Trusting In God... :) 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 ================ >-->OoooWEeeee!! oo 8 "} > @ < .8 .-._/| .'_'`')`_.' \| ) / (>'/ |_,_ | (,| .' ,'\| `._/ ) \| '`- -- ''-- --- VK/ejm I'm doing a 'Happy Angel' dance! Why? Because Shangrala has been blessed with another donation from our Shangrala Angel, Cloie from NH! Bless her heart! This is their FIFTH month of stepping up to the plate to help Keep Shangrala Alive with a sweet donation! We sure do thank God for her and all our past wonderful angels! If you'd like to help too and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. EVERY LITTLE BIT WILL HELP! Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ *~* Our Thoughts and Prayers Go Out To All Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey In Texas And Louisiana. May God Bless And Help Them through This horrific Time In The Name Of Christ Jesus Our Living Lord And Savior. >The Best Of The US: "Trump’s Reassuring Hurricane Response" - Tevi Troy in The Wall Street Journal Former Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Tevi Troy praises President Trump’s hurricane response in The Wall Street Journal, writing: “Washington’s disaster authorities appear to be in sync with the state on roles and responsibilities; the Federal Emergency Management Agency and its leader, Brock Long, deployed resources as Harvey approached; and the government response as a whole appears well coordinated.” Mr. Troy credits the administration’s personnel and preparation as key components in the synchronized effort, noting the President has “surrounded himself with leaders experienced in this area.” http://tinyurl.com/ydbtqszz The New York Daily News' editorial board writes how America is responding “with heroism and heart to help Houston recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey." http://tinyurl.com/ycjrswaf Hurricane Harvey Rumor Control There is a lot of misinformation circulating online about Hurricane Harvey. Last night, FEMA’s Director of the National Flood Insurance Program, Roy Wright, went live on Facebook to debunk some of these rumors. FEMA has also put together an on-going list of rumors and their true or false status. Please tell a friend, share this page, and help provide accurate information. http://tinyurl.com/ycn3brkf AND Watch the FEMA broadcast http://tinyurl.com/yb3npgq7 In positive economic news, Bloomberg reports that consumer confidence levels measured by the Conference Board in August hit their “second-highest level since late 2000,” saying “Americans have had much to lift their moods: optimism about the economy, steady hiring and unemployment at a 16-year low, in addition to contained inflation, home-price appreciation and stock-market gains.” http://tinyurl.com/ybnd55h5 The Texas Tribune compiles a list of websites and resources for victims of Hurricane Harvey, offering a how-to on getting and offering help. http://tinyurl.com/ybjyskyv Houston SWAT Officer Carries Woman And Baby To Safety, Then Went Back For The Puppies http://tinyurl.com/yayol3so MASSIVE ‘Cajun Navy’ Forces Arriving In Houston: Already Saving Lives! [VIDEO] http://tinyurl.com/y8pprknf Anheuser-Busch Shuts Down Beer Production: Sends The Water To Hurricane Harvey Victims http://tinyurl.com/y78xoj3z From Franklin Graham: Prayer Alert: Texas Needs Your Help http://tinyurl.com/y96kwlk3 -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This too hot to handle new page is from our friend Linda. It shows just how strong nature can be. It is sure to amaze you and perhaps even tickle your funny bone! Check it out here... . + . . . . _ . . , /;-._,-.____ ,-----.__ (( . (_:#::_.:::. `-._ /:, /-._, `._, ` \ _|`"=:_::.`.); \ __/ / , `./ \:. `. )==-' . . ., ,-=-. ,\, +#./` \:. / / . . \/:/`-' , ,\ '` ` ` ): , /_ -o . /:+- - + +- : :- + + -:' /(o-) \) . . ,=': \ ` `/` ' , , ,:' `'--".--"---._/`7 `. ( \: \,-._` ` + '\, ," _,--._,---":.__/ \: ` X` _| _,\/' .-' . ":._:`\____ /:' / . . \::. :\/:' / + . `.:. /:' } . . ):_(:; \ . /:. _/ , | . (|::. ,` . . |::. {\ |::.\ \ `. |:::(\ | O |:::/{ } | (o ) ___/#\::`/ (O "==._____ O, (O /` ~~~w/w~"~~,\` `:/,-(~`"~~~~~~~~"~o~\~/~w|/~ dew ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\W~~~~~~~~~~~~\|/~~ Owned By Trees! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/treeowned.html --- ..Wow! Thanks Linda! These were so unbelievable that I had to look them up before I did the page up! Awesome! Good thing trees are so tough! We'd be extinct without them! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _.---,_ .' `'. \ __..-'\ }-"` \ /__,,..---.._| \ | |---..__ | / ``"-./ .'---...__ | .' ``"-./ ,--./...,,,__ / '--.'__ __```.-. /._ / ` ` ' `=/.-.|-._) | .-. .-. "\\ / || O| | O| ""=='_\ .-' '-'o '-' ""=\` `''--/- ""=-,\--._ .---|- ( ""=-. \` \ /`)"=."=|'-. '. _.-' ' "=|\| (`----` '="=|/ `-. "=/` '. =/ \ =| .-. |` "=| ( ~._ | "==| _.-~`\ \ ~. |'"="| _.-~ ) ; ~-.|.-._|_.-~ / / _-( /-.__ ( '._..--~~`/`/-'\-._ `~~- ; jgs /"=| |" =\~-...___.-~ /=" / | "==\ / = (_ \ "==\ ;="= `\_) =="\ >TOO MANY CHILDREN? I am not a writer, and as a matter of fact, English was always my worst subject in school. But this is something near and dear to me, so please hear me out... I work for a very large company with many employees, most of whom I do not know. As I was walking in one morning shortly after Thanksgiving, I overheard two ladies talking about the needy family that had been "adopted" for Christmas by her husband's company. She was very upset over the family that had been selected as they had "too many children" and that they should not have had that many if they couldn't take care of them. My blood was boiling, but I bit my tongue. She continued that she and her husband decided not to give anything this year because why should they help a family that "just didn't know when to stop". The second lady agreed. I couldn't help myself. I turned around and, as calmly as I could, asked them what they really knew of this family. The lady who had been doing all the talking explained that there were seven kids, the oldest of which was only 10. The parents were only thirty and "obviously they started too young, instead of getting an education to provide for their family". She knew their first names, their ages, favorite colors, and items needed and wanted for Christmas. The list of wants/needs was pretty basic -- hats, mittens, coats, a doll for little Susie, a truck for Joe, etc., nothing extravagant at all. The "problem" was just that they had "too many children". At that point, I introduced myself, and explained I was also in my early thirties and had "too many children". I also had seven children, and my oldest was only 8. The women decided my situation was different since I was working and providing for my children and that they were not being "adopted by strangers for Christmas". I then told them that most of my kids also had their names on Christmas want lists and would very desperately love to be adopted for Christmas -- permanently adopted by a "real" family! You see, six of my seven children are FOSTER children. They stammered, they stuttered, they apologized, they had never thought of that. I gave them a few other possible cases as to how a family can end up with "too many children". It could be anything -- death of the parents, combined families, grandparents raising grandchildren, etc. After hearing this, the ladies said they wished they would have done something to contribute, but it was too late as the collection had been completed and already turned in. I knew they could see things differently now. I explained how I often got rude comments at the grocery store when I took my kids and used government vouchers (these are government subsidies for food for low income families, and are provided for kids in foster care). Cruel comments like, "you shouldn't have so many children if you can't afford to feed them". My oldest one asked me one day after hearing this, "Mom, can we afford all of this food?" She was truly bothered by these comments (we routinely spend $300 a week in groceries, after the vouchers). I don't explain it to strangers in the store as it would only hurt the kids more, as they have all learned to dislike that f-word (foster) as this makes them different, even a feeling of being unwanted or unloved. But many of our family and friends are teaching others not to be so quick to assume and judge. The ladies and I continued to talk for awhile and I showed them pictures of my seven kids. We talked about the number of children in foster care, orphanages, and waiting to be adopted in the United States. It's incredible that there are so many children in need. In some way, she was right -- the "problem" is that there are just "too many children" -- too many who need to be loved and cared for, and yes even adopted, not only for Christmas but for forever. The following morning, when I arrived at my desk, there sat two bags of Christmas gifts for "my" kids. It's amazing how much people really do care when they really know. -- Kathy Gerst ___________________________________________ Kathy says: Amazingly, we still have the same seven children that we had last year at Christmas, but now only three are in foster care, because we have adopted them. We are also planning to adopt the other three as soon as we can legally. I love reading Roger Kiser's stories, as these often help me see through the eyes of my children some of their feelings, fears, hopes, etc. I hope to get the word out to others before the Christmas adoptions are done -- how sometimes big families are not always what they seem. Please do not be so quick to criticize, the worst part of the rude comments is that these are often done in front of the children, and I know it causes them even more worry and stress. My husband, Ted and I live near Kansas City, Missouri, with our ever growing family, and 3 horses, 2 dogs, and a cat. --- ...Keep in mind too that the children are the innocent ones. They should never be penalized for something their parents did or didn't do. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Jesus said it quite well... Mark.10: [13] And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. [15] Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. [16] And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: \_/ --(_)-- . / \ /_\ |Q| .-----' '-----. __ /____[SCHOOL]___\ ())) | [] .-.-. [] | (((()) ..|____|_|_|____|..................................)(... ldb >THE REWARD FOR FAITHFULNESS I thought you would enjoy the following list of "Rules and Regulations for Teachers in 1872": 1. Teachers each day will fill lamps, clean chimneys, and trim wicks. 2. Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and scuttle of coal for the day's sessions. 3. Make your pens carefully: you may whittle nibs to the individual taste of pupils. 4. Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if they go to church regularly. 5. After 10 hours in school, the teachers spend the remaining time reading the Bible or other good books. 6. Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed. 7. Each teacher should lay aside from each pay a goodly sum of his earnings for his benefit during his declining years so that he will not become a burden on society. 8. Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool or public halls, or get shaved in a barber shop will give good reason to suspect his worth, intentions, integrity and honesty. 9. The teacher who performs his labors faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of 25 cents per week in his pay, providing the Board of Education approves. I was intrigued by the wording of #9 above. It sounded somewhat familiar to me. Then it dawned on me that there is a similarity to what Jesus had to say to the seven churches of Asia Minor in Revelation 2 and 3. "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." ( Rev.2:10b) "...[T]hey shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels." (Rev. 3:4-5) There are a couple of significant differences, though, between the promise given to teachers in 1872 and the promises given by Jesus. Jesus doesn't require that we live "without fault" (and oh, how I'm thankful for that!). The reward that Jesus promises is considerably better than 25 cents for every five years of service (and I'm thankful for that as well!). And it's not a matter of gaining the approval of a group of men. The only approval that matters is the smile we'll see on our Father's face. Father, thank you for the promises that you have given -- not just the promise of a crown or of white garments, but the promise of an opportunity to be in your presence, to be held in your arms. I don't live before you "without fault", so I thank you for your grace as I seek to live faithfully as your child. I commit all that I am and all that I have to be used in your service. In Jesus' name, amen. Have a great day! Alan Smith -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >Worship: Offering Yourself to God (By Rick Warren [Edited]) Offering yourself to God is what worship is all about. This act of personal surrender is called many things: consecration, making Jesus Lord, taking up your cross, dying to self, yielding to the Spirit. What matters is that you do it, not what you call it. God wants your life, all of it - 95 percent is not enough. Our total surrender to God is blocked by several things, including: * Our ignorance of God - not knowing what he's really like; * Our sinful nature - the desire to be God ourselves; and * Our misunderstanding of surrender and the trust that it requires. Can We Trust God? Trust is an essential ingredient to surrender. We won't surrender to God unless we trust him, but we can't trust him until we know him better. Fear keeps us from surrendering, but love casts out all fear. The more you realize how much God loves you, the easier surrender becomes. How do I know God loves me? He gives us many evidences: * God says he loves you (Psalm 145:9); * You're never out of his sight (Psalm 139:3); * He cares about every detail of your life (Matthew 10:30); * He gave you the capacity to enjoy all kinds of pleasure (1 Timothy 6:17b); * He has good plans for your life (Jeremiah 29:11); * He forgives you (Psalm 86:5); * He's patient with you (Psalm 145:8); * He sacrificed his Son for you (Romans 5:8). God loves you infinitely more than you can imagine. "Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1 HCSB). If you want to know how much you matter to God and Jesus Christ, look at Jesus with his arms outstretched on the cross saying, "I love you this much! I'd rather die than live without you." God is not a cruel slave driver or a bully who uses brute force to coerce us into submission. He doesn't try to break our will, but woos us to himself, so that we might offer it freely to him. God is a lover and a liberator, and surrendering brings freedom, not bondage. When we completely surrender ourselves to Jesus, we discover that he is not a tyrant but a savior; Jesus is our brother; not a dictator, but a friend; and that God is not a boss, but our Father, -<>- KARL MARX DEVOTED his entire life to writing about the demise of capitalism and the coming of communism... He, along with Friedrich Engels, wrote one of the most well-known political treatises in all of history, the Communist Manifesto. As evidence of his keen understanding of the great power of words, Marx is credited with saying: "Give me twenty-six lead soldiers and I will conquer the world!" Who are the twenty-six lead soldiers Marx referred to? They are the twenty six letters of the alphabet on a printing press. THOUGHTS: All words have power and meaning (Isa. 55:11). Jesus said we would be held accountable for even our idle words (Matt. 12:36-37), and Proverbs says that that words have the power of life and death (18:21). So the question is not whether words have power. The question is, "What power am I releasing with my words?" If you have sent froth words that hurt, take them back with an apology and replace them with words that heal. The greatest untapped source of healing in life is "pleasant words." You may not consider yourself a physician, but you should--as long as you are dispensing words of life. (David Jeremiah) KneEmail: "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones" (Prov. 16:24). Bible reading for 01.16.09: Matthew 11; Genesis 39, 40 Mike Benson, Editor -<>- _.--._ \ ** / (<>) . ) ( . )\_.._/ /\ \_.._/( (*_<>_ _<>_*) )/ '' \ \/ / '' \( ' ) ( ' ( ) ) ( (<>) / ** \ /.-..-.\ >THE WISDOM OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. "War is a poor chisel for carving out a peaceful tomorrow." "Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance." "In the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." "Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see." "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." "I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." "Science investigates, religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control." "We have guided missiles and misguided men." "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." -<>- __ /\/'-, ,--''''' /" ____,'. ) \___ '"""""------'"""`-----' pb >A DOG’S LOVE By: Joseph J. Mazzella It was raining on the day I took my St. Bernard, Buddy to the vet for the last time. It was raining on my windshield, it was raining in my eyes, and it was raining in my soul. My heart was heavy with the sadness of knowing that I would soon be losing a friend who had always touched my soul with his sad face and sweet personality. When he was a puppy I used to carry him around in one arm. Now his 170 lb body was ancient and ailing. Throughout all his life he had protected us with his strength and loved us with his gentleness. He was a part of our family and taking him on this last ride was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. My voice like my spirit felt broken as I told the vet that it was best to end Buddy’s suffering now. I had watched over the last year as he slowed down. He was in a lot of pain. He seemed more and more irritable and uncomfortable with each passing day. Finally there came a point when I knew it was time to let him go. His days here on Earth may have been short by our standards, but every single one of them was full of love. A person who didn’t own dogs once asked me why I would put myself through such pain. Why would I bring dogs into my home knowing that eight, ten, or fifteen years later I would be losing them to death? I couldn’t answer him at the time, but looking back on Buddy’s years with us I think I can now. A dog’s love is unconditional. It is pure. It is strong. It is blessed. It gives us such great happiness. It reminds us of what God’s love for us must be like. It shows us what our own love is capable of becoming. A dog’s love makes us better. If I have to suffer this pain then to have that love then I will do so gladly. Take care dear Buddy until I see you again. You made me better. You helped me to love. You gave me so much joy. I will forever cherish in my heart the years we had here together. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Jesus Laughing Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Christ's Life http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html Dog Rescue Stories http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogrescues.html Important Life's Truths http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetruths.html Making A Difference http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/makingdifference.html Living Tree Church http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/treechurch.html Watermelon And Egg Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/watermelon.html It's A Dog's World! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogsworld.html Chapel With Bone Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chapel.html Chalk Art 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart3.html More Abundant Life http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abundantlife.html Pay It Forward http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/payitforward.html Sweet Humanity http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/sweethumanity.html True Heroes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trueheroes.html -<>- Children's Bibles Prepare Next Generation http://tinyurl.com/yba2zyx5 -<>- Center for Religious Expression: Support Creative Expression at the Supreme Court http://tinyurl.com/y8675xqr -<>- >From Our Friend Cloie :) Check out You Are Not Forgotten - New Trump Painting - Jon McNaughton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac6drk67Mss --- ...Love It! Thanks Cloie! 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 ========================================================== >-->Story Time From Our Friend Fran :) | | _ | _/=\_ | _/=====\_ | '-\-' / \ ' , ' /(o)| __)-(____ /|^^^| / <\/> __/_|\/^| / /| : | /__|^^^| / / | : |/___|^^^| /_/ }===={)___|^^^|\ .-. ((' |) (| )__|^^^|_\ ______/o ) \\ | | )_|^^^|/ \----- ( / _____ '\ | | | \|^^^| \ / \ // ||||| ___\| | |____|^^^|__________\ / \\\\///__||||| /___)| | |___///|\\\_____=____\_/(___\\)/___|()|| /___( |__|_|__////|\\\\ __ ___-______| | \____||||| /__=__)(___)__)^^^^^^^^^( ;__________| |______||||| /_____(___________________)___________" "____=__||||| ________________________________________________||||| ||||| _________ |OOShy My father was originally a commercial fisherman who had come ashore to take better care of his family and offer his children better opportunities. He first worked as a diesel mechanic at a shipyard, then opened his own shop. He was not a highly educated man. Military academy was all his schooling, and then he had to drop out during the depression and start fishing to help my grandmother and aunt. So, when he opened his own business and began to work for himself, it was very hard — long hours were put in. My mother had unfortunately become an alcoholic and, being the youngest of four children, I generally received the brunt of her displeasure. As time went on, I became a very difficult child, constantly in trouble with school, flirted with gang-related activity, and tried to find validation for my life in all the wrong places. With the abuse I took at home from my mother, more mentally than physically, my grades became progressively worse ...but I didn't care. I was angry and it didn't seem as if anyone really cared. One day my dad sat me down and asked me what was wrong and, being a kid, I couldn't express myself. Instead I became angry and lashed out at him. He met with my teacher and discussed my grades and attitude. My father tried everything from spankings, to bribery, to intimidation. One day during all of this turmoil I found him sitting outside of my classroom watching me to make sure that I was good and not a disruption. He did this at different times during the day, so I never knew when he would show up. Well, when you are in elementary school and at war with the world thinking that no one cares, this was a surprise. It took him 45 minutes to drive from work to my school and 45 minutes back. I asked him why he was doing it and he said because he loved me and believed in me. His unfaltering belief in me, that I was good, that I was loved, is what turned me around. My mother later died of alcoholism and his devotion to her was just as strong. Her death devastated him but even through that difficult time he continued working with me. In fact, if you look at his life from the days during the depression when he went out on the ocean as a teenager to help the family, to my mother, to me, he never wavered. He taught me by example. With my father's help, I went on to college, class president, career, and now have children of my own. My hope is that my children will always say that I was there for them — as my father was for me. by Robert Holland --- ...A great story! Thanks Fran! -<>- o=(=(=(=(=(=(=)=)=)=)=o !-'-'-'-/_\-'-'-'-! ! ! , /___\` ! !! !!! , / | \` ! ! !! ,|___|___` !!! !_,| |_______|` `_! !-`| | | |,-! !!!! | | ! !! !!!! | | !!!! !!!!_|_______|_!!!! !!!!___________!!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! ejm !!!! !!!! >Through My Window In the wee hours of the morning I awake It's the beginning of a brand new day Coffee in hand I open the blinds It's still dark but the night won't stay. Slowly I watch the dawn push forward Tints of purple and blue slowly fill the sky Stars are fading to the background To make way for the sun up high. Clouds of course just might drift in To block each sun filled ray Or maybe drops of rain will fall And wind will blow in a stormy day. I wait to see what the day will bring It really doesn't matter you see For mother nature likes to play And her variety always pleases me! Today will be a special one Fluffy white clouds are drifting by As blue skies begin to brighten I smile at the morning and sigh. Now the kids come trooping out Soon the bus will take them to school They see me at my window and wave I wave back and grin like a fool. I'm so thankful for this window For I'm stuck in this old wheelchair So I live my life through others As if I did not have a care. ~ Charlotte Anselmo ~ --- ...We all have much to be thankful for! Thanks Fran! ============================================================== .---. (_---_) (_/6 6\_) ( v ) `\ /' .-'': ;``-. / \,Y./ \ / (:)___ \ : .-'XXX`-.`\_; `.__.-XXX-.__.'\_ / / XXX \ \ `\_ / XXX \ `\ / XXX \ _`\___ jgs / \ (`--"""-') / \ (=-=-=-=-) `--...___ ___...--' (________) >Homeward Bound Story Editor: by Tim Miller Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA In 1993 my sisters moved my mother to an assisted-living center. Mom was in fairly good health, but taking care of her big house, lawn and shoveling snowy sidewalks was a bit much for her 69-year-old body. After weeks of research, my sisters found the perfect place, just a few miles from mom's home. "The Point" was set up like a resort hotel, with a common dining area, many activity rooms, a gym, walking trails, etc. Great effort had been taken to ensure it didn't *look* like a nursing home. The top floor was for fully functional retirees down-sizing from their present homes. The middle floor was for people needing occasional assistance, and the lower floor had hospital beds in apartments with full-time nursing care. People could move in, then obtain different levels of assistance as needed -- without leaving the familiar setting of home and friends. They also allowed small pets, with pet-walking assistance available. My mother visited different places with my sisters, and liked this one best. However, despite *wanting* to move, she worried about the moving ordeal, and decided to wait another year. We knew she needed to move sooner, though, because she was experiencing ever more frequent asthma attacks requiring lengthier hospital stays. During one such hospital visit my sisters decided to act. I will be forever grateful to my two sisters, who saw my Mother's need for enhanced safety and support in her life, and did what needed to be done. Moreover, they acted with incredible style and grace to help our mother through the difficult transition from independent to assisted living. While my mother recovered in the hospital, my sisters moved her living room, dining room, kitchen, and two bedrooms into a vacant apartment at The Point. They took photographs of every wall and piece of furniture so that after they reassembled her rooms in the new apartment, they could put everything on the walls and in the curio cabinets exactly how mother had it. Even the kitchen drawers and cupboards were put back as they were, with coupons, utensils, and a half-eaten bag of cookies on the counter. Coincidentally, this occurred days before my birthday. My mother had asked me to fly home for my birthday, and my reservations were made. I flew in anyway, assuring my mother that I would stay until she was well enough to leave the hospital. When my sisters and I picked up my mother from the hospital, we drove to The Point to "show Tim how nice the apartments are". I hadn't seen it, so this seemed reasonable. However, when we opened the door to a supposedly vacant apartment, my mother found her *home* faithfully re-created inside. As she stood there slack-jawed taking in the moment, I habitually stepped into the kitchen and helped myself to some cookies and a glass of milk. All my mother could do was stand there, cry, and say, "Oh my! I'm home. I'm already home". =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Laugh & Lift: "Our circumstances are not an accurate reflection of God's goodness. Whether life is good or bad, God's goodness, rooted in His character, is the same." - Helen Grace Lescheid , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The Cost of Caring (Author Unknown, Provided by Student Discipleship Ministries, TX) Mark 10:35-45 (NIV) says: "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we want you to do for us whatever we ask.' 'What do you want me to do for you?' he asked. They replied, 'Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.' 'You don't know what you are asking,' Jesus said. 'Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?' 'We can,' they answered. Jesus said to them, 'You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.' When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'" What was the main lesson that Jesus was wanting to get across to the disciples in this passage? One day over a hundred years ago, in a seashore village on the coast of Japan, the people went about their business as usual. Above the village on a high plain, one of the richest men in the area looked out to sea with horror written across his face. From his home high above the village he could see a huge tidal wave heading for the village and the unsuspecting villagers below. Without hesitation, the rich man called to his grandson, "Bring me a torch! Hurry!" In his field lay his great crop of rice, ready for market. The old man hurried out with his torch and set the valuable crop ablaze. Shortly the big bell from the temple below rang out notifying the villagers of the fire. All in the village hurried up the side of the cliff to help the old man put out the fire. As they reached the plain the rich man shouted at the top of his voice, "Look!" The villagers turned to see the tidal wave headed for their village. In seconds it was over. Their homes had been broken like matchsticks, but their lives had been saved by the sacrifice of the old man's crops. What price are you willing to pay that your friends' lives might be saved? Think of a sacrifice you can make this week so that someone may come closer to the Lord. 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 --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...This Reminds me of this... Trusting In God: I've been watching the videos of people rescuing people and animals in Texas. Our hearts understandably goes out to all the people and they are always our first priority in a disaster. I was also especially blessed to see the efforts of people rescuing cattle, horses and even a deer. The news reporter had said that during Hurricane Katrina some 600,000 animals had been lost or killed. I had been worried that wildlife and even farm life would also suffer greatly during this Hurricane Harvey. I knew that dogs and cats were being rescued, although sadly, I also knew of many that had to be left to fend for themselves as their owners fled to higher ground. So watching cattle being herded to higher ground and a small deer completely exhausted resting in a small boat did my heart good. But what really blessed me was seeing the video of horses being saved. A man on horse in water chest level on the horses was pulling open a gate with a horse eagerly waiting on the other side to come through. I thought of this scene in my mind, thinking, just as we go to Jesus Christ to save us from the floods in our life, this horse was eager to be with this stranger on the other side where he trusted he would somehow be brought out safe and sound. ,(\_/) ((((^`\ (((( (6 \ ((((( , \ ,,,_ ((((( /"._ ,`, ((((\\ ,... (((( / `-.-' ))) ;' `"'"'"(((( ( ((( / ((( \ )) | | (( | . ' | )) \ _ ' `\ ,.'Y ( | y;---,-""'"-.\ \/ ) / ./ ) / `\ \ |./ ( ( / /' || \\ //'| jgs || \\ _// || || )) |_/ || \_\ |_/ || `'" \_\ `'" That's our choice. This horse could have been too frightened to come through the gate as this strange man on a horse was violently and noisily struggling to pull the gate open for him or he could put his trust in the man and come over to his side that for all intents and purposes looked just as dangerous as where he was already standing. The horse rightfully decided that even though he didn't know the man very well, and the man was being loud and scary, that the situation that he was in was not getting any better and he had to take this opportunity while he had the chance. Without trust, the man couldn't have saved the horse. The bible tells us this very thing... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Prov.3: [5] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: _ ,="` `""=, o / ' ,=="""'=; , __ ~ /.: ,--'/=,) o \`\\"._ _, | .='/ <9(9.=" / _ |||;._//) / .:' (J ^\ \ o_/@ @ /// |=( .' .' \ '='/ '-. ( (`__, ,`\| / .' / \`-;_ . ' \ '.\_/ |\_.' ~ / | ' /` _ \ ::' ) `""``` | , .' ; /`\/ `\ \.::'/.-._///_ |/ ' \_,\__/\ \.-'.'----'` \| '. \ \ /`-, ~ `\ '.' _.-'\ (`-` .' `-.-' _.-')__./,--'` .--'`,-'`'""` ` \ /`"`-` :' ::' | ~ | .: .::' :: ::' / ~ | .:' .-'__ .:: .' \ ;'"` `""----'` \ .'\ '. `\ jgs ):' `-. ~ / :..:' `-._ | :' , `-, ~ \ .' `''----` `.( >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY Friends of Debbi's recently moved from Orlando to the town of St. Cloud, which is less than a half hour's drive south, on the other side of Disney. When Debbi went to visit them last week, 7-year-old Connor asked very seriously, "So how are things up there in Orlando?" Debbi told him, "We are fine, but still cleaning up from the hurricane." "Yeah, Hurricane Charley," he replied. "I remember that one. Now we're getting ready for Hurricane Fantasia." (He meant Frances, of course.) -- Debbi Armstrong of Orlando, Florida Here's another one from Debbi. Coming home from school recently, Debbi's daughter Anna, 10, wanted to go for a swim. She tried, unsuccessfully, to convince her sisters to go in the pool with her. She complained that she really wanted to go swimming. "Go by yourself," Debbi told her. Still whining, Anna replied, "I can't go swimming by myself. It's as dumb as taking a bath!" .-'''''-. |'-----'| /`-.....-`\ | <_} | | .-\-. | _,._ | /# ` \ | __.-` `"""-. | \ / | ..--' `"-. `)_,._ \ '-'-' / (` )--.-"``` `"-.`'-----'` '-----------' ( ) jgs `-------------` Holly, and her mom, Heidi, were grocery shopping when Holly saw they had fajitas on sale. "Can we buy some fajitas for Daddy?" she asked. "He really likes fajitas." Noticing that Holly had pronounced the "j" in the word both times, and since Holly has been learning Spanish, Heidi corrected her saying, "Remember, Holly, in Spanish you don't pronounce the j -- instead, you say 'h' for j." Holly nodded and repeated the word properly. The two continued their shopping until they came to the frozen food aisle, where Holly noticed the Jimmy Dean sausage, and said, "Can we buy Daddy some Himmy Dean sausage, too? He really likes Himmy Dean." -- Cindy Bevington (grandmother of Holly, who lives in Jacksonville, Fla.) Lucas, 5, overheard his parents, Kelly and Brad, talking about getting his younger brother, Jacob, 1, a haircut. But before they could take Jacob to get his hair cut, Lucas decided to do the job himself and cut a large chuck out of the front of Jacob's hair. Kelly tried to explained to Lucas that they always take him to the beauty shop to get his hair cut and had planned to take Jacob there also. When Kelly asked why Lucas didn't wait so they could take Jacob to the beauty shop he replied, ''Well, Mom, I can't drive!!'' -- as told to Jan Richardson of Kendallville, Indiana (Kelly's mother) by Luke's other grandparents, Barry and Paula Graden .:::::::. .::::::::::::. .::::::::::::=='=-, _;;;;=='''` _; / __,,==::::. \___,,,===''':::::::::::. ;|_ __ `::::::::::. :\__. __.` ::-.::::::: ::)#_\ `#_\ : _,\:::::. ::| ` _/:::::: ::| ,. |\::::::: ::; / ;:::::: :::\ .-._, / ;::::: ':::\ \^/ / ;::::: ':::\ ` /` ;::::: ':::'.__.:\ ;::::: ':::::::::| ;::::: :::::::::| .-. \::::: ::::::::/__.' '.\:::: ::::::(`/ / \|::: ::::-'--'`|--'--'--|::: .::' / | | | / |::' .:/ `"---"'`| | /:: jgs .:; | |-'|' Karen, who is Native American Cherokee, was eating quiche with her sons. Her 4-year-old wasn't sure if he liked it or not. "What is it?" he asked his mother. Karen told him it was called quiche. He turned to his grandmother, who had made it, and said with a very serious face, "Tastes more like Chera-quiche to me!" (Cherokee was the only word he had ever heard that remotely sounded like quiche!) -- Karen Wright of Nevada Paul Jason (PJ) was about 6 when he got into trouble. His father scolded him at great length. Afterwards PJ just looked up at him and said, "Dad, I wish you would cut me a piece of slack!" -- Paul Stamsen (PJ's father) of Delta, Colorado (PJ is now 19 and 6 feet, 2 inches tall, so his father is doing the looking up these days!) | |/ | ,,,,, ,+ /| / \ () | || \ C '\ /|_() || ) _| .'___/,,,// || .'=. (____E.' / / \ || | \)`-\ _F_.' \ c `\ || \ \ !'__/ ) _| || \ \,' / /`._( || |`. .' / \ \ || \ `-' | .-. | | \ E || >====[] | \ |__| | O OE || / |_/ | |___)| `.__j____ \|E || \_ | || __`.________ `. |""|\| \ |\ ||| \///_ _|__|_| \ __ | \ ||`""\\""""//"' \`. \ | |[__]| \ ||.---\\__//---. | | \____| ||__|/ / \|____________|\ |/ | | | / || || /| | | -----| |/------------||-||-/`| |----------| /| | || ||/`-|___| | /\| | || \\._ [____] h| /`.|____| || \\ `-/ '`._ j| `=.\____/ || \\__`-.____) w| ) '`--. _.-||-._ `""""""" | `='====' ,-' ' ` `-. | `-.________.-' | Bailey, 8, went with his grandmother to the hairdresser for a trim. On the way they stopped and bought a fountain drink to take with them. His grandmother decided it would be nice to take one to Linda, their hairdresser, as well. As Bailey was sitting down in the chair in front of Linda, his grandmother handed her the drink she had bought her. Linda said, "Oh that was sweet of you." Bailey piped right up and said, "Just take it off the bill!" -- Lyne Hitt (grandmother of Bailey) of Statesboro, Georgia Abigail, 5, just started kindergarten last week. She came home and told her mother with great excitement that she was learning about erections in school. Her mother was worried and asked her what she meant. Abigail said, "It's how to get to the playground and how to do my work. Her mother figured out she was talking about directions! -- Amber (mother of Abigail) in West Virginia _____ __ .-'` `'-. __ / _'-._.-'--, ,--'-._.-'_ \ | / ' .' .--.\ /.--. '. ' \ | || .' .:/____\\ //____\:. '. || \,/. | \o/ | | \o/ | .\,/ ,-`/ :. '.___.| |.___.' .: \`-, ,--`/. '::' / / \ \ '::' .\`--, ,'--'| :. /` / \ `\ .: |'--', ,'`. \ ':.:' /` (`'---'`) `\ ':.:' / `', ,' _ '-..--'| . '. .' . |'--..-' ', `.-` \ .' `:` '. / `-.` `.-'_ . _ \,__.--'--.__,/ __ . _'-.` ' `/.-' ''-) (-'' '-.\` | | jgs | | \ / '.________.' Joey, 7, was being grouchy about something. His grandmother told him, "Joey, life is too short to be grouchy." He replied, "Not for me, it's not. I'm only in my sevens!" -- Peggy Rathfon of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania A couple of years ago, Jackie was working at a daycare center. One little boy was leaving with his mom when he saw a cake picture on the big kids' calendar. He asked his mother, "What's that?" She told him, "That's a birthday cake; that's Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday." Then he said, "Oh, well, maybe we can go to his house and have birthday cake!" -- Jackie of Sonoma, California ___ ___ .i .-' `-. i. .' `/ \' _`. |,-../ o o \.' `| (| | / _\ /_ \ | |) \\\ (_.'.'"`.`._) /// \\`._(..: :..)_.'// \`.__\ .:-:. /__.'/ `-i-->.___.<--i-' .'.-'/.=^=.\`-.`. /.' // \\ `.\ || || || || \) || || (/ \) (/ hjw Jackie remembers the same little boy was pinching everybody one day. When she told him to stop, he said, "But I'm a crab!" Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Never Alone (By Bertrude B. McClain) He can calm the troubled waters When you walk in dark despair. There is hope when you feel helpless Knowing that the Lord is there... Sharing in your sunshine moments Or in valleys deep and wide, He will never, ever leave you- He is always by your side. There's no other friend so faithful Through the sunshine and the rain, Through the teardrops and the laughter, In your joy and in your pain. We could never, ever thank Him For His love He gives so free, Never changing...never ending Throughout all eternity. Oh, the wonder of all wonders As we live from day to day, Knowing that we have a Father Who is with us all the way. --- ...And a Lord and Savior that is so very awesome! Thanks LouiseAu! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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