Blue Ribbons ... :) 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 or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ __ _-==-=_,-. /--`' \_@-@.--< `--'\ \ <___/. The wonderful thing about Tiggers, \ \\ " / is Tiggers are wonderful things. >=\\_/`< Their tops are made out of rubber, ____ /= | \_/ their bottoms are made out of springs. _' `\ _/=== \__/ They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy, `___/ //\./=/~\====\ Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. \ // / | ===: But the most wonderful thing about Tiggers is, | ._/_,__|_ ==: __ I'm the only one. \/ \\ \\`--| / \\ | _ \\: /==:-\ `.__' `-____/ |--|==: \ \ ===\ :==:`-' _> \ ===\ /==/ /==\ | ===\__/--/ <=== \ / ====\ \\/ _`-- \/ === \/--' | \ ==== | -`------/`--' / \___-' unknown >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) I have some great news! We have a new Shangrala Angel! Yes! Praise God! Pennee Mill from Manchester, WA stepped up to the plate to help the site! Terrific! Her name has been added to our Angel List on all our most popular web pages! May God Bless her More than Abundantly for her sweet generosity! >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel too? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2009 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR ABUNDANT GIFT! ============================================================ >Back on Two Wheels Story Editor: by Carol Joyce Schowalter Washington, USA In 2005 the man I was going to marry was killed on his motorcycle, by a driver who ran a stop sign while impaired by prescription drugs. Even though I still miss him terribly, his death did not stop me from riding motorcycles. In June 2006 I signed up for a bluegrass music camp in Tennessee. I sent my guitar FedEx, then hopped on my motorcycle and headed east from Olympia, Washington. The trip combined adventure and doing something my sweetie would have liked. After a week at the camp, I rode to Connecticut to visit friends and my sweetie's family. At my friends' place I had a great time having the kids beat me at various games, putting together puzzles, running in the woods, and soaking up the joys of family life. After a side trip into the Maritimes and new tires, it was time to head home. I took the scenic route north of the Great Lakes and down into Minnesota. I visited more friends and stopped by the little town in southwest Minnesota where my grandmother had grown up. I'd never been there before. Then I headed for Fargo, North Dakota for the night, having been away from home five weeks. I missed my kitties and just wanted to be home. Early the next morning I loaded the bike to hit the road. Just after leaving the hotel I came to a large intersection, stopped, looked for traffic, and began to turn right. As I started, I saw a sign "no right turn on red". I immediately stopped, but since I'd already started my turn, I wasn't really prepared to stop. The bike was leaned a bit right for the turn, and before I could stop it, it went over. I didn't know what to do, but I couldn't pick it up. It's a big bike, a BMW R1200GS. I unloaded the duffel bag and the side case I could reach. Then I just stood there looking at it, trying to figure out how to pick it up. I've had several back and shoulder surgeries, and those injuries are limiting. Two men hurried toward me. They were from a parked van that I hadn't even seen pass by. They came over and picked up my bike. I hovered around repeating "Thank you! Thank you!" Without saying a word they left. I moved the bike over to the side of the road and loaded up. I was back on two wheels! I made it home in two days, thanks to those two silent, nameless men who took a few minutes out of their busy day to help a biker chick in distress. I'm still paying forward their kindness of that day. To them it probably wasn't a big deal, but it was an act that will forever stay with me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->Forget Me Not Days® :o ~ $r 4% n$$ '!!!MR '!!X!! !!!X '!!! `!!! `!~ !!~ Is coming this weekend to neighborhoods all across America as volunteers hit the streets to spread awareness about Alzheimer's. Now in its seventh consecutive year, Forget Me Not Days® has raised more than $1.4 million in the fight against Alzheimer's through corner collections and corporate donations. Spread the word by telling your family and friends to be on the lookout in their own community. Or, you can be a part of Forget Me Not Days® virtually and plant a seed of hope online today! http://act.alz.org/site/R?i=SrYru09Vg5Y1dccpJ10avQ.. ======================================================= >-->From SermondFodder: >THE LAWS OF ULTIMATE REALITY Murphy's Law ADDENDUM Law of Mechanical Repair After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee. Law of Gravity Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner. Law of Probability The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act. Law of Random Numbers If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers Law of the Alibi If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire. Variation Law If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time) Law of the Bath When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings. Law of Close Encounters The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with. Law of the Result When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will. Law of Biomechanics The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach. Law of The Theatre At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last. The Starbucks Law As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold. Murphy's Law of Lockers If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers. Law of Physical Surfaces The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug. Law of Logical Argument Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about. Brown's Law of Physical Appearance If the shoe fits, it's ugly. Oliver 's Law of Public Speaking A closed mouth gathers no feet. Wilson 's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it. Doctors' Law If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. Don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick. >From (I Think) My pal Doug Viar. -<>- ,.,. ((((^)) d e_# b \._./ ,---i`-'i---. / | `-' | \ |__| |__| \ | | | \ \______ | | \/ ) \|| \ |- | |'//\ |___|___| | | | ( | ) {_ |__| (__|__} _>= | =<_ hjw (__._|_.__) >What Do Answers Look Like? Philippians 4:19 You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. (MSG) What Do Answers Look Like? Every year, we stay with some of our grandchildren while the parents go on a vacation. Last year, one little grandson prayed every night that a certain toy would be in the store. He longed for this toy; he dreamed about this toy; it was high on his "want" list. He had received permission from his parents, before they left, to buy it. Towards the end of the week, we went shopping, but the desired toy was not there. He kept praying, bless his little heart. The faith of a child! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Never stop praying. (GWT) A couple of days later, we went to the store once again. He was anticipating seeing the toy and buying it with his own hard-earned money. How disappointed he was, when once again, it wasn't there! That night, as I tucked him into bed, we talked about how he had prayed every night that the toy would be available, and yet, it wasn't there. It seemed that God hadn't answered his prayer. With disappointment written all over his face that night, I asked our grandson if God had answered his prayer. He immediately said, "No!" I suggested to him that God did answer, but the answer wasn't "Yes"; it was "No", or possibly "No, wait a while". His face just lit up. I knew he understood. What a valuable lesson this is to learn while we are young. Often, we expect God to grant us every request we send His way. And yet, He knows it might not be good for us, or the timing isn't quite right. We don't see anything beyond today, but God sees the whole picture, and isn't that a good thing? Let's learn the lessons here. Let's pray without ceasing. Let's trust God with the answers He gives us. Let's trust that He knows what is best for us. Let's trust that God will give us all of our needs! Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an impatient people we are! We want instant gratification in all areas of our lives. Forgive us when we don't trust You. Forgive us when we are angry that You haven't met our expectations. Forgive us for trying to put You in the box that we want You to fit in. Thank You for withholding the things that aren't for our good. Help us to trust You during those times. Amen. By Judy Miller gjmiller@telusplanet.net Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada ================================================================ >-->From CupO'Cheer: . , |`. ,'| \_`-._ _,-'_/ ./ \-._`-._ _,-'_,-/ \, \._/._ `._>`-.__ __,-'<_,' _,\_,/ /_ \_.`-._\_-._ `--__ __--' _,-_/_,-',_/ _\ /._`\_./ _`_./`.-._ `-. ,-' _,-,'\,_'_ \,_/'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./ _/`\_ `. ,' _/'\_ \,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /._`/ _/ _`_./` _/ `\_ `\_ _/' _/' \_ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./` __/ >. `-.,-' ,< \__ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /_`/._/._`_./` __.`.-\_.-`'-._/-,',__ '\,_'_,\_,\'_\ `\._`_./`\._/_/' _ `\_\_,/'\,_'_,/' /_\ \./ __/(__ / `--' \ / _ _ \ \'| |`/ \|____|/ \/ -] \/ / | \ | | | | | \ / | \ \__,-`\___/ (_) |__) mic >DON'T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY 'For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune.' Ecclesiastes 2:21 NIV We're often told to 'build a good life for ourselves'; to 'look out for number one'. to get good qualifications, a good career, a house, a car, get married, have kids, have holidays abroad, nice clothes, lots of money. But at the end of the day, we're all going to die and then what? What was the point of living like that? It all seems pretty pointless don't you think? Jesus warns us against living such pointless lives, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6: 19-21 NIV) God doesn't want us to build our lives getting things that we can't take to heaven with us, or doing things that will mean nothing in heaven. He doesn't want you to live a pointless life. So when you're thinking about what to do with your time, your money, your life. Ask yourself this, will it make a difference in the light of eternity? You only have one life to invest in the eternity to come. Don't not miss the opportunity. Today make sure that what will be most important to you five minutes after you die, become the most important to you now. As seen in word4u2day www.word4U2day.com.au word4U2day@word4U2day.com.au -<>- .-"''-. _ .' `( \ @/ ') ,--,__,-" / / \ / / _/ __| , |/ / .~ `\ / \ , | / .~ `\ ` / _/ _/ .~ `\ ~~`__/ / ~ `--'/ / / / / /' /jgs >WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING by Tara Simms While you were sleeping, I sat by your bed. I watched you as you smiled through your dreams. I traced your perfect shell ear, Touched every curl On your little head. I tried to sleep But the sound of your breathing Drew me back to your room. I couldn't resist The magic which tugged At my heartstrings And brought me to your side. I settled on the floor Once again. Back against the wall, Holding your tiny hand in mine. While you were sleeping I fell in love with you all over again. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com ====================================================== >-->From our Friend Jo Ann :) >Bank Account: I added this photo to our group pics - you can see it here: http://tinyurl.com/qy8pjy --- ...Sweet! Thank You Jo Ann! -<>- - . _+ - . @=, .+ . - p "} - . + /_/T>\ + - See Elvis Play! . /`~~||/ . + ./ //\\ - . - ` \\ \\ . - . ~` ~` _ + elvis by tissue >TIP: E-mail Tracking? Advice from Snopes.com - Very important! 1) Any time you see an E-Mail that says 'forward this on to '10' (or however many) of your friends, sign this petition, or you'll get bad luck, good luck, you'll see something funny on your screen after you send it, or whatever, it almost always SPAM - A FAKE - A LIE - A HOAX! They May Say... You can receive any of the following rewards from various companies by simply forwarding an e-mail message to your friends: Cash from Microsoft Free merchandise from Nike Free trip for two to Walt Disney World or $5,000 cash from Disney Free clothing from the GAP Free computers from IBM $25 gift certificates from Abercrombie & Fitch $25 gift certificates from Old Navy $50 gift certificates from J. Crew Free cases of M&Ms from Mars $25 gift certificates from Outback Steakhouse Free cars from Honda $50 gift certificates from Bath & Body Works Free CDs from Columbia House Free cases of soda from Coca-Cola Cash from AOL Time Warner Cash from EMI Free cell phones from Nokia Free cell phones from Ericsson $50 gift certificates from Victoria's Secret Cash from the Newell Cash from RH Power $50 gift certificates from Cracker Barrel Free champagne from Veuve-Clicquot $50 gift certificates from Applebee's Cash from Bill Gates vouchers from Sainsbury's PlayStation consoles from Sony Air travel from Air Lines Free laptop computers from Ericsson Free merchandise vouchers from Marks & Spencer DON'T YOU BELIEVE IT!! First and foremost, e-mail tracking programs do not exist. That folks continue to fall for myriad varieties of these leg-pulls is in part attributable to netizens having caught so many references to these non-existent programs that the new hoax is able to continue building on an already partially-constructed platform of belief. (As with every other technological issue, the statement "e-mail tracking programs do not exist" becomes less and less true every day. It is possible in some cases to determine who has read a particular mail message, but there is no method of doing so that will work with all the myriad of e-mail programs out there or keep track of who forwarded the message to whom.) Once again, e-mail tracing programs do not exist. Any "get something free" come-on or "help a sick kid" appeal which specifies an invisible program is keeping track of who received an e-mail and who it was then sent to is a hoax. Any such note. No exceptions. Not even ones not yet listed on this page. Likewise, missives which offer no explanation of how e-mails are being tallied are also hoaxes. Unless you are e-mailing a copy to a central tabulating point every time something is forwarded on, nothing is being counted, traced, tracked, or any other verb that would result in you getting free cargo pants from the GAP or inspiring an unnamed millionaire to donate just a little bit more towards the care of an injured child. Don't be fooled! Vicit here for full details: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/nothing/billgate.asp --- ...Thanks Jo Ann! We need to clean up our email clutter! -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Letting Go To let go doesn't mean to stop caring; it means I can´t do it for someone else. To let go is not to cut myself off; it's the realization that I can´t control another. To let go is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences. To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands. To let go is not to try to change or blame another; I can change only myself. To let go is not to care for, but to care about. To let go is not to fix, but to be supportive. To let go is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being. To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own outcomes. To let go is not to be protective; it is to permit another to face reality. To let go is not to deny, but to accept. To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to take each day as it comes and to cherish the moment. To let go is not to nag, scold, or argue, but to search out my own shortcomings and to correct them. To let go is not to criticize and regulate anyone, but to try to become what I dream I can be. To let go is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future. To let go is to fear less and love more. These are the instructions on how to let go... Perhaps it is letting go of a rebellious child, or a burden of sorrow; losing a loved one, or learning to live with a heartache which we just cannot let go of. Read this over... STUDY IT... PRAY OVER IT... and you will find that letting go of your load will release a peace within you which will allow your spirit to soar... to be free... to completely give it to God... and let a work be done within you where the need is anyway. Treasure your failures, because they will lead you to success. Each negative result gets you closer and closer to the ultimate goal. If you're not failing, you´re not getting anything done. Failure is nothing to be ashamed of, but rather something to learn from. Often you can learn more from undesired results, than you can from something which works the way you planned. To be a winner, you´ve got to keep stepping up to bat. Even if you struck out the last time, and the time before that. To each new attempt you bring more experience, more knowledge, more determination. With each failure you greatly increase your chances of winning. It would be a shame to stop just short of your goal. Every day you're getting better and better. With each attempt you learn, and become more effective. The prize is closer than you think. You're becoming a winner. Keep it up for as long as it takes. --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...Thank You Jo Ann! We often say - Let Go And Let God - this helps to explain what is meant by this. I also like the bible verse... 'Casting all your care upon him (God) becasue he (God) careth for you' 1 Peter 5:7 Webster says casting means - anything thrown off, or ejected. If you cast something off from yourself such as your cares, that means you don't have it any more. It is thrown off or ejected from you. You are not to think about it or worry about it any more because it is no longer yours. You've given it to God to take care of. You see? Let Go And Let God - cast your cares upon God - they become God's cares and are no longer your cares. Why would God want to do this for you? Because God cares for you! He wants you healthy and happy, not sick and troubled with worries and cares. Isn't God good? That's what love is all about. That's our God and Father. See Also: AVENGE NOT YOURSELVES Romans 12: 19 – Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. The smart man walks away from the temptation to seek revenge. LET GOD DO HIS JOB and do not interfere. http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/avengenotyourselves.html TRUST IN THE LORD Proverbs 3: 5, 6 -- Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. This verse is the best place to start when we want to study the benefits of trusting in God. We are exhorted to trust in the Lord with all our heart. We don't reserve a little bit of it to trusting in something else. We are not to look to our senses or to our intellect for support, but only to God. If (a condition) we acknowledge God in everything we do, He will direct our paths. http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/trustinthelord.html THE RENEWED MIND! God wants you to love Him and act according to what He says in the Bible out of your own free will. This process of changing your thinking AND ACTIONS to line up with the Word of God is called the RENEWED MIND. Why do Christians need to renew their mind to God's Word? Because many are: 1) weak, 2) poor, 3) sick, 4) striving, 5) uncertain, 6) full of fear, 7) factious, 8) undisciplined, and 9) undedicated. http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/renewedmind.html ================================================================= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: .::::. .::::::::. |' `| |\ /| | \ / | \ \ / / \ \/ / \ \ / God's Business at 35,000 Feet [Blue Ribbons] \ \ / \ \ / /\ \ / / \ \ | / \ | |/ \| ' ' unknown I sat in my seat on a cross country flight. As always, I was buried deep in my work in order to distract myself from the boring drone of the engines and to take me mentally away from the mundane nature of yet another air plane trip. As I sat there I could not help but over-hear the conversation taking place behind me between a father and his son. What a beautiful exchange. The father was explaining the wing of the aircraft and the physics of lift. The conversation continued for almost the entire flight. What struck me was not the content of the conversation but the fact that this father was actively participating in the experience of life with his son. What a beautiful relationship and expression of a fathers love. Moreover, the distinction within me, that such a conversation was an exception and not the rule. I was moved by the love in the fathers voice and the excitement in the voice of his son as they shared and exchanged the learning opportunity of this travel experience. I buried myself in my work and continued to my destination. The conference that weekend was wonderful, and I found it necessary to cancel my return flight and spend an extra night providing mentoring for one of the conference participants. Monday morning found me once again settling in, preparing for yet another cross country flight to my next conference. As I placed my bag in the overhead compartment I glanced behind me and low and behold, a few rows back sat the same father and son duo. At that point I experienced that inner twinge, that prompt of the innate, that this was not just a coincidental happenstance. Once airborne and in a position to "move about the cabin" I took three Blue Ribbons from my briefcase and introduced myself to the father and his son. I explained how I had been sitting in front of them on the previous Thursday, and how moved I was by the love and obvious connectivity between a father and a son. I acknowledged the father for his attentive and loving leadership and dedication to his son. I then presented him with a Blue Ribbon and gave him two more and encouraged him to pass on this acknowledgement to two others who made a difference in his life. A part of me wanted to acknowledge his son as well, yet that inner prompting within, told me no. I returned to my seat and 'hunkered down' for the remainder of the flight. A few minutes later, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. I looked up from my laptop to see the brimming face of the young boy whose father I had acknowledged. He stood there before me wearing a Blue Ribbon placed proudly over his heart. His eyes were moist yet the beam on his face told me that the moisture was representative of an expression of joy and happiness. "Mr." he asked, "do you have any more of those Blue Ribbons? You see, my dad gave me a Blue Ribbon and told me how much he loved me and how proud he is of me. He told me how brave I am and how much I mean to him and how my being with him has made him strong. Then he gave me this Blue Ribbon." He pointed proudly to his heart and his Blue Ribbon. "Then he gave me the other Ribbon," he said, "and told me to give it to someone who has made a difference in my life." "Well Mr." he continued, "you see back there in the seats in front of my dad, the lady and the girl next to her? That's my mom and my sister. You see, a while back my dad and my mom decided to separate and were thinking about getting a divorce. My mom and sister went to live with my grandma and grandpa, and me and my dad stayed back home. We came out here last week to ask my mom to come home and see if we can make our family "work" again." "They said yes, and now we are going back home together as a family." "You see Mr., I only have one Blue Ribbon left to give away. I can't decide if I should give it to my mom or my sister. I have missed them so much, and I am so happy that they are coming back home with us. I sure would like to give them both a Blue Ribbon. Do you have one more?" I could hardly contain my tears. I reached into my brief case and took out the remainder of the package of 100 Blue Ribbons I had with me. I handed them to the young man and asked him to make sure that he made sure to spread his love to all those who made a difference to him. He graciously accepted these ribbons and returned to acknowledge his mother and sister. A little while later as I glanced up from my work, I noticed the flight attendant moving past me, with a Blue Ribbon placed over her heart and saw protruding from the pocket of her uniform vest, two more Blue Ribbons. I knew then that the rest of the Ribbons were in good hands. As I turned around to find the young boy, I discovered him sitting between his father and his mother and his little sister sitting on daddy's lap. All of them were wearing Blue Ribbons. As our eyes met, there was a most loving and gracious nod of love and appreciation. The enigmatic nature of this simple Blue Ribbon, once again promoting love and all that is pure and wonderful. At that point I realized that the success of the conference wasn't the only Business God had planned for this trip. Thank you for prompting me to once again recognize the depth of gratitude I feel for all that is loving and wonderful in my life. Mary Robinson Reynolds Founder of Heart Productions & Publishing -<>- ,,-,-.,-. ,-. ,,-. ,-,-. ,-.-. ,-.. ,-. ,-.,-.-.. (( ( ( ( '( ' ( ' ) ' )' ) ) ) )) \\ \ \ \ \ ,\ /. / / / / // \\ \ /\ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ /\ / // gpyy'' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '' >Love Lessons From a Mother's Heart By Lorraine V. Murray I remember my first clumsy efforts at cutting hearts from red paper to create a valentine for the person I loved most in the world, my mom. No matter how crooked the edges, she always praised my efforts as if they were priceless pieces of artwork. Although my mom died over 20 years ago, each Valentine's Day I recall all the lessons about love that she taught me. When I was an infant, my mother revealed her soul of tenderness, as I perched in the bathroom sink and she ran a soapy washcloth over my tiny body, all the while telling me stories and singing to me. In elementary school, she told me it was all right to be different, and I really needed to hear those words because I didn't fit in anywhere. I was a fat, awkward little girl and always the last chosen for teams. While other girls boasted of boyfriends who slipped them valentines, my mailbox was conspicuously empty. In high school, when all my friends were spinning elaborate fantasies about the senior prom, I was heartbroken because I didn't have a date. I remember standing on the front steps with my mom, a big Miami moon smiling down at us, as I confessed my certainty that no man would ever love me. And I remember the way she took me in her arms and assured me that sweethearts would come in time. She taught me that you stick by the people you love, no matter what. My dad had a gambling problem, and the money he earned as a cabdriver had a way of slipping through his fingers at the racetrack. In the days before gambling was recognized as an addiction, my mom simply did what had to be done. She got a job to keep the family financial ship afloat, but she never pointed an accusing finger at my dad. I learned from my mom that people you love sometimes are so vexing that you have to take dramatic measures to get them to toe the line. When my sister and I were toddlers, we sometimes were so rambunctious that my mom would quietly pack a small suitcase, climb into Annabelle, our old black Chrysler, and drive around the block a few times, leaving my dad to contend with the chaos. We always knew she would return, but the gesture shook us back into obedience. My mom taught me that love is deeper than blood. She cherished her best friend, whom we called Aunt Madeline, with the same fervor she bestowed on her two sisters. That lesson rings in my heart today, when my best friend's little children, who call me Aunt Lorraine, reach for my hand as we cross the street. She also taught me that love transcends time. I remember walking into the kitchen one morning and seeing her weeping as she was making a batch of cookies from her mother's recipe. When she told me the tears were for her mom, I was at first baffled. Her mother had died 25 years earlier, and it took me a while to understand that the bond between mother and child is eternal, and whether a child is 10 or 50, memories of mom always tug at the heart. One memory is engraved on my soul forever. I see myself pulling out of the driveway of her Fort Lauderdale home, heading back to college, and there she is, standing in the driveway in one of those flowery cotton shifts and waving, until my car disappears from her view. More than anything, though, my mom taught me about compassion. When she was in the final stages of cancer, I rushed home from college to see her at the hospital. When she noticed that I was coughing and sneezing, she pressed her lips to my forehead in a way that was infinitely familiar and declared weakly that I had a fever. I wanted to stay with her in the hospital, but she insisted that my dad take me home so I could get a good night's sleep. For the rest of my life I will remember that on the night she died, my mother's deepest concern was for me. I still miss her, especially on Valentine's Day, but I believe she's in heaven, and I believe it's a blissful place where she can peek into my life now and again and nudge me gently in the right direction. And this Valentine's Day, I will give my mom the most precious thing I have, the same gift I gave her as a child. I will give her my heart. -<>- !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ >MOTHER'S PRAYER Lord, for my children I would pray That they may seek Thee every day Through life, with all its storms and stress Its sorrows, grief and bitterness. In disappointments fly to Thee For comfort, strength and sympathy. And never find a truer friend, But love and serve Thee to the end. That they may take Thee as their Guide, To lead them all the way beside; Their Counsellor when troubled o'er The many problems at youth's door. If overwhelmed by dark despair, Oh teach them how through faith and prayer To crush this subtle devil's snare And rest within Thy loving care. For them no dizzy heights of fame I crave, nor great and worldly gain, In humble service let them aim To spread the honor of Thy name. That in this dark world may they shine Their lives reflect Love Divine Their object now their pleasure then, Obedience to Thy will. Amen. -- Author Unknown -<>- Links for Your Enjoyment Copperfield Hans Betsy http://www.buffaloschips.com/12w3.htm Costa Rica Vacation http://www.buffaloschips.com/12qa.htm Cowboy http://www.buffaloschips.com/12we.htm Crabz http://www.buffaloschips.com/12ere.htm Cyril takaya Matrix http://www.buffaloschips.com/12sd.htm Small Thoughts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smallthoughts.html Three Wishes http://www.buffaloschips.com/tkjkj.htm Bessie http://www.buffaloschips.com/tkhhj.htm Snickers http://www.buffaloschips.com/tjhkjl.htm 9 People http://www.buffaloschips.com/tghhgh.htm Big Mac http://www.buffaloschips.com/thdkssl.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ============================================================== >-->From Laugh&Lift: The Lift , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Who's Your Boss? (By Rich Cathers) [Edited] "You ain't the boss of me!" Sound familiar? I think that most of us aren't real thrilled when someone else is in the position of authority over us. And if we're stuck in a place where we have to have a boss, we sometimes wish we could get a new one. In Samuel's day, the people were beginning to get itchy for a change. Samuel had been the main spokesperson for God and followed the Lord closely. But as Samuel got older, the people weren't so hot on the idea of Samuel's sons taking over. So they came to Samuel and asked for a king. Samuel was a bit upset. Samuel felt like he was being rejected. He went to God with the situation. And the LORD said to Samuel, "Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them" (1 Sam 8:7). Here's the deal. God is the one who sets up authority. Paul wrote, "For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God" (Rom 13:1). When I get to a place in my life that I'm not real happy with those in authority over me, I need to tread carefully. What if God was the one who put this person over me? Do I want to be in a place where I'm fighting against the thing that God has for me? What if God is trying to teach me a lesson through this evil boss of mine? Am I willing to face the possibility that I don't want God ruling over me? We need to be submitted to God and to those that God puts in places of authority over us. SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...RESENTMENT OF DISCIPLINE http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/resentmentofdiscipline.html =================================================================== Who knows what goodness lurks in the hearts of men? __ (_.J | L.--. @@@@@@@@// J ) - . q@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@//`L-' J " - . q@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@// ,' _____eeeeeeeeep " - q@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@//=`-.--'' / /d888p : q@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@//@@! / Bible //88p . =@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@//@@@ / //8p . =@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@\\@@! /_______//p . =@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@\\@ L______L/ . =@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@\\ . _=@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@\\ . _=@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@! \\ . _=@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ kth =======||==================================================== =======||==================================================== L_/ >THE SHADOW KNOWS by Ron Gold (reprinted by permission) "Come on, Ron, you can do better than that," Dick yelled as he burst through the door and snapped the lights on in our off-campus apartment. This same scene played out almost every Sunday at five. I'd listen to "The Shadow" on the radio with the room lights turned off so I could watch my Shadow ring glow through the darkness. "You know how it's going to end. There's a criminal loose. Margo Lane and Lamont Cranstorn chase him. But he corners them. Lamont becomes the Shadow, hypnotizes the crook so the bad guy can't see him. The good guys win and it's tune in next week for another same story with different villains. The weed of crime bears bitter fruit." "But you don't understand, Richard," I said. "This is not another joke. There's more to it. It's more profound." Dick laughed. Dick Handler never let up on his "you can do better" or "you can get more" attitude, which made him a superb editor at our college newspaper and, later, at The Hartford Courant, the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in America. Because Dick had a good eye for byline names, he changed mine. He hated "Ronnie". "Not virile enough. Sounds like a sissy show-tune singer". So he dubbed me "Ron", the name I've chosen to use ever since. A year or two after my graduation from the University of Bridgeport, I received a phone call from Dick. "Lamont," he said, "I'm getting ready to tie the knot. You'll be my best man! We're being married up in Carole's home town, Gloucester, Mass. this summer." "You could have picked a better time," I told him, commenting on the heavy summer humidity in the fishing town. "And you could have picked a much more fragrant city. But you couldn't pick a better wife than Carole. She's a charmer and she's got a good head on her shoulders." Dick said, "Thank you, but you could have said it better -- without the cliche. Carole deserves more than hackneyed imagery from you." One of my best man assignments was to buy milk shakes for the bridal party. New Englanders believe milk shakes ward off hangovers. I ambled up to the drug store's soda fountain in my formal white dinner jacket. Sweaty men and women stared as I ordered. "You must be going to a wedding," one female customer said. "Yes. At the Jewish temple." "I've never been to a Jewish wedding," a second girl said. "Then come on over. I'll see you there." After saying their vows, Carole and Dick walked up the aisle. "Who are those two girls in t-shirts, Levis and tears?" Carole asked. "I don't know, "Dick responded. "Probably some girls Ron picked up in town." Life went on. We wrote and telephoned each other often. And Dick and Carole visited me in New Jersey each time they drove to Florida. Six years ago, I called Dick from my hospital room. Dick sounded cheerful. "How 'ya doin', Lamont?" "To tell you the truth, Dick, I just lost my leg. Went through a below the knee amputation. Nothin' to laugh about." "Lost your leg? That's tough. But I can do better than that. I've got cancer -- stomach, liver and esophagus. I start chemo Monday. They gave me six months. I'll do well. I've got Carole and my boys. I just want a good quality of life." He got his wish. He retired from The Courant and became a gardening freak. He and Carole followed the UConn Huskies basketball team. They also developed a fondness for Scottish Highland Games and local Indian Pow-wows. Less than a year later, Carole phoned. "Lamont," she said, "he has very little time left." Knowing I couldn't drive to Waterbury, I wrote my dying friend: Dear Dick, You have been up front in my mind and in the forefront of my meditations and prayers. For more than forty years we have gone our separate ways, and we always managed to keep in touch. We knew what we both were doing. We care about each other. I remember the image of Lamont Cranston I gave you. The Shadow is still my hero -- the man who could make himself invisible at will. Now, with your cancer, you are Lamont Cranston. You won't have to be seen to remain effective. What you have done in your life, and with your life, will be seen and felt and treasured by your future generations. You have been wonderful, and wonderfully blessed. I love you and I will miss you. God bless you. "Ron" -- Ron Gold ___________________________________________ Ron lives in West Orange, New Jersey. He enjoys writing inspirational stories, mostly about his youth. He is the creative director for two major motivational agencies. You can reach him by clicking here: mailto:outthinkresumes@aol.com =======HeartWarming========= >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DDARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. 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