Can I Get A Witness? ... :) 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 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!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This flaming hot new page is from our friends Linda and LouiseAu. It may surprise as well as warm you with its many profound bits of every day wisdom. The surprising part to me was that these tidbits of inspiration came from a woman back in the 30's and 40's when women were considered better if seen rather than heard. She was a force to be reckoned with even as she was able to keep her grace and poise as a very beautiful insightful First Lady. Be sure to check this out here... ____ /(( )) ( )6 6( ) (_) l (_) \ <> ) ____) (_____ ( \____/ ) ) ( )( ) ( / / \ / \ \ / / \ / \ \ \ \ )==( / / \ \ / \ / / '\\/ \//' '|\` '|\` \ / \ / ) ( jgs/akg / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ `-...., ,..-' `-..-' Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eleanorquotes.html --- ...An amazing woman! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: A grandmother is a babysitter who watches the kids instead of the television. ____ _ |---|| _ ||__________|SSt||___________|| /_ _ _ _ _ _ |:._|'_ _ _ _ _ _ _\`. /_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _\:`. /_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _\::`. /:.___________________________________\:::`-._ _.-'_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _`::::::`-.._ _.-' _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ `:::::::::`-._ ,'_:._________________________________________________`:_.::::-';` `.'/ || |:::::`.'/::::::::`.'/::::::::`.'/::::::|.`.'/.| :| || || |::::::||::::::::::||::::::::::||:::::::|..||..| || || || | __ || :: ___ || :: __ || :: |..||;|| || || || | |::| || :: |:::| || :: |::| || :: |.|||:||_____||__ || || | |::| || :: |:::| || :: |::| || :: |.|||:||_|_|_||,( ||_.|| | |::| || :: |:::| || :: |::| || :: |.'||..| _||,| .-'::_.:'.:-.--.-::--.-:.--:-::--.--.--.-::--.--.-:.-::,'.--.'_|| | );||_|__||_|__|_||__|_||::|_||__|__|__|_||__|__|_|;-'|__|_(,' || '- |||| || |. . . ||. . . . . ||. . . . . ||. . . .|::||;''|| ||:' ||||.; _|._._._||._._._._._||._._._._._||._._._.|:'||,, ||,, ''''' ''- ''- ''- ''' ''' >OLD HOUSE, WARM MEMORIES by Kathy Whirity Dusting off the collection of photos that grace our family room wall, I lingered over the water color painting I had done of the old house, a gift to Bill, before it was torn done to make room for the new one. It seems like decades ago that we occupied that small two bedroom, gray sided home. Memories continued to flow freely as I stared at the home that Bill and I had lived in for over 23 years, and also the place where our two daughters grew up. In the painting, the house was depicted in all its summer time glory -- lush pink, red, white and purple flowers overflowed in the flower beds that, by August, resembled tall colorful bushes in all their flowering finery. The proof was there right on the wall. When we bought the house we fell in love with its cozy, lived-in charm. What we learned was that old fashioned charm translated into lots of repairs. That old house was far from perfect but the memories invoked are priceless. I'm particularly remembering back to when the girls were young. It was raining one Saturday afternoon and they wanted to play on their swing set. Bill went to the garage and returned with 4 huge round eye hooks and his trusty power drill. He went to work drilling the heavy duty bolts into the frame of the kitchen doorways. Then he went back outside to retrieve the swings. A few seconds later the girls were happily swinging from the kitchen doorways -- laughing and squealing with delight over their rainy day adventure. Another time Bill came home with an over-sized plastic slide. I foolishly asked him where he thought he was going to put it as our house was way too small to accommodate such a big toy. He gave me a look like I was the loony one and told me it would fit just fine in the front-room. When it was discovered that the slide wasn't slick enough Bill had a solution -- some baby powder sprinkled on the surface and, viola!, It was smooth sliding all the way. Afterwards, my clever hubby vacuums up the powder on the rug, and the front-room was none the worse for wear. I guess the reason for flashing back to these memories is sparked by the fact that we are now grandparents. This new turning point in our lives has definitely brought out the kid in us. Oh, and I'm also looking at familiar hooks in the door frame. We have a double doorway that divides the family room and my home office. Bill sized it up one day and decided it would be a great spot to hang a swing for our granddaughters. At first I balked at the idea. I resisted and then I remembered the fun the swinging sisters had and I relented. The bolts were screwed in and a pink baby swing gets hooked up whenever our little angel Avery wants to go for a ride. Our new house is a perfect home compared to the one we lived in for so many years. It is big, beautiful and can handle any ideas that my dear hubby can concoct. Last Christmas the girls had another painting done, this one of the new house. It is hung right next to the old one, and in between them is a silver heart that says, "Home is where you hang your heart. It doesn't matter if your house is big or small, fancy or plain. It takes love, laughter and joy to make a house a home." I'm looking forward to the years ahead with my grand kids. Those here and those yet to be born. I hope our house will be a home they'll have fond memories of, whether it be sliding, swinging or dancing their way into the future. -- Kathy Whirity __________________________________________________ Kathy is a newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. She and her husband, Bill, live in Chicago where they are enjoying life as grandparents. Visit Kathy's web site at http://www.kathywhirity.com =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) -="""--.._ ""--...._\ ,b:--....---. || //'""------"' _.l+----.// .&$""' .'"=.. '. / | | ) \ _.-'@_.' '@_/ | .' " \ -._,-'^"""^'-, `. ,\""---___ |.. _.--._, \ .-"(,_\_""" _.' ' _,-; '"` ` " """' """' | |__ ,+ |-.`o o'"/| #| oO Oo"./ (#| | "|_, | '|> \ / `l ,' |,-----||' pjy lj lJ o@o o@o " " >Jewish Comedians I remember every single one of these guys. There is no comparison to today's comics. Not a swear word in the bunch. The old Jewish Catskill comics Of Vaudeville days: Shecky Greene, Red Buttons, Totie Fields, Joey Bishop, Milton Berle, Jan Murray, Danny Kaye, Henny Youngman, Buddy Hackett, Sid Caesar, Groucho Marx, Jackie Mason, Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, George Burns, Allan Sherman, Jerry Lewis, Carl Reiner, Shelley Berman, Gene Wilder, George Jessel, Alan King, Mel Brooks, Phil Silvers, Jack Carter, Rodney Dangerfield, Don Rickles, Jack Benny, Mansel Rubenstein And so many others. There was not one single swear word in their comedy. Here are a few examples: * I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport. * I've been in love with the same woman for 49 years! If my wife ever finds out, she'll kill me! * What are three words a woman never wants to hear when she's making love? "Honey, I'm home!" * Someone stole all my credit cards but I won't be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did. * We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops. * My wife and I went back to the hotel where we spent our wedding night; Only this time I stayed in the bathroom and cried. * My wife and I went to a hotel where we got a waterbed. My wife called it the Dead Sea. * She was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. * She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off. * The Doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn't pay his bill so the doctor gave him another six months. * The Doctor called Mrs. Cohen saying, "Mrs. Cohen, your check came back." Mrs. Cohen answered, "So did my arthritis!" * Doctor: "You'll live to be 60!" Patient: "I am 60!" Doctor: "See! What did I tell you?" * Patient: "I have a ringing in my ears." Doctor: "Don't answer!" * A drunk was in front of a judge. The judge says, "You've been brought here for drinking." The drunk says "Okay, let's get started." * Why do Jewish divorces cost so much? They're worth it. * The Harvard School of Medicine did a study of why Jewish women like Chinese food so much. The study revealed that this is due to the fact that Won Ton spelled backward is Not Now. * There is a big controversy on the Jewish view of when life begins. In Jewish tradition, the fetus is not considered viable until it graduates from medical school. Q: Why don't Jewish mothers drink? A: Alcohol interferes with their suffering. Q: Why do Jewish mothers make great parole officers? A: They never let anyone finish a sentence! * A man called his mother in Florida, "Mom, how are you?" "Not too good," said the mother. "I've been very weak." The son said, "Why are you so weak?" She said, "Because I haven't eaten in 38 days." The son said, "That's terrible. Why haven't you eaten in 38 days?" The mother answered, "Because I didn't want my mouth to be filled with food if you should call." * A Jewish boy comes home from school and tells his mother he has a part in the play. She asks, "What part is it?" The boy says, "I play the part of the Jewish husband." "The mother scowls and says, "Go back and tell the teacher you want a speaking part." Q: How many Jewish mothers does it take to change a light bulb? A: (Sigh) "Don't bother. I'll sit in the dark. I don't want to be a nuisance to anybody." * Short summary of every Jewish holiday: They tried to kill us. We won. Let's eat. * Did you hear about the bum who walked up to a Jewish mother on the street and said, "Lady, I haven't eaten in three days." "Force yourself," she replied. Q: What's the difference between a Rottweiler and a Jewish mother? A: Eventually, the Rottweiler will let go. Memories from the good ole days. --- ...Yes, many of these comedians were gold! Thanks LouiseAu! ___ .dSSSS$$pp.. .dSSSS$$$$$$$$; .dSSSS$$$$$$$$$$$ :SSP^" T$$$$$$$$$$b_ dSSP $$$S$$$$$$$b` dSS$;_. .:$$$SS$$$$$$b dSS$$$_ ; __."^TSS$$$$$b dSS$$P;" ""' :lSS$$$$$b :SS$$$ ; ::SS$$$$$$b_. SSS$$$ : ` ;:SS$$$$$$$bp. :SS$$$$b \ -=- .-" SSS$$$$$$$$$$b SSS$$$$$b.`. / d$SS$$$$$$$$$$$b :SS$$$$$$$; ""T :$$$SS$$$$$$$$P^^t--' SSS$$$S$$$ : $$$$$SS$$$$$$$ : :SS$$$SS$; __; _$$$$$$SS$$$$$$ : SSS$SS l;: ; : $$$$SS$$$$$; ; :SS$SS $;: ; : $$$SS$$$$$$; /; TSSSS :$ \ ; ; :$S$$$$$$$$.-"/ `SP; :; ;: ; T$$$$$$$$; /; : ; ; : `.; /)T$$$$$P .' : ; : : ; .'/ :$$$P'.' .'\ ; \ :; / /$P^".' .-" ; : ;: .' .-" / \ `.____/_'.___:--""\ --' .' ) .-" .' "-._ "-._ ..--"")\ :-' : "-. "-._ ---""" /; ; : : \ "-._....____; : : \ :\ `. \ ; ; \ \\ \ \ ; : : `. \\ \ \ : ; ; ;"-t\ `. \ : : : : `; \ ; ; ; ; : \ / : : / ; \-..__ .'; : ; / : ; """T ; : / / ; \ : ; ; ;/ : : \ ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : ; ; / : : : ; ; ; / ; :; : ; ; / : :: ; ; ;_ `""--..__; :_; __ ;____;.-;'; ;.__.: :..t-"" j" ; ; : ; ; ;--"" \ [bug] ; ; ; : ; : \ ; ; : \ ; ; ;. ; ; \ \ ; : / ; ; ; \ \ ; : ; ; ; \ `-. ; ; .' ; ; \ \ ;___/ /______;.-' \ ---; / / ;______: .-' / '-------' I read the list of the names, and many I had to look up. This is really very sad. I am so sorry that so many of the men and women I thought I knew, I didn't. Many of these people have passed away and are no longer giving us the many smiles and laughter that they once did. Normally when I think of someone that is gone and I am saddened and miss them, I think of seeing them again in heaven. This touched me to the heart as the realization of it sunk in. I won't see these people again in heaven. I will forever miss them. It is very, very sad for me. Many of you may be wondering what am I talking about. These were people who gave others happiness and by all appearances mostly doing good for society so why do I think I won't see them in heaven? This is telling us one important fact about each of these comedians; They are all Jewish. As such, unless they joined the new age Jews - Messianic Judaism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messianic_Judaism They did not believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior... What Do Jews Believe About Jesus? The short answer: Judaism does not consider Jesus to be a prophet, the messiah, or the son of God. As a Christian, I know that this means they are dead in sins. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' John 14: [6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jesus wasn't just flapping his gums! He was on a mission! John 10: [10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Rom.10: [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Eph.2: [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) So even though these people did good works, they are dead in sins. Works won't buy them a ticket to heaven... Eph.2: [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. God doesn't play favorites. The same rules apply for all... Rom.10: [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. [14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! The Apostle's set to work right away spreading the Word of The Lord - even when in prison! Acts 16: [30b] Sirs, what must I do to be saved? [31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. [32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. [33] And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. We as Christians need to step up to the plate and do more to share the glory of the Gospel and God's Word! People's lives depend on it! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .------------------------. | PSYCHIATRIC | | HELP 5¢ | |________________________| || .-"""--. || || / \.-. || || | ._, \ || || \_/`-' '-.,_/ || || (_ (' _)') \ || || /| |\ || || | \ __ / | || || \_).,_____,/}/ || __||____;_--'___'/ ( || |\ || (__,\\ \_/------|| ||\||______________________|| |||| | |||| THE DOCTOR | \||| IS [IN] _____| \|| (______) jgs `|___________________//||\\ //=||=\\ ` `` ` >Forgiveness "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." A friend sent me the following illustration: One of my teachers had each one of us bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes. For every person we refused to forgive for whatever they did, we were told to choose a potato, write on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag. We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere for two weeks, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driving, next to our desk at work, etc. The hassle of lugging this around with us made it clear what a weight we were carrying spiritually and emotionally, and how we had to pay attention to it all the time to not forget it and leave it in embarrassing places. Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated. This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for nursing our grudges. Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to the other person while it clearly is for ourselves! So the next time you decide you can't forgive someone, ask yourself, Isn't your bag heavy enough? -<>- ______ _\ _~-\___ = = ==(____AA____D \_____\___________________,-~~~~~~~`-.._ / o O o o o o O O o o o o o o O o |\_ `~-.__ ___..----.. ) `---~~\___________/------------````` = ===(_________D -Roland On a British Airways flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged, well-off white South African lady has found herself sitting next to a black man. She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seating. "What seems to be the problem, Madam?" asked the attendant. "Can't you see?" she said, "You've sat me next to a kafir. I can't possibly sit next to this disgusting human. Find me another seat!" "Please calm down, Madam." the stewardess replied. "The flight is very full today, but I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll go and check to see if we have any seats available in club or first class". The woman gives a snooty look at the outraged black man beside her (not to mention many of the surrounding passengers). A few minutes later the stewardess returns with the good news, which she delivers to the lady, who cannot help but look at the people around her with a smug and self-satisfied grin. "Madam, unfortunately, as I suspected, economy is full. I've spoken to the cabin services director, and club is also full. However, we do have one seat in first class". Before the lady has a chance to answer, the stewardess continues: "It is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade, however, and I have had to get special permission from the captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that it was outrageous that someone should be forced to sit next to such an obnoxious person." With that, she turned to the black man and said: "So if you'd like to get your things, sir, I have your seat ready for you..." At which point, the surrounding passengers stood and gave a standing ovation while the man walked to the front of the plane. -<>- _.-,.____ .-' .--._ ```--.-----.___ ._"""-- (`-...`-. _/,----. ) ````---=. _.-'' ````-- `.___.-.) (---=='' .-' | _.-' _.-. )(`.-._``--.._ .' | |`---..__ .-'.-'.' )\ \_ ``--...`. | | ``--.._ ,'.-' ( ( `-.`-. .'| + | | | | --.._`. \ `. `. | : | | | | / (-.._.') ) ) : | | | | ( | | ( ( ) | | | ) | \.' | `.\ | : .' | | | | L/ | : .' (__ | | | | (.' `-.._ | | | | | `-.._ ) | | |/ `--`_|_ | .' Markus Gebhard/a:f `._ | .' ``-.__ | .' `--`' >Blessed When you give to others, you'll find yourself blessed. The more you sow, the more you reap. It's a universal law: You have to give before you Get. You must plant your seeds before you reap the harvest. The law Works to give you back more than you have sown. He who obtains has Little. He who scatters has much. Nature does not give to those who will Not spend. You only get to keep what you give away. -<>- _ ///-._ ////////-._ /////////////-. ////////////////`. //////////////// .'`. //////////////// . '.'`. '|`'//////////// . .'.::|` : `'/////// . '.':| | . . `'// ' _|- ::| |. .-._ . | . | .':: | |:|:| | ' ' '.::| | |:|:| :. . .'.':| | . |:|:| . | .._.::: : `':| | ' ////-:| |. . | '/////////-._ | . . : .//////////////-._ : : ///////////////////-._ |. |////////////////////////-._ | . . :`'//////////////////////////-._ | . _.-\\\\``'//////////////////////////-._ | /\\\\\\\\..``'//////////////////////////". : . . /. \\\\\\\\\. .``'///////////////////// .'`. : / _ \\\\\\\\\. ``'//////////////// . .'`. | . / (@) \\\\\\\\\. . . ``'/////////// . '.'::|. {`)._ '| _` .\\\\\\\-`:|#| . . ``'////// '. .'.:| `-{_/`| ||::. \\'`.:|:.|#| |#| . ``'/ ' .##:'::: `-| ||||| |`.'::|::|#| |#| |#| . . '| . .|##|'.:| pils | ||||| : .'::|:.'#| |#| |#| |#| | |##|'::| | ||||| .| .'.:|::.'' '#| |#| |#| . : ' |##|'.:| {`\:|||| : .'::|:_.:. . '#| |#| | .|##|'::: `-{_/'|_ |_.-'/}_/'-._ '#| :. |##:'.:| `'{._('}_)-' `-}_}(-._ . . | ' '` .'::| `-' `-.} /-._ . : .'.'_:-'\ `-}_}(-._ | . _.-')_(-' `-/_)`-.:.-{ \{-' `-{_'_)-'' ^ >SEE WHAT HAPPENS by Max Lucado God does uncommon works through common deeds. A friend of mine saw proof of this truth as he cared for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Being a physician, he gave his time and talent to treat some of the 12,500 New Orleans evacuees who ended up in San Antonio. One survivor told him a riveting story. As the water rose around his house, this New Orleanian swam out a window. With two children clinging to his back, the man found safe refuge atop the tallest building in the neighborhood. Other people joined him on the roof. Soon a small circle of people huddled together on what would be their home for three days until they were rescued. After an hour on the building, the man realized he was on a church. He patted the rooftop and announced to the others, "We are on holy ground." His news jogged the memory of another roof dweller. She looked around at the area, crawled over to the steeple, hugged it, and proclaimed, "My grandfather and grandmother helped build this church!" Do you think those grandparents ever imagined God would use their work to save their granddaughter? They surely prayed for God to use that building to save souls... but they couldn't have imagined he would use it to save their own grandchild from a hurricane. They had no idea how God would use the work of their hands. Nor do you. What difference do selfless deeds make? Do you wonder if your work makes a difference? I'm envisioning a reader at the crossroads. One recently impacted by God. The divine spark within is beginning to flame. Should you douse it or fan it? Dare you dream that you can make a difference? God's answer would be, "Just do something and see what happens." From Cure for the Common Life Copyright 2005 (Thomas Nelson Publishers) Max Lucado Used by permission. About the Author: http://tmdevotionals.com/men/authors/max-lucado -<>- \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >The Old Marine As I came out of the supermarket that sunny day, pushing my cart of groceries towards my car, I saw an old man with the hood of his car up and a lady sitting inside the car, with the door open. The old man was looking at the engine. I put my groceries away in my car and continued to watch the old gentleman from about twenty-five feet away. I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm, walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too and took a few steps towards him. I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say something. The young man put his grocery bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade and then turn back to the old man and I heard him yell at the old gentleman saying, "You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car at your age." And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot. I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief and mop his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the engine. He then went to his wife and spoke with her and appeared to tell her it would be okay. I had seen enough and I approached the old man. He saw me coming and stood straight and as I got near him I said, "Looks like you're having a problem." He smiled sheepishly and quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood myself and knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me. Looking around I saw a gas station up the road and told the old gentleman that I would be right back. I drove to the station and went inside and saw three attendants working on cars. I approached one of them and related the problem the old man had with his car and offered to pay them if they could follow me back down and help him. The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his wife. When he saw us he straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine) I spoke with the old gentleman. When I shook hands with him earlier he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a Marine too. I nodded and asked the usual question, "What outfit did you serve with?" He had mentioned that he served with the first Marine Division at Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. He had hit all the big ones and retired from the Corps after the war was over. As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the mechanics lower the hood. They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me and I told him I would just put the bill on my AAA card. He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it and I stuck it in my pocket. We all shook hands all around again and I said my goodbye's to his wife. I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the station. Once at the station I told them that they had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me. One of them pulled out a card from his pocket looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the men told me then, that they were Marine Corps Reserves. Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given to me and I said I would and drove off. For some reason I had gone about two blocks when I pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long, time. The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name......... "Congressional Medal of Honor Society." I sat there motionless looking at the card and reading it over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together, because one of us needed help. He was an old man alright, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and courage and an honor to have been in his presence. America is not at war. The U.S. Military is at war. America is at the Mall. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: That's God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html Proud Of Our Troops 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops3.html Best Friends! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/bestfriends.html Big Hearts In Nature http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/heartsinnature.html Friendship! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/friendship.html I Believe... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html God's Little Love Notes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Love Thoughts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html Jesus Laughing Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Akiane Child Prodigy http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Journey Through Life! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/journey.html Me And My Pony! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mypony.html 100 Years Ago! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/yearsago.html For All Owl Lovers http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/owllovers.html Hoppy The Deer! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hoppy.html Ten Tips For Living! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tips.html Winter Wildlife 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/winter2.html -<>- >In The News: ()_ || `-._.-. ||_ .' || `-.' + || + | || | / \ _,,.||.__ / \ /___\ ,-' `-. /___\ ______|===|_________,' `.__________|===|______ / |===| / \ |===| \ /___________________/ \____________________\ | +-----+ +-----+ |`-._ _.-'| +-----+ +-----+ | | ||_|_|| ||_|_|| | |. `'----------'' .| | ||_|_|| ||_|_|| | | ||_|_|| ||_|_|| | |: | || :| | :| | ||_|_|| ||_|_|| | ---| %%---%%+ +%%%--+ | |:__| ||____:| |__:| | +-%%%-+ %%---%%% |--- |%%%%_%%%%_%%%%%____| |/ | || - :| | \| |___%%%%%_%%%%_%%%%%| `| %| `|' |`.`-._ | |' `| |__.-'.'| %|' `| %|MJP |`.`-._``---....---''_.-'.'| `. `-._``---....---''_.-' .' `. ``---....---'' .' `. .' `. .' `. .' (). .() /\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_||: :||_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\ ||=||=||=||=||=||=||=||=||=||=||: :||=||=||=||=||=||=||=||=||=||=|| """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Hearing every voice President Donald J. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos sat down yesterday afternoon with a large group of students, teachers, and community leaders to discuss how America must improve safety at schools across the country. The meeting drew numerous participants from the Parkland, Florida, community. For much of the afternoon, students led the discussion. Fifteen-year-old Justin Gruber reminded attendees that 19 years ago, one of America’s most high-profile mass school shootings happened at Columbine High School. “I was born into a world where I never got to experience safety and peace,” he said. That needs to change. President Trump has pledged more than just action—he has committed his Administration to finding real, workable solutions to end the violence. “It’s not going to be talk like it has been in the past,” the President told students and families yesterday. “It’s been going on too long. . . . We’re going to get it done.” That starts with making sure that every voice is heard. Learn more: After Parkland, President Trump demands that we get it right. https://tinyurl.com/y73p7wuf ‘One of the towering figures of the last 100 years’ The Reverend Billy Graham, one of the most influential spiritual leaders in modern American history, passed away yesterday at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. He was 99. The President and First Lady felt Graham’s passing as a personal loss. “Melania and I were privileged to get to know Reverend Graham and his extraordinary family over the last several years,” President Trump said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for their love and support.” Billy Graham changed America for the better. “In the wake of the September 11th attacks in 2001, America turned to Billy Graham at the National Cathedral, who told us, ‘God can be trusted, even when life seems at its darkest,’” President Trump’s statement said. “We are thinking of him today, finally at home in Heaven.” Read President Trump’s full statement on Reverend Graham’s passing. https://tinyurl.com/y96y4wdm Full White House News: https://tinyurl.com/y8wkcqnu Sadly Billy Graham has died - Evangelist(1918–2018) https://www.biography.com/people/billy-graham-9317669 "I have one message: that Jesus Christ came, he died on a cross, he rose again, and he asked us to repent of our sins and receive him by faith as Lord and Savior, and if we do, we have forgiveness of all of our sins." —Billy Graham Eph.4: [4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; [5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. [8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Why? For what purpose? [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: For how long? [13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Until Christ returns. He hasn't so God is still giving us these gifts. Billy Graham was our 'evangelist' in our day. He will be greatly missed. I think his son Richard Franklin will carry on his work with God's wisdom and blessings. 'Graham takes comfort in Trump’s election. “He did everything wrong, politically,” Graham told me. “He offended gays. He offended women. He offended the military. He offended black people. He offended the Hispanic people. He offended everybody! And he became president of the United States. Only God could do that.” Now, there’s “no question” that God is supporting Trump, Graham said. “No president in my lifetime-I’m 64 years old-can I remember... speaking about God as much as Donald Trump does.” https://tinyurl.com/l3dqdro There has been much uproar about what Pastor Jeffress recently said. The left were saying he was full of BS and evil and that it was hard to figure which god he was worshiping and that it was probably some pagan or devil just because he said Trump had the legal and moral authority to wage war against anyone he deemed necessary including North Korea. I like and highly respect Pastor Jeffress. So it made me upset what they were saying about him in particular. It was so bad, that Fox decided to interview him and give opposing sides about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qldfVMsY1hM Many believe that when God says 'thou shalt not kill' that it pertains to everything. However, God is most precise. This is for murder. This command is not for our military or for police or for a good guy protecting others from an evil person. A perfect example is the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel chapter 17. David not only slew Goliath, but he cut off his head in victory - all according to the Will of God. This was during war. See These teachings... https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/sixth-commandment-thou-shalt-kill/ The Sixth Commandment – mistranslated as “Thou Shall Not Kill (Ratsach, Murder)” https://tinyurl.com/y8bap6bg -<>- >From TruthOrTradition.com: New Article: What Will Worship Look Like in the Eternal Future? https://tinyurl.com/y7om6zy9 -<>- >From Our Friend Fran :) A New Day (Ernesto Cortazar) https://www.youtube.com/embed/SN5c-m45fxs --- ...Sweet! Thanks Fran! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) In Brazil, women who want to go to the toilet encounter a mirror that does not show their reflection. Very strange and very funny ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdTCoQ4oidg Adrien Wild performs his amazing magic with his beautiful assistant Roxanne at the French television show 'The World's Greatest Cabaret.' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0REB81gmzbY --- ...HaHA! Awesome! Thanks LouiseAu! 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 ========================================================== _________ |\ /| | \ / | | `...' | |__/___\__|ldb >One Little Envelope Story Editor: by Lisa Joyce Schowalter Colorado, USA My sophomore year in college was particularly difficult, and not only because of the classes. Most of the friends I'd made in previous year weren't around, and the living situation with my roommates was tense and uncomfortable. I was having health problems complicated by a sleeping disorder and depression, and, as I'd chosen to attend college in another state, I had no family around. Compounding all this was a distinct lack of funds. Almost all college students are strapped for cash, but after paying for tuition and books and a couple of unavoidable emergency expenses, I was completely broke. My parents were in the middle of a bankruptcy, so they were truly unable to help. A full course load and no cell phone meant I couldn't find a job, even on campus, and I couldn't get another loan to help offset living expenses. I found I had to cut back on a lot of things, including food. After a month, money was so tight I was unable to even buy groceries. I didn't have a meal plan on campus, so I only ate once, maybe twice a day, relying on cheap things like Ramen noodles and eggs, and the occasional fruit the neighbors let me pick from their trees. It wasn't a healthy diet by any means, and it took a toll on my body and mind. My energy levels flagged, and I struggled with classes. Combined with insomnia, anxiety and depression, I lost about 20 pounds in less than two months and the health center nurse diagnosed me with malnutrition. I needed help, but didn't know where else to turn. I grew up middle class, not wealthy by any means, but rarely lacking for the necessities, so this was a tough experience. It's amazing how we take such basics as food for granted, until they're suddenly out of reach. One day when I got back from class, I found an envelope sitting on my front porch with my name on it. It contained grocery store gift certificates -- $300 worth! No name, no note, and nobody I asked knew where this had come from. No one would admit to it either, so I didn't know whom to thank. It was an exceedingly generous gift, exactly what I needed most, which eased a lot of my stress, and was probably the only thing that saved me from a nervous breakdown that semester. It contained enough extra to see me through three semesters of college. It also allowed me to save enough money to get myself in a better financial situation. That one little envelope had a huge impact for me. Someone reached out a helping hand for me when I needed it the most. Since I can't repay my anonymous angel, I've used their inspiration to pay it forward whenever I see someone else's need that I can meet. =======HeroicStories======= _ /) mo / ) |/)\) /\_ \__|= ( ) __)(__ _________+______/ \______+__________ __-- | R.I.P. |-_-- __ _-- - | ___ __________ ___ | -_-- __ || | | | {| /| | || __--- -_ --__- || | | | {| /|| | ||-- - || | | | {| /||| | ||__-- __-- -__|| | | | {| |}||| | ||-- __-- ||_|_|_|_{| |}|||_|_|| -__ --__- -|| | | | {& |}||/ | ||--- __-- || | | | {| |}|/| | ||-__ -- __--|| | | | {| |}/|| | ||__-- -__ -- || | | | {| &}||| | || __ --- __-|| | | | {| |}||| | ||_---__- -- - -_ || | | | {| |}||| | || -- __ejm 97|| | | | {| |}||| | ||_--__- _--- _________||_|_|_|_{| |}|||_|_||______________ |}|/ |}/ |/ >-->Story Time From Our Friend Fran :) In January 2009, my cousin Jean and her husband Tommy came to Virginia to see the headstones that had been put up to honor the graves of her parents who had passed away Tommy also lost his mother during that time. It was a tough, but their love for one another and faith pulled them through. In our family, my paternal grandmother was a praying woman. She was a widow at a young age, I knew what drove her to her knees and why she prayed all the time. She was clearly at the helm of her family and prayer was passed down to all of us because of her faith. The three of us decided to go Blackstone. When we arrived at the cemetery, there was no one but us. As we pulled into the parking lot, we could feel the tears. It's a reminder that our loved ones are no longer with us. We walked to her father's grave and admired the headstone. When we went to her mother's grave, we admired the headstone and she asked me to pray. I noticed an unfamiliar car as it passed the cemetery. It made a turn into the cemetery. I couldn't make out who it was. She eased her car toward a grave closest to the road. Maybe she lost her husband, I thought. Slowly the door opened. I continued to watch. She seemed unaware that we were there, even though our car was parked near hers. She had parked right at the headstone. She stood up and took just three steps. She quickly went down on one knee and grabbed the headstone as if it were to break her fall. But did not fall. She bowed her head and laid it on the headstone. Her quiet sob was muffled. It is a picture I will always remember. I was so moved by her sorrow. "I'm sorry" I said. "I don't mean to disturb you. I thought you were one of the ladies that lived on this road." "No, I'm Bertha Goode," she told me. "I've come to see my sister Doris today. I miss her so very much. We were so close." I read the headstone which said August 2007. She said she just celebrated her 79th birthday and she was the only sister left but she was now alone without a husband, missing her sister, and wondering how much time she had left. "I'd love to give you a hug today, if that would be all right", I said. She reached her arms up to me and I reached down to her. I asked God to please send whatever it was she needed that day. I thought of how it might feel to lose a sister. What was Mrs. Goode feeling that day that made her drive to the cemetery on a week day and almost collapse as she cradled the headstone of her sister? Whatever it was, I knew that God had us in the cemetery on that day. Even though we went for one purpose, God felt that someone would also be there for Mrs. Goode. As I walked away, I realized that I had been a small part of a miracle. He had me in the right place at the right time. He gave me a little nudge to go over and see about her. And through my arms and my heart, God was able to give her the love and hug through a human being that she went to the headstone, made of marble to receive. Everyday there is a miracle! - Sharmaine Hobbs --- ...So touching! Thanks Fran! ========================================================== >-->From Laugh&Lift: "Men and women must work that is as certain as the sun. But we may work grudgingly or we may work gratefully. We may work as people or machines. There is no work so rude that we may not exalt it; no work so impassive that we may not breathe a soul into it; no work so dull that we may not enliven it if we understand that what we are doing is service for our Lord Jesus Christ." - Henry Gilles , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Jesus Christ's View (by Oswald Chambers in "Daily Thoughts for Disciples") We have, as Christian disciples, to continually recognize that much of what is called Christianity today is not the Christianity of the New Testament; it is distinctly different in generation and manifestation. Jesus is not the fountainhead of modern Christianity; He is scarcely thought about. Christian preachers, Sunday school teachers, religious books, all without any apology patronize Jesus Christ and put Him to one side. We have to learn that to stand true to Jesus Christ's point of view means ostracism, the ostracism that was brought on Him; most of us know nothing whatever about it. The modern view looks upon human nature as pathetic: Men and women are poor ignorant babes in the wood who have lost themselves. Jesus Christ's view is totally different. He does not look on men and women as babes in the wood, but as sinners who need saving, and the modern mind detests His view. Our Lord's teaching is based on something we violently hate, that is, His doctrine of sin... Remember that a disciple is committed to much more then belief in Jesus; he or she is committed to the Lord's view of the world, of humanity, of God, and of sin. Take stock of your views and compare them to the New Testament, and never get tricked into thinking that the Bible does not mean what it says when it disagrees with you. Disagree with what our Lord says by all means if you like, but never say that the Bible does not mean what it says. -<>- Jesus died over 2000 years ago. And yet He is not referred to as the "late Jesus", Not even by the heathens. He is not referred to in the past tense! He IS the Living Christ! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Can I Get a Witness? (By Rev. Kerry S. Doyal) [Edited] "Can I get a witness?" you say? An eyewitness, that is, to these Jesus stories? Why yes, you can. Here is one of many: "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world." 1 John 4:14 He - John the beloved - literally saw Jesus: The Miracle worker, lover of sinners, Pharisee-fighting Jesus. John and others watched & heard evidence that He was God's sent Son - the savior. They observed this Son die - God's sacrifice for their sin & ours. They encountered this slaughtered One alive again. Raised! Many saw the Christ ascend into heaven, promising to return Jesus then sent His promised spirit to empower them - us - to be His witnesses. John wrote an entire gospel of his eyewitness accounts and those of others. So did Matthew. Luke & Mark told the accounts they heard and painstakingly investigated from many other firsthand accounts. John starts his first letter (1 John) on this same important theme. Mull over these confident claims of 1 John 1:1-3 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life - the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us - that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." John testifies: we heard, saw & watched Him carefully. We even touched & handled Him - the word of life. The Father, John continues, made Him visible, audible and knowable to us. Knowable! Jesus was made known so we can have fellowship with Him and the Father. Community and communion with the Christ is available - to us, to you. You can take it on the basis of many reliable witnesses. He lived, died for our sins & is alive again. I urge you to not just examine the evidence, but act upon it, know Him. 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 --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...For more insight on this... God’s Witness to His Witnesses http://www.truthortradition.com/articles/gods-witness-to-his-witnesses What is Speaking in Tongues and why does God say to do it? (Our Witness) https://tinyurl.com/lpk8qbr ========================================================== ________ \______ \ _______ ____ _____ _____ ______ | | \ \_ __ \ _/ __ \ \__ \ / \ / ___/ | ` \ | | \/ \ ___/ / __ \_ | | \ \ \___ \ /_______ / |__| \___ > (____ / |__|_| / /____ > \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ >-->Broken Dreams (By Lauretta P. Burns) As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend, I brought my broken dreams to God because He was my friend. But then instead of leaving them with Him in peace to work alone, I hung around and tried to help with ways that were my own. At last I snatched them back and cried, "How can you be so slow?" "My child," He said, "What could I do? You never did let go." >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->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 and 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 ************************************************************************