9-11 Remembrance And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* 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! -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ *~* We Had An Awesome Month Of Caring And Sharing Last Month :) _ _ ( \/ ) .---. \ / .-"-. / 6_6 \/ / 4 4 \ \_ (__\ \_ v _/ // \\ // \\ (( )) (( )) =======""===""========""===""======= jgs ||| ||| | | >Please Be Sure To Share These With Your Friends And Family: Five Debt Tips! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/debttips.html Adorable Baby Elephant! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babyelephant.html God's Water Paintings 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/water3.html Inspiring Seniors 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/inspiringseniors2.html Undersea Bowling Alley! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bowling.html When It Rains! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whenitrains.html Cheetah Encounter! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cheetahs.html Underwater Creatures! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/underwater3.html Nature's Teardrops! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/teardrops.html Beautiful Rainbows! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rainbows.html __ _ / | | \ \/_/ \_\| / __ \/_/__\ .--='/~\ ____,__/__,_____,______)/ /{~}}} -,-----,--\--,-----,---,\'-' {{~}} jgs __/\_ '--=.\}/ /_/ |\\ \/ ~*~ May God Super Bless All Our Sweet Contributors! :) =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: 9/11 was a reminder that the bonds of family can be severed in an instant. They are essential, crucial, valuable, fragile. -- Peter Jennings Thank you Canada, and the warm and loving people of Gander and Lewisporte, Newfoundland. They had some unexpected guests that day and created memories that will last lifetimes. ____, "||||.W.|| // "| ||||^T^|| || /^^\\ \\/^\\ /^^\\ //^^|| /^^\\ || ,-'|| || || ,-'|||| || ,-'|| \\___/\\_/\;_||_ _||_\\_/\;\\__/|,\\_/\; m1a >IT IS THEIR LEGACY by Michael Smith September 11, 2001, Shirley Brooks-Jones, a retired staff member at Ohio State university and two hundred and seventeen fellow passengers sat on Delta flight 15 from Germany to Atlanta, Georgia. They sat in comfort, while unbeknownst to them, terrorists attacked the United States of America. Hijacked passenger jets, filled with hundreds of passengers were flown into the two towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York and into the Pentagon in Washington, DC. The United States made the unprecedented move to shut the airspace over the United States to all but military aircraft. International flights to the USA were diverted to Canada. The small town of Gander, Newfoundland, was overwhelmed by thirty-eight planes, carrying almost seven thousand passengers. In a matter of hours, the “plane people”, as they became known, nearly doubled the population of the town. A plea went out to the residents, "Please do what you can for these people. Come out, lend a hand, anything you can do will be accepted." Gander residents opened their homes, their stores, their schools and their hearts. On Delta flight 15, Shirley Brooks-Jones, her fellow passengers, plus the crew, sat on the runway, unable to disembark. Captain Michael Sweeney kept things under control. The air conditioning and bathrooms continued to work and food was provided. After more than twenty-eight hours, they were allowed to leave the plane and to meet an amazing population of people. They were greeted with open arms. I had the opportunity to speak to Shirley Brooks-Jones recently. She told a wonderful story of caring and love. "Michael, you wouldn’t believe it. The residents of Gander took people into their homes. Even in the stores, they wouldn’t accept our money. People needed clothes, Walmart gave it to them. Many people had prescription drugs on their checked baggage, which they couldn’t take off the plane; doctors examined them and wrote new prescriptions for free. The prescriptions were then filled at local drug stores at no cost. "One man said he was at the store getting supplies and the cashier offered her home to them, so they could shower. "It was amazing, Michael. I remember being on the bus to Lewisporte from Gander, where we would be housed after we were allowed off the plane. I looked at the scenery. It reminded me of southeast Ohio, where I grew up at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. I felt at home. "The US airspace reopened on September 13th, but we didn’t leave until the 15th. We spent four wonderful days with our now extended family." On the flight to Atlanta, Shirley looked down at the small town of Gander and nearby Lewisporte, thought about her wonderful experience there and knew she had to do something. She asked to speak to captain Michael Sweeney. "Captain Sweeney, I would like to make an announcement over the intercom. I want to ask for pledges to start a scholarship fund for the students of Lewisporte. These people can’t afford to send many of the kids to university. I want to give back what they gave us." Captain Sweeney, against rules, agreed to Shirley’s request. Several people helped Shirley create pledge sheets, which they handed out to the passengers. At the end of the flight, they counted pledges totaling more than fifteen thousand dollars. An anonymous donor matched the total. The fund, called Lewisporte Area Flight 15 Scholarship Fund and managed by The Columbus Foundation has since raised more than one million dollars and continues to grow. (Website is here: http://goo.gl/aydmC ) A committee in Lewisporte, made up by the principal, counselor and teachers distribute the funds based on the guidelines agreed on by Shirley and the Columbus Foundation. The scholarships are given to children, as long as they maintain an average of 85%, to receive help for further education. They need to be active in the community and write an essay as to why they want to receive the scholarship. Some of the students have gone into the ministry, medical fields, etc. Since that dreadful day in 2001, Shirley has returned to Gander and Lewisporte twenty-two times. She returns for memorial services each year on 9/11 and again in the spring to hand out scholarships. When there, she walks through the streets and is greeted, "Hey, Shirley! You’re back. It’s great to see you again." She’s part of their family -- forever. In 2007, Shirley received a call from a protocol office to announce she was nominated to receive "The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador" and asked if she would be willing to travel to Newfoundland to attend the ceremonies. Shirley said, "Michael, my knees weakened. I almost fell to the floor." The date for the ceremony was December 7, the day Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Nine people received the award that day. After the presentations, the Lieutenant Governor held a luncheon. During the luncheon, a lady walked up to Shirley and thanked her for all she had done for their community. She then added, "You may not know this but you where the 9th person to receive the award at the exact moment when the clock chimed 11." Shirley has been interviewed many times since that tragic day. She was once asked to describe how poor the communities of Gander and Lewisporte were. Shirley refused. "How can you ask me how poor they were? They are not poor. They are richer than all of us. They are rich with family, life, caring and heart." The love and appreciation the people of Gander/Lewiesporte showed to those stranded will never be forgotten. It is their legacy. -- Michael T. Smith __________________________________________________ You can see a video about it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUmCgQp5iNg To sign up to received Michael's stories, go to: To read more of Michael's stories, go to http://ourecho.com/biography-353-Michael-Timothy-Smith.shtml#stories =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Fran :) _ (_) <___> | |______ | |* * * ) | | * * (_________ | |* * * |* *|####) | | * * *| * | (________________ | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | | * * *| * | | | | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | |~~~~~~| * | | | | |######|* *|####|##############| | | |~~~' | | | |######|########|##############| | | | | | | |######|########|##############| | |~~~~~~| | | | | |########|##############| | | '~~~~~~~~| | | | |##########JGS#| | | '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | >Story Time... After finishing graduate school at Ohio State University, I moved back to northern Virginia. My father had just retired from the Air Force, and my family moved from Zweibrucken, Germany, to South Carolina. I hadn't seen my parents since they bought their new house and moved in, so I was anxious to go see them. I left Alexandria, Virginia, early in the morning, in my 1986 Ford Escort. Somehow I knew my car might have a problem on the trip down south; the odometer had 140,000 miles on it. Near Kenly, North Carolina, my car stopped dead in its tracks. Two young men stopped and offered me a ride, but I asked them to call the police for me instead. Then another car approached, and a kind- looking, older man stepped out. He thought I was his son's girlfriend, whom I resembled. He said he also had a funny feeling -- as though he was pulled into the opposite direction to see who was stranded by the side of the road. But even once he saw that I was not his son's girlfriend, he still offered to help. The man identified himself as a Baptist minister. Just as I knew something might go wrong with my car, somehow I knew I could trust him. He arranged for a tow truck to take my car to the closest garage, then asked me to accompany him to a hospital, where he was due to pray for some patients. He then took me home to put me up for the night with his family. His wife and son were surprised to have a visitor, but were equally hospitable. The son did a double take when he saw me; I guess I really looked a lot like his girlfriend. The next day, the minister drove me to Raleigh airport, the nearest place with a car rental agency, to get a car to finish my trip. My car would be repaired while I visited my parents. The next day, the minister drove me to the Raleigh airport car rental agency, so I could finish driving home. My car would be repaired while I visited my parents. When I returned to Raleigh, the minister had arranged to meet me again. He drove with me to return the rental car, then to the garage to pick up my car. When all this happened, I didn't have much money or experience. I don't know what I would have done if he had not come along. My dad made a contribution to his parish as thanks, but this man's kindness was beyond price. Today, my husband and I try to pay this kindness forward. We both help people who are stranded by the side of the road, and at other times, whenever we can. by Gabriele --- ...A Great 'Pay It Forward' story! Thanks Fran! Pay It Forward! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/payitforward.html =========================================================== .-"""""""-. .' __ \_ / / \/ \ | \_0/\_0/______ |:. .' oo`\ |:. / \ |' ; | | |:.. . \_______ | |::.|' , \,_____\ / |:::.; ' | . '| ====)_/===;===========;() |::; | | ; ; | | # # # #:::::: /::::.|-| |_|-|, \ # # # #:::::: /'-=-'` '-' '--'\ # # # #:::::: jgs / \ # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # G O D B L E S S # # # # # # # # # # # # # # A M E R I C A # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ...Just A Little Note Here First... Today's left seem to think that the American flag is raciest or that it denotes 'white supremacy' simply because our current President Trump shows his support and love for it. They do not agree with him on anything that he promotes that he considers patriotic. So of course, they hate the flag and want it not saluted or anyone reciting the Pledge Of Allegiance at school or public events or anywhere. They are opposite of President Trump and seem to be totally anti-American in their views and actions. Here's recent left craziness concerning the US flag: American Flag on Police Cars Triggers Total City Meltdown https://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/american-flag-triggers-meltdown/ And Here's some fast facts on the pledge from liberal CNN: https://tinyurl.com/y2bzrqs9 Now go back to during the horrific events of 9/11. Back then, the flag meant to Americans what it should mean to all Americans now - Unity and Patriotism. Check out the following heartwarming historical stories of 9/11... >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ============;===========;() # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # jgs # # # # # # # >The Aftermath By Michele Wallace Campanelli Flags were flying on every house down my block when I realized that my husband and I, who had recently bought our first home, didn't have a flag of our own. Donating blood and money no longer felt like enough. Immediately, I left on a quest to find an American flag to show my patriotic spirit. After starting up my ancient car, I headed to the local Kmart, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware and even some craft stores. Everywhere I was told the same thing: "We had flags this morning, but we're sold out now. Come back next week, and we'll have more flags." Next week? Somehow next week didn't seem good enough for this fervent patriot. I hurried back to my car to proceed to plan B - trying to buy a flag over the Internet. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that every marquee announced, "God Bless America" or "United We Stand." Cars passed me with flag stickers on the bumpers or small flags tied to antennas. Some cars even had flags draped over luggage racks. This drive was unlike any other I had ever taken. I had known before that Americans were proud, but seeing so many flags today, displayed in such diverse ways, hit me differently than on any Fourth of July or President's Day. This varied display of the nation's colors spoke of unity, courage, determination. As I stopped at a red light, I heard a familiar tune drifting from a breakfast shop that had opened its doors to welcome customers. "The Star-Spangled Banner" was blasting from a loud speaker. ". . . O say does that star-spangled banner Yet wave! O'er the land of the free And the home of the brave!" A chill ran down my spine. Although I had heard the words a thousand times before, this day I truly appreciated how Francis Scott Key must have felt ashe wrote them. What a welcome sight is the red, white and blue banner flying high. Even though the light had turned green, the cars around me didn't speed off. The lady in the car next to me wiped her eyes and gave me a nod before proceeding on her way. Today, Americans were different, changed. The horror meant to divide us somehow did not. Instead, we were uniting through this tragedy, proud of our heritage. When I got home I searched the Internet for Old Glory online. I surfed markets in other countries: China, Europe and Australia. Everywhere I searched notices were posted: "Seamstresses working overtime." "Sorry for the delay." "None currently available." All over the world, the American flag supply seemed to have run out. Still determined, I called family members and asked if they knew where I could find a flag. All were flying their own or didn't know where I could find where new ones could be found. My mission seemed hopeless. Hours passed. Suddenly, a knock sounded on my door. My grandfather, Jim Pauline, a man who had served in the United States Army during World War II in the tank division at Normandy under General Patton, held out his hands. In them lay Old Glory. "Thought you might want this," Grandpa smiled. "Sorry it isn't very big." I gave him a hug. Even if the flag was just a foot long, I didn't care. The size of the flag couldn't measure the love that I have for my country and for the family and friends who live within its borders. I walked out into my yard and among dozens that flew already. I added my very own treasured banner. It seemed a simple gesture, but the meaning was so profound it brought tears to my eyes. I used to think the flag was the symbol of our country, but now I know that what Congress decided on June 14, 1777, rings as true today as it did 224 years ago. The stars represent each of the United States. The blue field behind the stars stands for vigilance, perseverance and justice. The white stripes reflect purity and innocence. The red stripes symbolize valor and courage. The terrorist bombers may have murdered five thousand innocent Americans on September 11, 2001, but they couldn't destroy our American spirit. Approximately eighty-eight thousand flags were purchased in the days after the terrorist attacks - more than at any other time in history. My quest to find a flag wasn't easy. I wasn't alone in wanting to show pride for this beloved country. And for that, I am eternally grateful. God Bless America! -<>- ( (_) ### . (#c __\|/__ #\ wWWWw \ \-. (/. .\) /\ /`\/\ /\ |\/ \_) (_| `\.' ; ; `' ;`\ `\; ; . ;/\ `\; ; ;| \ ; .' ' ; / |_.' ; | /) ( ''._;/` | ' . ; |.-' .:) | | ( .' : | |,- .:: | | ,-' .;| jgs_/___,_.:_\_ [I_I_I_I_I_I_] | __________ | | || | | || | _| ||_|__|_|| |_ /=--------------=\ / \ | | >The Restoration Of A Nation In memory of September 11th, 2001 We stand united all over this great nation in remembrance of that day in September. For it is an anniversary burned into our minds and our hearts cannot help but remember. So we pause to pay tribute to the lives that were taken and pray for the families still coping with grief. We in silence remember the firefighters and officers who died bringing others relief. We thank God for the heroics of medical personnel who pressed on though exhausted and sore. And for everyday people who demonstrated God's love by giving, and then giving some more. But we as a nation must lift our hearts to praise God for the ways He has carried us through. In the wake of devastation... He soothed our nation as only His Spirit could do. We've learned so much since that fateful day because God taught us lessons that came from His heart. We've examined our values to find things were missing and we're building them back, part by part. May the Lord breathe on us & bless us again and may Revival wash over this sod. May this time of healing bring us back to our knees till we're a nation truly honoring God. c2002 Sheila Gosney -<>- o /\ /::\ /::::\ ,a_a /\::::/\ {/ ''\_ /\ \::/\ \ {\ ,_oo) /\ \ \/\ \ \ {/ (_^____/ \ \ \ \ \ \ .=. {/ \___)))*) \ \ \ \ \/ (.=.`\ {/ /=; ~/ \ \ \ \/ \ `\{/( \/\ / \ \ \/ \ `. `\ ) ) \ \/ jgs \ // /_/_ \/ '==''---)))) >Something Special By Pam Bumpus "I would do something special for her. Not take out the trash without being reminded. Something special, something I wouldn't ordinarily do." With tears streaming down his face, the gentleman had just answered the reporter's question, "What would you do differently if you had known you might not see your wife again?" Now, I personally think this is a pretty crappy question to ask anyone, much less the husband of a victim of a terrorist attack. The reporter seemed to have no compassion for this man whose wife's plane had been flown into the World Trade Center. "I'm just glad I kissed her good-bye and told her I loved her this morning," he managed to choke out. Of course, we would all act differently if we knew time together with our spouse was running out. My anger at the insensitive reporter simmered along with the disbelief and fear that had become part of my life since watching the results of the attack on America. "Stupid guy," I muttered to myself, switching off the television. Maybe I needed a break. I have that luxury. I can turn off the pictures of the devastated buildings, despondent relatives and harried rescue workers. But could I turn off my feelings? My husband Alan and I farm. He was cutting a field of soybeans that afternoon. I decided to go take pictures of the American flag he had mounted on the back of our combine. With terrorists trying to cripple our nation, we wanted to show our support: The American farmer was still hard at work. Back at the house, starting a load of laundry, I found myself thinking about that interview. 'I would do something special,' played over and over in my mind. That gentleman would never have that opportunity now, but I did. I hope Alan and I have another forty years together. But there are no guarantees. Tomorrows are not guaranteed. 'Something I wouldn't ordinarily do.' Well, his pickup could sure use a good cleaning. So I got to it. After about thirty minutes of vacuuming and scrubbing the interior, I was ready to wash the outside. I had one little problem: Starting the power washer was a bit tricky. You had to choke the motor just enough, and the idle had to be set just so. The possibility of getting jerked on the recoil was significant. 'Something special...'Grabbing the rope pull I tackled it head on. Suddenly it was very important to me to accomplish this surprise for Alan. Several attempts later, with no success and an aching arm, I thought I might not succeed. 'Lord,' I prayed silently, 'I could sure use your help. I want to get this started so I can finish this for Alan. I really want to do this for him.' The guilt hit immediately. How could I bother our Lord at a time like this? Thousands were praying for their loved ones. Much more important prayers needed his attention right now. "I'm sorry, Lord," I whispered. How could I be so selfish? I had spent a lot of time in prayer over the past three days, asking for comfort for the victims' families, strength for our nation's leaders and healing for all of us. My request for help now was automatic. I always ask for help when facing a difficult task. But it just didn't seem right to do so today. Defeat didn't seem an option either, so I pulled the rope one more time. The motor sputtered to life. Yes, Alan was surprised and grateful when he saw his pickup. And I was surprised and grateful for the important lessons I learned that day. First of all, despite his tactless approach, the reporter brought home a very important point. Through his pain, the man who lost his spouse taught me to cherish mine. I will look for those "special" things to do for Alan. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, God does care about us, all of us. He hears the prayers of those whose suffering seems unbearable. He cares. And he hears those of us who need a little boost when we have set out to do something special for someone we love. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Bleed America! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bleed.html Lest We Forget 9-11 #1!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lestweforget.html Where Was God? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/where.html 9/11 HERO RICK RESCORLA! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911hero.html FULL USA 9/11 AND TROOPS INDEX!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html God's Bumper Stickers!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gbumper.html You Are The Only You God Has! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Thank You Lord! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thanks.html Maxine On Jesus! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonjesus.html SUMMER INDEX! https://tinyurl.com/y4xyz2w8 -<>- SEALs – Spiritually Energized Athletes for the Lord https://tinyurl.com/yxnrbrrz Awesome God! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RGcb7alSk0 What A Beautiful Name! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWFzMvCfLE As It Is In Heaven! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So97pmyDbVw -<>- >In The News: Westwing News: USMCA Good Deal for Union Workers https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: President Trump gives an update on Hurricane Dorian https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Trump Offers World Leader Encouragement and Support https://tinyurl.com/y2qumbjn Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Fish, Oil, Pet Treats, Toys http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Poultry http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) She sent us one we have here... Humor In Religion 5 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hreligion5.html --- ...LOL! Love this series! Thanks Linda! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Timon Kraus fools Penn and Teller with a very cool mentalism trick involving a coin. https://youtu.be/NblnzAx59ck See Karma in action as a guy tries to use a stolen credit card in front of a police officer and gets arrested when the transaction is declined. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTMDgiAVkII --- ...Awesome! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== .--------------. |~ ~| |H____________H| |.------------.| ||::.. __ || |'--------'--''| | '. ______ .' | | _ |======| _ | |(_)|======|(_)| |___|======|___| [______________] |##| |##| jrei '""' '"" >Prince of the Road Story Editor: by John S. Joyce Schowalter New Jersey, USA It was about 1984, when cell phones weren't in common use, and truckers were renowned for helping travelers in need. My brother was heading home from Connecticut in the wee hours of the morning. He was very tired and fell asleep at the wheel on the Merritt Parkway. The old style guardrail ripped his car in two, folding the car in half just behind the front seats. The front wheels/axles were literally in line with the rear wheels and axles. The accident was witnessed by a trucker, who used his CB radio to call for aid. My brother seemed pretty banged up. Police and emergency vehicles all arrived at the scene and my brother was taken to the hospital. After being x-rayed and examined at the emergency room, my brother was ready to leave. He had miraculously only sustained bruises and cuts; very minor injuries considering the accident. My brother was looking for a phone to call home, when to his amazement he saw the trucker who had seen it all happen in the lobby waiting for him. The trucker asked him about the injuries and then asked where he lived and how he planned to get home. My brother told the trucker he lived in New Jersey and didn't yet know how he'd get home. He needed to find a payphone. The trucker replied, "I'll take you home." Over 100 miles later, a full size tractor-trailer rumbled into a quiet neighborhood, and the trucker made good on his word. My brother was home. My brother offered to reward the trucker for his incredible support. Our parents' house was very large so it was evident my father was well to do. I'm sure the trucker must have known he could get a very decent reward... if he accepted. He did not. He refused to even be compensated for the fuel he had used. My brother headed to the house as the trucker pulled away, never to be seen or heard from again. The incredibly kind and unselfish actions of this man have stayed with both my brother and me all these years. My brother and I have had good lives and we routinely perform random acts of kindness to this day. I was not even there and was forever moved by this man's actions. One day, if an opportunity arises, I will give of myself as the trucker gave of himself. I wish I had met him. I'd love to see him face to face today and tell him of the way he affected me. My deepest thanks and appreciation go to this unknown man for the help he gave my brother -- and the men he helped us become. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: "Many people ask, what is integrity? It means a person is the same on the inside as he or she claims to be on the outside. A man of integrity can be trusted. He is the same person alone in a hotel room a thousand miles from home as he is at work or in his community or with his family. We have seen the tragic results of moral breakdown and shattered trust in people - from leaders in business and government to well-known sports figures, to husbands, wives, and families and, yes, even the church. The erosion of basic moral and spiritual values seems to be getting more serious at every level of society...It's easy to point the finger at prominent people accused of corruption. We can easily see their sins and the results. But a careful look reveals that the same poison of self-gratification and greed exists in our hearts as well. We all make decisions based on what we truly believe. Many people today wonder if there is absolute truth. They say there is only perspective, that truth is whatever you perceive it to be; whatever works for you. If that is the case, then there is no right or wrong, only differing opinions, and one is as good as another. But God's standard is expressed in the Bible, and the ultimate example of that standard is Jesus Christ. Jesus said, 'You will know the truth and the truth will set you free' (John 8:32). When we live by this truth, we possess integrity...I believe integrity can be restored to a society one person at a time. The choice belongs to each of us." - Billy Graham , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Things Are Not Always the Way They Appear (Author Unknown) Things are not always the way they may appear. For example, a woman's dog got out of the yard and later returned with a rabbit in its mouth. She realized it was the neighbors' pet rabbit, and knew she would never be able to tell them what happened. Since they were out of town, she hit upon a plan. She took the rabbit into the bathroom, washed it off, and blew its fur dry. Then she took the rabbit to the neighbors' backyard and put the rabbit back in its cage. She thought the neighbors would discover the rabbit dead and think it died in the cage, and would never suspect what really happened. On Monday, there was a knock at the door, and when she answered, her neighbor was standing there. He asked her if she had seen anyone in their backyard over the weekend. She said no. He said, "Did you see anything strange going on around our house or yard?" Again, she denied seeing anything suspicious. She said, "Why are you asking me these questions? What happened?" He said, "Well, something really strange is going on in my backyard. On Friday our rabbit died, so we buried it in the backyard. But when we came back from the weekend, it was back in the cage!" The moral of this little story: trust God even when we don't understand some of our experiences, -- because things aren't always the way they appear. -<>- >In Memory of 9/11: "All that is necessary for the forces of evil to win the world is for enough good men to do nothing." - Edmond Burke 1729-1797 _ (_) |_________________________________________ |* * * * * |##########################| | * * * * *| | |* * * * * |##########################| | * * * * *| | |* * * * * |##########################| | * * * * *| | |* * * * * |##########################| |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | |#########################################| | | |#########################################| | | |###################################JGS###| |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | | >9/11: 10 Years On (By Chris Long) Early this morning, I watched a special on the 9/11 terrorist attacks that recounted using footage from that day all that transpired. I have to admit that I had actually forgotten some of the details and watching the events unfold again rekindled all sorts of thoughts & emotions. Seeing people jumping from the towers to their obvious death was a very surreal (and "silencing") thing. Actually the whole thing was - and still is - surreal. I know that terror attacks have and do occur worldwide. I know that as far as the shear number of casualties, many more have died in other circumstances and events. Yet, there were heroes from that day (both that lived and died) - and they SHOULD be remembered and celebrated. But, 9/11 speaks to more than that (for all people, American and otherwise). 9/11 showcases the clear difference between good and evil, light and darkness. Certainly other events have done the same (Hitler killing millions of people certainly did!) But before 9/11, we had been coasting for quite a while, at least in America, without really being confronted with such a clear, large-scale, visible example. It's easy to forget details and emotions from those days because, well, there is a part deep down in all of us that WANT to forget - to pretend like the whole thing just never happened. It's easier to emotionally detach - to live in a dream world where we can pretend that all people just want to love each other and therefore just want love and understanding (i.e. everyone is "reasonable"). It's easier - as many have indeed done - to dispense with labels such as "terrorists". It's easier (i.e. "less painful") to insulate ourselves and pretend that everyone just wants peace. It's easier to believe that those who were behind 9/11 were just a few crazy guys, rather than taking a serious & honest look at what fueled their actions: their muslim faith. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to notice that societies that are predominantly muslim (i.e. much of the Middle East) tend to be more prone to violence - particularly violence in the name of Allah. It is certainly legitimate to ask why. And yet, in the name of "political correctness", the whole religious angle to 9/11 has not only been seriously downplayed by almost everyone, the almost unbelievable truth is that even before the 10-year-anniversary, there was and still is a serious push to erect a muslim "cultural" center and mosque where the twin towers (a symbol of American prosperity) stood 10 years ago. It's almost unfathomable, and yet this is where we are. A nation that seems to have little moral bearing - and little backbone - unable to confront the realities of the world in which we live - seemingly sliding more and more into some made-up fantasy world, rather than acknowledging & embracing reality. 10 years on, and it pains me to say it, but America as a whole not only didn't learn the lessons from 9/11, we've largely continued down the same silly road we've been on for some time that has only led to a decline of our society as we know it. The U-Turn that has been - and still is - needed, on a large-scale has not happened. Here's the reality: There's evil in this world. There are 2 sides: light and darkness, good and evil. Every person on this planet is in one of those 2 camps. Ultimately it gets traced to the spiritual realm, as those that are children of God, and those that are children of the devil. The Bible talks of both and makes clear that both are here. If you thought the Bible said we are all "children of God" (as many would have you believe), that is NOT a concept the Bible teaches - it explicitly teaches against that concept in numerous locations - including by Jesus Himself (i.e. when he flat out tells groups of people that their father is the devil!). And our world clearly bears out what the Bible teaches in this regard. Yes, Christianity, like Islam, teaches that one group is right and others are wrong. A key difference is that Christianity teaches that God is love and wants all people to come to Him and teaches that love is not only a key trademark of God, but is to be the major trademark of those that are followers of Jesus Christ as well. Anyone with any intellectual honesty at all, looking at the total picture of Islam in our world, would HAVE to conclude that the same cannot be said there. Any Christian committing an act of violence against someone else because of their beliefs, is an oxymoron - it completely goes against what the Bible teaches. But since we know God is love, we also know that the devil is NOT love. It stands to reason there will be plenty of people ready and willing to act in accordance with that. What happened in Nazi Germany in World War II PROVES that evil is something that resides in many - all it takes is a spark and those that were "evil behind the scenes" suddenly become very visible. There are many more on the side of "evil" in our world than a few "deranged" individuals. Until Jesus comes back to this earth and establishes it, there will be no peace because those 2 sides are existing here, and the darkness is ever trying to advance and squelch the light. Even more, according to the Bible it is going to get worse - much, much, MUCH worse before Jesus' return. If you think people are having trouble facing reality now, just wait...If you haven't noticed, our whole society - our whole world - is gearing up for mass delusion (the Bible predicts this as well) - and some might even argue (and make a good case) that it has already started and is in progress. People are so absorbed in trying to avoid really having to deal with the realities of life and eternity. Between movies, t.v. shows, facebook, twitter, blogs, cell phones, tablets, computers, 3-D, this gadget, that experience, etc. - we have already gone to great lengths (more I would say than any time in history) to avoid the important things - the truths that we NEED to face. My encouragement this day to all believers in Jesus Chris is to be very very careful in how we're living. We need to have our eyes WIDE OPEN in these days we're living in, being very careful not to get swept away with all the temptations and distractions that the "broad road" has to offer. The devil can be quite subtle when it suits his purpose. We, more than ever, need to live holy, set apart lives, showcasing the love of Jesus, living in full reality of what's going on in our world - and what the Bible says about it and its future. And though a planned subject for another article in the future, we want to be "watching and waiting" - very much "on our toes" - ever mindful of Christ's return for His Church. We want to be ready, not caught off guard. We need to sober-minded in the strongest sense of the word. So on this 10-year anniversary of 9/11, yes it is good to remember those that died. But may we NEVER just reduce the remembrance of 9/11 to some mere sentimentality of those that died and neglect the very important, weightier matters that 9/11 showcased to all of humanity about this great struggle between good and evil...between God and the devil. -------- This article is Copyright by Chris Long 2011. You may use this article for free for any purpose, whether commercial or non-commercial, as long as you use the entire text and that all text, including this notice, is not modified or removed in any fashion. For any other usage, you must obtain written permission from the author. This is version 1.0 of this document (September 11, 2011). Previous versions: N/A This document is provided as a ministry outreach via Laugh & Lift. http://www.laughandlift.com ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Fran :) >Stairway To Heaven To climb the stairway to Heaven And stay upon the road Can sometimes be quite difficult For life brings a heavy load. Temptation opens many doors And a blind eye you must turn Be true to yourself and others And the joys of life you'll learn. A new day brings another chance To change the life you've led So don't give up, stay on the path That stairway is straight ahead. ~ Charlotte Anselmo ~ --- ...Sweet! 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