Explanation of God... :) 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 ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press! :) This super duper hottie is from our friend KarenF. It is most unique and sure to give you some Ooos and awes! Be sure to check it out here... _------_ -~ ~- - _ - - |> - - |< - - |> - - || - - || - -__||__- |______| <______> <______> \/ unknown Light Bulb Illusion Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lightbulbart.html --- ...Wow! What an amazing artist! Thanks KarenF! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ._ | | |L___, .' '. T unknown : * :_| '._.' L >BLESSINGS IN REVERSE by Kathe Campbell Her children and grandchildren rolled her into the day room just before the Super Bowl party commenced. She appeared puzzled over all the fuss as she slumped awkardly in her wheelchair. The scene reminded me of a bunch of selfish and uncaring kids relegated to the weekly hospital visit while football out-scored family responsibility. The hospital staff and volunteers had prepared a delectable table. Melons, meats and salads, along with punch and a fancy football cake for all patients and guests in the transitional area to enjoy. My husband, Ken, had asked me to come early for the party that day. He was recovering from complications as a result of an elk careening through his windshield last fall. Our daughter, Molly, and her husband had also joined the festivities to help celebrate pop's 75th birthday. We ate like gluttons that afternoon, the party cuisine far superior than the usual hospital fare. Suddenly I noted the lady in the wheelchair was quite alone. She had no party snacks and it appeared her family had left her high and dry. The nurse confirmed my suspicions stating they had little patience with their mother's stroke and had left. My jaw dropped. "Those big kids should be spanked," I blurted out with disdain! Ken had found an interesting fellow to talk gold panning with, so I pulled a chair out at the lady's table and boldly sat down. Her stroke had rendered her quite helpless. Her head drooped down on her chest, and her right arm hung limp at the side of her wheelchair. She seemed incapable of uttering even a grunt while knots and snarls sadly bedecked her tousled hair. I introduced myself as Ken's wife and asked if she would care for a plate of food. She nodded despairingly as her surprised and tearful eyes met mine. I longed to hug her tight while secretly pondering her fate. It was difficult stifling my feelings of disgust with this woman's family, but I swallowed hard and attempted communications with Pauline. I tied a cowboy kerchief style towel about her neck, placed her plate on the table, and she dove in, picking up each morsel with her left hand like a baby in a highchair. She was even able to lift her cup of lemonade emitting a big "ahhh" after each sip. Pauline was having a good afternoon. I asked the nurse concerning Pauline's rag-tag hairdo and she brought a cup of water, some snarl-eze and a small brush. Just why no one had seen to this dear lady's coiffure was an inhumane mystery to me. Molly and I took turns combing and brushing the tangles ever so carefully until her hair was damp and shiny and free of snarls. While patting her head gently with a towel and scrunching strands with our fingers, her old perm began to take shape. What a joyous sight watching Pauline peering gleefully into a hand mirror as though she was ready for a prom. I again sat beside her, slowly enunciating about grandkids and helping her with her cake. Suddenly she grabbed at my right arm and began a series of tugs and frowns. It didn't take an Einstein to realize she had become aware of my conversation piece. With a big grin, I raised my right hook onto the table just as she let out a wail. Thankfully football was so loud on the big screen, barely a soul paid mind to the commotion. I insisted I was fine, that it was an old injury and the hook worked better than my good arm anyway. She looked devastated, so I hugged her again and whispered in her ear to please not feel badly for me. While adeptly demonstrating my prosthetic contraption, pure amazement flooded over her face, and she slowly began to smile while the last of her tears tumbled off her cheeks. "Dear God in heaven," I mused, "this dear soul, in all of her physical frustrations and mental anguish, feels an abiding love and compassion for me in spite of herself." Who makes people like this? Are they born this way? God, in his infinite wisdom, didn't play favorites. He lovingly created hearts of gold in the lame, the wretched, and the downtrodden believers of the world. This had truly been a blessing in reverse, and I thank my lucky stars I was afforded the opportunity to meet this gracious and loving human being. May God be with her 'til we meet again. -- Kathe Campbell ___________________________________________ Kathe says, "Once again, this damnable and heavy ol' hook of mine has led me straight into the arms of the unfortunate and ailing of this world. They have taught me more about my love for God and empathy for others than all the books and teachings ever could. Please help yourself to more doses of prosthetic and ranch happenings in the www.2theheart.com archives, Chicken Soup for the Grandparent's Soul, and don't forget to enjoy my Montana paintings at http://www.outlookstationery.com ." ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Linda :) This has been around before, but is so beautiful we should all be reminded of what he says. We could all learn from this young man. He does a fantastic job of explaining God. Little Boy's Explanation of God -- Fabulous!!! - It was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista, CA . He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to 'explain God. I wonder if any of us could have done as well? (and he had such an assignment, in California, and someone published it, I guess miracles do happen!) ,--.,-"";-"-. .-;-/ / / .- `\ .-. ` ( ' ' ` ; `\/ \ \ / \ / (. C . ) | .-. | | _ / (` / | \ /}| | )(\ | `-> (____.| / ||| / \=====| | |\| | |====| \ _/ ` \__/=====| |` `-'======| \ |=======/ | |=======| | .--, ########\ |/ / jgs |_|__|| ` `--. ,---;-'--'\ `--. `---`-------'-.___,___.---' >EXPLANATION OF GOD: 'One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn't make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.' 'God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.' 'God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have.' 'Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista . At least there aren't any who come to our church.' 'Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him. But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.' And God did not let Jesus stay in the grave, but raised him from the dead. 'His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.' 'You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.' 'You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God! Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.' 'If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.' 'But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases. And...that's why I believe in God.' (If you believe in God, please pass this on, and may God bless you too.) Have an awesome day, and know that someone has thought about you! --- ...Totally adorable! Thank you Linda! ============================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) . !__________! . _______ /_\ |____ ____| /_\ |__*__| __|__ {____}{____} __|__ |__*__| __|_*_|__%%%%%%%%%%%%__|_*_|__|__*__|__ | | %%%%%%%%%%%%%% | | |/ \| %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% /||||||||||||||||||||\ ||||||||||||||||||lc|| >"The Quilt Holes" As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that was our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries.. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times.. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth: My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image: the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. 'Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.' May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay and who you refuse to let go. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.. --- ...A wonderful classic! Thanks LouiseA! ============================================================ >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) >Thoughts: "We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself." -- Lloyd Alexander Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others. Don't let anyone change your beliefs, morals, or values, for when you do you change who you truly are. GOD makes originals if you want copies, buy a printer! Love and forgiveness always go together because you can't love people unless you forgive them and you can't forgive people unless you love them. -- Unknown "The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It can be a very mean and nasty place. It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me or nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!" -- Rocky Balboa Life is too short to start your day with broken pieces of yesterday, it will definitely destroy your wonderful today and ruin your great tomorrow! -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' So many times when we are going through situations that we cannot seem to handle, we search for people who can help. Why not turn to God whose promises are sure. Read Isaiah 43:2-3 (I will be with you when you pass through the waters, when you walk through the fire. The flame will not burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Isreal, and your Saviour.) Every river has an upland source and an ultimate mouth. Rivers depend on and are always connected to other bodies of water. Likewise, peace like a river flows from a continuous connection with the upland source, Jesus Christ. A timely reminder that this life will ultimately spill out into a glorious eternal life. Read John 15:4 This present life is not our destination. But until then, we must abide in Christ. Read John 15:4 -<>- This is the day that you are alive. This is the moment that you are in. All your hopes and dreams are real right now. All your possibilities are ready to be lived. Everything you've ever done has led you to this point. You are more fully alive, aware, experienced and prepared than you have ever been. What matters is not how old or how young you may think you are. What matters is making the most of this moment you now have. What matters is not how much or how little you may think you have, how fairly or unfairly you may think life has treated you. What matters is that you make the most of who you are. This is it. This is your moment to fill with the best you can imagine. Live it with love, with purpose and joy. -- Author Unknown --- ...Great thoughts! Thanks Bunni! ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: __ @@;, ( ; ? : ); _| |_ | | || | | _| |_ | \ \ \/ || \/ ___ / / | __| |\ __||____||___||______/| | ||| | |_______ _________| | ||| ||| |____ | | ____| ||| Design by \ \______ ) | | / ______/ / || | | | | | /___| || Samule J. Neptune || | | |_ /| | |\ _| || || || | \__, / | | | \<__/ | || >TABLE FOR TWO by Kirsten Burgess He sits by himself at a table for two. The uniformed waiter returns to his side and asks, "Would you like to go ahead and order, sir?" The man has, after all, been waiting since seven o'clock--almost half an hour. "No, thank you," the man smiles. "I'll wait for her a while longer. How about some more coffee?" "Certainly, sir." The man sits, his clear blue eyes gazing straight through the flowered centerpiece. He fingers his napkin, allowing the sounds of light chatter, tinkling silverware, and mellow music to fill his mind. He is dressed in sport coat and tie. His dark brown hair is neatly combed, but one stray lock insists on dropping to his forehead. The scent of his cologne adds to his clean cut image. He is dressed up enough to make a companion feel important, respected, loved. Yet he is not so formal as to make one uncomfortable. It seems that he has taken every precaution to make others feel at ease with him. Still, he sits alone. The waiter returns to fill the man's coffee cup. "Is there anything else I can get for you, sir?" "No, thank you." The waiter remains standing at the table. Something tugs at his curiosity. "I don't mean to pry, but..." His voice trails off. This line of conversation could jeopardize his tip. "Go ahead," the man encourages. His is strong, yet sensitive, inviting conversation. "Why do you bother waiting for her?" the waiter finally blurts out. This man has been at the restaurant other evenings, always patiently alone. Says the man quietly, "Because she needs me." "Are you sure?" "Yes." "Well, sir, no offense, but assuming that she needs you, she sure isn't acting much like it. She's stood you up three times just this week." The man winces, and looks down at the table. "Yes, I know." "Then why do you still come here and wait?" "Cassie said that she would be here." "She's said that before," the waiter protests. "I wouldn't put up with it. Why do you?" Now the man looks up, smiles at the waiter, and says simply, "Because I love her." The waiter walks away, wondering how one could love a girl who stands him up three times a week. The man must be crazy, he decides. Across the room, he turns to look at the man again. The man slowly pours cream into his coffee. He twirls his spoon between his fingers a few times before stirring sweetener into his cup. After staring for a moment into the liquid, the man brings the cup to his mouth and sips, silently watching those around him. He doesn't look crazy, the waiter admits. Maybe the girl has qualities that I don't know about. Or maybe the man's love is stronger than most. The waiter shakes himself out of his musings to take an order from a party of five. The man watches the waiter, wonders if he's ever been stood up. The man has, many times. But he still can't get used to it. Each time, it hurts. He's looked forward to this evening all day. He has many things, exciting things, to tell Cassie. But, more importantly, he wants to hear Cassie's voice. He wants her to tell him all about her day, her triumphs, her defeats... anything, really. He has tried so many times to show Cassie how much he loves her. He'd just like to know that she cares for him, too. He sips sporadically at the coffee, and loses himself in thought, knowing that Cassie is late, but still hoping that she will arrive. The clock says nine-thirty when the waiter returns to the man's table. "Is there anything I can get for you?" The still empty chair stabs at the man. "No, I think that will be all for tonight. May I have the check please?" "Yes, sir." When the waiter leaves, the man picks up the check. He pulls out his wallet and sighs. He has enough money to have given Cassie a feast. But he takes out only enough to pay for his five cups of coffee and the tip. Why do you do this, Cassie, his mind cries as he gets up from the table. "Good-bye," the waiter says, as the man walks towards the door. "Good night. Thank you for your service." "You're welcome, sir," says the waiter softly, for he sees the hurt in the man's eyes that his smile doesn't hide. The man passes a laughing young couple on his way out, and his eyes glisten as he thinks of the good time he and Cassie could have had. He stops at the front and makes reservations for tomorrow. Maybe Cassie will be able to make it, he thinks. "Seven o'clock tomorrow for party of two?" the hostess confirms. "That's right," the man replies. "Do you think she'll come?" asks the hostess. She doesn't mean to be rude, but she has watched the man many times alone at his table for two. "Someday, yes. And I will be waiting for her." The man buttons his overcoat and walks out of the restaurant, alone. His shoulders are hunched, but through the windows the hostess can only guess whether they are hunched against the wind or against the man's hurt. As the man turns toward home, Cassie turns into bed. She is tired after an evening out with friends. As she reaches toward her night stand to set the alarm, she sees the note that she scribbled to herself last night. '7:00,' it says. 'Spend some time in prayer.' Darn, she thinks. She forgot again. She feels a twinge of guilt, but quickly pushes it aside. She needed that time with her friends. And now she needs her sleep. She can pray tomorrow night. Jesus will forgive her. And she's sure he doesn't mind. -<>- o \ o `. o o o o \ ` -. .-.-. .---. .-.,-.,-. ..-. / )| | `'____\' o _____\|| ` `' | |-._--.| |----.| | o |o ||-.| ||,-. || | o o | ||_|| |/ oo\ || | | || || C ._)o || | o o| || ||o|\`-/ || | ,. o | ||_|| ,'\,\ || | _\('') | ||o||/\ \ .: o|| | (; .) | || |( \_\||___|| | _,.(|___)-. | o||_|||`-`,\)----' | o o | | ||..|.| o _ |-. _.-. `.-.|._|_.-:|__|_|-.-' `-'.__ o o '--`-` o - SSt >And it's winter before we know it... You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my husband. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all... And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my children go? And where did my youth go? I remember well... Seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is... Wife retired and she's really getting lumpy... She moves slower and I see an older woman now. She's in better shape than me... But I see the great change. Not the one I married who was young and vibrant... But, like me, her age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and thought we'd never be. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! 'Cause if I don't on my own free will, I just fall asleep where I sit! And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things. But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last... This I know, that when it's over... it's over... Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done... Things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime. So, if you're not in your winter yet... Let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it with integrity! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life... So, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember. "Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one." LIVE IT WELL! -<>- .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx >Love a Little More "I love you!" The words just hung there in the air suspended for the moment, drifting, waiting for the echo..."I love you, too!" I thought about it and wondered if there really needs be an echo, a reply of the same. "Why do we tell someone "I love you?" I wondered. Oh, the obvious point is to let someone know you care about them. But do we say it so that we can hear it back? If we say those words they certainly aren't taken or given lightly. There is power behind them, woven in between them and laced with tone's of commitment. But do we also say them because we, too need reassurance? Are we really saying it this way; "I love you! Do you love me?" I believe the best things in life come to us without expectations. It reminds me of the tradition of sending greeting cards. "Should I send a birthday card to Uncle Joe?" "Did you get one from him for your birthday? "No." "Well, I wouldn't send one to him." Or..."John we got a card from the Phillips for Christmas. Did we send them one?" "No. I don't remember getting one from them last year. Remember we decided to send cards only to those who send us one?" How many things do you do that you label as "giving" when in reality you are expecting a return for your gesture? Have you ever given something anonymously? I'm not suggesting that it's wrong to say "I love you" because you long to hear it. I just wondered how many times we say it without expectations. So I experimented with it. The last several times when my wife said it to me, I didn't reply with the same words. I would say "thanks." In some cases I replied with a hug. Other times I said or did nothing. The words hung in mid air. Last night I sighed. That got me into trouble. The sigh seemed to give a different signal. For me, hearing the words echo back doesn't mean that much. It seems too mechanical. Like "Thank you" and "You're welcome." It's polite and proper, but expected. So here's what I've come up with. Touch a little more. A hand on a shoulder, a gentle touch on a chin. If you are sitting near each other, play "footsies" gently bumping, nudging your loved one's foot. In this new society of keeping our distance, not invading one's space for fear of misunderstanding the gesture, the human spirit longs for touch. Smile a little more. In a passing glance, return a soft, gentle smile. Practice it in the mirror and you'll see how your eyes are involved in this expression of love. They seem to sparkle and brighten as they tell the person you bring joy to my life. Offer to do a little more. "Can I get you something?" "Let me get that for you." "No, sit I'll get the phone." Watch the expression and body language on that person when you do this. They suddenly feel special, like royalty. Call a little more. For no reason at all. "Just needed to hear your voice." "I thought about you and thought I'd give you a call." You won't see it, but when they hang up they walk a little taller, the smile will linger for a while. Write a little more. Don't send a card. Don't send an email. Take a piece of paper, an envelope and write a quick note to someone you love. Here in America it costs 39 cents. Do you realize how valuable that investment is? In these times what can you buy for 39 cents that could possibly be as valuable as a hand written note. Oh, yes. Send it even if you live in the same household. Be quiet together a little more. Sitting in silence with someone you love creates an energy in that space that is breathtaking and unforgettable. Listen to the sound of love, two hearts beating in one continuous rhythm, sending pulsating waves of immeasurable force into the world. Now try saying "I love you" without expectation. If you are doing all of these things those words will not need an echo. They will not hang in mid air and die in sadness because you didn't hear them back. They will be absorbed by the one they were intended for and they will sigh, not in frustration or confusion, but in satisfaction of knowing it is so. You actually do this already. When you pray, you say "I love you, God." You don't wait for a deep sounding voice in reply. "This is God...I love you, too!" Why? Because it is understood. We know He loves us not because we hear it, but because we experience it, feel it, and know it. Our true love for Him is not in the words we say, but in the way we live. When we love each other we love God. I write for you as an expression of love although we have never met. If you know that, take a deep breath and sigh. "I believe in You!" ~ Bob Perks ~ Bob@BobPerks.com -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment The Bible http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thebible.html Our Valuable Anchor http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Never Give Up http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Walking in Power http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html Love Thoughts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html Bo Words Needed http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html Proud Of Our Troops 6 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops6.html What Is Love? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wlove1.html Beautiful Aerial England http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/england.html Friends: Lion Tiger Bear http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/liontigerbear.html Ice Hotel http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/icehotel.html Polar Bear Cubs http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/polarbears.html -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann :) She sent us one we have here... Cat Spot Tips http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/catspots.html --- ...A funny one! Thanks Geniann! -<>- >From Our Friend Brenda :) She sent us one we have here... Quilts In The Snow http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/snowquilts.html --- ...A most beautiful one! Thanks Brenda! -<>- >From Our Friends Linda Nd Bunni :) My word...The young boy is brilliant...you'd think he was made of rubber !!!!! REMEMBER WHEN?? Now this is dancing; not what they do today. Usually the female is featured, but here the young man steals the show - his legs are like liquid magic. And, bless her heart, she lets him shine. He's 17 and she's only 15. But together, they won the 2012 Junior Division National Carolina Shag Dancing Championships. They're dancing to Joe Turner's "Flip, Flop and Fly." http://videos2view.net/shag-dance.htm --- ...Wow! Fun! Thanks Ladies! 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 ========================================================== ___ (___) /` `\ / /"\ \ \_/o o\_/ ( _ ) `\ /` /\\V//\ / /_ _\ \ \ \___/ / \/===\/ || || || || ||___|| |_____| jgs ||| / Y \ `"`"` >Baubie's Guest Story Editor: by Nathan Stolov Joyce Schowalter Missouri, USA When my late grandmother was in her late 60's she was quite independent. She handled all her own cooking, cleaning, and shopping, living in a second-floor apartment. She drew a small Social Security pension -- thus barely had enough money to live on. She accepted little financial help from her grown children, most with families of their own. Baubie awoke early one morning, thinking she heard a noise on her balcony. From the balcony door, she saw nothing had been disturbed. The next morning, the same thing happened. Baubie wasn't a person with an overly active imagination, so she set her alarm clock to wake up early the following day. Arising, she quietly went to the balcony door and discovered a poorly dressed man sleeping on her balcony. His alarm clock went off, he went over the balcony rail and disappeared down the street. Baubie wasn't a person to wish anyone harm. She knew the man must be in very bad financial trouble to secretly live on her poor balcony, and she was certain he wasn't dangerous. After all, he hadn't tried to break into her apartment! That evening, after dinner, she put out a package of leftovers for her "balcony guest." The following morning she found the leftovers had been eaten, and her guest had left money for the food. She put his money safely under a spare pillow and blanket, along with a dinner that night -- and many other nights. Because food was expensive, she finally allowed her children to help buy food, which she insisted that she prepare. This went on several weeks, with Baubie's guest finally giving up on leaving money for anything! One day, without a word, her guest was gone. She worried that something had happened to him. One evening a few days later, there was a knock at her front door. Upon answering, Baubie was greeted by her guest. He was wearing a clean used suit, carrying a bouquet of flowers for her. He was a businessman who had lost his business after an employee stole money from him. He had sent his family to live with his wife's parents and worked to make good his losses. Having paid off his employee's thievery, he was working for another business as a manager, was now able to look his ex-business associates in the eyes. His first goal after paying off his business debts was to repay "his grandmotherly angel" for her generous kindness, but Baubie wouldn't have it. His words and knowing he was well were enough. She invited him to dinner, insisting he repay his wife's parents with the money he had saved, which he agreed to. She said it wouldn't be proper for her to take his money, because "parents are supposed to help their children". In her mind, in the way she was brought up, this perfect stranger, this gentleman who was near her children's ages, was a "temporary son" given her to watch over. As she did. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: >FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY ____ _ /////|\\ ``````\\\ `/` ))) \`, ((( `--- ,\\\ ,---/ )),))) / , `(( ((( `--. ) `__)) ________ | | ,-./\ \ _,-' \ \__,-. \ \,-' /`.__,-'_,-\ `-. / \____`--'____________ | \ Starshine Savanna's preschool class was making decorations for their Mother's Day brunch. Each child was asked to complete the following: "I love my Mom because..." When all the moms came to brunch, they filed down the hall reading all the things the kids love about their moms. Savanna's sentence was: "I love my Mom because... she loves me and tucks me in at night and has sparklies in her hair!" (Those sparklies are some well-earned silvery gray.) -- Joella Givens (mother of Savanna) of St. Paul, Minnesota Jayne was helping Irene, 5, to shower when she reminded Jayne that she needed to "wash her underpits." -- Jayne Nagy (grandmother of Irene) of North Carolina Here's another story from Jayne... There came a point in the movie that the young hero was sporting a long beard and moustache. Irene started talking to her mom. It caught Jayne's attention when Irene referred to the hero's "nose beard!" .--------------------------_-. .~~ /_________________________,'_ \\/\ ,------. | ,--.---.---.--. || ||_|| |.',.`|..| | |==|} | <|==| || |.--' ,. ||<'/ |`'| | |==|__(|__/|==| ||o|| ,''--'.'`'`-:--`-..| --, . .-. . , . . ,- || || ||_)) |. `'| ___ \: ,'_ | |-< |`. |_| _`, || || (_,-.`.|.____|',-.`.| _____ ______ _____ ||_|| ((_)),-------((_));'-'(( ))'--------'(( ))'-''\=\ SSt `-' `-' `-' `-' Darlene was talking with her grandson and said in a teasing way, "I'm going to run away and join the circus!" Korey, 6, studied her and said, "Grandma, you are too BIG for a tutu!" -- Darlene Frye of Kendallville, Indiana Brandon, 4, asked his grandmother how old she is so that he could write it on a piece of paper. Knowing he wouldn't know how to write 53, Kathy said "Five" and before she could say "three" he said, "Come on, Grandma, for real!" -- Kathy A. Mikulsky of Green Bay, Wisconsin Heather has four daughters. One day Heather's five-year-old instructed her parents to "kiss for two minutes" so she and her sisters could do something behind her parents' backs. When the two minutes had elapsed, Heather and her husband saw their five-year-old watching intently. She asked, "Mommy, does Daddy's moustache go into your mouth when he kisses you?" "That sure added a light moment to our day," says Heather. -- Heather of British Columbia, Canada Fillyjonk /())) //( oo (/|| _ \__ /||||/ '._-' / \ |\ / \ \ \_____ | \ \.___ /==, | ='.___/=. | ) '.______ | (______( | || snd |_|| _/ | |_\ '---'--' Nikki, 2 (who is learning to speak his native language - Telegu) was learning A, B, C, D.. from his mother Madhu. When he reached "W" (which is also phonetically equivalent to "give me money" in Telegu) he made signs showing his empty pocket and his mom couldn't figure it out until she understood he was signing "I don't have any money!" -- Sreyas (Uncle of Nikki) of Hyderabad, India Jordan, 4, was in the elevator with his grandmother on their way back from the beach. To prevent the main elevators from getting sandy, people take the freight elevator up to their floors. The freight elevator is much larger and darker than the main elevators. Jordan turned to his grandmom and asked "Grandmom, what's this elevator called again?" She told him, "It's called a freight elevator." Jordan reached for her hand and said, "I'm afraid, too!" -- Lindsay Goldberg of Bensalem, Pennsylvania %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% %%% Teresia and her two daughters were on their way to visit a friend who had moved to a new house. Teresia took a wrong turn and ended up on a long stretch of road. She told her daughters they were lost and would have to drive down the long road until they got to the end. Chantelle, 5, said, "Oh, Mom, you can just make a huge turn (U turn)!" -- Teresia November of Johannesburg, Souuth Africa ========================================================== This poem was written by a WW II Air Force veteran in 1985. I believe we can all appreciate the sentiments expressed...... \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >JUST A COMMON SOLDIER He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast, As he sat in the Legion hall telling stories of the past, Of a war that he had fought in, and the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes, every one. Though sometimes to his neighbors his tales became a joke, All his soldier mates they listened, for they knew whereof he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away, And the world's a little poorer - for a soldier died today. He'll not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife. For he lived a very ordinary, quite uneventful life. Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life story from the time that they were young, But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the wefare of our land A man who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife Goes off to serve his country and offers up his life? A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives; While the ordinary soldier who offer up his all Is paid off with a medal, and perhaps a pension, small. It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago That the "Old Bills" of our country went to battle, but we know It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys Who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, Would you want a politician, with his ever-shifting stand? Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend His home, his kin and country, and would fight until the end? He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us, we may need his like again, For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days. And perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say: "Our country is in mourning - for a soldier died today." >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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 ************************************************************************