How Much Music Can You Make? ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please 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! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This flaming hot new page is from our friends Geniann and LouiseAu. It is sure to give you your aww quota for the day along with plenty of smiles. Be sure to check it out here: .---. |[X]| _.==._.""""".___n__ d __ ___.-''-. _____b |[__] /."""".\ _ | | // /""\ \\_) | | \\ \__/ // | |pentax\`.__.'/ | \=======`-..-'======/ `-----------------' hjw Budding Photographers 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buddingphotographers2.html --- ...HaHa! So Cute! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarming: O ______________ /\/ /________________) O @ / \_|___O /___________| _|/_ \ O @ |/__ /_oo-#= | /( )_\ \-O \|_ | |\\ :|(/| \/ ;/_)_(_ \_\ O / |_\ ||__ |O _( ) \| /| / ( ) O / | |\\ =#-@@| / / / __\| / | ;/__)_( /_oo-#= \/ | //| | __|| ( ) | \/ __|| ___O //| | /_|_| ||__ ejm97 //| | \ \/ )>==O ' ' | |\\ | O \/) __|| /| | .-O ----- //| | / | __|| (=) ) \ __|| //| | \(/| \O //| | ___|| __/%) // | | (%%%) \/\| *__| \__* >ORCHESTRATED BY GOD by Sharmaine Hobbs In January 2009, my cousin Jean and her husband Tommy came down to Virginia to see the headstones that had been put up to honor and mark the graves of her parents who had passed away within just a few months of each other. Tommy had also lost his mother during that time as well. So within a matter of a few months, both her parents and his Mom were gone. It was a tough time period, but their love for one another and faith in God pulled them through. In our family, my paternal grandmother, affectionately known as Bigmoma was a praying woman. She was a widow at an age that was earlier than most women, so I knew what drove her to her knees and why she prayed all the time. I understand that now. So in a time when the man was truly the head of the household and the woman was more of the support person, Bigmoma was clearly at the helm of her family and prayer was passed down to all of us because of her example and deep faith in God. So the three of us decided that we would go to Blackstone and have a little ceremony to dedicate the headstones and have prayer. When we arrived at the cemetery, there was no one there on that weekday but us. It was quiet and serene. As we pulled into the parking lot, we all could feel the tears welling up as we quietly held them back. Even though we were going to visit the gravesite, it's a reminder that our loved ones are no longer with us and only a short while ago they had been. We walked to her father's grave and admired the headstone, held hands and Jean said the prayer. We all felt connected and though there is the loss, there is also the comfort of knowing that his spirit was at rest and in a perfect place. When we went to her mother's grave, we admired the headstone and she asked me to pray. Again we held hands in circle and I closed my eyes and the words came forth and went up. We thanked God for their lives and for their time with us and again released her, knowing that she is in that perfect place too. As I finished praying, I noticed an unfamiliar car, slowing down as it passed the cemetery. It made a left turn into a makeshift pathway at the lower portion of the cemetery where the funeral cars normally use to gain access. At first I thought it might be one of the ladies who lived on the road since our home church is in walking distance from my mom's house. But I couldn't make out who it was. She eased her car ever so slowly toward a grave closest to the road. It was marked by a double headstone. Maybe she lost her husband, I thought. Slowly the door opened and for a few seconds it appeared as though she might not be able to get out of the car. I didn't know whether it was from grief or from her mobility, but from a distance, I continued to watch quietly. She seemed unaware that we were there, even though our car was parked in the church parking lot and we were several rows over from where she was. She took her time positioning herself to get out of the car. She had parked right at the headstone. She stood up, the car door still ajar and took just three steps. She quickly went down on one knee and grabbed the headstone as if it were to break her fall. But she did not fall. She bowed her head and laid it upon the headstone as if she were embracing whomever it was she had lost. She clung to that piece of marble as though her very life depended on it. Her quiet sob was muffled. It is a picture I will always remember. I was so moved by her deep love and her sorrow I felt compelled to walk towards her. I didn't want to intrude on this private moment, but it just felt to me that her heart was crying out and I wondered if I, a stranger, could provide any consolation to her. Perhaps just a loving embrace might provide a bit of comfort to her. "I'm sorry" I said. "I don't mean to disturb you. I thought you were one of the ladies that lived on this road." "No, I'm Bertha Goode," she told me. "I've come to see my sister Doris today. I miss her so very much. We were so close." I read the headstone which said August 2007. Mrs. Goode told me that she had just celebrated her 79th birthday and she was the only sister left. Not only was she the last sister left, but she was now alone -- without a husband, missing her sister, and possibly wondering how much time she had left. "I'd love to give you a hug today, if that would be all right", I said. She reached her arms up to me, as she knelt at the headstone and I reached down to her. I thought about how much she loved her sister and tried to send that love back to her in my hug. I thought about her feeling alone and sent some love for that too. I thought about her turning 79 and sent some love for that as well. I asked God to please send whatever it was she needed that day, through my hug to her. I thought of how it might feel to lose a sister and sent some love for that too. What was Mrs. Goode feeling that day that made her drive down to the cemetery on a week day and almost collapse as she cradled the headstone of her sister? Whatever it was, I knew that God had us in the cemetery on that afternoon. And even though we went for one purpose, to dedicate the headstones of our family members, God orchestrated that someone would also be there for Mrs. Goode. I will keep that memory with me forever. In loss, God is the only person we can tell our true feelings to. He understands. And the comfort we need when we have lost a loved one, sometimes only God can fill that. But sometimes when you feel you are all alone, God will send his love to you through another. As I walked away from the cemetery, I realized that I had been a small part of a miracle. He had me in the right place at the right time. He gave me a little nudge to go over and see about her. And through my arms and my heart, God was able to give her the love and hug through a human being that she went to the headstone, made of marble to receive. Everyday there is a miracle! -- Sharmaine Hobbs --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...Orchestrated By God explains perfectly how God does things! Webster says Orchestrated means: to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired or maximum effect That's what God does! He doesn't control - he doesn't make people do what He wants them to but he arranges and combines as best he can achieving His most perfect effect or result for those who are His children, are in good standing with him, and ask him to. The bible puts it this way ... Romans 8: [26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Check Out These... Walking In Power: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html The Manifestations of Holy Spirit https://tinyurl.com/y9escnbs What Is True Worship? http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/What_Is_True_Worship.htm How To Speak In Tongues http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/How_To_Speak_In_Tongues.htm Our Valuable Anchor http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Self Talk http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/selftalk.html =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: `\|/' .---------------. ,'Y`. _( To think.... )_________ )|._.|( ( Doesn't that involve little ) /(___)\ ""( little lightbulbs over )" ( ) ""( My head ??? )""""""" `..-.,' """"""""""""" |"| .--' `--. Ojo >Thought for Today A careless word may kindle strife. A cruel word may wreck a life. A timely word may level stress. A loving word may heal and bless. -author unknown -<>- / ____/ /__ /\ / /// /___/ / \___\/ >A Thousand Marbles -- Author Unknown The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable. A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the basement shack with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it. I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whoever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles." I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say. "Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital." He continued, "Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles." "You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years." "Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900 which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Tom, I'm getting to the important part." "It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail," he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy." "So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to roundup 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away." "I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight." "Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time." "It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. 75 year Old Man, this is K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!" You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast." "What brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles." -<>- W .__. .__. [ ] |::| |::| E ._. |::| |::| ._. |\ |:| ._. |::| |::| |/| \ \\|/ |:|_|/| |::| |::|_ |/| |-( )- |:|"|/|_|::| |::|\|_|/| _ | V L |:|"|/|||::| |::|\|||/||:| \ ` ___ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | \/ / ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~pwh >GOD is in control A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003 , TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001 . His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words: A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child.. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. both very upset, we drove home. ' I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can't just sit by for; I have to do something.' I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild. Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort. My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say good-bye. Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.' He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'there is something else you need to know..' His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves . When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live. This story should help us to realize this: God is always in control.. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control. Please take time to share this amazing story. You may never know the impact it may have on someone. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures Forever. - Psalm 136:1 --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...I have to add my two cents here. Yes - God is always in control when it comes to those he has chosen before the foundation of the world to be His - come hell or high water there is nothing that shall stop God from saving these people and making them His. However - if God was in control Jesus would not have taught this... Luke 11 [2] And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. You don't have to pray for something that already is. If God were always in control - HIS WILL WOULD ALWAYS be done and we'd not have to ask for it to be so. Besides, that is why we have sickness, poverty, and death. God is NOT always in control. Because we know God's will concerning these things... 3 John 1: [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. If God were in control His children WOULD ALWAYS Be prosperous and in good health as long as they breath - This is His Wish ABOVE ALL THINGS - so if He were always in control it would be so! We'd not have this pandemic of sickness and death shutting down the churches and business's around the world. We'd have God's will of us being in health and prospering. Instead, God gives us our freedom of will so we can freely love Him and obey Him instead of being His puppets. We can choose to have wet markets that are what we are told started this pandemic around the world. God lets us do as we please. See this great teaching... Where is God When Tragedy Strikes? https://tinyurl.com/y7jfolzl We already know death isn't in His control either else the bible would not say this... 1 Cor. 15 [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. See this teaching... God Does Not Kill People http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/God_Does_Not_Kill_People.htm God is not always in control. That is why horrible things happen to good and bad people alike. It is why we must be vigilant... 1 Pet.5 [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: It is why we look forward to when Christ shall return so we can have God always in control through Christ Jesus our Lord and get rid of all this pain and suffering and death! -<>- ____ 3 ., _ ' `_ _______ --+-[---------.---(-)-----(@)----|-------|--.-----|-------------.------- | ] | |~ |~ (@) _ | | |} | --+-[-----|---+---|-------|--|--(@)---------+-----|----------|}-+---|--- |/ | | | | | |~ (@) _ | | _| .. | | | --Y-------|---+---|-------|--|--|---|---(@)-+-|>( )------|---|--+---|--- /|_ _| | `=_| | | |~ | ~ |>(@) | _| |-@-)---(@)---+-----------------|---|---|---+-------------------+-(@)--- \_|/ ~ | | | | | ~ --+-----------"-------------------------|---"-------------------"------- | ._} --jw >HOW MUCH MUSIC CAN YOU MAKE? Imagine this. A concert violinist is performing a difficult piece in front of a large audience. Suddenly there is a loud snap that reverberates throughout the auditorium. The audience immediately knows that a string has broken and fully expects the concert to be suspended until another string, or instrument, is brought to the musician. But instead, the violinist composes herself, closes her eyes and then signals the conductor to begin again. The orchestra resumes where they had left off and now the musician plays the music on three strings. In her mind she works out new fingering to compensate for the missing string. A work that few people can play well on four strings, the violinist with the broken string plays on three. When she finishes, an awesome silence hangs in the room. And then as one, the crowd rises to their feet and cheers wildly. The violinist smiles and wipes perspiration from her brow. When silence returns to the great room, she explains why she continued to play in spite of a broken string. "You know," she says, still breathless, "sometimes it is the artist's task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left." * We know what she means, don't we? Maybe we've lived most of our lives and we have only a little time left. Can we still make music? Maybe disease has robbed us of our capacity to work. Can we still make music? Perhaps a financial loss has left us impoverished. Can we still make music? Or maybe a meaningful relationship has ended and we feel alone in the world. Can we still make music? There will come a time when we all experience loss. Like the violinist, will we find the courage to discover just how much music we can still make with what we have left? How much good we can still do? How much joy we can still share? For I'm convinced that the world, more than ever, needs the music only you can make. And if it takes extra courage to make the music, many will applaud your effort. For some people have lost more than others, and these brave souls inspire the rest of us to greater heights. Just how much music can you make with what you have left? - Steve Goodier -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Jesus Laughing Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Dominic And Jobe http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jobe.html Life's Little Oops 6 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops6.html The Sleep Metaphor http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/sleepmetaphor.html Never Give Up http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Beautiful Bridges http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bridges.html Amazing Bus Stops http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bus.html Miracle Coyote http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/coyote.html Koalas In A Heatwave http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/koalas.html Ten Life Tips http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetips.html Life Is... Continued http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifeis2.html Miracle Baby http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smellofrain.html Keep On Smiling http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smiling.html Love Thoughts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html -<>- Therapy Dog helps frontline workers via FaceTime to reduce stress! https://tinyurl.com/qohk5zg How The Virus Stole Easter https://www.thissideofheavenblog.com/blog/how-the-virus-stole-easter Quarantined With Christ https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/quarantined-with-christ Chris Tomlin - How Great Is Our God (Lyrics And Chords) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBD18rsVJHk Hezekiah Walker New Video "Every Praise" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuuZMg6NVeA Every Praise Flashmob gospelPROject https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhNH0sxv8eY Our God is an Awesome God! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smZwG-auxC8 -<>- >In The News: CDC Coronavirus https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Westwing News: Democrats Need to Stop Holding Small-Business Help Hostage https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: The left is hoping you don’t remember . . . https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Facebook Portals for Veterans, VA Financial Relief Actions, VFW’s grant funds https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/286b54c Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Nuts, Medication http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) The Four Candles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcIpM8cVXQU --- ...Sweet! Thanks LouiseAu! -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) "When Italy says lock down, they mean it." - Watch The Video here... https://tinyurl.com/qqlokkl --- ...Wowsers! Thanks Linda! 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 ========================================================== >-->A Repeat From Our Friend James :) _____ (((\\\\\ )_ \\\| / \\|\/ \\( ), & \) ( (( |` \\ ))) _ | \` __| ` | , \ ` , \ | \ ,\ , \ ' \/ \_ \/ \ `_,`-._ ` \ ejm / `-. _ \ ` / ,`. \ === / '== =`. | ==== / | === ` / /========= / | / , /______| / , ======== __-' | = === / ,======= ' - -- ( \ \ \ ` \ ` \ ` \_____ \ / ` _/ / '-- ' >From MrMom: GO AHEAD AND CRY ~ Aug. 19, 2010 When you hurt the worst—go to your secret closet and weep out all your despair! Jesus wept. Peter wept—bitterly! Peter carried with him the hurt of denying the very Son of God. Those bitter tears worked in him a sweet miracle. He came back to shake the kingdom of Satan. Jesus never looks away from a crying heart. He said, "A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Psalm 51:17). Not once will the Lord say, "Get hold of yourself! Stand up and take your medicine! Grit your teeth and dry your tears." No! Jesus stores every tear in his eternal container. Do you hurt? Badly? Then go ahead and cry! And keep on crying, until the tears stop flowing. But let those tears originate only from hurt—and not from unbelief or self-pity. Life goes on. You would be surprised how much you can bear with God helping you. Happiness is not living without pain or hurt. True happiness is learning how to live one day at a time, in spite of all the sorrow and pain. It is learning how to rejoice in the Lord, no matter what has happened in the past. You may feel rejected. You may feel abandoned. Your faith may be weak. You may think you are down for the count. Sorrow, tears, pain, and emptiness may swallow you up at times, but God is still on his throne. He is still God! You can't help yourself. You can't stop the pain and hurt. But our blessed Lord will come to you, and he will place his loving hand under you and lift you up to sit again in heavenly places. He will deliver you from the fear of dying. He will reveal his endless love for you. Look up! Encourage yourself in the Lord. When the fog surrounds you and you can't see any way out of your dilemma—lie back in the arms of Jesus and simply trust him. He wants your faith—your confidence. He wants you to cry aloud—"Jesus loves me! He is with me! He will not fail me! He is working it all out right now! I will not be cast down! I will not be defeated! I will not be a victim of Satan! God is on my side! I love him—and he loves me!" The bottom line is faith. And faith rests on this one absolute: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…" (Isaiah 54:17). Today Inspirational Web Page From Mr. Mom's Web Site: JUDGE ME BY THE FOOTPRINTS I LEAVE BEHIND http://mrmom.amaonline.com/special/judgemeby.htm Click Here SAYING NO http://mrmom.amaonline.com/special/justsayno.htm Click Here Want to listen to the Bible? http://www.audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html Click Here --- ...Excellent! Thanks James! ========================================================== ______ | O | | ,|._ | | `A _|__ |__|\_\ \ O \ ._|.) \___A _|_ |\ SSt >Positive Reverberations... For Decades Story Editor: by Mary Young Joyce Schowalter Georgia, USA My childhood was less than ideal -- in fact, I was the only girl in my immediate family who did not run away from home during adolescence. After high school I moved 300 miles away for college, but quickly had second thoughts about whether I belonged there. Coming from a blue-collar family and an easy rural high school to a white-collar university that gave a "C" for work that would be a "B" at another school, I felt like a misfit financially, culturally, and educationally. Somehow I made it through my freshman year, and headed back for year two. I'm so glad I went back, because that was the year I met Barb. Barb seemed the exact opposite of myself, and everything I wished I could be. She was popular, out-going, confident, talented, and artistic. One day I watched Barb doodle, making beautiful calligraphic swirls while waiting for class to start. I sighed, thinking how Barb could do anything she wanted to: draw, paint, sing, play guitar, even calligraphy. I was lucky to be able to read the notes I took in class -- forget about anyone else being able to read them. Barb heard me sigh, and asked what was wrong. "I wish I was artistic," I replied. "Mary," she said in amazement. "You ARE artistic!" "No, I'm not. I can't draw or do calligraphy. I can color inside the lines, but that's about it." "Well," she said. "I think you're artistic." I figured she was just being nice, but still, if Barb said it, there must be something to it. I knew I was creative -- I'd been writing poems and short stories since I was 12. But artistic? I could barely draw stick figures, and crafts I tried came out looking clunky. But if Barb thought I was artistic, there must be something to it, even if I thought my only artistic abilities were with words. It was 1980 when Barb said those words to me. Thanks to her, I learned to recognize my artistic abilities: the way I instinctively frame a field of wildflowers for the best possible photograph, and my ability to see beauty in unexpected places, like sun-dried sea oats hanging from their stem, backlit by the morning sun. The summer of 2009 I wrote Barb and reminded her of that conversation, and let her know her words are still working their magic. I had ripped out a closet in my bedroom for more space, and needed to choose colors, wall hangings and draperies. I felt totally inadequate -- interior decorating has never been my forte. Just as I was about to give up, I heard Barb's voice in my memory, "Mary, you ARE artistic!" With her words ringing in my head, I found the perfect color for the walls, the perfect pictures for the walls, and the perfect drapes to tie it all together. Thanks, Barb, for believing in me all those years ago. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: Train up a child in the way he should go, but make sure you go that way yourself. , __ _.-"` `'-. /||\'._ __{}_( |||| |'--.__\ | L.( ^_\^ \ .-' | _ | | | )\___/ | \-'`:._] jgs \__/; '-. >Mistaken Identity (Author Unknown) Two cars were waiting at a stoplight. The light turned green, but the man didn't notice it. A woman in the car behind him is watching traffic pass around them. The woman begins pounding on her steering wheel and yelling at the man to move. The man doesn't move. The woman is going ballistic inside her car, ranting and raving at the man, pounding on her steering wheel and dash. The light turns yellow and the woman begins to blow the car horn, flips him off, and screams profanity and curses at the man. The man, looks up, sees the yellow light and accelerates through the intersection just as the light turns red. The woman is beside herself, screaming in frustration as she misses her chance to get through the intersection. As she is still in mid- rant she hears a tap on her window and looks up into the barrel of a gun held by a very serious looking policeman. The policeman tells her to shut off her car while keeping both hands in sight. She complies, speechless at what is happening. After she shuts off the engine, the policeman orders her to exit her car with her hands up. She gets out of the car and he orders her to turn and place her hands on her car. She turns, places her hands on the car roof and quickly is cuffed and hustled into the patrol car. She is too bewildered by the chain of events to ask any questions and is driven to the police station where she is fingerprinted, photographed, searched, booked and placed in a cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approaches the cell and opens the door for her. She is escorted back to the booking desk where the original officer is waiting with her personal effects. He hands her the bag containing her things, and says, "I'm really sorry for this mistake. But you see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. Then I noticed the: "Choose Life" license plate holder, the "What Would Jesus Do" bumper sticker, the "Follow Me to Sunday School" bumper sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. So, naturally . . . . I assumed you had stolen the car." -<>- "The greatest need in the world is the transformation of human nature. We need a new heart that will not have lust and greed and hate in it. We need a heart filled with love and peace and joy, and that is why Jesus came into the world. He died on the cross to make peace between us and God and to change us from within by His Spirit. He can change you, if you will turn to Him in repentance and faith." - Billy Graham __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >For You and For Me (by Roy Irwin) You may find this hard to believe, but just about everyone has a scar somewhere on their body. And with every scar there is a story to go with it. I learned this lesson at a gathering where most of the people did not know one another very well and appeared to have little in common. As you might expect, there was a lot of small talk as each person more or less kept to themselves. Then the hostess introduced an 'Ice Breaker' - a question meant to jump-start the conversation by getting everyone to participate. Each person was asked to share their personal "scar story" - a story about how they got a scar. As we went around the room everyone shared their particular story; some were funny, some very serious. But with each story we learned more about the person. It became obvious that everyone had more in common than was first thought and the walls that had once separated us began to disappear, bringing us closer together as a group. As I was remembering that meeting I was reminded of my own scars. I have three: one on my foot caused when running barefoot in a field as a child; one on my forehead from a college prank - it becomes more noticeable each year as my hair becomes less noticeable; and one on my hand, caused in a moment of anger just a few years ago... For every scar there is also the memory of the pain that went with it. I was trying to imagine what it would be like if Jesus shared about His scars. About how He was mocked and beaten. About how He suffered the cruelest form of death by being nailed to a cross. About how He lived a sinless life yet would bear your sins and mine. About how He knew since the beginning of time those events would take place, yet He came, willingly, to take our place - paying a debt He didn't owe because we owed a debt we couldn't pay - removing the sin that separates us from God. One day we will see Jesus face to face. We will see His scars and know the truth from Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (NIV) For you and for me. "Dear Lord Jesus, thank you loving us so much that you were willing to die for us so that we could live with you for all eternity. Help us to see the world through the scars in your hands. Help us to live each day for you. Amen." (Copyright 1999 Argyle Giraffe Productions. This may not be resold or used for the enhancement of any product sold without the written permission of Argyle Giraffe Productions.) -<>- "We ought to see the face of God every morning before we see the face of man." - D.L. Moody _,--, _ __,-'____| ___ /' | /' `\,--,/' `\ /' | ( ) ( )' \_ _/' `\_ _/ pb """ """ >The Master Carpenter (Author Unknown) Mother's father worked as a carpenter. On this particular day, he was building some crates for the clothes his church was sending to some orphanage in China. On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone. When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what happened; the glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen into one of the crates, which he had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for China! The Great Depression was at its height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was upset by the thought of having to buy another pair. "It's not fair," he told God as he drove home in frustration. "I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, and now this." Several months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago. The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage. "But most of all," he said, "I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my coworkers and I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses lying on top." The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued: "Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom-made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that." The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way. 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 ========================================================== .-""-._ / ___/ \ _&_ _.--""|/ `\| // \\ .' ( ^/ ^ )'. / / \ \ / | _ | \ // / \ \\ | _\____/ | /_/_/_\_\_\ | .' \____/-._ | .-"-. | / `; /# \ | / / _|_.---\ | | |.-.; :--.-(_/.____/.-""\___/"-. / \ / ~~/ /\ \{"=.______.="} /--. ; /___/_~~/ ; .--\"=...__...="} / \-/ `\______|/ \-.______..-; | /`| | \ | |||| || | /_ | |_______/ | |||| || | \_/| |-------' |--'||'--._|| | | | | || |> |______| |____________|._ || _..-;| | [___] | `||() || |______ |\/|____________|jgs|| () (__) \__/ (__) () >-->From Mr.Mom: I shall I am capable. I am worthwhile. I am beautiful. I am lovable. I shall accept both my strengths and my weaknesses for they are me. I shall never again believe the "lie" that if I make a mistake, I am a mistake. My mistakes are the learning tools that I shall encounter on my life journey. When I learn from my mistakes, I give them meaning When I give my mistakes meaning, I can begin to forgive myself, I can begin to heal. I shall not use my mistakes as excuses to give up on me..... My mistakes are not me. I shall seek the wisdom to nurture my heart, mind, body, and soul so that I may feel more centered providing an energy reserve that allows me to climb the mountains in my own life providing an energy reserve that allows me to love and support others who are climbing a different mountain providing an energy reserve that allows time for friends, play and the celebration of life. I shall allow myself to feel capable so that I may seek excellence. I shall allow myself to feel sadness so that joy may return. I shall allow myself to feel joy so that I may be revitalized. I shall allow myself to feel afraid so that I may find courage. I shall allow myself to feel alone so that I may know me. I shall allow myself to feel beautiful so that I may feel free. I shall allow myself to feel lovable so that the loving may seek me. I shall allow myself to feel pain so that I may heal. I shall allow myself to feel worthy so that I may fulfill my purpose. When I am centered, I see the perfection in the world, myself and others. When I find the world to be imperfect, I will take responsibility for painting it that way. I will look into the heart of a rose, or the eyes of a newborn baby and again know perfection. I take responsibility for creating my own life story through the choices I have made; to blame others is to give away my personal power. Who will I allow to write the next chapter of my life? I shall seek the courage to believe in a God or Higher Power who will laugh with me in the sunlight or cry with me in the darkness. I shall make a small difference on this planet through the work I do. When I leave I will have done my share. I shall live, love, laugh, and learn on my journey. ~Please share this with a Friend~ God gives us the gift of faith to share. May we give it to others in the loving spirit in which it was given to us. Sharing is caring. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. 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