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On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ __, ,__) __, ,__) __, ,__) (--|__| _ ,_ ,_ (--|\ | _ (--\ | _ _ ,_ _| |(_||_)|_)(_| _| \|(/_(_|_) \|(/_(_|| ( | | ,_| ( (__| *~* MAY EVERYONE HAVE A MOST BLESSED AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026! I extend my heartfelt gratitude and much thanks to you for sharing all your wonderful forwards with us and for sending out our links and forwards to your friends and family. With your help and God's grace may www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com continue to go and grow throughout all the coming new year! Together we can help spread God's Word and uplift His sweet children! May God's Blessings Surround You Each and Every Day of 2026 with signs, miracles and wonders from Christ Jesus Our Lord! :) -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from my daughter Tammy. This one will give you plenty of SMILES for your day. Be sure to check it out here... .'\ /`. .'.-.`-'.-.`. ..._: .-. .-. :_... .' '-.(o ) (o ).-' `. : _ _ _`~(_)~`_ _ _ : : /: ' .-=_ _=-. ` ;\ : : :|-.._ ' ` _..-|: : : `:| |`:-:-.-:-:'| |:' : `. `.| | | | | | |.' .' `. `-:_| | |_:-' .' jgs `-._ ```` _.-' ``-------'' Only At Walmart! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/walmartshopping2.html --- ...HAHAHA! Amazing what people do! Thanks Tammy! -<>- . . :"-. .-"; |:`.`.__..__.'.';| || :-" "-; || :; :; / .==. .==. \ : _.--._ ; ; .--.' `--' `.--. : : __;` ':__ ; ; ' '-._:;_.-' ' : '. `--' .' ."-._ _.-". .' ""------"" `. /`- -'\ /`- -'\ :`- .' `. -'; ; / \ : : : ; ; ; ; : : ':_:.' '.;_;' :_ _; ; "-._ -" :`-. _.._ :_ () _; "--::__. `. \"- -"/`._ : .-"-. -"-. ""--..____.' / .__ __. \ : / , / "" \ . \ ; bug "-:___..--" "--..___;-" *~* We Had A Tremendous Month Of Sharing And Caring Last Month! :) //||\ ( <' ) ) )_( /.____) /(____. \ / _ | _ \ A CAT HUG FOR YOU! | \|/ | \ ( /_\ ) / \ `._)_.' / `.`. .'.' `.`.' ( + ) VK `.\ ' ` >Be Sure To Visit and Share All These New Great Pages: Animals Acting Weird! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/strangeanimals.html Biblical Advice! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bibleadvice.html Nikon Animal Comedy! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nikoncomedy.html Aunty Acid Humor! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/auntyacidhumor.html Amazing Photos 8! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazingphotos8.html Crazy Old Ads! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/oldads.html Awesome Northern Lights! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/northernlights.html Trump Saves Christmas! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trumpchristmas.html _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.' *~* Big THANK YOU And Huggums In Christ To All Our Super Contributors! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarming: . . .-. . _ * _ . * / \ (( _/ \ * . _ . .--'\/\_ \ ` / \ * ___ * / \_ _/ ^ \/\'__ /\/\ /\ __/ \ * / \ / .' _/ / \ *' / \/ \/ .`'\_/\ . . /\/\ /\/ :' __ ^/ ^/ `--./.' ^ `-.\ _ _:\ _ / \/ \ _/ \-' __/.' ^ _ \_ .'\ _/ \ . __/ \ /\ .- `. \/ \ / -. _/ \ -. `_/ \ / `._/ ^ \ / `-.__ ^ / .-'.--' . / `--./ .-' `-. `-. `. - `. @/ `. / / `-. / .-' / . .' \ \ \ .- \% @&8jgs@@%% @)&@&(88&@.-_=_-=_-=_-=_-=_.8@% &@&&8(8%@%8)(8@%8 8%@)% @88:::&(&8&&8:::::%&`.~-_~~-~~_~-~_~-~~=.'@(&%::::%@8&8)::&#@8:::: `::::::8%@@%:::::@%&8:`.=~~-.~~-.~~=..~'8::::::::&@8:::::&8:::::' `::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.' >The Parable of the River Romans 1:21 32 Once there were five sons who lived in a mountain castle with their father. The eldest was an obedient son, but his four younger brothers were rebellious. Their father had warned them of the river, but they had not listened. He had begged them to stay clear of the bank lest they be swept downstream, but the river's lure was too strong. Each day the four rebellious brothers ventured closer and closer until one son dared to reach in and feel the waters. "Hold my hand so I won't fall in," he said, and his brothers did. But when he touched the water, the current yanked him and the other three into the rapids and rolled them down the river. Over rocks they bounced, through the channels they roared, on the swells they rode. Their cries for help were lost in the rage of the river. Though they fought to gain their balance, they were powerless against the strength of the current. After hours of struggle, they surrendered to the pull of the river. The waters finally dumped them on the bank in a strange land, in a distant country, in a barren place. Savage people dwelt in the land. It was not safe like their home. Cold winds chilled the land. It was not warm like their home. Rugged mountains marked the land. It was not inviting like their home. Though they did not know where they were, of one fact they were sure: They were not intended for this place. For a long time the four young sons lay on the bank, stunned at their fall and not knowing where to turn. After some time they gathered their courage and reentered the waters, hoping to walk upstream. But the current was too strong. They attempted to walk along the river's edge, but the terrain was too steep. They considered climbing the mountains, but the peaks were too high. Besides, they didn't know the way. Finally, they built a fire and sat down. "We shouldn't have disobeyed our father," they admitted. "We are a long way from home." With the passage of time the sons learned to survive in the strange land. They found nuts for food and killed animals for skins. They determined not to forget their homeland nor abandon hopes of returning. Each day they set about the task of finding food and building shelter. Each evening they built a fire and told stories of their father and older brother. All four sons longed to see them again. Then, one night, one brother failed to come to the fire. The others found him the next morning in the valley with the savages. He was building a hut of grass and mud. "I've grown tired of our talks," he told them. "What good does it do to remember? Besides, this land isn't so had. I will build a great house and settle here." "But it isn't home," they objected. "No, but it is if you don't think of the real one." "But what of Father?" "What of him? He isn't here. He isn't near. Am I to spend forever awaiting his arrival? I'm making new friends; I'm learning new ways. If he comes, he comes, but I'm not holding my breath." And so the other three left their hut building brother and walked away. They continued to meet around the fire, speaking of home and dreaming of their return. Some days later a second brother failed to appear at the campfire. The next morning, his siblings found him on a hillside staring at the hut of his brother. "How disgusting," he told them as they approached. "Our brother is an utter failure. An insult to our family name. Can you imagine a more despicable deed? Building a hut and forgetting our father?" "What he's doing is wrong," agreed the youngest, "but what we did was wrong as well. We disobeyed. We touched the river. We ignored our father's warnings." "Well, we may have made a mistake or two, but compared to the sleaze in the hut, we are saints. Father will dismiss our sin and punish him." "Come," urged his two brothers, "return to the fire with us." "No, I think I'll keep an eye on our brother. Someone needs to keep a record of his wrongs to show Father." And so the two returned, leaving one brother building and the other judging. The remaining two sons stayed near the fire, encouraging each other and speaking of home. Then one morning the youngest son awoke to find he was alone. He searched for his brother and found him near the river, stacking rocks. "It's no use," the rock stacking brother explained as he worked. "Father won't come for me. I must go to him. I offended him. I insulted him. I failed him. There is only one option. I will build a path back up the river and walk into our father's presence. Rock upon rock I will stack until I have enough rocks to travel upstream to the castle. When he sees how hard I have worked and how diligent I have been, he will have no choice but to open the door and let me into his house." The last brother did not know what to say. He returned to sit by the fire, alone. One morning he heard a familiar voice behind him. "Father has sent me to bring you home." The youngest lifted his eyes to see the face of his oldest brother. "You have come for us!" he shouted. For a long time the two embraced. "And your brothers?"?, the eldest finally asked. "One has made a home here. Another is watching him. The third is building a path up the river." And so Firstborn set out to find his siblings. He went first to the thatched hut in the valley. "Go away, stranger! screamed the brother through the window. "You are not welcome here"' "I have come to take you home." "You have not. You have come to take my mansion." "This is no mansion." Firstborn countered. "This is a hut." "It is a mansion' The finest in the lowlands. I built it with my own hands. Now, go away. You cannot have my mansion." "Don't you remember the house of your father?" "I have no father." "You were born in a castle in a distant land where the air is warm and the fruit is plentiful. You disobeyed your father and ended up in this strange land. I have come to take you home." The brother peered through the window at Firstborn as if recognizing a face he'd remembered from a dream. But the pause was brief, for suddenly the savages in the house filled the window as well. "Go away, intruder!" they demanded. "This is not your home." "You are right," responded the firstborn son, "but neither is it his." The eyes of the two brothers met again. Once more the hut­ building brother felt a tug at his heart, but the savages had won his trust. "He just wants your mansion," they cried. "Send him away!" And so he did. Firstborn sought the next brother. He didn't have to walk far. On the hillside near the hut, within eyesight of the savages, sat the fault finding son. When he saw Firstborn approaching, he shouted, "How good that you are here to behold the sin of our brother! Are you aware that he turned his back on the castle? Are you aware that he never speaks of home? I knew you would come. I have kept careful account of his deeds. Punish him! I will applaud your anger. He deserves it! Deal with the sins of our brother." Firstborn spoke softly, "We need to deal with your sins first." "My sins?" "Yes, you disobeyed Father." The son smirked and slapped at the air. "My sins are nothing. There is the sinner," he claimed, pointing to the hut. "Let me tell you of the savages who stay there..." "I'd rather you tell me about yourself." "Don't worry about me. Let me show you who needs help," he said, running toward the hut. "Come, we'll peek in the windows. He never sees me. Let's go together." The son was at the hut before he noticed that Firstborn hadn't followed him. Next, the eldest son walked to the river. There he found the last brother, knee deep in the water, stacking rocks. "Father has sent me to take you home." The brother never looked up. "I can't talk now. I must work." "Father knows you have fallen. But he will forgive you. . "He may," the brother interrupted, struggling to keep his balance against the current, "but I have to get to the castle first. I must build a pathway up the river. First I will show him that I am wor­thy. Then I will ask for his mercy." "He has already given his mercy. I will carry you up the river. You will never be able to build a pathway. The river is too long. The task is too great for your hands. Father sent me to carry you home. I am stronger." For the first time the rock stacking brother looked up. "How dare you speak with such irreverence! My father will not simply forgive. I have sinned. I have sinned greatly! He told us to avoid the river, and we disobeyed. I am a great sinner. I need much work." "No, my brother, you don't need much work. You need much grace. The distance between you and our father's house is too great. You haven't enough strength nor the stones to build the road. That is why our father sent me. He wants me to carry you home." "Are you saying I can't do it? Are you saying I'm not strong enough' Look at my work. Look at my rocks. Already I can walk five steps!" "But you have five million to go!" The younger brother looked at Firstborn with anger. "I know who you are. You are the voice of evil. You are trying to seduce me from my holy work. Get behind me, you serpent!" He hurled at Firstborn the rock he was about to place in the river. "Heretic!" screamed the path builder. "Leave this land. You can't stop me! I will build this walkway and stand before my father, and he will have to forgive me. I will win his favor. I will earn his mercy. Firstborn shook his head. "Favor won is no favor. Mercy earned is no mercy. I implore you, let me carry you up the river." The response was another rock. So Firstborn turned and left. The youngest brother was waiting near the fire when Firstborn returned. "The others didn't come?" "No. One chose to indulge, the other to judge, and the third to work. None of them chose our father." "So they will remain here?" The eldest brother nodded slowly. "For now." "And we will return to Father?" asked the brother. "Yes." "Will he forgive me?" "Would he have sent me if he wouldn't?" And so the younger brother climbed on the back of the Firstborn and began the journey home. All four brothers heard the same invitation. Each had an opportunity to be carried home by the elder brother. The first said no, choosing a grass hut over his father's house. The second said no, preferring to analyze the mistakes of his brother rather than admit his own. The third said no, thinking it wiser to make a good impression than an honest confession. And the fourth said yes, choosing gratitude over guilt. "I'll indulge myself," resolves one son. "I'll compare myself," opts another. "I'll save myself," determines the third. "I'll entrust myself to you," decides the fourth. May I ask a vital question? As you read of the brothers, which describes your relationship to God? Have you, like the fourth son, recognized your helplessness to make the journey home alone? Do you take the extended hand of your Father? Are you caught in the grip of his grace? Or are you like one of the other three sons? Until Next Time...CARPE DIEM! =Bill Rayborn= -<>- ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt >HOW SWEET THE SOUND by Ron Gold My name is Frank Thomas Pulver. I'm an ordained Christian minister. My wife, Clara, and I manage a waterfront chapel called The Mission of Friends. We're located on what most people call "Skid Row". I also work within the community, locating and amassing food, used clothing, bedding and furniture. At the mission I counsel homeless men and deliver a sermon each day. Clara, who cooks and does laundry, also plays piano in our dining room/chapel. Together we minister to the basic needs of misdirected souls who find shelter at our mission. As I said, The Mission of Friends isn't really a church -- just a storefront with an almost invisible small sign and the inescapable aroma of good home cooking. We've been here 10 years so the men who need us know us. And we get good daily turnouts. The dining room has three long tables and some 50 hard back bridge chairs. We serve good food -- family style -- on tables dressed with homey paper tablecloths. I personally welcome each visitor with a smile and a hearty handshake. I invite them to sit, relax and enjoy our hospitality. I used to start with a sermon and then say grace but I soon realized that the word of God was a distant second to a good meal -- often the only food these homeless men have eaten all day. After my post-dinner sermon, I invite the men to the basement where they can shower and get a fresh change of donated clothing. Clara plays popular old time tunes and hymns on the out-of-tune upright piano, keeping time by moving her soft brown curls while she and many guests sing along. I remember one magical evening last March when two neatly dressed men in their seventies entered our mission. "My name is Joey," the smaller balding man said. "This is my pal, Edgar. We're both retired Merchant Mariners. We live on our pensions and we've come to spend time with you and these men. We hope to help you lead them to the good Christian life." Suddenly there was a small commotion as Edgar reached over and stole a chicken leg from one man's plate. He then used his left hand to scoop mashed potatoes from a large serving bowl. Then he hoisted a ceramic pitcher and started gulping milk. He smiled, expelled a loud belch and then a thunderous bass laugh. Joey and I went to make peace, while Clara played more upbeat music. Joey, who separated his laughing friend from irate diners, said, "Please excuse Edgar. He's sick. He cannot remember where he is or how to act. I help him dress and shower. I even comb his hair and shave him. He spends a lot of time watching television but doesn't understand whether he's watching news or a comedy. He loves cartoons. They make him laugh." Joey told me, "I believe Edgar can help you in your ministry. This God-fearing wild man, who eats with his fingers and burps loudly, is a former choirboy and what he remembers are the hymns he sang as a young boy. We visit different missions and Edgar sings and people are moved. Will you allow him to sing here tonight?" I agreed. Joey replaced Clara at the piano and began playing some blues chords in stride rhythm. The piano somehow tuned itself! Edgar stood alongside the piano, placing one massive hand atop the upright and began singing. "Amazing Grace," he sang in a pure boy soprano register. "How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! Long was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see." All eyes stared at the large man with the salt-and-pepper pony tail and the naturally sweet boy soprano voice. "'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed." The mission became silent except for the piano, the giant man with the schoolboy voice, and the sound of sobbing guests. The men at the long tables put down their utensils and stared at the massive man with the boyish voice that overpowered the piano. "Yea, Lord," one man cried. "Hallelujah!" another yelled. "You tell it, man!" a black man added. "Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; The grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home." Joey brought the hymn to an end. And I began speaking about home, love and a grace-filled giant with a graying pony tail and a young boy's pure voice. And everyone listened. I turned to thank Joey and Edgar but they had left during my sermon. On the piano keyboard was an envelope with the words, "The Mission of Friends." Inside was a hundred-dollar bill. By the way, the piano remains in perfect tune. -- Ron Gold ___________________________________________ Ron is a Heartwarmer Gem from New Jersey and is retired. You can reach him here: mailto:outthinkresumes@... --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this great teaching The Simplicity and Grace of THE NEW BIRTH [Romans 10: 9 and 10] https://tinyurl.com/3cp5jyh5 =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Work of Christmas "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoner - to comfort all who mourn - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.1 Christmas has come and gone, and for many it is easy to go back into our usual routine and forget why we celebrated n the first place. I found the following poem and wanted to share it with you: When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among brothers, To make music in the heart.2 Christmas is not just a day out of the year where we remember the Savior, instead it is the beginning of a new year of diligent work as we continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us. Bringing hope where it is lost, finding lost souls, and sharing the Good News of Salvation with them, loving our neighbor, serving others joyfully, being peacemakers in the presence of conflict. These are all things we should be encouraged and inspired to do because of the great Gift that was given to us at Christmas. Let us not forget but be active participants of God's plan and great work. Suggested prayer: Dear God, help me not fall back into a meaningless routine of busyness, but rather fill me with your Spirit so I can be a witness of Christmas every day of the year. Use me to be Your presence to someone in need today. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1: Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV). 2: Howard Thurman. Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. --- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown ...Reminds me This reminds me of our Pres.Trump. He is taking this to heart. He recently met with Israel's leader to help further peace in Gaza and he also met with Ukraine's Leader at his home in Florida and spoke with Putin by phone to help end the horrible bloodshed between the two countries. He is doing his 'work of Christmas'. He is also having the DOJ go after the fraud and corruption recently found in MN in the Federal child assistance programs. The US taxpayer is being stolen from to the tune of billions of dollars through these programs not only in MN, but all across the US. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` The bible teaches... John.10 [10a] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I often wondered about this. Now, I'm seeing the truth of this as I watch ID shows. More often than not, the one who starts out as a thief progresses to causing death to the person or people they are ripping off. In the verse, Jesus was liking the thief to the devil and goes on saying - unlike the thief, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Unlike the devil who just wants to do you harm - stealing and killing and destroying, Jesus Christ wants to give you eternal life and the closeness He experienced with the giver of Life, God almighty. He says... John 14: [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. He wants all of us with Him and The Father. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Let It Begin With Me 'If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.1 Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me Let there be peace on earth, The peace that was meant to be With God as our Father, Brothers all are we Let me walk with my brother, In perfect harmony Let peace begin with me, Let this be the moment now¯2 When Nelson Mandela walked out of prison after 27 years, the world expected rage. He had every right to be bitter. He had been unjustly imprisoned, separated from his family, and vilified by a system that dehumanized him. Instead, Mandela did something almost no one expected. He forgave those that had wronged him. People thought his actions were insane and unfounded, but Mandela understood what Jesus taught when He said, 'Blessed are the peace makers'¯ in Matthew 5:9. Peace is what turns enemies into neighbors. He once said, If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner. This is the peace that we want to celebrate during this Christmas season (and New Year). A peace that surpasses all of our earthly understanding. Isaiah had prophesied that the 'Prince of Peace'¯ would be born (Is. 9:6). The Angel proclaimed in Luke 2 that this birth brought 'Peace on Earth and goodwill toward men'¯. There was a cry for peace two thousand years ago that has only grown louder today. Peace must begin with us. What if we live with that same kind of conviction for peace that Nelson Mandela learned? Not waiting for the other side to apologize. Not demanding vengeance. Just choosing reconciliation. Peacemakers change nations "not because they win arguments, but because they heal wounds.' Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me. Suggested prayer: Dear God, our world needs peace. My home needs peace. My heart needs peace. Help me to be still and allow you to fill me with Your Peace so that through my words and my actions I may spread that peace to everyone around me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen. 1. Romans12:18. 2. Let There Be Peace On Earth¯ by Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller. Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. --- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown ...Again, This reminds me of Pres. Trump. I've told you that I believe that God saved him (and he believes it too) so that he can restore America back to its Godly and prosperous self. I feel he is being led by Christ to do God's work here. So, it is no wonder that the 'Prince of Peace', is leading Trump to help the world be in peace with each other. "President Trump is the President of Peace. As President, he has brokered peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Cambodia and Thailand, Israel and Iran, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India and Pakistan, Egypt and Ethiopia, Serbia and Kosovo, and with the Abraham Accords. President Trump is proving that nations across the globe can move beyond longstanding conflicts of the past toward a shared future of peace, prosperity, and success." https://tinyurl.com/ycxxxpap =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .-""`````````""-. /'-.___________.-'\ ; ; | __.......__ | |.-'` ~ `'-.| |::-.___~______~.-'`| ;:::::. ; \::::. / ':::::. .' `-:::::.._.-' | | | | | | | | | | | | jgs ___| |___ .-'` | | `'-. ( `"""` ) '._ _.' `"""""""""` >Stress Management A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." He continued, 'And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short! Enjoy it!?" And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life: Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue. Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker. If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others. Never buy a car you can't push. Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late. The second mouse gets the cheese. When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane. Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person. Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. Have a wonderful day and know that someone has thought about you today! That would be me; Tinker and Poo; -Bill Walker -<>- _ _ _ _ _ /^\ /:\ /%\ /8\ /#\ /___\ /:::\ /%%%\ /888\ /###\ [_____]:::::]%%%%%]88888]#####] |_____|_____|_____|_____|_____| |=====|=====|=====|=====|=====| | _ | _ | _ | _ | _ | | / \ | / \| / \ | / \ |/ \ | || || | || ||| || | | || || | || ||| || | | || || | || ||| || | | | \_/ | \_/| \_/ | \_/ |\_/ | |_____|_____|_____|_____|_____| jgs |=====|=====|=====|=====|=====| | |:::::|%%%%%|88888|#####| '-----'-----'-----'-----'-----' Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel; all claimed that they were the best, the most important, the most useful, the favorite. GREEN said, "Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees, leaves... without me, all animals would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority." BLUE interrupted. "You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without my peace, you would all be nothing." YELLOW chuckled, "You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety, and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts to smile. Without me there would be no fun." ORANGE started next to blow her trumpet. "I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious... for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins. Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes, and pawpaws. I don't hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking that no one gives another thought to any of you!" RED could stand it no longer. He shouted out, "I am the ruler of all of you - I am blood - life's blood! I am the color of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood. Without me, the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy." PURPLE rose up to his full height. He was very tall and spoke with great pomp. "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs, and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me - they listen and obey." Finally, INDIGO spoke, much more quietly than all the others, but with just as much determination: "Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace." And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening - thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort. In the midst of the clamor, rain began to speak: "You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me!" _ ________ _( )_ | .##@@&&&@@# ( ` )_ \ _ / ,##@&::%&&%%:.( ) ( `) -= (_) =- #@&:%%000000 (__ (_ . _) _) / \ #@&:%00' / / / / / / | #@&:%0' / / / / / / Diana H. Chaytor #@&:%0 dchaytor@jach.hawaii.edu #@&:%0 ~NO RAIN, NO RAINBOWS~ http://www.islandnet.com/~chaytor jgs#@&:%0============================================================= Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands. The rain continued: "From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow." And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, and a rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another. -<>- _____ (((\\\\\ )_ \\\| / \\|\/ \\( ), & \) ( (( |` \\ ))) _ | \` __| ` | , \ ` , \ | \ ,\ , \ ' \/ \_ \/ \ `_,`-._ ` \ ejm / `-. _ \ ` / ,`. \ === / '== =`. | ==== / | === ` / /========= / | / , /______| / , ======== __-' | = === / ,======= ' - -- ( \ \ \ ` \ ` \ ` \_____ \ / ` _/ / '-- ' There are moments in your life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them. Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you only have one life and one chance to do all the things you want to. May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy. Always put your self in others' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives. Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a tear. The brightest future will be based on a forgotten past, you can't go well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone else around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying. Please send this message... To those people who mean something to you, To those who have touched your life in one way or another, To those who make you smile when you really need it, To those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down and To those who you want to tell how much their friendship/love is most appreciated. -<>- ^ _...._ ^ .' '. _...._ ^ / \' '. |X / \ -. \ |X | ^ .-. |'.-. .' \ / \;/ `/\` '. .' / \ ( `/\` / \ \ ^ `) ^ / \ ) ( ^ /'-...-'\ ( \ /-.__ __.-\ ) jgs '._ ` _.' ^ / `"""""` >New Year Cheer At the sound of the tolling midnight bell a brand new year will begin. Let's raise our hopes in a confidant toast, to the promise it ushers in. May your battles be few, your pleasures many, your wishes and dreams fulfilled. May your confidence stand in the face of loss and give you the strength to rebuild. May peace of heart fill all your days, may serenity grace your soul. May tranquil moments bless your life and keep your spirit whole. -Terri McPherson -<>- .-~~~- .-~~~_._~~~\ /~-~~ ~. `._ / \ \ | ~~-_ __ | | | | /~\| _-~~ ~~-..| ______||/__..-~~/ ~-.___ \ /~\_________.-~~ \~~--._\ | / ^-_ ~\ \ /^ ^~---|~~~~-.___.-~^ /~^| | | |^~\ //~^`/ /_/ ^~\\ / //~|| \ ~ || ___ -(|| __ ___ _ |\| \ ||_.-~~ /|\- \~-._ | -\| | ||/ / | |\- | |\ \ \__-\|______ || | \___\| \_\| _____ _.-~/|\ \\|| \ | / ~-. /' --/| / /| \ \|| \ / |\~- ' ---/| | | |\ | || \__| | --/| | ; \ /| / -(|| `./ | / \|/ ||)- `~^~^ || There's a story about a woman who did not keep a tidy house. One day someone gave her a beautiful rose which she brought home and put in a vase in her parlor. The rose, though, showed up the vase which was tarnished and dusty, so she polished the vase and set the rose and vase on the table. But now something was wrong with the table. It looked terrible. It had to be cleaned as well. At last the woman stood back and admired the sparkling table, the polished vase, and the beautiful rose. But to her dismay, the whole parlor now seemed dull and murky. Before she knew it, she found herself scrubbing the walls, washing the curtains, and opening the windows to let light and air into every dark corner. The moral of the story is if you make one small change in your life, light up one small corner, in no time your whole life can take on a different look. If you're dissatisfied with your life at this point, give some serious consideration to that one area you could change. --Author Unknown -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) How True It Is!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nyear.html Home Security!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/security.html Advice For Living!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/advice.html Ice Hotel!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/icehotel.html Polar Bear!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/polar.html Animal Friends 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalfriends2.html Ice Sculpture Art 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ices2.html Wave Frozen In Time!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wave.html Nanny Animals 3!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nannyanimals3.html Animal Friends 5!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalfriends5.html Awww Animals 10!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals10.html Dog Rescue Stories!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogrescues.html Dangerous Critters!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dangerouscritters.html Animals First Snow!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalsfirstsnow.html Christmas & New Year Index! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasindex.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/ Truth Or Tradition.com Index: https://www.truthortradition.com/ 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/ Latest From Mommy Underground: https://mommyunderground.com/ Latest From Christian Life Daily: https://www.christianlifedaily.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ White House Actions - 2025 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump Accomplishments 2025 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/ Tucker Carlson On Rumble https://rumble.com/c/TuckerCarlson Latest Eric Bolling: https://ericbolling.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 Billings Report: https://billingsreport.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 Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Last Unopened Gift (edited) Did you see it? You may have missed it...but it was there. Don't feel bad; most people overlook this one, but there is still time. Today, as the new year arrives, before all the decorations are put away, before all the other gifts are set aside, open it! Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The gift from God. Why do so many people miss His gift? One reason might be the rather ordinary wrapping; "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him" (Isaiah 53:2). And you can't get less majestic than the way He was born; "He made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:7). Yes, such a great gift in such common wrapping could easily be missed. But perhaps there is something else, something in the very makeup of our nature which keeps us from opening His gift. A prince does not have a problem accepting a gift meant for a prince. And a common person does not have a problem accepting a gift which is common. But a common person can be quite uncomfortable accepting a gift meant for a prince. We know what’s inside the gift - eternal life! A gift meant for a prince. And deep down we know we are so very common, so unworthy! This gift is too great, too much above what we feel we deserve. This gift makes us feel uncomfortable: "If we accept the gift, will we then feel a debt? How could we ever repay such a debt? Maybe it's best to ignore it and just leave it wrapped under the tree." I suppose we shouldn't be too hard on ourselves. This is a natural reaction to such a gift. Ever since the gift was first made available, people have felt unworthy and refused to open or even give it much notice. They would rather try to somehow work and feel deserving; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift from God - not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The gift cannot be earned, and working does not make us more deserving. Jesus Christ came in ordinary wrapping. He died for the forgiveness of our sin. Why? So we could be given the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life! Let's not let another day go by without receiving His gift. Sure we might feel uncomfortable. Sure we might feel a debt we can never repay. But His gift is given in love and is worth it all. Let's honestly examine what is keeping us away. Let's humbly recognize our need; and in the quiet of our heart, let's be sure to receive the last unopened gift. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 30:29-31 Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 30:32 Zechariah 10:1-11:17; Revelation 18:1-24; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 30:33 Zechariah 12:1-13:9; Revelation 19:1-21; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 31:1-7 Zechariah 14:1-21; Revelation 20:1-15; Psalm 148:1-14; Proverbs 31:8-9 Malachi 1:1-2:17; Revelation 21:1-27; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 31:10-24 Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 31:25-31 <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Off The Throne (edited) After the birth of Jesus, Magi (wise men) came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2). When King Herod heard about this, he became greatly disturbed. Herod had been appointed King of the Jews by the Roman government, but he was only partially Jewish and not well accepted by the people. King Herod knew of the Jewish scriptures and how the people were waiting for the Messiah; "The government will be on His shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6). He heard the words of the prophet which told where the new ruler would be born; "Out of you {Bethlehem} will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel" (Micah 5:2). Herod viewed the news of this new ruler as a great threat. How would this affect his right to be king? Would he lose power? prestige? control?... comfort!? The potential harm was unbearable, so Herod decided to take action. Matthew 2:16 "He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under." Many people today are not much different than Herod. Even when they recognize Jesus and clearly see their need, they fear losing the ability to direct their own path. They may not actually take steps to destroy Christ, but the thought of releasing control seems unbearable. Somehow, they've been taught that submission equates to failure. But the reality is that true "success" is only found in Christ, and true comfort is only obtained by being set free from the power of sin and the entanglement of this world. Jesus was, and always will be, very threatening to those who insist on sitting on a throne. It's foolishness to think Jesus will accept the position of Co-King. Those who attempt to enter a relationship with Jesus while trying to maintain their "right to rule" will never really know Him, and certainly never experience His peace. Jesus will give Himself to "whoever believes in Him" (John 3:13). But in return, He asks for our total devotion: "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). We give God proper worship - the worship He deserves - only as we submit and exalt Him above all else; "He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:30). As we begin this new year, let's ensure our relationship with Jesus is aligned with God's plan. He is the rightful Ruler and King - the Savior and our Lord! Let's trust and worship God with all our heart, and refuse to be threatened by Christ's right to lead us. Let's decide once and for all to relinquish control and get our pride-filled self off His throne. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Genesis 1:1-2:25; Matthew 1:1-2:12; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6 Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9 Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7-4:11; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 1:10-19 Genesis 8:1-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 1:20-23 Genesis 11:1-13:4; Matthew 5:1-26; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 1:24-28 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >QUOTES No matter how often you hear the story or think about Christ's death, you cannot get over the fact that were it not for Jesus' sacrifice, your life would be pointless. --Paul Chappell Our hope is not hung upon such untwisted thread as “I imagine so,” or “it is likely”; but the cable, the strong rope of our fastened anchor, is the oath and promise of Him who is eternal verity. Our salvation is fastened with God’s own hand and Christ’s own strength to the strong stake of God’s unchanging nature. --William Rutherford Nine-tenths of the difficulty is overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. The difficulty arises when we ask God to reveal His will before we are ready to do it unreservedly. --George Mueller -<>- ///"\ |6 6| \ - / .@@@. __) (__ @6 6@/ \./ \ @ = @ : : : \ _) (_'| : |) ) /' \./ '\ : |_/ / /\ _ /\ \=o==|) \ \ ) (/ /%|%%' '7/ \7%%|%%' | |`%%|%%' | |`%%|%%' | | %%|%% |_.._| /_|_\ pjb >SMALL WONDER We have done only that which we ought to have done. LUKE 17:10 When you think about the great humanitarian efforts achieved by the advance of Christianity over the years, you possibly think of hospitals and rescue missions and hunger relief. But perhaps the power of Christianity is proven best every day in homes and families and marriages like yours - when people who are self- centered by nature put their spouse's needs before their own. It's something He only accomplishes in us when we do the following: 1. Put Christ first in all things. When Barbara and I signed the "Title Deed" of our lives over to Christ as a young married couple, we officially gave Him everything that was ours - all rights to our lives, dreams and possessions. Have we ever failed to remember the One who really owns our hopes, dreams and possessions? Sure. But whenever we've been tempted to live for ourselves, we've always been able to look each other in the eye and remember a time when we submitted everything of ours into His keeping and signed that title deed. 2. Give up all rights and entitlements. Paul said, "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all" (1 Corinthians 9:19). Not a slave to some, but to all. And just as a slave relinquishes all rights to personal time and desires, we as Christ's followers are commanded to put others above ourselves. It's the only way to be the kind of wife or husband God intends us to be. 3. Be selfless in the little things. Sometimes I don't want to get out of my favorite chair to help Barbara carry in the groceries, sweep the kitchen or clean a toilet bowl. But it's in these minor, everyday moments that we teach our selfish selves who is boss. This is part of what the Bible means when it tells us to "learn to do good" (Isaiah 1:17) - to constantly choose death to self, to always choose sacrificial love until it becomes our first response. DISCUSS Who owns your life? Your dreams? Your possessions? Consider formally signing a title deed of your life, and give God 100 percent ownership. There's great freedom that will result from this transaction! PRAY Pray that submissiveness to God's will and the needs of others will be your true desire. as seen in Moments Together For Couples -<>- 8 8 8 8 ,ooo. 8a8 8a8 oP ?b d888a888zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz8 8b `""^""' ?o___oP' >CHOOSING TO BE INTENTIONAL by Lee Buford It is often said that a major key to success and accomplishment in life is largely related to the intentionality with which one pursues a goal or purpose. It seems a rather obvious notion, however, we seem to struggle with the concept in many areas. I know I do. I know I need to be more intentional in many areas of my life, and I bet you do as well! I had a great discussion this week with some friends around the idea of being more intentional in our faith - more specifically as it relates to growth, maturity, and discipleship within our own lives and communities. And as we ultimately kept coming back to, our being intentional in these areas always comes down to an individual commitment to take action - to DO something on the front end. A few key areas where I need to be more intentional in this regard are: Loving Others - I need to make a better effort to let others know how much I care. I need to make a few phone calls on a more frequent basis to family and friends. I need to be intentional about my actions. Building Relationships - I need to set aside time to truly get to know people on a deeper level. I need to invest in others, and seek those who will invest in me. I need to be more intentional about creating or encouraging situations that allow the common interests of others to initiate a more intimate bonding. Game-planning - I need to prioritize things that matter in the overall growth and maturity of myself and those around me. I need to be more strategic in identifying, acknowledging, and addressing areas that are holding me back. The list goes on and on... We all have similar needs, challenges, and opportunities, but not all of us will do something about it. We should! We should be “intentional” with our intentions... specific with our goals and plans. As is the case with me, it is entirely up to you. Intentionality is voluntary. It’s a choice we make. What are some areas in which you need to be more intentional? What choices will you make? as seen at www.leebuford.com -<>- __ @@;, ( ; ? : ); _| |_ | | || | | _| |_ | \ \ \/ || \/ ___ / / | __| |\ __||____||___||______/| | ||| | |_______ _________| | ||| ||| |____ | | ____| ||| Design by \ \______ ) | | / ______/ / || | | | | | /___| || Samule J. Neptune || | | |_ /| | |\ _| || || || | \__, / | | | \<__/ | || >OBSERVATION AT DYSART'S By Suzanne Taylor A writer's talent isn't only in painting pictures in your mind with colorful words and phrases. It's also in the ability to observe. Inspiration is found everywhere we go. Recently my inspiration came from watching fellow munchers at the local truck stop my husband, Larry, and I frequent. Dysart's has great food and wonderful servers. Larry says the coffee is thick, able to wake anyone for hours - just what long haulers need. On this particular day my focus was on a young man in a medium blue shirt with white stripes. He was sitting with several people, his right elbow resting on the corner of the table as his body leaned forward over his arm. I could tell he was listening intently to something one of his lunch mates was saying. In my imagination, his ears folded forward like a funnel capturing every word. The funniest thing was that he never made a move, showed an emotion, or even raised an eyebrow. His concentration was deep. Suddenly the young man sat up straight with such a quick motion it caused me to sit back in my chair. He now seemed distracted, not caring what was being said. He looked around the room at the other diners. Some were finished and leaving their seats. Others were entering and filling the tables. It was like a wave of humanity in slow motion... in and out. That's when it hit me. We do this same thing to God. Our first years with Jesus are often a love affair. We long for time alone with Him. We rush through chores to spend time commun- ing with Him. We watch the clock at work, looking forward to a break or lunch time when we can open our Bibles. We give Him our rapt attention, leaning in to hear every word He says, and we pray. We can't wait for the church doors to open so we can worship. There is joy in singing and anticipation for what we will learn from the day's message. There is a deep peace in our hearts knowing we are safe with the Lord. Then, life happens. Instead of anticipating our worship with the Lord, we find excuses why we don't have the time. We may think our prayers are not answered, so sure that either we didn't pray correctly or God just wasn't paying attention. We decide prayer isn't for us; successful praying must be for others. In essence, we sit up quickly and lose interest in what God is saying to us. Our spiritual ears close and our spiritual eyes no longer see life and love in the Word of God. We lose our joy. Movement at the other table captured my attention, and what I observed the young man doing next gave me hope for all of us. After finishing his cursory examination of the people around him, he slowly regained his attentive position. Once again his elbow was on the table and he was looking at and listening to his lunch mates. His eyes were focused, his ears tuned in. We are never really out of touch with the Lord. We must simply return our attention to Him. As we refocus and pay close heed to God's Word, He restores communion with us. And we will grow warmer daily until we are hot with anticipation for what He will teach us next. Instead of anticipating our worship with the Lord, we find excuses why we don't have the time. We may think our prayers are not answered, so sure that either we didn't pray correctly or God just wasn't paying attention. We decide prayer isn't for us; successful praying must be for others. In essence, we sit up quickly and lose interest in what God is saying to us. Our spiritual ears close and our spiritual eyes no longer see life and love in the Word of God. We lose our joy. It doesn't matter if we have been away from Jesus for years or days. He will respond to our first word of prayer seeking forgiveness and restore us to fellowship with Himself. Writers may have the gift of words, but Christians have the gifts of the Holy Spirit and it's His job to nudge us when we go astray. He guards the calling on each of our lives. We can believe this because, God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (I Corinthians 1:9) -Suzanne Suzanne Taylor is Pastor of New Beginnings Ministry (www.newbeginmin1.org), an online ministry dedicated to bringing together those who want to learn, share and experience more about Jesus. She is also the author of Rev's Notes. Suzanne lives in Maine, USA with her husband of 40 years, Larry. as seen in A Note of Encouragement --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...This reminds me My brother was enjoying the bible teachers from the website link I sent him here: http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm He was filled full of anticipation and eager to learn more by reading and studying God's Word every chance he got. Later I asked him how he was doing with them since he hadn't said much about them lately. He said he was having trouble with his studies and felt he wasn't comprehending them too well. He said he was praying about it. This is when God led me to tell him about this teaching... Receive, Retain, Release [The 3 R's of God's Word] http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Study/RECEIVE_RETAIN_RELEASE.htm _____ /.---.\ |`````| \ / `-.-' ____ | /\ .' /\ __|__ |K----; | | jgs`-----` \/ '.___\/ I explained to him that as we study and receive God's Word, we are like an empty glass that slowly begins to fill up as we learn and retain what we have received. However, like a glass that is being filled becomes full, any more that is put in it will simply spill out to overflowing - so do we. At this point, we cannot retain and hold any more. That is when it is necessary to Release what we have learned. We need to share with others, write things down and take notes or witness God's Word. In so doing, we Release so we able to once again - Receive God's Word and Retain it. It's called the 3 R's of God's Word. He said this has helped him and he is back to his fun studies. Praise God! :) Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. You can find me on Facebook as Kimberly B. O'Brien Quiggle. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: "Sweeter one smile of Thy dear face Than all earth's treasures here below; Better one whisper of Thy grace That Thou in darkness canst bestow, Than walk by sight and fail to see The Hand of Love upholding me." - Anna Shipton --- _ " _ _ " _ (_\|/_) (_\|/_) _ " _ _ " _ (/|\) (/|\) (_\|/_) " _ (_\|/_) (/|\)_\|/_) (/|\) ejm97 (/|\) ...Chris shared this that I have here: Butterfly Story This sad and beautiful butterfly story illustrates one of the most salient lessons we learn throughout our lives. It's easy to imagine life as simple - good or bad. But often we wind up with a mix of both that shapes our character making us who we are. Enjoy! :) http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/butterflystory.html -<>- . . : . '.@.' /^\ / \ /2026 \ @@@@@@@@@ / 6 6 \ ( ^ ,) \ __, /-._ `._____.'\ `--.__ \\/ `/``"""'-. / ) / : | /\ | .--. : / /\2`\ \/ `.__.:.____.-. / / /`\0`\`/ .-"..____.-. \ jgs _.-' /_/ `\2`\ \-. \ `=----' `\6`\--------'""`-. \ `" `-./ `" >Happy New Year everyone! :) It is my prayer that you will have a wonderful 2026 with Jesus, seeking to go forward with Him to all He has for you in the new year. May 2026 be a year in which we sense in an even deeper and more significant way the presence, peace and purposes of our Savior and Lord. May Christ have the pre-emminence in our lives and may we allow Him to be glorified through our lives of obedience this year. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV) With love, Chris -<>- New Year's Poem 2-Pack ----- _..@._ .' `\ / - - | / a a /, , | ^ D) ) ||\ , \ .__, /'. '. |\`,'/ .-';`-.___..;.-'\ \ \ _| / | .` _.; | -.`| \ _.-'| | \ ' \ 2 | . .' | | '._/`; 0 \ / /___\. / \ 2 \ | .`;,' _\_ | \ 6 '.| _/___|_/_|_}_ /\__ ' `'. '; \___________/ | ',`'-.,_'. \ | | \/`'. ._,;`'. \ | HAPPY | \ `\.' `| \ || NEW | | .' /-`\/| YEAR! | ;.' . _.'` / || | .' ,-' / / ;`-------`; / .'`; \ ( '._ _.' \ ( \ ` )`'`( \_,()))) jgs .' '. `"""""""""` >Entering This New Year (By Honoria A. Groves) I enter this year without burdens Freed from a mountain of care For last night I gave them to JESUS Who PROMISED my burdens to bear! This year will not be without problems There may be many to face BUT I can approach them with courage SUSTAINED by God's marvelous GRACE! I enter this New Year with gladness For JESUS restored my JOY He filled me with PEACE and ASSURANCE That satan CANNOT destroy! I left the old year in repentance For living a life of defeat Leaving my fear and my failures At my Heavenly Father's feet! I enter this year with a purpose To minister Christian LOVE To needy souls ALL around me And lift them to God above! Now with eager anticipation With FAITH instead of fear And the PRESENCE OF CHRIST, my SAVIOR I will enter this New Year!!! -------- ^ _...._ ^ .' '. _...._ ^ / \' '. |X / \ -. \ |X | ^ .-. |'.-. .' \ / \;/ `/\` '. .' / \ ( `/\` / \ \ ^ `) ^ / \ ) ( ^ /'-...-'\ ( \ /-.__ __.-\ ) jgs '._ ` _.' ^ / `"""""` >New Year's Wishes (By Frances Ridley Havergal) What shall I wish thee? Treasures of earth? Songs in the springtime Pleasures and mirth? Flowers on thy pathway Skies ever clear? Would this ensure thee A Happy New Year? What shall I wish thee? What can be found Bringing thee sunshine All the year 'round? Where is the treasure Lasting and dear, That shall ensure thee A Happy New Year? FAITH that increaseth Walking in LIGHT; HOPE that aboundeth Happy and bright; LOVE that is perfect, Casting out fear; These shall ensure thee A Happy New Year! PEACE in the Savior REST at His feet, Smile of His countenance Radiant and sweet, JOY in His Presence! Christ ever near! This WILL ENSURE thee A Happy New Year! -<>- "There is a difference between the pursuit of excellence from a human perspective and a divine perspective. The former strives to put forth the best human effort; the divine approach to excellence begins with bowing before the Lord." - Jack Hayford & Dick Eastman in "31 Days Meditating on the Majesty of Jesus" _____|\ _.--| SSt |: <____|.----|| .---''---, ;..__..' _... ,'/ ;|/..--'' \ ,'_/.-/': : _..-'''/ / | \ \ _|/| \ /-./_ \; \ \,;' \ ,\ / \: `:\ \ // `:`. ,' \ /-._; | : : :: ,. . ,' :: /`-._| | | || ' : `.`.) _,' |;._:: | | | | `| : `' ,' `. / |`-:_ ; | | | : \ `--. ) /|-._: : | \ \ / / :_| ;`-._; __..--'; : : / ( ;|;-./_ _/.-:'o | / ' | / , \._/_/_./--''/_|:|___|_,' | : / `'-'--'----'---------' | | : O ._O O_. O ._O O_. ; ; : `. // // // // ,' / ~~~`.______//____//____//____//_______,'~ // //~ // // ~~ _// _// _// ~ _// ~ ~ / / / / / / / / ~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ >Burn The Ships (By M. Moneypenny) [Edited] Over the years, I have found that there are two "never fail" places where I can have an uninterrupted conversation with the Lord - on the treadmill and in the shower. Why the treadmill is anyone's guess but I have always thought the shower was a natural (no pun intended) place to let my thoughts wander. For me, it's a great place to unwind and allow myself to think about things beyond schedules, appointments, etc. And as for the treadmill, I guess that walking on the treadmill is so monotonous that my mind is available in ways that it isn't during the rest of the day!? So with that said, picture this. Treadmill torture at the gym - hair pulled back in a ponytail, water bottle within reaching distance and headphones turned up far beyond a safe listening level as I play a Steven Curtis Chapman tape. All at once, my ears do a double take - "What did he just say?" - feet off the treadmill, grab the safety bar with one hand and rewind the tape with the other... "Did he say burn the ships? What in the world does that mean?" I must have stood at that silly treadmill machine for ten minutes rewinding that tape back and forth trying to catch a glimpse of what he was really saying. I finally gave up, turned off my headphones and went to the locker room in frustration. Burn the ships... burn the ships... A portion of "Burn the Ships" by Steven Curtis Chapman - Written by Steven Curtis Chapman and James Isaac Elliott. Copyright 1994 Sparrow Song. "In the spring of 1519 a Spanish fleet set sail Cortez told his sailors this mission must not fail On the eastern shore of Mexico they landed with great dreams But the hardships of the new world made them restless and weak Quietly they whispered, "Let's sail back to the life we knew" But the one who led them there was saying: Burn the ships, we're here to stay There's no way we could go back Now that we've come this far by faith Burn the ships, we've passed the point of no return Our life is here So let the ships burn..." Ah ha! "So let the ships burn..." In other words, deny the impulse to go back to what we depended on before... I get it! As Christians we are not supposed to depend on our flesh (our thoughts, ways, desires, methods, etc.) anymore. We have Christ. But the impulse, the desire to depend upon our flesh to meet our needs rather than depending on Christ is a very real and strong urge. We are not alone. Think about the sons of Israel. In the second chapter of Exodus, we see that the sons of Israel have cried out to God for deliverance from their bondage in Egypt (Exodus 2:23). They are clearly looking to God for His provision. Well, you know the story - God answers their cries through His servant, Moses. But you know what? If we look throughout the book of Exodus and even over into Numbers, we will find that when the children of Israel found themselves in difficult circumstances, their immediate reaction was relatively predictable. Even when they were sitting on the edge of the Promised Land, they responded this way. Numbers 14:3 tells us, "And why is the Lord bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?'" They had forgotten again how desperate they had been to leave Egypt and how miserable their lives had been there. So, could we say that their first impulse or reaction was similar to Cortez's men as depicted in Stephen Curtis Chapman's song... "let's sail back to the life we once knew"? Can we also say that very often our first reaction to difficult times or unfamiliar territory is to turn back to what was familiar to us? In Christ, we have been given the very resource for living and He lives inside each one of us. We now have a choice that we never had before we became Children of the Living God. We can choose to walk after the flesh or we can live by the Spirit. In other words, we can either "sail back to the life we once knew" or we can "burn the ships"! _________ /\ ()()()/\ (^) / \_\_\_\__\ {(o)} \ /\ \ \O/ \/::\ acme \ v \:::\ matches\ ,---@ \:::\ \ | . |_ \:::\ \ |____7 \:::\________\ | | \::/ / | | \/________/ | | | | | | |____| unknown So, I have just one question. Anyone got a match? 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 ========================================================== __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >-->HAVE FAITH Those dark storm clouds pass, Life's trial fires will not last, Heavens will soon bright to blue When Jesus rescues you. Hold strong the faith every day, Believe in God's divine way, Jesus is your redeeming friend, On his mercy you can depend. Christ will shelter you through When all else forsakes you, When trying troubles overbear Kneel to The Savior in prayer. Let Christ be your saving light, A beacon fire in the black night, A bridge over wild tempest seas, He will soothe and give you ease. While life's seas toss and churn God's holy light forever burns Steering the flock to safe shore Where there is sorrows no more. Give your worries over in prayer All your frets, trials and cares, You're a child of the King of Kings With the grace and glory it brings. Have faith that God's love is there And His love is beyond compare, His arms are waiting too embrace, To put a smile on that scowling face. God's light of hope eternally flames When in prayer you speak His name, Your heartaches will soon disappear When you ask God to hold you near. -Kenneth J. Ellison 01-25-04 __, ,__) __, ,__) __, ,__) (--|__| _ ,_ ,_ (--|\ | _ (--\ | _ _ ,_ _| |(_||_)|_)(_| _| \|(/_(_|_) \|(/_(_|| ( | | ,_| ( (__| >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO Foundational Teaching Seminar NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************