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 or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >I'm Back! Your prayers for me worked! Praise God! As many of you know, I had partial cornea transplant surgery for my right eye on the 10th of this month. I am happy to report that all went well with it and my doctor was surprised and as pleased as could be that I was seeing so well from it so soon. He still has me on restrictions until July 4th so I have to be good and limit myself so I do not do any harm to my eye. I will be only doing the jokes and the inspirations until after the 4th then I will be back to normal doing the extras and the new pages. I have over 200 emails to go through. Please be patient with me if I have not answered yours yet. I am most thankful to God and to all of you for your prayers, support and understanding during this trying time of mine. Thank You! (¯`v´¯) `*.¸.*´ ¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•. Huggums!... :) Shangy! -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >Update on my brother in Texas - He Writes: OH, YEA I FOUND OUT FROM MY RAD DOC THAT THEY TAKE EX RAYS OF THE PROSTATE EVERY TIME I GO IN FOR RAD TREATMENTS AND HE SAYS THE CANCER IS ABOUT GONE AND BY THE TIME MY TREATMENTS ARE UP IT SHOULD BE CANCER FREE....GREAT NEWS TO HEAR....YEA, PRAISE THE LORD...... THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS! --- ...Praise God! May God continue to heal you Del and may you be totally cancer free through Christ Jesus! -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >Update on our friend Bunni - She Writes: [6/11] Just got back from the second dr. visit today. Two in one day is just too many as far as I'm concerned. He deadened it and took more of the cancer out of my arm. Hopefully that will do it. He called it squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Then he took a piece of my nose to check for cancer there. I don't have any desire to start in with cancer treatments for it now. I had this checked out 8 or 9 years ago and it wasn't cancer at that time and looked pretty much like it does now. So please pray that it turns out to be negative once again. I just can't seem to get rid of whatever it is right on the tip of my nose. Very frustrating to say the least and shows up like a sore thumb. It hurt a lot when he put the deadener in there. But not as bad as it had the first time around 8 years ago. That was horrible and it just kept bleeding and bleeding afterwards. This time all I got was a bandaide on it. Will find out about that as soon as he finds out. We went to the cancer dr. first. Just a more or less talking thing today. He wants the tube to be taken out first but that can't happen until the draining slows down a lot more than it is now. So have to go back June 8th I think it is. Whew. Won't have to worry about that for awhile. But he explaied about the radiation and all. Six treatments.... Two a week for a total of three weeks. This just seems to be a never ending thing anymore. That is why I ask for your prayers. Thanks so much. [6/16] Remember when the doctor that did the cancer thing on my arm sent in a sample from my nose? Well he called this afternoon and told me it's basal cell carcinova so now I have another appointment set up for August 18, two days before our 50th anniversary. This is for the first appointment with the new doctor. The first visit is just to talk but the other dr. said that he will probably have to do surgery on my nose which probably means going into the hospital again. I am getting so tired of this I could just scream. There has to be an end to this eventually don't there?? Anyway just thought I'd let you know what happened. Just can't seem to have a good day for any long period of time. Hugs...... Bunni --- ...Awww, so sorry to hear - our prayers are with you Bunni! May you totally get this thing licked and be cancer free through Christ Jesus our Lord!! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: __,-O< ,-- --. \. -=' -' \ __\\O- ,--- --. `^ / ). __,-O< \ __,-O< ,-- ----' `. `\) __)\O-__ )/ ,--( ,;:. _) / `^ _)\O< / (_ .:;:;. | | `^ :;';.;:' |_ |_ | ';\||' ______/=\\______/=\\_______| JML ap :| '-'-'-[=]/'-'-'-[=]/'-'-'-/'.=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:= -'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-/ '. | '-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-/ .-' .--.--. |/| -'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-/ _.-'.-: .; .;|;. ;. |/|/ ___ ___ |' _.'\ :|--|--|- .;_;' ';_;. --|--|--|/|/ |] [|_|_|] [|_|_|] | |\ | \:|--|--| ; ;' '; ; -|--|--|/ |] [|_|_|] [|_|_|] | | \|--' ;; .--.___.--. ;; _______________________| |.-' ;-[ O )=( O ]-; |/| ( `--' | `--' ) ____.-". |/|/ \| ( |/ ;( ,__.)/=' |/|/ . .:::::. . ; |/ \| |/|/ . '---' . \ | |/|/ |`. .'| ` `|/|/ ,-------/| `...' |\-------, |--|--|--|/|/ ,' | `. ,' | `, |--|--|--|/ / \ /'. ,'\ / \ ; |/ \ / \| ; ; ; / ' |. ' \ \; ; ; `-' | `-' MJP >A MAN OF FEW WORDS When I was three, we lived on a big farm. Dad worked in the factory and then sharecropped the farm in the evenings, trying to get ahead. Dad was a busy man. On Friday, when he got paid, he always brought a treat home. Usually it was a candy bar for each of us, but sometimes it was a six pack of Pepsi or a half-gallon of ice cream. On Saturday nights we went to town. Dad would always give me two pennies to spend in the 5&10 store. One Saturday night he forgot. Dad was big and his voice was big, but he was a man of few words. I contemplated asking him for my two pennies, but I was scared. We walked around in the store and soon I wandered to the front, where the candy shelves were. Again, I questioned if I should ask for my pennies. One could buy two pieces of bubble gum or five pieces of candy with a penny. As I looked, I wanted that gum. Then, I got angry because he hadn't given me my pennies. So, I thought, I'll just take the bubble gum. Dad didn't care much for looking around and soon took me to the car to wait for Mom. We hadn't been in the car long when, without turning around, he said, "Loretta, what have you got in your mouth?" I almost swallowed the gum as fear restricted my throat. I was quiet. "I said, what have you got in your mouth?" "Gum," I answered fearfully. "Where'd you get it?" he asked. As I began to quiver, I said, "In the store." I didn't tell him it was his fault because he hadn't given me my pennies, but he told me what I had to do, and then he escorted me back into the store. He stood back as I approached the counter. He never said anything more about the incident. One summer day when I was about five, I was particularly naughty, and Mom had had it. She informed me that Dad would be told, and I would be punished. I don't remember a spanking from him, but I was afraid. That afternoon, I watched the clock. When the little hand was on four with the big hand on nine, I went to Mom's bedroom to hide. It was time. I heard his car, and soon the banging of the screen door told me he was inside. I stayed still. It seemed like a long time. I peeked around the door and saw him heading for his green chair. I ducked back. "Loretta, come here," he called in that deep commanding way. He didn't stop to think that I might be far away, out behind the chicken coop where I might not hear him. I crouched in my spot. "Loretta, come here!" I knew I'd better do it. Ever so slowly, I stepped around the door. His eyes were looking straight ahead, his big hand motioned me in front of him. "You know what you've got coming, young lady." He didn't say it as a question but as a fact. I nodded. One hand was behind his back. As he spoke again, he slowly drew his other hand from behind him. "Well, this time, this is what you get." He opened his hand to me. There was a large five-cent Hershey bar. His voice hadn't changed and his face seemed stern. I stared at the candy bar with shocked amazement. When I looked up at him in disbelief, I saw the twinkle in his eyes. He gave me a pat on the rear and said, "Now you better be good from now on!" I'm grown now and Dad passed away almost two years ago. He lived a lifestyle that was upright and he never embarrassed me. His voice was always deep, strong, and authoritative. He was a man of few words, but his words were worth listening to. And, the twinkle in his eyes remained until he left us. -- Loretta Eicher ___________________________________________ Loretta says, "I wanted to be a teacher when I graduated from school but I wanted to get married more. Later in life, after my first husband died, I got a job as a teacher's aide working with special education children. Last year I retired at age 55, and am enjoying being home now with my second husband. My parents gave me a good upbringing for which I am very thankful." -<>- /| _______________)|.. <'______________<(,_|) .((()))| )) << YEAAYAAAAEAAAARGH!! >> (======)| \ ((( "_"()|_ \ '()))(_)/_/ ' ) .--/_\ /( /./ /'._.--\ .-(_/ / / )\___:___) ( -.'.._ | / \ \_\ ( | ) '. /\)_(_)| '-| XX | %%%%%%%% / %%%%%%%\ ( /.-'%%%. \ /(.' %%\ :| / ,| % ) ) _|___) % (__|_ )___/ )___( |x/ mrf\ > |x) / '. |x\ _(____''.__ --\ -\-- --\__|-- >ULTIMATE GIFT I have told countless tales about my mother, but rarely do I ever reference my dad. The reality of our relationship is quite simply that there isn't one. For the last twenty five of my fifty years, I have probably seen my father a total of ten times. A fact that still, even today, can make me feel like an isolated and abandoned child. On the flipside of that family dysfunctional coin, I am blessed with a wonderful relationship with my father's brother, Uncle Dave. This is a man who, since the day my dad walked away, has made a Herculean effort to maintain a connection and preserve a sense of family with me as well as with my two children. Over the years, this remarkably caring man has made the round trip journey from his transplanted Virginia home to my Western New York farm at least once every six months, under the ploy of attending a nearby sporting event. His retired sports writer's reasoning being that whatever the competition, it's always too enticing to pass up. And additionally, it provides the side bonus of being able to keep close track of my family's progress. In-between the professionally timed rounds of whatever football, basketball, hockey or baseball event his trip always involves, it has become most obvious that my uncle thoroughly enjoys sharing our family's lore and becoming an integral part of our lives, over and above these athletic contests. Uncle Dave was married for over forty years to the love of his life, Irene Murphy. They spiritedly lived, loved, and fought their way through the challenges of raising three children and the assorted ups and downs of my uncle's sports and recreation career. They were never materially wealthy, but when they looked in each other's eyes, they held the treasure of life between them. I always admired their devoted marriage as a standard to which I could aspire, even after Aunt Irene passed away more than twenty years ago. Which is exactly why recently, when I married the love of my life in a ceremony at our home, I was so honored to have my Uncle Dave seated in the front row of family and friends. Yet it was something that happened the day after our wedding, long after the toasts were made and the guests had gone home, that truly helped me to comprehend the scope of my uncle's love and the essence of family that he has so devotedly endeavored to foster. As my husband and I began sorting through the elegantly wrapped wedding gifts stacked upon our dining room table, a sizeable brown cardboard box caught my eye. There was no fancy bow, no extravagant wrap, just corrugated cardboard taped at the flaps. I was fascinated by the unpretentiousness of the remembrance and quickly claimed it to open. Within the corrugated confines, I found a curious blue and cream piece of pottery, along the ideal of a soup tureen, and a perfectly matched lid, both noteworthy for their extensive ornamentation. By virtue of the mark on the bottom of the tureen, I realized that it had been handmade in Germany. I also realized from the glazing cracks that it was several generations old. Still unsure of exactly what I was holding and exactly who had bequeathed it, I began looking for a note or a card of identification. Sure enough, inside the tureen I found a most remarkable letter written by my Uncle Dave. In it he detailed the story of our wedding gift as a previous wedding remembrance given to him and his "lovely bride" on the day they were married in Bremerhaven, Germany, during World War II. He completed the account of his long cherished treasure by writing that he was giving us this family heirloom with the hope that we would enjoy the same loving life that he and Aunt Irene had shared for so many years. Almost reverentially, my husband and I immediately set the tureen in a place of honor in our home. To us it signifies the ideal of married love and commitment that endures and never dies. To my children, the ornate object has come to represent their heritage and the interwoven family ties that they have learned to honor and cherish. But most of all, to me, that intricate piece of handcrafted blue and cream pottery offers the true measure of the word "father" as much more than a term, or a title, or a signature on a birth certificate. And that, for me, has become the ultimate gift of life. -- Christina Abt ___________________________________________ Christina is a Heartwarmer Gem. Her story, The House Cleaning, can be found in the new Heartwarmers of Spirit book. She is a weekly newspaper columnist, a magazine editor and a radio commentator for her local NPR station in Buffalo, New York. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jacinto :) ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >Thoughts The less you respond to negative people the more peaceful your life will become. Wish you have a clean beautiful and bright day. Count your good deeds every morning and fill your mind with positive thoughts. That is secret to being happy and inspired all day long. Mistakes increase your experience; And experience decreases your mistakes. If you want something you never had, do something you have never done. Don’t go the way life takes you. Take the life the way you go. And remember you are born to live and not living because you are born. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK : If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind...I will not respond in a like manner. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY" : If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker, or a stranger. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY : I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE : I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE : I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. --- ...Good ones! Thanks Jass! ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) .---. /_____\__ .===. _ _ `\/6.6\/--` / _/\ \ / )%.===.%( \ ( _ ) \/6.6\/ | // ,,, \\ | ,'---', ( _ ) \/ \/6.6\/ \/ .===. / _ \ _)---(_ /\ ( _ ) /\ / ,,, \ /\/ (_) \/\ / `~` \ ^^ /()-()\ ^^ ( /6.6\ ) \ | (_) | / /\/ \/\ / /o o\ \ )( _ )( \| |/ \ | | / (._\ Y /_.) (_/;---;\_) |_____| \|_____|/ (O_`&`_O) / `"*"` \ | | | | L | / / \ \ ( (_.@._) ) | | | |__|__| / ()/^\() \ /'._\|/_.'\ \__|__/ | | | /. . . . . . .\ /. . . . . .\ |_|_| |_|_| `"`"`|`|`|`"`"` `"`"|"|"|"`"` jgs _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ (___|___) (___|___) (___|___) (___|___) >What Does Love Mean? A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8-year-olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think: "When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca - age 8 "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4 "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." Karl - age 5 "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy - age 6 "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4 "Love is when my Mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7 "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 5 "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend whom you hate." Nikka - age 6 "There are two kinds of love. Our love. God's love. But God makes both kinds of them." Jenny - age 4 "Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." Noelle - age 7 "Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - age 6 "My Mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." Clare - Age 5 "Love is when Mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine - age 5 "Love is when Mommy sees daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." Chris - age 8 "Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." Mary Ann - age 4 "I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." Lauren - age 4 "I let my big sister pick on me because my Mom says she only picks on me because she loves me. So I pick on my baby sister because I love her." Bethany - age 4 "When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." Karen - age 7 "Love is when Mommy sees daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." Mark - age 6 "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8 --- ...Kids are so innocent! Thanks LouiseA! That's why God is so good - God is Love! ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ____ ___|=--=/ \=--=| :(___.--. .--.___): { __ ' ) ( ` __ )= ""----'Ahas '----"" ====' >An Old Shoe Box by Linda Smith In 1979, my father's father passed away at the age of 98. A few short weeks after the funeral, my father told me that he was going back to San Jose, California, where Granddad's home was, to be of assistance with the disposal of the contents of the house. He asked me if there was anything from Granddad's home that I would like to have, by way of a keepsake. I thought of all the wonderful smells and treasures in all the rooms of the home, that I had visited so often through the years, and everything brought back memories of family gatherings with aunts, uncles, cousins, and the adventures of hide-n'-seek. The kitchen and breakfast room were marvelous! The stove was an old, vintage gas stove, with a fancy little storage cubby for matches. Over the sink was a small "window" to the breakfast room, where we enjoyed so many delicious early morning meals of orange juice, flap jacks with homemade maple syrup, or eggs and biscuits with gravy. On the back porch was an old ringer washer. My grandmother used it until she passed away when I was 7, but Granddad bought a new automatic washer when he remarried a few years later. I missed the old ringer! There was the main floor bedroom where my grandmother spent so many months in bed before she left us, with her dresser full of treasures, and the room that always seemed to be saved for when my aunt was visiting. Upstairs were more bedrooms, each with their special smells and memories. But, in the dining room there was a narrow shelf that ran around the whole room, high above the reach of small children. On this shelf was a collection of teacups and saucers from my grandmother's travels. One in particular had caught my eye when I was very young. It was white, decorated with an embossed gray dragon that had a glittering turquoise jewel for an eye. This was the only thing in the house that I wanted. "It's yours!" my father told me. When he arrived, much of the work was already done. My aunt and her daughters had claimed nearly all the furniture, after having spent so many years caring for Granddad and his home. That was, well, ... OK. But when my father asked about the teacup, his sister told him, "Oh, one of my girls already has that and will not give it up." Disappointed, Dad walked around the house wondering what he could salvage from what was left to bring to me, that would be a remembrance of my grandparents. He ended up in the attic, which had already been emptied of antiques, such as the old cylinder record player and treadle sewing machine. All that was left were a few old shoe and boot boxes in the corners. Dad began looking, found one he thought worth his time, tucked it under his arm and walked out of the house, while asking if anyone was interested in any of the old shoe boxes from the attic. I am now in possession of the contents of that box. My cousins can have all the furniture and dishes, scarves and jewelry. I have the family! Contained in the old shoe box were photos of my ancestors dating back through the Civil War, with letters, journals, records with dates and places, post cards, and much in the way of personal histories. I was able to make a picture pedigree, which extends for 7 generations beginning with my children. In looking at all the pictures, I can see the resemblance I have to them. My 3rd great-grandmother's jaw-line is evident in every generation right to my picture. I don't particularly look like her, but she is part of me. I remember the teacup with its sparkling turquoise gem and all the memories that surround it. It is as bright in my mind today as the day I first saw it. But I no longer imagine who my ancestors are. They are real, and preserved in a beautifully arranged scrapbook (courtesy of my daughter, Rebecca) and I can now visit each of them every day. Thanks Dad! -- Linda Smith -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >Glued To God [edited] We were walking through the county fair enjoying the sights and sounds that accompany such an experience. As we walked along the crowded walkways an interesting sight appeared before me. There were people dressed in some unusual coveralls running up to a springboard, leaping onto it and being catapulted onto a wall. When they hit the wall they stuck to it, suspended above the ground in whatever position their body was in when it hit. I moved closer. Close enough to get a better view, but not so close to be challenged by the barker to try it. I found that the wall and the coveralls were made of Velcro. I am not sure which amazed me more, the Velcro wall or the fact that people actually paid money to jump and crash into a wall! Possibly, the most amazing thing is that a Scriptural truth came to mind as witnessed the event. Christians are instructed in Romans 12:9 to "hate evil and cling to what is good". This is the verse came to mind as I watched the people enthusiastically running and flinging themselves upon the Velcro wall. Such should be the picture of a Christian who in horror runs from evil and lovingly flings themselves upon God and His mercy. I fear that with many Christians this is not the case. We flirt with evil. We see how close to sin we can get. Sin no longer frightens us. We do not look upon it with disdain, fear, and horror. We do not abhor it. It is often considering entertaining. We treat sin like snake handlers, thinking we can play with the snake and not get bit. But the mandate in this verse is very clear and very strong - "hate what is evil!" It should horrify us so much that we turn and run for our lives from it. The mandate doesn't stop there. It would be fruitless to run from sin unless we had somewhere, or someone to run to. Therefore, the verse continues, "cling to what is good." The Greek word used here for "cling" means to be glued or cemented securely to something. You might say we are instructed to "super-glue" ourselves to what is good. What is the good? Jesus Christ answered this question when He was approached by an individual who addressed Him as "good teacher." Jesus responded, "why do you call me good, only God is good." What is good? God is good. Therefore, we are cling to God in Christ Jesus. Clinging to God through Jesus Christ involves clinging to God, His Word, His will and His way. If we are ever to fulfill this commanded, our love must be sincere. That is why this verse begins with this directive. The word for "sincere," found only here in the New Testament, is an interesting one. It is most literal translated, "un-hypocritical." You would think that it is impossible for love to be hypocritical, but this verse tells us otherwise. Love can be divided, or self-serving. At least, human love can be. Agape', or divine love, is pure. Therefore, this verse is imploring us, "Let your love be divine and pure, without hypocrisy." Only God can provide such a love. We can not conjure up such a love. It is futile to even try. Rather, we offer ourselves in total surrender to God so that He may fill us with His Agape' love. Then, by His grace we apply that Love to every aspect of our lives. This pure Love is repulsed by evil, but tenaciously clings to the good. Many years ago a woman of royalty was interviewing coachman to drive her horse drawn coach. There were three applicants. She asked each applicant the very same question. The first entered the room and she asks, "Sir I am sure you are familiar with the dangerous curve on the precipice at the edge of town. Tell me please, how close can you come to the edge when rounding that curve?" He answered, "Why I could come within three meters of the edge." The second when ask, bragged, "why I could come within two meters." The third coachman replied when ask, "I cannot tell you how close I could come madam, for I want to stay as far away from the edge as I possibly can." He was hired on the spot. How close to sin can we live and still be a Christian? We should not want to know. We want to stay as far away from evil as we possible can. "Let your love be pure. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good!" Keep Close To God through your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ~Pastor Gerry Whetstone -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Father's Day Links http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/momsanddadsindex.html Jellyfish Lake!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jellyfish.html Germany's Chrysanthemum Festival! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/germanyfestival.html New York At Night http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/germanyfestival.html Statue Of Liberty http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/statueofliberty.html Floating Hotel!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fhotel.html Inspiring Seniors!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/inspiringseniors.html Liberty Air Show!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/liberty.html Empire State Building!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/empire.html Tornado And Rainbow!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tornadoandrainbow.html Most Stunning Photos 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/moststunning2.html Beautiful Grand Canyon!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/grandcanyon.html Building Advertising Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buildingads.html Germany's Water Bridge!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wbridge.html Beautiful Siamese Fighting Fish!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/siamesefish.html Great Engineering Achievements!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/engineering.html Germany's Waldgeist Restaurant!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/germanyr.html Real Life Mermaid http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mermaid.html What Your GPS Won't Show You!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gps.html -<>- >From Our Friend Karen :) I loved this!!! And we spend a fortune on expensive instruments. This is something you don't see every day. It's nice to see young people away from their computers and cell phones. They do this flawlessly and take great pride in what they have accomplished. That's the kind of fun kids should have . . . and, working together, too. Notice: the 600 students are clean-cut looking, and obviously well-disciplined to carry out this routine....very impressive. And the young lead singer is beautiful! I wonder how many times they rehearsed this to get such a great performance. In this one-of-a-kind performance the perfect percussion of the cups, and the bright faces of dozens of young percussionists, accompany instruments and voice. The rhythm section is perfect for the song, which is called simply “Cups.” This Gaelic song, also known as "Cups (Pitch Perfect's When I'm Gone)", is a song by American actress Anna Kendrick from the film Pitch Perfect. It’s a cover of Lulu and the Lampshades' song "Cups (You're Gonna Miss Me)", a rendition of an old-time folk song "When I'm Gone" recorded in 1931 by the Carter Family. Irish (Gaelic) is spoken as a first language by 94,000 Irish people, as well as being the second language of 1.3 million people in Ireland. Click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz63M3v11nE --- ...Beautiful! Thanks Karen! -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) African Wildlife Photography Workshop on Vimeo http://vimeo.com/58479067 Colors of Vermont on Vimeo http://vimeo.com/16762870 The Burning Bush http://www.theburningbush.net/ Veteran's Golf - YouTube http://www.youtube.com/embed/RoY2gyyIYL4?feature=player_detailpage --- ...Inspiring! Thanks Melody! -<>- >From Our Friend Jacinto :) Wake Up! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE1xVmmyufg --- ...Very Nice! Thanks Jacinto! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA :) David? Attenborough is a respected and well educated zoologist. He also has a rich voice that is a pleasure to listen to. Here he is, reciting the familiar song of Louis Armstrong, "What a wonderful world", as he shows us exactly why that is! https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=B8WHKRzkCOY Footage of a hippo rescuing a wildebeest calf and a zebra foal from drowning in the strong-flowing Mara River in Tanzania caused a sensation worldwide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaU8dbVgneU&feature=player_embedded The footage of the Himalayan Mountains was recorded at 24,000ft above sea level. The team had to use oxygen masks, due to the high altitudes, but the result is the clearest, most beautiful shots of the Himalayas and Mt. Everest ever caught on camera! https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-hTVNidxg2s I like this magician! He's funny and also INSANELY talented. I've never seen yoga magic before, and I want more! You'll love this excellent yoga card trick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gJEfQDMckl8 Internet sensation Zach King shares with us his best short magical clips from 2014 in this entertaining video compilation. Zach is well known on the social sharing networks Vine and Instagram which limit video clips to only being a few seconds long so if you're going to perform an illusion you'd better be quick about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E2lNz1LqYyQ Magician Steve Frayne performs three great illusions in this entertaining video that will leave you wondering exactly how he pulled these tricks off. While other magicians have done these same illusions I found it refreshing to see them performed by Steve Frayne and like the reactions from the people watching him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2DbaeaFCAbU If you love Will Ferrell or Little Debbie Cakes then you’re probably going to enjoy the humor is this video featuring Will Ferrell As Little Debbie. When Will decided to appear as Little Debbie on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” it certainly make for a few interesting and funny minutes of dialogue as Jimmy tried to make the best of the situation. Will sure knows how to please an audience as it looks like they loved seeing Little Debbie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=s8rev7S3lC8 You don't have to speak French to understand what's going on in this contest of strength between a beautiful and strong magician's assistant and Olivier de Benoist. The magician is Peter Marvey and he appears to have found the world's strongest woman to be his assistant as he performs this illusion on the French television show The Greatest Cabaret in the World. Perhaps the magic is in the buckets though and we are all just too distracted by the beautiful assistants to notice The Magic Buckets are easier to lift than normal buckets of water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UsRPDF2D2n0 --- ...Fun ones! Thanks LouiseA! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->From ~~Lala's Little Bits~~ .---. /` ___|`\ |_/ \| ( -/- ) \_ - _/ .-'|_|'-. / \ / O \ / _____!_____ \ /.-------------.\ \| ,;, |/ | ;;; | | ;;;;;;;;; | | `';;;'` | | ;;; | | ;;; | | ::: | | ';' | | | _| _ __ __ _|_ jgs_/ _ __ ___ __ _\_ _/ __ ___ _ ___ __ _ \_ It's cliché, but jobs can be stressful -- even on a daily basis. How we deal with the stress determines who's in control of our emotions as well as our health. To keep stress at a minimum, focus your thoughts on the present, not on past or future problems. Focusing calmly on the present enables you to gather information in an unbiased manner and make rational decisions, thus avoiding more stress. If you constantly find yourself thinking in the past or future, train yourself to stay in the present. Several times a day stop what you're doing and check in with your thoughts. If you're not in the present, refocus by mentally rephrasing your thoughts. The more you do this, the easier it will be to catch past and future thoughts when they arise, and the more you'll notice a sense of inner balance and serenity. - June Sandercock ====================================================== >-->From Our Friend Geniann :) \\\\, / \\ '<' ) ---C'mone folks,that plate aint full, \> / Pass it around again.... _)_(_ .'\___/'. /.-.___.-.\ [_________] | | ( | |) _ | (\/) ) _\)_ | | |- | <_@__> _(/_ || | |_ | (/\)(\/) || || | --.| (\/) <_@_> || || | / | <_@_>'(/\) || || | `--| (/\|/|-. || || .---------. _|_|_ || ||_,-'---------'-,__ |WWWWW| ___jgs|_|____________________|_\_____/__ __ .---------------------. .-. / \ o (Does that say "pez"....) //)\\ | | O `---------------------' ||(|| .-. (\__/) .//\\\. //|\\ _)__(_ / `"""` \ )|||( /` `\ .jgs===================================. | | | | | | .Krogg >Bible Smiles A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means? The son replied, "I do know!" "Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?" "That's easy, Daddy..." the young boy replied excitedly," It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.' (This one is my favorite) ======== There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk. "Only the Ten Commandments." answered the lady. ======== "Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning." ======== A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses." When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation." ======== There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets." ======== While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... "Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust." ======== A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about God?" A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the kindergarten boy. "Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked. "You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven.." ======== A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business." ======== People want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the center of attention. ======== Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt." Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day , the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about. He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming." ======== Last, but not least, a great one: The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play. "Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But, you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances." During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up." At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star Spangled Banner." And that is how the substitute became the regular organist! ======= Just sayin' - When you carry the Bible, Satan gets a headache..... When you open it, he collapses..... When he sees you reading it, he faints..... When he sees that you are living what you read, he flees..... And when you are about to forward this message.... He will try and discourage you.. I just defeated him!!! Any other takers? --- ...Here-Here! Teehee! Thanks Geniann! ====================================================== .-.-. __/ ___ \__ (__.-----,__) // - - \\ ( '\' ) \\ - // \\\// ))) jgs (( >Climbing Over Adversity Story Editor: By Hugh Everett Jason Wallwork Washington, USA In March of 1997, I moved to Yamagata City, Japan, to teach English in a private high school. I soon met several climbers in the area and, one day in May, a friend took me to a local climbing gym. There, I noticed a man climbing up a very steep overhanging wall. He was a highly skilled climber with excellent form -- despite that his left leg ended at mid-thigh. During a break I introduced myself. He said, "I'm Mineo Ono. You can call me John if you want! Since I married my wife, Yoko, people call me John Lennon." Later, I carefully asked Mr. Ono when and how he lost his leg. "Cancer," he replied. "They took it off in March. I'm still in the hospital, but they let me out for a day. Don't tell them I'm climbing, they'd get mad at me!" I was stunned. Here was a man two months after an amputation, climbing cheerily up harder routes than I'd ever dreamt of completing. I spent lots of time getting to know Mr. Ono that year. I visited him in the hospital and, on his days out, invited him and his wife over for dinner. He was always cheerful, even through bouts of nausea from his continuous chemotherapy treatments. His great attitude and ability to even joke about the amputation often surprised me. He said, "I've never used a computer before, and all this time in bed seemed a good opportunity to learn, so I got a laptop. I had to pay to get the phone line extended to my bed, but I'm on the Internet now. I want to study English, so let's practice." He emailed: "My name is Mineo Ono -- M. Ono. I have only one leg, so you can call me Mono!" And: "All this lying around has really made me weak. But since I lost about 10 kilograms with the leg, I can climb as well as ever." Mr. Ono was hospitalized for well over two years, with only occasional visits home. I asked Mrs. Ono if her husband ever got depressed or angry. Her reply was, "Sometimes, yes. But not as often as I would have." His good humor continued after he left the hospital. He wrote describing a small climbing accident. "I was 60 feet up and my artificial leg fell off! Luckily, it didn't land on anyone, and it wasn't badly damaged. I worried that I'd have to buy a new one; they're really expensive!" In April of 2000 I tore a ligament in my knee, and spent three weeks in the hospital. Often I became quite despondent over the loss of function and strength in my leg, and complained. Then I would remember Mr. Ono, and realize how fortunate I was. His attitude and humor in the face of such adversity were lessons I will never forget. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Laugh&Lift: __ .' `'. / _ | #_/.\==/.\ (, \_/ \\_/ | -' | ,\ = / /| .-'|`-. __.' / | / | `-.__.' .-\ /-. | | { _/ \_ } | | `| | | | | '. | | .' jgs '-.| |.' `"` [2010] Note from Chris With my dad having gone to Jesus a few years back, and my grandfather just having died a little over a week ago, it may seem silly but my mind just "casually forgot" that today is Father's day...one of those "self-preservation", "don't want to feel no pain" kind of things I think. I'm sure there's some of you out there that can identify. On this day, I am grateful for the work the Lord did in my dad's life before he went home, whereby my dad came to really know and love him in his final stage here. I am grateful that the Lord gave him to me to be my dad here. As for my grandfather, well I am grateful that God is good and knows all and has done and will do what is right, and I rejoice this day in my wonderful, loving Heavenly Father. Whether your earthly father is still alive or not, may we find our strength and joy and peace this day in our Heavenly Father that loves us so very much. And if your dad is still here, let him know just how much you love and appreciate him as the dad God gave you here. Even if by your estimation, he made many mistakes, the truth is we all have made many mistakes - he likely did the best he knew to do. May we love and honor our dad's today. Chris Thought for Today "A child is not likely to find a father in God unless he finds something of God in his father." - Austin L. Sorensen The Lift .-""-. /) (\ ,;;;, ( ' \' ) // \\\\ \ = / ( ' ' ) jgs )--( \_=_/ "Of Boys, Bikes and Dads" (By Kerry S. Doyal, www.getgraced.org) Boys riding bikes. To me, that is one powerful memory and image of summer. Exploring, racing, being showoffs and daredevils. Taking a few hard earned or luckily found cents to the store for candy. Quick getaways from foes, real or imagined. Getting me to and away from trouble. Bikes meant exposure to a bigger world. They transported me from the circle - Keystone Court - I grew up on, to new worlds, vistas and experiences. They took me down the street, into town and across the tracks. Bikes carried me to friend's homes, baseball games, the library, bank, post office, Red's produce stand and "the woods." Bikes were my horse, my motorcycle, my racecar, space ship and friend. It knew my moves and I knew its every squeak, its potentials and limits. It lifted me skyward off of ramps. It sent me scrapping, sprawling into gravel, dirt and pavement. My father worked for the Phone Company, first as an installer, then a PBX repairer, then a manager, finally a safety instructor. He retired from "Ma Bell", and she and he paid for my upkeep coming up. My brothers and I, in our journeys on bikes, would often come across men in phone trucks, making repairs, fixing a line, climbing a pole, riding a cherry picker. What started as a "hey, do you know my dad?" became an obsession. Seeing these hard hat wearing, hard working skilled men would cause us to pull up to their work site on our bikes and ask if they knew Ronald Doyal. It always struck me odd to call my dad by his name. No doubt we asked more than one man "do you know my dad?", requiring them to ask "what's his name?". A few men came to recognize us. "Aren't you Ron Doyal's boys?" they would ask as we stopped to watch, getting a glimpse into our dad's world. It was a question I was always exceedingly proud to hear and even prouder to answer. The thing that made us habitually stop and ask our question was the answer we would often hear from the men we asked. Their response was frequently far more than we had asked, but no boy or girl could have asked for more. I can still hear and feel their reply. "Yes. I know your dad. He's a good man." With no effort, I can recall how much taller I rode in my bike's saddle after hearing those replies. These men not only knew my dad - validating this work site's solemnity due to its connection to my dad - these men respected my dad. He was a good man. Yes, they did indeed know my dad. It took just a couple of interactions like that to lead us to almost look for phone men when we were off on our bikes. If we saw them, you could be sure we would stop and ask "the question." More often than not, they knew our dad and would add "he's a good man." Sometimes, while biking with friends, I would stop to ask The Men if they knew my dad so my friends could hear the answer. Though it was not quite the "my dad can beat up you dad" scenario, I was bragging none the less. I could trust that if those phone men knew my dad, they would speak well of him. I had no idea how enviable that was for so many little boys and girls. For me it was a solid given, something I took for granted - for better and, I am sure, for worse. I was and am proud to be my dad's son. Period. No disclaimers. No qualifiers. I am Ronald Doyal's youngest son, and would have it no other way. Nor would my brothers or my sister. Just as my wife rightfully feels about her dad - another very fine man. If you feel that way about your dad, make sure you tell him. If you can't find your own words, give him this column. He will get it. Whatever you do, however you do it, let him know. A final thought about those bikes. It was my dad's hard work that provided them for my two older brothers', our baby sister and me. His sweat gave us the means to discover who he was, to see how others saw him. That was not the intent of the gift, but it was the precious impact none the less. It occurs to me that the same thing will happen in my efforts to raise my girl and four boys. For better or for worse, I pave the way - better yet - provide the wheels by which they will encounter me in this world. I can only hope and pray and try to make sure the kind of report my kids get about me is nearly as good as the one I was blessed to peddle up to about my dad. Thanks for a good name, Dad. I honor you. "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12 "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1 (NIV) 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 --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...Just a little note here - my 2 cents: When I think of Father's Day, I mostly think of it being God's Day as well as Dad's Day. The reason is that our God is not only God Almighty, The Creator of Heaven and earth, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ but He is also OUR God and Father. How important is this for us who are born again of the seed of God in Christ in us to acknowledge and remember? Jesus spelled it out for us here... Matt.23: [9] And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. God so much loves you that He wants to be the ONLY one you call Father! Now that's how much of a close and personal relationship God wants to have with you. Not somebody you turn to in crisis or just on Sundays, but somebody you turn to in every walk of your life. Somebody that is there for you as no one else ever could be. Earthly dad's are human. They mess up like earthly mom's do, but our Heavenly Father is perfect. He is ALWAYS there for us. We only need to recognize and turn to Him. ====================================================== >-->INVISIBLE TATTOOS , _/ \_ _,--. < , > .-'.' /(/.\ .' .' .""". `/ ` / / / \ /) ; ; ,_.;._ _;-'}/ | | '. )( /' | | /'-._/\_.-' ; ; \_.' \ , \ \ / | _.'/ '. `'-\ /.-/.;,\ '-._ `"""""`_.|`"""`| jgs `"("\/")` |# | \(_/ `-...-' There are those who have physical challenges others cannot see. Have you ever seen someone park in a handicap spot and questioned what right they had to it? Sure there are some who shamefully take advantage of it and know they have no right. But, there are millions who suffer from chronic pain and neuro-muscular diseases in early stages. If you saw them you might not be aware that, although they look perfectly fine to you, most of their life their disease keeps them from functioning well in everyday tasks. Their invisible tattoo is pain. You can't see it, but it's there. Why then are we so skeptical? Why do we first choose to criticize, doubt, and reject others who are different then ourselves? You may argue that your life is such that you can clearly declare you have no "invisible tattoos." Under the black light you may discover that "denial" is yours. I believe if I keep my mind and my heart open I can benefit from every person who crosses my path. By shining the light of love I will See the markings of goodness in them. Remember, too, everyone has invisible gifts to offer the world. Those are often shadowed my insecurity and doubt. By shining the light of mistrust and skepticism, one only reveals to the world their own markings of prejudice and fear of the unknown. Don't judge me for what you see, love me for who I am. -- Bob Perks ====================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: |`-._ .-' `-.-;"\. .--------------------------------..-.. _ .-'\ | /o\ | \\\ |\ ________________________________\\ \\\/ \\ | | ///\ | | __ __ _ __ __ _ __ __ __ ||-||| '. \/ //////| | | |__|__/_\ |__|__|_| |__|__|__| || ||| ///////| | | |__|__)__) |__|_| __.--|__| ||_||| . ////////| | | |__|__|_/ |__|__ _ |__|--'__ | . || \'..'///////// | | |__| |__|__|_| |__|__|__| |( )|| `--`///////; \| | ' ||---. ,,,//////////// jgs'---------------------------------'---' `.//////////////' ```=///////=' >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY When James, 4, heard that there was going to be a new baby in the house, he insisted that he was going to have a baby sister. He wouldn't even consider the idea that it might be a brother. He was right. His sister is now a year old, and he adores her. A few days ago he was cuddling her, and his grandmother heard him say, "Oh, Janae, I just missed you so much when you were still in Mommy's tummy." -- Betty Jean Parker (grandmother of James and Janae) of Cheyenne, Wyoming When Nancy's 18-year-old grandson was a toddler he wanted Nancy to cut his toenails. She was trying very hard to be careful, but he was concerned. "Mawmaw," he said, "be careful. Don't cut me. You'll let all the air out of me!" -- "Mawmaw" Nancy of Laverne, Oklahoma It was a couple of days before Mother's Day and Colleen, 3, and Colleen's mommy were picking out outfits. Colleen was asked what dress she would like to wear for Mother's Day and she said, "Something for the rain." When asked what she meant, she replied, "Rain, rain go away come again Mother's Day (another day)." -- June Reister (mother of Colleen) of Gary, Indiana _..._ .' '. _ / .-""-\ _/ \ .-| /:. | | | | \ |:. /.-'-./ | .-'-;:__.' =/ .'= *=|NASA _.=' / _. | ; ;-.-'| \ | / | \ _\ _\ \__/'._;. ==' ==\ \ \ | / / / /-._/-._/ jgs \ `\ \ `-._/._/ Pat has seven grandchildren, five of whom live close by. During the warm months, they try to have a BBQ and swimming on Sundays. Grandson Justin, 3, has an older brother who he tries to emulate. Justin was having fun trying to do jump cannonballs into the "little pool" (spa). Just before making another jump, he said, "Watch! When I was little, I couldn't do this." -- Pat Smith of southern California When Debbie was little, she was travelling cross-country with her family. As sunset neared, the sun sent individual rays down through the clouds. "Look!" Debbie said with great excitement. "It's God's blessings coming down on sliding boards!" -- Deb of Chicago /:""| |:`66|_ C` _) \ ._| ) / /`\\ || |Y| || |#| || |#| || |#| :| |=: ||_|,| \)))|| |~~~`-`~~~| | | |_________| |_________| | || |_||__ jgs (____)) When Rhonda's children were helping their grandma wash the dishes, Grandma started bragging about them. At one point she said, "It's not just that you're pretty outside; you are pretty inside, too." Breanna, 5, said, "Grandma, I'm pretty when I go outside." Grandma laughed and tried to explain what she meant. After the explanation, Breanna said, "OK, my bones are pretty... but they don't have any hair!" -- Rhonda Bodeker of Ash Flat, Arkansas Aaron, 6, and his sister Stephanie, 9, went to the dentist for check-ups and then to their grandmother's house. She gave them each a soft drink. Aaron said, "Oh, I don't know Granny if we can drink them or not because we just got back from the Tooth Fairy!" -- Jenny (grandmother of Aaron and Stephanie) of Mayfield, Kentucky ___ ." ". | ___( ).' -( ) _/ .'_`( / ( ,/; / \ ) \\. /'-./ \ '.\\) \ \ '---;\ |`\ \ \\ / / \ \ \\ _/ / / / _\\/ ( \/ /_/ \ | jgs \_) (___) '._/ Aaron, 3, wanted to tell his grandmother in Wisconsin what he had for breakfast that morning, so he said, "I had monkey legs!" Aaron is now 12, but he still likes "Smoky Links" for breakfast! -- Aaron's grandmother in Shipshewana, Indiana When Sandee's mother was in her nineties they would pick her up each week to take her shopping and out to eat. They would have her great-grandson, Joey, at the same time. When they would arrive at her house she would always turn around, and say to Joey, "Bye, Doll." After several weeks Joey, who was about 18 months, started saying, "Bye, Doll" to her before she could say it to him. Sandee's mother called all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren her "precious cargo." She passed away several months ago, and they made sure "Doll" was on one of her ribbons. -- Sandee Dougherty of Ohio _____ .'.---.'. // , \\ || `| || || | || || -'- || .-"`'-.,_ _,.-'`"-. / .'--,___`"""`___,--'. \ | /:////_'---'_\\\\:\ | \|:|// `_ _` \\|:|/ '-/| (6/ \6) |\-' \\ | | // `| (._.) |` | _ _ | jgs \ '---' / '--.___.--' Aulora, 6, was with her grandparents and mother Mysti at a local pizza place. She asked her grandpa for a dollar to go play video games with, so of course he gave her one. She neglected to thank him, so Mysti prompted with, "Aulora, what do we say?" Aulora looked at her grandpa and said, "Granddad, give me ALL your dollars!" -- Mysti Garrett (mother of Aulora) of Lubbock, Texas Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: .-""-._ / ___/ \ _&_ _.--""|/ `\| // \\ .' ( ^/ ^ )'. / / \ \ / | _ | \ // / \ \\ | _\____/ | /_/_/_\_\_\ | .' \____/-._ | .-"-. | / `; /# \ | / / _|_.---\ | | |.-.; :--.-(_/.____/.-""\___/"-. / \ / ~~/ /\ \{"=.______.="} /--. ; /___/_~~/ ; .--\"=...__...="} / \-/ `\______|/ \-.______..-; | /`| | \ | |||| || | /_ | |_______/ | |||| || | \_/| |-------' |--'||'--._|| | | | | || |> |______| |____________|._ || _..-;| | [___] | `||() || |______ |\/|____________|jgs|| () (__) \__/ (__) () >GIVE A KIND WORD author unknown Do you know a heart that hungers, For a word of love and cheer? There are many such about us, It may be that one is near. Look around you. If you find it, Speak the word that's needed so, And your own heart may be strengthened By the help that you bestow. Never think kind words are wasted, Bread on waters cast are they, And it may be we shall find them Coming back to us, some day. Coming back when sorely needed, In a time of sore distress, So, my friend, let's give them freely, Gift and giver God will bless. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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