You Are Not A Nobody... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) _________________ /________________/| _,-----._ | _______________ || _,-'. _,-' _ ---`-. |[_______________]|| _,-' .`. _'_ __'.|__`. `. |\ | YAHOO || ,-' , `. `.`-.,-' `-. \,`.`. \ .------| \ | GROUP EXTRAS || | __ (_`._ ` ,' / `.`. _,-' '------| / | || \ \,`. ) / _,' \ _,-' |/ | .. ,--. /. || `.`. ,' _,-' `.-' | \\((__))' ,` || `-.___,-'_,-' | `-;--:-' || |_________________|/ jrei Lately I have been having trouble getting the EXTRA's out to you. I am not sure if it is my earthlink.net server or the Yahoo groups. I expect the mail to be sent out right away and when it isn't I get a bit antsy and re-send it. Sorry about the duplicates. Tuesday I sent 3 copies out and it took almost 12 hours for the first one to show up in the group's home site! Please just delete them. Hopefully they will fix this problem soon! I know - patience is a virtue... I Need more of it! Thank you for your understanding. -<>- >HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This is part two from our friends Geniann and now Linda. For all of us who like to take trips down memory lane, this trip will remind you of some of your favorite stars. Check it out here: |\___________/| |%%%%%%%%%%%%%| |/ |%| \| ______ ________ __ |%| ___ ________ _____ \%%%%%\ \%%%%%%%| /%%\ |%| \%/ \%%%%%%%| /%%%%%\ |%/ \%\ |%| |%%%%| |%| |%| |%| |%/ \%| |%\__/%/ |%|_____ /%/\%\ |%| |%| |%|_____ |%\_____ |%%%%%%\ |%%%%%%%| |%/__\%| |%| |%| |%%%%%%%| \%%%%%%\ |%/ \%\ |%| /%%%%%%\ |%| |%| kali |%| \%| |%\___/%/ |%|_____ |%/ \%| |%| |%|____/| |%|_____ |%\___/%| /%%%%%%/ /%%%%%%%| /%| |%\ |%| /%%%%%%%| /%%%%%%%| \%%%%%%/ |%| /%\ unknown Nostalgic Golden Memories 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/goldenoldie2.html --- ...This brought back some sweet aww moments! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ._ | | |L___, .' '. T unknown : * :_| '._.' L >THE SIGN by Roger Dean Kiser "Feel like driving a car today?" I asked my son on the telephone. Several minutes earlier, one of the local car dealers had telephoned and asked if I might pick up a new car in Vidalia and bring it back to Brunswick. "Always use a little extra Christmas money," replied Roger Junior. "Let me change clothes and I'll be over in a few minutes," he said. It was about 6:30 in the morning when we made our way onto the 95 interstate freeway, heading northbound. As we traveled along it was suggested that I buy breakfast for the two of us. Being a little hungry, I agreed and pulled off at the next exit. Very carefully, I pulled into a parking space located right next to a handicap spot. I smiled back as one of the two women said "Good morning" to us, as they were unloading a wheelchair from the side of a large white van. Sitting in the wheelchair was a gentleman dressed in a military uniform. I looked down and noticed that both his pant legs were folded beneath his knees. I also noticed officer's bars on his uniform. "Good morning, Captain," I said as I saluted him. "And a good morning to you, sir," he replied back. The five of us traveled up the narrow walkway to the door of the small restaurant. Not thinking, I stepped up a three inch cement curb and opened the door for the Captain and the two women. "There's a wheelchair ramp located on the other side of the building," said a large man, with a name tag, who came walking very quickly out the front door. "In the last two years I've scaled walls higher than this building, ran up and down rubble piles higher than three of my vans piled atop one another. I think I can make it over this curb," said the officer. "I'm sure you can, sir," said the man, as he also saluted the Captain. Roger Jr. and I grabbed hold of the wheelchair handles and as the soldier pushed forward on the wheels of his chair, Roger and I pushed forward. Up and over the cement hump he went, with no difficulty, whatsoever. As one of the women pushed him through the doorway of the restaurant, the large man wearing a name tag snatched a small sign down, which had been taped to the glass door. "I saw that," said the Captain, as he laughed. "This sign was never meant to include heroes," said the manager, as he hid the sign behind himself. "In fact this sign will never appear in this doorway, ever again," he continued, as he wadded up the piece of paper. "I am a writer. May I have that, please?" I asked the man. Slowly, he handed me the wadded up piece of paper, which I stuck into my pants pocket. The sign read: "No Shoes - No Shirt - No Service" -- Roger Dean Kiser ____________________________________________ Roger is a Heartwarmer Gem is his noted for some of the most powerful stories ever told. He has just released a brand new book, "Runaway," that you can find at this link: http://www.pocketwarmers.com/b Get your autographed copy today. You can email Roger here: mailto:trampolineone@earthlink.net ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) | - * - | ___ ___ __ __ __ ((")) /(")\ {')\ {')\ {')\ ((-)) ,,o,,,, |\^/| |-\ \ |-\ \ |-\ \ | @ | \___/ | o | B| \_\ D| \_\ Q| \_\ |___| /\ /\ |___| |___| |___| |____| ldb >CHRISTMAS IN MY HEART Snowflakes are softly falling to the ground As they gently fall they give a sense of peace Covering everything in pearly white splendor As nature's beauty is slowly released So white and clean ... Portraying a brand new world No ugliness to behold .. Just beautiful and serene Snow covers it all as does the blood of Jesus Covering...Erasing Our sin...Making our soul clean within Great joy rises up from deep down inside As I come to the realization of my soul's redemption As the knowledge settles upon me my soul begins to sing With great joy because of my soul's new destination As my praise rises up I humbly bow in adoration To Him who washed my soul ... With His Blood His precious blood dripped down to the ground As He was crucified on that Cross because I was SO Loved Do we ever stop to think of His great love for us That He proved beyond any doubt on that horrible day When He gave up His Life and so lovingly gave It away Suffering such terrible pain so our soul won't have to pay My Lord Jesus ... I come so humbly before You With deep sadness in my heart for your suffering that day But also with Praise because your great sacrifice Provided MY RANSOM so my soul wouldn't have to pay Oh My Jesus .. My Saviour ... My Eternal Lord At this Christmas season I just want to Thank You For the great price on Calvary You so freely paid I can never thank You enough, My Lord, No matter what I do My Soul now clean ... Paid for by your sacrifice on that tree No more worries about my future ... No, Not anymore So as I celebrate this Christmas season ... Your birthday, My Lord Forever I'll give Praise and Worship to YOU ... THE ONE I ADORE Phyllis Smith (Bunni) Copyright November 24, 2009 All Rights Reserved --- ...awww, very nice! Thank You Bunni! -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN WHEN WE PRAY? This is one of the nicest e-mails I have read in a while. I dreamed that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received." I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world. Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth. Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. "How is it that there is no work going on here?" I asked. "So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments." "How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked. "Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord." "What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked. "If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy." "And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity." "If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day." "If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 700 million people in the world." "If you can attend a church/synagogue without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are envied by and more blessed than three billion people in the world." "If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm. You're unique to all those in doubt and despair." "Okay. What now? How can I start?' If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special, and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. Have a good day. Count your blessings. And if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are. ATTN: Acknowledge Dept. "Thank you Lord for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people with whom to share it." --- ...A great story! Thanks Bunni! It has some truth to it! I've been studying the book of Revelations audio class here... http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=60 I love these audio classes! I especially loved being reminded of this... Rev.5: [8] And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. God's been saving our prayers and to Him they are sweet odors like back in the old testament days when they sacrifice a lamb to Him for the atonement of their sins. Phil.4: [18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. That's what our prayers are to God, a sweet smell and wellpleasing! God sure does love our prayers! ====================================================== >-->Story Time From Our Friend Johanna :) _,-,_ ((()))) )(e e)( (| - |) _)(\_/)(_ _._.--''--/` \ / `\ ,-`\ \ _/ ^ \ / a`-.| ,====, ,-'~~'-,_ _,--''--,_ ( |\a \ ((`. .)) (\ / '' `\ \| \ \'| )) -/( ))_/ , )\ ' `-'\ {`\/ \ (\ /`\ /) ( | \ \/ ) `< `< , , \ / ) / (0)/ \ ^ \ _/ \ /_,-| '\ ( "` ( o'o~`-, \\, // \ \ | | /\ \ /`--'/ \ o/)| \ /\ ) ( > ( > | \ | || || | / | / \_ _,-> \ | || || // // |___|(__,___._)_,__| /| /| /| /| -- '' -'-'-- '' -'-' miK >THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide. God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter. My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella." I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him. I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks. I tried to be understanding when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs. When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess. In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children. While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother I didn't even come close. I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God. I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too. Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife." My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine. My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes." A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama- mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur." The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes. "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur." "My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin. Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master. Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer. Had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us. If you believe in God and in Jesus Christ His Son, send this to all on your buddy list. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! --- ...LOL! A sweet one! Thanks Johanna! ================================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .-""```""-. ,-"```````"-, ; .-"-. ; ; .-=-. ; '=/=====\=' ', /=====\ ,' |/"""\| "=|/"""\|=" \ ^ ^ / |\^ ^/| /'._.'\ ||'-'|| / _ \ / | _ | \ / /|\ \ /\/ /|\ \/\ | \_/ | \_/ | | \_/ | \_/ | | |/ \| | | |/ \| | \__| |__/ \__| |__/ >=;=====< | | | | | | | | \'/ | | | | |-=*=-| | | | | /.\ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | .-------------, | | < ~-_~-_=`|( :) > | | \`"""""""""""`/ | | \ /____| jgs |;,;,;> <_/\_/ / \ `"""""""""""` >Christian One Liners Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case. Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews. Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers. It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one. The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close. When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there. People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church. Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever. Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong. If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has. God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you? Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. Peace starts with a smile. I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?! A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises. We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges. Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them. Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous. Don't put a question mark where God put a period. Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church. Forbidden fruits create many jams. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. God grades on the cross, not the curve. God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!" God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. He who angers you, controls you! If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats! Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty! The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us. The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you. We don't change the message, the message changes us. You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to..........discourage him. The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails= 4 given. May God and His Son bless you from today on out! -<>- m ~) v ~) | o (_/^\ o (_/^\ \ / *-|\ /|~|\ w ~) x-|\_./|~|\ - - .|_\.-/ / / |'.,o..(_/^\.-|_\/ / / |'-._. / \ . @-|\ /|~|\ | _.-' |_\/ / / | .' _.-' -._ __.-' Andrew Newman & ejjm97 ''-.-' >"How To Get Along With People" 1. Keep skid chains on your tongue; always say less than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it counts more than what you say. 2. Make promises sparingly, and keep them faithfully, no matter what it costs. 3. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word to or about somebody. Praise good work, regardless of who did it. If criticism is needed, criticize helpfully, never spitefully. 4. Be interested in others, their pursuits, their work, their homes and families. Make merry with those who rejoice; with those who weep, mourn. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard him as a person of importance. 5. Be cheerful. Don't burden or depress those around you by dwelling on your minor aches and pains and small disappointments. Remember, everyone is carrying some kind of a load. 6. Keep an open mind. Discuss but don't argue. It is a mark of a superior mind to be able to disagree without being disagreeable. 7. Let your virtues speak for themselves. Refuse to talk of another's vices. Discourage gossip. It is a waste of valuable time and can be extremely destructive. 8. Be careful of another's feelings. Wit and humor at the other person's expense are rarely worth it and may hurt when least expected. 9. Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Remember, the person who carried the message may not be the most accurate reporter in the world. Simply live so that nobody will believe them. Disordered nerves and bad digestion are a common cause of backbiting. 10. Don't be too anxious about the credit due you. Do your best, and be patient. Forget about yourself, and let others "remember." Success is much sweeter that way. --Ann Landers -<>- >I Never Let Her Know The year I was nine years old in '55, and my parents wanted me to help them serve food at a very large Christmas party. My dad was president of a club he belonged to, and every Christmas, he threw a huge party for all the kids in the city of Detroit who had very little. Dad made sure every child had a new warm winter coat, a hot meal and something from Santa. My job was to serve ice cream after the meal was eaten. I remember mom showing me what table to start at, and I was so proud to be able to carry a tray with several dishes of ice cream without dropping any. The building was full of kids, and when I grew older, I found out we always got a crowd of over two thousand kids. Dad found someone to play Santa, and it was Santa who handed the gifts out. I had a friend at school. Her name was Gloria. I didn't know anything about where Gloria lived since we only met at lunch time or in the classroom. I didn't know she was called "poor" in those days. I didn't know what rich was or what poor was at that age. I didn't notice Gloria's tattered coat, I only saw the smile she gave me when we met and chatted at school. I didn't know she had one parent who had died. And I didn't know her mom was very ill. Gloria never told me things like that. As I was walking down the aisles of tables, I saw Gloria. She didn't see me. I turned, went back to my mom and told her one of the kids I went to school with was inside the building. I didn't want her to see me. Mom finished that aisle for me and told me to take over from the other side of the huge room. I stood in the back when the kids began lining up to get a gift from Santa. I saw Gloria when she stepped up on the stage to receive hers. I think, even as young as I was, I knew the true meaning of Christmas that year. I saw Santa hand her a big box and a bag. I watched as Gloria went back to her table and set her gifts on the table. I watched her untie the ribbon and lift the box that held a beautiful red coat. I saw her bend down, put her head on the coat and begin to cry. I wanted to run to her and let her know that someone in the room knew her, but I didn't. I think I felt that, if she saw me, she'd be afraid I might say something to someone else at school. So I stood in the background just watching. I watched as she opened the second gift and saw her pull out a beautiful teddy bear. She hugged it to her, she smiled, but I saw the tears. I felt so bad for her. That night, when we were home, I told my dad I knew one of the kids. He asked for her name and wrote it down on a piece of paper. I told him I'd like to give her some of my clothes, if that was OK. He smiled and told me that wouldn't be necessary. On the first day of school after Christmas vacation, I saw Gloria running toward me on the school yard. She was wearing her new, red coat. She told me she had something to tell me, so we sat down on a bench. She told me Santa was really real. I asked how she knew. She told me because Santa did something very special at her house for Christmas. Santa found out Gloria's mom was very ill, and there were three other kids in the house. Somehow Santa found out the sizes all the kids wore. Santa also brought a Christmas tree on Christmas morning to her house. She told me how she'd been at a party that had hundreds of kids, and her uncle had set it up for her to attend the party. I listened and never told her I was at the same party. She lowered her head and said, "I never wanted you to know, but we're very poor. My mom is real sick, and my daddy lives in heaven." She told me how everyday after school she ran home to help cook, clean and help out with the other kids. I never let her know. I never told her I saw her at that party and how it made me feel when I saw her bow her head down on the new coat. But my dad made sure her family had a Christmas. That is one Christmas I'll never forget. I'm sure Gloria never forgot it either. By Sharon Bryant -<>- >Multilingual Greeting Tree... + "X" "XXX" "XXXXX" "GOD JUL" "BUON ANNO" "FELIZ NATAL" "JOYEUX NOEL" "VESELE VANOCE" "MELE KALIKIMAKA" "NODLAG SONA DHUIT" "BLWYDDYN NEWYDD DDA" """""""BOAS FESTAS""""""" "FELIZ NAVIDAD" "MERRY CHRISTMAS" "KALA CHRISTOUGENA" "VROLIJK KERSTFEEST" "FROHLICHE WEIHNACHTEN" "BUON NATALE-GODT NYTAR" "HUAN YING SHENG TAN CHIEH" "WESOLYCH SWIAT-SRETAN BOZIC" "MOADIM LESIMHA-LINKSMU KALEDU" "HAUSKAA JOULUA-AID SAID MOUBARK" """""""'N PRETTIG KERSTMIS""""""" "ONNZLLISTA UUTTA VUOTTA" "Z ROZHDESTYOM KHRYSTOVYM" "NADOLIG LLAWEN-GOTT NYTTSAR" "FELIC NADAL-GOJAN KRISTNASKON" "S NOVYM GODOM-FELIZ ANO NUEVO" "GLEDILEG JOL-NOELINIZ KUTLU OLSUM" "EEN GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR-SRETAN BOSIC" "KRIHSTLINDJA GEZUAR-KALA CHRISTOUGENA" "SELAMAT HARI NATAL - LAHNINGU NAJU METU" """""""SARBATORI FERICITE-BUON ANNO""""""" "ZORIONEKO GABON-HRISTOS SE RODI" "BOLDOG KARACSONNY-VESELE VIANOCE " "MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR" "ROOMSAID JOULU PUHI -KUNG HO SHENG TEN" "FELICES PASUAS - EIN GLUCKICHES NEUJAHR" "PRIECIGUS ZIEMAN SVETKUS SARBATORI VESLLE" "BONNE ANNEBLWYDDYN NEWYDD DDADRFELIZ NATAL" """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX ARMENIAN: Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand. AZERI-AZERBAIJAN: Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun. BASQUE: Zorionstsu Eguberri. Zoriontsu Berri Urte. BULGARIAN: Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo. Tchestita Nova Godina. CHINESE-CANTONESE: Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun. CHINESE-MANDARIN: Kung Ho Hsin Hsi. Ching Chi Shen Tan. CZECH: Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok. DUTCH: Zalig Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieukjaar. ESTONIAN: Roomsaid Joulu Phui ja Uut Aastat. FINNISH: Hyvaa joula. Onnellista Uutta Voutta. FRENCH: Joyeux Noel et heureuse Anne. GAELIC-IRISH: Nolag mhaith Dhuit Agus Bliain Nua Fe Mhaise. GAELIC-SCOT: Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ur. GERMAN: Frohliche Weihnachten und ein Glueckliches Neues Jahr. GREEK: Kala Khristougena kai Eftikhes to Neon Ethos. HAWAIIAN: Mele Kalikimake me ka Hauloi Makahiki hou. HEBREW: Mo'adim Lesimkha. HUNGARIAN: Boldog Karacsonyl es Ujevl Unnepeket. ICELANDIC: Gledlig jol og Nyar. INDONESIAN: Selamah Tahun Baru. IROQUOIS: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay. ITALIAN: Buon Natalie e felice Capo d'Anno. JAPANESE: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto. KOREAN: Sung Tan Chuk Ha. LATVIAN: Priecigus Ziemas Svetkus un Laimigu Jauno Gadu. LITHUANIAN: linksmu sventu Kaledu ir Laimingu Nauju Metu. MANX: Ollick Ghennal Erriu as Blein Feer Die. Seihil as Slaynt Da'n Slane Loght Thie. NORSE-DANISH: Gledlig jul og godt Nytt Aar. POLISH: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia i szczesliwego Nowego Roku. PORTUGUESE: Feliz Natal e propero Ano Novo. RAPA-NUI (Easter Island): Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua. ROMANIAN: Sarbatori Fericite. La Multi Ani. RUSSIAN: Pozdrevly ayu sprazdnikom Rozhdestva Khristova is Novim Godom. UKRANIAN: Veselykh Svyat i scaslivoho Novoho Roku. SAMOAN: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou. SLOVAK: Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok. SERB-CROATIAN: Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina. SINGHALESE (Ceylon/Sri Lanka): Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa. SLOVENE: Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto. SPANISH: Feliz Navidad y prospero Ano Nuevo. SWEDISH: Glad jul och ett gott Nytt ar. TAGALOG (Filipino): Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon. TURKISH: Yeni Yilnizi Kutar, saadetler dilerim. WELSH: Nadolic Llawen. Blwyddn Newdd Dda. MERIDAY-BOYNTON: Hippo Gnu Ear! *:) -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment The Christmas Story! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/christmasstory.html Bible Study Menu: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/BibleStudy.html Babes in Christ http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/babesinchrist.html Amazing Grace http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazinggrace.html Angels Are Watching http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/angelswatching.html Come Adore Him http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html Bailey's Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html Christ's Life http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html Who Is This Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Disney Christmas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/disneychristmas.html Redneck Christmas Tree http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/redneck.html Christmas With Pets http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmaspets.html World's Biggest Food Encyclopedia http://www.cooksinfo.com/ Attach This To That http://www.thistothat.com/ -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann :) She sent us one we have here... Pets Left Home Alone http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/petshome.html --- ...LOL! Thanks Geniann! -<>- 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 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: ,--.,-"";-"-. .-;-/ / / .- `\ .-. ` ( ' ' ` ; `\/ \ \ / \ / (. C . ) | .-. | | _ / (` / | \ /}| | )(\ | `-> (____.| / ||| / \=====| | |\| | |====| \ _/ ` \__/=====| |` `-'======| \ |=======/ | |=======| | .--, ########\ |/ / jgs |_|__|| ` `--. ,---;-'--'\ `--. `---`-------'-.___,___.---' >SURRENDERING TO GOODNESS [edited] John 15:1-11 "If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit ..." (v.5) Although, as we have seen, goodness is a fruit that is difficult to define, we come close to seeing its meaning when we think of it in terms of essential goodness -- goodness in the inner parts. It is not something that is imposed but something that is exposed; it moves, not from without to within but from within to without. It is not self-achieved. Supernatural goodness is pure goodness -- a goodness which unconsciously proclaims itself. Christians in whom goodness is growing will not "use" others as many use their friends -- they will love them for themselves alone. They will not mentally fit people into their scheme -- for they have no schemes. I think it would be true to say that goodness is there to some degree in all Christians who are in daily touch with the Lord and are growing in Him -- but in those who have known what it is to die to self, it is there in overflowing measure. They exude goodness. John Wallace, a Scotsman and the principal of the college where I received my training for the ministry, used to say: "Goodness, the fruit of the Spirit, is more 'felt' than 'telt'. It is not so much actions as attitudes, not so much talking as walking."I believe myself that God never gets closer to a sinner -- or, for that matter, an un- surrendered Christian -- than when He calls to that person through the life of someone in whom the fruit of goodness is ripe. So in yearning for this fruit of the Spirit, remember, it comes not by straining to be good but by surrendering to goodness. Prayer: O God, I see that goodness is not some extraneous thing introduced from without; it is something that rises from within. Teach me how to stop struggling and start surrendering to your Will through Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. as seen in Everyday Light -<>- _ ______ / `'. ,-"` '. / /'-.'. ___ .' \ \/ '.\.' ' | .| .'`\ | /`"'--., / \ , _.--'` \/_ | ,----.| _ `_--;` ``` `\-. | | \ | -- C -- _/ \ \ | \ 0 0 / . | | \| ) | '. _.' |.__/ ; \ `'---` / / __ '. .' | (__) /'-._____,-` \ /---'.-""-.\ '. / ||,- \\ ;---`;-._||-= |\ , ."""-. \ ) `|'.___.' \ ___ \'. / '-. \ /`-`-; / \ ,/ `) \ \| \ `` | | \|| / /'.| )_ / || | | \/ .' \ \ .-'/ ` |` |.-' .-~ ~-~-._ |.'` \ ` '-. \___/,__/ ~` _ `~~-., `-.,_\_)`-.,_\) `~-,___ ~___~,,..-~~/ jgs \___/`\____/'._.' >YOU ARE NOT A NOBODY 1. Who taught Martin Luther his theology and inspired his translation of the New Testament? 2. Who visited Dwight L. Moody at a shoe store and spoke to him about Christ? 3. Who was the wife of Charles Haddon Spurgeon? 4. Who was the elderly woman who prayed faithfully for Billy Graham for over twenty years? 5. Who financed William Carey's ministry in India? 6. Who refreshed the apostle Paul in that Roman dungeon as he wrote his last letter to Timothy? 7. Who helped Charles Wesley get underway as a composer of hymns? 8. Who found the Dead Sea Scrolls? 9. Who followed Hudson Taylor and gave the China Inland Mission its remarkable vision, direction? 10. Who were the parents of the godly and gifted prophet Daniel? Okay, how did you do? Over fifty percent? Maybe twenty-five percent? Not quite that good? Before you excuse your inability to answer the questions by calling the quiz "trivia," better stop and think. Had it not been for those unknown people - those "nobodies" - a huge chunk of church history would be missing, and a lot of lives would have been untouched. Nobodies! What a necessary band of men and women... servants of the King... yet nameless in the kingdom! Men and women who, with silent heroism, yet faithful diligence, relinquish the limelight and live in the shade of public figures. What was it Jim Elliot, the martyred messenger of the gospel to the Aucas, once called missionaries? Something like a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody. But don't mistake anonymous for unnecessary. Otherwise, the whole Body gets crippled - even paralyzed... or, at best, terribly dizzy as the majority of the members within the Body become diseased with self-pity and discouragement. Face it, friend, the Head of the Body calls the shots. It is His prerogative to publicize some and hide others. Don't ask me why He chooses whom He uses. If it's His desire to use you as a Melanchthon rather than a Luther... or a Kimball rather than a Moody... or an Onesiphorus rather than a Paul... or a Hoste rather than a Taylor, relax! Better than that, give God praise! You're among that elite group mentioned in I Corinthians 12 as: "...some of the parts that seemed weakest and least important are really the most necessary... So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that might otherwise seem less important (vv. 22,24, TLB). If it weren't for the heroic "nobodies," we wouldn't have top-notch officers to give a church its leadership or quality sound when everyone shows up to worship or janitors who clean when everyone is long gone or committees to provide dozens of services behind the scenes or mission volunteers who staff offices at home or work in obscurity overseas with only a handful of people. Come to think of it, if it weren't for the faithful "nobodies," you wouldn't even have this [paper] in your hands right now. Nobodies. . . exalting Somebody. Are you one? Listen to me! It's the "nobodies" Somebody chooses so carefully. And when He has selected you for that role, He does not consider you a nobody. Be encouraged! Chuck Swindoll's "Encourage Me" www.chuckswindoll.com as seen in The Daily Encourager --- ...Check Out... You Are The ONLY You God Has http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316kim@sc.rr.com. ============================================================ ,--""""-., .'` ', / | | _ / __,'(,-'/ `\ _. / .=="=| '-. | .'===,=|-. | / /===\==\| \ \ _;' | |====\==\ '.___,u' \__/ |===.##,=\ |==/####\='-.__ \#|#####|`/^|_))._________________ #######/`| |_.-'""""""=' ] #####/\/ /__,________;------.---' jgs `###' |_/ V V >A Symbol of Humanity Story Editor: by Debbie Joyce Schowalter California, USA I work in the children's department of a major department store. In February 2005 I encountered a customer of Arab descent, or so I assumed at the time because of her clothing. She was dressed in black and gray from head to toe, including having most of her face covered. She was looking around guiltily because she was about to rip open a packaged dress shirt. It's no big deal really. Everybody does it. Because of my training, my first thought was "theft", because she was acting so guilty. But then I saw her eyes: she was AFRAID. I approached her and asked if she needed help. She was clutching a dress shirt for boys, and now she looked terrified. It was amazing how much emotion I could see in her eyes. I believe in "eye contact" and looking someone in the eye when speaking with them, but how often do we *really* do this? In fact, it's possible that not being able to see her whole face helped me to see "her". She didn't speak English. She kept pointing at a 9- or 10-year-old boy and almost wringing the shirt she was clutching. That was easy enough to understand without words, "Does it fit him?" I asked her to hand me the shirt and showed her the trick to open the package without ripping it apart. Suddenly the fear in her eyes was gone, replaced by smiling eyes. After that, I helped her to find a different tie than the one she had picked, because it didn't go with the suit she had. Then she started saying a lot of words I didn't understand and patting me on the arm. I knew she meant a very enthusiastic thank you. I was glad I could help her. When I came in to work the next day, I was told there were some "strange" Arabs waiting for an employee in the children's department. The lady had come in again, with her daughter to translate. My boss had guessed she wanted me, and told her when I would be in. They waited for me. Through her daughter, this is what she said. "I have been in this country one month. I find nothing but hostile and danger eyes. I am not a terrorist. My family is not terrorists. You are the only one to see this. You treat me kind, even though I misbehave. I thank you." She gave me a jade green amulet. Her daughter said it is a symbol of humanity. I will treasure it always, as a reminder that we are all just people. Each of us is an individual with our own unique story. Different cultures do not eliminate the humanity in humans. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: _ )\_ _,-, _ _.---.._) ( _) ( .-' `. ___`)8o) (` _.' _.-:::::::o()8-` _ / .::::::::::::::\ >\_ __ _/ , .;:::::-;""))`_\::| _____):<__)\__ / \;::::" _ ,%"'%/ _.-' _.'):(_);( .| \ \::| ,%"' ,a'_|.._ _.-' _.' .-\O_);_(' | /`-. `.|:; %`,a' ,_ \/|"".-' .'__.'o8()8_(' | | \ `._ _) _.' | |""""""""| |"""")O""| |_|_ \_ \ \`-.__.'|\` /`| | | /:( | (%%%%\ `. / \ .'_`---' | | | ):( | |)%%%%| `._ / `"--' `-' | | | \(` | /%%%%%| ) .' | | | ` | .|%%%%%/ /.' `. |--------|__|--------|' .\%%%/ .;;;. `. .'|___,-._.%%%%\________|.| |"" ;:::::; `-.__ _.' ..._/%%|/%%%%%| | | | ;:::::; .'`.`````` ,;::::%%%%%%%%%%| _ _ | |/ |`:::' \ .-`::::::\%%%%%%%%| (_><_)| / | .'`._.'`. `:::::`%%%%%%/ _/\ | / \ .-' \:::::\%%%'|______\_|/ \ \:::::;"' `-. `._ \:::;` _)_ `. /`" / O \ `-. .-' |~__| hjw `. _.-' |__x| `-._____.--' >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Riley, 4, was at her great-grandmother's house. "What do you want Grandma to get you for Christmas?" Jean asked. "What kind of toy do you want?" "Toys!" Riley responded with indignation. "I don't want no toys. Just get me clothes. Those people in China are trying to kill us off... I went through all my toys. Some of them I didn't want to throw away but I thought I better." -- Jean Aichele (great-grandmother of Riley) of Kendallville, Indiana Here's another Riley story. A few weeks ago she watched part of one of the Democratic debates. "Oh, they are as bad as the Republicans," Riley said. Vance (Pop Paw) and Ardith's 2-year-old great-grandson was beginning to talk a lot so his parents thought he should learn his whole name. They said it slowly: Kaiden Rilee Vance Burkhart. After listening intently, this is how it came out: Kaiden Rilee Pop Paw Pop Tart! -- Vance (Pop Paw) and Ardith Keister of Albion, Indiana _ .-(_) / _/ .-' \ / '. ,-~--~-~-~-~-, {__.._...__..._} ,888, ,888, /\##" 6 6 "##/\ ,88' `88, ,88' '88,__ |(\` (__) `/)| __,88' `88 ,88' .8(_ \_____\_ '----' _/_____/ _)8. 8' 88 (___)\ \ '-.__ __.-' / /(___) 88 (___)88 | '--' | 88(___) 8' (__)88,___/ \___,88(__) __`88,_/__________________\_,88`__ / `88, |88| ,88' \ / `88, |88| ,88' \ /____________`88,_\88/_,88`____________\ /88888888888888888;8888;88888888888888888\ /^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^`/88\\^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^\ jgs / |88| \============, \ /_ __ __ __ _ __ |88|_|^ MERRY | _ ___\ |;:. |88| | CHRISTMAS! | | |;;:. |88| '============' | |;;:. |88| | |::. |88| | |;;:' |88| | |:;, |88| | '---------------------""""---------------------' Sheri was playing Scrabble with her son who was 7 or 8 and her mother. During the game Sheri had put down the word "chewy." Later when it was his turn, her son said, "I don't need any help this time. I got one." He picked up the letter A from his tray and placed it in front of chewy, saying, "Aahchewy -- you say it every time you sneeze, Mom!" It was so cute they gave him the score for it. -- Sheri Worthington of Ossian, Indiana Alyssa, 4, and her little sister, Julia, stay with Grammy and Grand Dad weekdays while their parents work. Their lunchtime conversation included a discussion of squirrels. Alyssa said she had never seen one. They live down the street from Alyssa in a new neighborhood where the trees are still rather small and squirrels are a rare sight. Grammy reminded Alyssa of the one squirrel they saw last spring. They named him Little Rascal because he boldly came to their bird feeder right outside the den window one morning and stuffed himself with the birds' supper. He came back the next day to dine again and they have not seen him since. Alyssa remembered Little Rascal and said a bit wistfully, "I love old days." Later that same afternoon, they talked about Alyssa's upcoming vacation with Julia and their parents to visit friends in San Diego. When Grammy told her how much she was going to miss her, Alyssa gently touched her chest and softly said, "Grammy, I'll be in your heart." -- Donna Moller (Grammy) of Katy, Texas Debi was shopping in a big warehouse store she happened to hear a little boy say to an employee, "'Scuse me, can you tell me where lost parents go?" -- Debi Walter of Orlando, Florida /\ <()> _._ /\ ,'`_'`. i,' `.i )`(_),( `,-' .O () `.,_.,' () ,O_, `._`.__.||._______________.||.________ .`' . O `'.---.---.---.---.---.---.---.--.-' O`'`-i `.' `-'O.-'-.-'-.-'-.-'-.-'-.-'-.-'-.| ,' _,' O ._`.-.-'-.-'-.-'-.-'-.-'-.-'-.-'| i`'O `-' i_ `'i---'---'---'---'.--:-.-'-.| `._,-' i`.' `.,':::::::::::::::|._|-'-.-'| `.' `-' `O' `,'--------------+'_|-.-'-.| ,-'_.`O `._,' ,-.`-.____________ :|._|-'-.-'| O.' i ,'`- . `O .i`-O\_ -._ =-' \:|._|-.-'-.| ,'_,-'.._ ,.`-._ ,`._`._`-____,o_/:|._|-'-.-'| _.._'' _`-'|::|__`-' ''-.'\-------/\--'. |-.-'-.| ,''//_/|,'' _/[__]\ ``._____``. `'-'---'' ( \\_\/`-..|\\|_.=;=..|__||__|| ) `._ .=;;=. |_|_| |__||__||,' `--..|=||=|___|_|_|__....--' SSt '-''-' James was riding with his sons the other night and Josh, 11, noticed a sign advertising a "First Annual Bazaar." Josh asked, "How can it be annual if there has only been one?" -- James Tew of Kendallville, Indiana Koen, 3, often goes to see Nanna and PawPaw on his way home from daycare. On the day before Thanksgiving Koen was talking about their plans to visit his paternal grandparents for the holiday. PawPaw began singing, "Over the river and through the woods to Grandpa's house we go..." Koen shouted, "No, no, no, Grandpa lives on a street!" -- Dennis Smith (PawPaw) of Oak Ridge, North Carolina Dad was having a serious discussion with Abbey, 8, about some not so great behavior and hurt feelings. When they finished up, Abbey came out to the living room and crawled up on her mother's lap. Lynn asked her if everything was okay... was she feeling all right? Abbey put her head on Lynn's shoulder, snuggled up and said, "Yeah. I love my dad, but he thinks he's Doctor Phil or something!" -- Lynn Walkup of Garrett, Indiana _ ' ` ,`-' __ ( ,-" "---, _ ,' `--"| ,' ,-" ' )--' / | / //",-",-._,'."-- . _ `/ .--="_.' / `. ; /`""" `-' ` \( , ` ``-\ ' ," ( ,' ,' `.._ __,-"\-, ' `-.-._,._,'__... `,-. ,' . __ \ ,-. \-: \ , __ _/-" \,--""\ \_\ \_\_/ , ,-" / ' _.--\_..." \ , { _,-" -" | ` ` `-" __..`-. \ \ ,-" __..-"" . `-._ "" __,--" __...' \ _,--" __..--"" / : _..-"" __.,-'" _.-' ,-"" _.,-"" ,' ; _.-"" ,' | _.-" ," `'..._ / ` _ / `.___...-; `"-./ | ' | ' | ' | I__ ,= .-._| |_|`.__.' KaK `--" Carol of Indiana says it is a humbling experience to teach preschoolers. They remember what she says often better than Carol does. One Sunday Carol explained that on their way home from temple, Mary and Joseph could not find Jesus. Carol was very dramatic as she made the point and exclaimed, "THEY LOST JESUS. THEY COULDN'T FIND HIM!" A few days later 2-year-old Morgan, her mom and grandmother were riding in the van. Out of the blue Morgan blurted, "THEY LOST JESUS!" Her mother was dumbfounded and asked, "WHERE IN THE WORLD DID THAT COME FROM?" Grandma said, "Think about it. She was in Carol's class on Sunday." Here's another one from Carol. Grandma knew her 5-year-old grandson was selling lemonade at his mom's garage sale and so she stopped by to patronize him. He emphatically told her that it was free for her as she is "family." Grandma said she would also like a Rice Krispy treat. Grandson quipped, "That's gonna cost you!" Kaitlyn, 3, is very interested in the facts regarding the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. She will ask her mother where the scars are (in Jesus' hands and feet). Her mother says they are probably in heaven with Jesus. Kaitlyn replies probably God put a band-aid on them. She also asks where the cross is. Her mother says it is probably rotted away. Kaitlyn will reply that probably God put a band-aid on it. -- Mary Jo Deihl (grandmother of Kaitlyn) of south of Corunna, Indiana `}-' `}-' ___ `}-' `}-' ____/`-, _____/`-, "-_/}__ `}-'_/`-, /`-,( _,,.{-,_(__,,,.( [(_.-'`--,__ ____/`-,.(,-`}-'_,>___\/`-, >|`---\ [(__\___\ _`-(--...(..-'_`./`-,/(--,,.( // / > |_______/-' >`---\ / ( `{ >`---\ pb __|___|__) / \ / \ /`--/< / \ /| / \/ \ Kelly, 11, was eating her cereal. Debbi looked across the table and told her she had milk on her chin. "That's because it's goatee milk," Kelly said with a grin. -- Debbi Armstrong of Orlando, Florida The family was reminiscing at Thanksgiving about childhood misunderstandings when Rebecca's son (who is now grown up) revealed that he used to hear the hymn "At the Cross" in church. The part that went " ... and the burden of my heart rolled away" he understood as "and the bird that's on my heart rolled away" and could never understand what a bird would be doing on someone's heart and how could it roll away. -- Rebecca Hayes of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania Maxine was eight years older than her brother Alvin. They lived in Missouri and the old house had a porch on the south side. Their favorite cat liked to lie on the porch in the sun and sleep. One day the cat was basking in the sun asleep and purring (Maxine called it cat snoring). Alvin was watching the cat very intently. Pretty soon Alvin said, "Don't cats shut off their motor when they go to sleep?" -- Maxine of McAllen, Texas _ ____ (_)__ _,---' `-._ `.`-' _ ,-"\ `--' `. ," ,-' \ ," ,"..\ `," ," ( O)\ _ _ `,"))) ` _) _,---."`. ()()) (())))))=) _,-'\ (__,''\ \ H ____\//____ (())))))) _,-' \';;; \ \ O| * | | * |/ `'''' _,' \ \ H|____| |___*| `._ _,-' _,-----.\ \ __ O|____| |____| `-...___,-' ,-' \\ \ ,' |\ H| * | | * | o\ ,' \\ ( | ) O|*___|_|____| | / )\ \.__|/ '\###########: o| ( / \ \ `############\ ._ /____,\_____________/ \ \ _ _,--' ###\ /-.__ __ === | \ \,-------._ #_),' _,-------.##\_____ / `. \=== / ,\ \,------._\ / ,' _,::::._`#######`---. /___ \ |===/_ ,' ,\ \,::::._ / / ,::::::::::.`##########` :-:`-._ ,'._,-' ) / ,' ,\ \:::::::. |/ /::,' `:::\ \ \ : :-: /_: :-::`. ,' / / /::\ \ `:::\ .::/ ,-------------------.__________`._,'O |/ .::/ \ \-. \::. ::: ( ____________,' ::: (\ \ ) ::: '::\ `-------------------' '::\ `--' /::' \:::._ _,'::/ \:::._ _,'::/ jrei `:::::::::.' `:::::::::.' `"-----' `"-----' Joan's 11-year-grandson is not around other children very much other than at school. Joan took Blake to the park for an autumn picnic, and they met Joan's friend Jewel who has a 1, 2, 4 and 5-year-old. They played and played and then Blake and Joan went to Jewel's house to watch the four children while Jewell went to a wedding. When Joan asked Blake if he was ready to go, he looked frazzled. He instantly replied, "Yes!" When he got in the car Joan commented that it's exciting when there are four little ones around. Blake replied, "If I had four kids... you know the scripture in the Bible ?I die daily.' Well, I WOULD die daily if I had to do that every day!" -- Joan Henry of Sulphur Springs, Texas Raymond mastered Donald Trump's catch phrase long before "The Apprentice" aired. When he was 3 (he's now 11), his mom, Kathleen, took him to the doctor's office. They were in the waiting room for a long time and Raymond was growing impatient. He was getting fidgety and kept asking what was taking so long. Finally, a nurse came out and called Raymond's name. He quickly turned to the nurse and shouted, "YOU FIRED!" -- Jacquelyn Ligon (aunt of Raymond) of Reno, Nevada Here's another one from Jacquelyn. When Raymond was 4 he would always question why adults got to do whatever they wanted but kids were always told what to do. No amount of explaining could appease him so his aunt would just tell him, "That's the way the world works." One day he was at his aunt's house and wanted to play video games. She kept telling him no, that he plays too much. Finally after several attempts from him to change his aunt's mind he looked at the floor and very sadly said, "That's not the way the world supposed to work." ______________________ / \ | | | Dear Santa, | | | ______________ | Please send me: | / \ \ | | / \ \ | 1. A Whale | / _________ \ | | 2. A Dolphin | \/ _ \ / | | 3. An Ambulance | \ / \ \/_ | | 4. A Pickup Truck | | O_O_/ || \_ \ | 5. A Spiderman suit | / __(_ __ || \ / | | /\/___\___\_/ \ /_\ | | / __ \/ \ | Your friend, | | |\___/ | Dane (age 3) | ______|________ | \ | | / /\ / \ \____________________/ | | \ / \ \______________\ |___/ \ _|___ |_____\ \ /| __| |_|| o \ \ | | \ |_||____\_____/\ \_|____/ / | \_____/____ | // | / \ \ | // |_________\_/\ \ \__ ______ | / | /_ |_/_/ \/_//__/| | |________// \| \ //_//__/||\_ | | \__// | / | ||__|/_ \ | | | | \_|_/ \ | ___________ | | | / | \ \|______| / _____ | \ \ | | \\ _/ / | \ \_____|______\___ \ -/___/ | \ ______\_____ / \ / \ \ / \__________________ \ | |______/ Tiziana \ / / \__/____________/ And another Raymond story: Raymond was obsessed with Hot Wheels cars. One day Jacquelyn's friend asked if Raymond and Jacquelyn wanted to go to the park with her and her 5-year-old daughter, Joelle. Raymond was also 5. As they were heading to the car to pick them up Jacquelyn noticed Raymond holding a Hot Wheels car. She took it from him and put it in her purse telling him he didn't need to bring it with him. They got to the friend's house and went inside for a few minutes and Jacquelyn saw Raymond holding another Hot Wheels car. She took that one from him too and put in it her purse. Later, when they arrived at the park Jacquelyn saw him with another Hot Wheels car. Again, she took the car from him. Raymond whispered to Joelle, "That's OK. She doesn't know I have another one in my pocket!" Jacquelyn searched his pockets and found two more cars. She didn't realize his pockets were so big! ========================================================== .o. | | _ , .', L.-'` `\ || __\___,|__--,__`_|__ | % `=` | | ___%_______________| | ` | | -------------------| |____________________| |~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| jgs | ---------------| , \| | _______________| / / \. \,\\|, . . /, / |///, / >-->SERIOUS QUESTIONS by Helen Dowd I've only one life; it soon will be gone. What will remain of the things that I've done? Will I be remembered as someone who cared? Someone who sympathized? Someone who shared? Am I so obsessesed with desire to succeed, that my eyes are blinded to someone in need? Or could I put on hold my ambitions, my dreams to help a weak brother to boost self-esteem? Am I so preoccupied that I can't find room to share a friend's sorrow, dispel a friend's gloom? Would I stop my dashing around here and there, to help out a neighbour? to show that I care? Do I lend an ear to someone who's grieved? Can I listen silently until they're relieved? Or do a cascade of MY words get in the way of the message of love God wants me to portray? Do I seem absorbed by the things that "I" own? Am I swallowed up in MY OWN little throne? Or can I show joy at a friend's great success? Can I honestly join HIM in HIS happiness? Will the things that I did while on earth be worthwhile? Have I lightened a load? Gone the second mile? Did I put off my ambitions? Put them on hold? To help someone else in reaching his goal? If I can say YES to these things, and more, Then I'll not be ashamed when I reach Heaven's shore. I will hold my head high, when I'm called by my Lord To stand before God to receive my reward. When my time on this earth has come to an end, will my epitaph read, "You were a true friend."? Or will it have words that go something like this: "Here lies a dead body that no one will miss."? >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. 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