You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons not the least of which is your ego. I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones. The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man. I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport... an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I sat, trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him. Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man. I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing. I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. "Oh, no, God, please, no." I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, "Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!" There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, "Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane." Then I heard it... "I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair." The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? That was a No-brainer. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, "God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm you're girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am on him. I am going to witness to this man." Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. "That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair." I looked up at God and quipped, "I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?" God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: "I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:17) I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, "Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?" He looked back at me and said, "What did you say?" "May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?" To which he responded in volume ten, "Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that." At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, "SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?" At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Longlocks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, "If you really want to." Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, "Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush." "I have one in my bag," he responded. I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while. The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's. I slipped the brush back in the bag, went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knees, and said, "Sir, do you know my Jesus?" He said, "Yes, I do." Well, that figures, I thought. He explained, "I've known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior." He said, "You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride." Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it. Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft. I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, "That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?" I said, "Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!" And we got to share. I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted because you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on, but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need! I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way... all because I didn't want people to think I was strange. God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me. John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly shouting, "Wow! What a ride! Thank You, Lord!" -<>- ,,,, / ' /.. / ( c D \- '\_ `-'\)\ |_ \ |U \\ (__,// |. \/ LL__I ||| ||| ,,-``'\ jv >Dear God... Dear God, are You still awake? Have You got a minute or two? You're pretty good at understanding and I really need to talk to you. You see, Mommy came to tuck me in, Like she does every night. I was trying to play a trick on her, Since she can't see without the light. I was going to close my eyes And pretend to be asleep. But when I heard her crying, I didn't dare let out a peep. She started talking to you, God. Did You hear the things she said? Could You hear what she was saying As she stood beside my bed? Why would Mommy be so sad? I wondered just what I had done. And then I began to remember it all as she named them one by one... This morning we worked in the garden, But, honest, I really didn't know That if I picked all those little yellow blooms the tomatoes wouldn't grow! Charlie and I were trying to be helpers, Cause I know that's what Mommy needs. But I don't think she was too happy with us when we pulled up carrots instead of weeds. Mommy said we should stop for the day, She decided we had helped quite enough. I sure had worked up an appetite... I didn't know gardening was so tough! We had peanut-butter and jelly for lunch and I shared too much, I guess... But I didn't realize until I was done that Charlie had made such a mess. Mommy said she needed a nap, She had one of her headaches today. She told me to keep an eye on my sister and find something quiet to play. Well, God, do You remember all those curls You gave my little sister Jenny? We played barber shop...very quietly... And now, well, she doesn't have any. Boy, was Mommy mad at me... I had to go sit on my bed. She said never to cut "peoples hair" again. I guess I'll practice on Charlie instead. We sat and watched poor old Albert, I just knew he must be so bored going round and round In the same place all day. Wouldn't You think so, Lord? I didn't think it would hurt To let him out for a while. I mean, mice need exercise, too. By the way, have You seen Albert lately? He's been sort of missing since two. Mommy sent us outside for the rest of the day. She said we needed fresh air. But when Daddy came home she told him She was trying to get something out of her hair. We thought Mommy needed cheering up, So we decided to brighten her day. But, God, did You see the look on her face when we gave her that pretty bouquet? We had gotten a little bit dirty, So Mommy said to get in the tub. "Use soap this time," she reminded, "And please don't forget to scrub." Charlie didn't like the water too much, But I lathered up real good. I knew Mommy would be so proud of me For cleaning up like I should. I went downstairs to the table, But during dinner it started to rain... I'd forgotten to turn off the water, it seems, And I hadn't unplugged the drain! I decided right then it was just about time To start getting ready for bed, When Mommy said, "It's sure been a long day," And her face began turning all red. I lay there listening to Mommy As she told You about our day. I thought about all of the things I had done And I wondered what I should say. I was just about to tell her That I'd been awake all along. And ask her to please forgive me For all of those things I'd done wrong. When suddenly, I heard her whisper, "God, forgive me for today... For not being more understanding When those problems came my way... For not handling situations in the way You wanted me to... for getting angry And losing my temper, Things I know You don't want me to do. And, God, please give me more patience, Help me make it through another day, I'll do better tomorrow I promise... In Jesus' name I pray." Wiping her eyes, she kissed me And knelt here beside my bed. She stroked my hair for a little while... "I love you, precious," Mommy said. She left the room without ever knowing That I'd been awake all the time. And God, could we make it our little secret? You know, just Yours and mine? I'm sorry I was so much trouble today, I really didn't mean to be... Daddy says, "It's tough being a kid sometimes, But I think it's harder on Mommy than me. Well, goodnight, God. Thanks for listening. It's sure nice to know You're there. I feel so much better when I talk to You 'Cause You always hear my prayer. And I'll do better tomorrow, I promise... Just You wait and see! I'll try not to be much trouble again. But, God, Please give more patience to Mommy. Just in case! Amen. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Rare Old Rolls-Royce! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rollsroyce.html The Blue Angels! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blueangels.html World's Fastest Plane! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fastestplane.html Happy Moments! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/happymoments.html Inspirational Movie Quotes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/moviequotes.html Jellyfish Lake!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jellyfish.html Pictures To Ponder!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ponder.html Undersea Museum!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/undersea.html Real Fantasy Trees!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trees.html Grand Canyon Sky Walk!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/skywalk.html Awesome Hotel!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/qhotel.html Hiking In China!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trail.html Thoughts Into Action 6! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/action6.html Expensive Hotels!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ehotels.html Rarely Seen Things 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rarelyseen2.html Old Trains And Cars!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trainsandcars.html SUMMER INDEX! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/summerindex.html -<>- Crowder, Dante Bowe - God Really Loves Us ft. Maverick City Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-Y9bWlCw8 TobyMac - Cornerstone ft. Zach Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7NQ5AvuMPM How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Spirit & Truth Index: https://stfi.org/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ TrumpRx doesn't sell medications. Instead, it connects patients directly with the best prices, increasing transparency and cutting out costly third-party markups. https://trumprx.gov/ White House Actions - 2026 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump executive orders and actions, 2025-2026 https://tinyurl.com/musd7m3x DOGE Latest News https://doge.gov/ DOGE Latest Savings https://doge.gov/savings From The Daily Acorn: Positive News https://www.thedailyacorn.com/ Latest From Lifezette: https://www.lifezette.com/ Latest From Hannity: https://hannity.com/ Latest From American Action News: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Newsmax: https://www.newsmax.com/ Latest From Expose: https://expose-news.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://greatergood.com/clicktogive/ggc/home ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Kim :) _____ _ _____ ____ /_ /, | ,-, ) /'_`\ |_ _| | __| \ \> | `-'< | (_) | | | | _| ) )__ ,_ |_|`\_\ \___/ |_| |_| (_.-'_)__$ ;-'' pb >In desperation, you can always call on God - even if you're BLONDE! A blonde woman named Brandi finds herself in dire trouble. Her business has gone bust and she's in serious financial straits. She's so desperate she decides to ask God for help. She begins to pray. "God, please help me. I've lost my business and if I don't get some money, I'm going to lose my house as well. Please let me win the lottery." Lottery night comes and somebody else wins it. Brandi again prays, "God, please let me win the lottery! I've lost my business, my house and I'm going to lose my car as well!" But lottery night again comes and goes and Brandi's prayer is not answered. Once again Brandi prays. "My God, why have you forsaken me? I've lost my business, my house and my car. My children are starving. I don't often ask you for help and I have always been a good servant to you. Please let me win the lottery just this one time so I can get my life back in order!" Suddenly, there is a blinding flash of light as the heavens open up and Brandi is confronted by the voice of God himself. God says, "Brandi, meet me halfway on this. Buy a ticket." MORAL? ...Often we blame God for our troubles and for not answering our prayers instead of humbly going to God first and asking for wisdom to know what God would have us to do. Father always knows best ;) Math. 6: [25] Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [26] Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [27] Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [28] And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: [29] And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? [31] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. [33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. --- ...So true! Thanks Kim! ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Motivated By Obedience God has called us to be His witnesses and "ministers of a new covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:6). Our mission field may span the globe or be focused on a few, but our ministries are all the same: we are to glorify God as we proclaim the true gospel of Christ through our words as well as the actions of our life. Let me start by first saying, "Welcome to the ministry!" If you have dedicated your life to following Jesus, you ARE in full time ministry!! Ministry work can be extremely rewarding as we share the truth and witness real change in the life of someone God places in our mission field. However, ministry work can also be very frustrating and discouraging whenever we forget the reason for our ministry and take our eyes off the One we serve. 1 Thessalonians 2:4,6 "We speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. We were not looking for praises from men, not from you or anyone else." God has entrusted us with His gospel message, and we must minister out of an obedience to this trust and a desire to glorify Him in all we do. We are setting ourselves up for failure anytime we become motivated by results or praise. God will often bless us and confirm His leading with fruit in our ministry, but our focus and motivation must always remain on loving Him through our simple obedience. He has called and we must follow for a lifetime, regardless of the result of each individual step. We must serve and trust that God will bring the harvest in His perfect timing; "for the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15). These are God's battles and ultimately His harvest. Our job is to simply enter the field, plow, and continue to scatter seed. The praises of men will come and go, but the joy of knowing that God is glorified by our obedience is steady and unshakable. Our efforts may sometimes seem futile, and we may feel completely unqualified, but we must continue - we have been "approved by God!" Our love and encouragement toward others may appear to have minimal effect, but a small nudge today can cause a lifetime of change. An offer of prayer can give renewed hope, and a simple testimony of God's faithfulness in times of trial can soften a heart to the saving gospel of Jesus. As each of us enter the mission field, God will use us to change the lives of those He places in our path. One day, when we stand in His presence, we may be allowed to see the true impact of our service. But until that time, we must simply continue to serve and be motivated by obedience. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?2 Kings 6:1-7:20; Acts 15:32-16:15; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 17:24-25 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See This Teaching Witnessing and Undershepherding https://tinyurl.com/2zxbrr5n <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Full Measure of Our Heart God promises to be found by those who will seek Him. But the qualifier is that He will be found by those who seek Him with ALL their heart; "you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). The consistent message through all of God's Word is that He is calling us back to a restored relationship with Himself - a relationship which is only possible through faith in Jesus. We enter in by His loving grace, but His expectation for this relationship is that, through faith, we give Him ALL of our heart. If we desire this restored relationship with God - if we desire to truly "find" Him - then our heart must be fully devoted to Him; there can be no rivals or competing affections which pull us away. When Jesus was asked to name the most important commandment, He replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). All means ALL - no cheating or deceiving! Our Heavenly Father desires that we give Him our love honestly and completely; "You must have accurate and honest weights and measures. For the Lord detests anyone who deals dishonestly" (Deuteronomy 25:15-16). It's foolish to think we can cheat God and withhold even a small portion of our heart, for in doing so we ultimately cheat ourselves. Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." God has promised to bless those who come to Him with a true and uncompromising faith in Jesus. His blessings include the right to be called children of God, as well as the inheritance of eternal life. But His blessings also extend to our days on earth as we receive the gifts of true joy, peace, and contentment. When we understand the concept of true blessings, it should not be surprising that the measure we receive from God is directly related to the measure we use to give back to Him. Our blessings graciously flow as we give Him our worship and obedience, as we desire to walk in His presence and praise Him with every breath. Our dealings with God become dishonest and deceitful when we expect a full measure of His blessing of peace, clear direction, or even assurance and freedom from doubt, and yet we cheat Him with every measure we return. Let's be restored and truly receive the full measure of His blessing. Let's enter into His presence and, each and every day, give Him the full measure of our heart. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?2 Kings 18:13-19:37; Acts 21:1-17; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 18:8 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these Teachings Follow Your Heart http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/Follow_Your_Heart.htm DOING ALL THE WORD [All of the Time] http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/Doing_All_The_Word.htm Walking With God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Walking_With_God.htm ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: \||/ ,--. | o|o //OO\\ | _| ||c || |(_ | /| `--' `--' azc >QUOTES Sometimes God sends severe blasts of trial upon His children to develop their graces. Just as torches burn most brightly when swung violently to and fro; just as the juniper plant smells sweetest when flung into the flames; so the richest qualities of a Christian often come out under the north wind of suffering and adversity. Bruised hearts often emit the fragrance that God loveth to smell. Almost every true believer’s experience contains the record of trials which were sent for the purpose of shaking the spice tree. --Theodore Cuyler. Hardman, S. G., & Moody, D. L. (1998). "Freedom isn't worth having if it doesn't include the freedom to make mistakes." --Mahatma Gandhi The Bible is like a telescope. If a man looks through his telescope, then he sees the worlds beyond; but if he looks at his telescope, then he does not see anything but that. The Bible is a thing to be looked through, to see that which is beyond; but most people only look at it; and so they see only the dead letter. --Phillips Brooks -<>- .----------. / .-. .-. \ / | | | | \ \ `-' `-' _/ /\ .--. / | \ | / / / / / | `--' /\ \ /`-------' \ \ Jym Dyer >ANXIETIES MAKE A HOUSE CALL (By Cheryl Brodersen) This morning at 2:00 a.m. my anxieties decided to pay me a visit. They came as a group. They didn't even bother to knock at the front door, but let themselves right in. They marched right up to my bedroom and woke me up. One by one, they began to scream at me, "What are you going to do about this and that? Isn't it terrible? There's no way out. You're surely done for, aren't you? Have you thought about this?" It was at this moment that I knew I had one of three options. I could continue to lie on my bed and entertain these intruders, passing out bits of crumpets and cookies. This of course would only fatten them up and enliven them to voice even more opinions. Option number 2 was to simply try to escape them by way of fantasy. I could pretend that they didn't exist and never had. I could enter the realm of fantasy by way of my imagination. I could dream away my present circumstances. I could be young, thin, rich, living in a different time, living with different people, and romantically sought after. What would that avail? My intruders would still be waiting for me when I awoke. Option 3: I could get up and seek the Lord. I could then commune with the Living God of all power, wisdom, and glory. I could cast all my care upon Him and allow Him to undertake in every circumstance. By the grace of God, I was empowered to take option number 3. Rising up, I spoke for a lingering time with the Lord. I poured forth all my stresses. Then I opened His Word to my devotional Psalm. There in verse 19 of Psalm 94 I read, "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul." It was then that the Divine exchange took place. I gave God every anxiety and took upon myself His delightful comforts. I even numbered them. 1. God will perfect that which concerns me. 2. God sees everything and nothing is hidden from His sight. 3. God is at work. 4. God loves me. I am His beloved, and He is mine. 5. Immanuel, God, is with me and will NEVER leave me nor forsake me. 6. God is good and does good! 7. God will deal with the evildoer, the reviler, the slanderer, gossip, the gainsayer, the complainer. 8. God does not condemn me. God is for me. 9. God will supply my every need according to His riches in glory. 10. God understands me. 11. God hears my prayer. 12. God delights to answer my prayer. The comforts continued to abound and as they did they ushered my anxieties to the door and bid them leave, unfed and unattended. as seen in Laugh and Lift Daily --- ...The most important comfort? 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 God loves you unconditionally. It doesn't matter if you are full of despair and sorrow or if you are praising Him from the mountain top. He is with you and loves you and shall always care for you. Why? Through Jesus Christ, you are HIS. Lock, stock, and barrel - you belong to Him. He chose you before the foundation of the world to be His child! He has loved you since before creation. With him you shall exceed and be more than a conqueror in every thing that you do through Christ Jesus your savior! You are in God's family! SMILE - God Loves YOU! -<>- \_/ --(_)-- . / \ /_\ |Q| .-----' '-----. __ /____[SCHOOL]___\ ())) | [] .-.-. [] | (((()) ..|____|_|_|____|..................................)(... ldb >TOP BACK-TO-SCHOOL MOVIES Saving Freshman Ryan The Lunch Bell Always Rings Twice Rebel Without A Hall Pass Anne of Times Tables Close Encounters of the Third Period Lord of the Ring Binders I Know What You Did Last Summer (in 500 words or less) Twelve Angry Lunchroom Ladies [selected from Chris White's Top Five on Movies] as seen in Mark's Musings -<>- _________________________ || || || || || ||, , ,|| || || (||/|/(\||/ || || ||| _'_`||| || || || o o || || || (|| - `||) || || || = || || ScS || ||\___/|| || ||___||) , (||___|| /||---||-\_/-||---||\ / ||--_||_____||_--|| \ (_(||)-| S123-45 |-(||)_) |"""""""""""""""""""""""""""| >TOO YOUNG FOR BARS... ©Ken Budden As with many kids, my son (now age 17) got mixed up with a bad bunch. He was caught in possession of drugs, never squealed on the other kids so he was the only one punished and was sent to a Youth Camp for 9 months. He came home, mixed with them again and committed a more serious crime... with them. This time he has been sent to a prison for 3 3/4 years. Not a day goes by I don't think of you Son, Locked up like an animal and still so young. It doesn't seem right, it doesn't seem fair. The sentence they gave you by putting you there. But the crime has been done...you rejected advice, And young as you are, you must now pay the price. It breaks my heart knowing what you now face, And I pray your return from that forbidding place. The root of the problem was the company you kept, Being out of a night-time while the rest of us slept. You were easy to talk to, you fell in their trap, And they stayed at home while you took the rap. You were given a chance, to a Youth camp you went, I was hoping that that was a 'lesson well spent'. But when you came home, you met with them again, Now look at the trouble you've got yourself in. I remember your young days, teaching you right from wrong, Telling you never be weak, and always be strong. Your manners were perfect, they said so at school, The girls all adored you and thought you were cool. But it's never too late, I know this time you've learned, Like the proverbial 'new leaf', it is you who has turned. A new life awaits you, there are people who care, Who love you and need you and will always be there. Love, Dad xxx --- ___ ____ ___ ____( \ .-' `-. / )____ (____ \_____ / (O O) \ _____/ ____) (____ `-----( ) )-----' ____) (____ _____________\ .____. /_____________ ____) (______/ Joe Reiss `-.____.-' \______) ...How much more You can tell this dad truly loves his son even though his son has let him and the family down by doing the things that he shouldn't and getting in trouble with the law. If you think his love is great for his son, this verse comes to mind... _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Matthew 7:11 'If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?' Think of all the evil things we as people have done to God over all our years to totally let Him down and disappoint Him - yet He still loves us far greater than any earthly parent! -<>- ---.----.__..----.----| _|_||___||___||___||___||___||___||_|_ | | | | | -.-..---..---..---..---..---..---..-.- |--.- ---'--.-----'----'--.-| | || || || || || || || | | `| |: (| | | || || || || || || || | |--'- |:. | | _|_||___||___||___||___||___||___||_|_ | ------'----.-.,----.'-| -.-..---..---..---..---..---..---..-.- |-.-- ,/) | | | | || || || || || || || | | |` ----.---8--'--.----'--| | || || || || || || || | | | | 8 |: | _|_||___||___||___||___||___||___||_|_ |-'-- | ,)// |:. | -.-..---..---..---..---..---..---..-.- |:. ----'-`=;'--.-'-.----.| | || || || || || || || | |--.- // /_ _( \ | | || || || || || || || | | /| ---.-//----)/\,'_/----| _|_||___||___||___||___||___||___||_|_ | `| |/| `;=.( | -.-..---..---..---..---..---..---..-.- |--'- ( |`.`. |`,-/ |,-'-||---||---||---||---||---||---||-'-.| -`-'-.`.`-.';'=`.-..--'-.--------.-------------.--.-------.----'--.- | `-./.}{-'\.) | ) | `) | \ | :`-}{-''|| |:. | ,_ | |:. | ---'`'-.--|`-}{-'||)----'-.------'--'.,`--.----'--------.-'-------'- | :`-`'-'/)| | |:. | -.-----'--;`.}{,`.||----,-'--------.------'---.--------,'--.,------- |: ,'/.`..'_(/( |: | | \ |:. ,',' |`--`.(')) |:. | | |: -'--,' <.._|__,. >`,----'----------'--------.,'-------------'----SSt ``----....(',' _,'>' )/ `' >MASTERPIECE BY THE BAY Sharon Jaynes Today's Truth "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32 NASB). Friend To Friend I grew up on the East Coast and was excited when my husband, son, and I decided to visit San Francisco for our vacation. My heart's desire and prayer for each day was that we would see God's handiwork, hear His voice, and be reminded of His greatness as we ventured out like three eager explorers to discover new aspects of His creation. We traveled south along the shoreline and were amazed at the 200 foot regal cliffs that rose from the earth, pushing heavenward with waves splashing at their feet. Then we traveled north and drank in the beauty of acres and acres of vineyards on grassy rolling hills in the Napa Valley wine country. We hiked through the majestic Redwood Forest and stood under 1,000 year old, 260 foot giants, dwarfed by their towering branches. But the most amazing sight was in a place called Alcatraz. There in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, just a mile and a quarter from the sights and sounds of the beautiful city, sits a rock island, known by some as the "Devil's Island of America." From 1934- 1963, Alcatraz was a prison where the country's most corrupt, incorrigible criminals were housed. Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly were just two of its more colorful residents. There is no road to the prison, so we took a ferry across the bay. As we taxied up to "The Rock" and stared at the shell of concrete walls, barbed wire, and iron bars, an eerie feeling crept over my body. Each of us picked up headphones and a cassette recorder and toured the prison while listening to the taped voices of various prisoners recount their days behind bars. I walked into a cell called "the hole," closed my eyes, and tried to imagine what it would be like in solitary confinement with no light, no sound, and no other voice but my own. My heart was heavy as I thought about the souls that passed those halls, souls full of darkness, depression, and despair. But as I rounded the final corner of the tour, I saw an amazing sight - a white haired, eighty-year-old grandfather, with crystal blue laughing eyes and a radiant smile that spread across his wrinkled face. A line formed as tourists stood waiting for him to sign his name and number on his autobiography, Alcatraz: from the Inside. This precious man before me was Jim Quillen, ex- prisoner #AZ586. He had spent ten years of his life, from 1942- 1952, behind bars in this prison built to house the most dangerous criminals of his day. I looked in his eyes as we spoke. This was not the face of a dangerous man. What had happened to change his life? I didn't have to flip many pages in his book to find the answer. In it he wrote, "It was only through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and His intercession, that my life of hopeless incarceration was averted. His help and forgiveness permitted me to obtain freedom, family, and a useful and productive place in society." I went back over to Mr. Quillen and sat by his side for a minute or so. We chatted a bit, and he autographed my copy of his book. Then God spoke to my heart, "On this vacation, you prayed that you would see My handiwork and be reminded of My greatness. This man is some of my best work." On my trip to San Francisco, I was reminded of God's unchanging strength in the majestic rock cliffs of the shoreline and of His nurturing care as the Vinedresser in the hills of the wine country. I saw a picture of God's protective canopy over His children in the towering Redwoods of the forests. But when I looked into Jim Quillen's eyes, I saw God's most incredible masterpiece: a changed life. _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ Let's Pray Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free! You took my pain and turned it into purpose. You took my hurt and turned it into hope. You took my fear and turned it into faith. Thank you, O Lord, for setting my feet to dancing and my voice to singing Your praise! In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. Now It's Your Turn What one person that you know has shown the most dramatic change since he or she became a Christian? What has been the most dramatic change in your life since you gave your life to Christ? as seen in Girlfriends in God --- () /\ ()--' '--() `. .' / .. \ jgs ()' '() ...I am reminded The Democrat Socialists of today are saying they want to abolish ICE and our fine police officers and prisons. This seems to be a rather stupid thing. Our ICE officers and the police remove the dangerous people from around us and our loved ones. We are talking about thieves, rapists, child predators, traffickers that enslaved people, drug traffickers, murderers and even serial killers! Why would any person want to abolish that which keeps our society safe? It would seem only those who feel we need to be punished for our past evil ways. Which, I am guessing, is why many of these that hate America, Israel and the Jews are wanting. However, God will take care of that! _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Galatians 6:7 'Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' We don't need these Democrat Socialists to ruin America for all the people! They are Communists. All communism does is cause devastation and destruction wherever it is employed. Be safe! Be sure to go out and vote Red! 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: .I. / : \ |===| >._.< .=-< >-=. /.'`(`-+-')'`.\ _/`.__/ : \__.'\_ ( `._/\`. : .'/\_.' ) >-(_) \ `:' / (_)-< | | / \___/ \ | | )^( | .' : `. | )^( | _\|`-._:_.-'| \ | "-<\)| : | : | "-" (\\| : / \ : | \\-:-| |-:-') \\:_/ \_:_/ |\\_| |_:_| (;\\/ \__;) |: \\ | :| \: /\\ \ :/ |==| \\|==| /v-'( \\`-v\ // .-' \\. \\ `-' \\`-' hjw \| "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." --Theodore Roosevelt ___ ( / / | / \ | \\ | |\\ //\\ /\_ //\\ /\_ \\\\ | // _____/ _/ // _____/ _/ \\\\|____ | | / | | / ////| | ==== ( ==__|==/ ==== ( ==__|==/ //// | | \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ =================/ / / \ \ / / \ \ >Give It Our All (By Chuck Swindoll) [Edited] There are 1,130 frostbitten miles, mountain ranges, blizzards, hungry beasts, and frozen seas between Anchorage and Nome. This awful trek is the scene of the ultimate endurance test known as the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, where twelve huskies pull a sled and its driver through the most grueling, inhuman conditions one can fathom. The most frequent champion of recent years is a woman named Susan Butcher, whose tough-minded fixation on winning earned her the nickname Ayatollah Butcher. The secret, she will tell you, is her own mind-set and the training of those dogs, which gives new meaning to the word 'serious.' Her 150-dog kennel is a thing to behold. Shortly after each pup's birth, while it is still blind, she holds it in her hands and breathes her breath into its nose. That way, she claims, each one will associate her smell with comfort and encouragement. The rapport begins with that breathing-into-the- nose routine. She personally feeds, trains, massages, and -- on a rotation basis -- sleeps with each dog. She personally nurses them to health when they are injured. She is infinitely patient with them, talks to them, believes in them, even sings to them (old folk songs by Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, plus a few Irish lullabies). The objective? To bond with them. It pays. They have saved her life on the trail more than once. Back in 1979, she led her dog team to the 20,320-foot summit of Mount McKinley. It took forty-four days. What a woman! One reporter described her as having "a stiff spine...a stubborn mind-set," which is what is needed to endure moose attacks, blizzards so severe that one time for five hours she couldn't see the lead dog, and a sudden plunge into icy water (Granite and Maddie, the mushers, pulled her out). The Christian life isn't an eleven-day race. It's a lifetime journey full of more dangers and pitfalls than a hundred Iditarods. So it's foolish to think we can enter it half- heartedly or sustain it easily. To survive it calls for help from above and toughness from within. If Susan Butcher is willing to give that kind of effort to win a race that is incredible in the eyes of the world - with temporary and fleeting glory, how much more should we, running a race that matters for all eternity, give it our all? --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching SPIRITUAL STAMINA http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/SPIRITUAL_STAMINA.htm 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 ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Fred :) ___________ _.--^^^ ^^^--._ \`--...___________...--'/ / \_ _ / (_`,_' ) / ) `\ /_____ _ / '. | | ^^^^-----------^^^^ | `, | \,_ `-/ | What is a BEST ,&&&&&V | ,&&&&&&&&: | F R I E N D ? ,&&&&&&&&&&; | | |&&&&&&&|\ |_____ _| | |_)_ \ ^^^^-----------^^^^ | | ;_/ | -Felix Lee- \ '--' `,.--. | `---...___________...---' \_ | |--' `-._\__/ Friend: calls your parents by Mr. and Mrs. Best friend: calls your parents dad and mom. Friend: has never seen you cry Best friend: has always had the best shoulder to cry on Friend: never asks for anything to eat or drink Best friend: opens the fridge and makes herself at home Friend: asks you to write down your number. Best friend: they ask you for their number (cuz! they can't remember it) Friend: borrows your stuff for a few days then gives it back. Best friend: has a closet full of your stuff Friend: only knows a few things about you Best friend: could write a biography on your life story Friend: will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing Best friend: will always go with you Friend: would delete this letter Best friend: will send this back to all of their online buddies Written with a pen Sealed with a kiss If you are my friend, Please answer me this Are we friends or are we not? You told me once, but I forgot. So tell me now and tell me true So I can say, I am here for you. Of all the friends I've ever met, You're the ones I won't forget. And if I die before you do, I'll go to Heaven And wait for you!! Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND including the one who sent it to you. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends. --- ...Lovely! Thanks Fred! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your ad message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO Foundational Teaching Seminar NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: https://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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