Happy Blessed Peace Officers' Memorial Day... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: 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 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! -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ , __ _.-"` `'-. /||\'._ __{}_( |||| |'--.__\ | L.( ^_\^ \ .-' | _ | | | )\___/ | \-'`:._] jgs \__/; '-. *~* Happy Blessed Peace Officers' Memorial Day! >-->Half Staff Flag Notification 05-15-21 , /\ , / '-' '-' \ | POLICE | \ .--. / | ( 19 ) | \ '--' / '--. .--' jgs \/ >Peace Officers' Memorial Day Peace Officers Memorial Day is an observance that pays tribute to the local, state, and Federal peace officers. The Memorial takes place on May 15 and President Biden has ordered the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions from sunrise until sunset on 05-15-2021. You can view President Biden's proclamation here: https://tinyurl.com/27x86scs Fly the US flag at half-staff on Saturday, May 15th from sunrise until sunset. For U.S. flags displayed on a short staff or for indoor flags that cannot be lowered to half-staff, place a Black Mourning Ribbon Above the full staffed U.S. flag. The correct procedure for displaying the flag at half-staff is to raise the flag to the top of the pole briskly, pause for a moment, and then slowly bring it down to where the top of the flag is at a position approximately halfway between the top and bottom of the pole. At the end of the day, the flag should be raised briskly to the top of the pole, then lowered slowly and ceremoniously retired for the day (unless illuminated at night). --- ...All our officers and fallen officers families are in our prayers. We thank them for their service and thank God for them! May God bless them! I am a lifetime member of: The American Federation Of Police & Concerned Citizens (AFP&CC)- http://www.afp-cc.org/ * Honoring Police Pages: Cops For Kids!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/copsforkids.html Amazing Cop Cars!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/copcars.html Amazing Cop Cars 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/copcars2.html Real Drug Raid!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/drugraid.html K9 9-11 Heroes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/k9-11.html Real Weed Bust!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/weedbust.html Police Dogs!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/policedogs.html Police Dogs!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/policedogs2.html Police Dogs!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/policedogs3.html Goose Calls For Cops!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mothergoose.html Woman Cops Around The World!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/womancops.html -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This too hot to handle new page is from our friends LouiseAu, Linda and Geniann. Seeing these old photos in color for the first time makes it easier for us to imagine ourselves there. It changes our perspective of these historic moments. Be sure to give this a few moments of your time and check it and its video out here: |\___________/| |%%%%%%%%%%%%%| |/ |%| \| ______ ________ __ |%| ___ ________ _____ \%%%%%\ \%%%%%%%| /%%\ |%| \%/ \%%%%%%%| /%%%%%\ |%/ \%\ |%| |%%%%| |%| |%| |%| |%/ \%| |%\__/%/ |%|_____ /%/\%\ |%| |%| |%|_____ |%\_____ |%%%%%%\ |%%%%%%%| |%/__\%| |%| |%| |%%%%%%%| \%%%%%%\ |%/ \%\ |%| /%%%%%%\ |%| |%| kali |%| \%| |%\___/%/ |%|_____ |%/ \%| |%| |%|____/| |%|_____ |%\___/%| /%%%%%%/ /%%%%%%%| /%| |%\ |%| /%%%%%%%| /%%%%%%%| \%%%%%%/ |%| /%\ unknown Historical Photos In Color 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/historycolorphotos2.html --- ...Wow! Pretty Awesome! Thanks Ladies! Our 2nd sizzling hot new page is from our friends Linda and PatDeE. Life is full of precious moments and memories. This page gives us photos that compel us to pause and relish the feelings of the moment that photographers were able to capture for our pleasure. For warm smiles, be sure to give it a few moments of your time here... _._ .' '. / \ ___ _.. _.--. | / |.' `'. ;-._ .' `\ .' `\ \| / \ .' `\/ ; / _ \.=..=./ _.' / | `\.---._| '. .-'-.}`.<>.`{-'-. / .--; . ( .' '. \ .---.{ <>()<> }.--..-' / _ \_ './ _. `-./ _},'<>`.{_ `\ ( = \ )`""'\;--. .' .-'/ )=..=;`\`- \ {= (| ) /`. ( / /| \ ) ( =_/ )__..-\ .'-..___.' : '.___..-' \ }/ / ;.____.-;/\ | ` | '--' | .' | \ \ /'. _.' \ ' / |\.\ ; /`--.-' ) .'`-. / \ \ |`| /__.-' \_.'jgs \ \ |-| Savor The Moment http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/moments.html --- ...A most delightful one! Thanks my Friends! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ,%&& %&& % ,%&%& %&%& %& %& %&% &%&% % &% % &%% %&% &% %&%&, &%&% %&%& %& &%& % %%& %&%& %&%&% %&%%& &%&% %&% % %& &% %%& && %&% %&%& %&% %&%' '%&% %&% %&&%&%%'% % %& %& %&% &%% `\%%.' /`%&' | | /`-._ _\\/ |, |_ / `-._ ..--~`_ |; |_`\_ / ,\\.~` `-._ - ^ |;: |/^}__..-,@ .~` ~ `o ~ |;: |(____.-' '. ~ - ` ~ |;: | \ / `\ //. - ^ ~ |;: |\ /' /\_\_ ~. _ ~ - //- jgs\\/;: \'--' `---` `\\//-\\/// >THIS IS WHERE I BELONG by Michael T. Smith I sat on the ground, leaned against a tree trunk and watched my bobber float on the glassy surface of the water. The fishing was slow. I hadnt had a bite all morning. A blue jay landed on a branch in a tree a few feet away. He stared at me a moment and flew off. In the distance, a crow cawed. Other than that, there wasnt a sound. I closed my eyes and let the rising sun wash away the chill of the early morning. I sighed contentedly. An osprey, silhouetted by a turquoise sky, flew few a hundred feet above my head. Obviously a better fisherman than I, it clutched a fresh trout in its talons. It didnt bother me. I wasnt there for the fish. It was time alone in the outdoors I craved. Every so often, I rose, checked my bait and cast it back into the lake. In the beaver hut at my side, I heard the squeaking of baby beavers. A few minutes later, one of the adult beavers swam around the point, saw me and disappeared in a splash of water, as it slapped its tail. A moment later, the squeaking in the hut grew louder as mom or dad arrived. I sat and let my thoughts wander content to sit and think. By noon, without one bite from a trout, I rose from my spot by the shore, collected my stuff and headed for home. Along the path through the brush, I spotted a cluster of May flowers and picked a bouquet for my wife. We were both fans of their heavenly scent. It was a mile walk to the highway and my car. Half way there, I breasted a small hill. Four deer flashed their white tails, leaped through the shrub and disappeared into the thicket. My car sat in the clearing, fifty feet from the highway. A few feet behind it, a groundhog stuck his head from a hole and cautiously watched my approach. As I drew near, its courage left. It whistled a signal of danger and disappeared under the ground. Twenty-five years later, I exited my office building in midtown Manhattan and was greeted with a rush of heat, the blare of horns and sirens, and a sea of humanity. It had been many years since I last fished. My little lake in the woods of Nova Scotia was a distant memory. I followed the herd of commuters who, like the groundhog, disappeared under the ground. We shuffled beneath the concrete and into the stifling humidity of the subway station. People growled in protest, as others pushed past them to reach their train. Somewhere up ahead, a guitar was played by someone collecting donations. Trains screeched to a stop, unloaded and loaded passengers and in minutes, rumbled out of sight into the tunnels that hollowed the underbelly of the city. There was no sun to enjoy. There was no peace, no quiet and no nature. Ginny and I had enough of the rush and expense of New Jersey and New York. We moved to Idaho, with it mountains, rivers and a slower pace. One early July morning, we stood at the edge of crystal clear mountain stream and tossed our lines. The trees were alive with the yellow, red and black of the western tanager, a small mountain bird. Towering over all, were the snowcapped peaks of the Stanley Mountains. The sound of the rushing water and the singing birds took me back to the peace of my little lake in Nova Scotia, so many years behind me. In the back country, a persons body changes. Unlike the city, where I drowned in the noise and rush and eventually retreated inside myself; here with nature, my mind soaks and softens. The world becomes clear. My thoughts are free to roam. I begin to see, hear, smell and feel again. This is where I belong -- with nature. -- Michael T. Smith __________________________________________________ Michael lives in Caldwell, Idaho, with his beautiful wife, Ginny. Michael has put together two collections of essays. The first called "From My Heart to Yours" is currently being reviewed by a publisher. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >In His Presence - Part 1 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!"1 My family and I recently visited the Grand Canyon and as we stood there taking in Gods beautiful creation and standing in awe of the grandeur of this amazing natural wonder, it was impossible not to feel as if we were in the very presence of God. As my family, and the several others around us, took in the sight, all seemed still and silent for a moment, as if we had just entered that Holy Temple where all the world kept silent before Him. (Hab. 2:20) This verse, and the lyrics to a popular worship song2 repeated themselves over and over in my mind: ...if the rocks cry out in silence, so will I..." and in that moment I just wanted to lift my hands and worship! As I reflect on that moment in nature, I cant help but imagine the moment when we are face to face with our Creator. If being in His creation stirred my soul, how glorious it will be to be in the actual presence of our Almighty God! Moses was one of many others in Scripture to experience Gods presence firsthand. God and Moses had a special relationship because Moses spent time with the Lord. Gods Word tells us that after having spent time in Gods presence, Moses face shone" and those who saw him knew that he had been spending time with God. (Ex. 34:29) Can others tell when we have spent time with God? Does our face shine" with His Glory? What wonders might we find today if we spend a moment in Gods presence? Part 2 we will take a closer look at this intimate relationship Moses had with God. Suggested prayer: Dear God, you have made creation for your children to catch a glimpse of your Glory, so that we might stand in awe and wonder in your presence. I want to spend time with you today and everyday so that others can see you shining through me. Allow me to be the creation that you use so that others might see you today. I love you, Lord and pray this in Jesus Christs name, Amen. 1. Psalm 95:2 2. So will I", song by Hillsong Worship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfVd5x9W1Xc -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >In His Presence - Part 2 ...My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."1 Moses knew full well what it meant to be in Gods presence. In the beginning of his journey to leading Gods people out of Egypt, God spoke to him through a non-consuming burning bush. (Ex. 3:1-6) From that moment, Moses knew the presence of God would be with him and he took comfort in that fact. He trusted Gods presence to lead them when the Lord acted as a tour-guide through the wilderness in the form of a cloud by day and fire by night. (Ex. 13:21-22) Gods presence continued with Moses and Moses relied on that Divine presence to guide him as he led Gods people. Moses sought Gods presence on such a regular basis that they literally became friends! (Ex. 33:11) And so, because of that friendship, when God told Moses that it was time for him to pack up and lead the people out of Sinai, Moses quickly reacted by saying: Dont send us away unless you are planning to go with us! If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here." (Ex. 33:15) But, God had already assured him, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Ex. 33:14) The friendship between God and Moses was left to us as an example so that we, Gods people, might also desire to seek Gods presence. What an honor to be among Gods friends! Lets ask God today to Create a clean heart" in us, so that we might have full access to His presence. In today's time, we find ourselves so rushed, not having a single moment to spare, but God told Moses that in His presence he would have rest. So, why not allow ourselves a few moments every day to spend time with God and in turn find rest in His presence that fills us with joy! (Ps. 51:10-12,Ps. 16:11) Suggested prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, what a privilege to be called your friend. I desire to be in your presence, and I ask that you be with me and guide me and that your presence not depart from me. Allow others to see in me that I have been in your presence. Dont let me take one step today where your presence does not go with me. Help me to find rest in spending time with you. I humbly ask this in Jesus Christs Holy name, Amen. 1. Exodus 33:14. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. --- ,---,_ , _> `'-. .--'/ .--'` ._ `/ <_ >,-' ._'.. ..__ . ' '-. .-' .'` `'. '. > / >`-. .-'< \ , '._\ / ; '-._> <_.-' ; '._> `> ,/ /___\ /___\ \_ / `.-|(| \o_/ \o_/ |)|` jgs \; \ ;/ \ .-, )-. / /` .'-'. `\ ;_.-`.___.'-.; ...Albert Einstein's Belief in God I recently saw a friend's post about Albert Einstein. I always thought it rather interesting that one of the smartest men on earth believed in God. He said - "My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind." - "I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly. If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it." - "I believe in Spinozas God who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns himself with the fates and actions of human beings." I was disappointed that he denied believing in a personal God. All his worldly scientific wisdom pointed to a Supreme Being, a Creator - which is what he could not deny nor perhaps come to terms with. I think he was confused by God. Check out this... 15 Contradictory Albert Einstein Quotes About God https://tinyurl.com/jhrs5s4w It amazes me that for all his intelligence, he missed the mark. Einstein thought he knew it all, but God said it well here.. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Jdt.8: [12] And now who are ye that have tempted God this day, and stand instead of God among the children of men? [13] And now try the Lord Almighty, but ye shall never know any thing. [14] For ye cannot find the depth of the heart of man, neither can ye perceive the things that he thinketh: then how can ye search out God, that hath made all these things, and know his mind, or comprehend his purpose? Nay, my brethren, provoke not the Lord our God to anger. Jesus Christ taught us... John 14: [6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Rom.10: [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. That is how Einstein, for all his smarts, missed the mark. He didn't think God was superior enough to relate to His creation on a personal level. He was a natural man without God's Spirit... 1 Cor.2 [14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. This seeing God but not able to relate to God, made Einstein confused. Had he been able to think with his heart instead of his brain, he might have been able to comprehend and come to terms that God - the one and only superior being and creator of the entire universe - loves us. God made mankind for one and only one primary purpose... Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear [respect] God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty [purpose] of man. -- Ecclesiastes 12: 13 , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' See this great teaching: Abiding in the Word of God https://tinyurl.com/sxfh4sw8 =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ _.--. __ _ | | ) \ `.,' \| | | | (`' | : | | | _..-.-.-.-._ ) ,),'. | | | |('. __..-' ) ) ) ) ) )``-' _.-| \ | | | | \ `...------''``--'''' \ )_____....--- ,'' ; | | |_(_..-......_________..._,-'_,..__....____..-'.._________..'| | | |____________________________________________________________| | __|_|_________________________________________________________SSt|_|__ >Dead People Do Bleed! (Author Unknown, Provided by Student Discipleship Ministries, TX) Have you ever tried to explain something to a hardheaded person? It can be frustrating! No matter how clear an explanation you give, they just can't or won't understand what you are talking about. Dr. James Dobson shares about a young medical intern who had to work at several different types of facilities, including a psychiatric hospital. The intern, who did not know anything about psychiatric medicine, decided the right approach was to confront the patients with the facts of reality. One man in the hospital was an especially difficult case: He believed he was dead. In fact, the patient went around the hospital telling people that he had been dead for some time now. The young intern sat down with the psychotic man one day and began to reason with him. "Tell me, sir," the future doctor asked, "do dead people bleed?" The patient, a serious look on his face, answered, "No. Of course dead people don't bleed. Everyone knows that." Taking the patient's thumb, the intern pricked it with a needle and squeezed the thumb until a small drop of blood appeared. A look of triumph on his face, the intern asked, "Well?" "What do you know?" the patient replied. "Dead people do bleed!" Even harder than explaining reality to a hardheaded person is explaining spiritual truths to a spiritually blind person. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (NIV) says: "Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." Who is the one who blinds spiritual eyes? Think about the names of two spiritually-blind people you can pray for and then do it. -<>- _ ///-._ ////////-._ /////////////-. ////////////////`. //////////////// .'`. //////////////// . '.'`. '|`'//////////// . .'.::|` : `'/////// . '.':| | . . `'// ' _|- ::| |. .-._ . | . | .':: | |:|:| | ' ' '.::| | |:|:| :. . .'.':| | . |:|:| . | .._.::: : `':| | ' ////-:| |. . | '/////////-._ | . . : .//////////////-._ : : ///////////////////-._ |. |////////////////////////-._ | . . :`'//////////////////////////-._ | . _.-\\\\``'//////////////////////////-._ | /\\\\\\\\..``'//////////////////////////". : . . /. \\\\\\\\\. .``'///////////////////// .'`. : / _ \\\\\\\\\. ``'//////////////// . .'`. | . / (@) \\\\\\\\\. . . ``'/////////// . '.'::|. {`)._ '| _` .\\\\\\\-`:|#| . . ``'////// '. .'.:| `-{_/`| ||::. \\'`.:|:.|#| |#| . ``'/ ' .##:'::: `-| ||||| |`.'::|::|#| |#| |#| . . '| . .|##|'.:| pils | ||||| : .'::|:.'#| |#| |#| |#| | |##|'::| | ||||| .| .'.:|::.'' '#| |#| |#| . : ' |##|'.:| {`\:|||| : .'::|:_.:. . '#| |#| | .|##|'::: `-{_/'|_ |_.-'/}_/'-._ '#| :. |##:'.:| `'{._('}_)-' `-}_}(-._ . . | ' '` .'::| `-' `-.} /-._ . : .'.'_:-'\ `-}_}(-._ | . _.-')_(-' `-/_)`-.:.-{ \{-' `-{_'_)-'' ^ >I WON'T EVER I saw him in the church building for the first time on Wednesday. He was in his mid-70's, with thinning silver gray hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come. Several other Christian friends had talked about the Lord and had tried to share the good news with him. He was a well-respected, honest man with many characteristics a Christian should have, but he had never put on Christ, nor entered the doors of the church. "Have you ever been to a church service in your life?" I had ask him a few years ago. We had just finished a pleasant day visiting and talking. He hesitated. Then with a bitter smile he told me of his childhood experience some fifty years ago. He was one of many children a large impoverished family. His parents had struggled to provide food, with little left for housing and clothing. When he was about ten, some neighbors invited him to worship with them. The Sunday School class had been exciting! He had never heard such songs and stories before! He had never heard anyone read the Bible! After class was over, the teacher took him aside and said ,"Son, please don't come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come into God's house." He stood in his ragged, un-patched overalls. Then looking at his dirty bare feet, he answered softly, "No, ma'am, I won't ever." "And I never did," he said, abruptly ending our conversation. There must have been other factors to have hardened him so, but this experience formed a significant part of the bitterness in his heart. I'm sure the Sunday School teacher meant well. But did she really understand the love of Christ? Had she studied and accepted the teachings found in the second chapter of James? What if she had put her arm around the dirty, ragged little boy and said "Son. I am glad you are here, and I hope you will come every chance you get to hear more about Jesus." I reflected on the awesome responsibility a teacher or pastor or a parent has to welcome little ones in His name. How far reaching her influence was! I prayed that I might be ever open to tenderness of a child's heart, and that I might never fail to see beyond the appearance and behavior of a child to the eternal possibilities within. Yes I saw him in the church house the first time on Wednesday. As I looked at that immaculately dressed old gentleman lying in his casket, I thought of the little boy of long age. I could almost hear him say, "No, Ma'am, I won't ever." And I wept. -<>- (~~~~~~~~) | | | |--.----. (()---. | | | (_ ' | | | | | | | | | | | |..---'' | | .---. /\ /\..---'' | | / \ \ \// \ | | : / \-OO '-' /__\ \| | .-. : (___) 0 // // / | | | \ (_) | //..---------' | | | _____/.__ _/_________(/_|| | | |-| \\ || | ____'-'-'----------O-------------|| | (______________) |==|| | | | | || | | | | || | | | | || |-abg | | | || | | | | || | | | | || | '--------------' '--''----------------' >"Memories of Another Generation" "Hey Dad," one of my kids asked the other day, "what was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?" "We didn't have fast food when I was growing up," I informed him. "All the food was slow." "C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?" "It was a place called 'at home,'" I explained. "Grandma Stewart cooked every day and when Grandpa Stewart got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it." By this time, the kid was laughing so hard I was afraid he was going to suffer serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him the part about how I had to have permission to leave the table. But here are some other things I would have told him about my childhood if I had figured his system could handle it. My parents NEVER: owned their own house, wore Levis, set foot on a golf course, traveled out of the country, or had a credit card. In their later years they had something called a revolving charge card. The card was good only at Sears Roebuck. Or maybe it was Sears AND Roebuck. Either way, there is no Roebuck anymore. My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was because we never had heard of soccer. But, also because we didn't have a car. We actually WALKED to school. Even when there was a foot of snow on the ground. We didn't have a television in our house until I was 15, but my grandparents had one before that. It was, of course, black and white, but they bought a piece of colored plastic to cover the screen. The top third was blue, like the sky, and the bottom third was green, like grass. The middle third was red. It was perfect for programs that had scenes of fire trucks riding across someone's lawn on a sunny day. I was 16 before I tasted my first pizza. It was a Luigi's Pizza on the west side of Cleveland and my friend, Ronnie, took me there to try what he said was "pizza pie." When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off, swung down, plastered itself against my chin and burned that, too. It's still the best pizza I ever had. We didn't have a car until I was 15. Before that, the only car in our family was my grandfather's Plymouth. He called it a "machine." I never had a telephone in my room. The only phone in the house was in the living room and it was on a party line. Before you could dial, you had to listen and make sure some people you didn't know weren't already using the line. There was no such thing as a computer or a hand held calculator. We were required to memorize the "times tables." Believe it or not, we were tested each week on our ability to perform mathematics with nothing but a pencil and paper. We took a spelling test every day. There was no such thing as a "social promotion." If you flunked a class, you repeated that grade the following year. Nobody was concerned about our "self esteem." We had to actually DO something praiseworthy before we were praised. We learned that respect had to be EARNED. Pizzas were not delivered to our home. But milk was. All newspapers were delivered by boys, and all boys delivered newspapers. I delivered the Cleveland "News" six days a week. It cost 7 cents a paper, of which I got to keep 2 cents. On Saturday, I had to collect the 42 cents from my customers. My favorite customers were the ones who gave me 50 cents and told me to keep the change. My least favorite customers were the ones who seemed to never be home on collection day. Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut. At least, they did in the movies. Touching someone else's tongue with yours was called French kissing and they didn't do that in movies. I don't know what they did in French movies. French movies were dirty and we weren't allowed to see them. Drugs were something one purchased at a pharmacy in order to cure various diseases. When you were sick, the doctor actually came to your home. No, I am not making this up. If we dared to "sass" our parents, or any other grown-up, we immediately found out what soap tasted like. For more serious infractions, we learned about something called a "trip to the woodshed." In those days, parents were expected to discipline their children when necessary. There was no interference by the government. "Social Services" or "Family Services" had not been invented. (The ninth and tenth amendments to the constitution were still observed in those days.) If you grew up in a generation before there was fast food, you may want to share some of these memories with your children or grandchildren. Just don't blame me if they bust a gut laughing. Growing up ain't what it used to be ... - Author Unknown -<>- _------Q--\ /~ ) <_____________/ / _ ))))))))) [] / ((((((((( |~~~| (____/' )))))))))) | | ))))))))))))))))) |\ | | (((((((((((((((((( / | | | /~~\----------/| // \ | _/ | |<===| ===] ||// \ \____ //' //| | \__/~~~~~~~~~~|^ _--~~~ ~~~-// // | | | / () () // ) // | | | | () _-//-~ // | | ((((((((| () (_// // | | | : | ~~---_ // | | | | \ () () ) // | | | | ~--__ __-~ // |___| | | |~//~~~~~ // // \\ / / |// // // \\ (___(___________|- // [==] [==] unknown >THE LAST SUPPER The story of the painting, The Last Supper, is extremely interesting and instructive. The Last Supper was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci, a noted Italian artist; and the time engaged for its completion was seven years. The figures representing the twelve Apostles and Christ himself were painted from living persons. The life-model for the painting of the figure of Jesus was chosen first. When it was decided that Da Vinci would paint this great picture, hundreds and hundreds of young men were carefully viewed in an endeavor to find a face and personality exhibiting innocence and beauty, free from the scars and signs of dissipation caused by sin. Finally, after weeks of laborious searching, a young man nineteen years of age was selected as a model for the portrayal of Christ. For six months, Da Vinci worked on the production of this leading character of his famous painting. During the next six years, Da Vinci continued his labors on this sublime work of art. One by one fitting persons were chosen to represent each of the eleven Apostles; space being left for the painting of the figure representing Judas Iscariot as the final task of this masterpiece. This was the Apostle, you remember, who betrayed his Lord for thirty pieces of silver, worth in our present day, currency of $16.96. For weeks, Da Vinci searched for a man with a hard callous face, with a countenance marked by scars of avarice, deceit, hypocrisy, and crime; a face that would delineate a character who would betray his best friend. After many discouraging experiences in searching for the type of person required to represent Judas, word came to Da Vinci that a man whose appearance fully met his requirements had been found in a dungeon in Rome, sentenced to die for a life of crime and murder. Da Vinci made the trip to Rome at once, and this man was brought out from his imprisonment in the dungeon and led out into the light of the sun. There Da Vinci saw before him a dark, swarthy man; his long, shaggy and unkempt hair sprawled over his face, which betrayed a character of viciousness and complete ruin. At last, the famous painter had found the person he wanted to represent the character of Judas in his painting. By special permission from the king, this prisoner was carried to Milan where the picture was being painted; and for months he sat before Da Vinci at appointed hours each day as the gifted artist diligently continued his task of transmitting to his painting this base character in the picture representing the traitor and betrayer of our savior. As he finished his last stroke, he turned to the guards and said, "I have finished. You may take the prisoner away." As the guards were leading their prisoner away, he suddenly broke loose from their control and rushed up to Da Vinci, crying as he did so, "O, Da Vinci, look at me! Do you not know who I am?" Da Vinci, with the trained eyes of a great character student, carefully scrutinized the man upon whose face he had constantly gazed for six months and replied, "No, I have never seen you in my life until you were brought before me out of the dungeon in Rome." Then, lifting his eyes toward heaven, the prisoner said, "Oh, God, have I fallen so low?" Then turning his face to the painter he cried, "Leonardo Da Vinci! Look at me again for I am the same man you painted just seven years ago as the figure of Christ." This is the true story of the painting of The Last Supper that teaches so strongly the lesson of the effects of right or wrong thinking on the life of an individual. Here was a young man whose character was so pure, unspoiled by the sins of the world that he presented a countenance of innocence and beauty fit to be used for the painting of a representation of Christ. But within seven years, following the thoughts of sin and a life of crime, he was changed into a perfect picture of the most traitorous character ever known in the history of the world. Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and wonder why the world's getting worse and worse. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, think, say, or do anything the Bible says. Funny how someone can say "I believe in God" but still follow Satan (who also "believes" in God). Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through E-Mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.. Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but the public discussion of Jesus is suppressed in the school and workplace. --- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown ...Reminds me of these... The Passion of The Christ - Jim Caviezel (complete interview). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xxRvSp5KCg PASSION OF THE CHRIST 2: RESURRECTION (2022) Teaser Trailer - Mel Gibson, Jim Caviezel (Fan Made) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfivmiJVD0o -<>- _________________________________________________________ ||-------------------------------------------------------|| ||.--. .-._ .----. || |||==|____| |H|___ .---.___|""""|_____.--.___ || ||| |====| | |xxx|_ |+++|=-=|_ _|-=+=-|==|---||| |||==| | | | | \ | | |_\/_|Black| | ^ ||| ||| | | | | |\ \ .--. | |=-=|_/\_|-=+=-| | ^ ||| ||| | | | | |_\ \_( oo )| | | |Magus| | ^ ||| |||==|====| |H|xxx| \ \ |''| |+++|=-=|""""|-=+=-|==|---||| ||`--^----'-^-^---' `-' "" '---^---^----^-----^--^---^|| ||-------------------------------------------------------|| ||-------------------------------------------------------|| || ___ .-.__.-----. .---.|| || |===| .---. __ .---| |XX|<(*)>|_|^^^||| || , /(| |_|III|__|''|__|:x:|=| | |=| Q ||| || _a'{ / (|===|+| |++| |==| | | |Illum| | R ||| || '/\\/ _(|===|-| | |''| |:x:|=| |inati| | Y ||| ||_____ -\{___(| |-| | | | | | | | | | Z ||| || _(____)|===|+|[I]|DK|''|==|:x:|=|XX|<(*)>|=|^^^||| || `---^-^---^--^--'--^---^-^--^-----^-^---^|| ||-------------------------------------------------------|| ||_______________________________________________________|| Qryz >BOOKS By: Joseph J. Mazzella My dear friend and neighbor gave me some new books recently. As I looked through them I decided to follow the advice of one of my favorite authors, Leo Buscaglia. Taking Leos lead then I ignored the covers, skipped the introductions, and dived right into the middle of them. Opening each book halfway through I started to read. I have found that this is often the best way to see if a book can grab your mind, speak to your heart, and touch your soul. In the best books a few lines can say more to you than a chapter and a single page can enlighten you more than a dozen volumes. Both of my friends books did just this and I look forward to reading them from end to end. Whether we know it or not each of us is writing a book right now. It is called our life story and we pen it every day we live and with every choice we make. Some people spend a lot of time working on their covers. They throw all their efforts into making them as attractive as possible. Other people spend their time writing and rewriting their introductions. They hope that a great introduction will lead to a great life. What all of these people dont realize is that life is the pages that follow. Life is the thoughts we think, the love we share, and the good we do everyday. Life is the joyous times we create as well as the pains and trials we learn from. Life is work, play, kindness, laughter, family, and friendships. Life is living. When it comes to your life story then dont spend too much time on the cover and let the introduction write itself. Concentrate instead on filling the rest of your pages with living, loving, and learning and always let God be your co-writer. If you do your book will grab a lot of minds, speak to a lot of hearts, and touch a lot of souls with its wisdom and light. It may just end up being a classic both on Earth and in Heaven. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Who Is This Jesus? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Walk With Jesus!- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/walk.html Playing With Words!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html Lean On Me!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/leanonme.html HERO!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hero.html Trump - we need him back!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trumpposters.html Amazing Street-Legal Airplane! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/transition.html Amazing Gibraltar Airport!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/airroad.html Weird Rainy Days!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rainyday.html Life's Little Oops 7!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops7.html Wall Mural Art 3!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wallart3.html Jesus Clinic!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/clinic.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Christ's Life!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html Bible: Our Valuable Anchor!- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Walking In Power!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html -<>- Stand for Nothing, Fall for Anything https://tinyurl.com/3juea9c3 How Reading the Bible Changed My Life https://tinyurl.com/v5b5rmrp The Challenge https://tinyurl.com/2snwadc 71-Year-Old Pastor Arrested for Preaching Pro-Traditional Marriage Values / China Cracks Down: No More Bible Apps for Chinese Christians / Honor Your Parents All the Days of Your Life And More https://www.christianlifedaily.com/ -<>- >In The News: VA News: Careers for Veterans, Carhartt Discount & Free LinkedIn Premium Account https://tinyurl.com/h2nt5v52 Hannity 5/12/21 https://smashleft.com/2021/05/13/hannity-05-12-21/ Ingraham Angle 5/12/21 https://smashleft.com/2021/05/13/the-ingraham-angle-05-12-21/ POLL: Can America Recover From Biden? Just a little over 100 days in office, Joe Bidens America has long lines to get gas, Hamas terrorists are shooting thousands of rockets at Israel, millions of Americans are unemployed, a humanitarian crisis is plaguing the Southern Border, and more crises are being birthed each day https://tinyurl.com/6pvm2wu6 AOC Slams Biden for Backing Israel Far-left representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has now turned on President Biden over a statement he released Wednesday backing Israels right to defend itself in the wake of its ongoing war with Palestinian terrorists. Cortez blasted the statement as siding with the occupation. As Fox News reports: Biden told reporters Israel has a right to defend itself https://tinyurl.com/xv72zjjx Border Wall Restart; Biden: Vaccinate Your Kids; DeSantis Touts VoTech https://www.newsmax.com/us/ DeSantis Grants Clemency to All COVID Rule Breakers / Biden Sued for Racial Discrimination / Harris Niece Tells Gay Activists to Support Gaza over Israel, But Gaza Jails Gays for 10 Years / Pentagon Officials Reassess and Realize Trump Didnt Incite Anyone / Harris Should Be Dumped as Border Czar / Colonial Pipeline Says They are Now Back Online Following Cyberattack / Biden Refuses to Condemn Hamas by Name for its Attacks on Israel / 120 Retired Military Leaders Sign a Letter Questioning Bidens Mental Health / Wild Brawl Breaks out a Gas Station as Shortages Stress Drivers / Nearly Half of Virginia Gas Stations are Now Out of Fuel / Vaccine Expert Testifies at CDC Urging Halt to COVID Jabs / Fox News Hires Trey Gowdy and Dan Bongino for New Weekend Shows And More: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Deep State Journal: https://deepstatejournal.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Recall Alert: Coffee, Vehicles, Nut Butter http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Nature lovers will enjoy watching Wild December, a beautiful short video showing some wildlife in December. I have a feeling most of these scenes were filmed in Yellowstone National Park. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdSVp9GFeS4 --- ...Love Yellowstone! Thanks LouiseAu! A close-up view of wildlife and survival of the fittest in Hawk Vs. Squirrel. The photography of this epic chase between the hawk and squirrel is simply amazing and must have required careful planning to position the cameras exactly where they needed to be. I couldnt help but cheer for the squirrel as he does his best to evade and escape from the hawk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBEyCr5AoIs --- ...So real! Thanks LouiseAu! My daughter saved a squirrel from a hawk one day. Watch this beautiful and touching 3D animated story of a fox, a mouse and two owls - to the song 'Take On Me' by Andrea Begley. https://youtu.be/Dd_0BIuZgHg A compilation of monkeys, owls, goats, cats, foxes, chicken, tigers, geese, lions, eagles, pigs, cows, camels and bears forming special relationships with humans. https://youtu.be/VPN95ibNTdE --- ...Sweet! Thank You 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 Johanna :) _______________________ |\_____________________/| || || || _ _ || || / ) / ) __ |_| || || / -|- / -- | || || `== `== ' || || _____ || ||______________#####__|| jgs |/_____________________\| >5 Lessons: 1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second month of college, our professor Gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read The last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the Cleaning woman several times. She was tall, Dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question Blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if The last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely, " said the professor.. "In your careers, You will meet many people. All are significant.. They Deserve your attention and care, even if all you do Is smile and say "hello.." I've never forgotten that lesson.. I also learned her Name was Dorothy. --- ...I'd flunk that one - I've met hundreds of people and would recognize only a handful if I saw them on the street. Know many people by name but I would have a hard time matching that name to a face. 2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American Woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway Trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had Broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally Unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man Took her to safety, helped her get assistance and Put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his Address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a Knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a Giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A Special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway The other night. The rain drenched not only my Clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying Husband's bedside just before he passed away... God Bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving Others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole. 3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those Who serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, A 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and Sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in Front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the Waitress was growing impatient.. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on The table and walked away. The boy finished the ice Cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress Came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the Table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip. 4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path. In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a Roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if Anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by And simply walked around it.. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did Anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of Vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition. 5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts... Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away". Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. Live with no regrets, Treat people the way you want to be treated, Work like you don't need the money, Love like you've never been hurt, and Dance like you do when nobody's watching. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Christians aren't perfect; they're just forgiven! --- ...Sweet Classic! Thanks Johanna! ================================================================ >-->From LaughAndLift: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr. _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >Struggling to Kneel (A true story by John Ashcroft) Though we all enjoy the brilliant array of fall colors, few of us understand the process that produces the glorious display. As days grow shorter, trees produce less green chlorophyll and leaves reveal their natural, spectacular color. Much like a tree, my dad's true colors were most vivid at the end of his life. When he had just hours left to live, I saw my father at his brightest and finest. It was a day I will never forget. Before each of my inaugurations as governor of Missouri, I requested there be a special time where friends and officials join together to ask God's guidance in the inaugural festivities and in the administration I would direct. I wanted to show my individual dependence on God and our governments corporate dependence on His mercy. In 1985 and 1989, people from every corner of the state attended these services. The night before I was sworn in to the Senate in 1995, my father arranged a dinner for 15 to 20 close friends and family. My father eyed a piano in the corner of the room and said, "John, why don't you play the piano and we'll sing?" "You name it, I'll play it, Dad." "Let's sing, 'We Are Standing on Holy Ground.'" After the song, I found myself thinking out loud. "We're having a good time," I said, "but I really wish this was a dedication service." The impending responsibilities of the Senate were weighing heavily on me. I didn't have an inflated view of my importance as a senator, but I wasn't lackadaisical about it either. The people of Missouri had chosen me to represent them, and I wanted to do so with integrity and character. My lifelong friend, Dick Foth, spoke up. "We can do something about a dedication service, John." At Dick's suggestion, we gathered early the next morning at a beautiful house near the Capitol maintained by friends to bring Congress members together for spiritual enrichment. We chatted informally and then sang a hymn or two. At the time I didn't realize how weak my father was, but he had been losing weight in November and December and had told an acquaintance of his, "I'm hanging on by a thread, and it's a thin thread at that, but I'm going to see John sworn into the Senate." As we talked, the earnestness of my father's voice suddenly commanded everyone's attention. "John," Dad said, "please listen carefully." My children and I turned our full attention on Dad. The others leaned in. "The spirit of Washington is arrogance and the spirit of Christ is humility. Put on the spirit of Christ. Nothing of lasting value has ever been accomplished in arrogance." The room was absolutely still. "Someday I hope that someone will come up to you as you're fulfilling your duties as a senator, tug on your sleeve, and say, 'Senator, your spirit is showing.'" Back when I was eight years old, my father had used a breathtaking dive in an old Piper Cub airplane to convince me that my actions had great consequences; now, nearly a half century later, he wanted me to remember that how I did what I did would have eternal impact. I asked for prayer. "It's too bad we don't have any oil," I added. In the Bible, David and Saul were anointed as they each undertook their duty as king of Israel, as were some leaders in the early church. I had adopted that practice--being anointed prior to each of my terms as governor. "Let's see if there's some in the kitchen," my father suggested. Dick Foth disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a tiny bowl of Crisco oil. I knelt in front of the sofa where my father was seated, and everyone gathered around me. Then I noticed my father swinging his arms, trying to lift himself out of the couch. Given my father's weakness-a damaged heart operating at less than one-third capacity- getting out of that couch was a major feat. I felt terrible. Knowing he didn't have strength to spare, I said, "Dad, you don't have to struggle to stand and pray over me with these friends." "John," my father answered, "I'm not struggling to stand, I'm struggling to kneel." Some statements take awhile to sink in; others hit you with the force of a nuclear explosion. I thought my father's words would vaporize me on the spot. A thousand reflections raced through my mind in the first half second. There was a measure of shame, but a good shame, the kind that arises when you realize you have vastly underestimated the character of someone or his actions. I was overwhelmed, humbled, and inspired. He was not struggling to stand-he was struggling to kneel. I was taken back to those early mornings fifty years before when I slipped underneath my father and joined him on his knees. He prayed that we would do noble things. Now, still on his knees, he was taking me there. "Editor's note: John Ashcroft was sworn into the Senate on January 4, 1995. His father died the next evening." ---- Excerpted from "Lessons from a Father to His Son", A91998 John Ashcroft. Thomas Nelson Publishers. Used by permission. SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ========================================================== , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >-->GOD'S WILL FOR US Just to be tender, just to be true; Just to be glad the whole day through; Just to be merciful, just to be mild; Just to be trustful as a child; Just to be gentle and kind and sweet; Just to be helpful with willing feet; Just to be cheery when things go wrong; Just to drive sadness away with a song; Whether the hour is dark or bright; Just to be loyal to God and right; Just to believe that God knows best; Just in His promise ever to rest; Just to let love be our daily key; This is God's will, for you and me. ~Author Unknown~ >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $25 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list 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 **********************************************************************