Thanksgiving Leftovers And More ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList 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!! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) THANK YOU To all of you my sweet friends for making the Shangrala web site have it's best sharing and caring year! *~* You are AWESOME - Gather Together - G R O U P H U G!! ___ ____ ___ ____( \ .-' `-. / )____ (____ \_____ / (O O) \ _____/ ____) (____ `-----( ) )-----' ____) (____ _____________\ .____. /_____________ ____) (______/ Joe Reiss `-.____.-' \______) THANK YOU! - THANK YOU! - THANK YOU! - THANK YOU! - THANK YOU! -<>- I got busy and added the 'Mom's Cranberry Salad' recipe from our friend Bunni. Be Sure To Check It Out Here... Easy-Does-It Home Recipes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/easy.html --- ...A Yummy one! Thanks Bunni! -<>- >Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This super hot one comes from our friend Linda. Aww, such a car - You have to see this one - sweet ride! An awesome tribute to our military. Check it out here... \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz Chevy: American Pride! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chevypride.html --- ...Beautiful paint job! Thanks Linda! ================================================================ >-->From Heartwarmers: ____ / \ /______\ ___/___[_]__\___ (_/ _. ._\_) (_/ _\ \_) (_( .___. ) \_ _/ __/_\____/_\__ .' \ / `. | \__/ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |___| | |___| / | / | \ ______________________ \__|_____/\____| \/ / \ |____[__]___|\ \_/\ | Brother, let's talk! | | | \/ | \__ __________________/ | | | / ()/ |/ | | |/ / | | |\__/ _.--. | | | \o ` .-.-..-. | | | .' .' .--. | / | | | ; (_.' `| / _____ | | | _____ . . . | /___jro___ |_____|_____| `. `. ; \ / / | | \ `-. `--' .' _[] | | []_ `-. .'. .' / | | \ || || `----""--' `--""----' /|\|\ >OUR SUBSTITUTE THANKSGIVING DINNER by Joseph Walker Every year about this time, Americans devote an entire day to giving thanks for the blessings of life. Actually, Thanksgiving is the perfect name for this day of... well, thanks-giving. If we called it something clever -- you know, like Pilgrimas or Squashter -- its real meaning might get lost in symbolism or cluttered with commercialism. As it is, Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. Oh, sure, it is also a day to gather with the family, eat turkey and watch football. But when it comes right down to it, giving thanks is high on the list of Things To Do on the fourth Thursday of November -- even when you have to search for something for which to be grateful. I remember one such Thanksgiving, about 28 years ago. During the previous year, we had weathered the first major crisis of our marriage, and while we were doing pretty well pulling together as a family, there were still scars and tender places. We were also struggling financially while living in a cramped apartment. To top it off, Anita was just days away from delivering our third child, and she was miserable (we men will never fully appreciate the physiological transformation that turns the light, happy "Honey, we're having a baby!" to the deep, throaty "Get this thing out of me!"). I was looking forward to Thanksgiving as a day off from work and a day to spend some time with my family. But I'll be honest -- mostly, I was looking forward to the food. Anita's family had invited us to share Thanksgiving dinner with them, and Anita's mom is a great cook. Besides, I love Thanksgiving dinner, from the turkey (dark meat, please!) to the mashed potatoes to that green bean casserole with the fried onions on top. It has always been my favorite meal, but never more so than during this year when our food budget hadn't allowed for extras, and Anita's pregnancy had turned her taste toward soups, salads and licorice ice cream. I was ready to sink my teeth into a drumstick, and to keep eating until you couldn't tell if it was me or Anita who was about to give birth. Unfortunately, Anita awakened Thanksgiving morning feeling more miserable than usual. We kept hoping that she would perk up by the time we needed to leave for dinner, but by early afternoon it was clear she wouldn't be going "over the river and through the woods" -- or anywhere else, for that matter. And I certainly wasn't going without her, no matter how loudly that drumstick was beckoning. So we called and made our apologies to her family, and then I started poking around in the kitchen for an appropriate substitute Thanksgiving dinner. Tuna? No. Tomato soup? No. Mac and cheese? Not even if we could make the macaroni stick together in the shape of a turkey. So I packed up Amy and Joe Jr. and went shopping. Of course, that was easier said than done, since no stores in our small town were open. We finally found a store about 20 miles away that had three turkey TV dinners left. We took them home and split them between the four of us. Sounds pathetic, doesn't it? But as far as I am concerned, it remains one of the best Thanksgivings ever! Somehow our lack of abundance helped me to see more clearly the blessings we did have. Instead of focusing on a sumptuous feast, I focused on three-going-on-four people who I loved more than life itself. We were happy. We were together. We had a roof over our heads. And we had food -- such as it was -- on our table. We had much for which to give thanks. And as we all know, giving thanks is what Thanksgiving is all about. -- Joseph Walker > __________________________________________________ You can check out Joe's website here: http://www.josephbwalker.com ============================================================= >-->From Our Friends At TruthOrTradition: _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ Spirit & Truth Fellowship Ministry News November 2011 Dear Beloved of God, Thank you for your prayers! Thank you for your support! Thank you for your words of encouragement! Thank you for your financial offerings! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! November is the time of year when we set aside a special day of thanks, a day to reflect on all that we are thankful for, a day to give thanks to God for all He has done for us. 1 Thess. 1:2 and 3 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. We try to publish the STF Newsletter in the first week of each month, but this month we purposely delayed it so we could include news from our annual Board of Directors’ meeting, which took place November 6-9. The Board meeting is a time to assess how we have done over the past year, make any adjustments necessary to help us do a better job, and plan the upcoming year. We are pleased to say that God has continued to bless us and open many new doors as we endeavor to reach the world with His truth and love. Thank you again for all you do to help us make this all possible. May God continue to shower us all with His grace and mercy, The Staff of Spirit & Truth Fellowship For further information on our events, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/7xlajrs ================================================================ .-""""-._.'| / '.| | / | / | -= | /| ( | |/`< ) ) ( ; -=| _| ) \ \ / ____ /) '._ _.-""-.< .' `\/) / / \ / _ .'`/| _ / | '-._( __\ (__/_/=, ( \| \ -=/ /--;==========` ._,;'\==='-,..__/__/__.' `'--/,/ || ' \ / | / || ' \ \/ . || ; jgs / / || | | . || | / '=------| / ' ; ; ;| `-.___.___.___.___._/ >-->From CCA: Happy Thanksgiving from Christian Coalition of America Fourteen years after the first English settlers dedicated America to God on the sands of Cape Henry, Virginia (April 29, 1607), the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts celebrated the first Thanksgiving in 1621. They wanted to express their thankfulness and their appreciation to their Creator. Most Americans, to this day, see this holiday as an expression of their faith; of their gratefulness to God for all of the blessings He has bestowed upon them and upon the United States of America. The native Americans from the Wampanoag tribe had helped the Pilgrims survive when they first arrived on this continent in 1620 and established Plymouth Plantation. The native Americans taught the Pilgrims how to fish and to hunt and to plant crops which saved them from starvation, especially during the harsh winters of Massachusetts. Ninety American Indians celebrated the first Thanksgiving with 13 Pilgrims. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that Americans should celebrate a National Day of Thanksgiving to God for the blessings He has bestowed about this nation, even while the Civil War raged on all over America. Thanksgiving Day is one of America's most popular holidays, now celebrated every 4th Thursday in November. Even in these seemingly desolate times in the United States of America, we Americans have a lot to be thankful for to our creator. As the 17th verse in the 116th chapter of Psalm says about giving thanks to the Lord: "I will offer to You the sacrifice of Thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord." I would like to thank you and your family for all of your support and prayers for the Christian Coalition. May you have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Roberta Combs, President & CEO Christian Coalition of America ================================================================= >-->From Our Friend Trish :) ___________ // \\ _____ []//___________\\[] / ___\ | _____________ | / / oo |[_]|--AMC--|[_]| \_( _) |_==_________==_| \___-/ | | | | / \ _____|__|_________|__|____|| ||__________ \ / || || JRO| | || || | | ||__|| ))) | | |_/ \| oo ) / \ | /// \o/ / \ | | /:\\ _/ \__| |______|_//___ |___| ||| [____) / (_(_) / "Glad you're home, Pop. Guess what's for dinner? Turkey scraps." jrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojro jrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojrojro Happy Thanksgiving http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=3044167447825&source=jl999 Hugs, Trish --- ...Awww, thanks Trish! ================================================================ >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) .-. ..'-'.. < {> || || \ }/ |||) || .--.''.--. .---. |||X || | | || || || || |Tissues | ||~|| ||___||_ |________| ||_|| (_):======= oo ldb >Luv Ya! Think about this for a minute.... Would You Care? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/care.html that's what friendship is. It's 'World Best Friends Week' Send this to all your good friends, even me, if I am one of them.. See how many you get back If you get more than 3 then you really are a lovable person... Life isn't about how you survived the storm... it's about how you danced in the rain! --- ...Ditto - Right Back At you! Thanks Jo Ann! ==================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) ,;;;;;, ,;;;;;;;;, ;;;'____ ; ;;;(\\\\\; `/'((||||| ___< C))|||| ,' \__(((||), | \ _)))))))\,_ /| |/"\`\`""""' |) ; \ \ ) \_____/_| | |\ \' _.,-' | | ' \ \.,-' _./ | ( _,-\ _.-'' | ; "'|___\__.-' ; ) |----| _.--,;' ; ,' , | ( __.,-' | ,' ,' `""'' `. | ; ) `, ( ) | ( ,' | | ( | | | | | | | |___________| | | | | Normand Veilleux based on work by Tua Xiong >BEATITUDES FOR THE HOME (Author Unknown) BLESSED are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate and considerate, long after the wedding bells have ceased ringing. BLESSED are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends. BLESSED are they who have a sense of humor, for this attribute will be a handy shock absorber. BLESSED are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vows of lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another. BLESSED are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord. BLESSED are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer. BLESSED are those mates who never speak loudly to one another and who make their home a place where "seldom is heard a discouraging word". BLESSED are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom. BLESSED are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and their home to Christ and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home by being unselfish, loyal, and loving. --- ...AMEN! Very sweet and oh so true - God Bless Them! Thank You Bunni! -<>- wannahug? _ _ / _ (o\-~-/o) _ (o\ ( 9 9 ) /o) \ \( (Y) )/ / \ ) ( / / \ _____/ )_( \____ hjw =_==( (===) )=_= `97 | \ ) ( / | \|vVv(__/,v#\__)V/|/|#.. >Questions To Ask Yourself... Did I make someone giggle, smile or laugh today? Did I take the time to really listen to someone today, with rapt attention, as if nothing else mattered in that precious moment but the words they spoke and the look in their eyes? Did I allow myself to focus on all the blessings in my life today instead of contemplating the things I don't have? Did I take a moment to imagine what I would like to experience in my life, if for no other reason than in the imagining, is the living, and in the living, comes the joy and delight? Did I let go today, let go of resentments and unforgivingness that I have been holding onto, all the while realizing that another person may be wounded too and struggling with their own pain? Did I keep my word today, no matter how simple a promise I may have made, knowing it meant a whole lot to someone else? Did I make a conscious choice just to be happy today, no matter what is happening in my own life, just for the next moment, and the next moment and the next? Did I stop caring about what other people think of me, and give myself permission to be who I am regardless of their good opinion of me or not? Did I set myself free today just by doing that? Was I successful in noticing and appreciating the bounty before me wherever I went or was I just too busy or lost in my own thoughts to notice? Did I contribute something beautiful to the world today? A new creation of some kind, a poem, a dinner, a dance? Was I kind today to anyone or anything that crossed my path, no matter how trivial or how monumental? Did I give away my heart? Is one person richer because of me today, because of my presence on the planet, my essence, my decision to keep on going no matter what? Did I learn something new today, something about life, something about myself, something about another that I didn't know before? Did I let go of my attachment to being right today, and open my mind to the possibility of another way, without judgement? Will someone sleep better tonight because of me? Will they awaken in the morning believing in themselves again, and walk with their head held high? Was I the answer to someone's prayers today? If today was to be my last day on the planet, would I feel happy about how I lived it? ~~Veronica Hay -<>- _ _ ( Y ) \ / \ / \ /^\ _ ) //^\\ -= (_) =- ( // \\ ) // \\ / \ __ // \\ |=^| // _ \\ __|= |__// (+) \\ /LLLLLLL// ~ \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// |~[|]~| |~[|]~| \\ ^| [|] // | [|] | | [|] | \\ | [|] ^| |_[|]_| |_[|]_| |^ ___|______| | /LLLLLLLLLL|_____________________| /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ ^||^^^^^^^^/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ || |~[|]~|^^||^^^^^^^^^^||^|~[|]~|^||^^ || | [|] | || |~~~~| || | [|] | || || |_[|]_| || | [] | || |_[|]_| || ||__________|| | o| ||_________|| .'||][][][][][|| | [] | ||[][][][][||.'. ."'||[][][][][]||_-`----'-_||][][][][]||"." .(')^(.)(').( )'^@/-- -- - --\@( )'( ).(( )^(.) '( )^(`)'.(').( )@/-- -- - -- -\@ (.)'(.),( ).('). ".'.'." ." '.". @/- - --- -- - -\@ '.".'.".'.".'." jgs'' ".".".'.'@/ - -- -- -- -- -\@".'..'".'."'.'.' '.".".''.".''."@/ -- --- --- -- - -\@.".''.".''.".'". >A LOVE STORY Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all the others, including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left. Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help. Richness was passing by love in a grand boat. Love said "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of silver in my boat. There is no place here for you." Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you Love. You are all wet and Might damage my boat," Vanity answered. Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness, let me go with you." "Oh....Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself." Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her! Suddenly there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder his name. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went his own way. Love realizing how much he owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder. "Who helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered. "Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?" Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because, only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is." ~~Unknown --- ...Great thought provokers! Thanks Bunni! ============================================================= >-->From our Friend Linda :) \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \ / /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ () - - /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\ //\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\///\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\/\\\\\\\\\\\\ >The Interview with God ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING, Worth watching - will make your day If you have not already had the pleasure, you are in for a treat! Enjoy... Turn on the sound This is beautiful . Send this on .....it is worth the 1:45 seconds Please click on : The interview http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/popup-frame.html --- ...Awww, very nice! Thank You Linda! ================================================================= >-->From SermondFodder: ____________________________________________________ |____________________________________________________| | __ __ ____ ___ || ____ ____ _ __ | || |__ |--|_| || |_| |||_|**|*|__|+|+||___| || | | ||==|^^||--| |=||=| |=*=||| |~~|~| |=|=|| | |~||==| | || |##|| | | || | |JRO|||-| | |==|+|+||-|-|~||__| | ||__|__||__|_|_||_|_|___|||_|__|_|__|_|_||_|_|_||__|_| ||_______________________||__________________________| | _____________________ || __ __ _ __ _ | ||=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=| __..\/ | |_| ||#||==| / /| || | | | | | | | | | | |/\ \ \\|++|=| || ||==| / / | ||_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_/_/\_.___\__|_|__||_||__|/_/__| |____________________ /\~()/()~//\ __________________| | __ __ _ _ \_ (_ . _/ _ ___ _____| ||~~|_|..|__| || |_ _ \ //\\ / |=|__|~|~|___| | | | ||--|+|^^|==|1||2| | |__/\ __ /\__| |==|x|x|+|+|=|=|=| ||__|_|__|__|_||_|_| / \ \ / / \_|__|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| |_________________ _/ \/\/\/ \_ _______________| | _____ _ __ |/ \../ \| __ __ ___| ||_____|_| |_|##|_|| | \/ __| ||_|==|_|++|_|-||| ||______||=|#|--| |\ \ o / /| | |~| | | ||| ||______||_|_|__|_|_\ \ o / /_|_|__|_|__|_|_||| |_________ __________\___\____/___/___________ ______| |__ _ / ________ ______ /| _ _ _| |\ \ |=|/ // /| // / / / | / ||%|%|%| | \/\ |*/ .//____//.// /__/__/ (_) / ||=|=|=| __| \/\|/ /(____|/ // / /||~|~|~|__ |___\_/ /________// ________ / / ||_|_|_| |___ / (|________/ |\_______\ / /| |______| / \|________) / / | | The Library During the school year, the public library where I work is open on Sunday afternoons. Signs posted around the library read, Sunday service available 1:30-5:00, September-June. One day a woman was returning some books when she noticed one of these signs, "Oh, you have Sunday service now?" she asked me. "Yes, from 1:30 to 5:00, September through June," I explained. "I see," she said. "And what denomination is it?" Via Da Mouse Tracks. To subscribe go to To Subscribe: DaMouseTracks-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. ==== The Library Again Arriving back at the dorm late one evening, my roommate explained that she had gotten lost in the school library. No one was surprised, since the library is large and has a confusing layout. When I asked her how long it took her to find an exit, she admitted she hadn't actually found the exit herself. She'd used an emergency phone to call for help. Puzzled, I asked, "How did your rescuers find you if you didn't know where you were?" "Easy," she said. "I started reading titles of books around me, and they located my position from the card catalogue. Via Doc's Daily Chuckle. To subscribe go to http://family-safe-mail.us/lists.html. -<>- >Americans and the Bible 90% of Americans Own a Bible, So Why Aren't They Reading It? For a great perspective from Lamar Vest with the Bible Society go to: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/11/08/most-americans-have-bible-so- why-arent-reading-good-book/ ============================================================= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ___ .'=:-\ /.='( ` /. ^=.'-._..---. | =^.'=.'^//"(_`\\)8, |^.'=' .=||/' `\||;8.-' \'.^,=^'.||; ; ||8/:_,_ './-`\= \\\.-./;//,_/`- \ jgs \__/-/'-\888::((()),_ /:. .O__/ (_88:::(())):. `8':. ' >THE MOST GIVING TIME OF THE YEAR In an article Jackie Cohen of CBS Market Watch wrote that: "Americans are apparently in a festive mood and they want their houses to join in the merriment." In an interview with Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing Danziger said, "People are spending more money on holiday decorations this year than they did in 2006: Nearly $8 billion will be spent on holiday decorations, this represents a 4.5 percent gain over last year". According to Danziger, 90 percent of consumers decorate their homes for Christmas or Hanukkah. And the average household will spend about $119 on winter- season decorations this year". Wow! 8 billion dollars for Christmas decorations! I really can't picture in my mind how much money that is, but it is a larger pile of money than I have ever seen. What if no one bought Christmas decorations and instead spending their $119 (average per family) to help those less fortunate? Yes, I know that some of the department stores would go under because they are counting on the money from your Christmas decoration purchase, but just what if you did something different with the money? People all over the country are crying about the needs of the homeless, the poor, those without health care, the national debt, the cost of the war. There are many who are crying about the fact that the Social Security system is in shaky shape or that unemployment is the highest it's been in years. We all cry at one time or another about not having enough money and tend to blame others or the government, yet we as a nation spend $8 billion on Christmas decorations! Something just seems wrong about that to me! Let me say that I am not criticizing Christmas decorations! I love Christmas and love to decorate as can be seen by the 8 rubber maid containers of decorations we store each year. I also understand the fact that it is not a biblically based or authorized holiday. We celebrate it as a national and traditional holiday. But getting past that, what if for each dollar we spend on decorations we match it in giving to our churches, someone less fortunate, or a charity. Can you imagine all of the good that would be done in our world if we did that? Can you imagine all of the missionaries we could support with that money? Someone once said, "The church has the money to do anything we want to do, the problem is that it is still in our pockets". A couple of years ago Phil Ware wrote an article in which he said something like this, "Why don't you do something special for someone, without expecting to be patted on the back for it! Take food to someone and leave it on the doorstep with a note that simply says, 'from a friend of Jesus'." I thought about that suggestion and believe he is on to something we need to do far more than we do. My wife and I do practice this and it's one of the most rewarding things we do through the year. You see, it's almost impossible for us to not know or know of someone who is less fortunate than us! They may not necessarily be even really poor, but maybe just having a hard time at the moment and could use a little extra help, financially or spiritually. Eight billion dollars, $119 per family, are we really as hard up as we say as a country and as individuals, if we can spend money on lights, ribbon, Christmas trees, yard sculptures and all of that other stuff we put in boxes for most of the year? I wonder what the one that our nation is remembering at this time of year thinks when he sees what we do and how we spend our money? Understand that I am not telling you stop buying Christmas decorations, but rather to think seriously about at least matching that money you spend on that new string of lights with money you give to help others when and wherever you can. The apostle Paul had this to say about helping others in Galatians 6:9-10, "So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don;t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters." What about it? How about matching your purchases with an equal contribution either through your church, some organization or just get involved personally with someone else in need! Yes, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the outside, but what about in our hearts? -<>- _,, _.-'` ',\ \ .-;`'(,____ \.-'\ _\-` __.-; \_.-'_.-'0 \/ / .'0 __ | /_.' .'o \ / .-. ,;--._\___/--. __./ | .-/ \ ^_> |\ /\ \ / <;/ \ \_/ |___/__\__|` <; | |) \ o ( <; |__.\ |o \ <; \ \ / o _\ <\.)-'`| =====""` \ /\__/__/^\____.-; | | | | | / \____|\____/ |===||===| jgs __/[](_||__l[]_ / || '. \ '-----'-''-'-.__/ Out of necessity, Thanksgiving at our house has required last-minute change. Please be advised the following notes are to help you arrive fully prepared. 1. Our sidewalk will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After a trial run, it was decided that no matter how cleverly done, rows of flaming lunch sacks do not have the desired welcoming effect. 2. Once inside, our guests will note that the entry hall is not decorated with the swags of Indian corn and fall foliage I had planned to make. Instead, I've gotten the kids involved in the decorating by having them track in colorful autumn leaves from the front yard. The mud was their idea. 3. The dining table will not be covered with expensive linens, fancy china, or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will get a fork. Since this IS Thanksgiving, we will refrain from using the plastic Peter Rabbit plate and the Santa napkins from last Christmas. 4. Our centerpiece will not be the tower of fresh fruit and flowers that I promised. Instead we will be displaying a hedgehog-like decoration hand-crafted from the finest construction paper. The artist assures me it is a turkey. 5. We will be dining fashionably late. The children will entertain you while you wait. I'm sure they will be happy to share every choice comment I have made regarding Thanksgiving, pilgrims and the turkey hotline. Please remember that most of these comments were made at 5:00 AM upon discovering that the turkey was still hard enough to cut diamonds. As accompaniment to the children's recital, I will play a recording of tribal drumming. If the children should mention that I don't own a recording of tribal drumming, or that tribal drumming sounds suspiciously like a frozen turkey in a clothes dryer, ignore them. They are dramatizing too much. 6. We toyed with the idea of ringing a dainty silver bell to announce the start of our feast. In the end, we chose to keep our traditional method. We've also decided against a formal seating arrangement. When the smoke alarm sounds, please gather around the table and sit where you like. In the spirit of harmony, we will ask the children to sit at a separate table... in a separate room... next door. 7. Now, I know you have all seen pictures of one person carving a turkey in front of a crowd of appreciative onlookers. This will not be happening at our dinner. For safety reasons, the turkey will be carved in a private ceremony. I stress "private" meaning: Do not, under any circumstances, enter the kitchen to laugh at me. Do not send small, unsuspecting children to check on my progress. I have an electric knife. The turkey is unarmed. It stands to reason that I will eventually win. When I do, we will eat. 8. I would like to take this opportunity to remind my young diners that "passing the rolls" is not a football play. Nor is it a request to bean your sister in the head with warm tasty bread. 9. Oh, and one reminder for the adults: For the duration of the meal, and especially while in the presence of you diners, we will refer to the giblet gravy by its lesser-known name: Cheese Sauce. If a young diner questions you regarding the origins or type of Cheese Sauce, plead ignorance. Cheese Sauce stains. 10. Before I forget, there is one last change. Instead of offering a choice among 12 different scrumptious desserts, we will be serving the traditional pumpkin pie, garnished with whipped cream and small fingerprints. You will still have a choice; take it or leave it. Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Thanksgiving. She probably won't come next year either. I am thankful. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment How to get jail time for a speeding ticket http://www.buffaloschips.com/65r7.htm Hrbtno http://www.buffaloschips.com/ujyg687.htm Ice fishing http://www.buffaloschips.com/jkljlkjo.htm If my nose was running money http://www.buffaloschips.com/huyu.htm Important Message http://www.buffaloschips.com/jkjhjgh.htm Funny Thanksgiving Story - Alice's Restaurant Spoken: This song is called "Alice's Restaurant." It's about Alice and the restaurant, but Alice's Restaurant is not the name of the restaurant; that's just the name of the song, and that's why I call the song "Alice's Restaurant." http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/alices.html Bailey's Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html The Giver And The Gift http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/givergift.html Angels Are Watching http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/angelswatching.html Give Praise http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/praise.html Directions Home http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/home.html Human Chameleon http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chameleon.html Mountain Biking http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mountainbiking.html Until We Write Again http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/write.html The Emotional and Physical Benefits of Thanks-Living http://www.truthortradition.com/emails/thanksgiving_2009_email2.html Parenting No'No's 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/parenting2.html Pucker Up Baby! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babypucker.html Unique Designer Shoes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/shoes.html Woman's Dream http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/woman.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 ================================================================== .---. /) .' `\/) / _ .'`/| jgs ,=( __\ (__/_/==, `==================` >Yukon Dinner for Five Story Editor: by Tilas T Brian Forte Yukon Territory, Canada On Christmas night 2003 in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory, Canada, it was snowing and around -20C (-4F). My brother had to work the graveyard shift at the local hotel. So, my Mom made up a big plate of dinner to take to him. While we were delivering the works (including pie), a man at the front counter was renting a room. He saw the plate of food, smiled and said "Oh wow, homemade Christmas dinner." "Haven't you had dinner yet?" asked Mom. He told her no. "Well wait here, we'll go get you a plate." The man looked at my mother, shocked, and said "Oh no, no. I have my daughter and my three grandchildren with me, please don't worry about it." He was going to get his family something from the bar. My brother told him all they had were those lousy pre-packaged roast beef sandwiches. And the hotel's restaurant was closed. Actually, in a tiny 800-person town 6° south of the Arctic Circle, on a cold Christmas night, pretty much everything was closed. Mom told him that she would go make him a plate. He kept insisting she shouldn't but my mother wouldn't hear of it. She and I came home and she dished out a huge platter from all the extra dinner we had. Back at the hotel we got the man's room number from my brother. Mom knocked on the door. A young woman answered, and mom walked in with the platter, plates, forks, and a whole pumpkin pie. The woman's eyes went wide as she kept repeating "Oh my gosh, thank you!" Her father (whom we had met earlier) returned a moment later, shocked that we actually came back. His three grandchildren, who looked to be between 2 and 6, looked at the platter, then at us. It turned out the kids hadn't had anything other than chocolate bars and snacks since they started driving early that morning. They were headed for Alaska and, before starting out that day, they'd called ahead to a small hotel to be sure it would be open. When they arrived, however, they were told there was no room at the inn. That booked-out inn was about 3 hours south of Watson Lake in good weather, twice that in the cold winter. Between towns this far north, there's nothing on the roads but occasional seasonal gas stations (which are, of course, closed for the winter). Nonetheless, they continued down the road until they reached Watson Lake, where they could at least get a room for the night. My Mom didn't know these people. When she met the man at reception she could have ignored his story and walked away. Instead she helped them, simply because she could. She shared our dinner with complete strangers so they (and we) could have a Merry Christmas. I have never been so proud of my mother in my life. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: Thought for Today Even better than giving thanks is LIVING thanks. The Lift _..._ .~ `~. / } \ _.'`~~/ {_,} -( ,'-,___.' / |_ /| / ` |_/ / \ / / '--;_ _\ `\ / |`-.___. / ^^^jgs^^^`--`------'`--`^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >Things & Thanksgiving (By Peder Eide, www.pedereide.com) [edited] Each of our children have daily responsibilities. We refer to them as their "things". Morning dialogue may sound like "Don't forget to do your things" or "Are your things done yet?" It includes stuff like making the bed, personal laundry, sweeping the floor, unloading and loading the dishwasher, cleaning the table after a meal, etc. In the concept of Taste Worship, we talk about the flavor of worship called Service. It is not just service to other countries, cities or regions, but service to your own family in your home. So, one morning I told my son Ethan that I would love to do his "things" for him. I wanted to serve him where he would feel it the most. He looked at me with wide eyes and said "Really?" I told him that I had it covered so he could get right on to school and playtime. He didn't believe me at first, but I assured him it was all good. He first runs to his brother and sisters and tells them with a new enthusiasm that dad was going to do his "things" for him. They of course responded with the phrases of "You lucky duck", "Will he do mine too?" and so on. But it was just Ethan this time. I finished the things and the day continued on as usual. It was in the afternoon when Ethan came into my office and asked if he could talk to me. "Absolutely!" I said, as Ethan walked closer. "Dad, I just wanted to say thanks for doing my things. That was really cool." "You're welcome Ethan. It was my pleasure" I assured him. Now of course I was skeptical and thought that he had been given some prompting to show his gratitude. I walked to the kitchen and asked Sherri if she encouraged Ethan to say thank you to me. My wife looked at me with a little confusion. He had come to me all with his own heart on his own accord. I was so blessed. His thank you spoke volumes. To hear those words from my own child with such a genuine heart...there is nothing like it. As much as we ask God for so many things, the Psalms are loaded with the words "Give thanks to the Lord our God." I believe our Father God loves to hear our words of thanks for the things He gives us, does for us and because of who He is. It's amazing how when we offer our thanks to God and Jesus it even blesses our own hearts. Make a list with your family of all the things you are thankful for this Thanksgiving. Then, as a family, thank God for each item. It blesses the Name of the Lord and you will see how much you really do have. Your Father God loves to hear it. I know I do. Happy Thanksgiving my friends! 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 --- ...Giving thanks always Eph.5: [20] Giving thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ============================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: ####### ##[_]## ,;###########;, <<:{{\|@___@|/}}:>> <<:{{| ( /___\\) \}}:>> <<:{{/\ \\___/( /\}}:>> <<<<:{{| \ _.| |(_\/ |}}:>>>> <<<:{{|`\,'| '-' |'./`|}}:>>> <<<:{{|`\/ \___/ \/`|}}:>>> <<<:{{ \// ) ~ ~ ( \\/ }}:>>> <<:{{`{///' ~ ^ ~ '\\\}`}}:>>> <<:{{,=`. ~ ^.~.^ ~ .`=,}}:>> `-,__.__,-' \ | / jgs // \\ .---'( )'---. `---'-` `-'---` >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Kimberly, 5, was helping get the Thanksgiving turkey ready to cook. She had never seen an uncooked turkey before. Once the turkey was out of the package she noticed the "pop up" that is supposed to let you know that the turkey is done. Pointing at the "pop up" she said, "Oh, there's the turkey's eye... where is its other one?" -- Aunt Deb of St. Louis, Missouri Diane's grandson Oggie, almost 2, was admiring the Christmas tree in Schlemmer Hardware Store. This year the tree has a patriotic theme with red, white and blue decorations. Oggie's mother commented that Oggie knows his colors, so Diane asked him what colors he saw on the tree. He said, "I see red." "What else?" Diane prompted. "I see blue," he replied. "What else?" she asked. He paused and said, "I see grass!" (That was how he described the green branches.) -- Diane Schlemmer of LaGrange, Indiana __ .' '-. / '. / \ / \ | / | | / \ ( / '. )'. .'```--'`'-.__.-" / `\ / | | | '. / ) )_.' \ /'--""-...-'-.__/ '-/ , \ ;_ )`-. .( \ ."`` ` | `\ / | ; ; \ _| | _| '-. | '.(_/ \(_/ \ | __ | ; `'.__.- (._.) ._. / \ \ ) | /` `'. '. ( / ; '. `'-'-._` _.' / `. '-' / |`-. _.' _| `. '--;` jgs_.-""` `"=. .-._| / ` `-""-. \ ) `;-.__.--._ ._ .' / `""` `--`\ / \ Jessica tells this story on herself. When she was a little girl one of her favorite Christmas songs was "Silent Night." But part of her version of "Holy infant, so tender and mild" was "Holy imbecile, tender and mild!" Needless to say, she has since corrected herself! -- Jessica of Temple, Texas Ann's brother took his two children Bailey, 6, and Abby, 3, to the holiday parade in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The local public access channel was taping the parade and they happened to set up their equipment right across the street from Bailey and Abby. Later, while telling their mom about the parade Abby flipped her hair and said, "Yeah, Mommy, I'm a movie star now. Want my autograph?" -- Aunt Ann McLain of Stephenvile, Texas /`\ | ( | | | | | | .--'--. | | _.--""`````""--._ .'\/ \/ '. .' -|` `|- '. / ,_\| |/_, \ / # \ / \ ; # .-.._)---(_.--. ; | \_.-/ \-._/ | | | a a | | | \ /`\ | ; | | '. ; \ \0/\ '/`\ / \ |__.' / / '. / _.' .' '._ '---' _.' jgs '--.._____..--' About seven years ago Donna and her husband took their three children, Alexandra, 4 Joshua, 2, and Logan, 8 months, to see Santa at the local mall. As Santa held all three children on his lap, he asked Alexandra if she had been good this year. She replied, "Yes," with a broad smile. Then he asked Josh the same question. Joshua looked down at the candy cane he held and in a quiet voice he said, "No... but I was good today..." -- Donna Addley of Needles, California Last week on a very cold morning Caroline, 3, got up and called to her mother, "Look, Mom, there is frosting on the deck!" -- Grandpa Reese of Escanaba, Michigan ____ / __ \ __/==LI==\__ `"///""""\\\"` ( . . ) \ __ / ;.__.; /` /\ `\ | /::\ | /\ / :: \ /\ / \/ :: \/ \ /\/`>==::==<`\/\ (_/ / :: \ \_) /__________\ | || | |- || -| jgs \.-||-./ /LI/\LI\ (__/ \__) One afternoon about 15 years ago, Joann's daughter Kathy and her three children were traveling in the car. Out of the blue Addie asked her mother if they were going to have any more babies. Kathy said no. Austin, the oldest, was about 7. He said, "You know, Mom, you can't be sure about that." Kathy replied, "Oh, yes, I am sure. Your dad took care of that." Austin exclaimed, "Wow! My dad can fix anything!" -- Joann Harmon of Flemington, Missouri Mitch, 7, was driving down the road with his family when they came upon a very strong smell of skunk. Mitch said loudly, and with much feeling, "Oh my gosh that skunk stinks! Oh my gosh that skunk stinks! I wonder what that skunk had to eat!" -- Angie (Mitch's mom) of Kendallville, Indiana HO .----. HO .' ,_ \ _ HO /__ ( \| / ( . {___`'-.\{_} | `|_ /6)6`'-._} \_.'_} |/_ _7 | {_.'| |5-.' /( | \{\ /:'`} \ /.\__/ _.'`\ \ ; o ``` \ ; o \ \_ | o \.'` } ; o_ {__.'\ \==[_]=======|/) | `; .' /_/ / `- / / / /\ \ {`-._/ \ _.'`} ;-.__} {__.'\ __/ / \_ \ ( ` / / / jgs '.__/ (__.' Alyssa's mother and "Maw-maw" were Christmas shopping in a local discount store. Over the intercom an announcement was made that Santa had arrived. Alyssa and her mom stood in line to talk to Santa. Alyssa told Santa about her Christmas gift wishes. Later, Alyssa, who is being potty-trained, went to the restroom. When they were ready to leave the store, Alyssa ran to where Santa was and proudly announced to a very surprised Santa, "I shoo-shoo'ed in the potty!" -- Michelle Pugh (mother of Alyssa) of Thomasville, North Carolina When Anthony was in the second grade he came home and announced that his teacher wasn't in school that day because she had "Jewlish." After several questions, his parents figured out that the teacher wasn't in school because she was Jewish and celebrating the holiday. -- Irma (mother of Anthony) of Phoenix, Arizona ___,@ / < ,_ / \ _, ? \`/______\`/ ,_(_). |; (e e) ;| \___ \ \/\ 7 /\/ _\8/_ \/\ \'=='/ | /| /| \ \___)--(_______|//|//| \___ () _____/|/_|/_| / () \ `----' / () \ '-.______.-' jgs _ |_||_| _ (@____) || (____@) \______||______/ Sally's 4-year-old neighbor was playing soccer with a group of other neighborhood kids. She kept using her hands, so Sally finally told her, "Use ONLY your feet." The little girl replied, "Why? My hands are clean!" -- Sally Fenanded of San Diego, California Last week Emily, 4, made a bird feeder at school that consisted of a pine cone, peanut butter and bird seed. She was very anxious to get home so they could hang it from a tree in the front yard. After they hung it, her father said it may take some time before the birds realize it's there. But Emily darted to the front window every couple of minutes for a little more than half an hour. With each trip, she shunned disappointment and expressed hope that the birds will come. A couple hours passed and her father thought she had finally forgotten about it. The next thing he knew, Emily ran to the front window again, threw the curtains back and announced, "Daddy, oh my gosh! There is a bird out there and I think he just licked it!" -- Mark Brayton (father of Emily) of Kendallville, Indiana ==================================================================== .****, * .--. *_ \/ `\| `\ _.` |^.^ ?;` .' .;-.-'\_-'/-.',( /_.' ;.| .;' .-' .; /; / `.' / .'( _.'`.' /` /`,'`'"".`"` '.' .' \__.` '. _`;.' .' jgs | `""-'` | .' \;_....._/-' "The naked truth is always better than the best dressed lie." -- Ann Landers >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 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************