When Laughter Heals And More ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' Updates.. I got busy and updated the Animations Gallery with some more great Halloween animations. We've got a bunch of them! .-----. .' `. : ^v^ : : : ' ' |~ www `. .' /.\ /#^^\_ `-/\--' /# \ /#% \ /# \ /#% \ /#%______\ /#%__\ /#% \ |= I I || |- | ~~|~~~|~~ |_=_-__|' |[]| |[] |_______\__|/_ _ |= |`. ^V^ |- /= __ __ /-\|= | :; |= /- /\/ /\/ /=- \.-' :; | /_.=========._/_.-._\ .:' |= |-.'.- .'.- | /|\ |.:' \ |=|:|= |:| =| |~|~||'| |~|-|:| -|:| |-|~|~||=| ^V^ |=|=|:|- |:|- | |~|~|| | | |-_~__=_~__=|_^^^^^|/___ |-(=-=-=-=-=-(|=====/=_-=/\ | |=_-= _=- _=| -_=/=_-_/__\ | |- _ =_- _-|=_- |]#| I II |=|_/ \_-_= - |- = |]#| I II jgs | / _/ \. -_=| =__|]!!!I_II!! _|/-'/ ` \_/ \|/' _ ^^^^`.==_^. _/ _/`-./`-; `-.\_ / \_'\`. `. ===`. / .-' __/_ `. _/.' .-' `-. ; ====;\ /. `./ \ `. \ / - / .-'.' =====' > / \ / .-' `--. / .' / `-.' ======.' / Check them out here... FOR: Bones, Boo, Cat, Devil, Dracula... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs.html FOR: Fall, Gargoyle, Ghost, HALLOWEEN, HAUNTED HOUSE... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_f-j.html FOR: MONSTER, October, Owl... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_k-o.html FOR: Harry POTTER, PREHISTORIC, SCOOBY-DOO, TRICKorTREAT... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_p-t.html FOR: VAMPIRE, VULTURE, WITCH, WOLF, WORDS:Boo, WORDS:Hallo(ween) http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_u-z.html ================================================================ >-->From Heartwarmers: .-. _)/ (0,0) .\ (u) () .-. _\) .-="=-.// (o,o) \,//==\=== (e) () ===== .-. .-="=-. \(_ .-. _____ =,= (a.a) //==I==\\,/ (d.b) ()--___(0V0) (/_ (=) () ="= () (u) ||()----' \, ___.="==-._ \`(0V0) .-="-. |' \\ ()---` ==\==\\ /|) ||\\ //==/=\\ ==" \' ="= () || \\ ==. () ==== ()_/_ ==" ____(0V0) \` jgs () () \, `\"= ` ()---` // (|\ // // \\ ___(0);` \)/ .-. || // '/ '/ ()---' \\ /,(o,o) |' () "== "== \\ () (w) ==" \\ () /_ ___ \\,=", \` .-. // '-()-() =/=\\ ==" (o.o) '/ //\\|| ==== () .-. \(_ (n) "== /` \\| ="= `| (-.-) ,/ .-="=-. \) ==" `(0V0) '-- (-) () // =T= \\,/ joan stark .-="=.// () ==|== () mailto:spunk1111@juno.com //==I==` \ ="= ASCII ART GALLERY _\__() === /)(0V0) http://www.ascii-art.com/ \) .-. -' ` (0V0) // \\ //(e.e) // // // \\ .-. \) () (=) // // () () (o.o) ,| \\.="=. () () \\ || (m) () () ==/==\\ \\ \\ jgs \' '| ="=// //\\ === () \` \` ==" "== //=T= () /` \(0V0) _/ ==" ==" _\` === //\\ ==" || (|\ ,== (/_ .-. /\ (0V0) `\ || .\ \, (o.o) \\ "== () /_____ \\ () (=) () ==. .== \\ ` '--() () \\.="=-. (|/ // /, ,/ \` \\ || ==|==\\,/ '/ // // ==" \\|| \)/ === () "== () () .-. (0A0) ,/ =.= \\ // (a,a) ="= () (0V0)____ \\ // (o) ==\= // \\ ----()\ (0A0) \(/ .-="=. .===' \\ `\ =,= \,//==/=\\ // (w) () "== ===== () ==== () () (o'o) // .==I==. ="= |' `\ '-' '/ // (=) \\ ____(0V0)/|\ /|) "== () (d'b) () ()----`// \` '-' `/ \\ // /|\ /\\ \` () ==" \\ \` ==" >WHEN LAUGHTER HEALS by Ellie Braun-Haley While visiting mother at the nursing home, I was fixing her hair and placing a colorful barrette in it. Mom hadn't laughed at anything in a long time so we were both almost a pair of old sourpusses. Lately, I seemed to be matching her frame of mind. Mom was watching as I put the barrette in her hair and she commented on her wrinkles which actually are few for someone in her 90s. "Wrinkles!" I said. Spontaneous laughter erupted, "Surely we are not going to start worrying about wrinkles!" Immediately she too was laughing. This was a foreign sound to both of us and I don't know what her thoughts were about that laughter -- that superb burst of happiness. However, I haven't stopped laughing since then. Laughter does some amazing things for us and I think we need to constantly remind ourselves. If we actually laugh, even when we don't feel like it, it wakes up something deep within us. Our organs respond, enjoying the massage they receive with this process. Yes, I am saying even a phony laugh can put us in a good mood and help our organs! Personally, I feel our soul gets outright perky with every laugh! And with a laugh, there is some type of nozzle or goofy button that automatically releases the stress within us! Okay, I don't know the name of it, but I do know that laughter releases stress! There is a release of endorphins. Now we all know that these are chemicals that not only relieve pain but just make us feel downright good all over! And I do know that our health and immune system is bolstered by a good giggle session or laughter after hearing two very silly jokes. Laughter affects our respiration. More oxygen circulates through the body, so our lung capacity is improved! Running or brisk walking would do this too! I have also read articles by doctors and scientists commenting on laughter and how it prevents heart disease. In fact, one man used laughter therapy to repair his heart! When we laugh, people around us are inclined to follow suit. So our laughter may be just the prescription needed for someone who feels lost and lonely! We are quite able to spread flu and colds but have we considered how very infectious laughter can be? And have we considered that we have the ability to spread it around? I can hardly wait to get back and visit mother. Let me see, what are the ways I can get her to laugh? I felt so close to mother when we laughed together last week and hopefully she felt closer to me. Can laughter bind us together? No one else was in on the joke. It was ours and it was goofily, beautifully, wonderful. Now that I replay those moments, I also felt lighter, a bit more energetic. Everything just felt good! So I am looking forward to another visit. I guess I should add that laughter gives us hope! I am inspired and hopeful for a wonderful visit! Next time I feel out of sorts and I feel down because of a visit to see mom, someone please send me these notes back to me! I'll laugh, feel better and be ready to tackle the world and all its problems. -- Ellie Braun-Haley ====================================================================== >-->From Our Friend PatDeE :) + | /o\ |~| , | | , /\/ _ \/\ .-.-.-|| (_) ||-.-.-. | # # || _ || # # | jgs _| || ||| || |_ """""""""===""""""""" === >Church Buletins! They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank heaven for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services: -------------------------- The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. -------------------------- The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.' -------------------------- Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. -------------------------- Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you. -------------------------- Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help. -------------------------- Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. -------------------------- For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. -------------------------- Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get. -------------------------- Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. -------------------------- A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. -------------------------- At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice. -------------------------- Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. -------------------------- Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. -------------------------- Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. -------------------------- The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. -------------------------- Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow. -------------------------- The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon. -------------------------- This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin. -------------------------- Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in theFellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done. -------------------------- The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday. -------------------------- Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door. -------------------------- The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy. -------------------------- Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance. -------------------------- The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.' --- ...TeeHee! Thanks PatDeE! -<>- ============;===========;() # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # jgs # # # # # # # >AN AMERICAN To Kill an American [by Peter Ferrara, an associate professor of law at the George Mason University School of Law in Northern Virginia. Mr. Ferrara's commentary was originally published in the National Review on September 25, 2001] http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/comment-ferrara092501.shtml An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani or Afghan. An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans. An American is Christian or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses. An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God. An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness. An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return. When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country! As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2001 earning a better life for their families. So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo and Stalin and Mao Tse-Tung and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American. _ (_) <___> | |______ | |* * * ) | | * * (_________ | |* * * |* *|####) | | * * *| * | (________________ | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | | * * *| * | | | | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | |~~~~~~| * | | | | |######|* *|####|##############| | | |~~~' | | | |######|########|##############| | | | | | | |######|########|##############| | |~~~~~~| | | | | |########|##############| | | '~~~~~~~~| | | | |##########JGS#| | | '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | Please keep this going! Pass this around the World . Then pass it around again. It says it all, for all of us. Please do not just delete. Pass it on first. Thanks! --- ...Very well written! Thanks PatDeE! ================================================================ .-----. / '. ' .\ |_.__'_.|} (; 6 6 ;) ;, > ,; ;;;~~~;;; ___.';;;;;'.__ /'`\ `\ /` /`'\ / | | | | \ jgs( | |\_/| | @~ ) | | | | | | | /| | | |\ | \ || | | || / ( || | | || ) | || |___| || | \ ||___|[_]|___O| / | | / \O| | >Bucking the Crowd Story Editor: by Jeff Simms Joyce Schowalter Barnegat, New Jersey, USA It was a nippy Fall day -- our favorite kind of weather. It was Saturday and we were going to have a great time. My divorced mother, two younger brothers and I were on our way to the park at the other end of the small Jersey town we lived in. We had our football and makeshift goal posts in the back of the station wagon and our teams already chosen: us against our mother. (Don't worry, it was only touch football.) On the way we approached a small bar where an agitated crowd had formed outside. Suddenly there was a terrible tension in the air. "Uh, oh," one of my brothers said. "Shhh," my mother told him. I got an uneasy feeling in the gut of my stomach. I'd always had a certain uneasiness about crowds. Fear actually. When I was only about five, we were living in North Manhattan. I had witnessed a crowd yelling for a suicidal man atop an apartment building to jump. It left me with a bad impression of what decent, normal people are capable of when in the crowd mentality. I wanted out of there and shouted to my mother to speed up. Instead, she slowed! She pulled to the curb on the opposite side of the street. We were a few dozen feet from six or seven people cheering on a drunken fight. It was definitly crowd mentality, all right -- the same whether it was in a city or a small town. To our horror our mother got out, locking us boys in. "Stay put, guys" she said. We didn't unlock the car but we did open the windows about half way. To our astonishment our beautiful, petite mother defiantly walked through the ruckus, went up to the two brawlers and shouted to the one on top. "Get off him right now! You'll kill him!" It was as forceful as she had ever sounded. I'll never forget her standing there with her hands on her hips (her "mad-as-hell" stance which we knew very well), seemingly oblivious to the others around her. Two men in the crowd must have been humbled by her audacity because they broke rank from the rest and separated the two combatants. In the distance we heard a siren. Minutes later a police car pulled up and we got going again. The whole incident took no more than ten minutes, but it has been seared in my memory ever since. From the back seat my youngest brother kept his arms lovingly around our mother's neck as she drove, while my other brother and I just stared in utter amazement at her all the way to the park. I learned a great lesson that day from our petite mother. I learned that I really had nothing to fear from a crowd like that -- as long as I never become a part of it. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From InspiringWords: \ ', ,'~^~'~~'~~'^~^~'~~'^~~'~'~~' ,` \ ` , | , ` ' , '"-` _ ," ` , ` <' | ` ` ;^~~~^~~~'~^'^~~^'^~^~^~`. `, |" , ' : ' / `-, | | , | : |\ | " ` | \ | , : | | /~--,__ | ` , | \__,--~' ("-,_ |" ` | `, | / "-,_"-,|, _ , |_/ DON'T DRINK AnD DRIVE! "-,| \\______/ \ |, | / _\___/ \ | "\ \/\ | \ | \ \, | \ |` ` \__/ _| ),_ | , | :/ \ /-,_"-,_ __ | `, /=,'/ (' `-,_"-,/_ /~=,_ | | __/=/ | \ "-/-,//~=,_~=,_ |` (__ / (' \ \_//_~=,_~=, | , '| \ ) '=,_~=,_~= |` " ` |`\__( ~=,_~ |, ` | " , | _`"-_-"` -\"\/'` , ` `\/ /-"_-"-"_``_-"`_-`"_`-"`_"-` _`"-"`_-"-`\\/\\./,"\ \ `//,\//`-"-_`"--"`_-""_jgs_"-"-- _- -"`"_-"-"`_-`""``'-""`'_"'-"''_"-"-`_`"-"_-"-_"-_`-"- "A cheerful disposition is good for your health . . ." Proverbs 17:22 (Message Translation) "Laughter is God's hand on a troubled world." Johann Weiss "Laughter is the most beautiful and beneficial therapy God ever granted humanity. It is often just as sacred to laugh as it is to pray." Charles R. Swindoll "It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God that is afraid to laugh in his presence." George Macdonald "Laughter is one of God's greatest gifts to the world. It really is the answer to most of our problems. We are free to smile. Our maker makes room for laughter!" Emmett Kelly, Jr. Humor is mankind's greatest blessing. Mark Twain -<>- , }`-. , , \ \ '-' \ .-'{ _} . | ,`\ / ' ; .-;\ { \ | | / `/ '-.,/ ; | { -- -. ' '`-, .--._.' ; \__ \ \ | ' / |`. ; _,`\ '. '- ' `_- '.`; ; ,-`_.-' ,--. \ ` /` '--' `;.` (` _ .--.\ '._) '-. \ \ `-. ; `-';| '. -. ' __ '. ; ; _,-' / { __'.\ ' '-,/; `-' ';`.- ` .-' '-. `-._' | `; ;`' .-'` <_ -' ` .\ `; ; (_.'`\ _.;-"``"'-._'. `:; ___, _.-' | .-'\'. '.` \ \_,_`\ ;##` `'; _.' /_'._\ \ \__;#####./###. \` \.' .'`/"`/ (#######)###::.. _.' '.' .' ; , |:. `|()##`"""` jgs `'-../__/_\:: /O()()o ()'._.'`()()' >Thanks for the Memory (Received from Debbie) Three sisters ages 92, 100 and 104 live in a house together. One night the 104 year old draws a bath. She puts her foot in and pauses. She yells down the stairs "was I getting in or out of the bath?" The 100 year old yells back "I don't know. I'll come up and see." She starts up the stairs and pauses. Then she yells "was I going up the stairs or down?" The 92 year old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea and listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says "I sure hope I never get that forgetful." She knocks on wood for good measure. She then yells "I'll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who's at the door?" .=======.=============. //_______\\ \ //IIIIIIIII\\ \ // |_______| \\ \ //| |[_BANK_] |\\_____________\ | | _ _ | | | | | | | | | | _ _ _ | O__, | | |'|'| | | [_] [_] [_] | /\($) | |_| | |_| | | ($)/\__ | |=======| | | _\ ` |_|=======|_|__________jgs_| Criminal (But Real Funny) Behavior (Received from A Merry Heart) A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20 bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer? $15. Which leaves us with the question, If someone points a gun at you and gives you money, was a crime committed? Kentucky - two men tried to pull the front off a cash machine by running a chain from the machine to the bumper of their pickup truck. Instead of pulling the front panel off the machine, though, they pulled the bumper off their truck. Scared, they left the scene and drove home. With the chain still attached to the machine. With their bumper still attached to the chain. With their vehicle's license plate still attached to the bumper. Seems this Arkansas guy wanted some thing to drink pretty badly. He decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab some drinks, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. Seems the liquor store window was made of Plexi-Glass. The whole event was caught on video tape. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store, a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911 immediately and the woman was able to give them a detailed description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he replied "Yes Officer, that's her. That's the lady I stole the purse from." The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti, Michigan at 5:00 am, flashed a gun and demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn't open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the clerk said they weren't available for breakfast. The man, frustrated, walked away. ,@@@@@@@@@, @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@'_ _'@@@@@ @@@| o o |@@@ '@| (_) |@' \ ___ / |\_`~`_/| ____/: `"` :\____ /`}}}}}\ /{{{{{`\ / {{{{{ \ / }}}}} \ / }}}}} \.-./ {{{{{ \ | {{{{{ / | \ }}}}} | jgs | }}}}} \/|\/ {{{{{ | | /{{{{{ '-' }}}}}\ | Ode to Modern Day to English (Received from Net 153 Sunday Funnies) Remember when hippies meant big in the hips, And a trip involved travel in cars, planes and ships? When pot was a vessel for cooking things in, And hooked was what grandmother's rug may have been? When fix was a verb that meant to mend or repair, And to be-in meant merely existing somewhere? When neat meant well organized, tidy and clean, And grass was ground cover, normally green? When groovy meant furrowed, with channels and hollows, And birds were winged creatures, like robins and swallows? When fuzz was a substance, real fluffy, like lint, And bread came from bakeries, and not from the mint? When roll meant a bun, and rock was a stone, And hang-up was something you did with a phone? It's groovy, man, groovy, but English it's not, Methinks that our language is going to pot! A Man of Few Words (Received from Kimberly Cook's MornGlories) Brother John entered the 'Monastery of Silence' and the Chief Priest said, "Brother, you are welcome here as long as you like, but you may not speak until I direct you to do so." Brother John lived in the monastery for a full year before the Chief Priest said to him: "Brother John, you have been here a year now, you may speak two words." Brother John said, "Hard Bed." "I'm sorry to hear that" the Chief Priest said. "We will get you a better bed." The next year, Brother John was called by the Chief Priest. "You may say another two words Brother John." "Cold Food." said Brother John, and the Chief Priest assured him that the food would be better in the future. On his third anniversary at the monastery, the Chief Priest again called Brother John into his office. "Two words you may say today." "I Quit." said Brother John. "It is probably best." said the Chief Priest. "All you have done since you got here was complain." .--.-. ( ( )__ (_, \ ) ,_) '- \\---' _\\ \\ \ /` |>18>> / | <| . |< | | | | : | | | | \| . |/ | | \ \ : / / | | | . | | | \ '._:_.' / | | |===| | | '._/ { \_.' | | | | | | | `-'-` | |-|_/ \_ \_|-| | , | \_| | |_/ | | | |_ | _| |_ | _| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |___|___| |___|___| / / \ \ / / \ \ jgs(__/ \__) (__/ \__) OOOOOOOPS ! ! ! ! (Received from Pastor Tim's CleanLaugh) Two young engineers applied for a single position at a computer company. They both had the same qualifications. In order to determine which individual to hire, the applicants were asked to take a test by the department manager. Upon completion of the test, both men missed only one of the questions. The manager went to the first applicant and said, "Thank you for your interest, but we've decided to give the job to the other applicant." "And why would you be doing that? We both got 9 questions correct," asked the rejected applicant. "We have based our decision not on the correct answers, but on the question you missed," said the department manager. "And just how would one incorrect answer be better than the other?" the rejected applicant inquired. "Simple," said the department manager. "Your fellow applicant put down on question #5, 'I don't know.' You put down, 'Neither do I.'" =================================================================== >-->From Our Friends at TruthOrTradition: _|_ | | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ||_|| // \\ // \\ // === \\ // =-=-= \\ // === \\ //| |\\ | | | __ __ | | | | | | | | -|- | | |_|__|__|_| jgs /` ======= `\ /` ======= `\ >Can we really 'know' God? It is a sad commentary on Christian teachers and preachers that many of them, and the people they teach, believe that God and the Bible are mysterious and unknowable. Well-meaning Christians often quote Isaiah to support their claim. http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=595 -<>- ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >Know anyone that went to high school? See the lies that are still in the text books and much more in this excellent DVD/VHS called The Icons of Evolution. Here is some of the promo on the back cover: Are students learning the whole truth about Darwin's theory of evolution? According to a growing number of scientists, the surprising answer is no. They claim that many of the most famous 'Icons of Evolution' - including Darwin's 'Tree of Life,' finches from the Galapagos Islands, and embryos that look remarkably similar-are based on outdated research... Please show this to your kids -- and everyone else you know! http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=594 We trust that these links will be a blessing to you! Have a great day and know we are praying for you, The Home Office Staff Spirit & Truth Fellowship International / Christian Educational Services 1-888-255-6189, M-F 8:30-5, Central Time ====================================================================== >-->From Our Friend John-Paul :) >We Are Winners! _ _ ( Y ) \ / \ /^\ ) //^\\ ( // \\ ) // \\ God Bless Our Home __ // \\ |=^| // _ \\ __|= |__// (+) \\ /LLLLLLL// ~ \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// |~[|]~| |~[|]~| \\ ^| [|] // | [|] | | [|] | \\ | [|] ^| |_[|]_| |_[|]_| |^ ___|______| | /LLLLLLLLLL|_____________________| /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ ^||^^^^^^^^/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ || |~[|]~|^^||^^^^^^^^^^||^|~[|]~|^||^^ || | [|] | || |~~~~| || | [|] | || || |_[|]_| || | [] | || |_[|]_| || ||__________|| | o| ||_________|| .'||][][][][][|| | [] | ||[][][][][||.'. ."'||[][][][][]||_-`----'-_||][][][][]||"." .(')^(.)(').( )'^@/-- -- - --\@( )'( ).(( )^(.)^ '( )^(`)'.(').( )@/-- -- - -- -\@ (.)'(.),( ).('). ".'.'." ." '.". @/- - --- -- - -\@ '.".'.".'.".'." jgs'' ".".".'.'@/ - -- -- -- -- -\@".'..'".'."'.'.' '.".".''.".''."@/ -- --- --- -- - -\@.".''.".''.".'". Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life, For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one Another in some way. Look for God in others. The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or Touched - They must be felt with the heart ~ Life is like a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once. So You see,We are not human beings having a Spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a Human experience. ...:::::::... ...:::::::... .:::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::'.-=.-~, ':::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::' /{,_;--'},'::::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::: | .=~`|//| :::::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::::: | / ; \ | :::' __, '::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::::' || | | | :' .' \/\ ::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::::: |\| | | |\ / \ /_| :::::::::::::. ::::::::::::::::::::::. \ | | /|'/ / | \ /_ | :::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::' ,_ '::: `\ \/|/ / /`.: \ /__/ ::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: /\/`'. ':. `\ `./.'/\ : /.--' .:::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: |_\ / \ ::. '. ,/|\/| // '''''::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: | _\ / | .:: | | \ \/// .""'-. ::::::::::::: :::::::::::::: \__\ / .: .'/| | `)`/__//_/_/_\ :::::::::::: ':::::::::::::: '--.\ : /\/_| |} /.---. \ \ \ / :::::::::::' '::::::::::::'' \\ |\/_/| | //` . `'...-' :::::::::::' :::::::::: .-""'. \\\/ /{| |// .:::::....:::::::::::::: '::::::: /_\_\_\\__\`(` | '/ :::::::::::::::::::::::' ':::::: \ / / / .---.\ | | :::::::::::::::::::::::' '::::::. '-..,'` .:.`\\ | |} ::::::::::::::::::::::' '::::::......:jgs:: \\| | ::::::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::::::: \` | ::::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::::: | | ::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::: {| | ::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::: | | ::::::::::::' ':::::::::: | | ::::::::::' ':::::::: | |} ::::::::' ':::::: | | ::::::' ':::::. |/ ::::::' ':::.....:::::' ':::::::::' ':::::' ':' Oh, Yes: We are Winners Either Way, If we Go , Or If we Stay, For we Have our JESUS Each And Every Day. We Have our Healing Here Below, And Life `Forever` If We Go. Praise The Lord. Truly, WE ARE WINNERS-- EITHER WAY"! "So even come soon Lord Jesus" Always~~~~~~~~~~John-Paul --- ...Amen! Thanks John-Paul! ========================================================== >-->From Arcives InspiredBuffalo: _.-"""""'. .;__ `\ / `\ | ;a/ a `'. _ | ,_ |/_ _) / {(}`\ \,___. \.' '--''-.( \_ _ / .-\_ _."-.... ;_ _/ '--. \ ."\ _/\ , | / \_.' /'./ ; \__.' '-./ ' / __/ `\ / .' ``""--..__\___/ / | | , | \ ';_ / \ \`'-...-' \ \ | __ \ \ /-----; '. .--\_.-"\ | \ jgs / |._______|\ \ \_____,__/ '.__| "If there is light in the soul, There will be beauty in the person. If there is beauty in the person, There will be harmony in the house. If there is harmony in the house, There will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, There will be peace in the world." -Chinese Proverb -<>- .-"-. /) (\ / |6 6| \ \/\ Y`/\/ / ^ \ _; ; /_| | | | jgs (_|-|_) >Cap's Angel by Pamela Jenkins The cold wind rattled the window near my chair as I sat at my desk, going through bills that needed to be paid. I was thankful I didn't have to go outside in the nippy air. The forecast was for a hard freeze that night. It was a good day to stay indoors. Suddenly, a sharp rap on the window startled me. I looked up to see my husband peering in. He gestured for me to come outside. With a groan, I stood up and slipped on a jacket. I would have preferred to stay where I was nice and warm, instead of venturing out in the chill. Outside, I found my husband talking to our friend, Tony, who is an animal control officer. They stood next to Tony's truck where there was a break from the wind. I was about to suggest that we all go indoors when my husband pointed at something lying in the back of the truck. I stepped closer for a better look. It was a small terrier, emaciated and dirty. He was shivering in the cold. His eyes were matted and he had several bite wounds that were infected. "I picked up this little stray today," Tony said. "He's in pretty bad shape, and I don't think he's going to make it." I leaned over and whispered, "Hey, sweetie." The little terrier stood up on shaky legs. He squinted at me and slowly wagged his tail. I gasped, because it was then I realized that it was a wire fox terrier, the same breed as our dog, Tell. That was as far as the resemblance went, however. Tell was healthy and well kept, but this fellow was in such poor condition that his future was uncertain. I felt a tug at my heart when I heard my husband say, "My wife wants him." Tony seemed to hesitate, as if he weren't sure we were prepared for the task ahead of us. As he handed the dog to me, I was surprised at how feather-light the little body felt. I murmured my thanks as I hugged the dog tightly and hurried indoors. The first order of business was to fill that empty tummy. I poured a bowl full of dog food, and turned around to see the dog's ears perk up and his attention on the dish. "Nothing wrong with your appetite," I said with a smile as I watched him eat with gusto. After licking the bottom of the bowl, he curled himself on some warm blankets I laid out for him. In a few moments he was fast asleep, exhausted but no longer starving. Later that afternoon, shampoo and towels in hand, I gave him a bath. Layers of dirt and debris were rinsed off, and his bite wounds were cleaned. As I unbuckled his soiled collar, I realized this was someone's pet. How unfortunate that he had no identification tags to help locate his owner. After a second bowl of food was gulped down, the terrier snuggled in his blankets for another nap. I told my husband, "He's bright and alert, eating well, and I think he's going to make it." My husband seemed skeptical and warmed me that we still had a long way to go before this dog was healthy again. In spite of his warning, I went to bed happily thinking of a name to call our little guest. Tell was named after a Louis L'Amour character. I hoped another character's name would be a perfect fit. I decided we would call him Cap after the feisty little cowpoke that befriended the Sackett family in so many L'Amour western novels. The next morning, a happy little dog with a terrible case of diarrhea met me. My husband asked, 'Just how much did you feed him yesterday? You know, you almost killed him with kindness.' He gave a chuckle as I cleaned up the results of my 'kindness'. I couldn't help myself, I told him. Poor Cap had looked a little hollow and needed filling out. I vowed to feed in moderation after that episode, and I have to think Cap agreed with the new menu. We took things one day at a time, and Cap slowly began to put on weight. His wounds healed and hair began to grow back in bald places. One day I noticed I couldn't feel his ribs or hipbones anymore, and that hollow look was gone forever. After several weeks of searching for his owner with no results, we decided that little Cap was here to stay. Of course, Tell was ecstatic to have a companion to spend time with. What could be merrier than a wire fox terrier? I have to say it would be having two terriers in the house. Double the trouble and twice the fun, that's their motto! Whether digging holes in the yard, treeing squirrels, or raiding their toy box and scattering squeakies through the house, those boys are busy sunup to sundown with their mischief. This morning, I looked out the kitchen window at Tell and Cap romping in the yard. I felt a surge of pride in my two beautiful little terriers, well groomed and wearing matching collars. I hope that if the unthinkable happens again, they'll both be safely returned to their home with the help of their ID tags. I know it only takes a second for one to slip out the door or gate, and they're off on a great adventure that could have disastrous results. I love my guys and want them to be safe always. As my husband walked up behind me, he asked, "Any idea what you want for your birthday this year?" I considered my pair of mischief-makers that have brought so much joy into our home, and a husband that knows my heart. After a moment, I turned to give Cap's angel a hug and tell him I already had all I could ever want! Pamela Jenkins lives in Oklahoma with her husband Stanley and their four children. She is the office manager of a veterinary clinic and enjoys writing inspirational stories in her spare time. -<>- __....._ .-"`` _."; ;-......-"` | \ | \ | \ | \ |_..._ \ __..--""` _.-' _..--"" _..-"``-._.-----. "---;--"" __ / \ ( /__ __ ` | | `/-\/--\ \ | //`/ /`/ \ | /\\_\_\/ ;\ / ____ / . '._.' /` '.`"` _...._ | \___.' ,__ `\ | \ /|` | ; \ \ .' | | . '.\___..-'.__/ | | '. / _.-"| |""--.._\ .'`-" | | [_]_ _/ jgs \__..--""/ `""""`\ / \ >CLEANING HOUSE Last Week I threw out Worrying. It was getting old and in the way. It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things God's way. I threw out a book on MY PAST, (didn't have time to read it anyway). Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today. I threw out hate and bad memories. Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too; I threw out the one from long ago. Brought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, AND I MUST. Threw out I MIGHT, I THINK and I OUGHT. WOW, you should've seen the dust. I ran across an OLD FRIEND. Haven't seen him in a while. I believe his name is GOD. Yes, I really like His style. He helped me to do some cleaning and added some things Himself. Like PRAYER, HOPE AND FAITH, Yes, I placed them right on the shelf. I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door. I FOUND IT- it's called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore. Yes, I've got my house looking nice. Looks good around the place. For things like Worry and Trouble, there just isn't any space. It's good to do a little house cleaning, get rid of the things on the shelf. It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF. BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE ELSE!!!! May the Lord open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that you will not have room enough to receive it all. Malachi 3:10. May the Lord bless you exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think, according to the power that worketh in you! Eph.3:20 -<>- Links for Your Enjoyment Max Porta Potty http://www.buffaloschips.com/gssshdj.htm McDogo http://www.buffaloschips.com/gasew.htm McElway Basketball http://www.buffaloschips.com/gahdjjs.htm Men Can't Multitask http://www.buffaloschips.com/gsashsjs.htm Men Invented Everything http://www.buffaloschips.com/gnjjhjk.htm Until We Write Again! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/write.html God's Paintings! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Whale Rescue http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whalerescue.html Sweet Baby Overload http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sweetoverload.html Top Ways To Stay Healthy http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stayhealthy.html Tricks For Treats 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tricksfortreats2.html Casa Batllo - House Of Bones http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hbones.html Feather Painting 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/feather2.html Leaf Art Paintings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/art.html Extreme Poodle Makeover http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poodlemakeover.html Great White Shark http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/greatwhite.html What is Going on in Heaven? http://www.TruthOrTradition.com/audio Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffalosjokes.com ============================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: .--..-""""-..--. ///`/////////\`\\\ ||/ |///""\\\| \|| ## ( 6. 6 ) ## /_\ \ _. / /_\ _`) (`_ /` '--' `\ / _,,_ \ / /` `\ \ /\_/ / 6 6\ \_/\ \ \/\ Y /\/ / \ \/ `'U` \/ / \( \ / )/ |\_/ \_/| / ____ \ \ ( || ) / (__)||(__) | || | |__||__| jgs |==||==| /~`//~`/ / // / `""` `"` Talkin' Funny A friend tells the story about her sister, who lives in Virginia, was talking with her four year old son. He was asking her why all their relatives from Wisconsin talk funny and sound like their noses are plugged up. "They think we have an accent," she replied. "But they have an accent, right?" the boy asked. "They talk funny." "Everybody talks in different ways" she tried to explain. "To them, we sound like we talk very slow and all our words are d-r-a- w-n out." His eyes got big, and he whispered seriously, "Oh, no. You mean they hear funny too?" -<>- . . : . '. . : . .' ._ '._.-'''-._.' _. '-..' '..-' --._ /.==. .==.\ _.-- ;/_o__\ /_o__\; -----|` ) ( `|----- _: \_) (\_/) (_/ ;_ --' \ '._.=._.' / '-- _.-''. '._.' .''-._ ' .''-.(_).-''. ' jgs .' ' : ' '. ' : ' ' >"Looking at Life's Many Horizons" "Beyond the blue horizon Waits a beautiful day. Goodbye to things that bore me. Joy is waiting for me. I see a new horizon. My life has only begun. Beyond the blue horizon Lies a rising sun." Jeanette MacDonald sang those words in the 1930 Paramount picture "Monte Carlo" and again in the 1944 film, "Follow the Boys." What is the horizon? The horizon is the line that forms the boundary between earth and sky. The English word "horizon" came from the Greek word "horos," which means "limit." The horizon is the limit of one's vision. Look at life's many horizons. Look at the horizon Christopher Columbus faced. For centuries people in Europe looked out at the Atlantic Ocean and its western horizon. Some said there was nothing beyond that blue horizon. Spain showed that idea by its coat of arms. It pictured "the Pillars of Hercules" (the landmasses of Europe and Africa that came close at the Strait of Gibraltar. Across the coat of arms were the words: "No More Beyond." Then, in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. He ventured past that western horizon. When Columbus returned to Spain, the king changed the words on the coat of arms. From then on the words were: "More Beyond." Look at the horizon Jesus of Nazareth faced. He faced a horizon made up of fences. The "Holiness Code" of his tradition was summed up in these words: "Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy" (Leviticus 19:2). To be holy meant to be separated from everything that would defile holiness. Fences were erected separating clean and unclean, purity and defilement, sacred and profane, Jew and Gentile, righteous and sinner. Facing these fences, Jesus introduced an alternative way-the way of compassion. Jesus said, "Be compassionate, as God is compassionate" (Like 6:36). While others drew circles to exclude people, Jesus drew a wider circle to include those who had been shut out. Look at the horizons we face. Robert Louis Stevenson faced the horizon of illness all his short life. One day his wife entered the bedroom where Stevenson was coughing badly. She said to him, "I suppose you will tell me that it's a glorious day." Stevenson replied, "Yes, I was just going to say that." Looking at the sunlight streaming through the window, he continued, "I refuse to let a row of medicine bottles be the circumference of my horizon." Since the September 11 terrorists' attacks, I have thought often of these words from an old prayer: "Death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight." "Edward Chinn" Religion in Daily Life (c) By the Rev. Edward Chinn, D.Min. Rector, All Saints' Church 9601 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114 -<>- >Hey All: .-'\ \:. \ |:. \ /::' \ __/:::. \ _.-'-.'` `'.-'`'._\-"`";.-'-, .`; : : : : : `. / : : : : \ / :/\ : /\ : : \ ; : /\ \ : : /\ \ : ; . : / \ \ / \ \ . ; /_)__\ \ : :/_)__\ \ : ; ; `-----`' : , :`-----`' ; | : : / \ : : | | / \ \ : : | | : : /___\ \: : | | : : `----`' : | ; |;-.,__ : : __.-'| : ; ; : || \ \``/'---'\`\` / || ; . : \\ \_\/ \_\/ // ' . ; \'._ /\ /\ _.-'/ : ; \ : `._`'-/ /\._./ /\ .' : / `\ : `-.\/__\__\/_.;' : /` jgs `\ ' : : : : /` `-`.__` : :__.'-` `-..`.__.'..-` As Christians, it is appropriate that we review our approach to Halloween. Personally, I know who wins the war and follow the firm belief that God takes what the enemy intends for evil and turns it to good. In that light, we're sharing some Halloween Alternatives that are being offered by churches represented on the groups. It's a classic case of what was intended for bad being turned to good. I have already shared that my home church has a Harvest Festival with kids wearing non-threatening costumes and participating in games where they win candy. The youth group sells hot dogs and popcorn to raise funds for trips. I realize you probably can't put one of these events together for this year, but you can start planning for next year. Best, keith -<>- ,--.,-"";-"-. .-;-/ / / .- `\ .-. ` ( ' ' ` ; `\/ \ \ / \ / (. C . ) | .-. | | _ / (` / | \ /}| | )(\ | `-> (____.| / ||| / \=====| | |\| | |====| \ _/ ` \__/=====| |` `-'======| \ |=======/ | |=======| | .--, ########\ |/ / jgs |_|__|| ` `--. ,---;-'--'\ `--. `---`-------'-.___,___.---' GREAT PUMPKIN IS COMIN' TO TOWN (Sung to the tune Santa Claus is Coming to Town) .--. Oh, you better not shriek, you better not groan, /`-'/ You better not howl, you better not moan, .----,_| (__ Great Pumpkin is coming to town! { ="""`/`""`__ `'-. /`---'`_\ /_ ' \ He's going to find out | ' / \ / \ ' | from folks that he meets, | . / _| | _\ . | Who deserves tricks and who deserves treats; | \(o/ \(o/ | Great Pumpkin is coming to town! | ,__) /\ (__, | / |\ \/ /| \ He'll search in every pumpkin patch, | | '._ _.' | | haunted houses far and near; | \ `|_| / | To see if you've been spreading gloom, | ' `\ /` ' | or bringing lots of cheer! | . \-.--/ . | \ . '--' . / So you better not shriek, you better not groan, '-...-'._ _.'-...-' You better not howl, you better not moan; jgs `` Great pumpkin is coming to town!! >Halloween Alternatives for Church Groups We have had a Noah's Ark Party for children on Halloween. Everyone comes as their favorite animal (some adults dressed as Noah, or other adults on the Ark.) This keeps the name Halloween out of it entirely. Just thought I would pass it along since you do so much to help us in your From: Lara Johnson My Church does what we call "Trunk or Treat". We arrange a bunch of cars, vans and trucks in our parking lot with the trunks or beds decorated for Halloween. Then the kids, 6 grade and below, go from car to car get treats. It is kind of a mobile decorated garage. LOL We have done festivals in the past as well, but they are done in a Harvest/Halloween theme. Thanks for your great newsletter. Virgil Mullins mull@propanetank.com First Church of the Nazarene Cleveland, MS We do a Harvest Festival but you have to dress as Biblical Characters only. Give God the Glory :0) <>< From: Paljordan@aol.com We have a thing called LIGHT THE NIGHT where we pick a church home in each different neighborhood and we bring in big construction lights and light the homes...Large banners herald JESUS, then we have puppets in one place, Veggie Tale videos in another, cotton candy in another, yard games, popcorn, free candy with a track in the bag, Christian music and lots of witnessing....people come from everywhere...this is the third year and our Childrens pastor (KR Mele) has actually produced a video on how to LIGHT THE NIGHT! Let me know if you want to know more...or ask Pastor KR at: KRMele@rocketmail.com Rev. Mark Jordan =============================================== >The Living Water | \ ' / __ __ .-. _\ \/ /_ __ -=== ( ) ===- /__oOoo__\/ /__ '-' /_/\__\oOo__/ / . \ || /_/\__\ | || || ~^~~||~^~||^~^^~^~^=^=^~=~=~^=^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^ ~^ ~|| ~~|| ~^~ ~^= =~^=~^~^= ~^~^~ ~^~^ ~^~ ^~ || ^ ||~^ ~^~ ~^==~^==~^~ = ~^=~ ~^ ~^~ .'. ||.'.||.' ..'..''.'.'. '.'..'.' .'''..''.' jgs || || ''. O ~O/ '' '' || /|\/| ' . ' . ' . ' . /| |\ . . ' . / | / | . . ' ' ` ` ` ` ' ' A little wave was bobbing along in the ocean, having a grand old time. He is enjoying the wind and the fresh air, until he noticed the other waves in front of him, crashing against the shore. "My Goodness, this is terrible!" The wave said. "Look what is going to happen to me!" Then along comes another wave. Seeing the first wave, looking grim, and it said to him, "Why do you look so sad?" The first wave answered, "You do not understand! We're all going to crash! All of us waves are going to be nothing! Isn't it terrible? "The second wave replied, "It is you who does not understand. You aren't a wave, you're part of the ocean."* When we shift our focus from God to the world, we become a mere wave. Sometimes, we soar up high by world's respect and compliments. Other times we are rolled deep down by disappointments and feelings of worthlessness, and still other times, we crash at the shore of sin and vanish by death. We become helplessly led by the world's winds of social acceptance or acquisition by any means. But when deeply rooted in Jesus Christ, we become part of "the Living Water" (John 4:10). As "living" water, we may experience emotional or physical waves, but we are strongly cushioned by Jesus' peace, grace and care. We become the light and salt for the world. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2: 15, 17) Rejoice - you belong to The Living King of Kings. You are His own child and will never be forsaken. * Mich Albom excerpts the story from "Tuesdays with Moorie". by way of Daily Wisdom. For more information Visit: http://www.dailywisdom.com/dw-level2.html To subscribe, mailto:dw-subscribe@lists.gospelcom.net ================================================================ >-->From TruthOrTradition: , , /\ /\ /( /\ )\ _\ \_/ /_ |\_||_/| < \_ _/ > \______/ \|0 0|/ _\/_ _(_ ^ _)_ ( () ) /`\|V"""V|/`\ {} \ \_____/ / () /\ )=( /\ jgs {} / \_/\=/\_/ \ >Is it true that some religious holidays have Pagan roots? Halloween comes from the ancient pagan festival of Samhain that was practiced by the Celts and is celebrated by today's neopagans. The Celts believed that from sundown on the last day of the year to sunrise on the first day of the Celtic new year the veil between the land of the living and the land of the dead was at its thinnest, and thus the dead could enter the realm of the living. People wore masks and costumes to ward off the dead or keep them from recognizing the living. The Catholic Church adapted this holiday as All Saints Day, which honors dead people whose souls are supposedly still alive. This spurious idea has opened the door for much of the devilish activity associated with this holiday. Christians should either ignore Halloween or use the occasion to hand out Scripture verses door-to-door, or find some other way to share their faith amidst all the witchcraft, etc. that is promoted in conjunction with this day. [For further study read “The Dead Are Dead Until the Rapture or Resurrection” and/or listen to our free online seminar “Death & Resurrection to Life.”] http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=319 --- ...My two cents... _...----. .' .-'` ,''--..; / | _______/________|_______ `-----/// _\ /_ \\\-----` .---./ / o\/o \ \.---. <(_ /// \__/\__/ \\\ _)> _.---. '-. // oo \\ .-' .' .__`\ o /// __..--..__ \\\ / \`\| o-'*'-o //| '\/\/\/\/' |\\ / ; ' \*\|/*/ ;--. """" .-; | _ _ | .-'---'-. / \|||-....(|||`\ | (o) (o) | / \ /\ /\|/ | | .---, |/ \ / ; ' | | / e e \ | '. .' | '-. \ \| ^ |/ '---' | \_ ().'-'.() T R I C K | .._.----/` \ ,/\'._.'/\. ' . | / ``"-/||\ \ / \/ \/ \ O R | | `7, | ^^_____^^ | | . /// _ | |oOO` `OOo| T R E A T ; |' / |_) _ | \| '._____.' |/ / \-| |_)/ \ _ | |:: | '.__ __,; `| \_// \ | |:: G O D | ````` | | \_/ ; |::B L E S S| | \ / \::. Y O U! /_____________| ``'--..___/ '._______.' '-| | |-' | |_ | _| | | | __.-; \ | / /-._|_.-\ \ \_|_/ /`'-.|.-'`\ / jgs /--T--\ / .'. \'-..____.---''''`` (__/ \__) \____/ \___/ Halloween is like any other holiday as far as I am concerned. I enjoy the children and playing along with them. Children are the part of this holiday that I won't ignore. It is important to them so it is important to me. I won't 'turn a child off to God' by being one to spoil their fun. However, I won't go so far as to participate in the darkness of the holiday. A few fun and scary decorations and handing out candy certainly doesn't mean I am not a Christian. If these things bother you, put a sign out that lets the children know that a 'God Bless You!' instead of a 'Trick Or Treat' will get them TWICE the candy. Then delight in all the blessings you receive at your door this year! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. 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 ************************************************************************