The Lord Is My Shepherd... :) 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 ================ *~* A REMINDER: For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our first sizzler is from our friends Melinda and Geniann. The bible is an awesome book. It comes from God to us as a way of understanding Jesus Christ and God's Will for us His children. Each part is carefully written by the most ingenious, wisest, most supreme being there ever is, was or ever shall be. It is no wonder there is deep meaning in each and every scripture. Here is a greater understanding of humanities most beloved Psalm... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' The 23rd Psalm http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/psalm23.html --- ...Absolutely wonderfully inspirational! Thanks Ladies! Our 2nd hot tottie is from our friends LouiseA and Linda. This one is sure to give you that 'warm and fuzzy' feeling! Check it out for plenty of ear-to-ear warm smiles. ()_()()_() / ..)(.. \ __/ ( || ) \_ (_/ * * (_) | | | || | | | \_/| \__/ | | > \ / <__,--,__|/|_> unknown All About Hugs http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hugs.html --- ...I think my face hurt after this one! Thanks Ladies! ALSO We have two new easy recipes added from our friend Norma. Look for these ... .-'''''-. |'-----'| /`-.....-`\ | <_} | | .-\-. | _,._ | /# ` \ | __.-` `"""-. | \ / | ..--' `"-. `)_,._ \ '-'-' / (` )--.-"``` `"-.`'-----'` '-----------' ( ) jgs `-------------` Taco SALAD by Norma Arizona Tumbleweed by Norma Under the MEALS & BREADS category http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/easy.html --- ...These sound simply yummy! Thanks Norma! -<>- >-->Prayer Request: _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >In Part From Our Dear Friend PatDeE: On 23 September I went in for open heart surgery. They replaced not one but two valves and repaired a third valve. I spent two weeks in the hospital, weak as the proverbial kitten and was released yesterday. I must be very careful moving about as my breastbone (clavicle?) has been cut in two and wired together. This is week two of eight weeks healing. Recovery is seemingly agonizingly slow and somewhat painful at times. However, If I am honest with myself I can detect improvement...inch by excruciatingly slow inch. However, sooner or later, I WILL get there. One of the benefits of being home is that I am forced to move about more. In the hospital I was pretty lax about exercising. Let me close by thanking everyone, once again for all your kind thoughts and prayers which helped immensely in my recovery journey. Blessings, Pat --- ...May God surround you with His healing blessings each and every day of your remaining weeks of healing so that your recovery is full and complete and you are back to your normal strength as soon as possible. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .-"""-. _.---..-; :.) ;"" \/ __..--'\ ;-"""-. ;._ `-.___.^.___.'-.____J__/-._J bug >LOOKING UP by Janice Buanno-Boyles My speedy recovery from a hysterectomy that October was darkened by the tricks of a hormone monster. I was destined to a zig-zag pattern of one good day, one off day. On the off days, I was a basketcase. I couldn't think, organize, follow through, work, direct children, or butter bread. The hot flashes were undeniable. While the doctor was regulating my hormone dosage, I had to deal with the ups and downs. Before long, the roller coaster ride swooped into Columbus Day, meaning the kids were home from school. My children, ages 1, 6 and 8, at the time, had no idea that this day off was falling on one of my "off days". Trying to make up for lost time from work and volunteer responsibilities, the housekeeping and children had taken everything out of me by 1 pm. At some point, between the bickering, the diaper changes, the lunch mess and the telephone ringing, I escaped onto the back deck for some peace. The deck was barren in preparation for winter. The woods facing me were stripped of their leaves as was the autumn sky of the sun. A hint of chill reminded me of the cold season yet to arrive. How fitting, I thought, to be on the same cycle as mother nature. Doom and gloom. Behind my observations and thoughts, I could hear the kids screaming and fighting, and I could see through the lighted windows at the mess they were making in the family room. I knew I needed to help them find something more constructive to do, but at that moment, all I could do was cry. I hadn't the energy to deal with three kids or anything else. I instinctively fell into prayer. "Dear God, I can't function today. Please give me a sign that you're listening, that you'll help me. I can't do this alone..." Interrupting my prayer, the sounds of a very focused flock of geese roared over the house. The glorious honking grew closer and louder by the second. Before long, the entire "V" appeared so close above me, I was sure if I stood on tip toes I could touch them. They were low and loud and had just missed the tips of the trees when one of them flew out of the formation, landing in the woods. Quickly, two others followed, and the rest filled in the empty spaces and flew on, rising higher and higher until they disappeared. I was in awe of the miraculous distraction, and suddenly felt my spirit lift with the geese. Just weeks earlier, I had read that geese fly in a "V" formation -- that it takes the whole team to make it to their destination. When the "lead bird" tires out, it falls to the back of the formation and another takes over. When one falls ill or can no longer fly, it flutters to the ground. With it, two more leave the formation to sit by the sick one, protecting it while it heals or dies. Once able, the birds take flight again. Because they feel the strain of flying without the group, they often find a new group with which to fly. I remember reading that it's easier for them to get where they're going when they're traveling on the thrust of another. The geese flying out of formation feel the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone. I read, too, that geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. Then it hit me. Maybe they were honking for me. Maybe I need support right now and someone to watch over me until I can fly again. Maybe I need to fall out of formation and rest. Maybe I don't need to be so strong, so soon. Maybe I'm not ready for the long "flight". That's when things started to "look up". I knew it was time to go back inside, give my kids some attention, wait for my husband to get home from work to help, and rest. I knew all this because of a sign from above and a flock of geese reminding me that traveling on the thrust of another is easier than going it alone. -- Janice Boyles ___________________________________________ Janice is the mother of three and lives on the edge of the Catskill Mountains in New York. She says, "I'm a freelance writer and preschool teacher who's an active volunteer. I enjoy painting, writing and collecting. Now I know it's OK to rest when we can't fly any farther." =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Melinda :) The Truth About the Bible , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God? By Jason Carlson and Ron Carlson, 5/25/11 During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked me, "Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?" Now this is a very interesting question, and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask themselves. What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God? In answering this student's question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible. First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic, just to name a few. Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally. Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1,500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books. Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written. And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God's people. Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What's more, this collection of books shares a common storyline - the creation, fall, and redemption of God's people; a common theme - God's universal love for all of humanity; and a common message - salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God's word truly is an amazing collection of writings! After I had shared the above facts with this student, I offered him the following challenge. "If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I challenge you to a test, I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions." I went on to say, "If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God." The student's reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that's impossible!" It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration. The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don't wait until you're asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today. You don't even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books. After they say, "But that's impossible!" you've got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God's word with somebody! --- ...Wonderfully said! Thanks Melinda! 2 Peter 1: [15] Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. [16] For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. [18] And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. [19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: [20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 2 Tim.3: [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That is why the bible is such an awesome perfect work - it was not written by the thoughts of imperfect mankind but by Inspiration from God Himself. Why? 2 Tim.3: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. So that the 'man' of God - that means those of us who are born again Christians, may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works. Also check out this most interesting article: Facts about the bible http://www.thewordout.net/pages/page.asp?page_id=56513 =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend PatDeE :) >Life Today A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit. --D. Elton Trueblood Our lives are enriched by the contributions of those who lived before us. Many men and women gave more than they ever took from society, and now we enjoy the rewards. Some people were fired with a spirit to beautify the world and planted trees that will live for 200 years. Others wrote music that speaks to us from another generation, and others established a government that guides our principles of justice. They gave so much because they knew they were a part of their community and the world. Most of us cannot make the great contributions that will make us famous, but we enrich our lives when we contribute freely to improving our community and the world. We do that when we simply say hello to our neighbor or when we serve on a volunteer cleanup committee for a local park. We too have beautified and contributed to the world, and that gives us a feeling of peace and self respect. Today, I will appreciate all that comes freely to me from others, and I will give what I can to make the world a better place. --- ...Amen! Thanks PatDeE! ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jacinto :) \. - - . ' _ , -`. ' _,' _,' ' ,-' _/ ' ,-' \ _/ ' ,' \ _' ' ' _\' ' , _,-' \ _________ \,_,--' \ \\_______\ \ \\+=+=+=+\ \ \\=+=+=+=\ \ \\+=+=+=+\ \ \\=+=+=+=\________ \ \\+=+=+=+____----)) \ \`---------.)))\\ \ ||+=+=+=+=+=\\ /\\ \ ||___________\\/ \\ \ ||------------\\ ejm \|| \\ >In Life... [edited] In life there are people that will hurt us and cause us pain, but we must learn to forgive and forget and not hold grudges. In life there are mistakes we will make, but we must learn from our wrongs and grow from them. In life there are regrets we will have to live with, but we must learn to leave the past behind and realize it is something we can't change. In life there are people we will lose forever and can't have back, but we must learn to let go & move on. In life there are going to be obstacles that will cause interference, but we must learn to overcome these challenges and grow stronger. In life there are fears that will hold us back from what we want, but we must learn to fight them with the courage from within. In Life God gives us the strength to overcome all evil, but we need to trust in Him through our Lord Jesus Christ. --- ...So True! Thank You Jass! ============================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >Servants Make Themselves Available By Rick Warren "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB). Real servants make themselves available to serve. Servants don't fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability. They want to be ready to jump into service when called on. Much like a soldier, a servant must always be standing by for duty: "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB). If you only serve when it's convenient for you, you're not a real servant. Real servants do what's needed, even when it's inconvenient. Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don't get to pick and choose when or where you will serve. Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to. If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God's servant, interruptions won't frustrate you as much, because your agenda will be whatever God wants to bring into your life. Servants see interruptions as divine appointments for ministry and are happy for the opportunity to practice. -<>- This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod "It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of s#xual perversion and call it "an alternate life style" and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone s#xual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe s#x...." If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem... I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology.." I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment.." However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.. This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments. Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS CHRIST, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet." One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray. They prayed in the stands.. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box! The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America- the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD." Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee Remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion.. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains! JESUS said, "If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER.." --- ...This from Our Friend and my son Victor today, What is the world coming to? * . . . | . * * . \|/ . . -->*<-- . /|\ . ' | ' * | . * . | . ' _ _ .:. . ( | .-. ___ .'_`. WWW \w/ \V/ |/(_)\ .'.-.`. `(_)' (_) (_) (_) |// \\ `/(_)\' // \\ _/ | _/ | _/ | _ _ \/| |/ //)_(\\ \| |/ %%__/| $$__/| &&__/| _-(_)- _-(_)- | | | /(o___))\ | | | | | | | | `(___) `(___) | | | ` / \' | | | | | | | | jgs // \\ // \\ | |_| /_____\ |_| |_| |_| |_| Northern Indiana school district sued over Nativity scene By WANE Staff Reports Published: October 7, 2015, 5:45 pm SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — A lawsuit filed in federal court contends a live Nativity scene that’s been included as part of a northern Indiana school district’s annual Christmas show for decades violates the U.S. Constitution. http://tinyurl.com/pwjcagn --- ...Thanks Victor! I hope some of our lawyers come to their aide. There are a few who take such cases pro bono to uphold conservative rights. It seems their is no end to the tyranny of Atheists! They want to control the world - replacing good with their nothingness! -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Directions To Father's House http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/home.html God's Advertisements http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/godsads.html Kids Lessons http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidlessons.html Rainbows Of Fall http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fall.html City Silhouettes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/citys.html Colorful Birds 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/birds2.html Romantic Castles!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/castles.html Harvest Moonbow!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/moonbow.html Germany's Chrysanthemum Festival!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/germanyfestival.html Fall And Halloween INDEX http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/halloweenindex.html -<>- >From Our Friend Melinda :) She sent us ones we have here... Bucket List http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bucketlist.html Growing Old http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/growingold.html --- ...A very nice ones! Thanks Melinda! For Charity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v_zsucU_fA&feature=em-share_video_user Gags https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdNJIe9Rtpo More Gads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5NSP5pK3qM Best Chainsaw Imitation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vm5pDpa2h4 --- ...Hilarious! Thanks Melinda! -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) She sent us one we have here... Israel's 9/11 Tribute! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/israeltribute.html --- ...A great one! Thanks Linda! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA :) She sent us one we have here... Notes to God http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cnotes.html --- ...So cute! Thanks LouiseA! The story of how a small, slimy caterpillar turns into a majestic, flying butterfly is one that captures our imagination from a young age. Now, you can watch this great wonder of nature take place before your very eyes, with this fantastic time-lapsed video. The short, two-minute film begins with the growth of the caterpillar and follows the entire transformation through the chrysalis phase, ending with the emergence of a beautiful, red monarch butterfly. A true treat! https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ocWgSgMGxOc Here's an adorable video to brighten your day! These two raccoons are brothers, but it looks like only one of them likes swimming. The other seems very concerned about safety.Watch a raccoon try to "rescue" his brother, who's just enjoying a nice swim in the pool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5naTTEkdAE&feature=player_embedded --- ...Great! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann :) Disappearing Car Door http://www.flixxy.com/high-tech-car-door.htm Beer bottle serenade https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/NkbZlautuUc?rel=0 --- ...Great classics Thanks Geniann! 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 ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Linda :) _ , (_\______/________ \-|-|/|-|-|-|-|/ \==/-|-|-|-|-/ \/|-|-|-|,-' \--|-''' \_j________ (_) (_) hjw >Shopping in Heaven If you seek to cheat others, you end up cheating yourself, Enjoy. Take time to read the very last sentence! A minute read .... Read this story, and follow the recommendation at the end .... As I was walking down life's highway many years ago I came upon a sign that read Heavens Grocery Store ... When I got a little closer the doors swung open wide and when I came to myself I was standing inside ... I saw a host of angels;they were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said 'My child, shop with care.' Everything a human needed was in that grocery store and what you could not carry you could come back for more. First I got some Patience. Love was in that same row. Further down was Understanding; you need that everywhere you go ... I got a box or two of Wisdom and Faith a bag or two. And Charity of course, I would need some of that too .... I couldn't miss The Holy Ghost; it was all over the place. And then some Strength and Courage to help me run this race. My basket was getting full but I remembered I needed Grace, and then I chose Salvation for Salvation was for free; I tried to get enough of that to do for you and me ... Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do the Master's Will. As I went up the aisle I saw Prayer and put that in, for I knew when I stepped outside I would run into Sin. Peace and Joy were plentiful, the last things on the shelf. Song and Praise were hanging near so I just helped myself. Then I said to the angel 'Now how much do I owe?' He smiled and said 'Just take them everywhere you go.' Again I asked 'Really now, How much do I owe?' 'My child' he said, 'Jesus paid your bill a long, long time ago.' This poem has been sent to you with Love and for Blessings. It originated in The Netherlands and has been around the world 9 times. Please keep it going. Have A Great Day --- ...A beautiful one! Thanks Linda! ========================================================= | | | _ | | <_> | | | | | `-._ | |`-._| | | _________________________________|____ `-._ `-._ | `-._ `-._ | kat `-._ `-._ >Bucking the Crowd Story Editor: by Jeff Simms Joyce Schowalter Barnegat, New Jersey, USA It was a nippy Fall day -- our favorite kind of weather. It was Saturday and we were going to have a great time. My divorced mother, two younger brothers and I were on our way to the park at the other end of the small Jersey town we lived in. We had our football and makeshift goal posts in the back of the station wagon and our teams already chosen: us against our mother. (Don't worry, it was only touch football.) On the way we approached a small bar where an agitated crowd had formed outside. Suddenly there was a terrible tension in the air. "Uh, oh," one of my brothers said. "Shhh," my mother told him. I got an uneasy feeling in the gut of my stomach. I'd always had a certain uneasiness about crowds. Fear actually. When I was only about five, we were living in North Manhattan. I had witnessed a crowd yelling for a suicidal man atop an apartment building to jump. It left me with a bad impression of what decent, normal people are capable of when in the crowd mentality. I wanted out of there and shouted to my mother to speed up. Instead, she slowed! She pulled to the curb on the opposite side of the street. We were a few dozen feet from six or seven people cheering on a drunken fight. It was definitly crowd mentality, all right -- the same whether it was in a city or a small town. To our horror our mother got out, locking us boys in. "Stay put, guys" she said. We didn't unlock the car but we did open the windows about half way. To our astonishment our beautiful, petite mother defiantly walked through the ruckus, went up to the two brawlers and shouted to the one on top. "Get off him right now! You'll kill him!" It was as forceful as she had ever sounded. I'll never forget her standing there with her hands on her hips (her "mad-as-hell" stance which we knew very well), seemingly oblivious to the others around her. Two men in the crowd must have been humbled by her audacity because they broke rank from the rest and separated the two combatants. In the distance we heard a siren. Minutes later a police car pulled up and we got going again. The whole incident took no more than ten minutes, but it has been seared in my memory ever since. From the back seat my youngest brother kept his arms lovingly around our mother's neck as she drove, while my other brother and I just stared in utter amazement at her all the way to the park. I learned a great lesson that day from our petite mother. I learned that I really had nothing to fear from a crowd like that -- as long as I never become a part of it. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From CupO'Cheer: ___ ____ ___ ____( \ .-' `-. / )____ (____ \_____ / (O O) \ _____/ ____) (____ `-----( ) )-----' ____) (____ _____________\ .____. /_____________ ____) (______/ Joe Reiss `-.____.-' \______) >HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR PASTOR TODAY? (thinking of you PatDeE:) "It was he who gave some to be ... pastors and teachers." Ephesians 4:11, NIV Pastoring a congregation is a gift that takes a rare combination of administrative, spiritual, and leadership skills. Trust me when I say rare. During my first year at seminary, I had all but convinced myself that I wanted to be a pastor. I even went so far as to interview for an assistant pastor position (at the ripe old age of 22!), and I very nearly got the job. I continue to thank God that he saw fit to endow that congregation with the wisdom to turn me down. I wasn't then, and am not now, fit to lead God's people as a pastor. It seems to me that pastors tend to be an under appreciated lot. If we laypeople tend to think of our pastor at all, it's usually only during Sunday mornings when the sermon goes too long -- and those thoughts aren't any I'd care to repeat! But, I'd like to suggest that we take the time to see our pastors as true servants of God who are called to lead us as we live out our Christian lives. Pastors will tell you that leading God's people hasn't changed much since biblical times -- it has its highs and lows, its thrilling moments and its excruciating pain. But through it all, God is there, walking beside the pastor as he or she brings a Sunday message from God to his people, helps heal a hurting marriage, and hits a stand-up double during a church softball game. It truly is an awesome task to be the public face of God to so many inside and outside the church. So, the next time you see your pastor, say thanks for making a difference in your life. Sure, they'll probably think you're a little crazy, but then again, they might also choke back the tears and say, "You're welcome." [Edited] -- Matt Donnelly, for the Connection staff Received from: Laugh & Lift Daily Issue -<>- __-----__ ..;;;--'~~~`--;;;.. /;-~IN GOD WE TRUST~-.\ // ,;;;;;;;; \\ .// ;;;;; \ \\ || ;;;;( /.| || || ;;;;;;; _\ || || ';; ;;;;= || ||LIBERTY | ''\;;;;;; || \\ ,| '\ '|><| 1995 // \\ | | \ A // `;.,|. | '\.-'/ ~~;;;,._|___.,-;;;~' ''=--' - Daniel C Au - >FINDING COPPER PENNIES There was a small boy who when walking down the street one day found a bright copper penny. He was so excited that he found money and it didn’t cost him anything. This experience led him to spend the rest of his days walking with his head down, eyes wide open, looking for wealth. During his lifetime he found 1,296,000,000 pennies, 480 nickels, 1900 dimes, 16.000 quarters, 200 half dollars and thousands of crinkled dollar bills. He accumulated quite a bank account in his lifetime. He prided himself in the fact that he spent his life getting his fortune from nothing. Yes, the boy now old man, spent his life collecting money for nothing. Except that in his lifetime he missed the breathless beauty of 31,369 sunsets, the colorful splendor of 157 rainbows, the fiery beauty of hundreds of maples nipped by autumn’s frost. He never saw the thousands of white clouds drifting across blue skies, shifting into various wondrous formations. Birds flying, sun shining, and the smiles of a hundreds of thousands people that passed through his life. All of this is not a part of his memory. Nor did this man-boy have any time to build a successful family or circle of true friends. No one cried for him when he passed on, in fact, many were glad to see him leave this world. Who do you know that is living like this? Head is bent down burdened with the task of achieving wealth. Someone who has never had the time to develop friends, family or true wisdom. Someone who is totally consumed with greed and never understands “the best things in life are free”. People that have spent their whole life searching for those copper pennies above all things. author unknown as seen in Inspiration Plus -<>- >IF NECESSARY, USE WORDS Most discussions of how to share the gospel focus on words. Shall we speak directly or subtly? Quote Scripture or poets? Make public speeches or talk with one person at a time? Maybe we’re asking the wrong questions and working from a mistaken assumption. Jesus was God among us, God on a mission. He was here to announce the coming of the kingdom of God — with all the benefits attached to its arrival. So surely he knew the best way to communicate. What was his method? For more than thirty years, he said nothing. He became one with us in flesh and blood. He lived among ordinary people. He attended the synagogue. He modeled joy, goodness, peace, and concern for others. Only then did he start to talk. Jesus lived the gospel before he talked about it. He preached it by his life before interpreting it in words. We should not dismiss that method lightly. In fact, we would be wise to adopt it ourselves. Of course the message ultimately must be taught and received in words. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom. 10:17). But words are not the best starting point. They may only generate disputes and defensiveness. You seldom argue people to the truth. Instead, you love them, break down barriers, model the gospel, and create eagerness for the truth. Perhaps individuals and churches are ineffective teachers because the tendency of both is to begin with words rather than life. Their sincere efforts at teaching are unproductive because they are not rooted in life. They have not earned credibility in the eyes of the people they want to teach. They somehow think words can replace love, kindness, self-control, and example. Peter gave this counsel to wives of non-Christians men: "Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives" (1 Pet. 3:1-2). In families, classrooms, offices, and neighborhoods, people are less inclined to listen to sermons than to look for examples. Without the actions, they will consider the words empty — and have no interest in hearing them. People want to see the gospel at work in us. They want to know Christ really makes a difference in the lives of his followers. Only then will they hear what we so desperately want to tell them about Jesus. by Rubel Shelly -<>- _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.'' >GATHER AROUND Jack Young (C)10-2-11 Gather around people I have something to tell And you need to take heed and remember it well The world I created has now greatly changed And the way you are living has been rearranged I am still here to guide each step that you take Whether you are asleep or fully awake But so many of you have turned me away As i see what is happening I'm in dismay You know my commandments were meant for you And if you follow them, they will lead you thru I will lead you, if you will just follow me But you're making it much harder than it should be At one time, I sent my only beloved son to you I sent him because there was much work to do He came with my blessing to do what needed done But mankind didn't honor him, they killed my son! The grave couldn't hold him, he lives here with me He wants you to accept him so you will be free For the burden of sin you would not have to pay He shed his life's blood to wash them away My son had no sins, for he was a part of me Then he came to redeem you and set you free He took on your guilt and bore it to his grave He came with my blessings, a lost world to save His task was finished when he died on a tree So I brought him back home to be with me He's not resting, he's building a beautiful place For you to come to and accept his grace Too many have rejected him and live in their shame Not believing redemption is assured by calling his name They believe there's no heaven or hell ahead They think only in terms of being alive or dead My son provided a pathway that will lead you thru So you must try to follow it, it's there for you Just ask him to retrieve you if you wander astray He will hear you if you will but pray So please my dear children listen and heed what I say And you can come to be with me and my son someday In a place where heartaches and cares are gone For up here with my son and I, these are unknown To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: ,--.,-"";-"-. .-;-/ / / .- `\ .-. ` ( ' ' ` ; `\/ \ \ / \ / (. C . ) | .-. | | _ / (` / | \ /}| | )(\ | `-> (____.| / ||| / \=====| | |\| | |====| \ _/ ` \__/=====| |` `-'======| \ |=======/ | |=======| | .--, ########\ |/ / jgs |_|__|| ` `--. ,---;-'--'\ `--. `---`-------'-.___,___.---' >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY This first story is from our church, Immanuel Lutheran of Avilla, Indiana. Recently the Rev. Thomas Dunbar focused on the word "amazing" during his children's sermon (because Jesus "amazed" onlookers with his miracles). When he asked the children if they knew what "amazing" means there was silence. Then one child offered: "A maze is when you get lost in the corn." (In this area corn mazes are popular at this time of year.) So Pastor Dunbar told the children how an "amazing" event was when men landed on the moon. One child then asked, "Why?" John's daughter was about 4 (she is now 36) when he and his late wife, who was an interior decorator, took her for a walk. A woman came from the opposite direction walking a beautiful Irish Setter. "Oh, Mommy, look at the pretty dog!" John's daughter said. "But do they only come in rust?" -- John Collins of Riverside, Rhode Island Julia, 3, sits and plays with her sticker book or her church dolls while the congregation stands and sings hymns. At the conclusion of the hymn, the pastor says, "Please be seated." Julia's immediate stage whisper response is "I AM seated." -- DonnaMoller (Grammy) of Katy, Texas ,--""""-., .'` ', / | | _ / __,'(,-'/ `\ _. / .=="=| '-. | .'===,=|-. | / /===\==\| \ \ _;' | |====\==\ '.___,u' \__/ |===.##,=\ |==/####\='-.__ \#|#####|`/^|_))._________________ #######/`| |_.-'""""""=' ] #####/\/ /__,________;------.---' jgs `###' |_/ V V Here are more stories from Donna. Julia, 3, was watching HGTV with Grammy when an advertisement came on for a new show. Grammy was surprised to hear Julia say the burly man had a tutu. Then Julia grinned and corrected herself, "I mean he has ataaa-too." (She meant tattoo.) Julia, 3, and her sister Alyssa, 5, were talking to their mother before bedtime when the topic turned to marriage. Both girls said they wanted to marry Daddy when they grew up. Kathryn, their mother, told them they couldn't marry Daddy because he was already married to her. The girls began crying and repeated their wish to marry Daddy. Through their sobs Kathryn said, "God already has a husband picked out for each of you." Alyssa replied firmly, "I hope he's not that red-headed boy from Vacation Bible School!" When Donna's daughter Kathryn (Alyssa's and Julia's mother) was in kindergarten, much to Donna's surprise her entire class was paired up into boyfriends and girlfriends. Kathryn's boyfriend was blond-haired Adam. One day Kathryn announced, "Adam kissed me today." Donna wondered how serious this was (a kiss on the lips or a peck on the cheek?) so she said, "Where did Adam kiss you?" Kathryn smiled shyly and said, "Behind the television set." Amy's sister, Holly, was lamenting on getting old as she faces her 20th class reunion. Her 5-year old, Rosie, didn't help when she asked her mom, "What did you use before toothbrushes were invented?" -- Aunt Amy of Butler, Pennsylvania ,-"""-. / - -'. db, 0 0 '---. 88b, \ 8888 0 | 8888, '.____,'/ Y88P \ .------' jgs `` |=( / ', | \ | \ | | ; | | | ,_(__/ / `--\ .-' | ||__ / '--.` '------` D.J. was getting Noah, 4, ready for bed one night. It was about a week after they had visited D.J.'s grandfather in Ohio who was on oxygen, and had the rubber tubes around his face and up his nose. D.J. told Noah that he needed to blow his nose before going to bed because he had some sniffles. He refused. When D.J. asked him how he would clear his nose he replied, "I'll just get one of those snot sucker things like Grandpa has!" -- D.J. Fett of Fort Wayne, Indiana Timmy, 3, met his Aunt Debbie from Texas for the first time. She handed him a gift and Timmy said, "Thank you." Aunt Debbie replied, "My pleasure." Timmy looked up at his grandmother and asked, "Why did her say blood pressure?" -- Timmy's "Gram" Artie Tyrrell of Colonial Beach, Virginia Natalie, 6, was being tucked into bed and had just said her traditional nighttime prayers when her daddy asked her if she'd learned any new prayers in kindergarten at St. Mary's School in Avilla. "Only the flag prayer," she said. "You know, I pledge allegiance, to the flag..." -- Matt Getts of Kendallville, Indiana When Chris and Sean were 3 and 2 they visited their grandparents in San Francisco. One day their grandfather took them for a drive to see the city. Chris asked his grandfather where they were going and he said, "We're going to see the sights, Chris." Chris was quiet for a minute and then asked very seriously, "Pa, do sights bite?" --Maggie Cron (mother of Chris and Sean who are now 40 and 39) of Auburn, Indiana .o. | | _ , .', L.-'` `\ || __\___,|__--,__`_|__ | % `=` | | ___%_______________| | ` | | -------------------| |____________________| |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| jgs | ---------------| , \| | _______________| / / \. \,\\|, . . /, / |///, / Here is another story from Maggie. When the boys were about the same age they went to a seafood restaurant that was known for its delicious hush puppies. On the way to the restaurant Maggie was telling the boys about the hush puppies and how much they would like them. Suddenly Sean gently patted Maggie's arm and whispered, "Mommy, are hush puppies made from dead puppies?" One day on the way home from St. John Lutheran School Victoria was talking about what she had learned in third grade that day. She was talking about being drug free and reading the pamphlets that were sent home with her. Then she said, "Mom, I'm going to give you a word and I want you to tell me 'X' if it's bad for you or 'circle' if it's good for you." Her mom thought that would be easy, no problem. Victoria's first words were "cigarettes, smoke" and her mom replied "X." Then she said "milk" and her mom said "circle." The next one was "basketball" and her mom said "circle." Then Victoria said "wine made with alcohol" to which her mom quickly replied "X." There was a long pause and Victoria's mother was waiting for another word, however, Victoria replied, "Mom, Jesus made wine and he drank it." Her mother was speechless. She hadn't seen that one coming! --Heather Antal (mother of Victoria) of Topeka, Indiana ,-~~-.___. / | ' \ It was a dark and stormy night.... ( ) 0 \_/-, ,----' ==== // / \-'~; /~~~(O) / __/~| / | =( _____| (_________| W< When Ave went shopping with Melina, 4, she asked if she could have the shopping list to help cross things off. Ave said, "Mommy's list is in her head." Melina replied, "What did you do, eat it?" --Amy (friend of Ave) in Butler, Pennsylvania When Ruby, 3, finally achieved being potty trained, her Daddy said to her, "Wow, Ruby, are you a big girl now?" She replied, "Yeah, but I don't know how to climb ladders yet!" "I love those weird random things kids say and thought you could use this," writes Kathi Fulk (grandmother of Ruby) of Portland, Oregon. Brenda has three children. When her sons, now 35 and 37, were 4 and 6, Danny was learning compound words at school. Danny came home one day and shared with Andy some of his new words like firetruck and bathtub, and what they meant. Then Andy said, "Oh yeah? Then what does brainwashed mean?" They both thought about that for a few minutes and then one of them said, "I guess that is when they hold your head under water for a long, long time." --Brenda Beeman of Meadow, Texas .------------------------. | PSYCHIATRIC | | HELP 5˘ | |________________________| || .-"""--. || || / \.-. || || | ._, \ || || \_/`-' '-.,_/ || || (_ (' _)') \ || || /| |\ || || | \ __ / | || || \_).,_____,/}/ || __||____;_--'___'/ ( || |\ || (__,\\ \_/------|| ||\||______________________|| |||| | |||| THE DOCTOR | \||| IS [IN] _____| \|| (______) jgs `|___________________//||\\ //=||=\\ ` `` ` When Brenda's daughter Talitha was very young some asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She answered, "I'm a doctor." When asked how she knew that, she stated that Mommy told her. It took her mother some time to figure she'd heard her mother say, "She's adopted." Talitha has now gone to heaven. She would be 26 this year. She died at 16. Josh, 5, was devastated that he missed the cut off date for attending kindergarten. He told his grandmother, Gale, "Don't they know that I want to be smarter than anyone in the universe? I already know how to count to 13 -- now I have to start all over. Do you think if I stand on my tiptoes I'll be big enough?" "No, you have to be old enough," his grandmother said. Josh continued, "If I stand on my tiptoes will I be big enough to go hunting with Daddy?" -- Gale Spence of Angola, Indiana When "Mamie" boarded the plane with Reed, 6, the pilots invited Reed into the cockpit to look around. Mamie thought he understood the pilots were "driving" the plane, but he had no idea. When they got to their seats Reed said, "Mamie, those guys got here very early and got the best seats!" -- KC Schneider ("Mamie") ofLewisville, Texas Here is another one from KC, from a number of years ago. After hearing "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy" all day long from her five little boys, KC said, "I am changing my name from Mommy and I'm not telling anyone my new name." Hours later, when KC tucked her sons into bed, "R.C." (age 4) was crying in his bed. KC said, "Honey, what's wrong?" He said, "I don't know what to call you. Please tell me your new name. I promise not to tell my brothers." R.C. is now 29. __,=,__ .~`` .` `.``~. | . . |____ `-;=============;""""` ( (. _).) \ | | \ `-.___.' / '._ _.' /`''''\ / \ | |/\/\/\/|.-. |-|/\/\/\/|;' ) (__/_______| _) #########'._) jgs |==|=|__ ,,,(______)_),,,, ,,,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;,,,, ,,,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;,,, ,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;, And another one from KC. One day while they were shopping for a wedding card at Target, her son Blake, 6, was frantically opening up cards and putting them back in the wrong place. KC rushed over and said, "Stop that. What are you doing?" He said, "I'm looking for the birthday cards with the money in them, like Grandma sends me!" Blake is now 27. And another from KC. Brent, 5, came running into the room screaming, "Help, I got electrocuted." He had gotten a shock when he tried to turn on a lamp. KC said, "You'll be OK. If you had gotten electrocuted you would have died." He thought for a second and said, "Well, I got a Littlecuted." Alex, 7, has a best friend named Will. Alex spent the night with MamaRuthie and Daddy Bob a few weeks ago and while he was there he told them that he and Will have decided to go to the same college. When asked where they were going he told them they were going to Ole Miss. MamaRuthie asked him if he was going there because it is a family tradition and she had gone there and his daddy, John, had, too. He said, "No, we are going there because we heard it is a PARTY SCHOOL!" -- Ruthie Garvin of Humboldt, Tennessee ,___. |-----| ============ / | OO ~\ ( ) 0 ) \_/-, ,-//-\\ ==== ||| | || -_/| | ||_ (____)) W< Max, 2, kept taking toys away from his older cousin, Mitchell, 4. Each time Max would grab a toy, Mitchell would whine. Mitchell's mom kept saying to him, "Mitchell, let Max play with that, he is a baby." Upon hearing that a few times, Max took another toy away from Mitchell. Mitchell started to whine. Max replied "Mine! Me baby." -- Carrie Harris of Portage, Michigan Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== .0. / \ ; \_/ ; | | | | | | _______; ;_______ `======='\ /`=======` \ / _ | | _ _( \____|=|____/ )_ ( .---. .---. ) `-' / \ '-' / HUG \ ; ; | .---.|__, jgs : / :--' .--\ \ | `" `"".-' < =""` `"== `""""""` =""` `"""===="""` =""` `""==="""` >-->THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD (By Grace E. Easley) The Lord is my shepherd, And I am His lamb, Who loves me in spite Of the way that I am. Who sees something in me, That other folks miss, And I sometimes think maybe, Because of this I've never felt bitter, Unloved or alone, Though sometimes I grieve for My loved ones now gone. For I've always believed in The words He has said, That the spirit lives on, Though the body be dead. And I feel closer to Him, Because of His care, And I know when I call Him, That He will be there. So I fear not the shadows, So dark and so dim, For my shepherd will carry me Safely through them. >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? 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