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 or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. While the ads on the website do help, I don't want to drag the site down with tons of them to pay for it. I need your help! "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. ` (_) ,;;;,;;;, ; \\ ;;;;;;;;; \ _. /|-. ';;;;;' \ ` `'---'/ \ ';' \ .--._ /-' | ,-`. / `-._( / `-._`-._\ `\ '\ ( ` `'._ _, | \ / ~-. `| | | / `;-.| | | .' \ /| | / .'-. '. | \ | .' `-._ '. | /"` `\ jgs / `"--.,_'-._\-.___.'_ ; / `""";--' `. | / .'` \ /""-. ; / \""-, \ | / | \ | \ | '. |/ '. \ .'`-. / '._ '.,___,.;' '-.___.' `"""----------'` *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This sizzling hot new page is from our friend Linda. It is sure to tickle your funny bone and give you a few laughs. It shows you just how crazy people can be! Check it out here: .---------------. / oLo \ O/_____/________/____\O /__________+__________\ / (#############) \ |[**](#############)[**]| \_______________________/ |_""__|_,-----,_|__""_| | | '-----' | | APC'97 '-' '-' Revenge Parking! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/revengeparking.html --- ...Wow! Mind boggling! LOL! Thanks Linda! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ___ _[___]_ _ ( " ) [_] '--(`~:~`)--|' / `-:-' \ | __.--\ : /--. .'` jgs '-----' '-.._ >A FRIEND ALONG THE WAY by Patricia Bessey The wind howled as Kathy buckled in. With a prayer for her defrosters, she shifted into drive and left for home. The loneliness of the highway, combined with the stress of helping out her newly divorced sister, made her feel empty and bleak. Christmas was coming, but no one in her home felt like celebrating. Realizing her wipers were collecting snow rather than pushing it away, she pulled over. With no traffic coming she slipped out the door. One wiper down and one to go, she hurried to the passenger side when something caught her attention. In the distance was a glowing snowman. It was the plastic type you'd find in a department store. Kathy couldn't make out a single house or structure of any kind. That makes no sense, she thought as she looked back. A smiling snowman glimmered back through the swirling snow. Every night for the next month it greeted her. A glowing red heart replaced it. A shamrock followed, and by April, an enormous basket-carrying bunny arrived. The Friday before Easter, she pulled over and walked to where the bunny stood. Reaching the statue, a bright orange electrical cord was visible twisting towards a cluster of houses ahead. Knowing she could follow the cord to the house where the mysterious decorator lived, she pulled out a note, folded and sealed inside a plastic bag. She taped it to the back of the bunny, smiled and walked back to her car. Her note said this: "What may seem like a small gesture to you has meant more than you will ever know. You brighten my ride home and give me the opportunity to think about something other than my problems. You have proven the smallest of actions can make the largest impact. I don't know your reason for what you are doing, but thank you very much." -- Patricia Bessey __________________________________________________ Patricia says, "I live in Maine with my husband and three children. I work full time as a service writer at a garage. I would love to some day swap that with a career as a freelance writer." =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) ..::''''::.. .:::. .;'' ``;. .... ::::: :: :: :: :: ,;' .;: () ..: `:::' :: :: :: :: ::. ..:,:;.,:;. . :: .::::. `:' :: .:' :: :: `:. :: '''::, :: :: :: `:: :: ;: .:: : :: : : :: ,:'; ::; :: :: :: :: :: ::,::''. . :: `:. .:' :: `:,,,,;;' ,;; ,;;, ;;, ,;;, ,;;, `:,,,,:' :;: `;..``::::''..;' ``::,,,,::'' >The Great Physician (Author Unknown) Welcome to the Great Physician Office hours are as you come, He's a Specialist in all problems And His day is never done. He can heal a heart that's broken He can mend the spirit, too, No matter what your ailment He does have the cure for you. His fee for service never alters He serves rich and poor as well, He's our one chance for Salvation, He alone saves us from Hell. There's no fee for services rendered All He asks is that we believe, That He bled and died to save us And all His blessings we receive. Do you have a special problem That is troubling you this hour? Then just simply leave it with Him You can find no greater power. Don't delay in seeking treatment Please, my friend, don't hesitate, For His office is soon closing And He'll shut and lock the gate. I wouldn't want you to suffer While the Doctor's so close by, Your whole life will be much better If my Physician you will try. In Case of Emergencies . . . When You Have Sinned . . . Call Psalm 51 When You Deal with Fear . . . Call Psalm 34:7 When You Need Someone to Trust . . . Call Proverb 3:5 When Someone Comes Against You . . . Call Isaiah 54:17 When You Need Christian Assurance . . . Call Romans 8:1-30 When You Need God's Mercy . . . Call Psalm 56 When You Get Tired of Doing Good . . . Call Galatians 6:9 When You Get Angry . . . Call Ephesians 4:26 When You Feel like You Can't Go on . . . Call Philippians 4:13 When You Need Help . . . Call Psalm 121 --- ...A good reminder! Thanks LouiseAu! Reminds me of this page... Emergency Numbers http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/help.html =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Jesus Loves Me He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak.... "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would comfort was this verse.......... "Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, we are weak but he is strong..... Yes, Jesus loves me... The Bible tells me so." When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it. A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that its was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best." Here is a new version of the song just for us who have white hair, or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of "Jesus Loves Me". It is quite cute, so read, sing and enjoy: JESUS LOVES ME Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow. Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him. YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Though my steps are oh, so slow, With my hand in His I'll go On through life, let come what may, He'll be there to lead the way. YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Though I am no longer young, I have much which He's begun. Let me serve Christ with a smile, Go with others the extra mile. YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. When the nights are dark and long, In my heart He puts a song. Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear, for I am near." YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. When my work on earth is done, And life's victories have been won. He will take me home above, Then I'll understand His love YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO I love Jesus, does He know? Have I ever told Him so? Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day. "Touch" a friend or a loved one. -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO 1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. 2. Memorize your favorite poem. 3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want. 4. When you say, "I love you", mean it. 5. When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye. 6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. 7. Believe in love at first sight. 8. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. 9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely. 10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling. 11. Don't judge people by their relatives. 12. Talk slow but think quick. 13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?". 14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk. 15. Call your mom. 16. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze. 17. When you lose, don't lose the lesson. 18. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions. 19. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship. 20. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. 21. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice. 22. Marry a man you love to talk to. As you get older, his conversational skills will be as important as any other. 23. Spend some time alone. 24. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values. 25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. 26. Read more books and watch less TV. 27. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time. 28. Trust in God but lock your car. 29. A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home. 30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past. 31. Read between the lines. 32. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality. 33. Be gentle with the earth. 34. Pray. There's immeasurable power in it. 35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered. 36. Mind your own business. 37. Don't trust a man who doesn't close his eyes when you kiss him. 38. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before. 39. If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction. 40. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck. 41. Learn the rules then break some. 42. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other. 43. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it. 44. Remember that your character is your destiny. 45. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon. Now, there's the FUN part! -Author Unknown -<>- <::<<::>o<::>>::>o<::<>::>o<::<<::>>::>o<::>>::> .::::. : : ____ | | | `::::´ .:>__/\ \\ ||'|| \\\__/ //\ \\_______ | ||| ¯/// /\ =//------. \ || || ` /|\ \\ | | | /\ .:. ,___,\||"|| \/ ':' <-(-> \| |/ \/---. [` '] | | | ~=====` _\__/-"-"--||" | ` %' ^\ / /|\ |( )| ~(): _{====mm)== | |'| ()_( ) . , || || ()-.\ ' /: , ~/~ |`| | , ()_ `-.' /:: ~\~ ~~|~~||`|| ~/~ ; ~}}:._ _. /:: ~~\~~ ~~~|~~| | ~~/~~ ;;; | :::::::: ~~~~|~~ ~~|~~~ ~~~/~~~ :;: ; }=@@={::: , ~~|~~~ ~|~~||~~/~~ ;:; :;: | :| ; ~\~ ~\~~ ~|~~~ ~/~ :;: ;;; | :| ~`~ ~~\~ ~\~~ |~~ ~/~~| ;;; ;:; | ^| ; ~ ; ~~\~~ \~~~ ~/~| | ( | ) | ) | | ~`~ ~`~__~~/ ~\~ ~|~~ ~/~|'|| \|/ \|/ :::::: ~ ~`~ \/.: ~\~ |~|~~|'|| | | ;| :::::: ~`~ | (-)::)o \ |~|/ ||) '|,, | :;; | | | .:::.:: /""""""\_|| ,,'o',, |(;;;) |W|_ `':.' )/-:::.- _- - \ 'o'|'o' | \|/ (___) :.^,".:.`;':. /_ - \\/TooShy\// <::<<::>o<::>>::>o<::<>::>o<::<<::>>::>o<::>>::> Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage? His dad would take him into the forest blindfolded, and leave him - alone. He was required to sit on a stump the whole night...and not take off the blindfold until a ray of sun shone through it. He would be all by himself. He could not cry out for help to anyone. Once he survived the night he would be a MAN... He could not tell the other boys of this experience. Each lad must come into his own manhood. The boy was terrified...could hear all kinds of noise. Beasts were all around him. Maybe even some human would hurt him. The wind blew the grass and earth, and it shook his stump. But he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could be a man. Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he saw his father - sitting on the stump next to him - at watch the entire night. We are never alone..... Even when we do not know it, our Father is protecting us. He is sitting on the stump beside us. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: God's Instructions!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/instructions.html Thank You Lord!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thanks.html Mother Horse's Love!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/motherslove2.html God's Advertisements!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/godsads.html Tale Of Two Swallows!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/swallows.html Value What You Have!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuewyh.html God's Little Love Notes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Attitude Is Everything 5!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude5.html Truth In Advertising!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ads.html Doormat Humor!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/doormat.html Did You See That?- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/seethat.html Trash Shadow Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/shadowart.html Life's Little Oops 8!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops8.html Advertising Truck Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/truckart.html Top Reasons To Smile!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smile.html Kinkade - Painter Of Light!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kinkade.html -<>- >In The News: Manhattan Declaration Digest Latest: http://tinyurl.com/mql7hw2 Bill O'Relly Breaks Down Trump's Tax Plan https://www.billoreilly.com/ Ted Cruz To The RESCUE! Comes Up With BRILLIANT Plan For Mexico To Pay For Wall Immediately http://tinyurl.com/k7remkh Ben Carson on Healthcare http://tinyurl.com/lk63qjx Latest From Voice Of The Martyr - Be Inspired! http://tinyurl.com/lvl6hgf Due to the political divide in Washington, this might be the only chance we get to defund Planned Parenthood. While AFA might not agree with every detail of this legislation, we most certainly agree that Planned Parenthood deserves to be defunded as long as they perform abortions. Urge Congress to defund Planned Parenthood by voting "Yes" on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (H.R. 1628). No More Tax Payer Funding! http://tinyurl.com/lz6zckx Common core is a disaster! Not only do all children learn differently, but standardized tests even limit the teacher’s ability to teach the correct curriculum, such as, Columbus’ discovery of America and Thanksgiving just to name a few. It is an outdated system that we need to change. Help our students and teachers break free and allow them to learn and teach how they need to! Sign the petition below to take action! http://tinyurl.com/l42z3sj --- ...My two cents on common core... My grandson showed me how he worked a math problem. He wrote down on a piece of paper and figured an addition problem like this: 8 +8 = 16 +8 +8 = 16 + the 16 = 32 +8 +8 = 16 + the 32 = 48 +8 +8 = 16 + the 48 = 64 So I said why not just add up how many 8's and multiply? I asked him what 8X8 was. He said he didn't know. I told him it was 64. Just like his answer. He shrugged. He said he is at the top of his math class in school and this is how they are taught to do it. My son told me this is Common Core in school nowadays. So, I just went and signed the petition to end Common Core in our schools. -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco shares with us his thoughts on his recent experience of showing up for Jury Duty. If you've ever read a John Grisham novel then you know how important jury selection can be to the outcome of a trial. I recently got called for Jury duty and it seemed like the only people that got selected were unemployed or retired. It was going to be a boring trial so thankfully I didn't get selected for the jury. Always take a book to the courthouse as most of them won't let you take a cell phone inside the courtroom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmSDRra7wUk --- ...LOL! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) ___ ,-'" "`-. ,'_ `. / / \ ,- \ __ | \_0 --- | / | | | \ \ `--.______,-/ | ___) \ ,--"" ,/ | / _ \ \-_____,- / \__-/ \ | `. ,' \___/ < ´--------' \__/\ | Wny \__// >It's The Little Things - The Business Man It was a rainy, humid day: the mother of all bad hair days. I was riding on a bus downtown to go to work. Everyone was wilting. I was sitting next to a man in a business suit and didn't pay him much attention until we both got off at the same stop and walked to the same newsstand to get a morning paper The man running the stand was obviously among those having a bad day. He was rude, abrupt and unsmiling as we purchased our papers, which served to add only more gloom to my day. The businessman caught my eye and smiled. He then proceeded to smile even more brightly, thank the newsstand proprietor for the paper and for being open on such a morning to make sure we were able to get our papers. In short, he expressed his appreciation for something most of us would take for granted. The man running the newsstand responded only with a grunt and a sour expression. The businessman then pleasantly wished him a pleasant day. As we turned away, I asked this man why he had continued to be pleasant to the newsman when he obviously didn't care about and didn't respond to his expression of appreciation and friendliness. The businessman grinned at me and said, "Why would I let someone else control what I say and what I feel or what kind of day I'm going to have?" I never saw the businessman again, even though I looked for him on the bus on other days. He appeared briefly in my life and disappeared just as quickly. I don't even remember what he looked like. But I've never forgotten the words he said, or the way his smile seemed like a shaft of light on a gloomy day. That was a good 25 years ago, but the impact this had on my life has lasted. I never had a chance to thank him personally, but the way in which I choose to look at life as a result of those words is his legacy to me and my thanks to him. Our interactions with the people we encounter can impact at least the next five people they encounter. A smile and words of simple appreciation multiply themselves geometrically. We cannot control people and situations that come to us, but we can always control our responses to them. In each of our decisions lies our power to make a positive difference. It's something anyone and everyone can do. --- ...A wonderful example! Thanks Bunni! Reminds me of this page... 90/10 Principle http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/giving.html And This One... Your Life Is Your Garden Your Thoughts Are Your Seeds If Your Life Isn't Awesome You've Been Watering The Weeds - Terry Prince Think Positive http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/positive.html , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Life has it's tribulations - just look at the Apostle Paul - 2 Cor.11: [24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. [25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; [26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. [28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. [29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? [30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. [31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. A great example of life under strife from the devil - however, it is the little things - our attitude, our faith, and our believing that will make all the difference as to how we react to what the devil throws at us. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Paul The Apostle further teaches us... Phil.4: [11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Christ is our strength through all our times - be they good or be they bad - we have Christ In Us, our hope of glory and our strength - always! ============================================================= .---. (_---_) (_/6 6\_) ( v ) `\ /' .-'': ;``-. / \,Y./ \ / (:)___ \ : .-'XXX`-.`\_; `.__.-XXX-.__.'\_ / / XXX \ \ `\_ / XXX \ `\ / XXX \ _`\___ jgs / \ (`--"""-') / \ (=-=-=-=-) `--...___ ___...--' (________) >A Generous Change of Plans Story Editor: by Linda Gavitt Joyce Schowalter Connecticut, USA In January 1999 planning for my daughter's wedding began with a phone call telling me she and John would marry in March -- leaving little time to plan! Fortunately Lauren wanted a small wedding with 20-30 close friends and relatives. She was in Orlando, Florida, John was stationed in Kentucky, and I was in Connecticut. Her finance's family generously offered their help to plan everything, and their Tampa area home for the reception. I obtained vacation time to attend, but I was my 84-year-old mother's primary caregiver. She had many health issues, and lived in a house near mine. I worried about leaving her alone for 11 or 12 days. I searched for people to check up on Mom or stay with her, but she was uncooperative and didn't want a stranger in her home. While I understood that, it left me with a major problem. I tried to put that aside as I helped with wedding plans as much as possible by phone. We didn't invite my family members to the wedding because of the short notice and the distant location. As the date for Lauren's wedding approached, I arranged for care for my cats, bought my airline ticket, arranged a rental car and bought a dress -- but still had no solution to the problem of my mother being alone. One evening my sister Joan, who lived in South Carolina, called to say she would come to the wedding. She wanted Lauren to have family members present at this significant event in her life. I was surprised and a little worried about adding more people, but gave her the details about dates, and locations. In addition, we'd had problems with finding a hotel because the men's college basketball playoffs were in town at the same time. Joan said she'd start making arrangements to fly or drive to Florida. We began talking about Mom, and I broke down and cried because I was so worried about her staying alone. Joan kept saying Mom would be OK, but I wasn't convinced, because this trip was so long. But we said goodnight and left it at that. About three days later Joan called to say she had a better idea. She would go to our mother's house and stay with her while I was at Lauren's wedding. Of course I cried with surprise and delight. She would arrive two days after I left Connecticut, and leave two days before I returned. Thus my mother would only be alone for a total of four days, and in just two-day increments. I went to Lauren's wedding with a free mind and heart, and enjoyed the days I spent with her in Florida. For that very important day in my and my daughter's life, I will never forget the gift of peace of mind my sister gave me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From CupO'Cheer: `\|/' .---------------. ,'Y`. _( To think.... )_________ )|._.|( ( Doesn't that involve little ) /(___)\ ""( little lightbulbs over )" ( ) ""( My head ??? )""""""" `..-.,' """"""""""""" |"| .--' `--. Ojo >STAY FOCUSED Staying focused is a matter of reminding yourself. Can you find a way to remind yourself, again and again, of why you're doing what you do? Sure you can. There are plenty of ways to direct your attention back to your purpose when you feel it wandering off. The more intensely you can feel that purpose, and the more quickly you can call up that feeling, the more successfully you'll be able to stay focused. So do yourself a favor, and practice. Spend some quiet time, away from the distractions, and enjoy truly feeling the substance of your most treasured desires. As you do, make note of precisely how it feels, to you, to be connected in a positive way with those desires. Feel yourself living and experiencing the richness of life that will come from the fulfillment of your desires. Make that reason, that purpose, a palpable part of who you are. Then, when you return to the world of confusion and distraction, choose to call up those positive feelings. When you wish to improve your focus, learn to be the one who can reliably deliver it. Ralph Marston -<>- \||/ ,--. | o|o //OO\\ | _| ||c || |(_ | /| `--' `--' azc >TAP INTO THIS HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY by Jane Powell “Teachers are all around you.” We often make the mistake of thinking super-achievers are the only people who can teach us anything. We forget about the single mom next door, who can teach us perseverance; the old man walking slowly in front of us, who can teach us patience; the child playing in the mud, who can teach us that a little dirt isn’t the end of the world. You can also gain wisdom from others’ mistakes, thoughts, ideas and actions. There are learning opportunities galore all around you, but you need to be open and willing to receive and act upon them. Instead of jumping to conclusions that something isn’t relevant to you or telling yourself that you already do something as well as you can, take a new approach. Take a closer look at those around you and ask yourself, “What can I learn?” Do they say it can't be done? Then find a way to do it. Anything that is considered impossible is an opportunity waiting to be harvested. Just imagine the incredible power of being able to say "I can" when everyone else is saying "I can't." "I can't" usually means "I won't." Be the person who will, and a world of opportunity opens up to you. It is easy to say "no," to avoid the challenge and the effort. Success comes to those who say "yes," and then set about to make it happen. Complaints and excuses will keep you imprisoned in a tedious world of mediocrity. Yet what is impossible for others, does not have to be for you. Welcome the challenges. Take the initiative. Feel the satisfaction of accomplishing that which has never before been attempted. Look for things which can't or won't be done. Be the one who makes them happen, and reap their enormous value. --- ...Also See... Never Give Up! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html -<>- _ //\ | \/ ||~ _ _ ||_ [ L___I ] | /\ | ... | ,@\\/ ,@@@, ,@@@@@, | ::: | @, ,@@" "@@@, ,@@" "@@@, ,@@@@"| ''' | jgs "@@@@@" "@@@@@" "@@@@" '=========' >UNAVOIDABLE LAWS OF LIFE... author unknown When one wishes to unlock a door but has only has one hand free, the keys are in the opposite pocket. (Von fumbles law) A door will snap shut only when you have left the keys inside. (Yale law of destiny) When ones hands are covered with oil, grease, or glue, your nose will start to itch. (Law of ichiban) Your insurance will cover everything but what has happened. (Insurance so sorry law) When things seem easy to do, it's because you haven't followed all the instructions. (Destiny awaits law) If you keep your cool when everyone else is losing his, it's probably because you have not realized the seriousness of the problem (law of gravitas) Most problems are not created nor solved, they only change appearances. (Einstein's law of persistence) You will run to answer the telephone just as the party hangs up on you. (Principle of dingaling) Whenever one wants to connect with the Internet, the call you've been waiting for all day will arrive. (Principle of Bellsouth) If there are only two programs on TV that are worth your time, they will always be at the same time. (Law of wasteland) The cost is always higher than one budgets for, and it is exactly 3.14 times higher, hence the importance of pi. (Law of pi eyed) The probability that one will spill food on one's clothes is directly proportional to the need to be clean. (Law of Campbell scoop) Each and every body sitting on a commode will cause the doorbell to ring. (Law of ogolly gee!)" Wind velocity will increase proportionally to the cost of one's hairdo.(The donking principle) After discarding something not used for years, you will need it one week later. (Law of fatal irreversibility) Arriving early for an appointment will cause the receptionist to be absent, and if one arrives late, everyone else has arrived before you. (Law of de lay) Do not take life too seriously, because in the end, you won't come out alive anyway." (Theory of absolute certainty) -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >WHAT'S HOPE? Hope is knowing that a positive outcome awaits. Hope is not only expecting a dream to come true, but having a deep assurance that it's within your reach. Hope is saying you can. Hope is knowing that you can improve and that you always get better with practice. Hope is knowing that you can achieve your goals through hard work and persistence. Hope is looking to the future with joy and having an expectation of better things to come. Hope is the knowledge that life is everlasting, and that miracles happen every day. Hope is something that never abandons you. Even when your life is filled with sadness and disappointment, a spark remains inside to help you get through the rough times. Hope is one of God's greatest gifts to you, because it's the magic that inspires you to keep trying, learning, loving, and living. author unknown as seen in Inspiration Plus --- ...I was just thinking of this one... What is Hope according to the bible? I think it is sad that we in the modern world have a different meaning for hope than the bible teaches. When we say hope nowadays it is conditional - may or may not happen. We have hope it will happen. But with the bible it means something we are believing for and expecting that shall indeed happen as it is promised by God. See This Teaching - Hope Of The Return http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/THE_HOPE_OF_THE_RETURN.htm See this teaching - The Joy Of Hope http://www.truthortradition.com/articles/the-joy-of-hope And This one - Hope in the Clouds http://www.truthortradition.com/articles/hope-in-the-clouds -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >HONOR GOD I end this week with an urgency in honoring God in our marriages and the church… Genesis 6: 5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart 7 So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. This is the first mention of God's heart in the Bible, by the way, and it's a sad beginning, to be sure. His heart is broken because ours is fallen. I am not sure much has changed and I praise God for sending us His only Son so that we, His children, will not be destroyed. I thank God that we have been covered by the Blood of the Lamb and can have a relationship with God. We have been given much and our sin has been forgiven to never be remembered. Jeremiah 31:4 & Hebrews 8:12 “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. Galatians 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” God has my heart. Does He have yours? My spouse had my heart, does yours? I am certain I didn’t do everything right but one thing my husband knew...he had my heart...no question. I honored my husband and I served him even when it was really tough and I wouldn’t change a thing even with the end we had because I first honored God. I still have questions that I don’t have the answers to and probably never will but what I know without a doubt is I honored God. I have such a peace about things I really do because I sought God listened and obeyed...now sometimes the obeying part was really hard but I allowed God to work through me and I cannot begin to tell you the Love that flows out of us when we allow Him to do His purpose through our lives. God never condemned me because of my inequities during this trial of divorce. Never not once! Romans 8:1 [ Life Through the Spirit ] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, My prayer is that we begin to treat each other as Christ treats us, with patience, love, grace and mercy. For us to continuously say to one another we should love as Christ loves yet not live it and give it...is very hard for me to understand...The law is summed up in love...how things would change if we just loved as God calls us to! I pray everyone read Ephesians 5 regarding what God says about marriage and the church and how truly it is all connected. I pray that every spouse turn their marriage over to God and love our spouses simply because we love God. God showed me His love by showing me His love for someone that I thought was unlovable. In my humanness, there is no way I could have mustered up love during that storm. Tammy Smith as seen in Friday's Bread -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: ,--.,-"";-"-. .-;-/ / / .- `\ .-. ` ( ' ' ` ; `\/ \ \ / \ / (. C . ) | .-. | | _ / (` / | \ /}| | )(\ | `-> (____.| / ||| / \=====| | |\| | |====| \ _/ ` \__/=====| |` `-'======| \ |=======/ | |=======| | .--, ########\ |/ / jgs |_|__|| ` `--. ,---;-'--'\ `--. `---`-------'-.___,___.---' >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY On a Sunday night Angel asked her son Timothy, 6, if all his homework was done for school. She asked him several times and he kept just walking around asking questions, completely forgetting what Angel had asked. Some of Angel's friends came over and she remembered what she had asked Timothy about an hour ago. Angel asked him one more time if he had all his homework done. Acting as "manly" as possible Timothy stood in the middle of the living room and with his right hand on his hip replied, "Mom, I only hear you three days out of the week." Angel and her friends burst out laughing. -- Angel of Dry Ridge, Kentucky In the middle of the night Amberlyn, 4, went into her mother's room and said she had a bad dream. They snuggled a minute and then Amberlyn's mother asked her if she wanted to tell about her dream. Amberlyn replied, "I can't. It was too scary. I was afraid to watch it!" -- Dart Rhoads (mother of Amberlyn and Waverly) of San Diego Ruthie's friend Sharon is the director of the Presbyterian Day School. When Sharon's daughter Beth was a little girl she asked Sharon where she was before she was in her mother's stomach. Then answering her own question, she said, "Oh, I know. I was in your heart!" -- Ruthie Garvin of Humboldt, Tennessee _:_ '-.-' () __.'.__ .-:--:-. |_______| () \____/ \=====/ /\ {====} )___( (\=, //\\ )__( /_____\ __ |'-'-'| // .\ ( ) /____\ | | / \ |_____| (( \_ \ )__( | | | | \__/ |===| )) `\_) /____\ | | | | /____\ | | (/ \ | | | | | | | | | | | _.-'| | | | | | | |__| )___( )___( /____\ /____\ /_____\ (====) (=====) (=====) (======) (======) (=======) }===={ }====={ }====={ }======{ }======{ }======={ jgs(______)(_______)(_______)(________)(________)(_________) Pizza delivery was a new adventure for Danyelle, 6, last week. When the car pulled up, her grandmother said, "Oh, here's the kid with the pizza." Danyelle ran to the window and exclaimed, "That's not a child. That's a grownup." While eating the pizza, Danyelle's grandfather said, "I used to deliver this kind of pizza before you were born." Danyelle replied, "Well no wonder you're so old." -- Sally Morris (grandmother of Danyelle) of Wellington, Florida Janet and her husband were invited to attend a family friend's wedding reception. They convinced their 4-year-old grandson Austin, who was visiting them, to dress up and then they headed off for the party. After an afternoon of gentlemanly behavior, Austin discreetly informed Grandpa that he needed to go potty. Realizing that this wasn't going to be a quick trip, Grandpa waited out of the way of the other guys using the facilities while Austin tended to business. Suddenly a little voice was heard from the stall, "Grandpa, where are the magazines?" Guests at the reception didn't know why all the men coming out of the restroom were laughing! -- Janet Gronczewski of Angola, Indiana ."`". .-./ _=_ \.-. { (,(oYo),) }} {{ | " |} } { { \(---)/ }} {{ }'-=-'{ } } { { }._:_.{ }} {{ } -:- { } } jgs {_{ }`===`{ _} ((((\) (/)))) Here is another one from Janet. During a weekend visit in Columbus, Ohio with "the guys," Janet and her husband took Austin and his dad out to the movies to see one of those super-hero action adventures. The half-empty theater darkened and the previews for up-coming attractions roared across the big screen. There was King Kong courageously defending this tiny woman from a ferocious dinosaur! After the trailer's climactic crescendo of sound effects faded, they heard a little voice, clearly and with great awe say, "That was a B-I-G monkey!" And a third one from Janet. She says her mother-in-law had just moved to their town, so it was the whole family's first Easter dinner at Great-grandma's NEW house. Austin had something of great importance to tell his grandma, but after repeatedly calling out for her throughout the new house there was no response. Undaunted, he kept calling out as he headed into the kitchen where his great- grandma was busy putting the final touches on her meal. To reassure him she said, "I'm your grandma too!" Silence. Then Austin replied, "No, I want my OLD? Grandma. You're the new one." Above all the laughter, Grandma's voice could be heard from the bathroom, "I heard that!" .-. __/ ( , '-.____\ u=='/ \ /_/ \ .-'' | ( ____/_____ _>_/.-------- \/// // snd // Following church services one Sunday during Lent, McKenzie visited her grandmother who asked her what she had learned that day. McKenzie replied, "My teacher told us why Jesus died." Her grandmother, Gloria Wright, asked her to tell her why, whereupon McKenzie said, "He died so people can live and get old like you." -- Marilyn Wiles of Moneta, Virginia Cali, 2, is used to hearing "Bless you" when people sneeze. The other day Cali sneezed and her Nana, who was busy painting the walls, didn't say, "Bless you." Cali waited a few seconds and then said, "Bless my heart." -- Cathy (mother of Cali) of Dillard, Georgia _,,_ __ d888888bd888b d88888888888888B 8888888P`Y8888P Y888888 (, \_ ,_Y88( ) Y888888b __\ '8"888P (_ jgs | .---' ~;~~\~ .=. \ (_ _) \ |=| \ _ /| | \ /_\/ | | | .-'--/_/------'-. `-.,___________,.-' | || |___|| |___|| .'""'';.__ (_________)) Mary attended a funeral with her 7-year-old daughter. They drove their car to the gravesite for the committal of the body. While en route, Mary's daughter asked why they had to drive in a line and follow the big black car. Mary explained that this was the hearse, which carries the coffin to the graveyard. "We keep in a line so that everyone stays together and arrives at the gravesite at the same time," Mary said. Her daughter was satisfied with the answer. But as they left the gravesite, Mary's daughter exclaimed, "Mommy, where is the herd... you know, the line of cars that stay together?" -- Mary Rosenberger of Parkville, Maryland Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== __ ( y--. .=-. \_\/_,' / | --("))))))= __|__ | / < > > `\ .=-. .-' `-:._.-. | | / \' / | .\_. | | | ,- `(\|.--. .' \ . / \ / `'| ),' `-\_/ |` ` (\ `-'| / \ ' ; .' \ , /\ .' \ '`-.___.-> \ .> \ /\\ `---'| `. -' || `-..-' hjw .=`-....___ || / _.-`--=._ `----.___// \.' _.-'-.`-. `----' '\ ;' \ ; _.'`-. .' / ___ ' _.-'`. / / ,' , `-._ _.-| / /.--\ \ `._ __.---' `./ | \' \ `. `._.-' `. ``. | | `. d8oooo._\_ `. \ /\ / 988888888b. `. \ /::`-.__.'\ 688888888888b : | ___ |::::::::::\ "d8b""888888, ; |`-. .' _`. |::::::::::::. 8888888 | `. / .::::\ |::::::::::::::. /888888' / / /:::::| \:::::::::::::::.._ .' d88888 ___ .' | |:::::| `:::::::::::::::::"--.' `88888`. .-' _`._ |:::::| `::::::::::::::::-' d8889 `/ ,.::.\`-.__ |:::::/ `::::::::::;'`-._ `"' / /:::::| `-. \:::;' ``''''' `-._ /::::::| `-`"' `-._ |:::::::/ `-._ |::::::/ `. \:::;' `--`"' >-->Carry A Little Honey Carry a little honey as you go along life's way, Bring a touch of sunshine into someone's life today. There's good you can do for someone if you will stay alert, Someone who may be discouraged, despondent or hurt. It doesn't take a millionaire to bring somebody cheer, Sometimes a friendly smile can take away a tear. Show someone you love them, pat them on the back, You'll find that it is easy once you get the knack. Tell your friends you love them, let your appreciation show, Your kind words may lift them more than you can ever know. Let your family know they're special to you every day, Show them kindness and affection in all you do or say. Take time to thank others for the good things they do, It will uplift them and also lift you. It won't take much time and it won't cost much money, Your life will be better if you carry a little honey. -Author Unknown (¯`v´¯) `*.¸.*´ ¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•. Huggums!... :) Shangy! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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