Happy Blessed Thanks-Living ... :) 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 ================ *~* HAPPY BLESSED THANKSGIVING To All Of You And Yours! _..----...__ .-" `"-. | | |__.==========.____| | | .======. | | ____ | | | | | | _.-' ""--.._ |__| '======' |___ | .' '-. _.-'`` '==========' ``""'--.._ / \' '. / ,,,,,,,,, |._.,,;;;''''''''';;;;;;;;;, | ; .;;;;;;;;;;;\ | ,;;;;;| .) .) `;;;;;;;;, / | /;;;;;;;;;;;;;;| ;;;;;/ (_ ';;;;;;;-'` | /;;;;;;;;;;;;;;|| ;;;;;| `;;;;;; | |;;;;''' '/| ';;;;\ '----' ;;;;;' | |;;;' (' (' \\ `''''`---.___.- __;;''` ; |;;' _) \`) |~\ .-' '---'` ``"-. \ |;;;, .___. |/ / \_/__ _/\ _..,/`\ '-._ \"` `-' .'--"----"; `; '-..-/ \| `;;,--`-._____...-' ; ; ; `; \| || / `\ ; ' . ; \ || / / .-""-.\ . ; ; . ; || /`-./ // \\ ; ' . ; | || ; | `'--./| \'. ; ; ' | || | | | \-' ' ; | || | \ \ \ _ ; ' . | |/ \ >--------'. ` `''-._ , ; ; ;'-. _/' \/ '-._ \`'--. / `, / `'---...___/ / ,/---. /\ / \ ; `"""` ; \`- / / \ / \ ; ,-' /-' \ / \'----'----{ .' \ / \ `""` __..-' / \'----..------'''`` / / \ | .-' / \ | | \ / / \ ) '. .'----; ;------; '-._ _.-'___ | |____ | `'--..._______...--'` //__//__| //__//__| jgs | _| _|_ .--'`---` .--'`---` \ |__.\|___.\\_\ ( ( | / / `""\_____..__'.______..___/ \___.-\___.-._____/ What Thanksgiving would be complete without the traditional Thanksgiving song/story? Check out this festive funny story. Play the video and read along with it... Story Time - Alices Restaurant! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/alices.html -<>- >Need Some Easy YUMMY Recipes? Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html -<>- >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) _..._ .~ `~. / } \ _.'`~~/ {_,} -( ,'-,___.' / |_ /| / ` |_/ / \ / / '--;_ _\ `\ / |`-.___. / ^^^jgs^^^`--`------'`--`^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I Am Most Thankful To God Almighty and To His Son, my Lord Jesus Christ for all they do for me and my loved ones. There is nothing I can ever do that is great enough to repay. I remain their humble servant. I Am Also most Thankful To God through Jesus Christ for this: >150 Religious Leaders Sign Declaration: Christians, when they have lived up to the highest ideals of their faith, have defended the weak and vulnerable and worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen vital institutions of civil society, beginning with the family. We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are: 1. the sanctity of human life 2. the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife 3. the rights of conscience and religious liberty. Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. ...Because we honor justice and the common good, we will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other anti-life act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family. We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar's. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's. Join With Us Who Have Signed this: http://manhattandeclaration.org/ -<>- >If You Haven't Already, Be sure to Check These Out: This super duper one is a combined one from forwards from our friends Jo Ann and Sandi. Stairways have always intrigued me and these are some super cool ones! Sandi's shared video goes perfect with it! See for yourself here... Amazing Stairways! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stairs.html --- ...Awesome! Thank You Ladies! -<>- This is one sweet teaching. It is what I was talking about the other weekend when I was referring to the Body of Christ. This one is a wonderful foundational bible study. Of course I had to make sure it was available to as many as possible and add it to our best bible study teachings on-line. Be sure to check it out if you haven't already... 5 Fundamental Truths About Our Gifts and Callings by Dan Gallagher http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html -<>- >From Our Friends At TruthOrTradition :) The Emotional and Physical Benefits of Thanks-Living http://www.truthortradition.com/emails/thanksgiving_2009_email2.html ================================================================= _,, _.-'` ',\ \ .-;`'(,____ \.-'\ _\-` __.-; \_.-'_.-'0 \/ / .'0 __ | /_.' .'o \ / .-. ,;--._\___/--. __./ | .-/ \ ^_> |\ /\ \ / <;/ \ \_/ |___/__\__|` <; | |) \ o ( <; |__.\ |o \ <; \ \ / o _\ <\.)-'`| =====""` \ /\__/__/^\____.-; | | | | | / \____|\____/ |===||===| jgs __/[](_||__l[]_ / || '. \ '-----'-''-'-.__/ >Two Travellers Story Editor: by Gillian Kew Joyce Schowalter Hong Kong To set up our married lives, 23 years ago I moved from the UK to Hong Kong with my Chinese husband. Although I'd been away from my parents' home for eight years, I'd always been a bus ride or train journey away, so this was a big step. My mother had been unwell most of her life, and found even the shortest of journeys taxing. I assumed that future time with my parents would, inevitably, be limited to flying home. How wrong I was. My husband persuaded me to talk to mum about flying to Hong Kong, saying he'd handle the money. At 60, mum had never been on a plane, and my dad's last trip had involved being pushed out of one with a parachute strapped to his back. Mum was concerned but agreed to come. That's where my friends stepped in. My parents didn't have a car (dad didn't believe in credit), so my former nursing colleagues, Dawn and Linda, offered to drive them to and from the airport. Arriving in Hong Kong safe and sound, they enjoyed one of many trips over 15 years, until their deaths. Mum brought her medications and inhalers -- and my two friends, Dawn and Linda took turns transporting them to the airport. When no one was available, mum and dad took two buses, riding eight hours across England to the airport. Their love was such that, even as mum was dying of lung cancer she determined to make one more trip. Dad was there to help her, needing a wheelchair and the paraphernalia for someone so sick they should probably be home in bed. I thought of telling mum not to come, but she wanted to see her grandchildren and spend time with me. To her, it was worth it. After that last visit, she deteriorated rapidly. Dawn and Linda took turns visiting her at home and in hospital, despite their busy lives. I visited her twice that year including at the end. I'll never forget her courage and determination not to let distance and ill health stop her from being a part of our lives. As a result, my children have a grandmother they remember with great love. I'm also forever indebted to my friends, who happily re-arranged their schedules to act as drivers and spend time visiting my parents, helping them to bridge the miles between us. It may not seem much to most people, but these acts of kindness sustained me over the years. When I lost both parents within six months, my friends again responded, to support me. Linda even took it upon herself to regularly check on my single brother, who became depressed when left alone in the house with his grief. She helped him get over the worst, and begin to see a life for himself again. When I think of courage and love, I think of my mother and my friends -- they are the example I try to follow. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend Dan :) ####### ##[_]## ,;###########;, <<:{{\|@___@|/}}:>> <<:{{| ( /___\\) \}}:>> Gobble! Gobble! I got Pardoned! <<:{{/\ \\___/( /\}}:>> <<<<:{{| \ _.| |(_\/ |}}:>>>> <<<:{{|`\,'| '-' |'./`|}}:>>> <<<:{{|`\/ \___/ \/`|}}:>>> <<<:{{ \// ) ~ ~ ( \\/ }}:>>> <<:{{`{///' ~ ^ ~ '\\\}`}}:>>> <<:{{,=`. ~ ^.~.^ ~ .`=,}}:>> `-,__.__,-' \ | / jgs // \\ .---'( )'---. `---'-` `-'---` >A correction: To everyone on my mailing list, I apologize for not verifying this great idea. Thank you Wistar, for me and everyone, for taking the time to verify the "Holiday Mail for Heroes". The correct, www.snopes.com verified mailing address is: Holiday Mail for Heroes PO Box 5456 Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456 I apologize again for the confusion and for not verifying information before I send it out. Dan Young --- ...Don't feel bad Dan! I didn't think that one would be faked! Thanks for the true address! -<>- >[BlackLions 28th Infantry] Please Send to all VN Vets you know. A Thank You to VietnamVets from a Marine in Iraq A guy gets time to think over here and I was thinking about all the support we get from home. Sometimes it's overwhelming. We get care packages at times faster than we can use them. There are boxes and boxes of toiletries and snacks lining the center of every tent; the generosity has been amazing. So, I was pondering the question: "Why do we have so much support?" In my opinion, it came down to one thing: Vietnam. I think we learned a lesson, as a nation, that no matter what, you have to support the troops who are on the line, who are risking everything. We treated them so poorly back then. When they returned was even worse. The stories are nightmarish of what our returning warriors were subjected to. It is a national scar, a blemish on our country, an embarrassment to all of us . After Vietnam, it had time to sink in. The guilt in our collective consciousness grew. It shamed us. However, we learned from our mistake. Somewhere during the late 1970's and into the 80's, we realized that we can't treat our warriors that way. So, starting during the Gulf War, when the first real opportunity arose to stand up and support the troops, we did. We did it to support our friends and family going off to war. But we also did it to right the wrongs from the Vietnam era. We treated our troops like the heroes they were, acknowledged and celebrated their sacrifice, and rejoiced at their homecoming instead of spitting on them. And that support continues today for those of us in Iraq. Our country knows that it must support us and it does. The lesson was learned in Vietnam and we are better because of it. Everyone who has gone before is a hero. They are celebrated in my heart. I think admirably of all those who have gone before me. From those who fought to establish this country in the late 1770's to those I serve with here in Iraq. They have all sacrificed to ensure our freedom. But when I get back, I'm going to make it a personal mission to specifically thank every Vietnam Vet I encounter for their sacrifice. Because if nothing else good came from that terrible war, one thing did. It was the lesson learned on how we treat our warriors. We as a country learned from our mistake and now treat our warriors as heroes, as we should. I am the beneficiary of their sacrifice. Not only for the freedom they, like veterans from other wars, ensured, but for how well our country now treats my fellow Marines and I. We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice. Semper Fidelis, Major Brian P. Bresnahan United States Marine Corps --- ...Sweet! Thank you for sharing this with us Dan! ==================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Snuffy :) 1/52 website http//www.angelfire.com/mo2/CharlieCoScarf/Index.html ==================================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: _.-._ /| | | |_ || | | | | || | | | | _|| ` | \\`\ ; \\ | \\ / jgs | | | | | | The Price of Freedom "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind.[and] considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength."1 In Congress on July 4, 1776, fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence declaring the then Thirteen Colonies (now states) in North America independent from Great Britain. Central to the Declaration of Independence are the following words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." While there are conflicting stories2 as to what happened to all of the fifty-six original signers, we can be certain that when they signed this declaration, they knew full well that they were putting their lives at risk. Furthermore, many men gave their lives in the War of Independence to gain independence from the then oppressive rule of Great Britain. As history has clearly shown, there has always been a high price to pay for freedom, for there never seems to be a lack of despots who want to subjugate a people to their total control for their own evil and/or self-centered purposes. Those of us who live in free lands have incredible blessings for which to be thankful. And let us be thankful today not only for these blessings, but also for all those who have given their lives to make us free, and for all those today who are risking their lives to keep us free. As Christians, let us never forget that while freedom is a God-given right (which the Declaration of Independence affirmed), freedom has never come without a price--and will never be maintained without the high price of eternal vigilance. As Wendell Phillips (1811-1884) in restating the words of John Philpot Curran, said, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.." As powerful as the military might of the U.S. armed forces is, let us remember that, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD…. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength."3 And that "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."4 And that, when we turn from God and fail to follow his ways, we divorce ourselves from the "unalienable Rights [of] Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the wonderful privilege and unfathomable blessings you have given to those of us who live in free countries. Today we pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering under the tyranny and persecution of evil men. And grant that we in free countries will be reminded that 'Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.' Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen." 1. Psalm 33:12-13, 16 (NIV). 2. See http://www.ctssar.org/articles/price_paid.htm 3. Psalm 33:12-13,16 (NIV). 4. Proverbs 14:34 (NIV). <:))))>< Copyright (c) 2009 by ACTS International. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2009 ACTS International. -<>- As we all prepare for Thanksgiving, I thought you might enjoy reading a column Mary Beth (my wife) penned this week on the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving! _.-/`) // / / ) .=// / / / ) //`/ / / / / // / ` / || / \\ / )) .' jgs // / / >The True Reason for Thanksgiving = Thanks-Living! Over time, myths and distortions have arisen, twisting the reason for Thanksgiving Day. For starters, the Pilgrims did not hold their harvest festival to thank the local Indians. Unfortunately, this myth is often perpetuated in schools and textbooks. Many children and adults now believe we celebrate the help given to the Pilgrims by Native Americans. If the Pilgrims were to visit this Thanksgiving, they would be shocked. The Pilgrims focused on thanking and praising God for His love, for all that He had done for them, and for the freedom they enjoyed in the New World. A glimpse into the history of Thanksgiving Day gives a greater appreciation of this great American holiday. Even earlier than the Pilgrims, people of faith set aside days for prayer and thanksgiving to God. Many times rather than a feast, they were a time dedicated to prayer. It may come as a surprise to some that the word holiday is actually from old English compound word combining holy and day. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines holiday as "a day set aside for special religious observance." The ancient Hebrews had many days set apart to worship, praise and thank God. Passover and Succoth are holy days of gratitude to God for His loving-kindness and deliverance from Egypt. Early Americans often held days of thanksgiving in the various states and commonwealths. Washington and Madison each proclaimed a day of thanksgiving while president. In October 1789, President George Washington signed a proclamation requested by Congress "to recommend to the people of the United States a Day of Public thanksgiving and Prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to form a government for their safety and happiness." Washington then assigned the twenty-sixth day of November "to be devoted by the people. to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be;" and to "all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country." It was to remember, Washington said, God's "manifold mercies" and providence, "for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed," and, "in general, for all the great and various favors" He gave them. In the dark days of the Civil War in 1863, Lincoln proclaimed, by Act of Congress, an annual National Day of Thanksgiving following a letter campaign promoting the idea by Sarah Hale. As a mother, widowed at the age of 34, Hale was the editor of the first woman's magazine in America and campaigned for over 40 years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. Lincoln's words are especially timely now with our soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, "I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign land, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November.as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." He recommends that we "commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers" from the war and to look at the many blessings we have been given by God including "which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come. Almighty God..." ".But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagine, by the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessing were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own..." In conclusion, Lincoln says, "It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people." Even amongst the pain, upheaval and difficulties of the Civil War, the nation came together for a day of thanksgiving and praise. Sadly, someone erroneously wrote in Wikipedia, "Thanksgiving Day is . a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general.While perhaps religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday." Maybe this is true for some Americans, but certainly not for all. And definitely not the way the "Mother of the American Thanksgiving," Sarah Hale visualized it. Hale wrote, "Let this day be the grand Thanksgiving Holiday of our nation, when the noise and tumult of worldliness may be exchanged for the laugh of happy children, the glad greeting of family reunion, and the humble gratitude of the Christian heart." And Edward Martin wisely reminds us, "Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." Warm regards, Floyd Brown -<>- ____ / __ \ __/==LI==\__ `"///""""\\\"` ( . . ) \ __ / ;.__.; /` /\ `\ | /::\ | /\ / :: \ /\ / \/ :: \/ \ /\/`>==::==<`\/\ (_/ / :: \ \_) /__________\ | || | |- || -| jgs \.-||-./ /LI/\LI\ (__/ \__) >Thanksgiving Short Jokes What did the turkey say before it was roasted? Boy, I'm stuffed! Why did the police arrest the turkey? They suspected it of foul play! Which side of the turkey has the most feathers? The outside! Can a turkey jump higher than the Empire State Building? Yes. A building can't jump at all! If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims! What type of music did the Pilgrims like? Plymouth Rock! Why did the turkey cross the road? It was the chicken's day off! What key has legs and can't open doors? A turkey! What's the best thing to put into pumpkin pie? Your teeth! -<>- >Links For Your Enjoyment: Bowling Bloopers http://www.buffaloschips.com/9267.htm Boy & Labrador http://www.buffaloschips.com/9268.htm Brass Pole http://www.buffaloschips.com/9269.htm Bud Light Wheel http://www.buffaloschips.com/92610.htm Brownie http://www.buffaloschips.com/92699.htm From Shangy Proud Of Our Troops 2 http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/troops2.html Niagara Falls Frozen! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/niagarafalls.html Holy Alphabet http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/holyalpha.html Who Is This Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Love Thoughts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html God's Water Paintings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/water.html Take The Sword http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/sword.html Overseer http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/overseer.html Self Talk http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/selftalk.html Your Nov/Dec Sower Magazine is Now Online! http://www.truthortradition.com/emails/nov_dec2009_sower_email2.html Thanks to Troops: http://www.LetsSayThanks.com Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ================================================================= >-->From Heartwarmers: , }`-. , , \ \ '-' \ .-'{ _} . | ,`\ / ' ; .-;\ { \ | | / `/ '-.,/ ; | { -- -. ' '`-, .--._.' ; \__ \ \ | ' / |`. ; _,`\ '. '- ' `_- '.`; ; ,-`_.-' ,--. \ ` /` '--' `;.` (` _ .--.\ '._) '-. \ \ `-. ; `-';| '. -. ' __ '. ; ; _,-' / { __'.\ ' '-,/; `-' ';`.- ` .-' '-. `-._' | `; ;`' .-'` <_ -' ` .\ `; ; (_.'`\ _.;-"``"'-._'. `:; ___, _.-' | .-'\'. '.` \ \_,_`\ ;##` `'; _.' /_'._\ \ \__;#####./###. \` \.' .'`/"`/ (#######)###::.. _.' '.' .' ; , |:. `|()##`"""` jgs `'-../__/_\:: /O()()o ()'._.'`()()' >BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE by Kathleene S. Baker "My green slacks are hanging on the bottom rack on the right side of the closet. I want the forest green ones, not the brownish green or light green. And, the flowered silk blouse that goes with them is on the top rack hanging towards the middle. You'll know which one it is when you see it. Just pick out whatever flat shoes you think will look best." Mom was smiling as she planned her wardrobe for Thanksgiving Day. I was nearly out the door when she stopped me -- "One more thing, you know those gold drop earrings you gave me years ago? I'll need those, too. And, if you don't mind could you come early enough to make sure my makeup and hair look nice?" I walked back to give her a hug, kiss, and told her not to give it another thought. "You'll look just beautiful! See you about 11am tomorrow. I love you, Mom." The short two block drive to my parent's home was somber. We'd traveled to Kansas to spend the holiday with them but it would not be celebrated as in years past -- mother had been in a nursing home for several months. The many fractures in her spine from osteoporosis were inoperable. Mother would remain there permanently. We mustered all our strength to be positive and keep her spirits up as she adjusted to the one thing she'd always feared most -- being confined to a nursing home. The only tiny, tarnished, silver cloud to be found was that the home she'd never return to could actually be seen from the facility. I prayed it made her feel like she was only down the street having coffee with a friend. Always able to hide her feelings so as not to upset her loved ones, she appeared to be handling her situation well, although I knew down deep that in a matter of time she'd not be able to keep up the charade. The following morning, I arrived with the items mom had requested and we went to work dressing and primping. She looked beautiful even with the oxygen tubing draped across her cheeks. With mom situated in her wheelchair, we made our way to gather with family awaiting our arrival near the foyer. As we neared, I noted instantly that dad's blue eyes, which had lost their luster in recent months, instantly came to life and regained their brilliance, for he'd not seen the love of his life "dolled-up" in quite some time. It warmed my heart to view the change. Our linen-dressed table in the formal dining room was near the fireplace, a pianist played quietly in the background and the meal was delicious. Everyone at the table was on stage like actors in a play. We struggled to feign jovial attitudes, not only for mom's sake, but to prop one another up as we experienced a sorrowful and drastic change in a lifetime of family Thanksgiving traditions. Still, there was much to be thankful for when I forced myself to see beyond the darkness that tried to encompass me. Mother had enjoyed a healthy life of independence for 83 years with a man she loved dearly. She suffered no pain with her condition and she was still as sharp as a tack! I was fortunate in having my mom to share the holiday with although it wasn't at "home" and was missing favorite family dishes as only she could prepare. None of us knew it would be the last Thanksgiving we'd spend with mother. Eight holidays later, I realize what a true gift the day was -- each cherished moment is remembered as if it were yesterday. My emotions that holiday were intermingled with love and grief. And, to this day they remain the same. Remember when you count all you are thankful for that often what seems less than ideal may be your most valuable blessing -- hidden in disguise. Wishing you all a lovely Thanksgiving filled with love and many blessings! -- Kathleene S. Baker __________________________________________________ Kathleene, and husband, Jerry, reside in Plano, Texas. Pets have always been a passion and a precious Schnauzer named Josey Lane inspired Kathy's first piece of work. As a freelancer, she has contributed to newspapers, anthologies, magazines, online ezines, and writes a weekly column entitled, Heart of Texas. Kathy's website: http://www.txyellowrose.com ================================================================= |_| _, _ _ ___ | |(_||_)|_)\_| .'=:-\ ___ | | ._| /.='( ` | |_ _ ,_ |/ , _ . .,_ _ /. ^=.'-._..---. | | |(_|| ||\/_)(_|||/|| |(_| | =^.'=.'^//"(_`\\)8, ._| ._| |^.'=' .=||/' `\||;8.-' \'.^,=^'.||; ; ||8/:_,_ give thanks... './-`\= \\\.-./;//,_/`- \ jgs \__/-/'-\888::((()),_ /:. .O__/ (_88:::(())):. `8':. ' >-->Special ThanksGiving Links From LynnLynn's Links: Melva/My Mom ~ My Thanksgiving Blessing http://silverandgoldandthee.net/Ann/A_T_B.htm Melva/A Blessed Thanksgiving http://silverandgoldandthee.com/Holiday2/Tks.html Marlene/Our Marine/Happy Thanksgiving http://summerhoosier.250free.com/HTML9/Davey-TG.html My Thanks http://alongpoetryroad.com/my_thanks.html Turkey Quiz Via Juanita http://home.aristotle.net/Thanksgiving/trivia.asp Thanksgiving Blessed Thanksgiving Via Carol http://www.riversongs.com/thanksgiving/blessed-thanksgiving.html Thanksgiving Story - Alices Restaurant http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/alices.html The Emotional and Physical Benefits of Thanks-Living http://www.truthortradition.com/emails/thanksgiving_2009_email2.html Thanksgiving Blessing http://www.reflectionsofsouthbreeze.com/Pages/Thanksgiving_blessing.htm Give Thanks http://www.reflectionsofsouthbreeze.com/Pages/givethanks.htm Thanksgiving http://www.cpmsglife2.org/MSG/Pres/td/td1.html Happy Thanksgiving eCard http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=HY27482779 Be Thankful For Your Blessings http://www.lisaswisheshopeanddreams.com/BeThankful.html Judy w/ Giving Thanks ~ Judy Marquart http://frommyheart2u.com/thanks/givingthanks Thanksgiving Puzzle http://www.alighthouse.com/flashgames/thanksgiving2008puzzle.html Movie Links How to get jail time for a speeding ticket http://www.buffaloschips.com/65r7.htm Hrbtno http://www.buffaloschips.com/ujyg687.htm Ice fishing http://www.buffaloschips.com/jkljlkjo.htm If my nose was running money http://www.buffaloschips.com/huyu.htm Important Message http://www.buffaloschips.com/jkjhjgh.htm If You haven't joined LynnLynn's mailing List yet, send a blank e-mail to LynnLynns-links-subscribe@Yahoogroups.com ============================================================== >-->From SermonFodder: ___ .'=:-\ /.='( ` /. ^=.'-._..---. | =^.'=.'^//"(_`\\)8, |^.'=' .=||/' `\||;8.-' \'.^,=^'.||; ; ||8/:_,_ './-`\= \\\.-./;//,_/`- \ jgs \__/-/'-\888::((()),_ /:. .O__/ (_88:::(())):. `8':. ' >No Thanksgiving Dinner Tis the night before Thanksgiving and all through our house No turkey is baking; I feel like a louse, For I am all nestled, so snug in my bed; I'm not gettin' up and I'm not bakin' bread. No pies in my oven, no cranberry sauce Cuz I give the orders, and I am the boss. When out in the kitchen, there arose such a clatter I almost got up to see what was the matter. As I drew in my head and was tossing around To the bed came my husband, he grimaced, he frowned. And laying his finger aside of his nose, He scared me to death and I thought, "Here he goes!" He spoke not a word as he threw back my quilt And the look that he gave was intended to wilt. So up to the ceiling my pillows he threw I knew I had had it, his face had turned blue. "You prancer, you dodger, you're lazy, you vixen Out yonder in kitchen, Thanksgiving you're fixin." But he heard me explain, with my face in a pout: "I'm just plain too tired and we're eating out!" Contributed by: Mariane Holbrook via www.humormatters.com ==== From Sermon Fodder and Joke A Day Ministries. To subscribe drop an email note to Sermon_Fodder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Please leave this attached if you forward this to friends. ======================================== Bonus Funnies.... .-'"`/\ // /' /\`\ ('//.-'/`-.; \ \ / /-. __.__.___..__._.___.\\ \\----,_ .:{@&#,&#@&,@&#&&,#&@#&@&\\` \-. .-'-. .:{@#@,#@&#,@#&&#,@&#&@&,&@#&&\\, -._,"- \ .{#@#&@#@#&#&@&#@#@&#,@#@#&@&&#@#\ \// = \`=\__ `{#@,@#&@&,@&#@,#@&#@#&@#&@,&#@,#/\/ =`-. -_=__ `:{@#&@&#@&#@&#@,#&&#@&,@#/.' / / "/.-', / `:{@#&,#&@#,@&#&@&,@&#/.-// //-'-_= ",/ jgs `~`~~`~~~`~`~`~~`~( / , /__,___.-" \ \\/ `\\\' A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked the stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?" The stock boy answered, "No ma'am, they're dead." 58 percent of Americans say Thanksgiving Day isn't complete without this. What is it. It wasn't pumpkin pie, dressing, or cranberry sauce. It wasn't Football, or pecan pie, or giblet gravy. 58 percent of Americans say Thanksgiving Day isn't complete without a NAP! Betcha didn't see that one coming? ====================================== >Thanksgiving Special In the past we got a lot of comments about the story of Abraham Lincoln and his declaration of a time of Thanksgiving during the Civil War. You can find it in our archives. A lot of folks like to trace the Thanksgiving Holiday we celebrate in the US today back to the Pilgrims. However, some of the history that is Thanksgiving Day was forged during a very difficult time. The fall of 1777 was a particularly bleak time in American History. However, the founding fathers still found time to give thanks to God. For the full story go to http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122765806822958269.html for the full story of what Thanksgiving is all about. You'll find a wonderful article by Ira Stoll on the Wall Street Journal web site. On another note, if you're cooking your traditional Thanksgiving Turkey and having problems there are some great sources of help. Try www.busycooks.about.com and look for Thanksgiving 101. We're heading off to my sister's house for a family gathering Thursday. Here's hoping your Thursday is one of true Thanksgiving. Best, Keith The Sermon Fodder Guy ============================================================== >-->From Our Friend John-Paul :) _..----...__ .-" `"-. | | |__.==========.____| | | .======. | | ____ | | | | | | _.-' ""--.._ |__| '======' |___ | .' '-. _.-'`` '==========' ``""'--.._ / \' '. / ,,,,,,,,, |._.,,;;;''''''''';;;;;;;;;, | ; .;;;;;;;;;;;\ | ,;;;;;| .) .) `;;;;;;;;, / | /;;;;;;;;;;;;;;| ;;;;;/ (_ ';;;;;;;-'` | /;;;;;;;;;;;;;;|| ;;;;;| `;;;;;; | |;;;;''' '/| ';;;;\ '----' ;;;;;' | |;;;' (' (' \\ `''''`---.___.- __;;''` ; |;;' _) \`) |~\ .-' '---'` ``"-. \ |;;;, .___. |/ / \_/__ _/\ _..,/`\ '-._ \"` `-' .'--"----"; `; '-..-/ \| `;;,--`-._____...-' ; ; ; `; \| || "SMILE" A-Big-SMILE: SMILING is infectious, You catch it like the flu, When someone SMILED at me today, I started SMILING too. Walking down a gloomy street, Someone saw my grin, As he SMILED, I realized I'd passed it on to him. Thinking about that smile of mine, Suddenly realized its worth, A single SMILE just like mine could travel 'round the Earth. So if you feel a SMILE begin, don't leave it undetected, Just aim it a scowling Frown, You`ll catch it unprotected, BIG(SMILE) ;-) ----------------------------------------------- ((((Ps:))) `O`, ~ Let ~ Us ~~`SMILE`!!! For you See-------- The most destructive habit (Worry) The greatest Joy (Giving) The greatest loss (Loss of self-respect ) The most satisfying work (Helping others) The ugliest personality trait (Selfishness) The most endangered species (Dedicated leaders) Our greatest natural resource (Our youth) The greatest "shot in the arm (Encouragement) The greatest problem to overcome (Fear) The most effective sleeping pill (Peace of mind) The most crippling failure disease (Excuses) The most powerful force in life (Love) The most dangerous pariah (A gossiper ) The world's most incredible computer (The brain ) The worst thing to be without (Hope) The deadliest weapon (The tongue) The two most power-filled words (I Can) The greatest asset (Faith) The most worthless emotion (Self-pity) The most prized possession (Integrity), The most contagious spirit (Enthusiasm) AH, BUT, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ATTIRE IS A-- ~~ \o/~~ ~~ `SMILE`~~ Always~~~~~~~John-Paul --- ...Loving the 'Orangy' Way! Thank You John-Paul! ================================================================= >-->From LaughAndLift: .:. .:. \|/ .:. _ \\,/// \|/ | \|/ _/_\_ ___ \\|/// <#> | \|<#> | (") /.-.\ (")\\ \|<#>|/ \| / _ //U\\ |(")| //-\\\ | \| /<#>/ ( ) _ \|_|/ /)v(\ <#>_/|_|/\\ \ |/ |/ \| (_` )_('> | | \/~\/ |||\\\ \| | |/ (__,~_)8 ||| //_\\ ||| \\ |/ \| / \| / jgs _YY_ _[|]_ /_____\ _[|]_ \| |/ |/ """"""""'""'""'"""""'""""'""'"""'"""""''"'"""^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >Recognizing Your Blessings (Author Unknown) Two old friends bumped into one another on the street one day. One of them looked forlorn, almost on the verge of tears. His friend asked, "What has the world done to you, my old friend?" The sad fellow said, "Let me tell you. Three weeks ago, an uncle died and left me forty thousand dollars." "That's a lot of money." "But you see, two weeks ago, a cousin I never even knew died, and left me eighty-five thousand free and clear." "Sounds like you've been blessed...." "You don't understand!" he interrupted. "Last week my great-aunt passed away. I inherited almost a quarter of a million." Now he was really confused. "Then, why do you look so glum?" "This week... nothing!" That's the trouble with receiving something on a regular basis. Even if it is a gift, we eventually come to expect it. Someone recently suggested to me a way to test someone's character. Give him (or her) $5 a day for a month. Then stop, and see what his reaction is. The natural tendency is that if we receive a gift long enough, we come to view it as an entitlement. We feel hurt, even angry, if we don't receive it any longer. It's the same way with the Blessings God gives us every day. I don't deserve the comfortable home I live in, the beautiful mountains around me, the clean water that I drink. But after receiving these gifts (and a multitude of others) for years, I sometimes fail to be grateful. I've come to expect these good things. And when one of them is removed for a short while (like the water being cut off), I get upset. Make an effort today to recognize the blessings you've come to take for granted. Focus on what you have rather than on what you don't have, and see if it doesn't improve your attitude. "Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His Goodness, and for His Wonderful Works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:8). -<>- .---. /) .' `\/) / _ .'`/| jgs ,=( __\ (__/_/==, `==================` >ODE TO THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY The turkey shot out of the oven, And rocketed into the air. It knocked every plate off the table, And partly demolished a chair. It ricocheted into a corner, And burst with a deafening boom. Then splattered all over the kitchen, Completely obscuring the room. It stuck to the walls and the windows. It totally coated the floor. There was turkey attached to the ceiling, Where there'd never been turkey before. It blanketed every appliance. It smeared every saucer and bowl. there wasn't a way I could stop it. That turkey was out of control! I scraped and I scrubbed with displeasure, And thought with chagrin as I mopped, That I'd never again stuff a turkey With popcorn that hadn't been popped. 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 ======================================================= __ / \ _/=Ll=\_ [________] ___ ||/""\|| .'___`. ( 6. 6 ) / /"""\ \ __, ,__, \_--_/ |( 6 6 )| (--| | .-[\~--~/]-. ~\_-_/~ |--| _ _ _ / \ / \ .-' '-. _| | (_||_)|_)\_| / _, `----' ,_ \ /\_____/\ ( |_, | | ,_| \ \| |/ / / ,_/^\_, \ \ >==[]==< / \_(_|-|_)_/ _______, \/__.''.__\/ //=====\\ (--| _, (_, | TT | // \\ | |_ _ ._ |__, , _ ' ',_ _ | || | // \\ _| | |(_|| || \ /_)(_||\/|| |(_| | || | /'---,___,---'\ ( |_, \_, ,_| ,_| |__||__| / / \ \ [__][__] '--,_________,--' jgs |_ || _| |_ | _| (__)(__) (__)__) "Gratitude...goes beyond the 'mine' and 'thine' and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy." - Henri J.M. Nowen >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! --------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS --------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DDARE 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 ************************************************************************