Story Time And More... :) 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. While the ads on the website do help, I don't want to drag the site down with tons of them to pay for it. I need your help! "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 Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts 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! ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) These super scorching hot new pages come from our friend Judy. She sent us her photo series of her surf dog Ricochet and her side-kick Rina. If, like me, you take objection to the Elf On The Shelf where parents scare their little ones by telling them that at night while they sleep, it sneaks around spying on them, then you will love this hilarious series! Ricochet and Rina wage a small prank war with this mischievous little elf! Wait until you see what happens at the end! Check these pages out here... .-"""-. /` .--.\ ; .' .-:| |._.|_._| () /\// \\\\/\ .:::. < //0 0\\ > _\d8b/_ `\ > /` | \ \ \ | _\ '=' /_ |\ \ \ \| /`||`---`||`\ |_\_\_\_| /\ |\_____/| /\ \_|/ /\ \/ \/ /\ /\-' /\ /| o |\ /\/\/ \-< | | \ /|/ \/\| o | `"` \/\ | /|\ o | `;-------;' | | | \___T___/ |==|==| jgs |==|==| o |==|==| o /(__/._T_.\__)\ \ | | / `""""` `""""` Dogs VS Elf http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogsvself.html Dogs VS Elf 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogsvself2.html --- ...Absolutely adorable! Thank You Judy for sharing these with us! I was just commenting with a friend on Facebook about how wrong I thought it was that my grandkids mom was scaring them with this elf tale and in comes a little sweet revenge. God is always so good! Perfect Timing! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _( )_ ( ) ( ) _( )_ ( ) ( ) _( )_ ( ` ' )| |_| | _ _ __ ( ` ' )| |_| | _ _ __ ( ` ' ) > < | _ |( ) ( ) /'_ `\ > < | _ |( ) ( ) /'_ `\ > < (_, ,_)| | | || (_) |( (_) |(_, ,_)| | | || (_) |( (_) |(_, ,_) (_) (_) (_)`\___/'`\__ | (_) (_) (_)`\___/'`\__ | (_) ( )_) | ( )_) | \___/' \___/' unknown >THE LADY'S HUG by Teri Goggin-Roberts The traffic in town crawled. Shoppers walked faster than the bumper-to-bumper cars could move. "Just a few more blocks," I muttered. There was so much to do and the heavy traffic was wasting precious time. Mapes was one-of-a-kind store that sold hardware, sewing notions, corny greeting cards and household goods. It'd been a fixture in town for decades. The kids loved the toy aisle, which was stocked with board games, puzzles and "must-have" items like silly putty, jump ropes and slinkys. This visit to Mapes had special significance because Christmas was just weeks away. Frankie, Sarah and Caitlin took the opportunity to verbally add things to their Christmas list as they went along. A school yard sage had informed them that Santa had super-duper ears and that writing letters to the North Pole was old-fashioned. After shopping we walked back to the car. A station wagon was double parked next to the car in front of me. Pulling out would be tricky. The space was tight, the traffic was thick and now, I had to maneuver around the double-parked car. The kids had gained energy from the toy aisle and the back seat chatter was escalating. As I pulled out I heard a loud crunch. The car was suddenly silent. In the rear view mirror, three sets of eyes were wide with fear. "It's okay," I said calmly. "I'm just going to take a look." I got out and winced when I saw the cracked taillight and scratched paint on the other car. "Just a few more inches and I would've been clear," I mumbled. Unbelievably, my Jeep was unscathed. A woman climbed out of the station wagon. She was in her mid-sixties, with a brown hat that matched her knee-length coat. She surveyed the damage. Before she could say anything I blurted out an apology. "I'm so sorry! I thought the car was clear! The kids..." The woman smiled. I stopped mid sentence. The smile was unexpected and so I waited, unsure what would happen next. The woman's grin broadened as she touched her cracked taillight. "Merry Christmas honey." My confused look made the woman laugh. "I said, Merry Christmas honey. Don't worry about this here car. I'm fine and so are you. Go on and take care of those children. My husband will take care of this." I suddenly noticed a gray haired man standing on the passenger side, nodding and smiling. Overcome with relief, I hugged the woman. The woman hugged back and whispered, "Merry Christmas sugar." I got back in the car and watched the station wagon pull away. After hearing what happened, the kids chattered about how great "the Lady" was. The rest of the day took on a glow of grace because she gave us the gift of kindness. I was sure, although I'd never know her name, I would never forget her radiant smile. Days passed and Christmas drew nearer. One afternoon, Frankie seemed troubled when he came home from school. "What's up?" I asked as Frankie slumped on the couch. "Nothin'." Which, in boy-speak meant something. Frankie's feet kicked in an up and down rhythm that kept his body busy while his 9 year-old mind worked on an unnamed problem. "Care to share?" I sat next to Frankie, carefully avoiding the scissor-chop movements of his snow boots. "Nope." Frankie's feet stopped. "Maybe later." And then he was off to play. At bedtime, Frankie didn't want to sing any songs, which he loved to do in the weeks before Christmas. Something was definitely up. I rubbed Frankie's head and asked, "Wanna talk about what's bothering you now?" Frankie shrugged, but seconds later a question bubbled up. It was one of THE questions parents face. In the category of questions like, "Why do people die?" and "Where do babies come from?" "Mommy, do you believe in Santa Claus?" I silently prayed for the right words. Seconds later I saw the Lady's brilliant smile and felt her kindness wash over me. An idea came. "What do you think?" Frankie shrugged. "Some kids at school said Santa wasn't real. They said parents put the gifts under the tree." "Are you asking me if there is a Santa, or if parents put the gifts under the tree?" Frankie hesitated. "I guess I'm asking both." I wrapped my arms around Frankie and gave him a big hug. "I am so proud of you!" "For what?" Frankie looked puzzled as he sat up against his headboard. "You're old enough now!" I moved closer and continued. "You see Frankie, while there isn't a man in a red suit, there is something called the Christmas Spirit. But when children are very little, it's hard for them to understand the Christmas Spirit so we say that someone named Santa is responsible for Christmas. Parent's know when a child asks whether Santa is real that they're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit." Frankie looked surprised. "What's the Christmas Spirit?" "The Christmas Spirit is love -- pure and simple. Every year, right around December, there's a special feeling in the air. People are kinder, they give to those who have little and spend time with friends and family. Have you noticed a change recently?" Frankie thought for a moment. "Everything seems prettier. People seem happier." "That's the Christmas Spirit at work. Do you remember the Lady at Mapes a few weeks ago?" Frankie nodded and grinned. "Oh yeah! She was so nice!" "She had the Christmas Spirit. She forgave me even though she didn't know me. She wished me a Merry Christmas and I can still feel that wish today. That's how I know she shared the Christmas Spirit with me. It's as real as if she'd given me a present with a pretty bow. The Christmas Spirit is a gift we all receive every year. And those who are most blessed, carry it with them all year." "I felt her Christmas Spirit too!" Frankie beamed. "Parents want their children to remember the gift of Christmas every year, so they put presents under the tree and say a man named Santa is responsible until each child asks the question you asked me tonight. Then they get to share the wonderful secret of the Christmas Spirit." "A secret?" Frankie's voice was hushed with awe. "Yes, now that you asked about Santa, I know that you're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit. But until other children ask their parents, you shouldn't tell them there's no Santa because they may not be old enough to understand yet." "Oh, like Sarah is too young." Frankie nodded and winked. "I won't tell her I promise." "When people ask if I believe in Santa, I say yes. I absolutely believe that there is a Christmas Spirit that visits each house at Christmas. Does it matter whether that Spirit is wearing a red suit? Or what we call it?" Frankie shook his head. "Nope!" "So congratulations! You are officially old enough to start learning about the Christmas Spirit." Frankie crinkled his nose. "Start learning?" "Yep. It takes the rest of your life to figure out how to keep the Christmas Spirit in your heart all year long." "Like the Lady at Mapes." I hugged Frankie and felt the warmth and brilliance of the Lady's hug once more. "Yes Bud, just like her." -- Teri Goggin-Roberts __________________________________________________ Teri says "This is a true story about the day my son learned 'the truth' about Santa. Frank is now 22 and Sarah is 18 and both are still big fans of Santa! I have shared this story with many friends over the years who faced being asked The Santa Question. I hope it helps you too!" =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) : '. _ .' -= (~) =- .' # '. /""""" | (')') C _) \ _| \__/ <___Y> / \ :\\ / | :|\ |___| :|/\ | | :|\ \ \ \ :| \ \_ \ \==L| \\\ ///` || | || | || | || | || | || | || [___]] jgs (____)) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >The Best Laid Schemes (By Josh Akers) James 4:13-15, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit' - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'" (ESV) Andre-Francois Raffray thought he had closed a great deal back in 1965. He would pay a ninety-year-old woman $500 a month until she died, then move into her grand apartment in Arles, France. Buying apartments in this fashion, called "en viager," or "for life," is common in France. The elderly owner enjoys a monthly income from the buyer, who in turn gets a real estate bargain - provided the owner dies sooner rather than later. But it was Raffray who died first, in 1994, having paid more than $184,000 for an apartment in which he never had the opportunity to live. Raffray, seventy-seven when he passed away, had the misfortune of arranging the deal with Jeanne Louise Calment. Ms. Calment passed away in 1997, and is listed in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest person. She lived 122 years. In our Scripture text today, James reminds us of the futility of presumption regarding the future. His admonition does not negate planning, but it does underscore the brevity and uncertainty of life. In the Standard English translation, 18th century Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote, "The best laid schemes of mice and men oft go awry; and leave us nothing but grief and pain, for promised joy." Life can be unpredictable, but James does not stop with that theme. Instead, he focuses on the essentiality of supplanting our will for our future with God's will for our future. God is never surprised by the future. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we can know who holds tomorrow. Therefore by fully trusting Him with our life's direction, we will never be thwarted in navigating the path that He has set before us, for this and each new day. --- ...Good wisdom! Thanks LouiseAu! Which reminds me: I learned this little bit of advice when I was little... .-~~~~~~~~~-._ _.-~~~~~~~~~-. __.' ~. .~ `.__ .'// \./ \\`. .'// | \\`. .'// .-~"""""""~~~~-._ | _,-~~~~"""""""~-. \\`. Unknown .'//.-" `-. | .-' "-.\\`. .'//______.============-.. \ | / ..-============.______\\`. .'______________________________\|/______________________________`. >Story Time! - Best Laid Plans by emb When I was little, my family decided to go out West for our vacation. However, I rarely went on car rides, so I'd get car sick whenever I did go on drives. My mom had me take carsick pills that would make me sleep during the drive. She decided that with this long car ride touring the West, that it would be best for me to stay with my Grandma. My grandma was a Park Forest Ranger at the time and part of her duties was to go to the park shrines and check on them making sure all was well. She let me go with her and I'd help her sweep them out. They were always so nicely cool inside compared to the heat of the summer day. I liked going with her. One day however when we got to the stone parking area, she told me she'd not take me along and that I was to stay in the car and make sure it was safe. She'd be right back. It didn't take long for me to get bored so I thought of a plan. I thought I had it all figured out. I went through it carefully in my mind and thought that if I made sure every door was locked, then the car would be safe and I could go be with Grandma. I had figured it all out perfectly and in my mind, it was the best plan ever! I set my plan in action and made sure all the doors were locked and even rolled up all the windows. I was proud of myself! I then went to go be with my Grandma. She, however was not too happy with me. She met me not far from the car as she was returning to it at about the same time. When I told her how I had made sure the car was safe by locking the doors and rolling up all the windows, she was very distraught with me. I learned then just how dumb I really was. So much for having the perfect plan! Grandma informed me that I had erred gravely by not noticing that the keys were in the ignition! Boy, was she mad at me. Fortunately for us, since there was no phones there in the woods, she noticed that the driver side wing window was closed but not locked and was able to open it wide enough to reach in and unlock the car. Well, needless to say, I beat myself up over my horrible 'best laid plans' over the years. I had disappointed Grandma and her trust in me and I had learned the hard way, that no matter how smart I thought I was, I wasn't. I was so sure I had worked it out completely! Only to have it blow up in my face. It was devastating to me. It was only a couple years ago when relating this story to my older brother that he brought a little girls memory to light. He immediately said, 'Grandma was wrong to have left you alone in the car with the keys in it when you were so little! You were only around 5 years old!' I had never attributed any blame on anyone but myself over the years. He gave me a way to not beat myself up so bad. I hadn't realized I was so young. I thought I was maybe 9 or 10. It was and is a good lesson for me to realize that just because I think I have it all worked out, it is best to Ask God for wisdom to insure I don't do something stupid! Sometimes I listen, sometimes, I don't. So I am human. I have realized, over the years, unfortunately, only God is Perfect! I often show my human side - as some of you well know from over my past 20 years of my website and emails to you! :) Oh, for those of you unfamiliar with wing windows on cars in the 50's and 60's, here's a picture of one here... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarter_glass They say they are called 'vent' windows in the US but I've always known them as being called 'wing' windows. It is amazing what detail you can remember from long ago! Experts say the reason we can remember some things so vividly is because it is our release of adrenaline... 'Stressful situations can also cause the body to release adrenaline, a process that facilitates attention to important details and can produce vivid memories by helping the brain record them in long-term memory.' https://tinyurl.com/y7wzrjq6 It can be good or can be bad, but explains why most of our bad times are held in our memory verses our good times. I can remember my potty- training experiences including what I was thinking and where I was! I can also remember the events leading up to breaking my leg when I was only 3 years old... Including what my sister and brothers said and did! I can even remember my doctor and what he did and said when he made house calls to check on me when I had my leg up in traction while on a small bed between the kitchen and the living room at my mom's house! Because of this, I am particularly sympathetic to victims of horrific events such as war, molestation, rape, and all violent accidents and crimes. I am acutely aware that they probably can remember every single detail of it just as if it just happened to them yesterday! So sad! Please keep this in mind when dealing with others. You never know what they may be going through. Remember too - God always helps ease our pain through Jesus Christ our Lord. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >God is not necessarily looking for ability, He is looking for availability. Some Christians doubt that God can use them, because they don't have any great talents or skills. However, God doesn't necessarily look to use people with great talent; He examines the heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7). Paul wrote, in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God often chooses to use lowly or seemingly foolish people so that He can show His greatness through them. When you think you have it all together and have everything going in your favor, then you won't lean on God--you'll rely on your own strength. But if you know that you can't do something on your own, then you'll rely on God for strength--and that's when God can show His greatness. Every single person has amazing potential to do great things for God. Regardless of your talents, you can do outstanding things for God. All God is looking for is people like David, who have a right heart that is open and available for God to work through. If you find yourself broken and in obvious need of God's help, don't despair. God can use you anyway, because God is not necessarily looking for ability; He's looking for availability. -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Lord of the Ordinary "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" The culture of Jesus' day was vastly different from ours except, perhaps, for racism. On one occasion when Jesus wanted to reach a Samaritan village with his message of salvation, he stopped by a well and made friends with a Samaritan woman. This definitely was not kosher for a Jew because the Jews looked down their noses at Samaritans and had no dealings with them. Not so Jesus. After asking this woman for a drink of water and some small talk he directed the conversation to spiritual matters. Not only was this woman a Samaritan but one who had led a very colorful life and Jesus knew exactly what type of person she was. She was a social outcast, which was obvious by the fact that she was drawing water from the well in the middle of the day. All the other women from the village did so in the cool of the evening. Jesus said to the lady, "Go and get your husband and come back with him." "I don't have a husband," she replied. "I know," Jesus said, "you've already had five and the man you are now with is not your husband!" That would be quite a reputation even today, let alone in that society. And yet, this was the woman that Jesus chose to be the messenger to carry the gospel to her village--which she did--and the people there came to see and hear Jesus for themselves. How many of us would treat such a woman this way? Jesus, who upheld impeccable moral standards and high ideals regarding marriage, wasn't shocked by this woman's lifestyle. He saw beyond the externals and looked at her heart. Here was a woman who needed salvation and was willing to admit it. Neither is God shocked with you or me when we are willing to admit our needs, sins and faults and bring them to him for his forgiveness--and when we acknowledge our brokenness and come to him for his healing and deliverance. -<>- >Leadership by Example Mark Gibson, a former gymnastics coach who worked with many elite athletes, tells a wonderful story about a 15-year-old girl whose work ethic and attitude brought out the best in everyone. Cindy wasn’t a great gymnast, but when she was in the gym everyone complained less, worked harder, and achieved more. Cindy was a powerful motivator because she was blind. When it was her turn to do the vault, her mom would run alongside her telling her how close she was to it. When her mom said, “Vault!” Cindy would reach out and jump – trusting her mother and herself. Cindy loved the sport and kept improving because she and her mom refused to let the disability defeat her. Mark called her the most important member of the team, not because of her athletic ability but because of her heart and because she demonstrated a standard of fortitude and courage that inspired others to get more out of themselves. Everyone who watched her strive to be the best she could be realized how much more they could be. This is leadership by example. We see it not only in sports but in families and in the workplace. Often the most important members of a team are not the smartest, most skilled, or most powerful. Their power is in their attitude and their ability to energize and encourage others with their optimism, enthusiasm, and determination. People who know how to get the best out of themselves get the best out of others. -Michael Josephson -<>- | \ | / \ / ,d8b, ., (')-")_ 88888 --- ;';' ';'. ('- (. ')98P' ';.,; ,; '-.(PjP)' \ '.';.' | \ | >"God Knows" When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts; God knows how hard you have tried. When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish; God has counted your tears. If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by; God is waiting with you. When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call; God is by your side. When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn; God has a solution. When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated; God has the answer. If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope; God has whispered to you. When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for; God has blessed you. When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe; God has smiled upon you. When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow; God has opened your eyes and called you by name. Remember that wherever you are or whatever you 're facing; God Knows!! ~Author Unknown~ --- ...Reminds me of this young man... LOGAN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpwJava_Ywg -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Attitude Is Everything! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Christmas Miracle! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blindsees2.html Journey Through Life! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/journey.html Kid Lessons! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidlessons.html Life Train! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetrain.html Random Acts Of Kindness! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/actsofkindness.html Pay It Forward! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/payitforward.html Amazing Grace! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazinggrace.html Angels Are Watching! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/angelswatching.html Who Is This Jesus? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Come Adore Him! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html Winter Wonderland And Life Lessons! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lessons.html Maxine On Christmas! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxinechristmas.html Full Christmas Index http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasindex.html -<>- >Please Follow/Visit Me On StumbleUpon: https://tinyurl.com/y86f27fz -<>- >From Voice Of The Martyrs: Give Christmas Gifts That Inspire a Deeper Faith in Jesus Christ https://tinyurl.com/yabz36l2 -<>- >In The News: Sean Hannity 12 3 17 President Trump's Exclusive Interview, December 3, 2017 - What Trump Has Accomplished So Far! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzaTNn3tgDs Considering 3 previous Presidents had made this part of their campaign promises and never followed through on it, leave it to Trump to keep his promise and officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital! He is a man of his word! https://tinyurl.com/ydatttts In immigration news, Geneva Sands of ABC News reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun testing 8 prototypes of the Mexico-U.S. border wall with “training, safety and security procedures.” CBP will evaluate each prototype based on various “breach attempts and how long they take.” https://tinyurl.com/y7quvbcz On national monuments, the Wall Street Journal’s Editorial Board explains that President Trump’s order to reduce the size of the Bears Ears and the Grand Staircase-Escalante monuments “not only ends federal overreach but restores power to local people.” The move reverses the “Washington land grab” of Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama and returns use of a large percentage of the land to the public. https://tinyurl.com/y9ckzybx Latest At White House: https://tinyurl.com/ycs4fn5g “THE PRESIDENT’S CHRISTMAS GIFT TO AMERICA” - Ed Feulner in The Washington Times https://tinyurl.com/ycwp622o Adding some hard numbers to Ed Feulner’s argument, Heritage Senior Economics Fellow Stephen Moore dispels a common tax-reform myth in Creators Syndicate: The rich see most of the benefits from tax cuts. Citing a recent Cato study, Moore writes, “Lower-middle-class people — who make between $40,000 and $50,000 a year — will see a 46 percent reduction in taxes paid; people who make more than $1 million will see roughly a 7 percent reduction in taxes.” https://tinyurl.com/ydecoymh GOP tax reform will be a boon to African-American job creators - Washington Examiner https://tinyurl.com/y7lq95cn Trump deregulation already saves $378 million, billions next year - Washington Examiner https://tinyurl.com/y9bxjcf5 Sec. Of Agriculture Sonny Perdue: GOP reforms ease burden on truckers and farmers, eliminate ‘distasteful’ death tax - Breitbart Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says in an interview that the Republican tax cut plan will be especially beneficial for the transportation industry. “Many of these are small businesses, some mom-and-pop team [truck] drivers across the country,” he said. https://tinyurl.com/ybldruv2 After Steinle verdict, rep unveils bill to imprison officials who shelter illegal immigrants https://tinyurl.com/y7mrxonw Sessions says he supports new legislation to strengthen DEA enforcement - The Washington Post https://tinyurl.com/ybuorywa Another Mueller Team Member’s Ties to the Deep State REVEALED The investigation has no credibility https://tinyurl.com/y9hj5c72 Latest From MRC News: https://tinyurl.com/ya6uruck Latest From TrueDailyNews: http://truedaily.news/category/news/ Veterans - My HealtheVet Update | December 6, 2017 https://tinyurl.com/y8lev4eb People are noticing something very different about the Trump’s Christmas card vs. Obama’s - The Daily Caller Presidents each put a personal touch on how the White House celebrates the Christmas season. One small but important change Americans may notice this year: The Obama family’s holiday card last year made zero references to “Christmas.” The new First Family decided “Merry Christmas” should make a comeback. https://tinyurl.com/y84xypkd -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) This you must see: 314 viral YouTube clips perfectly edited by Luc Bergeron (aka Zapatou) to the music of 'Sanctis' by Worakls. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A079J21UfLY Storm chasing is not an easy endeavor. You have to spend a lot of time on the road in pursuit of tornadoes, lightning storms, and other natural phenomena. But Mike, the filmmaker behind this amazing film, says it was all worth it. Watch this breathtaking footage in full screen mode to get the full effect. https://vimeo.com/226958858 --- ...Wowsers! Amazing! 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 ========================================================== _ ( | | __,--./|.--,__ .` \ \ / / `. .` \ | / `. / / ^|^ \ \ / / | |o | \ \ /===/ | | | \===\ /___/ | |o | \___\ | | | | |o | | | | | |o | | | | | |o | |_____/\_____| jgs >A Symbol of Humanity Story Editor: by Debbie Joyce Schowalter California, USA I work in the children's department of a major department store. In February 2005 I encountered a customer of Arab descent, or so I assumed at the time because of her clothing. She was dressed in black and gray from head to toe, including having most of her face covered. She was looking around guiltily because she was about to rip open a packaged dress shirt. It's no big deal really. Everybody does it. Because of my training, my first thought was "theft", because she was acting so guilty. But then I saw her eyes: she was AFRAID. I approached her and asked if she needed help. She was clutching a dress shirt for boys, and now she looked terrified. It was amazing how much emotion I could see in her eyes. I believe in "eye contact" and looking someone in the eye when speaking with them, but how often do we *really* do this? In fact, it's possible that not being able to see her whole face helped me to see "her". She didn't speak English. She kept pointing at a 9- or 10-year-old boy and almost wringing the shirt she was clutching. That was easy enough to understand without words, "Does it fit him?" I asked her to hand me the shirt and showed her the trick to open the package without ripping it apart. Suddenly the fear in her eyes was gone, replaced by smiling eyes. After that, I helped her to find a different tie than the one she had picked, because it didn't go with the suit she had. Then she started saying a lot of words I didn't understand and patting me on the arm. I knew she meant a very enthusiastic thank you. I was glad I could help her. When I came in to work the next day, I was told there were some "strange" Arabs waiting for an employee in the children's department. The lady had come in again, with her daughter to translate. My boss had guessed she wanted me, and told her when I would be in. They waited for me. Through her daughter, this is what she said. "I have been in this country one month. I find nothing but hostile and danger eyes. I am not a terrorist. My family is not terrorists. You are the only one to see this. You treat me kind, even though I misbehave. I thank you." She gave me a jade green amulet. Her daughter said it is a symbol of humanity. I will treasure it always, as a reminder that we are all just people. Each of us is an individual with our own unique story. Different cultures do not eliminate the humanity in humans. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend Karen :) ''' .-~~~~~~~~~-._ _.-~~~~~~~~~-. __.' ~. .~ `.__ .'// \./ \\`. .'// | \\`. .'// .-~"""""""~~~~-._ | _,-~~~~"""""""~-. \\`. Unknown .'//.-" `-. | .-' "-.\\`. .'//______.============-.. \ | / ..-============.______\\`. .'______________________________\|/______________________________`. >Story Time... A Boy Saw A Classmate Getting Horribly Bullied, What Happened 10 Years Later will Astonish You The sentiment “Be nice to everyone, especially because you never know they are going to be” is a rule of thumb held by many – and holds very true for one young man who experienced it firsthand! An unidentified gentleman recounts the story of his unique experience beginning in his freshman year of high school, when he learned the true meaning of paying it forward. *Warning: this story WILL bring tears to your eyes! He recalls one day when he saw a boy named Kyle from his class walking home from school. Kyle was looking a bit peculiar carrying what appeared to be all of his books. The young man got the impression that Kyle really must have been a nerd to be lugging around books on a Friday night. As he walked on, the young man saw a bunch of kids running toward Kyle, knocking all of the books from his arms and tripping him, causing him to fall down into the dirt with his glasses flying off his face. Upon seeing the incredible sadness in Kyle’s eyes, the compassionate young man went up to Kyle and handed him his glasses, saying, “Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.” Kyle said thanks and a big smile lit up on his face. He helped him gather his books and, upon learning Kyle lived nearby his own home, the young man walked him home and got to know more about him. It turned out Kyle had just transferred from a private school to the public school he attended, and discovered he was actually a really cool kid. Come Monday morning, Kyle was back holding the huge stack of books again. The young man teased, “Darn boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!” Kyle just laughed and handed him half the stack to carry. In the duration of their four years in high school, the young man and Kyle became the best of friends. The young man teased Kyle all the time about being a nerd, but it was all in good fun and there was truth to it – he ended up being the class valedictorian, after all. Aside from being a brain, Kyle also grew in many ways during high school: his body filled out, he actually looked good in glasses, and the ladies took notice – he ended up getting more dates than the young man! Upon graduation, Kyle was to give a valedictorian speech something he seemed very nervous about. His best friend, the young man, told him not to worry and that he would be great. His speech began with, “Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach... but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give to them. I’m going to tell you a story.” The young man looked on in disbelief as his friend told the audience about the first day they had met. Kyle was planning to kill himself that weekend. He had cleaned out his locker so his mother wouldn’t have to later, which explained why he was carrying all his books. He looked at the young man, giving a small smile. He went on, saying, “Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.” A collective gasp was heard throughout the audience as Kyle, the good looking popular boy confessed to all present his weakest moment. His parents looked at the young man, smiling a grateful smile similar to Kyle’s. It wasn’t until that moment that the young man had realized the depth of his actions. No matter how seemingly big or small, actions can leave a major impact on somebody’s life. In some cases, it can mean the different between life and death. And there’s always a reason, whether it turns out for the good or the not-so-good, that someone is put in your life. --- ...Such a wonderful heartwarming classic! Thanks Karen! ========================================================== __ .'/\'. .'-/__\-'. .'--/____\--'. .'--./______\.--'. .'--../________\..--'. .'--.._/__________\_..--'. .'--..__/____________\__..--'. .'--..___/______________\___..--'. '========'================'========' [_|__] [_|__] =[__|_]=====""=====[__|_]==. [_|__] '| [_|__] | [__|_] |' [__|_] | [_|__] .--JL--. [_|__] '===O [__|_] \====/ [__|_] [_|__]_.-| .; |-._[_|__] [__|_]'._ \__/(_.'[__|_] [.-._] [_.-.] [_.-.'--..____..--'.-._] (o) [(_.' .-. .-.'._)\ (o) (\'/) [ .-. (_.'.-. (_.' .-.](\'/) ;: [ (_.'.-. (_.' .-. (_.'| ;:' ;: [ .-. '._) .-. '._).-. ] ;:. [(_.' .-. '._) .-.'._)] (o) /.-. (_.'.-. (_.' .-.];:(o) (\'/)['._).-. (_.' .-.(_.'] (\'/) [ (_.'.-. .-.'._) \ ;: ;:' '-._ '._) '._) _.-' LGB `---..____..---' ;:` ;:' ;:'.:; ;;" >-->The Living Water God is the Living Water The ever-flowing Tide The steady Rock of Ages An Ocean, vast and wide. He restores my fleeting spirit Puts spring into my step Adds a bit of sunshine. Where Godly things are kept. He is a sure Foundation Removes the doubts and fear When I am overcome by life His voice, I often hear. He is the Rose of Sharon The Keeper of my soul The Lily of the Valley The One who makes me whole. He is a gentle Current A River, running free My Refuge at the harbor An Anchor on life's sea. He is the Living Water The Fruit upon the vine The Grapes when I am hungry The Essence and the Wine. by Marilyn Ferguson >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! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and 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 ************************************************************************