God Loves To Hear You ... :) 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!! ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ . ,-,--. __| //``-, \ \_`\ )\a-a-? \ \ \_`(_=_/_-`__ \__, , \| | _ _,' ___7 ) | (_)(_`__(_,---' | ( _( ) | / /_| |________| __/__/__|__|_________) _________(__,_|)/ (__)|/____\(_______________ mic *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) __/ _________ \,/ |. |_ | |. |:| . |//_ |. |/ . \ ) |_________| . o= __|___|__ __________________.___/ |_________[_________]__________________________ | | | __ _____ ___ _____ __ ___ _______ ________ _____ _____ __ | | / // / _ | / _ \/ _ \ \/ / / _ )/ _/ _ \/_ __/ // / _ \/ _ \ \/ / | | / _ / __ |/ ___/ ___/\ / / _ |/ // , _/ / / / _ / // / __ |\ / | | /_//_/_/ |_/_/ /_/ /_/ /____/___/_/|_| /_/ /_//_/____/_/ |_|/_/ | | | | | |_______________________________________________________________________| b'ger We celebrated Paul's 60th birthday today. All he said he wanted was my home made pizza. Of course, his wish was my command :) You can find my pizza recipe here: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html ================================================================ >-->News From InspiredBuffalo: _ .-' '-. / \ |,-,-,-,-,| ___ | A Spoonful of Sugar _)_(_ | (/ \) | _\_/_ /) HELPS / \_/ \// |( )\/ The Medicine go down... ||)_( |/ \ n| | / \ | |_|___| \|/ jgs _/L\_ Nancy is currently in a hospice suite so she can receive 24 hour nursing. Upon suggestion of an Inspired Reader I have set Nancy up with a Caring Bridge site so you can share your thoughts and prayers with her and her family. The site is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nancycantafio buffalo --- ...Sugar her sweet with your message :) =============================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers for Grandparents: ___ (___) /` `\ / /"\ \ \_/o o\_/ ( _ ) `\ /` /\\V//\ / /_ _\ \ \ \___/ / \/===\/ || || || || ||___|| |_____| jgs ||| / Y \ `"`"` >GRANDPARENT JOKES She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" _____________________ My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?" _____________________ After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?" _____________________ A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like. "We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing made from a tire. It hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!" _____________________ My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied. _____________________ A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story. "What's it about?" he asked. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't read." _____________________ I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these colors yourself!" _____________________ When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights.." _____________________ When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised. "Mine says I'm 4 to 6." _____________________ A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting." she said. "How do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'." _____________________ Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked. "Sure," said the young boy confidently. "It means carrying a child." _____________________ A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties. "They use him to keep crowds back," said one child. "No," said another. "He's just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close. "They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants." _____________________ A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her. Then, when we're done, we take her back to the airport." ====================================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: ,-----. W/,-. ,-.\W ()>a a<() (.--(_)--.) ,'/.-'\_/`-.\`. ,' / `-' \ `. / \ / \ / `. ,' \ / / `-._.-' \ \ ,-`-._/| |=|o |\_.-< <,--.) |_____| |o____| )_ \ `-)| |// _ \\| )/ || |' | `| || | | | || ( )|( ) || | | | || | | | || |_.--.|.--._| || /'""| |""`\ [] `===' `===' hjw >WISDOM FROM GRANDPA... - Whether a man winds up with a nest egg, orr a goose egg, depends a lot on the kind of chick he marries. - Trouble in marriage often starts when a maan gets so busy earnin' his salt, that he forgets his sugar. - Too many couples marry for better, or for worse, but not for good. - When a man marries a woman, they become onne; but the trouble starts when they try to decide which one. - If a man has enough horse sense to treat hhis wife like a thoroughbred, she will never turn into an old nag. - On anniversaries, the wise husband always forgets the past - but never the present. - A foolish husband says to his wife, "Honeyy, you stick to the washin', ironin', cookin', and scrubbin'. No wife of mine is gonna work." - The bonds of matrimony are a good investmeent, only when the interest is kept up. - Many girls like to marry a military man - he can cook, sew, and make beds, and is in good health, and he's already used to taking orders. - Eventually you will reach a point when youu stop lying about your age, and start bragging about it. - The older we get, the fewer things seem woorth waiting in line for. - Some people try to turn back their odometeers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved. - How old would you be if you didn't know hoow old you are? - When you are dissatisfied and would like tto go back to your youth, remember about Algebra. - I don't know how I got over the hill withoout getting to the top. - One of the many things no one tells you abbout aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. - Ah, being young is beautiful, but being olld is comfortable. - Old age is when former classmates are so ggray and wrinkled and bald, they don't recognize you. - If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, yoou won't have anything to laugh at when you are old. -<>- .-"''-. _ .' `( \ @/ ') ,--,__,-" / / \ / / _/ __| , |/ / .~ `\ / \ , | / .~ `\ ` / _/ _/ .~ `\ ~~`__/ / ~ `--'/ / / / / /' /jgs >THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL This morning, I softly opened your door Reluctant to rouse you from sleep Your blonde hair all tousled from a little boy's dream And your body curled up in heap. For a stolen moment standing there at your door My mind reached back into time To a little blue bundle cuddled up in my arms And gentle hints of nursery rhyme. Was it not a mere yesterday That you were learning how to walk and I know that it was just last week We were teaching you to talk. But somehow, I managed to waken you To your breakfast waiting there I dressed you in your finest clothes And I carefully combed your hair. Oh little boy, I love you so And I felt like such a fool To be so hesitant to let go of you On your very first day of school. Author/Written By: Marilyn Ferguson ©1987 * Never Forgotten & my 'boys' are 45, 46 & 51 now! -<>- __ /\/'-, ,--''''' /" ____,'. ) \___ '"""""------'"""`-----' pb >AMAZING GRACIE'S DEVOTION This month I began writing one column after another, but nothing clicked. I finally realized my mind's been on a subject that I've been postponing putting into words. But now it is time. My dog, Gracie, is coming to the end of her life. If only she had lived the life she deserved. She was a year old when she was found abandoned on the streets of Fall River. When my husband, Bob, and I brought her home, she was terrified of us. One day she was next to me while I was making soup. As I often do when I cook, I was singing. When I belted out "Oklahoma," I raised my large spoon toward the ceiling for emphasis. She hit the ground on all fours and, petrified, scooted away as if I was going to hit her with the spoon. Clearly she had been abused. She wouldn't even let us hug her. Finally one glorious day, Gracie made a decision. While cooking spaghetti, I told Bob, "Pasta is done when you fling a piece to the ceiling and it sticks." I balanced a gigantic clump of spaghetti on a huge spoon. "Dare me?" "No!" I whipped the spaghetti straight up. We watched the glob of pasta dangle from the ceiling before it plopped to the floor in one big heap. Bob said, "I guess it's not done." Had I seen Gracie watching us, I'd never have swung the spoon. But there she stood, smiling, as dog lovers can attest dogs actually do. Then she planted happy sloppy kisses all over my face. "Oh Gracie." For the first time, she let me hug her. "Welcome to your home, my golden dog." Though it may seem silly, lately I've been singing my own version of "Amazing Grace" to her. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved and strengthened me. You once were lost, but now you're found Instead of spending her middle years doing fun dog stuff, all she wanted to do was protect me. After my spinal cord surgery, I could barely walk. She always worried about me. I scrunched her cheeks, "No more worrying. I want you to play, have fun. Be a dog!" But year after year, she would not leave my side, even for her breakfast or dinner. She was my keeper. Instead of playing in our fenced-in backyard, she'd sit outside the glass slider, looking in and watching me. I told Bob how sad this made me. "Gracie has never been happier, Saralee." "But she's always on full alert. She never has fun." "This is her purpose. She was born for this. She is a lifeguard in every sense. The fact that she is YOUR lifeguard is the biggest gift you could give her. She is honored. She is noble. And she is happiest when she is serving her higher purpose." It is because of Gracie that I re-learned to walk, though I was scared. But with her assistance, I did it. 'Twas Grace that taught my heart no fear, And Grace all fear relieved. How precious was that Grace was here The hour I first believed. Gracie, on my left, wore a harness. I had the grip of the leather as well as her strong body next to me for balance. With no training, Gracie knew to take one step, then waited while I took one step. After we repeated this process 4 more times, I shouted, "HALLELUJAH!" Gracie gave me a billion kisses while we hugged. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far And Grace will lead me home. Those glory years sped by all too soon. Now, nearly 15 years old, she is feeble and in rapid decline. Though her eyes are cloudy, she sees shapes and knows which shape is me. Though she's stiff and aches, she always walks by my side. Though she can no longer hear, she feels the vibrations of me getting out of bed, and slowly pulls her body up from her heated dog bed to resume sentry duty. Sometimes I wonder if she is hanging on because she believes I can't make it without her. Last week, out of my love for my beautiful dog, I told her something very hard to say. I believe she heard me. "Gracie, my golden dog." I glided my fingers through her fur. "I could never have walked without your help. But I can walk by myself now." I kissed her forehead. "You will forever be my hero and my lifeguard." I whispered through tears, "No matter how far I will walk, you will always be on my left. No matter how long I live, I will always see you, looking carefully in front of my path, making sure I am safe." And then, it was painfully hard to say, "If you're too tired, you can let go now, and rest in peace my golden dog. Oh, my Gracie." I lay next to her with my head on her shoulders. "Thank you." When her flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease. I shall possess, within my veil Her loyal and eternal peace. - By Saralee Perel as seen in da Mouse Tracks To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ================================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: (.,------...__ _.'" `. .' .' `, `. `. ` . .' .'/''--...__`. \ . .--.`. ' "-. '. | '' .' _.' .()) .--":/ ''( \_\ ' (()( ''._' ( \ ' ' `. `--' ' `.: . `-.___.' ' `. . _ _ .' ) .____.-' .'`. (--.. .' \ /\ / / `. .' \( \ /|/ `. .' \__/ `. / | o | \ | | | jro >Quick Jokes Little Rodney, 4 years old, walked down the beach, and as he did, he spied a matronly woman sitting under a beach umbrella on the sand. He walked up to her and asked, "Are you a Christian?" "Yes," she replied. "Do you read your Bible every day?" She nodded her head, "Yes." "Do you pray often?" the boy asked next, and again she answered, "Yes." With that he asked his final question, "Will you hold my quarter while I go swimming?" -------- Billy, our five-year-old grandson, helped do yardwork and was paid $4. Later, his mother brought him to the toy store. Billy looked over a rack of action figures, asked how much they cost, then remarked, "It's a good thing I'm working." - Contributed by Sandra S. Jonaitis -------- My employment search preoccupied our family for months. One day my husband told our three boys that to make things easier for me, he had a list of jobs for them. They were all silent until our six-year-old spoke up: "When are the interviews?" - Contributed by Brenda Cobb -------- While replacing some roof tiles, my friend fell from a ladder. His ankle broken, he called out for help - and his neighbor's four-year-old came to his side. "Don't worry," she said, disappearing into her house. Minutes later she returned in her nurse's outfit, carrying a medical bag. -Contributed by Peter Brooks -<>- THE LIFT: >The Most Expensive Meal (By Alan Smith) __ ___ (__`\ /`___) ). \| | / .( \_ // ) \ _/ _ / `\ / / \ ,/-.`._/ / | \ \))_(_) \ /( \ )'--'` ;-` \ / \ |/ / \ \\ / ,/ '. |) ( \ / /; |\ \ | /\| |/\ | ( \(_'. / )/ ) jgs `-` '-'/_/ Did you hear about the expensive meal at Burger King in Palmdale, California? George Beane ordered two Whopper Jr.s and two Rodeo cheeseburgers when he pulled up to the drive-through window. The cashier forgot that she had entered the $4.33 charge on his debit card, and she punched in the numbers again without erasing the original ones -- creating a total bill of $4,334.33. The electronic charge went through to George's checking account and left him penniless. It's being promoted as "the most expensive meal in history." That seems a little extreme to me. I'm sure there are many other meals which have brought a higher tab than that. But, I would like to cast MY vote for the most expensive meal in history. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve ate some fruit which turned out to be extremely expensive. It cost them their home in the Garden of Eden. It cost them their relationship with one another. It cost them their relationship with God. And additional costs have been passed down to every man and woman who have lived on the face of this earth ever since. The truth of the matter is that sin always has consequences. We play games in our mind and try to deny it becuase we like to play with fire thinking that we'll never get burned (even though everybody else has). We like to flirt with sin thinking that "I can do this and it won't hurt anything" but it always does. Sometimes, like Adam and Eve, sin affects our relationship with others around us -- husbands, wives, children, parents, church family, friends. And sin always affects our relationship with God. And if our sin remains unforgiven, it can cost us our eternal home. It's a high price to pay for a few moments of selfish enjoyment. Listen to this warning from James: "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers." (James 1:13-16) Don't be deceived! Partaking of sin will result in a bill far greater than you ever could have imagined. Even greater than the cost of burgers in California these days. SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com --- ...My two Cents... _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` It sure is something to think about. Some people call it cause and effect or what goes up must come down or the law of inertia or carma or the yin and the yang. Apply these thoughts and you will get the idea. Whatever we do has some substance. Whenever we stray off course, we have our advocate, Jesus Christ to pitch defense for us. He is the one who is in our corner while the devil is against us. , |\ ____ \ \.-./ .-' T \ _ _( /| | |\ ) | .)(./ | | | | \( \_|_/ ( | \ | ) | \VvV | ( | |\,,\ | ) | | ^^^ | ) ( | |__ | ( ) / `-. _| ) ( / / `\ / ///_ | /jgs (((-|' ```| The devil says to God, "look, that one has crossed the line. That other one has hit the wall, and by golly, that one is headed right down my neck of the woods! They are in my territory. I get to have a little fun with them now!" | '.|.' -= + =- ___ .'|'. ___ ******* | ******* /-====) | (_.- )) | / '( )' ) )) / / _/ \_( (( | |-( _ _ )) ) ) / | \ //| |\\ /'-( ( / \ \/\/ *** \/\/ / ) ) | |\ / .=. \ / ( ( `-;./ ;-' _\/(")\/_ '-; ) ) | \ |'---'| / ( ( | \ _| |_ / ) ) _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( jgs .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. `""---`-----` `----`----`""` 1 John 2: [1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And (but) if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, (who is) Jesus Christ the righteous: Jesus is our advocate who pleads with God Almighty to give us time, wait and see saying, "They have been most devoted. This is just a little indiscretion. That one will surely return to the fold and that one is just new to the fold and will repent and that other one has never gone far off course before! Please give them all time to repent their sins and come back to you dear Father! You know they will. Please do not let harm come to them. Please Father!" _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Romans 8: [31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? [32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? [33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is {is it} God that justifieth? [34] Who is he that condemneth? It is (is it) Christ that died? yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ==================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Becky :) _.-._ /| | | |_ || | | | | || | | | | _|| ` | \\`\ ; \\ | \\ / jgs | | | | | | >Saying Grace: Last week, I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!" Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!" Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?" my son asked. "Cross my heart," the man replied. Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream... A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes." Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already." The End I love this story! Please keep it moving. Sometimes, we all need some ice cream. I hope God sends you some ice cream today. AMEN. --- ...Yeppers! Thanks Becky! I got ice cream! Birthday ice cream no less :) -<>- _ xxxx _ /_;-.__ / _\ _.-;_\ `-._`'`_/'`.-' `\ /` | / /-.( \_._\ \ \`; > |/ / // |// jgs \(\ >Jesus Never Thought of This Jesus died over 2000 years ago. Nobody has ever referred to him as the late Jesus, Not even the heathens. Nowhere in history. Nowhere has He EVER been referred to in past tense! He is the LIVING Son of The LIVING God! --- ...AMEN! Thanks Becky! ================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jewelle :) ,_('--, (.--; ,--')_, | ;--.) .-. |.| .-. \|\|/ .-. .-.`\|/|/`_ `\|/|/` ' `^jgs`^^`^``^``^``^``^`` >Ask Me if I Care About 'Mishandling' of Koran By Doug Patton June 6, 2005 First, Newsweek pulled a Dan Rather on us, running a fabricated story just because they wanted it to be true. They told the world that an American guard at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detention center had ripped pages from a prisoner's Koran and flushed it down a toilet. As a result, innocent people died when practitioners of Islam rioted in protest in Afghanistan. Oops, said Newsweek, it seems we can't back up our story. Oh well, it's probably true; we just can't prove it. (Isn't it convenient for Newsweek that the media now have "Deep Throat" to talk about so they can revel in their glory days and divert our attention from their criminal negligence.) The lie heard round the world about the flushed Koran has caused convulsions in the Bush Administration and forced the Pentagon to launch an investigation of unfounded allegations contained in an unsubstantiated story. The results of said investigation are now in, and it seems there are at least five incidents of "mishandling" of the Koran at Gitmo. Well, guess what? I don't care! Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan, across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning death that day, or didn't they? And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet? Well, I don't. I don't care at all. I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11. I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia. I'll care when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi tells the world he is sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling, slashed throat. I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques. I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs. I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights. I'll care when Clinton-appointed judges stop ordering my government to release photos of the abuses at Abu Ghraib, which are sure to set off the Islamic extremists just as Newsweek's lies did a few weeks ago. In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care. When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college hazing incident, rest assured that I don't care. When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank that I don't care. When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts that I don't care. And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and -- you guessed it -- I don't care! May your troubles be less, Your Blessing be more, And nothing but Happiness come through your door! Huggz, Joyz, & Smilez, Jewelle` --- ...Aww, thanks Jewelle! Right back at ya! _....._ .' `'-. / (- J-E-S-U-S ->< '._ _,.-' \ jgs ````` I have to admit, I care about the Koran about as much as those that believe in it care about God's Holy Bible. ================================================================== .-. ,-"""-, / \__ \ | / `\ | \( ^.^ )/ \ - / .-'|;---;|-. (\/ ||___|| `\ \\__/ \__| C|`----`|D __//| | | |====( | | | | _/_/___.---- .===| |====\ /===. | ('------') ( '----' ) | jgs | | >Baubie's Guest Story Editor: by Nathan Stolov Joyce Schowalter Missouri, USA --+-- This Story Originally Ran as #379#: 30 January 2003 --+-- 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 Archives InspiredBuffalo: ____ .-. .-"` `",( __\_ .-==:;-._ .' .-. `'. .' `"-:'-/ ( \} -=a .) / \/ \,== `- __..-'` '-' | | | .'\ `; \ _/---'\ ( `"` /.`._ ) \ `; \`-/.' `"` `"\`-. jgs `"` Today started out as “one of those days” but has quickly quieted down. After Francis and Joe left for school I heard a commotion in Francis’s bedroom. The minute I open the door I seen the problem. Diego, our cat, had Francis’s white mouse (no name that I am aware of so we will refer to him as “the mouse”) trapped between its front paws, and was licking him.. I am not sure whether this was an “I like you” lick or a “I’m going to eat you” type lick but the mouse walked away calmly when I hollered at Diego. Now I had to stop and have a little talk with myself.. I’m not crazy about mice.. Not because I dislike them as much as I am kind of afraid of them. Yeah I will grab a hamster and play with it and hold it, but that is a hamster not a mouse.. I stood and watched the mouse wander about the room, watched Diego watch the mouse wander about the room.. Considered letting the two play in the room until Francis came home from school in another 8 hours.. There was a glint in Diego’s eyes that told me that might not be a good idea.. Time for action.. I seen the exercise ball sitting on the dresser, tossed a T-shirt over the mouse, open the ball, scoop up the mouse in the T-shirt and shake him into the ball, slap the cover on and all is good! Considering all of the excitement and knowing the cage was escapable I decided it may be best to let the mouse play in the ball away from Diego for a bit. I set the ball outside the room and closed Diego in since Francis’s room opens to a bathroom which opens to Joe’s room, leaving Diego lots of room to play. I head off to another bathroom to wash up after almost touching a mouse.. I can hear the mouse rolling in his ball and Jack, my eskimo dog, following the ball. Probably not the best thing to calm down the mouse. Just as I come back Jack sends the ball rolling across the room, the ball stops by my feet and off pops the top.. Jack who of course was chasing the ball almost bowls me over to check out the contents! I grab the ball with the mouse still inside, put the lid on tight this time, and go back to get its holder and let Diego out. Now I have the mouse sleeping in its ball on the computer desk, Jack napping at my feet, and Diego crashed out on the back of the couch.. I think I need a bird! Enjoy today’s issue! Nancy --- ... Please send Nancy a hello and your prayers.... _ .-' '-. / \ |,-,-,-,-,| ___ | A Spoonful of Sugar _)_(_ | (/ \) | _\_/_ /) HELPS / \_/ \// |( )\/ The Medicine go down... ||)_( |/ \ n| | / \ | |_|___| \|/ jgs _/L\_ Nancy is currently in a hospice suite so she can receive 24 hour nursing. Upon suggestion of an Inspired Reader I have set Nancy up with a Caring Bridge site so you can share your thoughts and prayers with her and her family. The site is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nancycantafio buffalo --- ...Sugar her sweet with your message :) -<>- >The Patriot Post .---. / 6_6 _ .-. \_ (__\ ("\ /.-.\ The Early Bird Catches // \\ `\\ // \\ the Worm! (( )) \`-`/ \'-') =======""===""=========="""======="""=== jgs ||| | Founders' Quote Daily "And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need its assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this Truth, that God governs in the Affairs of Men. And if a Sparrow cannot fall to the Ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid?" -- Benjamin Franklin (Motion for Prayers in the Constitutional Convention, 28 June 1787) Reference: Franklin Collected Works, Lemay, ed., 1138. My Prayer is that we never forget what this Great Nation was and is founded on!! -<>- (\/) \/ (\/) .-. .-. \/ ((`-)(-`)) \\ // (\/) \\ // \/ .="""=._))((_.="""=. / ., .' '. ,. \ /__(,_.-' '-._,)__\ ` /| |\ ` /_|__ __|_\ | `)) ((` | | | jgs -"== =="- Kind hearts are the gardens, Kind thoughts are the roots, Kind words are the flowers, Kind deeds are the fruits, Take care of your garden And keep out the weeds, Fill it with sunshine Kind words and kind deeds. -Longfellow -<>- I like this. Some probably never thought nor looked at Psalm 23 in this way, even though it is said over and over again. _,._ __.' _) <_,)'.-"a\ /' ( \ _.-----..,-' (`"--^ // | (| `; , | \ ;.----/ ,/ ) // / | |\ \ jgs \ \\`\ | |/ / \ \\ \ | |\/ `" `" `"` The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship! I shall not want = That's Supply! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest! He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment! He restoreth my soul = That's Healing! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance! For His name sake = That's Purpose! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That's Testing! I will fear no evil = That's Protection! For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness! Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope! Thou annointest my head with oil = That's Consecration! My cup runneth over = That's Abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security! Forever = That's Eternity! -<>- _)\/| .'`- \ =\-__= | ) \ / ; | \ \ , \ | | '. | ;-- \ __ || | .'`_ `-;_\ | (_.' '-._ '-----' / jgs "'-------'` >Laser, the Therapist By Nancy Kucik The moment he reached his little paw through the cage bars at the humane society, I was a goner. I wasn't looking for another cat - I already had two - but was just stopping by to give the animals some attention. When the shelter volunteer, apparently knowing a sucker when she saw one, asked if I would like to hold him, there was no longer any doubt. He came home with me that day. He was a gorgeous cat, a five-month-old blue-point Siamese with eyes like blue laser beams: thus, his name. Right from the beginning, it was obvious that Laser was an exceptional cat. He loved everyone - the other cats, visitors to the house, even the dog who later joined the household. I first heard about animal-assisted therapy several months after we adopted Laser. While most of what I heard was about dogs, it occurred to me that Laser would be perfect for this type of work. I signed up for the training class, and, after completing the preliminary requirements, Laser and I passed the test to become registered Delta Society Pet Partners. While he had always been a little lovebug at home, Laser found his true calling when we began to go on visits. Whether it was with sick kids at the children's hospital, seniors with Alzheimer's disease, or teens in a psychiatric unit, Laser always knew just what to do. He curled up on laps or beside bed-bound patients and happily snuggled close. He never tried to get up until I moved him to the next person. People often commented that they'd never seen a cat so calm and friendly. Even people who didn't like cats liked him! One young man, who had been badly burned in a fire, smiled for the first time since his accident when Laser nestled under his lap blanket. A little boy, tired and lethargic from terminal leukemia, rallied to smile, hug Laser and kiss his head, and then talked endlessly about Laser after the visits. Several geriatric patients with dementia, who were agitated and uncommunicative prior to Laser's appearance, calmed down and became talkative with each other and the staff after a visit from my therapeutic feline partner. It has been our hospice visits, though, that I consider the most challenging and rewarding of all our Pet Partner experiences. One day, I got a phone call telling me about a hospice patient at a nearby nursing home who had requested a visit by a cat. At the time, only one cat – Laser - actively participated in the local program. Even so, my first inclination was to make some excuse not to do it. I have always had issues with death and dying, and a hard time talking about it to anyone, but I quickly realized how selfish I was being - the poor woman was dying, and all she asked was that I bring my cat to visit. I said yes. A few days later, we made our first visit. Mrs. P. was ninety-one years old, and although her body was weak, her mind was still very sharp. It was a little awkward at first (what do you say to a perfect stranger who knows she's dying?), but Laser was a great conversation catalyst. He crawled into bed with her and curled up right next to her hip - exactly where her hand could rest on his back. She told me stories about the cat she and her husband had years ago. "See you next week," she said as we got up to leave. We visited every Sunday during the three months that followed, and a real friendship developed between us. Mrs. P. would excitedly exclaim, "Laser!" every time we appeared at her door and "See you next week!" every time we left. She had been gradually getting weaker, but, one week when we arrived to see her, I was distressed to see that her condition had deteriorated significantly. Still, she smiled and said, "Laser!" when we walked into the room. She complained of being cold, even though the room was warm, and when Laser cuddled up close to her, she said, "Oh, he's so warm - it feels so good." We had a nice visit, even though Mrs. P. wasn't feeling very well. Her hand never left Laser's back. As we left, she said her usual, "See you next week," and I hoped that was true. The next Saturday, a phone call informed me that Mrs. P. was going downhill rapidly, and that she probably wouldn't live more than another few days. I asked if we should still come for our visit, and the nurse told me that she thought that would be wonderful. When we arrived, it was obvious that Mrs. P. was dying. She was fading in and out of consciousness, but when she noticed that Laser and I were beside her bed, she smiled and whispered, "Laser." She was having a very hard time breathing, so I told her not to try to talk; we would just sit quietly and keep her company. Laser took his spot on the bed next to her hip, and Mrs. P. rested her hand on his soft back. Neither of them moved from that position for the entire length of our visit. This time, when we got up to leave, Mrs. P. whispered, "Thank you." She knew that there would be no "next week" for us. A couple of days later, I got the phone call telling me that Mrs. P. had died. I was sad - our weekly visits had been so wonderful - but I was glad that she was no longer in pain. I remembered how I had considered declining to make the hospice visits and was so grateful that I had not. In our seventh year as a Pet Partner team, Laser and I still make visits to several facilities. Laser, the little cat that nobody wanted, is as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside, and he continues to brighten the lives of everyone he meets. -<>- >Gems for the Soul ____ .-" _ "-. / _ \ /`| | `\ |\ /\o/ \_o/ |;\ __ _ .-"""-. \;;\ \ `-'/ ;-._.-' , |;;;\ '--. |_ \ \ _.--'| |;;;;| | '. \ \ `-._/ /===;/..-"-. \ '. /`._ __ ___/___(( _ \ \ Y ``-\_/==;===='"`/``---' \ \ \\ \ /` \___/ |\ \ /` | | \ ; / / | | jgs / \ | | .' \_/ | "Tina Turner sings a hit called "What's love got to do with it?" When it comes to success and relationships, I think love has a lot to do with it. I love what I do. I made a promise to myself not to live an unlived life after seeing my Mother pass from breast cancer. I have been able to press pass adversity, surgery, loss of family and friends, financial lean times, critics, loneliness, exhaustion, self-doubt, disappointments, setbacks, at times underpaid and overlooked. Because I love what I do, I persevere. Every family has its share of drama, different views and lifestyles, misunderstandings, divorce, distance, demands and pain. I have had my share like everyone else. But I love my family. When you love what you're doing or who you are with, your passion helps you to endure. You're more likely to press on and push yourself when someone else would give up because they lack passion. When you love someone or love what you're doing... you will do more than you think you can do. When you're passionate about achieving a goal, you will have the enthusiasm, faith and endurance to make it. You can see it. You can feel it. You are committed. You believe you can achieve it in spite of ridicule or rejection. I agree with author Marsha Sinetar..."When you do what you love and you do it well, the money will follow." What ever or whoever has your time, I hope your heart is in it. If it isn't, anything or anyone can discourage or distract you. Small steps toward your goal are better than no steps. Strive for progress ... not perfection". -Jewel Diamond Taylor -<>- >Links For Your Enjoyment: Pepsi http://www.buffalosjokes.com/60547.htm I'm My Own Grandpa http://www.buffalosjokes.com/041632.htm Never Take A Man's Last Beer http://www.buffalosjokes.com/041636.htm Scuba Diving Cat http://www.buffalosjokes.com/42006.htm Respect Your Elders http://www.buffalosjokes.com/42004.htm Shark VS Octopus http://www.buffalosjokes.com/42009.htm Angels Are Watching http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/angelswatching.html Aww Animals http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals.html Awesome Photos http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/awesome.html World's Fastest Cars (updated) http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fastcars.html Value Of Life http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/value.html A KAIROS Moment http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/kairosmoment.html Thoughts For Today http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thoughts.html Humor In Religion 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hreligion2.html Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffalosjokes.com ======================================================================= >-->From SermondFodder: @@@ // \\ / \_/ \ / ./_(-.\ ( / \\ )|| @/ // ) / @>@<@/ ( '-.;)@\ \.-' | | | | | | | `'. | `'-. / '-.. | . .. '-.__ jgs |.' .' .'.'__;.--'--.-' `"-----'"` Wedding Moment During my brother's wedding, my mother managed to keep from crying until she glanced at my grandparents. My grandmother had reached over to my grandfather's wheelchair and gently touched his hand. That was all it took to start my mother's tears flowing. After the wedding, Mom went over to my grandmother and told her how that tender gesture triggered her outburst. "Well, I'm sorry to ruin your moment," Grandmother replied, "but I was just checking to see if he was still alive." -<>- Good preaching should tan your hide, warm our soul, and draw you closer to God. - The Sermon Fodder list www.sermonfodder.coom -<>- Quotable Quote...... | \ / .---. '-. | | .-' ___| |___ -= [ ] =- `---. .---' __||__ | | __||__ '-..-' | | '-..-' || | | || ||_.-| |-,_|| .-"` `"`'` `"-. jgs .' '. Washington's Care for the Blessing of Heaven "The General is sorry to be informed that the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing, a vice hitherto little known in our American Army is growing into fashion. He hopes that the officers will, by example as well as influence, endeavor to check it and that both they and the men will reflect that we can little hope of the blessing of Heaven on our army if we insult it by our impiety and folly. Added to this it is a vice so mean and low without any temptation that every man of sense and character detests and despises it." -- General George Washington -<>- \\\\, / \\ '<' ) \- / _)_(_ .'\___/'. /.-.___.-.\ [_________] | | ( | , | (\/) ) _\)_ | -|- | <_@__> _(/_ || | | | (/\)(\/) || || | | (\/) <_@_> || || | | <_@_>'(/\) || || | | (/\|/|-. || || .---------. _|_|_ || ||_,-'---------'-,__ |WWWWW| ___jgs|_|____________________|_\_____/__ >SPEAKING WELL OF GOD'S SON One cold, windy night two Christian youths headed toward the tavern district in their hometown of Glasgow, Scotland, with the "preposterous" idea of holding an open-air Gospel meeting. The two young men began singing hymns to gather a crowd. Their singing was tolerated, but whenever they stopped singing to share the saving message of Jesus Christ, they were mocked by the crowd with vulgar hoots and jeering howls. Frederick S. Arnot and his friend were quite sincere about sharing their faith and the Gospel message with the drunks along tavern row. Yet the crowd was determined not to let them talk. Finally, Arnot, with tears running down his face, acknowledged defeat. He and his friend turned to leave. Suddenly someone grabbed Arnot's shoulder. Startled, Arnot turned to find a tall, elderly man towering over him. The stranger smiled warmly and said quietly, "Keep at it, laddie; God loves to hear men speak well of His Son." With that encouragement, the two Scottish lads squared their shoulders and returned. It wasn't long before the rowdy crowd began to pay attention to the message the young men wanted to share. In 1881, several years after this incident, Arnot, influenced by the example set by David Livingstone, left his Scottish mission field and headed for Central Africa, where God used him in a great way to proclaim the gospel. God loves to hear men and women speak well of His Son. Yet how easy it is for us to become silent, ineffective ambassadors for Christ because of discouragement, lack of results, or some other excuse. Do you speak well of God's Son? If not, what is your excuse? In an honest and challenging article entitled "Excuses," seminary professor Norman L. Geisler admits that even though he was in full-time Christian ministry for eighteen years, he never witnessed for Christ. His excuses sound familiar, don't they? "I didn't have the gift of evangelism. It was obvious to me that someone like Billy Graham did, and it was equally obvious that I didn't." "I had the gift of teaching [Christians], and it's pretty hard to make converts from that group." "I didn't like...impersonal evangelism, so I would do 'friendship evangelism.' I wasn't going to cram the Gospel down anybody's throat." "I came to the conclusion that if God is sovereign...then He can do it with or without me." One day, however, a visiting speaker literally demolished Geisler's excuses by saying, "I've been a missionary for years and I was never called...I was just commanded like the rest of you." That statement startled Geisler, and he became a fisher of men. "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15) wasn't a suggestion, but a command of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps you were once eager like Arnot to witness for Christ, but somehow that zeal has faded. Remember, God loves to hear you speak well of His Son. To Ponder God has commanded you to be one of His ambassadors. How have you responded? When have you tried to speak well of God's Son? What happened? How did you feel afterward? Has anyone ever encouraged you to "Keep at it, laddie"? habits@palau.org --- ...I was going to have the subject of our inspirations ... .---. /` ___|`\ |_/ \| ( -/- ) \_ - _/ .-'|_|'-. 'God loves to hear / \ / O \ you speak well of His Son' / _____!_____ \ /.-------------.\ \| ,;, |/ | ;;; | | ;;;;;;;;; | | `';;;'` | | ;;; | | ;;; | | ::: | | ';' | | | _| _ __ __ _|_ jgs_/ _ __ ___ __ _\_ _/ __ ___ _ ___ __ _ \_ - cause that DOES make me Smile - however, 'God loves to hear you' sure is short and oh so sweet! God Loves To Hear You... WITNESS! 2 Cor.5a: [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, PREACH! 2 Tim.4: [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. And He especially Loves To Hear You... _.-._ /| | | |_ || | | | | || | | | | _|| ` | \\`\ ; \\ | \\ / jgs | | | | | | PRAY! 1 Thes.5 [17] Pray without ceasing. >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 Chriistian 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 DARRE 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 ************************************************************************