Thank You Father.... :) 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 ================ >-->OoooWEeeee!! (>, oo / 8 "} > @ < |`.8 .-._/| `-.'`')`_.' ) / / |__, | ( / .' , / `._/ '`- \| -- -`' - --- VK/ejm I'm doing a 'Happy Angel' dance! Why? Because Shangrala has been blessed with our first 2010 Angel! Glenise Miller from Keokuk, IA has joined forces to help Keep Shangrala Alive this year with a sweet donation! If you'd like to help too and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->Reader Comments... () , O -. )', \'._.,-" c '-,_ o ) _,.c cc =[]L] /." ', c __.` -' \('---' '=.____ '-. O \ 0 , \|\_/) \-, |',T( 66,_ o ) '-" \\.___Y) ) ,-.Y _.G snd /-" /.' Wesley wrote to remind people to use the 'Bcc' option instead of the 'To' option when forwarding a message. This gives your friends and loved ones on your list email privacy. He noticed all the 'To' addresses in my emails to the group and I had to tell him, I cannot clean these up when I forward an email. My composer forwards a copy exactly as I get it without letting me edit it or it allows me to edit it but removes all the pictures from it. So I can only send it cleaned up without the images. No reason to send a forwarded message then! So when sending them to me or anyone for that matter, PLEASE, Always use the 'Bcc' option. That way it sends it to the people on your list and has it as a 'Blind carbon copy' - no one else can see who you forward it to. Thank You Wesley for bringing this up to the group! In this day of spam spam and more spam, it is wise not to give the spam robots any food to feed on. Forwarded email addresses only feed the spam monster! -<>- >-->If You Haven't Already, Be Sure To Check These Out And Pass Them On: ."";._ _.---._ _.-"". /_.'_ '-' /`-` \_ \ .' / `\ \ /` \ '. .' / ; _ _ '-; \ ;'. _.' ; /\ / \ \ \ ; '._;._ .-'.--. | / | \0|0/ \ | '-. / /` \ | / .' \ | .---. \ | | | / /--' .-"""-. \ \/ \ | \ \ / / / ( , , ) /\ \ | / \ '----' .' | '-(_)-' | | '. / / `'----'` | '. | `'----'` jgs \ `/ '. , .' `-.____.' '.____.-' \ / '-' Why Dogs Bite People http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogsbite.html There's Something About Mona! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/monalisa.html Babes In Christ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/babesinchrist.html $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$'`$$$$$$$$$$$$$'`$$$ $$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$ $$$$$$$ '$/ `/ `$' .$$$$ $$$$$$$$. i i /! .$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$.--'--' $$$$$$ $$^^$$$$$' J$$$$$$ $$$ ~"" `. .$$$$$$$ $$$$$e, ; .$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$.' $$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$. $$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$ $by&TL$ ------------------------- I LOVE YOU ------------------------- What Is Love #1? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wlove1.html What Is Love #2? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wlove2.html What Is Love #3? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wlove3.html Just Thinking http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thinking.html Worms! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/worms.html , _ )\ __`9) _,/^`^(G)-' < \(\a a ) / ) `(v__/` ,_ (_, ) mic `U) _,) )-(_/ (_/ (_/ Look Who's Talking #1 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/talking.html Look Who's Talking #2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/talking2.html Look Who's Talking #3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/talking3.html Mini Baby Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/baby.html Origami Dollar Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dollarart.html Beautiful Bridges http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bridges.html LCS 2 USS Independence http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lcs2.html The Firm Foundation - From Spirit & Truth Fellowship http://www.truthortradition.com/emails/jan_feb_2010_sower_email2.html Our Gifts And Callings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html The Christian's Hope - topics http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&new_topic=6 >Please Visit These To Help Get Shangrala New Traffic: Elephant Whales http://www.funpageexchange.com/out.php?u=3559&pid=34664&s=n M&M Empire http://www.funpageexchange.com/out.php?u=3559&pid=38557&s=n You Stoopid Here's Why http://www.funpageexchange.com/out.php?u=3559&pid=40809&s=n How Will You Die? http://www.funpageexchange.com/out.php?u=3559&pid=18851&s=n Snow White And Quasimodo http://www.funpageexchange.com/out.php?u=3559&pid=5088&s=n Top 15 Strange Foods http://www.funpageexchange.com/out.php?u=3559&pid=41436&s=n =============================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: >MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE by Diane Velikis I remember receiving the call around 11:30pm. With caller ID I knew it couldn't be good news from my mother. "Diane, your sister has been life-flighted to Scranton. There's been an accident. I received a call from the hospital. Right now she's being operated on. That's all I know." "I'm on my way, mom." The drive was 45 minutes, and we had no idea what caused the injury. Was it a car accident? No information was released. Waiting patiently for hours in the waiting room, a brain surgeon came out and gave us the grim news. Her prognosis was she was brain dead, with little hope of survival. A passing motorist saw her lying on the road and called 911. I remembered seeing her lying there in a coma, with life support allowing her chest to rise with each breath. I remembered watching my watching mother reaching for her daughter's hand, and sobbing at the sight of her swollen bandaged head. Joni died at age 45, an unsung hero who donated her organs in spite of the cruel and calculated attempts of a cover-up from a hit-and-run driver. My sister was a giver, even in her death. Eventually police were able to gather forensic evidence which led the man to turn himself in weeks later. Naturally any blood alcohol could not be traced. Before the actual sentencing we received word from a married gentleman with one child who received my sister's heart. The transplant went well and Joni's heart had immediate function. He was very thankful for the opportunity to still have time to spend with his family. Her bone marrow and tissue along with her kidneys were able to help countless others. It was up to me to face the judge, and the man who left her on the road to die. I remember my final words to the court were something like this: "I conclude your honor with an imploring plea from my family that you will consider the maximum penalty on behalf of my sister and our family. It cost my sister her all -- we believe it should cost him his all." Being the oldest child I don't know what was more heartbreaking. Losing my sister, or watching the devastating effects it was having on my parents. The judge told me what the state sentencing guidelines required him to hand down. I had already done my homework and was prepared for the slap on his wrist. He faced a one year prison sentence for the murder of my sister! The reporters who followed me out of the courtroom asked if I was satisfied. My statement was, "I believed the judge did all he could do because of state legislation. I don't believe the sentence was enough, but I know he did the best he could." I had been researching night after night. Something was wrong with Pennsylvania hit-and-run laws. There was a loop hole that was allowing people to get away with murder! When I stumbled across the hit-and-run laws of all 50 states, my crusade began. Armed with information and statistics, I was prepared to wage war, and phoned WILK talk show host Sue Henry and was soon invited as a guest speaker the day after my sister's killer was sentenced. A few days later the local news headlines read: "CRUSADE to change PA. Hit-and-run law gets lawmakers' attention. Sister's death moves Velikis to close loophole." Periodic contact and updates continued. We are still waiting for a bill to be passed. The the ball is in motion. It still needs to be presented before the house, but God used me and my sister as a vessel. Finally, now I have peace. The two things we did have in common were writing, and I know had it been me lying on the road that day, she'd have been trying to do something -- anything -- to make this world a better place. -- Diane Velikis __________________________________________________ Diane is a Pennsylvania licensed realtor and has worked diligently to have Pennsylvania's hit-and-run laws changed. She caught the ear of her state representative, Phyllis Mundy, who wrote up a bill. In introducing the bill, State Rep. Mundy stated, "A drunk driver who hits someone and takes off, and is later tried and convicted on a hit-and-run charge, receives a lesser punishment than he would had he stayed at the scene to render assistance or simply faced up to what he did. This loophole makes no sense from a legal standpoint, and it certainly makes no sense to victims and their families." __________________________________________________ .-. o \ .-. .----.' \ .'o) / `. o / | \_) /-. '_.` \ \ `. | \ | \ | .--/`-. / / .'.-/`-. `. .\| /.' /`._ `- '-. ____(|__/`-..`- '-._ \ |`------.'-._ ` ||\ \ || # /-. ` / || \| || #/ `--' / /_::_|)__ `|____|-._.-` / ||`--------` \-.___.` | / || # | \ | | || # # | /`.___.'\ |.`|________| | /`.__.'|'.` __/ \ __/ \ /__.-.) /__.-.) LGB >AN UNWANTED GUEST You know, I have never felt comfortable using the term survivor, when referring to myself, or any person who has had cancer and is still alive. A "survivor" to my way of thinking, is a person who has escaped from something -- an accident, a natural disaster, a plague -- like a tornado, a car accident, a small pox epidemic. And I do not think a host is engaged in a war, where they "fight" to "wage the battle" against the cancer within their body. The only military-esque similarity would be the weapons used -- deadly to what is good and what is bad. I look upon my own experience with cancer in a different light. I feel more like a domicile -- a place where cancer had taken up habitation as an unwanted tenant, an undesirable visitor in my abode. And, as directed by established procedure, I went through the necessary steps to evict that resident. But, as may be the record of any dwelling, living or dead, there is usually a good ghost story or two -- a haunting, if you will. So, as with many abodes with a few good years on them, the ghost of cancer past haunts my home, my body. Moreover, much like the Dickens' Christmas tale, the ghost of cancer present, or the ghost of cancer future may visit me. The ghost may decide not to leave, and I am, again, dealing with my unwelcomed inhabitant. Such is the case now. Two months ago I learned cancer has returned to take up residence in my body. I just finished 30 radiation (mis)treatments. In two weeks, I will begin taking chemo, all in an attempt to expel my unwanted guest. So, do I consider myself a survivor? No, I am more the landlord, a proprietor who is haunted by a phantom -- the specter of cancer -- which may or may not take up residence in my abode. And it is not a war, though weapons of mass destruction are used to rid one's body of the invasion. -- Kathy Pippig __________________________________________________ Kathy is an author and animal lover. She says, "One weapon that works is prayer. Perhaps you can whisper your private prayer, then possibly pass this on to someone you love and care about -- someone who may be harboring their own unwanted visitor..." ================================================================= >-->From Our Friend Denise :) I liked this prayer Elrhea, and hope you can pass it on to all of your readers! Here is a powerful prayer blessing for those suffering any kind of sickness or illness that you can use daily - !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ Thank You Holy, Everlasting Father - I come before You to pray for those who are suffering from illness or any kind of sickness, in Jesus name - Father, I pray that You use the power of Your Holy Spirit to heal them; and the power found in medicine and also to give them the power they need to understand that You, Father God, are for them and so who could be against them. Amen. (Romans 8:31) --- ...Yep simple and effective. Thank You Denise. And to please our friend Jewelle, Please also pray: !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ Dear God almighty keep your children alive in the flesh and their love safe from all accident, harm, injury, virus, cancer, disease, natural disaster, and evil of all kinds. Give them wisdom, good health, wealth, prosperity, sound minds and bodies. God Please also bless our country and all its lawmakers and all public servants including our troops, veterans and their families. Keep them all safe and give them wisdom knowledge, and understanding to know and do your sweet will. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven through Christ Jesus I pray, Thank you Father. Amen. ================================================================ >-->From SermondFodder: >Prospective Tenants A property manager of single-family residence was showing a unit to prospective tenants and asking the usual questions. "Professionally employed?" he asked. "We're a military family," the wife answered. "Children?" "Oh, yes, ages nine and twelve," she answered proudly. "Animals?" "Oh, no," she said earnestly. "They're very well behaved." === This post is brought your way by Sermon Fodder and Joke A Day Ministries. To subscribe go to http://www.sermonfodder.com or drop an email note to Sermon_Fodder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Please leave this attached if you forward this to friends or post on the web. ======================================== Worth Remembering.... @ ) (_m_\ \\" _.`~. `(#'/.\) .>' (_--, _=/d . ^\ ~~ \)-' ' / | ptr ##'##'#after a:f############## ################################# Movie Great John Wayne once said, "Courage is being scared, but saddling up anyway." We found an anonymous quote that fits well with that. "Safety is not the absence of danger, but is the presence of God." The Sermon Fodder Guy -<>- >CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. --Daniel 6:4 A young Christian professional interviewed for a position in a thriving business once, and brought with him a top-notch resume. In it, he listed many references, including his pastor, his Bible study teacher, and a church deacon. Unbeknownst to the young man, the business owner was also a Christian. After he had studied the resume, he said, "Young man, I appreciate these recommendations from people in your church. However, what I would really like is a word of recommendation from people who know you during the week as well." Oftentimes, the way people live their lives on Sunday is very different when compared to the way they live their lives the rest of the week. Often people act differently at church than they do out in the real world. But the truth is, the biblical truth we hear on Sunday should also be practiced throughout the week! Worship should be a way of life...not a weekly event. Daniel was a perfect example of someone who was consistent in his relationship with both God and man. In fact, even his enemies couldn't find any fault with him! As a follower of Christ, does your life look differently during the week than it does at church on Sunday? The old adage is true: "Actions speak louder than words." Determine to live a consistent Christian life on Sunday and every other day of the week! PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you walk consistently with Him throughout the week...and pray that your life would be a constant reminder to those around you of Christ, the One you serve. =================================================================== . . * . . . . * . . . . . . * . . . . * . . * . . . * . . * . . . * . . . . * . . . . . * . . . .-o--. . * . . . . . . . . * * . :O o O : . . ____ * . . . . . . . . : O. Oo; . . `. ````.---...___ . * . . . * . `-.O-' . * . . \_ ; \`.-'```--..__. . . * . . . . . ,'_,-' _,-' ``--._ . * . . . . * . . . -' ,-' `-._ * . . * . . . ,-' _,-._ ,`-. . . . . . * . . '--. _ _.._`-. `-._ | `_ . * . . . . . . ; ,' ' _ `._`._ `. `,-'' `-. . . . . . . ,-' \ `;. `. ;` `._ _/\___ `. . * . . * \ \ , `-' ) `':_ ; \ `. . * . . . * \ _; ` ,; __; `. . . . . . '-.; __, ` _,-'-.--''' \-: `. * . . . * . )`-..---' `---'' \ `. . . . . . . . .' `. `. ` . * . . . / `. `. ` * . . / `. `. ' . . * / `. `. _'. . . . . | `._\-' ' . . . | `.__, \ * . . *. . | \ \. . . | \ \ . * jrei * >-->From Our Friend John-Paul :) >ATTENTION Attention, Creatures of the Earth. Be you, whom you are, What value, what worth. The toys you have matters not, Or whom you are, or what you got. Stand up straight, or fly the sky, Walk on all fours, or crawl, What ever for you, Life may buy. All too soon, we all must Die, And yet, we wonder why? We wonder why? Look around, where can you go? circle the Earth, to and fro. In the end, we must agree, we are all part of a Zoo, in captivity. We can not run, Nor can we hide. As we devour one another, With hunger, greed, selfishness, and pride. Yet, are we a part of some wondrous plan? Some Eternal day, Shall we understand? Will the `shroud` of mystery fall from our eyes? Salvation!, Salvation!, from with in, The Soul cries, How I struggle, both day and night, Will I be ready, when Death comes, To take that final Flight? Is freedom truly in body's last breath? Is it then we escape Earth's bonds, And fly with Death? Oh, but, it is written, It's GOD`S Holy Words, when we have done our very best, And all we can do is Stand, Then `STAND`! For HIS Word is True, It will not fail, If we stand on HIS promises, We will surly prevail. So Creatures of Earth, Put away all fears, Trust in GOD, And if you will, HE`LL dry those tears. Then as Children, one day, We all shall play, On Streets of Gold, In Heavenly bodies, That never grows `Old` "PRAISE GOD FOREVER" John-Paul --- ...Amen! Thank You John-Paul! ===================================================================== ___ (___) /` `\ / /"\ \ \_/o o\_/ ( _ ) `\ /` /\\V//\ / /_ _\ \ \ \___/ / \/===\/ || || || || ||___|| |_____| jgs ||| / Y \ `"`"` >Baubie's Guest Story Editor: by Nathan Stolov Joyce Schowalter Missouri, USA --+-- This Story Originally Ran as #379#: 30 January 2003 --+-- When my late grandmother was in her late 60's she was quite independent. She handled all her own cooking, cleaning, and shopping, living in a second-floor apartment. She drew a small Social Security pension -- thus barely had enough money to live on. She accepted little financial help from her grown children, most with families of their own. Baubie awoke early one morning, thinking she heard a noise on her balcony. From the balcony door, she saw nothing had been disturbed. The next morning, the same thing happened. Baubie wasn't a person with an overly active imagination, so she set her alarm clock to wake up early the following day. Arising, she quietly went to the balcony door and discovered a poorly dressed man sleeping on her balcony. His alarm clock went off, he went over the balcony rail and disappeared down the street. Baubie wasn't a person to wish anyone harm. She knew the man must be in very bad financial trouble to secretly live on her poor balcony, and she was certain he wasn't dangerous. After all, he hadn't tried to break into her apartment! That evening, after dinner, she put out a package of leftovers for her "balcony guest." The following morning she found the leftovers had been eaten, and her guest had left money for the food. She put his money safely under a spare pillow and blanket, along with a dinner that night -- and many other nights. Because food was expensive, she finally allowed her children to help buy food, which she insisted that she prepare. This went on several weeks, with Baubie's guest finally giving up on leaving money for anything! One day, without a word, her guest was gone. She worried that something had happened to him. One evening a few days later, there was a knock at her front door. Upon answering, Baubie was greeted by her guest. He was wearing a clean used suit, carrying a bouquet of flowers for her. He was a businessman who had lost his business after an employee stole money from him. He had sent his family to live with his wife's parents and worked to make good his losses. Having paid off his employee's thievery, he was working for another business as a manager, was now able to look his ex-business associates in the eyes. His first goal after paying off his business debts was to repay "his grandmotherly angel" for her generous kindness, but Baubie wouldn't have it. His words and knowing he was well were enough. She invited him to dinner, insisting he repay his wife's parents with the money he had saved, which he agreed to. She said it wouldn't be proper for her to take his money, because "parents are supposed to help their children". In her mind, in the way she was brought up, this perfect stranger, this gentleman who was near her children's ages, was a "temporary son" given her to watch over. As she did. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) _|\ _/|_, ,((\\``-\\\\_ ,(()) `))\ ,(())) ,_ \ ((())' | \ ))))) >.__ \ (((' / `-. .c| hjw / `-`' >Two Horses... Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her. As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell. Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when We are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the Little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see. Good friends are like this .....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. God sees to that. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." --- ...A sweet One! Thanks Jo Ann! ============================================================ >-->From CupO'Cheer: ,-. ( \()Oo `-,---. .-. \ | oO()/ ) \ \ ,--- ,-' |_/ | / ,-. / _/ |_/ \_/ ,-. \_/ s-v >A SOLDIER'S FOOTPRINT When I came home from shopping in town A very faint footprint I saw on the ground It was very familiar for not so long ago You see, it belongs to the one I love so. When the call came not many days past, We had finished our new home at last Together we planted the flowers and trees To see them bloom in the Springtime breeze. The messenger’s words cut like a knife A bomb in Iraq took your husband’s life I looked at the footprint, my eyes filled with tears I saw the one I’ve loved through the years. In the footprint some comfort I‘ve found It was not left behind in some Iraqi town, And will always have a place in my heart No matter how many years we are apart. Someday we will be together again In a beautiful land where there is no sin. He gave his life so that all may be free What more could he give for you and me? Copyrighted by: Pearl Pennington Blevins -<>- ______ _\ _~-\___ = = ==(____AA____D \_____\___________________,-~~~~~~~`-.._ / o O o o o o O O o o o o o o O o |\_ `~-.__ ___..----.. ) `---~~\___________/------------````` = ===(_________D -Roland >BEYOND YESTERDAY (By Ron Hutchcraft) The plane bound for Newark Airport was full. Now all those passengers are waiting for their suitcase to arrive on the baggage carousel along with passengers from a couple of other flights. And to think people pay to go to the zoo! There are times when that crowd of people gets pretty big and we're all crammed together in an area that can get pretty wall-to-wall. Recently the claustrophobia got worse than ever, they have put up a wall that reduces the already limited space. You could get pretty steamed about it if you didn't realize that wall was there to cover up some construction that's in progress. See, they are improving and enlarging that whole area! Now how do they make us feel good about this crunch in the meantime? They put up a sign on that construction wall and it seemed to do the job. I didn't forget it and it said this, "Thanks for your patience. We are getting rid of yesterday so we can get ready for tomorrow." That's God's construction strategy, too, for improving and enlarging your life. Our word for today from the Word of God, Philippians 3:13-14. Paul says, "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Or, I am getting rid of yesterday so I can get ready for tomorrow. Well, are you hanging on to yesterday. Those construc- tion people at the airport have to make a choice. Shall we hang onto what's been in the past or leave that behind and build something for the future? You can't have both. They can't have the future if they keep hanging onto the past, and neither can you. It may be that you are writing the verse this way, "Dwelling on what is behind," "remembering what is behind." You won't let go of the past: the hurts, the slights, the pain, the problems, the miss under- standings, the grudge, and the resentments. You keep reliving and replaying them and consequently you have pretty much identified your place in life, I'm a victim. And you may very well have been a victim. But you will be tomorrow a victim, only if you insist on carrying your yesterday into your tomorrow. You've got Jesus now. Your identity is "child of God," not victim. Your tomorrows need to be focused on pursuing what Jesus can make you, not what your past has made you. Maybe the yesterdays you won't forget are your failures. You've got to leave them behind, too. You cannot change the past, and the Devil would love to have you focused on what can't be changed. Then you're a slave for life. Jesus wants you to focus on what can be changed, the future. That has yet to be written. You can determine right now, no matter what the past has been that the rest of your days will be the best of your days and that your past will not infect your future. You draw a line today. The choice is clear, just like that construction company; you have to choose between yesterday or tomorrow. Dwelling on your yesterdays will cost you what your tomorrows could have been. Releasing your yesterdays, deliberately moving past them, makes room for what God wants to build in your future. Jesus is in the construction business with you, getting rid of yesterday so He can get ready for tomorrow. [Permission to distribute this material via email, or individual copies, is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes, and will not be sold. To reproduce "A Word With You" transcripts in any other format, including Internet websites, written permission is needed.] as seen in Laugh and Lift To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ===================================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: -------|--------------------------------------------------|--------- ___|___ ___|___ ////////\ _ _ /\\\\\\\\ //////// \ ('< >') / \\\\\\\\ | (_) | | (^) (^) | | (_) | |______|.===="== =="====.|______| ----------------------------------------------------------------ldb-- >STILL WE SING By: Joseph J. Mazzella I love that first day of birdsong we get here in the mountains each year. It usually happens in the first week of March, but it came early and caught me by surprise this year. I had just woken up and was walking my dogs in the warm morning air. Suddenly the sun rose over the hilltops, the world grew golden, and the birds started to sing. At least 12 different birdsongs poured out from the treetops. Each one had its own melody, its own beauty, and its own joy. As they blended together the whole world seemed full of love, full of wonder, and full of light. It was a glorious Symphony that Beethoven or Mozart themselves would have been proud of. It sang praises to the goodness of life and the greatness of God. I was so delighted to be able to hear it once again. I knew too that it would continue for several weeks to come as the birds built nests, found mates, sung of love, and started the cycle of life all over again. As fantastic as it was hearing the birds singing in the morning, though, I find it even more wonderful when I hear human voices singing. That is because we will always have one advantage over the birds: we don't have to wait for Spring to sing. We can sing when it is cold and dark. We can sing Christmas Carols when our lives are in the midst of Winter. We can sing songs of light when the sun is still hidden by the clouds. We can sing of joy even when our hearts are hurting. We can sing of love even when we feel unloved. We can sing praises to God in Heaven and then use our song to bring Heaven to Earth as well. The birds may welcome the Springtime with their songs, but we can create Springtime with ours. God gave each of us a special song to sing with our lives. It is up to us, however, to sing it. Don't keep your own voice quiet. Join in the Symphony and bring music, light, love, and joy to the world. We are all Children of God and be it light or dark still we sing. -<>- >What should a person do to reduce tension and stress? _ \`*-. ) _`-. . : `. . : _ ' \ ; *` _. `*-._ `-.-' `-. ; ` `. :. . \ . \ . : .-' . ' `+.; ; ' : : ' | ; ;-. ; ' : :`-: _.`* ; [bug] .*' / .*' ; .*`- +' `*' `*-* `*-* `*-*' 1. Get up 15 minutes earlier 2. Prepare for the morning the night before 3. Avoid tight fitting clothes 4. Avoid relying on chemical aids 5. Set appointments ahead 6. Don't rely on your memory ... write it down 7. Practice preventive maintenance 8. Make duplicate keys 9. Say "no" more often 10.Set priorities in your life 11. Avoid negative people 12. Use time wisely 13. Simplify meal times 14. Always make copies of important papers 15. Anticipate your needs 16. Repair anything that doesn't work properly 17. Ask for help with the jobs you dislike 18. Break large tasks into bite size portions 19. Look at problems as challenges 20. Look at challenges differently 21. Unclutter your life 22. Smile 23. Be prepared for rain 24. Tickle a baby 25. Pet a friendly dog/cat 26. Don't know all the answers 27. Look for a silver lining 28. Say something nice to someone 29. Teach a kid to fly a kite 30. Walk in the rain 31. Schedule play time into every day 32. Take a bubble bath 33. Be aware of the decisions you make 34. Believe in yourself 35. Stop saying negative things to yourself 36. Visualize yourself winning 37. Develop your sense of humor 38. Stop thinking tomorrow will be a better today 39. Have goals for yourself 40. Dance a jig 41. Say "hello" to a stranger 42. Ask a friend for a hug 43. Look up at the stars 44. Practice breathing slowly 45. Learn to whistle a tune 46. Read a poem 47. Listen to a symphony 48. Watch a ballet 49. Read a story curled up in bed 50. Do a brand new thing 51. Stop a bad habit 52. Buy yourself a flower 53. Take time to small the flowers 54. Find support from others 55. Ask someone to be your "vent-partner" 56. Do it today 57. Work at being cheerful and optimistic 58. Put safety first 59. Do everything in moderation 60. Pay attention to your appearance 61. Strive for Excellence NOT perfection 62. Stretch your limits a little each day 63. Look at a work of art 64. Hum a jingle 65. Maintain your weight 66. Plant a tree 67. Feed the birds 68. Practice grace under pressure 69. Stand up and stretch 70. Always have a plan "B" 71. Learn a new doodle 72. Memorize a joke 73. Be responsible for your feelings 74. Learn to meet your own needs 75. Become a better listener 76. Know your limitations and let others know them, too 77. Tell someone to have a good day in pig Latin 78. Throw a paper airplane 79. Exercise every day 80. Learn the words to a new song 81. Get to work early 82. Clean out one closet 83. Play patty cake with a toddler 84. Go on a picnic 85. Take a different route to work 86. Leave work early (with permission) 87. Put air freshener in your car 88. Watch a movie and eat popcorn 89. Write a note to a far away friend 90. Go to a ball game and scream 91. Cook a meal and eat it by candlelight 92. Recognize the importance of unconditional love 93. Remember that stress is an attitude 94. Keep a journal 95. Practice a monster smile 96. Remember you always have options 97. Have a support network of people, places and things 98. Quit trying to fix other people 99. Get enough sleep 100.Talk less and listen more 101.Freely praise other people -<>- >How Brave Are We? Let me tell you a true, but humorous and slightly scandalous story that comes out of the early days of the church. When the father of Origen, a third century theologian, was arrested for being a Christian, Origen, then only 17, was aflame with the desire to follow his Dad and share in glorious martyrdom. His mother pleaded with him not to go, but the headstrong boy did not want to listen to reason. His quick thinking mother did what she could. She hid his clothes. Though Origen stormed and protested, she wouldn't reveal where they were hidden. He couldn't leave the house, and so he was unable to volunteer for martyrdom. Isn't it interesting? Origen was brave enough to be martyred, but not brave enough to go outside naked. Stepping outside without clothing would have sped up his arrest and imprisonment, but it was a step he was unwilling to take. In a sense, I suspect that talking with a friend about our faith is, for many of us, the equivalent of going outside naked. It makes us uncomfortable. We feel exposed. We declare that we will give our lives for Christ if he should ask it, but to risk a bit of embarrassment for him seems to be beyond our level of discipleship. How sad. The disciples were willing to forsake everything including the esteem of their friends. King Duncan -<>- _|_ | _|_ //_/\ __| ||____ ////////////\ /////////////\\ |^^^^^^^^^^||+| | # # # |||| .... ....". ||||||||||||||||| unknown >Care I found God in the morning, and we just sat and talked. I kept Him very near me, no matter where I walked. I called on God at noontime, a heart filled with despair. I felt His quiet presence, and I knew He was there. We met again at sunset, the waning of the day. I had made Him happy, for I had lived His way. Then when I knelt at bedtime, in quiet, silent prayer, Again I felt His presence, telling me, "Someone does care!" -Author Unknown -<>- >Thank You Father... _|_ | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ,%%%% // \\ ,@@@@@@@, ,%%%%/%%% // \\ ,@@@\@@@@/@@, @@@%%%\%%//%%%// === \\ @@\@@@/@@@@@ @@@@%%%%\%%%%%// =-=-= \\@@@@\@@@@@@;%#####, @@@@%%%\%%/%%// === \\@@@@@@/@@@%%%######, @@@@@%%%%/%%//| |\\@\\//@@%%%%%%#/#### '@@@@@%%\\/%~ | | ~ @|| %\\//%%%#####; @@\\//@|| | __ __ | || %%||%%'###### '@|| || | | | | | || ||##\//#### || || | | -|- | | || ||'#||###' || || |_|__|__|_| || || || || ||_/` ======= `\__||_._|| || jgs__||_/` ======= `\_||___ Dear GOD: I want to Thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am Thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am Thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am Thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears; I am Thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to Thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to Thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to Thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am Thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am Thanking you right now. I am Thanking you because I am Alive. I am Thanking you because I Made It through the day's difficulties. I am Thanking you because I Have Walked around the obstacles. I am Thanking you because I Have The Ability and The Opportunity to do more and do better. I'm Thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me. THANK YOU FATHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR ALL YOU DO FOR ME! God is just so good and He's good All Of The Time! -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Beer Fridge http://www.buffaloschips.com/9261.htm Best Video http://www.buffaloschips.com/9262.htm Big Screen TV http://www.buffaloschips.com/9263.htm Bike Meets Post http://www.buffaloschips.com/9264.htm Billiards http://www.buffaloschips.com/9265.htm Black Diamond Cheese http://www.buffaloschips.com/9266.htm Melva/Angels Whisperings http://silverandgoldandthee.net/Misc_files/Wh.html Patriotic Song Via Allen http://www.bornagainamerican.org/index.html The Lord's Prayer Mormon Tabernacle Choir Via Dianne http://god-gives-us-strength.blogspot.com/2009/12/lords-prayer.html Groundhog Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_f-j.html World Of Big Cats! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bigcats.html Zoo Animals http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/zoo.html Canard http://www.buffaloschips.com/1231.htm Candid Camera Russian Style http://www.buffaloschips.com/1232.htm Carrier Landing http://www.buffaloschips.com/1233.htm Cat http://www.buffaloschips.com/1234.htm Cat Bird http://www.buffaloschips.com/1235.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ============================================================== >-->From Christian-Words: _ ( ) ,,,,, \\ . . , \\ | - D (._) \__- | | | \\|_ , ,---- _ |----. \__ ( ( / ) _ | \/ \. ' _.| \ ( ) | \ /( / /\_ \ // \ / ( / / ) // ( , / / , (_.) |......\ | \, / / ) \--- b'ger /___/___^// >PUSH: A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough." That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a Matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing? The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. ,;;. ,' '''-,-. __ \,, > / _ ' \ `./-' `. ' (_._ ,(--) `| ' /` } `----' ( | | ) || |`. | '_I |_|__| ' c'c' |)|) |'|' ,_'_'_\ jv But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock." *At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just a simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.* When your pain is so great, you think you can't go on...just P.U.S.H. When everything seems to go wrong ... just P.U.S.H.! When the job gets you down ... just P.U.S.H.! When people don't react the way you think they should... just P.U.S.H. When your money is "gone" and the bills are due...just P.U.S.H.! When people just don't understand you-just P.U.S.H.! P= Pray U= Until S= Something H= Happens To Subscribe:send email to: christian-words-subscribe@eGroups.com ============================================================== Pass this on to all the loved ones and friends who may need it; they may get it just in time. Truly, great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget! A friend loves at all times-- >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! --------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS --------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARRE 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 ************************************************************************