Proving Our Faith And More... :) 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 ================ __, ,___) _____) _____ ,_) ,_) ______) (--|__| _, _ _ (--(__-|- (--|__)_-|-,_' _ |_/ ', (--| \ _, _| |(_||_)|_)(_| ____)|. _| (_|| | |(_ | \ /_) _|__/(_|(_| ( | | ,_| ( ( \_, ( ,_| .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. *~* A Very Happy Blessed St. Patrick's Day To You And Yours! :) ================ >-->4 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friend Sheila. It is sure to give you plenty of smiles as you check out hilarious 'what could go wrong' things in people's lives. .----------. / .-. .-. \ / | | | | \ \ `-' `-' _/ /\ .--. / | \ | / / / / / | `--' /\ \ /`-------' \ \ Jym Dyer Life's Little OOPS 17! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops17.html --- ...HaHaHa! Love this series! Thanks Sheila! Our sizzling hot off the grill new page is from our friends Johanna, LouiseAu and PatDeE. It is one to give you some smiles and chuckles for your day! Check it out here: .-. .-. .-. .-. ( Y ) ( Y ) `| |` `| |` | 00|_ _|00 | | ,__) (__, | |,_| L_,| || || | \_, ,_/ | | | | | | | | | (` A `) (` A `) jgs '-' '-' '-' '-' No Words Necessary 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords4.html --- ...A perfect mood lifter! Thanks my friends! Our flaming hot new page is from our friend BettinaC. It is a sweet cat story sure to warm your heart. Check it out here: .--. `. \ \ \ . \ : . | . | : | | ..._ ___ | | `."".`''''""--..___ | | ,-\ \ ""-...__ _____________/ | / ` " ' `"""""""" . \ L (> \ / \ \_ ___..---. L `--' '. \ . \_ _/`. `.._ .' -. `. / __.-Y /''''''-...___,...--------.._ | / _." | / ' . \ '---..._ | / / / / _,. ' ,/ | | \_,' _.' / /'' _,-' _| | ' / `-----'' / | `...-' dp `...-' Story Of Capitan! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/storyofcapitan.html --- ...So Adorable! Thanks BettinaC! Our last too hot to handle new page comes from our friend LouiseAu. During the State of the Union address, President Trump gave out an award to this man for his outstanding service. Visit here to check it out... \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz Proud Of Our Troops 12! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops12.html --- ...Awesome! Most heartwarming! Thanks LouiseAu! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ,-'~~~~-. .-~~~~`-. .' \ / `. ,-'` \ / `-. / , `\/ .' \ ( `\ || /~ ) ~. `\ || /` .~ `~~._____ `\ || /` ____.~~` ___!!!GOOD>CLOVER ALERT by Kay Seefeldt Since childhood, I have had this special "gift" of finding four leaf clovers wherever they may be lurking. One sweet summer vacation day, several of my childhood friends and I were playing in a field filled with daisies, when I discovered a four leaf clover -- and then another, and another. The hunt was on. While my friends were unsuccessful, it wasn't long before I had bagged several four leaf clovers and a five leaf clover! Then I found a six leaf, then to my surprise and delight, a seven, an eight, and a nine. Many years later, upon opening my childhood Bible, dozens of dried, brittle memories of that day fell out bringing a smile to my face. I'd forgotten putting the clovers there for safe keeping. After marrying Roy, my second husband (another stroke of "luck") and moving to the house we live in now, he was working on his motorcycle in the front yard. When I took him out a glass of iced tea, I discovered he and the bike were practically rolling in a bed of four leaf clovers. Up to this point, Roy had never found a four leaf clover. Here was a prefect chance. How could he miss? Four leaf clovers were popping up everywhere. All he had to do was reach down and pick a clover, any clover. But try as he might, he couldn't see even one! Finally, I pointed my toe at the biggest one in the lot. At last, now he could say he'd at least picked one. Another time, while Roy and I were "flying" along the break down lane of Route 2 on our ten speed bikes, I squealed, "Hey, there's a four leaf clover!" He had the audacity to question my ability to recognize a four leaf clover while riding a bike. "As if you can see a four leaf clover doing forty miles an hour!" "Oh yeah, well let's turn around right now," I demanded and pedaled back to where I'd seen the clover. Standing there triumphantly, I crowed, "Here it is. Just like I said. Come see!" Looking down to where I held it between my fingers, Roy relented, "That's unbelievable!" He never questioned my unique talent after that. Last year, I spied a four leaf clover by the walkway as we carried groceries into the house. "Clover alert!" I chirped, and pointed in the general vicinity of where it was nestled among a host of threes. After staring at the ground for what seemed like an eternity, Roy finally "found" the four leaf clover. I am still hoping for the day when I can claim finding a ten leaf clover, and Roy finds a four leaf all on his own, without the assistance of the "lucky eye" he married. Do I believe in luck or coincidence? No way! Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights (James 1 :17). He puts the opportunity out there for us. It is up to the "lucky ones" to take advantage of this seeming serendipity. -- Kay Seefeldt ___________________________________________ Kay and her husband Roy live in Maine and share their home with six "lucky" and very spoiled feathered kids (fids). Kay paints landscapes and abstracts in watercolor and considers herself an experimental artist, as well as playing with new paints, papers, and delving into encaustic painting using an iron for a paint brush. She also teaches adults the basic techniques of watercolor and believes anyone can learn watercolor who has the desire. Kay feels she is truly blessed by God and hopes she doesn't take even the smallest blessing for granted. ---- .-"""""-. \ / |.-----.| __|_______|___ '--;-'```'-;--' / / 6_6 \ \ ( ( _) ) ) ( ( .__. ) ) ( `._`-'_.' ) /`'-._`"`_.-'`\ | /___```___\ | \ |___|L|___| / \/ `"` \/ /..,_______,..\ / /\ \ | ,-' `-, | \ `\ ,-'` / jgs __LI`--`\|`.__/ ( /\ LI\ `.___,-'` \ | '.__/ "May you always have work for your hands to do. May your pockets hold always a coin or two. May the sun shine bright on your windowpane. May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. " ---- .-"""""-. \ / |.-----.| __|_______|___ HAPPY '--;-'```'-;--' ST. PATRICK'S / / 6_6 \ \ DAY ! ( ( _) ) ) / ( ( .__. ) ) ( `._`-'_.' ) /`'-._`"`_.-'`\ | /___```___\ | \ |___|L|___| / \/ `"` \/ /..,_______,..\ / /\ \ | ,-' `-, | \ `\ ,-'` / jgs __LI`--`\|`.__/ ( /\ LI\ `.___,-'` \ | '.__/ "May you enjoy the four greatest blessings: * Honest work to occupy you. * A hearty appetite to sustain you. * A good woman to love you. * And a wink from the God above." =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Choice is Ours So he [the business owner] called him and said to him, "What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward."1 My husband and I were youth leaders for 10 years. Many of the teens we worked with came from broken or dysfunctional homes. They had seen abuse, addiction, alcoholism, and longed for love and affection. In counseling these teens, we were able to walk alongside many of them as they worked to overcome their past, studied hard, went on to college, and today have healthy families of their own and are successful. However, there are also a few of these teens we worked with who fell into addiction and continue struggling today. Many of them have children, but are not in healthy relationships. They were never able to resolve their past and this has affected their lives greatly. It is not what happens to us in life but how we react to it that makes the difference. Every human being in the same situation has the possibilities of choosing, either positively or negatively. It is not easy to break harmful cycles, but with God it is possible. It is true that children who grow up in a warm, loving, and caring family atmosphere are given a much greater start in life. However, there is no guarantee that they will become model citizens. They, too, like the rest of us, either consciously or unconsciously, make the choice in how they are going to live their life. If we grew up in a less than desirable home atmosphere, we can choose to feel sorry for ourselves, play the blame game, and go through life without a goal or purpose and waste our life. Or, like many people who have suffered from childhood traumas, we can choose to make something worthwhile with our life, grow through our difficulties, and with God's help become the person He envisions for us to be. The choice is ours. Suggested prayer: Dear God, please help me to overcome any and all setbacks I may have had in the past, and, with your help, choose to invest my life wisely. When I give an account of my life before you one day, I want to hear your welcoming words, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord." In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.Ā 1. Luke 16:2 (NKJV). Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Check out these teachings ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/alcoholanddrugs.html OVERSEER http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/overseer.html <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Running on Empty (edited) "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing." ¯Max Lucado writes in 'God Came Near' One New Year's Day, in the Tournament of Roses parade, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit. It was out of gas. The whole parade was held up until someone could get a can of gas. The amusing thing was this float represented the Standard Oil Company. With its vast oil resources, its truck was out of gas. Often, Christians neglect their spiritual maintenance, and though they are clothed with power (Luke 24:49) find themselves out of gas. ¯God has equipped each of us with talents that make us unique, and it is our choice to use it to grow His Kingdom. While it is super important for us to serve others, it will be difficult to be effective in reaching out to others when our 'spiritual tanks'¯ are running empty. The best habit to create is spending time with God. Whether it be singing songs of worship, talking to him in prayer, or reading and mediating on His Word, we should be in consistent relationship with our Father. Joshua 1:8 tells us, 'Study this Book f Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.'¯ As you spend time with God, your 'tank'¯ will be filled, and you will have the needed tools to be an effective witness for Christ. God wants us to succeed, but He also reminds us that we can do nothing without Him. He is our strength, joy, and source of abundant life. If you are not spending time with God through Christ daily, I encourage you to start now. He is always with you, and wants to be part of all you do. He is your friend in whom you can trust. Let him refuel your spiritual tank today! Suggested prayer: Dear God, forgive me for ever thinking I could make it on my own. My soul is dry and thirsts for you. Thank you for your faithfulness. I know that you will fill me up when I abide in you. Help me bear much fruit for you. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1. John 15:5 Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See these teachings WALKING IN POWER! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html Speaking in Tongues: What It Is Not (Part 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEJCpOEuw-g Part 2 of 4 Speaking In Tongues: What It Is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3N3hmaHLTE Part 3 of 4 Speaking in Tongues: What Is It For https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nptK7vYy0yA Part 4 of 4 Speaking In Tongues: How to Do It https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKqyiVuDMeE =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .-------. |(~\o/~)| _.||\/X\/||._ ,-" || \ / || "-, ,' () ||o X o|| () ', / () ,-|| / \ ||-, () \ : o ,' ||/\X/\|| ', o ; .----------._).-.-.(_.----------. |\/)~~(\/\ ( ) /\/)~~(\/| |(X () X) .-.\ : /.-. (X () X)| |/\)__(/\/( .`:`. )\/\)__(/\| '----------( /|\ )----------' ; o ', |"` | `"| ,' o ; \ () '-| /o\ |-' () / ', () |(~\ /~)| () ,' '-._ ||\/X\/|| _.-' '|| \_/ ||' || X || ||\(/\/|| ||=)O(=|| ||/\/)\|| || X || || / \ || ||/\X/\|| jgs |(_/o\_)| '._____.' Following World War II some German students volunteered to help rebuild a cathedral in England, one that had been badly damaged by the Luftwaffe bombings. As the work progressed, they weren't sure how to best restore a large statue of Jesus with has arms outstretched and bearing the familiar inscription, "Come unto Me." They were able to repair all the damage to the statue except for Christ's hands which had been completely destroyed. Should they even attempt to rebuild these? Finally, the workers reached a decision that still stands today. They decided to leave the hands off and changed the inscription to read: "Christ has no hands but ours." --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching You Are The Only YOU God Has! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >Proven Ways To Get Along Better With Everyone Before you say anything to anyone, ask yourself 3 things: 1. Is it true? 2. Is it kind? 3. Is it necessary? Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully. Never miss the opportunity to compliment or say something encouraging to someone. Refuse to talk negatively about others; don't gossip and don't listen to gossip. Have a forgiving view of people. Believe that most people are doing the best they can. Keep an open mind; discuss, but don't argue. (It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable.) Forget about counting to 10. Count to 1,000 before doing or saying anything that could make matters worse. Let your virtues speak for themselves. If someone criticizes you, see if there is any TRUTH to what he is saying; if so, make changes. If there is no truth to the criticism, ignore it and live so that no one will believe the negative remark. Cultivate your sense of humor; laughter is the shortest distance between two people. Do not seek so much to be consoled, as to console; do not seek so much to be understood, as to understand; do not seek so much to be loved as to love. --Author Unknown -<>- -=- (\ _ /) (`\(")/') (`/\') \\/^\// / \ hjw / \ `-._.-' >What Happens in Heaven I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received." I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world. Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth. Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. "How is it that There's no work going on here?" I asked. "So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments." "How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked. "Simple," the angel answered. "Just say, "Thank you, Lord." -<>- __, .-'_-'` .' {` .-'````'-. .-'``'. .'(0) '._/ _.-. `\ } '. )) _<` )` | `-.,\'.\_,.-\` \`---; .' / ) ) '-. '--: ( ' ( ) '. \ '. ) .'( / ) )/ ( '. / '._( ) .' jgs ( ( `-. >THE FISH TANK At their school carnival, our kids won four free goldfish (lucky us!), so out I went Saturday morning to find an aquarium. The first few I priced ranged from $40 to $70. Then I spotted it-right in the aisle: a discarded 10-gallon display tank, complete with gravel and filter-for a mere five bucks. Sold! Of course, it was nasty dirty, but the savings made the two hours of clean-up a breeze. Those four new fish looked great in their new home, at least for the first day. But by Sunday one had died. Too bad, but three remained. Monday morning revealed a second casualty, and by Monday night a third goldfish had gone belly up. We called in an expert, a member of our church who has a 30-gallon tank. It didn't take him long to discover the problem: I had washed the tank with soap, an absolute no-no. My uninformed efforts had destroyed the very lives I was trying to protect. Sometimes in our zeal to clean up our own lives or the lives of others, we unfortunately use "killer soaps"-condemnation, criticism, nagging, fits of temper. We think we're doing right, but our harsh, self-righteous treatment is more than they can bear. --- , O }\ o ) \ .' `\ . ( }}< ( 6> ) ) ) / `, .' ( ( ( ( }/ ) ) ) ) ' ( ( ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ jgs ...Also It is important to let water sit for a day - fresh from the tap will kill fish. Also it is best to let the fish sit in a bag in the tank with their normal water while letting the water sit. This is so they can get used to the different temperature of their water verses the tank's water. We had an aquarium and I had to clean it often as a kid. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Applying this to the Bible - We need to let God's Word soak in and let it fully jell in our souls before we go swimming (witnessing) in the world to spread or teach it. Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." -<>- _ _( } -= _ << \ `.\__/`/\\ -= '--'\\ ` -= // jgs \) >"Life Happens" Now is when life happens. Now is when your efforts can turn your goals and dreams into your reality. Now is when what you say you're going to do becomes what you actually get accomplished. Now is when the value you intend to create can be surely and steadily brought into existence. Now is when you can put to use everything you've learned and all you've experienced. Now is when the opportunities and possibilities can be transformed into real fulfillment. Now is when you can mold your life and shape your world according to your highest and best vision. Now is when you can truly make a difference. Now is the time to act, for there is no other that's available to you. Yesterday cannot be changed and tomorrow is not yet here. What matters is what you're doing today, now that you have the opportunity to act. Now is when you can make it great, so live it for all it's worth. -Ralph Marston -<>- ___ /_\_\ |;-^-'| ; ._ d - j :. ,<%@. |-_-| / \ {_ _,l ___/\_ _/\_ \,< ___ <~L~>\. /___\_\'/_/_`-.( `___\ \ - |` /___ \ \|/|po /||_/-___L":--;" L _ \ \ |o|LY| |(n==\^\^''--`-,-_ [-><-]=3 || ^;| |`\ _')>\ /<__/\ |< !c)|o ; |;| "| _' \ \/ /po | |- | | ; ' |,-. |.V \/ |LY | |\__, _L |o : | / \ \||\ |o^ ^| | _|/| / _\__ : / 7 '<|`. | | | / |L/ < /\: | Y \ | \|' | | | |/ /_ | | | | \| A|. | | /| |/|PO| | || | | |V| | | || |<|LY| | || | |,| | |_ | / | | ^^ | | | | | |____| |" | | | | | | | | |#^' |4 \ | | | | | | |,| | |%_| | | |m | A \ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | / | / | | \ || | | | | | | / /| |__| || | | l | | |> / / | | \___/|_A_| | | | | / / | | | | || |m1a >BE LOYAL TO THOSE ABSENT by Dr. Stephen Covey Once I was at the Canadian border, and I went into this store where there was a "half-price sale" going on. I started looking at a leather coat marked 50 percent off. I was the only customer in the store, but there were two salespeople and the owner-manager. The manager said to me, "What a deal this is." He really sold me on it. The coat fit me well, and I liked it. I then said to him, "Even with this discount, it could be expensive. How much duty would I have to pay?" He said, "None. You don't have to pay anything on this." I said, "Well, it says on the customs form that I must declare everything I purchase abroad." He said, "Don't worry about it. Just wear it. Everyone else does it." I said, "But I signed the form." He said, "Listen, mister, everyone does it. They won't even ask you questions. Just wear the coat when you cross the border. Don't worry about it." And I said, "Well, the thing that worries me most is what these two gentlemen behind you might think now about how you will deal with them on matters of commission, career training, and things of this nature." The manager and the two salespeople all blushed. So What's the Big Deal? Now, you might say, "Every organization has its competitors and its enemies. Why is it such a big deal to talk about them in a cavalier or casual way?" It's a big deal because if you allow people around you to stereotype, castigate, and label others, you basically tell them that you would make snide remarks about them behind their backs. You tell them that you're not centered on principles; you're seeking gain, pleasure, or popularity at someone else's expense. If you talk loosely about a customer, you will likely talk loosely about employees. I think the key to the 99 is the one. If people know that if you treat one person with respect, then under a different circumstance you would likely treat them the same way, even if there was some strain or pressure added. In meetings, we often talk about people who are not in attendance in demeaning ways to undermine their position or cut their credibility in the eyes of others. Many times I have defended people who are absent from meetings. I won't allow people around me to label and castigate those who are absent. When a glib remark is made, I'll say, "Wait a minute. That's not the way we want to talk about people." I may also point out what good that person has done. I may also be critical of the person, but I would not be ashamed to have the person there. When you defend the integrity of a person who is absent, what does that say to those who are present? It says that you would do the same thing for them. Sure, it takes courage to speak up at the time. It's much easier to just say nothing. But I believe that if we have a chance to defend others or to speak up for our cherished beliefs and values, we need to do it. For example, I was talking to my son, Sean, about the debates at Harvard University regarding traditional family values. I counseled him not to take people on with a combative spirit and not to be the judge of others, but to speak up for the family and to do everything he can to preserve the traditional family. Other Ways to Be Loyal What are some other ways to be loyal? Here are seven. Defend the defenseless the outcast, the underdog, the low person on the totem pole, the minority, the scapegoat. I like what Dag Hammerskold said: "It is more noble to give yourself completely to one individual than to labor diligently for the salvation of the masses." When we attend to the one, it shows our character, and affects the many. Just look what we do in a democracy to preserve the rights of the one, even though we don't do it perfect justice. We aspire to the ideal of justice. Anticipate discussion and get clearance. Suppose you know in advance of a meeting where some controversial person and position will be discussed. It would be wise to call that person and say, "I know you can't be present, but would it be all right if I talk about you or represent your position in this way?" Call the person after the discussion and report what was said. You could call the person and say, "This is what happened, and this is what was said, and here is what we did." This is very important when you think what was said might get misrepresented. You might say, "I want to be clear on my intentions and what I said." Think of the customers who are not present. The whole quality movement focuses on the customer. Business has gradually come to realize that customers and suppliers - all stakeholders -must be treated with respect. Bring up the background of the person or the context of the event. With more geographic distance and cultural diversity, there's more potential for divisiveness and differences. When a person is being demeaned or talked about in a negative way, you may need to remind others: "This person is from a different culture or background, so rather than be such harsh critics, let's try to understand and give them the benefit of the doubt." Give people a chance to explain or defend their position or the circumstance in the next meeting. Every person wants his or her day in court a chance to explain what happened and why. Bring up the bright side, the positive side of the person. Once when I was meeting with members of a project team, team members started bashing a person whom they perceived to be a competitor. I said, "I don't think he would be comfortable with that judgment. I think he deserves better. He's one of the great presenters of our time." People often have an unconscious energy about negative gossip. They may sense that their name is being used in vain, that their enemies are conspiring against them. I think that's more common than we know. I think people have a sixth sense for when they're being slighted. Also, I see that many "idle words" spoken in "secret" or written without consideration are later published or broadcast. So, one of the best reasons for defending people who are absent is that those idle words - those character assassinations, hasty judgments, and poor decisions - won't come back to haunt you. --- ______ _\ _~-\___ = = ==(____AA____D \_____\___________________,-~~~~~~~`-.._ / o O o o o o O O o o o o o o O o |\_ `~-.__ ___..----.. ) `---~~\___________/------------````` = ===(_________D -Roland ...Yes I've been watching those 'Airport' shows. People get in big trouble - a huge fine - for not declaring an item when crossing back to the States. Certainly not a smart thing to do to 'lie'. That is the devil's way for sure... ( ) |\ _,--------._ / | | `.,' `. / | ` ' ,-' ' \/_ _ ( / (,-.`. ,',-.`. `__,' |/#\ ),-','#\`= ,'.` | `._/) -'.\_,' ) ))| / (_.)\ . -'// ( /\____/\ ) )`'\ \ |V----V|| ' , \ |`- -- -' ,' \ \ _____ ___ | .' \ \ `._,-' `- `.__,`---^---' \ ` -' -.______ \ . / ______,- `. ,' ap John 8: [44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. We certainly don't want to have any part of him! -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Mini Baby Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/baby.html Miracle Baby!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smellofrain.html Little Ones!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/litones.html ABC's Of Gorgeous Flowers!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abcflowers.html I Believe...!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html That's God!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html Garden Roses!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gardenroses.html All About Hugs!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hugs.html Sweet Humanity!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sweethumanity.html Butchart Gardens!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bgardens.html Montreal Gardens!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/montreal.html More Abundant Life!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abundantlife.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Top Reasons To Smile!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smile.html The Paradox Of Our Times!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/paradoxofourtimes.html Journey Through Life!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/journey.html Among The Orchids 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/orchids2.html Beautiful Exotic Birds!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/exoticbirds.html Important Life Truths!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetruths.html Stargazing In The USA!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stargazing.html Gresgarth Hall Gardens!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ggardens.html Vivacious Exotic Flowers!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/vivaciousflowers.html Beloved Flower Meanings!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/flowermeanings.html Beautiful Quick Bloomers!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/quickbloomers.html World's Beautiful Gardens!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/worldgardens.html St. Patrick's Day Animated Graphics!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_p-t.html St.Pat's Day/Spring Index!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/springindex.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. 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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 '---' >Live Daily By Faith Our faith is revealed and strengthened as we walk through our trials. It's not surprising that we often discuss the importance of faith, for "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). If we desire to live a life pleasing to God, we must increase our faith and learn what it means to live by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith and not by sight." The first step of faith is when we recognize our sinful condition, repent of our sin, and believe Jesus died so our sin can be forgiven. This belief in Jesus is not a result of what we see, but a result of faith - and without this first step of faith it is definitely not possible to please God. But as we continue our walk with Christ, He becomes more and more real. With each new step our eyes are opened a little wider and we are allowed to see a little clearer. The challenges of yesterday which required great faith have become easier to bear... for now we can see! However, the increase of spiritual sight is not the same as an increase of faith. As our spiritual sight grows, our need for faith in order to walk the same path is actually reduced. Less faith is required when we clearly see; "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). True faith always involves a confidence of the unknown, an assurance of what is unseen. This point is easy to misunderstand so read carefully. Our Heavenly Father desires to lead us in a life of faith. This means He often draws us into the unknown, for it is only in the unknown that we truly learn to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). And as the unknown becomes known, He will surely call us to take the next step, an even bigger step, and trust Him more. Where is God calling us today? For some, it's to take the awesome step required for Salvation through faith in Jesus; "Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 4:7). For some, it's a step of trust for a burden which right now seems completely unbearable; and for some, it's a step into a level of service which appears impossible to achieve. Each of these requires a step into the unknown, into a place we cannot see, but each is part of the great adventure of faith! Though the unknown is sometimes uncomfortable and maybe even a little scary, being guided by God into what we cannot see is the essence of a life of faith - a life which pleases God. Until the day He calls us Home, we must continue to listen, step, and grow; we must continue to live daily by faith. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Lev.-Num. 27:14-1:54; Mark 11:1-26; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 10:23 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching STRETCHING FOR THE LORD! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/stretching.html <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Proving Our Faith We begin our Christian life in faith; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). And just as we begin our life in faith, so we must also continue to walk in faith; "Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him" (Colossians 2:6). We are to live in Christ, and continue to walk with Him, in the same manner as we received Him... in faith. We cannot come to Christ without faith and we are unable to live a victorious Christian life without continuously walking in faith. Our faith is of great worth! 1 Peter 1:6-7 "For a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." One of the beautiful truths in God's Kingdom is that everything along our walk has a purpose; "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). Even our difficult times of hardship and trial can be used by God "for the good." As we continue to love Him with all our heart, God will use our trials to reveal and strengthen our faith. And a truer understanding of our faith is one of the greatest "goods" we can receive. Do we really believe our faith is "of greater worth than gold"? Until we've been sustained through times of great trial and testing, it's difficult to understand the true value of faith. Our faith is shown to be real, or "proved genuine," only as we trust Him when no other hope can be seen. We never need to prove our faith to God; He sees deep within our heart and already knows the genuineness of our faith. When our faith is tested, it is proved genuine to ourselves. God gave us our faith and calls us to live "in accordance with the measure of faith God has given" (Romans 12:3). But our measure of faith is ALWAYS greater than what we believe we have, and it can sustain us through greater trials than we believe possible. As we more clearly see the strength contained in this wonderful gift of faith, we are able to give all praise, glory and honor to God as Jesus is revealed through the testimony of our life. As we trust Him with all our heart, He will cause us to emerge from our trials much stronger and more confident, more "mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:4), because we will KNOW He is by our side. As our faith is strengthened and refined, the presence of God will cease to be an interesting theory or an empty hope; it will become real and an integral part of our life! Let's rejoice that our trials last only "for a little while." But let's also rejoice that our trials are being used for His glory and for the purpose of proving our faith. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Leviticus 25:47-27:13; Mark 10:32-52; Psalm 45:1-17; Proverbs 10:22 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Check out these teachings here: The Law of Believing Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Believing/Believing.htm ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: . ____ ____ . | / + \ || || /+ . \ . | |o x.| =**= _ =**= | o x| | |____| || _( )_ || |____| | || /_____\ || | ______________//| |/__________________ |_______^________/ | + | /____^___ . _U_ / |___| // _U_ . | /_______________________________________// | . /|\ |______________________________________|/ /|\ . (=========================) . . (==========================) | |/| . . | | | | | . . | | |_________________________|/|. . ||------------------------|| (=========================) || . . (==========================| | |/| . . | | | | | . . | | |_________________________|/|. . ||------------------------|| ======================) || . . (==========================) |/| . . | | | | . . | | ______________________|/|. . | ________________________ | || . . || -Steve Stewart- || >CHANGE YOUR PEW, CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE When my usual pew was filled, I was almost panic-stricken as the usher led me to a different section of the church. Little did I know, I needed a change in perspective. Some years ago, I walked into my church late and could not find a seat in the house. Actually, I could not find "my" seat in the house because all of the seats in my usual section were taken. I felt uneasy, as I followed the usher to an open seat on the other side of the church. I had been so used to sitting in "my" seat that the thought of parking in a different pew — especially one on the complete opposite side of the church — actually bothered me. It was as if I was in a foreign country. But as the service progressed, I was suddenly aware of the new level of freedom that I had as I praised and worshiped God in this strange, new location. At one point, I was the only one standing and worshiping God with my whole body and with the words of my mouth. As I continued to shout praises to His name, others in my new seating area began to worship the Lord with me. Soon, we were swept up in a spirit of worship that seemed to last forever. After the service, a brother and sister in Christ told me that they were glad that I sat in "their" section because my praise was infectious and they were encouraged by it to forget about their inhibitions and worship God even more. I was inspired by their testimony, and grateful to God for using me to encourage them and others in that section to worship Him with their whole beings. As I drove home, I realized the Lord had allowed these circumstances to get me to see how silly it was to have "my" seat in church anyway. It's not a restaurant, a theater, or a football stadium. It's the house of God, where all are welcome and urged to gather together to praise and worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. It is a place where there are no "Big I's" or "little you's" because God does not regard a person's status or outward appearance, but looks at the heart and a person's commitment to Him. It is a place where the focus should be on exalting the Lord for who He is and all that He has done. The very next Sunday, I intentionally found a different place to sit and have done so ever since. Sometimes I've thought about those people who were encouraged to praise the Lord because I changed my seat. Maybe they got a breakthrough on some problem they were having. Maybe that day ignited a flame in them that the world and troubles could not extinguish. Maybe they were inspired to seek a more meaningful relationship with God. Maybe that Sunday changed their lives in some way. I may never know. But I have wondered, What would've happened if I had sat in my old seat instead? Do you have a favorite spot to sit in church? Are you upset when you can't sit in "your" seat? I encourage you to break that tradition. It may seem like a simple thing, but I've discovered that it's often the simple things that lead to my most profound moments of growth as a person — as a Christian. Take a chance and let God move in you by moving yourself. When you walk into church this Sunday, make up your mind that you will Change Your Seat! -- Genikwa R. Williams http://www.sojo.net/ --- ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt ...Reminds me One time I was in a church gathering with Paul's dad. We were singing praises very loud and proud with much enthusiasm together for God. The people around us obviously were not used to that and kept looking at us like we were upsetting their routine of pious solemness. Hey, when we sing praises to God we are very much happy to give God the glory for His goodness! They just had to get used to it - which they eventually did and started singing loudly and proudly to God too! as seen in Spiritual Uplift -<>- _,,,_ _ /////\\ _ |\ | \|\ _ // e e \\ / `|~\|_/|~\|_) _ (" > ") _ \_, |_)|_) \\.=-=.// \/ ) _ |\ / | \|\ \--\\\7///--/ /\/ _ |_)|~\ |~\ /`--`"""`--'\/ / |_)| \ / : \ / |\ |_) \ '-.,_ `-' |~\ `-._/__)======_____, jgs ((=====)) _ |`"""`| _// `\,_('> |= | (') \~_) |= | ( '-. -'= `-...-` _/-_(_)o >TRICKED BY GOD Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Isaiah 1:10 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. 1 Samuel 17:17, 22-23 Now Jesse said to his son David, "Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp.... See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them. They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines." "David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and greeted his brothers. As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it." -------- Have you ever set out to do one thing, and found yourself in an entirely different situation than you expected? That's what happened to David. His intention was to bring food to his brothers on the battlefield and return news of their welfare to their father. Instead, he met Goliath and fought the battle that would change his destiny, inspire King Saul's persecution, and ultimately make him ruler over Israel. The same thing happened to Joseph. His father Jacob sent him to "go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back to me" (Genesis 37:14). When Joseph obeyed, he was thrown in a pit, sold as a slave, falsely imprisoned, and ultimately made second in command over all of Egypt, which put him in a position to save an entire nation and all his relatives. Just last week, two homeless men came to our office--not to seek shelter, but to ask our help in starting a nonprofit employment agency for the homeless, unemployed, and underemployed-- something I have been praying about for months but couldn't find the time to do. One of these gentlemen has over 20 years experience as a recruiter and is a former regional VP with a nationwide employment agency. I don't think he expected to find himself living in his car one day. When these men showed up, we immediately went into action, creating a new employment collaborative under a colleague's nonprofit status. And I would have to say the same has happened in my life. If I hadn't become homeless, I wouldn't have developed a passion to end poverty and homelessness. I've come to the conclusion that sometimes God has to "trick" us into doing His will because the way to get there isn't always easy. If we knew ahead of time what lay ahead of us, we might just say, "Thanks but no thanks, Lord!" However, if we continue to trust Him each step of the way, no matter which way He takes us, He can put us in a position to do amazing things for Him. Yours in Christ, Cathleen Murphy --- /\ / \ | | --:'''':-- :'_' : _:"":\___ ' ' ____.' ::: '._ . *=====<<=) \ : . ' '-'-'\_ /'._.' \====:_ "" .' \\ : : / : \ : . '. ,. _ snd : : : : '-' ). :__:-:__.;--' ( ' ) '-' '-' ( - .00. - _ ( .' _ ) ) '- ()_.\,\, - ...Well, I beg to differ Referring to God as one who tricks people into doing His will, is not right. The definition of a 'trickster' is... A trickster is a character who deceives or plays tricks, often bending or breaking rules in a clever or mischievous way. This figure appears in various cultures' folklore and can be a god, spirit, or human. The trickster would be Satan not God! He is considered the tempter here... Matt.4 [1] Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. [3a] And when the tempter came to him, God is the one who helps us through our trials and temptations. With David, the devil set him up to be met by his most dangerous foe. Satan wanted to get rid of David, but God wasn't going to allow that... _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` 1 Cor.10 [13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. God knew the devil would temp David - yet God also knew David could handle it. Same with the account of Jacob. God exalted him for his undying faith in Him even though the devil put him through so much! Jas.1: [12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. [13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: I see these occurrences as part of the devil. He is the tempter and the evil doer. God makes sure we get our just reward for withstanding the devil and makes things turn around for our good... Rom.8 [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. as seen in The Bread -<>- _____ /.---.\ |`````| \ / `-.-' ____ | /\ .' /\ __|__ |K----; | | jgs`-----` \/ '.___\/ >THE BLANK By Marion Smith Proverbs 3:9 Honor the Lord There are many phrases associated with the word “blank”, such a drawing a blank, fill in the blank, or giving someone a blank stare. The other day I even managed to e-mail a blank!! I had cut out an article to send to a friend. I addressed the mail, filled in the topic space and proceeded to press the send button. In my scurry to get it sent in a hurry, I completely forgot to paste my article in the blank space provided, therefore sending “a blank”. I wondered if sometimes I live a blank- sending empty messages to loved ones and friends. Does my life reflect my love for God, and my certainty of His love for me? Do I allow the Holy Spirit to use me where I am needed in the body of Christ, and do I always remember to give the glory to Him? Do I share my praises with others, or just keep them to myself? When you draw a blank - nothing happens. Could the same be true with a spiritual blank? You can just be... “ blah!” ... with nothing happening. When we receive from God, we are called to share - whether it is serving others, praying for them, singing in the choir, helping the poor and homeless or just even sharing our joy and thanks for the gifts of love, good health, friendships, and experiences with our living Lord. Lord, I want my life to reflect your love in a special manner. I pray I will not exhibit a spiritual “blank”, but will truly allow myself to be an open vessel for you - ready to be poured out and spilled to overflowing with the love you have planted in my heart. How about you? What is your life in Christ exhibiting? -Marion Smith --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching: GIVING EQUALS RECEIVING http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/GIVING_EQUALS_RECEIVING.htm as seen in Food For Thought 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. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: clap clap Clap clap clap clap clap clap Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap Clap clap "David Buttrick tells of a baby who claps her hands over most anything. "Shove breakfast cereal in the front of her, you'll get a hand clap. Sit her in a circle of toys, and she'll break into applause. Her parents took her to the seashore to watch the waves roll in, and she started clapping right away. Are the baby's parents concerned? 'We only worry,' they say, 'that someday she'll stop.'" Too many of us haven't found much of anything to applaud anymore. We've stopped clapping! We have stopped celebrating God's gifts, creative POWERS, and His LOVE!" - William M. Schwein ,="=-. ,`'oo' \o`. ( .88 |^||^)) ) , ) ) `@ (@' (. ( ` , `C ' ) `) `-=' ,/ ._c/ `-=' ,-( `-.,')-. gpyy `( ) `' '` >A Childlike Amazement (By Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries, www.gdwm.org) [Edited] Matthew 18:3 "And He said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'" When my daughter was four years old, we read about young Samuel. While discussing this story, my daughter showed me the excited faith God calls us to maintain. Perhaps her faith could teach us all... As a young boy, Samuel was ministering with an old priest named Eli. One night God called to Samuel, but Samuel thought it was Eli's voice. Eli said he didn't call and told Samuel to go back to bed. After God called a few more times, Samuel realized who was calling and answered: "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). God then gave Samuel a message - but the message was all about Eli. My daughter asked, "Why did God speak to Samuel if the message was really to Eli?" We talked about how we must be ready and willing to hear God. I said Eli may have had some problems or distractions in his life which kept him from hearing God, so God spoke His message through a child. I said little kids (like her) can often hear God better than older people (like me). .--..-""""-..--. ///`/////////\`\\\ ||/ |///""\\\| \|| ## ( 6. 6 ) ## /_\ \ _. / /_\ _`) (`_ /` '--' `\ / _,,_ \ / /` `\ \ /\_/ / 6 6\ \_/\ \ \/\ Y /\/ / \ \/ `'U` \/ / \( \ / )/ |\_/ \_/| / ____ \ \ ( || ) / (__)||(__) | || | |__||__| jgs |==||==| /~`//~`/ / // / `""` `"` "But, I don't hear God talk to me," she said, with a little disappointment in her voice. I explained how God doesn't usually speak so we can hear Him with our ears; rather, His Spirit speaks to our heart and we hear Him as we listen to our heart. Her little eyes widened, "Like today when I was going to sit on one of the baby toys - Jesus told my heart I was too big and shouldn't do it so I listened to what He said." I encouraged her that this is exactly how God speaks to us, we just need to learn how to listen and then obey. My daughter thought for a moment and then slowly shook her head in amazement: "Wow! That's sooooo cool!!" Heavenly Father, I pray that Your Word never becomes just an interesting collection of stories. You created us, loved us, and will one day call us Home to be with You for all eternity - and Father, that's sooooo cool!! Help us to come into Your presence with a thankful and loving heart. Strengthen our faith every day and allow us to continually look on You and Your wonders with a childlike amazement. Have a Christ Centered Day! --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...This is how God talks to us: See this teaching: FIRST THOUGHT http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/FIRST_THOUGHT.htm SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ========================================================== _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >-->A PARENT'S PRAYER -Author Unknown Oh, God, make me a better parent. Help me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say and to answer all their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting them, talking back to them and contradicting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Give me the courage to confess my sins against my children and to ask of them forgiveness, when I know that I have done them wrong. May I not vainly hurt the feelings of my children. Forbid that I should laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame and ridicule as punishment. Let me not tempt my child to lie and steal. So guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do that honestly produces happiness. Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me. May I cease to nag: and when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue. Blind me to the little errors of my children and help me to see the good things that they do. Give me a ready word for honest praise. Help to treat my children as those of their own age, but let me not exact of them the judgments and conventions of adults. Allow me not to rob them of the opportunity to wait upon themselves, to think, to choose, and to make decisions. Forbid that I should ever punish them for my self satisfaction. May I grant them all of their wishes that are reasonable and have the courage always to withhold a privilege that I know will do them harm. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. @@ .##@@::;%%&&00' @><@ .###@@::;%%&&00' ________) .###@@::;%%&&00' | | .###@@::;%%&&00' _ _|===LI===|_ .###@@::;%%&&00' / \_(____________) .###@@::;%%&&00' \ / (88 6 6 88) .###@@::;%%&&00' \/\ 88: 7 :88` .###@@::;%%&&00' \/\ 888'=='888' .###@@::;%%&&00' \ \_'888888'_________.###@@::;%%&&00' \___<\""/>_____/_/_-'##@Oo@o%&&00' / >< \ .##oO@Oo@O@o&00' /__/--\__\ (oO@OoO@@o@oO@@o) '-.______.-' /`"""""""""""""`\ jgs _|_||_|_ | Happy | ___LI)||(LI___ | St. Patrick's | ( ~~ || ~~ ) \ Day! / `-----''-----` '.___________.' >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 **********************************************************************