A Special Friend ... :) 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 Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* 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!! ================ >-->2 Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This first smokin' one is from our friend Jo Ann. One to share with all your most distinguished friends and family! Check it out here... ,,,,, \ e e\ C _\/ |\\, )\_) \_ / _/|/_ _// ,'\ ~ /'-,_/ \ / \_/ / / , | \_._,-" ( < _' | \ \ ', -',-~.-' _/ ) | |// | ' ' ) | | | | ._., - |.,_ // _\-' )___|__|_ '-._ b'ger /____\__\ How True It Is! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nyear.html --- ...What a riot! Thanks Jo Ann! Our next hot tottie is from our friend Linda. It is one of those that takes your breath away with Ooos and Awwws. Check it out here... ######### ###### ___###___________ _,--"""_________________"""--._ /',--'\\"## __ "//'--.'\ , /\ _ -._ /\ //' ##\\ ,-_,-' \_///\,-'`\\-' \/ \,-' \/ \// _ _\\ ,-._/ //' \\ //'--._M_|H|\\___ ___ _// ___ _\\ ___ | | (| | \\ | | | |// | | | | | | | | ___| | /ooo=oo-o\\oo-oo=oo-//=oo-oo=oo-oo| |=oo=oo___ \"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"| | \ . / . \ /\ . - ' . / `-. '-.. ' ' , ,,-' ` \ '- ' ,/,-'/ \ \_- ' ' --',-' -' \/ | | _ - - _ . / Na Beautiful Bridges 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bridges2.html --- ...Wow! Stunning! Thanks Linda! =============================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _____ _|[]_|_ _/_/=|_\_\_ _/_ /==| _\ _\_ _/__ /===|_ _\ __\_ _/_ _ /====| ___\ __\_ _/ __ _/=====|_ ___\ ___ \_ jjs _/ ___ _/======| ____ \_ __ \_ >LIVE LIKE YOU'RE A MAYAN by Joseph B. Walker I don't mean to be morbid or anything, but what if the Mayan calendar is right? Of course, I realize that there is considerable disagreement about whether or not the Mayan calendar actually predicts the end of the world due to "cataclysmic events" (like collisions with black holes, asteroids or a planet called "Nibiru") on Dec. 21, 2012. Some scholars insist that the prediction completely misrepresents the Mayan calendar, and that it is simply the end of a 5,125-year cycle. Others say that the transformation will be more spiritual than physical, and that 2012 simply represents the beginning of a wonderful new era for all of us who travel together on planet Earth. That may be a positive, upbeat way of considering the possibilities, especially if you're a political candidate facing election in 2012. "Elect me and be spiritually transformed in 2012" makes a much better campaign slogan than "Elect me and meet Nibiru." But it avoids the obvious question: What if Nibiru really IS heading toward us, and Bruce Willis and his "Armageddon" drilling crew aren't available to blow the planet off course? What if the world really does come to an end next December? A friend of mine had a year sort of like that not too long ago. For reasons too complex and pretty much irrelevant to our discussion here, he his wife were sure that he was going to die within a year. It wasn't something they were pleased about, but they were confident that it was unavoidable, and they were both resigned to it. They decided not to share the information with anyone -- they didn't want anyone else, especially their children, to be troubled or concerned. But between the two of them, they focused their attention on preparing for the inevitable, and doing everything they could to make whatever time they had left together more meaningful. The first thing they did was make sure the family was going to be provided for financially. They took out a sizable insurance policy and put their financial affairs in order. He continued to work hard at his place of employment, but his work wasn't the focus of his life like it had been before. Instead, he looked for every opportunity to be with his family. He reached out to long-lost friends and tried to reconnect. Relationships mattered more, the acquisition of things mattered less. The final scores of basketball games -- something that was awfully important to him before -- seemed suddenly inconsequential, but going to a game with his sons was important. What he learned that year couldn't be summarized in a box score. But it could be clearly seen in the eyes of his loved ones, and keenly felt in the hearts of all who watched this change take place in the life of a man who thought his life was ending. At the end of the year, the man and his wife were both still there -- living and breathing. And they were both profoundly grateful for it. But they were even more grateful for the lessons they had learned through a year of constant priority assessment and adjustment. "I would never want to go through anything like that again," he told me a couple of years later. "But I'm a better person today for having gone through it." Now, I'm not saying we should all approach 2012 like it's going to be a year of doom and gloom. Probably those naysayers are right -- Nibiru is going to stay right where it is, wherever it is, and we can all look forward to the wondrous possibilities of 2013. But instead of treating 2012 like it's just another year we have to endure, why not pretend that it's our last chance to become the kind of person we've always wanted to be? Why not allow 2012 to be the year of positive relationships and reconciliation with long-lost friends and family members -- a year of doing the right things for the right reasons? We can take a page from Tim McGraw, only instead of living like we were dyin', we can say that 2012 will be the year we can all learn and grow by living like we're Mayan. And Nibiru is on its way. -- Joseph Walker __________________________________________________ To read more by Joseph Walker, click here: http://www.josephbwalker.com ============================================================== >-->From Our Friend Tony In Australia :) , |"-,_ I--(_ ,I?8, d|`888. d8| 8888b ,88| ?8888b ,888| `88888b ,8888| 8888g8b ,88888| 888PX?8b ,888888| 8888bd88, o8888888| ,888888888 d8888888P| d888888888b _.d888gggg8'| 8gg88888888, '\==-,,,,,,,,|/;,,,,,-==;7 _ \__...____...__ __/ _ seal _ ~ ~~~~ ~~ >Fishing And Sailing Te Pokea Ma Sailing For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. - Luke 1:49 I can remember not all that long ago arranging to meet a friend at a boat ramp to take him fishing but he didn’t turn up and I was kinda counting on him because although I got my boat INTO the water, I wasn’t sure of there was no one around, that I could get it back on again! But anyway , I figured as it was all launched and ready to go I would go out for a couple of hours myself and off I went. I picked a spot about 3 kilometres off shore in beautiful weather, the sun was out just a few puffy clouds floating slowly on by and within about 20 minutes, I had my first fish! And than another and another! Then it went quite again so I leaned my fishing rod on the side of the boat and leaned back in my “ Captains” seat. I had passed several boats on the way out but after about an hour I looked about me and there was no sign of anyone, I was alone on the ocean. It’s an awesome feeling to be at sea all alone, I have never done that before and I was just a ‘tad’ wary of my situation, which, when my imagination began to run wild, turn into a ‘predicament’ then I tried to start my engine and it just coughed at me...! Wow now this was getting serious.... so what do I do? I panicked! There's no way I could swim that distance and although I had paddles, I doubt I could have paddled against the tide anyway. So..what to do?... Pray! That’s what I had to do......I felt so very small and so very unimportant in the ‘scheme of life’. I felt like I would cry like a baby at my ‘situation’. I began to wish I had brought my Bible with me but then, I was staring at the one cloud above me and an opening seemed to be formed and a Seagull, all alone landed on the water behind my boat waiting to be fed. A seagull! There mist by trillions of then in this world and this one, quite alone had come to me to be fed. I had a bag of fish bait and burley and I had 4 fish in the bucket, but not much water and here I am sitting feeding a seagull my bait! Well, at some time I stopped thinking about me and my new friend and I thought of a little child, dying of thirst in the desert in a far off country and as they baby cried, God heard the cries and he sent an angel to point out a spring of water and the baby survived. Then I thought of another little child who’s life was in danger and his Mum placed him in a basket and released the basket, a little ‘ark’ on a mighty river hidden in the reeds but it the ark broke loose and floated down stream but God... BUT GOD! Is in charge and HE will see us through. Remember this...HE IS Wonderful...that’s part of HIS Name He IS MIGHTY! And yet? And yet he loves every little sparrow and there isn’t one that He doesn’t think about. He even cares for the flowers but lets not forget, He loves US more than the flowers and the little birds, so much so that He died for us. When you are alone and forlorn, remember and listen, He will call you by name. Why? Because we have immortal souls. He knows when things have gone wrong and HE is there for you, but remember Jeosophat... God WILL help us out of our times of trouble, but HE expects us to try to help ourselves. Sure! It may be difficult for us but that’s when HE strengthens us. We are HIS children and HE IS our true Father even when we think that he isn’t hearing us, there will be a sign..Look for it,and look for and then thank Him for the Blessings He will send for you. A “Wonderful and MIGHTY God”! And it's wonderful for us to know and BELIEVE that in all the millions of people on this planet, He calls us by name! That particular day, I had my eyes closed in prayer and didn’t hear the sailboat approaching me. Then a voice called out ”Is everything ok?” I had flattened my battery trying to start the engine so my only contact was the radio and the battery was dead and this young guy asked if I was catching any fish..... God had caught HIM and brought him to me. We tied the boats together and he came on board bringing a battery with him, lifted off the cover on my motor and in a minute or two of looking at it, he found a wire had come off its anchor. We connected his battery and the motor coughed then fires up! Praise God! So I put my own battery back in to charge up. It was starting to get dark and he was going to anchor up and stay the night, so I gave him two of my fish for his dinner and he thanked me as thought I had helped HIM out. His name was Jess...he gave me his phone number before he left but it was a number short. As he sailed away he waved from the back of his boat and I saw the name of it for the first time. It was “YAHWE’, which means ‘savior’ GOD IS GOOD! --- ...Isn't that the truth - ALWAYS! Thank you Tony! ============================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Genesis 47:13-27 ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT THIS - IS WOW !!!!! RECENT VIRGINIA CHURCH SERVICE - STIMULUS SERMON Genesis 47:13-27 I would love to give the Pastor of this predominantly black church in Virginia a hug and a high five. This man of God is obviously a leader. Perhaps we should each decide who our real Leader is..... It is amazing to see that very little has changed in 4,000 years. ---------------------------------------------------- Good morning, brothers and sisters; it's always a delight to see the pews crowded on Sunday morning, and so eager to get into God's Word. Turn with me in your Bibles, if you will to the 47th chapter of Genesis, we'll begin our reading at verse 13, and go through verse 27. Brother Ray, would you stand and read that great passage for us? .....(reading)... Thank you for that fine reading, Brother Ray. So we see that economic hard times fell upon Egypt, and the people turned to the government of Pharaoh to deal with this for them. And Pharaoh nationalized the grain harvest, and placed the grain in great storehouses that he had built. So the people brought their money to Pharaoh, like a great tax increase, and gave it all to him willingly in return for grain. And this went on until their money ran out, and they were hungry again. So when they went to Pharaoh after that, they brought their livestock - their cattle, their horses, their sheep, and their donkey - to barter for grain, and verse 17 says that only took them through the end of that year. But the famine wasn't over, was it? So the next year, the people came before Pharaoh and admitted they had nothing left, except their land and their own lives. "There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh." So they surrendered their homes, their land, and their real estate to Pharaoh's government, and then sold themselves into slavery to him, in return for grain. What can we learn from this, brothers and sisters? That turning to the government instead of to God to be our provider in hard times only leads to slavery? Yes.. That's the only reason government wants to be our provider is to also become our master? Yes. But look how that passage ends, brothers and sisters! Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt , in the land of Goshen . And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly." God provided for His people, just as He always has! They didn't end up giving all their possessions to government, no, it says they gained possessions! But I also tell you a great truth today, and an ominous one. We see the same thing happening today - the government today wants to "share the wealth" once again, to take it from us and redistribute it back to us. It wants to take control of healthcare, just as it has taken control of education, and ration it back to us, and when government rations it, then government decides who gets it, and how much, and what kind. And if we go along with it, and do it willingly, then we will wind up no differently than the people of Egypt did four thousand years ago - as slaves to the government, and as slaves to our leaders. What Mr. Obama's government is doing now is no different from what Pharaoh's government did then, and it will end the same. And a lot of people like to call Mr. Obama a "Messiah," don't they? Is he a Messiah? A savior? Didn't the Egyptians say, after Pharaoh made them his slaves, "You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh"?Well, I tell you this - I know the Messiah; the Messiah is a friend of mine; and Mr. OBAMA IS NO MESSIAH! No, brothers and sisters, if Mr. Obama is a character from the Bible, then he is Pharaoh. Bow with me in prayer, if you will... Lord, You alone are worthy to be served, and we rely on You, and You alone. We confess that the government is not our deliverer, and never rightly will be. We read in the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel, when Samuel warned the people of what a ruler would do, where it says "And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.." And Lord, we acknowledge that day has come. We cry out to you because of the ruler that we have chosen for ourselves as a nation. Lord, we pray for this nation. We pray for revival, and we pray for deliverance from those who would be our masters. Give us hearts to seek You and hands to serve You, and protect Your people from the atrocities of Pharaoh's government. In God We Trust... You may consider sharing this with others. If you don't agree .... just delete. May the Lord bless your day. --- ...Most interesting! Thanks Jo Ann! My history teachers always told me I should like and study history more because history always repeats itself. I just felt memorizing all those historic dates was really boring! Unfortunately, my history grades reflected that. =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend PatDeE :) /\ __ \ .-':::. \ :::::|\ |,\:::'/ \ `.:::-' \ `-. \ ___ `-. | .-'';:::. `-.-' / ',''.;;;\ | ','','.''| |\ ' ,',' /' `.`-.___.-;' `--._.-' AsH >Breakfast at McDonald's I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.' The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, Literally... Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch... An overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling' His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation..... I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford.. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something.. He just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.' I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.' I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..' We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love. I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?' I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE. Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE. Someone wrote: Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart To handle yourself, use your head.. To handle others, use your heart. God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest. A box of gold With a secret inside that has never been told *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* This box is priceless but as I see *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The treasure inside is precious to me *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Today I share this treasure with thee *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* It's the treasure of friendship you've given me. --- ...Aww, a sweet classic! Thanks PatDeE! ================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: %%%% %%%%-( _%%%%%_/ \ ' / _%%%%%%%% - (_) - _%%%%%%%/ \% / , \ %%%%%%%%%\\ \_ %%%%%% \ \\ ) /\_/ /(___. \ '----' ( / ) ---....____/ (_____ __ _ ___ ___ __ _ _ _____ _ _ ___ / )---...___ =-= = -_= -=_= _-=_-_ -=- =-_ ,' ( ```--.._= -_= -_= _-=- -_= _=- ,-' ) ``--._=-_ =-=_-= _-= _ '-._ '-..___( ``-._=_-=_- =_-= ``---....__) `-._-=_-_=- )|)| `-._=-_ gnv '-'-.\_ `-. >MAY GOD BLESS YOU...WITH TODAY! Three sets of eyes gazed into the bright sun That rose from the land with the new year begun. Their focus all seemed to be one and the same, Yet their vision within laid a far different claim. One pair saw only a time they did know Of faded, worn memories of life long ago; While a second was straining far off to see A life they had fashioned as their own destiny. The third set of eyes looked 'round at the two Who were lost in their thoughts and had nothing to do With this moment so precious on this blessed day, When they could have walked with the Truth and the Way. These last loving eyes helped the others to stand, And together they looked upon a lost land. It was then that they saw new life had begun. As we remember Yesterday and look forward to Tomorrow, it is so easy to forget about Today. Yesterday tells us who we have been. Tomorrow shows us who will become. But it is Today that transforms us, leading us into new life. It is Today that Jesus says to love each other, encourage each other, and follow Him. Without Today, Yesterday is meaningless and Tomorrow never comes. We've come a long way to reach this point. We have known great joy and deep sorrow. We have celebrated and mourned. We have seen times of peace as well as pain. So, what do we do with such experiences? Perhaps we're supposed to use them in reaching out to others...people we know as well as strangers...those we like and those we don't...those who share our beliefs and those who could not care less. Perhaps, just perhaps, we're supposed to actually follow Jesus instead of just talking about it. Each day is a new day. The past has gone. The future is yet to come. But we can make a difference Today! We can let others see the light of Christ in our lives. We can change our priorities so that God comes first - His desires, His will, His instructions - because we know that He is good and what He wants for and in our lives is best, not only for us, but for those around us. Such responsibility takes great faith. Great faith takes great courage. And great courage comes from God...directly and through His people. That's why we've been told, Encourage each other as long as it is called Today. (Hebrews 3:13) It is a difficult calling, especially in a dark world where others hate us only because we follow Jesus. But together, we can look upon this lost land and see new life. We can do this, as together we gaze into the eyes of the Son. For today and the days to come - May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14) When their own eyes gazed into those of the Son. Take care & be God's, Chuck as seen in A Note of Encouragement -<>- ____ / ___`\ /| ( ( \ \ |^v^v V| \ \/) ) ) \ ____ / \_/ / / ,Y` `, / / || - -) { } \\ _\ | | | \\ / _`\_ / / / | ~ | ``\ _|_| ,-` \ | \ \ ,//(_} / | | | \/ \| | | | | | ' ,\ \ | | \ / /\ _/` | | \ | | | | `` | | | \ \ | | | | | | |/ | / / | | | | | >AVOIDING CONFLICT Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. But the king said, "He must go to his own house; he must not see my face." So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the face of the king (2 Sam 14:23-24). Many people hate conflict to the point they will never confront a wrong. Taking this path will only lead to later hardship. Such was the case for Absalom and his father King David. Amnon, also a son of David, raped his sister Tamar. When this happened, David was furious but he did not punish Amnon for his actions. Absalom saw this as a terrible injustice for his sister. So, Absalom plotted to kill Amnon at the right time. He patiently waited for two years before he set up a situation to have him killed. David was heartbroken over the death of Amnon and held Absalom responsible. At the same time, David still desired to have a relationship with Absalom, but because he failed to address the situation with Amnon when it happened, it led to more serious consequences in the family. Absalom was banished for three years because of David's anger towards him which allowed seeds of resentment to grown in his heart. Absalom then conspired to overthrow David's kingdom. It is imperative to confront problems when they arise no matter how uncomfortable it might be. We are called to speak the truth in love. "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ" (Eph 4:15-16). Failure to confront in love allows the enemy to sow greater seeds of conflict. Is there someone in your life that you need to confront in love? Make plans now to get with this person and work through the issues that divide you. as seen in Today God is First -<>- . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >ALL YOU REALLY NEED The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. DEUTERONOMY 33:27 I want you to think for a moment of what you'd say to your spouse if you knew you were going to die. What words of comfort would you bring? Where would you point him or her for hope? What counsel would you give that would most certainly be true and not disappoint? Think. What would you say? How would you pray? Over 300 years ago, Obadiah Holmes must have grappled with questions like those. Evidently, Obadiah Holmes built his house upon the rock of Jesus Christ. And in a love letter he wrote to his wife before he died, it was only natural to gently remind her to trust Him: When I am removed, consider the Lord as your husband, as your father, as your Lord and Savior, who has said that whom He loves, He loves to the end. And He will not leave you nor forsake you, but will carry you through all until He brings you to glory. Therefore, lift up your head and be not discouraged. Say to your soul, "Why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God and trust in His name," and you shall not be disappointed. And now, my dear wife, whom I love as my own soul, I commit you to the Lord, who has been a gracious, merciful God to us all our days, not once doubting that He will be gracious to you in life—or death. He will carry you through the valley of tears with His own supporting hand. To Him I commit you for counsel, wisdom, and strength, and to keep you blameless till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, honor, and praise. What would you say to your spouse if you knew your time was up? DISCUSS Talk about this love letter and what it means to you. How is this husband providing for his wife even in his death? PRAY Throw your trust on Him today, the same way you've been doing your whole life long. as seen in Moments Together For Couples -<>- _____ (((\\\\\ )_ \\\| / \\|\/ \\( ), & \) ( (( |` \\ ))) _ | \` __| ` | , \ ` , \ | \ ,\ , \ ' \/ \_ \/ \ `_,`-._ ` \ ejm / `-. _ \ ` / ,`. \ === / '== =`. | ==== / | === ` / /========= / | / , /______| / , ======== __-' | = === / ,======= ' - -- ( \ \ \ ` \ ` \ ` \_____ \ / ` _/ / '-- ' >AT MY WORST YOU FOUND ME I Am Learning Lord My life has taken many falls And tumbles 'long the way. The many trials have left me In a sure state of dismay. For with each trial, I tried alone To tend, and soothe, and mend, Instead of giving them to God - And on Him just depend .... But, I am learning, Lord. It seems that I was determined To carry all the load. I longed for smoother pathways. Yet, I walked a rocky road. Little did I understand, God waited patiently To pave a new beginning With a better life for me. But, I am learning, Lord. It took a real disaster To bring me to my knees; To finally call upon the Lord And say, "God help me, please." He can, with no delaying, With strong arms that could hold - The weight of all my burdens; He gladly took the load. And, I am learning, Lord. What a needless cross I carried, All because I could not see - What a friend I have in Jesus, And the love He has for me. Peace I find when troubles hover, Though' the outcome is unknown. For if yet the road is rocky, I won't walk it all alone. For, I am learning, Lord Author Unknown as seen in Inspiration Plus -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ======================================================= >-->From SermondFodder: _____ __________ \_+_/ | .//`\\. | _______ ((o,o)) | | | '.=.' | | EKCFL | _)_(_ | | flpeb | /' \ / '\ | | ,.,., | / (_ | _) \ | |_______| / / )_o_( \ \ |() \ \/ \/ / | \/_) (_\/ _|__|~|_______ | | |______________ | | , ||, ' Sher^ |_______| || , \ | / || , >New Hospital Wing Recently, when a hospital panel, made up of doctors, was asked to vote on adding a new wing to their hospital, they got the following responses: The allergists voted to scratch it. The dermatologists preferred no rash moves. The gastroenterologists had a gut feeling about it. The neurologists thought the administration had a lot of nerve. The obstetricians stated they were laboring under a misconception. The ophthalmologists considered the idea short-sighted. The parasitologists said, "well, if you encyst." The pathologists yelled, "over my dead body!" The pediatricians said, "grow up." The proctologists said, "we are in arrears." The psychiatrists thought it was madness. The surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The radiologists could see right through it. The internists thought it was a hard pill to swallow. The plastic surgeons said, "this puts a whole new face on the matter." The podiatrists thought it was a big step forward. The urologists felt the scheme wouldn't hold water. The anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas. And the cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no. Oh, and remember that new hospital wing? Naturally, it didn't fly! === >From Doc's Daily Chuckle! You may subscribe at http://family-safe- mail.com/lists/?p=subscribe&id=55 === This post brought to you by Sermon Fodder. For a regular dose of Christian humor and a modern-day parable send an email to sermon_fodder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Please leave this attached if you forward to friends or post to the web. ====================================== /| |\ ; : : : | Y, ,P | | Yb. __ ,dP | l\ YMMb,_ _,/ \,_ _,dMMP /f j; `YMMP' `--' `YMMP' ;j : \ YP`-._ _.-'YP / ; \ `\, _,\_ _/,_ ,/' / `,_, \`o> DRAGON'S TEETH In mythology we read about Cadmus, who slew a dragon. Then he took the dragon's teeth and sowed them broadcast in a fertile field. When he returned later, he found that each seed had sprung up into a giant. He was afraid of what they might do to him so he decided to employ a clever ruse to cause the giants to fight each other. He threw a stone and struck one of the giants on the ear. This giant thought another giant had struck him, so a fight ensued. Soon all the giants were fighting each other and before long all of them were killed while Cadmus looked on and laughed. Our churches are full of potential spiritual giants, but Satan often sows discord among the members and they end up as spiritual pygmies, fighting one another. --Morgan, R. J. (2000). Nelson's complette book of stories, illustrations, and quotes (electronic ed.) (397). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. From The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com ======================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) _____ /~/~ ~\ | | \ \ \ \ \ \ \ --\ \ .\'' --==\ \ ,,i!!i, ''"'',,}{,, unknown >A Keeper One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore". No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, say "I love you." So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage... And old cars... And children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister- in-law after divorce. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what. Life is important, like people we know who are special... And so, we keep them close! I received this from someone who thought I was a 'keeper'! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way. Now it's your turn to send this to all those people who are "keepers" in your life, including the person who sent it, if you feel that way. Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your friends know you love them? Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back. And just in case I'm gone tomorrow: I LOVE YA!!! Live today because tomorrow is not promised. --- ...awww, ditto! Thanks Jo Ann! ========================================================= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .. ____ ____ | / + \ || || /+ . \ | |o x.| =**= _ =**= | o x| | |____| || _( )_ || |____| | || /_____\ || | ______________//| |/__________________ ^________/ | + | /____^_____ . _U_ / |___| // _U_ | /_______________________________________// | /|\ |______________________________________|/ /|\ >A Special Friend By Rick Ezell "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you" (2 Kings 2:2,4,6 NIV). "Great leaders produce other leaders."-John Maxwell The Lone Ranger had Tonto. Batman had Robin. Butch Cassidy had the Sundance Kid. Paul had Silas. Elisha had Elijah. The association that Elisha had with Elijah went beyond that of a teammate or a friend. It was a mentoring relationship. Elijah believed in Elisha and wanted him to succeed as a prophet. Elijah was willing to offer himself to Elisha to assure his success. God had brought Elijah into Elisha's life to prepare, train, and befriend him for fulfilling the role of prophet to the nation of Israel. The impact of a strong mentor is undeniable. In 1919 a young man, recovering from injuries suffered in the European war, rented a small apartment in Chicago. He chose this location because it was near the home of Sherwood Anderson. An author, Anderson had written the popular novel Winesburg, Ohio and was known to be willing to share his wisdom with young writers. The two men were together nearly every day. They shared meals, took long walks, and discussed writing until late into the nights. The young man wrote passages and asked Anderson to critique them, which he did with brutal honesty. The youngster didn't defend himself or his writing, for, as he said later, "I didn't know how to write until I learned from Sherwood." Within two years that young man set off to write on his own. In 1926 he published his first novel, The Sun Also Rises, which was met with critical acclaim. His name was Ernest Hemingway and he became the greatest American writer of his generation. But the story does not end there. Sherwood Anderson mentored William Faulkner, Thomas Wolfe, William Saroyan and John Steinbeck. Three of Anderson's protégés earned the Nobel Prize, four the Pulitzer Prize. What caused Sherwood Anderson to so continually strive to help others writers? Perhaps it was because he also was mentored by famed authors, Theodore Dreiser and Carl Sandburg. Who's your mentor? The closeness and accountability of trusted friends and counselors is critical to our growth. Mentoring is more about maturity and integrity than it is about information and activity. Elisha had Elijah as a mentor, who do you have? -<>- 8 8 8 8 ,ooo. 8a8 8a8 oP ?b d888a888zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz8 8b `""^""' ?o___oP' > THE KEY TO MASTERY IS SIMPLICITY Life is really simple,but we insist on making it complicated.You can Increase your understanding of any subject by progressing from the Simple to the complex. Divide any complex issue into simple parts, and Master each part and no project will be too difficult. By understanding the simple,you can understand the complex.Solutions are All simple after you have arrived at them. But they are simple only when You know what they are. Nothing is more simple than greatness:for to be simple is to be great. -<>- READ THIS LET IT REALLY SINK IN - THEN CHOOSE .. John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!" He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time How do you do it?" He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood." Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life. "Yeah, right, it's not that easy", I protested. "Yes, it is", he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life." I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it. Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw him about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins..Wanna see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live." "Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked He continued, "..the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action." "What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'" Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead." He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34. After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment 90/10 Principle http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/giving.html Attitude Is Everything 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude3.html Buy A Dog! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buyadog.html Christianity! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/christianity.html A KAIROS Moment http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/kairosmoment.html When You Pray http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/pray.html Dog Warriors! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogwarriors.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 ============================================================ .---. /_____\__ .===. _ _ `\/6.6\/--` / _/\ \ / )%.===.%( \ ( _ ) \/6.6\/ | // ,,, \\ | ,'---', ( _ ) \/ \/6.6\/ \/ .===. / _ \ _)---(_ /\ ( _ ) /\ / ,,, \ /\/ (_) \/\ / `~` \ ^^ /()-()\ ^^ ( /6.6\ ) \ | (_) | / /\/ \/\ / /o o\ \ )( _ )( \| |/ \ | | / (._\ Y /_.) (_/;---;\_) |_____| \|_____|/ (O_`&`_O) / `"*"` \ | | | | L | / / \ \ ( (_.@._) ) | | | |__|__| / ()/^\() \ /'._\|/_.'\ \__|__/ | | | /. . . . . . .\ /. . . . . .\ |_|_| |_|_| `"`"`|`|`|`"`"` `"`"|"|"|"`"` jgs _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ (___|___) (___|___) (___|___) (___|___) >A Class Act Story Editor: by Catherine Granger Glover Joyce Schowalter North Carolina, USA There were eight of us, for five years, back in the late 1980's and early 1990's. I had adopted three boys born of my ex-husband's first marriage. I also had my daughter, and my two nieces and nephew, staying while their mom left an abusive relationship, and me. We were a mixed family, but full of love and luck. For the holidays, I started picking up little things in February, so I'd have something for each child. Working four 10-hour days weekly gave me one weekday to shop while they were in school. Each year we carefully filled out "adopt a family" forms asking each child's age, height, weight, favorite color and sports team, and desires. Thanks to various giving organizations, I didn't have to budget money for holiday dinners. We often received very nice gifts for each child, however most were clothes or very generic items. The kids were always thankful to have new items. My 'big bucks went to finding a special gift for each (usually a thrift store, dollar store, or clearance item), which they would know was purchased just for them. In 1991, my daughter was 7 and wished for a baby doll more than anything in the world. She knew Santa would bring her a baby doll, carriage, and all the tools to care for her baby. I found an inexpensive umbrella stroller, a cheap doll, and even some clothes and a bottle, but feared they would break quickly. She was thrilled, as were all the kids with their 'big' presents. Then it came time to open the 'charity' gifts. There was more than one for each child, which confused us but was fun. Each child opened what it expected to be a piece of clothing, or generic dollar store toy. As the wrappings came off, whoops of pure joy resounded around the room, and I sat in stunned silence. Each child had received something just for them! My daughter received a wonderful baby doll with a full set of clothes, and everything to take care of it -- bottles, diapers, bibs, etc. The boys each received a regulation-size ball and a correctly sized team jersey for their favorite team. My nieces received 'real' versions of the items they had asked for. There was even a present for me, a small photo album to hold photographs. I don't remember the exact class that adopted us that year, only that it was from Springfield High School, Virginia. We didn't know how they raised the funds to buy the presents, or why they adopted a whole family rather than just contributing gifts to a drive. I only know that whenever Christmas comes around I send my thanks out once again for that wonderful year. 16 years later we still talk of the joy that class brought to our whole family. About the year that not only were our needs met, but a caring respect for us as individuals was added. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From KidWarmers: >FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY ,----------. ( bowl plez! ) `----------' O o ,-. .:\ '`-. |:| __ b `;-( ,' | ( \|||_ ,-----(.-''--``-------. /_______`'______________\ / SSt\ Daddy was fixing dinner while Mommy was bathing Quinlan, 2. After Mommy put Quinlan's diaper on, she asked Quinlan, "Do you want dinner in your diaper or in your jammies?" Quinlan looked at her mother and said, "I want it in a bowl!" -- Barbara Roney of Portland, Oregon Wynter was visiting her grandmother, Jeanne, when they decided to make some rice pudding. All through the preparations Jeanne went on and on about how rice pudding is her absolute favorite dessert. After they put the dish in the oven, Wynter went to watch some TV and Jeanne started a crossword puzzle. About an hour and a half later, Jeanne jumped up and yelled, "The rice pudding!" Jeanne ran to the kitchen and threw open the oven door. There was the rice pudding -- hard as a rock! "Oh noooo," Jeanne moaned. Wynter took one look at the rice pudding and ran out of the room. She returned with a handful of tissues. "Here, Gramma," she said, shoving them into Jeanne's hand. "What's this for?" Jeanne asked. "Cause," Wynter said, "you're gonna be crying!" -- Jeanne Wakefield of Beaverton, Ontario, Canada Donna came home with a brand-new perm. Kelly, 3, gave Donna a funny look and said, "Mommy, you got your hair wrinkled!" -- Donna Lehr of Catonsville, Maryland `_-@@@-_ |, _ - - - ~-_--; |~ = . _ . = | | | ( ) - -__\ _ /,_-- -_ _-~ .-'--`-_ ~/ . | | |~| |____(,,) /________\ |_|__| _~__~___\ W< Holly, 4, was listening to some Christmas music when Linda asked, "What's your favorite song?" Without hesitation, Holly replied, "Silent Night, Holy Sprite!" -- Ben and Linda Castle family of Rome City, Indiana Tyler, 2, was lying on the table helping his grandmother eat a bowl of ice cream. He was eating so much and so fast that his grandmother said, "Tyler, if you don't quit eating so much ice cream, you are going to have gas!" Tyler quickly sat up, looked at Patty and said, "Nana, I'm not a car, I'm Tyler!" -- Patty Frazier of Hiddenite, North Carolina Marleen was eight months pregnant with her fourth child. One day while they were eating lunch, Marleen's 6-year-old asked, "Mom, is all that food falling on the baby's head?" -- Marleen Eastin of Oklahoma That's __--_ Earth Day! //~-----\|/ \ _----__ . / /-~~---~\\\ \ /______, | / `c ` . ||| \ | | | (.. _ ..|||| \ _O----| | \ _ _ | || `- |___| /~` `\ `__ _/ |||/||~~| .' '~\ |||||||--| | |_| |||||||( | |____| | |______``` |____``` | | | |_|_| .'\\,\\_) /_/___| W< After teaching a lesson to her kindergarten class about Jesus and his disciples, June was feeling quite proud. It was a model lesson, and included a game, a song, and a story. At the conclusion of the lesson, June opened the discussion to questions. With pride, she looked out at her students' wildly waving arms. Her lesson was obviously a success. Teaching seemed rewarding, and now she was going to let them shower her with their new knowledge. June called on Brittney because her arm was waving more frantically than the rest. "Brittney, what do you have to say about Jesus and his disciples?" June asked eagerly. "Well," Brittney began, with true kindergarten confidence, "I just wanted you to know that I know a lot about disciples 'cause at my house we disciple everything. We have a special disciple can for plastic, a special disciple can for glass, and a special disciple can for paper. My Mom says it's how we save the earth!" -- June Brychka of Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada A friend of John's was listening to his four-year-old daughter say The Lord's Prayer. The little girl said, "And lead us not into Penn Station..." -- John (or Pel) Jarvis of Northridge, California Meghan, 4, often played motorcycles with her older brother. One night Meghan prayed, "And deliver us from Evel Knievel..." -- Taylor Baloga (Meghan's sister) of Raleigh, North Carolina \,`/ / _).. `_ ( __ -\ '`. ( \>_-_, _||_ ~-/ W< Michelle was cooking dinner. Courtney, 3, pulled up a stool and sat down beside Michelle. Michelle thought Courtney, who was sitting quietly, was watching her make dinner. Then Courtney said, "Mommy....it didn't work!" Michelle looked at Courtney, wondering what she could be talking about. Yellow stuff was dripping from the stool. Michelle pulled her off the stool and Courtney said, "See, Mommy, no baby chick." Egg shell was sticking to Courtney's bottom. -- Michelle Kontol of Demotte, Indiana Jennifer came home from work and saw Ethan, 4, waving a fly swatter around. He said, "Mommy! Guess what! I spank that mean bug!" -- Jennifer Oliver, proud mother of four kidwarmers (Cody, 5, Ethan, 4, Matthew, 2.5, and Madison, 3 months) of Killeen, Texas ,-"""-. / - -'. db, 0 0 '---. 88b, \ 8888 0 | Yummy Snow! 8888, '.____,'/ Y88P \ .------' jgs `` |=( / ', | \ | \ | | ; | | | ,_(__/ / `--\ .-' | ||__ / '--.` '------` When David, 8, was spending the week at Grandma Linda's, he asked if he could play at the school playground. Although it was quite cold, he had warm clothes, so he was given permission. When he got home, Linda said, "David, I bet you're frozen and hungry, too." "No, Grandma, I'm not hungry," David said. "I ate snow." "Yuck!" Linda said. "It's OK, Grandma," David said. "I didn't eat any yellow snow!" -- Linda McCoy of Albion, Indiana ============================================================ >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) ,--.,-"";-"-. .-;-/ / / .- `\ .-. ` ( ' ' ` ; `\/ \ \ / \ / (. C . ) | .-. | | _ / (` / | \ /}| | )(\ | `-> (____.| / ||| / \=====| | |\| | |====| \ _/ ` \__/=====| |` `-'======| \ |=======/ | |=======| | .--, ########\ |/ / jgs |_|__|| ` `--. ,---;-'--'\ `--. `---`-------'-.___,___.---' >I May Never See Tomorrow I may never see tomorrow; there's no written guarantee. And things that happened yesterday belong to history. I cannot predict the future, I cannot change the past. I have just the present moment, I must treat it as my last. I must use this moment wisely for it soon will pass away, And be lost to me forever as part of yesterday. I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet, Be a friend unto the friendless, make an empty life complete. The unkind things I do today may never be undone, And friendships that I fail to win may nevermore be won. I may not have another chance on bended knee to pray, And thank God with humble heart for giving me this day. --- ...Amen! Thank You Bunni! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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 andd 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 ************************************************************************