Miracles Of Forgiveness ... :) 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 Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* 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!! ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ . , )). -===- ,(( ))). ,((( ))))). .:::. ,(((((( ))))))))). :. .: ,((((((((' `))))))))))). : - : ,(((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))_:' ':_(((((((((((((((' `)))))))))))).-' \___/ '-._((((((((((( `))))_._.-' __)( )(_ '-._._((((' `))'---)___)))'\_ _/'((((__(---'((' `))))))))))))|' '|((((((((((((' jim `)))))))))/' '\(((((((((' `)))))))| |(((((((' `))))))| |((((((' /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ '---..___..---' *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This hot tottie comes from our friend PatDeE. Paul had heard about it but I had to look it up. Amazing! Check out this one here... ^ |~ ^ ^ ^ _|__|__|_ ^ ^ ___________ _| | | |_ ___________ ^ (__IXIXIXIXI___|_|__|_|__|_|___IXIXIXIXI__) (__|"|"|"|"| [=][=] [=] [=][=] |"|"|"|"|__) (__|"|"|"|"| [=][=] [=] [=][=] |"|"|"|"|__) (__|"|"|"|"| [=][=] [=] [=][=] |"|"|"|"|__) (__|"|"|"|"| [=][=] [=] [=][=] |"|"|"|"|__) (__|"|"|"|"| [=][=] [=] [=][=] |"|"|"|"|__) /)(__|"|"|"|"| [=][=] [=] [=][=] |"|"|"|"|__) _/ )(__|"|"|"|"| [=][=] [=] [=][=] |"|"|"|"|__)_/)_ ~^^(__|"|"|"|"| [=][=] [=] [=][=] |"|"|"|"|__) ~~^ ^~~ (__|"|"|"|"| [=][=] [=] [=][=] |"|"|"|"|__)~~^ """""IXI~IXI~IXI~IXI~=I=I=I=I=~IXI~IXI~IXI~IXI"""""" """"""""""""""""""======"""""""""""""""""" Sher^ 4/8/98 Life's Little Oops 7 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops7.html --- ...I just love this series! Thanks PatDeE! One interesting little item on this one is that the two top stock holders were sentenced to life in prison for being a part of this fiasco! ==================================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _--_ ( A's) /___7 .~~\ /~~. /""_ V \ om /____/ / .mmmC="_ _/ -----===(((((}{).MMM "" | `"---" ..mMMM"" | \ ( )" \ /\ | / / \ \ /" / \ \ \__/" \__/ '94 the wolfe / / | | .^V^. .^V^. +-+ +-+ >MIRACLES OF FORGIVENESS by Joseph Walker "Joe? Is that you?" The woman speaking to me at the baseball game looked vaguely familiar. "Marci?" "It IS you!" she exclaimed, smiling broadly. "Gosh, it's good to see you again!" It was good to see Marci, too. Off and on during the past few decades I've wondered about her. I almost tried to track her down a few years ago after talking to a mutual friend who had indicated that the 1990s had been pretty rocky for Marci. So bumping into her at the baseball game was, at the very least, fortuitous. We spent a few minutes catching up on the business of our lives: kids and grandkids, spouses and houses, education and recreation (it's always a little disconcerting to see how few words are required to summarize 32 years of living). We played a little "have you seen...?" and "did you know...?" and we reminisced about the good old, bad old days. Then Marci grew quiet for a moment, looking out over the crowd milling about the concession area. "You know, Joe," she said, "I've always wanted to tell you... how... you know... how sorry I am for the way I treated you." I squirmed. One does not like to remember when one has been unceremoniously dumped. "It's OK," I said. "No big deal." At least, I thought to myself, not now. "But I was such a jerk," she continued. Yes you were, I thought. "We were both pretty young," I said. "I know," she said. "But that's no excuse for..." She hesitated, then continued. "It's just always bothered me, remembering how mean I was to you. And I've wanted to tell you that I'm sorry. So... I'm sorry." The smile on her face was warm and sincere. And there was something in her eyes -- it looked a lot like relief -- that melted any vestiges of icy resentment that may have built up within me during the years since she had played Wiffle ball with my heart. "OK," I said. "Apology accepted!" Overcome by the sweetness of the moment, I reached an arm around her and gave her a quick hug. Just then, the crowd erupted with a huge cheer, and Marci and I both returned our attention to the game. By the time I looked over to where she had been, she was gone. But the warm, wonderful feeling of our brief exchange was still there, and continues to this day whenever I think about it. We all carry bitter, discomforting memories of deeds done or undone, and words said or unsaid. And we all bear wounds -- some slight, some not-so-slight -- that have been inflicted upon us by others. The healing balm of forgiveness can soothe a troubled conscience and bring peace to an injured soul -- even years after the fact. Of course, it isn't enough to just say "I'm sorry" and "You're forgiven." While there is indeed great power in those simple words, it is not available to those who are insincere, or who are only looking for a way to control, manipulate or exploit. But when those words are truly felt and sincerely expressed, they can open the door to miracles of the heart and soul -- miracles of forgiveness. Even at a baseball game. -- Joseph Walker --- ...Just a note here... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' I was watching Dr.Phil the other day and a reformed 'skinhead' was talking about all the people he hurt and how terrible he felt about it. He found Christ and turned his life around but wasn't sure how he was ever going to live with himself because of his past. If any of you are feeling the same, then think about this. The man Christ came to after being raised from the dead was a man who was killing all people he found who believed in Jesus Christ. He targeted Christians. Men, women and children for the soul purpose of killing them just because they believed in Jesus Christ. Christ came unto him, blinded him with His glory and Saul remembered it like this... Acts 26: [14] And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. The 'pricks' are those big thistle plants with thorns - like cactus. Can you imagine having sandals on and kicking a group of them? Ouch!! You may hit them once, but you won't keep doing it! [15] And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. [16] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; [17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Jesus wasn't fooling! This Saul became one of God's best - known as the Apostle Paul. Now if God through Jesus Christ can forgive this murderer of Christians and make him a minister and a witness for God, then surely whatever you have done can be forgiven you. Paul (Saul) said this to help people like himself... Phil.3 [13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This is what you need to do once you are born again and have received forgiveness of all your sins and salvation from God. You need to forget your past - no matter how horrible - and press forward to do the best you can for God and Jesus Christ! Do NOT Let The Devil remind you of the past to cripple you so you cannot be the best for God that you should be! Paul did not say he forgives himself for the horrible things he did - he says he forgets the past - does not let himself think of the things he did as a sinner. He keeps focused on God and Jesus Christ to be all he can be for them now. That's how you live with yourself. By having Saul have a ministry, Jesus Christ also taught people forgiveness. Saul was well known as an evil person. He was famous. His reputation made Christians most apprehensive of him. Jesus Christ knew the people would be afraid of him and helped them by giving him the new name of Paul to go by. Acts 13: [9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, So, through Paul, we are taught how to rightly forgive. Eph.4: [32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. ________________________________________________________ >A TOUCHING NOTE FROM ROGER We hauled the last of our belongings out of the house one day before the bank took possession. Last Tuesday was a very sad day of Judy and me but considering our age, and being very honest, the place was getting to be more than we could handle. The sad part was have to get rid of the years of momentous, pictures and the small gifts we had received from our friends. Moving from an eight room house into a small twenty-nine foot motor home was going to be very difficult. Almost everything had to be sold, given away or donated to those less fortunate than ourselves. After two weeks of selling, giving away and donating the painful job was finally complete. Today is the start of a new day for Judy and me. As I sit in a cramped little area of our motor home, I look to my left and there is one item I would never sell, given away or donate. It is filled with pencils, pens and a pair of scissors. On the side of the glass is written www.heartwarmers4u.com. It's the coffee cup given to me at the Heartwarmers Convention in Canada ten years ago. It was the first time in my life that I had received a standing ovation -- the first time in my life when I felt I had a worth to the world. That was a day when the little boy inside me stopped crying tears of sorrow and the man cried tears of joy and relief. That was very special occasion for me after having suffered my entire childhood in a very harsh, cruel and sexually abusive Florida Orphanage. Last night on television I watched as the movie stars and millionaires showed off their beautiful homes, cars, yachts and diamonds. I smiled, reached over and touched my Heartwarmer's cup and I softly said, "Yea, but you don't have one of these." -- Roger Dean Kiser ------ HEARTWARMERS ANGEL CLUB http://www.heartwarmers.com/angel ========================================================================= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Letting Go Of Control by Brian Jones Jesus doesn’t work on our timetables. He doesn’t check with us before he makes decisions. Following Jesus is more like driving a taxicab than being a librarian—you never know who you’ll meet or where you’ll go next. Following Jesus means giving up control. It means pulling your life over to the side of the road, tossing your keys to Jesus, hopping into the passenger’s seat, and saying, “You take it from here.” This is the only way you’re going to see God at work in your life, because God can’t work in a situation until we get out of the way. As long as we continue to meddle with a problem and try to fix it ourselves, we haven’t turned it over to God so he can work on it. Last summer our family vacationed in southeastern Colorado. One bright afternoon my wife said, “Let’s go white-water rafting!” Now, if you haven’t guessed by now, I might as well tell you: I’m a chicken… one hundred percent wimp. White-water rafting was not on my list of the top ten things I wanted to do before I died. My family was set on the excursion, however, so I reluctantly agreed to go. At the river we joined our group, and our guides put us in wet suits and gave us instructions for the trip. “This is a class III river. You need to know what to do when you fall out of the boat.” I raised one eyebrow and turned around and stared at my wife. Once on board I nonchalantly asked our guide, a left-over hippie from the sixties, if anyone had ever fallen out of one of his rafts. “Sure,” he quickly replied, “I lost a group of Japanese tourists a while back. They were fine, though. I picked them up about a mile down river, a little disoriented. You’ll be fine today. No worries.” Wonderful. For the next fifteen minutes, I was a wreck. Not my five-year-old. Not my nine-year-old. Not my eleven-year-old. Not my sadistic wife. Just me, a wreck. Then something happened. With each wave I enjoyed the ride a little bit more. I began to pay attention to the scenery: steep canyon walls, layers of deep red rock, and beautiful species of birds I had never seen before. By the end of the trip, I was giving high fives and hollering like a college student at a football game. “I told you this would be awesome,” I told my wife triumphantly. Do you know what’s interesting? Not once did I ever lean over to our guide and say, “I’ll take over from here.” Why? Because I knew the most experienced person in that raft was calling the shots. As a result I could rest and enjoy the ride. It was bumpy. I was scared to death at first, but the ride was much easier than if I had been the captain. The old bumper sticker “Let go and let God” might sound cliché and cheesy, but the saying is true. Some people can’t see God at work in their lives, not because they lack faith but because they insist on having too much control. -<>- \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp >Take My Hand When the storms of life are raging and there's trouble 'cross the land; We can almost hear Him whisper, Precious children "Take My Hand". You will never have a problem that I cannot understand... I will bear your every burden, If you'll only take my hand. When your trials seem much too heavy and you feel you cannot stand; I will be the crutch you lean on Precious children "Take My Hand". O'er the earth, My eyes are roaming; There is naught, I cannot see... Take My hand and look toward heaven, Then just put your trust in Me. There's no sickness, I can't conquer; There's no storm, I cannot calm; For I paid for all your trials, with the nailprints in My palm. 'Does not matter what you're facing... You don't have to understand; Put your trust in Me, My children. Just reach up and Take My Hand. I will bear your every burden... I'll bring peace to every land, If My children will obey Me; And reach out and "Take My Hand". -<>- __ \/.--, //_.' .-""-/""-. / __ \ / \\\ \ | || | \ / \ \ / \ '- / '-.__.__.' sjw "Picking Apples" If you have never picked an apple fresh off a tree and eaten it before, then you are missing something. There is nothing quite so sweet, so refreshing, and so delicious as a freshly picked apple. With the very first bite, you can feel your eyes widen, as the tantalizing juices flow into your mouth. It is almost as if you have taken a taste of pure joy and vitality. I think that God must have put a little extra love into making this wondrous fruit. I have already picked and eaten a few apples this year. It is a shame to see so many falling to the ground unpicked. Even these aren't going to waste, though. More than once I have seen the local deer sneaking out of the woods for a delicious breakfast of freshly fallen apples. Deer are smart enough to know a good thing when they see it. You know there is another wonderful apple that we all can pick, eat and enjoy any time of the year. It is an apple that feeds not only the body, but the heart and mind as well. This apple is called love, and it grows on that tree of goodness and joy known as the soul. Mother Teresa once said, "Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand." It is sad that so many people let it rot on the branches instead of picking it, feasting on it and sharing it with the world. I hope that you don't let the apples of your love go to waste. Pick bushel after bushel, and give them freely to everyone around you. I hope you make apple pies, apple crisp, apple sauce, apple cider, apple juice, fried apples, caramel apples and apple jelly. Set the table, and invite everyone to this glorious God-given feast. I hope you use the fruit of your glorious love to help feed this hungry world. By: Joseph J. Mazzella -<>- _ ,~, {() ))) - - ((((***/| || \) \|// | || / \ |_|) / \ ||| / \ ||| ejm ,`_,`_,`_,`||| >THE OLD PATHS I liked the old paths, when Moms were at home. Dads were at work. Brothers went into the army. And sisters got married BEFORE having children! Crime did not pay; Hard work did; And people knew the difference. Moms could cook; Dads would work; Children would behave. Husbands were loving; Wives were supportive; And children were polite. Women wore the jewelry; And Men wore the pants. Women looked like ladies; Men looked like gentlemen; And children looked decent. People loved the truth, And hated a lie; They came to church to get IN, Not to get OUT! Hymns sounded Godly; Sermons sounded helpful; Rejoicing sounded normal; And crying sounded sincere. Cursing was wicked; Drugs were for illness; And divorce was unthinkable. The flag was honored; America was beautiful; And God was welcome! We read the Bible in public; Prayed in school; And preached from house to house To be called an American was worth dying for; To be called a Christian was worth living for; To be called a traitor was a shame! Preachers preached because they had a message; And Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY! Preachers preached from the Bible; Singers sang from the heart; And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED! A new birth meant a new life; Salvation meant a changed life; Following Christ led to eternal life. Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God; Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord; Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus; And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you! Laws were based on the Bible; Homes read the Bible; And churches taught the Bible. God was worshiped; Christ was exalted; And the Holy Spirit was respected.. Church was where you found Christians on the Lord's day, rather than in the garden, on the creek bank, on the golf course, Or being entertained somewhere else. I still like the old paths the best! -<>- _______ ___/_____ _)____ .-'-' ____)______) | .-' ______)__) | --- _______)) | `-. _______)) `---.___________) VK >JUST DO SOMETHING I once stopped behind several cars in an intersection. The winter weather was icy cold and a strong artic wind blew relentlessly. Ahead of me a young woman stood alongside the street rubbing her bare hands together and dancing in place to keep warm. Beside her rested a sign that read, "I have a baby and no food." She was obviously crying, likely from the pain of the cold wind. Homeless and unemployed people are a common sight in many of our larger cities, and most motorists drive by without offering assistance. They have no doubt been taught that giving money fosters a dependent lifestyle, or the ready cash may be used to purchase alcohol or another substance rather than the food it was intended for. Like me, they may have been taught that one should give to a local charity or through one's church, as these institutions can help those in need far more effectively. This, of course, is true, but I am reminded of the college students who encountered a homeless man on the sidewalk. One of the students took a couple of dollars from his wallet and handed it to the unfortunate stranger. His friend commented, "Why did you do that? He's just going to spend it on booze or drugs." The student answered, "Yeah. like we're not!" As I waited for the light to turn, I felt conflicted about that young woman. Whether or not I should give money, she was obviously in need. And whether or not she actually had a baby really didn't seem to matter. I gave up guessing people's motives and analyzing their stories long ago. It was cold. She was cold. And she obviously felt she had to be there. On the other hand, I had no such needs, so I felt conflicted. What should I do? Give her money? What was best? As I wrestled with these questions, the window rolled down from the car in front of me and a hand shot out holding a warm pair of gloves. The driver took her own gloves off and gave them to the shivering woman. I saw the young woman mouth the words "Thank you" as a broad smile lit up her face. I debated - the driver helped. I wanted to determine the BEST way to assist - she did what she could. I did nothing. She did something. I made myself a pledge that day to always do SOMETHING. Whether it is big or small.just do something. Any something is better than nothing! Educator Leo Buscaglia said, "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Don't underestimate what you CAN do! Each of us can do something, and the something you do may be more important than you'll ever know. By Steve Goodier © 2003 -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment A Reporter Can Watch http://www.buffalosjokes.com/3255.htm Pool http://www.buffalosjokes.com/3256.htm plunge off the new river bridge http://www.buffalosjokes.com/3254.htm Amazing what a little chocolate will do for you http://www.buffalosjokes.com/12147.htm Heroes Truck http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/herotruck.html World Of Wonder! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/worldofwonder.html Amazing Cop Cars: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/copcars.html Bleed American http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/bleed.html Lighthouses Of The World http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/lighthouses.html DC Tea Party http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/teaparty.html Proud Of Our Troops 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops4.html Patriot Fire/Rescue/Transport http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/patriot.html Wh Is We? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoiswe.html Is God in Control oF Everything? http://www.truthortradition.com/audio Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffalosjokes.com ================================================================== >-->From Archives InspiringWords: W __ __ [ ] |::||::| 3 ._. |::||::| ._. /| |:| ._. |::||::| |/| \|// / |:|_|/| |::||::|_ |/| -( )-| |:|"|/|_|::||::|\|_|/| _ J V | |:|"|/|||::||::|\|||/||:| ___ ' / ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ \ \/ | ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ >{Heart Touchers} *Day of Terror* 911 Is it a coincidence that the tragedy that occurred today happened on September 11 or 9-11 of 2001? Words cannot express the emotions that I felt as I sat transfixed to my TV this morning. Connor, my three-year-old sat on my lap as we watched America change before our very eyes. To Connor, the scenes on the TV were no different from the black and white Godzilla movies he and his six-year-old brother, Caleb, have been watching lately. Buildings collapsing, people running from the carnage, explosions, and billowing smoke. To him it was just pretend -- a movie that he could stop with the remote at anytime. It was unreal to me also as I tried to deny what was actually happening. But reality sunk in as I saw people jumping to their deaths to escape the fires, people running for their lives as thick billowing smoke and debris chased them down from behind. Palestinians celebrating that the U.S. had been attacked by dancing in the streets and handing out candy to their children. As the minutes dragged into hours, my mind and body went from the numbness of denial to the deep ache that I continue to feel now. Not only has my life changed, but the lives of my children have changed forever. I don't have any pat answers nor words of wisdom for all of you today. I wish I did... If anything I realize that I am powerless to affect the world -- to change it in any way. However, the Lord did give me the power to affect my children. To influence them on a daily basis. To make "their world" a safer to place to live. To live my life in such a way that they will see the Lord in my life and want Him in their lives also. And when that occurs, I will know without a doubt that no matter what happens here on earth, I will get to spend eternity with them in a place that is free from the terrible things I saw on TV today. How about you? Are you placing your trust and faith in a world that seems caught in a downward spiral, or have you placed your faith and trust in the One who has prepared a safe haven for you beyond the clouds if you only accept the free gift He has offered? Time is running out for those of us here on earth, and I believe that the scenes that filled every TV across the world today will become more and more commonplace as we approach the end times... Today, Phil Ware shares some insight on this Day of Terror. May his words touch your heart and start the healing process in all of our lives... From my family to yours, Michael -<>- ( (_) ### (#c _\|/_ #\ wWWWw \ \-. (/. .\) /\ /`\/\ /\ |\/ \_) (_| `\.' ; ; ;`\ `\; ; . ;/\ `\; ; ;| \ ; .' ' ; / |_.' ; | /) ( ''._;'` | ' . ; |.-' .:) | | ( .' : | |,- .:: | | ,-' .;| jgs_/___,_.:_\_ [I_I_I_I_I_I_] | __________ | | || | | || | _| ||_|__|_|| |_ /=--------------=\ / \ | | Woe to Me! By Phil Ware "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." ... Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:5, 8) Tragedy that has ripped through the hearts of so many across the world has hit very close to home for many of us in the USA. During this time of horror, shock, injury, and death, how are we to react? While many thoughts come to mind, a few seem clear to us. We must pray. We must pray for the President and for other world leaders as they deal with these series of attacks and the horrible toll on lives of so many people. We must pray for the families of those directly impacted so tragically by the hijacked planes and their targets. We must pray for those who are involved in the rescue efforts and who try to deal with the horrific carnage and destruction to human beings. Pray! Pray in your office. Pray in your home. Pray in your church. We must take a firm stand against prejudice and improper "hurry to judgment" against people simply because of their national descent or race. It is so easy to for us to lump together people of race, geographical, or national origin because of the actions of a vicious few who do not represent them. The Kingdom of God is made up of all peoples and races, and we must be a haven of protection and grace for those who might be treated unfairly because of prejudice and reactive hate. Let's also hear this as a vivid reminder of Isaiah's poignant and sobering words. We live in a fallen world with a dark evil prince who seeks to destroy people and ruin lives with hate and death. In the midst of such a world, let's also live under the strong conviction that the only hope for our world is redemption and unification in the grace of God. After the horrors of World War II, many of those who had been involved in these horrors and brutalized in concentration camps led the Church of Jesus into unprecedented outreach through world missions to the very people who had mistreated, tortured, and imprisoned them. Our call is to redeem a fallen world. This is a sad and sobering remind of just how fallen it truly is. Those of us who still have grave concerns for friends and loved ones who were working at the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, or in the air as passengers, flight attendants, and flight crews request your prayers for their families and us. We are citizens in the world and called by Jesus to redeem the world. Our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, but our heart breaks, along with God's heart, for the destructive hate that still permeates our world and is the tool of the evil one to wound, maim, and kill people who are precious to God. As long as the memory of this horrifying day lingers in our hearts, let's also commit to make a difference in our world by sharing the grace of Jesus. This is a horrible, tragic, and terrifying time. It is also a time for God's people to show who we are with courage, empathy, compassion, grace, and faith as we seek to serve and to be a blessing in such shocking and painful times. Phil Ware phil@heartlight.org Write Phil and let him know how his words affected you today... ========================================================================= >-->From Our Friend Del :) This should be mandatory viewing for every high school student! Surprise ending... This is very moving For 2-1/2 minutes of YOUR TIME I Fought For You http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KTb6qdPu8JE --- ...Very Touching! Thank You Del! ========================================================================= W __ __ [ ] |::||::| E ._. |::||::| ._. |\ |:| ._. |::||::| |/| \ \\|/ |:|_|/| |::||::|_ |/| |-( )- |:|"|/|_|::||::|\|_|/| _ | V L |:|"|/|||::||::|\|||/||:| \ ` ___ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | \/ / ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ >The Busiest Day Story Editor: by Michelle Rizley Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA The shock from eight days ago, September 11th, 2001 is beginning to wear off. I am an information specialist operator for cell phone users. I heard about the first plane crash as I was dropping my son off at school. As I drove to work the radio DJ came on to say *two* 747's had hit the World Trade Center. My heart stopped. My company has an office in that building. I called work and told my supervisor. She turned on the TV, then said, "Bye, gotta go!" I got to work as the third plane hit the Pentagon. Our employees answering phones had no idea what was happening. One girl thought it was a prank when a customer called and was screaming that the tower had been hit. We quickly ran to inform every operator on the floor. It was mass panic on the other end of the line for us. Two of our major clients are New York City and Washington DC. We were halfway across the country and completely helpless. Then evacuations of all government offices began nationwide. Two more of our clients are Dallas and Chicago, and the World Trade Centers in those cities were being evacuated. People were scared and panicking -- with good reason. They called us because they needed numbers for schools, spouses' jobs, etc. Then calls began from the rest of the nation, people trying to see if their families were OK. Phones were down in NYC -- yet we couldn't tell people that the government offices for NYC were in the WTC. We had to send them somewhere else. I was chosen to watch TV and write appropriate contact numbers down. I said "No!" Instead I called the local TV station and talked to a gal in the newsroom. We developed a relationship immediately and kept each other informed throughout the day. Fire fighters, police officers, and Emergency Services personnel called from all over, wanting to go to DC or NYC to help. I was able to give them phone numbers for the proper people to talk to. Then the second wave of calls came in: people seeking blood banks, continuous back-to-back calls. On September 11th, 2001, over 1500 pints of blood were collected in the city of San Antonio alone. Everyone felt inspired to give what they could. By September 19th, 2001, the calls had not stopped. People still wanted to know what they could do, still wanted to know what was going on. The most requested numbers were for the Red Cross, Salvation Army, churches, flag stores, flower shops, and last but not least, military recruiters. To each and every one of you who called, to you who answered the phones: Thank You! The co-operation, dedication and desire to serve others I witnessed were incredible -- both from those who called, and those who answered the phones. ---- HeroicStories salutes all our readers Who are coping with the aftermath of trauma today Whether recent or long ago, large or small. We send you our best wishes for grace and healing. ----------==========----------o----------==========---------- September 11 again. We find echoes in our ears, eyes, hearts, and minds from September 11, 2001. What a time of intensity it was, for our entire world. We here at HeroicStories were in the middle of connecting HeroicStories readers around the world with USA readers. So many sincere condolences came in, we were sure we had to preserve them forever. We did -- links later. We tossed out our story line-up, and ran stories from the events in NYC, and around the world. But that was then, and this is now, 8 years later. What do we do with this anniversary this year? Where do we go from here? Do we simply bathe ourselves in negative memories, running horrible pictures over and over again in our brains? If we choose that, what does it help? Does it help us as individuals, help our countries, help humanity? Would there be some choices we could make, in a HeroicStories mode, to rise above our memories? Could we use our memories to inspire us to do something positive, something restorative? Something to positive for a person, a group of people, for an ideal such as peace, or any other positive idea? I've spent a good portion of the last two years reading books about trauma in human beings. Once caused, what are the cascading effects in human beings, both brain and body? Once present, can it be healed? If so, how? What steps can we take to heal ourselves? What steps do we take to heal traumatized children? (Obviously tied in to my living with a traumatized foster child.) I discovered a tremendous body of research on the effects and dynamics of trauma. There are many practical, down-to-earth, easy-to-read books to help us heal ourselves from trauma. Other books share techniques for healing children who've been traumatized. I implemented many of the techniques. They worked. Stunningly well. I'm grateful. What would you do, or what have you done -- with a HeroicStories attitude or approach -- to honor this anniversary? Write and let us know. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Patriot News: W [ ] E, U\ \ \\|/ |-( )- | V | L `. ___ | \/ / dsi >Is it okay for Christians to burn the Koran? To mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, The Rev. Terry Jones is planning an 'International Burn the Qur’an Day' at his 50-member Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida. Yesterday Gen. David H. Petraeus warned that if a Florida church goes through with its plan to burn copies of the Qur’an this weekend, it could 'endanger troops' and set back the U. S. war effort in Afghanistan. Beyond Afghanistan, it could spark protests and violence around the world (David Nakamura, Washington Post on-line, Sept 7, 2010). On Monday, 500 protesters at a Kabul mosque burned an effigy of Mr. Jones. http://tinyurl.com/3xbecx6 --- ...My two cents... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' While the majority of Americans do not approve of building this mosque near ground zero, the majority also do not approve of burning the Muslim bible - the Koran - to make some sort of point. It is quite obvious to most of us that two wrongs do not make a right and if Rev. Terry Jones does not understand this, perhaps he should revisit who he is serving - Jesus Christ or the devil. The bible teaches... Rom.12: [19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. We seek justice by declaring war on those who attacked us but to do what he wants to do is wrong and not according to the Word of God. If he continues with this he serves the devil and not Jesus Christ our Lord who even asked for the forgiveness of those who put him on the cross! Luke 23: [34] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. Living by Jesus' example, it is quite clear what is right. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. -- Lewis B. Smedes THAT is why God teaches us to forgive - it is best for us. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Chriistian 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 DARRE 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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