So Much Depends On You... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ _..---.._ .' .-'''-. '. / .' _..._'. \ __ : : /`;' ) : : _,="`\ ,--''` ``'.; : |; ,-; : ; __..==""==.,_| `-, `; .\; / ^\ _,.="// '-,_.--._ '.(;_.'__/`_.-'`\ ,.--''`` _..=. `'--.// `` \ `--, '` `- |_\ '-. | `-._ _.;--`-..___,.-'` `'-...-_:',;`==,| \ _.--',=" / /"=;="=, _.' ,=".-'` .' /| ,=" _.--' .-' "=, : .' | ", `;._ .--'.' .-' .' . ; ,;;\_ . '._.'--'` -' / ,;;;._ '-._ .''.__.' `\_ .' '._ / '._ .(` jgs '._ ';./ `;` *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. 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 YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* 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!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This flaming hot new page is from our friend PatDeE. It is one that is sure to give you plenty of heartwarming smiles for your day. Be sure to check it out here... _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.' No Words Needed 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords3.html --- ...Aww, so sweet! Thanks PatDeE! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ,sdPBbs. ,d$$$$$$$$b. d$P'`Y'`Y'`?$b d' ` ' \ `b / | \ \ / / \ | \ _,--' | \ | /' _/ \ | \ _/' /' | \ `-.__ __/' ,-' / | | \ `--...__ /' / | / \ \ `-. `\ / /;;,,__-' / / \ \ `-. / |;;;;;;;\ \ >MARK'S MOUNTAIN BARBECUE by Ken Pierpont Campton is the county seat of Wolfe County, Kentucky. Every Thursday night all summer long there is singin' on the street in front of the courthouse. People sit on the courthouse steps and on lawn chairs on the grass. There's free lemonade as long as it lasts. On the south end of the street is a little barn-looking building on wheels. It is the barbecue trailer from Mark's Mountain Barbecue. Mark mans the stand himself. He sells prize-winning ribs, pulled pork barbecue, and barbecued brisket sandwiches. He also sells a sweet ginger ale they call Ale-Eight-One to wash it down. He serves it ice- cold and it comes in little green glass bottles. The Wolf County cheerleaders work the crown with baked goods, raising money for new uniforms. I have a serious weakness for barbecue, especially on a warm summer evening with singin', free lemonade, and cheap baked goods. Mark sold me a half-dozen BBQ pork sandwiches for the family and I treated myself to a BBQ brisket sandwich. He was a quick study. He sized me up and I'm sure he was a little more generous than usual with my portion size. I gave him a tip. He seemed to appreciate that and then he watched me closely when I bit into the brisket sandwich. "Whata' ya' think o' that brisket?" "Well, I've never had better," I answered honestly. His face lit up with a smile. It was a holiday and we don't get to Kentucky very often. I wasn't sure when I would have a chance to have Mark's Mountain Barbecue again so I went back for seconds for my always-ravenous boys and myself. Mark smiled again and said, "You really have to try my ribs." Without waiting for a reply he went to the grill and pulled off a generous chunk of ribs for me to try. He had a reason to be proud of them. "Whata' ya' say?" "Ummm, good. Real good," I mumbled. "Real, real, good." He picked up a big container and tongs and slapped a huge slab of ribs dripping with sauce into the container and handed it to me. "Take these along with ya'" I walked away with my barbecue windfall’ strains of bluegrass music in the air’ as evening faded into twilight. We'll sing on the street again in September. The color will be creeping into the hills by then. My mouth waters when I think about it. Come to think of it, Mark also sells blueberry cobbler. I wonder if that's as good as his barbecue? -- Ken Pierpont __________________________________________________ Ken is a storyteller, writer, and pastor from Michigan. He met his wife Lois in college. They have been married thirty years and have four sons, four daughters, two grandsons and stories to tell. He is the author of the book Sunset on Summer. He publishes a weekly newsletter. You can subscribe free at http://www.kenpierpont.com =========================================================== >-->From HandyHints: .-'''''-. |'-----'| /`-.....-`\ | <_} | | .-\-. | _,._ | /# ` \ | __.-` `"""-. | \ / | ..--' `"-. `)_,._ \ '-'-' / (` )--.-"``` `"-.`'-----'` '-----------' ( ) jgs `-------------` >What Foods Are The Best Immune-System Boosters? * Berries You can't go wrong when snacking on berries of all kinds - especially since they're the best foods for a cold. That's because berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries - which have loads of health benefits - are a hydrating source of vitamin C. Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and plays an important role in immune function. * Bananas Chock-full of potassium, as well as other powerful nutrients such as fiber and vitamin B6, bananas are about as good as it gets when it comes to strengthening your immune system. Additionally, studies have found that the electrolytes in bananas have seriously impressive energy-boosting benefits, which certainly comes in handy when you're feeling fatigued from a cold. [Fun hint: botanically speaking, a banana IS a berry.] * Eggs Eggs might not be the first food you think of when you're feeling under the weather, but experts agree that they're one of the best foods for a cold. They're loaded with protein, which is an important nutrient to have in your body when you're fighting an illness, and don't skip the yolk. Yolks contain nutrients important for warding off illness, such as zinc and selenium! * Fatty fish When lunch or dinner time calls fill your plate with a nutrient-dense protein like salmon or tuna. One study, published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, found that a diet containing DHA-rich fish oil, found in fatty fish like salmon or tuna boosted the activity of a white blood cell called B-cells, an important part of the body's immune system response. * Yogurt Yogurt is one of the best foods for a cold because it's a good source of protein - especially Greek yogurt - which plays a role in the body's defense mechanism. Choose live culture versions, and you'll get probiotics, or 'good bacteria,' which may help ease the severity of colds. Plus, it's a great place to add all of those berries you're eating. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ..::''''::.. .:::. .;'' ``;. .... ::::: :: :: :: :: ,;' .;: () ..: `:::' :: :: :: :: ::. ..:,:;.,:;. . :: .::::. `:' :: .:' :: :: `:. :: '''::, :: :: :: `:: :: ;: .:: : :: : : :: ,:'; ::; :: :: :: :: :: ::,::''. . :: `:. .:' :: `:,,,,;;' ,;; ,;;, ;;, ,;;, ,;;, `:,,,,:' :;: `;..``::::''..;' ``::,,,,::'' >So much depends on You "I got two A's" the small boy said, his voice was filled with glee, his father very bluntly said "Why didn't you get three?" "Mom, I've got the dishes done" the girl called from the door. Her mother very calmly said, "Did you sweep the floor?" "I mowed the grass" the tall boy said, "and put the mower away" His father asked him with a shrug, "Did you clean off the clay?" The Children in the house next door seemed happy and content The same thing happened over there, but this is how it went: "I got two A's" the young boy said, his voice was filled with glee, his father proudly said "that?s great, I'm glad you belong to me" "Mom, I got the dishes done," the girl called from the door. Her mother smiled and softly said, "Each day I love you more." "I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said, "and put the mower away" his father answered with much joy, "You've made my happy day" Children deserve a little praise for tasks they're asked to do, if they're to lead a happy life, so much depends on you! -<>- _ ///-._ ////////-._ /////////////-. ////////////////`. //////////////// .'`. //////////////// . '.'`. '|`'//////////// . .'.::|` : `'/////// . '.':| | . . `'// ' _|- ::| |. .-._ . | . | .':: | |:|:| | ' ' '.::| | |:|:| :. . .'.':| | . |:|:| . | .._.::: : `':| | ' ////-:| |. . | '/////////-._ | . . : .//////////////-._ : : ///////////////////-._ |. |////////////////////////-._ | . . :`'//////////////////////////-._ | . _.-\\\\``'//////////////////////////-._ | /\\\\\\\\..``'//////////////////////////". : . . /. \\\\\\\\\. .``'///////////////////// .'`. : / _ \\\\\\\\\. ``'//////////////// . .'`. | . / (@) \\\\\\\\\. . . ``'/////////// . '.'::|. {`)._ '| _` .\\\\\\\-`:|#| . . ``'////// '. .'.:| `-{_/`| ||::. \\'`.:|:.|#| |#| . ``'/ ' .##:'::: `-| ||||| |`.'::|::|#| |#| |#| . . '| . .|##|'.:| pils | ||||| : .'::|:.'#| |#| |#| |#| | |##|'::| | ||||| .| .'.:|::.'' '#| |#| |#| . : ' |##|'.:| {`\:|||| : .'::|:_.:. . '#| |#| | .|##|'::: `-{_/'|_ |_.-'/}_/'-._ '#| :. |##:'.:| `'{._('}_)-' `-}_}(-._ . . | ' '` .'::| `-' `-.} /-._ . : .'.'_:-'\ `-}_}(-._ | . _.-')_(-' `-/_)`-.:.-{ \{-' `-{_'_)-'' ^ >The Deacon and the Boy His name is Scott. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college. Across the street from the campus is a well dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students, but are not sure how to go about it. One day Scott decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Scott starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Scott gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Scott. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, and very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Scott and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget." -<>- _|_ | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ,%%%% // \\ ,@@@@@@@, ,%%%%/%%% // \\ ,@@@\@@@@/@@, @@@%%%\%%//%%%// === \\ @@\@@@/@@@@@ @@@@%%%%\%%%%%// =-=-= \\@@@@\@@@@@@;%#####, @@@@%%%\%%/%%// === \\@@@@@@/@@@%%%######, @@@@@%%%%/%%//| |\\@\\//@@%%%%%%#/#### '@@@@@%%\\/%~ | | ~ @|| %\\//%%%#####; @@\\//@|| | __ __ | || %%||%%'###### '@|| || | | | | | || ||##\//#### || || | | -|- | | || ||'#||###' || || |_|__|__|_| || || || || ||_/` ======= `\__||_._|| || jgs__||_/` ======= `\_||___ >EXCUSES Written by Lavernon Davis Excuses, excuses, you hear them everyday. Now, the devil he'll supply them, if from church you stay away. When people come to know the Lord, the devil always loses, So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses! In the summer, it's too hot, and in the winter, it's too cold. And in the springtime, when the weather's just right, You find some place else to go. Well, it's up to the mountain Or down to the beach or to visit some old friend, Or just to stay home and kinda relax and hope some of the kinfolks drop in. Well, the church bench is too hard, and that choir sings way too loud. And, boy, you know how nervous you can get when your settin' in a great big crowd. The doctor told you you'd better watch them crowds, they'll set you back, But you go to that ballgame, cause you say it helps you to relax. Well, you have a headache Sunday morning and a backache Sunday night. Well, one of the children has a cold, pneumonia, do you suppose? Why the whole family had to stay home, just to blow that poor kids nose! The preacher, he's too young, maybe he's too old. His sermons, they're not fired enough, or maybe their too bold. His voice is much too quiet, sometimes he gets too loud, He needs to have more dignity or else he's way too proud. His sermons, they're too long. Maybe, they're too short. He ought to preach the Word with dignity, instead of stomp and snort. Why, one of the members told me the other day, "He didn't even shake my hand." -<>- ____ ____ / + \ || || /+ . \ |o x.| =**= _ =**= | o x| |____| || _( )_ || |____| || /_____\ || | ______________//| |/__________________ |_______^________/ | + | /____^_____ _U_ / |___| // _U_ | /_______________________________________// | /|\ |______________________________________|/ /|\ >It Takes Guts to Believe Author Unknown This is a true story of something that happened just a few years ago at a prominent university. There was a professor of philosophy who was a deeply committed atheist. His primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire semester attempting to prove that God couldn't exist. His students were always afraid to argue with him because of his impeccable logic. For twenty years, he had taught this class and no one had ever had the courage to go against him. Sure, some had argued in class at times, but no one had ever 'really gone against him'. Nobody would go against him because he had a reputation. At the end of every semester, on the last day, he would say to his class of 300 students, "If there is anyone here who still believes in Jesus, stand up!" In twenty years, no one had ever stood up. They knew what he was going to do next. He would say, "because anyone who does believe in God is a fool. If God existed, he could stop this piece of chalk from hitting the ground and breaking. Such a simple task to prove that he is God, and yet he can't do it." Every year, he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of the classroom and it would shatter into a hundred pieces. All of the students could do nothing but stop and stare. Most of the students were convinced that God couldn't exist. Certainly, a number of Christians had slipped through, but for 20 years, they had been too afraid to stand up. Well, a few years ago, there was a freshman who happened to get enrolled in the class. He was a Christian, and had heard the stories about this professor. He had to take the class because it was one of the required classes for his major. And he was afraid. But for 3 months that semester, he prayed every morning that he would have the courage to stand up no matter what the professor said or what the class thought. Nothing they said or did could ever shatter his faith, he hoped. Finally the day came. The professor said, "If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!" The professor and the class of 300 people looked at him, shocked, as he stood up at the back of the classroom. The professor shouted, "You FOOL!! If God existed, he could keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground!" He proceeded to drop the chalk, but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff, onto the pleats of his pants, down his leg, and off his shoe. As it hit the ground, it simply rolled away, unbroken. The professor's jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk. He looked up at the young man and then ran out of the lecture hall. The young man who had stood up proceeded to walk to the front of the room and share his faith in Jesus for the next half hour. 300 students stayed and listened as he told of God's love for them and of his power through Jesus. -<>- | | + \ \\.G_.*=. `(H'/.\| .>' (_--. _=/d ,^\ ~~ \)-' ' / | ' ' a:f >Magnificence by Julie L. McCarty Soft white billows of clouds sailed across the ocean blue sky, when I heard the trumpet sound, the Glory of the Lord met my eyes. The crowns upon his head flashed with thunderings and light, the sword came from his words, dividing the wrong from the right. Like a burning chariot of fire he approached the earth with speed, clothed in his righteousness, upon a white heavenly steed. My heart trembled with excitement as my redemption drew near, the hope of all generations, his return was finally here. I lifted my hands to worship him, as millions of others joined in, to give praise, honor and glory to the one who judges all men. Words cannot describe the magnificence of that scene, the beauty of the Son of God, Lord of Lords, King of Kings. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: The 23rd Psalm http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/psalm23.html Lean On Me http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/leanonme.html Jesus Laughing Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html When God Paints http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Keep On Smiling http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smiling.html Beautiful Birds And Words http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/birdsandwords.html Sand Sculpture Art 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sandart3.html Life Is... Continued http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifeis2.html Here's Your Frog http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/frog.html I Believe... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html Chalk Art 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart2.html Playing With Words http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html A Flower A Day http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/flowerday.html Corner Of Paradise http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/corner.html Top Reasons To Smile http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smile.html Important Life Truths http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetruths.html SUMMER INDEX!- http://www.shangralas.com/ -<>- What Have We Got? https://tinyurl.com/y4a6hqo2 What does the Bible say about Hell? https://tinyurl.com/y3colqv4 Christianity Today is telling the story of the Church in the world. Visit here to learn more: https://tinyurl.com/y55dzgwx Blessed Assurance Christian Worship Song Lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDeiy9-t2GE Above All - Michael W. Smith with lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmxb3F7rb_0 You Raise Me Up (with lyrics) - Selah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DorNUsi5LE He Will Carry You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh3WuenttBM One Day At A Time - Charlie Landsborough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOfPQReS6vU -<>- >In The News: President Donald J. Trump signs an Executive Order on Advancing American Kidney Health at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. | July 10, 2019 President Trump’s executive order is a bold new approach to kidney treatment. Across America, 37 million patients suffer from chronic kidney disease. Each year, more than 100,000 begin dialysis to treat end-stage renal disease-50 percent of whom die within five years. 'Today we're taking groundbreaking action to bring new hope to millions of Americans suffering from kidney disease,' Trump said. Under President Trump's new order, Medicare will test adjusting payment incentives to encourage preventative kidney care, as well as the use of home dialysis and kidney transplants. Furthermore, the President is directing his Administration to develop a process to get artificial kidneys to patients and expedite the process of kidney matching. And crucially, the President is beginning the process of removing financial barriers to organ donation, including by allowing for the reimbursement of lost wages and childcare expenses faced by organ donors. 'For these patients, their loved ones, and for the impacted-all those impacted by kidney disease-I'm here to say: We are fighting by your side, and we're determined to get you the best treatment anywhere in the world,' President Trump said. President Trump: 'We are with you every step of the way.' https://tinyurl.com/y4cjakbd The Angle: Kamala's big con https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdY2xr4JoEo The truth about global warming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA5sGtj7QKQ Historian Victor Davis Hanson on why he supports Trump https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDdSsA9ZcrQ Gingrich: Ocasio-Cortez was 'viciously dishonest' about the border https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qacRcE8T-DQ Dr. Alveda King 'not sure' Kaepernick understands who Betsy Ross is: Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., gives her take on Nike pulling its Betsy Ross flag sneakers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNeuAnI6TSY Spotlight Trump as UFO Disclosure President? https://tinyurl.com/y2hf69w8 Journalist Finds Massive Bombshell In Logs From Epstein-Clinton Flights https://tinyurl.com/y34ezuh3 55% Of Hispanic Voters Approve Of Census Citizenship Question https://tinyurl.com/y23ga5un Meteorologist SLAPS AOC With #FACTS Shows how little Ocasio-Cortez really knows… http://trk.cp20.com/click/g6v6-16hjtw-k4rpau-b61d11g2/ Westwing News: We Can't Afford to Delay Passage of USMCA Trade Deal https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Hot Dog and Hamburger Buns, Gravy, Blankets http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: Outbreaks of Diarrhea Caused By Summertime Parasite http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) WE THE PEOPLE - This term limits advocate comparing Congress to root canals and lice is just too good to not share. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnwGdl1YrQ8 --- ...Love it! Great! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== ,-----. W/,-. ,-.\W ()>a a<() (.--(_)--.) ,'/.-'\_/`-.\`. ,' / `-' \ `. / \ / \ / `. ,' \ / / `-._.-' \ \ ,-`-._/| |=|o |\_.-< <,--.) |_____| |o____| )_ \ `-)| |// _ \\| )/ || |' | `| || | | | || ( )|( ) || | | | || | | | || |_.--.|.--._| || /'""| |""`\ [] `===' `===' hjw >A Serving of Compassion Story Editor: Joyce Schowalter by Rena Fagel Virginia, USA A word I use often lately is "busy". I seem to cram more necessary tasks into every available minute of my day. So with that as background, on Thursday, July 6, 2006, I headed out to pick up dinner for my husband (I don't cook). Many suburban restaurants in my town of 55,000 now offer curbside pickup, where you pull into a specially designated parking space and wait for the server to bring your food to you. I headed to the one where my husband had phoned his order. As I waited in my parking spot at the restaurant, I saw an old man coming out of the restaurant's door. He had a labored walk, and carried a single-hand walker (the kind that has four legs which sprout at the bottom of a cane). As he came through the door, for no reason I could discern, he fell. This happened very quickly. As I registered that he had fallen and saw the confusion on his face, I started to get out the car and go to him. But the curbside server beat me to it. "Bill" was immediately down on his knees in front of the man, quietly telling him to remain still and asking if he was hurt. The old man was clearly still coming to grips with what had happened and didn't answer for a few seconds. He looked up into the face of the server with slight confusion on his face. The server talked to him some more, in a soothing fashion. When Bill had elicited from the man that he thought he was uninjured, Bill told the man to stay where he was and he'd pick him up. And pick him up he did. Carefully, but firmly. There was not a hint of discomfort or awkwardness about Bill as he righted the man back to a standing position. Bill then quietly inquired further as to whether the man remained uninjured. When the responses he received were safe, he walked with the man to his car. As I watched them, their backs to me, the server maintained a respectful but protective distance from the man. He lightly kept his right hand in contact with the small of the man's back, clearly mindful of the fall the man had taken and concerned for him. When they got to the man's car, the server ensured that the man got into it comfortably and safely. It's a pity sometimes that words can't convey the nuances of an event or an experience. That server was so incredibly respectful and careful of the fallen man's dignity. It was evident in his every move, in the tone of his voice, and in the care and concern he provided through his thoughtful actions. I was impressed and touched. I tipped that server *heavy* when he brought out my order and I told him why. Then I headed home. I had just witnessed common, everyday compassion, and it was foremost in my mind. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: "Pursue forgiveness, not innocence." - Max Lucado .--._ . \ ).' )|/ _.'''-._ ( \ \ ) )'-. ( / _.-'\ / ) ('-._ / \ _/ AoS '-.__=='' >An Object Lesson: A Heavy Load to Carry (By Somari) One of my Sunday School teachers had each of us bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes. For every person we'd refuse to forgive in our life experience, we were told to choose a potato, write the person's name and date on it, and put it in the plastic bag. Some of our bags, as you can imagine, were quite heavy. We were told to carry this bag with us EVERYWHERE for the next week, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driving and next to our desk at work. The hassle of lugging these potatoes around clearly showed what a heavy spiritual weight each of us carries. It was a continual reminder of how much attention we have to pay to the weight at all times . . . especially when we'd leave it in embarrassing places. Naturally, the condition of our potatoes deteriorated quickly to a nasty slime. This is a great metaphor for the price we pay for holding on to pain and heavy negativity! Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to others, yet this example clearly shows the gift is to each of us as well! So, the next time you decide you can't forgive someone, ask yourself . . . "Isn't my bag heavy enough already?" Our call as Christians is to forgive just as we have been forgiven. -<>- "Regardless of how we define Christ's separation from the world, one fact is clear: he did not separate himself from human beings and their needs. Nor did he limit his concern to the spiritual part of man's personality." - Erwin W. Lutzer , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Author Unknown) "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB Thomas Chisholm faced no crises. There were no emergencies or serious illnesses in his family. He had been a successful pastor, salesman, and writer, with little drama in his life. Yet Chisholm didn't take his blessings for granted. When he looked back, he realized just how much God had blessed him. Reflecting on the verses from Lamentations, he recognized that the Lord had been faithful. In 1923, when he was 55, Chisholm wrote a hymn called "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Through his words, he shared the truths he had experienced about God. Chisholm knew that God never changes, and He's the same in every season and every kind of weather. Along with all of creation, Chisholm had been a witness to God's great faithfulness. He had seen how God was faithful to forgive the sins of even the most vile of sinners. He recognized that the Lord could fill troubled hearts with peace. In every situation, He was by our side, ready to encourage and direct our steps. He was able to meet every need - physical or financial, emotional or spiritual. What is your story? As you look back at your life, can you remember times when it seemed like you were all alone? When you came to a crossroads and didn't know what to do? When you didn't know where to turn? When the future looked bleak and uncertain? When someone you knew faced a crisis? What happened in those situations? Could you recognize the hand of God? Could you realize He was with you, even when you felt all alone? Today, think about the faithfulness of God. Start thanking Him. Praise Him that His mercies are "new every morning." And remember that just as He has been faithful in the past, He will be faithful today and in the days to come. Great is His faithfulness! Meditate on the words to "Great is Thy Faithfulness": "Great is Thy faithfulness," O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. "Great is Thy faithfulness!" "Great is Thy faithfulness!" Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided - "Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord, unto me! Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Great Is Thy Faithfulness - Chris Rice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1WhFtVp0o ----- Prayer: "Father, thank You for being faithful to me. Take away my burdens, and give me Your peace. I trust my life to You. Thank You for your great mercy and care. In Jesus Christ's name. Amen." 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 ========================================================== _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >-->You Can Smile When You Can't Say a Word by A. H. Ackley There are many shadows that will disappear; When you learn to meet them, with a smile to greet them, For a smile is better than a frown or tear. Tho' the world forsake you, joy will overtake you, Hope will soon awake you, if you smile today; Don't parade your sorrow, wait until tomorrow, For your joy and hope will drive the clouds away. When the clouds are raining, don't begin complaining, What the earth is gaining should not make you sad; Do not be a fretter, smiling is much better, And a smile will help to make the whole world glad. You can smile when you can't say a word, You can smile when you cannot be heard; You can smile when it's cloudy or fair, You can smile anytime, anywhere. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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 and DARE to make it at home Yep. 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