I Am Learning Lord... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* 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 ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ ,-=-. [[_ @~] ((a a)) ` = ' _.-) (-._ /( ("+") )\ / \ \./ / \ (=<( \/8\/ )>=) \ \- 8| -/ / \/_> 8|<_\/ ;-.__;,-; | | | | | | | | '-.___,;' ) ) / ' |( ) ( \_ /_|^--' gpyy \_! *~* MAY YOU ALL HAVE A VERY HAPPY BLESSED SAFE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! :) >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) We have a super hottie that comes from 3 of our friends - Geniann, Linda and PatDeE! It is amazing to see how our cities and lives have changed over the years! Here's a tip: Scroll down and play the video first and then go back up to the top and go through all the excellent photos while you listen and enjoy this great song! W __ __ [ ] |::||::| 3 ._. |::||::| ._. /| |:| ._. |::||::| |/| \|// / |:|_|/| |::||::|_ |/| -( )-| |:|"|/|_|::||::|\|_|/| _ J V | |:|"|/|||::||::|\|||/||:| ___ ' / ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ \ \/ | ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Old US City Photos! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/uscities.html --- ...Wow! Amazing Photos! Thanks Geniann, Linda, And PatDeE! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: \ _ \ ____ \\ \ /\ O O \\ \ /\_\ () ' ' "WAAHH!!" \\________.-~\\ ____/ (((( '/ / %%% \\/ ( oo ` / %%oo% /=====/) \O/ ' \ \__%%-/%__| | \\// \\ \ \ // \\ | | \/__|/ jro / / \) (/ | | //\\ / / /___\ | | (_)(_) \_;; ||| \_;; ||| \_)) >GIFT OF LIFE by Michael T. Smith I get to celebrate twenty-one years of fatherhood this Father's Day. My wife Georgia had been in the hospital for seven weeks, waiting for our first child to come into the world. One day, she picked me up from work when she was well along in her pregnancy and said, "The doctor wants to put me in the hospital." "The hospital? When?" I asked with a hint of fear in my voice. "Now! The doctor took blood tests and said I was showing signs of toxicity. He wants me in the hospital and off my feet." "How long will you have to be in there?" It was frightening. My baby with a baby had to be in a hospital. Up until that point, everything had been going fine. Georgia was still working and feeling great. What had changed? "Most likely until the baby is born." she said. "But you're not due for a month. Will you have to be there that long?" "That's what the doctor said." She leaned over and hugged me. "Don't worry. It's going to be fine." She was the one going to the hospital and she was reassuring me. Georgia was eleven years older than me, so when we married, we decided to have children right away. We wanted two children -- hopefully a boy and a girl. The names for our children were picked before we were even engaged. We wanted a Justin and a Vanessa. When we went for walks and saw small children playing we would say, "Oh, look at all the Justin's and Vanessa's." Four months after we married, we were pregnant. Now Georgia had to go to the hospital. I was afraid for her and our unborn. We drove home, packed her bags and admitted her to the hospital. One week led to another. I visited every day after work. One time I brought lobsters to her. After weeks of hospital food, she devoured this special treat. I brought her May flowers to make her room smell nice. She was bored to death, so I brought books and puzzles to give her something to do. The ward had a craft class. Once a week, Georgia knitted and crocheted dolls, hats, and booties. She watched other mothers give birth and leave the hospital, but our baby stayed where it was, with no signs of wanting to enter the world. Her due date came and went. We waited as patiently as we could. I put a count-down to the baby's delivery in the window of my office, for passing cars to keep track of the coming event. I was nervous. She was more than two weeks overdue. I also worried if I be a good father. What did I know about babies, diapers, and midnight feedings? One night, after I arrived home, the phone rang. "Honey, it's me. The contractions have started. They're small yet. The doctors think it will be awhile." "Should I come in right now?" She had been having small contractions for a week. I wondered if this was a false alarm. "They think it will be awhile yet. I know you were going to mow the lawn tonight. Why don't you do that and then call me." I did as I was told. When the lawn was mowed, and I was showered, I called her. The nurse on her floor answered. "They have taken Georgia to the labor room." Labor room? I panicked. Was I going to miss the delivery? I ran around the house looking for what I needed to take with me and realized I didn't need anything but a jacket. So I jumped in the car for the 20 mile ride, achieved in record time! I rushed into the hospital, sweating and out of breath, to find Georgia calmly sitting in bed, talking to her friend Lisa, who had been visiting. "Are you OK? What did the doctors say? When will it be born? Are you in pain? Is there anything I can do? Did you call your mother? Did you call my mother?" I shut up, when I realized I was acting insane. I hadn't even kissed her yet. "Michael, calm down, I'm fine. The doctors say everything is normal, and yes, I called our mothers." I sat down with a sigh, "OK, what do I do?" "You sit." "That's it?" I thought. I just sit. How could a man sit at a time like this? Now it was clear why they showed expectant fathers pacing. I got up and paced. It felt better some how. Several hours later, the contractions became stronger, and Georgia was moved to the delivery room. I put on my cap and gown, stood by her side, and held her hand. With each contraction, her grip would tighten, and my hand would go numb, until the contraction ended and blood could flow to my fingers again. We had taken Lamaze classes together, so I knew what to do. When the contractions became stronger, I helped Georgia do the breathing -- pant, pant, pant, blow. "Michael, stop it! Stop blowing in my face, damn it!" "Yes, dear. I'm sorry. Pant! Pant! Pant! Blow" "Michael, I said stop it!" She growled as another contraction took control of her body, and she became a she-devil. After one particularly bad contraction, the nurse announced, "The head is crowning. Come see, Mr. Smith." I took a tentative peek. "Yup, that's a head," and went back to my Georgia's side. I wanted to see the baby, but I was afraid I'd pass out. I stayed where I was after that, with Georgia trying to rip my arm from its socket. Another contraction, the doctor said, "Push, Mrs. Smith. Push!" "PUSH!" I screamed. She pushed, and little Vanessa popped into the world. They took her aside to clean her up. "Is she OK?" I asked. The nurse returned, "She's just wonderful," and put the little bundle in my arms. "Say hello to your new daughter." The tears started. They flowed down my cheeks and dropped onto the little blanket covering our Vanessa. She stared back at me. Her little blue eyes full of wonder. The nurse took her and put her to Georgia's breast, as I continued to cry. "Michael," Georgia said weakly. "Look at her eyes. She is so alert. She's watching everything. And look at her fingers. They're so long." "And she's bald," I said. Georgia laughed. "It will grow." She looked up at me then, "Michael, that wasn't so bad. I could do it again. We'll have our Justin one day." The tears started again. My Georgia had been through so much for our first baby. Seven weeks of hospitalization and a painful birth, and she was lying there telling me she was ready to do it all over again. I cried and hugged her. She gave me the gift of a daughter. The love and happiness I felt that moment will not be forgotten. The three of us -- a new family -- stayed in an embrace until it was time for Georgia to go to her room and rest. I left the hospital that morning, May 30, 1985, and screamed into the air, "I'm a dad!" Two and a half years later, Georgia gave me a Justin. We got our boy and girl. In October 2003, Georgia went to heaven, but her memory lives on in our children. There would be no Father's Days without mothers. Georgia gave me Father's Day. Thank you, sweetie. -- Michael T. Smith ___________________________________________ Michael is a telecommunications worker from New Jersey and writes in his spare time. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) ^ ,' \ L""/ ` | J | J L | | . , | |.`v_L.' // ,>-(-\'_ \`' \ - /-. / /`""| ),' `- ( ,-' \ ) ,' ,' h / / / `)--.. \/ / \ <) < , L<' F/ _/ ,' L ,-' \ | ___L / ( F J ___,' L | ,' | F ,' | (_,--..__ mt-2|_ ,' `"`--.._\ ,' / \ / (_ (diddled by b'ger} >AMERICA -- GOOD AND GREAT French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, wrote, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests -- and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution -- and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!" --- ...Absolutely - In God We Trust! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- ;; ;;; ;; ;;; ;;; ;;;; ;;; ;;;; ;;;; ;;;; ;;;;; ;;;;;; ;;;;; ....... ;;;;; ;;;;;;;; ;;;;;; ...... ......... ;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;; ........ ............ ;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;; ........ ............. ;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;; ........... ............ ;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;; ........... : "..........;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;........." : : + "..........................................................." + : : .|, """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" .|, : ; - * - .|, > * * * < .|, > * * * < .|, > * * * < - * - : . '|` - * - | * * * | - * - | * * * | - * - | * * * | '|` .' '. + '|` > * * * < '|` > * * * < '|` > * * * < .' ' . ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, . ' >My mom was the real deal Many years ago, my mother helped me move to Cape Cod. We found a one-room apartment and spent a week furnishing it with stuff from flea markets and yard sales. "Ma," I said, "there are lots of yard sales at the touristy rental cottages. We'll find great deals." "You think I want someone's used sheets?" "Everything we buy at a yard sale is used." "If it's from a tourist," she snapped, "it's used. From a local, it's an antique." I received lots of Mom's training in deal-making at the flea market. I really, really hate bartering. At one vendor's table, I picked up a Boy Scout watch I loved. "How much is this?" I asked the fellow. Mom grabbed the watch from my hand, put it back on the table, then turned us around so we had our backs to the seller. "Never ask 'how much?' when there's no price tag. Vendors are trained in mental telepathy. They know what you'll pay." "Why on earth are we facing away?" "They all have master's degrees in lip reading," she said. "When we face him, tell him you only have $5 and don't let him see your eyes." "Why?" "Because you have that fifty I gave you. Vendors take classes in lie detection. They know your pupils dilate when you're lying." "Mo-ther! You can't be serious about all this." She was. She turned us back around. I looked down at the ground, shuffled my feet and muttered, "You don't want to sell it for $5, right? I mean, that's all I have, sort of." "To be honest," he said, "I paid $25 for that watch." Mom whispered, "The yutz is lying." "How do you know?" "Because he said, 'to be honest.'" She led us away, then said, "Did you see him look to the left?" "Sheesh, Ma. That doesn't mean anything." "Left means lying." You see, my mother was a trained lie detector too. At the next table, I saw a gorgeous gold ring. The dealer heard me say, "Oh Mother! It fits perfectly. It's exactly like that special ring Dad gave me that was stolen from my high school gym locker. We'll never get another chance like this again. I love this more than words can say!" Then I asked the dealer, "How much?" He said, "Two hundred dollars." I'd never seen the look on my mother's face that I saw at that moment. I waited for the reprimand of a lifetime. Like a scared 10-year-old girl, I got even more worried because she didn't say anything at all. Instead, she simply bought me the ring. And so, when Mom and I were through furnishing my tiny apartment, I didn't want her to leave me. But she had to go back to Baltimore. She had her life there and I needed to find the courage to begin my own, here on Cape Cod. Sometimes I can still see the two of us, just like in an old-fashioned photograph, where we're standing together in an oval-shaped splash of sunshine on the dry, dusty grounds of the flea market. Our foreheads are touching, so tenderly, as we're looking down at the ring on my finger. Of all of the things I still have that we bought on those wonderful days together, the most valuable collectibles are my memories. --- ...Oh My! LOL! Thanks LouiseA! My Two Cents... I'm doing am O'Reilly no-no right now because the only word in my mind is - 'Really?!?' I'm thinking - 'What was this a mom thinking' I'd certainly rather pay the stupid $10 rather then have to explain to God why I went against His will and lied. People think a lie is nothing but a sin is a sin and any sin is one against God! I do not in any way shape or form what to be one against God! Do you? I don't think $10 is worth making God my Father unhappy with me! Geesh! Great mom - NOT! Teach your child to be true and honest is the best way. They may get the short stick now in this life but their eternity with God is for more important and what really counts in the long run! ============================================================ >-->From Our Friend Linda :) >Think about This .... Weaknesses are contagious. The more you look for defects in others, the more you will become affected. Weaknesses are contagious. Being positive does bring gains to the self and this in itself can create or promote (assist) change. Any individual change will have a positive impact on others around us in the workplace, including clients, colleagues and the broader organization. Examples of some specific benefits of positivity at the workplace are: 1. Health and effectiveness at work – having more energy, better workload management. 2. Relationships with clients and subordinates – able to listen more receptively (openly) and provide a sense of hope to them. 3. Relationships with colleagues – more open to collaborating (working together) on problem solving. The Relationship between Anger And Attachment Attachment is a negative attraction that we succumb to, inside our consciousness, regularly and it gives rise to ego, which in turn is the root cause of all suffering. Suffering, in turn, is experienced at an emotional level through the various different forms of anger. We need to realize this phenomenon very deeply because this happens many a times in each day of our lives inside our consciousness. Then we can see exactly from where our anger arises and we can correct it. So if we don't want to suffer from anger, the solution is simple - we don't get attached to anything or anyone, to any expectation, any particular desired result. Sounds difficult at first, but the same solution can be put in a way that would seem easier to achieve, we don't lose our spiritual identity or individuality in something we are not, in anything or anyone that is physical. That does not mean we shouldn't possess any material objects and not experience joy by using them. It also does not mean we start remaining aloof from people that we love. Nor does it mean we don't have goals and ambitions at the workplace etc. We do. But our relationship with them changes. Our relationship becomes one of detachment and not of attachment. And what is a relationship of detachment? Detachment means that we possess all of them but we are no longer dependent on any of them, for our peace, contentment and happiness. We choose to be peaceful, content and joyful irrespective of whether they are there with us or not. So when cars get banged into (which can happen at times) and when people close to us are harmed or insulted or they leave or are separated from us due to any other reason (which is also bound to happen) or when jobs are lost (which is inevitable), we don't react angrily and suffer as a result. We have realized everything in life comes and goes; everything is born and comes to an end. We also realize that every process taking place in life is unpredictable and not always controllable, and must end. Things do and will happen. We know this is a reality. Every time we get angry it means we are having an argument with this reality of life. --- ...Most Interesting! Thanks Linda! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' My two cents... Do keep in mind that 'everything' does not include God and Jesus Christ. They are our firm foundation in this world of sea and turmoil. We can always rely on them as they shall never leave us. They are true and do not just 'come and go'. Nor do they change because truth never changes. To avoid disappointment and anger over things you Cannot control, try lowering your expectations. If you expect little or nothing you'll be super blessed at whatever joy or pleasure this world and others give you. Just do your best and give God the rest. ============================================================= >-->From Our Friend KarenF :) >Healthy Reasons To Drink Water You already know it- Water is a basic need for the survival of human beings. It is also a great healer. Here are six reasons why you should drink a few more glasses! Your Ultimate Mood Lifter! Water works as a natural remedy in many ways. It helps to relieve headache and back pains caused due to dehydration. Water keeps your body rejuvenated and fresh. So, have plenty of God's own drink. Water Fights Age Lines You have tried so many anti-aging creams. Try water! It replenishes skin tissues, moisturises skin and increases skin elasticity. Water is a must for a younger looking skin. A Perfect Headache Reliever Popping pills may seem like the best idea to get relief from that constant headache. But, have you tried drinking water when your head was hurting loud? It works wonders as 90 per cent of headache may be due to dehydration. Water Down those Love Handles If you don't drink sufficient water, metabolism slows down. This means fats can't be processed as quickly as it should be leading to that not-so-wanted bulge. Your body needs eight to 10 glasses of water a day to fight that flab away. End Asthma with Water! Scarcity of water vapour in the lungs may constrict the airways and cause mucus in the lungs leading to an asthma attack. Doctors suggest that people with asthma must drink at least 10 glasses of water every day, along with a pinch of salt. Inhaling steam from a bowl or kettle can also do the trick. Get Better with your Digestive System Splashing water on your face can give you that glow, but have you ever wondered how you can cleanse your system without religiously reading those diet books? Drinking water helps clean up your digestive system, naturally. --- ...Love it! Thanks KarenF! -<>- >Test Yourself As you know, Neanderthal people may have interbred with Modern people. Their descendants are with us even today, Passing for full-blooded Homo sapiens. If you suspect a "touch of the old hand ax" in your Ancestry, score yourself on this test: 1. Do your eyebrows meet in the middle? If so, give Yourself five points. 2. Can you lock your knees in an upright position? If not, take five points. 3. Got a chin? If the answer is no, add three points. 4. How about a forehead? If not, add another three Points. 5. Is it easy for you to balance a book on your head? Then give yourself five points. 6. Do you ever open Coke bottles with your teeth? If You do, add ten points. 7. Are you frequently more comfortable squatting on Your heels than sitting in a chair? Take five points. 8. Is your head attached vertically to your neck? If Not, add one point for every five degrees of slope. 9. Less than five feet tall? Add one point for every Inch under. 10. If your lower arm is shorter than your upper arm, Add one point for every inch of difference. 11. Ditto for your lower and upper legs. 12. Pigeon-toed? Five points. 13. Have you ever felt like bashing a postal clerk With a club? You're normal--no points. 14. Is the space between your big toe and your other Toes big enough to hold an apple? Add five points. 15. Do you regularly eat apples in this way? Add Fifteen Points. 16. Do people think you're wearing your hair in a Bun when you're not? Give yourself ten points. 17. Can you count your vertebrae while wearing two Sweaters and an overcoat? Take five more points. 18. Is your nickname "Duke", "Nancy", or "Joe"? Three points. Scroll down for your score.... Scoring: 0-20 points: You are a virtually pure Homo sapiens. Feel Free to build bridges, compose symphonies, And overrun the world. 20-40 points: A slight Neanderthal strain means that you will Occasionally have spells of primitive behavior, Crawling around on all fours and whooping wildly. If you live in California, no one will notice. 40-60 points: You can still function quite well in the modern World, but avoid eating in fancy restaurants lest Your table manners give you away. 60-80 points: Your Pleistocene heritage is predominant. You should Consider a career in pro football or fitness gym. 80-100 points: Unfortunately, your genetic makeup is Grunt City; There is no place for you in human society. Try Running for a Democratic public office instead. --- ...LMAO! Laughter is great medicine! Thanks KarenF! ============================================================= >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) \\\ ____ ________``` \ =|- [________] \ | =| | _ | | \ __ ejm |__=|- O--(_) `.______.' \ O=======(__) /|\ (/(|(\ >Helpful Hints Making Leftovers Better: Often leftovers like soups, stews and chili are better than the original dishes. Here are some ideas, like adding a new ingredient or seasoning, to give the food a new taste. Grind up leftover meat, add mayo and chopped veggies, to make a sandwich spread. Add cooked and crunchy vegetables to salads. Chop up potatoes, brown with onion and stir in eggs for breakfast. Create a veggie hash by frying leftover vegetables and mix in your favorite seasoning. Toss leftover chicken, meat or vegetables with warm or cold pasta. Saving Money of Gift Wrapping: With so many wonderful birthday, anniversary and holiday events in our lives, buying wrapping paper becomes expensive. Here are some clever ideas to reuse and recycle materials you have at home. Rip out the sheets from your children’s coloring books or school artwork and use to wrap gifts for relatives. Save the color comics pages from the newspaper for children’s presents. Repurpose scarves that you aren’t using for a girlfriend’s gift or wrap packages with large scraps of leftover fabric. Reuse gift bows, ribbon and yarn. Remote Corral: It takes too long to find remote controls in their usual hiding spot, between cushions on the sofa. If you're looking for a more convenient place to keep them, put a wide-mouth vase or other good-looking container on your side table, and put all of your remotes inside. Video Games, Cellphones, IPods Sticky and Gummy: Young people love their must-have tech devices and they get quite a daily and often messy workout. When you can pry them away, here’s how to clean and remove that grime. Teach them how to remove the surface gunk with a wet wipe, but don’t use on the screen. Then give them the important advice not to let water or soda spill into any of these pieces of equipment or to drop them! If anything does happen, make certain they deal with the problem immediately Dog Gets Skunked: When dogs and skunks tangle, the results can be stinky, awfully stinky. This smell is difficult to get rid of. And tomato juice and vinegar don’t do the job. Here’s what vets recommend. Mix one quart of three-percent hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of mild dishwashing detergent (make sure it does not contain bleach or ammonia). Rub this solution into your dog’s coat. Don’t allow any get into your pet’s eyes or ears. Then bathe with a mild pet shampoo. Rinse well. If your dog still has a skunky smell, you may have to repeat. Nail Polish: Store your favorite nail varnish or nail polish in the fridge to make it last a lot longer. Embarrassed to have beauty products stashed in the refrigerator? Store all the nail polish containers together in a small box or bag to conceal. Parsley for Fresh Breathe: That cute sprig of parsley on your plate while dining out at a restaurant isn't just for looks - it'll naturally freshen your breath! It's especially helpful to clean up your breath if you've eaten a meal loaded with garlic or onions. So, leave that parsley for last, and chew on it for fresher breath, naturally. Sugar In Fruit Pies: When making pie, sprinkle the sugar under the fruit instead of on top. This prevents pie from boiling over. Photos Stuck Together: With a hair dryer on low, slowly melt them apart. Chrome: To remove rust from chrome, wipe it with aluminum foil dipped in Coke®. To polish chrome, use a crumbled up piece of aluminum foil and rub. Down Comforters / Jackets: These can, indeed, be washed rather than dry cleaned. Any stains, such as the grime on the cuffs of a jacket, should be spot-cleaned with a pre-treater, then rinsed with water. Wash the item in the gentle cycle with mild detergent. The key is to ensure the down is rinsed extremely well. Then, place in the dryer rather than line drying. This allows the feathers to plump up again. Place large knotted towels or tennis balls in the dryer with it to help fluff the down. The only caution is, if the item has weak seams or fragile fabric it could "explode" and leave you with only down. If there are stains remaining, place it (on a blanket) outdoors in full sunshine for a day or two. This often helps. If not, at least your comforter will have that outdoor fresh smell. --- ...Great Tips! Thanks Bunni! ============================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: /:""| .@@@@@, (\/) |:`66|_ @@@@@@@@, \/ C` _)aa`@@@@@@ \ ._| (_ ?@@@@ ) / =' @@@@" /`\\ \(``` || |Y| //`\ || |.| / | || (\/) || |.| \ | || \/ || |.| \| || :| |=: |_|\ ||_|,| |_| \ \)))|| ((( | (\/) | || |____| \/ | || |____| > )) | || | || | || | || | || |_||__ /~)) jgs (____)) /_/YY >FILLED UP WITH LOVE Welsh poet David Whyte made the intriguing observation, "I don't want to have written on my tombstone, when finally people struggle through the weeds, pull back the moss, and read the inscription there, 'He made his car payments.'" Whyte, like most of us, wants his life to matter. Even in some small way, most people want to make a difference and, at least to some degree, they want to be happy. But it doesn't just happen. I am inspired by the story of Rose Nelson, told in Arnold and Barry Fox's book Making Miracles (Emmaus, PA: The Good Spirits Press, 1989). One can usually find a cheery smile on the face of the wheelchair-bound woman. Which is remarkable, given what happened. You see, Rose was brutally beaten by two drunk teenage boys who left her unable to walk. She was forced to sell her home after medical bills devoured her modest savings. If anyone has reason to be resentful, it is Rose Nelson. But she will smile and say that she never even thinks of being bitter as long as her brain is working and she can think of love. "How can you be so loving after what happened to you?" she was asked. "Oh, my," she considered. "I could have dried up after the boys beat me. I was afraid I would. That's why I decided to be full of love and to give my love to everyone. The more I love everyone else, the better I feel. And the better I feel, the more I love the world. Love cured my fear." Rose worked at love and happiness. It had to become a high priority if she was not to be consumed by her horrific experience. Yet anyone who wants peace or happiness or joy can learn from Rose. We must do more than just make the car payments. We must love and love and love some more. Rose learned to fill her mind with as much love as it would hold, and then gave it away at every opportunity. Dr. Karl Menninger said this about love: "We do not fall in love, we grow in love and love grows in us." Let enough grow in you to fill you up and you'll be satisfied forever. - By Steve Goodier -<>- ________ _________ \________\--------___ ___ ____----------/_________/ \_______\----\\\\\\ //_ _ \\ //////-------/________/ \______\----\\|| (( ~|~ ))) ||//------/________/ \_____\---\\ ((\ = / ))) //----/_____/ \____\--\_))) \ _)))---/____/ \__/ ((( (((_/ Andrew Fabbro | -))) - )) >GUARDIAN ANGELS By: Joseph J. Mazzella I believe in guardian angels. Since I was a boy I have felt watched over, loved, and protected by my unseen friends and I am so thankful to God for them. I have had far too many near misses with hurt and harm over the years for it to be mere luck. I guess my guardian angels are keeping me around for a reason and I will do my best not to make their work too hard in the future. I also believe in guardian angels because I have seen one in action over the years. My oldest son graduates from high school this Spring. Through all of his years in school he has struggled with Autism. It has made it difficult for him to learn, to relate to others, and to function in this world. Thankfully, though, he has had a guardian angel with him every step of the way. His aide has been there with him through all the difficulties, through all the triumphs, through all the pains, and through all the joys. She was there when he first started to speak in sentences. She was there when he first started to read. She was there when he first started to make friends and play with the other children. She helped him through every frustration he faced and comforted him through every bit of sadness he had to endure. She helped him to become the happy and loving soul that he is today. She loved him, cared for him, guided him, encouraged him, and watched over him. She has been his aide, his friend, his second mother, and his guardian angel. Words can never express all the good that she has done for him. All I can say to her is "Thank you so much for being such an angel in my son’s life." There are many guardian angels in our lives. Some are unseen, but some walk with us and help us everyday. Take the time then to thank God for all the guardian angels in this world. Take the time as well to thank all the guardian angels that touch your own life. But most of all take the time to be a loving, joyous guardian angel yourself to every hurting heart that needs you. -<>- _____ /.---.\ |`````| \ / `-.-' ____ | /\ .' /\ __|__ |K----; | | jgs`-----` \/ '.___\/ Woman decides to drink eight glasses of water every day By Greg Miller Cheryl had made some changes in her lifestyle because she wanted to be a greater witness for the Lord. Those changes included walking for about 30 minutes every day, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and losing about 40 troublesome pounds she had been promising to shed for more than 10 years. Cheryl knew that she needed to drink the proper amount of water to keep her body hydrated, so although she loved sweet tea and soft drinks she decided to drink water most of the time. Cheryl treated herself to a cup of sweet tea to celebrate her decision. She dedicated the rest of her life to her new passion: Fresh water. She drank water with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. She drank a glass of sweet tea only about once a month. Before long, Cheryl began to feel more energized and alert. "Water is almost like a miracle drug," she said. "I'm going to ask my friends to join me on life's journey with water." One Friday after work, Cheryl met her best friend, Carlissa, at the Mall for an evening of shopping and conversation. Carlissa noticed that two bottles of spring water were in Cheryl's purse. "So when did you become so crazy about water?," Carlissa asked. "Just recently," Cheryl said. "I wanted to be healthier, so I could be a better witness for the Lord. "This water is so great! I wish I had made my decision many years ago." "I couldn't live without my sweet tea and soft drinks!," Carlissa exclaimed. "I'd never be able to make it through the day without them!" "I drink a lot of water because I want to be healthy," Cheryl said. "But I also want to glorify Jesus Christ in every aspect of my life. When I'm on the job, I want to be a good testimony. When I'm engaged in leisurely activities, I want to glorify God." Cheryl told Carlissa that drinking lots of water made it much easier to share her faith in Christ with other people. "How can a simple glass of water help you to tell others about the Lord?," Carlissa asked. "It's tasteless, odorless, calorie-less. It has no redeeming social value." "Water helps us to thrive while we're alive," Cheryl replied. "And Jesus offers Living Water. In John, chapter 4, Jesus told the woman at the well that `whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.'" "Wow!," exclaimed Carlissa. "Only God could think of a concept like that!" "You've got that right!," Cheryl said. "And that's the kind of water that could never be put in a bottle!" -<>- (.,------...__ _.'" `. .' .' `, `. `. ` . .' .'/''--...__`. \ . .--.`. ' "-. '. | '' .' _.' .()) .--":/ ''( \_\ ' (()( ''._' ( \ ' ' `. `--' ' `.: . `-.___.' ' `. . _ _ .' ) .____.-' .'`. (--.. .' \ /\ / / `. .' \( \ /|/ `. .' \__/ `. / | o | \ | | | jro >ECHOES OF KIND WORDS A little boy said to his father, "Let's play darts. I'll throw the darts and you say, `Wonderful!'" Here is a boy who was not afraid to ask for the encouragement he needs. Maybe we all have something to learn from him! Inspirational author and educator, Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, relates a story about the devastating effects of discouragement. Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th Century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man who asked him to look at a few of his sketches and drawings. The gentleman wanted to know if the artist thought they were of any value. As gently as possible, Rossetti told the man that the sketches were of no value and showed little talent. He apologized for the harsh assessment but said that he believed he should be honest. The visitor was disappointed but asked the artist if he could take a look at just a few more, which were all done by a young art student. Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. "These," he said, " oh, these are good." He went on to say that the young student shows much promise and should be given every help and encouragement, as he may have a great future if he will study and work hard. The old man was deeply moved. Rossetti asked, "Who is this fine, young artist? Your son?" "No," replied the visitor sadly. "It is I - forty years ago. If only I had heard your praise then. For you see, I became discouraged and gave up too soon." Mother Teresa wisely said, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Sometimes it may be enough to just say, "Wonderful!" By Steve Goodier -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Stretching For The Lord http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/stretching.html Our Gifts And Callings http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html Are Angels Real? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Rose Petals http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/rose.html Journey Through Life http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/journey.html Semper Fidelis http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/semperfi.html Military WWII Posters http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/militarywwii.html No Words Needed http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html Proud Of Our Troops 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops4.html Sgt. Reckless http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/sgtreckless.html -<>- >From Our Friend KarenF :) She sent us one we have here... Attitude Is Everything! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html --- ...An awesome story! Thanks KarenF! -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) The Traveler IQ Challenge® http://www.travelpod.com/traveler-iq Share Your Love With Sick Kids by sending cheery cards http://www.hugsandhope.org/ Glass harp-Toccata and fugue in D minor-Bach-BWV 565 - YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=XKRj-T4l-e8&vq=large Roy Rogers King Of The Cowboys http://petcaretips.net/roy_rogers_index.html --- ..Sweet Links! Thanks Melody! 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 ============================================================== _.--._ ,' `. / __) __` \ ( (`-`(-') ) /) \ _ / ( /' )-._.' . \ ___ ( ,--., `.)___(___) )( /-.,--'\ _ \X/` '/ .'/ \ ( Uu")\ / / \ `/,-' ) ( ^ , ,^ )`._.' >She Saved Me Story Editor: by Pris Haffenden Joyce Schowalter California, USA When I was a youngster I developed a severe weight problem. It started just before I first entered school and made me very unpopular in school -- taunts and tortures were delivered too me every day. This went on from the first grade until eighth grade, continuing even after I lost all of the weight in 7th grade. Although I was a good student I hated going to school, and hated even more the bus trips home. I lived in agony. In 1967, my family moved to Simi Valley, California. I had a chance to start over, and I vowed that I would communicate with no one, I wouldn't give anyone a chance to hurt me as I'd been hurt for so many years. This made for a lonely existence, but I welcomed being invisible -- at least nobody would taunt and torture me. One day, after I'd been at this new school about three months, a girl approached me as I was putting my books in my locker. She invited me to join her circle of friends. I declined -- this was a ruse used many times by many people in my past, and always I had found that they wanted to be anything but my friends. It was a way to lure me into their proximity so they could taunt me. I swore I'd never set myself up for that again. This went on about five days... this person coming up, and my declining. Finally, this person, Rose Anne Terry (back then Rose Anne Miller), grabbed me by the arm and said, "You are going to have friends whether you like it or not." She took me over to her other friends, about five girls. They asked about my interests, and invited me to go with them for some social activities. They welcomed me into their group with open arms. I couldn't believe it. Here, finally, was a group of people who wanted to know me, really wanted to know me, and had no interest in taking advantage of me. I was elated! I had friends! Up to this point I had no friends and basically lived as a recluse, a misfit. I had no idea how to socially interact with anyone. I was so socially awkward, so inept when it came to interpersonal relations that no one had wanted to know me. Through the friendship with Rose and her circle of friends, I learned how to be a teenager. I learned about the music, the way to dress, and how to relate to others my own age. I was heading for a life as a recluse, a "mama's girl", a socially backward person. These people, and especially Rosie, saved me and made me the person I am today. Rosie and I have remained close friends up to this day: 39 years. She saved me from a life of pain and loneliness. I love you, best buddy. Thank you. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: .*. *' + '* , , *'|'* |`;`;`;`| | |:.'.'.'| | |:.:.:.:| | |::....:| | /` / ` \ | ( .' ^ \^) |_., ( \ -/( ,~`| `~./ )._=/ ) ,, { | ( )| (.~` `~, { | \ _.' \ ) } ; | ;`\ `)-` } _.._ '.(\, ; `\ / `. }__.-'__.-' ( (/-;~~`; `\_/ ; .'` _.-' `/|\/ .'\. /o\ ,`~~`~~~~` \| ` .' \'--' '-` |--',==~~`) (`~~==,_ jgs ,=~` `-. / `~=, ,=` `-._/ `=, >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Ella, 4, was at her aunt's house. They started watching the movie "The Wizard of Oz." Her aunt asked her if she knew what the lion got from the wizard. Ella couldn't remember. But she did remember that the tin man got a heart and the scarecrow got a brain. As they continued to watch the movie, Ella said, "I think I know what the lion gets. I think he gets cabbage. Yep, that's what he gets, he gets cabbage!" -- Polly (mother of Ella) of Huntertown, Indiana Dart has been approved to adopt (one more time!) and she recently met two adorable bi-racial twin boys who are available. Dart was telling her daughters Waverly, 10, and Amberlyn, 4, about the boys. She explained that they are half black, half white and they look so identical "Mommy could only tell them apart by the clothes they were wearing. Amberlyn said, "Well, which one is black and which one is white, Mommy?" -- Dart of San Diego, California Louise took her niece Leah, 3, to Pizza Hut for a lunch buffet. Leah loves salads and Louise fixed her one. Leah was enjoying her salad and pizza when she took a bite of her onion from her salad. She laid it on her plate and said, "Aunt Louise, I have got to let it cool for a few minutes. It's too hot to eat right now!" -- Louise of Virginia _._ _._ |||| |||| ||||_ ___ _|||| | || .-'___`-. || | \ / .' .'_ _'. '. \ / /~~| | (| b d |) | |~~\ /' | | | ' | | | `\ , /__.-: ,| | `-' | |, :-.__\ , |'-------( \-''""/.| /\___/\ |.\""''-/ )------'| | \_.-'\ / '-._____.-' \ /'-._/ | |.---------\ /'._| _ .---. === |_.'\ /--------.| ' \ / | |\_\ _ \=v=/ _ | | \ / ' `. | | \_\_\ ~~~ (_) | | .' `'"'|`'--.__.^.__.--'`|'"'` \ / `,..---'"'---..,' :--..___..--: TO INFINITY... \ / |`. .'| AND BEYOND! | :___: | | | | | | | | | |.-.| |.-.| |`-'| |`-'| | | | | / | | \ |_____| |_____| ':---:-'-:---:' / | | \ jgs /.---.| |.---.\ `.____; :____.' Charlie, 12, is over 6 feet tall and already wears a size 12 shoe. Their class had a pool party and the teacher actually taught Charlie to swim. Anna was relating this on the phone to a classmate who had been absent and she said, "It's kind of funny that he didn't know how to swim since he has built-in flippers." -- Debbi Armstrong (mother of Anna) of Orlando, Florida Kara, 8, spent the night at her grandparents' house. In the morning their "Nana" asked Kara if she slept well and Kara replied, "Yeah, I did because you sounded like a fan (from her snoring)!" -- Tausha Mason (mother of Kara and Hannah) of Kendallville, Indiana Here's another one from Tausha. The other day Tausha was frying some fish and before she knew it the kitchen had filled up with smoke. Hannah, 4, walked into the kitchen and yelled, "HEY, EVERYBODY... WE NEED TO DROP AND CRAWL...THERE'S SMOKE IN THE KITCHEN!" .-"'"-. | | (`-._____.-') .. `-._____.-' .. .', :./'.== ==.`\.: ,`. : ( : ___ ___ : ) ; '._.: |0| |0| :._.' / `-'_`-' \ _.| / \ |._ .'.-| ( ) |-.`. //' | .-"`"`-'"`"-. | `\\ || | `~":-...-:"~` | || || \. `---' ./ || || '-._ _.-' || / \ _/ `~:~` \_ / \ ||||\) .-' / \ `-. (/|||| \||| (`.___.')-(`.___.') |||/ '"' jgs `-----' `-----' '"' On waking up the morning of his 5th birthday Logan looked himself up and down and said, "I don't look any different for being 5." -- Pat Bush (Logan's daycare provider) of Colorado Springs, Colorado Joe, 4, had been riding a bicycle without training wheels for a while and he wanted more excitement. So he hopped on his older brother's bicycle. That adventure resulted in a broken leg. Due to the size of his cast, he had difficulty going to the bathroom. A friend who is a nurse suggested Joe use a urinal. His mother explained the urinal to him. They next day Joe, who was getting used to being waited on hand and foot, called to his mom, "Mom, I need to use the FUNERAL!" -- Nancy Crager ("Nana") of Corunna, Indiana Dillon was watching his mother nurse his younger sibling. He sidled up to her and quietly asked, "Is dat pop in dere?" His mom told him, no, it was milk. He stood for a couple minutes longer, thinking and then asked her again, "Is dah other one chocolate?" -- Donna M. Johnson (neighbor of Dillon's family) of Ashby, Minnesota .--. | | ______________ || .-"______________"-. ." ." ". ". / / __________ |\ \ | | .-'__ _ _ _ _'-.||| | | |.' /__/_/_/_/_/ '.| | | || _____________ || | | ;|__________________|; | '--|o .--------------. o|--' (| | .-. .-. | |) | | ( ())( ()) | | / | '-' '-' | \ | '--------------' | | ,_ /\ _, | | |=="'--------'"==| | | |================| | | \==============/ | jgs | `-.________.-` | `-.__________________.-' /)))))/' ___ `\ (( / .-------' | :. \ \)))>-=<| ===) | ::------' '-------._|_:' Brooke, 3, was excited because she was going to her grandmother's house after her baby cousin's baptism. She told her grandmother they were going to church "because Delaney is going to get appetized!" -- Bev Goshorn (grandmother of Brooke) of Shelby, Iowa ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) . ... :``..': : ````.' :''::' ..:.. : .'' : ``. `: .' : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :..''''``::. : ...:..' .'' .' .' .::::' :..'''``::::::: `:::: `::. `:: :::. ..:.:.::'`. ::'`. . : : . ..' `:.: :: :' .: .: .:``::: : .: :: .: ..'' :::.' :': : : .'' .:: : : ' : .'`:: :: :: :: :: :: :: Normand Veilleux >I Am Learning Lord (Author Unknown) My life has taken many falls and tumbles 'long the way. The many trials have left me in a sure state of dismay, For with each trial, I tried alone to tend, and soothe, and mend, Instead of giving them to God - and on Him just depend... But I am learning, Lord. It seems that I was determined to carry all the load; I longed for smoother pathways yet I walked a rocky road. Little did I understand - God waited patiently To pave a new beginning With a better life for me... But I am learning, Lord. It took a real disaster to bring me to my knees; To finally call upon the Lord and say, "God help me, please." He can, with no delaying, with strong arms that could hold - The weight of all my burdens; He gladly took the load. And I am learning, Lord. What a needless cross I carried, all because I could not see - What a friend I have in Jesus, and the love He has for me. Peace I find when troubles hover, though' the outcome is unknown, For if yet the road is rocky, I won't walk it all alone... For I am learning, Lord --- ...Most precious! Thanks LouiseA! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. 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? 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