Man Or Angel? :) 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 ================ >-->OoooWEeeee!! oo 8 "} > @ < .8 .-._/| .'_'`')`_.' \| ) / (>'/ |_,_ | (,| .' ,'\| `._/ ) \| '`- -- ''-- --- VK/ejm I'm doing a double 'Happy Angel' dance! Why? Because Shangrala has been blessed with another donation along with the one from our long time Shangrala Angel, M.D. Donovan from MO, we got one from Bonnie Whitten from OK! May God Bless them both most abundantly for their thoughtfulness of contributing to help Keep Shangrala Alive! We sure do thank God for them and all our past most sweet and wonderful angels! If you'd like to help too and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. EVERY LITTLE BIT WILL HELP! Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This red hot new page is from our friend Linda. There is no doubt I love a mystery. I've found mysteries like Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes and Alfred Hitchcock to be my most treasured of reading experiences from when I was a child and now I watch the ID channel most every day for their real life murder mysteries. Here we have another page full of intriguing mysteries to spark your imagination. Be sure to check out the video here too: ,;;;, ;;;;;;; .-'`\, '/_ .' \ ("`(_) / `-,.'\ \_/ \ \/\ `--` \ \ \ / /| | /_/ |_| jgs ( _\ ( _\ #:## #:## #:## #:## #:## #:## #:## Mysteries Around The World 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/worldmysteries2.html --- ...So many good ones, I can't pick just one as a favorite! Thanks Linda! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: *An Award Winning Heartwarmer* _._ .' `. | | "=======" $ ^ ^ $ ` # ' `._.' _.'< ' >'-._ .' \ / ' / v \ / . .: . | . `' .: ` ' : ` :. `. : :. ` / \ : : < ) / \ : : : ` `*=---=* . / : ) | ' ` ) \` `.' :; | ( `\-. \( / |. \ ) ) ` ( `-' _Y- `'\' \ | )\ ) : ) \ : . \ ` | \ ` , ( : . :' \ \ ` | . \ : | ' ) \ \ : ) .' mb \ .' | | ( a:f \ (__| (__) \ .__.--..' ; | `-..--.--, \ +._____.-=__] [__.--===::-' >BLIND DATE I leaned out the doorway and spied an elderly gentleman with a cane hobbling down the hallway. I didn't remember seeing him before. "Sir," I called out to him. "Would you care for some bingo?" He scowled and waved me away. "Naw," he said. "Just a waste of time." My kids and I were at the Sunnydaze Home. It's a HUD-housing complex for seniors on limited incomes. We volunteered there once a month on Saturday afternoons to celebrate birthday honorees with birthday cake, ice cream, and door prizes in the community room. Afterwards, we called out bingo numbers that tumbled inside a little brass cage with a swift turn of the hand crank. Matt, my youngest, handled that honor. Today was different though. The volunteers had pitched in and assembled a huge barbecue luncheon for the residents who cherished this time. For most of them, it was their only means of socializing with others when not cooped up in their tiny apartments. Another bonus was winning prizes, such as dishwashing soap, toilet paper, scrub pads, paper towels, and boxes of tissues. Anything their food stamps couldn't cover. "Well, sir, it's not just bingo," I said, sounding like a carnival hawker to the man with the cane. "Just smell this barbecue. You can have a nice, hot meal for free." Then I lowered my voice and added, "And if you don't mind my saying so... from what I see in this room there are some pretty hot women here. Hubba hubba." He threw his head back and laughed this gusty laugh. It sounded like he hadn't laughed in a long time. "Now how can I refuse an offer like that?" he said finally. "Darn, you're persistent. Show me where to sit." He hooked his forearm with the cane and held up his elbow expectantly. That's when I realized he was blind. I led him to a table where my kids were fidgeting and toying with the plasticware and napkins. Cake and ice cream were usually their main focus at these functions. I went to the kitchen to whip up virgin pina coladas in my blender for the residents. They couldn't get enough of that slushy treat. After singing happy birthday, we all stuffed ourselves on the spread and handed out cake and ice cream to the chattering residents. Talking to Mr. Armstrong -- that was his name -- I found out details of his long life. He was a serviceman in World War II, husband to a lovely woman by the name of Hilda for over forty years before cancer carted her away, and had five kids who gave him the gift of sixteen grandchildren. He had retired as an assistant professor, and not long after began to go blind from diabetes. "You've got good kids there," he suddenly remarked. "How old are they?" "Guys, tell Mr. Armstrong how old you are." They each chimed in their age, the youngest ones holding up their fingers for good measure. They didn't realize he was blind. "Well, you're a good bunch," he remarked. "Tell your dad to get me some more of this pina colada stuff." We cleared the tables for bingo, and for the rest of the afternoon, I sat by Mr. Armstrong and filled in his bingo cards. When he won a set, I think I was more excited than he was. I described the prizes to him, and he chose a 12-pack of double-roll toilet paper. "My wife always did think I was a bit of an smart-ass," he said under his breath, chuckling as he hauled his prize out the door. "Thanks for making me stay. I must say this has been the best blind date I've ever been on." Then he laughed that gusty laugh again. After that day, I never did see Mr. Armstrong again. He had a stroke and joined his wife in heaven. I can hear him telling her, "You know, dear, it was the most remarkable thing. When I was blind, I played bingo and actually won a prize. You try and figure that one out." Here's to you, Mr. Armstrong. You're one blind date I'll never forget. -- Mark Davis ___________________________________________ Hailing from Ruidoso, New Mexico, Mark is a single father of three awesome kids who challenge the depths of his love daily. =========================================================== , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >-->Socialism by emb This is why socialism does not work, has never worked and will never work - you can't expect to go against God's word and make it! Gen.2: [8] And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. [15] And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. God intends man to sit around gorging on the fruits of the Garden He planted. No! The bible says he expects mankind to dress it and keep it - work the land - like a farmer! 2 Thes.3: [10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. God wants people to be happy sitting around playing games and riding the waves. No! The bible says if people won't work, neither should they eat! Gal.6: [7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. If you are a hard worker - you will reap what you sow. If you don't work you too will reap what you sow - nothing! This is rather a simple deduction. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that God intends mankind to work - socialism doesn't encourage people to work. It says the wealth of all people should be shared among all people. So if Joe Blow won't work, he can still eat? That's socialism and that's totally against God's word. All nations under pure socialism have failed. A society that won't work simply will not work - it goes down in flames like we see happening now in Venezuela. It is sad that so many there are starving. Inflation rates are expected to reach 1 million percent this year! Do you understand what that means? A loaf of bread that once cost a dollar would cost 1 million dollars! No one could possibly have enough money saved for that sort of inflation rate. The people there are rightly moving, if they can, to other countries with capitalism as their economic system. There they have a chance to work and feed themselves and their families and to achieve the happiness God intended for them. From the beginning, God expected and taught mankind to work for a living... Prov.19 [15] Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. Slothful - synonyms: lazy, idle, indolent, inactive, sluggish, apathetic, lethargic, listless, languid, torpid; So if you want free healthcare and free education and free housing and free food - just remember how socialism works. A farmer grows 10 bushels of corn and must share his wealth. The farmer moves to where he can get proper worth for all his labor. The government distributes these bushels of corn out among all the other people and eventually the corn runs out. The people go hungry and starve. Remember... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Gal.6: [7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. You can't blame God when you reap what you sow! See Also: IMF projects Venezuela inflation will hit 1,000,000 percent in 2018 https://tinyurl.com/ya3yqu94 Why socialism always fails http://www.aei.org/publication/why-socialism-always-fails/ Countries that have tried socialism https://tinyurl.com/ybj9qmjy From Venezuela to France, Socialism Is Failing All Over the World https://tinyurl.com/y7cfrzry List of failed Socialist states and movements https://tinyurl.com/yc5ezg46 =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: __i |---| |[_]| |:::| |:::| `\ \ \_=_\ jsm >THREE CELL PHONES By: Joseph J. Mazzella I saw something that both amused me and saddened me the other day. Three teenage girls were walking up the street together, but they didn’t seem together at all. Even though they walked side by side, they weren’t talking to each other. They weren’t laughing together. They weren’t even looking at each other. Instead each girl’s eyes rested firmly on their hands outstretched in front of them because in each girl’s palm was a cell phone. I am not sure why they weren’t talking to each other. Perhaps they were. With today’s technology it is hard to tell. Still, it made me shake my head to think that something as small as a cell phone could put so much distance between girls who were so close together. Since the beginning of time ideas and inventions have flowed from the mind of God to the minds of people. Since the beginning of time too, however, people have used these ideas and inventions to both help and hurt themselves. The person who first cast metal saw their idea turned into plowshares that helped feed thousands and swords that killed thousands more. Nobel saw his invention of dynamite used to blow apart mountains, to build roads for the benefit of everyone. He also saw it used to blow apart bodies and end countless lives in war. Albert Einstein saw the fruit of his genius used to create abundant power that helps millions of people everyday. He saw as well it used to build bombs that could kill us all a hundred times over. Every invention and every piece of technology can be used to help us grow better and closer together or it can be used to distance us and destroy us. The choice is in how we use it. The key I feel is love. God’s greatest wish is for us to love each other. I hope you make all of your calls and e-mails joyous gifts of love then. But if there is someone right beside you who needs your love don’t be afraid to turn off the electronics, look them in the eye, and give them a hug. -<>- . , |`. ,'| \_`-._ _,-'_/ ./ \-._`-._ _,-'_,-/ \, \._/._ `._>`-.__ __,-'<_,' _,\_,/ /_ \_.`-._\_-._ `--__ __--' _,-_/_,-',_/ _\ /._`\_./ _`_./`.-._ `-. ,-' _,-,'\,_'_ \,_/'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./ _/`\_ `. ,' _/'\_ \,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /._`/ _/ _`_./` _/ `\_ `\_ _/' _/' \_ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./` __/ >. `-.,-' ,< \__ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /_`/._/._`_./` __.`.-\_.-`'-._/-,',__ '\,_'_,\_,\'_\ `\._`_./`\._/_/' _ `\_\_,/'\,_'_,/' /_\ \./ __/(__ / `--' \ / _ _ \ \'| |`/ \|____|/ \/ -] \/ / | \ | | | | | \ / | \ \__,-`\___/ (_) |__) mic >Man or Angel? A few days ago I read a poem that somebody wrote due to a personal experience that they had. That poem caused me to remember one of my experiences as I hitchhiked back and forth between Arkansas & California. I don't know if I ever told you about the experience or not. Due to fading memory the facts may not be exactly correct but the essence of the story is true. In fact I left the highways out in an effort to be as accurate as possible. I know I have traveled Route 66 and Highway 40, now I 40. I know I do not have the gift of drama but this is just from a memory of events that took place about fifty years ago. I may not have all of my facts exactly right but the events are essentially true. I need to add some adjectives to the story and possibly embellish it some for interest sake, but since I am not writing for resale purposes I will let those thoughts grow with time. Maybe you can recall some special events in your life that you would share with me so I can relate them to my boys. I am sure that they would enjoy hearing about them. They would treasure your memories. Angels Unawares Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. - Hebrews 13:1-2 As a teenager at about 15 0r 16 I traveled across from California to Arkansas hitchhiking. I made the roundtrip approximately five times. All it took was an urge and I was on my way. On most trips I could make the trip just about as fast as if I drove my own car. By hitching a ride the cars that I rode in were always in much better condition than most of the clunkers that I ever owned. Most trips were uneventful as far as any potential danger. (Danger that I was aware of) "Did I have angels watching over me during those years?" On that last trip from California going to Arkansas I was in a small town just west of the Grand Canyon. It was just getting dark so I found a well lit place in front of a service station. I had been standing with my thumb out in hopes of a quick ride before it got too late. It didn't take long until I had my first offer of a ride. A car load of teenagers offered me a ride but I declined saying that I did not want to crowd them. They circled the block and attempted to give me a ride again. After the third attempt I became concerned and when they came around again I walked to the service station office and they went on. After they left I was relieved when a car pulled over with two teens. My good feelings departed when they began talking between themselves and discussing where they could take me. They decided on the road leading to the Grand Canyon. When they turned off the road I then noticed another car turning off behind them. My worst fears were realized when one said lets ask Frank what he wants to do with him. When the one on the right side got out I waited for my chance and then ran through the woods and did not stop until I was too tired to go further. When I fell I found new strength and brushed against the quills of a porcupine. The teenagers did not attempt to follow me. I guess they got their thrills when I jumped out and ran. It took until 6am the next morning before I miraculously found my way back to the highway. As I arrived at the highway a deputy sheriff happened along and gave me a short ride to a better place to catch my next ride. He said it would be difficult to ever find the boys and I was not interested in waiting to see. I just wanted to leave that area ASAP. The rest of my trip to Arkansas was pleasant and I soon forgot my side trip toward the Grand Canyon. I spent about three months visiting friends and relatives then decided it was time for my return trip to California. I took off in the early hours and headed toward Fort Smith. I was there within a few hours, maybe four. In Fort Smith I was offered a ride with two men that were possibly in their thirties. They were traveling to Sacramento. That was great with me (I thought) because they would drive through Vallejo. What I found out quickly was this was not going to be the usual pleasant journey that involved seeing sights and making small talk. The first order of business was a threat by the man in the passenger seat. He had a Pistol. (I don't know what kind, it just looked big to me at close range) He said, "Don't get smart or try anything or I will shoot. I did my best to assure them that all I wanted was a ride. Both of these men began drinking beer and the one with the gun became more verbal as we traveled. I then determined that I was going to depart from their company at the first opportunity. It did not take long for them to drink all of their beer and stop for a refill. They went into a bar and tried to get me to go in with them. I said, "No thanks, I'll wait here" I was serious. I did wait, until the bar door closed behind them and I jumped and ran. That was someplace "I think, Arizona" I found a cafe open and felt it would provide a place to rest and hide until they had time to leave town. I went in and sat on a stool at the counter. The man next to me asked where I was going and I told him. He said, "Can you drive?" I said, "Yes Sir" I was elated. He said I have been driving all day and I need sleep. "I didn't tell him that I had been up at that time for about thirty-six hours without sleep." I drove through the night and in the early morning hours we arrived in Mohave Calif. I had to leave my newfound friend because he was going South to Los Angeles. I had to take the Northern Route to Vallejo. As was my hitchhiking custom, I walked to the edge of town looking for a place with a wide shoulder so any prospective ride would have plenty of room to pull over. It sure felt good again to realize that I had been spared from the hands of those drunks. By that time I had just about concluded that hitchhiking was not the best mode of travel. Next, my worst fears were realized. My relief and pleasure was short lived. Those drunk idiots were headed toward me. I was caught. How can I ever escape now? Where did they come from? Why me? The impossible happened. A big black car with an elderly black couple stopped at my side just ahead of the drunks. The Elderly Driver asked me, "Can you drive?" I had now been up for close to forty eight hours without sleep. These folks were going to Stockton and offered me a ride to Vallejo if I could drive. I was afraid to tell them that I too was tired and in desperate need of sleep. By the Grace of God, I drove myself to the safety of home in Vallejo without incident. It would not be until years later and reading the Scriptures and other accounts of many that had personal encounters with Angels that I ask, "Was it man or Angel in Arizona that gave me a ride to Mohave Ca? The Elderly Black Couple, were they Mankind or Angel? It matters not to me, In my mind these will always be Angels to me. -Dr.Bob Braines --- ...If this story wasn't interesting enough, Here's another one from me: _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ When I got up this morning I was thinking of God and saying my morning prayers. I asked God to help me today with the inspirations as I normally do. Then I got this thought in my head about angels - Heb.13: [2] Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. I kind of chuckled thinking how it would be cool if God did that for me and my love ones today. Instead, when I got to work, I came to the unsettling realization that my computer wasn't going to come on today. I had turned it off last night with MS saying they would update it and turn it off. Now it seems their update may have turned it off totally! It was not detecting any drives - thus no boot - thus no computer. ARGH! Well, hubby to the rescue and of course I said a prayer to God to help hubby rescue my computer. My thoughts were not to worry - he'd get it going again. Which he (they) did! And I then got more of it backed up for safeties sake. So as I am working on the inspirations, (just now), it is common for me with these archived from Inspired Buffalo to check around the month and date for stories to share with the group. My own archives were not sufficient - not much of anything for August 16th so I decided to go online to her group archives and select a story from there. If you are like me, you'll notice it odd that the first one I found for 8/16 just happened to be about the very thought and bible verse I had this morning! They say God works in mysterious ways - I say, He never ceases to amaze me! Love how He Works - I get so tickled by Him! Father always delights me! -<>- /\ /\ /\ //\\ //\\ //\\ \\// \\// \\// >< >< >< .._||_.. ._||.. ._||.. :/ !! : | \: :/ :; |: :| | | :: | | :: ;| |: :; | | :; | | :: :| |; : | | : : | | :: :| | | | | | ,| |_._.__| |__.__.| |._._._| | | | | | | | | | | | | \_.. ._/ \_. .._/ \_.. ._/ | | | | | | | | | | | | | \._____./ \._____./ | \ / `-.______. . .. ._______.-' \ .. / | | | | | | | | | | |... .| ____/.. . ..\____ _. -' '-._ /___________________________\ pjb >I Heard Him Whisper I heard a whisper in my ear, When He called my name. It was called so softly Without contempt or blame. He said, "Child come with Me. I'll lead you where to go. I'll be your candle in the night, Your shelter from the snow. If only you will follow I'll guide you long your way. I'll fill your heart with true blessings Your darkest nights will be day. I'll teach you what you need to know, I'll be your Savior and your guide. I'll support you in your weakest hour I'll stand right by your side." His soft voice said, "I love you, As I've always done. I'll always let you know That you're my chosen one!" Place your burdens at My feet. I'll cradle you in my arms. Though life will be rough at times, I'll keep you from harm." I heard a whisper in my ear, A soft and loving voice. I said "I'll follow You my Lord!" And that's been my only choice! Lynn King © 2004 -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Friendship http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/friendship.html Beaches In India http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/beaches.html Creation VS Coincidence http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/creationvscoincidence.html Dirty Car Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carart.html WWII P-51 Mustang Pilot http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wwiipilot.html Moses And The Red Sea http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mosesredsea.html Japan's Crop Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cropart.html Think Positive http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/positive.html Who Is This Jesus? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Pencil Furniture http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pencilf.html My Precious Child http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mychild.html That's God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html -<>- From TruthOrTradion: A Life Surrendered https://tinyurl.com/y8shtkzj -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) 10 famous movie scenes from iconic films such as 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' 'Star Wars,' 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'Back to the Future.' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFuwRlaOjis Lewis and Clark had a secret weapon when they went on their famous exploration of what is now known as the Western United States. The weapon was a late 18th Century .46 cal. 20 shot repeating air rifle by Girandoni. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pqFyKh-rUI --- ...Wow! Neat! 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 ========================================================== ///-._ ////////-._ /////////////-. ////////////////`. //////////////// .'`. //////////////// . '.'`. '|`'//////////// . .'.::|` : `'/////// . '.':| | . . `'// ' _|- ::| |. .-._ . | . | .':: | |:|:| | ' ' '.::| | |:|:| :. . .'.':| | . |:|:| . | .._.::: : `':| | ' ////-:| |. . | '/////////-._ | . . : .//////////////-._ : : ///////////////////-._ |. |////////////////////////-._ | . . :`'//////////////////////////-._ | . _.-\\\\``'//////////////////////////-._ | /\\\\\\\\..``'//////////////////////////". : . . /. \\\\\\\\\. .``'///////////////////// .'`. : / _ \\\\\\\\\. ``'//////////////// . .'`. | . / (@) \\\\\\\\\. . . ``'/////////// . '.'::|. {`)._ '| _` .\\\\\\\-`:|#| . . ``'////// '. .'.:| `-{_/`| ||::. \\'`.:|:.|#| |#| . ``'/ ' .##:'::: `-| ||||| |`.'::|::|#| |#| |#| . . '| . .|##|'.:| pils | ||||| : .'::|:.'#| |#| |#| |#| | |##|'::| | ||||| .| .'.:|::.'' '#| |#| |#| . : ' |##|'.:| {`\:|||| : .'::|:_.:. . '#| |#| | .|##|'::: `-{_/'|_ |_.-'/}_/'-._ '#| :. |##:'.:| `'{._('}_)-' `-}_}(-._ . . | ' '` .'::| `-' `-.} /-._ . : .'.'_:-'\ `-}_}(-._ | . _.-')_(-' `-/_)`-.:.-{ \{-' `-{_'_)-'' ^ >An Unexpected Connection Story Editor: by PJ Rose Joyce Schowalter Wyoming, USA It was a lovely Passover Seder at our little temple in Wyoming, with centerpieces on each table sporting seasonal flowers in glass vases. After dinner, as we were helping to clean up, my friend Brian scooped up a few of the floral arrangements, and motioned for me to do likewise. Brian told me to follow him and we walked through a mild spring night to a nearby nursing home. It was quiet and dimly lit inside, with the residents apparently all snug in their beds. We carried the flowers to the nursing station, where my friend asked the nurses to distribute them as they saw fit. Never ones to pass up on a ready opportunity, we were chatting up the pretty nurses when we heard a squeaking sound behind us. Turning around, we saw -- complete with lace handkerchief in her sleeve and seemingly straight out of central casting -- a little old lady slowly wheeling herself our way. She was thin, wearing a blue dress, with stiff white hair, and tortoise-shell glasses with a beaded neck chain. Finally reaching the nurses' station, with an obvious effort she pushed down on the arms of her wheelchair until she raised herself high enough to place her face right up to one of the vases on the counter. After a deep breath, followed by a contented sigh, she slowly lowered herself back into her chair and said, "Ah, lilies. My favorite." We watched her wheel herself down the hall toward her room for a moment before turning back to the nurses. To our stunned surprise, both of the young ladies were slack jawed and bug eyed, with astonished looks on their faces. When they had regained their composure, one of them said that the woman in the wheelchair had not spoken aloud for more than a year, and was thought to have lost the ability to communicate! Who could have guessed that such a random act of kindness instigated by my friend would result in a breakthrough for someone? Indeed, a person who had been assumed by the medical staff at the nursing home to have been "shut in" for a long time? What had started as a small, kind thought by my friend made a huge difference in the life of someone who was thought to be beyond reach, as well as the lives of the other four people who witnessed a small miracle that April night. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From CupO'Cheer: _ / | //|| // ); _ __ ,'',// ,-' ' `-. ((// ( ) )// ( / -')))o ,' / ( ( /() / / o ) / (/\ (,_( O(O / ' / > |/ `\. o/ (_ ._/ '. || \ _\ __,'() ,-|| `-( / /( | () () / ( `-',-.'`v/ )/_ |/O `-._( `." `-'\\ // `---.-'\ )\.O _ .' ) / `-. / |\/-.___,-./ | O| ' ( \ / |\\ / ( ;\ Y ,-'(\\) | ) ,-./ ( | ( \` | ,-' ./ -^_/-. `. _\ | ,' `-< ' ,' )\_ .\| |. | (),-. _,--. | | ' ; \ ,-` ))\ \ | \ _,' ; ( ,'/ ) |/,--\ ___))`-'` gpyy `-'-'~~~``---"" '"'"'` >EXPECTING GOD'S BEST We grow up planning our lives, expecting them to turn out this way or that, only to discover that God's plans are quite different. For example, my friend expected to be married and have children. That never happened. While she doesn't miss a husband too much, she used to regret not having children. Now she smiles and admits that she only missed out on stretch marks, labour pains, and college fees. The Bible says that the barren woman should sing: Isaiah 54:1 - Sing, O barren one, you who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child! For the [spiritual] children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married wife, says the Lord. (AMP) While most parents strive to raise two or three biological children, over the years, my friend became the spiritual mother who influenced many more young lives for good. After all, the Bible says, Psalm 113:9 - He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of [spiritual] children. (AMP) Today, her life is full and overflowing with all the children that she thought she would never have. Isaiah 54:3b - Your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. (AMP) She may not have given birth physically, but her heart has not missed out on any parental love. Barren? Not her! She claims motherhood to hundreds and grandmotherhood to thousands! She laughs with delight and asks, "What more could a mother ask?" Her circumstances are no different from ours. I never expected to be a widow at my age. Others find themselves in jobs totally foreign to their education. Does it matter as long as God is in charge? Prayer: Father, teach us to trust You in our circumstances and always expect Your best. For the sake of Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen. Brenda Wood Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada as seen in PCCWeb Daily Devotions -<>- \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp >WHEN GOD ENGRAVED YOUR NAME (edited) A person doesn’t have to be a golf fan to empathize with Adam Scott. With four holes to go he had a four shot lead in the British Open. Four shots! Par the final quartet of holes and the trophy was his. Might as well have told him to chew gum. He could par these holes in his sleep. Everyone knew the tournament was his. A craftsman in a nearby workshop began sketching the name Adam Scott on the winner’s medal. But disaster struck. Missed putts. Wayward shots. The next thing he knew, he was scrambling to make a ten-foot putt to force a playoff. He missed it. “Wow,” he mouthed, chin trembling. The most poignant moment of the collapse might have been the camera shot of the engraver as he was given the news. He stopped his work and, gulp, erased Adam Scott’s name from the first place medal. Viewers offered a collective groan. Many Christians can relate. We fear the same will happen to us. We fear the fatal stumble, the ultimate collapse. Might we fall so utterly that God will erase our name? No, he won’t. God couldn’t be more emphatic. “And I shall give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28 AMP). Jesus promised a new life that cannot be forfeited or terminated. “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned: he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24 NIV). Unlike the medal engraver, God has an eternal perspective. He knew every step of your life before you took the first one. He saw the bogies and the birdies, the strong days and bad ones. He made His choice. When you said “yes” to him, he entered your name into the eternal populace of heaven. Your name is “engraved on the palms of his hands.” (Is.49:16 ) Finish well. But, if you stumble along the way, don’t worry, God doesn’t use an eraser. as seen in Upwords by Max Lucado --- ...Also see this great teaching: The Palms Of God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/THE_PALMS_OF_GOD.htm -<>- !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ >NEGATIVITY Negative thoughts through our despair can make you find some time without prayer. Let not negativity to become all you view when you are striving to do what you do. Let God The Father to help you withstand life's snapping troubles as times rubber band. Search through the moments that you now perceive and find the blessings in your life to weave. Negative pathways can maybe be good if they are truly right now understood. Learn from the negative sights that you see how things can change through our history. Negative lessons can positively grow into much better time frames to bestow. Histories passages then unto there show us their blessings with answers to prayer. ©By Bill Pearce July 15, 2012 -<>- jgs ,.---._ ,,,, / `, \\\\ / '\_ ; |||| /\/``-.__\;' ::::/\/_ {{`-.__.-'(`(^^(^^^(^ 9 `.=========' {{{{{{ { ( ( ( ( (-----:= {{.-'~~'-.(,(,,(,,,(__6_.'=========. ::::\/\ |||| \/\ ,-'/, //// \ `` _/ ; '''' \ ` .' `---' >PLEASE PASS THE LOBSTER Rachel Olsen – ETC Editor, Member of Proverbs 31 Speaker Team God also said, "Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This food will be for you.” Genesis 1:29 (CSB) The other day I read in the newspaper of young woman eating 38 lobsters in just twelve minutes. Thirty-eight lobsters in one sitting! Why would a mere l05 lb. woman consume 9.76 pounds of lobster meat so rapidly? She was one of eleven contestants in a speed eating contest. In fact, according to the International Federation of Competitive Eating, she holds speed eating records for baked beans as well as boiled eggs. Yes, there is such a federation and yes, she is a world champion for eating beans, eggs and lobster. After reading of this woman’s feat, I wasn’t sure if I was shocked, amazed or appalled. She won a trophy belt and $500 for her efforts. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “There is money to be made in eating a lot?” Some of us consider ourselves “gifted” at eating and are imagining a lucrative new career. I once ate an entire watermelon for dinner while pregnant with my first child! God has made vast provision for us in the area of food. He says, "Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This food will be for you” (Genesis 1:29 CSB). God also says in Genesis 9:3 that “every living creature will be food for you” (CSB). I think it’s interesting that He tells us to “look” at the food He has provided us. Are we noticing His provision, or simply wolfing it down? Jesus took note of His Father’s provision and daily gave thanks for it. In fact, in giving us a model prayer, Jesus made a point to include thanks to God for each day’s food (Matthew 9:11). Saying “grace” before a meal is a ritual for many families. However, this prayer is often said the same way, or by the same person every night. It can run the risk of becoming perfunctory. Sometimes it feels like an obstacle to eating the food while it’s hot and tummies are hungry. If this is happening in your family, try praying after the appetizer, after the meal or before desert. Try rotating who says the prayer. Switching things up a little can help us better focus on the ritual of giving thanks for our daily bread. I wonder if the champion speed-eater tasted any of that delicious Maine lobster she downed so quickly. I also wonder if you and I take enough time to savor our food. God gives food its nutrients to nourish our bodies, and its flavor to delight our souls. You’d be hard pressed to find a national holiday or family event that doesn’t have food somehow attached to its celebration. There’s a reason for that. Everyone – young and old – can find common ground over a plate of good food. Eating is a pleasurable activity and the breaking of bread is made more pleasurable when done with people we love. How about you and I planning a quiet evening to enjoy dinner with our loved ones? I encourage you to put on some fun music and enjoy cooking up a favorite recipe that will fill the house with lingering scents. There is nothing like the anticipation good- smelling food creates! Set the table with something extra special – maybe cloth napkins, a fresh floral centerpiece or some candles. Switch the music to soft, background instrumentals when it’s time for the meal. Give the family plenty of time to unwind by serving a cool drink and a simple appetizer like soup, salad or fruit. Strike up some friendly conversation while eating – taking care to avoid any sensitive topics or family “business.” My friends, I challenge you to a friendly eating contest. Let’s see if we can set a world record for the longest-lasting, most satisfying, and fully appreciated meal. Lobster, of course, is optional. My prayer for today: Lord, I thank you for my daily bread. Thank you for the many, tasty provisions you have made for your people. Help me to slow down and enjoy them today. Application Steps: Get out your calendar and cookbook and plan a meal your family won’t soon forget. Gather your family around the table and celebrate God’s bountiful provision. Reflection points: Could your family set any speed-eating records? Is mealtime a time that is cherished and enjoyed in your household? Do you daily give God thanks, as Jesus did? Power Verses: Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. (NLT) Psalm 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees. (NLT) 2 Corinthians 5:3-5 The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less. (MSG) Genesis 18:5 Let me prepare some food to refresh you. Please stay awhile before continuing on your journey. "All right," they said. "Do as you have said." (NLT) Psalm 132:14-15 This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor with bread. (NKJ) Isaiah 26:8 We’re in no hurry, God. We’re content to linger in the path sign-posted with your decisions. Who you are and what you’ve done are all we’ll ever want.” (MSG) as seen in Growthtrac To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316kim@sc.rr.com ========================================================== ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >-->Purpose We all have some kind of purpose on this earth, It's not to hurt people or tell them their worth. Everyone was put here with an equal chance, Take a look around you, take a good long glance. Some were meant to heal, and some to teach, Some are used to build, and some to reach. You may not know your purpose just yet, God will tell you, when he knows you are set. Don't rush your fate, it has already been planned. And God will always be there to lend a helping hand. You will go through times that are really rough, But you will always have someone, when the going gets tough. Don't judge others, for when you do, There is always someone else, judging you. Think about things before they are said, Say your prayers before going off to bed. Take time just to sit, and observe all things, A flower and it's petals, or a bird and it's wings. For when you just look at what is around, A new aspect on life could be what you have found. Live for today, live one day at a time. Live for yourself, and for God, that's no crime. For when you do all these things to make your life great, You will find your own way to the pearly white gate. -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 ************************************************************************