Freedom Is Not Free... :) 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 Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) ================ .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. __, ,___) ______) ,_) ,_) _____),_) (--|__| _, _ _ (--|_ _ ,_-|-|_ _ |_ (--| | _| |(_||_)|_)(_| _| (_)(_)| | | | (_)| |(_)|(_| ( | | ,_| ( |_, | (__| ,_| .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. *~* May You Have A Most Blessed, Safe And FUN 4th Of July Celebration! >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) >Jesus On The 4th Of July We gather ‘round to celebrate On Independence Day Pay homage to our country As the children run and play. With barbeques and picnics And fireworks in the air The flag we own is proudly flown To show how much we care. The stars and stripes spell freedom She waves upon the breeze While bursts of colors can be seen Above the towering trees. This is all quite wonderful We revel in delight But God above in divine love Has brought this day to light. With just a stroke of liberty A touch of His great hand He gave democracy to us And helped this country stand. The stripes upon our stately flag Were touched by His sweet grace Each star of white that shines so bright Reflects His loving face. So as you turn to face the flag For battles that were fought Be filled with pride for those who died And freedoms that were bought. But don’t forget to thank the One That gives the bright display The reason why we paint the sky On Independence Day --- ...Thank You LouiseA! Praise be to God and our Lord Jesus Christ for our Freedom and many thank you's to all who fought to uphold it! -<>- >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) Still working on editing the web site pages so those with cell phones, ipads and high end devices can view them properly. As always, my motto holds true - 'Hey, I'm working on it!' Sooner or later I'll get it all done. :) -<>- .''. .''. . *''* :_\/_: . :_\/_: _\(/_ .:.*_\/_* : /\ : .'.:.'. .''.: /\ : /)\ ':'* /\ * : '..'. -=:o:=- :_\/_:'.:::. | ' *''* * '.\'/.'_\(/_ '.':'.' : /\ : ::::: = *_\/_* -= o =- /)\ ' * '..' ':::' === * /\ * .'/.\'. ' ._____ * | *..* : |. |' .---"| * | _ .--'| || | _| | * | .-'| __ | | | || | .-----. | |' | || | | | | | || | ___' ' /"\ | '-."". '-' '-.' '` |____ jgs~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ & ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ /| ejm97 ) ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ /|~ /_|\ _-H-__ -~-~-~-~-~-~ /_|\ -~======-~ ~-\XXXXXXXXXX/~ ~-~-~-~ /__|_\ ~-~-~-~ ~-~-~-~-~-~ ~-~~-~-~-~-~ ======== ~-~-~-~ ~-~~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ ~-~~-~-~-~-~ ~-~~-~-~-~-~ *~* We Had a Super Wonderful Month Of Caring And Sharing Last Month! Please feel free to view and share these with your friends... Humor With Cars! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carhumor.html Wan Yue's Little Critters! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chinaart.html Blast From The Past! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blastfrompast.html Humorous Signs 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hsigns2.html Balloon Party 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/party2.html WaterCar's Panther! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/panther.html World's Most Expensive Things! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/expensive.html eleMMent Palazzo Mobile RV! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rv2.html - Great Big Christ Filled Hugs and Thank You Blessings to All Our Contributors! You enrich our lives with your sweet thoughtfulness! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ( (_) ### . (#c __\|/__ #\ wWWWw \ \-. (/. .\) /\ /`\/\ /\ |\/ \_) (_| `\.' ; ; `' ;`\ `\; ; . ;/\ `\; ; ;| \ ; .' ' ; / |_.' ; | /) ( ''._;/` | ' . ; |.-' .:) | | ( .' : | |,- .:: | | ,-' .;| jgs_/___,_.:_\_ [I_I_I_I_I_I_] | __________ | | || | | || | _| ||_|__|_|| |_ /=--------------=\ / \ | | >GOD BLESS AMERICA by Ron Gold She was "The Songbird of the South" -- the on-air host of three popular programs in Radio's Golden Age and one of the nation's three most admired women. She would eventually sell more than $7 million in Defense and War Bonds and be honored by every American President from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan. He was America's favorite composer -- a Russian immigrant destined to create a personal empire by writing both the words and music for some of America's best-loved musical stage plays and movies. Their historic collaboration turned a rejected song from a World War I soldier show into a continuing charity fund-raiser, a professional hockey team's good luck charm, major league baseball's "stretch music", a new president's emotional sign-off statement and... America's second national anthem. In November of 1938, Kate Smith, America's favorite radio personality, wanted to sing a special song to recognize the twentieth anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. Her manager, Ted Collins, asked America's favorite composer, Irving Berlin, to create a new song to honor the occasion. Berlin agreed and began writing, but nothing satisfied him. He then remembered a song he wrote when he was in the Army -- a tune the show's producers rejected for being "too much of a flag-waver". The song was "God Bless America". Berlin reviewed the song and made two changes in the lyrics. He rewrote "Stand beside her and guide her to the right with a light from above", changing the political words "to the right" to the non-political "thru the night". He also changed "From the green fields of Virginia to the gold fields in Nome" to "From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam". Miss Smith loved the song and sang it as her closing number on her November 10, 1938's "Kate Smith Hour". The new anthem was an immediate hit and the singer sang it on almost every broadcast through December 1940, when public performances of ASCAP songs were banned from the airwaves. The lyrics of "God Bless America" were inserted into the Congressional Record in a failed attempt to make the song our nation's new national anthem. The song was sung at both the Democratic and Republican conventions of 1940 and again, via a Kate Smith videotape, at the Republican Convention (which nominated George W. Bush) in 2000. President Bush ends most of his speeches saying the words: "God Bless America". In 1940, Irving Berlin established The God Bless America Foundation which assigned all royalties from his and Miss Smith's performances of the song to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. In 1943, when Irving Berlin produced his WWII soldier show, "This Is The Army" at Warner Brothers Pictures, he included a scene featuring Kate Smith recreating her 1938 radio broadcast. Two decades later, National Hockey League officials noted that, while Philadelphia Flyers' fans were not duly respectful when "The Star Spangled Banner" was played, they were more attentive when the public address system played Kate Smith's recording of "God Bless America". Flyers' fans also noted that their team won most games when Kate Smith's record was played. On the opening day of the 1973 season, Kate Smith strode across a red carpet in Philadelphia and sang the song in person. The Flyers beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0. At critical games throughout the season, Kate Smith was driven down from New York to perform "God Bless America". She performed the song the night the Flyers beat the Boston Bruins to win the Stanley Cup. Following the championship game, both teams lined up to shake her hand. The next season she sang it again when the Flyers retained the Stanley Cup, beating the New York Islanders. In 1987, the year after her death, Kate Smith was honored with a bronze statue, recognizing her as the Flyers' "good luck charm". Irving Berlin's "most important composition" has been constantly performed since the Twin Towers disaster on September 11, 2001. On our nation's "Second Day of Infamy", U.S. Senators sang "God Bless America" on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Canadian singer Celine Dion performed America's "Second National Anthem" on a nationwide telethon: "America: A Tribute To Heroes" on September 21, 2001. And major league baseball officials ordered the song to be played during the seventh inning stretches of all their baseball games. Not a shabby resume for a song originally rejected as "too much of s flag-waver". -- Ron Gold ___________________________________________ Ron lives in West Orange, New Jersey. He enjoys writing inspirational stories, mostly about his youth. He is the creative director for two major motivational agencies. You can reach him by clicking here: mailto:outthinkresumes@aol.com You can see the lyrics of the song God Bless America, written in the hand of Irving Berlin, which was sent to Dwight D. Eisenhower on December 28, 1940, here: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/images/at0067_1s.jpg ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .--.-,-.-.-,-.--. | \ / | | \ / | | .===,=,===. | _/\_; .-'`^`'-. ;_/\_ ( /` /_________\ `\ ) | | |===========| | | | | | | | | | | | , | | | | | ;_{_________; | | | |/===`>========\| | | ;-._<`________.-; | | | | U | | | / | |___________| | \ | | |jgs | '-------------------------' >So Much To Thank Him For When I look around and see the good things He does for me I know I'm unworthy of them all But His blessings He freely gives, I owe my life to Him I've got so much to thank Him for And I've got so much to thank Him for, so much to praise Him for, You see, now He's been so good to me And when I think of what He's done, and where He brought me from I've got so much to thank Him for And sometimes, while on this Way, I kneel, I stop and say, "Thank you, for all You've done for me" One day I'll reach sweet Heaven's shore, oh please, let me kneel once more I've got so much to thank Him for And I've got so much to thank Him for, so much to praise Him for, You see, now He 's been so good to me And when I think of what He's done, and where He brought me from I've got so much to thank Him for And when I think of what He's done, and where He brought me from I've got so much to thank Him for Song Wav: "I've Got So Much To Thank Him For" by The Melody Trio -<>- >STILL FREE By: Joseph J. Mazzella I winced as I filled up the tank on my car the other day. Seeing another record high at the gas pump didn't bode well for the rest of the day. I knew too that the food prices would be up again as well. I put just what we needed on the shopping list and nothing more. I had promised my boys that we could eat out first, so we headed to a local fast food place and gazed at the value menu. On the counter by the cash register was the half-empty box for a children's charity. I had often put my extra change in it over the years but this time when the cashier handed the coins back to me I slowly put them in my pocket. I ate sadly still wondering about how high the prices would go when I heard my thoughts echoed by the couple in the next booth. "The prices just keep going up," said the dejected husband. "I know," his wife replied. "Everything costs an arm and a leg these days." In that moment of stress and worry, though, somehow the sweet voice of wisdom sounded in my mind. "God's love is still free," it said, "and it always will be." I got up then and smiled at the couple. I fished the change back out of my pocket and some bills out of my wallet, walked over and put them in the children's charity box. "Prices may keep going up," I thought, "but the most priceless thing in the world is still free to us all." The next time you feel squeezed by the price of living remember that the thing that makes life worth living is still free. God loves us and is willing to fill us with His love everyday of our lives. Even when our wallets are empty our hearts can still be full. God will always give us just what we need as well to live, learn, and love. There is no supply and demand with God's love either because the supply is endless. The more love you give away, the more love you will have. May we all help God share His love today then. It costs us nothing but gives us everything. -<>- >"Pao, Senhor?" He couldn't have been over six years old. Dirty face, barefooted, torn T-shirt, matted hair. He wasn't too different from the other hundred thousand or so street orphans that roam Rio de Janeiro. I was walking to get a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe when he came up behind me. With my thoughts somewhere between the task I had just finished and the class I was about to teach, I scarcely felt the tap, tap, tap on my hand. I stopped and turned. Seeing no one, I continued on my way. I'd only taken a few steps, however, when I felt another insistent tap, tap, tap. This time I stopped and looked downward. There he stood. His eyes were whiter because of his grubby cheeks and coal-black hair. "Pao, senhor?" (Bread, sir?) Living in Brazil, one has daily opportunities to buy a candy bar or sandwich for these little outcasts. It's the least one can do. I told him to come with me and we entered the sidewalk cafe. "Coffee for me and something tasty for my little friend." The boy ran to the pastry counter and made his choice. Normally, these youngsters take the food and scamper back out into the street without a word. But this little fellow surprised me. The cafe consisted of a long bar: one end for pastries and the other for coffee. As the boy was making his choice, I went to the other end of the bar and began drinking my coffee. Just as I was getting my derailed train of thought back on track, I saw him again. He was standing in the cafe entrance, on tiptoe, bread in hand, looking in at the people. "What's he doing?" I thought. Then he saw me and scurried in my direction. He came and stood in front of me about eye-level with my belt buckle. The little Brazilian orphan looked up at the big American missionary, smiled a smile that would have stolen your heart and said, "Obrigado." (Thank you.) Then, nervously scratching the back of his ankle with his big toe, he added, "Muito obrigado." (Thank you very much.) All of a sudden, I had a crazy craving to buy him the whole restaurant. But before I could say anything, he turned and scampered out the door. As I write this, I'm still standing at the coffee bar, my coffee is cold, and I'm late for my class. But I still feel the sensation that I felt half an hour ago. And I'm pondering this question: If I am so moved by a street orphan who says thank you for a piece of bread, how much more is God moved when I pause to thank him ----really thank him----for saving my soul? --Max Lucado -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Freedom Isn't Free http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/freedom.html Hero's Truck! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/herotruck.html Lest We Forget! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lestweforget.html No Words Needed! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html Semper Fidelis! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/semperfi.html Willie, Joe And Bill In WWII http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mauldin.html -<>- >From Our Friend Karen :) She sent us one we have here... WWI Human Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humanart.html --- ...Awesome Reminder! Thanks Karen! More Patriot's for July 4th here... Proud Of Our Troops 6 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops6.htm Kodachrome Photos From 1942/43 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kodachrome1942.html Sgt. Reckless http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/sgtreckless.html Sgt.Stubby http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/stubbywardog.html Kilroy Was Here http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kilroywashere.html K9 9/11 Heroes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/k9-11.html Dog Warriors http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogwarriors.html -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA :) We'll watch kittens do almost anything on the Internet. Cat videos are popular for a good reason: Almost everything they do is cute! But this video may be the most impressive cat video you've ever seen. You have to see what these kittens do! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_TxV4dkRi8M An interesting look at 25 big mistakes that have occurred throughout the history of mankind. You have probably heard of most of these events but a few might surprise you. Thankfully the Dutch didn't colonize Australia and left that for the British. I'm also thankful the Russians didn't realize the true value of Alaska. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=V0Yo0kdeQRo It's probably better not to know anything about the context of this video. What I will tell you is that you're watching "De Ganzenfanfare" or "goose parade" from 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. You have to watch this strange but mesmerizing video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QsztPqxokPM --- ...Great Ones! thanks LouiseA! 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: ..........*=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=*.......... ..........=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*=.......... ..........*=*=*=*=*=h a p p y 4 t h o f j u l y=*=*.......... >TRUST AND SADNESS READ: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow. —Proverbs 14:13 In early 1994, when our family found out that the US soccer team would be playing in Michigan in the World Cup, we knew we had to go. What a great time we had as we went to the Pontiac Silverdome to see the US take on Switzerland! It was one of the most remarkable events of our lives. There was just one problem. One of our four children, 9-year-old Melissa, couldn’t join us. While we enjoyed the event, it was not the same without her. Even in our joy at being there, we felt sadness because of her absence. As I think back on that day, I’m reminded that our sadness then is a little like our sadness now that Melissa is gone from this life— having died in a car accident 8 years after that game. While we cherish the help of the “God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3), even that great comfort doesn’t change the reality of her empty chair at family gatherings. Scripture doesn’t tell us that God wipes away our sadness in this life, but it does tell us that God is faithful and will comfort us. If you have lost a loved one, lean heavily on God’s comfort. Keep trusting Him. But know that it’s okay to feel sadness for this absence. Consider it one more reason to place your burdens on your loving heavenly Father. —Dave Branon I have been through the valley of weeping, The valley of sorrow and pain; But the God of all comfort was with me, At hand to uphold and sustain. —Garlock Earth has no sorrow that heaven does not feel. as seen in Our Daily Bread -<>- >EXPERIENCING GRACE (By Denise Banderman) Note from Chris: I received this from a subscriber. This is a true story and happened on 4/30/02 in a youth ministry class at Hannibal-LaGrange College in Missouri. -Chris ----------- I left work early so I could have some uninterrupted study time right before the final in my Youth Issues class. When I got to class, everybody was doing their last minute studying. The teacher came in and said he would review with us for just a little bit before the test. We went through the review, most of it right on the study guide, but there were some things he was reviewing that I had never heard of. When questioned about it, he said that they were in the book and we were responsible for everything in the book. We couldn't really argue with that. Finally it was time to take the test. "Leave them face down on the desk until everyone has one and I'll tell you to start," our prof instructed. When we turned them over, every answer on the test was filled in! The bottom of the last page said the following: "This is the end of the Final Exam. All the answers on your test are correct. You will receive an 'A' on the final exam. The reason you passed the test is because the creator of the test took it for you. All the work you did in preparation for this test did not help you get the A. You have just experienced...grAce." He then went around the room and asked each student individually, "What is your grade? Do you deserve the grade you are receiving? How much did all your studying for this exam help you achieve your final grade?" Now I am not a crier by any stretch of the imagination, but I had to fight back tears when answering those questions and thinking about how the Creator has passed the test for me. Discussion afterward went like this: "I have tried to teach you all semester that you are a recipient of grace. I've tried to communi- cate to you that you need to demonstrate this gift as you work with young people. Don't hammer them; they are not the enemy. Help them, for they will carry on your ministry if it is full of GRACE!" Talking about how some of us had probably studied hours and some just a few minutes but had all received the same grade, he pointed to a story Jesus told in Matthew 20. The owner of a vineyard hired people to work in his field and agreed to pay them a certain amount. Several different times during the day, he hired more workers. When it was time to pay them, they all received the same amount. When the ones who had been hired first thing in the morning began complaining, the boss said, "Should you be angry because I am kind?" (Matthew 20:15). The teacher said he had never done this kind of final before and probably would never do it again, but because of the content of many of our class discussions, he felt like we needed to experience grace. Have you thanked your Creator today because of the grace you have experienced? (Copyright 2002 Denise Banderman. Reprinted from Mikey's Funnies.) as seen in Laugh and Lift Daily -<>- >HALF ON AND HALF OFF I thought of a lady who was somewhat fearful of getting on an escalator. She just did not like those moving steps and especially the process of getting on and getting off. One day at the mall being coaxed by her daughters, she agreed to try to get on the escalator. She walked up to the edge where the steps were going down. She watched the steps, carefully wanting to take a step and jump on to the step and land correctly, but she only stepped with one foot. The other foot was planted firmly on the solid floor. Now she was hopping on with one foot and would not let go to move the other foot on to the escalator. I guess that probably all of us have been at that point in our spiritual walk when God is trying to lead us in a new direction or to do what may be a difficult thing. We come to understand it is best, it is right, and God is guiding us, but we find it so awkward and difficult to let go and step on and off to the decision that God would have us to make. While for the lady at the escalator it was no laughing matter, for those who were watching it was a somewhat hilarious picture. When it comes to great spiritual decisions, getting stuck half on and half off is neither fun nor funny, so what are we to do as God leads us along? Generally, it would be important for us to remember, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all of your might” (Eccl. 9:10a). Do what God asks you to do robustly and enthusiastically. He is worthy of that. How do you go about doing that? Give it all to God. Whatever He wants you to do, just turn it all over to Him. For those of you who may have questions, doubts, and uneasiness, if God is guiding you to do something, give it your all. --Jim Futral, Executive Director, Mississippi Baptist Convention. Excerpted from “Directions,” published in “The Baptist Record,” June 2, 2011, p. 4 (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) -<>- >LIFE'S MOUNTAIN by Anne R . C. Neale You can climb Life's mountain With God as your Life's Guide, God will help you always And He will always be by your side, Life's Mountain has some pitfalls But God will help you over come them, He has His rod and staff you see, To help you climb, Amen, As you climb your Life's Mountain You never have to fear at all, God is your Guide and Helper, He keeps your life in control. He watches every step you take He helps you night and day, Take comfort knowing God is always with you, He'll help you climb your Life's path all the way. -<>- ROMANS 8:1-11 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin & death (Romans 8:2). Law keeps us limping in the dark; grace sets us walking in the light. Blessed are those who can hear their alarm clock on Sunday as well as on Monday. -<>- >THE GENTLE GIANT by Kathleene S. Baker Beth parked her car to find she was the first arrival for three days of quilting, eating, non-stop chatter, and nights with little sleep. Her quilt group holds several retreats annually in rural Texas where an older home has been renovated for such events and sleeps more than a dozen. Long tables accommodate portable sewing machines, fabric and patterns. The women return home revived from their holiday, yet dog-tired from so much fun! As Beth stepped out of her car, an enormous white dog came around her vehicle, rose up on its hind feet, and planted muddy front paws squarely on each of her shoulders. A tall woman, standing five feet and ten inches, Beth was staring straight into eyes so gentle she didn't even panic at the size of the animal. Speaking softly, she stepped back slightly and the dog returned his front feet to the ground... although he stuck by her side on each trip to unload her car. He seemed determined to keep her in his sights. When the other members arrived, they were greeted by Beth and the dog determined to be her best friend. The obviously neglected Great Pyrenees delighted being the center of attention. One could not tell how terribly underweight he was until their hands dug through his long, matted, filthy coat to find a spine and ribs covered with only flesh. A shopping list was quickly scribbled down -- food, treats, shampoo, comb, brush, bed, collar and leash. Money was yanked from handbags and a quick trip was made to town. Luckily it was a warm day. After devouring a nutritious meal and consuming a bowl of clean water, Beth, Carol, and Gina -- three of my closest friends -- began the time-consuming task of bathing the pitiful creature. Their only option was a garden hose which meant no warm water, but not once did he pull away nor did he growl. He seemed to bask in the kindness of those who had come to his aid. Still far from white, "Dog's" behavior indicated he appreciated their efforts. The entire weekend Dog was well fed, slept on the screened-in porch, and was smothered with the love he'd been deprived of for who knows how long? Possibly he'd never really been cared for properly. If only he could talk it would most likely be a tale to shatter hearts! According to the retreat owner, he'd belonged to a woman living down the road. She had passed away months ago. Her husband then moved away, usually returning one day each weekend. Perhaps he provided food and fresh water one day a week? And, perhaps not! No one knew. When the retreat came to an end, Carol's Cadillac was the only vehicle with a backseat large enough to transport the gentle giant back to Plano. The gals were unwavering. They would find him a good home! Thankfully Gina had ridden with Carol. She spent the entire trip wrestling the big boy to keep him in the back seat for he truly wanted to ride shotgun on Gina's lap! Beth had fallen in love at first sight, even with Dog's boisterous introduction and huge muddy paws. But, being a widow on a fixed income, she was anxious about the costs that could be involved, especially if he had heartworms or a life threatening condition. Dog spent the first night in Plano with another of the quilters. Come morning, after a fitful, sleepless night with the needy canine on her mind, Beth decided she must have him regardless of her budget. For starters, she would forgo the new sewing machine she had her eye on. She would provide a forever home for the massive, yet mellow fellow. As of now, with friends pitching in, Beth has money set aside in a simple mason jar -- a trust fund for needs yet to come. If need be, we'll donate more for a magnificent canine who finally caught a well-deserved break -- a loving home. It seems Dog chose Beth from the moment she stepped out of her car, as if a guardian angel was whispering, "She's the one! Don't let her out of your sight." Amazingly, the Great Pyrenees was negative for heartworm! After two weeks he's regaining strength and putting on weight. Soon he'll have a professional grooming to remove masses of matted hair. The vet estimates he is two years of age -- his pearly- white teeth reflect he's but a youngster, and a fortunate one, indeed. Needless to say, most sewing machines sat idle that weekend as the women fawned over and cared for a gentle giant. I'd bet my Texas boots he'll be designated official mascot of the group and attend each and every retreat. Still to come is a wardrobe of neck scarves he will wear with pride, made by a talented bunch of seamstresses! Here's wishing Beth and "Jake" many joyous years together as they stitch an everlasting bond of love and devotion for one another. http://www.petwarmers.com -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. You can find me on Facebook as Kimberly B. O'Brien Quiggle. =========================================================== .:::. 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He suffered terribly, and was left scarred physically and emotionally. When he came home, his fiancee's parents worried his scars meant he was too damaged to make a good husband. They forbade him to marry "Bette". Frank and Bette obeyed, as was done then. Neither married. Frank worked hard, cared for his parents, an aunt, then a disabled nephew. Bette was the same, the maiden aunt always helping others. She too helped people avoid public-funded care, helping people spend their last days in homely comfort. She and Frank spoke often, but visited infrequently due to distance. As Bette's health failed, she was moved to a beautiful, privately-funded nursing home. She loved her beautiful sunny room, the gardens and duckpond. She was waited on compassionately, as she'd cared for many others. Frank, however, was in a dingy, dark rented flat, with no central heat or bathtub. Yet Frank never seemed to mind. We nurses brought Frank "extras", worried he'd forego warm socks or dinner. We loved his gentle ways, humour, and the little gifts he made for us. He was patient as we bandaged his legs wounds -- painful ulcers still weeping from his torture scars. One day Frank asked a nurse to take him to see Bette. She drove Frank on her own time. She watched Frank hold Bette's hand, obviously comforting her. Oblivious to Bette's dementia, Frank spoke heartfelt words. Before he left, he kissed Bette, and she said, "Frank?" The nurse ran out, sobbing. After that, if necessary, we paid ourselves for a taxi to get Frank to Bette. Once I asked him how she afforded such a nice nursing home. Putting finger to lips, he showed me sheaths of legal documents, insurance, investments, pensions. He said "I pay. Please: If something happens to me, make sure Bette never wants." I was dumbstruck. Frank lived in poverty to ensure Bette's exceptional care. Over time we convinced Frank to eat better and get a mobility scooter so he could visit Bette himself. Asked if he was happier he said, "I was afraid if I took anything, there wouldn't be enough for Bette. I couldn't bear to see her go without..." Then the call from the nursing home, "Please get Frank". Beautiful Bette had passed away in her sleep. Frank said his goodbyes. Returning to his home, I found Frank happy. "She's free", he said. "No more pain. Someday, I'll join her -- free, too." Bette's 18 years of care cost Frank one million dollars. He then trust-funded the nursing home for free care in Bette's name -- endowing two beds for the forseeable future. The day I left to move to another place, Frank took my hand to share a secret. "We married in 1951, but didn't want to hurt her folks. Did I fail her?" I told Frank he was my hero. He'd lived in poverty with enough to live like a king -- for Bette's sake. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: .''. .''. *''* :_\/_: . :_\/_: . .:.*_\/_* : /\ : .'.:.'. .''.: /\ : _\(/_ ':'* /\ * : '..'. -=:o:=- :_\/_:'.:::. /)\*''* .|.* '.\'/.'_\(/_'.':'.' : /\ : ::::: '*_\/_* | | -= o =- /)\ ' * '..' ':::' * /\ * |'| .'/.\'. '._____ * __*..* | | : |. |' .---"| _* .-' '-. | | .--'| || | _| | .-'| _.| | || '-__ | | | || | |' | |. | || | | | | || | ___| '-' ' "" '-' '-.' '` |____ jgs~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY MJ, 3, spends a lot of time at his Aunt "Sisa's" (Lisa). The other day they were playing ball and Lisa told him he was getting good. "I've been pwacticing," MJ said. A little later they were swinging on the swingset and Lisa said, "I wish I had a little boy like you." MJ looked up at Lisa and said, "Well, Aunt Sisa, you have to pwactice!" Lisa about fell off the swing! -- Lisa Stormer of Blairsville, Pennsylvania Jim, a Marine, learned that he and his wife were going to have another baby. Jim's family was living at Camp Pendleton in California when they called their family and friends to share the good news. When they called Earla, she had already heard from another relative. Jim's little boy Matthew got on the phone and said, "Grandma, guess what?" Earla said, "I bet I know... your Mama is going to have a baby." Matthew was suprised and asked, "How did you know?" Earla replied, "A little bird told me." Matthew said with a puzzled tone, "Grandma, he flew all the way to Texas?" -- Earla Hollon of Pasadena, Texas Brady, 3, came to spend the week with his grandparents. Grandma and Grandpa have a dog, a Pomeranian and his tail curls over his back. One day Grandma observed Brady spending a long time just flipping the tail back and then watching it curl again. Finally, he looked up and said, "I've looked and looked but I can't find the spring that makes this tail work!" -- Brady's Aunt Joyce of Carmel, Indiana Edith's nephew Jordy loved corn on the cob so much that after finishing an ear he asked for "some more beans on my stick." -- Edith Patterson of McComb, Mississippi _..._ ||||||| ||||||| _|*****|_ ( '-...-' ) {`;-----;`} {(| a a|)} \| _\ |/ \ - / jgs '{_}` Christina, 4, was asked her name. She replied, "Christina." When asked her middle name she replied, "Gail." When asked her last name she said, "Christina Gail Get Over Here!" -- Christi Lovvo (aunto to Christina Gail) of Paducah, Kentucky When Tommy, 2, saw a lot of people swimming in Lake Erie, he said, "Mommy, look at all those people drowning in the lake!" -- Karen Payne of Lily Dale, New York Lucas, 6, was a little teary on his last day of grade one. After school he accompanied his mother to the bookshop. Inside the bookshop he discovered a play station with multi-colored beads on twisted wires. Lucas started playing and laughing and declared, "I haven't had this much fun since I was a CHILD!" -- Melanie (mother of Lucas) o Cardston, AB, Canada _ (_) |_________________________________________ |* * * * * |##########################| | * * * * *| | |* * * * * |##########################| | * * * * *| | |* * * * * |##########################| | * * * * *| | |* * * * * |##########################| |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | |#########################################| | | |#########################################| | | |###################################JGS###| |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | | Olivia, 5, was on the way home from Bible school. She wanted to impress her mother with the Bible verse she had learned that day so she began in a loud voice: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should have a BLAST in life!" (She meant everlasting life!) -- Lottie Royal (great- grandmother of Olivia) of Wray, Georgia Sarah, 8, was talking about the boys in her class with her mother Leah. "William used to be my boyfriend, but I broke up with him," Sarah said. When Leah asked Sarah why William broke up with her, Sarah said, "Because Alexis told him I liked him!" Trying not to laugh, Leah asked, "So, your boyfriend wouldn't necessarily KNOW he's your boyfriend?" Sarah nodded. -- Leah Clark of Tampa, Florida Kim came home really upset and angry at her 2-year-old and 6-year-old. She was having a bad day and they were both so wound up that it pushed her buttons even more. As she was scolding them, the 2-year-old, who was standing on their balcony, looked down and said as loud as she could (with a smile, of course!)... "Geeze Louisse, Mom!" It broke the tension and they all burst into laughter! -- Kim Siebold of Buffalo, Minnesota ========================================================== .-"""""""-. .' __ \_ / / \/ \ | \_0/\_0/______ |:. .' oo`\ |:. / \ |' ; | | |:.. . \_______ | |::.|' , \,_____\ / |:::.; ' | . '| ====)_/===;===========;() |::; | | ; ; | | # # # #:::::: /::::.|-| |_|-|, \ # # # #:::::: /'-=-'` '-' '--'\ # # # #:::::: jgs / \ # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # H A P P Y # # # # # # # # # # # # # # F O U R T H O F J U L Y # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # >-->Freedom is Not Free Why do we call it freedom When freedom is not free. The cost was blood and sweat And tears that bought our liberty. Look beyond our nation's banner Waving proudly in the breeze Across the plains and mountains Thru the valleys, o'er the seas. And see a people of variety Living side by side In God we trust, our motto Just laws our leaders' guide. Yet some still take for granted They neglect to understand How great a sacrifice was made To dwell in this free land. For many left their loved ones Their friends, their families Standing true to oaths once taken To defend our liberties. Holding fast they fought for freedom Both at home and then abroad Spilling blood upon the waters O'er the ground on which they trod. Wounded from the many battles In mire and blood their bodies lay The dead with mouths wide open Forming words they'd never say. Seeing eyes no longer seeing Gearing ears no longer hear Hearts once beating stilled and quiet Loved ones close no longer near. And though their hopes and dreams were shattered Let their deaths not be in vain We must keep forever burning Freedom's torch, the victor's flame. For they died for you, America Your freedom was not free For t'was their blood and sweat and tears That bought your liberty. So when you speak again of freedom May your hearts be filled with pride And your gratitude for those Who for your freedom fought and died. --Cheryl Berger >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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