The Rosetta Stone And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This flaming hottie is from our friend KarenF. It's got some pretty cool life you don't normally see! Check out the scary monsters and super creeps here.. ____ ____ . " `-. .' Hmm, where are . : those tiny | ` monsters ...? . \ . `--..__ _ _ - O o |||||/ . ( d b | j.". ___/ ` | | / \ /| \\ / _+ Y `u')) ( |.--// \ \---/_____\-- a:f --- \.'-- //\\ Microscopic Winners! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/micro2.html --- ...This so much fun! Thanks KarenF! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _____ _ _____ ____ /_ /, | ,-, ) /'_`\ |_ _| | __| \ \> | `-'< | (_) | | | | _| ) )__ ,_ |_|`\_\ \___/ |_| |_| (_.-'_)__$ ;-'' pb >WHEN LAUGHTER HEALS by Ellie Braun-Haley While visiting mother at the nursing home, I was fixing her hair and placing a colorful barrette in it. Mom hadn't laughed at anything in a long time so we were both almost a pair of old sourpusses. Lately, I seemed to be matching her frame of mind. Mom was watching as I put the barrette in her hair and she commented on her wrinkles which actually are few for someone in her 90s. "Wrinkles!" I said. Spontaneous laughter erupted, "Surely we are not going to start worrying about wrinkles!" Immediately she too was laughing. This was a foreign sound to both of us and I don't know what her thoughts were about that laughter -- that superb burst of happiness. However, I haven't stopped laughing since then. Laughter does some amazing things for us and I think we need to constantly remind ourselves. If we actually laugh, even when we don't feel like it, it wakes up something deep within us. Our organs respond, enjoying the massage they receive with this process. Yes, I am saying even a phony laugh can put us in a good mood and help our organs! Personally, I feel our soul gets outright perky with every laugh! And with a laugh, there is some type of nozzle or goofy button that automatically releases the stress within us! Okay, I don't know the name of it, but I do know that laughter releases stress! There is a release of endorphins. Now we all know that these are chemicals that not only relieve pain but just make us feel downright good all over! And I do know that our health and immune system is bolstered by a good giggle session or laughter after hearing two very silly jokes. Laughter affects our respiration. More oxygen circulates through the body, so our lung capacity is improved! Running or brisk walking would do this too! I have also read articles by doctors and scientists commenting on laughter and how it prevents heart disease. In fact, one man used laughter therapy to repair his heart! When we laugh, people around us are inclined to follow suit. So our laughter may be just the prescription needed for someone who feels lost and lonely! We are quite able to spread flu and colds but have we considered how very infectious laughter can be? And have we considered that we have the ability to spread it around? I can hardly wait to get back and visit mother. Let me see, what are the ways I can get her to laugh? I felt so close to mother when we laughed together last week and hopefully she felt closer to me. Can laughter bind us together? No one else was in on the joke. It was ours and it was goofily, beautifully, wonderful. Now that I replay those moments, I also felt lighter, a bit more energetic. Everything just felt good! So I am looking forward to another visit. I guess I should add that laughter gives us hope! I am inspired and hopeful for a wonderful visit! Next time I feel out of sorts and I feel down because of a visit to see mom, someone please send me these notes back to me! I'll laugh, feel better and be ready to tackle the world and all its problems. -- Ellie Braun-Haley ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) /} _,---~-LJ,-~-._ ,-^ ' ' ' ^:, : . ' ' : : /| . /\ ' : : . //| // \ ' : : `~` /| `^~` ' ; : ' //| ' : : \-_ `~` , ' : ; . \.\_,--,_;^/ , : : ^-_!^!__/^ , : :, , . , : -ZEUS- ^--_____ . ;` `^''----` >Tips - 10 Reasons to Snack on Pumpkin Seeds You throw away the seeds when you carve a pumpkin you're throwing out the most nutritious part. Not to mention that once you've tried freshly- roasted pumpkin seeds you'll never throw them out again. But they don’t just taste great, these seeds support superb health too. Here’s how: 1. They’re high in the sleep-enhancing amino acid tryptophan that converts to serotonin in your body and helps ensure a good night’s sleep; 2. They’re also high in the heart-healing mineral magnesium, which is Nature’s natural relaxant; 3. Their high levels of easily-digestible protein helps stabilize blood sugar when eaten as a snack throughout the day. Stable blood sugar means weight loss if you’re trying to lose. 4. High in Omega 3s, pumpkin seed oil has been shown in studies to reduce the incidence of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)—a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged. 5. Pumpkin seeds are also high in the prostate-protecting mineral zinc, making these seeds the ultimate snack for men’s health. 6. They’re a good source of blood-building and energy-boosting iron. 7. In animal studies, when pumpkin seeds were added to the diet, the anti-inflammatory results were comparable to the effectiveness of the drug indomethacin—without the side-effects. 8. Their phytosterol compounds are believed to lower cholesterol levels. Of nuts and seeds, pumpkin seeds have the second highest amount of sterols (next to sunflower seeds and pistachios which tied for first). 9. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of fiber which helps keep you regular. 10. They are alkalizing to the body's pH unlike most snack foods that are acid-forming in the body. Acidity has been linked to pain, illness, and even cancer. To preserve the health benefits of the oils found in pumpkin seeds, be sure to roast them on a baking sheet on low heat in the oven (about 170 degrees F or 75 degrees Celsius) for 15-20 minutes. Toss with a sprinkling of sea salt and enjoy. If you haven’t tried them warm, you’re in for a real treat! You can also enjoy hulled pumpkin seeds on a salad, in place of pine nuts in pesto, ground on oatmeal or warm cereal, or atop your favorite pasta dish. They're extremely versatile. ~Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook --- ...Cool! Thanks for the info Bunni! -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Scriptures... God never forgets anything He promises. NEVER!! Read Isaiah 30:15 One of the ways God refills us after failure is through the blessing of Christian fellowship. Just experiencing the joy of simple activities shared with other children of God can have a healing effect on us. Read 1 Peter 3:8 (Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another: love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.) The truest help we can give an afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to show him how to be able to bear the burden himself. Read Romans 15:2 (Let each of us please his neighbor for his good lending to edification.) Half an hour of listening is essential except when one is very busy. Then, a full hour is needed. Read Isaiah 41:10 (Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.) Silence can be one tool in evangelism. Read Matthew 26:63 Jesus kept silent and the high priest answered and said to Him "Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God." It is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Read Deuteronomy 31:6 -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Think About This... I remember trying an experiment once as I spoke to a group of women on the subject of God's Love. I asked each of them to look eye to eye with the person beside them and say "God loves me so much." Most said "God loves YOU so much." They were stopped and asked why they said you instead of me. We actually accept God's love for others but struggle with the belief that He loves us equally, radically, completely and unfailingly. Read Jude 21 (Keep yourself in the Love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.) The crowning jewel of Creation was man himself. He was created for a distinct purpose. If the purpose is lived out, life is fulfilling. If not, life will never be what it was meant to be. Read 1 Chronicles 29:12 Have you ever, like myself, said "I cannot stand anymore of this, I cannot bear it."? When I read this, it makes me wonder why I didn't instead say... "God, help me bear this so I can glorfy your name." Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 (There is no temptation given you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able: but will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.) David's Refuge never failed. Not even once. And David never egreted the times he dropped his heavy load and ran for cover. Neither will you. Read Psalms 9:10 (Those who know your name will trust in you. For you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.) Think about this! God actually conceals His surprises until we follow His leading!!! Read Galatians 6:9 (Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.) --- ...Sweet! Thanks Bunni! ========================================================= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _____ _____________________ | ,-. | | | |((#))| | ejm | |_`-'_| | \ | | )\ | | `\ | | (\ | | \\ | | \\ | | \\ | | \\ | | \\ | | \\ | |___________________\\| \\ \, The Price of Conviction Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty. At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson’s home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly ordered General George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt. John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed. For over a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion. Contributed by: Kenneth L. Dodge -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Grace For each need, there is grace. For each trial, there is grace. For each task, there is grace. For each step of obedience, there is grace. And for each circumstance of life, there is grace. Grace bears you up, lifts you up, and keeps you up. Grace strengthens you, empowers you, enables you, frees you, equips you, and motivates you. Grace comes to you freely and completely by the good and generous hand of God. It comes to the humble, the lowly, the needy, and to all who look to God alone. (Jesus said): "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 It is a happy face who knows God's grace and hands it to another who feels the refreshing wind of God whenever storm clouds gather. Roy Lessin -<>- ## _[]_ [____] .----' '----. .===| .==. |===. \ | /####\ | / / | \####/ | \ '===| `""` |===' .===| .==. |===. \ | /::::\ | / / | \::::/ | \ '===| `""` |===' .===| .==. |===. \ | /&&&&\ | / / | \&&&&/ | \ '===| `""` |===' jgs '--.______.--' >The Traffic Court of Life We occasionally read about the arrest of someone with an astounding number of unpaid traffic tickets Although we don’t like to admit it, we all do a lot of trafficking in sin throughout our lives. We are born with a sin nature that often rears its ugliness even within born again believers. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” When we consider every sinful thought, word and deed we do, and all of the “should’s” that we do not do, we have enough unpaid sin tickets to paper the walls of a lot of houses. When we are hauled into judgment hall to pay our sin tickets, what relief there will be to find that Some One has not only paid the fines, but has had our tickets adjudicated and expunged from the record book. They will never again be brought up against us. This is exactly what happens when we confess our sins and sinfulness and receive the forgiveness of God through true repentance and faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. It happened because God loved us so much that He sent His beloved Son to pay the death penalty God’s law requires as wages for sin. Jesus paid our sin penalty by dying so that we would never have to if we will believe and ask for and receive God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. When God declares us not guilty by virtue of our faith in Jesus, He also restores all of our rights and privileges as brothers and sisters and joint heirs with Christ. We are freed from slavery to sin and become partakers of the righteousness of Christ as we become more like Him by the power of the holy spirit living within us to conform us to His image. The traffic court of life is called judgment day. We had best be ready by having our sin tickets washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ. -<>- (( ) ( () ()) \_ ~_/ _(_)(_)_ ==|.------.|=== || o|| |`------'|cjr >That secret ingredient Some years ago when I was a pastor, I walked into my church office after a Sunday morning service to find a sandwich bag on my desk containing three chocolate brownies. Some thoughtful and anonymous saint who knew my love for chocolate had placed them there, along with a piece of paper that had a short story written on it. I immediately sat down and began eating the first brownie as I read the following story: Two teenagers asked their father if they could go the theater to watch a movie that all their friends had seen. After reading some reviews about the movie on the Internet, he denied their request. "Aw dad, why not?" they complained. "It's rated PG-13, and we're both older than thirteen!" Dad replied: "Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality, which is something that God hates, as being normal and acceptable behavior." "But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie! That's what our friends who've seen it have told us. The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film! It's based on a true story, and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice. Even the Christian movie review websites say that!" "My answer is 'no,' and that is my final answer. You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of your friends over, and watch one of the good videos we have in our home collection. But you will not go and watch that film. End of discussion." The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch. As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their father preparing something in the kitchen. They soon recognized the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other, "Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he's going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies. Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all." About that time I began eating the second brownie from the sandwich bag and wondered if there was some connection to the brownies I was eating and the brownies in the story. I kept reading... The teens were not disappointed. Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies; which he offered to his kids. They each took one. Then their father said, "Before you eat, I want to tell you something: I love you both so much." The teenagers smiled at each other with knowing glances. Dad was softening. "That is why I've made these brownies with the very best ingredients. I've made them from scratch. Most of the ingredients are even organic. The best organic flour. The best free-range eggs. The best organic sugar. Premium vanilla and chocolate." The brownies looked mouth -watering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad's long speech. "But I want to be perfectly honest with you. There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies. I got that ingredient from our own back yard. But you needn't worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies. The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think." "Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?" "Why? The portion I added was so small. Just a teaspoonful. You won't even taste it." "Come on, dad, just tell us what that ingredient is" "Don't worry! It is organic, just like the other ingredients." "Dad!" "Well, OK, if you insist. That secret ingredient is organic...dog poop." I immediately stopped chewing that second brownie and I spit it out into the waste basket by my desk I continued reading, now fearful of the paragraphs that still remained. Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror. "DAD! Why did you do that? You've tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog poop! We can't eat these brownies!" "Why not? The amount of dog poop is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients. It won't hurt you. It's been cooked right along with the other ingredients. You won't even taste it. It has the same consistency as the brownies. Go ahead and eat!" "No, Dad...NEVER!" "And that is the same reason I won't allow you to go watch that movie. You won't tolerate a little dog poop in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies? We pray that God will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead into temptation long after we first see it?" I discarded what remained of the second brownie as well as the entire untouched third brownie. What had been irresistible a minute ago had become detestable. And only because of the very slim chance that what I was eating was slightly polluted. (Surely it wasn't...but I couldn't convince myself.) What a good lesson about purity! Why do we tolerate any sin? On the day of the Passover, the Israelites were commanded to remove every bit of leaven from their homes. Sin is like leaven - a little bit leavens the whole lump (1 Cor. 5:6). Jesus, "our Passover" (1 Cor. 5:7), and sin, don't mix. "Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet." --Anonymous -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Our Valuable Anchor http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html The Giver And The Gift http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/givergift.html Walking In Power http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html Keep On Smiling! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smiling.html Playing With Words http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html Watermelon Art 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/watermelon2.html Awesome Photos http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/awesome.html Bikes From The Past! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pastbikes.html Horse Costumes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/horsecostumes.html Halloween Cakes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hcakes.html Maxine On Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonjesus.html -<>- >From Our Friend Bunni :) Very Brave Park Ranger! http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=84d_1344622478 --- ...WoW So amazing the things animals get into! Thanks Bunni! See also... Stuck Animals http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stuck.html Warning or Encouraging? - Deer Crossing http://tinyurl.com/9nrzoqm --- ...LMAO! This is hilarious! Thanks Bunni! Reminds me of a few people I know 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 If You haven't joined LynnLynn's mailing List yet, send a blank e-mail to LynnLynns-links-subscribe@Yahoogroups.com ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' It is right to be contented with what we have, but never with what we are." - Sir James Mackintosh (1765-1832) The Lift The Greatest Is LOVE: A Different Perspective on I Corinthians 13 (Author Unknown) I can read bedtime stories till the cow jumps over the moon and sing "Ten Little Monkeys" until I want to call the doctor--but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as a ringing phone. I can chase a naked toddler through the house while cooking dinner and listening to voice mail, I can fix the best cookies and Kool-Aid in the neighborhood, and I can tell a sick child's temperature with one touch of my finger, but if I don't have love, I am nothing. Love is patient while watching and praying by the front window when it's 30 minutes past curfew. Love is kind when my teen says, "I hate you!" It does not envy the neighbors' swimming pool or their brand-new mini van, but trusts the Lord to provide every need. Love does not brag when other parents share their disappointments and insecurities, and love rejoices when other families succeed. It doesn't boast, even when I've multi-tasked all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing at a time. Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks, "What have you done today?" It does not immediately seek after glory when we see talent in our children, but encourages them to get training and make wise choices. It is not easily angered, even when my 15-year-old acts like the world revolves around her. It does not delight in evil (is not self-righteous) when I remind my 17-year-old that he's going 83 in a 55-mph zone, but rejoices in the truth. Love does not give up hope. It always protects our children's self-esteem and spirit, even while doling out discipline. It always trusts God to protect our children when we cannot. It always perseveres, through blue nail polish, burps and other bodily functions, rolled eyes and crossed arms, messy rooms and sleep overs. Love never fails. But where there are memories of thousands of diaper changes and painful labor(s), they will fade away. Where there is talking back, it will (eventually) cease.....Please, Lord? Where there is a teenager who thinks she knows everything, there will one day be an adult who knows you did your best. For we know we fail our children, and we pray they don't end up in therapy, but when we get to heaven, our imperfect parenting will disappear. (Thank you, God!) When we were children, we needed a parent to love and protect us. Now that we're parents ourselves, we have a heavenly Father who adores, shelters us and holds us when we need to cry. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. --- ...my two cents... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' I Cor.13: [13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. That word translated 'charity' is the word Agape' - it is not ONLY love - but means THE Love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation. 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 ================================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: | |/ | ,,,,, ,+ /| / \ () | || \ C '\ /|_() || ) _| .'___/,,,// || .'=. (____E.' / / \ || | \)`-\ _F_.' \ c `\ || \ \ !'__/ ) _| || \ \,' / /`._( || |`. .' / \ \ || \ `-' | .-. | | \ E || >====[] | \ |__| | O OE || / |_/ | |___)| `.__j____ \|E || \_ | || __`.________ `. |""|\| \ |\ ||| \///_ _|__|_| \ __ | \ ||`""\\""""//"' \`. \ | |[__]| \ ||.---\\__//---. | | \____| ||__|/ / \|____________|\ |/ | | | / || || /| | | -----| |/------------||-||-/`| |----------| /| | || ||/`-|___| | /\| | || \\._ [____] h| /`.|____| || \\ `-/ '`._ j| `=.\____/ || \\__`-.____) w| ) '`--. _.-||-._ `""""""" | `='====' ,-' ' ` `-. | `-.________.-' | >On Haircuts Our supervisor recently made a casual comment about my shaggy mane. He then went on to extol the virtues of a good haircut, which, he insisted, makes an elderly man look younger, and a younger man seem more mature. "How would a haircut make a middle-aged guy like me appear?" I asked, trying to stump him. "Employed," he answered. - from Reader's Digest "All in a Day's Work"" at RD.org=== By way of Sermon Fodder and Joke A Day Ministries. To get a regular dose of Christian humor and a modern day parable go to http://www.sermonfodder.com. Please leave this attached if you forward this to friends or post on the web. ========================================== Seen on a Church Sign.... Jesus is more than the Rock, He's the Role. ========================================== , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Rosetta Stone By Mike Benson "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." (Philippians 2:10). IN AUGUST OF 1799 a Frenchman named Bouchard discovered an ancient stone near the town of Rosetta, in Egypt, about thirty miles from Alexandria... The stone contained inscriptions in two languages, Egyptian and Greek, and they were written in three different alphabets, including Greek and Egyptian hieroglyphic, a kind of writing using pictures as symbols. Prior to the discovery of the stone, linguists were limited in interpreting hieroglyphics, for they had no key to their meaning. But now, with this passage in hand which contained the same words in hieroglyphics and in the known language of Greek, scholars were able by comparison to establish the meaning of the hieroglyphic signs and thus to read other Egyptian inscriptions written in hieroglyphics. The Rosetta stone, then provided the means of knowing what those ancient Egyptian writers had to say. THOUGHT: In a similar way, the Bible serves as the Rosetta stone for knowing what God has to say, a message which we could not know without the Bible, for only through it does God communicate with man. By reading and studying it man can learn what God wants him to do for his happiness and salvation. (John Parker) KneEmail: "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Cor. 2:10-13). Bible reading for 05.28.08: John 10:24-42; 2 Cor. 4-6 -- From Knee Mail Edited by Mike Benson. To subscribe, send ANY message to: kneemail-subscribe@welovegod.org ================================================================== .-'''''-. |'-----'| /`-.....-`\ | <_} | | .-\-. | _,._ | /# ` \ | __.-` `"""-. | \ / | ..--' `"-. `)_,._ \ '-'-' / (` )--.-"``` `"-.`'-----'` '-----------' ( ) jgs `-------------` >A Debt to the Future Story Editor: by Harriet Kay Joyce Schowalter Massachusetts, USA In 1967, my husband and I were starting our life after college, and we were pretty poor. Russell had an entry-level job that didn't pay much, we had college loans, and had made some stupid choices with credit cards, so we had lots of debt to deal with. Our son was born that summer, and I had to stop working and stay at home with him, which only compounded the financial squeeze. We were living in an apartment in Evanston, Illinois, a moderately affluent suburb north of Chicago. We got involved socially with a large group of couples of various ages, some from our church and some connected with my husband's job at Northwestern University. They all had children, we shared many common values, and they gave us helpful hints about raising our son. This active group of people went many places and did many things together. We enjoyed being with them. Even though we often couldn't afford to go with the group, they always made us feel welcome when we came. Toward the end of that first summer they planned a picnic, and invited us. I asked what I could contribute. "Oh, bring some potato chips," my friend said. I figured there wouldn't be much food -- just hot dogs, chips, and lemonade -- and was relieved that I didn't have to spend more than a few dollars on the event. I bought two large bags of the least expensive brand of potato chips I could find. However, when we got to the state park, I found a veritable feast laid out. Heaps of chicken and watermelon, big bowls filled with homemade salads of all kinds. Even homemade ice cream and cake. There we were with our two bags of potato chips. I felt mortified and thought about leaving. I told a close friend that I was terribly embarrassed to have brought so little. "Oh nonsense," she said. "In a few years it'll be your turn to bring the chicken." Today Russell and I are starting to think about retirement and our son is grown. The century has turned and it's the year 2000. Yet I still remember that picnic and how our friends made us feel included and valued for who we were -- not what we had. Their generosity stuck with me all these years, and it's shaped both my feelings about others and my behavior in helping them. We couldn't possibly pay back all the people who brought chicken for us when we were unable to afford it. We're scattered all across the country, and we've lost touch with them. But that's not the point. The chicken we enjoyed 32 years ago is a debt my husband and I owe -- and will always owe -- to the future. It's not an obligation to be paid back but rather a promise to pay forward. We still have lots of younger friends who have trouble making ends meet. Nowadays, we bring the chicken. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: ___ ___ .'` `""--.._..--""` `'. / .-""-"-""-. \ | / \ | \, | .--.-.--. | ,/ (_'- |` > `| -'_) / | < | \ | (__..---..__) | | (`|\o_/ \_o/|`) | | \( > )/ | | [>=| --- |=<] | | ,\__\ /__/, | |.____.|\==='-'===/|.____.| \_____;_\=======/_;_____/ | _)'.===.'(_ | ; \-._\_/_.-/ ; /\_\_\_\ () /_/_/_/\ '-.._____.-'-._____..-' | /`\ | |_ | | _| _.;____ | | ____;._ jgs /` `| |` `\ '------'--' '--'------' >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Patsy's mother-in-law was planning a family reunion and needed to find a location that would be just right for her large family. One day she was riding around looking at different parks, community centers, etc. Patsy's son, Dean, 4, was riding with her. After awhile he asked her what she was looking for. She told him she was looking for just the right place for the "Goostree" reunion (Goostree is her maiden name). They rode for another minute or two and Dean said, "There Granny, there's some ??~goose-trees.'" He was pointing at a wooded area off the road. She had to pull over she was laughing so hard. - Patsy Campbell of Portland, Tennessee Faith Jean-Ann and Grammy are best friends. One night during a great-room "camp out" they were looking at family pictures around the room. Faith, 4 at the time, was curious. "Where is your mom?" Faith asked. Grammy told her, "In heaven with Jesus." Faith then asked if (Grammy) was going to go to heaven to be with Jesus and if she could go with Grammy when she went to see Jesus. This was delicate, so Grammy took her time answering. Before she could reply, Faith added, "then we can go get our hair done by Kay and have lunch at Bob Evans!" - Margo and Dan Phillips (Grammy and PawPaw) of Big Long Lake, Wolcottville, Indiana One Good Friday, when he was 2, Christian, Faith's brother, accompanied Grammy and PawPaw to afternoon services at St. Mary of the Angels Church. The time came to pay reverence to the cross as it was placed on the floor near the altar. Christian was squatted down looking very closely at the cross. He put his little hand first on Christ's feet, then on the side and finally along the face of Christ's image on the cross. With the saddest face, he said, "Oh, Grammy, OW." .--. .--. | = o\ | = o\ \= =_/ \= =_/ )= \____ )= \____ ; = _|__-\ ; = _|__-\ |= ----.\ |= ----.\ ('.==| ('.==| / \=\=\ / \=\=\ _.' /=/\=\_ _.' /=/\=\_ _jgs_..-' /__) \__)__..-' /__) \__) Lucas, the youngest of the much-loved group, is smitten by a waitress at Pizza Hut. When asked where he wanted his fourth birthday party, he said Pizza Hut with Gina. They stopped at a Fort Wayne Bob Evans one day and Lucas gave the waitress his order. She commented what a good job he did. Lucas replied, "I know. I have my own girl at Pizza Hut." On a trip to see family, Janis decided to take some homemade potato soup to share. As they were eating Paw Paw was trying to get little Kayla to eat. He said to her, "This soup is so good that I ate all mine up. See how big my tummy got." Without blinking, Kayla said, "Paw Paw, your tummy was already big." - Janis Sproat (grandmother of Kayla) of Butler, Indiana On the way to daycare, Janis' daughter discovered she had forgotten the youngest one's bag. Ryne spoke up and said, "That's OK, we can go back and get it. We did that when Grandpa forgot his teeth. He said he needed them to sing in church." Brandel was sick and was eating her meals lying down on the living room couch. Her husband called out from the dining room and asked her how the food was going down. Their daughter Pnina, 7, asked, "Shouldn't that be sideways if she's lying down?" - Brandel (mother of Pnina) of Jerusalem, Israel .-. .' `. :g g : : o `. : ``. : `. : : . `. : : ` . `. `.. : `. ``; `:; `:' : `. jgs `. `. . `'`'`'`---..,___`;.-' Lisa's friend was holding her toddler on her lap at Lisa's house. Lisa's son Stephen, 9, took it upon himself to amuse the little girl. After a while, he told Lisa's friend, "Could you watch her for a little while? I have to go to the bathroom." - Lisa of Indian Trail, North Carolina Faith, 12, needed help with her science homework. When her mother asked what question she needed help on, Faith said, "Well, the question's simple. It's the answer that's not so easy." - Debbi Armstrong (mother of Faith) of Orlando, Florida Julia, 4, and her older sister Alyssa love to play a game the family created and named "Chicken Hawk." In one version of the game, Julia pretended to be a bird who ventured too far away from her laundry basket "nest" while watching the sky for chicken hawks. She giggled with glee when she dashed back to her "nest" and escaped danger. Apparently Julia has heard about the nation's current economic situation because she told her baby bird to "hide in the nest to get away from the creditors!" She meant "predators." - Donna Moller (Grammy) of Katy, Texas Jessie was busy and distracted when Lydia, 3, walked into the room, saying, "Adam (her 9-year-old brother) has a lot of blood." Mom responded with "Yes, everyone has a lot of blood in their body." Lydia turned and raced upstairs, calling, "It's OK, Adam, just put it back in." That certainly got Mom's attention. Fortunately, Adam only had a minor wound. -Great-grandma Shirley in Illinois .-'\ \:. \ |:. \ /::' \ __/:::. \ _.-'-.'` `'.-'`'._\-"`";.-'-, .`; : : : : : `. / : : : : \ / :/\ : /\ : : \ ; : /\ \ : : /\ \ : ; . : / \ \ / \ \ . ; /_)__\ \ : :/_)__\ \ : ; ; `-----`' : , :`-----`' ; | : : / \ : : | | / \ \ : : | | : : /___\ \: : | | : : `----`' : | ; |;-.,__ : : __.-'| : ; ; : || \ \``/'---'\`\` / || ; . : \\ \_\/ \_\/ // ' . ; \'._ /\ /\ _.-'/ : ; \ : `._`'-/ /\._./ /\ .' : / `\ : `-.\/__\__\/_.;' : /` jgs `\ ' : : : : /` `-`.__` : :__.'-` `-..`.__.'..-` Back in June, one of the Vacation Bible School students, Victoria, 8, fell down and hit her head. She wasn't badly hurt. She started saying that she needed a CAT scan because she could feel her brain being bruised. She said she could feel herself going into a coma! Her brother Brent and all the other onlookers were suppressing their laughter. Brent asked Victoria some math questions, which of course she got right. Then Brent said, "See Victoria, your brain is OK. It's not injured." Then, shaking his head he laughingly told her to quit acting like a drama queen. Victoria replied, "This has NEVER happened to me before so I DON'T KNOW HOW TO ACT!" That brought the house down. - Kelley Needham of Somerville, Ohio Here is another one from Kelley. Her great-nephew, Alton, 2, was about to start his potty-training. One day he was at Kelly's mom's house. He walked up to her with a folded diaper in his hand for her to throw away. He told her, "Alton changed Alton's diaper." Thank goodness it was just a wet one. Needless to say, it didn't take long to get him potty trained. Cora, 4, was quietly watching the Emmy awards with her parents. An actress appeared in a very elaborate, brightly colored blue dress. Cora quietly said, "She looks like a peacock." - Susan Meadors (Cora's granny) of Georgetown, Kentucky Wyatt, 5, has just started kindergarten. One morning he woke up with a stuffy nose and informed his mom, Jill, that he was sick and couldn't go to school. Mom told Wyatt that his teacher had said he needed to be in school unless he was throwing up or had a high temperature. She encouraged Wyatt to get his teeth brushed while she got his school clothes ready. When Wyatt didn't come out of the bathroom for quite some time, Jill went to the door to ask what he was doing and found Wyatt looking at her sheepishly with the thermometer under his arm. - Bunni (Wyatt's Memaw) of Hillsboro, Illinois _ /\ )\ _ __)_)__ .'`--`'. )\_ .-'._'-'_.'-. / ^ ^ \ .'`---`'. .'.' /o\'/o\ '.'. \ \/\/\/ / / <> <> \ : ._: 0 :_. : \ '------' _J_ | A |: \\/\_/\// : | _/)_ .'`---`'. \ <\_/> / : :\/\_/\/: : / .'`----`'./.'b d \ _?_._`"`_.'`'-:__:__:__:__:-' /.'<\ /> \: 0 | .'`---`'.`` _/( /\ |:,___A___,|' V===V / /.'a . a \.'`---`'. __(_(__ \' \_____/ /'._____.' |: ___ /.'/\ /\ \ .-'._'-'_.'-:.______.' _?_ \' \_/ |: ^ | .'.' (o\'/o) '.'. .'`"""`'. '._____.'\' 'vvv' / / :_/_: A :_\_: \ / ^.^ \ '.__.__.' | : \'=...='/ : | \ `===` / jgs \ : :'.___.': : / `-------` '-:__:__:__:__:-' Lark, 3, was visiting Nanna and PawPaw when she began to cry and call for help. PawPaw found her in his "music room," apparently stranded atop the tall stool in front of the electronic keyboard. When PawPaw asked Lark what was wrong, she tearfully replied, "I don't have 'bigger legs!'" -Dennis Smith (PawPaw) of Oak Ridge, North Carolina Lark was intently watching her mom picking a splinter from Nanna's hand. Deciding that she needed some of the attention, Lark came to her PawPaw, held out her hand and announced, "I have a ??~skinzy.' too." A kiss healed the ??~skinzy.' Caden, 3, asked his grandmother a question about when she was a little girl. She answered his question but told him that was a long time ago. Then he said, "Grandma when you were a little girl did you see any of those really big dinosaurs?" - Suzanne Zuehsow (grandmother of Caden) of LaOtto, Indiana .-. .-. .--' / \ '--. '--. \ _______ / .--' \ \ .-" "-. / / \ \ / \ / / \ / \ / \| .--. .--. |/ | )/ | | \( | |/ \__/ \__/ \| / /^\ \ \__ '=' __/ |\ /| |\'"VUUUV"'/| \ `"""""""` / `-._____.-' jgs / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ ,-' ( ) `-, `-'._) (_.'-` Madison, 3, was roasting hot dogs over a fire, and then marshmallows, as part of her older brother Cameron's birthday. Her grandmother, Esther, noticed the moon coming up through the trees. "Oh, my goodness, look at that moon! Look at how big, and bright and beautiful it is!" Esther exclaimed. Madison looked up and was equally impressed, saying earnestly, "Grandma, get me that ball so I can play with it!" - Esther Grawcock (grandmother of Madison) of rural Avilla One day Esther had on a very colorful tie-dyed T-shirt. When Madison saw it she said, "Grandma, you got fireworks on!" Nathan, 9, has just started piano lessons. He is enthralled with everything - except he wants to know why the keys are not alphabetized, "A to Z." He feels it would be so much easier that way! - Rita Hubbard of The Woodlands, Texas ========================================================== ,-"-._ _.-"-, )'. `-. _,,,_ .-` .'( | `'. `-"` `"-` .'` | \ .-' '-. / _ .' .--. .--. '. '-(-' _ / (.=.| |.=.) \ _ . '._(_) : \_o/ .-. \_o/ : ( )_.' \ : ( ) :.-' ,-''-.; .___ .-`Y`-. ___. ;_.'-, \ '-.\ \ .--( .'. )--. / _./_| '._.-'`'-., _;-'\_/'-;_ ,.-'`'._`/ jgs_.',_.-' / `'''` `.___.' `'''` \ '-.__`-, '. -'/_.-| ; ; | \ _/ ';'` \ / \ /'---', / . '._,__,_,' ',_,__,_,' \ / . .'\ .'\ : \ ; \\\ \\\ ; | : /'._.' \\ /'._.' \\ ' | | ( ______/ ) ( ______/ ) | | : `~~~~~~~` .-. `~~~~~~~` : | | : / `\\ : | | _, ( __/ ) _, : | | : \ : `~~~` : .' | | `-._ _,' | | . \`--._ __.--'// : | | \ `'\\ /` .'/ | ; : `. `~~~~` _.'.' ' ; \ . `-._ _____.'.-' / \ . . `'~~~~~'` . ' / `._ _._ '_._ _._' _.___.' `""` `"""` `""""` `"""` >-->I USED TO THINK I used to think I’m strong, ...but I’m not. Nor am I invincible ...no, not by a long shot! Instead I’m prone to weakness. When the going gets rough, it becomes quite obvious, ...I’m not all that tough! I used to think I had it all together, ... but I didn’t. I thought I could handle life’s trials ....but I couldn’t. I thought I could find happiness by depending on myself, but no matter how hard I tried, lasting happiness, I never felt. When faced by the unexpected, I simply fell apart. Then the circumstances of life totally broke my heart. So I turned my eyes to Jesus... for when I’m weak, He’s strong. When my world collapses around me, to Him I want to belong! After He’s guided me around so many pitfalls and through all the messes I’ve made, not for all the gold in California, would I, His blessed assurance trade! --Virginia Archer 09-12 1 Pet.5: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Chriistian 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 DARRE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************