Life Is Too Short And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. While the ads on the website do help, I don't want to drag the site down with tons of them to pay for it. I need your help! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ _zzzzzzzz_ ]@@z__a@@@ ~~@@@@@~" _a@~@ze @@" ]@[ @@z_a@[ `-@@@ _zzzzzz .a@z_ _d@@~@@[~ ____zd@@@@@zzz@@~ "" )a@@@~~"]@`~~~~~ `~@zz_ ]@ ~@@z]@ `@@@@ )d@@@ `]@@' ]@@@z_ ]@L~@@z ]@@ ~@@@_ ]@[ `]@[ "@@ )a@' ]@[ ]@@ )a@')a@' ]@@ ]@@ KANGAROO .a@' -@@zzzze ]@@@@@@[~~~~" `~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please 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 :) This flaming hot new page is from our friend Bunni. What summer would be complete without some awesome castles in the sand or some tremendous works of art by a sand sculpture artist? This sand sculpture artist will amaze you! ____ /^\ / -- ) / | \ (____/ / | | \ / / /_|_|_|_/ / | / / __ __ __ | / /__ __ __ [ ]__[ ]__[ ]. / /[ ]__[ ]__[ ] |__ ____/ /___ __| | / .------ ) | | / / / | | / / / | ~~~~~~~~~~~~-----------~~~~~~~~ldb~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sand Sculpture Art 6! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sandart6.html --- ...Wow! Just totally incredible! Thanks Bunni! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ,sdPBbs. ,d$$$$$$$$b. d$P'`Y'`Y'`?$b d' ` ' \ `b / | \ \ / / \ | \ _,--' | \ | /' _/ \ | \ _/' /' | \ `-.__ __/' ,-' / | | \ `--...__ /' / | / \ \ `-. `\ / /;;,,__-' / / \ \ `-. / |;;;;;;;\ \ >THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN by Bonnie D. Evaschuk I love where I come from. I am so very proud of being born and raised in the Granite State. With that said, you can imagine the horror with which I listened to the news on the morning of May 4, 2003. The Old Man of the Mountain had tumbled down from his perch above Profile Lake. Granted, it is not President Kennedy being shot or the horrific events of September 11th being etched into our brains, but still it was terribly sad news to me. If you have ever been to Franconia Notch, you know the feeling of some larger power at work. This Man's profile was etched into the side of a mountain by years and years of weather, glaciers and God only knows what else. His face looked the part too. It seemed, from afar, the face of a man who had worked outdoors all his life. I loved that Old Man. I loved everything he represented to me, and I loved that he stood for New Hampshire. As a family, we would go visit the Man every summer. One summer, when I was about eight or nine, my grandmother came to visit the Man with us. This particular day was beautiful. The sky was a cobalt blue and not a cloud to be seen for miles. I looked at my grandmother and I said, "Nana, look at how distinct he is!" Distinct he was, distinct he will always be, etched in my memory forever. I'm very sorry the Man will not be there for my next visit. I have a feeling I will go to the notch and it will be with wet eyes that I say my final goodbye. I cannot begin to tell you how many people I have brought up to visit the Old Man. It seems like hundreds. Each and every one of them stood at the base of that mountain with awe on their face. I had many tell me that it was impossible that the Man was created by nature. They swore it nearly as vehemently as I swore the Man was created by wind, rain, snow and sun. What I never believed was that the Man would die before me. I never imagined that he would go away in my lifetime. However, I was keenly aware of the cables and struts that held him up there. Perhaps it was those bonds from which he felt the need to escape. Live free or die Old Man! You will be greatly missed. "Men have hung out their signs indicative of their respective trades -- shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth -- but in the mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men." -- Daniel Webster -- Bonnie D. Evaschuk ___________________________________________ Bonnie says, "I'm a transplant from New Hampshire who lives on the east coast of Florida. I do miss my White Mountains, but I've always loved the ocean as well. I've had one story published in Petwarmers, My Handsome Man." You can see photos of the The Old Man, along with what the area looks like now after the rockslide in May. Click here: http://www.nh.gov/oldman/ =========================================================== >-->From Our AndyChaps: _--_ ( A's) /___7 .~~\ /~~. /""_ V \ om /____/ / .mmmC="_ _/ -----===(((((}{).MMM "" | `"---" ..mMMM"" | \ ( )" \ /\ | / / \ \ /" / \ \ \__/" \__/ '94 the wolfe / / | | .^V^. .^V^. +-+ +-+ ** The Lord's Baseball Game ** Bob and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was up to bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because "Love never fails." The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because "Faith works with Love." The next batter up was named Godly wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly wisdom never swings at what Satan throws. The bases were loaded. The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob said, "He sure doesn't look like much!" Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground; then it continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord's team won. The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why. The Lord explained, "If your love, faith, and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, Faith and wisdom will get you on base, but "Only My GRACE can get you HOME." -<>- ,. |`:. | `:. m1a | |`.`:;@. | |;.`.`;| ; `.';| || ,(`;.`.| || /8o (`:. || /o8888o `; || /@o8888888o (`;| (`.()oO888888o (< `.`.;:oO08c{)/ | `.`.(),0 / / `.`.`/ / `.( / ** STAYING CONNECTED ** Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 Two of the greatest inventions of my time has been the laptop computer and email. The laptop means I no longer have to stay in one place to be productive in my business life. Email has allowed me to stay connected to people all around the world with the touch of a button. My greatest frustration is when either of these does not work. Sometimes email cannot be used because I can't get a connection. Sometimes I can't use my laptop because I have not properly charged it, and then the charge runs out while I am on an airplane. Both of these situations mean I am unable to tap into the resource that allows me to fulfill my calling in my work to the fullest. The morning time with God is much like these situations. God pours His Word into my spirit, and I am recharged. This recharging has am important effect on my day. It allows me the greatest opportunity to hear the small voice that directs my steps. If I refuse to "get connected," I risk following my own ways of fulfilling the duties of my day. It sets forth the opportunity for God to speak into my spirit what He desires for me each day. It allows me to focus on God's purposes, not mine. The only way to know someone is to spend time with him or her. The only way to discern the voice of another is to hear from that person's voice. David, the author of this psalm, was a warrior, king, and businessman. He understood this principle of connecting with God in the morning. His morning allowed him to connect with God's Love, renew his trust in Him, and hear His directions for his life. Shouldn't you and I do the same? TGIF-Today God Is First by Os Hillman; 11/26/2002 Received from: Living Life God's Way www.livinglifegodsway.com> -<>- _.oo. _.u[[/;:,. .odMMMMMM' .o888UU[[[/;:-. .o@P^ MMM^ oN88888UU[[[/;::-. dP^ dNMMNN888UU[[[/;:--. .o@P^ ,MMMMMMN888UU[[/;::-. o@^ NNMMMNN888UU[[[/~.o@P^ 888888888UU[[[/o@^-.. oI8888UU[[[/o@P^:--.. .@^ YUU[[[/o@^;::---.. oMP ^/o@P^;:::---.. .dMMM .o@^ ^;::---... dMMMMMMM@^` `^^^^ YMMMUP^ ^^ unknown The vastness of God's creation should ever keep us humble. The telescope at Mount Palomar enables man to photograph planets over one billion light years away. This distance as miles amounts to a total of 186,000 (miles per second) x 60 seconds x 60 minutes x 24 hours x 365 days x 1,000,000,000 (years). How many billions of planets there are, no one can guess. One astronomer, when asked how he could believe in a God, replied, "I keep enlarging my idea of God." Robert C Tanner -- Christ's Ideals for Living -<>- z z Z .--. Z Z / _(c\ .-. __ | / / '-; \'-'` `\______ \_\/'/ __/ ) / ) | \--, | \`""`__-/ .'--/ /--------\ \ \\` ///-\/ / /---;-. '-' jgs (________\ \ '-' ** THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE ** Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever! There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did I'm going to celebrate! Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger. I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart. I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice. Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I'll make someone smile. I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know. Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me. Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine. Tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures. Read about His Creations in The Bible, the First Book called Genesis. As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty God for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow again is going to be... The Best Day Of My Life! Pss.118: [24] This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ,_ ,' `\,_ |_,-'_) /##c '\ ( ' |' -{. ) /\__-' \[] /`-_`\ ' \ hjm >A PRESENT FATHER Dr. Stanley often thinks about his father. He tries to picture what it would have been like to grow up knowing his dad. When Dr. Stanley's was only nine months old, his father died. So he was brought up without an earthly father. During his youth, Dr. Stanley never really gave it much thought. Then, many years into his ministry, and after he became a father, Dr. Stanley began to feel a cloud hanging over him. There was a mysterious sadness he couldn't identify. Four close friends helped him discover that, as a child, he had subconsciously dismissed any thought about having a father. Because a dad wasn't around, Dr. Stanley simply deleted the idea from his life. He never realized how this affected his relationship with God. Because his father was absent, Dr. Stanley had a distorted view of a "heavenly Father." Without realizing it, he created a distance between himself and God. His heart was resistant to an intimate Father-child relationship. Embracing almighty God as his heavenly Father changed Dr. Stanley's life. He'll never forget the waves of emotion when he felt the tender love of a Father for the first time. If you're a father, Dr. Stanley prays you'll be a present and active influence in your children's lives. They're looking at you more closely than you can imagine. Their view of God will forever be shaped by the time you spend with them. Show them what He's like. Be a godly dad to your children. About the Author This devotional was written by Dr Charles Stanley. -<>- _____ (((\\\\\ )_ \\\| / \\|\/ \\( ), & \) ( (( |` \\ ))) _ | \` __| ` | , \ ` , \ | \ ,\ , \ ' \/ \_ \/ \ `_,`-._ ` \ ejm / `-. _ \ ` / ,`. \ === / '== =`. | ==== / | === ` / /========= / | / , /______| / , ======== __-' | = === / ,======= ' - -- ( \ \ \ ` \ ` \ ` \_____ \ / ` _/ / '-- ' >PRAYER OF THE UNLOVED (by Debbie Preuss, 1999) She stands alone at the edge of the field, The last one chosen again Though she tries to laugh it off, her heart is full of the bitter pain The kids call her stupid, worthless, saying she's ugly and slow Though their words have no fists, they deal a mighty blow They bruise her very spirit, that lives away down deep When she goes to bed tonight, she'll remember and softly weep She'll whisper a prayer she's prayed before, to her Lord above Please, oh please, Lord send to me, someone to show me love As the years roll slowly by, never changing, on and on The childish schoolyard has been replaced, by the senior prom She waits all night for her phone to ring, for someone to ask her out But she begins to hear in her teenage brain, the old schoolyard shout As they called her worthless, stupid, saying she was ugly and slow She had hoped then, that by this time, at least one would know That underneath their ugly labels, lay a kind and generous heart But somehow, for some reason, she had been set apart So as she goes to bed tonight, she will softy weep As bitter disappointment fills her, and she tries to sleep She whispers a prayer she's prayed before, to her Lord above Please, oh please Lord, send to me, someone to show me love Time goes by and others get married, though she jumps for the bouquet It is always just beyond her grasp, but she says that it's okay She hasn't any prospects yet, and it seems to be her fate Since she was the only girl in school, who didn't have a prom date So she goes slowly home again, dreaming of the day she'll wed But as she thinks about the past, doubting fills her head So as she goes to bed tonight, she will softly weep Because the pain that's in her heart, has cut down so deep So she whispers a prayer she's prayed before, to her Lord above Please oh please Lord, send to me, someone to show me love As the years continue on, little caring comes her way But this confused, dejected girl, still continues to pray The Lord God sent out to her, some friends to show her love But it has been so long now, that she pushes away and shoves She is afraid to open her heart, and maybe she simply can't For in her mind she still hears, that old schoolyard chant That she's ugly, dumb and slow, they always picked her last So today her life is haunted, by the words from the past They've been repeated in her life, over and over again Though the words don't have fists, they inflict such lasting pain So as she goes to bed tonight, she will softly weep As disappointment fills her, and she cannot sleep She whispers a prayer she's not prayed before, to her Lord above Please, oh please send to me, someone who I can love As time went on, her life did change, but not full speed ahead At first the change was subtle, as she followed where God led Though the path was rough and steep, as each step seemed unsure She knew with her Lord leading her, that she would endure As she reached out to the others who once had called her names The Lord performed a miracle, He removed her pain Still as she goes to bed tonight, she will softly weep For at the end of the day she's still alone, so she prays herself to sleep She whispers a prayer she's prayed before, to her Lord above Please oh please Lord send to me, someone to show me love Suddenly she hears something, she has never heard before And she listens closely, realizing it is the voice of the Lord "I have loved you all your life in sunshine or in rain I was there to love you too, when you felt so much pain You may have been last to be chosen, on the schoolyard field But you were first to be chosen, My little girl when you kneeled The prom you missed for lack of a date will simply not compare To the dance that we will have, when I meet you in the air Though you've prayed for someone to love, I have set you aside To be one of My chosen ones, to be part of My heavenly bride I have told you while on earth, you must love one another But I am your real true Friend, who sticks closer than a brother All those times that you prayed, I did hear your prayer For I love you little girl, yes I was always there The love that I have for you, simply has no end That's why I call you My child, but also, you're My friend" As she goes to bed tonight, she will softly weep For the Lord kept His promises after all, and now at last she can sleep But first she whispers a brand new prayer, to her Lord above Thank You for coming to me Yourself, to show me Your real, true love Amen -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >Seemingly Unanswered Prayer Rob Chaffart (edited) "When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother." (Ps 35:13-14 NIV) My youngest son has always loved horses. After begging for riding lessons for four years, my wife and I finally caved. He was seven years old at the time. Now, five years later, he is developing into a good rider. When he jumps with his horse however, my heart still skips a beat. If only the fences weren't so tall! Well, 24" is tall to me! He pays for half of his riding lesson each week by cleaning stalls, and every year he sets aside all of the money he earns raising birds so that he can pay for a partial lease throughout the summer on the horse he rides. It is his dream to one day own an Arabian horse ranch. In fact, you can't spend more than a few minutes with him without him sharing his dream with you! Let's jump ahead about six years... He has just graduated from high school. He is very excited, for he has finally decided on a career as a surgeon, and he's been accepted into the top school in Canada. But higher education hasn't gotten any cheaper with the years, and his chosen program will cost thousands of dollars per year. He isn't worried however, for he knows that his parents have been setting aside money for his education ever since he was born. My response will shock him beyond belief: "I'm sorry, son, but the money we set aside has gone for another cause." "What? You spent all of my University money?" "Well, remember about six years ago, when you wanted to own your own ranch and raise Arabian horses?" "Uh . . . But that was just a kid's dream, dad!" "Well, I took you up on it. I invested all the money I had saved into a ranch in Montana, and have been using the money I would have saved ever since to populate it with a herd of 100 high quality Arabians. Some of them are even black, the rarest color of all! I've even hired a crew of top-notch stable hands." "You - you bought me a - ranch?" "Here are your keys, and here's the address. I don't have any money left to pay for University. I hope you understand. Now go on! Your ranch awaits you!" "But dad, I want to become a surgeon! I want to make a difference in life! I love horses and I still love to ride, but I don't want to become a rancher! What have you done?" "I tried to fulfill your dreams!" "How could you have done this to me?" "But it was your dream for so long!" "Don't you know that dreams can change?" When I read the above story to my 12 year-old, he was quite adamant that I should do just that: Take the money we've set aside for higher education and buy him a horse ranch! But childhood dreams do change, and in another few years, he will be more than happy that I didn't! Friends, the above story is really an illustration of what could happen if all of our prayers were answered. The fact is, if every prayer we ever uttered were to be answered, we would actually be disappointed, not ecstatic! I don't always know why some of my prayers are answered the way I want them to be and some are not, especially when it is relating to people who are suffering and dying. I do know one thing, however: God always answers our prayers! It just isn't always the way we would like them to be answered! You see, we don't always know exactly what to pray for: "...Because we do not know what to pray for as we should..."(Rom. 8:26b), and God always has our best interest at heart. He knows what's best, even when we don't! He answers not according to what we ask for specifically, but according to what will bring ultimate happiness in the long-run. Like David we can exclaim: "I call on the LORD in my distress, and He answers me." (Ps 120:1 NIV) We need to realize that we only see our true situation dimly: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Cor 13:12 NIV). Sin has obstructed our clear understanding, and only when we meet Jesus face to face will we realize that He has always kept the promise He gave us in Rom 8:28: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Remember, God always has our best interest in mind. Jesus died so that we could live. God rose him up so that we could rise up. He has eternity for us already planned. Remember: "God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come - an eternity of life! You can count on this." (Titus 3:7-8 The Message) Eternity with God! Wow! When I contemplate this, the things of life really dim in comparison to His everlasting love! Our temporary life is but a blink of an eye compared to the eternity He has planned for us. The apostle Paul summarizes this idea in Phil. 1:21-24 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." NIV Remember, when we pray, God always hears our prayers, and He always answers them, but not always in the way we want them to be answered. He has our long-term interest in mind, and just like I don't rush out to grant every wish and desire of my boys, just like I look beyond the immediate, God answers our prayers in keeping with our long-term happiness. And just like my boys will one day realize that not giving them every desire of their childish hearts was for their long-term good, we will also see God's loving hand in our seemingly unanswered prayers. Rob Chaffart www.answers2prayer.org -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Moon Photography Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/moonart.html Dog Logic http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/doglogic.html Miniature Wonderland http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/modeltrain.html Amazing Dog Houses http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/doghouses.html Heroes Truck http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/herotruck.html Creation Museum http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/creationmuseum.html Japan's Crop Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cropart.html Friendly Fire! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/friendly.html Boing 787 Dreamliner http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/b787.html Cool Hot Air Balloons http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/hotair.html Amazing Car Show http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/carshow.html Soap Carving Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/soapart.html Amazing Dog Houses 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/doghouses2.html Peek-A-Boo Panda! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/panda.html Humor In Politics 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/politics2.html Truck Advertising Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/truckart.html Wave Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/waveart.html -<>- >Revisiting... Primary Games http://www.primarygames.com/ Easop's Fables http://aesopfables.com/ Mom's MiniVan: KID Actities http://www.momsminivan.com/ -<>- >Follow Me On StumbleUpon Here: http://tinyurl.com/yby8ekzn -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) Senior Discounts http://tinyurl.com/yd6ccafr --- ...Great List! Thanks Linda! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Dean Martin - Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime 1965 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ja32uS-bD0 "You're My World" - Cilla Black https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7-QBw862zk Roses Are Red - Bobby Vinton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfpv_hMBa-4 Just Walking In The Rain - Johnny Ray https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W81C1VgqYnU Ben E. King - Stand By Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWBbEJXnOFk --- ...Love These! Thanks LouiseAu! A funny one too... Dean Martin John Wayne Everybody loves somebody Sometime https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT0D0c_CSOk -<>- >From Our Friend Cloie :) CHILDREN OF THE 1930s and 1940s – “THE LAST ONES” http://www.thecoachsteam.com/2017/04/children-of-1930s-and-1940s-last-ones.html --- ...A wonderful read! Thanks Cloie! Reminds me of what our friend Andy from Australia wrote me today: 'I'm not sure what made me say it but I did say Geesh, or Geez, in front of my mother. I then got a smack on my backside. I was shocked and asked why did you hit me? She said because I said Jesus and saying it that way is using the Lords name in vain and swearing. I told her I didn't say Jesus as such I just said geez. WHACK again. She then told me sternly do NOT say the Lords name like that. Just a small lesson on my road of life that I never forgot, lol.' --- ...LOL! Thanks Andy! One of our best! Our moms were such treasures! HaHa! My mom didn't take offense to that. Actually saying the Lord's or God's name in vain to me is like screeching chalk against a blackboard every time I hear people do that. I correct my grandchildren if they use today's common OMG phrase. I remember being in labor with my first child and saying over and over again, 'Oh my goodness!' - just like Shirley Temple taught me to do. (We watched her shows all the time!) Now, I find it so offensive by Disney and others that they let children say that OMG phrase on their shows! Shame on them! 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 Our Friend Geniann :) . , * , ` *~.|,~* ' ' ,~*~~* ` _ ,* / \`* ' // ,* ; \,O. // ,(:::)=// ( `~(###) %---'`"y \ / \ / __)(__ hjw '------` >Life Is Too Short One day I had lunch with some old friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type, about 85-years old, came along with them; all in all, it was a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, my friends and I ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "A large piece of home-made apple pie, heated please." I wasn't sure my ears heard him right, and the others were aghast, when Jim continued, completely unabashed...."along with two large scoops of vanilla ice cream." We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time, but when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy eating mine. I couldn't take my eyes off of Jim as I watched him savoring each bite of his pie a-la-mode. The other guys just grinned in disbelief as they silently ate their lunches. The next time I went out to eat, I called Jim and invited him to join me. I lunched on a white meat tuna sandwich, while he ordered a chocolate parfait. Since I was chuckling, he wanted to know if he amused me I answered, "Yes, you certainly do, but you also confuse me. How come you always order such rich desserts, while I feel like I must be sensible in my food choices?" He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is possible for me to taste. I try to eat the food I need and do the things I should in order to stay healthy, but life's too short, my friend. I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I've never been this old before, so, while I'm still here, I've decided it's time to try all those things that, for years, I've been ignoring." He continued, "I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven't fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. "There are too many golf courses I haven't played. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes. "I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. "I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the one I love the most. "I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again. "So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final piece of pie before my life expired." With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said. "I want what he's having, only add some more whipped cream!" This is my gift to you - We need an annual Friends Day! Live well my friend, love much, & laugh often - Be happy and enjoy doing whatever your heart desires. You only go around once on this crazy planet. Do your best for God, loved ones and yourself every single day! SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with God, and people we like, respect, and enjoy spending time with. Remember that while money talks, ICE CREAM SINGS! --- ...an excellent reminder! Thanks Geniann! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Ecc.12: [13] Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. We were designed by God to respect Him and to keep God’s commandments. This verse near the end of Ecclesiastes contains a great truth, but many do not understand it. The word 'fear' is a stumbling block to many Christians. We must realize that in the King James Version of the Bible, the word translated as 'fear' in this verse does not mean to be afraid of God. It means to reverence or venerate, or in simpler terms, to regard someone or something with awe and respect. Another word to watch out for in this verse is 'duty'. It is in italics, which means it was a word added by the translators. A current translation of this verse could be: Ecc.12:13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Have awe and respect for God, and keep His Word, for this is the whole of man (the reason he was made)." How better to have awe of God then to observe his greatness and give Him thanks and the glory by reveling in His awesome creation? Even the simple things of God like the smell of a flower or the sweet taste of ice cream on a hot day is cause to give thanks to God! ============================================================= _ /_ / `'' \ | | \ / -Felix Lee- \__.__/ >Consider It Yours Story Editor: by Don Belo Joyce Schowalter Ontario, Canada It was an extremely cold winter day in Ontario, Canada, in February 1989. I had just bought a new car, however due to snow and icy conditions I refused to drive it on this day. I'd used public transportation for a date with a gal I'd been seeing a few months. We had just finished watching a movie, "Remains of the Day" starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. After leaving the theatre, the first open eatery we came across was a burger joint. We entered and ordered coffee and warm apple pie. We sat down and across from us, already seated, was a homeless man with all of his belongings close to him, huddling tight to his heavy jacket. He was in his late 50s or early 60s, with the obvious signs of spending years sleeping and living on the streets adding years to his appearance. His face was the colour towards the extreme part of red, bordering on purple. He obviously had come inside to warm up. He ignored the other patrons, sitting silently cutting an apple into thin slices with a plastic knife onto a tray in front of him. Another man entered the restaurant, obviously in a similar predicament in life to the man before us, and also seeking shelter from the -20C outside. Both men wore tattered overcoats that were obviously not purchased by them due to being over-sized for their frames. They were both smokers as their hands had that unhealthy leathery look about them, with yellow stains at the fingertips. The gentleman seated in front of us nodded in recognition to the man who had just entered, who returned the gesture, they clearly knew each other. The first man didn't say a word, yet with a calm wave of his hand offered his sliced apple to his friend. They shared the apple, however not together; the man who was the recipient took a few slices from the tray and seated himself a few tables away, while the man who offered the apple remained seated near us. My girlfriend looked at me and with tears in her eyes said, "That is beautiful." I can't explain the feelings of emotion that this evoked in me at the time -- and still does to this day, 22 years later. My girlfriend of that time is my wife now, and this story is still something my wife or I bring up from time to time. I've told this true story to many people over the years. Often, though I see they're touched by it, I don't think they truly appreciate that, in a calm, wordless way, this older homeless soul showed us what a hero really is. The wave of his hand radiated the regal dignity of a king, because it demonstrated the true meaning of sacrifice for another. His gesture said, "I have little or next to nothing, but if what I have benefits you in any way, consider it yours." =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Laugh&Lift: Trade God your pieces for His peace. The Lift .-""-._ / ___/ \ _&_ _.--""|/ `\| // \\ .' ( ^/ ^ )'. / / \ \ / | _ | \ // / \ \\ | _\____/ | /_/_/_\_\_\ | .' \____/-._ | .-"-. | / `; /# \ | / / _|_.---\ | | |.-.; :--.-(_/.____/.-""\___/"-. / \ / ~~/ /\ \{"=.______.="} /--. ; /___/_~~/ ; .--\"=...__...="} / \-/ `\______|/ \-.______..-; | /`| | \ | |||| || | /_ | |_______/ | |||| || | \_/| |-------' |--'||'--._|| | | | | || |> |______| |____________|._ || _..-;| | [___] | `||() || |______ |\/|____________|jgs|| () (__) \__/ (__) () >A Slave to Priorities (By Michele Starkey, Thankful4life@aol.com) I glanced at the clock, rubbing my eyes in disbelief as it was fast approaching 6:00 pm and the stack of red folders were still piled miles high in my inbox. The red folders indicated urgency, a priority, and a must-do-before-you-go-home task. My head was pounding from the day's events and I was real tired. The kind of tired you feel when your body aches all over and your thoughts are blurred beyond any hint of being coherent. I pushed the folders to the furthest corner of my desk, grabbed my coat and headed for home. I would tackle the red folders in the morning. Returning to work in the morning never came - my brain aneurysm happened in the meantime of life. I ended up in the ICU ward of Westchester Medical Center in New York and didn't return to work until 8 long months and a lifetime of events later. Perched in my inbox and covered by a thin film of dusk, on the corner of my desk where I left them, were the red folders. Some things aren't really urgent after all. I would never again allow myself to be a slave to the red folders and their unnecessary priorities. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) Sometimes life has a way of piling up on us, one red folder at a time. If we trust that Christ has set us free and we cast our burdens on Him, we do not have to be hurried or worried by the day's events. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Enjoy the seasons and take time for all the activities. That includes a time to rest and relax. Even God didn't rush to create the world and He followed it in a day of rest, too. Perhaps He was showing us the true priorities in life: Create, observe, enjoy and then, relax. It should be this way with our families, our children, our work and our spare time. We should always remember to set our priorities in the correct order and enjoy every activity under heaven. -<>- .-------. |(~\o/~)| _.||\/X\/||._ ,-" || \ / || "-, ,' () ||o X o|| () ', / () ,-|| / \ ||-, () \ : o ,' ||/\X/\|| ', o ; .----------._).-.-.(_.----------. |\/)~~(\/\ ( ) /\/)~~(\/| |(X () X) .-.\ : /.-. (X () X)| |/\)__(/\/( .`:`. )\/\)__(/\| '----------( /|\ )----------' ; o ', |"` | `"| ,' o ; \ () '-| /o\ |-' () / ', () |(~\ /~)| () ,' '-._ ||\/X\/|| _.-' '|| \_/ ||' || X || ||\(/\/|| ||=)O(=|| ||/\/)\|| || X || || / \ || ||/\X/\|| jgs |(_/o\_)| '._____.' >Deeply Personal (By Ron Hutchcraft) [Edited] It's a special thrill for a follower of Jesus Christ to be able to walk where Jesus walked. That's why, for many of us, a visit to the Holy Land is a special memory or a special dream. Years ago, one of America's premier preachers - his name was Dr. Robert G. Lee - paid his first visit to Israel. Every place was special, but when his tour group went to Golgotha, the place where many believe Jesus was crucified, he couldn't contain himself. He suddenly started running ahead of the group to get there. The guide had to run to catch up with him, and he asked him breathlessly, "Sir, have you been here before?" Dr. Lee paused and then he answered, "Yes, I have been here before. Almost 2,000 years ago." I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Deeply Personal." Dr. Lee wasn't talking about some time-travel experience he'd had. He was talking about his deep feeling that when Jesus was dying on that cross, he was totally identifying with what Jesus was doing there. It was his sin Jesus was paying the price for there. The great painter, Rembrandt, must have had that same sense when he painted his rendition of Christ's crucifixion. When his friends pointed out that a man in the crowd there looked like Rembrandt, he replied, "Well, that is me." Once a person comes to understand what Jesus was really doing on that cross, His death becomes a deeply personal event and a totally transforming event. It's what the great Apostle Paul was describing in Galatians 2:20, our word for today from the Word of God. He says, "The life I live...I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." There are many people who wear a cross or who know all about the cross who have never been to the cross. In other words, they have never, in their heart, made their way to Jesus' cross and said, "For me. What He did there is to pay for every sin I've ever committed, for every wrong thing I've ever done." It's at that point that you realize Jesus is your only hope of being clean, being forgiven, of ever having a relationship with God, your only hope of going to heaven someday. And you surrender yourself to this Son of God who gave His life for you. I wonder if there's ever been a time like that for you; when you move beyond Jesus' brutal death as being just a historical event, or just a religious event, commemorated by some religious observance - when Jesus' sacrifice on that cross becomes for you a deeply personal "for me" event. Our churches are filled with people who know about the cross, who appreciate what Jesus did there, but who have missed the only thing that will change your eternal address from hell to heaven; that personal transaction at the cross where you make the Savior your Savior. "For me, Jesus...it's for me." If there's never been a time when you actually gave yourself completely to Jesus as your only hope, don't wait another day to get that settled. Your soul is at stake. Your eternity is at stake. Right where you are, tell Jesus that you are putting your total trust in Him to forgive every sin, and to change your life, and to take you to His heaven someday. If you want to begin that relationship with Him you might just say these words: "Jesus, I'm yours because you died for me, and you're alive today. I'm yours." It may very well be that your journey has led you to this day as the day you begin your relationship with Jesus Christ and move from having Him in your head to having Him in your heart. [Permission to distribute this material via email, or individual copies, is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes, and will not be sold. To reproduce "A Word With You" transcripts in any other format, including Internet websites, written permission is needed.] 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 ========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: - . _,-`. -' _/ / -__ \ _/ \( } \/ ,% / \ %`\__ .--. \ %_ __ : ) ): \ ( _|-.) `._(. \ |_\ (| _____ \ `\ \,' =_____------_____ \ (/ =-----______------= ejm \ / =_____------______= `'- =------______-----= ----= >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY When Diane's 2-year-old grandson Oggie arrived, she picked him up for a hug. "Mmm," Diane said, "you smell good. What smells so good?" Oggie replied, "Screen saver." (He meant sunscreen!) -- Diane Schlemmer of LaGrange, Indiana Jackson, 2, was playing in the living room with his 9-month-old brother Woody. When Woody put a bug in his mouth, Jackson went to tell his mother. She, of course, was quite upset. Jackson then told her, "But Mom, I told him to chew it good!" -- Holly (mother of Jackson and Woody) of Georgia Myrtle's friend, who was very pregnant, was discussing when her baby would be delivered. Myrtle's 3-year-old daughter was listening in on the conversation and she asked, "Mommy, is she going to the hospital to get her baby or is the doctor going to deliver it?" -- Anita Burney (of Kansas) who says her mother, Myrtle, told her that story many times. O_ __)( ,' `. (_".`. : : /|` | | ((|_ ,-. ; - /: ,' `:(( -\ / -' `: ____ \\\-: _\__ ____|___ \____|_ ; | | '-` : :_____|:|__________________: ; |:| : : |:| : ;_______`'___________________: : : |______________________________| `---.--------------------.---' |____________________| | | |____________________| |SSt | _\|_\|_\/(__\__)\__\//_|(_ Ayomikun, 4, was trying to recall the memory verse taught in Sunday School. He said, "Our memory verse is taken from the book of 1st June Chapter 18 verse 2005 -- Okusanya M. (mother of Ayomikun) of Eket, Nigeria Casey, 7 had a tick bite on his head. Because he is allergic to any insect bite, he had to go to the doctor and get on an antibiotic. After the bite had healed, he told his mom Traci and dad James, "Whew! I am glad I didn't have Rocky Mountain Climbing Fever!" -- Traci Walker (mother of Casey) of Lebanon, Tennessee Molly's little brother Bob was the comic relief in their family of five children, growing up in the 1950's. When he was five he received a little rubber knife. The blade of the knife receded when it was plunged into something, so that it looked life the knife had sunk deep into its prey. One morning Molly's mother was in the kitchen and she observed Bob pulling out an orange crate from the garage. Puzzled, she watched as he climbed on top of it and pulling the knife out of its holster he hollered, "Good-bye, cruel world, I now commit adultery!" (He meant to say suicide.) It was loud enough for every neighbor within several blocks to hear! -- Molly Lemmons of Mustang, Oklahoma Tristin, 5, had to say good-bye to his St. Bernard who had cancer. The day after, he told his grandmother he was glad Cody died because she doesn't hurt anymore. Recently his great- grandmother died. Tristin had visited her in the nursing home. The last word she actually spoke was to to him ("good-bye) five days before she died. After she died, Tristin said, "Grandma, you shouldn't be sad because Great-grandma is in heaven and she isn't sick anymore and she's playing with Cody and besides, she won't be old anymore!" How simply said and how peaceful it made his grandmother feel. -- Sharon Hohl (grandmother of Tristin) of Chesley, Ontario .-..-. (-o/\o-) /`""``""`\ \ /.__.\ / \ `--` / `) (' , /::::\ , |'.\::::/.'| _| ';::;' |_ (::) || (::) _. "| || |" _(:) '. || .' /::\ '._||_.' \::/ /::::\ /:::\ \::::/ _\:::/ /::::\_.._ _.._ _.._ _.._/::::\ \::::/::::\/::::\/::::\/::::\::::/ jgs `""`\::::/\::::/\::::/\::::/`""` `""` `""` `""` `""` Kim, 9, had a school project that required her to make a family tree poster. Her great-grandfather was half Indian, so Kim and her mother (Sandra) had a discussion about what percentage of Indian she is. Sandra tried to explain that Kim's grandmother would be one-fourth, Sandra one-eighth and Kim would be one-sixteenth. Kim said, "No, Mom, you don't understand. I want to know what part of me is Indian. Is it my arm, leg or what?" -- Sandra Hatton of Bruceville, Indiana Margaret loves the movie "The Phantom of the Opera" and she was delighted when her grandson Zachary, 11, said he would see it with her. But the romance and drama didn't impress him. In the scene where the Phantom puts the heroine in a golden bed carved like a mythical bird, Zachary piped up, "Gi-gi, it looks like he is putting her on the back of a turkey!" -- Margaret Schilling of Scotia, New York _ )_ `. )_ `. \ )_ `. `| )_ `.` / )_ `-.` | )_ `-.` ` \ )_.- ` ` \ )_.-` ` \ )_.-`\ /\ \ )_.-| \O \ | \ \ _ / / \ _ ) `-._ / /O\ /O\ \ _.-` ( ) `-/ `-' `-' \-` ( ) _.-| __ |-._ ( )_.-` \ .-' `-._ / `-._( LGB \ `-.__.--`/ `-._ _.-" `` Angela, 5, got two fish at the local department store. She promptly named them Clyde and Penelope. When one died, the replacement was named Clyde. When another died, the replacement was named Penelope. Angela is now 19 and she now has fond memories of the many Clydes and Penelopes over the years. -- Mary Forbes (mother of Angela) of Washington, Indiana Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) __ (`/\ `=\/\ __...--~~~~~-._ _.-~~~~~--...__ `=\/\ \ / \\ `=\/ V \\ //_\___--~~~~~~-._ | _.-~~~~~~--...__\\ // ) (..----~~~~._\ | /_.~~~~----.....__\\ ===( INK )==========\\|//==================== __ejm\___/________dwb`---`________________________________ >There are those There are those... Who have encouraged me Through the pages of a book And others with compassionate eyes Portrayed in just a look. There are those... Who with gentle touch Conveyed a Christian care. I knew without a word my name Would be mentioned in their prayer. There are those... Who brought a word from God With Spirit revealed truth Along life's path They're sprinkled Way back from my youth. I pray the world will always have These warriors. Though it seems These days the road is weary With long way in between. When I look inside myself I hope that I have been Someone used to encourage And to be a special friend. For I've received such a blessing! To pass it on is good To be a faithful warrior like Our Savior said we should. ©Joan Clifton Costner --- ...Sweet! Thanks Bunni! >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? 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 ************************************************************************