Hope ... :) 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 ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ _ _ .-""-. ( )-"```"-( ) .-""-. / O O \ / \ / O O \ |O .-. \ / 0 _ 0 \ / .-. O| \ ( ) '. _| (_) | .' ( ) / '.`-' '-./ | |`\.-' '-'.' \ | \ \ / / | / \ \ '. '._.' .' / / \ '. `'-----'` .' / \ .' '-._ .-'\ '. / |/` `'''''') ) `\| / ( ( ,\ ; \ '-..-'/ ; | '. / | | `'---'` | ; ; \ / `. .' '-._ _.-' jgs __/`" ' - - - ' "`` \__ /` /^\ `\ \( .' '. )/ '.(__(__.-' '.__)__).' *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->2 Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) We've got a red hot one here. It comes from two forwards from our friends Sandi and Wesley. Sure to bring you smiles! Check it out here... ______ | |\ | |__\ | | | | | | | | | | |__________| gpyy God's Little Love Notes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html --- ...I loved this one! Thank You Sandi And Wesley! This next hottie comes from a forward from our friend Viv. At first I thought it was just a photoshop collection, but quickly learned it was the real deal. Pretty cool! I wouldn't mind having one but the price tag on it will keep it out of most of our reach. It's fun to window shop though. Check it out here... ,--. \ _\_ _\/_|_\____.'\ -(___.--._____( \ \ \ \ `--' jg Amazing Street-Legal Airplane! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/transition.html --- ...Super intriguing! Thank You Viv! ================================================================ >-->From Heartwarmers: ,-'". ,@@o. ) (_ ) s S. ' )= "? / \ (` `-; \ /,-. ) ,-'"-.`-'| ( /\/{_\ ! ,/\/\/ {_\ ; /\/\/\ {V ,/\/\// ) (_ ,\/\/\//,- `-. /\/\/\/-' \_ `-. __,--\/\/\/( '. `-. `. ///`-\/\/ \ `. `-.__ `. ,\/ `. `. `----''\ / `. `-. \ / `-. `-. \ >LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING by Clara Wersterfer Most teens can't wait to learn to drive. Not so with me. Driving made me nervous. I didn't get a license until I turned 24 years old. As a result, when I first married, we only had one car and car pooled to work. My husband's hours were different from mine by one hour. I worked earlier. So he dropped me off and went to the diner to drink coffee until work time. Then, in the afternoons, I leisurely walked the three miles to his work place where I waited in his car, reading a book. One day while waiting for him, I noticed the most beautiful Cadillac pull in the lot. It was powder blue and sleek looking. The kind of car you dream about. I was busily admiring the car, when I noticed the driver. Honestly, she was probably the prettiest woman I had ever seen off the movie screen. She pulled into the spot beside our car and it was all I could do not to stare. There was a striking resemblance to Liz Taylor. Jet black hair and alabaster skin. Our eyes made contact and she smiled at me. Her eyes were as blue as the sea, and teeth like an even row of pearls. She was wearing a light blue shirt that just matched her car. Peeking through her long, softly curled hair I could see gold hoop earrings. They had to be gold to shine like that. A couple of minutes later, a nice looking man came out the building, entered her car, leaned over and kissed her and she drove away. Sitting there in my jeans, shirt and hair in a pony tail, I wanted to cry. How could some people have it all? Maybe I would have forgotten about her, but the following week, I saw her again. Then it became almost routine to see her about once a week. She seemed friendly and always waved, flashing a big smile. My envy lingered long after she drove away. Many nights when sleep evaded me, I would think about the beautiful lady. I wondered if she and her husband ate out, and where they dined, and what she was wearing. I wanted her to get out of the car and let me see her full length. Did she wear really high heeled shoes and pants, or a skirt. I would get my answers in a couple of weeks. Sitting in our usual parking lot, I was holding my book, watching her over the top of it. She was waiting and when her husband came to the car, she called to him. They spoke a few words and he opened the car door for her to step out. He took her arm and helped her out of the car. I could see very well as she moved to get out. She was wearing a skirt. She haltingly walked around to the passenger side very slowly, leaning on a walking cane. Sitting sideways in the car, she lifted one leg with her hands and then the other one. The beautiful lady had a prosthesis on the left leg and a brace on the right leg. I couldn't watch them drive away as the tears were blinding me. For weeks I had envied this woman and her way of life, while I had been able to walk three miles to our car! When my husband arrived and found me crying, he immediately asked what was wrong. Through my tears, I told him about the beautiful lady. He said he knew her husband and also knew the story. The beautiful lady and her parents were in a car that either stalled or got caught on the railroad tracks was hit by a train. Both parents were killed and she was severely injured. She was only 12 years old. The railroad made a large settlement with her because the crossing had no signals. He explained her car was specially built for her needs as well as the home. I prayed for forgiveness all the way home. The lady I thought had everything didn't. I thanked God over and over for my legs, arms and sight, and for teaching me a lesson early on in life. When you meet a person who seems to be much better off than you, don't be fooled. I would not have traded places with the beautiful lady for anything -- I still had my parents, and the ability to walk, run or dance through life. Wonderful things money can't buy. -- Clara Wersterfer __________________________________________________ Clara resides in Texas. ============================================================ >-->From Our Friend James :) _..._ ,s$$$s. .$$$$$$$s$$ss$$$$, $$$sss$$$$s$$$$$$$ $$ss$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ "Searching for Hope" By Bob Perks '$$$s$$$$$$$$$$$$' '$$$$$$$$$$$$$$' S$$$$$$$$$$$' '$$$$$$$$$' '$$$$$' '$$$' ; ; ; ', ; ,' ; ', ', ; ' Steven Maddison I searched for hope last night. I have a million things going on in my mind and the only answer for all of them is hope. So I sat there my office listening to the world around me. I heard nothing. I don't believe that hope is quiet. I need hope to be loud and brassy. I want hope to come marching into my life like a high school band in the Macy's parade. "Where does one find hope anyway?" I said out loud. So I did an internet search on Google. The word "hope" popped up here and there. There were groups with hope in their name. There were a few websites "bringing hope to the world." There was "New Hope" in southeastern Pennsylvania and "Hope," Arkansas, the town that claims President Clinton's childhood. I found the "Cradle of Hope" adoption center and "Wings of Hope," an aviation group. But I needed to find the kind of hope that gives me strength to go on. The hope that sparkles in the corner of your mind and helps you to see life in a better light. I want to hear hope and dance like I've nothing in the world to worry about. I want "rock and roll hope" and "big band hope" so I can shake away all my cares. I want the kind of hope that tells my friend that all the decisions she made were the right ones. I need "EKG hope" that tells the doctor my sons' heart is undamaged from the chemo he had six years ago. I look for "medical hope" for my wife and all the challenges she faces. I need "career hope" that confirms I'm on the right path. I long for "peace on earth hope" because I can't stand to hear of another senseless death. Then in my frustration, I laid all things to rest. Lying in my bed, in the most unexpected place, I found it. I found hope in my prayers. In between "Dear God" and "Amen" I found all the hope I needed. There was no big band. There were no dances. I discovered that hope is a thing with wings that lifts you high enough to see the truth. Hope is a thing with legs that will carry you across the roughest roads you travel. Hope is a thing with eyes that helps you to see in the darkest hours of your life. Hope is a thing with arms that embraces you when you feel alone and afraid. Hope may be all you have sometimes, but it is all you need if you believe in a God of hope. I slept well last night. I hope you did, too. "I believe in You!" Bob Perks Bob@BobPerks.com -<>- ###### ########## ###### _\_ ##===----[.].] #( , _\ BE HONEST # )\__| \ / `-._``-' >@ | | | | | | | dp/VK | | | Even if others are not Even if others will not Even if others cannot "He who walks honestly walks securely." Proverbs 10:9 --- ...Amen! Thanks James! ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend John-Paul :) ############ ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ##### ##### ## ## # x # # x # ## -------####---------------- # # ---------------####--------- | # # | | ## | | | | | | | | THE FATHER`S LOVE LETTER! | | | | - God | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------- -cfbd- >My CHILD You may not know me, but I know everything about you Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you 1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your Father 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore Psalms 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes Revelation 21:3-4 And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is, Will you be my child? John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you Luke 15:11-32 With All My Love, Your Father, The Almighty God May GOD Bless His Childern. John-Paul --- ...Awesome! Thank You John-Paul! ======================================================== >-->From InspiringWords: \|/ @ @ +---------------- oO-(_)-Oo --------------------+ -D B Prell- "A cheerful disposition is good for your health . . ." Proverbs 17:22 (Message Translation) "Laughter is God's hand on a troubled world." Johann Weiss "Laughter is the most beautiful and beneficial therapy God ever granted humanity. It is often just as sacred to laugh as it is to pray." Charles R. Swindoll "It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God that is afraid to laugh in his presence." George Macdonald "Laughter is one of God's greatest gifts to the world. It really is the answer to most of our problems. We are free to smile. Our maker makes room for laughter!" Emmett Kelly, Jr. Humor is mankind's greatest blessing. Mark Twain One feels increasingly the height of the faculty in which it (humor) arises, the nobility of things associated with it, and the greatness of services it renders. Oscar W. Firkins -<>- ( ( ( )) ) ) ) (( ( ( ( ___o___) '. ___ .' | |====O ' (> <) ' |_____| --ooO-(_)-Ooo-------------------- >The Waste in Worry- If we were to keep a record of all the things we worried about during a given period of time, we would discover-in reviewing them- that the great majority of our anticipated problems or troubles never come to pass. This means that most of the time we devote to worrying, even the constructive kind that prompts us to try to come up with a solution to what is troubling us, is wasted. Thus, we not only caused ourself unnecessary mental anguish, but also took up valuable minutes and hours that could have been spent elsewhere. To avoid this, it is often necessary to subject potential sources of worry to the coldly objective and analytical light of reason. Once, shortly before a major concert before a standing-room-only audience, a member of Arturo Toscanini's orchestra approached the great Italian conductor with an expression of sheer terror on his face. "Maestro," the musician fretted, "my instrument is not working properly. I cannot reach the note of E-flat. Whatever will I do? We are to begin in a few moments." Toscanini looked at the man with utter amazement. Then he smiled kindly and placed an arm around his shoulders. "My friend," the maestro replied, "Do not worry about it. The note E-flat does not appear anywhere in the music that you will be playing this evening." The next time we find ourselves in the middle of worrying about some matter, we might be wise to stop and ask ourselves what the odds are of the problem really coming to pass. We may be able to go on to something more constructive. -- Brad Stevens -<>- ,-'-. _., . ( '("'-' '). ( ' (( |. )\/( ) '( )) | () |" | | ') ( . ,-. ,-.. __.) /) / ' / / /) / / PjP >IN THE MIDST OF LIFE'S STORMS "Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16 "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 Last edition we talked about troubles; how they are a consistent part of every day. And because they are a part of everyone's day, each of us has a choice to make on how we are going to deal with them. We can worry or we can have faith. Worry finds it's root in fear, which is the opposite of faith. If not controlled, worry creates doubt and doubt leads to an inability to receive from God. All available evidence, in scripture and in worldly data, shows worry to be both ineffective and destructive. Faith, on the other hand, is the foundation that God has provided for us. It is a source of stability and strength to overcome our troubles. It brings comfort in the midst of turmoil - a peace that goes beyond our understanding. How very simple the choice seems when presented in those terms. But life has a way of making the simplest of choices not seem so simple after all. Major life changing events often seem insurmountable and it's a natural reaction for us to feel some panic. In some ways it reminds me of being on a ship in a hurricane (remember that I was in the Navy for 28 years - so don't think me strange when I relate to things this way. James spent some time at sea and shares my view!). Anyone who saw the recent George Clooney movie about the perfect storm has some sense of what that can be like. In our mind's eye, dark clouds gather to block the sun, the wind howls so loud we can't think, and the waves of doubt and fear lift skyward and come crashing down on us with thunderous blows. Again and again and again. It feels like an endless march of forces seemingly bent on destroying our hope and our faith. All is darkness and confusion around us. Our senses reel from the impact. There seems no direction we can chose to escape, no refuge in which to seek comfort and rest. But in the midst of this assault, we need to force ourselves to ask these critical questions. Are God's promises any less valid today than they were yesterday? Does He love us any less? Are we any less valuable to Him? Has the price He paid for our salvation, for our adoption into His family as His sons and daughters, become less precious to Him today than it was when Jesus hung on the cross at Calvary and He had to turn His eyes away because it hurt so badly to see His Son's suffering? No. No. No. And NO!!! Do I understand everything that is going on right now? No I don't. I freely admit I don't understand. But if I trust the Father, our heavenly Father, I don't need to understand. I only need to place my hand in His and hold on with all the strength I have. He will take care of the rest. By way of illustration, there is an incident in the Bible I'd like to share with you. I pray it encourages you as much as it did this old sailor in trying to deal with the current "storm" of troubles. "Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:24-26 (emphasis added) As joint heirs with Jesus, we have the same measure of faith as the one who slept peacefully during the storm and the same measure of authority as the one who rebuked it and brought calm. Instead of bowing to the storm (worry and fear) we can take authority over it - like Jesus. We may not have all the answers, but we have the one we need. The Father will care for us and bring us safely home. I am, as always, a work in progress, sheltered under His wings and overwhelmed by His love, Steve Hall -<>- _.~._ ,~'.~@~.`~. / : _..._ : \ { :,"''))`".: } `C) 9 _ 9 (-'.._,-"7o-.__ ( )(@)( ) /o `. `-.___.-' `-._ / \ \ / `-' ;`-._,-. y ,' `---t.,-. \_____ ,' /---.__\ _( \--------' _,\ ,' `-.__.--' `. \_____ '///,-`-' `-------' hjw >GOD NEVER FORGETS US (MornGlories by Kimberly Cook) Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:15-16 Can you imagine the idea of a mother forgetting her baby? It doesn't seem possible - we've all seen how mothers care for their babies. They listen for the slightest cry, they cuddle them, they play with them, they talk silly baby talk to them. Forget their baby? Impossible! God tells us that even if a mother might forget her baby, He will never forget YOU! You are always on His mind, each and every moment of your day. He has engraved your name on the palm of His hands so that He will never forget you - the scars of the wounds that kept Him on the cross become a loving reminder to Him of how valuable you are! Right now, you might be feeling alone and abandoned, wondering where your friends are, if your family cares, if God is really there . . . look at the verses above from Isaiah - God will NEVER forget you! He gave His only begotten Son so that you, who choose to believe, would not perish but have everlasting life with Him. The stresses and worries of everyday living can seem overwhelming, but when you look at God's love for you, they fade into nothing in the light of eternity. Lord, be with each of us as we move into another week. Let the knowledge of Your faithfulness to remember each of us fill our hearts with an assurance of Your love. When we feel alone and abandoned, remind us that You will never leave us or forsake us. Help us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on You as we live our life each day. In Jesus' name, Amen -<>- . , |`. ,'| \_`-._ _,-'_/ ./ \-._`-._ _,-'_,-/ \, \._/._ `._>`-.__ __,-'<_,' _,\_,/ /_ \_.`-._\_-._ `--__ __--' _,-_/_,-',_/ _\ /._`\_./ _`_./`.-._ `-. ,-' _,-,'\,_'_ \,_/'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./ _/`\_ `. ,' _/'\_ \,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /._`/ _/ _`_./` _/ `\_ `\_ _/' _/' \_ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./` __/ >. `-.,-' ,< \__ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /_`/._/._`_./` __.`.-\_.-`'-._/-,',__ '\,_'_,\_,\'_\ `\._`_./`\._/_/' _ `\_\_,/'\,_'_,/' /_\ \./ __/(__ / `--' \ / _ _ \ \'| |`/ \|____|/ \/ -] \/ / | \ | | | | | \ / | \ \__,-`\___/ (_) |__) mic >THE WINGS OF FAITH (Received via GuideWords - Author Clay Harrison) May the wings of faith uphold you When your cross is hard to bear, As temptations surround you And no one seems to care. May the wings of faith surround you And shield you from the pain When sorrows overcome you And teardrops fall like rain. May you know that God is with you In times of deep despair. May the Spirit, who's within you, Confirm that He is there! May the valley of the shadow Provide angels unaware ... May the wings of faith uphold you When your cross is hard to bear. -<>- __..-' _.--'' _...__..-' .' .' .' .' .------._ ; .-"""`-.<') `-._ .' (.--. _ `._ `'---.__.-' ` `;'-.-' '- ._ .--'`` '._ - ' . `""'-. `---' , ''--..__ `\ ``''---'`\ .' jgs `'. ' `'. >RISING ABOVE THE STORMS (Received from Kay Broihahn through DailyEncouragers) Did you know that an eagle knows when the storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it high above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring high above it, gliding with ease. The eagle does not escape the storm, it just simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm into its world. When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and belief toward God!!! The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that brings sickness, pain, tragedy, failure and disappointments in our lives, and make something good come from it. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life which weigh us down, but it is how we handle them that counts. "But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) -<>- ______ _\ _~-\___ = = ==(____AA____D \_____\___________________,-~~~~~~~`-.._ / o O o o o o O O o o o o o o O o |\_ `~-.__ ___..----.. ) `---~~\___________/------------````` = ===(_________D -Roland >THE FINAL DESTINATION (Catherine Marshall in "Touching the Heart of God") My friend Marge had an experience aboard a plane bound for Cleveland, waiting for takeoff. As she settled into her seat, Marge noticed a strange phenomenon. On one side of the airplane a sunset suffused the entire sky with glorious color. But out of the window next to her seat, all Marge could see was a dark and threatening sky, with no sign of the sunset. As the plane's engines began to roar, a gentle Voice spoke within her. "You have noticed the windows," He murmured beneath the roar and thrust of the takeoff. "Your life, too, will contain some happy, beautiful times, but also some dark shadows. Here's a lesson I want to teach you to save you much heartache and allow you to "abide in Me" with continual peace and joy. You see, it doesn't matter which window you look through; this plane is still going to Cleveland. So it is in your life. You have a choice. You can dwell on the gloomy picture. Or you can focus on the bright things and leave the dark, ominous situations to Me. I alone can handle them anyway. And the final destination is not influenced by what you see or feel along the way. Learn this, act on it and you will be released, able to experience the "peace that passes understanding." ===================================================================== ___ ,-'___'-. ,' [(_)] '. |_]||[][O]o[][| _ |_____________| _ | [] _______ [] | | [] _______ [] | [| || _ || |] |_|| = [=] ||_| | || = [|] || | | || _ || | | |||| (+) (|| | | ||_____________|| | |_| \___________/ |_| / \ | | / \ /___\ /___\SSt /___\ >Choosing Kindness Over Profit Story Editor: by Tom Magliery Joyce Schowalter British Columbia, Canada Wow! "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" was out! Shortly after it launched, five of us guys decided to drive an hour north of Champaign, Illinois, to see the movie in Hoopeston, population 6000ish. Why drive so far? The Lorraine Theatres had a widespread reputation as having the best sound system anywhere in central Illinois. We caravanned in two cars, headed to a 4:30 p.m. showing. It was a beautiful day in May, 1999, with clear blue skies -- a great day for a drive. We found the theatre, a stand-alone building on a small-town main street. Arriving at 4:20 p.m., we pulled up and parked in the angle parking across the street from the theatre. We wondered, hey, shouldn't there be some other cars parked here on the street already? There weren't any, but we thought maybe the matinee business was slowing down since the movie had been out for a couple weeks. Crossing the street, we found the ticket window empty and the front doors locked. Uh-oh. Just as we finished trying the doors, out came the owner of the theatre, a fellow in his 40s with light brown hair, glasses and a beard. He told us that the theatre had stopped their 4:30 showing three days before. Someone mumbled something about the web page, and he said that he hadn't had a chance to update it yet, because his laptop was in for repairs. He asked us where we had come from, and we told him. After another minute or two of small talk I said (half joking, half hopeful), "So you wanna show it anyway?" He looked at his watch, thought a bit... then said, "OK, sure," and showed the movie to just the five of us! We paid him the regular price, and he even let us buy pop and snacks from the concession stand, although it was lucky that we managed to find correct change for everything because he couldn't get into the cash register. It struck me that the theatre owner could just as well have said "Tough luck, fellas", wished us a pleasant drive, and sent us on our way back home. It would have been perfectly reasonable for him to do that. Instead he chose to open his business, start up his equipment, and show us the film we'd driven so far to see. I've no idea of the operating costs of running a projector and a full-scale movie theatre for a showing of a film. But I'd be surprised if the profit margin of five tickets and a few candy bars and sodas would be enough to cover it. I've always remembered this experience because we were treated so kindly by a total stranger. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >GOD BLESS AMERICA Though not as lofty a thinker as authors of The Declaration of Independence, the following gave me many reasons to be thankful for those men desiring INDEPENDENCE and pause to think of those whose lives purchased such for me! Their perseverance . . . their reverence to God and HIS will. Also, their depths of thought for "the common good" for citizens of this new land. (Well, it WAS a new land when you stop to think from where our forefathers came:-) What courage it took and tenacity to indulge in such an undertaking as "beginning anew in a NEW LAND" . . . mind~boggling, if you ask me! When I think of that group of God~fearing men, some of whom had not reached a final decision for independence from Great Britain... wrestling with the weightiness of forming The Declaration of Independence... my imagination goes into "high" gear:-) SO many facets to consider . . . I can almost hear them putting forth an opinion . . . pausing ~ debating ~ thinking and re~thinking how a particular "Article" should be worded. OH, what an AWESOME responsibility ~ YET, very stimulating at the same time. HOW we use our INDEPENDENCE is the question upon the mind of our Father . . . GOD SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE !!! God's Word is emphatic regarding our INDEPENDENCE: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. I Peter 2:15~16 Stand fast therefore in th liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 A great price WAS paid for freedom in "the new land" . . . the ultimate sacrifice bought and paid for with the blood of AMERICANS !!! Yet, there IS a greater freedom to be had . . . a greater INDEPENDENCE than those incorporated into our Constitution ~ Declaration of Independence ~ Bill of Rights, precious angelfamily. I write of the FREEDOM purchased for us on Calvary by our Saviour, JESUS CHRIST !!! FREEDOM to belong to The Family of God ~ PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME !!! With HIS OWN BLOOD HE BOUGHT US. Our precious Lamb of God !!! O BEAUTIFUL FOR SPACIOUS SKIES O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain; For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea. O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine. O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self control, Thy liberty in law. By IRVING BERLIN (lyrics and music) While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free, Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer: God Bless America. Land that I love Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies , To the oceans, white with foam God bless America My home sweet home. God Bless America, Land that I love Stand beside her, And guide her, Through the night With the light from above, From the mountains, To the prairies, To the ocean, White with foam, God bless America, My home sweet home. God bless America, My home sweet home. God Bless America. -<>- Praise God! . -._ O / ` ' / \ ()) __ _..--.. .-'`-. .-d-b-. --' `_.-' ``.._. ` .' `. _. .-' a:f ,-' >GREAT DAY By: Joseph J. Mazzella I had a great day today. It was a day full of "quantity" rather than quality time with my children. We started by taking a long drive down the old, back roads here in the mountains of my home with the music playing and our voices joining in. As we drove along we saw deer in the meadows and hundreds of butterflies flying gently from flower to flower. Later, we stopped for a picnic near a playground. We ate, laughed, talked, and played. We also sat quietly for a time sharing big hugs and warm smiles. It was a day of wonderful happiness for us all. It was at the end of the day, however, when I was thanking God for the specialness of it all that I noticed that my face was hurting. The muscles above my cheekbones were sore and achy. It was then that I saw just how "great" this day had been. My face was sore because I had spent almost the whole day laughing, smiling, and singing. This made me laugh and smile through the achiness and thank God even more. I plan on having many more great days too full of love and oneness with God. Not only is it good for the soul, it’s also a great way to get your face in shape. We all should strive to make everyday a "great" day. God loves us and wants us to live and to love each day of our lives. We are meant to choose love and we are meant to share love, great day after great day. We should not rest on our past either, but live fully today. After all, one of the greatest joys in life lies not in cherishing happy memories but rather in creating new ones. The wonderful speaker and author Mark Victor Hansen says that "We can live in a state of joy, bliss, and ecstacy if we choose. We’re meant to live a spirited, spiritual life." I hope that you have a great day today then. I hope that you have a great day tomorrow too even if it does make your face hurt. Great days lead to a wonderful life, and a wonderful life leads to a Heavenly afterlife. -<>- (.,------...__ _.'" `. .' .' `, `. `. ` . .' .'/''--...__`. \ . .--.`. ' "-. '. | '' .' _.' .()) .--":/ ''( \_\ ' (()( ''._' ( \ ' ' `. `--' ' `.: . `-.___.' ' `. . _ _ .' "Thank you for correcting me, Sister!" ) .____.-' .'`. (--.. .' \ /\ / / `. .' \( \ /|/ `. .' \__/ `. / | o | \ | | | jro >ALL THE GOOD THINGS By Sister Helen P. Mrosla He was in the first third grade class I taught at Saint Mary's School in Morris, Minn. All 34 of my students were dear to me, but Mark Eklund was one in a million. Very neat in appearance, but had that happy-to-be-alive attitude that made even his occasional mischievousness delightful. Mark talked incessantly. I had to remind him again and again that talking without permission was not acceptable. What impressed me so much, though, was his sincere response every time I had to correct him for misbehaving: "Thank you for correcting me, Sister!" I didn't know what to make of it at first, but before long I became accustomed to hearing it many times a day. One morning my patience was growing thin when Mark talked once too often, and then I made a novice-teacher's mistake. I looked at him and said, "If you say one more word, I am going to tape your mouth shut!" It wasn't ten seconds later when Chuck blurted out, "Mark is talking again." I hadn't asked any of the students to help me watch Mark, but since I had stated the punishment in front of the class, I had to act on it. I remember the scene as if it had occurred this morning. I walked to my desk, very deliberately opened my drawer and took out a roll of masking tape. Without saying a word, I proceeded to Mark's desk, tore off two pieces of tape and made a big X with them over his mouth. I then returned to the front of the room. As I glanced at Mark to see how he was doing, he winked at me. That did it! I started laughing. The class cheered as I walked back to Mark's desk, removed the tape and shrugged my shoulders. His first words were, "Thank you for correcting me, Sister." At the end of the year I was asked to teach junior-high math. The years flew by, and before I knew it Mark was in my classroom again. He was more handsome than ever and just as polite. Since he had to listen carefully to my instructions in the "new math," he did not talk as much in ninth grade as he had in the third. One Friday, things just didn't feel right. We had worked hard on a new concept all week, and I sensed that the students were frowning, frustrated with themselves--and edgy with one another. I had to stop this crankiness before it got out of hand. So I asked them to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then I told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish the assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed me the papers. Charlie smiled. Mark said, "Thank you for teaching me, Sister. Have a good weekend." That Saturday, I wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and I listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday I gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" I heard whispered. "I never knew that meant anything to anyone!" "I didn't know others liked me so much!" No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. I never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another again. That group of students moved on. Several years later, after I returned from vacation, my parents met me at the airport. As we were driving home, Mother asked me the usual questions about the trip--the weather, my experiences in general. There was a light lull in the conversation. Mother gave Dad a sideways glance and I simply said, "Dad?" My father cleared his throat as he usually did before something important. "The Eklunds called last night," he began. "Really?" I said. "I haven't heard from them in years. I wonder how Mark is." Dad responded quietly. "Mark was killed in Vietnam," he said. "The funeral is tomorrow, and his parents would like it if you could attend." To this day I can still point to the exact spot on I-494 where Dad told me about Mark. I had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. Mark looked so handsome, so mature. All I could think at that moment was, Mark, I would give all the masking tape in the world if only you would talk to me. The church was packed with Mark's friends. Chuck's sister sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Why did it have to rain on the day of the funeral? It was difficult enough at the graveside. The pastor said the usual prayers, and the bugler played taps. One by one those who loved Mark took a last walk by the coffin and sprinkled it with holy water. I was the last one to bless the coffin. As I stood there, one of the soldiers who had acted as pallbearer came up to me. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. I nodded as I continued to stare at the coffin. "Mark talked about you a lot," he said. After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates headed to Chuck's farmhouse for lunch. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting for me. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it." Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded, and refolded many times. I knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which I had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him. "Thank you so much for doing that" Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it." Mark's classmates started to gather around us. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home." Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put this in our wedding album." "I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary." Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet, and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said without batting an eyelash. "I think we all saved our lists." That's when I finally sat down and cried. I cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again. -<>- Kitty Is In Love http://www.buffaloschips.com/87y5r.htm Kiwi Bacon Mmmm! http://www.buffaloschips.com/43r.htm Loafing http://www.buffaloschips.com/5r5.htm Looking For My Wallet And Car Keys http://www.buffaloschips.com/7y.htm Lundi http://www.buffaloschips.com/8uh.htm Joe Cook Veteran http://www.buffaloschips.com/32423r.htm Chevy Selling It http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chevysi.html Strange Buildings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buildings.html Wave Photography Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/waveart.html Under His Wings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wings.html Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com =================================================================== ________ \______ \ _______ ____ _____ _____ ______ | | \ \_ __ \ _/ __ \ \__ \ / \ / ___/ | ` \ | | \/ \ ___/ / __ \_ | | \ \ \___ \ /_______ / |__| \___ > (____ / |__|_| / /____ > \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ >-->A Dream by Craig F. Pitts Dreamed I was in heaven Where an angel kept God's book. He was writing so intently I just had to take a look. It was not, at first, his writing That made me stop and think, But the fluid in the bottle That was marked eternal ink. This ink was most amazing, Dark black upon his blotter But as it touched the parchment It became as clear as water. The angel kept on writing, But as quickly as a wink The words were disappearing With that strange eternal ink. The angel took no notice, But kept writing on and on. He turned each page and filled it Until all its space was gone. I thought he wrote to no avail, His efforts were in vain For he wrote a thousand pages That he'd never read again. And as I watched and wondered that This awesome sight was mine, I actually saw a word stay black As it dried upon the line. The angel wrote and I thought I saw A look of satisfaction. At last he had some print to show For all his earnest action. A line or two dried dark and stayed As black as black can be, But strangely the next paragraph Became invisible to see. The book was getting fuller, The angel's records true, But most of it was blank, with Just a few words coming through. I knew there was some reason, But as hard as I could think, I couldn't grasp the significance Of that eternal ink. The mystery burned within me, And I finally dared to ask The angel to explain to me Of his amazing task. And what I heard was frightful As the angel turned his head. He looked directly at me, And this is what he said... "I know you stand and wonder At what my writing's worth But God has told me to record The lives of those on earth. The book that I am filling Is an accurate account Of every word and action And to what they do amount. And since you have been watching I must tell you what is true; The details of my journal Are the strict accounts of YOU. The Lord asked me to watch you As each day you worked and played. I saw you as you went to church, I saw you as you prayed. But I was told to document Your life through all the week. I wrote when you were proud and bold, I wrote when you were meek. I recorded all your attitudes Whether they were good or bad. I was sorry that I had to write The things that make God sad. So now I'll tell the wonder Of this eternal ink, For the reason for its mystery Should make you stop and think. This ink that God created To help me keep my journal Will only keep a record of Things that are eternal. So much of life is wasted On things that matter not So instead of my erasing, Smudging ink and ugly blot. I just keep writing faithfully, Let the ink do all the rest, For it is able to decide What's useless and what's best. And God ordained that as I write Of all you do and say Your deeds that count for nothing Will just disappear away. When books are opened someday, As sure as heaven is true; The Lord's eternal ink will tell What mattered most to you. If you just lived to please yourself The pages will be bare, And God will issue no reward For you when you get there. In fact, you'll be embarrassed, You will hang your head in shame Because you did not give yourself In love to Jesus' Name. Yet maybe there will be a few Recorded lines that stayed That showed the times you truly cared, Sincerely loved and prayed. But you will always wonder As you enter heaven's door How much more glad you would have been If only you'd done more. For I record as God sees, I don't stop to even think Because the truth is written With God's eternal ink." When I heard the angel's story I fell down and wept and cried For as yet I still was dreaming; I hadn't really died. And I said O angel tell the Lord That soon as I awake I'll live my life for Jesus- I'll do all for His dear sake. I'll give in full surrender; I'll do all He wants me to; I'll turn my back on self and sin And whatever isn't true. And though the way seems long and rough I promise to endure. I'm determined to pursue the things That are holy, clean and pure. With Jesus as my helper, I will win lost souls to Thee, For I know that they will live with Christ For all eternity. And that's what really matters When my life on earth is gone That I will stand before the Lord And hear Him say, well done. For is it really worth it As my life lies at the brink? And I realize that God keeps books With His eternal ink. Should all my life be focused On things that turn to dust? From this point on I'll serve the Lord; I can, I will, I must! I will NOT send blank pages Up to God's majestic throne For where that record's going now Is my eternal home. I'm giving all to Jesus; I now have seen the link For I saw an angel write my life With God's eternal ink! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Chrristian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->Pass this on as it should be of interestt to all who served. The study was carried out in Austrialia on their Vietnam Veterans. ABC Nat. Radio Health Report Autralian Vietnam Vets: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/HealthReportVV.mp3 VV ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DAARE 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? 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 ************************************************************************