It's All Up To You And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com :) The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends Linda and Richard. This one will spark your 'intrigue' level with its host of nightmarish critters you might not have seen before. Be sure to check it out here: _________ . . (.. \_ , |\ /| \ 0 \ /| \ \/ / \______ \/ | \ / vvvv\ \ | / | \^^^^ == \_/ | `\_ === \. | / /\_ \ / | |/ \_ \| / \________/snd Dangerous Critters 4! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dangerouscritters4.html --- ...Wowsers! Scary! Thanks my friends! I'm glad these are more dangerous to other creatures than us! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: "A man's feet should be planted in his country, but his eyes should survey the world. -- George Santayana Continuing our tribute to Memorial Day next week, we present a poem from Grady Fuller. You'll find it very fitting, especially this year, when we have come to understand and appreciate the contribution from so many who protect us. ======;===========;() #######:::::: #######:::::: #######:::::: jgs #######:::::: ############# ############# ############# ############# ############# ############# >THIS HALLOWED LAND As I composed this verse, tears melded with the words, as I remembered those friends and acquaintances whose lives were taken. With the utmost gratitude and honor, I offer my deepest respect to those brave young men and women who gave their last full measure, and to those who endured enormous physical and mental hardships in the defense of our homeland. It has been said that only the good die young. Most did not want to die, they just wanted to get back home and live the life that most of us enjoy. They just wanted to be near their loved ones, grow up, marry and raise their children. They just wanted a house, a car, some conveniences, to live in the suburbs, and take photographs on a Sunday afternoon. They just wanted to teach their sons to play baseball, ride a horse, and throw a football. They did not want to point a gun at another human, nor take the lives of other individuals. Their lives were snuffed out so very young, but they did want to do whatever they could, or whatever was necessary, to permit others like you and me to enjoy this hallowed land. _ (_) <___> | |______ | |* * * ) | | * * (_________ | |* * * |* *|####) | | * * *| * | (________________ | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | | * * *| * | | | | |* * * |* *|####|##############| | |~~~~~~| * | | | | |######|* *|####|##############| | | |~~~' | | | |######|########|##############| | | | | | | |######|########|##############| | |~~~~~~| | | | | |########|##############| | | '~~~~~~~~| | | | |##########JGS#| | | '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | | | MEMORIAL DAY The Day of Infamy, sixty years ago this year Somehow, the memory is ever so clear. It was in a harbor, the name of Pearl, An American Flag remained unfurled. It was a morn of sunshine clear, The birds could be heard in every ear. A thunderous roar came out of the West, The direction of the sweet robin's nest. A soldier's thoughts were that of home, For now he seemed to be so very alone. The bombs came, they rained their hell! Soldiers, flyers, sailors, and people fell. A bomb fell so very close by, A soldier was heaved high into the sky. Those last few moments of his life, He dreamed of a world without strife. He longed for the folks back home, A girlfriend not, for he was alone. His thoughts were of Mom and Dad As the life from this young man bled. And now once a year in this month of May, >From his grave, this soldier has his say. Remember me, and my comrades at arms, Bless those that keep this country from harm. -- Grady Fuller ___________________________________________ Email addresses in our publication have a space before and after the @ symbol. This is to prevent viruses from reaching our writers and others. If you want to correspond, just remove the spaces. _________ __ (`/\ `=\/\ __...--~~~~~-._ _.-~~~~~--...__ `=\/\ \ / \\ `=\/ V \\ //_\___--~~~~~~-._ | _.-~~~~~~--...__\\ // ) (..----~~~~._\ | /_.~~~~----.....__\\ ===( INK )==========\\|//==================== __ejm\___/________dwb`---`__________________________________ >THE GREATEST Although writer-motivator Earl Nightingale left us some years ago, his ideas and concepts remain reasonable. Some are classic. Here, taken from his writings and recordings, are living concepts worth re-reading and reconsidering: The greatest puzzle: life The greatest thought: God The greatest mystery: death The greatest mistake: giving up The greatest need: common sense The greatest invention of the devil: war The greatest secret of production: saving waste The greatest bore: one who keeps talking after he has made his point The greatest comfort: The knowledge that you have done your work well The greatest sin: fear The greatest blessing: good health The greatest law of nature: cause and effect The greatest gamble: substituting hope for fact The greatest joy: being needed The greatest opportunity: the next one The greatest victory: victory over yourself The greatest handicap: egotism The greatest loss: loss of self-confidence The greatest waste: all the talent and ability that most of us have but never quite get around to using The greatest thing, bar none, in the world: love, love for family, home, friends, neighbors... and for the land in which we enjoy our freedom. -- Ron Gold Publisher's Note: Ron Gold has quoted Earl Nightingale whom I had the honor and privilege of interviewing many years ago. He is still considered one of the greatest minds on human potential and success. His book and tape, "The Strangest Secret" changed my life, and I have listened to it hundreds of times. I highly recommend it for anyone wishing to change their life for the better." -- Lee Simonson, Heartwarmers Publisher. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >No Task Too Small Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!"1 In Jerusalem of old, houses were set side by side with one outside wall facing the street. The doors on these walls were kept closed, ensuring the family’s safety. The door had no windows or peep holes. Each home had a designated doorkeeper who was expected to learn and recognize the voices of family members and friends, opening the door only for them. These few verses in the book of Acts accurately depict this situation. One day, Rhoda, who was a servant girl, answered a knock on the door. The voice she heard on the other side of their protective door was one she did not expect to hear, though it was one she clearly recognized. Peter had been in prison, but the church, including Rhoda, had been praying fervently for his release. The night before he was to be taken to trial, the angel of the Lord appeared to Peter in his jail cell, released him from his shackles, and led him to a miraculous escape from the prison walls. Peter then ran to the very home where he knew many would be gathered in prayer. What a surprise it must have been for Rhoda to hear Peter's voice! She had witnessed the power of prayer firsthand! Even though Rhoda is mentioned very briefly, we can learn several important things from her. One of the most notable things in my opinion is that Rhoda was a young girl. The word “girl" suggests that she might have been an adolescent or a teenager, and most impressive was the fact that she was participating in a prayer gathering. Even though she was only a servant girl, Acts 12 suggests that she was involved in the congregation in Jerusalem. When she heard Peter's voice, she was overcome with gladness (v.14); she was excited and eager to share the news with those in her church. I can imagine that behind this Christ-loving young girl was a Christ-loving mother who taught her daughter the ways of the Lord. The simple story of Rhoda reminds us that age is not a factor when it comes to serving the Lord. We aren't told that Rhoda led a Sunday School class, or that she sang on the worship team; we are told that she was the doorkeeper. Her job was to open and close that door and she did so wholeheartedly. Rhoda's story is recorded in Scripture because of the small yet important job she did. Let this be a reminder to us that God uses every position. This month, as we've celebrated mothers all around the nation, let us celebrate the mothers who are raising their children to serve the Lord! Suggested Prayer: Dear Father God, thank you for examples like Rhoda that remind me that all positions are important when done for your glory. Thank you for using anyone who is willing to serve you. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen. 1. Acts 12:13-14 (NIV). Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Faithful till the End There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When he [Jesus] was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.1 There are some women in the Bible who frequently get overlooked; Salome is one of them. This seldomly- mentioned woman is worth taking a second look at. She was the wife of Zebedee, and the mother of James and John, disciples of Jesus. Salome, herself, had followed Jesus since the beginning of His public ministry and soon after, her sons were hand-picked by Jesus to be among His twelve disciples. Jesus spent much time in their hometown of Capernaum and was a frequent visitor in the 'Zebedee' home. Because of the relationship her sons held with Jesus, Salome got to know Jesus personally and most likely cooked for and served him on a regular basis, which in itself was an honor and privilege! Like most parents, Salome wanted the very best for her sons; and in this case, that was Jesus! Also like most Christian mothers, she did her very best to raise her boys as upstanding citizens and men of God. But her wild boys made it difficult at times, so much so that Jesus himself gave these rambunctious young men their nickname, 'sons of thunder'! Salome was at times overzealous in her ambition for her boys' relationship with Jesus. At one point, she went as far as to ask the Lord to give each of her sons a place at either side of Him in Heaven (Matt. 20:20-21). Although her request was erred, some might say even selfish, she had followed Jesus so faithfully that she knew He would listen to her. Jesus denied Salome’s request (v.22-24), but it, by no means, swayed her from following her Savior. In today’s verse, we find Salome at the cross along with other women who were also faithful followers of Jesus. We don’t know much else about Salome, except that she was a wife and a mother of children who served the Lord. We know that she faithfully followed and served Jesus, and that is enough to make her an honorable mention in Jesus' story. Will we be mentioned by name in Jesus’ book for our faithfulness to Him? Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for using Salome as an example of faithfulness for parents everywhere. Because of her devotion to you, her children walked closely with you, and you called them your friends. Oh, that my children could be among your friends also! Thank you that we can come boldly to your throne of grace and put our requests before you. In your name, Christ, Amen. 1. Mark 15:40-41 (ESV). Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== ,%&& %&& % ,%&%& %&%& %& %& %&% &%&% % &% % &%% %&% &% %&%&, &%&% %&%& %& &%& % %%& %&%& %&%&% %&%%& &%&% %&% % %& &% %%& && %&% %&%& %&% %&%' '%&% %&% %&&%&%%'% % %& %& %&% &%% `\%%.' /`%&' | | /`-._ _\\/ |, |_ / `-._ ..--~`_ |; |_`\_ / ,\\.~` `-._ - ^ |;: |/^}__..-,@ .~` ~ `o ~ |;: |(____.-' '. ~ - ` ~ |;: | \ / `\ //. - ^ ~ |;: |\ /' /\_\_ ~. _ ~ - //- jgs\\/;: \'--' `---` `\\//-\\/// >-->Story Time! - "The one that got away." by Bob Perks It was overcast and dreary. One of those days when you'd like to stay in bed and watch old movies all day. I was searching for something. But I'm always searching. I'm like a scavenger looking for stuff that no one else sees. I headed out to the nearby state park figuring that I could get away from the busy world and focus on the real stuff that life is made of. When my Dad was alive he often headed to this park just to sit and watch people. My parents made me a "people watcher." A big treat for me was to head to the local drug store with them and have an ice cream soda and then sit in the car in front of the shopping center and just watch people walk by. But I went to the park this time to get away from people. I just wanted to listen to what was going on inside me. I walked down to the edge of the lake and stood inside this covered pavilion where a few old picnic tables sat waiting for the summer folk. The squirrels ran from tree to tree scampering about filled with excitement. A few geese paddled by watching me carefully, not sure if I came to offer them a slices of yesterday's bread. They hesitated now, but as the summer crowds fill the park the geese and ducks become quite brazen as they intrude upon the picnic areas like street gangs almost threatening the visitors to share the goodies. But for now we kept our distance. They had this look that seemed to say, "Oh, he's only a dreamer. Probably a writer at worst. They have nothing to give but themselves." They moved on. Off along the shoreline, at a point that seemed too narrow to venture on to, I could see a woman. She sat quietly with little movement. I assumed like me, she was in retreat from the world. A light rain began to fall and speckled the calmness of the water interrupting my glassy stare at the reflection of the gray clouds. It reminded me that life is often interrupted just when things are calm and we get too settled into it. I guess as I look back at it all, those times offered challenges for growth. Although, at the time, I saw no real value at all. Having been lost in thought for a few minutes, I didn't notice that the woman had moved away from her perch at the lake's edge. I scanned the area and found her sitting close by on a fallen tree trunk under one of the many tall pines. The rain for now, had ended. "What is it they say about rainy days and Mondays?" she said as she sat with her head bowed down. "Always get me down!" I yelled over to her in reply. Words from a song I had tucked away in my memory. "Well as my Daddy always said, this is "The one that got away." she said as she lifted and turned her head toward me. "Your father was a fisherman?" I asked. "Yes, every where he went." she said. "My Uncle Al carried fishing equipment in his trunk and would pull over whenever he found a lake or creek. He had a license in about four states including New Jersey, where he lived." I told her. "No, my Daddy didn't fish in lakes and streams. He was what the Bible called a "Fisher of Men." He was a preacher." She seemed to hold her head high and proud as she spoke about him. "He always considered a day lost when he could not make a difference in someones life. He called it "The one that got away." "So, you're feeling like you lost this one?" I asked. "I'm afraid I've lost a whole bunch of them." she said as she turned her back to the lake. "I can't seem to get back to the way I was before. I was always upbeat and motivated. I think I often overwhelmed people with my positive spirit. It concerned me at first until one day my co-workers said they depended on me to be that way. It seems a lot of people did." "So, what happened?" I asked not expecting a straight answer. It really wasn't any of my business. "My husband's business all but collapsed. He made some poor choices and everything we had seemed to vanish." she said as she walked closer to me. "Forgive me for asking such a personal question. But was your love for each other a part of the business?" "What do you mean?" she asked. "This road to self destruction that you seem to be on leads me to believe that you've forgotten that your love for each other is far more valuable than the business or mistakes made. It appears to me that, like this lake, everything was smooth and wonderful until it rained" I said. "You can either look at the business failure as something that has taken away from your relationship or like the rain on the lake, added to it." She had tears in her eyes as she stood there looking so helpless and lost. "But it was a side of him I never saw. He made reckless choices. Our life isn't the same because of it" she said. "This isn't the one that got away" I said. "You're throwing this one back because it's the wrong size. Like the fisherman you toss it back...it's too small." "As a fisher of men, your Daddy went after the big and the little challenges. Those days when one seemed to have gotten away he found strength in the love he had in his life. The love of his family and the love for God. He would not permit defeat and poor judgment to ever diminish that love. Love is always the answer" I continued. "Here's a better song. 'Love. Love will keep us together.'" "Don't tell me. You're a preacher" she said. "No. But I was told that I am a 'fisher of men." I replied. "Well, I believe my Daddy sent you here. Good catch!" she said as she smiled. "What bait do you use?" "A little caring, a bit of trust, and a lot of faith, I guess" I replied. "Well, I'm a believer" she said. "So am I. 'I believe in YOU!'" "I wish you enough," Bob Perks There's never been a better time for the world to consider the significance of having "Enough." God knows we've gained so little in pursuit of having too much. This is more than a nice collection of stories to make you smile or warm your heart. It's time as people of faith to realize how significant just having "enough" really is. "When having more leaves you empty, you discover true happiness lies in enough!" Bob Perks My new book! "I wish you enough!" A collection of my stories based on the "Eight Wishes." "I Wish You Enough!" by Bob Perks =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >Memorial Day Prayer A very dear and knowledgeable friend sent me this. I was surprised because this friend knows better than to forward chains. I am complying with her wish to send the prayer but I am going to the trouble to copy the text and paste it in this message. PLEASE COMPLY..... I am breaking this one. If I get it a 1000 times, I will copy & paste it a 1000 times, then send it to all of my book. Love, Chan Let us pray... Prayer chain for our Military.... Please do not forward. Copy & paste, then send to all in your address book. Don't break it! Please send this on after a short prayer. Prayer for our soldiers. Prayer: "Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen." Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world. There is nothing attached. Just copy & paste, then send this to all in your address book. Do not let it stop with you. Of all the gifts you could give a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, National Guard, Merchant Marine & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best one. -<>- . , )). -===- ,(( ))). ,((( ))))). .:::. ,(((((( ))))))))). :. .: ,((((((((' `))))))))))). : - : ,(((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))_:' ':_(((((((((((((((' `)))))))))))).-' \___/ '-._((((((((((( `))))_._.-' __)( )(_ '-._._((((' `))'---)___)))'\_ _/'((((__(---'((' `))))))))))))|' '|((((((((((((' jim `)))))))))/' '\(((((((((' `)))))))| |(((((((' `))))))| |((((((' /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ '---..___..---' >GUARDIAN ANGELS By: Joseph J. Mazzella I believe in guardian angels. Since I was a boy I have felt watched over, loved, and protected by my unseen friends and I am so thankful to God for them. I have had far too many near misses with hurt and harm over the years for it to be mere luck. I guess my guardian angels are keeping me around for a reason and I will do my best not to make their work too hard in the future. I also believe in guardian angels because I have seen one in action over the years. My oldest son graduates from high school this Spring. Through all of his years in school he has struggled with Autism. It has made it difficult for him to learn, to relate to others, and to function in this world. Thankfully, though, he has had a guardian angel with him every step of the way. His aide has been there with him through all the difficulties, through all the triumphs, through all the pains, and through all the joys. She was there when he first started to speak in sentences. She was there when he first started to read. She was there when he first started to make friends and play with the other children. She helped him through every frustration he faced and comforted him through every bit of sadness he had to endure. She helped him to become the happy and loving soul that he is today. She loved him, cared for him, guided him, encouraged him, and watched over him. She has been his aide, his friend, his second mother, and his guardian angel. Words can never express all the good that she has done for him. All I can say to her is "Thank you so much for being such an angel in my son’s life." There are many guardian angels in our lives. Some are unseen, but some walk with us and help us everyday. Take the time then to thank God for all the guardian angels in this world. Take the time as well to thank all the guardian angels that touch your own life. But most of all take the time to be a loving, joyous guardian angel yourself to every hurting heart that needs you. -<>- .-------------. /= ^ =_ ^-_- = \ /^ ==_ -_ = _ ^ \ / =_ ^ -_ = _ = \ /_=_^___=_-^__=___=_^_\ __||____ ___ ____||_ `=||====//_\\====||=|_ || |===| || '-' ||_..-|___|-.._|| |'-,._______..-'| ||__ | __] __]_| |_| ]__|__ _| __| |__[ _ ]_ __[_ | jgs |_| _ |_ ]_ _[_ | `"-..........--"` >Woman decides to drink eight glasses of water every day By Greg Miller Cheryl had made some changes in her lifestyle because she wanted to be a greater witness for the Lord. Those changes included walking for about 30 minutes every day, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and losing about 40 troublesome pounds she had been promising to shed for more than 10 years. Cheryl knew that she needed to drink the proper amount of water to keep her body hydrated, so although she loved sweet tea and soft drinks she decided to drink water most of the time. Cheryl treated herself to a cup of sweet tea to celebrate her decision. She dedicated the rest of her life to her new passion: Fresh water. She drank water with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. She drank a glass of sweet tea only about once a month. Before long, Cheryl began to feel more energized and alert. "Water is almost like a miracle drug," she said. "I'm going to ask my friends to join me on life's journey with water." One Friday after work, Cheryl met her best friend, Carlissa, at the Mall for an evening of shopping and conversation. Carlissa noticed that two bottles of spring water were in Cheryl's purse. "So when did you become so crazy about water?," Carlissa asked. "Just recently," Cheryl said. "I wanted to be healthier, so I could be a better witness for the Lord. "This water is so great! I wish I had made my decision many years ago." "I couldn't live without my sweet tea and soft drinks!," Carlissa exclaimed. "I'd never be able to make it through the day without them!" "I drink a lot of water because I want to be healthy," Cheryl said. "But I also want to glorify Jesus Christ in every aspect of my life. When I'm on the job, I want to be a good testimony. When I'm engaged in leisurely activities, I want to glorify God." Cheryl told Carlissa that drinking lots of water made it much easier to share her faith in Christ with other people. "How can a simple glass of water help you to tell others about the Lord?," Carlissa asked. "It's tasteless, odorless, calorie-less. It has no redeeming social value." "Water helps us to thrive while we're alive," Cheryl replied. "And Jesus offers Living Water. In John, chapter 4, Jesus told the woman at the well that `whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.'" "Wow!," exclaimed Carlissa. "Only God could think of a concept like that!" "You've got that right!," Cheryl said. "And that's the kind of water that could never be put in a bottle!" --- ...I'll drink to that. :) -<>- ,-'"""`-, ,-----. ,' \ _|_ / `. | 501 | /`.,'\ | /`.,'\ `-----' | ( /`. \|/ ,'\ ) | H |--|--;=@=:--|--| | H U ( \,' /|\ `./ ) H U | \,'`./ | \,'`./ U | (|) `. / """ \ ,' | (|) hh '-._|_,-` (|) >ECHOES OF KIND WORDS A little boy said to his father, "Let's play darts. I'll throw the darts and you say, `Wonderful!'" Here is a boy who was not afraid to ask for the encouragement he needs. Maybe we all have something to learn from him! Inspirational author and educator, Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, relates a story about the devastating effects of discouragement. Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th Century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man who asked him to look at a few of his sketches and drawings. The gentleman wanted to know if the artist thought they were of any value. As gently as possible, Rossetti told the man that the sketches were of no value and showed little talent. He apologized for the harsh assessment but said that he believed he should be honest. The visitor was disappointed but asked the artist if he could take a look at just a few more, which were all done by a young art student. Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. "These," he said, "oh, these are good." He went on to say that the young student shows much promise and should be given every help and encouragement, as he may have a great future if he will study and work hard. The old man was deeply moved. Rossetti asked, "Who is this fine, young artist? Your son?" "No," replied the visitor sadly. "It is I - forty years ago. If only I had heard your praise then. For you see, I became discouraged and gave up too soon." Mother Teresa wisely said, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Sometimes it may be enough to just say, "Wonderful!" By Steve Goodier -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Are Angels Real? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Here's Your Frog http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/frog.html I Believe http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html Have A Heart http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/heart.html Love Thoughts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html All About Hugs http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hugs.html Beautiful Rare Flowers http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rareflowers.html Thankful For You http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thankful.html Sweet Humanity http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sweethumanity.html God's Little Love Notes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html Random acts Of Kindness http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/actsofkindness.html No Words Needed http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html Important Life Truths http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetruths.html Our Valuable ANCHOR http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html When God Paints http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Why My Son? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/why.html Kilroy Was Here http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kilroywashere.html 9/11 Hero Rescorla http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911hero.html Sgt.Stubby War Dog http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/stubbywardog.html Sgt.Reckless - War Horse http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/sgtreckless.html Judy - POW War Dog Hero http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/judywardog.html Ricochet's Soul Vision http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ricochetvision.html Freedom Isn't Free http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/freedom.html Full 9/11 And Troop Index http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html -<>- TobyMac - Cornerstone (Lyric Video) ft. Zach Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7NQ5AvuMPM Chris Tomlin - Jesus - (with lyrics) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5w_10g0B3U Battle Belongs - Phil Wickham (Lyrics) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiPNieLnt0s Casting Crowns - Praise You In This Storm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB4eC55dh-U Colton Dixon - More Of You (Official Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYXjXi8PtzQ How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Truth Or Tradition.com Index: https://www.truthortradition.com/ The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ Latest From Mommy Underground: https://mommyunderground.com/ Latest From Christian Life Daily: https://www.christianlifedaily.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: Statements by Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the USA: 'Nolte: Donald Trump Fallout-CNN Primetime Ratings Crash 23% to Pathetic 400,000 Viewers' - Read the full article by John Nolte with Breitbart here: https://tinyurl.com/yt6npwpm ICYMI: 'Newsmax Beat CNN in Prime Time Friday' Read the full article from Newsmax here: https://tinyurl.com/5n6vrybm Latest Eric Bolling: https://www.newsmaxtv.com/bolling Latest From Hannity: https://hannity.com/ Latest From American Action News: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Newsmax: https://www.newsmax.com/ Latest From America First Report: https://uafreport.com/ Latest From Expose: https://expose-news.com/ Latest From Billings Report: https://billingsreport.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Cakes, Ice Cream, Nuts http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: Multistate Outbreaks of Salmonella http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Illusionist Murray SawChuck performs the most amazing magic for the judges and audience of 'America's Got Talent'. https://youtu.be/2ikjwPXAQno And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker." So God made a farmer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMpZ0TGjbWE --- ...Fun Ones! Thanks LouiseAu! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: -| -' | -' | __ ==wkm=====|'\/ () /| `O /` : /\ \ \ ` ` ____________________________________ ///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\ >GARTH PLEASANT: TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND Once in a great while these days, you hear about or see from a distance a man or woman who gives you hope for the human race. Maybe we're not all selfish or hiding deep character flaws with phony PR or working the system while pretending to serve others. Maybe faith really works and the Spirit of God truly lives in human hearts. Sometimes you actually get to know one of those people. Garth Pleasant is one of those rare people, and I have been blessed to get to know him. Work with him. Be his friend. Find him to be a man in whom there is no guile. See him do things at great expense to himself for the simple reason that he believed someone would be encouraged. And watch him deflect compliments and praise to others for the simple reason that his humility won't let him believe he is as special as those of us who know him best know him to be. For more than three decades, Garth Pleasant has coached basketball at Rochester College. Only two of his teams had losing records, and12 competed in the final four of national tournaments. He and his team cut down the nets as national small-college champions four times - in 1989, 1994, 2004, and 2005. In 1989, the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) named Garth Pleasant its Coach of the Year - the same year the University of Michigan blew through their March tournament to win the NCAA National Championship. Garth was inducted into the BCAM Hall of Fame two years ago. He has been paid tribute by the likes of Joe Dumars, Tom Izzo, and Don Meyer. These greats in the coaching field know they have a peer in Garth Pleasant. You'd think a track record such as this would have earned Garth Pleasant a head coaching job at a big school, a Division-I NCAA school, and a salary multiple times what Rochester College could pay him. It did! But he turned down those offers time and time again to stay with his ministry to young men. Garth's "Aw Shucks" attitude toward all his achievements is a genuine humility born of his sincere faith. He has always told me his work is his kingdom service to a gracious God. Like the God he serves, he has shown grace to recruit players whose high school coaches and teachers warned him to avoid. Not all those risks had happy endings. Enough have that he is a life-changer for more young men than I can name. While teaching basketball, he taught character. Carlee Barackman captured Garth's legacy well with a headline in the college's student publication - "It Was Never About the Wins, Championships, or Halls of Fame." In Garth's words: "I try to tell my players that I will know how good a team we were in 15 years when I am able to see how good of a husband, father, and member of society they are. Then I will know how good we were." He's hanging up his whistle, but his investment in young souls lives forever. as seen in The Fax of Life -<>- ,---,_ , _> `'-. .--'/ .--'` ._ `/ <_ >,-' ._'.. ..__ . ' '-. .-' .'` `'. '. > / >`-. .-'< \ , '._\ / ; '-._> <_.-' ; '._> `> ,/ /___\ /___\ \_ / `.-|(| \o_/ \o_/ |)|` jgs \; \ ;/ \ .-, )-. / /` .'-'. `\ ;_.-`.___.'-.; >SOME VERY WISE WORDS OF WISDOM: Do not contradict people, even if you are sure you are right. Do not be inquisitive about the affairs of even your most intimate friend. Do not underrate anything because you do not possess it. Do not believe all the evil you hear. Do not repeat gossip, even if it does interest a crowd. Do not jeer at anybody’s religious belief. Learn to hide your aches and pains under a pleasant smile; few care whether you have earache, headache, or rheumatism. Learn to attend to your own business–a very important point. Do not try to be anything else but a gentleman or lady; and that means one who has consideration for the whole world, and all races.” -<>- ________________________________ |.==============================,| || || || .----. , || || / >< \ / || || | |/\ || || \______//\/ || || _(____)/ / || ||__/ ,_ _ _/__________________|| '===\___\_) |====================' |______| | || | |__||__| jgs (__)(__) >JEFF FOXWORTHY ON SCHOOL EMPLOYEES YOU might be a school employee if you believe the playground should be equipped with a Ritalin salt lick. YOU might be a school employee if you want to slap the next person who says, 'Must be nice to work 8 to 3:30 and have summers off. YOU might be a school employee if it is difficult to name your own child because there's no name you can come up with that doesn't bring high blood pressure as it is uttered. YOU might be a school employee if you can tell it's a full moon or if it's going to rain, snow, hail....anything!!! without ever looking outside. YOU might be a school employee if you believe, 'shallow gene pool' should have its own box on a report card. YOU might be a school employee if when out in public, you feel the urge to snap your fingers at children you do not know and correct their behavior. YOU might be a school employee if you have no social life between August and June. YOU might be a school employee if you think people should have a government permit before being allowed to reproduce. YOU might be a school employee if you wonder how some parents MANAGED to reproduce. YOU might be a school employee if you laugh uncontrollably when people refer to the staff room as the 'lounge.' YOU might be a school employee if you encourage an obnoxious parent to check into charter schools or home schooling and are willing to donate the U-HAUL boxes should they decided to move. YOU might be a school employee if you think caffeine should be available in intravenous form. YOU might be a school employee if you can't imagine how the ACLU could think that covering your students chair with Velcro and then requiring uniforms made out of the corresponding Velcro could ever be misunderstood by the public. YOU might be a school employee if meeting a child's parent instantly answers this question, 'Why is this kid like this?' YOU might be a school employee if you would choose a mammogram over a parent conference. YOU might be a school employee if you think someone should invent antibacterial pencils and crayons...and desks and chairs for that matter! YOU might be a school employee if you know how many minutes, and seconds, are left in the school year! -<>- _ (_) .-|-. / | \__ \ | '._ |\ '-._ ,_ | \ ,_'-/_`> / / ( __ ) jgs /_ /_ / > \ > >GOOD BYE, MY FRIEND Oh, little friend, do you recall, When you made this house your home? You were just a ball of fluff, Not even halfway grown. You stumbled when you learned to walk, It was hard to steer four legs; You learned to sit, and stay, and come, And, of course, you learned to beg. You loved those walks we used to take, You never left my side; And if I got my car keys out, You were ready for a ride. You sensed when I was happy, Or was feeling kind of low; You’d rub up against my knee, You always seemed to know. You’d fetch a ball or get a toy, Without even being told; But, was your face crestfallen, If I felt the need to scold. You found the outside world exciting, Do you remember your first snow? You’d not come back inside the house, Because you loved it so. Going to the vets for shots, I guess was your greatest fear; You seemed to know each scheduled date, Though you went but once a year. You were afraid of lightening, too, And of booming thunderstorms; You’d run and jump upon my bed, Where it was safe and warm. I never once felt lonely, As long as you were here; You were at my feet or on my lap, You constantly were near. Oh, I am going to miss you, No question about that; But, little one, for your pain to go, I had to send you back. You’re going back to heaven now, From whence long ago you came; You’ll be welcomed back by God, Himself, Who knows your doggy-name. I think there’s Frisbees up in heaven, And rubber, squeaky toys; And angels who will play with you, And little girls and boys. But, there won’t be any thunderstorms, And no vets with shots up there; You won’t even need a leash, You’ll run freely in God’s air. And when my time on earth is done, And at heaven’s gate I’m near, I don’t want any harps or horns, Just … happy barks to hear. So, see you later, little friend, I’m glad you’re now pain-free; And I’m glad you’re sitting next to Jesus, Now … you wait right there for me. --author unknown -<>- / _, ,_ M\M"_,, `"MMMMMm._ `/MMMMMMP^^", MPTMMM`M `-. .'" MMMm "=, `.`"-. .' / S _"^M :Ww. \ `-. .-' .: ".wW\.; :WP^; `-. `-. .-' .-'/ \ :^WP: ; `--' ;\ `-. `. .-' .-' / /; `..' ; \`. `-. \ / .-' .' / ; .-";`"""--5..`-. `-.\ / .' .-' / | .' ; r`) `-. \\ ; / .-' .-' ;_/ ; _ ; `. \; |' .' .' ( _ _ : `-' :\ `./ `-' / .-r-.`Y `-' : / ; ; .-7" `.`7. | .' | : ' ; ; `--..__.'-""/ ;\ \ ,| | | ..--",-' : ; _ _.7`,_J- ; : ;, _,': /; ; _ .' `--.`-.`-'_.-| `. |/ : .'/ : ; | |`". _.-".+. :`"-. `--`"" ,_: `'7 /.-. ; | / | : 7",' ." | : \ : `-. / ;' / | | `--\ /4 ' / .' ; `. ; \ :`"\ .< ; : _.7 ' `. / /.' \ `.___.-"> ;_/ :---"\ `. ' `.-.. `"--' / fsc `.___..--"/ _mMMMm,.' `-.`-.._ ) `"--. .' `---'"mMMMMMMMMm,_ `-----' `"" `" "^`^MMMP^^mm, >FROM BAD TO WORSE Have you ever have one of those days when, no matter how hard you try, things just seem to go from bad to worse? The story is told of two cowboys who were working cattle one day. One of them discovered he was in trouble when a wild bull, with his head down and nostrils flaring, came charging toward him. The cowboy saw a deep hole in the ground and quickly jumped in it. As soon as the bull passed over him, he jumped out of the hole. The bull, madder than ever, came charging back again, and the cowboy jumped back down into the hole. When the bull passed, the cowboy jumped out of the hole again. He did this several times. Finally, the other cowboy, who was watching it all from a distance yelled out, "Why don't you just stay in the hole?" The cowboy yelled back, "I would, but there's a bear in the hole!" Maybe some of you feel like every day is like that! If ever there was someone who must have felt that way, it was the apostle Paul, though. Listen to him describing his life as a Christian: "From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness..." (2 Cor. 11:24-27) Sounds a man who ought to be miserable, doesn't it? I mean, how much can one man take? How much worse can it possibly get? It convicts me to read through that list as I think of the minor problems in my life that I allow to create a dark cloud over my life. If I had to deal with the problems on Paul's list on a daily basis, then I'd really have reason to moan and whine, "Why, me Lord? Why does life have to be so hard?" The funny thing is, though, that wasn't Paul's reaction at all. He didn't list all those problems to garner sympathy. In fact, he finishes out this section by writing: "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake....." (2 Cor. 12:10). Taking pleasure in distresses? When is the last time you took pleasure in locking your keys in your car? When is the last time you took pleasure in running your cell phone through the washing machine (don't laugh! I actually did that this week)? When is the last time you took pleasure in hearing the news that you're getting laid off, the biopsy came back positive, or there was a terrible auto accident? The "pleasure" in such things is not the ability to laugh and joke. The "pleasure" is found in the last half of 2 Cor 12:10, "...For when I am weak, then I am strong." Everything that happens to me in life is a reminder that I am not in control, but I am a child of the One who is. It is a reminder that I don't have the power to fix everything that breaks in life, but I serve the one who does have that power. It is reminder that I sometimes don't know how I'm going to have the strength to cope, but I rest in the arms of the One who has promised to be there with me no matter what. And it is during those moments when life throws its worst at me that I feel closest to God. "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:10) Whatever trials you are facing this day, may you find your strength in God through Christ. Have a great day! -Alan Smith Helen Street Church of Christ Fayetteville, North Carolina as seen in Thought For the Day To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Strengthened By Hardship On Paul's first missionary journey, he traveled with Barnabas to Cyprus and then up through several cities in Galatia. After preaching the gospel in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, they returned back through the same cities so they could strengthen those who had recently placed their faith in Jesus. Acts 14:21-22 "They returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said." The early church was facing great persecution for simply turning to faith in Jesus Christ. Paul himself faced many hardships and was recently stoned for preaching the gospel. Paul encouraged the churches by letting them know they were not alone in their suffering. But he also seemed to encourage by saying that hardship was a necessary part of the Christian walk. Those who have placed their complete faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin have begun a journey which leads to the kingdom of God. Once we truly begin this journey, we are His child and our place with God has been reserved; "He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). However, while on this journey, God has a great plan and purpose for our life; "For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29). Every step is for the purpose of drawing us closer and conforming us to the image of Christ. And hardship is the tool which seems to best accomplish this goal. We all might prefer that God would shape us through praise and blessings, but we seem to respond best to hardship. It's hardship which reminds us of our dependence on God when we've begun to trust in our own abilities and understanding. It's hardship which brings us back to our knees in prayer after long seasons of silence. It's hardship which develops the character of a mature believer: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4). As difficult as this truth may be to accept and understand, part of God's plan is for us to experience some hardship. Not all hardship can be said to come from God; but in our lost and fallen world where we come to God filled with pride and arrogance, hardship is often the only way to humble our spirit and soften our heart. Our Heavenly Father loves us enough to do whatever it takes to draw us closer to His side - even when this means being strengthened by hardship. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Judges 17:1-18:31; John 3:1-21; Psalm 104:1-24; Proverbs 14:20-21 --- ...My two cents... God is love. Bad things don't come from Him, but God does allow bad things in your life - they are considered trials and tribulations from the devil as Jesus and the desciples all experienced. 1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." I am reminded of the song - "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn676-fLq7I -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >We Will Overcome (edited) God's Word contains many passages which encourage us in our struggles. Paul tells us to "press on toward the goal" (Philippians 3:14), "run a good race" (Galatians 5:7), and "fight the good fight" (2 Timothy 4:7). Each of these acknowledge the struggle and exhort us to keep moving forward. But there are times we become weary and even the thought of pressing, running, or fighting becomes difficult. Yet, we know we must endure - we must overcome! Revelation 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." In the second and third chapters of Revelation, John is simply dictating the words spoken by Jesus. In these two chapters, Jesus speaks seven times about "him who overcomes." Each time there is a gift or reward for the one who is "successful" and overcomes. This is certainly good motivation for us to endure, but the question still remains: How can we overcome as our strength begins to fade? John knew what it took to overcome. Several years earlier, he had written a letter to encourage believers to stay committed and to give the assurance of eternal life. He also specified exactly who would overcome: "Everyone born of God overcomes the world... Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 John 5:4-5). Read this carefully and rejoice! Those who believe are those who will overcome!! We must endure and overcome the world, but our faith in Jesus and NOT our strength is what allows us to endure. There are times we must run and times we must fight, times we will be called to be a mighty warrior for the Lord. But there are also times when we are terribly weak, times of great tribulation, times we must grab on to Jesus and allow HIS strength to carry us through the storm. These are times we will need to simply hold on! When the battle seems unbearable, "Hold on to what you have - I {Jesus} am coming soon" (Revelation 3:11). When we feel surrounded by evil and the darkness is closing in, "Hold on to the good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). And when we become overwhelmed with doubt and fear, "Hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast" (Hebrews 3:6). When we are weary in the storm, let's take comfort in the peaceful waters ahead. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus and hold on ...He will never let us go. God has given His Children a wonderful promise: as we continue to believe and trust Him with all our heart, we WILL overcome! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23; John 13:31-14:14; Psalm 119:17-35; Proverbs 15:31-32 ========================================================== __,--'''''--,_ _,--#####--,__ _-' `\ /'##############`-_ ,' `\/'###################`, / `\#####################\ / `\ `\####################\ ( /'\ `\###################) ( /'###`\ `y#################) ( /'#######`. |#################) \ /'###########`-,__,-'################/ \ /'####################################/ `. /'########################,' `\#####;' \ /'########/##############,--( `\##/ /'########/'#############,' \ `< (########/'#######/####,--( `\ ) (######/'#######/'###;' \ `\ ,' `---,'#######/'##;--( `\ `\-' (######/'##;' \ `\ ) `---,'####( `\ `\_,-' (#####\ `\ ) altered by tod from a `---,'#`\ `\_,-' Normand (####`\ ) Veilleux `---' `\_,-' original >Smiles and Extended Hands Story Editor: by Tim Miller Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA It was a tumultuous time. In 1986 I was an American living in Cairo, Egypt. America had just bombed Gaddafi's tent compound in Libya, and Gaddafi had issued a death threat to all Americans in the region. Internal strife in Egypt was building, too, from changes initiated by Hosni Mubarak after Anwar Sadat's assassination. Next, the Egyptian military police rioted and burned down the Holiday Inn complex by the Giza Pyramids. In spite of the unrest, I still felt safe walking the Egyptian streets. But after the bombing and riots, it seemed more and more folks stared or frowned at me. Maybe they assumed I was an American who thought I was somehow "better off" than they were. Probably my self-conscious expression didn't help. At dusk one evening, I headed along a dimly lit sidewalk towards a local grocery. Cairo sidewalks were always lined with Egyptian men -- socializing, sharing cigarettes, and talking of the day's events. This night, it seemed as if their mood and conversational tone changed just as I approached. I felt negatively judged. Worried, I avoided eye contact and looked away as I quickened my pace towards the grocery. Then, wham! I slammed face-first into the sidewalk. I was so busy *not* looking I missed a step. I was immediately surrounded by several men. Being used to city streets in America, I must admit my first thought was they were going to take my wallet. Then I realized they were just lifting me up to set me back up on my feet. They brushed me off, straightened my clothes and asked if I was hurt. I said I was fine, smiled at everyone and shook their hands to thank them for their help. I suddenly realized these men were all smiling back. In fact, as I turned to see other men, women, and children along the sidewalk, they too smiled and asked if I was OK. I smiled, nodded, thanked everyone for the help and concern, and headed on. But now, something was different. Everywhere I went, every Egyptian was smiling. In fact, I couldn't find stares or frowns anywhere. For the first time, I felt not a foreigner in a foreign land, but rather a friend among friends. I suddenly felt at home, though over 8,000 miles from my family. That night the Egyptians showed me what humanity really is. In spite of regional political and economic upheaval, they refused to judge me because I was an American. Their reaching out to me with helping hands and smiles made me realize that maybe they were "better off" than I was. That night, I learned that a smile is an important gesture in our universal language, a simple act of kindness that transcends cultural and language barriers. Today I'm so very thankful for that brief moment in time. A moment where a simple smile enabled an Arab and an American to understand each other, and where I came away a changed man. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: Gratitude is always the right attitude. _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >Experiencing Grace (By Denise Banderman) Note from Chris: I received this from a subscriber. This is a true story and happened on 4/30/02 in a youth ministry class at Hannibal-LaGrange College in Missouri. -Chris ----------- I left work early so I could have some uninterrupted study time right before the final in my Youth Issues class. When I got to class, everybody was doing their last minute studying. The teacher came in and said he would review with us for just a little bit before the test. We went through the review, most of it right on the study guide, but there were some things he was reviewing that I had never heard of. When questioned about it, he said that they were in the book and we were responsible for everything in the book. We couldn't really argue with that. Finally it was time to take the test. "Leave them face down on the desk until everyone has one and I'll tell you to start," our prof instructed. When we turned them over, every answer on the test was filled in! The bottom of the last page said the following: "This is the end of the Final Exam. All the answers on your test are correct. You will receive an 'A' on the final exam. The reason you passed the test is because the creator of the test took it for you. All the work you did in preparation for this test did not help you get the A. You have just experienced... grAce." He then went around the room and asked each student individually, "What is your grade? Do you deserve the grade you are receiving? How much did all your studying for this exam help you achieve your final grade?" Now I am not a crier by any stretch of the imagination, but I had to fight back tears when answering those questions and thinking about how the Creator has passed the test for me. Discussion afterward went like this: "I have tried to teach you all semester that you are a recipient of grace. I've tried to communicate to you that you need to demonstrate this gift as you work with young people. Don't hammer them; they are not the enemy. Help them, for they will carry on your ministry if it is full of GRACE!" Talking about how some of us had probably studied hours and some just a few minutes but had all received the same grade, he pointed to a story Jesus told in Matthew 20. The owner of a vineyard hired people to work in his field and agreed to pay them a certain amount. Several different times during the day, he hired more workers. When it was time to pay them, they all received the same amount. When the ones who had been hired first thing in the morning began complaining, the boss said, "Should you be angry because I am kind?" (Matthew 20:15). The teacher said he had never done this kind of final before and probably would never do it again, but because of the content of many of our class discussions, he felt like we needed to experience grace. Have you thanked your Creator today because of the grace you have experienced? (Copyright 2002 Denise Banderman. Reprinted from Mikey's Funnies.) 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 ========================================================== ) \ ) () \ ) () ) \ .-"""-. \ () ____ / __ `\ __ () .'` __'. | o/__\o | / /| / o /__\o;\ \\// /_ // / ._ _| \\// |`-.__.-'|\ `; / / \ .' \-.____.'| || |/ \/ `._ '-/ | || '.___./ . '-.\_.-' __.'-._||_.-' _ / .`""===(||).___.(||)(||)----'(||)===...__ `"jgs"`""=====""""========"""====...__ `""==._ `"=. `"=. `"=. >-->Just A Moment - Just One One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey, One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can know what's true. One life can make the difference, You see it's up to YOU!" - Author Unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $25 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************