Happy Early Thanksgiving... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ , }`-. , , \ \ '-' \ .-'{ _} . | ,`\ / ' ; .-;\ { \ | | / `/ '-.,/ ; | { -- -. ' '`-, .--._.' ; \__ \ \ | ' / |`. ; _,`\ '. '- ' `_- '.`; ; ,-`_.-' ,--. \ ` /` '--' `;.` (` _ .--.\ '._) '-. \ \ `-. ; `-';| '. -. ' __ '. ; ; _,-' / { __'.\ ' '-,/; `-' ';`.- ` .-' '-. `-._' | `; ;`' .-'` <_ -' ` .\ `; ; (_.'`\ _.;-"``"'-._'. `:; ___, _.-' | .-'\'. '.` \ \_,_`\ ;##` `'; _.' /_'._\ \ \__;#####./###. \` \.' .'`/"`/ (#######)###::.. _.' '.' .' ; , |:. `|()##`"""` jgs `'-../__/_\:: /O()()o ()'._.'`()()' *~* For Those Celebrating An Early Thanksgiving... Many will have early Thanksgiving Celebrations so here we have some Great Thanks Living Bible Teachings From our friends at www.TruthOrTradition.com: 1 of 2 Thanks: The Joy of Thanksgiving https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lifogbJpowo 2 of 2 Thanks: The Benefits of Thanks Living https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRJVZ3wN2FU A Key to Being Thankful: You Can Never Go Back, Don't Live in the Past, Be Present Minded https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJt78NfS69E --- ...I Thank God For ALL Of You! Blessings My Sweet Friends! :) -<>- >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our latest sizzling hot new page is from our friend KarenF. One thing I admire is ornate architecture and this temple sure does fit that description. I don't especially care for the religious aspects of this, but the intricate craftsmanship of it intrigues and amazes me. Certainly a place to want to see up close and personal! Be sure to check this and the video of it out here... BAPS Mandir Chino Hills! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mandirchinohills.html --- ...The place is astounding! Thank You KarenF! This flaming hot new page is from our friends Linda, Johanna and LouiseAu. It is one to tickle your funny bone and give you plenty of smiles for your day. Be sure to check it out here... Look Who's Talking 15! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/talking15.html --- ...Teehee! I do love this series! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. -- Meister Eckhart .---. |_X_| ___ [_____] / _ \ // \\ | / \ | | " | || " || __\___/__ __\\_//__ /\_______/\ / | U | \/ _ : _ \ ( (|___|) )/ \ : / \ \ \_ / \ _/ \ /=====\ / / /| |\ './___:___\.' ; | | ; | | | | | | | | | | | \_____/ | |--|--| '._______.' |LI|LI| jgs \/ \/ \_/ \_/ Publisher's Note: This Thanksgiving is going to be a little more special for us. After month's of researching our family history, we were very surprised to find out that my wife is a direct descendent of the Pilgrims! Her ancestor, Thomas Clarke, was actually a "mate" on the Mayflower when it first arrived in 1620. Interestingly, he didn't stay and went back on the return trip. However, he came back to America in June 1623 on the Mayflower’s sister ship called, The Anne. It was actually the arrival of this ship that carried goats and cattle and additional settlers, which give the Pilgrims reason to celebrate the first Thanksgiving (at least the first time they called it “Thanksgiving”) in July 1623. So, Mr. Clarke was at the first Thanksgiving. My father always had a fascination with the Pilgrims so he would have been thrilled to know we had actually married into a Pilgrim family. Whether you are related the Pilgrims or not, the message of Thanksgiving is the same for everyone. We all have reasons to count our blessings. Meanwhile, you will enjoy today's short story. Thank you for being part of our online community. -- Lee Simonson, Publisher .-'"`/\ // /' /\`\ ('//.-'/`-.; \ \ / /-. __.__.___..__._.___.\\ \\----,_ .:{@&#,&#@&,@&#&&,#&@#&@&\\` \-. .-'-. .:{@#@,#@&#,@#&&#,@&#&@&,&@#&&\\, -._,"- \ .{#@#&@#@#&#&@&#@#@&#,@#@#&@&&#@#\ \// = \`=\__ `{#@,@#&@&,@&#@,#@&#@#&@#&@,&#@,#/\/ =`-. -_=__ `:{@#&@&#@&#@&#@,#&&#@&,@#/.' / / "/.-', / `:{@#&,#&@#,@&#&@&,@&#/.-// //-'-_= ",/ jgs `~`~~`~~~`~`~`~~`~( / , /__,___.-" \ \\/ `\\\' >THANKSGIVING, THE OLD FASHIONED WAY by Patty Cotter The "tradition" is now in its fifth year. I would not have thought that such an early morning venture to my mother's house 30 minutes away on a cold, dark morning, would be so much fund that I didn't even have to mark it on the calendar as a reminder. The tradition, as I now think of it, started the first Thanksgiving after my father died, less than one month prior. I knew the first set of holidays would be difficult for my mother. I thought it would be the right thing to do -- to drive to mom's early Thanksgiving morning to help her prepare the stuffing, prep the turkey, and put the bird in the oven. But mostly to keep her company in the now quiet house. Since we usually eat early afternoon, arriving at mom's by 6am meant getting up and out of my house by 5:30am. First stop in my old hometown is to pick up two coffees, a muffin to share and the morning paper, then drive the two remaining blocks to the house where I, as well as mom, grew up. In the quiet of the morning, mom and I begin preparations for our Thanksgiving meal with the family. Over the past few years, we have expanded on our routine. Not only do we make the stuffing and the turkey, but we also set the table with the china my grandmother used and even peel all those potatoes and prep the other side dishes. As we work through our list, the aroma of turkey begins to fill the kitchen. Working side by side with mom, the comforting smell of turkey in the oven, my grandmother's china taking center stage on the table, and the quiet dawning of the day is something I have come to cherish each year. I love working next to her, chatting as we work. It's wonderful to have those several hours together, just mom and me. In this day and age, when "blogging" and "twittering" have replaced old fashioned communication, this tradition has become that much more important to me. Something I hope continues for many more years to come. Love you more, Mom! -- Patty Cotter __________________________________________________ Patty says, "I am married to my best friend Frank. Cooking and antiquing are my passions. My biggest dream is to indulge both my passions by owning and operating a bed and breakfast in the country!" =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Fran :) , |\ | `-._,="""=, \ //o.-)-.\ \ ||/:/:\:\-. `. \\\:\:/:/o_), jgs `->>>8888>;(_)o.-' >Quotes: "Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." --Henry Van Dyke "Happiness is often the result of being too busy to be miserable." --Unknown "Happiness is essentially a state of going somewhere, wholeheartedly, one-directionally, without regret or reservation." --William H. Sheldon "There is no fatigue so wearisome as that which comes from lack of work." --Charles Haddon Spurgeon -<>- >Harvest Time is Near The chaff is being sorted The harvest time is here The end of time is coming The rapture day is near. We are heirs to His kingdom Take time to have a look The day of His arrival Is written in God’s book. The wheat is turning yellow The Shepherd comes to reap The grain is being gathered He comes to claim His sheep. Stand up and look around you The signs are everywhere The day of His arrival Will spread throughout the air. The sun is softly setting Feel the shifting of the breeze The fields are turning golden Hear the rustling of the trees. Look to the skies for Jesus All things will be made new Your toil on earth is finished He’s coming back for you. Put down that plow and chisel There is no need to fear Stand up and look around you The harvest time is near. ~ Marilyn Ferguson ~ -<>- _.-/`) // / / ) .=// / / / ) //`/ / / / / // / ` / || / \\ / )) .' jgs // / / >Enjoy The Best of What You Have I grew up in a small fishing village in Nova Scotia. My brothers and I knew poor. Our family had very little. I don't remember the bad. I remember the summers fishing in the lakes or in the ocean from the local wharves. I remember walks in the woods with my Mum looking for Mayflowers and hot summer days spent swimming at the local swimming hole with friends. At twenty, I moved to Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. It was lonely there. I remember being homesick. It was my first time living away from home. After several months, I moved back home. There was the mother I missed, but everything else seemed different. I thought it was my friends, but it was me. I'd changed. I'd grown up from my experiences. A few months later, I had to move for work again. This time I moved to Sydney, Nova Scotia. It is a coal mining and steel mill city. When the wind blew from the mill, the air made you dream of better places. A year later, I was back home, where I met my first wife, married and lived on the ocean again. My life kept changing, but I survived. Years later, I found myself in Saint John, New Brunswick. It was a huge change my family. We all thought we'd live happily ever after in Nova Scotia, but God had other plans. We moved to Saint John, New Brunswick, where the air was thick with the smog from the largest oil refinery in Canada, ship building, a pulp and paper mill, and let's throw in a sugar refinery too. In the summer, when the fog rolled in, all that pollution was trapped over the city. It was not pretty. We moved to Ohio. That wasn't too bad. We did have bad air on cold days in the winter, when inversions trapped the exhaust from the highway traffic and high humidity in the summer. Next stop, New Jersey: air pollution, traffic and crime. We moved from there to Idaho. Idaho, with its mountains, clean rivers, canyons and gorges is incredible, but I miss the other places: the concrete canyons of Manhattan, the smell of the mills, the steel and all the bad things. Each place had treasures to explore and people I met and loved. It's not the place you live; it is how you enjoy the best of what you have. By Michael T. Smith --- ...So true! Thanks Fran! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _/\_ .' ) )`'. _/\_ /./`""` \.\.' ) )`'. |:| : |: |/.'`""`\. \ \'| .|. :|: |: |. | '.___:_.'\'. |. | / jgs '._:_/_.' >Live A Life That Matters Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won't matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end. It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant. So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured? What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave. What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence, but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters. - Author Unknown -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >A SIMPLE SMILE By: Joseph J. Mazzella I went in to take a shower the other evening after a long and busy day. I glanced at myself in the mirror before getting in the shower and noticed a long, frowning face staring back at me. The furrowed brow and down turned lips made it seem older than my thirty seven years on this Earth would suggest. I felt even more tired looking at myself like that, so I decided to try a little experiment: I smiled. The effect was amazing. Almost instantly a bunch of wrinkles appeared around my eyes and in my cheeks, but instead of making me look older they made me look young, happy, alive, and energetic. The furrowed brow above my eyes disappeared and my eyes sparkled with a new light. I felt vital, joyous, and full of love and oneness with God once again. I was no longer tired and I even sang in the shower. And it was all due to a simple smile. The great psychologist William James wrote that we do smile because we are happy, but rather we are happy because we smile. This is so true. God loves us so much and wants us to be happy, full of love, and joyous in our lives. God, however, will not force us to do what we don't want to do. If we want to be happy we have to smile and choose happiness everyday. If we want to be full of love we have to invite God's love into our hearts and souls and then share it with others. If we want to be joyous in our lives then we have to find the joy within ourselves and then give it to the world. Take responsibility for your life then. Choose your happiness, share your love, and give your joy to others today. Know that joy begets more joy, love begets more love, and smiles beget more smiles. We are all journeying down the same road in this life, so why don't we make the trip with a loving heart, a joyous soul, and a smiling face. -<>- ,==. \\// .-~~-. ,",-""-.". | | | | | | .-"| |. ". `,",-" ,'.". `| |_,-' | | | | | | hjw ". `-._,-' ." `-.___,-' >THE WEDDING RING By Chris Geary Two days after our wedding, we arrived at our honeymoon spot -- cottages on the northern California coastline with their own private beach. We went down the cliff path to the beach and tossed a Frisbee back and forth for a while, but since it was late in the day, my wife asked if we could go back and make ourselves some dinner. Towards the end of dinner my wife took a look at my left hand and asked, "Where's your wedding ring?" It was gone and I felt that wave of emotion go up and down my body. "It must have come off when we were throwing the Frisbee." We hurried down to the beach. As soon as we got to the beach we had our little prayer meeting: "God, please help us to find the ring." We knew exactly where we had been and got to work. We divided the whole area into squares and began our systematic search. Soon it was too dark to continue, so we went back to our cottage deflated. Next morning we rose early and continued our search, but didn't find the ring. Needless to say, my wife was very unhappy, and I encouraged her to forget about it and try to enjoy our trip. We spent the next three days on various activities, and on the fourth day I suggested we go back down to the beach. As we climbed down the stairs I could tell my wife was intending to start searching again. I told her to let go of it, she said no way. As soon as we got to the beach, she started searching again, but something happened to the beach since we were last there. A high tide had completely washed over the whole beach and, right where we had been throwing the Frisbee, someone had been spinning circles in the sand with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. I told my wife it was hopeless. She ignored me and went down by the waters edge to search. I sat down cross-legged on the beach and cried out to God several times: "Please help her to face reality." As I said that the last time, I bowed my head and there, up on top of a mound of sand, right between my legs, was my ring. I remember crying out loud "LORD, forgive me" as I flung myself down on the sand. My wife came running over, having no idea what was wrong, and when she found out, we both praised our GOD. We wrote the whole story in the sand so everyone going there that day would see that GOD really does answer prayer. -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >Alphabets Of HAPPINESS A--Accept Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions. B--Break Away Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life. C--Create Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with. D--Decide Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things all find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way. E--Explore Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself. F--Forgive Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes. G--Grow Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way. H--Hope Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task. I--Ignore Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds. J--Journey Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open- minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow. K--Know Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter. L--Love Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart there's room for endless happiness. M--Manage Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life. N--Notice Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding. O--Open Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for. P--Play Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness. Q--Question Ask many questions, because you're here to learn. R--Relax Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end. S--Share Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over. T--Try Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish. U--Use Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards. V--Value Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well. W--Work Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance. X--X-Ray Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within. Y--Yield Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road. Z--Zoom Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities,your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Incredible Wildlife Photos 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wildlife2.html Pumpkin Cookies W/Cream Cheese Frosting http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/easy.html Give Praise http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/praise.html Ohio Indians http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ohioindians.html Rich VS Poor http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/richvspoor.html Seven Wonders Of The World http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/wonders.html That's God http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html True Heroes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trueheroes.html Love Stories http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lovestories.html Short Life Stories http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifestories.html Value What You Have http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuewyh.html More Abundant Life http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abundantlife.html Yummy DESSERTS http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Thanksgiving Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_p-t.html Thanks and Thank You Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_u-z.html Fall/Vets/Thanksgiving Index! https://tinyurl.com/y4xyz2w8 -<>- Jesus Christ Our Approach Offering https://tinyurl.com/rffokpo Can we really “know” God? https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/can-we-really-know-god Spiritual Warfare – The Battle Within https://tinyurl.com/s3jhs5z Manhattan Declaration Digest - Trump weighs conditioning foreign aid on religious freedom https://tinyurl.com/w8uej3c -<>- >In The News: Veterans to receive access to commissary/PX, Free premium LinkedIn, Your VA health records on iPhone https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/26c0746 Westwing News: When the Villain is Obama, Not Trump, News Suddenly Becomes Not Worth Reporting “So the United States has ‘the world’s highest rate of children in detention.’ Is this worth reporting? Maybe, maybe not. Nevertheless, Agence France-Presse, or AFP, and Reuters did report it, attributing the information to a ‘United Nations study’ on migrant children detained at the US-Mexico border,” Kyle Smith writes for the New York Post. “Then the two agencies retracted the story.” Why? “Sheepishly, the two news organizations explained that, you see, the UN data was from 2015.” Why does that matter? “We all know who the president was in 2015,” Smith writes. Think about that: “The story was removed. Not updated or corrected, removed.” How else does the media manipulate the news to their liking? Smith exposes all the tricks. https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: NEW poll today: The more Americans see, the more they oppose impeachment If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with all the noise surrounding House Democrats’ ever-changing impeachment saga, you’re not alone. Democrats themselves are having a tough time keeping their stories straight lately. https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Snacks, Sausage, Beef, Poultry, Microwaves http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: Metal and Plastic Found in Cheese Products http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) This cute film contains a number of rather sneaky animals ... https://youtu.be/gpmCufQPTSs --- ...Teehee! Thanks LouiseAu! Talk a walk back in time as the Statler Brothers sing "Do You Remember These" in this nostalgic music video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puGQsQux80k --- ...Wow - Super! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) __..--. } ,/'.'--. .''_x<"| `\, / /\`,\_.`=.__} / / `"" `"' / / _....: ; .-"".---._.-""" { `r-. {`---...__.-""`. `.(),`. `--.___.' / '=` \ .-"""--.._.-"" ; /.' | | _.`-._ | ; .' `:-..___.. | `" | `-._ _ ; : `""" ; \ ; \ ; __ \ `. ; .'` `"|=. : ; :o L ;`; .' `.|/ : __..._.| |/: ; ,__ \` - :\ : | }\ `. `""--.._J{@/, '}'| ; ;/' `j-..------.7__ ' ; \ /_ `._ _...-' __.-'\ : ;-. `""""-._ `""__..--" `. ` \ fsc `""" `---" >CHILDREN'S LETTERS TO GOD Dear GOD, I read the Bible. What does begat mean? Nobody will tell me. Love, Alison Dear GOD, Did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident? -Norma Dear GOD, I want to be just like my Daddy when I get big but not with so much hair all over. -Sam Dear GOD, Who draws the lines around the countries? -Nan Dear GOD, Did you really mean "do unto others as they do unto you"? Because if you did, then I'm going to fix my brother. -Darla Dear GOD, It rained for our whole vacation and is my father mad! He said some things about You that people are not supposed to say, but I hope You will not hurt him anyway. Your friend (But I am not going to tell you who I am) Dear GOD, Why is Sunday school on Sunday? I thought it was supposed to be our day of rest. -Tom L. Dear GOD, Please send me a pony. I never asked for anything before, You can look it up. -Bruce Dear GOD, You don't have to worry about me. I always look both ways. -Dean Dear GOD, Of all the people who work for You I like Noah and David the best. -Rob Dear GOD, My brother told me about being born but it doesn't sound right. They're just kidding, aren't they? -Marsha Dear GOD, I would like to live 900 years like the guy in the Bible. Love, Chris Dear GOD, I didn't think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset you made on Tuesday. That was cool! -Eugene --- ...Aww, so cute! Thanks LouiseAu! Reminds me of this one... Notes To God - (sound on) http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cnotes.html ========================================================== ____ _.' : `._ .-.'`. ; .'`.-. __ / : ___\ ; /___ ; \ __ ,'_ ""--.:__;".-.";: :".-.":__;.--"" _`, :' `.t""--.. '<@.`;_ ',@>` ..--""j.' `; `:-.._J '-.-'L__ `-- ' L_..-;' "-.__ ; .-" "-. : __.-" L ' /.------.\ ' J "-. "--" .-" __.l"-:_JL_;-";.__ .-j/'.; ;"""" / .'\"-. .' /:`. "-.: .-" .'; `. .-" / ; "-. "-..-" .-" : "-. .+"-. : : "-.__.-" ;-._ \ ; \ `.; ; : : "+. ; : ; ; ; : ; : \: : `."-; ; ; : ; ,/; ; -: ; : ; : .-"' : :\ \ : ; : \.-" : ;`. \ ; : ;.'_..-- / ; : "-. "-: ; :/." .' : \ .-`.\ /t-"" ":-+. : `. .-" `l __/ /`. : ; ; \ ; \ .-" .-"-.-" .' .'j \ / ;/ \ / .-" /. .'.' ;_:' ; :-""-.`./-.' / `.___.' \ `t ._ / bug :F_P: "-.t-._:' >Choosing Kindness Over Profit Story Editor: by Tom Magliery Joyce Schowalter British Columbia, Canada Wow! "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" was out! Shortly after it launched, five of us guys decided to drive an hour north of Champaign, Illinois, to see the movie in Hoopeston, population 6000ish. Why drive so far? The Lorraine Theatres had a widespread reputation as having the best sound system anywhere in central Illinois. We caravanned in two cars, headed to a 4:30 p.m. showing. It was a beautiful day in May, 1999, with clear blue skies -- a great day for a drive. We found the theatre, a stand-alone building on a small-town main street. Arriving at 4:20 p.m., we pulled up and parked in the angle parking across the street from the theatre. We wondered, hey, shouldn't there be some other cars parked here on the street already? There weren't any, but we thought maybe the matinee business was slowing down since the movie had been out for a couple weeks. Crossing the street, we found the ticket window empty and the front doors locked. Uh-oh. Just as we finished trying the doors, out came the owner of the theatre, a fellow in his 40s with light brown hair, glasses and a beard. He told us that the theatre had stopped their 4:30 showing three days before. Someone mumbled something about the web page, and he said that he hadn't had a chance to update it yet, because his laptop was in for repairs. He asked us where we had come from, and we told him. After another minute or two of small talk I said (half joking, half hopeful), "So you wanna show it anyway?" He looked at his watch, thought a bit... then said, "OK, sure," and showed the movie to just the five of us! We paid him the regular price, and he even let us buy pop and snacks from the concession stand, although it was lucky that we managed to find correct change for everything because he couldn't get into the cash register. It struck me that the theatre owner could just as well have said "Tough luck, fellas", wished us a pleasant drive, and sent us on our way back home. It would have been perfectly reasonable for him to do that. Instead he chose to open his business, start up his equipment, and show us the film we'd driven so far to see. I've no idea of the operating costs of running a projector and a full-scale movie theatre for a showing of a film. But I'd be surprised if the profit margin of five tickets and a few candy bars and sodas would be enough to cover it. I've always remembered this experience because we were treated so kindly by a total stranger. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: . . . . ,-,--. __| //``-, \ \_`\ )\a-a-? \ \ \_`(_=_/_-`__ \__, , \| | _ _,' ___7 ) | (_)(_`__(_,---' | ( _( ) | / /_| |________| __/__/__|__|_________) _________(__,_|)/ (__)|/____\(_______________ mic >If Jesus Came Back Today... (Author Unknown) Would you have to change your clothes Before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put The Bible where they'd been? Would you hide your worldly music And put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, Or would you rush about? And I wonder...if the Savior Spent a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing The things you always do? Would you go right on saying The things you always say? Or would life for you continue As it does from day to day? Would you take Jesus with you Everywhere you go? Or would you maybe change your Plans for just a day or so? Would you be glad to have Him Meet your closest friends? Or would you hope they stay away Until His visit ends? Would you be glad to have Him Stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief When he at last was gone? It might be interesting to know, The things that you would do, If Jesus came in person, To spend some time with you. ---- The reality is that Jesus is always with us and He sees ALL! He sees everything that we do! --- ...Check out this teaching to better understand just how much God Loves you... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' This Time It’s Personal https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/this-time-its-personal -<>- Mother Teresa was once asked, "How do you measure the success of your work?" She thought about the question and gave her interviewer a puzzled look, and said, "I don't remember that the Lord ever spoke of success. He spoke only of faithfulness in love. This is the only success that really counts." , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Parable in Action: The Good Samaritan (Author Unknown) Tim Hansel tells of a seminary professor who set up his preaching class in an unusual way. He scheduled his students to preach on The Good Samaritan. One by one they were to go from classroom to classroom, preaching love and compassion for others. Some students had 10 minutes between classes, but others had less time, which forced them to rush in order to meet the schedule. Each of the students had to walk down a certain corridor and pass by a "beggar" who had been deliberately "planted" there by the professor. What happened was a powerful lesson! The number of would-be-preachers who stopped to help this man was extremely low, especially those who were under the pressure of time! Rushing to preach their sermon on The Good Samaritan, they all walked right past the beggar at the heart of the parable! Today I read again these words: "I was hungry and you formed a humanities club to discuss it. I was imprisoned, but you just complained about the crime rate. I was naked, and you debated the morality of my appearance. I was sick and you thanked God for your health. I was homeless and you preached to me about the shelter of God's love while neglecting my practical needs. You seem so holy and so close to God; but I'm still hungry, lonely, cold and in pain. Does it matter?" 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 ========================================================== ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >-->Beauty of Our Friendship Friendship is a Priceless Gift that cannot be bought or sold, But its value is far greater than a mountain made of Gold. For gold is cold and lifeless, it can neither see nor hear And in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer-- it has no ears to listen Nor heart to understand, It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand So when you ask God for a gift be thankful if HE sends not diamonds, pearls or riches But The Love of Real True Friends. -Helen Steiner-Rice >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ********************************************************************** >TO SUBSCRIBE:Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com **********************************************************************