The Waste In Worry 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!! ================ >-->We Had A Wonderful Month Of Caring And Sharing Last Month! __ ( y--. .=-. \_\/_,' / | --("))))))= __|__ | / < > > `\ .=-. .-' `-:._.-. | | / \' / | .\_. | | | ,- `(\|.--. .' \ . / \ / `'| ),' `-\_/ |` ` (\ `-'| / \ ' ; .' \ , /\ .' \ '`-.___.-> \ .> \ /\\ `---'| `. -' || `-..-' hjw .=`-....___ || / _.-`--=._ `----.___// \.' _.-'-.`-. `----' '\ ;' \ ; _.'`-. .' / ___ ' _.-'`. / / ,' , `-._ _.-| / /.--\ \ `._ __.---' `./ | \' \ `. `._.-' `. ``. | | `. d8oooo._\_ `. \ /\ / 988888888b. `. \ /::`-.__.'\ 688888888888b : | ___ |::::::::::\ "d8b""888888, ; |`-. .' _`. |::::::::::::. 8888888 | `. / .::::\ |::::::::::::::. /888888' / / /:::::| \:::::::::::::::.._ .' d88888 ___ .' | |:::::| `:::::::::::::::::"--.' `88888`. .-' _`._ |:::::| `::::::::::::::::-' d8889 `/ ,.::.\`-.__ |:::::/ `::::::::::;'`-._ `"' / /:::::| `-. \:::;' ``''''' `-._ /::::::| `-`"' `-._ |:::::::/ `-._ |::::::/ `. \:::;' `--`"' *~* Be Sure To Check These Out And Share Them With Your Friends! Playing With Food 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/food2.html Political Humor 6! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/politics6.html World's Largest Rodent! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/caplin.html Doormat Humor! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/doormat.html Life's Oops 6! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops6.html Dominic And Jobe! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jobe.html Molly The Pony! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/molly.html What Your GPS Won't Show! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gps.html Pencil Head Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pencilart.html Extreme Noodling http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/noodling.html *~* MAY GOD ABUNDANTLY BLESS ALL OUR SWEET CONTRIBUTORS! THANK YOU!! ==================================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ,sdPBbs. ,d$$$$$$$$b. d$P'`Y'`Y'`?$b d' ` ' \ `b / | \ \ / / \ | \ _,--' | \ | /' _/ \ | \ _/' /' | \ `-.__ __/' ,-' / | | \ `--...__ /' / | / \ \ `-. `\ / /;;,,__-' / / \ \ `-. / |;;;;;;;\ \ _|_ | /^\ /^\ /___\ /^\ \/^\ | # |__________ /^\/ \| | | # |__________\ . |_|/ | _ | # # # # | X | H | | /\ o / \ _,---._ `X' _________________ / \ /_______\ )_ _s_k_l_e_p_ _( /\ / | # # # | /_________________\ _,---._ / \ /| | | | [+] [+] [+] | /_______\ /____\//| | | o | # # # | |[+] |/ /|\ | |pb || | | (} / \ /H\ / \ >THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN by Bonnie D. Evaschuk I love where I come from. I am so very proud of being born and raised in the Granite State. With that said, you can imagine the horror with which I listened to the news on the morning of May 4, 2003. The Old Man of the Mountain had tumbled down from his perch above Profile Lake. Granted, it is not President Kennedy being shot or the horrific events of September 11th being etched into our brains, but still it was terribly sad news to me. If you have ever been to Franconia Notch, you know the feeling of some larger power at work. This Man's profile was etched into the side of a mountain by years and years of weather, glaciers and God only knows what else. His face looked the part too. It seemed, from afar, the face of a man who had worked outdoors all his life. I loved that Old Man. I loved everything he represented to me, and I loved that he stood for New Hampshire. As a family, we would go visit the Man every summer. One summer, when I was about eight or nine, my grandmother came to visit the Man with us. This particular day was beautiful. The sky was a cobalt blue and not a cloud to be seen for miles. I looked at my grandmother and I said, "Nana, look at how distinct he is!" Distinct he was, distinct he will always be, etched in my memory forever. I'm very sorry the Man will not be there for my next visit. I have a feeling I will go to the notch and it will be with wet eyes that I say my final goodbye. I cannot begin to tell you how many people I have brought up to visit the Old Man. It seems like hundreds. Each and every one of them stood at the base of that mountain with awe on their face. I had many tell me that it was impossible that the Man was created by nature. They swore it nearly as vehemently as I swore the Man was created by wind, rain, snow and sun. What I never believed was that the Man would die before me. I never imagined that he would go away in my lifetime. However, I was keenly aware of the cables and struts that held him up there. Perhaps it was those bonds from which he felt the need to escape. Live free or die Old Man! You will be greatly missed. "Men have hung out their signs indicative of their respective trades -- shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth -- but in the mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men." -- Daniel Webster -- Bonnie D. Evaschuk ___________________________________________ Bonnie says, "I'm a transplant from New Hampshire who lives on the east coast of Florida. I do miss my White Mountains, but I've always loved the ocean as well. I've had one story published in Petwarmers, My Handsome Man." You can see photos of the The Old Man, along with what the area looks like now after the rockslide in May. Click here: http://www.nh.gov/oldman/ --- ...My two cents... 'God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men.' If you take the time to ask God 'is this true?' you will get a clear vision of a whimsical smile and wink as God tells you, 'I moved it'. ====================================================================== ' . ' . . . : . . '. ______ .' ' _.-"` `"-._ ' .' '. `'--. / \ .--'` / \ ; ; - -- | | -- - | _. | ; /__`A ,_ ; .-' \ |= |;._.}{__ / '-. _.-""-|.' # '. ` `.-"{}<._ / 1938 \ \ x `" ----/ \_.-'|--X---- -=_ | | |- X. =_ - __ |_________|_.-'|_X-X## jgs `'-._|_|;:;_.-'` '::. `"- .:;. .:. ::. '::. >Farmhouse Welcome Story Editor: by Susan Letourneau Joyce Schowalter Alberta, Canada In 1984, I participated in a golf tournament in a small town 50 miles from my Alberta home. When the time came to drive home, it was evening and dark clouds were forming on the horizon. Five miles into my journey I was enveloped in a deluge of rain. Visibility fast diminished as the rain increased and night approached. I had unwisely chosen to drive home on backcountry roads rather than the highway, so there were no lights, and with the increasing rain, I was hardly able to see the road. I missed a hairpin turn and drove straight off the road, literally sailed through the air, over a barbwire fence, and landed in a hay field. As the car hit the ground, my face hit the steering wheel and my lip split open. I struggled out of the car, found the road and began to walk. With no warm clothes, I was very cold in the pouring rain. As I walked, I watched for farmhouses where I could find help. I knocked on the door of two different houses, but no one answered. I was surprised because Alberta is known as a very friendly place, but it was after 11 p.m., so the homeowners probably didn't feel safe opening the door to a stranger so late. Cold, wet, and bleeding profusely, I walked on another half hour before lights appeared from another farmhouse. It was past midnight, but when I knocked on the door, it was opened immediately by a woman about 70 years old. She enveloped me in a huge hug and said everything would be OK. She sat me down in her kitchen, gently mopped my face, made me tea and wrapped me in a blanket, trying to stop my shaking and shivering. She called the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to come to help. While we waited for them, she wrapped her motherly arms around me and rocked me like a baby -- treating me as though I was her own daughter. As we talked, she told me her name was Gwen Hurler and she lived there alone. The RCMP arrived and drove me to a hospital to get stitches. When I got home the next day, I sent Gwen flowers and a heartfelt thank you letter. For years after, we exchanged Christmas cards; each of mine included another note of thanks, not just for her help, but also for her courage in opening that door. At 70, she would not have been able to defend herself had I been a burglar rather than a woman in great distress, yet she didn't hesitate one second to open her door to me -- blood, sweat, tears and all. Gwen has since passed on to what I'm sure is a great reward. I want to let others know what a warm, kind and lovely woman she was, and take one more opportunity to say thank you to her. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From InspiringWords: .-''-. / .--. \ : / \ : : :-. .-: : : | @ @ | : : : : : '._.\ .- /._.' '..' || _.I__I._ fsc >The Waste in Worry- If we were to keep a record of all the things we worried about during a given period of time, we would discover-in reviewing them- that the great majority of our anticipated problems or troubles never come to pass. This means that most of the time we devote to worrying, even the constructive kind that prompts us to try to come up with a solution to what is troubling us, is wasted. Thus, we not only caused ourself unnecessary mental anguish, but also took up valuable minutes and hours that could have been spent elsewhere. To avoid this, it is often necessary to subject potential sources of worry to the coldly objective and analytical light of reason. Once, shortly before a major concert before a standing-room-only audience, a member of Arturo Toscanini's orchestra approached the great Italian conductor with an expression of sheer terror on his face. "Maestro," the musician fretted, "my instrument is not working properly. I cannot reach the note of E-flat. Whatever will I do? We are to begin in a few moments." Toscanini looked at the man with utter amazement. Then he smiled kindly and placed an arm around his shoulders. "My friend," the maestro replied, "Do not worry about it. The note E-flat does not appear anywhere in the music that you will be playing this evening." The next time we find ourselves in the middle of worrying about some matter, we might be wise to stop and ask ourselves what the odds are of the problem really coming to pass. We may be able to go on to something more constructive. -- Brad Stevens --- ...Think about this for a moment... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' The word 'worry' is not even in the bible. Worry is a form of fear. The bible tells you this... 1 John 4: [18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. There is no fear in love; [God is love] but perfect love [GOD] casts out fear [you put your trust in God and give your worries and fears to God to take care of] because fear [worries and fears] has torment [will harm and torment you]. Those that feareth [worry and are living in fear] is not perfect in love [have not renewed their mind to the Word of God - God takes care of you ALWAYS through Christ Jesus your Lord]. If you remember anything, remember 'There is no fear in love' - this will get your through your most scary and troublesome times. The Word Of God is your sword - your weapon against the adversary. You can defeat him with it. You will always have the victory through Christ Jesus. I know because I've been there - done that. Thank you very much. ====================================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: _|_ | _|_ //_/\ __| ||____ ////////////\ /////////////\\ |^^^^^^^^^^||+| | # # # |||| .... ....". ||||||||||||||||| unknown >Dear Pastor Answer to God today. When everyone wants a piece of your time today remember that this day was ordained by God. When everyone wants to give you advice today, remember that it is your responsibility to live by the Words that proceed from God’s mouth. When everyone wants to interpret your actions today remember that you were bought with blood. When compromise tugs at your heart remember that you and your house have decided to follow the Lord. When temptation draws near remember to draw near to the Lord. When it would be easier to remain silent speak boldly the Words of God. When it would suit your congregation to not “rock the boat,” remember to step out of the boat and into the water with Jesus. When you feel like you are at the mercy of the merciless do not respond in kind. When you lose all you have serving God today remember that it was all rubbish anyway compared to knowing Christ. When everyone else settles for milk. . . desire meat. When fear of someone or something creeps into your life. . . fear [respect] God more. Answer to God today pastor. --Mike Waddey Source: http://tnrural.wordpress.com/category/pastor-stuff/\ (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com -<>- _ //\ | \/ ||~ _ _ ||_ [ L___I ] | /\ | ... | ,@\\/ ,@@@, ,@@@@@, | ::: | @, ,@@" "@@@, ,@@" "@@@, ,@@@@"| ''' | jgs "@@@@@" "@@@@@" "@@@@" '========= >A FRIEND ON THE LINE written own by: Jennings Michael Burch Even before I finished dialing, I somehow knew I'd made a mistake. The phone rang once, twice - then someone picked it up. "You got the wrong number!" a husky male voice snapped before the line went dead. Mystified, I dialed again. "I said you got the wrong number!" came the voice. Once more the phone clicked in my ear. How could he possibly know I had a wrong number? At that time, I worked for the New York City Police Department. A cop is trained to be curious - and concerned. So I dialed a third time. "Hey, c'mon," the man said. "Is this you again?" "Yeah, it's me," I answered. "I was wondering how you knew I had the wrong number before I even said anything." "You figure it out!" The phone slammed down. I sat there awhile, the receiver hanging loosely in my fingers. I called the man back. "Did you figure it out yet?" he asked. "The only thing I can think of is...nobody ever calls you." "You got it!" The phone went dead for the fourth time. Chuckling, I dialed the man back. "What do you want now?" he asked. "I thought I'd call...just to say hello." "Hello? Why?" "Well, if nobody ever calls you, I thought maybe I should." "Okay. Hello. Who is this?" At last I had gotten through. Now he was curious. I told him who I was and asked who he was. "My name's Adolf Meth. I'm 88 years old, and I haven't had this many wrong numbers in one day in 20 years!" We both laughed. We talked for 10 minutes. Adolf had no family, no friends Everyone he had been close to had died. Then we discovered we had something in common: he'd worked for the New York City Police Department for nearly 40 years. Telling me about his days there as an elevator operator, he seemed interesting, even friendly. I asked if I could call him again. "Why would you wanta do that?" he asked, surprised. "Well, maybe we could be phone friends. You know, like pen pals." He hesitated. "I wouldn't mind...having a friend again." His voice sounded a little tentative. I called Adolf the following afternoon and several days after that. Easy to talk with, he related his memories of World Wars I and II, the Hindenburg disaster and other historic events. He was fascinating. I gave him my home and office numbers so he could call me. He did - almost every day. I was not just being kind to a lonely old man. Talking with Adolf was important to me, because I, too, had a big gap in my life. Raised in orphanages and foster homes, I never had a father. Gradually, Adolf took on a kind of fatherly importance to me. I talked about my job and college courses, which I attended at night. Adolf warmed to the role of counselor. While discussing a disagreement I'd had with a supervisor, I told my new friend, "I think I ought to have it out with him." "What's the rush?" Adolf cautioned. "Let things cool down. When you get as old as I am, you find out that time takes care of a lot. If things get worse, then you can talk to him." There was a long silence. "You know," he said softly, "I'm talking to you just the way I'd talk to a boy of my own. I always wanted a family - and children. You're too young to know how that feels." No, I wasn't. I'd always wanted a family - and a father. But I didn't say anything; afraid I wouldn't be able to hold back the hurt I'd felt for so long. One evening Adolf mentioned his 89th birthday was coming up. After buying a piece of fiberboard, I designed a 2' x 5' greeting card with a cake and 89 candles on it. I asked all the cops in my office and even the police commissioner to sign it. I gathered nearly a hundred signatures. Adolf would get a kick out of this, I knew. We'd been talking on the phone for four months now, and I thought this would be a good time to meet face to face. So I decided to deliver the card by hand. I didn't tell Adolf I was coming; I just drove to his address one morning and parked the car up the street from his apartment house. A postman was sorting mail in the hallway when I entered the building. He nodded as I checked the mailboxes for Adolf's name. There it was. Apartment 1 H, some 20 feet from where I stood. My heart pounded with excitement. Would we have the same chemistry in person that we had on the phone? I felt the first stab of doubt. Maybe he would reject me the way my father rejected me when he went out of my life. I tapped on Adolf's door. When there was no answer, I knocked harder. The postman looked up from his sorting. "No one’s there," he said. "Yeah," I said, feeling a little foolish. "If he answers his door the way he answers his phone, this may take all day." "You a relative or something?" "No. Just a friend." "I'm really sorry," he said quietly, "but Mr. Meth died day before yesterday." Died? Adolf? For a moment, I couldn't answer. I stood there in shock and disbelief. Then, pulling myself together, I thanked the postman and stepped into the late-morning sun. I walked toward the car, misty-eyed. Then, rounding a corner, I saw a church, and a line from the Old Testament leaped to mind: A friend loveth at all times. And especially in death, I realized. This brought a moment of recognition. Often it takes some sudden and sad turn of events to awaken us to the beauty of a special presence in our lives. Now, for the first time, I sensed how very close Adolf and I had become. It had been easy, and I knew this would make it even easier the next time, with my next close friend. Slowly, I felt warmth surging through me. I heard Adolf's growly voice shouting, "Wrong number!" Then I heard him asking why I wanted to call again. "Because you mattered, Adolf," I said aloud to no one. "Because I was your friend." I placed the unopened birthday card on the back seat of my car and got behind the wheel. Before starting the engine, I looked over my shoulder. "Adolf," I whispered, "I didn't get the wrong number at all. I got you." as seen in Inspiration Plus -<>- %%%% %%%%-( _%%%%%_/ \ ' / _%%%%%%%% - (_) - _%%%%%%%/ \% / , \ %%%%%%%%%\\ \_ %%%%%% \ \\ ) /\_/ /(___. \ '----' ( / ) ---....____/ (_____ __ _ ___ ___ __ _ _ _____ _ _ ___ / )---...___ =-= = -_= -=_= _-=_-_ -=- =-_ ,' ( ```--.._= -_= -_= _-=- -_= _=- ,-' ) ``--._=-_ =-=_-= _-= _ '-._ '-..___( ``-._=_-=_- =_-= ``---....__) `-._-=_-_=- )|)| `-._=-_ gnv '-'-.\_ `-. >DOES YOUR LIFE HAVE PURPOSE? Dan Miller People living on the islands of Okinawa and Sardinia are more likely to reach 100 years of age than people living anywhere on earth. These people attribute their long lives not to healthy eating, leisure living, or great genes, but to a term they love to use -- ikigai which in essence means "sense of purpose." To expand it a little, ikigai is related to positive life-satisfaction, self-esteem, morale and a sense of having meaning in one's life. So people who possess ikigai have defined "that which makes one's life worth living." Unfortunately there is not really an American English equivalent word, but we certainly under- stand the concept -- it's what all of us long for as well. This goes beyond a basic spiritual sense of purpose and eternal connection. Having resolved our spiritual position, it's that feeling that our life is valuable and that our future is worthwhile, even if our present circumstances are dark. In studies of these island dwellers it appears that having ikigai is not connected to economic status at all. Now what about you? Is your sense of having purpose and a life worth living independent of your circumstances, or has your current economic situation also deflated your confidence in the value of your life? While the holiday season can be a delightful time of year, for some this upcoming month will also be stressful, emotionally taxing and a reminder that goals were not achieved this year. Here are a few questions to ask yourself: Do I know where I stand spiritually and have resolved how I will spend eternity? Have I discovered my "purpose" now -- here on earth? Is there anything on my goal list for 2009 that I can still accomplish with a little focused effort? What did I accomplish this year that I should be celebrating? (It's easy to get too busy to notice all you have accomplished.) What can I do to have a daily sense of ikigai in 2010? Dan Miller is today's leading authority and personality on careers and 'Work You LoveTM'. As bestselling author of 48 Days To The Work You Love, and now No More Mondays, Dan reaches over a million people every month ia his newsletter, podcast, and blog with the best trends and opportunities in the workplace and small business. For more information, visit http://www.48days.com. as seen in Love Your Work To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ================================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _____ .---...-. ,' -. `. ,' _____...' / - _ - \ : .' _ _ \\ : ' _)' : | :-(_).(_):: (_ ;) | | -' || \ _ / ; | _ || `..___..' `-'..____.'`' ;._: _; :_ / \ SSt ,' `' `. SSt >Today I Taught My Child When I got mad today and hit my child "For his own good, " I reconciled, and then I realized my plight... Today, I taught my child to fight. When interrupted by the phone, I said, "tell them I'm not home." And then I thought, and had to sigh... Today I taught my child to lie. I told the tax man what I made, forgetting cash that was paid, And than I blushed at this sad feat... Today I taught my child to cheat. I smugly copied a cassette, To keep me from one more debt, But now the bells of shame must peal... Today I taught my child to steal. Today I cursed another race, Oh God, protect what I debase, for now, I fear it is too late... Today I taught my child to hate. By my example, children learn That I must lead in life's sojourn In such a way they are led By what is done and not what is said. Today I gave my child his due By praise for him instead of rue. And now I have begun to guide; Today I gave my child pride. I now have reconciled and paid to IRS all that I have made. And now I know that this dear youth, Today has learned from me the truth. The alms I give are not for show, And yet, this child must surely know That charity is worth the price: Today he saw my sacrifice. I clasp within a warm embrace My neighbor of another race. The great commandment from up above. Today I taught my child to love. Someday my child must face alone This fearsome undertone, But I have blazed a sure pathway: Today I taught my child to pray. -<>- MMMMm MMMMMMMMMMM mMMMMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMM mMMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMMM mMMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMMM mMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMMM mMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMM mMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMM mMMMMMm MMMMMMMM 0 mMMMMMm MMMMM mMMMMMm o@@@o MMMMM mMMMm MMMMM o@@@@@@o mmm mMMMm MMM mMMMm o@@@@@@@@@oMMMMMM @oo MMM mMm MMM o@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ooMM @@@@o mMm M mMm o@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@o MhhhHHHHHHHHhhhM o@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@o hhHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhh oo@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@oo hHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh oo@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@ooHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHoo@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ooHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHoo@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ooHHHHHHHHHoo@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@Chad Lemon@ >Pay Attention God gave me another gentle reminder of what is essential this morning. I was rushing around trying to get too many things done at once and not doing any of them very well. As I was about to start my next chore, though, I caught a glimpse of brilliant light shining through my living room window. The sun had just risen over the mountains and was shining brightly down on the Earth. It’s glorious, golden beams were joyfully waking the world. Seeing this I walked out on my front porch to take a break from doing and spend some time living. The sky was the purest blue imaginable. The air was so fresh and cool that I breathed in deeply with delight. I listened to the birds singing happily in the nearby trees as they greeted the morning. I then stood for awhile paying attention to this wonderful world God has given us. Before I went back inside I told God just how much I loved Him and thanked Him again for my life. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? -Luke 24:31-32 Don’t go through life too busy to see that essential wonder and beauty around you then. Pay attention to it. Pay attention to that golden sunlight and brilliant blue sky. Pay attention to that first flower poking its head through the dirt in the Spring. Pay attention to that smiling child wanting to play and laugh with you. Pay attention to that beautiful, old soul sharing stories about his life with you. Pay attention to those people who are reaching out to you and offering to share their love and joy with you. Pay attention to the glorious love that God freely offers you every second of your life. Life is too short not to pay attention. - Joseph J. Mazzella -<>- ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >Be the Best by Douglas Malloch If you can't be the pine at the top of the hill Be a shrub in the valley below. The best little scrub in the valley below Be a bush if you can't be a tree. If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass And some highway happier make. If you can't be a muskie, then just be a bass But be the liveiest bass in the Lake! We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew There's something for all of us here. There's big work to do and lesser to do And the task we must do is the near. If you can't be a highway then just be a trail If you can't be the sun, be a star. It isn't by size that you win or you fail Be the best of whatever you are -<>- ,,,, ,;) .';;;;', ;;,,_,-.-.,;;'_,|I\;;;/),,_ `';;/:|:);{ ;;;|| \;/ /;;;\__ L;/-';/ \;;\',/;\/;;;.') \ .:`''` - \;;'.__/;;;/ . _'-._ .'/ \ \;;;;;;/.'_7:. '). \_ .''/ | '._ );}{;//.' '-: '.,L .'. / \ ( |;;;/_/ \._./;\ _, . / |\ ( /;;/_/ ';;;\,;;_, . / )__(/;;/_/ (;;''''' / _;:':;;;;:';-._ ); / / \ `'` --.'-._ \/ .' '. ,' '-, / / r--,..__ '.\ .' ' .' '--._ ] ( :.(;> _ .' '- ;/ | /:;( ,_.';( __.' '- -'"|;:/ (;;;;-'--' |;/ ;;( snd '' /;;| \;;| \/ >"Children Learn What They Live" by Dorothy Law Nolte If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive. If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves. If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy. If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy. If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty. If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence. If children live with tolerance, they learn patience. If children live with praise, they learn appreciation. If children live with acceptance, they learn to love. If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves. If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal. If children live with sharing, they learn generosity. If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness. If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect. If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them. If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live. -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >Giving Thanks Always by Neil Chadwick As I thought about the loss of my loved ones who had died, I was overwhelmed with grief and at once I sobbed and cried; How could I give thanks to God who had taken them from me, I could only question why God’s great will I could not see. But the Word of God came clear and it called on me to voice My thanksgiving in all things and in sorrow to rejoice. For to them that love the Lord all things work together good; If I’d only learn this truth, I would praise Him as I should. Giving thanks always for all things unto our Father God, Giving thanks always for all in the name of Christ our Lord. For in trial as well as blessing we need to sing our song of thanksgiving to our Savior, to whom all praises belong. Oh dear Lord, forgive me now for my thankless heart I pray, Let me see thy perfect will, help me trust in Thee today. For I sorrow not as those who are hopeless, in despair, I have Christ who gives me strength when I go to Him in prayer. When the burden of my heart is so heavy due to grief, I can turn to Jesus Christ who is there to give relief. Is this not enough to cause me to praise His holy name; For He doeth all things well, and for you He’ll do the same. Giving thanks always for all things unto our Father God, Giving thanks always for all in the name of Christ our Lord. For in trial as well as blessing we need to sing our song of thanksgiving to our Savior, to whom all praises belong. --- ...my two cents... Where Was God? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/where.html One Day http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/oneday.html -<>- _ _(_)_ wWWWw _ @@@@ (_)@(_) vVVVv _ @@@@ (___) _(_)_ @@()@@ wWWWw (_)\ (___) _(_)_ @@()@@ Y (_)@(_) @@@@ (___) `|/ Y (_)@(_) @@@@ \|/ (_)\ / Y \| \|/ /(_) \| |/ | \ | \ |/ | / \ | / \|/ |/ \| \|/ jgs|// \\|/// \\\|//\\\|/// \|/// \\\|// \\|// \\\|// ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >September Tapestry Beautiful blooms on flowers Growing in the bed… Have been lovingly cared for… Nurtured and fed… In the spring they were carefully planted… Grown from tiny bulbs and seeds… Showered with summer sunshine… And relieved of all their weeds… Then God raised his hand into the air… And waved it all around… He opened up a sea of blooms… With colors that abound… Oh! Their elegance and beauty… They are in their prime!… Their wonders will amaze you… And will catch your breath each time… God put them here upon the earth… For each of us to see… Giving them all the beauty of… This September Tapestry… -Jeannie Nourse -<>- \\\\, / \\ '<' ) \- / _)_(_ .'\___/'. /.-.___.-.\ [_________] | | ( | , | (\/) ) _\)_ | -|- | <_@__> _(/_ || | | | (/\)(\/) || || | | (\/) <_@_> || || | | <_@_>'(/\) || || | | (/\|/|-. || || .---------. _|_|_ || ||_,-'---------'-,__ |WWWWW| ___jgs|_|____________________|_\_____/__ >Empty Shanty Occasionally God surprises us by letting us find out how He used some word we spoke or action that we took years ago and perhaps forgot all about. About a century ago Stephen Grellat was led one day to go out to a heavily forested area of America to preach. It was a strong inward compulsion of the Holy Spirit. When he arrived at the loggers' camp, he found they had moved to another location, and their shanties were deserted. However, he was so sure he was sent by God that he went into an empty shanty and preached to the bare walls the sermon God had placed upon his heart. He then returned to his home, He could never understand why God would send him to preach to an empty shanty. Many years later, as he walked across a bridge, a man grasped his arm, "I found you at last," the man said. "I think you are mistaken," said Mr. Grellat. "No, Didn't you preach in an empty shanty in the woods years ago?" "Yes," Mr. Grellat admitted, "but no one was there." "I was the foreman in charge of the loggers," the stranger explained. "We had moved to a new location, before long I realized I'd left one of my tools behind. I returned to get it and heard a voice in one of the shanties, I peered through a crack between the logs and saw you. You never saw me, but I listened to the rest of the sermon, God touched my heart that day and I became so convicted of my sins, that after some time I purchased a Bible, repented of my sins, and became a Christian, then I began to win my men to Christ. Your sermon has led over a thousand people to Christ, and three of them have gone on to become missionaries!" - Wesley L Duewel -<>- Links For Your Enjoyment Shooting Star http://www.buffaloschips.com/dhskjsd.htm Slicing Fruit With Playing Cards http://www.buffaloschips.com/sdkjdsk.htm Smooth Roll http://www.buffaloschips.com/sdkj.htm Soccer http://www.buffaloschips.com/kdjjks.htm Swimming Lessons http://www.buffaloschips.com/hsdhjs.htm Ricochet The Surf Dog http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ricochet.html Rules For Raising Children http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rulesforchildren.html Small Thoughts http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/smallthoughts.html Freedom Isn't Free http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/freedom.html Heroes Truck http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/herotruck.html Liberty Air Show http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/liberty.html Rolling Memorial http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/trucking.html USS New York LPD-21 Tribute http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ussny.html Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffaloschips.com ======================================================================= Give to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself. -- Robert Ingersoll >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. 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