Happy Groundhog Day Weekend! ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* 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!! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press! :) This red hot one is from our friend Linda. It was just so adorable I couldn't resist doing it up to share with all of you. Turn up your sound, be sure to watch the video and check it out here... ."";._ _.---._ _.-"". /_.'_ '-' /`-` \_ \ .' / `\ \ /` \ '. .' / ; _ _ '-; \ ;'. _.' ; /\ / \ \ \ ; '._;._ .-'.--. | / | \0|0/ \ | '-. / /` \ | / .' \ | .---. \ | | | / /--' .-"""-. \ \/ \ | \ \ / / / ( , , ) /\ \ | / \ '----' .' | '-(_)-' | | '. / / `'----'` | '. | `'----'` jgs \ `/ '. , .' `-.____.' '.____.-' \ / '-' You And Me Together! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/youandme.html --- ...So heartwarming! Thanks Linda! -<>- *~* We Had A Fabulous Month Of Caring And Sharing Last Month! PLEASE CHECK These Out And SHARE Them With All Your Friends :) Colorful Birds 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/birds3.html Wonders Of World! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wonders.html New Year Train! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/newyeartrain.html Best Of Nat Geo 2012! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/natgeo2012.html The World's Largest Mirror! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/saltlake.html Humorous Ads 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humorad2.html God's Ads! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/godsads.html Kennel Club Dog Contest! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kennelclubdog.html Light Bulb Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lightbulbart.html *~* GOD'S MOST ABUNDANT BLESSINGS TO ALL OUR CONTRIBUTORS! THANK YOU! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt >SONG OF HOPE It had been over a week and the only sounds you could hear were coming from the machines that were keeping me alive. The brain hemorrhage had been massive and doctors say I should have died instantly. When I didn't, they immediately warned my family that if I ever did come out of the coma, there most likely would be a host of disabilities to face. Frightening to say the least, that list included everything from severe brain damage, to an inability to walk, or even blindness. So immediately, all my family and friends went into "official denial mode" -- refusing to accept any of this and innstead, began searching for ways to rouse me from my silence. Though doctors refused to put any stock in this, some response was seen through my vital signs as they would change, depending on the visitor. My heart rate would slow or increase and my blood pressure would elevate or move lower. There were even some who were not allowed to see me as it appeared they agitated me too much -- something that was strictly prohibited! This whole response thing gave my brother-in-law, Greg, an idea. As a great supporter of my singing and songwriting career, Greg decided to take some of my songs I had recently recorded to a local radio station, where he explained about my illness. He told them he was sure I could hear what was going on around me and he knew that having my own songs played on the radio was a huge dream of mine. He was sure this could reach me and do more than any medicine or machine could. Times have changed and radio stations are not as free to do this sort of thing because of the legalities. So it was to Greg's amazement and delight, that without hesitation, they agreed to help! They even gave him a specific date and time so that he could have "radio in hand" at my hospital bed. Greg's idea had filled everyone with hope and now the moment had arrived. Nervous from sheer anticipation, Greg held the radio close to my ear, while family joined hands and watched over me hoping for any reaction. The DJ made a pre-song announcement about my situation to the general audience, then spoke directly to me. "Shelly this is for you, I want you to REALLY LISTEN now. This is not just your song we're playing, but your family's song of hope. All of us at KKDJ wish you a speedy recovery." Everyone in the room held their breath as the music began. The song was only part way into its verse, when they all witnessed the tears streaming down my pale cheeks. Though still not awake, it was obvious I heard my song. Greg said everyone, including medical personnel, cheered! It was in this moment, the very hope everyone had asked for, was realized. Just a few days later, hope turned into reality. I did in fact awaken and how befitting that Greg was the first person to see me open my eyes. Though not completely unscathed, I did not suffer from any of the major disabilities that had been predicted. Hope and love have no boundaries -- it is not something we can put on paper, or adeptly describe. It does not recognize medical science as its governing law. Hope is the part of us that makes us pick up the pieces and try again. Without hope where would we be? -- Shelly Guidotti ___________________________________________ Shelly is an award winning singer/songwriter residing in Clovis, California. This story was about the first of two brain hemorrhages. She not only survived, but fully recovered. She currently has a website that offers one-of-a-kind single song gift CD's for life's most special moments. You can visit her site at http://www.songimages.com Shelly, you may know, also sang and co-narrated the popular Pet Tales CD/cassette which you can find at this site: http://www.songimages.com/pettales We love you, Shelly! ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Linda :) ______ _\ _~-\___ = = ==(____AA____D \_____\___________________,-~~~~~~~`-.._ / o O o o o o O O o o o o o o O o |\_ `~-.__ ___..----.. ) `---~~\___________/------------````` = ===(_________D -Roland >Delta Flight 15...(true story) Here is an amazing story from a flight attendant on Delta Flight 15, written following 9-11: "On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, we were about 5 hours out of Frankfurt, flying over the North Atlantic. All of a sudden the curtains parted and I was told to go to the cockpit, immediately, to see the captain. As soon as I got there I noticed that the crew had that "All Business" look on their faces. The captain handed me a printed message. It was from Delta's main office in Atlanta and simply read, "All airways over the Continental United States are closed to commercial air traffic. Land ASAP at the nearest airport. Advise your destination." "No one said a word about what this could mean. We knew it was a serious situation and we needed to find terra firma quickly. The captain determined that the nearest airport was 400 miles behind us in Gander, New Foundland. He requested approval for a route change from the Canadian traffic controller and approval was granted immediately--no questions asked. We found out later, of course, why there was no hesitation in approving our request. While the flight crew prepared the airplane for landing, another message arrived from Atlanta telling us about some terrorist activity in the New York area. A few minutes later word came in about the hijackings. "We decided to LIE to the passengers while we were still in the air. We told them the plane had a simple instrument problem and that we needed to land at the nearest airport in Gander, New Foundland to have it checked out. "We promised to give more information after landing in Gander. There was much grumbling among the passengers, but that's nothing new! Forty minutes later, we landed in Gander. Local time at Gander was 12:30 PM! .... that's 11:00 AM EST. "There were already about 20 other airplanes on the ground from all over the world that had taken this detour on their way to the U.S. After we parked on the ramp, the captain made the following announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, you must be wondering if all these airplanes around us have the same instrument problem as we have. The reality is that we are here for another reason." Then he went on to explain the little bit we knew about the situation in the U.S. There were loud gasps and stares of disbelief. The captain informed passengers that Ground control in Gander told us to stay put. "The Canadian Government was in charge of our situation and no one was allowed to get off the aircraft. No one on the ground was allowed to come near any of the air crafts. Only airport police would come around periodically, look us over and go on to the next airplane. In the next hour or so more planes landed and Gander ended up with 53 airplanes from all over the world, 27 of which were U.S. commercial jets. "Meanwhile, bits of news started to come in over the aircraft radio and for the first time we learned that airplanes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York and into the Pentagon in DC. People were trying to use their cell phones, but were unable to connect due to a different cell system in Canada. Some did get through, but were only able to get to the Canadian operator who would tell them that the lines to the U.S. were either blocked or jammed. "Sometime in the evening the news filtered to us that the World Trade Center buildings had collapsed and that a fourth hijacking had resulted in a crash. By now the passengers were emotionally and physically exhausted, not to mention frightened, but everyone stayed amazingly calm. We had only to look out the window at the 52 other stranded aircraft to realize that we were not the only ones in this predicament. "We had been told earlier that they would be allowing people off the planes one plane at a time. At 6 PM, Gander airport told us that our turn to deplane would be 11 am the next morning. Passengers were not happy, but they simply resigned themselves to this news without much noise and started to prepare themselves to spend the night on the airplane. "Gander had promised us medical attention, if needed, water, and lavatory servicing. And they were true to their word. Fortunately we had no medical situations to worry about. We did have a young lady who was 33 weeks into her pregnancy. We took REALLY good care of her. The night passed without incident despite the uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. "About 10:30 on the morning of the 12th a convoy of school buses showed up. We got off the plane and were taken to the terminal where we went through Immigration and Customs and then had to register with the Red Cross. "After that we (the crew) were separated from the passengers and were taken in vans to a small hotel. We had no idea where our passengers were going. We learned from the Red Cross that the town of Gander has a population of 10,400 people and they had about 10,500 passengers to take care of from all the airplanes that were forced into Gander! We were told to just relax at the hotel and we would be contacted when the U.S. airports opened again, but not to expect that call for a while. "We found out the total scope of the terror back home only after getting to our hotel and turning on the TV, 24 hours after it all started. "Meanwhile, we had lots of time on our hands and found that the people of Gander were extremely friendly. They started calling us the "plane people." We enjoyed their hospitality, explored the town of Gander and ended up having a pretty good time. "Two days later, we got that call and were taken back to the Gander airport. Back on the plane, we were reunited with the passengers and found out what they had been doing for the past two days. What we found out was incredible. "Gander and all the surrounding communities (within MATCHabout a 75 Kilometer radius) had closed all high )schools, meeting halls, lodges, and any other large gathering places. They converted all these facilities to mass lodging areas for all the stranded travelers. Some had cots set up, some had mats with sleeping bags and pillows set up. "ALL the high school students were required to volunteer their time to take care of the "guests." Our 218 passengers ended up in a town called Lewisporte, about 45 kilometers from Gander where they were put up in a high school. If any women wanted to be in a women-only facility, that was arranged. Families were kept together. All the elderly passengers were taken to private homes. "Remember that young pregnant lady? She was put up in a private home right across the street from a 24-hour Urgent Care facility. There was a dentist on call and both male and female nurses remained with the crowd for the duration. "Phone calls and e-mails to the U.S. and around the world were available to everyone once a day. During the day, passengers were offered "Excursion" trips. Some people went on boat cruises of the lakes and harbors. Some went for hikes in the local forests. Local bakeries stayed open to make fresh bread for the guests. Food was prepared by all the residents and brought to the schools. People were driven to restaurants of their choice and offered wonderful meals. Everyone was given tokens for local laundry mats to wash their clothes, since luggage was still on the aircraft. In other words, every single need was met for those stranded travelers. "Passengers were crying while telling us these stories. Finally, when they were told that U.S. airports had reopened, they were delivered to the airport right on time and without a single passenger missing or late. The local Red Cross had all the information about the whereabouts of each and every passenger and knew which plane they needed to be on and when all the planes were leaving. They coordinated everything beautifully. It was absolutely incredible. "When passengers came on board, it was like they had been on a cruise. Everyone knew each other by name. They were swapping stories of their stay, impressing each other with who had the better time. Our flight back to Atlanta looked like a chartered party flight. The crew just stayed out of their way. It was mind-boggling. Passengers had totally bonded and were calling each other by their first names, exchanging phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses. "And then a very unusual thing happened. One of our passengers approached me and asked if he could make an announcement over the PA system. We never, ever allow that. But this time was different. I said "of course" and handed him the mike. He picked up the PA and reminded everyone about what they had just gone through in the last few days. He reminded them of the hospitality they had received at the hands of total strangers. He continued by saying that he would like to do something in return for the good folks of Lewisporte. "He said he was going to set up a Trust Fund under the name of DELTA 15 (our flight number). The purpose of the trust fund is to provide college scholarships for the high school students of Lewisporte. He asked for donations of any amount from his fellow travelers. When the paper with donations got back to us with the amounts, names, phone numbers and addresses, the total was for more than $14,000! "The gentleman, a MD from Virginia, promised to match the donations and to start the administrative work on the scholarship. He also said that he would forward this proposal to Delta Corporate and ask them to donate as well. As I write this account, the trust fund is at more than $1.5 million and has assisted 134 students in college education. "I just wanted to share this story because we need good stories right now. It gives me a little bit of hope to know that some people in a far away place were kind to some strangers who literally dropped in on them. It reminds me how much good there is in the world." "In spite of all the rotten things we see going on in today’s world this story confirms that there are still a lot of good and Godly people in the world and when things get bad, they will come forward. "God Bless America...and God Bless the Canadians." --- ...Amen! Great Story! Thanks Linda! ============================================================ >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) .-. ,-( o )-. ( o )-( o ) .-\-'.|,`-/-. .-. ( o )--*--( o ) ,-( o )-. `-/-.'|`,-\-' ( o )-( o ) ( o )-( o ) .-\-'.|,`-/-. `-( o )-' _( o )--*--( o ) `-' \/_/ `-/-.'|`,-\-' __ | ( o )-( o ) \_\| .'`-( o )-' | .'\ `-' |/ |\ __ | \| \_\| | __ |/_/ __ | \_\| | __ |/_/ __ | \_\| | __ |/_/ __ | \_\| | __ |/_/ __ | \_\| | __ |/_/ VK/hh >God Makes It Grow (By Steve Troxel,) Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian church to correct several problems. The Corinthian's needed instruction in marriage, Christian freedom, worship, and various issues which tended to cause division. He rebuked the church for quarreling about whom they followed: "You are still worldly... For when one says, 'I follow Paul,' and another, 'I follow Apollos,' are you not mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:3,4). Apollos was a good teacher, but Paul reminds us that all ministers of the Gospel - all preachers, teachers, parents, and anyone else who desires to share Biblical truths - are simply servants through whom God accomplishes His work. We become worldly and fail to live according to the Spirit of God any time we become followers of a specific minister or feel personally responsible for someone's growth and maturity. 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 "What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." We must always remain exclusive followers of Jesus Christ! Though He may use many others to assist in the process, God must receive ALL the credit and glory for our growth. In the same manner, God uses each of us to ASSIST in the growth of others. We can teach truth with our words and demonstrate truth with our lives, but we can never cause someone to accept the truth or even grow to a deeper understanding. Our instructions are to plant the seed of His Word and water with discipleship, prayer, and encouragement at every opportunity; "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). As we plant and water, it's normal to want to see some growth. We may desire to see blossoms overnight, but God is growing a mighty shade tree with deep roots and wide branches that will not break in the wind - and this kind of growth takes time. Wee may NEVER see the eternal results of our effort, but we must patiently continue to plant and water, and trust God to accomplish His work; "{My Word} will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I have sent it" (Isaiah 55:11). Each of us knows someone who needs to know our Heavenly Father in a more personal way. There are great ministry opportunities placed in our path every day. Let's obediently follow by being well nourished and casting forth the seed and water of His Word without becoming discouraged. Let's remember we are the servants through whom He works, but let's ALWAYS remember that God makes it grow! --- ...aww, beautiful! God does give the increase! Thanks Louise! ============================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Consider the themes of the sixty-six books: In Genesis, He is the Creator God. In Exodus, He is the Redeemer. In Leviticus, He is your sanctification. In Numbers, He is your guide. In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher. In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror. In Judges, He gives victory over enemies. In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer. In I Samuel, he is the root of Jesse; In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David. In 1 Kings and 2 Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest. In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship. In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies. In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies. In Job, He is The arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, But has the power to do something about them. In Psalms, He is your song-and your reason to sing. In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live It successfully. In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity. In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon. In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the Everlasting father, and more. In short, He's everything you need. In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your Sin-sick soul. In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend. In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel-the one who Assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again. In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the everlasting God who never runs Out of Time. In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come Back-even when you have abandoned Him. In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble. In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your Side. In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom. In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will. In Micah, He is judge of the nation. In Nahum, He is the jealous God. In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One. In Zephaniah, He is the witness. In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts. In Malachi, He is the messenger God. In Matthew, He is king of the Jews. In Mark, He is the servant. In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel. In John, He is the Son of God. In Acts, He is Savior of the world. In Romans, He is the righteousness of God. In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel. In II Corinthians, He is the triumphant one, giving victory. In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free. In Ephesians, He is head of the Church. In Philippians, He is your joy. In Colossians, He is your completeness. In I Thessalonians, He is your hope. In II Thessalonians, He is your patience and discipline. In I Timothy, He is your faith. In II Timothy, He is your stability. In Titus, He is the truth. In Philemon, He is your benefactor. In Hebrews, He is your perfection. In James, He is the power behind your faith. In I Peter, He is your example. In II Peter, He is your purity. In I John, He is your life. In II John, He is your pattern. In III John, He is your motivation. In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith. In the Revelation, He is your coming King. Because of the love of god, may we always have a special smile, a sprinkle of love and kindness to shower upon those who God brings into our lives -<>- ____ _.-'78o `"`--._ ,o888o. .o888o, ''-. ,88888P `78888P..______.] /_..__..----"" __.' `-._ /""| _..-'' "`-----\ `\ | ;.-""--.. | ,8o. o88. `. `;888P `788P : .o""-.|`-._ ./ J88 _.-/ ";"-P----' `--'\`| / / | / | | \| / |akn `-----`---' >MUSHROOMS By: Joseph J. Mazzella I never liked mushrooms when I was a boy. There seemed something strange about them. They grew in clumps of dead leaves, on rotting tree trunks, and in moldy basements. Their white, fleshy texture seemed almost ghostly as well. In addition, I had been warned a hundred times not to eat any wild ones because they might be poisonous. This didn’t put me in a mood to taste them then when I saw my Grandma getting ready to put them on a pizza one day. I did, however, work up my courage and ate a raw one while she was spreading the sauce. It tasted just like it looked: musky, bland, and unwholesome. I spit it back out right away and from then on I picked the mushrooms out of anything I ate without tasting them. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I was pressured into trying mushrooms again. This time, though, I found out something I hadn’t known before. When you cook mushrooms in something they not only take on the flavor of that food, but they enhance it as well. Soon I was enjoying mushrooms in soups, on steaks, in sauces, and even on pizzas. I became a true mushroom lover and have enjoyed this wonderful creation of God ever since. I realized something special too. God often gives us a lot of different "mushrooms" in our lives. Often we have to go through things and experiences that we don’t like and even are afraid of. After they are stirred in with the rest of our lives, though, we find that they have helped us rather than harmed us. I know that more than once I have been mad at God for having to go through pain, disappointment, and hardship only to later find that these things have brought me to a place of deeper love, joy, caring, and oneness with Him. Don’t be afraid of the mushrooms that come your way then. Stir them in, cook them up, and enjoy the feast of life that God has given you. And don’t forget to set a place at the table for everyone you love. -<>- uuu uuu uuu|=====uuu | | |======| |'| | | .==. | | | |___|##|___|/ (PS) >The Plowman Colorado, USA In my young life, during the time that my father was very ill, my brothers and I were placed in foster care so that my mother could do what had to be done, earn a living. This was a completely voluntary solution, though imperative, since we were all very young. An agency through the Catholic Diocese and Los Angeles County screened these households during the early 1950s, and compensated those providing service. Some people apparently see foster care as a great way to supplement one's income. All looked rosy when first we took up residence. My two brothers shared a room and I, the little girl, had her very own room. The woman of the house was all sweetness and light when my mother was around. The man of the house had a hangdog expression, speaking infrequently and trying to be a buffer. I won't assail you with tales of physical abuse. Suffice to say the nightly ritual of dinner was an agonizing event. Once this woman prepared a pork roast and ate the cracklings at the kitchen table while we were required to watch. We were taunted about whether or not we had been good enough to enjoy this treat, which we had evidently not been. And man, I was glaring and salivating. We were removed soon enough from this place. There was a silver lining while there, however. This household was located in an area in Los Angeles that was just being developed and had acres and acres of wild areas. My older brother managed to survive all assaults, mental and physical, by finding a secret place in these wilds and disappearing. One day I followed him. I came upon him, crouched on the ground, digging. I crept up tentatively and asked what he was doing. He said he was building a miniature African fortress. We two then proceeded to spend hours: scraping the earth, evacuating the compound. We built huts and animal enclosures. We dug root cellars. A high observation tower was constructed by stripping twigs for twine to tie everything together. We enclosed all with a strong high wall out of available twigs and bark. It was a wonderful sight to behold in complete miniature. We left the fort that night planning to return when we could to continue our refinements. A few days later we went back. Our hearts sank. The field had been plowed! We ran to the place we remembered and there intact, with a distinct path around it, was our fort. We just stood there, looked at each other and smiled. I can only imagine what had occurred. Some big hulking sunburned man in this huge cultivator had somehow seen our little construction. He must have gotten out of his rig, squatted down, studied it and seen the intricacies and joy that went into it and decided to go around. I forever bless you kind sir. A miniature gesture -- of the highest order. -<>- .,' .''.' .' .' _.ood0Pp._ ,' `.~ .q?00doo._ .od00Pd0000Pdb._. . _:db?000b?000bo. .?000Pd0000Pd0000PdbMb?0000b?000b?0000b. .d0000Pd0000Pd0000Pd0000b?0000b?000b?0000b. d0000Pd0000Pd00000Pd0000b?00000b?0000b?000b. 00000Pd0000Pd0000Pd00000b?00000b?0000b?0000b ?0000b?0000b?0000b?00000Pd00000Pd0000Pd0000P ?0000b?0000b?0000b?00000Pd00000Pd0000Pd000P `?0000b?0000b?0000b?0000Pd0000Pd0000Pd000P' `?000b?0000b?000b?0000Pd000Pd0000Pd000P `~?00b?000b?000b?000Pd00Pd000Pd00P' `~?0b?0b?000b?0Pd0Pd000PdP~' >God's Wisdom One hot day, a young seminarian was taking it easy in the shade of a walnut tree. After a time, he started eying speculatively, the huge pumpkins growing on vines and the small walnuts growing on a majestic tree. Sometimes I just can't understand the ways of God! He mused. Just fancy letting tiny walnuts grow on so majestic a tree and huge pumpkins on the delicate vines! Just then a walnut snapped off and fell smack on the seminarian's bald head. He got up at once and lifting up his hands and face to heavens in supplication, said: "Oh, my God! Forgive my questioning your ways! You are all-wise. Where would I have been now, if pumpkins grew on trees!" -<>- __ _ / \_/ ) \ ` `\ ; a `-. | ) \ _..' /` <._._ / .'';_;'` \ Thank You! .' : _/ / '. __..-` / | | \/\ \._ \ \ | ``--J \ | / \ | jgs \__.'-._____.' >I Can't Thank You Enough Father I can't praise you enough For the blessings you bestow For your wondrous love and mercy For cleansing my heart and soul. Father I can't praise you enough I'm unworthy to speak your name Yet you gave your only Son for me And He willingly took my blame. Father I can't praise you enough For your sweet Spirit living in me And Father I can't thank you enough For your Son who set me free. Father I can't thank you enough That even though I sometimes stray You reach down with rich blessings And you still love me anyway. ~ Lora Cox ~ -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Thailand's Tigers http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tiger.html Snow Fun! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/snowfun.html Self Talk http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/selftalk.html Give Me Flowers http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/flowers.html Right Angle Photography http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/anglephoto.html Sweet Little Pad http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/homepad.html Pencil Head Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pencilart.html Who Is This Jesus? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Yearly Friendship Renewal! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/renewal.html God's Paintings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Northern Lights Over Teepees http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/teepees.html -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) She sent us our own page we have here... God's Most Beautiful! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mostbeautiful.html --- ...Awww, a lovely reminder! Thanks Linda! -<>- a must watch ... a hoot ... the weather could be worse ... to fall is human .. to ignore the possibility of falling is foolish! The People VS Winter! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xKy2lLNQYrI --- ...LOL! Thanks Linda! -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann: Newtown Bee Letter to Editor http://tinyurl.com/aslkkgo --- ...So true! Thanks Geniann! -<>- >From Our Friend PatDeE :) An Alaskan Pet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVMBdi4dgME --- ...aww, sweet - but scary. Thanks PatDeE! 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 I Wish You Enough: _ _ (( \__ __//) / \_ _/ \ | ^ )( ^ | ) { } ( / \;__:, \ \ | \ ) / | | '-----'--' | (\ / \ /) | || || | jgs | )) (( | `""""`` ``"""` >"What we leave behind" By Bob Perks It suddenly came back to me. I hadn't thought about him recently, but there he was. Memories are triggered sometimes by subtle changes in your life. We get stuck in routines and patterns that keep us going, but often times get us nowhere. Like walking in a circle. I heard someone say the words "the circle of life" and there he was again. I might have missed this life-changing moment had it not been for the accident I came upon that day. That would also mean that I never would have met Jack. It was on a back road near where I live. As I came around the corner, I saw the lights of emergency vehicles ahead. Off to one side was an over turned car partially blocking one lane of the narrow country road. I knew there would be no getting around this, nor turning back. Several more police cars came in behind me now blocking my retreat. I felt uneasy just sitting there listening to my radio, so I got out of the car and walked toward the accident. I stood with a small crowd, a collection of other drivers and neighbors who were drawn to the scene. "I can't figure how this happened," one person said. "It's daylight. I would figure at night he would have simply missed the curve. I was about to ask if the driver was injured, when suddenly a stretcher appeared from the other side. A blanket completely covered a body indicating there was nothing more that could be done. "I hope he had his life in order," one person said. "Do we ever?" another replied. "I wonder what he leaves behind?" There was silence as we all seemed to think about what we would leave behind had that been our fate. That's when Jack spoke up. "If all you've ever accomplished in life was a collection of things, then you really leave nothing at all," he said. One woman began a brief discussion about how important she thought "things" were in life adding, "I hope to leave my valuables for my children to remember me by," She then walked back to her car. Jack shook his head in disagreement. I knew there was a greater reason for me to be here. I now attribute this moment to a major change in my own life. It was all based on what Jack said next. "What we take and what we leave all depends on what we give." As the group began to disperse I stayed back for a few minutes to speak with Jack. I knew he had a lot to offer and I was now convinced this was no chance meeting. We spoke for awhile and watched until the car was up righted and towed away. "It was a pleasure meeting you, my friend, I do wish it was under different circumstances," I said. "It couldn't have been. It was meant to be," he said. "Do you live nearby?" I asked. His response struck me as odd. "Close enough that we will meet again," he said. He then began to walk away disappearing around the corner further down the road. We never did meet again, but every once in awhile I think of him. It was because of him that I began to see life as a family style meal. You know, when plates and bowls are passed around the table usually with enough for everyone in attendance. Guests usually bring something of their own to add to the meal. Life is like that. When you participate each day you bring something to the table. When a bowl is passed to you, never empty it, so that others after you can share in the bounty. While some take all they can without concern for others, I have learned that, in the long run, by leaving some behind I end up with more than I can consume. "What we take and what we leave all depends on what we give." "I wish you enough!" --Bob Perks I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you keep my name and contact information with my work. If you would like to receive Bob's Inspirational stories, please visit http://www.IWishYouEnough.com and submit your email address. "I Wish You enough!" © 2001 Bob Perks I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye." ============================================================== >-->From Our Friend Johanna :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Know the Creator We may know the designer -- the builder of a great structure -- when we make the effort to meet him. If he isn't available, we can examine the structure itself. Better though, is to study his sketches. To meet the Creator however, is harder. We may speak to Him in prayer, but we don't always hear His answer. How then can we know Him? The answer lies in studying the world and its workings -- the way The Creator sets it up, and how He runs it. Best though, is to know the Creator through the Holy Bible, This is like studying the building plans. Moreover -- from within the bible, the Creator speaks to us. Still, to know the Creator is a lifetime project. Our ideal should be to learn about Him through our day, our month, our year. For the better we know Him, the more we may enjoy Him -- and the life He gives us. Thus the verse says, "from my flesh, I see the Creator." Iyov 19.26 --- ...Interesting Thanks Johanna! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' My two cents on this... The writer acknowledges that the bible is the best source to know the Creator but then concludes with 'from my flesh, I see the Creator' which is not biblical or logical. This is why... #1. God is a spirit not flesh John.4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. AND #2 the Flesh isn't like God... Rom.7:18a For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: It therefore seems not too easy to see the creator from our flesh. It is better to see the Creator through all His works and the Works of Jesus Christ our Lord who ALWAYS did the Will Of The Father. ^',,''',, (\ |, ,'' /) ( \| '' / ) ( |\ __ / ) ( | \(__)/ ) Angel on clouds (| / \ ) holding spear and banner |/ | > ) O/ |==o ,..~|:.| |., ~ | |.,| .`:'~`:. .:'~`;.'~ ~`:. "' Jeffrey Verzak Think about this: I once asked an angel what God thought about everything that was going on here on earth. I was rather stunned at his reply. He gave me one of those 'Really?' type feelings and said matter-of-factually 'Pretty much what you think'. It dawned on me that as a child of God, I should know more so what God thought and shouldn't be having to ask him. It rather humbled me. God is OUR Father! It is up to Us to know our Father as well as Jesus Christ who said he was one with God. May we endeavor to be as much in sync with God our Father. ===================================================================== ___ / _\ | /\_| __-'' _' ----'-. |#\#)_,_ )##\__ _\__.-. - .- (###) '---. `. - __\____`.#\( ) L(| .'__//\ \#)`-._.' / \\==. /_/_//\_\_ /#/ ### / //\\ \ |(________(##)___/-' '| (_) | ____\___/_________________\___/__________________VK >I'll Just Take You On Home Story Editor: by Paul Krog Joyce Schowalter Iowa, USA It was late at night and I was headed to my home in rural Iowa from a long visit with an old friend. I was riding an old motorcycle I had gotten from another friend. I knew nothing about it, as I had ridden Harleys for 30 years and this was a Japanese bike. One thing I did know was the smell of rubber when a tire is going flat. It was dark out, getting cold, I was doing 60 miles per hour, and the front tire was going flat! I got the bike stopped and off the road. I rode the flat to a cross road so I could be out of traffic. Now what to do? I had no cell phone, and saw no lights in the home nearby. So I sat in the dark and wondered how I was going to get myself home let alone the bike, being still some 25 miles from home. A car came up from behind me, but I could see it was two young girls, so I knew they would not stop. After a little while, more lights came up behind me. This time it was a truck and he did stop. He asked if I needed help and I told him I had a flat tire and asked if he had a phone I could use. His phone was dead, but he had a trailer on behind the truck and offered to take me to a small town near where I lived. So we loaded the old bike up on the trailer and I got in his truck, grateful for his help. His daughter and his son were with him. His son was about three or four years old, and full questions for me. His daughter had to ride in the back seat. They took me to the small town, and he asked if I knew anyone there to take me home. I told him No, but there was a phone so I could call someone. He thought about it for a moment and said he would just take me on home. He helped me unload the bike, would not take any money for the trip, and would not give me his address so I could send him some money. I thanked him many times, and then he got in the truck and drove away. He did not have to do any of this, but he was a good person and helped someone in need. A total stranger picked my bike and me up and took me some 25 miles out of his way to my house. There are still good people in this world. I know, I found one, or should I say, he found me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: ,-. .-, |-.\ __ /.-| \ ` ` / / _ _ \ | _`q p _ | '._=/ \=_.' {`\()/`}`\ { } \ |{ } \ \ '--' .- \ |- / \ | | | | | ; | | |.;.,..__ | .-"";` `| / | / jgs `-../____,..---'` >FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY On Feb. 1 (the day before Groundhog Day) Debbi discovered a wart on her daughter's foot. Debbi jokingly asked Anna if she had been kissing any toads. "How else could you get a wart?" Debbi teased Anna. "A warthog?" Anna said. Kelly, 5, piped up, "Yeah, because tomorrow is Warthog's Day!" -- Debbi Armstrong of Orlando, Florida Rosanne planned numerous groundhog activities for her kindergarten class. She read a groundhog story, showed a newspaper clipping of Punxsutawney Phil, acted out the song "I'm a Little Groundhog, Short and Brown," organized two groundhog crafts, etc. At the end of the day, one little fellow dropped his groundhog project under his chair. Then he called out, "I can't find my rat!" -- Rosanne Ruggles of Springfield, Illinois .-. _,,,,,_ .-. ( , ' : : ' , ) / : : \ ; 0.---.0 ; \ / _ \ / \ | (_) | / ." `\ -'- /` ". / `"""""` \ / .' .-== '. \ / / .-=='\ \ ( / \ ) '-;`. .';-' jgs /_ `-.______ .-` __\ /` `\ / `\ / `\ \ | / \ | / `'--'` `'--'` Staring at the penny he was holding, Jeron, 7, asked, "Mama, what year did Abraham Lincoln decide to have his face put on the penny?" -- Barbara Davis (grandmother of Jeron) of Pratt, Kansas Brianna, 2, was going to attend the birthday party of a set of twins who were celebrating their second birthday. The day before the party Brianna was visiting her grandmother, who asked her if she were excited about going to Stephanie and Lyndee's party. Her grandmother said, "I wonder if there will be two cakes and two presents..." Brianna said, "Yes, and two Lyndees!" -- Barbara Roney (grandmother of Brianna) of Portland, Oregon Derrick, 5, was saying his prayers when he asked his mother if there are rules in heaven. She said probably there are. Then he asked her if everything in heaven is golden. She said, "Yes, I think so." Derrick replied, "I bet one of the rules in heaven is don't touch anything!" -- Jamie Renteria (aunt of Derrick) of Spearman, Texas /\\ //\ \ ||="=|| / /` | | `\ / .-'\| |/'-. \ / \ / \ =\ Y /= `-._ '---' _.-' jgs `"""""` Abbey Jayne, 2, has been making connections between her life and what she sees on television. Recently she has decided that the bald men on TV look like Daddy and the blonde ladies look like Mama. One night as they were channel surfing, she pointed out a newscaster with blonde hair and said, "Mama, she looks like you." A while later she saw Pamela Anderson (Baywatch) and said again, "Mama, she looks like you." At this point, Lynn was feeling pretty good about herself. Then they saw a commercial for the Drew Carey Show that featured Mimi... who wears 10 pounds of makeup, is very heavy set and wears ridiculously designed clothing. "Mama, she looks like you!" Abbey Jayne said. -- Lynn Walkup of Garrett, Indiana Jon, 3, had a very good understanding of most things. But one day his daddy's knees cracked when he got up from the supper table. Jon immediately said, "Oh, Oh Daddy ... you are cracking up!" -- Diane Lingle (mother of Jon) of Kettle River, Minnesota __.....__ .-' '-. .' '. / \ / |\ \ ; |V \_ ; | | ' \ ; ; ) ,_\ | ; / | ; \ / \ / \ | \ / '. \ \ .' '-._| \-' | |\ | __jgs___/ |_'. /______ One evening Joey, 4, said, "Look, Mom, the moon is full". His 2-year-old brother, Ian, was listening, because about an hour later he looked up and said, "He ate too much." --Bonnie Ross (mother of Joey and Ian) of near Boston, Massachusetts While putting a puzzle away, Christian, 4, accidentally spilled the pieces onto the floor. His grandmother said, "Oh my goodness." Christian quickly replied, "No CaCa. It's my goodness, not CaCa's goodness!" -- Pattie (CaCa) Kies of Antioch, California ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) __,,,__ ,-""-,-" "-,-""-, /,-' , .-'-.7.-'-. , '-,\ \( / _ _ \ )/ '-, { (0) (0) } ,-' / > .---. < \ |/ .-' \___/ '-. \| {, / ,_ _, \ ,} \ {, \ / ,} / ',\. '---' ./,' _.-""""""-._ _.-""""""-._ .' `._.` '. _/_ _ \ .'` `\ | | \ / | | | ; | / |_| | \ ;'---' _ ___ _ _ ___ ; '. ; | | / \| || || _| _ ; `-\ | |_ | | || |/ /| _| .' `, `\ |___|\___/ \__/ |___| | \ \ _ _ \ | jgs `\ | | | /` _/ ,-""-. .'`\ | | | /`-,-'` .-""-, / `\.' `\ \___/ /` './` \ ; .--. \ '\ /' / .--. ; | ( \ |, '\ /' | / ) | \ ; } ;\ /; ` { ; / `;\ \ _.-' \ / `-._ / /;` \ \__.' _.-' Y `-._ '.__// '.___,.-' `-.,___.' >ONE THING TO NEVER FORGET Your presence, is a present to the world. You're unique and one of a kind. Your life can be, what you want it to be. Take the days, just one at a time. Count your blessings, not your troubles. You'll make it through, whatever comes along. Within you, are so many answers. Understand, have courage, be strong. Don't put limits on yourself. So many dreams, are waiting to be realized. Decisions are too important, to leave to chance. Reach for your peak, your goal and your prize. Nothing wastes more energy, than worrying. The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously. Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets. Remember, that a little love goes a long way. Remember, that a lot of love goes forever. Remember, that friendship is a wise investment. Life's treasures, are people... Together. Realize, that it's never too late. Do ordinary things, in a extraordinary way. Have health, hope and happiness. Take the time, to wish upon a star. And don't ever forget.... For even a day.... How very special you are. --Unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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 andd 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? 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