Only Two Kinds Of People... :) 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!! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) I'm still not done updating the Google ads - but I'm working on it - little by little and I'll get it done! -<>- >Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) We've got a rich new hot page from friends Linda and RichardF. It is jaw-dropping what some people can accomplish with simple every day items! Check out this page to see what I mean... (\ _\_(`\_ `/` _ `/,-'=/` _,'|`._ /' `/` ,-' |||._ `-._ i_i _,-' ,-' || `__ `-._ "=(. .)=" _,-' _,-' --||- (..=`/._ `-/#\ ( i_i ,\ _,-' | )|_|-==` \_)`-/ /v "=(. .)=" ,' ,|/ \ |__||\ //|\\ / / #/ ,/ \ ( ,' ,' ((_.--._)) || )(/|\)' /# ; ,/ #,/v ,' ,' |`- -' ||/ (/\\ / #; ,/# ,/ ,' ' / | \ */"-._ |/ _____,-''"/_)/__ / ,',---|((_.--._(__/ _.--""_____)-//_______"-. (,-.)| `- -( _,"_.--"" |||(( __ "-.: ___,/ ;| \ */ _\'_," (\__/) |||\\\ |__`,()() . \ (,_.) (_| (__/,'_,' /_/)=\.\. = |||||| | `( ` ``\|\)\ ( ;.__| _,-'_,' =//. ==> _7)< |||||| |`` , ` * "") ___\ _,--'_,-' //_(7__/) ////\ |||||| |``` \___.--' \_"""_,--' <*)_//'"" )/_/-"""":|||||,""""(("-._/ | """" ) ( _(-' _.---"\___,----. |||||| | ,' "`._ ,(( | ) ( \_/' ,' _"" "_ `.||||| |,"\\'--._) "._ \ \_/<. .>""( ( . .) )|||| |\\ \/,"\\ /`--._) <. .>|_/\| \/ ) \,-( \(||||| | \\)"\\ \) ||_/( ( | |\/ /, \ \ )\\(:|||||,()""""-.:| | \ `-\ | |__\/, :`/-`._____,-""_,' ctr:| |"""\___,""""""""""""""\(_,( (__,-"||---""""""; \---""""---------""""""""````/////))----""""/ ~~~\ ~///////~ ~/~~~~~ \ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ /~~~~/ ~~/ ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Paper Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/paperart.html --- ...Gave me lots of Ooos and Awwws! Thanks Linda And RichardF! ========================================================= >-->From Heartwarmers: ******** **************** ******************* ******************** ******************** \\ // ******** \\\// ******* \\\//// |||// ||||| ,,,,,,,,,,,//||||\,,,,,,,,,,,,,, >KEEPER OF THE SPRING The late Peter Marshall was an eloquent speaker and for several years served as the chaplain of the US Senate. He used to love to tell the story of the "Keeper of the Spring," a quiet forest dweller who lived high above an Austrian village along the eastern slope of the Alps. The old gentleman had been hired many years earlier by a young town councilman to clear away the debris from the pools of water up in the mountain crevices that fed the lovely spring flowing through their town. With faithful, silent regularity, he patrolled the hills, removed the leaves and branches, and wiped away the silt that would otherwise have choked and contaminated the fresh flow of water. The village soon became a popular attraction for vacationers. Graceful swans floated along the crystal clear spring, the mill wheels of various businesses located near the water turned day and night, farmlands were naturally irrigated, and the view from restaurants was picturesque beyond description. Years passed. One evening the town council met for its semiannual meeting. As they reviewed the budget, one man's eye caught the salary figure being paid the obscure keeper of the spring. Said the keeper of the purse, "Who is the old man? Why do we keep him on year after year? No one ever sees him. For all we know, the strange ranger of the hills is doing us no good. He isn't necessary any longer." By a unanimous vote, they dispensed with the old man's services. For several weeks, nothing changed. By early autumn, the trees began to shed their leaves. Small branches snapped of and fell into the pools, hindering the rushing flow of sparkling water. One afternoon someone noticed a slight yellowish-brown tint in the spring. A few days later, the water was much darker. Within another week, a slimy film covered sections of the water along the banks, and a foul odor was soon detected. The mill wheels moved more slowly, some finally ground to a halt. Swans left, as did the tourists. Clammy fingers of disease and sickness reached deeply into the village. Quickly, the embarrassed council called a special meeting. Realizing their gross error in judgment, they rehired the old keeper of the spring, and within a few weeks, the veritable river of life began to clear up. The wheels started to turn, and new life returned to the hamlet in the Alps. Never become discouraged with the seeming smallness of your task, job, or life. Cling fast to the words of Edward Everett Hale, "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do." The key to accomplishment is believing that what you can do will make a difference. __________________________________________________ ,:',:`,:' __||_||_||_||___ ____[""""""""""""""""]___ \ " '''''''''''''''''''' \ ~~jgs~^~^~^^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~~^~^~^~^~~^~^ >TRAGEDY OR BLESSING? Years ago in Scotland, the Clark family had a dream. Clark and his wife worked and saved, making plans for their nine children and themselves to travel to the United States. It had taken years, but they had finally saved enough money and had gotten passports and reservations for the whole family on a new liner to the United States. The entire family was filled with anticipation and excitement about their new life. However, seven days before their departure, the youngest son was bitten by a dog. The doctor sewed up the boy but hung a yellow sheet on the Clarks' front door. Because of the possibility of rabies, they were being quarantined for fourteen days. The family's dreams were dashed. They would not be able to make the trip to America as they had planned. The father, filled with disappointment and anger, stomped to the dock to watch the ship leave -- without the Clark family. The father shed tears of disappointment and cursed both his son and God for their misfortune. Five days later, the tragic news spread throughout Scotland. The mighty Tittanic had sunk. The unsinkable ship had sunk, taking hundreds of lives with it. The Clark family was to have been on that ship, but because the son had been bitten by a dog, they were left behind in Scotland. When Mr. Clark heard the news, he hugged his son and thanked him for saving the family. He thanked God for saving their lives and turning what he had felt was a tragedy into a blessing. To JOIN (it's free!), send an email to: join@heartwarmers.com ============================================================= >-->From DevineHalowings: ________ _________ \________\--------___ ___ ____----------/_________/ \_______\----\\\\\\ //_ _ \\ //////-------/________/ \______\----\\|| (( ~|~ ))) ||//------/________/ \_____\---\\ ((\ = / ))) //----/_____/ \____\--\_))) \ _)))---/____/ \__/ ((( (((_/ Andrew Fabbro | -))) - )) When I was 15 I'm now 33. I was on a boat with my family. It was foggy and you couldn't see anything. Well, my brother-in-law almost ran the boat on shore and there was a tree that was broke down. I was standing up and something a males voice told me loud and clear to "get down" so I did and sure enough the tree passed by my hunkered down body. Had I been standing up I would have broke my neck or maybe killed. I believe in angels. I believe that an angel told me to get down. It was so loud and clear. I'm a solid believer ever since. -<>- _ _ (\o/) {\o/} jgs /_\ /_\ >Two Travelling Angels Two travelling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem." The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die. "Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it." "Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem." Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until some time later. ============================================================= >-->From CupO'Cheer: _.~._ ,~'.~@~.`~. / : _..._ : \ { :,"''))`".: } `C) 9 _ 9 (-'.._,-"7o-.__ ( )(@)( ) /o `. `-.___.-' `-._ / \ \ / `-' ;`-._,-. y ,' `---t.,-. \_____ ,' /---.__\ _( \--------' _,\ ,' `-.__.--' `. \_____ '///,-`-' `-------' hjw >SHARING WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU What is the most important thing to you in your life? Normally, after spending just a few minutes with someone you will know the answer to that question. You will hear about their children or grand children. Perhaps they will tell you about their club or social network group. It could be that you will learn very quickly about their love for or involvement with some sport. The point is that we are anxious to share what is of real interest to us or of real importance. It's not a problem for us to learn the rules to the games, to learn the player's names, the type of crocheted patterns you like or the hunting or fishing technique you especially like. We share what is important to us! Think about this: Some years ago a commuter on the Long Island Railroad was known to every regular rider of the 5 p.m. local run. He was a well dressed, soft spoken young man who lived at Jamaica. Every evening after the train left the subway, he would stand up and go to the front of the car. He would speak to every passenger, saying, "Excuse me, but if any of your family or friends are blind, tell them to consult Dr. Garl. He restored my sight." You see, he was sharing what was really important to him with courage and confidence. He didn't argue or try to persuade anyone he was right. He told each person about the one who had opened his eyes. He had good news and he shared it with everyone he could. Each of us who professes to be Christian has good news even more important to share! Why don't we do more of it? After Jesus healed the man possessed with many demons in Mark 5, notice what took place: "When Jesus got back into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go, too. But Jesus said, 'No, go home to your friends, and tell them what wonderful things the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.'" (V. 18-19) How often do we remember what wonderful things the Lord has done for us or how merciful he has been to us? Far too often we take it for granted, it seems it is normal for us as humans to forget, even when great things are done for us. Could it be time to recommitting yourself today, to begin sharing the Good News with others around you whenever you have the opportunity? Russ Lawson Messages From The Heart -<>- _..---.._ .' .-'''-. '. / .' _..._'. \ __ : : /`;' ) : : _,="`\ ,--''` ``'.; : |; ,-; : ; __..==""==.,_| `-, `; .\; / ^\ _,.="// '-,_.--._ '.(;_.'__/`_.-'`\ ,.--''`` _..=. `'--.// `` \ `--, '` `- |_\ '-. | `-._ _.;--`-..___,.-'` `'-...-_:',;`==,| \ _.--',=" / /"=;="=, _.' ,=".-'` .' /| ,=" _.--' .-' "=, : .' | ", `;._ .--'.' .-' .' . ; ,;;\_ . '._.'--'` -' / ,;;;._ '-._ .''.__.' `\_ .' '._ / '._ .(` jgs '._ ';./ `;` >GOD'S CALL vs. HUMAN AMBITION Early in his ministry, when he was pastor of the Congregational Church at Rugeley, Campbell Morgan studied hard and preached often. He was discovering and developing the gift of Bible exposition that later made him the prince of expositors. His preaching made him popular. One evening, as he sat in his study, he felt God saying to him, "What are you going to be, a preacher or My messenger?" As Morgan pondered the question, he realized that his desire to become a "great preacher" was hindering his work. For several hours Morgan sat there struggling with God's call and human ambition. Finally he said, "Thy messenger, my Master--Thine!" He took the precious outlines of his sermons, messages that he was proud of, and laid them in the fireplace where they burned to ashes. That was when the victory was won. As the outlines were burning, Morgan prayed: "If Thou wilt give me Thy words to speak, I will utter them from this day forward, adding nothing to them, taking naught away. Thine whole counsel I will declare, so help me God!" W. Wiersby, Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching & Preachers, Moody, 1984, p. 212. -<>- | ,|, ||| / | \ | | | | | | / | \ | | | | | \ / \ | | | | | | \ / | | 8 | | | ""8"" / | \ 8 / \ ,\ ,d8888888888888|========|="" | ,d" "88888888888| ,aa, | a | ,d" "888888888| 8 8 | 8 | ,d8888888b, "8888888| 8aa8 | 8,| ,d" "8888888b, "88888|========|="" | ,d" "8888888b, "888| a a | a | ,d" ,aa, "8888888b, "8| 8 8 | 8,| /| d" "b |""""""| |========|="" | | 8 8 | | | ,aa, | a | | 8aaaa8 | | | 8 8 | 8 | | | | | """" | ,,=| |aaaaaaaaaaaaaa|======""""""""""""""""" Normand Veilleux >LISTEN CAREFULLY So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 Those who think that simply going to church and going through a little ritual will bring them closer to God are in for a big surprise. Because the easiest place to get a hardened heart is in the church. As I have said before, the same sun that softens the wax hardens the clay. As the Word of God goes out, some people are impacted by it, some people are changed by it, and others are hardened by it, because they have no intention of believing it. Continual exposure to God's Word is actually doing more harm than good. And in the very place where they could be transformed, they will be worse off than ever. Am I saying that some people shouldn't go to church? Yes . . . if they have no intention of applying what they are hearing. We can see miracles and hear truth, but if we don't have a desire to apply it, then our hearts can get hardened. Someone who is living a double life like Judas Iscariot will experience an increasingly hardened heart. Judas walked and talked with Jesus for three-and-a-half years. He was hand-chosen by the Lord. He had heard Christ give His greatest sermons. Judas heard the Sermon on the Mount and the Olivet Discourse with his own ears. He saw Lazarus raised from the dead. He saw blind men receive their sight. He saw deaf men receive their hearing. Judas saw miracle after miracle, yet his heart grew harder. And even though Jesus knew what would take place, Judas, of his own volition, deliberately betrayed the Lord, reminding us that the foreknowledge of God does not change the responsibility of man. So the answer is not to stop going to church; it is to go with a desire to know God. Greg Laurie -<>- ,,,,, ////""\ . (((/ m m -|- __ )))c = ) | (__) ////-./~` . [] (((( `.`\ :: [] )))`\ \)).-;.' .------, [] (() `._.-'` _( )[] )/ `. | .'`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^))\`.----'`[] jgs ( \' { ~ - ~~ _ ~ - ~~ - ~ - (( | | [] .-.--\ \ { )) | | [] |_;_._`\ |{ ((__|_|-----[] | ; ``` ;{ )) [] | /``-.____/ `~~~[]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'-' [] `' (__) (__) >BELIEVE IN THE LORD by Peter Kennedy “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” – Genesis 15:6 Arthur Wellesley was the Duke of Wellington. In 1815, he led the British Army to victory at the Battle of Waterloo against Napoleon. He later served as Prime Minister of England. A salesman once approached the Duke with a jacket that he had invented for soldiers. He claimed it could stop a bullet. “Oh!”, said the Duke, “just put it on.” Then the Duke rang the bell, and said to his servant: “Tell the captain of the guard to order one of his men to load his rifle and come here.” The inventor, not trusting the jacket was bulletproof, ran for his life and the Duke was never troubled with him again. When we have faith in Christ, we need to fully trust that He will protect us from all evil. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He has credited you with righteousness because of your faith in Him. "Faith is rest in Another." - H. Orton Wiley God’s Word: “What does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’” - Romans 4:3 By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2012, Devotional E-Mail as seen at Devotions In Genesis -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD The stands are full cheers resound, Men winning games hero's all around! Stadiums filled Crowds everywhere, Fans galore, But is anyone aware? Many yrs ago, beaten and betrayed, Our Lord walked to Calvary Alone but not afraid! Crowds cheered, Crucify Him they screamed, Surrounded by dogs, Ugly and mean. No one is cheering, But Angels stand by, As He walks on, No friend by His side. Disciples fled, Fears abound, Left alone He fell to the ground! They beat Him and cussed, tore out His beard, Whipped His back But He never feared! He had a purpose, He had a plan, He was marching to Calvary But did anyone understand? We have modern day hero's, and men off to war, But no one surpasses, What Jesus did before! Lord, your My Hero, You died in My place, You bore all my sins, How I long to see Your Face! They may not have known, What You're all about, But I sing my Praises and in my Heart, I do shout! Glory to God, That You came to this earth, Gave us New Life, And gave Me New Birth. You are the Hero, Deserving Our Praise, All glory and Honor to the Ancient of Days! Let them sing songs, And worship their stars, Let the crowds cheer, But Jesus, I know who you are! So many lost, so much distress, Lord open their hearts, Let them find peace and rest! The Bars are full, Hearts seeking You, Open their blind eyes, And let them find what is true! But No one is worthy, Nor will ever come close, To My Hero, Lord Jesus, I love and Honor You the most! ©Mary Ann Trott as seen in Inspiration Plus -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ============================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >BUILDING YOUR LIFE By: Joseph J. Mazzella My wife and her brother recently built a new deck on the back of our house. It really looks fantastic, and one of the reasons for this is probably because I had nothing to do with it. The truth is that while I have gotten better at fixing things over the years I am still far more skilled at breaking them than putting them back together. It is a running joke here that my wife is both the better cook and the better handyman in this house. As little as I know about building things with nails, screws, and lumber, however, I am happy to say that I know far more about building a life. While I still make mistakes in that area too, I think that I am becoming more skilled as I get older at knowing how to construct and live a life full of love, joy, good ness, and giving. I have come to know for instance that a great way to start the day is with a joyous: "Good morning God. Thank you for my life." I have come to know that few things feel better than giving a warm hug and few things sound quite so Heavenly as saying, "I love you." I have come to know that few things are as peaceful as a walk in the woods and that few things are as inspiring as watching a sunset. I have come to know that petting a dog or a cat is not only good for your health, but also good for your soul. I have come to know that any joy you get from your work or your life will be in direct proportion to the joy that you bring to them. I have come to know that it is the good things you do for your community, the kind acts you do for your friends, the compassion you show for strangers, and the love you give this world that bring meaning and richness to life. I have come to know most of all ,though, that it is with every choice we make that we build our lives, create our joy, share our love, and grow in our oneness with God. May you build your own life well then. And may God always smile upon your handiwork. -<>- ___ .dSSSS$$pp.. .dSSSS$$$$$$$$; .dSSSS$$$$$$$$$$$ :SSP^" T$$$$$$$$$$b_ dSSP $$$S$$$$$$$b` dSS$;_. .:$$$SS$$$$$$b dSS$$$_ ; __."^TSS$$$$$b dSS$$P;" ""' :lSS$$$$$b :SS$$$ ; ::SS$$$$$$b_. SSS$$$ : ` ;:SS$$$$$$$bp. :SS$$$$b \ -=- .-" SSS$$$$$$$$$$b SSS$$$$$b.`. / d$SS$$$$$$$$$$$b :SS$$$$$$$; ""T :$$$SS$$$$$$$$P^^t--' SSS$$$S$$$ : $$$$$SS$$$$$$$ : :SS$$$SS$; __; _$$$$$$SS$$$$$$ : SSS$SS l;: ; : $$$$SS$$$$$; ; :SS$SS $;: ; : $$$SS$$$$$$; /; TSSSS :$ \ ; ; :$S$$$$$$$$.-"/ `SP; :; ;: ; T$$$$$$$$; /; : ; ; : `.; /)T$$$$$P .' : ; : : ; .'/ :$$$P'.' .'\ ; \ :; / /$P^".' .-" ; : ;: .' .-" / \ `.____/_'.___:--""\ --' .' ) .-" .' "-._ "-._ ..--"")\ :-' : "-. "-._ ---""" /; ; : : \ "-._....____; : : \ :\ `. \ ; ; \ \\ \ \ ; : : `. \\ \ \ : ; ; ;"-t\ `. \ : : : : `; \ ; ; ; ; : \ / : : / ; \-..__ .'; : ; / : ; """T ; : / / ; \ : ; ; ;/ : : \ ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : ; ; / : : : ; ; ; / ; :; : ; ; / : :: ; ; ;_ `""--..__; :_; __ ;____;.-;'; ;.__.: :..t-"" j" ; ; : ; ; ;--"" \ [bug] ; ; ; : ; : \ ; ; : \ ; ; ;. ; ; \ \ ; : / ; ; ; \ \ ; : ; ; ; \ `-. ; ; .' ; ; \ \ ;___/ /______;.-' \ ---; / / ;______: .-' / '-------' ~~~ THE PAST ~~~ She came tonight as I sat alone.. The girl I used to be.... And she gazed at me with her earnest eye And questioned reproachfully: Have you forgotten the many plans And hopes I had for you? The great career,the splendid fame, all the wonderful things to do? Where is the mansion of stately height With all its gardens rare? The silken robes that I dreamed for you And the jewels in your hair? And as she spoke, I was very sad For I wanted her pleased with me... This slender girl from the shadowy past The girl that I used to be. So gently rising, I took her hand And guided her up the stairs Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay Innocent, sweet, and fair. And I told her that these are my only gems, And precious they are to me; That silken robes is my motherhood Of costly simplicity. And my mansion of stately height is love, And the only career I know Is serving each day in these sheltered walls For the dear ones who come and go And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, She smiled through her tears at me. And I saw the woman that I am now Pleased the girl I used to be. -Author unknown -<>- ._ _ ____ _ __ _ ____ . _/ '> _\| |/_ . _ _.-'( )'-._ _ _- \_ _/"=_ _/ -_ . '=._.=-( )-=._.=' -_ `-'( )`-' _- . |/-\| `=.__.=-( )-=.__.=' . Y Y |/-\| . Y Y -- - ---- - - ---- - ---- cjr >FEATHERED FIDELITY by Michael Smith It's a sad reality. All relationships start with love and promise, but all too often we see them weaken, crumble and finally fail. It's too bad all relationships don't go to the birds. I know that sounds strange, but read on. Many years ago, when I was just a young boy, a small yellow bird hit our front door. When I looked outside, I saw its tiny, unmoving body on our deck. I opened the door to see if it was just stunned, or worse, dead. I was kneeling over it when my mom joined me. "Michael, I think it may be dead. I heard the bang on the glass. It hit pretty hard." "Mom, should we bury it?" "I'm not sure, Michael. When I first looked out I saw another bird land beside it. It looked like it was trying to pick this one up. I think we should let nature take care of this. Let's put it on the roof of the car and see what happens." We placed the unmoving, little bird on the roof of my dad's car and went back into the house. From our living room window we watched as the bird's mate flew to its side, carefully grip the back of the dead bird's neck in it's tiny beak, and with a strength only love and devotion could provide, lifted its mate in the air. It carried the body from the car, across the street, over the meadow on the other side and into nearby trees. It flew only a few feet off the ground. Sometimes it would get up to six feet high and then the weight of its companion would pull it lower again. Its struggle was great, but the desire not to be parted from its mate was greater. Thirty-five years later, I stepped out of my home on a warm summer morning. I looked toward my next door neighbor's -- we lived in attached townhouses -- and noticed a single strand of a spider's web strung from the bush by the corner of their townhouse to the wheel of one of their cars. I thought it was strange for a spider to spin such a web, especially just one tiny strand. I moved closer to investigate. When I reached down to break the web I discovered it wasn't a web at all. It was a piece of fishing line. I gave it a tug and saw it was tangled in the bushes, and the other end was knotted under the car. One of the boys was sitting on the front deck of the house. I remarked, "Looks like someone booby-trapped your friend's car." He came closer to see what I was talking about. I gave the line a tug. It was tightly jammed under the wheel of the vehicle. "Strange, it seems to go all the way under," I said. I walked to the back of the car and saw a robin. It fluttered to get away, but the line, which was wrapped around its tiny leg, held it firm. The poor bird flapped around on the pavement with only a foot of line for it to move. Slowly I approached and reached to grab it. When my fingers first touched his feathers it squawked and flapped away from me. I moved faster on the second attempt and managed to get a grip around his trembling body. It squirmed and twisted its head to snap at me, but I held tight. The boy came closer for a look, and then went for a knife. When he returned I realized he would probably break the poor bird's leg when the knife pulled the string tight before cutting it through, so I sent him for scissors. He came back and we carefully removed the string. The bird was free, but I held him a little longer, so I could remove one last strand of the line from his tiny leg. It made a great effort and escaped from my grasp. He flew low across the pavement, under a row of mailboxes, and up into a tree. It was free again. Then I noticed a second robin fly down from a nearby tree and land next to the newly-freed robin. It had stayed close by, as its mate struggled for freedom, and would not have left until freedom or death ended their relationship. The birds I witnessed mated for life and the struggles that come with it. Now don't you wish a lot more relationships would go to the birds? I know I do. ====================== >Links For your Enjoyment: For The Joy That Was Set Before Him! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/joy.html Our Valuable Anchor! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Walk With Jesus! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/walk.html What Is Love? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wlove1.html Attitude Is Everything 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude2.html Tale Of Two Swallows! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/swallows.html Pink The Pig-Puppy! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pigpuppy.html Aww Animals 6! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals6.html God's Paintings 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints2.html -<>- >From our Friend Johanna: She sent us one we have here... Eagle Rescue! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eaglerescue.html Such a heartwarming one! Thanks for the reminder Johanna! -<>- >From Our Friend EdLaF :) Pam's Story In a recent email, I read about a woman named Pam, who knows the pain of considering abortion. For you football fans, this refers to Tim Tebow's Mom Read the full story and snopes take on it here: http://www.snopes.com/glurge/timtebow.asp --- ...Wow! Most interesting! Thanks EdLaF! ============================================================= >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' If you own a Bible, you are abundantly blessed. About 1/3 of the world does not have access to one. If you wake up each morning with more health than illness, you are blessed to rise and shine, to live and to serve in a new day. If you have anyone on the planet, just one person that loves you and listens to you; count this a blessing. If you can freely attend a church meeting without fear, then you are more blessed than over 1/3 of the world. If you pray today or any day, you are blessed because you believe in God's willingness to hear your prayer. If you pray for someone else, you are blessed because you want to help others also. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep; all at the same time; you are rich in this world. If you have a brother or sister in Christ that will pray with you and for you, you benefit from a spiritual unity, bond, and agreement, which the gates of hell cannot stand against. If you have an earthly family that even halfway love you and support you, you are blessed beyond measure. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or some spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the world's wealthy. If you can go to bed each night, knowing that God loves you, you are blessed beyond measure. If you can read this message, you are more blessed than about 1/3 of the world who cannot read at all. If you have never had to endure the hardship and agony of battle, imprisonment, or torture, you are blessed in indescribable measure. If you can hold someone's hand, hug another person, touch someone on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch. If you can share a word of encouragement with someone else, and do it with His love in your heart, you are blessed because you have learned how to give. If you have the conviction to stand fast upon His Word and His promises, no matter what, you are blessed because you are learning patience, endurance, and tenacity. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because most people can, but many will not. Be Thankful to your Lord! --- ...Amen! Thanks Bunni! ========================================================== _____________________________ /_ __ __ ___ ___ __ _\ _ |__)(__)|[]|(___) (___)/| | (_| ( ) | | | || | | | o [,-.____|__|___________||__|,-.] | __o o _/\ `-' ejm98 |/ `-' | ( \ _]| ) _ c / \ ;(*) /\ |[_ (*).; `[Now what?] >Stranded Story Editor: by Therese Allen Joyce Schowalter California, USA "Whoever said it never rained in Southern California never lived here," I thought as I crossed Vermont Avenue at Manchester to catch the next bus home. It was pouring buckets of cats and dogs, and I was soaked! My watch said midnight but it wasn't that dark because it was a commercial area. "Good. I'll be home soon," I thought as I saw the #220 heading north toward me. "You want this bus?" the operator asked, looking down disdainfully at me from behind the wheel. "Yes." I decided not to say I liked showering outside at midnight in my clothes. "I can't pick you up when your wheelchair is not up on the island." "I travel this way at least four times a day and no other drivers have any problem letting the lift go all the way to the street," I explained as politely as possible. I knew I had to be nice -- the driver had the power to leave me. Most people wouldn't believe this could happen, but I knew better. "I don't care what other drivers do. I know the policy. I know what this bus will do, and I cannot pick you up," the driver snapped while she kept her well-manicured talons on the steering wheel. She slammed the door and sped away. All I could do was watch the bus drive off while I was left on the street, getting more drenched with each passing minute. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, three people appeared. "Did that driver just do what we thought we saw? Drive off without you?" one man asked. "Yes," I stammered, trying not to shiver with the cold. "Did you get her badge number?" a woman inquired. "No, she wouldn't give it to me, but I have the bus number, time, and location. I will report her first opportunity I get." "Here," a second man said, "Let us help you get dried off. We'll wait here until the next bus comes for you." As they all pitched in to dry me off, I couldn't figure out where these people came from -- let alone how they found all their supplies so quickly. They put each of my legs in a plastic garbage bag to keep me from absorbing any more water. They made another bag into a scarf, and draped towels around my shoulders for warmth and protection. They gave me coffee which was hot, with just the right amount of cream and sugar: the perfect antidote for this blustery night. The first man wrote down what he had observed, and compared notes with me. Gratitude threatened to overwhelm me. At 12:30 a.m. the next bus came along, and as I'd done countless times before, I boarded it when the driver put down the ramp for me. As this happened in 1987 I've long forgotten their names, but my gratitude to those three people is still fresh. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: __ .' '. : : | _ _ | .-.|(o)(o)|.-. _._ _._ ( ( | .--. | ) ) .',_ '. .' _,'. '-/ ( ) \-' / /' `\ \ __ / /' `\ \ / '--' \ /.' \.' './ '.\ \ `"===="` / ` : _ _ : ` `\ /' |(o)(o)| `\ /' | | /`-.-`\_ / \ _.-"`\._/V\_./`"-._ / .--. \ .'/ \ /^\ / \'. | ( ) | / / \| |/ \ \ _\ '--' /__ jgs / / \_/ \ \ .' '-.__.-' `-. >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Bill's 4-year-old granddaughter enjoyed some of her grandmother's famous homemade french fries. That night when she returned home, she told her mother, "Mom, you won't believe what Grandma did today. She made french fries out of potatoes!" -- Bill Hambrock of Bluffton, Indiana Here's another one from Bill. Their 5-year-old nephew Andy was spending the day with them. While they were puttering around, doing jobs that needed to be done, Andy told Bill, "You know, Grandpa, you have been my grandpa ever since I have known you!" ."'=-, ,.,.,_ (_____ )."=` `"=, ./_ _ \`\ `;.. / (o(o) |\=\ ; `; (_/| | \ | ;`"` | | ` ; \ .. /`,_ _.' `---' `#"#""'"#'#^ # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # jgs /#|#\ /#|#\ `"`"` `"`"` Alton, 3, and Ogden, 5, were spending the day with their grandmother, Diane. When she served Alton fish sticks for lunch, Alton said, "I don't like fish sticks. Daddy made me fish sticks and he put FISH in them!" Diane told Alton she doesn't put any fish in her fish sticks so he promptly ate two of them. Alton then told older brother Oggie, "Grandma, doesn't put fish in HER fish sticks!" -- Diane Schlemmer of LaGrange, Indiana Oggie told Diane he was going to get married to Sadie when he grows up. "We'll have two kids," Oggie said. "Will you have two boys, two girls or one of each?" Diane asked. "I'll let my wife decide," Oggie told his grandmother. At a recent church dinner, the pastor was looking for a place to sit. Seeing an empty chair beside Trevor, 4, he promptly planted himself. Trevor turned to his mother and said, "I didn't know God was going to eat with us!" -- Amy (aunt of Trevor) of Butler, Pennsylvania _ _ ( \ / ) __\ Y /,') (__ .' | ( [___] |oo | ,' \ | <___/ | | | | | | | | | _,-/_._ \,_ _.-"^` // \ `^"-.,__ \ ,// \ / `\,-":: ; \-.,_/' || | ; || ; | :\ / ; \`----' / `._____.-' | | | __| | |__ jgs / | \ `""""`""""` Max, 4, looked at his grandmother's inner wrist. After staring for a moment he asked what the blue lines were. She replied, "Veins." Max said, "I don't have any of those yet. I'm not old enough." -- Sandi Pounds (grandmother of Max) of Florida Before Christmas, Susan's granddaughter Morgan whispered a secret into her ear. Her sister Hannah, who was sitting across the room, said that she had heard the secret, which indeed she had heard. Susan asked her how she had heard it that far away, and she proudly announced that she had laser vision! -- Susan of Little Rock, Arkansas Mary remembers when she was potty training her daughter, Laura who is now 23. Whenever Laura was watching a VCR tape (no DVD's back then!), she would have her mom stop it so she could run into the bathroom and tinkle and not have to miss any of her show. One day she was watching Sesame Street on the TV and she yelled for her mom to stop it so she could go potty. Mary told her she couldn't because it was a TV show and not a tape. Then Laura exclaimed, "Well how will I be able to go to the bathroom then!" -- Mary of Springfield, Massachusetts ud$RMk. ..u.. d$RM88$Rx .@#MM$$$s. @RM8$$$$$$i $MXH8$$$$5x d$RM$$$$$$$$k .-'``"$$$$$$$X! :$$M$$$$$$$$$$$` ":;$$$$M! $$$M" #$$$$P $;$$$$M!! @$*" ?$$P /@ /@ $`$$$$M: "9~ \/ \/ | B. | :" -...x~~ ... f ^P .@$$$$u : r" e$$$$$$$& | @- $$$$$$$$$ | Xf $$$$$$$$$ : 9 ^*$$$$$$ : \$ "**" ; $ : "o , $$c. _.- $##?=+---" : | .f `---.. :-^ "~-. +` " f : z | ~ ! ` i @ ; :. i : :> : | unknown Koen, 3, has definite preferences for meals when he visits his Nanna and PawPaw. For supper, he wants "red soup" (tomato soup) and for dessert, he requests "a black cookie" (a mint Oreo). -- Dennis Smith (Pawpaw) of Oak Ridge, North Carolina Jacob and his father Matthew love to wrestle and play fight. One day, when Jacob was 3 he was sitting on Matt's knee when Matt decided to initiate a "battle." Matt balled up his fist and shook it at Jacob and asked, "Do you want a piece of me?" Not missing a beat, Jacob balled up his fist at his father and asked, "You got any last words?" -- Susan Hale of Anadarko, Oklahaoma Lucas was born 3 years ago with bilateral clubfoot and has to wear a brace every night to prevent his feet from relapsing. He apparently thinks it is something that every child needs to wear. One night while his mother was putting it on he asked where Lexi (a little girl next door) was. Since he was getting ready for bed, his mom said that she was getting ready for bed. Then he asked, "Is Lexi getting her brace on too?" -- Jennifer Lewellen (mother of Lucas) of Rapid City, South Dakota _ .' '. |0 0| (|_()|) __ __ () /_/[[U] ____\_/____ \_ / / \H\ Y /H/ \/ | ___ ___ / |H\|/HH| | '--.\_/.-.| / _/HHHHHH\_ / /00 \ / /|HHHHHHHH|\_/ / / |___/ \HHHHHH/ (() /|_ | ] / \ ___ /'--' \ \\\' / \ \_/>\|| |\ \ / /\ | \__/ _/ / | | \ \ | [[ _/ | | | | \ __ )\ |___| |___| | || |\\ .-' | | '-. _| || | \\ snd \___,_] [_,___/ (__(___/ \| The other day Jennifer found out just how her positive reinforcement was affecting Lucas. She was in the bathroom when he barged in asking if she was going poop. When she said yes, he bent towards her a little and with a BIG smile on his face said, "Good job, Mommy! I'm so proud of you!" A few weeks ago, Patricia's step-daughter went on a business trip to Florida and her father and Patrcia kept her two kids, Nick, 9, and Nataly, 5. This was the first time she had packed up her clothes and flown for a business trip. She called them every night and talked for a while. One night she was anxious to get off the phone, but Patricia could only hear Nick's end of the conversation. He said, "Iron your clothes? What's that?" -- Patricia Cranford of Georgia Bryce, 2, was just beginning to understand Christmas. When he entered Grammie's house he stared with awe at the Christmas tree and the gifts piled around it. "Look, Daddy, at all my presents!" he exclaimed, jumping up and down, clapping his hands with delight. "Those presents are for everyone," Bryce's father explained patiently. "What did we talk about this morning, Bryce? What is Christmas about?" "Giving," Bryce answered sweetly. "Right!" his proud father answered with a smile. "Then give me my presents!" answered Bryce. -- Jane McKinnon ("Grammie") of Wilmington, Delaware __ ( )) (_)|_) (_) \ _ |___| // |oo | // /\ | // \/ | ___// | | /\ // | | / \' \ / \ / \__\ / __ \ / /_ / / / \ \ \ // \ / / \ \ \../| \ ,' / \ . `----\ \__/ / ,| | | \ / / / /|| | |__.--' \/_/ | / | \ / | | | \ `.__.' / \| \ / |.___.| | | | | | | | | snark^dec97 ,--' `.| `---. `-----''-----' Pnina, 4, loves to marry off her stuffed animals. She has a small stuffed mandrill who is "married" to a gorilla (named, respectively, MANdrill and GIRLrilla). One morning Pnina informed her mother that Mandrill needed Girlrilla. After looking around downstairs and not finding her, Pnina went up to her bedroom to look for Girlrilla. She came back downstairs with Girlrilla and said (in her best gorilla voice), "Where's my husband?!" Pnina headed back upstairs. Her mother asked her if Mandrill was upstairs. She answered, "Yes." Her mother asked, "So, why didn't you bring him down when you brought Girlrilla down?" Pnina answered in an annoyed-parent tone of voice, "Oy, oy, oy! I only have two hands!" -- Brandel (mother of Pnina) in Jerusaleem Alyssa, 4, had an early morning appointment at the office her doctor shares with five other pediatricians. A nurse appeared at the door to get the first patients and called out, "Cohen." Alyssa looked at her mom and said, "Who is Cohen?" Mommy pointed to the family following the nurse and said, "They are." A second nurse came to the door and called out, "Smith." Alyssa looked at her mom again and said, "Who is Smith?" Mommy pointed to the family following the nurse and said, "They are." A third nurse immediately came to the door and called out, "Wilson." Alyssa looked at her mom a third time and said, "Who is Wilson?" Mommy pointed to the family following the nurse and said, "They are." In a rather loud voice and with a tilt of her astonished face, Alyssa said, "Mom! How do you KNOW all these people?" -- Kathryn Wright (Alyssa's mom) of Katy, Texas Lorraine and AJ were sitting on the back patio with Calvin, 17 months, when Calvin looked at the birds in the sky and said, "Birds" and then laid his head on Daddy's knee. Calvin looked up again, shook his head and said, "No, ducks." (It was pigeons!) -- Lorraine Belt (mother of Calvin) of Las Vegas, Nevada ========================================================== _. ,-.,-"`""-./ \ / \ `-.| .:::.:::. \ / `-._ ::::::::: | "=\ ':::::' | .==" |o_|_ ':' | _o. ` (_) ,;;;,;;;, ; \\ ;;;;;;;;; \ _. /|-. ';;;;;' \ ` `'---'/ \ ';' \ .--._ /-' | ,-`. / `-._( / `-._`-._\ `\ '\ ( ` `'._ _, | \ / ~-. `| | | / `;-.| | | .' \ /| | / .'-. '. | \ | .' `-._ '. | /"` `\ jgs / `"--.,_'-._\-.___.'_ ; / `""";--' `. | / .'` \ /""-. ; / \""-, \ | / | \ | \ | '. |/ '. \ .'`-. / '._ '.,___,.;' '-.___.' `"""----------'` >-->UNCHAINED The only way to know the joy The joy of being free, Is to know there's chains that bind That grip eternally. We have to know how dead we are, Before we'll seek the Lord, We have to know we're bound in hell, Before we'll crave His Word. We need to fear the sin in us, And know how bad we are, To want to have the Life of Christ Come, overtake our heart. We'll need to know how lost our walk Before we'll seek God's way, The way that leads to heaven, Where life will last always We'll need to hunger, thirst Before we'll crave for more More than life today can offer, More beyond death's door. It's only when we know we're caught That we will cry for help, And then The Lord will reach right down And draw us to Himself. Soft whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan2011 -<>- .'''. ' ' '. .' '.' ' ' ' /")\ / /\ \ / ()""() |=( . .) | '(o)| /______| | | _ / ____ \ _ ( ) / \ ( ) |_|/ \|_| tre >-->Only Two Kinds Of People There are only two kinds of people on earth today Two kinds of people, no more I say. Not the rich and the poor, for to know a man's wealth You must first know the state of his conscience and health, Not the happy and sad, for in life's passing years, Each has his laughter and each has his tears. No, the two kinds of people on earth I mean Are the people who lift and the people who lean. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox >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 ************************************************************************