Be Ye Thankful... :) 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!! ================ |_| _, _ _ ___ | |(_||_)|_)\_| .'=:-\ ___ | | ._| /.='( ` | |_ _ ,_ |/ , _ . .,_ _ /. ^=.'-._..---. | | |(_|| ||\/_)(_|||/|| |(_| | =^.'=.'^//"(_`\\)8, ._| ._| |^.'=' .=||/' `\||;8.-' \'.^,=^'.||; ; ||8/:_,_ give thanks... './-`\= \\\.-./;//,_/`- \ jgs \__/-/'-\888::((()),_ /:. .O__/ (_88:::(())):. `8':. ' *~* To All Those Celebrating Early - HAPPY BLESSED SAFE THANKSGIVING! Give Praise! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/praise.html Thank You Lord! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thanks.html Be Ye Thankful http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Be_Ye_Thankful.htm Value What You Have http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuewyh.html Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press! :) This red hot scorcher is from our friend Linda. It'll bring out the goosebumps of good feelings in you. Check it out here... , ----. - - ` ,__.,' \ .' *` / | | / **\ . / ****. | mm | ****| \ | ****| ` ._______ \ ****/ \ /`---' \___( /~~~~\ / \ / | \ | | \ , ~~ . |, ~~ . | |\ ( |||| ) ( |||| )(,,,)` ( |||||| )-( |||||| ) | ^ ( |||||| ) ( |||||| ) |'/ ( |||||| )-( |||||| )___,'- ( |||| ) ( |||| ) ` ~~ ' ` ~~ ' Pay It Forward http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/payitforward.html --- ...Awww, so sweet! Thanks Linda! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ____ .-'& '-. / \ : o o ; ( (_ ) : ; \ __ / `-._____.-' /`"""`\ / , \ /|/\/\/\ _\ (_|/\/\/\\__) |_______| __)_ |_ (__ jgs (_____|_____) >THANKS, BEFORE & AFTER I never intended to tell you anything about this, but since I became an adult I discovered that the meaning of Thanksgiving sure isn't what it used to be. When I was younger, I remember receiving the inevitable homework assignment to write an essay on "Something I Am Thankful For". Then, I'd spend a lot of time sitting in my room trying to figure out just what in the world that could possibly be, and I'd end up writing down everything I could think of from God to environmental consciousness. But after having children, my priorities have clearly changed. Before children: I was thankful to have been born in the United States of America -- the most powerful, free, democracy in the world. After children: I am thankful for Velcro tennis shoes. As well as saving valuable time, now I can hear the sound of my son taking off his shoes which gives me three extra seconds to activate the safety locks on the backseat windows right before he hurls them out of the car and onto the freeway. Before children: I was thankful for the recycling program that will preserve our natural resources and prevent the overflowing of landfills. After children: I am thankful for swim diapers because every time my son wanders into water in plain disposables, he ends up wearing a blimp the size of, say, New Jersey, on his bottom. Before children: I was thankful for fresh, organic vegetables. After children: I am thankful for microwavable macaroni and cheese -- without which my children would be surviving on about three bites of cereal and their own spit. Before children: I was thankful for the opportunity to obtain a college education and have a higher quality of life than my ancestors. After children: I am thankful to finish a complete thought without being interrupted. Before children: I was thankful for holistic medicine and natural herbs. After children: I am thankful for any pediatric cough syrup guaranteed to "cause drowsiness" in young children. Before children: I was thankful for all of the teachers who had taught, encouraged, and nurtured me throughout my formative years. After children: I am thankful for all of the people at Weight Watchers who let me strip down to pantyhose and a strategically placed scarf before getting on the scale each week. Before children: I was thankful for the opportunity to vacation in exotic foreign countries so I could experience a different way of life in a new culture. After children: I am thankful to have time to make it all the way down the driveway to get the mail. Before children: I was thankful for the Moosewood Vegetarian Cookbook. After children: I am thankful for the Butterball turkey hotline. Before children: I was thankful for a warm, cozy home to share with my loved ones. After children: I am thankful for the lock on the bathroom door. Before children: I was thankful for material objects like custom furniture, a nice car, and trendy clothes. After children: I am thankful when the baby spits up and misses my good shoes. Before children: I was thankful for my wonderful family. After children: I am thankful for my wonderful family. -- Debbie Farmer ___________________________________________ Debbie Farmer is an internationally syndicated family humor columnist. Her column "Family Daze" is available for publication in newsletters, magazines or newspapers. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Scriptures: Fashion is a testimony to the fact that we live quite consciously before the eyes of others. Read Luke 16:15 (He said to them, "You make yourselves look good in front of people, but God knows what is really in your hearts. What is important to people is hateful in God's sight.) God loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son to pay the price for sin that we should have paid. Such love astounds me!!! Read John 3:16 Life is too short to spend it being angry, bored or dull. Read James 1:19-20 (My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants.) God promises He will make all things new. Read Isaiah 43:18-19 Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I will do a new thing.) Fill your heart with the Love of God so that only truth and purity can come out of the mouth. Read James 1:19-20 (My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily because anger will not help your live the right kind of life God wants.) Discontentment does dry up the soul. Read Psalms 37:8 (Don't get angry. Don't be upset. It only leads to trouble.) --- ...So true! Thanks Bunni! ============================================================= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: T \`. T | T .--------------.___________) \ | T ! | |//////////////|___________[ ] ! T | ! `--------------' ) ( | ! mn '-' ! >THE PERFECT MISTAKE My Mother's father worked as a carpenter.. On this particular day, he was building some crates for the clothes his church was sending to orphanages in China. On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone. When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what had happened; the glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen into one of the crates, which he had nailed shut. _,--, _ __,-'____| ___ /' | /' `\,--,/' `\ /' | ( ) ( )' \_ _/' `\_ _/ pb """ """ His brand new glasses were heading for China! The Great Depression was at its height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was upset by the thought of having to buy another pair. "It's not fair," he told God as he drove home in frustration. "I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, and now this." Months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago. The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage. "But most of all," he said, _,--, _ __,-'____| ___ /' | /' `\,--,/' `\ /' | ( ) ( )' \_ _/' `\_ _/ pb """ """ "I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my coworkers and I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses lying on top. The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued: "Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that." The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way. There are times we want to blame God instead of thanking him! I have to remember this in these times of trial with my own family. May GOD bless your week. Look for the perfect mistakes. "People are like tea bags- - you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are." Now "ain't" that just like God to do something like that???????? Peace is not the absence of trouble. Peace is the presence of God. -<>- .========. .-| |-. .''-'`_.|__ __ __|._`'-''. / .--'` | [LI] | `'--. \ .' / _.--'''""""'''--._ \ '. /` .' .-' _.----._ '-. '. `\ | / / .' _ _ '. \ \ | | | | / `_ _` \ | | | / / '. | (o)(o) | .' \ \ | | '._| .-""-. |_.' | | | \ / | \ / | \ / | / / | / \ /\/\ / \ | \ \ | | / | '-.( ).-' | \ | | | | | / \`""`/ \ | | | \ \ / | _.-| |-._ | \ / / \ \ | / .' | | '. \ | / / '. './ | .' / \ '. | \.' .' '._| \/ \/ |_.' `'{` , , `}'` { } { } { } { } { } { } \,/ \,/ '. .' jgs '-.__ __.-' { _}""{_ } / \ / \ /=/=|=| |=|=\=\ \/\/\_/ \_/\/\/ >The Hand of a Teacher: A Thanksgiving Story At first it sounded like a Thanksgiving story, but the more I Reflected on it, the more appropriate it seemed for any time of the Year. The way I heard it, the story went like this: Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a Fun assignment, to draw a picture of something for which they were Thankful. Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but Still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other Traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would Be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were. But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different Kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery, frail and Unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to Stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt Behind those sad eyes. Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of Something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand. His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand Could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because Farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the Police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the Hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went, until the Teacher almost forgot the young artist himself. When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. The little Boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher." She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here Or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take My hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold Your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful For his teacher's hand. Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work. The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about Teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing Friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. They Might not always say thanks. But they'll remember the hand that Reaches out. © 2004 Steve Goodier -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >"Today" I may never see tomorrow; there's no written guarantee And things that happened yesterday belong to history. I cannot predict the future, I cannot change the past, I have just the present moments, I must treat it as my last. I must use this moment wisely for it soon will pass away, and be lost forever, as part of yesterday. I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet, Be a friend unto the friendless, make an empty life complete. The unkind things I do today may never be undone, And friendships that I fail to win may nevermore be won. I may not have another chance, on bended knees to pray, and I thank God with a humble heart for giving me this Day. --Author Unknown -<>- .-. --"--===================== | | | ____ ________ |` | | | | | | | | | | | |@=- | |@=- | | | | | | | | | | | |=@ | |____| |________| | ` | & | ____ ________ | ______ |___| | | | | |/ \ | | |@=- | |@=- | ||_ _O| | | | | | | ||L)O( )| | | |____| |________| ||o(>O<)| __|___|___________________||______|___ VK >Thanksgiving Reflections By Kathleene S. Baker Annually, the first part of November finds me wandering down memory lane as I fumble through my untidy batch of recipes. You see, my recipes are not neatly filed away on my computer, nor are they alphabetized in a cute recipe box; they are an embarrassing hodgepodge of cards, scraps of paper, and even a few envelopes. Yet, finding my favorites for the holiday season is never difficult. Some dishes are recognized by the handwriting of the person that jotted it down at my request. Others were scribbled on any notepad that was handy at the time; and I search for a certain color of paper. As I rummage through my jumbled collection of recipes, it causes me to recall people, places, and events from the past-and I like it that way. For me, my filing system is perfect! Still, one recipe card stands out amongst all other. The handwriting has faded, the yellowed edges are bent, and it has amassed an array of smudges over the years. Oh, but it is far from being just another dog-eared recipe card; it's a special keepsake from my Mother, who is now deceased. This year I realized just how faint her handwriting had become on the aging card and it was promptly placed in plastic for protection. I'd not been gone from home long before asking Mother for her Pumpkin Bread recipe. It had been part of every holiday I could remember, not to mention being decadent and habit forming. The recipe originated with my Grandmother, who died before my birth, and was handed down to my Mother. That ragged, old card has traveled with me from state to state, kitchen to kitchen, and has generated more loaves of pumpkin bread than I would dare to count. Many were devoured at family dinners, and countless others have been given as gifts after being embellished with holiday ribbons and bows. I often feel my compilation of favorite recipes is akin to a roadmap of my adult life, beginning with the Pumpkin Bread recipe from my mother. Others were gathered along the way in different states and different cities; some were offered by old friends, some by new friends, and some by relatives. I find myself being grateful for each person that came into my life and shared a special dish, several of which are now part of my traditional holiday fare. Most times the roadmap of my life has directed me down scenic boulevards or tranquil country roads, although I've had my share of bumps and detours along the way. Upon reflection, I'm more than thankful for the journey.and all those who touched my life along the way. ©2006 Kathleene S. Baker ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kathy and her husband, Jerry, reside in Plano, Texas with two fur kids named Shiloh and Hank. Their other children are grown and have given them 4 grands. Kathy, a freelancer, has contributed to newspapers, anthologies, magazines, and online ezines. Her first piece of work was inspired by Josey, a very special Miniature Schnauzer. She writes a weekly column for Frank Talk Magazine entitled "Heart of Texas." She is Editor for Starfish which is a daily inspirational column. Kathy can be reached at Lnstrlady@aol.com or her website www.txyellowrose.com -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Rose Petals: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/rose.html Buy A Dog? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buyadog.html Akiane Thru The Years http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy2.html Extraordinary Photos http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/extraordinary.html Think Positive! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/positive.html Winter Wonderland And Life's Lessons http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lessons.html The Bible http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thebible.html -<>- >From Our Friend Johanna :) Pray For Our Nation http://www.greatdanepro.com/Pray%20For%20America/index.htm --- ...So true! Thanks Johanna! -<>- >From Our Friend KarenF :) THANKSGIVING COMES AGAIN http://www.mamarocks.com/thanksgiving_comes_again.htm A DINNER OF THANKSGIVING http://www.mamarocks.com/a_dinner_of_thanksgiving.htm --- ...Nice! Thanks KarenF! -<>- >From Our Friend PatDeE :) Eight Year Old Tap Dancing Prodigy http://www.coolestone.com/media/4860/Eight-Year-Old-Tap-Dancing-Prodigy/ --- ...Wowsers! Wears me out just watching! Great! Thanks PatDeE! -<>- Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >ELECTION DEVOTIONAL Given the economic crisis, the ongoing threat of terrorism and the assault on Judeo Christian values, some consider this Presidential election the most critical in our nation's history. I don't know if I would go that far, but I think we can all agree that these are critical times requiring our most prayerful vigilance. As Christians we have a dual citizenship. We are citizens of the Kingdom as well as citizens of the United States. While our highest allegiance belongs to God we have civic responsibilities that we owe the country of our birth. Or as Jesus said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's' and unto God the things that are God's" (Matt. 22:21). As a citizen of the United States we have a responsibility to vote, to participate in the democratic process. As a citizen of the Kingdom we have a responsibility to make sure our vote reflects the values of the Kingdom and the King to whom we owe our highest allegiance. While there may be any number of issues on which Christians can vote either way, there are other issues on which the Scriptures are emphatically clear and in regards to these we must never compromise. Non-negotiable issues include the sanctity of life (i.e., abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem-cell research and human cloning) and the Biblical view of marriage (i.e. between a man and a woman). Before you vote ask yourself if the positions each candidate takes on non-negotiable issues line up with the clear teaching of Scripture. While a non- Christian may take a Biblical position on these issues, a Christian cannot take an unscriptural position without compromising his faith. It's also important to consider who a candidate's friends and supporters are. As my Grandma Miller used to say, "Birds of a feather flock together." Ask yourself, "Who is Planned Parenthood (the largest abortion provider in the U.S.) supporting? Who is the Gay/Lesbian coalition supporting? Who are those in favor of same sex marriage supporting?" Remember the next President will likely appoint at least one Supreme Court Justice, perhaps two. Without a doubt the selection will be based, not only on qualifications, but on ideology as well. These selections may well be more far reaching than anything else the next President accomplishes and will shape the values of our nation for decades to come, so vote wisely. One final thought. The level of animosity generated by this election is unlike anything I have seen in my lifetime. As Christians we must guard our hearts. Although we are called to stand for truth regardless of the cost, we must always walk humbly and in love. In the past we have spoken truth but without love and as a result we have been perceived as being harsh and judgmental. In a misguided attempt to rectify this some Christians now refuse to address the issues at all. Both extremes miss the mark. Truth without love can be harsh and judgmental even as love without truth is permissive. But when we speak the truth in love it is transformational (see Eph. 4:15). Regardless of who wins this election our responsibilities remain the same - to pray for our elected officials (1 Tim. 2:1-2), to act justly (Micah 6:8), to look after the orphans and widows (James 1:27), to make disciples (Matt. 28:19), to love God with our whole heart and our neighbor as our self (Matt. 22:38-39) and to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world (James 1:27). Richard Exley -<>- _|_ | _|_ //_/\ __| ||____ ////////////\ /////////////\\ |^^^^^^^^^^||+| | # # # |||| .... ....". ||||||||||||||||| >YOU ARE THE CHURCH (1) Written by Bob & Debby Gass '...To equip God's people to do His work...' Ephesians 4:12 NLT If you think the unemployment statistics in the country are bad, take a look at the church. Twenty percent of its members give eighty percent of its income, and do eighty percent of its work. The rest are happy just to be spectators. It's easy to sit back, criticise and say, 'Why doesn't the church do something about the problem?' Hold on there: You are the church; you do something about it! You say, 'But I left my church because I don't like the way they do things.' You didn't leave God's church, which is the body of Christ, did you? So, instead of talking about what your church doesn't do, look in the mirror and ask yourself, 'What am I doing for the Lord?' Do you know what an Armchair Manager is? It's someone who analyses the game when it's over, criticises the players, complains about the referee's calls, and is content to sit in the stadium and be a spectator rather than a player. Hello! It takes commitment to spend hours in practice knowing you'll be booed by the crowd, tackled by opponents, and will leave the field beat up and covered in dirt. The Bible says that the job of your pastor is: '...to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church...This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children...' (Ephesians 4:12-14 NLT). Think about it! SoulFood: Zech 5-8, John 1:43-51, Ps 131, Pr 23:1-3 as seen in The Word For Today -<>- .-~*~--,. .-. .-~-. ./OOOOOOOOO\.'OOO`9~~-. .`OOOOOO.OOM.OLSONOOOOO@@OOOOOO\ /OOOO@@@OO@@@OO@@@OOO@@@@@@@@OOOO`. |OO@@@WWWW@@@@OOWWW@WWWW@@@@@@@OOOO). .-'OO@@@@WW@@@W@WWWWWWWWOOWW@@@@@OOOOOO} /OOO@@O@@@@W@@@@@OOWWWWWOOWOO@@@OOO@@@OO| lOOO@@@OO@@@WWWWWWW\OWWWO\WWWOOOOOO@@@O.' \OOO@@@OOO@@@@@@OOW\ \WWWW@@@@@@@O'. `,OO@@@OOOOOOOOOOWW\ \WWWW@@@@@@OOO) \,O@@@@@OOOOOOWWWWW\ \WW@@@@@OOOO.' `~c~8~@@@@WWW@@W\ \WOO|\UO-~' (OWWWWWW@/\W\ ___\WO) `~-~'' \ \WW=*' __\ \ \ \ \ __\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \\ \ \ >NEGATIVITY Every moment spent in negativity is paid for with something truly priceless. That something is life. It is completely impossible to ever replace even a single minute spent on negative thinking. And not only does negative thinking represent lost opportunity, it is also quite destructive in its own right. In short, negative thinking is an extravagant, wasteful indulgence. It is indeed a hollow luxury that few people, if any, can afford. The good news is that it is also unnecessary. For even in the most difficult, seemingly hopeless situations, negative thinking is completely optional. At no point, under no circumstance, in no situation are you ever required to waste your life with negative thoughts. You can find a positive approach, a positive response to any situation, no matter what it may be. How many minutes, hours or days of your life do you wish to throw away on negative, defeating thoughts? The price of negativity is way too high, and thankfully, you don't need it at all!! as seen in da Mouse Tracks --- ...Yep! Flip it to the 'Orangy' or Happy Sunshine side! -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >CONCERNING ME Psalm 138:8 (KJV) The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever: forsake not the works of Thine own hands. Our God is an awesome God. Look at the Psalm above. It lets us know that God will perfect and make right those things that concern us. The above Psalm speaks of His mercy, so we who have made a mess of our lives, finances, marriages, or whatever: know this from the above Psalm that God will perfect those things that concern you. Philippians 1:6 states (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: God will work it out so that your issues turn for your good. Yes, the devil meant it for your bad. But God can turn things around so that they work out to mete out good for your life. You may have put yourself in a mess, and circumstances may be bad, or you may have been through a bad situation. We can gain wisdom from bad life experiences, if we stay positive and allow God to perfect our way of thinking and dealings in life. God desires for us to grow so that we do not make the same bad mistake over and over. We are always growing as people and, as we grow, we will not always make the right decisions. But God will always be right there to guide us toward the right way of being if we will allow Him to do so. We need to allow the word of God (wisdom of God) to be a guide as to how we should deal with life’s issues. We have to look at our “oops” in life as learning lessons, and yes, some of them hurt us really badly. But, if we would look at them from a positive angle and know we can grow or are growing from them, then those issues begin to create something good in us. Romans 5:1-4 (NKJ) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribula- tions, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. The oops you made could have hurt or is still hurting you. Know that if you will take your issue to God, He with His infinite wisdom will show you: 1, how to deal with it and, 2, how to overcome the pain of it. His word will guide us. His mercy will comfort us. It was our oops, but we have to let those oopses go and grab onto the wisdom of God to deal with the oops’ aftermath; the hurts inflicted from the oops. With that being said: Now take your hands off of whatever it may be. Stop dealing with it from your understanding. You probably would be out of it if you would only let it go and let God’s wisdom handle it. Remember the Scripture that lets us know that His ways are not like our ways. So, the way-you-think-it-should-be fixed may be interfering with you overcoming the issue and turning things around into your favor. Let go and let God, as the old school’s Saints would say. And how do you do that? Whatever your issue is, take a time-out in life and study up on how to deal with it according to God’s way. If you need some spiritual help, go ahead and get help and do not be ashamed to seek it. There is nothing wrong with getting sound advice. Your way got your into the mess; now let Gods’ way perfect you so that you can come out of the mess victorious. Job 36:11 (KJV) If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures. Your job is to live unto God trusting in His word and letting God guide you through this course in your life. God knows what needs to happen to work things out. So, be encouraged and let God perform His miracle in your life. You live by the word of God and have faith in the word that God will bring to pass that desired end that He wants for you. I hope that you do know that God wants you to be blessed and have peace and be in good health. Therefore, let Him perfect you by you accepting His wisdom. And, His wisdom will guide you throughout your life as well as guiding you through whatever issue you may be dealing with now. (c) Tecko H. Green as seen at AOC Ministries --- ...Absolutely! 1 Pet.5: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316kim@sc.rr.com. ======================================================== '`\ "!$: /`' '\ '!: /' "\ : /" -."-/\\\-."//.-"/:`\."-.JrS"."-=_\\ " -."-.\\"-."//.-".`-."_\\-.".-\".-// >Privileged to Help Story Editor: by The Sassy Texan Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA I want everyone to know how my small town reacted to help Hurricane Katrina survivors. We're an hour outside Houston, three hours from Louisiana. When hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in September 2005, we had no idea it would affect our community. When Katrina hit, we sprang into action. Blood, food and clothing drives, and fundraisers... all for people we'd never meet. Or so we thought. Wednesday evening evacuees began to arrive. Hundreds of people arrived daily, with absolutely nothing. They spent everything they had getting here. Many stopped... simply because their gas tank was empty. Emails flew with assistance offers and volunteer opportunities. Our town fire department became command center for all relief efforts. Thursday afternoon I called. Ten minutes later I walked into the heart of our relief effort. In two days, we helped several hundred people. Ninety percent needed money, food, clothing, household supplies, toiletries, medicine, jobs, gas, shelter and help with pets. Yet their most devastating need was contacting people who stayed behind -- they assumed close friends and family have died. From the evacuees' intake form, volunteers gathered a resource packet for the family. Then volunteers explained how to meet immediate needs for clothes, food and gas. Our distribution center was close. I walked people outside, showed them the building, and they were relieved and hopeful -- for the first time in days. But we had people sick or injured pre-hurricane who needed medical attention: pregnant women, newborns, people in the lowest depths of depression. Our shelters needed hospital beds, always more cots. Hardest for me was older men who broke down asking for help. I always explained that we're neighbors, this is what neighbors do. They would do the same for us, and may have to one day. Churches became shelters and established meal rotations to feed hundreds. The college allowed evacuees to late-register at in-state tuition rates, and considered scholarships. Bureaucracies turned out to have hearts inside. Individuals distributed supplies, and offered homes. Local schools enrolled hundreds of students. The high school held a kid's event with gifts, games, Snocones and hot dogs. It may sound trivial, but these kids needed to be kids if only for moments. I'd have invited these people join our community permanently, but most just wanted to go home. I'm proud to have met such amazingly strong people, who added a lot to our community, if only temporarily. The first night I spent hours entering names and needs into the RC database. I nearly cried over the constant needs -- so many lacking so much. Then I picked up the intake form of an elderly couple. Like everyone else, they needed everything -- everything you and I take for granted. But out at the side she added, "We will pray for everyone and help any way we can." These people, with nothing, offered their help. I'm glad so many in our town stepped up to help, but we were completely humbled by the courage and generous spirit of our guests. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: .-""""""""""-. |`-.________.-'| | | /| _____|_ | '. / \ \ | _\ ~^~^\__/____/ | / | / \ \ \.\__/ 0 \__/______/ ; o / \ \ \ o \__/____/ \ O / \ \ \o \__/___.' \ o / \ 0 / |'`| jgs ___| |___ /__________\ >FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Wendy and her husband took their two young sons out to eat. When Wendy asked Jake, 6, what he wanted, he said, "I think I'll have mashed potatoes and chicken elbows (wings)!" -- Wendy Jenkins of Hilliard, Ohio A 4-year-old was telling the neighbor lady, Bennie, how much he liked gymnastics. When Bennie asked him what his instructor's name was he said, "You know, Jim Nastics!" -- Bennie Ball of Grayson, Georgia .-'"`/\ // /' /\`\ ('//.-'/`-.; \ \ / /-. __.__.___..__._.___.\\ \\----,_ .:{@&#,&#@&,@&#&&,#&@#&@&\\` \-. .-'-. .:{@#@,#@&#,@#&&#,@&#&@&,&@#&&\\, -._,"- \ .{#@#&@#@#&#&@&#@#@&#,@#@#&@&&#@#\ \// = \`=\__ `{#@,@#&@&,@&#@,#@&#@#&@#&@,&#@,#/\/ =`-. -_=__ `:{@#&@&#@&#@&#@,#&&#@&,@#/.' / / "/.-', / `:{@#&,#&@#,@&#&@&,@&#/.-// //-'-_= ",/ jgs `~`~~`~~~`~`~`~~`~( / , /__,___.-" \ \\/ `\\\' Megan is the daughter of some dear friends of Ellen's. Last winter, Megan, who was 1 1/2 at the time, was being the perfect hostess. (She couldn't say Ellen's whole name so the family just called Ellen "Kaye," which is her middle name, to make it easier for Megan.) One evening, Ellen stopped by Megan's house. Megan came running to the door, as only a 1 1/2-year-old can, and said (very clearly for a small child), "Hi, Kaye. Come in, Kaye." Then she took Ellen's hand and practically dragged her into the living room, announcing, "Kaye's here, Mom." She led Ellen to a chair and said, "Sit down, Kaye. Take off your coat, Kaye," and proceeded to help her get it off. Ellen had on a dress with lace on the sleeves and as soon as her arm was out of the coat, Megan stood back, put her hands to her face and said, "Oh, cute dress, Kaye!" -- Ellen Thomason of Jerome, Idaho Abby, 3, listened as her mother, Marti, read the story of Jesus healing a blind man. Half-way through the story, Marti asked, "Abby, do you know what it means if you're blind?" Abby nodded and said, "It means you have yellow hair." -- Marti Suddarth of Corydon, Indiana After her first day at school, Sara's aunt asked her, "Sara, did you catch the bus this morning?" After a moment of thought, Sara answered, "No, I didn't catch it. It stopped for me." -- Jean Reesor of Battletown, Kentucky ____ / __ \ __/==LI==\__ `"///""""\\\"` ( . . ) \ __ / ;.__.; /` /\ `\ | /::\ | /\ / :: \ /\ / \/ :: \/ \ /\/`>==::==<`\/\ (_/ / :: \ \_) /__________\ | || | |- || -| jgs \.-||-./ /LI/\LI\ (__/ \__) Christina, her husband and three children were traveling by train to a holiday destination. As the train sped past a very large graveyard, Pip, 5, excitedly said, "Look, Mummy, that is where all the dead people live!" -- Christina Bradburn of Romford, England Kristen, 3, had tubes put in her ears. Therefore, she had to wear earplugs whenever she took a bath. One evening after being in the garage with her dad working on lawnmowers, it came time for her bath. Kristen said, "Come on, Mommy, I have to put my spark plugs in!" -- Terry Hicks of Oklahoma Chet enjoys passing out candy to children every Sunday at church. When he gave little Chris a piece, his mother said, "What do you say?" Chris looked at Chet and said, "Trick or treat!" -- Chet Rainey of Middletown, Ohio .-""""-._.'| / '.| | / | / ( | -= | /| ) ( | |/`< ) ) ; -=| _| ______ \ \ / .' `. /) '._ _.-""-.< .' `\/) / / \ / ___ .--'`/| _ / | '-._( ____\ (____/_/=, ( \| \ -=/ /--;==============` ._,;'\==='-,..__/__/__.' `'--/,/ || ' \ / | / || ' \ \/ . || ; jgs / / || | | . || | / '=------| / ' ; ; ;| `-.___.___.___.___._/ Ann remembers many years ago when her son was little walking outside one evening when it was very dark. There was only about a quarter of a moon showing. He looked up to the sky and said, "Look, Mom it's Jesus' toenail!" -- Ann Antoon from The Netherlands When Loretta's brother Bob was asked what his father's name was, he said, "Robert, just like mine." When asked what his mother's name was, he said, "Honey." -- Loretta Marie of Palm Springs, California Sharon was playing outside with her grandson Ben, 6, when he asked, "Grammy, how come you don't have any kids?" -- Sharon Stark of Kendallville, Indiana _..----...__ .-" `"-. | | |__.==========.____| | | .======. | | ____ | | | | | | _.-' ""--.._ |__| '======' |___ | .' '-. _.-'`` '==========' ``""'--.._ / \' '. / ,,,,,,,,, |._.,,;;;''''''''';;;;;;;;;, | ; .;;;;;;;;;;;\ | ,;;;;;| .) .) `;;;;;;;;, / | /;;;;;;;;;;;;;;| ;;;;;/ (_ ';;;;;;;-'` | /;;;;;;;;;;;;;;|| ;;;;;| `;;;;;; | |;;;;''' '/| ';;;;\ '----' ;;;;;' | |;;;' (' (' \\ `''''`---.___.- __;;''` ; |;;' _) \`) |~\ .-' '---'` ``"-. \ |;;;, .___. |/ / \_/__ _/\ _..,/`\ '-._ \"` `-' .'--"----"; `; '-..-/ \| `;;,--`-._____...-' ; ; ; `; \| || / `\ ; ' . ; \ || / / .-""-.\ . ; ; . ; || /`-./ // \\ ; ' . ; | || ; | `'--./| \'. ; ; ' | || | | | \-' ' ; | || | \ \ \ _ ; ' . | |/ \ >--------'. ` `''-._ , ; ; ;'-. _/' \/ '-._ \`'--. / `, / `'---...___/ / ,/---. /\ / \ ; `"""` ; \`- / / \ / \ ; ,-' /-' \ / \'----'----{ .' \ / \ `""` __..-' / \'----..------'''`` / / \ | .-' / \ | | \ / / \ ) '. .'----; ;------; '-._ _.-'___ | |____ | `'--..._______...--'` //__//__| //__//__| jgs | _| _|_ .--'`---` .--'`---` \ |__.\|___.\\_\ ( ( | / / `""\_____..__'.______..___/ \___.-\___.-._____/ Janice was teaching her family how to identify different breeds of cows. They had identified Herefords, Angus, Holsteins, etc. It had been a couple of months since they had seen some cows. One day they were traveling and they saw a herd of brown cows with white faces. Janice asked her family, "What kind of cows are those?" One of her sons blurted out, "Herloins!" -- Janice Langford of Pierce City, Missouri One summer Virginia and two of her daughters took a total of nine children on a day trip. They all rode in one van. On the way home they stopped for some shopping. Virginia decided to stay in the van with the kids. The longer the mothers were gone, the louder the children became. Finally, Virginia had had it. "You kids be quiet!" she told them. Lindsy, 3, clambered to the front and said, "Grandmother, YOU need to take a NAP!" -- Virginia Frantz of Guymon, Oklahoma Lisa's husband and sons were ripping out the old carpet in their home and in her husband's office. Lisa commented to her sons that she heard they were a big help to their father. Matt, 6, said, "Yeah, and I stepped on a nail." Wondering if it was at home or at the office, Lisa asked, "Really, where at?" "Where else, Mom, on my foot!" -- Lisa Cuffe of Livonia, Michigan ========================================================== _..._ .~ `~. / } \ _.'`~~/ {_,} -( ,'-,___.' / |_ /| / ` |_/ / \ / / '--;_ _\ `\ / |`-.___. / ^^^jgs^^^`--`------'`--`^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >-->Prayer for Difficult Times Your word is a lantern to my feet and a light upon my path. I have sworn and am determined to keep your righteous judgments. I am deeply troubled; preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word. Accept, O Lord, the willing tribute of my lips, and teach me your judgments. My life is always in my hand, yet I do not forget your law. The wicked have set a trap for me, but I have not strayed from your commandments. Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; truly, they are the joy of my heart. I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes for ever and to the end. - Psalms 119: 105-112 >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************