Orchestrated By God ... :) 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 ================ >-->From Heartwarmers: =_ ||\ C O C O |||\ C O c O (\/\/ C O (\/\/ ||||\O (\/\/ (\/\/ /| | (\/\/ c O /| | ||||\/\ /| | /| | / | /| /| | (\/\// | /| ||||// \ / | /| / | /|/__|/ | / | /| /| |__|/ | |||/ __\| /__|/ |/__|/ | " /__|/ | / | /| " |__: //| | " " " /__|/ | - c O ! " ( ) c O (\/\/ \ -\ (\/\/ c O /| | ___ \O - \O /| | (\/\// | /| / \/|) ( & )/) / | /| /| |__|/ || ./||\ _____ -\/|\ /__|/ | / | /| " \___/ | \ /\ | (_) | \ " /__|/ | /|\ |__\ -- | |__\ " " /|\ " O ______________ /\/ /________________) O @ / \_|___O /___________| _|/_ \ O @ |/__ /_oo-#= | /( )_\ \-O \|_ | |\\ :|(/| \/ ;/_)_(_ \_\ O / |_\ ||__ |O _( ) \| /| / ( ) O / | |\\ =#-@@| / / / __\| / | ;/__)_( /_oo-#= \/ | //| | __|| ( ) | \/ __|| ___O //| | /_|_| ||__ ejm97 //| | \ \/ )>==O ' ' | |\\ | O \/) __|| /| | .-O //| | / | __|| (=) ) __|| //| | \(/| //| | ___|| // | | >ORCHESTRATED BY GOD by Sharmaine Hobbs In January 2009, my cousin Jean and her husband Tommy came down to Virginia to see the headstones that had been put up to honor and mark the graves of her parents who had passed away within just a few months of each other. Tommy had also lost his mother during that time as well. So within a matter of a few months, both her parents and his Mom were gone. It was a tough time period, but their love for one another and faith in God pulled them through. In our family, my paternal grandmother, affectionately known as Bigmoma was a praying woman. She was a widow at an age that was earlier than most women, so I knew what drove her to her knees and why she prayed all the time. I understand that now. So in a time when the man was truly the head of the household and the woman was more of the support person, Bigmoma was clearly at the helm of her family and prayer was passed down to all of us because of her example and deep faith in God. So the three of us decided that we would go to Blackstone and have a little ceremony to dedicate the headstones and have prayer. When we arrived at the cemetery, there was no one there on that weekday but us. It was quiet and serene. As we pulled into the parking lot, we all could feel the tears welling up as we quietly held them back. Even though we were going to visit the gravesite, it's a reminder that our loved ones are no longer with us and only a short while ago they had been. We walked to her father's grave and admired the headstone, held hands and Jean said the prayer. We all felt connected and though there is the loss, there is also the comfort of knowing that his spirit was at rest and in a perfect place. When we went to her mother's grave, we admired the headstone and she asked me to pray. Again we held hands in circle and I closed my eyes and the words came forth and went up. We thanked God for their lives and for their time with us and again released her, knowing that she is in that perfect place too. As I finished praying, I noticed an unfamiliar car, slowing down as it passed the cemetery. It made a left turn into a makeshift pathway at the lower portion of the cemetery where the funeral cars normally use to gain access. At first I thought it might be one of the ladies who lived on the road since our home church is in walking distance from my mom's house. But I couldn't make out who it was. She eased her car ever so slowly toward a grave closest to the road. It was marked by a double headstone. Maybe she lost her husband, I thought. Slowly the door opened and for a few seconds it appeared as though she might not be able to get out of the car. I didn't know whether it was from grief or from her mobility, but from a distance, I continued to watch quietly. She seemed unaware that we were there, even though our car was parked in the church parking lot and we were several rows over from where she was. She took her time positioning herself to get out of the car. She had parked right at the headstone. She stood up, the car door still ajar and took just three steps. She quickly went down on one knee and grabbed the headstone as if it were to break her fall. But she did not fall. She bowed her head and laid it upon the headstone as if she were embracing whomever it was she had lost. She clung to that piece of marble as though her very life depended on it. Her quiet sob was muffled. It is a picture I will always remember. I was so moved by her deep love and her sorrow I felt compelled to walk towards her. I didn't want to intrude on this private moment, but it just felt to me that her heart was crying out and I wondered if I, a stranger, could provide any consolation to her. Perhaps just a loving embrace might provide a bit of comfort to her. "I'm sorry" I said. "I don't mean to disturb you. I thought you were one of the ladies that lived on this road." "No, I'm Bertha Goode," she told me. "I've come to see my sister Doris today. I miss her so very much. We were so close." I read the headstone which said August 2007. Mrs. Goode told me that she had just celebrated her 79th birthday and she was the only sister left. Not only was she the last sister left, but she was now alone -- without a husband, missing her sister, and possibly wondering how much time she had left. "I'd love to give you a hug today, if that would be all right", I said. She reached her arms up to me, as she knelt at the headstone and I reached down to her. I thought about how much she loved her sister and tried to send that love back to her in my hug. I thought about her feeling alone and sent some love for that too. I thought about her turning 79 and sent some love for that as well. I asked God to please send whatever it was she needed that day, through my hug to her. I thought of how it might feel to lose a sister and sent some love for that too. What was Mrs. Goode feeling that day that made her drive down to the cemetery on a week day and almost collapse as she cradled the headstone of her sister? Whatever it was, I knew that God had us in the cemetery on that afternoon. And even though we went for one purpose, to dedicate the headstones of our family members, God orchestrated that someone would also be there for Mrs. Goode. I will keep that memory with me forever. In loss, God is the only person we can tell our true feelings to. He understands. And the comfort we need when we have lost a loved one, sometimes only God can fill that. But sometimes when you feel you are all alone, God will send his love to you through another. As I walked away from the cemetery, I realized that I had been a small part of a miracle. He had me in the right place at the right time. He gave me a little nudge to go over and see about her. And through my arms and my heart, God was able to give her the love and hug through a human being that she went to the headstone, made of marble to receive. Everyday there is a miracle! -- Sharmaine Hobbs --- ... . , )). -===- ,(( ))). ,((( ))))). .:::. ,(((((( ))))))))). :. .: ,((((((((' `))))))))))). : - : ,(((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))_:' ':_(((((((((((((((' `)))))))))))).-' \___/ '-._((((((((((( `))))_._.-' __)( )(_ '-._._((((' `))'---)___)))'\_ _/'((((__(---'((' `))))))))))))|' '|((((((((((((' jim `)))))))))/' '\(((((((((' `)))))))| |(((((((' `))))))| |((((((' /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ '---..___..---' Orchestrated By God explains perfectly how God does things! Webster says Orchestrated means: to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired or maximum effect That's what God does! He doesn't control - he doesn't make people do what He wants them to but he arranges and combines as best he can achieving His most perfect effect or result for those who are His children, are in good standing with him, and ask him to. The bible puts it this way ... Romans 8: [26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Check Out These... Walking In Power: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html Speaking In Tongues - teachings http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&new_topic=88 Our Valuable Anchor http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Self Talk http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/selftalk.html ======================================================================= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: Finally starting to feel a bit better. Was even able to make a trip to town yesterday for an MRI on my spine. When they took me out to add the contrast one of the techs asked me if I was feeling any discomfort. I told her I woke up once thinking I should start my wood pellet stove cause it was chilly out. She laughed and turned down the fans. I had my MRI put on CD Rom and will send it to my Dr in Texas for reading and they will call with the results. Finally able to eat and drink and keep it in my system for a while which will help my energy level a lot! When I look back on all of the projects I had going on last year compared to what I can do this year I would have never believed I could feel this way. Curve balls will get you every time! Hopefully Spring will stay this time and bring sunshine with it instead of the dreary rain we have right now. For those of you that have sent me invitations to join you on Facebook please use ncantafio@charter.net as that is the only one I use on there. Nancy --- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ ...Please keep our InspiredBuffalo Lady - Nancy - in your daily prayers! -<>- >GOD is in control A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003 , TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001 . His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words: A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child.. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. both very upset, we drove home. ' ' I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can't just sit by for; I have to do something.' I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild. Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort. My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say good-bye. Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.' He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'there is something else you need to know..' His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves . When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live. This story should help us to realize this: God is always in control.. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control. Please take time to share this amazing story. You may never know the impact it may have on someone. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures Forever. - Psalm 136:1 --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...I have to add my two cents here. Yes - God is always in control when it comes to those he has chosen before the foundation of the world to be His - come hell or high water there is nothing that shall stop God from saving these people and making them His. However - if God was in control Jesus would not of taught this... Luke 11 [2] And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. You don't have to pray for something that already is. If God were always in control - HIS WILL WOULD ALWAYS be done and we'd not have to ask for it to be so. Besides, that is why we have sickness, poverty, and death. God is NOT always in control. Because we know God's will concerning these things... 3 John 1: [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. If God were always in control, His children WOULD ALWAYS Be prosperous and in good health as long as they breath - This is His Wish ABOVE ALL THINGS - so if He were always in control it would be so! We already know death isn't in His control either else the bible would not say this... 1 Cor. 15 [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. God is not always in control. That is why horrible things happen to good and bad people alike. It is why we must be vigilant... 1 Pet.5 [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: It is why we look forward to when Christ shall return so we can have God always in control through Christ Jesus our Lord and get rid of all this pain and suffering and death! -<>- >Guilty You have been accused of accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior and bombarding God with prayers! You are hereby sentenced to Everlasting Life , No bail, No Appeal. You have been labeled Blessed and hereby detained in God's custody forever, Amen. You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but FAITH looks up. Lord, grant me patience to endure my blessing......When the devil comes knocking at your door, simply say... "Jesus, could you get that for me please"? --- ...Ever have one of these discussions? Christ asks, 'You want me to take care of it for you?' You say, 'YES, Please, My Lord' Jesus answers with much excitement, 'My pleasure!!' You say, 'Thank you!' -<>- .-. __/ ( , '-.____\ u=='/ \ /_/ \ .-'' | ( ____/_____ _>_/.-------- \/// // snd // >Best Friends Once in a small farming town in Oklahoma, there lived a poor fourth grade boy named Andy Who would follow this route to school everyday: He had to cross the rugged plains and a Dangerous highway where vehicles recklessly drove to and fro. Once past this highway, the Boy would take a short cut by passing by the Church every morning just to say hi to Jesus, And faithfully say his morning prayers. He was being watched by the pastor who always found The boy's sincerity and innocence so uplifting in the morning. "Hello Andy, How are you today", he would say greeting the child. "I'm fine Pastor Thompson, How are you" ...he would say flashing his innocent grin. Seeing the way that Andy went to school the pastor was so concerned one day he talked to Him. "From school...", he advised "do not cross the highway alone, you can pass through The Church and then I will accompany you to the other side of the road that way I can see That you get home safe...." "Thank you Pastor..." "Why don't you go straight home ... Why do you stay in this church right after school?" Andy replied, "I just want to say "Hi" to my friend, Jesus," so the pastor would leave the Boy to spend time praying by himself beside the altar, but one day out of curiosity he hid Behind the altar to listen to what this boy had to say. "You know my math exam was pretty bad today, but I did not cheat-although my seat mate was Bullying me for notes ... You know, Dad's had a bad farming season so far this year so we Don't have much food but I ate some bread and drank my water. Thank you for this! I saw a Poor kitten who was hungry and I know how he feels so I gave some of my bread to him... Funny but I am not that hungry... Look, this is my last pair of shoes... I may have to Walk barefoot next week... You see this is about to be broken... But it is okay... At Least I am still able to go to school... Some say we will have a hard season this month, And some of my classmates have had to stop going to school to help with the farms ... Please help them get to school again, please Jesus?... Oh, you know, Dad hit me again, it Is painful, but I know this pain will pass away, at least I still have a Dad ... You want To see my bruises? I know you can heal them ... Here... Here and....oh ...blood. I guess You knew about this one, huh? Please don't be mad at Dad, he is just tired and worries About putting food on our table and my schooling that is why he hits me... Oh, I think I Am in love... there's this pretty girl in my class, her name is Anita... Do you think she Will like me? Anyway, at least I know you will always like me, I don't have to be anybody Just to please you, you are my very best friend! Hey your birthday is just one week from now!!! Aren't you excited? I am! Wait till you See, I have a gift for you.... But it is a surprise! I hope you will like it! Oooops, I Have to go..." Then he stood up and calls out, "Pastor, I am finished talking to my friend... Can you Accompany me to the other side of the road now"? This routine happened everyday. Andy never failed to visit the church. Pastor Thompson Shared this every Sunday to the people in his church because he had never before seen such Pure faith and trust in God, and such a very positive outlook in such negative Circumstances. The day before Christmas, Pastor Thompson became very ill and was sent to the hospital. The Church was left to a substitute Pastor who had little patience for children or for any Interruptions in his work. He would not smile and could always find fault in what other People were doing. On Christmas Day he was in the Pastor's Study when Andy,coming from his Christmas party, playfully dashed into the church calling, "Hi Jesus!!!!!" "Who are you child and what are you doing in here", the pastor yelled out angrily. Poor Andy was so terrified. "Where's Pastor Thompson? He always helps me cross the Street.... And not only that, I have to greet Jesus--it's His birthday, I have a gift Right here...." Just as he was about to get the gift out of his shirt, the pastor grabbed Andy by the Shoulder and pushed him out the door of the church. "I cannot be bothered right now I am preparing my sermon for the Christmas service tonight. Also, next time be more reverent when you come into the church", the man yelled as he closed the door behind Andy. So the boy had no choice but to cross the dangerous side of the road in front of the church by himself. As he crossed a fast moving bus came in. There was a blind curve. The boy was protecting his gift inside his shirt, so he was not looking. There was so little time. Andy died on the spot. As people crowded around the body of the poor, lifeless, young boy... Suddenly, out of nowhere a tall man appeared in a pure white shirt and pants, a face so mild and gentle, but with eyes full of tears... He came and carried the boy in His arms, He was crying. Curious bystanders nudged the man in white, and asked, "Excuse me sir, are you related to the child? Do you know him?" The man in white, His face mourning and in agony, answered, "He was my best friend .. " was all he said. He took the badly wrapped gift from the shirt of the lifeless boy, and placed it near his heart. He stood up and carried the boy away and they both disappeared from sight. The crowd was curious... On New Years Eve, when Pastor Thompson returned home from the hospital he learned of the shocking news. He went to visit Andy's parents, and to ask them about the man in white he had been told about. He consulted the parents of Andy. "How did you first learn of your sons death?" "A man in white brought him here." Sobbed the mother. "What did he say?" The father answered, "He did not say anything. He was mourning. We do not know him and yet he was very lonely at our son's death, as if he knew our son very well. But there was something peaceful and unexplainable about him. He gave me my son, and then he smiled peacefully. He rubbed my son's hair away from his face and kissed him on his forehead, then he whispered something..." "What did he say?" "He said to my boy..." the father began, "Thank you for the gift... I will see you soon.. you will be with me..." and the father of the boy continued, "and you know for a while, it felt so wonderful... I cried, but I do not know why.... all I know is I cried tears of joy... I could not explain it, but when that man left, something peaceful came over me, I felt a deep sense of love inside... I could not explain the joy in my heart, I know my boy is in heaven now.. but... tell me, who was this man that my son talked to everyday in your church, you should know because you are always there... except at the time of his death..." Pastor Thompson suddenly felt the tears welling in his eyes, with trembling knees, he murmured, "He was talking to Jesus...." -<>- _ \`*-. ) _`-. . : `. . : _ ' \ ; *` _. `*-._ `-.-' `-. ; ` `. :. . \ . \ . : .-' . ' `+.; ; ' : : ' | ; ;-. ; ' : :`-: _.`* ; [bug] .*' / .*' ; .*`- +' `*' `*-* `*-* `*-*' >Precious, the Cat by Sharlett F. Hunt My little cat came to me when she was barely three weeks old. This little thing who had nobody else but me. She is a small Hemingway with eight toes on the front and six on the back. Tortoise shell color they tell me, mostly black and blond. Of course I was amazed at her for being polydactyl. We might have had a few fights in the almost three years she has been my baby. The end results are always the same. She knows when I am sick and becomes so unassuming. She slept in my bed and got up in my hair when she was real small. I felt the need to take care of her. I also believe that she felt an instinct to care for me. One evening, I had gone to bed and there was something left on the stove and she woke me, standing in my face. She was just a wee little character then. I felt like, "get outta my face" but when I realized something was burning, I immediately came awake. Did I say she drove me nuts with her Jeckyl and Hyde personality? One minute, she was calm, the next she would fly and jump all over everything in my house, including the ceiling. I tried to give her away but just couldn't. I felt like this, nobody will feed her and take care of her as I do. She would get up on my computer and rearrange anything I was doing. At the time I was writing a book and she just seemed to detain me. This little kitten actually follows rules. I have never seen one who would roll a ball back and forth. Dogs do that not cats. I was thinking to myself that she uses reasoning. This little cat does not get up on my table, she sits at my feet. I have trained her to respect what I say and she has been with me so long she is me. A neighbor told me last night that Precious was over "just visiting" and went on to say that she is just like me, so polite. And so pretty. I just want to say that in this world there are many more likenesses than not. This little thing follows me anywhere. God knows what I would do without her. Funny, I do believe that animals take on our personality. Sometimes, I swear, I can even hear her laugh. Probably at me. If we look at ways we are alike and not our differences, this world will be a better place. If anybody out there is a cat person, you know what I mean about unconditional love. When Jesus first loved me, I wasn't real sure either but I didn't throw him away. I was so unsure that I was lovable, something like my tiny kitten. That is true love. -<>- _____ _.'_____`._ .'.-' 12 `-.`. /,' 11 1 `.\ // 10 / 2 \\ ;; / :: || 9 ----O 3 || :: ;; \\ 8 4 // \`. 7 5 ,'/ '.`-.__6__.-'.' ((-._____.-)) _)) ((_ '--'SSt '--' >So Little Time So little time to say the things You'd really like to say - Before you even find the words, The time just slips away. So little time to do the things You feel that you must do. So treasure, like the purest gold, The time God's given you. So little time to dream your dreams, For youth has passed its prime, And all too soon you realize That there's ... so little time. So little time to reach the height To which you're bound to climb, For swiftly pass the waning years, And there's ... so little time. So little time to pass regrets, And less, to make amends, Yet God can heal the deepest wounds In chosen, cherished friends. So little time to share God's love And beauty here on earth, And know, before His endless time, Their meaning and true worth. Oh, yes, there is so little time To seek the hidden door That opens up to heaven's time, Where time's forevermore. --Unknown -<>- _ ,g$Pdb. ,:; d$Pd$$P .+::: , :Pd$$$P ,::::: $.d*'`**' ;::::; $P ::::: $ [bug] _.+-**--. ___ $ _.-*"__ ._ ,+:::::+. $ ,' :::; ` ::::::::::+. $_ : ::::: "* `^:::::::^" (.-+. | `.`^:; : """ (`- \ : `-.__; ; .---, $-. \ ; ' / .' .__: $ \ \ | .' .' .' . \ | .' .' .' \: : .' / ` :`-.___.-' l-' / \ ;-._ _.-: .' \: """ : / ;-._ _.`-+' | ""**"" ; |-._ _.-*': ; ""**"" | :-._ _.-*'| ; ""**"" : :-. _ _.-*'; \.' `."" / .--. / ; _..' : \/ /`--'-+' \ / : \ `. / \ `. `-' `. \ ; : .' ; : / `--' >Life's Little Things - "Be kind to each other." Chances are you've been bitten by a mosquito, an ant, a gnat, a bee or a wasp, but have you ever been bitten by a lion or an elephant? Not too likely. The point is that it's usually the little things in life that get under our skin and upset our apple cart more often than the biggies. It's also the little things that make a big difference to the quality of our life. A simple thank you, a kindly word, a word of encouragement, a telephone call, a note, an email, a greeting card, a smile, a word of appreciation, a flower, and so on. Why not determine to do something kind every day for someone, and especially for your loved ones as well as to friends and work mates. As someone else said, "When we deserve love the least is when we need it the most!" Do it today! -<>- _.---,_ .' `'. \ __..-'\ }-"` \ /__,,..---.._| \ | |---..__ | / ``"-./ .'---...__ | .' ``"-./ ,--./...,,,__ / '--.'__ __```.-. /._ / ` ` ' `=/.-.|-._) | .-. .-. "\\ / || O| | O| ""=='_\ .-' '-'o '-' ""=\` `''--/- ""=-,\--._ .---|- ( ""=-. \` \ /`)"=."=|'-. '. _.-' ' "=|\| (`----` '="=|/ `-. "=/` '. =/ \ =| .-. |` "=| ( ~._ | "==| _.-~`\ \ ~. |'"="| _.-~ ) ; ~-.|.-._|_.-~ / / _-( /-.__ ( '._..--~~`/`/-'\-._ `~~- ; jgs /"=| |" =\~-...___.-~ /=" / | "==\ / = (_ \ "==\ ;="= `\_) =="\ >LAUGHING DURING TOUGH TIMES Laughter and tears are part of living. But do you find enough time for laughter? I am not asking if you experience lots of good times. Of course we should laugh during the happy times. But do you also laugh during the difficult times? Erma Bombeck is known for her humorous books, but she wrote one that covered a more serious topic: cancer in children. The book is titled, I WANT TO GROW HAIR, I WANT TO GROW UP, I WANT TO GO TO BOISE (Harper and Row, 1989). Erma talks with numerous children with cancer and learns important life lessons from them. She learns, for instance, that cancer survivors know how to laugh. She cites the experience of 15-year-old Jessica from Burlington, VT. Jessica's leg was amputated at the knee because of cancer. She was learning to wear a prosthesis. Jessica tells about playing soccer. She kicked the ball hard and it flew off in one direction while her artificial leg flew another way. Then "the tall, gorgeous person that I am," she said, "convulsed on the floor in laughter." Jessica may not have laughed about her cancer, but she laughed about dealing with the consequences of it. And her laughter helped her cope. Then there is the story of 17-year-old Betsy. She made her way to the radiation room for her regular radiation therapy. As usual, she dropped her hospital gown and, wearing only her birthday suit, climbed onto the table and waited. After a couple of moments she began to realize something disturbing: the extra people in the room were not the medical students she had thought, but rather painters giving an estimate on painting! Betsy laughs heartily about the incident. And like Jessica, her ability to laugh helped her to cope with one of the most difficult things a young person can endure -- cancer. Biblical wisdom teaches that "there is a time to weep and a time to laugh." Do you find plenty of occasions for laughter? You can...if you also find reasons to laugh during the especially difficult times. Survivors know how to laugh. If you can laugh even when the going is rough, you'll make it. And you'll smile at the end. -- Steve Goodier -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Magician Act Followed By Explanation http://www.buffaloschips.com/gsdhsjsk.htm Malcom-Jue-Bebe http://www.buffaloschips.com/gshsjsk.htm Marine And Geese http://www.buffaloschips.com/gshsjsks.htm Mary Did You Know http://www.buffaloschips.com/gsddsshsjsk.htm Math 911 http://www.buffaloschips.com/gsdsdsll.htm Take The Sword http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/sword.html Where Was God? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/where.html Choose His Children? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/choosehischildren.html Our Gifts And Callings http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html Sand Sculpture Art 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sandart.html Classic Checy Collection http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chevy.html Identity Theft 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/identitytheft2.html Life's Little Oops 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops4.html =================================================================== >A "Hands-On" Landlady Story Editor: by Jan Gerston Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA Elaine was a successful real estate broker and land developer. In addition to running a busy office of real estate agents and property managers, she had been recently widowed with the challenge of raising two teenaged children on her own. She was also my landlady for seven years. Elaine was a "hands-on" landlady: despite her manicured nails and elegant coiffure, she would spend a hard day cleaning the duplex next to mine each time a tenant moved out. Several times I found her outside doing yard work at the duplex adjoining mine. Then it was my turn to move. Returning to clean an empty rental property after your furniture has been moved out is one of the more unpleasant moving tasks. One is in transition between the former and the future parts of one's life. It was a few weeks before Christmas, all my worldly goods were in storage, and my life was in upheaval. I had lost my job and was about to embark upon a somewhat risky adventure -- a long-held dream. After cleaning, I dreaded the inevitable long wait at the post office to mail out my Christmas gifts. When I arrived back at the duplex with cleaning supplies, the technicians working to rehabilitate the kitchen cabinets were rude and unpleasant, adding to the chore. I was exhausted from packing and moving, uncertain about my future, and already missing my friends and all that was familiar. Elaine came to check on the place and found me scrubbing a stained floor without effect. Because of some water damage and the usual wear and tear, I did not expect my cleaning deposit to be returned. Plus, when signing my lease I had agreed to have the carpets professionally cleaned after I moved out. I was embarrassed at the condition of my place, but instead of showing the disappointment she must have felt, Elaine just took charge. She offered to ship my packages, saying that if I got in line at the post office, I'd be stuck there all day, delaying my departure. She said she would arrange to have the carpets cleaned after I left. She seemed to forgive me for the water damage. She returned my entire cleaning deposit. I was overcome with emotion and could not speak for several minutes. Sometimes all it takes to release a big burden of pent-up emotion is the kindness of one stranger. In a situation in which she could have been brusque, this hard-working businesswoman showed compassion for one of her many tenants. She assessed my situation and set about immediately trying to make it better, despite the additional load it placed on her. She lightened the daunting workload I faced in moving. I was able to leave town with a light heart and a positive attitude -- due to the kindness of my landlady. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Heartwarmers: __,---.__ ,-' `-. ,' `. / \ / . \ ; ) : | (( | | ) \ | : ( , ) ; \ _ `|'__ / \ ( """"_ ) / `. )/(/( \| ,' `- () )()|| -' | () || | || | () | | | | | | | | ____|_____|____ (________ ___) \___ _/ (_____ __) \ / )__ ( (____ _) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | _/ \_ Stef .--'_________`--. >IF YOU COULD TRAP A SOUND by Kathy Pippig This is for the coal miners who perished in the recent mining accident. And for my grandfather who was a coal miner in Illinois, and loved roses. The life of a coal miner is insular. They have their family and tight knit group of friends. And, they have their faith. Their occupation is dangerous and often lonely. The work they do is as vital to our country as is the air we breath. When our country loses a single person to the mines, we have lost a heartbeat in the pulse of our nation. If you could trap a sound, in the heart of Mother Earth from the cool, depths underground What would that sound be? A laugh, a whisper, a spoken last word a gasp, a supplication, a plea If you could trap a vision by the eye, seen would you espy the grasp of comfort from one man to the other, brothers in their faith... freed If you could dispel the darkness, with a flame Or feel inspiration ignited, by a prayer You would have seen the angels that came and moved amongst the men down there Men of the Heartland Miners of our Earth Beckoned to His Homeland Men of family -- Men of worth! Extolled in the human heart is our connection with the Creator like a star in the firmament, bright And to the Heavens above we lift our eyes through the darkness until we connect with the Light -- Kathy Anne Pippig ============================================================ >-->From Laugh&Lift: The Lift `:-._,-.-._,, __ `--'`.`' .. (_ ) ________ __ __( ,_Y) _ _(( )_)__ _ ,--(_ACME_(O) _/_/ /,-, ,-' _-_( )_-_-_ (_(__,[[[___[__],--. (_)///\\_, ((_)_)) ,-\// \// _\==O-O / @( //__`-_) (_) `=(___V____V_(_( .___) _\\-,/_, - -- - _/`\LLLLL(\__/`---' /,-' `--' -__ -- ( / / ( < < jv ' ''''' '''' >Finish the Race (By Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries, http://www.gdwm.org) Paul was returning to Jerusalem at the end of his third and final missionary journey. By this time in his ministry, Paul had been a Christian for nearly twenty years. Twenty years since Jesus called Paul, "My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" (see Acts 9:15). Twenty years of faithful service, and now... "in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me" (see Acts 20:23). Paul was returning home, but his life was not going to be easy. He knew there were many trials ahead, but his life had a purpose far beyond his immediate surroundings. Acts 20:24 "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." It was several more years before Paul wrote; "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (see Philippians 4:12); yet here, when facing certain hardship, Paul showed he had already learned the secret. The particular circumstances in Paul's life had become of minor importance. He knew his contentment was not based on current events, but on bringing glory and honor to God. His life had a wonderful purpose even in the face of great adversity and harsh conditions. We were all created for the same purpose as Paul - we were created to bring glory and honor to God! Our specific tasks may differ and change from time to time, but we each have the same unchanging purpose. Everything we do, say, and think should bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father! God's race is run in the deepest part of our heart, not in the flurry of activity. Running well is not defined by doing more; rather, we run a "successful" race as we do every little task we are given with the complete and absolute devotion of our heart. This race is long and often difficult. There are many distractions which seek to slow us down and even pull us from the track; and at times we may even wonder why we're running. But being a participant in God's eternal race is infinitely more rewarding than standing on the sidelines and simply watching! He has called us to run - and to run well!! We must run the path God places before us with all the strength He provides, and within the sure and calming protection of His grace. Let's run with the motivation of bringing Him glory and honor by loving Him with ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let's continue to run well, and with a burning desire to finish the race. SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ===================================================================== /\/\ / / / _/,/ / _/` (/"/////, ( '```--.___ /' _), ,- '-. /, / \ (\ \, \_()/ \) )' =_ )) | | | .// _/) ( ( \_ // / \ >_,\ (/)= / | | | \ #\| / |=| |=|\ ( ( (=> ( >( >),) | | |=| \ ( ( / / / / ) |/ \ /_( /_( , || )/.,_ ). /\\_(\,/, //- / /_(_( / ,\. b'ger .- '-'-'-,)\/.')) Corrie ten Boom was once asked if it was difficult for her to remain humble. Her reply was simple. "When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on the back of a donkey, and everyone was waving palm branches and throwing garments on the road, and singing praises, do you think that for one moment it ever entered the head of that donkey that any of that was for him?" She continued, "If I can be the donkey on which Jesus Christ rides in His glory, I give him all the praise and all the honor." >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->Pass this on as it should be of interrest to all who served. The study was carried out in Austrialia on their Vietnam Veterans. ABC Nat. Radio Health Report Autralian Vietnam Vets: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/HealthReportVV.mp3 VV ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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 ************************************************************************