Do Some Good... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This super scorcher comes form our friends Linda and Geniann. Thanks to high speed cameras, we can get some really awesome photos! Check it out here... __ __------ __/o `\ ,~ _~~ . .. pb. .. ~ -. ,' _~----- `\ ~~~--_'__ `~-==-~~~~~---' Got A Nanosecond 3? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nano3.html --- ...Love these! So funny! Thanks Ladies!) =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx >HEY! by Lynelle Dawson I remember hearing them throughout my childhood. "Hey," my step-dad would say out of the blue. "Hey what?" my mom would automatically reply. I had noticed nothing more was generally said, but then I was young and didn't pay too much attention to the "old fogies." Years passed by uneventfully, I was now in my twenties and still I would hear their apparently meaningless conversation. "Hey." "Hey what?" For over 25 years I heard this exchange, never knowing what it meant. Quite truthfully, I never knew it was supposed to be anything other than a greeting of some odd sort. I didn't hear it frequently, only occasionally, therefore I didn't really spend a lot of time dwelling on the custom either. Around the ripe old age of 35, which was quite a bit older than one of the "old fogies" of my childhood, and barely a decade younger than the other, I learned what the expressions were meant to convey. Saying, "Hey," meant, "I love you." Replying, "Hey what?" meant, "I love you too." For 27 years now, this has been their secret way of expressing the depth of their love for one another without anyone being the wiser. Hey! -- Lynelle Dawson ___________________________________________ Lynelle and her daughter, Kallie, live in Oklahoma with their menagerie of pets. "After over 25 years of hearing my parents say these words, my mom let me in on the secret. Boy, was I ever shocked? and pleased. I was able to return the shock favor last year by throwing a surprise 25th anniversary party for them too!" Today, February 6, happens to their 26th anniversary! Lynelle is a Heartwarmer Gem, HeartTouchers featured author and published writer. To read more of her writing, go to: http://www.tomorrows-leaders.com and click on "My Writing". -<>- ,ae, ,88888e ,a888b.9888888i 888888888888888 88888888888888Y '8888888888888' "S888888888" unknown "7888888Y "e88j "Y >THE VALENTINE REWARD by James "PoppyK" Kisner The classroom was quite empty; all the children had gone home, My fourth grade room was quiet, as I sat there all alone. That day in class, I told the children what they were to do, Make a Valentine for someone, who is close to you. Someone who you look up to and someone you admire, Someone who is helping you become what you desire. Then I told the children, print a poem that is your own, Then leave them on my desk to read, before you all go home. Tomorrow, you can take them home to give to those you love, But first I'd like to read them to see, who you're thinking of. As I sat and read the poems, the little cards weren't bad, Some were for grandparents and then some for mom or dad. Some had standard verses, "Roses red and violets blue," While others had cute verses, that the children made up new. But then I started reading one and tears filled up my eyes, I never had expected this; it caught me by surprise. "I love my mom and dad, she wrote, but you are special too, That is why I want to make this Valentine for you. I heard my mom once say, you are a blessing in disguise, The way you love to teach and help to open children's eyes. So you will know and understand, 'cause next year I'll be gone, You've help me to be who I am; you are a special one." I closed the little card from her and I just sat and cried, This precious fourth grade girl had done more than she realized. A teacher doesn't earn a lot, there's much they can't afford, But all the money in the world can't match this great reward. To know you make a difference when you teach a little child, And know you have influenced them does make it all worthwhile. I know that all who teach will never earn themselves great wealth, Their riches come from knowing one has given of one's self. To know we make a difference, having helped a child soar, To know we had a part will be our "Valentine reward." -- James "PoppyK" Kisner ___________________________________________ PoppyK is a Heartwarmer Gem and a valued contributor to our publications. He publishes his own free email newsletter of his poems, called PoppysPals, and you can join it by sending an email to: poppyspals-subscribe @ yahoogroups.com (remove the spaces) or clicking here: mailto:poppyspals-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ========================================================== >-->Story Time From Our Friend LouiseA :) \_/ --(_)-- . / \ /_\ |Q| .-----' '-----. __ /____[SCHOOL]___\ ())) | [] .-.-. [] | (((()) ..|____|_|_|____|..................................)(... ldb >Classroom with no desks Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock , did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom. When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks. Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?' She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.' They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.' 'No,' she said. 'Maybe it's our behavior.' She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior.' And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom. By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms. Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room. The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the desk less classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.' At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it. Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned. Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.' By the way, this is a true story. And this teacher was awarded Teacher of the Year for the state of Arkansas in 2006. Please consider passing this along so others won't forget that the freedoms we have in this great country were earned by U. S. Veterans. Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go. --- ...An excellent classic! Thank You LouiseA! ============================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Scriptures God is a safe dwelling place in life's storms. Read Psalms 4:6 (Lord, life up the light of your contenance upon us. ) Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom you will be the one to suffer. Read Proverbs 9:11-12 Peace is the presence of God. Read Psalms 23:4 (Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff shall comfort me) God shows unbridled delight when He sees people acting in ways that honor Him. Read Proverbs 3:9-10 God is good and heaven is forever. If those two things don't cheer one up, what will???? Read 2 Corinthians 13:11 God promised he would keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, whose thoughts are fixed on Him. Read Isaiah 16:3 --- ...Great inspiration! Thanks Bunni! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ ///-._ ////////-._ /////////////-. ////////////////`. //////////////// .'`. //////////////// . '.'`. '|`'//////////// . .'.::|` : `'/////// . '.':| | . . `'// ' _|- ::| |. .-._ . | . | .':: | |:|:| | ' ' '.::| | |:|:| :. . .'.':| | . |:|:| . | .._.::: : `':| | ' ////-:| |. . | '/////////-._ | . . : .//////////////-._ : : ///////////////////-._ |. |////////////////////////-._ | . . :`'//////////////////////////-._ | . _.-\\\\``'//////////////////////////-._ | /\\\\\\\\..``'//////////////////////////". : . . /. \\\\\\\\\. .``'///////////////////// .'`. : / _ \\\\\\\\\. ``'//////////////// . .'`. | . / (@) \\\\\\\\\. . . ``'/////////// . '.'::|. {`)._ '| _` .\\\\\\\-`:|#| . . ``'////// '. .'.:| `-{_/`| ||::. \\'`.:|:.|#| |#| . ``'/ ' .##:'::: `-| ||||| |`.'::|::|#| |#| |#| . . '| . .|##|'.:| pils | ||||| : .'::|:.'#| |#| |#| |#| | |##|'::| | ||||| .| .'.:|::.'' '#| |#| |#| . : ' |##|'.:| {`\:|||| : .'::|:_.:. . '#| |#| | .|##|'::: `-{_/'|_ |_.-'/}_/'-._ '#| :. |##:'.:| `'{._('}_)-' `-}_}(-._ . . | ' '` .'::| `-' `-.} /-._ . : .'.'_:-'\ `-}_}(-._ | . _.-')_(-' `-/_)`-.:.-{ \{-' `-{_'_)-'' ^ >DO SOME GOOD By: Joseph J. Mazzella For many years now Church work camps full of volunteers both young and old have been helping the poor and elderly people of this area. During the Spring and Summer school breaks they always arrive full of eager high school and college students under the supervision of older carpenters and builders. They work long hours fixing leaky roofs, building porches and wheel chair ramps, and repairing the homes of those who need it. Their only payment is the happy smiles and grateful hearts of those they help. Several times in the past I have helped or been helped by these wonderful people. I will always remember one man in particular that had an infectious enthusiasm as he worked. He was both a Church Pastor and a Master Carpenter. He seemed to inspire all the kids working under him with his cheerful spirit. Everyday when I asked him how he was doing he would reply, "I'm doing good!" At the end of the week as his group was preparing to leave I looked at all the homes they had fixed and lives they had touched and had to agree. He was "Doing Good!" So many of us want to be doing good in our lives. But do we want to be "Doing Good" in our lives? A nice house, a successful career, and a lot of money might be nice to have, but they don't compare with fixing another's home, helping those in need, and having treasures in Heaven. The material things we have here are temporary but the good we do goes on for all eternity. God loves us all so much and God put us here on Earth for a reason. I don't think it is to be doing good in the eyes of the world either. I think rather that it is to do some good in the eyes of Heaven. There is no limit to the good we can do, the love we can share, and the joy we can spread in this life. We need only to begin to live as God meant for us to live with compassionate hearts, caring souls, and helpful hands. Do some good today then. You can change the world. -<>- z z Z .--. Z Z / _(c\ .-. __ | / / '-; \'-'` `\______ \_\/'/ __/ ) / ) | \--, | \`""`__-/ .'--/ /--------\ \ \\` ///-\/ / /---;-. '-' jgs (________\ \ '-' >The Room By Josh Harris In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and right to left as far as the eye could see, had very different headings. As I walked up to the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read, "People I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then, without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my entire life. The actions of my every moment, big and small, were written in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, mixed with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from common, everyday things to the not-so-common "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I Have Yelled at My Brothers and Sisters." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I had hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had time in my 17 years to write each of these thousands or millions of cards? But each card confirmed the truth. Each card was written in my own handwriting. Each card was signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think such a moment had been recorded. A feeling of humiliation and anger ran through my body. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy, I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took the file at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.That was when I saw it. The file bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With. "The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than 3 inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. Then as I looked up through my tears, I saw Him enter the room. No, please, not Him. Not here. Anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. The few times I looked at His face I saw such sadness that it tore at my heart. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did he have to read every one? Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file, and, one by one, began to sign his name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written in blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written... by Joshua Harris, "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Why God Gave Us Puppies http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whypuppies.html Value What You Have! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuewyh.html Naval Fleet Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/navalart.html MacGyver - How To Do It 4! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/macgyver4.html Why We Love Dogs! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whydog.html Dogs As Best Friends! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bestfriend.html Aww Animals 7! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals7.html The Moses Bridge! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mosesbridge.html Kisses Sweeter Than Honey! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kisses.html Great Banyan Tree! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/banyan.html All Occasion Cars! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/allcar.html -<>- >From Our Friend PatDeE :) He sent us one we have here... THE CITY THAT TIME FORGOT http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/city.html --- ...Awesome one! Thanks PatDeE! -<>- >From Our Friends KarenF And Linda :) They sent us one we have here Adopted Chimp http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/adoptedchimp.html --- ...Awww, so sweet! Thanks You Ladies! -<>- >From Our Friend NancyF :) You'll never see these again Old Ads http://www.mamarocks.com/old_ads.htm --- ...Cool! Thanks KarenF! -<>- >From Our Friend Bunni :) So cute - All Star Cats http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yC2ICS_8OM So cute and unusual for a bird. http://tinyurl.com/d9zae8j --- ...LOL! So comical! Thanks Bunni! EACH FLOWER IS FILMED FOR TWO DAYS AND PHOTOS ARE COLLATED WITHIN 7 MINUTES TO GET THIS EFFECT. (Video is about 2 minutes long. Enjoy the Dance of the Flowers as they Bloom, make sure your sound is on) http://player.vimeo.com/video/27920977?title=0&; --- ...Beautiful! Thanks Bunni! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >BETTER AND BETTER [edited] "Do you want more and more of God's kindness and peace? Then learn to know him better and better. For as you know him better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us! And by that same mighty power he has given us all the other rich and wonderful blessings he promised... But to obtain these gifts, you need more than faith; you must also work hard to be good, and even that is not enough. For then you must learn to know God better and discover what he wants you to do." 2 Peter 1:2-5, TLB If you're like me, you're looking for ways to love God more. Not just to obey Him, (although that's what proves we love Him), but to love God with a passion. With spirited affection. Intense desire. I'm talking about longing to know God better and better with fire in your eyes and a furnace in your heart. The passage for today explains exactly how. If you want to increase your desire for God, then get to know Him in a deeper way. And there is no better way to know Him than through His Word. Get into God's Word, and you will get a heart for God and Jesus Christ. Get passionate about Scripture, and your passion for them will increase. Feelings follow faith... and faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Take a look back over the past week. How much time did you spend in the Word? What does that say about the direction your relationship with Him is going? Mark down specific times in your calendar to be in the Word this upcoming week. Be realistic but stretch yourself a bit. After all, you want to know God better, don't you? Dear God, help me to remember how amazing it is that You have revealed Yourself through the Word. Teach me to treasure Scripture more and to love You more through it. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen! Blessings, Joni and Friends as seen at Joniandfriends.org -<>- . , |`. ,'| \_`-._ _,-'_/ ./ \-._`-._ _,-'_,-/ \, \._/._ `._>`-.__ __,-'<_,' _,\_,/ /_ \_.`-._\_-._ `--__ __--' _,-_/_,-',_/ _\ /._`\_./ _`_./`.-._ `-. ,-' _,-,'\,_'_ \,_/'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./ _/`\_ `. ,' _/'\_ \,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /._`/ _/ _`_./` _/ `\_ `\_ _/' _/' \_ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./` __/ >. `-.,-' ,< \__ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /_`/._/._`_./` __.`.-\_.-`'-._/-,',__ '\,_'_,\_,\'_\ `\._`_./`\._/_/' _ `\_\_,/'\,_'_,/' /_\ \./ __/(__ / `--' \ / _ _ \ \'| |`/ \|____|/ \/ -] \/ / | \ | | | | | \ / | \ \__,-`\___/ (_) |__) mic >NOT SO RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS (Part 1 of 2) The three daily angel tasks - or random acts of kindness are randomly selected each day from the following list. This list will be continuously updated as new ideas for random acts of kindness are presented to me. I am always looking for more task ideas. If the task is a viable option which I can successfully complete as a random act of kindness both timewise and of course, financially, then it will be added. I have now added a second list of random act of kindness angel tasks which cannot be done every day.. select the More Tasks! button Write a note of appreciation to your mailman Compliment a stranger sincerely Write a thank you note to someone Look for something around you that can be fixed up, picked up, or attended ie, put shopping carts up, pick up some trash laying around, pick up something that has fallen over Give a lottery ticket to a stranger Send handmade cards or a letter to someone you care for Write a note to management or someone themself who has treated you nice while doing their job (waiter, clerk, sales person...etc) when you go somewhere to get or do something, ask someone around you if you can pick up, drop off or do something for them while you do Cut coupons out and leave them at the grocer register for others Cut an article out of the newspaper that would interest a friend and mail it to them. Leave have a nice day stickers at a front desk Put together a writing kit with stationery, envelopes and stamps, pen and give to hospital/nursing home Put a comment on someone's webpage that you really like...... let them know you enjoy it Send a card to someone in the military overseas Start a conversation up with a co-worker that you don't know Leave something cheery or nice for all your co-workers (in spring bag of seeds, fun post its, fun office supplies Put change in a row of vending machines Visit a nursing home. Spend time visiting with someone who doesn't get visitors Put something you no longer need on Craig's list free spot for your area Leave something for someone at an area where it most might be used, (lighter near smoking area, book in reading area, umbrella near door on rainy day) Leave a book you have already finished somewhere for someone else to read. Drop off a toy or game at a hospital Drop off a toy or game at a homeless shelter. At post office leave some extra stamps at the stamp machine. Send a picture you have taken which includes a friend and send it to them with a note remembering when it was taken Buy a phone card and give to a homeless shelter for them to give to someone. Open the phone book, pick a name, and send them something (movie tickets, thank you card, you are appreciated card, book, etc.) anonymously. Take flowers to a hospital ward and give them to someone who hasn't had any visitors. Take some cake, chocolates, flowers etc. to the neighbors, or a senior citizen nearby Send someone a small gift anonymously Make a cd of your favorite songs and give to a friend -<>- _ *"_"* __ /`_`\ __ .' '. | / \ | .' '. , / ')\^_^/(' \ , \`--' . (_.> <._) . '--`/ '.__.' '._/ \_/ \_.' '.__.' / , _ , \ \ \_/|\_/ / \ //^\\ / \/` `\/ | | | | | | | | .. ..:::.| | ..::::. .. ..::::..::::... .::::::::| |:::::::::::::::. ::::::::::::::::::.:::::::::::| |:::::::::::::::::. ':::::::::::::::::::::::::::::| |::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::| |::::::::::::::::::' '':::' '::::::::::::::::\_.__./:::::::::::::::'' '':::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::' jgs '::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::'' '':::::'' '''::::::'' >NOT SO RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS (Part 2 of 2) Donate one hour of your time if you offer a service for a living, or one product, or one seminar, or one class, or just one of whatever it is that you do as a gift to someone else. Invite someone who is alone over for dinner. Share a comic strip or something funny with someone else. Leave a chocolate for a co-worker. Write a note, send a e-greeting "just to say hello" to someone who might need a pick me up Visit hospitals with smiles, treats and friendly conversation for patients. Send a thank you to the employees at a hospital, or anywhere else that a cheerful thank might add a smile Put a quarter in a parking meter that has expired Write a thank-you note to a person from your past who has made a difference in your life. Drop off a plant, flowers or apple pie at a public service organization or your neighbors house. Send someone an animated greeting card on the internet. Write a note to the boss of someone who has helped you, praising the employee. Drop off teddy bear to police department to give to traumitized children Drop a few coins in an area where children play, where they can easily find them. Copy a favorite recipe and give it to someone Buy a copy of your favorite book and donate it to your local library or hospital Write letters of appreciation to groups who are helping the community, the environment, etc. Send a card to a friend or relative you haven't seen for some time. Include a photo of yourself and/or your family. Make a point of introducing yourself to someone you see all of the time but never say hello to. Send an anonymous scratch card, lottery or theatre ticket to someone you know - or a gift voucher, a funny card, a chocolate bar, or whatever you feel they would enjoy If you know someone who is having a hard time financially, pop a $5, $10 or $20 note in an envelope, disguise your writing or type the envelope, and post it to them. Offer to baby sit Donate clothes to goodwill Put change in a charity change bottle Bring cookies or some snack to work for office Drop off cookies at a random establishment Tape some change to a payphone with a card saying it is for whoever needs it Write anonymous, loving post-its for strangers to find. from daretobeanangel.com -<>- =_ (\ _ (\ _ ||\ (\ _ (\ _ ( \ c (\ _ ( \ c |||\ _ /) ( \ c ( \ c (/(\/ ( \ c (\ _ (/(\/ ||||\O/ ) (/(\/ (/(\/ /| (/(\/ ( \ c /| ||||\/\ ) /| /| / | /| (/(\/ / | ||||// \ ) / | / | /__| / | /| /__| |||/ __\| /__| /__| " /__| / | " |__: //| | " " (\ _ " /__| - (\ _ ( \ c ! " ( ) ( \ c (\ _ (/(\/ \ _ /) -\ _ /) (/(\/ ( \ c /| ___ \O / ) - \O / ) /| (/(\/ / | / \/|) ) ( & )/)\) / | /| /__| | ./||\ ) _____ -\/|\ /__| / | " \___/ | \ /\ | (_) | \ " /__| /|\ |__\ -- | |__\ (\ _ " " /|\ " ( \O ______________ (\ _ /) ( /\/ (\_-_____________) ( \O/@ ) (\_ /) ( / \_( \O /___________| ( _|/_ ) \ _ /) ( O @ ) |/__ ( /_oo-#= | (/( )_\ \-O/ ) _ /) ( \|_ ) | |\\ :|(/| \/ _ /) ;/_)_(_ \_\ ) O/ ) ( / |_\ (\ _ ||__ |O/ ) _( ) \|\) /| ) / ( ) ( \O / | |\\ =#-@@| ) / / / __\ / |\ ) ;/__)_( ( /_oo-#= \/ |\ ) _ /) //| | __||V ( ) (/| \/ __||V ___O / ) //| | _ /) /_|_| ||__ ejm97 //| | \ \/ ) _ /) )>==O / ) ' ' | |\\ |\ ) O/ ) \/)\) _ /) __||V /| ) | .-O/ ) -#----- //| | / |\ ) __|| (=) ) ) \ _ /) __||V //| | \(/|\) _ _\O / ) //| | ___|| =#-(_X_)/)\) // | | \/ |\ | \ |__\ " >NEVER ALONE "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1 We behave differently when we know people are watching. We bite our tongues, hold our tempers, help meet a need, say the encouraging word, and even pray more circumspectly. This is why today's verse is a great follow-up to yesterday's lesson - if the departed saints are able to observe our actions, our "talk" quickly becomes our "walk." I know the Lord Jesus is always watching (and that fact alone is enough to keep me on the straight and narrow), but a different slant is added when I consider that my earthly father who is now in heaven may also be watching. It's something I remember when I'm alone. When I'm tempted to blurt out malicious remarks or do something over which I'd be embarrassed if I were found out, I stop. I'm surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. A host of departed Old and New Testament saints, as well as Christian friends and family, are watching (and cheering me toward obedience). They are my witnesses and this fact inoculates me against the temptation of foolish, private sins. When you're driving by yourself, how do you respond when someone cuts you off? What do you do when you're in a hotel room with an array of cable channels at your fingertips? Perhaps no fact better deters us from hidden sins done in secret than Hebrews 12:1. "So let us put aside the deed of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime..." (Romans 13:12). When I honor you in public today, Lord, help me to also remember to honor you in private. More than "a great cloud of witnesses," I have you one day to answer to! Blessings, Joni and Friends from Joniandfriends.org -<>- _..---.._ .' .-'''-. '. / .' _..._'. \ __ : : /`;' ) : : _,="`\ ,--''` ``'.; : |; ,-; : ; __..==""==.,_| `-, `; .\; / ^\ _,.="// '-,_.--._ '.(;_.'__/`_.-'`\ ,.--''`` _..=. `'--.// `` \ `--, '` `- |_\ '-. | `-._ _.;--`-..___,.-'` `'-...-_:',;`==,| \ _.--',=" / /"=;="=, _.' ,=".-'` .' /| ,=" _.--' .-' "=, : .' | ", `;._ .--'.' .-' .' . ; ,;;\_ . '._.'--'` -' / ,;;;._ '-._ .''.__.' `\_ .' '._ / '._ .(` jgs '._ ';./ `;` >NOTHING COMPARES TO HIS SACRIFICE There are times in our lives we may feel, Like an outcast in this world we live in, We are ridiculed and put down by all those, Who desire to live a life full of sin. Because of their lack of understanding, They reject those who choose to receive, The gift through Jesus’ death and resurrection, To bring salvation to whoever will believe. When those feelings of self pity overwhelm you, As you struggle to remain faithful each day, Remember all the things Christ endured, For He knew there was no other way. He was tempted; he was mocked, just as we are, He was beaten; he was bruised for our sake, A crown of thorns was then placed on His brow, Before the ultimate sacrifice He would make. His hands and His feet were then pierced, As they nailed Him to that old wooden cross, He was guiltless and undeserving of this punishment, But for us He was willing to suffer loss. As He hung there in such terrible agony, With His blood now beginning to shed, No greater love could have ever been expressed, Than through the words that Jesus then said. He could have called for the Heavenly Father, To render just punishment for all He’d been through, But instead He uttered, Father forgive them, For they know not what it is that they do. May we follow the example of our Savior, Not focusing on our persecution and strife, Lord, teach us to love our enemies as you do, While we live out the remainder of this life. Copyright Linda Lee Wolovich -<>- THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT By Mary Southerland Key Verse: The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 (NLT) Devotion: When my daughter, Danna, was a toddler she and her daddy had a favorite game. Dan would place her in some high spot then stand back, hold up his arms saying, "Jump to Daddy!" I hated this game but Danna loved it. She would always jump into his arms, laughing and giggling! But one day Dan put her in a spot that for some reason Danna thought was just a little too high. She did what I do when I get scared. She closed her eyes. When her dad said, "Jump!" she said, "I can’t! ‘Cause I can’t see you, Daddy!" Dan said, "It doesn’t matter, baby. I can see you!" With a smile on her scrunched up face my daughter bailed off into the strong arms of her Father, secure in the knowledge that he would catch her just as he always had. The apostle Paul understood and lived by the truth that God is constantly at work in and around us, monitoring every circum- stance. Paul writes in Philippians 4:10, "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it." There is a truth in this verse that is easy to miss - the truth that God is always at work around us. Paul’s circumstances did not show that God was working. But Paul knew! He was secure in the belief that help was on the way so he stood firm and began watching for God to show up! He examined every circumstance, understanding that it had already passed through His Father’s hands with His permission! And God came through! To find real security and contentment we must learn to search for the handprints of God in the every day circumstances of life. Life is not a series of accidents but a series of divine appointments made by our heavenly Father, designed to prove that He loves us and orchestrated to illustrate His provision for us. That interruption we complain about or that intrusion we resent may well be a window of opportunity sent by Him! God is our provider. The word "provider" comes from two Latin words, "pro" which means "before" and "video" which means, "to see". In other words God will take care of it beforehand. God caused the church at Philippi to become concerned about Paul’s needs and it came at the time when Paul needed their love the most! He always comes when we need Him the most! It is a picture of the Good Shepherd meeting every need of every sheep. John 10:4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice. (NLT) The Shepherd is always ahead of his sheep - out in front which means that any attack upon the sheep has to take him into account first. What peace and security we can have knowing that God has gone before us through every valley, across each mountain of life. He knows what tomorrow holds and will give us everything we need to face it. When we begin to understand and walk in the truth that God monitors every circumstance, we will also understand and walk in contentment. You may find yourself in a frightening place filled with darkness and doubt. Your fragile heart may be wondering if God knows where you are. Let me assure you my friend - He does. Even if you cannot see Him He can see you. And when it comes right down to it, I really prefer that God be able to see me rather than insisting that I be able to see Him! We think that because we cannot see the hand of God or sense His presence, it means that He is not work- ing. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is always at work in our lives. Now that is real security and the cornerstone of a life of contentment. My Prayer for Today: Father, I confess that when the darkness comes and doubt invades, I sometimes complain that I don’t understand and cannot see Your hand at work. Forgive me, Lord, for my demanding and faithless attitude. Forgive me for not trusting You and help me, by the power of Your Spirit, to trust You completely. In Jesus Christ's name I pray, Amen. Application Steps: By faith, accept the truth that God is always at work in your life and thank Him for His steadfast provision. Look back over the last few days, weeks and months of your life. Now praise Him for the things He has done. Reflection Points: Identify the people or things that you tend to think of and rely upon as sources of security and contentment in your life. Take some time to record past circumstances in which you could not sense the presence of God but can now see how He met a need, opened a door, prepared you for a trial or guided you down the right path. What situation is present in your life today that gives you the opportunity to trust God completely? Read Proverbs 3:5-6. What are the steps listed in this passage that – when taken – will produce contentment? What hedges of protection can you put in place today that will prepare you to face tomorrow with security and contentment? Power Verses: Deuteronomy 32:4 He is like a rock; what he does is perfect, and he is always fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong, who is right and fair. (NCV) Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. (NLT) Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the LORD gives life, security, and protection from harm. (NLT) Jeremiah 33:6 Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. (NIV) Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength. (NCV) as seen in Growthtrac Encouragement -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316kim@sc.rr.com. =============================================================== __,--'''''--,_ _,aad888baa,_ _-' `\ ,d88888888888888b,_ ,' `\,d8888888888888888888b, / `Y888888888888888888888b / `\ `Y88888888888888888888b ( ,d, `Y8888888888888888888b ( ,d888b, `Y888888888888888888 ( ,d8888888b, I88888888888888888P \ ,d88888888888ba,__,a88888888888888888P \ ,d888888888888888888888888888888888888P `. ,d888888888888888888888888P' `Y88888P' \ ,d8888888P'd8888888888888P""( `Y88" ,d8888888P'd8888888888888P' \ "< d8888888P'd888888P'd888P""( `\ ) Y88888P'd888888P'd888P' \ `\ ,' `"""'d888888P'd88P""( `\ `\-' Y88888P'd88P' \ `\ ) `"""'d8888( `\ `\_,-' Y88888Pb, `\ ) `"""'d88b, `\_,-' Normand Y88888\ ) Veilleux `"""' `\_,-' >Privileged to Help Story Editor: by The Sassy Texan Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA I want everyone to know how my small town reacted to help Hurricane Katrina survivors. We're an hour outside Houston, three hours from Louisiana. When hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in September 2005, we had no idea it would affect our community. When Katrina hit, we sprang into action. Blood, food and clothing drives, and fundraisers... all for people we'd never meet. Or so we thought. Wednesday evening evacuees began to arrive. Hundreds of people arrived daily, with absolutely nothing. They spent everything they had getting here. Many stopped... simply because their gas tank was empty. Emails flew with assistance offers and volunteer opportunities. Our town fire department became command center for all relief efforts. Thursday afternoon I called. Ten minutes later I walked into the heart of our relief effort. In two days, we helped several hundred people. Ninety percent needed money, food, clothing, household supplies, toiletries, medicine, jobs, gas, shelter and help with pets. Yet their most devastating need was contacting people who stayed behind -- they assumed close friends and family have died. From the evacuees' intake form, volunteers gathered a resource packet for the family. Then volunteers explained how to meet immediate needs for clothes, food and gas. Our distribution center was close. I walked people outside, showed them the building, and they were relieved and hopeful -- for the first time in days. But we had people sick or injured pre-hurricane who needed medical attention: pregnant women, newborns, people in the lowest depths of depression. Our shelters needed hospital beds, always more cots. Hardest for me was older men who broke down asking for help. I always explained that we're neighbors, this is what neighbors do. They would do the same for us, and may have to one day. Churches became shelters and established meal rotations to feed hundreds. The college allowed evacuees to late-register at in-state tuition rates, and considered scholarships. Bureaucracies turned out to have hearts inside. Individuals distributed supplies, and offered homes. Local schools enrolled hundreds of students. The high school held a kid's event with gifts, games, Snocones and hot dogs. It may sound trivial, but these kids needed to be kids if only for moments. I'd have invited these people join our community permanently, but most just wanted to go home. I'm proud to have met such amazingly strong people, who added a lot to our community, if only temporarily. The first night I spent hours entering names and needs into the RC database. I nearly cried over the constant needs -- so many lacking so much. Then I picked up the intake form of an elderly couple. Like everyone else, they needed everything -- everything you and I take for granted. But out at the side she added, "We will pray for everyone and help any way we can." These people, with nothing, offered their help. I'm glad so many in our town stepped up to help, but we were completely humbled by the courage and generous spirit of our guests. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: ..---.. ..(~ ~).. ( ) ( ~~~~~~~ ) ( | . . | ) ( | (_) | ) ( | | ) (.,.,.| === |.,.,.) '.___.' /|_|\ / \ / \ -abg >FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY At the drive-thru of a fast food restaurant, Deana couldn't quite hear the cashier quote the total through the crackling loudspeaker. When they pulled up to the window to pay, Deana asked little Carrie if she had happened to hear the amount. "It was $5.51, Mom," Carrie said. "You notice everything," Deana commented. Carrie replied, "Yes, I'm very absorbent (observant)." -- Deana (Carrie's mom) of San Antonio, Texas Encouraging his brother Max, 7, to let their Dad pull out a wobbly tooth, Sam, 10, said: "Hey, look, you'll get a nice new fresh one real soon!" -- Connie Bruckner (aunt of Sam and Max) of Vienna, Austria Tommy, 10, had a slight tooth ache. Michael, 7, was making noises in the back seat of the car. Tommy asked him a few times to "knock it off." Of course, Michael wasn't about to stop, now that he knew he bugged his brother. Tommy, in a pleading voice said very seriously, "Please, Michael, you're making my tooth nervous!" -- Debra Bartow (mother of Tommy and Michael) of Norwalk, Ohio (~~~~~~~~) | | | |--.----. (()---. | | | (_ ' | | | | | | | | | | | |..---'' | | .---. /\ /\..---'' | | / \ \ \// \ | | : / \-OO '-' /__\ \| | .-. : (___) 0 // // / | | | \ (_) | //..---------' | | | _____/.__ _/_________(/_|| | | |-| \\ || | ____'-'-'----------O-------------|| | (______________) |==|| | | | | || | | | | || | | | | || |-abg | | | || | | | | || | | | | || | '--------------' '--''----------------' After seven years of marriage, Kimberly's only sibling, Cary, and his wife, Jeanne, had been unable to conceive a child. In an effort to assist, Kimberly surprised them with a gift certificate to a beautiful old bed and breakfast in Hannibal, Missouri. They spent a romantic night in the Grape Room and happily conceived Justin. (Kimberly says Justin is the best "deal" she has ever gotten. She bought him for only $66.) At 11 years old, Justin knows the story of his conception. When Kimberly dropped by her brother's house she overheard a conversation coming from Justin's room. "What's that picture of an old house doing in your room?" a friend asked Justin. Justin proudly told his friend, "That is where I came from." "You lived in that house?" "No, I only visited for one night." "Wow, who did you go there with?" "I went there with my Dad and came home with my Mom!" -- Kimberly J. Stauder of St. Louis, Missouri Cassie, 4, told her mother, "We need to get Mr. Toad (mistletoe) and hang him on the ceiling so that we can all kiss under him!" -- Diane (mother of Cassie) of Kettle River, Minnesota Clay, 2, had spent the afternoon helping his grandma decorate sugar cookies. When he returned home, his father noticed Clay's hands were stained from sugar sprinkles and marshmallows. When he asked why his hands were dirty, Clay replied, "They're not dirty, Daddy, that's snowman poop!" -- Angie Landoll of Nevada, Missouri .-'''-. . . _\/___________ ( | |\ | | |___|_|_| | __ | | \/ | OOOO | | ( ) ========()== | | / /\ \--;_| | / /| | |__/ /_____/ __/ | |-| / ~~ ) | | (( ~------..)/ | | | | | | / \_________|__/__ | \ \ | \__________ | | / / | / / -adam gurno | /___/ / /_/.. | / ~'- | ----.. ) | | ~~~ |____| |__| / '-----. |________/ While shopping, Marge overheard one little boy say to another: "My parents can't be Santa Claus. They are too cheap to buy all the gifts I get every year!" -- Marge Andelin of Kendallville, Indiana When Shirley's sons were about 5 and 8, they peeked through their presents. Shirley was mad, to say the least. When she confronted them they looked at one another. Then the youngest, Kev, said, "I don't know what the big deal is. We know there is no Santa." Shirley replied, "You're kidding... now I can take these toys back to the store and buy me a new sewing machine." Then the oldest spoke up, saying, "Mom, we believe in Santa..." Fast forward a few decades to when Shirley is a grandmother. Her grandson said, "Grandma, there is no Santa Claus." Shirley's son said, "Don't say that, Son. We won't get any presents." Kissing his mom on the cheek Shirley's other son Kev grinned and whispered, "She bakes good cookies and brings presents!" -- Shirley Greer of Bonne Terre, Missouri Melanie was putting her daughter Madisyn, 3, into the car when she asked what the flashing lights over the hill were. Melanie explained that they were beacons on poles to let planes know they are there. Madisyn said, "No, Mommy, that is Jesus' flashlight. He is looking for me!" -- Melanie Miller of North Bend, Washington _ _ _ _ ( '` '` ' ) | | | | | _ L |(c--(_)_) | _) Dilbert | | | | |_______| /_______/_\ / \##\ /\ / / \ \##_/ | /____\ \ | | | \ | __| |____ | | | | | | || | | | | | || \|_(__)___|___|| #########MMM #########MMM #########MMM teb Alex, 4, was trying to be on his best behavior while his dad was out of town. But one time his mom had to have a talk with him about his actions. This delayed a play date. When they arrived, Alex volunteered (without the appropriate remorse), "We had to have a discussion about my behavior." The next day when Alex's father called and asked if he was being a good listener while he was gone, Alex replied, "Yes, except for one time when Mommy discussioned me." -- Krista Bayer (aunt of Alex) of Sandston, Virginia ========================================================== (~'~~'~~'~~) | | What's wrong, Dogbert? | | / | ~|~ _ __ |-------()) || | ( _) .'~\ /. I'm a horrible ascii | | ()()--\/ ". / drawing! | | 0 " ''.. | : // | |'..'---_/\ : () | / ''---|| /\ '. ." / \ \\/\/ ".. ."\\ | \ / \_/ || | ^ | \/\\ | \ -adam gurno ((__) >-->DO YOU FEEL THERE IS NO HOPE? (By Christine Chipman) In your times of deep despair, Do you feel there is no hope? As the darkness closes in on you, Do you feel you cannot cope? As you struggle on through every trial, Do you say "When will it end"? As you cry yourself to sleep at night, Do you wish you had a friend? When your body's racked with aches and pains, Do you feel you are alone? When you think about the future, Do you fear the great unknown? There is someone who really cares, And He hears your every cry. His arms are reaching out to you, And on Him you can rely. When things close in around you, He sees your fear and doubt - He wants to hold you in His arms, And He will never cast you out. As you stumble through the darkness, He will be your guiding light. He wants to wipe away your tears, For you are precious in His sight. Reach out right now to Jesus, And let Him take complete control - He'll take that heavy burden, And He'll touch and make you whole. He's reaching out His arms to you, And He wants to be your friend. Let Him take you in His loving arms, For His love will never end >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Chrristian 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 DAARE 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 ************************************************************************