Great Value In Disaster & More ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net =========================== >We have added photos to our group here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Thank You Maxy's Pal And STEVE for Sharing With Us!! =========================== >-->Revenge is Sweet? ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) Any one would have to be not listening to the radio to have missed out hearing this song. One day I was waiting for my daughter in the car and had to change the radio station 3 times to find one that wasn't playing Carrie Underwood's song 'Before He Cheats'. Many girls and woman pattern themselves after her. She is well known and loved by many fans. So I wonder why she was so irresponsible as to do this song. Our teen girls and woman aren't getting into enough trouble? Here are the words of it for you to judge for yourself... >CARRIE UNDERWOOD LYRICS - "Before He Cheats" .======================================. | ___ ___ ___ _ _ _ | | \_/ \_/ \_/ C|||C|||C||| |-| |-| |-| | | _|_ _|_ _|_ ||| ||| ||| |_| |_| |_| | '===================================== ,sSSSs DUFFY'S WATERING HOLE SSSS "( .:. SSS@ =/ \~/ C|||' SSSS_(_ _Y_ ___|||______________________________SS/ _)_) /.- [____________________________________] \ /\// | ____ ____ ____ ____ | \|==(\_/ | (____) (____) (____) (____) | (/ ; | | | | | | | | | | |____| | | | | | | | | | | \ |\ | | | | | | | | | | ) ) ) | |____| |____| |____| |____| | ( |/ | I====I I====I I====I I====I | /\ | jgs | | | | | | | | | /.(=\ Y\_\ Right now he's probably slow dancing with a bleach blond tramp, and she's probably getting frisky... right now, he's probably buying her some fruity little drink cause she can't shoot whiskey... Right now, he's probably up behind her with a pool-stick, showing her how to shoot a combo... And he don't know... That I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seats... I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights, slashed a hole in all 4 tires... Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats. Right now, she's probably up singing some white-trash version of Shania karaoke.. Right now, she's probably saying "I'm drunk" and he's a thinking that he's gonna get lucky, Right now, he's probably dabbing on 3 dollars worth of that bathroom polo... And he don't know... That I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seats, I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights, slashed a hole in all 4 tires... Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats. I might've saved a little trouble for the next girl, Cause the next time that he cheats... Oh, you know it won't be on me! No...not on me 'Cause I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seats... I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights, slashed a hole in all 4 tires... Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats. Oh.. Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats... Ohh... before he cheats... --------- Yeah - Next time he won't be cheating on YOU cause you'll be sitting in jail or doing community service or working your behind off paying for all the damage YOU did! Not to mention you will have this on your police record which means you may not be elligible for some jobs that require a clean slate. I don't think a cheating boyfriend or girlfriend for that matter is worth all that grief! They caused enough damage to you. All revenge does is make matters worse for you. Now I ask you folks, isn't this a stupid song? Is this something you would like your daughter doing to get even with her boy friend? Crazy! Not only is it crazy, stupid, and against the Law - it is agaist God's Word! Now we know why it is so popular! Anything to get you to go against God! Getting people into trouble is what makes the devil happy! God wants to keep you out of trouble with the law. That is why He says 'Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord.' Here is a wonderful teaching to let you see God's point of view on this matter... >Avenge NOT Yourself: Romans 12: 19 – Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. To renew your mind to this commandment in the Word of God is perhaps the most rewarding and the most difficult accomplishment you may ever make. It seems to take forever for a Christian to APPLY this simple commandment of God. The god of this world is extremely tricky and deceiving in this area. He is very good at manipulating even the most mature Christian into seeking vengeance or revenge and justifying his or her actions as lining up with God’s Word. IT IS NEVER RIGHT TO SEEK REVENGE. A spiritually sharp Christian will be able to avoid situations that may cause such agitation by avoiding people, places, and situations that anger a person to the point where they may break fellowship with God. When you strike back at your adversary IN THE SAME MANNER as he is attacking you, you are no better than that adversary himself. You have stooped just as low. The purpose of this teaching is so that you do not do exactly as I just described. Visit here for the rest of this sweet teaching: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/avengenotyourselves.html ====================================================================== >-->From our friends Del, Casey, & MrWu :) confusing times! \_/ --(_)-- . / \ /_\ |Q| .-----' '-----. __ /____[SCHOOL]___\ ())) | [] .-.-. [] | (((()) ..|____|_|_|____|..................................)(... ldb >SCHOOL -1957 vs. 2007 Scenario: Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack. 1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack. 2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers. Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school. 1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies. 2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it. Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students. 1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again. 2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability. Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt. 1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman. 2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist. Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school . 1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock. 2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons. Scenario: Pedro fails high school English. 1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college. 2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English. Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed. 1957 - Ants die. 2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again. Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him. 1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing. 2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy. __________________________________________________ --- ...Perhaps not all true but close enough to make you think! Thanks Del! ======================================================================= >-->In light of the recent terrible California fires... A tribute to our brave firemen... ) ,%, ) _(___[]_ %%%,&&&, ,%%, (;` /\ %Y/%&&&& %%%% ___/_____)__/ _\__ ,%%, ^^^||^&\Y&^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^%Y/%^^/ (_() ( | /____/\^^^%%%%^^ ` || _,..=xxxxxxxxxxxx, || |(' |LI (.)I| | LI || %\Y% -= /L_Y.-"""""""""`,-n-. ` @'---|__||___|_|____||_ || ___-=___.--'[========]|L]J: []\ __________@//@___________) )______ -= _ _ _ |/ _ ''_ " " ||[ -_ 4 | _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ '-(_)-(_)----'v'-(_)--' jgs----------------------------------------------------------------- >Burned In My Memory The old man smiled and nodded as I walked along the street, and I could not help but notice that his task appeared complete. The fire engine sparkled, every inch of metal gleamed; A picture of perfection, or at least that’s how it seemed. But still he fussed about a speck too small for me to see, a tiny smudge upon the golden number ‘33’ emblazoned on the engine’s side in iridescent hue and so I ambled closer just to get a better view. “It must be great,” I mused aloud, “to have a job like this Away from all the stress of corporate life, it must be bliss. Some days when I go home from work I just can’t clear my mind Its tough to leave important stress of work too far behind.” “But this, now here’s a job that I could really get to love, To be outside and far away from all that push and shove. I’d love a chance to drive around in such a fancy truck, And douse a fire now and then... some guys have all the luck.” The old man turned and gave a stare that made my knees go weak; I tried to mumble something but I found I couldn’t speak. Like quiet thunder from afar his voice did reach my ear, and in his words I felt an icy touch that gave me fear. “You want to have a memory of standing on the line?” He took my hand and with a squeeze said “here, try some of mine” And in a blur of sight and sound, a storm of smoke and soot, I walked into his memory and stepped into his boots. I felt the fire-weakened floor that groaned beneath my feet, and saw my helmet blister from the fire’s searing heat. I couldn’t see the walls for all the clouds of blinding smoke, and even with my breathing gear I thought I’d surely choke. Then suddenly the world was naught but crashing brick and stone, The sound of snapping timbers or the sound of breaking bones. And like the Gates of Hell itself had burst and opened wide, A firestorm exploded then, and that’s when people died. I saw a firefighter who was scarcely past his teens storm through a wall of fire in response to distant screams. But on his heels I saw the Beast contort and swell and burn, And in its fury there I knew he never would return. Once more the world became a blur and then I was outside, Just cradling a baby girl who in my arms had died. With sooty hands I brushed a tiny curl from off her face and wondered was there any way I could have won the race. I clutched her tiny body as the sobs tore through my chest. And fell upon my knees to ask the Lord to give me rest. I prayed to God that I could wake from such a frightful dream While somewhere in the distance I could hear her mother scream. The blur again and I was home with tears upon my cheek, The old man’s voice admonishing “Be careful what you seek” And with a graven tone he put the question out to me, “Still feel like telling me about how tough your job can be?” And in a flash I realized the wrong that was in me, In choosing to ignore the things I didn’t want to see. For while I turned away from all the horror and the pain, There were a few who had the guts to face it time again. He gazed at me and softly said, “Don’t think that I regret a moment of my life or that I’d ever once forget; For every battle that was lost a hundred more were won, And every scar I carry represents the job I’ve done.” “I’ve carried kids and moms and cats to safety from the smoke, I’ve felt a heart return to life and saved a man who choked. I’ve seen a daughter’s tears when told her daddy will survive, and watched the gleam of hope that comes the moment we arrive.” “I count myself a lucky man to stand with those who care enough to bear the memories and those of us who dare to look the fire in the eye and fight it tooth and nail, and know our life is on the line the moment that we fail.” And in his words I found a truth that I had never known, I thanked him for the chance to see the things that I’d been shown; the chance to know how much I owe before my moment dire, to understand their sacrifice before I faced the fire. It was an honor then I knew to shake the old man’s hand, And men and women like him standing watch across the land. I knew that I would not forget the things he let me see, The images will long remain... burned in my memory. Copyright © Michael Marks This poem was written in loving appreciation of the heroic men and women of the fire and emergency response services who every day rush into our worst disasters to save lives and prevent suffering. >From: http://carolynspreciousmemories.com/Misc/ATributeToHeros.html =================================================================== >-->From our Friends Patty & Doug :) _|\ _/|_, ,((\\``-\\\\_ ,(()) `))\ ,(())) ,_ \ ((())' | \ ))))) >.__ \ (((' / `-. .c| hjw / `-`' A Guide to Common Poisonous Plants to Horses Something for you and to pass on. http://special.equisearch.com/pdfs/EQPlantGuide.pdf ==================================================================== >Into Her Hands Story Editor: Jean W. Holoway Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA In 1996 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In 1997 I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Needless to say, this was not good news. I was not only weak from the effects of MS, but from the long term effects of cancer, which can knock one's socks off. I had to travel to Houston Texas, and stay close to the medical complex for tests. I was lying down on the motel bed watching TV when the phone rang. Not too many people knew I was in town, and those that did where probably at work at this time of day. The voice was familiar and very welcome, but how did Judy know I was here? Judy explained that my oldest daughter had called her and told her my circumstances and location. I sure was glad to hear a friendly voice. I had been friends with Judy since 1970, almost 25 years; her two boys and my three girls had gone to the same schools together over the years. So hearing from Judy was as welcome as rain in West Texas. She asked where I was going to take my chemotherapy and radiation, and I told her that I didn't know. She offered her house, herself, and anything she could do to make it possible. I sure was relieved, because Houston was out of my price range! It's very expensive to live close to the Medical complex to receive treatment or tests. When I first arrived at her house, I parked my car out front and Judy drove me anywhere we went from then on. Soon after I started therapy I became sick and weak, so Judy did my washing and my cooking, directed my patient care with the nurse service, and did absolutely everything else that needed to be done. Judy met emergencies with a quiet assurance and competence. She even helped me to start walking again. When I first started treatment I couldn't even walk to the end of her driveway. Judy even attended my doctor appointments with me, because when you are taking chemo and radiation, you become a "chemo-brain" and can't remember the simplest of things. I relied on her to talk with doctors with the same ease she granted me. I was at Judy's home for about three and a half months. I have no idea how other people manage. The really special privilege for me was that I could put my life completely into her hands. Judy was there when I needed her. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From SermondFodder: >Men Who Win The item below comes from www.menwhowin.com. My friend Gary Chester Morse has a great heart for men's ministry. He's helped hundreds if not thousands of men to overcome life controllng issues such as anger and addiction. I must offer fair warning that Gary attacks these issues head-on and sometimes in detail a little more graphic that some of you may like. Please be aware of this when you visit his web site. The Sermon Fodder Guy ========================== _ `-./ c -.. / ____v_ .-. c O/ \ ---(`--..---`- ( )+ -/-<|_ / | | |_ / | /|_| / \ < \ > ` brojek Weapons of Mass Distraction Gary Chester Weekly Thursday Post 10/18/07 WEAPONS OF MASS DISTRACTION By Gary Chester Morse http://www.menwhowin.com/ Why is it that we tend to fixate on God's blessings to us rather than on the Source of the blessings? Why is it more challenging to be immersed in Him? In western culture, God's blessings have nearly hijacked our personal relationship with Him. Our bellies are full. Our nice homes, heated and air conditioned. Weapons of mass distraction – job success, sports, things, sex, drugs, etc – continuously entice us in our affluent culture. They lure me for sure. But, as the years go by, I'm personally finding everything else to be pretty much poop compared to personally knowing Christ better and being one with him (Philippians 3:7-9). Oh yes, the lure never completely ceases, but increasingly it entices less. It's kind of like cotton candy. When I was a kid, I absolutely loved it. Today, I still can enjoy eating a little bit of the stuff, but it has mostly lost its appeal. It's been replaced by things much better. The more I immerse myself in his sure and true Word, the more the Holy Spirit supernaturally connects with me. He reveals his immense compassion and tenderness toward me. This, despite the out-of-my- control circumstances and life's interruptions swirling around me. Back at the start of my new life in Christ, 15 minutes a day was about right to be in the Word. These days I need an hour a day. About now you might be thinking, "Gary, you must have a lot of time on your hands to be able to devote that much time." I'm helped by something quite unusual which I'll talk soon about on a blog post, Weird-ness at 2AM. www.garychester.org. The fact is that we make time for that which we thoroughly enjoy – for that which possesses us. I have a good, selfish reason for making time to connect with my friend, Jesus. The more time in the Word, the deeper-down satisfaction and contentment in my soul. So I go to where the satisfaction is – the Word. For me, the weapons increasingly seem to be quite superficial. On the other hand, getting tighter with the One who created and designed me results in real contentment and uplifting truth. Isn't it amazing how such contentment and truth are only in He who made us. >From http://garymorse.typepad.com/gary_chester_my_thoughts_/ ========================================================================= >-->From Our Friend Steve :) ,,,,, \ e e\ C _\/ |\\, )\_) \_ / _/|/_ _// ,'\ ~ /'-,_/ \ What do you see nurses? / \_/ / / , | \_._,-" ( < _' | \ \ ', -',-~.-' _/ ) | |// | ' ' ) | | | | ._., - |.,_ // _\-' )___|__|_ '-._ b'ger /____\__\ >CRABBY OLD MAN When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Tampa , Florida , it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Missouri . The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem. And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this "anonymous" poem winging across the Internet. Crabby Old Man What do you see nurses? ..What do you see? What are you thinking.....when you're looking at me? A crabby old man, ...not very wise, Uncertain of habit ........with faraway eyes? Who dribbles his food.......and makes no reply. When you say in a loud voice....."I do wish you'd try!" Who seems not to notice ...the things that you do. And forever is losing .......... A sock or shoe? Who, resisting or not...........lets you do as you will, With bathing and feeding .... The long day to fill? Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see? Then open your eyes, nurse......you're not looking at me. I'll tell you who I am .......... As I sit here so still, As I do at your bidding, ....as I eat at your will. I'm a small child of Ten.......with a father and mother, Brothers and sisters .........who love one another A young boy of Sixteen ...with wings on his feet Dreaming that soon now. .......a lover he'll meet. A groom soon at Twenty ......my heart gives a leap. Remembering, the vows......that I promised to keep. At Twenty-Five, now .......... I have young of my own. Who need me to guide .... And a secure happy home. A man of Thirty ......... My young now grown fast, Bound to each other ........ With ties that should last. At Forty, my young sons ...have grown and are gone, But my woman's beside me.......to see I don't mourn. At Fifty, once more, ......... Babies play 'round my knee, Again, we know children ...... My loved one and me. Dark days are upon me .......... My wife now is gone. I look at the future ...........I shudder and groan. For my young are all rearing......young of their own. And I think of the years....... And the love that I've known. I'm now an old man.........and nature is cruel. T'is jest to make old age .....look like a fool. The body, it crumbles.......grace and vigor, gone with the wind. There is now lonliness & sorrow.....where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass ...... A young guy still dwells, And now and again .......my battered heart swells I remember the joys........... I remember the pain. And I'm loving and living..........life, over again. I think of the years ...all too few......gone too fast. And accept the stark fact........that nothing can last. So open your eyes, people ..........open and see.. Not a crabby old man. Look closer....see........ME!! Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.....we will all, one day, be there, too! PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM The best and most beautiful things of this world can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart. God Bless. The will of God never takes you to where the grace of God will not protect you! --- ...A sweet classic! Thanks Steve! ===================================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: >The Hand -Author Unknown to Me ___..__ __..--""" ._ __.' "-..__ '"--..__"; ___ '--...__""; `-..__ '"---..._;" """"----' DrS At first it sounded like a thanksgiving story, but the more I reflected on it, the more appropriate it seemed for any time of the year. The way I heard it, the story went like this: Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment -- to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful. Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were. But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes. Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something, for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand. His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went -- until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself. When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher." She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand. Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work. The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. They might not always say thanks. But they'll remember the \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp hand that reaches out. -<>- cc ,ccO=- cc | cc -=Occ | ; cc\ |/ cc \|,ccO=- ;=.|| cc __|||,-. `._\ -.__\ Giving Becomes a Blessing |/ ,||. |--| | | | | jrei | | / \ ,' `. ( ) `-.____.-' Earlier in this century the renowned psychiatrist Milton H. Erickson was giving a lecture in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At that time he was asked to visit the aunt of a colleague who lived there. Dr. Erickson's colleague explained that his aunt, who was in her sixties, had inherited a fortune but lived alone, never having married. By now, she had lost most of her close relatives and friends. She had medical problems that put her in a wheelchair. The nephew was concerned that his aunt was not only depressed but also considering suicide. Dr. Erickson took a taxi to the aunt's home. She gave him a tour of her estate. It seemed to him that, except for minor remodeling to allow wheelchair - access, nothing had been changed since the house was built in the 1890s. The furniture and household decorations smelled of must, and Erickson noted the heavy curtains were kept closed, making the house a dark, depressing place. However, the aunt became animated when she showed Erickson her greenhouse, where she spent hours and hours working with plants - particularly African violets. The woman confided that she suffered with major depression. Erickson told her that her problem was not depression but the fact that she had chosen to isolate herself from people. He said, "I recommend that you look in the latest church bulletin. You'll find announcements of births, illnesses, graduations, engagements, and marriages there. Make a number of African violet cuttings, repot them in gift pots, and have your handyman drive you to the homes of people who are affected by these happy and sad events. Bring them a plant and your congratulations or condolences and comfort, whichever is appropriate to the situation." Although upset by the psychiatrist's blunt assessment, the woman responded positively. Twenty years later, Dr. Erickson proudly displayed in a scrapbook an article from the Milwaukee Journal. It had a large headline that read: African Violet Queen of Milwaukee dies Mourned by Thousands. The article detailed the life of this caring woman who had become locally prominent for her trademark flowers and her charitable work with people in the community during the ten years preceding her death. It is a law of life that people who deliver comfort are themselves comforted, and those who lighten the load of others find their own burdens lighter. By Victor Parachin, Tulsa, Oklahoma -<>- >A FRESH START By: Joseph J. Mazzella I was able to make a fresh start recently. It felt so good to be able to put all of those past mistakes behind me. It felt so wonderful to be able to look towards the future with clear eyes and a clean heart. It felt so glorious to greet the new day with a peaceful mind and a joyful soul. I didn't get my fresh start by moving to another town, however. I didn't get it by starting a new job. I didn't get it by going on vacation. I didn't get it by buying something either. I didn't get it by changing the world around me at all. Those types of changes never work anyway. You can't clean your house by sweeping the sidewalk, after all. How did I get my fresh start then? Why, I simply opened my eyes this morning. You see, everyday of our lives can be a fresh start if we wish. Each new morning is another gift from God when we can begin again to clean our house within and to live our lives better than we did before. Each new day is a fresh beginning to choose love, create joy, spread laughter, help others, and give something back to the world. Each new moment is another chance to share a hug, a smile, a compliment, or an act of kindness. It doesn't matter how many mistakes we have made, wrong turns we have taken, or days we have wasted. We all can begin again this morning, this day, and right now. God is there waiting to help us to live and love as we were meant to. There is an old saying that goes, "If you wake up breathing, you have another chance." Don't waste your chance today. Make your fresh start now. Wake up this morning and say, "Good morning God! Thank you for my life!" Then go out and live it in joy, love, and oneness with Him. Open your heart, soul, and mind to the love, goodness, and delight that is all around you. Share all the wonder, talent, compassion, and uniqueness that is within you. Help to build a better world with the life you live in it. And seize each new day as a fresh start to live and love. -<>- >I called tonight! _____ (.---.)-._.-. /:::\ _.---' '-----' sjw I called tonight - To talk a little while... I need a friend who'll listen To my anxiety and my trial. You see, I can't quite make it Through a day just on my own... I need your love to guide me, So I'll never feel alone. I want to ask you please to keep My family safe and sound. Come and fill their lives with confidence For whatever fate they're bound. Give me faith, dear God, to face Each hour throughout the day, And not to worry over things I can't change in any way. I thank you God for being home And listening to my call, For giving me such good advice When I stumble and fall. Your number, God, is the only one That answers every time. I never get a busy signal, Never had to pay a dime. So thank you, God, for listening To my troubles and my sorrow. Good night, God, I love You too, And I'll call again tomorrow! -- Author Unknown -<>- LINKS: Nothing Like A Good Book http://www.buffalosjokes.com/1124100.htm Old Folks http://www.buffalosjokes.com/1124101.htm Pepsi http://www.buffalosjokes.com/1124104.htm Pool http://www.buffalosjokes.com/1124105.htm To subscribe to InspiredBuffalo, send an email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ================================================================ >-->Talking to Your dog `. ---)..( ||||(,o) ptr "`'" \__/ A recent poll revealed that nearly 33% of dog owners admit that they talk to their dogs on the phone or leave them messages on an answering machine. In America alone there are over 10 million dog owners. That means that 3.3 million people are sure they talk to their dogs each day. How much more will our Father in heaven enjoy it if we stop and talk to him? Prayer: Father, thank you that you are always there to talk with when I need you. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! Copyright (c) 2003. Pastor Bill. All Rights Reserved ===================================================================== >-->From PetWarmers: _ c" U__/ LITTLE HEALERS by Shashoni Warner ) ( " " cr I have had dogs by my side my whole life and have always known a special bond with them and all animals. I have always known that they can bring so much to your life, but I never realized that their unexpected gifts could turn into so much more... Eight years ago, I developed an anxiety disorder called agoraphobia. It became impossible for me to leave my home. I could get to the door but not out of it. I should also mention that I frequently am unable to walk due to a condition in my back that prevents me from being upright. I live with four dogs -- Gypsy, an English Springer Spaniel, along with three Chihuahuas, Gia, Renny and Nenya. Now, I'm sure you've heard of therapy dogs who are trained to help a disabled person become more independent by helping them do normal day-to-day things. But in my instance, my friends had no formal training. They decided to help me on their own! So there I was sitting in the doorway of my room which lets out into our fenced backyard, unable to go any further. What happened next was amazing. Gypsy, Gia and Renny came to me and with Gypsy on my right, Gia on my left and Renny slightly behind me, they each slid under one of my hands. Ren put his tiny feet on my lap and with gentle encouragement on their faces, and with a slow movement forward, they urged me out onto the step. Never moving quickly and never far enough for my touch to leave them, they helped me out into the yard. That first time was only for a few brief moments and they stayed right with me until I was safely back inside. But, with their help, I am now able to go out into my yard and sit in the sun and throw a ball for Gypsy or play with Gia, Ren and Nenya. Gia, the little mother, always comes back to check on me periodically while we are outside. She gives tiny licks of encouragement. Renny often puts his little paws on my lap just to keep contact and reassure me. Gypsy comes back often and puts her front feet on my lap while her big eyes search my face. They always seem to know when it's enough and get me inside safely each time. So tonight, when you go home from work and look into the eyes of love, remember that one day, those eyes looking back at you may also be the eyes and heart of a healer. To Gypsy, Gia, Renny and baby Nenya -- my profound gratitude for giving me back a bit of the world. -- Shashoni Warner ____________________________________________ Shashoni lives in Florida and spends most of her time reading and writing online, working for animal rights and the environment. Gypsy, Gia, Renny and Nenya are her constant companions. ======================================================================== >-->A 'Never Give Up' lesson... ( . ) ) ( ) . ' . ' . ' . ( , ) (. ) ( ', ) .' ) ( . ) , ( , ) ( . ). , ( . ( ) ( , ') .' ( , ) (_,) . ), ) _) _,') (, ) '. ) ,. (' ) jgs^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >"Great Value in Disaster" Thomas Edison's laboratory was virtually destroyed by fire in December, 1914. Although the damage exceeded $2 million, the buildings were only insured for $238,000 because they were made of concrete and thought to be fireproof. Much of Edison's life's work went up in spectacular flames that December night. At the height of the fire, Edison's 24-year old son, Charles, frantically searched for his father among the smoke and debris. He finally found him, calmly watching the scene, his face glowing in the reflection, his white hair blowing in the wind. "My heart ached for him," said Charles. "He was 67 - no longer a young man - and everything was going up in flames. When he saw me, he shouted, "Charles, where's your mother?" When I told him I didn't know, he said, "Find her. Bring her here. She will never see anything like this as long as she lives." The next morning, Edison looked at the ruins and said, "There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew." Three weeks after the fire, Edison managed to deliver his first phonograph. --The Sower's Seeds --- ...Visit here for our BibleStudy on this: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html ---> Visit my CyberHome - ALWAYS OPEN HOUSE :)Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/index.html Shangrala ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales & Serrvice You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair. We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with all your computer needs. Please phone us at 419-238-5806 ************************************************************************ -->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: This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR Send a BLANK email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************