The Mystery... :) 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 ================ .-=":-=") |_.'|_.' /" /" : / / / .' .' : .-'-.---. / .--"""""--.. : .((((__ .\ ___.:-//\\\\\\-._ -. __..--'"` [.]-[.] \\_. ` `""--..__ ..---\ ___(/_ | /___ /---.. """",-/_...---'"`` \,_ /.- ``"'---..__\-,"""" " /"""'"'""""/ " \`'-.__.-' \___ aa/wkm "._________".' *~* ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* 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 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! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: >MY GREATEST LESSON by Candy Chand A few years ago, when a true story I'd written about my son, Nicholas, titled Christmas Love, was publshed in Heartwarmers, I looked forward to sharing my miracle with others. After all, it was a joyous holiday season. I wanted to give something, without charge, as a present to strangers everywhere. Within hours of publication, I was blessed by an overwhelming response. Forward after forward it was sent. I was thrilled to receive lovely greetings from individuals across the United States and as far away as Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As a writer, I was honored. As a person wishing to spread joy at Christmas time, I was humbled. Then, suddenly, everything began to spin out of control. A few readers deleted my byline. Before long, Christmas Love was being forwarded as an anonymous story. Realizing I didn't have control over the delete button of thousands of emailers, I turned it over to God. Until one night, when I'd just about had enough. Exhausted and annoyed, I emailed the webmaster of a site who'd omitted the author's credit. I tried to sound tough (which I'm not) so I told her it was nothing short of stealing to place it online, then forward it to thousands of her subscribers without first doing a proper check on the author. I angrily signed my name, hit send, and went to bed. The next morning, I woke up to over 100 new emails. "Great, more fan mail," I thought. But as I began to open them up, it hit me. This wasn't fan mail at all, but angry, furious, hate mail. As I pieced two and two together, I realized, in her frustration, she'd sent out my email to all her subscribers. And, let me tell you, several came after me with a vengeance. At first, I felt defensive. After all, I wasn't the person who did something wrong! But, as time went on, I knew better. Yes, there was no doubt about it, I was wrong too -- not in my premise, but in my tone. By responding in anger, before giving her a chance to correct the situation, I put everyone on the defense. And she chose to teach me a lesson. As much as it hurt, I must admit, I deserved it. It was a painful experience, but one that's taught me well. Person after person expressed my original story touched their soul, but my follow-up email canceled out all the prior good. How could the woman who shared such a tender story also write such angry, rude words? Clearly, they had me on a pedestal, and I'd fallen off. Wasn't I supposed to be more spiritual than that? (My family, by the way, laughs at the thought) I was devastated. I cried nonstop. I didn't eat. I hardly slept. I felt the whole world hated me. And, to make matters worse, I knew I'd hurt thousands of people, which was far from my original desire to share a heartfelt miracle. One by one, I emailed each individual an apology. I felt I owed everyone that much. Much to my amazement, most responded with kindness, offering forgiveness, even including their own apology for what they'd written to me. They now understood first hand, how easy it is to get angry, write a nasty email, and hit send before thinking it through. They were sorry. I was sorry. Everybody was sorry. Lots of tears flowed from the USA, to France and as far away as Nigeria. What did I learn, you ask? Words can be a blessing or a curse. The decision is ours. And now? Christmas Love continues to circulate, especially over the holidays. When it appears without the author's credit, I send a polite note asking for a byline. And much to my surprise, everyone's been more than agreeable. Yes, one simple story taught me the greatest lesson of all -- animosity will spread like wildfire, but love and kindness will bless the entire world. -- Candy Chand ___________________________________________ Candy Chand is the author of, Gift of Grace, available at bookstores nationwide and by clicking on this link. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1931412200/heart/ref=nosim --- ...My Two Cents... This story reminds me of my own experience, similar, but a little different as the one who blew up wasn't me, but a photographer. I try to do due diligence with my pages especially ones I call picture pages to ensure I am not violating any rights. This one came out of the blue. It had been a couple months or so since publishing the page when I got notice from my website provider that they had shut down my entire site making it unavailable for public view. I was flabbergasted when I heard the reason was because a photographer had complained to them and said I had one of their photos on my site and they had not authorized me using it. Wow. Everyone suffered by not having access to over around 1,000 pages because one photo used out of tens of thousands was theirs. I immediately thought of them as being very selfish and rude. On every single page I have my personal contact email information so someone can easily get a hold of me if I have used something that I wasn't supposed to. I have had only two people in my 22 years of doing this who have contacted me about using something of theirs and we worked it out together with mutual benefit. I try very hard to mostly use only material that people have forwarded to me so I am less likely to be using anything copyrighted. I immediately respected their wishes and removed and replaced their photo with one I easily found that I knew was in the public domain, but I still had the whole site down for several days because of this one individual. =========================================================== >-->On The Recent Terrorist Attacks - by emb COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Nine suicide bombers from mostly educated, middle- class backgrounds carried out the attacks in Sri Lanka that killed more than 250 people on Easter Sunday, the authorities said on Wednesday as they warned of an ongoing terrorist threat and continued making arrests. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/24/world/asia/sri-lanka-bombings.html So much for Obama saying the terrorists just need jobs - it wasn't the case either for the Boston Bombers who were here on our dime and also getting a free college education. Our hearts go out to these Christians who had committed no crime. They were simply celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It reminds me what the bible said that Jesus too had committed no crime yet he was crucified - suffering the worse death available at the time for criminals. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' However, God had a hidden secret, a touche' to the devil so to speak... 1 Cor.2: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery (secret), even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. And here that secret is revealed... Col.1: [26] Even the mystery (secret) which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery (secret) among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: That sticks in the devil's craw. Had the devil known that by crucifying Jesus, there would be tons more "Jesus'" walking around year after year after year, with the power of God In Christ in them over him and all his host, he would never have done it. He hates that - he hates us who are born again of God's seed because we are predestined by God: Rom.8: [29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brethren - (all of us born again). That is why the terrorists target Christian churches around the world. Just like the Democrats who won't accept Trump being their President and continue to do all they can to harass and limit his agenda to bring godliness, prosperity, safety and happiness back to the American citizens. They are being used by the devil to wage war against all who are on God's side. The bible teaches us that we are in a spiritual war. Eph.6: [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness from on high. That is why Even after suffering the cruelest of deaths, Jesus asked God... Luke 23: [34a] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Jesus knew the spiritual warfare and knew how they were being used by the devil. That is why the bible says... 1 Cor.2: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. This is not referring to Pilate or any of the guards or soldiers under him. It says 'princes of this world' just as Ephesians 6 was referring to. When Trump took office, our eyes were opened more to this spiritual battle going on. Many of us have been stunned at how corrupt our government under Obama had been. But more importantly we saw how godliness was being pushed out of America practically under our noses. We've lost our institutions to political correctness and power being given to the minority to rule over us by shutting down our liberties and freedoms. The Democrats have even waged war against anyone who dares wear a Make America Great Again hat! They say it is a trigger that enrages them so much that an innocent 16 year old boy at an anti abortion Right To Life rally was accused of being a racist and evil doer against an elder native American. The facts proved to be just the opposite. Had the media or any of them spent a few minutes to check it out they would have clearly known this. The boy was part of a Christian church group. The devil used the left and media to spread hate and fear to all who try to go against his agenda of ruining America with all its Freedoms of Christian religion that make the devil so angry and frustrated. You may have noticed that in retrospect, there are few other churches or religions being persecuted. That is why. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Jesus Said... Matt.5: [10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. So while we morn our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ being targeted and murdered by these terrorist cowards who are doing the devils bidding, we can praise God that they have what the devil cannot destroy - an inner spirit giving them eternal life in Christ. 1 Thes.4: [13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope (no Christ in them spirit). [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (are dead) in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (stop) them which are asleep (dead). [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Praise God for what he wrought for us through Christ... Eph.1: [15] Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, [16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; [17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (believers) [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Praise God for all our brothers and sisters in Christ! God's most abundant blessings and love to you and yours! :) 1 Tim.6: [12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ALSO See this great teaching: The Mystery Revealed http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/THE_MYSTERY_REVEALED.htm =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: . / \ _\ /_ . . (,'v`.) . . \) ( ) ,' `. ( ) (/ \`. / `-' `-' \ ,'/ : ' _______ ' : | _,-' ,-. `-._ | |,' ( )__`-'__( ) `.| (|,-,'-._ _.-`.-.|) / /<( o)> <( o)>\ \ : : | | : : | | ; : | | | | (.-.) | | | | ,' ___ `. | | ; |)/ ,'---'. \(| : _,-/ |/\( )/\| \-._ _..--'.-( | `-'''-' | )-.`--.._ `. ;`._________,': ,' ,' `/ \'`. `------.------' SSt ' >Four wives Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies He gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave Him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times. The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her! One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of His luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone." Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way! replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying; will you follow me and keep me company?" "No! replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time! replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated. Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter Where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!" In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. And our 1st wife is our spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our spirit is the only thing that will follow us where ever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout eternity. -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Jesus Loves Me He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak.... "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would comfort was this verse... "Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, we are weak but he is strong..... Yes, Jesus loves me... The Bible tells me so." When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it. A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that its was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best." Here is a new version of the song just for us who have white hair, or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of "Jesus Loves Me". It is quite cute, so read, sing and enjoy: JESUS LOVES ME Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow. Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him. YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Though my steps are oh, so slow, With my hand in His I'll go On through life, let come what may, He'll be there to lead the way. YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Though I am no longer young, I have much which He's begun. Let me serve Christ with a smile, Go with others the extra mile. YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. When the nights are dark and long, In my heart He puts a song. Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear, for I am near." YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. When my work on earth is done, And life's victories have been won. He will take me home above, Then I'll understand His love YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO I love Jesus, does He know? Have I ever told Him so? Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day. "Touch" a friend or a loved one. -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >AND THEN SOME How wonderful it would be if there were a simple formula for success! "Follow these steps and you will be successful in business, as a parent, as a student, in your vocation or in any endeavor you attempt." I think of the man who was honored as "Businessperson of the Year." At the presentation dinner, a newspaper reporter asked him, "To what do you owe your great success and prosperity?" "Five things contributed to my success," said the man. "First, I always treated people fairly. Sec­ond, I always offered a fair price. Third, I was al­ways honest. Fourth, I was always generous to my employees. And fifth, my Aunt Edna died a few years back and left me two and a half million dol­lars." Certainly, the top four items on his list are well worth following, though they are no guarantee of success. For a variety of reasons, some of which are outside our control (like Aunt Edna), our lives are filled with successes and failures, all of which contribute to our growth. But some of the sagest advice I've heard on the subject of success comes from Professor Richard Weaver, who taught at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. He says that what often sets a successful person apart from oth­ers are three simple words: "and then some." Those people who tend to achieve what they want from life do what is expected of them -- and then some. They are thoughtful to others; they are considerate and kind -- and then some. They meet their obligations and responsibilities fairly -- and then some. They are good friends to their friends -- and then some. They can be counted on in an emer­gency -- and then some. By going beyond the expectations of others, they demonstrate every day their desire to do their best and to be their best. They, too, fail and blunder, but in the end, they can be counted on to pick up the pieces and move forward. Those are three words worth remembering. Count on them to help build a quality life -- and then some. - Steve Goodier -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Beautiful Mathematics! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mathbeauty.html Holy Alphabet!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/holyalpha.html My Precious Child!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mychild.html God's Little Love Notes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Life Train!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetrain.html Growing Old!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/growingold.html The Blue Ribbon!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blueribbon.html Maxine On Jesus!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonjesus.html Maria The Goose!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/goose.html Beautiful Wolves!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wolves.html Blind Woman Sees!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blindsees.html Eagle Hunters!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eaglehunters.html Endangered Wolf!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wolf.html God's Night Lights!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/night.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Church Mouse Wisdom!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churchmouse.html You Are The Only You God Has!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Last Day! http://www.shangralas.com/lastday.html FULL Spring Menu! https://tinyurl.com/y4xyz2w8 -<>- You Are Not Your Own https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/you-are-not-your-own God's Rainbow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iusEe2OLyQ 10,000 Reasons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWFzMvCfLE You Raise Me Up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sza4rh1YzsM If You Never https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uz_kYbLqlA -<>- Sean Hannity 4/24/19 FULL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4jS1lXgT3o President Trump and First Lady join leaders in America’s war on drug abuse https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ --- ...While the President fights to stop the horrific deaths in the US every year from drug overdoses, the Democrats in CA turn a blind eye to the drug trafficking and shooting up right out in front of everyone on their own public streets... And don't even provide porta potties for their many homeless and tent cities! Lawrence Jones: Needles, drug use and human waste are the new normal in San Francisco | Fox News Fox News contributor Lawrence Jones went to San Francisco to witness first-hand the city's struggle to keep its streets clean, an issue that has begun to worry residents for their safety. | Fox News https://fxn.ws/2XHB2b4 Border Patrol Says Apprehensions in the Rio Grande Valley Have Already Surpassed All of 2018 https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ US Telcos Battle For 5G Despite Unknown Health Risks https://tinyurl.com/yyyyp6fx WhiteHouseNews: https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Beef, Toys, Appliances http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats and Cheeses http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) When wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after being absent nearly 70 years, something astounding happened. https://vimeo.com/86466357 --- ...So interesting and cool! Thanks LouiseAu! 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 ========================================================== @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@,""""""@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@"- "@@@@@@@@@@ "@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@( ^^^ )@@@@@@@@@ ' @@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@( ( 0@@@@@@@@@, (@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@) ) _/@@@@@@@@@@@m "@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@(__/ (@@@@@@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@" )@@@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@' \@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@' )@@@@@@' A @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@ ,@@@@@@@" /@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@, @_____" =, @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@ :',@@@@ `@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@' @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ M@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@' `@@@@@@@@@@@@@" ,@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@" / @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@" @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@@@" / @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@@" ," .@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@' .@@ `@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| @@@@@@@@m `@@@, @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@| :@@@@@@@@@m )@@. )@@@@@@@@ unknown >A Generous Change of Plans Story Editor: by Linda Gavitt Joyce Schowalter Connecticut, USA In January 1999 planning for my daughter's wedding began with a phone call telling me she and John would marry in March -- leaving little time to plan! Fortunately Lauren wanted a small wedding with 20-30 close friends and relatives. She was in Orlando, Florida, John was stationed in Kentucky, and I was in Connecticut. Her finance's family generously offered their help to plan everything, and their Tampa area home for the reception. I obtained vacation time to attend, but I was my 84-year-old mother's primary caregiver. She had many health issues, and lived in a house near mine. I worried about leaving her alone for 11 or 12 days. I searched for people to check up on Mom or stay with her, but she was uncooperative and didn't want a stranger in her home. While I understood that, it left me with a major problem. I tried to put that aside as I helped with wedding plans as much as possible by phone. We didn't invite my family members to the wedding because of the short notice and the distant location. As the date for Lauren's wedding approached, I arranged for care for my cats, bought my airline ticket, arranged a rental car and bought a dress -- but still had no solution to the problem of my mother being alone. One evening my sister Joan, who lived in South Carolina, called to say she would come to the wedding. She wanted Lauren to have family members present at this significant event in her life. I was surprised and a little worried about adding more people, but gave her the details about dates, and locations. In addition, we'd had problems with finding a hotel because the men's college basketball playoffs were in town at the same time. Joan said she'd start making arrangements to fly or drive to Florida. We began talking about Mom, and I broke down and cried because I was so worried about her staying alone. Joan kept saying Mom would be OK, but I wasn't convinced, because this trip was so long. But we said goodnight and left it at that. About three days later Joan called to say she had a better idea. She would go to our mother's house and stay with her while I was at Lauren's wedding. Of course I cried with surprise and delight. She would arrive two days after I left Connecticut, and leave two days before I returned. Thus my mother would only be alone for a total of four days, and in just two-day increments. I went to Lauren's wedding with a free mind and heart, and enjoyed the days I spent with her in Florida. For that very important day in my and my daughter's life, I will never forget the gift of peace of mind my sister gave me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: "For the watching world, we ourselves serve proof that God is alive. We form the visible shape of what he is like." - Philip Yancey .-------. |(~\o/~)| _.||\/X\/||._ ,-" || \ / || "-, ,' () ||o X o|| () ', / () ,-|| / \ ||-, () \ : o ,' ||/\X/\|| ', o ; .----------._)~ ~(_.----------. |\/)~~(\/\ (~\ /~) /\/)~~(\/| |(X () X) >o >-X-< o< (X () X)| |/\)__(/\/ _(_/|\_)_ \/\)__(/\| '----------' ) ( '----------' ; o ', ||\/~\/|| ,' o ; \ () '-|| \o/ ||-' () / ', () |(~\X/~)| () ,' '-._ ||\/ \/|| _.-' '|| \_/ ||' || X || ||\(/\/|| ||=)O(=|| ||/\/)\|| || X || || / \ || ||/\X/\|| jgs |(_/o\_)| '._____.' >Blinded by the Cross (By Brenda Wiggleton) "It makes my eyes hurt said one member." "I can't see the pastor or the choir" said others. "I wonder how many visitors are turned off and don't return because of this" spoke the pastor as he turned toward the huge stained glass window in the shape of a cross. "The motion has been seconded and the 'ayes' have it." said the pastor. "We will find a way to filter out the glare from the window." I sighed as I looked up at the magnificent cross that covered the wall of the sanctuary behind the pulpit. No, I did not fight against changing the window. The decision would be what the majority wanted anyway and I was not in the majority. The first thing I saw when I entered into this church building was the cross. It was beautiful. I purposely sat in the area where the light glared. I loved to look to the front of the church and not see the pastor or the choir but only the cross blinding me. I wanted to be blinded by the cross. When I would stop and talk to people I would see the reflection of the cross in their eyes. You just could not say anything unkind when you see the cross in the eyes of others. You could not hide from the cross. As I came into the sanctuary several days after the business meeting the room appeared dim. A plastic coating had been applied to the cross. The glare was gone. As I looked around the sanctuary I saw things that I had never noticed before. I noticed places where the walls needed to be repainted. I saw the dust on the light fixtures and the dirty corners where the walls reached up to the ceiling. I was able to see my friends faces more clearly. I no longer saw the cross but I saw the imperfections that had been hidden by the glare. I thought about the places in the Bible where God is compared to light. I thought about Moses as he was blinded when he got to see God as He passed by. I also thought about bringing a sweater for there was now a chill in the once warm spot. How strange that a simple window could say so much. Our imperfections can't be seen because of the Cross. How many times do we filter God's light so we can be comfortable? -<>- We must be in tune with Christ to be in harmony with one another. {} {} ! ! II II ! ! ! I__I__II II__I__I ! I_/|--|--|| ||--|--|\_I .-'"'-. ! /|_/| | || || | |\_|\ ! .-'"'-. /=== \ I//| | | || || | | |\\I /=== \ \== / ! /|/ | | | || || | | | \|\ ! \== / \__ _/ I//| | | | || || | | | |\\I \__ _/ _} {_ ! /|/ | | | | || || | | | | \|\ ! _} {_ {_____} I//| | | | | || || | | | | |\\I {_____} ! ! |= |=/|/ | | | | | || || | | | | | \|\=|- | ! ! _I__I__|= ||/| | | | | | || || | | | | | |\|| |__I__I_ -|--|--|- || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | ||= |--|--|- _|__|__| ||_|__|__|__|__|__|__|| ||__|__|__|__|__|__|_||- |__|__|_ -|--|--| ||-|--|--|--|--|--|--|| ||--|--|--|--|--|--|-|| |--|--|- | | |= || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | ||= | | | | | |- || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | ||= | | | | | |= || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | ||- | | | _|__|__| || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | ||= |__|__|_ -|--|--|= || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | || |--|--|- _|__|__| ||_|__|__|__|__|__|__|| ||__|__|__|__|__|__|_||- |__|__|_ -|--|--|= ||-|--|--|--|--|--|--|| ||--|--|--|--|--|--|-||= |--|--|- jgs | |- || | | | | | | || || | | | | | | ||- | | | ~~~~~~~~~~~~^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^~~~~~~~~~~~ >No Shortcuts (By Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries, www.gdwm.org) One day, when we stand with our Heavenly Father, we will see the awesome purpose in the path we have traveled. If we continue to trust and follow His leading, we will see how each twist and turn in His path was designed to navigate us through the jungle and keep us moving toward a closer relationship: "As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless" (Psalm 18:30). His way is perfect and without flaw; but, by God's sovereign will, we are given the freedom to choose whether to follow. Many times we see what appears to be a shorter route, and we leave His path. These perceived shortcuts are filled with weeds that entangle us and slow our walk with Christ to a pathetic crawl; "But the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful" (Matthew 13:22). All our time spent away from God's path clearly hinders our relationship and diminishes our ability to produce anything of lasting value for the Lord. Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither." To remain on God's path and continue to bear good and lasting fruit, we must be wise regarding the counsel we seek. Many people willingly give advice on following a "successful" path and yet ridicule any path directed by God. This counsel must be avoided since the very definition of success is in error! A truly successful path IS the path directed by God!! Staying free of the weeds requires an active pursuit of God; "on His Law he meditates day and night." If we do not consume ourselves with the ways of God, we will, by default, become consumed by the ways of the world. Jesus made a similar statement to His disciples: "I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit" (John 15:5). Remaining in the vine is a process of clinging to Christ and loving Him with ALL our heart. Our life then becomes defined and consumed by the life of the vine. As we allow God's Word to flow through our life - as we become planted by the stream of His water - we develop deep roots. These roots become a solid anchor which will not be pulled up during the storm nor dragged along by the swift currents of temptation. God's path is perfect and His burden is light; but remaining on His path and staying free of weeds requires commitment, perseverance, discipline...and a strong reminder that there are NO shortcuts! 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 ========================================================== .--. ." o \__ _.-" ,( ` _.-" ,;;| _.-=" _," ,,;;;' .-"`_.-"``-..,,;;;;:' `"'` `\`\ jgs /^\\\ >-->Little Robin and Mr.Bluebird in the Cherry Tree Little Robin told Mr.Bluebird This is such a lovely tree I wished all men could see it As you and me. It's limbs that we sit upon Are so straight and strong With the breeze blowing softly through it I could sit here all day long. Mr.Bluebird looked at Little Robin And said such beauty in its flowers I could sit for hours. Its petals are so soft and pink God made such a beautiful tree All things He made in life He made for you and me. Let's go and get the man we know So all this beauty we can share And when he looks upon it He'll know God really cares. The man thanked Mr.Bluebird And of course Little Robin too He said I'd soon bring my kids So they can meet you. I'll share the beauty of the tree With all my family soon And someday when you have one I'll meet your family too. With hopes for all they said good-bye And pray we'll meet again Whatever life may have in store We will always be your friends. by RONNIE LEVINER COPYRIGHT©1990 >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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 ********************************************************************** >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 ================ .-=":-=") |_.'|_.' /" /" : / / / .' .' : .-'-.---. / .--"""""--.. : .((((__ .\ ___.:-//\\\\\\-._ -. __..--'"` [.]-[.] \\_. ` `""--..__ ..---\ ___(/_ | /___ /---.. """",-/_...---'"`` \,_ /.- ``"'---..__\-,"""" " /"""'"'""""/ " \`'-.__.-' \___ aa/wkm "._________".' *~* ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ================ You may View the on-line INSPIRATIONS text Here: (You may Have to REFRESH your browser) http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html This Weeks regular Shangy emails ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* 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 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! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: >MY GREATEST LESSON by Candy Chand A few years ago, when a true story I'd written about my son, Nicholas, titled Christmas Love, was publshed in Heartwarmers, I looked forward to sharing my miracle with others. After all, it was a joyous holiday season. I wanted to give something, without charge, as a present to strangers everywhere. Within hours of publication, I was blessed by an overwhelming response. Forward after forward it was sent. I was thrilled to receive lovely greetings from individuals across the United States and as far away as Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As a writer, I was honored. As a person wishing to spread joy at Christmas time, I was humbled. Then, suddenly, everything began to spin out of control. A few readers deleted my byline. Before long, Christmas Love was being forwarded as an anonymous story. Realizing I didn't have control over the delete button of thousands of emailers, I turned it over to God. Until one night, when I'd just about had enough. Exhausted and annoyed, I emailed the webmaster of a site who'd omitted the author's credit. I tried to sound tough (which I'm not) so I told her it was nothing short of stealing to place it online, then forward it to thousands of her subscribers without first doing a proper check on the author. I angrily signed my name, hit send, and went to bed. The next morning, I woke up to over 100 new emails. "Great, more fan mail," I thought. But as I began to open them up, it hit me. This wasn't fan mail at all, but angry, furious, hate mail. As I pieced two and two together, I realized, in her frustration, she'd sent out my email to all her subscribers. And, let me tell you, several came after me with a vengeance. At first, I felt defensive. After all, I wasn't the person who did something wrong! But, as time went on, I knew better. Yes, there was no doubt about it, I was wrong too -- not in my premise, but in my tone. By responding in anger, before giving her a chance to correct the situation, I put everyone on the defense. And she chose to teach me a lesson. As much as it hurt, I must admit, I deserved it. It was a painful experience, but one that's taught me well. Person after person expressed my original story touched their soul, but my follow-up email canceled out all the prior good. How could the woman who shared such a tender story also write such angry, rude words? Clearly, they had me on a pedestal, and I'd fallen off. Wasn't I supposed to be more spiritual than that? (My family, by the way, laughs at the thought) I was devastated. I cried nonstop. I didn't eat. I hardly slept. I felt the whole world hated me. And, to make matters worse, I knew I'd hurt thousands of people, which was far from my original desire to share a heartfelt miracle. One by one, I emailed each individual an apology. I felt I owed everyone that much. Much to my amazement, most responded with kindness, offering forgiveness, even including their own apology for what they'd written to me. They now understood first hand, how easy it is to get angry, write a nasty email, and hit send before thinking it through. They were sorry. I was sorry. Everybody was sorry. Lots of tears flowed from the USA, to France and as far away as Nigeria. What did I learn, you ask? Words can be a blessing or a curse. The decision is ours. And now? Christmas Love continues to circulate, especially over the holidays. When it appears without the author's credit, I send a polite note asking for a byline. And much to my surprise, everyone's been more than agreeable. Yes, one simple story taught me the greatest lesson of all -- animosity will spread like wildfire, but love and kindness will bless the entire world. -- Candy Chand ___________________________________________ Candy Chand is the author of, Gift of Grace, available at bookstores nationwide and by clicking on this link. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1931412200/heart/ref=nosim --- ...My Two Cents... This story reminds me of my own experience, similar, but a little different as the one who blew up wasn't me, but a photographer. I try to do due diligence with my pages especially ones I call picture pages to ensure I am not violating any rights. This one came out of the blue. It had been a couple months or so since publishing the page when I got notice from my website provider that they had shut down my entire site making it unavailable for public view. I was flabbergasted when I heard the reason was because a photographer had complained to them and said I had one of their photos on my site and they had not authorized me using it. Wow. Everyone suffered by not having access to over around 1,000 pages because one photo used out of tens of thousands was theirs. I immediately thought of them as being very selfish and rude. On every single page I have my personal contact email information so someone can easily get a hold of me if I have used something that I wasn't supposed to. I have had only two people in my 22 years of doing this who have contacted me about using something of theirs and we worked it out together with mutual benefit. I try very hard to mostly use only material that people have forwarded to me so I am less likely to be using anything copyrighted. I immediately respected their wishes and removed and replaced their photo with one I easily found that I knew was in the public domain, but I still had the whole site down for several days because of this one individual. =========================================================== >-->On the recent terrorist attacks - by emb COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Nine suicide bombers from mostly educated, middle- class backgrounds carried out the attacks in Sri Lanka that killed more than 350 people on Easter Sunday, the authorities said on Wednesday as they warned of an ongoing terrorist threat and continued making arrests. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/24/world/asia/sri-lanka-bombings.html So much for Obama saying the terrorists just need jobs - it wasn't the case with the Boston Bombers who were here on our dime and also getting a free college education. Our hearts go out to these Christians who had committed no crime. They were simply celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It reminds me what the bible said that Jesus too had committed no crime yet he was crucified - suffering the worse death available at the time for criminals. However, God had a hidden secret, a touche' to the devil so to speak... 1 Cor.2: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery (secret), even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. And here is that secret is revealed... Col.1: [26] Even the mystery (secret) which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery (secret) among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: That sticks in the devil's craw. Had the devil known that by crucifying Jesus, that there would be tons more "Jesus' walking around year after year after year, with the power of God In Christ in them over him and all his host, he would never had done it. He hates that - he hates us who are born again of God's seed because we are predestined by God: Rom.8: [29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brethren - (all of us born again) That is why the terrorists target Christian churches around the world. Like the Democrats who won't accept Trump being their President and continue to do all they can to harass and limit his agenda to bring godliness, prosperity, safety and happiness back to the American citizens. They are being used by the devil to wage war against all who are on God's side. The bible teaches us that we are in a spiritual war. Eph.6: [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness from on high. That is why Even after suffering the cruelest of deaths, Jesus asked God... Luke 23: [34a] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Jesus knew the spiritual warfare and knew how they were being used by the devil. That is why the bible says... 1 Cor.2: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. This is not referring to Pilate or any of the guards or soldiers under him. It says 'princes of this world' just as Ephesians 6 was referring to. When Trump took office, our eyes were opened more to this spiritual battle going on. Many of us have been stunned at how corrupt our government under Obama had been. But more importantly we saw how godliness was being pushed out of America practically under our noses. We've lost our institutions to political correctness and power being given to the minority to rule over us by shutting down our liberties and freedoms. The Democrats have waged war against anyone who wears a Make America Great Again hat! They say it is a trigger that enrages them so much so that a 16 year old boy at a right to life rally was accused of being a racist and evil doer against an old native American when the facts were just the opposite. Had the media or any of them spent a few minutes to check it out they would have clearly known this but the devil is using them to spread hate and fear to all who dare go against his agenda of ruining America with all it's Freedoms of Christian religion that make the devil so angry and frustrated. You may notice that in retrospect, there are few other churches or religions being persecuted. That is why. Jesus Said... Matt.5: [10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. So while we morn our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ being targeted and murdered by these terrorist cowards who are doing the devils bidding, we can praise God that they have what the devil cannot destroy - an inner spirit giving them eternal life in Christ. 1 Thes.4: [13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope (no Christ in them spirit). [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (are dead) in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (stop) them which are asleep (dead). [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Praise God for what he wrought for us through Christ... Eph.1: [15] Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, [16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; [17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (believers) [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Praise God for all our brothers and sisters in Christ! God's most abundant blessings and love to you and yours! :) 1 Tim.6: [12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: >Four wives Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies He gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave Him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times. The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her! One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of His luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone." Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way! replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying; will you follow me and keep me company?" "No! replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time! replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated. Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter Where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!" In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. And our 1st wife is our spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our spirit is the only thing that will follow us where ever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout eternity. -<>- >Jesus Loves Me He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak.... "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would comfort was this verse... "Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, we are weak but he is strong..... Yes, Jesus loves me... The Bible tells me so." When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it. A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that its was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best." Here is a new version of the song just for us who have white hair, or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of "Jesus Loves Me". It is quite cute, so read, sing and enjoy: JESUS LOVES ME Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow. Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him. YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Though my steps are oh, so slow, With my hand in His I'll go On through life, let come what may, He'll be there to lead the way. YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Though I am no longer young, I have much which He's begun. Let me serve Christ with a smile, Go with others the extra mile. YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. When the nights are dark and long, In my heart He puts a song. Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear, for I am near." YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. When my work on earth is done, And life's victories have been won. He will take me home above, Then I'll understand His love YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME... YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO I love Jesus, does He know? Have I ever told Him so? Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day. "Touch" a friend or a loved one. -<>- >AND THEN SOME How wonderful it would be if there were a simple formula for success! "Follow these steps and you will be successful in business, as a parent, as a student, in your vocation or in any endeavor you attempt." I think of the man who was honored as "Businessperson of the Year." At the presentation dinner, a newspaper reporter asked him, "To what do you owe your great success and prosperity?" "Five things contributed to my success," said the man. "First, I always treated people fairly. Sec­ond, I always offered a fair price. Third, I was al­ways honest. Fourth, I was always generous to my employees. And fifth, my Aunt Edna died a few years back and left me two and a half million dol­lars." Certainly, the top four items on his list are well worth following, though they are no guarantee of success. For a variety of reasons, some of which are outside our control (like Aunt Edna), our lives are filled with successes and failures, all of which contribute to our growth. But some of the sagest advice I've heard on the subject of success comes from Professor Richard Weaver, who taught at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. He says that what often sets a successful person apart from oth­ers are three simple words: "and then some." Those people who tend to achieve what they want from life do what is expected of them -- and then some. They are thoughtful to others; they are considerate and kind -- and then some. They meet their obligations and responsibilities fairly -- and then some. They are good friends to their friends -- and then some. They can be counted on in an emer­gency -- and then some. By going beyond the expectations of others, they demonstrate every day their desire to do their best and to be their best. They, too, fail and blunder, but in the end, they can be counted on to pick up the pieces and move forward. Those are three words worth remembering. Count on them to help build a quality life -- and then some. - Steve Goodier -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Beautiful Mathematics! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mathbeauty.html Holy Alphabet!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/holyalpha.html My Precious Child!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mychild.html God's Little Love Notes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Life Train!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetrain.html Growing Old!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/growingold.html The Blue Ribbon!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blueribbon.html Maxine On Jesus!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonjesus.html Maria The Goose!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/goose.html Beautiful Wolves!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wolves.html Blind Woman Sees!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blindsees.html Eagle Hunters!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eaglehunters.html Endangered Wolf!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wolf.html God's Night Lights!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/night.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Church Mouse Wisdom!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churchmouse.html You Are The Only You God Has!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Last Day! http://www.shangralas.com/lastday.html FULL Spring Menu! https://tinyurl.com/y4xyz2w8 -<>- You Are Not Your Own https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/you-are-not-your-own God's Rainbow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iusEe2OLyQ 10,000 Reasons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWFzMvCfLE You Raise Me Up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sza4rh1YzsM If You Never https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uz_kYbLqlA -<>- US Telcos Battle For 5G Despite Unknown Health Risks https://tinyurl.com/yyyyp6fx Border Patrol Says Apprehensions in the Rio Grande Valley Have Already Surpassed All of 2018 https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Beef, Toys, Appliances http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats and Cheeses http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) When wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after being absent nearly 70 years, something astounding happened. https://vimeo.com/86466357 --- ...So interesting! Thanks LouiseAu! 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 ========================================================== >A Generous Change of Plans Story Editor: by Linda Gavitt Joyce Schowalter Connecticut, USA In January 1999 planning for my daughter's wedding began with a phone call telling me she and John would marry in March -- leaving little time to plan! Fortunately Lauren wanted a small wedding with 20-30 close friends and relatives. She was in Orlando, Florida, John was stationed in Kentucky, and I was in Connecticut. Her finance's family generously offered their help to plan everything, and their Tampa area home for the reception. I obtained vacation time to attend, but I was my 84-year-old mother's primary caregiver. She had many health issues, and lived in a house near mine. I worried about leaving her alone for 11 or 12 days. I searched for people to check up on Mom or stay with her, but she was uncooperative and didn't want a stranger in her home. While I understood that, it left me with a major problem. I tried to put that aside as I helped with wedding plans as much as possible by phone. We didn't invite my family members to the wedding because of the short notice and the distant location. As the date for Lauren's wedding approached, I arranged for care for my cats, bought my airline ticket, arranged a rental car and bought a dress -- but still had no solution to the problem of my mother being alone. One evening my sister Joan, who lived in South Carolina, called to say she would come to the wedding. She wanted Lauren to have family members present at this significant event in her life. I was surprised and a little worried about adding more people, but gave her the details about dates, and locations. In addition, we'd had problems with finding a hotel because the men's college basketball playoffs were in town at the same time. Joan said she'd start making arrangements to fly or drive to Florida. We began talking about Mom, and I broke down and cried because I was so worried about her staying alone. Joan kept saying Mom would be OK, but I wasn't convinced, because this trip was so long. But we said goodnight and left it at that. About three days later Joan called to say she had a better idea. She would go to our mother's house and stay with her while I was at Lauren's wedding. Of course I cried with surprise and delight. She would arrive two days after I left Connecticut, and leave two days before I returned. Thus my mother would only be alone for a total of four days, and in just two-day increments. I went to Lauren's wedding with a free mind and heart, and enjoyed the days I spent with her in Florida. For that very important day in my and my daughter's life, I will never forget the gift of peace of mind my sister gave me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: "For the watching world, we ourselves serve proof that God is alive. We form the visible shape of what he is like." - Philip Yancey >Blinded by the Cross (By Brenda Wiggleton) "It makes my eyes hurt said one member." "I can't see the pastor or the choir" said others. "I wonder how many visitors are turned off and don't return because of this" spoke the pastor as he turned toward the huge stained glass window in the shape of a cross. "The motion has been seconded and the 'ayes' have it." said the pastor. "We will find a way to filter out the glare from the window." I sighed as I looked up at the magnificent cross that covered the wall of the sanctuary behind the pulpit. No, I did not fight against changing the window. The decision would be what the majority wanted anyway and I was not in the majority. The first thing I saw when I entered into this church building was the cross. It was beautiful. I purposely sat in the area where the light glared. I loved to look to the front of the church and not see the pastor or the choir but only the cross blinding me. I wanted to be blinded by the cross. When I would stop and talk to people I would see the reflection of the cross in their eyes. You just could not say anything unkind when you see the cross in the eyes of others. You could not hide from the cross. As I came into the sanctuary several days after the business meeting the room appeared dim. A plastic coating had been applied to the cross. The glare was gone. As I looked around the sanctuary I saw things that I had never noticed before. I noticed places where the walls needed to be repainted. I saw the dust on the light fixtures and the dirty corners where the walls reached up to the ceiling. I was able to see my friends faces more clearly. I no longer saw the cross but I saw the imperfections that had been hidden by the glare. I thought about the places in the Bible where God is compared to light. I thought about Moses as he was blinded when he got to see God as He passed by. I also thought about bringing a sweater for there was now a chill in the once warm spot. How strange that a simple window could say so much. Our imperfections can't be seen because of the Cross. How many times do we filter God's light so we can be comfortable? -<>- We must be in tune with Christ to be in harmony with one another. >No Shortcuts (By Steve Troxel, God's Daily Word Ministries, www.gdwm.org) One day, when we stand with our Heavenly Father, we will see the awesome purpose in the path we have traveled. If we continue to trust and follow His leading, we will see how each twist and turn in His path was designed to navigate us through the jungle and keep us moving toward a closer relationship: "As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless" (Psalm 18:30). His way is perfect and without flaw; but, by God's sovereign will, we are given the freedom to choose whether to follow. Many times we see what appears to be a shorter route, and we leave His path. These perceived shortcuts are filled with weeds that entangle us and slow our walk with Christ to a pathetic crawl; "But the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful" (Matthew 13:22). All our time spent away from God's path clearly hinders our relationship and diminishes our ability to produce anything of lasting value for the Lord. Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither." To remain on God's path and continue to bear good and lasting fruit, we must be wise regarding the counsel we seek. Many people willingly give advice on following a "successful" path and yet ridicule any path directed by God. This counsel must be avoided since the very definition of success is in error! A truly successful path IS the path directed by God!! Staying free of the weeds requires an active pursuit of God; "on His Law he meditates day and night." If we do not consume ourselves with the ways of God, we will, by default, become consumed by the ways of the world. Jesus made a similar statement to His disciples: "I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit" (John 15:5). Remaining in the vine is a process of clinging to Christ and loving Him with ALL our heart. Our life then becomes defined and consumed by the life of the vine. As we allow God's Word to flow through our life - as we become planted by the stream of His water - we develop deep roots. These roots become a solid anchor which will not be pulled up during the storm nor dragged along by the swift currents of temptation. God's path is perfect and His burden is light; but remaining on His path and staying free of weeds requires commitment, perseverance, discipline...and a strong reminder that there are NO shortcuts! 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 ========================================================== >-->Little Robin and Mr.Bluebird in the Cherry Tree RONNIE LEVINER COPYRIGHT©1990 Little Robin told Mr.Bluebird This is such a lovely tree I wished all men could see it As you and me. It's limbs that we sit upon Are so straight and strong With the breeze blowing softly through it I could sit here all day long. Mr.Bluebird looked at Little Robin And said such beauty in its flowers I could sit for hours. Its petals are so soft and pink God made such a beautiful tree All things He made in life He made for you and me. Let's go and get the man we know So all this beauty we can share And when he looks upon it He'll know God really cares. The man thanked Mr.Bluebird And of course Little Robin too He said I'd soon bring my kids So they can meet you. I'll share the beauty of the tree With all my family soon And someday when you have one I'll meet your family too. With hopes for all they said good-bye And pray we'll meet again Whatever life may have in store We will always be your friends. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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 **********************************************************************