Good Friday ... :) 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 ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ _..---.._ .' .-'''-. '. / .' _..._'. \ __ : : /`;' ) : : _,="`\ ,--''` ``'.; : |; ,-; : ; __..==""==.,_| `-, `; .\; / ^\ _,.="// '-,_.--._ '.(;_.'__/`_.-'`\ ,.--''`` _..=. `'--.// `` \ `--, '` `- |_\ '-. | `-._ _.;--`-..___,.-'` `'-...-_:',;`==,| \ _.--',=" / /"=;="=, _.' ,=".-'` .' /| ,=" _.--' .-' "=, : .' | ", `;._ .--'.' .-' .' . ; ,;;\_ . '._.'--'` -' / ,;;;._ '-._ .''.__.' `\_ .' '._ / '._ .(` jgs '._ ';./ `;` *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This sizzler comes from our friend Johanna. It's one of those that will be sure to give you smiles! Check it out here... .-~-. .' '. / \ .-~-. : ; .' '.| | / \ : : ; .-~""~-,/ | /` `'. : | \ \ | / `. .' \ .' jgs `~~~` '-.____.-' Egg Face Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eggface.html --- ...I loved this one! Thank You Johanna! -<>- _ _ (c\-.--/a) |q: p /\_ _____ __\(_/ ).' '---._.---'` '---.__ / (Y_)_/ / : \-._ \ !!!!,,, \_))'-'; ( _/ \ '\\_ !!II!!!!!IIII,, \_ \ / \_ '.\ !IIsndIIIII!!!!,,\ /_ \ |----.___ '-. \'.__ !!!IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII\ | '--._.-' _) \ | `'--' '''!!!!IIIIIII/ .',, ((___.-' / / '''!!!!/ _/!!!!IIIIIII!!!!!,,,,,;,;,,,..... | /IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII | \ ''IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII \_,) '''''!!!!IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!! ''''''''''!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >We're ended March like a lion! Our website started out meek and mild this month like a lamb but it sure did end up with a roar! What A Wonderful Month Of Caring And Sharing We've Had! *~* Be Sure To Share All These New Pages With Your Friends... Baby Finnegan! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/finnegan.html Tour Inside Google! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/insidegoogle.html Jasmine! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jasmine.html The Wild Ones! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wildones.html Life's Little Oops 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops3.html Sweet Little Pad! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/homepad.html Mabel The Chicken! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chicken.html Right Angle! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/anglephoto.html Extreme US Spas! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/topspas.html Enter At Your Own Risk! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/risky.html Street-Legal Airplane! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/transition.html God's Little Love Notes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Orang-Utan Hospital! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/orang.html The Red Hat! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/redhat.html *~* A GREAT BIG THANK YOU AND HUGS TO ALL OUR CONTRIBUTORS! >>>>------------->>>> You're The Best! <<<<------------<<<< ============================================================= >-->From Our Friend Johanna :) .-=====-. | .""". | | | | | | | | | | '---' | | | | | .-================-' '-================-. j| _ | g|.'o\ __ | s| '-.'. .'o.` | '-==='.'.=========-. .-========.'.-'===-' '.`'._ .===, | _.-' / '._ '-./ ,//\ _| _.-' _.' '-.| ,//' \-' ` .-' `//'_`--; ;.-' `\._ ;| | \`-' . | |_.-'-._| \ _'_ / |; -:- | || -.- \ |; .\ / `'\'`\-; ;` '. `_/ |,`-._; .; `;\ `.-'-; | \ \ | | `\ \ | | ) | | | / /` / | | /| | | | / | / | / |/ /| | \ / / | | /o | | | |_/ | | | | | | | '-=====-' >Jesus' Death - 60 Seconds to Understand WITH EASTER VERY CLOSE.......GOOD TO BE REMINDED AGAIN........LEAST WE FORGET........WHAT JESUS DID FOR ALL OF US......."Easter means HE LIVES" For the next 60 seconds, set aside whatever you're doing and take this opportunity! Let's see if Satan can stop this. THE (SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUS At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to the death penalty. At the time crucifixion was the "worst" death. Only the worst criminals condemned to be crucified. Yet it was even more dreadful for Jesus, unlike other criminals condemned to death by crucifixion Jesus was to be nailed to the cross by His hands and feet. Each nail was 6 to 8 inches long. The nails were driven into His wrist. Not into His palms as is commonly portrayed. There's a tendon in the wrist that extends to the shoulder.. The Roman guards knew that when the nails were being hammered into the wrist that tendon would tare and brake, forcing Jesus to use His back muscles to support himself so that He could breath. Both of His feet were nailed together. Thus He was forced to support Himself on the single nail that impaled His feet to the cross. Jesus could not support himself with His legs because of the pain so He wa forced to alternate between arching His back then using his legs just to continue to breath. Imagine the struggle, the pain, the suffering, the courage. Jesus endured this reality for over 3 hours. Yes, over 3 hours! Can you imagine this kind of suffering? A few minutes before He died, Jesus stopped bleeding. He was simply pouring water from his wounds. From common images we see wounds to His hands and feet and even the spear wound to His side. But do we realize His wounds were actually made in his body. A hammer driving large nails through the wrist, the feet overlapped and an even large nail hammered through the arches, then a Roman guard piercing His side with a spear. But before the nails and the spear Jesus was whipped and beaten. The whipping was so severe that it tore the flesh from His body. The beating so horrific that His face was torn and his beard ripped from His face. The crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp. Most men would not have survived this torture." He had no more blood to bleed out, only water poured from His wounds. The human adult body contains about 3.5 liters (just less than a gallon) of blood. Jesus poured all 3.5 liters of his blood; He had three nails hammered into His members; a crown of thorns on His head and, beyond that, a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into His side. All these without mentioning the humiliation He passed after carrying His own cross for almost 2 kilometers, while the crowd spat in his face and threw stones (the cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for its higher part, where His hands were nailed).Jesus had to endure this experience, so that you can have free access to God. So that your sins could be "washed" away. All of them, with no exception! Don't ignore this situation. JESUS CHRIST GAVE HIS LIFE AND DIED FOR YOU! For you, who now read this e-mail. Do not believe that He only died for others (those who go to church or for pastors, bishops, etc). He died for you! It is easy to pass jokes or foolish photos by e-mail, but when it comes to God, sometimes you feel ashamed to forward to others because you are worried of what they may think about you. Accept the reality, the truth that JESUS IS THE ONLY SALVATION FOR THE WORLD. God has plans for you, show all your friends what He experienced to save you. Now think about this! May God bless your life! 60 seconds with God... For the next 60 seconds, set aside what you're doing and take this opportunity! Let's see if Satan can stop this. All you have to do is: 1. Simply pray for the person who sent this message to you: 2. Then, send this message to people.. if you wish. 3. people will pray for you and you will get that many people pray to God for other people. 4. Take a moment to appreciate the power of God in your life, for doing what pleases Him. If you are not ashamed to do this, please, follow Jesus' instructions. He said (Matthew 10:32 & 33): "Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before My Father in heaven; but whosoever denies Me before others, I also will deny before My Father in heaven". If you believe, send this message.... But send it only if you believe Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. Yes, I love Jesus. He is my source of life and my Savior. He keeps me alive day and night. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13. This is the simple proof. If you love God and you are a believer and trust in salvation through Jesus Christ, send this to all those you love. --- ...Thank You Johanna. Yes, the cross was a symbol of torture for very good reason - it was. Normally I would be in mourning today, but thanks to the nasty flu, I was knocked out yesterday and could not get the inspirations out... So today - on Good Friday - the day they crucified (tortured) my Lord, I am putting out an inspiration. It is a very sad day in my mind. I thank God I know That God raised Jesus from the dead. How horrible this must of been for God, his mom, siblings and loved ones to have to witness. The cross being such a wicked horrible way to die was why the early christians used an anchor as their christian symbol instead of it. _ (_) | ()---|---() | | __ | __ |\ /^\ /| jgs '..-' '-..' `-._ _.-` ` Our Valuable Anchor http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html ===================================================================== >-->From Our Friend John-Paul :) . | . \ ' / '-. | .-' --= --|-- =-- _. _|_ | _|_ ._ ' _|__|__|_ ' ____/HEISRISEN\_____ >~ JESUS IS ALIVE ~ (believe it?) Scripture: Matthew 16:21 "From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things at the hands of the Elders, Chief Priests, and Scribes, then be killed. Yet to be raised from the dead the third day" ( NKJV) __ _ / l \~-_ ,----~~~~--+-----`--~----____ @ /~_~\ | ~ | /~_~\~~~-, \_ ( (_) ) \_______| ( (_) )_-~ ~~\___/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\___/~ John Punshon A well known scientist, some years ago, while working for a tire recycling company as a consultant, learned an interesting thing about tires: A buried tire will not stay in the ground. That's right. If a tire is buried up to a depth of five (5) feet into the earth it will, under normal conditions, eturn to the surface on its own. Why? A tire is made of `Synthetic` Rubber like Materials that are Very Resilient. It is constantly pushing against the soil in all directions. The weight of the dirt above the tire is less than the weight of the earth below it. Since there is less weight there is also less Resistance. It is easier for the tire to move up toward the surface rather than going further down. The Tire Expands, and Contracts due to changes in the Soil Temperature during the Day and during the Year. Gradually loose soil works its way around the tire through tiny Cracks and Crevices. The Soil Moves around the tire while the Tire presses against the Soil. This Continues until one day after several years, The Tire Returns To The Surface. Try it yourself, (if you have the time) you'll see! (The above information is true, but I must admit I found it hard to believe when I first heard it). It just Didn't Seem Possible. Many people probably feel the same way when they hear That Jesus Christ Died, and then Rose Again. But it is true! If Jesus had Simply Died, He would have been no different than any other Religious Leader in History. But Jesus wasn't just Any Other `Religious Leader` HE WAS AND IS THE VERY `SON of GOD`! _ xxxx _ /_;-.__ / _\ _.-;_\ `-._`'`_/'`.-' `\ /` | / /-.( \_._\ \ \`; > |/ / // |// jgs \(\ `` His life did not end with Death on a Cross. No! Three Days Later, Jesus Christ Triumphantly Emerged from the Grave \o/- Claiming once, and for all, `Victory Over Sin`, Death, Hell, and the Grave, `JUST AS HE PROMISED! No other Religious Leader can make that Claim. Only Jesus! ~ I Believe it ~ John-Paul --- ...Amen! Thank You John-Paul! Yeppers! It is not much of a stretch to believe that God almighty - the same God who created this entire universe - raised Jesus from the dead as He promised He would do. No biggy for Him! ================================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .-. .---. | | .' / *PODA-PLOP-PLOP-PLOP-PLOP-PLOP-PLOP-PLOP* _.-' `""-._/ .'_._ _ .' .-'.' > ( \/ (%) @ \.' .' \ 4 @ _.-' _ _ _ - _ - / - J (%) L /\ _ - \ _ ( _ | | (:4-|-.// _(:4-|-.// \_(:4-|-.//J F /_"`.__.o _ / "`.__.o - "`.__.o L J (\ \ "> .'\_) VK (_/`-..___..-' >BUNNY AND BEAR PANCAKES by Kathe Campbell It's said that if you wisely spread your bundles of joy out with a few years in-between, they won't abandon you in a blue funk all at once. I'm not sure how Ken and I managed it, but the good Lord must have lent a hand as we empty nested in tolerable stages. Our son was born six years ahead of our daughters who are two years apart. Dad and son had close years with all their guy stuff, while the girls and I did perpetual tea parties, dance, and Girl Scouts. After a little arm-twisting and greasing of the palm, our son became a built-in baby sitter of sorts. No more packing a half-asleep sitter into the car and driving her across town at 2am. The day came when our son, his mini fridge, and his truck went off to college, followed by a stint in the service. But for two smart and spirited teenyboppers keeping us on our toes, we'd have been as homesick for him, as he was for us. Only two grades apart, the girls savored their own special friends. Sports and cheerleading became their lives as they too sailed right past us, but always saving Sunday for family fun. Then suddenly, no more relaxing on Saturdays with pancakes in the shape of bunnies and bears, or giggly campouts in the backyard playhouse. No more carpools with a half dozen dusty ball players, their bags, and overflowing Slurpies. No more freaky music that fairly rocked the house off its moorings, endless practicing the right moves in the family room, and hours of clandestine phone calls. When the oldest daughter hit the college dorms, I looked forward to less laundry, although the question became debatable. We may have been part-time empty nesters but for her big laundry bag appearing in our hallway more often than not. And along with the laundry, the grocery bill hit the ceiling after numerous weekends of roommates and college chums rolling out in sleeping bags upstairs and down. The last one graduated college, got married and cast off to new horizons as we waved and threw weepy kisses. Ken and I looked at each other like strangers, barely knowing how to act in the sobering silence of our big deserted house. They had grown up, giving pleasure to replace any pain of their teen years. That made it all so worthwhile. No laying in bed at all hours wondering if they were just late, or bloody and broken on a snowy highway somewhere. And who's going to think we're not cool if we flop into bed by ten for a good night's sleep for a change? It was soon apparent that nobody was handy to help with yard chores and the job I abhorred most, washing a thousand windows. Ken was great about the yard, but claimed the windows were strictly woman's work. Rattling about, living with empty rooms crying out for growth and fun, even tempestuous moments and raging hormones, we kicked our traces. I took the bull by the horns, called our realtor, and viewed a glorious piece of wooded and streamed acres teeming with wildlife. We had talked often about a log home in the mountains only twenty minutes from town. So we did it. We were now land owners in our own paradise. The old house in town sold with grand memories and no regrets. I drew plans, the logs were ordered, and suddenly along came our brood with their campers on more weekends than we could count to help with the rise. Today we sit and rock in front of the fireplace on two-dog winter nights, swapping our times back and forth, still loving this new lifestyle while flipping a bunny pancake over for one of the grandchildren. We sometimes yearn for the sleepless nights worrying when the children were out, only now it's our backs and knees that are out. We miss those magnificent beings we so lovingly shaped and molded into success stories, for not long ago I heard our youngest daughter remark, "I have every intention of raising my kids just as I was raised." That just may say it all! -- Kathe Campbell __________________________________________________ Kathe lives her dream on a Montana mountain with her mammoth donkeys, a Keeshond, and a few kitties. Three children, eleven grands and three greats round out her herd. She is a prolific writer on Alzheimer's, and her stories are found on many ezines. Kathe is a contributing author to the Chicken Soup For The Soul and Cup of Comfort series, numerous anthologies, RX for Writers, magazines and medical journals. ======================================================================= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: \\\\ c oo | .U __=__ ,,, |. __|___ oo ; ||_/ / / U= _ 0 \_/__/__E o /. .| | (___ || |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'----'~| I---||| |-----------------------| I ||| | c(__) | ^ '--'' ^ ^ Petrus >Love Can BY: Megha Bajaj I believe love can help in curing cancer! I am not a doctor and I do not know of studies that can prove this. But I know it is true. I have experienced it in my own life. When our family discovered that my mother had cancer, we were silent. Usually, our house is filled with noise -- old melodies played by Dad, soap operas Mom watched on TV (with her running comments), my sister, Nidhi, chattering on the phone, and continuous humming and giggling from me. On that day, there was silence. Always the dreamer, I found refuge on the terrace. Gazing at the skies, I wondered aloud to God if we would ever be okay again. When I came downstairs, I saw Dad sitting with Mom, stroking her hair with such tenderness in his eyes I could feel every trace of anxiety leave her beautiful face. My sister was holding Mom's hand. We all looked at each other and knew that this was not Mom's fight alone. Her health would not just be the responsibility of the doctors; it would be ours, too. Fear gave way to determination. Anxiety yielded to hope as we turned our attention to conquering cancer, every cell of it, with love. One of the reasons cancer is so scary is because the treatment itself is painful. Chemotherapy makes one feel sick in every sense of the word. Since Mom's cancer was at an advanced stage, her medicines would be very strong and the doctors warned us that her health would deteriorate quite a bit. Hmm! Is that so? We looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders, almost in unison, as if to say, "Let's see." We didn't allow any negativity to touch Mom. An injection? We countered it with a "love you" and by holding hands. Negative comments? We responded with a hug and an expression that said, "This person knows nothing." Tears on our cheeks? We followed them with much laughter. Trouble sleeping? We were up, through the night, chatting, playing cards, and listening to Dad's collection of beautiful old melodies. Loss of hair from chemotherapy? We had an answer for that too! We called Mom the "Bald and the Beautiful!" and she would giggle like it was the world's funniest joke. The result? Mom's red cell count, which should have fallen tremendously, stayed almost normal, through all six rounds of chemo. While most other people take about a week to recover from side effects she took only a day. The doctors were awestruck! One actually said, "Mrs. Bajaj, everything is absolutely fine; please leave so we can check someone who is actually ill!" Before Mom became sick, she had always placed us before her, our health before hers. Not anymore. She began to invest time in herself. Mornings began with yoga and healthy food and her days ended with meditation. She started developing a love for her body, which I had never seen before, applying nice smelling cream on her arms and looking for pretty clothes to wear. One day, out of the blue, she said. "I love dancing; teach me a dance." Something very beautiful was happening inside my mother. Would this beautiful change have the power to defeat cancer? Her tests came back all clear. In fact, her reports showed that her health improved from what it had been before she had cancer. Today, three years later, my mother's hair is softer than ever. She dresses prettily and goes to a group called Helping Hands to offer hope to other cancer patients. Just seeing her radiating with love, I am told, inspires patients. Mom tells them, "Love yourself. Love those around you. And love life. Believe that you deserve to live and watch how cancer slinks away." I believe her wholeheartedly. Love works. It helped cure cancer. --- ...Please Pray for our Inspiredbuffalo lady - Nancy - she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. If you believe the Word of God then you realize that nothing is incurable. I think the problem is that people often do not understand how valuable their life is to God. I've seen people give up, sink into negative depression, or say 'if it is the will of God' - which is a negative in itself. God tells us His feelings about sickness... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' 3 John 1 [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. ABOVE ALL THINGS! God says as long as you are living and breathing He wants you to be healthy and prosperous. So please don't go with that old 'if it is God's will that I live' - God doesn't want you to be in doubt about it - He tells you here it is His Greatest Wish for You to be in Health! He doesn't want you sick or poor! So now you know God's Will - so believe it! Walk forth knowing it. Now guess who paid the price for your health? 1 Peter 2 [24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. Jesus suffered 40 lashes save 1 for you. He paid the price so that all sickness can be healed. See the use of past tense - 'ye were healed'? It means already done. You are already healed of any and all sickness because Jesus suffered and paid the price. All you have to do is believe God and not give up. Some sickness is far worse then others but all can be healed. -<>- , }`-. , , \ \ '-' \ .-'{ _} . | ,`\ / ' ; .-;\ { \ | | / `/ '-.,/ ; | { -- -. ' '`-, .--._.' ; \__ \ \ | ' / |`. ; _,`\ '. '- ' `_- '.`; ; ,-`_.-' ,--. \ ` /` '--' `;.` (` _ .--.\ '._) '-. \ \ `-. ; `-';| '. -. ' __ '. ; ; _,-' / { __'.\ ' '-,/; `-' ';`.- ` .-' '-. `-._' | `; ;`' .-'` <_ -' ` .\ `; ; (_.'`\ _.;-"``"'-._'. `:; ___, _.-' | .-'\'. '.` \ \_,_`\ ;##` `'; _.' /_'._\ \ \__;#####./###. \` \.' .'`/"`/ (#######)###::.. _.' '.' .' ; , |:. `|()##`"""` jgs `'-../__/_\:: /O()()o ()'._.'`()()' >LEAFAGE AND ROOTAGE American President Woodrow Wilson once pointed out that "a man's rootage is more important than his leafage." What others see are the leaves, the outside. What they can't see are the roots, the values and principles that ground a person. A happy and fulfilled life grows from a good system of roots. No one believed in the solid "rootage" of President Jimmy Carter more than his own mother "Miss Lillian," as she was fondly called. She was aware of her son's reputation for honesty, which had become a topic of curiosity among many politicians and even reporters. During a 1986 speech at the University of Tennessee, Jody Powell told a story about a television reporter who grilled Miss Lillian on this topic. "Is it true," asked the reporter, "that your son doesn't lie? Can you tell me he has never told a lie?" "Well, I reckon he might have told a little white lie now and then," replied Miss Lillian. The reporter spotted the opening. "I thought you said he didn't lie!" she exclaimed. "Are you telling me that white lies aren't as bad as black lies? Just what do you mean by a white lie?" "Well," drawled Miss Lillian, "do you remember when you came in this morning and I told you how nice you looked and how glad I was to see you...?" Those people who care about strong and principled inner lives leave an important mark on the world. They actually live from the inside out. Their inner convictions guide their actions. Their inner principles govern their lives. It's like roots which are sunk deep into lasting values and sustain the tree through whatever hard times may come along. What does it mean to have good roots? I think it means to be strong enough and healthy enough to do whatever you truly want to do. It means to be strong enough, at least most of the time, to give your best to the world. I would like to have roots that grow deep and strong. I would like a system of roots that could give me: - enough strength to forgive those who hhurt me; - enough confidence to overcome any amouunt of fear; - enough courage to accept whatever obsttacles life throws my way; - enough compassion to love even the unllovable; - enough faith that nothing can shatter my peace of mind. If I grow good roots, I don't need to worry about the leafage. -- Steve Goodier -<>- , |\ /\/ \/| ,_ ; \/` '; , \_', \ / '. .' /`. jgs `~~` , /\ `"` . `" >The Empty Egg Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the age of 12 he was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, Often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool, and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if A spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy just irritated his teacher. One day she called his parents and asked them to come in for a consultation. As the Forresters entered the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy Really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a five year gap between His age and that of the other students." Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue, while her husband spoke. "Miss Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible Shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here." Doris sat for a long time after they had left, staring at The snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only child had a Terminal illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other youngsters to teach, and Jeremy was a distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn to read And write. Why waste any more time trying? As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. Here I am complaining when my problems are nothing compared to that poor family, she thought. Lord, Please help me to be more patient with Jeremy. From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises and his blank stares. Then one day, he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him. "I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loud enough for the whole class to hear. The other students snickered, and Doris' face turned red. She stammered, "why that's very nice, Jeremy. Now please take your seat." Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life Springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them, "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with Something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?" "Yes, Miss Miller," the children responded enthusiastically - all except for Jeremy. He listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did not even Make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? Perhaps she should call His parents and explain the project to them. That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to Shop for groceries, iron a blouse, and prepare a vocabulary test for the next day. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents. The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they Completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs. In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," She said. "When plants peek through the ground, we know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arm. "That's my egg, Miss Miller," She called out. The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful Butterfly. Yes, that's new life, too." Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine." Next, Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom, "My daddy helped me," He beamed. Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty. Surely it must be Jeremy's, she thought, and of course, he did not understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents. Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another. Suddenly, Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?" Flustered, Doris replied, "But Jeremy, your egg is empty." He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty, too." Time stopped. When she could speak again, Doris asked him, "Do you know why the tomb was empty?" "Oh, yes," Jeremy said, "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then His Father raised Him up." The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the schoolyard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away. Three months later, Jeremy died. Those who paid there respects at the funeral home were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them empty. -<>- Links for Your Enjoyment Fedex Castaway http://www.buffaloschips.com/012123.htm Femme http://www.buffaloschips.com/012124.htm German Engineering http://www.buffaloschips.com/012125.htm God Bless The USA http://www.buffaloschips.com/012126.htm Grimper Rocher http://www.buffaloschips.com/012127.htm Identity Theft http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/identitytheft.html Rarely Seen Babies http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babyanimals.html Proud Of Our Troops http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops2.html Small Thoughts http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/smallthoughts.html USS New York LPD-21 Tribute http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ussny.html Grand Canyon Skywalk http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/skywalk.html Feather Painting Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/feather.html When Sandman Attacks http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sandman.html Did God Really Forsake Jesus Christ on the Cross? http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=294 The Four Crucified With Christ http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?file=article&name=News&sid=292 Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ======================================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: _ .-"--._ / \ / ____\ ||\\ / /`( || \\ _| '``'-. | \_\\ ` 9\ , \_ 9 _ '-.= .--'|} | _ \) | / /}} \/ = \ ;_.'/ .=\.--'`\} | `-`__.;---.//` '---./' '.___..-'` `| _/ __.-.__/ _ _ ___ ___ ___ _ _ , .-' .-' ||| | | |/ \| _ \| _ \| | | {|'--. .-/ / |\\ | | | | _/| _/\ / {{\ \ { | /_ / \| |_|_|\___/|_| |_| |_| {/`'--./=. `-\ `\--;` ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _`\.---' `\\ '-. | | | _|| _ |/ __\|_ _|| _|| _ \ / \ |\ || ) / _/ | _|| |\__ \ | | | _|| / \_/ | |// jgs / __.' '--. |___||_|_|\___/ |_| |___||_\_\ (_) \//_/| ( '--. ___))) //\__/ `-..____))) |/ >MAY GOD BLESS YOU THIS DAY... FOR HE IS ALIVE! Faith is an interesting thing. In English the word refers to anything from religions to attitudes. But the primary definition is quite simple. Faith is a confident belief in the truth, value or trust- worthiness of a person, idea or thing. Even so, if we're not careful, that can be as clear as mud, so let's take a closer look. Having a confident belief means being sure or certain, rather than feeling something "might be". In court we'd hear "beyond a reasonable doubt". It’s what leads us to say, "This is the way it is". It may be whether something is true, has worth, or can be trusted but the conclusion is...This is the way it is. A mistake many make is they assume faith is only about things for which there can be no proof. That's not true. Faith runs the gamut, from mountains of evidence to little if any. That's because personal choice is involved. A person chooses what will be his "confident belief". Some may see the choice as wise or foolish, but that's more about what the belief is based on. For example, I have a confident belief that if I run into a brick wall, it's going to hurt. There's a lot of proof for that. Bricks are hard, walls are immovable, and I bruise easily. There's so much evidence to support my confident belief, most would say that proclaiming this as truth doesn’t take a lot of faith. But suppose a man has a confident belief there's no such thing as a doctor. He lives in a remote village and has never seen one. He's heard strangers from other villages say the same. His wife was once sick and needed such a person, but no one came and she died. You ask, "Did you try to find a doctor?" "Why seek what does not exist?" "But I have been helped and healed by a doctor, and I can show you others who have." "The healthy are healthy. The sick are sick. And the dying die. This is the way it is." We can hear what he says, see how he lives, argue that he's wrong, even call him a fool, but it doesn't change the fact that he has a confident belief of what he considers to be the truth, have value or be worthy of his trust. For him, there is no such thing as a doctor, no point in seeking one, and nothing to be trusted. This is his faith. This is the way it is. To have such faith, he must ignore overwhelming evidence – men, women and children who have been helped and healed, witnesses of what a doctor has done for them. Instead, he must rely on his limited experience, his choice not to seek a doctor, his expectation one would come to him, and some people he's never met, saying things he really doesn't know if they're true. We may not understand him, but this much is clear: To live a life based on such a belief requires a deeper commitment to that belief, in other words, much more faith, than those who live in the wealth of evidence that a doctor does exist and with the security of having proof from personal experience. This is much like the idea of whether a loving Creator exists. The vast majority of people on the planet have a "confident belief" there is such a One. But what proof do they have? Much of science points to a time of beginning when there was nothing and relies on the premise that all things result from cause and effect. Cause and effect are other words for creation. And logic requires a deliberate choice for the first cause to create the effect that resulted in the universe, stars, planets, earth, plants, animals...us. Though everything around us is evidence of a Creator, some rely instead on those they don’t know, who say things they can't be sure is true. They do not try to find the Creator. "Why seek what does not exist?" And despite the experiences of millions of witnesses who tell how they were helped and healed by a loving Creator, some choose to ignore their evidence, claiming, This is the way it is. And yet... Since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 Look around. We are truly blessed. It is so easy for us to believe there is a loving Creator. But pray for those who choose such an incredibly confident belief that casts Him aside. With all creation surrounding them, it takes tremendous faith to be an atheist. Chuck as seen in A Note of Encouragement -<>- . | . \ ' / '-. | .-' --= --|-- =-- _. _|_ | _|_ ._ ' _|__|__|_ ' ____/HEISRISEN\_____ >WHEN TEMPTED, CHANGE YOUR FOCUS Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee - James 4:7 NKJV Pastor Jon Walker writes: 'When Tolstoy was a boy he started "The White Polar Bear Club". To become a member you had to stand for 30 minutes and not think of a white polar bear. Have you ever intentionally tried not to think about something? It's almost impossible! We often handle temptation in a similar fashion. We think we can stand near it, and if we don't think about it we'll have the victory. The problem is, the more we try not to concentrate on it the more it becomes the centre of our focus... the longer we think about not submitting the more likely it is that we will. The Bible says: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7 NIV). We quote the latter half of the verse, but if all you're doing is focusing on the devil you're still focusing on the temptation. I'm not suggesting... you shouldn't say, "Get thee behind me, satan." I'm saying you can't do it in your own strength; you do it by humbling yourself before God, recognizing that He's your strength... When you keep your eyes on Him the Devil will flee because you're resisting him by embracing God. Be humble enough to seek help. A sure sign you're about to fall is when you think, "I can handle this on my own." See this as an urgent alarm to submit to God and say, "Lord, I need your strength and wisdom. Lead me not into temptation." Then walk away from the temptation. And if you need to, call a friend for prayer and accountability.' as seen in the Word For Today -<>- .======. | INRI | | | | | .========' '========. | _ xxxx _ | | /_;-.__ / _\ _.-;_\ | | `-._`'`_/'`.-' | '========.`\ /`========' | | / | |/-.( | |\_._\ | | \ \`;| | > |/| | / // | | |// | | \(\ | | `` | | | | | | | | | \\jgs _ _\\| \// |//_ _ \// _ ^ `^`^ ^`` `^ ^` ``^^` `^^` `^ `^ >NEVER FORGET by Sharon Jaynes Today's Truth "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago" (Psalm 77:11 NIV). Friend To Friend Sometimes it is easy to read about Adam and Eve's failure in the garden and wonder how they could have been so disobedient. But in reality, this is not Adam and Eve's story alone. It is our story as well. We make decisions daily that dishonor God or honor God. We disobey, take charge of our own lives, and become Lord of our own ring. Then like Eve, we try to cover up our shame and even attempt to hide from God. Do you know the first question God asked in the Bible? After Adam and Eve cowered in the bushes, hiding from God, He asked - Where are you? God knew exactly wheree they were, what they had done, and how the enemy had tricked them. However, He decided to remain in relationship with them and begin the process of restoration which was completed on Calvary's cross. He asks us the same question today when we attempt to hide ... Where are you? I think "but God" are two of most beautiful words in Scripture. The Bible says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). When did we become sinners? The first time we sinned? No, we were born sinners and that sin is what separated us from God. While we were yet sinners, He became the perfect sacrifice for us, not to cover our sin, but to cleanse us forever - once and for all. Salvation Army Officer, John Allen once said, "I deserved to be damned in hell, but God interfered." God interfered, intervened, and intercepted our death sentence. He sent His Son, who paid the penalty for our sin and all we have to do to receive the pardon is to accept His wonderful gift. How do we receive the gift? "If you confess with your mouth 'Jesus as Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). When you accept Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior, you are freed from the penalty of sin (spiritual death and eternal separation from God) and He gives you a new living spirit. Someone once said, "Salvation is moving from living death to deathless life." "All this is from God who reconciled us [joined us back together] to himself through Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:18 AMP). Once there was a Christian group who sang a song with a line that said, "There's a bridge to cross the great divide." However, when they were recording, someone sang, "There's a cross to bridge the great divide." Suddenly, they realized that they had not made a mistake at all. We were separated from God because of sin, but He sent His Son to die on Calvary's cross to bridge the great divide. Why did God do this for us? "For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 NIV). The Greeks had three words for life: bios (life of the body), psyche (life of the soul), and zoe (life of the spirit). Guess which word for life is in John 3:16? Zoe - life of the spirit! When you become a Christian, your spirit is reborn and you become a brand new creation. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV). We were crucified with Christ and now we no longer live, but Christ lives in us (Galatians 5:20 NIV). What about those glaring needs that cropped up as a result of Adam and Eve's sin in the garden? What about feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy that so many struggle with today? Here's what the Bible says: "So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so, through one act of righteousness, there resulted justification of life to all men" (Romans 5:18, 19 NASB). All were condemned because of Adam's disobedience and all who accept Jesus are freed because of Christ's obedience. At the moment of your salvation, everything mankind lost when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden was returned to you in Jesus Christ. Once again you have: Significance because of who you are in Christ. Safety and security because of what you have in Christ. A sense of belonging because of where you are in Christ. Your glaring needs have been fulfilled and transformed into your glowing attributes. The question is, why don't we act like our needs have been fulfilled? Why do we continue to struggle with feelings of shame, fear, loneliness, and rejection? Why do we continue to try to get our needs met by our own means? Because even though our spirits are changed in an instant, our minds must be renewed, our wills must come under the control of the Holy Spirit, and our emotions must be reprogrammed. It's a process and that's why Girlfriends in God even exists. We are learning, growing, and reprogramming our minds together. And as we do, we grow more and more spiritually beautiful every day. Let's Pray Dear LORD, all through the Old Testament, the patriarchs told the Israelites to "remember." Today I stop and remember all that You have done for me. I remember what I was like before I came to Christ and I remember all that You have done to bring me to Yourself. Thank you, Father. Thank You, Jesus. May the remembrance of Your mercies be new every morning. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. Now It's Your Turn Sometimes, when you have been a Christian for many years, you forget just how amazing the gift of salvation really is. Today, I'm not going to ask you any questions, but I do want you to go back and reflect on the verses in this devotion. Write out your own prayer of gratitude for all that God has done to bridge the great divide that separated you from Him. as seen in Girlfriends in God To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. =================================================================== .-^-. .'=^=^='. /=^=^=^=^=\ .-~-. :^= HAPPY =^; .'~~*~~'.|^ EASTER! ^| /~~*~~~*~~\^=^=^=^=^=^: :~*~~~*~~~*~;\.-*))`*-,/ |~~~*~~~*~~|/* ((* *'. :~*~~~*~~~*| *)) * *\ \~~*~~~*~~| * ((* * / `.~~*~~.' \ *)) * .' jgs `~~~` '-.((*_.-' >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! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->Pass this on as it should be of interrest to all who served. 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