Key to Acceptance... :) 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 ================ *~* 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 Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts 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 :) Today's hot new page is from our friend Melinda. It is one that will take your breath away! It is said to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world! Check it out here and be sure to take the bus ride! ,sdPBbs. ,d$$$$$$$$b. d$P'`Y'`Y'`?$b d' ` ' \ `b / | \ \ / / \ | \ _,--' | \ | /' _/ \ | \ _/' /' | \ `-.__ __/' ,-' / | | \ `--...__ /' / | / \ \ `-. `\ / /;;,,__-' / / \ \ `-. / |;;;;;;;\ \ Tianmen Mountain! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tianmenmountain.html --- ...Wowsers! Reminded me of my trip out West! Thanks Melinda! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _________,---------.____------.___ /_______ `--._______ `--.____ \\ /__.-' `-----.____ `--._____,`_/_ ,' `---.___ ___// `-. / _.----,, `---' \ ,;~~;, _| / \ .' ~ | ;;;;;;;; /'/ / | ' /| | | '''' | | | | _/'__ ,`, __ | |||||||||| \ \_ ` ,/ `'~ _\-_____, `~~~'~ _\ _/ | '''''' | \\||/ ~'~ `---(__________,' (___________,'---' \|||/ \,;;;;,/ \||/ \|/ ~~~~ dcau >EASTER, SPRING AND REBIRTH by Nancy Julien Kopp I've been thinking about Easter celebrations of my childhood years in the Chicago area during the 1940s. When Easter fell in March or early April, we donned spring dresses and coats to walk to church in sharp north winds, even a little snow on occasion. On one of those bitter cold Easter mornings, I had a new aqua-blue spring coat and matching hat that I'd looked forward to wearing. Mother told me it was much too cold to wear it. "You have too far to walk to church. You'll freeze," she said. I begged and begged. "Please let me wear it. I'll wear a sweater underneath." Tears slipped from my eyes as I waited for her to give in. They were genuine, not a ploy. Wearing that new coat was a monumental need at that moment at age eight. Mother relented, but I did have to wear the sweater I'd proposed underneath my lightweight, pastel colored coat. I think I was very glad to have it as my brother and I headed to church to hear the Easter story once again. My parents never attended church with us. Theirs was a mixed marriage -- Dad was Catholic and Mother Methodist, and neither ever gave in to the other. But we kids all attended the Methodist church and Sunday School. Dad polished our shoes every Saturday night so we'd look our best on Sunday mornings. The day before Easter, we dyed eggs in glorious colors. Coffee cups filled with hot water, a dye tablet and a splash of vinegar covered the kitchen table. We arranged the eggs on a big platter lying on artificial grass. The Easter Bunny would hide them while we slept that night. The Easter Bunny usually brought us a few chocolates, jelly beans and a new comic book. He also hid the brightly colored eggs in our living and dining rooms. What fun it was to discover the decorated eggs, one or two of which we always found in Dad's shoes left out overnight. Later in the day, aunts, uncles and cousins joined us for a special dinner. Mother usually fixed a leg of lamb or a big ham, glazed with brown sugar and mustard, cloves inserted in the scored top. Many side dishes weighed down the dining room table -- scalloped or mashed potatoes, two or three vegetables, a jello salad, homemade rolls, pickles, olives and pickled beets, and a springtime dessert of some kind, cream pies, berry pies, or a cake with whipped cream frosting. The aroma of all these good things filled our small apartment. When we were all too full to move, it was time to do dishes. No dishwashers, but all the women pitched in and they were finished in no time. The kitchen filled with the clatter of dishes and the chatter of women. My cousin, Carol, and I were drafted at an early age to dry the silverware, a job neither of us liked. We hurried through so we could walk to the park to play the rest of the afternoon. We played outdoors or occasionally went to a movie to finish the Easter Sunday celebration. The rebirth of springtime flowers, trees and bushes still symbolizes the meaning of Easter for me. Christ's resurrection created a rebirth for all Christians, and as He taught us to love one another, I also think of the love of family as part of our Easter celebrations. We will be spending this Easter holiday with our daughter's family, going to church, having a celebration dinner, and being together. Not so very different than all those years ago. -- Nancy Julien Kopp __________________________________________________ Nancy grew up in the Chicago area but has lived many years in Manhattan, Kansas in the Flint Hills. Her work is in eleven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and many other anthologies, ezines, magazines and newspapers. A former teacher, she still enjoys teaching through the written word. You can see her website at: http://www.writergrannysworld.blogspot.com =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Key to Acceptance (from In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley) (Based on Luke 6:46-49) Many churchgoers will be alarmed to discover that ministry work does not earn a place in heaven. Good deeds mean nothing to God unless they are the outgrowth of a relationship with Him. Only those who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior will enter heaven, no matter how many acts of kindness or charity they have performed. The definition of the word "believe" is what often confuses church members who lack genuine faith. They believe in God, Jesus, and heaven. But there's a difference between giving intellectual assent to an idea and spiritually acknowledging Christ as God's Son and one's own personal Savior. In the Bible, every time someone truly believes in Jesus, he or she changes. It is impossible to remain the same after realizing one's desperate need for Him. An earnest desire for salvation begins with the recognition that we have sinned against God. We must also be aware that there is no hope of salvation apart from the Lord. Having understood these two facts, we need to trust in His sacrifice for the payment of our sin-debt. Some people use the terminology "ask Jesus to forgive your sin" or "ask Jesus into your heart." It doesn't matter how we describe the experience - if we repent of sin and make a decision to receive Christ, we are saved. God promises to respond to a humble acknowledgement of His Son's sacrifice. If you desire to be in heaven with Him for eternity, ask yourself this question: Have I been saved? If not, now is the time. --- ...Thank you LouiseA. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Reminds me of my teacher in the Word talking about how men would go on this long journey traveling up a steep mountain sustaining cuts and bruises and depriving themselves of food and water calling it their holy journey of sacrifice. Others would sacrifice their lives to the Lord in Missionary work or give all they have to charity or other gifts to the church. These men and women would do this every year to try to obtain absolution for their sins and gain salvation so that they could go to heaven. Yet they fail to realize the love of our God through His only begotten son Jesus Christ. There is nothing that a man or woman can do to buy their salvation. They cannot work it off or be good enough to achieve this most sought after prize. It is not available through works. The only way that people can achieve salvation is through what Jesus Christ did for mankind by being our sacrificial lamb on the cross giving His life for us and by God giving Him victory over death and sins by raising Him up from the dead. The bible explains it quite well... Ephesians 2: [1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. [4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Rom.10:9,10 [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. If you haven't already, Say out loud, 'Jesus Christ is my Lord' and totally believe that God raised Jesus Christ from the grave. And you have salvation. God made it simple so that we are indeed saved by His Grace and not of our own works. Once you have been saved you have God's Spirit of... Col.1 [27b] '...Christ in you, the hope of glory:' Because of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ, we have this hope: 1 Cor.15: [45] And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. [46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. [48] As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. [49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. [50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. [51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? [56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Amen! :) =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ()___ ()//__/)_________________() ||(___)//#/_/#/_/#/_/#()/|| ||----|#| |#|_|#|_|#|_|| || ||____|_|#|_|#|_|#|_|#||/|| jgs || |#|_|#|_|#|_|#|_|| >It’s About Relationship I have been at the bedside of many people in their final moments, when they stand on the edge of eternity, and I have never heard anyone say, “Bring me my diplomas! I want to look at them one more time. Show me my awards, my medals, that gold watch I was given. When life on earth is ending, people don’t surround themselves with objects. What we want around us is people – people we love and have relationships with. In our final moments we all realize that relationships are what life is all about. Wisdom is learning that truth sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until you’re on your deathbed to figure out that nothing matters more.” SOURCE: Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life Contributed By: Mike Wilkins -<>- . . |\_|\ | a_a\ | | "] ____| '-\___ /.----.___.-'\ // _ \ // .-. (~v~) /| |'| /\: .-- / \ // |-/ \_/____/\/~| |/ \ | []_|_|_] \ | | \ | \ |___ _\ ]_} | | '-' / '.' | | | / /|: | | | | / |: /\ | | / / | / \ | | | / / | \ \ | |/\/ |/|/\ \ \|\ |\| | | / /\/\__\ \ \| | / | |__ snd / | |____) |_/ >THERE'S ALSO ROOM FOR LIFE-SIZE HEROES Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. So, for that matter, does heroism. Some acts of heroism are larger-than-life. They take place on such a gigantic scale that they are almost impossible to comprehend. The heroic acts of the passengers on Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, which resulted in the airliner crashing into the fields near Shanksville, Pa., instead of... well, whatever target terrorists had in mind... is an example of heroism on a grand scale. We read about it. We are inspired by it. We celebrate it. But we rarely experience it in a personal way that is meaningful and relevant to our everyday lives. But there are other acts of heroism that are smaller and more intimate, that happen almost every day in our lives. These are not the stuff of which feature films are made and to which impressive memorials are erected. But that doesn't make them any less heroic, especially not to those whose lives are affected by them. For example, I mourned that week with my friends in West Virginia for the 13 miners who were lost in the tragic Sago Mine disaster. That heartbreaking loss to families and communities is almost incalculable. But through all of the anguish and controversy, I was touched and inspired by the heroic act of several of the lost miners, who used their last breaths to write comforting words to their families and to the families of their fallen colleagues. "The notes said they weren't suffering, they were just going to sleep," said one victim's daughter, who added that the message in all the notes was clear: "Your dad didn't suffer." What sort of courage does that take? At a time when you would think that the natural human inclination would be toward self-protection and preservation, these men reached out with tenderness and compassion toward those whom they would leave behind. No, they weren't able to heroically conquer the physical obstacles that held them beneath the ground. But they were able to conquer the selfishness and narcissism that holds most of the world captive these days in order to give their loved ones the one thing that only they could give: peace. Larger- than-life? Maybe not. But heroic? Absolutely. Similar real-life heroism was exhibited, in my view, by a village police officer in upstate New York, who was running for the Town Board in the November's elections. In his political advertising, he mentioned his experience as a police officer and the fact that he had been awarded a "Medal of Honor" from village trustees for work he did at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001. When a New York City officer lambasted the ad and said it "disgraced" the memory of his fellow New York City and Port Authority officers who lost their lives on Sept. 11, the upstate officer immediately pulled the ad and apologized, indicating that, even though he DID receive his village's "medal of honor" for his Sept. 11 service, "I would never dishonor the memories of those who fell or those who served on that day of days." But this apology wasn't enough for the New York City officer, who continued his attacks on the upstate officer. Now, I don't really know why the big city officer was so worked up over a town board election in a small village in upstate New York. I just know that the upstate officer handled the attacks with dignity, class and grace. I'm sure it was tempting to fight vitriol with vitriol and to question the "heroism" of so mean-spirited a bully. But he never did, not once. At a time when political rhetoric is often so angry and divisive, I find that kind of restraint refreshing, maybe even heroic. Not larger-than-life, just life-size. And sometimes that's best size of hero to be. By Joseph Walker valuespeak@msn.com -<>- .-. / aa \ -,_) _..._| \ `-< {} ." .__.' | {} ( /`\ {}(`'------' / |\/;._______.'\ ; \ / jgs '-'-.......-' >THREE BULLETS There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner. As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and missed it. The rabbit ran away. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree. As he went further, he saw a large wild turkey up in a tree, but he had only one bullet remaining. A voice spoke to him and said, "Pray first, aim high and stay focused." However, at the same time, he saw a deer which would provide more meat than the turkey. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake. Still, the voice again said to him, "Pray first, aim high and stay focused." So, the man decided to listen to God's voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree, and shot the wild turkey. The bullet went into the turkey, deflected off a bone and hit the deer, killing it. When the gun fired, it knocked the man off balance, he stepped on the rattlesnake's head which killed it and the man fell backwards into a pond. When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a deer and a turkey with which to feed his family. The snake was dead simply because the man listened to God. Moral of the story: Keep God first and everything else will follow. Pray first before you do anything. Aim high in your goals, and stay focused on God. Never let people or things discourage you concerning your goals or your past. Do not look to man for your blessings, but look only to God. Have a blessed day everyone. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Thank You God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thankgod.html The Sacred Secret http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/secret.html Walking In Power http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html April Fool's Day Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs.html Dance! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sdp.html Let's Dance! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dance.html Undersea Restaurant http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/undersea.html Rescued Squirrel!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rsquirrel.html Maria The Goose!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/goose.html No Words Needed!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html God's Instructions!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/instructions.html Life Is...Continued!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifeis2.html Feeding The Eagles!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eaglefeeding.html Playing With Words!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Attitude Is Everything 5!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude5.html Beautiful Cactus Blooms!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cactusblooms.html -<>- >Follow Me on StumbleUpon: http://tinyurl.com/gvcuna3 -<>- >From Voice Of The Martyrs USA Cuban Pastor Thrown in Prison During President Obama's Visit http://tinyurl.com/guyzapp -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA :) Magician Tom Mullica performs a smoking hot card trick that is sure to leave you amazed. I'm pretty sure the Surgeon General doesn't approve of this smoking magic card trick but I found it to be creative and entertaining. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCm4r0F0tts&feature=player_embedded --- ...fun one! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) Cheers My friend! http://dingo.care2.com/cards/flash/5409/galaxy.swf Encouraging http://www.sunflowerministries.org/Encouraging-Scripture --- ...TeeHee! Just what we needed! Thanks Melody! 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 ========================================================== . /\\`. .------'\ \`.`-. / \ \ `-.`------. | \ \ `.-----'| [`-----------\//---' | \ .---. | `-._________/ \_____| VK >Dimes for a Stranger Story Editor: by Hope Pesner Joyce Schowalter Pennsylvania, USA My mother has always been one of those rare people that sees the good in everyone and does good things 'just because.' Life hasn't always been kind to her; she lost my oldest sister to leukemia in 1963 and just lost my father in 2007 after nearly 51 years of marriage. She's had her ups and downs, but has always maintained a positive, sunny outlook on life and has been very helpful to people. As an example, when I was in girl scouts in junior and senior high school, my mom drove me home from the meetings. She always waited for all the other girls to get picked up before driving home. She said, "I wouldn't want my daughter to wait alone, so I don't want any of the girls to wait alone." In the late 1970s, my other older sister had to have a pair of clogs, a hot fashion at the time. They were heavy slip-on shoes with tall soles. One day at home after school, my sister was chasing after our dog while wearing the clogs. She fell down and hurt her ankle and leg, prompting a necessary visit to the hospital emergency room. My mother immediately shifted into crisis mode, packed my sister into the car and drove to our local hospital. Because she was in such a rush to get to the hospital with my sister, my mother didn't call from home to tell my father that they were going to the emergency room. This was long before cell phones, instant messaging, texting and the Internet; so when she got to the hospital, she realized she needed to get in touch with my father immediately. He worked as a retail store manager and she wanted to let him know where they were. While waiting for my sister to be examined, my mother made her way to the pay phone to place her call. She put her dime in and called my father. She told him what had happened and where they were. After she hung up, the phone returned several additional dimes that mom wasn't owed. Realizing that the phone was broken, my mother decided to leave the extra dimes by the phone. She told us she left the money there because it was an emergency room -- in a crisis people might not remember to bring change with them to make that emergency call. She left the dimes there for someone else who might need them. I've often thought about her decision from an adult's perspective. I realize that someone seeing the money by the phone may have simply taken it, because not everyone was as trusting as my mother. But I like to believe that my mother's faith was well-placed, and that someone who needed them found the dimes waiting there. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend Linda :) _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >QUIET TIME PRAYER There is nothing better than older Christian people praying for you. They've had a lifetime to love and be close to God. Instructions are to pick four people You want God to bless. I pick you. Please pass this to at least four people you want to pray for and a copy back to me. This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's always pray for one another. The prayer: Dear Father God, Thank You for each and every day You have blessed us here on earth. Thank You for Your tender mercies. Thank You for giving us friends and family to share joys and sorrows with. I ask You to bless my friends, relatives, brothers and sisters in Christ and those I care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Where there is joy, give them continued joy, Where there is pain or sorrow, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence. Where there is need, fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. Help them know and do your Will, in Jesus Christ's name, Amen. Addendum: Behold, I make all things new (Revelations 21:5) If you choose to send this to more than four people, you are truly blessed to have such friends. --- ...awww, Thank You Linda! =========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: _,._ __.' _) <_,)'.-"a\ /' ( \ _.-----..,-' (`"--^ // | (| `; , | \ ;.----/ ,/ ) // / | |\ \ jgs \ \\`\ | |/ / \ \\ \ | |\/ `" `" `"` >HOW THE SHEPHERD CARED FOR HIS FLOCK 1. He knew his sheep and called them by name, because he spent time with them. 2. He was alert to the whereabouts of his sheep, and to their needs. 3. He cared for the needs of his sheep, i.e., if one got hung in a bush, he would get it loose. 4. He had total responsibility for his sheep. 5. He would give his life for his sheep, i.e., if a wolf charge his sheep, he would stand between the wolf and his sheep. 6. He was not deceived by wolves in sheep's clothing. 7. He was consistent in his actions around his sheep--always kind, gentle and meek to them, but in control; he never "spooked" them with unpredictable behavior. 8. He watched his flock so they would not wander off. 9. He would seek out the lost sheep and return them to the flock. 10. He kept his sheep under control, even if there were many. 11. He knew the qualifications for being a shepherd, which were: a. Long hours of work b. A lot of quiet time alone with the sheep c. Constantly working with the sheep d. Being careful not to neglect the sheep. 12. He knew the satisfaction of being a shepherd--seeing the sheep grow, reproduce and thrive in contentment. 13. He knew he could not cause the sheep to grow, but he could only provide the environment for growth. --from the newsletter of First Southern Baptist Church, Del City, Oklahoma, October 22, 1980 (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) -<>- .I. / : \ |===| >._.< .=-< >-=. /.'`(`-+-')'`.\ _/`.__/ : \__.'\_ ( `._/\`. : .'/\_.' ) >-(_) \ `:' / (_)-< | | / \___/ \ | | )^( | .' : `. | )^( | _\|`-._:_.-'| \ | "-<\)| : | : | "-" (\\| : / \ : | \\-:-| |-:-') \\:_/ \_:_/ |\\_| |_:_| (;\\/ \__;) |: \\ | :| \: /\\ \ :/ |==| \\|==| /v-'( \\`-v\ // .-' \\. \\ `-' \\`-' hjw \| >BREASTPLATE Mike Benson, Editor Terry Schafer was a young wife living with her husband in Moline, Illinois... She had a special gift she wanted to give to her husband for the holidays, but she was afraid they wouldn't be able to afford it. She started shopping for the gift in September knowing it was specialized piece of equipment and that not every store would s ell it. She finally found it, and to her dismay it was well beyond their budget. So she came up with the idea of putting it on lay away and making payments. She pitched her idea to the store owner. He sympathized with her situation and said, "Since your husband is a policeman, I doubt that you're going to take advantage of me. Why don't you give me your first payment today, and I'll let you take the gift home now. Just be sure to make the payments and pick it up before Christmas." Terry agreed to the deal. But she was one of those people who couldn't keep a secret. She couldn't wait until Christmas to give her gift to her husband. That September night, Terry stood there beaming with a wrapped present on the kitchen table. She said, "Merry Christmas," and gave her husband a peck on the cheek. Neither of them realized at that moment how significant that gift would be. In fact, in the not-to-distant future, Terry's gift would mean the difference between life and death. On October 1st of that same year, Patrolman David Schafer was working the night shift and got a call on his police radio. A drug store was being robbed. David raced to the scene and arrived just in time to watch the suspect get into a car and speed away. David switched on his siren and began his pursuit. Only three blocks later, the suspect suddenly pulled his car over to the side of the road and stopped. He sat motionless behind the wheel of his car. David approached the vehicle with great caution. When he got three feet from the car, the suspect fired his pistol through the window and sent a a .45 caliber slug into David's abdomen. Around 7:00 AM the next morning, Terry answered the door of her home only to be greeted by a police officer. He informed her that he had bad news and good news. The bad news was that her husband had been shot virtually point blank with a .45 while trying to apprehend a robbery suspect. As she listened, Terry was glad that she hadn't waited until Christmas to give David his gift. He had been shot and had survived. She was glad too that the shopkeeper had let her take the gift home that day. And what was the gift? It was a bulletproof vest. The good news was that David was in the hospital with only deep bruises...not a bullet wound. THOUGHT: Child of God, are you wearing your bulletproof vest? The only way the enemy can injure you is if you fail to put it on. KneEmail: "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness." Ephesians 6:14 Bible reading Mark 6:30-56; Numbers 17-19 as seen in KneEmail ========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: .---. _....._ / p `\ .-""`: :`"-. |__ - | ,' . ' ', ._> \ /: : ; :, '-. '\`. . : ' \ `. | .'._.' '._.' '._.'. | `;-\. : : ' '/,__, .-'`'._ ' . : _.'.__.' ((((-'/ `";--..:..--;"` \ .' / \ \ jgs ((((-' ((((-' >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY Mallory, 3, stays with her Aunt Peggy during the day because Peggy is retired. Recently, Mallory said, "Aunt Peggy, I'm going to be doctor when I grow up. What are you going to be when you grow up?" -- Kathleen A. Kulp of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania A few weeks ago Pat was taking her granddaughter Sophia, 5, to kindergarten. They drove by the new CVS pharmacy and then the new Walgreen's. "Those walls aren't green!" Sophia said indignantly -- Pat Glass of Kendallville, Indiana Later that day Pat picked up Sophia from kindergarten. "Grandma," Sophia exclaimed, "I've got homework out the kazoo!" _()_ )( _..-''''''-.._ .' . ' ` . `. .' . . `. .-. : . ...... . : : : . .' ) ( `. . : `. @: . : < > : . : .-----. `.: . :--`--'--: . :.' `. .---:: . : .--. *: . :: _ : .'.' `:. . : :__. : . .' : '.`: : : : -. : `._ `.______.' _.' '`._ .' ' jgs `. `'' .' ``-......-'' `. ``` .' `---' `-----' David, grandfather of Cora, 2, loves to play with her in her play house. Cora likes to pretend that she is a princess. The other day, she told her mom, Lydia, "I'll be Cin-a-rella, and you be Nose White!" -- David Meadors (no location given) Roger and his wife enjoyed hosting their granddaughter Madison, 5, for the weekend. Madison and Granny were playing a video game together. Granny was fighting the monster when Madison blurted out, "Look, Granny, you've been fighting that monster for 60 years. It's my turn now!" -- Roger Dean Kiser of Georgia Sara told their son Isaiah, 3, "I loved you before you were even born." Isaiah replied, "I loved you before you were even born... when you were in Daddy's tummy!" -- Sara Grepke of Kendallville, Indiana When Justin was 6 he went with his parents to Corpus Christi, Texas. Jeanne, his mother, had grown up there, and she wanted her mother Jean to bring all her photo albums so she could look at them. The photos were in black and white. When Justin was looking at the pictures, he asked, "Mom, did they have color when you were a little girl?" -- Jean Felfe (grandmother of Justin now 20) of Spicewood, Texas Many years ago, Jennifer went shopping with her mother. Inside a store they stopped at a place where loose bras were piled on top of each other for sale. Many women were gathered around looking through them. Trying to be helpful, Jennifer held up a padded bra for her mother to look at. Her mother was a very big-busted woman. "I don't wear that kind of bra," her mother said. "Why not," Jennifer asked, "it will keep you warm in the winter!" Jennifer recalls, "All the ladies busted out laughing." -- Jennifer Miller (no location given) Connie of Vienna, Austria writes: "I was looking in some stamp collecting books for a few floral stamps to pass on to a collector friend and I found several sheets of paper with 'adventures' and funny things our daughter (who is now 22) had done and said when she was about 2 to 3." .-"""-. / \ \ / .-"""-.-`.-.-.< _ / _,-\ ()()_/:) \ / , ` `| '-..-| \-.,___, / \ `-.__/ / jgs / `-.__.-\` / /| ___\ ( ( |.-"` `'\ \ \/ {}{} | \| / \ , / ( __`;-;'__`) `//'` `||` _// || .-"-._,(__) .(__).-""-. / \ / \ \ / \ / `'-------` `--------'` * Watching a program on acupuncture, Maggie got all upset and demanded the TV be turned off: "Make ouch doctor go away!" * Watching a big lightning storm she said, "I watch the sky playing on and off!" * Watching the rain she sighed and said, " Look at all the tears going down, the sky is crying soo much." * Watching the old carpet being ripped out she says, "But mine you leave where it is. I need it for my bare feet!" * Sitting on the balcony she said happily, "Listen! The birds are ringing deet deet-deet deet!" * Watching her 8 year-old cousin blow a big bubble with bubble gum she said in alarm, "Don't eat the balloon!" __,,,,,,,,,_ .-' ___ .\ / /__ `\ , `\ ,""") / @ \ =\ : `\ .\_/`"'".`~'""'~' : `\ :. _\____,; . ;`. `\ : `\_| .) .: .' `. \ ' \...:/ /\`. `. \ `-._\::/ ./. \ `. ; \ _.)--'`--....-'.' ( \_) `. \ | _( -== .' \ `"'' .( -=- ,' \ ( =-= ) \ `( -= ) . `\ .' `( - ); ; `\ ; `( _.'.' .' \ , ; .';`"'~~'` .' .'; ;' ). \\\_; ;: :'(( _.' ( ; ). jgs .'`: ''"' \ ; ) _,-----'" `._ .-' - ._; )' / / __.`._ .' / `--' `'`'`'`'`''""" `": , ; :_/ / .' `''--'` Isaiah, 3, was outside playing and when he came inside he was a little stinky. His mom, Irma, said, "Oh, Baby, you smell like a little boy." He replied, "That's O.K. You smell like a Mommy." -- Irma (mother of Isaiah) of Phoenix, Arizona One day Isaiah was misbehaving and whining so his father sent him to his room. After a few minutes, his daddy asked him if he was done crying and Isaiah said, "Almost!" The Brayton family had the television on while President Obama was giving a speech. Seeming to be paying no attention to the TV, Noah, 2, was wrestling with his father. But then, realizing his dad was getting the best of him, Noah hollered at the TV, "Help me, Obama! Help me! Help me!" -- Jenni Brayton (mother of Noah) of Kendallville, Indiana Rich and Peggy tell about their 4-year-old grandson who, during a recent tornado warning, told his mother, "I don't want to get killed by a tomato!" -- Rich and Peggy Anderson of Kendallville, Indiana _ .-' '-. / \ |,-,-,-,-,| ___ | _)_(_ | (/ \) | _\_/_ /) / \_/ \// |( )\/ ||)_( |/ \ n| | / \ | |_|___| \|/ jgs _/L\_ During the children's sermon Pastor Tom Dunbar of Immanuel Lutheran Church asked the children to name some of the 10 Commandments. There was silence. Not one of the kids came up with anything. To help prompt them, Pastor Dunbar suggested, "Thou shalt not..." Madison, 6, piped up, "Thou shalt not jump on the furniture!" -- Madison is the granddaughter of Joe and Carmen Holbrook of rural LaOtto, Indiana. Sean tells this story about his godson, Ted. His mother, Georgina, signed him up for swimming lessons in a mothers/ toddlers swimming group. Ted didn't take to the water. He found it cold. As Georgina tried gently lowering him into the water alongside her one week, he said, "I want a coat!" -- Sean Taylor, a British citizen currently living in Sao Paulo, Brazil The power went out at the day care for a few minutes the other day and Nolan, 4, said, "I think the batteries are dead ... where do you keep your batteries?" -- Lisa Billingsley (mother of Nolan) of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina Melissa took a fruit bouquet to a funeral home. Hannah, 3, was with her mother and it was her first time in a funeral home. She saw the open casket and said, "Mommy, what is that man doing in that great big jewelry box? He better hurry up and get out of there before he has to go in the naughty corner!" -- Sandy Thieme (grandmother of Hannah) of Fort Wayne Sweetcakes Comedy Entertainment Co. .'\ /`. .'.-.`-'.-.`. ..._: .-. .-. :_... .' '-.(o ) (o ).-' `. : _ _ _`~(_)~`_ _ _ : : /: ' .-=_ _=-. ` ;\ : : :|-.._ ' ` _..-|: : : `:| |`:-:-.-:-:'| |:' : `. `.| | | | | | |.' .' `. `-:_| | |_:-' .' jgs `-._ ```` _.-' ``-------'' Mary's granddaughter Beth, 7, was visiting her other grandmother and her aunt who lived next door. When Beth got back Mary asked Beth what her aunt was doing. Beth replied, "She was out in the garden pulling duck (quack) grass!" Mary Osborne of Angola, Indiana Here's another story from Mary. Her great-grandson Carson, 6, was with her during a "snow day." He asked her if he could have a chocolate chip cookie and she said it was too close to lunch. "Could I just have half a cookie?" he asked. Mary said, "Not now." Carson continued, "Well, could I just have some crumbs?" How could she resist? Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== >-->Quotes: ______ '-._ ```"""---.._ ,-----.:___ `\ ,;;;, '-.._ ```"""--.._ |,%%%%%% _ , '. `\;;;; -\ _ _.'/\ .' `-.__ \ ,;;;;" .__{=====/_)==:_ || ,===/ ```";,,,,,,,;;;;;'`-./.____,'/ / '.\/ '---/ ';;;;;;;;' `--.._.' / ,===/ '-. `\/ '---/ ,'`. | ; __.-' \ ,' jgs \______,,.....------'''`` `---` I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers. - Isaiah 65:24 Beloved one, get quiet, listen to this blessing, and hear the voice of love saying good things to you. You can rest in the full truth that you are your Father’s beloved. The voice of your loving Father resonates in you in a deep place. He called you his beloved from eternity. Taste deeply of love, of God, and of truth. Know the treasure you are to God. You are a chosen one, a special person, noticed in your uniqueness, eternally valued. You are priceless and irreplaceable, safe in his everlasting embrace, at rest in his non-comparing love. ~ Unknown Life can be difficult at times. A beloved parent dies, you lose your job, your child gets in trouble or a trusted friend lets you down. Disappointment sucks all the joy out of your life and depression dogs your days. Don't despair. God has a long history of speaking a word of hope in the darkness. When He speaks we have a choice. We can listen to His word and act on it or we can look at our circumstances. ~ Richard Exley. We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. ~ Oswald Chambers >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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