Just To Be With You And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This flaming hot new page is from our friend Vanessa. It always amazes me to see what talented artists are able to do. If you are like me, our newest artist will leave you with your jaw gaping in awe and wonder at his superb expertise. Be sure to check it out and spend a little time to enjoy watching him working on the video here too... _________________________ (, ______________________ ) | | || | | @@@@ || @@@@ | | @@@@@@@ || @@@@@@@ | | @@ - - || - @@@@ | | @ c/ || '_ @@@ | | _@| |_ || __\@ \@ | | ( \ )/_\ /_ || _\\ (/ ) @\_/) | | \ \|) / \) || |(__/ / /| | | |\_/ ( -/ || \___/ ----/_| | | / \ || ,: '( | | : _/| || |: \ | | : | || |: ) | | : | || |: | | |_______'____,_|_______|| |_____,_| .---('________________________)--. | / ( |____ __________ _| | /\ ) |___| -o- | |__| -o- | ( \| / |___| -o- | |__| -o- | | /'=. b'ger|________| |__|______| '=>/ \ / \ /|/ ,___/| Portraits By Cie http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cieportraits.html --- ...Simply stunning! Thanks Vanessa! =========================================================== >-->From Hearttouchers: /////' ' # o C - | ___ ' =__' ___ (` _ \_ | | _/ ') \ (__\ ,---- _ |----. /__)- | \__ ( ( / ) ) __/ |_X_\/ \. # _.| \/_X_| | \ /( / /\ / | \ / ( , / \ _/ /______/ [:::::::] /*%*%*%*%*\ >%*%#%*%*%| /%*%*#*%*%*\ ######^###### b'ger >He Fought For Me by Trisha LaCoste "I just wish someone would fight for me!" It almost sounds silly to me now, but these words actually came from my own mouth. Have you ever felt like someone gave up on you too soon? A parent? A spouse? A friend? Well, I can say that I have felt this way. Rejected. Replaced. Used. And it hit me recently that maybe all I really need is for someone to fight for me. Treasure me. Protect me. Prove their love by going the distance, even when I'm unlovable. As I wallowed in self-pity the other night, I realized that I was acting in a way that wasn't very becoming. I knew I was being selfish. Stubborn. Unlovable. Childish, even. Sometimes it's easy to recognize when I'm acting this way, but that doesn't mean it's easy to change my attitude. I've even given myself pep talks before. They go something like this: Sensible Me: "Trisha, come on. You know you're acting silly. Cheer up. You have a lot of things for which you can be thankful." Pitiful Me: "But life's not fair. I never thought I'd have to walk this path. I'm tired of being strong. I just want to feel sorry for myself right now." Sensible Me: "Life isn't fair. Isn't that what you tell the kids all the time? That doesn't mean you should sit around and mope. Get up and do something. Make a change. You don't have to be strong. God will carry you." So what do I do? Yep. I usually mope some more. It's just easier that way. But on this particular night, I turned on some music, because music speaks to my soul. I just need to do some soul searching when I get in these moods. I pulled up a song on Youtube that is one of my favorites from long ago. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _( )_ ( ) ( ) _( )_ ( ) ( ) _( )_ ( ` ' )| |_| | _ _ __ ( ` ' )| |_| | _ _ __ ( ` ' ) > < | _ |( ) ( ) /'_ `\ > < | _ |( ) ( ) /'_ `\ > < (_, ,_)| | | || (_) |( (_) |(_, ,_)| | | || (_) |( (_) |(_, ,_) (_) (_) (_)`\___/'`\__ | (_) (_) (_)`\___/'`\__ | (_) ( )_) | ( )_) | \___/' \___/' unknown Love Song by Third Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzIqcrXLVK8 I've heard it said that a man would climb a mountain Just to be with the one he loves. How many times has he broken that promise? It has never been done. I've never climbed the highest mountain, But I walked the hill of Calvary. Just to be with you, I will do anything There's no price I would not pay, no. Just to be with you, I would give everything I would give my life away. I've heard it said that a man would swim the ocean Just to be with the one he loves. All of those dreams are an empty emotion. It can never be done. I've never swam the deepest ocean, But I walked upon the raging sea. Just to be with you, I will do anything There's no price I would not pay, no. Just to be with you, I would give everything I would give my life away. I know that you don't understand the fullness of My love. How I died upon the cross for your sins. And I know that you don't realize how much that I give you, But I promise, I would do it all again. Just to be with you, I've done everything There's no price I did not pay, no. Just to be with you, I gave everything. Yes, I gave my life away. Just to be with you. That's when it hit me! Someone did fight for me! When I was unlovable, selfish, stubborn and childish, not only did Jesus fight for me, He gave His life for me. In light of that, should it really matter if I ever find someone on earth willing to fight for me? Honestly, even if I felt like someone was willing to fight for me, they would still be human. They would still make mistakes. They would still hurt me. That's why I have to learn to get my validation from my Savior...not from anyone or anything on this earth. Otherwise, I'm simply setting myself up for a lifetime of disappointments and mopey days. "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3 I'm glad I wrote this. The next time I have a pity party, I'll be sure to log on and read this again. I need reminders on a regular basis! Trisha LaCoste trishakay79@yahoo.com Write Trisha and share your thoughts on her story! Trisha LaCoste is a photographer who lives in Southern Alabama. Her four children Hunter, Mason, Kyla, and Jayden give her inspiration every day to use either her photography skills or her writing skills. You can check out her website at www.lacostephotography.com or check out her blog and read more of her writing at: http://accessbyfaith.blogspot.com/2010/07/he-fought-for-me.html =========================================================== >-->From DailyEncounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Search for Truth Part I The search for and avoidance of truth is as old as mankind. At the beginning of mankind's history Satan (the devil) distorted God's truth by telling a part-truth--one of the most deceptive form of lies. This resulted in mankind's fall and introduced evil into the world.1 And when Jesus was being tried, Pilate asked, "What is truth?"2 According to Kenneth D. Boa and Robert M. Bowman Jr., in their book, 20 Compelling Evidences That God Exists, "Tolerance--not truth--is absolute."3 This is an extremely dangerous way to live and a foundation of sinking sand upon which to build a society--especially as we keep moving our roots farther and farther away from God, the author and essence of all truth and life. At the root of much of the evil in today's world is the fact that men have exchanged the truth of God for a lie. In speaking about earlier generations God's Word says, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the truth of God for a lie."4 The end result: "God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."5 The reality is that without access to the truth there is no reality, no freedom, no sense of direction, and no hope of salvation for mankind. No wonder so much of today's world is floating on a sea of distrust and world-wide turmoil. May we never forget that "blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD."6 Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please send a revival of Your Spirit and a revival of truth to our land so that as a nation we will turn back to You and know Your blessing and security--and let Your work begin in me. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen." 1. See Genesis 3:1-6. 2. John 18:38 (NIV). 3. Kenneth D. Boa and Robert M. Bowman Jr., in their book, 20 Compelling Evidences That God Exists, p.18. 4. Romans 1:21-23 (NIV). 5. Romans 1:28-32 (NASB). 6. Psalm 33:12 (NIV). <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Search for Truth - Part II Jesus gave an eternal principle to all people when He said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."1 While Jesus was primarily sharing a theological principle, the same principle applies to every area of life--not only to propositional truth (factual truth) but also to personal truth. Personal truth means that we are to be in touch with our inner truth; that is, being aware of and honest about our true feelings and motives. As God's Word says, "Behold, you [God] desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part you will make me know wisdom."2 In reality, the more dishonest we are (repressed and in denial) about our inner truth, the more we will distort all truth--including God's truth--to make it match our distorted perception of reality. The opposite is also true, the more honest we are with our inner truth the clearer we will see all truth. In other words, we see things not the way they are but the way we are. For example, if I am a negative person, I will see things in a negative light--and be critical about them. If I am a super sensitive person, I will read into what others say or do and overreact--not so much on the basis of what they have said or done, but on the basis of who and what I am. On the other hand, as Thomas Dreier put it, "The world is a great mirror. It reflects back to you what you are. If you are loving, if you are friendly, if you are helpful, the world will prove loving and friendly and helpful to you. The world is what you are." It is not without good reason that God's Word teaches: "Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with dishonesty and jealousy ... put away all evil, deception, envy, and fraud. Long to grow up into the fullness of your salvation."3 If we want to discover truth it starts with our being truthful and honest with ourselves. As long as there is any area in our life where we haven't found freedom, we can be sure that there is some truth we are not seeing or are in denial about. As Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."1 Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to see and get reconnected to any and every area in my life where I might be in denial, so I can bring these issues into the light so they can be dealt with and resolved. Help me always to be truthful with myself, others and with You so that I will find true freedom and not distort the truth in any way. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. John 8:31-32 (NIV). 2. Psalm 51:6 (NASB). 3. See 1 Peter 2:1-3 (TLB). <:))))>< When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: 9::::======= |::::======= |=========== jgs |=========== >A Flag of Rags In the final years of our imprisonment, the North Vietnamese moved us from small cells with one or two prisoners to large rooms with as many as 30-40 men to a room. We preferred this situation for the companionship and strength we could draw from our fellow prisoners. In addition to moving us to new quarters, our captors also let us receive packages and letters from home. Many men received word from their families for the first time in several years. The improved conditions were a result of public pressure put on the North Vietnamese by the American public. In our cell was one Navy officer, Lt. Commander Mike Christian. Over a period of time Mike had gathered bits and pieces of red and white cloth from various packages. Using a piece of bamboo he had fashioned into a needle, Mike sewed a United States flag on the inside of his shirt, one of the blue pajama tops we all wore. Every night in our cell, Mike would put his shirt on the wall, and we would say the Pledge of Allegiance. I know that the Pledge of Allegiance may not be the most important aspect of our day now, but I can tell you that at the time it was the most important aspect of our lives. This had been going on for some time until one of the guards came in as we were reciting our pledge. They ripped the flag off the wall and dragged Mike out. He was beaten for several hours and then thrown back into the cell. Later that night, as we were settling down to sleep on the concrete slabs that were our beds, I looked over to the spot where the guards had thrown Mike. There, under the solitary light bulb hanging from the ceiling, I saw Mike. Still bloody and his face swollen beyond recognition, Mike was gathering bits and pieces of cloth together. He was sewing a new American flag. --- ...Also See: ()__ ||**Z__ ||**|**=Z____ ||**|**=|====| ||==|**=|====| ||""|===|====| || `"""|====| jgs || `""""` Veteran Tribute http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=518 The Story of Mike Christian, Vietnam POW https://tinyurl.com/y9hksz5v I think most people think all the protests that we are seeing now in our Democratic led cities are due to racial unrest, however, I've come to the conclusion that they are are mainly by groups that don't like America and want to destroy the US government. Notice I said 'groups'? I don't think this is one group in particular, but several of them. We are seeing lots of looting which points to street gangs and thugs. We are also seeing lots of burning and destroying of cars and buildings and even injuring of people, police officers, law enforcement, EMS and truck drivers no matter what their race is. Not only does this tells me it isn't about race but today when I saw them cheering and videoing as they burned a US flag and heard about two statues recently toppled, including one of an abolitionist, I got the impression that these are anarchists using the racial uproar to their advantage. They are doing as ISIS terrorists did with the destruction of cultural heritage. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_cultural_heritage_by_ISIL They are playing into the devil's hands. It is much easier to destroy something then to create something. The devil wants to be like God Almighty but it irks him because he knows he cannot. Only God the creator can create. The devil cannot. The devil can easily alter, remake, build or destroy something but he cannot make something out of nothing. ONLY God Almighty can do that. So you see most everything by the devil or by his hand torn down and destroyed. It is the only thing he is good at. So he teaches violence and destruction. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' 1 Cor.14 [33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [40] Let all things be done decently and in order. Jas.3: [16] For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. So when you see a lot of chaos, violence and destruction, you know you are witnessing the work of the devil. See these teachings... God’s Perspective on Violence [An Advanced Study] https://tinyurl.com/yaah3qq4 The Terminator http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Adversary/The_Terminator.htm -<>- .--. .--. / ' .\ |'. ( .-. \ \ . ` /\. /`. / ) ( `.' .' '--'` (\ \.' .' ) \`. \ _/ _..--' `. \ /`'<_/ : )"'``..`-3 : :. `"'. ) / |-.'' (_.-._ | / ( .'`--..J ' |-'( |_| | : >` '. .'' : | Y | < | : > ' \ `_ : '` \ / :- ' || : / ./: | \ .'J /_ ) : | '% | a:f /.-.`). : I | / ( \ ) : .^) `-' `..-' (`"' / ===' >Why Rion Should Live High school didn't frighten me. Oh sure, the endless halls and hundreds of classrooms were over-whelming, but I took it in with all the pleasure of starting a new adventure. My freshman year was full of possibilities and new people. With a class of nearly two thousand newcomers, you just couldn't go wrong. So I, still possessing the innocence of a child concealed in a touch of mascara and lipstick, set out to meet them all. Spanish One introduced me to Rion. By the student definition, he was a "freak": the black jeans, the well-worn Metallica shirts, the wallet chains, the works. But his unique personality and family troubles drew me to him. Not a crush, more of a curiosity. He was fun to talk to, and where interrupted whispering sessions left off, hours of phone conversations picked up. During one of these evening conversations, "it," as we like to address the incident, unfolded. We were discussing the spectacular height of Ms. Canaple's over-styled bangs when I heard Rion's dad yelling in the background. "Hold on," Rion muttered before a question could be asked. I could tell that he was trying to muffle the receiver, but you could still hear the horror as if his room were a dungeon, maximizing the bellows. Then the line went dead. Shaking, I listened to the flatline of the phone for a minute before gently placing it in its cradle, too scared to call back for fear of what I might hear. I had grown up in an ideal family setting: a mom and a dad and an older sister as a role model. This kind of situation took me by surprise, and I felt confused and helpless at the same time. A couple of tense hours later, after his father had gone to bed, Rion called me to apologize. He told me his dad had received a letter from his ex-wife, Rion's mom, saying she refused to pay child support. Having no other scapegoat, he stumbled into Rion's room in rage. "I can't take this anymore. All the fighting ... it's always there...." His voice had trailed off, lost in painful thought. "All I have to do is pull the trigger, and it will be over." "No!" I screamed. "Don't talk like that! You know you have so much to live for." It was becoming clearer every second how threatening the situation was. A cold, forced chuckle came from the other end of the line. "Yeah, right," was his response. We got off the phone, but only after promising to go right to sleep. Sleep, however, was light years away from me. I was so worried and had a feeling I was Rion's only hope. He had told me repeatedly that it was hard to open up to anyone but me. How could someone not want to live? I could literally list the reasons why I loved waking up every morning. Frantically, I racked my brain for ways to convince Rion of this. Then the lightbulb clicked on. I took a piece of notebook paper and entitled it, "Why Rion Should Live." Below, I began listing every reason I could think of that a person had to exist. What started as a few sentences turned into twenty, then thirty-two, then forty-seven. By midnight, I had penned fifty-seven reasons for Rion to live. The last ten were as follows: 48) Six feet of earth is pretty heavy. 49) They don't play Metallica in cemeteries. 50) Braces aren't biodegradable. 51) God loves you. 52) Believe it or not, your father loves you, too. 53) Spanish One would be so boring. 54) Two words: driver's license. 55) Satan isn't exactly the type of guy you want to hang out with for eternity. 56) How could you live without Twinkies? 57) You should never regret who you are, only what you have become. Believing that I had done my best, I crawled into bed to await tomorrow's chore: saving Rion. I waited for him at the door to Spanish the next day and handed him the paper as he walked in. I watched him from the opposite side of the room while he read the creased sheet in his lap. I waited, but he didn't look up for the entire period. After class, I approached him, concerned, but before I could say a word, his arms were around me in a tight embrace. I hugged him for a while, tears almost blinding me. He let go, and with a soft look into my eyes, he walked out of the room. No thank you was needed, his face said it all. A week later, Rion was transferred to another school district so that he could live with his grandmother. For weeks I heard nothing, until one night the phone rang. "Sarah, is it you?" I heard the familiar voice say. Well, it was like we had never missed a day. I updated him on Ms. Canaple's new haircut, and he told me his grades were much better, and he was on the soccer team. He is even going to counseling with his dad to help them build a stronger relationship. "But do you know what the best part is?" I sensed true happiness in his voice. "I don't regret who I am, nor what I've become." [Editors' Note: Rion was lucky. Everyone isn't as fortunate. If you are depressed or thinking about hurting yourself, (or if you think any of your friends are in this situation), please call for help, toll-free: 1-800-SUICIDE. Remember, you are not alone. People care and can help you. We love you!!] By Sarah Barnett (c) --- ...The best advice... ..::''''::.. .:::. .;'' ``;. .... ::::: :: :: :: :: ,;' .;: () ..: `:::' :: :: :: :: ::. ..:,:;.,:;. . :: .::::. `:' :: .:' :: :: `:. :: '''::, :: :: :: `:: :: ;: .:: : :: : : :: ,:'; ::; :: :: :: :: :: ::,::''. . :: `:. .:' :: `:,,,,;;' ,;; ,;;, ;;, ,;;, ,;;, `:,,,,:' :;: `;..``::::''..;' ``::,,,,::'' Don't allow yourself to wallow in self-pity for very long. The devil wants you dead. He hates people. The more you are sad, the more he will make you sadder. He wants you to get so sad, you don't want to be all you can be for God - he wants that Christ in you on this earth gone! He wants you buried 6 feet under. He wants you dead. Pick yourself up and make the devil cry instead! SMILE for God loves you so much, He gave his only begotten son for you! Jesus died a most horrible death on the cross just for you! You are worth every single breath you take because God says so: Pss.116: [15] Precious (costly) in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. (that is you) See these teachings... GOD RESCUED YOU http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/God_Rescued_Us.htm EMOTIONS http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/EMOTIONS.htm You do God no good dead! The devil knows this so he wants you buried. ARE THE DEAD ALIVE NOW? http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/Are_The_Dead_Alive_Now.htm God wants you alive - 3 John 1: [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (Even as you live and breath) Remember that the next time the devil tries to lead you down that dark path making you feel so sad and bad that you wonder why you are alive. SMILE And remember how much God Loves You and that You Are A Winner: 1 Cor.15: [57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 5: [4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. It may feel good to wallow in self-pity - at first. It is like retreating into a deep dark hole. at first it is nice and quiet and dark and cool. But then it becomes horribly dark and alone and so very cold! If you allow yourself to sink too deep into self-pity, you may find it is very, very hard to climb up out of that hole by yourself. The devil wants to hold you down! If you are there, be sure to seek a helping hand up and out of the hole you are in! Please call for help, toll-free: 1-800-SUICIDE. Remember, you are never alone. People care and can help you. GOD loves you all of the time! Every single millisecond of every single day and every single night, God is there for you! -<>- ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >I've Learned... I've learned you can get by on charm for about 15 minutes. After that, you'd better know something. I've learned you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do. I've learned it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it. I've learned you can do something in an instant that will give you a heartache for life. I've learned no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides. I've learned regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. I've learned it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I've learned it's a lot easier to react than it is to think. I've learned you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. I've learned you can keep going long after you think you can't. I've learned we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I've learned I can't visit a bookstore without buying something. I've learned either you control your attitude or it controls you. I've learned sometimes I just need to be held. I've learned regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. I've learned heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I've learned learning to forgive takes practice. I've learned when the light turns green, you had better look both ways before proceeding. I've learned you can love someone and still not like him very much. I've learned when I'm given a choice of 31 flavors of ice cream, I still choose vanilla. I've learned there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it. I've learned money is a lousy way of keeping score. I've learned my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time. I've learned sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up. I've learned good quality underwear is worth the extra cost. I've learned I'm getting more and more like my mom, and I'm kinda happy about it. I've learned sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. I've learned true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. I've learned just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. I've learned no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back. I've learned no matter how old I am, I want my mom when I'm hurting. I've learned maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. I've learned you should never tell a child his dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if he believed it. I've learned your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological. I've learned no matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. I've learned I wish I could have told my parents that I love them one more time before they died. I've learned commercials for feminine products always come on when you're sitting in a room with men. I've learned it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief. I've learned boys only rub your back to find out if you're wearing a bra. I've learned my brother doesn't like me to fold his underwear. I've learned our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. I've learned sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to. I've learned just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do. I've learned sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions. I've learned it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. I've learned we don't have to change friends if we understand friends change. I've learned if you don't want to forget something, stick it in your underwear drawer. I've learned you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever. I've learned the clothes I like best are the ones with the most holes in them. I've learned it's no fun putting on a wet swimsuit. I've learned it's not what you have in your life but whom you have in your life that counts. I've learned two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. I've learned peeing in the woods with a couple of friends can be an amazing bonding experience. I've learned a good friend is better than a therapist. I've learned sandwiches cut diagonally taste better. I've learned you're never too old for slumber parties. I've learned you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. I've learned competing with a friend over a man is a fun game, unless one of you actually wins. I've learned it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe. I've learned when a girl says "I love you", she's really asking "Do you love me?" -Author Unknown -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Life's Little Oops 3!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops3.html The Sleep Metaphor!- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/sleepmetaphor.html Never Give Up!- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Beautiful Bridges!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bridges.html Moses Bridge!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mosesbridge.html Luxury Yacht!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/luxyacht.html Floating Hotel!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fhotel.html Amazing Bus Stops!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bus.html Miracle Coyote!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/coyote.html Koalas In A Heatwave!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/koalas.html Koalas In A Heatwave 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/koalas2.html Thoughts Into Action 7!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/action7.html Arrows Across America!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/arrows.html Germany's Water Bridge!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wbridge.html Lighthouses Of The World!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lighthouses.html Cool Optical Illusions!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/optical.html Ten Life Tips!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetips.html -<>- What is The Prophetic Perfect in the Bible???????? http://tinyurl.com/jo6ys8p What is the Figure of Speech “Personification”? http://tinyurl.com/j3nho5k Teachings that Stick http://tinyurl.com/hqtkxd6 When the Going Gets Tough http://tinyurl.com/hsl2jj5 Do A Good Turn http://tinyurl.com/z7qgfvu -<>- >In The News: “Fury exploded outside the Wisconsin State Capitol on Tuesday night as protesters smashed windows at the statehouse, attacked a state senator, and tore down two iconic statues—including one of an abolitionist who died trying to end slavery during the Civil War,” Molly Beck and Lawrence Andrea report for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. https://tinyurl.com/yarfrvpp Black Lives Matter Leader: Burn Down American System https://tinyurl.com/y796agsk With the U.S. House of Representatives set to vote this week on a bill to make Washington, D.C. the nation’s 51st state, the Trump administration is waving the veto pen at Capitol Hill. https://tinyurl.com/y9abhjs2 Ridiculous: ‘Paw Patrol’ Attacked For Pro-Police Message https://tinyurl.com/y8nvx9oy McEnany fires back at Communist-inspired question at press briefing https://theusawire.com/category/womens-empowerment/ Westwing News: Trump Signs Executive Order Expanding HHS Efforts to Help Foster Children https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest From ReliableNewsNow: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest Product Alert: Salad, Pretzels, Seafood http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- Revisiting... >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) The American Southwest is a beautiful look at the desert and mountain geography of the Southwestern United States. It's always amazing to see the colors that come to life when desert flowers bloom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiywoagCnEA&feature=player_embedded All that's left is to teach this smart police dog how to drive and he could be a full-fledged officer on patrol! You've got to see his great trick in this cool police canine video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip7sz6Z8obE&feature=player_embedded Amazing Grace is one of my favorite songs and this version by Rhema Marvanne was a joy to listen to.Rhema is a Gospel singer and was 7 years old at the time of this music video being created. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDDlxmsciqY --- ...Sweet! Thanks LouiseAu! -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) This might possibly be the most amazing card trick you have EVER seen! It was developed by the magician after the terrorist attacks in Paris, France. Supposedly, he did this in front of Penn and Teller on TV and they just shook their heads in disbelief. This is truly must watch. https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/xh9GaDgRWX4?rel=0 --- ...Great! Thanks Linda! Shows how easily we can be deceived - the hand is quicker than the eye. 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 ========================================================== \ , |\.--._/| /\ ) )\\/ /( \ / \ /( J `( \ / ) | _\ / /|) \ eJ L | \ L \ L L / \ J `. J L | ) L \/ \ / \ J (\ / _....___ | \ \ \``` ,.._.-' '''--...-||\ -. \ \ .'.=.' ` `.\ [ Y / / \] J Y / Y Y L | | | \ | L | | | Y A J | I | /I\ / | \ I \ ( |]/| J \ /._ / -tI/ | L ) / /'-------'J `'-:. J .' ,' ,' , \ `'-.__ \ \ T ,' ,' )\ /| ';'---7 / \| ,'L Y...-' / _.' / \ / / J Y | J .'-' / ,--.( / L | J L -' .' / | /\ | J. L J .-;.-/ | \ .' / J L`-J L____,.-'` | _.-' | L J L J `` J | J L | L J | L J L \ L \ | L ) _.'\ ) _.'\ L \('` \ ('` \ ) _.'\`-....' `-....' ('` \ `-.___/ sk >Quick Thinking Story Editor: by Adrianne Rainwater Clayton Bennett California, USA One day, I was at work when my husband called and asked me to sit down. I guessed that he was going to tell me something very important, and frantically asked him what was wrong. He said I needed to go out to the pasture where the horses were, and go now. The pasture was 20 minutes from where I work as a graphic artist in a small town print shop. I had rented seven acres for my four horses to graze on, as I feel it is much healthier than keeping them in a stall. My yearling colt had evidently rolled in the dirt too close to the wire fence, and put his leg through the fence. When he stood up, his leg was caught, and he must have twisted around and around trying to get free. The fence wrapped around his back leg, cutting it to the bone. Our neighbor boy, "Jimmy", only 10 years old at the time, saw the colt's dilemma. He was very resourceful. Seeing a sign near the pasture offering the colt for sale, he called the number on the sign with his cell phone. He reached my husband, who then called me. Jimmy's quick thinking probably saved the colt's life. Then two more people pitched in. Some folks who live down the road saw the colt and stopped their truck. One worked to cut the leg loose from the fence while the other went running to look for a halter. At the same time, they called their veterinarian and took full responsibility for the cost. While they waited for the vet, they fixed the cut fence so the other horses wouldn't get out. They have horses so they knew just what to do. By the time I got there, no one was around -- but Jimmy came running when he saw me to let me know what had happened. The colt was well taken care of, beautifully stitched up and bandaged, and put away in the shed by the road. This was a perfect place to confine him; I kept him there to recover from his injury. He recovered perfectly and has only a tiny scar. I found out the names of his rescuers and went to visit with them. I wanted to thank them, pay the vet bill and find out what had happened. They were very gracious, saying what a beautiful colt I had and how perfectly he had behaved for them as they worked to free him and waited for the vet. Later, I explored the area and realized that was a favorite place for all the horses to roll. To prevent another accident, I laid down huge rocks there. And I now keep my horses in a different pasture with different fencing. Three people I didn't know went out of their way to rescue my colt from his own mistake. Crazy things happen, they just do, and I will never forget their instant, unquestioning assistance. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Mother Teresa was once asked, "How do you measure the success of your work?" She thought about the question and gave her interviewer a puzzled look, and said, "I don't remember that the Lord ever spoke of success. He spoke only of faithfulness in love. This is the only success that really counts." _ / } /'.\ _/ ) (`- ( ,) |/ /| ' ` Elb >Please Don't Tell Me the Proverbs 31 Woman Wears a Size 8 (By Rebekah Montgomery, www.rebekahmontgomery.com, Copyright by Rebekah Montgomery 2007. Used By Permission.) It is enough that a certain 11.5-inch buxom fashion doll permanently warped my image of what a real woman should look like, but once upon a time, the Proverbs 31 Woman made me feel very inadequate and inefficient in every other area of my life. You remember the Proverbs 31 Woman. She's the lady whose resume reads like Martha Stewart on speed. For many years, the only way I could actually get out of bed in the morning was to imagine that the Proverbs 31 Woman had really big thighs - like me. That way, at least, we had something in common. Does it sound like I had a grudge against her? Well, I did. I developed a case of Proverbs 31 envy one Mother's Day when my children were small. Between kids, husband, housework, church, and a job, I frantically ran to keep up. So on Mother's Day, when I slid into my pew - late and totally exhausted - and listened to a sermon about the Proverbs 31 Woman who did absolutely everything with easy competency, my corsage - and spirits - totally wilted. The more I listened, the more depressed I became. If the preacher would have told me that the Virtuous Woman wore a size 8, I think I would have given up on the spot. I would never measure up. Unless I dressed the kids the night before and stored them in Tupperware, I couldn't even get to church on time - let alone doing all that spinning, running a vineyard, and being noble. Over time, I've learned to appreciate the Virtuous Woman and cut myself a little slack. A careful reading of the text reveals that she wasn't doing all of those things at the same time. (Whew!) She was a woman of many interests and we are being given an overview of her entire life. (Case in point: The text reads that her children arise and call her blessed. I can tell you with absolute authority that doesn't happen until your children are fully-grown. When children are little, they arise and call you "Mommy!" not "Blessed!" When they are teenagers, you're lucky if they're speaking to you at all. It is only when your kids are on their own do they appreciate dear ol' mom.) Also, it is not the Virtuous Woman's many accomplishments that set her apart, but it is her wise, servant/leader's heart that makes her remarkable. She's not worried about who gets the credit. Rather, she appraises the needs and responds wholeheartedly with the capacities and talents at her disposal. What does a modern Virtuous Woman look like? I suspect she may not even recognize herself. One Saturday morning, I gathered into my home the female movers and shakers from our local church. If anything happened - Bible schools, mission conferences, funeral dinners, Sunday school classes taught, a frozen turkey bought for the pastor at Christmas - These were the women who did it. These individuals kept the church doors open. These were the "Virtuous Women" of the church. Over coffee, sweets, and chitchat, I asked them about their needs as the female leadership in the church. They were thunderstruck! They did not consider themselves to be leaders. Oh, no! Not in the least! Rather, they thought of themselves as servants. In their own humble way, they were competently doing everything church "leaders" do - teaching, sharing the Gospel, visiting the sick and elderly, planning and executing programs, budgeting, turning their pocketbooks inside out to meet the budget - only please, please, don't call them "leaders." These women are not alone in their service. Or example. Like the Virtuous Woman, they are doing what needs to be done to the best of their ability - not because they are so competent or accomplished - but because they [reverence] God. And that is what is considered praiseworthy about the Virtuous Women: (vs. 29, 30) "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears (respects) the LORD is to be praised." And that's better than wearing a size 8. [Rebekah Montgomery, author/speaker/teacher, is a gifted, dynamic communicator. She is the author of more than five books and has penned 1,100 articles. She shares tough real-life topics and biblical application in a simple easy to grasp manner. To book Rebekah for your next event visit www.rebekahmontgomery.com. Rebekah is also the editor of Right to the Heart of Women and a publisher at Jubilant Press.] SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com --- ...Just a note... _ / } /'.\ _/ ) (`- ( ,) |/ /| ' ` Elb Lately, in my youthful old age, I have been amazed at the wonders of my fellow gender - woman. Everywhere I go, I see the predominance of women. I normally have a tendency to not notice people so much. But lately with my eye sight being much better, I am taking notice. And what I am seeing astounds me. When I was last out and about with fairly good eyesight, women were not so prominent in the work place. In fact I had to educate my daughter on this and how it was considered wrong for women to be working in certain fields such as the one she took up as a law officer. It made her remember how when she was in Karate that she had a hard time getting her male instructor to advance her belt even though she was good enough to win at their sporting events. She was about the only girl in her class and the little boys would get their belts much quicker than she did. This made her mad. She, at the time, felt it was due to her being a female. And she was probably right. Being in the Pepsi distributor business with my husband in the 70's, I could feel people didn't think it was my place to be on this dirty truck out sorting glass bottles and helping my husband on his delivery route every day. But, he'd be gone for 10-12 hours a day and it was my way of being able to be with him. Being a young married couple, I wanted to be with him all the time and help as much as I could. So I'd get up at 4am and go out with him, working all day long and not be back home until around 6 or 7 at night. I grew pretty strong arm muscles during that time by helping him so much! Later in our home computer business in the 80's and early 90's, I also felt the bias. Most people were more secure in going to my husband for their computer problems and if I solved it, they were most leery of me. Their surprise would show. What they didn't know was that my husband had taken a course through the mail that I had taken right along with him. I studied all the materials and took all the tests that he did. I just hadn't paid for the course for myself, it being way too expensive for both of us to do. People eventually got used to me working with him on computers but I'd have to make them feel better by jokingly saying, "He's hardware, I'm software." I taught myself computer software programing so I could do more of the part he didn't do. Now, where ever I go, I see women in the work place. Almost all are women. I wonder where a man is working these days. Women are working as cooks, cash register workers, doctor office workers, nurses, doctors, eye care specialists and the list goes on. Think about it. Almost everywhere you go, women workers outnumber men workers. Amazing! I'd say this 'Virtuous Woman' of the bible sure has come a long way. Makes me think of one of my old time songs from 1971... Helen Reddy - I Am Woman (1971) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rptW7zOPX2E I have this attitude with God as my Father and Jesus Christ as my beloved Lord and Savior. With them I am STRONG! I Am Woman! ========================================================== . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >-->AWESOME CREATOR OF WONDERFUL DAYS The sun glistens on the water Birds skim across the stream of light My heart marvels at such artistry You've painted a wonderful day Awesome Creator, Artist of all time This is the day You have made In it I will rejoice Waves come nowhere and splash against the wall Singing birds, chirping insects, jumping fish Such music to my soul You've orchestrated a wonderful day Awesome Creator, Musician of all time This is the day You have made In it I will rejoice Dark clouds roll across the sky Rain bounces on a moving sea I find delight in such a dance You've choreographed a wonderful day Awesome Creator, Choreographer of all time This is the day You have made In it I will rejoice A family of ducks passes by, conversing as they go A manatee just looks and swims away Simple drama, so profound You've written a beautiful day Awesome Creator, Playwright of all time This is the day You have made In it I will rejoice Awesome Creator of wonderful days My soul delights in You -Author~ Patti Hollingsworth >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. 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