It Can Be Done... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ "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 | \ ,-' `-. / | . | . | | ._____, | __,- `-------' -.__ ,-' `-. | ,' `. | `-._,-' `-._,-' / \ /,--. ,--.\ __|_ \ / _|__ / ` \ / ' \ \ /-----\ / hjm`-.__,-' `-.__,-' *~* 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! ================ >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This scorcher comes from our friend James. He sent us a forward that gave me some good chuckles! I couldn't resist doing it up for all to enjoy! Check it out here... /} _,---~-LJ,-~-._ ,-^ ' ' ' ^:, : . ' ' : : /| . /\ ' : : . //| // \ ' : : `~` /| `^~` ' ; : ' //| ' : : \-_ `~` , ' : ; . \.\_,--,_;^/ , : : ^-_!^!__/^ , : :, , . , : -ZEUS- ^--_____ . ;` `^''----` Maxine On Halloween! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonhalloween.html --- ...What a great one! Thanks James! =============================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .'|_.- .' ' /_ .-" -. '> .- -. -. '. / /|_ .-.--.-. ' > / / (o( o( o ) \_." < '-'-''-' ) < ( _.-'-. ._\. _\ '----"/--.__.-) _- \| AoS "V"" "V" >THE CATCH OF THE DAY by Shelley Madden I'm a fisherman. No wait, a fisherwoman -- yes that's the correct term I believe. But not much of one, if I can be honest. During lunch, I like to sit on the boat dock, and, you guessed it, fish. I don't eat fish. When I do catch one, I just look at them a minute or two, swell up with pride, and toss 'em back in. Time ran short at lunch one day, so I left my pole in the water, in a rush to get back to work on time. After work, I rushed back to the river. I gazed into the water, and sure enough, my bobber was gone. I snatched up my fishin' pole, and reeled the line in, my heart pounding with anticipation. I thought it would be great to take that big fish up to the house in a bucket of water, showing my boy I can out-fish him any day of the week. And brag a little. That big fish had gotten himself snagged in the weeds on the opposite bank, and I could tell he was a big one, probably my biggest catch ever. I felt him pull, and twist, but no matter how I tried, I couldn't get him reeled in. Not wanting to hurt the big fella, I climbed into my paddleboat, pole and all. The boat sits low on the water, so I figured I'd be able to reach over and lift him into the boat. I paddled to the opposite bank of the river, while reeling my line in, and came up alongside the weeds he was snagged under. I could feel him tugging on my line. He was big and strong. I leaned forward in the boat, and began pulling weeds up from the river bottom, slowly untangling the line. My heart beat with excitement. I finally worked the line free of the weeds, and pulled the big boy up from the water, to come meet his momma. My blood ran cold at what came up out of that water. It was the biggest, meanest, ugliest snake I'd ever seen in my life. With my fishhook in his mouth he had the audacity to hiss at me! I screamed bloody murder, let go of that line as if I'd grabbed a prickly pear, fell back into the seat of the boat and paddled backwards as if my life depended on it. Which for all intents and purposes, it may have. The boat rocked and lurched from my backward dive to get away from that snake, threatening to throw me into that green mass of snake-infested water with the hissing Anaconda-sized reptile. As luck would have it (something I obviously have very little of) that fishing line found the perfect spot, the one spot, the only spot, and snagged across the front of the boat as I paddled like a madwoman in reverse. I was pulling the snake into the boat with each backwards stroke I took! I leaned forward, untangled the line, and freed the wriggling, spitting creature from the front of my boat. The moment I did, my boat hit the opposite shore from where my adventure began, throwing me forward, up alongside the reptilian bone crusher. We meet eye to eye. I don't remember how fast I got out of that boat, but it was real fast. My hands shaking, I called my boy to come down and help me out -- I'd finally caught the big one. "Is it a keeper mom?" he asked. "Well, no son," I muttered, "I caught a snake." He showed up real quick, jumped back into the boat and paddled over to free the fire-breathing dragon at the end of my line. "Hey mom," he asked, "why is the boat seat wet?" I blushed with embarrassment. "Never mind son, just get that thing off my fishin' pole!" A few minutes later, he had the giant constrictor freed from the line and held it up proudly to show me my catch of the day, still worthy of a picture, from a distance of course. My son assured me he was harmless, and put the legless lizard back alongside the river. "Hey," I asked too late, "why did put it back in my river? Couldn't you put him in the neighbor's river?" We had a good chuckle and we headed back up to the house where I put on some fresh clothes. -- Shelley Madden ==================================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: . ... ....... .....:::..... ....:::::::::::::.... ....:::::::::::::::::.... ..:::::::::::: = ::::::::::.... ..:::::::::: === ::::::::::.... ..:::::::::::: ====== ::::::::::.... ..:::::::::: =========== ::::::::... ..:::::::::: ================ ::::::::.. ..:::::::::: ======= . ========= ::::::::... ..:::::::::: ======== |\ ======== :::::::::... ..:::::::::: ======== |#\ ======== :::::::::... .:::::::::: ======== /%#| ======= :::::::::.. .:::::::::: ======= /#%#| ======= :::::::::.. .:::::::::: ====== |#%#/ ======== :::::::::.. ..::::::::: ====== \%/ ======== :::::::::.. ..::::::::: ====== % ======= ::::::::::.. ..::::::::: ===___%____=== ::::::::::.. ..:::::::::: | .::. | ::::::::::... .:::::::::: | .::. | ::::::::::.. ..:::::::: | .::. | ::::::::... .:::::::: | .::. | ::::::::.. ...:::: | .::. | ::::.... ..:::: | .::. | ::::... .... | .::. | .... .. | .::. | .. loam >ONE HOME AT A TIME A smoldering wick He will not put out, until He leads justice to victory. MATTHEW 12:20 Major General Robert Dees (U.S. Army, Retired) was one of a rugged group of alumni from the 101st Airborne Division—the "Screaming Eagles"—who commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of World War II's Operation Market Garden by parachuting into the same drop zone in Eindhoven, Holland, as their heroic predecessors. By almost any historian's accounts, the aerial assault initiated on this date in 1944 was a tactical failure. Yet it was part of an overall march to victory . . . and for some, the gift of life. Though on one hand it miscalculated the offensive's ability to secure "a bridge too far" (as portrayed in the well-known book and movie of that title), for some it became a bridge to hope and a future. That's what General Dees discovered this September day in 1994. After his parachute landed, he was greeted by an elderly Dutch woman who fell to her knees and grasped him around the legs. Through her tears, through the words of an interpreter, she told this gripping story: In September 1944, the Germans were executing five fathers a day in Eindhoven—to keep the population in submission and deter the brave Dutch underground. On the day this woman's father was to be shot, the American troopers fell from the sky, saving his life. She had not yet been born, she said, so she was alive because of Operation Market Garden. General Dees's story reminded me that each home is important in the battle for the family. Your small courageous choices—to stand for truth, to remain committed to one another and to raise a family that honors Jesus Christ—will yield a victory of some kind. Don't give up. Just like that little Dutch girl and her dad, the next generation is at stake. DISCUSS Even if your efforts to strengthen your marriage and family haven't visibly made a difference lately, what little victories is God enabling you to win? PRAY Pray for the perspective to see bright spots in the midst of battle and for the courage to liberate your family and others from the cultural battle for the family. as seen in Moments Together For Couples -<>- _ / | //|| // ); _ __ ,'',// ,-' ' `-. ((// ( ) )// ( / -')))o ,' / ( ( /() / / o ) / (/\ (,_( O(O / ' / > |/ `\. o/ (_ ._/ '. || \ _\ __,'() ,-|| `-( / /( | () () / ( `-',-.'`v/ )/_ |/O `-._( `." `-'\\ // `---.-'\ )\.O _ .' ) / `-. / |\/-.___,-./ | O| ' ( \ / |\\ / ( ;\ Y ,-'(\\) | ) ,-./ ( | ( \` | ,-' ./ -^_/-. `. _\ | ,' `-< ' ,' )\_ .\| |. | (),-. _,--. | | ' ; \ ,-` ))\ \ | \ _,' ; ( ,'/ ) |/,--\ ___))`-'` gpyy `-'-'~~~``---"" '"'"'` >LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD Cindy, one of our members and the grandmother of 5 year old Analys shared the following incident with me. It seems that Grandma Cindy and Analys were doing some shopping in a local Walmart store. Analys loves to sing and her favorite song is Victory in Jesus. While in the store she began to sing the song loudly, Cindy said you could hear her quite plainly. As she sang her favorite song, Cindy said that older ladies began moving through the store to where they were shopping to see who was singing this hymn (in a strong voice). The reactions were mixed I understand. One of the ladies even joined in singing with her while someone else asked, "Are you going to let here continue to sing that church song?" I loved Cindy's response, "Why should I stop her, if she were singing a children's song no one would think anything about it." I think the whole situation was a Victory FOR Jesus! How are you letting your voice be heard? We are given many opportunities in our world and community to use gift or talent whatever it may be, however sometimes we hold back from doing good or singing out for Jesus. Many are more apt to be involved with good works through their local congregation and that is a great thing! However, sometimes Many times we can do good, (let our light shine and let our voice be heard) through the community activities which go on around us. There are opportunities such as the annual "Walk for Life;" "Aid for West Ranch fire victims;" "Feed the hungry soup kitchen;" "Tehachapi Relay for Life;" "Family life pregnancy center;" "Tehachapi Senior Center;" "The Hospital Guild;" "Meals on Wheels;" etc. Paul urges the Christians in Galatia: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10, NIV). I do think we need to be careful about the message we send to others through the charitable works we indorse or with which we choose to become involved. Some groups do not operate with Christian principles, while others may be sponsored by community churches. There are some good works that we as a church might endorse or be involved with, while others, because of their religious or social stances we can not. There are some good works which the church (as a group entity) cannot support, but which you as an individual may. You will need to make up your own mind about what those things may be. Having said that, notice that James writes these words, (which some people find troubling) in James 4:17: "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." (NLT) Again, each of us has gifts, talents and opportunities. If we don't do what we can, then quite possibly it is sin. One of my favorite passages is Matthew 5:16 which says: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.(KJV) How brightly are you shining? Can your voice be heard! Is your life a Victory for Jesus? Russ Lawson, Messages From The Heart -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >A SIMPLE BIBLE "I'm not supposed to give these away," the young man said, handing me a display Bible, "but I sense you should have this." I shrugged and absently tucked it away. We had a Bible at home. I'd only stopped by the Gideon's table because nothing else at the Iowa State Fair was set up. A few days later I was walking to town when a car pulled up beside me. "Get in," the driver snarled, pointing a gun at me. I did as he said. Soon he pulled over, grabbed me and tried to force me down on the seat. I struggled with all my strength. Finally he ordered me out of the car. Before both my feet were on the ground, I heard a shot and felt a sharp pain in my side. I collapsed, and the man came around the car. He picked up my purse, took out my wallet then threw the purse on my head and shot it. I felt a dreadful impact. Still conscious, I lay silent, hoping he would think I was dead. I heard the car drive away, and I stumbled to a nearby farmhouse. A woman called for help, and the police were closing in on the drug-crazed driver based on the description I'd given them. At the hospital, just before I went into surgery to remove the bullet in my side, my sister came to see me. "Do you know what saved your life, Mavis?" she asked. She handed me the Bible that had been in my purse. A bullet was lodged inside, its tip stopping exactly at Psalm 37:14-15: "The wicked draw the sword, and bend the bow...to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken." This is what it means to know the voice of God. The young man wasn't supposed to give away the Bibles, but he "sensed" that God wanted him to give the Bible away to this lady. He probably thought that she would open the Bible and read something that would turn her life around, or bring her closer to the reality of God. But the sword came first, and then certainly a peace that only comes from God; the reality of His protection made manifest by those who "sense" His will. Author Unknown Derrick Potscher - as seen in He Came to Set the Captives Free -<>- .========. .========. // I .'..' \ // VI.'.,".\ || II .'..'| || VII..'..| || III .'."| || VIII,'.'| || IV ,','.| || IX.'".'.| || V '..'.'| || X .'..',| jgs .\_________/ .\_________/ >THE PERFECTIONIST By Os Hillman "Moses said to the LORD, 'O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue'" (Ex 4:10). One of the greatest affronts you can commit against God is to refuse His calling that He has placed upon you. Imagine arguing with your Creator and telling him you know better than Him. That is exactly what Moses did when God called him to be his spokesperson to Pharaoh. God and Moses got into an "I know best" competition. "The LORD said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.' But Moses said, 'O Lord, please send someone else to do it.'" God actually relented in the argument. Can you imagine that? But He's not happy about it. "Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses and he said, 'What about your brother, Aaron the Levite?'" God has to use Aaron as Moses' mouthpiece. Have you ever not pursued something because it had to be perfect? There is a fine line between doing things with excellence and being a perfectionist. Perfectionists become argumentative with God. They refuse to step out in faith and obedience because they care too much about what others think if the results don't turn out perfectly. I battled these same demons when God led me into a writing and speaking ministry. "Lord, I am weak in grammar and you know I'm an introvert." Then He reminded me "...for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9). When God places His anointing on you He uses whatever level of skill you have to fulfill His purposes in your life. This is why you need not fear moving into an unfamiliar area if He calls you there. What is God waiting for you to do? It may be time to step out. He specializes in "cliff-catching." as seen in Today God is First --- ...check these out... ___ /___\ |/. .\| ( > ) \ < / _)_(_ .' '. /.-.___.-.\ [_________] | | | , | | -|- | | | | | | | | | | .---------. __,-'---------'-,__ __jgs___|___________________|_________ Acts.10: [34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: [35] But in every nation he that feareth [respects] him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. No respecter of persons. This is awesome because as long as you respect God and work righteousness, you - just like any of God's children - are accepted with God. He accepts you to do the job. Think about it, You are just as good as any of the Apostles or some great man or woman of God in the eyes of God. You can say, 'I want to do that' and God will accept you. You can reach for the stars and be all you want to be for God and God will accept you! You don't have to be born a king to be royal in God's eyes. You stand up to the plate and God will give you the opportunity to prove yourself before him! Phil.4 [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Not ONLY are you accepted, God will make sure you succeed through the power of Christ Jesus your Lord who will strengthen you. That pretty well says it all. That's God's attitude toward us. You have no excuse for not doing the Will of God because YOU are just as good as any other believer and are ABLE to do whatsoever you are called to do. Your excuses will only serve to be in effect calling God a liar because He Said you can DO ALL THINGS - does that mean you can witness to that person who is hungry for God's Word - yes. Does that mean you will be good at it? If your heart and mind are with God through Jesus Christ, you will be THE BEST at it. THAT goes for anything that you endeavor to do that is through Christ Jesus your Lord. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Also see these... Christianity http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/christianity.html Our Gifts And Callings http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html Walking In Power http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html You Are The Only You God Has http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html A KAIROS Moment http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/kairosmoment.html -<>- ."". _ | | _ (` ':():' `) '-'|/\|`-' / \ /| |)-.--._ ( | / _| | `| )| (/` ) | | / | /) /'--:__/ ( |/ / | ( ' \ | \ `. / jgs | | >ALL IT TAKES IS A 10 SECOND THOUGHT I've been so inspired by everyone's thoughts and reflections that I thought I'd take the plunge and continue a recent practice of stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing this story. Last Friday, I was coming home late after spending time with friends andthought I'd go down to the $.99 cent pizza place. On the way, I saw a man sitting on a random stoop. I'd seen him before, panhandling on the stairs I walk up every day as I leave the subway running late to work, but this time I had no place to rush off to. There was something about him, a quiet and serene demeanor, different from many of the other homeless people I had seen in NYC. I walked past him, went to the pizza place, and those 10 seconds waiting in line was enough to practice stepping outside of my usual, familiar flow. So with a few slices in hand, I went back to join him. I asked him if he was hungry. He said yes, but not for pizza because it gave him acidity. He'd rather have a few bucks for chicken and rice since it was easier on his stomach. It's funny, in that moment, he became more real to me. This nebulous silhouette I had seen almost every day was some body with specific conditions, needs, and experiences. We exchanged names and ended up talking for a little over an hour that night as Kevin told me stories from his life, how he had done things when "he was younger and didn't know any better" and how he tried to make amends but too much time had elapsed. He shared his views on the value for young adults of various ethnicities to learn the history of their people. There was one story he told me that stuck with me, it was a story of an Indian Mohawk chief (in the early 1800's) whose warriors had captured four African mercenaries whose reputation for slaughtering Mohawks was legendary. As they approached the chief to receive their final judgement, they thought they were goners for sure from the howls of punishment they heard. However the Chief simply reminded them of their own displace- ment from their own families and that they are simply doing onto others as had been done to themselves. They had become products of their own environments and neglected to think about their own humanity. It was then they understood the depth of what they had done. The Chief saw from the tears rolling down their eyes, some awareness had emerged and let them go to share their stories with other mercenaries. Kevin admired how the Chief saw the good in them, saw their humanity, and knew in his deep wisdom that it was the circumstances of their experience that shaped their violent personas. Deep down they were good human beings capable of much more. He talked about his one wish being in this 60's before he leaves this earth, which is to share his story with youth and young adults so they could avoid the mistakes he went through. We also ended up talking about spirituality and other mystical experiences that if it were anyone else they would've thought we were crazy, with prefaces like "I can't believe I'm actually telling you this Parth", lol. Throughout the conversation, he eventually got his chicken and rice and gifted me a single long stem rose he had been carrying. Shortly afterwards, I made my way home, thinking to myself, "I met an amazing homeless person". This morning, who did I see again on the stairs leaving the subway, none other than Kevin. I said hello, shook his hand and kept walking. Another 10 second thought - "wait that's my friend Kevin". I usually stop by a bagel place on my way to work, and counting the last $7 dollars I had to last me until the end of the week, I debated. "How are even $6 going to last me the next 4 days?" Then arose yet another 10 second thought - "are my circumstances shaping my experience of supporting a friend?" I couldn't help but get two. I walked back to where he was and asked him if he'd like a sesame bagel. He smiled, shook my hand, and we wished each other a good day. It is through Kevin, the Chief's wisdom still lives and I'm curious where the next 10 second thought will lead. :) as seen in www.helpothers.org Compiled by: Kimberly B. Quiggle. Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ============================================================== >-->From Laugh And Lift: _ \`\ |= | /- ;.---. _ __.' (____) ` (_____) _' ._ .' (____) ` (___) jgs --`'------'` >It Can Be Done (By Peder Eide, www.pedereide.com) Last Friday night I stood outside on our sport court with my nine-year-old daughter, Allison, as she shot free throws in our basketball hoop. For her to even get the ball to the rim consistently is hard enough, but to actually make the shot is a crowning and rare achievement. She must have shot 70-80 free throws. She rebounded most of them herself. She just couldn't quite find the timing or the strength with her legs, arms and hands to get the ball far enough to have a chance to make the shot. Hardly any balls made it over the top of the rim. Most of them missed completely or banged the front of the basket with no hope of going into the cylinder. You would think my Allison would have gotten tired and discouraged, even to the point of saying she hates basketball or "who cares?" .-""""""-. .((( ))). / (O) (O) \ : : | @ @ | : _.-..-._ : \ '-..-' / '. .' jgs '-......-' Not this girl. Defeated? Hardly. She not only stayed with it, she was passionate about getting that ball to go through the net. She would laugh or shout, "It's so close! The next one is going in!" I even offered to her that she was welcome to take a break and start again in the morning (I was getting tired just watching her). I was quickly rebuffed with "I'm not quitting dad, I'm going to make it even if it takes me a million hours." She likes to use the word million a lot. Most mortals of any age would have laid down the ball, walked away with a feeling of good effort and headed inside for an evening snack. Actually, it would have been applauded because it is commonly taught to just try your best and that's good enough. _.-'''''-._ .' _ _ '. / (o) (o) \ | | | \ / | \ '. .' / '. `'---'` .' jgs '-._____.-' Not Allison. This was more than trying her best; this was about making the shot. So, what made these free throws different? What made this girl so unbelievably determined and truly focused? Was it that she just believed? Was it just her personality and determination? Maybe. But I can tell you her main drive for shooting and shooting and shooting... ...because she had made a free throw earlier in the day. She knew it could be done, and she wanted to do it again. In I Corinthians 9:24-27 it says; |\ | | ||\ \ /(_~ |~)|_~|\/||_~|\/||~)|_~|~) |~\|_|/\||~\ | ,_) |~\|__| ||__| ||_)|__|~\ \ //~\| | |\ |~)|_~ | ||\ ||/~\| ||_~ | \_/\_/ |~\|~\|__ \_/| \||\_X\_/|__ (J U S T L I K E E V E R Y O N E E L S E) _____ _____ _____ _____ .' '. .' '. .' '. .' '. / o o \ / o o \ / o o \ / o o \ | | | | | | | | | \ / | | \ / | | \ / | | \ / | \ '---' / \ '---' / \ '---' / \ '---' / jgs '._____.' '._____.' '._____.' '._____.' _____ _____ _____ _____ .' '. .' '. .' '. .' '. / o o \ / o o \ / o o \ / o o \ | | | | | | | | | \ / | | \ / | | \ / | | \ / | \ '---' / \ '---' / \ '---' / \ '---' / '._____.' '._____.' '._____.' '._____.' "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." Paul writes this with a lot of determination, confidence, and even a bit of an "I dare you" feel to it. His focus is about serving Jesus, sharing Jesus, being like Jesus no matter what it takes. No matter how many shots. This is a guy who counted suffering as joy. Why was Paul so focused and determined? , ; , .-'"""'-. , ; , \\|/ .' '. \|// \-;-/ () () \-;-/ // ; ; \\ NaaNaa ole' satan! //__; :. .; ;__\\ `-----\'.'-.....-'.'/-----' '.'.-.-,_.'.' jgs '( (..-' '-' His personality? Charisma? Just a type A person? I don't think so. It's because he already knows that Jesus has won, He's made the shot. Paul knows he is not "beating the air" or "running" without purpose. Paul knows it counts, and it can be done because Christ has already done it. _ \`\ |= | /- ;.---. _ __.' (____) ` (_____) _' ._ .' (____) ` (___) jgs --`'------'` Look my friends, maybe it sounds simple, but we need to remember that Jesus has won! God never loses. Never. Even when it seems tiring, pointless, hopeless, and you want to just walk away with a good effort. We need to press on, run, shoot, love, serve, evangelize, pray, and worship no matter what. Seriously. No matter what. God has made you for something amazing and it might take 70-80 shots to make one; but it is worth it. We just need to shoot. By the way, Allison made her free throw again. She cheered and screamed and gave me a big high five and knew I was very excited for her. It was a fun moment. She grabbed the ball and lined up on the free throw line. She started shooting again, trying to make another free throw because she knew she could. ______________________________ .-' G R O U P H U G '-. .' ________________________ '. / .-'(")/6 6\(") /o o\("/6 6\'-. \ / /o o\(") =_//a a\_=_/_(")-_/a a\ \ | /\ -/o o\"/ )\_^_/(")( \/o o\_-_/\ | | \(")\ - // /___/o o\__\ \ = /(")"/ | \ '------' ____) -(____ '------' / \ _____)(____ / jgs\ ____) (____ / `'---------.____) (____.---------'` Peace and love my friends, Peder 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 --- ...Check out... _ \`\ |= | /- ;.---. _ __.' (____) ` (_____) Keep It Positive! _' ._ .' (____) ` (___) jgs --`'------'` Watch your believing - it can affect what YOU CAN DO! Fear: Feeling Kind Of Buggy [story] http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/fearfeelingkindofbuggy.html Never Give Up! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Attitude Is Everything http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Attitude Is Everything 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude2.html ================================================================== _....,_ _,...._ _.-` _,..,_'. .'_,..,_ `-._ _,-`/ o \ '. .' / o \`-,_ jgs '-.\___/.-` `-.\___/.-' >Someone Else's Child Story Editor: Deborah Lackey Joyce Schowalter Tennessee, USA One insanely hot and humid summer day about 1997, my friend Shelia and I treated our pre-teens and their friends to a day at Libertyland in Memphis, Tennessee. Libertyland is an aging, but nice amusement park with some really good rides. Libertyland also offers musical reviews. They manage to find incredibly talented teenagers to put on four or more shows a day; it has to be a grueling job. The theatre is shaded, but it's an outdoor theatre, so there is no air conditioning. When Shelia and I took our group to Libertyland, it was mid-week and late summer, so the park didn't have many people in it. Being typical mom-types, by mid-afternoon Shelia and I were hot and worn out... while the kids were still full of energy and happy to continue riding the rides. We decided to let the kids make themselves sick riding the loop-the-loops, while the two of us found a cool place to sit. We found a bench in the theatre. All we wanted to do was just plop down, rest and drink something cold. A few other people were gathered in the theatre with the same intentions, looking for a refuge from the heat and a few moments rest. As luck would have it, a show was scheduled to begin within a few minutes. The performers put on a wonderful, energetic, upbeat show, full of rock and roll and disco tunes. Unfortunately, their audience of only twenty people seeking respite from the heat didn't seem to care whether there was good entertainment or not. At the end of the show, the meager audience gave half-hearted polite applause. My friend Shelia, however, leapt to her feet, gave a standing ovation and hooped and hollered as if she had seen the most amazing Broadway production in her life. She looked down at me and said, "These are someone else's kids. Since their moms aren't here, we need to support them." Wow! In that instant Shelia gave me a perspective I had never thought of! Of course, then I stood by my friend, becoming a surrogate "stage mom" for that moment, cheering those hard-working kids. That happened over six years ago and Shelia's words still stay with me. In a fast food place, I try to remember that the teen behind the counter is someone's child, and so is the pizza delivery boy and the girl at the checkout counter in the grocery store. With that perspective, I treat those kids as I would want other people to treat my own children. I especially take Shelia's insight to heart when I see a teen in training and unsure of him or herself. At that point I go out of my way to give words of encouragement, just as I would for my own child. Thanks, Shelia, for giving a whole new twist to the golden rule: "Do unto others' children as you would have them do unto yours!" ======HeroicStories======= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _________________ (`-----------------') '-. .-' ,| _||_ .-. |, //| -||- |/|| |\\ || | || | || \\| _||_ |// `\ '----' /` '.___ ___.' | | __| |__ _/ \_ jgs | | '-----------' The Last Good Guy Ronnie Leviner Copyright@ 1998 Taking a page from another book Trying to finish his story to write Knowing the day was drawing near When he would pass through the night Oh to have another page of words Would speak different than the other Think would have been a better man Try harder to love his brother Yes the page from this book Spoke of a way that would last It was called God and called Love A thing that would change his past Now he writes the words in his heart And finds what he was longing for Now a good path to walk upon Not to search for it anymore Feeling good about the lines he wrote He looks calmly toward the sky Knowing in his heart others would follow And he was not the last good guy -<>- .-"''-. _ .' `( \ @/ ') ,--,__,-" / / \ / / _/ __| , |/ / .~ `\ / \ , | / .~ `\ ` / _/ _/ .~ `\ ~~`__/ / ~ `--'/ / / / / /' /jgs >Change of Heart By Muriel J. Bussman When our youngest sister was born sixty years ago, my little brother was six and I was eight. I had always been the "Big Sister" and he had always been "The Baby." Our sister's arrival was a complete surprise to both of us. In those days no one worried much about sibling rivalry, and no "experts" told us how to deal with another child in the house. We had wise and loving grandparents, however. I was thrilled about the baby and loved to hold her and help care for her. My brother's feelings were quite different! He looked at her briefly and left, preferring to spend the evening in his room. When I went to his room to talk to him and try to get him to play games with me, he just looked away. "Why did they have to go and get that old baby?" Later that night, Grandpa came over to see the new baby. As he held her, he said to my brother, "You know, she's a lot like that lamb I'm raising on the bottle. I have to take care of her and feed her often, just the way your Mama does with the baby." My brother said, "I'd rather have the lamb" under his breath, but just loud enough for Grandpa to hear. Even though Grandpa seemed pretty old to me (at least fifty, I figured), he could hear very well, and he heard my brother's muttered comment. "Well," said Grandpa, "if you'd rather have a lamb, maybe we could trade. I'll give you a day to think it over, and if you still want to trade tomorrow, we'll do it." I thought I saw him wink at Mama, but I knew I must have been mistaken because Grandpa never winked at anyone. .::""-, .::""-. /:: \ /:: \ |:: | _..--""""--.._ |:: | '\:.__ / .' '. \:.__ / ||____|.' _..---"````'---. '.||____| ||:. |_.' `'.||:. | ||:.-'` .-----. ';:. | ||/ .' '. \. | || / '-. '. \\ |. | ||:. _| ' \_\_\\/( \ | ||:.\_.-' ) || m `\.--._.-""-; ||:.(_ . '\ __'// m ^_/ / '. _.`. ||:. \__^/` _)```'-...' _ .-'.' '-. ||:..-'__ .' '. . ' '. `'. ||:(_.' .`' _. '`'-. '. . ''-._ ||:. : '. .' '. . ' ' '.` '._ ||:. : '. .' .::""-: .''. ' . . ' ':::""-. ||:. .' ..' . /:: \ '. . '. /:: \ ||:.' '. .' '. |:: | _.:---""---.._' |:: | ||. .: '\:.__ / .' -. .- '. \:.__ / ||: : '. . ||____|_.' .--. .--. '._||____| ||:'.___: '. .' ||:. | ( \/ ) ||:. | ||:___| \ '. : ||:. | '-. .-' ||:. | [[____] '. '.-._||:. | __ '..' __ ||:. | '. : ||:. | (__\ (\/) /__) ||:. | '. : ||:. | ` \/ ` ||:. | '-: ||:. | () ||:. | '._||:. |________________________||:. | jgs ||:___|'-.-'-.-'-.-'-.-'-.-'-.-||:___| [[____] [[____] After Grandpa left, Mama asked my brother if he wanted her to read to him. He cuddled up beside her, and she read to him for a long while. He kept looking at the baby, and Mama asked him to hold his little sister while she went to get a diaper. When Mama came back, my brother was gently touching the baby's smooth black hair, and as he held her hand, she grasped his finger. "Mama, look! She's holding my hand!" "Sure, she knows you're her big brother," Mama smiled. He held the baby for a few more minutes, and he seemed much happier at bedtime. Grandpa came back the next evening as he had promised and called my brother to talk to him. "Well, are you ready to trade the baby for a lamb?" My brother looked surprised that Grandpa had remembered the bargain. "She's worth two lambs now." Grandpa seemed to be taken aback at this breach of contract. He said that he'd have to think it over and would be back the next night to talk about it. The next day was a Saturday, and my brother and I spent much of the day indoors watching the baby have her bath, watching her sleep and holding her. My brother held her three more times that day. He looked worried when Grandpa came to see us that evening and called him over to talk. "You know, I've thought about that baby-and-lamb trade all day, and you really do drive a hard bargain. I've decided, though, that the baby is probably worth two lambs. I think we can do business." My brother hesitated very briefly before answering Grandpa. "She's a whole day older now, and I think she's worth five lambs." Grandpa looked shocked, and he slowly shook his head. "I don't know. I'll ave to go home and give your offer some serious thought. Maybe I'll have to talk it over with my banker." Grandpa left soon after, and my brother seemed worried. __ _,, /\\\ sSSSs \_ ( s\_SS (\/`"`\.__/`"`\/) \/|_(\/'-')=(\/ /,| |__\ /\ //||__ ||\\//` \\'--.) \\`` jgs (/ (/ I tried to get him to play some games with me, but he went to Mama's room and held the baby for a long time. The next day, Sunday, Grandpa came to visit us in the early afternoon. He told my brother he had come early because if he had to round up five lambs and get a room ready for the baby, he'd need an early start. My brother took a deep breath, looked Grandpa squarely in the eye and made an announcement. "The baby is worth fifty lambs now!" Grandpa looked at him in disbelief and shook his head. "I'm afraid the deal's off. I can't afford fifty lambs for one little baby. I guess you'll have to keep her and help your parents take care of her." My brother turned away with a little smile he didn't know I saw, and this time I really did see Grandpa wink at Mama. -<>- ___ .'__ '. / /_ |ST\ | | | | \ <___> / ;.___.; |::|;;| |::/;;| |:/`\;| jgs |/ \| >Everyone Wins In order to give, you must have something to give. There is nothing inherently selfish in taking care of your self. Your own success benefits not only you, but those around you. In fact, your own success is a very good measure of how well you're serving others. Selfishness, on the other hand, is the expectation of something for nothing. Selfishness is thinking that you can take from others without providing anything of value in return. The most difficult way to get what you want is to demand it from others. The easiest and most reliable way to get what you want is by providing other people with what they want. To advance your own self interest in the most powerful and sustainable way, find a way to truly offer something of value to others. While many people struggle to find ways to take, the consistently successful people are finding ways to provide. Take care of yourself, be the best you can be, and give of yourself, in unique and valuable way, to others. You'll be creating a situation in which everyone wins. -- Ralph Marston -<>- _________ '. .' _\:. /_ //|:: |\\ \\|:: |// `\::. /` `\ /` T __/ \__ | | jgs _|SUCCESS|_ | ~~~~~~~ | ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >Hold onto your dreams Keep all your dreams so close to your heart, and never give up, when your life's falling apart. Let your dreams give you strength to carry on, and help you find the future, you feel has gone. Build on those dreams that you hold so dearly, and you'll be able to see, your life more clearly. These are your tomorrows you can make today, and through the darkness, you'll find your way. Nothing is impossible, as long as you believe; those felt unreachable are possible to achieve. Have faith in yourself and trust in God's love; reach for the stars blessed by Heaven above. Author ..... ~ Pamela Hall -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment 446 http://www.buffaloschips.com/okko.htm 747-8 Intercontinental http://www.buffaloschips.com/iiiu.htm Ability To Fly For Bud Light http://www.buffaloschips.com/hoi.htm Airline Pilot http://www.buffaloschips.com/hiuyuu9.htm Alarm Clock http://www.buffaloschips.com/jhui.htm New Robot http://www.buffaloschips.com/uijhgyugu.htm New Saw http://www.buffaloschips.com/jhytfr.htm Nice One http://www.buffaloschips.com/uiy.htm Not His Day http://www.buffaloschips.com/uyft.htm Believe In Your Dreams http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/dream.html Dominic And Jobe http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jobe.html Watermelon And Egg Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/watermelon.html It's A Dog's World! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogsworld.html Chapel With Bone Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chapel.html Chalk Art 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart3.html Drink Responsibly http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/drink.html I Believe In You http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ibelieveinyou.html Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffalosjokes.com ============================================================= >-->From SermondFodder: .--. .-, .-..-.__ .'(`.-` \_.-'-./` |\_( "\__ __.>\ '; _;---,._| / __/`'--) /.--. : |/' _.--.<| / | | _..-' `\ /' /` /_/ _/_/ >_.-``-. `Y /' _;---.`|/)))) '` .-''. \|: \.' __, .-'"` .'--._ `-: \/: /' '.\ _|_ /.'`\ :; /' `- `-|-` -` | | | :.; : | .-'~^~`-. |: | .' _ _ `. |:. | | |_) | |_) | :. : | | | \ | | | .jgs. : ; | | -."-/\\\/:::. `\."-._'."-"_\\-| |///."- " -."-.\\"-."//.-".`-."_\\-.".-\\`=.........=`//-". >"You know you're Overdoing Halloween when..." you're pestered all year by kids who want to know what the theme for THIS year is. you find yourself thinking that one corpse is more attractive than another. you get more excited over a fog machine than your new car. you have more help at your haunt than necessary for an old-fashioned barn raising. / \ \ \ ,, / / '-.`\()/`.-' .--_'( )'_--. / /` /`""`\ `\ \ | | >< | | \ \ / / jgs '.__.' you have more than ten sound effect CD's. you have names for the skeletons in your closet. you play spooky music all year round. you spend more on one Halloween than on your entire wedding' /\ __)_)__ .-'._'-'_.'-. .'.' /_\'/_\ '.'. / :/._: 0 :_.\: \ | : \\/\_/\// : | \ : :\/\_/\/: : / '-:__:__:__:__:-' ^^^jgs^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ you spend more on one Halloween than on your spouse for the entire history of your marriage. you spend more on one Halloween than on buying an anniversary present for your spouse. you try to make Fido look like a hellhound every Halloween. your neighbors look slantways at you and avoid you a full month before Halloween. _ /\ )\ _ __)_)__ .'`--`'. )\_ .-'._'-'_.'-. / ^ ^ \ .'`---`'. .'.' /o\'/o\ '.'. \ \/\/\/ / / <> <> \ : ._: 0 :_. : \ '------' _J_ | A |: \\/\_/\// : | _/)_ .'`---`'. \ <\_/> / : :\/\_/\/: : / .'`----`'./.'b d \ _?_._`"`_.'`'-:__:__:__:__:-' /.'<\ /> \: 0 | .'`---`'.`` _/( /\ |:,___A___,|' V===V / /.'a . a \.'`---`'. __(_(__ \' \_____/ /'._____.' |: ___ /.'/\ /\ \ .-'._'-'_.'-:.______.' _?_ \' \_/ |: ^ | .'.' (o\'/o) '.'. .'`"""`'. '._____.'\' 'vvv' / / :_/_: A :_\_: \ / ^.^ \ '.__.__.' | : \'=...='/ : | \ `===` / jgs \ : :'.___.': : / `-------` '-:__:__:__:__:-' your shed, basement, & attic contain nothing but Halloween props. the only candelabra you own is in a spider web motif. theres a monster under your bed because your attic/basement/shed is full. your electric bill is higher in October than in July. the family dog ignores masked individuals breaking into your house. |\-/| =( )= / \ | | / \ _\ _/._ .' `))` '. / (( , \ ; , \) , ; ; /c\ , /c\ | | /_\ | | |\ , , , , /| | \ \_`.`.`.`.`_/ / jgs '.____.___.____.' you see haunt possibilities with every road kill you cause.... ( oh, I mean)...see instead of giving your child a cat or dog you give them a gargoyle to play with. your neighbors are asked about Halloween, they roll their eyes and point at your house. the guy at the paint counter at the hardware store sees you coming and starts stacking gallon cans of flat black on the counter. you go to "Goth Night" at a local teen center, armed with a pocketful of "volunteer recruitment" flyers. ______________ .-' `-. (____________________) ( b o o ! ) jgs ( `----------------' ) `------------------' you can't watch a horror movie without jotting down ideas every two minutes. you're nervous about taking rolls of film in to be developed, for fear the police might show up at your house looking for the corpses that the developer clued them in to. you have a room in your house reserved for special props/projects, and won't allow anyone in there because it'll "spoil the Halloween surprise!" ( ( ) ) ( ) ( ) ) .---. ) ( .-""-. ( ( / \ ( .-""-. ( ) / _ _ \ ) ) |() ()| / _ _ \ ) |(_\/_)| .---. ( (_ 0 _) |(_)(_)| ( .---. (_ /\ _) / \ .-""-. |xxx| (_ /\ _) / \ |v==v| |<\ />| / _ _ \ '---' |wwww| |(\ /)|( '-..-' (_ A _) |/_)(_\| '-..-' (_ o _) ) .---. |===| (_ /\ _) |===| ( / \ '---' |mmmm| jgs '---' |{\ /}| '-..-' (_ V _) |"""| '---' you scare other family members or neighbors on a regular basis, often without meaning to. your ideal pet would be a black cat, a tarantula, a snake, a bat, or a rat. people refuse to walk into your house at night. people refuse to walk into your house in broad daylight! you have a customized license plate that has something to do with Halloween. you start actually setting up your yard haunt in August and don't get it all down until almost Christmas... .-. (e.e) (m) .-="=-. W // =T= \\,/ () ==|== () \ =V= M(oVo) // \\ // \\ () () \\ || jgs \' '| ==" "== you still aren't finished on Halloween, but it'll do. Gotta start earlier next year... you cannot throw ANYTHING away that could even CONCEIVABLY be used to scare someone. (Even if you don't know how yet...) you judge homes by how well a haunt could be set up in them. the boys in the white coats are afraid to come in your yard your children turn their bedroom into a giant spider web by stringing yarn everywhere and pretend to attack when you get tangled in it. your 4 year old announces to the class that he/she wants to be a Vampire when he/she grows up. your toddler's first word is "REDRUM" _...----. .' .-'` ,''--..; / | _______/________|_______ `-----/// _\ /_ \\\-----` .---./ / o\/o \ \.---. <(_ /// \__/\__/ \\\ _)> _.---. '-. // oo \\ .-' .' .__`\ o /// __..--..__ \\\ / \`\| o-'*'-o //| '\/\/\/\/' |\\ / ; ' \*\|/*/ ;--. """" .-; | _ _ | .-'---'-. / \|||-....(|||`\ | (o) (o) | / \ /\ /\|/ | | .---, |/ \ / ; ' | | / e e \ | '. .' | '-. \ \| ^ |/ '---' | \_ ()._-_.() T R I C K | .._.----/` \ ,/\'._.'/\. ' . | / ``"-/||\ \ / \/ \/ \ O R | | `7, | ^^_____^^ | | . /// _ | |oOO` `OOo| T R E A T ; |' / |_) _ | \| '._____.' |/ / \-| |_)/ \ _ | |:: | '.__ __,; `| \_// \ | |:: | ````` | | \_/ ; |:: | | \ / \::. /_____________| ``'--..___/ '._______.' '-| | |-' | |_ | _| | | | __.-; \ | / /-._|_.-\ \ \_|_/ /`'-.|.-'`\ / jgs /--T--\ / .'. \'-..____.---''''`` (__/ \__) \____/ \___/ the Kids hiss at each other and make claws with their hands when they fight. it's not uncommon to see "Barbi" hanging in a Noose in you're daughters room. your teenageer wants his/her "own" coffin.... "Addams Family" books are the most commonly read children's books laying around. you still think your kids are well adjusted.... -<>- () , O -. )', \'._.,-" c '-,_ o ) _,.c cc =[]L] /." ', c __.` -' \('---' '=.____ '-. O \ 0 , \|\_/) \-, |',T( 66,_ o ) '-" \\.___Y) ) ,-.Y _.G snd /-" /.' >Blind Comment I'm a counselor who helps coordinate support groups for visually- impaired adults. Many participants have a condition known as macular degeneration, which makes it very difficult for them to distinguish facial features. I had just been assigned to a new group and was introducing myself. Knowing that many in the group would not be able to see me well, I jokingly said, "For those of you who can't see me, I've been told that I look like a cross between Paul Newman and Robert Redford." Immediately, one woman called out, "We're not THAT blind!" -<>- | '.|.' -= + =- ___ .'|'. ___ ******* | ******* /-====) | (_.- )) | / '( )' ) )) / / _/ \_( (( | |-( _ _ )) ) ) / | \ //| |\\ /'-( ( / \ \/\/ *** \/\/ / ) ) | |\ / .=. \ / ( ( `-;./ ;-' _\/(")\/_ '-; ) ) | \ |'---'| / ( ( | \ _| |_ / ) ) _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( jgs .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. `""---`-----` `----`----`""` >THAT'S SALVATION "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile" (Romans 1:16, NIV) An unknown author wrote, "Longfellow could take a sheet of paper, write a poem on it and make it worth sixty thousand dollars. That is talent. Rockefeller could sign a piece of paper and make it worth millions. That is capital. A mechanic can take material worth $5 and make it into an article worth $50. That is skill. A merchant can buy an article for eighty cents, put it on his counter and sell it for a dollar. That is business. But God can take a worthless, sinful life, wash it, cleanse it, put his Holy Spirit within it and make it a blessing to all humanity. That is salvation. And that salvation is available for all who choose to accept it. I think it was the famous evangelist, D.L. Moody who said when looking at a drunken derelict in the gutter, "But for the grace of God there go I." From: timothy williams -<>- * . . . | . * \|/ -->*<-- . /|\ . ' | ' * | . | . ' >ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE A LIFE He almost killed somebody, but one minute changed his life. The beautiful story comes from Sherman Rogers' old book, "Foremen: Leaders or Drivers?" In his true-life story, Rogers illustrates the importance of effective relationships. During his college years, Rogers spent a summer in an Idaho logging camp. When the superintendent had to leave for a few days, he put Rogers in charge. "What if the men refuse to follow my orders?" Rogers asked. He thought of Tony, an immigrant worker who grumbled and growled all day, giving the other men a hard time. "Fire them," the superintendent said. Then, as if reading Rogers' mind, he added, "I suppose you think you are going to fire Tony if you get the chance. I'd feel badly about that. I have been logging for 40 years. Tony is the most reliable worker I've ever had. I know he is a grouch and that he hates everybody and everything. But he comes in first and leaves last. There has not been an accident for eight years on the hill where he works." Rogers took over the next day. He went to Tony and spoke to him. "Tony, do you know I'm in charge here today?" Tony grunted. "I was going to fire you the first time we tangled, but I want you to know I'm not," he told Tony, adding what the superintendent had said. When he finished, Tony dropped the shovel full of sand he had held and tears streamed down his face. "Why he no tell me dat eight years ago?" That day Tony worked harder than ever before -- and he smiled! He later said to Rogers, "I told Maria you first foreman in deese country who ever say, 'Good work, Tony,' and it make Maria feel like Christmas." Rogers went back to school after that summer. Twelve years later he met Tony again. He was superintendent for railroad construction for one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers asked him how he came to California and happened to have such success. Tony replied, "If it not be for the one minute you talk to me back in Idaho, I keel somebody someday. One minute, she change my whole life." Effective managers know the importance of taking a moment to point out what a worker is doing well. But what a difference a minute of affirmation can make in any relationship! One minute. Have you got one minute to thank someone? A minute to tell someone what you sincerely like or appreciate about her? A minute to elaborate on something he did well? One minute. I can make a difference for a lifetime. >From Steve Goodier's ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE A LIFE >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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 ************************************************************************