Build All For His Glory 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 ================ ____ || | ||___| _)__<__ _ _ |____|__|:|___|:|_ | |_.---._|___| _ | o| | | |_o_| | || |/| |\| | |_||____|`\___/'|___| V _/-\_ fsc >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) My web site host finally got the site usable again and they added security to it as well. Now you don't have to worry about it being an insecure site. :) Shangrala Family Fun: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page comes from our friend KarenF. It is an adorable rescue story with photos. Be sure to check this and its video out here: ()(),~~,. .. ___; ) =`= (_. jb Rescued Baby Dormice! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dormice.html --- ...So cute! Thanks KarenF! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: Less is more. -- Mies van der Rohe You'll get a big kick out of today's story. The only problem is that we don't know who wrote it. You'll see a big contrast to what "green" means to different generations. Do you think the younger generation is ready to go outside and actually push a lawn mower? HaHa. _ , (_\______/________ \-|-|/|-|-|-|-|/ \==/-|-|-|-|-/ \/|-|-|-|,-' \--|-''' \_j________ (_) (_) hjw >BEING GREEN Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman, that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment. The woman apologized and explained, "We didn't have this green thing back in my earlier days." The young clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations." She was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day. Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. But we didn't have the green thing back in our day. Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags, that we reused for numerous things, most memorable besides household garbage bags, was the use of brown paper bags as book covers for our schoolbooks. This was to ensure that public property (the books provided for our use by the school) was not defaced by our scribblings. Then we were able to personalize our books on the brown paper bags. But too bad we didn't do the green thing back then. We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day. Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throwaway kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right. We didn't have the green thing back in our day. Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest burger joint. But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then? --- ...HaHa! I found out that all my due diligence being taken every week to separate the paper from plastic, glass and cans for recycling was mostly only going to the dump anyway. They only recycle a few items. Oh well, I keep it up - after all I am paying for it. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Surrendering to His Way Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."1 William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, once said, "The greatness of a man's power is in the measure of his surrender." Known for making the poor his main ministry, Booth credited all of his success to the complete surrender of his life to the Lord Jesus Christ -- body, heart and soul. In his diary, he wrote: "God shall have all there is of William Booth". He understood the Lord’s calling on his life and had he lived in the days when Jesus was choosing His disciples, William Booth would not have hesitated to leave all and follow his Lord. In Matthew 8, Jesus was faced with excuses when calling out the men that would be his disciples. "FIRST, let me go do this or that" or "BUT, I..." Jesus was seeking those who would leave everything, surrender all, and follow Him FIRST. Jesus’ way was not an easy way, but it was, and is still today, the only way to eternal life. Contrary to the words of the song made popular in 1969 by Frank Sinatra, doing things 'my way' will not allow me to live 'a life that's full', for it is only in Jesus that I can have an abundant life. (John 10:10) Doing things 'my way' will most definitely leave me 'with regrets... too many to mention', but Jesus takes my sin and removes them as far as the east is from the west. (Ps. 103:12) 'When I bit off more than I could chew' I've been reminded that I can cast all my cares on Jesus (1 Pet. 5:7), I am not alone when I am doing things in His way. I may find that living life 'my way' 'is all so amusing' but when I am left in tears Jesus brings me to my feet, and He knows every tear I've shed. (Ps. 56:8) The catchy tune ends with the phrase, 'For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught’. This is perhaps the biggest contradiction of all, for without Jesus, I am nothing! I have nothing! I can do nothing! (Jn 15:5) Surrendering all to Jesus is the only way to live this life and have the assurance of eternal life with Him in Heaven one day! I'm sorry, Mr. Sinatra, but it was Mr. Booth that chose the right WAY, and with God’s help, I will too! Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, I am tired of doing things my way and failing. I ask that you give me the courage to surrender all to YOUR will and YOUR way. I look forward to all that an abundant life in You has for me! In Jesus Christs name, Amen. 1. John 14:6 (ESV). Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching Keys To Living Life Victoriously https://tinyurl.com/4natbf69 <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Does Christ Occupy the First Place in My Life? (edited) 'Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.'1 If God thru Christ is first in our lives, we will experience many blessings. These include: A calm spirit. As we turn our attention to the Lord and meditate on His Word, He leads us "beside quiet waters," where we find rest for our souls (Psalm23:2). A stronger faith. Studying the Bible will broaden our view of God and give us knowledge and direction. Our faith will grow as we follow His guidance and see how He works in our lives. A purified heart. Like a mirror, the Bible reflects who we are and reveals where we need to change. When we confess our sin, God promises to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). A prepared mind. God wants to prepare us for the future, both for times of joy and for times of difficulty. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we will be equipped for whatever life throws at us (2 Peter 1:3). Paul's life is an example of what it means to give first place to God thru Christ. Because of what the Lord did in his life (Galatians 2:20), the apostle had joy in the midst of trials and strength to face difficulties. These blessings will also be ours if we prioritize our relationship with Christ. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, examine my heart and reveal to me in which areas of my life I have not put you first. Forgive me because sometimes I put my desires as a priority before You. Thank You for Your patience and mercy toward me. Help me to be patient and merciful to others, to Your honor and glory. I pray in Jesus Christ's name, Amen. 1. Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV). Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching God First http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/GOD_FIRST.htm =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .-=========-. \'-=======-'/ _| .=. |_ ((| {{1}} |)) \| /|\ |/ \__ '`' __/ _`) (`_ jgs _/_______\_ /___________\ >It's How You Finish It's not where you start; it's how you finish. When looking at the big picture, we all know that how we finish is more important than where we start. Many successful people started out in life with the odds against them, and came through winners. They didn't let their starting situation determine their final outcome. Think about it... this same philosophy can apply to everything we do. When working towards goals, forget that you may have started out at a disadvantage, met hurdles or made mistakes along the way. Move past the past. Don't get discouraged. Don't blame the past. Stop looking back and start looking forward, Then, you will move ahead in leaps and bounds. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See These Teachings DON’T LOOK BACK! http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/DON'T_LOOK_BACK.htm DWELLING ON THE PAST! http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/DWELLING_ON_THE_PAST.htm -<>- |..| ? ? c >| ? \'/ /><\ unknown >Who Done It? Crime and criminals are as old as mankind. The Bible, which records the world's first murder in Genesis 4:8, often reads like a police blotter. Test your detective skills and your Bible knowledge by matching these suspects to their crimes. List of suspects: Saul, Samson, Aaron, Jezebel, Gomer, Onesimus, Simon, Herod, Rachel, Jacob's sons, Amnon, Zedekiah's men, Judas, Pilate, Lot 1. The Crime: Theft Clues: The victim claimed that his household idols were stolen around the same time that his two daughters, his son-in-law, and his grandchildren left town. When searched, the criminal sat on the stolen evidence to conceal it. 2. The Crime: Unlawful Imprisonment Clues: The perpetrators imprisoned the victim in a cistern where he nearly starved to death. Their motive was to deny him the right to proclaim God's word. 3. The Crime: Attempted Bribery Clues: The suspect, a well-known sorcerer, resorted to bribery in an attempt to gain the power to lay hands on people and have them receive the holy spirit. 4. The Crime: Sorcery Clues: The culprit was seen entering the home of a well-known witch after dark. He participated in a seance, conjuring up the dead in order to learn the outcome of an upcoming battle. 5. The Crime: Obstruction of Justice Clues: When confronted with the evidence of wrongdoing (in this case, idolatry), this leader denied responsibility saying, "I threw [the gold] into the fire, and out came this calf!" 6. The Crime: Child Abandonment Clues: The suspect abandoned her husband and children for her lovers. The victim, who questioned whether the children were even his own, later bought his adulterous wife back from slavery. 7. The Crime: Theft Clues: Although the suspect, a slave, stole from his master before running away, a reliable evangelist testified that the culprit was a changed man. The preacher offered to pay back what the suspect had stolen. Answers 1. Rachel (Gen. 31:17-35). The idols Rachel stole from her father Laban—the ones she thought would bring luck and health—nearly cost her her life. While Laban's false gods could be stolen, Jacob's God was always with him (Gen. 28:15). 2. Zedekiah's men (Jer. 38:1-13). When the prophet Jeremiah warned people to repent and to submit to their Babylonian enemies as agents of God's judgment, the king's officials imprisoned him as a traitor. Jesus mentioned future rewards for faithful people (Matt. 5:10). 3. Simon (Acts 8:9-25). Simon had used sorcery and magic to win followers, but they converted to Christianity through Philip's preaching and received the Holy Spirit. Simon tried to buy the apostles' power to serve his own ambition, unaware that salvation, the Spirit's power, and eternal life are gifts of God (Eph. 2:8-9), and not to be bought. 4. Saul (1 Sam. 28:7-19). Witchcraft was punishable by death (Deut. 18:10). King Saul had failed to heed Samuel's advice while he lived, yet tried to summon Samuel's spirit for help after he'd died. In Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus, he explained that if the dead could talk, they still aren't as convincing witnesses as Scripture (Luke 16:31). 5. Aaron (Exodus 32). Impatience often leads to sin. Tired of waiting for his brother Moses' return from Mount Sinai, Aaron yielded to the Israelites' demands. Then Aaron tried to shift the blame away from himself. Paul told believers "to live self- controlled, upright and godly lives … while we wait for the blessed hope" (Titus 2:12-13). 6. Gomer (Hosea 1-3). The prophet Hosea and his adulterous wife Gomer served as object lessons for Israel who had committed spiritual adultery by abandoning God for idols. Like Hosea, who redeemed his wife from slavery, God would also ransom his people in love. 7. Onesimus (Philemon 1). According to Roman law, a slave who stole from his master and ran away could be executed. In his letter to Philemon (Onesimus's Christian owner), Paul pleads for mercy saying that Onesimus had become a believer, too. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Never Give Up!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Sgt.Stubby War Dog Hero!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stubbywardog.html Origami Dollar Art 2! https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dollarart2.html Car Show 2!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carshow2.html Silly Veggies!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/veggies.html World's Fastest Cars!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fastcars.html My Precious Child!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mychild.html God's Night Lights!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/night.html Thank You God!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thankgod.html Sweet Humanity!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sweethumanity.html Short Life Stories!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifestories.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Playing With Words!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html Walk With Jesus!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/walk.html Adam In Paradise!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/adam.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html God's Little Love Notes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Church Mouse Wisdom!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churchmouse.html You Are The Only You God Has!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Paper Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/paperart.html Journey Through Life!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/journey.html Our Valuable ANCHOR!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Moms And Dads INDEX!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/momsanddadsindex.html 911 And Troops INDEX!- https://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html -<>- How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Spirit & Truth Index: https://stfi.org/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ TrumpRx doesn't sell medications. Instead, it connects patients directly with the best prices, increasing transparency and cutting out costly third-party markups. https://trumprx.gov/ White House Actions - 2026 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump executive orders and actions, 2025-2026 https://tinyurl.com/musd7m3x DOGE Latest News https://doge.gov/ DOGE Latest Savings https://doge.gov/savings From The Daily Acorn: Positive News https://www.thedailyacorn.com/ Latest From Lifezette: https://www.lifezette.com/ Latest From Hannity: https://hannity.com/ Latest From American Action News: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Newsmax: https://www.newsmax.com/ Latest From Expose: https://expose-news.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://greatergood.com/clicktogive/ggc/home ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Focused On Jesus (edited) I've always been impulsive. I was one of the first to follow Jesus. I didn't even know who He was, but when He said "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), though I didn't know what He meant, I dropped my fishing nets and followed. After three years, I foolishly told Jesus I was "ready to go with You to prison and to death" (Luke 22:33), but that same night I denied I even knew Him... three times! And in the garden, when the soldiers came to take Him away, I drew my sword "and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear" (John 18:10). But the most impulsive thing I ever did was that night in the boat. The waves were rough, and we had "rowed three or three and a half miles" (John 6:19), when I saw Jesus walking on the water. I told Him I would come if He called, and the next thing I knew I was jumping out of the boat! And I didn't sink!! I just kept my eyes on Jesus. I knew in my heart He was "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16), but the wind was blowing so hard and the waves kept crashing against my legs. Matthew 14:30 "But when he {Peter} saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!'" Jesus said Peter began to sink because he doubted and had little faith (Matthew 14:31). But let's not be too hard on Peter. Remember, no one else even left the boat! Peter stepped out of the boat and took several steps on top of the water!! But then he lost his focus. Peter was in the middle of an awesome display of God's power, and yet he "saw the wind," or at least the effects of the wind. Peter began to look at the turbulence of the world and not at the One who was the only begotten son of the One who created the world; "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). There are times when we clearly see God's hand at work. Our eyes become focused on Jesus, His peace fills our life, and the foundation under our feet feels solid and secure. However, it's usually not long before the wind begins to blow, the waves rise up, and we experience that sinking feeling. When this happens (and it will) we must not despair, for this is also part of God's wonderful plan - He knows. As we are sinking, He always reaches out His hand as an invitation to draw near and know Him better - to know He will always be there when we cry out "Lord, save me!" The walk of faith cannot be accomplished in our own strength. With each step we must "put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Colossians 3:5), and "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14). Every day we must take our eyes off our own ability and the pulls of the world - take our eyes off the wind - and commit to trusting and keeping our eyes focused on God thru Jesus. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ? Judges 11:1-12:15; John 1:1-28; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 14:13-14 Judges 13:1-14:20; John 1:29-51; Psalm 102:1-28; Proverbs 14:15-16 Judges 15:1-16:31; John 2:1-25; Psalm 103:1-22; Proverbs 14:17-19 Judges 17:1-18:31; John 3:1-21; Psalm 104:1-24; Proverbs 14:20-21 <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Build All For His Glory Our goal should be to fully submit to our Heavenly Father, and our plans must always remain under His control. We've learned that a life submitted to God is full of opportunity and excitement. But such a submitted life requires discipline and perseverance. Though the world may scream for us to turn, we must be determined to live by the truth of God's Word through the enabling power of His spirit. In 586 BC, the armies of Babylon destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. About 50 years later, the Jewish people started to rebuild, but after a few years, their priorities began to shift. Their comfort and the condition of their own homes became more important than being obedient to God's call: "Is it time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house {of the Lord} remains a ruin?" (Haggai 1:4). God sent the prophet Haggai to challenge the people to reconsider their values and return to the work they had begun. Haggai 1:5-6 "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." The people had turned from rebuilding the Temple to building their own homes - from rebuilding their spiritual lives to building the comfort of their physical lives. They found that no matter how hard they worked, they never had enough. Isn't it amazing how the foundational truths of life never change? We have more pulls on our priorities today than at any other time in history. There are more distractions, more temptations, and many more "construction projects" that cry for our time and energy. But if our focus remains on building for our own physical comfort and security, we will also be ones who find we are NEVER satisfied. It may take many years to realize this truth, but without an eternal focus on the glory and honor of God, all our effort drains away. Our lives have become a Temple of God - a Temple being built to worship Him for all eternity, and one which must not fall into ruin! We must build the foundation of this Temple through intimate prayer and the study of His Word. We must cover all we build with an overriding desire to love God "with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). Each and every day we are given the task of building His Spiritual Temple. Let's not be turned from this task by projects which so easily fade away. Let's refocus our priorities and diligently build ALL for His glory. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** ?Judges 1:1-2:10; Luke 21:29-22:13; Psalm 90:1-91:16; Proverbs 13:24-25 Judges 2:11-3:31; Luke 22:14-34; Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 14:1-2 Judges 4:1-5:31; Luke 22:35-54; Psalm 94:1-23; Proverbs 14:3-4 Judges 6:1-40; Luke 22:55-23:10; Psalm 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 14:5-6 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: * _| __ (__ Question _) | * jgs >CAREFUL THOUGHT TO OUR WAYS The motivational speakers of our day want us to set great goals for our life: "Where do you want to be in two, five, or ten years? What type of lifestyle do you want when you retire?" We are encour- aged to set goals slightly beyond our reach, and then instructed how to create a plan to accomplish these goals. The implication is that a more focused effort will yield superior results and lead to greater "success." But before we can ask where we want to be in the next few years, we must first ask a longer term question: "Where will I be in one hundred years?" No other goal is worth pursuing until we have a solid answer to this most basic (but all-important) question. What difference does it make which college we attend, which job we take, or what our home looks like if we have failed to address the issue of where we will spend eternity!? Proverbs 14:8 "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception." We must be wise with the days we are given and no longer be deceived by the values of the world's system. There's nothing inherently wrong with goals and plans; but far too often, they lead to a self-determined lifestyle and away from the true Director of ALL plans; "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). Our planning must be as a direct response to God's leading; and once in place, our plans must remain in complete submission to His will; "I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). When our goal is to be in the center of His will, the specifics of where we will be and what we will be doing are really none of our business. This last sentence is worth reading again!! Every moment of our life is a precious gift from God. Even though the average life span continues to increase, our time is extremely short. An average life lasts about 45,000,000 minutes (much less in many countries). This may seem like a lot, but by this time tomorrow 1440 minutes will be forever gone; "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). We must not waste our limited time by chasing after things which vanish; "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity" (Ephesians 5:15-16). We must evaluate ALL our decisions and goals based on the overriding desire to glorify God in all we do, to rejoice in His many blessings, and to long for the time when we can worship before His throne for all eternity. Any other set of values must fade to nothing in comparison. Every day we are handed a block of time and given the freedom of how it will be spent. This is a wonderful opportunity, but the clock continues to tick! Let's honor our Heavenly Father with our goals and plans and give careful thought to our ways. Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries -<>- >THE MATINEE A few years ago Monica was a volunteer usher at a local community theater. It was a matinee performance and there were quite a few children in the audience. After intermission, it took a while for the curtain to rise after everyone was seated and the auditorium had gone dark. Suddenly, into the expectant silence, a child's voice piped up with: "We're ready!" Roaring laughter ushered in the second act. as seen in da Mouse Tracks -<>- ..''"", ,,,""""",,, ,,"""'' , ,' oo "" .. __ "" oo ) ` ooo ( o) (o ) .' ` ~~___~" .' `..,_ ." qgp ". ' : .' | `. : _, _____ __ .' .' | `. :------' ) \ """"""" : : . | . | | ( | : : `-----' ; | ) / : `. _ _ : .' \ / . `. `.( "-.-." ) : | | o0 _,-' (_.-`-'._' _ ~ ~ -..__ ( | :: ,--' `. o' | / .oP _' oOoo .' \ oo' ( | ::: : oooooo : \ oo' / | oOP `. oooooo : e :_.' ) \ ::: `._ ooo `. . ~ ~ ~ -.___ | oOP `-'-\ `. _-~-~-~~--. ; : | ""o `-. .~ | .'| \ ___ `-. .' : .'.' | \ : : | | .'.' /sc/""""\_____|...--""": `. .'.' .'.' `. `. .' .' - - - -.__;' `._ `-----'_.' ~~~---~~ >WHAT A TEDDY BEAR CAN DO FOR A TROUBLE FRIGHTENED HEART by: Cynthia Groopman Several months ago, I suffered from a traumatic attack by an irate client, which frightened and caused me anxiety. At night I would wake up with nightmares of being killed or injured seriously by that person. I would scream and my heart would race and pound so rapidly. I had nothing to embrace or hug since I am alone and at 61 years of age, do not own soft cuddly bears or stuffed animals. I am undergoing counseling by my clergy person and that is pastoral counseling now every other week. He suggested I get a teddy bear and hug it and even have it with me when I go to sleep as a for comforter. I laughed and thought it was silly and childish for my age group to have a toy. He said veterans he visited at veterans hospitals and homes suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome utilized these comforting bears to help them with their fright. I have a close relationship with God and I would pray every night for a big soft cuddly bear. Chanukah arrived and my friend, who is 64 and very loving and kind to me, brought me a package at the senior center where she attends my groups and classes. It was wrapped so beautifully it was sad to unwrap it, but I felt something inside that made me smile and in my mind's ear heard it say, I love you. What could it be, I asked? You should find out by opening up the package, my friend laughed. I was so excited like a child on Christmas morning and hurriedly tore off the wrapping paper. When I finally unwrapped the gift, I felt a big cuddly soft bear with a big sweet nose. It was pink and the nose was black and the bear stretched out its warm arms to me in a loving embrace. I again heard it say I love you although it did not talk but in my heart there was a closeness, and feeling of overwhelming mirth I have not felt for a long time. The bear was a conversation topic at happy times group that Monday. When I arrived home, I put it on my head board to watch over me at night. Every night I would hug the bear and she would hug me back and her name on the tag was Sweetie. Sweetie and I would hug and I would give her extra big hugs when I felt sad or felt something was wrong. The nightmares began to cease since Sweetie the bear of joy arrived in my life. Teddy bears are not only for little children but for all who are children at heart. I feel comforted and warm and welcome now and life is happier and full of love due to a dear sweet friend who cared enough to give me a gift of love. The fuzzy bear evokes a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart and soul. There are good people in this world who reach out with love and kindness to make a 61 year old totally blind person see the smiles of a bear whose pinkness is like the flourishing flower of springtime. as seen at Inspiration Plus --- ("-^-/") `o__o' ] (_Y_) _/ _..`--'-.`, (__)_,--(__) 7: ; 1 _/,`-.-' : (_,)-~~(_,) ...This is true When I had my thyroid act up, I was seeing and sometimes even hearing scary things most all day and all night, I kept God's Word close to my heart: "There is No Fear in love" - that was what I could remember and would repeat it knowing God is love. I wanted God close so I kept the fear away as best I could. ._________________________________. |---------------------------------| |=============.===================| | |_)) | | | | | | | | | | | .'"`. | | `=-=' | | / | \ | | \.|./ | | ; `. | | .'. `.. | | ___| . . _.' | | O_ ._.' | | / | | | .-'.' .' /O| .-'.'..--'`.=`.`.| |```.-'''.''._.''. '-. .'- .-' .| |_________________________________| |`='`='`='`='`='`='`='`='`='`='`='| | | | () H|o | | < || > (_) H| | | `--' AsH| My young son at the time came home from going to a gas station with a small store inside it. It had a stuffed toy machine with an arm you could try and get and win a little stuffed toy during the small time it gave you. He said he kept playing it because he kept winning. He had 5 or 6 small little stuffed animals and gave them all to me. I used them to help fend off my fear. My thyroid would sometimes keep me up all night with visions like a black and white TV set on the wall. I was sent to a hospital for the mentally challenged when I couldn't keep what was real separated from what was not real any more. I spent a week there until my husband took me out. I tried hard to act as normal as possible even though I was still having lots of visions. My doctor said I had schizophrenia but my husband would not accept that. I wasn't diagnosed with a thyroid problem until about a year and half after my symptoms started when my husband noticed my neck had grown. Once my own thyroid was shut down by using thyroid medicine, my visions totally ended. Thank God! I still have the little stuffed animals my son won for me in my safe. I figure it was God helping him win these so they could help me overcome my fears. :) Reminds me of this song: No Fear Jon Reddick & We The Kingdom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9ajtA9psIQ LYRICS: I got enemies at every side It ain’t looking good, I ain’t gonna lie Arrows flying, devil’s trying To make me think I’m going down this time You might think that I’d be afraid Running scared with a shaken faith But the God I know says it ain’t over The God I know is gonna make a way Yea, though I walk through the valley I will have No fear, no fear The mighty power of Jesus Is fighting for me here No fear, no fear The light of the world Makes the darkness disappear No fear Not over my life, not over my life, not over my life Not over my life, not over my life, not over my life No fear when I’m walking through the fire ‘Cause I know who’s walking me through No fear when the floodwaters rise If I got my eyes on You No fear, no fear The mighty power of Jesus Is fighting for me here No fear, no fear The light of the world Makes the darkness disappear No fear Not over my life, not over my life, not over my life Not over my life, not over my life, not over my life Not over my family, not over my future Not over my life, God’s over my life Not over my battles, not over my struggles Not over my life, God’s over my life Yea, though I walk through the valley I will have ... Written by Jon Reddick, Matthew West, and Jeff Pardo © 2024 B Reddi Music (BMI)(admin. by Emack Music Publishing/ EssentialMusicPublishing.com)/ BrentHood Music/ Meaux Mercy (BMI)(Admin. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com)/ Story House IV Music (ASCAP)(admin. at EssentialMusicPublishing.com) -<>- , `.-- .,-"" . ._,' . _,. `. , / .'.oo`.. `. `- .__.-' :: .; "-()-"`. \.-. / doida ; /'". ,"`'. "-- "-" .': : `----' "-" ' >BE THE SURPRISE by Ron Rose PREPARATION After the presentation, he walked up to me, waited his turn to talk and then, with a determined look he stated, "I don't like surprises. I try to plan them out of my business and out of my life." Then he turned and walked away. Since that moment, four years ago, I have experienced hundreds of surprises, but then I haven't made it a life's mission to plan surprises out of my life. In fact, I relish the opportunity to plan them into my life. There is surprise in every interruption, every frustration, every failure, and every crisis. So how does a person go about planning them out of life, anyway? And, if you could, you would miss God. Surprises are celebrations of God's invisible presence, of HIS fingerprints. They glorify HIS planning and HIS delight. I am confident that our reactions to surprise give him joy, just as parents find joy in surprising their children. From this side of eternity, the perception is that some surprises are exciting, riveting, and inspiring, while others are horrifying, devastating, and frightening. But, whether we like it our not, each surprise is a faith challenge--a look-for-God moment. Remember the deceitful and dishonorable Bible character named Jacob? He cheated to get his father's blessing--to inherit the family control and the money. He had little interest in the family God, but surprise was coming. While on his way to find a wife, he camped for the night expecting to enjoy a restful night's sleep. After finding a rock to use as a pillow, he fell asleep and dreamed about an unusual stairway, one that reached from the earth up to heaven (like one of those escalators at airports). And he saw strange beings going up and down the stairway. At the top of the stairway stood the his father's God, who spoke, “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—-to the West and the East, to the North and the South. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!” But he was also afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!” Genesis 28 NLT Now it was Jacob's God who spoke! Faith was born! And, it was a surprise. -<>- ( ,&&&. ) .,.&& ( ( \=__/ ) ,'-'. ( ( ,, _.__|/ /| ) /\ -((------((_|___/ | ( // | (`' (( `'--| _ -.;_/ \\--._ \\ \-._/. (_;-// | \ \-'.\ <_,\_\`--'| ( `.__ _ ___,') <_,-'__,' jrei `'(_ )_)(_)_)' >INSPIRATION Years ago Chuck Swindoll told an unforgettable tale of a father with a flare for surprises. It seemed this family from Montgomery, Alabama, had planned an exciting summer vacation, driving to California and camping up and down California's coastal Highway 1. The boys had been talking about the trip for months; but now there would have to be a slight change of plans. Dad announced that some unexpected problems had come up at work, and he would have to stay home (actually he planned the whole thing). But, he wanted them to go on without him. He would be with them in spirit. He knew where they would be at any given time; he even knew within an hour the exact time when they would cross the Great Divide. The boys couldn’t believe it; Dad was going to miss the best trip ever. They weren’t sure Mom knew how to pitch the tent. Reluctantly they packed all the camping equipment into the Yukon and headed off on their great adventure, minus Dad. Once they were out of sight Dad went to work. He spent the day taking care of details at work and at the house, and then he put his "surprise" plan into action. He flew to the Denver airport near where his family would be the next day. Once there, a friend picked him up and drove him to an area on the interstate 70 where his family would pass. He sat just off the road on his sleeping bag and waited to see the familiar Yukon. The youngest boy had called “shotgun” that morning early and was sitting in the front seat, passenger side, when he spotted a man that looked like his dad hitchhiking on the freeway. “Mom, that guy looks like Dad!” he announced. “Can’t be,” his brother mumbled, Dad's at home working and stuff.” Just as they were about to pass the hitchhiker the oldest boy looked up, recognized his Dad and cried out, “It is Dad, IT IS DAD! Mom, are we going to stop and pick him up?” Mom hit the brakes, and Dad came running—-surprise complete and an unforgettable vacation launched. MOTIVATION Ask family and friends about times when they have been surprised. Then, invest some time looking for stories that tell about people who experienced faith surprises—-times when God directed the unexpected. But, before you leave the house, ask God to put a surprise or two in your path. Expecting the unexpected is humbling and transforming. In the middle of your surprises you will find the ultimate surprise--the fingerprints of God. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: "Weave the unveiling fabric of God's word through your heart and mind. It will hold strong, even if the rest of life unravels." - Gigi Graham Tchividjian _ _( } -= _ << \ `.\__/`/\\ -= '--'\\ ` -= // jgs \) >Drink Plenty of Water! (Author Unknown) I've heard it. I've read it. As long as I have been running, it's always been the same message: "drink plenty of water." All along most race courses are water stations, and most runners slow down to drink a cup of cool water. Keeping your water level up is critical when you run. If you get slightly dehydrated, you will not run well. If you get moderately dehydrated, you will become disoriented. If you get seriously dehydrated, you can die. It's serious business. The first year I ran was 1991, and I was inexperienced (also younger, slimmer, stupider, etc.) I passed water stop after water stop, occasionally drinking a swallow or two. I felt good, and I wasn't going to waste precious seconds drinking water, even though it was a hot, humid day. Big mistake. As I neared the final mile, I "hit the wall." My energy level dropped to zero, I began having to walk some, and I realized I would have to work hard just to finish. I did make it across the line, but only with a tremendous headache and hardly enough energy to walk. It was not much fun. I learned an important lesson that year. Stopping for water doesn't actually slow you down. In fact, you will run a better race if you do drink water. The bottom line is that your body is simply not designed to function without water. In the same way, your spiritual stamina depends on stopping for regular drinks of "spiritual water." The dilemma for busy believers is finding time to invest in reading the Word and meeting with God in prayer. Like the runner intent on reaching the finish line, we tend to put off those regular drinks of water until we are totally parched. But in the long run, you will run a better race if you will stop for spiritual water. In fact, finishing the Christian race at all may depend on it. And runners who don't ever slow down to take a drink often stumble off the course far short of the finish line. In this year's race, I saw a man become dehydrated just a mile from the finish. Strangely, he didn't seem to recognize that anything was wrong. He was swaying from side to side as he walked, mumbling over and over, "I'm fine. I'm fine." He was so disoriented that he didn't even recognize his own sick condition. If you let yourself become spiritually dehydrated, you may not even be able to recognize it. Stop today to drink some cool "living water." For serious runners, it's a must. 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 ========================================================== ,-. | ,-. \ `-.(+),-' / \:-) (+) (-:/ .'`-._(+)_.-'`. ,'__/\_ (+) _/\__`. / / _/_)(+)(_\_ \ \ / (__/ _(+)_ \__) \ / _,-'" (") "`-._ \ (_,-'" / \ "`-._) Krogg >-->BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES Beautiful butterflies flying so free All over my flower garden I see So many wings fluttering in the air Their beauty is beyond compare. As beautiful butterflies flutter by They never fail to catch my eye With wings of pink and blue Some are black and yellow, too. Beautiful butterflies soar high in the air Over mountain tops and desert sand They can make their home anywhere God cares for them wherever they land. When the weather begins to turn cold Flying south the beautiful butterflies go God will protect them there until spring Returning them to my garden once again. Verse © 2005 Glenna M. Baugh >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your ad message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO Foundational Teaching Seminar NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************