Fly With Grey-Haired Pilots ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo _ _( )_ ( (o___ ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ | _ 7 \ (") / \ \ ( ) ) | \ __/ | | ( / \ / ) /(_ | (___) \___) kurt scaletta *~* We NEED MORE 2009 CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2009 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) Wednesday we sadly had to put our dog of near 17 years down. The vet said Frisky had kidney failure. He'll be cremated and his ashes will be placed in a large pet memorial. I will/am missing the little guy. You can read about him and my other pets here: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pets/Shangyspets.html -<>- >Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press... This one amazed me. It comes from both of our friends Viv and Jo Ann. As usual, if I get something twice, it means I best get in gear and get a page done to share with everyone! Be sure to check it out here... ___________ .;---------./| // S O A P // | |'---------'| / jgs | | / '-----------'` Soap Carving Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/soapart.html --- ...I loved this! Thank You Jo Ann And Viv!! -<>- If You Haven't Already, Be Sure To Check These Out .-. ( ( __ __ '-` ___/ _\.-./_ \ ////|//(@ @) \| //////// \./ | (_) |( _ ) ldb____|______|.m_m_______________________________________ Amazing Dog Houses 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/doghouses2.html ,mMm.,------.,mMm. (GNP' `?ND) P dMm. ,mMb ? ( ?X_O O_XP ) ( qp ) bdsm \ `--'`--' / _____ ,__) (--|__) _.._ _| _, _| (_|| |(_|(_| ( Peek-A-Boo Panda! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/panda.html ~*~ AND PASS THEM ON TOO - THANKS! :) ======================================================= >-->From Heartwarmers: >BEING DAD AND BEING THERE by Joseph Walker It would be something of an overstatement to say that I played on the school basketball team in junior high. I was on the team. I practiced with the team. I wore the black and white uniform. Yes, color HAD been invented by this time -- black and white were our school colors... or absence of colors, as the case may be of the mighty Millcreek Mustangs. I ran out on the floor and did lay-ups before the game started, then I sat on the bench and waved a towel and cheered for the guys who were actually going to play in the game. And when we won, I hugged cheerleaders and Pep Club members, who seemed to like hugging me because I wasn't all sweaty. As far as I was concerned, it was a pretty good arrangement. I enjoyed the camaraderie with the players, the workouts kept me in shape, I had a great seat for all of the games and I got a number of exuberant post-game hugs from Heidi Van Ert, who was the president of the Pep Club and the object of my 9th grade affections. But I didn't feel any of the pressure that comes with knowing that the outcome of the game may rest on your bony adolescent shoulders. I don't know how my Dad felt about my bench-warming status. We never talked about it. In retrospect, I imagine it was hard for him. Dad was a gifted athlete. He played basketball and ran track in college. He was fast and strong and he could jump like a kangaroo -- at least, that's what it says in his news clips. By the time I was old enough to play ball with him he was well into his 50s and wasn't moving like he used to. But he could still kill me in games of H-O-R-S-E with a two-handed set shot that he could hit from half-court -- time after time after time. Two of my older brothers were high school sports stars, and the third was an important part of a college basketball team that won the NIT championship (OK, he was the equipment manager - he still received an NIT championship ring that he wore until the day he died.) Dad was used to going to games to watch his sons PLAY. I'm not sure how he felt about going to games to watch his son SIT. And cheer. And wave a towel. And, hopefully, hug. Still, Dad was always there in his suit and tie, usually standing in a corner of the gym, leaning against the wall. I'd make eye contact with him during pre-game lay-ups -- it would've been uncool to smile or wave. And then I forgot about him until after the game -- and the hugging -- when he'd come up to me and smile and shake my hand and tell me, "Good game!" Even though I never actually did anything to make the game good. Until the last game of the season. We were playing our arch-rivals, the South Davis Redmen (OK, so maybe we didn't have actual colors for school colors -- at least our mascot wasn't politically incorrect). It was a great day for the Mustangs, as we galloped off to a big lead. We were up by about 20 with two minutes to play when coach finally felt comfortable enough to look toward my end of the bench. "Walker!" he barked. "You're in!" The next two minutes are still kind of surreal to me. I remember running up and down the court a few times. I remember getting a rebound on defense and then running up the floor as the Pep Club starting counting down the last seconds of the game. I remember hearing them yell "5!" just as Mark passed the ball to me. I remember hearing the guys on the bench behind me shouting "Shoot!" as I faced the basket -- and shot. I remember watching the ball bounce off the backboard and through the hoop as the buzzer went off. I remember hearing everyone scream and yell like I had just won the game even though it just meant that we won by 22, not 20. And I remember wondering what to do. I mean, I knew what to do when we won a game while I was sitting on the bench. But I was completely unprepared for what to do when we won a game and I had hit a last-second shot -- meaningless though it may have been. Instinctively, I looked for Dad. And he was there, where he always was, smiling at me as he always did. And somehow that helped -- just knowing he was there -- and I came back to my senses in time to give a sweatier-than-usual hug to Heidi. For the next 35 years that was always the case -- not the "sweaty hug" part, but the "Dad was there" part. Through good times and bad, Dad was always there to smile, to encourage, to support and to love. I came to depend on that, even toward the end of his life when smiling was about all that he could do. It helped to know that, no matter what, Dad was there. And now I'm the one who is in my 50s struggling to keep pace with a teenage basketball player in my family. I think about Dad on Father's Day or whenever I'm tempted to NOT be there for my children. To be honest, I'm not as good at it as Dad was. But I keep trying because I know how much it can mean for Dad to be there when you hit that big shot. Or especially when you don't. -- Joseph Walker ============================================================== >-->From Our Friend John-Paul :) . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >~The `Balm-Of-Love`~ (The Great Physician) I know a Wonderful Physician, He is sure to make you well, With full health, vim, and vigor, But His wares He does not `sell`. All you do is ask Him, He`ll give you strength and health, A `Fee` He doesn`t charge you, For He possesses the greatest wealth. What you have to is seek Him, You`ll always find Him close at hand, Just believe that he will heal you, That`s the one thing He`ll demand. If you do just what He tells you, You`ll soon be free from pain, Oh`, rejoice and sing his praises, In His care you`ll desire to remain. Now, I know you`re going to ask me, If I`ll tell this Doctor`s name He`s the True and Greatest of all physicians, And He has a World-wide Fame. He`s the same that healed the leper, The Man from Galilee, He is the Master of all Physicians, And as for health, He holds the `Key` This Doctor`s name is JESUS, Who is ordained with Power from Above, He`ll heal all mind and body, With His healing ~ "BALM OF LOVE"~ ! ~\o/~ John-Paul ~WIth God`s love for the blessing of You~ While you count the different things, You are thankful for today, And enjoy the many blessings That God has sent along your way... Just remember those that love you, Are most thankful too, For the World that`s so much richer, Because it shared God`s blessing with you. Your brother in Christ---- John-Paul -<>- . : . . : | : . . | | | , \ | | / . ,-'"""`-. . "- / __ __ \ -" |==| I |==| - --- | _`--^--'_ | --- - |'`. ,'`| _- \ "---" / -_ . `-.___,-' . / | | \ .' | | | `. : | : . : . >~Christians always be prepared~ Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter` too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Just accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.' But, when his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change ' The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?' "Yes I am" he replied. "Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday." When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh Father God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter." Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! We must `Always` be on guard -- and remember -- We carry the name of Christ on our shoulders when we call ourself 'Christians`...... \o/..... So Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. Is it `O,MY`---- Or---- `O,me`? Always~In~Christ~~~~John-Paul --- ...Amen! Thank You John-Paul! ======================================================= >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >When A Soldier Comes Home She sent us this reminder for a page we already have here... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/daily3.html AND for one we have here... Here's Your FROG! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/frog.html --- ...Thank You For These Very Sweet Reminders Jo Ann! -<>- >Left Brain Grocery List She also sent us a very funny comedy file I added to our groups 'files' page here: Left Brain Grocery List http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList/files/ --- ...This one had me laughing! Thank you Jo Ann! -<>- ___ '___ / \I/ '\ ____ | '| _ -- | \ | '| -- | / | '| ~~~~ \_________/ >Three Bullets There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old rifle and three bullets.. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner.. As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit.. He shot at the rabbit and missed it. The rabbit ran away. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it.. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree... As he went further, he saw a large wild 'Tom' turkey in the tree, but he had only one bullet remaining. A voice spoke to him and said, 'Pray first, aim high and stay focused. However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake. Still, the voices aid again to him, 'I said 'Pray, Aim high and Stay focused.' So, the man decided to listen to God's voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it. And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond. When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a dead deer and a turkey to eat for his family. The snake (Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God. Moral of the story: Pray first before you do anything, aim and shoot high in your goals, and stay focused on God. Never let others discourage you concerning your past. The past is exactly that, 'the past.' Live every day one day at a time and remember that only God knows our future and that he will not put you through any more than you can bear. Do not look to man for your blessings, but look to the doors that only He has prepared in advance for you in your favor. Wait, be still and patient: keep God first and everything else will follow. Pass this on in order that someone else might be blessed. FROM ONE FRIEND TO ANOTHER Don't worry about tomorrow, God is already there!!! -<>- >A.S.A.P. Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way. ************* There's work to do, deadlines to meet; You've got no time to spare, But as you hurry and scurry- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER In the midst of family chaos, 'Quality time' is rare. Do your best; let God do the rest- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER. It may seem like your worries Are more than you can bear. Slow down and take a breather- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares, And He'll respond to all your needs A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER. --- ...A good One! Thanks Jo Ann! -<>- () , O -. )', \'._.,-" c '-,_ o ) _,.c cc =[]L] /." ', c __.` -' \('---' '=.____ '-. O \ 0 , \|\_/) \-, |',T( 66,_ o ) '-" \\.___Y) ) ,-.Y _.G snd /-" /.' >A Story... A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by feet. He held up a sign which said: I am blind, please help," There were only a few coins in his hat. A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign turned it around and wrote some words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign, came to see how things were. The boy recognized his foot steps and asked, Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write? The man said, I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way," I wrote: "today is a beautiful day but I cannot See it." Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective? Moral of story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret. Handle your present without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear. The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling... And even more beautiful is knowing that you are the reason behind it!!! Sometimes I need a reminder to be thankful for the blessings I have been given..... --- ...So True! Thank You Jo Ann! -<>- ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN 17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote.....' It also was the last. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.. The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.' Brian's Essay: The Room... In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no dist inguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked..' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outrigh t weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented... When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back.. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also.. My 'People I shared the gospel with' file just got bigger, how about yours? You don't have to share this with anybody, no one will know whether you did or not, but what do you feel in your heart? "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Psalms 118 ~ --- ...Thank you Jo Ann! Yes, All of us shall have to give an account of actions to the Lord when that Day sahll come. Check these teaching out... The Ministry of Reconciliation - A Sonship Right http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/reconciliation.html The Hope Of The Return http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/hopeofthereturn.html The Third Heaven http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/thirdheavenandearth.html ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Max's Pal :) />> __ .' '} {_ \.' << \( )_/`` ``---`` hjw She Writes: My Daughter, Jude, was greeted while on patio, (up north outside Boston) by Koopa, the black cat, who was bringing her a present..in his mouth was a a teeny baby chipmunk..still breathing. being the "nurse" she got the little 4 inch fella to breathe and babied him for an hour, until my other Daughter, Pam, came home.....so a wee little, soft hole in the corner of a step was built, some fresh water and soft breadcrumbs finely torn and judy watched from inside. Sure enough, the mother zipped right in and whisked the wee fella away. All the while, Maxie was also watching from inside and likely licking his chops. He is such a loveable klutz but so lovable even tho he does scare all the repair and delivery men away. Judy said Max looks gorgeous and smells pretty having returned from his beauty parlor make-over. lol. have a great day and take care ... jtw --- ...Aww, thank you Maxy's Pal! So sweet! Reminds me of my cat Shadow - he used to always bring us little surprises of live baby birds! -<>- She also sent us forwards for a couple pages we alread have up. Check them out here... Miracle Fawn - Rupert http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rupert.html High Tech Toys http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/techtoys.html --- ...Great! Thank You for the sweet Reminders! ================================================================ >-->From InspiredBuffalo: >Fly with grey-haired pilots! ______ _\ _~-\___ = = ==(____AA____D \_____\___________________,-~~~~~~~`-.._ / o O o o o o O O o o o o o o O o |\_ `~-.__ ___..----.. ) `---~~\___________/------------````` = ===(_________D -Roland This is a first-hand account from a passenger on Flight 1549. It is an internal memo to the members of his firm. It is very well written, is descriptive, and gives this man's honest reactions to the events around him. It's from a partner at Heidrick & Struggles, an executive recruiting firm, who was on Flight 1549. Gerry McNamara (New York/Charlotte) was on US Airways Flight 1549 last week. Here is his account of the event: Thursday was a difficult day for all of us at the firm and I left the Park Avenue office early afternoon to catch a cab bound for LaGuardia Airport. I was scheduled for a 5 pm departure, but able to secure a seat on the earlier flight scheduled to leave at 3 pm. As many of us who fly frequently often do, I recall wondering if I'd just placed myself on a flight I shouldn't be on! Just prior to boarding I finished up a conference call with my associate, Jenn Sparks (New York), and our placement, the CIO of United Airlines. When I told him that I was about to board a US Airways flight, we all had a little fun with it. I remember walking on the plane and seeing a fellow with grey hair in the cockpit and thinking "that's a good thing... I like to see grey hair in the cockpit!" I was seated in 8F, on the starboard side window and next to a young business man. The New York to Charlotte flight is one I've taken what seems like hundreds of times over the years. We take off north over the Bronx and as we climb, turn west over the Hudson River to New Jersey and tack south. I love to fly, always have, and this flight plan gives a great view of several NY landmarks including Yankee Stadium and the George Washington Bridge. I had started to point out items of interest to the gentleman next to me when we heard a terrible crash - a sound no one ever wants to hear while flying - and then the engines wound down to a screeching halt. 10 seconds later, there was a strong smell of jet fuel. I knew we would be landing and thought the pilot would take us down no doubt to Newark Airport. As we began to turn south I noticed the pilot lining up on the river - still - I thought - en route for Newark. Next thing we heard was "Brace for impact!" - a phrase I had heard many years before as an active duty Marine officer but never before on a commercial air flight. Everyone looked at each other in shock. It all happened so fast we were astonished! We began to descend rapidly and it started to sink in. This is the last flight. I'm going to die today. This is it. I recited my favorite bible verse, the Lord's Prayer, and asked God to take care of my wife, children, family, and friends. When I raised my head I noticed people texting their friends and family....getting off a last message. My blackberry was turned off and in my trouser pocket...no time to get at it. Our descent continued and I prayed for courage to control my fear and help if able. I quickly realized that one of two things was going to happen, neither of them good. We could hit by the nose, flip and break up, leaving few if any survivors, bodies, cold water, fuel. Or we could hit one of the wings and roll and flip with the same result. I tightened my seat belt as tight as I could possibly get it so I would remain intact. As we came in for the landing, I looked out the windows and remember seeing the buildings in New Jersey, the cliffs in Weehawken, and then the piers. The water was dark green and sure to be freezing cold. The stewardesses were yelling in unison: "Brace! Brace! Brace!" It was a violent hit - the water flew up over my window - but we bobbed up and were all amazed that we remained intact. There was some panic - people jumping over seats and running towards the doors, but we soon got everyone straightened out and calmed down. There were a lot of people that took leadership roles in little ways. Those sitting at the doors over the wing did a fantastic job...they were opened in a New York second! Everyone worked together - teamed up and in groups to figure out how to help each other. I exited on the starboard side of the plane, 3 or 4 rows behind my seat, through a door over the wing and was, I believe, the 10th or 12th person out. I took my seat cushion as a flotation device and once outside saw I was the only one who did....none of us remembered to take the yellow inflatable life vests from under the seat. We were standing in 6-8 inches of water and it was freezing. There were two women on the wing, one of whom slipped off into the water. Another passenger and I pulled her back on and had her kneel down to keep from falling off again. By that point we were totally soaked and absolutely frozen from the icy wind. The ferries were the first to arrive, and although they're not made for rescue, they did an incredible job. I know this river, having swum in it as a boy. The Hudson is an estuary - part salt and part fresh water - and moves with the tide. I could tell the tide was moving out because we were tacking slowly south towards Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, and The Battery. The first ferry boat pulled its bow up to the tip of the wing, and the first mate lowered the Jacobs ladder down to us. We got a couple people up the ladder to safety, but the current was strong, pushing the stern of the boat into the inflatable slide, and we were afraid it would puncture it...there must have been 25 passengers in it by now. Only two or three were able to board the first ferry before it moved away. Another ferry came up and we were able to get the woman who had fallen into the water on the ladder, but she just couldn't move her legs and fell off. Back onto the ladder she went; however, the ferry had to back away because of the swift current. A helicopter arrived on station (nearly blowing us all off the wing) and followed the ferry with the woman on the ladder. We lost view of the situation but I believe the helicopter lowered its basket to rescue her. As more ferries arrived, we were able to get people up on the boats a few at a time. The fellow in front of me fell off the ladder and into the water. When we got him back on the ladder but he could not move his legs to climb. I couldn't help him from my position so I climbed up the ladder to the ferry deck where the first mate and I hoisted the Jacobs ladder with him on it...when he got close enough we grabbed his trouser belt and hauled him on deck. We were all safely off the wing. We could not stop shaking. Uncontrollable shaking. The only thing I had with me was my blackberry, which had gotten wet and was not working. (It started working again a few hours later). The ferry took us to the Weehawken Terminal in NJ where I borrowed a phone and called my wife to let her know I was okay. The second call I made was to Jenn. I knew she would be worried about me and could communicate to the rest of the firm that I was fine. At the terminal, first responders assessed everyone's condition and sent people to the hospital as needed. As we pulled out of Weehawken, my history kicked in and I recall it was the site of the famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804. Thankfully I left town in better condition than Mr. Hamilton who died of a mortal wound the next day! I stayed with my sister on Long Island that evening, then flew home the next day. I am struck by what was truly a miracle. Had this happened a few hours later, it would have been pitch dark and much harder to land. Ferries would no longer have been running after rush hour and it would not have been the same uplifting story. Surely there would have been fatalities, hypothermia, an absolute disaster! I witnessed the best of humanity that day. I and everyone on that plane survived and have been given a second chance. It struck me that in our work we continuously seek excellence to solve our client's leadership problems. We talk to clients all the time about the importance of experience and the ability to execute. Experience showed up big time on Flight 1549 as our pilot was a dedicated, trained, experienced professional who executed flawlessly when he had to. I have received scores of emails from across the firm and I am so grateful for the outpouring of interest and concern. We all fly a great deal or work with someone who does and so I wanted to share this story - the story of a miracle. I am thankful to be here to tell the tale. There is a great deal to be learned including: Why has this happened to me? Why have I survived and what am I supposed to do with this gift? For me, the answers to these questions and more will come over time, but already I find myself being more patient and forgiving, less critical and judgmental. For now I have 4 lessons I would like to share: 1. Cherish your families as never before and go to great lengths to keep your promises. 2. Be thankful and grateful for everything you have and don't worry about the things you don't have. 3. Keep in shape. You never know when you'll be called upon to save your own life, or help someone else save theirs. 4. When you fly, wear practical clothing. You never know when you'll end up in an emergency or on an icy wing in flip flops and pajamas and of absolutely no use to yourself or anyone else. And I'd like to add: Fly with grey-haired pilots! -<>- >by Beata Mostafavi | The Flint Journal FLINT, Michigan -- Marc Alexander promises his "angels" that he will pay it forward. In the midst of a credit crisis, the 23-year-old had been rejected seven times for the $16,000 loan he needed to attend Kettering University this term. But someone out there just couldn't stand to see the star senior quit college. The anonymous letter came to Kettering's financial aid office just days after his story appeared in The Flint Journal -- enclosed was a $16,000 cashier's check. Just one simple request from his secret donors: Pay it forward. "I was just blown away," said Alexander, head of a non-profit organization that helps youth. "Nothing like this has ever happened to me. This was something I'd only seen in the movies. "It's kind of hard to even express how grateful and thankful I am. I am on top of the world." Flint Journal extras A powerful message Here's the anonymous letter Marc Alexander received with a $16,000 check to pay for classes at Kettering University: Dear Mr. Alexander, Enclosed is a cashier's check for $16,000. This is a gift to pay for your classes next term at Kettering. We hope that at some time in your successful future you may find someone in need and "pay this gift forward." Sincerely, Flint friends who are grateful for Kettering University and its outstanding graduates. Everything had been going well for the Pontiac native until a struggling private loan industry last year increased the credit score requirements for loan co-signers. Alexander, whose family struggled financially, could no longer find a credit-worthy co-signer -- his mom, uncle and three other acquaintances didn't fit the bill. With 12 classes left to go and $130,000 already accrued in debt, Alexander wasn't sure he'd be able to graduate. A recent blog blip about his story generated responses from several people asking how they could help. "What a great young man," one person commented online. "I read many articles about Mr. Alexander after Googling his name and Kettering together. "He deserves the chance to finish his schooling and make a difference in this world." The generous gift came just in time for April classes. Alexander taped the letter by his desk at work. "Anytime I get down, I look at it and smile," said Alexander, who hadn't been able to attend class for nearly a year. "Someone gave me a chance and I'm not going to ruin that." And he promises to honor the donors' request to "pay it forward." He and fiance Angela Tremble are already planning to start a scholarship with the goal of offering 16 scholarships at $16,000 per person. Alexander also wants to work full time as president and CEO of the non-profit Youth of Tomorrow, which helps gear young people toward careers through hands-on experiences. He started the group after watching youths struggle in his hometown because a recreation center closed. Alexander realized then that "my heart was with the youth." The non-profit has more than 175 participants in its programs, partners with other non-profits including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint and uses Kettering's classrooms and resources. "What really inspired me is that a lot of the youth I come across remind me of me," said Alexander, who is working to get a main office in Detroit. "They have so much potential but don't have the resources to go above and beyond. "I had a lot of mentors to help me get to where I am today." Alexander and his sister grew up in a small apartment in Pontiac. When he was in eighth grade, his single mother was diagnosed with throat cancer, leaving them using food stamps and other assistance. There were other hardships. Alexander's 26-year-old stepbrother was murdered in 2005 and he met his father for the first time last year. But the high school homecoming king always stayed focused, said his mother, Rhonda Harris. "I told him when he first went to Kettering that it would be so much easier if he went somewhere cheaper or closer, " said Harris, of Clinton Township. "But he was so determined to go there. He never gave up on his dreams." She said the family is stunned by the gift. "What a blessing. That was so beautiful," she said. "I think he's getting so blessed now because he's done everything he can to give back to his community. He has never forgotten anything or anybody, or where he grew up." Alexander, who switched from a mechanical engineering to business management major, has two terms of classes left and plans to graduate in December. With help from another non-profit, he also has started a program in Pontiac called "Future All Stars" that allows students in grades 6-12 to play basketball and includes student referees and even photographers and reporters. "He's definitely the shining star here at Kettering," said Ella Derricks, Alexander's academic advisor. Donors won't be disappointed, she said. "Marc wants the best for kids and I know if he's capable, he's going to help them," Derricks said. "Just reminiscing back on his childhood and how hard it was for him ... there is no doubt in my mind Marc will help the next young person who comes along. -<>- + (|) _____.___.|_|. | / \ |===| | / \ | o | |__/__v__\|, ,| | | | | | || || |/| . . . |','| ||| A A A | , | ||| M M M | | wtx --------------------- >WHEN THEY TRESPASS AGAINST US I saw a sign in a church parking lot. It read: "Parking for Church Use Only. Violators will be towed." I wondered if it might be more effective if some humor were used: "Parking for Church Use Only. Violators will be baptized." Or, "Violators will be expected to tithe." That should clear the lot! I heard of one church that posted a sign that read, "We forgive those who trespass against us; but they will be towed all the same." We've all had people trespass against us in one way or another. And we have each done our share of trespassing. The dictionary defines trespassing as any offense, transgression or error against others... That covers a tremendous territory. Our lives are full of trespasses, which is why an effective response to the trespasses of others is so essential to happy, healthy and whole living. In his book LEE: THE LAST YEARS, author Charles Flood reports that after the American Civil War, Confederate General Robert E. Lee visited a Kentucky lady who took him to the remains of a grand old tree in front of her house. There she bitterly cried that its limbs and trunk had been destroyed by Federal artillery fire. She looked to Lee for a word condemning the North or at least sympathizing with her loss. After a brief silence, Lee said, "Cut it down, my dear Madam, and forget it." He seemed to know that as long as she continued to recount her losses, she'd never get over them. She had to release the North from her debt in order to move on to healthy living. In the end, if we learn the power of releasing others from our debt, we will build the happy and productive lives we want. It may not always be our first response, but it is our best final response to those who trespass against us. --By Steve Goodier -<>- _______=C_________________O ) ==_]]]]]]========= /________/(___) MJP >A FATHER’S FORGIVENESS By: Joseph J. Mazzella When I was a boy I always wanted to be a cowboy. I remember my Mom worrying about me getting sick from the heat in the summer, because I wore a thick blue sweater all the time. No respectable cowboy, however, would wear short sleeves so I sweated while I played. I was overjoyed too when one day my parents gave me a bb gun. It looked just like a lever action rifle that all the cowboys used in the movies. I spent hours each day during those summer months shooting at stumps and pretending to be John Wayne. I even mastered the one-handed, swing, cock and shoot move I had seen him do in a movie once. At least that is what I thought. As I was coming into the house one afternoon, though, I tried it one time too many. The gun that I thought was empty let out a soft pop and a bb flew across the room and parted the hair of my Dad who was asleep on the couch. My Dad took one look at the bb hole a half inch above his head, walked over to me, took my gun, walked outside, and calmly broke it in half. I didn’t cry too much over this. I knew how close I had come to hurting my Dad with my stupidity. I didn’t expect to ever get another bb gun either. That is why I was so surprised when my Dad bought me another one the next year. I guess he thought I had wised up enough to know how to use it this time. I never put a single bb in the new gun, but in my imagination John Wayne rode again. I eventually outgrew my cowboy stage, but I never did outgrow my appreciation for my Father’s forgiveness. He showed me that even when I messed up in the worse way I was still loved. He gave me another chance and let me know that I was forgiven whether I deserved it or not. He shared with me some of the unconditional love and forgiveness that our Father in Heaven has for us all. May we always embrace and share that love and forgiveness as well. --- ...Reminds me of this one... Parable Of Forgiving Father http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/parableofforgivingfather.html -<>- >Links For Your Enjoyment: Both Ways Barack http://www.buffaloschips.com/012108.htm Bowl http://www.buffaloschips.com/012109.htm Boxing Match http://www.buffaloschips.com/012110.htm Aww Animals 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals4.html Brownies http://www.buffaloschips.com/012111.htm Camera 21 http://www.buffaloschips.com/012112.htm Bad Weld http://www.buffaloschips.com/012103.htm Bambi http://www.buffaloschips.com/012104.htm Baxter Black So Lucky To be An American http://www.buffaloschips.com/012105.htm Bending Trial http://www.buffaloschips.com/012106.htm Bobcat http://www.buffaloschips.com/012107.htm To Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ========================================================= __ .---. __ / ` .-.7,--. / `. .-''. -, , \ '--.- -; | ) / ,` / \ ,_) / '-. / ( ( | / .' ) \ '. `--,/ .---' ,-.| `--. / '-, -' .' .==,=; `-,.;--' / ,' _;--;| /_...=' || jgs || .==,=. ||/ '.\ ,||`'=...__\ || || ||, || || || >-->LIFE IS A MIRACLE Life is a miracle don't let it slip away, Open your heart to others, give of yourself each day. See the beauty in everyone, regardless of where they've been, Some have a difficult journey and really need a friend. Share your gifts and talents, listen with your heart. Do the things you dream about but don't have time to start. Pick a bouquet of flowers, show someone that you care, Be gracious and forgiving, for life is never fair. Hold on to your courage, you may need it down the road, We all have a cross to bear, it could be a heavy load. If you practice all these things, wherever you may roam, You might find both sun and rain, but you'll never feel alone! ~ Author Unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DAARE 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 ************************************************************************