Tornado Season 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 or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ()_()()_() / ..)(.. \ __/ ( || ) \_ (_/ * * (_) | | | || ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ | | | \_/| \__/ | | > \ / <__,--,__|/|_> unknown *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. 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 ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This one comes from a forward from our friend Johanna. Without our truck drivers, we'd be in dire straits for want of our every day needs. Being a truck driver does have it's ups and downs though. Here's some of their more humorous down times... .--------------. |~ ~| |H____________H| |.------------.| ||::.. __ || |'--------'--''| | '. ______ .' | | _ |======| _ | |(_)|======|(_)| |___|======|___| [______________] |##| |##| jrei '""' '"" Life's Little Oops 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops3.html --- ...Thank You for this funny one Johanna! -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >-->From Our Friends At TruthOrTraditon.com: Should Women Really Be Silent in the Church? http://tinyurl.com/ykr3wgg ALSO AUDIO SEMINAR: On the Errors of The Trinity http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=894 ========================================================================= >-->From Heartwarmers: _..--""-. .-""--.._ _.-' \ __...----...__ / '-._ .' .:::...,' ',...:::. '. ( .'``'''::; ;::'''``'. ) \ '-) (-' / \ / \ / \ .'.-. .-.'. / \ | \0| |0/ | / | \ | .-==-. | / | \ `/`; ;`\` / '.._ (_ | .-==-. | _) _..' `"`"-`/ `/' '\` \`-"`"` / /`; .==. ;`\ \ .---./_/ \ .==. / \ \ / '. `-.__) | `" | =(`-. '==. ; jgs \ '. `-. / \_:_) `"--.....-' >MANAGING YOUR ELEPHANT by William Santoro Being a physician, I run to help me get through each day. Running lets the pains seep out and the joys of life sink in. I also enjoy acting. Some of my actor friends tell me they use performing the way I use running. But I am a runner who acts, not an actor who runs. Recently I landed my dream role. I was George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. To me running is reality and acting is fantasy. I get to be someone else while on stage. In reality, I wear running shoes and I have a pierced ear. I have not worn anything but running shoes for 20 years and I have worn an earring for about 25 years. Well, George Bailey doesn't wear running shoes nor does he have a pierced ear. When my daughter saw me and remarked, "I can't believe my Dad is not wearing running shoes." I reminded her that while on stage I'm not her Dad. On stage I live in this fantasy world and reality has no place in it, until the two worlds collide. I was juggling work and performing, reality and fantasy, and thinking I was doing well. One afternoon I saw a 19 year-old student in my office. She was young, pretty and full of angst about college. I treated her while thinking of my own 19 year-old daughter in college. Two days later, I received a call from the hospital -- the student was brought in by ambulance at 3am. She died at 9 that morning. I received the horrible news at 1pm, six hours before going on stage. (Her death was not related to her office visit. However, like every physician, I kept going over in my head the scene of her visit, trying to come up with scenarios, which may have changed the course of events.) Although I put my grief as far back into my mind as possible, it remained one thought behind the words I spoke on stage. I know I missed some lines, although I could not tell you which ones. I know my teammates caught me, if I knew who I would thank them. Honestly, the entire show was just a blur. I got through the performance and then fell apart alone in the dressing room. I wanted to run, but couldn't. When I run, I run for myself. I let the run do what I need it to do for me. If I run slowly or fast, if while I run I laugh or cry, or stop or walk, only I am affected. I needed something or someone, but didn't know what or who. Bob, who played my brother in the show, asked if anyone wanted to get a bite to eat after the performance. My first inclination was to say no, but I ultimately decided it was be a good idea. Seven of us went to eat. The conversation at the table was lighthearted. People talked about the show and about other shows. I felt like I was observing, like a person sitting in a theater watching a play. I often like to observe people, however, I was observing myself as much as I was observing the others. Somewhere, someone suggested we pass around a placemat and each draw an elephant on it. None of us were artists. Some of our elephants were skinny, some looked more like dogs. My elephant was especially painful. Watching this unfold I couldn't help but think of the elephant in the room I was trying to avoid. I wondered how many other elephants were in the room. Sitting there watching each person draw their own elephant I made the connection between life and the play, reality and fantasy. We all come with baggage, each with our own unique elephant. The play is about how one shy, introverted, unassuming man can affect so many other people. And there in that restaurant I saw how each of us, some introverted and shy others extroverted and funny, can help another person heal and manage his or her own elephant. And I realized that strangers are simply friends we have not yet met. -- William Santoro __________________________________________________ William says, "I am a physician specializing in two fields, Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine. I enjoy long distance running, photography and writing." =================================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: . '@(@@@@@@@)@. (@@) ` . ' . @@'((@@@@@@@@@@@)@@@@@)@@@@@@@)@ @@(@@@@@@@@@@))@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@)@@` . @.((@@@@@@@)(@@@@@@@@@@@@@@))@\@@@@@@@@@)@@@ . (@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@)@@@@@@@@@@@\\@@)@@@@@@@@) (@@@@@@@@)@@@@@@@@@@@@@(@@@@@@@@//@@@@@@@@@) ` .@(@@@@)##&&&&&(@@@@@@@@)::_=(@\\@@@@)@@ . .' @@`(@@)###&&&&&!!;;;;;;::-_=@@\\@)@`@. ` @@(@###&&&&!!;;;;;::-=_=@.@\\@@ ' ` @.#####&&&!!;;;::=-_= .@ \\ ####&&&!!;;::=_- ` ###&&!!;;:-_= ##&&!;::_= ##&&!;:= ##&&!:- #&!;:- #&!;= #&!- #&= jgs #&- \\#/' ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >Tornado Season For those of you who aren't familiar with tornadoes and are hearing news coverage of this, I put together a short glossary to help you understand. Fujita Scale: Scale used to measure wind speeds of a tornado and their severity... F1: Laughable little string of wind unless it comes through your house, then enough to make your insurance company drop you like a brick. People enjoy standing on their porches with their video cameras to watch this kind. F2: Strong enough to blow your car into your house, unless, of course, you drive an Expedition and live in a mobile home, then strong enough to blow your house into your car. F3: Will pick your house and your Expedition up and move you to the other end of the block. F4: Will pick your house and your Expedition up and move you to the other side of town. F5: The Mother of all Tornadoes, you might as well stand on your front porch and watch it, because it's probably going to be quite a last sight. Usually ranging from 1/2 to a full mile wide, this tornado can turn an Expedition into a Pinto, then gift wrap it in a semi truck. (Hey! I liked my Pinto!) Meteorologist: A rather soft-spoken, mild-mannered type person until severe weather strikes, and they start yelling at you through the t.v.: "GET INTO YOUR BATHROOM OR BASEMENT OR YOU'RE GOING TO DIE!" Storm Chaser: Meteorologist-rejects who are pretty much insane but get us really cool pictures of tornadoes. We release them from the mental institution every time it starts thundering, just to see what they'll do. Tranquilizer: What you have to give any dog or cat who lived through the May 3rd, 1999, tornado every time it storms or they tear your whole house up freaking out of their minds. Prozac works well also (equally well for people and pets) :-) Moore, Oklahoma: A favorite gathering place for tornadoes. They like to meet here and do a little partying before stretching out across the rest of the Midwest. Bathtub: Best place to seek shelter in the middle of a tornado, mostly because after you're covered with debris, you can quickly wash off and come out looking great. Severe Weather Radio: A handy device that sends out messages from the National Weather Service during a storm, though quite disconcerting because the high pitched, shrill noise just as an alarm sounds suspiciously just like a tornado. Plus the guy reading the report just sounds creepy. Tornado Siren: A system the city spent millions to install, which is really useful, unless there's a storm or a tornado, because then, of course, you can't hear them. Storm Cellar: A great place to go during a tornado, as it is almost 100% safe, though weigh your options carefully. Most are not well cared for and are homes to rats and snakes. Many are uninhabitable because they are full of old lawn mowers, boxes and other junk. May-June: Tourist season in Oklahoma, when people who are tired of bungee jumping and diving out of airplanes decide it might be fun to chase a tornado. These people usually end up on Fear Factor. Barometric Pressure: Nobody really knows what this is, but when it drops, a lot of pregnant women go into labor, which makes for exciting moments as their husbands are trying to drive them them to the hospital and dodge tornadoes at the same time. It's an exciting new sport. Cars: The worst place to be during a tornado (next to a mobile home). Yes, you can out run a tornado in your car... unless everybody on the road decides to do the same thing, and then you're in grid lock. A Ditch: Supposedly where you're supposed to go if you find yourself without shelter or in your car during a tornado. Theoretically, the tornado is supposed to pass right over you, but since it can lift a 20 ton truck and up root a three hundred year old tree, I'd bet my life on out-running it in a car. Mobile Home (slang: "tornado magnet"): Most people are convinced mobile homes send off some strange signal that triggers tornadoes, because if there's one mobile home park in a hundred mile radius, the tornado will find it. Earthquake: What any Californian would rather go through on any scale of severity than face a tornado. Tornado: What any Oklahoman would rather go through on any scale of severity than face an earthquake. Twister: Slang for 'tornado' and also the title to a movie starring Helen Hunt, which incidentally everyone thought was corny and unrealistic until May 3rd, 1999. Power Flash: One of the most reliable ways to track a tornado at night, it's the term used when the tornado hits a power line and a bright light flashes. It's also the emotion experienced by meteorologists when they get to make the call to interrupt prime-time must-see t.v. and a million dollars worth of advertising to track a storm for viewers. Here are some phrases you might want to learn and be familiar with: "We'll have your electricity restored in 24 hours," which means "it'll be about a week." "We're going to be out for a week, so buy a lot of supplies and an expensive generator," means it's going to be on in twelve hours, probably as soon as you return from Wal-Mart. "It's a little muggy today." Get outta town. It's getting ready to storm. "There's just a slight chance of severe weather today, so go ahead and make your outdoor plans." Ha. Ha ha ha ha. And the BIG TIP of the day: When your electricity goes out, and you go to bed at night, be sure to turn off everything that was on before it went out, or when it is unexpectedly restored in the middle of the night, every light, every computer, your dishwasher, your blow dryer, your washing machine, your microwave and your fans will all come on all at once. 1) You'll just about have a heart attack when they all come on at the same time, waking you from a dead sleep. And 2) Your breakers will blow, leaving you in the dark once again. Thanks to deannampg@yahoo.com -<>- . , |`. ,'| \_`-._ _,-'_/ ./ \-._`-._ _,-'_,-/ \, \._/._ `._>`-.__ __,-'<_,' _,\_,/ /_ \_.`-._\_-._ `--__ __--' _,-_/_,-',_/ _\ /._`\_./ _`_./`.-._ `-. ,-' _,-,'\,_'_ \,_/'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./ _/`\_ `. ,' _/'\_ \,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /._`/ _/ _`_./` _/ `\_ `\_ _/' _/' \_ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./` __/ >. `-.,-' ,< \__ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /_`/._/._`_./` __.`.-\_.-`'-._/-,',__ '\,_'_,\_,\'_\ `\._`_./`\._/_/' `\_\_,/'\,_'_,/' >Wings And A Prayer Somewhere I read that the greatest gift we can give our children is faith in God, and wings to soar. As does a bird eventually fly from its nest, so too will our little ones leave home when it is time to explore the world on their own. No longer will they be tiny sparrows, but with the right upbringing, hopefully they will exit the nest with the wings of an eagle; strong and able. It is necessary to prepare children how to fully deal with all the responsibilities of the outside world, but is more important that this foundation stems from a righteous source; God. Faith in God offers us hope when times seem bleak, and inner strength when we feel like succumbing to weakness. Faith in God provides us the knowledge that we are here on this planet, not just to eat, sleep, work and play, but for a much deeper reason; to share love, and worship God in everything we do and say. Faith in God is a responsibility in itself for we are then stewards and ambassadors of the most precious knowledge. Our children may not always grow up to be award-winning novelists and famous actors, but to be called a child of Christ is more honorable than any earthly title. Parents hold a significant part in the raising of their children, and while both mothers and fathers are important aspects to every family, on Mother's Day it is a time to pay homage to those women who have given of their heart for the sake of a child. Contributed by Melanie Schurr Copyright © 1998 Melanie Schurr Comments/feedback welcome. Visit my personal page at http://www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr -- From Daily Wisdom To subscribe, mailto:dw-subscribe@lists.gospelcom.net ====================================================================== >-->From Laugh & Lift: The Lift _ ___ _ /`.`. .-=""_;_""=-. .','\ | \`.`#"'.-" ; "-.`"#'.', | \`=>-Y ,( O_;_O ) , Y-<'/ `--'\#>-`-'_;_`-'-<#/`--' _ / .:::::. _ \ _ .-' `-'i-_ |:::::| `i-' `-._ ' .-j' `:::::' `-j-. .' `L' "T" `j-. `. ,-'|\.___:___./| ` | `.____ .' | \ / _.. `. .' .-## `-. |=`.___.'| .' ## `. /_ =#`. .#b # \ .####.. .-._##". .'### \ | /###""" / ; `=##\,## "#b .j. / /==--.. / ; \/ "## " / `-._.' /##==-._ | ; | ##b / |########= | _..-d#b! "# / >###"" .=-+###" d###"`-._ .' |#" ,d## d### ##" `+. / d### d### #" \ .d8#o. / ###" ## \ | .' ### `. | ##" "# .'`. | /#b _# =# d\ \ "# __.--' ; `-.____/ (###b \#8 ##\ `.___..---'| ; | "##8/ \" d###\ hjw |=-""###| ; | `" \=##" ; |8#b "#/ ; / | =##| ;####b= / ; | |,#=,_| /""" | ; ; |#####| |_ -=##/ ; | | ,-=| |##b / ; / |_.d##| ;###=/ ; / |#####| | __ `. ; /. |`""""| /d####=- \ ; / b. | =##"\ /########= \ ; | ###-. \",=___\ _.,/##"" -==\ | ####" `. \####""8b#" #/ _d#8##b d"| / ###" #\ `#" ### ##|_d###""""8###| / #" _,"###| `.##" ###.\_.= _____ /-.'#, -=######/ `---""" `-. __####.'.' _d8' .-" "-< ( --'--._ .' .----._`.`-. `. | ,' \| `-. \ \( .' `---....__.' `---"""' No More Complaining, No More Arguing (By Kerry S. Doyal) [Edited] Truth be told, I thought this was asking a bit much: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess 5:16-18 NIV) Admit it, you've thought this borders on excess too, haven't-cha, didn't-cha? Do I need to remind you to lie breaks one of the Big Ten? Well, if we thought 1 Thess. 5 was was a pushing the limits, check out the "everything" in this over-the-top passage: "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..." (Philippians 2:14-16a NIV) Say what? "Everything without complaining or arguing"? Some of you just lost your reason to live. ;-) "Everything"? Many things maybe, most things even, but...My taxes, homework, housework, "that" task at work, bathrooms & diapers, budgets & building maintenance...? "Everything"? Come on! Umm...it occurs to me that we (yes, you too) might be - gulp - even arguing & complaining about this God-given expectation! Does it help to know Paul wrote this in prison, not sure if he would live or die? Yeah, me neither... Yet, he continued his appeal for contentment and joy by saying: "in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." In other words, when we live with joy, trust, contentment & peace, we give evidence that we are "the real deal" - God's kids - both to the dark world & to those who minister to us. Paul continues: "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." (2:17-18) Some things just plain stink - suffering injustices among them. Yet, we are told to quit griping & fighting & be different - to be shining lights (see Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Peter 2:9-12). "Do everything without complaining or arguing..." It leads to purity and proclamation. Let's pray this for one another today! Years later, in jail again, Paul facing execution wrote in 2 Timothy 1:8-10: "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (NIV) 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 CupO'Cheer: \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >RANGER SCHOOL A friend of mine and his partner had just survived a night of the Army's tough Ranger school atop a freezing Georgia mountain. Fatigued from little sleep and even less food, they waited on the outskirts of a small mountain town for a signal to continue their maneuvers in the area. A young boy, who was bored with waiting at a nearby school-bus stop, ventured to the edge of the woods. Apparently he was accustomed to the Rangers because he showed little surprise when he suddenly came face to face with the two camouflaged soldiers. The boy simply reached inside his jacket and pulled out his lunch sack. "You'll need this worse than me," he said matter-of-factly. Then he trudged back to his bus stop leaving behind two grateful warriors. --Contributed to "Humor In Uniform" by BBeth Pate -<>- __,aaPPPPPPPPaa,__ ,adP"""' `""Yb,_ ,adP' `"Yb, ,dP' ,aadPP"""""YYba,_ `"Y, ,P' ,aP"' `""Ya, "Y, ,P' aP' _________ `"Ya `Yb, ,P' d" ,adP""""""""Yba, `Y, "Y, ,d' ,d' ,dP" `Yb, `Y, `Y, d' ,d' ,d' ,dP""Yb, `Y, `Y, `b 8 d' d' ,d" "b, `Y, `8, Y, 8 8 8 d' _ `Y, `8 `8 `b 8 8 8 8 8 `8 8 8 8 8 Y, Y, `b, ,aP P 8 ,P 8 I, `Y, `Ya """" d' ,P d" ,P `Y, `8, `Ya ,8" ,P' ,P' d' `Y, `Ya, `Ya,,__,,d"' ,P' ,P" ,P `Y, `Ya, `""""' ,P' ,d" ,P' `Yb, `"Ya,_ ,d" ,P' ,P' `Yb, ""YbaaaaaadP" ,P' ,P' Normand `Yba, ,d' ,dP' Veilleux `"Yba,__ __,adP" dP" `"""""""""""""' >THE WAY FORWARD Sometimes the world appears to be spinning out of control. Sometimes there seems to be no end to the distressing news. Sometimes it feels like troubles are being piled on top of troubles. Sometimes it can look as if there could never be a way forward. And yet, that way forward is always as close as your next thought. For no matter how difficult and discouraging life may have become, with each dawning moment, a new world of positive possibilities opens up to you. From the darkest depths of despair, hope does indeed grow and take flight. Out of difficult situations, new strategies emerge for creating real value and spreading life's goodness. Remember that the future does not have to be an extension of the past. For you can act right now to create that future out of the abundance of positive possibilities. Life always has its challenges, and those challenges are what enable you to bring real value to life. Whatever the circumstance, step boldly forward and choose to move the world positively ahead. as seen in Inspiration Plus -<>- ,-. ( \()Oo `-,---. .-. \ | oO()/ ) \ \ ,--- ,-' |_/ | / ,-. / _/ |_/ \_/ ,-. \_/ s-v >WIT'S END CORNER Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner", Christian, with troubled brow? Are you thinking of what is before you, And all you are bearing now? Does all the world seem against you, And you in the battle alone? Remember--at "Wit's End Corner" Is just where God's power is shown. Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner", Blinded with wearying pain, Feeling you cannot endure it, You cannot bear the strain, Bruised through the constant suffering, Dizzy, and dazed, and numb? Remember--at "Wit's End Corner" Is where Jesus loves to come. Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner"? Your work before you spread, All lying begun, unfinished, And pressing on heart and head, Longing for strength to do it, Stretching out trembling hands? Remember--at "Wit's End Corner" The Burden-bearer stands. Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner"? Then you're just in the very spot To learn the wondrous resources Of Him who faileth not: No doubt to a brighter pathway Your footsteps will soon be moved, But only at "Wit's End Corner" is the "God who is able" proved. --Antoinette Wilson as seen in Inspiration Plus -<>- ,--. _/ <`-' ,-.' \--\_ ((`-.__\ ) \`' @ (_ ( (_) ,'`-._(`-._/ ,-' )&&) )) ,-' /&&&%-' ,' __ ,- {&&&&/ / ,' \| |\&&'\ ( | |' \ `--. (%--'\ ,--.\ `-.`-._))) `---'`-/__)))`-._))) hjw >OUT OF THE MUD PUDDLE Amy Carroll "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name...who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion..." Psalm 103:1, 4 (NIV) Devotion: One weekday my employer, the best boss in the world, held our quarterly meeting in a local salon. As the hard calluses were rubbed off my feet, my heart softened, too, and the news about our company became secondary to the news about the life of one woman. I was seated next to Brenda, a co-worker to whom I'm always drawn. We talked and laughed as we soaked our worn hands and rough feet. The atmosphere was relaxed and our conversation turned toward Brenda's mother, Lillian. Brenda recounted one remarkable story after another of Lillian's last days as she lay in a nursing home bed dying of cancer. Her mother was a bastion of encouragement and regaled everyone with delightful stories of her past and of God's goodness despite her dwindling energy and the stupor usually brought on by pain medication. As I listened to Brenda describe this brave saint, I became overwhelmed with emotion, and decided I wanted to be just like Lillian when I grow up! People were still drawn to her even as she struggled with declining health, removal from her home and loss of freedom. Brenda proudly told of her mother's positive attitude and how she refused to complain even on days that were painful and difficult. "She taught me everything about living," Brenda said with emotion, "and now she's teaching me how to die." At the end of our conversation, I asked Brenda if her mother would be willing to talk to me. I wanted to know the secret of this outstanding woman's life. Brenda asked her mother if I could visit, and Lillian agreed. I arrived one afternoon to find her reclining with oxygen tubes running into her nose. She was diminutive in her large hospital-style bed and her voice was soft, but Lillian's eyes sparkled at the opportunity to tell some of her life's stories. Like most women of her age, Lillian's life had held both joy and sorrow. She had grown up with scant financial means and struggled monetarily through many years in early marriage. She had married at 17 and had three children in three years. Her fourth child was to arrive 14 years later. Even though she described these years as difficult, she spoke on and on of her love for her husband, their happy marriage and their mutual joy in their children. Her big heartbreaks came later in life when her beloved mother was raped at age 80 in her own yard. Later in a nursing home, Lillian's mother was abused physically by a staff member despite the fact that her children visited every day. Many years passed, and tragedy struck again. Lillian lost her granddaughter and a great-grandson in a terrible car accident one icy night. Through all these difficult times, Lillian clung to Jesus and served those around her. She ended our conversation by telling me, "In all that we've been through, we knew that our strength comes from the Lord. Whenever we fell in a mud puddle, we just jumped right out into His arms." In a conversation rich with memories and wisdom, Lillian described an up-close, intimacy with God that both sustained and matured her through a lifetime of trials and triumphs. Jumping out of a mud puddle and into His arms is the kind of childlike exuberance and trust that can bring a woman to the end of her life with a still-growing, vibrant relationship with Jesus Himself. Lillian died soon after our conversation, but her legacy lives on. She was a woman of tremendous faith and resiliency who set an example for her children, her friends, the staff of a nursing home and me. She'll forever be one of my heroes. Dear Lord, I desire to leave a legacy like Lillian's. Help me live a life that is completely dependent on You. I raise my arms to You and jump knowing that You will catch me, clean the mud off of me and hold me tight. In Jesus' Name, Amen. Related Resources: Do You Know Him? Visit Amy's blog-Ponderings from the Pathway Finding a Mentor, Being a Mentor by Donna Otto Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst Application Steps: Seek out and listen to the stories of faith from an older saint. It will be a blessing to both of you! Reflections: What is my response when I've "fallen in a mud puddle"? Who can I encourage with stories of God's goodness and sufficiency? Power Verses: Psalm 116:7, "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." (NIV) Psalm 116:13, "I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord." (NIV) © 2010 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 Ministries 616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road Matthews, NC 28105 www.proverbs31.org To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ================================================================ ______ _\ _~-\___ = = ==(____AA____D \_____\___________________,-~~~~~~~`-.._ / o O o o o o O O o o o o o o O o |\_ `~-.__ ___..----.. ) `---~~\___________/------------````` = ===(_________D -Roland >The Tall Man Story Editor: by Caitlin Mercer Joyce Schowalter California, USA It didn't start out as a big deal. We were waiting to board our flight out of Portland, Oregon, heading to Ontario, California on a Friday evening. The gate had been changed, and everyone was now just anxious to get on the plane and get home. A man escorted an elderly Asian couple through the line. I assumed he was their son. At the head of the line, it was clear the couple spoke almost no English. A gate attendant was kind enough to escort them out onto the tarmac and onto the right gangway to our plane. I boarded the plane a few moments behind them and witnessed some confusion. The couple had taken the first two open seats, not understanding the seat numbers on their boarding passes. A tall man tried to show them how to identify the correct seat numbers, and when they didn't understand, he motioned to them to follow him, and kindly guided them to their correct seats. I noted his kind act and smiled, though I figured it was the sort of little kindness any one of us would do. We waited for an eternity to depart, and finally the captain announced that there was minor trouble with a cargo net and we would be delayed. After more time passed, we were advised we would need to deplane and wait for another plane. I thought immediately of the Asian couple and how confusing this would be for them. I waited for one of my carry-on luggage pieces to come out of the cargo hold, and when I got into the terminal I looked for them. I needn't have worried. The same tall man was with them. He guided them to the terminal where we were to wait, gesturing for them to stick with him. Our terminal was now overcrowded with impatient commuters waiting for the replacement flight, and there was nowhere for them to sit with three adjacent seats. The tall man spotted a woman sitting alone with an empty seat on each side of her and explained that he was looking after the couple. He asked if she would be willing to give up her seat, and she graciously did so. We waited another 45 minutes before boarding the new plane. The tall man sat with the couple during the wait, made sure they found the restroom, got a cup of coffee, a snack, anything they needed. Maybe another aggravated, tired commuter would have seen this as a pain in the neck. But this man didn't. I'm not sure if it "put him out" to help them. When the opportunity arose, he took responsibility for seeing it through. Really, it seemed he hardly saw it as an inconvenience at all -- just a chance to do good. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: __ ( ( ) ) _ / / ___ /:;-/_ ( ( \ ___ __/::::;;;-. ) ) \ / _ \/ _\`".:::::/\/ / ) ) (_( \/ / \__ `";/ /\/ ( ( (_(_) /`_>-~-\/ /\ \_\ \/)'O_O`\/ / /-.(_),-\/ ( .:_|_:. ) /`--'U,-.'\_ ,'\,-. (_,,),:| ___ ,'__(,,_)___,:::| / _ \ |||||||||||||:::| / / \ \|||||||||||||:::| __ ( ( \ |||||||||||||:::| ( (\ )_) \|||||||||||||::;'__) )\ hjw |||||||||||||;'_____/\/ """"( ("""""" ) ) (_( >The power of choice By: Joseph J. Mazzella When each of us is born in this world we are given a very special gift from God. This gift is more beautiful and priceless than you can imagine. It has the power to transform your life and the world around you. It has the strength to face any problems that may come your way and overcome them. It has the energy and ability to make you the person you always dreamed you could be. It has the miracles and magic to fill your body with health, your mind with peace, your heart with love, and your soul with joy. What is this glorious gift from God? It is simply the power of choice. One of the greatest days of my life was the day when I realized that with my every choice I could choose love, joy, and oneness with God, and then share them with the world. It was then that I saw the infinite possibilities for peace, happiness, delight, growth, and learning that existed in this life. It was then that I saw too how I could be a powerful force for good in this world. Don't ignore your own power of choice then. Use it, cherish it, and allow it to help you be a powerful force for love, joy, and God in this life. Use it to smile at your neighbors, hug your children, and tell your family just how much you love them. Use it to watch the sunrise, plant some flowers, and thank God for your life. Use it to give to a charity, help a friend in need, or donate a pint of blood. Use it to sing joyously, dance delightedly, and laugh happily everyday. Use it to share the wisdom of your mind, the goodness of your heart, and the strength of your soul with all who need them. Use it to make yourself a better person, your neighborhood a better community, and the world a better place. Use it to share your talents with the world, your love with everyone everywhere, and your joy with the entire universe. Use it to grow in oneness with life, in oneness with others, and in oneness with God for all -<>- ___________________________ _,----' _______________________ `----._ ,-' __,---' ___________________ `---.__ `-. ,-' ,-' __,---' _______________ `---.__ `-. `-. ,' ,-' ,-' __,---' `---.__ `-. `-. `. / ,' ,-' ,-' `-. `-. `. \ / ,' ,' ,--' S T O R M I E `--. `. `. \ | / ,' ,' `. `. \ | ,--. ,--. Stormie@mail.prostar.com _______ ( ` " ') Stormie@prostar.com (_______) >- . -< / \ ( , .) ( G O L D ) `--'^`--' SomeWhere Over The Rainbow \_______/ /_\ There Is Hope >Discontented? [ahh...from the good old days of 2007] The Newsweek poll alleges that 67% of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69% of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I starting thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4% of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all involved. Whether you are rich or poor they treat your wounds and even, if necessary, send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70% of Americans who own a home, you may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of having a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes; an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31% approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig. So why then the flat out discontentment in the minds of 69% of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads, and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells. Just ask why they were going to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book and do a TV special about how he didn't kill his wife but if he did, how he would do it . Insane! Stop buying the negative venom you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. I close with one of my favorite quotes from B.C. Forbes in 1953: ''What have Americans to be thankful for? More than any other people on the earth, we enjoy complete religious freedom, political freedom, social freedom. Our liberties are sacredly safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States, 'the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.' Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a noble heritage. Let us pray that we may hand it down unsullied to our children and theirs.'' I suggest we sit back and count our blessings for all we have. If we don't, what we have will be taken away. Then we will have to explain to future generations why we squandered such blessing and abundance. If we are not careful this generation will be known as the ''greediest and most ungrateful generation.'' A far cry from the proud Americans of the ''greatest generation'' who left us an untarnished legacy. -<>- .--. ." o \__ _.-" ,( ` _.-" ,;;| _.-=" _," ,,;;;' .-"`_.-"``-..,,;;;;:' `"'` `\`\ jgs /^\\\ >Thank You For The Little Things Dear Lord, Thank you for the little things That fill my heart with hope. For thinking of these little things Sure seems to change the scope... Budding flowersseedling trees A warm afternoon and a cool summer breeze The lady bug The butterfly Big puffy clouds in a baby blue sky The clover patch The honey bee A Sunday brunch or afternoon tea The sparkle of a midnight star And wishing on it from afar The calming effect of an evening rain As it taps against the window pane. For all these things I can't complain! So when my life seems rough to me I think of all your kindness brings And I find my sprits lifted up For you truly give my soul it's wings. Yes, Thank you Lord, for the little things. -<>- _. ,-.,-"`""-./ \ / \ `-.| .:::.:::. \ / `-._ ::::::::: | "=\ ':::::' | .==" |o_|_ ':' | _o. ` (_) ,;;;,;;;, ; \\ ;;;;;;;;; \ _. /|-. ';;;;;' \ ` `'---'/ \ ';' \ .--._ /-' | ,-`. / `-._( / `-._`-._\ `\ '\ ( ` `'._ _, | \ / ~-. `| | | / `;-.| | | .' \ /| | / .'-. '. | \ | .' `-._ '. | /"` `\ jgs / `"--.,_'-._\-.___.'_ ; / `""";--' `. | / .'` \ /""-. ; / \""-, \ | / | \ | \ | '. |/ '. \ .'`-. / '._ '.,___,.;' '-.___.' `"""----------'` >Because Nice Matters Pam from New Orleans When I was 20 and still in college, I worked for a large chain store where jewelry was their main product. At Christmas time, it was understood that when the jewelry department got busy, and because that's where the greatest margin of profit was, that all available employees were to help with sales in the jewelry 'pit'. We were all trained to work the counters, but we got a minimum percentage of commission compared to the regular salespeople's salary and commissions. This one evening, the customers were three deep all around the four sides of the jewelry counters. One by one we served the customers and it finally got to a manageable group in about two hours. Some of my co-workers were tired and wanted to go back to their departments. Some were allowed to leave, but I was asked to stay and finish helping our customers find the jewelry that they were shopping for. As I was just about to walk my current customer to the registers so that she could checkout, I caught sight of a VERY large man in just filthy overalls. He was muddy and he smelled! When I returned to the sales counter, all of the other college students that were there working were whispering and giggling and not very discreetly. I asked them what they were whispering about. And they pointed to the man at my section of the counter. I told them not to be so mean. He might be able to hear them. I told them to have the Christmas spirit and be nice. Because Nice matters. They were still giggling as I went to see how I could help him. When I got to him, he really did smell. It was pretty bad, but I figured he really wanted something as he had waited a long time. He thanked me for coming to him and asked to see a $40,000 aquamarine and diamond ring in the case. Gasps and more giggles exploded from my co-workers when they heard what he had asked to see. The man and I BOTH heard the comments that they made. I was embarrassed for him and I wanted to just evaporate to escape this truly uncomfortable moment. He apologized to ME, saying he had heard what they said before I came to help him, and he had heard what I told them, and he was so sorry that he did indeed stink, and that he must look a sight. But he said he was really pressed for time, as he had been in the field all day turning soil, and that his wife of 20 years had mentioned a ring she had seen in our case that morning. He really wanted to surprise her with the ring because she had been the best thing that had ever happened to him. He wasn't quite sure which ring she had seen, but he wanted to get to the store as soon as he could in case the ring would be sold before he could buy it for her. I knew the ring was $40,000, but I'm not so sure he knew how much it was. By the description, I knew exactly what ring he wanted to see. I assured him that this was the only one that would match what he was repeating from his wife's description. I told him the price and he swallowed hard. When he finally spoke, he again apologized for his attire and aroma, and asked if I could gift wrap it for him. I told him that I could, but we would have to go to the register and pay for it first. He said OK. I asked if it would be cash or charge. More giggles from behind. Comments that I had wasted my time on this sale. Laughing. It was very embarrassing. Then as he put his hand in his pocket, he said, "CASH". Oh, you wouldn't believe the exclamations of disbelief from my co-workers. The whole floor by now had gotten wind of this very large, unkempt man trying to pretend he was going to buy a ring that he probably didn't realize that it was so expensive. The comments from EVERYONE around the area were so painfully embarrassing. That poor man! Well, he and I walked over to the register and had to wait until the patron ahead of us was through. He thanked me again for being so patient with him and that he was again sorry that he looked such a mess. When the cashier saw the amount to be rung up, her eyes got as big as golf balls. She asked me if it was a joke. I said no and that we would like to hurry as the man had a long drive back to the country and he wanted to get home as soon as possible. She rang up the sale, and with tax, the man presented her with 42 $1,000 bills and four $100 bills. Exact change, he said, to make it easier on the cashier. I was nervous that it really was happening. I was upset that it was happening. I was elated that he could make it happen. I was angry with my co-workers that they were so judgmental. This very thoughtful and thankful man was the brunt of their jokes. And he leaned over to me and said, "So, the jokes on them, huh?!!" And with that, he pressed into my hand two one- hundred dollar bills!! He said he wanted me to have it because I was the only one who had not made a snide comment, and I was very pleasant to him even though he knew he wasn't very presentable. And as he repeated my quote from earlier, he directed his eyes to the now-drop-jawed co-workers and boomed the comment, "BECAUSE NICE MATTERS" He winked and said, "Let's get this wrapped, so I can go home to my bride of 20 years." I was so happy! Not only did I get a 1% commission on this sale, but also he had sweetened the pot by another 50%. So, I made the biggest, prettiest gift-wrapped package that I could! He thanked me again, shook my hand, and left, and I never saw him again. This story has stayed with me for over 20 years. It's one of my favorite memories. Not because of the money, but because we formed a pact, a camaraderie, against what was bad, and we proved it to be good to do the right thing. We all learned a lesson from this night. My co-workers were VERY eager to help ALL customers after that night. Never judge a book by its cover, and remember that nice does matter. Links for Your Enjoyment Kitty Is In Love http://www.buffaloschips.com/87y5r.htm Kiwi Bacon Mmmm! http://www.buffaloschips.com/43r.htm Loafing http://www.buffaloschips.com/5r5.htm Looking For My Wallet And Car Keys http://www.buffaloschips.com/7y.htm Lundi http://www.buffaloschips.com/8uh.htm Rules For US Citizens http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rules.html Humor In Politics 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/politics4.html Humor In Religion 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hreligion2.html I Believe... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html Christ's Life: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html Friendship http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/friendship.html Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com =================================================================== >-->"Fellowship" ___ /_\_\ |;-^-'| ; ._ d - j :. ,<%@. |-_-| / \ {_ _,l ___/\_ _/\_ \,< ___ <~L~>\. /___\_\'/_/_`-.( `___\ \ - |` /___ \ \|/|po /||_/-___L":--;" L _ \ \ |o|LY| |(n==\^\^''--`-,-_ [-><-]=3 || ^;| |`\ _')>\ /<__/\ |< !c)|o ; |;| "| _' \ \/ /po | |- | | ; ' |,-. |.V \/ |LY | |\__, _L |o : | / \ \||\ |o^ ^| | _|/| / _\__ : / 7 '<|`. | | | / |L/ < /\: | Y \ | \|' | | | |/ /_ | | | | \| A|. | | /| |/|PO| | || | | |V| | | || |<|LY| | || | |,| | |_ | / | | ^^ | | | | | |____| |" | | | | | | | | |#^' |4 \ | | | | | | |,| | |%_| | | |m | A \ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | / | / | | \ || | | | | | | / /| |__| || | | l | | |> / / | | \___/|_A_| | | | | / / | | | | || |m1a Lonely and alone, discouraged and empty hearted That's when a man needs a brother When the burden is heavy, the load too much to bear That's when a man needs a brother When in despair, and needing someone to care That's when a man needs a brother When the strong arm on your shoulders make the tears flow free That's when a man needs a brother When the words, "we'll make it through together" seem so sweet That's when a man needs a brother When courage is needed and strength to carry on That's when a man needs a brother When you think you can do it alone That's when a man needs a brother --Author Unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->Pass this on as it should be of interrest to all who served. The study was carried out in Austrialia on their Vietnam Veterans. ABC Nat. Radio Health Report Autralian Vietnam Vets: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/HealthReportVV.mp3 VV ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd 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 ************************************************************************