Happy Safe And Blessed Christmas 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 ================ *~* 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. While the ads on the website do help, I don't want to drag the site down with tons of them to pay for it. I need your help! "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 Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ __ /\ __ __ /\ __ __ /\ __ __ /\ __ \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ <_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_> /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ \/ \/ \/ \/ *~* Happy Safe And Blessed Christmas Weekend! :) __ /\ __ __ /\ __ __ /\ __ __ /\ __ \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ <_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_> /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ \/ \/ \/ \/ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This sizzling red hot new page is from our friends Linda and LouiseAu. This'll give you a much needed SMILE break from all the political negatives and holiday hustle and bustle of the season. Sit back, relax and enjoy some SMILES by checking this out here... _.--""""'. .' `\ / \ _/_ _,__ __ __/ | |`_o)/ ` ` | ; | )/o\> \ / ;"`""`""`"""`";.""-. .' .--._.--. / ' \ / / _ _ \ |'. '| / | / \ / \ | \__'/ ; .-' \o/ \o/ '-. ; | | () .-"""-. () | | ; | \ / | ; \ ; \ / ; / /`\ \ \ / / /`\ / .:`""--....Y....--::` .:\ \:' .:' .:' .:' .:'/| /'._.:' .:' .:' .:'.;':\ / ``;--::.___::.--;``` | \ / / \ |':.| ; | | \ ':| | | _..._ | \ \ | \ .' o o'. / |:. | \ './ o.-"-. o\.' \ ':.\ ;. `-; ;-' .;\ | | `-._ _/ \_ _.-' | |:. | | | ```\o (>0<)` /``` | |/__':/ ; \ '._/`\).' / ;77777 \ \ /```\ / / \ '. .' / \ `-.__ __.-' / '. ``` .' jgs /`-._ _.-'\ / , ``;---;`` , \ | / | | | | \ | '-'|__/\_/ \_/\__|'-' Comedy In Nature 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/comedyinnature2.html --- ...TeeHee! Wonderful! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give you hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you love. ) _ \ ) (_) _ () \ .-'` \ ) {_} () .-'````'-. / ) \ / `'-. ___ /.------. \| \ () \ .-'`___`;/ __ `\ | __ () | .'.-'` __'.| o/__\o |/ / /| \/ / o /__\o\ \\// /; // / ._ \_| \\//|`-.__.-'|\ '; / / \ .' \-.___.'| || |/ \/ `._ '-/ | || '.___./ . '-.\_.-' __'-._||_.-' _ / .`""===(||).___.(||)(||)----'(||)===...__ `"jgs"`""=====""""========"""====...__ `""==._ `"=. `"=. `"=. >THE SONGS OF CHRISTMAS by Kathy Whirity The other day a friend asked me if I was sick of hearing Christmas music on the radio. It didn't take me long to answer. On the contrary, I keep the radio tuned to the station that plays only the merry melodies that fill the air at this time of year. Who can get tired of the songs of the season when they keep you in a perpetual spirit of wonder and glee? We've been listening to the same songs for decades and the feelings they bring never lose their emotion, in fact those old songs multiply their meaning as life goes on. Babies first Christmas was made oh so special the year my nephew Ryan was born. Being the first grandchild in the family we fawned over the tiniest new addition. That year the song I loved the most was Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. I didn't know all the stanzas but I crooned what I knew and hummed the rest as Ryan and I rocked away many a cold winter's night. I am now a grandma of three and sing the words I've learned by heart to this younger generation, but the memory of Ryan as the babe in my arms still comes to mind even though it has been three decades and counting. Jingle Bell Rock I remember hearing often on that very first Christmas that Bill and I shared together. Our love was as fresh and delicate as new fallen snow back then. The years have accumulated into a blizzard of family life follies. When I hear the sounds of Jingle Bell Rock I'm reminded of what a rocking good life we have shared all these many years. The day after we've stuffed ourselves with Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings, the totes containing all our holiday hoopla are stacked in the family room. At first sight it looks like a daunting task, especially since each year my collection of decorations grows. With the help of Christmas classics streaming from the radio my home is transformed in all its seasonal splendor in no time at all. It's a fa-la-la-la good time when music mingles with the melody of feelings that only surface at this special time of year. I never get tired of hearing the sentimental lyrics of songs that can, in an instant, transport me back to yesteryear which causes me to belt out notes of nostalgia as grand kids wonder why grandma is acting goofy. No, I'm not hitting the spiked egg nog -- I'm just indulging in the joy of this most wonderful time of the year. The music, like the memories they invoke, never gets old to me. They are the link to Christmases past and present. A chorus of carols will continue to be savored and enjoyed, for time goes by in the blink of an eye as we hum the memories of Christmases gone by. -- Kathy Whirity __________________________________________________ Kathy is a syndicated newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. Kathy is also a contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series and she and her husband, Bill, reside in Chicaqo where they are happily enjoying life as grandparents. You can visit Kathy's web site at: http://www.kathywhirity.com =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Fran :) Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone. ~ Charles Schulz ~ Christmas day is a day of joy and charity. May God make you very rich in both. ~ Phillips Brooks ~ Good news from heaven the angels bring, Glad tidings to the earth they sing: To us this day a child is given, To crown us with the joy of heaven. ~ Martin Luther ~ -<>- ,;;, ';;;' )`\ .--' ) .--' / .' ( ."`-./_ _ _ _\.-'". | (` `=``_````_``=` `) | `) (0)__(0) (` /` .-( )-. `\ | ( \/ ) | \ '._/\_.' / '-._ `""` _.' jgs /'-. _.;_...-'' | ()` | '-`/\`-./ ((\\ \)\\ )) (/ >I Love Christmas The older I get ... The closer I feel to old friends as I write my Christmas cards... The more I cherish old ornaments... The more fondly I remember Christmases past... The longer I hold on to a Christmas hug... The more I realize Christmas is a matter of the heart... The tighter my throat gets when I sing "Silent Night"... The more I enjoy giving than receiving... The longer I sit at night in the glow of the Christmas tree... The more wondrously beautiful the Christmas story... The deeper my awe at God's infinite love... The more I love Christmas! - Author Unknown --- ...Very sweet! Thanks Fran! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .\/. * + + >><><< '/\' * /`x.`\ + * /;<> @ \ , \| * /& `';;;_\ \'-,_/| |./ * O (_)| '-./ )-,_ * \ o .--. ! / ( )`-._\ + .;`-'(_) '-`'. ,;v /_`;;, x <>* \ ,,;' + /(_) `';;;;,,_,;\` + | !/ ^ & `(_) | __ _ \^ @/`\ . !/`\ O/ + / `\/ `\ .'`-' + '--' _ '-`'. + |/`\ \| | /;;<> !_ o (_) + . \ * \ \_| / `';;(_) . _x ; \ (() / `\_ | _' & `';;;, O ^ (_),;\-'@_<"/ _, * | ^ y,-._ |(_) / ' * `'';;;;'` |\_.\` \ ( ) _=_/,-;_)\ /`\<> /``\ @ /`\ ! / \ _`) \_) . ' .-' --..' / .'`-' x '--' . '--'_. '-`'. \,(__/ .' .___.' /;;;,, O . _ + (_) . * \ \' \ ' . / '-. / /! `';;;;,, (_) ^ & <>,;;\ \-'\ ' . _| \/\ ' | @ (_)''';;;;,, o ,,;;;''` x| \.-\ {_} |_/ . | * o ' _ `';;;'` O (_) | .\_.\ ' . \ ,_./ \__ | _ + . ^ (_) .o _' . + | \ \ ' `. \__\___) \ (_) __ & __. (_) __ ! @ / \- \ ' . \____) '._.'` `'._.;;;;;;._.'` `'._.' . \ ' jgs. ' . ' . ' ' . . . ' ' This Xmas, I would Like to put up a tree in my heart, and instead of hanging presents, I would like to put the names of all my friends. Close friends and not so close friends. The old friends, the new friends. Those that I see every day and the ones that I rarely see. The ones that I always remember and the ones that I sometimes forget. The ones that are always there and the ones that seldom are. The friends of difficult times and the ones of happy times. Friends who, without meaning to, I have hurt, or without meaning to have hurt me. Those that I know well and those I only know by name. Those that owe me little and those that I owe so much. My humble friends and my important friends. The names of all those that have passed through my life no matter how fleetingly. A tree with very deep roots and very long and strong branches so that their names may never be plucked from my heart. So that new names from all over may join the existing ones. A tree with a very pleasant shade so that our friendship may take a moment of rest from the battles of life. "May the happy moments of Xmas brighten every day of the new year". These are my sincere wishes. -<>- _ _ _ /` ) ( `\ ( `\ / / \ \ \ \/ / __\ '---. \ /___ ( __/ / ) '--. ( / .-----' \__\_../ / .-' / /. .' /.-"""""-._ / .-. -` _.--.._ '-._, | /\ \ -" `' / / \/ / .__ / __..-' '-' _.' /_/ '-..____..-' \ | '--,-' / (_____.,--' __.' \ ( jgs| \ >"True Story of Rudolph" A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob. Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938. Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there. The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book. In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either. Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas." The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing. -<>- From BJ With permission of the author.. HO .----. HO .' ,_ \ _ HO /__ ( \| / ( . {___`'-.\{_} | `|_ /6)6`'-._} \_.'_} |/_ _7 | {_.'| |5-.' /( | \{\ /:'`} \ /.\__/ _.'`\ \ ; o ``` \ ; o \ \_ | o \.'` } ; o_ {__.'\ \==[_]=======|/) | `; .' /_/ / `- / / / /\ \ {`-._/ \ _.'`} ;-.__} {__.'\ __/ / \_ \ ( ` / / / jgs '.__/ (__.' >NEVER TOO OLD by Stephen T. Banko It didn't look much like Christmas that December 23, 1969. The trees were lush, the countryside awash in green. There was no hint of snow in the sweltering heat. In fact, I was the only thing that looked like Christmas. I was perched in the open door of a helicopter hovering about fifty feet over the center of a dusty village in the III Tactical Corps area of Vietnam. Instead of the ubiquitous olive drab the cloaked everything military, I was clad in a bright red Santa suit, complete with hat and white beard. I had a sack of toys slung over my shoulder replacing the M-16 I usually carried. I wanted to make the entrance into the village square as quickly as possible before the beard turned gray with sweat and dust. I checked the harness of my rappelling gear, gave a thumbs-up to the chopper crew, and jumped out into space. I slid down the rope and made a soft landing in the center of the square. The helicopter departed in a final cloud of dust while I looked around the square. Dozens of kids were arrayed around me. Interpreters and Vietnamese-language slingers informing them that something joyful and wonderful would happen had summoned them. I could tell from the puzzled looks on their faces though that these kids still weren't too sure that my arrival was the "something joyful and wonderful." My silly "ho-ho-ho" didn't help much either. The kids kept shrinking farther away from this stranger in red, and I thought my Santa Claus routine would be just another failed attempt to impose western ideas on an eastern culture. I sat down in the middle of the square, wondering how I could let these kids know that Santa was one of the good guys. My mouth was still fuzzy with dust from my landing in the village, so I opened a butterscotch drop and popped it into my mouth to chase away the cobwebs. Instantly, the kids started inching closer. It took me a minute to realize they were drawn by the sight of food. I peeled the wrapper off another and held it out in my hand. Slowly, one little girl allowed the allure of the candy to overcome her reluctance. She came forward to take the butterscotch from my hand. She put it in her mouth, and the half-frightened look on her face blossomed into a beautiful flower of a smile. Then the dam broke and all the kids from all corners of the square were ionized to the magnet of the sweet stuff. They sat on me and touched me and laughed and giggled and smiled. I couldn't peel wrappers off fast enough so I just started throwing the candy into the air. The kids scrambled frantically for it at first, but then returned to their better nature when they realized there would be enough for all of them. Having captured their attention with the candy, I then broke out some small spiral notebooks and pens. As they marveled over their collective treasures, I went into the crowd of adults in the periphery with my fellow GIs and started handing out food from c-ration packs and from the packages we'd received from home. My mother's chocolate chip cookies were a big hit. The Vietnamese bowed and gestured and spoke their rapid-fire reactions but what I understood best were the smiles. We handed out Coke and Dr. Pepper and Pepsi and whatever else we'd scrounged for our gift-giving and, after a short while, everyone in the village had been given something in celebration of the birth of a little baby none of them had ever heard of. We didn't have much peace to spread beyond that precious hour of sanity in the asylum of Vietnam, but we did have an abundance of good will to share. Yes, I've studied at some great colleges in my life and I've been taught by some of the greatest minds of our time, but I've never learned a lesson quite like the one I did in that tiny village square on that special Christmas in 1969. Those Vietnamese knew nothing of Christianity and cared even less about it. They never heard of Christmas before that day and certainly have never celebrated it since, however I know with utter certainty that they taught me more about the real meaning of Christmas than I ever thought I'd learn. Christmas is not complicated. It rests in the hearts of people everywhere, all the time. Christmas is pure and it is simple. We can find Christmas ever day, in so very many ways. Christmas is love and when we show it, we get it back. The child born that first Christmas was never too young to teach that, and I pray that none of us are ever too old to learn it. -- Stephen T. Banko -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Ricochet And Kids With SMA! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ricochetsmakids.html No Words Needed! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html Random Acts Of Kindness! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/actsofkindness.html Sweet Humanity! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sweethumanity.html Nanny Animals! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nannyanimals.html Polar Bear Capital http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/polarbearcapital.html The Christmas Story http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christmasstory.html Where's The Line To See Jesus? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/seejesus.html The New Night Before Christmas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nightbefore.html When Was Jesus Christ Born?- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/whenjesusborn.html Shangrala's Full Christmas Index!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasindex.html -<>- Vogue ripped as 'utter piece of garbage’ for attacking Melania Trump’s White House Christmas portrait | Fox News When it comes to Christmas, first lady Melania Trump simply can’t do anything right in the eyes of the mainstream media. | Fox News Gainor said that “major media have done more to discredit legitimate journalism than anything their critics -- even Donald Trump -- could ever do,” with attacks on the first lady’s style being the latest example. “It’s because of garbage ‘news’ stories like this… that journalism is in the awful state it is in,” he said. “Vogue is especially disgusting here by complaining about the president and first lady because they are smiling and holding hands. It’s even more laughable because it’s so bitter and vindictive.” https://fxn.ws/2EwCHtB --- __ .:::'-. /::: '. /::: \ /::: \: | /::: |:: ; /::: \:: ( /:::: ':.)'. .'```--'`'-.__.-" /. `\ / ( ' ' '| (' | | ' . ) . '. ) / ) . ' . ' )_.' \ ;'--""-...-'-.__/ '-/ , \ ;_ )`-. .( \ ."`` ` | `\ / | ; ; \ _| | _| '-. | '.(_/ \(_/ \ | __ | ; `'.__.- (._.) ._. / \ \ ) | /` `'. '. ( / ; '. `'-'-._` _.' / `. '-' / |`-. _.' _| `. '--;` jgs_.-""` .`"=. .-._| / ' ) ` . `-""-. \ . ( ' . ( ' ) `/-.__.--._ ' ._ ' .' /::::. `""`` `--`\ /::::::. \ ...I think Vogue needs to get the Grinch Of the Year Award! They are acting just like mean old Grinch. Jealous that the President and First lady are showing their love and happiness for each other and America during this Christmas season. After all, like the Grinch, they think that 2 years of Trump bashing with 91% negatives about them day in and day out 24/7 on the media news networks should have put sour faces on them, instead, like the people of Whoville when Grinch stole their Christmas decorations, food and presents, the First family is not devastated by being attacked all the time no matter how much good they do for America and the world! They still love God, country and each other! So to Vogue and to the fake news media) I present you with this: You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch, Original Version - 1966 (HD) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35WgpMq6e3o World Village Christmas https://www.worldvillage.com/tag/christmas/ Michael Bublé & Bing Crosby - White Christmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMyBJAZFiqI Elvis Presley "I'll Be Home For Christmas" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBPM8sQuXLI Frank Sinatra Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHVIVNoIPVM -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Bob Hope was without a doubt one of the greatest entertainers of all time. A wonderful look at some special moments Bob spent with the troops during his many Christmas performances. What a classic entertainer he was and I’m sure that anyone that ever saw him perform live will never forget the show. Thank You to all the Veterans that ever spent a Christmas away from their family and to Bob Hope for spending his Christmas with the troops. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppA4qYF7ARo --- ...So true! Thank You LouiseAu! 'Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town' - video From the ending of the film 'Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town' with the Fred Astaire mailman giving us words of wisdom, followed by the title song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jQy_ppY2bI&feature=youtu.be --- ...SO many Smiles! Love this! 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 :) . | . | . | \|/ \ / -= * =- '. .----. .' /|\ / \ ' | ' -= | .----. | | / /""\ | / \( / m m ' ) ) - ) / /-./~` ( ( `.`\ /| . ) )\ \/_/ / . | . ( ( \_.-'` \ ' / \ \.| -= <*^*^*> =- jgs |\____\\ | ( " ) | _) \ |()'"'()| _.-' , | | (___) | /| . ` ; (`-.___.-') /_/____________/ '-.___.-' >CHRISTMAS MEMORIES On a starry night long ago Was born to the world a Savior The Beloved Child of God On whom God showed His favor. A new tradition was also born To celebrate this Blessed Christ Child, By sharing the story with everyone Of the love that made God smile. Generations have continued the tradition, With friends and family far and near. Even random acts of kindness Can spread a little Christmas cheer. Amidst the joy and happiness Might come an urge to shed a tear, Especially when circumstances Make for a difficult year. Experiencing the loss of a loved one Whether expected or unforeseen Can cast shadows on celebrations No matter how joyful the scene. That's when God sends special angels To remind us of memories gone by. Cherish your happy times together, And know that it's okay to cry. Christmas is the season of giving And spreading love all around, And that Bright Star also sends peace, While reminding that hope can be found. So, as 2018 comes to an end, Hold close to each work of God's art And take comfort in each memory For they'll always be in your heart. --- ...Awww, Thanks LouiseAu! ========================================================== , , , , |\_.'/ )`-'\__, |\_/ .`(_ / `. ( _| . '_.-'` '--. `'. '-(_)' ( /.-. `(_)(_)`--' ` \/ / . '-. '`) : ( `-. ' .-' )'/ jgs `; >-->From HandyHints: Keep your Poinsettias vibrant with this simple trick Did you know that Poinsettias are actually desert plants? And Poinsettias will die from root rot if overwatered and sitting in excess water in the foil wrap. That's why you should water them using ice cubes...yes, ice cubes! An ice cube added directly on the soil once or twice a day ensures your plant will get a slow trickle of water. With this technique you slowly and evenly water as the ice cube melts. Freshen up your holiday centerpieces The thing that makes flowers in centerpieces wilt fastest once they are cut is bacteria in the water, which is no longer being filtered by the flowers' roots. To help blooms last longer, just give the bouquet a drink from your water-filtered pitcher, or pour in some leftover water from boiling potatoes or veggies after it cools. Water from veggies have extra - extra nutrients! ,...., ,;;:o;;;o;;, ,;;o;'''''';;;;, ,;:;; ;;o;, ;o;; ;;;; ;;o; ;;o; ';;;, _ _ ,;;;' ';o;;/_\/_\;;o;' jgs ';;\_\/_/;;' '//\\' // \\ |/ \| Make wreaths last longer with hairspray! Yep, you read that right...hairspray! The key to keeping your pine wreath looking and smelling fresh is as close as your bathroom cabinet. Turns out, a spritz of hairspray seals in moisture and keeps the pine needles from drying out. Your outside wreath may need a spritz or two every few days to keep them looking gorgeous. Coat Your Snow Shovel with Car Wax Make shoveling snow easier by first coating your metal shovel with car wax. Follow the application instructions on the car wax package. Then the snow and ice will slide right off of the shovel after each scoop. ========================================================== _.._ .::::::. ::' ':: ::. .:: `:(>()<):' , //\\ , , # / \ # , ___#_#______#_#___ [__________________] |=_/\ /\ /\ /\ =| |- \ \\ \\ \\ \_-| |=-(_/(_/(_/(_/_=| |_.------------.=| |=| o o |=| _|-| ! `( ! |-|_ /==_| ! _(_.)_ ! |=_-\ |jgs|/^\^=^^=^/^\| _=| >The Christmas Perpetrator Story Editor: by "Mom to Six" Joyce Schowalter Washington, USA In December 2007, my husband had been out of work for six months and was attending Seminary to become an ordained minister. He intended to go back into the Army as a Chaplain. During his school money was tight, to say the least. Of our six children, the oldest was 19 and usually pretty handy with electronics. Dad had told him, "I wouldn't open that DVD player if I were you." Well, he wasn't dad, he did open it: It quit working. A new DVD player wasn't on our list to buy, not with car repairs, utility bills and a mortgage company wanting money. That Christmas didn't seem likely to be very present heavy, but I determined to make it happy. We did cheap things -- parades, community fun days, baking cookies, making candy and homemade gift baskets. Perhaps those things weren't as exciting as loading the tree with gifts, but hopefully my children would learn that family togetherness and traditions are more important than "stuff". One evening after dinner I was standing in the kitchen when the doorbell rang. I went to answer it and opened it to find no one there. Aargh, I hate it when those rotten neighbor kids "ring and run." I was determined to find them this time! In slippers, I headed out to the sidewalk to find the perpetrator and give them a good tongue-lashing. Heading toward the mailbox, I heard someone near the house and called out. "OK, you may think it's funny to ring the doorbell and run, but I don't!" Then I saw movement. Ha! I had them now. Someone moved behind my car, probably thinking they could scoot around the back of the truck and be home free. But I had parked so you couldn't get in between the garage and the garbage cans. I stood at the end of the driveway. "Come out," I said, in my biggest, scary Mom voice. "I can see you there!" A muffled, disguised voice replied, "Hey lady, go check your door!" Huh? I stopped short -- what was up? "I checked, there isn't anything at my door," I replied. "Not at your door, on your door," came the same muffled, somewhat familiar voice from behind the garbage. "Oh." I said, as light dawned. (Oops!) Embarrassed, I sheepishly left the confrontation at the end of the driveway and went to the door. There, right under the porch light was a red envelope taped to the door. I took it inside and the "Christmas Perpetrator" slunk away in the darkness, his identity still a mystery. Inside the envelope was a department store gift card for $250, with a note that said "This card will explode at the checkout if you purchase a DVD-VCR, so don't do it." And to think I imagined that Christmas might be boring. Wherever you are, Christmas Perp, I hope your days are jolly and that you know: at our home we're still grateful to you. EDITOR'S NOTE: The author's web site is: http://tinyurl.com/2d2nhpf =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye, but found by the heart. _...._ .' _`;, _ / .-'` _.\/ \ / .` _.-'` C/ | ; .' _ _ \ \ \/ a _ a | )/'. Y .' /` \ >._ ^ _.< \__//` ````` `\ | /.:.:.:.\ | \ \:::::::/ / \ |:::::| / |\,,/:::::\,,/| ;:':':':':':':; | | ;.-._.-. | ( =(_)= ) | |'-/T\-' | | //`\\ | | ` ` | | | /. \ |:::. '. |::::. '. |:::::. .:\ \::::: .::::| '-::: .:::::/ jgs `-._ :::::' `-.__:::' >A Christmas Miracle (By Micca Monda Campbell) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 (NIV) Christmas has always been a time for celebration and joy for our family. However, a few years ago we were consumed by grief over our nephew who was a troubled kid. Our sadness threatened to rob the sacred holiday of the usual awe and wonder we felt. I began to pray. "Please, God, don't let us miss Christmas." It is our tradition for family and friends to join us for Christmas dinner. This year was no different. The house was full of those who had come to celebrate. Our home glittered with lights and tinsel both inside and out. The presents were sorted into piles according to the nametags that were located a top each gift and tucked slightly under the bow. Aromas of holiday foods cooking in the kitchen made our mouths water with anticipation. Outwardly, all seemed right, yet for my family, no celebration or sweet treat could comfort our hearts. Again, I prayed. "Lord, please don't let us miss Christmas." As the evening drew to a close, Cody, a friend of our son, put on his coat. "Merry Christmas," he said, waving bye with his hand high in the air. Cody had joined the Marines and was due to report after graduation. He fiddled with his jacket as if he was hesitating. "Are you excited about the Marines?" I asked. "I wish I had never joined. I'm told the only way to get out of it is not to graduate. So I'm not going to finish school," Cody said as he shuffled his feet back and forth. I sighed and began sharing with Cody what I needed to hear myself. "Peace comes in impossible situations when we rely on God and trust Him with our future, whatever that may be." Stunned, Cody asked. "In order to trust and rely on God, don't I first have to ...what's the word, ah...get saved?" "You've never placed your trust in Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior?" I asked. "No, ma'am, I haven't," Cody said, shaking his head back and forth. "Well, we can fix that right now if you'd like," I replied. My niece and I escorted Cody into a quiet room where we explained about the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Cody accepted the peace of God, and his countenance changed right in front of our faces! With excitement, Cody announced to our guests, "Guess what everybody? I just gave my heart and life to Jesus!" Cheers filled the house and the true celebration of Christmas had finally begun! It was a Christmas miracle I'll never forget. God had heard my prayer. He hadn't let us miss Christmas at all. In fact, as we looked to Christ for Cody's sake, He was birthed anew in all our hearts. Isn't that why we celebrate Christmas each year? To refocus on the One who offers hope in this fallen world and fills us with lasting peace. Hope for the hurting, the sick, and the lost. Christmas reminds us to rejoice in the truth that no matter what we face on earth, Jesus has overcome the world! Gazing on Christ helps us to see, if we have Jesus, we have everything we need. "Dear Lord, Thank You for the Savior of the world who brings peace in our hearts all year long. In Jesus' Name, Amen." -<>- __...-------...__ _.-`` ``-._ .-' @ ()() [] '-. .' () @ '. .' [] () '. .' @ .:. [] ()() '. / ()() ':' [] ) / () _.--""`````""--._ \ ( .:. @ .'\/ \/ '. @ > / ':' .' -|` `|- '. () \ ( [] ) ,_\| |/_, ( ()() ) ; @ / \ / \ ; | ; .-.._)---(_.--. ; .:. > | () ) \_.-/ \-._/ ( ':' [] | ( ()() | | a a | < > | ) \ /`\ ( ()() ) < ; | | '. ; () @ | ; [] @ \ \0/\ '/`\ ,__ __,; ( \ |__.' / / "-._.-" \ \ () '. / _.' .| _'-_/ \_-'_ | ( ()() '._ '---' _.' | .- \_/ -. | \ [] '--.._____..--' \___.-' ;-.___/ ( @ [] / / \ / '. ()() .:. @ / / \ \ '. () ':' () @ / / .'\ \ '. @ ()() /_.'.' \ \ '-._ [] _.-' '._\ `-..__jgs __..-' ```--------``` >Bringing Good News (By Marybeth Whalen) Scripture: How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" - Isaiah 52:7 (NASB) One thing I love about the Christmas story is the response of those who heard about Jesus' birth. Across the board, their response was the same - an immediate reaction to go out and tell everyone about Him. It began with the angels, gloriously exalting Him from the sky so that everyone could hear. The excitement spread to the shepherds, and on to the wise men. Each of them felt the urgency to share the good news of the birth of the long-awaited Savior. Not only did they hear, but they responded. Not only did they respond, they responded immediately. No grass grew under their beautiful feet! I love that God included this part of the story for us. He did not limit the scene to the cozy stable and loving parents. He showed us how even those outside of the main action could have a part in Jesus' story. I think this was no accident. I think God wanted us to see how we too can respond to hearing the good news of Jesus' birth. But do we? Do we take the opportunities we have at Christmas to share the gospel - the good news? This season is like no other as people come face to face with Jesus Christ. Just for this little window of time, the stores play songs that say His name, the decorations point to Him and many activities are focused on Him. How can we best use this window of opportunity to share Him so that this year we can inspire other people to take Him to heart? Here are just a few suggestions to use as a springboard in your own life... Include scripture in your Christmas card or on your gift tags. Also, consider writing a letter that shares a story of how God was real to you this year, or how you experienced an answer to prayer. People love stories, and you never know how God will use this as a witness to those who receive your cards. But you have to be bold, step out of your comfort zone, and take the risk of your long distance relatives thinking you're weird! Find ways to bless retail salespeople during the busy shopping season. I have a friend who gives coupons for a free sandwich at a local restaurant out to each person who waits on her. This is just a little way to share God's love with them, but it means a lot in the midst of the hectic, and sometimes rude, days before Christmas. These people take a lot of abuse and might just need a reminder that someone cares - and that God has not forgotten them. There are many ways to adopt a family or child at Christmas. Compassion International is a terrific agency you can sponsor a needy child through, in the name of Christ. Don't limit yourself just to the community agencies, though. Think about anonymously giving to a family you know personally who is going through a hard time. Maybe they are facing a long-term illness or a job loss and you could be God's hands and feet for them. Consider organizing a group of friends to buy food and gifts to make their Christmas surprisingly special this year. Of course there are many ways to express the love Jesus came to share. As you experience that love, you can pass it along to all you come in contact with. Look for ways to show love to others, as that love will speak volumes to those who are lost and hurting. When their hearts are first softened by love, then they will want to know more about this Jesus. Make this Christmas the time you respond as the angels, the shepherds and the Wise Men did - by being intentional and passionate about sharing the good news of a Messiah who came to save the world. "Dear Lord, Please help me to share the good news of Jesus this year. Help me to act on the ideas You give to me and to not be inhibited by embarrassment, fear or self-consciousness. Help me to be bold for You, just as the angels and shepherds and Wise Men were. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen." Mark 16:15, "And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (NASB) 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 ========================================================== >-->From Heartwarming: Our chronically ill toddler can't always go along with her brother and sister on their various adventures. But last year we assured her that she would get to meet Santa Claus. For weeks she babbled about her upcoming visit, and we prayed for a Santa who might live up to our daughter's giant expectations. On a relatively healthy day for her, I took the chance. To avoid lengthy lines, we arrived just as the mall was opening and Santa was settling into his big chair. Suddenly she saw him. "Santa Claus!" she squealed, and with ponytails bobbing, she trotted past a few elves and held out her arms. The slightly startled Santa smiled and swept her into his lap. She snuggled in, gazed at him adoringly, stroked his beard and finally uttered an amazed whisper, "Santa!" For about a minute the two sat there speechless -- both oblivious to the small crowd now drawn in by the innocent magic of the moment. Just then, a man edged over to me and, to my surprise, I noticed that his eyes were as moist as mine. "Is that your little girl?" he asked quietly. I nodded. Then with a catch in his voice, he said, "Santa is my son." -<>- , ,_ , .'<_ _> `'-,'(_.-' _< >_.--(.. ) .=;` All things bright and beautiful, `V-'`\/`` All creatures great and small, * * * All things wise and wonderful: * * The Lord God made them all. * .:::.__* -Cecil Frances Alexander * /'::::\ *\_ (` '::|* / \ __ _.,--`-.`_;/.-/ ; /` ,\__ _.-' `. `'._.' /| | ).-' .-'/. ` '._.-._.' / | / .--' .-'` | `. .-' .' | / / , , \`. `-.__..--' _.-' .' , _.==''` \ |\ /| \ '-._ _.-' _.' .'( _.=' | \/ /._, \_ '--._.-'` _.' { `` _.=' | / ' ;--._, '._ \ _.-' { \` ; / \ / ' ) '-._\_.-'` _,_ `. `'=..' .=' ) /\ /, / _, /' '\ ,_ `=._ .=' / |/)|/(_ ((') \u u .-""._) \ '-`\\`__ | / -._\ /'--) | ':`----./.-. | jgs `-._} {_} |_ \ | _.' _/, ``'""-`\ `.__.' `""{_} /_ / |`= `" `-.( ,__/. `""""`"` '^' ="`-` `"` >A PARENT'S PRAYER O Heavenly Father, make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting them or criticizing them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame or ridicule when they displease me. May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power. Let me not tempt my child to lie or steal but guide me hour by hour that I might demonstrate in everything that I say or do that honesty produces happiness. May I ever be mindful that my children are children and that I should not expect of them the judgment of adults. Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to make decisions. Bless me with the bigness to grant them their reasonable requests and the courage to deny them the privileges I know could do them harm. Make me fair, just and kind, and fit me, O Lord, to be loved, respected and imitated by my children, and help me always remember that better parents raise better children. ========================================================== ___ / __'. .-"""-. .-""-| | '.'. / .---. \ / .--. \ \___\ \/ /____| | / / \ `-.-;-(`_),____.-'._ ; ; `.-" "-:_,(o:==..`-. '. .-"-, | | / \ / `\ `. \ / .-. \ \ \ | Y __...\ \ \ / / \/ /\ | | | .--""--.| .-' \ '.`---' / \ \ / / |` \' _...--.; '---'` \ '-' / jgs /_..---.._ \ .'\\_ `. `--'` .' (_) `'/ (_) / `._ _.'| .' ``````` '-...--'` >-->Not Only Christmas Day (By Mary Fairchild - edited) Lord, this is my prayer Not only on Christmas Day But until I see You face to face May I live my life this way: Just like the Baby Jesus I ever hope to be Resting in Your loving arms TRUSTING in Your sovereignty! And like the growing Christ Child In wisdom daily learning May I ever SEEK to know You With my mind and Spirit yearning! Like the Son so faithful Let me follow in Your Light Meek and bold, humble and strong Not afraid to face the night! Nor cowardly to suffer And stand for TRUTH alone Knowing that Your Kingdom Awaits my going Home! Not afraid to sacrifice Though great may be the cost Mindful how You rescued me From broken-hearted loss. Like my risen Savior The Babe, the Child, the Son May my life FOREVER speak Of Who You are and ALL You've done! So while this world REJOICES And CELEBRATES His Birth I treasure Him, the GREATEST Gift Unequaled in His worth! I long to hear the same words That welcomed Home Your Son "Come, good and faithful servant" Your Master says, "Well Done!" And may Heaven welcome others Who will join me in PRAISE Because I lived for Jesus Christ Not Only Christmas Day! .-----. 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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 ************************************************************************