Happy National Day Of Prayer!... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ _..._ .~ `~. / } \ _.'`~~/ {_,} -( ,'-,___.' .-. / |_ /| __| |__ / ` |_/ [__ __] / \ / | | / '--;_ | | _\ `\ | | / |`-.___. / | | ^^^jgs^^^`--`------'`--`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ *~* I hope you are having a most blessed National Day Of Prayer and getting up close and personal with our God and Father and with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through personal prayer. You can Visit here for community events http://nationaldayofprayer.org/ Prayers for our country: http://www.2heartsnetwork.org/america.htm >From Our Friend KarenF :) Battle Hymn ...This is just beautiful http://www.greatdanepro.com/Battle%20Hymn/index.htm Reagan speech http://www.youtube.com/embed/OvN1jTkzXbY?rel=0 --- ...Very good video! Gives goosebumps! Thanks KarenF! >From Our Friend Del :) Red Skelton Pledge http://www.redskelton.com/PLEDGE.htm --- ...A cherished classic! Thank You Del! >ASAP - Always Say A Prayer A QUICK PRAYER Please do not break. "God, my Father, please walk through my house and take away all my worries and illnesses and please watch over and heal my family and friends in Jesus Christ's name, Amen." This prayer is so powerful. Pass this to 12 people including me. A blessing is coming to you in form of a new job, a house, marriage, finances, or maybe an answer to something (a prayer, a request) that you have been waiting for. Do not break or ask questions. God Answers ALL Prayers! Does God come first in your life? If so, stop what you are doing and send it to 12 people now. Watch what He does. --- ...Awesome! Thanks Del! -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Today's hot tottie comes from our friends Linda, PatDeE, and Brenda. Such an adorable one - sure to give you your AWWW Fix for the day! Give it time to load and check it out here... ___ ,_ '---' _, \ `-._|\_/|_.-' / | =)'T'(= | \ /`"`\ / jgs '._\) (/_.' | | /\ /\ \ T / (/ \)\ )) (( \) Aww Animals 8! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals8.html --- ...So very cute! Thank You so much Linda, PatDeE, and Brenda! -<>- , _/ \_ _,--. < , > .-'.' /(/.\ .' .' .""". `/ ` / / / \ /) ; ; ,_.;._ _;-'}/ | | '. )( /' | | /'-._/\_.-' ; ; \_.' \ , \ \ / | _.'/ '. `'-\ /.-/.;,\ '-._ `"""""`_.|`"""`| jgs `"("\/")` |# | \(_/ `-...-' *~* We Had A FANTASTIC Month Of Caring And Sharing Last Month *~* Be sure to check these out and share them with all your loved ones! Venice Winter Flood! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/venice.html Junk Car Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/junkcarart.html Think Positive! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/positive.html Kincade: Painter Of Light! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kinkade.html German Restaurant! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/germanyr.html Wall Mural Art 4! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wallart4.html Political Humor 7! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/politics7.html Life's Little Oops 11! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/whoops11.html Mouse Vs Leopard! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mouse.html * * *%%* ,,,,, *%%* *%%%%%* W*W*W*W *%%%%%* *%%%%%%%* {//"\\}*%%%%%%%* *%%%%%%%%%*{{/6.6\}}*%%%%%%%%%* *%%%%%%%%%%%*{{( = )}}*%%%%%%%%%%%* *%%%%%%%%%%%%*}}}}) ({{{{*%%%%%%%%%%%%* *%%%%%%%%%%%* {{{{ }}}} *%%%%%%%%%%%* *%%%%%%%%%* We are each of us *%%%%%%%%%* *%%%%%* angels with only one wing*%%%%%* jgs *%%* And we can only fly *%%* * embracing each other. * -Luciano Decrescenzo *~* Big THANK YOU And Huggums In Christ To All Our Great Contributors! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: Can you do Heartwarmers and its hometown a really BIG favor? Lewiston, New York -- our home -- is competing in a national contest for "Best for Food." So, if you can trust us in telling you that Lewiston's culinary delights are deserving of national recognition, we would very much appreciate your support. This is a national contest, so regardless of where you are from, you are certainly eligible to cast your ballot for Best for Food. This is a 100% volunteer effort, and not being organized by any trade or business association. This is about regular citizens getting together to help promote their hometown. This will only take a couple of minutes, but could mean all the difference. Just follow these simple steps: 1) Click here: http://goo.gl/w9qw5 2) Click the green button, Review and Vote 3) Put in your information to register to vote. (If you don't want email updates, uncheck that box.) 4) You will be taken back to the Lewiston page automatically after you register. Once there, click on the Review and Vote button. Put in a short and sweet one sentence comment (for example, "I've heard that the Lewiston restaurants are great and I can't wait to visit someday!") and then go to the voting section below and select "Best For Food" and click the green Review and Vote button again, and you're done. (You may get a box pop-up that asks you if you want to share your review on a social network like Facebook. Just click the "X" and make the box disappear.) If just 1% of Heartwarmers vote, Lewiston would take the lead in this competition. We REALLY appreciate your support and hope you can take a just few minutes to vote for Lewiston for "Best for Food." Meanwhile, here is this week's Heartwarmer we proudly present from Mike Segal -- in keeping with our Mother's Day series. Thanks, Mike! __________________________________________________ _ *"_"* __ /`_`\ __ .' '. | / \ | .' '. , / ')\^_^/(' \ , \`--' . (_.> <._) . '--`/ '.__.' '._/ \_/ \_.' '.__.' / , _ , \ \ \_/|\_/ / \ //^\\ / \/` `\/ | | | | | | | | .. ..:::.| | ..::::. .. ..::::..::::... .::::::::| |:::::::::::::::. ::::::::::::::::::.:::::::::::| |:::::::::::::::::. ':::::::::::::::::::::::::::::| |::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::| |::::::::::::::::::' '':::' '::::::::::::::::\_.__./:::::::::::::::'' '':::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::' jgs '::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::'' '':::::'' '''::::::'' >A MOTHER TAKES ON "BIG TONY" by Michael Segal "Can you do me a favor?" asked Bobby, my seventh grade classmate at John J. Pershing Junior High School. "Please hold this extra pair of shoes for me and I'll pick them up right after the final school bell rings at 3:15." I had a dilemma. I was new at school and Bobby was one of my first friends that I had met. However, I had a dental appointment after school and my mother said that she would pick me up in front of the school building right after school was out. What was I going to do? But my mother was always late. So I told Bobby that I would wait for him at my locker with his shoes for a few minutes after the final bell. We agreed that if he did not show up at my locker after 10 minutes I would just leave his shoes in a brown bag on the floor in front of my locker for him to pick up. My friend thanked me and said that that would be perfect. When the final bell rang at 3:15 that afternoon I ran to my locker. I turned the corner of the hallway where my locker was, expecting to see Bobby waiting for me. But Bobby was nowhere in sight. At 3:35 the only person remaining in the hall was the school janitor sweeping the floors. So, I put Bobby's shoes in a brown paper bag and put the sack down next to my locker. I then bolted to meet my mother who told me she had been waiting for me since 3:13. I smiled but I thought, "When was my mother ever on time?" I was still somewhat bewildered the next morning at school due to the dental anesthesia the previous day when I had seen Bobby. "Where's my shoes?" he asked. "Shoes -- shoes -- what shoes?" I thought. Then it hit me and I realized what shoes Bobby was referring to. I explained to him that since he had not been at my locker for twenty minutes after the final bell had rung I had left the shoes in a brown paper bag on the floor next to my locker. I reminded Bobby that that was our plan. Bobby screamed, "THOSE SHOES WERE NOT MY SHOES! THEY WERE TONY'S SHOES!" I swallowed and meekly said, "You mean "Big Tony?" Bobby did not have to say one word. The look on his face told me I was in big trouble. I was your typical 13 year old -- 5'2" tall, voice cracking, poor complexion. But Tony, well, basically, he was a big man. He was over 6' tall, bearded with an afro that had a metal rake in it. Compared to "Big Tony" I was a midget and Bobby told me I was in big trouble. I ran all the way home, surprising my parents who were not expecting me so early in the morning. "What's the matter? Are you feeling okay?" my mother asked. I explained the problem with Big Tony's shoes and begged my parents for help. My father was quick to respond. "We'll just buy Tony some other shoes. Mike, find out what size he wears." However, before my father could finish his sentence my mother erupted, "We're not buying any shoes for Tony. This is ridiculous. Mike told the boy if he wasn't at his locker he would just leave the shoes and that's exactly what he did. I don't want to hear anyone saying anything more about buying shoes!" I was shocked! My mother had always been so passive with everything, but now when her son was probably going to be murdered she was standing up and being assertive. I did not know what to do. My mother quickly replied, "Mike Segal, you go back to school this instant and I don't want to hear one more word about any kind of shoes!" As I slowly and meekly exited from my house I heard my mother's remark as I closed the door. "Ridiculous!" I was petrified at school when I returned. I pondered which would be worse -- getting punched by "Big Tony" or facing the wrath of my mother? I could not concentrate on anything at school that day except the sounding of the final bell. At half past two, the door to my classroom creaked open. I was even more petrified as I looked to see who was on the other side of the door. Was it Big Tony? However, I was relieved when I saw Mrs. Brown, the frail 68 year old school secretary, who whispered something to Mrs. Johnson, my fifth period math teacher. Mrs. Johnson quickly told the class, "Boys and girls, it seems Mr. Watson (our school assistant principal) wants to talk to Mike." "Could this day be any worse?" I thought to myself as I walked with Mrs. Brown to Mr. Watson's office. As I sat in the chair outside his office I could feel my knees shaking as I thought, "Now, which is worse, being punched by "Big Tony", facing the wrath of my mother, or being questioned by the 6'10" assistant principal?" Mr. Watson exited from his office and motioned me to join him there. I rose from my chair, entered his office, and sat down, but my knees refused to stop knocking. I could only think of two things: 1) Why was I there? and 2) Mr. Watson looked like a giant! However, I was so surprised by his meek voice when he began speaking. "Mike, I understand you're having some problems with a Tony Peterson. Ordinarily I don't condone students fighting, however I'll make an exception in this case. Mike, you can fight Tony." As he said those words, my mouth dropped open. Was he kidding? Could this day be any worse? I left Mr. Watson's office feeling petrified. I could not concentrate on anything, except avoiding Tony. However, as the days went by, Tony did not say anything to me. In the ensuing weeks I realized what must have happened... My parents must have called Mr. Watson and "calmly threatened" that there would be dire consequences if I was hurt. In turn, Mr. Watson must have "gently persuaded" Tony to leave me alone. True, if my father would have had his way, I would have been able to sleep much easier that eventful evening when Tony lost his shoes. However, because my mother got her way, I learned many lessons, including money cannot buy everything. For that, and for so much more, I say, "Thank you, mom." -- Michael Segal __________________________________________________ Michael Jordan Segal, who defied all odds after being shot in the head, is a husband, father, social worker, freelance author. His works include a CD/Download of 12 stories, read with light backgroud music, entitled "Possible." He is an inspirational speaker, sharing his recipe for happiness, recovery and success before conferences and businesses. To contact Mike or to order his CD, please visit http://www.InspirationByMike.com . You also see his YouTube video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=3ZLkyz4KG7A ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend KarenF :) .-""-. _______ .-""-. .'_.-. | ,*********, | .-._'. / _/ / **` `** \ \_ \ /.--.' | | **,;;;;;,** | | '.--.\ / .-`-| | ;//;/;/;\\; | |-`-. \ ;.--': | | /;/;/;//\\;\\ | | :'--.; | _\.'-| | ((;(/;/; \;\);) | |-'./_ | ;_.-'/: | | );)) _ _ (;(( | | :\'-._; | | _:-'\ \(((( \ );))/ /'-:_ | | ; .:` '._ \ );))\ " /(((( / _.' `:. ; |-` '-.;_ `-\(;(;((\ = /););))/-` _;.-' `-| ; / .'\ |`'\ );));)/`---`\((;(((./`'| /'. \ ; | .' / `'.\-((((((\ /))));) \.'` \ '. | ;/ /\_/-`-/ ););)| , |;(;(( \` -\_/\ \; |.' .| `;/ (;(|'==/|\=='|);) \;` |. '.| | / \.'/ / _.` | `._ \ \'./ \ | \| ; |; _,.-` \_/Y\_/ `-.,_ ;| ; |/ \ | ;| ` | | | ` |. | / `\ || | | | || /` jgs `:_\ _\/ \/_ /_:' `"----""` `""----"` >God's Pharmacy! Amazing! A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes. A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food. Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food. A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function. Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys. Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body. Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (Modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them). Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility. Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics. Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts. Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body. --- ...an awesome insight! Thanks NancyF! ================================================================= >-->From Our Friend PatDeE :) A minute read......... As I was walking Down life's highway Many years ago I came upon a Sign that read _ *"_"* _..._ /`_`\ _..._ .' '. | / \ | .' '. , / ')\^_^/(' \ , \`--' .--. (_.> <._) .--. '--`/ '.__.' '._/ \_/ \_.' '.__.' / _ \ \ \_/|\_/ / \ //^\\ / \/` `\/ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | jgs | | \_.__./ >Heavens Grocery Store When I got a Little closer The doors swung Open wide And when I came To myself I was standing Inside.. I saw a host of Angels. They were Standing everywhere One handed me a Basket And said 'My Child shop with care..' Everything a Human needed Was in that Grocery store And what you Could not carry You could come Back for more. First I got some Patience. Love was in that Same row. Further down was Understanding, You need that Everywhere you go.. I got a box or Two of Wisdom And Faith a bag Or two. And Charity of Course I would need some Of that too.. I couldn't miss The Holy Ghost It was all over The place. And then some Strength And Courage to Help me run this race. My basket was Getting full But I remembered I needed Grace, And then I chose Salvation for Salvation was for Free I tried to get Enough of that to do For you and me.. Then I started to The counter To pay my grocery Bill, For I thought I Had everything To do the Masters Will. As I went up the Aisle I saw Prayer and Put that in, For I knew when I Stepped outside I would run into Sin. Peace and Joy Were plentiful, The last things On the shelf. Song and Praise Were hanging near So I just helped Myself. Then I said to The angel 'Now how much do I owe?' He smiled and Said 'Just take them Everywhere you go.' Again I asked 'Really now, How much do I Owe?' 'My child' he Said, 'God paid your bill A long long time Ago.' This poem has Been sent to you With love and for Blessings. It originated in The Netherlands And has been Around the world 9 times. Have A Great Day, --- ...Such a very sweet classic poem! Thanks PatDeE! ======================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .-""-. .-""-. .'_.-. | | .-._'. / _/ / _______ \ \_ \ /.--.' | | `=======` | | '.--.\ / .-`-| | _.---._ | |-`-. \ ;.--': | | .' / '. | | :'--.; | _\.'-| | / _/ \ | |-'./_ | ;_.-'/: | | / .-'` '. \ | | :\'-._; | | _:-'\ \.' | ^ _ ^ | './ /'-:_ | | ; .:` '._ \.' \ _ / \ / _.' `:. ; |-` '-.;_ ./ '.___.' '.` _;.-' `-| ; / .'\ | | _.' '._ \'| /'. \ ; | .' / `'.| .' `"---"` '. |'` \ '. | ;/ /\_/-`\ | | /-\_/\ \; |.' .| `; \ | | | | /;` |. '.| | / \.'\_/\ | :--"""--: | /`_/'./ \ | \| ; | ; |/) | | | | (\| : | ; |/ \ | ; | // \.'-.....-'./ \\ | ; | / `\ | |`/ .' / ;|: | \ '. |`| | /` jgs .-:_/ \_.-' .' / ' . : '. '. /`\_:' | \``` .' ; \ `: \ \ ' `'. .--'\ | ' ' . `-._ /`;--' /_.' . `-. | `--` / \ \ \ .' ' '-. | \ ' ' __\ | '. . _.-' `) / '-._ _.-' `| .-` _.' `'--....____.--'| (` _.-' / | | \ `"` \__/ \__/ >They'll Be Fine I am a single mother of two. When my oldest child started school, I was like all mothers: I stood, at a loss for words, when he dashed to meet his new friends, without noticing that I was standing there waiting for my bye-bye hug. I felt as if someone just snatched him from me, and I would never have his full attention and dependence again. I had a lot of time to share with my youngest child, who is three years younger than my oldest. I had him at my side tugging at my shirt strings for three years. Where I went, he went. He was by all means "my baby." We had a special bond, the two of us. He was my li'l man and I was so dependent on his being with me for such a long time that I dreaded the upcoming year for he would start school too. Every mother knows the hassles that come with shots for school, preschool records, little backpacks and the extra school supplies, not just for one but for two. For a while, I was working the midnight shift. One day after seeing my oldest off to the bus, I came back into the house, and as the sitter left, Jeremy said to her, "Don't wowwy. I be good and go back to sweep wit Mommy." Back then, I would sleep for a few hours then get up and do the Mommy things. He would help me prepare supper since the earlier I cooked the more time I had with his brother. His brother would get off the bus, we would play for a while, then do homework, eat and bathe. By that time, it was almost time for bed and we would nestle up in our beds and retire for the evening. However I had to get up three hours later to get ready for work. By this time, the sitter would come. Jeremy heard her every time, and he would come into the living room where she would study before I went to work, and watch her or cartoons and then give the sweetest little kisses as I exited our home. One morning I got home, changed out of uniform and slipped into the car. I figured I would try to get my errands done before retiring for a few hours sleep. I came home exhausted. I had run all over the malls for a certain crimson red T-shirt to match with Jeremy's little shorts that I had bought for him to wear to school. I searched and searched. My last stop was at Kmart. As I headed toward the children's department, up against the wall I noticed the perfect T-shirt. I grabbed it and started saying, "Look, Jeremy, look! Here is one and it's perfect." I turned around and he was gone. Knowing how children love to hide in between things, I started looking for him. I called out his name, but he never answered. Several minutes had passed, and I was panicking, screaming his name. An associate from the store approached me and asked me if I lost something. I screamed, "I can't find my baby! Someone has stolen my baby!!!" The manager summoned a clerk to call the police as they issued a code on a missing child. I rambled hysterically through the store looking for my baby. By this time, a policeman was asking me questions. I was telling him that my son was standing beside me while I picked out his shirt. As I reached for a picture of him in my purse, the officer asked, "Ma'am, what was he wearing?" I started telling him, little bitty white tennis shoes, blue jean shorts and a yellow T-shirt with . . . "Oh, my gosh!" I turned red with embarrassment. The officer said, "Ma'am?" I started to cry. He asked, "Ma'am, what is it?" I exclaimed, "I am so sorry!" "What, Ma'am, what is it?" I exclaimed, "He started kindergarten today!" Honestly, I was so embarrassed that I paid for his shirt and went straight to the school and stood behind the glass of his new classroom. As I watched him playing with his new friends, I realized I was all by myself now, no one to call my name thirty times a day, ask questions of why and how come! I stood there remembering the time I first held him and his brother, and I started to cry. The next day, I stood at their school doors and watched until the principal walked up to me, grabbed my hand and said, "Ma'am, I promise they will be fine!" By Patsy Hughes (c) -<>- -=====- _..._ .~ `~. ,_ / } ,_\'--, \ _.'`~~/ \'--,_`{_,} -( '.`-.`\;--,___.'_ '._`/ |_ _{@} / ` |-';/ _ / \ / | _ {@}_ / '--;_ _ {@} _Y{@} _\ `\ {@}\Y/_{@} Y/ / |`-.___. / \Y/\|{@}Y/\|// ^^^jgs^^^`--`------'`--`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >How To Plant Your Garden First, you Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.... FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING, PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS: 1. Peace of mind 2. Peace of heart 3. Peace of soul PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH: 1. Squash gossip 2. Squash indifference 3. Squash grumbling 4. Squash selfishness PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE: 1. Lettuce be faithful 2. Lettuce be kind 3. Lettuce be patient 4. Lettuce really love one another NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS: 1. Turnip for meetings 2. Turnip for service 3. Turnip to help one another TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME: 1. Thyme for God 2. Thyme for Family 3. Thyme for friends WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU WILL SURELY REAP WHAT YOU SOW. -<>- ______ '-._ ```"""---.._ ,-----.:___ `\ ,;;;, '-.._ ```"""--.._ |,%%%%%% _ , '. `\;;;; -\ _ _.'/\ .' `-.__ \ ,;;;;" .__{=====/_)==:_ || ,===/ ```";,,,,,,,;;;;;'`-./.____,'/ / '.\/ '---/ ';;;;;;;;' `--.._.' / ,===/ '-. `\/ '---/ ,'`. | ; __.-' \ ,' jgs \______,,.....------'''`` `---` >Quality Marriage and Relationships "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."1 According to Morris Chalfant, "When polls are taken to discover what unhappily married men and women object to in each other, the 'silent husband' heads the wife's list, and the 'nagging wife' almost always heads the list of most husbands." So, if my marriage and/or close relationships are less than desirable, what can I do about it? Lots actually. First, quit the blame game. Remember, as long as we play the blame game we will b-lame. Second, work on yourself and your own growth and maturity. The fact is that the only person we can ever change is our self, and as we change, those around us tend to change also--not always for the best, however, as some people don’t like it when we change. Third, for men, three lessons: Learn to communicate, communicate, communicate. Your marriage and family depend on effective communications. And communication goes far beyond sharing your thoughts and saying what you think. It's learning to be honest with your feelings and not being afraid to say how you feel, whether it be happy, joyful, sad, afraid, hurt, angry or whatever. Admittedly, if you haven't learned to do this, it can be like learning a whole new language. I know--been there--done that! And when we do share, we need to remember to always "share the truth in love." Third, for women. Quit nagging. Let's face it, it doesn't work and unfortunately the less something works, all too often, the more we do it. As the saying goes, "if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always got and you'll keep feeling as you always felt." Fourth, for both men and women a strong reminder to use "I" messages when you are sharing your feelings. Never say, "You made me feel such and such," because nobody can make us feel anything without our permission. But rather say, "I feel hurt, afraid (or whatever) and I need to talk to you about such-and-such." Fifth, attend an effective communications class and read a good book together on this topic. An old book that I found very helpful is John Powell's, Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am. You may be able to buy a copy at your bookstore or on amazon.com. If not, borrow a copy from your library. Your librarian can also tell you about other good books on effective communications and interpersonal relationships. Sixth, pray together--every day or night. It's still true that the family who prays together is more likely to stay together. But when you pray, learn to pray openly and honestly. God knows exactly how you feel anyhow so you may as well tell him and then you are in a position to receive his help. Remember, "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Praying empty words and meaningless clichés is like talking to the wind. We stay close to God by being open and truthful with him. We stay close to one another in exactly the same way. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you know all about me--my deepest joys, sorrows, hurts, fears, sins and failures--and love me still. Please help me to be real with myself, with you and with my partner, other loved ones, and my closest friends. Help me to be real and authentic so that my life will be a free channel for your love to flow through to others. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen." 1. Psalm 145:18 (NIV). ACTS International P.O. Box 73545 San Clemente, California 92673-0119 U.S.A. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Jesus Painting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M4_IlbaZHA Hand Painting Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hpaint.html Best Parents http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bestparents.html K9 9-11 Heroes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/k9-11.html Awww Animals 5 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals5.html Chalk Art 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart2.html Jesus Clinic http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/clinic.html Chapel Oak http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/oakchapel.html When You Pray http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/pray.html Walking In Power http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html ANIMATIONS: Mom animations http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_k-o.html Roses for Mom and Prayer for NDP http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_p-t.html Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html If You haven't joined LynnLynn's mailing List yet, send a blank e-mail to LynnLynns-links-subscribe@Yahoogroups.com ========================================================== >-->From both our friends Brenda and PatDeE :) _, .-~~~-. ,_ .'/ (*~*~/~*) \'. / / ( /```\ ) \ \ / | (` ^)^ `) | \ ; \ ( \ = / ) / ; | \( .)'-'(. )/ | | ( /` \ / `\ ) | ; ; Y ; ; \ | , | / '. | /|\ | .' '-| \/ T \/ |-' \ |/ \| / | |===| | ; / \ ; \_/ \_/ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | jgs | | |*~*~*~*| `-.....-' >John Glenn's True Hero (MUST READ!) IF YOU DON`T READ THIS YOU WILL MISS OUT ON SOMETHING WONDERFUL-- A beautiful Love Story "LOVE AS IT SHOULD BE" John Glenn's true hero For half a century, the world has applauded John Glenn as a heart- stirring American hero. He lifted the nation's spirits when, as one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, he was blasted alone into orbit around the Earth; the enduring affection for him is so powerful that even now people find themselves misting up at the sight of his face or the sound of his voice. But for all these years, Glenn has had a hero of his own, someone who he has seen display endless courage of a different kind: Annie Glenn. They have been married for 68 years. He is 90; she turned 92 on Friday. This weekend there has been news coverage of the 50th anniversary of Glenn's flight into orbit. We are being reminded that, half a century down the line, he remains America's unforgettable hero. He has never really bought that. Because the heroism he most cherishes is of a sort that is seldom cheered. It belongs to the person he has known longer than he has known anyone else in the world. John Glenn and Annie Castor first knew each other when -- literally -- they shared a playpen. In New Concord, Ohio, his parents and hers were friends. When the families got together, their children played. John -- the future Marine fighter pilot, the future test-pilot ace, the future astronaut -- was pure gold from the start. He would end up having what it took to rise to the absolute pinnacle of American regard during the space race; imagine what it meant to be the young John Glenn in the small confines of New Concord. Three-sport varsity athlete, most admired boy in town, Mr. Everything. Annie Castor was bright, was caring, was talented, was generous of spirit. But she could talk only with the most excruciating of difficulty. It haunted her. Her stuttering was so severe that it was categorized as an "85%" disability -- 85% of the time, she could not manage to make words come out. When she tried to recite a poem in elementary school, she was laughed at. She was not able to speak on the telephone. She could not have a regular conversation with a friend. And John Glenn loved her. Even as a boy he was wise enough to understand that people who could not see past her stutter were missing out on knowing a rare and wonderful girl. They married on April 6, 1943. As a military wife, she found that life as she and John moved around the country could be quite hurtful. She has written: "I can remember some very painful experiences -- especially the ridicule." In department stores, she would wander unfamiliar aisles trying to find the right section, embarrassed to attempt to ask the salesclerks for help. In taxis, she would have to write requests to the driver, because she couldn't speak the destination out loud. In restaurants, she would point to the items on the menu. A fine musician, Annie, in every community where she and John moved, would play the organ in church as a way to make new friends. She and John had two children; she has written: "Can you imagine living in the modern world and being afraid to use the telephone? 'Hello' used to be so hard for me to say. I worried that my children would be injured and need a doctor. Could I somehow find the words to get the information across on the phone?" John, as a Marine aviator, flew 59 combat missions in World War II and 90 during the Korean War. Every time he was deployed, he and Annie said goodbye the same way. His last words to her before leaving were: "I'm just going down to the corner store to get a pack of gum." And, with just the two of them there, she was able to always reply: "Don't be long." On that February day in 1962 when the world held its breath and the Atlas rocket was about to propel him toward space, those were their words, once again. And in 1998, when, at 77, he went back to space aboard the shuttle Discovery, it was an understandably tense time for them. What if something happened to end their life together? She knew what he would say to her before boarding the shuttle. He did -- and this time he gave her a present to hoold onto: A pack of gum. She carried it in a pocket next to her heart until he was safely home. Many times in her life she attempted various treatments to cure her stutter. None worked. But in 1973, she found a doctor in Virginia who ran an intensive program she and John hoped would help her. She traveled there to enroll and to give it her best effort. The miracle she and John had always waited for at last, as miracles will do, arrived. At age 53, she was able to talk fluidly, and not in brief, anxiety-ridden, agonizing bursts. John has said that on the first day he heard her speak to him with confidence and clarity, he dropped to his knees to offer a prayer of gratitude. He has written: "I saw Annie's perseverance and strength through the years and it just made me admire her and love her even more." He has heard roaring ovations in countries around the globe for his own valor, but his awe is reserved for Annie, and what she accomplished: "I don't know if I would have had the courage." Her voice is so clear and steady now that she regularly gives public talks. If you are lucky enough to know the Glenns, the sight and sound of them bantering and joking with each other and playfully finishing each others' sentences is something that warms you and makes you thankful just to be in the same room. But if you ever find yourself at an event where the Glenns are appearing, and you want to see someone so brimming with pride and love that you may feel your own tears start to well up, wait until the moment that Annie stands to say a few words to the audience. And as she begins, take a look at her husband's eyes. ---- ....awww, so Sweet! Thanks Brenda And PatDeE! =============================================================== ****** __ /`__`\ .=.| ('') |.=. /.-.\ _)(_ /.-.\ |: / ~~ \ :| \ : | (__) | : / | : \_/\_/ : | |: /| |\ :| \_/` | | `\_/ | | | | jgs |~~~~| '----' >Three Penny Momma Story Editor: by Don L. Creacy Joyce Schowalter Kentucky, USA The year was 1958 and I was seven years old when I first met my Momma. It's not important how we three children fell into the child-care system, nor how we came to live at that orphanage. Simply stated, the man our birth Mother had run off with didn't want to raise three hungry children after she was killed in a car accident. So there we were. I vividly remember holding each sister's hand through a chain link fence: separated on the boys' and girls' sides. It remains important that we three children stayed close. One day they got us all "fixed up" and took us to the courthouse to see the Judge. To insure good behavior, the social worker gave me three pennies for the gumball machine... "if we were good." When we arrived they walked us right past the gumball machine and, to our great joy, into a room with our biological Dad. The Judge told me, as the oldest, that if I wanted, we could go with our Dad and the new Momma he had for us. I looked her over, a large sweet-smelling, pillowy woman in a flowery dress. I reached into my pocket, pulled out those three pennies and asked her, "If I give you these three pennies will you take care of them?" Somehow she understood I meant a different kind of question. She replied, "Yes Honey, I will." I turned to the Judge and told him we would go with her. For the next twenty-five years she cooked and cleaned and slung hash at the Calico Kitchen all night long only to come to three more hungry mouths. She wasn't perfect, I don't know anyone who is, but she raised and reared us when necessary. Finally, we were all three out of the house and married and raising families of our own. Life was good. Then Dad chose to leave with another woman. We kids were devastated. I wanted to show Momma my support, love, and appreciation for all her gifts and sacrifices. I wrote her a letter and told her that no matter what happened or what anyone else in the world did, she would always be our Momma. To emphasize my point, I taped three shiny new pennies into a card and sent it to her. She called. "I don't need three pennies to remember you children. Besides, I still have the first three." That was fifteen years ago. Momma died this spring, we buried her on Good Friday, but because of her, we will never again be motherless children. As we sorted her things out, I opened her jewelry box drawer. There in tiny individual plastic bags, lay three pennies, dated 1957, 1957, and 1958. I have them in my pocket at this moment. No one will ever make a movie or write a book about her, but to me and my sisters, she is the world's best Three Penny Momma. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: * __ *________________________* * .oO/**/oo. * / _____________________\ * * OOO/**/OOOOo. * / / = - = - = = } OOO/**/OOOOOOO_ / /- = -- == === - - -- } * OOO/**/OOOOOP`( \ / / == - == -= -= -= - =- -= -} * OOO/**/OOP ') ,--,__,-"- =-= -== -=- =- -=} OO/**/OP / \ / / _/`---. =-= - -= } * __Y/**/OP , |/ / `"-_~~~~~~~~`__ ( \*/OP / \ , | / _/ (.`"""-. )__ * ( ^"'`\ ` / _/ _/ / `"'-. .)__ ' (. ') `\ ~~`__/ / ; ) ( ' `---' . . / ___) . " - (__) ( . (____ ----' ____) (__________) . ( .' ) ) ( . ( . ) ______) ----'_____) __) ) '-(____(__)___________) (________). (___________)jgs >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Brennan's grandmother (Nana) asked him why he had not visited their house in a long time. "Have you just been too busy with pre-school?" Nana asked. "No," he replied. "Have you been too busy with church?" Nana asked. "No," Brennan replied. Then he added, "I have just been enfused!" (He meant enthused!) -- Michael Langford (grandfather of Brennan) of Pierce City, Missouri One night before dinner Alexis, 3, wanted to go outside to play. Her mother said, "Not right now. It's wet and rainy and we are going to have dinner soon." Alexis said, "Fine. I'm running away." Her mother said that was fine and they headed upstairs to pack her bag. After they were finished and standing in the doorway, her mother said, "You better get going. It's going to be dark soon." Alexis replied, "But can't I have dinner first, Mommy?" Her mother said, "No, you need to get going." Alexis replied, "OK. I change my mind. I'm having dinner!" -- Kelly (mother of Alexis) of Noblesville, Indiana _......._ :_ _: ,______ ''''''' ______, {_=_-=._'-. .-"""""-. .-'_.-=_=_} {-=_- `'.\ / \ /.'` =_-=} {-_= \\| (_((_(( |// =_-} {-_=- \( (* *) )/ =-_=} {_-=_=- ) ) ^ ( ( -=_=-_} {_=_-=- (_\ '-' /_) -=-_=_} {_-_=_ `) (` -_=_} {_-= .-`\ /`-. -=_} {_= / ^ \ =_} '-/ _.=. .=._ \-' \/_) ` (_\/ /\ /\ jgs / '. .' \ / '.' \ / \ / \ ';';';';';';';';';' | | | | | | |-|-| / / \ \ `"` `"` Lauri was babysitting a little boy named Devin. When she asked him how old he was, he said, "Three." Wanting to know the date of his birthday, Laura asked, "When did you turn three?" He replied, "After two." -- Laura of British Columbia .-. <~~~~~> .-. .-. <*****> .-. .-. <+++++> .-. / _ \.-----./ _ \ / _ \.-----./ _ \ / _ \.-----./ _ \ | /:\(((((()))/ \ | | / \((())))))/ \ | | / \((/. .\))/ \ | ||' :(( '_' )): `|| ||: :(( '_' )): `|| || :(( o )) : || ||: \`---'/ :|| || : )))---((( : || ||: (('---')) || || :/' ) `\: || || ((( _ ))) :|| || (((\ /))): || ||: / (,) \ || ||: :/ /|\ \: || || : / ^ \ :|| || / ,__[_]__, \:|| || / ,/\|/\, \ :|| || / \\\ /// \: || ||:\___)_._(___/ || ||: \___/ \___/ || ||: \__\\V//__/ || || : || ||: || || : || || : || || :|| || :|| || / | | \ || || / | | \ || ||: / | | \: || ||:| | | |:|| ||:| | | |:|| || | | | |:|| | / | | \ | | / | | \ | ||/ | | \|| |/ | | \| |/ | | \| |/ | | \| | | | | | | | | | | | | jgs |~~~~~| |*****| |+++++| ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Treda always leaves for work before the sun comes up. Therefore, she takes her 3-year-old to pre-school in the dark. One morning her little girl asked, "Can you roll down the windows, Mommy?" Treda said, "No, if I did that I would freeze my buns off." After a moment of quiet her precious daughter said, "I would put them back on for you." -- Treda Casalegno of Texas (\ \\ \\ \\ <*****> \\ .=^=. .""". .=^=. \\ //```\\(/a a\)//```\\ \\{{ ( L ) }} \\{ _ __ \ = / }} \\/@.---,/'-'\,---. }} /(&\ |`-._/\_.-'| \ }} (@ \&\| || |\ \}} {{ \ |___o()o___| > )} {{ `|__((<>))__|` .'}} {{ \ o\/o /`` }} {{ ,'\ || / ', }} {{.' \ || /| '.}} |'.||.' | | : | | : | | : | | : | | : | | : | |____:__| (_/ \_) Cathy put Cali, 20 months, on the potty. Cali sat on the potty for a few minutes and then told her mother, "Broke. Won't work." -- Cathy Chastain-Gragg of Dillard, Georgia Bobbie had five of her granddaughters over for the night. At dinner she was serving roast beef, mashed potatoes and carrots. Alyssa, 4, informed Bobbie that she just wanted potatoes and carrots because she was a vegetarian. Her 4-year-old cousin Lindsey piped up and said, "I'm a vegetarian, too, Gramma! But I'm one that eats meat!" -- Bobbie Miller of Honeoye Lake, New York <*****> ."^". ,;;;, ."^". {.'^'.\//a a\\/.'^'.} {{ (( L )) }} {{ \ = / }} {{ .-'\`-`/'-. }} {{ / \_/ \ }} {{ / \ }} {{/ /| |\ \}} {| | | | | |} {\___| >===;=< |___/} {{(_/ | : | \_)}} {{ _/| : |\_ }} {{ _/ | : | \_ }} jgs {{/ | : | \}} `-` | : | `-` | : | | : | | : | |___:_| (_/ \_) Mike made a bowl of cereal for Kyle, 7, but didn't check to see if the milk was still good. Apparently the milk was sour, but it didn't smell bad. After one bite of cereal and milk Kyle looked up at his Dad and said, "Dad, this milk tastes like DEAD FROGS!" -- Christal Bricker (mom to Caitlin and Kyle) of Colorado Springs, Colorado Dylan, 5, was spending the night at his grandmother's house. He didn't want to eat his supper, so she told him he couldn't have a snack later. Right before bedtime, she changed her mind. When she told him the could have a snack, Dylan said, "Thank you, Nana. When you told me I couldn't have a snack, I was so crushed." -- Rose ("Nana" of Dylan) of Michigan Tracy taught Patrick, 4, the traditional "Now I lay me down to sleep" prayer. When they got to the end, "I pray the Lord my soul to take. God bless..." Patrick yelled, "God bless America!" -- Tracy O'Connor of Delavan, Wisconsin .-"". _____ .""-. //.==.\ (*****) /.==.\\ ;//:::'||,;;;;;,||.:::\\; ||::::.\((((/\)))/.::::|| ||:::. )))a a((( .:::|| ||:::. ((( ^ ))) ':::|| ||::. )))-^-((( .:::|| ||::' (((\\_//))) .::|| ||::. / \_/ \ '::|| ||:: / \ ::|| ||::/ | | \::|| ||:/ ; ; \:|| ||/ }===o={ \|| |`-,_ ; ( ; _,-'| ||(_/'._| ) |_.'\_)|| ||::. || ( || .::|| ||::. / | ) | \ '::|| ||:' | | | | .:|| ||::/ | | \::|| ;|:| | | |:|; \/ | | \/ jgs | | |:.:.:.:| :':':':': Weston's mother was on the phone while she was cooking dinner. The dog was lying underfoot so Weston's mother raised her voice and told the dog to get out of the kitchen. Weston, 4, is scared whenever a voice is raised. He looked at his mother and said, "Well, I hope you know you just scared that DOG!" -- Kas Quimby (grandmother of Weston) of Elma, Washington ========================================================== .--,.-, /.-',\:.\ .===. ,;;,;;, /; \\:.\/ _) ;;;;;;;;; |' \\:( _,`'> ';;;;;' |; \\(_/ ._= ';' |; ;/ /`|\ /, _/ |-' `\ /; __//( \_,;;,;;, |; __/ / \ /);;;;;;) | _/|/ / \/`';;;;;' ,;;,;;, |/ / ( ';' ;;;;;;;;; ( .-, \ ';;;;;' ) /`\ ) \ ';' '._/|/| |.' jgs _// \| | / || |/ / | `\| ' >-->Let Go and Let God Let go of all your worries, Let God see you through; Just turn it over to Him, Then they will be so few. He's there just for the asking, As we pray to Him each day; To help us climb the mountains, That might get in our way. So when troubles fall upon us, Get down upon your knees; He'll lift your spirits upward, If only you'll say, "Please." "Help me, God, I need you now, Don't ever go away; Your precious Son, my Jesus, His life for me did pay." So, today, I will let go, And let God have it all; Then tomorrow I'll look back, And say, "It seemed so small." Faith is not believing that God can, It is knowing that He will...... © Shirley Jean Pickens - 2002 >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Chriistian 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 DARRE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************