It's The Little Things... :) 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!! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press! :) This Hot Sizzler is from our friend Johanna! I don't think we ever tire of cute, hugable, lovable, adorable puppies! Johanna must know this and sent us a bunch more photos of them to delight and brighten our day! Check them out here... _,=.=,_ ,'=. o `\___ / o\ (0 D / o \ ___/ | O | \) ',o _/ o .--' `"`; O ( [[[[]]_..,_ / .--""``\\ .' o .\,,|| ( .' -""`| `""` |\ / O o __| \| o .-' `\ \ _ o O | jgs ( o .-' ) `""""""""""""` Why God Gave Us Puppies http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whypuppies.html --- ...so heartwarming! Thanks Johanna! -<>- *~* We Had An Awesome Month Of Caring And Sharing Last Month *~* ____ .-" _ "-. / _ \ /`| | `\ |\ /\o/ \_o/ |;\ __ _ .-"""-. \;;\ \ `-'/ ;-._.-' , |;;;\ '--. |_ \ \ _.--'| |;;;;| | '. \ \ `-._/ /===;/..-"-. \ '. /`._ __ ___/___(( _ \ \ Y ``-\_/==;===='"`/``---' \ \ \\ \ /` \___/ |\ \ /` | | \ ; / / | | jgs / \ | | .' \_/ | Be sure to check these out and share them with all your loved ones! Value What You Have! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuewyh.html Naval Fleet Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/navalart.html MacGyver - How To Do It 4! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/macgyver4.html Why We Love Dogs! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whydog.html Dogs As Best Friends! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bestfriend.html Aww Animals 7! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals7.html The Moses Bridge! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mosesbridge.html Kisses Sweeter Than Honey! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kisses.html Great Banyan Tree! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/banyan.html All Occasion Cars! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/allcar.html *~* THANKS & HUGGUMS THROUGH CHRIST TO ALL OUR SWEET CONTRIBUTORS! You Bless and enrich our life with your thoughtful sharing! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: __.....__ .-" "-. .' '. / _..._ \ ; .;//T\\;. ; | /////\\\\\\ | ; |////\\\\\\\| ; \ |/ __ __ \| / '. )\ ` , ` /( .' ///'.__=__.'\\\ ,_ _.-"`/`\__ __/`\`"-._ _, | \'-.___.-` / _"_ \ `-.___.-'/ | \ '-. | / | \ | .-' / '-. \ | ) | ( | / .-' \ '._ | /'.|.'\ | _.' / '._ `'. | .' / \ '. | .'` _.' `'. \ | / \ | / .'` \ '-\__/ \__/-' / '-..-| |-..-' | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ("-.___.-") /'._ _.'\ jgs _.' `"""` '._ _,.-' '-.,_ ( \ _._ _._ _._ / ) \ '-'_ '-.-' _ '-.-' _'-' / '--' `'.___.' '.___.'` '--' >IOU1 by Bob Perks I see them all the time -- license plates that carry a message most often understood only by the owner. Mine says IBLEVNU. I love to look in my rear view mirror and see people mouthing the words. "I believe in you." These "vanity plates" as they are called seem to be offered in most every state here in the United States. I wrote a story about a wonderful woman who held a sign in the window of her car that read "Heartwarmers" as she drove by. She had read a story of mine there and recognized my license plate. Small world. "IOU1" the plate read on the car in front of me. Normally I'd just read it and continue on, but this one had a handwritten sticker next to it and I knew I had to meet this person. He wasn't headed where I wanted to go, but this seemed more important. So I decided to follow him. Luckily he pulled into the post office in town. Otherwise, I might have been writing this from on the road somewhere. I got out of my car and approached the man. "Excuse me, sir. May I ask you about your license plate?" "You wouldn't be the first one," he said as he kept walking. My curiosity kept pace with him as he entered the post office and stayed with him until he returned to his car. "I understand the "IOU1" on your plate. I've said "I owe you one" many times in my life." "Did you pay up?" he asked with a smile. "Pardon me?" "Did you pay back the ones you owed?" "Oh, sure... I mean I guess I did. That's something you say so freely after someone does you a favor. I guess I meant it," I told him. "Well, I'm still working on this one," he said. "That sticker you have next to your plate. Is that part of it?" "It surely is. It'll take the rest of my life to pay this one back," he said. He then stopped at the door suddenly, almost causing a pile up of people behind us. "In fact, it could probably take two lifetimes to pay this one back," he said. We continued out the door heading back to his car. "Would you mind telling me what happened?" I asked. "No, not at all. It's part of my pay back. I promised to tell as many people as I could, any time and any place." He then stopped behind his car, leaned on the truck near the plate and began to tell his story. He went on to tell me about an accident he was in with his family. The car had flipped over and his youngest daughter, still seated in her child seat, somehow flew out the car door in the accident. He was pinned inside. Hanging upside down the only thing he could see was the back of her car seat sitting about ten yards in front of him. Not being able to free himself, he prayed for her. "God, if you make sure my baby is alright, I'll owe you one," he said in his prayer. She was. They found her sitting there untouched and smiling. That explained it all. His license plate read "IOU1" and the sticker said "God!". -- Bob Perks ___________________________________________ Bob is a Heartwarmer Gem and a professional speaker, author, and vocalist. You are welcomed to visit his new story website and sign up to receive his free email newsletter at: http://www.iwishyouenough.com To read the archives of past stories: http://www.topica.com/lists /Ibelieveinyou/read ========================================================== >-->Tip From Our friend EdLaF :) MARCH IS COMING IN LIKE A LION! ,%%%%%%%%, %%/\%%%%/\%% _,._ %%%\C "" J/%%%, __.' _) %%%/ o o \%%%% .% <_,)'.-"a\ %%%| _ %%%% .%%` /' ( \'%%(__Y__)%%%%' %%` _.-----..,-' (`"--^ '%%%\-/`%%%%; \\ // | '%%%%%%%' \ )) (| `; , | | '. // \ ;.----/ ,/ | | / \ // ) // / | |\ \ | | ( \// jgs \ \\`\ | |/ / __| | _\ / \ \\ \ | |\/ (((((((___________) `" `" `"` >Need Emergency Lights? I have a friend who used her solar lights inside at night when her current was off during the hurricane. She stuck them in a jar or bottle and said they gave off plenty of 'free light'. She put one in each room and would put them back outside in the daytime and bring them in at night as long as the current was off. They are safe to use and cheaper than batteries. Bring in a solar light one night and test it. Due to a thunderstorm, we lost power for about 5 hours. We were scrambling around in the darkness, looking for matches, candles, flashlights, etc. We looked outside, and noticed our solar lights shining brightly all around our patio, stairs, dock, etc. They were beautiful. My wife walked outside, and brought several of the solar lights inside. We stuck the solar light pipes into plastic drink bottles containers and they made the nicest, brightest, safest, lighting you could ever imagine. We put one in the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, etc. There was plenty of light. There are all types of solar lights available. We bought ours at Harbor Freight. We put them all around our yard. They look nice and they do not attract flying bugs like the outdoor lights around our doorway. The lights we have fit into the small (20 oz) water bottles and they also fit into most of the larger liter bottles. If you need a weight in the plastic bottle to keep them from tipping over, you can put a few of the pretty colorful "flat marbles" that they put in aquariums, and vases. (you can also use sand, aquarium gravel, etc., whatever you have available). The lights we have were perfect inside our home. They burn all night long if you need them. The next day, you just take your solar lights back outside and they will instantly recharge and be ready for you to use again any time you need them. Perfect for power outages, hurricanes, etc. I never thought of it and now you don't have to. --- ...Great Tip! Thanks EdLaF! =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) >It's The Little Things == == "we are each of us angels <^\()/\()/^> with but one wing, \/ \/ \/ and can only fly by / \/ \ embracing each other" jgs `""``""` Lisa Beamer on Good Morning America - If you remember, she's the wife of Todd Beamer who said 'Let's Roll!' and helped take down the plane over Pennsylvania that was heading for Washington, DC back on 9/11. She said it's the little things that she misses most about Todd, such as hearing the garage door open as he came home, and her children running to meet him. Lisa recalled this story: "I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there. With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, 'Class is over, I would like to share with all of you, a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important. Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment. Perhaps this is the power's way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day. Her eyes, beginning to water, she went on, 'So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice. It doesn't have to be something you see, it could be a scent, perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground. Please look for these things, and cherish them. For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life. The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted. The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester. Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook. Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot. Or walk on the beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double dip ice cream cone. For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do. If you like this, please pass it on to a friend, if not just delete it and go on with your life! Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." HAVE A GREAT DAY! GOD Bless you every day of your life. --- ...Thanks Jo Ann! I needed that! ======================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: === (`\(")/`) > /~\ < (// \\) `| |` jgs |_| ' ' _ === ( `\( ) `> /~\* (_/ /\I \ \ jgs / / \/ ` >A DAD'S STORY - Brian's Birdies On July 22nd I was in route to Washington, DC for a business trip. It was all so very ordinary, until we landed in Denver for a plane change. As I collected my belonging s from the overhead bin, an announcement was made for Mr. Lloyd Glenn to see the United Customer Service Representative immediately. I thought nothing of it until I reached the door to leave the plane and I heard a gentleman asking every male if he were Mr. Glenn. At this point I knew something was wrong and my heart sunk. When I got off the plane a solemn-faced young man came toward me and said, "Mr. Glenn, there is an emergency at your home. I do not know what the emergency is, or who is involved, but I will take you to the phone so you can call the hospital." My heart was now pounding, but the will to be calm took over. Woodenly, I followed this stranger to the distant telephone where I called the number he gave me for the Mission Hospital. My call was put through to the trauma center where I learned that my three-year-old son had been trapped underneath the automatic garage door for several minutes, and that when my wife had found him he was dead. CPR had been performed by a neighbor, who is a doctor, and the paramedics had continued the treatment as Brian was transported to the hospital. By the time of my call, Brian was revived and they believed he would live, but they did not know how much damage had been done to his brain, nor to his heart. They explained that the door had completely closed on his little sternum right over his heart. He had been severely crushed. After speaking with the medical staff, my wife sounded worried but not hysterical, and I took comfort in her calmness. The return flight seemed to last forever, but finally I arrived at the hospital six hours after the garage door had come down. When I walked into the intensive care unit, nothing could have prepared me to see my little son laying so still on a great big bed with tubes and monitors everywhere. He was on a respirator. I glanced at my wife who stood and tried to give me a reassuring smile. It all seemed like a terrible dream. I was filled-in with the details and given a guarded prognosis. Brian was going to live, and the preliminary tests indicated that his heart was OK, two miracles in and of themselves. But only time would tell if his brain received any damage. Throughout the seemingly endless hours, my wife was calm. She felt that Brian would eventually be all right. I hung on to her words and faith like a lifeline. All that night and the next day Brian remained unconscious. It seemed like forever since I had left for my business trip the day before. Finally at two o'clock that afternoon, our son regained consciousness and sat up uttering the most beautiful words I have ever heard spoken. He said, "Daddy hold me" and he reached for me with his little arms. (TEAR BREAK...smile) By the next day he was pronounced as having no neurological or physical deficits, and the story of his miraculous survival spread throughout the hospital. You cannot imagine, we took Brian home, we felt a unique reverence for the life and love of our Heavenly Father that comes to those who brush death so closely. In the days that followed there was a special spirit about our home. Our two older children were much closer to their little brother. My wife and I were much closer to each other, and all of us were very close as a whole family. Life took on a less stressful pace. Perspective seemed to be more focused, and balance much easier to gain and maintain. We felt deeply blessed. Our gratitude was truly profound. The story is not over (smile)! Almost a month later to the day of the accident, Brian awoke from his afternoon nap and said, "Sit down Mommy.. I have something to tell you." At this time in his life, Brian usually spoke in small phrases, so to say a large sentence surprised my wife. She sat down with him on his bed, and he began his sacred and remarkable story. "Do you remember when I got stuck under the garage door? Well, it was so heavy and it hurt really bad. I called to you, but you couldn't hear me.. I started to cry, but then it hurt too bad. And then the 'birdies' came." "The birdies?" my wife asked puzzled. "Yes," he replied. "The birdies made a whooshing sound and flew into the garage. They took care of me." "They did?" "Yes," he said. "One of the birdies came and got you. She came to tell you "I got stuck under the door." A sweet reverent feeling filled the room. The spirit was so strong and yet lighter than air. My wife realized that a three-year-old had no concept of death and spirits, so he was referring to the beings who came to him from beyond as "birdies" because they were up in the air like birds that fly.. "What did the birdies look like?" she asked. Brian answered, "They were so beautiful. They were dressed in white, all white. Some of them had green and white. But some of them had on just white." "Did they say anything?" "Yes," he answered. "They told me the baby would be all right." "The baby?" my wife asked confused. Brian answered. "The baby laying on the garage floor." He went on, "You came out and opened the garage door and ran to the baby. You told the baby to stay and not leave." My wife nearly collapsed upon hearing this, for she had indeed gone and knelt beside Brian's body and seeing his crushed chest whispered, "Don't leave us Brian, please stay if you can." As she listened to Brian telling her the words she had spoken, she realized that the spirit had left His body and was looking down from above on this little lifeless form.. "Then what happened?" she asked. "We went on a trip," he said, "far, far away." He grew agitated trying to say the things he didn't seem to have the words for. My wife tried to calm and comfort him , and let him know it would be okay. He struggled with wanting to tell something that obviously was very important to him, but finding the words was difficult. "We flew so fast up in the air. They're so pretty Mommy," he added. "And there are lots and lots of birdies." My wife was stunned. Into her mind the sweet comforting spirit enveloped her more soundly, but with an urgency she had never before known. Brian went on to tell her that the "birdies" had told him that he had to come back and tell everyone about the "birdies." He said they brought him back to the house and that a big fire truck, and an ambulance were there. A man was bringing the baby out on a white bed and he tried to tell the man that the baby would be okay. The story went on for an hour. He taught us that "birdies" were always with us, but we don't see them because we look with our eyes and we don't hear them because we listen with our ears. But they are always there, you can only see them in here (he put his hand over his heart). They whisper the things to help us to do what is right because they love us so much. Brian continued, stating, "I have a plan, Mommy. You have a plan.. Daddy has a plan. Everyone has a plan. We must all live our plan and keep our promises. The birdies help us to do that cause they love us so much." In the weeks that followed, he often came to us and told all, or part of it, again and again. Always the story remained the same. The details were never changed or out of order. A few times he added further bits of information and clarified the message he had already delivered. It never ceased to amaze us how he could tell such detail and speak beyond his ability when he talked about his birdies. Everywhere he went, he told strangers about the "birdies." Surprisingly, no one ever looked at him strangely when he did this. Rather, they always got a softened look on their face and smiled. Needless to say, we have not been the same ever since that day, and I pray we never will be. -<>- *** _ {(")} _ { `\.U./` } `>/)*(\<` {(/ \)} / \ jgs '-------' >Are you like an angel or something? This was written by a Hospice of Metro Denver physician I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends: I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay. When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs, than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel. At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95. I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying "I don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me." I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little. She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there. So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there. I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?" This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people." It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong. Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings... Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." -<>- __ {\ <__> {\ \ _)( _ { ~\ \ _______ //|! _.-'| {* \ \ <:<:<:>:> //||! | | { ~ * \ \(((//^^\ //|||! | () {* ~ \((((/ e e //||||! () { * ~ * |))))c o ) //|||||! {* * ////'_/~` //||||||! {~ * (((( `.`\ //|||||||! _ `{.~ ~ )))`\ \))_.-||||||! |`-._ _. `{ ~ *(() `\_.-'`|||||||! | | |=' `{.__.* `-*. ||||||||||! () | | .* ~ *.||||||||||! () () .*. * ~ *.|||||||||! .* . . *.||||||||! .* ~ * *.|||||||! .* * ~ *.\|||||! jgs .* ~ . *. `\|||! .* * . ~ * ~ *. :~~: ..* ~ * ~ *. .::::::. ~~* ~~* ~~* ~~* ~~* ~~* .::::::::::. >DON'T MISS A MOMENT By: Joseph J. Mazzella I am truly amazed at how rapidly this year seems to be going by. It seems like only yesterday it was Christmastime and now we are already headed for June. I think this may be a good sign, though. They say that time flies when you are having fun. I am sure then that time flies even faster when you are choosing love and sharing joy. I am becoming aware, however, at just how short even the longest life here on Earth is. I see children swinging at my son's school and I can remember when I attended that same school and swung on those same swings. I give my son and daughter a hug and notice that they are almost as tall as me now. I can remember, though, when I could hold them in the crook of one arm while I rocked them to sleep. I mow the lawn near the graveyard by my home and remember all of my loved ones who have passed. Then I realize that my body too will one day be resting under a headstone and that my time on this wonderful world will be over as well. I am doing my best then not to miss a moment of this glorious life I have been given and I urge you not to miss a moment of yours either. Enjoy every day that God in His love has given you on this world. Take the time to pet your dogs before you put on their leashes for a walk. Take a second to smell that baby's hair when you hold her in your arms. Take a moment to sneak a kiss when you bump into your dear one in the kitchen. Take a little while to watch the sun go down and the moon rise up. Take a hour to walk among the trees and flowers and feel God's gentle, loving breezes on your face. Take a minute to call your Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, or Uncle and tell them that you love them. Take the time to write an inspiring letter or say an encouraging word to a friend. Take all of the precious days of your life and use them to bring more joy, love, and oneness with God to this world. Life is short. Don't miss a moment of it. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Dear Soldier http://saintsandheroes.com/letter/ Value Of Life http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/value.html Are Angels Real? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Stretching For The Lord http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/stretching.html Christ's Bell http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bell.html Dog Warriors http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogwarriors.html Proud Of Our Troups 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops4.html Mini Baby Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/baby.html Butchart Gardens http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bgardens.html Until We Write Again http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/write.html 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 If You haven't joined LynnLynn's mailing List yet, send a blank e-mail to LynnLynns-links-subscribe@Yahoogroups.com ========================================================== >-->From AndyChaps: _, .--. ( / ( '-. jgs .-=-. ) -. / ( .' . \ \ ( ' ,_) ) \_/ (_ , /\ ,_/ '--\ `\--` _\ _\ `\ \ _\_\ `\\ \\ -.'.`\.'.- >Unexpected Help A few years ago I was walking to pick my son up from school. We unfortunately lived too close for a bus pick-up but also too far from the school for my 1st grader to walk home alone. It had become a ritual for my young daughter, infant son and I to walk the 6 blocks every afternoon. On one of those afternoons it began to rain about halfway to the school. My infant was sheltered by his carriage cover and a blanket, but my daughter and I were getting soaked. When a car pulled up to the curb with a lone male driver in it I panicked and began walking faster. The man, apparently realizing my fear, got out of the car (getting wet himself), handed me an umbrella, got back in his car and drove off. This small, but wonderful gesture proved to me that even with all the chaos in the world there are still some people who will go out of their way to help others. This man was not looking for public praise, or trying to look good for anyone. He just did something nice, on his own, with no ulterior motive. To that man, if you read this, many, many thanks. Written by Alexis -<>- . . : . _ '. _.:._ .' (_) '-. .' '. .-' _;_ ' - ./ \. - ' / | \ - - | | - - """" \ | \ """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" `|\ ` | \ / / jgs / /_ ` >What Kind Of Mark Are You Leaving On Others? "The best advertisement of Christianity is a good life. People read us a great deal more than they read the Bible. They see us; they only hear about Jesus Christ." - Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations What a sobering thought! The question that we must seriously ask ourselves today is - What are people reading when they open up the book of our life? What kind of information are they gathering about Christ, His Word, His Kingdom, His Ways, and His Principles when they observe our lifestyles? Whether we realize it or not, our lives may be the only Bible that some people will ever read. God forbid that we should give them a reason to reject the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior after being acquainted with us. Or that, by our inconsistencies, we would cause someone to live beneath the holy standards of the Word of God and, resultantly, miss heaven for all of eternity. The Scriptures do instruct us on how we can be effective witnesses for the Lord. Although there may be many more qualities to consider, this message will deal with six of them. 1. Walking Honestly 1 Thessalonians 4:12 - "That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." Walking "honestly" before the heathen consists of walking decently, respectably, becomingly, and honorably. It includes living a life of purity, holiness, sobriety, and usefulness before those outside of the church. This would include being honest with others in our speech and mannerisms. At no time are we to tell a lie or live a lie! We are to be faithful in our engagements, contracts, or commitments. We should strive to always be courteous, kind, and patient, always looking for opportunities to extend the goodness of the Lord to those who don't expect or deserve it. To "walk honestly" before sinners also entails being industrious and competent in a trade or on a job(unless disabled or elderly). At no time, should we be dependent on others - be a "mooch," always looking for a hand-out - due to idleness or laziness, extravagant spending, irresponsibility with resources, or neglect on our part. 2. Being Of Good Report 1 Timothy 3:7 - "Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without..." Christians should "have a good report" of those who are unsaved. They should be commended by the "outsider" for having an honest and reliable reputation, while living an upright, pure, holy, true, and just life before the eyes of all. Never should their lives exhibit any inconsistencies with that which is moral and chaste, especially when dealing with the opposite sex. They should always demonstrate that their lives are uncompromisingly and strictly regulated - guided by the principles of the Word of God. One such man who was well-spoken of by all men was Demetrius. 3 John 12 says this of him - "Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true." Another man who was esteemed by all was Cornelius. Acts 10:22 says this of him - "And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nations of the Jews..." Both of these men displayed good characters before all. They had reputations that were founded in the truth and principled by the fear of the Lord. They were noted for their honorable, conscientious, sober, and charitable dealings with others. 3. Setting A Godly Example 1 Thessalonians 1:7 - "So that we were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia." Imagine having such an impact on our world like these believers had on their world! They were "ensamples to all" who believed in Macedonia and Achaia. In fact, the new Christians readily adopted the beliefs and closely followed the conduct of the Thessalonian Church. What a lasting impression these saints made on them. What a godly influence they had on these new converts! The word "ensamples" used in this verse denotes anything that is produced by means of a blow. It includes such concepts as that of a mark, print, impression, resemblance, figure, pattern, or model. 4. Having A Demonstrative Faith 1 Thessalonians 1:8 - "For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing." The Faith of these Thessalonian believers spoke for itself - "we need not to speak any thing." No one had to add to it. Their zeal and fidelity to the Lord and His work was seen and heard by all. It was spreading like a wild fire throughout the surrounding regions. Word was getting out concerning the "faith" and commitment of these dedicated Christians. There was no doubt in anyone's mind after being around these believers that they were the "Real McCoy." It was quite evident to all that they truly turned from all idolatry and false beliefs and worship and were undeniably and unreservedly serving the Lord Jesus. Trials did not hamper their spiritual progress in any way. In fact, they only served to make them stronger. 5. Being God's Reporter & Crime Stopper Matthew 5:13-14 - "Ye are the salt of the earth...Ye are the light of the world..." What does "light" do? For one thing, it makes visible that which is hidden. What does "salt" do? Among its many qualities, it preserves from corruption. Like the sun, Christians are to shed light on God's ways and will for mankind. They are to bring to the surface such things as the holy requirements of God as well as man's condition and his duty before Him and others. They are to be God's Reporters, commenting on all of the everyday happenings in the light of the Scriptures. In a world that is morally corrupt, they are to serve as God's Crime Stoppers. By their godly influence and example, they are to act as "salt" in stopping the process of death caused by crime, vice, evil, wickedness, and depravity in people's lives. 6. Being A Spectacle To The World Matthew 5:14 - "...A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." There is no such thing as a "closet Christian." This verse clearly illustrates that believers are to stand out among others like "a city that is set on a hill." They are constantly in the public's view. Their every move and decision is watched, observed, and scrutinized. Hence, they walk circumspectly(avoiding even the very appearance of evil) and handle their affairs wisely, lest at any time they should bring reproach to the name of Christ. Where do you find yourself in this message? How do you qualify as an effective witness in this world? Are you walking honestly before the heathen? Are you reliable? Do you keep your commitments? Can others depend on you to get a job done well? Do you carry yourself in a decent and respectable manner? Do you have a "good report" of those that are "without" as well as among the believers? What are others saying about you this day? What do they see in your lifestyle that is commendable and reflective of the Power of the Gospel operating in your life? What kind of lasting impression are you leaving on those who know you personally? What kind of impact are you having on the younger generation who observe your lifestyle at home, on the job, in church, or in the neighborhood? Is your Faith so demonstrative that there is no doubt in others' minds as to which side of the fence you are on in current issues? Is it evident to others that you have abandoned all idols and that the Lord Jesus is your First Love? Do others know you as one who has devoted his or her life to the Lord's service? Are you God's Reporter? Do you speak out for Him on the job and in your relationships? Are people informed about the Truth of His Word after being around you? Are you God's Crime Stopper? Do others curb their ungodly conversation and mannerisms whenever you come around? Does your godly influence bring conviction on those who are not right with the Lord? Do you provoke people to live holy by your bold influence? Knowing that you are constantly under the surveillance of the world, do you live as to bring constant glory to the Lord? Do you watch your behavior, whether it be in private or in public, so as not to bring reproach to the cause of Christ? Remember the opening quote? "The best advertisement of Christianity is a good life. People read us a great deal more than they read the Bible. They see us; they only hear about Jesus Christ." Let's never forget these words. We are under constant watch; therefore, we must live our lives in a way that is pleasing unto the Lord and will influence others to live for Him as well. What a grave responsibility! Matthew Henry said - "Christians should be so good as by their example to influence others." May that be true of all of us. May God Bless His Word. Connie Connie Giordano P. O. Box 383016 Duncanville, TX. 75138-3016 ========================================================= @(\/) (\/)-{}-)@ @(={}=)/\)(\/) (\/(/\)@| (-{}-) (={}=)@(\/)@(/\)@ (/\)\(={}=)/(\/) @(\/)\(/\)/(={}=) (-{}-)""""@/(/\) (/\)|: | /::' \ /::: \ |::' | |:: | \::. / jgs ':______.' `""""""` >Who Are These For? Story Editor: by Sarah Pearson Joyce Schowalter Washington, USA During college I worked part-time at a local company as department assistant. I enjoyed the sense of accomplishment I got from the different tasks, everyone in the department appreciated my organizational skills, and I always got good evaluations. Yet as my senior year ended, some co-workers took me for granted. I felt that I would be better off moving to a full-time job at another company. I gave my supervisor two months' notice, effective when I graduated. My supervisor was very understanding. She asked me for a detailed report about my job, to support her request for a full-time person to replace me. Over the next two months, many co-workers had troubles surface in their personal lives, and the department went into a tailspin. My imminent departure was small news compared to the tragedies all around. And my best work buddy -- a fellow part-timer -- had quit suddenly and gone on a cross-country road trip without letting me know. On my last day of work, I was surprised to discover that my desk had been moved to a storage room to make room for the new department assistant. A couple of my co-workers came in to wish me well, but that was the extent of the thanks I was to receive for three years of devotion and hard work. I felt disappointed. On one trip to the fax machine, I spoke to the receptionists. Lori and Jennifer mischievously congratulated me on my last day, when Lori asked if my department would throw me a party that afternoon. I said, No, and she didn't believe me. I convinced her it was true, and she was aghast. I told her I was fine, and it didn't matter, since my department was already gotten used to the new department assistant. I went back to my desk, and continued working. Later that day, I got a call from the reception desk. Lori asked me to pick up a package for someone in the department. "All right," I said, sighing. I went to the reception desk, and there was a vase of flowers on the desk. Lori and Jennifer were both smiling at me, and I asked, "Who are these for?" They started laughing, and I checked the card. The flowers were for me! Lori and Jennifer had written a cute note, saying that even if I was under-appreciated some places, I was very appreciated elsewhere. I couldn't believe it! Lori and Jennifer barely shared the same work environment with me. They were in a different department, and we didn't know each other very well. Still, they took the time to get me flowers. They knew it would lift my spirits and make me feel appreciated -- which made it easier for me to say goodbye gracefully. They knew my department was having problems, and instead of gossiping or complaining about it, they took the initiative and showed compassion for someone they would probably never see again. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY _____ _.-'" "'-._ ,-".-. .-."-. ,' .-. .-. `, / / _\ / _\ \ .-. | | ( | | ( | | .-. .-----\ \ | '---' '---' | / /-----. :---- |--| ', ,' |--| ----: :---- '-`|--| ^"-.,_______,.-;^ |--|`-' ----: '---....' | _ `-' | '....---' | [ '-"-.-"-. | \ | .-. .-. | / `. | | | | | | ,' `._ [___]|__]|__] _,' `--.._____..--' / / \ \ jgs / / \ \ .---'"=="\ /"=="'---. ( | | ) '--------' '--------' During her circus unit at the library, Deb was making balloon animals for all the children and was trying to encourage good manners by having them say "thank you" when she gave them a balloon. She gave a balloon to little David and wouldn't let go of it until he said thank you. When Deb prompted him by saying, "Tell me that magic word first," he replied, "Bibbity, Bobbity, Boo?" -- Deb Argast of Eckhart Public Library of Auburn, Indiana Lisa got her hair done in a spiral perm. When her son Shane, 3, got off the bus and saw his mother's new look, he said, "Mommy, your hair pretty... where your other hair go?" -- Lisa Salgot of Buffalo, New York Bryan, 6, was a bit confused by the family relationships after his parents divorced. When his father's wife had a baby he announced to his class, "I have a nex ex-step-half-sister!" -- Jo Hogle (mother of Bryan) of Plymouth, Minnesota .-.-. .-.-. \V/ \V/ _|I|_ _|I|_ .' '. .' '. / \ / \ : ; : ; | | | | | 0 0 | | 0 0 | | | | | | )___( | | )___( | | `-` | | `-` | _[`'-._ _.-'`]_ _[`'-._ _.-'`]_ /#`-._B/o\1_.-`#\ /#`-._B/o\2_.-`#\ /# .# #`| #`# #. #\ /# . # #|# # # . #\ /# #:# # |o# # #:# #\ /# #: # #|o # # :# #\ /# # |# # | # # #| # #\ /# # | # #|# # # | # #\ (# # #|# # |o# # #|# # #) (# # #| # #|o # # |# # #) /`".#/|# # | # # #|\#."`\ /`".#/| # #|# # # |\#."`\ \,_/ |#-#-|-#-#-#| \_,/ \,_/ |-#-#|#-#-#-| \_,/ |~#~#~#~#~#~| |#~#~#~#~#~#| | # # Y # # | |# # #Y# # #| | # #/^\# # | |# # /^\ # #| jgs | # #| |# # | |# # | | # #| |_#_#| |#_#_| |#_#_| |_#_#| (.---.) (.---.) (.---.) (.---.) `---` `---` `---` `---` Jonathan, 3, lives next door to Barbara. He always brings Barbara's newspaper to her door when he walks with his older sister to the school bus in the morning. Barbara has a Maltese named Benji who normally has long hair, but Barbara had just taken him for grooming and his hair was very short. When Jonathan saw Benji, he turned to his mother and said, "Mommy, look, Benji's naked!" -- Barbara of New Jersey Kristy was cooking dinner when Dillon, 5, said, "Mom, I didn't get to see the president today." "What are you talking about?" Kristy asked. Dillon replied, "I didn't get to see the president today and it's President's Day!" -- Kristy Trumpey of Indianapolis, Indiana Kelly's children love the movie "Big Fat Liar." There's a line in it where the leading girl, Kaylie, complains about not having any fun and having to spend a long weekend with her "...Grandma Pearl and her toe fungus." This totally confused Kelly's girls. They couldn't figure out why anyone would name one of their toes Fungus! -- Kelly (mother of Samantha, Alexandra and Michaela) _, _.=~`/ .-~ / ( / /,.---.\_ .-. , .-"` '-, | \_,'; / .-="` `"=. | : ; / .-. .-\ `,: :.' / / | / \ |: : / |-, | |-,| `, '.,' \O|_/ \O|| \: \ / \, .---....-') '._______,/ `/_.-~' .' \-----'/ jgs /_.-~'_.-'_`-._ `\_/ / /__,.-' `. `~"---`--'` `._,-'~-,) Tim, a journalist, assembled his three youngest daughters last week to view Dan Rather's interview of Saddam Hussein. Prior to the interview, Tim spent a lot of time explaining the world situation to them and how this is a turning point in history. After intently watching the exchange between Rather and Saddam for a few minutes Laura, 7, asked Tim, "Dad, which one is Saddam?" -- Tim Harmon of South Bend, Indiana Alex, 4, had to go to the doctor for a bad ear ache. He told Aunt Krista, "The doctor says I still have a little bit of a ear confection (infection)." -- Krista Bayer of Sandston, Virginia Brogan, 4, went to a new babysitter and was very excited to learn that she had computer games. The babysitter had a rule that the children had to eat breakfast before playing on the computer. When Brogan arrived, she asked, "Have you eaten your breakfast?" Brogan replied, "I had a vitamin and it filled me up!" -- Linda McCoy (grandmother of Brogan) of Albion, Indiana ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,(((((((((())))))))), ,((((((((((()))))))))))), ,(((((((((\\\|///))))))))), ,((((((((((///|\\\)))))))))), ((((((((//////^\\\\\\)))))))) ((((((' .-""- -""-. ')))))) ((((( `\.-. .-./` ))))) ((((( -=(0) ) (0) )=- ))))) '(((( /'-' '-'\ ))))' ((((\ _, A ,_ /)))) '((((\ \ / /))))' '((('. `-o-' .')))' jgs '-.,___,.-' A little girl, about 4 years old, was in a drug store and announced, "My baby sister is a boy!" She was obviously very disappointed. -- Meleta Bailey of Boys Ranch, Texas ========================================================== | \ | / \_|_/ .' '. / _ _ \ | / ` / ` | | \_0 \_0 | _ _ \ .---. / ___/\/ \/ \_'/ \'____________ \ \/\_/\_/ \ / / ) '---' ( / TO \ \ REALIZE / ) THE VALUE OF..._ _ ( /jgs__________________/\/ \/ \__\ | | | \/\_/\_/ |_ | _| | | | |___|___| /--'Y'--\ (___/ \___) >-->TO REALIZE To realize The value of a sister Ask someone Who doesn't have one. To realize The value of ten years: Ask a newly Divorced couple. To realize The value of four years: Ask a graduate. To realize The value of one year: Ask a student who Has failed a final exam. To realize The value of nine months: Ask a mother who gave birth to a still born. To realize The value of one month: Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby. To realize The value of one week: Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize The value of one hour: Ask the lovers who are waiting to Meet. To realize The value of one minute: Ask a person Who has missed the train, bus or plane. To realize The value of one-second: Ask a person Who has survived an accident. To realize The value of one millisecond: Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics. To realize the value of a friend: Lose one. Time waits For no one. Treasure every moment you have. You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special. >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 ************************************************************************