Haunting Me.... :) 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!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * 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! ================ >-->From Heartwarmers: (\ \'\ \'\ __________ / '| ()_________) \ '/ \ ~~~~~~~~ \ \ \ ~~~~~~ \ ==). \__________\ (__) ()__________) unknown >MY GREATEST LESSON by Candy Chand A few years ago, when a true story I'd written about my son, Nicholas, titled Christmas Love, was publshed in Heartwarmers, I looked forward to sharing my miracle with others. After all, it was a joyous holiday season. I wanted to give something, without charge, as a present to strangers everywhere. Within hours of publication, I was blessed by an overwhelming response. Forward after forward it was sent. I was thrilled to receive lovely greetings from individuals across the United States and as far away as Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As a writer, I was honored. As a person wishing to spread joy at Christmas time, I was humbled. Then, suddenly, everything began to spin out of control. A few readers deleted my byline. Before long, Christmas Love was being forwarded as an anonymous story. Realizing I didn't have control over the delete button of thousands of emailers, I turned it over to God. Until one night, when I'd just about had enough. Exhausted and annoyed, I emailed the webmaster of a site who'd omitted the author's credit. I tried to sound tough (which I'm not) so I told her it was nothing short of stealing to place it online, then forward it to thousands of her subscribers without first doing a proper check on the author. I angrily signed my name, hit send, and went to bed. The next morning, I woke up to over 100 new emails. "Great, more fan mail," I thought. But as I began to open them up, it hit me. This wasn't fan mail at all, but angry, furious, hate mail. As I pieced two and two together, I realized, in her frustration, she'd sent out my email to all her subscribers. And, let me tell you, several came after me with a vengeance. At first, I felt defensive. After all, I wasn't the person who did something wrong! But, as time went on, I knew better. Yes, there was no doubt about it, I was wrong too -- not in my premise, but in my tone. By responding in anger, before giving her a chance to correct the situation, I put everyone on the defense. And she chose to teach me a lesson. As much as it hurt, I must admit, I deserved it. It was a painful experience, but one that's taught me well. Person after person expressed my original story touched their soul, but my follow-up email canceled out all the prior good. How could the woman who shared such a tender story also write such angry, rude words? Clearly, they had me on a pedestal, and I'd fallen off. Wasn't I supposed to be more spiritual than that? (My family, by the way, laughs at the thought) I was devastated. I cried nonstop. I didn't eat. I hardly slept. I felt the whole world hated me. And, to make matters worse, I knew I'd hurt thousands of people, which was far from my original desire to share a heartfelt miracle. One by one, I emailed each individual an apology. I felt I owed everyone that much. Much to my amazement, most responded with kindness, offering forgiveness, even including their own apology for what they'd written to me. They now understood first hand, how easy it is to get angry, write a nasty email, and hit send before thinking it through. They were sorry. I was sorry. Everybody was sorry. Lots of tears flowed from the USA, to France and as far away as Nigeria. What did I learn, you ask? Words can be a blessing or a curse. The decision is ours. And now? Christmas Love continues to circulate, especially over the holidays. When it appears without the author's credit, I send a polite note asking for a byline. And much to my surprise, everyone's been more than agreeable. Yes, one simple story taught me the greatest lesson of all -- animosity will spread like wildfire, but love and kindness will bless the entire world. -- Candy Chand ___________________________________________ Candy Chand is the author of, Gift of Grace, available at bookstores nationwide and by clicking on this link. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1931412200/heart/ref=nosim -<>- _____ .---...-. ,' -. `. ,' _____...' / - _ - \ : .' _ _ \\ : ' _)' : | :-(_).(_):: (_ ;) | | -' || \ _ / ; | _ || `..___..' `-'..____.'`' ;._: _; :_ / \ SSt ,' `' `. SSt >HAUNTING ME by Joseph Walker To the frightened boy I saw in the news photograph: Please forgive me for writing to you this way. I know it's sort of cold and impersonal. There isn't much of a chance that you will ever see this. But it's the only way I know to try to reach you, and to tell you that... well, I don't even know what to tell you. I saw your photograph on the Internet this evening. You were sitting there in Baghdad with your parents -- at least, I assume them to be your parents. With all my heart, I hope they are your parents. They look concerned and angry. I can understand that. I would be concerned and angry too if the city in which I live was being systematically destroyed. But it is the look in your young eyes that is haunting me tonight. You can't be more than 11 -- the same age as my son, Jon, who is sleeping safely upstairs in his bed as I write this. But those eyes have seen things during the past few weeks that no child's eyes ought to see. And I can see that it is wearing on you. The redness of your eyes, and the unmistakable look of fear as you peer directly into the camera has forced me to try to reach out to you -- somehow, some way. I wish I could explain why all of this is happening to you and to your family. Then again, maybe it's just as well that we don't even go there. No matter what I say, it can't explain the near-constant pounding of the bombardment you have already endured, or the pain of loved ones lost, or the terror of not knowing from one moment to the next what the future will hold for you, your family and your country. I guess the only thing we can say is we both live in countries where those who are in charge make certain decisions, and those decisions sometimes have a way of making life miserable for innocent people who had absolutely nothing to do with making them. So the leaders of your country have made decisions and the leaders of my country have made decisions, and the result of all those decisions is a bunch of bombs dropping on your city and changing your life forever. There are those around the world who think that those changes will ultimately be for your good. That's probably sort of difficult to imagine at this point, and I'm pretty sure that thought doesn't give you much comfort. Promises of a better "someday" don't mean much when "today" is filled with the sights, sounds and smells of war. Especially when those promises are coming from the same people who are bombing the life out of you. My guess is you've been told that we're pretty awful over on this side of the world. From the look in your eyes I'm thinking that would be hard to dispute. And to a certain extent, it's true. There are people here who are capable of horrifying things. There are people like that in your country, too, unfortunately. You probably already know that. But just as there are wonderful people who you know and love all around you, there are also people here who are capable of great goodness -- caring, compassionate people who will do everything in their power to help you and your family get back on your feet once all of this is over. Of course, I don't expect you to believe that. Not right now, anyway. But maybe you can tuck away in the back of your mind the hope that even if all of this fighting ends badly for the people who have been running your country, it may not turn out to be such a bad thing for you. Freedom -- real freedom -- is often painfully won. But it can be an incredible thing for those who are prepared to use it properly. I pray that it may be so for you and for your family. That's the only way any of this makes sense. And that's the only way the look in your eyes stops haunting me. -- Joseph Walker ___________________________________________ Joseph is a Heartwarmer Gem and nationally syndicated columnist. Y --- ,--.,-"";-"-. .-;-/ / / .- `\ .-. ` ( ' ' ` ; `\/ \ \ / \ / (. C . ) | .-. | | _ / (` / | \ /}| | )(\ | `-> (____.| / ||| / \=====| | |\| | |====| \ _/ ` \__/=====| |` `-'======| \ |=======/ | |=======| | .--, ########\ |/ / jgs |_|__|| ` `--. ,---;-'--'\ `--. `---`-------'-.___,___.---' ...Sad. Makes me think of the children of Syria, Ukraine, and all the Christian children oppressed and victimized by Islamic Terrorists and the evil of this world. Matt.19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matt.18: [1] At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? [2] And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, [3] And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. [4] Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. [6] But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. They shall get their just reward through Christ Jesus. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jacinto :) _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.' *Hatred penalises life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonises it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.* *When your heart is filled with good thoughts and feelings, all that comes out of the senses - your speech, your vision, your action - will all be pure.* *Accept physical weakness, sickness and other physical pains. It is part of the ageing process. Enjoy whatever your health can allow.* "Never* *try to dominate the one who says sorry to you for their mistake.* *Because, they understand, you are more important than their* *Ego**.* *We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.* *Sometimes those who don’t socialize much aren’t actually anti-social, they just have no tolerance for Drama and Fake People.* -<>- "You wake up in the morning and lo! Your purse is magically filled with twenty-four hours of the unmanufactured tissue of the universe of your life. It is yours. It is the most precious of possessions. No one can take if from you. It is unstealable. And no one receives either more or less than you receive." Now that you have Time, Learn to Take Out Time to : Take time to think; It is the source of power. Take time to read; It is the foundation of wisdom. Take time to play; It is the secret of staying young. Take time to be aware; It is the opportunity to help others. Take time to love and be loved; It is God's greatest gift. Take time to laugh; It is the music of the soul. Take time to be friendly; It is the road to happiness. Take time to dream; It is what the future is made of. Take time to pray; It is the greatest power on earth. ENJOY BEING WHO YOU ARE !! --- ...Aww, Great Advise! Thank You Jass! That would be 'God, In Christ, In Me' - Sweet! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Col.1: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 1 John 3: [1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. [2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Things Are Not Always the Way They Appear (Author Unknown) Things are not always the way they may appear. For example, a woman's dog got out of the yard and later returned with a rabbit in its mouth. She realized it was the neighbors' pet rabbit, and knew she would never be able to tell them what happened. Since they were out of town, she hit upon a plan. She took the rabbit into the bathroom, washed it off, and blew its fur dry. Then she took the rabbit to the neighbors' backyard and put the rabbit back in its cage. She thought the neighbors would discover the rabbit dead and think it died in the cage, and would never suspect what really happened. On Monday, there was a knock at the door, and when she answered, her neighbor was standing there. He asked her if she had seen anyone in their backyard over the weekend. She said no. He said, "Did you see anything strange going on around our house or yard?" Again, she denied seeing anything suspicious. She said, "Why are you asking me these questions? What happened?" He said, "Well, something really strange is going on in my backyard. On Friday our rabbit died, so we buried it in the backyard. But when we came back from the weekend, it was back in the cage!" The moral of this little story: trust God even when we don't understand some of our experiences, -- because things aren't always the way they appear. --- ...Oh My! Thanks LouiseA! The better Moral? If you think you are getting away with it, Think Again! Life has a way of getting even with you! It is better to fess up then play the role of a fool in the game of life! Gal.6: [7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. That's God's Law of Giving = Receiving http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/GIVING_EQUALS_RECEIVING.htm -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Planting Pumpkin Seeds (By Sharon Glasgow) Key Verse: John 4:35-36, "Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." Last year's gigantic state fair pumpkin yielded hundreds of seeds. I was so excited, I thought about planting those seeds all winter. When the weather conditions were just right, I sowed them in the field directly behind my house. I don't have a water hose that reaches that far and it didn't rain for many days. So, I worried. Finally, pumpkin leaves started appearing and so did the groundhog family. Every morning like clockwork I would sit down to eat breakfast, and there popping out of the ground in my pumpkin field were the groundhogs. I sent Sparky, our Border Collie, out the door with one command, "Go get 'um boy!" He was highly entertained by the chase, but his speed never scared them away. Between the groundhog family's addiction for pumpkin blossoms, Sparky's high-speed chase through the patch, and my neighbor who mowed a portion of the young plants down by accident, the pumpkin harvest produced a whopping three pumpkins. I'm not complaining - I mean three years ago I planted a bunch of seeds only to produce nothing! Then, the next year my one pumpkin was a surprise harvest from the previous year's planting. So, I'm thrilled to have three pumpkins this year. Being a farmer is work, but it's worth it all to see the fruit of your labor. Next year I'm going to plant my pumpkin field again. This time I'm going to set traps for those unwanted critters and post a pumpkin patch sign in full view for my zealous mowing neighbor. I'm already getting excited about next year's pumpkin patch! Planting seeds can be disappointing, after you work, wait expectantly and watch as your efforts seem to disappear. The same holds true when we work at sharing Jesus with people, but Jesus encourages us in Luke 15: 7: "I say to you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." Planting means risk taking. You might sow a hundred seeds and only yield a few fruit bearing plants. Sow those seeds anyway! Talk to people in elevators, in grocery store lines, to your neighbors, to annoying sales clerks, and whoever comes in your path. Take every opportunity to plant seeds; God honors those who risk getting disappointed for the sake of one person being brought to Him. The more He sees you are willing to take risks for Him, the bigger assignments He'll put in your path. I'm going outside now to enjoy my pumpkins. I can only imagine how God enjoys watching His fruit grow! My Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, help me to utilize every soul encounter for Your glory. Help me to see each person through Your eyes and with Your compassion. Give me the boldness that I need to say the things You want me to say and do. Thank You for using me. It is an honor to be Your servant. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. Application Steps: 1. Prepare your heart for service by reading the Word and spending time with God so that you will be in tune to His heart for lost souls. 2. Take risks in your encounters with people. 3. Let your light shine, so that others will want to hear the Good News. --- ...Aww, so beautiful and true! Thanks LouiseA! ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ___ ____ /' --;^/ ,-_\ \ | / | | | /| | "|" | |\| /"_ "|" /"\ |_) |_" / / --o\ o-\ \\ --(_)-- |/|/ /"| | | | | | \_| | \_/ |_> |__ /-/-/|o|-|\-\\|\\ / | \ '` ` |-| `` ' |") |_" (_" /"' | | |_" |"\ |-| |"\ |__ ,_) \_, |_| |__ |_/ o o o |-|O |-(\,__ ...|-|\--,\_.... ,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;,. ~~,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;, >Stranded A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agree that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island. The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren. After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing. Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing. Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered. As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?" My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything." You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings." "Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "what did he pray for that I should owe him anything?" He prayed that all your prayers be answered." For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us. -<>- .---. (_---_) (_/6 6\_) ( v ) `\ /' .-'': ;``-. / \,Y./ \ / (:)___ \ : .-'XXX`-.`\_; `.__.-XXX-.__.'\_ / / XXX \ \ `\_ / XXX \ `\ / XXX \ _`\___ jgs / \ (`--"""-') / \ (=-=-=-=-) `--...___ ___...--' (________) >And it's winter before we know it... You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my husband. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all... And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my children go? And where did my youth go? I remember well... Seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is... Wife retired and she's really getting lumpy... She moves slower and I see an older woman now. She's in better shape than me... But I see the great change. Not the one I married who was young and vibrant... But, like me, her age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and thought we'd never be. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! 'Cause if I don't on my own free will, I just fall asleep where I sit! And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things. But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last... This I know, that when it's over... it's over... Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done... Things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime. So, if you're not in your winter yet... Let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it with integrity! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life... So, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember. "Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one." LIVE IT WELL! -<>- .--. .--. / ' .\ |'. ( .-. \ \ . ` /\. /`. / ) ( `.' .' '--'` (\ \.' .' ) \`. \ _/ _..--' `. \ /`'<_/ : )"'``..`-3 : :. `"'. ) / |-.'' (_.-._ | / ( .'`--..J ' |-'( |_| | : >` '. .'' : | Y | < | : > ' \ `_ : '` \ / :- ' || : / ./: | \ .'J /_ ) : | '% | a:f /.-.`). : I | / ( \ ) : .^) `-' `..-' (`"' / ===' >Love a Little More "I love you!" The words just hung there in the air suspended for the moment, drifting, waiting for the echo..."I love you, too!" I thought about it and wondered if there really needs be an echo, a reply of the same. "Why do we tell someone "I love you?" I wondered. Oh, the obvious point is to let someone know you care about them. But do we say it so that we can hear it back? If we say those words they certainly aren't taken or given lightly. There is power behind them, woven in between them and laced with tone's of commitment. But do we also say them because we, too need reassurance? Are we really saying it this way; "I love you! Do you love me?" I believe the best things in life come to us without expectations. It reminds me of the tradition of sending greeting cards. "Should I send a birthday card to Uncle Joe?" "Did you get one from him for your birthday? "No." "Well, I wouldn't send one to him." Or..."John we got a card from the Phillips for Christmas. Did we send them one?" "No. I don't remember getting one from them last year. Remember we decided to send cards only to those who send us one?" How many things do you do that you label as "giving" when in reality you are expecting a return for your gesture? Have you ever given something anonymously? I'm not suggesting that it's wrong to say "I love you" because you long to hear it. I just wondered how many times we say it without expectations. So I experimented with it. The last several times when my wife said it to me, I didn't reply with the same words. I would say "thanks." In some cases I replied with a hug. Other times I said or did nothing. The words hung in mid air. Last night I sighed. That got me into trouble. The sigh seemed to give a different signal. For me, hearing the words echo back doesn't mean that much. It seems too mechanical. Like "Thank you" and "You're welcome." It's polite and proper, but expected. So here's what I've come up with. Touch a little more. A hand on a shoulder, a gentle touch on a chin. If you are sitting near each other, play "footsies" gently bumping, nudging your loved one's foot. In this new society of keeping our distance, not invading one's space for fear of misunderstanding the gesture, the human spirit longs for touch. Smile a little more. In a passing glance, return a soft, gentle smile. Practice it in the mirror and you'll see how your eyes are involved in this expression of love. They seem to sparkle and brighten as they tell the person you bring joy to my life. Offer to do a little more. "Can I get you something?" "Let me get that for you." "No, sit I'll get the phone." Watch the expression and body language on that person when you do this. They suddenly feel special, like royalty. Call a little more. For no reason at all. "Just needed to hear your voice." "I thought about you and thought I'd give you a call." You won't see it, but when they hang up they walk a little taller, the smile will linger for a while. Write a little more. Don't send a card. Don't send an email. Take a piece of paper, an envelope and write a quick note to someone you love. Here in America it costs 39 cents. Do you realize how valuable that investment is? In these times what can you buy for 39 cents that could possibly be as valuable as a hand written note. Oh, yes. Send it even if you live in the same household. Be quiet together a little more. Sitting in silence with someone you love creates an energy in that space that is breathtaking and unforgettable. Listen to the sound of love, two hearts beating in one continuous rhythm, sending pulsating waves of immeasurable force into the world. Now try saying "I love you" without expectation. If you are doing all of these things those words will not need an echo. They will not hang in mid air and die in sadness because you didn't hear them back. They will be absorbed by the one they were intended for and they will sigh, not in frustration or confusion, but in satisfaction of knowing it is so. You actually do this already. When you pray, you say "I love you, God." You don't wait for a deep sounding voice in reply. "This is God...I love you, too!" Why? Because it is understood. We know He loves us not because we hear it, but because we experience it, feel it, and know it. Our true love for Him is not in the words we say, but in the way we live. When we love each other we love God. I write for you as an expression of love although we have never met. If you know that, take a deep breath and sigh. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _( )_ ( ) ( ) _( )_ ( ) ( ) _( )_ ( ` ' )| |_| | _ _ __ ( ` ' )| |_| | _ _ __ ( ` ' ) > < | _ |( ) ( ) /'_ `\ > < | _ |( ) ( ) /'_ `\ > < (_, ,_)| | | || (_) |( (_) |(_, ,_)| | | || (_) |( (_) |(_, ,_) (_) (_) (_)`\___/'`\__ | (_) (_) (_)`\___/'`\__ | (_) ( )_) | ( )_) | \___/' \___/' unknown "I believe in You!" ~ Bob Perks ~ Bob@BobPerks.com -<>- This poem was written by a WW II Air Force veteran in 1985. I believe we can all appreciate the sentiments expressed...... \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >JUST A COMMON SOLDIE