Coal Basket Bible, The Harvest And More... :) 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 ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. While the ads on the website do help, I don't want to drag the site down with tons of them to pay for it. I need your help! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ . , )). -===- ,(( ))). ,((( ))))). .:::. ,(((((( ))))))))). :. .: ,((((((((' `))))))))))). : - : ,(((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))_:' ':_(((((((((((((((' `)))))))))))).-' \___/ '-._((((((((((( `))))_._.-' __)( )(_ '-._._((((' `))'---)___)))'\_ _/'((((__(---'((' `))))))))))))|' '|((((((((((((' jim `)))))))))/' '\(((((((((' `)))))))| |(((((((' `))))))| |((((((' /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ '---..___..---' *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* 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 super scorching new page is from our friend Bunni. It is amazing how many wonderful places there are around the world to visit and enjoy God's creation! This one is especially for bird lovers and is sure to delight you. Don't miss out on the cute video here too: _..._ \_.._ `'-.,--, '-._'-. `\a\\ '. `_.' (| `7 || / .' | /_.-' ,J / \ || / ; _.. || | | /`\.-. .' _ `\ `\ \ | \_/__/ / /e)-,\ '. \ /.-` .'\ / | ,_ | /\ `;_.-'_.-'`\_/ / '-(-.)/ \_;(((_.-; .'--. \ ` .(((_,;`'. \ / `\ | _.--'`__.' `\ '-;\ /` | /.-' .--' '._.'\\ .' ; /__.-'` | \ | .'`-'_ /_.'))) \_\,_/ / -'_.'---;`'-))) (__.'/ /` .'` (_.'/ /` /` _|.' /` jgs.-` __.'| .-'|| | \_`/ ` Singapore Bird Park http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/birdpark.html --- ...I'd love to go there - the video shows why! Thanks Bunni! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _______ / ) /_____ | ______ ( ' ) / / __\ _____ |. '| / | \ | / )) |____|/ |`-----' /_____)) `-----' `------' cf >BUTTERMILK BISCUITS by Lisa Morris-Abrams I was 8 years old the last time I ate her homemade buttermilk biscuits and sun-dried apple treats. Now, 32 years later, the tastes and smells of those delectable treats embrace me. Come with me back to a time when life was slower, simpler, and satisfyingly sweet. Her name was Mrs. Cavender. She was my babysitter and replacement grandma. It was at her home that my sister, Leigh, and I spent our summer breaks. She was a delightfully spry old lady -- at least 60 years old. And to a young girl, that was close to extinction. The summers we spent there were full of wonderment. She lived in a very modest house that was a pale blue -- a robin's egg blue -- with white shingles and a detached garage. Sun catchers and wind chimes lined the screen porch at the front of her home. The wind constantly urged those chimes to sing. Huge oak trees covered the backyard like protective soldiers guarding-guarding a time that seemed to be suspended and in no hurry to catch up with the rest of the world. Leigh and I were free here. Free to explore the natural wonders that surrounded us. There were no electronic games, televisions, or iPODs to fill our minds. We had our imaginations. Our playhouses were made of branches and twine. Our tic-tac- toes were sticks and stones. It was in this backyard bubble we would spend four summers. And it was during these summers that I was introduced to homemade biscuits and sun-dried apple treats. These are the two things I remember the most. If I close my eyes, I can faintly smell and taste those biscuits. Those tasty treats filled to the brim with mounds of melted butter that remained as a flavorful ring on my napkin whenever I took a bite. Delicious! I could tell it was a biscuit day the moment I would walk through her kitchen door. The tell- tell sign of the Crisco shortening can on the counter would greet me. A smile would form on my lips. I remember the kitchen being very dark except for one small illuminating window above the sink. When the sunlight hit that Crisco can it was like a beacon welcoming me and urging me to grab a napkin because the biscuits were hot and ready. Before I began staying at Mrs. Cavender's house, the only way I had ever eaten an apple was raw or sauced. She introduced Leigh and me to the timeless tradition of sun-dried apples. I can still see the boxes lined outside her front porch-lined with sheets, wire, and sliced thin apples. The wire served as a drain and the sheets helped keep the pesky bees and flies from tasting what would soon be our afternoon treat. When my Dad would pull up in her driveway with those apples drying in the sun before me, I could not contain my excitement. I have never again tasted dried apples quite as scrumptious as hers. The tartness of the apples was replaced with a wholesome sweetness. And rather than a crunchy sensation, my mouth was met with a chewy delight. Biscuits and apples. So seemingly simple, yet treasured memories. When I reflect back on those days, it makes me grateful for the simple pleasures. In Mrs. Cavender's world, simplicity was a way of life -- a long lost forgotten art. I can't say I dry apples for my family and couldn't bake a biscuit from scratch if I had to. Instead I live in a world of Pop-tarts and Rice Krispies -- still served with love -- just by a generation a little too rushed and not quite simple enough. -- Lisa Morris-Abrams __________________________________________________ Lisa says, "I have been an educator for the last 20 years. I currently reside in Crestview, Florida and teach 4th grade Language Arts. I love what I do. I also love my two precious children and four furry dogs. I am addicted to Labrador Retrievers. Recently I have had a streak of publishing success, and I am hoping it doesn't stop anytime soon." =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) .. |\\ .====^^\\==. |\ || |\ kya :X"====^^====' \|XXXXXXXXXX| """"""""""" >COAL BASKET BIBLE The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn- out Bible. His grandson, who wanted to be just like him, tried to imitate him in any way he could. One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?" The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!" "So you think it is useless?" the old man said. "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. "You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out." --- ...TeeHee, A good story! Thanks LouiseAu! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' All kidding aside, we do have to have some understanding of what we are reading in the bible. God can help us with our understanding, but our best resource is through those who God gives us to teach us: Eph.4: [11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; It goes on to tell us why He gave us these... Eph.4: [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: And in case people tell you that this was just in the old days and God isn't giving us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers any more - it goes on to say for how long... Eph.4: [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: Since this has not happened and won't happen until Christ returns, we know God is still giving us some apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Think of it this way... / )) |\ ) ). c--. (\ ( `. / ) (\ ( `. ). ( ( | | )) ) ) ( ( `.`. ) ) ( ( ) ) | | ( ( / _..----.._ ) | ( ( _..----.._ ( ( ,-. | |---) V.'-------.. `-. )-/.-' ..------ `--) \._ | /===========| | ( | ) ( ``-.`\/'.-'' ( ) ``-._ | | / / / / / | |---------------------> <-------------------------_>=- | \===========| | ..-'./\.`-.. _,,-' `-' | |-------._------''_.-'----`-._``------_.-----' | | ``----'' ``----'' | | c--` hm Heb.4: [12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. .-.____________________.-. ___ _.' .-----. _____________| /_._/ ( | /_____________| / ` _ ____/ _____ _ _ __ |_ .\( \\ |_ _|| |_| || _| .' `-._/__`_// | | | _ || _| __ .' |""""' |_| |_| |_||__| ( ) / / _ _ _ _ _____ ___ _ _ ___ _ _ ___ ___ _ ___ |/___ / | | | | | \| |_ _| | | | | _| |_| | | | | | _| | _| | ' | |_| | | | | | I | |_| | |_| _ | ' | <| |_| _| |_ | | \|_____|_|\_| |_| |___|_____|___|_| |_|_|_|___|___|___| |___| `-._____.-' Jay C The bible is our weapon from God. We can take this weapon and try to use it to the best of our ability by ourselves like we might use a powerful gun or a Samurai sword. However, it is better utilized by us if we are first instructed on how to use it properly to its best advantage for us. _ / | |_| _ __ _ | |_( |_____________ _____________|:::|__________________\_'_|___ |` ||=====___________) |___________\___/______________________|(o)|| \__|(o)| ||------------------------------------------------||| |__|___) || _______________________________ ||| | || |_______________________________| ||) | ____ __||__()__) /________________________________||| | / ) ( /___ _/ / | - .-'"`/\ // /' /\`\ ('//.-'/`-.; \ \ / /-. __.__.___..__._.___.\\ \\----,_ .:{@&#,&#@&,@&#&&,#&@#&@&\\` \-. .-'-. .:{@#@,#@&#,@#&&#,@&#&@&,&@#&&\\, -._,"- \ .{#@#&@#@#&#&@&#@#@&#,@#@#&@&&#@#\ \// = \`=\__ `{#@,@#&@&,@&#@,#@&#@#&@#&@,&#@,#/\/ =`-. -_=__ `:{@#&@&#@&#@&#@,#&&#@&,@#/.' / / "/.-', / `:{@#&,#&@#,@&#&@&,@&#/.-// //-'-_= ",/ jgs `~`~~`~~~`~`~`~~`~( / , /__,___.-" \ \\/ `\\\' >The Harvest (Author Unknown) There was once a spider who lived in a cornfield. He was a big spider and he had spun a beautiful web between the corn stalks. He got fat eating all the bugs that would get caught in his web. He liked his home and planned to stay there for the rest of his life. One day the spider caught a little bug in his web, and just as the spider was about to eat him, the bug said, "If you let me go I will tell you something important that will save your life." The spider paused for a moment and listened because he was amused. "You better get out of this cornfield," the little bug said, "The harvest is coming!" The spider smiled and said, "What is this harvest you are talking about? I think you are just telling me a story." But the little bug said, "Oh no, it is true. The owner of this field is coming to harvest it soon. All the stalks will be knocked down and the corn will be gathered up. You will be killed by the giant machines if you stay here." | | | | | | | | | />\\//\\/>\ | /<\//\\//<\ \Y \> /> //\ />\ \> .;`'`/`;<\ ;/> /> \>/ \\: \> /> //: /> \> \> o o /> /> />\> \\ \> /> // /> \> \> \> oO Oo /> \\ \> /> // /> `;.;. . ( .. ) .;`;` \> \\ \> /> //: /> \\ \> /> // /> \> <\ \\ <\ \\ \> />// /> /`//\ <\ \\<\ \\ \> />///> _//\ \/ <\\\<\ \\\> />//> <\\<\ \\> \\( )// \\ // cjr 18oct99 The spider said, "I don't believe in harvests and giant machines that knock down corn stalks. How can you prove this?" The little bug continued, "Just look at the corn. See how it is planted in rows? It proves this field was created by an intelligent designer." The spider laughed and mockingly said, "This field has evolved and has nothing to do with a creator. Corn always grows that way." The bug went on to explain, "Oh no. This field belongs to the owner who planted it, and the harvest is coming soon." The spider grinned and said to the little bug, "I don't believe you," and then the spider ate the little bug for lunch. A few days later, the spider was laughing about the story the little bug had told him. He thought to himself, "A harvest! What a silly idea. I have lived here all of my life and nothing has ever disturbed me. I have been here since these stalks were just a foot off the ground, and I'll be here for the rest of my life, because nothing is ever going to change in this field. Life is good, and I have it made." The next day was a beautiful sunny day in the cornfield. The sky above was clear and there was no wind at all. That afternoon as the spider was about to take a nap, he noticed some thick dusty clouds moving toward him. He could hear the roar of a great engine and he said to himself, "I wonder what that could be?" 2 Peter 3:3-4 "In the last days mockers will come, following their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming?'" 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but He is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance." --- ...A wonderful story! Thanks LouiseAu! Absolutely true. That is one thing from reading the bible that I have learned about God Almighty - He is extremely patient. I am amazed and at awe at just how patient our God is! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Think of it. A simple timeline of God's creation... * First God creates the entire universe. (Gen.1:1) * Satan revolts and takes a 3rd of God's Angels with him. (Rev.12:7-9, Isa.14:12) * War in heaven causes near destruction of heaven and earth when Satan and his host is thrown down to earth. (Gen.1:2) * God has to fix the heavens and earth. [Gen.1:3-18) * God creates mankind in His own image - with Spirit. (Gen.1:26-27) * Mankind uses their freedom of will to side with the devil and looses their image of God - spirit. (Gen. 3:6) * Mankind must wait for a Savior to regain their spirit. * Satan and his host cause hell on earth with mankind causing God to have to save His creation with a cleansing flood. * God and mankind continue to wait for a woman who will believe in God enough to bear His child. * Even though mankind with the devil hold women down with laws and customs, a woman emerges strong in belief and bears God's Son. * God's son - Jesus Christ is born and does His Father's Will. * Satan has Jesus Christ crucified to get rid of him but only carries out God's plan giving mankind the Savior they need to once again have spirit and life eternal with Him. (1 Cor.2:8) * God waits to send Christ back to gather together all His children not wanting to leave any person behind. We are talking years and years and years and years of God having to wait to be able to get His children. Some estimate the earth is 4.543 billion years old! How patiently God has put up with all our shenanigans. Loving us so much as to patiently wait for each of us to come to Him through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is awesomely amazing to me. Remember, God PLANNED for us to be His BEFORE He even created the heavens and the earth... Eph.1: [4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: God is truly most Patient! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Rom.15 [4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. [5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Jas.5: [7] Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. [8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ .""""">.(8)_ `(/_|_\)" \ / | \ " dd >BURNING BUG BUNS What is the deal with Lightning bugs? I mean, here is this rather ordinary looking flying insect, but wait... it has a glow-in-the- dark rear end. What was God thinking? I'm sure science has all kinds of explanations about how this fluorescent fanny is useful for mating and other stuff, but why did God choose to make the lightning bug glow? There may be some crucial purpose for the Lighting bug I don't know about, but I have a feeling it may be quite simple. I wonder if, when God was creating all the animals and everything around us, He came up with the idea of the Lightning bug and said, "The kids are gonna love this." We know that God loves us enough to create all the things we need to survive, but does God loves us so much He created some things just to make us smile? Just seeing Lightning bugs takes me back to those warm summer nights of my youth. I'd be running around the back yard with my empty Mason jar, racing toward the flashing lights all around me. I can still feel the joy and hear the laughter echoing through my memories. Lighting bugs were as much a part of summer as fireworks, fresh tomatoes and big, ice-cold slabs of juicy watermelon. (I also have a theory of why God created watermelon seeds the perfect size to spit, but that is another story.) God created so much diversity in this world, much more than is needed for mere survival. He made all of this for us, and He wants us to enjoy it. We can get so busy surrounding ourselves with man- made goods that we don't notice the living tapestry God has laid out all around us. I guess Lightning bugs do have a purpose after all. They are a reminder of a creative God who loves us so much, He'd even paint the rear end of a bug... just to see us smile. © 2002 Phil Morgan filmorgan@aol.com -<>- .-"""""""-. .' __ \_ / / \/ \ | \_0/\_0/______ |:. .' oo`\ |:. / \ |' ; | | |:.. . \_______ | |::.|' , \,_____\ / |:::.; ' | . '| ====)_/===;===========;() |::; | | ; ; | | # # # #:::::: /::::.|-| |_|-|, \ # # # #:::::: /'-=-'` '-' '--'\ # # # #:::::: jgs / \ # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # H A P P Y # # # # # # # # # # # # # # F O U R T H O F J U L Y # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # >Respect The Flag When you see the Stars and Stripes displayed son, stand up and take off your hat. Somebody may titter. It is in the blood of some to deride all expression of noble sentiment. You may blaspheme in the street and stagger drunken in public places, and the bystanders will not pay much attention to you; but if you should get down on your knees and pray to Almighty God, or if you should stand bareheaded while a company of old soldiers marches by with flags to the breeze, some people will think you are showing off. But don't you mind! When Old Glory comes along, salute, and let them think what they please! When you hear the band play "The Star- Spangled Banner" while you are in a restaurant or hotel dining room, get up even if you rise alone; stand there and don't be ashamed of it, either! For of all the signs and symbols since the world began there is none other so full of meaning as the flag of this country. That piece of red, white and blue bunting means five thousand years of struggle upward. It is the full-grown flower of ages of fighting for liberty. It is the century plant of human hope in bloom. Your flag stands for humanity, for an equal opportunity to all the sons of men. Of course we haven't arrived yet at that goal; there are many injustices yet among us, many senseless and cruel customs of the past still clinging to us, but the only hope of righting the wrongs of men lies in the feeling produced in our bosoms by the sight of that flag. Other flags mean a glorious past, this flag a glorious future. It is not so much the flag of our fathers as it is the flag of our children, and of all children's children yet unborn. It is the flag of tomorrow. It is the signal of the "Good Time Coming." It is not the flag of your king—it is the flag of yourself and of all your neighbors. Don't be ashamed when your throat chokes and the tears come, as you see it flying from the masts of our ships on all the seas or floating from every Flagstaff of the Republic. You will never have a worthier emotion. Reverence it as you would reverence the signature of the Deity. Listen, son! The band is playing the national anthem—"The Star- Spangled Banner!" They have let loose Old Glory yonder. Stand up—and others will stand with you. This tribute to the flag is offered to the country in appeal to all men and women of all races, colors and tongues, that they may come to understand that our flag is the symbol of liberty and learn to love it. ALVIN M. OWSLEY, Past National Commander, The American Legion. -<>- ,sdPBbs. ,d$$$$$$$$b. d$P'`Y'`Y'`?$b d' ` ' \ `b / | \ \ / / \ | \ _,--' | \ | /' _/ \ | \ _/' /' | \ `-.__ __/' ,-' / | | \ `--...__ /' / | / \ \ `-. `\ / /;;,,__-' / / \ \ `-. / |;;;;;;;\ \ >P.U.S.H. - JUST PUSH A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough." That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a Matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing? The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock." *At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just a simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.** When your pain is so great, you think you can't go on... just P.U.S.H. When everything seems to go wrong ... just P.U.S.H.! When the job gets you down ... just P.U.S.H.! When people don't react the way you think they should ... just P.U.S.H. When your money is "gone" and the bills are due ... just P.U.S.H.! When people just don't understand you ... just P.U.S.H.! P= Pray U= Until S= Something H= Happens Pass this on to all the loved ones and friends who may need it; they may get it just in time. Truly, great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget! A friend loves at all times... -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: The Sons Of God Of Genesis 6 http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/sonsofgenesis6.html Which Parts Of The Bible Are Written To You? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/whichparts.html Walking In Power http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html US Troops Index http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html Until We Write Again http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/write.html Unforgettable Photos http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/unforgettable.html Think Positive http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/positive.html Thank You God http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thankgod.html Short Life Stories http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/lifestories.html One Word Essay http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/essay.html Wood Carving Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/woodart2.html Wall Mural Art 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wallart2.html Through Daredevil Eyes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/daredevil.html Lioness And Fox http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lionessandfox.html Friends Last Journey http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mananddog.html Classic Woodies http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/woodcars.html Morgan Sports Cars http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/morgan.html Thoughts Into Action http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/action.html -<>- Excellent Rally - motivates not only us but our President - we all need positives to fuel and invigorate us :) President Trump Full MAGA Rally Speech in Cedar Rapids, Iowa 6/21/17 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvLQyIJJAqE -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) A wonderful look at some beautiful wild animals set to a wonderful musical soundtrack from Living Music Action. Planet Earth is filled with amazing creatures and wildlife that I never grow tired of watching. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Hodomt6bBOw "What A Wonderful World" A beautiful rendition by singer and voice actress Elena Haydurova from Ulan Ude, Russia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0bok10b3LQw Take a moment to glide along birds in flight, in one of the most dazzling videos you'll see this year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6s7EfYpKy0o --- ...Most awesome! Thank You 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 ========================================================== __ | +| ,,,|__| $$$ , , $$C > $$$; _< _______/ /_ | |__` \~/o\ _,]-] | / \( ) )\/.-// _( \ ) / \ | //| / ,/ \/ '/ o \ / o \ /______/\_\ \ || / \ || / \ || / / )( \ |/ \| :] [: o| |o /o| |o\ b'ger `-' `-' >Change of Outlook Story Editor: By Jennifer Hoeneise Joyce Schowalter Michigan, USA I participated in an Alternative Spring Break (ASB) in 2001 through Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. In ASB, participants travel someplace during spring break to do volunteer work. Education is a primary focus of ASB; before break we learn about the issue we will volunteer with. I spent that spring break in Atlanta working with AIDS patients. My group helped Project Open Hand prepare and deliver meals to home bound patients. We also helped one day in a daycare for children affected by the virus. (Either they had AIDS, or their caregiver did, or both.) On the third day, Wednesday, three of my group members and I piled into the van to deliver coolers of food. Several meal recipients lived in high rises and some had specific instructions for delivery: leave food in cooler next to door, knock loudly, and similar. One client had no cooler outside because someone had been stealing his food. There was a note next to his name to leave the food with his neighbor. "He must have just stepped out because I just saw him," the neighbor told us. We wanted to leave a note on his door so he would know his food was waiting next door, but we lacked pen and paper. We went down to the building lobby to find what we needed. We had just finished writing the note and borrowing a piece of tape when I heard a voice behind me ask "Have you already been upstairs?" I turned and saw a frail-looking black man, very thin with hollow cheeks. He gestured to our large red cooler bags. "Are you Paul?" one of my friends asked. "Yes, that's me," he answered. We told him we left the food with his neighbor. He thanked us and then said, "Don't forget to smile, your smiles make the world a better place." Even now I feel a shiver run down my spine and tears well up in my eyes at the thought of Paul. You could tell by looking at his body that he was sick, but when you looked at his face you saw no fear, anger or pain. There was a wonderful shine in his eyes and a broad smile on his face. Paul was sick, sick enough that he needed to have his food prepared and delivered to him, but he didn't let that get him down. I went down to Atlanta to help people, but I never expected one of them to help me. Now whenever I face a tough situation I think of Paul and his undefeatable attitude. If he can look death in the eye and smile -- then surely I can get through less difficult situations. I knew that my ASB experience was going to change my outlook on life, but I am surprised that I can sum it all up in one sentence. Don't forget to smile, your smiles make the world a better place. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Laugh&Lift: _.--._ \ ** / (<>) . ) ( . )\_.._/ /\ \_.._/( (*_<>_ _<>_*) )/ '' \ \/ / '' \( ' ) ( ' ( ) ) ( (<>) / ** \ /.-..-.\ >Your Life is Jesus to Someone (Author Unknown) "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." - John 13:35 YOUR LIFE is Jesus to someone, though tattered and torn it may be. Though often times weak and unstable, you're all of God someone will see. YOUR TONGUE is Jesus to someone. That idle, insensitive word reflects to at least one searching heart an idle, insensitive Lord. YOUR GOALS are Jesus to someone. What you put first, they believe, are the goals of God for the Christian. Your life is all they receive. YOUR FAITHFULNESS... that's Jesus to someone. Their judgment of how God is true, rests unquestionably in the faithfulness they see day by day in you. YOUR LOVE is Jesus to someone -- that someone who is seeking to know that Jesus will follow and guide and befriend wherever in life they might go. SO BEWARE lest others blaspheme God by what you say or do, for the only Jesus that someone may see is the Jesus they see in you. "A man's life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching." - C.H. Spurgeon "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;" - Ephesians 4:1-2 -<>- . ,-; . , ________i_,',// _odHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHbo_ dP^' ;.| ||,; `^?b |H ))`'||/'; H| ?bo. .=;' |||.' ,odP `?oo.-',' ||'oodP' /' / / |/ | | _-' || || | ,' J| | \ | | / | |_\ L L .-' | \.)`-.;-;__./ "-._;_.-" || || || ||| || || || |||||| || || || |||||| || ,| || | || || || `|| || | || || `| J || || ||== ||| ==||=' ||=|| ||== || || || || || ||== || `|| || bodom >It Can Be Done (By Peder Eide, www.pedereide.com) Last Friday night I stood outside on our sport court with my nine-year-old daughter, Allison, as she shot free throws in our basketball hoop. For her to even get the ball to the rim consistently is hard enough, but to actually make the shot is a crowning and rare achievement. She must have shot 70-80 free throws. She rebounded most of them herself. She just couldn't quite find the timing or the strength with her legs, arms and hands to get the ball far enough to have a chance to make the shot. Hardly any balls made it over the top of the rim. Most of them missed completely or banged the front of the basket with no hope of going into the cylinder. You would think my Allison would have gotten tired and discouraged, even to the point of saying she hates basketball or "who cares?" Not this girl. Defeated? Hardly. She not only stayed with it, she was passionate about getting that ball to go through the net. She would laugh or shout, "It's so close! The next one is going in!" I even offered to her that she was welcome to take a break and start again in the morning (I was getting tired just watching her). I was quickly rebuffed with "I'm not quitting dad, I'm going to make it even if it takes me a million hours." She likes to use the word million a lot. Most mortals of any age would have laid down the ball, walked away with a feeling of good effort and headed inside for an evening snack. Actually, it would have been applauded because it is commonly taught to just try your best and that's good enough. Not Allison. This was more than trying her best; this was about making the shot. So, what made these free throws different? What made this girl so unbelievably determined and truly focused? Was it that she just believed? Was it just her personality and determination? Maybe. But I can tell you her main drive for shooting and shooting and shooting... ...because she had made a free throw earlier in the day. She knew it could be done, and she wanted to do it again. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' In I Corinthians 9:24-27 it says; "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." Paul writes this with a lot of determination, confidence, and even a bit of an "I dare you" feel to it. His focus is about serving Jesus, sharing Jesus, being like Jesus no matter what it takes. No matter how many shots. This is a guy who counted suffering as joy. Why was Paul so focused and determined? His personality? Charisma? Just a type A person? I don't think so. It's because he already knows that Jesus has won, He's made the shot. Paul knows he is not "beating the air" or "running" without purpose. Paul knows it counts, and it can be done because Christ has already done it. Look my friends, maybe it sounds simple, but we need to remember that Jesus has won! God never loses. Never. Even when it seems tiring, pointless, hopeless, and you want to just walk away with a good effort. We need to press on, run, shoot, love, serve, evangelize, pray, and worship no matter what. Seriously. No matter what. God has made you for something amazing and it might take 70-80 shots to make one; but it is worth it. We just need to shoot. By the way, Allison made her free throw again. She cheered and screamed and gave me a big high five and knew I was very excited for her. It was a fun moment. She grabbed the ball and lined up on the free throw line. She started shooting again, trying to make another free throw because she knew she could. Peace and love my friends, Peder SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: _.._.-..-._ .-' .' /\ \`._ / / .' `-.\ `. :_.' .. : _.../\ | ;___ .-' //\\. \ _..._ / `/\ // \\\ `-.___.-' /\ //\\ \\: | //\V/ :\\ \\ \ \\/ \\ /\\ `.____.\\ \\ .' \\ // /\\---\\-' \\ fsc // // \\ \\ \\ >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY When Joan was in school, she was babysitting a little girl who had a birthday. Her mother, a nurse, had given her a toy nurse's kit. The little girl decided Joan was to be her "patient" so she listened to Joan's heart, took her temperature and gave her a "shot" while Joan moaned and groaned and sounded like a person who was sick. The little girl looked at Joan in a funny way and asked, "What's wrong?" Joan told her she had the "bug," meaning the "flu bug." A light came on in the little girl's eyes and she slapped Joan's arm, saying, "I got it!" -- Joan Klingwood of Chandler, Arizona ..-------------------.__ .'_______ `-. // .-----.\.--------..--------.\ ||' __'|| || || || __ ||' .=(_ )|| ====== || ==.| ||( _) ||'| \\||________||________||// ||'------\) ,--======\\======-._/ ____|| |/ = = `-. _____________ ||'==. || ...... = = `-. `=============`|| ||_ /////.--. = = `. .--. | .---. || | .----|==| \ \ \ \|==| | .' `. || | .' '--'. |-. | | .-|'--'`. .' \ || .' `. |-.'-|=|-'.-| \ / .-==-. \|| / _.----. \ |-.'-|=|-'.-| | | .' .---. `. ||| .-' .---. `. | |-.'-|=|-'.-| | | / .`.- -.`. \ '\_`---- / .`.- -.`. \ | ' '-|=|-' '_____/ [|_|/ / _ \ \|__________| / / _ \ \ `_____.......-----'_____] ; : / \ : ;'----------'; : / \ : ;[_____.......-----'; : : ; \_/ ; : \ / / ; : \_/ ; : \ \ / / \ \ / /. `- -` . \ \ / / LGB . `- -` . . `- -` . `-----` . `- -` . `-----` `-----` `-----` One Sunday, after leaving church in his grandpa's truck, Donavan, 4, exclaimed, "PAWPAW, you need a new truck -- this one is too loud and I can't hear my ears!" -- Jody Demoin (Donavan's granny) of Dallas, Texas When Shonna was 7 her friend Maya was spending the night, and they were discussing their father's occupations. Shonna's father worked for a major corporation and Maya's father worked for what in those days was called a school for retarded children. Shonna said, "My daddy is a businessman." Maya, not to be outdone, piped up, "So, my daddy is a retarded businessman!" -- Vi (mother of Shonna) of Peekskill, New York Beverly's neice, Jessica, 7, received a puzzle from one of her aunts. As she was getting ready to put it together, her grandma and a couple of aunts (including Beverly) were giving her advice. Beverly asked if she normally started with the border and her reply was, "No, I do the outside first and then the inside." -- Beverly Flanagan of Fort Wayne, Indiana _ ___ _ /`.`. .-=""_;_""=-. .','\ | \`.`#"'.-" ; "-.`"#'.', | \`=>-Y ,( O_;_O ) , Y-<'/ `--'\#>-`-'_;_`-'-<#/`--' _ / .:::::. _ \ _ .-' `-'i-_ |:::::| `i-' `-._ ' .-j' `:::::' `-j-. .' `L' "T" `j-. `. ,-'|\.___:___./| ` | `.____ .' | \ / _.. `. .' .-## `-. |=`.___.'| .' ## `. /_ =#`. .#b # \ .####.. .-._##". .'### \ | /###""" / ; `=##\,## "#b .j. / /==--.. / ; \/ "## " / `-._.' /##==-._ | ; | ##b / |########= | _..-d#b! "# / >###"" .=-+###" d###"`-._ .' |#" ,d## d### ##" `+. / d### d### #" \ .d8#o. / ###" ## \ | .' ### `. | ##" "# .'`. | /#b _# =# d\ \ "# __.--' ; `-.____/ (###b \#8 ##\ `.___..---'| ; | "##8/ \" d###\ hjw |=-""###| ; | `" \=##" ; |8#b "#/ ; / | =##| ;####b= / ; | |,#=,_| /""" | ; ; |#####| |_ -=##/ ; | | ,-=| |##b / ; / |_.d##| ;###=/ ; / |#####| | __ `. ; /. |`""""| /d####=- \ ; / b. | =##"\ /########= \ ; | ###-. \",=___\ _.,/##"" -==\ | ####" `. \####""8b#" #/ _d#8##b d"| / ###" #\ `#" ### ##|_d###""""8###| / #" _,"###| `.##" ###.\_.= _____ /-.'#, -=######/ `---""" `-. __####.'.' _d8' .-" "-< ( --'--._ .' .----._`.`-. `. | ,' \| `-. \ \( .' `---....__.' `---"""' Ben's grandma called to speak with her son and then asked to talk with Ben, 2. When Ben answered, his grandma said, "Hi, Tiger!" In an exasperated voice, Ben said, "Gama, I not a tiger. I just Ben." -- Jo (Gama) of Plymouth, Minnesota Heather, 3, and her mother Jennifer were happily heading for McDonald's one afternoon when they were caught in heavy traffic caused by a vehicle accident. Little Heather was very patient for the longest time until her mother explained that they may not have time after all to go to her favorite restaurant. At that, Heather rolled down the window, stuck her head out and yelled, "Let's go, you morons!" -- Jennifer Norman of Austin, Texas On May 22, Kristal turned 34. She was born with a bright red birthmark on her lower left arm. Often people asked her questions about it. At the age of 5, when children at church asked her what it was, she said, "Jesus put it there so He would know who I was." -- Bonnie King-Moran (mother of Kristal) of Homestead, Florida (*) (*) (__) ^ ^ (__) (oo) | | | @(oo)@ [..] | = | [..]@@ \ | U (-) | | | | (-) U @@@@ || ==<_\=====/_|______=_____|=|____________=__|____\====/_>== || || ) |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ( || ||___)==||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||==(___|| |\====| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |====/| | \ | | | | / | = * = = = = * = candlelight dinner cfbd Linda's two grandchildren, Dominick, 6, and Trinity, 3, went with Linda to McDonald's for lunch. Linda got an "adult" happy meal with a stepometer in it to measure how far you've walked. When they returned home, Dom wanted to wear it and after walking to the dining room and back, he wanted to know "how far do you think I went?" Next it was Trinity's turn, so she clipped the stepomether on her bikini bottom, walked around the coffee table, and then came back and asked Linda, "How much does it say I weigh?" -- Linda Collins of Baltimore, Maryland It had been storming and Mindy wanted to check how much rain they had gotten, but when she went to look at the rain gauge, she found it off its base, lying on the ground. She said, "Oh, someone knocked down my rain guage!" Dell, 3, said, "That was me, Momma. I'm sorry. I knocked it down and I didn't know how to knock it back up!" -- Mindy Potts of Niverville, New York Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== ___ .dSSSS$$pp.. .dSSSS$$$$$$$$; .dSSSS$$$$$$$$$$$ :SSP^" T$$$$$$$$$$b_ dSSP $$$S$$$$$$$b` dSS$;_. .:$$$SS$$$$$$b dSS$$$_ ; __."^TSS$$$$$b dSS$$P;" ""' :lSS$$$$$b :SS$$$ ; ::SS$$$$$$b_. 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"-._ ---""" /; ; : : \ "-._....____; : : \ :\ `. \ ; ; \ \\ \ \ ; : : `. \\ \ \ : ; ; ;"-t\ `. \ : : : : `; \ ; ; ; ; : \ / : : / ; \-..__ .'; : ; / : ; """T ; : / / ; \ : ; ; ;/ : : \ ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : ; ; / : : : ; ; ; / ; :; : ; ; / : :: ; ; ;_ `""--..__; :_; __ ;____;.-;'; ;.__.: :..t-"" j" ; ; : ; ; ;--"" \ [bug] ; ; ; : ; : \ ; ; : \ ; ; ;. ; ; \ \ ; : / ; ; ; \ \ ; : ; ; ; \ `-. ; ; .' ; ; \ \ ;___/ /______;.-' \ ---; / / ;______: .-' / '-------' >-->God Knows When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts..... God knows how hard you have tried. When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish..... God has counted your tears. If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by.... God is waiting with you. When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call..... God is by your side. When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn..... God has a solution. When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated..... God has the answer. If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope..... God has whispered to you. When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for..... God has blessed you. When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe..... God has smiled upon you. When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow..... God has opened your eyes and called you by name. Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing..... God knows!! >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? 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