Fellowship Of The Unashamed... :) 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 ================ >-->US uses 'bunker buster' bombs to erase Iran nuclear threat: On Saturday night - 6/21/25 - The US bombs destroy the Iranian nuclear site at Fordow, a key underground nuclear facility, and two other nuclear facility sites. _ _.-'`-._ _ ;.'________'.; _________n.[____________].n_________ |""_""_""_""||==||==||==||""_""_""_""] |"""""""""""||..||..||..||"""""""""""| |LI LI LI LI||LI||LI||LI||LI LI LI LI| |.. .. .. ..||..||..||..||.. .. .. ..| |LI LI LI LI||LI||LI||LI||LI LI LI LI| ,,;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;,;;;,;;;,;;,, ;;jgs;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; >Pres. Trump addresses nation after U.S. strikes Iran nuclear sites: "Thank you very much. A short time ago, the U.S. military carried out massive, precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime. Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. Everybody heard those names for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise. Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror. Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not. Future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier. For 40 years, Iran has been saying. Death to America, death to Israel. They have been killing our people, blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs, with roadside bombs. That was their specialty. We lost over 1,000 people and hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East, and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate in particular. So many were killed by their general, Qassim Soleimani. I decided a long time ago that I would not let this happen. It will not continue. I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done. And most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight, and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades. Hopefully, we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that’s so. I also want to congratulate the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan ‘Razin’ Caine, spectacular general, and all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack. With all of that being said, this cannot continue. There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight’s was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes. There’s no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight. Not even close. There has never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago. Tomorrow, General Caine, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will have a press conference at 8 a.m. at the Pentagon. And I want to just thank everybody. And, in particular, God. I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East. God bless Israel and God bless America. Thank you very much. Thank you." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Trump on Saturday for directing U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. “President Trump and I often say, ‘Peace through strength.’ First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength,” Netanyahu said in a video on the social platform X. “President Trump, I thank you. The people of Israel thank you. The forces of civilization thank you. God bless America. God bless Israel. And may God bless our unshakable Alliance our unbreakable faith,” he continued. https://tinyurl.com/us84hktv --- ,:',:`,:' __||_||_||_||__ ____["""""""""""""""]____ \ " '''''''''''''''''''' | ~~jgs~^~^~^^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~~^~^~^^~~^~^ ...I was surprised President Trump had said he would think about attacking Iran and give his decision in the next two weeks. I had thought this was due to the fact that I heard our war ship capable of carrying a 'Bunker Buster' bomb was headed to the area and would take about two weeks - the next day was when Pres. Trump made his 2 week announcement. But then a day or so later, I heard that planes were headed there with the ability to carry this bomb and that all they needed was refueling in flight. I happened to tune into Fox news to check on the latest Israel Vs Iran news Saturday night and heard instead that the US had destroyed the Iranian nuclear threat altogether! I was amazed and pleased. Iran has long been a thorn in our flesh and it was high time to put an end to it. I thank God for President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. May God bless them and our countries richly! !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ What super blessed and astonished me was President Trump saying this: "And I want to just thank everybody. And, in particular, God. I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East. God bless Israel and God bless America." I have never heard a president ever say that before - 'we love you, God'. Wow! Shows how much Pres. Trump values God's protection and His loving wisdom in these trying times! Always give credit where credit is due! God is always there for us. Pres. Trump has learned this thru all his hardships in trying to do what God wants him to do to Make America Great Again! Praise God! -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` I got busy and updated our SUMMER INDEX here: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/summerindex.html -<>- Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends Linda and Geniann. This one is great for those who wish to go to an excellent location to view the night sky on their vacation. It is full of some of the best. Be sure to check it out here... ' * . * ' * * * '* * * * * * Stargazing In The USA! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stargazing.html --- ...Wow! So stunning and informative! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can -- all of them make me laugh. -- W. H. Auden We've focused this week on love, romance and weddings. It's that special time of the year. Have you experienced the Father-Daughter dance at weddings? Today, Lisabeth shares what happened when it was her turn. You'll love the story! We hope it brings back memories of your special time too. ,-, ,**@**. /&&&-b\ / &&&/& \ / _!!_ \ / /]{ }[\ \ \| (~~~~) |/ /^\) (/^\ ( \\(@*)// ) ," (*@@*) ". / ,~(*@)~` \ ' ;: ' / : ; \ ' ;: ' ' : ' ' @ @ ': ,@. ,@. ;' ' '-=-' '-__-' '-=-' ' ' ' / \ ~=._ _,=~ `=-.__ __,-=' gpyy `-=.____,=-' >LADY IN RED by Lisabeth Abt Pieters My dress was pink. Not pure white, not ivory, off-white, eggshell, or alabaster. It was pink -- which was fine with my pale Irish skin, but not my Catholic up-bringing! It was a very light pink raw silk. So light, in fact, that the salesclerk and my mother said "most wouldn't notice it." But I fretted. What would the in-laws think of me prancing down the aisle in a less-than-white dress? When I had narrowed my dress selection down, my dad actually came to the store to see it. This was not a normal father-daughter activity for us. We went to father-daughter dances, he drove me in to high school and I was often a part of golf tournament galleries where I invariably watched him win. But shopping? Now, this was a first! A bridal salon? Not exactly in his repertoire! Nevertheless, he gave the dress his blessing. I walked out relieved and with a strategy. "Just tell everyone the dress is red," he said. "Anything less then red won't be a shock." So, I did. From my fiance to the bridal party, the word was out that my dress was a very tongue-in-cheek red. Any recognition of the pale kiss of pink when they saw it would be unsurprising. Being the calm, multi-tasking, delegating bride that I was, my father was in charge of the song to which we would dance. I completely relinquished control of that detail of the day, showing the ultimate trust in dear old dad. It was one of the few details of the wedding to which I didn't give another thought. The morning of the wedding started at 6am with everyone getting their hair done. The bride has a seating chart to finish, a honeymoon to pack for, and was looking for some shred of sanity. Dad? He was downstairs quietly reading the paper. He remained calm for me when we realized his cummerbund had been taken to the church by accident and got me in the car when we had 25 minutes before the ceremony was to begin at a church 30 minutes away. In the back of the church, he hurriedly put on his cummerbund and we knew the rest would be one big blur. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and held on to my dad for dear life. He thought I was going to pass out. Up until then, I hadn't had a single moment of nervousness. Dad gently got me started and by the end of the aisle, I was completely focused on my husband to be. Dad raised my blusher and stepped back. Vows, pictures, receiving line, congratulations, toasts, dinner, cake-cutting, my first dance with my husband, all joyful, traditional wedding moments. Then the DJ called my dad to the floor. It was time for the father-daughter dance -- that teary moment when strains of "Daddy's Little Girl" or "Sunrise, Sunset" plays to a crowd of sniffles and "awww's" around the dance floor. As I made my way towards my dad, I heard the rock and roll singer Meatloaf's "On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses? I bet you say that to all the boys..." WHAT HAD I DONE? Trusted my father? I was dancing to Meatloaf on one of the most important days of my life for one of the most sentimental memories. This was hardly a hallmark moment! I stood across from my dad in shock and with a smile. If this is what he wanted to dance to, that was fine with me. It was always easier for him to joke than be serious and emotional. In the split second these thoughts went through my head, the music changed. He had spliced on a second song. It was slow and vaguely familiar. It began, "I've never seen you looking so gorgeous as you did tonight. I've never seen you shine so bright. You were amazing. I've never seen so many people want to be there by your side and when you turned to me and smiled, it took my breath away." The crowd around the dance floor (still recovering from the Meatloaf opener) had their attention focused on the words wondering about the relevance. I realized the connection before they did and fell into his arms, hanging on for the most wonderful dance of my life. I realized I hadn't seen my dad all day since he got me in the car and down the aisle. It was one of the only times in my life I could remember having him all to myself and I cherished every step, twirl and sway. As he spun me around into the chorus, the words, "The lady in red is dancing with me" echoed around the dining room and everyone privy to my dress dilemma started bawling. The song continued, "There's nobody here. It's just you and me. It's where I want to be. I never will forget the way you look tonight." As the end of the song approached, my dad guided me over to the speaker on the dance floor holding me tight and said, "Listen to the end." I faintly heard the whisper of "I love you" as he dipped me, pink dress and all! I'm lucky to have a picture of that moment that I keep very close to my heart and look at every day. Dad may have always been the hard working, voice of logic in my life, but he understood how important that sentimental dance was. The song has moved on to Muzak and plays in department stores, elevators and on easy-listening music stations. It brings me to tears to this day. Driving in the car, if I am going to a meeting or event, I find I have to turn the station to keep my mascara from running! If I'm driving home or feeling particularly nostalgic, I relish every note and word, relive every step and listen to the very end. I love you too, Dad. -- Lisabeth Abt Pieters ___________________________________________ Lisabeth will be celebrating her tenth wedding anniversary in August and still remembers this moment like it was yesterday. She lives in West Falls, NY, with her husband, Kevin. She has her BA and Masters in English and teaches in Western New York. You can reach her at: mailto:KPIETERS@williamsvillek12.org =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Saved by Grace (edited) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."1 Many people believe that by accumulating good works they can be right with God. However, when it comes to sin, death is the only payment that can satisfy divine justice (Romans 6:23). Since we all sin, we face eternity apart from God. But grace, the expression of divine love and goodness toward those who do not deserve it, made Christ the solution. According to John 6:29, the only "work" we have to do is believe. The Savior's death gave us: New life. Our spirit comes from Christ the moment we recognize that we are sinners and believe that His death paid our sin debt in full. Freedom. At the moment of salvation, sin's power over us is broken and we are freed from its dominion. Now we can exercise our newfound freedom and follow the Lord. Safety. When we accept that we are sinners and recognize our Savior's sacrifice as payment for all our faults, we are forever born again into God's family to spend eternal life with Him. God, the One against whom we rebel, sent His Son to receive the punishment that was justly due to us. How will you thank the Lord for His saving grace? Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I want to love you more. I am so thankful for Your Son Jesus and I bow my head longing for a deeper, more intimate understanding of Your ways and Your will. I pray in Jesus Christ's name, Amen. 1. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV). Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >A Full Life Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own."1 A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them."Not very long," answered the fisherman. "Well, then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the tourist. The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family. The tourist asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?" "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs. I have a full life." The tourist interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise." "How long would that take?" asked the fisherman. "Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the tourist. "And after that?" "Afterwards? That's when it gets really interesting," answered the tourist, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!" "Millions? Really? And after that?" "After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take siestas with your wife, and spend your evenings enjoying your friends."2 Suggested prayer: Lord, help me never overlook, or take for granted, the gifts you have given me in the here and now. Deliver me from the sin of greed, and help me invest my time and energy in the things and people that matter. Help me be a good steward of all you given me, and help me use it all for your glory and to grow your Kingdom. Let my heart and mind always stay focused on the eternal, not on the material possessions of this world. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen. 1. Luke 12:15 (NLT). 2. www.sermoncentral.com 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. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: Every request I make of God is a message telling of my neediness, of my trust in God, of my willing dependence and openness to receive. My requests are often foolish, as I am, but God is well able to cope. --Michael Casey Being "plugged into" the power of God through the Holy Spirit is not some sort of mystical experience reserved for the very spiritual. It is simply an awareness of my emptiness without Him -- that He is my strength, my shield. --Nancie Carmichael -<>- >KEEP ON SINGING Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3 year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out that the new baby was going to be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in Mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her. The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee. In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes... every three... every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C- section be required? Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition. With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee. The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents, "There is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst." Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. "I want to sing to her," he kept saying. Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over. Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. Karen made up her mind, though. She would take Michael whether they liked it or not! If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket. But the head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of here now! No children are allowed. The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line. "He is not leaving until he sings to his sister!" Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray--" Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate began to calm down and become steady. "Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes. "You never know, dear, how much I love you, Please don't take my sunshine away-" As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr. "Keep on singing, sweetheart!!!" "The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms..." Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her. "Keep on singing, Michael." Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away....." The next, day... the very next day... the little girl was well enough to go home! Woman's Day Magazine called it "The Miracle of a Brother's Song." The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love! NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL. -Author Unknown --- ,,, _,_ _@_ _(_ _?_ >*< _/. .\_ _/- -\_ _/, ,\_ _/' '\_ _/a a\_ _/. .\_ (.\_o_/.) (.\_-_/.) (,\_e_/') (.\_^_/.) (.\_~_/') (.\_c_/.) (.`,.`'.') (.`,.'.'.) (.`'.,'.') ('.,'.`'.) (.'.,'.`.) (.,'.,'',) ('.`,'`,) ('.`,'',) ('.','.`) ('.,'.',) ('.,'.`.) (',.'`.,) ('.`,'`) ('.','`) (.'.,'.) ('.`.,') ('.','') (.'.'.') jgs `--'"` `--'"` `--'"` `--'"' `--'"' `--'"' ...I can relate My daughter was born with breathing difficulties. She was in an incubator. The doctor said she swallowed after birth and also said he felt she was premature, though I knew she wasn't. I had a small one year old at home so when I could leave the hospital I did. I saved my milk and took it to the hospital every day for her staying as long as I could. She wasn't getting any better they told me. I decided to talk to her and told her that we wanted her home with us and that her little brother was waiting to see her and she needed to get better so she could be home with us! The very next day, they told me she had a miraculous recovery and we could take her on home. Never give up on your loved ones. We praise God for her every day! -<>- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _( )_ ( ) ( ) _( )_ ( ) ( ) _( )_ ( ` ' )| |_| | _ _ __ ( ` ' )| |_| | _ _ __ ( ` ' ) > < | _ |( ) ( ) /'_ `\ > < | _ |( ) ( ) /'_ `\ > < (_, ,_)| | | || (_) |( (_) |(_, ,_)| | | || (_) |( (_) |(_, ,_) (_) (_) (_)`\___/'`\__ | (_) (_) (_)`\___/'`\__ | (_) ( )_) | ( )_) | \___/' \___/' unknown >A Hug....... By: David Ballard (Aiken Drum) No moving parts, no batteries. No monthly payments and no fees; Inflation proof, non-taxable, In fact, it's quite relaxable; It can't be stolen, won't pollute, One size fits all, do not dilute. It uses little energy, But yields results enormously, Relieves your tension and your stress, Invigorates your happiness; Combats depression, makes you beam, And elevates your self esteem! Your circulation it corrects Without unpleasant side effects It is, I think, the perfect drug: May I prescribe, my friend,....the hug! (and of course fully returnable!). -<>- _|_ ____|____ #%@@ /~~~~.~~~~\ @@%# @%%#%%, /~~~~/ \~~~~\ ,%%#%%@ %%@@%%@%/~~~~/ : \~~~~\%@%%@@%% `@%%%@#@/____/ (X) \____\@%%%@#@` @@\@%%@`|.`.| ___ |.`.|`@%%@/@@ `#%/@ |:x:|| .||:x:| @\%#` || |:x:|| ||:x:| || -_|| _-|:x:||~ .||:x:|-_ ||_- !-!-!-!-!-|___||___||___|-!-!-!-!-!lc >Charged up It was a Saturday afternoon, Mark kissed me and the kids good-by, and was out the door. He was on his way to Church to meet with his friend, and band member Mike, to practice for an upcoming concert. Minutes after he went out the door, he was back inside. He said that the station wagon wouldn't start. The battery was dead, no lights, no radio, nothing. At first I couldn't understand what could have happened. I was the last to drive it a few days earlier. As I thought back, I had a faint memory of my two young boys playing with the over-head reading lights. I must not have paid enough attention, and left them on. Mark pulled the van around and hooked up the jumper cables. I tried turning over the engine in the station wagon, all I got was clicking noises. "Try again", Mark said, ...more clicking noises. We let it charge awhile, revving up the van a little. I tried it again, this time along with the clicking, was the sound of the radio. More waiting while it charged, then another try, it came very close to starting, another try, and thank God, it started! I like to think that I am full of spiritual power all the time, but sometimes I feel like that drained battery, and what I need is a direct link to the power source (God); Jesus being sort of like my jumper cables, and the Holy Spirit being the power. I remember my dad telling me that you have to start a sitting car once in a while or the battery would go bad. When we get away from our power source for a long period of time, our power can slowly drain. And if we're not careful, Satan will find ways of draining that power even faster (like that light that was left on drained the station wagon battery). So if you've been at a spiritual stand still for a long time, or Satan has found a way to speed up your draining process, give yourself a chance, don't try the ignition and give up! Hook up, charge up, be patient, and let God's power grow! By Connie Cameron -<>- _,_ __ __ ._(@I@)_. / \-/ \ .--{___}--. ._\ | /_. .-/ Y \-. .__\__Y__/__. / | \ _{___}_ jgs \__/-\__/ ' (@I@) ' ~^~ >When Lightning Bugs Look Like Fireworks By Michael T. Powers On the Fourth of July, Kristi and I went a couple blocks from our house to a huge hill where we could enjoy the view and the fireworks, not only from the town we live in, but from nearby towns as well. It was a hot night, but there was a wonderful breeze, and we could see a long way in all directions. I wanted to see our three-year-old Caleb's reaction to the fireworks. He sat with us all of two minutes before he started tumbling down the hill and giggling. "Caleb, come here." He would reluctantly come back by us and sit for a spell. "See the pretty colors over there?" "OOOOOhhhhhhhh!" he replied, all the while looking in a different direction from where the fireworks were actually going off. "Heeee heeeee!" he giggled as he tumbled down the steep hill again... "Caleb, come here and watch with Daddy." "OK, Dad." Back up the hill he would come. I tried getting him to concentrate on the fireworks again. He watched for another twenty seconds before he started walking away from us. Suddenly he let out a squeal of delight. "Finally, he is enjoying the fireworks," I thought. He yelled out, "Look at all the lightning bugs!" I sighed and looked down the hill; indeed, there were literally hundreds of fireflies that were stealing Daddy's thunder. I tried in vain one last time to get him to watch with me. "Caleb, tell me what colors you see." "That's a green one, Daddy! And a red one!" This lasted another minute or so before he reached in the stroller to tickle Connor, his eleven-month-old brother. Then he was off tumbling down the hill again, saying, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa," with each spin of his body. I started to call out to him again when Kristi leaned over to me and whispered, "Michael, just let him be a kid. There will be other years." I had been getting so irritated that he wouldn't sit by us and take in the fireworks. I guess I had this preconceived notion that he would sit on my lap and just squeal with delight every time one exploded. Then he was going to ask me if they were magic, so that his proud Daddy could stick out his chest, and explain away. Luckily my understanding wife was there, and was able to gently nudge me back to reality. There was nothing wrong with my expectations, but once again my impatience was getting in the way of enjoying time with my wife and sons. I should have picked up on the cues and tumbled down the hill with my boy. Fireworks have been around for hundreds of years, but my boy was only going to be three years old for another week. I bet when a person tumbles down the hill, the lightning bugs look like fireworks going off. I guess I'll have to start a new tradition on the Fourth of July. Actually, from what my three-year-old tells me, the show goes on every night! Michael T. Powers Thunder27@aol.com Send Michael an e-mail and let him know what you thought of his story! Copyright © 2000 by Michael T. Powers, All rights reserved ***** Michael is happily married to his high school sweetheart Kristi, and has two young boys. He is an author, speaker, business owner, and founder of "Straight From the Heart," a free daily E-zine that features inspirational and uplifting stories by published writers. To subscribe, send a blank email to: Thunder27@aol.com The above story is from his new book, Straight From the Heart "A Celebration of Life", which is now available! To read some more stories from the book, or to purchase your own copy, visit: http://www.MichaelTPowers.com -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Kodak Moments!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kmoments.html Monkey Shines!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/monkeyshines.html Real Fantasy Trees 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trees2.html Extraordinary Photos!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/extraordinary.html Unusual Photos!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/unusual.html World's Fastest Cars!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fastcars.html Albino Hummingbird!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ahummingbird.html Paper Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/paperart.html Chevy: American Pride!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chevypride.html Typewriter Art 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/typeart2.html Amazing Horse Trainer!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/horsetrainer.html Cat Spot Tips!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/catspots.html Birth Of An Island!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/island.html God's Night Lights!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/night.html Direction Home!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/home.html Love Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html Dreamy Ladies!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dreamy.html Driftwood Horses!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/horses.html Girl Gets New Ear!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/girlgetsear.html When God Paints!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Nap Time!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/naptime.html Kid Lessons!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidlessons.html Kids On God!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidsonGod.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Attitude Is Everything!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Church Mouse Wisdom!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churchmouse.html -<>- Matthew West - Unashamed (Lyric Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwWzVePf0c How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Truth Or Tradition.com Index: https://www.truthortradition.com/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. 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But God longed for His children to return and worship Him as the One True God. The Israelites had been warned for many years and now God used a foreign king as His tool for discipline and instruction. Jeremiah 27:6 "Now I will hand all your countries over to My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him." God reminded the people that He alone was almighty and in control of world events. But He also revealed their sinful pride as He required them to yield to His discipline in order to survive; "Bow your neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and you will live" (Jeremiah 27:12). Many chose to die rather than to trust God and submit to His instruction. Nebuchadnezzar did not even acknowledge God at this point in his life; and yet, God called him "My servant." It was God's plan to use this non-believing foreigner to teach His children some very important (and painful) lessons. God's Hand of discipline is firm, but His Hand is always directed with a loving purpose. Pride was keeping His children away, and it needed to be removed by any tool available. Being adopted into God's family through the gift of Salvation is a one time event. Through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of our sin, we receive His grace and become "a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, learning to truly live for God and become "conformed to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29), is an on-going process which will last all the rest of our days. There is so much our Heavenly Father desires for us to understand - so many lessons He wants us to learn - and yet, all the lessons seem nearly identical. He desires a continual and intimate fellowship; He wants us to learn to trust Him and love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). As we open our life to God's teaching, we must allow Him to instruct us using the tools of His choice. His lessons are often taught using the most unlikely messengers and through the worst of circumstances, but His lessons always contain a lasting sweetness. No matter what we face today, let's look for the lesson God is teaching. Circumstances in our work, home, or even place of worship may often become hot with friction, but these sources of abrasion may very well be the tools God is using to mold us and draw us closer to His side. He actively continues the process because He loves us and desires for us to learn to trust and love Him more. Let's praise Him for His continued loving instruction. Let's embrace the shaping process and be thankful for ALL the tools of The Teacher. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Daniel 11:35-12:13; 1 John 4:1-21; Psalm 123:1-4; Proverbs 29:2-4 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Did this bother you? Jeremiah 27:6 "Now I will hand all your countries over to My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him." It did me... I knew that Nebuchadnezzar was an evil ungodly king. So for God to call him His servant made me confused. It was like God was saying He made Satan His servant which didn't make any sense to me. Satan is His enemy - not a servant. So I asked God to enlighten me about this. I was reminded of the time in the bible. This was during the Law. The Law was set in place and any one who went against God's Law was going to be punished. They might as well be running head first into a brick wall. It was also a time that the people were natural man - ones with only a body and a soul. They did not have spirit and as the bible teaches, could not understand spiritual things like the devil. 1 Cor.2: [14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. So, often for them to understand that by breaking God's Law, they would unleash the devil against them, God would speak as if He was commanding it to happen so they could understand not to go against His Law. Now that made sense. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See these teachings: WHICH PARTS OF THE BIBLE ARE WRITTEN TO YOU? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/whichparts.html Curse Of The Law http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/curseofthelaw.html THE SEVEN ADMINISTRATIONS http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/THE_SEVEN_ADMINISTRATIONS.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Receive His Perfect Gift We are often encouraged to share the wonders of God's love through the uncompromising truth of His Word. There are so many all around us who are in great need! We live in a lost and dying world full of people who desperately need to know God's plan of forgiveness and restoration. But as we share the truth and minister to others, let's also remember to make the time to personally receive ALL our Father has to offer. When Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink of water, she thought the request was quite odd since Jesus was clearly a Jew, and Jews did not associate with Samaritans; "How can you ask me for a drink?" (John 4:9). Rather than explain His radical views on social interaction, Jesus took the opportunity to introduce the woman to the gift of God. John 4:10 "Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.'" If we only knew! I often imagine a loving Father who has given the greatest gift the world has ever known. We approach and examine the gift. We ask questions and study the gift. We even shake the gift and then proudly display it on our shelf, but we never actually open the gift and receive what's inside. If we only knew! "Every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:7). His gifts are perfect; and if we only knew, we would open and receive them with abounding joy! His gift of living water is still available today. This gift refers to our Salvation by the spiritual transformation of our heart, but it also refers to His on-going gift of a victorious life of peace and contentment; "Everyone who drinks this water [from the well] will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst" (John 4:13-14). His gift of Salvation is free through faith in Jesus Christ, and peace is assured through a humble submission to His will. But we continually rebel and pump from the wells of this world - we drink polluted lies and continually thirst for more. Approximately 650 years earlier, God gave the same message to the people of Jerusalem: "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water" (Jeremiah 2:13). If we only knew! We sit beside a Spring overflowing with the best tasting water imaginable, but we turn away and pump sludge into our broken pots. God has great plans for each of us - plans much bigger and brighter than anything we can accomplish through our own effort. Let's rediscover the gift of living water and put an end to our thirst! Let's return to the Spring and continue our journey in obedience. Let's drink freely and daily receive His perfect gift. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Ezekiel 14:12-16:42; Hebrews 7:18-28; Psalm 106:1-12; Proverbs 27:4-6 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: __:.__ (_:..'"= |:/ o o\ AHAH! ;'-' (_) Spaceman Spiff . '-._ ;-' wins again ! _'._|\/: /:; ; . '- ' /_ /.; ; ;, \__ _/, "_< |;|..| ;| '._____ _) |.|.'| || _ ___ _/ / snd |.|..| :/ =uu\___`;--| \;|..|:': _ _ _ ||_\| .. _||__|:\_\.''..' ) ___________ ( )_)||_|| :....::''::/ |::;:|''| "/ /_=_=_=_=_=/ :_[__'_\3_) '''' '-''-'-'.__)-' >Growing up with ornery siblings, I had plenty of chances to practice forgiveness. I guess that's good because I still have opportunities to forgive. Sometimes it isn't easy, but it feels so much better to let go of the hurt than to hold a grudge. Thank You for giving me these occasions Lord! as seen in Everyday Prayers by Rachel Quillin -<>- `\|/' .----------------. ,'Y`. _( Think About This )_________ )|._.|( ( Doesn't that involve little ) /(___)\ ""( little lightbulbs over )" ( ) ""( My head ??? )""""""" `..-.,' """"""""""""" |"| .--' `--. Ojo >QUOTES "Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous; you get knocked down by traffic from both sides." - Margaret Thatcher Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time. - German Proverb Flee temptation and don't leave a forwarding address. To ignore God's Word is to put your spiritual life in jeopardy, it won't matter how many verses of the Bible you know by heart, how many powerful experiences you had at the altar, or how intensely you can sing Gospel choruses...you will not find God's rest without obedience to His Word! --Dennis Marquardt Gossip - Some people will believe anything if it is whispered to them. --Pierre de Marivaux -<>- . /_\ |_| [_] | | __ | | /\_\ | | /\/_/ _ |_| /\/_/ ( ) /<_>\ /\/_/ ( `) /=\ /\/_/ _ _ `-> < _ <\/_/ _( ) _( ) ( )( < < ( ) ( ) `' `( ) `'-_) (_-'` `-' __ __| \ | / ____| _ \ ____| ____| | _ \ ' / __| | | | | | ___ \ . \ | | | __| __| _|_/ _\_|\_\_____| \___/ _| _| mic >THE OLD! - GOOD LOSSES (edited) When you become a Christian, one of the more notable changes is that you will give up many of the things you once did. Of course, this depends on your lifestyle prior to your conversion. But for many of us, a dramatic change will take place. I have heard people share their stories of how they came to Christ and the great sacrifices they made to follow Him, saying things like, "I had a great life... I went to parties... I had so much fun... But I gave it all up for Jesus Christ, hallelujah! I left it all for the glory of God!" What did we really give up? When I hear statements like that, I feel like asking, "What in the world are you talking about? You gave it all up? What did you give up?" If they were to look at those things honestly and realistically, they would come to the same conclusion that Paul did. He said, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord..." (Philippians 3:7-8). Is it slowing me down? Paul was saying that the stuff that used to be so important, the stuff he once valued so highly, meant nothing to him now in comparison with the awesome privilege and value of belonging to God through Jesus Christ. We might do well to bring certain activities or habits in our lives under the same scrutiny. It's a good idea to periodically ask ourselves, "Is this thing that I am doing slowing me down or speeding me along in my walk with God? Is it building me up spiritually or is it tearing me down?" The conclusion has to be the same: If anything is keeping you from an intimate, open-hearted relationship with God through Jesus Christ, whatever that thing may be, you must count it as a loss. as seen in Devotions with Greg Laurie -<>- ,-"-. ,' .----. _________ `. ,' ) (@)__))___) |`-.-'| # \\ `---' ^ hjw >ADVICE FOR GRADUATES FROM JIM HENRY Jim Henry was the pastor of First Baptist Church, Orlando, Florida, when he included this in his pastor’s column of “The Beacon,” his church’s newsletter (May 25, 1989). He gave a challenge to that year’s graduating class, but it’s good advice for any of us - at any time: 1. Don’t drift away from Jesus and this church and genuine Christian friends in these next few years. They can be powerful years of Christian maturity. 2. Watch who your closest friends are. If you run with dogs, you’ll get fleas. 3. Stay pure. If you're not, ask God to forgive you and keep you clean until you're married. It will help you build a strong marriage, and in today's moral climate, may keep you from s%xually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and a guilty conscience. And possibly lengthen your life. 4. Do your best, whatever the task is. 5. Don’t cut corners. Dishonesty and lack of integrity always catch up with you. 6. Always ask God to show you His plans for your life. When He does, do them! 7. Report for duty every day by beginning with prayer and reading the Bible. 8. Aim for the top of the ladder. The bottom is crowded. 9. Learn from your mistakes so as not to repeat them. 10. Be willing to be changed for the best. If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you have already got. (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) -<>- __-----__ ..;;;--'~~~`--;;;.. /;-~IN GOD WE TRUST~-.\ // ,;;;;;;;; \\ .// ;;;;; \ \\ || ;;;;( /.| || || ;;;;;;; _\ || || ';; ;;;;= || ||LIBERTY | ''\;;;;;; || \\ ,| '\ '|><| 1995 // \\ | | \ A // `;.,|. | '\.-'/ ~~;;;,._|___.,-;;;~' ''=--' - Daniel C Au - >TRY THE TITHE I wonder why the Lord did ask For tithes from you and me, When all the treasures of the earth Are His eternally? And why should He depend on us To fill His house with meat, When we have so very little, And His storehouse is replete. But He said to bring our little, And He would add His much, And all the heavenly windows Would be opened at His touch, And blessings running over— Even more than has been told— Will be ours; but there’s no promise If His portion we withhold. Are we afraid to prove Him? Is our faith and love so small, That we tightly grasp our little When He freely gave His all? --Roselyn Steers (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See These Great Teachings TITHING AND THE LAW http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/TITHING_AND_THE_LAW.htm GIVING EQUALS RECEIVING http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/GIVING_EQUALS_RECEIVING.htm -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >I AM. NOT, I DO. Glynnis Whitwer, Senior Editor P31 Woman, Speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries Key Verse: Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘what is His name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am’ has sent me to you. Exodus 3:13-14 (NIV) Devotion: We often define ourselves by what we do – in other words, I am what I accomplish. (I’m a writer, accountant, or teacher.) The frustrating thing about accomplishments is that they never stay accomplished for long. I was once the outstanding English student at my junior college – I’m not anymore I used to work in public relations – I don’t anymore. I used to work with senior high kids at church – I don’t anymore. I even once had all the laundry done in my home, except for what my family was wearing. That accomplishment lasted a few hours until the kids ripped off their socks and used them for target practice across the family room. I seriously considered having my family wear the same outfit every day for a week so I could feel a sense of satisfaction at being caught up on laundry for more than 12 hours. My three sons were on board (of course!) but my husband just raised an eyebrow. The truth is that no accomplishment provides us with lasting meaning and purpose. And yet, many of us place our self-worth and identity in what we do. The danger of this personal definition is that when our accomplishments pass away (and they will) we are in danger of losing sight of who we really are. In Exodus chapter three, Moses had just encountered God in the burning bush and was receiving his marching orders to bring the Israelites out of slavery. Moses questioned God's judgment (not his wisest move) and says to God: "...Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? And God said, 'I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.' Moses said to God, ‘Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘what is His name?’ Then what shall I tell them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am’ has sent me to you.’” Did you notice that the name God chose to define Himself didn’t have anything to do with His accomplishments? God had accomplished some amazing things, and He could have said something like this: Tell them that the Almighty Creator, the All-Powerful God who created the universe, spoke the land and the sea into existence, created man from dust and woman from a rib has sent you. Instead, God chose to define Himself thusly: I am. We should learn from God and choose to also define ourselves by who we are, not what we do. And you are a dearly beloved child of God; valued because of Who loves you and chose you to be His. Remember that truth when you doubt your worth because you can’t keep up with the laundry, you loose a job or you find the 10 pounds you lost last year. My prayer for today: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me in spite of what I do or don’t do. I praise you that you are the great “I am.” Please help me to grasp your deep love for me, and allow the truth of who I am to transform my life. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. Application Steps: Identify a responsibility or past accomplishment that gives you great satisfaction and impacts your feelings of self-worth. Consider what would happen if you lost your ability to accomplish that task. Read Scripture that affirms your worth as a child of God. Reflection points: What types of responsibilities give you the greatest sense of accomplishment? Have you ever derived self-worth from an accomplishment or a responsibility and then lost the ability to continue that responsi- bility: Perhaps from a move, having children or losing your health? What emotions did you feel? Why do you think God chose to call Himself “I am”? What does it mean for you to define your identify by who you are instead of what you do? How can our reading of Scripture and our relationship with God help our understanding of who we are? Power Verses: Psalm 25:10 “All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His decrees.” (NRS) Colossians 3:12 “As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (NRS) 2 Corinthians 17-18 So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good," says God. "Don't link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself. I'll be a Father to you; you'll be sons and daughters to me." (The Message) Romans 3: 28 “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” (NAS) Romans 4: 2-3 “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’" (NAS) as seen in Growthtrac Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. You can find me on Facebook as Kimberly B. O'Brien Quiggle. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...Interesting - Check Out This Teaching The Seven Redemptive Names of God https://tinyurl.com/5n7cjsfy ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: The devil cannot get a stronghold on your life unless you give him a foothold. / )) |\ ) ). c--. (\ ( `. / ) (\ ( `. ). ( ( | | )) ) ) ( ( `.`. ) ) ( ( ) ) | | ( ( / _..----.._ ) | ( ( _..----.._ ( ( ,-. | |---) V.'-------.. `-. )-/.-' ..------ `--) \._ | /===========| | ( | ) ( ``-.`\/'.-'' ( ) ``-._ | | / / / / / | |---------------------> <-------------------------_>=- | \===========| | ..-'./\.`-.. _,,-' `-' | |-------._------''_.-'----`-._``------_.-----' | | ``----'' ``----'' | | c--` hm >What Happens When You Trust In The Wrong Things (By Rocky Henriques) [Minor editing] ABC World News Now reported on June 16, 2011 that three women, visiting from out of town, drove their rented SUV into a swamp near Seattle, Washington. It seems they had been out to dinner, and were returning just after midnight, when they got lost near Mercer Island. Following their on-board Hertz "Never-Lost" GPS system, they turned onto a boat ramp--and kept going. I don't have a GPS system in my vehicle, so I really can't relate, but I guess people kind of get dependent on them when they are in unfamiliar territory. The problem comes when we depend entirely on them when our eyes should tell us that there is a lake in front of us. There is a parable in this story, of course. Since the beginning of Creation, mankind has been depending on the wrong things for guidance. God gave one set of instructions, but Adam and Eve followed the GPS system of Satan--Gullible Prompting of Satan. And we're still doing it today. There are people who are lost and wandering around in the midnight of their lives where it is dark and confusing. Instead of listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit prompting, guiding, and directing, they follow their own defective guidance systems--and wind up in the swamp. And, as you would expect, the Bible has something to say about this. Consider Psalm 25:4-5, which read, "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 48:14 tells us "For this is God our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end." Proverbs tells us that we should listen to the words of God, for "when you walk, they will guide you" (Proverbs 6:22). And Isaiah 58:11 promises "The Lord will guide you always...." So don't wind up in the swamp of confusion and desperation! Keep your eyes on the Lord, not the systems of the world which promise much but deliver little. He will keep us on the right--and dry--path. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...This is so true. So many people think that just because a church has a big congregation that they are teaching the Word of God rightly divided to their people. The bible says: 2 Tim.2: [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. If you are like these women and simply trust that whatever you are being told is the truth, then like these women, you may wide up all wet. When something doesn't sound right, we need to do as the bible says and study to make sure we are actually receiving God's Word and not some hog-wash or some age old bologna passed down from generation to generation by the devil himself meant to deceive us and make dull our weapon against him. ) ( ' } ( ' ' ( ) | ) ' /|\ ` ) / | \ ` ) { | | | { } | | | . ' | | | ) ( /| | |\ . Eph.6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, . / | | | \ ( and the sword of the Spirit which is } \ \ | / / . the word of God: ( \ `-' / } ' / ,-. \ ' } / / | \ \ } ' \ | | | / } ( \| | |/ ( ) | | | ) . | | | ' J | L /| J_|_L |\ \ \___/ o \___/ / \_____ _ _____/ |-| |-| |-| hs ,'-'. '---' We want our weapon to be super sharp! Which is what we need to be when dealing with our adversary. Eph.6:11-18 -<>- "How divinely full of glory and pleasure shall that hour be when all the millions of mankind that have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb shall meet together and stand around him with every tongue and every heart full of joy and praise. How astonishing will be the glory and the joy of that day when all the saints shall join together in one common song of gratitude and of love and of everlasting thankfulness to the Redeemer! With what unknown delight and inexpressible satisfaction shall all that are saved from the ruins of sin and hell address the Lamb that was slain and rejoice in his presence." - Isaac Watts .-. {{@}} <> 8@8 .::::. 888 @\\/W\/\/W\//@ 8@8 \\/^\/\/^\// _ )8( _ \_O_<>_O_/ (@)__/8@8\__(@) ____________________ `~"-=):(=-"~` |<><><> | | <><><>| |.| |<> | | <>| |S| |<> | | <>| |'| |<> .--------. <>| |.| | | () | | |P| |_____| (O\/O) |_____| |'| | \ /\ / | |.| |------\ \/ /------| |U| | '.__.' | |'| | | | | |.| : | | : |N| \<> | | <>/ |'| \<> | | <>/ |.| \<> | | <>/ |K| `\<> | | <>/' |'| jgs `-.| |.-` \ / '--' ^ >A Made Up Mind I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won't look back, let up, slow down or back away. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with selfish living, sight walking, small planning, "smooth knees," colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, pity or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with His patience, live by prayer and labor with His power. My face is set; my gait is sure; my goal is heaven; my road is narrow; my way is rough, my companions are few; my Guide is reliable; my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity because I have been sustained by Christ. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, spoken up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner is clear. I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. -Written by a young African pastor: it was tacked on the wall of his house and found after he died as a martyr for the Gospel - seen on a wall at Southeast Bible Baptist Church, Penfield NY, Bruce Craig, pastor SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ========================================================== __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >-->Courage, Strength, Compassion Standing for what You Believe In, Regardless of the Odds against You, And the Pressure that Tears at Your Resistance, ... Means Courage. Keeping a Smile on Your Face, When Inside, You feel like Dying, For the sake of Supporting Others, ... Means Strength. Stopping at Nothing, And doing what's in Your Heart, You know is Right, ... Means Determination. Doing More than is Expected, To make another's Life a little more Bearable, Without Uttering a single Complaint, ... Means Compassion. Helping a Friend in Need, No matter the Time or Effort, To the Best of Your Ability, ... Means Loyalty. Giving More than You have, And Expecting Nothing, But Nothing in Return, ... Means Selflessness. Holding Your Head High, And Being the Best You know You Can Be When Life seems to Fall Apart at Your Feet, Facing each Difficulty with the Confidence That Time will bring You better Tomorrow's, And Never Giving Up, ... Means Confidence. >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 **********************************************************************