Witness ... :) 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!! (, ,) | *_ | \\ (('^, // \`()) _.'/ ` )__)-' \ ) )( / `_.'_ / /_ , ) /_.-' ( / \ | ,/ \'( / ),)/ ( )` \ , ejm '| \/ I'm doing a 'Happy Angel' dance! Why? Because Shangrala has been blessed with another 2010 Angel! Jewelle from Rio Linda, CA has joined forces to help Keep Shangrala Alive this year with a sweet donation! If you'd like to help too 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! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) >Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This comes from a forward from our friend Viv. Very interesting so I was compelled to do the page up. For you who are thinking of a new vehicle this spring, you may want to think about this one. This couple seems to be pretty happy with it anyway! /'\ / / , c-' / /'-._ ,____,' .-'''-. .-'.// \ '-;-========,"-,' ' ,` /, \_//\ ,/ ( '- *) ) ( ./ ) {,}========'===='- ' , , , \/ ', -muse. _____'-.-`_______________________'-..-'____ Amazing Bike Car http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bikecar.html Of course, not much good in the snow storm we are expected to get. --- ...Wow, how unique! Thanks Viv! -<>- >-->From Our Friend Denise :) Denise had a few questions I think is good to share with the group... She sent a link for Occult Holidays And Sabbaths: |_| , ('.') /// <(_)`-/' <-._/J L / -bf- "Scary stuff! A friend in Christ passed this on to me...I don't know! Lots of pagan holidays, huh? What are we to believe??? What do you think about this?" -Denise --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...I won't even go there. I don't trust them not to place cookies or whatever to be tracking or spying on me. And besides, God doesn't want us to. Eph.5: [11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. [12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. [13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. I will say that yes there are many such holidays and rituals. I saw on Fox news web site the other night about the air force setting up a place for wiccans (witches) to worship. Gross. Anyway, many of our holidays are intertwined with Pagan holidays. Check here to learn about them... Holiday Myths http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&new_topic=45 >Denise wrote back... "I am not going there either! But I do notice that there's plenty of Born Again Christians still celebrate some pagan holidays - especially Halloween...I don't even acknowledge it. I remember reading about this kind of thing at truth or tradition as well - that it's pagan and we really shouldn't celebrate it. Thanks much," :)Denise --- ...SO of course, I had to write her back and clarify this more: Ahh, now, yes, many holidays are as I said intertwined with pagan holidays, but - and I say but for a reason. God checks our heart. If we celebrate Christmas and we do so NOT to celebrate the pagan winter holiday - but to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - then that is fine. Also if we celebrate Easter and we do so to celebrate our Lord giving his life for us and God raising him from the dead INSTEAD of the pagan reasons then God knows and all is well. I have some of my best times at Halloween. I do not celebrate for pagan reasons and God knows this. I celebrate because the children whom God loves have such a very good time dressing up and getting sweets. If I am feeling it is getting too 'dark' I ask the kids to say 'God Bless You' instead of Trick'Or'Treat' and I will give them double the candy for doing so. But it is all in fun... and God knows this for he knows our heart. Like TruthOrTradition says... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' "For Christians, as per the Church Epistles, there are no prescribed "holidays." Every day is to be a special day as we live for the Lord. That is not to say that it is wrong to celebrate the birth of Christ, or his Resurrection. Such remembrances can be very meaningful. Does God care if Christians have a Christmas tree, give gifts, etc.? Not at all, as long as we don't worship the tree. We can remember Jesus Christ and give thanks for his birth and his life. And we can take advantage of the opportunity to talk to people about our Savior and tell them why he was born." That goes for all our holidays. We are God's Children. Remember? We keep God First and Love Him foremost then it is OK to do as we please because we are doing God's will. What pleases us won't be against God when we are abiding by the above - His first commandment. Simple Huh? Blessings In Christ, :) Shangy! -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >-->From our Friends At TruthOrTradition :) Hello and God bless you! We wanted to let you know that we have added our newest Teaching of the Month to iTunes and TruthOrTradition.com Title: Perfecting the Saints (February 2010) One of Jesus' last commands before his ascension was to "go make disciples of all nations." Clearly God's and Jesus' vision is for each Christian to become a strong, mature believer. Dave Hanson explores the goal in Ephesians 4:13, that we be unified and "become mature." This maturity is exemplified by love, meaning that all Christians should strive to love to the point of reaching out and helping others. Dave shows the context of Ephesians 4:13 with the equipping ministries of Verse 11 working to "prepare" or "perfect" the saints to help all of us get involved as the subsequent verses indicate. This teaching explores the Greek word, katartizo, meaning "to supply exactly what someone needs," and shows that each believer has the awesome privilege and responsibility to reach out and love other believers to "perfect" them so that we are all unified and become mature in Christ. Listen for free at: http://www.TruthOrTradition.com/audio (Just scroll down a little bit to February 2010) or http://www.STFonline.org/podcast Also, here are some new 10-minute video teachings we have just added to our YouTube channel: "Welcome to Spirit & Truth Fellowship International" "An Overview of Manners & Customs in the Bible" "Manners & Customs series: Gird Up the Loins of Your Mind, 1 Peter 1:13 (KJV), Be prepared for action" "Manners & Customs series: Oil lamps (lights) in the Biblical World - Let Your Light Shine" "Highlights from Live Out Loud 2009" To watch these short 10-minute video teachings (and many more) visit http://www.TruthOrTradition.com/youtube To subscribe to our video teachings in iTunes visit http://www.TruthOrTradition.com/itunes We are sure thankful for you! The Home Office Staff Spirit & Truth Fellowship International STFonline.org 1-888-255-6189, M-F 9 - 5 (ET) International callers use 1-765-349-2330 ================================================================== >-->From HeartWarmers: %%%% %%%%-( _%%%%%_/ \ ' / _%%%%%%%% - (_) - _%%%%%%%/ \% / , \ %%%%%%%%%\\ \_ %%%%%% \ \\ ) /\_/ /(___. \ '----' ( / ) ---....____/ (_____ __ _ ___ ___ __ _ _ _____ _ _ ___ / )---...___ =-= = -_= -=_= _-=_-_ -=- =-_ ,' ( ```--.._= -_= -_= _-=- -_= _=- ,-' ) ``--._=-_ =-=_-= _-= _ '-._ '-..___( ``-._=_-=_- =_-= ``---....__) `-._-=_-_=- )|)| `-._=-_ gnv '-'-.\_ `-. >THERE YA'ARE by Joseph Walker I learned something wonderful about living a few weeks ago -- at a funeral, of all places. Then again, maybe it isn't so unusual to learn about living at a funeral. The best and most fulfilling funerals I've ever been to are funerals during which life is celebrated, and examples are shared of a life well-lived. And this was definitely one of those funerals. If you had known Patty, you would understand. If I had to choose one word to describe Patty it would be "joyful." In all the years I knew her, I never saw her without a smile. She was happy. She was positive. She was upbeat. She was joyful. Even as she waged her personal, private war with cancer, she found reasons to smile and laugh. And so she insisted that her funeral be joyful. Because she knew that the end was coming, she outlined her funeral and personally invited those who she wanted to speak. She instructed them carefully that this was not to be a tearful, anguished funeral. She wanted laughter and smiles and... well... joyfulness all around. Joy in the mourning. And to a great extent, the speakers complied. Her father shared sweet and funny stories from Patty's childhood. A college roommate had the entire congregation laughing as she regaled us with lively stories from their college days. Then her husband, Jay, got up and talked about the heavenly reunion that was taking place between Patty and her grandpa, and how the two of them were probably doing something called the Oopa Dance together. Of course, Jay had to demonstrate the dance, which consisted of a series of moves that were part Hokey Pokie, part Funky Chicken and part being tased. It was hysterical. I've never heard laughter that loud at a funeral. And somewhere, I'm sure, Patty was smiling. Of course, there were also some tender moments during the funeral, and some moments of profound instruction. One bit of wisdom really resonated with me – a philosophical approach to living that has made a difference for me on more than one occasion during the past few weeks. I commend it to you. It's called: "There ya'are." In straight English it would be: "There you are." But you can't say it that way, or you'll miss the whole point. It's "There ya'are" -- almost "There yar," but with a little hesitation between the "y" and the "ar." Sort of like "ya'all." "There ya'are." Got it, ya'all? Jay explained that this simple phrase came to summarize Patty's approach to the vicissitudes she encountered during the last few years of her life. When a rude driver would cut her off in traffic, she wouldn't rage or vilify – she would just shrug her shoulders and say, "Well, there ya'are." When she found out she had cancer, she didn't shake a fist at the heavens and cry "Why me?" – she looked at Jay and said, "Well, there ya'are." And with each progressive downturn in her health, she wouldn't moan or complain – it was just, "Well, there ya'are." To me, the phrase doesn't suggest resignation or defeat. Once again, if you knew Patty you'd understand that. She was a fighter, and she battled her illness valiantly right up to the end. She fought, she worked, she tried, she suffered and she prayed. She fought so hard that there were some who knew her who wondered if she wasn't accepting the reality of her situation. But she did. Just a few days before she died, when it was clear that the end was coming, she looked at Jay and smiled weakly. "Well," she said, shrugging her shoulders, "there ya'are." That wasn't surrender on Patty's part. That was acceptance of life as it is, with its sometimes frustrating, sometimes painful realities. Patty would be the first to say that if you can do something about whatever it is that is distressing you, you should do it. If you can fix the problem, fix it. If you can change the situation, change it. If it's tweakable, tweak it. Adjust it. Repair it. Make it better. But if you can't -- and sometimes in life you just can't -- then get ready to do the Oopa Dance. Because... well... there ya'are. -- Joseph Walker __________________________________________________ Joe is a Heartwarmer Gem from Utah. ================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Del :) .-"""""""-. .' __ \_ / / \/ \ | \_0/\_0/______ |:. .' oo`\ |:. / \ |' ; | | |:.. . \_______ | |::.|' , \,_____\ / |:::.; ' | . '| ====)_/===;===========;() |::; | | ; ; | | # # # #:::::: /::::.|-| |_|-|, \ # # # #:::::: /'-=-'` '-' '--'\ # # # #:::::: jgs / \ # # # #:::::: # # # # # # # TEA PARTY # # # # # # # # # # # # # # P A T R I O T S ! # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # >Tabback info Greetings, Patriots! Wanted to remind you about next Tuesday's meeting with Thomas Tabback at Community Health Professionals building (as well as the following Tuesday, Feb. 16 at Trinity Friends Church). I received a forwarded letter from a pastor in Forest, Ohio who had heard Mr. Tabback speak, and his thoughts on it. Perhaps you might share these comments along with the flyer (sent in a previous message) with your pastor. If you are not able to open or print the flyer, here are some topics that Mr. Tabback's presentations center on: How America and the biblical Israel share a common history and potential fate. Why conservatism is not enough to restore liberty and justice for all. Why no political or idealogical endeavor can fix our nation. What the church must do to engage this fight, and how you can be the catalyst. How to stop protesting the diretion of our country and start reclaiming it! How you can humble the kings of today. How the TRUTH will set We the People free once more! By the way, he will be giving two different presentations, so plan to attend both if you can! Here is the pastor's letter: ...Linda Hi Everyone!!! Last Saturday I heard Thomas Tabback talk about this nation returning to One Nation Under God. I urge you to attend this Saturday Feb. 6th at Jitteriz Coffee Shop on Detroit St. in Kenton at 2 pm. to hear this same message. What impressed me was his message that it is not about which political party to belong and it is not about whether you are conservative or liberal. That all of that needs to be put aside and our focus needs to be upon the Biblical principles upon which this nation was founded. This is in no way political in nature. It is a message straight from the Bible that we all need to hear and one that every church needs to act upon. I have attached a flyer about the event and also I copied an article that explains the message further. Please try to attend especially if you have a leadership role in the church. Thank you Denny Pastor Denny Livingston Forest United Methodist Church 111 East Dixon St. Forest, OH 45843 PH. 419-273-3148 Cell 419-306-3067 Home 419-273-2610 --- ...Thanks For The Tea Party News Del! Visit here for their web site: http://teaparty.org/ ============================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: _|_ | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ,%%%% // \\ ,@@@@@@@, ,%%%%/%%% // \\ ,@@@\@@@@/@@, @@@%%%\%%//%%%// === \\ @@\@@@/@@@@@ @@@@%%%%\%%%%%// =-=-= \\@@@@\@@@@@@;%#####, @@@@%%%\%%/%%// === \\@@@@@@/@@@%%%######, @@@@@%%%%/%%//| |\\@\\//@@%%%%%%#/#### '@@@@@%%\\/%~ | | ~ @|| %\\//%%%#####; @@\\//@|| | __ __ | || %%||%%'###### '@|| || | | | | | || ||##\//#### || || | | -|- | | || ||'#||###' || || |_|__|__|_| || || || || ||_/` ======= `\__||_._|| || jgs__||_/` ======= `\_||___ >THE WORK OF GOD By Os Hillman May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -- yes, establish the work of our hands (Ps 90:17). Martin Luther brought the word of God back to the people. Today, God is bringing the work of God back to the people. God never intended the clergy to be the primary distribution channel of His Gospel. You and I are the distribution channel to those of us in the workplace. The local church is simply the franchise to equip and release His army into the world to effect every aspect of society. Today, God is establishing mini-franchises in the form of prayer groups and Bible studies in the workplace. He is igniting the silent remnant of workplace believers who have never realized, until now, that their work really is their ministry. It is a holy calling on par with vocational ministry. Our local franchises (churches) should be viewed as mini battle ships designed to raise an army of qualified warriors who can pray, create, and influence their workplaces and industries with a biblical worldview. We must be reminded of God's perfect plan found in Ephesians 4:11-13. "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." The next time you are tempted to pass ministry responsibility to your pastor, remember what Ephesians 4 says. After all, there are no part-time Christians in His Kingdom. We may get our checks in secular fields, but our ministry is full-time. as seen in Today God is First -<>- ____ ____ .-" "-. .-" "-. / `. .' \ | (`-"-`) | | /'Y'\ | ; __\_^_/__ ; LOVE & HUGS!! \ ()_ >o< _() / `\ ) : ( /' `\ / /-\ \ /' `\ ()/ \() /' jgs `\ /' `\ /' `\ /' Y >MAY GOD BLESS YOU THIS DAY...TO CHANGE THE WORLD! In the last seven days I've written about Grace, prayed for a baby named Karis (Greek for Grace), celebrated Christmas with Grace Fellowship Church, even said Grace a few times. See a pattern? Grace has been on my mind, and God has reminded me what Grace means in the lives of those who follow Him. There's a couple down in New Zealand, David and Kathy Tait. Some time ago God told David to sell his business. God even brought the buyer. So he did, and though David thought he would be in fulltime ministry forever, God led him back into business, but this time with a new direction...to help Africans by sending clothes and money to help them provide for themselves. Today they have six stores. And get this – they're doing well! In this economy! It's as if God has blessed them...even as David works for nothing and they live off Kathy's pay as a nurse. To date they have sent 20 tons of clothes to Africa and have 4 more shipments ready to go. They also have a project in Uganda where pigs are given to villagers to raise, and provide protein and income for them. Then there's this lady in Florida. Her name is Patty Maier and she's involved in a lot of causes, especially those concerning children and orphans. She, too, has been drawn to Africa...to help those suffering from the havoc AIDS has wrecked on so many lives. Through Facebook she got to know another lady by the name of Traci VanSumeren who introduced her to Nsoko, Swaziland. These ladies have been to this remote part of the world. They have seen the lives most of the world have forgotten. And because of the power and love of God, as expressed through Traci and Patty, hope and help have arrived, lives have been changed...those of Nsoko as well as their own. Many talk about God's Grace but these people actually live it. There's nothing self-serving here. No "Hey look at me" about them. They're simply God's children doing what God has set out for them to do, and in the process have become examples of Jesus' love for us all. But there's another story about Grace, one that drives home how simple it truly is. Christmas can be a stressful, difficult time of year. Our hope and best intentions are to focus on the miracle of Jesus' birth, the coming of the Messiah, the presence of Emmanuel. Yet, many fret and worry over gifts. And for those with no job, little money, but much hardship, it can be worse. Sometimes. My 23-year-old son, Matt, is in one of those hard times. He hasn't been able to find a job for months and while he plans to go back to school, that has difficulties of its own. So when it came time to get a present for our extended family's gift swap (everyone gets one low cost present in a Surprise!, hopefully meaningful kind of way), he was in a quandary. What to do, what to do. With no job, there's been no money coming in, but Matt wanted to be part of the Christmas giving. So he went to the only money he had...money he'd been given as a birthday present...money that could be saved for school or used for a multitude of ills currently besetting his 1994 car. He took some and headed off to the stores where he found THE gift. It wasn't religious or fancy. But it had great meaning. Our family watches certain movies at special times of the year. One of those is A Christmas Story, a funny, and painfully true, film about Christmas for families in the 1940's who didn't have a lot, but certainly had each other. Matt's gift was a nightlight in the shape of...well, it’s hard to describe, really. But for those who have seen the movie, think "Major Award". My brother took this prize home. For days leading up to the Great Swap, Matt talked with excite- ment about his gift, never revealing what it could be. He was certain this gift would stir special memories. And he was right. We did remember that movie and the times we've watched and laughed together. But for me, it also helped me remember the Grace of God...taking of his own to share something special with others. Matt did good! God has shared His Grace with us, and it's time we share it with those who desperately need to know the love we carry inside. It may be in working where you live, like David and Kathy. It may be in going to other lands, like Patty and Traci. It may simply be with family and friends, like Matt and many others. But, it is time. God is requiring major change in His people at this time and it is our desire to embrace and share with others what God is doing... David Tait, Walking With Jesus Ministries (www.wwj.org.nz) I would receive a much greater gift in seeing the face of God's love though their eyes...Patty Maier, A Gift for Nsoko (http://bit.ly/8R3V2q) I'm learning little by little that I can't change the world, one world at a time…but I can change the world one life at a time...Traci VanSumeren, The World Race (http://bit.ly/881cDP) Grace – Mercy – Love. Live it! Change the world! Take care and be God's, Chuck as seen in A Note of Encouragement -<>- Compiled by: Kimberly B. Quiggle. Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ======================================================= >-->From Our Friend Johanna :) ^^ ^^ .. .. [] [] .:[]:_ ^^ ,:[]:. .: :[]: :-. ,-: :[]: :. .: : :[]: : :`._ ,.': : :[]: : :. .: : : :[]: : : : :-._ _,-: : : : :[]: : : :. _..: : : : :[]: : : : : : :-._________.-: : : : : : :[]: : : : :-._ _:_:_:_:_:_:[]:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:[]:_:_:_:_:_:_ !!!!!!!!!!!![]!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![]!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^[]^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^[]^^^^^^^^^^^^^ [] [] [] [] [] [] ~~^-~^_~^~/ \~^-~^~_~^-~_^~-^~_^~~-^~_~^~-~_~-^~_^/ \~^-~_~^-~~- ~ _~~- ~^-^~-^~~- ^~_^-^~~_ -~^_ -~_-~~^- _~~_~-^_ ~^-^~~-_^-~ ~^ ~ ^- _~~_- ~~ _ ~ ^~ - ~~^ _ - ^~- ~ _ ~~^ - ~_ - ~^_~ ~- ^_ ~^ - ^~ _ - ~^~ _ _~^~- _ ~~^ - _ ~ - _ ~~^ - jgs ~^ -_ ~^^ -_ ~ _ - _ ~^~- _~ -_ ~- _ ~^ _ - ~ ^- ~^~ - _ ^ - ~~~ _ - _ ~-^ ~ __- ~_ - ~ ~^_- ~ ~- ^~ - ~^ - ~ ^~ - ~~ ^~ - ~ >BRIDGES When anything in life brings pain, Or anyone upsets my day, If I can build a bridge to God His peace will chase my fears away. When problems leave me tense, unstrung, And peace of mind cannot be found, If I can build a bridge of faith, He'll lift me up to higher ground. If I can build a bridge of trust To span the tensions of my day, God's grace and understanding love Will be a light upon my way. No difficulty large or small, Can come between my Lord and me If I can build a bridge of prayer To feel His presence constantly. -Unknown --- ...Aww, such a sweet poem! Thanks Johanna =================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: >Paying It Forward as a Full-Time Job By ELIZABETH GARONE When Trevor Patzer was growing up in Ketchum, Idaho, he received an unusual offer from family friend Ric Ohrstrom: get admitted to New Hampshire's prestigious St. Paul's School, and Mr. Ohrstrom would foot the entire bill for his schooling there. Mr. Patzer was accepted and graduated three years later. He says the experience of someone offering to pay for his high-school education had a profound effect on him, and the gift was always in the back of his mind, even as he moved to college and into the work world. After graduating from Brown University, Mr. Patzer, now 35, headed off to Andersen Consulting to be a systems integration consultant. "It was that or investment banking," he says. But it didn't take him long to realize that there was more to life than "coding someone else's computers," he says. "I knew it wasn't the best fit for me. I'm a people person." Still, he kept plugging away in consulting for two more years. During one of his vacations in 1998, he decided to visit Nepal and see "the biggest mountain in the world." While there, Mr. Patzer had another life-changing experience and it had little to do with the majestic awe of Mount Everest. His tour guide for the trip was Usha Acharya, an author and the wife of Nepal's former ambassador to the United Nations. While they took in various historic sites together, she talked to Mr. Patzer about the plight of poor children in Nepal. He decided on the spot that he wanted to fund the education of a Nepalese child, in the same spirit Mr. Ohrstrom had funded his education. When Mr. Patzer asked Ms. Acharya if she knew of such a child, she spoke of a young girl who could benefit from his philanthropy. The foundation for Mr. Patzer and Ms. Acharya's nonprofit, the Little Sisters Fund, which provides long-term scholarships to girls in Southeast Asia, was laid right at that moment. Mr. Patzer took his time before moving into Little Sisters full time. "I didn't just jump ship" right away, he says. "I'm just a bit more conservative in nature." But, he left Andersen two years later and took a position as a recruiter for teachers at private schools in Boston. Later, he worked as an assistant admissions director for a private high school in Alexandria, Va., and finally as a project supervisor for a luxury-resort company that was setting up high-end spas in Southeast Asia. All along, he worked on Little Sisters during the weekends and evenings. And he says each job he took helped move him forward in his quest to make Little Sisters bigger, because each position had either an education or a Southeast Asia component to it. In the summer of 2006, Mr. Patzer finally decided to dive into the Little Sisters Fund full time. To keep costs down, he is the only U.S.-based paid employee. Everyone else is volunteer or based in Nepal where salaries are much lower. From paying for the education of that first girl, whose name was Bindhaya, the organization has grown and is currently providing long-term scholarships to more than 700 girls. And Mr. Patzer plans to grow it even more in the coming years, according to Quentin Koffey, a friend and board member for the Little Sisters' Fund. "Trevor is extremely proactive and really believes he can make a difference," says Mr. Koffey, adding that Mr. Patzer seems to always have a way to deal with problems that come up. "And, as long as he believes there is a solution, Trevor's DNA just drives him toward doing something about it." This spring, Mr. Patzer is being given an Unsung Hero of Compassion Award from the Dalai Lama, something he says confirms for him the importance of the work his organization is doing. He says he hasn't looked back since moving into the position full time. "I have the best job in the world, and I get to meet the most amazing, compelling individuals," he says. -<>- >I've Wondered, Lord I've wondered, Lord, how it can be You hear me when I call? I'm only one of millions, and Your love is over all. How can it be Your Holy ear Is tuned to hear my cries? How can You know what troubles me And see tears in my eyes? Do I presume too much when I Approach Your sacred throne, And dare to think that I can spend Some time with You alone? Sometimes I am so weary I don't even want to pray. I feel confused; things look wrong; I don't know what to say. In quietness and confidence, I seek a place apart, And rest until I feel Your Spirit Touch my trembling heart. Although I cannot understand, Somehow, I know You've heard, Like lovers who communicate Without a single word. You are so great! I am so small. I'm glad it is this way. All things are possible with You; You hear me when I pray. Great God of all the universe, In joy or in distress, I rest myself in all You are, For you are limitless! - Author Unknown -<>- >THE BUZZARD, THE BAT & THE BUMBLE BEE !! THE BUZZARD: ___ _,-----._ _________ ,-' `.--' __ `. _,-'-- __,--`-._ ,' ,(0);___,-' `-----| ,-' -- ,-' `._,-' `'~~``.__,-'~~~~~`-.; ,'--- --: ; ,' ~`' ; ` _,-.------ `._ : ,' _,-' ,-' ~~~~~~~`.__`._ ; _,' _,' ;---'~~~~~~~~_,----.___ ,( _,' ,'-- __,---'~~~/ _,-._ `----'_;-' ,' `,-'`. ( / /____ `------' `-'~ ; : ,{_______`--.__`.`-.-----------.____ ,' ,' : | `--.::; ;;;___________ `, : ; | ; / ;;;/--' `----- _______| | : ;______/ __/ ______: : ,','________/ | | : | : : : | | | | ; ; : ;,' ;_;`-' unknown If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet but that is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top. THE BAT: ....._ `. ``-. .-----.._ `, `-. .: /` : `".. ..-`` : / ...--:::`n n.`::... : `:`` .` :: / `. ``---..:. `\ .` ._: .-: :: `. .-`` : : :_\\_/: : .:: `. / : / \-../:/_.`-` \ : :: _.._ q` p ` /` \| :-` ``(_. ..-----hh``````/-._: `: `` / ` E: / [wkm] : _/ : _..-`` l--`` The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash. THE BUMBLEBEE: ^^ .-=-=-=-. ^^ ^^ (`-=-=-=-=-`) ^^ (`-=-=-=-=-=-=-`) ^^ ^^ ^^ (`-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-`) ^^ ^^ ( `-=-=-=-(@)-=-=-` ) ^^ (`-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-`) ^^ (`-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-`) ^^ (`-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-`) ^^ (`-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-`) ^^ (`-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-`) ^^ (`-=-=-=-=-=-=-`) ^^ ^^ jgs (`-=-=-=-=-`) `-=-=-=-=-` A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom.. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself. PEOPLE: In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! That's the answer, the escape route and the solution to any problem! Just look up. Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, But faith looks up! Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us. SEND THIS TO A FRIEND .... I did. -<>- >Last Rites Just had to do it. Read this and had to pass it on. Father O'Malley rose from his bed. It was a fine Spring day in his new Washington DC parish. He walked To the window of his bedroom to get a deep breath of Air and to see the beautiful day outside. He then noticed There was a jackass lying dead in the middle of his Front lawn..He promptly called the US House of Representatives for assistance. The conversation went Like this: "Good morning. This is speaker Pelosi. How might I help you?" "And the best of the day te yerself. This is Father O'Malley at St.Brigid's. There's a jackass Lying dead in me front lawn. Would ye be so kind as to Send a couple o' yer lads to take care of the matter?" Speaker Pelosi, considering herself to be quite a wit, Replied with a smirk, "Well now father, it was always my Impression that you people took care of last rites!" There was dead silence on the line for a long moment. Father O'Malley then replied: "Aye, that's certainly true, But we are also obliged to first notify the next of kin." -<>- >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 Are Angels Real? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Cost Of A Child http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/costofchild.html Awesome Tree Houses http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/treehouses.html Look Who's Talking Too http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/talking2.html Peek-A-Boo Panda http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/panda.html Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ============================================================== ___ / _\ | /\_| __-'' _' ----'-. |#\#)_,_ )##\__ _\__.-. - .- (###) '---. `. - __\____`.#\( ) L(| .'__//\ \#)`-._.' / \\==. /_/_//\_\_ /#/ ### / //\\ \ |(________(##)___/-' '| (_) | ____\___/_________________\___/__________________________________VK >I'll Just Take You On Home Story Editor: by Paul Krog Joyce Schowalter Iowa, USA It was late at night and I was headed to my home in rural Iowa from a long visit with an old friend. I was riding an old motorcycle I had gotten from another friend. I knew nothing about it, as I had ridden Harleys for 30 years and this was a Japanese bike. One thing I did know was the smell of rubber when a tire is going flat. It was dark out, getting cold, I was doing 60 miles per hour, and the front tire was going flat! I got the bike stopped and off the road. I rode the flat to a cross road so I could be out of traffic. Now what to do? I had no cell phone, and saw no lights in the home nearby. So I sat in the dark and wondered how I was going to get myself home let alone the bike, being still some 25 miles from home. A car came up from behind me, but I could see it was two young girls, so I knew they would not stop. After a little while, more lights came up behind me. This time it was a truck and he did stop. He asked if I needed help and I told him I had a flat tire and asked if he had a phone I could use. His phone was dead, but he had a trailer on behind the truck and offered to take me to a small town near where I lived. So we loaded the old bike up on the trailer and I got in his truck, grateful for his help. His daughter and his son were with him. His son was about three or four years old, and full questions for me. His daughter had to ride in the back seat. They took me to the small town, and he asked if I knew anyone there to take me home. I told him No, but there was a phone so I could call someone. He thought about it for a moment and said he would just take me on home. He helped me unload the bike, would not take any money for the trip, and would not give me his address so I could send him some money. I thanked him many times, and then he got in the truck and drove away. He did not have to do any of this, but he was a good person and helped someone in need. A total stranger picked my bike and me up and took me some 25 miles out of his way to my house. There are still good people in this world. I know, I found one, or should I say, he found me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend Sandi :) W __ __ [ ] |::||::| 3 ._. |::||::| ._. /| |:| ._. |::||::| |/| \|// / |:|_|/| |::||::|_ |/| -( )-| |:|"|/|_|::||::|\|_|/| _ J V | |:|"|/|||::||::|\|||/||:| ___ ' / ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ \ \/ | ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~Where God wants me~ As you might remember, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten. Another fellow was alive because it was His turn to bring donuts. One woman was late because her Alarm clock didn't go off in time. One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike Because of an auto accident. One of them Missed his bus. One spilled food on her clothes and had to take Time to change. One's Car wouldn't start. One couldn't Get a taxi. The one that struck me was the man Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, Took the various means to get to work But before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.. Now when I am Stuck in traffic , Miss an elevator, Turn back to answer a ringing telephone ... All the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, This is exactly where God wants me to be At this very moment.. Next time your morning seems to be Going wrong , The children are slow getting dressed, You can't seem to find the car keys, You hit every traffic light, Don't get mad or frustrated; It May be just that God is at work watching over you. May God continue to bless you With all those annoying little things And may you remember their possible purpose. Pass this on to someone else, if you'd like. There is NO LUCK attached. If you delete this, it's okay: God's Love Is Not Dependent On E-Mail!! (that's the cool part) A M E N --- ...Thank You Sandi! &&&&& |~ |~ && -.-& |~ o' o' & . o' jrei __)` -(_ Sometimes that little voice that makes us stop and think can be the difference between life and death! So many times I can think about something bad that happened to me, And I think - gee if I had only paid attention when I got that thought to do this instead of doing that. Now I try hard to pay attention and not shrug off that thought because when I don't, I find - Gee, God was right! Imagine that. God speaks to us in as many ways as He can. It is up to us to pay attention and heed His warnings and advise! We don't always know what is best for us - but God sure does! ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) This simple story has a great message! o=(=(=(=(=(=(=)=)=)=)=o !-'-'-'-/_\-'-'-'-! ! ! , /___\` ! !! !!! , / | \` ! ! !! ,|___|___` !!! !_,| |_______|` `_! !-`| | | |,-! !!!! | | ! !! !!!! | | !!!! !!!!_|_______|_!!!! !!!!___________!!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! ejm !!!! !!!! >The Window Through Which We Look A young couple moved into a new neighborhood The next morning while they were eating breakfast, The young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean,' she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.' Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, The young woman would make the same comments. About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.' The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and Cleaned our windows.' And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the window through which we look. --- ...Good story! Thanks Jo Ann! ========================================================== >-->From laugh&Lift: Thought for Today "Mankind has been rejecting God and His sovereignty since the bite into the forbidden fruit. It is at the core of our soul and we can't shake it, can't deny it, and cannot overcome it without Jesus Christ as our Savior to free us from it." - Mark Peters in his book "Which Way is Up? (From Amongst All This Chaos!)" The Lift |\ /| |\ /| | \ / | |\\ //| | | | | | \| |/ | \ | | / \ || || / \ |_| / \||_||/ .' '. .' '. | | |o o| / \ /= Y =\ `'-. .-'` `'-.^.-'` _| |_ _| |_ /` `\ /` `\ | / \ | | | |/ \| | ( ) | / \ /\ \ / /\ | .-~-. | | '._)_.' | \ { } / \ / jgs \ '-=-' / \ '.___.' / .--' ;---; '--. .--' \---/ '--. `-------' '-------` `-------' '-------` The Day of the Rabbit (From Still More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice) [Edited] In his book A Severe Mercy, author Sheldon Vanauken tells the story of a dog named Gypsy. Gypsy was a furry, wheat-colored collie, who lived and played on a ranch - several hundred acres of hills and woods, full of good things like rabbit trails and streams. She loved it there. At the ranch house she was given a comfortable bed and good meals. Her Master, who owned the ranch, made no unreasonable demands on her. She knew that her job was to love her Master and to be faithful to him and to obey other commands - to follow, to come, to lie down. And she also knew that she wasn't supposed to chase the chickens and the rabbits. Actually these were easy for Gypsy, because it was in her nature to obey and to love her master. But one day when Gypsy was prowling on a hill far away past the spring house and pasture, two things happened at once: the Master called her and a rabbit dashed across the hill. Gypsy turned and raced towards the Master, as she had always done. Then she stopped. It entered her mind that she didn't have to obey. Perhaps the Master didn't understand about that rabbit. Anyway, these were her hills. The rabbit was hers, too. Very likely it was all lies - that story of everything, including herself, belonging to the Master. How did she know that the food in her dish came from him? Probably there was some natural explanation. She was a free dog and that was the end of it. These thoughts went through her mind swiftly while she stood irresolute. Again came the Master's command; the rabbit crossed the hilltop. Gypsy whirled and raced after the rabbit. She had made a choice. She was free to choose. Hours later she came home. She saw the Master waiting for her, but she did not rush gladly to him, leaping and frisking as she had always done. Something new came into her demeanor: guilt. She crept up to him like a snake on her belly. Undoubtedly she was penitent at the moment. But she had a new knowledge - the knowledge of the possibility of sin - and it was a thrill in her heart and a salt taste in her mouth. Nevertheless she was very obedient the next day and the day after that. Eventually, though, there was another rabbit, and she didn't even hesitate. The Master still loved her, but he trusted her no longer. He put Gypsy in a pen and took her for walks with a rope around her neck. All her real freedom was gone. But the Master gave her from time to time, new chances to obey of her own free will. Had she chosen to obey, she would have once again had perfect freedom to roam her hundreds of acres. But she did not. She always chose, if she were out of reach, to run away. The Master, knowing that hunger would eventually bring her back, let her run. He could have stopped her. A rifle shot would have ended her rebellion once and for all. But she was allowed to live. Perhaps she would someday choose the way of obedience and true freedom. One day, during a journey by car, Gypsy and her young daughter Flurry were taken to the edge of the woods. Always before, Gypsy had limited her disobedience to the ranch. But now, coming back to the car, she suddenly felt the old thrill. She turned and ran away. The Master called with a note of sharp urgency. Flurry, in her innocence, came at once. But Gypsy, her ears dulled to the voice of the Master, continued her rush into the dark forest. After hours of searching and calling, the Master sadly abandoned the lost dog and with Flurry beside him, went home. Flurry continued to live in freedom, always being obedient to the Master who loved her and took good care of her. She was happy to be in his service and she loved the look on his face when she did something that pleased him. She obeyed gladly of her own free choice. But lost Gypsy, as long as she still lived, wandered the woods and roads as an outcast. She had lost her way home. She became dirty and matted with foxtails and thorns. Stones were often thrown at her and she was always hungry. She had more puppies who, like her, were lost and inclined to disobedience - as were their puppies for generations to come. The kind and benevolent hand of the Master was unknown to them, except as a tale. But this is the way Gypsy chose on the Day of the Rabbit, and continued to choose, until finally there was no more choosing left to do. Where to take it from here... God created Adam and Eve with complete freedom - freedom not only to enjoy all that God had given them, but freedom to choose to obey or to disobey. We all know how they chose. Adam and Eve, filled with guilt over their disobedience, covered themselves and hid from God. Their innocence was gone - a gap entered in their previously unbroken relationship with God. God placed their offspring under tighter restrictions called the Law. But disobedience was still the result. All of Adam and Eve's offspring - that includes us - have inherited their disobedient nature. ""All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). That's why Jesus came. If the Master in this story could have actually become a dog and chased Gypsy through the woods to bring her back, that would approximate what God did when he sent Jesus. "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:10) We just have to respond to Him in faith, to want Him - to want His gift of grace extended to us - paid for through His death on the cross, whereby the penalty that WE deserved was placed on Him. God continues to call us back, through Jesus, and we still have the freedom to choose the way of obedience over the way of sin and death. We can choose Jesus and obey Him, or not. The Bible says, "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). We can use our free will to choose the way of obedience. And when we do, God gives us even more freedom to enjoy life to its fullest. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). The way of sin and disobedience robs you of your freedom. Don't be a slave to sin any longer. Choose Jesus Christ and obey Him and you will have more freedom than you ever knew was possible. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ==================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Wesley :) _ _ ( Y ) \ / \ / \ /^\ _ ) //^\\ -= (_) =- ( // \\ ) // \\ / \ __ // \\ |=^| // _ \\ __|= |__// (+) \\ /LLLLLLL// ~ \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// |~[|]~| |~[|]~| \\ ^| [|] // | [|] | | [|] | \\ | [|] ^| |_[|]_| |_[|]_| |^ ___|______| | /LLLLLLLLLL|_____________________| /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ ^||^^^^^^^^/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ || |~[|]~|^^||^^^^^^^^^^||^|~[|]~|^||^^ || | [|] | || |~~~~| || | [|] | || || |_[|]_| || | [] | || |_[|]_| || ||__________|| | o| ||_________|| .'||][][][][][|| | [] | ||[][][][][||.'. ."'||[][][][][]||_-`----'-_||][][][][]||"." .(')^(.)(').( )'^@/-- -- - --\@( )'( ).(( )^(.) '( )^(`)'.(').( )@/-- -- - -- -\@ (.)'(.),( ).('). ".'.'." ." '.". @/- - --- -- - -\@ '.".'.".'.".'." jgs'' ".".".'.'@/ - -- -- -- -- -\@".'..'".'."'.'.' '.".".''.".''."@/ -- --- --- -- - -\@.".''.".''.".'". You lived next door to me for years! We shared our dreams, our joys and tears. A friend to me you were indeed - A friend who helped me when in need. My faith in you was strong and sure; We had such trust as should endure. No spats between us ever rose; Our friends were like and so our foes. What sadness then, my friend, to find That after all, you weren't so kind. The day my life on earth did end, I found you weren't a faithful friend. For all those years we spent on earth, You never talked of second birth. You never spoke of my lost soul, And of Christ, who'd make me whole. I plead today from hell's cruel fire, And tell you now my last desire. You cannot do a thing for me. No words today my bonds will free. But do not err, my friend, again; Do all you can for souls of men. Plead with them now quite earnestly, Lest they be cast in hell with me. (Author Unknown) --- ...Thanks So Much for this sweet reminder Wesley! Aww, part of our pay back to God and our Lord is to - - WITNESS! by emb Witness high, witness low Witness everywhere you go. Withness in the dark Witness like you're a lark. Witness in the light Witness with all your might. Do it Now, Do it True Do it for the God who loves you! Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->Pass this on as it should be of interest to all who served. The study was carried out in Austrialia on their Vietnam Veterans. ABC Nat. Radio Health Report Autralian Vietnam Vets: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/HealthReportVV.mp3 VV ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARRE 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 ************************************************************************