Happy Father's Day Weekend... :) 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 ~ _..---.._ .' .-'''-. '. / .' _..._'. \ __ : : /`;' ) : : _,="`\ ,--''` ``'.; : |; ,-; : ; __..==""==.,_| `-, `; .\; / ^\ _,.="// '-,_.--._ '.(;_.'__/`_.-'`\ ,.--''`` _..=. `'--.// `` \ `--, '` `- |_\ '-. | `-._ _.;--`-..___,.-'` `'-...-_:',;`==,| \ _.--',=" / /"=;="=, _.' ,=".-'` .' /| ,=" _.--' .-' "=, : .' | ", `;._ .--'.' .-' .' . ; ,;;\_ . '._.'--'` -' / ,;;;._ '-._ .''.__.' `\_ .' '._ / '._ .(` jgs '._ ';./ `;` *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2011 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2011 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! ================ *~* Wishing YOU A Safe And Happy Father's Day Weekend *~* ()-() /o o\ _\ Y /_ .--. _ O__`&`__0 /____\ ,_(')< / \ [B] \~~~~/ jgs \___) ()/^\() [A][C] '--' AND TO ALL OUR DAD'S OUT THERE - HAPPY AND BLESSED Father's Day! _....._ .--. _.-' `-._ o/o-;;; ( `-._ _.-' ) (_, z) `:-._'---'_.-:' ,,,, _|-' / : `'''`_,-/`-._ /.. ) /\`--/"\ : [_./_ /_ _(_& _P / \_/, | : :`-/(_`_____ _\-'_/___/ /| : _.-: 8 \=__))____/ | : |'_.-: \_ | / F : | : : //`7/ / / : | :.-: (( (( L_______/ : |o : /_>/_> / Y / : |_.-': / / / : : J J J (`'-._____,-'`) | | | | | | | | | | _J__J__J (_ _) (__(_____) cjr'-..___..-' 2may01 ================ >>> READER COMMENTS <<< >From Our Friend Jewelle: l LOVED THE STORY OF PATRICK HENRY HUGHES, HERE IS ANOTHER PERFECT VIDEO ABOUT HIM, I KNOW OTHERS WILL ENJOY. YouTube - Patrick Henry Hughes - Inspirational Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qTiYA1WiY8 May God Always Bless You and Yours Huggums 2 All of You, Jewelle --- ...aww, Blessings And Huggums in Christ to you too Jewelle! Thank You! ============================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .-""-._ / ___/ \ _&_ _.--""|/ `\| // \\ .' ( ^/ ^ )'. / / \ \ / | _ | \ // / \ \\ | _\____/ | /_/_/_\_\_\ | .' \____/-._ | .-"-. | / `; /# \ | / / _|_.---\ | | |.-.; :--.-(_/.____/.-""\___/"-. / \ / ~~/ /\ \{"=.______.="} /--. ; /___/_~~/ ; .--\"=...__...="} / \-/ `\______|/ \-.______..-; | /`| | \ | |||| || | /_ | |_______/ | |||| || | \_/| |-------' |--'||'--._|| | | | | || |> |______| |____________|._ || _..-;| | [___] | `||() || |______ |\/|____________|jgs|| () (__) \__/ (__) () >MY REAL DAD by Tina Gomez Christmas 2001 was the first Christmas I spent without my dad. He died in September of that year. When I was growing up I didn't really get along with my dad. I was constantly fighting with him and not listening to him. But when I got older we got along so much better, I don't know why. Maybe because he had stopped doing drugs. He was a heroin addict practically my whole life, and about eight years before he died, he entered a drug program and had been clean ever since. He even got to see my son being born. That's all he ever talked about in his meetings -- how he was there to see his first granddchild being born. He ended up with three grandkids, my son and my brother’s son and daughter. He loved them so much. He spent a lot of time with them and tried to spend time with us too. There were five of us -- I was the oldest at 27, with three brothers ages 21, 14 and 12, and the youngest girl had just turned 10. I guess he was trying to make up for lost time. We knew he had started to get sick, but never really knew how bad until the last year or so. Doing drugs for so long had worn his body down and now he needed a liver transplant. He would end up in the hospital every now and then for a couple of days, but that would be it, nothing real bad. He even spent Christmas 2000 in the hospital. That tiny room was so full, there was all five of us -- three grandkids and my step mom. Too bad we didn't have a camera. I’d give anything to have a picture of that day. We still had our ups and downs, but we always made up. I even got to live with him for a couple months the year before he died. I remember one time while living there I had went out with my cousin and didn't get home until 4am. I was trying to open the door real quiet when my dad pulled it open. I thought I was busted! Here I was, 27 years old thinking I was going to be grounded or something for coming in too late! But all he did was ask where I went and we talked for about an hour before going to bed. Then in September, the month he died, he ended up in the hospital for two weeks, the longest he had ever been in there. When he got out he was told he had six months to live. What!? Not my dad! He was supposed to be there to see his kids and grandkids grow up. Two weeks later he couldn't even get out of bed or talk very well, but we knew when he was telling us he loved us. It was hard for me to go see him that often. I lived an hour away and worked and went to school. Then my car was stolen -- what a time for that to happen. On September 28, the day after my sister's birthday we got to go see him and spend the day with him. By this time he wasn't even responding or opening his eyes. We still sat with him and talked to him. Two days later, the day we were going to have my sister's birthday party, I got a call at work from my aunt telling me my dad had died. The hardest thing I ever had to do was tell my little sister and one of my brothers that our dad had died. My other brothers were already at my dad's house. They kept him home so all the family could come and say goodbye. I tried to understand why he died after doing so well -- he stopped doing drugs and even married my stepmom. I was mad at first, because I thought, "Why did he even quit drugs? He didn't get sick until he quit!" But if he hadn't quit, he wouldn't have seen my son being born and he wouldn't have had a relationship with any of his kids or grandkids. He wouldn't have met and married my stepmom and I wouldn't have realized how much I loved this man who raised me and called me his daughter when he didn't have to. My stepdad, Leonard Fernandez. My real dad if you ask me. -- Tina Gomez ================================================================= >-->From Our Friend James :) %%%% %%%%-( _%%%%%_/ \ ' / _%%%%%%%% - (_) - _%%%%%%%/ \% / , \ %%%%%%%%%\\ \_ %%%%%% \ \\ ) /\_/ /(___. \ '----' ( / ) ---....____/ (_____ __ _ ___ ___ __ _ _ _____ _ _ ___ / )---...___ =-= = -_= -=_= _-=_-_ -=- =-_ ,' ( ```--.._= -_= -_= _-=- -_= _=- ,-' ) ``--._=-_ =-=_-= _-= _ '-._ '-..___( ``-._=_-=_- =_-= ``---....__) `-._-=_-_=- )|)| `-._=-_ gnv '-'-.\_ `-. >The Great Inventor ~ June 15, 2011 When you were a child did you ever wonder how the ocean didn’t slide off the earth? How all the water didn’t spill out and eventually there would be no more water in the oceans? What a great invention! Sometimes even now I think of how amazing is our God about soo many things. Like how the ocean doesn’t. Psalm 104 majestically tells of God, the great inventor. Who but God could design oceans teeming with unimaginable sea creatures from microscopic algae to gigantic whales and countless colorful marine life? Plus grasses and coral and sand and, well, the list is infinite..... Years ago, our family did a little snorkeling and some diving. Under the sea it was eerily silent, a whole other world. ‘Beautiful’ doesn’t even come close to describing it. The fabulous worship song by Nicole C. Mullen (Redeemer) proposes these questions: Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning, Who told the ocean you an only come this far? Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening, Whose words alone can catch a falling star? And the lyrics answer perfectly: Well I know my Redeemer lives, I know my Redeemer lives; All of creation testify, This life within me cries, I know my Redeemer lives. The Great Inventor and our Redeemer, one. One God. That is good news. Praise the Lord , O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate- bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. The trees of the Lord are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the pine trees. The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the coneys. The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening. How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number- living things both large and small. Psalm 10 inspirational messages by Sally I. Kennedy Sally I. Kennedy, ©2011 --- -=- (\ _ /) (`\(")/') (`/\') \\/^\// / \ hjw / \ `-._.-' ...Be sure to pay homage to THE FATHER, God Almighty, The God and Father of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - OUR FATHER this Father's Day. His love and works deserve our praise, oos and awes at how great He is! -<>- .---. ,;;;, / _ _ \ ///\\\\ # . . # \/. .\/ ( \ ) ( \ ) \ = / \ - / ./'---'\. .-/_'-'_\-. /`/ \`.`/ \`\ / `:` \ ; ,\ | . | /, ; ; , : , ; | | >| . |< | | | | : | | | | \| . |/ | | \ \ : / / | | | . | | | \ '._:_.' / | | |===| | | '._/ { \_.' | | | | | | | `-'-` | |-|_/ \_ \_|-| | , | \_| | |_/ | | | |_ | _| |_ | _| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |___|___| |___|___| / / \ \ / / \ \ jgs(__/ \__) (__/ \__) >I've Learned... I've learned....that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. I've learned....that when you're in love, it shows. I've learned.... that just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day. I've learned...that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. I've learned....that being kind is more important than being right. I've learned...that you should never say no to a gift from a child. I've learned....that I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way. I've learned....that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. I've learned....that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. I've learned....that simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult. I've learned....that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. I've learned....that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for. I've learned....that money doesn't buy class. I've learned....that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular. I've learned....that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved. I've learned...that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can? I've learned....that to ignore the facts does not change the facts. I've learned....that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you. I've learned....that love, not time, heals all wounds. I've learned....that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am. I've learned....that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile. I've learned....that there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks. I've learned....that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them. I've learned....that life is tough, but I'm tougher. I've learned....that opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss. I've learned....that when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. I've learned....that I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away. I've learned....that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. I've learned....that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. I've learned....that I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it. I've learned....that when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life. I've learned....that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it. I've learned ...that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation. I've learned....that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done. --- ...So True! Thank You James! ================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Linda :) ,;;. ,' '''-,-. __ \,, > / _ ' \ `./-' `. ' (_._ ,(--) `| ' /` } `----' ( | | ) || |`. | '_I |_|__| ' c'c' |)|) |'|' ,_'_'_\ jv >Just Push A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might... So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might! Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind. (He will do it every time!) You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort, and that will be good enough." That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?" The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push.. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock.." At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God Who moves the mountains. When everything seems to go wrong...................Just P.U.S.H. When the job gets you down..........................Just P.U.S.H. When people don't do as you think they should.......Just P.U.S.H. When your money is "gone" and the bills are due.....Just P.U.S.H.. When people just don't understand you...............Just P.U.S.H. P = Pray U = Until S = Something H = Happens Though no one can go back and make a **brand new start**, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." Friends & Family are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly. May God Bless You --- ...Aww, Thank You Linda! May God Super Bless You Too! I was taught that when God tells you to jump you don't ask how high you JUMP! God said it so do it! Father Knows Best - ALWAYS! :) -<>- ------ _____ / \ ___\ ___/ ___ --/- ___ / \/ / / / \ / / \__ //_ \ / \ / ___ | | ___ \/+--/ / \__ \ \ / \__ | / \ /____ / / | / _____/ ___ \/ /\ \__ / / | | / \____/ \ / // // / / // / /\ /-_-/\//-__- / / // / \__// / / / // // / / // / // / // / /// // / / / // / // // // // / // / / / / / / / / / / /// / / / // // / // // /// / / / / / / /// / // / / // / / / / // /// / /// / / / / // /// / unknown >ATTITUDE 1) Heavy rains remind us of challenges in life. Never ask for a lighter rain Just pray for a better umbrella. That is attitude. 2) When flood comes, fish eat ants & when flood recedes, ants eat fish. Only time matters. Just hold on, God gives opportunity to everyone! 3) Some people always throw stones in your path. It depends on you what you make with them, Wall or Bridge? Remember you are the architect of your life. 4) Every problem has (n+1) solutions, where n is the number of solutions that you have tried and 1 is that you have not tried. That's life. 5) It's not important to hold all the good cards in life. But it's important how well you play with the cards which you hold. 6) Often when we lose all hope & think this is the end, God smiles from above and says, `relax dear its just a bend. Not the end. Have Faith and have a successful life. 7) When you feel sad, to cheer up just go to the mirror and say, `Darn I am really so cute`and you will overcome your sadness. But do not make this a habit coz liars go to hell. [SMILE in the mirror every day. See that gleam in your eye? That's the God in Christ In YOU Shining Through! The Glory Of The Lord!!] 8) One of the basic differences between God and human is, God gives, gives and forgives. But human gets, gets, gets and forgets. Be thankful in life! --- ...Great wisdom Linda! Thank You! Just remember what the Apostle Paul went through - whippings, beatings, ship wrecks, almost drowning, prison, etc YET He kept a positive attitude saying this... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Phil.4: [11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Notice he said 'learned'? God didn't give him this attitude. His spirit didn't magically transform him - He Had To Learn it - That was by renewing his mind! He learned not to gripe, not to be unhappy, not to be depressed, not to doubt God, not to blame God for not helping him but instead he learned to be what? Content with whatsoever state he was in. Check out this teaching: Christianity http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/christianity.html -<>- [\ .----' `-----. //^^^^;;^^^^^^`\ _______//_____||_____()_\________ /826 : : ___ `\ |> ____; ; |/\><| ____ _<) {____/ \_________________/ \____} \ '' / \ '' / jgs '--' '--' >Road to Happiness When I travel on business, I like to talk to the taxi drivers who take me from the airport /station/Bus stand to my hotel, or to a convention center, or to a restaurant. Taxi drivers are often immigrants with interesting personal histories and unusual cultural backgrounds. I ask them how long they've been in that city how they chose which city to live in, and what they like best about where they live. Of course, I also ask them for advice on good local restaurants and any special attractions they'd recommend to a visitor. I've had some great experiences on my travels, thanks to the advice of taxi drivers! On one trip about ten years ago, I was making conversation with the taxi driver, asking him my usual questions about how he came to live where he lived. Then I asked him a hypothetical question: "If you could live anywhere in the world-and if money was no object-where would you live?" Without hesitating even for a second, he replied, "I live in my heart. So it really doesn't matter where my body lives. If I am happy inside, then I live in paradise, no matter where my residence is." I felt humbled and a little foolish for my question. Of course he was right-happiness is an inside job. He had reminded me of something I already knew, but had forgotten. If you can't find happiness inside yourself, you'll never find it in the outside world, no matter where you move. Wherever you go, there you are. You take yourself with you. I am grateful for the wisdom of that taxi driver. And I'm grateful for all the wisdom others have shared with me about how to be happy. --- ... Another great Renewed Mind One! Thanks Linda! -<>- ..::''''::.. .:::. .;'' ``;. .... ::::: :: :: :: :: ,;' .;: () ..: `:::' :: :: :: :: ::. ..:,:;.,:;. . :: .::::. `:' :: .:' :: :: `:. :: '''::, :: :: :: `:: :: ;: .:: : :: : : :: ,:'; ::; :: :: :: :: :: ::,::''. . :: `:. .:' :: `:,,,,;;' ,;; ,;;, ;;, ,;;, ,;;, `:,,,,:' :;: `;..``::::''..;' ``::,,,,::'' >Smiling is infectious, Smiling is infectious, You catch it like the flu, When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too. I passed around the corner, And someone saw my grin, When he smiled I realized, I'd passed it on to him. I thought about that smile, Then realized its worth, A single smile, just like mine, Could travel round the earth. So, if you feel a smile begin, Don't leave it undetected. Let's start an epidemic quick, And get the world infected.. --- ...TeeHee! Cute one! Thanks Linda! Reminds me of this one... Top Reasons To Smile http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/smile.html ================================================================ >-->From Both Our Friends Linda And Jo Ann :) _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >Who is a teacher??? From A School Principal's speech at a graduation.. He said "Doctor wants his child to become a doctor......... Engineer wants his child to become engineer...... Businessman wants his ward to become CEO..... BUT a teacher also wants his child to become one of them. Nobody wants to become a teacher BY CHOICE" ....Very sad but that's the truth.....!!! The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?" Teacher Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...) "Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 min. without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental. You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table) I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them how to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator. I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.) Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ALL YOUR LIVES, EDUCATING KIDS AND PREPARING THEM TO BECOME CEO's ,AND DOCTORS AND ENGINEERS......... What do you make Mr. CEO? His jaw dropped; he went silent. THIS IS WORTH SENDING TO EVERY PERSON YOU KNOW. Even all personal teachers like mother, father, brother, sister, coach and spiritual leader/teacher. --- ...Thank You Ladies! Our youth are humanities future. We need to raise them up right. .===. _ _ / _/\ \ / )%.===.%( \ \/6.6\/ | // ,,, \\ | ( _ ) \/ \/6.6\/ \/ _)---(_ /\ ( _ ) /\ / `~` \ ^^ /()-()\ ^^ /\/ \/\ / /o o\ \ \ | | / (._\ Y /_.) \|_____|/ (O_`&`_O) | L | / / \ \ |__|__| / ()/^\() \ | | | /. . . . . . .\ |_|_| `"`"`|`|`|`"`"` jgs _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ (___|___) (___|___) Prov.22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. ================================================================= ______ _.' _..._\ _/ .'_..._ ' .' / /.'==..=\: '._\ \\ O _O<' _/_/ ._'._).'_ / \_/ .=== \ \ \ | / | \ \ \ | |/ '-._ | . / '.\ / wtx \__\ >With Her Help Story Editor: by Mark J. Mitchell Joyce Schowalter California, USA Dad was diagnosed with small-cell cancer, terminal. "Enjoy what life I have left," he said. He had three good years before his downhill slide. Then a family call said it was time to head north to see Dad as his time drew near. I booked a flight as soon as possible to meet my brother Paul and my sister Claudia in Sacramento. One can imagine my mood as the plane cut through the air. No smiles for anyone on this "bummer trip". I sourly walked through the Sacramento terminal, in no hurry to get anywhere -- especially the hospital. Ahead was a woman with a little girl on her shoulder looking backwards at me. Out of nowhere this girl's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Out of her mouth came one word: "Santa!" Now, I've got long silver white hair, a full beard and mustache, and while I'm not the fat man always depicted, I fit this little girl's vision of Santa Claus. Stopping dead in her tracks, her mother spun around. As she started to apologize for her daughter's outburst, I put my finger to my lips and said, "Sshh! I'm on vacation!" The little girl broke out into a great big smile and shook her head yes. Her mother only smiled and walked away. Her daughter gazed back with her big smile shining. Her smile changed my mood -- and my life. I put it in mind that I wouldn't show Dad anything but a smiling face. At the hospital, I found myself needing the facilities. While washing up, I thought of a way to lighten up the situation. Taking ten feet of toilet paper, I stuffed one end into my pants. I had a tail. Out the door I went -- much to Paul and Claudia's astonishment. Claudia piped up, "Mark, do you know what you have following you?" "Yep," I said. "That I do." "Oh, jeez," said Paul. Arrows painted on walls led to the ICU. All along the way people pointed and laughed. I continued on my way like there was nothing wrong with this world. A glance over my shoulder showed Paul and Claudia following quite distantly. The ICU nurses nearly busted a gut laughing. They pointed at Dad's room, and off I went. Howls of laughter followed me. Dad was sitting up, trying to see what all the commotion was. Taking one look at me standing in the doorway, he said, "I should have known it was you!" I walked to his bedside, gave him a big hug and kiss and told him how much I loved him. Later, Dad called Mom over for a kiss. He said, "See you in Paradise, honey," and away he went. I wish I could thank that little girl. Without her help, I would have been in tears and not much good to Dad. Because of her, Christmas took on a new meaning, which I try to keep alive throughout the year. "Peace on Earth, good will to all." =======HeroicStories======= >-->From CupO'Cheer: ___ .dSSSS$$pp.. .dSSSS$$$$$$$$; .dSSSS$$$$$$$$$$$ :SSP^" T$$$$$$$$$$b_ dSSP $$$S$$$$$$$b` dSS$;_. .:$$$SS$$$$$$b dSS$$$_ ; __."^TSS$$$$$b dSS$$P;" ""' :lSS$$$$$b :SS$$$ ; ::SS$$$$$$b_. SSS$$$ : ` ;:SS$$$$$$$bp. :SS$$$$b \ -=- .-" SSS$$$$$$$$$$b SSS$$$$$b.`. / d$SS$$$$$$$$$$$b :SS$$$$$$$; ""T :$$$SS$$$$$$$$P^^t--' SSS$$$S$$$ : $$$$$SS$$$$$$$ : :SS$$$SS$; __; _$$$$$$SS$$$$$$ : SSS$SS l;: ; : $$$$SS$$$$$; ; :SS$SS $;: ; : $$$SS$$$$$$; /; TSSSS :$ \ ; ; :$S$$$$$$$$.-"/ `SP; :; ;: ; T$$$$$$$$; /; : ; ; : `.; /)T$$$$$P .' : ; : : ; .'/ :$$$P'.' .'\ ; \ :; / /$P^".' .-" ; : ;: .' .-" / \ `.____/_'.___:--""\ --' .' ) .-" .' "-._ "-._ ..--"")\ :-' : "-. "-._ ---""" /; ; : : \ "-._....____; : : \ :\ `. \ ; ; \ \\ \ \ ; : : `. \\ \ \ : ; ; ;"-t\ `. \ : : : : `; \ ; ; ; ; : \ / : : / ; \-..__ .'; : ; / : ; """T ; : / / ; \ : ; ; ;/ : : \ ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : ; ; / : : : ; ; ; / ; :; : ; ; / : :: ; ; ;_ `""--..__; :_; __ ;____;.-;'; ;.__.: :..t-"" j" ; ; : ; ; ;--"" \ [bug] ; ; ; : ; : \ ; ; : \ ; ; ;. ; ; \ \ ; : / ; ; ; \ \ ; : ; ; ; \ `-. ; ; .' ; ; \ \ ;___/ /______;.-' \ ---; / / ;______: .-' / '-------' >I KNOW I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end. I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy. I know He has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself. I know He is a healer, so why do I speak of sickness. I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can't. I know He will protect me, so why do I fear. I know He will supply all my needs, so why can't I wait. I know He is my strength and my salvation, so why do I feel weak. I know that everything and everyone has a season, so why when someone's season is over do I weep instead of rejoice. I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way. I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness. I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, so why am I scared to ask. I know tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today. I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie. I know He gives us revelation knowledge and understanding, so why do I lean on my own understanding. I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, so why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh. I know that when praises go up blessings come down, so why do I refuse to praise Him. I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me. I know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His will, when it is His time not my time. author unknown -<>- ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >THE INTERVIEW Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Job 38:3, NIV I wrote yesterday about an interview I’ve conducted numerous times with young men who have wanted to date our daughters. Lots of parents have asked me to share some of the things I cover when I meet with these young men. Here’s a “high fly by” list: 1. A woman is God’s creation, a beautiful creation, a fine creation. You’ve certainly noticed that my daughter is pretty, is attractive and has a cute figure, haven’t you? 2. The attraction of a young man to a young lady is both normal and good. I’m glad you like her and want to be with her. 3. I understand and remember what the sex drive of a young man is like. Believe me, I’ve been there, I know what you’re dealing with. 4. I’m going to hold you accountable for your relationship with my daughter. Expect me to be asking to see if you’re dealing uprightly with her. 5. I’m challenging you to purity. I want you to guard her innocence, not just her virginity. 6. I want you to respect and uphold the dignity of my daughter by keeping your hands off of her. Keeping this one precaution in mind will help keep you from getting into further trouble. 7. Do you understand all of what I’ve just said to you? Are we clear on what I’m expecting and what you can expect from me? 8. When you’re a dad someday, I hope you will challenge your own children to abide by these standards and will interview your daughter’s dates. My prayer is that you will never forget this conversation. One of the greatest privileges God has given me is to stand alongside our four daughters and honorably and gently attempt to protect their innocence. Meeting with these young men has been one of the highlights of being a dad. DISCUSS Dads, discuss with your wife why this can be a little awkward to do. Moms, share with your husband how it makes you feel when you see him protecting your daughter. PRAY Pray for courage to follow through with what you know to be right. as seen in Moments Together For Couples -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. =============================================================== >-->From LaugAndLift: .---. /_____\__ `\/6.6\/--` ( _ ) ,'---', / _ \ /\/ (_) \/\ \ | (_) | / \| |/ |_____| | | | | | | \__|__/ |_|_| jgs _|_|_|_ (___|___) >*You Can't Run Fast Enough* (By Ron Hutchcraft) We were waiting in front of a restaurant with our children, and my son saw a parent trying to keep his two-year-old occupied. Now, you know, it's tough enough for the parents to wait to get into a restaurant; it's a little hard to keep a two-year-old boy busy. And there's something in a child that wants freedom. And this child was no exception, because as soon as the parent would let this little guy go, he'd start to chug the other direction as fast as he could. It almost appeared as if he thought he really was going to get away from his dad. Not a chance! Dad started after him, you know, looking like it was hard to catch him. You know it wasn't. Now, my teenage son was watching all this in amusement; he was sort of the observer of the world scene kind of guy. And he said, "Dad, it's so funny watching a kid get away from his parent." I said, "Why?" He said, "Because you know they'll lose every time." Well, it's true...they will. So will you and I. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "You Can't Run Fast Enough." Now, our word for today from the Word of God comes from the book of Jonah 1 . You know the word of the Lord came to Jonah, and you remember what he did? "Go to the great city of Nineveh," God said, "and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me. But Jonah ran away from the Lord" - there you go - "and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa where he found a ship bound for that port." "You may remember a great storm comes upon that ship, the sailors cast lots; they find out that it fell on Jonah as the one who's to blame." The Bible says, "And then the sailors said to each other, 'Come, we'll find out who the person is.' And they cast lots and it fell on Jonah. So they asked him, 'Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us. What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?' And he answered, 'I am a Hebrew, and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven who made the sea and the land.' This terrified them and they asked, 'What have you done?' (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)" All right, here's a child of God trying to run away from his Father, and you know his Father is going to catch him. And He does in the mouth of a great fish, when Jonah's thrown into the water. Now, in some strange, providential way, it could be that God has brought you and me together today for this little visit because He knows you're running. You're running from something that He's told you to do, or running from the first place you know that He deserves in your life. If we were to see a picture drawn by God right now, there He would be with His arms extended, and there you would be running the other direction just as surely as Jonah did. Well, consider the cost of running from God. If you read Jonah chapter 1, it cost Jonah his money, money he never had to spend. But it cost him money to get away from God, and it cost him his sleep; he wasn't sleeping very well. And maybe you know about that part. And it cost him his prayer contact with God. He wasn't even praying during this great storm because well, I think he felt like there was something between him and God. And you maybe know about that. He'd lost his sensitivity to other people. He didn't care what was happening to them. He was too busy surviving. And he lost his testimony to these people, and he lost the welfare of those close to him. When you're running from God, you are a destabilizing force on everything and everyone around you, and God is pursuing you even to this moment today. It's a good thing isn't it that parents always catch their children? Because if they didn't, eventually you know those kids would run into disaster or death. Well, God is catching you. Isn't it time to stop running, and to turn and face your Father? Let Him hold you in His arms. Let Him have you; He bought and paid for you with His Son. You have nothing to fear from being with Him. You have everything to fear from being away from Him. When it comes to running from God, you could just ask Jonah. You can't run fast enough! [Copyright Ronald P. Hutchcraft. Distributed by Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc."A Word With You" by Ronald P. Hutchcraft is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. Based on a work at www.Hutchcraft.com/A- Word-With-You. ] 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 =================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) _..._ .~` ~. { \ \~~`'._ / )- {,_} '.___,-', |\ _| \ \_| ` \ \ / \ _;--' \ /` /_ \ .___.-'| \ ^^^jgs^^^^^^^^`--`'------`--`^^^^^^^ >A DAD'S STORY On July 22nd I was in route to Washington, DC for a business trip. It was all so very ordinary, until we landed in Denver for a plane change. As I collected my belongings from the overhead bin, an announcement was made for Mr. Lloyd Glenn to see the United Customer Service Representative immediately. I thought nothing of it until I reached the door to leave the plane and I heard a gentleman asking every male if he were Mr. Glenn. At this point I knew something was wrong and my heart sunk. When I got off the plane, a solemn-faced young man came toward me and said, "Mr. Glenn, there is an emergency at your home . I do not know what the emergency is, or who is involved, but I will take you to the phone so you can call the hospital." My heart was now pounding, but the will to be calm took over. Woodenly, I followed this stranger to the distant telephone where I called the number he gave me for the Mission Hospital . My call was put through to the trauma center where I learned that my three-year-old son had been trapped underneath the automatic garage door for several minutes and that when my wife had found him he was dead. CPR had been performed by a neighbor, who is a doctor, and the paramedics had continued the treatment as Brian was transported to the hospital. By the time of my call, Brian was revived and they believed he would live, but they did not know how much damage had been done to his brain, nor to his heart. They explained that the door had completely closed on his little sternum right over his heart. He had been severely crushed. After speaking with the medical staff, my wife sounded worried but not hysterical, and I took comfort in her calmness. The return flight seemed to last forever, but finally I arrived at the hospital six hours after the garage door had come down. When I walked into the intensive care unit, nothing could have prepared me to see my little son laying so still on a great big bed with tubes and monitors everywhere. He was on a respirator. I glanced at my wife who stood and tried to give me a reassuring smile. It all seemed like a terrible dream. I was filled-in with the details and given a guarded prognosis. Brian was going to live, and the preliminary tests indicated that his heart was OK, two miracles in and of themselves. But only time would tell if his brain received any damage. Throughout the seemingly endless hours, my wife was calm. She felt that Brian would eventually be all right. I hung on to her words and faith like a lifeline. All that night and the next day Brian remained unconscious. It seemed like forever since I had left for my business trip the day before. Finally at two o'clock that afternoon, our son regained consciousness and sat up uttering the most beautiful words I have ever heard spoken.. He said, "Daddy hold me" and he reached for me with his little arms. By the next day he was pronounced as having no neurological or physical deficits, and the story of his miraculous survival spread throughout the hospital. You cannot imagine, when we took Brian home, we felt a unique reverence for the life and love of our Heavenly Father that comes to those who brush death so closely. In the days that followed, there was a special spirit about our home. Our two older children were much closer to their little brother. My wife and I were much closer to each other, and all of us were very close as a whole family. Life took on a less stressful pace. Perspective seemed to be more focused and balance much easier to gain and maintain. We felt deeply blessed. Our gratitude was truly profound. The story is not over (smile)! Almost a month later to the day of the accident, Brian awoke from his afternoon nap and said, "Sit down Mommy.. I have something to tell you." At this time in his life, Brian usually spoke in small phrases, so to say a large sentence surprised my wife. She sat down with him on his bed, and he began his sacred and remarkable story. "Do you remember when I got stuck under the garage door? Well, it was so heavy and it hurt really bad. I called to you but you couldn't hear me. I started to cry, but then it hurt too bad. And then the 'birdies' came." "The birdies?" my wife asked puzzled. "Yes," he replied. "The birdies made a whooshing sound and flew into the garage. They took care of me." "They did?" "Yes," he said. "One of the birdies came and got you. She came to tell you "I got stuck under the door." A sweet reverent feeling filled the room. The spirit was so strong and yet lighter than air. My wife realized that a three-year-old had no concept of death and spirits, so he was referring to the beings who came to him from beyond as "birdies" because they were up in the air like birds that fly. "What did the birdies look like?" she asked. Brian answered, "They were so beautiful. They were dressed in white, all white. Some of them had green and white. But some of them had on just white." "Did they say anything?" "Yes," he answered. "They told me the baby would be all right." "The baby?" my wife asked confused. Brian answered. "The baby laying on the garage floor." He went on, "You came out and opened the garage door and ran to the baby. You told the baby to stay and not leave." My wife nearly collapsed upon hearing this, for she had indeed gone and knelt beside Brian's body and seeing his crushed chest whispered, "Don't leave us Brian, please stay if you can." As she listened to Brian telling her the words she had spoken, she realized that the spirit had left his body and was looking down from above on this little lifeless form. "Then what happened?" she asked. "We went on a trip," he said, "far, far away." He grew agitated trying to say the things he didn't seem to have the words for. My wife tried to calm and comfort him, and let him know it would be okay. He struggled with wanting to tell something that obviously was very important to him, but finding the words was difficult. "We flew so fast up in the air. They're so pretty Mommy," he added. "And there are lots and lots of birdies." My wife was stunned. Into her mind the sweet comforting spirit enveloped her more soundly, but with an urgency she had never before known. Brian went on to tell her that the "birdies" had told him that he had to come back and tell everyone about the "birdies." He said they brought him back to the house and that a big fire truck and an ambulance were there. A man was bringing the baby out on a white bed and he tried to tell the man that the baby would be okay. The story went on for an hour. He taught us that "birdies" were always with us, but we don't see them because we look with our eyes and we don't hear them because we listen with our ears. But they are always there, you can only see them in here (he put his hand over his heart). They whisper the things to help us to do what is right because they love us so much. Brian continued, stating, "I have a plan, Mommy. You have a plan.. Daddy has a plan. Everyone has a plan. We must all live our plan and keep our promises. The birdies help us to do that cause they love us so much." In the weeks that followed, he often came to us and told all, or part of it, again and again. Always the story remained the same. The details were never changed or out of order. A few times he added further bits of information and clarified the message he had already delivered. It never ceased to amaze us how he could tell such detail and speak beyond his ability when he talked about his birdies. Everywhere he went, he told strangers about the "birdies." Surprisingly, no one ever looked at him strangely when he did this. Rather, they always got a softened look on their face and smiled. Needless to say, we have not been the same ever since that day, and I pray we never will be. ---------------- ****** __ /`__`\ .=.| ('') |.=. /.-.\ _)(_ /.-.\ |: / ~~ \ :| \ : | (__) | : / | : \_/\_/ : | |: /| |\ :| \_/` | | `\_/ | | | | jgs |~~~~| '----' Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people become friends and stay a while...leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts .. and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!! Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present! Live and savor every moment...this is not a dress rehearsal! THIS IS YOUR LIFE! --- ...This story always gives me goosebumps! Thanks Jo Ann! ================================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: __ @@;, ( ; ? : ); _| |_ | | || | | _| |_ | \ \ \/ || \/ ___ / / | __| |\ __||____||___||______/| | ||| | |_______ _________| | ||| ||| |____ | | ____| ||| Design by \ \______ ) | | / ______/ / || | | | | | /___| || Samule J. Neptune || | | |_ /| | |\ _| || || || | \__, / | | | \<__/ | || >The Table I remember when growing up at my aunt and uncle's farm eating there on Sunday. The table would be pulled out and the leaves would be inserted for the family that would be there. Oftentimes the minister from the Church would eat with us. The men when they entered the home would take their hats off and hang them up by the door. All would wash their hands and sit at their designated place. My uncle would sit at the head of the table, his wife at the opposite end. The best dishes were used every Sunday along with the best silverware. During the hot, dusty summer, the dishes might be turned upside down to protect them from the dust and flies, as this was before air-conditioning. Sometimes if the meals were served and my aunt was not ready to eat, the plates would be covered with a clean dishcloth. Everyone sat upright, no elbows on the table, when my aunt entered the room everyone stood up, it was expected. She was being honored. My uncle would either say Grace or ask someone to say Grace. After the prayer was concluded he would take the first dish of food and put some on his plate and pass it to his right, and on it would go. Usually the elders would sit to his right with the children being the last served. This was normal and there were no questions asked. At the table people discussed family events, church events, school happenings, matters of consequence. Never was there a heated discussion, and always proper manners were in place. When finished eating, you asked for permission to be excused from the table and you cleaned your mouth with a real napkin. You politely removed yourself, and put your chair back into place. The women would clear the table and do dishes while the men would retire and discuss matters for menfolk. The children would go outside and play. The table would be put back in it's place until it was used again. When did the table lose it's place in our family? Or is the better question when did our family lose it's table? When did manners fade away? When did respect of our Elders dissolve? Do you pray before receiving your food? Do you bless your food? Do have your family time? Does what I describe to you sound like a better way of life, of living? Take the time. Start at home. Home...what a beautiful word. Think about this.... The Lord gave us Hope with His Last Supper at the Table. Commune with your family. Start today. BJ Cassady Guthrie, Oklahoma -<>- o .d8|8o. T""T""T ] (|) [ [_|_] )j( ,--------------------. |d[ / \ o------o ( Now where is that key? ) |d[ \ / |d[ -q88b. `---v----------------' |d[ /` @ ----' |d[ <_/\_ (3du--,-+--/. \ (d)------( \_ \ Ld8 L / / Id] P`./ Id] |\_)| Ld8 || _| Ld8 || /| Ld8 || | `"' ,-t|-.| Ojosh!ro >WHERE THE LIGHT IS By: Joseph J. Mazzella There is a delightful, old story that always brings a smile to my face. One day a man was walking down the street and saw his friend crawling around on his hands and knees looking for something. The man asks his friend what he is looking for on the ground. His friend says, "I lost my key." The man feels sorry for his friend and gets down to help look for it. After a long time of looking without success the man asks his friend where he was standing when he lost his key. The friend replies, "Oh, I lost it in my house." Outraged by this the man asks why they are looking on the street then. His friend says, "Because there is more light here." As funny as that sounds it is the way a lot of people think. They want to know the purpose of their lives. They want to figure out the secret to their own happiness. They want to find the key to living a loving and joyous life. Yet, they look everywhere except inside of themselves. Perhaps they think it is too dark and frightening to look within for these answers. They keep looking on the outside instead because they think the light is better there. The truth is if they were willing to look within they would find a light far brighter and more illuminating than any on the outside. They would find the glorious glow of their own souls that have been patiently waiting for their arrival. They would find the love of God that lights up the world and the light of their own love as well. They would find a beautiful fire that would warm their hearts and that they could give to everyone everywhere. Don't be afraid to look on the inside. The light on the outside is nowhere near as magnificent and golden as the loving light that shines from your own soul. God's loving light lives within each of us. That is the light you should seek. That is the light that will guide you to a joyous life and that is the light that you should share with the whole world. -<>- ___ / `\ \ // \ \ //\ \__ _/ |\ | \ \__| as >Behind the Mirror When I was a little girl we lived in New York City just down the block from my grandparents. Every evening my grandfather would go for his "constitutional." During those summers of the mid-1960s I would join him for the walk, and he'd tell me how life was when he was a little boy. As we walked past storefront windows reflecting the setting sun, he described a world of horses instead of cars, outhouses instead of flush toilets, letters instead of telephones, and candles instead of electric lights. As he pointed out all the hardships, my little mind wandered and I asked him, "Grandpa, what was the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life?" I expected a tale of physical labor that those tough times demanded of him, but when Grandpa stopped walking and stared silently at the horizon I knew he was reliving an experience much harder than working long hours. He knelt down and took my hand. With tears in his eyes he began to speak. "Grandma got very sick after your Aunt Mary was born. This was when your mom and your uncles were still little children. Well, Grandma had to go to a place called a sanitarium for a long time to get better. Since there was no one to take care of your mom and uncles, I had to send them to an orphanage where nuns could take care of them for me so I could work two and three jobs until your grandma got well. The hardest thing I ever had to do was put my babies in there. I went every week to see them, but the nuns wouldn't let me talk to them or hold them. I could only watch my children play from behind a one-way mirror. Sure, I brought them candy every week, but I could only hope they knew it was from me. I would keep both hands on the glass for the thirty minutes I was allowed to see them, hoping they would see me and come to touch my hand - but they never did. I endured a whole year without touching my children, but I know it was even harder for them. I'll never for-give myself for not making the nuns let me hold them. But they said I would do them more harm than good, and they would have even more trouble living there. So I listened." I had never seen my grandfather cry before. He held me close, and I told him that I had the best grandfather ever and that I loved him. It was a strange and powerful reversal of roles, me reassuring him as he cried into my embrace. We continued our walks for years until my family and grand-parents moved to separate states. For fifteen years, that special walk with Grandpa remained our secret. After my grandmother passed away, my grandfather began to suffer from memory lapses and bouts of depression. I tried to encourage my mother to let Grandpa come and live with us, but she and Grandpa had drifted apart. One day, when I really harped on her to bring Grandpa back home, in a fit of rage she replied, "Why? He never cared about what happened to us!" Little did she know, I knew precisely what she was talking about. "He has always cared and loved you," I said. "The hardest thing he ever did was put you and your brothers in the orphanage." "You don't know what you're talking about!" my mother replied. "Who told you about that?" My mother had never discussed her days there with us. "Mom, Grandpa told me that he came every week to see the three of you. He used to watch you play from behind the one-way glass. He used to bring you sweets every visit. He hated not being able to hold you for that year!" "You're lying!" she snapped. "He was never there. No one ever came to see us." "How could I know about the visits and the treats he brought if he didn't tell me?" I said. "He was there. He was always there. But the nuns wouldn't let him in the room with you because they said it would be too hard for you when he had to leave. Mom, Grandpa loves you and always has!" I saw her eyes widen. She held her breath and then, suddenly, released it in a sigh that was almost a wail. Tears started to gather in the corners of her eyes. Suddenly, she realized that all along, years ago, Grandpa had stood behind that mirrored glass, hoping his children could somehow sense his presence, feel his love. The anger and sadness faded from her face. She could finally let the warmth and strength of his love get through the one-way glass. Not long after, my grandfather came to live with us. At last my mom and Grandpa's love transcended the cold pane of glass that had remained between them for all those painful years. By Laura Reilly (c) -<>- ,-=-. [[_ @~] ((a a)) ` = ' _.-) (-._ /( ("+") )\ / \ \./ / \ (=<( \/8\/ )>=) \ \- 8| -/ / \/_> 8|<_\/ ;-.__;,-; | | | | | | | | '-.___,;' ) ) / ' |( ) ( \_ /_|^--' gpyy \_! >*My Marine Hero* I only noticed him out of the corner of my eye. I knew he was a Marine from the cut of his uniform, with it's tightly pressed military creases. Then I heard him, speaking low with a kind of hiss. He was not speaking to me. He was speaking to my Sergeant, who was the Non Commissioned Officer, in charge of the Military Information Booth, at San Francisco International Airport, where I served as a Navy WAVE, during the Vietnam War. I heard his tortured attempt to speak. "Hep nee, peesss!" (Help me, please!) He struggled with every word. I was grabbing my purse to take a much needed break, but I was caught by his struggle to make himself understood. I could hear the irritation in the sergeant's voice, as she demanded that he "speak up!" I paused, as he began again, "I-nee-to-change-ny-tickek!" I understood every painful word he said. He needed to change his ticket. What was wrong with my NCO? "I CAN'T understand you!" She said, irritated. "Speak up!" How rude! I thought. I turned, putting down my purse, and I looked at him, again beginning his struggle to speak. And, no wonder. There stood a tall, strong Marine Officer, perfect in his pristine uniform, missing half his jaw! My Gosh, I thought! What is she thinking?! Excuse me, Sir. I can help you." Without thinking, I shoved my Sergeant aside and maneuvered my way in front of her. I could see the man's teeth through the wire that held his face together. I was of no importance, a lowly seaman apprentice, but I knew what this man needed. Someone, who cared enough to listen. I studied his eyes. I saw the pain, and I felt his humiliation. Soul to soul, I knew what to do. I smiled. A big, welcoming smile. "Yes Sir! How can I help you?" Painfully slow words, tortured and slurred, escaped from his wired mouth. I listened with all my heart, and I watched his eyes. Dear God, help me to understand! I prayed. And I did understand him, more than I can express. I gave him the directions he needed, and his eyes smiled his thanks. When he walked away, I called a friend at United Airlines, who adopted him immediately, taking great care with his situation. I thanked God for this opportunity to help a real hero. However, I also knew I was in trouble. I looked at my Sergeant, feeling anger rise in me, at her rudeness and total lack of sensitivity. She stared at me, and she said, "I could put you on report." Her eyes narrowed. Without thinking, I blurted out, "...and, I could put YOU on report, Sergeant, for insubordination to an officer!" My eyes spit fire, as I hurtled the stack of report chits towards her. "Be my guest!" I said, as I grabbed my purse. "I'll be on break." And I left. I went on to supper, as I knew it would be a long night. I was troubled, however, now that my "dander" was down, at the thought of going to Captain's Mast, for my insubordination to an NCO. I was certain it would be very unpleasant. As I neared the United Airlines counter, I saw him again. His luggage was being checked, and his back was towards me. Then, as though someone had told him I was there, he turned, and he looked at me. Our eyes met, for an eternity. Then I smiled. This soldier and hero, in the United States Marine Corps, pulled himself up to his full height, and with all the military perfection in his being, he gave me a sharp, military salute! I was thrilled! WAVES normally did not salute indoors, especially, when they were not wearing their cover (hat), but I pulled myself to attention and returned that salute. Moving on to the cafeteria, I walked a little taller. I felt more like a lady than I ever had before in my whole life! And...just a little bit...I felt like a hero, too. ~ The author is Jaye Lewis who wonders after 35 years if the Marine and her paths will cross again. She was twenty-one years old at the time and her Sergeant never did put her on report. Now, she is a retired Navy wife and Vietnam veteran who hopes we remember, in our present war, that the Marines and all our Forces, hit the ground running, so that we don't have to. She lives and writes in the beautiful mountains of southwestern Virginia. Jaye's website can be visited by going to www.entertainingangels.org ~ -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Hoppalas Turnen http://www.buffaloschips.com/gcfdrde.htm In God We Trust http://www.buffaloschips.com/azsxs.htm Interessant Eierschlange http://www.buffaloschips.com/awereew.htm You Know That Has To Hurt http://www.buffaloschips.com/aswsw.htm Javelin Live Fire VS T72 http://www.buffaloschips.com/axdxs.htm Indien http://www.buffaloschips.com/012133.htm Intro To Christ http://www.buffaloschips.com/012134.htm Inviro Wacko http://www.buffaloschips.com/012135.htm Jay Leno On Oil Drilling in ANWR http://www.buffaloschips.com/012136.htm Katen Luikje http://www.buffaloschips.com/012137.htm Most Valuable http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuable.html HERO http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hero.html Curse Of The Law http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/curseofthelaw.html For The Joy That Was Set Before Him http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/joy.html God's Royal And Holy Priests http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/royalpriests.html 90/20 Principle http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/giving.html Angel Wing Decoys http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/angel.html Rules For Raising Children http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rulesforchildren.html Chalk Art 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart4.html Freaky Art Vans http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/artvan.html Awesome Photos http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/awesome.html Beaches In India http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/beaches.html Ten Life Tips http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetips.html Weird Rainy Days! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rainyday.html Bear Playground http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bearplay.html Disney Character Bushes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/disneybush.html Hiking In China http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trail.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 =============================================================== .-"''-. _ .' `( \ @/ ') ,--,__,-" / / \ / / _/ __| , |/ / .~ `\ / \ , | / .~ `\ ` / _/ _/ .~ `\ ~~`__/ / ~ `--'/ / / / / /' /jgs >-->A FATHERS' DAY POEM Bedtime came, we were settling down, I was holding one of my lads. As I grasped him so tight, I saw a strange sight: My hands. . .they looked like my dad's! I remember them well, those old gnarled hooks, there was always a cracked nail or two. And thanks to a hammer that strayed from its mark, his thumb was a beautiful blue! They were rough, I remember, incredibly tough, as strong as a carpenter's vice. But holding a scared little boy at night, they seemed to me awfully nice! The sight of those hands - how impressive it was in the eyes of his little boy. Other dads' hands were cleaner, it seemed (the effects of their office employ). I gave little thought in my formative years of the reason for Dad's raspy mitts: The love in the toil, the dirt and the oil, rusty plumbing that gave those hands fits! Thinking back, misty-eyed, and thinking ahead, when one day my time is done. The torch of love in my own wrinkled hands will pass on to the hands of my son. I don't mind the bruises, the scars here and there or the hammer that just seemed to slip. I want most of all when my son takes my hand, to feel that love lies in the grip by David Kettler >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 Chhristian 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 DDARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. 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