With Wings As Eagles... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ >-->OoooWEeeee!! oo 8 "} > @ < .8 .-._/| .'_'`')`_.' \| ) / (>'/ |_,_ | (,| .' ,'\| `._/ ) \| '`- -- ''-- --- VK/ejm I'm doing a 'Happy Angel' dance! Why? Because Shangrala has been blessed with another donation from our Shangrala Angel, Cloie from NH! Bless her sweet heart! She is a loyal supporter contributing to help Keep Shangrala Alive! We sure do thank God for her and all our past wonderful angels! If you'd like to help too and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. EVERY LITTLE BIT WILL HELP! Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ .-"""""""-. .' __ \_ / / \/ \ | \_0/\_0/______ |:. .' oo`\ |:. / \ |' ; | | |:.. . \_______ | |::.|' , \,_____\ / |:::.; ' | . '| ====)_/===;===========;() |::; | | ; ; | | # # # #:::::: /::::.|-| |_|-|, \ # # # #:::::: /'-=-'` '-' '--'\ # # # #:::::: jgs / \ # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # H A P P Y # # # # # # # # # # # # # # V E T E R A N ' S D A Y # # # # # # # # # # # # # # W E E K E N D ! # # # # # # # AND A GREAT BIG THANK YOU To ALL Our VETS! -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) his flaming hot new page is from our friends Linda, LouiseAu and Bunni. It one to give you your aww quota for the day. Be sure to get your SMILES on by checking it out here... Aww Animals 12! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals12.html --- ...Love all these adorable photos! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. -- Elmer Davis Saturday is Veteran's Day. Joe Walker tells us about his prospects of being sent to Vietnam. And about his tough friend who joined the Marines. How many of the kids did you go to school with who were always picking fights, but then, decided to fight for their country? It's interesting going from "hood to hero" and on Veteran's Day this year, we thank all the vets -- regardless of their backgrounds -- for their service in keeping us free. Also below is an unbelievable bicycle ballet video. You will want to show your friends. ============;===========;() # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # jgs # # # # # # # >HOOD TO HERO by Joseph Walker As a high school senior in the early 1970s, there were a lot of places I wanted to go: Europe, Hawaii, backstage at a Chicago concert, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders locker room. But there was one place I actually had a chance of going where I definitely didn't want to go. Vietnam. Don't get me wrong. I was as patriotic as the next guy. I loved my country. I was almost an Eagle Scout. And I could play a version of "The Star Spangled Banner" on my tuba that could bring tears to your eyes. At least, it brought tears to my band teacher's eyes. And it wasn't that I had strong feelings one way or the other about the morality of the war. I registered for the draft like I was supposed to when I turned 18, and I wasn't thinking about burning my draft card or moving to Canada or anything like that. The fact is, I didn't know all that much about the war's political implications, and I didn't really care -- not like I cared about my '62 Caddy, my collection of Neil Diamond records and somehow getting a date with a cute little sophomore named Becky. When it comes right down to it, I didn't want to go to Vietnam because... well, there just isn't any other way to say this -- I was scared. Scared of the jungle. Scared of the Viet Cong. Scared of napalm. Scared of Agent Orange. Scared of Russian weapons. Scared of body bags. Scared of being injured. Scared of being killed. Scared of my high draft number. Of course, that wasn't my public position. As far as everyone else was concerned, I was just really focused on getting my college education. And doing some volunteer work for my church. And getting married and starting a family. All of which was true. But the cold, hard fact of the matter was, I was interested in those things because they were a lot less frightening than Vietnam -- notwithstanding the prospect of finals, homesickness and potty training. So it was hard to know what to say when my high school classmate, John, told me he had joined the Marines and would likely be shipping out to 'Nam before the school year was out. "They can't do that, can they?" I asked, worried almost as much for him as I was for me. "Don't they have to let you graduate from high school first?" "I'm 19, almost 20," he said, shrugging his shoulders. He smiled at the puzzled look on my face. "I got held back a year," he said, smiling. "Maybe two, I don't remember." Suddenly I felt less embarrassed about how easily he had pinned me during a 9th grade wrestling tournament. It looked like man against boy, because it was. "Look," he said, "you know I've never been much good at this school stuff. About the only thing I'm any good at is fighting in the parking lot after football games. So I figure I might as well go someplace where they don't give you detention for fighting -- they give you medals." For the first time in the six years I had known John, I saw peace in his eyes. Peace -- because he was going to war. It didn't make sense, but then, few things did those days. I just knew that John, the parking lot warrior, had found his nobility. He was willing to go someplace and do a job that a lot of us were unwilling to do. In fact, just the thought of going there and doing that scared some of us to death. And that made him a hero -- at least, to me. I don't know how many hoods have become heroes in the service of their country. But every Veteran's Day I think about John and others like him who fought for peace. For their country, and for themselves. -- Joseph Walker __________________________________________________ BICYCLE BALLET -- AMAZING! Watch this video. We didn't think this type of sport was even possible. These girls are amazing -- and the best part is near the end. Click here: http://wimp.com/bicycleskill/ =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) .-"""""""-. .' __ \_ / / \/ \ | \_0/\_0/______ |:. .' oo`\ |:. / \ |' ; | | |:.. . \_______ | |::.|' , \,_____\ / |:::.; ' | . '| ====)_/===;===========;() |::; | | ; ; | | # # # #:::::: /::::.|-| |_|-|, \ # # # #:::::: /'-=-'` '-' '--'\ # # # #:::::: jgs / \ # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # >"With Wings as Eagles" (Author Unknown) Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them. "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) --- ...A wonderful lesson. Thanks LouiseAu! So many people of little faith like to mock those of faith by taunting them during evil times. Like with the recent church shooting in Texas. Many say 'see what 'thoughts and prayers' did?' They talk like the devil did to Jesus when he tried him, _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Matt.4: [5] Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, [6] And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. [7] Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Jesus knew then as we do now that God is not our Genie in a bottle. We know that we live in the devil's world... 2 Cor.4: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. As such we know that the devil will seek to destroy us at all times. Which was why I wrote last week about us being more vigilant... 1 Pet.5: [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Notice it does not say 'whom he may wound or inflict or cause pain or hurt'? It says 'devour'. Which clearly means dead. The devil not only likes to cause us trials and tribulations, he wants all Christians dead. That is one less 'Christ on earth' he has to deal with. This is not a game, this is life and death. It is imperative that you understand that. I've been listening to them on the news and many commentators talk about this and how evil it was. This man who killed 26 and wounded 20 in the Texas church, purposely shot little children point blank. That takes pure evil. The killer was going up and down the church aisles shooting people multiple times to try and make sure they were dead. Fortunately, God saved these wounded by being able to get a man trained with a gun to hear the shots, go get his own gun, and shoot the killer. The evil shooter ended his church rampage and drove off. God was also able to get another man to be available nearby with a vehicle to help give chase. The two good Samaritans caused the gunman to run off the road. He then shot himself dead. If you know anything about the devil, you understand that is always his endgame. He hates people - period. He wants all people dead - even the ones he gets to do his evil deeds. I am often amused at people who purposely do the devil's work and worship him when I hear of their demise. They think the devil will protect them but find out that more often than not, he uses another evil person to rat them out to the authorities. He gets what he wants and discards them. He has no allegiance to any of them. They wind up dead or rotting in prison for doing what the devil wanted them to do. Many say if there were no guns, this would not have happened. The devil is not stopped by a lack of a certain weapon. He only chooses another weapon to do his dirty deeds and influences a person to murder innocents with it. That is what the devil does and who he is: John 8: [44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. Our God and Father however wants us alive at all costs. He does all that He can to protect and shield us. If you think our Father God is a killer and a murderer and wants another 'rose petal in heaven', than THINK AGAIN! Mark 12: [27] He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err. We need to ask God to help protect us and our loved ones each and every day. Especially when doing even our normal every day things - like just traveling in a vehicle: 2016 Was the Deadliest Year on American Roads in Nearly a Decade http://fortune.com/2017/02/15/traffic-deadliest-year/ God goes by the rules. He has given us freedom of choice. Just as a parent doesn't interfere with a grown child's choice unless asked to, so it is with our Heavenly Father. He does not want His Will to overtake YOUR will. He will always give you your freedom of choice to do as you please - even if it means you will get hurt or killed. However, by praying and asking for His help, He can more freely intervene or try and obstruct you from doing something that will be bad for you. But ultimately, He will let you do as you please. After all, it is YOUR Choice. The devil doesn't have these rules. He can possess people and make them do his will and he doesn't care. That's part of what sets our God above him. God is righteous and just and good and loving. Pss.116: [15] Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Precious - COSTLY! God needs us alive and fighting the devil here on earth! We are of no use to God dead - sleeping - waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We know God will avenge us for all of this evil we endure... 2 Thes.1: [4] So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: [5] Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: [6] Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; [7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; [10] When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' See these teachings: The Sleep Metaphor http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/sleepmetaphor.html Our Gifts And Callings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html Walking In Power http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html You Are The Only You God Has http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _..._ _.._ .' `'._.' '. / __ .-' | :]___.'__'./______________._I_I_I. | :|========================I=_____( | :]"""'.__.;"""""""""""""""''I I I' jgs \ __ | '._ _.-' `'._\ >A Note of Encouragement By; Chuck Graham (Adapted) Recently I was strolling through Downtown Disney when I heard a guitar above the clatter of the crowd. As I drew nearer the music grew louder and clearer. I crossed a bridge and found a young man playing away into the summer night. He had several guitars, one a double neck that was part 12 string, part 6 string, part acoustic, part synthesizer. He also had an Australian didgeridoo, not something you see just anywhere. Then I saw his name on a case... Dominic Gaudious. I was stunned. I'd been listening to his music for years. If you've been reading my Notes, you know I tend to discover God in all kinds of ways. By that I mean He will use a person, a situation, or whatever to share with me something about Himself. I don't know Gaudious or his beliefs but God used him to teach me about power and passion. When Gaudious plays, he is absolutely amazing. His fingers fly across the strings, his hands moving independently yet in complete harmony, all with a singular purpose. With incredible expertise and dexterity, he can play complicated instruments while combining different sounds and styles from around the world. Simply put, he can do it. There is power. As I watched him that night, I saw something else. He was smiling, laughing, and talking to his ever-changing audience. He even came over and spoke with me as his fingers (apparently with a mind of their own) ran up and down the neck of his guitar. He was clearly enjoying the experience he was creating. There was passion, his passion, and each piece he played was filled with it. Power and passion. Actual ability to accomplish combined with deep desire and commitment. Power without passion leads us into mindless ritual. Passion without power leaves us only something to talk about. They must both be present to share the message of the music. And when that happens, we see...we hear...we find...we discover...we experience...what we never knew before. In Gaudious' The Frozen Tundra, I see loneliness. In Worthy of Love, I hear assurance. In Acoustic Jubilee, I find celebration. In Dance Reilly, I discover joy. In Life Worth Living, I experience peace. In Encouragement,...well...I mean really. Power and passion. But it takes something on my part, too. I'd like to play guitar like Gaudious and have this experience whenever I want, but that's not likely to happen. So instead of just wishing I could have his wonderful talent, I can share the experience through him. I can go to where he is. I can listen as he plays. And I can let my eyes and ears be opened to the new sights and sounds his music brings to me. The power and passion of God works much the same way. We may be unhappy where we are, with life in general or the situation we may be in. We may simply want to be more fulfilled. We say we want to experience God's power and passion in our lives. Yet often we sit back and wait, as if the experience is supposed to come to us, while we make no effort to find it. To know God's power and passion requires that we seek and follow Him. We must go to Him. We must listen when He speaks. We must learn who He is. And when we do, He opens our eyes and ears to new sights, sounds and a deeper understanding that bring power and passion into our lives...not for us to control, but to experience through Him. Do you want to experience the power and passion of God? Search for Him. Listen to His music. It will change your life... every day. -<>- _)_ .-'(/ '-. / ` \ / - - \ (` a a `) \ ^ / '. '---' .' .-`'---'`-. / \ / / ' ' \ \ _/ /| |\ \_ `/|\` |+++++++|`/|\` >How to Think of God Maybe it is because they're so fresh from the hand of God. Whatever the reason, there is a lot to be learned about God from paying attention to infants. I watched her as she came into the restaurant. What an engaging smile! Nobody had to do anything for her. No performances. No gifts. No getting up to make a fuss. The smile came from within and seemed to be part of her nature. She sat in her high chair and played as the adults ate. She made no demands and never fussed. Look her way, though, and she would reward you with that ever-present smile. A pinch of saltine was wonderful to her. She clearly enjoyed chewing on a toy or two her mother had brought. And that constant smile on her face would just melt your heart every time you saw it. At various times in the course of the evening, people made her the center of attention. They peek-a-booed, patty-caked, and chin-chucked. She loved the attention, sure enough. You could hear her chuckle from deep down inside. Everybody in the restaurant was sneaking glances at her now. A couple of times when her eyes caught ours, she offered that captivating grin. She didn't appear to feel intruded upon that strangers were basking in the glow of her favor. I just knew it had to end though. She'd get tired. Then she would turn grumpy, fuss a bit, and need a bottle or nap. Although I'm sure it happens, we never saw it that night. For the entire time we shared the room with her, she smiled. No, she beamed. Her radiant face made us feel special for being there. Then it dawned on me how like that night is the experience of God. We have somehow convinced ourselves that we must jump through hoops, offer extraordinary gifts, or otherwise draw his attention and favor to ourselves. Then, convinced he is looking, we work to crank up the performance level lest his perceived smile turn to a sour, scolding look. By what terrible logic did such an image of the God of All Grace emerge? Has its widespread acceptance led some to despair and give up on his favor? God's presence in our lives is much more like that of the baby my wife and I saw in a restaurant that night than some can bring themselves to believe. His constant gaze is accompanied by a natural, easy smile. It is only natural, after all, for a Father to enjoy watching his children. No need for any of us to make a fuss or think it is necessary to earn his favor. No need for us to fear that his mood will turn gloomy and his manner forbidding. Next time you have the chance to enjoy such a sight for yourself, think how much you are witnessing of the nature of God - and rejoice. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Autumn Of Life http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/life.html Autumn Around The USA 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fallinusa2.html Under His Wings http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wings.html Harvest Moonbow http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/moonbow.html Beautiful Bridges 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bridges2.html Value What You Have http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuewyh.html Attitude Is Everything http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Animated for USA http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_u-z.html Rescued Squirrel http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rsquirrel.html Daily With The Troops http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/daily.html Humor With The Troops 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humor3.html Freedom Isn't Free http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/freedom.html 9-11/US Troops Index! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html -<>- >In The News: Remarks by the Vice President and Mrs. Pence at the First Baptist Church Prayer Vigil http://tinyurl.com/y76p665g On a morning when President Donald Trump enjoyed a round of golf with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, First Lady Melania Trump and Akie Abe, the prime minister's wife, toured a beautiful Japanese garden in Delray Beach, Fla. (Feb. 11) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdInERDuVog BEAUTIFUL! Elementary Students Sing for Melania Trump in Tokyo, Japan 11/5/17 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYxg3gZGeuU President Trump & Melania Attend AMAZING Welcome Ceremony in South Korea 11/7/17 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQlF1ybixaI President Trump & Melania Welcomed to China with INCREDIBLE Ceremony in Beijing 11/8/17 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wya2CNlHhcU China Grants Trump An Honor No President Has Ever Earned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZzPasfNKfM President Trump & Melania Attend a State Dinner with President Xi in Beijing, China 11/9/17 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJLyeCarFws President Trump & Melania Enjoy Spectacular Opera @ Forbidden City in Beijing, China 11/8/17 Compare! Trump Royal Arrival in China vs Obama treated as luggage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItHC9T3Ifow -<>- >From Our Friends At TruthOrTradition: Faith Is Trust http://thesowermagazine.com/faith-is-trust/ -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) The City of Boca Raton, Florida, has allowed a large Satanic pentagram to go up on public property next to Christmas decorations. Please sign our petition urging the City of Boca Raton to repeal its permit for this offensive display at once. http://tinyurl.com/yb4zz5gv --- ...Shocking! Thanks Melody! Wisdom In The Word ~ Anchored In Him http://www.anchoredinhim.com/wisin/word.html --- ...Beautiful! Thank You Melody! -<>- >From Our Friend louiseAu :) Dogs may be stronger than cats. Dogs may be larger than cats. But when it comes to sheer intimidation, dogs don't stand a chance against the average grumpy feline, who will not move out of their way, not let them pass unscathed. Watch these poor pooches as they confront cats who will just not let them pass. An adorable and hilarious video for the whole family. http://tinyurl.com/y8lucsy3 A wonderful look at some old service stations set to several great songs from the 1950's including "59 Ford" by The Firebirds. This compilation of old gas stations photos includes both black and white as well as color photos plus some that have been digitally colorized to really make the gas pumps and signs stand out. http://tinyurl.com/y9tn4xv7 --- ...Awesome! Thank You LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== | --====|====-- | .-"""""-. .'_________'. /_/_|__|__|_\_\ ;'-._ _.-'; ,--------------------| `-. .-' |--------------------, ``""--..__ ___ ; ' ; ___ __..--""`` jgs `"-// \\.._\ /_..// \\-"` \\_// '._ _.' \\_// `"` ``---`` `"` >Two Travellers Story Editor: by Gillian Kew Joyce Schowalter Hong Kong To set up our married lives, 23 years ago I moved from the UK to Hong Kong with my Chinese husband. Although I'd been away from my parents' home for eight years, I'd always been a bus ride or train journey away, so this was a big step. My mother had been unwell most of her life, and found even the shortest of journeys taxing. I assumed that future time with my parents would, inevitably, be limited to flying home. How wrong I was. My husband persuaded me to talk to mum about flying to Hong Kong, saying he'd handle the money. At 60, mum had never been on a plane, and my dad's last trip had involved being pushed out of one with a parachute strapped to his back. Mum was concerned but agreed to come. That's where my friends stepped in. My parents didn't have a car (dad didn't believe in credit), so my former nursing colleagues, Dawn and Linda, offered to drive them to and from the airport. Arriving in Hong Kong safe and sound, they enjoyed one of many trips over 15 years, until their deaths. Mum brought her medications and inhalers -- and my two friends, Dawn and Linda took turns transporting them to the airport. When no one was available, mum and dad took two buses, riding eight hours across England to the airport. Their love was such that, even as mum was dying of lung cancer she determined to make one more trip. Dad was there to help her, needing a wheelchair and the paraphernalia for someone so sick they should probably be home in bed. I thought of telling mum not to come, but she wanted to see her grandchildren and spend time with me. To her, it was worth it. After that last visit, she deteriorated rapidly. Dawn and Linda took turns visiting her at home and in hospital, despite their busy lives. I visited her twice that year including at the end. I'll never forget her courage and determination not to let distance and ill health stop her from being a part of our lives. As a result, my children have a grandmother they remember with great love. I'm also forever indebted to my friends, who happily re-arranged their schedules to act as drivers and spend time visiting my parents, helping them to bridge the miles between us. It may not seem much to most people, but these acts of kindness sustained me over the years. When I lost both parents within six months, my friends again responded, to support me. Linda even took it upon herself to regularly check on my single brother, who became depressed when left alone in the house with his grief. She helped him get over the worst, and begin to see a life for himself again. When I think of courage and love, I think of my mother and my friends -- they are the example I try to follow. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From CupO'Cheer: .\^/. . |`|/| . |\|\|'|/| .--'-\`|/-''--. \`-._\|./.-'/ >`-._|/.-'< jgs '~|/~~|~~\|~' | >ONE LEAF I was walking out my door yesterday when a strong gust of wind blew something into my face. Getting over the shock I pulled it off of my glasses. It was single red leaf that had gotten taken for a ride on that windy September day. I held this messenger of Fall in my hand and looked at it closely. It looked like it had lived its life well. It probably had first popped out on a cold April morning giving the first hope of Spring to some Winter weary soul who saw it. It must have given shelter to singing birds and shade to tired children too. From the holes in it I would guess that it gave more than one meal to a hungry insect during the hot Summer months. Now it was ending its life at its most beautiful with its radiant red adding to the glorious painting from God that covers the mountains during Autumn here. I knew too that its work wasn’t done yet, because in death it would return to the soil and help God to bring about new life next Spring. My little leaf reminded me too of all the good I can do in my own short life here. If one, red leaf can do so much for this world then how much more can one human life do? I am going to do my best then to live my own life well. I am going to do all I can to give hope to the weary, to comfort the tired, and to feed those with hungry hearts. I am going to try and live so that my last days are my most beautiful: full of the colors of love, joy, and oneness with God. Remember you may just be one leaf in this world’s mighty forest, but without your love and your life the forest is less. Remember too that tomorrow is another chance to live, to learn, to laugh, and to love in this world. Do your best then. Share your beauty. Help others. Commit yourself to life before death as well as to life after death. God didn’t put you here just to hang on a tree. God put you here to live well and color this world with the light of your soul. God put you here to help make this world a better and more beautiful place for those who will follow. as seen in da Mouse Tracks -<>- , }`-. , , \ \ '-' \ .-'{ _} . | ,`\ / ' ; .-;\ { \ | | / `/ '-.,/ ; | { -- -. ' '`-, .--._.' ; \__ \ \ | ' / |`. ; _,`\ '. '- ' `_- '.`; ; ,-`_.-' ,--. \ ` /` '--' `;.` (` _ .--.\ '._) '-. \ \ `-. ; `-';| '. -. ' __ '. ; ; _,-' / { __'.\ ' '-,/; `-' ';`.- ` .-' '-. `-._' | `; ;`' .-'` <_ -' ` .\ `; ; (_.'`\ _.;-"``"'-._'. `:; ___, _.-' | .-'\'. '.` \ \_,_`\ ;##` `'; _.' /_'._\ \ \__;#####./###. \` \.' .'`/"`/ (#######)###::.. _.' '.' .' ; , |:. `|()##`"""` jgs `'-../__/_\:: /O()()o ()'._.'`()()' >AUTUMN OF OUR LIVES I decided to take my sons for a walk the other day. Autumn was in the air. Rich, delightful reds painted by God’s own hand were coloring some of the trees. Heavenly yellows shining brightly in the afternoon sunshine were coloring others. On the ground a carpet of dry leaves had begun to form along the path. They smelled wonderful and crunched under our feet as we walked along. A light breeze swirled newly falling ones around and around until they too gently floated to the ground. High in the sky we noticed a V-shaped flock of birds heading south for the Winter. As we walked along I smiled. Beauty was all around us. It felt so good to be out in nature. I felt blessed to be watching God’s glorious creation at its best. As we turned a corner along the walking trail. I noticed a woman slowly making her way toward us. She was an elderly lady with an unkempt mass of gray hair. She wore old jeans and work boots. Her sweater was threadbare in spots and had obviously seen better days. She was carrying a trash bag in one hand and a pointed stick with a nail driven through it in the other. As she slowly made her way toward us she stopped to jab a piece of trash she saw on the ground with her stick. Then quickly and neatly she placed it in the trash bag. When we met she smiled and said: "Hello" to us. Her teeth were cracked and worn, but her voice was as youthful and angelic as I had heard in many a day. We talked for a bit and I thanked her for making our nature walk more beautiful with her work. She smiled again and said: "I just do what I can" before continuing down the path. Of all the things I saw that day, she was the most beautiful. May we all live as lovely a life as her. May God help us all to grow more and more loving so that our last days here are our best days here. May God help us all to be a beautiful blessing to this world today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our lives. from Joseph J. Mazzella -<>- ,@@@@@@@, ,,,. ,@@@@@@/@@, .oo8888o. ,&%%&%&&%,@@@@@/@@@@@@,8888\88/8o ,%&\%&&%&&%,@@@\@@@/@@@88\88888/88' %&&%&%&/%&&%@@\@@/ /@@@88888\88888' %&&%/ %&%%&&@@\ V /@@' `88\8 `/88' `&%\ ` /%&' |.| \ '|8' |o| | | | | |.| | | | | jgs \\/ ._\//_/__/ ,\_//__\\/. \_//__/_ >THE ROAD TRIP (by Madge Blanton) [Edited] Some of the best conversations my husband and I have are on long road trips. Although we've flown a time or two, we truly enjoy driving. It's a great time for sharing thoughts that we hadn't made time for in our busy schedule. As we drive away from the familiar and head towards a new or seldom traveled direction there's something cleansing that takes place. Temporarily, we shed all the things that usually distract us from having quality time and delve into each others thoughts for a time of bonding. Of course, however, there are always children in the backseat! Fortunately, our children have become accustomed to long road trips. My husband's parents moved to Michigan a few years ago and since then we have made the three hour trip dozens of times. Habitually though, there are still those same words that come from the backseat haunting us like the plague, "Are we there yet??" One of my girlfriends spent a lot of her childhood family vacation time in the car. She remembers sitting in the backseat always so concerned about where they were going, while her sister sat contently playing. When they played together, her sister would get perturbed because like a mile marker my friend would ritually interrupt their playing to consciously take in a visual note of where they were. I'm sure for her parents it made the miles seem much longer than they actually were. I can only imagine how many times she asked "the question." As much as I love a long road trip and the anticipation of the unexpected, I often find myself being like a child in the backseat of God's minivan. Although I love to journey with Him and He's never forgotten me at a rest stop, I still inevitably find myself whining like a two-year old, "Are we almost there? Where are we going?" Fortunately, the Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:8 that God's thoughts are not our thoughts. I am most certain if they were that God would be thinking, "For Pete's sake, just keep quiet and enjoy the ride!" As a child of God, I foolishly spend much of my time on the journey worrying about the distance between points A and B. I forget that He's the navigator, and my responsibility is to trust His leading and obey Him. Besides, He's already told me time and time again where we are ultimately going. Like a child waiting in anticipation of seeing Disney World, I should have the same anticipation of what God's "magical kingdom" will be like. "Lord, please forgive me for wasting my time worrying. Forgive me for impulsively wanting to do Your job and lead the way. Please help me to have the faith to follow as You lead the way. In Jesus' name, Amen." as seen in Laugh and Lift -<>- _.. ;-._ .' `\ .' `\/ ; | `\.---._| .--; . ( .' '. / _ \_ './ _. `-._ ( = \ )`""'\;--. / {= (| ) /`. / .'| ( =_/ )__..-\ .' / / \ }/ / ;.____.-;/\ .` / '--' | .' | \ \ | ; \ ' / |. ; \/ ) .'`-. / ; | /\ /__.-' , \_.' | | ; ; |\ |`| | | \`\ | | | | \ `\ | | ; ; | ; | | / / | | | |/ / ; | | / / \ \;/ / \ \ / \ Y/ jgs | | | | | | | | \ | \_/ >THERE IS... For every hectic work day there is a quiet rest... For every painful experience there is a healing touch... For every negative feeling there is an abiding joy... For every disappointment there is a certain hope... For every turbulent storm there is a sure foundation... For every doubting thought there is a calm assurance... For every hurtful action there is a forgiving love. In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 -Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >ON GUARD Micca Campbell, Assistant Director of Certified Speakers, Certified Speaker/Writer Key Verse: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil Ephesians 6: 10-11 (NIV). Devotion: When spring arrives, my husband and I love to walk on the nature trail at the park. We meet there each day to shed off a layer of our winter coats until a fit look for summer is accomplished. One day, we were on our last lap when, suddenly, I noticed a long, black, snake poised on my side of the trail as if he were simply a stick. I stopped dead in my tracks and let out a piercing scream. The snake kept his position, while my husband turned and ran the other way. I knew then it was everybody for themselves! Of course, my husband remembers the event quite differently in his mind. He recalls protecting me from the snake by fearlessly attacking it with his bare hands. Next, he remembers how he whirled the snake around and slung it back into the woods. Then, he reminded me how I rushed him with rewards of hugs and kisses while exclaiming, “Oh, my beloved hero, you saved me from that evil snake!” I recalled that it always puzzles me how two people at the same event can walk away with two different stories! After I returned home from our walk, I wondered how many times we had passed that snake while being unaware of his presence. Now when we walk, I’m on guard looking for the snake behind every bush, every pile of leaves and every tree. While it’s good to be on guard for snakes while walking through the woods, there’s another snake we should be aware of as we walk through the Christian life. He is described as the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world (Rev.12: 9b). As you and I serve the kingdom of God, the enemy is going to be found in our path from time to time. He knows that we are a threat to his kingdom and he intends to try stopping us just as he tried to stop Christ. During our Christian journey, he may show up in all kinds of forms such as trials, broken relationships, and temptations. Yet, our Lord has provided a way for us to stand guard against the devil’s tactics. First, we can guard ourselves against the devil by remembering that Christ conquered him on the cross. He no longer holds us in bondage to sin nor can he hold death over our heads. Secondly, we can guard against the enemy by resisting him. While he still has the power to tempt us, we can experience victory as we submit to God and resist the devil; [then] he will flee from you (James 4: 7). Finally, be on guard by dressing daily in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-17). When we dress ourselves each day in the armor of God, it acts as a hedge of protection that keeps the enemy from showing up on our path and bestowing hardships on us. During my walk with Christ, the “snake” has crossed my path many times with trials and temptations, as I’m sure he has in yours. However, if we are wise, during those times we will cling to our Protector and allow Him to guard us from the enemy’s schemes. As we stand firm in the Lord, we will find that our God is able to defeat the serpent of old. Then, with praise due Him, we will proclaim the victory of our Defender! My prayer for Today: Lord, thank you for being my Mighty Defender, and providing me with ways to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. May you grant me victory from every trap and snare so that I might glorify your name. Amen. Application Steps: Just like putting on your clothes each day, take time to dress yourself in the full armor of God. Read Ephesians 6: 14-17 until you are familiar with helmet of salvation, the breast plate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the sword of the spirit, the shoes of peace and the shield of faith. Through prayer, dress yourself with each protective piece of armor. Then you will be able to stand against the enemy’s enticements. Reflection Points: What are some trails that the devil has shown up on in your life and ministry? Do you prepare to stand firm each day by dressing yourself in the armor of God? Do you praise and thank the Lord for His protection from the enemy in your life? Do you practice resisting temptation, or do you give into the enemy’s schemes? In what ways can you be on guard against the devil? Power Verses: 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations. (KJV) 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil is a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. (KJV) James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. (KJV) 1 John 4:4 Ye are of god, little children, and he overcome them; because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV) Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. (KJV) as seen in Growthtrac To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY ,==. / 66\ \c -_) `) ( / \ |~~~ / \ \ | (( /\ \_ |~~~ \\ \ `--`| / / / |~~~ jgs_______ (_(___)_| Chase, 6, was looking for something on the kitchen counter. Eying the stack of breakfast dishes next to the sink waiting to be washed, he said, 'You know, Mom, I used to think the counter was where you counted the dishes!' That story, and the next two, are from Ingrid Lochamire of rural LaGrange County. +++ Chase asked Ingrid to pray with him for a special friend. 'How would you like us to pray for him?' Ingrid asked, meaning what was his concern. Chase bowed his head and folded his hands to demonstrate. +++ Chase loves to draw and is taking an art class with other home- schooled friends. He has been taught to start drawing pictures of animals by drawing the pupils of their eyes first, and progressing from there. Practicing at home, he said he was going to start his drawing by coloring in the 'pimples.' Read More Here: http://kpcnews.com/article_2e95e152-dcf4-5c0b-abe3-a9b28b6c7c97.html ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) .---. ___ /_____\ /\.-`( '.' ) / / \_-_/_ \ `-.-"`'V'//-. `.__, |// , \ |Ll //Ll|\ \ |__// | \_\ /---|[]==| / / \__/ | \/\/ /_ | Ll_\| |`^"""^`| | | | | | | | | | | | | L___l___J jgs |_ | _| (___|___) ^^^ ^^^ >A MILITARY HEART A military heart is unique, it must be true, The blood that pulses deep within is red, white, and blue. Its love is like a fire that grows when it is shared, For complete and total strangers, they have truly cared. All heroes past and present, at war and at peace, My admiration for you all will never ever cease. Veterans who went by choice or those who had been drafted, I feel that God took extra care with certain hearts He crafted. He had to make them strong and brave, but tender all the same, He knit them in their mother's womb and knew them each by name. It would take a special heart to leave loved ones behind, To kiss and hug good-bye with Old Glory on their mind. The countless sacrifice they made for freedoms we enjoy, For every man, every woman, every girl, and every boy. For those who have such passion for our great U.S. of A, Who'll stand for life and liberty, so we can speak and pray. If you see a warrior, please give them all our love, For the heart that beats within them is a gift from God above. We're thankful, oh so thankful, for that heart we have admired, For giving so unselfishly, although it may be tired. We'd never know of its fatigue - it's hidden way inside, For that heart is full of love, as deep as it is wide. On Veterans Day and all the days that come before and after, We thank you for allowing us a life of hope and laughter. To wake each day knowing what you must have seen and heard, It's hard to find the thoughts to share - there isn't just one word. What can we say? What should we say? A debt we just cannot repay. I think I'll just say thank you from the bottom of my heart, I'll pray for you - thank God for you. That's certainly a start. I'll do my best to wake each day full of gratitude, I'll make a daily effort with a thankful attitude. I'll live to nurture peace - I'll try to do my part, And I'll thank the Lord everyday for your military heart. --- ...Beautiful! Thanks LouiseAu! ============;===========;() # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # jgs # # # # # # # May God Bless all our veterans and their families! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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 ************************************************************************