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Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This flaming hot new page is from our friends Linda and Geniann. It is sure to give you your aww quota for the day with all its cute and adorable animal photos. Be sure to check it out here: _ ___ _.--. \`.|\..----...-'` `-._.-'_.-'` / ' ` , __.--' )/' _/ \ `-_, / `-'" `"\_ ,_.-;_.-\_ ', fsc/as _.-'_./ {_.' ; / {_.-``-' {_/ Aww Animals 13 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals13.html --- ...I do love this series! These are so sweet! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _______/_____ D'-. | / ) '(o)'-.....'(O)' ind >THE PINK CADILLAC by Diane Dean White It was one of those days that made me want to head out and see what type of sales were going on around the area. Garage and estate sales were very popular during the mid 90s and especially in the spring, summer and fall. I had a small antique display in a shop in a nearby town and was always looking for items to add to it. Unless there were some things really worth looking at, it usually didn't take me five minutes to stop and check out a sale and get back into the car. On this particular fall day, the weather was pleasant and I decided upon an early start. I knew as soon as the doors opened the best buys were available. I also knew that all the antique dealers would be the first people in line when the sale began at 9am, and I wanted to beat them! As I was getting ready, I overheard our son telling someone that he would hitch a ride with me because I was ready to head out. He had loaned his car to his younger brother. I told him I'd drop him on my way, but I wanted to make a couple of stops en route to his destination. He agreed to "one or two" stops. Down the road and past the corner deli and barber shop we went, and made tracks along a lone street where a house sat by itself. It was a new home, and the lawn hadn't been seeded, but the double car garage held a number of possibilities of tables. The outside driveway did too. The balloons on the mail box and several signs boosted "Sale Today." Yes, I love those signs and they always speak to me! I went into the garage and greeted the young mothers sitting together. I knew that I wasn't going to want anything among the baby items, but I did check out the little area of "I'm sick of this, but who knows what it might be worth" table. Everyone seemed to be collecting some little animals that came in boxes of Red Rose tea bags. I scanned the place and walked towards my son who was looking at tables outside with goodies on them. I noticed he was pretty intent upon a pink car with white trim that was among other items, and he whispered, "Mom, look at this." He took the seat out of the middle of a Pink Cadillac convertible. I tried to figure out exactly what the car was supposed to be. A cookie jar? It was too shallow to hold many cookies. Then I noticed the little slots in the white seats, and I figured it was an ash tray. The car was all pink with white around the wheels, the interior of the seats, and accents in front, with chrome trim. One of the young mothers from the garage yelled, "It belongs to my brother, but you can have it for a buck." I always feel like I can do better and returned, "How about 50 cents?" She replied that would be fine and we left with our Pink Cadillac, for whatever purpose. I continued onto bigger and better things that day, or so I thought. When I got home I looked over my "finds." I couldn't shake the idea that this Pink Cadillac was sort of special, and since our oldest son had found it, I guess it was. During the following weeks when we went to antique shows I'd check out the cookie jars. My hubby explained that it was a 1957 Cadillac Convertible and not an ash tray! The dealers who had the "cookie jars" were interested in knowing about the Caddie Convertible, and told me they had some with Elvis and other characters in the seats. It was made by McCoy. I knew that this wasn't a McCoy, because I had looked for markings and found nothing. But I also knew that it was in good shape and worth something. The cookie jars we saw following my 50 cent buy, showed prices of $175 on up for Pink Cadillac Cookie Jars. Well, it has been over 14 years now and I've never sold that car. I don't go to garage sales with our oldest son anymore, who now lives out of state. And I can't seem let go of the memories of that fall day years back. Somehow it seems like that '57 Pink Cadillac is still a special treasure of a special time in my life. -- Diane Dean White __________________________________________________ Diane is a wife, mother, grandmother and author and a frequent contributor to a variety of magazines, books and other publications. She is the author of Beach Walks and Carolina in the Morning, and makes her home in Florida with her husband Stephen. You can visit her website to read more of her stories at: http://www.DianeDeanWhite.com =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bonnie :) _ /_) (8_))}- . \_) '. .--. . , .-.-,_, : '. .' )`-.>'` ( '---'`; / `\ | . | | | _.' \ / / .' `=(\ /.=` ' `-;`.-' '._ `)| , ` ' ' ' ' ' || .-'| ,_|| \_,/ , \|| .' |\|\ , ||/ ,_\` |/| |Y_, '-.'-._\||/ >_.-`Y| ` ,_|| \|| || jgs || |/ >I Heard Your Voice In The Wind Today - Author Unknown I heard your voice in the wind today and I turned to see your face; The warmth of the wind caressed me as I stood silently in place. I felt your touch in the sun today as its warmth filled the sky; I closed my eyes for your embrace and my spirit soared high. I saw your eyes in the window pane as I watched the falling rain; It seemed as each raindrop fell it quietly said your name. I held you close in my heart today it made me feel complete; You may have died...but you are not gone you will always be a part of me. As long as the sun shines... the wind blows... the rain falls... You will live on inside of me forever for that is all my heart knows. --- ...Aww, so touching! Thanks Bonnie! (Big Huggums :) Our loved ones are remembered in so many ways! AND The bible teaches us: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' 1 Thes.4: [13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, (dead) that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (those not born-again) [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (stop or hinder) them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words. We'll be with our Christian loved ones again for all eternity! Praise God! See these teachings for more: The Sleep Metaphor http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/sleepmetaphor.html Are The Dead Alive Now? http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/Are_The_Dead_Alive_Now.htm The Dead Are Dead Until the Rapture or Resurrection https://tinyurl.com/yaohxj4y =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend GloriaB :) _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >Beautiful Words Someone has written these beautiful words. One must read and try to understand the deep meanings in them. They are like the Ten Commandments to follow in life all the time. 1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble; it is a "steering wheel" that directs us in the right path throughout life. 2] Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on. 3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write. 4] All things in life are temporary. If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don't worry, they can't last long either. 5] Old friends are like Gold! New friends are Diamonds! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a base of Gold! 6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end! 7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities. 8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision." 9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. 10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE. Psalm 46:10 'Be Still and Know that I AM GOD' If you really enjoy this, PLEASE pass to others. It may brighten someone's day... Praying for love and peace to fill the coming year. --- ...Aww, so heartwarming and great advice! Thanks GloriaB! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >To the Rising Son I will set my face to the Rising Son I will watch and see what will come Is enough that He has promised Once spoken, it is done Care not for the wind that blows For soon is gone to another place Will not stay to comfort you Then you'll find there is no trace Shall I cry in morning light For yesterday what work was done Bring sadness in so I will turn now And set my face to the Rising Son Yes I found a truth when Each moment's life not to shun But spend it thankfully for Jesus And set my face to the Rising Son It's Light remain in all of trouble And refresh a life undone Will be true for all who stand And set their face to the Rising Son RONNIE LEVINER COPYRIGHT©2002 -<>- \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >Grandma? I hate Mondays. Today was no exception since it was a cloudy day with rain in the forecast. Mondays are wash days. I enjoy hanging my linens on the line in the sun. To top it off, I was beginning to feel the onslaught of an allergy attack, which would certainly be worsened by the dryer running most of the morning. My self-pitying thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the telephone back in the other side of the house. "Here it is 7:30 a.m. and someone is calling," I said to myself as I tripped over the dog first and then the cat on my way to answer the phone. "Hello," I said in a somewhat hoarse but unfriendly voice. "Grandma?" came the retort. My heart swelled immediately, and I took in a quick sigh of relief before I replied. My grandson Noah is in the Marines and has been stationed in Baghdad but had been given just hours to pack up and get ready to return to the states. A few hours later, they cancelled those orders and ordered them back to Baghdad for an unknown amount of time. My son and his wife were, as I was, worried about him and anxious to have him home. With all this running through my head, I finally answered the voice on the phone with eagerness, "Hey, Sweetheart, where are you?" "I'm on the way to visit you," came the reply. "Are you serious?" I asked in disbelief, "Where are you now?" "I just left Fort Smith and am heading to Fort Sill with one of my buddies who lives there. We are traveling in his car." "Fort Smith? Fort Sill?" came my retort. I was confused since he would have been returning to Camp Pendleton, a Marine base, not an Army base. I said, "Why would you go there?" There was a pause on the line and I feared I had lost the connection but finally there was an unsure, "Is Margaret there?" "No, there is no Margaret here. Who is Margaret?" I replied as my heart fell. "Uh,er...uh, I know you won't believe me but I am in an automobile traveling to visit my Grandmother and I have her number on my speed dial. I pushed it and got you. I don't know how it happened but believe me, I am sorry," the young voice said at the other end of the line. "Well, you may not believe me," I replied, "but I have a grandson who sounds just like you on the phone and always starts out by saying, Grandma when he calls me. I wanted it to be him more than you can know. He has been in Kuwait City then Baghdad and then in Iran waiting for orders to come home. He got them last week and was ready to leave and they sent his platoon back to Baghdad. He is a Marine from Camp Pendleton but lives in Fort Worth," I explained. "This may be a wrong number," I continued, "but it gives me a chance to say something to you I would like to say to all soldiers who have been involved in this war and the frightening weeks since. We are all proud of you, one and all, and our hearts have been praying for you daily and always thinking of your bravery and the wonderful job you are all doing." "You may not be my grandson but you are some lucky people's grandson who probably think the same way I do." "I am glad you called, even if it was a wrong number. I felt closer to my Noah through hearing your voice," I told him. "Ma'am," came his reply, "I don't understand some of the things that happen in this world. I have never gotten a wrong number on my speed dial before, particularly to another grandmother. I am more religious since being in Iraq. I have come to know about faith first hand for the first time in my life. One thing that has stood out clear among the soldiers I am stationed with is that it is faith that gets us home. I kinda feel perhaps there was a reason for this call going to you. It gives me a chance to tell you a few things. I was also stationed in Baghdad, also waited for orders to return home, also was sent back to Baghdad, and now, finally I am heading home. I am in the Army, however. I am only 20 and dreamed of being a soldier for a long time. It is different from how I imagined it, and I have had to grow up a lot. Perhaps this call came to you as a message from your grandson saying he will also return home safely in the near future." "I really believe that," I told him. "I heard his voice in you and it gave me joy. It will always be a special call to remember." "By the way," he said, "while we are still connected, let me say thanks to you and all the other grandparents, parents, siblings, friends and strangers who sent the many cards, pictures, supplies and well wishes and prayers to us all. We were working for one cause, together, no matter what branch of the military. It was the folks at home who got us through and will get your grandson through." "Thank you, for what you have done, for your wonderful attitude and for your call. It has made me relieved, happy and touched," I told him. "Now, call your grandmother and tell her she has a wonderful grandson." Again, he said thanks and the call ended. My morning became special. I sat in the chair for a while and tears flowed from my eyes and my heart. Tears of every emotion you can imagine. I first felt ashamed for being in a bad mood this morning. Second, I felt as if I had actually heard from my beloved grandson. I felt an overwhelming pride for those young and not so young soldiers and the hardships they endure for strangers. The risks they take in the name of freedom. I cried a few extra tears for two 20-year-old babies/wise men who, through a wrong connection on a cell phone blended into one for a few minutes to give an aging grandmother a light heart and a warm feeling of being touched by the spirit of all life. As I found solace in the events of the morning, I realized I didn't even think of asking for his name. For a second I was upset by this but then I realized, it was meant to be this way. Now he will always be a voice saying, "Grandma?" and I will always be that grandma saying, "Where are you?" Life is sweeter on Mondays now. --- ...To Touch a heart of a soldier: Move America Forward http://www.moveamericaforward.org/ -<>- ___________ /=//==//=/ \ |=||==||=| | |=||==||=|~-, | |=||==||=|^.`;| jgs \=\\==\\=\`=.: `"""""""`^-,`. `.~,' ',~^:, `.^;`. ^-.~=;. `.^.:`. >1000 marbles The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable. A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the basement shack with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it. I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning conversation. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whoever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles." I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say. "Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well, but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital." He continued, "Let me tell you something, Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles." "You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years. "Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900 which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Tom, I'm getting to the important part. It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail", he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. "So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round-up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. "I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight. "Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time." "It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. 73 Old Man, this is K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!" You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast." "What brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles." -<>- O , ----@' O /'\_r-, | , \ \ ')) \ .| / \ /.*` + ,+ , | (' .+` | '++ | -Anderson Mills- .L-'' . / ,.--'--------.. _' .+ '+. ( .' + '++ ' , + .. ....+' ,' + ', '+. '''''''''''''''''' ..+' ,+ +.. '''------------------''' ..+' ''++____________________+++'' >Through the Eyes of a Child "Here's your daughter," the nurse said, placing the newborn in my arms. "Take her home and love her." That's exactly what I did. Now part of our family, we took Brooke home to a house full of sisters and brothers. She was perfect! Her wavy light brown hair and huge blue eyes soon captured the hearts of her new siblings. Fights broke out on who got to hold her and feed her. Imagine the delightful surprise when my son asked to change her diaper. Brooke's birth mother was totally unselfish and by allowing us to adopt the baby, she showed love and a surety that she wanted the best for her baby. The birth mother was also my younger sister, Tina. It worked out well at the beginning. Tina stayed away and allowed Brooke to find her place in our lives. We loved her as one of our own. The first time she smiled at me, it nearly melted my heart. My husband held her, played with her and even sang her lullabies. Brooke wasn't a good sleeper. One night she didn't sleep at all, neither did I. I rocked her, cuddled her and caressed her, but no matter what I did, she wouldn't go to sleep. Even my husband's soothing songs couldn't relax her. A strange thought entered my mind. "Did Brooke know something bad was going to happen?" I dismissed the idea quickly. When the sun rose over the horizon, I could barely move. I was exhausted! After the other children had left for school, I managed to get Brooke to sleep. I lay down next to her and was out like a light. A knocking sound woke me up. Patting the baby's back, I climbed off the bed to see what the noise was. My parents stood at my front door with dour looks on their faces. I invited them in. "Is everything all right?" I asked my mom. Abruptly she answered, "No, it's not. Tina wants the baby back." I stood silent, not sure that I had heard correctly. "What did you just say?" "Tina has changed her mind. She wants Brooke." I felt this wave of nausea flow through my body. I started to shake and I went into shock. "What?" I still couldn't believe what I was hearing. Just then the phone rang. It was my husband. I asked him to please come home right away. "Tina thinks she made a mistake. She can't have any more children and she misses Brooke. She wants her back," my mom said again. My father, who isn't known for his gentleness or kindness said, "You have to give her back to Tina. It will cause too much trouble in the family if you don't." I couldn't believe I was hearing this. They were acting like Brooke was a borrowed lawn chair and it was time to return it to its rightful owner. What about my feelings? What about my children's feelings? "No!" I shouted. "Brooke is my baby and she's not getting her back! She signed the legal papers. She's mine!" My husband walked in the front door as the words escaped my mouth and I ran into his arms sobbing. "Make them go away," I mumbled into his shoulder. He held me as my mother explained to him what was happening. Very calmly, he said, "Why don't you both leave? We'll think about it and let you know." On his way out the door, my father added, "You have to give her back. You're both troublemakers." I wanted to throw something at him. My husband had to use great self-restraint from not tossing him out on his backside. That night my family cried. We knelt in prayer together, asking for guidance. We wanted to do the right thing. After the younger children were in bed, I left Brooke with my husband and I went to visit Tina. She was adamant about wanting Brooke back. "If you don't' give her back to me now, I'll get her back when she's six months old and we go to court." The law in that state allows the birth mother six months to change her mind. I didn't know how to respond. I turned and walked out the door. In hysterics, she shouted after me, "I want my baby back!" How I got home alive I'll never know. I was in a zombie state of mind. My oldest daughter, who was ten, sat with Brooke in her lap, cuddling her and crying. I had to pry the baby out of her arms. My husband, in all his wisdom, called for family prayer. The older children, my husband and I, knelt in a circle and he led us in prayer. He asked God to let us know what we should do. What did HE want us to do with the baby? That night I lay awake, unable to relax enough to sleep. I cried my heart out to the Lord. When I thought I could bear no more, a sudden calm, peaceful feeling came over me. I felt the spirit of God wrap around me and hold me tight. He whispered, "All will be well, my child. Give Brooke back to her mother." I knew what had to be done. My husband had left the final decision up to me. He'd support me no matter what. The next morning, when I went into the kitchen six anxious faces greeted me. "Children, Brooke has to go back to her mother." I heard my husband gasp. My seven-year-old son cried, "You're her mother! I don't want her to go back." He ran to me and threw his arms around my waist. "Don't let her go, Mom, please." I knelt on the cold, linoleum floor and my babies gathered around me. "Children, the Lord wants Brooke to be with Tina. I don't understand the reason right now and maybe I never will, but this is God's will." My children seemed to understand. No more was said. The next hour was spent saying goodbye to Brooke. Each of my children was allowed a few minutes with her to do so. I heard sobs and words of love coming from the room, but I didn't interfere. One by one they bid their baby sister farewell. I dressed her in a lacy pink dress, with rose-shaped buttons put a ribbon in her hair. "I want you to look beautiful for your mommy." I looked into her sapphire eyes and knew that she knew what was about to happen. She gurgled, kicked to legs and gave me a huge smile. I kissed her on the cheek and handed her to my husband. I could not bear to take her to Tina. When he walked out the door with my precious baby and all her possessions I could take no more. I fell to the ground, curled up in a ball and cried like I'd never cried before. My children lay next to me, holding me, trying to comfort me. I don't know how my husband found the strength to put her back in Tina's arms and walk away. It hurt him deeply, but he knew it needed to be done. Tina got her baby back. I never spoke to her again. It was too painful. I was angry with her for causing my family and me so much pain. I was angry with God, even though I knew He was right. I knew there was no other way for this to end. I'd rather give Brooke up now than wait until she was six months old. The pain would have been worse then. The years passed quickly. A picture of Brooke as a baby sat in a frame on our mantle. I had no contact with my sister and as little contact as possible with my father. I had no idea how Brooke was doing or how her life had been. One morning, after the children had left for school, I baked some homemade chocolate chip cookies. The house smelled as good as the cookies tasted. The doorbell rang. I ran downstairs and opened the door. A young woman stood there. She had golden hair and eyes the color of warm Caribbean waters. I knew who it was instantly. I recognized the eyes. "Brooke," I sighed. I felt the tears building up inside me and fought to keep them back. "Come in." She followed me upstairs and we sat on the couch. She looked at me and smiled. "It smells good in here. It smells like a home." I brought a plate of cookies through and she nibbled away. "These taste better than they smell." There was a prolonged silence and then she continued, "I just found out, this very morning, that you were my mother for several months." I felt a tear trickle down my cheek. "I've always been your mother in my heart, even though you weren't in my home," I whispered. "Somehow, and this might seem weird, but somehow I remember you." She saw my tears. "Please don't cry. You did the right thing." I listened as she told me of her life. My sister hadn't wanted her after all. She thought she did, but after missing out on a few nights' sleep, realized she'd made a mistake. Not wanting the responsibility, Tina passed Brooke over to her birth father. He was a drug dealer and addict and didn't have time for a baby, so he passed his baby to his mother and father, who raised her from then on. I looked at the way she spoke, the way she carried herself and felt the spirit radiate from inside. She was a fine young woman. "My grandma and grandpa loved me. My father was a disappointment to them. He was their only child and he wasted his life away. They had a hard time dealing with that loss. They were so thankful to have me in their lives. I was the only flesh and blood they had left. They told me that I helped them see life through the eyes of a child." She stood up, walked over to the couch and hugged me. "Thank you for giving them that gift. I know it was hard for you to let me go, but the Lord knew that they needed me more than you did, though that probably wouldn't have comforted you at the time." Through sobs I replied, "It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my entire life. All these years, I've been angry with God for telling me to give you back. He knew I'd obey him, regardless, but now I understand. For the first time in eighteen years, I understand." I felt a great weight lifting from my shoulders and from my heart. "I loved you so much." "I know. My grandparents asked me to tell you how much they love you and are eternally grateful for what you did. I love you too." We held each other for a long time, crying, ridding ourselves of the loss we both felt; myself, the loss of my daughter and Brooke, the loss of two mothers. Tina had never tried to contact Brooke. That night I prayed in thanks for Brooke and for having the strength to give her up. I'd done the right thing. Brooke came around frequently. She got along well with the other children. A few weeks later I invited her grandparents for supper. As we ate, I looked around the table. There was my husband, my five children, Brooke, and her grandparents. We were a family. We all had a bond - the love we shared with Brooke. When things happen that we can't understand, yet we still do the Lord's will, answers and blessings will come to us. It might take eighteen years, it might take a lifetime, but one day we can understand why He asks things of us. I have my Brooke back in my life and an added bonus of two wonderful people, her grandparents. - Author Unknown -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: The 23rd Psalm!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/psalm23.html Lean On Me!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/leanonme.html Miracle Baby!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smellofrain.html The Black Dot!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blackdot.html 90/10 Principle!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/giving.html Love Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html Dreamy Ladies!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dreamy.html What Is Love 1!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wlove1.html Butterfly's Story!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/butterflystory.html When God Paints!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Blind Woman Sees!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blindsees.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Playing With Words!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html You Have Six Minutes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lovetest.html Church Mouse Wisdom!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churchmouse.html Our Valuable ANCHOR!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Amazing Human Progress!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humanprogress.html For The Joy That Was Set Before Him!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/joy.html -<>- New - Fixing My Eyes On You https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/fixing-my-eyes-on-you for KING & COUNTRY - Fix My Eyes - The LIVE Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ej9T4bTAGI What does the Bible say about Communion? https://tinyurl.com/yccqv88a You Are Not Your Own http://thesowermagazine.com/you-are-not-your-own/ See how the devil is working today! - An Eye Opener! 7 Spiritual Battlefields http://thesowermagazine.com/seven-spiritual-battlefields/ President Trump’s Update from Hurricane Florence https://tinyurl.com/y9ntbsat Absolutely SHOCKING And Despicable! Made me angry! Lou Dobbs Tonight 9/19/18 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXRlavW3jyg Democrats’ Shocking Delay of Judge Kavanaugh https://tinyurl.com/y99dtl9h A George Soros-funded political advocacy group has joined Planned Parenthood and NARAL in their efforts to prevent Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court. https://tinyurl.com/y8mfkgbf Christian evangelist Franklin Graham defended Judge Brett Kavanaugh, saying the judge has a stellar reputation and that behavior from over 35 years ago is not relevant. https://dailycaller.com/2018/09/19/franklin-graham-kavanaugh-evangelist/ MercyMe Performs "Even If" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6B8SjPxo8o 'Amazing Grace' Flashmob in Tweede Kamer gebouw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKd7yIMqWeE Dalai Lama’s Shocking Statement on Refugees https://tinyurl.com/yc8n5bgw American Discriminated Against For Speaking English https://tinyurl.com/y7cexkrr New product safety alerts have been issued. https://tinyurl.com/ybvezjfv Singing Flash Mob Overwhelms Soldier On Father's Day 2011, a flash mob in Fayetteville, NC paid tribute to soldiers throughout the country as our way of saying 'thank you' for the untold sacrifices soldiers make by leaving their families behind to serve. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jJyq69TWug -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) >She sent us one we have here... Humor In Religion 5 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hreligion5.html --- ...TeeHee! A great series! 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 Our Friend Johanna :) For Citizenship And Constitution Week - INTERESTING BIT OF HISTORY: . , '. '. \ \ ._ '-.'. `\ \ '-._; .'; `-.'. `~-.; '. '. '--,` '. -='. ; .--=~~=-, -.; ; .-=`; `~,_.; / ` ,-`' .-; | .-~`. .; ; .;.- .-; ,\ `.' ,=; .-' `~.-._ .'; .'; .' .' '-. .\ ; ; ,.' _ a', .'~";-` ; ;"~` `'-=.) .' .' . _; ;', ; '-.._`~`.' \ ; ; : `~' _'\\_ \\_ /=`^^=`""/`)-. jgs \ = _ = =\ `""` `~-. = ; >UNITED STATES DOLLAR BILL, and what it stands for Who was Haym Solomon? Do your children know this? Do their teachers? Check out a US One Dollar Bill... The Latin below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means, 'a new order has begun.' At the base of the pyramid is the Roman numeral for 1776. (MDCCLXXVI) If you look at the right-hand circle, and check it carefully, you will learn that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States. It is also on the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell, Florida National Cemetery, and is the centerpiece of most heroes' monuments. Slightly modified, it is the seal of the President of the United States and it is always visible whenever he speaks, yet very few people know what the symbols mean. The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons: 1: he is not afraid of a storm; he is strong, and he is smart enough to soar above it. 2: he wears no material crown. We had just broken from the King of England. Also, notice the shield is unsupported. This country can now stand on its own. At the top of that shield there is a white bar signifying congress, a unifying factor. We were coming together as one nation. In the Eagle's beak you will read, 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' meaning, 'from many - one.' Above the Eagle, we have the thirteen stars, representing the thirteen original colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away. Again, we were coming together as one. Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive branch and arrows. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows. An (untrue) old-fashioned belief says that the number 13 is an unlucky number. This is almost a worldwide belief. You will almost never see a room numbered 13, or any hotels or motels with a 13th floor. But think about this: America, which relies on God (not a number) to direct and lead, boldly chose: 13 original colonies, 13 signers of the Declaration of Independence , 13 stripes on our flag, 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 letters in 'Annuit Coeptis', 13 letters in 'E Pluribus Unum,' 13 stars above the eagle, 13 bars on that shield, 13 leaves on the olive branch, 13 fruits, and if you look closely, 13 arrows. And finally, notice the arrangement of the 13 stars in the right-hand circle. You will see that they are arranged as a Star of David. This was ordered by George Washington who, when he asked Haym Solomon, a wealthy Philadelphia Jew, what he would like as a personal reward for his services to the Continental Army. Solomon said he wanted nothing for himself, but he would like something for his people. The Star of David was the result. Few people know it was Solomon who saved the Army through his financial contributions... then died a pauper. Haym Solomon gave $25 million to save the Continental Army, money that was sorely needed to help realize America’s –our-freedom and independence from England. Therein lies America’s Judaeo-Christian beginning. Most American children do NOT know any of this. They are not taught because their history teachers do NOT know this. [They were not taught!] On America’s Freedom: Too many veterans gave up too much to let the meaning fade. Many veterans came home to an America that did not care. Too many veterans never came home at all. They served, they died for you ... for me. I hope you will share this with many so they can learn about the UNITED STATES DOLLAR BILL, and what it stands for. America is at a critical juncture. Let's do whatever we can to save her while never, ever forgetting: It is God in whom we put our trust! --- ...Amen! Love this! Vote Republican this Midterm! Thanks Johanna! See this teaching: Numbers In Scripture http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/NUMBER_IN_SCRIPTURE.htm And the full of this here: Number in Scripture: by E. W. Bullinger (1837-1913) http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/number01.htm ========================================================== _______________________________________________ | | |\ | | || | |,""---:___ | ||== | .-.| | ||== | '-'-----. |_______________________________________________|| |~ | -(| |_____________________________/< _...==...____| | | ___ | \\ .-. .-. // \| \//.-. .-.\\ --------"-"/.-.\_] `( o )( o )' ' ( o )( o )`"""""""""==`( o ) jgs '-' '-' '-' '-' '-' >Prince of the Road Story Editor: by John S. Joyce Schowalter New Jersey, USA It was about 1984, when cell phones weren't in common use, and truckers were renowned for helping travelers in need. My brother was heading home from Connecticut in the wee hours of the morning. He was very tired and fell asleep at the wheel on the Merritt Parkway. The old style guardrail ripped his car in two, folding the car in half just behind the front seats. The front wheels/axles were literally in line with the rear wheels and axles. The accident was witnessed by a trucker, who used his CB radio to call for aid. My brother seemed pretty banged up. Police and emergency vehicles all arrived at the scene and my brother was taken to the hospital. After being x-rayed and examined at the emergency room, my brother was ready to leave. He had miraculously only sustained bruises and cuts; very minor injuries considering the accident. My brother was looking for a phone to call home, when to his amazement he saw the trucker who had seen it all happen in the lobby waiting for him. The trucker asked him about the injuries and then asked where he lived and how he planned to get home. My brother told the trucker he lived in New Jersey and didn't yet know how he'd get home. He needed to find a payphone. The trucker replied, "I'll take you home." Over 100 miles later, a full size tractor-trailer rumbled into a quiet neighborhood, and the trucker made good on his word. My brother was home. My brother offered to reward the trucker for his incredible support. Our parents' house was very large so it was evident my father was well to do. I'm sure the trucker must have known he could get a very decent reward... if he accepted. He did not. He refused to even be compensated for the fuel he had used. My brother headed to the house as the trucker pulled away, never to be seen or heard from again. The incredibly kind and unselfish actions of this man have stayed with both my brother and me all these years. My brother and I have had good lives and we routinely perform random acts of kindness to this day. I was not even there and was forever moved by this man's actions. One day, if an opportunity arises, I will give of myself as the trucker gave of himself. I wish I had met him. I'd love to see him face to face today and tell him of the way he affected me. My deepest thanks and appreciation go to this unknown man for the help he gave my brother -- and the men he helped us become. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: I'VE LEARNED... that love, not time, is what heals wounds. //// !!!! _ \\\\ ! -'/ _ |||| \ / \`-'''| \__| \ / ) | \__\_ ejm / | \ ( \ >Hands (Author Unknown) [Edited] An old man, probably some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the park bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was ok. Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was ok. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice. "I didn't mean to disturb you, sir, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were ok," I explained to him. "Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?" I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. Then he smiled and related this story: "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life. They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle. Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friends foot. They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And while He will care about where these hands have been and what they have done, He also cares about whom these hands belong to - With these hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ." No doubt I will never look at my hands the same again. I never saw the old man again after I left the park that day but I will never forget him and the words he spoke. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I think of the man in the park. I have a feeling he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. Thank you, Father God, for hands and all that we can do with them to show Your love in our world through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 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 ========================================================== ______/``'``'-. (_ 6 \ .^ __ `'.__, | `'-. /_ \ / / :`^' /`/_` \/ / .' "/ `'- |.-'`^. `. / .`-._ \ `'^^^ /`/' \ \ "" \ `. `\ `. `\/ \-'-.- / /`. `-. ( /' ) .^ \ \\ .'^. `. \ > > `` `. ) // / .` /`/ gnv "" >-->A Vision I had a vision of a horseman Mounted on His steed. Everywhere He would ride, People fell down on their knees. I saw flowers fall down, at His feet, That surrounded all their steps. Blood red carpet led the way, As the people cried for help. There was a golden crown upon His head. His shield looked like a mirror. He had eyes of fire. His hair was white, As His procession just grew nearer. The wind, it blew things from His path, As the mighty steed would step. Everyone He touched, that day, Received His Godly help. I saw golden crosses, everywhere, Hung out on His steed. His voice echoed loud and clear, "I am all you need." The children ran and frolicked, As if peace had finally come. I sat so quiet, as I recall. He made wise men of the dumb. He restored all the eyes, That they might clearly see. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He spoke, "I am all you need." That day, it seemed to last so long, Just like eternity. There were smiles on everyone He touched. He, literally, set them free. He sat tall in the saddle and smiled at all And, then, He turned to me. He had a sword that was God's word. As He spoke, it came to life. I saw mountains move and walls, they, fell. He put His foot on strife. His words, they echoed like a song, "I will change your life. I have called you out, my child. You must set my people free. What you must do, from this day on, Is simply follow me. Tell them of my love and How I long to hold them tight. Tell them that I died for them And I cried for them all night. Tell them I've a love so strong That it will never ever die. Tell them I forgave their sins And I will never ask them why. I made a place for them, If they will just believe. That's the reason I died that day, To see them all set free." -Author Unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE:Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************