Happy Easter Weekend ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ ,`. ,'` | _.-. ,` | ,',' / : | ,',' ; \ : / / / \ `.' ( ,' ,'' _ `. ,' (o_) `\ . (,.) _.-- : -..`/( .-'_..- `| .-'\,`. `-._ ; `._ /__ ,':)-.._ _.(:::`. |'\ / /`:::| ,' \ : : : `:| / : | | | \ : | | : :..---.: | | ; ,`._`-.|_ `. | |' ,'._ `. `. |_\ | : /`-. `. `. `. : : \ : __ `. `. `. \ ; \ \ |. / `. \ \ / |\ `..: `. __ \ \ / ' ` .:::::\ `. / \ \,' .::::::::::-..'_..-' SSt *~* WE NEED 2009 CARING AND SHARING ANGELS *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2009 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ __ .. | | .................... | ..................... : |_| _ _ _ |_ _ |_ _ ,__ : : | | / | | \ | \ / | | / | /\ | / ) | ` : : | | \_|_|_/_|_/_\_| ___ |__ \_|_/ /_|_\/_/| : : | | |.'()o`. : : | | .|O o _()`. : : /_) o (_) o \ : : /o () o_ O(_\ : : .--._O o (_) O _.--. : : /`--._`-.O () o.-'_.--'\ : : .-=-. `-.\.==./.-' _| : : .' \_ ~-') (`-~ .-~-. : : __.| p )_\ _.--/`=='\--._ _/ `. : :_.-'' /--'()o/ | `.O /_( q |.__ : <`' ..._ <' \O o/ | `o/ \ ``-._: `._ .-' `. | `o/ |\ ` `> _... `^> ; `. .-' / / .-. |o\ ___:.| .' `~. _,' :\ `~~' _.' /,' `-`.|-'\ | \ `-. ,' ;: :.`"..."'% _ ..................\|.......`. `~~' /.: \__ |`. _ 7`"..."' /`. ,'| __/ ,'\ hjw ============================================================= >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) Tomorrow is Good Friday. A day most often then not that will be dark and rainy that goes along with my mood. I normally wear black. This is the day they tortured, humiliated and crucified my Lord. It is a day I am sober and sad. I do not like to think of my loved ones being murdered and just because this was his choice and He died so all may live through him, does not make me any more happy about the thought of it. I feel like Mary and many of those closest to him must of felt. Sad. Come Monday when it was His day to Triumph Over The Evil, I shall be extremely elated and happy again. :) -<>- Thanks to a link from our friend Wesley, I finally got up enough courage to try a new browser, Firefox. My old Netscape Browser was getting so it was having difficulty keeping up with things. Not everything would display right and often it would have to shut down due to some illegal thing being done. I knew it was getting close. It was 'getting old', yet I couldn't upgrade it any more as Netscape no longer had it available. I've used the Netscape browser all my internet life. I'm totally used to the way it acts and feels and I'm just comfortable with it. The difference to me between using IE and Netscape was like the difference between an economy compact car and a luxury car. Both get you to where you want to go, but you get spoiled with all the extras with the luxury car. I'd have a hard time adjusting to IE if I had to use it all the time. The browser of choice to replace Netscape is Firefox. I knew this, but as with anything, I get set in my ways and not wanting to have to go about re-learning a bunch of things just so I can efficiently do all the same stuff I've been doing for years was not something I was looking forward to! Thinking I had to do this was not an easy step for me. But there it was in a link from the link Wesley sent me. I didn't know they had email too! I just had to try it. [If it worked, I may get up enough courage to replace my Netscape email with it. I use the email for everything!] So I did. And Wow. It was great. In no time at all it said it was done! It looked just like my old Netscape so I felt comfortable with it. I just had to set up my own Personal Bookmark toolbar and Stumbleupon and set some options. How awesome! Now I am learning it is like a 'deluxe' luxury car! It has lots of options and cool addons for it! It's like candyland! If you too want to be brave, give it a shot! Here is the link I got mine off of from within Wesley's link... Email Stripper http://www.papercut.com/emailStripper.htm --- ...Thank You Wesley!! You Do Us Good! -<>- >-->Hot Off Of The 'Shangy' List: When I saw this one from our our friend Viv, it reminded me of the Easter Parade play I was in in Middle School. We all made up fancy dancy hats to show off for the song 'Easter Parade'. Since we are close to Easter, I decided to work it up into a new page for us. Check out this cute one... * v \ _ ('_. ( )( ) (\ )) - a:f Extreme Poodle Makeover http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poodlemakeover.html --- ...I loved this! Thanks Viv! -<>- .-------. |(~\o/~)| _.||\/X\/||._ ,-" || \ / || "-, ,' () ||o X o|| () ', / () ,-|| / \ ||-, () \ : o ,' ||/\X/\|| ', o ; .----------._)~ ~(_.----------. |\/)~~(\/\ (~\ /~) /\/)~~(\/| |(X () X) >o >-X-< o< (X () X)| |/\)__(/\/ _(_/|\_)_ \/\)__(/\| '----------' ) ( '----------' ; o ', ||\/~\/|| ,' o ; \ () '-|| \o/ ||-' () / ', () |(~\X/~)| () ,' '-._ ||\/ \/|| _.-' '|| \_/ ||' || X || ||\(/\/|| ||=)O(=|| ||/\/)\|| || X || || / \ || ||/\X/\|| jgs |(_/o\_)| '._____.' >-->Be Sure To Visit These For Your Easter Celebration: Easter Joy http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/easterjoy.html The Bible http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thebible.html Bailey's Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html Directions To Father's House http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/home.html Holy Alphabet http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/holyalpha.html Mystery Revealed http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/mysteryrevealed.html Four Crucified With Christ http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/fourcrucifiedwithchrist.html Who Is This Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/whoisjesus.html Good Easter http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/easter.html The Lamb Of God http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/lamb.html A Walk With Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/walk.html The Day Of Pentecost http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/dayofpentecost.html Hope Of The Return http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/hopeofthereturn.html -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >From Our Friends At CES: Hello and God bless you! We thought you might be blessed to read and share a research article about the Easter festival. It is located at: The History Behind the Easter Festival http://tinyurl.com/cpntq6 Also, we have an entire topic dedicated to the Resurrection located at: http://tinyurl.com/cvzl25 Some of the articles you will find there are: The Resurrection Appearances of Jesus Christ (chronological order) 23 Arguments for the Historical Validity of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Two Video Teachings on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Hebrews 1:5, 6 - Today I Have Become Your Father Enjoy! The Home Office Staff Spirit & Truth Fellowship International www.STFonline.org -<>- >From Our Friend Wesley :) He Is Risen! http://www.gieson.com/Library/projects/animations/risen/index.html --- ...One of my all time favorites! Thanks Wesley! -<>- >And From Our Friend James :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' TRIBUTE TO THE BIBLE http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/TRIBUTETOTHEBIBLE.HTML --- ...Thank You James! -<>- >From Our Friend Jo Ann :) I think you'll find this as amazing as I did. This is definitely a benefit of the latest technology we enjoy these days, and one I could never have even imagined. I hope you'll enjoy having so much at your fingertips. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' The Bible on One page http://www.jrsbible.info/bible.htm --- ...Yes, Pretty Cool Jo Ann! Thank You! I especially like this one for my bible study as I can search text and find what I am looking for pretty easily: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' The Bible KJV Old and New Testaments, http://etext.virginia.edu/kjv.browse.html , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' AND My Newest Fav for the New Testament Bible Study is: http://www.stfonline.org/resources/rev.html -<>- >From LynnLynn's Links: Melva/Lamb of God http://www.silverandgoldandthee.com/Insp/LambOfGod.html Rick W/ I Dreamed I Stood At Calvary (Easter) http://www.wtv-zone.com/Cruise_2000/rick/DreamedCalvery.html Carol w/Love You Like It's My Last http://www.carolspoetry.com/itlast.html Melva/The Fathers Will http://www.silverandgoldandthee.com/Insp/TheFathersWill.html Rick w/ Easter Blessings http://www.wtv-zone.com/Cruise_2000/rick/EasterBlessings.html Judy w/ Conspiracy http://frommyheart2u.com/misc/conspiracy Always Remember http://www.reflectionsofsouthbreeze.com/Pages/AlwaysRemember.htm If I Die Before You Wake http://www.buffaloschips.com/070202.htm If You haven't joined LynnLynn's mailing List yet, send a blank e-mail to LynnLynns-links-subscribe@Yahoogroups.com ============================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: MMMMm MMMMMMMMMMM mMMMMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMM mMMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMMM mMMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMMM mMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMMM mMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMM mMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMM mMMMMMm MMMMMMMM 0 mMMMMMm MMMMM mMMMMMm o@@@o mmm MMMMM mMMMm MMMMM o@@@@@@o mmmmmMMMMM mMMMm MMM mMMMm o@@@@@@@@@oMMMMMMMMMMMMM @oo MMM mMm MMM o@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ooMMMMMMMMM @@@@o mMm M mMm o@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@oooMMMM @@@@@@@@o MhhhHHHHHHHHhhhM o@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@oo @@@@@@@@@o hhHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhh oo@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@oo hHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh oo@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@ooHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHoo@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ooHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHoo@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ooHHHHHHHHHoo@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@Chad Lemon@@@@@@@@ >SUNRISE SERVICE by Pamela Perry Blaine It was dark outside as we woke up and began getting ready for church. It was exciting to get up on Easter because we were going to sunrise service. After I was ready to go, I peeked into the kitchen and there were the four coffee cups on the kitchen table awaiting our return. Each cup had a different color of liquid in it. There was red, green, yellow and blue. In a pan next to the coffee cups were the eggs that Mama had boiled the night before. It was Easter morning and part of the fun for the day was to color eggs. Mama made up her own colors with water, vinegar, and food coloring. We used a waxy crayon to write names or designs on the eggs because the dye wouldn't stick where the wax was marked on the eggs. We attended church regularly from the time that I could remember but Easter Sunday was different. There was something special about getting up before the sunrise. The air was crisp and as the sky slowly became a little lighter, the birds began to chirp as if to announce the forthcoming sunrise. We made our way down the gravel road to the church that was only a block from our house. As we walked, I could hear the gravel crunching beneath my feet and I tried to walk ever so carefully so I wouldn't get dust or marks on my new white shoes that I thought were almost too pretty to wear. I was excited to get to church because my cousin, Suzanne, and I had a part in the Easter program. We had a duet to sing together. We had rehearsed the program many times and we wanted to do our best. There were more people than usual on Easter Sunday. There was an atmosphere of expectancy as people were seated and the music began to play. Suzanne and I took our places on the piano side of the church on the front pew. The pastor spoke a few words of welcome and then the program began. The choir sang In the Garden, The Old Rugged Cross and There Is a Fountain as narration was interspersed between songs. Everything was going just as we had practiced and then the moment came -- it was the scripture that was our cue, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. When he had said this, he breathed his last." As soon as the scripture was finished Suzanne and I began to sing the old spiritual, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? And I knew in my heart, even as a child, that in some mysterious way, I was there and that the Lord paid a debt He did not owe because I owed a debt I couldn't pay. When our duet ended, the narrator began reading the words, "And the angel answered and said unto the women, 'Fear not ye, for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen, as He said.'" At the very moment that the narration ended, the choir broke into the joyful song, Christ the Lord is Risen today, Al-le-lu-ia! Afterward, everyone began filing out of the church to leave and as I looked up I saw that the sun had risen as it streamed through the front door. I remember running down the gravel road toward home after that sunrise service. In my excitement, I had forgotten all about being careful not to mess up my new white shoes. I wondered if the women that found the empty tomb thought about their shoes. Then I wondered what became of the no longer needed spices that they had carried to the tomb. I guessed the women probably forgot all about them because how can you think about your shoes or spices when you have just seen an earthquake, an empty tomb, and a powerful angel saying, "He is risen!" The program was over but Easter continued on that day. I went home to color Easter eggs with my brother and take turns hiding them and finding them. That was the year that Mama drew a picture of the cross and the empty tomb in the icing on a cake. She rarely had time for things like that but it was a special day -- it was Easter and the message that filled our thoughts was, "He is risen!" This Easter I will again attend sunrise service. It is an awesome thought to know that the same God who created the sunrise loves us and wants to live in our hearts. May the SON rise in your heart this Easter. -- Pamela Perry Blaine ______________________________________________ Pamela lives in Missouri and writes "Pam's Corner" for her local newspaper. She is church pianist and has a CD of songs she has written. Her goal is to write to encourage and to preserve family history for her children. You can visit her website here: http://www.blaines.us/PamyPlace.htm ==================================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: ,-'"-, ('; ; .) , helloooo . ; '-' Phil >WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING FOR I remember reading a story once about a wealthy businessman who over the years of his travels had formed a friendship with a Native American. This pair in spite of their differences remained close and after many years the businessman finally convinced his friend to visit him in the city where he lived. As they were walking down the busy streets full of noise, traffic, and people the Native American suddenly stopped, walked into an alley, and bent down over a small plant growing there. His friend followed him and found him listening to a tiny cricket chirping. Amazed, the businessman asked him how he had ever heard that little sound among the deafening noise of the city. The Native American just smiled and said, "What you hear is what you listen for." As they walked back to the street the Native American took a handful of coins out of his pocket and dropped them on the pavement. The businessman smiled as he saw a dozen heads turn towards the sound. He realized what his friend had meant. What are you listening for in this life? Are you listening for the latest lottery numbers to be announced or are you listening for the sweet songs of the birds in the morning? Are you listening for the newest gossip people are saying or are you listening for the happy sound of your children’s laughter? Are you listening for the shouting voices of anger and hatred in this world that try to fill our ears and hearts with their poison? Or are you listening for the gentle voice of God whispering to you: "I love you My Child. Come work with Me and we will shower the world with love and joy together."? Either way what you listen for is what you will hear. Open your ears, mind, heart, and soul then. Listen with them for all this world’s joys. Listen with them for the loving voice of God within you. Listen with them and delight in the glorious music that is life. -Joseph J. Mazzella -<>- >THE HITCHHIKER By: Joseph J. Mazzella It was the middle of Winter and I was just getting out of a training for my job. The drive home was 25 miles and I needed to get on the road quick so I could get back in time to pick up my sons from school. I pulled my coat on and headed out to my car. The temperatures were below freezing, the snow was steadily falling, and the wind felt like a punch in the face. I hurried into my car and pulled out. I had only been driving a few minutes, though, when I saw him. He was dressed in an old, thin coat. His long hair and grey bread looked frosted from the air. In one hand he held 3 grocery bags. The other hand was up, hitchhiking in the swirling snowstorm. I don’t usually pick up hitchhikers because with 3 grown kids and one small car there usually isn’t room. This time, however, I pulled over fast and opened the door for the shivering man. He wasn’t headed to the same town I was but I agreed to give him a ride halfway home. For the next 12 miles then we rode and talked. It was one of the most enjoyable and enlightening conversations I’d had in a long time. We talked of education, money, my children, the kindness of strangers, and even touched on spirituality. My passenger was a retired school teacher living on a fixed income, but he didn’t let having little money and no car keep him from experiencing life to the fullest. In fact, only one of his 3 bags had actual groceries. Another was full of books and the third carried a new plant for his home. He reminded me again that appearances can be deceiving and that the brightest souls often come in disguise. I felt sorry for all the other drivers who passed by this fine man. They missed out on a great talk full of wisdom and joy. They missed out on meeting a shining soul still sharing his light. They chose fear and lost. May you always choose love instead. May you help your neighbor whenever you can. And may you treat everyone you meet as God in disguise. -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >An interesting Crucifixion Story by Ernest Borgnine: Back in 1975, I was offered a part in the film Jesus of Nazareth, which through the years has been shown at Easter time on NBC. Our cast, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, included Anne Bancroft as Mary Magdalene and Olivia Hussey as Mary, mother of Jesus. I played the part of the centurion who was present at the Crucifixion, the one whose servant had been healed by Jesus. Much of the film was shot in Tunisia on the Mediterranean during January and February of 1976. A cold, damp wind continually knocked over floodlights and stung us with desert sand. I was uncomfortable in my thick leather uniform. My neck ached under a ponderous metal helmet, and I even began to pity those ancient Roman soldiers who were called centurions because they commanded a hundred men. When it came time for my scene during the crucifixion, the weather was chilly and gray. The camera was to be focused on me at the foot of the cross, and so it was not necessary for Robert Powell, the actor who portrayed Jesus, to be there. Instead, Zeffirelli put a chalk mark on a piece of scenery beside the cameraman. "I want you to look up at the mark," he told me, "as if you were looking at Jesus." "Okay," I said, moving into position and looking up at the mark as instructed. "Ready?" I hesitated. Somehow I wasn't ready. I was uneasy. "Do you think it would be possible for somebody to read from the Bible the words Jesus said as He hung on the cross?" I asked. I knew the words well from the days of my childhood in an Italian-American family in Connecticut , and I'd read them in preparation for the film Even so, I wanted to hear them now. "I will do it myself," Zefferelli said. He found a Bible, opened it to the Book of Luke, and signaled for the camera to start rolling. As Zeffirelli began reading Christ's words aloud, I stared up at that chalk mark, thinking what might have gone through the centurion's mind. That poor man up there, I thought. I met him when He healed my servant, who is like a son to me. Jesus says He is the Son of God, an unfortunate claim during these perilous times. But I know He is innocent of any crime. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The voice was Zefferlli's, but the words burned into me -- the words of Jesus (Luke 23:34-46). Forgive me, Father, for even being here, was the centurion's prayer that formed in my thoughts. I am so ashamed, so ashamed. Verily I say unto thee today, shalt thou be with me in paradise," said Jesus to the thief hanging next to him. If Jesus can forgive that criminal, then He will forgive me, I thought. I will lay down my sword and retire to my little farm outside of Rome . Then it happened. As I stared upward, instead of the chalk mark, I suddenly saw the face of Jesus Christ, lifelike and clear. It was not the features of Robert Powell I was used to seeing, but the most beautiful, gentle visage I have ever known. Pain-seared, sweat-stained, with blood flowing down from thorns pressed deep, His face was still filled with compassion. He looked down at me through tragic, sorrowful eyes with an expression of love beyond description. Then His cry rose against the desert wind. Not the voice of Zeffirelli, reading from the Bible, But the voice of Jesus Himself: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." In awe, I watched Jesus' head slump to one side. I knew He was dead. A terrible grief welled within me, and completely oblivious of the camera, I started sobbing uncontrollably. "Cut!" yelled Zeffirelli. Oliva Husey and Anne Bancroft were crying too. I wiped my eyes and looked up again to where I had seen Jesus. He was gone. Whether I saw a vision of Jesus that windswept day or whether it was only something in my mind, I do not know. It doesn't matter. For I do know that it was a profound spiritual experience and that I have not been quite the same person since. I believe that I take my faith more seriously. I like to think that I'm more forgiving than I used to be. As that centurion learned two thousand years ago, I too have found that you simply cannot come close to Jesus without being changed. From Guideposts Magazine -<>- Links for Your Enjoyment Water Bill http://www.buffaloschips.com/61619.htm Why Women Hate Sports http://www.buffaloschips.com/61620.htm Wife http://www.buffaloschips.com/61621.htm Wing of Angel http://www.buffaloschips.com/61622.htm Wish http://www.buffaloschips.com/61623.htm Xmas Lights http://www.buffaloschips.com/61624.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ============================================================ >Finding the Courage to Fly Story Editor: by Annie Stephanski Joyce Schowalter California, USA My sister and her family live on the east coast and we rarely get to see one another. During one telephone call in 2002, I mentioned that I might fly to see them during their Spring Break. But after the call, I changed my mind. I had a tiny nursing baby and a potty-training toddler, and my husband wouldn't be able to fly with us due to his work schedule. There was no way -- especially with tighter air travel rules after the September 11 attack -- that I could get my children and all of our gear onto and off of an airplane. However, my sister and her gang were so excited at the prospect of our visit, they cried the next time we were on the telephone together. Then I thought of my HeroicStories newsletters, and of all the kind people out there in the world, and I decided to go ahead and fly, hoping that I'd have good luck. Many people made our trip easier. When the officer at the metal detectors saw the two children, a double stroller, a car seat and me, he told my husband that he could get a pass to help us through security and to our gate. The airline personnel also took one look at us and wrote the pass that allowed my husband to help us through. We had no idea that this was possible, since now you must show a boarding pass to get through the checkpoint. We had assumed I'd be on my own. Once down the jetway, a flight attendant saw us and was instantly upon us. She took my toddler by the hand, lifted the car seat with her other hand, and saw them both to our seats. While I was folding the stroller, two other passengers offered to help. Our seatmate, Raina, was an angel. She colored pictures with my toddler, shared her tray table with us, and held the baby while I made restroom breaks. She was helpful and kind beyond all that I'd hoped. She even carried the car seat off the plane for me when we landed. As luck would have it, once we were on the ground my 2-year-old fell deep asleep and could not be roused. The lady across the aisle carried my sleeping toddler off the plane and placed her in the stroller for me. Of course, my sister and her children were there to meet us with hugs and kisses. It was a wonderful visit for us all. Without the assistance of these sympathetic strangers I don't know how I would have managed. I had visions of all three of us, myself and my two little ones, curled up and sobbing in our seats. That didn't happen because people were willing to help. Thank you to all of them, and thanks to HeroicStories for making me think it was possible to find compassionate strangers on my journey. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From CupO'Cheer: ,-~~-.___. / | ' \ It was a dark and stormy night.... ( ) 0 \_/-, ,----' ==== // / \-'~; /~~~(O) / __/~| / | =( _____| (_________| W< >LETTER IN THE NIGHT Author Unknown This is pretty deep and definitely worth reading! You just can't keep it to yourself, you've got to tell somebody about the love of God! Be blessed! One day a woman named Louise fell asleep in her bed and dreamed a very fitful dream. She dreamed that someone in Hell wrote a letter to her, and it was to be delivered to her by a messenger. The messenger passed between the lakes of burning fire and brimstone that occupies Hell and found his way to the door that would lead him to the outside world. Louise dreamed that the messenger walked to her house, came inside, and gently but firmly woke Louise. He gave her the message, saying only that a friend had written it to her from Hell. Louise, in her dream with trembling hands, took the letter and read: My Friend, I stand in Judgment now, And feel that you're to blame somehow. Never did you point the way. You knew the Lord in truth and glory, But never did you tell the story. My knowledge then was very dim; You could have led me safe to Him. Though we lived together on the earth, You never told me of the second birth, And now I stand this day condemned, Because you failed to mention Him. You taught me many things, that's true. I called you "friend" and trusted you, But I learn now that it's too late, You could have kept me from this fate. We walked by day and talked by night, And yet you showed me not the Light. You let me live, and love, and die, You knew I'd never live on high. Yes, I called you "friend" in life, And trusted you through joy and strife. And yet on coming to the end, I cannot, now, call you "My Friend." Marsha After reading the letter, Louise awoke. The dream was still so real in her mind and sweat dropped from her body in pools. She swore she could still smell the acrid smell of brimstone and smoke from her room. As she contemplated the meaning of her dream, she realized that as a Christian, she had failed in her duty to "go out to all the world and preach the gospel." As she thought of that, she promised herself that the next day, she would call Marsha and invite her to church with her. The next morning she called Marsha, and this was the conversation: "Hello Bill, is Marsha there?" "Louise, you don't know?" "No, Bill, know what?" "Marsha WAS KILLED LAST NIGHT IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I thought you knew." Fellow Christian, is this your testimony? Are you witnessing to your friends that you are with everyday? Or will there be friends of yours in Hell, asking you why you did not tell them about JESUS? As your friend. . . If you don't know Jesus, here's how: If you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 - 10) If you have not done so, just pray this prayer: "Dear God, I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is your son and that He died on the cross for my sins. Jesus, forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and become my personal Lord and Savior. In Jesus's name, Amen." PS. If you are a believer - new or old, send this to others and let them know you are a true friend. as seen in Food For Thought To subscribe: subscribe@dailyfoodforthought.org or go to: http://www.dailyfoodforthought.org/ -<>- *\o_ _c/* / * * \ <\ *\o/* /> ) c/* / > *\o <\ /> __o */\ /\* c__ * /> <\ * /\* __o_ _c__ */\ * / * * \ * <\ /> *\c/* ejm97 __)__ >JUST GETTING ALONG? By Jon Walker “Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT) The Bible doesn’t tell us to just get along with other believers. Even the worst of enemies can bury their differences for a short time and be cordial toward one another for a mutual goal or benefit. But God calls us to a higher standard: “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.” (Philippians 2:2 NLT) Our testimonies are validated by how we get along with other believers – that is, how we get along with each other in our congregations, our small groups, our choir rehearsals, our deacon/elder meetings, even our families. Jesus said, “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples — when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:35 MSG) Yet, love doesn’t look very lovable when it’s accompanied by arguments and disputes and constant fighting. This is perhaps the hardest aspect of genuine Christian fellowship – because conflicts arise every time people are thrown together. Even a man and a woman who vow to love one another until separated by death can’t always see eye-to- eye. It’s understandable, then, when a group of people who have nothing in common but Jesus find it difficult to agree with one another all the time. Our ability to get along with other believers simply won’t come from our human efforts, no matter how well inten- tioned, and it won’t come from continual compromises. Here’s the reason why – the church is a body! The Bible calls the church a body of believers, but the funny thing about this body is every organ has a mind of its own. Yet, the human body is ruled by a single mind. And so is the church, where the single mind that rules is Jesus, who is the Head of the church (Colossians 1:18). As with the human body, the desires of each individual organ, in the final analysis, don’t matter. It is only the desires of Jesus that count. What does this mean? Listen to your Head – If the left leg wants to walk and the right leg wants to run, it’s the head that decides what they will do. In the body of Christ, Jesus is the Head. Take your conflicts and disagreements to Jesus – and then do what he tells you to do, even if you don’t agree. Agree on this one thing – We may have differing opinions, but on this one thing we must all agree: the only opinion that matters is the Lord’s. The cure for arguments and disputes that have infected the body is for all the parts – each of us – to submit to the will of Jesus Christ (James 4:7). Question to consider – Has God brought to mind someone with whom you need to work out some differences? Instead of trying to make the other person agree with you, tell God that you will agree with him. If God so leads, tell those on the other side of a conflict or dispute that you are willing to submit to the will of Jesus and encourage them to do the same. Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker. Used by permission. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com ================================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: ___ / \ _\___/_ '->---<-' ( ^ ^ ) \ # / __/'-'\__ / \/'\/ \ / _/ >o \ / > (_o_ <\ \ \_/\_/ | \__\\ \ _ \_/ / \ \_\(_ mb / \ ) \__/ a:f \ / / \\ mic > \ \ \\ __ _/ / \ __ \\ ( \\_____\_____// ) \\ \__`___( )___/__/ \7 >Reasons churches don't ask clown ministries to return: 10.Pesky escaped balloons stuck to the Sanctuary ceiling for weeks after they've gone. 9.That cream pie in the music ministers face wasn't accepted in the fun spirit in which is was offered. 8. They force people to smile during the 8 a.m. service. 7. It's hard to say with dignity, "The sermon today will be given by Brother Umpa-Doody." 6. Whoopee cushions inevitably appear under pew cushions. 5. Sermons take a lot longer when they are presented in pantomime. 4. Many denominations do not recognize seltzer water baptism. 3. Those bottomless trick glasses the clowns snuck in during the communion service. 2. Church Janitors charge extra to get all of the silly string off the Sanctuary ceiling. And the number one reason Churches don't invited Clown Ministries to return...... 1. The kids popping their balloon animals during the closing prayer. == With help from http://jokes.christiansunite.com -<>- _\|/_ /--\ |[]| _] \/ [_ /_ `==' _\ You're looking pretty spiffy today! \\| |// l\ __/j `|-'##| |#||#| |#||#| _|#||#|_ `==" "==` as >Compliment Guys by Patrick D. Odum They were tired of it. Tired of people being grumpy, depressed, and worried. Tired of always worrying about the current economic climate. So Cameron Brown and Brett Westcott decided to do something to bring a little light and joy to their corner of the world — which happens to be Purdue University. They became The Compliment Guys. That's what everyone calls them, anyway. Every Wednesday afternoon from 12:30 to 2:30, Cameron and Brett set up their "Free Compliments" sign near a main walkway outside the chemistry building. Rain, snow, sleet, cold — whatever the weather, The Compliment Guys are "In." For those two hours on Wednesday, they live up to their name. Every person who walks by gets a compliment. To a guy in Purdue sweats they say, "Love your school spirit." To a woman carrying a trendy black bag: "Very nice purse." "It's very large." To the student who ran past them in knee-high leather boots: "I like your hustle." "I like your boots, too." The guys try to be very personal and specific in their compliments, too. "I like your red coat," Westcott says to a woman listening to her iPod. She turned and laughed, which prompted Brown to say, "Very nice smile." Three women leaving biology lab purposely walked by them. "I like your curly hair. Great smile. I like your glasses," the guys said, pointing to each of the women. One Wednesday, they told a professor to enjoy his coffee, thanked the groundskeepers for their hard work and encouraged someone eating an apple to "stay nutritious." While most people react positively, the guys sometimes get ignored, or get nasty looks, or the occasional obscene gesture. They get accused of being there only to pick up girls. (They both have girlfriends.) Some think it's a psychology experiment. But Brett Westcott says their reasons for being The Compliment Guys are pretty straightforward, if not too sophisticated: "Just overall, making people's day is really satisfying. Not enough people do nice things anymore." I don't know about you, but I think The Compliment Guys might be on to something. We're a culture that doesn't take seriously the power of words. Strange, when you think about how many words we speak, process, e-mail, and text every day. Everywhere we look, there are words: on signs, on screens, on forms and petitions, in documents and books, on labels and menus, billboards and bumper stickers. Everywhere we go, people are speaking: cell phones clamped to ears as they walk, Bluetooths (Blueteeth?) clipped to ears while they drive, in meetings and at coffee shops, in schools and churches and offices and bars and restaurants, over dinner with family and over conference calls with the home office. So many words. So little thought. How else to explain the careless ways that husbands and wives, parents and children, students and teachers, friends, colleagues, and fellow church members speak to each other? How else to explain the torrents of profanity yelled out of car windows when a driver feels cheated out of a spot in traffic that he thinks should have been his? How else to explain how we trivialize things like sex or family or even God with too many meaningless, thoughtless, graceless words? How else to explain all the ways in which we use words to hurt, manipulate, belittle, and control? We can try to do better at least, can't we? So many words. So little thought. No wonder members of some religious orders take vows of silence. When you discipline yourself not to speak at all, you gain a better understanding of the value of words, in much the same way as a person who's fasting understands the value of food. Maybe we Christians should give more thought to the vow of silence. I can certainly think of situations that would have worked out much better if I had taken one. Or maybe better, let's discipline ourselves to use words more carefully. That's where I think The Compliment Guys have it right. They're making a choice to use words to "make peoples' day." They're disciplining themselves, at least for two hours on Wednesday afternoons, to speak in ways that are positive, affirming, and encouraging. I suspect, too, that those two hours on Wednesday carry over, at least to some extent, in the ways that they speak when they're "off duty." "If you speak," wrote Peter, "you should do so as one who speaks the very words of God." I love that it's Peter, of all people, who wrote that. Peter, the guy who was so well-acquainted with the taste of foot. The guy who swore he'd never desert Jesus, and then swore just as vehemently that he didn't know him. He learned, somewhere along the line, and by the time he was an elder statesman of the church he had learned how much words mattered. He had begun to regard words, and the opportunity to use them, as gifts from God. He understood that the faithful words of God's people are one of the many ways in which God's grace takes form in this world. So he wanted the church to take words seriously. He charged them to give careful thought to what they said, to consider whether or not the words coming from their mouths or pens were suitable vehicles for the grace of God to travel in. "If you say something, make sure it's something that wouldn't seem out of place coming from the mouth of God himself." Well, we can try to do better at least, can't we? It might not work for you to set up your own "Free Compliment" stand at your own work or school. But then, there are other ways to bless people with your words than firing compliments at them as they walk by. We can speak encouraging words to someone who's having a bad day. We can be gentle and careful when we have to reprimand a child or an employee. We can remember to say "I love you" more often, and "Your problem is ..." less. We can speak truth, lovingly, to people who are spiraling out of control. We can tell the story of Jesus a little more often. We can add to and listen to slanderous, gossip-filled stories a lot less. We can choose to use words to defuse anger instead of adding to it. We can be quiet and give others a chance to speak, when that's what God is calling us to. And we can choose to use words to bless others, instead of gratifying ourselves or getting what we want. Give it a try. You'll get the hang of it. Hey — good job reading this. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If you speak, you should do so as one who speaks the very words of God (1 Peter 4:10-11). >From www.heartlight.org To subscribe send an e-mail to: Sermon_Fodder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or go to http://www.sermonfodder.com ================================================================== ___ ___ /::_\._./_::\ _={::(_>[_]<_)::}=_ _~ ^--~/:i:\~--^ ~_ .d^ /:/ \:\ ^b. .d^ (;/ \;) ^b. i| ,___ |i ii / /^\ ,___ q&&&p ii ii \__), ^^ _, \ *+*+*+* ii Happy Blessed Easter! |i / @ @ \\_/ x=X=X=X=x i| || { -.x.- } pXoXoXoXq || /=============================\ { \\\\\\\\\\\\\\i////////////// } \ - x - x - x - x - x - x - x / | / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / | |x - x - x - x - x - x - x -| | \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ | |- x - x - x - x - x - x - x| | / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / | -keely- \ - x - x - x - x - x - x / ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees Filled all the air with fragrance and with joy. -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow "The One whose throne is in heaven sits laughing. . . ." (Psalms 2:4) >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ----------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ----------------------------------------------------------------- -->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales & Serrvice You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair. We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with all your computer needs. Please phone us at 419-238-5806 ************************************************************************ -->This is for all you who love food and DARRE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. 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