>-->A Reminder... Make sure that your browser is set to a fixed-width font such as Courier or Fixed-Sys. Otherwise, this ASCII Art may look skewed. If the below two lines are the same length, then your browser is fine: WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Or you may View the on-line INSPIRATIONS text Here: (You may Have to REFRESH your browser) http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html This Weeks regular Shangy emails ================ >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@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 =========================== >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) >Hot off The Press! This comes from our friend Jo Ann. I do love graphics and Jo ann sent me a forward that I just had to go search out. The forward gave me the title but the pictures didn't come through. I was able to find the forward out in the great expense of our global internet and was very glad I did. The pictures are just as great as I expected! Check it out for yourself! H|| __________H||___________ [|.......................| ||.........## --.#.......| ||......... # # ......| @@@@ ||......... * ......| @@@@@@@ ||........ -^........| , - @@@@ ||.....##\ .......| | '_ @@@ ||....##### /###.....| | __\@ \@ ||....########\ \((#.....| _\\ (/ ) @\_/)____ ||..####, ))/ ##.......| |(__/ / /|% #/ ||..##### '####.....| \___/ ----/_|-*/ ||..#####\____/#####.....| ,: '( ||...######..######......| |: \ ||....."""" """"...b'ger| |: ) [|_______________________| |: | H||_______H|| |_____,_| H||________\| | / ( H|| H|| | /\ ) H|| H|| ( \| / _H||_______H||__ | /'=. H|________________| '=>/ \ / \ /|/ ,___/| When Graphic Artists Get Bored http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/abored.html --- ...Loved it! Thank You so very much Jo Ann!! -<>- >Please be sure to visit all our new pages for last month: Wyoming Cowgirl http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/cowgirl.html Flower Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/flowerart.html Matchstick Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/matchstick.html The Bible http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thebible.html Creation Mountain http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/creationmuseum.html Identity Theft http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/identitytheft.html Awww Animals 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animals3.html Code Of Ethics http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ethics.html Bear Playground http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bearplay.html Just Have Faith http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faith.html *~* PLEASE Do Pass These On To Your Friends And Loved Ones! -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| How many times Oh Lord? by emb | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' This was my question this morning to God. How many times must I tell people and show people and still have people who do not get it? I was actually thinking of not even bothering with this one even though it was on my heart. ,-. ,-. __ ( )) \ )\ ,"::". ) ( ,-. \ \|::::::( )/%%/ \ \::::::/) (/%%/ `__\:::,-"-. )%/ ,####`'/88888\-' |#### #|\88888/ PARTY TIME!!! \######/)`.8,' `####'(.-'7\ `7`-().,'/) /)/`y( ( ( ( )\ ` ' ` ` hjw There was an 'inspiration' entitled 'When Death Becomes Birth' posted by InspiredBuffalo this week and then sent to me by one of our group friends. This one left me with that horrible creepy feeling. It spoke of how heaven is just waiting for you to die because as soon as you do, they have a grand old coming home celebration party for you. So while people on earth morn their loss, heaven is celebrating their gain.... "Heaven enjoys a maternity-ward reaction to funerals. Angels watch body burials the same way grandparents monitor delivery-room doors. “He’ll be coming through any minute!” They can’t wait to see the new arrival. While we’re driving hearses and wearing black, they’re hanging pink and blue streamers and passing out cigars. We don’t grieve when babies enter the world. The hosts of heaven don’t weep when we leave it." It is no wonder with people believing such garbage as this that fathers and mothers who are taken by evil suicide plans not only take their own life but that of all their family too. Why not? Why have those you love suffer on this earth when they could be having a grand old time with God in heaven? Why have them go through the misery. For that matter, why should anyone go through the misery and pain and hardship of this life when God and all goodness is waiting open arms for us to be with him just as soon as we die? God being so loving and good surely will forgive us for killing ourselves when we are so miserable here - right? I mean we'd forgive anyone we love for wanting to be with us now instead of having to wait for nature to take it's course - so why wouldn't God? Yo see how devilish this is? No? Think about it! The devil hates people. He especially hates those who love God - his enemy. If God's people are dead, who will preach and teach and spread God's love to other people? No one. The sooner the devil gets rid of you the better. Like any war, the less enemy to fight, the better. We do not, I repeat, we do not immediately go to heaven when we die. We go to sleep. We wait for Our Lord Jesus Christ to Return to us JUST AS THE WORD OF GOD SAYS We Must Do. They are NOT having a grand old coming home party in heaven while we morn here on earth! Jesus wept when his friend died. He even brought Lazarus back from the dead when he was too late to save him from that death - [see John 11:11 - 44] Jesus is our example. Since Jesus feels this way, we know God feels this way because Jesus always does the will of the Father. ,____ |---.\ ___ | ` / .-\ ./=) | |"|_/\/| ; |-;| /_| / \_| |/ \ | / \/\( | <--- DEATH - Our Enemy = God's Enemy! | / |` ) | / \ _/ | /--._/ \ | `/|) | / / | | .' | | jgs / \ | (_.-.__.__./ / The bible clearly tells us death is an enemy - not of God our Father. Check out this teaching for more: Hope of the Return http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/hopeofthereturn.html So why did I bother to spend my time yet again to write this? Simple I got this beautiful link from our friend Viv ... Check it out here: Every Eye http://www.lifetalk.net/2ndcoming/ee.html --- ...Thank You Viv! You are a dear! {{{Huggums}}} And I knew in my heart God wanted me to tell you again that you are to live your life to the fullest NOW for him as long as you can - year after year after year until He sends Christ Jesus back and Judgment Day is upon us. We are in a spiritual war. God needs as many soldiers as possible doing the best they can for God so that people may be helped. God loves people. He is in the people business. It is all about the human race. If you care about people, you will do your best for God as long as it takes. Don't give up. You do no good for any one if all you are is asleep waiting for the Return of Our Lord. You can only be a help if you are alive! Even if you do not think you are doing anything good with your life for God, Don't You believe it! That is the devil's lies! If you are a born again believer, you have the spirit of God in Christ in You! That is power! That holds down the devil! That keeps him in check! As long as you are alive, you are doing something for God. You are like another 'Christ on Earth' because you have the spirit of Christ in you! That is part of the great secret. Had the devil known this would of happened, he would of NEVER Crucified our lord! Now he has tons of 'Christ's' walking around because each of us Christians has the power of Christ in us! He got rid of one only to gain millions more! Visit here for this teaching: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/mysteryrevealed.html God Bless You As you Walk on His Word and Just Be You - The wonderfully sweet, glorious, great, God in Christ child of God that you are :) ===================================================================== >Three Gifts of Kindness Story Editor: by Pat Woods Dan Keller Queensland, Australia In December 2007 I became ill and was taken by ambulance for a blood transfusion. I guess it was my chance to get back some of what I'd donated over the years. "Thank goodness no neighbors are watching," I said. "I'd be answering questions for weeks." "You get good at spotting people behind curtains," replied a paramedic. "At least three houses are checking you out." Oh dear. I don't like to discuss my health and didn't relish the impending inquisition. This paramedic's kindness was amazing. At the hospital, orderlies told him to go but he wouldn't, until he knew medical staff was assigned to me. What a relief when one is alone in a huge hospital, with impersonal staff hurrying past. After several days in hospital, my sons cleaned my house thoroughly, arrived in a car strewn with jasmine, and settled me in at my house. A week later, I desperately needed fresh air and groceries. I walked to the nearest bus stop and suddenly felt weak and dizzy. I knew I couldn't make it home, but if I caught the bus to the store, I could grab a shopping trolley for support and be fine. Here in Brisbane, Australia, buses only stop if you hail them; newcomers to the city stand, as I once did, totally bemused at buses zooming past them. My bus came and I waved him down. Apparently I was a metre too far from the actual stop; he gestured rudely and kept going. So there I was, hanging onto a lamppost, feeling dreadful and wondering what on earth to do next. A hand gently but firmly took my elbow. I looked up, and further up, to see a tall man with a concerned look on his kind face. "You aren't well, are you?" he asked. "Oh, just a bit dizzy," I mumbled, and he gave me a look that said, "Yeah, right, and I'm Santa." Turned out he was a bus driver taking his break across the road. He supported me to his bus and helped me into a seat. "Where do you live?" he asked, then rang his depot, saying he was taking ten minutes to look after a sick passenger. Shortly, my neighbors, still agog from the ambulance, were treated to an enormous city bus pulling up outside my house and the driver escorting me to my door. In two weeks I experienced the kindness of people going out of their way to make me comfortable: the paramedic who stayed with me; my sons who rallied round; and the bus driver who gave up his break to get me home safely after his colleague simply drove past. I hope we all have a chance to experience -- and give -- that kindness. I will always be grateful to those who bother to notice the needs of others, and take that extra step to help. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend Viv :) _,..---..,_ ,-"` .'. `"-, (( '.'.' )) `'-.,_ ' _,.-'` jgs `\ `"""""` /` `""-----""` >MIRACLE PIE 1 Cup Sugar (Jeremiah 6:20) 1/4 Cup Butter (Genesis 18:8) 4 Eggs (Deuteronomy 26:5) 1/2 Cup Flour (II Kings 7:18) 2 Cups Milk (Hebrew 5:13) 1 Cup Coconut (Genesis 43:11) 1/4 Teaspoon Salt (Matthew 5:13) 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder (II Kings 23:15) 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract Put all ingredients into blender and blend thoroughly. Pour mixture into a 10" pie plate that has been greased and floured. Bake at 350 for 60 minutes. A crust will form on the bottom, the filling will be in the center and it will have a coconut topping. Make it a family project to look up the ingredients. All are found in the King James Version of the Bible. --- ...Cool! Thank You Viv! ================================================================= >-->From InspiredBuffalo: __ @@;, ( ; ? : ); _| |_ | | || | | _| |_ | \ \ \/ || \/ ___ / / | __| |\ __||____||___||______/| | ||| | |_______ _________| | ||| ||| |____ | | ____| ||| Design by \ \______ ) | | / ______/ / || | | | | | /___| || Samule J. Neptune || | | |_ /| | |\ _| || || || | \__, / | | | \<__/ | || >FEAST FOR THE SOUL By: Joseph J. Mazzella A few weeks ago I bought an old record player at a yard sale. It felt good to be able to dig out all my old records again, place the needle down on them and feel the music flow from the speakers and the memories flow from my mind. Today I pulled out my old Christmas collection and started to listen to the carols play. It didn’t bother me a bit either that it was the middle of Summer. The sound was just as sweet with the flowers blooming and the fans blowing as it would be if the ground was covered with snow. Every song from "Joy to the World" to the "Hallelujah Chorus" nourished my spirit and warmed my heart. It was a true feast for the soul. Most of us myself included don’t feed our souls nearly enough these days. Our bodies get all the food they need and then some, but our souls hunger daily and are ignored. It is so easy to feed them too. The food for them is everywhere and you can’t overeat. Best of all the meal tastes even better when you share it with others. Take the time to nourish your soul then. God loves you and wants you to join in the feast He has prepared here. Listen to beautiful music and sing along yourself. Read inspiring works and share your thoughts as well. Watch children playing in the sun and don’t forget to join in. Help those in need and thank those who help you too. Take a nature walk, but take the time to sit still and watch the sunset. Play fetch with a dog until your arm feels tired but your heart feels light. Laugh loud and long even when your face hurts and you have tears in your eyes. Wake up saying "Good morning God!" and throw in a "Thank you for my life!" as well. Pray all day long. Pray when things are going bad and when things are going great. Pray to always grow in love, joy, and oneness with God because that is what the feeding your soul is all about. This world is a never ending banquet of loving, sharing, giving, and living. Pull up a chair and enjoy the feast. -<>- ~~ I Refuse To Be Discouraged ~~ I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why . . . I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team. My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end, His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend. When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go. When circumstances threaten to rob me from my peace; He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease. And when my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control; He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul. The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand, The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand. I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod. I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love. I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race. --Author Unknown -<>- .--, .-. __,,,__/ | / \-'` `-./_ | | `) \ ` `\ ; / , , | | / : O /_ | O .--;__ '. | ( )`. | \ `-` / | \ ,_ _.-./` / \ \``-.( / | `---' /--. ,--\___..__ _.' /--. jgs \ `-._ _`/ ' '. .' ` ' . `` ' . >BEING KIND By: Joseph J. Mazzella Over the years I think that I have heard people give me over a thousand reasons for not being kind. I have yet to find a single one of them that was true. People have told me that you will be taken advantage of if you are kind. This may happen once in a while, but ninety nine times out of a hundred my own kindness has been rewarded with gratitude and kindness returned. People have told me that kindness will never put a single dime in your pocket. I have found my own kindness has always led me to greater opportunities financially, and priceless joy spiritually. People have told me that nice guys always finish last. I have found that being kind and nice has helped me to finish first in joy, first in happiness, first in love, first in delight, first in laughter, first in peace, and first in every essential thing in life. People have told me that showing kindness is weak. I have never felt stronger, more powerful, or more at one with God than when I am being good and kind to others. The truth is choosing to be kind is one of the greatest, best, most beautiful, most loving, and most God-like things we can ever do. At the heart of every wonderful happening is kindness. In the soul of every special person is kindness. On the head of every angel in disguise is a halo of kindness. Kindness does more good, helps more people, changes more hearts, and uplifts more souls than a million smiling angels could ever count. It is the light of a shining eye, the music of a gentle laugh, the glow of a smiling face, and the magic of a caring heart. It makes the Earth like Heaven, spreads joy from the soul, brings love to the world, and makes saints of us all. Let us all follow Mother Teresa's wonderful advice then and: "Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, and kindness in your warm greeting." Let us all always choose to be kind. -<>- >Links... Barmaid Of The Month http://www.buffaloschips.com/72222.htm Batteries http://www.buffaloschips.com/72223.htm Bowl http://www.buffaloschips.com/72224.htm No Walk Today http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011150.htm Worst Dancer http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011151.htm Toy Mouse http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011152.htm Cool Phone http://www.buffalosjokes.com/011153.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ================================================================= .. |\\ .====^^\\==. |\ || |\ kya :X"====^^====' \|XXXXXXXXXX| """"""""""" >He Rolled Up His Sleeves Story Editor: by Wendy Morris Joyce Schowalter Illinois, USA Soon after I graduated from college I worked in a small but well-known photographic studio. I was one of three women in an office of 20 people. Jack, the owner, was a nice old man who was rather dapper in appearance. Some employees regarded him as a mere figurehead, someone who didn't want to retire. Yet, Jack opened his house each summer for a company picnic and generally was like a grandfather to everyone. He and his wife took my husband and I to the opera, which was a new experience for us as we were newlyweds and never did anything more exotic than dinner and a movie. All of his employees were treated as family. My job was to make certain that everyone had the supplies they needed, that photographs leaving the studio were perfect and to generally act as support to the photographers. One elderly gentleman had worked at the studio for decades and was well loved. He worked in a small room and remained there most of the day as he had been struck by polio as a child, and had limited use of his legs. He got around slowly on crutches, but had difficulty carrying anything that couldn't be in a bag, so I often checked on him to see if he needed anything. Usually he just requested coffee. One day this man must have been ill and needed to get to the restroom facilities, but he couldn't reach them in time. This resulted in an overwhelming mess. No doubt he was beyond embarrassed; he left the building before anyone discovered the mess. As the employee who generally took care of the place, I knew I would be expected to clean it up. I was prepared to quit and leave the building myself rather than go anywhere near it. Jack came in to see what the ruckus was about. After surveying the scene and without hesitation or saying a word, he rolled up the sleeves of his custom-made shirt and cleaned up after his friend. After that I knew Jack would never ask me to do anything that he wouldn't do himself. I took that lesson and applied it to many situations in my life. I have pitched in and helped when I easily could have delegated tasks to employees. I have not been afraid to get my hands dirty, and have in turn earned respect from my friends and coworkers when I've jumped in and tackled unpleasant tasks. I will never forget the kindness and support Jack demonstrated that day. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Heartwarmers: The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Do you believe that what goes around, comes around? Read Sharmaine's interesting story today and tell us what you think. Our impression was that it was similar to the "pay it forward" concept. Do you pay it forward? --- >YOUR TURN by Sharmaine L. Hobbs I was on my way to the mountains to visit The Homestead about four years ago to soak up the scenery and cleanse my soul. It's a ritual that is like pressing a reset button in my life. The scenery is so beautiful. While driving, I got the urge to stop in a small town to go a dollar store to buy some colored writing tablets. These tablets inspire me and the colors seem to be able to pull the words out of me. I got off at the Lexington exit and saw a Dollar Tree Store. I had never shopped there and didn't know if I would find the tablets that I love there. I almost decided to keep driving and go to the next exit, but instead, stopped for lunch and then went to the store. I did find some pretty writing tablets and was eager to get back on the road to get to The Homestead. When I went to pay for them, I realized I had left my cash at home and only had $8 on me. I had credit cards thankfully and my purchase came to $7.28. That was ironic because of what happened next. As I was pulling out of the parking lot approaching the stop sign, there stood a woman holding a sign that said, "Stranded - need money to get back to Michigan." I read her sign and briefly our eyes met. I drove off, but instantly I knew that THIS was the real reason that I was prompted to get off at that exit. I went to the nearest gas station and explained to the attendant that I wanted to help the lady just down the street who was stranded. I would charge the gas to my credit card, give her the receipt, and he was to accept the receipt and give her the gas. He tried to discourage me, saying that somebody had a similar sign on a camper a couple of days before. But that didn't matter to me. I was sure in my heart that I was the person who was supposed to help this woman. I would rather be counted as an angel in the eyes of God than a fool in the eyes of the gas attendant. Besides, many many years ago in the cold of winter I passed by a lady without a coat. The still small voice said "give her your coat." I only had one winter coat myself, but I did have an all weather coat at home. I kept going, but once inside I knew it had to be God nudging me to do this and I decided to do it. I was only in the building for a few minutes but when I came out she was no where to be found. I felt awful. I made the decision then and there that I would always honor that still small voice. I imagined how this woman from Michigan must have felt being miles away from home, a stranger counting on the goodness of others to extend her a helping hand. I felt a warm feeling inside knowing that I would be the bridge to get her back on the road and "back home." I remembered being stranded with just a flat tire, but that can be stressful if you don't have a spare. It took 45 minutes before someone stopped to help me. I knew that someone would. I just had to be patient. I knew this because I have always tried to sow good seeds and be generous so I knew that in MY time of need, someone would step up to the plate and help me. This lady was miles from home and stranded. Yet God knew exactly where she was and used me to answer her prayer. I left home thinking I was going on vacation. I got off the exit thinking I was buying writing tablets, but God had another assignment for me that day. Suppose I had listened to the gas attendant for fear that I was being taken advantage of? Suppose she really was taking advantage of me? I may never know. This I do know: If you have never been in that place in your life, it's easy to dismiss a person who is reaching out for help. But if you have been at a low place in life, you will always rise to the occasion because you remember "when" and the old saying "there but for the grace of God go I." You never know how you will be used to answer the whispered prayer of someone else. When you feel the gentle urge to be a Good Samaritan, rise to the occasion. Or maybe YOU are the one stranded at an unfamiliar location in your life like the woman was -- remember God knows exactly where you are and will send you the help you need. Don't be discouraged if people keep passing you buy. The right person with the right heart is on their way to you. A Good Samaritan IS coming your way. And when things get better for you, it's your turn to be one. -- Sharmaine L. Hobbs ____________________________________________ Sharmaine is from Virginia and an inspirational writer and speaker and spiritual coach who founded The Metamorphosis Movement. She is on a mission to reach 100,000 women in 2008 to inspire, uplift and empower them to become the woman they were born to be. Her outreach is through her website http://www.whenwomenawaken.com ==================================================================== >-->From PetWarmers: We don't blame folks for not trusting Pit Bulls -- they can be scary if you don't know their background or who their owners are. Kathy was in the same boat not long ago. But over the course of time she has grown to love Teddy and learned not to paint all Pit Bulls with the same brush. It's a great story and has lessons for all of us. Thanks Kathy! --- ________________ '------._.------'\ \_______________\ .'| .'| .'_____________.' .| | | | | Scooby _.-. | . | | * (_.-' | | | Snacks | .| | * * | .' |______________|.' LGB >TEDDY by Kathy Whirity When my daughter told me she wanted to rescue a Pit Bull puppy I quickly gave my unwanted opinion that she was making a big mistake. After all, every time you hear of a dog attack on TV it is often a Pit Bull who is involved. Then I decided that maybe she was just trying to get my goat, so I changed the subject whenever it was brought up. I knew I had to face the reality when she called one day and said she was approved to adopt Teddy. She had found him through an online shelter. A lady, who operated a no-kill shelter, had kept Teddy at her home. He was 4 months old. The couple who raised him from a tiny puppy had no choice but to give him up. They moved to a city that banned Pit Bulls so they tearfully said goodbye and placed him with the shelter. I felt like my back was against the wall and I had to take a stand. I told her under no circumstances could she bring that kind of a dog into our home. After all, I had the safety of my own pets to consider, not to mention the fact that I was scared to death and I did not want any part of him. Katie brought Teddy over to her sister's house one afternoon and asked if I would please come to meet him. It was clear she really wanted me to accept her dog. I was extremely apprehensive, but decided to face my fears and reach out. This was, after all, my daughter's dog and I'd have to at least try to like him. Teddy is a huge Pit Bull. He is brown with intent green eyes. At our first meeting he jumped on me and I thought I would faint. Katie wanted so badly for us to become friends. She handed me a dog treat to give him but I couldn't bring myself to place it near his mouth. My shaking hand dropped it on the floor instead. They have had Teddy about two years now. During this time I have become a much more accepting of him. I have to admit that he listens better than my own pesky pups. Katie and her husband Seth have given their all to this dog. They take him to obedience school, they walk him every day and make sure that he is properly socialized. I don't know that I will ever be an active proponent for Pit Bulls, but I have come to have compassion for a breed that has been horribly maligned and ostracized. When Seth takes him to the dog beach, Teddy eagerly joins his canine companions as they romp and play. There have been times that another dog will charge him, showing aggression, and Teddy will instantly lay on his back in a submissive position. One time when this happened, an offending dog scratched him and began mauling him. The owner seemed indifferent as Seth demanded that she take control of her dog. Perhaps it is situations like this that makes me realize that prejudice against a particular breed can be a paralyzing thing. He is a happy, well adjusted dog with responsible owners who give him a loving, stable home. He doesn't know he could have the potential to be vicious. All he wants to do is please the people who take such good care of him. Pit Bulls are not for everyone. They are a dog that needs committed owners who know how to handle them. When Katie and Seth decided that they wanted to rescue a Pit Bull they were sensitive to the problem of the prejudice that permeates this breed. Teddy is an example that you cannot judge all Pit Bulls by the negative publicity of those that have been predisposed to be mean because of negligent and irresponsible owners. His good natured personality has taught me not to paint all Pit Bulls with one brush. He is proof that with love and proper care, with positive direction and a good dose of discipline, they can be quite the behaved canine companion. Teddy is proof of that. -- Kathy Whirity ___________________________________________ Kathy is a newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. She is a contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. As recent empty nesters Kathy and her husband, Bill, are discovering, with sweet surprise, that the honeymoon isn't over it's only just begun -- again. You can visit Kathy's web site at http://www.kathywhirity.com ___________________________________________ .-. ( ( __ __ '-` ___/ _\.-./_ \ ////|//(@ @) \| //////// \./ | (_) |( _ ) ldb____|______|.m_m_______________________________________ >A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS 1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. 2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. 4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you. 5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. 7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you. 8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak. 9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old. 10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you. Always! =================================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ >Sayings to Remember about God and Life 1. If you feel far away from God, guess who moved? 2. Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there. 3. I am God's melody of life and He sings His song through me. 4. No matter what is happening in your life, know that God is waiting for you with open arms. 5. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. 6. Do your best and then sleep in peace. God is awake. 7. God has a purpose and plan for me that no one else can fulfill. 8. The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you. 9. We are responsible for the effort, not the outcome. 10. We set the sail; God makes the wind. 11. Begin to weave and God will give you the thread. 12. Sometimes when God says "no", it's because He has something better in store for you. 13. The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us. 14. Prayer: don't bother to give God instructions, just report for duty. 15. Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. 16. How come you're always running around looking for God? He's not lost. "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13... ---> Visit my CyberHome - ALWAYS OPEN HOUSEE :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/index.html Shangrala ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales & Seervice You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair. We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with all your computer needs. Please phone us at 419-238-5806 ************************************************************************ -->This is for all you who love food and DAARE 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: This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR Send a BLANK email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************