Reconcile With One Another... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press ?? Our too hot to handle new page is from our friend LouiseAu. This one may surprise you if you are like me and think of a slug as looking like the one in our gardens - grey, fat and worm-like with little antennae feelers on their head. These are far from that. Be sure to check it out to see these cute little guys from around the world. | \ / .-"-. -- / \ -- `~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^-=======-~^~^~^~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~` `~^_~^~^~-~^_~^~^_~-=========- -~^~^~^-~^~^_~^~^~^~` `~^~-~~^~^~-^~^_~^~~ -=====- ~^~^~-~^~_~^~^~~^~-~^~` `~^~^~-~^~~^~-~^~~-~^~^~-~^~~^-~^~^~^-~^~^~^~^~~^~-` jgs Beautiful Sea Slugs! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/seaslug.html --- ...Gorgeous! Thanks LouiseAu! This next piping hot new page is from our friend Johanna. This highlights animals that have made it to the spotlight and are widely known around the world. Their photo went viral and became iconic. Be sure to check this one out and see how many you can recognize! | : . | | ' : ' | | . | ' | | .--._ _...:.._ _.--. , ' | ( , ` ` , ) . | '-/ \-' | | | o /\ o | :| \ _\/_ / : ' | /'._ ^^ _.;___ | /` `""""""` `\= | /` /= .| ; '--,-----'= | | `\ | . | \ \___ : | /'. `\= | \_/`--......_ /= | |`-. /= : | | : `-.__ /` . | |jgs . ` | '| | . : ` . | | World's Famous Animals! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/famousanimals.html --- ...Love this one! Thanks Johanna! It's nice to find out what the image was about too. =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: "What is told in the ear of a man is often heard 100 miles away." - Chinese Proverb There's bad gossip, and good gossip. Unfortunately, we need a lot more good gossip. Today, Beth explains how good gossip can turn into unexpected blessings in peoples' lives. Try it yourself and see what happens! \||/ ,--. | o|o //OO\\ | _| ||c || |(_ | /| `--' `--' azc >BEHIND THEIR BACKS by Beth Fryer Talking behind someone's back is considered rude and mean. People say nasty things! Gossip, even slander. All kinds of criticism from looks to work habits to personality. The other day at lunch I was part of a whole group of colleagues, and we were talking behind our boss's back. She's the new principal of our middle school. It's her first year as our boss, though she was "one of us" for some years. Pretty awkward position! And we had quite a lot to say. We talked about how kind she is to us. She hand writes notes to wish us happy holidays, or to thank us for jobs well done. She checks on us when she knows we're facing difficulties outside of school with our health or with our families. We talked about the good role model she is for the young women in our building. The fair but firm way she treats students and parents. All this as she is replacing another well-respected boss. His shoes were hard to fill, and we talked about the fine job she's doing. I thought about that after lunch was finished and we had gone our separate ways. Sometimes we have the good fortune to be part of another kind of "talking behind their backs." All too often, when we talk NICE behind someone's back, they never know about it! I sent her a quick email to report the conversation. She replied saying how much she appreciated hearing about it, how it made a bright spot in a tough week of testing and a death in her family. I've done the same after such chats about the wonderful custodian we all adore. We often talk about how lucky we are to have her, but she's here after many of us are gone for the day. She was delighted to hear it when I told her that so many teachers are singing her praises. When I overheard conversations about the retirement of our superintendent -- an announcement that was met with sadness -- I thought he should know how we felt. So I made sure he did. I'm guessing a boss must be pleased to hear that his employees are sorry to hear he's leaving and that they respected him and appreciated the job he's done. Cards and emails are great, but maybe it's just extra heartwarming to know that kind words are being said even "behind your back." I like to do the same for my students. Of course I give them my own compliments, but I love to let them know when other adults have noticed their good behavior and attitudes. I want them to know that we aren't spending our lunch and meeting times complaining about them ALL the time! I want them to know that we often express our pleasure in working with this particular group of kids, and I want them to know why! I beam when someone notices how my teenage grandchildren are turning into such fine young people. Then it's absolutely necessary to let THEM know it too! I want them to know that people notice them, and that it matters when what they notice is good and praiseworthy. I've known from the other side how much this can mean. I often lack confidence in my own abilities as a teacher, so it gave me quite a lift when a friend who works with families in the community mentioned that he has heard several times from parents how glad they are to have their kids in my class. It just feels more important somehow to have the words said by people who don't know I'll ever hear them -- when they can be totally honest. Great to hear it. And great to share! Sure, it's pleasant when we can say nice things about other people. It feels good! And I think it's a special compliment for people to know of the times when others are saying nice things even out of ear shot. Watch for your next opportunity to be the reporter! Make sure to tell them about the nice things being said behind their backs! Because how will they know unless we tell them? -- Beth Fryer __________________________________________________ Beth says, "I'm at teacher in Pennsylvania and spend my spare time reading and loving my family -- both 2-legged and 4-legged!" --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Yes God wants us to build up our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to lift each other up which God calls edifying. Rom.14: [19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Eph.4: [29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. If we did this more often, perhaps we'd see more peace, love and grace. As believers, we especially need this. The world is full of negatives that work against us to tear us down. That is why God wants us to build each other up. God wants us happy and rejoicing in Him. The devil wants us negative so we reap negatives that work to knock us down. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Remember God's two Laws: Giving = Receiving and Believing = Receiving If you give negatives, you what? That's right - you GET Negatives! The more you give positives, the more positives you get which influence your believing to be happy so you get more happiness. It all works together. God says it this way. 3 John 1: [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Phil.4: [4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. After all, you don't want hate to consume your life like those in the left that spew hate 24/7 over anything Trump related. They have let their hatred control them and derange their way of thinking so that anything Pres. Trump does is somehow bad. Like wanting to get rid of the criminal illegals that Biden let in by using ICE. Or letting the police do their job in arresting violent protesters. They would rather arrest those reporting on the violence instead. They have such hatred that they haven't even allowed our Coast guard, FEMA Border Control or Secret Service to be paid for months because Homeland Security includes ICE which Congress has almost fully paid from the Big Beautiful bill they passed last year. NO paying Homeland Security they say because of ICE! Crazy. Imagine not getting a pay check for months on end yet still going to work? That is what the Secret Service members did as they worked the White House Correspondence dinner last Saturday. Thank God they were there to stop in his tracks a 31 year old man with a shotgun, handgun and several knives that wanted to take out as many top officials and Pres. Trump as he could or anyone that got in his way to getting at them! There was approximately 2,600 attendees there! Praise God no one got hurt! ( ) |\ _,--------._ / | | `.,' `. / | ` ' ,-' ' \/_ _ ( / (,-.`. ,',-.`. `__,' |/#\ ),-','#\`= ,'.` | `._/) -'.\_,' ) ))| / (_.)\ . -'// ( /\____/\ ) )`'\ \ |V----V|| ' , \ |`- -- -' ,' \ \ _____ ___ | .' \ \ `._,-' `- `.__,`---^---' \ ` -' -.______ \ . / ______,- `. ,' ap The Democrats are so full of hate, that they don't care about securing our country by getting rid of terrorists, child traffickers, drug traffickers, rapists and murderers that are here illegally. In our time of war, they are not concerned with paying the Coast Guard that is keeping us safe. Also they don't care if people suffer with FEMA not being funded for any disasters that they are experiencing from wild fires, tornadoes, hurricanes etc. The Democrats' hate goes so far as to spread their made up lies about Trump being in cahoots with Russia and him being a pedophile linking him with Jeffrey Epstein. They liken him to Hitler and call him a raciest fascist. All are lies. It has been proven that all those impeachments of Trump for Russia collusion was a hoax made up by Hillary Clinton so as not to get him elected when she was running against him. They kept it up after he was elected to try and get him out of office. They said he was like Hitler when he has done more for our alley Israel and the Jews than other Presidents before him. They smeared him saying he was connected to Epstein and was a pedophile. Trump kicked Epstein out of Mar-a- largo way back in 2007 before all this came about Epstein. When Trump saw him hitting on a teen there and trying to steal Trump's help, he got rid of him and reported him as well. He had nothing to do with Epstein after that. Even Bill Clinton testified under oath before Congress that as far as he knew, Trump had never been to Epstein's Island - and he should know since he was there many times. All this hate has spewed out to the left leaning media and our colleges who spread it like it's butter. Our youth get indoctrinated into believing the lies. Those who are a bit tilted act out like this college grad did on Saturday and the others before him. This was the third attempt on Trump's life and if you count the man that went to Mar-A-Largo with a full gas can that the guards caught, you can say it is the fourth. Yet the left Dems refuse to tone down their rhetoric. That is why some psychologists agree that they are experiencing TDS - Trump Derangement Syndrome. Pure hate is of the devil just as pure love is of God Almighty. So the more you hate, the more you are in line with Satan, the devil. Likewise, the more you love, the more you are in line with God the Father of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Think good positive thoughts and you'll get good positive results. Fill your mind with hate and you get negatives happening more in your life. I don't know about you, but I'll choose God over the devil every single time! _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See these teachings: The Law of Believing http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Believing/Believing.htm GIVING EQUALS RECEIVING http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/GIVING_EQUALS_RECEIVING.htm Joy Is An INSIDE Job http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Joy_Is_An_INSIDE_Job.htm =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Rules for Freedom (edited) "Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.1 In the days of one-room schoolhouses, Miss Tomlin, the new teacher, thought it a good idea to lay some ground rules. She invited the students to give their suggestions. Together the class came up with 10 rules for their classroom. Then Miss Tomlin asked, "Now what do we do if one of those rules is broken?" After much discussion a punishment was decided upon. Several months into the school year everyone had been following their rules perfectly, until one day, a little girl named Mary leaned over to her friend. "Susan... do you have a pencil I can borrow?" Before she could get a response, Miss Tomlin spoke, "Mary, I'll need to see you after school." As the large school bell rang, Miss Tomlin dismissed everyone. "Mary, could you please come here?" Miss Tomlin said, "Do you remember the rules we decided upon at the beginning of the school year?" Mary nodded. "They are posted over there." Mary said."Can you read rule #4 for me?" asked Miss Tomlin "If you have something to say, raise your hand." Mary said. "You broke the rule. Do you remember the punishment that was decided upon?" Mary nodded as she remembered, "Three strikes with a ruler to the back of the hand." Mary held out her hand with her eyes closed tightly waiting for the intense pain of the ruler and flinched when she felt something touching her hand. But it was not a ruler. She opened her eyes and was shocked to see the hand of her older brother Billy covering her hand. Billy spoke up, "Miss Tomlin, it is true that Mary broke one of the rules that we as a class set up. And it is also true that there would be a punishment for breaking one of those rules. But it does not say who has to receive the punishment for breaking one of those rules. So I would like to take the punishment for my sister."2 God set rules for us as well... rules on how to live a full and holy life. Rules meant not just to be obeyed, but a loving way to live. He gave us the freedom to choose our way. When we chose to break His rules and sin instead, Jesus put His life above ours and took our punishment. Suggested prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me enough to take the punishment that I deserve. Fill me with the desire to follow God's rules, the ones made in love for me. Thank you my Lord, Amen. 1. Psalm 119:34 (NIV). 2. Excerpt taken from semoncentral.com Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Eternal Life - A Real Promise (edited) 'He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.' Our society is fascinated by longevity. While desiring a long life is natural, the Bible encourages us to remember that our mortal existence is not all there is. No pill or diet can extend our days beyond the number God has ordained. But we can live forever in a perfect home by believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and trusting Him as our Savior, then we receive the gift of eternal life. Although we are promised a place in heaven, the life we experience now or later has nothing to do with location. The true value is that we are and will always be in the presence of God. We will be completely healed and forever with the One who loves us beyond our imagination. 1 John 5:1 tells us, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. Verse 12 expands on that concept: "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." It is through Him that we have the promise of eternity (Romans 6:23). Reaching a healthy old age is a laudable goal, but nothing is more important than receiving the Savior and enjoying what is to come "the gift" of living forever in His presence. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, what a beautiful promise you offer us giving us eternal life. Because of Your unconditional love for mankind, You sent Your Son Jesus so that everyone who believes in Him will no longer perish but have eternal life. Thank you for such a precious gift. Help me to treasure it in my heart to live a life that honors and glorifies you. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. 1. 1 John 5:10-11 (KJV). Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...You accept Jesus Christ as your Lord Once you say out loud Jesus Christ is my Lord and believe in your heart of hearts that God raised him from the dead, you are given the spiritual gift of Christ in You! You have eternal life! All hell can't take it away from you! Just as you are bound with the earthly seed of your dad and mom, you are bound by the heavenly spiritual seed of God. You become His child forever. 1 John 3: [2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he (Christ) shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. What an awesome Promise! Check out more with these teachings here: The Promises of God! http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Promises.htm When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== _ /_/_ .'''. =O(_)))) ...' `. jgs \_\ `. .''' `..' >-->God Did It I heard on Fox that Melania was going to give the King and Queen of England honey from her hive at the White House. I thought that was pretty cool as I heard she had a new hive in the shape of the White House. But to see this - wows me! How awesome! "The Bees Were Told, And It Wasn’t Just a Photo Op. During King Charles III’s White House visit, President Trump walked the royal couple straight to the newly expanded beehives on the South Lawn. Melania had just unveiled a hive shaped like the White House itself. See Here: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/2026/bees2.jpg Then a live bee landed calmly on Trump's open palm while the King and Queen watched in surprise. See Here: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/2026/bees1.jpg This wasn’t random. In ancient British and Scottish tradition, especially among royal and rural families, you must formally 'tell the bees' of any major change in the household: a death, a marriage, a new master of the house. Fail to do so and the hive may abandon you. When Queen Elizabeth II passed in 2022, the royal beekeeper performed the ritual at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House: 'The Queen is dead. Long live the King.' Today Trump, a distant Scottish Stuart cousin of the royals, publicly showed the thriving American hives to the King. In the esoteric reading, this was a modern 'telling of the bees' for the post-Elizabeth era: a symbolic handover and alignment of the two 'hives' (the nations/societies themselves) under new stewardship. This was a very public demonstration: Trump standing tall as the one in charge, and the King quietly capitulating on American soil. The bees, and the world, just witnessed who holds the hive now." https://tinyurl.com/k7n6wwa3 _ /_/_ .'''. =O(_)))) ...' `. jgs \_\ `. .''' `..' It reminded me immediately of WHO did it - God Did It! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tj027KcAUg "Lyrics: Ain’t nobody but God did it There’s no way around Some things you can’t explain away Too good for me to doubt I met him at a time when his life was breakin’ down Lost his job and his wife He was 98 pounds on a good day And there weren’t too many of ‘em Told me he’s hard to live with, much less to love him He asked me if I’d pray, but he didn’t say when So I stopped in that parkin’ lot and went right in Said “God, would You give him all the hope that You’re known for? The kind that brings dead men up from the cold floor?” It was one year six months to the day That I saw him pullin’ up to his place With his wife, newborn on the way And all he really had to say was Ain’t nobody but God did it (God did it) There’s no way around Some things you can’t explain away Too good for me to doubt Said nobody but God did it (God did it) Showered me in love When it looked like it was over He went and did just what He does God did it Ain’t nobody, ain’t nobody But God did it Ain’t nobody, ain’t nobody but God Ain’t nobody, ain’t nobody But God did it Ain’t nobody but God did it Ain’t nobody but God Brokenhearted on the front row of my show I see you out there hangin’ on Don’t you let go Even though you don’t love His timin’ You still believe in the story He’s writin’ So, hold on (We’re countin’ on the long game) Hold on (You’re ‘bout to see the real thing) Hold on And we’ll be saying at the end of it all When life was pushin’ down Prayers were goin’ up God did it, God did it #TobyMac #GodDidIt God Showing Pres. Trump after yet another assignation attempt that God Almighty is on his side! Praise God! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ,-. ,-. ,-. ,----. ,----.,-. ,----. ,-. | `. \ `.| \\ .--`\ \"L \\ \\ .-._\ | `. o!0 | |. `. \ \ ` L \\ __\ \ . < \ \\ \ __ | |. `. | .--. `.\ \`-'\ \\ `---.\ \L `.\ \\ `-` \| .--. `. `-' `--``' `-'`----' `-'`-' `' `----'`-' `--' >The Faces of America Part 1 The stories of William (Bill Rotramel) as told to B.J. Cassady In 1939 I joined the military because I felt war was inevitable. I believed the people who received proper training would be the most apt to survive the war. I had been in the Naval Reserve for two years, but the Army pulled my heart. The difference was I could enlist in the army for two years whereas the navy required a four year enlistment. I wanted to be a radio operator. The army said if I enlisted I could go to Hawaii for two years. That excited me and made the difference. After basic I was sent as unassigned infantry to the territory of Hawaii. I went to Schofield Barracks for six weeks of additional training. I went from private to private first class because I was already had an amateur radio license. I was a Radio Man. I started training Radio Telegraph operators, which was my first assignment. I was in the 21st Infantry Brigade Headquarters Company. During the next two years I did a lot of sightseeing and hiking all over Hawaii on the island of Oahu. I had a wonderful collection of pictures... but they are on the bottom of the pacific ocean. A jap sub sank the boat that had my photos on it, but we got the sub while on a anti-sub patrol. Dec 7th, 1941 at a little after 9am I heard an explosion outside the mess. I went outside and saw a jap plane flying low over the road outside the building machine guns blazing at an anti-aircraft installation. I recognized the rising sun emblem on the side of the plane. I slipped into my military mode and into survival gear. Three of us ran to our boat (we were assigned to a supply ship that is still in operation on Guam). I could see plumes of smoke, hear the sounds of explosions, and people running everywhere. We were hit and hit hard. While running along towards the boat, the three of us were ducking machine gun fire, when Boom! a bomb exploded close to me. The men with me were gone. Two of the victims of the attack. I had some shrapnel wounds but didn't notice them until later. My boat was loaded with ammo, explosives, etc. A few of us were trying to protect it as best as we could another man and I were carrying beams to cover the hatch when a 20mm shell hit the beam by my arm. I knew I had lost a limb, but no, the shell just hit the beam and missed me by a hair. What happened during the attack was similar to Tora Tora and the movie Pearl Harbor (without the romance). Fires had to be put out, wounded had to be attended to and the dead had to be buried. Men who lived such as I, were issued weapons. We did not know if an invasion was coming or if another air attack would occur. I received three purple hearts during WWII, but the men who fought with me to save the ammo never received a medal. We were lucky. If the japs had a real leader they would have hit us again and destroyed our fuel supplies. The islands were open to invasion. B.J. Cassady Guthrie, Oklahoma -<>- ,-. ,-. ,-. ,----. ,----.,-. ,----. ,-. | `. \ `.| \\ .--`\ \"L \\ \\ .-._\ | `. o!0 | |. `. \ \ ` L \\ __\ \ . < \ \\ \ __ | |. `. | .--. `.\ \`-'\ \\ `---.\ \L `.\ \\ `-` \| .--. `. `-' `--``' `-'`----' `-'`-' `' `----'`-' `--' >Faces of America William (Bill) Rotramel Pt 2 Being a radio operator in the early part of WWII, allowed one to be on ships, planes on the ground and even some special operations. One of the special operations was to be put ashore by a sub via raft with three other men on islands in the pacific with the intention of putting radio beacons on the highest point of the island. Most of these landings went without a hitch but one got a bit hairy. We landed and worked our way up to the highest point, and just after we finished setting up the beacon, we were almost trapped by a larger jap force. We avoided being encircled and hid in the jungle. One day, then another passed. We were getting hungry so we worked our way through the jungle to where we could see the shore. Luck would have to save us. Lady Luck did not desert us. A small Japanese boat landed with two officers getting out. We waited .... and waited... then we stole their boat. Was the sub still there waiting for us? We were lucky the sub was there and we lived to fight another day. B.J. Cassady Guthrie, Oklahoma -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >LISTEN TO ME Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. I know, I already gave you the 10 Commandments. Keep them. But follow these guidelines, also: 1. QUIT WORRYING Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way? 2. PUT IT ON THE LIST Something needs to be done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize. 3. TRUST ME Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs. YOUR problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask. 4. LEAVE IT ALONE Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job. 5. TALK TO ME I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend. 6. HAVE FAITH I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be? 7. SHARE You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none. 8. BE PATIENT I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush. 9. BE KIND Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences. 10. LOVE YOURSELF As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to Me. Don't ever forget that! With all my heart, I love YOU! Your GOD and Father -- Author Unknown -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Beautiful Rare Flowers!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rareflowers.html Animal Moms 7!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalmoms7.html Dogs!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogs.html Kid Lessons!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidlessons.html Why God Gave Us Pets!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpets.html Rich Vs Poor!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/richvspoor.html Hummingbirds!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humming.html Pay It Forward!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/payitforward.html Animal Friends!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalfriends3.html Think Happy Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/happythoughts.html It's A Dog's World!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogsworld.html Bibi's Rescue!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogrescue.html Ricochet The Surf Dog!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ricochet.html Suryria And Roscoe!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/orang2.html Friends: Lion, Tiger and Bear!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/liontigerbear.html Thank You God!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thankgod.html One Word Essay!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/essay.html Thank You Lord!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thanks.html Best Playmate!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/playmate.html Sweet Animals With Flowers!- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/animalswithflowers.html Pets Left Home Alone 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/petshome2.html Small Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smallthoughts.html Why God Gave Us Puppies!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whypuppies.html Our Valuable Anchor!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html You Are The Only You God Has!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Bible Study Menu!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/BibleStudy.html Mother's Day INDEX!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/momsanddadsindex.html -<>- How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Spirit & Truth Index: https://stfi.org/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ TrumpRx doesn't sell medications. Instead, it connects patients directly with the best prices, increasing transparency and cutting out costly third-party markups. https://trumprx.gov/ White House Actions - 2026 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump executive orders and actions, 2025-2026 https://tinyurl.com/musd7m3x DOGE Latest News https://doge.gov/ DOGE Latest Savings https://doge.gov/savings From The Daily Acorn: Positive News https://www.thedailyacorn.com/ Latest From Lifezette: https://www.lifezette.com/ Latest From Hannity: https://hannity.com/ Latest From American Action News: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Newsmax: https://www.newsmax.com/ Latest From Expose: https://expose-news.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://greatergood.com/clicktogive/ggc/home ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Step Of Faith Today was a busy day! Early this morning we heard that King Herod killed John the Baptist. Jesus seemed to take this news pretty hard; "When Jesus heard what had happened, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place" (Matthew 14:13). I knew He wanted to be alone, but the crowds kept following Him. Soon there were "about five thousand men, besides women and children" (Matthew 14:21). When it started to get late we tried to send the people home, but Jesus had everyone sit down and He fed them with "five loaves of bread and two fish" (Matthew 14:17). What a day!! Finally, Jesus sent us across the Sea of Galilee; "After leaving them, He went up on a mountain to pray" (Mark 6:46). I'm glad Jesus is getting some time alone, but I wish He was here right now. It's dark and the waves are so high. Wait, there's something out there; something, or someone, walking on the water; "It's a ghost, they said, and cried out in fear" (Matthew 6:26). No, I think it's Jesus! Matthew 14:28-29 "'Lord, if it's You,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come to You on the water.' 'Come,' He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." When we read these stories in the Bible we often forget that these were ordinary people involved in something very extra-ordinary. When Peter took that first step onto the water, there was nothing within his physical senses which told him the water would hold. The boat was being tossed by the wind and waves, and Peter certainly had many past experiences which told him that heavy objects sink in water, that his step would fail. But Peter KNEW Jesus. He had spent time with Jesus; he walked with Him, talked with Him, prayed with Him, and witnessed His miracles. Peter knew the face of Jesus and knew His voice. He knew if Jesus said "Come," He would also provide a way for him to follow. Jesus made the water solid, but only when and where Peter stepped - only after he stepped out in faith and in response to the call. The step of faith is needed for any situation which requires a solution beyond what our physical senses can understand. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). The situation may be related to relationships, finances, jobs, or ministry opportunities. But it may also be related to raising children, challenges at school, the apparent inability to forgive, or anything else which requires us to operate outside the comfort of the boat. God calls us to a life of faith. We must spend quality time with our Lord so we can recognize His voice, but when God says "Come," our only response is to step. Our past experiences may scream it's not possible and that we will fail; we may not see solid ground, but we must trust that the One who called will provide the solid foundation. Let's trust Him to provide a way beyond what we can see or understand. Let's fully trust Him with each and every step of faith! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Judges 9:22-10:18; Luke 24:13-53; Psalm 100:1-5; Proverbs 14:11-12 <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >God Made It Grow Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church to correct several problems. The Corinthian's needed instruction in marriage, Christian freedom, worship, and various issues which tended to cause division. He also rebuked the church for quarreling about whom they followed: "You are still worldly... For when one says, 'I follow Paul,' and another, 'I follow Apollos,' are you not mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:3,4). Apollos was a good teacher, but Paul reminds us that all ministers of the Gospel - all preachers, teachers, parents, and anyone else who desires to share Biblical truths - are simply servants through whom God accomplishes His work. We become worldly and fail to live according to the Spirit of God any time we become followers of a specific minister or feel personally responsible for someone's growth and maturity. 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 "What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." We must always remain exclusive followers of Jesus Christ! Though He may use many others to assist in the process, God must receive ALL the credit and glory for our growth and also for the growth of others. We can teach truth with our words and demonstrate truth with our lives, but we can never cause someone to accept the truth or even grow to a deeper understanding. Our instructions are to plant the seed of His Word and water with discipleship, prayer, and encouragement at every opportunity; "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). As we plant and water, it's normal to want to see some growth. We may desire to see blossoms overnight, but God is growing a mighty shade tree with deep roots and wide branches that will not break in the wind - and this kind of growth takes time. We may never see the eternal results of our effort, but we must patiently continue to plant and water, and trust God to accomplish His work; "{My Word} will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I have sent it" (Isaiah 55:11). Each of us knows someone who needs to know our Heavenly Father in a more personal way. And there are great ministry opportunities placed in our path every day. Let's obediently follow by being well nourished and casting forth the seed and water of His Word without becoming discouraged. Let's remember we are the servants through whom He works, but let's always remember that God makes it grow! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ? Joshua 21:1-22:20; Luke 20:1-26; Psalm 89:1-13; Proverbs 13:15-16 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >DWELLING HIGH The Resurrection. So that’s awesome, but what does that exactly mean for me today? I mean, how does it apply to my life on a day to day basis? I’ve always loved the “idea” of the resurrection: After Christ died on the cross and was buried, He was brought back to life and ascended into Heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father. But how on earth does this apply to me, right here, right now in the flesh—going deeper than just having head knowledge of it? After all, this is something the Heavenly Father wants for us: to figure out what the resurrection personally means to us. And it even almost sometimes sounds magical too, but it is in fact so much more than that. It carries such real-life, ramifications for us today. How? Well, that’s probably the most important question you could ask and I hope seeking the answer changes and blows up your life-- for the good that is. For me, the resurrection is the equivalent of feeling, breathing, experiencing, and dwelling in LIFE--life for your spirit which carries over to your soul, body, mind and emotions here on earth as we connect to the Heavenly Father. Eternal life is not just something we experience after we die. The resurrection of Jesus is what pours living oxygen into our beings; it’s what gives our hearts “breath.” It’s what connects us, like an umbilical cord, to the heartbeat of the Father and all of His authority. As we share in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are given an undeniably, amazing amount of kingdom authority and intimate connection to our Father. As it is in Heaven, all of its blessings one by one are given to us, right now, here on earth. This comes by faith, so the only prerequisite to experiencing this is believing and receiving our Lord Jesus Christ. And He indeed wants for us to walk this out with Him and attain the life and authority He has been given as He’s seated at the right hand of the Father. Our job is to find and search out what that life and authority is for us--as we share in His resurrection--on a day to day basis. Or in other words, “breaking it down for ourselves and making it real.” Jesus dying on the cross was only the beginning. It’s all about what happened afterward, the resurrection, and what is now currently taking place: Jesus is dwelling in the utmost, glorified and lively place that has ever existed or will ever exist, sitting intimately at the side of our dear Father in Heaven. And WE get to share that with Him as we receive Him in our hearts. An infusion of that life is literally downloaded into our minds, bodies and souls “as it is in Heaven” every single day. It’s so amazing to have him in our hearts and share in His present, every day glory. Thank you Jesus not only for your death, but for the life you now dwell in and share with us as you’ve been resurrected. Scripture of the day: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” – Colossians 3:1 -- M. Suzanne Shunk Received from: Streaming Faith Daily Devotional -<>- _|_ | _|_ //_/\ __| ||____ ////////////\ /////////////\\ |^^^^^^^^^^||+| | # # # |||| .... ....". ||||||||||||||||| unknown >RUSH In several business meetings, I have listened to varied suggestions on how the worship should be shortened -- "Use more trays," "omit a song," "cut the sermon"... In all of this thinking, there seems to be the underlying premise that a shorter service is a better service -- that efficiency means more efficacy. Are we rushing through our worship so that we may hasten to feed the poor, to preach to our neighbors, to lift up the heathen? NO. We rush so that we may get a tasty, sumptuous meal or so that we can watch our favorite TV program or take a nap or read a newspaper, or play golf or go on an outing. If none of these attracts us, we may rush because we are nervous and have the habit of doing everything in a hurry. We sing, "Take Time To Be Holy," but we don't have time to meditate, to praise, to listen to the word in a relaxed atmosphere. There is pressure by more worldly members to "pay our respects" to God in the smallest capsule of time possible. Movies and TV programs are getting longer, but periods of worship are being compressed. Why? Is it because we are so spiritual that we don't need more time to be holy? Or is it lack of appetite for spiritual food? Do we hunger and thirst after righteousness or do we fret when the Lord's Supper take more time than newscast? Time is precious, and we should "redeem the time." Our periods of worship should be planned so that our worship will be more effective. Let us take time to be holy -- time for more spiritual songs -- for sermons that are long enough to convince the sinner and edify the Christian. Let us take time to promote activities of the church which will build us up in the most holy faith -- time for meditation on the meaning of the Lord's Supper. Time for silence -- to be still and know that God is with us. M. Norvel Young, "Are We Rushing Through Our Worship?" KneEmail: "Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy." Psalm 99:9 Bible reading for 04.10.12: Luke 10:25-42; 1 Samuel 15, 16 as seen in KneEmail -<>- ,;;;;;, ,;;;;;;;;, ;;;'____ ; ;;;(\\\\\; `/'((||||| ___< C))|||| ,' \__(((||), | \ _)))))))\,_ /| |/"\`\`""""' |) ; \ \ ) \_____/_| | |\ \' _.,-' | | ' \ \.,-' _./ | ( _,-\ _.-'' | ; "'|___\__.-' ; ) |----| _.--,;' ; ,' , | ( __.,-' | ,' ,' `""'' `. | ; ) `, ( ) | ( ,' | | ( | | | | | | | |___________| | | | | Normand Veilleux based on work by Tua Xiong >SAVORING HIS PRESENCE Watching my kids grow up was a wonderful experience ... I recall one afternoon giving my baby girl (Jeana) 6 jellybeans and telling her that she could not have anymore after she was finished eating them...After practically inhaling the first five, Jeana lingered over the final one. She sucked on it, took it out of her mouth, bit into it, sucked on it some more, then gnawed at the outer shell. Knowing that this was her last jellybean, she took a full 30 minutes to eat the treat completely. I watched my little girl with amusement as she was learning the value of savoring... enjoying taste and texture and learning to draw out every bit of flavor from the jellybeans. Now to the meat.., God wants us to savor His presence. He allows us to gain intimate and satisfying knowledge of Him. And when we mediate on His Word, we will draw out a deeper understanding of who He is. As we taste His goodness and love, He will reveal the distinctive flavor of His sovereignty, holiness, and faithfulness. Surely our Father must look on with enjoyment as we learn how to enjoy and savor Him. --Tommy Johnson, via Facebook (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) -<>- ,-----. W/,-. ,-.\W ()>a a<() (.--(_)--.) ,'/.-'\_/`-.\`. ,' / `-' \ `. / \ / \ / `. ,' \ / / `-._.-' \ \ ,-`-._/| |=|o |\_.-< <,--.) |_____| |o____| )_ \ `-)| |// _ \\| )/ || |' | `| || | | | || ( )|( ) || | | | || | | | || |_.--.|.--._| || /'""| |""`\ [] `===' `===' hjw >WHY (Remembrance Day) “There is no need to go,”a loved one says, “Your buddy would understand.” “Was there never a need to go then?” he asks, His cane shaking in his hand. “Was it useless then? Did we go for naught? Did I watch my friends die in vain? How can I not go out today In the biting wind and the rain? They ran out on death’s battlefields With their clothes clinging wet to their skin, Sometimes in pain—in snow and in rain — And hunger gnawing within. And they often fell with their rifles aimed, Lying motionless in death, While others flailed helplessly about, Struggling for every breath. And I, one of the more fortunate, Returned to my home to mourn The death of my comrades –– valiant, strong –– And rue the day I was born.” Shivering in the cold they stand, Crippled and wheezing and lame, Attempting to throw their shoulders back; Forgetting each other’s name. The high school band watched the maimed old men And wondered why they came. Joyce Macbeth Morehouse Copyright/30/11/2009 -<>- a. ---._ _`8P . ` \`| ___.8 / ( / __(P --. \ \( ( _. \\\ ___ |/_ ` \ `_,/ \--( ">'__.(-' `-/ `- \_( _____..stuMBLE (__.----. (_ ] `\__(\|/ | `" | [________________a:f____________________ >TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS YOU MUST RISK SOME FAILURE by Dan Miller What we could see as punishment may actually be a necessary step toward success. Within a few seconds after birth, a baby giraffe struggles to its feet. Shortly afterward, however, the mother will knock it over from that first wobbly stance. This process is repeated each time the baby struggles to its feet until the young giraffe has the strength to stand in a firm and unwavering position. What seems like an unkind and cruel act is in fact of vital importance to the survival of the young animal. It is, in fact, an act of love by the mother for its child. For the baby giraffe, the world is a dangerous place and it must quickly learn how to respond to unexpected challenges and get back up on its feet. Now I don’t imagine that the baby giraffe welcomes being knocked around or particularly thanks Mom for the experience. I doubt that the little guy understands that there is an important lesson being learned. Is there perhaps a life principle here that we try to avoid as well? What does “failure” teach us? Should we avoid it at all costs? Does failure chip away at our fragile egos and lessen our chances of ultimate success? We should never give up. Research shows us that entrepreneurs fail an average of 3.8 times before they finally make it in a business venture. They recognize that three steps forward and two steps backward still have a net result of one step of progress. If you can decide to see your own “failures” as a necessary part of your progress, you will separate yourself from the average person and put yourself into the category of potential high achiever. “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” - Thomas Edison Most people try to avoid failure like a bad disease. They cringe at the prospect and may stay in a safe but unchallenging position, an unfulfilling job, a familiar but boring career, at the bottom of the hill as others master the peak. “Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” -Henry Ford Embrace failure as a legitimate step in the right direction. See it as a stepping stone toward the success you want. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` From the Bible “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10 (KJV) Describe a time when you felt you were being “knocked down” only to realize later that the experience saved you or made you wiser. as seen in Love Your Work --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching Never Give Up! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html 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: ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >Reconcile With One Another (By Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries, www.gdwm.org) Malachi served as a prophet to Israel about four hundred years before the birth of Jesus. He brought a message from God which reminded the people of His love, and rebuked them for their disrespectful worship. But through Malachi, God ended the Old Testament with a prophesy about future restoration. Malachi 4:5-6 "I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse." Just over four hundred years later, John the Baptist, "the Elijah who was to come" (Matthew 11:14), began to preach a message of repentance. The purpose of John's ministry was to prepare hearts for the coming of Jesus; "Prepare the way for the Lord" (Matthew 3:3). But according to Malachi, John would also cause the hearts of fathers and children to turn toward one another. When the spiritual fellowship between man and God was broken, a basic void was formed in man's heart which led to a breakdown in his earthly relationships. The moment we lost the ability to walk in perfect harmony with God, we also became filled with self-importance and pride, and lost the ability to truly love one another; "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have {true} fellowship with one another" (1 John 1:7). Walking close to God, through faith in Jesus, allows us to walk close with others; "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). God created us to be in fellowship with other people - even imperfect, hard to love people. Our quiet and peaceful times of study and prayer are essential for our Christian walk, but some of God's most important truths can only be learned as we stumble through difficult situations with others. Only there can we learn the difficulty of true grace and forgiveness; only there can some of our own deep sin (like pride, jealousy, and anger) be revealed. Many relationships are filled with past pain - particularly the relationships between husband and wife, and parent and child - but God's Word still stands as truth. He has provided the path to restoration; a path which begins with repentance, requires the cleansing of sinful pride, and leads to true love and forgiveness. Who do we need to reconcile with today? Full restoration requires the cooperation of both parties; but as a child of God, we can now cross the desert and begin to mend what is broken. Jesus died as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins in order that we may be reconciled with our Heavenly Father. He crossed ALL the way and completely mended our shattered heart! Let's walk in the light of His love and take the necessary steps to cross over and humbly reconcile with one another. 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 ========================================================== ,-'-. _., . ( '("'-' '). ( ' (( |. )\/( ) '( )) | () |" | | ') ( . ,-. ,-.. __.) /) / ' / / /) / / PjP >-->Through The Storms I did not know His love before, the way I know it now. I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow. I had it all, without a care, the "Self-sufficient" lie. My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky. I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace, I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place. But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled; The waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold. The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride. It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide. I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead, And so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head. His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand. He said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand." So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain. I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane. Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow. I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow. I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too. For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through. It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?" At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry. But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day. Through pain and strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way. And now I see as never before how great God's love can be. How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me! God worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough. He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!" Jesus raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease. He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace. I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong, I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong. Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good, For pain and tears have helped me grow as naught else ever could. I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me; If in the storm I'll love them more, that's where I want to be! -Unknown Author >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://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: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************