Stretching For The Lord... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ "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 For 2011 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2011 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! ================ >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Two forwards from our friend Sandi gave us our latest sizzler! Animal lovers will find this one totally adorable! Check it out here... ,________________ / \ \ |.-| | .-', | ,_______ | / | """""| | | O\__.--| '-' | ,=` _|______________| ',,,==` `~~~~|||~~~~~~~` ` ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| \\ |||, // jgs . ..::::\\\||////::::.... '' ' "" ' '"" "" "" '' ""' "'' Animal Friends! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalfriends.html --- ...Full Of SMILES! Thanks Sandi! ============================================================= >-->From Heartwarmers: _ |_t+.__________________......_ /;_ ;________________/ : \ t""o.\__ :---|------------------t-----^-`--' / \__L___________________\____________\ ""-. o .--. \--'/ l .-t+. \ ( l) ;"" : / _ _ _ l `--" o; Y |_||_ |_|/ \ """""";: .-. :\ | |:_ |\ \_/ :: '-' ;\ _ _ _ _ _ _ ;; : ; | ||_l | \|_ |_|| \ :: bug ;| :_l|`, :_/:_ | |:_/ ;'-------'; '"------"" >ALWAYS GRATEFUL by Neseret Bemient Imagine for a moment what life would be like if you were living in a country torn with civil war... You're afraid of walking down the street because you may be shot. You're afraid that someone may come in to your home and hurt you or your family or worse yet kidnap and rape your young teenage daughter. You're afraid to stay because you know that the future is so uncertain and bleak. You want a better life for you and your family. You want peace, freedom, liberty, safety, and security. That's why my mother decided to gather my siblings and me and leave our African homeland, Ethiopia. She knew we had no future there in the poverty stricken war zone we called home. The last memory we have of back home is hearing the distant echoes of gunfire while driving out of the town where we lived. As we were driving out, I remember seeing dead bodies lying on the sides of the road and mass graves being dug. I was only 11 years old and that picture has forever been engraved in my mind. The next part of our journey was refugee camp in Kenya. We lived in Thika camp outside of Nairobi for two years. Waiting to find sponsors so we could move to Canada was a long process. However, I never heard mom complain. She was very protective of us and we were number one in her life. Being a single mother of six children and then having to be exiled in a foreign country was no easy task. Nevertheless she took it all in stride and made the best of it. She had faith -- even in the darkest of hours she kept telling us that things will work out for the best. She'd always make sure we had the basic things that we needed. She had started weaving baskets so that she can supplement the food we were getting from camp. To get food, we had to stand in line for about 5 hours per day and what we received was not much. My mother was a trained social worker in Ethiopia and made a decent living. Making this change, for our sakes, was very difficult for her, but she never let us see her fear and disappointments. Yes, my mom was determined to get us to a better place in life. She kept going back to the UN office begging for them to find us sponsors. She just would not give up. I remember the day when we were sitting in the UN office and looking at a tall Canadian woman who was going to tell us our fate. She said, "We have found sponsors for you to go to Canada." I can still hear those wonderful words in my head like it happened yesterday! At the time it meant everything in the world. We were coming to a land of freedom, where there is plenty of clean water and peace. Today, I am a mother of a 4 year old, and I can only imagine the horror my own mother went through. I put myself in her place and realize how lucky I am to be living in North America -- a place where we all feel safe and have plenty of food and necessities -- things that are easily taken for granted. On this Mother's Day, I give thanks for my hero, my mother. She made so many sacrifices in her life so we could have a better life. She taught me to have faith and be persistent. Never complain. Always be grateful for the good things you have. Even when we were in a refugee camp and had absolutely nothing my mom used to say, "Look we are still alive and we're healthy." She always saw the glass half full. My mom was an amazing woman and we were lucky to have her. -- Neseret Bemient ___________________________________________ Neseret has one of the most remarkable and inspirational stories we've ever seen. When she arrived in Canada, at age 13, she couldn't speak English. Today, she is 27 and despite all the obstacles, has become a renowned small business expert in both the United States and Canada. Her speciality is consulting other women who want to make an extra income. Oh, and in the meantime, she's also become a registered nurse as well. Her mother, Felekech, lives close by. You can email Neseret at: mailto:neseret@hotmail.com or you can learn more about her fascinating life by visiting her website here: http://www.neseret.com =================================================================== >-->From BOTH Our Friends Sandi And Johanna :) _ (_) <___> | |______ | |* * * ) | | * * (_________ | |* * * |* *|####) | | * * *| * | (________________ | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | | * * *| * | | | | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | |~~~~~~| * | | | | |######|* *|####|##############| | | |~~~' | | | |######|########|##############| | | | | | | |######|########|##############| | |~~~~~~| | | | | |########|##############| | | '~~~~~~~~| | | | |##########JGS#| | | '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | >The Star Spangled Banner I do not know who wrote this editorial, however, I would like to shake his or her hand. _________________________ "So, with all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the next pop star who is asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting event: save the vocal gymnastics and the physical gyrations for your concerts. Just sing this song the way you were taught to sing it in kindergarten - straight up, no styling. Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world. Don't make them cringe with your self-centered ego gratification. Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 86-year-old WWII vets wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver Stars and flag pins on their cardigans and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country they love - not because you want them to think you are a superstar musician. They could see that from the costumes, the makeup and the entourages. Sing "The Star Spangled Banner" with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America , not you." -<>- ,:',:`,:' __||_||_||_||_||__ ____[""""""""""""""""""]____ \ " ''''''''''''''''''''''' \ ~~jgs~^~^~^^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~~^~^~~^~^~^^~~^~^ All the water in the world, however hard it tried, Could never, never sink a ship unless it got inside. All the evil in the world, the wickedness and sin, Can never sink your soul's fair craft unless you let it in. --- ...Right On! Thanks Ladies! ============================================================ >-->From CupO'Cheer: _....._ .' `'-. / (- J-E-S-U-S ->< '._ _,.-' \ jgs ````` >TWELVE DISCIPLES AND ME? How many times in life I wondered if I would have been a believer and follower of Jesus. Can you imagine walking this earth with your friends and God’s son? Watching him perform miracles day after day until each day was done. Witnessing to sinners, turning water into wine, making blind men see. As I have imagined throughout my life about adventures with Thee. As I walked with them each day my faith became so strong. I learned more about HIS love and what was right and wrong. So when they came to get my Savior and hang him on that tree. How could anyone deny or rebuke him, please say it wasn’t me? Would I have been like Peter and deny him ore’ & ore’ again. Would I have been like Judas and betray my old dear friend. We all knew HE was the son of God, sent from heaven above. We’ve seen the glorious things HE’s done and witnessed HIS love. So then how could we deny him or betray him on that dreadful day? But that’s exactly what happened, when they took our Savior away. I’ve had this dream many times and this query is always facing me. “What would I have done?” Would I have stood by my Lord or would I have also taken my leave? ~ Bonnie May ~ --- ...This one reminds me of this awesome teaching... _.-._ _.-._ _| | | | | | | |_ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | _.-' | _ _ | '-._ | ;_.-'.-'/`/ \`\`-.'-._; | ' / \ ' | \ '. / \ .` / | | jgs | | >Stretching For The Lord... Now picture this. I am in the wrestling ring. The Devil has got me in a head lock, but I have him a small toe-hold. We are going back and forth there, but I have a tag team partner. My partner is outside the ropes, and he will be until I decide to stretch and touch him. My circumstances for stretching and touching him are not always favorable. I am in a head lock, and it is uncomfortable to stretch and touch him. Now, what is the proper posture for the partner, who is outside the ring, in a tag-team match? Does this partner have his back to the ring signing autographs? No, he does not. If he is a good partner, he is stretching; he is leaning into the ring. His hand is extended toward you as far as he can possibly stretch within the limitations of his jurisdiction, which is outside the ropes. Who is my tag-team partner? Guess what, it is the same tag-team partner that you have. He is the Lord Jesus Christ and he knows the ropes! He lived in them. He is a human being, the Son of God. Read the full of it here... http://tinyurl.com/48ldd63 * ALSO Of this one... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Exercising Our Faith: praying, counseling, sharing / importance of cell groups, we are all priests When God started the Christian Church, He did something different from what He had done since Adam and Eve left Eden: He gave every single believer a job to do in the Church and He spiritually equipped each one with the ability to do that job. This was a monumental break from the way He set up worship in the Old Testament. Read The Rest Here: http://tinyurl.com/4k52mon , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' All Topics Of Gifts And Callings: http://tinyurl.com/4a3zny9 -<>- \\\\, / \\ '<' ) \- / _)_(_ .'\___/'. /.-.___.-.\ [_________] | | ( | , | (\/) ) _\)_ | -|- | <_@__> _(/_ || | | | (/\)(\/) || || | | (\/) <_@_> || || | | <_@_>'(/\) || || | | (/\|/|-. || || .---------. _|_|_ || ||_,-'---------'-,__ |WWWWW| ___jgs|_|____________________|_\_____/__ __ .-. / \ //)\\ | | ||(|| .-. (\__/) .//\\\. //|\\ _)__(_ / `"""` \ )|||( /` `\ .jgs===================================. | | | | | | >JUST A CUSTOMER By Catherine Pulsifer Being self-employed, I realize the importance of a customer. Recently, I was in a situation where the customer service I received was appalling. First the person who was waiting on me made me feel like I was taking time from their day. They didn’t seem to have any real concern for the situation I needed help with. While explaining my situation to them, their phone rang and they immediately picked up the phone without so much as an “excuse me”. To make a long story short, my situation is still not resolved. I left the store vowing never to shop there again. A couple of days later I saw the following on a poster and I thought whoever wrote this truly understood the importance of a customer: A customer is the most important person in any business A customer is not dependent upon us. We are dependent upon him. A customer is not an interruption of our work. He is the purpose of it. A customer does us a favour when he comes in. We aren't doing him a favour by waiting on him. A customer is an essential part of our business, not an outsider. A customer is not just money in the cash register. He is a human being with feelings and deserves to be treated with respect. A customer is a person who comes to us with his needs and his wants. It is our job to fill them. A customer deserves the most courteous attention we can give him. He is the lifeblood of this and every business. He pays our salary. Without the customer we would have to close up. Don't ever forget it. What does this have to do with motivation or inspiration? A lot because how we deal with others is more a reflection of how we demonstrate our inner worth than the actual application of a business. A reflection of our inner self through great customer service means we give value to others because we value our own values; these values also mean that we care about service to others where the adage what we give we receive comes into full force. Remember this: the more we demonstrate our much we care in the service to others also reflects how much we think about our own values and ethics. And, in direct application to a business, it doesn’t matter what position you hold, without your customers you would have no job, no business. I would encourage you to print a copy of this and share it with others who deal directly with customers. Sometimes in business, we get hung up on inventory, business results, and other trivial matters. If we want to improve our business, we should first improve our customer service by simply asking ourselves if our service to others is what we would want if we traded places. You are who you are in every situation whether that be in a job or at home with your own family. -<>- .========. .========. // I .'..' \ // VI.'.,".\ || II .'..'| || VII..'..| || III .'."| || VIII,'.'| || IV ,','.| || IX.'".'.| || V '..'.'| || X .'..',| jgs .\_________/ .\_________/ >WHEN WE GET THERE We know heaven's streets are made of pure gold. When we get there, We'll never grow old. But before we go, our faith will be tried. Some will find out, that satan has lied. He played his old tricks to make people stray. When he thought he'd won, they began to pray. They sang and they praised, they danced and they shouted. It brought down the glory, as God poured it out. The meaning of the story, we'll have to be on guard. When satan comes a knocking, he'll try to make it hard. But Jesus will be with us, He'll keep us free from sin. When we get to heaven, God will welcome us in. Mary Eldridge -<>- .---. /` ___|`\ |_/ \| ( -/- ) \_ - _/ .-'|_|'-. / \ / O \ / _____!_____ \ /.-------------.\ \| ,;, |/ | ;;; | | ;;;;;;;;; | | `';;;'` | | ;;; | | ;;; | | ::: | | ';' | | | _| _ __ __ _|_ jgs_/ _ __ ___ __ _\_ _/ __ ___ _ ___ __ _ \_ >AWAKE TODAY Ephesians 2:10 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. I failed to put that in my last bread. Anyway, I ended my last bread stating that I wasn’t even sure I should be going to this temple because it was of a different faith but felt led to go so I went. Are there any of us reading this right now who are presented an opportunity to do something but talk yourself out of it because Christians shouldn’t go there? John 12:46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. We are the light of Christ to a dark world. Are we reaching out to it? John 1:5,10-13 5The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it. 10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” 12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ Where are we going where people are sick? We need to reach out to the dark world as Jesus did because they need a Savior. If we are staying in our churches and in our safe places how are we being like Christ? If I had not gone because it was a different religion God would have just used someone else because He knows there is a lady at this center who needs Him. I am so glad I heard His voice and listened. My friend and I left the center. And I say friend because I consider her a friend but really it is the mother of the lady I work for. We left the center and went back to her place and we sat down and my friend started asking me questions about my faith. I thought you know, I was so focused on this lady and didn’t even think about my friend who took it all in and wanted to know more! We talked for hours and that is a whole other week of messages… Every day we are a light for Christ. Every step, every word and every deed should be looked at as a mission with God! Everything we do, everywhere we go is an opportunity to shine for Christ whether it be to a brother or sister in Christ or the dark world that so needs a Savior. We need to go places we thought we’d never go! Where is God calling you to go but cannot believe it is God speaking because Christians aren’t supposed to go there? God gave me an awakening that I needed so desperately… everything we do is for a purpose for Him! Where is your focus? Let’s drop our plans today and ask God each and every second, how Lord can I serve you and Your people. Look at it as the most exciting journey you will ever be on. When I left the center I was so filled with God’s love I almost got out of the car and had to exhale. We should be amazed everyday at what He is doing in and through us….let us awake today! Tammy Smith as seen in Thursday's Bread To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ================================================================ >-->From Our Friend Johanna :) ,,,,, ////""\ . (((/ m m -|- __ )))c = ) | (__) ////-./~` . [] (((( `.`\ :: [] )))`\ \)).-;.' .------, [] (() `._.-'` _( )[] )/ `. | .'`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^))\`.----'`[] jgs ( \' { ~ - ~~ _ ~ - ~~ - ~ - (( | | [] .-.--\ \ { )) | | [] |_;_._`\ |{ ((__|_|-----[] | ; ``` ;{ )) [] | /``-.____/ `~~~[]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'-' [] `' (__) (__) >THE U IN JESUS Before U were thought of or time had begun, God stuck U in the name of His Son.. And each time U pray, you'll see it's true, You can't spell out JesUs and not include U. You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name, For U, He was born; that's why He came. And His great love for U is the reason He died. It even takes U to spell crUcified. Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand He rose from the dead, with U in His plan? The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U. When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension, He felt there was one thing He just had to mention. "Go into the world and tell them it's true That I love them all - Just like I love U." So many great people are spelled with a U, Don't they have a right to know JesUs too? It all depends now on what U will do, He'd like them to know, But it all starts with U. Will YOU pass it on. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Overflow. Romans 15:13 --- ...Aww, so sweet! Thank You Johanna! Reminds me of this teaching... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' You are The Only You God Has http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html ============================================================ >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ,%%%%%%%%, %%/\%%%%/\%% _,._ %%%\C "" J/%%%, __.' _) %%%/ o o \%%%% .% <_,)'.-"a\ %%%| _ %%%% .%%` /' ( \'%%(__Y__)%%%%' %%` _.-----..,-' (`"--^ '%%%\-/`%%%%; \\ // | '%%%%%%%' \ )) (| `; , | | '. // \ ;.----/ ,/ | | / \ // ) // / | |\ \ | | ( \// jgs \ \\`\ | |/ / __| | _\ / \ \\ \ | |\/ (((((((___________) `" `" `"` >The Storms of Life The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. - Psalm 9: 9-10 Everyone in this life will experience some storms. Some are mild and last only for a short period of time while others may rage violently and there seems to be no end to them. However, if we have given God control and have our trust placed firmly in Him, we will know His perfect peace which will carry us through these storms and we'll have His assurance that we will be able to survive and become stronger and will grow in His grace and knowledge. My friend, if you are experiencing one of these storms and are feeling overwhelmed by it, cling to Him and He will help you to flow with the tide. He will cover you with His wings of love and you will rise above the storm. He will never leave you nor forsake you but you will ride out the storm shielded and held in His loving arms. Our God will keep us in the eye of the storm and will shelter us from its raging force! When the storm has past, you will find that your faith in Him is much stronger and when faced with another storm, you will know that nothing can separate you from Him and His love for you. He is a God of love and filled with understanding who will always be there beside you to bring you through all of the suffering and heartache and raise you to new heights of His glory! Never give up and let these storms defeat you for your God is still on His throne and He will stand with you and give you His strength to endure and overcome the most violent storms of this life! At the end of the storm you will see His glorious rainbow and you will delight in knowing that your God is bigger and stronger than any storm you may encounter! Amen?............. -<>- | '.|.' -= + =- ___ .'|'. ___ ******* | ******* /-====) | (_.- )) | / '( )' ) )) / / _/ \_( (( | |-( _ _ )) ) ) / | \ //| |\\ /'-( ( / \ \/\/ *** \/\/ / ) ) | |\ / .=. \ / ( ( `-;./ ;-' _\/(")\/_ '-; ) ) | \ |'---'| / ( ( | \ _| |_ / ) ) _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( jgs .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. `""---`-----` `----`----`""` >ONE GLAD DAD By: Joseph J. Mazzella I am one glad dad these days. I feel so very blessed. Everyday I thank God for these three wonderful souls He sent to be my children. They all have such beautiful spirits. They all bring joy to me and to the world around them every single day. It is always such a pleasure to take walks around town with my oldest son. He has more people say "Hi" to him in a day than I do in a week. This is because his goodness and friendliness touches the hearts of everyone he meets. My youngest son rarely speaks at all, yet his spirit shines in other ways. His spontaneous joy and delight in the simplest things makes me smile and his wonderful laughter sounds as beautiful as an angel's song. Both of my sons do have Autism, but Autism doesn't have them. My boys also remind me that sometimes the brightest souls come to Earth in disguise. They come hidden in broken bodies and handicapped minds. They come needing our help and care, yet at the same time they show the rest of us how to live. They go around spreading love, sharing joy, and shining God's light. And they help us to realize that we can do the same. Those who know them often become better because of them too. I know that my daughter's kind, giving, and loving heart has grown stronger and more beautiful because of them. She has had to face a lot growing up with two "special" brothers, but she has used it all to become the wonderful, young woman she is today. Her own spirit glows so brightly. She has already become one of those shining souls who makes the world a better place just by being in it. I think that I will remain one glad dad for all of my days here. Life has given me a lot of challenges and struggles to face, but God has given me the love, joy, and strength to face them. Life has given me two handicapped sons to raise and care for, but Heaven has blessed me with three shining souls to show me what it means to live and what it means to love. -<>- _.-/`) // / / ) .=// / / / ) //`/ / / / / // / ` / || / \\ / )) .' jgs // / / >My Brother's Hands Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen children. Eighteen! In order merely to keep food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood. Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two of Albrecht Durer's elder children had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy. After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines. They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg. Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht's etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works. When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht's triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable me al, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, "And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you." All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, "No...no...no...no." Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, "No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look, look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother...for me it is too late." More than 450 years have passed. By now, Albrecht Durer's hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer's works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office. One day, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother's abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply "Hands," but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love "The Praying Hands." The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look. Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one, no one, ever makes it alone! -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Cookie Blues http://www.buffalosjokes.com/21727.htm Dentyne http://www.buffalosjokes.com/21728.htm Dogs http://www.buffalosjokes.com/21729.htm Domino http://www.buffalosjokes.com/21730.htm Walking In Power http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html Humor in Religion http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hreligion.html Desert Skiing Resort http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/desertskiing.html Elephant Jokes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eleph.html Just Thinking http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thinking.html Building Advertising Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buildingads.html Strange Buildings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buildings.html Says It All! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/saysitall.html Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffalosjokes.com ================================================================ >-->From SermondFodder: "ARRRRGGGGG...." _ | \ _ |x| |-----__/ ) ()___ ___)_____/ We Are But Dust.... A visiting minister waxed eloquent during the offertory prayer. "Dear Lord," he began with arms extended and a rapturous look on his upturned face, "without you we are but dust..." He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter (who was listening carefully for a change!) leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little girl voice, "Mom, what is butt dust?" === By wa of Clean Laughs. To SUBSCRIBE: http://www.gophercentral.com/sub/sub-jokes.html. This post is brought to you by Sermon Fodder. To get a regular dose of Christian humor and a modern-day parable go to www.sermonfodder.com. Click at the bottom to join. ================================== Worth Repeating..... Without God man has no reference point to define himself. 20th century philosophy manifests the chaos of man seeking to understand himself as a creature with dignity while having no reference point for that dignity. -- R. C. Sproul ==================================== _____ _.'_____`._ .'.-' 12 `-.`. /,' 11 1 `.\ // 10 / 2 \\ ;; / :: || 9 ----O 3 || :: ;; \\ 8 4 // \`. 7 5 ,'/ '.`-.__6__.-'.' ((-._____.-)) _)) ((_ '--'SSt '--' >ON THE BOX FOR A CLOCKWORK TOY MADE IN HONG KONG - "Guaranteed to work throughout its useful life." Hey! That is exactly what I want my life to be - Guaranteed to work as long as I'm useful. Once I'm no longer useful, I want my heavenly Father to take me home. What do you think? Will this effect the way you pray? Bill -<>- _..._ ___ .:::::::. `"-._.-''. , /:::::::::\ ': \ _._ \:-::::::::::::\ :. | /|.-' /:::\ \::::::::\:::::| ': | | / |:::| `:::::::|:::::\ ': | `\ | __ |\::/\ `-:::-|::::::| ': | .`\ .\_.' `.__/ | |::::::\ ':. | \ ';:: /.-._ , / |:::::::| :. / ,`\;:: \'./0) |_.-/ ;:::::::| ': | \.`;::. `` | | \::::::/ :' / _\::::' / / \::::| :' / ,=:;::/ | \:::| :' | (='` // / | \::\ `: / '--' | /\ | \:::. `:_|.-"""-. \__.-'/::\ | '::::.:::...:::. '. /:::| | '::/::::::::::::. '-.__.:::::| | |::::::::::::\::..../::::::| / |:::::::::::::|::::/:::::::// \:::::::::::::|'::/::::::::/ /\::::::::::::/ /:::::::/:| |::';:::::::::/ |::::::/::; |:::/`-:::::;;-._ |:::::/::/ |:::| `-::::\ `|::::/::/ jgs |:::| \:::\ \:::/::/ /:::/ \:::\ \:/\:/ (_::/ \:::;__ \\_\\___ (_:/ \::):):)\:::):):) `" `""""` `""""""` >The Skunk and the Preacher My grandfather was sort of a mentor for young preachers from a nearby seminary that came to area churches to hone their pulpit skills when area pastors were on vacation or taking leave due to illness. My grandfather had taken a new preacher to a little country church for services. It was summer and the church had no Air conditioning so all of the doors and windows were open. Everything was going fine and the young preacher was doing well until in walked a skunk. The skunk paraded right down the aisle towards the pulpit. The young preacher noticed the skunk. He cautiously looked around the church for reactions from the congregation. To his surprise no one else seemed to even notice the skunk. Uneasily the preacher decided to ignore the skunk and keep preaching. Well the skunk kept on moving toward the front of the church. This plan seemed to be working until the skunk reached the platform and headed for the pulpit. The young preacher scanned the audience for some sort of reaction. Surely, he thought, someone in the congregation had noticed the skunk. The audience appeared attentive but yet oblivious to the dilemma of the young preacher. The skunk moved closer to the preacher. Finally, the time for action had arrived and the preacher decided he had to do something. He vaulted over the pulpit and ran out the back door. Once outside he took a few moments to catch his breath as he waited for others to follow. Several minutes passed and no one else came out of the church. He decided to check out the situation. Cautiously he approached the door and peaked inside. What he saw amazed him, the congregation was still seated as if nothing had happened. Finally, one of the deacons walked out of the church holding the skunk. By this time the young preacher was extremely nervous and very confused. The deacon looked at the preacher holding up the skunk and said, "I guess we should have told you about the neighbor's pet skunk. He occasionally comes to visit." -<>- _ __( )_ ( (o____ | | | (__/ \ / Oh, Bother, What Sahll I Send? / \ / ^ \ | | |____\ | \______) \ / \ /_ | ( __) (____) >Ask Before You Send Responding to a missionary request for help, the Ladies Aid Society of a local church spent hours cutting old sheets into strips to make bandages. The bandages were sent to a leper colony in Africa where the missionary worked. The lepers opened the package before the missionary returned to the field and were puzzled at the rolled up strips of cloth. After some serious dicsussion, the lepers decided the strips of white cotton could be sewed into bed sheets that would be really useful. You can imagine the consternation of the Ladies Aid Society when they received a wonderful thank you note from the missionary telling them how the cloth had been put to work. It serves as a wonderful reminder not to just send stuff to missionaries. Ask them what they need and fill that need. ================================================================= >-->From Laugh&Lift: _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >Honest Prayer (By Rachel Olsen) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Have you ever shaken your fist at God over His answer to your prayers, or lack of answers? Have you grown angry with Him over the injustices in your life? If so, you'll be able to relate to the prophet Habakkuk, living roughly 600 years before Christ. His book of the Bible begins with this complaint: "How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save me. Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?" (Hab.1:2-3, NIV). God answered Habakkuk by telling him to be patient and to watch, that He will do amazing things and usher in justice, but only in His timing. Passionate, honest, gut-level, even angry prayers have been recorded through out the Bible. Habakkuk wasn't the only one to complain. Moses, Gideon, and Elijah all questioned God. Job even cursed the day God made him and said, "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God, 'Do not condemn me, but tell me what charges you have against me. Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands...?'" (Job 10:1-3, NIV). In his anguish, Job accused God of afflicting people for no reason (Job 9:17), overwhelming them with misery (Job 9:18), not caring about injustice (Job 9:22, 24), and laughing at the pain of the innocent (Job 9:22). Of course these accusations are not accurate, but it is true that is how we often feel in times of severe suffering or testing. God knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, so it's futile to think we can hide them from Him. Better to come clean with how we really feel, get it off our chest in prayer, and hopefully clear the way to hear and receive God's reply or comfort. I've complained to God in the past for allowing my loved ones to die or fall deep into sin, for allowing valuable things to be stolen from me, for allowing my reputation to be unfairly tarnished, for allowing physical suffering in my body, or for not allowing what I felt I deserved. I have found the best thing I can do is honestly take these feelings to God where they can be traded for His perspective and His comforting assurance. Though God may not always change my circumstances the way I want Him to, He can and does change my perspective on those circumstances and enables me to endure them. God listens when we complain about injustice. He hates seeing the unrighteous prosper, particularly when it's at the hands of the innocent, as much as we do. He understands when we feel shortchanged or opposed. Read through the gospel accounts of Jesus' life and you'll be reminded of just how much Jesus can relate to undeserved opposition. I urge you to be honest before God in prayer today. While maintaining a degree of holy respect for Him and thanksgiving for His saving grace, pour out the good, the bad and the ugly of your feelings. As Habakkuk, Job and others discovered, God can handle your intense emotions and questions. Though He rarely explains Himself fully to us - perhaps because we can't fully understand this side of eternity - He does flood us with His power, love and peace when we come humbly and honestly before Him and pour out our heart. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV): "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Psalm 36:5 (NIV): "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." Are you angry with God over what He's allowed to happen to you, or a loved one? Have you taken those feelings to Him honestly in prayer and asked for His perspective and comfort? Are you willing to settle for the comfort of God in your situation, or are you only interested in having God change your situation to suit you? Are you allowing this difficult situation to deepen and strengthen your character, and your relationship with Christ? "Dear Lord, it's hard for me to understand Your ways. It's hard for me to overlook offenses. It's hard for me to deal graciously with the difficult situations or people in my life, and sometimes I grow angry with You for allowing them into my life. But I don't want to be a bitter or miserable person. Help me to see through Your eyes, and to endure all that You allow into my life, with Your grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen." Application/Further Study: Read through one of the Gospels, noticing all the times and ways that Jesus was opposed, or let down by those around Him. Consider the suffering that He was allowed to endure on this earth, and what results it ultimately produced. 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 --- ...See this teaching... When You Pray... http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/pray.html ================================================================= >-->From DevineHalowings: \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >A Marines Angel My uncle was the most gentle man I have ever met. In my entire lifetime, he never once raised his voice or said a hateful word to anyone. He was always the first to volunteer to help the community, or a neighbor. It surprised me very much to learn, after my childhood, that he was once a Marine in the Korean war. My uncle, Jack, never discussed his experiences while in the Marines, that is until I became one myself. Shortly after returning home from Parris Island I visited him. He showed me horrible pictures of death, talked of being wounded saving his buddies, and the Inchon resevoir. He then told me the story I am about to tell all of you. I do this so that maybe you will also be moved to believe. On some unkown hill in the middle of an intense firefight Jack found himself, pinned down while advancing toward an enemy position. He was about to find more cover in a nearby gully when he heard a booming voice yell at him, "Get your head down, Marine!". He turned around and there stood a Marine officer in full dress blues, glaring at him. He was clean as a button and sharp as a tack. Jack was very confused because he himself was covered in mud. While asking himself how in the hell this officer got here in that condition, and why he wasn't in his combat fatigues, Jack heard a loud explosion that covered him in mud and debris. After the dust had settled Jack turned to where the officer had been to find that he was gone. He then looked towards the gully where he was about to go...a ten foot wide crater was in its' place. Jack came home to raise two wonderful children and be a devoted husband. He also lived his life as an example of how a Christian should be. While battling cancer our pastor came to ask Jack, "How is your soul, Jack?" Jack told him it was fine and asked him, "How's yours?". Even as he lived his last days he was the one teaching and helping and consoling. I have no doubt that the encounter he had with that Marine Angel made him more Christ like than anyone I have ever met. ================================================================ >-->From Heartwarmers: ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >THE POWER OF SECOND CHANCES by Teri Goggin-Roberts Theodore Johnson, or "Mr. J" was my fifth grade teacher. He was a tall, slender man with a reputation for fun that made students pray to be assigned to his class. Mr. J was significant in my life for many reasons. As an educator, he brought mundane subjects to life with humor and passion. As a person, he taught me the blessing of an unexpected second chance. One Monday morning, the schoolyard buzzed with rumors about a fire in the school over the weekend. When the bell rang I raced inside, excited by the acrid scent of burnt wood that confirmed the rumors. Homeroom hummed with conversation. Mr. J quieted the class and explained that "Home Economics" would be cancelled due to a fire. He also warned us not to go near the room because it could be dangerous. At morning recess, my friend Kim and I cooked up a plan to check out the damage. A first hand observation would make us heroes at lunch. Since Kim was in a different class, we decided to synchronize a time to go to the bathroom and divert to the "Home Ec" room instead. As the appointed time approached, I ignored a growing sense of dread. I didn't want to face the consequences at home if I got caught but I also couldn't "chicken out" and face Kim after school. When the clock ticked into position, I raised my hand and got permission to "go to the lavatory." Kim was already waiting in the hall. Kim and I safely reached the home economics room. We stood on tiptoes peering through the door window trying in vain to see what was forbidden. A firm grip on our shoulders stopped my heart cold. "Where do you belong? Certainly not here!" I whirled around to find a teacher staring angrily at us. I'd seen angry teachers before, but they were always glaring at someone else, not me. In those frozen seconds millions of thoughts flashed through my mind. My father would kill me for defying a teacher. Worse than that, my mom might be so mad she might not stop him. Utter terror froze my tongue but eventually I stuttered, "I belong in Mr. J's class." My spirits sank even lower when I realized my lie to Mr. J would soon be exposed. The arresting teacher led Kim and me back to our classrooms and knocked on the doors. I stood in the hall as my captor spoke with Mr. Johnson who rubbed his chin and arched his eyebrows as he listened. I wanted to melt into the floor. There was nowhere to hide from Mr. Johnson's angry eyes when they darted toward me during parts of the story. I lived with an alcoholic father so anger meant pain and I was already nauseous from the pain in my head. The teacher swished past, leaving my destiny in the hands of Mr. Johnson -- who now hated me. I blinked hard, fighting back tears of self-loathing. Like home, I desperately tried not to let Mr. J see me cry, instead, I braced myself for a barrage of anger. But Mr. Johnson had a different lesson to teach. Slowly, he knelt down on one knee and hunched his lanky body in an attempt to look me in the eye. When I glanced up from my shoes, I was met with a look of concern rather than anger. He spoke softly and carefully as he explained why he was disappointed in my decision to go where I may have gotten hurt. I was stunned that he cared more about my safety than the fact that I'd broken a rule. There was no yelling and no berating. As I looked into the eyes of the man who could send me to unimagined consequences at home, I began to cry. The full weight of disappointing Mr. J crushed my ten-year-old shoulders. I wiped my tears and wished I'd been expelled so I wouldn't have to return to a class full of staring eyes and spend the rest of the year hoping Mr. J would like me again. But the lesson was not complete. Mr. J stood up, indicating it was time to return to class. My heart was heavy with regret as we walked. The load lifted instantly with the gentle touch of Mr. J's hand on my shoulder. I glanced up and he smiled. My love for Mr. J blossomed in the moment I discovered that he still liked me even after I'd disappointed him. Slowly, it sunk in that he didn't raise his voice or threaten me. He didn't do anything but let me feel the impact of my actions. It was the first time I felt the exquisite freedom of forgiveness. Mr. J made no public mention of my crime, nor did he tell my parents. The rest of the day he smiled and acted normally. I saw the world from a fresh angle. At 10 years of age, I couldn't pinpoint what was different, I just knew I felt better about myself. I also knew I'd never disappoint Mr. Johnson again. Looking back, I can clearly see what was different. When I made mistakes at home the recovery from anger took days. But on that day, trust was restored the moment Mr. J smiled. I learned many things that year, but nothing more important than the power of being granted an unexpected second chance. -- Teri Goggin-Roberts ============================================================= . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >-->ANOTHER CHANCE How often we wish for another chance To make a fresh beginning. A chance to blot out our mistakes And change failure into winning. It does not take a new day To make a brand new start, It only takes a deep desire To try with all our heart. To live a little better And to always be forgiving And to add a little sunshine To the world in which we're living. So never give up in despair And think that you are through, For there's always a tomorrow And the hope of starting new. ~~Helen Steiner Rice >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Chrristian 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 DAARE 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 ************************************************************************