God Knows 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 ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This piping hot one is from our friends Linda, LouiseA, Geniann, and KarenF. It is sure to bring you smiles. Check it out here... ___....___ _,--''' ```--._ ,' `. /_,_,_,_,_,_,_,_,_,_,_,_,_,_,\ _,-----._ || ,'( / `. || (__ __/_/._,'_) || ( _,/ `. ,' `. ) || (_ | o . o |-') || `-| | |-' || \ O / || ____ `.___,' ____|| ,' / /`._____)===(_____,'\ \ || ( ( ( (| `-'/_|_\`.' |) ) )|| \_\_\_| _______ |_/_/_|| | || [_______] || | || | ||_,' ,' `. `._|| |/ | | ||__,-' `-.__|| |\__| | | \ / | / / | | \ / | / \ \ \_________/ |__,' \ \ |_________| \ \' `-. ,\ `. ' : `. `.`. / `--' ' . \ / ' , ' \ \ \ | | | . | | |_______________________| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | -.| | -.| ( ) ( ) |`- | |`-- | | | | | | | | | | | | | jrei |__ _| |____| (____) (____) Got A Nanosecond 4? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nano4.html --- ...LOL! Such a fun series! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ___ _[___]_ _ ( " ) [_] '--(`~:~`)--|' / `-:-' \ | __.--\ : /--. .'` jgs '-----' '-.._ >DIANA'S CHRISTMAS by Pamela Blaine It was December in the Ozarks and a skiff of snow was on the ground. I was busily baking cookies and sprinkling some Christmas colored sprinkles on top of them when I heard the sound of the school bus pulling away on the gravel road in front of the house. My nine-year-old daughter, Julie, came bounding through the front door and as usual, she was hungry. There's something about being in school all day that works up a good appetite. I handed her a couple of cookies and poured her a glass of milk. Her preschool sister and brother joined her for a snack and as we sat around the table, Julie eyed her Christmas cookie, examining each side of it, and then she said, matter-of-factly, "Diana isn't having Christmas." "Who is Diana?" I asked. "She rides the school bus and sits by me sometimes, and when I asked her what she wanted for Christmas she said she wasn't having any Christmas," Julie repeated once more. She continued, "Diana has pretty red hair but I think she forgets to brush her hair and the other kids don't sit by her. I think it's because she's different." I questioned my daughter about Diana and her family and where she lived but Julie didn't know very much. She only knew there were other children in the family and that they got off the bus along the road where there wasn't a house. All evening I was plagued by thoughts of a little red headed girl who "forgets to brush her hair and wasn't having Christmas" as Julie had described her. The next morning after Julie had left for school, Diana was still on my mind. We had only lived in the area for a short time but I knew that the principal knew everyone in the community so I picked up the phone and called the grade school principal. I asked him if he knew of a little red headed girl named Diana who rode Julie's bus. "Yes, she's one of the Martin kids, lives off the main road a little ways. Why, is there a problem?" he asked. I explained to him what Julie had said and I asked him if he thought they might be a family that needed some help this Christmas. The principal told me that the Martin family probably did need assistance and he seemed glad that someone had thought of it. I told him that our family would personally do something and that I would also give their name to the Christian mission in town that always helped others at Christmas time. That day I found a big box and later that night we all discussed what should go into the box for the Martin family. It was just a few days until Christmas and we began working to wrap gifts and fill the box. Jeanna chose some toys and games that were age appropriate along with a cuddly stuffed teddy bear for one of the younger children. Even Jeremy, who was just a toddler, watched what was going on and then ran to his own little box of toys and began throwing some of them into the box. I began cooking and baking what I could, in advance, to go in a separate box of food items that would make up a traditional Christmas dinner. I asked Julie if she would like to add something special to the box that would be for Diana. "Can we get her a pretty hat with gloves to match? Julie asked. "We could get green like Diana's eyes!" "Green it is!" I announced as we made our purchases. That night I put the finishing touches on the box by including a children's Bible with the story of the birth of Jesus marked with a bookmark. The next day was Christmas Eve and after work my husband, Mike, loaded the boxes into our van. We had gotten directions from the principal and we were all putting our coats on to leave when Julie said, "Mommy, I don't want to go." "Well, why not?" I asked. "Don't you want to take the gifts to Diana?" "Maybe Diana might hide her face", Julie said with a worried look. I knew what Julie was feeling. She was concerned that because Diana knew her she might somehow be shy or uncomfortable knowing that Julie had "told" about there not being any Christmas for Diana. Although I didn't think there would be a problem, I told Julie she didn't have to go along. We drove up an old dirt road and found a little house in a clearing in the woods. Mike got out and went to the door while I stayed in the van with the baby. A couple of very friendly dogs met him as he got out and then a man came to the door. As Mr. Martin stood at the door, a small child peeked around the door jam and waved at me. Mike talked a moment and then handed him the packages. When Mike turned to leave, Mr. Martin said something else, causing him to turn around and then he shook Mike's hand. We enjoyed Christmas a little more than usual that year and learned that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. When school started again after Christmas break, I heard that familiar sound of the bus outside once more as Julie came bursting through the door with a huge smile on her face. She stopped right in front of me and said, "Mommy, Diana knows!" "Knows what?" I asked. "She knows I told", Julie replied. "Mommy, Diana was wearing the green hat and gloves today. When I got on the bus she hugged me and then she said, "Julie, we did have Christmas!" -- Pamela R. Blaine ___________________________________________ Pamela and her husband live in Missouri. They have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. She enjoys writing, music, and country living and she writes "Pam's Corner" for the local newspaper. She has had many stories published on the Internet as well as in several books. Pamela says, "I have loved music and writing ever since I can remember. I play piano at church and I'm an avid reader. One of my goals is to be able to write for my children and grandchildren so special memories will not be forgotten. We have recently made a new CD entitled 'I'll Walk You Home'. If you would like one, they are available by freewill donation." More information as well as a clip from the CD are on the website at: http://blaines.us/PamyPlace.htm ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) __ @@;, ( ; ? : ); _| |_ | | || | | _| |_ | \ \ \/ || \/ ___ / / | __| |\ __||____||___||______/| | ||| | |_______ _________| | ||| ||| |____ | | ____| ||| Design by \ \______ ) | | / ______/ / || | | | | | /___| || Samule J. Neptune || | | |_ /| | |\ _| || || || | \__, / | | | \<__/ | || >A SPECIAL GUEST By Heather Spears Kallus If I could dine with anyone...well...besides the fam, I would want to share a meal...with the Blessed Lamb. The things I'd want to thank Him for, how would I even start? Could I even speak the love that's found deep in my heart? I wouldn't want a lunch express...fast food of any kind, I'd want to share the thoughts inside...of all that's on my mind. I'd hope the service would be slow...I'd want to drag it out, Just for me and Jesus...that's what it'd be about. First, I'd like to thank Him...for His life that He gave, So our lives just wouldn't end with names upon a grave. I'd thank Him...for opening the lock on Heaven's gate, I'd stall for extra time...asking for another plate. Very soon, He'd catch on...to my little plan, After all, He knows us...each woman and each man. Then He'd say, "Relax, my child, I know your every thought, I want to be here, too...just as you have sought." My nerves would calm, He'd take my hand, "What would you like to say?" "Lord, I thank you for the things...you do for me each day. Thank you for my legs that work when I get out of bed, For my eyes that greet the day from my sleepyhead." "For giving me a family that loves me through it all, For answering my prayers, when Your Name I do call. For our meals, for our home, each sunrise fresh and new, For our friends, for our health, for freedom, Lord, to love You." "For blessings in abundance and the chance for us to share, With those who may not realize how You deeply care. For giving us a recipe through Your Holy Word, Of how to get to Heaven...to reach You and be heard." "I can't believe You gave your life for sinners just like me, But, I know You love us, Lord, more than we can see. I thank You for the tiny taste found in a mother's love, A day-to-day reminder that love is from above." "Thank You for my Mom and Dad whose love is never ceasing, For my precious husband, each year, my love's increasing. For the gift of children...I feel so very blessed, They bring me peace and joy...more than I could've guessed." Then, I'd stop and say, "Oh my, how time has flown! Would you like to talk? I've been in my little zone." "Yes, my child, please love like me...there is no other way, Love your friends, your enemies, the least you meet each day." "Show everyone a glimpse of what a life with Me can be, One that's full of hope...and tranquility. Share your time and talents...your abundant treasures, too, You need me just as much, dear one, as I'm in need of you." "You are my hands, you are my feet, you are my lips to speak, Encourage all you meet each day...it's Me they need to seek. For hope when things seem hopeless, for love when they're alone, For comfort when they're suffering, use kindness in your tone." "Dear Lord, I know you're busy, I thank You for your time, Please know this meal's on me, sir...won't let you pay a dime." "Oh, my daughter, please recall that I have paid for this, On the cross, remember...betrayed with a kiss." Then, before I could respond, He was no longer there, I looked high and I looked low, but couldn't find Him anywhere. Then a voice in my head reminded me to pray, A way that we can call on Him each and every day. He is there, He's all around, He'll dine with us each day, Just remember to invite Him on Thanksgiving when you pray. "Bless this food, Lord, bless this house, while we work and rest, We saved a seat...for You, Lord...please come and be our guest!" --- ...A sweet one! Thanks LouiseA! Rev.3: [20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >"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 are facing... God knows! --- ...A warm and fuzzy one! Thanks LouiseA! Reminds me of this one: That's God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thatsgod.html ========================================================= >-->From Our Friend PatDeE :) _|_ | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ,%%%% // \\ ,@@@@@@@, ,%%%%/%%% // \\ ,@@@\@@@@/@@, @@@%%%\%%//%%%// === \\ @@\@@@/@@@@@ @@@@%%%%\%%%%%// =-=-= \\@@@@\@@@@@@;%#####, @@@@%%%\%%/%%// === \\@@@@@@/@@@%%%######, @@@@@%%%%/%%//| |\\@\\//@@%%%%%%#/#### '@@@@@%%\\/%~ | | ~ @|| %\\//%%%#####; @@\\//@|| | __ __ | || %%||%%'###### '@|| || | | | | | || ||##\//#### || || | | -|- | | || ||'#||###' || || |_|__|__|_| || || || || ||_/` ======= `\__||_._|| || jgs__||_/` ======= `\_||___ >A Christian 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.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare, they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.' 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' 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 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! Always be on guard -- and remember -- We carry the name of Christ on our shoulders when we call ourselves, 'Christian.' 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. I'm glad a friend forwarded this to me as a reminder. So, I choose to forward it to you - my friend. God bless you. If you don't pass this on to anybody, nothing bad will happen; but, if you do, you will have ministered to someone today. --- ...This is so true! Thanks PatDeE! In the old days we knew all we had was our word - our character, now a days people have forgotten this and talk about 'oh, the President just misspoke.' Our Presidents of olden times knew their credibility was everything and also gave much attention to what they told the public - never would they say - 'it was a video that caused the death of those people' when they absolutely knew differently - because they knew if they 'misspoke' to the American people that it would be all over. America would never trust them again. Obama and his administration have done this over again and again. Only now is the President's credibility on the line with his health care law because so many people are being hurt by it and can see that he absolutely was not truthful with them. =============================================================== >-->From Our Friend Fran :) She was sweet enough to write up a little How-To for her group on the Animated Gallery portion of ShangralaFamilyFun.com >Tips: _..---.._ .' .-'''-. '. / .' _..._'. \ __ : : /`;' ) : : _,="`\ ,--''` ``'.; : |; ,-; : ; __..==""==.,_| `-, `; .\; / ^\ _,.="// '-,_.--._ '.(;_.'__/`_.-'`\ ,.--''`` _..=. `'--.// `` \ `--, '` `- |_\ '-. | `-._ _.;--`-..___,.-'` `'-...-_:',;`==,| \ _.--',=" / /"=;="=, _.' ,=".-'` .' /| ,=" _.--' .-' "=, : .' | ", `;._ .--'.' .-' .' . ; ,;;\_ . '._.'--'` -' / ,;;;._ '-._ .''.__.' `\_ .' '._ / '._ .(` jgs '._ ';./ `;` Over 5000 Free Animated Gifs!! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs.html This link has over 5000 graphic you can use for making holiday, birthday or other pictures to make your emails more interesting. It has 4 sections. One is I think A though E then if you go down you will see the next is F through J, then K to O then P through T and the last is U through Z. If you are looking for Christmas graphics, go to the X for Xmas and you will find them there. I think I chose Angel 2 and clicked it. Then I clicked the picture and a box came up and I clicked copy then brought this email up and pasted it below. You can use for birthdays. I love to do that. I save this link in my favorites. For those who don't have the AOL Desktop, I am sure there is a place you can save this link, I use it all year long. Carol --- ...Aww, how thoughtful of you Fran! Thank You! ================================================================ . + . . . . _ . . , /;-._,-.____ ,-----.__ (( . (_:#::_.:::. `-._ /:, /-._, `._, ` \ _|`"=:_::.`.); \ __/ / , `./ \:. `. )==-' . . ., ,-=-. ,\, +#./` \:. / / . . \/:/`-' , ,\ '` ` ` ): , /_ -o . /:+- - + +- : :- + + -:' /(o-) \) . . ,=': \ ` `/` ' , , ,:' `'--".--"---._/`7 `. ( \: \,-._` ` + '\, ," _,--._,---":.__/ \: ` X` _| _,\/' .-' . ":._:`\____ /:' / . . \::. :\/:' / + . `.:. /:' } . . ):_(:; \ . /:. _/ , | . (|::. ,` . . |::. {\ |::.\ \ `. |:::(\ | O |:::/{ } | (o ) ___/#\::`/ (O "==._____ O, (O /` ~~~w/w~"~~,\` `:/,-(~`"~~~~~~~~"~o~\~/~w|/~ dew ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\W~~~~~~~~~~~~\|/~~ >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: >There Is a Tree Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family BY: Kimberly Anne Reedy If you feel called to share a message, it's because there are people in the world who are waiting to hear it. ~Michael Port On the plane headed to Detroit for my grandparents' sixtieth wedding anniversary, I gazed out the small cabin window. My mind wandered as I reviewed the past year. I had moved to Phuket, Thailand, where I had become a scuba dive master and taught children at a local school. I didn't have a good answer as to why I left home. I just needed to escape from my life as it was. After living in Thailand for seven months, I got a call from my brother. "I just got back from Iraq again. A lot has changed in my life, and I have so much to tell you!" "Well, when can you come out here to visit me?" "I don't get out of the Marine Corps until next March. When are you coming home?" That was all I needed to hear. I decided right then and there to return home to see my brother and family as soon as I could wrap things up in Phuket. First, my mom flew out to see what life had been like for me in Thailand. We spent seven weeks exploring Southeast Asia and parts of Europe before returning home. We then drove through the southwestern United States and along the West Coast to visit my brother and two sisters. It struck me that I had traveled to ten countries and, now on my way to Michigan, ten states within the course of a year. I pulled out my travel journal, weathered by months of tropical sea air and endless carry-on chafing. And I began to write.... Months later, my family gathered in Arizona for our first Christmas together in three years. My brother was home from Iraq, and I was back from years of international adventure. My mom wanted it to be the best Christmas ever. We had all decided to have a "Come as You Will Be" party to celebrate our dreams as a family and our commitment to getting along and growing together. When it was my turn to talk about my dreams, I revealed my intention to be a writer. I even had my first work with me, a short parable I had recently written. Although I wanted to read it to them, an overwhelming sense of vulnerability emerged, and I changed the subject. Then, suddenly, I was interrupted with, "Let's hear it!" Somewhat surprised that everyone seemed genuinely interested, I read what I had written on the plane two months before. There Is a Tree There is a tree whose roots sink deeply into the very core of the earth. Its branches soar up through the sky and out into the universe. Its trunk is so wide, no one really knows where one side begins or the other one ends. On that tree, there are so many leaves that, from far away, they seem to blend together as one. But, up close, each leaf looks completely separate. Because of this, most leaves overlook the fact that their stems are attached to small branches, which give way to all the other branches and ultimately connect to every other leaf on the tree. Most leaves forget this connection and feel separate and alone. When it rains, the leaves think they must accumulate more drops on them than the others, or they might die of thirst. So they compete with each other for the limited raindrops, forgetting that they all share the same roots, which absorb the water when it moistens the earth. When the sun comes out, the leaves are again worried, this time because they may not get enough light. When they see other leaves getting more sunlight than themselves, they feel resentful and envious, forgetting that when the sun shines on any one of them, the warmth and energy strengthens them all. Some leaves don't remember that they are part of a tree until they fall to the ground. But from the ground looking up, they can plainly see that all the leaves are growing from the same tree. Once they remember, they transform into nourishing soil and continue on as a different part of the tree. Some leaves, on the other hand, remember before they fall from the tree. When it rains, these leaves relax and trust, knowing that the water will moisten the soil below, and the roots of the great tree will absorb it, providing plenty of water for each leaf. When the sun comes out, the leaves bask in its warmth. When they see other leaves getting more sunlight, they are delighted, knowing that they all benefit from each other's success. But the most amazing thing is that when one leaf remembers, sometimes other leaves notice. And then, slowly, they begin to remember, too. And before you know it, on a tree whose roots sink deeply into the core of the earth with branches that reach all the way out into the universe, there are leaves that, even up close, don't seem so separate. I looked around. Everyone was quiet. Today, if you were to say me, "Thailand?! What made you want to move there?" I would have an answer. Only after all the people I met, after all the places I saw, after all the experiences I had, and only after being with my family, as if for the first time, can I say in earnest, "I just needed to find my way home." -<>- __ (`/\ `=\/\ __...--~~~~~-._ _.-~~~~~--...__ `=\/\ \ / \\ `=\/ V \\ //_\___--~~~~~~-._ | _.-~~~~~~--...__\\ // ) (..----~~~~._\ | /_.~~~~----.....__\\ ===( INK )==========\\|//==================== __ejm\___/________dwb`---`____________________________________________ I have a list of folks I know All written in a book, And every now and then I go and take a look. That is when I realize These names they are a part, Not of the book they're written in, But taken from the heart. For each Name stands for someone Who has crossed my path sometime, And in that meeting they have become The reason and the rhyme. Although it sounds fantastic For me to make this claim, I really am composed Of each remembered name. Although you're not aware Of any special link, Just knowing you, has shaped my life More than you could think. So please don't think my greeting As just a mere routine, Your name was not Forgotten in between. For when I send a greeting That is addressed to you, It is because you're on the list Of folks I'm indebted to. So whether I have known you. For many days or few, In some ways you have a part In shaping things I do. I am but a total Of many folks I've met, You are a friend I would prefer Never to forget. - Author Unknown -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Christmas With Pets http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/christmaspets.html Angels, Churches, Crosses, Doves Animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs.html Miniature Wonderland http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/modeltrain.html God Is Like... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/godislike.html Just Thinking... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thinking.html Matchstick Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/matchstick.html Miniature Baby Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/baby.html World Of Big Cats http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bigcats.html -<>- >From our Friend LouiseA :) This epic Christmas light show pays tribute to our troops and veterans. Click to watch this patriotic video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9ds_T_5ZkA&feature=player_embedded Computerized Christmas lights have been around a while. You often see homes with lights synchronized to music. This house goes one better. It still has the Christmas lights. But it adds LED curtains for a full video effect. It's amazing to watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkjb0i57OCY&feature=player_embedded Christmas lights are a long-standing tradition this time of year. Many houses and stores will have them displayed. There are many types of lights for those seeking creativity. But this homeowner wanted to go even further. His light display is synchronized to music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szLmAPW39uE&feature=player_embedded If you think stringing up your outdoor Christmas lights every year is a chore, try 25,000 of them. Better yet, this incredible display is synchronized to the Angry Birds theme song. I guess irate birds and greedy pigs like to celebrate the holidays, too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXGmhTI4S8w&feature=player_embedded When a friend mentioned that he'd like to try something really big for Christmas one year, Damion Rodriguez decided to make that wish come true. The result is the most impressive Christmas light display ever. Pay special attention to the roof. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXFtV1AFfIw&feature=player_embedded --- ...Wowsers! Like the Ooos and Awwws at a 4th of July! Thanks LouiseA! I love Christmas lights because it is all to the Glory Of The Lord! All For His Birthday Celebration - All For Him - Jesus Christ! Like This one: Amazing Grace http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazinggrace.html -<>- >From Our Friend Karen :) This parakeet won't let this kitten sleep - It's adorable to see this little bird kissing and talking to this kitten to encourage her to play .....lol (she sounds like R2D2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD_JpOvFWUo --- ...So cute! Thanks KarenF! -<>- >From Our Friend PatDeE :) Fox hunting under snow in an incredible way http://tinyurl.com/o9fjut6 --- ...They work hard! Thanks PatDeE! 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 Our Friend Bunni :) __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >ONLY YOU Like sunshine and music OU light up my life Your presence flows over me Easing away all my troubles and strife Your words are like a gentle caress I feel myself being gently drawn Ever deeper into your presence and love I feel it growing stronger with every new dawn No one has ever loved me as You do Always brightening my darkest night As a lighthouse You inspire me to go on Knowing YOU are my guiding light There's a joyful new feeling Stirring deep within my soul Knowing it is the reflection of YOU Bathing me with love and making me whole Oh, Jesus I love You Walking so close beside me Nothing more do I need To secure my eternal happiness ONLY YOU! Phyllis Smith (Bunni) Copyright June, 1983 Revised November 17, 2013 All Rights Reserved --- ...Sweet! AND Very True! Thanks Bunni! =============================================================== \| //_ |y//| j `.| /\ \ / ;--'\ / ; :=\=\ / ; : =\=\ / ; : =\=\ /\ ; : .'\`.\ /`\\ ;/ \ `\ / /\`._.'/ \ \ `-/_ `---'| _\-' hjw `-.___|__.-' >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 Kidwarmers: >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY .-----. .'`-. / ,-- | .- `-. ,' ,-' `. _.-' ,-.`.) ; / ,=---`--+' .- -. `. ( \ ,' =,- ,' ( o ) | /\ : : / =,-' / \-' ;(o : \ | ' ; ( `--' \ ; \ | = | \`--+ --. `( `+ =/ : : `. `. \ ' =/ \ `--. '-. `. `. \ =; `._ : ( `-. `. `. \ = ; `._.' `-.-`-._\ `-. \= ' _.-'_) (::::) `+ -. `--7' `--`..' ( : .' ; \ | | / \ | _.-| +---' `--+ `. \ \ /`. '-.-\ `--. / /#### `----.' ( ,-'############\ \\/###############; \###############/ kOs |--------------| _.--------- :::::::::::::::|_.-'' ::::::::::_.-'' .-''..'---'-------'' While at the dance studio, Isabella, 3, wanted to get a drink from the "water mountain (water fountain)." (Her mother hadn't realized how thirsty Isabella was!) -- Jodi (mother of Isabella) of Minnesota After a long day of play, James, 5, and Nathaniel, 3, were going home. Grammy was driving and Aunt Andrea tried to entertain Nathaniel. She placed the blanket over her head and asked, "Where's Aunt Andie?" Nathaniel laughed and pointed. Grammy said, "Yes, she's under the blanket... And where would Grammy be if she put the blanket on her head?" James said flatly, "In the ditch!" A little big later, as it became dark, Nathaniel, who had been looking out the window, asked, "Aunt Andie, why is the moon following us?" -- Andrea of Mount Vernon, Ohio Kim took her two sons, ages 2 and 6, shopping with her. She needed to try on a few things, so off they went to the fitting rooms, where Kim tried on a black pantsuit. Kim asked her 6-year-old how he liked the pantsuit. He replied, "I like it! It's the same color your hair is painted!" (Kim had changed her hair color from its natural brown to black a few months earlier.) -- Kim Koerner of Cumming, Georgia _, _ .' `. ___.>"''-..-. `-. ; .--""" .-._@; ; !_.--..._ .' / .[_@'`'. ; / : .' ; :_.._ `. : ; ;[ _T-" `.'-. `-. \ .-: ; `.`-=_,88p. _.}.-" `-.__.-' \ /L._ Y",P$T888; "" .-'_.-' / ;$$$$$$]8P; \ / / / "Y$$P" ^" fsc ;\_ `.\_._ ]__\ \___; Here's another story about shopping. Cristy was shopping with her daughter Taylor, 3. Cristy was trying on clothes and feeling unattractive because nothing seemed to fit. Taylor said, "Oh, Mommy, you look like an angel in that. I love that on you..." But then Taylor had to blurt out the truth, "You know I am just telling you that so you'll buy me a toy!" -- Cristy of Peterstown, West Virginia Jimmy, 12, was talking with his brother Thomas, 9, about colleges. Jimmy was telling Thomas how Yale is one of the best schools in the country. After careful thought, Thomas said, "Well, Jimmy, I don't know how great a college it could be if it rhymes with jail!" -- Lisa of Connecticut Grace, 5, went to her grandmother Shirley's house trick- or-treating in a Little Bo-Peep costume. Shirley asked Grace where her sheep were. Grace replied, "Don't you know, Grandma, Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep!" -- Shirley Bartow of Wisconsin _________ ,'' ``. / \ | ,---------. | | /--.\ | /,--\ | | /`-._\\|//_,-'\ | |/._ _ _____ _ _.\| / \ |=/#\=| / \ (_`-._\|=\#/=|/_,-'_) / ._'-.___,-'_, \ / / `-.\_/.-' \ \ : ( , | | . ) \ | \ | ||| | / | | \| ||| |/ | | ,-'| ||| |`-. | |/| |____\|/____| |\| \'--|___((_))___|--|/ |\_|-_ \\|//__-|_/ | | |_ -\|/- ._| / |\ |____/ \____| |\ ; \ | | | | |; / .| | | | || | || | | | \ ; || -.| | -.| / | ;| - | |-- | /\ ; ; | | | | || / | | | | | / \ | / |___| |___| \ | /__,--.(=--)_(-- )_,--\_\ / ) ( \ jrei / ,' '. \ (_,' '._) Kathy enjoyed her nephews during the Thanksgiving holiday. For example, Tyler, 4, was carrying around a container of band-aids. Kathy asked him if he was planning to get hurt. He said, "No, I just like band-aids." Bradley, 6, piped up, "Aunt Kathy, you know... you could make a guitar out of band-aids... And do you know what a guitar made of band-aids would sound like?" "What?" Kathy asked with excitement. With a dead pan look, Bradley began strumming an imaginary guitar -- with absolutely no sound! (Note from Grace: I was thinking the words "band" and "aid" might have given Bradley the idea of his "guitar" "aiding a band" that was too loud. Forgive me. I'm hopelessly addicted to puns.) -- Kathy True of Cleveland, Tennessee Ember, 2, likes to help with zipping her coat. She always says, "Mama, will you please scoot my button up?" Also, one day when Ember was trying to wash her hands and was having trouble with the faucets, she said, "Mama, my hands keep finding that the water is hot." -- Tiffani (mother of Ember) of Bloomington, Minnesota Riley, 2, is amazingly quick at learning new words. The two most recent additions to her vocabulary are "Mississippi" and "encyclopedia." When she was at the doctor he asked her if she likes to read books. The word "book" rang a bell. "Yes," Riley replied, "the encyclopedia!" -- Jean Aichele (grandmother of Riley) of Kendallville, Indiana ___ .-"""" ". / __'-. ; ..sssSSSS; ; ; ; '.' ..sssSSSSSS; ; """""""; ; ...ssssSSSSS; ; """"""; ; ; ; ....sssSS/ ; """/ ; .' ; .-""""-. '-.' _..ssS, .' "" _..sSs /__ "" _.sSS. .-"" `-. ___ ; _ /_..gg$$$pp'___`. .' `>. ,s$$$$$$$$$B;" `;""; .' ; :$$$$$$$$$$P"`._(): `-`_O.' :$$$$$$$$$P ' `-. $$$$$$$$$" _,,-. : ; $$$$$$$$!b.._g$$$$$$-. ; `. :$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$P j\ :_.._/ T$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$P | : ; "T$$$$$$$$$$$$P"; ;_; : "^T$$$$$$P^"; : //: __! | | : ; `.: .mMMM: ) :_ ) '-. 'MMMP' fsc `.i_;I '-._i.' Kiesha, 16 months, asked if she could have a "boy cheese" sandwich. Her mother said she didn't know what that was. Kiesha explained that a girl cheese sandwich is cooked and a boy cheese sandwich is "not cooked because boys not know how to cook." (Her dad is not a great cook!) -- Dianna Scharf (mother of Kiesha) of Winnipeg, Canada ========================================================== .-. _.--"""".o/ .-.-._ __' ."""; { _J ,__ `. ; o\.-.`._.'J; ; / `- / ; `--i`". `" .'; `._ __.' | \ `""" \ `; : `."-. ; ____/ / `-.` `-.-' `"-..' ___ `;__.-'" `. .-{_ `--._ /.-" `-. / ""T ""---...' _.-"" """-. `. ; / __.-"". `. `, _.. \ / __.-"" '. \ `.,__ .'L' } `---"`-.__ __." .-. j `. : `. .' ,' / """" / \ : `. | F' \ ; ; `-._,L_,-""-. `-, ; ` ; / `. 7 `-._ `.__/_ \/ \ _; \ _.' `-. / `---" `.___,, ;"" \ .' _/ ; `" .-" _,-' { ""; ;-.____.'`. fsc `. \ '. : >-->WHAT You Are Your Heart is your Love, Your Love is your Family, Your Family is your Future, Your Future is your Destiny, Your Destiny is your Ambition, Your Ambition is your Aspiration, Your Aspiration is your Motivation, Your Motivation is your Belief, Your Belief is your Peace, Your Peace is your Target, Your Target is Heaven! -Author Unknown >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 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 ************************************************************************