Who Do You Think You Are? ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ .-c. _ .., _ ( ")\ ['" 6'-' __\ / \ /_ snd `----' '-._\ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->From Heartwarmers: .---. |_X_| ___ [_____] / _ \ // \\ | / \ | | " | || " || __\___/__ __\\_//__ /\_______/\ / | U | \/ _ : _ \ ( (|___|) )/ \ : / \ \ \_ / \ _/ \ /=====\ / / /| |\ './___:___\.' ; | | ; | | | | | | | | | | | \_____/ | |--|--| '._______.' |LI|LI| jgs \/ \/ \_/ \_/ The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. -- H.U. Westermayer Joe Walker reminds us that there is more happening, and remembered, around the Thanksgiving table than meets the eye. It's what's in your heart that matters most. Have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend. >TEASING, BASKETBALL AND CANDIED YAMS by Joseph Walker There will be a few new faces around the dinner table this Thanksgiving Two of them will belong to new great-nephews who were born this year: Roman and Miles. Of course, neither of these sweet little boys will actually be sitting with us at the table. They'll mostly be napping while being passed from mommy to aunt to Grandpa Padilla (who never met a baby he couldn't rock to sleep.) But they'll be there when we gather, and occasionally their cute little cries will remind us how thankful we are for their safe arrival in a world that has seen far too much un-safety lately. The other new face will belong to Brian, our new son-in-law. We're still in the figuring-each-other-out phase of our relationship with Beth's new husband, and so far, we are all getting along famously. But he hasn't yet experienced a full-fledged Padilla family gathering, where the humor is raucous and the teasing is profound. I'm sure Brian's height will come up (he'll be the only male there under 6 feet tall - not counting grandpa, Roman and Miles) and the fact that he is from... you know... Texas. We'll see how Brian handles being the new kid on the family chopping block -- and we'll be thankful if he decides to stay married to Beth anyway. There will also be a few familiar faces that won't be seen around the table this year. Joe Jr. and Andrea and their families live too far away to make the trip home for Thanksgiving. Aunt Neala and Uncle Lou are in Europe somewhere, visiting their daughter who is stationed there with her Army officer husband. And then there are those -- I won't name names, but you know who you are, AmyJo -- who actually think it is important to occasionally spend Thanksgiving with outlaw... er... in-law families. Can you imagine such a thing? Neither can I -- at least, not until next Thanksgiving, when we will be feasting with the Walker clan (at which time we will introduce Brian to the traditional Walker pre-Thanksgiving basketball game, where the phrase "no compound fracture, no foul" was born.) And then there are those influences that will be there even though we won't be able to see their faces. For me, my mother is there every Thanksgiving in the candied yams (which, out of respect to mom, I won't eat. I figure if mom couldn't live to see me eat yams, no one else will, either.) Dad will be by my side, coaching me for the umpteenth time on the finer points of turkey-carving (I forget, dad. Am I supposed to cut WITH the grain or AGAINST it?) My brother Bud will be there, sampling everything before it makes its way to the table, just like he always did. I think about Bud every Thanksgiving, no matter where I am celebrating it, because nobody loved this holiday more than he did. It brings together his two favorite things in all the world -- family and food. If you could throw a little horseback riding into the mix, Bud would be in heaven. Which, come to think of it, he is. Grandpa Schaeffermeyer will be sitting in that comfy chair, smiling that vacant smile that seemed to suggest that as happy as he was to be there with us, he'd a lot rather be camping at the mine -- snowy winter weather notwithstanding. Grandpa Jess will be out on the porch trying to smoke as unobtrusively as possible while Grandma Lujan bounces back and forth between fussing in the kitchen and cooing over fussy babies. They will all be there -- whether or not we can see them. That's the way it is with family and tradition. It isn't just about turkey and dressing, candied yams and mashed potatoes. Nor is it as simple as bonding through good-natured (mostly) teasing, or through blood, sweat and tears shed innocently (sort of) on a basketball court. It is the mingling of new faces and old, the seen and the unseen, bound by love, respect and heritage. A heritage that now includes Roman, Miles and Brian. Thankfully. -- Joseph Walker -<>- .-""""-._.'| / '.| | / | / ( | -= | /| ) ( | |/`< ) ) ; -=| _| ______ \ \ / .' `. /) '._ _.-""-.< .' `\/) / / \ / ___ .--'`/| _ / | '-._( ____\ (____/_/=, ( \| \ -=/ /--;==============` ._,;'\==='-,..__/__/__.' `'--/,/ || ' \ / | / || ' \ \/ . || ; jgs / / || | | . || | / '=------| / ' ; ; ;| `-.___.___.___.___._/ >"WHAT DID HE DO?" A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior." John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued... "May I ask what the turkey did?" HAPPY THANKSGIVING! ================================================================== >-->From Our Friend James :) ,;, #(|)# #|||# ||| ||| ||| _|||_ .' ||| '. / ||| \ | ||| | |_ ||| _| ,_)=|||=(_, ) ||| ( / ||| \ | ||| | jgs | \~~~/ | \ \ / / `-.__Y__.-' >The Maestro at His Best When the famous violinist Paganini played a concert in one of the great halls of Europe, it was equivalent to the draw of a modern rock concert. The story is told of one such night in Paris.As Paganini appeared on the stage, the excited buzz of the audience turned to expectant applause. But as the maestro began to play, a string broke on his exquisite violin. Any concern passed quickly as the artist picked up the tune on his remaining three strings. Unbelievably, another string snapped - followed moments later by a third string. Now the buzz in the audience was more anxious, even disgruntled, it wasn't expectant anymore. But the old maestro just raised his hand, calling for silence. As the audience became quiet again, he made a simple announcement - "Ladies and gentlemen - Paganini - and one string." What followed was easily the most amazing musical performance that crowd had ever seen, or ever would see - as the master played a rich and flawless melody - on one string. When did the master most powerfully demonstrate his skill? When he had the least to work with - one string. When does the Lord Jesus - our Master - most powerfully demonstrate how much He can do? When He has the least to work with. When our strings are broken and we have almost nothing left - that's when He plays His masterpieces. That's what the great Apostle Paul learned when virtually all the strings of his life had broken. His testimony is in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, our word for today from the Word of God. Paul had been given some spiritual revelations that no man had ever experienced before. He says, "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh ... Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.'" Because Paul experiences God's power the most when he has nothing left, he says, "Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me ... For when I am weak, then I am strong." Why? Because the less there is of you, the more there is of God - and the more of His power you experience. Which actually can make you, much like Paul, really greet your hard times, your hurting times with a sense of expectancy instead of dread or discouragement. Not that you like the pain, but you realize what that pain can produce. And all through it, you have God's unbreakable promise, "My grace is sufficient for you." Our weakness means an opportunity for a display of His strength, His glory ... a chance to experience God's ability to heal, to intervene, to carry you. Malcolm Muggeridge, the brilliant British journalist who gloriously came to Christ late in life, put it this way: "Everything I have learned in my seventy-five years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence, has been through affliction and not through happiness." So maybe most of your strings have broken and you're down to one string. That's the moment when the Maestro is at His very best. He lovingly holds you in His arms and says, "Almighty God - and one string." He's about to play something beautiful, something unforgettable, something amazing through your life. by Ron Hutchcraft -<>- , /) // (/ _/ ______ ) ( (-----( /INK\ \ \ \___/ \ \ jgs _)_____) `------` >Hope for the Future "There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." (Proverbs)The page is blank at the start of a new year. That's great for people who get excited about a fresh start and the chance to begin filling the page with their dreams. But it can be overwhelming for others who fear the unknown and are anxious about filling the page with mistakes they find difficult to erase. So we have to choose. Be overcome by fear or overcome fear through hope. I choose to believe in a future of hope. Maybe that's because I've experienced how holding onto hope helps overcome fear. I've learned to choose to be an optimist even when it might not be realistic for the situation or when the critics and pessimists try to persuade me to be otherwise. That attitude has lifted me above a lot of life's stormy waters and helped me maintain an even keel and live in an atmosphere of calm. My reputation is one of great success. But I've had my share of setbacks and facing an uncertain future. I co-founded a business that people said would never work, for which I was laughed at and criticized by the news media. I've been in the locker room sharing the disappointment of a losing season with members of my Orlando Magic basketball team. I've faced the uncertainty and fear of life-threatening illnesses. Through it all, I've learned to be at peace because of God's grace. So, as we begin another year, let me share a few lessons I've learned about looking forward. -- Hope - View problems as challenges and nnever lose hope, understanding that the future is in God's hands. -- Confidence - Aim high, and eventually yoou'll likely reach higher goals. Say, "I think I can," and you probably will. -- Optimism - I find that the good in life far outweighs the bad. When we expect good things to happen, we see good. -- Faith - Put your faith in the salvation of Jesus Christ, and you can stop worrying about the future. Several years ago, when I was waiting to receive a heart transplant needed to save my life, I told family and friends that regardless of the outcome, I was at peace. If I lived, I knew God still had a purpose for my life on earth. If I didn't receive the transplant, I had my faith that God had a home for me with Him. Let's rejoice at the start of another new year. Let's look forward to the future with hope, knowing that God has provided for us in the past and that He will continue to do so in the future. Have a happy, hopeful New Year! Rich DeVos is vice-chairman of Gospel Communications. He is also the author of "Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life," co-founder of Amway Corp., and owner and chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic. -<>- .-. / \ _ ^^ / \ /^./\__ _/ \ _ .--'\/\_ \__/. \ / \ ^^ ___ / \_ _/ ^ \/ __ :' /\/\ /\ __/ \ / \ / .' _/ / \ ^ / \/ \/ .`'\_/\ /\/\ /\/ :' __ ^/ ^/ `--./.' ^ `-.\ _ _:\ _ / \/ \ _/ \-' __/.' ^ _ \_ .'\ _/ \ . __/ \ /\ .- `. \/ \ / -. _/ \ -. `_/ \ / `._/ ^ \ / `-.__ ^ / .-'.--' . / `--./ .-' `-. `-. `. - `. @/ `. / / `-. / .-' / . .' \ \ \ .- \% @(88%@)@%% @)&@&(88&@.-_=_-=_-=_-=_-=_.8@% &@&&8(8%@%8)(8@%8 8%@)% @88:::&(&8&&8::JGS:&`.~-_~~-~~_~-~_~-~~=.'@(&%::::%@8&8)::&#@8:::: `::::::8%@@%:::::@%&8:`.=~~-.~~-.~~=..~'8::::::::&@8:::::&8::::::' `::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::' >Treasures Long long ago, across the oceans, beyond the skies reach, there was a kingdom on a tiny, but immensely majestic island, behind a waterfall of dreams, full of beautiful treasures beyond imagination. If you close your eyes and imagine the most beautiful place in your dreams, it can't even compare to how magnificent it is. Imagine taking one step, into the enchanted waterfall, and as you walk through, the water is sparkling with light water crystals below your feet; as you enter, you see a dark cave that leads you onto the mystical island. Only those who believe, that the island exists, may enter. Many people have tried entering, but failed because they only thought it was fairy tale; some have walked through waterfall, but couldn't find the cave, because they doubted its very existence. Far away, two young girls heard the story of this mysterious island, and got together under the stars, near a winding creek, deep into the forest, to talk of the hidden treasures. They sat their feet into the calm waters, as the minnow's nibbled on their tiny toes, and they giggled each time they felt them bite. One girl whispered to the other, "What do you think is on the island?" Her friend answered back, "Riches beyond our imagination!" The girl curiously replied, "Do you think that it really exists?" She instantly replied, "We will find out - we will search for it." That night, the two girls left all that they had, because they believed that this island existed and what was in it, was even greater. They remembered all the stories that they heard, and brought to mind all the details, how to get there. They had to face many dangerous paths, defeat goblins and dragons, and fight against the pouring rain, across the oceans. They began to grow tired and drifted into a deep slumber, on the boat, and as they slept, they drifted across the ocean and woke up next to the waterfall. The water splashed them across the face and one of the girls said, "Look! We made it! It really exists and it isn't a just a dream!!!" They immediately jumped out of the boat and carefully walked through the waterfall. They remember hearing stories that if you listened carefully, you would be able to hear a voice, and the voice would tell you to come inside. Both girls, stood at the entrance of the cave, hoping to hear the voice that would call out to them. One girl walked around, thinking that if she was in a different spot maybe the voice would get louder, all the while, the other one stayed in the same spot with great patience. As the other girl was wondering around, the one who stayed in the spot near the entrance, heard a voice that said, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) She didn't know exactly where to open the door, but she did as the voice commanded, and just started walking near the entrance. Immediately, after she did that, she instantly entered into the island. Her friend was still searching outside and didn't even notice that her friend was missing. She kept searching and searching and never seemed to hear the voice clearly; she kept going in her own direction, off the path, that led her more and more astray from the entrance. "After this [her friend inside] looked, and there before [her] was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice [she] had first head [spoke to her] like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place" (Rev. 4:1) "At once [she] was in the Spirit, and there before [her] was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Rev. 4:2-8) She thought to herself, "I have entered into heaven or is this just a dream?" She looked around and couldn't believe how beautiful it was and it was nothing like she had dreamed of or what the stories were like. She then heard the voice say, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21) She asked herself, "Where is my treasure?" and then thought about it. "If my treasure on earth will be destroyed, then I must believe in my heart that my treasure is in heaven with God, because it will never be broken, stolen, or destroyed. For where my treasure is, that's where my heart will be." She never grew thirsty or hungry in His island of riches and always had everything she needed, because the King provided everything in His heavenly kingdom. The voice of the King said, "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (Revelation 22:17) She found the riches in her heart and filled herself with His everlasting treasures. Where is your treasure? Contributed by Charissa Romero: NiteStarC@aol.com Charissa, who comes from a family of eight, is a student majoring to be a youth counselor. -<>- .-=":-=") |_.'|_.' /" /" : / / / .' .' : .-'-.---. / .--"""""--.. : .((((__ .\ ___.:-//\\\\\\-._ -. __..--'"` [.]-[.] \\_. ` `""--..__ ..---\ ___(/_ | /___ /---.. """",-/_...---'"`` \,_ /.- ``"'---..__\-,"""" " /"""'"'""""/ " \`'-.__.-' \___ aa/wkm "._________".' >An Envelope Charles Dickens once said, "No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." There are many ways to lighten another person's burdens. Emma Chase provides us with one example. You've never heard of Emma Chase? Neither have most people. "Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." Almost every one identifies those words with Abraham Lincoln. He wrote them in the Gettysburg Address. It is also well known that Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed millions of slaves. According to the November 1995 issue of Missions Today magazine, when Lincoln began to work on the Emancipation Proclamation, he had no paper. So he took an envelope from a lady named Emma Chase. On the back of Emma Chase's envelope, Lincoln outlined the Emancipation Proclamation. So everyone has heard of Abraham Lincoln, and his great work. Few have heard of Emma Chase. But millions of people were freed, partly because of the help of an unknown, yet significant, woman. How Does This Apply to Our Lives? Many people work hard, hoping to accomplishing great things in life. Others become discouraged, and don't even try, because they feel great accomplishments are beyond them. Both groups overlook the fact that there are ways to accomplish great things without doing them yourself. For example, there is a story in the Bible about a hero few have heard of. His name was Barnabas. Who was Barnabas? After the Apostle Paul became a Christian, church leaders would have nothing to do with him because Paul had been their enemy. Barnabas took Paul to the church leaders and defended him so strongly that Paul was accepted. These actions of Barnabas opened the door for Paul to become the most effective missionary and writer of the early Christian church. Follow the example of Emma Smith and Barnabas. There are many gifted people who can have a positive impact for Christ on the lives of others, and society, if someone will make an introduction or open the right door. What can you do to help others serve our Lord? Be the one to spur other believers on---you might accomplish something great! "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24 Contributed by Rich McLawhorn email:REM@mail01.scdps.state.sc.us --- ...Very good instructions and inspirations James! Thank You! ============================================================== >-->From Laugh And Lift: _________________ /________________/| _,-----._ | _______________ || _,-'. _,-' _ ---`-. |[_______________]|| _,-' .`. _'_ __'.|__`. `. |\ | || ,-' , `. `.`-.,-' `-. \,`.`. \ .------| \ | || | __ (_`._ ` ,' / `.`. _,-' '------| / | || \ \,`. ) / _,' \ _,-' |/ | .. ,--. /. || `.`. ,' _,-' `.-' | \\((__))' ,` || `-.___,-'_,-' | `-;--:-' || |_________________|/ jrei >God's Listening For The Sound of a Thankful Heart (By Roy Lessin, Co-founder, DaySpring Cards) "When ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, offer it at your own will." - Leviticus 22:29 KJV One day, while paying my electric bill, I decided to thank the company for the service they were providing me. "Thanks for my electricity," I said, "It's really quite a bargain for all the benefits I receive." "What!" said the lady behind the counter, in amazement, "That's the first time anyone has ever thanked us. All I ever hear around here are complaints." It's a challenge to grow up with a thankful heart. From an early age we are exposed to a culture of complainers, gripers, grumblers, and critics. We complain about the weather, traffic, food, work, neighbors, bills, the government, church, and life in general. Worst of all, we are ungrateful toward God. It would be hard to count the number of complaints and criticisms that are daily spoken before Him and against Him. How can we, who have received so much, be thankful for so little? One of the great indicators of true spirituality is not measured by how many times we go to church, how big our Bibles are, or how long we pray, but it is measured by the level of gratitude that is in our hearts. When we are ungrateful, the heart of God is saddened, the Holy Spirit is grieved, and the joy of the Lord is quenched within us. Being thankful sweetens you, grumbling sours you; being thankful brings sunshine to your countenance, being ungrateful casts a shadow; being thankful brings a melody to your words, criticism makes you sound like a clanging cymbal; being thankful keeps your feet on the pathway of celebration, complaint takes you down the road of despair. When our hearts are filled with gratefulness we may feel like our thanksgiving is inadequate, but we can be certain that our thanksgiving is always appropriate. It will gladden the heart of God to hear your heartfelt thanks being freely offered to Him today. 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 ================================================================== .::\)`:`, .:;\/~`\``;) ,.~-----, ;;==`_ ~:;( ,,~{*}\~~--,.`. ;:== 6 6;;) ,(((((({*});~~. .\ ;;C } )' (('`)))~({*}) . \ .\ :;` `--'; >6 6`({*}))) . \~~ | `____/ ( { ))())) . .`, ____._| |_____. `--' (((())) . | / \ \__ _| | \ `-- )))))) . .| | ) \/\/\_{@} | ,-| ((((((( . | | \_ \ \ | / | / | / ))))))) .| | |\ : \ |/ | Y | (/*@@*( ' ` ) . | \ \ \_\/_/ | | / */ \ \'/ /. | \ \ |o | | \. \ |'@'| .| \ \ | ; ,'--,.,.,., \ ~*@*~. . | \ \_________._--`((,:{@}.:))_\ |~@~| . | \ ' | ((,{@}:{@}.))-----' ;/\ (, \._____________`-__((;,{@},:))_________/|{ | . ; | | | `';{@},) /`-----'\ |. | | .__/\__ | `{@};,; / / | \ \ \/ .| | / :; \ | `(@))\ / \. . | | /! | \| ';; ))_/`-'/`_`., \. | | | ! | | ';(( | | ! `_ \ .| | | ! | | )) | | ! |.\_| | |/ ! | | (/ | | ! | . | | ! | | | | ! |~~~~' | ! | | | | ! | >More than a Meal Story Editor: By Katherine K Croley Joyce Schowalter Alabama, USA On a beautiful, warm fall day in the middle of November, l980, in the sunny southern United States, my new husband and I were traveling northwest to Hot Springs, Arkansas. After a lovely marriage ceremony surrounded by family and friends, we were on our honeymoon. It was a magnificent autumn afternoon and a beautiful drive. We enjoyed the splendor of the impressive display of nature's last fling as she prepared for the long winter's rest. The highway was a gray ribbon of concrete lined with colorful trees that added to the mystery and glory of the season. The warmth of the sun and the brilliant colors seemed to mellow the earth with the radiance of crimson, gold, orange, purple and brown leaves. They blended into spectacular scenery for us to enjoy. As we continued traveling northwest, the beautiful soft blue and silvery clouds became dark and black -- threatening to change the delightful warm weather we were basking in. Soon a cold drizzling rain set in, making it a bleak winter afternoon. It was getting late, and we were tired and hungry, so we started looking for a place to spend the night and something to eat. We soon found a motel with an adjoining restaurant. After we checked in to the motel, we made a quick dash through the sprinkling rain to the restaurant. However, I became chilled, as I was wearing only a light-weight suit. We were in a hurry to leave after the wedding, and I never once thought I would need warm clothing. Now I was cold because I was not dressed for the chilly weather. The waitress noticed how cold I was and I explained to her that I had forgotten to bring a jacket as the weather had been so warm. She took our order and soon served us a delicious hot meal. In a little while she returned to our table with a warm fleeced-lined corduroy jacket and handed it to me. I hesitated to take her jacket, for she had mentioned earlier that she would soon be leaving the restaurant. How could I send it back to her? My husband also didn't want me to borrow her jacket, for he knew it would be some time before we could return it. He said he would buy a jacket for me in Hot Springs. She said, "I don't want you to return it. I want you to have it now to keep you warm on the remainder of your trip." I marveled at her generosity to share like this with a complete stranger. Her kindness touched my soul and melted my heart as her jacket warmed my body. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: _____________________________________________________________ | ,-------------------. `78b. `. PL | | | _.-----._ | NAME(-S): Michal `78b. `. | | | .' .-'``|'. | SURNAME: Kwasniewski `78b. `.| | | / / -*- \ | NICKNAME: Goldmoon `78b. | | | ; <{ | ; | ADRESS: orbit earth `78b| | | | _\ | | | `7| | | ; _\ -*- | ; | MOBILE NUMBER: +48 609101372 `| | | \ \ | -*- / | HOME NUMBER: +48 0[pref]523716204 | | | '._ '.__ |_.' | WORK NUMBER: +48 0[pref]523280001 | | |jgs '-----' | E-MAIL(-S): goldmoon@ascii.art.pl | | '-------------------' goldmoon@obywatel.pl | | _____) | | / /) /) GG IM: 2659 | | / ___ ___// _(/ ___ _______ ICQ IM: 35513419 | | / / )(_)(/_(_(_ //(_(_)(_) /(_ | |(____ / | |-----------------------------------.--------------.----------| | OFFICIAL ASCII-ART ARTIST LICENSE | NO: PL000013 | 22/10/00 | '-----------------------------------^--------------^----------' >WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? The Houston Post carried an article about a man the Dutch police arrested in the town of Rosendaal. They found him in possession of 186 false papers, including 29 Nigerian passports, 30 British passports, 74 Dutch work permits, 12 British driving licenses, 18 birth or death certificates, 2 British student cards, an international driving license and 20 forged checks. They said that the man had not yet been conclusively identified! A humorist said, "I go to this doctor and pay him 75 dollars an hour, and all he does is ask me the same question my father used to ask me all the time: 'Who do you think you are, anyway?'" Not a bad question, actually. I think I spent the first 20 or 30 years of my life wondering who I really was. I thought I'd never know what to study in school and I was sure I'd never figure out what kind of person I might be happy spending my life with. Then, just when I thought I knew myself fairly well, I changed! And through the years I changed again. And again! It seems like I've always been up against the question, "Who do you think you are?" I appreciate Benjamin Kubelski's story. In 1902, his father gave him a violin for his eighth birthday. It cost $50, a small fortune in those days, and especially for a recently immigrated Russian family. Benjamin did well and was playing concerts as a teenager. At age 18 he teamed up with a woman pianist as a musical team in Vaudeville. But he suspected the violin did not satisfy his heart's desire. Then one night, Benjamin impulsively decided to tell the audience about a funny incident that had happened during the day. He later said, "The audience laughed and the sound intoxicated me. That laughter ended my days as a musician." And it began his life career as the comedian Jack Benny. He found who he was and everything fit into place. He knew that if he followed his heart's desire, he would end up all right. You and I may never know ourselves conclusively. But listen to your heart. Listen for that still, small voice within and make up your mind to follow. I don't know where you will end up, but it will be all right. - Steve Goodier -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >A WAR-TIME PRAYER "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV). Ravi Zacharias shares how, "At the historic Amsterdam Conference for Itinerant Evangelists in 1986, a renowned Korean speaker, Billy Kim, told the story of an American soldier hiding in a bunker during the Korean War. When his commander ordered him to rescue some of his fallen mates on the front lines, the soldier nodded his head, took a covert glance at his watch, stalled till his commanding officer was out of sight, and simply made no move. Several minutes went by, and a colleague reminded him of his rescue assignment. Again he looked at his watch and delayed. Finally, he leaped out of the bunker and fearlessly began carrying his compatriots to safety. "At the end of the day, a friend asked him to explain his actions. The soldier said, 'I was afraid because I knew I was not ready to die. I waited until my fear would be overcome--remembering that at a certain time every hour my mother had said she would pray for me. Then I knew that no matter what awaited me, I could face it.'" Prayer does matter. Prayer does change things. Prayer is a powerful means of connecting to God of the Eternal. How thankful we should be for all that pray for each other, daily. How thankful I am that I can pray every day for my loved ones and commit and trust them to God and his care. And how thankful many a serviceman/woman is that every day loved ones and friends at home are also praying for them. And at this time when the possibility of war is looming over our heads, let us faithfully pray not only for the leaders of the United States but also for those of the United Nations, and also for the leaders of Iraq that a just settlement can be made without having to go to war. "Dear God, thank you that your Word encourages us to pray without ceasing. Help us to do this and also to pray according to your will so that we have the assurance that our prayers will be answered. And we pray today for the leaders of the United States, the leaders of the United Nations, and the leaders of Iraq that a just settlement will be made without having to go to war and risking the lives of innocent people. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen." -<>- -==/- | | | ./| | ./ | |/ \ | | \<>| |/<>' | |\/ ./| | ./ | |/ | | | | | `-,,,-' >TIN CAN SHOES * by Ellie Braun-Haley She had little. Her shoes were tin cans. They were about four inches tall and what appeared to be ordinary 14-ounce cans. I imagined that they were fitted over stubs, for she had no feet and no visible legs. The cans seemed to act as protectors for the lady as she crawled. Well, actually she didn't really crawl, because she had no knees. I watched her as I sat at the sidewalk cafe. She moved slowly by leaning forward until her gloved hands were on the pavement, then she hoisted herself forward, dragging her trunk and the tin can protectors. Then she would lean forward again and the procedure repeated itself. When she was right across from me, she halted and sat there gazing around at the people. When she took off those black leather gloves, I could see she had no hands, just a trace of a palm, approximately one third the amount of a regular palm, but no fingers or thumbs. The day was beautiful and she sat there in the sun, looking comfortable and composed, observing life around her. Beggars are not uncommon in this Mexican city but she was indeed the most needy person I had ever encountered, and yet, she was not begging. Then it hit me -- how could she possibly beg? She couldn't hold out her hand in the gesture of the old ladies or full families sitting along the streets, begging for pesos (Mexican currency). She couldn't, because she did not have a hand to hold out. Some beggars set out cups or bowls or cans to receive cash from thoughtful strangers but she would be unable to hold these and, in the end, how would she return it to the bag she had strapped around her neck? My heart went out to her and I opened my wallet to find money for her. When I approached her with it, she brought up her right arm to accept it. As I leaned down, I noticed there was no place to put the money. I asked her if she would like me to place it in her bag, and with a lovely smile and soft voice, she said yes and thanked me. I returned to my seat and continued talking with my husband but found my thoughts and eyes straying to her. I sat there worrying about her. The other beggars could do many things to earn money but her options for earning a living were extremely limited. I began silently urging the crowd to look down and notice her. "Please, can't you see her? Please help her!" A group of tourists next to us paid their bill and started to leave. I looked at them and thought, "Please see her and open your heart and your handbag." But one by one they passed her by, not even glancing down, yet I knew they had to have seen her. If they looked down they would have had to acknowledge her existence. Was it easier for them to pretend she didn't exist? But then the last person in the group stopped and opened her handbag. I held my breath, hoping she was looking for some cash. She got something from her bag and walked over to offer it to the street lady. I saw the sweet smile of the lady with the tin can shoes as she accepted the charity. Then I watched as she began her slow journey down the street. Lean forward, connect with pavement and pull. What a resilient woman! She moved in an astounding manner. I had been in this city many times over the years and I recognize many of the beggars. The majority of them use whining to get the attention of the tourists. But this lady in the tin can shoes was different. She had an attitude about her. She was accepting and uncomplaining and I felt I had encountered someone very special. She didn't ask for anything. In fact, it was as though she was oblivious to her own plight. She merely sat. She graced each stranger with a smile. I don't think the lady with the tin can shoes was there to "take" what we had to offer -- she was there to give. Ellie Braun-Haley -<>- ____ .-'& '-. / \ : o o ; ( (_ ) : ; \ __ / `-._____.-' /`"""`\ / , \ /|/\/\/\ _\ (_|/\/\/\\__) |_______| __)_ |_ (__ jgs (_____|_____) >"I'm Special!" In all the world there is nobody like me. Since the beginning of time, there has never been another person like me. Nobody has my smile. Nobody has my eyes, my nose, my hair, my hands, my voice. I'm special! No one can be found who has my handwriting. Nobody anywhere has my exact tastes for food or music or art. No one sees things just as I do. In all of time there has been no one who laughs like me, no one who cries like me. And whatever makes me laugh or cry, will never provoke identical laughter and tears from anybody else, ever. No one reacts to any situation just as I would react. I'm special! I'm the only one in all of creation who has my set of abilities. Oh, there will always be somebody who is better at one of the things I'm good at, but no one in the universe can reach the quality of my combination of talents, ideas, abilities and feelings. Like a roomful of musical instruments, some may excel alone, but none can match the symphony sound when all are played together. I'm a symphony. Through all of eternity no one will ever look, talk, walk, think or do like me. I'm special! I'm rare. And, in all rarity, there is great value. Because of my great rare, value, I need not attempt to imitate others. I will accept - yes, celebrate my differences. I'm special! And I'm beginning to realize it's no accident that I'm special. I'm beginning to see that God made me special for a very special purpose. He must have a job for me that no one else can do as well as I. Out of all the billions of applicants, only one is qualified, only one has the right combination of what it takes. That one is me! Because I'm Special! (Author Unknown) -<>- Links for Your Enjoyment Bad Weld http://www.buffaloschips.com/012103.htm Bambi http://www.buffaloschips.com/012104.htm Baxter Black So Lucky To be An American http://www.buffaloschips.com/012105.htm Bending Trial http://www.buffaloschips.com/012106.htm Bobcat http://www.buffaloschips.com/012107.htm Amazing Stairways http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stairs.html Mountain Folk Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/folkart.html Thoughts For Today! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thoughts.html Hoppy The Deer http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hoppy.html Rarely Seen Babies http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babyanimals.html World's Best Husband http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/husbands.html Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffaloschips.com ============================================================ >-->From Our Friend John-Paul :) .--. / _ \ /=[_]==\ (`.--.____.---.'\ `._/'\\_.' | /. |/ __\:-: .'_ LGB `-' ~The Bridge~ A pilgrim, on life`s journey`s road, came upon A swollen stream as he strode. He saw an elderly man, at task, with much labor, He asked,"Why build you, this bridge, dear Neighbor"? "You know that you`ll never pass this way again". "So why build you this bridge across this stream, my friend"? Standing up straight, the old man began to explain, Though weary with much age, and bodily pain. "This Bridge, cross this chasm deep and wide, Will surly do, this day, our stride", "But it is not for you and me, `Tis for the young, that followers after us, you see". "In life`s Journey, they shall also pass this this way, On this path, we struggle, here this today. Then all my effort be not in vain, It`ll aid their travel, ease --Their Pain." Then the two men, old and bent. Finished the Bridge, before they went. (Let us not forget our children, and the burden that will be on their life one day, in the uncertain future) JOHN 3:16) ~ JESUS ~ has built a Bridge for you and me, and all the "Who-So-Evers"----- \o/ God`s~Love~~~~~John-Paul ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Find or share prayer requests, Christian poems, inspirational webpages, free music and more on KrazyKorner http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KrazyKorner/ --- ...Sweet! Thank You John-Paul! ============================================================ >-->From SermondFodder: ,N. _/__ \ If you eliminate all other possibilities -/o\_\ the one that remains, however unlikely, __\_-./ is the right answer. / / V \`U-. ()) /, > o < \ Elementary my dear Watson. <\.,.-._.-" [-\ o /__..-' |/_ ) ) _.-"| \o/ | \ o!0 `'-'-" >The Obvious Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of that great fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, told the story of the time he went on vacation and climbed into a taxi cab in Paris. Before Doyle could utter a word, the driver turns to him and asks, "Where can I take you, Mr. Doyle?" The famous author was flabbergasted. He asked the cab driver if they had ever met before. They had not. It was, in fact, the first time they had laid eyes on each other. "Then how the blazes did you know it was me?" Doyle asked. The cab driver said, "This morning's paper had a story about you being on vacation in Marseilles. This is the taxi stand where people who travel to Paris from Marseilles usually arrive at. Your skin color tells me you have been on vacation. The spot of ink on your index finger suggests that you are most likely a writer. Your clothing is very English, and not French or German. Adding all these clues together, I deduced that you are Arthur Conan Doyle." "Good show! Well done!" exclaimed Doyle. "You are a real-life counterpart to my own Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" "There is one other thing though," the driver added with a sly smile. "What is that?" "Your name is on the front of your suitcase." - from Mark's Musings via Doc's Daily Chuckkle. For subscription info go to http://family-safe-mail.com/ -<>- ___ .-----------------------|-. /-.__ | _.----. |(@/,==-.| .^.7\.^. .'--. //./^-\\\ |_/|\'L')| ._.'/))##((\'.|"_"| ./ ,-.\\ / |___`.| `-'m####m'-`|`" | \," =` )) / | 7\ |_| .---"""""""" -+"-"' ( =` ? ; / | _\_| |.---------- --| \ .' .|. / || @)| || |,####. []`___ (||) |__\| || .=. .###### `. |.`. | || .O-O' (-,#### __________/....) | || u,`(__|\_"""/,'............./ | || .\,'..u/ `.-'..........._,- | || ,..`...| \,/...........<'' | || `......| >(..........`. \ | || `....'| ;-\...........`.) Norman | || _ _ _`-'..|/_.'\.'......._,"'_,-Rockwell| || (_|_| /`../-'`| \(`-._,"'` ( \________| |'"--`|~|---------"' _>=n" 7 )_ '---\~'=' ____.-][,' \/ ) |=.--'' || |( _..__ ___ | ||| || ||\ `.,-';,____`'' / | |||.==="||`._|| \ } `"======="' |____ |||__..===" || |\ ' :: :: |''';`'-. [|| [] ][\ \ :: :: |._(_7_.:' [] || YN. .'------:: | / ; __."" ;--\:________:-< , / _.--'` (__): ::_)`-....' :: :: --...__ dew " " "" >In CRISIS We are in the midst of crisis! "What type of crisis?" you ask. You name the area, we've got crisis in that area. War People of another religion are trying to kill me The Economy Moral Decay Young People won't listen Middle Aged People think they know it all Politics Pulpits Marriage Singleness The Environment The earth is heating up The earth is cooling down There's too much rain There's not enough rain Libidos have cooled off Something isn't right in the ocean (there's oil in it now) My joints need oil The Government is meddling too much The Government isn't doing enough The Government is sending my sons off to war The Government is spending too much The checking account is overdrawn Human Rights Animal Rights Civil Rights Women's Rights Gay Rights The Left is crazy Too many people want more rights The Right is crazy Too many people need more rights Expenses are too high Corporate values are too low The Rich are greedy say the poor The Poor are lazy say the rich There are too many gays There are too few good men Health care is in trouble Social Security is in trouble The apocalypse may be near The apocalypse may not be near Immigrants are my biggest problem says Americans Immigrants are my biggest problem says Native Americans The neighbors are a problem The neighbor's dog is a problem The neighbor's kids are a problem I think my spouse is having an affair with the neighbor And Mother Nature is mad Plus... I'm having a bad hair day So when is this crisis? You name the time. Any year, any decade, any century, just substitute the details. And you will find the crisis almost identical. Crisis is common and is here is stay in one or several forms. Crisis will never end. If your peace depends on lack of crisis And peace in the world, you'll never be at peace. So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NET) -<>- __ ,' _\ /,-((\\ \6 \\) `-.+ \. (( |/ | \ =__,' ,'__\ (\\__,'_[_|_] *Wipe!* ` , / [])`-. *Wipe!* ,' | / `. / ( | \ / \ `. \ / `. `. | ## `,'`, | ##ERTY OF | / | ###BICANE |/ | #### / / ####### / / "############ ,' / ""########,-' / / / / / >A BETTER WAY TO LIVE Did you know...? That Joan of Arc was only seventeen when she was riding at the head of the army that liberated France from the English? That church reformer John Calvin was twenty-six when he published his "Institutes"? That poet John Keats died when he was twenty-six? That Shelley was thirty when he was drowned, but not before he left English literature his classic "Odes"? That Sir Isaac Newton had largely discovered the working of the law of gravitation when he was twenty-three? That Henry Clay, the "great compromiser," was sent to the United States Senate at twenty-nine and was Speaker of the House of Representatives at thirty-four? That Raphael painted his most important pictures between twenty-five and thirty? That Mozart only lived to be thirty-five years old? Maybe I'm just a late bloomer. When I was a young man I wanted to make things happen. After a few years I realized I would have to content myself with watching most things happen. Unfortunately, these days I usually have no idea what is happening. Of course, most of us will never paint a masterpiece, write a classic or discover an important scientific principle. But why should we? We're each cut from a unique pattern. Dick Van Dyke once told the story of a woman taking her nephew to her Catholic church. She whispered to him as they approached the pew: "Can you genuflect?" "No," he said, "but I can somersault!" I wonder if he showed her.right then and there. I can almost see him rolling down the aisle in a joyous celebration of the thing he CAN do, with no regard for genuflecting. the thing he cannot do. Some people waste lives obsessing on that thing they cannot do, wishing they were more competent. And some measure the value of their abilities against those of others, wishing they could contribute in a bigger and better way. You and I may never be a Mozart, a Raphael or a John Keats. But there are things you CAN do to bring beauty or joy or happiness to your world. Find them. Do them. Celebrate them. Rejoice in them. I can hardly think of a better way to live. -- Steve Goodier as seen in Life Support ================================================================= The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step in repairing our loss. -- Thomas a Kempis >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 Chrristian 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 DAARE 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 ************************************************************************