Happy Blessed Memorial Day Weekend... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! -<>- ============;===========;() # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # jgs # # # # # # # *~* Happy Blessed Memorial Day Weekend! :) >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) I am pleased to announce we've added a new sponsor! Strapworks has been in business for almost 30 years. Over the years they have worked with over 400,000 customers in every industry, on every continent, and even in space! Some of their customers are Geographic, NASA, SeaWorld, Disney, Nike, Cabelas, Warner Brothers Studios, FBI, NSA, CIA, U.S. Armed Forces, thousands of State/County/Local Law Enforcement and Fire Agencies, and hundreds of State/County/Local Hospitals and Care Centers. They offer strap products ranging from pet ID collars to hiking, boating and farm hauling. A US based manufacturer offering strap customization from quantity 1 to over 100,000 and anything in between for everyone, business or individual. Strapworks also offers the widest selection of webbing sizes and colors, all shipped faster than any other supplier. Whatever strap you may need, they can supply it! Their motto is "Any Size, Any Length, Any Color". Be sure to check them out here... Strapworks https://tinyurl.com/y43g9br3 -<>- >HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press This too hot to handle new page is from our friend Linda. It is one that is both amazing and a little scary! It may just surprise you too. Be sure to check it out and the video here too: Amazing Sinkholes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sinkholes.html --- ...Wow! So incredible! A Force of nature indeed! Thanks Linda! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _ (_) <___> | |______ | |* * * ) | | * * (_________ | |* * * |* *|####) | | * * *| * | (________________ | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | | * * *| * | | | | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | |~~~~~~| * | | | | |######|* *|####|##############| | | |~~~' | | | |######|########|##############| | | | | | | |######|########|##############| | |~~~~~~| | | | | |########|##############| | | '~~~~~~~~| | | | |##########JGS#| | | '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | >THIS HALLOWED LAND As I composed this verse, tears melded with the words, as I remembered those friends and acquaintances whose lives were taken. With the utmost gratitude and honor, I offer my deepest respect to those brave young men and women who gave their last full measure, and to those who endured enormous physical and mental hardships in the defense of our homeland. It has been said that only the good die young. Most did not want to die, they just wanted to get back home and live the life that most of us enjoy. They just wanted to be near their loved ones, grow up, marry and raise their children. They just wanted a house, a car, some conveniences, to live in the suburbs, and take photographs on a Sunday afternoon. They just wanted to teach their sons to play baseball, ride a horse, and throw a football. They did not want to point a gun at another human, nor take the lives of other individuals. Their lives were snuffed out so very young, but they did want to do whatever they could, or whatever was necessary, to permit others like you and me to enjoy this hallowed land. MEMORIAL DAY The Day of Infamy, sixty years ago this year Somehow, the memory is ever so clear. It was in a harbor, the name of Pearl, An American Flag remained unfurled. It was a morn of sunshine clear, The birds could be heard in every ear. A thunderous roar came out of the West, The direction of the sweet robin's nest. A soldier's thoughts were that of home, For now he seemed to be so very alone. The bombs came, they rained their hell! Soldiers, flyers, sailors, and people fell. A bomb fell so very close by, A soldier was heaved high into the sky. Those last few moments of his life, He dreamed of a world without strife. He longed for the folks back home, A girlfriend not, for he was alone. His thoughts were of Mom and Dad As the life from this young man bled. And now once a year in this month of May, >From his grave, this soldier has his say. Remember me, and my comrades at arms, Bless those that keep this country from harm. -- Grady Fuller ___________________________________________ Email addresses in our publication have a space before and after the @ symbol. This is to prevent viruses from reaching our writers and others. If you want to correspond, just remove the spaces. ___________________________________________ , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >THE GREATEST Although writer-motivator Earl Nightingale left us some years ago, his ideas and concepts remain reasonable. Some are classic. Here, taken from his writings and recordings, are living concepts worth re- reading and reconsidering: The greatest puzzle: life The greatest thought: God The greatest mystery: death The greatest mistake: giving up The greatest need: common sense The greatest invention of the devil: war The greatest secret of production: saving waste The greatest bore: one who keeps talking after he has made his point The greatest comfort: The knowledge that you have done your work well The greatest sin: fear The greatest blessing: good health The greatest law of nature: cause and effect The greatest gamble: substituting hope for fact The greatest joy: being needed The greatest opportunity: the next one The greatest victory: victory over yourself The greatest handicap: egotism The greatest loss: loss of self-confidence The greatest waste: all the talent and ability that most of us have but never quite get around to using The greatest thing, bar none, in the world: love, love for family, home, friends, neighbors... and for the land in which we enjoy our freedom. -- Ron Gold Publisher's Note: Ron Gold has quoted Earl Nightingale whom I had the honor and privilege of interviewing many years ago. He is still considered one of the greatest minds on human potential and success. =========================================================== >-->From LifeSupport: (:. |\`:. | \ `:. | \__(:. | \ `:. __ __________ | \__(:. <`__') / \____ | \ `:._ :9)9\\ | Fishing? ,-' | \__(L). \o_/` \__________/ | "\)) _ /\ `. | \.`:`-.//,' ) | `. `--+' ,'// | `;;---'.// | . _,--;;' `-// | \`..-'_.-' _,=._,_/ | \_\`'._,-','_,'`._________ | _,-'___\,'___'_,'____`._______ | [______________________________ | | | | | | | | | | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|~~~~~~~~~| |~~~~~| |~~~~~~~~~~ool ( ( o_ ) ) ( ( ) ) | | `--' compliment | `-._____,-' `--' compliment | compliment | compliment compliment J compliment compliment compliment compliment compliment >Something More Valuable Than Gold “Do you think my hair is soft and shiny?” Jessica asked Josh one moonlit evening. Josh answered, “Yep.” “And are my eyes bright and beautiful?” she continued. “Yep,” he replied. After a few minutes Jessica forged ahead, “Josh, do you think my skin is smooth and clear?” “Yep.” At this, Jessica smiled brightly and declared, “Oh, Josh, you say the sweetest things!” It’s never in season to fish for compliments. But there is a place for kind remarks that are well-intentioned and appropriate. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Everybody likes a compliment,” if (I might add), it is encouraging and sincere. And at the least...it shows you’re paying attention. No relationship can be built on flattery, but sincere compliments smooth over many rough edges. A thoughtful compliment is a way of saying, “I care enough to notice.” Even relationships that are not romantic in nature will benefit from a kind word. Granted, some people feel suspicious, embarrassed, or defensive when complimented. They sometimes suspect that a manipulative design lurks close behind. And quite often, people respond to compliments with mixed emotions rather than plain gratitude, likely because they find the sincerity behind them suspect. But most often, sincere encouragement can bolster self-confidence and cement friendships. When children are given positive feedback, they blossom. In love relationships, thoughtful compliments can help keep the fires of romance burning a little brighter. One marriage counselor says, “Compliment your spouse at least once every day.” He cautions against flattery by adding, “It should be sincere. Then point out something new you appreciate about him or her every week. Make sure it is something you have never mentioned before. You’ll be surprised at what it does for your marriage.” Freely offering an honest compliment costs nothing at all. But to the receiver, it can be something more valuable than gold. -- Steve Goodier https://www.blogger.com/profile/02428990747118460231 =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Guide Me Through The Storm God help me to know what you would have me do. I need you here to guide me, I get so confused. I've tried to make things right, but I'm not nearly smart enough. I tried it on my own, and I always mess up. Some folks say I'm stubborn and I must admit they're right. I would not have strayed so far if it wasn't for my foolish pride. I had to learn the hard way that I can't make it on my own. I need you here beside me to guide me through this storm. If I can follow in your footsteps you'll lead me safely home. and I won't need to be afraid, because I'll never be alone. - Author Unknown -<>- _ (_) |_________________________________________ |*%%*%%*%%*%%*%%########################### |%*%%*%%*%%*%%*%########################### |*%%*%%*%%*%%*%%########################### |%*%%*%%*%%*%%*%########################### |*%%*%%*%%*%%*%%########################### |%*%%*%%*%%*%%*%########################### |*%%*%%*%%*%%*%%########################### |########################################## |########################################## |########################################## |########################################## |########################################## |###################################JGS#### |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | | >Memorial Day Bill Walker wildbill6807@... Memorial day will soon be here. A day to remember those gone on. Another holiday for some to do other things. A day off with pay for some. A day to rest up, go to the beach, the parks, the ballgame, even car races, such as that. A day to remember is what I think it should be. Have you ever thought what gave us Memorial Day? We haven't always had Memorial Day you know, it isn't like the Forth of July. It came about a few years after the War Between the States. The ladies of southern states would on a certain date go to the cemeteries, and put flowers on the graves of the soldier boys. These was done for both Blue and Gray. Nice wouldn't you say? This was noted by some people that lived up north. Then all at once the idea spread, and today we have a National Holiday. Memorial Day. A day to remember. I passed by a National Cemetery the other day. The one at Springfield, Missouri. I stopped by to visit my Uncle Gene, He was a veteran of World War Two. He isn't in the past that is the National Cemetery, but next to it. I as passing looked over the stone fence, said. "Hi Guys, rest in peace." Those was men of the wars from the War Between the States to the wars of now. You see there was a battle fought near Springfield, Missouri. called Wilson Creek. I remember what my dad said about it. Something not in the history books. He grew up not far from there, remembers what old times told. The day the creek ran red with the blood of both Blue and Gray, Americans all. A National Cemetery was made at Springfield, where both Blue and Gray now rest. Americans all. There is a a stone wall between them, I myself think the wall should come down, they are Americans all. In the past I have walked among the graves, both sides of the wall. I notice many of the stones are marked with the words, "Known To God." Both Blue and Gray, Americans all. All the stones have one date. 10 August 1861. General Price in his writing of the battle called it a bloody battle, many lives were lost, both Blue and Gray, Americans all. The Union Commander was killed. General Lyons, his is a big marker. There is a statue of General Price on the south side of the wall, waving his men on. I notice now space is in short supply. A lot of boys of later wars are now being put with the boys in Gray. It is time to tear the wall down. Americans all, Blue and Gray. Memorial Day, a day to remember those gone on. Those no longer here, gone but not forgot. Not only soldier boys but all gone, but not forgot. A day to take some flowers out to the grave, and remember. A day to pay respect for those gone. Those that gave you what you have today. -<>- \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >An Observation by Don of Niagara Falls: This may be a little long and ramble some, but, I've got something to say. I've been formulating this in my mind for days. So here goes... I have heard the Media talk about it and someone posted an article about it. IT, being the number of the military that have been said to have some sort of mental problems and how those number are much higher than in the past. Daaaaaaah. First, let's go back to my days. When I came home from two tours in Nam in Jan of 71, here was my greetings. A five year old boy asked me if I killed babies, my family never asked and was not open to any discussion of what I had gone through, and the Media was full of horror stories about returning Nam Vets. It seemed that every TV drama, crime show, etc, had at least one crazed Nam Vet causing chaos and mayhem on the poor civilians. We had people all over the news telling stories of us killing and maining. Everytime a crime was committed, if the person involved was a Nam Vet, everyone just shook their collective heads. And, pointed out that he was a Nam Vet. It was never mentioned if the person worked at Wal-Mart, Ford, GE, etc. etc... Even in the military, we did not talk about it, unless we had comsumed a case of beer. And, for damn sure, one did not admit that one may have some sort of mental problems; like stress, depression, nightmares, etc. If one did, then there was a visit to the physc ward and you kissed your career goodbye. No one wanted to serve with someone who might 'go off' at any moment. All of your friends, family, and co-workers began to look over their collective shoulders at you in funny way. So you, like I did, kept it to yourself and bottled it up and buried it. Years later they came up with the fancy phase: Post Traumatic Stress Syndrom (PTS). Oh great, I now had a name for what I was going through. Mine came out in May 95. As you can see, I kept it suppressed for 24 years. I was on the Island of Gozo (Malta) and my future wife arraigned a birthday party for me at our favorite restaurant. Midway through the party, a young lady appeared with a guiter. I knew her as a friend. She sat down and started to sing and play the 'Ballad of the Green Beret'. Before she finished, I was hit in the stomack with a steam roller. I ran from the restaurant, in tears. They found me later sitting on a rock, overlooking the bay, crying my eyes out. All the memories had come flooding back of my friends who did not come home, of the combat I had gone through, and an overwhelming sense of guilt. Why did I survive? They got me home and I lay in bed for three days in a fetal position. My future wife kept me going with soup and a gentle hand. But, still I had no one to talk to. I gathered myself up and came back to the States; to the farm. My dad was WW II Vet, Navy in the Pacific, but, he did not want to talk about it. (I'm sure many of you know, or have known a Vet from that war and they mostly do/did not want to talk about IT.) In Jan of 96, Gabrille came to visit me. For a month we toured the States. One of our stops was to spend a few days on the Chesapeake Bay with a retired Adm and his wife. His wife and my future wife were friends. Anyway, part of trip plan was for me visit the Wall for the first time. So, the Adm's wife volunteered to take us, she knew how to get around in DC. We parked in the Red Cross HQ's parking lot. She used to head up the American Red Cross in Europe. We walked over to the Wall. If you have been there, you know, but, for those that do not know. Placed around the wall are points where they have books, protected from the weather, that have a listings of all names, along with which panel and on which line, one can find who you are looking for. I was looking for two names. I memorized the address of each and went down the long slooping walkway. I went to the correct panel and found the first name straight away. I had brought a bottle of JB for Bill. But, I almost lost it, my emotions. I gathered myself up and started for the second name. But, I panicked. I had forgotten the address. Try as hard as I could, my mind was so cloudy, I couldn't think. I had to go back up to one of the books, hating myself for forgetting Doug's address. He and I had been roommates for two years and I had forgotten his address. I felt so ashamed. This time I took a pen and wrote his address in the palm of my hand. I found him and placed the packet of 'Double Mint' gum at the base of his panel. I was lossing it. I remember how light his casket had been when I was a pallbearer at his funeral. But, I also remembered his silly grin and the good times we shared, again "Why me?" As I was standing there with my eyes full of tears, my vision wandered. Some one dropped a ton of bricks on me. There just one line above was the name of someone that I did not know had been killed. I totally lost it and ended up in a heap, on the ground, at the bottom of the panel. Gabrielle cradled me in her arms and the Adm's wife hover around useless. We finally got moving back to the car. I did not want to take the chance of finding another name. On the drive home, I wanted to slap the Adm's wife. She kept asking the same questions. It was beyond her comprehension to understand how a grown man could become so emotional over visiting "just another memorial". Yet today, I do not have anyone to talk to; thanks for listening. Second, fast forward to today. I'm sure that everyone of you have at least once a day seen a TV commercial for anti-depression drugs and other feel good meds. In today's touchy-feely, political correct society it is Okay, and even fashionable, to say that one suffers from some sort of head space and timing problem. All the Media is full of it, TV talk shows, magazine articles, and more studies than one can count. And, of course, the bobble heads of the Media news like to talk about it. Even TV prime time programing is increasingly talking about it. Law and Order, CI did an entire program about a Reserve Doc who served at Gitmo and came home and "continued" to torture people. Boston Legal has done several court scenes about the legality of the War. Munch on L & W, SVU, seems to find at least one minute to go off in some sort of anti-government tirate, no matter the subject of the each program. ER inserts little tidbits into their script. And, many many more. The Media is doing the same thing they did 30 years ago. Anything and everything to discredit the military and to undermine the support for our troops. Do we have more mental cases now than in previous wars. I say not. We just have more people reporting themselves than before. And, God bless them. At least they are not like my generation, and those before, who tried to run and hide from it. War changes people. If you know someone who has served in combat, or is serving, don't look at them funny when you notice that they have changed, and don't ask why. Just Be there for them when they want to talk and\ really listen. Don of Niagara Falls -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Why My Son? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/why.html Ricochet's Soul Vision http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ricochetvision.html Normandy Then/Now http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/normandy2.html Proud Our Troops 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops3.html Rays Freedom Rock 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/freedomrock2.html Semper Fidelis http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/semperfi.html WWI River Of Blood http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/riverofblood.html Military Dogs http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/militarydogs.html Kilroy Was Here http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kilroywashere.html Heroes Abroad! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/americanheroes.html Sgt.Stubby War Dog Hero! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stubbywardog.html Freedom Isn't Free! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/freedom.html 9/11 And Troops INDEX!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html -<>- See me, see Jesus https://tinyurl.com/yymg63dc Study The Word Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Study/Study.htm Westwing News: https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: SUVs, Beef, Speakers http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Free to click for Free: https://www.greatergood.com/emails/2019/reminder-051919-THS-w.html -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) The winner of the ninth season of America’s Got Talent returns for a magical performance at Radio City Music Hall and receives a standing ovation. https://youtu.be/Qj7REndHqmc Magician Darcy Oake amazes the judges and audience of America's Got Talent 2019 by making Heidi Klum float. https://youtu.be/QjPce-Ochvk --- ...Wowsers! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) ___()___ _.-'' ,-'`-. ``-._ ,-' ,' `. `-. ,' ,' `. `. / / \ \ /_ / \ _\ ``-./_..---'''|``---.._\,-'' | | | | | | | , | `..' SSt >RUN THROUGH THE RAIN She had been shopping with her Mom in Asda. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired,freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Asda. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I get lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. Her voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in. "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let's run through the rain!" She repeated. "No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied. This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom,let's run through the rain." "We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said. "No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. "This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?" "Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'" The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith. "Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said. Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories every day! To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. A friend sent this to me to remind me of life, hope you enjoy it. I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN --- ...Such a beautiful classic! Thanks LouiseAu! ========================================================== ____ 3 _ ., _ ' `_ _______ ( ) --+-[---------.---(-)-----(@)----|-------|--.-----|-------------.-------|~-- | ] | |~ |~ (@) _ | | |} | | --+-[-----|---+---|-------|--|--(@)---------+-----|----------|}-+---|---|- |/ | | | | | |~ (@) _ | | _| .. | | | | --Y-------|---+---|-------|--|--|---|---(@)-+-|>( )------|---|--+---|----- /|_ _| | `=_| | | |~ | ~ |>(@) | _| |-@-)---(@)---+-----------------|---|---|---+-------------------+-(@)----- \_|/ ~ | | | | | ~ --+-----------"-------------------------|---"-------------------"--------- | ._} --jw >Carry On and Rise Above Story Editor: by Lindsay Larcombe Anne Wilson United Kingdom He wasn't a celebrity who did good work for charity or humanitarian organisations, laudable though they are. He was my senior school music teacher in the late 60s and early 70s, when I attended school in Essex, UK, outside of London. Mr Howarth had a very bad cleft palate, and when he was born in the 1920s the corrective surgery we now take for granted wasn't available. As a result, his speech was badly affected. Did this impact his teaching, with children constantly asking him to repeat things and mocking him behind his back? Not at all. His love of music and energetic baton work enthused everyone he taught. The orchestra tried not to giggle whilst following his expressive direction. He encouraged even the most non-musical of students. His love of music was so infectious he got many pupils to join the choir, band, and orchestra -- though they would never have thought of joining on their own. He showed by example the best way to overcome a handicap -- carry on regardless, and rise above it. He had trouble remembering pupil names, so if he didn't know your name he had a solution. He called all the boys "Archibald" and all the girls "Alice." It made for hilarious lessons when he shouted, "Archibald! Pay attention!" with his pronounced lisp, even though the child in question had no idea the remark was aimed at him. Once we rehearsed for a school concert on a stage made of hollow moveable blocks, a school staple in the UK. There were a lot of solo acts and choir performances in between the orchestral and band pieces, so there was a lot of pupil movement on the temporary stage. Mr Howarth was insistent that we didn't jump up and down on the blocks as it could be dangerous. He was not a small man and he made the mistake of demonstrating what we were not to do. One of his energetic jumps resulted in him going through the block, up to his thighs in broken wood. Luckily, apart from bruising his dignity (and probably his legs) he was unhurt. Mr Howarth was so loved that when he retired in the 80s, after over 40 years of teaching, many former pupils returned for a surprise farewell concert in his honour. He was moved to tears when he realised he had affected so many generations of pupils. We played all his favourite pieces, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the house when we played "Land of Hope and Glory", a rousing tune well known in the UK. I had many good teachers, but Mr Howarth was head and shoulders above the rest, and will always be an inspiration to me. I feel privileged to have known and been taught by him. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From CupOfCheer: .:::. ':::' .: .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.: :. .:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.: :. .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.: :. .:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:.*.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .: :. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .: :. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .: :. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:. .: jgs .: .: .: >BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. (Psalms 33:12 (NIV)) Contrary to what the media, the courts and our elitist universities say, this country was founded upon a firm belief in God. It is true that the early explorers were looking to get rich, but the people who did settle here came so that they could worship as they were lead, instead of how the government or the church told them to. I am sure that all throughout our history, many people who were not believers came to this country, however, they all had a solid core of values that they shared. I find it interesting that many people are trying to interpret our founding documents based upon modern meanings of words, and in that interpretation, they lose the true meaning of what was written. We don't have to look very far into our past to see how this can happen. There was a time not too long ago when the word "gay" meant happy. Go back and read some of the written word from that time period with today's meaning of the word and see what you can misunderstand. I seriously doubt that our daily use of the English language has not altered the meaning of many words and phrases since our nation was founded. I could quote several of the founding fathers. A great majority give credit and praise to God for His sovereign authority and guidance. Many of our historic monuments bear inscriptions, and many of the founding fathers formed the American Bible Society immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence. It is said that 52 of the 55 signers of the Declaration of Independence were orthodox, deeply committed Christians. Many people claim that they could not have been Christians because they never use the word "God." There are references to the Almighty, and other such names. How many times have you heard believers refer to God in this manner? Have you ever called God by one of these names? I want you to consider something for a moment. Let's take a long trip back in time to when the Dead Sea Scrolls were written. Now fast forward to when they first started to interpret them. The scholars may know the language, but do they know the dialect and meanings? Now, take another journey in time with me. Think of when you were a teenager. What was the "cool" saying? Does it mean the same thing today? People will always twist words to fit into their understanding. Some will even omit things that are contrary to what they want to believe. The following is a quote from John Marshall. "The American population is entirely Christian, and with us Christianity and Religion are identified. It would be strange indeed, if with such a people, our institutions did not presuppose Christianity, and did not often refer to it, and exhibit relations with it." John Marshall, in a letter to Jasper Adams, May 9, 1833, JSAC, p. 139. Marshall was Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1801-1835. Can you imagine a Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme court saying this today? I honestly believe that this is our problem. We, as a nation, need to repent. ...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble them- selves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)) Copyright 1998 - 2012 Dennis J. Smock Daily Living Ministries, Inc. http://www.dailylivingministries.org --- ...See our Page Here: Who Is WE? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoiswe.html -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >HEAVEN AWAITS US So many people see never a day as a great blessing of God given way. So many only find in their view things of depression with nothing brand new. Heaven awaits us if we will just find Jesus Christ surely inside of our mind. Let lose of sorrows and see all the joy that can be moments your heart can deploy. Lose all the thinking of negative thought. Heaven awaits us which Jesus has bought. ©By Bill Pearce -<>- { { } }_{ __{ .-{ } }-. ( } { ) |`-.._____..-'| | ;--. | (__ \ | | ) ) | |/ / | / / -Felix Lee- | ( / \ y' `-.._____..-' >RIVER LIFE Enjoying a cup of coffee in the early morning quiet at the condo, I was watching the activity of the river below. Due to a long drought, the water was way down. Rocks and boulders seldom seen were in full view. A small white piece of paper, or plastic, caught my eye. It was going ‘round and ‘round in a tiny area almost entirely closed off by small boulders. The whole time I watched, it never left the spot, just continued to spin around. That night it rained cats and dogs. Next morning the river was noticeably higher. It sang a bit louder and ran a little faster. The white paper was no longer swirling in a circle. It was, instead, wedged up against a rock close to the river’s edge. It was safe there, hugging the rock, just out of reach of the now rapidly moving water. It was safe, but it was stuck. Sometimes I feel safe, as when things are status quo, yet stuck. Stuck in the river of life, not going anywhere. Unlike the paper, however, I have a choice. A long time ago God made a choice that would bring people back to Him. Through Jesus we have a choice: accept His life sacrifice for us, get out of our own little whirlpool worlds and move upstream with Him, or stay stuck in our own world while we cling to some safe imagined rock in the river. Daily it is a goal for me to choose this river life with the Lord and keep moving with the current. If momentarily, or temporarily, I get caught in a holding pattern, I can choose to move out and onward with Him. River life, the very best thing going. Inspirational messages by Sally I. Kennedy as seen in Irish Thursdays -<>- _,,,_ .' `'. / ____ \ | .'_ _\/ / ) a a| / ( > | ( ) ._ / ) _/-.__.'`\ ( .-'`-. \__ ) `/ `-./ `. | \ \ \ jgs | \ \ \ \ |\ `. / / \ >THE SAVING GRACE IN AN ASHTRAY God places people in our path for us to be a blessing. Growing up in New York in a single parent household, my mother would always get on me about giving things away. I can remember as far back at the age of seven, I gave a little girl my shoes off my feet because I saw a need. My mother would always say that I would never have anything, but that way of thinking never was in my mindset. I know that in accordance to God's will, when He instructs us to give, we must be obedient because in all actuality, it all belongs to Him. I believe if every person heeded God's voice when He instructs them to bless someone, we would be in a better position as a country and as a people. My son and I were in Powder Springs driving home down Hwy 278 when we saw this young woman walking, looking as though she was exhausted. I made a U-turn and came back around and asked her could we give her a ride. She took the offer immediately. As I am driving I hear God's voice say to give her the money that I had in my ashtray. I don't smoke so I would keep change or throw the dollars I have in the ashtray. The only thing was that I knew that I had $300 in the astray. I didn't hesitate, nor was I upset about His request, I just heeded. As I dropped her off to her destination I could see that it was an environment of drugs, s%xual perversions and God knows what. As she was thanking me for the ride, I took the money out of the ashtray and balled it up in my hand and placed it in her hand. She didn't know what I was giving her and I asked her not to think nothing of it and told her that God loves her and that He is with her every step of the way. I gave her my business card and told her if she ever needed to get to church call me and I would take her. She got out and we drove off. Long story short, she called me about three weeks later excited about her new apartment. She went on to say how it had to be God because she was in a situation with five young children where she and her kids were living with her uncle who was violating her physically but she had nowhere to turn. The money that God instructed me to give her along with the money that she saved two weeks prior gave her exactly what she needed to make her transition. People need to know that everything is not always about monetary gain but about being obedient and sensitive to the voice of God and to give when He instructs us to give. ~A MountainWings Original by Vivian Toney, Memphis, TN~ To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. --- ...This last one makes me think of this... ..e=******=e.. .r"" .F ^"4. .@" $ .d$b. z$b. J" .d$$$$$$$c .$$$$$$bc. $ .e$$$$$$$$$$$$$$c d$$$$$$$$$$$$bdbe$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. d$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$b $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$F*$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$%3 ^"**$$$$$$$$$. d$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" L .^$$$$$ 4$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" 4 "^$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$*" b ^$$$$L 4$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" 'r "$*" $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ .="" "*$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ^F .r^" ^*$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ..*" "$$$$$$$$$$$P .="" "*$$$$$$$ ./^" "*$$$L.=" Gilo94' " According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Annual Homeless Assessment Report, as of 2017 there were around 554,000 homeless people in the United States on a given night https://tinyurl.com/yyr9uud3 I am amazed at how many homeless people there are all around in the many bigger cities across America. I would think that the effort it takes to clean up after them would equal out them getting them rehabilitated, a job and low income housing. Most are addicted or unable to find employment. The city could even hire them to work cleaning up parks and things. Makes no sense to me that they allow dirty needles and feces and urine and trash all over their public streets in full view of children and the only solution is to offer them free clean needles and a power-washer person to remove the filth from the sidewalks and streets. Crazy. There are laws against drugs, vagrancy, loitering and littering. They need to enforce them and actually help these people - often even families are stuck in this lifestyle! I Thank God we aren't and Pray by the grace of God we never will be! Here's a look at California's problems... LA Angel's Tent City: The New Face of Homelessness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uyYVlr84Mc California Collapse Approaching Despite Silicon Valley's Huge Supply of Tax Dollars - a shocking insight into California! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhZRWRWkiIA ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) .-----. / ` | `. / (`..-------. __ / \ .'.-\. | \_ \ '-' `.-).' (.\`` -( `-.- _ - / `-._ `. __` -` ``--- `. / / / \- `. .` / |`.; / \ - / / ' -( / / / / \ .- / ' / / ' `' ( _-_ _ ( _/\. -' .''BP `--' \ `. `--. | \ | -. \ \ ( ` '. \/``, ` '----------) | `. .' ('--|`\ \ >MY FATHER'S ARMS When times are hard, life's dealt a blow I know the place that I must go It may take you by surprise A place not seen by earthly eyes When I'm facing this life's alarms I'm cradled in my Father's arms When the storms around me roll When I've simply lost control Before I'm dashed upon the shore I call on the One that I adore The One that saves me from mortal harms I'm calmed within my Father's arms When the enemy threatens to take my life With discouragement, fear or knife I know I can't stand up alone I'm afraid down to my bone I am filled with doubt and alarm But I'm brave within my Father's arms When life is going all okay When it's not hard to obey A blessing of peace and calmness too A time to just rest and renew I look up and see my Savior's face As I rest in His embrace When this earthly life is o'er When my striving is no more The times when it was bad or good I would not change them if I could For He protected me in all life's harms Now I nestle safe in my Father's arms --- ...So peaceful. Thank God for God! Thank You LouiseAu! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ********************************************************************** >TO SUBSCRIBE:Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com **********************************************************************