Keepers 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 ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ ,-. ,-. ||,\ -=- /,|| F'\\\,o8o,///`J J'J`,\(".")/,'F`L |F||\ \>PVDo You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2009 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) ,n888888n, .8888888888b 888888888888nd8P~''8g, 88888888888888 _ `'~\. .n. `Y888888888888. / _ |~\\ (8"8b ,nnn.. 8888888b. | \ \m\|8888P ,d8888888888888888b. \8b|.\P~ ~P8~ 888888888888888P~~_~ `8B_| | ~888888888~'8' d8. ~ _/ ~Y8888P' ~\ | |~|~b,__ __--~ --~~\ ,d8888888b.\`\_/ __/~ \_ d88888888888b\_-~8888888bn. \8888P "Y888888888888"888888bn. /~'\_"__) "d88888888P,-~~-~888 / / ) ~\ ,888888/~' / / / 8' ( / / / |) ) / '"88(/ ~ / / | ( /_/ /~ \( _/ / (_(_ ( /~~\/ , O,/~\___/_/' ~~~ | \_ ( )( \_| -- by Gordon M"uller __--~"mb ,g8888b. _/ 8888b(.8P"~'~---__ / ~~~| / ,/~~~~--, `\ ( ~\,_) (/ ~-_`\ \ -__---~._ \ ~\\ ( )\\ )) `\ ) "-_ `| \__ __/ ~-__ __--~ ~~"~ ~~~ >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) >Keepers One day a man's wife died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the husband was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore." No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, or say "I love you." So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. Remember, not only just the old folks die, sometimes the young leave us way too soon, so don't spend time on bad times, enjoy every minute of every day. This is true for marriage .. and old cars, and children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, family and parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it .... Some of us, when we grow up, tend to get too busy for our parents and grandparents, and then one day, it's too late, they have gone on. Take time, to visit and call them, to let them know you care. We should also keep -- a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what. Life is so important. We only have one. We only have one mom, one dad, one unique brother or sister or friend. I received this from someone who thought I was a 'keeper'! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way. Now it's your turn to send this to all those people who are "keepers" in your life, including the person who sent it, if you feel that way. Suppose one morning you never wake up. Do all your family and friends know you love them? I was thinking.... ..I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said. Let every one of your friends and family know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back, And just in case GOD calls me home . . .. Love Always.......God Bless Jo Ann --- ...I pray Not! Thanks Jo Ann! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Well, a sweet one and one I needed. I was tickled and thrilled yesterday when the web master for many of the teachings I have up for our Bible Study got a hold of me yeaterday. His site kept going down and disappearing so often that I spent hours and hours and went to a lot of trouble and work to put them up and host them on my site. The very reason? I feel they are like this email says - 'keepers'. I wanted to make sure they were available for everyone to study God's Word with for as long as I was around to see to it. I could never find his name or an email for the web site to contact him with. Shortly after I completed making many of them available, my concerns came true as this site again disappeared and I have been unable to access it for over a year now. When he found me, he said he changed URL's. He at first was OK with me continuing to host these teachings as long as I provided his contact info with them - which I had tried to do with the only thing I had which was a link to his old site. So, that was not a problem, I was happy and blessed that now any one with questions could talk to him directly. But then he emailed me today because he feels I am doing him wrong and so wants me to remove the teachings from my site. I of course am saddened by this, but will do as he wishes. Please check them out now, as they soon won't be available on Shangrala. His new web site is here: http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm -<>- >Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press - TOO HOT To Handle!! This one comes from two combined forwards from our friends Viv and Wesley. Wesley's came just in time to add the finishing touch to this funny page! See what you think of it here... Life's Little Oops 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops2.html --- ...I loved this! You too are wonderful! Thanks! >This next one is a very beloved teaching of mine... [AND don't worry, I already have permission to share and post their teachings - KEEPERS All Of Them!] , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' The Giver And The Gift http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/givergift.html It is from our good friends at www.truthortradition.com They super blessed me when they wrote... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Hello and God bless you! We wanted to let you know that we have added our newest Teaching of the Month to iTunes and TruthOrTradition.com Title: The Giver and the Gift: A Study of the Holy Spirit The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that "the Holy Spirit" is the Third Person in the Godhead. This has led to people misreading and misunderstanding many Scriptures about the wonderful gift of God, the holy spirit. This teaching, "The Giver and the Gift," shows that because God is holy and God is spirit, one of the names for God is "the Holy Spirit." Similarly, God is a solid foundation and place of shelter so one of His names is "the Rock" (Ps. 28:1). No one thinks there is another God called "Rock," so everyone knows that is just another name for God, and people should understand the same thing about God when He is called "the Holy Spirit." When God gave gifts to mankind, one of the gifts He gave was the gift of His very nature, which is holy and spirit, and therefore called "holy spirit." Because both God the Giver and the gift God gives have the same name, they are often confused. After differentiating between the Giver and the gift, this teaching shows that the holy spirit God gave in Old Testament times was different from the gift of holy spirit He gives to Christians. The gift is still holy and still spirit, so the name is the same, but a study of its characteristics shows that it is a different gift. If we are going to understand the Bible, and what God has done for us as Christians, it is vital that we understand what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit, both the Giver and the gift. Listen for free at: www.TruthOrTradition.com/audio (Just scroll down a little bit) or www.STFonline.org/podcast Also, here are some new 10-minute video teachings we have just added to our YouTube channel: God's purpose through the ages: Reconciliation / Destroying the works of the Enemy (Satan, Devil) The Measure of a Man: How Do You Measure Yourself? What is Your Yard Stick? Keys to Walking with Spiritual Power: Jesus Christ has given us a Power of Attorney, Bible study Love is tough. Our challenge is to be loving. Matt. 24:12 increase of wickedness The Four Kinds of Love - Greek Agape, Phileo, Storge, Eros, 3 are in the Bible How do I know if I am loved? Loving Above the World: What is our motivation to love? To watch these short 10-minute video teachings (and many more) visit www.TruthOrTradition.com/youtube To subscribe to our video teachings in iTunes visit www.TruthOrTradition.com/itunes We are sure thankful for you! The Home Office Staff Spirit & Truth Fellowship International STFonline.org 1-888-255-6189, M-F 9 - 5 (ET) International callers use 1-765-349-2330 =============================================================== >--.From Heartwarmers: * An Award Winning Heartwarmer * __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP >THE POWER OF SECOND CHANCES by Teri Goggin-Roberts Theodore Johnson, or "Mr. J" was my fifth grade teacher. He was a tall, slender man with a reputation for fun that made students pray to be assigned to his class. Mr. J was significant in my life for many reasons. As an educator, he brought mundane subjects to life with humor and passion. As a person, he taught me the blessing of an unexpected second chance. One Monday morning, the schoolyard buzzed with rumors about a fire in the school over the weekend. When the bell rang I raced inside, excited by the acrid scent of burnt wood that confirmed the rumors. Homeroom hummed with conversation. Mr. J quieted the class and explained that "Home Economics" would be cancelled due to a fire. He also warned us not to go near the room because it could be dangerous. At morning recess, my friend Kim and I cooked up a plan to check out the damage. A first hand observation would make us heroes at lunch. Since Kim was in a different class, we decided to synchronize a time to go to the bathroom and divert to the "Home Ec" room instead. As the appointed time approached, I ignored a growing sense of dread. I didn't want to face the consequences at home if I got caught but I also couldn't "chicken out" and face Kim after school. When the clock ticked into position, I raised my hand and got permission to "go to the lavatory." Kim was already waiting in the hall. Kim and I safely reached the home economics room. We stood on tiptoes peering through the door window trying in vain to see what was forbidden. A firm grip on our shoulders stopped my heart cold. "Where do you belong? Certainly not here!" I whirled around to find a teacher staring angrily at us. I'd seen angry teachers before, but they were always glaring at someone else, not me. In those frozen seconds millions of thoughts flashed through my mind. My father would kill me for defying a teacher. Worse than that, my mom might be so mad she might not stop him. Utter terror froze my tongue but eventually I stuttered, "I belong in Mr. J's class." My spirits sank even lower when I realized my lie to Mr. J would soon be exposed. The arresting teacher led Kim and I back to our classrooms and knocked on the doors. I stood in the hall as my captor spoke with Mr. Johnson who rubbed his chin and arched his eyebrows as he listened. I wanted to melt into the floor. There was nowhere to hide from Mr. Johnson's angry eyes when they darted toward me during parts of the story. I lived with an alcoholic father so anger meant pain and I was already nauseous from the pain in my head. The teacher swished past, leaving my destiny in the hands of Mr. Johnson -- who now hated me. I blinked hard, fighting back tears of self-loathing. Like home, I desperately tried not to let Mr. J see me cry, instead, I braced myself for a barrage of anger. But Mr. Johnson had a different lesson to teach. Slowly, he knelt down on one knee and hunched his lanky body in an attempt to look me in the eye. When I glanced up from my shoes, I was met with a look of concern rather than anger. He spoke softly and carefully as he explained why he was disappointed in my decision to go where I may have gotten hurt. I was stunned that he cared more about my safety than the fact that I'd broken a rule. There was no yelling and no berating. As I looked into the eyes of the man who could send me to unimagined consequences at home, I began to cry. The full weight of disappointing Mr. J crushed my ten-year-old shoulders. I wiped my tears and wished I'd been expelled so I wouldn't have to return to a class full of staring eyes and spend the rest of the year hoping Mr. J would like me again. But the lesson was not complete. Mr. J stood up, indicating it was time to return to class. My heart was heavy with regret as we walked. The load lifted instantly with the gentle touch of Mr. J's hand on my shoulder. I glanced up and he smiled. My love for Mr. J blossomed in the moment I discovered that he still liked me even after I'd disappointed him. Slowly, it sunk in that he didn't raise his voice or threaten me. He didn't do anything but let me feel the impact of my actions. It was the first time I felt the exquisite freedom of forgiveness. Mr. J made no public mention of my crime, nor did he tell my parents. The rest of the day he smiled and acted normally. I saw the world from a fresh angle. At 10 years of age, I couldn't pinpoint what was different, I just knew I felt better about myself. I also knew I'd never disappoint Mr. Johnson again. Looking back, I can clearly see what was different. When I made mistakes at home the recovery from anger took days. But on that day, trust was restored the moment Mr. J smiled. I learned many things that year, but nothing more important than the power of being granted an unexpected second chance. -- Teri Goggin-Roberts ______________________________________________ Teri Goggin-Roberts taught at a men's prison near Philadelphia where she witnessed the power of unexpected chances. She is writing a book about second chances. If you have any examples from your life and want your story to be told by Teri, please feel free to email her. ================================================================= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: #########::::::::::######## ##########::::::::######### ###########::::::########## ###########,---.########### ##########/`---'\########## #########/ \######### ########/ \######## #######:`-._____.-':####### ######::::: ( ) |::::###### #####:::::: ) ( o:::::##### ####::::: .-(_)-. :::::#### ###:::::: '=====' ::::::### ########################### M-K >BRIGHTEN YOUR CORNER We cannot all be famous Or be listed in "Who's Who". But, every person, great or small, Has important work to do. For, seldom do we realize The importance of small deeds, Or to what degree of greatness Unnoticed kindness leads. For, it's not the big celebrity In a world of fame and praise. But, it's doing unpretentiously In an undistinguished way ... The work that God assigned to us, Unimportant as it seems, That makes our task outstanding And brings reality to dreams. So, do not sit and idly wish For wider, new, dimensions, Where you can put into practice Your many good intentions. But, at the spot God placed you, Begin, at once, to do Little things to brighten up The lives surrounding you. If everybody brightened up The spot where they are standing, By being more considerate And a little less demanding ... This dark old world would, very soon, Eclipse the evening star ... If everybody brightened up The corner where they are! -Author Unknown -<>- _|_ ____|____ #%@@ /~~~~.~~~~\ @@%# @%%#%%, /~~~~/ \~~~~\ ,%%#%%@ %%@@%%@%/~~~~/ : \~~~~\%@%%@@%% `@%%%@#@/____/ (X) \____\@%%%@#@` @@\@%%@`|.`.| ___ |.`.|`@%%@/@@ `#%/@ |:x:|| .||:x:| @\%#` || |:x:|| ||:x:| || -_|| _-|:x:||~ .||:x:|-_ ||_- !-!-!-!-!-|___||___||___|-!-!-!-!-!lc A chaplain was setting in his office at a large hospital when he received a knock on his door. A man stood at the door appeared very apologetically as the chaplain put on his collar and answered the door for at this center this was something that happened a lot instead of the usual happening next though which was for the chaplain to hear a confession, go over “the plan” and pray the prayer of salvation something different happen. “Dear Sir, please forgive me for bothering you” the man begun “I know you are busy but I need help to understand.” “No need to apologize. What can I do for you?” The chaplain inquired. “I simply do not understand” the man attempted to explain now with tears in his eyes as the chaplain invited him to take a seat. “What do you not understand?” The chaplain encouraged. “My best friend in a patient here and is in need of a new kidney after years of being diabetic and dialysis they say only days before he passes. I was tested to see if I was a match along with his family, friends, some of his fellow church members and co-workers. We refused to tell him because he is such a prideful person always willing to help others but seldom asking for help for himself or even allowing it. Please, do not get me wrong my friend knows the Lord. Well to cut a long story short; I received the news that I was the match. However, when I told him he simply replied that he would not do the same for me so why was I doing it for him and he rebuked me for my willingness to give this gift. Why can my friend not understand I have made the choice out of love, God gave me two and commanded that we bear others burdens and this is just my why of returning God’s love, and just why does my friend have to be so prideful. Does he not understand that he is important and that he is loved?” This puzzled the chaplain so with being unsure what to say the chaplain invited the man to pray with him. They knelt before the alter and turned the plea over to God. Suddenly, as they knelt a voice was heard. “My child, I understand your concern and your desire. I gave you one mind to know Me and the freewill to do that right thing, one heart to love with My love, two ears so you can listen twice as often as you speak, two eyes to see the beauty of My creation and to see how to help, two hands to do My work, two feet to walk My path, one life to lay down for My will and in My name. I gave you My only son so that you may have life and come to know Me better. Dear child, I know what it is like so often I am asked why I gave My only son but My answer is why not because I did it in love it is the same love that I command you to give even though your friend will never understand. Place your trust in me I will light your path and I will not leave or forsake either of you.” As the voice vanished as easy as it came the two stood, “My choice is clear and my path is set for shine brightly with the light of love. I am to follow God and trust God even though my friend may never understand.” The man now understood what his friend was unable to accept and unwilling to allow for the man understood to love with God’s love meant that one had to obey what God commands and to trust God. The chaplain anointed the man at the man’s request and blessed the man and his friend. One more time before leaving the chapel the man prayed, “Please, Lord I know my friend may never understand but I plea help him to trust that you love him and so do I!” Life may be full of choices the man could say what if something happens to my other one or then again is there really a choice when God commands a specific act of love. The choice is to obey God or not. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself (Luke 10:27). In love we are commanded to bear one another burdens in so fulfill the law of the Christ (Galatians 6:2). What is of the Spirit radiates love and is given in mercy. In love we are compelled to trust. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy way acknowledge thy Lord, and thy Lord shall direct thy path (Proverb 3:5-6). There are going to be times when you will be rebuked for loving even Christ was rebuked for loving but we are directed in a path that shines brightly with God’s love and we will not be forsaken neither shall we forsake. That is what we all must remember to love always even in times that understanding eludes us or the ones we are attempting to offer God’s love to. There is a saying to understand something to place yourself in the situation and to understand someone place yourself in their shoes. It matters little if it is understood or returned as long as we mercifully give the gift of God’s love in all things. God knows what is in ones' heart but what is in one’s heart is lived more by ones’ actions than ones’ words. The gift given with God’s love will not be regretted even if it is not received on earth. What-so-ever is sowed shall also be reaped thus let us not go weary while doing good, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all (Proverbs 3:7 & 9-10). If you were this man what would you do and could you make the same choice? (He choose to give the gift of God’s love) If you were the friend could you attempt to understand and would you trust that you are loved? If this story touches you, as I pray it does, say a prayer, reach out to another with God’s love, and pass this to someone else that it might be touched. The plea is that you apply it to your life. Please, not just read it and forget it. The item that is on your heart is no less important even if it is a simple smile or the act to say “I love you” that truly comes from the heart as long as it is in God’s love and given in God’s love it is important. -<>- __ _ / /| |\\ \/_/ \_\| / __ \/_/__\ .-=='/~\ ____,__/__,_____,______)/ /{~}}} -,------,----,-----,---,\'-' {{~}} jgs '-==.\}/ >COOL HEADS AND WARM HEARTS If you've ever struggled making the right decision, you may appreciate this story: A young man seemed to take an unusually long time to place his order at the flower shop. When the clerk asked how she could help, he explained that his girlfriend was turning 19 and he couldn't decide whether to give her a dozen roses or 19 roses -- one for each year of her life. The woman put aside her business judgment and advised, "She may be your 19-year-old girlfriend now, but someday she could be your 50-year-old wife." The young man bought a dozen roses. He made his decision from both his head and his heart. Abraham Lincoln has been considered one of the greatest leaders of all time. He maintained a cool head, even under personal attack. Though constantly criticized in public, he rarely answered back. "If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business," he said. He showed courage in the face of unjust criticism. He refused to retaliate and chose instead to quietly do the very best he could. And Lincoln was also widely known for his compassion. He made difficult and tough decisions during America's Civil War, but at the same time showed great leniency. He pardoned more prisoners than any U. S. president before or since. And when a general asked Lincoln how the defeated Confederates should be treated, Lincoln replied, "Let 'em up easy." He was both cool-headed and warm-hearted. Too many people get it the other way around. They have hot heads and cold hearts. They react in the heat of anger or passion. They are cold and unfeeling. And they invariably make poor decisions. A cool head asks the hard questions. A cool head thinks it through. A cool head fairly weighs the options and asks, "What is the logical thing to do?" A warm heart empathizes. A warm heart considers feelings and relationships. A warm heart asks, "What is my spirit telling me to do?" Some decisions we make with our heads. Others with our hearts. But I think it takes both to get it right. -- Steve Goodier http://stevegoodier .blogspot. com/ -<>- Links for Your Enjoyment Hand Boeienin Bed http://www.buffaloschips.com/012128.htm Hill Climb http://www.buffaloschips.com/012129.htm Honey http://www.buffaloschips.com/012130.htm How The Brits Taxi Jets http://www.buffaloschips.com/012131.htm Idiots http://www.buffaloschips.com/012132.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ================================================================= _ /_) (8_))}- . \_) '. .--. . , .-.-,_, : '. .' )`-.>'` ( '---'`; / `\ | . | | | _.' \ / / .' `=(\ /.=` ' `-;`.-' '._ `)| , ` ' ' ' ' ' || .-'| ,_|| \_,/ , \|| .' |\|\ , ||/ ,_\` |/| |Y_, '-.'-._\||/ >_.-`Y| ` ,_|| \|| || jgs || |/ >Extra Ordinary Story Editor: by David McLaughlan Joyce Schowalter Ayrshire, Scotland It was just another nothing much kind of day, in January 2009. I'd done a little shopping and was walking home with nothing much on my to-do list. I overtook a wee old lady. To be honest, she hardly registered on my radar. Just another ordinary old lady. Then she carefully sat one of her shopping bags down, straightened up and took a deep breath. The bag held a big box of soap powder. I could've carried it all day without noticing, but she hadn't made it fifty yards from the shop before stopping. I walked past... then turned back and asked if she needed a hand. She explained that normally she had a shopping cart and the box wouldn't have been a problem. But as she hadn't much money, the soap was too good a bargain to miss. While she explained I picked up the bag and we started walking. I asked her where she was going then lied and said it was exactly on my way. A few steps along I realised I had to walk really slowly so not to tire her out - which gave us plenty of time to chat. But what would we talk about? She said she was 92 in a month. Then said she was retired from The Salvation Army. She'd joined as a teenager, met her husband, her only love, at the Army College. Then they'd set out on a life of service together. She talked about the work in poor, inner-city areas. How her husband had died suddenly thirty years ago while they were both out doing the good work. She had so looked forward to growing old with him, and didn't understand why it happened, but was absolutely sure it was part of the bigger plan. Wow! As I listened, my admiration grew. I walked her to her door, despite her protests that it must be out of my way. There Mrs Thompson and I introduced ourselves and shook hands. I said it was a real pleasure to meet her. She said when I stopped she saw I had a good face. Walking away, so much ran through my mind. I was touched she'd said I had a good face. I know only too well how badly my heart would fare if held up to public inspection, so if my face looked good that's a step in the right direction. It was an honour to have helped her. Then I remembered how, only minutes before, I had thought of her as just another ordinary old lady. How wrong I had been! The more I get to know people, the more I hear their stories, the more I come to realise there is no such thing as an ordinary person. Mrs Thompson, thank you for helping me! EDITOR'S NOTE: The author's web site is: http://tinyurl.com/y8fwjrq =======HeroicStories======= >-->From SermondFodder: >Overheated Computers In the office where I work, there is a constant battle between our technical-support director and customer-service personnel over the room temperature, which is usually too low. The frustrated director, trying to get us to understand his position, announced one afternoon, "We need to keep the temperature below seventy-five degrees or the computers will overheat." Thinking that this was just another excuse, one of my shivering colleagues retorted, "Yeah right. So how did they keep the computers from overheating before there was air conditioning?" === >From Clean Laughs. To SUBSCRIBE: http://www.gophercentral.com/ ======================= Worth Repeating.... If the heart can conceive it, and the mind can believe it, God can achieve it. -- Charles Pollard ========================== +&- _.-^-._ .--. .-' _ '-. |__| / |_| \| | / \ | /| _____ |\ | | |==|==| | | |---|---|---|---|---| |--|--| | | |---|---|---|---|---| |==|==| | | ^jgs^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >LORD PROP US UP Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed, 'Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side.' After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently. He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this... I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years.. It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall. Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time. I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times. Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing leaning toward self pity, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. So we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.'' - Author Unknown Editors NOTE: I searched to try to find the author of this one, without success. If any of you can find the original source I'll gladly give credit for this wonderful Modern-Day Parable. Keith the Sermon Fodder Guy === This post is brought your way by Sermon Fodder and Joke A Day Ministries. To subscribe drop a note to Sermon_Fodder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or to ajokeaday7-subscribe@topica.com. Please leave this attached if you forward this to friends or post on a web page. --- ...We have this up as a page here: Old Barns, Old People, Old Friends http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/barns.html ================================================================= >-->From CupO'Cheer: _ " _ _ " _ (_\|/_) (_\|/_) _ " _ _ " _ (/|\) (/|\) (_\|/_) " _ (_\|/_) (/|\)_\|/_) (/|\) ejm97 (/|\) >MY CHILD, I'M WITH YOU My child I'm with you wherever you go; What you are facing, I surely do know. At the time things happen, I am there, Because for you My child I care. I am the Rock for you to build on, Every day from dawn to dawn; Your solid foundation, I won't fade away - All through the ages, I truly will stay. I provide what you need, so you do not thirst, When you choose to put Me first. You must remember I'm not caught by surprise; I don't make mistakes, I won't tell you lies. I am with you when you face the foe, Wherever you are, I surely know. I've prepared the way ahead of you, So know I'll also bring you through. You may lose earthly things, this is true, But you have what you need, for I love you. At the time things happen, I am there, Because for you, My child I care. What you are facing, I surely do know. My child I am with you wherever you go. by Debbie Preuss -<>- | | | | _ /_ | ( `' ) | `~~' | | _ /_ | | -Lee Lawrence- ( `' ) _\ _ __---`~~'--( `' )--__ ||||||||||||||||||||||| | _ _ _ __ ___ | | \_|_/ __|_ | | \_________________/ >TAKE SOMETHING SAD © Vickey Stamps The older apple tree twisted itself slightly forward to better see the road traveler with his heavy back pack and ragged, well worn coat. The man looked weary. Perhaps the man would notice him and sit in his shade made from his trunk and his many limbs and leaves. The man would be hungry and be tempted to try one of the large delicious fruits upon his branches. He quickly straightened himself up, preening, as best he could. The man who owned the land upon which the old tree stood at the end of the driveway, had come to check the mail. He also saw the traveler. Now he hurried back to the house, made a couple of quick sandwiches, cut up some hunks of cheese and filled two tall glasses with some sweetened ice tea. He hoped the man would stop. They could share a lunch and have a bit of a visit. His wife always warned him about those strange people who seemed homeless. She was afraid they might bring him harm. He had done this for years though. “Turn sad to glad… like our Emmy did’ he would say, and go right on doing the same thing. It always worked out well. If the man had a willing ear, he would tell him the story of the old apple tree and how it came to be. Sure enough the man indeed had stopped. He was sitting in the shade of the tree. The owner of the land dropped down beside him. “Can I join you friend? I would enjoy the company” “I guess that means you won’t mind me sitting on your property. It is pretty warm out today and the shade of your tree seemed to invite me to sit and rest awhile. This has to be the prettiest apple tree I have ever seen” “I brought enough food for the both of us to have, and apples would go great with the cheese. Why don’t you pick a few for the road? You could even eat one now.” “I guess that town I just passed through before finding this property here on its edge, has got more apple trees than an orchard would. I never saw so many apple trees. I don’t reckon you would know why that is would you?” "Well, now that you mention it, I can tell you how that happened. This here tree over our heads may be the Daddy of them all” The apple tree relaxed and bent down a burl growing on its lower trunk, so it could better hear the story again. Emmy’s father began to tell how it all began. ‘Our little girl Emmy, is all grown up and married. She even has some grandkids and a couple apple trees in her back yard. The town was not always full of apple trees, but thanks to our Emmy, it is now. I guess the Lord didn’t make anything much prettier to see than an apple tree in bloom. Anyway, seems our Emmy had been paying attention to the news and how tough some folks had it. She had been thinking that though she was just twelve, she could do something to help folks having so much sadness in their lives. Her Sunday school teacher had said in one of the classes, that anyone could take something sad and make it glad. Emmy wondered what that something could be. She remembered learning a story about Johnny Appleseed and thought perhaps she could grow an apple tree. Her mama was always sticking an apple in her lunch. This time she saved the seeds and let them dry out. Emmy thought they looked lonely away from the apple, and perhaps they were sad. She couldn’t keep them all but she could pick the largest and prettiest one of all. She asked her mama for something in which she could make a home for her little seed. My missus, she got an old chipped teacup and they put small stones in the bottom with potting soil on top. Emmy pushed the little seed down in the dark soil and gently covered it over. Every day in the weeks that followed, she would find the warmest place in the yard and leave the cup holding the precious seed there, so it could drink in the sunshine. When the night came and the air grew cool, she’d bring that cup and sit it near the water heater, hoping it would keep it warm. My wife and I were afraid she would just be disappointed when she found the seed would never grow into a tree, but we didn’t have the heart to tell our Emmy that. She wanted it to grow tall and have pretty apples on it. She wanted it to give off shade and food and somehow help other people. One day Emmy come running in with her teacup, excited as a new speckled pup. A tiny stem and leaf poked proudly up out of the soil. Well, let me tell you, my friend, me and my daughter got ourselves over to the local nursery and found a bigger pot and some fertilizer. We made a habit out of those trips after that first one. According to our daily break- fast conversations with Emmy, she and the Lord had had the same old conversations every night about the little tree that continued to grow day by day. “Lord, bless my little tree and help it be a good tree for others. It was a sad little seed. Please continue taking something sad and making it something glad.” Her prayer never changed in word or content. Every chance Emmy got, she’d tell others about the tree and how it was doing. They in turn, told others haw little Miss Emmy had taken some- thing sad and made it glad. She had chosen not to throw away the apple seed. Many of them began to do the same thing, and soon their own trees began to grow. In years to come as our daughter began turning into a young woman. Her little tree became far too large for its half-barrel housing. I took it out and put it in a burlap bag to protect its roots. I let it rest against the house a day or two while I searched my mind for the perfect place to put it. Well now, you see where it is and I guess this is the best place it could be. This tree has probably fed lots of folks at the local shelter, and more than a few of its seeds have found their way to community gardens. Its apples have been turned into pies, apple butter and applesauce. It sure has been a good old tree. I expect this apples children will someday be as good as this old thing.” Having said so he patted the old tree on its trunk and smiled at it. The traveler waved goodbye to the man who had shared his lunch and felt a stirring of good within his heart. It had been quite awhile since he’d felt welcome anywhere. He had been away from home a long time. Maybe he could take a path that brought him back. He would save some seeds from the apples he’d been encouraged to pick. Maybe he would stay home this time. He could plant the apple seeds in the back yard. His very old mother would enjoy seeing them grow and bloom. It surely would be something to think on. His feet felt lighter as he sat them once more upon the road before him. The other sharer of the lunch, took up the empty glasses and returned to his home. He could smell an apple cobbler cooking. Its scent weaved itself out into the air rising to meet and join him as he returned. His mouth watered. Meanwhile, the old apple tree looked down inside itself, remembering the seed from which it had sprung. Could it have done so…it would have smiled. LIFE WAS GOOD wordpaintervs@live.com --- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ======================================================= >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) /~, .-.-.~ ~/.-.-. '. .' ,___.-.-.'. .'~ ~/! ~/, '. .'\ ! ___/,! .-.-. ! \! / .-.-. '. .' ! ,|/ '. .' ! |~ ! ! ~| ! \|/ lc ~"^"~"^"~ A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.' 'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied. Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged .. it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. 'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories! Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank. I am still depositing. 'Remember the five simple rules to be happy: 1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less. -<>- I love this video! It's all about perspective and the power of positive thinking. Just when you think you are failing, when things seem to be going wrong, a change of perspective shines a bright light of realization that you just might be succeeding in other ways. Optimism - Pass It On! The Greatest! http://www.coolestone.com/media/888/Power_Of_Positive_Thinking_-_The_Greatest/ --- ...Great Advise! Gotta be Orangy! :) Thanks Jo Ann! ========================================================== >-->From our Friend Viv :) Simple common sense steps - some we might not have thought about! .-. o \ .-. .----.' \ .'o) / `. o / | \_) /-. '_.` \ \ `. | \ | \ | Don't slam the door on your way OUT! .--/`-. / / .'.-/`-. `. .\| /.' /`._ `- '-. ____(|__/`-..`- '-._ \ |`------.'-._ ` ||\ \ || # /-. ` / || \| || #/ `--' / /_::_|)__ `|____|-._.-` / ||`--------` \-.___.` | / || # | \ | | || # # | /`.___.'\ |.`|________| | /`.__.'|'.` __/ \ __/ \ /__.-.) /__.-.) LGB >Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W). The following message given by him, it makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu): 1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications). 2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of your face. 3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method. 4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water . Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population. 5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption. 6. Drink plenty of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm. -<>- \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >We need "Revival" in America now! It has never been a more dangerous time to be a member of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Our men and women are vulnerable on every front and with the shooting at Ft. Hood in our own backyard we must pray harder, stronger and cry out for their protection. We need "Revival" in America now! LORD JESUS HELP!!! We cry out to the GOD of all comfort to comfort all the families who have lost their loved ones and heal all our wounded in JESUS Name! Prayer for Our Military O Prince of Peace JESUS, we boldly ask Your protection for all our men And women in military service. Give them unflinching courage to Defend with honor, dignity and devotion the rights of all who are Imperiled by injustice and evil. Guard our churches, our homes, Our schools, our hospitals, our factories, our buildings, and all Those within from harm and peril. Protect our land and its people From enemies within and without. Grant an early peace with victory Founded upon justice. Instill in the hearts and minds of men and Women everywhere a firm purpose to live forever in peace and Good will towards all. Amen. _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ A Prayer of Blessing for those Deployed to Serve in the Military Lord and Holy Protector, You called Abraham and Sarah to leave their homeland And to journey away from their own people. Yet you kept them safe wherever they went. Protect our children, our husbands and wives, Our mothers and fathers, and our friends and loved ones Who now must leave to fight in this war. Walk by their side and calm any fear. Be their companion and guide their thoughts; Encircle them with your light, and keep them from harm; And when their service is ended, lead them safely home again. For you, O God, are our shelter in every storm And our refuge in times of danger. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen --- ...AMEN! And Thank You Viv! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************