Going For Gold... :) 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!! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press! :) This scorcher comes from our friends Linda, PeggyT, and Brenda. This one will leave you totally stunned. Check it out here,,, _.--._ \ ** / (<>) . ) ( . )\_.._/ /\ \_.._/( (*_<>_ _<>_*) )/ '' \ \/ / '' \( ' ) ( ' ( ) ) ( (<>) / ** \ /.-..-.\ Wieliczka Salt Mine! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/saltmine.html --- ...WOW! Unbelievable! So amazing! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: . + . . . . _ . . , /;-._,-.____ ,-----.__ (( . (_:#::_.:::. `-._ /:, /-._, `._, ` \ _|`"=:_::.`.); \ __/ / , `./ \:. `. )==-' . . ., ,-=-. ,\, +#./` \:. / / . . \/:/`-' , ,\ '` ` ` ): , /_ -o . /:+- - + +- : :- + + -:' /(o-) \) . . ,=': \ ` `/` ' , , ,:' `'--".--"---._/`7 `. ( \: \,-._` ` + '\, ," _,--._,---":.__/ \: ` X` _| _,\/' .-' . ":._:`\____ /:' / . . \::. :\/:' / + . `.:. /:' } . . ):_(:; \ . /:. _/ , | . (|::. ,` . . |::. {\ |::.\ \ `. |:::(\ | O |:::/{ } | (o ) ___/#\::`/ (O "==._____ O, (O /` ~~~w/w~"~~,\` `:/,-(~`"~~~~~~~~"~o~\~/~w|/~ dew ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\W~~~~~~~~~~~~\|/~~ >SNAPPING BEANS by Diane Dean White The old apple trees were overgrown but still bared the delicious fruit they always had. The house where I spent so many warm summer days was flanked on both sides by the beauty of that orchard. I was surprised that the house was never sold and still belonged to a family member. Maybe they just couldn't part with it. Each summer had been exciting as a teenager, because I could plan to stay a week in the countryside where so much activity took place. Driving on the long road that led back to the old farmhouse, I wished I could go back in time to once again sit and chat with Aunt Edna. The birds outside chirped a welcome as I looked around the old home. White sheets kept the overstuffed chairs and sofas clean -- a lavender scent permeated my nostrils as I walked in the front door. I immediately pictured my aunt coming through the dining room door to greet me. But there was no one here. Once inside the kitchen with gingham curtains, Aunt Edna's apron could be seen hanging on a peg against the wall. I saw the old colander hanging with the other utensils and I could almost hear her say, "Lands sake we'd best get to snapping these beans, and have a tall drink of lemonade so we can keep chattering away." We'd go out the back door from the kitchen onto the screen porch that was always so large and accommodating for every need possible. Aunt Edna and Uncle Henry kept some rockers and a small wooden table with straight chairs, and a red and white checkered table cloth with an oil lamp so we could eat our afternoon or evening meal on the porch. There was an old hook rug that made it cozy and always a fresh coat of paint that made it feel so clean. Sometimes Uncle Henry would bring his guitar out and play a few cords. Aunt Edna and I would join in singing "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" or something else. I learned a lot of songs. The rockers were still in place as I walked around the back porch. The fragrant flowers that bloomed so beautifully outside the screen filled my head and I sat down. Some old galvanized pans were stacked near the table and I remembered all those Blue Lake green beans that we snapped as we talked about the things that were happening everywhere. We must have covered every family event, historic moments and how Aunt Edna's own grandmother had taught her to sew a perfect stitch. Often a neighbor or another relative would stop by, and they too, would pick up a pan and sit with us. More talk and laughter would continue as we snapped those beans! Uncle Henry had a large garden and he leased a portion of his land out to some of the big farmers, as he had retired and was no longer working the farm with the long hours he once had. Aunt Edna didn't do a lot of freezing. She canned most of the produce out of their garden, and beans were no exception. She liked them canned and so we'd get out the old Mason jars and put up a number of beans, along with zucchini, tomatoes, squash, pickles and chili sauce and applesauce, apple butter and so many good recipes. I was happy to plan my two week summer stay with my great aunt and uncle, as it was always special for a city gal in the country. "Take something as a memory of Edna and Henry's," the current farm owner and my distant relative said when I picked up the key. "There's nobody left and they'd want you to have something." Years ago Aunt Edna had given me an old collection of china slippers that she knew I loved so. Over the years, I had added to her collection, and now they were part of my home decor, kept in an old antique china cabinet. I lingered just a few minutes longer, thinking back to the sound of the voices and laughter from the old place that had come to mean so much to me. We had made a special skirt on the back porch, sewing the hem and gathering the waist band one summer afternoon. There was a barn dance that we'd been invited to, and at 13, it was exciting to have a new skirt and be going to a fun activity in anticipation of meeting others my age. I wasn't disappointed, as there were a lot of kids and I became friends with several. I wondered now whatever happened to them. I picked up the old galvanized pans that we'd used to snap those beans and walked back out into the orchard. I picked a few apples and took them to the car with me. Nothing would ever bring back the memories more than what I could embrace in my own heart, about my summer visits with Aunt Edna and Uncle Henry. But I could hang the pans on my porch and someday share my memories with my own family. I walked back to the car looking at farmland as far as my eyes could see. I heard the noon whistle blow and I could almost hear Aunt Edna remark, "We'd best get the table set and ready, Henry will soon be here for his dinner." In the distance, I could hear Uncle Henry coming back from the barn singing, "It was from Aunt Dinah's quilting party I was seeing Nellie home." I smiled -- so thankful for the summer memories with two special people. -- Diane Dean White ___________________________________________ Diane is a freelance writer and author. She has shared her stories with a wide range of publications as well as websites online. She is married to Stephen and they are the parents of three grown children and three grand-gals. They make their home on the Carolina Coast. Diane is the author of Beach Walks and recently released Carolina in the Morning -- a moving Christian story set in present day near Charleston, SC. To read more, please visit Diane's website at: http://www.dianedeanwhite.com/ ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >SCRIPTURES The Spirit-filled life begins with an overwhelming realization that Seeing through God's eyes brings everything into focus. Read Proverbs 119:17-19 (Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.) Seek the wise solution so that everybody wins. Read Matthew 10:16 (Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.") I read an article that said our Churches are in trouble today because the older generation refused to change and turn things over to the younger generation. I saw some truths in that. If the older generation refuses to recognize that the younger ones don't like the same style music and refuse any changes or says "It worked for us", that it might cause a refusal to support the next generation in our Churches. A thought to ponder and a great truth in its meaning. We must change as long as it doesn't try to change God's Word.. Read Matthew 10:16 (Be wise as serpents.) It s important to be flexible if you don't want to break. Read Luke 10:42 (There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Many have discovered it.) The next time your heart swells with love, realize that God loves you a million times more! Read Isaiah 16:15 (As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.) So much has been given to me I dare not ponder what I have not. Read Psalms 103:2 If God approves of us that is all the approval we need. God gives us our identity and an inner beauty that far surpasses anything related to what we might wear, own, drive or live in. Read Ephesians 2:10 Anything that God does in your life will last. It will be for your perfection and your wholeness. It will endure throughout all the ages. What Christ is doing in you is good work that has eternal value. Read Phililppians 1:6 You are worth so much that God sent Jesus to die in your place on the cross. Read John 17:23 The Spirit-filled life begins with an overwhelming realization that we are absolutely helpless and hopeless apart from the enpowerment of the Holy Spirit. Until that one simple truth grips us at the core of our being we will never experience the power of God. God is an expert at engineering circumstances so that we find ourselves totally dependent on Him. Read Jeremiah 33:3 --- ...Amen! Thanks Bunni! ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: >THE HARVEST \ ,'|`-. / \,' _|_ ',' /'.' | `,' \ -._/_/_'.|,'_\__\_,- | | ,-*." | | ___|,+' /|\`.| | \ \/ | \/`. |___ \ /`.|,'\ / Y. | \/ | `.|_,' | | __ | __\|,- ,-`=--. Ool /=8\ (Author Unknown) There was once a spider who lived in a cornfield. He was a big spider and he had spun a beautiful web between the corn stalks. He got fat eating all the bugs that would get caught in his web. He liked his home and planned to stay there for the rest of his life. One day the spider caught a little bug in his web, and just as the spider was about to eat him, the bug said, "If you let me go I will tell you something important that will save your life." The spider paused for a moment and listened because he was amused. "You better get out of this cornfield," the little bug said, "The harvest is coming!" The spider smiled and said, "What is this harvest you are talking about? I think you are just telling me a story." But the little bug said, "Oh no, it is true. The owner of this field is coming to harvest it soon. All the stalks will be knocked down and the corn will be gathered up. You will be killed by the giant machines if you stay here." The spider said, "I don't believe in harvests and giant machines that knock down corn stalks. How can you prove this?" The little bug continued, "Just look at the corn. See how it is planted in rows? It proves this field was created by an intelligent designer." The spider laughed and mockingly said, "This field has evolved and has nothing to do with a creator. Corn always grows that way." The bug went on to explain, "Oh no. This field belongs to the owner who planted it, and the harvest is coming soon." The spider grinned and said to the little bug, "I don't believe you," and then the spider ate the little bug for lunch. A few days later, the spider was laughing about the story the little bug had told him. He thought to himself, "A harvest! What a silly idea. I have lived here all of my life and nothing has ever disturbed me. I have been here since these stalks were just a foot off the ground, and I'll be here for the rest of my life, because nothing is ever going to change in this field. Life is good, and I have it made." The next day was a beautiful sunny day in the cornfield. The sky above was clear and there was no wind at all. That afternoon as the spider was about to take a nap, he noticed some thick dusty clouds moving toward him. He could hear the roar of a great engine and he said to himself, "I wonder what that could be?" 2 Peter 3:3-4 "In the last days mockers will come, following their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming?'" 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but He is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance." 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 -<>- _______________ |@@@@| |####| |@@@@| |####| |@@@@| |####| \@@@@| |####/ \@@@| |###/ `@@|_____|##' (O) .-'''''-. .' * * * `. : * * : : ~ G O L D ~ : : ~ A W A R D ~ : : * * : `. * * * .' `-.....-' joan g stark >GOING FOR GOLD! “I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14, NIV In the coming days the focus of the whole sporting world will be on the Olympic Games. Over a billion people watched the opening ceremony in London and billions more will be watching as the contestants strive against each other for the highest possible sporting achievement that our world has to offer – Olympic gold! And I will be one of them, glued to the TV screen whenever I can get the chance to see these modern-day Olympians going for gold. Inevitably, as the events unfold and the final races are run, there will be tears of intense disappointment as well as tears of great joy. At times like this I am always reminded of a much more important race – the race of life. This is a race that is not just for a few super- fit Olympians, but a race into which all of humanity has been entered, with the opportunity of striving, not for Olympic gold, but the gold of eternity. We are not running against each other, but against all the obstacles that Satan puts in the way of mankind to prevent us from reaching that golden moment of eternal destiny! And yes, there will be tears of not just disappointment, but anguish as people realize that they have ignored the truth about God and have been running to serve themselves. Satan does all he can to blind the eyes of the world to the absolute truth that is found in the Son of God. He doesn’t want people to discover that there is One who has already run the greatest race there has ever been and come forth as gold. Jesus’ desire is that we would join Him in His victory procession when, at the end of time, all the powers of darkness will be seen for what they are. All who come to God the Father through Him, trusting in His righteousness and not in our own, will be partakers of the prize which Paul talks about in our Scripture. And then, for those who have come to know Him, God has a destiny for us to walk in – a purpose to live for – a race to be run. And it is as we walk in his ways and learn to be obedient to his voice that we will have the opportunity to gain the rewards, the ultimate prizes, which Paul reminds us about, and that God has stored up for those who love Him. Prayer: Help me, Lord, to always remember that I have been entered in a race which is far more important than any event at the Olympic Games. Help me to be aware of, and avoid, the pitfalls along the way, and to so hear and respond to your voice that nothing will get in the way of winning the prize that You have stored up for me in eternity. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen. as seen in Seeds of the Kingdom -<>- __ \> ) /_/ ____ /\_) /''__Y / \(>66___'_/_ _ \_ / (_ _/ \_) U \_(_)___/_\ \ \_ (_\___ (oooo/ \___) mic oooo >DAYS GONE BY The 'yesterdays' of our lives were not as busy as life seems to be today. Times were simple, and so were the lifestyles of people. Yet, there was always time not only the Lord, but also for one another. Everybody truly was "somebody" in the body of Christ, from the youngest to the oldest. Encouragement was not something that was just talked about, it was something that was done by God's people in both word and deed, in a spirit of love and truth. Many evenings were spent visiting with friends and neighbors. It was not unusual to join in a circle of prayer and ask God's blessings on families, friends, and our country. Even the children would join in prayer and understand that God was the One who was listening to them. Reverence and respect was a trait seen in children brought up to serve the Lord. Today, we do not see this as we did years ago. There were no expensive video or computer games back then, but instead; children enjoyed catching lightening bugs or playing tag and other games outside until the darkness fell. Parents didn't spend time at the theaters, dining out, or pursing the favorite hobby and entertainment, but instead; they took time for their children and family. It seemed that parents did not go any place in those days, unless they took their children with them. Today, we see the opposite, with families hardly spending any time with one another. The result can be seen in the divorce rate in our modern day society. Yet, many people wonder what has happened and why families are not united like they used to be. In days gone by, our forefathers saw honesty as a virtue, as we should in our day. A business deal might be sealed with only a handshake, as people trusted one another more than we see today. A man's word was important, thus, men seemed to keep their word and to watch their words, more than in today's modern society. When there was a need in the community, or someone was sick, others reached out to help. The old party line phone would stay busy with people trying to call to see how one was doing, and to offer a helping hand. No one seemed too busy with their own life or work to reach out and care for others. If there was work to be done, friends joined in to help without expecting anything in return or complaining. If you were a part of the family of God, Sunday was a day the whole family looked forward to all week. Once again, they could gather with others to joyfully praise and worship the Lord. All week long there was anticipation for the Lord's Day. There was no complaint or excuses in the summer, when the weather was too hot, or in the winter; when it was cold, like we hear today. In the summer, church windows would be open wide and the joyful sound of the old hymns of Zion could be heard by those passing by. Many a soul wandered inside when they heard believers singing of their Redeemer, and "Jesus Saves." It truly was a joyful sound. On many days, dinner on the ground and all day singings were held. People would come for miles around and join in and sing praises to the Lord of glory. Those who had no way to church in those days had no excuse, as there were always those who welcomed an opportunity to carry others to the Lord's house. And, if you lived within a few miles, you could join others and enjoy walking to church and back home with your friends. Times have certainly changed in our modern day society. Many of our loved ones who brought us up and taught us the ways of the Lord have gone on to be with the Lord. Our thoughts of them linger, when we think of our ancestors and the love that was in the hearts of those we still hold so dear. I sometimes wonder what some of these would think if they could see the way times have changed in this modern day and age. Times may change, but God remains the same. His love for us will never fail. May we always put Jesus Christ first in our lives. Give thanks, today for the blessings of the Lord and that our times are in His loving hands! J. P.'s Inspirations -<>- ___ .'``.``. ___/ (o) `, `. '-==`, ; `. \ : `-. / '; `. / .' `. | ( `. `-.._ \ \` ` `. \ `-.._ `. ;`-.._ `-`._.-. `-._ `-._ `..' `-.```. `-._ `-.._.' `--..__..-`--' `-.,' `._)`/ / / /--( -./,--'`-, ,^--( hjw ,--' `-, >FEELIN' GOOD by Barbara Dahlgren America is a feel good society. We want to feel good all the time. Therefore we have a love affair with drugs – all kinds of drugs. Some of us love the illegal variety, guaranteed to help us forget our troubles and get happy. Some love the legal variety, guaranteed to help us forget our troubles and get happy. We have drugs to wake us up and drugs to put us to sleep. We have steroids to buff us up and diet pills to reduce the buff. We aren’t satisfied to let our bodies rest and replenish when ill. We’d rather pump them full of some concoction that will keep us going. After all, we are important. We simply can’t miss that appointment, cancel that date, or postpone that meeting. To answer this public need to keep us dancing as fast as we can the drug company coupled with the medical profession work hand in hand to supply our demand. It’s a marriage made, not in heaven, but at the bank. They learned a long time ago how to keep us happy. They just tell us what we want to hear and have us pay for the privilege. They tell us this drug will lower your cholesterol and that drug will lower your blood pressure. This product will reduce your hot flashes and that pill will enhance your libido. Are they lying? No. These drugs will do what they claim, and so much more if you consider the side effects. In fact, sometimes one of the side effects of a drug is the very symptom it is supposed to treat. One of my favorite commercials shows a happy fellow enjoying life. The voice over says, “Be sure to ask your doctor about this blah, blah, blah, blah life changing drug.” The implication being that your doctor is far too busy to know about this drug himself so you, the patient, being fully educated through this media propa- ganda blitz, should tell him. Then the voice over lists the side effects, which run the gambit from a to z, so quickly the announcer sounds like Alvin the Chipmunk. Magazine ads are the same. Our eyes soak in the bold printed claims and skip the small printed side effects. It’s marketing, folks. And it works. Now don’t get me wrong. I know that drugs can save lives, but drugs can take lives, too. Adverse reactions to prescription drugs have increased dramatically in the past ten years. In fact they are the fourth leading cause of death in hospital deaths, topped only by heart disease, cancer and stroke. Therefore we need to count the cost and weigh our options. We can’t blame the medical industry for offering us a quick fix. Many times that is exactly what we want. We’ve decided if we can’t pronounce it, it must be good for us. We’re too busy to take advantage of the information age even though knowledge about health is plentiful. Even just taking the time to ask our doctor or the pharmacist a few questions can at least give us an idea of what we are up against. I guess it’s quicker and easier to accept things than do a little research and find out for ourselves. Spiritually speaking, people approach the Bible the same way. Rather than read the Bible for themselves, they prefer to flounder around relying on hearsay, assuming what they have always been told is what the Bible actually says. No wonder misconceptions abound. I challenge you to read the Bible for yourself without preconceived ideas about what you’ve heard. I suggest using a good, readable translation like The Message and starting with the New Testament because it gets right into the teachings of Jesus. You may be in for some surprises. For example Jesus didn’t come to condemn you (John 3:17). Believe it or not, He knows you inside and out, and loves you anyway. If you have questions, Jesus is the answer and the only way this society is really going to “feel good.” If that boggles your brain just take two aspirin and call me in the morning. as seen at www.barbdahlgren.com -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316kim@sc.rr.com. ========================================================= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: /\ ejm97 '\/ ' + ' + ' + ' + ' + ' + ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' __ ' \o . ' \\/ /\ / / >Free To Soar One windy spring day, I observed young people having fun using the wind to fly their kites. Multicolored creations of varying shapes and sizes filled the skies like beautiful birds darting and dancing in the heady atmosphere above the earth. As the strong winds gusted against the kites, a string kept them in check. Instead of blowing away with the wind, they arose against it to achieve great heights. They shook and pulled, but the restraining string and the cumbersome tail kept them in tow, facing upward and against the wind. As the kites struggled and trembled against the string, they seemed to say, "Let me go! Let me go! I want to be free!" They soared beautifully even as they fought the imposed restriction of the string. Finally, one of the kites succeeded in breaking loose. "Free at last" it seemed to say. "Free to fly with the wind." Yet freedom from restraint simply put it at the mercy of an unsympathetic breeze. It fluttered ungracefully to the ground and landed in a tangled mass of weeds and string against a dead bush. "Free at last" -- free to lie powerless in the dirt, to be blown helplessly along the ground, and to lodge lifeless against the first obstruction. How much like kites we sometimes are. The Lord gives us adversity and restrictions, rules to follow from which we can grow and gain strength. Restraint is a necessary counterpart to the winds of opposition. Some of us tug at the rules so hard that we never soar to reach the heights we might have obtained. We keep part of the commandment and (pardon the pun) never rise high enough to get our tails off the ground. Let us each rise to the great heights our Heavenly Father has in store for us, recognizing that some of the restraints that we may chafe under are actually the steadying force that helps us ascend and achieve. -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >CONTENT A funny thing happened in Sunday school a few weeks ago. The teacher asked how many of us were contented in our lives. In a class of about 40 middle aged people, I was the only one who raised my hand. I wondered, did I misunderstand the question. Everyone was looking at me and I found myself defending why I am content. How silly that I have to defend that. They should be defending why they are not. Content, according to the dictionary means: satisfied Content does not mean that I have no problems and that I am rich and live in the lap of luxury, no, no no. I do have problems, many of them, just like everyone else, some small and some large and burdening. I am by no means rich and I work very hard. My life is by far from perfect, however I feel content. I am content with who I am and what I have. I have a wonderful husband, 3 great kids, 3 funny dogs, and a terrific group of good friends. I love my home, it is not a big mansion, just a simple comfortable home. My husband has a good job and I work part time at an alternative high school. I keep very busy with many hobbies like quilting, cross stitch, decorating, and embroidery. It may sound dull to you, but it is shear heaven for me. Life is what you make of it, if one is constantly looking for something bigger and better to come along, then you will never be content. It is all how you look at things. Maybe you should look at things through my eyes. Content, yes satisfied. That is not to be confused with settling, I am not settling, I am very happy and extremely contented, and yes satisfied. Carol Brosowske --- ...Paul the Apostle said this... Phil. 4:11 'Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.' And also the bible teaches us: Heb.13:5 'Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.' -<>- .-""-._ / ___/ \ _&_ _.--""|/ `\| // \\ .' ( ^/ ^ )'. / / \ \ / | _ | \ // / \ \\ | _\____/ | /_/_/_\_\_\ | .' \____/-._ | .-"-. | / `; /# \ | / / _|_.---\ | | |.-.; :--.-(_/.____/.-""\___/"-. / \ / ~~/ /\ \{"=.______.="} /--. ; /___/_~~/ ; .--\"=...__...="} / \-/ `\______|/ \-.______..-; | /`| | \ | |||| || | /_ | |_______/ | |||| || | \_/| |-------' |--'||'--._|| | | | | || |> |______| |____________|._ || _..-;| | [___] | `||() || |______ |\/|____________|jgs|| () (__) \__/ (__) () >DON'T MISS A MOMENT By: Joseph J. Mazzella I am truly amazed at how rapidly this year seems to be going by. It seems like only yesterday it was Christmastime and now we are already headed for June. I think this may be a good sign, though. They say that time flies when you are having fun. I am sure then that time flies even faster when you are choosing love and sharing joy. I am becoming aware, however, at just how short even the longest life here on Earth is. I see children swinging at my son's school and I can remember when I attended that same school and swung on those same swings. I give my son and daughter a hug and notice that they are almost as tall as me now. I can remember, though, when I could hold them in the crook of one arm while I rocked them to sleep. I mow the lawn near the graveyard by my home and remember all of my loved ones who have passed. Then I realize that my body too will one day be resting under a headstone and that my time on this wonderful world will be over as well. I am doing my best then not to miss a moment of this glorious life I have been given and I urge you not to miss a moment of yours either. Enjoy every day that God in His love has given you on this world. Take the time to pet your dogs before you put on their leashes for a walk. Take a second to smell that baby's hair when you hold her in your arms. Take a moment to sneak a kiss when you bump into your dear one in the kitchen. Take a little while to watch the sun go down and the moon rise up. Take a hour to walk among the trees and flowers and feel God's gentle, loving breezes on your face. Take a minute to call your Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, or Uncle and tell them that you love them. Take the time to write an inspiring letter or say an encouraging word to a friend. Take all of the precious days of your life and use them to bring more joy, love, and oneness with God to this world. Life is short. Don't miss a moment of it. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Value Of Life http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/value.html Our Gifts And Callings http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html For The Joy That Set Before Him http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/joy.html Jesus Clinic http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/clinic.html Value What You Have! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuewyh.html Building Advertising Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buildingads.html Crayola Art 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/crayolaart2.html There's Something about Mona! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/monalisa2.html Amazing Horse Trainer! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/horsetrainer.html Beautiful Bridges 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bridges2.html Cano Cristales River! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cristales.html Extreme Homes! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/exhomes.html Luxury Yacht! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/luxyacht.html Microscopic! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/micro.html Why God Gave Us Puppies! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whypuppies.html -<>- >From Our Friend PatDeE :) He sent us one we have here... Whale Rescue 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whalerescue2.html --- ...Such a heartwarming one! 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 If You haven't joined LynnLynn's mailing List yet, send a blank e-mail to LynnLynns-links-subscribe@Yahoogroups.com ========================================================== _____________________ | _________________ | | | / | | | | /\ / | | | | /\ / \ / | | | | / \/ \/ | | | |/ JO | | | |_________________| | | __ __ __ __ __ __ | | |__|__|__|__|__|__| | | |__|__|__|__|__|__| | | |__|__|__|__|__|__| | | |__|__|__|__|__|__| | | |__|__|__|__|__|__| | | |__|__|__|__|__|__| | | ___ ___ ___ ___ | | | 7 | 8 | 9 | | + | | | |___|___|___| |___| | | | 4 | 5 | 6 | | - | | | |___|___|___| |___| | | | 1 | 2 | 3 | | x | | | |___|___|___| |___| | | | . | 0 | = | | / | | | |___|___|___| |___| | |_____________________| >Lost, Found, and Returned Story Editor: by Sarah, Luke's mom Eri Izawa Massachusetts, USA Perhaps I was moving too fast that day in July 2005. I did not hear my PDA (electronic planner) slip from my purse and fall to the ground in the parking lot. My PDA stores my phone numbers, appointments, photos, meeting and birthday reminders: in short, it's my "electronic brain." More than that, though, my PDA helps me with my son, Luke, who is on the autism spectrum. He's a "runner"; taking off in public places. Several times I've needed to plead with museum or store staff for help locating Luke. Daily pictures show exactly what Luke has on that day, his exact height and current hairstyle. My PDA is more than just a handy gadget; it helps me cope with daily challenges others only imagine. The loss of my PDA sank in over the next few days. I listened for my daily alarms. I looked under furniture, sorted my purse, and even cleaned the car; no planner to be found anywhere. On Friday I asked Jenna, my son's sitter, to keep an eye open around the house. With a built-in camera, removable memory chip, and a few games, the PDA would be a nice find for someone. I was beginning to think about reporting the PDA as missing -- but where had I lost it? When did it actually go missing? I began research on a unit to replace it. Saturday we got a phone call from Jenna; someone named Joe had called her to ask if she knew anyone who might have lost a PDA. Jenna first thought it was a prank call, then remembered me. Half expecting my electronics to be offered for a ransom, I called Joe. Instead of money, Joe wanted to determine that the PDA was really mine. I told him how to access recent pictures of my son. Within the hour we met at Burlington Mall food court. Joe, Chris, and Tim, young men on the verge of adulthood, returned my planner without asking for anything in return. They had spent their Saturday calling random numbers stored in the planner. With over 400 numbers to try, making phone calls to track me down took courage, persistence, and luck. They eventually called someone who knew about my missing planner, Jenna. Joe, Chris, and Tim, by returning my planner, gave me back so much more than just a cool gadget. For every Joe, Chris, Tim, and Jenna in the world, if you're reading this, please know you are my heroes. Thank you. Your actions reaffirm my belief in the goodness of people. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: .--""""--. .-" "-. .' `. .' `. .' `. / \ / \ : ; ; : : ; ; -. ._ : ; -.' `. .' `. : ; / \ / \- : : ") -. V .' ( ; \ `. /\ ' /\ /` / \ : : O;/ O; / / `. __d$b j--^-./.db__ .' `.-" """( )"" "-.' .' ) -.`----') ( "-. .' / /`----"; , \ `. .^._ :\ j\_.---'_/ /`_.--\ /.-' )-"; : )-++j"v `, :`( "-._L ,-:' .+" : ;/.'/: \ ; : ; `+., ,\ .-: :-'/ ; ::_.' `./ ; : y / /l (: ; :-' : ;\ /: ; ( /.'.' \\:_l ; / \________/ \ : """" `" / .' .-: : ; ;-. `. \ _.-'_.-' /`-j--^--^--q-'\ `-._`-._ """ .' ./ . , \ `. """ .`+:' _:----:_ `.+', `'dp,-' "-.gb` :$$$_ _$$$; bug $$$$$$ $$$$$$ >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Charlie, 8, had a "food tasting" at his school. All of the students brought cultural dishes and shared them. When he got home his mother asked him how he had liked all the different foods. "It was delicious!" he said. "I wish I had a 'back button' so I could do it again!" -- Natalie (mother of Charlie) of Marietta, Georgia Quinn, 2, saw a picture of the Statue of Liberty. She pointed to the picture and said, "Look, Mommy -- she has to hold her ice cream up so Tyson (the family dog) doesn't get it!" -- Angela Cox (mother of Quinn) of Lee's Summit, Missouri Fiona has started paying Emma, 5, 20 baht per week for helping around the house. On Sunday night, after receiving her pocket money for the first time, Emma not only put her dishes in the dishwasher, she also put in her mother's coffee cup and glass. "I've been such a good help," Emma said, "don't you think you should increase my pocket money to 50 baht?!" Fiona, Emma's mother, notes that living in Thailand teaches children negotiation skills very early. -- Fiona Thomson of Bangkok, Thailand .',',-. \.. :. '. /_[)) '' ( ,_ -,--. / \_ '._ \ ___ .' .'-._':-' .' '. : \ \\ : __ '. .'__ ''' : : '. \ .' '.,,,,,| : : '. \ .' ' \ : : .--._ '. \ '. .' : : : / / _ '._. \ :'. '. : : :: : .' '._ \ \.' '. '.'\ :/)_ :: :.' __ '--..: '. ' \): / .\ :: :: : ''---: \_.'\: :--'[/ :: :: : /--...: : :: : :: : : :' : :' : ' : ` : : .'_ : : :` ' : \_,_,_/ ',_,.'::::::. snd .'.' .-' ,(............), .'.' .' .'.' .' '('(' Ryan's dog Ginger had to be put to sleep. Ryan, 6, loved Ginger very much and he was devastated. His grandmother called to comfort him. As she was telling Ryan how sorry she was about Ginger's death, Ryan decided to comfort his grandmother by saying, "Don't worry, Grandmother, you will be the first to see her again!" -- Sandra Neale (mother of Ryan) of Crofton, Maryland Elijah, 4, was out in the yard with his dad and twin sister Samantha. He ran into the house to tell his mother he needed water because the grass was dead and he wanted to make it alive. Curious to see what he was talking about -- because the house they were renting had no grass in the yard -- his mother followed him outside and saw Samantha leaning over looking at weeds growing between the crack in the concrete. Elijah's mother told him and Samantha that those were weeds, not grass. The twins didn't seem to understand so their mother said, "Weeds are bad grass." Elijah asked, "Mom, why are they bad? They don't listen?" -- Jacqueline Matos (mother of the twins) of Belleville, New Jersey ,'``.._ ,'``. :,--._:)\,:,._,.: :`--,'' :`...';\ `,' `---' `. / : / \ ,' :\.___,-. `...,---'``````-..._ |: \ ( ) ;: ) \ _,-. `. ( // `' \ : `.// ) ) , ; ,-|`. _,'/ ) ) ,' ,' ( :`.`-..____..=:.-': . _,' ,' `,'\ ``--....-)=' `._, \ ,') _ '``._ _.-/ _ `. (_) / )' ; / \ \`-.' `--( `-:`. `' ___..' _,-' |/ `.) `-. `.`.``-----``--, .' |/`.\`' ,','); SSt ` (/ (/ When Peggy was about 10 she was bad and her mother told her to sit down and be quiet. After sitting for a while, she started singing. Her mother snapped, "I told you to be quiet." Peggy answered, "But Mommy, Paul and Silas sang while they were in prison." That ended the punishment for that day! -- Peggy Collins of Morrison, Colorado When Andrew was 2, he was a very light sleeper. His brother Danny, 1, was not a light sleeper... so Andrew dubbed him a "dark sleeper!" -- Sara (mother of Andrew and Danny) of Palominas, Arizona _ ( \ __ _)_\_ ' \;---.-._S_____2_ / / /_/ (______ __( _;-' = =|____._'.__ / _/ _ @\ _(@( '--.\ (_ / /\ _ =( ) ___ \\ / /\ \_ '.___'-.___~. '\ snd / /\ \__'--') '-.__c` \ | | .' )___'--'/ /`) \ / | |'-| _|--'\_(_/ '.' | | \_ -\ \ | \ /`) '._/ (_/ While pregnant with her second child, Samantha's first, a 4-year-old girl, was feeling the baby move around in her stomach. She put her hand on top of Samantha's belly and said, "Mommy, is this where his feet are?" Samantha said yes. Then she moved to the bottom of Samantha's stomach and said, "Mommy, is this where his head is?" She said yes. Then she asked, "Where are his eyes?" To appease her, Samantha rubbed around the bottom of her belly and said, "Right around here." She then quickly grabbed Samantha's hand so that she could not move it and said, "Mommy, you have to be careful. You could poke him in the eye!" -- Samantha Lang of Dover, Ohio Adrienne, 6, is playing basketball at church. Her coach had the team running laps around the gym. Adrienne noticed that one little girl was really cutting off the corners so she told her mother, "That girl isn't running all of her lap tops!" -- Ruthie Garvin (grandmother of Adrienne) of Humboldt, Tennessee Char was eating at Red Lobster with her niece, Tabatha, who was 3 at the time. When it came time to place their orders, Tabatha proudly told the waiter that she wanted "naked shrimp." (She meant shrimp without the breading!) -- Char Boldt of Madison, Wisconsin ____________________________________________ Minnie Mouse c<> , ,CCC cC> ...: ... ,CCCC'CC> .::::`.ccCCCCC CCCCCcCC' :::'.cCCCCCCCCC CCCCCC-' `:'.CcCC`CCCCCC :: ,C`CCC',cCCCc ` ''.: .,. `CCCCCCCCCcCC ... ,cd ,ud$$$$$$$c `CCCCCCCCCC :::::::::::. ,c$$$,J$$$$$$$$$$$b `CCCCCCC' .:::::::::::::: ,d$$$$$$?$$$$$$$$$$$$L:..`''' : :::::::::::::::: .\.\`-,$$"$,?"=$$$$$$$$$$E :::`CCC : .::::::::::::::::: `/ ,,"?$h` =?$,?$$$$$$$$F ::::`CCC ::::::::::::::::::: . J.$$$:$$'d$h,"$ $$$$$$$$'::::::`CC,`::::::::::::::::: :::.`. F`""?;$'d$$$$h J$$$$$$$P :::::::,' `$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$P,$c$$$$$$$ `$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$",$$$$$$$$F `?$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$FF",J$$$$$$$F `"??$$$$$$$???",;d??$$$F".:. : =cddd??" `" . ::::::: .:`.:::: :::::'.::::::::::: Allen Mullen APRIL/MAY/JUNE WINNERS Here are the winners for April, May and June. Winners, please e-mail me your snail mail addresses and we will send you two copies of "Quotable Kids"... one for you to keep and one for you to donate to your pastor, a teacher, cancer clinic, etc. Thank you to all who voted; the voting was very close. A number of years ago, Jimmie's youngest granddaughter Heather got a phone that allowed users to punch a number for automatic dialing. The 2-year-old figured out that if she punched "1" she would dial grandma and grandpa. One day Heather was not happy with her mother so she punched "1" and when her grandmother answered, she said, "Grandma, will you come down here and do something about your daughter? She's being mean to me!" -- Jimmie Lindabury of Auburn, Indiana Molly's children blessed her life through the avenue of adoption. One day their son, at the age of 3, was riding his tricycle with a little boy who lived across the street. They were riding in the garage on a rainy day and Molly overheard the boy say, "She's NOT your MOTHER!" Politely, Molly told the little boy he had to go home and as she closed the garage door, she leaned on it and wept. Then she felt a gentle nudge, and her precious son said, "Mommy, please don't cry. He just meant that I didn't grow in your stomach!" -- Molly Lemmons of Mustang, Oklahoma When Pat's granddaughter was in the first grade her mother was a helper in her school room. One day she was helping a little boy and he said to her, "Oh Mrs. Carroll you smell so good." She said, "Well, thank you." The little boy continued, "What is it... bacon or sausage?" -- Pat Cook of Lubbock, Texas ========================================================== __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown >-->QUOTES: "It is everything I thought it would be; being the Olympic champion, it definitely is an amazing feeling. And I give all the glory to God. It's kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to him and the blessings fall down on me. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me." - Gabby Douglas "If you feel stuck, bring your whole self to Christ, not just the problem, but you. Ask God to change your heart. Commit yourself to pray to that end. It's God's heart to give good gifts to His children." - Sheila Walsh "Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence." - Helen Adams Keller (1880-1968) "A lot of people have enough of Jesus to keep them out of hell, but not enough to cause them to live in victory." - Joyce Meyer "Let us put ourselves under the Holy Spirit’s teaching anew, to be taught the Word, not our thoughts upon it. One spark of lightning is worth a thousand tame candle flames; so one sentence given by the Holy Spirit is worth volumes of any other." --Andrew Bonar >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************