How Much For A Miracle And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ .,,,. ... .,,,. ((o o)) (`@ @`) ((6 6)) ___\ - /___ ___\ o /___ ___\ v /___ ($_ & _$) ($_ % _$) ($_ & _$) | % | | & | | % | | & | | % | | & | / % \ / & \ / % \ _/ / \ \_ _/ / \ \_ _/ / \ \_ ($__/ \__$) ($__/ \__$) ($__/ \__$) ldb *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 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 ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This hottie is from our friend Jo Ann. I just find these artists amazing. Here is more of this dazzling art... (O_/ __ \_O) / (o)__(o) \ (__.--\/--.__) ====(__/\__)==== `--' _||_ /'....'\ | : : | ||: :|| ||: :|| ||: :|| ||: :|| ||: :|| ||: :|| ||: :|| || `..' || ( | || | ) \| || |/ | || | | || | | || | | || | | || | __,-' || '-,__ (___,--'`--,___) dlK Chalk Art 4 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart4.html --- ...Absolutely stunning! Thanks Jo Ann! ==================================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: __ _ / l \~-_ ,----~~~~--+-----`--~----____ @ /~_~\ | ~ | /~_~\~~~-, \_ ( (_) ) \_______| ( (_) )_-~ ~~\___/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\___/~ John Punshon >THE PINK CADILLAC by Diane Dean White It was one of those days that made me want to head out and see what type of sales were going on around the area. Garage and estate sales were very popular during the mid 90s and especially in the spring, summer and fall. I had a small antique display in a shop in a nearby town and was always looking for items to add to it. Unless there were some things really worth looking at, it usually didn't take me five minutes to stop and check out a sale and get back into the car. On this particular fall day, the weather was pleasant and I decided upon an early start. I knew as soon as the doors opened the best buys were available. I also knew that all the antique dealers would be the first people in line when the sale began at 9am, and I wanted to beat them! As I was getting ready, I overheard our son telling someone that he would hitch a ride with me because I was ready to head out. He had loaned his car to his younger brother. I told him I'd drop him on my way, but I wanted to make a couple of stops en route to his destination. He agreed to "one or two" stops. Down the road and past the corner deli and barber shop we went, and made tracks along a lone street where a house sat by itself. It was a new home, and the lawn hadn't been seeded, but the double car garage held a number of possibilities of tables. The outside driveway did too. The balloons on the mail box and several signs boosted "Sale Today." Yes, I love those signs and they always speak to me! I went into the garage and greeted the young mothers sitting together. I knew that I wasn't going to want anything among the baby items, but I did check out the little area of "I'm sick of this, but who knows what it might be worth" table. Everyone seemed to be collecting some little animals that came in boxes of Red Rose tea bags. I scanned the place and walked towards my son who was looking at tables outside with goodies on them. I noticed he was pretty intent upon a pink car with white trim that was among other items, and he whispered, "Mom, look at this." He took the seat out of the middle of a Pink Cadillac convertible. I tried to figure out exactly what the car was supposed to be. A cookie jar? It was too shallow to hold many cookies. Then I noticed the little slots in the white seats, and I figured it was an ash tray. The car was all pink with white around the wheels, the interior of the seats, and accents in front, with chrome trim. One of the young mothers from the garage yelled, "It belongs to my brother, but you can have it for a buck." I always feel like I can do better and returned, "How about 50 cents?" She replied that would be fine and we left with our Pink Cadillac, for whatever purpose. I continued onto bigger and better things that day, or so I thought. When I got home I looked over my "finds." I couldn't shake the idea that this Pink Cadillac was sort of special, and since our oldest son had found it, I guess it was. During the following weeks when we went to antique shows I'd check out the cookie jars. My hubby explained that it was a 1957 Cadillac Convertible and not an ash tray! The dealers who had the "cookie jars" were interested in knowing about the Caddie Convertible, and told me they had some with Elvis and other characters in the seats. It was made by McCoy. I knew that this wasn't a McCoy, because I had looked for markings and found nothing. But I also knew that it was in good shape and worth something. The cookie jars we saw following my 50 cent buy, showed prices of $175 on up for Pink Cadillac Cookie Jars. Well, it has been over 14 years now and I've never sold that car. I don't go to garage sales with our oldest son anymore, who now lives out of state. And I can't seem let go of the memories of that fall day years back. Somehow it seems like that '57 Pink Cadillac is still a special treasure of a special time in my life. -- Diane Dean White __________________________________________________ Diane is a wife, mother, grandmother and author and a frequent contributor to a variety of magazines, books and other publications. She is the author of Beach Walks and Carolina in the Morning, and makes her home in Florida with her husband Stephen. You can visit her website to read more of her stories at: http://www.DianeDeanWhite.com ==================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Sandi :) ____ _ /////|\\ ``````\\\ `/` ))) \`, ((( `--- ,\\\ ,---/ )),))) / , `(( ((( `--. ) `__)) ________ | | ,-./\ \ _,-' \ \__,-. \ \,-' /`.__,-'_,-\ `-. / \____`--'____________ | \ Starshine >How Much For A Miracle? A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. the total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! 'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question. 'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's really, really sick....and I want to buy a miracle.' 'I beg your pardon?' said the pharmacist. 'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?' 'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little. 'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.' The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?' ' I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money...' 'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago . 'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audible. 'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.' 'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.' He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.' That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. 'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?' Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost....one dollar and eleven cents...plus the faith of a little child. In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. I know you'll keep the ball moving! Here it goes. Throw it back to someone who means something to you! A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends. But the treasure inside for you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me. Today I pass the friendship ball to you. Pass it on to someone who is a friend to you. MY OATH TO YOU... When you are sad.....I will dry your tears. When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears. When you are worried......I will give you hope. When you are confused.....I will help you cope. And when you are lost...and can't see the light, I shall be your beacon...shining ever so bright. This is my oath.....I pledge till the end. Why you may ask?....Because you're my friend. Signed: GOD INSTANTLY WHEN YOU RECEIVE THIS LETTER, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO SEND IT TO AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE, --- ...Such a sweet classic! Thank You Sandi! ================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) (\ _\_(`\_ `/` _ `/,-'=/` _,'|`._ /' `/` ,-' |||._ `-._ i_i _,-' ,-' || `__ `-._ "=(. .)=" _,-' _,-' --||- (..=`/._ `-/#\ ( i_i ,\ _,-' | )|_|-==` \_)`-/ /v "=(. .)=" ,' ,|/ \ |__||\ //|\\ / / #/ ,/ \ ( ,' ,' ((_.--._)) || )(/|\)' /# ; ,/ #,/v ,' ,' |`- -' ||/ (/\\ / #; ,/# ,/ ,' ' / | \ */"-._ |/ _____,-''"/_)/__ / ,',---|((_.--._(__/ _.--""_____)-//_______"-. (,-.)| `- -( _,"_.--"" |||(( __ "-.: ___,/ ;| \ */ _\'_," (\__/) |||\\\ |__`,()() . \ (,_.) (_| (__/,'_,' /_/)=\.\. = |||||| | `( ` ``\|\)\ ( ;.__| _,-'_,' =//. ==> _7)< |||||| |`` , ` * "") ___\ _,--'_,-' //_(7__/) ////\ |||||| |``` \___.--' \_"""_,--' <*)_//'"" )/_/-"""":|||||,""""(("-._/ | """" ) ( _(-' _.---"\___,----. |||||| | ,' "`._ ,(( | ) ( \_/' ,' _"" "_ `.||||| |,"\\'--._) "._ \ \_/<. .>""( ( . .) )|||| |\\ \/,"\\ /`--._) <. .>|_/\| \/ ) \,-( \(||||| | \\)"\\ \) ||_/( ( | |\/ /, \ \ )\\(:|||||,()""""-.:| | \ `-\ | |__\/, :`/-`._____,-""_,' ctr:| |"""\___,""""""""""""""\(_,( (__,-"||---""""""; \---""""---------""""""""````/////))----""""/ ~~~\ ~///////~ ~/~~~~~ \ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ /~~~~/ ~~/ ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >Kid Bible Study Humor LOT 'S WIFE The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot 's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, 'My Mommy looked back once while she was driving,' he announced triumphantly, 'and she turned into a telephone pole!' GOOD SAMARITAN A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, 'If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?' A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, 'I think I'd throw up.' DID NOAH FISH? A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ? ''No,' replied Johnny. 'How could he, with just two worms.' HIGHER POWER A Sunday school teacher said to her children, 'We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a Higher Power. Can anybody tell me what it is? One child blurted out, ' Aces!' MOSES AND THE RED SEA Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. 'Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt . When he got to the Red Sea , he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.' 'Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?' his Mother asked. 'Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!' THIS IS MY FAVORITE!!! THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said pr oudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.' UNANSWERED PRAYER The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. 'Well, Honey,' he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. 'I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.' 'How come He doesn't answer it?' she asked. UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Tommy's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?' Tommy answered soberly, 'I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!' ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, 'And all girls.' This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, 'Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?' Her response, 'Because everybody always finish their prayers by saying 'All Men'!' SAY A PRAYER Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. 'Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.' said his mother. 'I don't need to,' the boy replied. 'Of course, you do.' his mother insisted. 'We always say a prayer before eating at our house.' 'That's at our house.' Johnny explained. 'But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!' --- ...So Cute! Thank You Jo Ann! ==================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Lorraine :) ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy WE DON'T HAVE TOO MANY FRIENDS........... JUST GOOD FRIENDS ,--. _/ <`-' ,-.' \--\_ ((`-.__\ ) \`' @ (_ ( (_) ,'`-._(`-._/ ,-' )&&) )) ,-' /&&&%-' ,' __ ,- {&&&&/ / ,' \| |\&&'\ ( | |' \ `--. (%--'\ ,--.\ `-.`-._))) `---'`-/__)))`-._))) hjw >4 SALE! A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy. "Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies." "Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money." The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?" "Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. "Here, Dolly!" he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up... "I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would." With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands." With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy. "How much?" asked the little boy... "No charge," answered the farmer, "There's no charge for love." The world is full of people who need someone who understands. --- ...AMEN! Thank You Lorraine! ========================================================= >-->From Our Friend James :) ,.-""``""-., / ,:,;;,;, \ \ ';';;';' / 'God Did It' `'---;;---'` <>_==""==_<> Does Not Compute _<<<<<>>>>>_ .'____\==/____'. Will Robinson! |__ |__| __| /C \ |..| / D\ \_C_/ |;;| \_c_/ |____o|##|o____| \ ___|~~|___ / '>--------<' {==_==_==_=} {= -=_=-_==} {=_=-}{=-=_} {=_==}{-=_=} }~~~~""~~~~{ jgs }____::____{ /` || `\ | || | | || | | || | '-----''-----' DON'T BLAME GOD (Sept 16) 13 When people are tempted, they should not say, "God is tempting me." Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone.14 But people are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them.15 This desire leads to sin, and then the sin grows and brings death. James 1:13-15 (New Century Version) Reflection: It's an amazing thing about us humans, when something goes bad in our lives we need to blame somebody and that's usually God. God why did You do this to me or God why did you let this happen to me? I've even heard people blame God for the holocaust, war, murder, genocide (etc.) or at the very least claim God is apathetic to evil. And oh by the way, we very rarely praise or thank God when things goes right in our lives. My friends, over the 62 years of my life, I have discovered this: Our God never, I repeat never, tempts us with evil. This would be completely contrary to the nature of God. We must always remember the devil, (satan), is the primary tempter and provider of evil in our lives and in our world. (Matthew 4: 1-10). While sometimes we destroy ourselves, our Father in heaven only gives us His grace and good gifts. REMEMBER GOD LOVES US AND EVIL HATES US. GOD SEE'S US AS WINNERS, SATAN SEE'S US AS LOSERS. --Anonymous --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...Absolutely true! Thank You James! ALWAYS Remember God is pure LOVE. LOVE does not hate, steal, kill, or destroy. John 10: [10] The thief (satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus Christ) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. It it is bad, it came from the devil not God! ALWAYS Remember the father of lies is the devil! John 8: [44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. God will never deceive you or lie to you! Num.23: [19] God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Check out these ALSO: The Giver And The Gift http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/givergift.html OUR GIFTS AND CALLINGS! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html ================================================================== _..._ .' . . '. : ' : :--.'-.:.-'.--; `--.`-.:.-'.--' `-.:.-' : cjr : : little weed >Weeds to Pull Story Editor: by Dawn Joyce Schowalter North Carolina, USA Several years ago we moved to North Carolina. My husband headed to his new job, and I remained behind to sell our house and arrange the move. During this stressful time there was one crisis after another, including a dear friend's suicide. When I arrived at the new house I was exhausted and emotionally bankrupt. It was wonderful seeing my husband, but when he left for work I was so overwhelmed with the tasks ahead, I sat on the floor amongst the boxes and cried. As I plowed through unpacking my spirits refused to lift. One weekend we drove to check out a boat for sale. It wasn't what we wanted, but "John", the elderly gentleman selling it, was kind and we chatted. When I admired his beautiful rose garden he said it was his wife's. She'd been away several weeks but would return the next day. As I remembered my lovely garden left behind, a tall weed caught my eye. So his wife wouldn't regret seeing it on returning, with John's permission I pulled it. Months passed but I couldn't seem to find "my place" in our new community. I joined the local garden club but although the ladies were very kind, most were retired and had been friends for years. I didn't feel part of the group. As my depression grew deeper I drank to try and ease the pain. I felt this move had cost me everything: job, friends, happiness. One day, while totally miserable and pondering suicide, the telephone rang. I'd stopped answering calls for weeks, but for some reason I picked up. A lady from the garden club had special native plants to give me, but had been ill and missed club meetings for months. For some reason I started telling her my whole miserable saga -- everything! I was embarrassed even as the words spilled out of my mouth but couldn't stop. "Elaine" quietly listened, made no judgmental comments and said she would help. She promised to call every morning to get me back on track. She kept her word and called faithfully, being an encouraging friend, though ill and bedridden herself. With Elaine's positive comments I slowly progressed. One evening she invited my husband and I over for tea. She was able to sit up, plus still had plants for me. We started driving, yet some things seemed familiar. When we pulled in the drive at Elaine's address my husband and I just sat quietly and looked at each other. There was the beautiful rose garden where I had pulled a giant weed! Elaine and I still chat most mornings. With a twinkle in her eye she makes sure we thoroughly relish each and every joy that comes our way. She's taught me so much through words and example -- from surviving disappointments with dignity to gracefully accepting the changes of aging. I've helped her pull many more weeds from her garden and she continues to help me pull weeds from my soul. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ____ ____ _,',--.`-. _,',--.`-. <_ ( () ) > ( <_ ( () ) > `-:__;,-' \ `A:__:,-' \ / \ (( ) \-' \ \ ( ) -Shimrod `-'"`-----' >BATHED IN TEARS ByKathleene S. Baker I was bathed in the tears, Of some lady called “Mom.” She said, “You're Miss Josey,” Her voice sweet and calm. I was a soppin’ wet pup, Cradled snug in strange arms. As she promised a life, Free of danger or harm. One look in her eyes, I saw straight to her soul. Our bond was a treasure. And we two made a whole. Sometimes when happy, She wept just from joy. As we romped and we played, With some silly new toy. Our good times were many, And bad times were few. But at the sight of a tear, I knew what to do. I was right by her side, With the loss of her mom. Drenched with her tears, But I helped her hang on. I’d curl up in her lap, Or just snuggle real close. And when tears started falling, They’d be licked from her nose. She taught me tricks and games, And ‘bout all kinds of tears. But I started getting tired, As my days turned to years. Mom’s eyes lost their twinkle, And often she’d weep, When I gave up my toys, Preferring to sleep. My naps brought me visions, Of beautiful things. A bridge and bright rainbow, And I heard angels sing. The last thing I remember, Was Mom’s magical tears. As they swept over me, Away went all fear. Away…went...all……….fear…. ©2005Kathleene S. Baker Lnstrlady@aol.com Please visit my website: YELLOW ROSE www.txyellowrose.com -<>- `:-._,-.-._,, __ `--'`.`' .. (_ ) ________ __ __( ,_Y) _ _(( )_)__ _ ,--(_ACME_(O) _/_/ /,-, ,-' _-_( )_-_-_ (_(__,[[[___[__],--. (_)///\\_, ((_)_)) ,-\// \// _\==O-O / @( //__`-_) (_) `=(___V____V_(_( .___) _\\-,/_, - -- - _/`\LLLLL(\__/`---' /,-' `--' -__ -- ( / / ( < < jv ' ''''' '''' >Being Yourself, Becoming Real by: Simon Heighwaya " Your goal is to find out Who You Are." --- A Course in Miracles I heard a story once about an eagle's egg that had got lost or abandoned and was found by chickens. When the eagle hatched, it was loved and cared for by the chickens, brought up to act and behave as if it was a chicken. It knew nothing else… Until one day, the eagle was with his brothers and sisters pecking at the ground, like a chicken, when something made him look up to the sky. High above he saw a majestic sight, a beautiful bird soaring gracefully. Something was stirred inside him, a remembrance, a recognition of 'home'… He asked the chickens, "What is that beautiful bird up there?" The chickens looked up. "Oh that," they said, "that's an eagle, king of the birds. But forget about him, you are one of us, you are a chicken…." I don't know how the story ended and, to me, it is not a case of an eagle being superior to a chicken…just different. The same story has been told about a duck's egg and one day the duck arrives at a great lake just swims, "because he can" --- "it's natural", leaving his family on the shore. As I understand it, it's all just about remembering Who/What we really are, regardless of what we've been told by others or how we have been brought up. A rose will grow into a rose even if it's in the middle of a field of tulips. There is an ancient Indian word "Dharma", which has two meanings. The first is, "Your nature, your true, real, essential nature." The second is, "Your purpose in life". To me the two are inseparable. I believe the word literally translates as Truth. "You are what your deep driving desire is; as your desire is so is your will; as your will is so is your deed; as your deed is so is your destiny." --- Upanishads, India Or, like they said in ancient Greece, "Character is fate". Whatever we are at our most fundamental level, at our most base, whether that be something metaphysical, or something like DNA, I believe that to discover, or remember it is our 'raison d'etre'. And to live in accord, harmony with our deepest selves is the meaning of success. "Above all, to thine own self be true." --- William Shakespeare It's been said that when we die and go back home to 'our maker', we will never be asked why we didn't cure the common cold, why we never made a billion pounds or anything else like that, but simply be asked, "Why didn't you just be yourself?" --- .---------. _ |:: [-=-] | | | |_________| |~| |_| ,;;;;, I\ ,__ ,;;;, __, ///\\\\\ I |{ / . . \ } / " \\|| I | ) ( _ ) ( \_= _/// I |{___'-. .-'___}\___ )_\ I ||~/,'~~~~~,\~~|'---(( \ I \ // \\ | \ \ \ I \/ // | | /-/ I (/ (/ | |/||\ I | | | | I | | |____/ I :-----_o_-----: || | I | /~~|===|~~\ | (( | jgs I || |===| || ||_/ /^\ "~ '^^^' "" ((__| ...Or perhaps - - 'Why didn't you take better care of yourself? So many of today's youth are doing dare devil things for youtube these days and if that isn't bad enough we just learned this girl faked her own 'acid in the face' attack! How horrific that these young do not value their own bodies enough to take care of themselves. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' For us Christians we all must remember Apostle Paul's reminder: 1 Cor.6: [19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? If we don't don't care of ourselves, who will? We are living, walking, God in Christ's in Us people here on earth! We hold the devil down! Without us here, all hell breaks loose! 'Being our Own Selves' after we are born again with God's Spirit of Christ In Us is to be no longer natural men and woman and children who go after the lusts of the flesh but to put on the NEW MAN and be men and woman and children of God who go after the things that please God. Check out these teachings: Christianity And The Renewed Mind by emb http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christianity.html Alcohol And Drug Use http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/alcoholanddrugs.html Quit Smoking http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/quitsmoking.html -<>- ___ _,-----._ _________ ,-' `.--' __ `. _,-'-- __,--`-._ ,' ,(0);___,-' `-----| ,-' -- ,-' `._,-' `'~~``.__,-'~~~~~`-.; ,'--- --: ; ,' ~`' ; ` _,-.------ `._ : ,' _,-' ,-' ~~~~~~~`.__`._ ; _,' _,' ;---'~~~~~~~~_,----.___ ,( _,' ,'-- __,---'~~~/ _,-._ `----'_;-' ,' `,-'`. ( / /____ `------' `-'~ ; : ,{_______`--.__`.`-.-----------.____ ,' ,' : | `--.::; ;;;___________ `, : ; | ; / ;;;/--' `----- _______| | : ;______/ __/ ______: : ,','________/ | | : | : : : | | | | ; ; : ;,' ;_;`-' unknown BUZZARD: If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and it is entirely open at The top, the bird, in spite of it's ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The Reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 Feet. Without space to run, as is it's habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will Remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top. ....._ `. ``-. .-----.._ `, `-. .: /` : `".. ..-`` : / ...--:::`n n.`::... : `:`` .` :: / `. ``---..:. `\ .` ._: .-: :: `. .-`` : : :_\\_/: : .:: `. / : / \-../:/_.`-` \ : :: _.._ q` p ` /` \| :-` ``(_. ..-----hh``````/-._: `: `` / ` E: / [wkm] : _/ : _..-`` l--`` BAT: The ordinary bat that flies Around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level Place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about Helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it Can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash. ...vvvv)))))). /~~\ ,,,c(((((((((((((((((/ /~~c \. .vv)))))))))))))))))))\`` G_G__ ,,(((KKKK//////////////' ,Z~__ '@,gW@@AKXX~MW,gmmmz==m_. iP,dW@!,A@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@A` ,W@@A\c ]b_.__zf !P~@@@@@*P~b.~+=m@@@*~ g@Ws. ~` ,2W2m. '\[ ['~~c'M7 _gW@@A`'s v=XX)====Y- [ [ \c/*@@@*~ g@@i /v~ !.!. '\c7+sg@@@@@s. // 'c'c '\c7*X7~~~~ ]/ ~=Xm_ '~=(Gm_. SNOOPY@data-klo-mcnet.de BUMBLEBEE: A Bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is Taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find Some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, Until it completely destroys itself. _____ / \ / ````` \ /|`o o'|\ /|| . ||\ |*\\ _ //*| |*/ \ / \*| // / \ \\ /(__/\___/\__)\ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |\ /| | / // \| | / // | | / / | | | /___\ | |___\ / / | | | / \ | / \ //^`, | | | // | |~~ | | | | | | | | | | | | / \ / \ / \ Alyssa PEOPLE: In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard, the bat, and the Bumblebee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not ever Realizing that all they have to do is look up. God is there with love in his heart for You...just look up. -<>- __ @@;, ( ; ? : ); _| |_ | | || | | _| |_ | \ \ \/ || \/ ___ / / | __| |\ __||____||___||______/| | ||| | |_______ _________| | ||| ||| |____ | | ____| ||| Design by \ \______ ) | | / ______/ / || | | | | | /___| || Samule J. Neptune || | | |_ /| | |\ _| || || || | \__, / | | | \<__/ | || >EATING WELL By: Joseph J. Mazzella It is hard at times to eat the right foods for our bodies when the wrong foods can taste so delicious. I am just glad then that when it comes to food for the soul the choices are a little easier to make. Imagine, for instance, that you had two types of food before you. The first one is great for you. It makes your heart healthier, your mind clearer, and your body more energetic. It makes you feel fantastic both inside and out. It also tastes delicious. You could eat it for a million years and never get tired of it. It just takes a bit of effort and a few minutes to cook each day. The second food is terrible for you. It is hard on your heart and destroys your health. It depresses your mind and steals your body's vitality. It makes you feel miserable both inside and out. It also tastes terrible. You can eat it right away, though. It is instant and takes no effort to make. Which one would you choose? Sadly, more people than you would think make the second choice. The second choice is acting from fear. It is choosing to feed the soul hatred, violence, negativeness, misery, pain, meanness, and loneliness. It is easy to do even though it hurts you every time you do it. It slowly poisons your life and the lives of those around you if they let it. The first choice, however, is choosing love. It is feeding the soul joy, peace, positiveness, happiness, delight, goodness, and oneness with God. It takes a bit of effort, but it brings a lot of Heaven to Earth. It enriches your life and the lives of everyone you share it with. What you eat is up to you. Choose your foods wisely then. God wants you to eat well not just with your stomach but also with your heart, soul, mind, and life. Lay out a table full of all the love, joy, light, goodness, and oneness with God that you possibly can. Then pull up a chair and invite everyone to the feast. --- ...Check this out: || || || || || || _ /\ || /\ _ / X \.--./ X \ /_/ \/` `\/ \_\ /|(`-/\_/)(\_/\-`)|\ ( |` (_(.oOOo.)_) `| ) ` | `//\( )/\\` | ` ( // ()\/() \\ ) ` ( \ / ) ` \ / Eeek! ` ` NDT. Fear: Feeling Kind Of Buggy http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/fearfeelingkindofbuggy.html -<>- _ " _ _ " _ (_\|/_) (_\|/_) _ " _ _ " _ (/|\) (/|\) (_\|/_) " _ (_\|/_) (/|\)_\|/_) (/|\) ejm97 (/|\) >Slow Down Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round, or listened to rain slapping the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight, or gazed at the sun into the fading night? You better slow down, don't dance so fast, time is short, the music won't last. Do you run through each day on the fly, when you ask "How are you?", do you hear the reply? When the day is done, do you lie in your bed, with the next hundred chores running through your head? You better slow down, don't dance so fast time is short, the music won't last. Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow, and in your haste, not seen his sorrow? Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die, 'cause you never had time to call and say "hi". You better slow down, don't dance so fast time is short, the music won't last. When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss half the fun of getting there, When you worry and hurry though your day, it is like an unopened gift thrown away. Life is not a race, so take it slower, hear the music before the song is over. - author David L. Weatherford - -<>- . , |`. ,'| \_`-._ _,-'_/ ./ \-._`-._ _,-'_,-/ \, \._/._ `._>`-.__ __,-'<_,' _,\_,/ /_ \_.`-._\_-._ `--__ __--' _,-_/_,-',_/ _\ /._`\_./ _`_./`.-._ `-. ,-' _,-,'\,_'_ \,_/'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./ _/`\_ `. ,' _/'\_ \,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /._`/ _/ _`_./` _/ `\_ `\_ _/' _/' \_ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,\ \._`/ _/ _`_./` __/ >. `-.,-' ,< \__ '\,_'_ \_ \'_,/ /_`/._/._`_./` __.`.-\_.-`'-._/-,',__ '\,_'_,\_,\'_\ `\._`_./`\._/_/' _ `\_\_,/'\,_'_,/' /_\ \./ __/(__ / `--' \ / _ _ \ \'| |`/ \|____|/ \/ -] \/ / | \ | | | | | \ / | \ \__,-`\___/ (_) |__) mic >An Angel Named Johnny Though superhuman, angels can assume human form; this is the earliest conception. Gradually, and especially in post-Biblical times, angels came to be bodied forth in a form corresponding to the nature of the mission to be fulfilled A mother of seven lived far, far from the town. Their groceries were gone, the car broken down. She knelt by her bed at the break of the day. "Oh God, be with 'Hubby' while he is away. She prayed, "God in heaven, You've promised to give to us, Your own children, provisions to live." She rose from her knees and started her chores, lighting the stove and sweeping the floors. She tried hard to trust that the Lord would provide, but still the fear lingered--way deep down inside. Ten miles down the road lived a woodsman named John. He walked with a limp, and one eye was gone. His hair was all matted; his clothes were a mess; and what his shack looked like, one only could guess. He trapped, fished and hunted, and he panned for some gold. His pal was a wolf dog, eleven years old. One day he went looking for a duck or a goose, but there by the lake he saw a bull moose. He readied his rifle, took aim; then he fired. The moose gave no struggle; he fell, then expired. The mother, meanwhile, watched her children at play. Oh, what could she give them for supper that day? She crawled down the root cellar, digging around. A few spuds and some carrots were all that she found. As she walked to the woodshed, her heart leaped with fear. Down the road a man staggered, like he'd had too much beer. His clothes were all tattered; his face was unshaved. He must be a madman, the way he behaved. With a loud voice he cried, "Please don't be alarmed. I'm here on a mission. I mean you no harm. "My name is Johnny, and this here's my hound." He then swung a sack from his back to the ground. With a tooth-missing grin he said, "Brought you some meat. For me and old Lobo, it was too much to eat." With a song in her heart and a tear in her eye, the mother said, "Thank you!" 'Twas a small whispered sigh. The children all clambered around the man then. By the time he had left, it was going on ten. As she knelt by her bed much later that day, she thanked God for sending the "wild man" their way. His appearance denied it, but she knew for sure that God sent an angel named "Johnny" to her. A true incident. © Helen Dowd --- ...Check Out this one... Are Angels Real? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Gunfighter http://www.buffaloschips.com/i7664.htm Guterbike http://www.buffaloschips.com/u64eh.htm Love http://www.buffaloschips.com/3r44.htm Hair Piece http://www.buffaloschips.com/jhg7.htm Hang Onto That Pole http://www.buffaloschips.com/mjh.htm Attitude Is Everything! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/attitude.html Attitude Is Everything 2! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/attitude2.html Awesome School http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gschool.html Rock Balancing Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/rockbalancingart.html Wave Photography Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/waveart.html One Texas Morning http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fawn.html World's Largest Holes http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/holes.html Best Playmate http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/playmate.html Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffalosjokes.com ======================================================================= __________ | | |______(*)_| /\__----__/\ /_/()||||()\_\ |_\ o||||o /_| |----JeeP----| |_| |_| >Standing Up for What's Right Story Editor: by Aryeh Abramovitz Joyce Schowalter Israel "Are you refusing my order?" half-shouted the sergeant. "No", I said quietly, "I just can't do it". Before our confrontation generated court-martial threats, the squad commander called him aside. Returning, he read off, "Abramovitz, Guri... get on the truck to main camp". "Consider yourself lucky", he said as I passed. Sitting on the hard truck bench, I pondered my predicament. I had looked forward to fulfilling my patriotic duty, even daydreamed of glory and machismo. Then a freak accident broke both wrists and injured my back. At preliminary induction, two months before boot camp, both my hands were in casts. "Don't worry," they said, "first week of boot camp everyone's re-evaluated". Filled with motivation to serve my country as a combat soldier, I hoped to heal completely before final induction. At re-evaluation my profile adjusted downwards only slightly; I was still labeled combat-fit. For days I ran around with the other fresh-faced inductees, determined to make it. When I put on my fully-loaded battledress, an immediate deep pain seared my back. The medic temporarily excused me from wearing loads. Thus began the humiliating process of medical appeals. 75 days and several medical committees later I was still in the combat-fit platoon, doing kitchen patrol and guarding tents -- and being called "a shirker". Then I slept without my gun strapped to me, and an officer had "stolen" it, an offense for which I knew a court-martial was probably waiting. That week the sergeant told me to report to the clinic doctor, then to the camp commandant's office -- no doubt for the court-martial. Sitting at the clinic I steeled myself for a stint in the brig. "Abramovitz?" I heard from the doctor's office. "So, you're the famous Abramovitz. Have a seat", he said. "Your case was reviewed by the public ombudsman from your mother's appeal, but I can't understand the medical committees' decisions." "Back injuries automatically are non-combat-fit for a year from date of injury. I'll write my diagnosis and recommendation. You'll report to the medical committee at Haifa". I discussed my orders to the commandant's office, likely for a court-martial, and "besides, I can't travel in a work uniform". "I will order you hospitalized in my clinic tonight, tomorrow I'll send you out of the camp on a special pass, including a permit to travel in your work uniform". Most army authorities I encountered represented the "rules and regulations army". Even if they understood my injuries, they wouldn't stick their necks out on my behalf. The doctor acted independently, human-ly in the midst of a dehumanizing system. He could have written his diagnosis and recommendation and sent me along, leaving me to deal with "the system" by myself. Instead, he circumvented my court-martial. The rest of my uneventful army service was completed in a non-combat fit job. Both results, I owe to the doctor who refused to accept the influence of the atmosphere around him... and instead acted according to what he believed to be right. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend DonnaL :) _ _ ,d$$$b d$$$b$$[ o $$< q \ .' ) _, | / ,`-_/ ` \'|\ /' / pb / `; `\ | ( `--,---,-', Practice Makes Perfect / `._ /_;,_|--' )=,,_ .-' "-'(^^|/' / ``=ssssss( `' `---,_ / `$, < |_______`$b / /| |$`$ | || ``-, | / / | `\ |_ _--' /`--_ ) ,""---| _/ / | | ,--| __/|_ `-----' ( | | ,`' (___,, | |_ \, (____,, \____,, >Failure -Author Unknown Failure doesn't mean - "You are a failure," It means - You have not succeeded- yet. Failure doesn't mean - "You accomplished nothing," It means - You have learned something. Failure doesn't mean - "You have been a fool," It means - You had a lot of faith. Failure doesn't mean - "You don't have it," It means - You were willing to try to get it! Failure doesn't mean - "You are inferior," It means - You are not perfect. Failure doesn't mean - "You've wasted your life," It means - You have a reason to start afresh. Failure doesn't mean - "You should give up," It means - "You must try harder. Failure doesn't mean - "You'll never make it," It means - It will take a little longer. _,_ + __ ',' /\ `. `. . .' \ + " | / \ / .' . .'\ .' \ `"` + .-' `. / `. . .' \.' \ .-' \ \ .-`"`-. . + .'.' \ \.' `-. / `. .-'\ `-._ .' \ .-' `-. `-. .-------------------''''''''''''''' _.-- .' ___.. _.--'' .'jb --'''' ' .' And Remember: Failure doesn't mean - "God has abandoned you," It means - God has a better plan for you! -<>- . \ _ / .-='-. _db_ .--==-, -= (_) =- (_ ( _IIII_ _( ) `. / \ ( |" " |-.( ` ,_ ` ) ' '-._HHHHHH `)---' `'--' =.= |. |--` =.= | | =.= _H___,=====;___| =.= n_/____/____/``\__\ /__|:: :|. .|:::|::| =.= _%&|__&%_"_|_"_|_ H|__|__ jgs`";;;;`";;;;'";;'"';;;;``;;-. . ' `";;' `;;; `;' `; .`' `\ . ' . `' . `';. ' . . |^-`^~_^^~``-^^_~^^-`^~ >Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln failed in business at 22 years of age. When he was 23 he ran for the legislature and was defeated. When he was 24, he failed at business and went bankrupt. When he was 25, he was elected to the legislature. When he was 26, his sweetheart died. This so destroyed him that at 27 he had a nervous breakdown. When he was 29, he ran for Speaker and was defeated. When he was 31, he ran for Elector and was defeated. When he was 34, he ran for Congress and was defeated. When he was 37, he was elected to Congress. When he was 39, he ran for re-election to Congress and was defeated. When he was 46, he ran for the Senate and was defeated. When he was 47, he ran for Vice President and was defeated. When he was 49, he ran for the Senate and was defeated. And when he was 51, he was elected President of the United States. In other words, we give up way too soon! --- ...Wow! What a history lesson here! Thank You DonnaL! Goes to show.. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Never Give Up!! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/nevergiveup.html -<>- _ _.-'`-._ _ ;.'________'.; _________n.[____________].n_________ |""_""_""_""||==||==||==||""_""_""_""] |"""""""""""||..||..||..||"""""""""""| |LI LI LI LI||LI||LI||LI||LI LI LI LI| |.. .. .. ..||..||..||..||.. .. .. ..| |LI LI LI LI||LI||LI||LI||LI LI LI LI| ,,;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;;,;;,;;;,;;;,;;,, ;;jgs;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; >To Our Unbelieving Politicians: Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air. You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?" You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed. And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need! -<>- When God Paints - A beautiful greeting http://www.dobhran.com/greetings/GRinspire588.htm - Enjoy The Ride: http://www.lshs64.com/enjoytheride.html --- I’ll Fly Away By Jars of Clay http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QyKWGvqEA8&feature=email This is a joy to read over and over… The Old Rugged Cross - A beautiful story http://www.dobhran.com/greetings/GRinspire594.htm --- ..AMEN! Thank You DonnaL! Yes if we put God First - everything else falls into place. >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Chrristian 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 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? 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