A Christmas Prayer... :) 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 ================ >-->OoooWEeeee!! oo 8 "} > @ < .8 .-._/| .'_'`')`_.' \| ) / (>'/ |_,_ | (,| .' ,'\| `._/ ) \| '`- -- ''-- --- VK/ejm I'm doing a 'Happy Angel' dance! Why? Because Shangrala has been blessed with another donation from our long time Shangrala Angel, Cloie from NH! May God Bless her abundantly! She is a loyal supporter contributing to help Keep Shangrala Alive! We sure do thank God for her and all our past most sweet, caring and wonderful angels! Shangrala is only here because of you! Thank You! If you'd like to help too and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL 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. EVERY LITTLE BIT WILL HELP! 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! ================ . .' \ .' . .' ...'.` ___.-. .' ...'.' _.---' `..' ...'.' __.---' .' ...'.' .--' .' ...'.'. /` .' ...'.' `. / .' ...'.' `. / .' ...'.' `-. / .' ...'.' `. / ` _.-.' ...' `-._____.-' / / .' ...' /` /.'. ...' / .' .`.' \ / .' ...' | \ / /\ .' ...' \ | / / .' ...' / \ | /_/ .' ...' / | | |' `._..' .-------.__________.' .' .'---- .' | | | .' .... | | .' ...'| \ __.' | ___ / \...' \_`------------------._____ ___.---' / .-' | | \__/ `--.__ _.-' /.-' \__/ `------' ' VK *~* A REMINDER: Yahoo Announcement: 'We’re shutting down the Yahoo Groups website on December 15, 2020 and members will no longer be able to send or receive emails from Yahoo Groups.' After that, we'll be going to having the ShangyFunList only on my Shangrala website. You will have to check out the website for the group emails mostly on Mondays for the Smiles and on Thursdays for the Inspirations. No emails will be sent out from me to the group after Yahoo shuts it down. I host the Shangy Fun List Here - Text Only: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ShangyFunList.html ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This flaming hot new page is from our friends LouiseAu and Geniann. Today's women have it all going on and it is evident all around the globe. Perhaps the most visual place of women asserting their self-independence and strength is seen in the most of unlikely of places, Israel. Their combat roles in the Israeli Defense Forces has risen by 160 percent over the past six years. No Burkas For These Fine Israeli Women - Be sure to check this one and its fun video out here... ,-=-. [[_ @~] ((a a)) ` = ' _.-) (-._ /( ("+") )\ / \ \./ / \ (=<( \/8\/ )>=) \ \- 8| -/ / \/_> 8|<_\/ ;-.__;,-; | | | | | | | | '-.___,;' ) ) / ' |( ) ( \_ /_|^--' gpyy \_! Only In Israel 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/israel2.html --- ...Wow! And the Dems stress over our gun rights! Thanks Ladies! Our Next too hot to handle new page is from our friend LouiseAu. It is a sweet one sure to give you a few Smiles for the Christmas season. Be sure to turn your sound on and check this one out here... ,,'''''',, ;;;;;,,,, '', ;''''''':;;;,, ', ``` '''' '';;;, ; .-' ` _ `;;',; ( , ' ',) '; ;; `;'`', , / ; ,:, ,' --' ',-' ; ( ;:::: ; ' ;,;;--;;' ; , , `;;;; `, ;, , , ,;;;' ; ; , , ,;;;' ; `;`'`;;;;' ; ,' ;;;' jv ;;; Santa's Christmas Eve Prayers http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/santaprayers.html --- ...Aww, such a delightful one! Thanks LouiseAu! =========================================================== >-->From HeartTouchers: ..::''''::.. .:::. .;'' ``;. .... ::::: :: :: :: :: ,;' .;: () ..: `:::' :: :: :: :: ::. ..:,:;.,:;. . :: .::::. `:' :: .:' :: :: `:. :: '''::, :: :: :: `:: :: ;: .:: : :: : : :: ,:'; ::; :: :: :: :: :: ::,::''. . :: `:. .:' :: `:,,,,;;' ,;; ,;;, ;;, ,;;, ,;;, `:,,,,:' :;: `;..``::::''..;' ``::,,,,::'' >After All by Caleb Michael Powers I use to be scared of the future, and to an extent I still am. But something significant has changed in my life. I use to think to myself, "Wow, the world is so messed up. No one is following God, and even those who say they do are compromising on very important issues. America is going downhill." I would get depressed thinking about trying to be a Christian in a future America, let alone trying to raise a godly family in that sort of environment. This past year, my outlook has begun to change. This week in particular has really made me reevaluate my thinking. All throughout history there have been ups and downs--periods where the majority of people in a given country have followed God and have been blessed for it, and then periods where darkness has become the status quo, and the church compromises and gets to a low point. But it always returns--there is always a rejuvenation in the culture, and life is breathed into the world again. No matter how dark it may get, the light of a single candle is all it takes to pierce it. And through it all, God never leaves us. His promises are true in the dark times and the times of joy. Statistics say that only 10% of the people in a society have to believe passionately about something for the culture to begin to shift. If all of us, as Christians, stood up for Christ and DID something about the state of our country, it could change overnight. But we sit on our butts and let the 10% in charge of society right now dictate where we are headed. This past week I've been at a Christian camp in Montello, Wisconsin, pouring out myself and being poured into at the same time. I've been humbled, strengthened, and blessed beyond anything I thought possible. This year's camp theme was God's creation. Our culture has been indoctrinated with atheism and evolution for years and years, slowly being pulled away from the truth of Earth's history and being brainwashed with revisionist history and what many would call, "scientific fact" but what is really just a bunch of assumptions believed through blind faith. The truth about the special design of the universe and how everything points to it has been all but erased from popular culture. I have heard this topic dozens of times—my dad has taught the subject at youth group often, as well as at camp seven years ago, and we as a family are always reading about it and learning more about what the Bible has to say about the beginning of history. But this time, I came away with something new. A determination. The world is messed up right now, it's true. But that doesn't mean it can't change, it doesn't mean we can't be the ones to do something about it, and it DOES NOT mean that God is any less true or any less good. We, as Christians, have a responsibility to the world to show it the truth, to be salt and light—preserving and illuminating—for a depraved generation. And the time to do this is not in twenty years, or in one year—it's now. "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." – 1 Timothy 4:1 We, as teenagers, and yes, even those that are younger, like the kids I worked with at Kidz Camp this past week, are not the generation of tomorrow—we are the generation of TODAY. If we start today, if we have the courage to stop nodding our heads at the things we know are wrong, if we have the humility to give ourselves fully to Christ and live a life pleasing to him, if we have the faith to go boldly into the future with God at our side—nothing can stop us. I admit, that scares me. Even as I write this, I am challenging myself with the same concept. I said I was ALL IN at a youth conference in Chicago this April, but did I mean it, and am I willing to actually live it? Yes. Yes, I am. I have struggled with many things throughout my young life—sins, attitudes, procrastination—but as I sit here in my house after being gone for a week, being filled with the Holy Spirit countless times, and really FEELING God's presence throughout that week, I really am ready to take that step. I look down—my shoes are red. A reminder to myself that it will be a hard road. Blood will be on this road, dirt will be on this road, pain, heartache, weakness, and despair will be on this road. But my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is on this road. And so shall I be as well. God breathed life into me, and it's time I gave him that breath back —all of it. I owe him that much, at the very least. After all the pain and suffering He went through to save me from an eternity of separation from Him, the holy God of the universe stepping into his creation and dying for it—I have to realize that fact. I belong to God, and if I don't live my life for Him, then what else is there? Nothing. Without God, there is no purpose—and that's why this makes so much sense. The world is too beautifully created to be an accident. Everything points to that fact. And though some would willingly ignore and reject God, I won't be among their ranks. You know that fence we all hang on at one point or another, the one that divides the followers of God from those who reject him? I just kicked it down. Yes, it hurts. Yes, giving up things I know are not godly is going to make me bleed, but it is so worth it. The blood on my shoes is a reminder to me. A reminder that Jesus bled for me. I can do the same for Him. It will never measure up to His sacrifice, but I owe him too much to not try. The last night of camp I prayed. Prayed more diligently and purposefully then I think I ever have in my life. And I promised God and myself that I would take the first step. That if I was the only one in this generation who would follow Him, I would do it. But that's what's amazing—I'm not the only one. I have a great cloud of witnesses surrounding me, my friends, my family, my church. And together, we can change the world. This generation can change EVERYTHING. We can be the candle in the dark room. We can be the fire that burns pure. We can be the hope that this broken, fallen world desperately needs. But we can't do it without God. And so we are stepping out. I take a step forward, and I look around. Who will join me? Am I alone in a crowd of people that don't care about the truth? But then I see it. Their feet—they have the same shoes. Red shoes, like mine. They have bled. They have trusted. They will fight. An army steps forward. I'm not saying we won't stumble. I'm not saying we won't be angry at God sometimes, or be hurting so much we want to give up. But I am saying we will keep each other accountable. I am saying that we will lift each other up, and strengthen each other, and love each other. I am saying that we will give everything we have. For we have seen the light at the end of this broken road we walk, and it is the most beautiful thing we have ever seen. And so there we shall go. "Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you." –Proverbs 4:25 That is my prayer for all of us. That we focus our eyes on Jesus and never look back. The army takes another step. And then they begin to sing. "Hosanna, we are found after all. You are holy." Caleb M. Powers xcarthan12 @ gmail.com (remove the spaces before and after the @ sign if you would like to write to Caleb) Copyright © 2013 by Caleb M. Powers Write Caleb and let him know your thoughts on his story! -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The King and His Children By Caleb M. Powers To view this in video form please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHP8GPWaSr4 Have you seen my children? They toil, night and day, to please me. They have traveled across the world, heralds of my kingdom riding on white stallions, proclaiming my rule from one end of creation to the other. They are ambassadors, spreading the message, the good news of my reign as king of the world, with a fire in their hearts. Wise as serpents, innocent as doves, strong as the mightiest warrior. My Spirit goes with them. But though every knee will one day bow, and every tongue confess that I am Lord, still my message is often not received with rejoicing. Hatred, sin, disobedience, it drives humanity to reject my good news and proclaim themselves kings and queens of a broken world. They hate me, but lacking a way to strike at me directly, they instead lash out at my children. My precious sons and daughters, my ambassadors clothed in white are then stained red with blood. Beaten, bruised, whipped, tortured, killed. For me. I love them, my children, and though the world may despise them, I will not forsake them. I will protect them, I will lift them up on wings like eagles, and I will work out every evil meant against them for good. I weep with them as they suffer for my namesake. I will pour out my wrath against their accusers on the last day. But I rejoice in their faithfulness to me, and their love for my message. I ask again, have you seen my children? Have you heard the message they proclaim, my message of hope and reconciliation? Have you witnessed their scars as they join with the suffering of my firstborn? In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the world. I am the King, and I reign as the sovereign Lord of the universe. I am also a father, and I love my children. All of my children. End Note from Michael: Now that you have read this, click on the link below to see the artful way that Caleb combined these words with video and music! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHP8GPWaSr4 Caleb M. Powers xcarthan12 @ gmail.com (remove the spaces before and after the @ sign if you would like to write to Caleb) Copyright © 2019 by Caleb M. Powers Write Caleb and let him know your thoughts on his story! =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Standing by the Stuff "For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goes down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarries by the stuff: they shall part alike."1 Or as the New Living Translation puts it, "Do you think anyone will listen to you when you talk like this? We share and share alike--those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment [supplies]." Have you ever noticed that, when someone works real hard to build a group, a class, or an organization from scratch, and when it is up and running successfully, how someone wants to take it over and run it--and sometimes ends up killing it? I've seen it happen in churches more than once. I've had it happen to a support group I had started. When I returned after a six-week summer mission trip, it had been taken over by one of the members . . . and soon died. "An admirer once asked Leonard Bernstein, celebrated orchestra conductor, what was the hardest instrument to play. He replied without hesitation: 'Second fiddle. I can always get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm, now that's a problem. And yet if no one plays second, we have no harmony.'"2 In King David's day some of those who went to battle wanted to keep for themselves all the spoils of that which was conquered. They didn't want to share the glory or the spoils with those who stayed behind the front lines and took care of the "stuff" (supplies and equipment). In God's economy, Christians will not be rewarded on the basis of his/her rank or position. Whether one is a church leader, Sunday school teacher, or janitor; the president of a company or the new kid working in the mail room--each will be rewarded on the basis of their being a faithful steward of the gifts and abilities with which he/she has been entrusted. What God is looking for to do his work on earth are second, third, and fourth fiddlers who are not seeking to glorify themselves but to serve God by serving others and thereby bring glory to God. Let us joyfully use our gifts (not those of others) this season to share God's love with those around us. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, whether I am a fifth or a first fiddler, I thank You for gifts and the abilities You have given and entrusted to me, knowing that all have been given by You. Help me to be a faithful steward and use me to help extend Your Kingdom, and thereby bring glory to Your name. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. 1 Samuel 30:24 (KJV). 2. "Chapel Talk" by Adrian Dieleman <:))))>< ---.____ ,/k. ___,---' / ih,__,-----.___ ,-' , `:7b----.__---` _.-/ ' /b.`.4p, --" , ,-' ^6x, `."^=._ itz >Hill Climbing "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."1 Some years ago I prayed and asked God to give me something special that would equip me to better serve him. Did God answer my prayer? I didn't think so for a long time. I got the opposite of what I had in mind when I prayed this prayer, and it turned out to be a nightmare for a long time. But I have to admit that if there is any depth in the ministry the Lord has entrusted to me today, so much of it was learned during those nightmarish years. Now I see clearly that God did answer my prayer and though the experience was, at times, incredibly painful, I do believe I am a much better man as a result. The words of the following old poem may be simple but, for me, are quite profound: For every hill I had to climb, For every stone that bruised my feet, For all the blood and sweat and grime, For blinding storms and burning heat, My heart sings but a grateful song-- Those were the things that made me strong. For all the heartaches and the tears, For all the anguish and the pain, For gloomy days and fruitless years And for the hopes that lived in vain; I do give thanks, for now I know, These were the things that helped me grow. 'Tis not the softer things of life Which stimulate our will to strive, But bleak adversity and strife Do most to keep our will alive. Over rose-strewn paths the weaklings creep, But brave hearts dare to climb the steep.2 As I've said before, God wants to use our trials and struggles to make us better. Satan wants to use them to make us doubt and become bitter. To become better or bitter is each person's choice. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, as I look back I can see how you have used the difficult times in my life to help me stretch and grow, to help me to become more understanding of and sensitive to others, and to better equip me to serve You. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer of long ago. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen." 1. James 1:2-4 (NIV). 2. Author Unknown When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. --- ...Keep in mind... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' It's the devil bringing the hardship into your life... Jas.1: [13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 1Pet.1: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Rev.2: [10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. When we are tempted and have to endure hardship from the devil, God is always there to give us a rainbow... Jas.1 [12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Rom.8: [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ,-. | | | "--. ,--.-.,-.--. ,-.--. ,-. ,-. | ,-. \/ ,-. || ,-. \| ,-. \| | | | | | | |\ `-' || `-' /| `-' /| `-' | `-' `-' `--'-'| .--' | .--' `--. | | | | | | | `-' `-' `-' ,-. _ ,-. ,-. ,-. | | (_) | |_ | | | | | "--. ,-.,-.--.| _)| "--. ,--" | ,--.-.,-. ,-. | ,-. \| || ,-./| | | ,-. \/ ,-. |/ ,-. || | | | | `-' /| || | | | | | | |\ `-' |\ `-' || `-' | "-'--' `-'`-' `-' `-' `-' `--'-' `--'-' `--. | | | hjw `-' >A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION You Are Cordially Invited To A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ Date: Every day. Traditionally December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible.. Time: Whenever you're ready, (please don't be too late, though; or you'll miss out on all the fun!!).. Place: In your heart ... He'll meet you there (you'll hear Him knock).. Attire: Come as you are ...grubbies are okay. He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.. Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone..(He says you would not have been able to afford it ...it cost Him everything He had!!).. Refreshments: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls "living water, followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!! Gift Suggestions: Your heart. He's one of those people who already has everything else. (He's very generous in return though; just wait until you see what He has for you).. Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, and much more! Bring all your friends and relatives. It is rated 'G'. R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life". Party Being Given By His Kids (That's us). Hope To See You There! "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) ... 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' .." --Author unknown. -<>- |\| |\| ,_.-('--. |\| .( '-.'.\'\_, |\| / `-.`_;;==/(/=, |\| |.-.-'.'#, #`=.`.\ |\| { .-.' `##O##\\,| |\|/-'./ '._ # <| \) |\{ -./ |\ # | ,__ |\|{_/ \ |# | .--'( `""=--:;.;'+; |(# o/ .' `";";"#`` `# '. | `"` / .'.' #, ,# '.'. / _.-'| .'.'_ ##, ,## _'.'. `-._ .' .'/| '.__. `'.#####.-'.--'` _ `\ / .-'| \ , `'-._|#|_.'` ;-.__.' | / |( / | | / `'._ |#| _.-' \ \/ / \ ) \ / /`._ `"";"| /`-./ / |.' / )', \._ `\ |\| \___ / / .'_.; \ \ `) | |\| / /` '._;.-,) `\ \/ | |\| .-' / ( ) |_/ |\| |_.' jgs .-' / |\| \_.' |\| |\| >CRAZY RIDE By: Joseph J. Mazzella I can remember once when I was a boy our family went to an amusement park while visiting my Grandma in Tennessee. My older brothers were riding all of the big rides and I really wanted to get on one as well. Finally my Mom agreed to get on a mini roller coaster with me. The ride operator started the ride out slow but soon we were going faster and faster while my Mom’s face got whiter and whiter and she held my hand tighter and tighter. Finally the ride started to slow down and we thought it was just about over. Suddenly, however, we heard the operator’s voice yell out, "Do you want to go backwards?" Sixty teenagers screamed out "YES!" and a half a second later I heard my Mom scream out "NO!!" as loud as all of them put together. I can sympathize with how my Mom felt. A lot of times in this life I have wanted to stop this crazy ride and just get off. The roller coaster has just kept moving along, though, with twists and turns that made my heart flutter and my face turn white. I used to think that if I could just get everything right in my life then this ride would smooth out and I would be happy. Yet, everyday new problems, troubles, and frustrations would appear. There was no getting ahead of them, no getting around them, and no off switch on the ride. I finally realized one day that this crazy, roller coaster ride was my life. There wasn’t going to be any slowing down or smoothing out in the future. In fact, there was every chance that I would end up going backwards as well. The best that I could do then was to choose love, joy, and oneness with God while I rode it. The best that I could do was to laugh and enjoy the trip instead of screaming my head off. The best that I could do was to smile, take the frightened hands of those riding with me, and trust in God to see us through every twist and turn this ride might take. Life sure is one crazy ride. May all of you enjoy every minute of it. -<>- ,%&& %&& % ,%&%& %&%& %& %& %&% &%&% % &% % &%% %&% &% %&%&, &%&% %&%& %& &%& % %%& %&%& %&%&% %&%%& &%&% %&% % %& &% %%& && %&% %&%& %&% %&%' '%&% %&% %&&%&%%'% % %& %& %&% &%% `\%%.' /`%&' | | /`-._ _\\/ |, |_ / `-._ ..--~`_ |; |_`\_ / ,\\.~` `-._ - ^ |;: |/^}__..-,@ .~` ~ `o ~ |;: |(____.-' '. ~ - ` ~ |;: | \ / `\ //. - ^ ~ |;: |\ /' /\_\_ ~. _ ~ - //- jgs\\/;: \'--' `---` `\\//-\\/// >CHRISTMAS FISHING GEAR By, Kathleene S. Baker As we find ourselves wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday season, it’s easy to forget how fortunate we are. Yet, all it takes for a reality check is to glimpse an Angel Tree. I doubt there is a mall in the country without one, as well as many banks, office lobbies, and church foyers. Angel Tree is a program for the children of men and women who are in prison. At an already low time in their lives they often don't receive much for Christmas; sadly, sometimes Santa doesn't make an appearance at all. Several years ago I approached the Angel Tree in our bank and the first card I glanced at was that of a young boy. I yanked the card off that tree so vigorously I thought it might crash to the floor—right in the middle of the bank lobby! The only thing on his list was a fishing pole and reel. Being fond of the sport myself, I could hardly wait to make his Christmas wish come true. The child lived in a rural area and had no playmates within walking distance; therefore, school was the only place he interacted with friends. The card indicated his family had a pond or lake on their property and I was proud of him for wanting to develop a healthy past time! I fondly remember my first fishing gear—a cane pole and a red and white bobber. Oh, what a thrill it was when the bobber vanished from sight! I wanted the young fellow to feel the very same excitement. I hardly slept that night planning what this youngster needed to inspire his interest in angling. Bright and early the next morning I was off to the local sporting goods store. I studied numerous rods and reels hoping to make the right selection. Not wanting him to become discouraged, I opted for a Zebco reel to avoid “backlash” problems. As I started to the checkout, I stopped dead in my tracks muttering, “Well, he certainly needs more equipment than just a rod and reel!” I raced back to the Fishing Department, picked out a tackle box, an assortment of fishhooks, different size bobbers, and weights. Again, I headed towards checkout, and again turned around. This time I snatched up artificial worms, jigs, needle nose pliers, a stringer, and even a package of stink bait. You just never know what’s lurking around at the bottom of the ol’ fishin’ hole! I’m not sure how many times I actually headed towards checkout, only to realize something crucial had been forgotten. I chuckled wandering what the “eyes” behind the security cameras were thinking! Possibly—the lady was crazy! Or, maybe she was just trying to confuse them, and she was actually a sly shoplifter That evening I began wrapping so the items could be returned for distribution. The pole certainly posed a problem, and I literally had to construct a box out of some old cartons stored in the garage. I understood the need for anonymity, but could not imagine sending such important gifts with no message! I enclosed a Christmas card and note which I slipped inside the tackle box before I wrapped it. I was convinced the Angel Tree Police would never find it—no way could I get busted for breaking the rules! I told him of my love of fishing, wished him and his family a Merry Christmas, and told him I hoped he caught “lots of big ones” with his new equipment. Just in case he should wonder, I mentioned being a “female” that had fished my entire life and was still waiting to catch “the really big one,” but that I would never stop trying. I hoped my words would encourage him to pursue the sport as a lifelong hobby. After all, the next tug on the line just might be a monster! While wrapping, I pictured this lad on a beautiful spring day at the “ol’ fishin’ hole.” He was lying on his back in the shade of a gnarly, life oak tree, chewing on a blade of grass, and looking for pictures in the clouds. Yet, he kept his hand on the pole waiting to feel a tug, and every now and then raised his head to glance at his bobber. Each year at Christmas I think of this child and the joy it brought to help make his Christmas bright. I wonder where he is now, how he is doing, and how many big ones he’s caught. It is so very true… the joy is in the giving … especially if it’s fishing gear! ©2006 Kathleene S. Baker -<>- ___ (___) /` `\ / /"\ \ \_/o o\_/ ( _ ) `\ /` /\\V//\ / /_ _\ \ \ \___/ / \/===\/ || || || || ||___|| |_____| jgs ||| / Y \ `"`"` >Precious Grandmother SOURCE: David Jeremiah, Acts of Love, Vision House, pp. 159-161. In Charles Colson's book, Loving God, he tells the story of an incredible 91-year-old woman, known affectionately as Grandma Howell. As she moved into the twilight of her life, she had more than one reason to let depression take over—to just give up and die. Her youngest son had died. Her oldest son was in declining health. Many of her friends were dying and she had begin to believe that she had nothing left to live for. One day she prayed with all of her heart and told the Lord that if He didn't have anything more for her to do, she was ready to die. According to Grandma Howell, God spoke three words: Write to prisoners. After arguing with the Lord about her lack of education and her age, Myrtle wrote her first letter: Dear Inmate, I am a grandmother who loves and cares for you who is in a place you had not plans to be. My love and sympathy goes out to you. I am willing to be a friend to you in correspondence. If you'd like to hear from me, write me. I will answer every letter you write. A Christian Friend, Grandmother Howell When the letter was sent to the Atlanta Penitentiary, the prison chaplain sent Myrtle the names of eight prison inmates. That was the beginning of an unbelievable ministry of encouragement. Over the next months, this elderly woman carried on an extensive written ministry with hundreds of incarcerated men and women—and all of it was done from her little room in a high-rise home for the aged in Columbus, Georgia. According to Colson, writing to the prisoners was only half of Myrtle's joy. They wrote back! And their letters were warm, rich epistles of gratitude. One inmate who signed her name "Grandmother Janice" wrote: Dear Grandmother, I received your letter, and it made me sad when you wrote that you think you may not be alive much longer. I thought I would wait and come to see you and then tell you all you have meant to me. But now I've changed my mind. I'm going to tell you now. You've given me all the love and concern and care that I've missed for years and my whole outlook on life has changed. You've made me realize that life is worth living and that it's not all bad. You claim it's all God's doing, but I think you deserve the credit. I didn't think I was capable of feeling love for anyone again, but I know I love you as my very own precious grandmother." SermonCentral.com. -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >"God Knows" When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts; God knows how hard you have tried. When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish; God has counted your tears. If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by; God is waiting with you. When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call; God is by your side. When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn; God has a solution. When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated; God has the answer. If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope; God has whispered to you. When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for; God has blessed you. When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe; God has smiled upon you. When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow; God has opened your eyes and called you by name. Remember that wherever you are or whatever you're facing; God Knows!! ~Author Unknown~ -<>- (O============O) \ */\/ / \\ /_/^, // \`.)))_.'/ `(((_-' ejm \ ) ,._.-.___.__)|_.'___________ ,_',----.___\_ _/_ ,.__,-_,-' `-' >Leadership by Example Mark Gibson, a former gymnastics coach who worked with many elite athletes, tells a wonderful story about a 15-year-old girl whose work ethic and attitude brought out the best in everyone. Cindy wasn’t a great gymnast, but when she was in the gym everyone complained less, worked harder, and achieved more. Cindy was a powerful motivator because she was blind. When it was her turn to do the vault, her mom would run alongside her telling her how close she was to it. When her mom said, “Vault!” Cindy would reach out and jump – trusting her mother and herself. Cindy loved the sport and kept improving because she and her mom refused to let the disability defeat her. Mark called her the most important member of the team, not because of her athletic ability but because of her heart and because she demonstrated a standard of fortitude and courage that inspired others to get more out of themselves. Everyone who watched her strive to be the best she could be realized how much more they could be. This is leadership by example. We see it not only in sports but in families and in the workplace. Often the most important members of a team are not the smartest, most skilled, or most powerful. Their power is in their attitude and their ability to energize and encourage others with their optimism, enthusiasm, and determination. People who know how to get the best out of themselves get the best out of others. -Michael Josephson -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: That's God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html Pay It Forward http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/payitforward.html Extraordinary Photos http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/extraordinary.html Big Boy Toys! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bigboytoys.html Awesome Bikes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/awesomebikes.html Amazing Bus Stops! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bus.html Back In Time http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/backintime.html Humor With Cars http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carhumor.html Boys To President! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/boystopres.html Colorful Birds! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/birds.html God's Paintings! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints2.html Just Have Faith! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faith.html You And Me Together! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/youandme.html A Country Christmas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/countrychristmas.html Santa Ho Ho Oh-No's http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/santa.html Angel, Church, Cross, Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs.html Jesus, God Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_f-j.html Nativity, New Years Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_k-o.html Peace, Pray, Santa, Snow, Snowman, Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_p-t.html Christmas Animations under XMAS http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_x.html Yummy Desserts! Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Shangrala's Christmas Links http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasindex.html -<>- Study the Word: The Genealogy Of Jesus Christ / PALGEY MAYIM AND MORE: http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Study/Study.htm LGBT Activists Hijacked This Beloved Family Movie Channel / Atheist Radicals Force Kansas School to Cancel Operation Christmas Child / Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers Provide Life- Saving Services and Assist Nearly 2 Million / Duck Dynasty’s Sadie Robertson Says Gen Z’ers Searching for Discipleship, Truth AND MORE: https://www.christianlifedaily.com/ What’s in a Word? – Giving https://tinyurl.com/y4mxpvcq Taking Forgiveness for Granted https://tinyurl.com/y2t26e3x What’s in a Word? – Modesty https://tinyurl.com/yy7u8b6p -<>- for KING & COUNTRY + Dolly Parton - God Only Knows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFiyEFmIXvA Andrea Bocelli Gloria in Excelsis Deo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLS6qZt9WLQ Angels From The Realms Of Glory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLoWt2tfqg O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) at Westminster Abbey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1wHyMR_SCA SILENT NIGHT- Christmas Shoppers Didn't Expect This Performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-MpEn8Nyc4 Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE The Christ Child: A Nativity Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXWoKi5x3lw -<>- >In The News: VA News: How a Sailor Got His Name Back, Discharge Upgrades, Wreaths Across American Will Go On https://tinyurl.com/y443jmv5 Hanity 12/9/20 https://www.bitchute.com/video/tbkAB5S5bJwM/ 17 States Join Texas in Supreme Court Lawsuit Against Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania Over Fraudulent Election https://www.tacticalshit.com/ Westwing News: https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Deep State Journal:" https://deepstatejournal.com/ Latest From 2020 Conservative: http://2020conservative.com/ Latest From Independent Minute: https://independentminute.com/ Latest From TPN News: https://threepercenternation.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 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://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- Revisiting... >From Our Friend LouiseA :) You'll want to call your mom and thank her when you see what she might have had to put up with. This mom was experiencing the adorable horrors of co-sleeping with a baby so she decided to record it. It is really, really cute! You really need to see this viral video - it got almost 5 million views in one week! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DrB_rfiFu8&feature=player_embedded Dogs are a lot like humans: They have bad dreams sometimes. But they also feel compassion and love. Watch this pooch comfort her pal while he was having a nightmare. It's seriously too cute for words. You just have to see it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTy_wUkWpkM&feature=player_embedded This is one of the funniest dog videos you'll ever see. I don't blame this golden retriever in the slightest! She'll get to the finish line eventually, but first there are so many interesting things to check out. You've got to see the cutest and funniest dog video of the week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5iTTNRE-njM --- ...LOL! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- >From Our friend PatDeE :) HOW TO GET UP AFTER FALLING - ALL SENIORS NEED TO VIEW THIS Just take care all, and don't fall!. http://www.techenhancedlife.com/articles/fallen-how-get-up TURN UP YOUR SPEAKERS - THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL PIECE I HOPE YOU ENJOY AND PASS ON TO OTHERS WHO GET A CHANCE TO ENJOY IT ALSO. http://es.gloria.tv/?media=479543 --- ...Sweet! Thanks PatDeE! -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) Crockpot Pork Loin Roast http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2012/12/crockpot-pork-loin-roast/ Who's Alive and Who's Dead http://www.whosaliveandwhosdead.com/ What You Might Not Know about the Charlie Brown Christmas Special - http://tinyurl.com/ma4fo6l CHRISTMAS WITH GOGO - a musical by children from South Africa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktdKECaL7BY --- ...Good ones! Thanks Melody! 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 ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: "Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can." - John Wesley .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx >It's Love (By Peder Eide, www.pedereide.com) I am currently sitting on a plane after a concert on my "Love Has Come" Christmas Tour. A bit tired, squished in my seat, and cold because apparently we need to make the airplane feel like a Minnesota winter to keep the holiday mood real. Oh, a blanket would be nice right now... So with Delta-frostbite, I'm trying to type out this devo for Second Sunday of Advent. The second candle on our traditional wreath represents love, a word we recognize as the heartbeat of God the Father. It's actually who He is. There is so much we can write. The power of love, the abuse of the meaning of the word, and so much in between. So for our devo, I want you to focus on what it feels like to be in the presence of the genuine, godly, and what I would call, advent love. Let me introduce you to Lonna Grabenstien. Lonna is a woman who ministers at American Lutheran in Gothenburg, Nebraska. She is a wife of many years, a mom of three awesome children, and now a grandma to three grandchildren. I've known Lonna for most of the years of my music ministry. We just performed our Christmas concert at her church and "loved" is what comes to my mind. From the first step out of our vehicle on our arrival, to the closing of the door of the truck at our departure, I witness from afar the act of loving people like Jesus talks about. As soon as we arrive and Lonna appears in the picture, there are kids begging for her attention, and everyone gets not just a courtesy, but full attention to whatever question they have or even just telling her a story (even if it has no relevance to what's going on.) She listens with more than patience. She listens with joy. It is amazing to see. It's constant. It has a touch of chaos. Every student is affirmed and even blessed with touch and words that have a feeling of destiny. You would think Lonna would get worn down to a level of just being tolerant but there is no way that's happening. Every child feels like her favorite. I think they are. It's love. Then there are the older ones. The junior high, senior high, and adults. It's the same thing. In every introduction of anyone who comes our way, she speaks words of beauty about each person like I'm meeting a dignitary or someone who is about to cure an awful disease. It's not a sale; it's not a pitch. It's real passion and understanding for each person who walks up to us. It's love. When the concert was over, my dear friend Lonna was at it again so pouring thank yous and blessings onto everyone who came for the evening event. And then my heart was touched by how during our loading out of our production gear, she would encourage me with more stories and words of how she could see God moving throughout the whole concert and that there were so many people who needed to hear what was said. It's love. You probably know someone like Lonna in your life. They are out there, and we love to be around them. It's truly attractive and inviting and fun to be around those who love with more than just niceness but with true passion for who you are. We just worshiped on the second Sunday of Advent. It's about love. We remember that God has sent His Son Jesus at Christmas not out of duty, obligation, or need but because of something else. It's love. My question to you is this: Do you realize you could be a Lonna to someone else today? Right now? Like even as you are reading this, there is someone in your life who needs what you have and you can give it to them. It's love. This is a straight-forward challenge, directive, commissioning to you this week: Go give something real, unconditional, powerful, through your words, actions, giving, time, effort to someone very specific in your world and do it because you can. You have all training, skill, and resource necessary to succeed. You can not fail. Why? Because... It's love. God is good all the time, Peder -<>- "One of the biggest problems in the Church today is that we are so full of everything the world has to offer, we have nothing to offer a starving world." - Jentezen Franklin . " -. ' . . ( . () .' `. `|,. |"| ( | |\| | ) ( | |\| _ .\|, _ | ) _.->J ->J|/, . \""-""/Vl/z '-tX|b|\|\~\k\~yJr/' '^-j/PZ=\R>p/T|' ._-sFK)/|'" _-zH|/| --%/| | itz '/| | _M_ ,'"_ "`. / (_) \ ; .: | .| : .:; \ `._ .:/ `._ ..:;' """ >A Little Peace of Christmas (by Zoe Elmore) "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 (NIV) When I was young, I would lie under the Christmas tree every night just before bed time watching the lights dance over the ornaments. I loved how the smell of the tree gently hung in the air of our tiny living room. My dad and I used to sing along with Bing Crosby, and my mom would let me watch as she baked baklava (our family's version of Christmas cookies). Now I'm aware that times were simpler then and I was a just child, but these traditions always seemed to usher in a peaceful holiday season for my family. Today I'm so weary of commercialism and the fast pace of Christmas; the entire holiday season seems to come and go before I ever have time to enjoy the "reason for the season." Maybe it's just my age talking, but I'm longing to experience a little "peace" of Christmas like I used to - but making that a reality in the midst of family and work obligations seems an impossible task. As I was pondering this dilemma, I re-read this verse in Luke and paid close attention to the word "today." That's it! The answer to my desire for a little "peace of Christmas" is in that one word. Today I will commit everything I do to my sweet Jesus. Today I'll sing every Christmas carol at the top of my voice for His glory. Today I'll honor Christ as I decorate our home by placing a nativity set in my Christmas tree. Today this nativity will serve as a reminder that He was born in order to die on a tree so that I could experience His peace not only at Christmas, but every day. Today I'll bake baklava and share it with the new neighbors as a way to extend the grace Christ has given me. Today I'll call someone who is lonely and hurting and offer my shoulder for his or her tears. Thank you Lord, for You've shown me the way to experience that little "peace of Christmas" my heart has been longing for. That peace begins today. If you're longing to experience a little peace of Christmas but are wondering if it's possible, let me encourage you to just begin with today. Begin with a fresh commitment to fulfill all of your responsibilities and obligations for the glory of the Lord. Bake each cookie or wrap each gift as if you were presenting it to your sweet Jesus personally. Sing every song you hear on the radio, and decorate each corner of your home as if Christ Himself were your honored guest because He is the unseen honored guest of your today, tomorrow and forever. Love Him now, worship Him now, and then experience a little "peace of Christmas" of your very own. "Dear Lord, I want to pause during this busy but joyous season to give You the honor and glory You deserve. Help me to remember as I celebrate Your birth that Your greatest gift to me was your very life. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen." Application Steps: - Ask the Lord to identify the activities He would have you be involved in this holy season and be willing to say "no" as the Lord leads. - What steps can you take to make a little "peace of Christmas" a reality for you and your family today? - Look at your schedule for today. Have you carved out any time for Christ, the honored guest? 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 ========================================================== . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I . I _______________III_______________ / . . . . \ ( ~~~ . ~~~ . ~~~ . ~~~ . ~~~ ) \SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS/ \ ======================= / \SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS/ ________\ /________ (=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Whitney Dinsmore >->The Living Water God is the Living Water The ever-flowing Tide The steady Rock of Ages An Ocean, vast and wide. He restores my fleeting spirit Puts spring into my step Adds a bit of sunshine. Where Godly things are kept. He is a sure Foundation Removes the doubts and fear When I am overcome by life His voice, I often hear. He is the Rose of Sharon The Keeper of my soul The Lily of the Valley The One who makes me whole. He is a gentle Current A River, running free My Refuge at the harbor An Anchor on life's sea. He is the Living Water The Fruit upon the vine The Grapes when I am hungry The Essence and the Wine. by Marilyn Ferguson -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 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 ********************************************************************** >TO SUBSCRIBE:Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com **********************************************************************