Just Remember I Love You & More ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@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 =========================== >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) >Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press: Part 2 of What Is Love! This is the second page in the now-known 3 part series. Like the first one here: |V| .::| |::. ::__| |__:: >____ ____< :: | | :: '::| |::' | | | | jgs |A| WHAT IS LOVE http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wlove1.html This is a heartwarming picture page sure to bring you smiles. _..._ .~ `~. / } \ _.'`~~/ {_,} -( ,'-,___.' .-. / |_ /| __| |__ / ` |_/ [__ __] / \ / | | / '--;_ | | _\ `\ | | / |`-.___. / | | ^^^jgs^^^`--`------'`--`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WHAT IS LOVE 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wlove2.html NOTE: The midi music for these Love pages is one of my favorites! It is the song: JUST REMEMBER I LOVE YOU by Firefall When it all goes crazy and the thrill is gone When the days get rainy and the nights get long When you get that feelin you were born to lose Starin' at your ceiling feelin' the blues When there's so much trouble that you want to cry When your love has crumbled and you don't know why When your hopes are fading and they can't be found Dreams have left you waiting friends let you down Well just remember I love you And it'll be all right Just remember I love you more than I can say Maybe all your blues will fade away When you need a lover and you're down so low And you start to wonder but you never know When it seems like sorrow is your only friend Knowing that tomorrow you'll feel this way again When the blues come cryin' at the break of dawn When the rain keeps fallin' but the rainbow's gone When you feel like cryin' but the tears won't come Then your dreams are dyin' when you're on the run Just remember I love you And it'll be all right Just remember I love you More than I can say Maybe all your blues will wash away I will add these lyrics to the next love page - part 3 of the 'What is Love' series that I hope to have done this weekend. --- ...Again - Thank You Buffalo for this page inspiration! ~*~ PLEASE DO SHARE THESE - Thanks and May God Bless You ~*~ ================================================================== >A "Hands-On" Landlady Story Editor: by Jan Gerston Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA Elaine was a successful real estate broker and land developer. In addition to running a busy office of real estate agents and property managers, she had been recently widowed with the challenge of raising two teenaged children on her own. She was also my landlady for seven years. Elaine was a "hands-on" landlady: despite her manicured nails and elegant coiffure, she would spend a hard day cleaning the duplex next to mine each time a tenant moved out. Several times I found her outside doing yard work at the duplex adjoining mine. Then it was my turn to move. Returning to clean an empty rental property after your furniture has been moved out is one of the more unpleasant moving tasks. One is in transition between the former and the future parts of one's life. It was a few weeks before Christmas, all my worldly goods were in storage, and my life was in upheaval. I had lost my job and was about to embark upon a somewhat risky adventure -- a long-held dream. After cleaning, I dreaded the inevitable long wait at the post office to mail out my Christmas gifts. When I arrived back at the duplex with cleaning supplies, the technicians working to rehabilitate the kitchen cabinets were rude and unpleasant, adding to the chore. I was exhausted from packing and moving, uncertain about my future, and already missing my friends and all that was familiar. Elaine came to check on the place and found me scrubbing a stained floor without effect. Because of some water damage and the usual wear and tear, I did not expect my cleaning deposit to be returned. Plus, when signing my lease I had agreed to have the carpets professionally cleaned after I moved out. I was embarrassed at the condition of my place, but instead of showing the disappointment she must have felt, Elaine just took charge. She offered to ship my packages, saying that if I got in line at the post office, I'd be stuck there all day, delaying my departure. She said she would arrange to have the carpets cleaned after I left. She seemed to forgive me for the water damage. She returned my entire cleaning deposit. I was overcome with emotion and could not speak for several minutes. Sometimes all it takes to release a big burden of pent-up emotion is the kindness of one stranger. In a situation in which she could have been brusque, this hard-working businesswoman showed compassion for one of her many tenants. She assessed my situation and set about immediately trying to make it better, despite the additional load it placed on her. She lightened the daunting workload I faced in moving. I was able to leave town with a light heart and a positive attitude -- due to the kindness of my landlady. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend Tony in Australia :) _....._ .' `'-. / (- J-E-S-U-S ->< '._ _,.-' \ jgs ````` >Continuing - Part 6 of Who are Gods Chosen People Am I crazy? I often wonder to myself “ Am I truly saved? do I do enough? am I slack in my work for the Lord?” Is this truly the Spirit within that I argue with at times?.... Well, as long as I know that I am winning and making progress in the Lords work, then I should KNOW that is is HIS Spirit within uh? Still, I sometimes wonder. The first question I have to ask myself is…. Are these things that I say and do…..glorifying God and not me? Does my teachings honor the Word of God? Am I ‘whole’ in my lessons? Do tell the truth and the WHOLE truth? Am I reminded that regardless of what I say and do, am still a sinner in need of the Grace of God? Well folks, if this happens to you also, know this……you do NOT hear Satan’ voice testing you in such ways! That’ the Spirit of God reminded you that He is still there! The Holy Spirit lives in our bodies and minds, just as He lives in the “ Body” of Jesus….the ‘body’ meaning Church. God uses His servants and Ministers to deliver HIS word to us. Its through HIS Spirit that God reveals to us what is HIS will…. You see folks, it’s ALL about HIM…not ‘us’. No one except ourselves , know what is in our minds… TRUE? Well no it’s not. Other people may not know, but the Spirit does! ...And the Holy Spirit reveals the will of God to the whole Church! as well as individuals. In 1 Corinthians Chapter 2: 10-15 we can read there……. 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Think about this, before Jesus came to us we didn’t really know what God’s purpose for us was. There were ‘secrets’ things that up till then had not been ‘revealed’ to us, but in giving us ‘ His Son’ to die for our sins, things started to unfurl, yet it had been foretold hundreds of years before! So what is the ‘purpose’ that God has for us????? I suggest you read what Eph 1:9 and 10 where it says! Jesus, through the Holy Spirit is gathering up people from ALL NATIONS! and making ONE family with CHRIST the HEAD of that family! It’s the ‘Spirit’ that quickens us to realize that Jesus LIVED! Jesus DIED! and Jesus ROSE again! so that WE can be delivered and TAKEN from the world! as a CHURCH! Folks….. the ‘world’ doesn’t know this message! Most of them because they don’t CHOOSE to know the message! The Spirit is not 'OF the world and neither are WE! and we cannot allow the world to be IN us! Millions of people out there…so called ‘educated’ people still cannot grasp that God would send His SON to die for the likes of us! That’s the pity of it!He died for the Jews yes! and He died for the Gentiles! Say AMEN! CHRIST….DIED…FOR … ALL… OF US! those who would ‘follow’ Him that is! The ‘world’doesn’t know this…… they haven’t heard “ Seek and Ye shall find!” or have they? Some have certainly! and they reject it! The world still calls us ‘foolish’ and the Holy Spirit reminds us not to listen to the world and its lies! The Spirit reminds us..that there IS a purpose! and it continues to remind us of the implications of NOT believing that it was for US! He died…….not for Himself! And more importantly and becoming even MORE important each day, the “ Spirit” reminds us that HE ROSE! and He LIVES! and THAT! is our focus…….Has to be! John 14:26………26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. People, we are NOT without counsel! Those who “call on His name”…. He shall hear ! End of Part 6 --- Part 7: _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >There is not one earthly doctrine that will bring about Salvation…. I guess that’s a pretty broad statement coming for a lowly servant such as I. I am basically saying that those who ‘don the garb’ or walk around with collars the wrong way round have got it all wrong. I don’t mean that …but Not all churches believe in the necessity of baptism yet they claim a monopoly on salvation. Some stick to their teaching that there is “A” particular day for worshipping God and all other days are ours to do as we please, others say that women can’t preach. Others would rather let a loved one die than have a blood transfusion…which ‘one’ of these kinds of churches are the ‘ only church’ that will be saved and WHO SAYS SO? Let me please say this…… Salvation has nothing to do with ‘earthly’ doctrines!....and that’s basically what the scripture above tells us! Who..so ever WILL! _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Gods Word tells us that there is NO difference between a Jew or a Greek, none whatsoever when it comes to salvation..! The key word is ‘whosoever’…… It doesn’t matter what religion the Jew nor the Greek is…..what matters is whether or not they call ‘ in the name of the Lord! The Bible tells us that salvation comes only from God , His mercy and His Grace! Through the blood of Jesus Christ! We are saved NOT by the ‘good’ things we do, but through Grace are we saved by FAITH…. When it gets down to brass tacks it’s the Power of the Holy Ghost, not through anything that humans may think they can do, its not just by being ‘dunked nor sprinkled its by the ‘Spirit of God’! which washes away our filthy rags! Imagine…! if we had the Power to save ourselves, there’d be one heck of a market for it! Its all too hard for some….so they don’t bother…..to think about salvation… “I mean wow!~ we have to believe some ‘dude’ committed suicide for us? who’s that crazy? Not me!” I am sure you have heard such words…. "Naw! I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian! Those places are full of hypocrites!," well… perhaps some are, but they will make room for one more! “ Whats all this bunkum about being ‘reborn’ ?” Cant be no such thing! once ya dead! YA DEAD~ They put you in a box, put you down the hole, cover you over with dirt and that be it!” “Ya thinks so? well maybe you are right…..then again.. Maybe you are WRONG!..... Lots are…..hundreds! NO! Thousands…! Millions??? Yes millions…… The cost of salvation? There is no more cost, it’s a paid in full account and has been ever since Christ ‘walked that dusty road’ bearing a cross! We don’t have to do what HE did! Its not so hard! You don’t have to go back to school to be saved!You don’t have to learn a whole new set of rules! You don’t have to pay three yearly subscriptions up front! All you have to do……. is to ‘want’…. a relation with God.After all….he created you! God! wants to have a relationship…….with you! Jesus Christ IS the Way! the TRUTH! and the LIFE! and really, all you have to do is put your trust in Jesus Christ! Amen?? End of Part 7 ---- ...Thank You Tony! The conclusion next week :) ===================================================================== >-->From Our Friend John-Paul .---. /` ___|`\ |_/ \| ( -/- ) \_ - _/ .-'|_|'-. / \ / O \ / _____!_____ \ /.-------------.\ \| ,;, |/ | ;;; | | ;;;;;;;;; | | `';;;'` | | ;;; | | ;;; | | ::: | | ';' | | | _| _ __ __ _|_ jgs_/ _ __ ___ __ _\_ _/ __ ___ _ ___ __ _ \_ "THE WORDS WERE SPOKEN" Adverse winds blew against my life; My little ship with grief was tossed; A Heart filled with hurt and strife, While all future plands, and hope seem lost. |\ ____ | \.-./ .-' \ _ _( | .)(./ | \( | \ | | \vvv | | |__ | jgs / `-. | A tempest great of doubt and fear, Possessed my mind, no light was there, To offer guide, or make vision clear. The Darkness with in, 'twas more than one could bare. For I was sinking 'neath the hateful waves, Deepening test, and raging grief, All seemed lost, and none could save, Nothing could bring peace or any relief. .======. | INRI | | | | | .========' '========. | _ xxxx _ | | /_;-.__ / _\ _.-;_\ | | `-._`'`_/'`.-' | '========.`\ /`========' | | / | |/-.( | |\_._\ | | \ \`;| | > |/| | / // | | |// | | \(\ | | `` | | | | | | | | | \\jgs _ _\\| \// |//_ _ \// _ ^ `^`^ ^`` `^ ^` ``^^` `^^` `^ `^ "Then HE arose", and spoke the words All was calm, It was the `LORD `, I hurd. As HE arose, one word of peace. There was a calm, Then Sweet Release. Now, placing all hope, and my life in His hands, Upon `His` spoken word I shall stand. Once my life was nothing, but as sinking mud, Until all things was put beneath His cleansing `BLOOD`! Because HE arose, and the WORD was spoken, There was a calm , Pain, sin, and fear was broken. Then wonder not, that I praise HIM so, You too can feel this pleasant joy, and glow, Just put your trust in HIM,then love and piece, `tis yours to know, Yes, loving seeds in your Heart, HE`LL sow. Like the little `acorn`, a great `tree` shall grow. He arose and spoke the Words, That all the world should stop and hear, There was a calm, Then HE said: "FEAR NOT MY CHILDREN, For I AM ALWAYS NEAR!" This is a true story of my life. I found the LORD- You see, I was in many prayers of many people, and my Mother was my `prayer warrior` who would not rest till GOD touched my life, and saved my soul. She has gone now to be with the Lord, Passed into His Glory, while in my arms, but the fruits of her prayers burn in my heart to this day, And I will always serve the Lord. For Jesus is the `Lord of my Life`! " Thank you MOM, A little while, and I`ll join you there" Your~son~~~JOHN-PAUL ---- ...Sweet! Thank You John-Paul! However... ,____ |---.\ ___ | ` / .-\ ./=) | |"|_/\/| ; |-;| /_| / \_| |/ \ | / \/\( | | / |` ) | / \ _/ | /--._/ \ | `/|) | / / | | .' | | jgs / \ | (_.-.__.__./ / Just don't be in a rush to be in the grave, please! As the bible says... "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." -- Ecclesiastes 9:10 Live life NOW for the Lord for when you die, there is nothing but sleep in the grave waiting for the Resurrection when the Lord shall return. 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4 _ xxxx _ /_;-.__ / _\ _.-;_\ `-._`'`_/'`.-' `\ /` | / /-.( \_._\ \ \`; > |/ / // |// jgs \(\ "14": For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. "15": For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. "16": For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: "17": Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. "18": Wherefore comfort one another with these words. It is the devil who tells us our loved ones are watching us from heaven above. It causes those who commit suicide to kill not only themselves but their children too so they can all be together in heaven! Rubbish! Just the devil trying to get rid of people! God wants people ALIVE and working for Him NOW. Like the bible says, there is no work for God from those in the grave! Dead people are held safe by God and await the coming of the Lord. They are asleep. The devil will use any means, any hook any crook any lie any deception. This is why the devil wants people dead... ====================== ,"=-. / _),`'". ( /a( ), ) ) C = = ?/ ( )) (_ o-< ) ( `-' \; ( \_ ( | \ ) )| \_/} \ \ \(_;/-|_) )/) `._,--/ / / `!__!! ( (_o)) ---`-._, )--- ------( / |---- | ( | :__/|\_; \ |/ )(\_ /_)--` gpyy \_! >-->WORTH MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE by Ron Hutchcraft It's hard to believe, but it's true. This man went into antique stores basically for one reason - he was interested in old baseball cards - which can be worth a lot of money sometimes. Well, in this one store he didn't see any on display, so he asked the owner if he had any baseball cards. The shopkeeper produced a cigar box with some very early baseball cards which dated back to the early 1900s. He said, "I don't put these out for everyone to see. I keep them in a drawer most of the time." Among those cards, the shopper found one of the most valuable baseball cards there is - one of those rare cards featuring Hall of Famer Honus Wagner. When the shopper inquired about the price, the owner said, "Well, I bought all of these from a woman for $20.00. But I know they're worth a lot more. I'll sell them to you for $200.00." Well, knowing the real value of just that one card alone, and desperately trying to keep a poker face, the shopper took him up on his offer. Later he sold that Honus Wagner card on the Internet - that one he got for $200.00 - for something like $200,000! The woman who sold that card to the store owner didn't know what it was really worth. The store owner didn't realize its value either - and he let it go for what turned out to be very cheap. Now, it's one thing to undervalue a baseball card and let it go for cheap. It's another thing for a person to undervalue himself or herself and let themselves go for cheap. Maybe it's a mistake you've been making. You don't understand how much you're worth - and you've been making hurtful choices because of it. It could well be that some people in your life have treated you like you're not worth much - and you've believed it. Maybe you've been told you're not worth much, or you've let your inadequacies and limitations and your failures convince you that you must not have much value. What a mistake - and it leads to so many other mistakes. You end up trashing yourself or settling for less than God intended for you because you think it's all your deserve. But our Creator says, "We are God's workmanship." (Ephesians 2:10) You're a unique, handmade original, made by a God who only does masterpieces. All those people who treated you like you don't matter have no idea who you really are! No one on earth gave you your worth and no one on earth can take it away! Knowing how much you're really worth comes from being close to the God who gave you your worth. But we've trashed ourselves by doing things our way instead of God's way: lying, hurting others, dirtying sex, living selfishly. Our sin has separated us from the One who made us. But then Jesus came and showed how much we matter to God. In 1 John 4: 9-10, our word for today from the Word of God, He says, "This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him ... He sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." God paid for the sin that you've done against Him with the life of His one and only Son. You will never be close to your Creator ... you'll never experience His love and your worth until you belong to the One who thought you were worth dying for. And that's a relationship you could begin this very day if you'll tell Jesus, "I'm Yours, Lord." If you want to belong to Him, then I want to send you my booklet "Yours For Life," that's all about beginning your relationship with Him. Just let me know you want it. The life of the one and only Son of God was given for you. That's how much you're worth to Him. Surrender your life to the One who loves you the most, and experience for yourself what it's like to be loved by God! by Ron Hutchcraft To subscribe send a blank email to: awordwithyou-subscribe@hutchcraft.com By way of Cup O'Cheer. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cupocheer@sc.rr.com ==================================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: .--. .'_\/_'. '. /\ .' "||" || /\ /\ ||//\) (/\\||/ ______\||/_______ JRO >Dandelions and Mud Puddles When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on. When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back. When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own. When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing. When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy." When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with. I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children!! ~Author Unknown~ -<>- >EYES IN A CROWD By: Joseph J. Mazzella I never liked crowds much. As a boy I grew up in the country with only a few neighbors. Trips to the city were few and far between. I never had a chance to get used to crowds then. When I did encounter them I found them noisy, uncomfortable, and even a bit scary. They seemed full of strangers and even in the midst of them I felt lonely. All of this would change, however, thanks to a single pair of loving eyes. It happened one day when I was shopping in a mall. The crowds to my dismay were as thick as I had ever seen them. In this sea of people I noticed a little girl holding her Mom's hand coming out of a store. As I looked down at her I could see in her face all of the fear and loneliness that I had in crowds only worse. In that noisy crush of strangers I saw her looking from face to face for comfort. It was then that her eyes met mine. In that moment we both smiled and I felt our souls touch. The fear and loneliness left her eyes and I saw love and joy replace them. Her angelic smile warmed my own heart as well and in that second I could feel a blanket of God's love around us both. We shared a lifetime's friendship in that instant before waving goodbye to each other. As I walked back to my car too I noticed a change. All of those noisy and busy strangers had suddenly turned into beautiful Children of God. People's eyes sparkled, and their laughter became music. I smiled joyously at it all and wondered what I had been afraid of all those years. I knew, though, that thanks to that little angel I would never feel lonely in crowds again. I wish that lovely, little girl who helped me a lifetime of joy without fear and love without loneliness. I know too that I won't be the last person whose eyes she will meet and soul she will touch. She showed me again that we are all God's Children here. She helped me to see too that no matter how crowded our lives get we can still look each other in the eyes and share a smile. -<>- ()___ ()//__/)_________________() ||(___)//#/_/#/_/#/_/#()/|| ||----|#| |#|_|#|_|#|_|| || ||____|_|#|_|#|_|#|_|#||/|| jgs || |#|_|#|_|#|_|#|_|| >ELBOWS ON MY BED I was but a youth and thoughtless, As all youths are apt to be; Though I had a Christian mother Who had taught me carefully. There came a time when pleasure Of the world came to allure, And I no more sought the guidance Of her love so good and pure. Her tender admonitions fell But lightly on my ear, And for the gentle warnings I felt an inward sneer. But Mother would not yield her boy To Satan's sinful sway, And though I spurned her counsel She knew a better way. She made my room an altar, A place of secret prayer, And there she took her burden And left it in His care. And morning, noon and evening By that humble bedside low, She sought the aid of Him who Understands a mother's woe. And I went my way unheeding, Careless of the life I led, Until one day I noticed... Prints of elbows on my bed. Then I saw that she had been there Praying for her wayward boy, Who for love of worldly pleasure Would her peace of mind destroy. Long the conflict raged within me, Sin against my Mother's prayers, Sin must yield to her petition While she daily met Him there. And her constant love and patience Were like coals upon my head, Together with the imprints Of her elbows on my bed. And so at last the fight was won, And I to Christ was led, And Mother's prayers were answered By her elbows on my bed. Author Unknown -<>- _________ _________ _,.,-----''''---.. _,--' '-.. __ ___________ _,' '-."+_ .-"""+.-' .- ___.' \ L )-.__ _/---"""""' .-'\`\ __ `-..-' """"---------""(____ ___.-'\ \\ \ \ / .:----'\___\ \_\ |/_/ _.---. ( :" _ ( `\ ( \_.\ __________ / `--.'.==< . `G \.\`'/`. ________ __ ______ ( \_.--/ '/ | /_ __/____/ /_ ____ ____\ _a8a._/_.---:-..`,+| ' ,' / / / ___/ __ \/ __ \/ __ \`---'_ _ \|'('|| ,-'. / / (__ ) / / / /_/ / /_/ /__ _/_)_ _,+'|.;' /.:::. /_/ /____/_/ /_/\____/\____/ _ _`-:-=_/`---;',/|\|' ,-'.::::: _______ ` _ -,/://:|/|_/.|,/++/\--'.:::::::' _________ ` _\.,-';'),;//(_+:|:,_+.:'.::::::::::' - :./-;/'=\,;/.',|;|','/'/.:::::::::::' -,-/','/;|;,'//,,/|'/:/-.::::::::::::' - : -/'/'/',';:/,|,//:+'|',:::::::::::::' _.-,,/-//.=,'/:'|//+;-.::::::::::::::' /';_'-'/:/ ;'|-::::::::::::::::::' _+..::':::/:::::::::::::::::::::::::' .:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::' .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::' .:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: '''''':::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ''''::::::::::::::::a:f::::' >THE SNEEZE They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing ... and the traditional caps, they looked almost ... as grown up as they felt. Dad s swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears. This class would NOT pray during the commencements---not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it. The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation. A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!! The student on stage, simply looked at the audience and said, "GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!" And he walked off stage... The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval. Isn't this a wonderful story? Pass it on to all your friends.........and GOD BLESS YOU!!!! This is a true story; it happened at the University of Maryland. -<>- .--. .-..-..-..-. .--. .--. .-. .--. _.-._ : .--': `: :: :: :: .--': .--': : : .--' _.-._ : ` ' :`. `. : .` :: :: :: : _ : : _ : : : `; : ` ' : ,' '. _`, :: :. :: :; :: :; :: :; :: :__ : :__ ,' '. `-:_:-'`.__.':_;:_;`.__.'`.__.'`.__.':___.'`.__.'`-:_:-' unknown Little Stones make big Mountains, Little Steps can cover Miles, Little Acts of loving-kindness Give the World it's biggest Smiles... Little Words can soothe big Troubles Little Hugs can dry big Tears, Little Candles light the Darkness, Little Memories last for Years... Little Dreams can lead to Greatness, Little Victories to Success It's the little Things in Life That brings the greatest Happiness... -<>- Links for Your Enjoyment Nextel http://www.buffalosjokes.com/010305.htm NO GLASS http://www.buffalosjokes.com/010306.htm Oops http://www.buffalosjokes.com/010307.htm McDonald shark http://www.buffalosjokes.com/121128.htm Megan True Love http://www.buffalosjokes.com/121129.htm Men http://www.buffalosjokes.com/121130.htm Mentos &Coke http://www.buffalosjokes.com/121131.htm Midget Thai Boxing http://www.buffalosjokes.com/010301.htm milk http://www.buffalosjokes.com/010302.htm parrot-bud http://www.buffalosjokes.com/010308.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ================================================================ >-->From Our Friend Kent :) ? ! /_\ |C_,_/_____| ejm98 | ||:::::f| O+ _/\ f /| | \~\ >Scars I have a small scar on my left eyebrow. I got it when I was about 5 or 6 years old. It was nothing devastating but I remember when it happened. I have memories in this scar. I imagine many of you have scars that tell a story and hold memories. There are also emotional scars that don't show but they are real. I have found that the pain I went through when I lost my brother has helped me to empathize and help others going through similar losses. God has a way of allowing us to minister to others through our own pain. As I was thinking about scars, both physical and emotional, I thought about the scars that Jesus wears because of us. Nothing I have compares to that. What a wonderful God we have--he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the One who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more he will shower us with His comfort and encouragement. We have Jesus, known by His nail scarred hands, wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, a man who suffered in like manner as we...waiting to heal, comfort and restore us. As we turn our wounds and pain over to Him, and let Him replace them with His healed scars, we can then go on to minister help to others in their distress ------ >LEAN ON ME When no one cares about me, if I should live or die, No one bothers asking why I go alone and cry, Burdens get so heavy that I cannot face the day, And then I feel His arms around me, and I hear Him gently say: "Lean on Me, when you have no strength to stand, When you think you're going under, hold tighter to My hand. Lean on Me, when your heart begins to bleed, When you come to the place where I'm all you have, You'll find I'm all you need." When the road ahead is rugged and the path is getting steep, I know that I can't make it, and my heart begins to weep, Then I turn to see who's coming to join me on the way, I can see that it's my Savior and I can hear Him gently say: "Lean on Me, when you have no strength to stand, When you think you're going under, hold tighter to my hand, Lean on Me, when your heart begins to bleed, When you come to the place where I'm all you have, You'll find I'm all you need." ~Unknown~ ==================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Becky :) \ / \ / | . | |----------| |--. .--| | \__/ | | || | | || | _|__ || __|_ ( '-++-' ) ( - .. . ) ( _ -/\ . - ) (. _ )( __ ) (____)(____) .----` || '----. (_________)(____rs___) Rafal Slubowski >WET PANTS Come with me to a third grade classroom...... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives. The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, "Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat." He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap. The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!" Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie. She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!" Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Susie whispers back, "I wet my pants once too." May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good.. Remember.....Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car. Each and everyone one of us is going through tough times right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith. My instructions were to pick four (4) people that I wanted God to bless, and I picked you. Please pass this to at least four (4) people you want to be blessed and a copy back to me. This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards Let's continue to pray for one another. The Prayer: Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those that I care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power. I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. (If the Lord lays upon your heart to send this to more than four "4" people, you are truly blessed) ==================================================================== >-->From AndyChaps: >Lessons Learned From The Mastermind Session This past week I was able to take some time and review my journal notes from the past few years. I was particularly stirred by a page of miscellaneous comments I jotted down while at the Mastermind Session on the third day of the Jim Rohn Weekend Event. Part of the format included Jeffrey Gitomer, the emcee of Day Three, asking both the speaker panel and the audience made up of Platinum attendees, a variety of questions including the greatest lesson that their parents taught them, the book that has had the greatest impact on their lives, what have they done to rebound from adversity, their number one key to success, travel tips for VIP's etc... Hope you will be able to benefit from some of the simple but profound responses and comments. Unfortunately I'm not able to put a name or credit with each comment. Kyle Wilson Pres/JRI Here they are: Do not Gossip - Ever!!!!! Spend so much time giving Recognition that I do not have time to worry about needing it myself! Read books!! Listen to tapes!!! Two universal connecters - humor and music!! Study humor, learn jokes and quotes. Treat everyone with respect and enthusiasm. Listen better. Follow-up. Inspire people. 100% responsible for how I feel! Do Not Brag!!! Be Modest!!! Two things: 1) God is just - I'm in trouble. 2) But God is merciful so I have a chance. Absolute Trust!!!!!! Gratitude journal - keep a journal daily. Pray and meditate daily. Abundance and Give Life is not complicated, people are. Spend your time working with people. Tell children they have natural leadership ability!!!! Never, Never, Never Insult!! Write down all the good things my parents, wife, staff and influences have done for me. What are we telling our children. I saw my parents always bragging and edifying each other and that has helped me today. The greatest memory I can leave my children is that God loves me just as I am. When traveling, always say to the hotel or restaurant "We are celebrating, I want the best, (compliment) if you can't do it I will certainly understand." Mr. Jones is my boss, he is very important, I really need to get his upgrade.... Have an incredible appetite for learning. Become an attractive person - speech, dress, communication, smile, warmth, caring, giving. The distance between changing from one direction to another is very short. The only mark of perfection is to not see the imperfections of others. Give others a standing ovation. Listen to tapes to bounce from adversity, took responsibility. Gratitude The qualities of my thoughts determine the quality of my life. Excerpted from the Jim Rohn New Millennium Program (DVD #7) http://jr1.jimrohn.com ============================================================== >-->FUN Places To Net Visit :) Who Is Jesus? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/whoisjesus.html Hope Of The Return http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/hopeofthereturn.html Jesus Laughing Art: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Don't Quit http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com/buffalo/dontquit.html Parent Reflections http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com/buffalo/parents.html Staying Safe In This World http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com/buffalo/stayingsafe.html Wall Mural Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wallart.html Groundhog Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_f-j.html New Valentine's Day Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_u-z.html ============================================================== >-->Quotes: "An attitude of calm, confident expectation activates your creativity and unlocks your mental powers." -- Brian Tracy "If your cup runneth over, expand your cup." -- Mark Victor Hansen It's the constant and determined effort that breaks down all resistance and sweeps away all obstacles." -- Claude M. Bristol "Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand." -- Thomas Carlyle 'Laughter can relieve tension, soothe the pain of disappointment, and strengthen the spirit for the formidable tasks that always lie ahead.' -- Dwight D. Eisenhhower- ---> Visit my CyberHome - ALWAYS OPEN HOUSE :)Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/index.html Shangrala ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales & Serrvice You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair. We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with all your computer needs. Please phone us at 419-238-5806 ************************************************************************ -->This is for all you who love food and DARRE 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: This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR Send a BLANK email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************