Free To Soar & More ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@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 =========================== >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press ... ( . ) ) ( ) . ' . ' . ' . ( , ) (. ) ( ', ) .' ) ( . ) , ( , ) ( . ). , ( . ( ) ( , ') .' ( , ) (_,) . ), ) _) _,') (, ) '. ) ,. (' ) jgs^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This one is so Hot it is Smokin! It comes to us thanks to our friend Tony in Australia. He sent us a forward of some beautiful eagle photos that got the ball rolling for this page. /T /I / |/ | .-~/ T\ Y I |/ / _ /T | \I | I Y.-~/ I l /I T\ | | l | T / T\ | \ Y l /T | \I l \ ` l Y __ | \l \l \I l __l l \ ` _. | \ ~-l `\ `\ \ \\ ~\ \ `. .-~ | \ ~-. "-. ` \ ^._ ^. "-. / \ | .--~-._ ~- ` _ ~-_.-"-." ._ /._ ." ./ >--. ~-. ._ ~>-" "\\ 7 7 ] ^.___~"--._ ~-{ .-~ . `\ Y . / | <__ ~"-. ~ /_/ \ \I Y : | ^-.__ ~(_/ \ >._: | l______ ^--.,___.-~" /_/ ! `-.~"--l_ / ~"-. (_/ . ~( /' "~"--,Y -=b-. _) (_/ . \ : / l c"~o \ \ / `. . .^ \_.-~"~--. ) (_/ . ` / / ! )/ / / _. '. .': / ' ~(_/ . / _ ` .-<_ /_/ . ' .-~" `. / \ \ ,z=. ~( / ' : | K "-.~-.______// "-,. l I/ \_ __{--->._(==. //( \ < ~"~" // /' /\ \ \ ,v=. (( .^. / /\ " }__ //===- ` / / ' ' "-.,__ {---(==- .^ ' : T ~" ll -Row / . . . : | :! \\ (_/ / | | j-" ~^ ~-<_(_.^-~" The Real Eagle Story http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eagle.html --- ...This was great! Thanks Tony! -<>- I've also been having fun playing with this new page style I just learned how to do. I am still learning things about it. I was so impressed learning about the benefits of smiling that I decided to do up a page on them. Of course using the new page style ;) This one is sure to make you smile! Turn up your sound and give it time to load... ............. .... .... .. .. .. .. . ___ ___ . . / , \ / , \ . . \___/ \___/ . .. . .. . .. O . . | | . . \ / . . \ / . .. \______________/ .. .. \_____\ \ \/ .. .... | \ |.... ...... | | | Derek S. Tan \___/ Top Reasons To Smile http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smile.html AND If You haven't Already, Be sure to Visit these pages: Best Friends http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/bestfriends.html What Friends Are For http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/whatfriends.html ~*~ As Always, Please Pass These Around. THANK YOU! ~*~ ============================== >So Many Wonderful People Story Editor: by Jaqi Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA In December of 2006, I moved away from my family and friends to Texas with my fiance. When we broke off the engagement in June 2007, I decided to keep my job and stay in town, even though I still had trouble making any lasting friends. My ex-fiance decided to let me use the car we shared (it was in his name) until I was able to buy my own car, hopefully in about a month. However, three months later, the company I worked for cut the commission rates so effectively that my paychecks were half of what had been. I struggled to stay on top of my bills. Worst of all, I was still relying on my ex to drive me everywhere. He was understanding until one day I didn't pick him up from work. He stopped talking to me and refused to drive me to work the next day. I set off on the 5-mile trek to my workplace at 6 a.m. the following morning. An hour later I was almost there, but tired and unsure if I would make it (my asthma and heart condition were not advantageous in the situation). Suddenly a car pulled over and a friendly woman on the passenger side asked if I needed a ride. Hot, tired, and looking forward to eight hours at work, I agreed to get in. She and her husband drove me to work, and when I got out, thanking them over and over, they told me just to pay it forward. I told them I'd never forget their kindness and went in to work. Two young girls fresh out of high school, Ashley and Chelsey, saw my sweaty face when I went to the bathroom to freshen up and asked if I'd just been in the exercise room. I told them no, I'd walked from home because I didn't have a car. I knew them because they sat a few desks over, but didn't talk to them much. At once, Ashley said it was unacceptable for me to walk to work and said she'd drive me to and from work from then on. After I got home that day, I sat on my balcony contemplating the long walk to the grocery store and whether I had the strength for it. My neighbor, who shared the balcony, came outside and we started talking. He offered to take me to the grocery store that day, and every week until I had a car. When I left for work that morning, I was unsure whether I'd be able to keep my job, and trying to decide whether to move back into my parents' house. By the end of the day, I had met so many wonderful people I knew I didn't need to move at all. I procured a car, and am now doing fine. All that is thanks to one day where a group of people I barely knew all came together to help a disillusioned little me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: CONTENT A funny thing happened in Sunday school a few weeks ago. The teacher asked how many of us were contented in our lives. In a class of about 40 middle aged people, I was the only one who raised my hand. I wondered, did I misunderstand the question. Everyone was looking at me and I found myself defending why I am content. How silly that I have to defend that. They should be defending why they are not. Content, according to the dictionary means: satisfied Content does not mean that I have no problems and that I am rich and live in the lap of luxury, no, no no. I do have problems, many of them, just like everyone else, some small and some large and burdening. I am by no means rich and I work very hard. My life is by far from perfect, however I feel content. I am content with who I am and what I have. I have a wonderful husband, 3 great kids, 3 funny dogs, and a terrific group of good friends. I love my home, it is not a big mansion, just a simple comfortable home. My husband has a good job and I work part time at an alternative high school. I keep very busy with many hobbies like quilting, cross stitch, decorating, and embroidery. It may sound dull to you, but it is shear heaven for me. Life is what you make of it, if one is constantly looking for something bigger and better to come along, then you will never be content. It is all how you look at things. Maybe you should look at things through my eyes. Content, yes satisfied. That is not to be confused with settling, I am not settling, I am very happy and extremely contented, and yes satisfied. Carol Brosowske --- ...I love this. It is one of those 'walk a mile in my shoes' sort of thing. Paul the Apostle - who suffered greatly for the Lord - said a most beautiful thing. Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." I often remind myself of Paul the Apostle. 'Therewith to be content' - what a man! In his own words look what he has gone through... 2 Corinthians, chapter 11: "24": Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. _________________________________________________________ /| -_- _- |\ / |_-_- _ -_- _- -| \ | _- _-- | | , | | .-'````````'. '(` .-'```````'-. | | .` | `. `)' .` | `. | | / | () \ U / | () \ | | | | ; | o T o | | ; | | | | | ; | . | . | | ; | | | | | ; | . | . | | ; | | | | | ; | .|. | | ; | | | | |____;_________| | | |____;_________| | | | / __ ; - | ! | / `'() _ - | | | | / __ () -| - | / __-- - | | | | / __-- _ | _- _ - | / __--_ | | |__|/__________________|___________|/__________________|__| / _ - lc \ / -_- _ - _- _--- -_- -_ \ 'save one' - Do you know why? The punishment was for 40 lashes of the whip. It is called stripes because the lashes leave deep red stripe marks on the body. These marks were counted and if the number of stripes on a man's body exceeded 40, then the man giving the beating was in turn punished with 40 lashes. So the practice was to give only 39 lashes - 40 stripes save one - to make sure not to exceed the number. "25": Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; "26": In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; __4___ _ \ \ \ \ <'\ /_/_/_/ ((____!___/) \0\0\0\0\/ ~~~~~~~~~~~ unknown 'perils of waters', 'in perils on the sea' - is referring to the times that he was almost drowned as his ship was sunk due to the devil wanting to stop him from getting where he was going to preach the word of God! "27": In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. "28": Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. ! .':'. .':::::'. .':::::::::'. .':::::::::::::'. || % || || .-. || || / \ || || /_____\ || || O || .'||_________||'. .' .'"^"^"^"^"^"'. '. .' .'"^"^"^"^"^"^"^"'. '. .' .'"^"^"^"^"^"^"^"^"^"'. '. .'_.'"^"^"^"^"^"."^"^"^"^"^"'._'. |===========/+\===========| 'care of all the churches' - it was up to him to see that the churches were instructed properly and given proper attention so they had enthusiasm and strong growth. That is why he would risk his life to travel to a church. To help them. It was very stressful to be in charge of such an important duty as this. It all fell on his shoulders! "29": Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? "30": If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. "31": The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. Paul the Apostle is truly one to follow after! he suffered greatly for the Lord and STILL he says... Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." 'In whatsoever state' - imprisoned - he is content. Beaten - he is content. Nearly drowned, starved, stoned, whatever - he is content. Why? Because he put his trust in God. He is satisfied that whatever he is suffering it is for good - for the Lord - so that God's word may prevail. He is content - satisfied he is doing the will of God. AND also notice - he said 'I have learned' - he had to renew his mind to the will of God - he just didn't accept this suffering. HE LEARNED it was what he had to go through so God's Word would Prevail. God didn't want him to have to suffer - God is love - He doesn't want us hurt - but sometimes, what must be must be. Paul understood this and was content. What a man of God! Second only to our precious and most wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Awesome! ==================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Tony In Australia :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Conclusion ( Part 8) Who are Gods Chosen people? I want to make it clear that I have in no way, advocated that church is redundant. I have not intended to make those who don’t want to make the effort to attend feel comfortable about not attending. There is NO substitute for ‘cooperate worship’ and there is no substitute for Christian fellowship. A Church is a ‘body of people’ gathered together to honor and worship the Lord and as Christians we should make good use of every opportunity to be with other Christians. So which church? an Who are the Chosen People? Well let it be known that I do acknowledge that the Bible teaches that the Jews are the ‘chosen ones' but let me say this, all sinners alike shall NOT see The Kingdom of Heaven, there is no mansion set aside for sinners no matter what Church you belong to, no matter what creed you follow! If you are not calling on His Name with a sincere repentant heart then He will not recognize you! The only thing that separates us from the love of God…..is sin. The Love of God is the most powerful motivator we can possess..YES! Possess! if we have the love of God within us, we can overcome anything this world throws at us . The Bible tells us that we have not always been the fine examples we have to strive to be to be encompassed by the Love of God, once….. we were foolish people following worldly pursuits and ways but through the teachings in the Word we can see that if we put away those things that put us in contention with God, if we forsake those who would pull us down as Satan pulled Adam and Eve down and appreciate and understand what ‘really’ happened a Calvary and do something about it! By that I mean I mean accept that the Only way is through Jesus…because HE IS THE WAY! When the love of God that WE have, permeates into our surroundings then and only then will we see the absolute importance of becoming a Christian family member.! And that will be consummate when we give our lives to Him in baptism, fellowship and love. NOT by works but as the Bible says, by regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. Then and only then, will be able to think of ourselves as being justified by HIS Grace. Thos makes us heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ( Titus 3:4) People of the True One Church of God…..do not and cannot live just by the laws of this world because the laws of this world are temporary. Laws of this world change from country to country and indeed, from state to state. Some laws are out in place to ensure security and safety of ourselves and others, some laws are easy to follow and some are quite obscure, I am sure we have all come across situations where we wonder about certain laws. Although we must obey them for our time on this planet, we need to concern ourselves even more, with the Laws of Gods Kingdom. As I mentioned, I have not set out to tell people that being a Christian doesn’t just mean attending Church 3-4 times a week, being a Christian is more about what’s in your heart and not what church you attend.If you are still in sin, Church wont save you! Its that simple and that’s the simple point I am trying to make. Our ‘focus’ HAS to be on Jesus Christ!. If its not… well church is a waste of time. The purpose of Church is make one feel that there IS hope and there IS a future and Church IS the place to be to hear the Word come alive! If that’s not happening…..find another Church. The one true Church does not ‘vet’ its members by color,, creed or measures of wealth. The one true Church is brimming with people of many races and cultures and all nations are represented. ‘Religion’ per se is not a part of The one true Church. Whereas people from many religions are. Some will be Catholic, some Protestant and some will be none of these. They will be people who have given their lives to God in obedience and baptism of the Holy Ghost and the do NOT wear badges, but you will know them! Just as God knows them. Others will appear in the ‘end times’ the Bible says that will fill your ears with untruths and doubt and inerrant preachings. Listen out and be careful. Pray for the Love of God and in abundance it shall be given! I guess for some. this whole concept will be hard to accept, bit its not me, not my teachings you have to accept, its what the Bible says about all this that counts and the Bible is the only ‘authority’ because it is the Word of God, written and understood, by “ the Church”. God word is infallible! What about the Church you attend? If you truly believe that the Church you attend has the final say, then you are putting your trust entirely in something that is ‘man made’ I quote Matt 6:24 “ No one can serve two masters” We all need to make sure we are following Jesus and HIS principals, not those of our own or those of other ‘men’. Thank you for taking the time to read this study. I pray that in some way it helps. --- ...Thank YOU Tony! ======================================================================= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: >Heaven's Heroes \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \ / /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ () - - /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\ //\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\///\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\/\\\\\\\\\\\\ Winning souls tend to change everything, Including who and what we are. When our darkness within transforms to light And our eyes have the luster of a star. We must always pray for the lost among us Who eagerly race toward the wrong direction. So they may know their own repentance Blessed by God's, grace, love and protection. All of heaven's heroes have suffered remorse >From hate, fear, lust, loneliness and war. They do what they do with deliverance of heart Defeating the dark side of life and more. Noah found safety within the beams of his ark To endure heaven's cleansing of earth. Moses the deliverer, climbed a mountain Descending with God's guidelines of worth. David the shepherd, a boy among men Slew evil's giant with a flying stone. Samson the strong man, broke from his chains Toppling the temple with God's help alone. Jonah was swallowed by a monster fish To be cast up on shore with a prophecy to tell. Jesus of Nazareth was nailed to the cross And without his forgiveness we're doomed to fail. Lord I'll feel blessed to greet all your heroes When it is my time to escape my woes. I'll clutch their hands and kiss their face As we celebrate the journey we chose. ~ Tom Zart ~ Soldier For The Lord --- ...AMEN! When our Lord Returns :) -<>- >The Broadcasting Station .- _ _ -. / / \ \ ( ( (` (-o-) `) ) ) \ \_ ` -+- ` _/ / `- -+- -` -+- (`\ __ _ ___ _|_ ___ __..-`) \ \/ \/ | | __| |/| | __| |__ .-` \ / | __| |\| | _| | | \_/\_/ |___| |/| |_| |_| L\J |-._ ___ __ J/_\L ___ _ /| | || _ | / | |/ \| | __| | \ / | | O ||| || `| | |\_/| | |_ | \/ | |__ |||_|| _| |_ |/ \| | __| | |\/| | |_||___| o|_____| |\_/| |_| |_| |_| _____L/ \J_____ /|___J/\|/\L___|\ // |\/`\/| \\ // `-.-` \\ //___________________\\ \ ________ ________ / \ \ | | / / \ \_____| |_____/ / \ _____ _____ / \ \___] [___/ / \ / \ \`] [`/ / \ ` ` / \ O O / ___________\: :/____NDT____ \n/ George Washington Carver observed, "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." But it is sometimes hard to hear the message when it is broadcast by equipment that is dirty, corroded and abused. Carver was born 150 years ago, before we used terms like toxic waste, air pollution, global warming and deforestation. Today, we have figured out that we need to take good care of the broadcasting station if we are to hear what the Divine is saying. This is a beautiful and fragile planet we live on. As much as we can fall in love with magnificent sunsets and pristine landscapes, few people have ever experienced its beauty as acutely as those who've seen it from afar. Senator Jake Garn was one of those privileged people. He observed earth aboard Discovery Space Shuttle and wrote of that experience in "Parade Magazine" (11-3-85). "I know now what if feels like to be out of this world," he said. "The experience is exhilarating, breathtaking, awesome. No. Those words aren't strong enough; space flight is indescribable." Listen to these words from his space diary: "I was overcome by the beauty of the earth below. I don't think the words exist to convey what it's like to see the earth from space. The curve of the earth, the swirling eddies, the patterns of clouds marbling the surface above the brilliantly blue color of the water and the blue-green of the land.the sheer beauty of the earth and the excitement of being in a position to see it made this the greatest experience of my life. Using binoculars, I once counted 22 discernible layers of blue in the band of sunrise color that would be seen from earth simply as blue." This is indeed a beautiful and fragile planet. But it's changing. And we humans are the cause of much of it. George Burns once quipped, "I can remember when the air was clean and sex was dirty." All right, he lived to be 100, but we can bring those days of clean air back. We can live simply and responsibly. We can walk gently upon the face of the earth. And with our broadcasting station once again in good order, I think I know what we'll hear God saying: "Thank you." ~ Steve Goodier ~ -<>- "!!!ROCK IT, MAN!!! !!!GO, MAN, GO!!!" _____ \ /\| | | | \ / /|_|_|_| \ \ | ( ( ) ) ( ) ) \_______/ ( ( ( ( ) ) ) ) /______/ ( ( )) ) ( ) ( ( ) / / ( (__.-.___.-.__) ) / / /---._.---._.---\ / / \|| '/ ' ||/ / / ||| (_ ||| / / || ///\\\ ||\______/ / ___/ ||||\__/|||||/ / / \ |||||||| / / / \ |||||| / _____/ jro Standing for what you believe in, Regardless of the odds against you, and the pressure that tears at your resistance, means courage Keeping a smile on your face, When inside you feel like dying, For the sake of supporting others, means strength Stopping at nothing, And doing what's in your heart, You know is right, means determination Doing more than is expected, To make another's life a little more bearable, Without uttering a single complaint, means compassion Helping a friend in need, No matter the time or effort, To the best of your ability, means loyalty Giving more than you have, and expecting nothing But nothing in return, means selflessness Holding your head high, And being the best you know you can be When life seems to fall apart at your feet, Facing each difficulty with the confidence That time will bring you better tomorrows, And never giving up, means confidence. Author Unknown -<>- >Free To Soar ____ _____ / \ _.-'_.-' \ _\/ _/ ___)/ __< <'-;:\_ _\ '; \_\ >/-,\ snd ""` |_\ One windy spring day, I observed young people having fun using the wind to fly their kites. Multicolored creations of varying shapes and sizes filled the skies like beautiful birds darting and dancing in the heady atmosphere above the earth. As the strong winds gusted against the kites, a string kept them in check. Instead of blowing away with the wind, they arose against it to achieve great heights. They shook and pulled, but the restraining string and the cumbersome tail kept them in tow, facing upward and against the wind. As the kites struggled and trembled against the string, they seemed to say, "Let me go! Let me go! I want to be free!" They soared beautifully even as they fought the imposed restriction of the string. Finally, one of the kites succeeded in breaking loose. "Free at last" it seemed to say. "Free to fly with the wind." Yet freedom from restraint simply put it at the mercy of an unsympathetic breeze. It fluttered ungracefully to the ground and landed in a tangled mass of weeds and string against a dead bush. "Free at last" -- free to lie powerless in the dirt, to be blown helplessly along the ground, and to lodge lifeless against the first obstruction. How much like kites we sometimes are. The Lord gives us adversity and restrictions, rules to follow from which we can grow and gain strength. Restraint is a necessary counterpart to the winds of opposition. Some of us tug at the rules so hard that we never soar to reach the heights we might have obtained. We keep part of the commandment and (pardon the pun) never rise high enough to get our tails off the ground. Let us each rise to the great heights our Heavenly Father has in store for us, recognizing that some of the restraints that we may chafe under are actually the steadying force that helps us ascend and achieve. -<>- >A Prayer For You I ask the Lord to bless you As I prayed for you today, To guide you and protect you As you go along your way... His love is always with you His promises are true, And when we give Him all our cares You know He will see us through. So when the road you're traveling on Seems difficult at best... Just remember I'm here praying And God will do the rest. -Author unknown -<>- Links for Your Enjoyment Animal Thieves http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011158.htm Weird Animals http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011159.htm Deep Tissue Massage http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011608.htm Dog Dance http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011609.htm To Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ===================================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: A bell is no bell 'til you ring it, A song is no song 'til you sing it, And love in your heart Wasn't put there to stay -- Love isn't love, 'til you give it away. -- Oscar Hammerstein, Sound of Music, "You Are Sixteen (Reprise)" * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * arm * Valentine's Day is just around the corner and Stefanie shares some wonderful memories of her favorite Valentine. Let us know what your favorite Valentine was (or is!) Also, please read below and learn about an exciting new program we're starting that will enable you to get your story published in a forthcoming book. It's easy and open to everyone. ____________________________________________ ** We want to publish your story -- in a REAL book! ** (Everyone who wants to get published, will be published!) Hello Heartwarmers! This is Lee Simonson, Publisher of Heartwarmers and Petwarmers. I have asked renowned writer and friend, Roger Kiser, to take over a project that will enable ALL writers to see their works published in a real book -- yes, a book made of paper with pages you actually turn! The beauty of this project is that everyone who submits a story will get published. The only thing we ask is that you purchase at least one copy of the book for $22.95 for each of your stories you want to see included in the book. These would be great to give away to your friends and relatives (especially if they appear in the book!) For more information and Writer's Guidelines, please click here: http://www.geocities.com/trampolineone/yourstory.html ____________________________________________ MY FAVORITE VALENTINE by Stefanie Wass A shiny red scarf, covered in little white hearts, always seems to find its way out of my dresser drawer this time of year. As I tied the scarf around my neck this morning, carefully hiding the frayed edges underneath my turtleneck, I once again felt like the most special girl in the whole world. Again, I was a ten year old, waking up on Valentine's Day morning, full of expectation, running downstairs and finding, like always, presents and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates waiting on the kitchen table just for me. I felt the love of my dad, a man who never, ever forgot to buy special Valentine presents for his two girls. Dad's gifts, true treasures sent from the heart, did not just arrive on Valentine's Day. Throughout the year he constantly surprised me with tokens of love -- corsage to wear to church on Easter Sunday, new guards for my ice skates, even a bouquet of red roses with a card that said, "You'll always be #1" when I placed out of medal contention at a skating competition. Dad probably didn't realize it at the time, but he actually gave me a present each and every day of my elementary school years. Waking before dawn to leave in time for his shift at a nearby chemical company, Dad didn't get to see me before he left for work each morning. So, he did what he could -- he left me a little note, penned in his characteristic uppercase printing, and placed it by my spot at the breakfast table. For years, I was greeted each morning by his encouraging words: 5:40am Friday Feb. 27, 1981 Dear Steffie, Have a good day at school! Your math homework was perfect, except for one little decimal point! We are going out to dinner after skating today. The Wizard of Oz is on TV at eight if you're interested. Will pick you up at the usual time tonight. Must get ready for work. Love, Dad 5:35am March 18, 1981 Dear Steffie, Have a good day at school! Checked your math. Excellent! Perfect paper! Have fun skating after school. Make sure your homework is done first. Will pick you up as usual after work at 6:45. Love, Dad Sometimes the notes would brief me on the news of the day: 5:35am Tuesday January 20, 1981 Dear Steffie, Have a good day at school! As of noon today we have a new President. The hostages still have not left Iran, but it doesn't look like it will be much longer before they will be on their way. Have fun skating! Take care of your cold. Love, Dad 5:40am January 21, 1981 Dear Steffie, Have a good day at school! On TV Mom and I saw the freed hostages arrive in Germany. Have fun skating and I will pick you up at 6:45. Checked your math. Very good! Must get ready for work. Love, Dad Although Dad passed away ten years ago, I can still hear his voice. Luckily, I saved each and every note in an old scrapbook. Though yellowed by time, Dad's words still speak volumes about a father's devotion to his daughter. A scarf covered in hearts was nice, but by far, my favorite Valentine's gift was the one that I received every morning of my childhood -- letters, penned by my dad -- a man who was never too busy to share both his time and love. -- Stefanie Wass ____________________________________________ Stefanie lives in Hudson, Ohio with her husband and two girls. Her stories have been selected for publication in Chicken Soup For The New Mom's Soul, Chicken Soup For The Beach Lover's Soul, and Chicken Soup's nationally syndicated newspaper column. Stefanie is a member of the International Women's Writers Guild. ==================================================================== >-->SOMETHING TO DIE FOR _________ /' /| / / |_ / / //| /_________/ ////| YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW... | _ _ | 8o////| | /'// )_ | 8///| |/ // // ) | 8o///| / // // //,| / 8//| / // // /// | / 8//| / // // ///__|/ 8//| /.(_)// /// | 8///| (_)' `(_)//| | 8////|___________ (_) /_\ (_)'| | 8/////////////// (_) \"/ (_)'|_| 8///////////// (_)._.(_) d' Hb 8oooooooopb' `(_)' d' H`b d' `b`b d' H `b d' `b `b d' `b d' `b In August 1961, I was ordered by the Duval County Juvenile Court to enter the Armed Forces of the United States of America. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I would not be 16 years old for several more months, but Judge Gooding felt that by entering the military service, it might "make a man of me." Though I was somewhat afraid of what unknown adventures lay ahead of me, I knew or at least hoped that military life could not possibly be as bad as living in a Jacksonville, Florida orphanage. The Children's Home Society was my home for more than 10 years. It had also been a living hell of constant beatings and sexual abuse - unspeakable things that would unknowingly follow me into my adult life. Military life appeared to be right up my alley or so I thought. I mean after all, living in an institutional setting was all I knew. From as far back as I could remember, I was told what I could and could not do. I took for granted that it was the same for most other children, even the one's who had parents. I guess the only difference was that I had never been allowed to even go to the bathroom or get a drink of water, without asking permission first. Even when we orphans ate our meals, we were told how fast or slow we should do it. Basic training went rather well for me. I became a squad leader right off the bat. I did not know what the heck I was doing most of the time. After all, I had never been put in a position where I could tell someone else what to do. I know that it was important to me that I always be fair. That was more than anyone had ever done for me as a kid. I remember going to the PX and buying beer for the very first time. I would sit for hours listening to some of the older soldiers talk about this place called Vietnam. They would drink one beer after the other, until they were in a drunken state. They would talk about friends who were killed or wounded. Then some would start to cry. I would sit not saying a word, just listening. I would watch their faces as they occasionally laughed. Their expressions never changing as large slow tears rolled down their cheeks. It was very hard for me to understand how these fellows could talk about such things. How could these guys know about being in a war? War was for old people. That is what I saw on television and on the movie screen. "I'll fight and die for my mother and my father," said one of the soldiers raising his beer in the air. "I would fight for my girlfriend," said another raising his bottle. "What about you, Kiser?" asked one of the soldiers looking down at my nametag. I didn't know what to say. My mind raced trying to figure out if I had anyone or anything in the world that I would die for. "I didn't come in the army to die for anything," I stated. "I just came in the army to become a man." "Everybody has something they would fight and die for," said one of the soldiers. "I ain't got no mom and dad, and I ain't never had no girlfriends. I ain't got no family and I ain't got no home at all. Just the orphanage is all I know about. I don't want to die for that," I said. "Then I guess you'll have to die for nothing," said the soldier with all the medals on his jacket. I will never forget hearing those words for as long as I live. I got up from the table and walked outside. I leaned against the railing and cried uncontrollably. At 16, I had already learned and accepted the fact that I had nothing to live for, and that was okay by me. But now I had come to the realization that I had nothing, as well as no one important in my life that I could die for. I suppose that is why I try to make sure that children living in orphanages know they are cared about and loved. If and when they are called upon to do their duty for their country, I want them to feel, without any doubt, that they have a reason or someone that is worth dying for. Having something or someone worth dying for is what makes life so wonderful. From Roger Dean kiser: http://www.geocities.com/trampolineone/survive/srv279.htm CLICK HERE to order an autographed copy of"ORPHAN" http://www.geocities.com/trampolineone/survive/srv080.htm CLICK HERE to order "ORPHAN" Online http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580624480/thesadorphan/102-0205647-5135317 ======================================================================= >-->From AndyChaps: \_o_/ _/_ / _ \ _ _ _ _ _ _ _____| |__| |__| |__| |__| |__| |__| | ** Unlocked From The Outside ** I've had a lot of friends in law enforcement.. And I've even had the opportunity to ride in the front seat with a police officer. But the experience I had recently had a totally different feel to it. I was speaking at a large youth festival, and I had to get across this festival's grounds quickly to my next speaking venue. Two police officers working security said, "Hey, hop in our squad car - we'll take you over there." Well, I jumped into the back seat of the police car and I quickly realized that I had never experienced a little of what it feels like to be on the custody end of things like that. There was this wall between me and the officers in the front seat. And when we arrived at our destination, I tried in vain to open my door. No way. My officer friend had a good laugh at this as he said, "Ron, there's no way you can get yourself out of there. You see, somebody has to let you out." I've decided I am not excited about being in the prisoner seat any more. "There's no way you can get yourself out of there." That's a feeling many of us have experienced, without ever being physically locked up. It's like there are these hurtful emotional and spiritual cycles that we just can't seem to get ourselves out of. Maybe you know what it is to be trapped in a cycle of destructive behavior, or of damaged relationships, or maybe you've been in a cycle of guilt and shame over repeated mistakes, or a cycle of slavery to a behavior you just can't seem to change, or even a cycle of unfulfillment, where one experience after another fails to give you the peace and the meaning you've always hoped for. There are no bars, no prison walls, but we know the feeling of being locked up in a way of living we can't get out of. Just like a prisoner in a cell - or me in the prisoner seat of a police car - somebody has to let you out. And for 2,000 years, "the" Somebody has been doing that for millions of us spiritual prisoners. In fact, in Isaiah 61:1, our word for today from the Word of God, He announced His reason for coming to earth this way: "The Lord has ... sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners." Jesus understands the powerful force that ultimately keeps us locked up in our destructive cycles. He said, "Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin." (John 8:34) Sin is simply our hijacking of our life from the God who was supposed to run it. And because we're away from our Creator, we're trapped in this self-run orbit where life just doesn't work right. It took the coming - and the dying - of the Son of God to break the enslaving power of sin. By taking the death penalty for what we've done, Jesus has the power, not only to save us from our own hurtful ways, but to save us from the eternal penitentiary the Bible calls hell. He's come from the outside to let you out, to set you free. But He waits for your invitation to do that - your invitation to Him to come into your life, forgive every sin, and change you from the inside out. That glorious freedom that so many have experienced you can experience, beginning this very day. It begins when you tell Jesus, "I'm Yours." If you've never really opened up your life to Him to do what only He can do - and you want to - I want to send you mmy booklet, "Yours For Life", that I wrote about this new beginning. Just let me know that you want it. Jesus has been setting prisoners free for a long, long time. This could be your day to finally be able to say - "Free at last, free at last - thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!" Today's Daily Wisdom is written by Ron Hutchcraft, based on his popular radio broadcast, "A Word With You" which can be found at: http://www.gospelcom.net/rhm/awwy/awwymenu.htm -<>- ** Following Him ** Psalm 119:26 "I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your principles." Psalm 119:73 "You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands." I've been reading through Psalms again lately, and I love it because the psalmists cover such a broad range of prayers. Sometimes they come before God for vengeance, sometimes for justice. They come to Him for forgiveness, for comfort, for strength, and sometimes they come just to be near God. It seems I can always find my heart expressed in the Psalms, whether I'm angry at someone, or weary, or full of overflowing joy. This time, though, when I found myself in Psalm 119, the similarity to my own life was a little too close for comfort. How often do I start right out by telling God my plans? (I'll let you guess.) But Scripture tells us over and over that God has His own plans for us. I need to say to Him, "Show me where You want to lead me, and I'll follow." But instead, I say, "Here's what I have in mind, Lord. Come along with me." I get the impression that the psalmist told God his plans, and God answered, "No." What a humble reply to that answer! "Now teach me your principles." The psalmist gets things in the proper order. When God tells him he's all wet, then the man asks God to teach him. Later, the man shows that he has learned some of those principles when he acknowledges that God is his Creator. The next line made me laugh when I read it, because sometimes I don't have the sense God gave a tree stump. I need Him-God Almighty-to give me the sense I need to be able to follow His commands. I need Him to teach me His principles. I need Him to remind me again and again that He is the One in control, and I'm not. My need for Him is endless, and like the psalmist, my need for Him is "Now." If you're like me, a little senseless at times, come to the Lord and tell Him what's on your heart. He will answer. Then open yourself up to His teaching and see where He will lead you. May His good sense and great blessings be yours. -<>- ** LIFTING MY BURDENS ** There is a man from Galilee Who meets me everyday He is the Son of God, the Everlasting One who means so much to me. He Meets me in the morning The noontime or the eve He always walks beside me My cares He does relieve. He is my Comforter in time of need I could not live without Him He is my Jesus, yes indeed. Trusting in Him, my Savior is so divine I invite you, my dear brother to share His love sublime. He will take all your burdens and cast them in the seas. I could not live without Him. He lifts all my burdens....bringing sweet Peace. -<>- __ / \--..____ \ \ \-----,,,.. \ \ \ \--,,.. \ \ \ \ ,' \ \ \ \ ``.. \ \ \ \-'' \ \ \__,,--''' \ \ \. \ \ ,/ \ \__..- \ \ \ \ \ \ :F_P: \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ** THE FLAG ** By Sherrod L. Fielden Andy Says...A touching tribute from our Cowboy poet from Meridian, Texas. ** The Flag of The United States Of America ** It's hard to explain the way I feel, to be back on America's shore. It's been too long since I've been home. I won't need to roam anymore. Because I have been selected for my most important task -- covering my soldier as he leaves the plane, what more could a flag ask? The young man lying beneath me once harbored big hopes for his life. With Captain's bars and eyes full of stars, a hero to his family and wife. Willing to go to right the wrong, and run the terrorists to ground. In a cave of stone he died alone, his death song knows no sound. Now the longest day lies ahead, his grieving widow tries to cope. With the loss so great a burden, all she really has left is hope. The salute fired, "Taps" hangs in the air... lonesome arrived as the bugler blew it. Fold me up right, tuck my corners in tight -- she needs me to hold to get through it. ==================================================== But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. -Acts 2:24, NIV You can't see the future through a rearview mirror. Peter Lynch: Business executive It is not for us to forecast the future, but to shape it. -Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944) Writer "Never test the depth of the water with both feet." -Pastor Tim The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. -Mohandas Gandhi "A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world." -John 17:21 "Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." -Saint Francis of Assis ---> Visit my CyberHome - ALWAYS OPEN HOOUSE :)Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/index.html Shangrala ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales && Service You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair. We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with all your computer needs. 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