Making A Difference... :) 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 ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) . . . . ,-,--. __| //``-, \ \_`\ )\a-a-? \ \ \_`(_=_/_-`__ \__, , \| | _ _,' ___7 ) | (_)(_`__(_,---' | ( _( ) | / /_| |________| __/__/__|__|_________) _________(__,_|)/ (__)|/____\(_______________ mic Some of you may have noticed that I am no longer on the social network site Meetme.com (used to be Yearbook.com). I had been on there since 2007. While on there earning their credits, I suddenly had to log back in. I thought this was odd and especially since it didn't recognize me any more. My normal log in did not work any more. At first I thought it was a problem with Meetme.com but I later found out through friends and family that my entire profile on there was gone. My son phoned them and the recorded message said that they must be contacted through their email. I emailed them almost every day without any response. Perhaps if I were a premium PAYING Member they might actually care. It's been over a week now! My Profile is still not back up! I am wondering why I am promoting them on my web site when they cannot bother to take the time to fix this error! So I've removed their links from off my pages. If you were one of over 6000 of my friends on there, I am sorry, I did not delete myself, ignore you, or leave you on purpose. I ask myself, 'Why would anyone want to be a member on Meetme.com if their profile is just going to be deleted without any warning?' I spent years building it up, now after just seconds it is all gone. Vanished. I mainly miss my friends. As Bill O'Reilly would say - 'And That's A Memo.' -<>- >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) These Too Hotties are both from our friend Geniann. This first one is such a nice inspiration - sure to warm your heart! Give it time to load and check it out here... \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \ / /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ () - - /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\ //\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\///\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\/\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ God's Advertisements http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/godsads.html --- ...aww, a heartwarming one! Thanks Geniann! This second one is sure to tickle your funny bone! Give it time to load and Check it out here... / , /\ \|/ /\ |\\_;=._//| \." "./ //^\ /^\\ .'``",/ |0| |0| \,"``'. / , `'\.---./'` , \ /` /`\,."( )".,/`\ `\ /` ( '.'-.-'.' ) `\ /"` "._ : _." `"\ `/.'`"=.,_``=``_,.="`'.\` jgs ) ( Humorous Ads 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humorad2.html --- ...These newspaper items are hilarious! Thanks Geniann! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _____ ,' -. `. / - _ - \ : ' _)' : (_ ;) \ _ / `..___..' ;._: / \ SSt >MAKING A DIFFERENCE by Janet Seever It was very late in the summer of 1970. I was a new teacher with a secondary science degree, desperate for a job. I finally found one in a parochial school in a small town of 1,300 people teaching elementary geography, math and some science. I didn't fit in with the other young lay teachers who were into the party scene. My closest friend during those school days was a sixty-year-old nun who taught remedial reading, which tells you what my social life was like. In the days before school started, I put potted plants on the windowsills. On my first day of teaching, Leslie, a fourth grader who was sitting near the window, pulled plants out of the pots. After I moved him to a different seat, he proceeded to spread his entire bottle of glue over his desk and then spread chalk dust on it. And that was just the first morning! It was an ominous sign of things to come. I found that I spent eighty-five per cent of my energy disciplining and fifteen per cent imparting knowledge. Of course there were serious students who did well, but others worked hard to push the limits. At night I went home exhausted, often near tears. I felt lonely, missing my friends back in the city. Whatever gave me the idea I wanted to teach? And then there was Matthew. A fourth grader, Matthew had terrible spelling and almost illegible handwriting. He was getting poor grades in most of his classes. The other teachers labeled him "low ability." But in my geography class he always got A's. He studied hard, and always raised his hand in class. After school Matthew would come into my classroom to dust erasers or empty the wastepaper basket, while I was correcting papers and straightening the classroom for the next day. "Why do you come in to visit me?" I asked him one night. "Because at home there are too many kids, and no one listens to me," was his reply. As I got to know him, I understood his situation. His father had four or five children and then was widowed. He remarried and now had a second family of six, with Matthew near the middle. At times, Matthew talked about his philosophy of life, his family, and his view of God and the world. His chatter was like sunshine on a cloudy day. One time when he came to see me, he said, "Miss Ausmus, the kids are saying that you and Mr. D. like each other." "Matthew, Mr. D. is a nice man and we both teach some of the same students. We talk to each other about teaching. He is not my boyfriend, and it's not something the children should be talking about anyway." Thinking a minute, he said, "How do people keep from having babies?" I was tacking Christmas decorations up on a corkboard and almost fell off my chair. "Uh... Matthew, I think the wastebasket needs to be emptied. Could you do that for me please?" Another time he said, "Will you wait for me so I can marry you when I grow up?" "Sorry, Matthew, but that won't work," I responded sympathetically. "I'm fourteen years older than you are now, and I will still be fourteen years older when you are grown." Oh, the logic of a nine year old. When my birthday arrived, his mother made me a cake and delivered it after school. As Matthew was carrying it up the steps, he tripped dropping the cake. I found him in tears, covered with white fluffy frosting. I assured him that bringing me a cake was very, very special, whether I was able to eat it or not. So instead of making another cake, his mother invited me to their home for a meal and I got to know his delightful family. After my second year of teaching, it was time to move on. I said "goodbye" to Matthew and his family. Years passed and in 1992, I went back to the little town to visit. Not much had changed in the twenty years I had been gone. Matthew's parents still lived in the same house. His mother told me that Matthew had graduated from college, married and was working at a good job. "Janet," she said, "Thanks for all the time you took encouraging Matthew. You taught him to believe in himself. You are the reason he went to college." Those words both surprised and gratified me. I had made a difference in the life of a young boy. But I wonder... did Matthew ever know the difference he made in mine? -- Janet Seever ___________________________________________ Living in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband and two adult children, Janet writes for Word Alive magazine. She has had a variety of articles and short stories published in magazines and on the Internet. You can find more of Janet's writing at http://www.inscribe.org/janetseever ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >SCRIPTURES Supernatural wisdom comes only from God. You can be worldy wise and logical but wisdom comes from God. Read Romans 16: 25-27 Waiting is the hardest work of hope. Read Proverbs 28:20 We are welcome to enter into God's presence----- any day any time. Read Hebrews 10:20 Some think that righteousness means the end of all our fun and freedom. Nothing could be further from the truth. God's love means sheer goodwill for us. Each of us can find the truth of ourselves only as we walk the Faith Road, for God sees to it that sight never precedes faith. Read John 8:36 God offers you His abundance. The rest is up to you. Read Psalms 23:5-6 (My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen. ) It's sobering to contemplate how much time, effort, sacrifice, compromise and attention we give to acquiring and increasing our supply of something that is totally insignificant in eternity. Read Luke 12:34 The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation. Read Romans 5:8 Be sure you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head. Read Matthew 5:14,16 TO MY CYBER FRIENDS: I can make all the tags you could use, I could chat with you all day, I could be a friend, I hope you hear what I say. If I miss telling one person on earth, The way to Heaven when they die. Then I have failed in my task, That my friends, makes one cry... To accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and repent of your sins, makes you then a Child of God with eternity in Heaven. THAT, my friends, is what makes you WANT to talk about God. We then do the works because of what Christ has done for us on the Cross! Read John 3:16, Romans 10:9,10 --- ...Sweet! Thanks Bunni! ======================================================= >-->From Our Friends PatDeE And Linda :) _)_ .-'(/ '-. / ` \ / - - \ (` a a `) \ ^ / '. '---' .' .-`'---'`-. / \ / / ' ' \ \ _/ /| |\ \_ `/|\` |+++++++|`/|\` /\ /\ | `-._.-` | \ / \ / |_ | | _| jgs | _| |_ | (ooO Ooo) >A Baby's Hug We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment. I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed.. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists.. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik. My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?' Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.' Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.' Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments. We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man. Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.' Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.' I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.' I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity. How did God feel when he put his baby in our arms 2000 years ago. The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children.' If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are. This one is a keeper. 'It is better to be liked for the true you, than to be loved for who people think you are......'(Amen! ) I believe we could all take lessons from God's little children!!! --- ...Awww, a wonderful heartwarmer! Thank You Linda And PatDeE! =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) ,--. _/ <`-' ,-.' \--\_ ((`-.__\ ) \`' @ (_ ( (_) ,'`-._(`-._/ ,-' )&&) )) ,-' /&&&%-' ,' __ ,- {&&&&/ / ,' \| |\&&'\ ( | |' \ `--. (%--'\ ,--.\ `-.`-._))) `---'`-/__)))`-._))) hjw 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 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. --- ...another sweet classic heartwarmer! Thanks LouiseA! ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .--. .--. / ' .\ |'. ( .-. \ \ . ` /\. /`. / ) ( `.' .' '--'` (\ \.' .' ) \`. \ _/ _..--' `. \ /`'<_/ : )"'``..`-3 : :. `"'. ) / |-.'' (_.-._ | / ( .'`--..J ' |-'( |_| | : >` '. .'' : | Y | < | : > ' \ `_ : '` \ / :- ' || : / ./: | \ .'J /_ ) : | '% | a:f /.-.`). : I | / ( \ ) : .^) `-' `..-' (`"' / ===' No moving parts, no batteries. No monthly payments and no fees. Inflation proof, non-taxable, In fact it's quite reliable. It can't be stolen, won't pollute, One size fits all, do not dilute. It uses little energy, But yields results enormously. Relieves your tension and your stress, Invigorates your happiness. Combats depression, makes you beam And elevates your self esteem. Your circulation it corrects Without complicated side effects. It is, I think, the perfect drug. May I prescribe, my friend. . . . . . The hug! -Author Unknown -<>- __ _-==-=_,-. /--`' \_@-@.--< `--'\ \ <___/. Tiggers If Rabbit \ \\ " / can do Was bigger >=\\_/`< ANYTHING! And fatter ____ /= | \_|/ And stronger, _' `\ _/=== \___/ Or bigger `___/ //\./=/~\====\ Than Tigger, \ // / | ===: If Tigger was smaller, | ._/_,__|_ ==: __ Then Tigger's bad habit \/ \\ \\`--| / \\ Of bouncing at Rabbit | _ \\: /==:-\ Would matter no longer, `.__' `-____/ |--|==: If Rabbit \ \ ===\ :==:`-' Was taller. _> \ ===\ /==/ /==\ | ===\__/--/ <=== \ / ====\ \\/ (one of Pooh's songs) _`-- \/ === \/--' | \ ==== | -`------/`--' / \___-' >ENTHUSIASM When enthusiasm strikes, you know because you want to jump up and down and scream with happiness. It's a movement where your heart soars because you have just felt or done something that inspires you deep within. Enthusiasm is where your body screams with excitement and you hear that Yes! from deep inside. It's one of the best feelings in the world. Today, no matter what your rational mind says look and listen for the places, events, ideas, people and activities that make your heart shout a loud Yes! Next spend some time deciding how to bring more of those things into your life. Make a commitment to yourself to do the things you need to do to live a more enthusiastic life. When you're enthusiastic you look forward to each and every day. And, that's what makes life so fun! ======= 1. Never judge a person straightaway until you truly get to know them first 2. Do something nice for someone when out in public as a friendly smile, chat or an act of kindness can be the best feeling ever 3. Take time each day to enjoy just YOU as that is always important whether its going for a quite walk, meditating or doing something relaxing 4. The more happy and positive you are the more wonderful results that appear in your life! 5. View your world around you in a loving and happy nature and see how beautiful it can really be and see the wonderful images and messages it tells you 6. Always do what feels best in your heart as that directs you on the right path 7. Always appreciate everything and what you have in your life 8. Don't worry about later, tomorrow or in the future its now that counts at this moment 9. Learn to love and believe in yourself 10. The key to life itself is LOVE ======== Live today like it matters. Because it does. There are people you'll never even know who will be influenced by what you do today. So give this day your attention, your love, your very best. There are ways that you cannot now imagine in which your own life will be influenced by the way you live this day. So live it with integrity, enthusiasm and an eye for the positive possibilities. The world in which you live will be affected by the way you make use of this day. So fill your moments with thankfulness, imagination and joy. Today matters, and right now you have the chance to make it matter in a most positive and fulfilling way. Today is the day when your life is lived, and many things in your life will be determined by what you do with today. If you take this whole day for granted, it will leave you with nothing but regret. Yet it does not have to be that way. Live today like it matters, for now is when you truly can. --Ralph Marston -<>- .---._ _.-'"""'-._ _.---. :.---._`.: .- -. ;.'_.---.; : ' `.': .`.' ` ; `....-':'::. 0 0 .' :;`-....' :.:'_:---:_`::; .--._ `:_( )_:' _.--. .----. ``-.' \ / `.-'' .----. : : .---'': `-.-' :--''''-. : : ___: :____.--''`. : .'``--._____: :_____ : :_.'| ' | `''"'|"'' | ` `._; : ____`-'____|_______|_______|_______|_______|___`-'______ | | | | | | | ______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|___ | | | | | | | _|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|________ jgs | | | | | | | ____|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_____ >Have You Taken Inventory Lately? The renown teacher and author Dr. David McLennon tells a story of his very first job in a small town general store. This was the day before mails and supermarket chains at least it was in his community. At age thirteen he was hired as a handy boy. He would sweep the flour, bag items for customers, put up stock. On one particular Saturday, he recalled., he heard the owner say to one of the clerks "It's that time of the year again, it's time to take inventory." Dr. McLennon Wrote that this was a word that had not yet entered into his vocabulary. When an opportune moment arrived, he went up to the kindly older man and asked, Sir, what is an inventory? Patiently the owner explained that it was a time when you made a list of everything that you had--from groceries on the shelves to wrapping paper and string. Still somewhat puzzled, the young McLennon then asked, Why? "Well, responded the owner, its easy to forget exactly how much you have each year. Every now and then you have to take an inventory just to see what all you have." That little story, to me, pretty well sums up what Thanksgiving is all about. It is a time when each of us needs to ask ourselves the question: Have I taken inventory of my life lately? Have I made an effort to count all the things that I do have in life instead of complaining about the things that I don't have. It is a good exercise especially when we are of a mind to brood or whine in self pity. Have you taken inventory lately? What I am suggesting here is not some shallow "count your blessings" platitude. But from time to time, in a genuine kind of a way, we need to sit down and do some talking to ourselves about all of the gifts and opportunities and challenges that God has given each one of us. Perhaps there is a deep underlying wisdom in the children's poem that says: "Count your blessings one by one, and you might be surprised what the Lord has done." -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Overseer http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/overseer.html Stretching For The Lord http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/stretching.html Until We Write Again http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/write.html Lighthouses Of The World http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lighthouses.html Mars Panoramic View http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mars.html Jasmine The Greyhound http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jasmine.html Identity Theft http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/identitytheft.html Mexican Lion http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lion.html Parenting No-No's #3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/parenting3.html Thailand's Tigers http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/tiger.html We Three Friends http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/threefriends.html -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) She sent us one we have here... Pictures for the armchair enthusiast: Amazing Photos http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazingphotos.html Maxine On Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonjesus.html Video by Scott McKinley Productions, produced for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for ad campaign. Licensed music by Kenny G.. This short video won Grand Prize - Best of Show at International Wildlife Film Festival in Missoula , Montana ! The majority was shot on location in Yellowstone National Park , Grand Teton National Park and The National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole , Wyoming . http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=BUOQ_yPW_0s --- ...I love these! Thanks Linda! -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann :) AWESOME Invisible animals http://tinyurl.com/bqe6ta3 --- ...Wow! My son and I took turns finding them! Thanks Geniann! Now I know why the giraffe looks like it does! LOL! -<>- >From Our Friends at TruthOrTradition.com: Are Christians required to keep “the Sabbath” by going to a church on Saturday or Sunday? http://tinyurl.com/agy8a6x 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 Our Friend Geniann :) .-'''''-. |'-----'| /`-.....-`\ | <_} | | .-\-. | | /# ` \ | | \ / | \ '-'-' / `'-----'` >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 (And ME!) INSTANTLY WHEN YOU RECEIVE THIS LETTER, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO SEND IT TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN. GOD BLESS US ALL Through Christ Jesus! -<>- . | . \ | / `. \ ' / .' `. .-*""*-. .' "*-._ /.*" "*.\ _.-*" : ; ____ """"': .. ; _.-*" \ `.__.' / "*-._ .' `-.__.-' `. bug .' / . \ `. / | \ ' | ` >VERY SPECIAL DELIVERY May the Lord open up The windows of heaven And pour you a blessing That you will not have room Enough to receive it all. May the Lord bless You exceedingly and abundantly, Above all you could ever hope for. May the Lord bless you That you may walk in health and a Financial overflow. May you love and please Him For the rest of your days In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen! Let's just see Satan stop this one. All you do is.. Send this on! --- ...aww, how kind and such an inspiration! Thanks Geniann! ================================================================= Philip Kaulfuss . : . . : | : . . | | | , \ | | / . ,-'"""`-. . "- / __ __ \ -" |==| I |==| - --- | _`--^--'_ | --- - |'`. ,'`| _- \ "---" / -_ . `-.___,-' . / | | \ .' | | | `. : | : . : . >So Many Wonderful People Story Editor: by Jaqi Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA In December of 2006, I moved away from my family and friends to Texas with my fiance. When we broke off the engagement in June 2007, I decided to keep my job and stay in town, even though I still had trouble making any lasting friends. My ex-fiance decided to let me use the car we shared (it was in his name) until I was able to buy my own car, hopefully in about a month. However, three months later, the company I worked for cut the commission rates so effectively that my paychecks were half of what had been. I struggled to stay on top of my bills. Worst of all, I was still relying on my ex to drive me everywhere. He was understanding until one day I didn't pick him up from work. He stopped talking to me and refused to drive me to work the next day. I set off on the 5-mile trek to my workplace at 6 a.m. the following morning. An hour later I was almost there, but tired and unsure if I would make it (my asthma and heart condition were not advantageous in the situation). Suddenly a car pulled over and a friendly woman on the passenger side asked if I needed a ride. Hot, tired, and looking forward to eight hours at work, I agreed to get in. She and her husband drove me to work, and when I got out, thanking them over and over, they told me just to pay it forward. I told them I'd never forget their kindness and went in to work. Two young girls fresh out of high school, Ashley and Chelsey, saw my sweaty face when I went to the bathroom to freshen up and asked if I'd just been in the exercise room. I told them no, I'd walked from home because I didn't have a car. I knew them because they sat a few desks over, but didn't talk to them much. At once, Ashley said it was unacceptable for me to walk to work and said she'd drive me to and from work from then on. After I got home that day, I sat on my balcony contemplating the long walk to the grocery store and whether I had the strength for it. My neighbor, who shared the balcony, came outside and we started talking. He offered to take me to the grocery store that day, and every week until I had a car. When I left for work that morning, I was unsure whether I'd be able to keep my job, and trying to decide whether to move back into my parents' house. By the end of the day, I had met so many wonderful people I knew I didn't need to move at all. I procured a car, and am now doing fine. All that is thanks to one day where a group of people I barely knew all came together to help a disillusioned little me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: . /| ____...,---.___..__,) | ,_.-._ ,._,.--'''''' ' ; / '-' ) / ,'_._. `_ ,' : `-. -. _ ' ; )`-. `. /; ) ) ,' / '. `. -. ( \ | =' .' ; `. '-._+ .\= \.-'-'-.| ; / :' `. \\ `- `.+' ; .-. `. ,-+,' = _ (_ ; .' ; (_ /: =,( O\ O ).J `. =`. ;' =\ \ 7P ' `-. '-: .' = \ \ (: :) ) `--| ; = `.`. `=="./ ; : `-`.__.' ) : | ; '.'.= -. . + ,'`) := \ , / `. ) =| `. ,+-.-'-+. ;. ; \: /| | ; `._ =) : ( `-' | (/ kOs ; ; ( |; (: ) | : `- / )| ; ) |) (_/ `-' `-' >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY JoAnne's husband (Mr. Fix-It) recently passed away. Daddy had told Brian, 7, that some day he might have to be the "man of the house." Well, last week Brian noticed that a piece had come off the dishwasher. He said, just before leaving for a friend's house, "Ya know, Mom, someday when I get the time, I will fix that for you! Don't you worry!" -- JoAnne Johnson of Chews Landing, New Jersey Last week Vivian asked her son Abdoulaye, 5, what he knew about Martin Luther King. He said, "OOOOh Mommy, he was so sad as child. When he got bigger he told all the white people that they had to share the water fountain!" -- Vivian Wilson of Chicago Tommy, 3, was in a restaurant. When his dinner arrived with a sprig of parsley on it he said in a not-so-quiet voice, "Look, Mommy, they cooked the flowers!" -- M. Watts (mother of Tommy) of Texas After sleeping in all summer, it was hard for Zack to wake up early for second grade. During the second week of school he was having a particularly hard time. One morning Zack's father asked "Zack, are you tired?" Without opening his eyes, Zack simply nodded. So his father continued, "Zack, do you think you need some more sleep?" Again, Zack nodded and said "Uh-huh." Thinking this might be a good time to talk about going to bed earlier, his dad asked, "Zack, do you know where you could get some more sleep?" Zack didn't move, didn't open his eyes, he just said "Yeah, Dad, www.tired.stretch.com!" -- Joella (mother of Zack) of Minnesota who says, "If only there were such a site!" ,,,, ,;) .';;;;', ;;,,_,-.-.,;;'_,|I\;;;/),,_ `';;/:|:);{ ;;;|| \;/ /;;;\__ L;/-';/ \;;\',/;\/;;;.') \ .:`''` - \;;'.__/;;;/ . _'-._ .'/ \ \;;;;;;/.'_7:. '). \_ .''/ | '._ );}{;//.' '-: '.,L .'. / \ ( |;;;/_/ \._./;\ _, . / |\ ( /;;/_/ ';;;\,;;_, . / )__(/;;/_/ (;;''''' / _;:':;;;;:';-._ ); / / \ `'` --.'-._ \/ .' '. ,' '-, / / r--,..__ '.\ .' ' .' '--._ ] ( :.(;> _ .' '- ;/ | /:;( ,_.';( __.' '- -'"|;:/ (;;;;-'--' |;/ ;;( snd '' /;;| \;;| \/ While Bill was at the gas station with his son Jack, 4, Bill took the opportunity to review emergency procedures. He quizzed Jack on 911, etc. Then he asked Jack what kind of truck they should send if there was a fire at their house. Jack replied, "A fire truck." His father continued, "And if Mommy or Daddy were really sick... what would you tell the 911 operator? What kind of truck should they send?" Jack's response, "A dump truck!" -- Amy Burgoyne (mother of Jack and twins Will and Anna) of Richmond, Virginia Seth, 4, wanted to be "Star of the Week" at his preschool. But, he found out he hadn't been chosen yet because he talks too much. Seth's mom discussed the need for him not to talk so much and he assured her that he would lock his mouth with an imaginary key. The next day his mother picked him up and found he hadn't been picked for "Star of the Week." She assumed it was because he was unable to control his talking. But Seth explained, "I did lock my mouth shut, Mommy. I just forgot to be good!" -- Melissa Heiny (mother of Seth) of Columbus, Indiana Ruth adopted their son at age 3 and their daughter at age 4. The kids were jockeying for their position in the family. Each Wednesday they would go to a pancake restaurant for all you can eat pancakes. The first time they went the waitress asked, "Do you want maple or boysenberry syrup?" Ruth's daughter replied, "Don't you have any girls- enberry syrup?" -- Ruth Snyder of Deltona, Florida \_, _ _ \.= \\ /,~,"\ // _ __ !!!,,, _ _ ___ \\ /|o_o|( // /.-. | !!'''!!! .'_"_'. ;---,\ :\)\'=/ /'/ ||o_o|| !!!a,a!!! /|o_o|| )o,o)| \(-._.-\' |,\= || !!.=.|!! | \='/| _| =/ \_ '\ Y / .--' '-. (^( .-' '-. \~} / /'_/(-._ ( J\ \/| ) | : | / .--Y-.\\ \\/ .-,-. \// \|( |/ '.\ \\==== // _/ : (_ ( /\ -/ / \_/\----|\/ ) \_' \\ \\==// \ \'.__.'/ \\| \8" \ , ( ) \;= snd || || / |'-,-'| 9/ ) )---\ |____|\) /|/ /)| \ | / /_____/ / | ) \_||_/ | | | | | / ) ) / \ ( / \ | | )| ) | | | | |/\/ // \| | / \ \ |/ |/ |-| |-| /|/| |/ |\ |__| \__| _/ |/ | '-' '-' [_[_/ /| '=' /:( ):\ (_,(__,] '= '-' '-' "Sporty" "Ginger" "Posh" "Scary" "Baby" Marlena was playing restaurant with her grandchildren. Her 2-year-old grandson asked if she would like some soup. "What kind do you have?" Marlena asked. He thought for a moment and then replied, "Uh wet?" -- Marlena of Puyallup, Washington Sean, 4, wanted to play Scrabble. His grandmother told him he had to be able to spell. He said, "I know how to spell." So they started playing. Barbara put out a word on the board. Then he put the letters "T F S E S". Barbara told him that was not a word. Sean asked her to tell him what it said. She said, "TEFSIS." Sean replied, "No Gammie, it's TEXAS!" -- Barbara Gocus of Clackamas, Oregon Michaiah, 4, was in a large discount store with her mother. As they neared the garden center, Michaiah asked in a very loud voice, "Mommy, is this where we can get the baby brother seed for Daddy to plant inside of you?" -- Marlene (aunt of Michaiah) of Kansas Kyle, 6, was trying to play with his remote controlled car in the house. He kept rolling it into the furniture then had to pull it out with his hands to make it go again. Thinking she could help, his mother asked for the remote to figure out how to back it out from under the coffee table. She tried pushing all of the buttons to no avail. Exasperated she said, "Kyle, what makes this thing go?" He looked at her like she was crazy and taking the remote out of her hands said, "Batteries Mom!" -- Christal Bricker (mother of Kyle) of Colorado Springs, Colorado ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Geniann :) |><|~|><| /(((9)))\ //) -_- (\\ (((( ._. )))) ))))---(((( ((((`---')))) (___|xXxXx|___) \ | | / / ^ ^ ^ \ / \ (_._._._._._) \ | / ( | ) | | | hjw |-|-| /`-^-'\ (__,^.__) >Daddy's Poem Her hair was up in a ponytail Her favorite dress tied with a bow Today was Daddy's Day at school And she couldn't wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her, That she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, If she went to school alone. But she was not afraid; She knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates Of why he wasn't there today. But still her mother worried, For her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, She tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school, Eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees, A dad who never calls. There were daddies along the wall in back, For everyone to meet Children squirming impatently, Anxious in their seats. One by one the teacher called, Each student from the class. To introduce their daddy, As seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, Every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, For a man who wasn't there. "Where's her daddy at?" She heard a boy call out. "She probably doesn't have one" Another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, She heard a daddy say, "Looks like another deadbeat dad, Too busy to waste his day." The words did not offened her, As she smiled up at her mom. And looked back at her teacher, Who told her to go on. And with hands behind her back, Slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child, Came words incredibly unique. "My daddy couldn't be here, Because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, Since this is such a special day. And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, And how much he loves me so. He loved to tell me stories He taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses, And taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him, I'm not standing here alone. Cause my daddy's always with me Even though we are apart. I know because he told me, He'll forever be in my heart." With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, Beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere in the crowd of dads, Her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, Who was wise beyond her years. For she stood up for the love Of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, Doing what was right. And when she dropped her hand back down, Staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, But its message clear and loud. "I love my daddy very much, He's my shining star. And if he could he'd be here, But heaven's just too far. You see he was a fireman And died just this past year. When airplanes hit the towers And taught Americans to fear. But sometimes when I close my eyes, It's like he never went away." And then she closes her eyes, And saw him there that day. And to her mother's amazement, She witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, All starting to close their eyes. Who knows what they say before them, Who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, They saw him at her side. "I know you're with me Daddy." To the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, Of those once filled with doubt. Not one in that room could explain it, For each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, Was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose. And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, By the love of her shining bright star. And given the gift of believing, That heaven is never too far - Unknown author --- ...so sweet! Thank You Geniann >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************