Another Year... :) 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!! ================ >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This super hot tottie comes from a forward from our friend Sharon. Sure to tickle your funny bone. Turn up the sound and give it time to load... __ / _,\ \_\ ,,,, _,_) # /) (= =)D__/ __/ // C/^__)/ _( ___// \_,/ -. '-._/,--' _\\_, / -//. \_ \_/ -,._ _ ) ) \/ / ) / / \-__,/ ( ( ( \.__,-)\_ )\_ / -( b'ger / -(//// //// Longleat's Monkey Shines! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/monkeyshines.html --- ...What a hoot! Thanks Sharon! =========================================================== >-->From HeartWarmers: ,sdPBbs. ,d$$$$$$$$b. d$P'`Y'`Y'`?$b d' ` ' \ `b / | \ \ / / \ | \ _,--' | \ | /' _/ \ | \ _/' /' | \ `-.__ __/' ,-' / | | \ `--...__ /' / | / \ \ `-. `\ / /;;,,__-' / / \ \ `-. / |;;;;;;;\ \ >I WANT TO BE A MOUNTAIN by Michael Smith I looked up at the mountains in the distance. They were white now. Not long ago, they were brown. In the time I've lived in Idaho, I've had the opportunity to watch the cycle of seasons make their change on those mountains I never tire of seeing. My first sight of them came in September of 2008. The sides of the mountains were painted green with the leaves of sage brush. Near the top were pines. The days moved on. The weather cooled and the rain didn't fall. The leaves browned. The mountain changed. Fall gave way to winter. I stood in the rain and watched the top of the mountains turn a blinding white. Each week the snow crept further down the slopes and long before the first snows fell in the valley, the mountains were covered with fresh powder. The sun set, the lights on the ski slopes lit the side of the mountains a dazzling white. I'm not a skier, but I imagined the excitement of speeding down the side of those mountains -- free, fast, and thrilled. Winter turned to spring. The snow in the valley disappeared and made its retreat up the slopes until it was gone once again. The weeks passed, the green in the valley flowed steadily up the slopes like a reversed waterfall. The mountains were as I first saw them, green and lush. On New Years Eve, the mountains were white again. On New Years Day they were peppered with the dark dots of the distance skiers as they daringly fall down their slopes. I saw so many changes, but were they changes? The mountains are never changing. Like people, they only changed coats to fit the weather. They didn't allow outside influences to alter what lie beneath their coats of changing colors. They were always the same. You can have faith in them. I'm in my third season of life. A little snow has gathered at my peak. Some of the sage brush is gone all together. My clothing has changed to fit my seasons. Next year and all my years to follow, I want to be as constant as a mountain. Although my looks change, I want to be reliable. My body will change coats many times, but when my day is done, I want people to say, "No matter what the seasons of life brought, he never changed inside. He never allowed the pressures of the seasons or the weathers of life to change what he was underneath. He was a mountain you could rely on to watch over those who looked up to him." For this New Year and all the New Years that I have left, whether it is at my job, at home, or with friends and family, I want to be a mountain -- reliable. -- Michael T. Smith __________________________________________________ You can sign up to get Michael's stories directly by clicking here: To read more of Michael's stories, you can go here: =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend PeggyT :) ,n888888n, .8888888888b 888888888888nd8P~''8g, 88888888888888 _ `'~\. .n. `Y888888888888. / _ |~\\ (8"8b ,nnn.. 8888888b. | \ \m\|8888P ,d8888888888888888b. \8b|.\P~ ~P8~ 888888888888888P~~_~ `8B_| | ~888888888~'8' d8. ~ _/ ~Y8888P' ~\ | |~|~b,__ __--~ --~~\ ,d8888888b.\`\_/ __/~ \_ d88888888888b\_-~8888888bn. \8888P "Y888888888888"888888bn. /~'\_"__) "d88888888P,-~~-~888 / / ) ~\ ,888888/~' / / / 8' ( / / / |) ) / '"88(/ ~ / / | ( /_/ /~ \( _/ / (_(_ ( /~~\/ , O,/~\___/_/' ~~~ | \_ ( )( \_| -- by Gordon M"uller __--~"mb ,g8888b. _/ 8888b(.8P"~'~---__ / ~~~| / ,/~~~~--, `\ ( ~\,_) (/ ~-_`\ \ -__---~._ \ ~\\ ( )\\ )) `\ ) "-_ `| \__ __/ ~-__ __--~ ~~"~ ~~~ >SOMETHING DIFFERENT AT THE RAINBOW BRIDGE" Unlike most days at the Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray. All the recent arrivals at the Bridge did not know what to think, as they had never seen such a day. But the animals who had been waiting longer for their beloved people to accompany them across the Bridge knew what was happening, and they began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge. Soon an elderly dog came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. He approached slowly, and though he showed no sign of injury or illness, he was in great emotional pain. Unlike the animals gathered along the pathway, he had not been restored to youth and vigor upon arriving at the Bridge. He felt out of place, and wanted only to cross over and find happiness. But as he approached the Bridge, his way was barred by an angel, who apologized and explained that the tired and broken-spirited old dog could not cross over. Only those animals accompanied by their people were allowed to cross the Bridge. Having nobody, and with nowhere else to turn, the dog trudged into the field in front of the Bridge. There he found others like himself, elderly or infirm, sad and discouraged. Unlike the other animals waiting to cross the Bridge, these animals were not running or playing. They simply were lying in the grass, staring forlornly at the pathway across the Rainbow Bridge. The old dog took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting, yet not knowing what he was actually waiting for. One of the newer dogs at the Bridge asked a cat who had been there longer to explain what was happening. The cat replied, "Those poor animals were abandoned, turned away, or left at rescue places, but never found a home on earth. They all passed on with only the love of a rescuer to comfort them. Because they had no people to love them, they have nobody to escort them across the Rainbow Bridge." The dog asked the cat, "So what will happen to those animals?" Before the cat could answer, the clouds began to part and the cold turned to bright sunshine. The cat replied, "Watch, and you will see." In the distance was a single person, and as she approached the Bridge the old, infirm and sad animals in the field were bathed in a golden light. They were all at once made young and healthy, and stood to see what their fate would be. The animals who had previously gathered at the pathway bowed their heads as the person approached. At each bowed head, the person offered a scratch or hug. One by one, the now youthful and healthy animals from the field fell into line behind the person. Together, they walked across the Rainbow Bridge to a future of happiness and unquestioned love. The dog asked the cat, "What just happened?" The cat responded, "That was a rescuer." The animals gathered along the pathway bowing in respect were those who had found their forever homes because of rescuers. They will cross over when their people arrive at the Bridge. The arrival here of a rescuer is a great and solemn event, and as a tribute they are permitted to perform one final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort all those poor animals they couldn't place on earth across the Rainbow Bridge and into Heaven." The dog thought for a moment, then said, "I like rescuers." The cat smiled and replied, "So does heaven, my friend. So does heaven." --- ,,,Nice thoughts. Thanks PeggyT! ============================================================== >-->From Bunni :) ,-----. W/,-. ,-.\W ()>a a<() (.--(_)--.) ,'/.-'\_/`-.\`. ,' / `-' \ `. / \ / \ / `. ,' \ / / `-._.-' \ \ ,-`-._/| |=|o |\_.-< <,--.) |_____| |o____| )_ \ `-)| |// _ \\| )/ || |' | `| || | | | || ( )|( ) || | | | || | | | || |_.--.|.--._| || /'""| |""`\ [] `===' `===' hjw >Story Time - What goes around comes around.... So True... The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked Like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before "Leave me alone," he growled.. To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away." The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone. Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked... "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?" The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?" "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything." "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it.." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this. Is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered. "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place." The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company." "Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference.." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?" "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, ma'am That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer." The officer watched him walk away.. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this." She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry. "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry. "I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat." Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know", the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said. "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business, that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you." There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you? " he said. "Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus... He led me to you." Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said. "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And...And thank you for the coffee." If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh. But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world. Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always. And don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you. God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up into your heart. --- ...Awww, beautiful! Thanks Bunni! -<>- _,,,_ .' `'. / ____ \ | .'_ _\/ / ) a a| / ( > | ( ) ._ / ) _/-.__.'`\ ( .-'`-. \__ ) `/ `-./ `. | \ \ \ jgs | \ \ \ \ |\ `. / / \ >PRAYER FOR MOTH3ERS Heavenly Father, You have given each person the precious gift of having a mother. Throughout the ages, mothers have been the unsung heroes of our lives, content with little things: a smile, a thank you, a token remembrance. May all mothers learn from the example set by Jesus’ mother, Mary, our Mother in Heaven. Let us always remember our mothers as a treasure which You have given us, whether she is still here or in heaven. Pour down Your grace on all mothers today and every day, and help each one of us to live our lives based on the good example, love and devotion which we have learned from them. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen --- ...Amen! Thank you Bunni! -<>- .-. _ .--""" / { `.__ ( ( _ .e"8a-. J ' \ `.._, \ /_`\/8P '.--\/8P-' ) .-. \ e8a `.`. `" / o o`._..--' (;88`-.. \ ""`. `--.>#--.._/ `.-. `8_ 8P`. :_e8P .a. _.' |`\_, \ /-. `.` ,8 ^P" e8P 8a 2 '7.__7" \ \ `": `. ,8P _ /_\ ' / ;e8| 98P .-' `7 `--' |`8: .e8a._..e8" .' : : 88P" .8P`88,8P' / Y8/88 eP"| `YP" / `. `M " :-. .' : .'_ ; _.' \ \ '.' `/_.-e8`,.--. `-: : .'"" " 8P : `""`.e8a ; `"""--. / fsc `---' >LIFE IS A MIRACLE Life is a miracle don't let it slip away, Open your heart to others, give of yourself each day. See the beauty in everyone, regardless of where they've been, Some have a difficult journey and really need a friend. Share your gifts and talents, listen with your heart. Do the things you dream about but don't have time to start. Pick a bouquet of flowers, show someone that you care, Be gracious and forgiving, for life is never fair. Hold on to your courage, you may need it down the road, We all have a cross to bear, it could be a heavy load. If you practice all these things, wherever you may roam, You might find both sun and rain, but you'll never feel alone! ~ Author Unknown --- ...Awww, touching! Thanks Bunni! ============================================================== >-->From Laugh And Lift: __________________ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ /------------------------------------- //---------------// / | // // / __| // // / / || // // / / || //_______________// o o / / || ___/-\___ ------------------------------------/ ------- | |---------| | DO NOT PLAY | | HOUSEHOLD | | | | | | | | ON OR AROUND| |WASTE ONLY | | | | | | | |-------------- ------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | -------------------------------------------------- |_______| -Thomas Augustus Kimberley- >Stuffed With Junk (By Ron Hutchcraft, Copyright 2002, Ron Hutchcraft. Used by permission.) The other day one of our team members shared a discovery she made during the remodeling of her kitchen. The counter top had been removed, and as she looked into this little 6"x8" drawer by the sink, she saw that it was completely stuffed - with "stuff"! She realized that for 24 years she had been sticking things into that drawer - twist ties, rubber bands ... you know, everything. There were some useful things in the back, but there were inaccessible because of all the "stuff." Now, it had been a long time since the drawer had been opened very much - our friend just crammed things into it and occasionally pulled it open an inch or two to use something out of it. But looking down on it all from above, she was surprised to see what was in there. Almost everything in that drawer could be thrown away - but it was accumulating for years. And that drawer was much more useful now that it was emptied out. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Stuffed With Junk." You've got to wonder what God sees when He looks down on the contents of our life. The "top" is always off as far as His view of us is concerned. He sees directly into our heart, our motives, our every thought. And all too often, our life and our heart are cluttered with "stuff" ... things we've filled our life with that are simply unnecessary to Him, useless to Him - actually limiting our usefulness to Him. Some of us won't realize how useless a lot of our life has been until it's too late to do anything about it - we'll wait until the Judgment Seat of Christ. Paul talks about it in 1 Corinthians 3, beginning with verse 11, our word for today from the Word of God. He says, "No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones (that's filling your life with things that will last, that have eternal significance), wood, hay, or straw (things that are just "stuff"), his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light ... the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames." You get one life. You can fill it with things that really matter or with things that really don't. With things that will last forever or things that will be gone in a moment. And often what this world stresses as being important is really just "stuff" - and what Jesus says is important, our world thinks isn't much. So when the Lord looks down inside your life, is it crammed with a lot of "stuff" that just doesn't mean much? A lot of time in front of a television, hours on the Internet, listening to music, talking on the phone, following sports, pouring yourself into causes and diversions that won't matter much in eternity at all? It's not that these things are necessarily bad. The problem is when "stuff" that should be peripheral becomes central in your life. That's when it's time to reevaluate your priorities. It's time to see your life through God's eyes, and clean out what's not useful - the trivial pursuits. When you do, you become so much more useful to your Lord. And the more you fall in love with Him, the less you'll be stuffing your hours, your days, your mind and your heart with "stuff." You'll be about what Jesus is about. You'll be "seeking first the Kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33) -<>- "When God's people allow God's truth to realign them to God's will and God's standard, then the power of God will be released through them the same way it was through the first disciples." - Richard Blackaby .---. .---. : : o : me want New Year cookie! _..-: o : :-.._ / .-'' ' `---' `---' " ``-. .' " ' " . " . ' " `. : '.---.,,.,...,.,.,.,..---. ' ; `. " `. .' " .' `. '`. .' ' .' `. `-._ _.-' " .' .----. `. " '"--...--"' . ' .' .' o `. .'`-._' " . " _.-'`. : o : jgs .' ```--.....--''' ' `:_ o : .' " ' " " ; `.;";";";' ; ' " ' . ; .' ; ; ; ; ' ' ' " .' .-' ' " " ' " " _.-' >No Fear in the New Year (by Chek Phang Hia, from Our Daily Bread 12/30/08) Hours before 2007 began, some friends of ours in the UK were aboard their boat, anticipating the arrival of the new year, when a violent storm struck. But they were able to send us this reassuring note: "John and Linda are sitting on board the good ship Norna, and happy to say that we are secure. . . . The wind is storm force ten [48-55 knots]. Hope that all of you have a happy and prosperous new year." , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Jesus' disciples also encountered a stormy experience. They were on the Sea of Galilee when a windstorm whipped up (Mark 6:48). The storm was so violent that despite being experienced fishermen who knew the lake well, they feared for their lives. But Jesus walked out to them and saved them. No one can predict with certainty how stormy the new year will be. We do know, though, that everyone will face storms. But we who have Jesus have our future securely moored to Him. Jesus, who did not fail us in the past, will not fail us in the future. Lewis Edgar Jones aptly described our situation in his old hymn: I've anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I'll brave; I've anchored in Jesus, I'll fear no wind or wave. I've anchored in Jesus, for He hath power to save; I've anchored to the Rock of Ages! How will you fare in the storms of the new year? If you're anchored in Jesus, you have nothing to fear. Faith in Christ will keep us steady in the stormy sea of change. -<>- __ __ .' '.' `. _.-| o | o |-._ .~ `.__.'.__.'^ ~. .~ ^ / \ ^ ~. HI! \-._^ ^| | ^_.-/ I Wnat More Friends! `\ `-._ \___/ ^_.-' /' `\_ `--...--' /' `-.._______..-' /\ /\ __/ \__ | |/ /_ .'^ ^ `. .' `__\ .' ^ ^ `.__.'^ .\ \ .' ^ . ^ . ^ .' \/ / / ^ \'.__.' | ^ /| ^ | \ \|^ ^ | `\^ | ^ | `~| ^ | | ^ ^ | \^ / `. ^ .' jgs : ^ ; .-~~~~~~ | ^ ~~~~~~-. / ^ ^ | ^ \ \^ ^ / \ ^ ^ / `~~~~~~~~' `~~~~~~~~~' >Another Year... (By Dave Jacobs) This is a time of reflection and anticipation. Reflection on the year past, and anticipation of the year to come. But, probably the most common thing you hear about at the new year is resolutions...things you hope to change such as health, i.e. diet, exercise, eat better, spend more time with your family, read more, stop using your credit card. Now all this is good and fine, but could I challenge you to make a different type of new years resolution...spiritual resolutions? such as read my Bible more, pray more. share my faith more, invite people out to church more, to fight sinful attitudes and actions more, to talk to my kids about Jesus more. Now, Ecc. 5:4,5 says, "When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it, for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay." Can you relate to that? See, our problem is not making resolutions, promises, vows... our problem is following through on them. Four paths to fulfilling your resolutions: 1.Be realistic 2.Don't be thrown-off by failures - this is a common snag to progress. Is. 43:18,19 "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder the things of the past. Behold, I will do something new..." Phil. 3:13,14 "...but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on..." God is always ready to give us a second chance. 3.Be patient, give it time 4.Be reliant on God to bring about the change. Paul will say in Phil. 3:3 that we are not to, "...put confidence in our flesh, our own ability..." II Cor. 3:5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God." Real change is possible only when we come humbly before God and cry out to Him to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Conclusion: It's a new year, but the same God...by same I mean: unchanging, reliable, trustworthy, solid, dependable, faithful, constant, loyal, etc. Do you want to know what this "same" God has to say about this "new" year? , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Jer. 29:11-13 "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come to Me and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all of your heart." Matt. 28:20 "I am with you always even to the end of the age." Heb. 13:5 "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Romans 8:39 "...nothing can separate us from the love of God..." 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 ================================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >HIS PRESENCE And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not (Mal 3:18). "Good morning," I said to the woman behind the counter as she asked if she could take my order. "You're a Christian, aren't you?" "I can see Him in you!" I boldly proclaimed. "Yes, I am," she replied with a beaming smile. I could literally see the presence of God in her countenance in the way she related to me and others. When Moses led the people out of Egypt he had several crisis moments during those forty years. His greatest crisis was when he came back from the mountain and discovered the people had made a golden calf. It was after this he came to a profound conclusion. "Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.' What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" (Ex 33:15,16). The difference between a Christian in the workplace and a non- believer should be that the Christian brings the presence of God with him to work. However, this is not always the case. A Christian can shut out the presence of God by his behavior. Like the Israelites who experienced great miracles in their lives but began to worship idols, we can move away from God. Sin separates us from God. His presence moves away from us. Moses realized, he too had to have the presence of God with him to lead such a people. The prophet Malachi was saying a day is coming when you'll be able to recognize a clear difference between the righteous and the unrighteous. Would your co-workers be able to recognize a difference in you from others? Ask God to fill you with His overflowing presence in all you do today. as seen in Today God is First -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >PEACE OR FRUSTRATION I heard a teaching recently about the spirits that attack Christians, during the message the minister made a statement that has changed some things happening in my life - it caused me to see things in a totally different light. He said 'frustration is the opposite of peace.' I had never thought about that - he was talking about a spirit of frustration and how it would attack a Christian. Most people think that frustration is simply a part of daily life and endure it or perhaps even allow it to control them. Recently I have been extremely busy, with my mind on many different things. I have found when I am this busy at times little things will frustrate me. Like things not being done when they are supposed to be done, or a little four year old wanting to play when I need to work. When we allow ourselves to become frustrated many times it doesn't end well. We may say or do things we will later regret, we may even make decisions that we wouldn't make if we hadn't been frustrated, if we had been in peace. God's word says that He has called us to peace. If we are walking in frustration, we are not in peace and His is a covenant of peace. As I thought about how frustration had been affecting my life lately, I decided to change it as I still believe everything is a choice and we can respond according to the word, if we so choose. I also decided to look up frustration in the word of God. I was surprised to find it in Deuteronomy 28. It turns out that frustration is part of the curse; it is one definition of vexation. Now, I saw that when I am frustrated I am allowing myself to walk in the effects of the curse...that will not happen. I have found that I can be frustrated at a bunch of little things or I can pray and ask God to help me and then I can respond in patience and love and peace. It has taken some discipline but I have not allowed things to frustrate me any longer. I made myself STOP and have peace. I made myself STOP and breathe when I needed to. I made myself slow down and not allow the little things to get to me. I have often felt that we settle for far less than what God has promised us, I also feel that we often tolerate things we have been redeemed from, things we no longer have to tolerate, frustration and its effects are one of these things. Friends, we all...every single day...have an opportunity to be frustrated and to act on that frustration...we all do. However, we all have a choice as well; we can choose PEACE or frustration. I don't know what has been frustrating you today but I do know that frustration is not from God. Frustration is the opposite of peace. It is not from God - don't let it have any power over you from this day on. Choose peace instead. When little things try to frustrate you...stop...and breathe...and respond according to the word of God. Don't allow things to PUSH you or PRESS you, instead stay in peace. It may take some practice but it is definitely worth it. Frustration is from the devil...don't tolerate it another day...walk in peace...God's peace. as seen in This ‘n That from the Heartland -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown A Walk With Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/walk.html -<>- ,-----------------. | One used gym | | sock : | | : | | : : | | ,-----. : | | %%%%%%% : | | ####### : : | | %%%%%%% ) | | | | ( ( ( | | | | ) . ) | | |& | ( ( : : | | (&$ `-. ) | | `. $&& `. : | | __`. * `. : | | / ""`-. ** \ | | \_______`-.___) | `-----------------' Krogg >A BOX OF SOCKS Mary Southerland Today’s Truth If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22, NIV). Friend to Friend My sister loves socks! One day, we were shopping and happened to walk into a department store where neither one of us could afford to buy a single thing. We were just passing through, on our way to find the bargains we could afford. With a sigh and a wistful look on her face, Betty said, “I wish I could afford to shop in this store.” When I asked her what she would buy, she immediately replied with a smile, “Socks! I want a big box of socks. I would wear a different pair every day.” I could think of several things I would have liked to buy in that store and socks was not one of them. I guess it is a matter of perspective. What was important to her was not important to me. I sometimes think my prayer requests are insignificant and unim- pressive to God. After all, He is God. Does He really have the time or the desire to hear and answer my prayers? Yes! The truth is that if it is important to me, it is important to God. Each Christmas, Operation Shoebox collects and sends over eight million shoeboxes stuffed with small gifts such as candy, school supplies, small toys, toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo to children across the world. In Mexico, hundreds of boys and girls gathered at the church in a small village, excitedly anticipating the arrival of their precious shoeboxes. Delightful chaos erupted as bulging shoeboxes, wrapped in brightly colored paper and ribbon were passed into the small, eager hands of each child. Wrapping paper was hurriedly ripped into pieces and tossed aside, a smile spreading across the face of each child as their long awaited Christmas treasures were revealed. However, one little boy dissolved into tears as he lifted the lid of his box and peered inside to see what he had received for Christmas this year. One of the Operation Shoebox volunteers spotted the little boy and hurriedly made his way across the church to see what the problem could possibly be. With the help of an interpreter, the volunteer asked the now sobbing little boy, “What is wrong? What is in your box?” With tears streaming down his face, the little boy said, “Socks!” The worker instantly understood and assured the little boy that he could trade his box of socks for another box that might have crayons, a toy or a piece of candy in it. Alarm spread across the face of the child as he vigorously shook his head and quickly jerked the box away from the now somewhat confused worker. Clutching the shoebox to his chest, the boy began sobbing out an explanation to the interpreter who listened for a few moments and then, with tears spilling out of his own eyes, turned to the volunteer and said, “You won’t believe this!” Taking a deep, steadying breath, the interpreter explained, “This little boy has a rare skin condition with which he was born. It seems to affect his feet more than any other spot on his body. The doctors have tried various medications and treatments but finally told the little boy that nothing will work and his feet will never heal unless he begins wearing cotton socks. His parents cannot even afford food for this boy; much less provide socks for their son. So, all year long, he has been praying for socks.” Socks were at the top of the little boy’s prayer list. As a matter of fact, they were his list. The mere sight of ordinary cotton socks brought tears to his eyes as he stared in awe at the priceless gift in his hands – socks. You see, they were more than just socks. They were the profound answer from our extraordinary God to a child’s simple prayer. One unknown and seemingly insignificant boy in Mexico prayed. God heard him and said “Let me take care of you.” No matter how small or trivial your prayers may seem, remember God’s perspective. If it is important to you, it is important to Him. And He will take care of you. Let’s Pray Father, thank You for the privilege of coming before You in prayer. I want prayer to be as natural to me as breathing out and breathing in. I refuse to believe the lie that my prayers are too small or unimportant for You to hear. You are my Father. You are my God and You long to hear my voice. I will bring every prayer of my heart to You. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen. Now It’s Your Turn Do you have your own “box of socks” for which you are praying? What is it? Do you really believe that God will hear and answer your prayer? Read Hebrews 11:6. How does your faith measure up to the faith described in this verse? Today, pray in faith and see what God does! as seen in Girlfriends in God -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ============================================================== >-->From Archived InspiredBuffalo: | | | _ | | <_> | | | | | `-._ | |`-._| | | _________________________________|____ `-._ `-._ | `-._ `-._ | kat `-._ `-._ >The Football Player Bob Richards, the former pole-vault champion, shares a moving story about a skinny young boy who loved football with all his heart. Practice after practice, he eagerly gave everything he had. But being half the size of the other boys, he got absolutely nowhere. At all the games, this hopeful athlete sat on the bench and hardly ever played. This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. His father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game but remained a bench- warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him. When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a "walk-on." Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed. The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in a game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big playoff game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday." Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. __ .-'||'-. .' || '. / __||__ \ | /`- -`\ | | | 6 6 | | \/\____7___/\/ .--------:\:I:II:I:/;--------. / \`:I::I:`/ \ | `------' | | \____/ | | , __ ___ , | |======| / | / _ \ |======| |======| ^| | | | | | |======| |~~~~~| | | | |_| | |~~~~~| | |\ [___] \___/ /| | \ \| |/ / `\ \ _ _.-=""=-._ _ / /' `\ '`_)\\-++++-//(_`' /' jgs ; (__|| ||__) ; ; ___\ /___ ; '. ---/-=..=-\--- .' `""` `""` "Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he said. "You can go in." Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked, and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you never heard. Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that this young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?" He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!" Like the athlete's father, God is always there cheering for us. Our loving God is always reminding us to go on, offering us a hand, knowing what is best, giving us what we need and not simply what we want. God has never missed a single game. What a joy to know that life is meaningful if lived for the Highest. Live for the Creator, who is watching us in the game of life! -<>- .-'''''-. |'-----'| /`-.....-`\ | <_} | | .-\-. | _,._ | /# ` \ | __.-` `"""-. | \ / | ..--' `"-. `)_,._ \ '-'-' / (` )--.-"``` `"-.`'-----'` '-----------' ( ) jgs `-------------` >Heaven's Grocery Store I was walking down life's highway a long time ago. One day I saw a sign that read, "Heaven's Grocery Store". As I got a little closer the door came open wide, and when I came to myself I was standing inside. I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere. One handed me a blanket and said, "My Child shop with care". Everything a Christian needs is in that grocery store, and all you can't carry, come back the next day for more. First, I got some Patience, Love was in the same row. Further down was Understanding, needed everywhere you go. I got a box or two of Wisdom, a bag or two of Faith, I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost, it was all over the place. I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run this race, but then my blanket was getting full, and I remembered I needed Grace. I didn't forget Salvation, which like the others was free, so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do my master's will. As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer and had to put it in, for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin. Peace and Joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf. Song and Praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself. Then I said to the Angel, "How much do I owe"? The Angel smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go." Again, I politely asked "How much do I really owe?" The Angel smiled again and said, "My Child, Jesus Paid Your Bill A Long Time Ago." Ron DeMarco & Friend -<>- >One Minute Can Change A Life He almost killed somebody, but one min­ute changed his life. The beautiful story comes from Sherman Rogers' old book, FOREMEN: LEADERS OR DRIVERS? In his true-life story, Rogers illus­trates the importance of effective relationships. During his college years, Rogers spent a summer in an Idaho logging camp. When the super­intendent had to leave for a few days, he put Rogers in charge. "What if the men refuse to follow my or­ders?" Rogers asked. He thought of Tony, an im­migrant worker who grumbled and growled all day, giving the other men a hard time. "Fire them," the superintendent said. Then, as if reading Rogers' mind, he added, "I suppose you think you are going to fire Tony if you get the chance. I'd feel badly about that. I have been logging for 40 years. Tony is the most reliable worker I've ever had. I know he is a grouch and that he hates everybody and everything. But he comes in first and leaves last. There has not been an accident for eight years on the hill where he works." Rogers took over the next day. He went to Tony and spoke to him. "Tony, do you know I'm in charge here today?" Tony grunted. "I was going to fire you the first time we tangled, but I want you to know I'm not," he told Tony, adding what the superintendent had said. When he finished, Tony dropped the shovel­­ful of sand he had held and tears streamed down his face. "Why he no tell me dat eight years ago?" That day Tony worked harder than ever be­fore -- and he smiled! He later said to Rogers, "I told Maria you first foreman in deese country who ever say, 'Good work, Tony,' and it make Maria feel like Christmas." Rogers went back to school after that sum­mer. Twelve years later he met Tony again. He was superintendent for railroad construction for one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers asked him how he came to Califor­nia and happened to have such success. Tony replied, "If it not be for the one mi­nute you talk to me back in Idaho, I keel some­body someday. One minute, she change my whole life." Effective managers know the importance of taking a moment to point out what a worker is doing well. But what a difference a minute of af­ firmation can make in any relationship! One minute. Have you got one minute to thank someone? A minute to tell someone what you sincerely like or appre­ci­ate about her? A minute to elaborate on some­thing he did well? One minute. It can make a difference for a lifetime. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Bad Luck http://www.buffaloschips.com/fasd.htm Boogie Woogie http://www.buffaloschips.com/fsdjlk.htm Ford Police Chase http://www.buffaloschips.com/sdfds.htm Man Cheats DEA http://www.buffaloschips.com/asgs.htm Missile http://www.buffaloschips.com/gkhjg.htm Lucha http://www.buffaloschips.com/gshkksj.htm Luckiest Man On The Planet http://www.buffaloschips.com/gshshjs.htm Lucky 1 http://www.buffaloschips.com/gshsjs.htm Expensive Hotels! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ehotels.html Wild Ones! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wildones.html Mule Vs Lion! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mulelion.html Amazing Cop Cars 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/copcars2.html Building Advertising Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buildingads.html Thoughts For Today http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thoughts.html Great White Shark http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/greatwhite.html Niagra Falls Frozen http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/niagarafalls.html Look Who's taking Too! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/talking2.html One Texas Morning http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/days.html Christ's Life http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html Rose Petals http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/rose.html If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffaloschips.com ============================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: >Twin Cities? _|_ | _|_ //_/\ __| ||____ ////////////\ /////////////\\ |^^^^^^^^^^||+| | # # # |||| .... ....". ||||||||||||||||| unknown A little girl from Minneapolis came home from Sunday school with a frown on her face. "I'm not going back there anymore," she announced with finality. "I don't like the Bible they keep teaching us." "Why not?" asked her astonished mother. "Because," said the little girl, "that Bible is always talking about St. Paul, and it never once mentions Minneapolis." This regular dose of Christian Humor brought your way by The Sermon Fodder list. To subscribe send an email to sermon_fodder- subscribe@yahoogroups.com. =================================================== >The Silent Prayer _|_ | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ,%%%% // \\ ,@@@@@@@, ,%%%%/%%% // \\ ,@@@\@@@@/@@, @@@%%%\%%//%%%// === \\ @@\@@@/@@@@@ @@@@%%%%\%%%%%// =-=-= \\@@@@\@@@@@@;%#####, @@@@%%%\%%/%%// === \\@@@@@@/@@@%%%######, @@@@@%%%%/%%//| |\\@\\//@@%%%%%%#/#### '@@@@@%%\\/%~ | | ~ @|| %\\//%%%#####; @@\\//@|| | __ __ | || %%||%%'###### '@|| || | | | | | || ||##\//#### || || | | -|- | | || ||'#||###' || || |_|__|__|_| || || || || ||_/` ======= `\__||_._|| || jgs__||_/` ======= `\_||___ Max: God, I want to do great things. God: You do? Max: You bet! I want to teach millions! I want to fill the Rose Bowl! I want all of the world to know your saving power! I dream of the day- God: That's great, Max. In fact, I can use you today after church. Max: Super! How about some radio and TV work or … or … or an engagement to speak to Congress? God: Well, that's not exactly what I had in mind. See that fellow sitting next to you? Max: Yes. God: He needs a ride home. Max (surprised): What? God: He needs a ride home. And while you're at it, one of the older ladies sitting near you is worried about getting a refrigerator moved. Why don't you drop by this afternoon and- Max (pleading): But, God, what about the world? God (smiling): Think about it. >From Shaped by God Copyright 1985, Max Lucado ========================================= .-. __/ ( , '-.____\ u=='/ \ /_/ \ .-'' | ( ____/_____ _>_/.-------- \/// // snd // >Does It Ever Stop? Is there a magic cut off period when offspring become accountable for their own actions? Is there a wonderful moment when parents can become detached spectators in the lives of their children and shrug, "It's their life," and feel nothing? When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital corridor waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my son's head. I asked, "When do you stop worrying?" The nurse said, "When they get out of the accident stage. "My mother just smiled faintly and said nothing. When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked incessantly, disrupted the class, and was headed for a career making license plates. As if to read my mind, a teacher said, "Don't worry, they all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them." My mother just smiled faintly and said nothing. When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come home, the front door to open. A friend said, "They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry, in a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be adults." My mother just smiled faintly and said nothing. By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being vulnerable. I was still worrying over my children, but there was a new wrinkle. There was nothing I could do about it. My mother just smiled faintly and said nothing. I continued to anguish over their failures, be tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in their disappointments. My friends said that when my kids got married I could stop worrying and lead my own life. I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my mother's warm smile and her occasional, "You look pale. Are you all right? Call me the minute you get home. Are you depressed about something?" Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of human frailties and the fears of the unknown? Is concern a curse or is it a virtue that elevates us to the highest form of life? One of my children became quite irritable recently, saying to me, "Where were you? I've been calling for 3 days, and no one answered. I was worried." I smiled a warm smile. The torch has been passed. Grace & peace – John A. Bright Pastor, Epworth UMC in Thaxton, Virginia johnlynnbright@peoplepc.com ================================================================= _______ ___/_____ _)____ .-'-' ____)______) | .-' ______)__) | --- _______)) | `-. _______)) `---.___________) VK >In the Crosswalk Story Editor: by Joanne Smarney Joyce Schowalter Michigan, USA In 1990 I was working in the downtown area in Flint, Michigan. I was at the Genesee County Drain Commissioner's Office, very near the county court buildings. The day was extremely cold and windy, but I decided to take my morning break outside. I wanted to walk around the building to clear my head and get a break from the clamor inside. My morning had been extremely busy and noisy, with phones ringing and everyone in the office talking at the same time. Freezing weather always makes the telephones ring at the Drain Commissioner's Office. Sewer pipes have a perverted sense of humor and lie in wait for the coldest days. Then they decide to spring leaks and flood streets with their contents so they can watch us mortals slip, slide and dent our fenders. The maintenance department people are aware of this, and they swear that it is indeed an intentional thing on the part of the pipes. Lawyers are very common in this part of downtown, coming and going to the court building. While outside, I saw yet another "up and coming" young lawyer waiting for the light to change so he could cross the street. He was probably in his late 20's, clean cut, and impeccably dressed. His navy-blue designer overcoat must have been fresh from the cleaners. His two hundred dollar shoes glistened with polish. His briefcase was also expensive, probably a graduation gift from Mom and Dad for passing the bar. Soft leather gloves covered his hands. The light changed and he proceeded to cross the street. More than half way through, he started to take off his gloves. This puzzled me as it was very, very cold. Then I saw another man in the crosswalk, obviously down on his luck, crossing from the other side, walking with metal crutches. He had no gloves to protect him from the frozen aluminum. The lawyer paused momentarily in front of the man on crutches and handed him his fur-lined gloves. They both smiled and kept walking. The whole exchange lasted no more than two or three seconds. Yes, the lawyer won my respect, but I also truly admire the man on crutches. He not only had the good grace to accept something he needed, but also did so cheerfully. He did not protest or argue with the generous giver, instead simply smiled, said thanks, and continued on his way. It is just as important, if not more so, to accept the gifts we're given graciously as it is to be the giver of gifts. Whenever I need a lift, I just recall this story. It always cheers me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: ^ _...._ ^ .' '. _...._ ^ / \' '. |X / \ -. \ |X | ^ .-. |'.-. .' \ / \;/ `/\` '. .' / \ ( `/\` / \ \ ^ `) ^ / \ ) ( ^ /'-...-'\ ( \ /-.__ __.-\ ) jgs '._ ` _.' ^ / `"""""` For many parents, a New Year's resolution is to be a better parent. A key factor in this effort is to look for everyday moments to teach your child. Every minute of children's waking hours is full of learning potential as they observe and participate in the world around them. This openness to new ideas and eagerness to understand the world is one of the reasons children come up with so many cute comments. They listen creatively (for example, calling fried eggs "frog's eggs"), look at things in new ways ("Grandma, your skin doesn't fit!), express emotions freely ("I love you bigger than the wind!") and ask questions that keep us on our toes ("Why don't those tornadoes watch where they're going?"). Our children may think the world revolves around them... and to a certain extent it does. They are the "stars" of our life! Their potential to shine brightly is practically limitless -- especially when parents and grandparents take advantage of "teachable moments." Enjoy your children. -- Grace Witwer Housholder >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY _.--"""""-.._ __ .'_ _ '. / \ / ` ` `'-. `\ | \/| \_ ___ _ `\ \ \ _..; )` _ `_"--.\ | ;" \ | a/ a (`\ | | _.; /_.<_..___, )\\ | \_.-' | ;-.__,__..-' '.'. / | ; / ( ) \_| | \( ( ( )/ \ \ ( ( .'\ / \ , \ _.' '-'`. `| '-(.___.--' ,;,-\_, \ | o: .-'(())_/ ; ; : |.-' / `'. | \ o: \ .-\ \ _/ ;--._ _:_ \ / \ |\ ) `'|.-.|"'\\__.-`'-'\| /``'-.._||_||_..\ _.' / '-;-' \__.-' \ /``'--..__ : __..--'``\ \_ ``````````` _/ `'--,...__ __...,--'` | ```;``` | \ | / \_ _ _ | _ _ _ / /` ` ` `|` ` ` `\ \_._._./ \._._._/ |= | | =| jgs .--'-. | | .-'--. / | | \ \______,__/ \__,______/ Annabelle, 2, and Austin, 7, were acting up in a local department store, unaware that Santa was nearby. As they turned into another aisle, there Santa was. He asked, "Are you being good?" Austin said, "Yes." Santa asked, "Are your rooms clean? When I come on Christmas Eve I don't leave toys for children who have so many toys that they can't keep their rooms clean." Austin replied, "My room is clean! My room is clean!" Santa asked Annabelle, "Is you room clean?" Annabelle found her voice long enough to gasp, "You came to town!" -- Kathy Perry (grandmother of Austin and Annabelle) of Waynesboro, Georgia Seth, 4, was complaining to his mother, asking why they had to go to mass every week. She explained that they had to go to church to tell God all the bad things they had done so that God could forgive them. Seth thought for a few seconds and then told his mother, "I'd better go every day!" -- Lorna Mavis (grandmother of Seth) of Auburn, Indiana .-""""-. ////||\\\\ |/ \| ( @ @ ) : C : \ == / `|--|` .--`\__/`--. / \ / , , \ /`-./| |\.-'\ / /` | | `\ \ / / | | \ \ (/ | |______| | \) |_/ | | \_| |__|___/ | | | | | | ( ( | jgs | | | |==|==| __| _|__| ( ( ) `^^^`^^^^ Patricia was on the computer listening to her son Caleb, 4, tell a story to his sister and friend in the kitchen. Caleb said, "We used to pretend hunting out in the woods with pretend guns and then we came home and Mommy was mad at us." Patricia asked, "When was that?" Caleb piped up, "Years and years ago." It was this past summer. -- Patricia Stover (mother of Caleb) of Red House, West Virginia About two weeks before Christmas Bethany, 5, asked her mother, in a very conspiratorial whisper, "Should we wrap your food processor now?" -- Tamara (mother of Bethany) of Pennsyllvania .=@=. / \ | 6.6 | ( _ ) .-'---'-. / . . \ _/ /| , |\ \_ (__/{`"==="`}\__) /\_ _/\ _| /`"`\ |_ jgs ( \ / \ / ) \_/ \_/ Connie remembers her aunt, the mother of five, said her 8-year-old daughter commented (while the youngest was screaming), "I know why the Wise Men came so late for the birth -- they knew that newborns cry a lot and they took their time!" -- Connie in Austria When Penny was 4 they were at the parish rectory for a meeting after Mass. There was no longer a resident priest so the house was furnished but not lived in. After exploring the house, Penny came running into the meeting. With great excitement, she said, "Mommy, I found God's bedroom! He has a picture of his mother hanging on the wall!" -- Eileen Snow of Missouri o o \__/,'`.,'`._, /,-. \ / <_, > - )/ / <_, \__,/ / ,' _/_(_/______/__ ( (_ ,,--'---^,\\ ___/ \ / ___,' /,---' \\ \_ `. ` / `. \ | \_ \ |/\/\/\| `. \ \ | /\ `.`. \( /\ \ `.`. | \ `.`._, `-\_, | /| `-' |/\( |(_\\_ | / \ ( /_/gnv\_\ Mashell had lost a tooth and dutifully put it under her pillow for the tooth fairy to retrieve. When Kristi, Mashell's mom, went to retrieve the tooth she found it wrapped in a note that read: "Dear Mom and Dad, I know you are the tooth fairy and I promise not to tell Tyler (her younger brother). You don't even have to leave me any money. I just want to know what you do with the teeth. Mashell." The next morning Mashell woke up to find money beneth her pillow; she didn't say a word to her parents but just looked at them a little curiously at breakfast. A little later in the day when Tyler was occupied, Kristi took Mashell by the hand and led her into her parents' bedroom and closed the door. She then took out a box that held both kids' teeth in it. Mashell's response was, "Eeewww Mom, that's kinda gross! What are you going to do with all those teeth?" -- Christal Bricker (aunt of Mashell) of Colorado Here is the "next chapter" from Christal. When Kyle, 5, lost his first tooth, he asked, "Mom, what does the tooth fairy do with all those teeth?" Thinking as quickly as she could Christal replied, "She takes them to heaven and recycles them to new babies. You know how little babies don't have any teeth?" He replied, "Yes" and Christal said, "Well, the new babies need teeth, so the tooth fairy recycles the teeth she gets from you when you lose them. She takes them to heaven and gives them to new babies waiting to be born." Kyle's eyes grew wide and he said, "Wow, that's a really good idea! I always wondered how little babies got new teeth!" To which Christal said, "That's why brushing your teeth is so important; you have to take good care of your teeth so the next baby will have healthy teeth to eat with." -- Christal Bricker (mother of Kyle and Caitlin) ________ | --- **| \ / |()|] |____| | ejm97 _[________]________ |__________ ______ | | ||______|| | ||______|| | ||______|| | |________| Marsha tells about her granddaughter, who is now 25, who many years ago had a manger scene set up on top of her mother's antique treadle sewing machine. The little girl proudly showed it to Marsha. When Marsha noticed Baby Jesus was not in the manger, the little girl said, emphatically, "Well, Grandma, he doesn't come until Christmas Day and we keep him right here in the top drawer of the sewing machine." And she opened the drawer a wee bit so that Marsha could take a peek at him. -- Marsha Tollefson of Colorado When Dennis was three or four he and his mother picked out a pair of house slippers for his Dad for Father's Day. His mom emphasized the secrecy issue, and Dennis was doing fine until his father came home from work, and he said, proudly, "Daddy, we got you a present, and I can't tell you what it is, but you wear them on your feet! -- Dennis Smith of Oak Ridge, North Carolina ================================================================== .-..-. (-o/\o-) /`""``""`\ \ /.__.\ / \ `--` / `) (' , /::::\ , |'.\::::/.'| _| ';::;' |_ (::) || (::) _. "| || |" _(:) '. || .' /::\ '._||_.' \::/ /::::\ /:::\ \::::/ _\:::/ /::::\_.._ _.._ _.._ _.._/::::\ \::::/::::\/::::\/::::\/::::\::::/ jgs `""`\::::/\::::/\::::/\::::/`""` `""` `""` `""` `""` "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." -- Edith Lovejoy Pierce ==================== __, ,__) __, ,__) __, ,__) (--|__| _ ,_ ,_ (--|\ | _ (--\ | _ _ ,_ _| |(_||_)|_)(_| _| \|(/_(_|_) \|(/_(_|| ( | | ,_| ( (__| .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. >-->Another Year Another year is dawning, Dear Father let it be, In working or in waiting, Another year with thee. Another year of progress, Another year of praise, Another year of proving Thy presence all the days. Another year of mercies, Of faithfulness and grace, Another year of gladness, The glory of thy face. Another year of leaning Upon thy loving breast, Another year of trusting, Of quiet, happy rest. Another year of service, Of witness for thy love, Another year of training For holier work above. Another year is dawning, Dear Father, let it be, On earth, or else in heaven, Another year for thee. -Frances R. Havergal. >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? 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