Kitty Magic And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: 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 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! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This too hot to handle new page is from our friends Linda and Geniann. We all love our pets, but we do have to face the truth. They are quite awkward when it comes to using people furniture. It's just not made for them, and it shows! This'll give you plenty of smiles and chuckles for your day. Give it a few moments and check it out here... _.--"""--._ .' '-. `. __/__ (-. `\ \ /o `o \ \ \ \ _\__.__/ )) | | ; .--;" | | \ ( `) | | \ _|`---' .' _, _| | `\ '`_\ \ '_,.-';_.-`\| \ \_ .' '--'---;` / / |\ |_..--' \ \'-'.' .--'.__/ __.-; `"` (___...---''` \ _/_ \ /jgs\ \___/ It Doesn't Fit! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nofit.html --- ...So Funny and cute! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _____ , ___)) / | 6 6 (___( _e ____/ /_ / \ o\_/ \ / /\' _ _)\ /_< )____/\_\ ___oo' ,ooooo,|_/ -//,-( / |=/ >LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING by Clara Wersterfer Most teens can't wait to learn to drive. Not so with me. Driving made me nervous. I didn't get a license until I turned 24 years old. As a result, when I first married, we only had one car and car pooled to work. My husband's hours were different from mine by one hour. I worked earlier. So he dropped me off and went to the diner to drink coffee until work time. Then, in the afternoons, I leisurely walked the three miles to his work place where I waited in his car, reading a book. One day while waiting for him, I noticed the most beautiful Cadillac pull in the lot. It was powder blue and sleek looking. The kind of car you dream about. I was busily admiring the car, when I noticed the driver. Honestly, she was probably the prettiest woman I had ever seen off the movie screen. She pulled into the spot beside our car and it was all I could do not to stare. There was a striking resemblance to Liz Taylor. Jet black hair and alabaster skin. Our eyes made contact and she smiled at me. Her eyes were as blue as the sea, and teeth like an even row of pearls. She was wearing a light blue shirt that just matched her car. Peeking through her long, softly curled hair I could see gold hoop earrings. They had to be gold to shine like that. A couple of minutes later, a nice looking man came out the building, entered her car, leaned over and kissed her and she drove away. Sitting there in my jeans, shirt and hair in a pony tail, I wanted to cry. How could some people have it all? Maybe I would have forgotten about her, but the following week, I saw her again. Then it became almost routine to see her about once a week. She seemed friendly and always waved, flashing a big smile. My envy lingered long after she drove away. Many nights when sleep evaded me, I would think about the beautiful lady. I wondered if she and her husband ate out, and where they dined, and what she was wearing. I wanted her to get out of the car and let me see her full length. Did she wear really high heeled shoes and pants, or a skirt. I would get my answers in a couple of weeks. Sitting in our usual parking lot, I was holding my book, watching her over the top of it. She was waiting and when her husband came to the car, she called to him. They spoke a few words and he opened the car door for her to step out. He took her arm and helped her out of the car. I could see very well as she moved to get out. She was wearing a skirt. She haltingly walked around to the passenger side very slowly, leaning on a walking cane. Sitting sideways in the car, she lifted one leg with her hands and then the other one. The beautiful lady had a prosthesis on the left leg and a brace on the right leg. I couldn't watch them drive away as the tears were blinding me. For weeks I had envied this woman and her way of life, while I had been able to walk three miles to our car! When my husband arrived and found me crying, he immediately asked what was wrong. Through my tears, I told him about the beautiful lady. He said he knew her husband and also knew the story. The beautiful lady and her parents were in a car that either stalled or got caught on the railroad tracks was hit by a train. Both parents were killed and she was severely injured. She was only 12 years old. The railroad made a large settlement with her because the crossing had no signals. He explained her car was specially built for her needs as well as the home. I prayed for forgiveness all the way home. The lady I thought had everything didn't. I thanked God over and over for my legs, arms and sight, and for teaching me a lesson early on in life. When you meet a person who seems to be much better off than you, don't be fooled. I would not have traded places with the beautiful lady for anything -- I still had my parents, and the ability to walk, run or dance through life. Wonderful things money can't buy. -- Clara Wersterfer __________________________________________________ Clara resides in Texas. -<>- _____ .'.---.'. // , \\ || `| || || | || || -'- || .-"`'-.,_ _,.-'`"-. / .'--,___`"""`___,--'. \ | /:////_'---'_\\\\:\ | \|:|// `_ _` \\|:|/ '-/| (6/ \6) |\-' \\ | | // `| (._.) |` | _ _ | jgs \ '---' / '--.___.--' >FIREHOUSE VISIT by Laurie Reyna I can never pass a fire station without thinking of a fine summer day back in the mid-1960s when I was 11 or 12 years old. One of my best friends at the time was Donna, who was a year or two older, and lived with her large family in the big white house across the street. I had only one sibling, so spending time at Donna's house was always a fascinating experience for me. There were jobs connected with everything and it was always the turn of one of the eight kids to do things like set the table, clear the table, wash or dry the dishes or put them away. I don't remember seeing a chart of duties hanging on the wall, so maybe they all kept track in their heads. Well, one day Donna and I decided to visit the local firehouse five blocks away. As we approached, we said to each other, "Wouldn't it be cool if the fire truck went speeding out right now with its siren blaring?" Well, guess what? It did! That was exciting, but then we arrived at an empty firehouse with the doors standing wide open. We couldn't resist exploring, so we made our way upstairs to the second floor. The main room was lined with beds, all perfectly made up with matching plain-colored stiff woolen blankets. At one end of the floor was the captain's room. His bed was the only one not made. We made it. At the opposite end of the floor was a kitchen with its counters and sinks loaded with dirty dishes from the men's most recent meal. We washed, dried, and put them all away. Donna was braver than I was, so she slid down the firemen's pole to the first floor. I went back down the stairs. We found some big heavy horseshoes and went out in the side yard to play. After a long while, the fire truck returned. None of the men seemed too surprised to see a couple of kids hanging around. We put the horseshoes back where we found them and asked about the fire, which was described to us as being a false alarm. Looking back, that doesn't jive with all the men being gone for hours, so maybe they just didn't want to talk about it. When we started home, we immediately spotted my mother walking purposefully toward us. She had become worried when she couldn't locate us near the house, and she remembered us talking a lot about firemen before we disappeared. Donna and I just laughed to ourselves about what the firemen would think when they went upstairs to do their chores and found them done. And what the captain would think when he saw his bed made! That was my day at the firehouse that stays so clearly in my mind after all these years. -- Laurie Reyna ___________________________________________ Laurie and her husband, Glenn, both lifelong Chicagoans, share their home with three delightful cats. -<>- "I can think of no more stirring symbol of man's humanity to man than a fire engine." -- Kurt Vonnegut --- ...I agree! That is why I like this one so much! Patriot Fire/Rescue/Transport http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/patriot.html Thanks So Much To Our Brave People In Uniform - domestic & abroad! =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >To Whom Did Jesus Come? “Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with such scum?’ When Jesus heard this, he said, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor - sick people do.’ Then he added, ‘Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."1 R.C. Buckner, a big, bold, and brash man, lived about 100 years ago in Texas. This imposing figure had a very tender heart for children, starting Buckner's Children's Homes across the state. The children affectionately called him "Papa Buckner" and would run up to hime very time he visited. He would always take the time to pick up each child and give them a hug. One day he was visiting one of the homes and was hugging all the children gathered around him when he noticed a little girl who was standing with her face against the wall. He discovered that she had been seriously burned in an accident and had a terrible scar on her face. He went over to her and asked, "Sweetheart, don't you want Papa Buckner to hug you?" Without turning around, she snarled, "No, I'm too ugly." Papa Buckner knelt, picked her up in his burly arms, turned her face gently toward his, looked right into her eyes and then planted a tender kiss right on the burned portion of her face. After he kissed her, he said,"Sweetheart, you are beautiful to me, and you are beautiful to God."2 This is such a beautiful illustration of what Christ has done for each of us. From the moment he was born to the moment he was crucified; he always did the unexpected. The Pharisees expected him to be highly intellectual and be like them, but Jesus came to break that mold and be an active example of love, mercy, compassion, justice, and humility. While the religious leaders “knew a lot", Jesus DID a lot. He went to the broken, lost, and messy people. He sought out the sick people who were looking for love, truth, and forgiveness. He gave hope to the hopeless. Friends, God doesn’t expect you to be perfect. He created us and knew that, because of sin, we are flawed and will make mistakes. He wants us to be honest with him and with ourselves, accept his forgiveness, and run into his loving arms. You are beautiful to God. You matter to him and he cares. No matter how broken we may feel, it is never too much for Jesus to heal. This is the truth he wants us to see, accept, and share with others. Jesus came to pay the price that we could never pay, so that we could experience the joy and love of a meaningful and personal relationship with God. Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for looking on me with eyes of compassion and love. Despite my flaws, you invite me to come to you. I pray that you would give me the same love and compassion for others. That I would not be quick to judge, but instead see others through your lens. Not only do I want to know your Word, but I want to do your Word. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Christ’s name, amen." Matthew 9:10-13 (NLT). www.sermoncentral.com <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Victory Over Discouragement “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time."1 The devil, according to legend, once had his tools for sale at a public auction. When the prospective buyers gathered, there was one oddly shaped tool which was labeled “Not for sale". When the buyers asked him to explain why that was, he answered, “I can spare my other tools, but I cannot spare this one. It is the most useful tool I have. It is called Discouragement,and with it I can work my way into hearts that would otherwise be inaccessible. When I get this tool into a man’s heart, the way is open to then plant anything there I may desire. I heard this illustration in a sermon a while back, and kept it in my notes because I remember thinking how true it was that Satan uses discouragement as a means of tempting us to give up. If he could discourage enough Christians to quit and not pursue the work we are doing for God’s Kingdom, he would love it because it would mean he would have less threats to worry about! Satan will try to use negative people, challenging circumstances, health issues, or several other things to discourage us. But when discouragement comes, let us cling to the hope we have in today’s verse. First, who is it that will face troubles? According to today’s verse, the righteous person will. So, if you are being attacked, then you are doing something right! You are a bigger threat to Satan and all his schemes than you think. Gather strength knowing that greater is HE that is IN you!! God has given you the victory. Secondly, when we are attacked, because at one point or another we will be, let us trust that the Lord hears us when we call and will come to our rescue EACH TIME. Wow... this sends chills up my spine! Let this be a motivation to get back up and keep going. Whatever the task God has set before us, we are not alone. Satan can try all he wants, but we are children of the Almighty King and we will not be shaken because we are standing on Christ our Rock. Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you because you hear me when I call and will come to my rescue every time. When temptation comes, or discouragement wants to bring me down, I pray you would remind me of who I am in Christ. Death could not defeat Him and that same power is in me through your gift of holy spirit. I ask that you re-energize me, motivate me, strengthen me, and allow me to refocus on you and the work that you have set before me. Thank you for never leaving or forsaking me. You are a good and caring Father in whom I can place my full trust. In Jesus Christ’s precious name I pray, amen. "Psalms 34:17-19 (NLT). When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. --- .. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ .$$$$. * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. .$$$$$ * * * * * * * * * * ::::::::::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::' * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$F * * * * * * * * * * $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$d$$$$$$$" ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" ^$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ":::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::" ""$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$P $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$L ;; ;::::::::::::::::;; ;;:::. $$$$$$" "" $$$$$; Donna Shepherd ^$$" $$$$ "" ...Speaking of Discouragement... How About That Election? Many of us were praying heavily for the US Nov.3rd election to go toward what we felt were Godly choices for our leadership. We got a huge disappointment though for those who appeared the most unfit for leadership of our country won the election. Most of us felt that it was due to fraud, and we understandably felt and still feel as if we were cheated of our democracy. None of us like a thief or being robbed. So we are not sure of our elections going forwards. With so many of us voting for the Republican side, the largest turnout in history, and so many of us praying to God about it, we are not only disappointed but discouraged. We are feeling like what would be the point? We gave it our best shot and failed miserably - losing the House and Senate majority along with the Presidency. As usual with God, we do not see the whole picture. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' 1 Cor.13 [12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. Not all things are shown to us. One thing we as a typical American voter did not realize was what was playing behind the scenes. What they refer to as the deep state. It is a foggy view for sure of how our government works. I, for one, don't like going down rabbit holes. I figure I don't know what is down there or what I might get into or what troubles I may encounter. It makes me feel like I am trying on that white straight jacket and they'll lead me to some rubber room for crazy nut cases. I don't go there. But, as much as I try to avoid these government conspiracy theories, they keep smacking me in the face. Since our huge fraud of an election and no court willing to take up the obvious voter discrepancies - not even the supreme court, I have been having my eyes enlightened with the truth. I was upset with God for not answering our prayers but actually not so much upset - God is ALWAYS right - just confused as to why this happened. I thought God and the GOP with Pres. Trump were on this and would make sure all was on the up and up. Pres. Trump told us he had many observers at the voting stations to watch and be on the lookout so we'd have a fair election. But while they were indeed there, they were not able to watch or be on the lookout as impartial judges. And nobody but Pres. Trump and us seemed to care enough to fix it. Sidney Powell was in there from the start but the Trump team didn't want to have her on their team. Supporters of Trump however were all rooting for her to save the day. But all we've heard is disappointing news. Now that Trump has stepped down, and Biden took over, I learned something that really got me upset. AG Barr - the man I felt was an honest law-abiding and Constitutional Attorney General FOR Pres. Trump actually was working against him in the background known as the deep state of Congress. He had drafted all the Executive Orders so that when Biden took office all he had to do was sit down and sign each one to remove the good things Pres. Trump had worked so hard to do for our people and country. What a backstabbing traitor. I think that hurt me more than VP Pence going against Pres. Trump and not standing up for us in Congress to dispute the election findings. I was grieved when I saw VP Pence at his desk take a coin from a fellow Congressman and pocket it with a little head nod and then give a big smile to Pelosi and an elbow bump a moment later. How horrible for us and Pres. Trump that he had such close traitors by his side. I even learned generals had gone against him and kept military where he had ordered they be removed. That is treasonous. But now, with this latest bit of news from Sidney Powell herself, I am seeing through the fog and better understanding the situation with God and our Nov. 3rd election. The problem was, God, like the devil, works through people. The devil mostly Makes people do what he wants them to do through his trickery, deception, lust, greed, and, when necessary, through possession of their will. God gets people to do things through His influence of love and their wanting to please Him because of their love and devotion to Him. When you have a deep pit of corruption full of people in power, then it is clear what the outcome will be. We need more of God's strong people in office to flush out the evil corruption. Be sure to check out this article to understand more of what has been hidden from us... Sidney Powell Latest! Arrests & Resignations & More Election Fraud & 90,000 Ballots In Nevada Returned https://tinyurl.com/ye64xtgf We can't check out on God now. Our country needs us to stand strong and be loyal to God. Because, even when it doesn't seem to make a difference, it does. While we might not get the results we are hoping and praying for, God knows what we did or didn't do. Our efforts are not in vain. That is our heavenly reward. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' 2 Cor.4: [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 1 Cor.3 [13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. Rev.22: [12] And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ "When your burden becomes too heavy, when life's ways become too dark, when the heart is too sore, when you are ready to perish, it is not amiss to pray to God to open the heavens, and through a rift in the sky to shine down into your heart some of the light of the Glory World." --B. H. Carroll -<>- _,._ __.' _) <_,)'.-"a\ /' ( \ _.-----..,-' (`"--^ // | (| `; , | \ ;.----/ ,/ ) // / | |\ \ jgs \ \\`\ | |/ / \ \\ \ | |\/ `" `" `"` Can't Sleep? We have all woke up in the middle of the night. Wide Awake! We glance at the clock and know we must get up soon to face a new day. What do we do? Do we curse the darkness, get up and take a pill, flip on a TV, maybe walk around and look out a window? God is with us. This is private time with out Savior. Now is the time to talk to him and tell him our troubles, worries, things that we need and also to thank Him for the wonderful blessings He has given us. __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown Lay quietly, meditate and "talk" to Him and also listen in your heart. You never know. He may have something very important to tell you. "Don't count sheep. Talk to the Shepard" is no joke. Try it! ~Lala -<>- _._ _,-'""`-._ (,-.`._,'( |\`-/| `-.-' \ )-`( , o o) -bf- `- \`_`"'- >Kitty Magic After a meeting one night, I felt very tired. Eager to get home and get to sleep, I was approaching my car when I heard mew, mew, mew, mew . . . Looking under my car, I saw a teeny little kitten, shaking and crying, huddled close to the tire. I have never had a fondness for cats. I'm a dog person, thank you very much. I grew up with dogs all my young life and cats always bugged me. Kind of creeped me out. I especially hated going into houses that had cat boxes. I wondered if the residents just ignored the awful smell. Plus, cats always seemed to be all over everything - not to mention their hair. And I was semi allergic to them. Suffice it to say, I had never in my life gone out of my way for a cat. But when I knelt down and saw this scared little red tabby mewing like crazy, something inside urged me to reach out and pick her up. She ran away immediately. I thought, Okay, well, I tried, but as I went to get into my car, I heard the kitten mewing again. That pitiful mewing really pulled at my heart, and I found myself crossing the street to try to find her. I found her and she ran. I found her again and she ran again. This went on and on. Yet I just couldn't leave her. Finally, I was able to grab her. When I held her in my arms, she seemed so little and skinny and very sweet. And she stopped mewing! It was totally out of character, but I took her into my car with me. The kitty freaked out, screeching and running at lightning speed all over the car, until she settled herself right in my lap, of course. I didn't know what I was going to do with her, and yet I felt compelled to bring her home. I drove home, worrying the whole way, because I knew my roommate was deathly allergic to cats. I got home very late, put the kitten in the front yard and left some mild for her. I was half hoping she would run away by the time morning came. But in the morning she was still there, so I brought her to work with me. Luckily, I have a very sympathetic boss. Especially when it comes to animals. Once we had a hurt sparrow in the office for weeks that he had found and nursed back to health. All day at work, I tried to find someone who would take the kitten, but all the cat lovers were full up. I still didn't know what to do with the kitty, so I took her on some errands with me when I left work. Again she freaked in the car and this time wedged herself under the seat. My last stop that afternoon was at my parents' house. Recently my father had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had undergone hormone treatment and the doctors now felt they had arrested the cancer. At least for the present. I liked to go there as often as I could. That afternoon, parked in front of my parents' house, I was trying to coax the kitten out from under the seat when she zoomed out of the car and into the neighbors' bushes. There are a lot of bushes in that neighborhood, and I realized after looking for a while that it was a lost cause. I felt a bit sad but consoled myself that this area had many families with kids. Surely someone would find her and give her a good home, I told myself. To be honest, I felt somewhat relieved because I didn't know what I would have done with her. I visited with my parents, and as I was leaving, I told them to call me if the kitty came around their place and I would come pick her up. I kidded my father, saying, "Of course, you could keep her if you wanted," to which he replied, "Not on your life!" I supposed that Dad wasn't that interested in having pets, particularly cats. That night there was a call on my answering machine from my father. The kitty had actually shown up on their front doorstep! He said he had her in the house and she was okay, but could I come pick her up the next day? My heart sank. What am I going to do with this cat? I thought. I didn't have the heart to take her to the pound, and I was sure that my roommate wasn't feeling up for a hospital trip to treat a cat - induced asthma attack. I couldn't see a solution. I called my father the next day and told him I would come over and pick up the kitty. To my great surprise, he said not to rush. He had gone out and bought a cat box (oh, no!), cat food, and a little dish. I was amazed and thanked him for his generosity. He proceeded to tell me what a character the kitten was and how late the previous night she had been zooming back and forth across the floor. I listened, open - mouthed. The topper came when he said that "Kitty" came up and lay on his chest when he was lying down. I asked, "You let her do that?" "Oh yes. I pet her and I can hear her motor running," he replied lovingly. "So take your time, dear, finding a home for her. I can keep her until you do." I was floored. My dad, Seymour, Mister "Keep - Those - Dogs - Outside," had a kitty purring on his chest. In his bed, no less! As the weeks went on, Dad got weaker. His cancer had reappeared. Yet whenever I called Dad, I heard more and more about how cute Kitty was, how she zoomed around, how loud her motor was, how she followed him everywhere. When I was at the house, my father would call for her, have her come up on his lap, pet her, talk to her and say how much he loved her. As he got sicker, and could barely move without terrible pain, one of his few joys was to have Kitty lay on his chest. He would pet her and say, "Listen, her motor is running. That's a good Kitty, good Kitty." We all watched in awe at Dad's unabashed affection for this little feline. Kitty worked her magic on both Dad and me. Charming a reluctant pet - owner, the little cat became one of my father's single greatest comforts in his final days. And me? Kitty opened my eyes to the wonder and mystery of how life unfolds. She taught me to listen to my heart, even when my head is saying no. I didn't realize on that unusual night that I was simply a messenger. An unknowing courier delivering a most beautiful and needed friend. by Lynn A. Kerman -<>- __ _____....--' .' ___...---'._ o -`( ___...---' \ .--. `\ ___...---' | \ \ `| | |o o | | | | \___'.-`. '. | | `---' '^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^' LGB >The Carpenter Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding that grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence. One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days work," he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?" "Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us, then he took his bulldozer to the river levee, and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to build me a fence, an 8-foot fence, so I won't need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow." The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger, and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready, then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing and nailing. About sunset, when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge -- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all, and the neighbor, his younger brother, was standing at the other end, his hand outstretched, and said, "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done!" The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've got a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but, I have many more bridges to build." ~ Author Unknown -<>- _________________ |'-========OoO===='-. | ||'-.____'-.'-.____'-. | || | | | | '-| | | | | THANK YOU! '-|______|__|______| '-.--./**).--.-' .' .' /_]_\ // \\ `- `- >UN-THANKED PEOPLE When William Stidger taught at Boston University, he once reflected upon the great number of un-thanked people in his life. Those who had helped nurture him, inspire him or who cared enough about him to leave a lasting impression. One was a schoolteacher he'd not heard of in many years. But he remembered that she had gone out of her way to put a love of verse in him, and Will had loved poetry all his life. He wrote a letter of thanks to her. The reply he received, written in the feeble scrawl of the aged, began, "My dear Willie." He was delighted. Now over 50, bald and a professor, he didn't think there was a person left in the world who would call him "Willie." Here is that letter: My dear Willie, I cannot tell you how much your note meant to me. I am in my eighties, living alone in a small room, cooking my own meals, lonely and, like the last leaf of autumn, lingering behind. You will be interested to know that I taught school for 50 years and yours is the first note of appreciation I ever received. It came on a blue-cold morning and it cheered me as nothing has in many years. Not prone to cry easily, Will wept over that note. She was one of the great un-thanked people from Will's past. You know them. We all do. The teacher who made a difference. That coach we'll never forget. The music instructor or Sunday school worker who helped us to believe in ourselves. That scout leader who cared. We all remember people who shaped our lives in various ways. People whose influence changed us. Will Stidger found a way to show his appreciation -- he wrote them letters. Who are some of the un-thanked people from your past? It may not be too late to say, "Thanks." - Steve Goodier -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Rainbow Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rainbowart.html Junkyard Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/junkart.html Tree Trunk Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trunkart.html 3D Liquid Floors!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/3dfloors.html High Tech Toys 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/techtoys2.html Playing With Food!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/food.html Mountain Folk Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/folkart.html Amazing Stairways!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stairs.html Junk Car Parts Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/junkcarart.html Artistic Coffee Mugs!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/coffeemugs.html Redneck Innovations!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/redneckinnovations.html Fairy Garden Pot Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/potart.html Awesome Tree Houses!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/treehouses.html Thoughts Into Action 8!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/action8.html Amazing Home Garden!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/homegarden.html St. Pat's Day/Spring Index! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/springindex.html -<>- >From TruthOrTradition: Video Teachings: Kindness - Being Kind to Others http://tinyurl.com/zvzzrdz ?Hearts of Flesh http://tinyurl.com/zvl7cyl How to make Teachings that Stick http://tinyurl.com/j7sr83j What is The Prophetic Perfect in the Bible? http://tinyurl.com/jrse5c6 Are You Really Saved? http://tinyurl.com/ho24xo8 -<>- Moms – Make Sure Your Teen Daughters Aren’t Partaking In This Dangerous TikTok Challenge The latest TikTok challenge is all the rage – but many women don’t know how dangerous it actually is. The challenge instructs women to take racy photos of themselves and use a red filter background to create a “silhouette” look in a dimly lit doorway, promising to create an “alluring” illusion. But what these women don’t know is their “filtered” pictures can easily be reverted back to the original version – meaning anyone who knows how to edit can see their barely covered (if covered at all) body. https://tinyurl.com/yfzpcfhe In Regards to Gender, Congressman Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) Publicly Proclaims ‘God’s Will Is No Concern of This Congress’ / Court Keeps Christian Canadian Pastor Locked Up for COVID-19 “Violations” and Delays Trial Until May / Violence in Nigeria: More Than 300 School Girls Kidnapped by Violent Extremists https://www.christianlifedaily.com/ -<>- >In The News: VA NEWS: Free MS Tech training, Veteran Jobs, Register for Virtual Baby Shower https://tinyurl.com/yf3xeq5l Hannity - 03/17/21 https://one-news.net/hannity-%E2%80%93-31721-fox-news/ Trump makes appearance at Sarah Huckabee Sanders campaign event https://tinyurl.com/yhsgq35l Dems block Rep. Miller-Meeks' legislation requiring DHS to test migrants illegally crossing border for Covid-19 https://tinyurl.com/yfw2f5zt All the GOP Attorneys General who are Threatening to Sue the Biden Administration Over His Stimulus Tax Scam The Biden Administration and its Democrat allies inserted a poison pill into the recent $1.9 Trillion dollar stimulus bill, which will prevent any state who receives relief funds from cutting taxes for its citizens. GOP authorities aren’t taking the scam lying down however. https://tinyurl.com/yeg7hhmn Biden Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Warns US Ready for War ‘Tonight’ With North Korea / Amanda Head: Moral Decay At The Grammys! And More: https://americanactionnews.com/ Now it looks like the National Guard isn’t leaving Washington, D.C. anytime soon – and this is the shocking reason why. https://deepstatejournal.com/ Make Segregation Great Again? Columbia University Will Hold 7 Graduation Ceremonies Divided By Race, Sex And Income Levels https://tinyurl.com/yfq6g6rk Radical teachers declare war on parents / Florida Schools have Been Open Since August Without a Surge / Gun Battles Erupt as Border Crisis Worsens / “Whiteness is a Virus that Must Be Killed” Critical Race Theory Curriculum Gets Dangerous / White House Now Blames Trump for Violence Against Asians / Russia Recalls Envoy After Biden Calls Putin a "Killer" and Says He Will "Pay the Price" / Transgender Woman is Eligible for Miss Nevada USA Pageant https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From 2020 Conservative: http://2020conservative.com/ Latest From Independent Minute: https://independentminute.com/ Latest From TPN News: https://threepercenternation.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Recall Alert: Hand Sanitizer, Pet Food http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: Trump Recommends Vaccine To Combat COVID http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- Revisiting... >From Our Friend Melody :) Leprechaun Hunt - PrimaryGames - Play Free Online Games http://tinyurl.com/kcrlac9 March 15, 2017 | Tried and Tested Favorite Recipes http://nancyskitchen.com/2017recipes/MarRecipe/may15.htm Quick and Easy Tortilla Pizza - Lynn's Kitchen Adventures http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2016/08/quick-easy-tortilla-pizza.html --- ...Yummy! Thanks Melody! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Thousand Hand Guan Yin is a dance created by Chinese choreographer Zhang Jigang. This dance was performed by 63 deaf Chinese dancers of China's Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe. Because they could not hear the music, there were 6 directors in white clothes helping them to synchronize with the music. This dance describes the legend of Bodhisattva Guan Yin , a Proto-Buddha, that has one thousand hands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vs-H7xLnrs --- ...Nice! Thanks LouiseAu! Why I Am A Republican... https://www.youtube.com/embed/n_YQ8560E1w?autoplay=1 Dogs Who love water... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCz8YLgHuI8 --- ...Love the commentary and LOL! So cute! Thanks LouiseAu! 10 Prehistoric Extinct Creatures Recently Discovered! 10 animals and creatures you thought no longer existed recently caught on earth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vErbcjJc9to --- ...Just proves we have much to learn - STILL! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: _____ (((\\\\\ )_ \\\| / \\|\/ \\( ), & \) ( (( |` \\ ))) _ | \` __| ` | , \ ` , \ | \ ,\ , \ ' \/ \_ \/ \ `_,`-._ ` \ ejm / `-. _ \ ` / ,`. \ === / '== =`. | ==== / | === ` / /========= / | / , /______| / , ======== __-' | = === / ,======= ' - -- ( \ \ \ ` \ ` \ ` \_____ \ / ` _/ / '-- ' >When The Tears That We Shed... (By Sheila Gosney) If there was ever a time in the history of America where God's people should be seeking His face, That time would be NOW...when Heaven is LOOKING FOR REPENTANCE to come from this place! And we, as God's people, who are called out of darkness need to fast and pray hard for this nation. Because the condition we're in has only one answer and it's the God of our HOPE and salvation! The problems that we're hearing on the evening news and on the front of our newspaper pages, Are rooted in our pride and rejection of the Lord as the truth that transcends all the ages. There's only one remedy for the crisis at hand - a true revival led by God's Holy Spirit! And it's God's people praying in dust & in ashes so that people respond when they hear it! It's time that America hears what sin is from the Bible and God's point of view; So that we as a nation can know where we've erred against what is HOLY and TRUE! When the tears that we shed are on the altar at church and not the steps of Wall Street each day, Then we'll see the condition of America is Spiritual and revival will start WHEN WE PRAY! "If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 -<>- "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." - C.S. Lewis , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Secure in His Presence (By Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries, http://www.gdwm.org) [Minor editing] Jehoiakim was king of Judah just prior to the first Babylonian invasion in 605 B.C. He had become comfortable in the security of the palace, and an alliance with the Egyptians made him feel even more protected. But Jehoiakim led the people of Judah further away from God; "he did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his fathers had done" (2 Kings 23:37). God sent the prophet Jeremiah to warn Jehoiakim and the people of Judah that disaster would come if they did not repent: "Say to them, 'This is what the LORD says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.'" (Jeremiah 26:4-6) But with his every need and desire fulfilled, and every fear removed, Jehoiakim did not see a reason to listen. Jeremiah 22:21 "I warned you when you felt secure, but you said, 'I will not listen!' This has been your way from your youth; you have not obeyed me." We spend the majority of our lives building security in our job, finances, and relationships. But security within the world system is extremely shallow and deceptive; "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). We ought to be thankful for every one of our earthly blessings, but we should NEVER receive our "security" from the world. Our complete dependence must always remain on our Heavenly Father, and our eyes and ears continually open to His leading. Our daily walk is made one slow step at a time as we "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). Usually, we are allowed to see only the next step; "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105). We may not know what turns lie ahead, but our true security, peace and comfort, comes from simply knowing we're on His path, not from feeling we control the direction or pace of the journey. True security begins with faith in Jesus Christ and builds on a pure love which flows from the innermost part of our heart. Even activities such as church attendance, Bible study, or work in various ministries mean nothing without a faith based love; and these well-intended actions become a false spiritual security when they replace the need to abide in the presence of God or daily seek His direction. Let's not allow our lives to develop a sense of security which shuts out the need for God and the absolute hunger for His presence. Our walk of faith will always require stepping into the unknown where all we have is what He provides. And a loving trust in God is confident that His provision is always enough! Let's lean on Him, love Him, and draw ever closer. Let's seek true security by only being secure in His presence. 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 ========================================================== _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >-->Time of Power I need a quiet time of prayer To start each day with Thee. To lay before Thee every care, And set my spirit free. I need a time of strengthening. Where I can seek Thy face; Aware that I in weakness cling Unto Thy cross of grace. I need a deeper life with Thee; Help me to understand That I can always useful be When yielded in Thy hand. Lord, I possess this one desire; Give me an inward glow. Fill me with Pentecostal fire, And may Thy glory show. By Bill Van Sickle >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $25 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************