Happy Mother'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 ================ ______ '-._ ```"""---.._ ,-----.:___ `\ ,;;;, '-.._ ```"""--.._ |,%%%%%% _ , '. `\;;;; -\ _ _.'/\ .' `-.__ \ ,;;;;" .__{=====/_)==:_ || ,===/ ```";,,,,,,,;;;;;'`-./.____,'/ / '.\/ '---/ ';;;;;;;;' `--.._.' / ,===/ '-. `\/ '---/ ,'`. | ; __.-' \ ,' jgs \______,,.....------'''`` `---` NOTE: I hope everyone gets their group emails proper. I've noticed that Yahoo lately has not been sending me a copy though I check and see the email is on the group page. Normally you will get the SMILES every Monday/Tuesday, an EXTRA both on Wednesdays and Sundays, and the INSPIRATIONS every Thursday/ Friday. I sometimes will skip an EXTRA but unless I notify you, I will always do the SMILES and INSPIRATIONS. If you are ever in doubt or missing emails, check on the group page at Yahoo here: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ShangyFunList/conversations/messages or my website page here: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ShangyFunList.html Or, you can always email me direct. :) ================ *~* 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!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND For Google Plus Users: You can find me here... Shangy Bigham https://plus.google.com/106648555948034085752/posts AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * 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! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This flaming red hot new page is from our friends Linda, Geniann and Richard. It's one that is sure to give you your aww quota for the day along with plenty of smiles. Be sure to check it out here: _..._ \_.._ `'-.,--, '-._'-. `\a\\ '. `_.' (| `7 || / .' | /_.-' ,J / \ || / ; _.. || | | /`\.-. .' _ `\ `\ \ | \_/__/ / /e)-,\ '. \ /.-` .'\ / | ,_ | /\ `;_.-'_.-'`\_/ / '-(-.)/ \_;(((_.-; .'--. \ ` .(((_,;`'. \ / `\ | _.--'`__.' `\ '-;\ /` | /.-' .--' '._.'\\ .' ; /__.-'` | \ | .'`-'_ /_.'))) \_\,_/ / -'_.'---;`'-))) (__.'/ /` .'` (_.'/ /` /` _|.' /` jgs.-` __.'| .-'|| | \_`/ ` Best Parents 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bestparents2.html --- ...Awww, so beautiful! Thanks my friends! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _,,,_ .' `'. / ____ \ | .'_ _\/ / ) a a| / ( > | ( ) ._ / ) _/-.__.'`\ ( .-'`-. \__ ) `/ `-./ `. | \ \ \ jgs | \ \ \ \ |\ `. / / \ >HOOKING MY WAY TO FAME by Kathe Campbell With mc, ch 4, joining with sl st to form a ring. Rnd 1: Ch 3, work 2 dc in ring; * ch 3, work 3 dc in ring, rep from * twice, ch 3... It might look like rocket science to some, but my heart soars in anticipation of colors, textures, patterns and crochet hooks. I've kept the snuggly synthetic and woolly lovers decked out in most all reasonable requests. Doll clothes and fashions for the distaff side, mufflers and cozy socks for his majesty's toes. One granddaughter's cheerleading squad even put in their order for mittens to match their outfits. After dazedly ogling purple for days, I found myself double chaining and slip stitching in my dreams. Varieties of needles, threads and yarns spawned perfection, a trick taught to me by a grandma who intuitively sensed feel and gauge. Childhood days had been spent with her at Saturday matinees along with her latest project, her tiny hands flying back and forth crocheting intricate treasures in the darkened theater. But needlecraft was the last thought on my mind, a day in my own antiquity when the unthinkable happened, a brutal accident in which I lost my dominant right hand. 'Twas more like how I'd be able to achieve anything, let alone hooking a simple daisy chain. The devastation and aftermath launched me back in time devouring life's mundane chores. Inventing sedulous ways to put on a bra, buttering bread without it shredding, the brownie bowl catapulting across the kitchen floor, and folding clothes with my teeth. It was a brilliant start those first months in between woe-is-me tears. Weeks passed and my precious old lefty was being worked to the hilt, and then dreadful news I had suspected -- rheumatoid arthritis. Well now, wasn't that just what I longed to hear? I came to know a place across our state that specialized in orthotics and prosthetics. What was left of my arm labored hard those first grueling weeks to achieve skill with every prosthesis. I returned home with a dainty hook, two tough farm and ranch hooks that most men ran from, and the challenge of a fancy myoelectric hand. Granddaughters stood with mouths agape, thoroughly infatuated, just itching to paint the rubbery fingernails, but I decided the delicate hand was no match for this mountain mama. How was I supposed to get anything done wearing such a cockamamie thing? "Gran, do you think you could whip up a cap with a big pompom to match my new ski outfit?" begged the youngest. I laughed and quipped I could probably get a half dozen out before the weekend. I don't know who felt worse as she bent down to give me a tearful hug. But the thought of attaching a crochet hook to my prosthesis had sent my mind reeling. The following day I got out the box of prosthetic accessories, rummaged through my yarns, and spent the afternoon practicing. With a crochet hook locked on firmly, I took yarn in hand and began... Ch 3, work 2 dc in ch 3 sp, ch 3... oops, try again. My husband arrived home to find the living room littered with crochet hooks, yarns, and a sea of practice squares. Provided the rheumatoid didn't put a hitch in my plans, I felt confident enough to begin a simple project -- like maybe a young girl's ski cap with a big pompom? Renewed and all wound up like a ball of yarn, I went on the town picking and choosing new weights, colors and patterns. Instead of turning myself into a reclusive wimp, the good Lord had kept His eye on this sparrow, and my outlook on life did an about-face. Mindless ski caps driving me loony, I turned out stunning sweaters in all shades and styles for each granddaughter before the year was out. My Christmas present that year was a granddaughter portrait taken in their cherished pullovers and cardigans. These masterpieces remain conversation pieces, legacies of unflinching grit barely before my antiquity. Is it any wonder my darlin's call me, "Granny Hook?" -- Kathe Campbell __________________________________________________ Kathe lives her dream on a Montana mountain with her mammoth donkeys, a Keeshond, and a few kitties. Three children, eleven grands and three greats round out her herd. She is a prolific writer on Alzheimer's, and her stories are found on many ezines. Kathe is a contributing author to the Chicken Soup For The Soul and Cup of Comfort series, numerous anthologies, RX for Writers, magazines and medical journals. --- ...Reminds me of my mom. She refused to let her disability get the best of her when she lost her dominant hand from just below her elbow. It didn't stop her from donning her hook to work at the factory to support her 4 kids as a single parent or be one of the best seamstress along with embroiderer in town! She didn't wear a prosthetic or cover her arm up when not at work in the factory. She used her stub as best she could like a person would normally use their hand. To have it covered up would have gotten in her way and slowed her down. She is the reason why I started the series here... Attitude is Everything! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html When it comes to hooking, Paul's parents won first prize most every year at the fair for their rugs. They'd spend hours doing these rugs and they were the best! They'd get material from goodwill or from yard sales and cut them into strips to use for the rugs. They gave the rugs to friends and relatives as gifts. We still have several around the house we use from gifts many years ago. They last a long time. Mostly they are around 2-4 or so feet round rugs though they did occasionally make us a 6 foot or so rectangle long ones. Here's an idea what their rag rugs look like and how to make them: https://tinyurl.com/y87td4pd -<>- .{{}}}}}}. {{{{{}}}}}}}. {{{{ {{{{{}}}} }}}}} _ _ {{{{{ }}}} 6 6 }}}} {{{{C ^ {{{{ }}}}}}\ '=' /}}}}} {{{{{{{;.___.;}}}}}} {{{{{{{) (}}}}}}' jgs `""'"': :'"'"'` `@` >FINALLY, A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY by Sherry A. Smith I am sitting here still sometimes pinching myself, still awed over my miracle. Often overwhelmed with happiness over my miracle. Mother's Day this year is finally going to be a happy day. For many years it wasn't. When I was 22 years old, I found out I was pregnant. I was SO happy. I made so many plans, saw my doctor, ate well and did everything I was supposed to do. But then, in what seemed like the blink of an eye, I lost my baby. I was just 21 weeks pregnant when my little boy, Robert, was born way too soon for unknown reasons. He held on for 50 minutes and then died in my arms. It was the most devastating loss I'd ever been through. That was in 1991. Mother's Day was always especially difficult because it reminded me more of the future I'd lost with my baby than any other holiday. I always felt like something was missing from my life and though I have nieces and nephews that I love very much, it just wasn't the same as having a baby of my own. I tried to get pregnant again but it just didn't happen. Then, I found out a few years later that I have Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome and the doctors said I'd never get pregnant again. It took a long time but I eventually accepted this, dealt with the loss of my son the best I could, and got on with life. In 1995, I met my current husband, Kenny, whom I've been married to for more than 13 years now. On January 21, 2009, I went to my doctor because I just hadn't felt well for a month. I got a big surprise. My doctor said, "You're pregnant!" Kenny and I were shocked to say the least. I was also VERY worried that something would go wrong and I'd lose this baby too, but I did everything I could, had a lot of special tests and throughout my pregnancy things went fine, for the most part. I kept hoping and praying this baby, whom I learned at 16 weeks was a boy, would live because I knew that at age 40 and with both PCOS and type 2 diabetes, this was my last chance to have a baby of my own. I also didn't think I could handle losing another baby. On September 10, 2009 at 5:17pm, our beautiful baby was born. At age 56, Kenny became a father and at almost 41 years old I became a mother. What a joy it was to hear his first cries and to know that he was healthy and alive! His name is also Kenny and he's a beautiful baby and other than having congenital cataracts and needing 5 eye surgeries, he is doing very well. I so look forward to celebrating Mother's Day this year and am so thankful for my little miracle. It is my hope and prayer that other couples that have been told they'll never have a baby will one day get their miracle, even if it happens later in life. -- Sherry A. Smith __________________________________________________ Sherry say, "I live in Maryland, with my husband, Kenny, my son, Kenny and several cats. I like to write and especially enjoy pen-palling the old fashioned (snail mail) way." Here is the link to Baby Kenny's web site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/babykenny =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Karen :) .-' G R O U P H U G '-. .' ________________________ '. / .-'(")/6 6\(") /o o\("/6 6\'-. \ / /o o\(") =_//a a\_=_/_(")-_/a a\ \ | /\ -/o o\"/ )\_^_/(")( \/o o\_-_/\ | | \(")\ - // /___/o o\__\ \ = /(")"/ | \ '------' ____) -(____ '------' / \ _____)(____ / jgs\ ____) (____ / `'---------.____) (____.---------'` >Tall Tails It is no secret that dogs are smart. They can do almost anything! I once had a dog that refused to use the newspaper when he was Being potty trained until he had read the whole thing! This same dog Understood everything we said so that we were forced to spell certain Words, like hamburger, bye bye, and "give the dog a bath," this Last one would send him under the bed to hide. Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with You in the car, in case the need should arise for them to Bark violently at nothing right in your ear! (Dave Barry) And always remember this....if your dog doesn't Like someone, you probably shouldn't either! Heaven goes by favor, if it went by merit, you Would stay out and your dog would go in. (Mark Twain) -<>- Cat Date Two female cats are sitting on a fence shooting the breeze When a really good looking male cat walks by and winks At them. "Oh baby, did you get a load of that one?" one of The cats says. "I wouldn't mind sharing a dead rat with him!" "Oh forget about him," her friend tells her, "I went out with him Once and all he did was talk about his operation!" -<>- I like little birds.... I like to watch them soar and fly And dip and sway across the sky I like the way they hop and peck And taste each tiny little speck. I like to sit and hear their song I wish I could listen all day long But upturned face, with eyes to the sky, Makes my neck so stiff I think I'll die! (charlotte anselmo) -<>- If you pick up a stray dog and make him prosperous He will not bite you. That is the principal difference Between dog and man. (Mark Twain) -<>- Pete I had a little birdie once His name was Petey Pie. He liked to sit upon my head Cause he didn't like to fly! Imagine if birds were tickled by feathers! -<>- A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to Turn around three times before lying down. (Peter Benchely) A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast. - Proverbs 12:10 -<>- ___....---....__ .-""___...----...___""-. .',`--...._______....--' .', / `"""----......----"""' \ : `-.._ .' .-'`\_/`. : | `./ -' \/_..- / `. __....;...__ .' `-.,"" | "",.-' `--...______...--' fsc The Guppy Whales have calves Cats have kittens Bears have cubs Bats have bittens Swans have cignets Seals have puppies But guppies just have little guppies. (Ogden Nash) --- ...Delightful! Couldn't resist sharing these cute tails! Thanks Karen! Here's a pretty little bird! My daughter has these coming back to her place now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgjEGXkpLic =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ _,(_)._ ___,(_______). ____ ,'__. \ /\___\-. /,' / \ / / \ | | | |,' / \ \`.| / _|_ `. : : / MMM `. :.,' IMMMI `-.________,-' IMMMI >A Great Cup of Tea This is taken from the Dr. James Dobson Bulletin for June, 1998 Have you noticed that children sometimes try to be helpful, but it makes your life more complicated? I heard a story about a mother who was sick with the flu. Her darling daughter wanted to be a good nurse. She fluffed the pillows and brought a magazine for her mother to read. And then she showed up with a cup of tea. "You're such a sweetheart," the mother said as she drank the tea. "I didn't know you could make tea." "Oh, yes," the little girl replied. "I put the tea leaves in the water like you do, and I boiled it, and then I strained it into a cup. But I couldn't find a strainer, so I used the flyswatter." "You what?" And the little girl said, "Oh, don't worry, mom. I didn't use the new flyswatter. I used the old one." -<>- >Magnolia Blossoms I spent the week before my daughter's June wedding running last-minute trips to the caterer, florist, tuxedo shop, and the church about forty miles away. As happy as I was that Patsy was marrying a good Christian Young man, I felt laden with responsibilities as I watched my budget dwindle . . So many details, so many bills, and so little time. My son Jack was away at college, but he said he would be there to walk his younger sister down the aisle, taking the place of his dad who had died a few years before. He teased Patsy, saying he'd wanted to give her away since she was about three years old! To save money, I gathered blossoms from several friends who had large magnolia trees. Their luscious, creamy- white blooms and slick green leaves would make beautiful arrangements against the rich dark wood inside the church. After the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, we banked the podium area and choir loft with magnolias. As we left just before midnight, I felt tired but satisfied this would be the best wedding any bride had ever had! The music, the ceremony, the reception - and especially the flowers - would be remembered for years. The big day arrived - the busiest day of my life - and while her bridesmaids helped Patsy to dress, her fiancé Tim walked with me to the sanctuary to do a final check. When we opened the door and felt a rush of hot air, I almost fainted; and then I saw them - all the beautiful white flowers were black. Funeral black. An electrical storm during the night had knocked out the air conditioning system, and on that hot summer day, the flowers had wilted and died. I panicked, knowing I didn't have time to drive back to our home town, gather more flowers, and return in time for the wedding. Tim turned to me. 'Edna, can you get more flowers? I'll throw away these dead ones and put fresh flowers in these arrangements.' I mumbled, 'Sure,' as he be-bopped down the hall to put on his cuff links. Alone in the large sanctuary, I looked up at the dark wooden beams in the arched ceiling. 'Lord,' I prayed, 'please help me. I don't know anyone in this town. Help me find someone willing to give me flowers - in a hurry!' I scurried out praying for four things: the blessing of white magnolias, courage to find them in an unfamiliar yard, safety from any dog that may bite my leg, and a nice person who would not get out a shotgun when I asked to cut his tree to shreds. As I left the church, I saw magnolia trees in the distance. I approached a house... No dog in sight. I knocked on the door and an older man answered. So far so good . . . No shotgun. When I stated my plea the man beamed, 'I'd be happy to!' He climbed a stepladder and cut large boughs and handed them down to me. Minutes later, as I lifted the last armload into my car trunk, I said, 'Sir, you've made the mother of a bride happy today.' 'No, Ma'am,' he said. 'You don't understand what's happening here.' 'What?' I asked. 'You see, my wife of sixty-seven years died on Monday. On Tuesday I received friends at the funeral home, and on Wednesday . . . He paused. I saw tears welling up in his eyes. 'On Wednesday I buried her.'; He looked away. 'On Thursday most of my out-of-town relatives went back home, and on Friday - yesterday - my children left.' I nodded. 'This morning,' he continued, 'I was sitting in my den crying out loud. I miss her so much. For the last sixteen years, as her health got worse, she needed me. But now nobody needs me. This morning I cried, 'Who needs an Eighty-six-year-old wore-out man? Nobody!' I began to cry louder. 'Nobody needs me!' About that time, you knocked, and said, 'Sir, I need you.' I stood with my mouth open. He asked, 'You are an angel! The way the light shone around your head into my dark living room...' I assured him I was no angel. He smiled. 'Do you know what I was thinking when I handed you those magnolias?' 'No.' 'I decided I'm needed. My flowers are needed. Why, I might have a flower ministry! I could give them to everyone! Some caskets at the funeral home have no flowers. People need flowers at times like that and I have lots of them. They're all over the backyard! I can give them to hospitals, churches - all sorts of places. You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to serve The Lord until the day He calls me home!' I drove back to the church, filled with wonder. On Patsy's wedding day, if anyone had asked me to encourage someone who was hurting, I would have said, 'Forget it! It's my only daughter's wedding, for goodness' sake! There is no way I can minister to anyone today.' But God found a way. Through dead flowers. 'Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It is what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.' If you have missed knowing me, you haven't missed much. If you have missed some of my emails, you may have missed a laugh. But, if you have missed knowing our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in this world and the next. May God's blessings be upon you. 'The soul would have no rainbow if the eye had no tears.' ~ Native American proverb ~ 'Keep your hand in Jesus' hand and your eyes on the Cross !' Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Give Me Flowers http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/flowers.html Rules For Raising Children http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rulesforchildren.html Tears Of A Woman http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/womantears.html Kids Being Kids http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kids.html Mini Baby Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/baby.html Cost Of A Child http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/costofchild.html Love Thoughts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html Things Defining The 1950's http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/1950things.html Miracle Baby - Smell Of Rain http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smellofrain.html Kilroy Was Here http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kilroywashere.html Willie, Joe And Bill In WWII http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mauldin.html WWII P-51 Mustang Pilot http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wwiipilot.html Israel's Tribute http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/israeltribute.html Only In Israel! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/israel.html Mom And Dads INDEX http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/momsanddadsindex.html -<>- >Please Visit/Follow Me On StumbleUpon: https://tinyurl.com/ydxyzqbu Some of Shangrala's Best Pages http://www.amazfamily.com/index.html -<>- What Mother's Day Looked Like the Year You Were Born Oh, how the times have changed! https://tinyurl.com/y7qfkpoe --- ...This starts in my year! I'm the oldest they go I guess. Anyway, they skipped my son's year of 1976. I can tell you what was happening with THIS mom! It was the nation's bicentennial. All things were coming out to commemorate the 200 year anniversary of America - so most every where you looked, you saw red, white and blue - it was on pop bottles, pop cans, matches, plates, glasses - most everything everywhere. By the time the 4th came, it was old story and tired of it sort of thing. But still we celebrated and rejoiced. Here's some of it: America's Bicentennial - July 4, 1976 - ABC Coverage, pt. 1! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6pPfJGREtU 1976 Coca-Cola Commercial "Bicentennial" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWk8e0xUu7w And of course - music! The Best Songs Of 1976 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT0nrt-4-bI -<>- What does the Bible say about the Trinity? https://tinyurl.com/ya5ca9qr What does the Bible say about Involvement in Politics? https://tinyurl.com/ycnetdau What does the Bible say about God being in control of everything? https://tinyurl.com/ybqn8s3w The Hunger Site - Free click to give - use the Greater Good banner for more items to 'free click to give to': https://tinyurl.com/y8qwjas8 Mandisa: Stronger - Official Lyric Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emgv-VRtMEU Shawn Mendes - In My Blood (Lyrics) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEyhoB-hUrE SUNDAY IS MOTHER'S DAY - SUPPORT MOMS SERVING OVERSEAS This upcoming Sunday is Mother's Day, that means time is already running short to sponsor a great Mother's Day care package from Move America Forward! http://click.skem1.com/click/b9gj-p0au9-etgb6u-2kqpjqf5/ Israel celebrates 70th year - May 13 Sunday Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/israel/yom-haatzmaut Smoke on the Yangtze https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czPT8NKfFwo Deep Purple - Smoke On The Water (Live) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7ZF2xaNhyw Cherry Pie Bars https://therecipecritic.com/cherry-pie-bars/ -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) In recent media, World War I has taken the spotlight in movies, novels and games. Details include a variety of facts such as Hitler’s rise to power and the significance of the allied forces. But there is a single fact that rises above the others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nTvaVBbGxY --- ...Great! Thanks LouiseAu! 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 ========================================================== _ . - = - . _ . " \ \ / / " . , \ / . . \ _,.--~=~"~=~--.._ / . ; _.-" / \ ! ! / \ "-._ . / ," / ,` .---. `, \ ". \ /.' `~ | /:::::\ | ~` '.\ \`. `~ | \:::::/ | ~` ~ .'/ \ `. `~ \ `, `~~~' ,` / ~`.' / . "-._ \ / ! ! \ / _.-" . ./ "=~~.._ _..~~=`" \. ,/ "" \, LGB . _/ \_ . " - ./. .\. - " >Callie and Francis Story Editor: by Marian Sharpe Clayton Bennett North Carolina, USA In September, 2003, I had to make a trip to an eye clinic as my regular doctor said changes in my eye looked suspiciously like cancer and that did not sound good. I was scared. I didn't want to drive the eight-hour trip by myself and didn't have anyone to go with me. I had to mow the lawn but was delaying because of the heat. and it was pretty ragged looking. The flowers always needed watering. I needed to plant the clematis sitting in the pot all summer, but I needed a trellis and to decide where to plant it, and the job looked so big. I was sitting in the easy chair feeling sorry for myself when my good friend, Callie, and her daughter, Francis, came to call. We chatted; we always have a good time together joking around. Callie asked what she could do to help. Of course I said the usual, "Oh, nothing". But the longer she stayed the more things occurred that needed doing before my trip. "Callie, would you please go buy a new hose for me, this one leaks so badly." She did -- and bought parts to repair the leaky piece. Things were looking brighter all the time. I needed the car greased, the oil changed and the car vacuumed. She cheerfully did all that while I did business on the computer and phone. Francis washed dishes, vacuumed, dusted and even washed the dirty old car. Oh, I felt so guilty especially since Callie has a heart problem and wasn't too far from my age, and Francis had health problems too. Callie went home, made a beautiful fan-shaped trellis and brought it the next day. She fretted about the lawn needing mowing with it too hot for me, a 73-year-old to be pushing the mower around. She talked about bringing her riding lawnmower the 23 miles to my house but I knew that was wishful thinking for a woman of her age with no trailer. But, surprise, in a couple of days she drove up with her riding lawnmower and weed trimmer on a borrowed trailer and soon, with my push mower and her rider, the lawn was trimmed ever so neatly. Francis washed dishes again. How special I felt and what a wonderful thing those ladies did, caring for someone who needed help. I had only lived in North Carolina a little over a year and have had wonderful southern hospitality shown me -- but Callie Beddard and Francis really took the cake that day. Here was a widow lady, past 55, health a little iffy, doing those things for me was truly amazing. Callie's unlimited talents in the fixit department also reminded me that we women can take care of many things. I hope to return their favors by doing something wonderful like that for others. Thank you, Callie and Francis, the sweetest two women I know in Washington, North Carolina. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Laugh&Lift: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' "God caused the Bible to be written for the express purpose of revealing to man God's plan for redemption. God caused this Book to be written that He might make His everlasting laws clear to His children, and that they might have His great wisdom to guide them and His great love to comfort them as they make their way through life. For without the Bible, this world would indeed be a dark and frightening place, without signpost or beacon." - Billy Graham >The Truth About Believers (By Dr. Charles Stanley) When I became a new believer, someone patted me on the shoulder and said, "Do the best you can," which is unbiblical and unhelpful advice. A while later, I was discipled by some faithful saints, who taught me the truth about believers. *A believer is identified as a child of God.* Through prayer, we have access to our Father at any time, and we can expect that He will be faithful to every one of His promises. What's more, we are no longer classified as "sinners," a term describing those who have not received Jesus Christ as Savior. We've been transformed into saints - holy persons saved by grace and set apart for God's purposes. Sin and temptation will continue to be realities for us as long as we're on earth. But since our transgressions are forgiven, our new identity cannot change. *A believer is positioned in Christ.* God's Spirit dwells in us so we can live righteously, as Christ did. To describe this relationship, He used a grapevine metaphor. The Lord is the vine, and we are the branches connected to Him and drawing on His power (John 15:1-5). *A believer's mission is to show Christ to the world.* Our vine is to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When our character and conduct reflect these aspects of Jesus' nature, we help others to see the beauty of a relationship with the Lord. The truth about believers is that we don't have to "do the best we can." God works through His children to accomplish His purposes. --- ...We still need to renew our mind... , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Rom.12: [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. I think Melania's theme is perfect... First Lady Melania Trump launches ‘Be Best’ BE BEST will include three main pillars: well-being, social media, and opioid abuse. By promoting values such as healthy living, encouragement, kindness, and respect, adults can help children form positive habits early on and avoid turning to destructive behaviors as an outlet. https://tinyurl.com/ybqb2tf5 Like my old teacher in school used to say... Good - Better - Best Never Let It Rest Til Your Good is Better And Your Better is BEST! What we strive for through Christ Jesus - to be just like Him! The Best! -<>- _ / } /'.\ _/ ) (`- ( ,) |/ /| ' ` Elb >Mother: God's Servant (by Charles Stanley) Before a child ever hears about the Lord at church, he or she witnesses a parent's example of faith. For this reason, all children share the common need for a godly mother. Love toward God multiplies and spills out from believers onto others, including sons and daughters. God's care is pure and unselfish - much different than what the world offers. When we experience His concern, provision, and protection, it's easier for our children to grow up loving God. Every child needs a mom who trusts God. A perfect mother is unrealistic. And she wouldn't be good for her kids in the long run. Witnessing Mom's trust during trials and heartbreaks is the way children learn to place their faith in God. Teaching little ones to trust ensures they'll always know the heavenly Father is close, even when parents aren't. Every child also needs a mother who knows how to pray. A wise mom teaches her children how to access almighty God. Dr. Stanley still recalls his mother's voice as she knelt next to his bed each night. Thanks to her, he understood very early that God was always listening and willing to respond to his prayers. A mother serves many people, including her spouse, children, extended family, and friends. But she must serve the Lord first. When she accepts God's love, practices trust, and keeps a daily discipline of prayer and Bible reading, she'll find the strength to fulfill all of His requirements. 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 ========================================================== >-->Mother's Day Poems :) ,"=-. / _),`'". ( /a( ), ) ) C = = ?/ ( )) (_ o-< ) ( `-' \; ( \_ ( | \ ) )| \_/} \ \ \(_;/-|_) )/) `._,--/ / / `!__!! ( (_o)) ---`-._, )--- ------( / |---- | ( | :__/|\_; \ |/ )(\_ /_)--` gpyy \_! >To My Mother by Edgar Allan Poe, 1809 - 1849 Because I feel that, in the Heavens above, The angels, whispering to one another, Can find, among their burning terms of love, None so devotional as that of “Mother," Therefore by that dear name I long have called you— You who are more than mother unto me, And fill my heart of hearts, where Death installed you In setting my Virginia’s spirit free. My mother—my own mother, who died early, Was but the mother of myself; but you Are mother to the one I loved so dearly, And thus are dearer than the mother I knew By that infinity with which my wife Was dearer to my soul than its soul-life. -<>- >Wonderful Mother by Pat O'Reilly God made a wonderful mother, A mother who never grows old; He made her smile of the sunshine, And He moulded her heart of pure gold; In her eyes He placed bright shining stars, In her cheeks fair roses you see; God made a wonderful mother, And He gave that dear mother to me. -<>- >A Prayer for a Mother's Birthday by Henry Van Dyke Lord Jesus, Thou hast known A mother's love and tender care: And Thou wilt hear, while for my own Mother most dear I make this birthday prayer. Protect her life, I pray, Who gave the gift of life to me; And may she know, from day to day, The deepening glow of Life that comes from Thee. As once upon her breast Fearless and well content I lay, So let her heart, on Thee at rest, Feel fears depart and troubles fade away. Her every wish fulfill; And even if Thou must refuse In anything, let Thy wise will A comfort bring such as kind mothers use. Ah, hold her by the hand, As once her hand held mine; And though she may not understand Life's winding way, lead her in peace divine. I cannot pay my debt For all the love that she has given; But Thou, love's Lord, wilt not forget Her due reward,--bless her in earth and heaven. -<>- >M-O-T-H-E-R by Howard Johnson 'M' is for the million things she gave me, 'O' means only that she's growing old, 'T' is for the tears she shed to save me, 'H' is for her heart of purest gold; 'E' is for her eyes, with love-light shining, 'R' means right, and right she'll always be, Put them all together, they spell 'MOTHER,' A word that means the world to me. -<>- >Mothers Day by Carol Matthews A Mother loves right from the start. She holds her baby close to her heart. The bond that grows will never falter. Her love is so strong it will never alter. A Mother gives never ending Love. She never feels that she has given enough. For you she will always do her best. Constantly working, there's no time to rest. A Mother is there when things go wrong. A hug and a kiss to help us along. Always there when we need her near. Gently wipes our eyes when we shed a tear. So on this day shower your Mother with Love. Gifts and presents are nice but that is not enough. Give your Mother a day to have some peace of mind. Be gentle, be good, be helpful, be kind. ...:::::::... ...:::::::... .:::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::'.-=.-~, ':::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::' /{,_;--'},'::::::::::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::: | .=~`|//| :::::::::::::::::::::. .::::::::::::::::::::: | / ; \ | :::' __, '::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::::' || | | | :' .' \/\ ::::::::::::. .:::::::::::::::::::::: |\| | | |\ / \ /_| :::::::::::::. ::::::::::::::::::::::. \ | | /|'/ / | \ /_ | :::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::' ,_ '::: `\ \/|/ / /`.: \ /__/ ::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: /\/`'. ':. `\ `./.'/\ : /.--' .:::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::: |_\ / \ ::. 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'-..,'` .:.`\\ | |} ::::::::::::::::::::::' '::::::......:jgs:: \\| | ::::::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::::::: \` | ::::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::::: | | ::::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::::: {| | ::::::::::::::' ':::::::::::: | | ::::::::::::' ':::::::::: | | ::::::::::' ':::::::: | |} ::::::::' ':::::: | | ::::::' ':::::. |/ ::::::' ':::.....:::::' ':::::::::' ':::::' ':' H A P P Y M O T H E R ' S D A Y ! :) >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. 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