Come And See... :) 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 ~ *~* 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 red hot new page is from our friend Linda and my son Victor. We have some pretty interesting bus stops around the world and this page lets us see some of them. It shows some amazing creativity. Be sure to check it out here... .---------------------------. /,--..---..---..---..---..--. `. //___||___||___||___||___||___\_| [j__ ######################## [_| \============================| .==| |"""||"""||"""||"""| |"""|| /======"---""---""---""---"=| =|| |____ []* ____ | ==|| // \\ // \\ |===|| hjw "\__/"---------------"\__/"-+---+' Amazing Bus Stops 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bus2.html --- ...Wow! Pretty Neat! Thanks Linda and Victor! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .-""""- F .-' F J I I L `. L `-._, `-.__.-' ## ### # #### _____ ## .---#####-...__ .--' `-### .--..-' ###### ""`---.... _____.----. ###`.._____ .' ####### a:f ### / -. ####### _.--- ### .( ####### # : `--... ###### # `. ``. ###### : :. ##### .' ) ### .' / ## _.' | .## ,:' | ' .' < ' | / | ' . ` >MOON SET by Bobbi Hahn As I've gotten older, the joy of "sleeping in" has become a thing of the past, so I'm awake most days by 5:30 or so. There are many benefits to being an early riser, not the least of which is enjoying magnificent sunrises. This morning, however, I witnessed another of Mother Nature's spectacular shows --a moonset. Whenever the moon is full, I have trouble sleeping anyway, so often when I awaken in the middle of those nights, I'll go outside just to bask in moonlight. It is so much softer and feels gentler than sunlight, making everything appear more attractive, like the filming techniques used for aging movie stars years ago. I'd read that Mars would be making an appearance, so when I awakened a little after five, I went out on the deck to see what I could see. And there was the big old moon, hanging right in front of me. Off to the left, and much higher in the sky, I saw one bright star -- could that be Mars? It didn't look any different from a normal star, so later today I'll have to check on the location of Mars. (My astronomical skills obviously need work.) I live on Hilton Head Island, a major destination for visitors from around the world. This week begins a slowing down in tourist visits, as children head back to school. The island settles into a more normal phase, and residents breathe a sigh of relief at finding a parking space closer to the grocery store. Our villa is situated in a perfect location -- a short walk takes me to a lovely little shopping area that holds a Post Office, several shops and restaurants, and my hairdresser. A short bike ride in the opposite direction takes me to work; on the way, I pass a few lagoons and a tidal creek, where I always check for alligators or various coastal birds. It's a slow, peaceful life that I love with a surprisingly deep passion. You see, I'm a city girl. I was born and raised in Philadelphia. I loved the energy and yes, even the noise that comes with city living. I never imagined that I would fall in love with the natural beauty of a small barrier island in South Carolina, of all places! But fall in love is exactly what I did -- hard. And forever. I cannot imagine living anywhere else. My life here is soothing, and feeds my creativity because to be inspired, all I need do is walk out the door. Our deck overlooks a lagoon, and the fountain in the middle made soothing sounds as I sipped my coffee and watched the moon slipping down the sky. Once they begin their descent, I'm always surprised by how fast the sun or moon set. Before it disappeared behind the tall live oaks across the lagoon, the moon played hide and seek behind some clouds. The clouds were barely visible, blending into the sky which was turning a sharper blue as it lightened into day. Wisps would pass across the moon's face, making it a momentary spooky with a Halloween look. But soon the moon would reappear, so full and looking close enough to grasp in the palm of my hand. All too soon, the clouds grew thicker, the moon descended below the treetops, and my lunar encounter was at an end. I lingered over my lukewarm coffee, reluctant to go inside and begin the mundane routine with which we all prepare for work. But this day would be different -- it began with wonderment. Who could ask for a better beginning for the blessing of another day in paradise? -- Bobbi Hahn __________________________________________________ Bobbi lives in that cozy villa beside a lagoon with her husband and two elderly cats. She is a frequent contributor to Heartwarmers and Petwarmers, and more of her work can be seen on her website: http://www.bobbihahn.com =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) ,,,,, ////""\ . (((/ m m -|- __ )))c = ) | (__) ////-./~` . [] (((( `.`\ :: [] )))`\ \)).-;.' .------, [] (() `._.-'` _( )[] )/ `. | .'`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^))\`.----'`[] jgs ( \' { ~ - ~~ _ ~ - ~~ - ~ - (( | | [] .-.--\ \ { )) | | [] |_;_._`\ |{ ((__|_|-----[] | ; ``` ;{ )) [] | /``-.____/ `~~~[]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'-' [] `' (__) (__) >LIFT ME FROM THE ASHES (By Debbie Preuss, June 9, 2006) Lift me from the ashes, heal this anger in my heart Holding on to it Lord, is tearing me apart. I've embraced the injustice, that was done to me Now it's holding me back, not letting me be free. I'm tired of sitting here, with my "righteous pride" I can't count the many tears, that my eyes have cried. Lord reach down and pick me up, please show me what to do I now lift my arms, oh Father, unto You. My heart is bruised and battered, what could I ever gain From staying where I am, holding on to this pain. Lord, I know you love me, please take over this mess I can't do it on my own, this I now confess. All these feelings that I'm having, are jumbled in my mind This is not the path for me, that You have designed. So Father I now give to You, full, complete control For in doing this, I know You'll make me whole. So lift me from the ashes, heal the feelings in my heart For holding on to them is tearing me apart. --- ...Beautiful! Thank LouiseAu! You can read more about this here: Question: "What is the meaning of sackcloth and ashes?" Some other Bible Orientalisms explained here: http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/Word_of_God.htm or buy Orientalisms of the Bible here: https://www.amazon.com/Orientalisms-Bible-Vol-K-C-Pillai/dp/0910068550 =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: >Come and See: You Just Have to Be There A few years ago a church located in a large city decided to turn its gymnasium into a night shelter for homeless people. Every winter there were reports that some of these people, condemned to sleep out in the open, had frozen to death, and so the church made the warmth and safety of its building available without charge. Each evening during the winter, volunteers from the church would spend the night in the shelter, providing food, clothing, and lodging for as many of the homeless as the building would hold. Almost without exception, the volunteers reported that the experience of spending the night with these people from the streets had been far more than an act of dutiful charity. The volunteers had found their own faith strengthened, their own reliance upon the grace of Christ reinforced by the experience. Several months after the shelter was opened, one of the pastors of the church was being interviewed on a radio talk program. The interviewer was an opinionated fundamentalist whose biases were quite strong. It became clear during the interview that he felt that the church ought to stick to the business of preaching the old-time gospel and stay away from meddlesome activities like shelters for homeless people. "Now just tell me," he jeered at one point, "where is Jesus in all this?" For a moment the pastor considered silently how to respond, then said calmly, "You just have to be there." "Come and see," said Philip to Nathaniel, and some people do not see because they will not come to those places where one can get an angle of vision, where one can see the grace of Christ at work in the world. Thomas G. Long, Shepherds and Bathrobes, CSS Publishing Company --- \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: ...Eph.1 [17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. -<>- .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx >A FOREVER KIND OF LOVE One of our favorite patients had been in and out of our small, rural hospital several times, and all of us on med-surg had grown quite attached to her and her husband. In spite of terminal cancer and resulting pain, she never failed to give us a smile or a hug. Whenever her husband came to visit, she glowed. He was a nice man, very polite and as friendly as his wife. I had grown quite attached to them and was always glad to care for her. I admired their expression of love. Daily, he brought her fresh flowers and a smile, then sat by her bed as they held hands and talked quietly. When the pain was too much and she cried or became confused, he hugged her gently in his arms and whispered until she rested. He spent every available moment at her bedside, giving her small sips of water and stroking her brow. Every night, before he left for home, he closed the door so they could spend time alone together. When he was gone, we'd find her sleeping peacefully with a smile on her lips. On this night, however, things were different. As soon as I entered report, the day nurses informed us she had steadily taken a turn for the worse and wouldn't make it through the night. Although I was sad, I knew that this was for the best. At least my friend wouldn't be in pain any longer. I left report and checked on her first. When I entered the room, she aroused and smiled weakly, but her breathing was labored and I could tell it wouldn't be long. Her husband sat beside her, smiling, too, and said, "My Love is finally going to get her reward." Tears came to my eyes, so I asked if they needed anything and left quickly. I offered care and comfort throughout the evening, and at about midnight she passed away with her husband still holding her hand. I consoled him and with tears running down his cheeks he said, "May I please be alone with her for a while?" I hugged him and closed the door behind me. I stood outside the room, blotting my tears and missing my friend and her smile. And I could feel the pain of her husband in my own heart. Suddenly from the room came the most beautiful male voice I have ever heard singing. It was almost haunting the way it floated through the halls. All of the other nurses stepped out into the hallways to listen as he sang "Beautiful Brown Eyes" at the top of his lungs. When the tune faded, the door opened and he called to me. He looked me in the eyes then hugged me saying, "I sang that song to her every night from the first day we met. Normally I close the door and keep my voice down so as not to disturb the other patients. But I had to make sure she heard me tonight as she was on her way to heaven. She had to know that she will always be my forever love. Please apologize to anyone I bothered. I just don't know how I will make it without her, but I will continue to sing to her every night. Do you think she will hear me?" I nodded my head "yes," unable to stop my tears. He hugged me again, kissed my cheek, and thanked me for being their nurse and friend. He thanked the other nurses, then turned and walked down the hall, his back hunched, whistling the song softly as he went. As I watched him leave I prayed that I, too, would someday know that kind of forever love. By Christy M. Martin -<>- __________ /________ /| | XII , | | | ,' | | |IX * III| | | `. | | |____VI___| | | | | | | | | | | | | | -|- | /` |/ -|- | /` |/ | ( ) | | | | \, |\ | | \, |\ ejm |_________|/ >No Time I knelt to pray, but not for long, I had too much to do, Must hurry off and get to work For bills would soon be due. And so I said a hurried prayer, Jumped up from off my knees. My Christian duty now was done, My soul could be at ease. All through the day I had no time To speak a word of cheer, No time to speak of Christ to friends They'd laugh at me, I feared. No time, no time, too much to do -- That was my constant cry; No time to give to those in need -- At last 'twas time to die. And when before the LORD I came, I stood with downcast eyes, Within His hands He held a Book. It was the "Book of Life. God looked into His Book and said, Your name I cannot find. I once was going to write it down, But never found the time. -Author Unknown -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Corner Of Paradise! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/corner.html God's Sky Paintings! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gsky2.html Recycling Ideas! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/recycling.html Wall Mural Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wallart.html Montreal Gardens http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/montreal.html God's Royal Priests! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/royalpriests.html Beaches In India http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/beaches.html Financial Stewardship http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/financialstewardship.html Never Give Up! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Thankful For You! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thankful.html Flower Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/flowerart.html Awesome Hotel http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/qhotel.html Short Life Stories http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/lifestories.html Attitude Is Everything! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Thoughts Into Action 6! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/action6.html Tropical Islands Resort! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tropicalislands.html Trump - Making America Great Again! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trumpposters.html -<>- >Some Of Shangrala's Best Pages: http://www.amazafamily.com/index.html -<>- I Surrender https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7jXASBWwwI The Ten Tenors - Hallelujah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2xDIcukEkM Josh Groban You Raise Me Up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj8wHfBKoRU Michael Jackson - Will You Be There https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQY_QL_wvQU Alan Jackson - How Great Thou Art (Live) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-m_6KN5ISA Deaf Singer Gets Simon Cowell's GOLDEN BUZZER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLLvxhOPdik Trump holds 'MAGA' rally in West Virginia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVIrt2fLNMw Staying safe when wires are at an accident scene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeEVBgDP-Fo -<>- >From Truth Or Tradition: What does the Bible say about Tithing? https://tinyurl.com/yarqka59 A Life Surrendered https://tinyurl.com/y8shtkzj What does the Bible say about proper intimacy? https://tinyurl.com/ycpyocna -<>- >From Our Friend Victor :) Non-Citizens Committed a Disproportionate Share of Federal Crimes, 2011-16 https://tinyurl.com/ybhvl6q3 --- ...Wow! Sad and Scary! Thanks Victor! Reminds me of these Trump Trolls Schumer on Illegal Immigration https://1600daily.com/2018/08/15/trump-trolls-schumer-immigration-hypocrisy/ Illegal immigrant found guilty of killing Kansas mom, kidnapping her 6-day old baby https://tinyurl.com/y7wlhbor A 24-year-old man described as an illegal immigrant from Mexico was charged with murder on Tuesday after he led detectives to the body of a woman, believed to be that of a college student who went missing a month ago, in an Iowa cornfield, state investigators said. https://tinyurl.com/ycogwvwo Would-Be Trump Assassin On The Loose https://1600daily.com/2018/08/22/trump-assassin-loose/ -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) Precious Lord Take My Hand with lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHBzI_Jb-o4&feature=youtu.be --- ...So sweet! Thanks Linda! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Simon Coronel is an expert on the impossible. As a multi award winning, world renowned illusionist he is recognized by his peers for his incredible ability, innovation and creativity. He has performed at venues in more than six countries across four continents, including the world famous Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3__aetZb7s The Juggler is Michael Davis and as you’ll see he is not only a very good juggler he’s also very funny and entertaining. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKRrfAzdpW8 --- ...Wow! Fun ones! 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 ========================================================== __,...__ _,-'::::::::`-. ,'::,----._::::::`. ,'::,' /\,-. \:::::::`. /::::| ; | |:::::::::`. |:::::`._ \ |:::::::::::\ __\,:--''--`_--':::::::::::::\ `'--::__:::::::`-:_:::::::::::::\ /--.`'--:_:::::`-::::::::::::\ /,-_.' _`-:_::::`:::::::::::\ / /o\| ,-_`-.`--:::`::::::::::) || \_/| / /o\\ `:,'''-:' (#__`-_/ | \_/| /##| ,-.\ ,'' `-. `.__/ ,'###| / || / \ , (##### / || | |___,-##\ /##/ \__,'/ \ /########) |#,'|__..-' `-..__..-'######) / \`.###'`""' / \\\__// ,' \`--' _,-' jrei `-..___..--'' >-->From HandyHints: COINS: It may sound crazy, but we sometimes forget that coins carry value. If you have loose change in your wallet or purse, you're more likely to spend it - or lose it in the depths of your car or couch cushions. By putting your excess daily change into a jar, you're preventing frivolous spending. And once you have a healthy stash, you can take your coins to the bank and deposit them. More savings! Buying on sale just because it's on sale: We've all been guilty of this. We purchase items just because they're on sale. But, do you really need that new pair of jeans just because they're 15% off? Instead of spending your money on the things that you don't need just because they're sale, make a note of the what you do need and then wait for them to go on sale. If you're like most people, this adds up to be over $250 a month. Use curtains and blinds to cut cooling costs by 45%: The best times to use your curtains as a natural heating or cooling system is in the summer and winter months. Reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by about 45% during the summer. In the winter the opposite applies, when you should use your window treatments to trap heat and keep it inside. Drapes can reduce heat loss as well! Grow your own herbs! It will save you money and it : tastes better than buying from your local grocery store Herbs can easily be grown indoors on a small windowsill or outside in pots or gardens. They will help you save on buying expensive grocery store jars of seasonings, will taste fresher, and can be easily dried and stored. Generic vs Name Brand - Go with generic when you can!: There are great savings to be had with certain generic brands in every supermarket. Often the generic options are just as good, if not better, than some of their pricier brand name counterparts. In fact, many store or "private label" brands are manufactured by the same companies that make the name brands. ========================================================== _____ _..--'' ``--.._ | | | | | | | | | .-. | | .'\ | | /`, | | `.\ : ; /,' | | ___`' v `'___ | | .' `. .' `. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | `.___,',^.`.___,' | | / \ | | `---' | | _____________ | | / | | | \ | | :-|----|----|-: | | \_|____|____|_/ | | | `-..._ _...-' `-------' SSt >In the Crosswalk Story Editor: by Joanne Smarney Joyce Schowalter Michigan, USA In 1990 I was working in the downtown area in Flint, Michigan. I was at the Genesee County Drain Commissioner's Office, very near the county court buildings. The day was extremely cold and windy, but I decided to take my morning break outside. I wanted to walk around the building to clear my head and get a break from the clamor inside. My morning had been extremely busy and noisy, with phones ringing and everyone in the office talking at the same time. Freezing weather always makes the telephones ring at the Drain Commissioner's Office. Sewer pipes have a perverted sense of humor and lie in wait for the coldest days. Then they decide to spring leaks and flood streets with their contents so they can watch us mortals slip, slide and dent our fenders. The maintenance department people are aware of this, and they swear that it is indeed an intentional thing on the part of the pipes. Lawyers are very common in this part of downtown, coming and going to the court building. While outside, I saw yet another "up and coming" young lawyer waiting for the light to change so he could cross the street. He was probably in his late 20's, clean cut, and impeccably dressed. His navy-blue designer overcoat must have been fresh from the cleaners. His two hundred dollar shoes glistened with polish. His briefcase was also expensive, probably a graduation gift from Mom and Dad for passing the bar. Soft leather gloves covered his hands. The light changed and he proceeded to cross the street. More than half way through, he started to take off his gloves. This puzzled me as it was very, very cold. Then I saw another man in the crosswalk, obviously down on his luck, crossing from the other side, walking with metal crutches. He had no gloves to protect him from the frozen aluminum. The lawyer paused momentarily in front of the man on crutches and handed him his fur-lined gloves. They both smiled and kept walking. The whole exchange lasted no more than two or three seconds. Yes, the lawyer won my respect, but I also truly admire the man on crutches. He not only had the good grace to accept something he needed, but also did so cheerfully. He did not protest or argue with the generous giver, instead simply smiled, said thanks, and continued on his way. It is just as important, if not more so, to accept the gifts we're given graciously as it is to be the giver of gifts. Whenever I need a lift, I just recall this story. It always cheers me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From CupO'Cheer: O _ ---\ _|.|_ /--- ---| | |--- |_/ \_| | | | | |___| | | / \ >ANGEL IN BLUE JEANS By Dollie Meredith Scooping up one-year-old Jason, I grabbed my keys from the counter and called to five-year-old Robert: "Time to go!" We were running late for a doctor’s appointment. The Texas summer heat beat down on us when we stepped outside. Robert kicked off his shoes and made footprints in the sandy driveway all the way to the car. "Mommy will crank up the A.C., guys," I promised, buckling Jason into his car seat. I locked and slammed his door and reached for the handle on the passenger side so Robert could hop in. Now where did I put those keys? My eyes darted back to Jason, who was waving my keys in his hand. In a panic, I tried all the doors. The car was locked tight. Little Jason wouldn’t last more than a few minutes in that heat. I had to get him out! I grabbed a hoe from the garage. "Move back, Robert!" I shouted. I swung at the rear window, but the hoe glanced off the shatterproof glass. Jason started to cry, his face red. "Oh, God, please help us!" I called. "Mom, look," Robert said. A young man in blue jeans stood behind me in the driveway. He took the hoe, broke a side window with a single blow, reached in and unlocked Jason’s door. I gathered him in my arms and pulled Robert close. "It’s okay, boys. We’re all okay." "Where did that man go?" Robert wanted to know. I looked around. The street was empty, and our sandy driveway showed only two sets of footprints—mine and Robert’s. as seen in Inspiration Plus -<>- .-~*~--,. .-. .-~-. ./OOOOOOOOO\.'OOO`9~~-. .`OOOOOO.OOM.OLSONOOOOO@@OOOOOO\ /OOOO@@@OO@@@OO@@@OOO@@@@@@@@OOOO`. |OO@@@WWWW@@@@OOWWW@WWWW@@@@@@@OOOO). .-'OO@@@@WW@@@W@WWWWWWWWOOWW@@@@@OOOOOO} /OOO@@O@@@@W@@@@@OOWWWWWOOWOO@@@OOO@@@OO| lOOO@@@OO@@@WWWWWWW\OWWWO\WWWOOOOOO@@@O.' \OOO@@@OOO@@@@@@OOW\ \WWWW@@@@@@@O'. `,OO@@@OOOOOOOOOOWW\ \WWWW@@@@@@OOO) \,O@@@@@OOOOOOWWWWW\ \WW@@@@@OOOO.' `~c~8~@@@@WWW@@W\ \WOO|\UO-~' (OWWWWWW@/\W\ ___\WO) `~-~'' \ \WW=*' __\ \ \ \ \ __\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \\ \ \ >LIGHTNING, THUNDER & THE 30-30 RULE Whoa! We’ve been having a lot of thunderstorms this summer (it’s a good thing I enjoy them!) and I thought I’d bring up this tip I published way back in 2006, it’s a good one to know when things are rockin ‘n rollin outside… You can determine how close lightning struck to where you are by counting in seconds after you see lightning until you hear thunder. Divide by 5 for miles, divide by 3 for kilometers. For Example: You see lightning You count 12 seconds and then you hear thunder The lightning struck and the storm is approximately 4 kilometers or 2.4 miles away (12 seconds / 3 = 4 kilometers away; or 12 seconds / 5 miles = 2.4 miles away). Huh? The speed of light travels faster than the speed of sound (that’s why we see the lightning first) and it takes approximately 5 seconds for the sonic boom to travel one mile. If you count less than 30 seconds: Practice the 30-30 rule: Take appropriate shelter when you can count 30 seconds or less between lightning and thunder. Remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last thunder. -<>- .========. .========. // I .'..' \ // VI.'.,".\ || II .'..'| || VII..'..| || III .'."| || VIII,'.'| || IV ,','.| || IX.'".'.| || V '..'.'| || X .'..',| jgs .\_________/ .\_________/ >THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF HUMAN RELATIONS 1. SPEAK TO PEOPLE: There is nothing so nice as a cheerful word of greeting. 2. SMILE AT PEOPLE: It takes 72 muscles to frown, only 14 to smile. 3. CALL PEOPLE by name: The sweetest music to everyone's ears is the sound of his own name. 4. BE FRIENDLY and helpful: If you would have a friend, be a friend. 5. BE CORDIAL: Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure. 6. BE GENUINELY interested in people: You can like almost everybody if you try. 7. BE GENEROUS with praise - cautious with criticism. 8. BE CONSIDERATE with the feelings of others. There are usually three sides to a controversy: yours, the other fellows and the right side. 9. BE ALERT to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others. 10. ADD TO THIS a good sense of humor a big dose of patience and a dash of humility and you will be rewarded many-fold. -<>- . | . | . | \|/ \ / -= * =- '. .----. .' /|\ / \ ' | ' -= | .----. | | / /""\ | / \( / m m ' ) ) - ) / /-./~` ( ( `.`\ /| . ) )\ \/_/ / . | . ( ( \_.-'` \ ' / \ \.| -= <*^*^*> =- jgs |\____\\ | ( " ) | _) \ |()'"'()| _.-' , | | (___) | /| . ` ; (`-.___.-') /_/____________/ '-.___.-' >I WANT THIS JESUS! (Seeing People as God Sees Them) [By Jim Cymbala] It was Easter Sunday and I was so tired at the end of the day that I just went to the edge of the platform, pulled down my tie and sat down and draped my feet over the edge. It was a wonderful service with many people coming forward. The counselors were talking with these people. As I was sitting there, I looked up the middle aisle, and there in about the third row was a man who looked about fifty, disheveled, filthy. He looked up at me rather sheepishly, as if saying, "Could I talk to you?" We have homeless people coming in all the time, asking for money or whatever. So as I sat there, I said to myself, though I am ashamed of it, "What a way to end a Sunday. I've had such a good time, preaching and ministering, and here's a fellow probably wanting some money for more wine." He walked up. When he got within about five feet of me, I smelled a horrible smell like I'd never smelled in my life. It was so awful that when he got close, I would inhale by looking away, and then I'd talk to him, and then look away to inhale, because I couldn't inhale facing him. I asked him, "What's your name?" "David." "How long have you been on the street?" "Six years." "How old are you?" "Thirty-two." He looked fifty - hair matted; front teeth missing; wino; eyes slightly glazed. "Where did you sleep last night, David?" "Abandoned truck." I keep in my back pocket a money clip that also holds some credit cards. I fumbled to pick one out thinking; I'll give him some money. I won't even get a volunteer. They are all busy talking with others. Usually we don't give money to people. We take them to get something to eat. I took the money out. David pushed his finger in front of me. He said, "I don't want your money. I want this Jesus...the One you were talking about, because I'm not going to make it. I'm going to die on the street." I completely forgot about David, and I started to weep for myself. I was going to give a couple of dollars to someone God had sent to me. See how easy it is? I could make the excuse I was tired. There is no excuse. I was not seeing him the way God sees him. I was not feeling what God feels. But oh, did that change! David just stood there. He didn't know what was happening. I pleaded with God, "God, forgive me! Forgive me! Please forgive me. I am so sorry to represent You this way. I'm so sorry. Here I am with my message and my points, and You send somebody and I am not ready for it. Oh, God!" Something came over me. Suddenly I started to weep deeper, and David began to weep. He fell against my chest as I was sitting there. He fell against my white shirt and tie, and I put my arms around him, and there we wept on each other. The smell of His person became a beautiful aroma. Here is what I thought the Lord made real to me: If you don't love this smell, I can't use you, because this is why I called you where you are. This is what you are about. You are about this smell. Christ changed David's life. He started memorizing portions of Scripture that were incredible. We got him a place to live. We hired him in the church to do maintenance, and we got his teeth fixed. He was a handsome man when he came out of the hospital. They detoxed him in 6 days. He spent that Thanksgiving at my house. He also spent Christmas at my house. When we were exchanging presents, he pulled out a little thing and he said, "This is for you." It was a little white hanky. It was the only thing he could afford. A year later David got up and talked about his conversion to Christ. The minute he took the mic and began to speak, I said, "The man is a preacher." This past Easter we ordained David. He is an associate minister of a church over in New Jersey. And I was so close to saying, "Here, take this; I'm a busy preacher." We can get so full of ourselves. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->From AndyChaps: , /\ , / '-' '-' \ | POLICE | \ .--. / | ( 19 ) | \ '--' / '--. .--' jgs \/ >I'm Glad They Were Poor Shots According to the Associated Press, police officers in two patrol cars fired more than twenty rounds at each other on July 10, 2001. The officers mistook each other's vehicles for a stolen patrol car -- and opened fire. An eighteen-year-old had apparently taken a Seattle police car for a joyride. The theft was reported on law-enforcement broadcasts, and a bicycle patrol officer in downtown Seattle spotted it. A police car immediately gave chase but lost sight of the stolen vehicle after pausing to check for oncoming traffic at an intersection. It was then that a second police car pulled up and -- thinking the stopped car was the stolen vehicle -- rammed it. Two policemen in the car that had been hit thought they were under attack. So they pulled their weapons and began firing. A police spokesperson said the officers involved -- two in the rammed car and one in the other -- exchanged more than twenty rounds before they discovered their mistake! Nobody was hurt. When I first read the story of policemen shooting at each other, my very first thought was this: *How like God's people across the centuries -- training our weapons on one another, instead of the real enemy!* A poor man is begging outside your office. The arrest of an alcoholic mother whose children were neglected is reported in today's newspaper. Last week you heard about another pregnant teen at your child's school. Our tendency seems to be contempt for the (lazy) beggar, anger at the (irresponsible) woman, and disgust toward the (wild) adolescent. Are these harsh opinions justified? Terms such as "lazy," "irresponsible," and "wild" fit the life situations of some people. But they are demeaning judgments against others. Perhaps it is simply easier to criticize than care, less exhausting to pigeonhole than help. I've seen it in churches. We've been known to shoot our wounded! It has happened in families. A parent's "position in the community" is more important than honesty about a child's needs! It happens in the workplace. It's far easier and more efficient to replace someone than help him work through a mess. Without being so hesitant that you cannot make a decision or so merciful that you cannot stand for principle, try to err on the side of kindness. Otherwise, the rest of us can only hope that more innocent people don't get killed. ....The FAX of Life is a free weekly service from Rubel Shelly and the Family of God at Woodmont Hills. -<>- .---. /_____\ ( '.' ) \_-_/_ .-"`'V'//-. / , |// , \ / /|Ll //Ll|\ \ / / |__// | \_\ \ \/---|[]==| / / \/\__/ | \/\/ |/_ | Ll_\| |`^"""^`| | | | | | | | | | | | | L___l___J |_ | _| jgs (___|___) ^^^ ^^^ >THOUGHT PROVOKING INSPIRATIONAL Horror gripped the heart of a World War I soldier, as he saw his lifelong friend fall in battle. Caught in a trench with continuous gunfire whizzing over his head, the soldier asked his Lieutenant if he could go out into the "no man's land" between the trenches to bring his fallen comrade back. "You can go," said the Lieutenant, "but I don't think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may throw your life away." The Lieutenant's words didn't matter, and the soldier went anyway. Miraculously, he managed to reach his friend, hoisted him onto his shoulder and brought him back to their company's trench. As the two of them tumbled in together to the bottom of the trench, the officer checked the wounded soldier, then looked kindly at his friend. "I told you it wouldn't be worth it," he said. "Your friend is dead! and you are mortally wounded." "It was worth it, Sir," said the soldier. "What do you mean by worth it?" responded the Lieutenant. "Your friend is dead." "Yes Sir," the private answered, "but it was worth it because when I got to him, he was still alive and I had the satisfaction of hearing him say.... "JIM... I KNEW YOU'D COME." Many times in life, whether a thing is worth doing or not, really depends on how you look at it. Take up all your courage and do something your heart tells you to do so that you may not regret not doing it later in your life... "A true friend is one who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out." Life is short, Always treasure what you have now or you will regret it. To handle a hard situation, try a soft answer. Let the spirit of friendship in us remain forever -<>- +-. .--. +-. | `"|"` \| .------;/|===;. Y.==. /\|/\___\|_.'_`\/\|/\ |--o--|___(_)' |--o--| \/|\/ =' \/|\/ jgs `"` `"` >PEDAL I used to think of Jesus as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since I took the back seat to Jesus, My Lord. Christ makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way, but it was rather boring and predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at breakneck speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said "Pedal!" I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared", He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to hush up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says ... "Pedal." ========================================================== _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >-->"In My Prayers" - Author Unknown As you make your way through a fog of tears, a landslide of heartache and multiple fears, I'll remember you in my prayers. While God holds you safe in the palm of His hand and sends His angels to help you stand, I'll remember you in my prayers. Each minute you long for peace and rest, courageously fighting this willful test, I'll remember you in my prayers. When a ray of hope pierces the night and your faith is renewed by the heavenly sight, I'll drop to my knees and thank the Lord for the grace of prayer and your spirit restored. >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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