Already There And More ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@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 =========================== >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) >Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press... This one comes from our friend Jo Ann. She sent us a couple forwards that together along with some web searching combined to make another cool page! Here for your viewing pleasure is a continuance of our Animal Saga: ,-----. / \--. | / \ `. \-+-',___/ \ \ \ \ ,--\/"""\"". `._ / \ \ \ _ `| ( \ o\o|.,--. `-' \ \`-;---'-'( #) `._ \ |\ `--/ \. \ ||,`. / \`..--.._ ||/ `===='. \/ _`.__|| .-. \ \ | / \ |'| `. ! | \ \_/ \_.') \ ! | ,"". . _/ \ / / ;`--'\ \ \ `-' | |`-< \ \ \ | |\ \,---. \ \ \,---. | |,---. `.\ \,---. `. > `. | | \ `.| ( | |-'-' ( | |' `-------'-' `-----'-' hjw Awww Animals 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals3.html --- ..Thank You so much Jo Ann! Very adorable! ================================================================== _,--._.-, _,--._.-, /\_r-,\_ ) /\_r-,\_ ) .-.) _;='_/ (.; .-.) _;='_/ (.; \ \' \/S ) \ \' \/S ) L.'-. _.'|-' L.'-. _.'|-' <_`-'\'_.'/ <_`-'\'_.'/ `'-._( \ `'-._( \ \\ ___ ___ \\, ___ \\ .-'_. / \ .'-. \\ .-'_. / \\ /.-'_.' '._' '.\\/.-'_.' \('--' '--``\('--' snd \ snd \\ `\\, diddled by jgs \| >And the Roses Story Editor: by Marcia Mathis Joyce Schowalter Alabama, USA I was so tired that night in February 2002. All I wanted was to stay home but I needed groceries badly so I made my way to the giant discount store. Naturally, it was packed and I was getting peevish. At the checkout line I was behind two other shoppers. The first was a middle-aged couple, a burly biker with tats and a do-rag and his woman in like dress. Behind them was a tiny old woman with gray hair dressed in sweatpants and a ball cap. The biker family was evidently shopping for a party and their buggy was full of party stuff: beer, chips, hot dogs and the like. In stark contrast was the little old lady's buggy, which contained only two enormous bags of dry cat food. "Hank" was busily unloading their cart when I began to chat with the little old lady. I remarked that she must have a lot of kitties and she told me that she fed a colony of feral cats who lived near a dumpster behind a shopping center close to where she lived. I could tell Hank was listening to our conversation. As we talked it became clear how much the little old lady loved her wild cats. She told me how long she'd been doing this and how hard it was. But they depended on her, and it was something she not only felt she had to do but wanted to do. Soon Hank unloaded the remainder of his cart and then added a bunch of roses they had in a display at the checkout for last-minute Valentine's shoppers. Hank's wife got out her wallet to pay for their purchases. Then Hank turned to the little old lady and said, "Would you allow me to pay for your cat food? I love cats and I'd like to help with what you're doing." Now the little old lady, startled by this kind offer, was speechless for a moment and then said "Oh, I couldn't let you do that..." but Hank insisted he'd really like to and was so sincere. He smiled, reached over the lady's basket to pull the two bags of cat food out of her buggy and asked the cashier to ring them up on his bill. Then he took the roses he had just bought, turned and presented them to the little old lady and said "Happy Valentine's Day". By this time I had a big lump in my throat, the little old lady looked as though she was about to weep, and the cashier was wearing a smile that stretched clear across her face. I was so grateful I had decided to shop that night. Otherwise I would have missed witnessing such beautiful generosity and kindness given from one stranger to another. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: __ / \--..____ \ \ \-----,,,.. \ \ \ \--,,.. \ \ \ \ ,' \ \ \ \ ``.. \ \ \ \-'' \ \ \__,,--''' \ \ \. \ \ ,/ \ \__..- \ \ \ \ \ \ :F_P: \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ >ALREADY THERE By: Joseph J. Mazzella For a long time I saw happiness as a huge banner across the finish line of a long race. I felt that only when I accomplished certain things could I finally relax and be happy in my life. Most of the time I felt like the tortoise hoping that "slow and steady would win the race." At other times I would act like a crazed hare trying different side roads at breakneck speeds hoping to reach that banner a little faster. Gradually, though, I began to see that no matter how long I raced towards it the banner was never any closer. I finally decided one day to sit down and take a break. It was then that I saw my happiness sitting beside me. It had been with me all along. It had been with me as I played basketball as a child. It had been with me as I learned in school. It had been with me as I worked minimum wage jobs mopping floors, doing dishes, and carrying lumber. It had been with me as I held each of my newborn children in my arms. It had been with me as I struggled with my sons’ autism and learned to love them for just who they are. It had been with me when I was sick. It had been with me when I didn’t have a cent to my name. It had been with me as I raced towards that stupid banner. I just hadn’t had the wisdom to see it. There is an old Chinese proverb that says, "Tension is what you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are." Perhaps we all should stop our race towards the perfect life we think we should have and rejoice in the life we have now. Happiness will never be found under some banner far away. It will be found in your own heart, soul, and mind. It will be found when you realize that God loves you just as you are and that you can choose and share love and joy as well. Don’t be a determined tortoise or a chaotic hare when it comes to your happiness. Be a playful puppy and carry your stick of joy with you everywhere you go. Take yourself out of the race and realize that when it comes to love and happiness you are already there. -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Book of Books By Rick Ezell "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17 NIV). "A thousand times over, the death knell of the Bible has been sounded, the funeral procession formed, the inscription cut on the tombstone, and the committal read. But somehow the corpse never stays put."-Bernard Ramm, a Bible scholar The Bible is the book of books. It is the best selling book of all time. About 170,000 Bibles are distributed each day in the United States. The Bible has been translated into over 1,200 languages. The Bible was the first book ever printed, in 1454 on the Gutenberg press. Life Magazine called this the single most important event of the second millennium. The Bible has been the world's best seller ever since. In October 1987 an original Gutenberg Bible was purchased for over five million dollars. It was the largest price ever paid for a printed book. Its precise name is the Holy Bible. The word Holy means separate or set apart. The word Bible simply means books. The Bible was originally made up of books written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramic, and Koine Greek. The entire Bible was written over a 1500-year span. It contains 66 books written by over 40 different authors ranging from government officials, peasants, military officers, fishermen, to a prime minister, cupbearer, and religious teachers. It contains 1189 chapters and over 31,000 verses and is divided into two major divisions: The Old Testament and the New Testament. All-every part of Scripture-has God as its Au­thor, salvation as its end, and truth for its matter. It presents a consistent picture of the one true God, one cause of mankind's troubles (sin), and one universal remedy (Jesus). It starts with God and shows us the way to God. It will remain until the end of the world. If you believe those things, read this book, study this book, memorize this book, meditate upon this book, put it in your hearts, put it inside where you can never lose it. If you believe those things, take the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ which is in this book and go out from here and proclaim it wherever you go. Never be ashamed of God's word. Never be ashamed to believe it. Never be ashamed to stand upon it. His word is true. His word is the firm foundation. His word will stand forever. About the Author Dr. Rick Ezell is a husband, father, author, pastor, consultant, coach, conference leader, and communicator. Rick has a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology in Preaching from Southern Baptist Seminary. He has published over 450 articles and sermons in various Christian publications. While authoring six books he has served over twenty years in pastoral ministry. Rick, Cindy, and Bailey reside in Greer, South Carolina. www.rickezell.net --- ...Here is a good place to help you study: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Our Bible Study Menu: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/BibleStudy.html -<>- Links For Your Enjoyment: Welcome Home http://www.buffaloschips.com/71601.htm Westfall Horse Video http://www.buffaloschips.com/71602.htm We Wish You A Merry Christmas http://www.buffaloschips.com/71603.htm Nothing Like A Good Book http://www.buffalosjokes.com/1124100.htm Old Folks http://www.buffalosjokes.com/1124101.htm Pepsi http://www.buffalosjokes.com/1124104.htm Pool http://www.buffalosjokes.com/1124105.htm Bad Hair Cut http://buffalosjokes.com/080303.htm New movie http://www.buffalosjokes.com/51561.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ============================================================ >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) | ___O___ \/|\/ // \\ | unknown >THE U IN JESUS Before U were thought of or time had begun, God stuck U in the name of His Son. And each time U pray, you'll see it's true, You can't spell out JesUs and not include U. You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name, For U, He was born; that's why He came. And His great love for U is the reason He died. It even takes U to spell crUcified. Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand He rose from the dead, with U in His plan? The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U. When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension, He felt there was one thing He just had to mention. 'Go into the world and tell them it's true That I love them all - Just like I love U.' So many great people are spelled with a U, Don't they have a right to know JesUs too? It all depends now on what U will do, He'd like them to know, But it all starts with U. Will YOU pass it on. --- ..Sweet One! -<>- ___ ,-'" "`-. ,'_ `. / / \ ,- \ __ | \_0 --- | / | | | \ \ `--.______,-/ | ___) \ ,--"" ,/ | / _ \ \-_____,- / \__-/ \ | `. ,' \___/ < ´--------' \__/\ | Wny \__// >Be Happy Learn to make the most of life, Lose no happy day. Time can never bring you back Chances swept away. Leave no tender word unsaid, Love while life shall last. The mill will never turn again, With water that has passed. -<>- ..::''''::.. .:::. .;'' ``;. .... ::::: :: :: :: :: ,;' .;: () ..: `:::' :: :: :: :: ::. ..:,:;.,:;. . :: .::::. `:' :: .:' :: :: `:. :: '''::, :: :: :: `:: :: ;: .:: : :: : : :: ,:'; ::; :: :: :: :: :: ::,::''. . :: `:. .:' :: `:,,,,;;' ,;; ,;;, ;;, ,;;, ,;;, `:,,,,:' :;: `;..``::::''..;' ``::,,,,::'' >Count Your Blessings There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.' One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend. He asked her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him. Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.' This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations. Life Is a Gift Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat. Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion. Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven. Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet. And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job. And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around. I PRAY THIS MOVES AROUND THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE... -<>- !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ >WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN This is one of the nicest e-mails we have seen and is so true: I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.' I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world. Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them. 'I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth. Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked. 'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments .' 'How does one acknowledge God's blessings?' I asked. 'Simple,' the angel answered . Just say, 'Thank you, Lord.' 'What blessings should they acknowledge?' I asked. 'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and s pare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy .' 'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.' 'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day .' 'If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world.' 'If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world! .' 'If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare .' 'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.' Ok, what now? How can I start? If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are. ATTN: God's Acknowledge Dept.: 'Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share it with.' In Christ's Name. Amen If you have read this far, and are thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not send it on???? I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends!! --- ...Aww, yes, so true. Thank You Jo Ann! !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ God has done everything. Created the entire heavens and earth just for us! Now He along with Our Lord Christ Jesus and 2/3rds of the angels work constantly to protect us and bless us. A little thank you now and then would be nice. Huh? Be Ye Thankful http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/beyethankful.html Our Valuable Anchor http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Are Angels Real http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html ============================================================= >-->From Our Friend Viv :) .-'"`/\ // /' /\`\ ('//.-'/`-.; \ \ / /-. __.__.___..__._.___.\\ \\----,_ .:{@&#,&#@&,@&#&&,#&@#&@&\\` \-. .-'-. .:{@#@,#@&#,@#&&#,@&#&@&,&@#&&\\, -._,"- \ .{#@#&@#@#&#&@&#@#@&#,@#@#&@&&#@#\ \// = \`=\__ `{#@,@#&@&,@&#@,#@&#@#&@#&@,&#@,#/\/ =`-. -_=__ `:{@#&@&#@&#@&#@,#&&#@&,@#/.' / / "/.-', / `:{@#&,#&@#,@&#&@&,@&#/.-// //-'-_= ",/ jgs `~`~~`~~~`~`~`~~`~( / , /__,___.-" \ \\/ `\\\' >Free Corn There was a chemistry professor in a large college that had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab, the professor noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back hurt. The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government. In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked, 'Do you know how to catch wild pigs?' The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come every day to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, so you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd. Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.' The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America . He said, 'The government keeps pushing us toward Communism/Socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, free medical, etc., while we continually lose our freedoms - just a little at a time.' One should always remember: There is no such thing as a free lunch! Also, a politician will never provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself. If you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America, you might want to send this on to your friends. If you think the free ride is essential to your way of life then you will probably delete this email, but God help you and your family when the gate slams shut! 'A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.' ...Thomas Jefferson --- ...Good Wisdom! Thank You Viv! -<>- ____ __ __ ___ ____ ______ / __/ \ / | _ \ | _ \_ _| \__ \ , ^ , | _ \| _ / | | /____/_|\_/|_|_| \_|_| \_\ |_| -by Shel Silverstein >I KNOW I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end. I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy. I know He has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself. I know He is a healer, so why do I speak of sickness. I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can't. I know He will protect me, so why do I fear. I know He will supply all my needs, so why can't I wait. I know He is my strength and my salvation, so why do I feel weak. I know that everything and everyone has a season, So why when someone's season is over do I weep. I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way. [not follow him] I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness. I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, So why am I scared to ask. I know tomorrow is not promised, So why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today. I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie. I know He gives us revelation knowledge and understanding, So why do I lean on my own understanding. I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, So why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh. I know that when praises go up blessings come down, So why do I refuse to praise Him. I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me. I know He has a plan for me, So why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His will, When it is His time not my time. -- Author Unknown --- ...Thank You Viv! This one is awesome because it goes along with something our friend John from CES brought to my realization just recently. He said, "Those who know the Word of God will have to stand before Jesus and give an account of themselves and what they did with all that knowledge." Wow. Now isn't that a heavy thought? ===================================================================== ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt >Sing It Forward Story Editor: by Susan L. Miller Clayton Bennett California, USA After four years of marriage I wanted my family to meet my husband, so over the 1978 Fourth of July weekend my husband and I flew from California to New York. At La Guardia Airport we found a bus strike. How would we get to Manhattan? Taxis were expensive, and our family couldn't pick us up. A very dignified, somewhat stocky, nicely dressed man overheard our dilemma, and explained how to catch a commuter train. Then he offered to share a cab to the train depot. In the cab we chatted; he'd just returned from an opera singing engagement in Italy. I was amazed, as my family loves concerts, musicals, and ballet, and I sing and play the guitar. At the station, he took us to our platform, and gave careful directions on which transfers to make. The train arrived; he waved and departed. In two hours we were safely at my cousin's apartment. We had a lovely visit, but I wished I'd gotten our benefactor's name and number to let him know we'd arrived, and thank him once again. 26 years later, in December 2004, I was singing with "Threshold Choir". We sing to provide comfort to bedridden people who are injured, ill, or in comas. A member of my church, "Alice", was in the hospital, recovering from shoulder surgery. My two choir companions and I found Alice's room on a floor we normally didn't visit, and delighted her with our music. As we left, a nurse told us another patient had heard us and requested that we sing for him. She said he'd been in the hospital a while and was somewhat depressed. When we entered the room, the patient was propped up in bed, with an IV drip in his arm. In his mid-40's, he was quite pale, with bright blue eyes, and rumpled brown hair. He greeted us with a warm smile, and thanked us for taking the time to stop in. We sang a few songs from our repertoire, and then asked him if he had any requests. "How about 'Silent Night'?" he asked softly. As we sang the old carol, he joined us in a rich tenor. We complimented him on his voice, and it was as if a dam had burst. He regaled us with stories of his love of opera, of his life as a singer, and how his parents had introduced him to all the great operatic performances of the time. He sang us bits of arias in French, German and Italian, and his face took on a healthy glow of joy and reminiscence. Suddenly I realized I had experienced a sort of full-circle miracle. By bringing compassion to this stranger, I'd returned the long-ago favor from the New York opera singer's kindly transportation help. In addition, I'd received the gift of watching this man transform from someone debilitated by illness to someone transported by joy. And all it took was a simple Christmas carol. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From SermondFodder: >My Own Private Neverland - A Culture of Lost Boys __ ",'. ",\ / Y , _,'--.\ \_-( ;--(/\ ) \'. )6,6 /) \ \_ \ _, |_ ', '--/'---'- /_/'-._ '-'-L._ -|/ /-._ / | |-~'--._'-._/(, ,_/> / ''--~ /\<_ _/ // "-'-'\ ,~-. ._ ) / \_/ '\ / / \ | / /` _\ | ( ,/ _.-' __.' / / [((---' / / ) ) / / \/ K=/ snd / _> )_/ When J. M. Barrie wrote Peter Pan, the story of a boy who refused to grow up and lived in a place called "Neverland," he was writing fiction to amuse children. And so, Barrie might be surprised to learn that an increasing number of young "adults" have decided to model themselves after Peter Pan. Only, they're not bothering with the "first star to the left and straight on till morning" part; they're turning cities like New York and London into their own Neverlands. A recent article in the New York Times chronicled the emergence of a new cultural trend. Known variously as "Peterpandemonium" or "Rejuveniles," it's characterized by "grown-ups who cultivate juvenile tastes in products and entertainment." For instance, Target sells underpants depicting Scooby-Doo and Spongebob Squarepants in adult sizes. If that's not enough, there's also "fuzzy pajamas with attached feet." If pajamas and undergarments aren't enough for your inner child, there are always toys. As American Greetings, the maker of the Strawberry Shortcake doll, says in its ads, "Who knew you and your daughter would have the same best friend?" Seriously. As a marketer told the Times, "[the] consumer wants Care Bears in their life Š And not just to share with their children." "Peterpandemonium" extends beyond the mall. A surprisingly large part of the audience for children's television shows like the Teletubbies are "young adults." And more people between the ages of 18 and 49 watch the Cartoon Network than watch CNN. And I'm not making that up. To Frank Furedi, a professor of sociology at the University of Kent in England, this trend represents what he calls "the self-conscious cultivation of immaturity." For many young people, he says, there's "nothing attractive about [being an adult] anymore." Furedi rightly criticizes the influence of the media, which equates youth with relevance, and maturity with obsolescence. The media, more than any other institution of our society, has been shaped by the "youth culture" of the 1960s. This youth culture valued play and self-fulfillment over the everyday obligations that are the stuff of adulthood. As a result, according to Brian Page, a professor of anthropology at the University of Miami, "play has become the primary purpose and value in many adult lives. It now borders on the sacred." Page adds that "from a historical standpoint, that's entirely backward." It may be backward, but it explains Furedi's findings. If play is life's "primary purpose and value," is it any wonder that so many young people cultivate immaturity? Now denying that play is life's primary purpose doesn't mean that play isn't a good thing. Our ability to laugh and be amused is the result of our being created in the image of God. We laugh because we, unlike the rest of creation, see the relationship between different things. When we play, we sometimes experience what C. S. Lewis called "joy," the sense that there is something greater than ourselves that calls out to us. This kind of play requires wonder, not the refusal to grow up or to create a new Neverland. And most of all, it understands the difference between "being like a child" and being just plain childish. For printer-friendly version, simply visit www.breakpoint.org and click on Today's Commentary. The printer-friendly link is on the left-hand column. Copyright (c) 2003 Prison Fellowship Ministries THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED. "BreakPoint with Chuck Colson" is a daily commentary on news and trends from a Christian perspective. Heard on more than 1000 radio outlets nationwide, BreakPoint transcripts are also available on the Internet. BreakPoint is a production of The Wilberforce Forum, a division of Prison Fellowship Ministries. =================================================================== __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >-->Jesus Saved Me He fills my mind, my heart, my life. My soul within denies me strife. His word I crave to learn and know, To polish my being through life I go. He's wiped away tears that I shed. Mornings faced I no longer dread. My life holds hope for me, at last. Jesus saved me from sins of past. He's brought repentance to my soul, Wrapped in love as I grow old. My desert turned to harvest's yield, Cleansed my weeds out in the field ... Became a rose out in my garden. From life's dark, He's given me pardon, An example for the world to see. Jesus saved me from sin's of folly. He's given me faith without measure, A cup of wisdom more than pleasure, Salvation for my weary heart. At the cross, He tossed the dart ... That refined me like a precious gem; Giving credit to only Him. Not a decision made with haste, Jesus saved me from sins of waste. © 2003 by Carol D. Meeks ---> Visit my CyberHome - ALWAYS OPEN HOUSEE :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/index.html Shangrala ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales & Seervice You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair. We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with all your computer needs. Please phone us at 419-238-5806 ************************************************************************ -->This is for all you who love food and DAARE 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: This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR Send a BLANK email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************