Armor Of God & More ... :) Shangy! >-->In The Shangy News: Since I started this new dot com web site almost a year ago, I have wanted to get the Bible Study teachings I have available put up so all may enjoy them. I am proud to announce that I started working on these this week end. I will let you view the first of many to come: _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` BibleStudy: Abraham http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/abraham.html Abraham If you have any comments or suggestions for changes to the page, please let me know as I will be doing up a couple dozen of these teachings using this style and format. Thanks :) =================================================================== >-->From Christian Educational Research: Armor of God |`-._/\_.-`| | || | |___o()o___| |__((<>))__| \ o\/o / \ || / \ || / jgs '.||.' `` Hello and God bless you! We have added a new article and audio teaching on TruthOrTradition.com about taking up the armor of God. Here is a little bit about it: As Christians living for the Lord, each of us should recognize that we are in a spiritual battle, and do what it takes to stand in the fight day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year throughout our lifetime. In this regard, Ephesians 6:10-17 is an exceptionally pertinent section of Scripture, wherein God compares the armor of a Roman soldier to the spiritual armor each Christian must put on if he is to stand for a lifetime. This teaching, which is both enlightening and inspiring, exposits those key verses. To read this article or to listen to the audio teaching free of charge, click here. http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=879 Armor of God We trust this teaching will be a blessing to you and we would love your feedback! The Home Office Staff Spirit and Truth Fellowship International www.STFonline.org ==================================================================== >The Traffic Terrorist Terrier Story Editor: by Betti Daniels Joyce Schowalter California, USA I have a three-year-old black Patterdale Terrier named Lola, whom we call "the terrorist" because she can intimidate larger dogs easily. She can steal their bones, back them down by barking her head off, chase or outrun them, all without appearing to try very hard. She is really sweet by nature -- just dominating. Lola has enormous amounts of energy, and doesn't seem to lose steam even after an hour of full-on running. She needs plenty of exercise. After a long day of painting bedrooms in May, 2007, I decided that Lola and my other dog, a six-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier named Desi, needed some fun. I took them up a local hill close to sunset -- aware that the park would be closing, they could go off leash and no other dogs would be around. That would help us avoid any trouble. Sweet Desi came running up to me when it was time to go, but not Lola. She kept up her little game of running just out of sight and then back to me -- and RIGHT PAST me. I could not get a grip on her! _____ _/__|_,\__ aaaah _O |,-.___,-. ) _____ _o' @ __ (` ( O ) ( O ) _/__|_,\__ /` __( `> ____|_,\_ |> ,`-'/_~`-'/) |,-.___,-._) /> )-.)/\-. |,-.___,-.| ,|. `===---===-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' As we got close to the car parking lot, which is right on a busy thoroughfare, I realized I would not be able to catch her. Sure enough, she darted into traffic several times, each time my heart jumping into my throat. Yet people always stopped, managing to see her in spite of the twilight. Finally, after nearly hitting her, two women turned their SUV around and got out holding a bag of chips. The two, a mother and her daughter, managed at least to help me keep Lola out of traffic. Another driver nearly hit Lola, too. He stopped as well. When he got out of his SUV, he was holding just the tool to draw Lola close enough to grab. He had just been to a fast-food restaurant, and tempted Lola with the last two bites of his hamburger. I will never forget the terror I felt watching that crazy dog run across the two-lane road up the freeway ramp. Still watching as for some reason turning back around -- and then the delight when she managed to cross back to the car park and get her treat for being so mischievous. I will also NEVER forget the kindness of these total strangers who helped me rescue my dog from her own energy. I introduced myself, wanting them to know how much I appreciated their patience and help. Neither the mother-daughter team nor the gentleman gave me their names, but I hope they know how grateful I am, from the bottom of my heart. Now Lola has another reason for her nickname: She terrified me! I'll never let that goofy dog off leash near traffic again. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend Maxy's Pal :) I am sending this to you to see how many actually read their e-mail. Your response will be interesting. Pay attention to what you read. After you have finished reading it, you will know the reason it was sent to you. Here goes: ,{{}}}}}}. {{{{{}}}}}}}. {{{{ {{{{{}}}} }}}}} _ _ {{{{{ }}}} m m }}}}} {{{{C ^ {{{{{ PEOPLE come into your life }}}}}}\ '=' /}}}}}} {{{{{{{{;.___.;{{{{{{{{ }}}}}}}}}) (}}}}}}}}}} {{{{}}}}}': :{{{{{{{{{{ {{{}}}}}} `@` {{{}}}}}}} {{{{{{{{{ }}}}}}}}} }}}}}}}} {{{{{{{{{ jgs {{{{{{{{ }}}}}} }}}}} {{{{ {{{ }} for a REASON, SEASON or a LIFETIME. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the REASON you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a SEASON. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all o ther relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime. PLEASE SEND THIS TO THE PEOPLE WHO REALLY MATTER TO YOU. --- ..A Sweet Classic - thanks Maxy's Pal! ============================================================= >-->From Our Friend Pat :) Fuzzy Wuzzy Bear This is a neat article about this poor bear. My oldest step-daughter sent this to me. I hope you enjoy the pics below. I certainly did along with the article. Luv ya all Pat --- ...I have this up on a page thanks to our friend Steve who sent it to us last weekend. Enjoy! :) http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bearrescue.html Bear Rescue And just incase you missed this one from Steve - it is full of darling costumes just in time to celebrate October 1st! ,, ,, ,\\//, ,\\//, ,\\\///, ,, ,\\\///, \\\\//// ,\\//, \\\\//// \\\/// ,\\\///, \\\/// ###### \\\\//// ###### ////\\\\ \\\/// ////\\\\ /////\\\\\###### /////\\\\\//////\\\\////\\\\ //////\\\\\\/,///\\\/////\\\\\ //////_?_\\\\(_) //////\\\\\\, .'`---`'. _j_///////\\\\\(_) /.'a a \.'`---`'. |: ^ /.'d\ /b \ \' www |: ^ | '._____.'\' VVV / jgs '._____.' Tricks For Treats: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tricksfortreats.html Tricks For Treats ================================================================ >-->From InspiredBuffalo: >ALMOST HEAVEN By: Joseph J. Mazzella Q /|\ (o\_)=="# \| |\ ejm96 ~H| |/ ~ There is a reason why the beautiful state I live in is called "Almost Heaven" West Virginia. John Denver's song had it right. It often feels like Heaven here. Right now outside my window the Autumn leaves are beginning to change colors. The radiant reds are glowing in the sun. The peaceful yellows are rustling in the breeze. The brilliant burgundy's and outrageous oranges are making entire trees as bright as flowers. Even the fallen leaves are turning the paths into multicolored, crunchy carpets that are a delight to walk on. I can hear children laughing and see adults smiling as they stroll through these leaves and enjoy the wonderful scent of them in the air. Everywhere I look I can see God's colors painting the trees and mountains with beauty. If it isn't Heaven here then it certainly is close. It isn't just the mountains that make it Heavenly here either. I can see bits of Heaven in so many of the people too. There is a kindness in their smiles. There is a gentleness in their voices. There is a goodness in their actions. There is a patience in their manner. There is a peace in their souls. There is a love in their hearts. And there is a joy in their lives. Everyday they grow a little more in oneness with God. Everyday they bring a little more Heaven into this world. I feel truly blessed to live in such a beautiful state with such good people. West Virginia, however, isn't the only place that can be Almost Heaven. Anyplace on Earth can be Almost Heaven if we take our Heaven with us. How much Heaven is within you? No matter how much you said take heart in knowing that it can always be more. God gives us that choice every single day. Everyday we can choose to love more, give more, care more, and help more. Everyday we can choose to bring the joy of Heaven into our hearts and souls and then share it with the world. Everyday we can live in Almost Heaven while still here on Earth. -<>- >Heartprints .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." "Whatever our hands touch... we leave fingerprints. On walls, on furniture, on door knobs, dishes and books. As we touch we leave our identity. "Oh [God] please wherever I go today... help me leave heartprints--Heartprints of compassion, understanding and love. Heartprints of kindness and genuine concern. "May my heart touch a lonely neighbor, or a runaway daughter, or an anxious mother, or perhaps a dear friend! "I shall go out today to leave heartprints, and if some one should say, 'I felt your touch,' may that sense be your loving touch through me!" Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me today and every day so that my life will reflect your likeness so that the people I rub shoulders with will see your love shining through me so that I will leave heartprints from you on them. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen." Corinthians 3:18. -- Author Unknown. -<>- >SEE THINGS AS YOU WANT THEM TO BE .-"-. * ( + / \ . ) ) ) |# | ( * . ( . \___/ . + .-"-. * /^ + ( / \ ) ( .-"-. ) + . |# | ( * / \ ( ) \___/ ) ( |# | ( ' * /^ ) \___/ ( * ' ( ^\ * ' You know what you are today but not what you may be tomorrow.Use your Imagination and look at things as they can be.You can do anything you Wish to do,have anything you wish to have,and be anything you wish to Be.You don't know what you can really do until you try. All you have to Do is to act on your dreams. You have the power within you to do things you never dreamed Possible. You would amaze yourself if you did all the things you're Capable of doing. This power becomes available to you As soon as you change some of your beliefs. Success begins in your mind. -<>- >Heaven is like... 17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last. Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teary Valley High School. Brian Had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them-notes from classmates and teachers, his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven. It makes such an impact that People want to share it. "You feel like you are there." Mr. Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted. The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death... Brian's Essay: ____________ |`. `. | `._____________`. | | .-----------.| | | | .-------.|| | | | | ||| | | |`.| ==== ||| |`. | |`.|_______||| | `|_|===========|| | | | .-------.|| The Room... | | | | ||| | | |`.| ==== ||| |`. | |`.|_______||| | `|_|===========|| | | | .-------.|| | | | | ||| | | |`.| ==== ||| `. | |`.|_______||| `|_|========LGB|| In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one-marked "Friends I have betrayed," The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I have Read, " Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at. " Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers. " Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", " Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents. " I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of These thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts, " I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I et out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With. " The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I Pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."- Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." If you feel the same way forward it to as many people as you can so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I shared the gospel with "file just got bigger, how about yours? -<>- >"A Hatfull Of Spare Thots!" oooo oooo o$$"""$oo$$"""""$o $" $$" $$$$ $" "" $$$$$o $ $$$$$o $ $$$$$$ $" "$$$$$ $ $$$$$$ $" $$$$$$ $ $$$$$ $ o$$$$$ $ $$$$$$ $ o$$$$$$ ooo o$$$$$$$ ooo$$$$"" $ oo$$$$$""""""oooo oo"$$$$$$$ oo"" oooooooooooooooo$$""" o$$"oo o" $$$$$$$ "$o oo$$$$$" $$$$o"$o $ $$$$$$$ " ""oooooooooo$$$$" o$ $$$$$$o"$ o $$"" oo$$$" o$$ o$$$$$$$o$ "o $$ oo$$$$"" o$$$ o$$$$$$$$$$$ "$o $$$oo $$$$$$$ ooo$$$$$"" "$$oooo "" ooo$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$"" """"$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$"""""" """""""""""""""""" unknown 1. Love ......and you shall be loved. 2. All people smile in the same language. 3. Anger is a condition in which the tongue, works faster than the mind. 4. You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying over the future. 5. A hug is a great gift, one size fits all. It can be given for any occasion and it's easy to exchange. 6. Everyone needs to be loved, especially when they do not deserve it. 7. The real measure of a man's wealth is what he has invested in eternity. 8. Laughter is liquid sunshine. 9. Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it. 10. It's important for parents to live the same things they teach. 11. If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for. 12. Happy memories never wear out.. Relive them as often as you want. 13. Home is the place where we grumble the most, but are often treated the best. 14. The choice you make today will usually affect tomorrow. 15. Take time to laugh for it is the music of the soul. 16. If anyone speaks badly of you, live so none will believe it. 17. Patience is the ability to idle your motor, when you feel like stripping your gears. 18. Love is strengthened by working through conflicts together. 19. The best thing parents can do for their children, is to love each other. 20. Harsh words break no bones but they do break hearts. 21. To get out of a difficulty, one usually must go through it. 22. We take for granted the things that we should be giving thanks for. 23. Love is the only thing that can be divided, without being diminished. 24. Happiness is enhanced by others but does not depend upon others. 25. You are richer today if you have laughed, given or forgiven. 26. For every minute you are angry with someone, you lose 60 seconds of happiness that you can never get back. 27. Do what you can, for who you can, with what you have, and where you are. To Subscribe Send a blank email to the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ==================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Steve :) .-"""""""--, /\ ,:: : `- ,+:::; ; (_ : `-. ; :,_ ; ;::+. .+:L / ";; : , .+:J. ;;' "-._ `"^" : :' ____ ; ;_..--"" ""-+.._: '._.-|; ,*""-. ,-""*\\ \_. .-' ;: \`.`-. .' .' .' | '--' '--' ;.`. `-. '+' / .' ; :::.`-. `-.-' ; , / .' .: , ;::::. `-. `. : : : ,:::: `" ::::::::. \ \ : : ; ::::::: ,--. ::::::::::; ; ; ; ; : `::::::. `--' ,;::::::::::: : \: \ `. `:::::`. ' .';:::::::::::; ;-' ; :. \ ';:' ,`""' '::::::::::; / \ / / ;:. ; ;' :, `+:::::::' / /. :--'-' ,;:^; :\ :; / `":^'_.-' .; `-+' `-._..+" / ; `. ` , .' .'.-' .-' (`--' / : : ( `-..-' / / .-' \ ) ) : \ `- `-.__. : : : .' ;.' ; ` `-.___.+" : \ : , : : ;, o: `-: ,: ; ; ::+. bug : ,+:; : You might find this interesting: A Single Sheet of Paper Artist: Peter Callesen (web site) http://www.petercallesen.com/ -<>- I spent quite a lot of time here - they have lots of cool stuff: http://www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/cat/577/display/6269859 --- ...Thank You Steve! Good sites! We have more cool photos from Steve added in our club.. Visit here to view these fun ones! http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList/photos/browse/7c21 ==================================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .{{}}}}}}. {{{{{}}}}}}}. {{{{ {{{{{}}}} }}}}} _ _ {{{{{ }}}} m m }}}} {{{{C ^ {{{{ }}}}}}\ '=' /}}}}} {{{{{{{;.___.;}}}}}} {{{{{{) (}}}}}}' jgs `""'"': :'"'"'` `@` >SOULMATE by Michael Segal "PUUUSH... PUUUSH," I called out to my friend, Jeff. But it appeared that there was no use in trying. My car was stuck in the mud. Worse yet, I was on a double date. Being a 16 year old, I wanted to make a good impression. However, hearing the motor rev with the car still stuck in the mud did not earn "brownie points" for my friend or me in the eyes of our dates. Sharon, my date, was revving the car's engine while Jeff and I were pushing. Finally, I said, "Enough!" Embarrassed, I approached Sharon as she sat behind the wheel of my mother's red station wagon. Before I could speak I noticed the gear on the car -- it was set on NEUTRAL! I set the gear to "Drive," instructed Sharon to wait until I gave her the signal to press down on the accelerator, and then went back to help Jeff push the car out of the mud. That was our first date. Even though it resulted in my getting mud on my slacks, Sharon caused me to have love in my heart. I was "stung" by the Love Bug. Sharon and I dated seriously throughout high school. I went away to college as Sharon was finishing her senior year. Our love, which was blooming, was only matched in size by our long-distance telephone bills. The next year, Sharon joined me at the University of Texas. We were so happy. We thought we were at the top of the world. We thought our lives were set. That was true until that fateful evening when, in a split second, our lives changed forever. On February 18, 1981, we were studying at the library of the University. It was late and Sharon told me that she had to return to her dormitory to go to sleep. We slid into my car and headed toward her dorm, but, unfortunately, my gas gauge was on empty. I pulled into a nearby convenience store, borrowed $2 from Sharon, and walked into the store to pay for the gas. Unfortunately, the store was in the midst of a robbery, and one of the thieves forced me into the cooler. He followed me, pushed me to the floor, and calmly shot me in the back of the head -- execution style! Yes, the criminal thought I was dead. By killing me, he had eliminated any witness to the crime. However, when the thieves left the store, I still had a faint pulse. Very few people believed I would remain alive much longer. That's why the police transferred my case to the Homicide division. The neurosurgeon rushed to the hospital to see me, but returned home when he believed an operation would be futile. When the doctor returned the next morning, he was shocked to see me alive. He told my parents that an operation was necessary, but added he would be surprised if I survived. I would probably never be able to communicate with anyone. Basically, the surgeon stated, I would be a vegetable. Hearing those words, my father told Sharon, "Get on with your life." Sharon quickly replied, "Mike is my life." Even though we were not yet married, Sharon believed in the vows, "in sickness and in health." She dropped out of college for one semester to be with me, spending her time with her drooling boyfriend in the hospital, while other college freshmen were spending their time at parties. Eventually, Sharon returned to Austin to continue her college education. Once again we had enormous phone bills. My goal was to return to school and rejoin her. Eighteen months after no one thought I would survive, I accomplished that goal. One of the primary reasons was Sharon -- my love, who refused to give up or give in. Four years after returning to college I graduated. For me, that meant I could finally propose to Sharon -- my light at the end of the dark tunnel. She was the one who would always encourage me to look forward and not to focus on the past. On a beautiful day in May, Sharon and I exchanged vows and were married. We were meant to be together. We had dated for nine long and eventful years, but I realized at the wedding that it was worth everything. Sharon was truly my soulmate. We have been married for many years and we have a beautiful daughter, Shawn. We have experienced so much. Some bad, but more -- much more -- good. Sharon, I love you so very much! -- Michael Segal ___________________________________________ Michael is a social worker, an author, and motivational/inspirational speaker. Mike's story, "My Miraculous Family," was published in Chicken Soup for the Christian Family Soul. Mike lives in Houston with his wife, Sharon, and their daughter, Shawn. He is available for public speaking engagements. For more information please visit http://www.sterlingspeakers.com/segal.htm or call toll free 877-226-1003. ======================================================================= >-->From PetWarmers: >CASEY GIRL by Sheila Talley ./\ _ c ..'D> `'//...........'`. : // :` '..... // : ^^^ ``: ; : .' : :':......:`: `. jgs ''''`` ``''' On a cold and rainy May day, I sat shivering and frustrated in a Burger King parking lot in Blair, Nebraska. I was hoping that the Animal Control truck would arrive soon with its precious cargo. I had signed up in early 2002 for a Schnauzer rescue volunteer group and forgot all about it, until one day in late May when I received an email telling me of a female Miniature Schnauzer at a local shelter who was going to be put down that week. When Rick, the animal control officer finally arrived, I accompanied him anxiously to his van and waited to see the undoubtedly adorable animal who would emerge, tail wagging, to greet me. I was shocked at what I saw -- a trembling, elderly, gray mass of cold wet fur, barely recognizable as a Schnauzer. I bundled her into the car, chastizing myself for not bringing a blanket for her. I cranked up the heat and petted and talked gently to her throughout the forty mile drive back home. She never once stopped shaking. When we got home, my three Miniature Schnauzers displayed their usual friendly curiosity toward the newcomer, but she was too terrified and sick to reciprocate. For that evening, I placed her in a kennel with blankets, food and water, and decided to sort her out later. When I took her outside to groom her the next morning, I learned a new facet of meaning of the word "horrified". Her little ears were filled with wads of hair and black goo. She stood patiently, never complaining, for an hour while I pulled out hair with a hemostat. I clipped her matted fur only to discover numerous ticks attached to her body. She was about 10 pounds overweight, and she was barely able to walk around and lift herself up from the floor. Obviously, she had terrible arthritis, ear and eye infections, and a mouth full of rotten teeth. My rescue group provided the funds for shots, treatment of her infections, and dental surgery. The rest was up to Casey O'Schnauzey (I named her) and me. I soon discovered she did not know what toys were or how to play with other dogs. She was obviously a very good house dog for someone, because she knew all the good house behaviors. She had never been abused, but she had been ignored. She soaked up love like a sponge. Within a couple of days she was coming up and sticking her nose in my hand, wanting to be petted. By the end of a week's time she had been promoted to sleeping in my bed with the other pets. She learned that she liked having a blanket over her to sleep at night. After a few weeks, my teenaged daughter and I decided to take Casey to the lake. She got very nervous in the car, fearing being dumped again, I'm sure. But, as we approached the lake, and the water scents hit her, she became a different dog! When we got out, she RAN to the water and jumped right in! I thought, "OK, we have a water dog here!" My next stop was to pick up a kiddie pool and fill it up for her. She spent the entire summer playing in that pool! Now, because no one wants this elderly girl besides me, she has a wonderful life. I cried the first time she picked up her green bear and carried it around in her mouth! She tries to play with the other Schnauzers now and has lost most of her excess weight. With her hair properly grown in, her arthritis treated, and most of all her heart healed with love, she is a beautiful 9-year-old lady! Two nights ago she walked over and actually jumped up and put her paws up on me while I was sitting down. That would have been impossible for her to do just a few months ago. I love my Casey girl and I am so glad she is here with me! And yes, some stories DO have happy endings! -- Sheila Talley ____________________________________________ Sheila resides in Papillion, Nebraska, with her husband Ron, two teenagers, and four Miniature Schnauzers. She enjoys writing, gardening, crocheting, and painting. She enjoyed a long career as a graphic designer and systems manager. You can visit her webpage here: http://hometown.aol.com/sheilaschnauzies/Schnauzies.html You can reach her here: mailto:SLT7863 @ aol.com -<>- >YOGA FOR DOGS? A chain of gyms in the US has started offering yoga classes for dogs. Crunch is offering "Ruff Yoga" at its New York branch and is considering offering it in other locations. During a recent session in Madison Square Park, the class attracted nearly 20 people and their pets. "We do the traditional poses. The dogs just get incorporated," Crunch's yoga director Suzi Teitelman told Fox News. Yoga guru, Bruce Van Horn, says the relaxed state people achieve through yoga rubs off on their animals if they're nearby during the exercises. "It actually reduces the stress levels of animals," Van Horn said. "When people have crazy animals, it's usually because the people themselves are crazy." -- Ananova News, June 18 ==================================================================== >-->Lady, Are You Rich? By Marion Doolan __(/) {/}__ .' \ / '. _/____( )____\_ (_____ \ / _____) _ |a a `\/ \.S e e|S |/\\_-___/_____, ,____SSS__-_/SS \ {_____:__.__/ \///._SSS____}SS \ / o \ / o \\ \| o ' \ \ / '/ o | \ |_o_\__\_/| |\_/___/o_|_/\ | | \/ \/ / \`-' \ / / / \ / /` '-._____.-` / /`\ | | | / /\.'| jgs |-|-| .-`-.//__/ / \ '-. \___/ \_/---' They huddled inside the storm door - two children in ragged outgrown coats. "Any old papers, lady?" I was busy. I wanted to say no - until I looked down at their feet. Thin little sandals, sopped with sleet. "Come in and I'll make you a cup of hot cocoa." There was no conversation. Their soggy sandals left marks upon the hearthstone. I served them cocoa and toast with jam to fortify against the chill outside. Then I went back to the kitchen and started again on my household budget.... The silence in the front room struck through to me. I looked in. The girl held the empty cup in her hands, looking at it. The boy asked in a flat voice, "Lady...are you rich?" "Am I rich? Mercy, no!" I looked at my shabby slip covers. The girl put her cup back in its saucer - carefully. "Your cups match your saucers." Her voice was old, with a hunger that was not of the stomach. They left then, holding their bundles of papers against the wind. They hadn't said thank you. They didn't need to. They had done more than that. Plain blue pottery cups and saucers. But they matched. I tested the potatoes and stirred the gravy. Potatoes and brown gravy, a roof over our heads, my man with a good steady job - these things matched, too. I moved the chairs back from the fire and tidied the living room. The muddy prints of small sandals were still wet upon my hearth. I let them be. I want them there in case I ever forget again how very rich I am. ==================================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: == <^\()/^> \/::\/ jgs /::\ `''` >Murphy's Church Laws 1) If it wasn't for committee meetings, nothing would ever get done. 2) If you can't get a sermon done working 20 hours a day, work nights. 3) When the Deacons talk about improving the churches spiritual life, they are never talking about their own. 4) In a committee meeting, the authority of a person is inversely proportional to the number of pens that person is carrying. 5) There will always be empty soft drink cans rolling on the floorboard of your car when your head deacon asks for a ride home from church. 6) No matter how many sermons you prepare, you never prepare enough. 7) You can go anywhere you want if you look serious and carry a clipboard, a camera, or a Bible. 8) You are always doing something trivial when the Deacon Chairman drops by your office. 9) People who go to conferences are the ones who shouldn't. 10) It doesn't matter what you do, it only matters what you say you've done and what you're going to do. 11) Keep the deacon chairman's wife off his back and you will succeed as a pastor. 12) Everything can be filed under "miscellaneous." 13) Never delay the ending of a meeting or the beginning of a fellowship activity involving food. 14) Real Deacons/Elders realize that a clean desk is not necessarily a productive desk. 15) Any church employee can do any amount of work provided it isn't the work he/she has been assigned to do. 16) Any great Sermon that contains no errors will develop errors when transmitted to your printer. 17) If you are good, you will be assigned all the work. If you are really good, you will get out of it. 18) The more garbage you put up with, the more garbage you are going to get. 19) After any salary raise, you will have less money at the end of the month than you did before. 20) When you don't know what to do, walk fast and look worried. 21) Following the rules will not get the job done. 22) Getting the job done is no excuse for not following the rules. 23) A Youth Pastor with a clean desk has way too much free time. 24) Every sermon idea shalt beget another sermon idea. 25) When confronted by a difficult problem you can solve it more easily by reducing it to the question, "How would Batman handle this?" 26) The last person that quit or was fired will be blamed for everything that goes wrong for at least a year. ======================================== >'He was asking for a sign' _.-/`) // / / ) .=// / / / ) //`/ / / / / // / ` / || / \\ / )) .' jgs // / / FOREST, OH -- Worshipers at First Baptist Church in Forest, OH, were left stunned when lightning struck the church just moments after a visiting evangelist appealed for a "sign from God." The minister was preaching about penance and in a prayer started asking for a sign on Tuesday night when the church's steeple was hit by lightning, setting the church on fire and blowing out the sound system. "It was awesome, just awesome," said church member Ronnie Cheney, 40, of rural Forest, who was in the church at 206 N. Martin St. when the lightning struck. "You could hear the storm building outside ... He (the evangelist) just kept asking God what else he needed to say," Cheney said. "He was asking for a sign and he got one." At about 7:45 p.m., lightning hit the church's steeple, went through the electrical wiring and blew out the church's sound system. Cheney said the lightning traveled through the microphone and enveloped the preacher in blue flame, but he was not injured. Afterward, services resumed for about 20 minutes until members of the congregation realized that the church was on fire and the building was evacuated. According to Forest Fire Chief Doug Hawkin, his crew, along with the Kenton and Wharton fire departments, responded to the scene. After firemen arrived they saw flames coming from the steeple. Firemen doused the blaze, remaining at the scene about three hours. "It was kind of interesting hearing the preacher talk about what had happened," Hawkin admitted. There were no injuries. Damage to the church was estimated at about $20,000. From the Finley Ohio Courier http://www.thecourier.com/ Click on Archives or at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/americas/3044178.stm To Subscribe drop a blank email to Sermon_Fodder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. ====================================================================== >-->PRECIOUS LORD TAKE MY HAND by Tommy Dorsey ,_('--, (.--; ,--')_, | ;--.) .-. |.| .-. \|\|/ .-. .-.`\|/|/`_ `\|/|/` ' `^jgs`^^`^``^``^``^``^`` THE BIRTH OF THE SONG "PRECIOUS LORD" Back in 1932 I was 32 years old and a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie, and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's Southside. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis, where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go. Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child. But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis. I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66. However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back. I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay. But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music. The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED. People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead." When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart. For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him any more or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis. Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died. From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially a friend, Professor Fry, who seemed to know what I needed. On the following Saturday evening he took me up to Malone's Poro College, a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody, one into my head-they just seemed to fall into place: Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand! I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, Through the storm, through the night lead me on to the light, Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home. As the Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power. And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home. ================================================================ Miracle: An event that creates faith; that is the purpose and nature of miracles. --George Bernard Shaw 1 John 4:18a There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :)Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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. 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