Happy St.Patrick's Day! ... :) 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 ================ *~* 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 red hot new page is from our friends Linda and Bunni. It is sure to tickle your funny bone! Give it time to load and check it out here... Humor With Buses http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bushumor.html --- ...TeeHee! Lots of Smiles here! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ________ .##@@&&&@@##. ,##@&::%&&%%::&@##. #@&:%%000000000%%:&@# #@&:%00' '00%:&@# #@&:%0' '0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# "" ' " " ' "" _oOoOoOo_ .-.-. (oOoOoOoOo) ( : ) )`"""""`( .-.`. .'.-. / \ (_ '.Y.' _) | # | ( .'|'. ) \ / '-' | '-' jgs `=========` May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day. May songbirds serenade you every step along the way. May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue. And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through. -- Irish Blessing >TRULY GRITTY by Joseph Walker A few days have passed since the Academy Award ceremonies in Hollywood. I think I can finally talk about my disappointment. And no, it had nothing to do with what I saw on the red carpet (but seriously, whoever heard of a Roger Vivier tube clutch with a silver sequined Gucci gown?) Nor did my disappointment have to do with the hosts for the evening, even though I did find myself subconsciously humming "Thanks for the Memories" a few times during the evening. I was disappointed because my movie didn't win. Not "my movie" in the sense that I wrote, directed, produced, starred in or had anything to do with a movie that was up for an award (although I do have a great little Christmas story that could be made into a movie -- have your people call my people.) It was "my movie" because I saw it, I liked it and I wanted it to win. And it didn't. My movie was "True Grit." I thought it was terrific. Of course, I'm old enough to remember the John Wayne "True Grit," and I liked that version, too -- Glen Campbell notwithstanding. I like the story. I like imperfect good guys -- knights in dingy armor, so to speak. I can relate to that. I like it when the bad guys are clearly bad, and get what they have coming to them. I like justice that is neat, clean and uncomplicated by confusing realities. I like escaping in a darkened theater to a world in which a man with true grit can ride into the fray, reins in his mouth and rifles blazing, and take care of the problem. ANY problem. But mostly, I like grit (not to be confused with grits, for which I have never been able to acquire a taste.) I like the idea of grit. And I like people who have it. According to my dictionary, one who has grit -- true or otherwise -- has "firmness of character, an indomitable spirit, pluck." These are excellent traits, even if they can sometimes get you into trouble -- just like they did with Rooster Cogburn. My wife, Anita, for example, is as firmly charactered and indomitably plucky as they come. Not too long ago she was riding mass transit with our eldest daughter, Amy, and her family to a concert in a nearby city. No sooner had the trip begun than a rather large and mostly inebriated gentleman sat next to her and began to talk to her. Loudly and obnoxiously. Unlike many of us who would be uncomfortable with that situation, Anita chatted pleasantly with the gentleman even though much of what he said was... well... relatively incomprehensible. Watching this conversation, Amy's husband, Brock, moved from his seat on the train to a standing position right behind Anita and the gentleman. I should mention here that Brock has served three tours of duty in Iraq. He can handle himself in a confrontational situation, if you know what I mean. And he was prepared to come to his mother-in-law's aid. But Anita gave him a look that let him know she was fine, and continued her conversation. At one point the man became agitated about something and started using harsh, vulgar language. Brock was about to intervene when Anita straightened up and faced her neighbor. "I don't like that kind of language," she said, looking him pluckily in the eye. "If you don't stop talking like that I'm going to move." Brock waited to see how the gentleman would respond, ready to... well, the "fill your hand!" scene in "True Grit" comes to mind. But the gentleman calmed down immediately. "I'm sorry," he said, firmly chastened. "I'll watch my mouth." Now, you might think that Anita was emboldened knowing that Brock was hovering nearby, just an eye patch away from doing a Cogburn on the man. But I've lived with this woman for nearly 34 years. She would have responded in the same way if she had been traveling alone. She's plucky. Indomitable. Spirited. Truly gritty. Hopefully you know someone like that. In fact, you very well may BE someone like that. If so, I salute you. In a world filled with vacillating morality and wavering will, we need more gritty, plucky people. Even if you don't win Academy Awards. -- Joseph Walker =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) @@ .##@@::;%%&&00' @><@ .###@@::;%%&&00' ________) .###@@::;%%&&00' | | .###@@::;%%&&00' _ _|===LI===|_ .###@@::;%%&&00' / \_(____________) .###@@::;%%&&00' \ / (88 o o 88) .###@@::;%%&&00' \/\ 88: 7 :88` .###@@::;%%&&00' \/\ '88'=='88' .###@@::;%%&&00' \ \__'8888'__________.###@@::;%%&&00' \___<\""/>_____/_/_-'##@@::;%%&&00' / >< \ .###@@::;%%&&00' /__/--\__\ (oO@OoO@@o@oO@@o) '-.______.-' /`"""""""""""""`\ jgs _|_||_|_ | | ___LI)||(LI___ | | ( ~~ || ~~ ) \ / `-----''-----` '.___________.' >10 Fun Facts to about St. Patrick’s Day Every year on March 17th, people all around the world enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish feast holiday that celebrates Christianity coming to Ireland. There are parades, dancing, and fiddle music. People partake in drinking Irish beer and whiskey, while wearing green and shamrocks. Here are 10 more curious facts about the fun day. 1. The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in Boston, organized by 27 Irish immigrants in 1737. 2. Americans added the wearing green and pinching traditions, originating from leprechaun folklore. Legend has it that these sneaky small fairy creatures can’t see anyone wearing green and like to pinch people. The tradition became to pinch those not wearing green to remind them about the trick-loving leprechauns. 3. Until the 1970s, all the pubs and bars in Ireland were closed on St. Patrick’s Day because it was considered a religious holiday. 4. The St. Patrick Day’s parade in Dublin sees 500,000 attendants and is more than a mile-and-a-half long. Over 4,500 barriers dot the city to direct crowds of people and the parade. 5. St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland and the Caribbean island of Montserrat, home to many Irish descendants. Unofficially the day is celebrated all around the world. It’s even been celebrated in space. 6. Being drunk on the day is an old tradition. A report in the New York Times, all the way back from 1860, mentions how the New York parade had a 'great many persons, very much intoxicated'. 7. St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to Irish pagans. Surprisingly, it is not the official symbol of Ireland, the harp is. 8. St. Patrick wasn’t named Patrick, nor was he Irish. His real name was Maewyn Succat, and he was born to Roman parents living in the UK. He spent his teen years being a shepherd before turning to church life. 9. In Chicago they dye the river bright green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The idea was thought up by a plumber named Steve Bailey. 10. Corned beef and cabbage is a popular dish associated with St. Patrick's Day in North America. It’s an Irish-American variation of the beloved Irish dish of bacon and cabbage. -<>- _ _ (_(_) /(_) (-----. |= | _|=____|_ (_________) 8" "8 (8 6 6 8) 8 7 8 88-=###, _ jgs "888"`##,|#| `###' >SIX TINY STORIES "WITH "GREAT MEANINGS" {1} Once all villagers decided to pray for rain, on the day of prayer all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella. **That's FAITH** {2} When you throw a baby in the air, she laughs > because she knows you will catch her. **That's TRUST** {3} Every night we go to bed, without any assurance of being alive the next morning but still we set the alarms to wake up. **That's HOPE** {4} We plan big things for tomorrow in spite of zero knowledge of the future. **That's CONFIDENCE** {5} We see the world suffering, but still we get married and have children. **That's LOVE** {6} On an old man's shirt was written a sentence 'I am not 90 years old... I am sweet 16 with 74 years experience' **That's ATTITUDE** Have a good week and live your life like the six tiny stories! --- ...TeeHee! Great Info and Lessons! Thanks LouiseA! =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Linda :) __...._ .-"` `\ / | | | \ | \ __...--'| \.-' |_..-, __\___...---'`_..-' (_______....--'\ / `\ (o \__ | | __) _ _ \ /`\ \ | (_Y_) _ '-.\_,| | T-._/ (_A_) _../`'T T-'` | | \__ _| .' | | | | \___ | /_\`\ / | | | | \ `/-`\ --| | \ | | | | /`----' |--' \ `\ \_; |`-.......-` .-.-'. \_LI ; / / /`-._ |`-\ \ jgs _/_/ / | \ \ ( ( ;.__ / \__,\__ `"`""` `""""` `.__._`; >A Little Irish Humor: A wealthy Arab Sheikh was admitted to the hospital for heart surgery, but prior to the surgery, they needed to store his type of blood in case the need arose. As the gentleman had a rare type of blood, it couldn't be found locally, so, the call went out. Finally a Scotsman was located who had a similar blood type. The Scot willingly donated his blood for the Arab. After the surgery, the Arab sent the Scotsman in appreciation for giving his blood, a new BMW, 5 carats of diamonds, and $50,000 dollars. A couple of days later, once again, the Arab had to go through a corrective surgery. The hospital telephoned the Scotsman who was more than happy to donate more of his blood again. After the second surgery, the Arab sent the Scotsman a Thank-you card and a box of Chocolates. The Scotsman was shocked that the Arab did not reciprocate his kind gesture as he had before. He phoned the Arab and asked him: "I thought you would be generous again, that you would give me another BMW, diamonds and money... but you only gave me a Thank-you card and a box of Chocolates." To this the Arab replied: "Aye Laddie, but I have Scottish blood in me veins now!" --- ...LOL! Thanks Linda! ======================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .-"""""-. \ / |.-----.| __|_______|___ HAPPY '--;-'```'-;--' ST. PATRICK'S / / 6_6 \ \ DAY ! ( ( _) ) ) / ( ( .__. ) ) ( `._`-'_.' ) /`'-._`"`_.-'`\ | /___```___\ | \ |___|L|___| / \/ `"` \/ /..,_______,..\ / /\ \ | ,-' `-, | \ `\ ,-'` / jgs __LI`--`\|`.__/ ( /\ LI\ `.___,-'` \ | '.__/ >YOUR WORDS MATTER (c) Ridgely Goldsborough Amidst much groaning and moaning, we carried one of our two kayaks from the bayside of the key to the beach two hundred yards of sweat and hand chafing. Loaded down with paddles and life preservers, we herded the kids to water's edge. Captain Linus on the bow, oarsman Dad behind him, first mate Camille next in line and oarswoman Mom at the stern into the waves we surged. After a few wobbly moments in the break, the crew settled. We began to scour the depths for the Gulf's finest cow rays, turtles, fish of assorted sizes and our family favorite dolphin. "Look, Momma," squealed Camille. Two hundred yards offshore we spotted the gently undulating fins, rising and falling like the waves they glided through. "Let's go play with them," Linus called out. We dug into the water and pulled away from the coastline. At three boat lengths, we violated their comfort zone. Repeatedly they dove until we slowed behind them and gently kept pace. Suddenly, the lead male leapt high into the sky, spun and crashed into a trough. "Whoa," Linus yelled. "I want him to do that again." "Ask him," Ali counseled. "Use your mind and make a wish." I watched my son concentrate, gaze across the sea and softly say to himself: "Come back and do another show. Come back and jump again." And then they surrounded us, a pod of eight leapfrogging through the surf. Once. Twice. Three times. Four soaring twirls, completely air born. Spectacular. Magnificent. They snorted hellos through their blowholes. In all her years on this island, Ali had never witnessed anything so magical. They swam on. Wait. Linus craved more. "Maybe another day," said Ali. Armed with confidence and determination, Linus focused his attention. "I'm gonna' tell them again," he proclaimed. "One more show." His brow fixed in thought, Linus mumbled to himself before looking up. On the horizon, within seconds, a colossal vault, as if to salute us adieu, one final glimpse goodbye. "Told you," Linus beamed, triumphant. We could debate for hours the true influence mind over a group of swimming mammals. I choose to believe in his charm and spell. You might draw a different conclusion. One fact remains Indisputable the impact of a few emboldening words on one small boy's beliefs. He will face the world with his head held a tad taller and his shoulders slightly further back because of a mother's Encouragement as would we all. Fortunately, this phenomenon continues throughout adulthood. Declarations of courage, expressions of spirit, pledges of the heart every utterance bears a torch, lighting the way or burning it. Nothing sits in a vacuum. We have much power to pick up a wounded soul, spur on a frightened yet hopeful comrade, challenge a friend to not give up. Watch what comes out of your mouth. Criticism damages far more than it heals. Kindness builds. Insensitivity destroys. Only three feet separate a pat on the back from a kick in the rear. One helps. The other hurts. Which would you rather feel? Your words matter. -<>- >Three Trees Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty." Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull." Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the Hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and How close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me." After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. At the second tree another woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship. When the third woodsman came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. The third woodsman said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one," and he cut it down. When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day a man and woman came to the barn. The woman gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat. Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the Man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop; the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it. The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways may not be our ways, but His ways are always the best. -<>- >SECRET INGREDIENT There's a reason why some people succeed in life and others do not. Why some people seem to find their place while others never quite "get it together." And why many average and ordinary people accomplish extraordinary, or at least fulfilling, things while others expect that they will never really amount to much. It is even more basic than raw talent or hard work. It is more fundamental than background or intelligence. It has to do with what makes successful people use the talent they possess or choose to work hard and persevere. It has to do with the reasons why some people compensate for poor backgrounds and others do not, why some intelligent people lead healthy and happy lives and others flounder. In his article "How 'Average' People Excel" (Reader's Digest, 1992), Alan Loy McGinnis tells about how Thomas J. Watson, Jr., discovered this "secret" ingredient to successful living and what happened to him as a result. Watson's father was founder and longtime head of IBM. But young Thomas was a lackluster student who even needed a tutor to get through the IBM sales school. He recalls that he had no distinctions and no successes. Then he took flying lessons. What a feeling! He learned that he was good at flying. He plowed everything into this "mad pursuit," as he fondly called it, and gained self-confidence. Watson became an officer in the US Air Force during WWII. Though not brilliant, he discovered that he had "an orderly mind and an unusual ability to focus on what was important and to put it across to others." He capitalized on these traits and went back to IBM. He eventually became chief executive of the corporation and took it into the computer age. In 15 years, he increased IBM's revenues almost tenfold. What is it that some "ordinary" people possess and others lack? What is that ingredient that catapults some people up and away from the crowd? It is confidence. "It's not what you are that holds you back," says entrepreneur Denis Waitley, "it's what you think you are not." Those who believe that they will never do well in a particular area probably never will. Those who believe they are not good at anything will forever feel inadequate. But those who refuse to let fearful thoughts hold them back will quickly excel. Confidence is a life ingredient that is essential to success and wholeness. It is perhaps the single most important trait that enables "average" people to do and become all that they can. Like the little boy sitting on the bench at his team's baseball game. When asked by a concerned parent if he was discouraged that his team was behind 14 to nothing, he responded, "Discouraged? Why should I be discouraged? We haven't been up to bat yet!" With confidence like that, anything is possible! - Steve Goodier -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Never Give Up! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Walking In Power! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/walkingpower.html Attitude Is Everything! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html Believe In Your Dreams! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/dream.html I Believe In You! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ibelieveinyou.html Life Is...Continued! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifeis2.html Pay It Forward! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/payitforward.html Playboy Bunny Calendar! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/calendar.html Red Hat! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/redhat.html Thank You God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thankgod.htm Think Positive! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/positive.html Top Reasons To Smile! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/smile.html What I've Learned In Life! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/learnedinlife.html Butchart Gardens! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bgardens.html Akiane Child Prodigy! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html -<>- >From Our Friend Fran :) Happy St.Patrick's Day! http://sherisrainbow.com/RB2016/RB16-03/RB160314/RB160314.html --- ...Sweet! Thanks Fran! -<>- >From Our Friend PatDeE :) Can we believe our lying eyes? https://www.youtube.com/embed/3PszMaZ5Ipk --- ...Hmmmm Thanks PatDeE! Just think about the guy who made this antique desk over two hundred years ago, did it with hand tools alone… Amazing Antique Desk https://www.youtube.com/embed/MKikHxKeodA?rel=0 --- ...I love it! Thanks PatDeE! Wow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFkGhpy10u8 --- ...Brings Tears! Thanks PatDeE! -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) Don't Miss Hooters 2016 Calendar! http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/hooters2016print.html Train Of The Future https://www.youtube.com/embed/ON1j2TJCoQU Polar Bear Love http://www.youtube.com/embed/CbILj_CYqno --- ...Awww, Thanks Linda! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA :) One of the most beautiful and impressive juggling acts - performed by Krachinov for the French television show 'The World's Greatest Cabaret.' https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_t2CQ3M8jbs Take a look at the beauty of America as The Charlie Daniels Band sings their song My Beautiful America - in this entertaining music video. The United States is a vast land and there are so many beautiful places to see. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=B2AEkfjc6-o Flying Over America is sure to entertain both aviation fans as well as music fans in this nicely done video that showcases some of America's most famous sights as seen from the air. I'm sure the pilots and film crew had a blast filming this. The video was created by Yessian, a global collective of producers, composers, music supervisors and recording artists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcuDdPo0WZk&feature=player_embedded --- ...Very Nice! 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 Our Friend Fran :) .-"^`\ /`^"-. .' ___\ /___ `. / /.---. O .---.\ \ | // '-. _o/0\o_ .-' \\ | | ;| \ (0\|W|/0) / |; | \ || |\_) \~_~_~/ (_/| || / \ | \ . \ ; .-.^.-. ; / . / | / '\_\ \\ \ \ \ / ' \ / / / // /_/' \\ \ \ \ \ / / / / // jgs `'-\_\_\ \ / /_/_/-'` ` '. .' ` ` >Irish Prayer May those who love us And those who don't love us, May those who love us love us. May God turn their hearts. And if He doesn't turn their hearts, May he turn their ankles. So we'll know them by their limping. - Unknown - but the poet was certainly Irish -<>- May your blessings outnumber The shamrocks that grow, And may trouble avoid you Wherever you go. -<>- May your wishes come true and your truth be wise. Happy St Patrick's Day -<>- Irish Soda Bread Recipes http://www.sodabread.info/Recipes/sodabreadrecipes.htm Irish Milkshake 1/2 to 3/4 pint stout 1/2 shot glass Irish cream Liqueur 1/2 shot glass Irish Whiskey Irish Cream Fudge Recipe http://candy.about.com/od/chocolatefudgerecipes/r/Irish-Cream-Fudge.htm Bittersweet Chocolate Irish Whiskey Cake recipe http://tinyurl.com/j66amgu Irish Potatoes Recipes - Food.com http://www.food.com/recipes/irish-potatoes --- ...Awesome! Thanks Fran! ================================================================= .-.-. ( ) .-.\ : /.-. ( .`:`. ) ( /|\ ) jgs `"` | `"` >Results of a Risk Taken Story Editor: by Lois Dansler Joyce Schowalter Ohio, USA My friend, Barb, and I had been out yard saling as we often do, and were headed home on a hot, humid day in August, 2010. We were driving through a part of town where one sees drug users and dealers on the street. As we slowed for a traffic light my friend noticed a wallet lying open on the street near a parked car. She asked me to stop and as I did she jumped out and retrieved it. I expected her to hop back in so we could give it to the police, but she waved for me to park. Rolling down the window, I asked what she was doing, and she said, "There's ID in here -- maybe the owner is in one of these houses. But the address isn't on this street. Hmmm." Recognizing her determination, I feared Barb would start knocking on doors.... Doors sheltering people who were scared of strangers, drug dealers, and users -- many of them armed to balance their fears. I parallel parked. Barb had already knocked on a couple doors asking for the name on the ID, without disclosing what she wanted. The first door didn't open, the folks inside told her to go away. At the second door, no one answered. I caught up with her at the third door as it was opened slowly after a peek out through closed blinds. A young woman in faded but clean clothes opened it after seeing Barb's smile. Barb asked by name for the wallet's owner. A look of trepidation passed over the girl's face as she backed up a step. She called out. A young man in his early twenties with a puzzled look came towards us. Barb recognized the young man from the driver's license picture. She held out the wallet without a word, just a smile, and he took it, not quite understanding what was happening. The young girl said thank you and quickly closed the door. Halfway back to the car I was still scolding my friend for taking such chances. Then we heard yelling over the street noise. The young man was running toward us and waving. He was smiling, yet tears were running down his face. Before we knew it, he was hugging us both and saying thank you over and over. When he calmed a bit, he explained. He'd just been back to work for three weeks and his first paycheck was in his wallet. That paycheck was enough to move his wife and their 3-month-old baby to a small clean apartment, close to his job and out of the threatening area where they now lived. With a last big hug, and the last tears from all of us, the young man headed back to the house. We headed back to our car with smiles that lasted longer than most, and kept returning to our faces. My friend taught me that day that your fears are worth overcoming, for the benefit of others. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From LaughAndLift: .-. __| |__ [__ __] | | | | jgs | | '-' >A Morning Prayer "O, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve You, I am truly grateful. Do this day free me from all fear of the future, from all anxiety about tomorrow, from all bitterness toward any one, from all cowardice in face of danger, from all laziness in the face of work, from all failure before opportunity, from all weakness when Your power is at hand. But fill me with Love that knows no barrier, with Sympathy that reaches to all, with Courage that cannot be shaken, with Faith strong enough for the darkness, with Strength sufficient for my tasks, with Loyalty to Your Kingdom's goal, with Wisdom to meet life's complexities, with Power to lift me to You. Thank you for your wonderful, faithful presence. Use me as You will For Christ's sake, I pray. Amen." SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: , ,_ )\ \". / ) ) \ / / / / | | / / \ | / / \|-""-//` / _ _ \ _| / \/ \ |_ / `-\0||0/-' \ =\.: ,_()_ :./= jgs `-._\II/_.-' `""` >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY Judy's 4-year-old grandson has added a new word to their vocabularly... "deservement." It means "I deserve the candy and I mean to get it." He used it to explain why he got into Grandpa's candy jar without permission. Later he told his grandparents about another word he knows: "treatment." It means, "I deserve a treat!" -- Judy from the Oregon coast When Jamie was 4 her mother took her to a new pediatrician who was recommended by friends. Five minutes into the examination her mother was pleased at how well Jamie was responding to the doctor. He talked gently to her and explained everything he was doing. When it was time to test her reflexes, he said, "Jamie, I'm going to lightly hit your knee with a hammer." Jamie let out a blood-curdling scream. Shaken, the pediatrician asked Janice, "What did I do?" Janice replied, "Her father is a carpenter." -- Janice Finley of Arab, Alabama .-.-. ( ) .-.\ : /.-. ( .`:`. ) ( /|\ ) jgs `"` | `"` Holly's sister is desperately trying to potty train her son Nathan. She decided to have him wear "big boy underwear." A few days ago, she noticed that Nathan had pulled his underwear down and was positioning himself to get ready to go potty. He was standing over his daddy's work boot. With a big smile on his face, he said, "I pee in Daddy's boot." Nathan's daddy hollered, "Don't you pee in my boot!" Later, his father said, "Between you and Madison (the dog), my shoes aren't safe anywhere around this house!" -- Holly Ennis of Upper Marlboro, Maryland When Mitch was younger, Angie would play "See How Fast You Can Pick Up Your Toys" with him. One time when she was preparing him for the game, she said, "On your mark, get set, go!" But Mitch didn't move. "Aren't you going to get set?" Angie asked. He put his hands on his hips and firmly replied, "Yeah, I'm set. I'm upset!" -- Angie of Topeka, Indiana ________ .##@@&&&@@##. ,##@&::%&&%%::&@##. #@&:%%000000000%%:&@# #@&:%00' '00%:&@# #@&:%0' '0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# "" ' " " ' "" _oOoOoOo_ .-.-. (oOoOoOoOo) ( : ) )`"""""`( .-.`. .'.-. / \ (_ '.Y.' _) | # | ( .'|'. ) \ / '-' | '-' jgs `=========` Linda was caring for her two grandchildren over the weekend. Trinity, 2, got her hands very dirty while eating. Linda took her into the bathroom to wash her hands. "Rub them together," Linda said. Then she reminded Trinity not to forget the back of her hands... so Trinity quietly lifted her shirt, rubbed her hands all over her back and announced, "All done!" -- Linda Collins of Columbia, Maryland Bailey, 3, was traveling to see his Nana and they went through a bad hail storm. Bailey covered his head with his blanket and asked, "Why are those eggs falling on our car?" -- Utanah Williams (grandmother of Bailey) of Pocahontas, Arkansas Wendy had given her 3-year-old niece a small container of worms that she was keeping as pets. Wendy asked her niece what she had done with the worms. The little girl said, "I squished them apart to make baby worms out of them!" -- Wendy of Listowel, Ontario, Canada .-"""""-. \ / |.-----.| __|_______|___ '--;-'```'-;--' / / 6_6 \ \ ( ( _) ) ) ( ( .__. ) ) ( `._`-'_.' ) /`'-._`"`_.-'`\ | /___```___\ | \ |___|L|___| / \/ `"` \/ /..,_______,..\ / /\ \ | ,-' `-, | \ `\ ,-'` / jgs __LI`--`\|`.__/ ( /\ LI\ `.___,-'` \ | '.__/ Brian, 5, recently lost both his grandfathers. Recently, while walking across the parking lot, Brian looked up in the sky and saw what appeared to be "sky writing." He said, "Oh, look! There's one Pop-Pop driving his bus and my other Pop-Pop driving his boat!" -- JoAnne Johnson of Chews Landing, New Jersey Sam, 2, was sitting on his mother's lap. She was saying, "Who's my good boy? Who's my good boy?" Sam replied, "It's not me. It must be David!" -- George and Dianne Witwer (parents of David, Noelle, Sally and Sam) of Bluffton, Indiana .-------. |(~\o/~)| _.||\/X\/||._ ,-" || \ / || "-, ,' () ||o X o|| () ', / () ,-|| / \ ||-, () \ : o ,' ||/\X/\|| ', o ; .----------._)~ ~(_.----------. |\/)~~(\/\ (~\ /~) /\/)~~(\/| |(X () X) >o >-X-< o< (X () X)| |/\)__(/\/ _(_/|\_)_ \/\)__(/\| '----------' ) ( '----------' ; o ', ||\/~\/|| ,' o ; \ () '-|| \o/ ||-' () / ', () |(~\X/~)| () ,' '-._ ||\/ \/|| _.-' '|| \_/ ||' || X || ||\(/\/|| ||=)O(=|| ||/\/)\|| || X || || / \ || ||/\X/\|| jgs |(_/o\_)| '._____.' Patty and her daughter, Jennifer, 6, were both taking strong cough syrup (which can impair driving) that the doctor had prescribed for them when they visited his office. Jennifer didn't like the syrup. One morning Patty heard Jennifer coughing in the car and she said, "Oh, Jennifer, you forgot to take your cough medicine this morning." Jennifer replied, "But Mom, I'm not supposed to take it when we are driving!" -- Patty Bruner of Kendallville, Indiana Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== ,-'~~~~-. .-~~~~`-. .' \ / `. ,-'` \ / `-. / , `\/ .' \ ( `\ || /~ ) ~. `\ || /` .~ `~~._____ `\ || /` ____.~~` ___!!!GOOD>-->Happy St.Patrick's Day! May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours! - Irish Blessing >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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