Christmas Prayer And More... :) 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 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! ================ >-->3 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) .\/. >><><< '/\' /`x.`\ /;<> @ \ /& `';;;_\ |./ * O (_)| \ o .--. ! / .;`-'(_) '-`'. /_`;;, x <>* \ /(_) `';;;;,,_,;\ | !/ ^ & `(_) | \^ @/`\ . !/`\ O/ .'`-' + '--' _ '-`'. /;;<> !_ o (_) + . \ / `';;(_) . _x \ | _' & `';;;, O ^ (_),;| |(_) / ' * `'';;;;'` | \ /`\<> /``\ @ /`\ !/ .'`-' x '--' . '--'_. '-`'. /;;;,, O . _ + (_) . * \ /! `';;;;,, (_) ^ & <>,;;\ | @ (_)''';;;;,, o ,,;;;''` x| | * o ' _ `';;;'` O (_) | | _ + . ^ (_) .o _' . + | \ (_) __ & __. (_) __ ! @ / jgs '._.'` `'._.;;;;;;._.'` `'._.' These hot new pages come from our friends Linda, Melody, PatDeE, Karen, and Geniann. They've sent me so many awesome funny and cute forwards that I was able to make us 3 new pages from them! These are sure to put a smile on your face! Who doesn't love Maxine? She now has animated videos too! Be sure to check these out - a new one on each page! So much fun! Maxine On Christmas 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxinechristmas2.html Maxine On Christmas 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxinechristmas3.html Maxine On Christmas 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxinechristmas4.html --- ...These are hilarious! Thank you My Friends! =========================================================== >-->From Archives Heartwarmers: /`\ | ( | | | | | | .--'--. | | _.--""`````""--._ .'\/ \/ '. .' -|` `|- '. / ,_\| |/_, \ / # \ / \ ; # .-.._)---(_.--. ; | \_.-/ \-._/ | | | a a | | | \ /`\ | ; | | '. ; \ \0/\ '/`\ / \ |__.' / / '. / _.' .' '._ '---' _.' jgs '--.._____..--' >THE LADY'S HUG by Teri Goggin-Roberts The traffic in town crawled. Shoppers walked faster than the bumper-to-bumper cars could move. "Just a few more blocks," I muttered. There was so much to do and the heavy traffic was wasting precious time. Mapes was one-of-a-kind store that sold hardware, sewing notions, corny greeting cards and household goods. It'd been a fixture in town for decades. The kids loved the toy aisle, which was stocked with board games, puzzles and "must-have" items like silly putty, jump ropes and slinkys. This visit to Mapes had special significance because Christmas was just weeks away. Frankie, Sarah and Caitlin took the opportunity to verbally add things to their Christmas list as they went along. A school yard sage had informed them that Santa had super-duper ears and that writing letters to the North Pole was old-fashioned. After shopping we walked back to the car. A station wagon was double parked next to the car in front of me. Pulling out would be tricky. The space was tight, the traffic was thick and now, I had to maneuver around the double-parked car. The kids had gained energy from the toy aisle and the back seat chatter was escalating. As I pulled out I heard a loud crunch. The car was suddenly silent. In the rear view mirror, three sets of eyes were wide with fear. "It's okay," I said calmly. "I'm just going to take a look." I got out and winced when I saw the cracked taillight and scratched paint on the other car. "Just a few more inches and I would've been clear," I mumbled. Unbelievably, my Jeep was unscathed. A woman climbed out of the station wagon. She was in her mid-sixties, with a brown hat that matched her knee-length coat. She surveyed the damage. Before she could say anything I blurted out an apology. "I'm so sorry! I thought the car was clear! The kids..." The woman smiled. I stopped mid sentence. The smile was unexpected and so I waited, unsure what would happen next. The woman's grin broadened as she touched her cracked taillight. "Merry Christmas honey." My confused look made the woman laugh. "I said, Merry Christmas honey. Don't worry about this here car. I'm fine and so are you. Go on and take care of those children. My husband will take care of this." I suddenly noticed a gray haired man standing on the passenger side, nodding and smiling. Overcome with relief, I hugged the woman. The woman hugged back and whispered, "Merry Christmas sugar." I got back in the car and watched the station wagon pull away. After hearing what happened, the kids chattered about how great "the Lady" was. The rest of the day took on a glow of grace because she gave us the gift of kindness. I was sure, although I'd never know her name, I would never forget her radiant smile. Days passed and Christmas drew nearer. One afternoon, Frankie seemed troubled when he came home from school. "What's up?" I asked as Frankie slumped on the couch. "Nothin'." Which, in boy-speak meant something. Frankie's feet kicked in an up and down rhythm that kept his body busy while his 9 year-old mind worked on an unnamed problem. "Care to share?" I sat next to Frankie, carefully avoiding the scissor-chop movements of his snow boots. "Nope." Frankie's feet stopped. "Maybe later." And then he was off to play. At bedtime, Frankie didn't want to sing any songs, which he loved to do in the weeks before Christmas. Something was definitely up. I rubbed Frankie's head and asked, "Wanna talk about what's bothering you now?" Frankie shrugged, but seconds later a question bubbled up. It was one of THE questions parents face. In the category of questions like, "Why do people die?" and "Where do babies come from?" "Mommy, do you believe in Santa Claus?" I silently prayed for the right words. Seconds later I saw the Lady's brilliant smile and felt her kindness wash over me. An idea came. "What do you think?" Frankie shrugged. "Some kids at school said Santa wasn't real. They said parents put the gifts under the tree." "Are you asking me if there is a Santa, or if parents put the gifts under the tree?" Frankie hesitated. "I guess I'm asking both." I wrapped my arms around Frankie and gave him a big hug. "I am so proud of you!" "For what?" Frankie looked puzzled as he sat up against his headboard. "You're old enough now!" I moved closer and continued. "You see Frankie, while there isn't a man in a red suit, there is something called the Christmas Spirit. But when children are very little, it's hard for them to understand the Christmas Spirit so we say that someone named Santa is responsible for Christmas. Parent's know when a child asks whether Santa is real that they're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit." Frankie looked surprised. "What's the Christmas Spirit?" "The Christmas Spirit is love -- pure and simple. Every year, right around December, there's a special feeling in the air. People are kinder, they give to those who have little and spend time with friends and family. Have you noticed a change recently?" Frankie thought for a moment. "Everything seems prettier. People seem happier." "That's the Christmas Spirit at work. Do you remember the Lady at Mapes a few weeks ago?" Frankie nodded and grinned. "Oh yeah! She was so nice!" "She had the Christmas Spirit. She forgave me even though she didn't know me. She wished me a Merry Christmas and I can still feel that wish today. That's how I know she shared the Christmas Spirit with me. It's as real as if she'd given me a present with a pretty bow. The Christmas Spirit is a gift we all receive every year. And those who are most blessed, carry it with them all year." "I felt her Christmas Spirit too!" Frankie beamed. "Parents want their children to remember the gift of Christmas every year, so they put presents under the tree and say a man named Santa is responsible until each child asks the question you asked me tonight. Then they get to share the wonderful secret of the Christmas Spirit." "A secret?" Frankie's voice was hushed with awe. "Yes, now that you asked about Santa, I know that you're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit. But until other children ask their parents, you shouldn't tell them there's no Santa because they may not be old enough to understand yet." "Oh, like Sarah is too young." Frankie nodded and winked. "I won't tell her I promise." "When people ask if I believe in Santa, I say yes. I absolutely believe that there is a Christmas Spirit that visits each house at Christmas. Does it matter whether that Spirit is wearing a red suit? Or what we call it?" Frankie shook his head. "Nope!" "So congratulations! You are officially old enough to start learning about the Christmas Spirit." Frankie crinkled his nose. "Start learning?" "Yep. It takes the rest of your life to figure out how to keep the Christmas Spirit in your heart all year long." "Like the Lady at Mapes." I hugged Frankie and felt the warmth and brilliance of the Lady's hug once more. "Yes Bud, just like her." -- Teri Goggin-Roberts __________________________________________________ Teri says "This is a true story about the day my son learned 'the truth' about Santa. Frank is now 22 and Sarah is 18 and both are still big fans of Santa! I have shared this story with many friends over the years who faced being asked The Santa Question. I hope it helps you too!" ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jacinto :) _...._ .' _`;, _ / .-'` _.\/ \ / .` _.-'` C/ | ; .' _ _ \ \ \/ a _ a | )/'. Y .' /` \ >._ ^ _.< \__//` ````` `\ | /.:.:.:.\ | \ \:::::::/ / \ |:::::| / |\,,/:::::\,,/| ;:':':':':':':; | | ;.-._.-. | ( =(_)= ) | |'-/T\-' | | //`\\ | | ` ` | | | /. \ |:::. '. |::::. '. |:::::. .:\ \::::: .::::| '-::: .:::::/ jgs `-._ :::::' `-.__:::' Life is like a flowing river of opportunities...... It’s up to you to stand up with a bucket or with a spoon. Expectation from others.... can hurt many a times, BUT Expectation from your own self will inspire you many more times. L I S T E N & S I L E N T These 2 Powerful words have the same Alphabets. Only a WELL WISHER can Listen to you when you are Silent !! If you Stand for a Reason, Be prepared to stand like a Tree, If you fall on the ground, Fall as a Seed... that grows back ...To fight Again. Always put yourself in others shoes. If you feel, it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person too..... Be compassionate. When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others. --- ...Awww, so true! Thanks Jass! ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _.._ .::::::. ::' ':: ::. .:: `:(>()<):' , //\\ , , # / \ # , ___#_#______#_#___ [__________________] |=_/\ /\ /\ /\ =| |- \ \\ \\ \\ \_-| |=-(_/(_/(_/(_/_=| |_.------------.=| |=| o o |=| _|-| ! `( ! |-|_ /==_| ! _(_.)_ ! |=_-\ |jgs|/^\^=^^=^/^\| _=| >Precious Grandmother SOURCE: David Jeremiah, Acts of Love, Vision House, pp. 159-161. In Charles Colson's book, Loving God, he tells the story of an incredible 91-year-old woman, known affectionately as Grandma Howell. As she moved into the twilight of her life, she had more than one reason to let depression take over—to just give up and die. Her youngest son had died. Her oldest son was in declining health. Many of her friends were dying and she had begin to believe that she had nothing left to live for. One day she prayed with all of her heart and told the Lord that if He didn't have anything more for her to do, she was ready to die. According to Grandma Howell, God spoke three words: Write to prisoners. After arguing with the Lord about her lack of education and her age, Myrtle wrote her first letter: Dear Inmate, I am a grandmother who loves and cares for you who is in a place you had not plans to be. My love and sympathy goes out to you. I am willing to be a friend to you in correspondence. If you'd like to hear from me, write me. I will answer every letter you write. A Christian Friend, Grandmother Howell When the letter was sent to the Atlanta Penitentiary, the prison chaplain sent Myrtle the names of eight prison inmates. That was the beginning of an unbelievable ministry of encouragement. Over the next months, this elderly woman carried on an extensive written ministry with hundreds of incarcerated men and women—and all of it was done from her little room in a high-rise home for the aged in Columbus, Georgia. According to Colson, writing to the prisoners was only half of Myrtle's joy. They wrote back! And their letters were warm, rich epistles of gratitude. One inmate who signed her name "Grandmother Janice" wrote: Dear Grandmother, I received your letter, and it made me sad when you wrote that you think you may not be alive much longer. I thought I would wait and come to see you and then tell you all you have meant to me. But now I've changed my mind. I'm going to tell you now. You've given me all the love and concern and care that I've missed for years and my whole outlook on life has changed. You've made me realize that life is worth living and that it's not all bad. You claim it's all God's doing, but I think you deserve the credit. I didn't think I was capable of feeling love for anyone again, but I know I love you as my very own precious grandmother." SermonCentral.com. -<>- .... .::\:::. ::::)`\::: :::/ /::: ::| |::: ':\_/::' /`"'-:___ | _`\ | .-. ( \ ; , , , , \_) '--' | ( |\_.'/ )`-'\__,| \_)|\_/ .`(_ / `. (| _| . '_.-'` '--. `'. | (_)_' ( /.-. `\______(_)(_)`--' ` \/ jgs _). '-. '--._ _.-' . `) : ( `-. < ) . <'-. ' .-', _'._'. '-. '.-'` )'/ \/ \( `\( `; >"God Knows" When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts; God knows how hard you have tried. When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish; God has counted your tears. If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by; God is waiting with you. When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call; God is by your side. When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn; God has a solution. When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated; God has the answer. If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope; God has whispered to you. When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for; God has blessed you. When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe; God has smiled upon you. When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow; God has opened your eyes and called you by name. Remember that wherever you are or whatever you're facing; God Knows!! ~Author Unknown~ -<>- _..._ _..._ /\_|_/. .\_|_/\ |-(` \/\ /\/ `)-| '/_> \/\ /\/ <_/' _ \/\/\/ _ /'-:_\/\/_:-'\ | '=_/``\_=' | | .= \__/ =. | \_.-'/;|\'-._/ /\/|'||\/\ jgs /\/ / || \/\ /\/ |_/ | \/\ /\/ \_\ \/\ \/ \/ >Leadership by Example Mark Gibson, a former gymnastics coach who worked with many elite athletes, tells a wonderful story about a 15-year-old girl whose work ethic and attitude brought out the best in everyone. Cindy wasn’t a great gymnast, but when she was in the gym everyone complained less, worked harder, and achieved more. Cindy was a powerful motivator because she was blind. When it was her turn to do the vault, her mom would run alongside her telling her how close she was to it. When her mom said, “Vault!” Cindy would reach out and jump – trusting her mother and herself. Cindy loved the sport and kept improving because she and her mom refused to let the disability defeat her. Mark called her the most important member of the team, not because of her athletic ability but because of her heart and because she demonstrated a standard of fortitude and courage that inspired others to get more out of themselves. Everyone who watched her strive to be the best she could be realized how much more they could be. This is leadership by example. We see it not only in sports but in families and in the workplace. Often the most important members of a team are not the smartest, most skilled, or most powerful. Their power is in their attitude and their ability to energize and encourage others with their optimism, enthusiasm, and determination. People who know how to get the best out of themselves get the best out of others. -Michael Josephson -<>- >Links For your Enjoyment: Extraordinary Photos http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/extraordinary.html Big Boy Toys! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bigboytoys.html Awesome Bikes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/awesomebikes.html Amazing Bus Stops! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bus.html Back In Time http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/backintime.html Humor With Cars http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carhumor.html Boys To President! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/boystopres.html Colorful Birds! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/birds.html God's Paintings! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints2.html Just Have Faith! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faith.html You And Me Together! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/youandme.html -<>- .-.-.-._o=- / /. .\ ||\ _\/ T \/ | /_o\__^__// | /_(_/(_/` _; \ _,--' / \ | \ / \ / | / jgs /_ ;-' | \.' '--' >Christmas Links for Your Enjoyment: The Christmas Story http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/christmasstory.html When Was Jesus Christ Born? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/whenjesusborn.html Bible Study Menu: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/BibleStudy.html Christ's Bell! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bell.html Come Adore Him! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/comeadorehim.html Christ's Life http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html Who Is This Jesus? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Christmas Around The World http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasworld.html Akiane Child Prodigy http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Akiane Through The Years http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy2.html Winter Wonderland And Life Lessons http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lessons.html Maxine On Christmas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxinechristmas.html Puppy Days Of Christmas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/puppychristmas.html Ward's 1934 Wish Book! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wishbook.html Amazing Grace http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazinggrace.html Angels Are Watching http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/angelswatching.html Bailey's Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html Disney Christmas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/disneychristmas.html Redneck Christmas Tree http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/redneck.html Christmas With Pets http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmaspets.html Puppy Days Of Christmas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/puppychristmas.html A Country Christmas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/countrychristmas.html Santa Ho Ho Oh-No's http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/santa.html Angel, Church, Cross, Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs.html Jesus, God Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_f-j.html Nativity, New Years Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_k-o.html Peace, Pray, Santa, Snow, Snowman, Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_p-t.html Christmas Animations under XMAS http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_x.html Yummy Desserts! Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html -<>- >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) You'll want to call your mom and thank her when you see what she might have had to put up with. This mom was experiencing the adorable horrors of co-sleeping with a baby so she decided to record it. It is really, really cute! You really need to see this viral video - it got almost 5 million views in one week! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DrB_rfiFu8&feature=player_embedded Dogs are a lot like humans: They have bad dreams sometimes. But they also feel compassion and love. Watch this pooch comfort her pal while he was having a nightmare. It's seriously too cute for words. You just have to see it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTy_wUkWpkM&feature=player_embedded This is one of the funniest dog videos you'll ever see. I don't blame this golden retriever in the slightest! She'll get to the finish line eventually, but first there are so many interesting things to check out. You've got to see the cutest and funniest dog video of the week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5iTTNRE-njM --- ...LOL! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- >From Our friend PatDeE :) HOW TO GET UP AFTER FALLING - ALL SENIORS NEED TO VIEW THIS Just take care all, and don't fall!. http://www.techenhancedlife.com/articles/fallen-how-get-up TURN UP YOUR SPEAKERS - THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL PIECE I HOPE YOU ENJOY AND PASS ON TO OTHERS WHO GET A CHANCE TO ENJOY IT ALSO. http://es.gloria.tv/?media=479543 You probably heard the story about the boy who found $20 and gave it to a soldier. This is the follow-up. http://nethugs.com/inspirational/stories/ohio-boys-gift-to-soldier/ --- ...Sweet! Thanks PatDeE! -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) Crockpot Pork Loin Roast http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2012/12/crockpot-pork-loin-roast/ Who's Alive and Who's Dead http://www.whosaliveandwhosdead.com/ What You Might Not Know about the Charlie Brown Christmas Special - http://tinyurl.com/ma4fo6l Bob Welsh - My Christmas Eve - YouTube http://www.youtube.com/embed/WxjZB5S_g7s?rel=0 CHRISTMAS WITH GOGO - a musical by children from South Africa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktdKECaL7BY --- ...Good ones! 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 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: |\ . . /| ._\\/ \//_. ',\_, ,_/,' \.' './ _\\/ \//_ '-.\, ,/.-' \\ // _.-`"""`-._ ,-'-' _ _ '-'-, '--\ o o /'-' | | | | / \ | \_/ | jgs \ _|_ / '---' >A SOULFUL RELATIONSHIP* by Reverend Ronald McFadden If you're not married yet, share this with a friend. If you are married, share it with your spouse or other married couples.. and reflect on it. An old proverb states, 'Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye.' Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really important. Once you decide to commit to someone, over time their flaws, vulnerabilities, pet peeves, and differences will become more obvious. If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve, you've got to learn to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you. You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs,values, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. You are two unique individuals who have decided to share a life together. Neither of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you bring out the best of each other? Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare, and control? What do you bring to the relationship? Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain? You can't take someone to the altar to alter him or her. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay . If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and 'a life', you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain. Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness, and selfishness are not the ingredients of a thriving, healthy, loving and lasting relationship. Seeking status, sex, wealth, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship. What keeps a relationship strong? Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor,sharing household tasks, some getaway time without business or children and daily exchanges (a meal, a shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note). Leave a nice message on their voicemail or send a nice email. Sharing common goals and interests. Growth is important. Grow together, not away from each other, giving each other space to grow without feeling insecure. Allow your mate to have outside interest. You can't always be together. Give each other a sense of belonging and assurances of commitment. Don't try to control one another. Learn each other's family situation. Respect his or her parents regardless. Don't put pressure on each other for material goods. Remember for richer or for poorer. If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment, withdrawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and pain replace the passion. ' Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.' The grass withers, the flowers fades, but the word of God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight. Always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary. The difference between 'United' and 'Untied' is where you put the i. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Anyone who prescribes the diameter of your knowledge...controls the circumference of your activity -<>- ||::|:|| .--------, |:||:|:| |_______ / .-. ||::|:|| ."` ___ `". {\('v')/} \\\/\///: .'` `'. ;____`( )'____ \====/ './ o o \|~ ^" "^ // \\// | ())) . | You're \ || \ `.__.' /| // || _{``-.___.-'\| The Best! \ || _." `-.____.-'`| ___ // ||` __ \ |___/ \_______\ ."|| (__) \ \| / / `\/ __ vvvvv'\___/ | | (__) | \___/\ / || | .___. | || | | | ||.-' | '-. jgs || | ) ||----------'---------' >WHO HAVE YOU COMPLIMENTED TODAY? The author wishes to remain anonymous Edited by Shmuel Greenbaum I was in the hospital a few months ago visiting. I saw a girl in a wheelchair who couldn’t focus on anything since she couldn’t hold her head up. I asked the woman who was wheeling her if she understands what people tell her, and she responded "absolutely". I then went and complimented the young woman in the wheelchair on how nice her outfit was and how pretty her hair was. It made her so happy. Printed with Permission of http://www.PartnersInKindness.org -<>- _...._ .' '. / _ _ \ | O O | ; ; .-;-. \ '--' / /\.7./\ .-. '. .' .-./\/ )/ (_ \ ) ( / _)/ ` \ '-' '-' /\/ '. () .'\/ | | |/ | () | ; ; | () | ; /\ ; _ / / \ \ _ jgs / ` .' '. ` \ \___.' '.___/ >WHEN I WAS QUIET "They didn't see me when I was quiet." That's what my five-year-old said. I picked him up from school and as usual, asked him how his day went. I often ask him what he did during the day. "I got my name put on the board for talking," he said. The teachers try to be strict about maintaining discipline. It's a good thing. Even though they can't use the paddle anymore as they did in my day, they do the best they can with the techniques they are allowed to use. If your name is on the board, you can't play during recess. You can't get on the swings, the slide, or play any of the sports. If your name is on the board, you're grounded. "I got my name on the board, but they didn't see me when I was quiet so I couldn't get it off." Remember the last speeding ticket that you got? They didn't see you when you were going slower and traveling at a reasonable speed. Down the hill and in a hurry and here comes the blue lights. They didn't see you when you were quiet! The boss catches you just when you doze for a second (well maybe longer than a second) after diligently working all day. They didn't see you when you were quiet. Your wife catches your eyes wandering as you admire the architecture of an elegant building that just happens to have a shapely female in front of it. They didn't see you when you were quiet. Why doesn't the world take into account all of the times that you were quiet? Why do you suffer so long for a moment's indiscretion? How can a few minutes take an eternity to make up for? Because of one of life's simple principles, it's a lot easier and faster to mess up than to clean up. Harsh words uttered in five seconds can damage a relationship for five years. All of us are still in school. We still have teachers. We still pass or fail tests. There are still paddles in one form or another and there is still the board. With many of the things in our lives, we simply need to slow down and be quiet. That way we won't miss playtime. ~A MountainWings Original~ -<>- .-. _ _..---./ \ .'_`\' `. / _....__ | `\| \ _~- ~ ' .`'\__, ; ~_- ~ ' . . | e | ~_- ~_.._. ' . ; e <> | ~- ~/` '.' .'; \ , ; .._# -_~' \ . _\ ,__\/ /_..;/ `\ `\/`' '._ _.-;`` \\ | |.' '__`""`. ' \ \\ / / `-.' '-._ . / \\`#, / / '--;__ _.' #, ; | `//-'.# #, | \ || | #, / '._ || / #, .' `--,-....__\\-#` #, `'-...__ __.-' | ,#' #. .-.| ``__ |,#' #. / /; .' '. ;#' #, / /(_\ / \ /#' #, / /_ `'/ | /#; #, / / \_.' / .'#'| # / / / ;__.-',#' ; ### / /-._/ .' \ ,#' | '#' / /'-./`-.____.' \,#' / / /\__/ ,#' | / / #,#|_____|_ | | '#/ ||`\ , \ \ jgs _____\______||_/___/ \ `--' ( / '-------------------' >ROAD TRIP ANGEL By Teresa Olive We were only an hour into our 3,000-mile, cross-country trek to my family reunion in North Carolina. Already, bored voices from the backseat of our old, un-air- conditioned Dodge Dart were pleading: “Are we there yet?” Driving wasn’t the fastest route to our destination, but it was the cheapest. My husband, Jeff, and I had planned this trip for months, mapping it from our home in eastern Washington, highlighting camp- grounds along the way. I couldn’t wait to catch up with relatives and show off Christy, our newest addition at 18 months old. At least she wasn’t crying in her car seat—yet. Her sisters, LeeAnne, seven, and Kellye, five, were already complaining. Even reaching this point—doing laundry, packing, planning snacks and car activities—hadn’t been easy. We’d left right after church, midday on a Sunday, the minister’s sermon on turning our worries over to God still fresh in my mind. That might have worked for someone who wasn’t carting three kids on a road trip in a car with 165,000 miles on it and an unsettling tendency to slip out of gear. The Dart rode so low to the ground that we held our breath over speed bumps. Plus, I had to watch our pennies and keep us on schedule. All those breaks for the girls to potty could really add up. These were my worries for now. God could take over the worrying once we made it to the reunion. We stopped for a quick lunch by a big pond in northern Oregon. “Who wants to watch Daddy skip rocks?” Jeff asked the girls. “Not now, Jeff. We’re still ten hours from your mother’s house,” I called after him. We’d planned to spend our first night in Reno with her. “Just a couple more. I have to beat my record!” he said. At this rate, we would never make it to the reunion. “Try this one, Daddy!” Kellye yelled. “It’s perfect.” Jeff fingered the pebble, nodding his approval. He pulled his arm back and released the rock with a practiced flick of the wrist. Plop! Plop! Plip! The last skips came so fast we could barely keep up with them. Sixteen skips in all! Each sent a swell of ripples out through the water. It always amazed me what one pebble could do. This one had left its mark for sure. It was so beautiful I nearly forgot my worries. “Okay, everybody. In the car!” By late afternoon southern Oregon’s soaring temperatures made the Dart feel like a blast furnace. The girls were whining and arguing. “I guess we need a break,” I said. We found a park in Klamath Falls with a wading pool. After we cooled off, we loaded up again. Jeff threw the car in reverse. But the Dart slipped out of gear and lurched forward, its bottom scraping over the concrete parking strip. The underbelly of the car ground against the barrier as Jeff got us free. Heading down the road, Jeff looked in the rearview mirror. “Uh- oh!” he said. I looked out the back. A trail of oil snaked behind us. Jeff groaned. “Busted oil pan.” He coasted to a spot behind a gas station, jacked the car up and crawled underneath. When he finally wriggled out, even the oil couldn’t hide the concern on his face. “It’s fixable, if I can find someone to weld the hole in the oil pan. Plus, I need more oil and a gasket. But who’re we going to find at five o’clock on a Sunday?” Jeff and I stared at the Dart, not knowing what to do. A gravelly voice startled us. “Howdy, folks!” We looked up at a tall man with a thatch of silver hair poking out from under a black cowboy hat. “Name’s Phil,” he continued. “Anything I can do?” We explained the situation. “Let me make a call,” Phil said and strode to the gas station. When he returned he said the owner of the auto parts store had agreed to stay open for us. “He’s a friend,” Phil explained. He led the girls and me to his air-conditioned van while Jeff got the bolts off the oil pan. “I’m hungry, Mommy!” Christy said. “Me too!” her sisters chimed in. “I know a cure for that,” Phil said. Before I could protest, he was head-ed up the road to a Dairy Queen. Hamburgers and milk shakes for everyone, including Jeff. I pulled out my wallet. “Your money’s no good here,” Phil said. Munching on my hamburger, I couldn’t resist peeking at him. Is this guy for real? When we returned to the Dart with Jeff’s burger, he had a question for Phil. “You don’t happen to know anyone who welds, do you?” “You’re looking at him,” Phil said. Once again the girls and I jumped into the van. We rode to a big metal building across town. When Phil opened the place up, we gasped. A row of classic sports cars sat in various stages of restoration. “You’re welcome to look around,” Phil said. “I’ll be done in a jiffy.” It had been a long day. Normally, the girls would be inventing new ways to annoy one another. But they were entranced. “Wow! This is cool,” LeeAnne said, running her hand over the shiny red hood of a ’59 Porsche. We lingered there studying every car until Phil returned. “Sorry that took so long.” Funny, I hadn’t looked at my watch once. It was 7:00 p.m. Phil must have had his own schedule for the day, but when he saw we were in trouble he put his entire focus on us. The Dart looked forlorn sitting in its puddle of oil back at the station. All that time wasted. We were still six whole hours away from Reno. “Anyone around here like to swim?” asked Phil. “A friend of mine owns a nice little motel nearby.” I glanced at Jeff. It would throw us a day off schedule, and we had intended to avoid motels. But then again, Phil had saved us so much. At the motel the girls squealed when they spotted the corkscrew pool slide. I tried to give Phil some money, but he just shook his head. “Do a favor for someone else,” he said. In our motel room, Kellye looked at me seriously. “Was he an angel?” “Not the kind you’re thinking of,” I replied. “But he’s an angel.” That night we bowed our heads and thanked God for sending Phil into our lives. I still couldn’t get over the attention he’d given us. The wading pool, the garage full of hot rods, the corkscrew slide, skipping rocks in the pond—who had time for worries? I called Jeff’s mom to say we’d be there a day late. As I fell asleep I saw the surface of the pond again, ripples spreading ever outward, like angels spreading God’s radiant, never-ending love. We were prepared to pass along the kindness Phil showed us and make our mark like a skipping stone. I’d let God worry about the schedule. as seen at Inspiratiom Plus To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== _.-O-._ o_o_o_o_o \_`___`_/ } /. .\ { } | _c_ | { __}_\www/_{__ (((( { } )))) | |o { } o| | | |o {_} o| | |_\o _ o/_| \_/==L_I//\_/ \)-.__//-(/ | : //: | | :|/ : | | : | : | | : | : | |---|---| jgs |__ | __| (___|___) >Secret Generosity Story Editor: by P. Fletcher Eric Justian Washington, USA Oh the times our young family returned to New York City from vacation with just enough gas and no money for tolls! In 1971 our tight budget nearly ended our family vacation early. We were 30 years old, and had saved up just enough to go camping for two weeks with our young boys, ages 7 and 3. Heading north from the city around midnight, the car suddenly died. We coasted to the side of the New York State Thruway. My NYC born and raised husband was new to driving and had no clue what might cause an engine to die. I dug a flashlight out of the camping gear and we looked under the hood together, blankly. Just then a trooper stopped. He radioed a tow truck and kindly stayed with us while we waited for it. After talking to us he gently broke the news that it was probably an alternator problem. We could expect to pay about $70. I'm certain my face must have mirrored my husband's stricken expression. We'd planned to spend not more than $100 for the whole camping trip. The repairs would end our family vacation. The kind trooper left when the tow truck arrived. The 50-ish driver towed us to the gas station he owned. He prepared to work on our car, "since your kids are asleep and I'm awake." We moved the kids into their sleeping bags and they and I slept on two tired sofas in the station. I needed to be well rested to drive us back to the city. My husband joined the owner in the garage to learn something about cars and engines. When my husband woke me I reached for my purse. But the station owner insisted my husband had done most of the work. He would accept only $10 "for parts". I drove north from there, both of us happy our vacation could continue, though we'd have to pinch pennies for two weeks. For the next seven years we stopped at that station whenever we were near: to get gas, to get a taillight fixed, whatever. The owner always remembered us and exclaimed over how much our sons had grown. The last time we were at the station, just before we moved away to the Midwest, I insisted on paying the old alternator bill. The owner laughed and said it'd been paid many times over from our years of stops. Then he told us the story of the kind trooper who had waited with us in the night. When the tow truck had arrived, the trooper had paid half the bill without our knowledge, and alerted the station owner to our dilemma. Our $10 contribution had been a token. We all laughed as the owner told us how hard it was to invent the white lie about my husband's help that night. I still fondly remember these two people, who helped my family when they didn't have to. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Laugh And Lift: >Thought for Today God is the only one worthy of our worship. >The Lift {}_{} {}_ / \ _{} < \>. {} * \ : / * {} _/\_{} /\'.'.'/\ {}_/\_ {}<_ . \_ \ \| |/ / _/ . _>{} * > '.-'-\ ' ' /-'-.' < * {}_ {}\ |'. _\ * /_ .'| /{} _{} | \ < \' .* | | *. '/ > / | {} _> '._\ \_|_'.|.|.'_|_/ /_.' <_ {} <_-=- _ *____ : :_____* _ -=-_> {} > .' / / | .'|'|'. | \ \ '. < {} |_/ <_/. '*__| |__*' .\_> \_| {} {}/ |.' / * \ '. | \{} {} *_> .'-.-/ , , \-.-'. <_* {}<_ '_/` / /| |\ \ `\_' _>{} \/ {} \/.'.'.\/ {} \/ jgs {} * / : \ * {} <_/>'<\_> {} \_/ {} {} {} Unique Voiceprint (By Mark Batterson) [Edited] There never has been and never will be anyone like you. But that isn't a testament to you. It's a testament to the God who created you absolutely unique. All of creation is singing a worship chorus to God. And it's not just the meadow lark with its 300 notes or the nightingale finch with its 24 songs. According to the German physicist and pianist, Arnold Summerfield, a hydrogen atom emits 100 frequencies which makes it more complex musically than a grand piano which emits 88 frequencies. For what its worth, Pythagoras said: "A stone is frozen music." Very interesting in light of Jesus' teaching that if his disciples were silent, even "the stones will cry out." My point? All of creation is singing a unique song to the Creator. And you are part of that universal chorus. No one can worship God FOR you or LIKE you. God has given you a unique voiceprint. There are millions of people praying and worshiping God in every language all the time. But your voiceprint is unique. Like a parent who knows His child's unique cry or scream or laugh, God knows your voice. He hears your voice. The Heavenly Father loves your voice. >The Laugh Note from Chris: This is probably about 10 years old now, and although it's starting to show its age some, it still cracks me up. :) -Chris .-. .;;\ | /::::\|\ /::::'(); |::::' | |\/`\:_/`\/| ,__ |0_..().._0| __, \,`////""""\\\\`,/ | )//_ o o _\\( | \/|(_) () (_)|\/ \ '--' / Hello, My Name Is... _:.______.;_ /| | /`\/`\ | |\ / | | \_/\_/ | | \ / |o`""""""""`o| \ `.__/ () \__.' / / \ \ | | ___ () ___ | | / \|---| |---|/ \ | (| | () | |) | \ /;---' '---;\ / `` \ ___ /\ ___ / `` `| | | |` | | | | | =| |= | jgs | | | | _._ |\|\/||\/|/| _._ / .-\ |~~~~||~~~~| /-. \ | \__.' || '.__/ | \ || / `---------''---------` A Rroze by any Other Name (Baby Names) (by Karl Erikson) [Edited] DISCLAIMER: The author of this column claims total immunity for any and all people who are about to be roasted. If you are upset by this column, then it is important for you to know that you are absolutely the exception to the rule. None of the following comments refers to you. Reading any further means you forego any right to litigation against aforementioned author. == END DISCLAIMER == Don't ask me why -- I don't have a good answer -- but I found myself looking through some baby name web sites today. Not because I'm expecting or anything, so don't even try going down that road... I wish I WAS expecting! I'd be set for life and get to be on Letterman and Leno and all the really good talk shows. The stretch marks would be something fierce, though. No, I was just trying to find out what some first names meant... For instance, did you know that Karl is a derivative of Charles? Really kind of odd. I mean, Charles means "manly or strong." But Karl just means "derivative of Charles." I think I got cheated in the name department. (Are you listening Mom? Dad? ) And my middle name means "twin." Thanks again, Mom. Dad. (As you may or may not know, I have twin daughters, now 11 and going on retirement.) Then I happened to stumble upon a page that has the week's "most popular" boys names and girls name, as voted on by the web idiots...I mean, users...at large. I want you to see just what those names are, OK? No joke, this is real and you can confirm it if you like at Jellinek's Baby Name Chooser (Update 2009: sorry, link no longer working): Most Popular Boys Names: Aidan Alexander Antony Brent Bret Bryce Chandler Chas Dalton Danieal Donavon Gibbie Glenn Iane Isaac Jakob Jordon Locke Mikhail Nat Paten Sage Sawyer Xander Zavien Most Popular Girls Names: Alea Alexandrea Alison Amari Amber Angelina Arlinda Bridget Brooklyn Caitlyn Chantel Cheyanna Colleen Crissy Denise Dianna Hannah Isabelle Jennifer Jezebelle Juliana Karley Katusha Kennidy Loris Mayghan Mickaela Pasha Rachael Rena Renee Rufina Shaylen Shiphra Tabatha Trinity Viola Right, there you have it. Now, I have one question: Did the entire COUNTRY vote for medicinal use of marijuana in the last election? Did I miss that part or something? I mean, there HAS to be an explanation. I mean, what is WRONG with you people? There seems to be this trend -- well, it's more than a trend when it has been going on for more than a decade, isn't it? -- to come up with these wild and "original" names for children. And folks, it has gotten way, WAY out of hand. Take some of the above boy names, for instance. Now I'm sure you might have thought it cute when the little boy was born to give him the name Gibbie. Why, the possibilities in his toddler stage are limitless. -- "Oh, Gibbie, you know you aren't supposed to have pudding for breakfast! You are so cute!" -- "Whoa! What is that SMELL?" You laugh..."Oh my...that must be Gibbie. He needs his diaper changed. Isn't he the cutest?" -- [sitting in the park while the children play on the slide and swings ] "Who IS that monstrosity that's shoving all the children to the ground so he can get to the front of the slide line?" "Oh, that's my Gibbie! He's going through this little 'power trip' phase right now. Isn't he darling?" you exclaim with glee. But let me tell you, that novelty is going to wear thin very quickly. Kids are cruel. "Hi, I'm Derek. What's your name?" "Gibbie." "Cool, wanna go play war, Jimmy?" "No, no...GIBBIE, not Jimmy." "Gibbie?" the child says. "What's that supposed to mean?" "It doesn't mean anything," says Gibbie, noting that this is the 17th time he's had to explain his name today, and mentally gathering more material for the future therapy sessions and litigation he'll have access to. "It's my name, that's all." "Well, it's stupid!" "Well...YOU'RE stupid!" "Oh yeah? Well...well...you're STUPIDEST! And your name is GIBBIE!" And WHAM! There's the fight. One thing about naming your son Gibbie, though, is that he'll either grow up to be one mean son-of-a-gun or he's going to be dead before he's in 6th grade. Trust me, I know. I've been there. I was a bully magnet from Kindergarten all the way through graduation, and my name was KARL. With the name Gibbie, I would never have survived to see myself totally humiliated in junior high school while showering with 40 other guys. (Is that not one of the most degrading and traumatic things, or what? That's another column... ) TIP: NEVER EVER EVER give your son a name that has an "ee" sound as the last syllable. You're just asking for major therapy bills, believe me. Then we have Paten, Sage, Sawyer, and Xander. Folks, these are NOT first names, OK? This is a law firm. Sage? Are you kidding me? If you name your son Sage, I don't think it's sage you've been doing your cooking with, if you get my drift. Xander??? Listen, I realize that certain names become popular because of movies or TV shows, but do you really want to name your kid after a character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer?" How do you explain that to him later on in life? "Hey, Mom, where did you come up with my name?" "Oh...well, it's quite funny, actually. See, back in the old days, we had these things called televisions. It's not like now, where we just create our own instantaneous virtual world sitcoms. Television was, well, it only had 2 dimensions." "Only two dimensions? Come on, Mom...you're kidding me, right? How can you only have two dimensions?" "No...really. And there was this show called 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' that your father and I used to love." "Wait. Stop...Are you going to tell me you named me after some stupid show character?" [ Seven seconds of awkward silence. ] "...it wasn't stupid, really. It was quite, er, entertaining. It had vampires and this girl, Buffy, and..." "Gee, Mom...that's pretty pathetic. You put me through all this grief because of some stupid show? I was kind of hoping that you just randomly scattered some Scrabble tiles around or something." Which is, I believe, just how these people are coming up with these names for their children. Then there's Chandler and Chas and Dalton and Locke. These kids are all going to be major geeks, even if they're dressed well. They'll also get their tails beat several times a week and be socially inept, even after you send them to finishing school. And their best friend will be their computer, which will absorb all of their attention. Come to think of it, that's almost a complete description of me...now if THAT isn't incentive not to name your kids that, I don't know what is. Mikhail??? Do I need to say anything here? OK, so it means Michael in Russian. But unless you live in Russia and are, in fact, RUSSIAN, please...don't drink and name. Now for a little look at the girl names, also equally hilarious. Caitlyn...there's a Caitlyn in every class now. It's ridiculous! Don't get me wrong, Caitlyn is a beautiful name. It's just VERY overdone now. And most of them aren't even Irish! I can just see her in school, introducing herself. "Hi, my name is Caitlyn Yavorsky..." Come on, folks...please. Caitlyn and Brooke (that's another one) are so over-used, it's disgusting! They're like the Celine Dion's of first names, OK? And if any of you even THINK of naming your daughter Celine, I'll slap you. Arlinda...what is THIS? "Hey, Jethro Billy Joe Bob...that your little girl there?" The pa smiles proudly. "Yip, that's Arlinda!" Chantel. I've got two words for you here: Adult films. Jezebelle. Um...yeah. This is a GREAT name. "Well, it's in the Bible!" Mmm hmmm, it sure is. So is Lucifer, Ramses, and Pontius Pilate, but I don't want to name any of my children after them. Brooklyn. Is this a commemoration of where she was born, or where she was conceived? Listen, if we were playing that way, one of my daughters would have been stuck with Alamogordo. How pretty would that be, eh? Brooklyn is a CITY, not a person! Why not Chicago? Detroit? Sacramento? Sioux Falls? Truth or Consequences? I know, I know...you're scrambling to write those down, aren't you? "Ooh, slow down! These are good!" And all the wonderfully never-before-been heard popular names. Katusha. Pasha. Shiphra. Shaylen. Kennidy. Rufina. I think you should all be forced to change your own first names to the same name you tried to inflict upon your child. See how YOU like it. [And then there's the ones] who screw up their children's lives by deciding to use a common name but a totally bizarre spelling. Mayghan. Rachael. Tureesa. Khristine. Traisee. And for the boys...Antony, Danieal, Donavon, Iane. Do you realize that these are things that your children will have to live with their entire LIVES?!? I mean, past their cute infancy stage. Are you that mean and callous that you wish to subject your children to the scrutiny and the difficulties that will come as a result of you wanting to be "original?" They'll always end up in tears because they never see THEIR name on those little souvenir license plates or the shot glasses or key chains. "No, look sweetie," you'll say, taking the customized mirror and brush set off the rack. "Right here, that's you." "Moooom! That's NOT me. That says Megan, not Mayghan!" "Well, I'm sure the next shop will have it spelled correctly." No...they won't. You know why? Because YOU can't spell correctly! That's what got you in this situation in the first place. Listen, my name is fairly ordinary. Karl Erikson, nothing fancy there, really. Except for the fact that I have had to spell my name for every single person my ENTIRE LIFE! They start writing C-a-r-l..."No, that's Karl with a 'K.' " "Oh," they say. "I'm sorry..." And they add the vertical line right in front of the C to make some freakish-looking K. "There, that's better." And then the last name, too, where everyone wants to stick ANOTHER C. Seriously. My whole life I've had to do this. For you corporate executives out there, do you realize how many man-hours have been wasted as a result of this? "Time for roll call, students. Let's see... Philharmonic Appleby?" "Here." "Euthanasia Blake?" "Here." "Sashafalitammasiqua Bronson?" "Here." "Millennium Burton?" "Here." "Monikka Clinton?" "That's '_onikka.' The 'M' is silent." "Oh...sorry. _onnika Clinton?" "Here." What is so terribly wrong with regular names? John, Melinda, James, Cynthia, Robert, Susan, Michael, Rebecca, Walter, Maria, Christopher, Alice, William...are these really so bad? Are we that bored that we have to live vicariously through the pain and angst we cause our children through this barbaric torture? Think, people...don't be cute. These names are for life and YOU don't have to live with them. Your kids do. While you're trying to carve out a unique entity for your child, keep in mind that the entity you're creating is very likely going to end up a bit "peculiar"...I'm not saying that they'll be a serial killer or anything that drastic, but he or she may very well refer to all household items by name ("Oooh, Sammy Scissors, you are doing *such* a good job with these coupons!" or "Teddy Toaster! You KNOW I don't like it when you cook my bread too much! Shame on you!") and also insist on eating UNDER the table in restaurants. But for all of you parents-to-be out there, I'll do you a favor. Here are some unique and original names for your use (some of them are sure trendsetters and quite timely!), absolutely free of charge: Fork. Spoon. Knife. Turkey Baster. Magnavox. Marlboro. Bibbideebobaliqua. Halogen. Fig. Ornament. Flipper. Swivel. Bbarrberra. Mmpeachmint. Vladmir. Kruggerand. Shammalammatiqua. Trident. Telletubby. Furby. Amoralitta. Xon. Quadrille. Twelve. Atdotcom. Americafiliqua. Rthur. Skandell. Irakkattak. Lint. Mulder. Sculley. Lllllllllllllllllllllllisa. Symphony. Heaven. Manson. Spicey. Water. Lucidity. Brillo. Vegemite. Orange. Titannicatiqua. Mazda. Sink. Charmin. Hootie. Sppringer. Euro. Vyaegra. CKOne. Aychemmo. Phillestina (there's a good Bible name for you!). Sushi. Liddygatia. Flemm. Equity. Spammela. Ettiemme. Vomiteesha. Tipper. Aliss. Chuhching. Bertinand. Khrystill. Ellneenyo. Creekasikanikafaliquatiqua. And I'm just getting started. Perhaps I should start my own Baby Name web site. Ckarl Erickson's Hip and Fly Baby Name Site! In fact, I'll charge a subscription fee and if you buy a name from me, I will guarantee that no other person on the planet will have the same name. I'll get trademarks for each name I create and sell. And for a nominal fee, I'll even sell you mugs and t-shirts and backpacks and wallets and lots of other items, all customized with the CORRECT spelling! OK, I have to go...this is really taking off. I need to create a business plan and get all these ideas on paper...paper. Hey! There's another one! Paieperrveeyoo! Wow, I'm on a roll! SUBSCRIBE INFO Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ========================================================== | '.|.' -= + =- ___ .'|'. ___ ******* | ******* /-====) | (_.- )) | / '( )' ) )) / / _/ \_( (( | |-( _ _ )) ) ) / | \ //| |\\ /'-( ( / \ \/\/ *** \/\/ / ) ) | |\ / .=. \ / ( ( `-;./ ;-' _\/(")\/_ '-; ) ) | \ |'---'| / ( ( | \ _| |_ / ) ) _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( jgs .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. `""---`-----` `----`----`""` >-->A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen. >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 ************************************************************************