Holding God's Hand... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ , _/ \_ _,--. < , > .-'.' /(/.\ .' .' .""". `/ ` / / / \ /) ; ; ,_.;._ _;-'}/ | | '. )( /' | | /'-._/\_.-' ; ; \_.' \ , \ \ / | _.'/ '. `'-\ /.-/.;,\ '-._ `"""""`_.|`"""`| jgs `"("\/")` |# | \(_/ `-...-' *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. While the ads on the website do help, I don't want to drag the site down with tons of them to pay for it. I need your help! * * *%%* ,,,,, *%%* *%%%%%* W*W*W*W *%%%%%* *%%%%%%%* {//"\\}*%%%%%%%* *%%%%%%%%%*{{/6.6\}}*%%%%%%%%%* *%%%%%%%%%%%*{{( = )}}*%%%%%%%%%%%* *%%%%%%%%%%%%*}}}}) ({{{{*%%%%%%%%%%%%* *%%%%%%%%%%%* {{{{ }}}} *%%%%%%%%%%%* *%%%%%%%%%* We are each of us *%%%%%%%%%* *%%%%%* angels with only one wing*%%%%%* jgs *%%* And we can only fly *%%* * embracing each other. * -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ * 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 smoking hot new page comes to us from our friends Linda, LouiseAu and Geniann. It is a sweet one sure to give you your aww quota along with plenty of smiles for the day. Check it out here... .-c. _ .., _ ( ")\ ['" 6'-' __\ / \ /_ snd `----' '-._\ Nanny Animals 4! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nannyanimals4.html --- ...Love this series! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ,;;;;;;;, ;;;;;;;;;;;, ;;;;;'_____;' ;;;(/))))|((\ _;;((((((|)))) / |_\\\\\\\\\\\\ .--~( \ ~)))))))))))) / \ `\-(((((((((((\\ | | `\ ) |\ /|) | | `. _/ \_____/ | | , `\~ / | \ \ / | `. `\| / | ~- `\ / \____~._/~ -_, (\ |-----|\ \ ';; | | :;;;' \ | / | | | | | -Tua Xiong | `. / >THE LADY'S HUG by Teri Goggin-Roberts The traffic in town crawled. Shoppers walked faster than the bumper-to-bumper cars could move. "Just a few more blocks," I muttered. There was so much to do and the heavy traffic was wasting precious time. Mapes was one-of-a-kind store that sold hardware, sewing notions, corny greeting cards and household goods. It'd been a fixture in town for decades. The kids loved the toy aisle, which was stocked with board games, puzzles and "must-have" items like silly putty, jump ropes and slinkys. This visit to Mapes had special significance because Christmas was just weeks away. Frankie, Sarah and Caitlin took the opportunity to verbally add things to their Christmas list as they went along. A school yard sage had informed them that Santa had super-duper ears and that writing letters to the North Pole was old-fashioned. After shopping we walked back to the car. A station wagon was double parked next to the car in front of me. Pulling out would be tricky. The space was tight, the traffic was thick and now, I had to maneuver around the double-parked car. The kids had gained energy from the toy aisle and the back seat chatter was escalating. As I pulled out I heard a loud crunch. The car was suddenly silent. In the rear view mirror, three sets of eyes were wide with fear. "It's okay," I said calmly. "I'm just going to take a look." I got out and winced when I saw the cracked taillight and scratched paint on the other car. "Just a few more inches and I would've been clear," I mumbled. Unbelievably, my Jeep was unscathed. A woman climbed out of the station wagon. She was in her mid-sixties, with a brown hat that matched her knee-length coat. She surveyed the damage. Before she could say anything I blurted out an apology. "I'm so sorry! I thought the car was clear! The kids..." The woman smiled. I stopped mid sentence. The smile was unexpected and so I waited, unsure what would happen next. The woman's grin broadened as she touched her cracked taillight. "Merry Christmas honey." My confused look made the woman laugh. "I said, Merry Christmas honey. Don't worry about this here car. I'm fine and so are you. Go on and take care of those children. My husband will take care of this." I suddenly noticed a gray haired man standing on the passenger side, nodding and smiling. Overcome with relief, I hugged the woman. The woman hugged back and whispered, "Merry Christmas sugar." I got back in the car and watched the station wagon pull away. After hearing what happened, the kids chattered about how great "the Lady" was. The rest of the day took on a glow of grace because she gave us the gift of kindness. I was sure, although I'd never know her name, I would never forget her radiant smile. Days passed and Christmas drew nearer. One afternoon, Frankie seemed troubled when he came home from school. "What's up?" I asked as Frankie slumped on the couch. "Nothin'." Which, in boy-speak meant something. Frankie's feet kicked in an up and down rhythm that kept his body busy while his 9 year-old mind worked on an unnamed problem. "Care to share?" I sat next to Frankie, carefully avoiding the scissor-chop movements of his snow boots. "Nope." Frankie's feet stopped. "Maybe later." And then he was off to play. At bedtime, Frankie didn't want to sing any songs, which he loved to do in the weeks before Christmas. Something was definitely up. I rubbed Frankie's head and asked, "Wanna talk about what's bothering you now?" Frankie shrugged, but seconds later a question bubbled up. It was one of THE questions parents face. In the category of questions like, "Why do people die?" and "Where do babies come from?" "Mommy, do you believe in Santa Claus?" I silently prayed for the right words. Seconds later I saw the Lady's brilliant smile and felt her kindness wash over me. An idea came. "What do you think?" Frankie shrugged. "Some kids at school said Santa wasn't real. They said parents put the gifts under the tree." "Are you asking me if there is a Santa, or if parents put the gifts under the tree?" Frankie hesitated. "I guess I'm asking both." I wrapped my arms around Frankie and gave him a big hug. "I am so proud of you!" "For what?" Frankie looked puzzled as he sat up against his headboard. "You're old enough now!" I moved closer and continued. "You see Frankie, while there isn't a man in a red suit, there is something called the Christmas Spirit. But when children are very little, it's hard for them to understand the Christmas Spirit so we say that someone named Santa is responsible for Christmas. Parent's know when a child asks whether Santa is real that they're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit." Frankie looked surprised. "What's the Christmas Spirit?" "The Christmas Spirit is love -- pure and simple. Every year, right around December, there's a special feeling in the air. People are kinder, they give to those who have little and spend time with friends and family. Have you noticed a change recently?" Frankie thought for a moment. "Everything seems prettier. People seem happier." "That's the Christmas Spirit at work. Do you remember the Lady at Mapes a few weeks ago?" Frankie nodded and grinned. "Oh yeah! She was so nice!" "She had the Christmas Spirit. She forgave me even though she didn't know me. She wished me a Merry Christmas and I can still feel that wish today. That's how I know she shared the Christmas Spirit with me. It's as real as if she'd given me a present with a pretty bow. The Christmas Spirit is a gift we all receive every year. And those who are most blessed, carry it with them all year." "I felt her Christmas Spirit too!" Frankie beamed. "Parents want their children to remember the gift of Christmas every year, so they put presents under the tree and say a man named Santa is responsible until each child asks the question you asked me tonight. Then they get to share the wonderful secret of the Christmas Spirit." "A secret?" Frankie's voice was hushed with awe. "Yes, now that you asked about Santa, I know that you're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit. But until other children ask their parents, you shouldn't tell them there's no Santa because they may not be old enough to understand yet." "Oh, like Sarah is too young." Frankie nodded and winked. "I won't tell her I promise." "When people ask if I believe in Santa, I say yes. I absolutely believe that there is a Christmas Spirit that visits each house at Christmas. Does it matter whether that Spirit is wearing a red suit? Or what we call it?" Frankie shook his head. "Nope!" "So congratulations! You are officially old enough to start learning about the Christmas Spirit." Frankie crinkled his nose. "Start learning?" "Yep. It takes the rest of your life to figure out how to keep the Christmas Spirit in your heart all year long." "Like the Lady at Mapes." I hugged Frankie and felt the warmth and brilliance of the Lady's hug once more. "Yes Bud, just like her." -- Teri Goggin-Roberts __________________________________________________ Teri says "This is a true story about the day my son learned 'the truth' about Santa. Frank is now 22 and Sarah is 18 and both are still big fans of Santa! I have shared this story with many friends over the years who faced being asked The Santa Question. I hope it helps you too!" =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp >Holding The Hands Of God (By Milton C. Gardner, Jr.) Hand-holding is, I believe, a tradition as old as the creation of mankind. Somehow, I can imagine that Adam and Eve must have held hands as they walked through the Garden of Eden. Through the centuries, lovers have held hands as an expression of fondness and devotion. In times of distress--even pain and anguish --caring people have reached out to hold the hands of the afflicted and in this silent way have said, "I care." Often, God's people hold hands as they sing or pray. Thereby, they form a "bond of love" and forge lasting bonds of brotherhood. Sometimes parents hold the hands of a child who is dreading some pain--perhaps a shot or a medical procedure. Hand-holding is reassuring and comforting. "Let me hold your hand," we say to a child when we cross a busy thoroughfare. Hand-holding affords protection. As the family of God, we have the blessed assurance of God's hand to steady and secure us. He offers His hand as an expression of His tender devotion and constant love. "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:13). In times of loneliness and pain, we must needs slip our hands into the strong but gentle hands of God. He loves, He cares, and He protects His own. --- ...Thanks LouiseAu! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' This is a wonderful verse: "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:13). We know God is Spirit and doesn't have hands yet in this verse God comes down to our level and relates to us saying He will hold our hand. In the bible this is called personification - giving God human qualities so we can better relate to Him. God said He will hold our hand. This is a most intimate action for we know our hands are most sensitive to touching and hand holding. As this teaching noted, lovers hold hands and parents take the hand of a child to guide and protect them. Notice also God described which hand? He simply could have said He'd hold your hand. But by specifying the 'right' hand, God is saying He'll take your strong hand. God is telling you He will be there to intimately help strengthen you, guide you and uphold you during even your strongest of times - not just when all seems lost - 'saying, fear not, I will help you.' , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Isn't God's Word awesome? God's Word is so accurate and glorious that with just one verse He can relate so very much to us if we just take the time to do as He advised us to do... 2 Tim.2: [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: >I KNOW WHO I AM I am God's child (John 1:12) I am Christ's friend (John 15:15) I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17) I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20) I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27) I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1) I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10) I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8:1-2) I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28) I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34) I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22) I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3) I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20) I am the salt and light of the earth (Matt. 5:13-14) I am the branch of the true vine (John 15:1-5) I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8) I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3:16) I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor.5:17-21) I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph.2:6) I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10) I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1:5) I have been justified (Romans 5:1) I have been adopted as Gods child (Eph 1:5) I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:18) I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14) I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16) I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13) I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom.8:35-39) I belong to God Through Jesus Christ (1Cor.6:19-20) --- ...This is wonderfully illustrated here: _,--._ ,' _.._`. ,^.,' ,-" _," ; _,----.._\|( _/,--" ,< ,' ____(_))< ___..". `. : _,-"__,-" (_)-. ,\. \ :,'..-" _,-")|(\ `._.-"_,\\ \ `.__ ,-" '-`' \.-" Y : / /:-...______...-: | | ( ( |-...______...-' ; ;_ \ ,\| | /,^/ ;._ ` . . _,' ; : : _,-' ," ' ` ,-' _," ' ' _,-"`. ;`--...______,,,--":.-" ; : : `..." '---....______,,,,---' : ; `.,." SSt Christ's Bell http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bell.html -<>- _ ' ` ,`-' __ ( ,-" "---, _ ,' `--"| ,' ,-" ' )--' / | / //",-",-._,'."-- . _ `/ .--="_.' / `. ; /`""" `-' ` \( , ` ``-\ ' ," ( ,' ,' `.._ __,-"\-, ' `-.-._,._,'__... `,-. ,' . __ \ ,-. \-: \ , __ _/-" \,--""\ \_\ \_\_/ , ,-" / ' _.--\_..." \ , { _,-" -" | ` ` `-" __..`-. \ \ ,-" __..-"" . `-._ "" __,--" __...' \ _,--" __..--"" / : _..-"" __.,-'" _.-' ,-"" _.,-"" ,' ; _.-"" ,' | _.-" ," `'..._ / ` _ / `.___...-; `"-./ | ' | ' | ' | I__ ,= .-._| |_|`.__.' KaK `--" >Christmas memories Every year the kids had their pictures taken with Santa at the nearby store. It was a special occasion as that meant it was almost time for the big day. Santa would ask them their wishes and then give them a candy cane. I taught myself how to crochet the first year I married just a small doily was my feat. then I decided to make each one a small stocking, they had their own color and would run to the tree each day to check and see if there was a treat for them. When they found something it meant time to go to bed early as Santa would be coming that night. I still have the little socks and put them on the tree it has been more than forty years now. Each year they would ask me "Mom, why do you still put that stuff on the tree??" I tell them it is a good memory feeling.... now they are all grown up with their own families and they just look at me and say, I know now, it's that good memory feeling... This year I bring them out again even though he will never be here any more, but the memories will be as alive as they were always were before. In memory of my son,,9-22-60--9-13-03 @luci G. My name is Anne Glover luci@dixie-net.com -<>- __.----. _.' `-. / _____ `-. /_.-"" ""-._ \ ." _......._ ". \ ; .-' _ ))) _ `-. ; | `/ ." _ _ ". \'. / _| .-.^ ) ^.-. |_ \/-. \ `"==-.(_).-=="' // \ `.____.-^-.____.' \ / | \`-'/ | `--' \ ` / `. .' hjw `-.....-' HARD CHRISTMAS CANDY ================================= 4 cups sugar 1 cup white syrup 1 cup water 1 teaspoon oil flavoring (not extract), your choice powdered sugar and food coloring Boil sugar, syrup and water to 295°. Remove from heat and add oil flavoring and a few drops of food coloring. Pour quickly onto a jelly roll pan that has been sprinkled liberally with powdered sugar. Sprinkle powdered sugar over candy also. When cool, break into pieces. =================================== ROCKY ROAD FUDGE =================================== 1-1/2 cups sugar 2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 5oz. can evaporated milk 1/4 cup butter or margarine 12 oz. bag semisweet chocolate chips 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 10 oz. can mixed nuts In a 2-quart glass measure, cook sugar, 1 cup marshmallows, milk, and margarine or butter on High 4- 1/2 to 6-1/2 minutes until melted, stirring once during cooking. Stir; cook 1-1/2 minutes. Stir in chocolate and vanilla until smooth. Fold in nuts and remaining marshmallows. Spread in foil-lined 8 x 8 baking pan. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into 24 pieces. --- ...My mom made the above for us every year and then I took over using this much easier recipe that even my Mom said was as good as hers... Says a lot as my mom was very picky! :) Easy FUDGE - [Under DESSERTS] http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/easy.html I find it one of the easiest best fudges - yummy too! -<>- ,,'''''',, ;;;;;,,,, '', ;''''''':;;;,, ', ``` '''' '';;;, ; .-' ` _ `;;',; ( , ' ',) '; ;; `;'`', , / ; ,:, ,' --' ',-' ; ( ;:::: ; ' ;,;;--;;' ; , , `;;;; `, ;, , , ,;;;' ; ; , , ,;;;' ; `;`'`;;;;' ; ,' ;;;' jv ;;; >Struggling with a purpose? You have a purpose in your life... Your purpose is pretty simple when you break it down. It's to Love Christ, and lead others to Christ Are you accomplishing your purpose? Do you love Christ, and lead others to him? Let the Father's will take place. Do your job, and do it well. You don't need a title for who you are for Christ. You don't need to prove anything to anyone If you must have a title to feel complete Let that title be SALVATION ! Glorify in your life with Christ. Who you are for Christ will always speak in itself Your words, and actions, will let your light shine Your heart for God will be revealed to mankind. So don't you worry or fret, trying to put a title on who you are You are a saint obedient to Christ That's who you are... That alone says it all A title won't get you to heaven But a heart dedicated to God will. No need to brag to make yourself feel good The only thing that does, is show your pride in self and not God. Many profess to Love God who have titles some even being demon possessed. Don't let a title fool you For satan can fool even the elect Don't ever push God away, being more concerned with a title How sad this would make the Lord feel So today, start calling yourself a dedicated saint. Be content with that Just know whatever else comes is a gift from God Praise him and just let the Father's will be done. Be content with who you are Gifts will die off, but a heart on fire for God never will God bless you and do your Father's will. Loose the titles Love God with all your heart Lead others to Christ It's real simple.... can you see your purpose? --Sherry Walter 2003 -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >DRIVING AWAY THE SHADOWS When Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 1865, he was carrying two pairs of spectacles and a lens polisher, a pocketknife, a watch fob, a linen handkerchief, and a brown leather wallet containing a five-dollar Confederate note and several newspaper clippings on the Lincoln presidency. Why did he keep the newspaper clippings? Some of them extol his achievements as president of the United States. In one, Henry Ward Beecher is quoted in a speech as saying, "Abraham Lincoln may be a great deal less testy and wilful (sic) than Andrew Jackson, but in the long race, I do not know that he will be equal to him." The reporter then writes, "The storm of applause that followed this seemed as if it would never cease." Why would he carry such a clipping? If we know anything about Lincoln, we know that humility was one of his most attractive virtues. I can't imagine that he read from the article during political discussions or entertained dinner guests with its keen insight. I do not know the answer to these questions. But I am aware that Abraham Lincoln suffered from bouts of serious depression. Could it be that in those "dark nights of the soul," when despair settled over his mind like a cold and heavy snow, that he could reach into his pocket and find hope? Could it be that these words reminded him of what he had dedicated his life to, the good he had tried to do and the lives he had affected? Francis of Assisi once said, "A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows." For some, that sunbeam is no more than words on a leaf of paper...a letter of appreciation from a friend, a supervisor's simple commendation or recognition for a job well done, a letter of heart-felt love from a parent, spouse or child. Blessed are they who have such a sunbeam to drive away the shadows. May they use it often. Blessed are they who give sunbeams to others. They will never be without ample light. By Steve Goodier © 2003 -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Special THANKS To Our Pear Harbor And WWII Veterans! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/militarywwii.html WILLIE, JOE AND BILL IN WWII! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mauldin.html 9/11 And Troops INDEX Page! - God Bless All Our VETS! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/911andtroopsindex.html Our Valuable Anchor! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html More Abundant Life! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abundantlife.html Notes To God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cnotes.html Bailey's Jesus!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html Finger Monkeys!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/monkey.html Woman's Dream!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/woman.html Maxine On Jesus!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonjesus.html Maria The Goose!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/goose.html At The Car Wash!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carwash.html Ladies Unleashed!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ladies.html Men Will Be Boys!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/menboys.html God's Night Lights!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/night.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Angels Are Watching!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/angelswatching.html God's Little Love Notes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/notes.html FULL Christmas INDEX! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasindex.html -<>- >Please Visit This Link to Get New Traffic For Shangrala :) Fun Pages http://www.funpageexchange.com/go.php?uid=3559 -<>- >In The News: 1000 Texas Bikers Band Together To Make Christmas Possible for Those Less Fortunate http://conservativetribune.com/surrounded-by-1000-texas-bikers/ Gene Simmons Tells Celebrities to “Shut Their Pie Holes” Regarding Politics http://conservativetribune.com/gene-simmons-celebrity-advice/ Latest From AFA: http://www.afa.net/ Latest From MRCtv: http://www.mrctv.org/ Latest RightAlerts: http://rightalerts.com/ Latest ConservativeTribune: http://conservativetribune.com/ Latest eHeadlines: http://eheadlines.com/ -<>- >From Our Friend Cloie :) If you were one of the people who said you’d move to Canada if Trump won then election then Welcome Aboard Trump Flight 1600. Welcome Aboard Trump Flight 1600 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ1D_1A9ds4 --- ...TeeHee! Love it! Thanks Cloie! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Little Richard - Rip it up http://www.youtube.com/embed/XJW-XQtycmw?autoplay=1 Nat King Cole - My Personal Possession https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCCp9w_UMCY Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Ts4M3irWM Pookie Hudson & The Spaniels - I Know https://www.youtube.com/embed/wgMLAGSXCCw?autoplay=1 The Coasters - Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart https://www.youtube.com/embed/EW62xr7cDb0?autoplay=1 Ravens - Green Eyes https://www.youtube.com/embed/sqdabkDuPmE?autoplay=1 Gene Chandler - Duke Of Earl https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gh32LxsH98U?autoplay=1 Red Skelton - Pledge of Allegiance http://www.youtube.com/embed/TZBTyTWOZCM?autoplay=1 --- ...These last 2 are favs for sure! Thanks LouiseAu! -<>- >From Our Friend PeggyT :) More Claus's Favorite Cookie Recipes: *Chewy Noels http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/rec0591.html *Chinese Chews/Haystacks http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/rec0623.html *Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/rec0766.html *Chocolate Chip Cookies http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/rec0264.html *Chocolate Chip Meltaways http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/rec0557.html *Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/rec0811.html *Chocolate Christmas Trees http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/rec0377.html *Chocolate Mint Snow-Top Cookies http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/rec0115.html --- ...Thanks PeggyT - looking yummy! Of course, she's got a million of them - Mrs. Claus that is ;) 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 SermondFodder: ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >Emotional Involvement With God [edited] An article in one of our local papers told about a fellow who did his masters thesis on the stress experienced by teenaged athletes. This school psychologist concluded that teenage athletics is a religion. It's true! The passion for the game; the cheerleaders stirring the crowd to an emotional frenzy! As the clock ticks down the final seconds, the two teams go into overtime! We rarely criticize such emotional involvement, except when there is emotion with God. After all, we don't want to be accused of being radical. Getting excited about basketball is only natural. But why get all excited about God? Why get emotionally involved with our Lord Jesus Christ? The point is this: If you are going to participate in a religion, you had better get involved in true religion rather than false religion. Now basketball is not innately evil. It is a game. Basketball is not a god, nor are basketball games religious services. But to treat them as such is to engage in false worship. Better that you should engage in true worship of the God of the Bible. Better that you should become emotionally involved with Jesus Christ His son. The First of the Ten Commandments says, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). False worship is sin. Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for sin due to people like you and me. When you turn from false worship, you must turn to Christ. When you turn to Christ, you must trust in the sacrifice of Christ as the only payment for your sins of false worship. Quite frankly, you must become emotionally involved with Christ. You see, true faith is a matter of heart. It involves your mind, your will and your emotions. Contributed by Dr. Dennis J. Prutow djprutow@rpts.edu ========================================================== _ )\_ _,-, _ _.---.._) ( _) ( .-' `. ___`)8o) (` _.' _.-:::::::o()8-` _ / .::::::::::::::\ >\_ __ _/ , .;:::::-;""))`_\::| _____):<__)\__ / \;::::" _ ,%"'%/ _.-' _.'):(_);( .| \ \::| ,%"' ,a'_|.._ _.-' _.' .-\O_);_(' | /`-. `.|:; %`,a' ,_ \/|"".-' .'__.'o8()8_(' | | \ `._ _) _.' | |""""""""| |"""")O""| |_|_ \_ \ \`-.__.'|\` /`| | | /:( | (%%%%\ `. / \ .'_`---' | | | ):( | |)%%%%| `._ / `"--' `-' | | | \(` | /%%%%%| ) .' | | | ` | .|%%%%%/ /.' `. |--------|__|--------|' .\%%%/ .;;;. `. .'|___,-._.%%%%\_______|.'| |"" ;:::::; `-.__ _.' ..._/%%|/%%%%%| | | | ;:::::; .'`.`````` ,;::::%%%%%%%%%%| _ _ | |/ |`:::' \ .-`::::::\%%%%%%%%| (_><_)| / | .'`._.'`. `:::::`%%%%%%/ _/\ | / \ .-' \:::::\%%%'|______\_|/ \ \:::::;"' `-. `._ \:::;` _)_ `. /`"' / O \ `-. .-' |~__| hjw `. _.-' |__x| `-._____.--' >'Twas The (Politically Correct) Night Before Christmas 'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck... How to live in a world that's politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to "Elves". "Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves. And labor conditions at the north pole Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul. Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety, Released to the wilds by the Humane Society. And equal employment had made it quite clear That Santa had better not use just reindeer. So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid, Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid! The runners had been removed from his sleigh; The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A. And people had started to call for the cops When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops. Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened. His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened." And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows, Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation, Demanding millions in over-due compensation. So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife, Who suddenly said she'd had enough of this life, Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz, Demanding from now on her title was Ms. And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion That making a choice could cause so much commotion. Nothing of leather, nothing of fur, Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her. Nothing that might be construed to pollute. Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot. Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise. Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys. Nothing that claimed to be gender specific. Nothing that's warlike or non-pacific. No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth. Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth. And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden, Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden. For they raised the hackles of those psychological Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological. No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt; Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt. Dolls were said to be s#xist, and should be passe; And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away. So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed; He just could not figure out what to do next. He tried to be merry, tried to be gay, You've got to be careful with that word today. His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground; Nothing fully acceptable was to be found. Something special was needed, a gift that he might Give to all without angering the left or the right. A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision, Each group of people, every religion; Every ethnicity, every hue, Everyone, everywhere...even you. So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth... "May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth." From: William H. Rayborn, President --- ...My Two cents... HO ho /| Ho m\ _x/, | / \,-L `..'`..'/_,\/_/'_| = `-=.`--.-\,-' | .| .-| /-||/-|| | \ | \ | -bf- And as he took off on his poorly conceived sleigh, You could hear him laugh with a sigh as he conveyed, Thank God we now have a man who will bring about An end to this nonsense in every ones house! President Elect Donald Trump will be our man Bringing back good logical thinking to our land. No more folly and elites to boggle our minds Only love and joy for this year at Christmas Time! =======Heartwarming======= >-->From LaughAndLift: "Meditation on God's Word has given me the help and strength to pass peacefully through deep trials. What a difference there is when the soul is refreshed in fellowship with God early in the morning! Without spiritual preparation, the service, the trials, and the temptations of the day can be overwhelming." - George Mueller The Lift _|_ | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ,%%%% // \\ ,@@@@@@@, ,%%%%/%%% // \\ ,@@@\@@@@/@@, @@@%%%\%%//%%%// === \\ @@\@@@/@@@@@ @@@@%%%%\%%%%%// =-=-= \\@@@@\@@@@@@;%#####, @@@@%%%\%%/%%// === \\@@@@@@/@@@%%%######, @@@@@%%%%/%%//| |\\@\\//@@%%%%%%#/#### '@@@@@%%\\/%~ | | ~ @|| %\\//%%%#####; @@\\//@|| | __ __ | || %%||%%'###### '@|| || | | | | | || ||##\//#### || || | | -|- | | || ||'#||###' || || |_|__|__|_| || || || || ||_/` ======= `\__||_._|| || jgs__||_/` ======= `\_||___ >Checking In Once A Day (Author Unknown) A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray. Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle, The minister frowned as he saw the man hadn't shaved in awhile. His shirt was kinda' shabby and his coat was worn and frayed. The man knelt, he bowed his head, then rose and walked away. In the days that followed, each noon time came this chap, Each time he knelt just for a moment, a lunch pail in his lap. Well, the minister's suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear, He decided to stop the man and ask him, "Whatcha doing' here?" The old man, he worked down the road. Lunch was half an hour. Lunch time was his prayer time, for finding strength and power. "I stay only moments, see, 'cause the factory is so far away; As I kneel here talking' to the Lord, this is kinda' what I say: "I just came again to tell you, Lord, how happy I have been, Since we found each other's friendship and you took away my sin. I don't know much of how to pray, but I think about you every day. So Jesus, this is Jim checkin' in." The minister felt foolish. Told Jim, that was fine. He told the man he was welcome to come and pray just anytime. Time to go, Jim smiled, said "Thanks." He hurried to the door. The minister knelt at the altar, he'd never done it before. His cold heart melted, warmed with love, met with Jesus there. As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim's prayer: "I just came again to tell you, Lord, how happy I have been, Since we found each other's friendship and you took away my sin. I don't know much of how to pray, but I think about you every day. So Jesus, this is me checkin' in." Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn't come. As more days passed with out Jim, he began to worry some. At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill. The hospital staff was worried, but he'd given them a thrill. The week that Jim was with them, brought changes in the ward. His smiles, a joy contagious, changed people, his reward. The head nurse couldn't understand why Jim was so glad, When no flowers, calls or cards came, not a visitor he had. The minister stayed by his bed, he voiced the nurse's concern: No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile; "The nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, that all the while Everyday at noon He's here, a dear friend of mine, you see. He sits right down, takes my hand, leans over and says to me: "I just came again to tell you, Jim, how happy I have been, Since we found this friendship and I took away your sin. I always love to hear you pray, I think about you every day. And so Jim, this is Jesus checkin' in." ------ Dear Jesus: Help me not forget to "check in" every day! 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 our Friend Fran :) ____ .dSSSSSb.gp. .dSSS$$$SS$$$$Sb _.dSSS$$$$SSS$$$SS$Sb .dSSS$$$$$$SSS$$$SSSSSS; dSS$$$$$S$$SSSSSS$SSS$SSS :SS$$$SSS$$SSSS$$SS$SSS$S$; :S$$$SSS$$SSSS$$SSSS$$S$S$S T$$SSSS$$SSS$$SSSS$$$S$SS$ $$SSSS$$SSS$$SSS$$$$$SSS$ $$$SSSS$$SS$$SS$P'"S$$SS$; .SS$$SP^J`^$$$$S$_ :$$SS$S dSS$$SS /dB T$$db\ ;`$$SSS :SS$$S$S; TP `;TP : dS$$SS SS$$SS$$S""" + """$$SSS$$S; SS$$S$S$$b. '--' .d$$SSSS$$; :S$$S$S$$SSS+.__.+S$SS$$SSS$$S TS$$$SS$$SSS SS$SS$$SSS$$S TS$$$SS$$S; :SS$SS$$SSS$$b `TS$$P^" "^T$SSS$$SS$$b._ .dSP::_ :;""^^T$$SS$$$Sp. _:SP'/:: ""--. .---:;" T$$SSS$$$$. My sister and I were raised in a very creative home. My father was a celebrity baker who appeared on TV and made the most amazing cakes for charity and corporate events. As typical of the 50's, our mother was a "stay-at-home mom." Mom must have been at the top of the line when God was handing out talent. She is incredibly creative and resourceful; she sewed the majority of all of our clothes while we were growing up, plus dresses for First Communion, prom, and weddings. She created our dance costumes, as well as her own clothes. Mom could knit, crochet, quilt, paint, frame anything she put her hand to. Thankfully, these wonderful talents have been passed down to her two daughters. In 2003, my sister Ruth's granddaughter got old enough to play with Barbie Dolls, and Ruth began crocheting Barbie Doll dresses. She used a hair band for the waist, and added row on row until a beautiful gown was ready. Soon, friends asked Ruth to make Barbie Doll dresses for their granddaughters, too. As word of mouth spread, Ruth realized there were a lot of little girls who loved the Barbie Doll dresses. Each dress took approximately an hour to create, and no two were alike. She loved to see the look on the little ones' faces as their eyes lit up when they received a dress. Their smiles were her favorite reward. When this journey first started, she gave each girl two dresses' one to keep for themselves, and another to share with a friend. She was teaching the children valuable lessons about friendship, generosity, and sharing. Soon Ruth started taking the dresses with her wherever she went shopping, church, dining out, traveling, etc., and began offering them to strangers. She brought some to Australia and gave some to relatives in New Zealand, so I guess you could say that they have been spread throughout the world. Dresses and dolls have been donated to schools, hospitals, bazaars, etc. As well as blessing children with a gift, she also wants them to learn about "stranger danger." Ruth is careful that every child she approaches has an adult with them and they have permission to accept the gift. Until now this has all been about girls, so you may be wondering about the boys. So that brothers are not left out, Ruth has also made trousers for Ken dolls, and keeps other small toys on hand for the boys, such as stickers, glow-in-the-dark snakes, frogs, various insects, etc. She also crochets hats, bedspreads, and other items for friends, especially those in nursing homes. I am so proud of my sister. Her kind, generous, and loving handmade gifts have blessed people of all ages. Sometimes, it's the little things in life that can make a big difference to a person. by Barbara Aramowicz --- ...Such a sweet story! Thanks Fran! Reminds me of my grandmother on my step-dad's side. She would make us Barbie, Midge and Skipper doll clothes that were fantastic! We couldn't afford the store bought clothes so only had a few of those - but she gave us a bag full of fun creations she made to enhance our young imaginations. She was such a loving, caring woman! We rarely got to see her, but when we did she made it special by how warm and kind she was. ============================================================ >-->From Kidwarmers: .-. .;;\ | /::::\|\ /::::'(); |::::' | |\/`\:_/`\/| ,__ |0_..().._0| __, \,`////""""\\\\`,/ | )//_ o o _\\( | \/|(_) () (_)|\/ \ '--' / _:.______.;_ /| | /`\/`\ | |\ / | | \_/\_/ | | \ / |o`""""""""`o| \ `.__/ () \__.' / / \ \ | | ___ () ___ | | / \|---| |---|/ \ | (| | () | |) | \ /;---' '---;\ / `` \ ___ /\ ___ / `` `| | | |` | | | | | =| |= | jgs | | | | _._ |\|\/||\/|/| _._ / .-\ |~~~~||~~~~| /-. \ | \__.' || '.__/ | \ || / `---------''---------` >THE FUNNIEST THINGS KIDS SAY Uncle Tom asked Judy, 5, if she wanted a cup of holiday cheer. She said, "NO!" The rest of the kids were surprised that she would say that and they tried to convince her that there wasn't any "booze" in it. Uncle Tom made the best kiddie cocktails. After receiving much coaxing to have some cheer, Judy finally blurted out, "Why would I want to drink anything with laundry soap?" She was thinking of Cheer laundry detergent! -- Mary Linteau (older sister of Judy. This story is from the 1960s) of Macomb, Michigan Last Easter Kasey carried her daughter Megan, 2, to the mall to have her picture taken with the Easter Bunny. They were getting close to the bunny when Megan began screaming, "He bit me! The Easter Bunny bit me!" This Christmas season Kasey and Megan were at the same mall. They were approaching the area where they were setting up Santa's chair. Megan began to scream. When she finally calmed down, Kasey asked her what was wrong. Megan said, "Santa knows the Easter Bunny!" -- Dewayne (uncle of Kasey) of Louisiana When Susan's daughter was married last year she asked Susan's grandson Dylan, 6, to be her ring bearer. Dylan and his father Mike would be traveling from Alaska to be in the wedding. Later Dylan told his father, "I don't want to be a ring bear." His father explained to him it was "ring bearer" and he would carry the rings down the aisle for the couple to give each other. "Oh," Dylan said. "I can do that! I just couldn't figure out what kind of a bear was a ring bear anyway! We have lots of bears here in Alaska, but I've never seen a ring bear!" -- Susan Avirett Joyce and her husband met their daughter for lunch because she was in Denver for the weekend. They learned Olivia, 5, had been given a job to do while her mother was gone: "Have Dad bring up the tree from the basement OR maybe you can get him to get us a REAL tree!" Olivia's eyes grew wide and she asked, "You mean a tree that walks?" -- Joyce (grandmother of Olivia) of Colorado Springs, Colorado _..--""""--...___ .---, ,' \ `'--.___ / / /`\ \ ``''--:'`--' ( ,'. '. _____..--''` )__/`-'._;__ .-'` _/ e /.-| / \ _/ | |_, ( \ / \______\__\_.-'////// |||||||||}////////;._ __/\ _..----''```` \_ / /. ( / | `'._---:./ '. '---\_;-...______. '. |_, \ ===--- / .` '-' / _.' ===--- /___.._ _..-'`\ / /`' \ '--.______ \ / / \ \ \#\ | | '---------'-. \#\ ---jgs----------| /----------------------\_\-\----------------- |__| ._\ __.' | /______| ..::::::::::::::::::::::::::.. (___#__#____ .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::' '':::::::::::::::::::::::::::::' Debi Pugh of Butler, Indiana, shares this holiday story from her aunt in Arizona: After the turkey dinner, Shae said, "Mamaw, don't put shaving creme on my 'punkin pie." Later Shae put her head on "Mamaw's" lap and said, "I love you, Mamaw, for Thanksgiving, Christmas and 'punkin? pie." Alison was looking for some important papers in her fireproof save when Claire, 4, saw Alison's passport. Claire looked at the picture and then looked at Alison and said, "Mommy, were you in jail?" The picture was THAT bad! -- Alison Hummel of Danville, Pennsylvania Mari, 2, was with her grandmother for a week. Her grandmother was arranging things and Mari was undoing things faster than her grandmother could do them. Her grandmother jokingly asked, "Are you trying to stress me out?" Mari got a big smile on her face and said, "No, Grandma, I stress my mommy!" -- Barb (Mari's grandmother) of Iowa Marcy has a very large blow up, light up Santa in the front yard. Santa stays inflated by a fan, on a timer, so that during the day he's deflated. One morning they were outside and their 5-year-old said, "Hey, what happened to Santa, he is flat?" Without missing a beat the 2-year-old said, "Daddy's mouth got tired of blowing him up!" -- Marcy in Columbus, Ohio ,;;, ';;;' )`\ .--' ) .--' / .' ( ."`-./_ _ _ _\.-'". | (` `=``_````_``=` `) | `) (0)__(0) (` /` .-( )-. `\ | ( \/ ) | \ '._/\_.' / '-._ `""` _.' jgs /'-. _.;_...-'' | ()` | '-`/\`-./ ((\\ \)\\ )) (/ When Matthew was 2 he liked to play in the dresser drawers so his grandmother told him one day to get out of the drawer. He went to the second drawer and asked, "Is this a no, no, too?" -- Myrle Brown (grandmother of Matthew) of Georgia Traci's family loves Christmas and they usually put up their tree right after Thanksgiving. Traci starts shopping in October so it's very hard for Casey, 8, to not peek. This year Casey said, "You know, Mom, I could really use a new lunch box." Traci immediately knew that he had peeked... a lunch box is not very exciting. Little does he know that inside the lunch box is the video game he has been asking for! -- Traci Walker of Lebanon, Tennessee Here is a Casey story from last Easter. Casey had gone to his bedroom to put on his pajamas. Traci had an idea to hurry and put his Easter present and his chocolate bunny on the coffee table and act surprised as if the Easter bunny had come while he was gone. The chocolate bunny had been hid in the refrigerator so when it was taken out and put in the warm room, condensation appeared on the package. Casey was so excited that the Easter bunny had come. He said, "Look, Mom, I think we barely missed him because this chocolate bunny still has dew on the box!" This Thanksgiving Jean traveled with her children and grandchildren to visit Great Grandma and Great Papa. Jean purchased a new bedroom set for Curissa, 7, and Corie Lynn, 5. They didn't have time for the mattresses to be delivered before they left. While at the home center Curissa spotted mattresses for sale and came running up to Jean saying, "Grandma, please buy these mattresses so the Counting Sheep will come to our house!" -- Jean Messenger of Byron, Illinois .-. _ _..---./ \ .'_`\' `. / _....__ | `\| \ _~- ~ ' .`'\__, ; ~_- ~ ' . . | e | ~_- ~_.._. ' . ; e <> | ~- ~/` '.' .'; \ , ; .._# -_~' \ . _\ ,__\/ /_..;/ `\ `\/`' '._ _.-;`` \\ | |.' '__`""`. ' \ \\ / / `-.' '-._ . / \\`#, / / '--;__ _.' #, ; | `//-'.# #, | \ || | #, / '._ || / #, .' `--,-....__\\-#` #, `'-...__ __.-' | ,#' #. .-.| ``__ |,#' #. / /; .' '. ;#' #, / /(_\ / \ /#' #, / /_ `'/ | /#; #, / / \_.' / .'#'| # / / / ;__.-',#' ; ### / /-._/ .' \ ,#' | '#' / /'-./`-.____.' \,#' / / /\__/ ,#' | / / #,#|_____|_ | | '#/ ||`\ , \ \ jgs _____\______||_/___/ \ `--' ( / '-------------------' Lori was traveling from Florida with her two children Savannah, 9, and Jackson, 4, to visit relatives in Ohio where it was snowing heavily. The children who don't have much snow experience living in Florida were very excited about the weather and wanted to play in the snow with their cousins. After about 5 minutes in the snow, Jackson came inside covered in white. With a perplexed and sad expression, he said, "Mom, I can't find any snowballs!" -- Deborah Hurley (co-worker of Lori) of Tallahassee, Florida The neighbor boy, Sean, Sally's granddaughter Danyelle, and Sally were talking about game boys. Danyelle said she would like one. Both children are 6. Sally asked Sean, "Don't they cost a lot of money?" Sean answered, "I got mine for Christmas. You just ask Santa." Problem solved. -- Sally Morris of Wellington, Florida When Anne's daughter, Jenny, was in first grade, she came home one day all distraught because someone told her that there was no Santa Claus. Anne told her that was too bad because Santa did not bring presents to kids who did not believe in him. She thought about that for quite awhile, then she said, "I knew she was just kidding all along." -- Anne Streit of Cherry Valley, Illinois (Jenny is now 30 and still believes!) Koen, 2, is talking his head off. His PawPaw had an old Steve Miller Band CD playing. When the selection ended, Koen asked, "PawPaw, where'd the sing go?" -- Dennis Smith (PawPaw) of Oak Ridge, North Carolina _____ .'~ ~ ~`. | a a | `. ~ .' .----'(>o<)`----. ( S S ) `---. o .---' ; o : ; o : / \ jgs / /\ \ .-' ~~ / \ ~~ `-. `.___.' `.___.' Brady, 4. and his family have moved very close by his grandparents. This spring they found out Brady's parents are expecting a new sibling for him and big brother, Nathan, 6. His grandmother was asked to babysit while Mom and Dad made their first trip to the doctor. As they said goodbye, Brady asked, "How did the baby get in there (Mom's tummy)?" The room fell silent. Then he asked, "Did you eat it?" About a week later he started "talking" to his new little sister by yelling down Mom's throat. Now he won't let his big brother sit on Mom's lap for fear the baby will be born flat. -- Rita Hubbard (grandmother) The Woodlands, Texas Renee's son is now 20 years old. One night when he was 4 Renee called him inside from playing with the neighborhood kids so that he could get ready for bed. Rob obediently came in; he ran to the window and saw his friends still outside playing and asked why Renee wasn't making them come in too. She explained that she had no say as to how late they were allowed to stay out. The next morning he got up ran to the window and observed there were no children outside playing and exclaimed, "They're just like owls, they are up all night and sleep during the day!" When Rob was 3 they went to pick up a new car. It was raining outside so while Renee and her father went in to sign papers and get the keys, her mom stayed in the car with Rob who was very upset because he really wanted to go inside too. Rob drove home with Renee's parents and Renee drove the new car home by herself. Later that day as he was looking out the window at the new car he asked Renee who got the car. She replied, "We did, don't you remember?" He didn't say anything for a while just stared. Then he exclaimed, "Wow that must have been a really big box!" Rob's best friend was Eddie. They both were 4 when Eddie's grandma came to visit. She noticed that Eddie's jeans had holes in the knees. She said to him, "Eddie, you have holes in your knees!" He looked down at his knees and said, "No, I don't Grandma, my pants do!" -- Renee Trask of Brainerd, Minnesota .---. .' , _\ _ /_____\{_} / ( . {_______} | `|_ / . . \ \_.'_} |. v .| {_.'| \ '...' / | \{`'.___.'`} \ /'._ _.'`\ \ ; o ``` \ ; o \ \_ | o_ \.'` } ;==[_]======{__.'\ \ |/) | `; .' /_/ / `- / / / /\ \ {`-._/ \ _.'`} ;-.__} {__.'\ __/ / \_ \ ( ` / / / jgs '.__/ (__.' Diane's grandson Alton Hyde is quite a talker for a 2-year-old. They had just finished a busy day when his parents came to take him home. He took a deep breath and began: "We raked leaves in a pile and we jumped in them and we swang on the swing and we played on the slide and we played with a rope in the garage and we decorated pumpkins and we put out corn and we played in the sandbox." He paused one second, smiled, and said, "The end!" -- Diane Schlemmer of LaGrange, Indiana Here's another one from Diane. Oggie, 4, began nursery school this year. His mother prompted him to tell Diane what he was learning. They had studied the letter "D" and he told Diane what "D" sounded like and gave examples of words that begin with "D." A few weeks later, Diane asked Oggie what he had learned in school that day. He replied, "We learned the F-word!" Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== .--._.--.--.__.--.--.__.--.--.__.--.--._.--. _(_ _Y_ _Y_ _Y_ _Y_ _)_ [___] [___] [___] [___] [___] [___] /:' \ /:' \ /:' \ /:' \ /:' \ /:' \ |:: | |:: | |:: | |:: | |:: | |:: | \::. / \::. / \::. / \::. / \::. / \::. / jgs \::./ \::./ \::./ \::./ \::./ \::./ '=' '=' '=' '=' '=' '=' >-->Christmas lights I love the sight of Christmas lights This season of the year; The merry sounds that now abound In melodies of cheer! I love the words that may be heard In carols that are sung; The happy cries and sparkling eyes Among the very young! I love the bells whose message tells The sweetest story told; How goodness still our lives can fill As God's great plan unfolds! I love the scenes of evergreens And wreaths hung everywhere; Soft falling snow and candle glow, And people, bowed in prayer! I love the Light, that special night, The shepherds saw afar And ran to find, sent to mankind, His bright and Morning Star! © copyright John C. Bonser >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? 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 ************************************************************************