Never Give Up ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ _.._ .-' `-. : ; ; ,_ _, ; : \{" "}/ : ,'.'"=..=''.'. ; / \ / \ ; .' ; '.__.' ; '. .-' .' '. '-. .' ; ; '. / / \ \ ; ; ; ; ; `-._ _.-' ; ; ""--. .--"" ; '. _ ; ; _ .' {""..' '._.-. .-._.' '..""} \ ; ; / : : : : : :.__.: : \ /"-..-"\ / fsc '-.__.' '.__.-' *~* HELP! We NEED 2009 Angels for the Web Site! >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2009 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is appreciated - even just 5 dollars! 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! GOD'S MOST ABUNDANT BLESSINGS TO YOU! ================ >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) _____________ __________ /\ \_____ _ (\ -=- \ |; _____|_| `\ --=-= \ \/____________/ \ -==--=- \ __ ) -==-==- ) jgs \/ ( =-==-= ( \ -=- \ /_) -=- ) `""""""""""` This one comes from a forward from our friend Viv. I was immediately taken with it since it is of one of my fav cartoon characters. If you like Maxine and you like Jesus, you'll like this one. Check it out here: Maxine On Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonjesus.html --- ...This was fun! Thank You Viv! ============================================================= >-->From Emergency Email: AN ALERT... Fake airline email ticket alert drops virus nationwide. Full advisory and sample email...details.... http://www.emergencyemail.org/newsemergency/anmviewer.asp?a=350&z=1 THE EMERGENCY EMAIL & WIRELESS NETWORK http://www.EmergencyEmail.org/ ============================================================== >A Serving of Compassion Story Editor: Joyce Schowalter by Rena Fagel Virginia, USA A word I use often lately is "busy". I seem to cram more necessary tasks into every available minute of my day. So with that as background, on Thursday, July 6, 2006, I headed out to pick up dinner for my husband (I don't cook). Many suburban restaurants in my town of 55,000 now offer curbside pickup, where you pull into a specially designated parking space and wait for the server to bring your food to you. I headed to the one where my husband had phoned his order. As I waited in my parking spot at the restaurant, I saw an old man coming out of the restaurant's door. He had a labored walk, and carried a single-hand walker (the kind that has four legs which sprout at the bottom of a cane). As he came through the door, for no reason I could discern, he fell. This happened very quickly. As I registered that he had fallen and saw the confusion on his face, I started to get out the car and go to him. But the curbside server beat me to it. "Bill" was immediately down on his knees in front of the man, quietly telling him to remain still and asking if he was hurt. The old man was clearly still coming to grips with what had happened and didn't answer for a few seconds. He looked up into the face of the server with slight confusion on his face. The server talked to him some more, in a soothing fashion. When Bill had elicited from the man that he thought he was uninjured, Bill told the man to stay where he was and he'd pick him up. And pick him up he did. Carefully, but firmly. There was not a hint of discomfort or awkwardness about Bill as he righted the man back to a standing position. Bill then quietly inquired further as to whether the man remained uninjured. When the responses he received were safe, he walked with the man to his car. As I watched them, their backs to me, the server maintained a respectful but protective distance from the man. He lightly kept his right hand in contact with the small of the man's back, clearly mindful of the fall the man had taken and concerned for him. When they got to the man's car, the server ensured that the man got into it comfortably and safely. It's a pity sometimes that words can't convey the nuances of an event or an experience. That server was so incredibly respectful and careful of the fallen man's dignity. It was evident in his every move, in the tone of his voice, and in the care and concern he provided through his thoughtful actions. I was impressed and touched. I tipped that server *heavy* when he brought out my order and I told him why. Then I headed home. I had just witnessed common, everyday compassion, and it was foremost in my mind. =======HeroicStories======= >-->Blessed Are the Pure in Heart By Gwen Belson Taylor . `: : : . __.'_ .' : _.--' `-._.' .-'.. .. `. : .-. .--.`. : : : : : : : : :`;; :`; ; : `.`O;' `O;.' : .' .---. .--. ; . : '._ :' ; :: : .-`-.; . .' .': `. ``` `. :-' : : `-.__ ._ _.' : ; : ;``` : `. _.-.' . ``-._ : `.-' : : `-. : _.: ` `-._ `, `._.-' ; `.`-. ;_, _., : `.: ;' ;-' ; : ``.___.' : : ;_..--' `. ; `-.__ ...' : : : jgs :-:__; : : : .-~~~--..__: : :___..---.. .'.' : `, :,' : `; ; `: _.'`._ :,' `~~~'----'' `'-.____....' Blessed are the pure in heart. So often we are told Of saints whose names and daily deeds Inscribed in books of gold Are certain to be seeing God In well-rewarding joy - But when I see the pure in heart I see a little boy. He shins up trees and barks his knees, Has lizards in a box; He loves to read of dinosaurs, Collects bright-colored rocks. His grubby hands are gentle On the coats of dogs and birds, And he has a quiet wisdom in naivete of words. I listen to his little prayers At night with quiet joy - And when I hear the pure in heart I hear a little boy. He hasn't reached the age as yet To question and to doubt; He gravely takes his mother's words, And that's what life's about. Each day is gold, a shining thing Without a wrong alloy - And when I hold the pure in heart I hold a little boy. ============================================================== >-->From Our Friends at CES: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Wisdom for Life - March / April Sower magazine is now free online from Spirit & Truth Fellowship Flash Version http://www.stfonline.org/sower/sowerflash_marapr09.html PDF Version http://www.stfonline.org/sower/current.html ======================================================== >-->From Our Friend Tony In Australia :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >WHO DO I PLEASE? Scripture Reading…. Matt 13:53-58 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. 54And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? 55Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 56And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? 57And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. 58And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Have you ever felt rejected? I know I have on quite a few occasions. There was a time when I was involved in more ‘worldly’ things that I am now, that people admired me! But now in hindsight, I can see it was more for ‘what’ I was, then just ‘who’ I was. In fact I think back and realize that not too many of my past admirers, knew me well at all. I come across these people frequently, people who’s kids I had taken under my wing to teach them how to play golf, people I had served on committees with, people who had sat and told me their woes and I had listened intently, advising where I felt I could. When I changed directions in my life, most of these people didn’t want to know me. I had changed ( Praise the Lord for that !) some said, and I wasn’t the same old friend, teacher , confidante and unpaid babysitter… Rejection followed and no one likes to be rejected, the more involved my wife and I became involved in Church life, the more we gave of ourselves to Jesus, then those same rejections, infected my family… . They seemed to think, that as long as we only gave our Sundays, that would be fine, they couldn’t see that we had a need that they couldn’t fill, only Jesus could….. So, we gave ALL our days, to the Lord and that , to some of the family, was not acceptable. They could have all been included! They could all have what we have! But they didn’t, and they still don’t want what we have.. What is it I am meaning ? What is it I am talking about? Salvation is what I am talking about…..simple as that. The fulfillment of a promise that God has for us, each and everyone of us who choose to follow Him. No matter how I try to hide my disappointment, I hate feeling rejected, I hate it when people see me and cross over the street or pretend they haven’t seen me and turn in the other direction, I hate it when my family don’t want to be around us anymore in case some of ‘us’…. rubs off on them!.. “Sad” yes….. Sad U Cee!.... WE have to be careful in how we handle those people….Jesus is the only One, we must strive to please. Our Salvation comes from Him, not our worldly friends and families. Jesus was popular…..with lots of people, but Jesus also felt rejection. He would have felt it as you and I feel it, after all although Jesus( “ Immanuel” God with us), would have felt everything as we feel everything, He was ‘Clothed in humanity’ and frail ,… as we are frail. There were hundreds of people who had heard what Jesus had to say, they sat around listening to Him, they watched as He showed them mighty deeds, they saw how Hw loved His people and some experienced His compassion personally, but that was people who had only ‘heard’ of Him… Back home in Nazareth? Well that was different…. He was Jesus…Joseph the Carpenters son…there was nothing particularly astonishing about Him to those who had watched him being raised! Oh Yes He was a good kid! But that was all they would say about Him… But when He began His Ministry , many of them asked “ Who? Does He think He is? Talking to US like that?” Jesus’s home became difficult to live in as some of us experience the same thing… We cannot let those who don’t believe in Him, pull us down ! and they will! if we let them… The very fact that our families are very usually our first ‘testing grounds’ is a challenge to our faith in the Lord….The question YOU must ask yourself is….. “ Do I need salvation? And if I do where do I get it?” You already have that answer… If you feel rejection….. ask yourself if you are being ‘insensitive’ to the feelings of others and if your behavior is appropriate to the situation, and if so, speak to an elder, allow them to strengthen you with their own strength which comes from Christ…But above all else, work out for yourself, just who it is you are more concerned about pleasing…Bible says, we are to work out our own salvation….( Phil 2:12) Br Tony --- ...Thank you Tony! Yes, once we are saved, it is up to us to walk like we are the 'salt of the earth', like we are 'a child of God', like we have 'Christ in us', like we are 'children of light', like we were 'chosen before the foundation of the world', like we are most beloved by God almighty! How do we do this? We Renew Our Mind to what the Word Of God says. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Here are some teachings to help you... Our Valuable Anchor http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Who Is Jesus Christ http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/whoisjesus.html The New Birth http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/newbirth.html The Renewed Mind http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/renewedmind.html Abraham - A Case Study In Believing http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/abraham.html Christian Position In Christ http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christianposition.html Christian Stand http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christianstand.html Christian Walk http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christianstand.html Never Give Up http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html You Are The Only You God Has http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html ============================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: ___________________ / \ \ / \_________\ | = = = | = = = | | | | | = = = | = = = | | | | | = = = | = = = | | | | | = = = | = = = | | || | | """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""kOs >There Was A Man Bill Walker wildbill6807@yahoo.com There was a man now about 80 or so years ago that changed the world.. Now I don't think that is the right words. Maybe I should say he came along, and did do a lot of things. I look at the things going on in this world today, I see what is taking place in this United States today. I see where most people believe a certain way, but there is groups moving in and forcing their will on the most. I think of this man. This man was a law breaker, just like these today. He also used the laws that was in his favor to gain. Just like the ones today. He and his group would meet on street corners and cause troubles, just like today. They would wave strange flags, just like the groups today. If the law stepped in to move them, there was the out cry,, but we have rights, just like today. Some got out of control and was put in jail, just like today. This man made so much trouble he too was put in jail, where he wrote a book. I don't know as any today has yet wrote a book, but that may be in the making. Time will tell about that. This man served what ever time for breaking some laws, and was back on the streets. His gang of thugs was waiting for their leader. This time he went to work and used the laws to work his way into a little power, here, there, and else where. More people got to hearing what his street gangs was saying. He and his street gangs became more a thorn in the side of the government, but this time they stuck with what the laws said they could do. People had elections there, some even took the time to vote, while others said whats the use, my vote don't count, just like today. Inch by inch he and his street thugs got a little more power, just like today. The ones in government started to bend and break to his thinking. All at once he was in the government. He had a voice, and it grew louder each day, just like today. Then came the day, he was second in the government. The old grew tired of fighting back, give it to him, just like today. All at once he was number one, took the government over. The laws he didn't like was burnt. He put in tight controls on things. And his flags became the nations flag. His name was Adolf Hitler. Wake up people of the United States. Are we seeing the same thing taken place here? -<>- .-"|"-. .' | `. .' | `. | | | | /|\ | `. / | \ .' `./ | \.' `-.|.-' itz >"FLAG OF PEACE' What makes America Great? God makes America Great! Without Him there would be no America, the land of the free, and the home of the brave. There would be no Statue of Liberty standing at the door, to welcome the world's downtrodden, friends or foe alike! Millions would not be fed food for their bodies and souls. There would be no freedom of the press. Last but not least, we would not have our Flag, to honor her greatness. I would like to share this poem I wrote about our flag. To me, it represents all that America stands for. She stands high up in the sky, Proudly waving, to and fro. A hope to all who pass her by, O'er a country that loves her so! Yes we love her, this flag of ours: Her Red, her White, her Blue We love her and we need her, To remind us to be true! She stands for peace and freedom, To all peoples, near and far. She gives hope, faith and comfort, When her soldiers go off to war! We see her fly against the Heavens, As the clouds around her roll, And when the sunbeams surround her, What a beauty to behold! We see her stars and stripes fly o'er us, In great beauty and great splendor, A reminder to all who see her, To love her and defend her! Yes, we love her, this flag of ours, Her Red, her White, her Blue. We love her and we need her, To remind us to be true! -<>- ___________________________ | ____ | || _ \ ___ __ _ ___ ___ | || |_) / _ \/ _` |/ __/ _ \ | || __/ __/ (_| | (_| __/ | ||_| \___|\__,_|\___\___| | |___________________________| | | .,:;:;,. | :;.' `.::: | %%%%%%%%%&' | : o o :` .\ p : c : .' \ ) :`. - .': .' .` ;::`--'::: .' .'| _.:;:oooo::;._ .' .' ." :::.__.;:: "' .' ' ::: ::: .' . .' ' . .-|-. .' . ' . | . : ' , `./|\.' : . . `"' : ' : : . ': : .____' : : ' ' :______________: '''' :`-.' -,.._`; :'.-.-`_.-.,': :-'.'_`'.-,.,: :.-`_.-_.-` -: : -'.'`,`.,`-; :'.` -'_'. _.: ;-`.,-`-','._: ;`- `-`- '. _: :-.`,_.`'.-.`: :,-'.`-.',-_': :._,`-''.,-.-; ;.-`--`.-,.,`: :,.-`._'.`-._: :`.'.-_.''.`.: `-.'`-'.---.-` `..' `..' mh >The Deacon and the Boy His name is Scott. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college. Across the street from the campus is a well dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students, but are not sure how to go about it. One day Scott decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Scott starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Scott gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Scott. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, and very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Scott and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget." -<>- ,-. O / `. <\/ `. |* `. / \ `. / / `>')3s, --------. ,' apc / 7 "Practice Catch & Release" >EXCUSES Written by Lavernon Davis Excuses, excuses, you hear them everyday. Now, the devil he'll supply them, if from church you stay away. When people come to know the Lord, the devil always loses, So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses! In the summer, it's too hot, and in the winter, it's too cold. And in the springtime, when the weather's just right, You find some place else to go. Well, it's up to the mountain Or down to the beach or to visit some old friend, Or just to stay home and kinda relax and hope some of the kinfolks drop in. Well, the church bench is too hard, and that choir sings way too loud. And, boy, you know how nervous you can get when your settin' in a great big crowd. The doctor told you you'd better watch them crowds, they'll set you back, But you go to that ballgame, cause you say it helps you to relax. Well, you have a headache Sunday morning and a backache Sunday night. Well, one of the children has a cold, pneumonia, do you suppose? Why the whole family had to stay home, just to blow that poor kids nose! The preacher, he's too young, maybe he's too old. His sermons, they're not fired enough, or maybe their too bold. His voice is much too quiet, sometimes he gets too loud, He needs to have more dignity or else he's way too proud. His sermons, they're too long. Maybe, they're too short. He ought to preach the Word with dignity, instead of stomp and snort. Why, one of the members told me the other day, "He didn't even shake my hand." -<>- o--o--=g=--o--o / .' \ o '. o \ / o o \ / o o \ / o o \_/ = >The Necklace The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. 'Oh mommy please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?' Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. 'A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma.' As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace. Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green. Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, 'Do you love me?' 'Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you.' 'Then give me your pearls' 'Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite.' 'That's okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night.' And he brushed her cheek with a kiss. About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, 'Do you love me?' 'Daddy, you know I love you.' 'Then give me your pearls.' 'Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper.' 'That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you.' And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss. A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. 'What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?' Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, 'Here, daddy; this is for you.' With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures. God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place. You can do two things with this story: A. Pass it on and let others be touched by its message; B. Throw it away and not let it touch your heart. The greatest gifts happen when you share love and touch others A must read for all! Hope you enjoy -<>- __ __ ,;::\::\ ,'/' `/'`/ _\,: '.,-'.-':. -./"' : : :\/, ::. ,:____;__; :- :" ( .`-*'o*',); \.. ` `---'`' / KFC Chicken is one of my FAV! `:._..- _.' ,; . `. /"'| | \ ::. ) : : |" ( \ | :.(_, : ; \'`-'_/ / `... , _,' |,| : | |`| | | |,| | | ,--.;`| | '..--. /;' "' ; '..--. )) \:.___(___ ) ))' SSt`-'-'' >Never Give Up When Colonel Harland Sanders retired at the age of 65, he had little to show for himself, except an old Caddie roadster, a $105 monthly pension check, and a recipe for chicken. Knowing he couldn't live on his pension, he took his chicken recipe in hand, got behind the wheel of his van, and set out to make his fortune. His first plan was to sell his chicken recipe to restaurant owners, who would in turn give him a residual for every piece of chicken they sold--5 cents per chicken. The first restaurateur he called on turned him down. So did the second. So did the third. In fact, the first 1008 sales calls Colonel Sanders made ended in rejection. Still, he continued to call on owners as he traveled across the USA, sleeping in his car to save money. Prospect number 1009 gave him his first "yes." After two years of making daily sales he had signed up a total of five restaurants. Still the Colonel pressed on, knowing that he had a great chicken recipe and that someday the idea would catch on. Of course, you know how the story ends. The idea DID catch on. By 1963 the Colonel had 600 restaurants across the country selling his secret recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken (with 11 herbs and spices). In 1964 future Kentucky governor John Brown bought him out. Even though the sale made him a multi-millionaire, he continued to represent and promote KFC until his death in 1990. -<>- Links For Your Enjoyment... Gun Control http://www.buffaloschips.com/4r4n.htm How Aliens Fish http://www.buffaloschips.com/34r43r.htm Idiot 1 http://www.buffaloschips.com/5y5g3g.htm Idiot 2 http://www.buffaloschips.com/756i6t.htm Idiot 4 http://www.buffaloschips.com/i67u.htm OREGON COAST AQUARIUM! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/oregon.html Tigerfish http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tigerfish.html Idiot 5 http://www.buffaloschips.com/jh67i6.htm Idiot 6 http://www.buffaloschips.com/u567.htm Joe Cook Veteran http://www.buffaloschips.com/32423r.htm Kitty Is In Love http://www.buffaloschips.com/87y5r.htm Kiwi Bacon Mmmm! http://www.buffaloschips.com/43r.htm Boxing Match http://www.buffaloschips.com/012110.htm Brownies http://www.buffaloschips.com/012111.htm Camera 21 http://www.buffaloschips.com/012112.htm Capoeira Fighter http://www.buffaloschips.com/012113.htm Cell Phone Popcorn http://www.buffaloschips.com/012114.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ============================================================= >-->UNVEILING OF LEGACY by Ron Rose A good life gets passed on to the grandchildren ... (Proverbs 13:22 MSG). ___ (___) /` `\ / /"\ \ \_/o o\_/ ( _ ) `\ /` /\\V//\ / /_ _\ \ \ \___/ / \/===\/ || || || || ||___|| |_____| jgs ||| / Y \ `"`"` Preparation Thomas Cahill writes about history, legacy really. In The Gift of the Jews, Cahill explores the impact of "the God of Abraham." This Creator-God gives us a beginning and an end; he defines justice and mercy, refines our conscience. And, as Cahill states, "Most of our best words-new, adventure, surprise, unique, individual, person, vocation, time, history, future, freedom, progress, spirit: faith, hope, justice-are the gifts of the Jews," Abraham's legacy to us. Stay with me as we sneak a peek into our legacy -- our view of life and living. For better or worse, my dad shaped my view of the world. Part of his personal story was clouded by years of alcohol addiction, but his perspective about life has become clearer and more meaningful as the years have gone by. From my dad, I learned to never throw away what could be fixed, to refrain from freeze-framing people (everyone can and will change), and to think outside the box (look for unexpected options). Over the years I have become his legacy, unwrapping the best and forgetting the worst. Legacy is the wisdom, convictions, experiences, and values that have been handed down to us from the generations before us. It shapes our worldview, providing wisdom and direction for the next generation. Legacy is powerful. It is a gift we are compelled to open, but after opening it, we are faced with challenges and choices. Will we accept the gift and find a place to display it and share it, toss it, or rebel against it? What have you done with the legacy you were given? How have your parents, your early years, your grandparents shaped your perspective on life? Then the bonus question: How much of your faith is yours and how much of it is what you inherited from others? Inspiration A few days ago I was blessed by a "holy moment." Mearl's body was at the funeral home; the memorial service was set for the next day, so most of the details related to death had been dealt with. Now it was time to talk. We gathered in the family room to tell stories, share memories, and unwrap the legacy of Mearl Jacobs. She had lived a life filled with stories, from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to Southern California to Abilene, Texas. Most people didn't know that she worked for thirty years at Rockwell International and helped prepare the budget for the first space shuttle; or that even at 82 years of age, she loved the highest of the high-heeled shoes; or that although she really didn't care much for baseball, she loved listening to Vin Scully call the LA Dodger's games because her son, John, loved baseball. Before long, the conversation turned from stories about Mearl, to stories of how she changed and shaped the lives in the room. Her daughter, Carol, said, "Just a few hours before Mom died she said she wanted to go home. 'I asked her if she meant back to her apartment?' She said, 'NO!' I asked, 'Home to be with Jesus?' 'YES!'" That did it. The legacy began to emerge. A tapestry of love and grace and service was realized that night. Mearl had lived a life that rubbed off on the young and old alike. When she rubbed off on you, you left a different person, a better person. She was gifted that way. She knew how to demonstrate the things that really mattered. She stood up for values that she held dear and she always seemed to know how to grace people, to accept them "as is." Her grandkids talked of her perpetual, unconditional acceptance of them, no matter what. It's her legacy. Some things have to be seen to be understood: love, forgiveness, acceptance, and faith are a few. Mearl knew how to help you see. Her life was an investment in family and church and friends -- in people. The fingerprints of God were all over that room. It was a legacy celebration, and I was honored to feel the holiness of it. Mearl had seen the best in these kids before they had seen it in themselves and now they understood. The gift was unwrapped; the legacy unveiled. The next day, it was clear that Mearl was still around. We buried the body, but she lives in all those present and beyond. She is still hugging and giving and loving and smiling and if you are really in need of it, she is still giving "that look." It's her legacy. I I ___ I ___ /^^^^___^^^^\ I /^^^^___^^^^\ /^^^/V/V/V/V/V/V\^\I/^/V\V\V\V\V\V\^^^\ /^^/V/\/V/V/V/V/V/V/V\Y/V\V\V\V\V\V\V\/\V\^^\ /^ /V/V/V\V/V/V/V/V/Vv//I\\vV\V\V\V\V\V/V\V\V\ ^\ /^ /V/V/V/V/\/V/V/vVVVv//^O^\\vVVVv\V\V\/\V\V\V\V\ ^\ / /V/V/V/vvVVV\^^^ // I \\ ^^^/VVVvv\V\V\V\ \ //vvvVV^^ \ // _I_ \\ / ^^VVvvv\\ / \ // (o o) \\ / \ \ // / \=/ \ \\ / \// / /===\ \ \\/ (/==OOO=====OOO==\) from Tom Varga Motivation You have received a legacy and you are building a legacy. They are both bigger than you. Make the most of both. What is it that you want said about you when you're gone? What rubbings are you leaving on the people in your family and in your world? Like those before you, you are shaping the worldview of those who come after you. So get on with it. Regardless of what others do or have done, YOU have the choice! Visit the i2eye page and take the challenge. Listen to the spots and see what God does with 21 days: http://www.faithteam.org/talks.htm --------- (c) 2009 FaithFitness and Ron Rose ========================================================= >-->From Cup'OCheer: ___ / ,_\ _____ / _)/ /o \ | \ /_ ` \_________ | \____ >__,_ \ | | )) )__, | \,___________ // / \ |_ )__//__/ \ __). ________/o / \____/ /` \ / \_______ _// _/ \ \ \____ __,--. / / \ \_), \ \_____/ \_________/ \\ \ ______/_/ (___/ / o\ b'ger,,,'-----^--',, ,,,,, ,,, >TWO POUNDS OF ENTHUSIASM Anonymous. I'd like to meet that person sometime. Anonymous has come up with some of the funniest and pithiest expressions I have ever heard. And he (or is it she?) can also be so deeply profound at times. Like these words from Anonymous about what enthusiasm can do for us: "Indifference never wrote great works, nor thought out striking inventions, nor reared the solemn architecture that awes the soul, nor breathed sublime music, nor painted glorious pictures, nor undertook heroic philanthropies. All these grandeurs are born of enthusiasm, and are done heartily." I'm reminded of that great 18th century founder of Methodism, John Wesley. When asked how he drew such large crowds of people to hear him preach, he responded, "I set myself on fire and they come out and watch me burn!" People are drawn to enthusiasm. Where there is no enthusiasm, there is no passion. Where there is no passion, there is no great living. Are we meant simply to be satisfied with mediocre lives? From antiquity to the present, indifference has stolen from too many people the chance to do something important with their lives. Their indifference inspires little energy to pursue something truly worthwhile. One woman went to the market and asked for two pounds of sausage. The clerk yelled at the butcher, "Two pounds of enthusiasm!" "Why do you call it that?" the bewildered customer asked. "Because he puts everything he's got into it," the clerk said. In your daily activities; in your relationships with family, friends and colleagues; in anything you think is important -- what would happen if you "put everything you've got" into it? Are you ready to find out? -- Steve Goodier as seen in Life Support To subscribe (free) LifeSupport-subscribe@yahoogroups.com -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >PRAYER - THE GREAT WEAPON "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit." Eph 6:18 Prayer is the great weapon of attack against sin and wickedness in this world. Everywhere we can see the great castle of sin, filled by an armed host of those that promote it. Many of the saints of God are losing heart and believe that we shall never be able to storm the castle, that there is no way of besieging her. However this is not the case. The weapon of prayer can assail the greatest of enemies and win the largest of battles. Though sin stands strong, "where sin abounds, grace doth much more abound." As believers, don't let us get caught up continually in 'defensive' praying, but let us go on the offensive for it is the will of God. The gates of hell cannot prevail against an advancing church or Christian, we have the Saviour's promise... let us claim it! Thought for today - During the Protestant Reformation, the reformers proved the power of offensive prayer as they saw the 'invinciblity' of Rome shattered. Today let us remember that God has not changed. as seen in http://devotionalmoment.blogspot.com -<>- ,-----. W/,-. ,-.\W ()>a a<() (.--(_)--.) ,'/.-'\_/`-.\`. ,' / `-' \ `. / \ / \ / `. ,' \ / / `-._.-' \ \ ,-`-._/| |=|o |\_.-< <,--.) |_____| |o____| )_ \ `-)| |// _ \\| )/ || |' | `| || | | | || ( )|( ) || | | | || | | | || |_.--.|.--._| || /'""| |""`\ [] `===' `===' hjw >GRANDPA'S COUNTRY WISDOM - Country fences need to be horse high, piig tight and bull strong. - Life is not about how fast you run, or hhow high you climb - but how well you bounce. - Keep skunks and bankers at a distance. - Life is simpler when you plow around thee stumps. - Mortgaging a future crop is saddling a wwobbly colt. - A bumblebee is faster than a John Deere tractor. - Trouble with a milk cow is she won't staay milked. - Words that soak into your ears are whisppered, not yelled. - Meanness don't happen overnight. - To know how country folks are doing, look at their barns, not their houses. - Never lay an angry hand on a kid or an aanimal, it just ain't helpful. - Teachers, bankers, and hoot owls sleep wwith one eye open. - Forgive your enemies. It messes with theeir heads. - Don't sell your mule to buy a plow. - Two can live as cheap as one if one don''t eat. - Don't corner something meaner than you. - It don't take a very big person to carryy a grudge. - You can't unsay a cruel thing. - Every path has some puddles. - When you wallow with pigs, expect to gett dirty. - The best sermons are lived, not preachedd. - Most of the stuff people worry about happpening, don't. - Lazy and Quarrelsome are ugly sisters. as seen in The Good Stuff Newsletter To subscribe or unsubscribe send a blank email here with the word SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line: mailto:Mark@TheGoodStuffNewsletter.com -<>- >LORD, BE THOU MY HELPER I do not ask for calm, still waters, Or for pastures green and fair; But as I face the tempest’s fury, Lord, I plead Thy presence there. I do not ask a sunlit pathway Or a life-road free from fear; But as I walk amid earth’s darkness, Guardian of my soul, be near. Oh, hold me, Savior, closely to Thee; Fill my heart with Thine own grace, That through the fear and desolation I may see Thee face-to-face. Then darkened skies and raging billows Will but prove how strong Thou art; And all the dreadful shades of night but Draw me nearer to Thy heart. --Elizabeth H. Battram (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com ========================================================= ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) >-->So Much Depends On You "I got two A's" the small boy said, his voice was filled with glee, his father very bluntly said "Why didn't you get three?" "Mom, I've got the dishes done" the girl called from the door. Her mother very calmly said, "Did you sweep the floor?" "I mowed the grass" the tall boy said, "and put the mower away" His father asked him with a shrug, "Did you clean off the clay?" The Children in the house next door seemed happy and content The same thing happened over there, but this is how it went: "I got two A's" the young boy said, his voice was filled with glee, his father proudly said "that’s great, I'm glad you belong to me" "Mom, I got the dishes done," the girl called from the door. Her mother smiled and softly said, "Each day I love you more." "I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said, "and put the mower away" his father answered with much joy, "You've made my happy day" Children deserve a little praise for tasks they're asked to do, if they're to lead a happy life, so much depends on you! --Author Unknown Wisdom is knowing what to do. Skill is knowing how to do it. Virtue is doing it. --Thomas Jefferson ---> Visit my CyberHome - ALWAYS OPEN HOUSSE :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/index.html Shangrala ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales & SService You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair. We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with all your computer needs. Please phone us at 419-238-5806 ************************************************************************ -->This is for all you who love food and DDARE 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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