Lincoln vs MLKJr ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ _..._ \_.._ `'-.,--, '-._'-. `\a\\ '. `_.' (| `7 || / .' | /_.-' ,J / \ || / ; _.. || | | /`\.-. .' _ `\ `\ \ | \_/__/ / /e)-,\ '. \ /.-` .'\ / | ,_ | /\ `;_.-'_.-'`\_/ / '-(-.)/ \_;(((_.-; .'--. \ ` .(((_,;`'. \ / `\ | _.--'`__.' `\ '-;\ /` | /.-' .--' '._.'\\ .' ; /__.-'` | \ | .'`-'_ /_.'))) \_\,_/ / -'_.'---;`'-))) (__.'/ /` .'` (_.'/ /` /` _|.' /` jgs.-` __.'| .-'|| | \_`/ ` *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >-->Who is the true "hero" in black history? Abraham Lincoln or Martin Luther King Jr? Of these two, Which man would you pick? _ _.-'`-._ _ ;.'________'.; _________n.[____________].n_________ |""_""_""_""||==||==||==||""_""_""_""] |"""""""""""||..||..||..||"""""""""""| |LI LI LI LI||LI||LI||LI||LI LI LI LI| |.. .. .. ..||..||..||..||.. .. .. ..| |LI LI LI LI||LI||LI||LI||LI LI LI LI| ,,;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;,;;;,;;;,;;,, ;;jgs;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; >posted by affi http://tinyurl.com/yacke8l I am Black myself but have a lil question for you... Who is the true "hero" in black history? President Abraham Lincoln for ending slavery and free all those people back in 1863 or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for continuing the Civil Rights movement and starting a new era in black history. If in fact both of them are "heroes", why do americans "only" celebrate Mr. King and not even remember the person who started it all...makes you wonder... Perhaps Martin Luther King Jr has the slight edge, because he did not plunge the nation into a bloody civil war. Why choose just one. Without Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr might have been a slave down south with no ability to promote civil rights. On the other hand, Lincoln's assassin's bullet may have delayed the natural developemnt of rights for blacks, at that time, and only a Martin Luther King Jr could finish the job!!! My answer is both. They were both martyred for others, and deserve respect!!! We would not be where we are, if not for both contributions. I refuse to disrespect either martyr. --- ...That is well said and sums up my viewpoint on the matter too! I would like to add for those of you who care - both men were men of God. I believe they were acting according to God's Will as best they could. In other words, I believe they were great because they did God's Will. It is why also the adversary got rid of them as soon as he saw the opportunity to do so. We are in a spiritual war. Our enemy will take out the big wig first over the grunt soldier any day. An example of Lincoln's true self... Abraham Lincoln's God http://www.godweb.org/lincoln.htm Abraham Lincoln's God http://tinyurl.com/yb4ajnz MLK Jr. Quotes... Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent. Martin Luther King, Jr. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr. Discrimination is a hellhound that gnaws at Negroes in every waking moment of their lives to remind them that the lie of their inferiority is accepted as truth in the society dominating them. Martin Luther King, Jr. Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. Martin Luther King, Jr. Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think. Martin Luther King, Jr. Science investigates religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge which is power religion gives man wisdom which is control. Martin Luther King, Jr. Seeing is not always believing. Martin Luther King, Jr. Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. Martin Luther King, Jr. The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood. Martin Luther King, Jr. The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict. Martin Luther King, Jr. So many good quotes - visit here for more... http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr.html Check out... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' You are The ONLY You God Has! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Our Valuable Anchor http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html ================================================================ >-->From The Manhattan Project , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Thank you for your support of the Manhattan Declaration. It is off to an amazing start - over 370,000 signers and growing. And it is indeed historic: Evangelicals, Catholics, Anglicans, and Eastern Orthodox Christians uniting to give common witness to the sanctity of human life, the dignity of marriage, and religious liberty for all persons. But we need your help: our goal is one million signatures. Visit Here to Sign if you haven't already: http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/ As with any grassroots movement, the strength and energy has to come from the people. We have no staff and limited budget. We're people who care passionately and deeply about life, marriage, and liberty. So here's what we are asking you to do. 1. Pray fervently. Great movements of faith have always spread on the wings of prayer. 2. Know the issues. If you study this Declaration - and a study guide is available on our website - then you can winsomely explain and defend it to your neighbors and friends. The document itself makes a great apologetic defense for these moral truths. 3. Look for resources on this website as we're able to post them, and search the websites of the Christian organizations that offer resources in these three areas. You can see the names of the various leaders who have signed the Declaration and then visit their websites. 4. Of utmost importance, get your own church involved. As pastors preach, the movement will spread. Prayer meetings and Bible studies on the Declaration are being conducted in many churches, which is a great step. 5. Make full use of Facebook, Twitter, and all the devices available today for social networking. Or just go to gatherings in your own community and speak out on this issue. Cultures are changed over the backyard fence, the barbeque grill, and in hair salons - always from the bottom up. Do everything you can possibly do to educate others. 6. Organize local gatherings like the one in Mobile. If you want an audio or video of Chuck Colson's talk at the event, you will be able to see it on the website in the next few days. You can also read a firsthand report on how they did this. 7. If you are a pastor or ministry leader let us know if you would like to be added to the Additional Signers list on the website. Just think what might happen in our land if one million courageous Christians declared their uncompromising allegiance to Jesus Christ and to biblical faithfulness on some of the most urgent moral issues of our day! Visit Here to Sign http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/ May God give us the strength to do what He is so clearly calling us to do. From our perspective, this is a cause worth giving every last ounce of effort and energy we have. Dr. Robert George Dr. Timothy George Chuck Colson http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/ ===================================================================== >-->From Our Friend flameon :) _ ///-._ ////////-._ /////////////-. ////////////////`. //////////////// .'`. //////////////// . '.'`. '|`'//////////// . .'.::|` : `'/////// . '.':| | . . `'// ' _|- ::| |. .-._ . | . | .':: | |:|:| | ' ' '.::| | |:|:| :. . .'.':| | . |:|:| . | .._.::: : `':| | ' ////-:| |. . | '/////////-._ | . . : .//////////////-._ : : ///////////////////-._ |. |////////////////////////-._ | . . :`'//////////////////////////-._ | . _.-\\\\``'//////////////////////////-._ | /\\\\\\\\..``'//////////////////////////". : . . /. \\\\\\\\\. .``'///////////////////// .'`. : / _ \\\\\\\\\. ``'//////////////// . .'`. | . / (@) \\\\\\\\\. . . ``'/////////// . '.'::|. {`)._ '| _` .\\\\\\\-`:|#| . . ``'////// '. .'.:| `-{_/`| ||::. \\'`.:|:.|#| |#| . ``'/ ' .##:'::: `-| ||||| |`.'::|::|#| |#| |#| . . '| . .|##|'.:| pils | ||||| : .'::|:.'#| |#| |#| |#| | |##|'::| | ||||| .| .'.:|::.'' '#| |#| |#| . : ' |##|'.:| {`\:|||| : .'::|:_.:. . '#| |#| | .|##|'::: `-{_/'|_ |_.-'/}_/'-._ '#| :. |##:'.:| `'{._('}_)-' `-}_}(-._ . . | ' '` .'::| `-' `-.} /-._ . : .'.'_:-'\ `-}_}(-._ | . _.-')_(-' `-/_)`-.:.-{ \{-' `-{_'_)-'' ^ Click the link “Mighty To Save” (6.43 MB) by Michael W. Smith http://shar.es/aRbST Lyrics:- Everyone needs compassion A love that’s never failing Let mercy fall on me Everyone needs forgiveness A kindness of a Savior The hope of nations Savior He can move the mountains My God is Mighty to save He is Mighty to save Forever Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave So take me as You find me All my fears and failures And fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in Now I surrender Savior He can move the mountains Our God is Mighty to save He is Mighty to save Forever Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave (2) Shine your light and let the whole world see We’re singing for the glory of the risen King…Jesus Shine your light and let the whole world see We’re singing for the glory of the risen King…Jesus Savior He can move the mountains Our God is Mighty to save He is Mighty to save Forever Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave (2) Shine your light and let the whole world see We’re singing for the glory of the risen King…Jesus Shine your light and let the whole world see We’re singing for the glory of the risen King…Jesus (3) (A lot to celebrate tonight) Shine your light on me Shine your light on me (3) --- ...Sweet! Thanks Flameon! ========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _____ _..--'''@ @'''--.._ .' @_/-//-\/>/>'/ @ '. ( @ /_BETTER THAN MONEY OR FAME by Jaye Lewis What in the world was I doing in Miami Florida, poor and alone in a rich and sophisticated place? It was thirty years ago, and I was a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off. I had entered three recipes, and remarkably, I was chosen as a finalist, out of thousands of entries. I remember clearly the voice of the woman on the other end of the phone. "Congratulations! You are a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off." "No. Who is this, really?" I asked, totally dumb-founded. She laughed as I insisted on calling back and verifying. Wow! It was true! I really was a finalist. I was ecstatic. How could this be happening? Pillsbury flew everyone to Miami. Then they whisked us away to the famous Fontainebleau Hilton in Miami Beach. I was stunned just to be there in the fabulous surroundings. The food was incredible, and the settings like nothing I had ever seen. Nothing could top this, I thought, but I was about to learn one of the greatest lessons of my life. The waiters and waitresses were all Cuban, and they spoke not a word of English. I couldn't help but notice anger in their expressions. It was not long before I understood why. They were ignored as though they didn't exist. No one even gave them a smile. I quickly lost my appetite and barely touched my food. I tried, with difficulty, to keep up with the questions of a very nice Vice President of a Pillsbury subsidiary. I was unsuccessful, but it didn't matter, because I was now a witness to the painful struggle of refugees from another land. Were the refugees as overwhelmed as I? Did they feel as out of place, surrounded by wealthy people, who had no idea of what it was like to have nothing? Our situations were different, yet I felt that we were very much alike. I didn't know what to say to the people around me, and neither did they. I didn't understand the chatter, almost as much as they. All of a sudden, I decided to do something about their situation. I wanted desperately to make them feel visible, important, and welcome in their new country. From somewhere deep inside of me, I began pulling out rusty expressions from my four years of high school Spanish. I could only remember a few phrases in their language, yet with that first phrase, "Gracias," I beheld a remarkable transformation. Warm, brown faces took on a shocked and delighted glow. "De nada!" my delighted waiter replied. "It was nothing," he said, in halting English. So it began, my bad Spanish communicating with another's bad English. I was enchanted by the happiness I saw in their faces. Did they feel more welcome in their new home? I hoped so. After breakfast we were led into a converted ballroom. A hundred stoves and refrigerators were packed inside. We had just a few hours to complete our recipes, twice. One entry for pictures and one for the judges, who were kept in seclusion. I was one of the first contestants finished. Exhausted, I went up to my room to rest, greeting many smiling Cubans along the way. That evening we were treated to a huge award ceremony dinner. No one ate much, and as they began to name the winners, there was sporadic applause from their family and friends. If I were a winner, I thought sadly, there would be no one to applaud for me. I was amazed when I heard my name called out. As I stood, the room erupted in thunderous applause. What in the world?! I turned to look, and I saw dozens of smiling Cubans, waving and cheering for me. Stunned, and blind with tears, I reached out for my prize. Bob Barker handed me my check and said, "You must have a lot of friends." "I do now," I smiled, choking back tears. In that brief moment, I understood that my "prize" was neither money nor my fifteen minutes of fame. My true reward, I told my children later, was in learning that one small kindness can bring unexpected return. -- Jaye Lewis __________________________________________________ Jaye is a Heartwarmer Gem and contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has also contributed to Guide Posts books, God Allows U-Turns, and many other anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. To read more about Jaye, visit her website at http://www.entertainingangels.org or visit her blogs which can be accessed through her website. Jaye is happily married and has two wonderful daughters, along with a menagerie of pets which includes her little Dachshund, HappyDog, the dog of her life. ================================================================= >-->From Laugh&Lift: The Lift + (|) _____.___.|_|. | / \ |===| | / \ | o | |__/__v__\|, ,| | | | | | || || |/| . . . |','| ||| A A A | , | ||| M M M | | wtx --------------------- >Practical Church Observations (selected from writings by John Bevere) People like to be entertained. The average American watches forty-five hours of TV a week. Some churches have tried to attract people the same way the world does. In the church, we have learned to attract people by appealing to their desire to be entertained. Out of this practice has come what many call "seeker-friendly" or "seeker-sensitive" churches. Having preached in some of these churches, I have found that often what is "seeker-sensitive" is sometimes "God insensitive." These churches may draw large crowds, but is it worth the expense of offending God? ... We need preachers today like Haggai or Malachi, ones who will shun the popularity of the people in order to please God. We need preachers who will speak faithful words, words the people NEED to hear as opposed to words they WANT to hear. Today, if a person writes a book on how to improve one's lifestyle or achieve success, it will sell well. We write and preach on topics that are palatable to the people. But where are those who don't consider their message's reception on earth, but only its reception in heaven? ... At times our ministry ideas are forged by a gathering of men. There, we draw from the wells of our own limited wisdom, pooling our counsel, which has been unconsciously influenced by cultural trends. These trends are right in front of us and easier to access than waiting on God for a revelation of His will. Though many new and fresh ideas are appearing, do we always know where our inspiration is coming from? We have substituted the knowledge of God for the motivational techniques gleaned from unregenerate man... I notice this more frequently in very large churches. Sometimes the reason a church is large is that it caters to lukewarm converts who can be in and out in a hurry without ever being made to feel uncomfortable. As I travel, my time to speak is often limited by certain constraints, usually kept within an hour and a half. Normally there are two reasons behind this. First, there is the fear that if services go too long, the host church will lose evening attendance as well as membership. It is interesting that so many people can sit through two hours or more at the movies or a two-hour big sports event, but become frustrated when the sermon runs over forty-five minutes. Second, there is the strain such services place upon the children's workers. I believe that children's workers would experience a genuine move of God if they ministered to the children instead of entertaining them! There have been a few times when I have held services that lasted three hours or more, and because the children were being ministered to, they had no trouble with the time. This is not to say that a service must be long in order to be effective. These attitudes are simply a reflection of what we value as worthy of our attention. Yes, if the Holy Spirit is not present in a service, there is no reason to go more than an hour and a half. Matter of fact, even that will become a long time without the Holy Spirit's presence. I agree with that. However, the Holy Spirit will be found in services where the leadership allows Him to do and say whatever He desires! ... It is offensive to the Holy Spirit to be told that He has only an hour and a half, from start to close, to complete His work. It displeases Him when leaders follow a rigid pattern and make decisions outside God's counsel. But what [I believe] God finds most alarming is that His people like it that way! For many, such limitations protect their own irreverent, self-seeking lifestyles. Often the words of so-called "prophets" in the church give no real strength to the heart of God's people. They give temporary relief with the promise of blessings. But later the people are discouraged when they become disappointed with God because the word does not come true...It is unfortunate that many preaching and personal prophetic words feed wrong attitudes and concepts that have infiltrated the heart of God's children. "God wants you happy. God wants you blessed! There is a successful lifestyle waiting for you!" Conduct a study for yourself of the personal prophecies found in the New Testament. You will find only a few, and most dealt with chains, tribulations, and death that awaited those who would bring glory to God. (See John 21:18-29; Acts 20:22-23; Acts 21:10-11.) Quite different from many of the personal prophecies of today! 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 CupO'Cheer: CAFE OF LOVE --posted by dotrut2001 ,-"-. _r-----i _ \ |-. ,###. | | | ,-------. | | | c| | ,--. | |' | | _______________ C| | (=====) ========= \_____________/ `==' cww (HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH) In the early 80's, I was introduced by a homeless lady named Rosie to a little café in Portland, Oregon. I had taken Rosie for coffee or food many times in the months I had known her. This day she insisted she was taking me to lunch. We walked from the hotel where I worked to a little cafe on Davis Street. I was frantic, knowing she had no money, and I did not want to hurt her feeling by offering to pay yet again. The cafe was filled with people, all of them smiling, even the workers. Rosie told me to sit and drink coffee while she worked for her lunch. After about 20 minutes, she paid for one meal and we sat enjoying the best vegetarian chili and cornbread I had ever eaten. She explained to me that the café let you work for a meal if you had no money, or would give you a free meal if you were not able to work. She also explained that the workers were all volunteers. Well, this morning I was thinking of all the visits I paid that café over the years and out of curiosity, I surfed the internet for them. To my joy and amazement they are still open. Doing the great work of feeding the homeless and hungry, as well as helping in many other ways. I am not sure if I should put their name on here or not, but I can tell you this is a work of love by the founder Genny. Wouldn't it me wonderful if every city had a place like this? Story Printed From http://www.helpothers.org -<>- .') _ (_ ) .+(` ) ) -a:f- _ :( ) ) .:(` ) ) -- .-- `. ( ) ) - -- :( ) .( ) ` __.:' `. `( ) ) ( ) ) ` __.:' ))--- ( )) ---- _ ) ) -- --' _ `- __.' .=(` ) .-' (` ). :( ) ( '`. . -- `( ) ) ) ---- ( ) ) --- ` __.:' ` __.:'-' >WHAT AMAZES JESUS? Apparently, we like to be amazed. I draw that conclusion from the myriad of television shows such as, "Amazing Rescues," "Amazing Car Chases," "Amazing Animal Stories," and do you remember from a generation ago, "That's Incredible." But now, have you ever wondered what amazes Jesus? What turns his head? If you haven't, I'll tell you... "When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, 'I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'" (Luke 7:9). Faith! That's what amazes Jesus. The kind of faith possessed by a Roman solider. Jesus marveled! He was amazed! He said he had never seen anything like it, not even in Israel, among God's people. Friends, you may never make it on some "Amazing" television show. In fact, your life may seem quite ordinary to your friends and neighbors, but if you have faith; faith like this Roman soldier, you too will turn the Savior's head, cause Him to marvel at you, and say, "Why, have you ever seen such a thing?" P.S. - For those who are interested, here's some additional information that helps to explain what was so amazing about this Roman soldier's faith. • It crossed barriers. He was a Gentile, but he had come to have faith in God. • It involved him in the work of God. He put his faith in action and built the Jews a synagogue. • It worked for the good of others. He was concerned about a servant, who under Roman laws was simply viewed as a living tool. • It was humble. He felt unworthy before Jesus. • It acknowledged that nothing was too hard for God. He believed Jesus could do what he was unable to do. Copyright © 2009, South Green Street Church of Christ, Glasgow, Kentucky. Permission is granted to copy these articles. as seen in MercEmail -<>- { } } { { { } } } }{ { _{ }{ } }_ ( }{ }{ { ) |""---------""| >A SWEET AROMA Tracie Miles "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." Galatians 5:22 (NIV) Devotion: A sweet thing happened recently. It was Sunday morning at church, and the congregation was standing, singing hymns. My precious little boy was beside me with his arms wrapped around my waist. Every few minutes, he pressed his face into my shirt. After several times, I finally determined he was sniffing me, so I leaned down and quietly asked why. He stood on his tip toes, put his face close to mine and whispered, "Because you smell like fruit, Mommy! It smells really good!" I smiled and knew what he smelled was one of my favorite perfumes which has a clean, sweet, fruity aroma. God turned my thoughts to how we're to be a pleasing aroma to Him, through thoughts, actions and behaviors carried out in the Spirit. Ephesians 5:2 encourages us to "...live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (NIV). What does that really mean? How can we offer a fragrant offering that is pleasing to God and be a fragrance to those around us? There is a Hawaiian saying, "Tiny is the flower, yet it scents the grasses around it." What a great illustration of how the smallest things can have impactful results. The fact that the flower is small and seemingly insignificant, does not keep it from spreading the fragrance it was created to share. In fact, often the smallest flower can have the most potent fragrance! Sometimes we may feel like a tiny flower. We wonder if we are really capable of doing anything big or important for Christ. Insecurities, feelings of unworthiness or life challenges prevent us from seeing how God can use us to bless Him and impact others. It is not the size of the actions that matter, but the aroma that is created by those actions. Each time we do something in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness we offer a fragrant offering to God. And we help others learn how to be a little fragrant flower too, in a big world that can be pretty stinky. Each one of us can choose what fragrance we exude. It might be a good idea to ask from time to time, What type of fragrance am I leaving behind? How am I affecting the world around me with the gifts God gave me? Am I exuding a spiritual aroma that is a fragrant offering to Christ? Our lingering fragrance should be one of love and kindness, not anger and harshness. Patience and faithfulness, not intolerance and selfishness. And lifting people's spirits with joy and peace, not leaving them discouraged and broken. Our fragrance should be sowing seeds that point to the goodness of Christ. When God created flowers, He intentionally created them to give off a sweet aroma. And He created us just the same. So, what fragrance are you wearing today? Dear Lord, teach me how to smell like You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. as seen in Encouragement For Today -<>- . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >MAY GOD BLESS YOU THIS DAY...WITH HIS LIGHT! It's the middle of the night. You're in a dark forest, so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face. There are others. Family, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors, people you don’t know and some you don’t particularly like. You can't see them, but they are there. And all around you are animals ? dangerous, vicious animals that can quickly kill even the strongest, fastest and smartest. Then someone whispers, Take this. A light is gently placed in the palm of your hand. With this you can find the way that will lead you to safety. You control the beam. Hold the light close and the beam is dim. Only you will be able to see it. Hold the light out and the beam is bright. Others here in the darkness will be able to see you and follow you out. But beware...the animals will be able to see you, too. How bright will you make the light? Enough for favorite family members and special friends? Maybe a little brighter for those who have been nice to you? What about those you don’t know...have never met...dislike...don't trust? What about the ones who hate you? Or do you choose to hold it close? encourage•one•another•encourage•one•another•encourage | | | _ | | <_> | | | | | `-._ | |`-._| | | _________________________________|____ `-._ `-._ | `-._ `-._ | kat `-._ `-._ In American football, there's a vast array of coaches and players, from the great to the not-so-great to those with the best of intentions. This year I saw two great college players. Both are quarterbacks, exceptional athletes, and leaders on the field. When they enter the game, everything changes. Their teams become more confident, others more cautious. They instill deep loyalty, responsibility, respect and commitment in those who gladly follow them into battle. But that's not what makes them great. One man, in every game, had a reference to a Bible verse clearly displayed on the black strips below his eyes. For one game he used John 3:16, and the next day 93 MILLION people Googled that verse to see what it said! Throughout his college career he has used his free time to do missionary work, share his faith, and visit those in hospitals, orphan- ages and prisons. The Governor of Florida once said of Tim Tebow, His impact is more far-reaching than you or I will ever know. The other is also well known, but hasn't had the same success. Few do. But here's why he's a great man. The last game of the season was extremely emotional and hard fought. When it was finally over, he and his team had suffered a bitter defeat. The TV broadcast showed their fans...sad, angry, shocked...staring at the ground. Then the camera focused on Josh Nesbit. His head was down, too. But he was kneeling – alongside those he played with and those he played against ? praying and honoring God. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Romans 1:16 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care. Psalms 95:6-7 What makes a person great? Ability or fame? Titles or awards? These are the world's standards, not God's. He looks for something different...the one who loves Him with all his heart, soul, mind and strength...whose life, actions and words show true faith...who is not ashamed to be His child. This world is like that forest. A light has come and God has placed it in our hands...to share...to make it known...so those lost in the darkness can find the Way to Him. I'll ask again. How bright will you make the light? Does anyone know you have it? Can they see it? Or do you choose to hold it close? Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. John 3:21 Take care and be God's, Chuck as seen in A Note of Encouragement To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. =========================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: |||||||||||||| = \ = | _= ___/ / _\ (o)\ | | \ _ \ | |/ (____) \__/ / | / / ___) / \ \ _) ) \ \ / ( \/ \ \_________/ |\_________________,_ ) \/ \ / | ==== _______)__) \/ \ / __/___ ====_/ \/ \ / (O____)\\_(_/ (O_ ____) (O____) by tod@m-net.arbornet.org >Twenty Ways to Kill Good Ideas by Paul Hellman Sure, you like new ideas in principle, but let's get real. Suppose everyone in corporate America started spewing forth ideas on how to make things better. Before long, you would be drowning in a sea of suggestions, made by employees who aren't nearly as smart as you—otherwise, they'd have your job (and don't think for a minute that they don't want it; in fact, that's why they're making all these silly suggestions in the first place). What to do? Here are 20 ways to kill ideas before they kill you. 1. You're probably wondering why I brainstormed this list, since brainstorming is the antithesis of everything this list stands for. You may also be wondering: · Why 20 ways to kill ideas; why not just one or two? · Why kill ideas; isn't that a tad violent? · Why kill ideas; why not a list of 20 ways to kill something really pesky, such as rodents? Good for you. You've already mastered the first way to kill ideas: Ask the person with the idea a lot of questions...preferably stupid ones. (I know I didn't answer your questions yet, but that's what happens when you start brainstorming.) 2. Here's another thing that happens when you start brainstorming: People talk without really saying anything and you end up with a list that isn't really a list. 3. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that the original meaning of "brainstorm" in 1894 was, according to Webster's, "a violent fit of insanity." On the other hand, the word also meant "a bright idea." That's the problem with creative techniques such as brainstorming—one person's bright idea is another person's violent fit of insanity.) If someone says, "Let's brainstorm!" he or she should be fired on the spot. 4. Or shot. 5. Don't take this seriously. Don't take any idea seriously. When someone presents an idea, you should laugh your head off. Just make it clear that you're not laughing at what the person said; you're laughing at the person. 6. Could we get back to item #4 for a second? Okay, you can't really shoot someone literally, but the item still has possibilities. Since ideas tend to flourish in a relaxed, safe environment, do whatever you can to keep people rattled. 7. For example, begin your meetings with a few casual threats. Say, "Joe, you better start producing around here or you're history, fella." Make sure Joe is your top performer before you single him out. 8. Also, you can "shoot people down" at every opportunity. If somebody gets out of line and actually makes a viable suggestion, ask, "Are you kidding, or is this another one of your violent fits of insanity?" 9. Then there are the classic idea-killers: "We've tried that before," "That would never work here," or the simple yet elegant, "That's the dumbest idea I've ever heard." 10. You can even use brainstorming to kill ideas. For example, you might say, "Sally, let's come up with 35 things I hate about your idea, and 20 more things I dislike about you." 11. I temporarily ran out of things to say. 12. That reminds me—use silence. When someone offers an idea, pretend that you didn't hear it. 13. We're entering the nonverbal realm now. Use your face and gestures to communicate your general disgust with whatever ding-a- ling idea has been proposed. Think of yourself as a pantomime artist and ... 14. Roll your eyes, lower your eyes, or simply close them and sleep. 15. Pull your glasses off and throw them down on the table with a look of contempt. 16. Don't forget to use your mouth—there's a lot that can be done here nonverbally. For openers, try sighing, yawning or spitting. 17. Push our chair back from the table, possibly into the hall. 18. Hit your forehead. Hit someone else's forehead. 19. Put your hands up to signal "stop." 20. Whoops, it is time to stop. Maybe the best idea of all would be to outlaw techniques such as brainstorming. As you can see from this list, it's really a useless way to get anything done. -<>- o \,-,---. o--( .__,)_) \C -(-< En Madame Butterfly wil ook al niet lukken =( ). ' / .---' >-'-. < \ , ) \ `--' -' o!O >MY BIGGEST FAN A famous singer once contracted to appear at a Paris opera house. Ticket sales bloomed, and the night of the concert found the house full and every ticket sold. A feeling of anticipation and excitement was in the air as the house manager stepped out on the stage and announced, ``Ladies and gentleman, thank you for your enthusiastic support, but I have news that may be disappointing some. An accident, not serious in nature but serious enough, will prevent the man you have come to hear from performing tonight.`` He went on to give the name of the understudy who would step into the role, but the crowd groaned and drowned it out. The excitement in the audience turned to bitter disappointment and frustration as the opera began. The stand-in artist gave the performance everything he had. Throughout the evening. there had been nothing but an uneasy silence. Even at the end, no one applauded. Then from the balcony,the thin voice of a little girl broke the silence. ``Daddy,`` she called out, ``I think you were wonderful.`` The crowd broke into thunderous Applaud. . -Bits & Pieces -<>- ____________________ | | | PSYCHIATRIC | | HELP | |____________________| || ,-..'``. || || (,-..'`. ) || || )-c - `)\ || ,.,._.-.,_,.,-||,.(`.-- ,`',.-,_,||.-.,.,-,._. ___||____,`,'--._______|| |`._||______`'__________|| | || __ || | || |.-' ,|- || _,_,,..-,_| || ._)) `|- ||,.,_,_.-.,_ . `._||__________________|| ____ . . . . . <.____`> .SSt . . . . . _.()`'()`' . RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR Take twelve whole months, Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy, Make them just as fresh and clean as possible. Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or thirty-one different parts, but don't make up the whole batch at once. Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients. Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage, and one part of work. Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness. Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed. Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humor. Pour all of this into a vessel of love. Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness. You're bound to have a happy new year. --- Author Unknown -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Amnesty Bills Worst Provision http://www.buffaloschips.com/gfrd.htm Funnel Prank http://www.buffaloschips.com/grtr.htm Funniest Video Of The Year http://www.buffaloschips.com/gjuhj.htm Funny http://www.buffaloschips.com/gbvbn.htm Funny Video http://www.buffaloschips.com/gvdfr.htm I'll Never Fall http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/neverfall.html Curse Of The Law http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/curseofthelaw.html Overseer http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/overseer.html Attitude is Everything http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Just Thinking http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thinking.html Thoughts For Today http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thoughts.html Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com =============================================================== >-->New Years - I CAN!! _.----._ ,'.::.--..:._ /::/_,-;._.:._.;,-=_(.-' __ `._ ,;' _..-(((('' .,-'' `-._ _,'<.-'' _..``'.'`-'`. ` _.-((((_..--'' \ \ `.`. -' _.``' \ ` SSt >It's Up To You One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey, One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can know what's true, One life can make the difference, You see, it's up to you -Author Unknown -<>- _____ .---...-. ,' -. `. ,' _____...' / - _ - \ : .' _ _ \\ : ' _)' : | :-(_).(_):: (_ ;) | | -' || \ _ / ; | _ || `..___..' `-'..____.'`' ;._: _; :_ / \ SSt ,' `' `. SSt >I Refuse To Be Discouraged I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, And here's the reason why . . . I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, And I am on His team. He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end, His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend. When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go. When circumstances threaten To rob me from my peace; He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease. And when my heart melts within me, And weakness takes control; He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul. The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand, The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand. I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, As through this life I trod. I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love. I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race. -- Author Unknown --- ...Visit These for more... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Self Talk http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/selftalk.html Never Give Up! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Just Have Faith! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faith.html Quit Smoking http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/quitsmoking.html Until We Write Again http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/write.html Lighthouses of the World http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lighthouses.html >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! --------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS --------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd 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 ************************************************************************