Look To Jesus And The Old 3:16... :) 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 ================ * 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! ================ *~* Happy Blessed And Safe Father's Day Weekend! .-""-._ / ___/ \ _&_ _.--""|/ `\| // \\ .' ( ^/ ^ )'. / / \ \ / | _ | \ // / \ \\ | _\____/ | /_/_/_\_\_\ | .' \____/-._ | .-"-. | / `; /# \ | / / _|_.---\ | | |.-.; :--.-(_/.____/.-""\___/"-. / \ / ~~/ /\ \{"=.______.="} /--. ; /___/_~~/ ; .--\"=...__...="} / \-/ `\______|/ \-.______..-; | /`| | \ | |||| || | /_ | |_______/ | |||| || | \_/| |-------' |--'||'--._|| | | | | || |> |______| |____________|._ || _..-;| | [___] | `||() || |______ |\/|____________|jgs|| () (__) \__/ (__) () Mom and Dad's Index Pages Here: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/momsanddadsindex.html -<>- >-->3 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) These 3 piping hot new pages come from our friends PatDeE, KarenF and LouiseAu. National Geographic has been a rich treasure of photographic excellence over 125 years. Here is a wonderful collection of some of their very best for your viewing pleasure: | \ ' / __ __ .-. _\ \/ /_ __ -=== ( ) ===- /__oOoo__\/ /__ '-' /_/\__\oOo__/ / . \ || /_/\__\ | || || ~^~~||~^~||^~^^~^~^=^=^~=~=~^=^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^ ~^ ~|| ~~|| ~^~ ~^= =~^=~^~^= ~^~^~ ~^~^ ~^~ ^~ || ^ ||~^ ~^~ ~^==~^==~^~ = ~^=~ ~^ ~^~ .'. ||.'.||.' ..'..''.'.'. '.'..'.' .'''..''.' jgs || || ''. O ~O/ '' '' || /|\/| ' . ' . ' . ' . /| |\ . . ' . / | / | . . ' ' ` ` ` ` ' ' Best Of National Geographic http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bestnatgeo.html Best Of National Geographic 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bestnatgeo2.html Best Of National Geographic 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bestnatgeo3.html --- ...Stunning and most Breathtaking! Thanks my friends! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: He didn't tell me how to live. He lived, and let me watch him do it. -- Clarence Budington Kelland Father's Day is June 19 and Joe Walker shares his thoughts... . . : . _ '. _.:._ .' (_) '-. .' '. .-' _;_ ' - ./ \. - ' / | \ - - | | - - """" \ | \ """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" `|\ ` | \ / / jgs / /_ >FATHER'S DAY ROOKIE by Joseph Walker Technically, Adam is a father this Father's Day. I know -- he hasn't changed a single diaper, or taken a turn staying up late with a fussy baby. He hasn't rocked his son to sleep, or bounced him on his knee, or tucked him sweetly in his cradle. And there isn't one spit up stain on any of his jackets or collars. But he's still a father this Father's Day. Technically. Adam's first child won't actually be born until September. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we already know he is a boy -- he and Andrea have named their son Alexander -- and that he has Adam's nose and, according to one observer anyway, Andrea's eyes (although I can't for the life of me figure out how anyone could tell that -- I mean, his eyes are still closed, for Pete's sake!). So Adam is still a rookie when it comes to being a father. He's doing a great job of taking care of Andrea through a sometimes-difficult pregnancy, so he's earning his stripes there. But he's yet to step up to the plate and take his first swings at hands-on fatherhood. So you can't blame him if he's a little nervous about it. These are, after all, life's ultimate Big Leagues. The margin for error is slight. You can go from Hall of Fame Father to bush league dad with one raging outburst of anger and frustration. Plus, the other team has great pitchers throwing hard, dirty stuff at you -- stuff like drugs, alcohol, gangs, cynicism and indifference. It's tough being a good dad under the best of circumstances. These days, with an extraordinary array of negative influences swirling all around us and blurring our values and priorities, it can be overwhelming. Especially for a rookie. Thankfully, Adam has a great image in his mind of what a father can and should be. He had a terrific dad, with whom he had a close and loving relationship. He has seen and experienced the positive influence of a good father in his life. But his dad passed away some time ago, so he won't be available to provide on-the-job training and encouragement. His mom is a great lady, and she'll fill in as much as she can. Andrea will certainly put in her two-cents worth from time to time -- you can count on that. And he has older friends and family members who will share their insights, experiences and -- occasionally -- warnings. But for the most part, he's going to be on his own, trying to figure out fatherhood as he goes along. Which is pretty much what we all do, now that I think about it. My dad was around for my first 25 years of fathering, and I did solicit his input from time to time. But for the most part I just winged it. And with Anita's help and God's, things turned out OK -- if you don't count the overwrought late-night lectures, the "Russia has just taken over America" experiment and the incident in the cul-de-sac. Don't ask. Fatherhood isn't a science, it's an art. Which means that there are precious few hard and fast rules, and almost no absolutes. There are no textbooks, no laboratories, no scientifically calculated models that can turn you into a good father. It's something you can only learn by doing -- which means that what you do will occasionally be... well... wrong. But guided by love and fortified by faith, you can overcome your mistakes. And so, thank God, can your children. Even if you're a rookie. -- Joseph Walker =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) _ ________ _( )_ | .##@@&&&@@# ( ` )_ \ _ / ,##@&::%&&%%:.( ) ( `) -= (_) =- #@&:%%000000 (__ (_ . _) _) / \ #@&:%00' / / / / / / | #@&:%0' / / / / / / Diana H. Chaytor #@&:%0 dchaytor@jach.hawaii.edu #@&:%0 ~NO RAIN, NO RAINBOWS~ http://www.islandnet.com/~chaytor jgs#@&:%0============================================================= >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 Son's name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. God Almighty knows what'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 JESUS is with me, My life is in His hands, The Son of God 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 --- ...a beautiful one! Thanks Bunni! ========================================================= >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) _ xxxx _ /_;-.__ / _\ _.-;_\ `-._`'`_/'`.-' `\ /` | / /-.( \_._\ \ \`; > |/ / // |// jgs \(\ `` >Look to Jesus (By Charles H. Spurgeon) "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." {Hebrews 12:2} It is ever the Holy Spirit's work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan's work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, "Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of His children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus." All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: He tells us that we are nothing [in ourselves], but that "Christ is all in all." Remember, therefore, it is not [just] thy hold of Christ that saves thee-it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee-it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument-it is Christ's blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith. We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by "looking unto Jesus." Keep thine eye simply on Him; let His death, His sufferings, His merits, His glories, His intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to Him; when thou liest down at night look to Him. Oh! let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after Him, and He will never fail thee. "My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness: I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name." --- ...Absolutely! Thank You LouiseAu! _..._ .~ `~. / } \ _.'`~~/ {_,} -( ,'-,___.' .-. / |_ /| __| |__ / ` |_/ [__ __] / \ / | | / '--;_ | | _\ `\ | | / |`-.___. / | | ^^^jgs^^^`--`------'`--`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ While we are weak, Christ is Strong! Looking at our shortcomings will only depress us. We must think instead of all the things we have to be thankful to God for through Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the finisher of our hearts. He is the one who perfected us... Col.2: [6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [7] Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. [8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. [10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: [11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: [12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. [16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: [17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. We've got nothing to be ashamed of because of what God did for us through Christ Jesus our Lord! We are complete in Him! Praise God! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .===. / _/\ \ \/e.e\/ _ ( _ ) / \ _)---(_ \ | / `~` \ /`/ /\/ \/\ / / /| |\_/ \ \\_____/ \ \, L | \_| | | | _|_ | | | | jgs |__|__| (___|___) >DAD'S HELPER By Ron Mehl A little boy was helping his father move some books out of an attic into more spacious quarters downstairs. It was important to this little boy that he was helping his dad, even though he was probably getting in the way and slowing things down more than he was actually assisting. But that boy had a wise and patient father who knew it was more important to work at a task with his young son than it was to move a pile of books efficiently. Among this man's books, however, were some rather large study books, and it was a chore for the boy to get them down the stairs. As a matter of fact, on one particular load, the boy dropped his pile of books several times. Finally, he sat down on the stairs and wept in frustration. He wasn't doing any good at all. He wasn't strong enough to carry the big books down a narrow stairway. It hurt him to think he couldn't do this for his daddy. Without a word, the father picked up the dropped load of books, put them into the boy's arms, and scooped up both the boy and the books into his arms and carried them down the stairs. And so they continued load after load, both very much enjoying each other's company. The boy carrying the books, and the dad carrying the boy. -<>- .-""". ///. | )- \__/ \_ / .-)_;-. / \ /_/| |\_\ \ \|___|/ / )|\ /|\ | | |_____| | | | |-|-| \ | / jgs /-T-\ (_/ \_) I wrote this for my sister Barbara. She and I were having trouble getting along as a result of neither of us being able to give in. We both had to be right and it was getting worse and worse and the hurt was becoming unbearable for both of us. She is a wonderful sweet lady and I am so thankful to have her for a sister. Today she called (after another one of our stupid disagreements) She had a brainstorm. We would become Palm Sisters. Then she explained why she thinks that. And it made so much sense. We will have little tags made up to always remember that we love each other and bend in all these storms of life we have. Down here, when we have these storms, huge oaks tumble like matchsticks but the palm tree is almost always left standing. It will bend almost level to the ground and the fronds get torn up a lot, but is pliable and still left standing when the wind is gone. This is what I want in my life. The Palm Lord, please help me to be So majestic and tall like a tree, One who doesn't fall in the wind But withstands, and knows how to bend. Not an oak, whose strength is well known, But can fall, though years it has grown, Mighty Cyprus, with beauty so pure, Can't withstand the storms we endure. Lord, please make me a palm, That can bend and always stay calm, Though it's branches may tear and might fray, Firmly where it's planted, will stay. Now, a rock I never shall be Never moving through eternity, Setting rigid until chipped away By the storms which happen each day. But a palm, I always shall be, Just to live so happy and free, And to know when life comes my way. Firmly planted I always will stay. Sharlett F. Hunt -<>- , /( ___________ | >:===========` )( jgs "" >Pounding In and Pulling Out Nails When my daughter was confronted with the fact that she had hurt another child with a mean comment, she cried and wanted to apologize. That was a good thing, but I wanted her to know an apology can't always make things better. I told her the parable of Will, a nine-year-old whose father abandoned his mom two years earlier. Will was angry, and he often would lash out at others with hurtful words. He once told his mom, "I see why Dad left you!" Unable to cope with his outbursts, she sent Will to spend the summer with his grandparents. His grandfather's strategy to help Will learn self control every time he said a mean thing was to make him go into the garage and pound a two-inch-long nail into a 4x4 board. He couldn't return until the nail was all the way in. For a small boy, this was a major task. After about ten trips to the garage, Will began to be more cautious about his words. Eventually, he even apologized for all the bad things he'd said. That's when his grandmother came in. She made him bring in the board filled with nails and told him to pull them all out. This was even harder than pounding them in. After a huge struggle, he did it. His grandmother hugged him and said, "I appreciate your apology and, of course, I forgive you because I love you. But I want you to know an apology is like pulling out one of those nails. Look at the board. The holes are still there. The board will never be the same. I know your dad put a hole in you, but please don't put holes in other people. You`re better than that." -<>- _ _ / )%.===.%( \ | // ,,, \\ | \/ \/o.o\/ \/ /\ ( _ ) /\ ^^ /`"""`\ ^^ ( (_@_) ) /'-.Y.-'\ / | \ /___________\ jgs _|_|_|_ (___|___) >Will you give this to my daddy !!!!! As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support "Red Fridays." Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest act's of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon." The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, their were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American. RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers. Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday. WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE. THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED ---- SO WEAR RED! MAY GOD HELP AMERICA TO BECOME ONE NATION, UNDER GOD. HAVE A GREAT DAY. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: That's God!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html 9/11 Tribute!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tribute.html Kids On God!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidsonGod.html Rescued Squirrel!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rsquirrel.html No Words Needed!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html My Precious Child!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mychild.html Who Is Jesus Christ? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/whoisjesus.html God's Most Beautiful!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mostbeautiful.html Our Valuable Anchor!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Top Reasons To Smile!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smile.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html God's Advertisements!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/godsads.html What Friends Are For!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/whatfriends.html God's Little Love Notes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Kinkade - Painter Of Light!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kinkade.html -<>- >From Move America Forward: Obama attacks gun owners instead of terrorists! 'According to the Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg, who spent hours interviewing Obama about his foreign policy doctrine, the president “has never believed that terrorism poses a threat to America commensurate with the fear it generates” and “frequently reminds his staff that terrorism takes far fewer lives in America than handguns, car accidents, and falls in bathtubs do.” That’s right, our commander in chief sees the mass shooting of 49 people in Orlando as akin to a slip in the tub.' Read full of this here: http://tinyurl.com/j8x9evz -<>- >From The Emergency Email and Wireless Network: Recall Alert Updated See if you are affected by latest recalls. http://www.emergencyemail.org/recalls/ -<>- >From Students For Life: RSVP: conference call about Trump meeting https://sfla.webconnex.com/trumpwebcast1 -<>- >In The News: Latest from American Action News http://americanactionnews.com/ Latest from Right Alerts Sources: Russian Government Intercepted and Will Release Hillary’s Emails http://tinyurl.com/jtknjh4 --- ...What I've been saying all along. Who is to know if the attack on Benghazi was due to terrorists hacking Hillary emails and thus learning that our Ambassador was asking for more protection? He was an easy target for their 9/11 retaliation. She has much to answer for. 4 dead Americans and who knows how many other government secrets were stolen from her unsafe private server? -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann :) She sent us one we have here... Breathtaking Photos 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/breathtaking2.html --- ...Really nice! Thanks Geniann! -<>- "Prayer for Our Nation" http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/prayernation.asp These men use light and dance to create an incredibly moving story. UDI, a unique Siberian dance troupe, have all the judges on their feet by the end of their performance on the TV show Britain's Got Talent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7IMKWvyBn4&feature=player_embedded You may remember Terry Fator as the winner of America's Got Talent in 2007. Whether you do or you don't, you're in for a treat with this spectacular performance that includes both ventriloquism and terrific singing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qNJ02rxaNrs --- ...Wowsers! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== == <^\()/^> \/::\/ jgs /::\ `''` >-->INVISIBLE TATTOOS There are those who have physical challenges others cannot see. Have you ever seen someone park in a handicap spot and questioned what right they had to it? Sure there are some who shamefully take advantage of it and know they have no right. But, there are millions who suffer from chronic pain and neuro-muscular diseases in early stages. If you saw them you might not be aware that, although they look perfectly fine to you, most of their life their disease keeps them from functioning well in everyday tasks. Their invisible tattoo is pain. You can't see it, but it's there. Why then are we so skeptical? Why do we first choose to criticize, doubt, and reject others who are different then ourselves? You may argue that your life is such that you can clearly declare you have no "invisible tattoos." Under the black light you may discover that "denial" is yours. I believe if I keep my mind and my heart open I can benefit from every person who crosses my path. By shining the light of love I will See the markings of goodness in them. Remember, too, everyone has invisible gifts to offer the world. Those are often shadowed my insecurity and doubt. By shining the light of mistrust and skepticism, one only reveals to the world their own markings of prejudice and fear of the unknown. Don't judge me for what you see, love me for who I am. - Bob Perks =========================================================== >-->From Laugh And Lift: Two Father's Day Devotionals _.-._ /| | | |_ || | | | | || | | | | _|| ` | \\`\ ; \\ | \\ / jgs | | | | | | >A Praying Father (By Henry Bosch) (Provided by Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, 6-15 devotional) "Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me." - Psalm 143:1 A minister concluded his sermon one Sunday by saying, "If there's someone here who wants help in getting to know God, and you would like me to pray for you, please raise your hand." A young man stood up and said, "Please pray for me, sir. The burden of my sin is too heavy to bear." After the service the minister talked with the man and led him to faith in Jesus. The young man had been wandering around the country for 8 years without contacting his parents, so he decided to write to them and tell them about the change in his life. Several days later, a reply came from his mother: "My dear son, you must have accepted Jesus Christ at the same hour your father went home to heaven. He had been sick for a long time, and that day he was very restless. He tossed from side to side on his bed, crying out, 'Lord, please save my poor, wandering boy.' I'm sure that one of the reasons you became a Christian was Dad's unceasing intercession." A praying father will "ask," "seek," and "knock" on behalf of his children, persistently trusting his wise heavenly Father to do what is best (Matthew 7:7-11). Let's thank God today for faithful fathers who never stop praying for their children. "We thank You, Lord, for fathers true Who always spoke to us of You; Their great concern and tender care Assured us of their constant prayer." A praying father reflects the love of our heavenly Father. -------- ."""-. / \ | _..--'-. >.`__.-"";"` / /( ^\ '-`) =| /`--.'--' .'`-._ `.\ jgs / `--.| >Dad's Hat (By Dave Branon) (Provided by Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, 6-19 devotional) Amid the celebration, there was tragedy. It was the opening ceremonies of the 1992 summer Olympic Games in Barcelona. One by one the teams entered the stadium and paraded around the track to the cheers of 65,000 people. But in one section of Olympic Stadium, shock and sadness fell as Peter Karnaugh, father of United States swimmer Ron Karnaugh, was stricken with a fatal heart attack. Five days later, Ron showed up for his race wearing his dad's hat, which he carefully set aside before his competition began. Why the hat? It was the swimmer's tribute to his dad, whom he described as "my best friend." The hat was one his dad had worn when they went fishing and did other things together. Wearing the hat was Ron's way of honoring his dad for standing beside him, encouraging him, and guiding him. When Ron dove into the water, he did so without his dad's presence but inspired by his memory. On this Father's Day, there are many ways to honor our fathers, as Scripture tells us to do (Ephesians 6:2). One way, even if they're no longer with us, is to show respect for the values they taught us. What can you do for your dad today to show him the kind of honor the Bible talks about? "We're thankful for our fathers, Lord, They're special gifts from You; Help us to show we honor them By what we say and do." The best fathers not only give us life - they teach us how to live. 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 Andy Chaps: _ _ /` \/ `\_ _ \ /` \/ `\ '. .\ / \/ '. .' jgs \/ >MAY YOU ALWAYS FEEL LOVED May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with optimism and courage. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there even when you feel most alone. May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace. May a kind word, a reassuring touch, a warm smile, be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them. Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending. Teach love to those who know hate, and let that love embrace you as you go into the world. May the teaching of those you admire become part of you, so that you may call upon them. Remember, those whose lives you have touched and who have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished. May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart. Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you. Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of us is different in our own way. What you may feel you lack in one regard may be more than compensated for in another. What you feel you lack in the present may become one of your strengths in the future. May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility. Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience. May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on another's judgements of your accomplishments. May you always feel loved. ~Unknown -<>- * * * * * * .===.""* * /'::::\ *\_ (` '::|* / \ _.,--`-.`_;/.-/ ; _.-'; \ _`'._.' /| .-'/. ` '._(_\_.' / | .-'` | `. .-' .' | \`. `-.__..--' _.-' .' \ '-._ _.-' _.' \_ '--._.-'` _.' '._ \ _.-' jgs '-._\_.-' >SPEAKING WELL OF GOD'S ONLY BEGOTTEN SON One cold, windy night two Christian youths headed toward the tavern district in their hometown of Glasgow, Scotland, with the "preposterous" idea of holding an open-air Gospel meeting. The two young men began singing hymns to gather a crowd. Their singing was tolerated, but whenever they stopped singing to share the saving message of Jesus Christ, they were mocked by the crowd with vulgar hoots and jeering howls. Frederick S. Arnot and his friend were quite sincere about sharing their faith and the Gospel message with the drunks along tavern row. Yet the crowd was determined not to let them talk. Finally, Arnot, with tears running down his face, acknowledged defeat. He and his friend turned to leave. Suddenly someone grabbed Arnot's shoulder. Startled, Arnot turned to find a tall, elderly man towering over him. The stranger smiled warmly and said quietly, "Keep at it, laddie; God loves to hear men speak well of His Son." With that encouragement, the two Scottish lads squared their shoulders and returned. It wasn't long before the rowdy crowd began to pay attention to the message the young men wanted to share. In 1881, several years after this incident, Arnot, influenced by the example set by David Livingstone, left his Scottish mission field and headed for Central Africa, where God used him in a great way to proclaim the gospel. God loves to hear men and women speak well of His only begotten Son. Yet how easy it is for us to become silent, ineffective ambassadors for Christ because of discouragement, lack of results, or some other excuse. Do you speak well of God's Son? If not, what is your excuse? In an honest and challenging article entitled "Excuses," seminary professor Norman L. Geisler admits that even though he was in full-time Christian ministry for eighteen years, he never witnessed for Christ. His excuses sound familiar, don't they? "I didn't have the gift of evangelism. It was obvious to me that someone like Billy Graham did, and it was equally obvious that I didn't." "I had the gift of teaching [Christians], and it's pretty hard to make converts from that group." "I didn't like...impersonal evangelism, so I would do 'friendship evangelism.' I wasn't going to cram the Gospel down anybody's throat." "I came to the conclusion that if God is sovereign...then He can do it with or without me." One day, however, a visiting speaker literally demolished Geisler's excuses by saying, "I've been a missionary for years and I was never called... I was just commanded like the rest of you." That statement startled Geisler, and he became a fisher of men. "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15) wasn't a suggestion, but a command of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps you were once eager like Arnot to witness for Christ, but somehow that zeal has faded. Remember, God loves to hear you speak well of His Only Begotten Son. To Ponder God has commanded you to be one of His ambassadors. How have you responded? When have you tried to speak well of God's Son? What happened? How did you feel afterward? Has anyone ever encouraged you to "Keep at it, laddie"? =========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY _...._ .'.o' o.'. /o o .o' o'\ |'.o 'o. o'.o| |o. o' o 'o .| \ o .o.'o'./ '._o__o_.' \ / || || || || || jgs || \/ Ogden, 4, has been practicing golf with his Grandpa Fritz for the past year. They had hit the ball in the backyard and putted in the house with an inside putting green. Ogden accompanied Grandpa to the golf course several times last summer mainly putting and " driving" the golf cart. This year Grandpa let him hit from a tee for the first time. When Grandpa hit a shot about 20 feet from the hole, Oggie jumped from the cart, took the flag from the hole and proceeded to place Grandpa's ball about three inches from the hole. "You can't do that! You have to hit it from where it lies," Grandpa said. Ogden replied, "But Grandpa, it's easier this way!" -- Diane Schlemme (grandmother of Ogden) of LaGrange, Indiana The other night Kyle, 9, and and his mother were watching a commercial about Father's Day. Christal asked Kyle, "When you grow up, are you going to have children?" He immediately replied, "Yep!" Christal decided to have fun with him, so she added, "You know, you have to kiss a girl to have children." Kyle thought for a moment and then looked at his mother and said very seriously, "I'll adopt." -- Christal (mother of Caitlin and Kyle) of Colorado Emma, 3, has four great-grandmas and two grandmas. Since two grandmas on her mom's side have the same last name, she was having trouble distinguishing them. To solve the problem, she started talking about Gramma Beth's dog, Moses. She would ask if she could go to "Gramma's with Moses" house so Beth is now lovingly known as "Grammas Moses!" -- Beth of Ohio (Grammas Moses to sisters Emma, 3, and Ellianna, 16 months, and their cousin Gracie, 2.) Emma, 3, would much rather stay at Gramma's house instead of going to her own. She had spent the day shopping with her mom, Grammas Moses, and little sister, Elli, and decided that she didn't want to go home. She asked if she could go stay over night with Grammas Moses. Of course, Gramma said yes. When Gramma slowed down in the road to turn into Emma's drive, Emma suddenly yelled, "OK, Mommy, get Elli and get out!" OOOOo oOOOO |-(`/ \`, | _ ) ( \ | ) ( _ _|#| / | / | \ |#|_ |#|#|______________.:-._.-_____________|#|#| [|#|#|-------------''''.'.'-------------|#|#|] |#|#| / \ ( a a ) / \ |#|#| "|#| | | | L | | | |#|" " | | \ _.=. / | | " | /_.\____/._\ | \ || || / \ | '-..-' | / | ; L ; | | / \ | \ / | | | __ | |====[KO]====| )"""`"""`""""( / \ jgs ( ,_--_, ) Pr59 |'-._ \ / _.-'| \ \ / / \/ _)(_ \/ ) || ( |___ / \ ___| |===/ \===| /\._(_ _)_./\ |` \ / _`| `""""`"" ""`"""` Amber, Emma and Elli's mom babysits at her employer's house every day during the week. One afternoon when they were getting ready to leave, Emma didn't want to go home. She told her mom, "You need to find somebody else's house to go to now, our house just cracks me up!" The Hayes family went on an extended vacation visiting historical sites throughout the East. Each time they stopped to eat at a restaurant, Mary, 7, ordered a hamburger. Toward the end of their trip, Mary's father asked if there wasn't something else Mary would like instead. Mary replied with a big sigh, "All right. I guess I'll have a cheeseburger." (Mary is now 43 and still suffering through the telling of that story!) -- Rebecca Hayes of Pennsylvania After reading about Ben who said his baby sister was "A door bell," Kas remember when her son was born. Her daughter was 2. They took Eric to see Kas's grandmother. The grandmother looked at him and said, "He's really alert." Kas' daughter wasted no time informing her that he was NOT a lert, he was a BABY! -- Kas Quimby of Elma, Washington Here's another one from Kas. She was staying with her two grandsons while their mother was at work. Weston, 6, was running around the house and slipped and fell. His hand went through the window and he got a big cut. Luckily he didn't need stitches, but it bled a lot. Later that night Weston told his mother about the accident, adding, "and Grammy didn't even let me die!" _____ _.-'" "'-._ ,-".-. .-."-. ,' .-. .-. `, / / _\ / _\ \ .-. | | ( | | ( | | .-. .-----\ \ | '---' '---' | / /-----. :---- |--| ', ,' |--| ----: :---- '-`|--| ^"-.,_______,.-;^ |--|`-' ----: '---....' | _ `-' | '....---' | [ '-"-.-"-. | \ | .-. .-. | / `. | | | | | | ,' `._ [___]|__]|__] _,' `--.._____..--' / / \ \ jgs / / \ \ .---'"=="\ /"=="'---. ( | | ) '--------' '--------' Sandy was shopping with her nephew Xavier, 4, and they ran into Wilma. "How are you doing, Dear?" Wilma asked Sandy and they chatted briefly. Later Xavier asked Sandy if Wilma were her mom. Sandy said no. Xavier protested, "But she called you dear.'" -- Sandy Shook of Kendallville, Indiana When Linda's son, Shane, was about 3 they were sitting on the couch holding his new baby sister, Jennifer. Linda asked him if he thought Jennifer looked like her. He said, "Uh, huh. Her's pitiful, ain't she." -- Linda (mother of Shane) of North Carolina Lisa was working at her desk with her back to her 13-yer-old daughter Brook, who was doing her homework. She was stopping every few minutes to talk when Lisa finally said, "You need to be quiet and finish your homework." About a minute later Brook said, "GEEZ, you've got huge ears!" Half wondering where this rude comment came from and half not caring, Lisa snapped back and said, "Listen, Little Girl, you're not done growing yet but when you are, then we'll talk about ears!" Brook started laughing hysterically and said, "Mom, I was talking to the dog!" -- Lisa Fox of Vermont A couple of months ago, Barb was watching American Idol, and her niece was in the room with her, doing some homework. She suddenly looked up at Barb and said, "This guy's horrible! They REALLY need to vote him off!" Barb almost fell off of the couch laughing as she told her that the guy who was singing was the musical guest that week, Michael Buble (the award-winning singer and actor). -- Barb from Pennsylvania , _..._ _.../|__ .' `. .' `~\/ : o _.-' '-._ o= : : `-._ _.-' : `. .' `. .' jgs `-...-' `-...-' This is a story from Pinkie occurred about 80 years ago. It is a story I often hear -- but always adorable because every version is a little different. The story just shows how logical little kids are. .-.-. .-.-. \V/ \V/ _|I|_ _|I|_ .' '. .' '. / \ / \ : ; : ; | | | | | 0 0 | | 0 0 | | | | | | )___( | | )___( | | `-` | | `-` | _[`'-._ _.-'`]_ _[`'-._ _.-'`]_ /#`-._B/o\1_.-`#\ /#`-._B/o\2_.-`#\ /# .# #`| #`# #. #\ /# . # #|# # # . #\ /# #:# # |o# # #:# #\ /# #: # #|o # # :# #\ /# # |# # | # # #| # #\ /# # | # #|# # # | # #\ (# # #|# # |o# # #|# # #) (# # #| # #|o # # |# # #) /`".#/|# # | # # #|\#."`\ /`".#/| # #|# # # |\#."`\ \,_/ |#-#-|-#-#-#| \_,/ \,_/ |-#-#|#-#-#-| \_,/ |~#~#~#~#~#~| |#~#~#~#~#~#| | # # Y # # | |# # #Y# # #| | # #/^\# # | |# # /^\ # #| jgs | # #| |# # | |# # | | # #| |_#_#| |#_#_| |#_#_| |_#_#| (.---.) (.---.) (.---.) (.---.) `---` `---` `---` `---` When Joel was about 3, Pinkie told him to get dressed and get out of his pajamas. He came back, very well dressed, but had his shoes on the wrong feet. Pinkie told him, "You have your shoes on the wrong feet." Joel sat down on the floor, legs extended, and looked and looked at his feet. Then he said, "But Mom, these are the only feet I got." -- Glades (Pinkie) Hendler of Pasco, Washington State Adriana, 4, sang the seventh inning stretch song this way because she is allergic to peanuts. "Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the game, buy me some crackers and apple jacks, I don't care if I ever get back. For it's fruit, fruit, fruit for the ball game, if they don't win it's a shame..." -- Irma of Phoenix, Arizona Here's another story from many years ago: Chris, 8, had just moved to Erving with Mom Sally. Chris really didn't want to believe in the Easter Bunny anymore but Mom wanted to keep the tradition going. Mom had hidden all types of eggs in the back yard and Chris was heading out to hunt for them. Chris yelled to Mom to come out on the porch because the Easter Bunny was here. Sure enough, there was a large white rabbit standing beside the porch. All of a sudden Mom and Chris heard, "Hey you, get over here, come on now, get over here; you're really being a pain." Chris almost jumped out of his skin because he was convinced this rabbit was truly talking to him. Instead of running after the Easter Bunny, Chris ran into the house. Within seconds their neighbor Ken emerged from behind their house to collect his runaway rabbit. They had no idea he owned a white rabbit. Chris is now 32, a new father and a teacher and coach in Ohio. -- Sally A. Delaney (mother of Chris) of Massachusetts Wendy and her family were visiting with in-laws on Mother's Day. Her oldest daughter Morgan, 4, was playing with Grandma Dottie's dog, Jip. They were starting to get a little too rambunctious around her baby sister Rachel, so Wendy asked Morgan to settle down. Grandma Dottie and Wendy concluded that the ornery look on Morgan's face reminded them of her father when he was younger. A few moments later Morgan asked to use a mirror. When Wendy asked her why, she said, "I want to see sthe ornery look you're talking about." -- Wendy Fenner of Las Vegas Bonnie was taking Lynsey Rumbaut, 7, to church. Lynsey was asking about baptism and Bonnie responded with a question, "What do you think it means?" Lynsey said, "I think it's like God has a video camera on you and He rewinds it to see what you do wrong to see if you'll remember." -- Bonnie King-Moran of Homestead, Florida ____ .--' `'-. / \ | | | | \ .-"""-. | / `'-. | /' \ | | _,-'"-._) |____/ .-'` ()_/' /|===/ / ()_,.-"__"-. /` `~~/ / '` \/ | | '` ./' / | ./'\ '-' .' \ ./'._ `-._ .'| jgs `--' `".,_`""""`/\/ `"-.,/ Nathan is the process of potty training. After going potty in Grammy's bathroom, Nathan came out the door, pulling up his pants, and very quietly said, "Grammy, there's a bear there. She said, "Where's a bear, Nathan?" He said, "Right there, Grammy!" and he pointed his finger to the wall outside the bathroom door. Grammy stepped back, wondering what on earth he was talking about, when she saw the bear, and couldn't help but laugh. Nathan had seen a bear all right -- a combination of the back of their old TV on their old dresser, in a dark room with the adjacent room lit. And there it was, Nathan's bear! -- Linda Davis (Grammy) of California, Pennsylvania Kelly, a young mother, just bought a treadmill and was trying it out. Alex, 4, watched for a few seconds and then asked, "Mom, where are you going?" -- Jency Eldridge of Huntsville, Alabama Here's another one from Jency. Bob was two years older than Jim and thought he was always right. One day when they were quite young, Jim said, "That is a yes-use." Bob said, "There is no such thing as a yes use." Jim replied, "If there is a no-use, there has to be a yes-use." Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== (@@@) (@@@@@) (@@) (@@@@@@@) (@@@@@@@) (@@@@@@@) (@@@@@) (@@@@@@@@@@@) (@@@) (@@@@@@@) (@@@@@@) (@@@) (@@@@@@) (@@@@@@) (@) (@@@) (@@@@) (@@) (@@) (@@@) .-. ] [ .-. _ .-----. ." """" """""" """"| .--` (:--:--:--:--:--:--:--:-| [___ .------------------------. |C&O : : : : : : [_9_] |'='|.----------------------.| /|.___________________________|___|'--.___.--.___.--.___.-'| / ||_.--.______.--.______.--._ |---\'--\-.-/==\-.-/==\-.-/-'/-- /__;^=(==)======(==)======(==)=^~^^^ ^^^^(-)^^^^(-)^^^^(-)^^^ jgs ~~~^~~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~~^~~ >-->The Old 3:16 We're on a one-track Christian train, It's numbered 3:16; Jesus is the Engineer, And He runs one "mean machine." He takes it up and down the hills, And around the sharpest curves; He regulates the speed just right, It never even swerves. He takes this train through valleys deep, As prudently He steers; We're blessed He's at the throttle, folks, And is Chief Engineer. When this train climbs mountain peaks, That nearly touch the sky ... He blows its whistle loud and clear, No need to question why. This Christian train spans prairies, too. And when smoothly gliding ‘cross, We settle back ... enjoy the view, Knowing Jesus is the Boss. Sometimes stormy clouds appear And fog is all about us; But Jesus keeps us right on track, No reason to reroute us. The 3:16's a Local, folks, It stops in every town; Anyone can hop on board, This train is heaven bound. Passengers can leave the train, Whenever they so chose; But why get off the 3:16, There's just too much to lose. So keep your ticket in your hand, Wave to the Engineer; He'll get you to the Promised Land, His destination's clear! -Author Unknown >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 ************************************************************************