God Is Good - All Of The Time! ... :) 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! -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) . . . . ,-,--. __| //``-, \ \_`\ )\a-a-? \ \ \_`(_=_/_-`__ \__, , \| | _ _,' ___7 ) | (_)(_`__(_,---' | ( _( ) | / /_| |________| __/__/__|__|_________) _________(__,_|)/ (__)|/____\(_______________ mic I am quite pleased to announce that we have a returning sponsor for the website ShangralaFamilyFun.com This company is great if you are seeking a lawyer and/or legal information About DUI and OVI in the State of Ohio: Check out these two great resources... Columbus Ohio OVI and DUI Law Resource https://www.findlaw.com/dui/laws-resources/ohio-ovi-dui-laws.html Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence in Ohio https://www.criminalattorneycolumbus.com/drunk-driving-dui-ovi/ Be sure to check these out! ..::''''::.. .:::. .;'' ``;. .... ::::: :: :: :: :: ,;' .;: () ..: `:::' :: :: :: :: ::. ..:,:;.,:;. . :: .::::. `:' :: .:' :: :: `:. :: '''::, :: :: :: `:: :: ;: .:: : :: : : :: ,:'; ::; :: :: :: :: :: ::,::''. . :: `:. .:' :: `:,,,,;;' ,;; ,;;, ;;, ,;;, ,;;, `:,,,,:' :;: `;..``::::''..;' ``::,,,,::'' You can always be assured that I only go with the best for you! :) -<>- I've been working hard on the FUN URLs page here: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/urls.html I've got all the category links checked and fixed now except for the first one - those links under Fun Sites. Got a ways to go with it. Little by little, step by step sweet Jesus, and I'll get it done. Thank you for your patience. :) -<>- >HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This too hot to handle new page is from our friend LouiseAu. This sign writer not only uses them to play on words but turns them into a bit of fun for the reader. Be sure to check out this clever collection full of wit and smiles to brighten your day. _ (=> HaaHaHa _c==] ~ \ |_ TTTT ___________O+-/x\_ __| || |_____________________ / ____ ___ _____ _____ _ __ __ ___ ___ | _ \ / _ \_ _| ___| | | \/ |/ _ \ / _ \ | |_) | | | || | | |_ | | | |\/| | |_| | | | | | _ <| |_| || | | _| | |___| | | | _ | |_| | |_| \_\\___/ |_| |_| |_____|_| |_|_| |_|\___/ cww It's Punny 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/puns2.html --- ...Lots of fun laughs here! Thanks LouiseAu! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarming: ___ .dSSSS$$pp.. .dSSSS$$$$$$$$; .dSSSS$$$$$$$$$$$ :SSP^" T$$$$$$$$$$b_ dSSP $$$S$$$$$$$b` dSS$;_. .:$$$SS$$$$$$b dSS$$$_ ; __."^TSS$$$$$b dSS$$P;" ""' :lSS$$$$$b :SS$$$ ; ::SS$$$$$$b_. SSS$$$ : ` ;:SS$$$$$$$bp. :SS$$$$b \ -=- .-" SSS$$$$$$$$$$b SSS$$$$$b.`. / d$SS$$$$$$$$$$$b :SS$$$$$$$; ""T :$$$SS$$$$$$$$P^^t--' SSS$$$S$$$ : $$$$$SS$$$$$$$ : :SS$$$SS$; __; _$$$$$$SS$$$$$$ : SSS$SS l;: ; : $$$$SS$$$$$; ; :SS$SS $;: ; : $$$SS$$$$$$; /; TSSSS :$ \ ; ; :$S$$$$$$$$.-"/ `SP; :; ;: ; T$$$$$$$$; /; : ; ; : `.; /)T$$$$$P .' : ; : : ; .'/ :$$$P'.' .'\ ; \ :; / /$P^".' .-" ; : ;: .' .-" / \ `.____/_'.___:--""\ --' .' ) .-" .' "-._ "-._ ..--"")\ :-' : "-. "-._ ---""" /; ; : : \ "-._....____; : : \ :\ `. \ ; ; \ \\ \ \ ; : : `. \\ \ \ : ; ; ;"-t\ `. \ : : : : `; \ ; ; ; ; : \ / : : / ; \-..__ .'; : ; / : ; """T ; : / / ; \ : ; ; ;/ : : \ ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : ; ; / : : : ; ; ; / ; :; : ; ; / : :: ; ; ;_ `""--..__; :_; __ ;____;.-;'; ;.__.: :..t-"" j" ; ; : ; ; ;--"" \ [bug] ; ; ; : ; : \ ; ; : \ ; ; ;. ; ; \ \ ; : / ; ; ; \ \ ; : ; ; ; \ `-. ; ; .' ; ; \ \ ;___/ /______;.-' \ ---; / / ;______: .-' / '-------' >THE GIRL I USED TO BE She came tonight as I sat alone.. The girl I used to be.... And she gazed at me with her earnest eye And questioned reproachfully: Have you forgotten the many plans And hopes I had for you? The great career, the splendid fame, All the wonderful things to do? Where is the mansion of stately height With all its gardens rare? The silken robes that I dreamed for you And the jewels in your hair? And as she spoke, I was very sad For I wanted her pleased with me... This slender girl from the shadowy past The girl that I used to be. So gently rising, I took her hand And guided her up the stairs Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay innocent, sweet, and fair. And I told her that these are my only gems, And precious they are to me; That silken robes is my motherhood Of costly simplicity. And my mansion of stately height is love, And the only career I know Is serving each day in these sheltered walls For the dear ones who come and go. And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, She smiled through her tears at me. And I saw the woman that I am now It pleased the girl I used to be. - Author unknown -<>- _ _{Ss //\\_/_/\Ss _/_| \_/ \_ pb >An Affair to Remember We met in January of 1995. Although I was 54 years old and he was young enough to be my son, we were to spend many hours together under the most intimate circumstances. His room was cold and sparse with one huge bed that was hard as a rock, but with a lovely skylight that changed colors as the photo equipment he used circled the room. He often left me alone in the room, but I knew he was always close and watching me from his vantage point. This is not the beginning of a love story but the tale of young Dr. Wollman, my radiologist. After breast surgery he became my best friend. On our first visit he informed me that seven weeks of fun was about to begin. He explained in layman's terms what to expect and showed me the room and the equipment that would be used to radiate my left breast. The first visit is the longest; at least 45 minutes of immobility while the machine is set and the target spots are put on your body - my first and last tattoo, by the way. After the first two weeks of radiation, which was five days a week for a grand total of four minutes a day, the radiated area takes on a look of intense sunburn. Not only that, but the breast that is being treated goes from a size B cup to a size C or better. Wearing a bra is out of the question and the heat that radiates from the treatment area is unbelievable. It is amazing the thoughts that go through your mind while looking at the skylight and waiting for the treatment to be over. One comes to know the caregivers as well as their families. My Dr. Wollman and his staff were there to boost my morale whenever they thought I was down. I think I even boosted theirs from time to time. They might not have known it, but the hug they gave me whenever I walked in for treatment made it worth the discomfort and panic that I experienced each time. During those seven weeks, I prayed, told jokes and meditated. When the time came to "graduate," as we call it, I cried as I bid my new family good-bye. However, I still see the dear doctor, and there is always that big smile and the warm hug that lit up my life for seven weeks. I shall never forget these caregivers and hope that every cancer patient that needs to go through radiation/chemotherapy is as lucky as I am. One is fearful at first because of the unknown; however, with the right attitude and doctor, it can almost be a cherished memory. I had my first mammogram in October and everything is fine. It is important that we as women know our own bodies and if in doubt with one diagnosis, get a second or third if necessary. Had my new doctor not insisted that the small cyst come out, I would have ignored it. I will continue to live life to the fullest and be here the same time next year and the years after that. After all, there are many sunsets to watch and much love to give. My hope is that for all of you there is a Doctor Wollman and your affair can be one to remember with fondness and no regrets. Linda Mitchell From Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Patty Aubery and Nancy Mitchell, R.N. copyright 1996 Canfield, Hansen, Aubery and Mitchell -<>- The following is a very meaningful story which is called "Let Go", and written by Dr. Billy Graham. (.,------...__ _.'" `. .' .' `, `. `. ` . .' .'/''--...__`. \ . .--.`. ' "-. '. | '' .' _.' .()) .--":/ ''( \_\ ' (()( ''._' ( \ ' ' `. `--' ' `.: . `-.___.' ' `. . _ _ .' ) .____.-' .'`. (--.. .' \ /\ / / `. .' \( \ /|/ `. .' \__/ `. / | o | \ | | | jro >LET GO... A little child was playing one day with a very valuable vase. He put his hand into it and could not withdraw it. His father too, tried his best, but all in vain. They were thinking of breaking the vase when the father said, "Now, my son, make one more try. Open your hand and hold your fingers out straight as you see me doing, and then pull." To their astonishment the little fellow said, "O no, father. I couldn't put my fingers out like that, because if I did I would drop my penny." Smile, if you will--but thousands of us are like that little boy, so busy holding on to the world's worthless penny that we cannot accept liberation. I beg you to drop the trifle in your heart. Surrender! Let go, and let God have His way in your life. -<>- .-~*~--,. .-. .-~-. ./OOOOOOOOO\.'OOO`9~~-. .`OOOOOO.OOM.OLSONOOOOO@@OOOOOO\ /OOOO@@@OO@@@OO@@@OOO@@@@@@@@OOOO`. |OO@@@WWWW@@@@OOWWW@WWWW@@@@@@@OOOO). .-'OO@@@@WW@@@W@WWWWWWWWOOWW@@@@@OOOOOO} /OOO@@O@@@@W@@@@@OOWWWWWOOWOO@@@OOO@@@OO| lOOO@@@OO@@@WWWWWWW\OWWWO\WWWOOOOOO@@@O.' \OOO@@@OOO@@@@@@OOW\ \WWWW@@@@@@@O'. `,OO@@@OOOOOOOOOOWW\ \WWWW@@@@@@OOO) \,O@@@@@OOOOOOWWWWW\ \WW@@@@@OOOO.' `~c~8~@@@@WWW@@W\ \WOO|\UO-~' (OWWWWWW@/\W\ ___\WO) `~-~'' \ \WW=*' __\ \ \ \ \ __\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \\ \ \ >The Storm When a mother saw a thunderstorm forming in mid-afternoon, she worried about her seven-year old daughter who would be walking the 3 blocks from school to home. Deciding to meet her, the mother saw her walking nonchalantly along, stopping to smile whenever lightning flashed. Glimpsing her mother, the little girl ran to her, explaining enthusiastically, "All the way home, God's been taking my picture!" =======HeartWarming======= >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Don't Miss the Opportunity "Then [King] Agrippa said to Paul, 'Almost you persuade me to be a Christian.'"1 Years ago Walter took his friend Arthur to see some land in open country where cattle were idly grazing. Walter explained about his dream for developing this area. He told his friend that in time the area would be surrounded by many restaurants, hotels and convention centers. He told Arthur that his plan would take all of his money and he needed others to develop the surrounding area. He wanted his friend to have the first opportunity to buy into this project. But Arthur thought to himself, "Who in the world is going to drive twenty-five miles for this crazy project?" He said to Walter that he would think about it and decide later on. "Later on will be too late," Walter cautioned Arthur. "You'd better move on it right now." "And so Art Linkletter turned down the opportunity to buy up all the land that surrounded what was to become Disneyland. His friend Walt Disney tried to talk him into it. But Art thought he was crazy." Life's like that. King Agrippa had the opportunity to accept Christ and become a Christian. He turned it down. Judas had one of the greatest opportunities in all history to become a follower of Jesus. Instead he betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Unbelievable! The two thieves who were crucified with Jesus also had the opportunity to receive the gift of eternal life. One accepted. The other didn't. Life offers all of us many opportunities. We all have the opportunity to become followers of Jesus and to be a part of what God is doing in the world today. That choice is ours. Today. As God's Word says, "Now is the accepted time ...now is the day of salvation."2 Suggested prayer: "Dear God, when opportunities from you come knocking on my door, no matter how quiet they are, please give me an ear to hear, a listening heart to hear what you are saying, and the wisdom to say, 'Yes,' to you and your call. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Acts 26:28. 2. Corinthians 6:2. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >First Love “We love him because he first loved us."1 Love. The word itself paints a different picture for everyone. It might be your wedding day, or the birth of your first child. Love might have appeared the day you became a grandparent, or the memory of your childhood pet. Perhaps you just took a stroll down memory lane to your first love. You might remember the long hours spent on the phone and how he, or she, never left your thoughts; how your heart swelled when you saw them or even heard their name. You never tired of your special someone and wanted everyone to know how you felt. You thought you would always be in love, and even when you said your vows at the alter promised you’d always feel the same. Yet, as the years went by, you found that the butterflies flew away, and texts replaced the long calls. You didn’t fall out of love, but the excitement of that first love felt different now. And now you find yourself longing for things to be the way they used to be. When we came to Christ, we might have felt something similar. Our greatest desire was that everyone would know our “New Love". We wanted to spend every spare moment reading the Bible and learning more about our Savior. We could pray without running out of things to say. We longed for Sunday so that we could go to church and feel His presence and worship Him. We enjoyed every moment of that sweet relationship with our Creator. But as time went on, talking about Jesus became difficult, because not everyone wanted to hear about Him. It became a task to find time to read the Bible and it became even harder to pray for longer than five minutes. Soon, days would go by before you remembered to read the ‘verse of the day’. At least Sunday was still the Lord’s Day. You didn’t fall out of love with the Lord, but things most definitely changed and now you might find yourself longing for things to be the way they used to be. You long to return to the feeling of that first love with Jesus. The good news is that Jesus has not changed and His love for us is the same as it was the very first day you opened your heart to Him. It's never too late to rekindle the flame of first love. It is just a matter of being intentional with our actions. Making time for another, and especially forJesus, is well worth the effort. Today, allow yourself the time to spend a few extra moments with Him. While driving around town, or even at home, listen to those worship songs that bring back the joy of feeling His presence throughout the day. Tell Jesus how much you love him right now! Suggested prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I admit that I have become preoccupied with other things that have taken the place of spending quality time with you and my Lord Jesus. I have lost that feeling of joy and excitement that I had when my love for you two was new. But today I want to tell you that I love you both! Thank you for continuing to love me with that perfect and holy love you showed me the day you sent your Son and He died for me. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen. 1: 1 John 4:19. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _|_ | _|_ //_/\ __| ||____ ////////////\ /////////////\\ |^^^^^^^^^^||+| | # # # |||| .... ....". ||||||||||||||||| unknown >The Church Lady By Helen Colella Caring for my ailing mother proved quite difficult. I lived 1,700 miles away. My young family also needed attention so I could manage to visit her just a week to ten days every month. Mom's respiratory condition worsened. Oxygen, special medication and a lot of bed rest became the fare of the day for her, while fatigue, frustration and financial difficulties foreshadowed my life. Yet I promised myself I'd try to do what was necessary for as long as it took. "I can't go shopping." "I can't visit my neighbors." "I can't even get to church." Mom's complaints were unavoidable but valid. Being housebound and isolated from all the activities she so enjoyed caused her to rapidly sink into a state of depression. In a short span of time, it was obvious her mental health deteriorated to the point of worry. On one visit I asked, "How are you managing when I'm not here?" She replied, "Oh, I don't need much these days. But when I do, Gen, the church lady, as you used to call her, comes by and takes care of me." "What does she do for you?" "She tidies up, brings me treats, shops for my groceries, makes me a cup of tea, and keeps me up to date on the latest gossip." Smiling I said, "She sounds like quite a friend and a natural caregiver." Mom's face beamed. "Not only to me but to anyone who needs a helping hand. Look at all she's done for the church over the years. Not only does she cook a few meals for the clergy, she dresses the altar with ceremonial linens and flowers and keeps the statues and the pews spotless. She washes, waxes and polishes every inch, from floor to ceiling. When you were just a little girl you always wanted to help her." I remembered the times I was allowed to go along and do a few small chores. On another visit, just before Mom was hospitalized, Gen arrived at my mother's door with two home cooked meals. "I knew you were coming and I had a little extra," she said. "Thought you two girls might enjoy not having to cook tonight." Gen stayed and visited with me after Mom turned in for the night. I got the low-down on whose children were engaged, getting married, having babies, plus recent deaths and all the new activities at the church. I so appreciated her generosity and company. I thanked her profusely for caring for Mom. She smiled. "It's my pleasure," she said. "Besides living right up stairs makes it as easy as can be." "Mom can be stubborn; I'm surprised she agreed to letting you help her." "We've been friends a long time, so once we worked out a few problems, everything fell into place. Now it's routine." My stomach tightened. I asked, "What kind of problems?" "I guess it started the day the washing machine overflowed," she explained. "I knew she didn't follow directions. And since she doesn't have much laundry, I asked if I could wash a few things of my own in her machine using a special low-suds cleaning product. Catherine was delighted. Now it's a regular routine." Gen added, "We've never had another flood." "Was there any damage to the house?" Gen shook her head. My relief only lasted a few seconds when I saw her brow furrow. "Something else?" I asked. There was a slight pause. "Well, there was the afternoon I stopped in for tea." She closed her eyes and made the sign of the cross. "The minute I walked in I smelled gas. Seems Catherine went to make a cup of tea, couldn't light the burner on the stove and walked away forgetting to turn the knob back to its off position." I gasped at the thought of an explosion. "I opened the windows, aired out the apartment then told her I got a new supply of imported teas from England and hoped she'd help me enjoy them. I promised her I'd come every afternoon. Catherine was thrilled. Now she waits for me to make the tea. Says I have a special touch." Gen smiled. "And, I've never smelled gas since." I said a silent prayer. Gen leaned in close and patted my hand. "Did you know she's not fond of the Meals on Wheels selections?" Before I could answer she continued. "Catherine took it upon herself to sleep through the delivery time. I told her I loved their food and made a deal to swap it for some of my dishes. We switch all the time now and she's not losing any more weight." How I missed these potential danger signs baffled me. I pointed to Mom's medication containers on the kitchen counter. "Your idea, too?" A quick nod was followed with, "I convinced her that a different color pill-box for each day makes taking medicine a little more fun. Once we matched a day with a special color, there were no more mistakes." The more I heard, the more I realized this "church lady" was more than a caregiver; she was an angel. "You're a special person. You've given Mom more than friendship and physical care; you've managed to help her keep her dignity when she needs it most. How can I thank you for your kindness? Can I pay you for your time?" Shaking her head Gen answered, "Just keep me in your prayers and keep coming as often as you can. I don't think Catherine has much time left." I promised I would on both accounts and hugged her wholeheartedly. "I worry about her all the time." "There's no need to worry," Gen told me before she left to go upstairs to her apartment. "I'm here for her; just a few steps away." Gen was indeed an expert in her field. She washed away my worries and heartaches with her presence and generosity. She waxed my spirit with her unselfish ministry. She polished my faith, hope and charity with her exemplary life. -<>- ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ) ) ( ( /\ (_) / \ /\ ________[_]________ /\/ \/ \ /\ /\ ______ \ / /\/\ /\/\ / \ //_\ \ /\ \ /\/\/ \/ \ /\ / /\/\ //___\ \__/ \ \/ / \ /\/ \//_____\ \ |[]| \ /\/\/\/ //_______\ \|__| \ / \ /XXXXXXXXXX\ \ \ /_I_II I__I_\__________________\ I_I| I__I_____[]_|_[]_____I I_II I__I_____[]_|_[]_____I I II__I I XXXXXXX I ~~~~~" "~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >The Cabin Hank Rhodes was just drifting. He had lost his family during the war between the states and he had spent the past two years working odd jobs on ranches and drifting. Today, he was in Montana and his horse needed a rest and he needed a drink. As he topped the ridge, he saw a cabin in a valley so he decided to ride in and ask for water. "Hello the house." Hank yelled. A lady came out she was carrying a bucket and wearing an apron. Her son had an older rifle and stood beside his mother. "Yes, what do you need stranger?" She replied. "Mean no harm ma'am. Been riding for some time. My horse needs a drink and I would not mind some water if you have some to spare." said Hank. "Of course sir. Excuse our manners. We are alone out here and have to be careful of Indians and outlaws and brigands." She responded. "Can you stay for a bite to eat." she continued. "Only if I can pay for the meal ma'am." He stated. She turned and went into the house and the boy grabbed the reins to his horse. Hank dismounted and the boy took the horse to the corral to brush him and water the steed. He looked around the place...nice, it needed some fixing up, but was nice. He looked over to the wood pile and decided to earn his meal. Hank chopped about a six foot pile of wood and was sweating pretty good when he heard.. "Foods ready. Wash up." He went to the water basin on the porch and washed his hands and face. It felt good to work on a farm again. He dusted his shirts and pants and washed his hands a second time and walked into the cabin. The cabin was a two room affair with a small loft. The table had a pot of stew that smelled out of this world. The three of them sat down at the table. Mary, was her name, said grace and the boy, John passed the bowl of stew around and the home made bread...smelled to high Heaven. After my third bowl of stew, Mary started the conversation, "Pete, my husband died of the fever two winters ago. He was a good man. John and I decided we would either make it on this place or die trying." "I admire a woman and man for taking on such a responsibility as that." Hank honestly said. "The boy is really a man for taking on such a task." "Thank you sir. I fed your horse some grain, watered it and brushed it down. I feed our stock, do as much repair as I can, and help with the chores around here." said John. "I bet you do son. But if you do not mind ma'am there are some fence posts that need mending. I will stay in the barn tonight and fix them today and finish them tomorrow if that is okay. I do charge breakfast and perhaps the noon meal for the job." Hank said smiling. "Deal." she rose and shook my hand. The rest of the day he worked hard, harder than he had for years. He fixed the corral first then started on the main fence. By nightfall he was exhausted. Supper however, restored his soul. Hank went to the barn and spread his bedroll and fell into a sound sleep. The next morning started with breakfast and pretty much the same. Work and then more work. As he saw the last fence post finishing up, he felt a sorrow he hadn't felt since his family had died. Miss Mary had treated him so well, John was like a son to him yet he had known them only for little more than a day. It would be improper for him to say or do anything so Hank saddled his horse. Mary met him at the barn. She shook his hand and could not look him in the eye. "Hank...if you ever need a place to come home to..." She handed him some jerky and some bread and turned and ran for the house. He did not know what to say. John ran with her. He rode out and at the ridge, looked back with his arm on the saddle horn and with his other arm he waved his hat at the cabin. With a heavy heart he rode on. About 10 miles on he rode into the little town of Deer Creek, Montana. Hank went into the local bank. He had decided to leave most of his money to the Sutton family at the cabin. The president of the bank a Mr McPherson invited him into his office after hearing about his request. "You say you wish to leave your money to Mrs Mary Sutton and her son Jack Sutton?" said McPherson. "Yessir." Hank responded. "Impossible. You see they died about two years ago. Their husband died two years before that of the fever. They tried to make a go on their land but were murdered by outlaws." Hank stood up. The color drained from his face. He walked out of the bank and mounted his horse and rode back to the cabin. On the top of the ridge the cabin was a shambles ... No, No, it cannot be. He missed his opportunity. "Oh no, please God. Oh God. What have I done?' Then I heard "Hank?" He looked again and the cabin was restored to it's beauty. 'He-haw!', He rode down there as fast as he could! He dismounted and grabbed Mary in his arms and crushed her to himself. "Mary I love you." There are people today who drive by the highway who see the crumbling foundation who swear they hear laughter and people talking and playing down in the valley of where the cabin once was. Hank never was heard from again... The end by BJ Cassady -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) The Best Pillows 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pillows2.html Humorous Ads 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humorad2.html Humorous Signs http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hsigns.html IRONIC Isn't It 2? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/irony2.html Magical Tiny Snails! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/snails.html Maxine On Fall! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonfall.html The REAL Mowgli! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/realmowgli.html Most Unique Trees! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/uniquetrees.html Our Amazing World! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazingworld.html Thank You Lord! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thanks.html Are Angels Real? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Sweet Baby Animals 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babyanimals4.html Rescued Squirrel! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/rsquirrel.html Akiane Child Prodigy! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Value What You Have! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuewyh.html You Are The Only You God Has! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Full Fall And Halloween Index! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/halloweenindex.html -<>- Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm Truth Or Tradition.com Index: https://www.truthortradition.com/ Radical “Pro-Abort” Rally Includes Pregnant Women Marching for Abortion / Ministry Spotlight: Jill’s House Provides Overnight Respite Care to Families With Special Needs / How to Survive When God is Silent: A Surprising Story of Faith / He Giveth More Grace: A Hymn Born from Crippling Chronic Pain And MORE: https://christianlifedaily.com/ Police Want Every Mom To Be Aware About These Halloween Dangers https://mommyunderground.com/ -<>- >In The News: Trump Starts Media Group, 'Truth Social' Platform https://tinyurl.com/a6tpbbb5 Trump starts social media platform: Visit here to sign up... https://truthsocial.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Deep State Journal: https://deepstatejournal.com/ Latest From 2020 Conservative: http://2020conservative.com/ Latest From Independent Minute: https://independentminute.com/ Latest From TPN News: https://threepercenternation.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: Recall Alert: Soup, Pork, Beef, Medication http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) The Intelligence of Plants http://www.youtube.com/embed/fKS-uFYGjt0?autoplay=1 Ten amazing optical illusions: Rooftop Illusion, Color Illusion, Motion Binding Illusion, Crazy Wire Illusion, Duck-Rabbit Illusion, Silver Egg Illusion, Anamorphic Illusion, Water Illusion, Animated Optical Illusion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBx08UYn4VU Breathtaking crossbow performance by Ben Blaque at the French TV show "The World's Greatest Cabaret" hosted by Patrick Sebastien. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6XH4I-QPTU For these expert window cleaners, every pane of glass is an adventure! In New York City, you better be careful when you're washing a window 30 stories above the ground. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51xPaJkqpW4 --- ...Awesome - AND SCARY!! Thanks LouiseAu! -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann :) Tunnel Back In Time - The Great Escape http://tinyurl.com/7eh77vy --- ...Fascinating! Thanks Geniann! -<>- >From Our Friend Wesley :) Real-life inspirations for Simpsons characters http://goo.gl/eBHSa --- ...Sweet! Thanks Wesley! -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) Escherian Stairwell at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. 6 minutes well spent watching this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBY4HaAngaA --- ...Pretty interesting! Thanks Linda! 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: mathemagician 1+1=2 /\ \ c") ;-/\> || kOs >ADDITION BY SUBTRACTION And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. - Genesis 32:25 Have you ever heard the phrase "addition by subtraction"? You often hear it used by sports analysts when an athlete leaves a team. Take the Texas Rangers, for example. In 2000, they signed Alex Rodriguez, or "A-Rod," to the biggest contract in sports history. He was one of the best shortstops in the game! Yet the Rangers finished last in their division three years in a row. After trading A-Rod to the New York Yankees three years later, the Rangers finished the 2004 season only three games out of first place in their division! This is a good example of addition by subtraction. In the same way, God often removes things from our lives that we consider very important. But in the end, we see that by removing that thing, we are better off. In today's verse, we see that Jacob lost something that was extremely important to him: his ability to run! That's right. Jacob's pattern was simple, he would deceive and then he would run away. He ran from Esau after stealing his birthright and he later ran from Laban, taking all his possessions with him. However, after the Lord injured his hip, Jacob was forced to confront his biggest fear. He had to face Esau. And much like the Prodigal Son, Jacob was welcomed with open arms by Esau. By subtracting his ability to flee, God added back Jacob's brother. The Lord may be removing dependencies in your own life. What you may be missing, though, really may be God's provision through these times. How is the Lord taking care of you even while stripping away things you thought you needed? I want to encourage you to look for the addition that results from God's subtraction. PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to show you how He is using a recent loss for good.. as seen in Daily Living For Seniors --- ...I have a different take on this story: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >God Is Good - All Of The Time! The Old Testament normally doesn't give many accounts of what is going on in the Spiritual realm because the people back then did not have spirit and were natural men and women. God in Christ in you came with the new birth in the New Testament thanks to God and our beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The New Testament says: 1 Cor.2: [14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Because of this, God often didn't speak of what the devil did but put the blame on himself for things that happened. In the Old Testament time, when people went against God, they more or less slammed themselves into a brick wall - God's Law. This allowed the devil access to them. This story tells me that Jacob was acting against God's Law by lying, stealing and fleeing. The devil was the one who injured Jacob's hip. God is love. He doesn't do evil or harm against us. The devil is the one to blame. Think of it this way, would you ever harm your child by hitting his or her hip, causing it to come out of its socket? On Purpose even? A bad parent might, but certainly not God Almighty! God is good - all of the time! Luke 11: [13] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? God, as is His nature, turned the bad thing the devil did to Jacob into a good thing by reuniting him with his brother so that he no longer was afraid of and fleeing Esau. Rom.8: [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' See This Teaching... God Is All Light http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/God_Is_All_Light.htm -<>- ______________________________________ ________| |_______ \ | | / \ | A R E YOU R E A D Y ? | / / |______________________________________| \ /__________) (_________\ >ARE YOU READY? hosted by Les Lamborn READ: 2 Peter 3:1-13 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise. —2 Peter 3:9 Many will remember the fall season of 2008 as the beginning of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of 1929. In the months to follow, many lost their jobs, homes, and investments. In a BBC interview a year later, Alan Greenspan, former head of the US Federal Reserve, indicated that the average person doesn’t believe it will happen again. He said, “That is the unquenchable capability of human beings when confronted with long periods of prosperity to presume that it will continue.” Assuming that things will continue as they always have is not just 21st-century-type thinking. In the first century, Peter wrote of people who thought that life would continue as it was and that Jesus would not return. He said, “Since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4). Jesus said He would come back, but the people continued to live in disobedience as though He would never return. But His delay is only because of God’s patience with us, for He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (v.9). Paul tells us that Christians ought to live “soberly, right­eously, and godly” in the light of Christ’s certain return. (Titus 2:12). Are you ready to meet Him? —C. P. Hia Faithful and true would He find us here If He should come today? Watching in gladness and not in fear, If He should come today? —Morris Jesus may come any time, so we should be ready all the time. as seen in Our Daily Bread -<>- _.-"/______________________ jgs `'-.\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >THE LAND OF LOOK BEHIND A tourist was visiting the lush, tropical island of Jamaica. In the hotel where he was staying there was a map which hung in one of the hallways. In a corner of the map there was some faint lettering over an almost uninhabited part of the island. Looking closely, he could make out the word, "The Land of Look Behind." Intrigued, he asked the hotel manager what those words meant. The manager explained they came from the days of slavery on the island. At that time slaves would escape and run away from sugar plantations where they were forced to work long hours in the scorching heat. Their destination was the uninhabited part of the island. Although they could enjoy relative safety in that wilderness, the runaway slaves were constantly looking over their shoulders in fear to see who was coming after them. Hence, the name for that part of the island, The Land of Look Behind. Too many of us live in The Land of Look Behind. We waste tremendous energies living in a time of past sins, mistakes, regrets and painful experiences. It is wise to visit often the promises of God. --Proclaim! Fall 2001, p. 45 -<>- __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >A GRAND MAGNITUDE The morning of blessings comes in with bliss as a grand magnitude of Jesus kiss. Painted as pictures found on display is a grand magnitude day after day. Often our viewpoints are found as blue, but we have choices to start off anew. Leaving the sorrow that yesterdays found and seeking blessings on solid ground. A grand magnitude is found in place waiting each day with a smile for your face. Let each and every venture arrived find as many blessings daily derived. ©By Bill Pearce Oct 2, 2011 -<>- >LOOKING BACK Bible Study Verses Philippians 3:13b-14 But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV) Thoughts ; ; ~~`~~ ; ~`~ ~~`~~`~ `~` ~~`~~ `~~~`~~~~ `~`~` , ~~`~~`~ ~`~~~`~ `~`~`"_/O\""\ ~`~~`~~`~~~ ~~~`~~~`~ ~|`~_ |[|##| `~~`~~~`~ ~~~|~~~` '_--...__ ~`~|~\_~\_ __/??) | _- _- _ _ | |/ .'( ) | _- _- _ | / -\ __`/\ \ |_- _- ?_ - _____/ /--'(^,__ /\ \ //\ _ /' \ | | \ \ ||\\_- _- _ \....( / ;;;___;;; /||~~`~~ || \\ | | _/ ||~~~`~~~ - \\ \\ |=| /_( ||~~`~~~` _ \\_ \\_ , (__| _ ~~~~`~~~_- _- _ _- _- _ - <`_\ __; _- _ ~~~`~~ _ - _ - (_ __) _ ~~;~~ -_ _- _- _ < / < \ _- _ - _- _ TS It's always fun to think back to hunts of former years. I can still see my first deer in my scope that crisp October morning over forty-five years ago. A few years later in almost the exact same spot a mountain lion fell to the trusty .270 Winchester. In 1976, a desert sheep filled the scope at thirty-five yards. In 1977, the .270 was used to take my buffalo and, in 2009, an antelope. My son's first big game kill, a javelina, and his first deer and elk kills (with his .270!) were really special moments in the field. However, some hunts aren't such good memories. Still fun, just not as pleasant. There were missed shots, blown stalks, storms that blew the tent down, and a few times that the truck sunk to the axles in mud. But, what I like most about hunting is the next season! I have a fall deer tag in my pocket and know I'm going to have a great time on the mountain and will get to spend some good time with some good friends. And, hopefully that monster Coues Whitetail deer will fill my scope! Now, where did I put that .270 ammunition? (Cliff S) Action Point As Christians it's easy to get stuck looking at life in the rear view mirror. Sometimes we look back so much that we don't see where it is that God wants us to go. We may think so much about past victories or failures that we don't experience all that God has planned for us. Maybe it's a former job, position, relationship, or event (positive or negative), that keeps us focused on what's behind rather than what's ahead. And, Satan is good at reminding us of our failures! But, God is better at reminding us that, if we've put our faith in Him, He has forgiven us of ALL of our sins and that He has a great future planned for us. The challenge is to put the past, both victories and losses, behind us as Paul did and press on to the adventures and blessings that God has for us to experience. Jesus set the greatest example for us. In His own words in John 17:4 when speaking to the Father Jesus said, "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do," (NIV). Let's not miss the future God has planned for us because we're stuck in the past!!! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Anticipation is a huge part of the hunt. Pre-hunt planning: sighting in your rifle or bow, studying maps, pre-season scouting trips, gathering up your camping and hunting equipment, and even grocery shopping is a part of the hunting experience. Be thorough in your pre-hunt planning and the actual hunt will go much more smoothly. as seen in Sportsmen's Devotional To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== twoep mkkkkkkk z1 ldk Vtmn i Cm k k Tkm k xk D k V m yl m m m h l l k Y k p yk l l k V y k l k r 7h z l k l l o `' l 7 l k k r ' p m k lmmmt k l .l m k l km l r k Yh y k 2oP k t tyyy k ' y k Dk D m mm m V mmmmyt mn Tyl t m Ymmm (---. ' __ r mt Yz (`-- `-' ) mmm mmlt YMmmmmnnc -_ = -- wwwwt D > = (BP mkT Y ---______) K m mkT Ym y Y ym m Ymm >My Turn to Break Down Story Editor: by John Stevens Clayton Bennett Florida, USA I've been in the pressure cleaning business since 1979, and one of my accounts was a large grocery store chain in Florida. One day in 1984, I came out of a store after dropping off the invoice for the previous night's work, and spotted a woman walking with two small children. She was probably in her early thirties, with dishwater-blonde, shoulder-length hair. One of her children was a boy, about six years old; the other, a girl, looked like she was about four. When her little family arrived at their car, I heard it try and fail to start -- and then the battery went dead. In my truck, I had a battery load tester as well as tools, so I asked her if I could help. She just broke down and started crying. She said her husband had died without insurance, so she and her children were going back home -- somewhere in New England. The young woman had purchased a quart of milk, bread and bologna. She gave it to the children, who acted as if they hadn't eaten in a while. She said she only had $10 to her name, and was going to try begging for money when she ran out of gas. The weather was terribly hot, and the air conditioner in her car didn't work. Her car battery had a dead cell, so I removed the whole battery. Then I went to a parts store, bought a new battery, and installed it in her car. I remember wondering if that old car would make it up to New England, but I could only do so much. Just to make sure she'd be able to get somewhere, I dumped two 5-gallon cans of gas in her tank and gave her $50 in cash. Wouldn't you know it, she started crying all over again. She told me she couldn't afford to repay me right then, so I gave her my business card and told her to pay me when she could. She just kept thanking me over and over and over. I figured I'd never see that money again, but at least I felt good by helping her and her children. My late wife of 27 years used to get halfway mad at me, because I was always stopping to help disabled motorists, who most of the time simply ran out of gas. I just helped because I could. In all those years, only one person took the time to repay me. Almost three years after helping that young mother I received a letter from an unknown address. I opened it to find a money order for $95 and a short note. It was from that young woman, telling me she was finally back on her feet, and thanking me again for helping her when she was broke and broken down. She said she would never forget my kindness. Now it was my turn to shed the tears. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: "If our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot because our charitable expenditure excludes them." - C. S. Lewis , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Eternal Investments (A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church) Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Are we living for this present world or for the world to come? Are we investing in things that are temporal, or in those that are eternal? Jesus tells us that we are either laying up "treasures upon earth" or "treasures in heaven." One day, we all will depart this life. Thank God, through our faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death for our sins, we are promised an eternal home in Heaven. What will be there in Heaven when we arrive? According to the Bible, we can make investments in Heaven while we are living here below. The Scripture encourages believers to live mindful of the world that awaits us. We are not to be like those in the world who live only for the temporal pleasures and rewards of this brief life. The Bible tells us that our lives are like a vapor that appears for a short time and then vanishes away. In fact, everything in this world will one day be destroyed. One promise we have concerning eternal investments is the permanence of those treasures, compared to the fleeting life of earthly investments. Another benefit of investing in eternal things is the immediate return in our lives. Although investing in Heaven will bring rewards for eternity, we are also promised that having our treasures in Heaven makes our hearts more heavenly minded. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Most of us can relate to this principle, having found ourselves mindful of things in which we have personally invested our time or treasure. This matter of eternal investments is something that relates directly to our life of faith. We make daily decisions based on our priority of serving the present or future world. How is it that we can make investments in Heaven? We do so by giving of our resources, our money and time, for the cause of the Gospel and the salvation of the lost. These investments will last forever. As we invest our treasures in eternal things, we are learning to live for that which will never pass away. In turn, we find our hearts will be there also. -<>- "It is true that He does sometimes require of us things that to others seem hard. But when the will is once surrendered, the revolutionized life plans become just the plans that are most pleasant, and the things that to others seem hard, are just the things that are easiest and most delightful. Do not let Satan deceive you into being afraid of God's plans for your life." - R. A. Torrey (\ /) (v\ /v) (vvv\ /vvv) (vvvvv\ /vvvvv) (vvvvvvv\ /vvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvv\ _---_ /vvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvvv\/ XII \/vvvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvvvv/ / \vvvvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvvv/ / \vvvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvv|IX @ III |vvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvv\ \ /vvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvvv\ /vvvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvvv\ VI /vvvvvvvvv) (vvvvvvvv-___-vvvvvvvv) (vvvvvv/ \vvvvvv) (vvvvv/ \vvvvv) (vvv/ \vvv) ejm97 (v/ \v) (/ \) >"Just in Time" (Author Unknown) Do you ever worry about what might happen in the future? Or do you find yourself anxious about things over which you have no control? If so, then a teaching from author and lecturer, Corrie ten Boom may help. She learned a powerful lesson as a little girl. Having encountered the cold, lifeless body of a baby, she realized that the reality of death would someday strike her family, too. Perhaps her father or mother or sister Betsy, would soon die. She anxiously worried about these possibilities until her father came in one night to tuck her into bed. Corrie burst into tears and sobbed, "I need you. You can't die. You can't!" Her father sat on the edge of the narrow bed and spoke tenderly to his daughter. "Corrie," he said gently, "when you and I go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?" She sniffed a few times and considered the question. "Why, just before I get on the train," she answered. "Exactly," he continued. Then he gave her assurance that was to last a lifetime. He told her that a wise God knows when she will need things, too. "Don't run out ahead of God," he cautioned her. "When the time comes that some of us have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need ... just in time." Corrie and her family were sent to concentration camps where she suffered greatly during World War II. She, indeed, was to experience the deaths of her parents and sister, as well as numerous friends. She was to endure hardships which she could never have imagined as a young child. But the words of her father stayed with her and proved to be true. "You will look into your heart and find the strength you need ... just in time." Regardless of the suffering or hardship she encountered, when she looked inside her heart she found the strength she needed ... just in time. God provides for His children and He gives the grace we need when we need it. Not before we need it, but when we need it. We sometimes can work ourselves all up in fearing the future and not believing that we could go forward, but the reality is that God gives us what we need each day with Him and He is able to do what we can't even fathom ... just in time. 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 --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...See these great teachings... The Exact Right Moment in Time http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/The_Exact_Right_Moment_in_Time.htm The Promises Of God http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/Promises.htm ========================================================== ___---__---___ -- -- ~ ~ ~~ ~~ (__ ,--, __) ====- |# | -==== ~~---_____---~~~~--(~~ `--' )~~-----____-----~ \~~--___ ___--~~/ dcau ~~--___---__---___--~~ -------- >-->THE OYSTER There once was an oyster whose story I tell, Who found that some sand had got into his shell. It was only a grain, but it gave him great pain, For oysters have feelings although they're so plain. Now, did he berate the harsh workings of fate, That had brought him to such a deplorable state? Did he curse at the government, cry for election, And claim that the sea should have given him protection? No - he said to himself as he lay on a shell, Since I cannot remove it, I shall try to improve it. Now the years have rolled around, as the years always do, And he came to his ultimate Destiny - stew. And the small grain of sand that had bothered him so, Was a beautiful pearl all richly aglow. Now the tale has a moral, for isn't it grand, What an oyster can do with a morsel of sand? What couldn't we do if we'd only begin, With some of the things that get under our skin. >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 **********************************************************************