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 SOLDIER He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast, As he sat in the Legion hall telling stories of the past, Of a war that he had fought in, and the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes, every one. Though sometimes to his neighbors his tales became a joke, All his soldier mates they listened, for they knew whereof he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away, And the world's a little poorer - for a soldier died today. He'll not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife. For he lived a very ordinary, quite uneventful life. Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life story from the time that they were young, But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the wefare of our land A man who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife Goes off to serve his country and offers up his life? A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives; While the ordinary soldier who offer up his all Is paid off with a medal, and perhaps a pension, small. It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago That the "Old Bills" of our country went to battle, but we know It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys Who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, Would you want a politician, with his ever-shifting stand? Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend His home, his kin and country, and would fight until the end? He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us, we may need his like again, For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days. And perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say: "Our country is in mourning - for a soldier died today." -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Moses Bridge http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mosesbridge.html No Words Necessary http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords2.html World Tallest SnowWoman http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/snowwoman.htm Right Angle Photography http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/anglephoto.html Scott Weaver Toothpick Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/toothpick.htm Wood Stacking Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/woodstacking.html Unique Mini Clocks http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/clocks.html Strange Hotels http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hotel.html Space Trivia Facts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/spacetrivia.html World Most Expensive Things http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/expensive.html -<>- >From Our Friend PatDeE :) He sent us one we have here... Over The Limit http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/overthelimit.html --- ...A funny one! Thanks PatDeE! If it’s gone, this will restore your faith in mankind. Compassion Still Exists https://www.youtube.com/embed/btiDHCuWyBA?rel=0 --- ...Aww, so heartwarming! Thanks PatDeE! -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) HOMELESS MAN TEARS UP: "I'M NOT A BUM, I'M A HUMAN BEING - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-j36_9xPGY Christian Rapper Lecrae Says He Harassed People With Pellet Gun http://tinyurl.com/pqnelbe Couple Leaves Huge Tip Receiving "Bad Service" http://viralcharge.com/couple-leaves-huge-tip-receiving-bad-service/?ref=0 On My Father's Side by The Barn Again Gang https://www.youtube.com/embed/N5ddoyfn6g4 --- ...Sweet! Thanks Melody! -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann :) Around The Us http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KcuDdPo0WZk Starry, Starry Night- Secrets of Old Age http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?feature=player_embedded&v=FgBF3sIPm4c Tsung https://www.youtube.com/embed/e3oNVmSaMsE --- ...OooLaLa! I could watch his little fingers all day! Thanks Geniann! 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 Cloie :) THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD REMINDER NOT TO JUDGE SOMEONE TOO QUICKLY BECAUSE OF THE WAY HE LOOKS. .-"''-. _ .' `( \ @/ ') ,--,__,-" / / \ / / _/ __| , |/ / .~ `\ / \ , | / .~ `\ ` / _/ _/ .~ `\ ~~`__/ / ~ `--'/ / / / / /' /jgs >A Baby's Hug We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, ' Hi. ' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment. I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. ' Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster, ' the man said to Erik. My husband and I exchanged looks, ' What do we do? ' Erik continued to laugh and answer, ' Hi. ' Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, ' Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo. ' Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments. We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. ' Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik, ' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's' pick-me-up ' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man. Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man ' s ragged shoulder. The man ' s eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby ' s bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, ' You take care of this baby. ' Somehow I managed, ' I will, ' from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, ' God bless you, ma’am, you’ve given me my Christmas gift. ' I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, ' My God, my God, forgive me. ' I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, ' Are you willing to share your son for a moment? ' when He shared His for all eternity. How did God feel when he put his baby in our arms 2000 years ago. The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, ' To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children. ' If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are. This one is a keeper. 'It is better to be liked for the true you, than to be loved for who people think you are......” --- ...Oh, such a heartwarmer! Thanks Cloie! ========================================================== ____ __ __ ___ ____ ______ / __/ \ / | _ \ | _ \_ _| \__ \ , ^ , | _ \| _ / | | /____/_|\_/|_|_| \_|_| \_\ |_| -by Shel Silverstein >Results of a Risk Taken Story Editor: by Lois Dansler Joyce Schowalter Ohio, USA My friend, Barb, and I had been out yard saling as we often do, and were headed home on a hot, humid day in August, 2010. We were driving through a part of town where one sees drug users and dealers on the street. As we slowed for a traffic light my friend noticed a wallet lying open on the street near a parked car. She asked me to stop and as I did she jumped out and retrieved it. I expected her to hop back in so we could give it to the police, but she waved for me to park. Rolling down the window, I asked what she was doing, and she said, "There's ID in here -- maybe the owner is in one of these houses. But the address isn't on this street. Hmmm." Recognizing her determination, I feared Barb would start knocking on doors.... Doors sheltering people who were scared of strangers, drug dealers, and users -- many of them armed to balance their fears. I parallel parked. Barb had already knocked on a couple doors asking for the name on the ID, without disclosing what she wanted. The first door didn't open, the folks inside told her to go away. At the second door, no one answered. I caught up with her at the third door as it was opened slowly after a peek out through closed blinds. A young woman in faded but clean clothes opened it after seeing Barb's smile. Barb asked by name for the wallet's owner. A look of trepidation passed over the girl's face as she backed up a step. She called out. A young man in his early twenties with a puzzled look came towards us. Barb recognized the young man from the driver's license picture. She held out the wallet without a word, just a smile, and he took it, not quite understanding what was happening. The young girl said thank you and quickly closed the door. Halfway back to the car I was still scolding my friend for taking such chances. Then we heard yelling over the street noise. The young man was running toward us and waving. He was smiling, yet tears were running down his face. Before we knew it, he was hugging us both and saying thank you over and over. When he calmed a bit, he explained. He'd just been back to work for three weeks and his first paycheck was in his wallet. That paycheck was enough to move his wife and their 3-month-old baby to a small clean apartment, close to his job and out of the threatening area where they now lived. With a last big hug, and the last tears from all of us, the young man headed back to the house. We headed back to our car with smiles that lasted longer than most, and kept returning to our faces. My friend taught me that day that your fears are worth overcoming, for the benefit of others. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend PatDeE :) \\\\, / \\ '<' ) \- / _)_(_ .'\___/'. /.-.___.-.\ [_________] | | ( | , | (\/) ) _\)_ | -|- | <_@__> _(/_ || | | | (/\)(\/) || || | | (\/) <_@_> || || | | <_@_>'(/\) || || | | (/\|/|-. || || .---------. _|_|_ || ||_,-'---------'-,__ |WWWWW| ___jgs|_|____________________|_\_____/__ >Best Sermons Are Lived, Not Preached 1. Today, I interviewed my grandmother for part of a research paper I'm working on for my Psychology class. When I asked her to define success in her own words, she said, "Success is when you look back at your life and the memories make you smile." 2. Today, I asked my mentor - a very successful business man in his 70s- what his top 3 tips are for success. He smiled and said, "Read something no one else is reading, think something no one else is thinking, and do something no one else is doing." 3. Today, after a 72 hour shift at the fire station, a woman ran up to me at the grocery store and gave me a hug. When I tensed up, she realized I didn't recognize her. She let go with tears of joy in her eyes and the most sincere smile and said, "On 9-11-2001, you carried me out of the World Trade Center." 4. Today, after I watched my dog get run over by a car, I sat on the side of the road holding him and crying. And just before he died, he licked the tears off my face. 5. Today at 7AM, I woke up feeling ill, but decided I needed the money, so I went into work. At 3PM I got laid off. On my drive home I got a flat tire. When I went into the trunk for the spare, it was flat too. A man in a BMW pulled over, gave me a ride, we chatted, and then he offered me a job. I start tomorrow. 6. Today, as my father, three brothers, and two sisters stood around my mother's hospital bed, my mother uttered her last coherent words before she died. She simply said, "I feel so loved right now. We should have gotten together like this more often." 7. Today, I kissed my dad on the forehead as he passed away in a small hospital bed. About 5 seconds after he passed, I realized it was the first time I had given him a kiss since I was a little boy. 8. Today, in the cutest voice, my 8-year-old daughter asked me to start recycling. I chuckled and asked, "Why?" She replied, "So you can help me save the planet." I chuckled again and asked, "And why do you want to save the planet?" Because that's where I keep all my stuff," she said. 9. Today, when I witnessed a 27-year-old breast cancer patient laughing hysterically at her 2-year-old daughter's antics, I suddenly realized that I need to stop complaining about my life and start celebrating it again. 10. Today, a boy in a wheelchair saw me desperately struggling on crutches with my broken leg and offered to carry my backpack and books for me. He helped me all the way across campus to my class and as he was leaving he said, "I hope you feel better soon." 11. Today, I was feeling down because the results of a biopsy came back malignant. When I got home, I opened an e-mail that said, "Thinking of you today. If you need me, I'm a phone call away." It was from a high school friend I hadn't seen in 10 years. 12. Today, I was traveling in Kenya and I met a refugee from Zimbabwe. He said he hadn't eaten anything in over 3 days and looked extremely skinny and unhealthy. Then my friend offered him the rest of the sandwich he was eating. The first thing the man said was, "We can share it. The best sermons are lived, not preached --- ...Absolutely! Jesus proved that! Thanks PatDeE! ========================================================== >-->From Laugh&Lift: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' "Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me.' On the surface, that seems the most intolerant of statements. Think of any man on the stage of human history claiming to be the supreme embodiment of all psychological, scientific, and religious truth! He was either an egomaniac, a liar, or He was what He claimed to be. By faith I accepted Him for what He claimed to be, the Son of the Living God. That simple decision changed my life - and I have seen it change the lives of countless others across the world." - Billy Graham The Lift Not "Know it Alls", but "Know Some things" (By Kerry Doyal - GEFC - www.GetGraced.org) [Edited] A coffee cup and a T-shirt snagged my imagination recently. My sister had on the shirt. The cup was from that chic coffee franchise we'll call "Stellar-dollars." The T-shirt said on the front: "I know that I know that I know that I know." With this being my sister, I didn't know where that shirt was going. Did I dare ask? Reading her back (the shirt, not a tattoo) I saw what she knew. It was a quote from a Nicole C. Mullins song: "...that my redeemer lives. I talked to Him this morning." A great song which quotes in part from Job. I never doubted you Kara. Thanks for the reminder! Hallelujah, we can know our risen Savior lives - even if we neglected to talk with Him this morning. Even if we never talk to Him - He lives. So that was the shirt. Now, the coffee cup was immediate preacher fodder (i.e. sermon supplement). I drained the cup Saturday PM (decaf, mind you) and used it Sunday AM. For the record: not that I was desperate for material - this time. It genuinely fit my sermon. Despite my "cool-because-she's-college-aged" daughter's teasing, I feel very hip in getting such a great quote from Stellar-dollars. They are an international company that celebrates multiculturalism (all cultures and their "truths" are equal) and total tolerance (again, all truths are equal). Later, go Google "postmodernism." The cup read in part: "This is what we know to be true: We opened our very first store in (insert city and state), in (insert year). We still roast our coffee ourselves... We served the best cup of coffee 37 years ago... " Did you see what got me juiced? Read their simple, wonderful assertion again: "This is what we know to be true." Wow! Truth that can be known, verified, legally, historically documented and even printed on a 10% post-consumer recycled fiber cup! They know that they know that they know. And they want us to know what can be known with certainty as well. They point us to a place, a time, a process, a history. They even tell us they make the best coffee - daring us to taste and see that they are good. It thrills me to see in a day of doubt which questions all truth claims that someone still uses such language. Alas, some sensible sanity! Verifiable data and historical reliability exists! They rightfully expect that most cup-readers will understand this narrative of their origins is a clear, sensible, provable statement. No deconstruction or cultural reinterpretation needed. This perky little cup holds its truth claims to be more than self-evident. It gives us enough facts to investigate and see if it will stand-up under scrutiny. Were we to research this truth claim without bias - say, a preference for someone else's coffee - we could prove or disprove their truth claims. We too could say: This is what WE now know to be true! We too would know that what they know that they know. Assuming their claims are valid, they are true even if I do not believe them. It does not need my faith to make it true. It can hold it own truth-grounds even if we did not drink a cup this morning. The Bible gives us truth-claims about our living Redeemer. It asks - almost dares us - to verify them. The Apostle Paul set forth 500 eyewitnesses to Jesus' resurrection. The Corinthians were invited to investigate if these multitudes had in fact seen Jesus alive again (1 Corinthians 15). Dr. Luke tells us he investigated thoroughly what he wrote in his gospel account (see Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1). He spoke with eyewitnesses who heard Jesus teach, saw Him perform miracles, watched Him die a hideous death and then come back alive. Luke gives us names, places, times. The Apostle John tells us he too was an eyewitness. He writes of what he heard, saw, touched and carefully observed (1 John 1). In an historical place, in a specific time, Jesus lived, died, rose again, ascended back to heaven and now offers salvation to all who obey Him by believing (John 1:1-18; 3:14-17; 21:24, 25). Don't kid yourself: seeing ain't always believing. Many saw and did not believe. They had - as we do - heart issues, not intellectual difficulties. Jesus graciously let Doubting Thomas see Him after His resurrection. He then blessed those who do not see yet still believe (John 20:24-31). Jesus left behind enough witnesses for us to be held responsible for making the right faith-choice concerning Him (John 1:12; 3:36; 5:24). Jesus equates belief with obedience, not brain-deadness. We do not believe despite lacking facts. We believe because it is true, He is truth and the evidence is more than sufficient, reliable and compelling. Disbelief is disobedience. Why will we take at face value what a hot beverage cup says? Simple: it makes no moral demands on my life, other than to recycle. Jesus, the Creator of the stars, is not one you should buck. You can talk to Him any part of the day. He lives and shall once again take His stand on the earth. Some books for further investigation. First, the Bible! Then, mull over The Reason for God by Timothy Keller, currently on the New York Times bestseller list. Also just out is Choosing Your Faith by Mark Mittelberg, a unique approach that helps you see why you believe what you believe and if your faith-choice is solid. I also recommended two classics by Josh McDowell: More than a Carpenter and Evidence that Demands a Verdict. Most importantly, I commend you to Jesus, who invites us to taste and see that He is good - Truth that you can know. 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 Our Friend Fran :) \__ __/ /_/ /\ \_\ __ \ \/ / __ \_\_\/\/_/_/ __/\___\_\/_/___/\__ \/ __/_/\_\__ \/ /_/ /\/\ \_\ __/ /\ \__ \_\ \/ /_/ / \ >Snowflakes "See the pretty snowflakes Falling from the sky; On the wall and housetops Soft and thick they lie. On the window ledges, On the branches bare; Now how fast they gather, Filling all the air. Look into the garden, Where the grass was green; Covered by the snowflakes, Not a blade is seen." -Unnknown --- ...Thanks Fran! \ ,'|`-. / \,' _|_ ',' /'.' | `,' \ -._/_/_'.|,'_\__\_,- | | ,-*." | | ___|,+' /|\`.| | \ \/ | \/`. |___ \ /`.|,'\ / Y. | \/ / `.|_,' \ This poem reminds me of back on the 9th when I wrote to my brother: 'Yes it is cold here - very cold here - colder then cold here - way to cold to be even thinking about going outside and to top it off we got a snow storm with lots of wind last night on top of the snow we already had. The one cool thing about it was while watching the wind whip the snow off the garage and make most things invisible a big intricate spiderweb showed up on the outside kitchen window. It sparkled and looked rather neat all snowy like lit gently blowing in the strong wind yet still holding firm to the window. God sure did make them unique! It withstood even the cold winter winds of up to 40mph gusts!' >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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