Merry Early Christmas! ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com :) The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* 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!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ __,_,_,___) _______ (--| | | (--/ ),_) ,_) | | | _ ,_,_ | |_ ,_ ' , _|_,_,_, _ , __| | | (/_| | (_| | | || |/_)_| | | |(_|/_)___, ( |___, ,__| \____) |__, |__, | _...._ \ _ / .::o:::::. (\o/) .:::'''':o:. --- / \ --- :o:_ _::: >*< `:}_>()<_{:' >0<@< @ `'//\\'` @ >>>@<<* @ # // \\ # @ >@>*<0<<< __#_#____/'____'\____#_#__ >*>>@<<<@<< [__________________________] >@>>0<<<*<<@< |=_- .-/\ /\ /\ /\--. =_-| >*>>0<<@<<<@<<< |-_= | \ \\ \\ \\ \ |-_=-| >@>>*<<@<>*<<0<*< |_=-=| / // // // / |_=-_| \*/ >0>>*<<@<>0><<*<@<< |=_- |`-'`-'`-'`-' |=_=-| ___\\U//___ >*>>@><0<<*>>@><*<0<< | =_-| o o |_==_| |\\ | | \\| >@>>0<*<<0>>@<<0<<<*<@< |=_- | ! ( ! |=-_=| | \\| | _(UU)_ >((*))_>0><*<0><@<<<0<*< _|-,-=| ! ). ! |-_-=|_ |\ \| || / //||.*.*.*.|>>@<<*<<@>><0<<@>>>>>| ( ~~~ )/ (((((((()))))))) ~~~~~~~~ '""""`------' `w---w` `------------' *~* A MERRY Blessed and Safe CHRISTMAS To All Celebrating Early! Merry Christmas From Pres.Trump: "God sent His Son to Redeem Us" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RovAF-EeUQ Merry Christmas Wishes - free eCards: https://tinyurl.com/y7f9yu2o -<>- >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This sizzling Hot New page is from our friends Linda and LouiseAu. It is rib tickler for sure! Take a little time and check these feisty oldsters out here... _ J I N G L E \ (__ M Y '.__`'-. B E L L S `'. \ __ .--._) | __..--''__``--../ \_/\.' .'`__..--`` ``--..\ \ / | ( '--' \ ;--. /\_/ \__ .--. \ \ /__`'--/\_/ \ '--' `'--\ / /----. '--`-----.`\ __) | .'__.' jgs /_( Fun With Seniors 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/seniorfun2.html --- ...Oh Gee! HaHa! Thanks Ladies! Our next hot new page is from our friend PatDeE. It's one to tickle your funny bone and give you plenty of smiles and chuckles. Don't miss out on some laughs! Turn your sound up and check it out here... _..------.._ .-" ". .' \ ' .''. / / \ '..' '. \/ /---.----.--.---.-( \ '.()o { } | ____ "" {____.-._____.-.____}\ | ____ / `"=._ _/ (o ) (o ) \_ `\ |_ _.="` \ | "=. /' '-'_,-,_'-' `\ / \ .=" | | ". ". | '. _."_.-._"._ .' |\__/" ." | ". ". ". \ `"-.~._^_.~.-"` / ." ." ." ". ". ". `--._ `-.~.-` _.--` ." ." ." "=._ ". "=./ `._ _.` \.=" ." _.=" "=._ "._ / `"""""` \ _." _.=" "=. "-. : : .-" .=" ". "| Y Y |" ." _.="` _\ \ / /_ `"=._ _.-"""``""` _.-"`__\ \-.____.-/ /__`"-._ `""``"""-._ .-'.-' _.-'_.-"`jgs.' .' .'\ \ / /'. '._'. `"-._'-._'-.'-. `"` `"` `"` `"` `"` `"` `"` `"` `"` `"` `"` `"` Only ONE Job 5 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/onejob5.html --- ...LMAO! A wonderful series! Thanks PatDeE! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: Your morning thought for the day: Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. You'll be laughing when you read today's story -- it's about a little mix-up that brought some surprise warmth to the hard workers at the VA Hospital. Thanks Kathe for making our holidays a little more cheerier! .-""""-. / /`\ |`----; | .-""""-. : | / /`\; ./ |`----; |-` | : | jgs \ ; ./ `----'` .-""""-. / /`\ |`----; | | : | \ ; ./ `----'` >PINK CHRISTMAS SURPRISE by Kathe Campbell The VA Hospital doctors and pharmacy had been waging war with my husband Ken's rheumatoid arthritis for years, providing the latest medicines as quick as they became available. His long monthly trips for checkups also necessitated serums specially packed in Styrofoam coolers surrounded by frozen ice bags. We stored the bags out in the small fridge-freezer on our back deck. He is a WWII Army Air Force vet, and had business near the VA Hospital just before Christmas. He decided to divest our burgeoning freezer of countless ice bags by returning them back to the pharmacy. It was just a nice way of telling the VA he was an appreciative veteran. Upon his return home that evening, I inquired as to his day with the doctors. All had gone well, but he looked tired and remarked that the pharmacy was very glad to have the cooler box and ice bags back. "One thing though," he mentioned offhandedly, "they wondered why all the freezer bags were pink." "Pink?" I queried. "What do you mean, pink?" "Yeah, pink," he adamantly muttered again. "But haven't you ever noticed, the pharmacy bags are always white?" I insisted. "Beats me. I thought they came in colors," as he heaved an unconcerned sigh and tilted his recliner back for a well-deserved snooze. While I stared unfocused into the fridge trying to conjure up a dinner idea, the deepest recesses of my mind kept wandering back to pink. Pink, pink, pink, why would those bags turn pink, I mulled over and over? Suddenly a light came on and the awful reality began setting in. Oh mercy no, it just couldn't be as I raced into the laundry room to check out the freezer, then downstairs to the old freezer in the basement where sure enough, the answer loomed before me. "Jumpin' Jehosafats, Pops, you gave away my stash of frozen strawberry daiquiris that I made last summer!" "Sorry dear, thought they looked a little different. You can whip up some more can't you?" Ken concluded as he tossed me a devilish grin. Our marriage was a good one. First, we kept faith with both our Christian upbringings, and secondly, we didn't hesitate to state our minds. Long ago a friend had advised that keeping it all in was best, even though her marriage failed. That wasn't going to happen to us for after fifty years we had amiably exchanged a few honest words uttered over a myriad of touchy subjects. But there are times, circumstances, and an old friend's well meaning advice when one keeps it all in, especially when a husband is unwell. Chagrined to the core, and finally slightly amused, I took the phone in hand to catch one of the VA pharmacists who seemed tickled pink when he heard my name. The jig was up and all I could say was... "Whatever you do, don't throw the pink bags out that my husband returned to you today. They were my stash of strawberry daiquiris, so treat them with care and enjoy your holiday on us." "Ma'am, we opened one up after hours in the back room, and are sharing it as we speak. They're the best. Thanks, Mrs. C., and tell that old man of yours he can cross our palms with strawberry daiquiris any time. He really knows how to liven up a long day." With little left to say, I sent my compliments to all and raised my cup of coffee in an appropriate toast... "Here's to you, VA Pharmacy. Divvy them up and have yourselves a merry little Christmas." -- Kathe Campbell __________________________________________________ Kathe lives her dream on a Montana mountain with her mammoth donkeys, a Keeshond, and a few kitties. Three children, eleven grands and three greats round out her herd. She is a prolific writer on Alzheimer's, and her stories are found on many ezines. Kathe is a contributing author to the Chicken Soup For The Soul and Cup of Comfort series, numerous anthologies, RX for Writers, magazines and medical journals. -<>- __ [_ | _____||_____ .'` _ || .'`\ ,;;, / _[_]_ || / | _(\()/)___ | (") \/ | | /__(/\)___/| | >/ . \< | || || || | \_:_/ | _.'| || || '-----...----`\ |____||____|/ | | \ | | | '.__/ jgs | | >I GET TO by Darlene A. Buechel Last night, on my drive home from work, I heard a Country song that gave me a truly "Aha!" moment. It wasn't the usual down-home twang, "I was drunk the day my mama got out of prison." No, this song was entitled, "I Get To" and had great lyrics beautifully sung by the group Blue County. It tells the story of a boy who used to have to go to church, cut the grass, and help his dad. The boy grew into a man and, especially since his father's heart attack, says, "These days helping dad is something I don't have to do... I get to." When he met his true love he used to have to say "I love you," until he dreamt she died. He concludes, "Now I realize I don't have to say I love you... I get to." Wow! The meaning behind the lyrics really made me think as I trudged into the house and reached into the fridge for an OJ carton containing... 3 whole drops! Instead of thinking I HAVE TO run to the store to spend $80 on groceries since Ben chugged a whole gallon of OJ last night, I'll think I GET TO buy groceries for my family because I have the money and I have a family, including 19-year-old Ben who inhales the refrigerator contents in Guinness Record Time The next time I hear 21-year-old Dani bemoan the fact she "HAS TO" commute to college, HAS TO work part-time, and HAS TO squeeze in time for her fiance, I'll mention this song. Since I regret the fact I didn't go to college, I'll stress she should be glad she GETS TO go to school, GETS TO work, and is lucky enough to have found a great guy who GETS TO help her make nine million wedding plans for the big day. As for myself, I work full-time to provide health insurance since my husband is a self-employed dairy farmer. I put in my 40 hour work week off the farm, but Rich easily puts in 13-hour days because you HAVE TO milk those Jersey Cows twice a day along with all the other chores. Of course, he should look at the fact he GETS TO work as his own boss and fulfill his boyhood dream of owning a dairy. Putting in those long farming days can be a challenge. Take this morning -- a cold December Saturday in Northeastern Wisconsin. The wind howled outside our bedroom window as the alarm clock beeps us awake at the ghastly hour of 4:45am. After hitting the snooze a few times, Rich finally shut it off, gave me a kiss, and headed to the porch for barn clothes and boots. But wait. He must have got my message when I talked about the song, since he turned around with a message of his own. "I know I don't HAVE TO trudge through the snow to go milk those bossies... I GET TO," he said with just a twinge of sarcasm. Oh well. It's a start. Speaking of starts, the Christmas season is once again starting to frazzle most folks I know. Along with work, school, or changing smelly diapers, they're expected to shop, wrap gifts, trim- a-tree, and bake tasty treats. This year, I'll try to change my Grinch attitude of previous yuletides. Instead of thinking I was on my feet eight hours at work today and still have to wrap presents, trim the tree, and bake three dozen gingerbread cookies, I'll think, I GET TO wrap these great gifts. I also GET TO decorate this tree that will bring joy to family and friends. I GET TO bake these cookies that might make me gain three pounds, but at least we have enough food that I even have to worry about the zipper on my favorite jeans. During this holiday season and throughout the New Year I think we should count our blessings and make the GET TO theory a part of our lives. Remember, we don't have to cook, clean, and wrap in preparation for visits with family and friends -- WE GET TO. -- Darlene A. Buechel __________________________________________________ Darlene, a Wisconsin Cheesehead, wrote this story a few years ago. Since then her daughter earned her college degree, moved out and got married. Her son is still home gulping the OJ, her husband is still milking those cows, and she still GETS TO enjoy reading, writing, and life on the farm. --- ...A great reminder - since 2020, we've learned not to take anything for granted - once normal and seemingly never changing has been suddenly ripped away from us by the thief during this year! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' And we all know who that creepy thief is... John 10: [10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John8: [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. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Blessed Are the Plodders "No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven."1 Several years ago King Duncan of Dynamic Preaching shares how "Vince Lombardi has often been described as the greatest football coach in modern times. He was a tremendous motivator. Before a group of sportswriters, he was once asked to explain why the Green Bay Packers won so many ball games. Everyone was expecting some profound insight into the complexities of the game of football and the unique genius of a coach who was about to unravel the mysteries of his success. Instead, his response was simple and straightforward. "He said, 'Football is a game that requires you to move the ball 10 yards in four attempts. Football games are not won on 50-yard pass plays or 90-yard running plays. They are won by moving the ball 10 yards in four attempts. The other team will do everything in its power to prevent you from achieving this. So it is a game of who's best prepared. Who wants to win the most, and who never loses sight of the fact that all you have to do is move the ball 10 yards at a time.' Vince Lombardi was a winner because he never lost sight of the importance of plodding." Lombardi wasn't saying that we shouldn't have worthwhile goals. Not at all. His goal was to win football games. Our goal as Christians is to win at what God calls us to be and do. And that isn't achieved overnight. It's steady plodding all the way--year in and year out. As with the Apostle Paul, we don't win the prize from God until our life's work on earth is done. As the Apostle Paul also said, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."2 Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for the high calling I have in Christ Jesus. Help me to keep my eye on the goal You have called me to reach for in what I become and in what I do with my life in serving You. And help me to never give up, so that in the end I will be a true winner in Your eyes. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT). 2. Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV). <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >A Wartime Prayer "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."1 Ravi Zacharias shares how: "At the historic Amsterdam Conference for Itinerant Evangelists in 1986, a renowned Korean speaker, Billy Kim, told the story of an American soldier hiding in a bunker during the Korean War. When his commander ordered him to rescue some of his fallen mates on the front lines, the soldier nodded his head, took a covert glance at his watch, stalled till his commanding officer was out of sight, and simply made no move. Several minutes went by, and a colleague reminded him of his rescue assignment. Again he looked at his watch and delayed. Finally, he leaped out of the bunker and fearlessly began carrying his compatriots to safety. "At the end of the day, a friend asked him to explain his actions. The soldier said, 'I was afraid because I knew I was not ready to die. I waited until my fear would be overcome--remembering that at a certain time every hour my mother had said she would pray for me. Then I knew that no matter what awaited me, I could face it.'"2 Prayer does matter. Prayer does change things. Prayer is a powerful means of connecting to God of the eternal. How thankful I am for all who pray daily for us and the Daily Encounter ministry. We may not know what the future holds, but we can be certain that God knows and he cares. How thankful I am that, no matter where they may be, I can pray every day for my loved ones and commit and trust them to God and His care. As the challenges in this declining world continue, and friends around the world suffer persecution, let us pray faithfully for God's care for all His children, and that the day of Christ's return will hasten so that in God's time all wars, suffering, sickness and starvation, will finally be ended forever. Pray, too, that everyone in the world will have the opportunity to hear the saving gospel of Jesus Christ and accept God's forgiveness and eternal life. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that Your Word encourages us to pray without ceasing. Help me to do this, and also to pray according to Your will so that I will have the assurance that my prayers will always be answered. I pray today for all who are suffering in one way or another. I pray You will protect those who are being persecuted, heal those who are suffering, and be our strength so we can shine the midst of darkness. Let your will be done, not my will. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV). 2. A Slice of Infinity When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: >WHAT ABOUT MY BIRTHDAY? ^ _ ^ | { \ 0 / } ---*--- { /|\ } |\ { /|||\ } | /---------------\ {/ ||| \} | \ / \ ||||| | \ \ / _ \ ||||||| *^* o | \ \ \ / O| _ \ / \ |0| (=) | /| - / \ | ) |\ ## /|\ 0 | \ \ \ | (\ | |\/| | (|\ /|||\ === \ \ ___ || | | | | __|| \[=]/ /o\ \ /o=/| || | | | /\___ | | || ||| =O= |---|/ / |\| | | \ |\| o/ \ ||| ||| |---|| |___\ | | || | | |__\ / \ ||| | | “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2: 11,12 KJV) This afternoon as I was looking for something in the newspaper, I saw a box that had celebrity’s birthdays for today. How this must hurt Jesus and break His heart because when it is His birthday it isn’t listed in the same box as the celebrity’s. If ever there was someone who is royalty and a celebrity, it is Jesus, the Saviour of the world! Yes, we read about Christmas parties and special sales for Christmas and there are articles about choirs at churches having special presentations for Christmas, but where do we read about His birthday? I am sixty three years old and I don’t remember ever reading an article in the newspaper dedicated to Jesus on His birthday. Why is it that we have cake and ice cream to celebrate our birthdays, but on the birthday of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, there is no cake made in honor of Him? I wonder if Jesus doesn’t sometimes feel as rejected now as He did when He was here on earth. He died a cruel agonizing death for us and all He asks of us is to love Him and each other, but so often we fail Him. He is longing to fellowship with us but we get so involved in our own activities and schedules that many times we don’t take time or make room for Him. Sometimes without even realizing it, we put Him on a shelf and just take Him down when we need something. Have you made room for Jesus in your heart and life? What are you going to give Him on His birthday? Have you opened your heart’s door and to Him? Joanne Lowe November 2, 2006 joannelowe8 @ cox.net -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >THE REAL TWELVE DAYS Of CHRISTMAS On the first day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Salvation full and free. On the second day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Everlasting life, and Salvation full and free. On the third day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Peace in my Heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free. On the fourth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Love for all men; Peace in my heart, Everlasting life, and Salvation full and free. On the fifth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free. On the sixth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free. On the seventh day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me A Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free. On the eighth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me A Robe and a Crown, A Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free. On the ninth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Mansions above, A Robe and a Crown, A body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free. On the tenth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Streets of pure gold, Mansions above, A Robe and a Crown, A Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free. On the eleventh day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me A thousand songs to sing, Streets of pure gold, Mansions above, A Robe and a Crown, A Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free. On the twelfth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Eternity that's free, A thousand songs to sing, Streets of pure gold, Mansions above, A Robe and A Crown, A Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting life and Salvation full and free! -<>- >The most important part of your body... My mother used to ask me what is the most important part of the body. Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer. When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans, so I said, ,-'"-, ('; ; .) , my ears, Mommy. . ; '-' Phi She said," No. Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon." Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer. So this time I told her, "Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, __..--.._ ..... .--~ ..... `. .": "`-.. . .' ..-'" :". ` ` `._ ` _.'`"( `-"'`._ ' _.' ' ~~~ `. ~~~ .' / ( so it must be our eyes." ^---' Lester She looked at me and told me, "You are learning fast, but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind." Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years, Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, "No, but you are getting smarter every year, my child." Then last year, my grandpa died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. I remember that especially because it was only the second time I saw him cry. My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final goodbye to Grandpa. She asked me, "Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?" I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought this was a game between her and me. She saw the confusion on my face and told me, "This question is very important. It shows that you have really lived in our life." For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told you were wrong and I have given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson." She looked down at me as only a mother can. %%%% %%%%%%%% %%%%%% %%% %%% % % I saw her eyes well up % % %%% % %%%%%% %%% with tears. She said, %%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%% %%%%%%% %%% %%%% %%%%%% %%% %%% %%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%% %%%%%%% %%%%%% %%% %%% %%%% %%%% %%% %%% %% %% %% %% b'ger %%%% %%% %%% %%% "My dear, the most important body part is your shoulder." I asked, "Is it because it holds up my head?" She replied, "No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in life, my dear. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it." Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one. It is sympathetic to the pain of others. People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will NEVER forget how you made them feel. -<>- >That's God It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The creeks and streams were long gone back into the earth. It was a dry season that would bankrupt several farmers before it was through. Every day, my husband and his brothers would go about the arduous process of trying to get water to the fields. Lately this process had involved taking a truck to the local water rendering plant and filling it up with water. But severe rationing had cut everyone off. If we didn't see some rain soon...we would lose everything. It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year-old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He wasn't walking with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious purpose. I could only see his back. He was obviously walking with a great effort, trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house. I went back to making sandwiches; thinking that whatever task he had been doing was completed. Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful stride toward the woods. This activity went on for an hour: walk carefully to the woods, run back to the house. Finally I couldn't take it any longer and I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey (being very careful not to be seen...as he was obviously doing important work and didn't need his Mommy checking up on him). He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked, being very careful not to spill the water he held in them. maybe two or three tablespoons were held in his tiny hands. I sneaked close as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns slapped his little face, but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much higher purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing site. Several large /| |\ `__\\ //__' || || \__`\ |'__/ `_\\ //_' _.,:---;,._ \_: :_/ |@. .@| | | ,\.-./ \ ;;`-' `---__________-----.-. ;;; \_\ ';;; | ; | ; \ \ \ | / \_, \ / \ |\ |';| |,,,,,,,,/ \ \ \_ | | | \ / | \ \ | | / \ | | || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | | | |_||_| |_| |_| /_//_/ /_/ /_/ deer loomed in front of him. Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. A huge buck with elaborate antlers was dangerously close. But the buck did not threaten him...he didn't even move as Billy knelt down. I saw a tiny fawn laying on the ground, obviously suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand. When the water was gone, Billy jumped up to run back to the house and I hid behind a tree. I followed him back to the house to a spigot to which we had shut off the water. Billy opened it all the way up and a small trickle began to creep out. He knelt there, letting the drip, drip slowly fill up his makeshift "cup," as the sun beat down on his little back. And it came clear to me: The trouble he had gotten into for playing with the hose the week before. The lecture he had received about the importance of not wasting water. The reason he didn't ask me to help him. It took almost twenty minutes for the drops to fill his hands. When he stood up and began the trek back, I was there in front of him. His little eyes just filled with tears. "I'm not wasting," was all he said. As he began his walk, I joined him...with a small pot of water from the kitchen. I let him tend to the fawn. I stayed away. It was his job. I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save another life. , , /\\ / \ | )|-""-, \ /' \ / | , | ' '/ / \_...._ .' _ ._o) { .' `'-....-' ; `"--' `/ / | { } | , { } \ \ { } .-' _.'.,_____, ./`| \ \` \ ( ( /\ | \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ; \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ jgs \_\ \_\ \_\ \_\ `## `## `## `## As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, they were suddenly joined by other drops...and more drops...and more. I looked up at the sky. It was as if God, himself, was weeping with pride. Some will probably say that this was all just a huge coincidence. That miracles don't really exist. That it was bound to rain sometime. And I can't argue with that... I'm not going to try. All I can say is that the rain that came that day saved our farm...just like the actions of one little boy saved another. I don't know if anyone will read this, but I had to send it out to honor the memory of my beautiful Billy, who was taken from me much too soon... But not before showing me the true face of God, in a little, sunburned body. THAT'S GOD -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Making A Baby http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/makeababy.html Mirror Reflection http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mirror.html Christmas Animations: For Angels, Candles, Doves http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs.html For Crosses, Hearts, God, And Jesus http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_f-j.html For Nativity Scenes and New Years http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_k-o.html For Prayers, Santa, Sledding, and Snow http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_p-t.html For Words:Merry (Christmas) and Xmas (all other Christmas related) http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_u-z.html Holiday cooking: Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html The Christmas Story http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christmasstory.html Christ's Bell! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bell.html Come Adore Him! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/comeadorehim.html Maxine On Christmas http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxinechristmas.html Are Angels Real? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Elephant Rescue http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/elephants.html Adopted Chimp http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/adoptedchimp.html Eagle Rescue http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eaglerescue.html Dolphin Rescue http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dolphinrescue.html Great Engineering Achievements http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/engineering.html Where's The Line To See Jesus?- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/seejesus.html Christmas & New Year Index! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasindex.html -<>- Miserable Comforters or Godly Comforters? https://tinyurl.com/y9t2gmes LGBT Activists Hijacked This Beloved Family Movie Channel – Be Careful What You Watch This Christmas Season An More: https://christianlifedaily.com/ Joy To The World! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXAWz1jwCow for KING & COUNTRY - Angels We Have Heard On High https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V7sLV2uqIs Casting Crowns - Somewhere In Your Silent Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT-5cP4BeoI Angels from the Realms of Glory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrwZj4_DxYU -<>- >In The News: VA: A Free Jerrod Niemann Concert for Veterans, Economic Impact Payment Eligibility https://tinyurl.com/ybl2gbwr VA NEWS: VA releases COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, vaccinations began this week https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5587 VA NEWS: Who will get a COVID-19 vaccine first https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/ Intel Report on election interference will not be turned in on time due to reported dispute And MORE: https://tinyurl.com/ybjuqqtb Tucker Carlson Blasts George Soros as Driving Force Behind Violence in America https://tinyurl.com/y8gl6rtd Latest From TPN News: Sidney Powell Just Released A MASSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT! / BOOM! Senate Has Had ENOUGH, Call for Election Federal Hearing And MORE: https://threepercenternation.com/ Lou Dobbs 12/13/2020 Breaking NEWs Sidney Powell Finally Releases the KRAKEN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNZES7l3t0A LOU DOBBS TONIGHT 12/15/20 FULL SHOW - LOU DOBBS FOX BUSINESS DEC 15, 2020 https://www.bitchute.com/video/OeSBO8egMwAV/ Rand Paul: the Fraud is Real / NBC Doctor: People Shouldn’t be ‘Liberated From Wearing Masks’, Even if they've been Vaccinated / Teacher’s Union Boss Poised to Take Over Education Department / Chicomms Tightening Security Screws Amid Fear of Uprising / CNN Reports Falsely That Melania Trump Broke Mask Guidelines / AOC Defends NYC Paramedic’s Racy Photos, Says “S&x Work is Work” / Kansas Teen Hunter’s 42-Point Buck Confirmed as World Record https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Westwing News: https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From Deep State Journal: https://deepstatejournal.com/ Latest From 2020 Conservative: http://2020conservative.com/ Latest From Independent Minute: https://independentminute.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- >Christmas Music - From Our Friend LouiseAu :) Don't you just LOVE Christmas music? I sure do. They're the most wonderful tunes of the year! Boy, when Andy Williams sings 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' he sure looks like he means it! His expression of pure joy is one of the best things about this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=73UqDX_quk0 Mannheim Steamroller are world famous for their amazing Christmas music performances. This is one of their best! It's a live performance of "Joy to the World." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_4iHNpjRbM&feature=player_embedded --- ...Awww, such great fun! Thanks LouiseA! 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 ========================================================== __ /\ ) OO\ ) _ l C ) ..; (\O ( ) (O b-^ (_\(___) ___/__/--^\_____/ \_VJ__ >Moving On Story Editor: by Amanda E. Savieri Julane Marx Victoria, Australia My childhood was a rough one. My mother had me when she was very young. She blamed me for my own existence every day of my life. She screamed at me even when I was very small, saying I had ruined her life and her marriage. She called me names and told me I would never amount to anything. I got used to it and believed the things she told me, not knowing the effect it would have on me later on. After her second marriage failed, my mother gave up on me completely. She took me down to Social Security and told them if they did not remove me from her care she would kill me. She admitted she had no feelings for me at all and was not capable of being a mother. I was put up for adoption at 8 years old. I kept seeing my mother as I drifted from foster home to foster home. I was nearly adopted twice, but the adoption fell through both times. Mother moved on and took on new kids belonging to her current boyfriends, but she still didn't love me. I blamed myself, thinking I was the problem. At 18, I completed high school and moved out on my own. I met the man of my dreams but couldn't accept his love. He was the only person who cared about me but I didn't know how to react because I didn't know how to be loved. Many bad decisions and much relationship trouble later, I was discussing work problems with my fiancee's parents. His dad recommended I see someone for an aptitude test. Though I didn't know then, he phoned six psychologists, and Noni was the most helpful and genuine. I was nervous at first because the counselors I'd seen before through Social Security hadn't been at all helpful, but Noni soon put me at ease. Noni showed me that work wasn't the issue, instead it was unpleasant details from my past that I had to deal with in order to move on. She showed me it wasn't my fault, that my childhood wasn't normal, that I no longer had to carry this blame. Over time, my low self-esteem faded and my relationships improved -- I began to learn how to love and be loved. Noni didn't judge me, she supported me, and showed me how special I am for coming through it all. Thanks to Noni, I now have a wonderful relationship, I got the strength to remove my mother from my life for good, and best of all, I start university this year. I will use the horrible things in my background for something good. I will be a psychologist specializing in childhood trauma; I want to help others as I really know what it's like. It is amazing what you can do if just one person believes in you. Noni believed in me... and now I believe in me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From SermondFodder: BACK TO THE BOOK __ (`/\ B I B L E `=\/\ __...--~~~~~-._ _.-~~~~~--...__ `=\/\ \ / \\ `=\/ V \\ //_\___--~~~~~~-._ | _.-~~~~~~--...__\\ // ) (..----~~~~._\ | /_.~~~~----.....__\\ ===( INK )==========\\|//==================== __ejm\___/________dwb`---`________________________________ Seven ways to ignite a passion for reading the Bible. By Kathy Widenhouse In Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith, Kathleen Norris recounts the story of a South Dakota rancher and his bride who received an expensive Bible as a wedding gift from his grandfather. They wrote a thank-you note and stowed the Bible away on a closet shelf. As time passed, the grandfather repeatedly asked the couple how they liked the Bible. The rancher was confused as to how to respond. Hadn't he already expressed his appreciation? But the grandfather persisted. Eventually, the young man dug out the gift. As he leafed through it, $20 bills fluttered out, 66 in all-one at the beginning of Genesis and in each succeeding book. While the rancher had left a monetary treasure waiting to be discovered, he had also left something even more valuable untouched between those pages: spiritual riches. All because he had not opened the Book. In American homes the Bible has taken on the status of an icon with little practical value. When asked, "What book has most influenced your life?" in a recent Library of Congress survey, respondents awarded the Bible the top position. But only 34 percent of American Christians read God's Word on their own during the week, and of that group, only 13 percent claim to read it daily. "Americans revere the Bible," says pollster George Gallup, Jr., "but, by and large, they don't read it." Why not? Excuses, excuses Reading the Bible is not illegal here as it is in Laos. It won't lead to fines and imprisonment as it might in Vietnam. It doesn't cost a week's wages to obtain a copy as it does in the Philippines. While we do not battle external obstacles to reading the Bible-such as laws or financial restrictions-we face internal barriers every day. Perhaps you rank among the majority of Americans who do not read the Bible regularly. You've considered it, been exhorted to try it, and even attempted it a few times, yet you can't seem to make it a habit. What can you do? If we truly believe that the Bible is divinely inspired and that it instructs us in righteous living and equips us for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17), then we should be eager to delve deep into it pages. Unfortunately, even though we understand intellectually that reading the Bible will help us grow spiritually, we can't quite seem to get around those internal obstacles. Here are seven excuses that prevent us from cracking the Book-and how to overcome them. 1 "I don't have time to read." But we do have time-if we read in spurts. Unleashing Connection reports that in one year, the average American reads 3,000 forms or notices, 100 newspapers, and 36 magazines-but only three books. These trends suggest why the USA Today format is so popular. We like to get our information in short doses that are easy to digest. "Half the books of the Bible can be read in 10 to 45 minutes each, and many of them can be read in less than 20," says Nashville-based pastor and author Robert Morgan. "The entire Old and New Testaments can be read aloud slowly and with expression in less than 71 hours." Read just one chapter of the Bible each day, and in a month you will have completed the book of Proverbs (31 chapters) once or the epistle of James (five chapters) six times. 2 "I don't know where to begin." If starting "In the beginning" with Genesis seems too daunting, flip to the Psalms or Proverbs and start there. Or begin your journey in the New Testament with Matthew. You can also poll Bible-reading friends and ask them what their favorite book is-then try reading it. Or use a Bible with a built-in reading plan, such as The One-Year Bible (Tyndale House) or The Daily Bible (Harvest House). These devotional Bibles present Scripture in manageable portions and work through it in logical sequences. 3 "I just don't get it." Many of us think of the Bible as a technical manual written in Christian-ese. But there are "biblical help" buttons a reader can push to get some quick guidance: Translations. Choose an easy-to-read translation, like the New International Reader's Version (NIrV; written at a third-grade level) or a paraphrase, like The New Living Translation (NLT) . Reference tools. Invest in a few basic references, such as a Bible dictionary(an index of biblical-word definitions) a Bible atlas (a collection of maps of biblical lands), and a concordance (a biblical word locator) to bring clarity to the text. 4 "The Bible is so dull." Not if you enjoy romance (Ruth), adventure (Jonah, Acts), or conflict (Judges). There are tales of conquest and war (Joshua), scandal and suspense (David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel), and deceit and corruption (Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5). God stocked his library with a variety of genres: narrative, letters, poetry, history, and prophecy. If you naturally gravitate to the biography section in a bookstore, start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). If you love poetry, spend some time exploring Psalms or Song of Solomon. 5 "I don't see how the Bible applies to my life." The Bible offers practical advice on issues we face every day: love (1 Corinthians 13), leadership (Nehe-miah), marital bliss (Song of Solomon), courage (Esther), and investments (Matthew 25). It has how-to articles (Proverbs 31) and time- management models (Matthew 6:33). Get a topical Bible (a Bible arranged according to subject) and read every passage about an issue that challenges you. Take notes as you read. Become an expert on what the Scriptures say about that particular subject. 6 "I hear Bible readings in church every Sunday. Isn't that enough?" "The Bible," says Billy Graham, "is the road map for life." When I examine a map, an expert like my pastor can show me the most effective route to take. But I become more familiar with how to navigate the road-life-when I read the map and follow it myself. 7 "The Bible makes me feel uncomfortable." Many of us associate the Bible with negative experiences. Instead of examining Scripture on its own merits, we plop it onto a "discard pile" along with dry worship, hypocritical congregations, and insensitive Christians from our past. We'd rather label it and put it in a box than face up to what it might be telling us about ourselves. But conviction is an important and necessary function of Scripture. "For the word of God is living and active," says the writer of Hebrews. "Sharper than any double-edged sword . it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (4:12, NIV). As we read the Bible we may find we have to face some hard truths about ourselves and our inner motives. Is that worthwhile? Said the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, "The life which is unexamined is not worth living." Statistics say that 92 percent of all Americans have at least three Bibles in their homes. Perhaps like the South Dakota rancher, yours is secreted away in a closet. And like him, you don't suspect that there's a fortune hidden within its pages. There's a priceless treasure within your reach right now. Get it off the shelf and read it today. Reprinted from Signs of the Times (October 2002), © 2002 Kathy Widenhouse. --- ...For easy learning Bible Teachings, Visit Here: http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm -<>- >The Gift of Self | _ _ . _______________________ . | | _(\)(/)_____/\_`_\ \/_______________\ | | |`.)XX(=====/ /,---\*\----------------\ _ Seal _ | | |||`()_\____\// \ / \ \`. \ . | | `| | Y \___\ \________________\ | | `|_________\ / / / / | | \/___/_/________________/ . | '------------------------------------------------------------' "The only gift is a portion of thyself." - Emerson As a very young child, I recall watching a children's film titled, "The Little Drummer Boy." The animated fictional story told about a poor shepherd boy who went to visit the Christ child on the day of his birth. When he arrived, the boy realized that other visitors presented the baby Jesus and his parents with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but the shepherd boy had no gift due to his impoverished state. The only possession in the world the child had was a small handmade drum, and so, the little drummer boy gave the only gift he could give out of the pureness of his heart. The young shepherd picked up his drum, and as he looked in wonder at the Christ child, he played the best song ever; a drum solo inspired by the opening of his own heart. Even as an adult, this animated cartoon never fails to bring a tear to my eye. Certainly, it is only a make-believe story, but the message it conveys is not only very real, but of great importance. The gift of self is a most precious gift, indeed, because it is not a gift that can be purchased easily with money, but requires the time, energy, and heartfelt sentiments of the giver. For example, every mother knows how her heart leaps when her child presents her with a hand-drawn card, offers her a hand-picked flower, or gives her that old kindergarten standby, the noodle necklace! I don't know about you, but that silly noodle necklace was more precious to me than diamonds or pearls! This, my friends, is a gift of love. A gift of self. There are birthday gifts, and Christmas gifts. Gifts of fruit, chocolates and flowers. However, the most precious gift known to all of mankind, is the gift of salvation our heavenly Father presented all of us when He allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to be a living sacrifice for our sins. Our Creator did not "have" to do this, but He loved us so richly as individuals, that He gave to us the greatest gift He could give. The gift of love. The gift of self. Contributed by Melanie Schurr Copyright © 1998 Melanie Schurr Visit my personal page at http://www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr ========================================================== , ----. - - ` ,__.,' \ .' *` / | | / **\ . / ****. Guide Dogs' | mm | ****| \ | ****| ` ._______ \ ****/ \ /`---' \___( Night Before Christmas. /~~~~\ / \ / | \ | | \ , ~~ . |, ~~ . | |\ ( |||| ) ( |||| )(,,,)` ( |||||| )-( |||||| ) | ^ ( |||||| ) ( |||||| ) |'/ ( |||||| )-( |||||| )___,'- ( |||| ) ( |||| ) ` ~~ ' ` ~~ ' 'Twas the night before Christmas and the kennels were still, with most dogs now asleep having eaten their fill. The Labradors sprawled out, quite snug in their beds, while visions of ANYTHING edible danced in their heads. The Goldens and Shepherds curled up on the floor, some twitched in their sleep and some even did snore. The dog food was stacked in the feed room with care, in hopes that a trainer soon would be there. On the window ledge, one of the kennel cats lay, surveying the lawn at the end of this day. Something was different, that little cat knew. Tonight something would happen, it had to be true. For that day as the workers had left to go home, They'd wished Merry Christmas! before starting to roam. The dogs had noticed it too during this past week's walks, the trainers seemed just that much happier and eager to talk. In the mall where they worked through the maze of people and stores, there were decoration and music and distractions galore! Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear, but some balked at the man on the sleigh and those fake looking deer. The cat was almost asleep too when he first heard the sound, a whoosh through the air and a jingle around. It reminded him of a dog's collar when the animal shook, but this sound kept on growing. He'd better go look. From the ceiling there came a faint sort of thunk, as the kennel cat climbed to the highest pile of junk. Once before people had worked on the roof, and come down through the trap door to a chorus of "Woooof!" But the dogs still were quiet, all sleeping so sound, as this man dressed in red made his way right on down. He patted the cat as he climbed past his spot, then made his way right to the trainers' coffee pot. A shepherd sat up, not fully awake, then a Golden followed her with a mighty loud shake. That did it! All the dogs sprang to life with loud noise. In spite of the din, the old man kept his poise. He filled the pot full and it started to brew, then he pulled up a chair and took in the view. Dogs all around him, so carefully bred, he knew well their jobs, the blind people they led. Some had stopped barking and looked at him now, while others delighted in their own deafening howl. Laying a finger in front of his lips, the jolly old man silenced the excitable yips. "You all may not know me, but I'm Santa Claus," the old man smiled and took a short pause, While he filled up his mug with hot liquid and cream, "I've always wanted to stop here. It's been one of my dreams." The cat had climbed down and was exploring Santa's sack. "Yes, little kitty, that's an empty pack." Santa smiled as he drank and looked at those eyes, deep brown ones and gold ones held wide in surprise. Some of these dogs, he'd seen just last year, in their puppy homes, cute and full of holiday cheer. He'd seen the effects of a pup on the tree, but now they were here at the school, just waiting to be. "I didn't bring you presents or bones just to chew. I'll tell you something better, what you are going to do." "You all will work hard and the trainers will share, both praise and correction, gentle and fair." "You'll go lots of places and face big scary things. You'll ride buses and subways and hear fire sirens ring." "Cars will drive at you but you will stand strong, not moving into danger, not moving toward wrong." "And then just when you think that this trainer's the best, the kindest, and funnest person, toss away all the rest," "That trainer will begin to ignore you and give you away, handing your leash over despite your dismay." "Now the person who pets you and feeds you will be a blind person. That's a person who can't see." "This man or this woman may see just a tad, but their view's missing parts or the focus is bad." "So you, well trained dogs, will act as their eyes. You will work as a team and discover the size" "Of this great world we live in, because you will go a million new places with this person, you know." Santa sipped at his coffee and looked over the brood, knowing what he had to say next might sound kind of rude. "Not all of you will make it and become canine guides. Your time here isn't wasted though. You won't be cast aside." "Some of you will be drug dogs and some will find bombs. Some will become pets in a home with a dad and a mom." "All these things are important. People wait on long lists, to receive such good dogs as you, the school folks insist." The last drop of coffee had gone into his cup as Santa turned, smiling at each wide eyed pup. "The best gift of all is to give something back. That's why there's nothing for you all inside of my pack." Draining his mug, Santa went to each pen, and petted and scratched each dog again and again. "Now next year and many more years after that, you all will give gifts wherever you're at." "You might lick a hand that's had a bad day, Or notice a car and step out of the way." "You might help catch a crook or discover some loot, Or just bring some joy to a tired old man in a funny red suit." "Your master will love you and treat you with care. In return, your training and trust will always be there." After the last dog had been petted and soothed, Santa put away the coffee pot and made ready to move. Up the ladder he rose to the door high above, with a smile and a wave as he slipped on his gloves. And all the dog ears were pricked as he disappeared out of sight. "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!" (Author Unknown) | | . , |_ . ,_ \_/ _,_, |__) _ _ _ _ / \,_ |_|_|_|_/_)| |_|_| |_\_| | (_) |_|_ | _(/_(_|_(__(/_ \__/| |_ __/ __ ___ (_ _ ,_-|-|_ _ ,_ _| | ,_ \_/ _,_, ,_ |__| _ _ ,_-|- (__(_|_|(_|_| |_ (_|_| |_(_|_ _|_| |_ | (_) |_|_|(_ | |_(/_(_|_|(_|_ _..._ _..._ .' _ '. .' _ './ (a) .-'-. / (e) .-'-. '-,-'` | '-,--'` / ; / ; | _ / |/ .\ _ (_\ __..;__ \ ::\ ,/_)._ _;\;``""----...___...---:"`` .-'_ `'. \ '::.()\__) (\())(`._'- `-._ ,:-" '. '. - : ; '::\--;__ _\()`''----...__ `-._ '-. '._ .' | .:::|()\_) (_/`;-. jgs _ ()`-. `""--...____..-'` ;_ .:::| `. \_) _;/_)/).;()'._ (`\.-();/_).__ .::::/().-./`) (_\`;(()(_/(()/(. __.--;();`\_)()\__) .::()--;__:() '-;---()_;\_/()"-._ (_/ (/ /()';();--._\_::'`.();\_)` ,() (_.-(); \._ ``""(_.();_().(`\.-();__)`(_/ `--.__ (_/ (_/() \_) __/(_/|\();__\_)` \_) ` (_/ \_)`-._); >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $25 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************