Merry Early Christmas... :) 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 ================ __,_,_,___) _______ (--| | | (--/ ),_) ,_) | | | _ ,_,_ | |_ ,_ ' , _|_,_,_, _ , __| | | (/_| | (_| | | || |/_)_| | | |(_|/_)___, ( |___, ,__| \____) |__, |__, | _...._ \ _ / .::o:::::. (\o/) .:::'''':o:. --- / \ --- :o:_ _::: >*< `:}_>()<_{:' >0<@< @ `'//\\'` @ >>>@<<* @ # // \\ # @ >@>*<0<<< __#_#____/'____'\____#_#__ >*>>@<<<@<< [__________________________] >@>>0<<<*<<@< |=_- .-/\ /\ /\ /\--. =_-| >*>>0<<@<<<@<<< |-_= | \ \\ \\ \\ \ |-_=-| >@>>*<<@<>*<<0<*< |_=-=| / // // // / |_=-_| \*/ >0>>*<<@<>0><<*<@<< |=_- |`-'`-'`-'`-' |=_=-| ___\\U//___ >*>>@><0<<*>>@><*<0<< | =_-| o o |_==_| |\\ | | \\| >@>>0<*<<0>>@<<0<<<*<@< |=_- | ! ( ! |=-_=| | \\| | _(UU)_ >((*))_>0><*<0><@<<<0<*< _|-,-=| ! ). ! |-_-=|_ |\ \| || / //||.*.*.*.|>>@<<*<<@>><0<<@>>>>>| ( ~~~ )/ (((((((()))))))) ~~~~~~~~ '""""`------' `w---w` `------------' *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. While the ads on the website do help, I don't want to drag the site down with tons of them to pay for it. I need your help! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ * 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! ================ *~* Our Hearts and Prayers go out to those affected by the recent tragic firework explosions in Mexico. May God bless and comfort them through Christ Jesus our Lord! -<>- >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our First Smoking Hot new page is from our friend Jo Ann. This poet gave the traditional poem a new twist that, if you are like me, will give you goosebumps. Sound on and check this one out here... _ __/\/,\__ \_\_\_/_/ <__=(_)=__> \_/\_\`_/ / /\ \ /_/| \ \ (U)| |\ \ .-"-. | (U) / \ .-"-. ;= ; \ |= _|= ; (_________) _| `----()-`_______) jgs |= `--()--` (_________) `--()---` New Night Before Christmas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nightbefore.html --- ...An intense one! Thanks Jo Ann! Moving right along, our next too hot to handle sizzler is from our friends Bunni and Melody. It is one of those that will give you your aww quota for the day and a few smiles too. It isn't too amazing that our feline friends get so excited when we set up a large scratching/climbing post and hang all sorts of interesting shiny little toys on it for them to play with. Check out these cats delightful interactions with Christmas trees here: |\.-./| /= =\ /= e e =\ >\=_ Y _=/< (,,)^(,,) |.:.:.:.| | | |, /( | |)\ )/ | |`-;o` | | )\ | ; \/.'\ jgs / / | .' \ / .' ;-' /'. .'` | \ / './_.' Christmas With Cats 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmascats2.html --- ...Awww, so cute, funny and Adorable! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _...._ .::o:::::. .:::'''':o:. :o:_ _::: `:(_>()<_):' `'//\\'' jgs // \\ /' `\ >A HUMBLE LOAF OF BREAD by Bobbi Hahn It seemed like the perfect gift for my father. You know how hard it is for adult children to select gifts for their parents. After all, what do they want and/or need, really? Flannel shirts and ties had been given in abundance over the years, and since he'd retired, shopping became even more difficult. He was passionate about photography, but I wouldn't have had the slightest idea of what sort of equipment he might like. He was a marvelous gardener, but the tiny garden at their row house in Philadelphia (before they were known as town homes) had no need of plants or seeds in December! I had discovered a wonderful cookbook called Visions of Sugarplums, by Mimi Sheraton, and decided to make something for him from it because it contained recipes from all the countries that celebrate Christmas. He was of Czech descent, and the recipe for a sweet, braided bread containing almonds sounded perfect because he loved anything I made, and he also had a sweet tooth. We purchased all of the ingredients, and my husband numbered the braids in the illustration so we'd be able to keep them straight. It smelled divine as it baked, and I was thrilled with its crusty golden color when I removed it from the oven. We were living in Ohio by that time, so I packed it carefully with their other Christmas gifts and sent it off to Philadelphia. I was not prepared for its reception. My father called with lavish praise for the bread, saying he couldn't believe his eyes when he opened the aluminum foil. With great emotion, he told me that when he and his brothers were very young boys, it was traditional for the bread -- called vanocka -- to be prepared every Christmas Eve. I had given him back a beloved childhood memory, all without thinking! Legend said that every living being in the house had to partake of the bread before midnight of Christmas Eve, for luck. So all the dogs and cats, the occasional mouse, and whatever other creatures lived under their roof had to have a morsel. That year, my husband and I began a tradition for our sons by preparing a vanocka for our home, as well. Cats and dogs were treated to a bite, much to the delight of our young sons. I made the bread each Christmas until my father died. That year, I just couldn't bring myself to make it because it brought back memories of how happy I'd made him with such a simple gift, and it broke my heart that he would no longer enjoy it. I haven't made it in the several years since. But this year, I'm going to have flour dust all over my kitchen again, and the scent of baking bread and roasted almonds will fill the air. Our youngest son and his wife will be sharing Christmas with us, and it's time to remember the joy a humble loaf of bread unwittingly brought to my daddy. -- Bobbi Hahn __________________________________________________ Bobbi is a freelance writer, poet and calligrapher who lives with her husband and two cats beside a lagoon on a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina. She says, "The book is still available, so if you're looking for some marvelous, traditional Christmas recipes, find a copy! It's amazing how similar some of the recipes are from one country to another, differing only by a few ingredients. One country might use almonds, another walnuts. I love these traditions!" You can find a copy of the Visions of Sugarplums book Bobbi refers to here: _____________________ _..._ /\_|_/. |-(` \/\ '/_> \/\ _ \/\ _ /'-:_\/\ _:-'\ | '=_/``\_=' | | .= \__/ =. | \_.-'/;|\'-._/ |'||\/\ jgs / || \/\ |_/ | \/\ \_\ \/\ \/ >IN THE NAME OF CHRISTMAS by Maria Harden Sometimes people amaze me, for different reasons, but recently it was a good kind of amazement. As a group, our office at work does a couple of Christmas Cheer hampers, targeting families in need. This year, it is two families from a Women's Shelter. One is a mom with five children, the other mom has four children. They live in suites at the shelter because it's a safe haven for them -- a life away from the abuse they have endured at the hands of their husbands or boyfriends. Donations to the hampers have been rather sparse so far, although we still have several days before the delivery date. It will pick up. It always does. One of the men who works on my floor came to me with an $80 cash donation. It was money, he said, that had been given to him in memory of his mother who passed away last December 21. He had saved it while pondering a suitable charitable organization to donate it to, and decided on this women's shelter. A very generous and kind man to think of this. His mother would have liked it, he said. The money will be used towards gifts or clothing for the children, and gift cards to grocery stores. Meanwhile, our office receives a daily newspaper, delivered in any weather by a faithful carrier. Yesterday, we got a card from the newspaper carrier wishing us a Merry Christmas and advising us of his contact information in case of a delivery problem. He also enclosed a self-addressed envelope if we should wish to provide him with a gratuity. My first thought was, "Oh yeah. Merry Christmas, and where's my tip?" But then I realized he delivers to downtown businesses and most likely never gets a thank you, let alone a gratuity. My workplace pays the invoice but I have never seen anything additional included. It made me think of that movie "Pay It Forward" that came out a few years ago. When I get my paper delivered at home, my paper carrier gets a much deserved gratuity at Christmas, so I thought I would surprise the office paper carrier and send him one myself. After all, 'tis the season, right? I slipped a twenty dollar bill into the envelope and mailed it off with an unsigned note of appreciation. I know it's not much but I hope he at least appreciates the thought. The man at work who made the generous donation in the name of his mother made me think of passing it on. Maybe the carrier will be inspired to do something for someone else too. I'd like to think so. In the spirit of Christmas, I encourage you to pay it forward or pass it on if you are so inspired. Do it because you want to, without expecting anything in return. Do it in the name of Christmas! -- Maria Harden __________________________________________________ Maria has written for Heartwarmers in the past, as well as other on-line publications and anthologies. She is not afraid to say those two words that seem to be banned from daily vocabulary these days -- Merry Christmas! =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) _..._ _..._ /\_|_/. .\_|_/\ |-(` \/\ /\/ `)-| '/_> \/\ /\/ <_/' _ \/\/\/ _ /'-:_\/\/_:-'\ | '=_/``\_=' | | .= \__/ =. | \_.-'/;|\'-._/ /\/|'||\/\ jgs /\/ / || \/\ /\/ |_/ | \/\ /\/ \_\ \/\ \/ \/ >Get Ready For Christmas The countdown is on-- Christmas soon will be here! So get ready to spread some holiday cheer. Use your creativity and think of ways To lift someone's spirits and brighten their days. Reach out to those people who are in most need By making donations or doing good deeds. You'll get so much joy out of making someone smile; Being generous on Christmas will be worth your while! --- ...Absolutely! Thanks LouiseAu! -<>- * . . . | . * * . \|/ . . -->*<-- . /|\ . ' | ' * | . * . | . ' _ _ .:. . ( | .-. ___ .'_`. WWW \w/ \V/ |/(_)\ .'.-.`. `(_)' (_) (_) (_) |// \\ `/(_)\' // \\ _/ | _/ | _/ | _ _ \/| |/ //)_(\\ \| |/ %%__/| $$__/| &&__/| _-(_)- _-(_)- | | | /(o___))\ | | | | | | | | `(___) `(___) | | | ` / \' | | | | | | | | jgs // \\ // \\ | |_| /_____\ |_| |_| |_| |_| >Our Never-Changing Lord (Author Unknown - Edited) "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8 A friend shared with me that two days this week were consecutively one of the best and one of the worst days in his life. The first day he spent gliding down a pristine river in a nature reserve on an inner tube. He soaked in the sights of a river empty of people, litter or noise, yet filled with the natural beauty of clear water, natural springs and various wildlife. As he floated along, the full impact of God's creative power astounded him and the experience drew him closer to Jesus Christ than he had ever been in his life. The next day was spent at the doctors undergoing a grueling series of tests literally designed to make him sick in order to determine the source of some neurological problems that have plagued him for a year. As he shared his experiences, it became clear to both of us that the same Jesus Christ that was with him on the river, was with him in the doctors office. Jesus Christ never changes, He is the same every day. His wisdom, love, power and promises never change. The only thing that changes is our circumstances and how we let them affect our relationship with Him and God. Is Jesus Christ the same in your yesterday, today and tomorrow? Does your trust, love and worship of Him change with your circumstances? Are your songs of praise to Him and God the same in good times as well as bad? Don't look to your circumstances, look to Jesus Christ. --- ...So true! Thanks LouiseAu! . ' ' . ' /\ ' + ' || ' + |\ || /| ' - . \\||// . - ' -= <>>>><<<<> =- . - ' //||\\ ' - . |/ || \| + . || . + . || . ' .||. ' \/ We often think about where we are or how we are doing as to how close we are to God. But God and our Lord Jesus Christ do not change with the seasons or by what we do or say. They are the same. They love us unconditionally. It is us that change. We by our freedom of will draw them closer or push them farther away. When we go against God's will, we push them away. When we do God's will, we draw them in closer and allow them to be there for us and love us and care for us. It is our actions that change. Not them. God's love for us is unconditional: Rom.8: [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. There ya go. No matter what, God loves you! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: /\ .--._/ \_.--. `) (` _.-' '-._ '-. .-' `) (' /.-"-. .-"-.\ jgs ` \/ ` /\ //\\ //||\\ // || \\ //\ || /\\ //'.\||/.'\\ //___> <___\\ //------------\\ // \\ // .-"-. \\ // ( (`\) \\ // '-/| `\ \\ // .-"-. / | || \\ // (.-. ) / | || \\ || / /)-' =`-.| || || ||/ / '-| .-""-. | =\| || |/ |'./ (__()__) | | || / /\====\ /==| |=|| /_.-' | >--< |-.-| || jgs |----' `-.-' || >A Place in Paradise On Christmas Eve, a rich man sells his place in heaven to a poor man to make a profit. But the joke's on him... By Paulo Coelho, based on a Hasidic tale by David Mandel Many years ago, in the northeast of Brazil, there lived a couple who were very poor and whose only possession was a hen. They managed to scrape a precarious living from the eggs laid by that one hen. On Christmas Eve, however, the hen died. The husband, who only had a few pennies to his name, which was certainly not enough to buy food for that evening's meal, went to seek help from the village priest. Instead of giving him money, the priest merely remarked: 'God never closes a door without opening a window. Your money will buy you almost nothing, so go to the market and buy the first thing you're offered. I will bless that purchase and, since Christmas is the time for miracles, something will happen that will change your life for ever.' The man wasn't entirely convinced that this was the best solution, but he went to the market anyway. One of the traders saw him wandering aimlessly about and asked what he was looking for. 'I don't know. I don't have much money, but the priest told me that I should buy the first thing I was offered.' The trader was very rich, but even so he never let slip an opportunity to make a profit, however small. He took the man's few coins and in exchange gave him a note scribbled on a piece of paper. 'The priest was quite right. Now I've always had a kind heart, and so, on this festive day, I'm selling you my place in Paradise. Here are the deeds!' The other man took the piece of paper and moved off, while the trader glowed with pride at having closed yet another excellent deal. That night, while he was preparing for supper in his house full of servants, he told the story to his wife, adding that it was thanks to such quick thinking that he had become as rich as he was. 'That's shameful!' said his wife. 'Fancy behaving like that on the day Jesus was born! Go straight to that man's house and get the piece of paper back, or you'll never set foot in this house again!' Alarmed by his wife's anger, the trader decided to do as she said. After much asking around, he managed to find out where the man lived. When he went in, he found the couple sitting at a table that was completely bare apart from the piece of paper. 'I've come because what I did was wrong,' the trader said. 'Here's your money. Now give me back what I sold you.' 'You did nothing wrong,' replied the man. 'I followed the priest's advice and I know that what I bought from you is blessed.' 'But it's just a piece of paper. Besides, no one can sell someone else their place in Paradise. If you like, I'll give you double what you paid for it.' However, because he believed in miracles, the poor man refused to sell. The trader gradually increased his offer, until he reached the sum of ten gold coins. 'That's no good to me,' said the man. 'In order to give my wife the life she deserves, I need one hundred gold coins. That is the miracle I'm waiting for this Christmas Eve.' In despair and knowing that if he lingered any longer, no one in his own house would have supper or go to midnight mass, the trader ended up paying one hundred gold coins to get the piece of paper back. As far as the couple were concerned, the miracle had happened. As for the trader, he had done as his wife had asked. His wife, though, was filled with doubt. Had she been too hard on her husband? As soon as midnight Mass was over, she went to the priest and told him the story. 'Father, my husband met a man who said that you had told him to go to the market and buy the first thing he was offered. My husband, seeing a chance to earn some easy money, wrote him a note on a piece of paper, selling him his place in Paradise. I told my husband that he wouldn't eat in our house tonight if he didn't get that piece of paper back, and he ended up having to pay one hundred gold coins for it. Did I go too far? Could a place in Paradise really cost that much?' 'Firstly, your husband was able to show great generosity on this, the most important day in the Christian calendar. Secondly, he became the instrument of God through whom a miracle was performed. But to answer your question: when he sold his place in heaven for a few pennies, it wasn't even worth that much; however, when he bought it back for one hundred gold coins simply to make his wife happy, that, I can assure you, made it worth much much more.' -<>- /\ / \ .---< >---. | _\ /_ | _,',_| \/ |_,',_ _.-' '-./\.-' '-._ '-._ _.-'\/'-._ _.-' `,` |__/\__| `,` | / \ | .-. '---< >---' /===\ \ / |/. .;| \/ / |-^-|( / )\_/|_\ / _// T `: /\` |`'-') '. || ( (__ \ (7 ) /` '. _\ \/ | f-. \/( || | |\_`/.-'\) __.__ || ( \ / )| .' | '. || ) )/ / | / \ _ / \ || | __..' / | =.|__ / `\,z.---..;'`_ __.' ; __-"=_'=`'-,/_|.-._ `/_-_ / | _/._)_.="_=\__-- __ -`--'-__ / | (_~(..\~\ \--__--__-_ -- / \ (_'.__)---./ / /.' `'.\ \ \ `;'--. | , / `\_/_/ \_\___\'-..,_______'. jgs \`> /__> D 2000 (/(/ /_.-""` >My beloved Child Do you need Me? I am there. You cannot see Me, yet I am the light you see by. You cannot hear Me, yet I speak through your voice. You cannot feel Me, yet I am the power at work in your hands. I am at work, though you do not understand My ways. I am at work, though you do not understand My works. I am not strange visions. I am not mysteries. Only in absolute stillness, beyond self, can you know Me As I am, and then but as a feeling and a faith. Yet I am there. Yet I hear. Yet I answer. When you need Me, I am there. Even if you deny Me, I am there. Even when you feel most alone, I am there. Even in your fears, I am there. Even in your pain, I am there. I am there when you pray and when you do not pray. I am in you, and you are in Me. Only in your mind can you feel separate from Me, for Only in your mind are the mists of "yours" and "mine." Yet only with your mind can you know Me and experience Me. Empty your heart of empty fears. When you get yourself out of the way, I am there. You can of yourself do nothing, but I can do all. And I am in all. Though you may not see the good, good is there, for I am there. I am there because I have to be, because I am. Only in Me does the world have meaning; Only out of Me does the world take form; Only because of Me does the world go forward. I am the law on which the movement of the stars And the growth of living cells are founded. I am the love that is the law's fulfilling. I am assurance. I am peace. I am oneness. I am the law that you can live by. I am the love that you can cling to. I am your assurance. I am your peace. I am ONE with you. I am God. Though you at times fail to find Me, I do not fail you. Though your faith in Me is unsure, My faith in you never wavers, Because I know you, because I love you. Beloved, I am there. AMEN --- ______ '-._ ```"""---.._ ,-----.:___ `\ ,;;;, '-.._ ```"""--.._ |,%%%%%% _ , '. `\;;;; -\ _ _.'/\ .' `-.__ \ ,;;;;" .__{=====/_)==:_ || ,===/ ```";,,,,,,,;;;;;'`-./.____,'/ / '.\/ '---/ ';;;;;;;;' `--.._.' / ,===/ '-. `\/ '---/ ,'`. | ; __.-' \ ,' jgs \______,,.....------'''`` `---` ...Reminds me of a show I watched last night. I never understood why people were so much against 'the death penalty' until this show let me see another point of view. To me it was quite a simple matter. If a person purposely murders another person then that person should not get sympathy but should have to pay with his or her own life. After all, the one they killed no longer can enjoy sunshine or the taste of food or any of a number of the sweet joys life has to offer just by being alive. Why should the murderer be allowed such things - ever? That and why should the victim's loved ones have to suffer without them, knowing the murderer's loved ones still have them? It's just not right. But then I saw the other point of view. Someone without hope of any life after death. One that believes that all you have after death is worms eating you. To this person then life on earth is all a person has. So even if others do some horrible act and take another person's life, they don't think it right to end the murderer's life. Two wrongs don't make a right sort of thing. Along with they don't feel anyone has a right to end what little time a person does have here on earth. It would be a rather hopeless thought. I've lived my life almost entirely since being a small child as one who believes in God and my Lord Jesus Christ. There has always been a bright light and a rainbow set in the sky for me. I've never had to think of my end or a loved ones end as being nothing but rot and decay - Food for the worms. It must be horrible to have no real hope. I thank God that He chose me and all my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ to be His for all eternity! What an awesome thing He wrought for us through Jesus Christ our Lord - And it all began with the immaculate birth of Jesus. Praise God! We have much to be thankful for and reasons to share the good news of the Gospel. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Amazing Photos! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazingphotos.html A KAIROS Moment http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/kairosmoment.html Our Gifts And Callings http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html 90/10 Principle http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/giving.html Attitude Is Everything http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Book Sculpture Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bookart.html BiBi's Rescue http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogrescue.html God's Little Love Notes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Rules For US Citizens http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rules.html Chalk Art 5 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart5.html Wrench Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wrenchart.html Akiane Child Prodigy http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html The Christmas Story http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/christmasstory.html Christmas Around The World!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasworld.html Where's The Line To See Jesus?- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/seejesus.html Winter Wonderland And Life Lessons!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lessons.html Come Adore Him! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/comeadorehim.html Updated Full Christmas Index http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasindex.html Christmas Animations: For Angels, Candles, Doves http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs.html For Crosses, Hearts, God, And Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_f-j.html For Nativity Scenes and New Years http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_k-o.html For Prayers, Santa, Sledding, and Snow http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_p-t.html For Words:Merry (Christmas) and Xmas (all other Christmas related) http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_u-z.html Christmas and Holiday cooking: Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html -<>- >-->In The News: Washington Post: Virgin Mary Offends Rape Victims by Her Purity http://tinyurl.com/h7h7rtv This view is typical of those who have little knowledge of the Word of God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ had to be born of God by a virgin so that Jesus could be pure - free from the sinful bloodline of mankind. Jesus Christ was to be mankind's sacrificial lamb. Mary did not remain a virgin as after giving birth to Jesus Christ she knew her husband Joseph. So she wasn't a virgin raising her children. Matt.1: [20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. [21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. [22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. [24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: [25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. 'knew her not' means no intercourse. See These Teachings: The Genealogy Of Jesus Christ http://tinyurl.com/zow9trs Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Defining True Greatness http://tinyurl.com/z83bctm Mary, a Teenage Bride and Mother http://www.truthortradition.com/articles/mary-a-teenage-bride-and-mother -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) Greg's Christmas Page - Games, Stories, Humor, Fun http://kraftmstr.com/christmas/christmas.html Bob Hope Christmas https://biggeekdad.com/2011/02/bob-hope-christmas/ Christmas Shopping in New York: 1900-1936 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IPtA4fdC3Q ReindeerCam - Santa's Official Reindeer Live Feed https://www.reindeercam.com/ Plastic Christmas http://tinyurl.com/nvhyqe4 --- ...Sweet! Thanks Melody! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) AcroArmy is a group of acrobatic gymnasts, with ages ranging from 12-27. These amazing performers come from the Realis Gymnastics Academy under the coaching techniques of Youri Vorobiev. Every member has been selected to represent the U.S. on the National Team. They are directed by choreographer Arthur Davis - a two-time World Champion acrobatic gymnast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVG7V0PuoHY Susan Boyle's beautiful live performance of O Holy Night' on the Larry King Live Show, from her second album 'The Gift'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMGc1AzqY5M --- ...Beautiful! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Melody :) From Proverbs 31 Ministries http://tinyurl.com/zmahogs _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >Praying for Your Husband From Head to Toe {Encouragement for Today} “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power … For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.” Ephesians 6:10, 12 (NIV) I still remember being sequestered in the Bride’s Room of our church just moments before the organist began to play for the early arrivals. As I sat before an oversized gilded mirror trying not to wrinkle my dress, I daydreamed about the man who would become my husband in moments. He was everything I had ever hoped for: handsome, smart, ambitious and strong. Most importantly, he loved Jesus. Yes, this was a good day. Staring at my reflection, an unwelcome thought popped in my mind. Doesn’t every woman feel this joy on her wedding day? What could go so terribly wrong that such a high percentage of marriages end in divorce? Am I fooling myself? Am I that much different from the thousands who have walked the aisle before me? I decided right then I would do everything in my power to make my marriage a success. It didn’t take long for me to discover that the words “in my power” were a problem. “My power” was not enough. Marriage was hard. Fairy tales often end with the words, “And they lived happily ever after.” But... if we could see the epilogue to those rides off into the sunset, we’d most likely find daily struggles, potentially divisive decisions and angry arguments sprinkled throughout. Fairy tales stop short of telling us about tension over whose turn it is to wash the dishes, pay the bills or put the kids to bed. They leave out the part about stress over holidays with in-laws, frequency of intimacy and who gets to spend what, when. We naively repeat the words, “for better or for worse,” and then are shocked when the first hint of “worse” rears its ugly head. If you’ve been married for more than a few days, you’ve likely figured out that blessed unions need work to stay blessed. And I dare say, the most important “work” we can do as wives is on our knees before God in prayer. Only God can truly protect our marriages and our men. And He invites us to participate in the unleashing of His power by praying for our husbands and turning the key to the storehouse of heaven’s door for blessings outpoured. We’ve got to remember: The real struggle in marriage is a spiritual one. Our husbands are not our enemy; the devil is (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). Paul urged believers to enter into spiritual battle armed and ready with the Word of God. He wrote: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms … Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:12,17, NIV). Through prayer, the enemy’s plans are intercepted and principalities and authorities are defeated. Through prayer, the power and provision of God flows into the lives of His people. I had to learn prayer is not a means of gaining control over my husband, to whip him into shape and make him the man I wanted him to be. Prayer is a means of relinquishing control of my husband and asking God to shape him into the man that He wants him to be. Regardless of where your man or your marriage falls on the continuum of terrific to tolerable to terrible, there is always room for improvement. Prayer can make a bad marriage good and a good marriage great. There’s no better way to pray for someone than praying Scripture. We’ll use the following as our closing prayer for today. While I love to pray for my husband from head to toe, today we’ll just focus on our husbands’ head. Dear Lord, I pray for __________. His Mind — That he will have the mind of Christ and think as the Holy Spirit would lead him and not the flesh. (1 Corinthians 2:16) His Eyes — That You will keep his eyes from temptation and that he will turn his eyes from sin. (Matthew 6:13; Mark 9:47) His Ears — That he will hear Your still small voice instructing him. (1 Kings 19:12, Psalm 32:8) His Mouth — That his words will be pleasing to You. (Psalm 19:14) His Neck — That his decisions will honor You in all regards. (Psalm 25:12) In Jesus’ Name, Amen. --- ...Amen! Thanks Melody! ========================================================== ) _ \ ) (_) _ () \ .-'` \ ) {_} () .-'````'-. / ) \ / `'-. ___ /.------. \| \ () \ .-'`___`;/ __ `\ | __ () | .'.-'` __'.| o/__\o |/ / /| \/ / o /__\o\ \\// /; // / ._ \_| \\//|`-.__.-'|\ '; / / \ .' \-.___.'| || |/ \/ `._ '-/ | || '.___./ . '-.\_.-' __'-._||_.-' _ / .`""===(||).___.(||)(||)----'(||)===...__ `"jgs"`""=====""""========"""====...__ `""==._ `"=. `"=. `"=. >Title Story Editor: by The Caroler Joyce Schowalter California, USA In 1990, as was our family tradition, my husband and I invited children from the local high school aCappella choir, including our son, to sing Christmas Carols to people we felt could use some special Christmas cheer. My husband dressed up as Santa Claus and drove a rented flat bed truck. The group tied our spinet piano in the flat bed truck and Santa called "All aboard!" Bundled up, we filled the truck with excited carolers. A woman from our church played the piano as we drove and sang. It was cold and windy for southern California. We first caroled for an 11-year-old boy who was dying of AIDs. He was so weak he couldn't come outside, but "Santa" backed the truck up to the house windows and his parents held him while we sang to him. Then Santa jumped out and visited George. (George died 3 days later.) Our next stop was an older couple whose son had committed suicide a few months before. With our hearts full of love we sang to this bereaved couple, giving them homemade Christmas cookies afterwards. We caroled for several other families. Then Santa asked the group if we minded making just one more stop. We were all tired, cold and wishing to return to "Santa's" house, but begrudgingly agreed to carol again. Santa drove our cold, tired group of carolers to the home of a vital, loving and very outgoing woman who shared her love with many others. We got out of the truck, tromped across her lawn and began singing, but got no response. I told my husband it was silly to sing to a dark house with no one answering the door. We didn't even have cookies to share with her. He said he "felt" very strongly that we needed to carol there. He asked us to be patient while he went around to the back of the house. The kids were really cold standing around, not singing and getting grumpier by the minute. About 10 minutes later, "Santa" opened the front door with his arm around a sweet little old lady, and we began caroling again. When we had finished several songs, with tears running down her cheeks, the woman clung to Santa as she thanked us and Santa took her back inside. After cookies, hot chocolate and a Christmas movie, everyone went home. Then my husband shared the story of our last caroling stop. "Mary" had recently received divorce papers and was in complete shock. After trying to cope with this devastating news, Mary was in the process of ending her life at the very moment when Santa interrupted her. If not for Santa acting on his gut feeling, this woman would no longer have been in this world. Christmas is indeed a time for loving, sharing, caring and giving. One never knows what the next minute will hold. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Laugh And Lift: "You must make a counterculture decision to focus on becoming more like Jesus. Otherwise, other forces like peers, parents, co-workers, and culture will try to mold you into their image." - Rick Warren The Lift .... .::\:::. ::::)`\::: :::/ /::: ::| |::: ':\_/::' /`"'-:___ | _`\ | .-. ( \ ; , , , , \_) '--' | ( |\_.'/ )`-'\__,| \_)|\_/ .`(_ / `. (| _| . '_.-'` '--. `'. | (_)_' ( /.-. `\______(_)(_)`--' ` \/ jgs _). '-. '--._ _.-' . `) : ( `-. < ) . <'-. ' .-', _'._'. '-. '.-'` )'/ \/ \( `\( `; >Oh, to be a "Daniel" Light (By Dawn Champagne) [Edited] This past weekend was a gift from God for my husband and I. Although every weekend is a gift from God this one holds special reminders as we indulged in the luxury of this world. He arranged for a night in a local suite holding a Jacuzzi heart-shaped tub, and a warming fireplace. In addition to this I held the honor of being bestowed with gifts, and an evening out to partake of a buffet containing every kind of food one could imagine as we attended a Christmas dinner for his workplace. That night as my husband settled to sleep, instead of joining him I decided to take in more of the luxury at hand and continue to enjoy the moment. As I sat in silence thanking God for the evening my mind was taken to a study by Beth Moore based on the book of Daniel in the Bible. We are told that Daniel was taken captive from his land, brought into the luxuries of a kingdom, while being indoctrinated with a culture that did not include the one true God. Having just consumed a meal of everything in a crowded room to celebrate Christmas, (that in actual fact never once mentioned the baby), I was in awe of Daniels ability to not partake of the meats and resolve himself to just vegetables. Although I was resolved not to consume the drink the question that put me to shame was not, "Would I have been able to do that at such a young age?" But, "would it have even crossed my mind not to have partaken of such succulent foods?!" Daniel 1:8 says, "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way." (NIV1984) While the Bible contains many great testimonies, I must consider the fact that these people breathed as we now do, touched as we now do, eat as we now do, amongst many other common attributes that we share. So if God cared to tell us these things, and how Daniel stood the test of time, I must ask myself what are the things in our culture I am faced with that would do nothing more then send me on a downward spiral? Looking deeper as I consider my part in the church, the bride of Christ, do I live as the child of the Light that we are encouraged to live? And in the home where no one is watching and I am relaxed to be 'myself', what are the things I have resolved myself to there? I have to admit I rather enjoyed what surrounded us for the moment. But the satisfaction lasts only for that moment. Often when it comes to an end, it does nothing except leave one yearning for more. While luxury is not wrong, being consumed by it is. Daniel knew. Daniel knew what one bite would offer - satisfaction to a downward spiral in a continuous temptation against that which he would have already 'tasted'; and so he opted for none. Such strength of mind, yes wisdom and knowledge that only God can give. I am thankful for redemption; the redemption that comes with the cross; the cross that came from a baby born; a baby born because of God's love for you and for me. Not deserving of this, but a gift given to those who freely accept. Salvation, from the darkness of this world, that will last for eternity in heaven where we will indulge in the peak of luxury of all times. Walls of jewels, streets of gold, a banquet being prepared, and constant peace from the struggles of this world all ours because we accepted that gift. Oh what a gift to be bestowed upon us, topped off with a continuous joy of worship. Now capturing my attention is the tealight candle I had lit in the corner of the room. It is a light I cannot help but notice for it is burning bright and strong. I am mesmerized by the beauty of its glow. In Matthew, we find Jesus teaching: "You are the light of the world...Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV1984) ...and the source of our light? Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 (NIV1984) Lord, help us to be a 'Daniel' light, One that burns steady and bright, Just to be a small little tealight, That flickers not in the darkness of night. Amen. 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 --- ,_ )\ /,( \)/ .--"T"--. |`"-----"`| |:. | |:: | ,-|::. |-, \`"--...--"`/ '-. .-' `| |` ,| | ,\\///, \ \\()>//()\\\ '-. >>//<\\\<<___.-' jgs `""` ...Reminds me of what our President Elect Trump chose for his life and expected from his children - no drugs, alcohol or cigarettes. If you never start than you don't have to worry about getting hooked was how he looked at it. Wouldn't it be nice if we all took that sort of outlook on the things that are against God in this world? No deceptions, no lies, no stealing, no cheating, no name calling or mistreating others to name a few. If we never start, it is so much easier to stop. I wish I had never started smoking cigarettes to name one. Until you quit a habit, it is hard to see how it adversely affects your life. With cigarettes, I didn't notice how bad I smelled almost all the time to non smokers. I didn't notice how bad my house stunk. I didn't notice how much of a slave I was to them. I had to make sure I didn't run out of them so I had to buy them ahead of time and I always had to remember to carry them with me AND I must always remember to have a light - fire was my pocket pal. I could never forget either my cigarettes or my lighter or matches! I'd get all grumpy and mean if I had to go without them! And I didn't care who I hurt when I was grumpy. They controlled me but I never thought of it that way. I just enjoyed smoking. A nice thing to do after a meal ... or before a meal to take the edge out of being hungry. Lets face it, I was lighting up about every 20 minutes (awake time). I had a 30 year habit I needed to break. It would have been a lot easier if I had never started. This is what I did to finally quit: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/quitsmoking.html ======================================================= >-->From Kidwarmers: _...._ .' _`;, _ / .-'` _.\/ \ / .` _.-'` C/ | ; .' _ _ \ \ \/ a _ a | )/'. Y .' /` \ >._ ^ _.< \__//` ````` `\ | /.:.:.:.\ | \ \:::::::/ / \ |:::::| / |\,,/:::::\,,/| ;:':':':':':':; | | ;.-._.-. | ( =(_)= ) | |'-/T\-' | | //`\\ | | ` ` | | | /. \ |:::. '. |::::. '. |:::::. .:\ \::::: .::::| '-::: .:::::/ jgs `-._ :::::' `-.__:::' >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY Riley, 4, was at her great-grandmother's house. "What do you want Grandma to get you for Christmas?" Jean asked. "What kind of toy do you want?" "Toys!" Riley responded with indignation. "I don't want no toys. Just get me clothes. Those people in China are trying to kill us off... I went through all my toys. Some of them I didn't want to throw away but I thought I better." -- Jean Aichele (great-grandmother of Riley) of Kendallville, Indiana Here's another Riley story. A few weeks ago she watched part of one of the Democratic debates. "Oh, they are as bad as the Republicans," Riley said. Vance (Pop Paw) and Ardith's 2-year-old great-grandson was beginning to talk a lot so his parents thought he should learn his whole name. They said it slowly: Kaiden Rilee Vance Burkhart. After listening intently, this is how it came out: Kaiden Rilee Pop Paw Pop Tart! -- Vance (Pop Paw) and Ardith Keister of Albion, Indiana Sheri was playing Scrabble with her son who was 7 or 8 and her mother. During the game Sheri had put down the word "chewy." Later when it was his turn, her son said, "I don't need any help this time. I got one." He picked up the letter A from his tray and placed it in front of chewy, saying, "Aahchewy -- you say it every time you sneeze, Mom!" It was so cute they gave him the score for it. -- Sheri Worthington of Ossian, Indiana _....._ .-::. ':::-. .:. '::. '::. '. /'::. _::._::. :\ ;. '::'` `:' .::\ |::. / \.::'| | '::.| |' .| |. ':| |.::/ |::. | /__.' | '::.| |. ':| |::. | /`""-._ |_'::.| _.-''`\ | .__'/ `\'_. | | .-| |--. | | _.\ /._ | \_..-' /`\--'\ `-.._/ / | \ | | | / ; \ / \ \ | ;-.____/ \____/::.| |. ':| j::. | g '::.| s. ':| |::. | | '::.| '-..:-' Alyssa, 4, and her little sister, Julia, stay with Grammy and Grand Dad weekdays while their parents work. Their lunchtime conversation included a discussion of squirrels. Alyssa said she had never seen one. They live down the street from Alyssa in a new neighborhood where the trees are still rather small and squirrels are a rare sight. Grammy reminded Alyssa of the one squirrel they saw last spring. They named him Little Rascal because he boldly came to their bird feeder right outside the den window one morning and stuffed himself with the birds' supper. He came back the next day to dine again and they have not seen him since. Alyssa remembered Little Rascal and said a bit wistfully, "I love old days." Later that same afternoon, they talked about Alyssa's upcoming vacation with Julia and their parents to visit friends in San Diego. When Grammy told her how much she was going to miss her, Alyssa gently touched her chest and softly said, "Grammy, I'll be in your heart." -- Donna Moller (Grammy) of Katy, Texas Debi was shopping in a big warehouse store she happened to hear a little boy say to an employee, "'Scuse me, can you tell me where lost parents go?" -- Debi Walter of Orlando, Florida James was riding with his sons the other night and Josh, 11, noticed a sign advertising a "First Annual Bazaar." Josh asked, "How can it be annual if there has only been one?" -- James Tew of Kendallville, Indiana Koen, 3, often goes to see Nanna and PawPaw on his way home from daycare. On the day before Thanksgiving Koen was talking about their plans to visit his paternal grandparents for the holiday. PawPaw began singing, "Over the river and through the woods to Grandpa's house we go..." Koen shouted, "No, no, no, Grandpa lives on a street!" -- Dennis Smith (PawPaw) of Oak Ridge, North Carolina .-----------------------------------------------------. | __ ___________________ | _________________ __ | || / / '.|.' \ \ || ||/ / ___ -= + =- \ \|| | / ******* .'|'. ___ \ | | / /-====) | ******* \ | || | / -( | (_.- )) || || / / _/ )- ) )) || || | |-( _ \_( (( || || / | \ //| _ )) ) ) || || / \ \/\/ |\\ /'-( ( || || | |\ / *** \/\/ / ) ) || || `-;./==;-' .=. \ / ( ( || || | \ _\/(_)\/_ '-;==) ) || || | \ |'---'| / ( ( || || | \ _| |_ / ) ) || || _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( || || .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. || |jgs `""---`-----` `----`----`""` || Dad was having a serious discussion with Abbey, 8, about some not so great behavior and hurt feelings. When they finished up, Abbey came out to the living room and crawled up on her mother's lap. Lynn asked her if everything was okay... was she feeling all right? Abbey put her head on Lynn's shoulder, snuggled up and said, "Yeah. I love my dad, but he thinks he's Doctor Phil or something!" -- Lynn Walkup of Garrett, Indiana Carol of Indiana says it is a humbling experience to teach preschoolers. They remember what she says often better than Carol does. One Sunday Carol explained that on their way home from temple, Mary and Joseph could not find Jesus. Carol was very dramatic as she made the point and exclaimed, "THEY LOST JESUS. THEY COULDN'T FIND HIM!" A few days later 2-year-old Morgan, her mom and grandmother were riding in the van. Out of the blue Morgan blurted, "THEY LOST JESUS!" Her mother was dumbfounded and asked, "WHERE IN THE WORLD DID THAT COME FROM?" Grandma said, "Think about it. She was in Carol's class on Sunday." Here's another one from Carol. Grandma knew her 5-year-old grandson was selling lemonade at his mom's garage sale and so she stopped by to patronize him. He emphatically told her that it was free for her as she is "family." Grandma said she would also like a Rice Krispy treat. Grandson quipped, "That's gonna cost you!" Kaitlyn, 3, is very interested in the facts regarding the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. She will ask her mother where the scars are (in Jesus' hands and feet). Her mother says they are probably in heaven with Jesus. Kaitlyn replies probably God put a band-aid on them. She also asks where the cross is. Her mother says it is probably rotted away. Kaitlyn will reply that probably God put a band-aid on it. -- Mary Jo Deihl (grandmother of Kaitlyn) of south of Corunna, Indiana Kelly, 11, was eating her cereal. Debbi looked across the table and told her she had milk on her chin. "That's because it's goatee milk," Kelly said with a grin. -- Debbi Armstrong of Orlando, Florida _.-"""-. .' \ `\ .' .-' '. _ | /.__ ) C, ^ \ .' `'-. ( ;-.-' / '. ) | / \ / _., ; . ';-"`;_.'\ | '. \ | / .* ** *, |___ `'-..___.|__/--' * .--. * | ```"""-----'/ '*/_ _`\*'`\ )"""----....___.; _.`.|^.^ ?;` .' .' '.`'. .;-.-'\_- /-.',( / '. \ /_.' ;.| |'--....___ ___..--` \ .;' .-' .; L.._ __ ```` __..-' /; / `.' / ;._`__````""--""`` \ .'( _.'`.' /` 7 | ``""";--.._ | /`,'`'"".`"` '.' .' | 7 | | `' | \__.` '. _`;.' .' \__| .--'._; / |_`""-'` | .' \__/` jgs `'-.___.; .-; `\...._/-' {_}-' \ \ `-.._ | / `"-' The family was reminiscing at Thanksgiving about childhood misunderstandings when Rebecca's son (who is now grown up) revealed that he used to hear the hymn "At the Cross" in church. The part that went " ... and the burden of my heart rolled away" he understood as "and the bird that's on my heart rolled away" and could never understand what a bird would be doing on someone's heart and how could it roll away. -- Rebecca Hayes of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania Maxine was eight years older than her brother Alvin. They lived in Missouri and the old house had a porch on the south side. Their favorite cat liked to lie on the porch in the sun and sleep. One day the cat was basking in the sun asleep and purring (Maxine called it cat snoring). Alvin was watching the cat very intently. Pretty soon Alvin said, "Don't cats shut off their motor when they go to sleep?" -- Maxine of McAllen, Texas Joan's 11-year-grandson is not around other children very much other than at school. Joan took Blake to the park for an autumn picnic, and they met Joan's friend Jewel who has a 1, 2, 4 and 5-year-old. They played and played and then Blake and Joan went to Jewel's house to watch the four children while Jewell went to a wedding. When Joan asked Blake if he was ready to go, he looked frazzled. He instantly replied, "Yes!" When he got in the car Joan commented that it's exciting when there are four little ones around. Blake replied, "If I had four kids... you know the scripture in the Bible ?I die daily.' Well, I WOULD die daily if I had to do that every day!" -- Joan Henry of Sulphur Springs, Texas Raymond mastered Donald Trump's catch phrase long before "The Apprentice" aired. When he was 3 (he's now 11), his mom, Kathleen, took him to the doctor's office. They were in the waiting room for a long time and Raymond was growing impatient. He was getting fidgety and kept asking what was taking so long. Finally, a nurse came out and called Raymond's name. He quickly turned to the nurse and shouted, "YOU FIRED!" -- Jacquelyn Ligon (aunt of Raymond) of Reno, Nevada _.--"""""-.._ __ .'_ _ '. / \ / ` ` `'-. `\ | \/| \_ ___ _ `\ \ \ _..; )` _ `_"--.\ | ;" \ | a/ a (`\ | | _.; /_.<_..___, )\\ | \_.-' | ;-.__,__..-' '.'. / | ; / ( ) \_| | \( ( ( )/ \ \ ( ( .'\ / \ , \ _.' '-'`. `| '-(.___.--' ,;,-\_, \ | o: .-'(())_/ ; ; : |.-' / `'. | \ o: \ .-\ \ _/ ;--._ _:_ \ / \ |\ ) `'|.-.|"'\\__.-`'-'\| /``'-.._||_||_..\ _.' / '-;-' \__.-' \ /``'--..__ : __..--'``\ \_ ``````````` _/ `'--,...__ __...,--'` | ```;``` | \ | / \_ _ _ | _ _ _ / /` ` ` `|` ` ` `\ \_._._./ \._._._/ |= | | =| jgs .--'-. | | .-'--. / | | \ \______,__/ \__,______/ Here's another one from Jacquelyn. When Raymond was 4 he would always question why adults got to do whatever they wanted but kids were always told what to do. No amount of explaining could appease him so his aunt would just tell him, "That's the way the world works." One day he was at his aunt's house and wanted to play video games. She kept telling him no, that he plays too much. Finally after several attempts from him to change his aunt's mind he looked at the floor and very sadly said, "That's not the way the world supposed to work." And another Raymond story: Raymond was obsessed with Hot Wheels cars. One day Jacquelyn's friend asked if Raymond and Jacquelyn wanted to go to the park with her and her 5-year-old daughter, Joelle. Raymond was also 5. As they were heading to the car to pick them up Jacquelyn noticed Raymond holding a Hot Wheels car. She took it from him and put it in her purse telling him he didn't need to bring it with him. They got to the friend's house and went inside for a few minutes and Jacquelyn saw Raymond holding another Hot Wheels car. She took that one from him too and put in it her purse. Later, when they arrived at the park Jacquelyn saw him with another Hot Wheels car. Again, she took the car from him. Raymond whispered to Joelle, "That's OK. She doesn't know I have another one in my pocket!" Jacquelyn searched his pockets and found two more cars. She didn't realize his pockets were so big! Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) | '.|.' -= + =- ___ .'|'. ___ ******* | ******* /-====) | (_.- )) | / '( )' ) )) / / _/ \_( (( | |-( _ _ )) ) ) / | \ //| |\\ /'-( ( / \ \/\/ *** \/\/ / ) ) | |\ / .=. \ / ( ( `-;./ ;-' _\/(")\/_ '-; ) ) | \ |'---'| / ( ( | \ _| |_ / ) ) _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( jgs .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. `""---`-----` `----`----`""` >Christmas Thoughts Some people think of Christmas As sleigh rides in the cold A tree that glistens of tinsel And decorations of silver and gold. Some people think of Christmas As stockings dressed in red A crackling glowing fireplace And a warm and cozy bed. Some people think of Christmas As faces filled with glee Sharing stories, fun and laughter And gathering 'round the tree. Some people think of Christmas As gifts wrapped up in blue Writing letters to their loved ones And Christmas caroling too. Some people think of Christmas As snow falling on the ground The hustle and bustle of shoppers And the joy that's spread around. Some people think of Christmas As Christ on Christmas Day And families joined together With head bowed down to pray. Some people think of Christmas As the Lord who dwells above Who sent his Son to die for us And gave the gift of love. ~ Marilyn Ferguson ~ --- ...Amen! Thank You LouiseAu! ___ / __'. .-"""-. .-""-| | '.'. / .---. \ / .--. \ \___\ \/ /____| | / / \ `-.-;-(`_)_____.-'._ ; ; `.-" "-:_,(o:==..`-. '. .-"-, | | / \ / `\ `. \ / .-. \ \ \ | Y __...\ \ \ / / \/ /\ | | | .--""--.| .-' \ '.`---' / \ \ / / |` \' _...--.; '---'` \ '-' / jgs /_..---.._ \ .'\\_ `. `--'` .' (_) `'/ (_) / `._ _.'| .' ``````` '-...--'` *~* Wishing Everyone a Very Safe And Blessed, Merry Christmas! >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? 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