Heads Up! ... :) 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: 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 too hot to handle new page is from our friend Linda. I've been looking for some seasonal material and this one fit the bill! It is sure to give you the willies! Check it out here... I I ___ I ___ /^^^^___^^^^\ I /^^^^___^^^^\ /^^^/V/V/V/V/V/V\^\I/^/V\V\V\V\V\V\^^^\ /^^/V/\/V/V/V/V/V/V/V\Y/V\V\V\V\V\V\V\/\V\^^\ /^ /V/V/V\V/V/V/V/V/Vv//I\\vV\V\V\V\V\V/V\V\V\ ^\ /^ /V/V/V/V/\/V/V/vVVVv//^O^\\vVVVv\V\V\/\V\V\V\V\ ^\ / /V/V/V/vvVVV\^^^ // I \\ ^^^/VVVvv\V\V\V\ \ //vvvVV^^ \ // _I_ \\ / ^^VVvvv\\ / \ // (o o) \\ / \ \ // / \=/ \ \\ / \// / /===\ \ \\/ (/==OOO=====OOO==\) from Tom Varga Bucket List 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bucketlist3.html --- ...Nope! Not me! I'll pass on these! LOL! Thanks Linda! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: \_/ --(_)-- . / \ /_\ |Q| .-----' '-----. __ /____[SCHOOL]___\ ())) | [] .-.-. [] | (((()) ..|____|_|_|____|..................................)(... ldb >THE POWER OF SECOND CHANCES by Teri Goggin-Roberts Theodore Johnson, or "Mr. J" was my fifth grade teacher. He was a tall, slender man with a reputation for fun that made students pray to be assigned to his class. Mr. J was significant in my life for many reasons. As an educator, he brought mundane subjects to life with humor and passion. As a person, he taught me the blessing of an unexpected second chance. One Monday morning, the schoolyard buzzed with rumors about a fire in the school over the weekend. When the bell rang I raced inside, excited by the acrid scent of burnt wood that confirmed the rumors. Homeroom hummed with conversation. Mr. J quieted the class and explained that "Home Economics" would be cancelled due to a fire. He also warned us not to go near the room because it could be dangerous. At morning recess, my friend Kim and I cooked up a plan to check out the damage. A first hand observation would make us heroes at lunch. Since Kim was in a different class, we decided to synchronize a time to go to the bathroom and divert to the "Home Ec" room instead. As the appointed time approached, I ignored a growing sense of dread. I didn't want to face the consequences at home if I got caught but I also couldn't "chicken out" and face Kim after school. When the clock ticked into position, I raised my hand and got permission to "go to the lavatory." Kim was already waiting in the hall. Kim and I safely reached the home economics room. We stood on tiptoes peering through the door window trying in vain to see what was forbidden. A firm grip on our shoulders stopped my heart cold. "Where do you belong? Certainly not here!" I whirled around to find a teacher staring angrily at us. I'd seen angry teachers before, but they were always glaring at someone else, not me. In those frozen seconds millions of thoughts flashed through my mind. My father would kill me for defying a teacher. Worse than that, my mom might be so mad she might not stop him. Utter terror froze my tongue but eventually I stuttered, "I belong in Mr. J's class." My spirits sank even lower when I realized my lie to Mr. J would soon be exposed. The arresting teacher led Kim and I back to our classrooms and knocked on the doors. I stood in the hall as my captor spoke with Mr. Johnson who rubbed his chin and arched his eyebrows as he listened. I wanted to melt into the floor. There was nowhere to hide from Mr. Johnson's angry eyes when they darted toward me during parts of the story. I lived with an alcoholic father so anger meant pain and I was already nauseous from the pain in my head. The teacher swished past, leaving my destiny in the hands of Mr. Johnson -- who now hated me. I blinked hard, fighting back tears of self-loathing. Like home, I desperately tried not to let Mr. J see me cry, instead, I braced myself for a barrage of anger. But Mr. Johnson had a different lesson to teach. Slowly, he knelt down on one knee and hunched his lanky body in an attempt to look me in the eye. When I glanced up from my shoes, I was met with a look of concern rather than anger. He spoke softly and carefully as he explained why he was disappointed in my decision to go where I may have gotten hurt. I was stunned that he cared more about my safety than the fact that I'd broken a rule. There was no yelling and no berating. As I looked into the eyes of the man who could send me to unimagined consequences at home, I began to cry. The full weight of disappointing Mr. J crushed my ten-year-old shoulders. I wiped my tears and wished I'd been expelled so I wouldn't have to return to a class full of staring eyes and spend the rest of the year hoping Mr. J would like me again. But the lesson was not complete. Mr. J stood up, indicating it was time to return to class. My heart was heavy with regret as we walked. The load lifted instantly with the gentle touch of Mr. J's hand on my shoulder. I glanced up and he smiled. My love for Mr. J blossomed in the moment I discovered that he still liked me even after I'd disappointed him. Slowly, it sunk in that he didn't raise his voice or threaten me. He didn't do anything but let me feel the impact of my actions. It was the first time I felt the exquisite freedom of forgiveness. Mr. J made no public mention of my crime, nor did he tell my parents. The rest of the day he smiled and acted normally. I saw the world from a fresh angle. At 10 years of age, I couldn't pinpoint what was different, I just knew I felt better about myself. I also knew I'd never disappoint Mr. Johnson again. Looking back, I can clearly see what was different. When I made mistakes at home the recovery from anger took days. But on that day, trust was restored the moment Mr. J smiled. I learned many things that year, but nothing more important than the power of being granted an unexpected second chance. -- Teri Goggin-Roberts ______________________________________________ Teri Goggin-Roberts taught at a men's prison near Philadelphia where she witnessed the power of unexpected chances. She is writing a book about second chances. If you have any examples from your life and want your story to be told by Teri, please feel free to email her. =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >The First Stone (By John Fischer) Jesus once set a guilty woman free from her accusers by showing that the people who were judging her were just as guilty of sin as she was. "All right, stone her," He said to the religious leaders who were ready with stones in hand, to deliver the judgment she indeed deserved. "But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones" (John 8:7 NLT)! This incident shows us something very important about our purpose as Christians living in the world. Our job is not to throw judgment upon others, but to identify with them. The Pharisees and religious leaders were trying to separate themselves from this sinful woman they had found in the act of committing adultery. By judging her, they were going to be able to feel good about themselves in comparison. Jesus put a stop to their little charade by putting them in the same boat with the woman they were accusing. They were just as guilty. It is so tempting to think, especially after being a Christian for a while and spending a lot of time around Christians, that you are better than other people. You start to separate yourself from others, forgetting it was your sin that brought you to Christ in the first place. The gospel is represented best from people who identify with the sins of others, because they have become so familiar with their own sin. It is noted in the account that as the self-righteous leaders were convicted by the presence of sin in their own lives, "they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest" (John 8:9 NLT). That makes sense. The oldest would be the ones most aware of their own sinfulness. There comes a time in your life when you can't fool yourself anymore. The young idealists hung on as long as possible, but even they had to finally give in to the truth about their own guilt. Yes, we strive for holiness as Christians - to be "set apart". Yes, as we abide in Christ we will sin less and less. But we never want to forget that we are just as much in need of a Savior as everyone else. Our sin nature is our connection with our neighbor, our salvation is our hope, and the good news of the gospel is our message. Anyone can spot a mile away the hypocrisy of proclaiming a gospel about the forgiveness of everyone's sins but their own. --- ...Good lesson. Thanks LouiseA! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' We need to remember humility as Christians... Jesus said: Matt.11 [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Definition of the word meek? meek m?k/ adjective adjective: meek; comparative adjective: meeker; superlative adjective: meekest quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive. "I used to call her Miss Mouse because she was so meek and mild" synonyms: submissive, yielding, obedient, compliant, tame, biddable, tractable, acquiescent, humble, deferential, timid, unprotesting, unresisting, like a lamb to the slaughter Col.3: [12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [14] And above all these things put on charity [agape' love], which is the bond of perfectness. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. This is a great teaching on 'charity' - Agape' and the others http://www.truthortradition.com/articles/four-kinds-of-love =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Geniann :) ________________ \ __ / __ \_____()_____/ / ) '============` / / #---\ /---# / / (# @\| |/@ #) / / \ (_) / / / |\ '---` /| / / _______/ \\_____// \____/ o_| / \ / \ / / o_| / | o| / o_| \ / | _____ | / / \ \ / | |===| o| / /\ \ \ | | \@/ | / / \ \ \ | |___________o|__/----) \ \/ | ' || --) \ | |___________________|| --) \ / | o| '''' | \__/ | | | >Safety First - Written by a Cop for Our Own Safety Everyone in your family should read this men, women, teenage boy's and girl's (PLEASE DON'T DELETE. THIS MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE) Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one's life. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in. 1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do : The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do! 2. Learned this from a tourist guide. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you... Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION! 3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives. 4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location. 5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat. B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.) 6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT! 7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern! 8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim, raped and killed them. 9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night. 10. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full blast so that you will go out to investigate and then attack. Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors! Please pass this on! This e-mail should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby Theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle.. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass it onto them, as well. Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better to be safe than sorry.. Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one's life. --- ...Excellent Advice! Thanks Geniann! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Heads Up! Meekness as Christians is not to be confused with stupidity! God tells us to 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom' and... 1 Peter 5: [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Sober means... so·ber ?s?b?r/ adjective adjective: sober; comparative adjective: soberer; superlative adjective: soberest 1. not affected by alcohol; not drunk. synonyms: not drunk, clearheaded Vigilant means... vig·i·lant ?vij?l?nt/ adjective adjective: vigilant keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. "the burglar was spotted by vigilant neighbors" synonyms: watchful, observant, attentive, alert, eagle-eyed, hawk-eyed, on the lookout, on one's toes God doesn't want us to be a victim or cowering in fear, he wants us to be sober and vigilant - clearheaded and watching out for possible danger using wisdom in our day to day lives. That way we can be the best we can be for Him and our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _____......----------""""""""""------.._ _/"/ __...:::::;:::.... /___../ / _.--"""::::::::::::::::::::::....,o%%%%:...._.....-----""""""____.._ "\ "..____ __../-----"""""""""" ___...---"""" "\__\ """"""""""""/"---. .--"": ...--""" _./"// | | | /akn /\__//_____| `--""" / \ . ___/" "--.___/"....---|""" / ___\.... \\.."--:""""" >The Shadow Warriors War is hell. That is what my grandfather told me. He was a grunt in the Pacific theater in World War II. My father and him told war stories long into the night. My dad had his battles in Vietnam. His war was different. There were no parades when he came home. Well this is my war. Afghanistan, a miserable hot and dusty place. How the heck did I get here? Our chopper got shot down, what two days ago? I had to leave the area as the Taliban was crawling over the area looking to execute the living. As I was the sole survivor, I fit that description quite well. I knew my guys back at the base would be looking for me. But how far from the crash site had I strayed? I took five canteens with me as I know water in this land is precious as gold. I had enough energy bars and ammo to last my assault rifle for a good time. I had to assume anyone I came into contact with was not friendly. I was probably a good 240 miles from Kandahar. Night started to settle in. The tribesman seemed to know they were searching for one man. How did they know? They must have inventoried the equipment and found the canteens did not add up. Oh well, I will do what I do best, survive. Crack! A broken stick. A shadow passed by me, but no person. It was a GI. It appeared to be the Captain, but he was dead. Just then a Taliban jumped from a rock and aimed his rifle at me, the shadow figure slit his throat then dropped him to the ground. The shadow filtered into the night. I looked around me and I was surrounded by shadow warriors. My platoon was here. They were all dead! I could not see their eyes, just shadows. The captain waved his arm to me to follow. I followed. We headed out towards the valley where the village we were supposed to attacked laid. We, the shadow warriors and I arrived at the edge of the village. The Taliban had about 100 of their men there. They were gearing up for something. They had rpgs, machine guns, and heavy weapons. The next thing I know the shadow warriors entered the village and .... I can barely describe what happened. The screams were from another place another existence. I saw people shooting, running and the shadows would envelope them and they would die. The battle or rather the slaughter lasted but a short time. A few of the Taliban were left alive, but they were babbling idiots, insane. The shadow warriors came back to me. I was shaking. They waved me onward. I followed this band of banshees. We marched through the night. We wound up at the crash scene of the chopper. There the shadows formed a circle around me. I noticed a ring of dogtags around me. Daylight started to break and also the whoop whoop whoop sound of other choppers coming. I saw about four more choppers. Help had arrived, or rather more help. I looked at my shadow warriors. They lifted their hands in a salute. I returned it and held it. Then they just faded...away. I guess they had one more mission to do. They did not want to leave their man behind. I picked up their dogtags and waited for the choppers to land. I could not tell the story. Nobody would believe me. I would say we did the mission, then when we left we were shot down. Who would believe the existence of the Shadow Warriors? The end BJ Cassady -<>- .---------. _ |:: [-=-] | | | |_________| |~| |_| ,;;;;, I\ ,__ ,;;;, __, ///\\\\\ I |{ / . . \ } / " \\|| I | ) ( _ ) ( \_= _/// I |{___'-. .-'___}\___ )_\ I ||~/,'~~~~~,\~~|'---(( \ I \ // \\ | \ \ \ I \/ // | | /-/ I (/ (/ | |/||\ I | | | | I | | |____/ I :-----_o_-----: || | I | /~~|===|~~\ | (( | jgs I || |===| || ||_/ /^\ "~ '^^^' "" ((__| >Some Advice for Caregivers Focus on the present. Amy Baker, author of "Slow Dancing at Death's Door" stresses the need for "getting angry and getting over it." You can do this, in part, by learning how to separate the past from the present when dealing with, for example, a strained parent-child relationship. Practice forgiveness. Treat your feelings-for yourself and the person for whom you are caring-with compassion. "As hard as it is to do, realize that most people are only doing the best they can," says Baker. "Their meanness or lack of love for you probably wasn't malicious. They didn't set out to hurt you." Letting go can be transformative. Ask for help from a third party, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed. Cole suggests seeking aid and advice from another relative, a friend, an elder care professional, or a clergyperson or spiritual counselor. Turn it over to God's grace, suggests Baker. Sometimes the situation is too painful for you to handle on your own. Try surrendering your burden to a higher power through prayer or spiritual practice. Taking Care of the Caregiver Tune-up tactics Tend to basic needs. It's difficult to care for a person in need if you yourself are run-down. Make sure to address your immediate needs for adequate rest and sound nutrition. Schedule in a few brief but potent breaks into your day. A short walk around the block helps or a catnap can do wonders to refresh you. If you can't physically get away, you can literally take a "breather." Blow off steam. Do something active each day: walking, running, biking, swimming--anything that gets you moving. Take time to get outside and out into the world--even if it's just taking a walk down the street and back-and really pay attention to your surroundings. A regular mind/body practice can help you fight stress before it starts. Yoga, Pilates, qigong, and other mindful disciplines create greater flexibility and strength, as well as a relaxed body and mind. Again, ask for help! Being a caregiver is an extremely demanding task. Rather than becoming overwhelmed and ineffective, ask someone to share the load before it becomes unbearable. It may be as simple as having a friend pick something up for you at the grocery. Nurture yourself. Get your nails done, meet a friend for coffee. Take time to do something for you. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Dog Warriors!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogwarriors.html Backpack Cat!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/backpack.html Leaf Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/art.html Chalk Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart.html Advice For Living!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/advice.html Life Is...Continued!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifeis2.html Friends And Health!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/friendhealth.html Dirty Car Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carart.html Freaky Art Vans!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/artvan.html Awesome Bridge!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/awesomebridge.html Highway To Hell!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dirt.html Vokner Mobil RV!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rv.html Amazing Air Cars!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/aircars.html Amazing Cop Cars!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/copcars.html Dogs As Best Friends http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bestfriend.html Fall And Halloween Index http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/halloweenindex.html -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) She Sent Us one we have here... Daily With The Troops 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/daily3.html This is a short video taken by a couple of hang glider photographers! - Fly With The Eagles http://tinyurl.com/cguh6oo Air Show https://www.youtube.com/embed/zYPag3LuKlA --- ...Sweet! Thanks Linda! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA :) She sent us one we have here... Dog Days Of Summer http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogdays.html Two roosters don't make a chicken YOU GOTTA LISTEN TO THIS SONG!!! This is a husband & wife team - Lewis & Lewis - They performed at a friend's church recently. A group from California had a lawsuit against them because of this song. But. . .They're still singing it!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=iY9l_a43YLM How Great Thou Art! https://www.youtube.com/embed/dxCRIF0m79w The Bayou Corne sinkhole in Louisiana has been spreading for about a year now. Nearly 350 nearby residents have been forced to evacuate. Cameras captured the sinkhole swallowing this cluster of trees whole. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRhesBaRCME --- ...Wowsers! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann :) USS Wasp - F-35B Ship testing https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ki86x1WKPmE No App http://www.flixxy.com/the-paperless-future-emma.htm#.UTygJO3tfq0.mailto --- ...HaHa! Thanks Geniann! -<>- >From Our Friend Melinda :) Please enjoy this tribute to the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who have given so much for our country. http://www.justacommonsoldier.com/ "DO IT FOR MOM (Do it for Denmark 2) | Spies Rejser" http://tinyurl.com/qyd8axf Annabel Carberry in "A Glass of Red"" http://tinyurl.com/nccnx5u "Angola becomes 'first country to ban Islam'" http://tinyurl.com/on2x5c7 --- ...Amazing! Thanks Melinda! 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 ========================================================== ejm98 O+ _/\ f /| | \~\ >Extra Ordinary Story Editor: by David McLaughlan Joyce Schowalter Ayrshire, Scotland It was just another nothing much kind of day, in January 2009. I'd done a little shopping and was walking home with nothing much on my to-do list. I overtook a wee old lady. To be honest, she hardly registered on my radar. Just another ordinary old lady. Then she carefully sat one of her shopping bags down, straightened up and took a deep breath. The bag held a big box of soap powder. I could've carried it all day without noticing, but she hadn't made it fifty yards from the shop before stopping. I walked past... then turned back and asked if she needed a hand. She explained that normally she had a shopping cart and the box wouldn't have been a problem. But as she hadn't much money, the soap was too good a bargain to miss. While she explained I picked up the bag and we started walking. I asked her where she was going then lied and said it was exactly on my way. A few steps along I realised I had to walk really slowly so not to tire her out - which gave us plenty of time to chat. But what would we talk about? She said she was 92 in a month. Then said she was retired from The Salvation Army. She'd joined as a teenager, met her husband, her only love, at the Army College. Then they'd set out on a life of service together. She talked about the work in poor, inner-city areas. How her husband had died suddenly thirty years ago while they were both out doing the good work. She had so looked forward to growing old with him, and didn't understand why it happened, but was absolutely sure it was part of the bigger plan. Wow! As I listened, my admiration grew. I walked her to her door, despite her protests that it must be out of my way. There Mrs Thompson and I introduced ourselves and shook hands. I said it was a real pleasure to meet her. She said when I stopped she saw I had a good face. Walking away, so much ran through my mind. I was touched she'd said I had a good face. I know only too well how badly my heart would fare if held up to public inspection, so if my face looked good that's a step in the right direction. It was an honour to have helped her. Then I remembered how, only minutes before, I had thought of her as just another ordinary old lady. How wrong I had been! The more I get to know people, the more I hear their stories, the more I come to realise there is no such thing as an ordinary person. Mrs Thompson, thank you for helping me! =======HeroicStories======= >-->Story Time From Our Friend Linda :) .-. .---. .-. / `'`. .'`' \ / .''___ V ___``. \ /.' /---\ `.\ >The Two Falcons Once there was a king who received a gift of two magnificent falcons from Arabia. They were peregrine falcons, the most beautiful birds he had ever seen. He gave the precious birds to his head falconer to be trained. Months passed and one day the head falconer informed the king that though one of the falcons was flying majestically, soaring high in the sky, the other bird had not moved from its branch since the day it had arrived. The king summoned healers and sorcerers from all the land to tend to the falcon, but no one could make the bird fly. He presented the task to the member of his court, but the next day, the king saw through the palace window that the bird had still not moved from its perch. Having tried everything else, the king thought to himself, "May be I need someone more familiar with the countryside to understand the nature of this problem." So he cried out to his court, "Go and get a farmer." In the morning, the king was thrilled to see the falcon soaring high above the palace gardens. He said to his court, "Bring me the doer of this miracle." The court quickly located the farmer, who came and stood before the king. The king asked him, "How did you make the falcon fly?" With head bowed, the farmer said to the king, " It was very easy, your highness. I simply cut the branch of the tree where the bird was sitting." Moral: We are all made to fly - to realize our incredible potential as human beings. But instead of doing that, we sit on our branches, clinging to the things that are familiar to us. The possibilities are endless, but for most of us, they remain undiscovered. We conform to the familiar, the comfortable, the mundane. So for the most part, our lives are mediocre instead of exciting, thrilling and fulfilling. So let us learn to destroy the branch of fear we cling to and free ourselves to the glory of flight... -<>- .-'''''-. |'-----'| /`-.....-`\ | <_} | | .-\-. | _,._ | /# ` \ | __.-` `"""-. | \ / | ..--' `"-. `)_,._ \ '-'-' / (` )--.-"``` `"-.`'-----'` '-----------' ( ) jgs `-------------` >The Paper Bag My boss drove a luxury car everyday and it was my duty to greet him and to open the gates for him, as I worked as a watchman in his villa. But he never responded back to my greetings. One day he saw me opening the garbage bags outside the villa in search for any left over food. But, as usual he never even looked at me, it was like as if he never saw anything! The very next day I saw a paper bag at the same place, but it was clean and the food inside was covered well. It was fresh and good food like someone had just brought it from the supermarket. I didn't bother as to where it came from, I just took the paper bag and I was so happy about it. Every day I found this paper bag at the same place with fresh vegetables and all that we needed for home. This became my daily routine. I was eating and sharing this food with my wife and kids. I was wondering who this fool could be?! To forget his paper bag full of fresh food everyday. One day there was a big problem in the villa and I was told that my boss has died. There were too many guests coming to the villa that day and I didn't get any food that day, so I thought that one of the guests must have taken it. But the same thing happened the 2nd day, the 3rd day and the 4th day. It went on like this for a few weeks and I found it difficult to provide food for my family, so I decided to ask the wife of my boss for a raise in my salary or else I would quit my job as a watchman. After I told her, she was shocked, and asked me, how come u never complained about your salary for the last 2 years? And why is this salary not enough for you now?! I gave her so many excuses but she was never convinced! Finally in the end, I decided to tell her the truth, I told her the entire story of the bag of groceries, and as to how it was my daily provision.. She then asked me as to when this stopped? I told her after the death of her husband. And then I realized that I stopped seeing the paper bag immediately after the death of my boss. Why didn't I ever think of this before? That it was my boss who was providing this for me? I guess it was because I never thought that a person who never replied to my greetings could ever be this generous! His wife started to cry and I told her to please stop crying and that I'm really sorry that I asked for a raise, I didn't know that it was your husband who was providing me with the meals, I'll remain as a watchman and be happy to provide my service. His wife told me, I'm crying because I've finally found the 7th person my husband was giving this bag full of food. I knew my husband was giving 7 people everyday, I had already found the 6 people, and all these days I was searching for the 7th person. And today I found out. From that day on-wards, I started to receive the bag full of food again, but this time his son was bringing it to my house and giving it to my hand. But whenever I thanked him, he never replied! Just like his dad! One day, I told him THANK YOU in a very loud voice! He replied back to me to please not be offended when he doesn't reply, because he has a hearing problem, just like his dad!? Oh!! May God forgive us all, for we have all, as humans, judged another person without knowing the real story behind their actions... May God forgive us all and guide us towards the right path in life. -<>- , ,nNN ,nNNNN' ,nNNNNNN; ;NNNNNNNN ;NNNNNNNN' ;NNNNNNNN; .NNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNb. ;NNNNNNNNNNNNn. ,NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNn. ;NNNNNNNNN' ""YNNNNNNn. NNNNNNNNN; ""YNNNNNNn. ""YNNNNNN ""YNNNNNNn. ""YN' ""YNNNNNNn. /\ ""YNNNNNNn. .nNNNNNb. _______ ""YNNNNNNn. dN(o)NNNNNNNNN"NNNNNNb. ""YNNNNNNn. dNNNNNNNNNNNNNP" ""NNNNNNb _ ""cgmmP YNNNN"NNNNNNNN N NNNNNNNNN( ) "" ""'dNNNNNNNNb. "YNNNNNNN_X_ "YNNNNNNNNNNN N NNNNNNN YNNNNNN.. .dNNNNNNP "YNNNNNN.NNNNNNP" NN """"" NN nn nn >The Pickle Jar The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar. As a small boy, I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar. They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled. I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar to admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window. When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank. Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck. Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully 'Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son. You’re going to do better than me. This old mill town’s not going to hold you back. Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly. these are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me.' We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm. When we get home, we’ll start filling the jar again.’ He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar. As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other. 'You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters,' he said. 'But you'll get there; I'll see to that. No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me, when you finish college, Son, he told me, his eyes glistening, You'll never have to eat beans again - unless you want to.' The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed. A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words: he never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me. The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad’s arms. ‘She probably needs to be changed,’ she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes. She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room. 'Look,' she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak. This truly touched my heart. Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for GOOD in others. The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart ~ Helen Keller - Happy moments, praise God. - Difficult moments, seek God. - Quiet moments, worship God. - Painful moments, trust God. - Every moment, thank God. Pass this message on!!! --- ...Aww, Very touching! Thanks Linda! ========================================================== >-->From Kidwarmers: . // _.-"""""'//-'""""-._ .', , , , : : ` ` ` `. / , , \'-._ : :_.-'/ ` ` \ / , , :\(_)\ /(_)/ : ` ` \ | , , , \__//\\__/ . . ` ` | | . .:_ : : '--`: : . _: ; :| | : : \\_ _' : _: :__// , , | \ ` ` \ \/ \/\/ \_/ / , , / \ ` ` \_/\_/\_/\_/\/ , , / `._ ` . : : : , , _.' `-..............-' bni >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY Recently Barbara took her cat Frisky to the vet. After Barbara had signed in and taken a seat to wait for an examination room to become available a woman came in with her dog, cat and two very energetic little girls, ages 4 and 2. The little girls were all over the waiting room wanting to pet the animals and talk with the owners. Frisky was in a carrier that was hard to see into but that didn't stop the girls from coming over and asking about the cat. At that moment the nurse opened the door and said, "We're ready for Frisky." As Barbara stood up to walk into the examination room the 4-year-old looked up at Barbara and said "your name is Frisky?" Needless to say, the entire room was in hysterics! - Barbara Agee of Phelan, California Grandsons Christopher, 6, and William, 3, were visiting Granny and Grandpa Wiese recently. They both came running in the house yelling, "Granny, we found a tunnel" Granny asked, "Where is it?" William replied, "In the gwound!" Another grandson of the Wiese's, Dalton, 8, was taken by his parents to a new cafe in town called "Grannys". He kept looking around until his mom asked "What are you looking for?" Dalton replied ,"I'm looking for New Granny!" He calls Granny Wiese "New Granny" and thought she would be in a place called "Grannys." - Harold and Elizabeth Wiese of Quitman, Texas __J"L__ ,-'`--...--'`-. / /\ ___ /\ \ J "" \_/ "" L | | J /\/VWV\/\ F \ (/\/\_/\/\) / "-._ _,-"Krogg """"""" The 4-year-old was all set to demonstrate his bike riding skill and said, "Get your camera. This is gonna be good." Grandma asked the little fellow, "Why did you put worms in your pocket?" His quick reply was, "So the birds won't eat ~em." Zelma's granddaughter Breann started first grade this year. She came home from school and said, "Mom, this little boy asked me if I would marry him." Her mom asked, "What did you say, Breann?" Breann said, "Well, I told him, ~Maybe, if you can find me when I grow up.'" - Zelma Feltner of Kendallville, Indiana Patti of Caldwell, Idaho, sends this story about her youngest grandson. Dad: What do you boys want for dinner tonight? Son, 8: Can we have McDonald's tonight? Dad: Suuuure if you can spell that, then we'll have it. Son (after thinking for a few seconds): Can we get KFC then? /} _,---~-LJ,-~-._ ,-^ ' ' ' ^:, : . ' ' : : /| . /\ ' : : . //| // \ ' : : `~` /| `^~` ' ; : ' //| ' : : \-_ `~` , ' : ; . \.\_,--,_;^/ , : : ^-_!^!__/^ , : :, , . , : -ZEUS- ^--_____ . ;` `^''----` A chat between Maya, 3, and her mother: Maya: Mama, do you remember Brendan? Mama: Yes. Is he funny? Maya: No, he's a boy. Jennifer Decker (aunt of Maya) of Angola, Indiana Maya's mother needed to get her hair done. One day Maya, 3, was looking at her mother and said, "Mama, you have jungle cat hair!" Katelyn, 3, was being watched by her Uncle Juan while Dawn and her husband went on a much-needed date. Katelyn was playing chase the dog around the house. She tripped over the dog and got an "owie" on her knee. He didn't see any type of injury, but Uncle Juan kissed it to make it better. Katelyn said it felt better, but two Oreo cookies would make it feel much better. - Dawn Keen of Santa Fe, New Mexico They were on a long car trip recently and Katelyn was getting a little tired of being in her car seat. She saw her dad's white shirt on the back seat next to her and asked if she could play with it. Dawn told her yes. She put it on over her head and started making ghost sounds. She took off the shirt and said, "Did I scare you?" Dawn pretended to be scared. Katelyn entertained herself this way for about 30 minutes. .,' .''.' .' .' . ' . ~,' `.~ . ` . . ' . ' .`:_. . _:'. ` . ` . .' .' , .'^'. . `. `. . . .A. . . .A. . . .d000b. .d000b. ' ' .d0000000b. .d0000000b. ` ` . . . . db . . . . d00b ` `?0o. ` ` ' ' .o0P' ' . `?00 ooooo. .ooooo 00P' . . ` . `?00000P ?0bd0P ?00000P' .' . ' . . `~~ ~~~~ .~~' . . ~ - ~~ - ~ Zelma was babysitting Cheyenne, 4, and her sister Dakota, 1. They wanted pancakes so Zelma was making them. Cheyenne came up to Zelma and said, "Zelma, you are my best friend in the whole world." Zelma said thank you. Then Cheyenne extended her arms and said, "Come on, Zelma, give me a big hug!" - Zelma Feltner of Kendallville, Indiana Here's another story from Zelma. She was babysitting a 4-month-old, a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old. The older two were looking at the baby. The 3-year-old said to the baby, "Hi, little one." Then the 3-year-old told the 4-year-old, "Don't touch the baby's bib because she always pits up!" Rita took granddaughter Teal with her to the food store. Teal sat in the bottom of the cart in a "car" for kids. All at once Teal said, "Stop, Grandma!" Teal got out and went to the front of the little car. "I had to check the oil," she told Rita, as she climbed back into her "car." - Rita Maurer of Kendallville, Indiana Krista asked Audrey, 2, (after she coughed all night long) if her throat hurt. Audrey said, "My feelings hurt." - Krista Atz Hershey of Union City, Indiana \\\ ||| oooo$$$$$$$$$$$$oooo oo$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$o oo$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$o o$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$o o$$$$$$ $$$$$$$ $$$$$$o o$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$o $$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$ $$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ o$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$ $$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ o$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$" "$$$ $$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ o$$ $$$$ $$$$ ""$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$"" $$$$ o$$$ "$$$$o $$$$ $$$$$ $$$ o$$$ $$$$o . "" """"" "" . $$$" "$$$$o $$$oo oo$$o$$$ "$$$$$$$$$ o$$$$ $$$$ $$$$$"" ""$$$$$$ooo$$$$$ooo$$$$$$$$$"" ""$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ """$$$$""" unknown Early one morning Carol was alerted by a voice that called, "I'm SCARED. I had a BAD dream." The tyke gestured to his lower leg and continued, "A little dog bit me. Old Bob (alias vagabond, neighborhood mutt) and a whole bunch of dogs were there. I was scared." He snuggled on Carol's lap as she attempted to calm him by saying, "That's too bad. I'm sorry. I'm glad it was only a dream and not for real." He didn't skip a beat and said, "My leg still hurts!" - Carol Young of Albion, Indiana Zeta asked what Retta was writing in her journal. Retta said, "This is a journal all about you!" Zeta said "For what?" Retta told her that one day she would give it to her and she could read about all the funny, sweet things she does every day! Zeta said, "Wow, that's gonna be a good book to read!" - Retta Lewis of Fremont, Indiana Katelyn, 3, got a princess outfit from her cousin, Adrienne. She has been wearing it a lot. It is hard to strap her in her car seat because of it. So they end up bringing it in the car so she can put it on when they get to their destination. One day, the forgot the costume. Katelyn wanted to go home and get it. Dawn told her no. Katelyn put her hands on her hips and said, "My prince won't recognize me because I won't have my princess outfit on!" - Dawn of Santa Fe, New Mexico Elizabeth is in the first grade and her mom came and ate lunch with her at school. Elizabeth told her mother, "I don't think my teacher has a good memory." When her mother asked why, Elizabeth said, "She asks us every day, 'Now do you remember what we learned yesterday?'" - Utanah Williams (mother of Elizabeth) of Pocahontas, Arkansas Edie writes: Every summer we make the trip to North Carolina from Upstate New York to bring back some of our grandchildren. We have been doing this for years. This summer it was Tyler, 18. He was a lot of help keeping the grass mowed and working on projects with his grandpa. He was so surprised to learn that Nana wasn't my given name. All of his life that was all he had ever heard anyone call me. That got me to thinking about other children not knowing names of family members. Sometimes a man with the name of Robert will be called Bob, Richard will be called Dick. Elizabeth will be called Liz. Do your children know the given names of their grandparents? Do they know that Uncle Bill's real name is William? Talk to them about family names and share the family history when it comes to names. .-'\ \:. \ |:. \ /::' \ __/:::. \ _.-'-.'` `'.-'`'._\-"`";.-'-, .`; : : : : : `. / : : : : \ / :/\ : /\ : : \ ; : /\ \ : : /\ \ : ; . : / \ \ / \ \ . ; /_)__\ \ : :/_)__\ \ : ; ; `-----`' : , :`-----`' ; | : : / \ : : | | / \ \ : : | | : : /___\ \: : | | : : `----`' : | ; |;-.,__ : : __.-'| : ; ; : || \ \``/'---'\`\` / || ; . : \\ \_\/ \_\/ // ' . ; \'._ /\ /\ _.-'/ : ; \ : `._`'-/ /\._./ /\ .' : / `\ : `-.\/__\__\/_.;' : /` jgs `\ ' : : : : /` `-`.__` : :__.'-` `-..`.__.'..-` >HAVE FUN AND GET IT ALL DONE Long before they start school, word recognition experiences help children begin to develop the skills they'll need to succeed at learning. But how's a Pooped-Out Parent supposed to find time for ABC's and 123's? • When you're cooking, point out the labels on familiar cans and boxes. You might say something like this: "What is in this can? You're right, it is corn! The word on the can is corn. Let's spell it together. C-O-R-N." • When you're nearing a stop sign you might say, "Do you know what that red sign says? It says STOP! It means that I must stop the car. Let's spell the sign together: S-T-O-P." • When you're grabbing the mail from your box, you might say to your toddler, "The number on our mail box is 257. We live at 257 North Main Street." For more Teachable Moments go to http://www.before5.org Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Fan :) __..-' _.--'' _...__..-' .' .' .' .' .------._ ; .-"""`-.<') `-._ .' (.--. _ `._ `'---.__.-' ` `;'-.-' '- ._ .--'`` '._ - ' . `""'-. `---' , ''--..__ `\ ``''---'`\ .' jgs `'. ' `'. >Don't Be Afraid Don't be afraid to lift your wings And soar through life each day Find joy and love and happiness As you go along your way. Life is steeped with ups and downs And troubles not so fun Chin up high and shoulders back We meet them one by one. Don't be afraid when sorrow comes The answer is quite clear Get down upon your knees and pray For God is always near. ~ Charlotte Anselmo --- ...Sweet! 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