No Fear In Love... :) 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 ~ __________________________________________________________________ | ___ __/__ ____/__ __ \__ __ \_ __ \__ __ \__ /| | __ / __ __/ __ /_/ /_ /_/ / / / /_ /_/ /_ / | | _ / _ /___ _ _, _/_ _, _// /_/ /_ _, _/ /_/ | | /_/ /_____/ /_/ |_| /_/ |_| \____/ /_/ |_| (_) | | I N G I N G E R T O W N| |------._______ ___ _ | | `---..-' `< ) .-. | | .' `. / \ | | .' L _ |@@ | | | .' | | \. _\) /(---._.') | | .' / _.-' @ (_)(`-.\ | | | .' / \__ \ `-. `. | | | .' /.-. ) L `-.\ | | | _.-""""-._ / \ `. _ `----. | `\ \ | | .' `. /___) \ ___| |___ ) .F \._)| | / \ / `-' . | (_.'/ L | | J L / (_). | \ | | | | __ | / .--.__. ___| / _ | | | L / \ J /-----. / |_| (_.' ) F | | | .' /| |/ / .' / _ / | | J / F' F / .' (_.' `-' | | \/-. / / (_.' | | | |/ .' | | .-'\_.'..__..-' VK | |'_________________________________________________________________| *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2011 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2011 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! ================================================================ >-->From Heartwarmers: >ONE MOUNTAIN AT A TIME by Joseph Walker "That's it! I'm through! I'll not take another step!" William threw his tired teenage body to the ground in the sparse shade of the first tree they had seen in several days. Caroline stood beside him anxiously, torn between love and loyalty for her older brother and the fact that the pioneer wagon train was moving on without them. She nudged him gently with her foot. ?"Come along, William. We don't want to fall behind." ?"I don't care. Let them go. I'll just stay here the rest of my life." "I shouldn't think that would be very long, since you have no food or blankets." "I don't care," William said, closing his eyes against the dust and heat and, perhaps, life itself. Then he added softly, "It's too far. I can't do it." ?Caroline was startled by what she was hearing from her brother. They had been through so much together -- their mother's death during childbirth in England; the family's immigration to America via a perilous ocean voyage during which their younger sister died; working with their father to build a new life for themselves in America; and then their father's accidental death just a few weeks before the start of the trek west. They had walked, side-by-side, every step of the way from New York to... well, wherever this place was. ? And through it all, William had been strong and courageous. Caroline had leaned on his strength, even come to depend upon it. But now, she had to be the strong one. ?"You can't leave me alone, William," she said. "Not now." "I'm not leaving you," William insisted. "I'm staying. If you go, you'll be leaving me." She paused a moment, watching the dust settle on the parched ground behind the last wagon as it rumbled up the trail. "All right," she said at last. "But at least walk with me the rest of the day. Then you can come back here, if you like." ?That seemed like a small request to William. Surely he could walk just one more day. It was the least he could do for Caroline. "One more day," he agreed. "Then I'm through." ?When he arose the next morning, Caroline wasn't in her blanket. He finally found her on a small rise just outside the camp. "See that hill off in the distance there?" she said as he approached her. ? He turned to look. "Yes," he said. "I see it." ?"I wish you would walk that far with me," she said. "Then you can go back to your tree." William continued looking at the hill. It didn't seem to be such a great distance. S urely he could walk with Caroline that far. She was, after all, his sister. "I'll walk with you to the hill," he agreed. "But no further." It took two days for the pioneer company to reach the hill, and by then Caroline was focused on a range of mountains looming out there on the western horizon. She persuaded her brother to walk with her "just that far." And then to a distant grove of trees beyond that. And then to the river beyond that. And then to the next range of mountains. ?And then, suddenly, their journey was over. Caroline had coaxed William into walking with her more than 1,000 miles. She didn't do it by convincing him to walk 1,000 miles all it once. She did it by urging him to walk with her one more day. Life often confronts us with journeys that seem long, and obstacles that appear to be overwhelming. It can be discouraging to look down the road at the enormity of the task before us and to consider all that needs to be done. We need to remember that we rarely accomplish any great thing all at once. Rather, we do it just as Caroline and William did. ? One hill, one river, one mountain at a time. -- Joseph Walker > __________________________________________________ Joseph is a Heartwarmer Gem from Utah. ================================================================= >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) ( ) |\ _,--------._ / | | `.,' `. / | ` ' ,-' ' \/_ _ ( / (,-.`. ,',-.`. `__,' |/#\ ),-','#\`= ,'.` | `._/) -'.\_,' ) ))| / (_.)\ . -'// ( /\____/\ ) )`'\ \ |V----V|| ' , \ |`- -- -' ,' \ \ _____ ___ | .' \ \ `._,-' `- `.__,`---^---' \ ` -' -.______ \ . / ______,- `. ,' ap >ARE YOU READY?? If I see my brother stumbling along Heading for the edge of a drop off cliff Do I just stand there watching in silence As He falls over the edge to His Death? If I see my sister about to step out Into the path of a speeding car Do I just stand there in silence As she screams and meets her Death? So many times I've been told It's not good to talk about these things That might cause problems in their life But I Have to ask .... Just WHAT then ..... Do I do? I've pondered this question over and over As to WHAT is the right thing to Do? Do I just let them go on their way? My brother ... My sister Or do I warn them of their perhaps .... Eternal death?? So many times in this day and age We just don't know what to do Not wanting to make our friends and loved ones feel Upset or angry at us WHAT DO WE DO??? So we have to made a decision As in these final last Days we walk Do we stand by saying nothing and watch them die? Or try to save their soul from Hell's Eternal Grasp? I never want to lose you, my friend I love you too much to ever let that happen It's your eternal soul that's in the balance How do I just sit quiet and let you go to your eternal death??? So I continue to tell you of God's great love for you Of the terrible price, for you, His only son paid On that cruel Cross of Calvary He bled and He died HE took YOUR place on that terrible day The long nails they eagerly pounded Into his loving hands and precious feet The agony He suffered that day on Calvary Just so You wouldn't have to meet THE FINAL DEFEAT! The terrible defeat of dying in Your sins As time after time you turned Him away Then as You begin your final descent Into the hot burning flames ..... Your screaming soul slips away That's why, once again, while you still have breath I ask you this question while you still have your life Are you really ready to face Judgement today? To meet your Lord as you stand there Face to Face? Phyllis Smith (Bunni) July 20, 2011 All Rights Reserved --- ...So true! Romans 10:9,10 - Thank You Bonni! BECOMING A CHRISTIAN http://tinyurl.com/3a8zcw3 ======================================================= >-->From CupO'Cheer: Minnie Mouse c<> , ,CCC cC> ...: ... ,CCCC'CC> .::::`.ccCCCCC CCCCCcCC' :::'.cCCCCCCCCC CCCCCC-' `:'.CcCC`CCCCCC :: ,C`CCC',cCCCc ` ''.: .,. `CCCCCCCCCcCC ... ,cd ,ud$$$$$$$c `CCCCCCCCCC :::::::::::. ,c$$$,J$$$$$$$$$$$b `CCCCCCC' .:::::::::::::: ,d$$$$$$?$$$$$$$$$$$$L:..`''' : :::::::::::::::: .\.\`-,$$"$,?"=$$$$$$$$$$E :::`CCC : .::::::::::::::::: `/ ,,"?$h` =?$,?$$$$$$$$F ::::`CCC ::::::::::::::::::: . J.$$$:$$'d$h,"$ $$$$$$$$'::::::`CC,`::::::::::::::::: :::.`. F`""?;$'d$$$$h J$$$$$$$P :::::::,' `$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$P,$c$$$$$$$ `$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$",$$$$$$$$F `?$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$FF",J$$$$$$$F `"??$$$$$$$???",;d??$$$F".:. : =cddd??" `" . ::::::: .:`.:::: :::::'.::::::::::: Allen Mullen >THREE UNIQUE WAYS TO DEMONSTRATE GRATITUDE June 23, 2011 By Jenn@Sweet T Makes Three 4 It’s well and good to have an “attitude of gratitude,” but how about actually putting it into practice to those around you? Here are three simple things you can do today to show your appreciation and make someone’s day. 1. Leave a treat for your mail carrier – If your mail runs about the same time each day, you can leave a chilled bottled water and/or a sealed, individually-wrapped snack. Attach a post-it saying you appreciate their hard work. When I was growing up we had a particularly grumpy mail lady who wouldn’t even acknowledge us if we waved! I left her an ice-cold, canned Coke and a Little Debbie one afternoon with a note The following day she left us a note saying how much our thoughtfulness meant. She waved back after that. 2. Write a positive letter to customer service – We’re so quick to write to a company’s corporate headquarters and demand compensation when we feel wronged but how about when a business does something right? I did this with our local Burger King. Their drive-through window is so fast and efficient that I’ve literally waited longer at red lights. They are doing something right and deserve to be recognized. 3. Send a care package to a deployed soldier - Don’t know any personally? Soldiers’ Angels http://www.soldiersangels.org is a great way to find one. If you can’t commit to adopting a soldier, try signing up for the letter writing team and let a deployed hero know you appreciate his or her sacrifice. Jenn's blog -<>- ...:::::::... ...:::::::... .:::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::'.-=.-~, ':::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::' /{,_;--'},'::::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::: | .=~`|//| :::::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::::: | / ; \ | :::' __, '::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::::' || | | | :' .' \/\ ::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::::: |\| | | |\ / \ /_| :::::::::::::. ::::::::::::::::::::::. \ | | /|'/ / | \ /_ | :::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::' ,_ '::: `\ \/|/ / /`.: \ /__/ ::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: /\/`'. ':. `\ `./.'/\ : /.--' .:::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: |_\ / \ ::. '. ,/|\/| // '''''::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: | _\ / | .:: | | \ \/// .""'-. ::::::::::::: :::::::::::::: \__\ / .: .'/| | `)`/__//_/_/_\ :::::::::::: ':::::::::::::: '--.\ : /\/_| |} /.---. \ \ \ / :::::::::::' '::::::::::::'' \\ |\/_/| | //` . `'...-' :::::::::::' :::::::::: .-""'. \\\/ /{| |// .:::::....:::::::::::::: '::::::: /_\_\_\\__\`(` | '/ :::::::::::::::::::::::' ':::::: \ / / / .---.\ | | :::::::::::::::::::::::' '::::::. '-..,'` .:.`\\ | |} ::::::::::::::::::::::' '::::::......:jgs:: \\| | ::::::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::::::: \` | ::::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::::: | | ::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::: {| | ::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::: | | ::::::::::::' ':::::::::: | | ::::::::::' ':::::::: | |} ::::::::' ':::::: | | ::::::' ':::::. |/ ::::::' ':::.....:::::' ':::::::::' ':::::' ':' >IF YOU BELIEVE God is calling us to trust in His love and live our lives in response to it. You see, when you believe you are loved it changes everything: If you believe you are loved, then you don't have to be afraid of being good enough to be accepted by God. If you believe you are loved, you don't have to work for God's love or salvation. That's the difference between a relationship with God and Religion. Religion, the way we think of it, is man's attempt to get God's approval or earn salvation. God calls us to be responders of His love and live in response to His love as the basis of a relationship. If you believe you are loved, it means that when you encounter pain, suffering and the evil of this world you know you are not alone because God is with you; loving you, weeping with you, holding you in the midst of the storm. If you believe you are loved, you can love others because you know God does. If you believe you are loved, you can live humbly and non- judgmentally because you know God loves others in their brokenness and weakness too. If you believe you are loved, it means that there is nothing God can’t ask of you because all that you have and are have been given to Him in response to His love. If you believe you are loved, you can live with confidence in God’s love because it’s not based on how good you are, but how good He is. When you believe God loves you, it changes everything about you: your heart, your mind, your future, your approach to life/others, your understanding of who you really are as God designed and desired, what you choose to spend your time doing, where you choose to spend the financial resources God has entrusted to you and how you choose to use your gifts, talents and passions. His love changes everything . . . if you allow yourself to believe in His love. -- Pastor Mark Willson as seen in Inspiration Plus --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...John 3: [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. If we REALLY want to have an attitude of gratitude, we should be thanking God for His sacrifice and doing our best to thank Jesus Christ for giving His life for us by teaching Salvation to every one we can so that they might believe on Him and have life too. All of us are born into death without Jesus Christ. We are condemned already. We did not have a choice. We were born dead in sins. With Jesus we have everything. Without Jesus we have nothing. This is why God gave His only begotten Son for us. This is why Jesus laid down his life for us. So people have a choice and can choose life with God. We need to teach others and bring them to Christ. Romans 10: [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. -<>- ________________________ `'-.,________,,..- ___ \________ > `'-.,_____,,.-`<_>\ )__ `\ > `'-._ _)____ \ > _.-'` _______ `\ | > _,,..--'''``` `'-.\| cjr >-'`` `' 20nov99 >SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE Kathie Walters One of my friend’s sons has a parrot named Danny. Once when I went to visit, the bird, which was perched on the child’s shoulder, screeched so loudly it hurt my ears. I looked nervously at it and then at its owner. Seeing my apprehensive glance, my friend’s son spoke to me. “It’s OK; he can’t fly because he won’t let go.” His simple statement stayed with me all that day and the next. I realized that many believers are like that bird. The Scriptures tell us that as Christians, we are meant to operate like the eagles and soar above the voices of this world. But what exactly does it mean to “Let go?” A good example of “Letting go” was Peter’s stepping out of a boat onto unfamiliar territory—the water. He saw that Jesus was not controlled by natural realm circumstances, and it appeared to be a pretty good idea when he took that first step. After all, walking on water is an exciting venture—not your everyday routine. Peter wanted that experience. “Jesus, bid me come to You on the water,” Peter told Him. When Jesus spoke the word, Peter let go of what he knew—the familiar boat—and eagerly jumped over the side. He wasn’t really expecting his experience to be “different.” When he first got the idea of walking on water, it sounded fun. And as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, everything was fine. But the waves were calling out, “Look at us,” and the winds were calling out, “Listen to us,” and poor old Peter got rattled with those two factors vying for his attention. When he looked at Jesus he was fine, but when he looked at those waves, he lost his confidence. Do you, like Peter, have a desire in your heart that you believe God has planted there? Perhaps He has given you a promise, a word to encourage you to walk on water. Maybe you even heeded the word and began to step out of the boat, but the waves and the wind distracted you. The problem is that when the wind starts blowing, it carries with it other people’s opinions. Sometimes those opinions seem louder than the one you first heard. So what do you do? Go back to the place where it’s just you and Jesus once again, and ask Him to confirm the word. When he does, He will impart the faith to go along with it. Be aware that other things may come and try to get your eyes off Him and away from your vision. Those “things’ may be well- meaning saints or good opportunities that appear on your spiritual horizon. But the GOOD things can take you away from the GOD things. The good things seem safer—familiar territory mostly. The God things, on the other hand, may be frightening because they are unknown. They may take you to ground that is yet untrodden. To go there you must be willing to let go of what you know—like Danny the parrot needs to in order to fly. When you’ve got the vision in front of you again and the word in your ears, let go of what you know in the natural realm, as well as all the voices and opinions, and fly out in the Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to let you see what He sees about you and your vision. Those around you may not be able to see what God has put in you. They know you so well after the flesh! They will never draw from your spiritual resources because they don’t see the way God sees. But there are others who will see and who will draw living water from your well. God will open the way. Don’t strive to perform or prove that you can fly. You don’t have to prove you have something from God! Eagles don’t struggle and flap their wings around; they just spread them naturally and catch the wind currents that take them to the realms of the Spirit. You can do the same. Let Him teach you to fly. Let go, and let God have His way in your life. You were born again to be borne. --- ...When you are afraid of something, try to repeat God's Word: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' 1 John 4: 18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. Sometimes our fear is so great our minds get confused and we cannot think straight. This is the work of the devil trying to defeat you: 1 Cor.14: [33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Jas.3 [16] For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. Remember, Eph.6: [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Mainly what defeats the believer is in his/her mind. That is how the devil works. Think about what our weapon is... Eph.6 [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: The word Of God - the bible - is our weapon against the devil. If we forget what God says, or are confused as to what the bible said then we don't have a weapon. This is what any enemy tries to do first - disarm their foe. That is what the devil does. If he can get us to be full of fear and confused and forgetful, then he can more easily defeat us. Because we will have a hard time remembering God's Word and will not have our weapon at hand. Eph.6: [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith (believing), wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit (speaking in tongues), and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; This is how a Christian can stand strong against the devil. As I was saying, when you are afraid of something, try to repeat God's Word: 1 John 4: (18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. m / \C \ _ /`--|)---- \_ O__/ \`\ `\/_\ `` /_ \\ ` \ BP -' fencers If you are in a big fight and you cannot remember this entire verse, then all you need to remember is "There is no fear in love - God Is Love - There Is No Fear In Love" repeat this over and over to build your confidence and cast out the fear (the devil) that is overtaking you. Then you will be able to think again and receive wisdom from God your loving Father. AND if you are really feeling overwhelmed, remember, you can always call on your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He will be there pronto to help you! Keep your mind on God and on Jesus Christ! And You Will Overcome. Why? Because as God's Word says - 'perfect love casteth out fear (the devil)". If you have perfect love which is the love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation then the devil can't hang around. He is cast away from you. See: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Take The Sword http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/sword.html Fear: Feeling Kind of Buggy http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/fearfeelingkindofbuggy.html Christianity http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/christianity.html -<>- ___ /_\_\ |;-^-'| ; ._ d - j :. ,<%@. |-_-| / \ {_ _,l ___/\_ _/\_ \,< ___ <~L~>\. /___\_\'/_/_`-.( `___\ \ - |` /___ \ \|/|po /||_/-___L":--;" L _ \ \ |o|LY| |(n==\^\^''--`-,-_ [-><-]=3 || ^;| |`\ _')>\ /<__/\ |< !c)|o ; |;| "| _' \ \/ /po | |- | | ; ' |,-. |.V \/ |LY | |\__, _L |o : | / \ \||\ |o^ ^| | _|/| / _\__ : / 7 '<|`. | | | / |L/ < /\: | Y \ | \|' | | | |/ /_ | | | | \| A|. | | /| |/|PO| | || | | |V| | | || |<|LY| | || | |,| | |_ | / | | ^^ | | | | | |____| |" | | | | | | | | |#^' |4 \ | | | | | | |,| | |%_| | | |m | A \ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | / | / | | \ || | | | | | | / /| |__| || | | l | | |> / / | | \___/|_A_| | | | | / / | | | | || |m1a >ORDINARY By Bob Perks "I'm just an ordinary man," he said. I knew what he meant. He really was saying average. I don't believe in either ordinary or average. Average is for numbers, math class. The only place ordinary has in our life is right behind ‘extra.’ "EXTRAORDINARY!" How can anything God created be average? How can anyone be "ordinary?" I see the miracle in a grain of sand. I see beauty in a blade of grass. Did He not create both? "You are not ordinary," I replied. "God does not make ordinary." He makes "brilliant!" He makes "dynamic." He makes even the meek powerful beyond measure. If we see ordinary, we choose to see it. If we feel average, we make it so. For each and every element in life is a miracle. Therefore, if it is true that God created man in His image, how could anyone of us be less than extraordinary! Nothing average or ordinary about you! "I wish you enough!" Bob as seen in www.iwishyouenough.com --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...John 4: [24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. God is a Spirit so His Image is a Spirit Too bad that 'image' (Spirit) is not in people now. All are born dead thanks to the sins of Adam and Eve. Gen.2: [17b] ...for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. They did - they lost God's image - and condemned us all to death through their sin... Rom.6: [23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God wouldn't damn His own Spirit to death. His image is no longer with mankind due to the fall. That is why we needed a savior to get that image of God's Spirit back in us so we have eternal life. Salvation - Salvation - Salvation - Spread it to others! Romans 10:9 See: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' BECOMING A CHRISTIAN http://tinyurl.com/3a8zcw3 In The Beginning http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/inthebeginning.html The Sacred Secret http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/secret.html God's Royal And Holy Priests http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/royalpriests.html -<>- __________ _,---. _..--'/ \ ,-' ) _,-,' / \ ( ) _,-' / / \ `-.__, -' _,-/ / _/ ,------------. \ ,--._,---. _,-' / /_,--'' | | Hier | | _(_,-' ) _,-'/ /_, - '| | | koennte | | ,' ( ) ,'/ /_, -'| ||_ - | | IRRE | | ( `--._,-' _,' /_,-'| ||_ - | | | Werbung | | `--.__,-' _,'/,-'| - ||_ - | ||_ - | | stehen! | | _,'/,'| - ___ | ||_ - | | `------------' | _ ,' |_' -|- _( ) |_ | ||_ - | | ( ): ((`) -| (. `-/ ) - ||_ - | | | ` | '(-.,') '( _\`/-') _ - | | _ - | | ` (_.) -(_._ \|,-_) ||_ - | | | . `. || ` | (_\||_) _ - | ||_ - | | `. ` . || | - ||_ - | | | `. ||-.| : | _ ||_ - | __________ | `. || ` -.| | | _ | | _Doener_ |`'--.._ `. ` - .| | | | || ()._o || __ | \ ` `. ` ` -' .|____|`'---.|>_|| |. || `. `' -- .._|__|__|| ,----.---------- . .-_. _ |.`.,' `. `. || | \ \ _|`. / `. `. \|_o \ | \ `. \.-----_-----.\ ` \ `.|.`| `./ \\ c__)___/ \\ . \ ` `. `. \\____\___)__\\ `. _ `.\`____________\ | \ |_| ____ |_| _ `.|\ |#|__[jrei]__|_|`. \ `================' `. >DREAM-BUSTERS AND DREAM-BUILDERS A little girl was asked to bring her birth certificate to school one day. Her mother wisely cautioned her about the important document and told her to be especially careful with it. But in spite of her good intentions, the child lost it. When she became aware of its loss, she began to cry. "What's the problem, Honey?" her teacher asked sympathetically. The little girl wailed, "I lost my excuse for being born!" There are enough reasons to say, "Excuse me." I am not about to apologize for being born. Some people live, though, as if they are sorry for being different, or for having an opposing opinion than others or for not running with the herd. Author Linda Stafford was one of those people. When she was fifteen, Linda announced to her English class that she would someday write and illustrate her own books. She remembers that half of the class sneered and the remainder just laughed at her prophecy. To make matters worse, her English teacher responded that only geniuses become writers and then smugly added that she was on track to receive a D as a grade for the semester. Linda broke into tears. She went home and wrote a sad, short poem about broken dreams and mailed it to a weekly paper. To her astonishment, the newspaper not only chose to print the poem but they also sent her two dollars for publishing her writing. When she shared the news with her teacher, her only reply was that "everybody experiences some blind luck from time to time." But as if to defy her teacher's assertion, Linda continued to write. During the next two years, she sold dozens of poems, letters, jokes and recipes. And by the time she graduated from high school, she had a scrapbook filled with her published writing. Linda never again mentioned a word of it to her teachers or to her fellow students. Why not? Some people are "dream-busters," Linda would later say. And her dream was too important, and, at this time in her life, too fragile to risk being shattered by careless comments from people who didn't believe in her. Mark Twain said this about dream busters: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." Linda made no apologies for her ambitions, for her confident belief in herself or for wanting something more out of life. Even at her young age, she somehow knew that nobody on planet earth was more (or less) valuable than she; nobody was more deserving of happiness. She knew that she needed no excuse for wanting to make the most of her brief time in this life and eventually she did become the author she desired to be. I have found plenty of dream-busters over the years, and I imagine that you have, too. But I have also discovered a few dream- builders along the way - people who encouraged my aspirations and challenged me to take the next step. It was the dream-builders who said yes when others said no. They were the ones who held my vision before me when I wanted to turn away in discourage- ment. They protected my dreams and reminded me who I really was. It has always been the dream-builders who made the greatest impact. It is to them I am most grateful. If some people are dream-busters, others are dream-builders. And I know which ones to listen to. I also know which I want to be. -- Steve Goodier as seen in Life Support --- ...Check out... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Babes In Christ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/babesinchrist.html Never Give Up http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html A KAIROS Moment http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/kairosmoment.html -<>- .--,--. `. ,.' |___| :o o: O LE GOURMAND A TRAVAILLE _`~^~'_ | by dcau /' ^ `\=) .' _______ '~| `(<=| |= /' | | |_____| ~~~~~~~ ===== ~~~~~~~~ >WORLD'S GREATEST CHEF Author Unknown I love the taste of T-bone steak, Delicious every bite, But there's nothing like the Word of God, For my spiritual appetite. The Word of God has milk and meat, And even ice cream and cake. Take a slice of the Bread of Life, And coffee to keep us awake. Open your Bible and turn to Psalms, For David's famous buffet. You can drink all the wine of the Word you want, And still feel fine the next day. There's enough of the Word for everyone, And no one has to cheat. The Word of God is a smorgasbord, So take all you are able to eat. Let's have a little long suffering, Job gives the recipe. Patience is the main ingredient, Self denial is the fee. Wrap that up in temperance, It may not make much sense, Cover that with contentment, Then add some joy! for strength. Let's have love for dessert, Jesus made this dish, Cream of joy and peace together, Sift out all selfishness. Add some deeds of righteousness, Enough to make it sweet. Humility is the frosting, That makes the dish complete. Or are you on a diet, Cause the race seems hard to run. For a weight losing menu, Try Hebrews 12 and 1. Are you suffering from malnutrition, And don't know what to do? Your spiritual growth seems hindered, Try I Peter 2 and 2. If when every time you battle, the enemy always wins, Try some Holy Ghost Protein, And spiritual vitamins. God's Word can feed millions, And still have plenty left. Because the Word of God is Soul Food, Sent from the World's Greatest CHEF. As seen in Food For Thought --- ...Beautiful Poem! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Matt.4: [4] But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ======================================================== >--From HeartsAndHumor: .--..-""""-..--. ///`/////////\`\\\ ||/ |///""\\\| \|| ## ( 6. 6 ) ## /_\ \ _. / /_\ _`) (`_ /` '--' `\ / _,,_ \ / /` `\ \ /\_/ / 6 6\ \_/\ \ \/\ Y /\/ / \ \/ `'U` \/ / \( \ / )/ |\_/ \_/| / ____ \ \ ( || ) / (__)||(__) | || | |__||__| jgs |==||==| /~`//~`/ / // / `""` `"` >THE WARM ACHE OF LOVE Another work day was over. My back still ached from a recent bout with sciatica. I eased myself carefully into the driver's seat and sighed as my weight was released from my spine. The constant pain wore me out. When would it end? On the drive home, I looked forward to seeing her. I was still miles from home, but I could feel her love. She's my little girl. She captured my heart years ago. I could not and would not stop the love I had for her. I pulled into the driveway, stepped from the car and walked to the house. I opened the door. There she was. A smile lit her face. In a house of four adults and four children, she was the first to ask, "How was your day?": It warmed my heart. "It was great. How was yours?" "It was good." she replied, as she took my travel mug from me and headed to the kitchen. I looked down. My slippers waited for me. Sometimes she played and hid them from me, but on that night, she had them waiting for my tired feet - ever thoughtful. I slipped them on, hung up my jacket, carried my laptop bag into my room, sat on the sofa and sighed with relief. It was good to be home with my loved ones. A few minutes later, she is beside me, full of energy and talking my ear off. We do it every evening. I loved to have someone to share my day and thoughts with. She told me about her day. It was an exciting one with the family. I listened intently and felt her infectious smile spread to me. My face brightened with a grin to equal hers. I reached to her. She slid into my arms and said, "I love you." "I love you more!" "Whose day is it?" "It's mine. It's my day to love you more." "OK!" she groaned. "I love you too." She was disappointed. She wanted it to be her day to love me more. I laughed and hugged her. What great joy she brought into my life. I was blessed. Later, I stood in the kitchen and fixed a drink. She followed. Her arms wrapped around my waist. "You haven't gotten your hug yet?" My arms circled her tiny frame. "You haven't got yours either." I squeezed her tight and looked down into the bright blue eyes and smiling face of my granddaughter. "I love you, little one!" She giggled. "I love you too, Poppa." "I love you more, Elizabeth! It's my day! HA!" She held me tighter and then stepped back. "Poppa?" "Yes?" She stared up at me. Her face now had a serious expression. "Poppa, do my hugs make your back better?" I felt tears come to my eyes. The beauty of the child's innocence was indescribable "You know, Elizabeth, I think it does. Your hugs are definitely helping. I can't thank you enough. Can I have another one?" She rushed to me, wrapped her arms around my waist again and squeezed tight. "There! Is it helping?" "Oh yes!" I held her tight. "It's definitely working. My back feels better every time you hug me." For two days, she hugged me whenever we met. I assured her my back got better with each hug. It was a small white lie ...I thought. The days passed. My back did feel better. The pain was there, but it didn't bother me as much. It was overshadowed by a warm ache in my heart - an ache caused by the love of a grandchild. Michael T. Smith ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: (.,------...__ _.'" `. .' .' `, `. `. ` . .' .'/''--...__`. \ . .--.`. ' "-. '. | '' .' _.' .()) .--":/ ''( \_\ ' (()( ''._' ( \ ' ' `. `--' ' `.: . `-.___.' ' `. . _ _ .' ) .____.-' .'`. (--.. .' \ /\ / / `. .' \( \ /|/ `. .' \__/ `. / | o | \ | | | jro A good friend was waiting nearby while his young son prayed silently before going to bed. Suddenly the boy burst out laughing. "Johnnie!" scolded his father, "Why are you laughing during prayer?" "But Dad," the boy answered, "you told me that prayer is talking to God as to a friend, and I just told him a joke." ------------------------ And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. -Mark 10:13 -<>- ._q0p_. '=(_)=' / V \ jgs (_/^\_) >SUMMER LIGHT SHOW By: Joseph J. Mazzella It is going to feel like Christmas in July in the field behind my home for the next few weeks. My backyard buddies, the fireflies have finally returned to put on another Summer light show every evening for all of us to enjoy. It is such a delight seeing their little, golden lights blinking on and off just like the lights on a Christmas tree. It brings me such joy watching my whole backyard and the woods around it twinkle like it is Christmastime while the warm, summer breezes tickle my face. It reminds me that anytime of the year can feel like Christmas if you have love in your heart and light in your soul. Still, there are times I feel a bit sorry for my firefly friends. They shine for only a brief time each Summer and their lights while beautiful last only a moment before fading again. In fact, I sometimes feel like a firefly myself. I try my best to shine long and bright with love, joy, and oneness with God, but it seems at times the most I can do is flicker. I am working hard, though, to leave my light on a bit longer each time and trying my best to make my moments of darkness less and less. I am asking God to help me everyday too and hope to one day shine more like a star and less like a blinker. I hope that you are doing your best as well to shine bright and leave your light on in this life. I pray too that if you can’t keep your light on all the time then you are at least blinking as much light, love, joy, kindness, goodness, peace, happiness, helpfulness, laughter, and caring as you can. Perhaps one day all of us will shine together and with God’s help will create a summer light show that never ends. Perhaps we will not just help make everyday feel more like Christmas, but make everyday be Christmas. Perhaps one day we all will work together to help the fireflies chase the darkness away forever. -<>- .--._..--. ___ ( _'-_ -_.' _.-' `-._| - :- | _.-' `--...__| .-' '--..___ / `._ \ `. `._ | `. `._ / '. `._ :__________....-----' `..`---' |-_ _- |___...----..._ |_....--' `.`. _...--' `.`. _..-' _.'.' .-' _.'.' | _.'.' | __....------'-' | __...------''' _| '--''' |- - _ | _.-''''''''''''''''''-._ _.' |\ .' _.' | `._ |:.' `._ _.' | `..__ | | `---.._.--. _| | | _ - | `-.._|_.' .--...__ | - _| .'_ `--.....__ | .'_ `--..__ .'_ `. .'_ `-. `--..____ _`. ```--...____ _..--' ;;;:::. (\| - _ ```---.._.' .. ;::| - _ |/) ;;;:::. (o) ;;::., |_ - - |;;;: (\'/) ::;; (o) | -_ -_L ``::;;;. .;;' (\ '/) | -_ _ G (o) ..;; ''' ;:;;.,|(o) _-B(\'/) ;;;;::: ;::(\'/);;:|;:; ;' >Give God what's right - not what's left. Man's way leads to a hopeless end - God's way leads to an endless hope.. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma but never let him be the period. Don't put a question mark where God puts a period. When praying, don't give God instructions - just report for duty. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position. God doesn't want shares of your life - He wants a controlling interest. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church. We don't change God's message - His message changes us. Suffering with truth decay? Brush up on your Bible. Exercise daily - walk with the Lord. Coincidences happen when God chooses to remain anonymous. Never give the devil a ride - he will always want to drive. Give Satan an inch & he'll be a ruler. If God is your co-pilot - swap seats. -<>- _ ___ _ /`.`. .-=""_;_""=-. .','\ | \`.`#"'.-" ; "-.`"#'.', | \`=>-Y ,( O_;_O ) , Y-<'/ `--'\#>-`-'_;_`-'-<#/`--' _ / .:::::. _ \ _ .-' `-'i-_ |:::::| `i-' `-._ ' .-j' `:::::' `-j-. .' `L' "T" `j-. `. ,-'|\.___:___./| ` | `.____ .' | \ / _.. `. .' .-## `- |=`.___.'| .' ## `. /_ =#`. .#b # \ .####.. .-._##". .'### \ | /###""" / ; `=##\,## "#b .j. / /==--.. / ; \/ "## " / `-._.' /##==-._ | ; | ##b / |########= | _..-d#b! "# / >###"" .=-+###" d###"`-._ .' |#" ,d## d### ##" `+. / d### d### #" \ .d8#o. / ###" ## \ | .' ### `. | ##" "# .'`. | /#b _# =# d\ \ "# __.--' ; `-.____/ (###b \#8 ##\ `.___..---'| ; | "##8/ \" d###\ hjw |=-""###| ; | `" \=##" ; |8#b "#/ ; / | =##| ;####b= / ; | |,#=,_| /""" | ; ; |#####| |_ -=##/ ; | | ,-=| |##b / ; / |_.d##| ;###=/ ; / |#####| | __ `. ; /. |`""""| /d####=- \ ; / b. | =##"\ /########= \ ; | ###-. \",=___\ _.,/##"" -==\ | ####" `. \####""8b#" #/ _d#8##b d"| / ###" #\ `#" ### ##|_d###""""8###| / #" _,"###| `.##" ###.\_.= _____ /-.'#, -=######/ `---""" `-. __####.'.' _d8' .-" "-< ( --'--._ .' .----._`.`-. `. | ,' \| `-. \ \( .' `---....__.' `---"""' >30 IDEAS TO REDUCE STRESS - Author Unknown ATTITUDE: 1. Laugh more. 2. No perfectionism. 3. Control your anger. 4. Slow down. 5. Don't procrastinate. 6. Stop feeling guilty. 7. Let go of grudges. 8. Follow your dreams. 9. Pick your battles. 10. Work isn't worth. LEISURE: 11. Exercise. 12. Do less. 13. Turn off the TV. 14. Be with friends. 15. Make chores fun. 16. Go outside. 17. Eat better. 18. Take real vacations. 19. De-junk your home. 20. Get a pet. WORK: 21. Clear your desk. 22. Make a list. 23. Take breaks. 24. Avoid interruptions. 25. Go home on time. 26. Work less. 27. Ask questions. 28. Make your job fun. 29. Delegate. 30. Get more involved. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Tail Of Two Brains http://www.buffaloschips.com/hdsjsdhj.htm Taxi Please http://www.buffaloschips.com/kjjh.htm Woman Filling Gas http://www.buffaloschips.com/hjhjh.htm Terrific Illusion http://www.buffaloschips.com/jkjk.htm Thank You Troops Edited http://www.buffaloschips.com/hsjjs.htm Japan's Crop Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cropart.html Friendly Fire! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/friendly.html Boing 787 Dreamliner http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/b787.html Cool Hot Air Balloons http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/hotair.html Amazing Car Show http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/carshow.html 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 ============================================================ _,..---..,_ ,-"` .'. `"-, (( '.'.' )) `'-.,_ ' _,.-'` jgs `\ `"""""` /` `""-----""` >Consider It Yours Story Editor: by Don Belo Joyce Schowalter Ontario, Canada It was an extremely cold winter day in Ontario, Canada, in February 1989. I had just bought a new car, however due to snow and icy conditions I refused to drive it on this day. I'd used public transportation for a date with a gal I'd been seeing a few months. We had just finished watching a movie, "Remains of the Day" starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. After leaving the theatre, the first open eatery we came across was a burger joint. We entered and ordered coffee and warm apple pie. We sat down and across from us, already seated, was a homeless man with all of his belongings close to him, huddling tight to his heavy jacket. He was in his late 50s or early 60s, with the obvious signs of spending years sleeping and living on the streets adding years to his appearance. His face was the colour towards the extreme part of red, bordering on purple. He obviously had come inside to warm up. He ignored the other patrons, sitting silently cutting an apple into thin slices with a plastic knife onto a tray in front of him. Another man entered the restaurant, obviously in a similar predicament in life to the man before us, and also seeking shelter from the -20C outside. Both men wore tattered overcoats that were obviously not purchased by them due to being over-sized for their frames. They were both smokers as their hands had that unhealthy leathery look about them, with yellow stains at the fingertips. The gentleman seated in front of us nodded in recognition to the man who had just entered, who returned the gesture, they clearly knew each other. The first man didn't say a word, yet with a calm wave of his hand offered his sliced apple to his friend. They shared the apple, however not together; the man who was the recipient took a few slices from the tray and seated himself a few tables away, while the man who offered the apple remained seated near us. My girlfriend looked at me and with tears in her eyes said, "That is beautiful." I can't explain the feelings of emotion that this evoked in me at the time -- and still does to this day, 22 years later. My girlfriend of that time is my wife now, and this story is still something my wife or I bring up from time to time. I've told this true story to many people over the years. Often, though I see they're touched by it, I don't think they truly appreciate that, in a calm, wordless way, this older homeless soul showed us what a hero really is. The wave of his hand radiated the regal dignity of a king, because it demonstrated the true meaning of sacrifice for another. His gesture said, "I have little or next to nothing, but if what I have benefits you in any way, consider it yours." =======HeroicStories======= >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 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 andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************