Happy St.Pat's Day Weekend ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*: __, ,___) _____) _____ ,_) ,_) ______) (--|__| _, _ _ (--(__-|- (--|__)_-|-,_' _ |_/ ', (--| \ _, _| |(_||_)|_)(_| ____)|. _| (_|| | |(_ | \ /_) _|__/(_|(_| ( | | ,_| ( ( \_, ( ,_| .:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*: *~* HAPPY SAFE AND BLESSED ST.PATRICK'S DAY WEEKEND! From Our Friend KarenF :) >A Wee Bit Of Heaven Sure, a wee bit o' heaven Fell out of the sky one day, And nestled on the ocean, In a spot so far away; And the angels found it, And it looked so sweet and fair, They said suppose we leave it, For it looks so peaceful there! So they sprinkled it with stardust Just to make the shamrocks grow; 'Tis the only place you'll find them, No matter where you go; Then they dotted it with silver To make it's lakes so grand, And when they had it finished, Sure....they called it Ireland!! --- ...Tis lovely indeed! Thanks KarenF! -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press! :) This hot tottie is from our friend Geniann. So beautiful I just had to do it up to share with all of you! Give it time to load and check it out here... @@ .##@@::;%%&&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___ | | ( ~~ || ~~ ) \ / `-----''-----` '.___________.' Breathtaking Photos http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/breathtaking.html --- ...Aww, God's Country sure is awesome! Thanks Geniann! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ________ .##@@&&&@@##. ,##@&::%&&%%::&@##. #@&:%%000000000%%:&@# #@&:%00' '00%:&@# #@&:%0' '0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# #@&:%0 0%:&@# "" ' " " ' "" _oOoOoOo_ .-.-. (oOoOoOoOo) ( : ) )`"""""`( .-.`. .'.-. / \ (_ '.Y.' _) | # | ( .'|'. ) \ / '-' | '-' jgs `=========` >ANOTHER GLORIOUS DAY by Bobbi Hahn I wanted to get to work a couple of hours early this morning to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Mother Nature had other plans, however. I always glance out the back windows that overlook a tidal creek, checking the tide level, looking to see what creatures might be in the neighborhood. This morning, there were at least twenty snowy egrets in the creek, which was about three hours from high tide. They, along with three great blue herons, were stationed at equal distances along the creek bed. A woodpecker was there, too, just watching the show from the sidelines. I suppose each bird had its own territory staked out because whenever one moved too close to another in pursuit of a fish, loud squawking and occasional wing-flapping would ensue. I watched from the windows for several minutes before deciding to make myself a cup of tea, then go outside to watch from the bank. It was cool out so I wore my jacket and gloves. I also had the remains from the huge chocolate chip cookie I bought yesterday to munch on. I quietly approached and stationed myself behind a tree to block the glare from the sun off to my right. The birds paid no attention to me, including the great blue heron perched on some pilings a few feet away. The first catch of the day was by an egret -- the fish was about five inches long, thrashing furiously in the beak of the egret, the sunlight turning its body into glistening diamonds. It's amazing to see how birds catch and eat a fish. They grab it sideways in their beak, but then they have to get it turned around so it can slide down their throats. That requires some delicacy and finesse because, if they open too wide, the fish is gone! The most talented fishermen, by far, were the great blue herons. Not only did they catch more, they also caught larger fish. After a while, I noticed movement across the way and to my left. And here came two raccoons, walking along the muddy bank. There's a wooden bridge that crosses the creek, with a wide pipe running beneath it. The raccoons climbed up the bridge's support beams like trapeze artists and walked across the pipe as easily as if they were on the wooden walkway above. Once on my side of the creek, they got down to the bank and walked around the bend of the creek and out of sight. I guess the fishing was better on this side! Every so often, the birds would stand perfectly still. I often see birds do this, and I like to imagine they're saying their prayers and thanking God for the bounty before them. Eventually, they drifted off, one by one. The tide was still coming in, but other, more plentiful spots must have been calling to them. I stayed outside until only a few were left. As I walked away, I whispered a heartfelt "Thank You" for their contribution to the start of another glorious day in the Low Country. It's about an hour later now, and I just checked out the window. A lone great blue heron is standing sentinel on the branches of a gnarly old tree that overhangs the creek. I'd hoped to see a dolphin because they often follow the fish in on the tide, but not today. Perhaps tomorrow... -- Bobbi Hahn ______________________________________________ Bobbi is a freelance writer, poet and calligrapher who is living her dream. She, her husband, and their two cats live beside a lagoon on a barrier island off the South Carolina coast. Her previous Heartwarmer, Godspeed!, was published on 8/16/05. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend louiseA :) .-------. |(~\o/~)| _.||\/X\/||._ ,-" || \ / || "-, ,' () ||o X o|| () ', / () ,-|| / \ ||-, () \ : o ,' ||/\X/\|| ', o ; .----------._).-.-.(_.----------. |\/)~~(\/\ ( ) /\/)~~(\/| |(X () X) .-.\ : /.-. (X () X)| |/\)__(/\/( .`:`. )\/\)__(/\| '----------( /|\ )----------' ; o ', |"` | `"| ,' o ; \ () '-| /o\ |-' () / ', () |(~\ /~)| () ,' '-._ ||\/X\/|| _.-' '|| \_/ ||' || X || ||\(/\/|| ||=)O(=|| ||/\/)\|| || X || || / \ || ||/\X/\|| jgs |(_/o\_)| '._____.' >In Honor of Woman's month - A Good Woman [edited] A good woman is proud of herself yet humble. She respects herself and others. She is aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from the person she is with, or does she expect them to read her mind. She is quite capable of articulating her needs. A good woman is hopeful. She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true. She knows love, therefore she gives love. She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated. If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears. A good woman has a dash of inspiration, a dabble of endurance. She knows that she will, at times, have to inspire others to reach the potential God gave them. A good woman knows her past, understands her present and moves toward the future. A good woman knows and loves God. She knows that with God the world is her playground, but without God she will just be played. A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past. Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merely lessons, meant to bring her closer to self knowledge and unconditional self love with Jesus Christ as her loving guide. --- ...Quite beautiful! Thank you LouiseA! Prov.31: [10] Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. [30] Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Linda :) , _/ \_ _,--. < , > .-'.' /(/.\ .' .' .""". `/ ` / / / \ /) ; ; ,_.;._ _;-'}/ | | '. )( /' | | /'-._/\_.-' ; ; \_.' \ , \ \ / | _.'/ '. `'-\ /.-/.;,\ '-._ `"""""`_.|`"""`| jgs `"("\/")` |# | \(_/ `-...-' >Angels........ as explained By Children. I only know the names of two angels, Hark and Harold. -- Gregory, age 5 Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it -- Olive, age 9 It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to Heaven, and then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. -- Matthew, age 9 _..._ ,;;;;;;;;;, / _,' _ \ | \ - - / | \_> - <_/ ,__.-"""-.-`. .'-.-"""-.__, '-. /_.'-.-'._\ .-' \_ / .-.-. \ _/ './ \/|/ \|\/ \-' | | | | \__.' '.__/ | | | | | | | | | | jgs \__,_,__/ Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. -- Mitchell, age 7 My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science. -- Henry, age 8 Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows!!! -- Jack, age 6 Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead. -- Daniel, age 9 .--.-. ( ( )__ (_, \ ) ,_) '- \\---' _\\ \\ . '.\:.' .':`(\ ' \\ \\ \\ \\ \\ \\ \\ _ \\/@) /(&\ (@(\&\ <*****> ` \/ \.=^=. .""". .=^=. \ \```\\(/a a\)//```\\ \ \ ( L ) }} {\ \ __ \ = / }} {{\ '--,/'-'\,---. }} {{ \ |`-._/\_.-'| \ }} {{ \| || |\ \}} {{ |___o()o___| > )} {{ |__((<>))__|` .'}} {{ \ o\/o /`` }} {{ ,'\ || / ', }} {{.' \ || /| '.}} |'.||.' | | : | | : | | : | | : | | : | | : | jgs |____:__| (_/ \_) When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath again, somewhere there's a tornado. -- Reagan, age 10 Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go south for the winter. -- Sara, age 6 Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter. -- Jared, age 8 .--,.-, /.-',\:.\ .===. ,;;,;;, /; \\:.\/ _) ;;;;;;;;; |' \\:( _,`'> ';;;;;' |; \\(_/ ._= ';' |; ;/ /`|\ /, _/ |-' `\ /; __//( \_,;;,;;, |; __/ / \ /);;;;;;) | _/|/ / \/`';;;;;' ,;;,;;, |/ / ( ';' ;;;;;;;;; ( .-, \ ';;;;;' ) /`\ ) \ ';' '._/|/| |.' jgs _// \| | / || |/ / | `\| ' All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it. -- Antonio, age 9 My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. -- Ashley, age 9 Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over it. -- Vicki , age 8 What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them. -- Sarah , age 7 --- ...LOL! Adorable! Thanks Linda! =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: == == <^\()/^> <^\()/^> \/ \/ \/ \/ /__\ . ' . /__\ == /\ . | . /\ == <^\()/^> !_\/ ' | ' \/_! <^\()/^> \/ \/ !_/I_|| . ' \'/ ' . ||_I\_! \/ \/ /__\ /I_/| || -== + ==- || |\_I\ /__\ /_ \ !//| | || ' . /.\ . ' || | |\\! /_ \ (- ) /I/ | | || . | . || | | \I\ (= ) \__/!//| | | || ' | ' || | | |\\!\__/ / \I/ | | | || ' . ' * || | | | \I/ \ {_ __} | | | || || | | | {____} _!__|= || | | | || * + || | | | || |__!_ _I__| ||__|__|__|_|| A ||_|__|__|__||- |__I_ -|--|- ||--|--|--|-|| __/_\__ * ||-|--|--|--||= |--|- | | || | | | || /\-'o'-/\ || | | | || | | | |= || | | | || _||:<_>:||_ || | | | ||= | | | |- || | | | || * /\_/=====\_/\ * || | | | ||= | | | |- || | | | || __|:_:_[I]_:_:|__ || | | | ||- | | _|__| ||__|__|__|_||:::::::::::::::::::::||_|__|__|__|| |__|_ -|--|= ||--|--|--|-||:::::::::::::::::::::||-|--|--|--||- |--|- jgs|- || | | | ||:::::::::::::::::::::|| | | | ||= | | ~~~~~~~~~^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^~~~~~~~~~ >I Refuse I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why: I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team. He is all-wise and powerful. Jesus' His Son's name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end; His presence is my comfort; He is my dearest Friend. When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty Lord; Into Jesus' arms I go. When circumstances threaten to rob me of my peace; He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease. When my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control; Jesus gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul. The great "I AM" is with me. My life is in His hand. The great "Son of God" is my hope. It's in His strength I stand. I refuse to be defeated. My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, As through this life I trod. I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God I'm resting in His love. I give God thanks in everything. My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, the victory mine; Jesus'll help me win the race. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!!! Pass it on! "Vision is not seeing things as they are, but as they will be..." -Unknown -<>- ,-~~~~-, .-~~~; ;~~~-. / / \ \ { .'{ O O }'. } `~` { .-~~~~-. } `~` ;/ \; /'._ () _.'\ / `~~~~` \ ; ; { } { } { } { } { } / \ / \ { { { }~~{ } } } jgs `~~~~~` `~~~~~` (`"======="`) (_.=======._) >JUST LOVE By: Joseph J. Mazzella Our new Saint Bernard puppy, Buddy just keeps growing and growing. He is already nearing the eighty pound mark and I know that he has another hundred to go after that before he is full grown. The biggest thing about him, though, seems to be his heart. Although, he prefers the company of my wife and daughter to anyone else he still seems to have more than enough love to share with the rest of us. Buddy doesn't hold his love back for anyone be they man, woman, dog, or cat. Buddy loves the whole world and he seems to take his greatest joy in sharing that love with everyone he meets. I only wish that one day I will be able to love as easily and freely as Buddy does. I hope that one day my entire life will be a gift of love: given freely and with joy. I hope that one day my love will be free of all judgment, all fear, and all conditions. I hope that one day my love will be as pure as this puppy's love and as strong and beautiful as the love God gives me everyday. Mother Teresa once said: "We have been created to love and be loved." God made us to love. When we refuse to love we slowly kill the beautiful soul within each of us. When we refuse to love we exist without really living. When we refuse to love we deny the true purpose of our lives here on Earth and waste the precious time that we are given here. Let us all follow the advice of a wise dog I know then and just love. Let us give up our worries, struggles, and fears and just love. Let us abandon our prejudices, hatreds, and judgments and just love. Let us live the way that God meant for us to live towards Him, ourselves, and our neighbors and just love. By just filling our hearts and souls with love and sharing that love with everyone everywhere we can make our lives blessed and make this world a better, more beautiful, and more loving place. -<>- ."-. /X | _o.----. _ /\_ \/ / __ \_// ) jgs \__)-/_/\_____)____/ >I Almost Sold Your Son for a Quarter Several years ago a preacher moved to Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, you better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it. Then he thought, "Oh", forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from God and keep quiet." When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change." The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking lately about going to worship somewhere. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change." When the preacher stepped off the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, and held on, and said, "O God", I almost sold your Son for a quarter". Our lives may be the only Bible some people will ever read. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Interview with God http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/popup-frame.html Maxine On St.Patrick's Day! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonpatday.html Graffiti Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/graffiti.html Never Give Up! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html Attitude Is Everything 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude3.html Overseer http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/overseer.html The Sacred Secret! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/secret.html 90/10 Principle http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/giving.html Proud Of Our Troops 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops3.html Winter Wonderland And Life lessons http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lessons.html When Artists Get Bored http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abored.html Enter At Your Own Risk! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/risky.html -<>- >From Our Friend KarenF :) Dancing with tractors... She sent us one we have here... Texas Rules Of Etiquette http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/texas.html --- ...TeeHee! Good one! Thanks KarenF! -<>- >From Our Friend PatDeE :) [Politics] *Herewith are some shocking statistics and conclusions. It is long, but worth the time spent. There Will Be No Economic Recovery. Prepare Yourself Accordingly.* Quite an interesting presentation by Stefan Molyneux that is jam packed with lots of shiny figures and colourful charts. Video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYkl3XlEneA#%21 --- ...Most interesting! Thanks PatDeE! Good reasons to PRAY for America - every day! -<>- >From Our Friend RWear And Geniann :) [Politics] HIP! HIP!! HOORAY!!! A Must Read!!!!! Obamacare Amendment Forbids Gun and Ammo Registration http://tinyurl.com/aoerdvs --- ...Something good from Obamacare? Amazing! Thanks Rwear and Geniann! 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 CupO'Cheer: _..._ .~ `~. / } \ _.'`~~/ {_,} -( ,'-,___.' .-. / |_ /| __| |__ / ` |_/ [__ __] / \ / | | / '--;_ | | _\ `\ | | / |`-.___. / | | ^^^jgs^^^`--`------'`--`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >FOCUS ON THE BEST You always get more of what you focus upon. So, what are you focused upon right now? Are you focused on the problems, the distractions, the frustrations, the excuses, the shortcomings and the annoyances in your world? Or, are you focused on your dreams, your greatest possibilities, your positive passions, and on the things that you value most? You can choose your focus in every moment, and by doing so you can choose the reality of your life. Though it may seem that circumstances conspire to steal your focus, they can only do so with your cooperation. Yes, there are plenty of things that will pull your focus in a negative, destructive direction. And yet, you have the strength and the ability to persistently pull your focus back in line with your most positive and empowering intentions. It’s not that difficult to maintain your focus. It’s just a matter of overriding some negative habits you may have developed. Focusing on what’s positive and productive and empowering is actually a lot of fun, and the more you do it, the more you’ll like it. Focus on the best you can imagine, and watch all those good things grow more abundant in your life. Ralph Marston -<>- >BIRTH ORDER This sums it all up! - People born before 1946 were called Thhe Silent generation.. - People born between 1946 and 1959 are called The Baby Boomers. - People born between 1960 and 1979 are called Generation X, . - And people born between 1980 and 2010 are called Generation Y, Why do we call the last group Generation Y? Y should I get a job? Y should I leave home and find my own place? Y should I get a car when I can borrow yours? Y should I clean my room? Y should I wash and iron my own clothes? Y should I buy any food? -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >THE POSITIVE POWER OF HAPPINESS It is simple and easy to be happy. The hard part is convincing yourself, and getting past your own resistance to happiness. You might assume that just because things are one way or another, there is no possibility of happiness. Yet that assumption is entirely mistaken. You know precisely how to be happy, how to create the feeling of happiness within yourself and how to express it within any context. You've done it many times in a whole lot of different situations. Your happiness does not come from the moment, or the surroundings, or even from the people around you. It comes from you, and from your decision to feel its positive power. Go ahead and skip right over all those reasons why you can't be happy. Instead, think of the times when you have been happy and recall the strategy you've always used to bring that happiness to life. Activate that very same strategy right now. Bring the positive power of your own happiness to this very moment. ~Ralph Marston~ -<>- .---. /` ___|`\ |_/ \| ( -/- ) \_ - _/ .-'|_|'-. / \ / O \ / _____!_____ \ /.-------------.\ \| ,;, |/ | ;;; | | ;;;;;;;;; | | `';;;'` | | ;;; | | ;;; | | ::: | | ';' | | | _| _ __ __ _|_ jgs_/ _ __ ___ __ _\_ _/ __ ___ _ ___ __ _ \_ >FROM SHAME TO HOPE, AND BUYING A VAN WITH CASH Kevin East In 2004, my assistant walked into my office in tears. Drowning in debt, she was struggling hard to keep her head "above water." She was upside down on a car, owed thousands in student loans, and had credit cards piled up as well. That day in my office, it took me quite some time to find out exactly how bad her problem was. She had convinced herself that no guy would ever want to marry her because of the financial situation. Shame, despair and hopelessness could accurately describe her countenance. Through tears, she finally laid it on the line. She had roughly $43,000 in debt. I couldn't believe the weight she was carrying with this. To her, the future looked bleak; after all, she was doomed to a life of singleness (not the good kind -- the kind where you think nobody wants you), would never be able to stand up tall around people who "had it together," and certainly would not be able to do fun things like buying a home or feeling peace. That day, I believed there were three things she really needed: 1. A plan. I'm not talking about an in-depth plan, but just something written out on paper that could act as a map of sorts to show her what she should do. This plan could take most of the thinking out of the financial stuff for her. She could come up with it and then -- just like a recipe for cooking - follow it step by step. We worked on this together, but she really set her goals in front of her, one little step at a time. 2. Some inspiration. She got the book that most of us have heard of, The Total Money Makeover, by Dave Ramsey. Yes, it had a lot of practical financial wisdom that she could glean but even just as important, had story after story of people who had gone before her and killed their debt as well. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. 3. A quick "touchdown." She needed a quick "win," to show her she could do this. Sure enough, within weeks of our meeting -- because of how great an assistant she was -- she earned a bonus. I knew right away what she would do with it; the first step in her plan. Sure enough, she did. But it didn't stop there. She was just getting started. That day was 6 years ago. Within a year or two of our meeting, she married a great guy (UT fan, but still a great guy). When she and Chris teamed up, they quickly became unstoppable. They put every little penny they had toward this debt and began punching it straight in the face. Then they started selling junk valuable possessions of theirs. Garage sale after garage sale, their most infamous sell was one of those Tony Little gazelle machines. Chris went round and round with a lady to get a whopping $100 for it. Again, it didn't stop there. They realized their junk valuable possessions were becoming scarce. At the same time, their momentum was getting stronger and stronger, and they didn't want it to slow down. Their solution: sell other people's junk valuable possessions. I remember them working out agreements with people to host garage sales for them, and in return, they would keep a portion of the revenue. Brilliant. Since that day 6 years ago, I have watched her fall in love with a great guy (hi Chris), get married, have two beautiful little babies (hi Cooper and Emory), pay off every last penny of their $43,000 of debt, buy a house, all while working through the every day financial speed bumps along the way. This week I knew I wanted to write a quick blog post about this when she and her husband pulled up in front of our house in their "new" $14,000 van they bought this past weekend WITH CASH. Wow, what a different place she is in only 6 years later! Not only is she out of debt and paying for vehicles with cash, she has a great marriage because of the team she and her husband became through the whole process. If you are in a similar place where she was years ago, I'd encourage you to come up with a plan, be inspired, get a quick touchdown, and then start smacking your debt in the face. You'll be glad once you do. Has anyone else gone through this as well? If so, what helped you? If not, what is holding you back? as seen in Debt Busters -<>- To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ================================================================ , .-.-,_, )`-.>'` ( / `\ | | | | \ / / `=(\ /.=` `-;`.-' `)| , || .-'| ,_|| \_,/ , \|| .' |\|\ , ||/ ,_\` |/| |Y_, '-.'-._\||/ >_.-`Y| ` .-"||"-. \'----'/ |:. | |::. | /:::: \ .:::' '. /::: \ ;:::' ; |::: | |::: | |::: | ;::: ; \:::. / jgs ':::.. .' `""-----""` >Who Are These For? Story Editor: by Sarah Pearson Joyce Schowalter Washington, USA During college I worked part-time at a local company as department assistant. I enjoyed the sense of accomplishment I got from the different tasks, everyone in the department appreciated my organizational skills, and I always got good evaluations. Yet as my senior year ended, some co-workers took me for granted. I felt that I would be better off moving to a full-time job at another company. I gave my supervisor two months' notice, effective when I graduated. My supervisor was very understanding. She asked me for a detailed report about my job, to support her request for a full-time person to replace me. Over the next two months, many co-workers had troubles surface in their personal lives, and the department went into a tailspin. My imminent departure was small news compared to the tragedies all around. And my best work buddy -- a fellow part-timer -- had quit suddenly and gone on a cross-country road trip without letting me know. On my last day of work, I was surprised to discover that my desk had been moved to a storage room to make room for the new department assistant. A couple of my co-workers came in to wish me well, but that was the extent of the thanks I was to receive for three years of devotion and hard work. I felt disappointed. On one trip to the fax machine, I spoke to the receptionists. Lori and Jennifer mischievously congratulated me on my last day, when Lori asked if my department would throw me a party that afternoon. I said, No, and she didn't believe me. I convinced her it was true, and she was aghast. I told her I was fine, and it didn't matter, since my department was already gotten used to the new department assistant. I went back to my desk, and continued working. Later that day, I got a call from the reception desk. Lori asked me to pick up a package for someone in the department. "All right," I said, sighing. I went to the reception desk, and there was a vase of flowers on the desk. Lori and Jennifer were both smiling at me, and I asked, "Who are these for?" They started laughing, and I checked the card. The flowers were for me! Lori and Jennifer had written a cute note, saying that even if I was under-appreciated some places, I was very appreciated elsewhere. I couldn't believe it! Lori and Jennifer barely shared the same work environment with me. They were in a different department, and we didn't know each other very well. Still, they took the time to get me flowers. They knew it would lift my spirits and make me feel appreciated -- which made it easier for me to say goodbye gracefully. They knew my department was having problems, and instead of gossiping or complaining about it, they took the initiative and showed compassion for someone they would probably never see again. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: , __ \/ __ /\^/`\ /o \{}/ o\ If I had a flower for each time | \/ | \ () / I thought of you, my garden | | | `> /\ <` ,,, would be full... \ \ / @@@@ (o/\/\o) {{{}} _ _ '\\//' @@()@@ _ ) ( ~Y~ @@@@ _{ ' }_ || @@@@ _(_)_ wWWWw .oOOo. @@()@@ { `.!.` } || ,/ (_)@(_) (___) OO()OO @@@@ _ ',_/Y\_,' || ,\ | /) (_)\ Y 'OOOO',,,(\|/ _(_)_ {_,_} |\ || |\\|// vVVVv`|/@@@@ _ \/{{}}}\| (_)@(_) | ,,, | | || | |;,,,(___) |@@()@@ _(_)_| ~Y~ wWWWw(_)\ (\| {{{}} | | || / / {{}}} Y \| @@@@ (_)#(_) \| (___) | \| /~Y~ \ \||/ /\\|~Y~ \|/ | \ \/ /(_) |/ |/ Y \|/ |//\|/ jgs\ `\\//`,.\|/|//.|/\\|/\\|,\|/ //\|/\|.\\\| // \|\\ |/,\|/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Cheryl always signs her letters and cards to the grandkids with X's and O's. One time she asked Mikey if he knew what those X's and O's meant. He matter of factly said, "You want to play tic tac toe." -- Cheryl Barker (grandmother) of Kendalllville, Indiana Hal and Cheryl took Ben, 2, and Ally, 4, for a drive to look at Christmas decorations. After they passed a house that had a reindeer on the porch, Cheryl commented to Hal that she wasn't sure what it was because the antlers were falling off. "It's a Christmas goat," Ally politely stated. Here is another story from Cheryl. Mikey, 3, had a new game for Christmas. It is hooked up to the television and projects the kids on the screen. Mikey's mom, Jamie, turned it on and the man started giving directions, beginning with, "For best results, stand back 5 feet." Jamie had gone to the kitchen for a drink so Mikey yelled to her, "Do you have five feet?" She said no and then heard him crying. So she went in to see what was wrong. Mikey told her they couldn't play because she didn't have five feet and he didn't either! .-"""""-. \ / |.-----.| __|_______|___ '--;-'```'-;--' / / 6_6 \ \ ( ( _) ) ) ( ( .__. ) ) ( `._`-'_.' ) /`'-._`"`_.-'`\ | /___```___\ | \ |___|L|___| / \/ `"` \/ /..,_______,..\ / /\ \ | ,-' `-, | \ `\ ,-'` / jgs __LI`--`\|`.__/ ( /\ LI\ `.___,-'` \ | '.__/ Karen tells about her niece Rachel, 4, who heard the radio weather report and told her mother, "Mom, we are going to have thunderstorms, hail, wind and we are under a tomato watch!" -- Karen Walker of Knoxville, Tennessee When Papa was watching grandsons Kelly and brother Kyler for a few hours they chose to walk around the block. As they were walking, they noticed their shadows in front of them. Kelly, who just turned 4, surprised Papa by saying, "See, I am invisible!" -- Shari Mallory-Maxa of Austin, Texas Here's another one from Shari. PaPa and Mammo called to chat with the grandkids. Dad gave them the cell phone. After a good conversation with the oldest, Kyler, 6, he passed the phone to Kelly, 4, who was playing with little sister Mallory on the swing. Kelly, realizing that big brother now had sister's attention, proceeded to drop the phone. Kyler (being the big brother and so grown up) picked it up and said, "Kelly needs strong consequences for dropping the phone." Harold and Elizabeth were discussing our new president and they were saying they hoped he is a decent man. Granddaughter Caylie, 8, chimed in, "Oh, I know he is a decent man, he keeps his private parts covered!" -- Grandparents Harold and Elizabeth Wiese of Quitman, Texas _ _ (_(_) /(_) (-----. |= | _|=____|_ (_________) 8" "8 (8 6 6 8) 8 7 8 88-=###, _ jgs "888"`##,|#| `###' On a recent clear night John, 4, began a discussion about the size and shape of the moon while driving with his parents Gary and Sarah. After a short while he said, "Hey that reminds me, there is something I've been wanting to ask you." His parents had no idea what direction he was going with the questioning and were surprised to hear, "Is the moon made of cheese?" -- Gary Housholder of Avilla, Indiana Leila, 3, was smart mouthing her mother with her "whatever" and hands on her hips. Her mother looked at her and said, "Stop mouthing back to me." She replied, "I'm not mouthing back to you. I'm mouthing front to you!" -- Shawna Niblick (mother of Leila) of Fort Wayne, Indiana Leila is getting excited about turning 4 soon and told Shawna when she turns 4 she'll be a kid. "You're already a kid," her mother said. Leila answered "No, I'm a princess, when I turn 4 I won't be a princess anymore, but a kid!" (Of course, she'll always be our princess, Shawna says!) When Justin was 2 he went to Disneyworld with his parents. While getting settled in the hotel room his mom went to use the bathroom. Justin tried to follow. She asked him if she could please have some privacy. So he went out of the bathroom only to return a few minutes later to say, "Mommy, I can't find any privacy." This is one of his mother's favorite memories. He died while a senior in college. -- Donna (mother of Justin) of St. Albans, New York ,-'~~~~-. .-~~~~`-. .' \ / `. ,-'` \ / `-. / , `\/ .' \ ( `\ || /~ ) ~. `\ || /` .~ `~~._____ `\ || /` ____.~~` ___!!!GOOD>-->Happy St.Patrick's Day! When Irish eyes are smiling, sure 'tis like a morn in spring. In the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing, When Irish hearts are happy all the world seems bright and gay, And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure, they steal your heart away. ~Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr. (lyrics), Ernest R. Ball (music) St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic. ~Adrienne Cook You've heard I suppose, long ago, How the snakes, in a manner most antic, He marched to the county Mayo, And trundled them into th' Atlantic ~William Maginn If a man who cannot count finds a four-leaf clover, is he lucky? ~Stanislaw J. Lec Anyone acquainted with Ireland knows that the morning of St. Patrick's Day consists of the night of the seventeenth of March flavored strongly with the morning of the eighteenth. ~Author Unknown For each petal on the shamrock This brings a wish your way - Good health, good luck, and happiness For today and every day. ~Author Unknown May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, May good luck pursue you each morning and night. ~Irish Blessing May your blessings outnumber The shamrocks that grow, And may trouble avoid you Wherever you go. ~Irish Blessing .-"""""-. \ / |.-----.| __|_______|___ HAPPY '--;-'```'-;--' ST. PATRICK'S / / 6_6 \ \ DAY ! ( ( _) ) ) / ( ( .__. ) ) ( `._`-'_.' ) /`'-._`"`_.-'`\ | /___```___\ | \ |___|L|___| / \/ `"` \/ /..,_______,..\ / /\ \ | ,-' `-, | \ `\ ,-'` / jgs __LI`--`\|`.__/ ( /\ LI\ `.___,-'` \ | '.__/ >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 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 andd 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? 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 ************************************************************************