Story Time ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo .'''. ' ' '. .' '.' ' ' ' /")\ / /\ \ / ()""() ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ |=( . .) | '(o)| /______| | | _ / ____ \ _ ( ) / \ ( ) |_|/ \|_| tre *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->2 Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This super Hot one come from a forward from our friend Denise. I do love a good story and this sure is one for the records! Check it out here and see if you don't agree... /) // // (( \\ )) // _,-'"._ /_ , \ | ' / \) ,\' '| \ / | ) /_ , / / _ % ( ) / ' \ / \_) ), )_ \_ , _/ _/% \/) (' __/ \ ___ \, \ ( `"- __ / '\ \ (( > \ ) \ '-.-,_='~~~ ~ (' / ' ~~ ~ ~~ ~~ b'ger " "" Mule Vs Lion! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mulelion.html --- ...What a great true story! Thanks Denise! This next one comes from a forward from our friend Wesley. Ever since I was a kid, mysteries have been some of my favorite stories. So when he sent us this one - I got right on it and got a page done up to spark all our curiosity. ,,ggddY""""Ybbgg,, ,agd""' `""bg, ,gdP" "Ybg, ,dP" "Yb, ,dP" _,,ddP"""Ybb,,_ "Yb, ,8" ,dP"' `"Yb, "8, ,8' ,d" "b, `8, ,8' d" "b `8, d' d' ,gPPRg, `b `b 8 8 dP' `Yb 8 8 8 8 8) (8 8 8 8 8 Yb dP 8 8 8 Y, "8ggg8" ,P 8 Y, Ya aP ,P `8, "Ya aP" ,8' `8, "Yb,_ _,dP" ,8' `8a `""YbbgggddP""' a8' `Yba adP' "Yba adY" `"Yba, ,adP"' `"Y8ba, ,ad8P"' ``""YYbaaadPP""'' Crop Circles 2009 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mystery2.html --- ...Some very Beautiful works of art! Thanks Wesley! -<>- ,N. _/__ \ If you eliminate all other possibilities -/o\_\ the one that remains, however unlikely, __\_-./ is the right answer. / / V \`U-. ()) /, > o < \ Elementary my dear Watson. <\.,.-._.-" [-\ o /__..-' |/_ ) ) _.-"| \o/ | \ o!0 `'-'-" >Talk about Mysteries - The Book Of Revelation is full of awesome mystery and intrigue that many of us Christians are drawn to. It has sparked many movies, videos, talks, and 'end of the world' discussions. But there are many things that we as Christians need to know about this last book of the bible... So, Guess what? Our Teachers in the Word at TruthOrTradition.com haven't let us down... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' *~* HERE'S ANOTHER FULL CLASS!! ... >-->MORE Awesome News From Our Friends At TruthOrTradition: Greetings and God bless you! Thanks to the support of our partners & contributors, we are making all of our audio seminars available online for free. This will significantly help us to sow the Gospel into China, Iran, Russia and many other third-world countries that visit our web site each day! We have just made our 12 session, 9 hour audio seminar on the Book of Revelation available online for free at http://www.truthortradition.com/audio We trust it is a blessing to you! If you like what we are doing and you would like to help us continue to sow the Gospel all over the globe, please consider sowing into our ministry at http://www.STFonline.org/donate God bless you! The Staff of Spirit & Truth Fellowship International STFonline.org --- ...Tremendous huh? , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' I like the way TruthOrTradition.com put it ... Understanding the book of Revelation will give Christians both a sense of urgency and a sense of peace. Our urgency is that everyone get saved and avoid the rush of evil across the world during the Tribulation. Our peace is that we can work heartily unto the Lord now, knowing from reading the last chapter that we win! http://www.truthortradition.com/audio How awesome and generous of them to do this! It blows my mind! Any of you who are able to donate to their biblical outreach, I pray that you do so and may God fully Bless you as you do! ==================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Johanna :) 1938 AUSTRIA ----LAND OF "THE SOUND OF MUSIC" TRUE STORY - IMPERATIVE YOU READ THIS ! The author of this article lives in South Dakota and appears to be very active in attempting to maintain our freedom. I encourage everybody to read this article and pass it along. I see so many parallels in this country--are we going to sit by and watch it happen? Spread the word; also contact your congressional reps; vote them out if they don't do what they should. If you don't want to be bothered, then you're part of the problem!... ( (_) ### . (#c __\|/__ #\ wWWWw \ \-. (/. .\) /\ /`\/\ /\ |\/ \_) (_| `\.' ; ; `' ;`\ `\; ; . ;/\ `\; ; ;| \ ; .' ' ; / |_.' ; | /) ( ''._;/` | ' . ; |.-' .:) | | ( .' : | |,- .:: | | ,-' .;| jgs_/___,_.:_\_ [I_I_I_I_I_I_] | __________ | | || | | || | _| ||_|__|_|| |_ /=--------------=\ / \ | | >America Truly is the Greatest Country in the World. Don't Let Freedom Slip Away By: Kitty Werthmann What I am about to tell you is something you've probably never heard or will ever read in history books. I believe that I am an eyewitness to history. I cannot tell you that Hitler took Austria by tanks and guns; it would distort history. We elected him by a landslide - 98% of the vote. I've never read that in any American publications. Everyone thinks that Hitler just rolled in with his tanks and took Austria by force. In 1938, Austria was in deep Depression. Nearly one-third of our workforce was unemployed. We had 25% inflation and 25% bank loan interest rates. Farmers and business people were declaring bankruptcy daily. Young people were going from house to house begging for food. Not that they didn't want to work; there simply weren't any jobs. My mother was a Christian woman and believed in helping people in need. Every day we cooked a big kettle of soup and baked bread to feed those poor, hungry people - about 30 daily. The Communist Party and the National Socialist Party were fighting each other. Blocks and blocks of cities like Vienna, Linz, and Graz were destroyed. The people became desperate and petitioned the government to let them decide what kind of government they wanted. +------------------+ | ___ | | _ (,~ | _ | | (____/ |____) | | ||||| ||||| | | ||||| ||||| | | |||||\ /||||| | | |||'//\/\\`||| | | |' m' /\ `m `| | | /||\ | \_ _/ `-----92-KSR-' We looked to our neighbor on the north, Germany , where Hitler had been in power since 1933. We had been told that they didn't have unemployment or crime, and they had a high standard of living. Nothing was ever said about persecution of any group -- Jewish or otherwise. We were led to believe that everyone was happy. We wanted the same way of life in Austria . We were promised that a vote for Hitler would mean the end of unemployment and help for the family. Hitler also said that businesses would be assisted, and farmers would get their farms back. Ninety-eight percent of the population voted to annex Austria to Germany and have Hitler for our ruler. We were overjoyed, and for three days we danced in the streets and had candlelight parades. The new government opened up big field kitchens and everyone was fed. After the election, German officials were appointed, and like a miracle, we suddenly had law and order. Three or four weeks later, everyone was employed. The government made sure that a lot of work was created through the Public Work Service. Hitler decided we should have equal rights for women. Before this, it was a custom that married Austrian women did not work outside the home. An able-bodied husband would be looked down on if he couldn't support his family. Many women in the teaching profession were elated that they could retain the jobs they previously had been required to give up for marriage. /,, /\ ) \,' /`'`\ , ,@, ,@@@, ,@@@@@, `@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@` `@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@` `@@@@@@@@@@@` ,@@@@@@`@@@@@@, @@@@` `@@@@ ;@` `@; _ _ _ _ ( ( ( |_) ~ ~ ~ | Hitler Targets Education - Eliminates Religious Instruction for Children: Read The Full Story Here: http://tinyurl.com/yc97ysb --- ...Thank You Johanna! Normally I don't like history. I find it rather boring especially when forced to memorize names and dates of wars and stuff. However, this is a rather long article, yet, I could not stop reading it! I have always been curious about Hitler. I had heard he was a regular guy with strong religious beliefs. I found it odd that he became so terribly cruel and monstrous and also it amazed me that the people LET him become so deranged and STAY in power. (_( ('') _ "\ )>,_ .--> _>--w/((_ >,_.' /// "`" -Naughty He, like the devil, started out good only to be consumed with wanting more and more power. Paul said too he was into drugs heavily. Whatever the combination, he went way out of control and many people went with him! This story helps us see how this all took place - making a little sense out of craziness. It gives us the ability to see when things start going in that direction. Hopefully red flags will go up for us making us more aware of the extreme danger so that we can prevent anything this horrific from ever occurring again! I encourage you to read her full story - it is shocking. Read The Full Story Here: http://tinyurl.com/yc97ysb .-. | | |=| |=| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | We Don't Just Want Broomsticks! | | |=| jgs |=| |_| .=/I\=. ////V\\\\ |#######| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| >AND While we are on Freedom - With your help, NAGR and Congressman Broun will defeat H.R. 45, Barack Obama’s National Gun Registration and Citizen Disarmament Act, and preserve our liberties for the next generation. http://tinyurl.com/ylgydop listen to this urgent message from U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, and please take all the actions he requests. In Liberty, Dudley Brown Executive Director National Association for Gun Rights P.S. H.R. 45 is the most draconian gun control measure of recent memory, and it's only the beginning. Obama's reign could last another seven years, and the anti-gun lobbies in Congress won't relent any time soon. Help NAGR fight for your right to keep and bear arms. Please listen to Congressman Broun’s message, and take all the actions he requests. ================================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: >THE OTHER THING PATRICK HENRY SAID Lamentations 3:22-23 Patrick Henry, whose primary contribution to the history books is the phrase "Give me liberty or give me death," made another statement that appears in a number of quotation collections. He said, "I know of no way of judging the future but by the past." Repeat this before an audience and you'll see many heads nod in agreement. It has the ring of good common sense. Be careful, though. This axiom might be true when applied to politics or history or investment strategies, but it provides a lousy foundation for developing relationships. And it certainly doesn't reflect the way God relates to us. God gives a chance to let go of the past and start over -- each and every day. Jeremiah wrote, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23) God doesn't judge our future by our past. He didn't do it with David or Moses or Peter or Paul or countless other Bible characters. Neither does he do it with you and me. He does not treat us as our sins deserve. [Psalm 103:10] With him, every day is a new day. A good way to begin each day with God is to remember that you've just been given brand new mercies -- the chance to start the day with a clean slate. It's also a good way to start the day with others. God doesn't allow your past to prevent you from a having a great future, so let's give the same gift to others. as seen in Monday Memo -<>- ()_()()_() / ..)(.. \ __/ ( || ) \_ (_/ * * (_) | | | || | | | \_/| \__/ | | > \ / <__,--,__|/|_> unknown >LEAD ME ON (Author Unknown, Provided by Student Discipleship Ministries, TX) In her book, A Slow and Certain Light, former missionary to South America, Elizabeth Elliot, tells of a time when she was approached by two young, inexperienced adventurers. The two were loaded down with expensive equipment and a zeal for the future. However, rather than ask for advice from Mrs. Elliot, who knew the jungle well, the adventurers simply wanted to know a couple of phrases to converse with the Indians. Mrs. Elliot writes, "Some- times we come to God as the two adventurers came to me - confident and, we think, well-informed and well-equipped. But has it occurred to us that with all our accumulation of stuff, something is missing?" What we really need on our "adventures" in life is the Guide, Himself. All our "stuff" will not get us very far through the maze of life's jungle. Take a minute to read and meditate on Psalm 143:8-10 (NIV): "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." What are two areas in which you are going to need the Lord's leading in the next month? Now ask Him for direction and help in those two areas. as seen in Laugh & Lift -<>- \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >A POEM WORTH READING author unknown He was getting old and paunchy And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in And the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one. And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors His tales became a joke, All his buddies listened quietly For they knew where of he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, For ol' Bob has passed away, And the world's a little poorer For a Soldier died today. He won't be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, Very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, Going quietly on his way; And the world won't note his passing, 'Tho a Soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories From the time that they were young But the passing of a Soldier Goes unnoticed, and unsung. Is the greatest contribution To the welfare of our land, Some jerk who breaks his promise And cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow Who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country And offers up his life? The politician's stipend And the style in which he lives, Are often disproportionate, To the service that he gives. While the ordinary Soldier, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal And perhaps a pension, small. It's so easy to forget them, For it was so long ago, That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys, Went to battle, but we know, It is not the politicians With their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom That our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand, Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever waffling stand? Or would you want a Soldier-- His home, his country, his kin, Just a common Soldier, Who would fight until the end. He was just a common Soldier, And his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us We may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, We find the Soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles That the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor While he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage At the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simply headline In the paper that might say: "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED TODAY." Pass On The Patriotism! To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ============================================================== >-->From Our Friend Wesley :) Billy Graham is now 90 years old with Parkinson's disease.. In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte , North Carolina , invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor. Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, 'We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.' So he agreed.. 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M##MM##MMMMMBMMMM####x #BEEM#####x.-::::==: .##MMM#MM#MMMMMMMMM####x /#BEB###M###]-.,,::= O###M##MMMMMMMMMMMM#####L,..LMBB##M#M#####B+-,-- ###MM#MMMMMMMMMMMMM######OLMBB###M#MMM######B+ -##MMM#MMMBMMMMMMMM#MM###########E##MMMM#####= ]##MM#MMMMMMMMMM#M#MMMM####M##BMO##MMMMM###L M###M##MMMMMMMM#MMMMM#B###B##-LL##MMMM###M ######MMMMM###MMMMMM#E,##B##] LE##MM#### #####M#MMM##MMMMMMM##L M#### =x##M#### #####M#MMMMMMMM#MM###+ #M##B:=##M### B######MMMMMM##MMM###:B#MM#M-####B +######MMMM##MMMMM###MBBMM#,###x #######MMM#MMMMMMMM#BBBB#x##. /######MMMMMM#MMMM##MM###. +####################/ ,L##############O- -/x]OE]x/- By VengaroArt (1997) Free for distribution (Please retain this message) 'I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time Magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it. The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.' Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets... As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.' Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.'' Having said that Billy Graham continued, 'See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion. You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing. I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am .. I also know where I'm going.' "Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point." --- ...Awww, thank You Wesley! Eph.4: [11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; The 'evangelist' God gave us today is Billy Graham. ================================================================= >-->From Heartwarmers: ____ ____ .-" "-. .-" "-. / `. .' \ | (`-"-`) | | /'Y'\ | ; __\_^_/__ ; \ ()_ >o< _() / `\ ) : ( /' `\ / /-\ \ /' `\ ()/ \() /' jgs `\ /' `\ /' `\ /' Y >SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AND LOVE by David Welch The story of how I met, and then fell in love with my Valentine might be what some people would say is an odd way of meeting, but in our case it has worked for us. God has a plan for all of us though, and we understand we are together because God brought us together for a reason. I have never questioned God for the health troubles I've had to deal with, and try an live in the present. I look forward to the future, but never blame God for what troubles I've had during my past. My name is David Welch, and I've been a diabetic since I was four years old. Since I was 23 I've had many health problems -- blindness, loss of my kidneys, open heart surgery, and now I'm in a wheelchair. The one thing I have enjoyed doing since my health has declined is to use my computer with a screen reading program for the blind. One evening, I downloaded a program I had heard about called Freedom Chat, which was for blind people. Chat programs are something I really never enjoyed, but I'm so glad this time I tried it out. I didn't call anyone when I got online, but I received a private message from a young lady asking who I was. We started chatting and we both had health problems and felt comfortable with our conversation. Come to find out she was legally blind in one eye and completely blind in the other, along with being deaf in one ear. She had Lupus which had created many of her health problems. We chatted several times as the weeks went by, but neither of us thought much more of it than just a friendly conversation. I found out that she was from Thailand, but had become an American citizen nearly twenty years earlier. Her name was Nualanong Pumyam, but wanted to be called an American name, Nicole. Nicole mentioned to me that she was in school still working on her English, and computer skills using JAWS, the same screen reading program that I was using, and I thought I could help her out with her school work. We spent many evenings on the phone, with free long distance service, working on the computer skills, and her English. I had no problem helping her with her computer skills -- but hey, I probably need a little help at times myself with English! The one thing I kept telling her, was she should never trust anyone that she chats with. I told her many times she should go out and enjoy her life, but never agree to meet some guy that she was talking with over the Internet. I wanted Nicole to understand that meeting someone she had been chatting with over the computer could be very dangerous! As time went by the two of us started feeling much closer, and she said she would love to see what Kentucky was like. We managed to arrange for a plane ticket so she could visit Glasgow, Kentucky, where I live. Yes, we did exactly what I had been preaching for her to never do, and brought her to my hometown. With help from my brother driving me to the airport in Nashville, we picked up Nicole. It didn't take her long to notice a big difference between the people in San Jose, California, and the southern hospitality of the people that she would meet here in Kentucky. She said the people in Glasgow all seemed so friendly, and she fell in love with the town. The visit turned into a move to Glasgow, and she has never returned to California since. Actually, as I mentioned, Nicole fell in love with Glasgow, but we fell in love with each other as well. We have been together now for four years, and we have built a good life with one another, and on July 5, 2009, Nicole became my bride. I may not have the ability to always provide her with material things, like other men might give their girlfriend or wife, but we certainly give each other loyalty, respect, happiness, and most significantly... love! -- David Welch ================================================================ >-->From SermondFodder: _ _ ( \/ ) .---. \ / .-"-. / 6_6 \/ / 4 4 \ \_ (__\ \_ v _/ // \\ // \\ (( )) (( )) =======""===""========""===""======= jgs ||| ||| | | >Things You Can Do To Make Your Marriage Better by Dr. Mark B. Redd Recently, one of our children was moaning about a poor test grade. With a desperate look and a plea for sympathy, he suggested, "I don't think I have ever been taught how to study. I really just don't know what to do." It sounded like an excuse, but I decided to start where he was and told him we would help him learn how to study. I asked, "Did you read the material more than once?" "No," he replied. I continued, "Did your teacher give a study guide?" "Well, she gave us terms to define but it was not required, so I did not do them." "Okay," I replied, "Let's start with the obvious and figure out what studying is. It really is not rocket science. Read the chapter at least twice, with a highlighter in hand, marking each term as you come to it. Then type up the terms and define each so you can use this sheet to review in preparation for the next test. Ask if the teacher offers tutoring or group study time and plan to attend." This child's schedule began to change gradually and he actually put into practice some of these simple, basic suggestions. Guess what? Next test he made a much better grade and he was so proud of himself! Why am I telling you this story? In marriage we sometimes complain and blame our unhappiness on our spouse. Usually that is time to go back to basics and put into practice some of the simple clear instructions God has given us in the Bible. Here are Some Suggestions You Can Put Into Practice 1. Be nice to your spouse! It is amazing how relationships improve when we decide to be nice and kind and thoughtful. Not only will your presence and your deeds of service pour out a blessing on your spouse, you will find yourself much happier for having been nice. 2. Watch your tongue. We choose our words and they have the power to build up or tear down. Can you determine to choose words wisely, at least for a day? God's word instructs, "No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear," (Ephesians 4:29, Holman Christian Standard Bible). That instruction is for you and me! 3. Turn away from temptation and evil. God knows we will have opportunity to behave badly, but He has given instructions for our good and for the success of our marriage and family. Obey God when He says, "... deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age," (Titus 2:12, HCSB). In Ephesians 5:4 we find, "But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. And coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks," (HCSB). 4. Read a Proverb a day. Whatever the day of the month is, read that Proverb. And commit to obey what God says through the passage each day. We should know by now that God is much more trustworthy than we are. We do ourselves a favor when we follow His instructions rather than our selfish whims. 5. Never forget you are not on your own! You will find joy and contentment when you lean on God and allow Him to accomplish His will in your marriage, both in the good times and in the unavoidable bad times. So, allow Him to rule in your life and anticipate His supernatural intervention. "Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength," (Ephesians 6:10, HCSB). "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me," (Galatians 2:20, HCSB). "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ," (Romans 13:14, HCSB). "I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me...for when I am weak, then I am strong," (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, HCSB). These are just a few of the basics, but we trust you will see a change for better in your marriage when you put these suggestions into practice! May God bless you and your marriage. as seen in "Life Lessons," a periodic publication from Dr. Mark Redd, pastor of Bayshore Baptist Church in La Porte, Texas. From MarriagePrayerNet a mutual support group for people facing divorce or a troubled marriage. To Subscribe send an email to: MarriagePrayerNet-subscribe@onelist.com ============================================================= |xx| |x| ============|===============|===-- ejm ~~~~~|xx|~~~~~~~~~~~~~|x|~~~ ~~ ~ ~ >A Simple Footbridge Story Editor: by Angela Cardwell Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA The last Saturday night of June, 2002, heavy thunderstorms hit our home near San Antonio, Texas, with a vengeance. Little did we know those storms were just the beginning. Over the next week, the San Antonio area saw the worst flooding since the 500-year flood of 1998. Our town, 30 miles northwest of the city, accumulated close to 35 inches of rain in a five-day period. Creeks and streams turned into raging rivers while area lakes poured thousands of gallons through their spillways. Hundreds of homes suffered flood damage; many were total losses. We live in hill country, and to access our neighborhood you must drive across a low bridge over a slow-flowing creek. At least once a year, however, the bridge is impassable due to the creek rising over it. During this flood, not only did the creek cover the bridge, it completely washed it out. Because that bridge is the only way into our area by vehicle, local people were stranded on one side or another. My husband, son and I couldn't reach our home and spent two nights at my parents' house, several miles away. My sister's husband was also stranded with us, while she and her two boys were stuck at home. Then came the offer of a simple footbridge and a walk through a yard. One local person's property backed up to a neighborhood on the other side of the creek. They couldn't access their driveway due to the water. But, they could walk across the creek over a footbridge they had built. They offered their footbridge as a link for all between our homes and the outside world. Thus, Wednesday night my family returned home for the first time in days. Over the next three days hundreds of strangers used the Brogan's footbridge. The neighbors immediately behind them allowed us to traipse through their yard, ruining their grass, in order to access our vehicles parked on their street. At one time the bridge became impassable due to wear and water damage. The Brogans purchased new lumber and repaired the bridge so we could all continue to use it. The neighbors behind even set up a shoe wash station so we wouldn't track mud into our cars. They purchased rolls of landscape material and laid it in their yard and the woods behind in order to minimize the mud and slush. As if that weren't enough, on July Fourth, they cooked hamburgers and hot dogs, offering them to all that passed through their yard. I don't know why the actions of these neighbors surprised me so much, but they did. Maybe because I wonder if I would have gone to the same effort for strangers. This 2002 flood certainly taught me a lesson about how insignificant a little inconvenience is for me, when so many lose so much. But it also taught me to have more faith in the human spirit, and to look for ways to personally exhibit that same spirit. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp >Let God Take You By The Hand... If you sometimes feel just like a lonely traveler Wandering through a dark, unfriendly land Far from your loved ones and your Father's home... Then It's Time To Let God Take You By The Hand. For He alone can bring you hope and comfort When nothing goes the way you might have planned. When all your dreams have turned to dust and ashes... Then It's Time To Let God Take You By The Hand. Remember that you have no cares nor troubles That He doesn't know about and understand, You have no problems past His solution... If You Only Let God Take You By The Hand. Prepare your heart and you'll receive His guidance, Open your mind to hear His soft command And you'll have peace and strength in great abundance... Because You've Let God Take You By The Hand! -<>- __,--'''''--,_ _,--'''''--,__ _-' `\ /' `-_ ,' `\/' `, / `\ \ / `\ `\ \ ( /'\ `\ ) ( /' `\ `, ) ( /' `. | ) \ /' `-,__,-' / \ /' ___ / `. /' ,' `\ .' \ /' / ,--( `\ / /' /' ,' \ `< ( /' / ,--( `\ ) ( /' /' ,' \ `\ ,' `---,' /' ,--( `\ `\-' ( /' ,' \ `\ ) `---,' ( `\ `\_,-' ( \ `\ ) `---,' `\ `\_,-' Normand ( `\ ) Veilleux `---' `\_,-' >REFLECTIONS OF GOD'S LOVE By: Joseph J. Mazzella I went looking for some old friends today at the lake near my home. These friends were a beautiful family of Canadian Geese that had first showed up at the lake in the Spring of this year. I had watched the babies grow from fuzzy little hatchlings to magnificent birds the size of their parents in just six months. They had been a welcome part of our joyful walks around the lake. They were always there either swimming across it or eating near the water ,and they had always allowed us to walk peacefully past them as we strolled the lakeshore. Today, however, they were nowhere to be found. I guess that they decided that it was time to fly South before the colder weather finally set in. I knew I was going to miss their company this Winter and I hoped that they would return again next Spring. As I looked out across the lake for them one last time and saw the mountains and sky reflecting in the clear, calm water I smiled. I knew that no matter where they were they would still be reflecting God's love and light in their lives just as the lake was reflecting it to me right now. I just hoped that there was some beautiful, human soul there to see them and give thanks to God for them as well. It isn't just crystal clear lakes or beautiful families of Canadian Geese that are reflections of God's love and light in this world, though. Each and everyone of us can be a reflection of it too. We can reflect the love, joy, beauty, peace, and light that God blesses us with every single day of our lives. We can share it with everyone everywhere. We can make it a part of all the many, beautiful choices we make each day. But most of all we can add the love, joy, and light of our own brilliant souls to it. We can not only be a mirror reflecting all the goodness God blesses us with, but can also be a beacon of shining joy, light-filled love, and glowing oneness with God for all the world to see and rejoice in. -<>- . . (>\---/<) ,' `. / q p \ ( >(_Y_)< ) >-' `-' `-<-. / _.== ,=.,- \ /, )` '( ) ; `._.' `--< : \ | ) \ ) ;_/ hjw `._ _/_ ___.'-\\\ `--\\\ >The Phenomenon of Boredom by MJ Ryan The labeling of a huge part of human experience as boring is a relatively new phenomenon. The concept of boredom -- a sense of emptiness and a lack of stimulation -- didn't even exist until the nineteenth century. Before that, it was used only in the context of a person who spoke too long or rambled off the topic: "Oh, she's such a bore!" Now it is a state of being that is a fate worse than death. Psychologists say that the problem we think is "out there" -- in the book, movie, job, relationship -- is actually in us. Boredom, they say, is created by an inability to delay gratification and a low tolerance for frustration, both of which have serious implications for our success in life and in love. Any time we proclaim something boring, what we really are saying is that we don't have patience for it. Rather than looking at ourselves for the source of the problem -- and therefore the solution -- we look at whatever is provoking the feeling and label that the problem. A lot of human experience can be considered boring. There are huge stretches of parenting, in relationships, in work, where "nothing" is happening, or at least nothing obvious. We can consider those moments boring and seek to alleviate that boredom with any distraction available. Or we can see such occasions as opportunities to tap into our patience and look more deeply. Try it yourself. Go on a fast for a week in which you refuse to consider any experience boring. When your mind begins to use that label -- in traffic, say, or on hold -- challenge yourself to find something of interest in what is going on, either in yourself or the world around you. How does that change your experience? With attention, nothing is boring, even the most routine tasks. If you tune in to how the warm soapy water feels as you wash the pots and pans, how does that change the experience for you? Or weeding the garden, how does it feel to bend and stretch in the sunlight? What *is* the name of that gray bird with the crested head that suddenly appeared? This level of experiencing life isn’t one that we tune in to, but it is one that can bear many riches of wonder at the very fact of being alive in this amazing world. -<>- ,-----. W/,-. ,-.\W ()>a a<() (.--(_)--.) ,'/.-'\_/`-.\`. ,' / `-' \ `. / \ / \ / `. ,' \ / / `-._.-' \ \ ,-`-._/| |=|o |\_.-< <,--.) |_____| |o____| )_ \ `-)| |// _ \\| )/ || |' | `| || | | | || ( )|( ) || | | | || | | | || |_.--.|.--._| || /'""| |""`\ [] `===' `===' hjw >The Old Man and the Dog "Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me. "Can't you do anything right?" Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle. "I saw the car, Dad . Please don't yell at me when I'm driving.." My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts.... dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him? Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon . He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess. The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man. Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone. My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad 's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it. The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health cli nics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered in vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article.." I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog. I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hip bones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly. I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. "He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly. As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?" "Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog." I looked at the pointer again.. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said. I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch... "Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!" I said excitedly. Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house. Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples. "You'd better get used to him, Dad . He's staying!" Dad ignored me. "Did you hear me, Dad ?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.. Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal. It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne . Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at is feet. Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years.. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne 's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night. Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad 's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad 's peace of mind. The morning of Dad 's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." "I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said. For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article... Cheyenne 's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter. . ..his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father. . and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all. Life is too short for drama or petty things, so laugh hard, love truly and forgive quickly. Live While You Are Alive. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time. And if you don't send this to at least 4 people ---nobody cares? But do share this with someone. Lost time can never be found. God answers our prayers in His time........not ours. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Worse Than Locking Keys In Car http://www.buffaloschips.com/72206.htm Worst Seats http://www.buffaloschips.com/72207.htm Shooting Star http://www.buffaloschips.com/dhskjsd.htm Slicing Fruit With Playing Cards http://www.buffaloschips.com/sdkjdsk.htm Smooth Roll http://www.buffaloschips.com/sdkj.htm Soccer http://www.buffaloschips.com/kdjjks.htm Swimming Lessons http://www.buffaloschips.com/hsdhjs.htm God's Paintings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html God's Water Paintings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/water.html Nanny Animals http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nannyanimals.html Peek-A-Boo Panda http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/panda.html Rotating Skyscrapers http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/skyscraper.html Manners & Customs in the Bible http://www.TruthOrTradition.com/series2 Rose Petals http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/rose.html Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com =================================================================== Philip Kaulfuss . : . . : | : . . | | | , \ | | / . ,-'"""`-. . "- / __ __ \ -" |==| I |==| - --- | _`--^--'_ | --- - |'`. ,'`| _- \ "---" / -_ . `-.___,-' . / | | \ .' | | | `. : | : . : . >-->Brighter Tomorrow Never stop caring about the little things in life, never stop dreaming or give in to strife. Never stop building bridges that lead to promising tomorrows, never stop trying or give in to sorrows. Never stop smiling and looking forward to each new day, But most of all my friend... never stop shining in you own special way. Never forget that all storms can clear, the grayest sky can turn pure blue. Remember, brighter tomorrows are near... And of course, I'm always here for you. >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 ************************************************************************