The Christ In Christmas... :) 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!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ __,_,_,___) _______ (--| | | (--/ ),_) ,_) | | | _ ,_,_ | |_ ,_ ' , _|_,_,_, _ , __| | | (/_| | (_| | | || |/_)_| | | |(_|/_)___, ( |___, ,__| \____) |__, |__, | _...._ \ _ / .::o:::::. (\o/) .:::'''':o:. --- / \ --- :o:_ _::: >*< `:}_>()<_{:' >0<@< @ `'//\\'` @ >>>@<<* @ # // \\ # @ >@>*<0<<< __#_#____/'____'\____#_#__ >*>>@<<<@<< [__________________________] >@>>0<<<*<<@< |=_- .-/\ /\ /\ /\--. =_-| >*>>0<<@<<<@<<< |-_= | \ \\ \\ \\ \ |-_=-| >@>>*<<@<>*<<0<*< |_=-=| / // // // / |_=-_| \*/ >0>>*<<@<>0><<*<@<< |=_- |`-'`-'`-'`-' |=_=-| ___\\U//___ >*>>@><0<<*>>@><*<0<< | =_-| o o |_==_| |\\ | | \\| >@>>0<*<<0>>@<<0<<<*<@< |=_- | ! ( ! |=-_=| | \\| | _(UU)_ >((*))_>0><*<0><@<<<0<*< _|-,-=| ! ). ! |-_-=|_ |\ \| || / //||.*.*.*.|>>@<<*<<@>><0<<@>>>>>| ( ~~~ )/ (((((((()))))))) ~~~~~~~~ '""""`------' `w---w` `------------' *~* To All Those Celebrating Christmas Early This Year - Wishing You And Yours A Safe, Warm And Blessed Christmas! :) ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This flaming hot new page is from our friend Karen. It is sure to brighten your Christmas festive mood and give you some smiles! Be sure to watch the heartwarming video! Give it time to load and check it out here... |\.-./| /= =\ /= e e =\ >\=_ Y _=/< (,,)^(,,) |.:.:.:.| | | |, /( | |)\ )/ | |`-;o` | | )\ | ; \/.'\ jgs / / | .' \ / .' ;-' /'. .'` | \ / './_.' Christmas With Cats http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmascats.html --- ...TeeHee! So adorably funny! Thanks Karen! =========================================================== >-->From Archives Heartwarmers: \*/ __\\U//__ |\\ | | \\| | \\| |\ \|()-() |\ \| |\\ |/. .\ |\\ | | \\|\ Y /_ .--.| \\| |\ O__`&`__O /____\\ \| |\\ |/ \ \~~~~/"[B]"""""()/^\() jgs `--` [A][C] >THE LITTLEST CHRISTMAS HELPERS by Kathy Whirity It takes a little effort to turn our home into a Christmas wonderland. Each year the totes filled with holiday treasures seems to magically multiply, so it takes a wee bit of motivation to get the halls decked out for the season. Turning on the radio was all we needed to turn on the Christmas cheer. Humming along to the tunes of Rudolph and Jingle Bell Rock helped us along. Bill and I, are a good team. Bill lugs in all the totes and boxes from the garage and I begin the Yuletide task of unpacking everything. Every year, I swear I'm going to take pictures of where everything goes but I never do. I tell myself I'll remember and then curse myself when I don't. This year we had unexpected helpers, our little grand girls, Avery and Gemma. Avery is a little over 3 years old and Gemma will be 2 in December. The Christmas tree was up but a strand of lights was out so Bill sat on the floor trying patiently to replace the defected set. It didn't stop Avery from gathering up ornaments and putting them on the tree. Gemma wasn't so helpful. She'd pick up an ornament and throw it back into the tote. Thankfully nothing shattered. Gemma was more enthused with the variety of snowmen I was unpacking. She began arranging them here there and everywhere. There was no pattern, no rhythm or reason. But we were accomplishing one thing -- we were having a blast with the grand kids. I showed them Baby's First Christmas ornaments that had photos of their mommy and their aunt when they were babies. I tried to keep them all in the middle of the tree, next to the pictures of them in their Baby's First Christmas ornaments. They weren't so impressed with Nonnie's nostalgia. They were too busy hanging Mistletoe on door knobs and wearing wreaths like necklaces. Every year since they've been born I've made it a tradition to buy each one a special ornament. This year, Bill got a train ornament with his name on it and the girls each got a personalized Princess castle. When Gemma, who has suddenly began talking non-stop, opened hers she looked at the pretty pink and purple castle and said, "Once Upon A Time..." When it was time for them to go home, Bill and I looked around our house, that now looked like a couple of dysfunctional elves had visited, and had a good laugh. The joy of sharing this experience with two bright eyed little helpers had reenergized my decorating duties. With Christmas carols blaring in the background I worked fast and furious to get the house done. This Christmas, I have the gift of three beautiful grandkids to share this special time of year. They are definitely the ornaments that decorate my heart with all the love this Christmas season can hold. -- Kathy Whirity __________________________________________________ Kathy is a syndicated newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. She is also a contributing author to The Chicken Soup For the Soul book series. You can visit her website here: http://www.kathywhirity.com ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: . ' ' . ' /\ ' + ' || ' + |\ || /| ' - . \\||// . - ' -= <>>>><<<<> =- . - ' //||\\ ' - . |/ || \| + . || . + . || . ' .||. ' \/ .*' " " *. * * *.;"``",.* / (-\-| ___ | `-=-( /.-.\ .(`-.__/-,// || / \ | // Keeping Christ In Christmas When I see the "X" in front of the letters, "mas" in the word Christmas it has always hurt my heart because we wouldn’t have Christmas without Christ Jesus. He is the reason we celebrate the season. Christmas isn’t all the tinsel on the tree and all the credit cards being charged at the mall. Christmas is a time of love and giving as our Heavenly Father so generously sent his son Jesus Christ to earth to give us the greatest gift of all, “SALVATION”. All the other things we do at Christmas time besides the acknowledgement of our savior’s birth are supposed to be filled with love and giving. Not grudgingly but from our willing, loving hearts. The Lord loves a cheerful giver. I don’t believe God wants us to go in debt to buy Christmas presents for our family and friends. In fact, I think He would be offended. Giving of ourselves, something we have taken the time to make, lending a helping hand, a warm meal to share, visiting someone ill or in a nursing home or hospital; these are just a few of the gifts of love we can give at Christmas time. The three Wise Men were the first to bring gifts to the Christ Child. Our tradition of giving to one another at Christmas time is more than 2000 years old. We must all turn our eyes, ears, hearts and minds back to where it all began and even if you’ve heard this miraculous story hundreds of times you need to read and hear it again! This Christmas as you’re scurrying around looking for just the right gift pause for a moment to remember why we are giving. Put that credit card back in your wallet and think of some way that you can give of yourself this year! And do it with great joy and thankfulness in your hearts not with grumbling, fighting crowds, frayed nerves, swollen feet and “Bah, humbug”. I don’t think that is the way our Lord would like us to celebrate His, “Miraculous Birth”. Remember Jesus said, “The greatest of all the commandments is that we love one another”. So the next time you feel the urge to write, Xmas… please don’t! Let’s all remember to keep Christ in Christmas. Not just on December 25th but all year long! ©Copyright, Barbara J. Ervin-Weymouth, December 3, 2005 ®All rights reserved --- ...Here's a new Poll that may surprise and bless you. I heard his on Fox News - The O'Reilly Factor http://www.billoreilly.com/show?action=latestTVShow -<>- * . . . | . * * . \|/ . . -->*<-- . /|\ . ' | ' * | . * . | . ' _ _ .:. . ( | .-. ___ .'_`. WWW \w/ \V/ |/(_)\ .'.-.`. `(_)' (_) (_) (_) |// \\ `/(_)\' // \\ _/ | _/ | _/ | _ _ \/| |/ //)_(\\ \| |/ %%__/| $$__/| &&__/| _-(_)- _-(_)- | | | /(o___))\ | | | | | | | | `(___) `(___) | | | ` / \' | | | | | | | | jgs // \\ // \\ | |_| /_____\ |_| |_| |_| |_| >A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION You Are Cordially Invited To A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ Date: Every day. Traditionally December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible.. Time: Whenever you're ready, (please don't be too late, though; or you'll miss out on all the fun!!).. Place: In your heart ... He'll meet you there (you'll hear Him knock).. Attire: Come as you are ...grubbies are okay. He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.. Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone..(He says you would not have been able to afford it ...it cost Him everything He had!!).. Refreshments: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls "living water, followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!! Gift Suggestions: Your heart. He's one of those people who already has everything else. (He's very generous in return though; just wait until you see what He has for you).. Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, and much more! Bring all your friends and relatives. It is rated 'G'. R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life". Party Being Given By His Kids (That's us). Hope To See You There! "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) ... 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' .." --Author unknown. -<>- ,;;, ';;;' )`\ .--' ) .--' / .' ( ."`-./_ _ _ _\.-'". | (` `=``_````_``=` `) | `) (0)__(0) (` /` .-( )-. `\ | ( \/ ) | \ '._/\_.' / '-._ `""` _.' jgs /'-. _.;_...-'' | ()` | '-`/\`-./ ((\\ \)\\ )) >CRAZY RIDE By: Joseph J. Mazzella I can remember once when I was a boy our family went to an amusement park while visiting my Grandma in Tennessee. My older brothers were riding all of the big rides and I really wanted to get on one as well. Finally my Mom agreed to get on a mini roller coaster with me. The ride operator started the ride out slow but soon we were going faster and faster while my Mom’s face got whiter and whiter and she held my hand tighter and tighter. Finally the ride started to slow down and we thought it was just about over. Suddenly, however, we heard the operator’s voice yell out, "Do you want to go backwards?" Sixty teenagers screamed out "YES!" and a half a second later I heard my Mom scream out "NO!!" as loud as all of them put together. I can sympathize with how my Mom felt. A lot of times in this life I have wanted to stop this crazy ride and just get off. The roller coaster has just kept moving along, though, with twists and turns that made my heart flutter and my face turn white. I used to think that if I could just get everything right in my life then this ride would smooth out and I would be happy. Yet, everyday new problems, troubles, and frustrations would appear. There was no getting ahead of them, no getting around them, and no off switch on the ride. I finally realized one day that this crazy, roller coaster ride was my life. There wasn’t going to be any slowing down or smoothing out in the future. In fact, there was every chance that I would end up going backwards as well. The best that I could do then was to choose love, joy, and oneness with God while I rode it. The best that I could do was to laugh and enjoy the trip instead of screaming my head off. The best that I could do was to smile, take the frightened hands of those riding with me, and trust in God to see us through every twist and turn this ride might take. Life sure is one crazy ride. May all of you enjoy every minute of it. -<>- _....._ .-::. ':::-. .:. '::. '::. '. /'::. _::._::. :\ ;. '::'` `:' .::\ |::. / \.::'| | '::.| |' .| |. ':| |.::/ |::. | /__.' | '::.| |. ':| |::. | /`""-._ |_'::.| _.-''`\ | .__'/ `\'_. | | .-| |--. | | _.\ /._ | \_..-' /`\--'\ `-.._/ / | \ | | | / ; \ / \ \ | ;-.____/ \____/::.| |. ':| j::. | g '::.| s. ':| |::. | | '::.| '-..:-' >CHRISTMAS FISHING GEAR By, Kathleene S. Baker As we find ourselves wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday season, it’s easy to forget how fortunate we are. Yet, all it takes for a reality check is to glimpse an Angel Tree. I doubt there is a mall in the country without one, as well as many banks, office lobbies, and church foyers. Angel Tree is a program for the children of men and women who are in prison. At an already low time in their lives they often don't receive much for Christmas; sadly, sometimes Santa doesn't make an appearance at all. Several years ago I approached the Angel Tree in our bank and the first card I glanced at was that of a young boy. I yanked the card off that tree so vigorously I thought it might crash to the floor—right in the middle of the bank lobby! The only thing on his list was a fishing pole and reel. Being fond of the sport myself, I could hardly wait to make his Christmas wish come true. The child lived in a rural area and had no playmates within walking distance; therefore, school was the only place he interacted with friends. The card indicated his family had a pond or lake on their property and I was proud of him for wanting to develop a healthy past time! I fondly remember my first fishing gear—a cane pole and a red and white bobber. Oh, what a thrill it was when the bobber vanished from sight! I wanted the young fellow to feel the very same excitement. I hardly slept that night planning what this youngster needed to inspire his interest in angling. Bright and early the next morning I was off to the local sporting goods store. I studied numerous rods and reels hoping to make the right selection. Not wanting him to become discouraged, I opted for a Zebco reel to avoid “backlash” problems. As I started to the checkout, I stopped dead in my tracks muttering, “Well, he certainly needs more equipment than just a rod and reel!” I raced back to the Fishing Department, picked out a tackle box, an assortment of fishhooks, different size bobbers, and weights. Again, I headed towards checkout, and again turned around. This time I snatched up artificial worms, jigs, needle nose pliers, a stringer, and even a package of stink bait. You just never know what’s lurking around at the bottom of the ol’ fishin’ hole! I’m not sure how many times I actually headed towards checkout, only to realize something crucial had been forgotten. I chuckled wandering what the “eyes” behind the security cameras were thinking! Possibly—the lady was crazy! Or, maybe she was just trying to confuse them, and she was actually a sly shoplifter That evening I began wrapping so the items could be returned for distribution. The pole certainly posed a problem, and I literally had to construct a box out of some old cartons stored in the garage. I understood the need for anonymity, but could not imagine sending such important gifts with no message! I enclosed a Christmas card and note which I slipped inside the tackle box before I wrapped it. I was convinced the Angel Tree Police would never find it—no way could I get busted for breaking the rules! I told him of my love of fishing, wished him and his family a Merry Christmas, and told him I hoped he caught “lots of big ones” with his new equipment. Just in case he should wonder, I mentioned being a “female” that had fished my entire life and was still waiting to catch “the really big one,” but that I would never stop trying. I hoped my words would encourage him to pursue the sport as a lifelong hobby. After all, the next tug on the line just might be a monster! While wrapping, I pictured this lad on a beautiful spring day at the “ol’ fishin’ hole.” He was lying on his back in the shade of a gnarly, life oak tree, chewing on a blade of grass, and looking for pictures in the clouds. Yet, he kept his hand on the pole waiting to feel a tug, and every now and then raised his head to glance at his bobber. Each year at Christmas I think of this child and the joy it brought to help make his Christmas bright. I wonder where he is now, how he is doing, and how many big ones he’s caught. It is so very true… the joy is in the giving … especially if it’s fishing gear! ©2006 Kathleene S. Baker -<>- .-""```""-. ,-"```````"-, ; .-"-. ; ; .-=-. ; '=/=====\=' ', /=====\ ,' |/"""\| "=|/"""\|=" \ ^ ^ / |\^ ^/| /'._.'\ ||'-'|| / _ \ / | _ | \ / /|\ \ /\/ /|\ \/\ | \_/ | \_/ | | \_/ | \_/ | | |/ \| | | |/ \| | \__| |__/ \__| |__/ >=;=====< | | | | | | | | \'/ | | | | |-=*=-| | | | | /.\ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | .-------------, | | < ~-_~-_=`|( :) > | | \`"""""""""""`/ | | \ /____| jgs |;,;,;> <_/\_/ / \ `"""""""""""` >Christmas is the word, not Xmas. Bill Walker wildbill6807@yahoo.com I know what Christmas is, and what it means. Haven't a foggy what Xmas is nor what it means. I am a old fellow, seems like Christmas has been around for a long time. I also think I remember as a young fellow seeing the letters Xmas. I still can't understand the whys, the whats, and the wherefores use of the word. Guess I haven't got much gray matter between the ears. Now let me tell something. I think Christmas is the right word. Christ is the reason for the Holiday. Whats with this X stuff? Is that a way of putting Christ out of the picture? Maybe so, seems like we are doing that more every day. Now I am not a great drum beater on any religion or thinking along these matters. But I do think Christmas is the day we say Christ came to take away mankind's sins. So what once again do we come up with this X stuff? Can't we give him one day a year? After all it is said most every one in this country believes in God. If that be the case, then a great lot of that number believes in Christ. What is the problem? Can't we spell Christ, and put the mas on the end. Just what is the X got to do with it? I guess we are to lazy to spell Christ. Then too we might upset some nonbeliever. Bet the nonbeliever believes in Santa. Maybe in the Tooth Fairy also. So with that in mind, please humor a old fellow. Put it to me Merry Christmas. I never believed in Xmas, who is that guy anyways? -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Shangrala's Christmas Links http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasindex.html Are Angels Real http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html The Giver And The Gift http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/givergift.html Baby Thoughts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babythoughts.html God's Instructions http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/instructions.html Jesus Clinic http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/clinic.html That's God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html Pay It Forward http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/payitforward.html Ice Sculpture Art 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ices3.html Quilts In The Snow http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/snowquilts.html Wind Snow Rolls http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/snow.html Winter Wildlife http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/winter2.html -<>- >From Our friend Melody :) The Traveler IQ Challenge® http://www.travelpod.com/traveler-iq Christmas in India 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4hGOqgCPqw Christmas Canal Parade 2012 Amsterdam, Holland http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIF9Esnxl8w The Twelve Days of Christmas - The Nutcracker Game http://www.12days.com/playground/nutcracker/default.asp Mrs. Claus' Christmas & Holiday Cookie Recipes http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0005.asp All I Want For Christmas - HMS OCEAN - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDZcGz4vmJc Seasons Christmas Greetings ~ RiverSongs Seasons Greetings Cards http://www.riversongs.com/Flas/seasons.html A Very Calvin & Hobbes Christmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq8iyhMFLYE&feature=related --- ...HaHa! Great Ones! Thanks Melody! -<>- >From Our Friend Karen :) Holiday Feast - 13 Dogs and 1 Cat Eating with Human Hands https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhg7Xm4FXAY#t=25 --- ...TeeHee! Thanks Karen! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA Christmas is just around the corner, and people are already beginning to decorate their houses with lights. Jeff Maxey decided to go the next level, and even got his entire neighborhood block involved in the spectacular show. What's even more amazing is the fact that the light show was captured solely via drone plane! Here is a unique rendition of the Wizards of Winter like you've never quite seen before! https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IXieGSAdj4s --- ...Wowsers! Thanks LouiseA! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== | -=*=- m w n (| (} | {) {\ {) |/||\ {\ $_>&_>%_> | || ___o /|/_ | \| \| \ jgs | || X--X |__\ |__\__\__\ >Someone Who Understands Story Editor: by The Cyclist Joyce Schowalter Midwest, USA Last night my 14-hour paramedic shift was filled with rain, car accidents, and drug addicts. I was cold, wet, hungry, and ready to go home when the dispatcher called for "a simple hospital transfer". My wife is a stay-at-home Mom and we've two kids... so off I went. The hospital nurse told us we'd transfer a young mother, just diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), very scared, with no family besides her two kids and a sick mother. I found "Jane" looking like she'd just finished crying. I touched her hand, told her I'd take care of her; the other hospital would help her feel better. She looked better, said she was scared, hadn't been in a hospital before, had no one to talk to. I said I understood -- but obviously I work out and am fit, so how could I? I asked what had happened. A month before her arm felt weak and the doctor diagnosed Carpel Tunnel. Then her leg got weak and numb, and after a MRI and lumbar puncture, they'd diagnosed MS. This morning, she'd been really numb and gone to the Emergency Room. Jane was sure her life was over. I said I understood. She wanted to talk with someone who understood what she was going through yet was living well with MS. Her neurosurgeon had warned support groups were too depressing for newly diagnosed patients. Jane needed to talk so I rode in back and listened. She was so scared to hear she had MS she threw up all day. (That brought back memories!) She knew her athletic days were over. After taking her to her room, I sent my partner down and finished paperwork. Jane thanked me, saying I really seemed to care. "Have you seen anyone with MS who's OK?" Yes. "Someone still walking?" Yes. "Someone in your family?" Me. I have MS. Jane stared in astonishment and relief. I said her life was most assuredly not over, it was just the beginning of a life different than planned. She thanked me profusely, and I agreed to return after dropping off the ambulance. I called my wife to let her know, and drove back. I told Jane I've had MS over five years, diagnosed just 6 months ago, January 2003, after which I puked for two weeks. Then I realized my life was just beginning -- MS is NOT a death sentence. You're not your diagnosis. It's something you deal with. Having MS you can be happy and active; it's important to stay moving and enjoy your body to its fullest extent. Most people with MS live very fulfilled and active lives. I told her about the wonderful community available online. I'm not happy about having MS but it's made me a better person, and I'm grateful for that. "I finally feel my future can be bright," Jane said. I assured her it could be. As I left the dark quiet hospital at 2 a.m., for the first time I was actually thankful that I have MS. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From SermondFodder: ,...., ,;;:o;;;o;;, ,;;o;'''''';;;;, ,;:;; ;;o;, ;o;; ;;;; ;;o; ;;o; ';;;, _ _ ,;;;' ';o;;/_\/_\;;o;' jgs ';;\_\/_/;;' '//\\' // \\ |/ \| >The Christmas Garter Helping me sort clothes into "save" and "give away" piles, my six-year-old daughter came across a garter belt. "What's this?" she asked. "It's a garter belt," I said. Seeing that meant nothing to her, I added, "It's for holding up stockings." "Ah," she said, carefully placing it in the "save" pile, "we'll use it next Christmas Eve." This post is brought your way by Sermon Fodder and Joke A Day Ministries. To get a regular dose of Christian humor and a modern-day parable drop a note to Sermon_Fodder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or to ajokeaday7-subscribe@topica.com. Please leave this attached if you forward this to friends or post it on the net. ================================== Worth Remembering..... "The U.S. Postal Service announced this week that they have lost $3.8 billion this year. Here's the worst part: You know how they lost it? In the mail." -Jay Leno ===================================== THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD A group of students was asked to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes: 1. Egypt's Great Pyramids 2. Taj Mahal 3. Grand Canyon 4. Panama Canal 5. Empire State Building 6. St. Peter's Basilica 7. China's Great Wall While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn't turned in her paper yet, so she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help." The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are: 1. TO SEE 2. TO TASTE 3. TO TOUCH 4. TO HEAR." She hesitated a little, and then added, "5. TO FEEL 6. TO LAUGH 7. AND TO LOVE." The room was so full of silence you could have heard a pin drop. Those things we overlook as simple and ordinary are truly wondrous. This is a gentle reminder that the most precious things in life cannot be bought...but are gifts from above. (James 1:17) --- ...Note: reminds me of this one... Seven Wonders Of The World http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wonders.html =========================================== Christmas Weirdness Christmas is weird. What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks? ========================================== .-----------------------------------------------------. | __ ___________________ | _________________ __ | || / / '.|.' \ \ || ||/ / ___ -= + =- \ \|| | / ******* .'|'. ___ \ | | / /-====) | ******* \ | || | / -( | (_.- )) || || / / _/ )- ) )) || || | |-( _ \_( (( || || / | \ //| _ )) ) ) || || / \ \/\/ |\\ /'-( ( || || | |\ / *** \/\/ / ) ) || || `-;./==;-' .=. \ / ( ( || || | \ _\/(_)\/_ '-;==) ) || || | \ |'---'| / ( ( || || | \ _| |_ / ) ) || || _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( || || .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. || |jgs `""---`-----` `----`----`""` || "Christmas Letter from Jesus" Dear children, It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking my name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of you're predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of a pagan festival. --- ...Note: See: When Was Jesus Born http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/whenjesusborn.html Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate my birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting my birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all my followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was my Father who made all trees. You can & may remember me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 -8. If you want to give me a present in remembrance of my birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it… 1. Write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time. 2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them. 3. Why don't you write and tell the President that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again. 4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of my birth, and why I came to live on earth. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them too. 5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her. 6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day. 7. Be patient with the people who work at retail outlets and restaurants. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they didn't wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families. 8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes my love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that. 9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town who not only will have no Christmas tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in me & they will make the delivery for you. 10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in my presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. Love Jesus ========================================================== | '.|.' -= + =- ___ .'|'. ___ ******* | ******* /-====) | (_.- )) | / '( )' ) )) / / _/ \_( (( | |-( _ _ )) ) ) / | \ //| |\\ /'-( ( / \ \/\/ *** \/\/ / ) ) | |\ / .=. \ / ( ( `-;./ ;-' _\/(")\/_ '-; ) ) | \ |'---'| / ( ( | \ _| |_ / ) ) _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( jgs .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. `""---`-----` `----`----`""` >-->The Christ In Christmas Let's keep Christ in Christmas for sure this year. The Babe, born in a manger, each day grows more dear. They said long before, He would be born one day, The star in the east would show them the way! The shepherds would find Him, lying wrapped and in a manger. They brought Him gifts, that small sweet Stranger. This helpless small Child, grew up and died on the cross. He came down to Earth to die for the lost! So we, in forgetting what Christmas means, We tell our dear Savior, "You died in vain!" Instead let's forget the commercial way. Saying, "Thank You, Lord, for Your birth on this day!" Yes, let's keep Christ in Christmas, as His birthday draws near, And as we swap presents we've bought through the year, Let's give our lives to Jesus, as He looks down from above. For my Friend, He is waiting, to fill your life, with His love! --Author Unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************