Parenthood ... :) 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 ================ | | | |. ! "| .-'! I | P I ;__| I ||'' scc, I )\=( _ } s&D .I- ;_\-=\ L sc |IT \',_\__7 &s |I| //\'.---..)s& |I|//_ \\ \ (_ LI|-----|/ \.' '-.______ {ID :' |} / '..'-- .;___.-,_ "| Y | .: \ , /_,.--'=--' | | / | / ;. ':.' |: |_/ |; : ::_/ |' / |I |___/ |-| '' | ) | | | / | | |; snd __|_|_ __ |/> ( _'---'__) |( '~~~~~~~' " "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 For 2010 *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a 2010 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ clap clap Clap clap clap clap clap clap Clap clap clap clap clap , clap clap clap Clap clap clap . \ ` Clap \ ( (\ ) / ` ` / _\ , \(") ___ .- )=| (` ') ' _ /'| |-n___n ' (/\| a:f____________|_L___J__ < L _______________________ *~* 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!! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) We have a new recipe from our friend Jo Ann! This one reminds me of my Easy Bake Oven I had as a kid! It would take a long time to make a cake but it sure were yummy! _____ _..--'''@ @'''--.._ .' @_/-//-\/>/>'/ @ '. ( @ /_Take a Moment Story Editor: by Christine Schowalter Joyce Schowalter California, USA They say the average work commute in the USA is 24 miles daily. Well, try commuting in Metro Los Angeles with 15 million other people, where every mile feels like ten. Too much sitting in traffic wears your patience thin, and after eight years, cutting people off had become reflexive for me. Driving home from work during rush hour in spring 2006, I was running on fumes from sitting on the freeway. I stopped to fill up at the cheapest nearby gas station, which is difficult to drive out of. You have to cross a right-turn-only lane onto a major road. During green lights, people rush by over 35 miles per hour. At red lights, people pack in behind the light, effectively blocking any chance to infiltrate the throng. The only way across was to gun it while turning into your lane, crossing the right-turn lane in the process. And I was heading home after a doctor appointment at the worst possible time to drive, especially near five colleges with students in the midst of finals. After filling up I was poised to make my sudden dash for the northbound lane, when the guy behind me started honking insistently. I glanced back in my side mirror and saw an unshaven, bushy-haired 20-something driving an ancient Toyota -- a college kid car. I couldn't discern what color the paint had been; the rear windshield was covered with rock band stickers. No doubt he wanted to turn right and I was in his way, so I thought, "He'll just have to wait." Though not yet 30, I didn't want to move for this scruffy kid in a beat-up car. Imagine my surprise when I saw the kid, complete with torn up jeans and rock band T-shirt, jump out of his car, jog up to my rear end, grab the gas cap sitting on my trunk lid, twist it in place, close the gas flap, and jog back to his car. It only took a moment. I was floored, and ashamed. I got a goofy grin and started waving to him energetically, but I don't know if he saw, because he was turning right. Even better, people in the northbound and right-turn lanes, whose attention had been grabbed by the honking, paused in their scramble and let me out. For a year since, whenever I'm at that gas station pulling out, I think about that guy. Was he on his way to final exams? Did he make it in time? He could've just handed me the cap. It seemed so much to do for an ungrateful stranger. I now make a conscious effort to let people into traffic, and I've seen those people let other people in -- all thanks to that thoughtful college kid. That's one person's small, conscious act of kindness spreading geometrically -- making busy, preoccupied people take a moment, wake up, and think beyond themselves. A little bit sure does go a long way! =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Our Friend James :) .-. __/ ( , '-.____\ u=='/ \ /_/ \ .-'' | ( ____/_____ _>_/.-------- \/// // snd // >HOPE By Fr. James Keller, M.M., Founder, The Christophers Hope opens doors where despair closes them. Hope discovers what can be done instead of grumbling about what cannot. Hope draws its power from a deep trust in God. Hope "lights a candle" instead of "cursing the darkness." Hope regards problems, small or large, as opportunities. Hope cherishes no illusions, nor does it yield to cynicism. Hope sets high goals and is not frustrated by repeated difficulties or setbacks. Hope pushes ahead when it would be easy to quit. Hope puts up with modest gains, realizing that "the longest journey starts with one step." Hope looks for the good in people instead of harping on the worst. May the GOD of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 --- ...Sweet! Thanks James! =================================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ------ _____ / \ ___\ ___/ ___ --/- ___ / \/ / / / \ / / \__ //_ \ / \ / ___ | | ___ \/+--/ / \__ \ \ / \__ | / \ /____ / / | / _____/ ___ \/ /\ \__ / / | | / \____/ \ / // // / / // / /\ /-_-/\//-__- / / // / \__// / / / // // / / // / // / // / /// // / / / // / // // // // / // / / / / / / / / / / /// / / / // // / // // /// / / / / / / /// / // / / // / / / / // /// / /// / / / / // /// / >Through The Storms I did not know His love before, the way I know it now. I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow. I had it all, without a care, the "Self-sufficient" lie. My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky. I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace, I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place. But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled; The waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold. The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride. It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide. I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead, And so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head. His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand. He said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand." So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain. I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane. Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow. I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow. I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too. For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through. It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?" At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry. But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day. Through pain and strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way. And now I see as never before how great His love can be. How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me! He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough. He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!" He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease. He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace. I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong, I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong. Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good, For pain and tears have helped me grow as naught else ever could. I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me; If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be! - Unknown Author -<>- ____ _____ / \ _.-'_.-' \ _\/ _/ ___)/ __< <'-;:\_ _\ '; \_\ >/-,\ snd ""` |_\ >The Faces of America The stories of William (Bill Rotramel) as told to B.J. Cassady In 1939 I joined the military because I felt war was inevitable. I believed the people who received proper training would be the most apt to survive the war. I had been in the Naval Reserve for two years, but the Army pulled my heart. The difference was I could enlist in the army for two years whereas the navy required a four year enlistment. I wanted to be a radio operator. The army said if I enlisted I could go to Hawaii for two years. That excited me and made the difference. After basic I was sent as unassigned infantry to the territory of Hawaii. I went to Schofield Barracks for six weeks of additional training. I went from private to private first class because I was already had an amateur radio license. I was a Radio Man. I started training Radio Telegraph operators, which was my first assignment. I was in the 21st Infantry Brigade Headquarters Company. During the next two years I did a lot of sightseeing and hiking all over Hawaii on the island of Oahu. I had a wonderful collection of pictures... but they are on the bottom of the pacific ocean. A jap sub sank the boat that had my photos on it, but we got the sub while on a anti-sub patrol. Dec 7th, 1941 at a little after 9am I heard an explosion outside the mess. I went outside and saw a jap plane flying low over the road outside the building machine guns blazing at an anti-aircraft installation. I recognized the rising sun emblem on the side of the plane. I slipped into my military mode and into survival gear. Three of us ran to our boat(we were assigned to a supply ship that is still in operation on Guam). I could see plumes of smoke, hear the sounds of explosions, and people running everywhere. We were hit and hit hard. While running along towards the boat, the three of us were ducking machine gun fire, when Boom! a bomb exploded close to me. The men with me were gone. Two of the victims of the attack. I had some shrapnel wounds but didn't notice them until later. My boat was loaded with ammo, explosives, etc. A few of us were trying to protect it as best as we could another man and I were carrying beams to cover the hatch when a 20mm shell hit the beam by my arm. I knew I had lost a limb, but no, the shell just hit the beam and missed me by a hair. What happened during the attack was similar to Tora Tora and the movie Pearl Harbor (without the romance). Fires had to be put out, wounded had to be attended to and the dead had to be buried. Men who lived such as I, were issued weapons. We did not know if an invasion was coming or if another air attack would occur. I received three purple hearts during WWII, but the men who fought with me to save the ammo never received a medal. We were lucky. If the japs had a real leader they would have hit us again and destroyed our fuel supplies. The islands were open to invasion. Being a radio operator in the early part of WWII, allowed one to be on ships, planes on the ground and even some special operations. One of the special operations was to be put ashore by a sub via raft with three other men on islands in the pacific with the intention of putting radio beacons on the highest point of the island. Most of these landings went without a hitch but one got a bit hairy. We landed and worked our way up to the highest point, and just after we finished setting up the beacon, we were almost trapped by a larger jap force. We avoided being encircled and hid in the jungle. One day, then another passed. We were getting hungry so we worked our way through the jungle to where we could see the shore. Luck would have to save us. Lady Luck did not desert us. A small Japanese boat landed with two officers getting out. We waited .... and waited.... then we stole their boat. Was the sub still there waiting for us? We were lucky the sub was there and we lived to fight another day. B.J. Cassady Guthrie, Oklahoma -<>- __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP >LISTEN TO ME Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. I know, I already gave you the 10 Commandments. Keep them. But follow these guidelines, also: 1. QUIT WORRYING Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way? 2. PUT IT ON THE LIST Something needs to be done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize. 3. TRUST ME Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs. YOUR problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask. 4. LEAVE IT ALONE Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job. 5. TALK TO ME I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend. 6. HAVE FAITH I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be? 7. SHARE You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none. 8. BE PATIENT I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush. 9. BE KIND Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences. 10. LOVE YOURSELF As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to Me. Don't ever forget that! With all my heart, I love YOU! GOD -- Author Unknown -<>- ,:',:`,:' __||_||_||_||___ ____[""""""""""""""""]___ \ " '''''''''''''''''''' \ ~~jgs~^~^~^^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~~^~^~^~^~~^~^ >TRUE LOVE I'm not sure I can always tell love from passion. One father said of his teenaged son, "I don't know if he's in love or in heat!" What teenager would know? Besides, feelings of attraction can change more quickly than a pouty expression. But love, in its truest form, is greater than feelings. It is as much a decision as it is a feeling. Love is what Mr. and Mrs. Strauss shared. Mrs. Isadore Strauss was one of the few first class women passengers to go down with the Titanic in 1912, and she drowned because she could not bear to leave her husband. They remained calm throughout the excitement of the sinking vessel. They both aided frightened women and children to find places aboard lifeboats. Finally, Mr. Strauss, who had repeatedly urged his wife to claim a spot safely aboard a lifeboat, forced her to enter one. She was seated but a moment, however, when she sprang up and climbed back on deck before he could stop her. There, she caught his arm, snuggling it familiarly against her side, and exclaimed, "We have been long together for a great many years. We are old now. Where you go, I will go." Where you go, I will go. It is a decision to be together, come what may. I suspect she said something like that to him many times before. Maybe the words she used were different, but the meaning was the same. I want to be with you. Let's do this together. Where you go, I will go. It's a decision to love. It is deciding to be there, wherever "there" may be. It is a decision to sacrifice, if sacrifice is needed. And it is choosing to re-decide it all over again tomorrow and the next day and the next. As the ship sank beneath icy water on that cold and dark, April night, the Strausses merely re-made a decision they had made many times before throughout their life together. They decided on each other. Where you go, I will go. At the heart of true love is often a decision, made again and again, to face the next day together … hand in hand. by Steve Goodier -<>- _ ///-._ ////////-._ /////////////-. ////////////////`. //////////////// .'`. //////////////// . '.'`. '|`'//////////// . .'.::|` : `'/////// . '.':| | . . `'// ' _|- ::| |. .-._ . | . | .':: | |:|:| | ' ' '.::| | |:|:| :. . .'.':| | . |:|:| . | .._.::: : `':| | ' ////-:| |. . | '/////////-._ | . . : .//////////////-._ : : ///////////////////-._ |. |////////////////////////-._ | . . :`'//////////////////////////-._ | . _.-\\\\``'//////////////////////////-._ | /\\\\\\\\..``'//////////////////////////". : . . /. \\\\\\\\\. .``'///////////////////// .'`. : / _ \\\\\\\\\. ``'//////////////// . .'`. | . / (@) \\\\\\\\\. . . ``'/////////// . '.'::|. {`)._ '| _` .\\\\\\\-`:|#| . . ``'////// '. .'.:| `-{_/`| ||::. \\'`.:|:.|#| |#| . ``'/ ' .##:'::: `-| ||||| |`.'::|::|#| |#| |#| . . '| . .|##|'.:| pils | ||||| : .'::|:.'#| |#| |#| |#| | |##|'::| | ||||| .| .'.:|::.'' '#| |#| |#| . : ' |##|'.:| {`\:|||| : .'::|:_.:. . '#| |#| | .|##|'::: `-{_/'|_ |_.-'/}_/'-._ '#| :. |##:'.:| `'{._('}_)-' `-}_}(-._ . . | ' '` .'::| `-' `-.} /-._ . : .'.'_:-'\ `-}_}(-._ | . _.-')_(-' `-/_)`-.:.-{ \{-' `-{_'_)-'' ^ >The Nail They built a new church building and people came from far and wide to see it. They admired its beauty! Up on the roof, a little nail heard the people praising everything about the lovely structure-except the nail! No one even knew he was there, and he became angry and jealous. "If I am that insignificant, nobody will miss me if I quit!" So the little nail then released its hold, slid down the roof, and fell in the mud. That night it rained and rained. Soon, the shingle that had no nail blew away, and the roof began to leak. The water streaked the walls and the beautiful murals. The plaster began to fall, the carpet was stained, and the pulpit Bible was ruined by water. All this because a little nail decided to quit! But what of the nail? While holding the shingle, it was obscure but it was also useful. Buried in the mud it was just as obscure, but now it is useless and would soon by eaten up by rust! The moral of the story - EVERY MEMBER IS IMPORTANT TO THE CHURCH! You may, like the nail, feel obscure at times, but just like the nail, your absence is felt. When you are not present for worship, in some way the body of Christ hurts. -<>- Links for Your Enjoyment For The Lazy Sports Fanatic http://www.buffaloschips.com/glkl.htm Fox Thief http://www.buffaloschips.com/gfrdf.htm Freak out. No Whopper http://www.buffaloschips.com/grer.htm Fred Astaire & Eleanor Powell http://www.buffaloschips.com/gjki.htm Friends Come and Go http://www.buffaloschips.com/gtyu.htm Are Angels Real? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Slain In The Spirit http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/slaininthespirit.html Watermelon And Egg Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/watermelon.html Veggie Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/veggie.html House Dust Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dusthouse.html It's A Dog's World! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogsworld.html Chapel With Bone Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chapel.html Chalk Art 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/chalkart3.html Drink Responsibly http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/drink.html Heroes Truck http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/herotruck.html Visit our site at http://www.inspiredbuffalo.com If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit www.buffalosjokes.com ===================================================================== ( ) ( ___...(-------)-....___ .-"" ) ( ""-. .-'``'|-._ ) _.-| / .--.| `""---...........---""` | / / | | | | | | \ \ | | `\ `\ | | `\ `| | _/ /\ / (__/ \ / _..---""` \ /`""---.._ .-' \ / '-. : `-.__ __.-' : : ) ""---...---"" ( : '._ `"--...___...--"` _.' jgs \""--..__ __..--""/ '._ """----.....______.....----""" _.' `""--..,,_____ _____,,..--""` `"""----"""` >-->"Just one more" By Bob Perks Okay, so you're not perfect. It's not perfection that I'm looking for. You are everything I long for, everything I ever wanted. In fact, I can honestly say I can never get enough of you. But, if there be any fault at all it would be that it seems one minute you are there and before I know it you are gone. I can imagine that God is swamped with prayers for you. Every man, woman, and child has tried to wheel and deal with God for you. I will be the first to admit that I have taken you for granted many times. When I was younger I had no concept, no idea how important you really were. Oh, maybe in passing, or when I was having so much fun I didn't want it to stop I'd ask for you. But now that I'm older and find myself reflecting back, I long for you even more. Like when I think about my mom and dad, or when my children were little. I am guessing, too, that when my time comes, I will be asking... "God, please. May I have "Just one more day?" "One more day with a loved one One more day with a friend. We never know how valuable a day is until we finally come to the end." "I wish you enough!" J Bob Perks I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you keep my name and contact information with my work. ================================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .===. _ _ / _/\ \ / )%.===.%( \ \/6.6\/ | // ,,, \\ | ( _ ) \/ \/6.6\/ \/ .===. _)---(_ /\ ( _ ) /\ / ,,, \ / `~` \ ^^ /()-()\ ^^ ( /6.6\ ) /\/ \/\ / /o o\ \ )( _ )( \ | | / (._\ Y /_.) (_/;---;\_) \|_____|/ (O_`&`_O) / `"*"` \ | L | / / \ \ ( (_.@._) ) |__|__| / ()/^\() \ /'._\|/_.'\ | | | /. . . . . . .\ /. . . . . .\ |_|_| `"`"`|`|`|`"`"` `"`"|"|"|"`"` jgs _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ (___|___) (___|___) (___|___) >PARENTHOOD by Evelyn Pulkin Being a parent is a really tough job, There's so much you have to know Like, why do birds fly south in the winter? And, how do they know where to go? Sometimes you have to be a magician And pull money from an empty hat. You may even have to play fireman And climb on the roof to rescue the cat. There's temperature taking, and fever breaking When baby's got the flu. And story telling and prayer listening And homework helping to do. You must be able to kiss away pain Like magic in the night And scare away the closet monsters Who cause your child a fright. There are soccer games, ballet rehearsals, And band concerts to attend. And putting aside those critical remarks When meeting your daughter's boyfriend. Parenthood is two o'clock feedings And oatmeal in your hair And not much time for just relaxing In your favorite easy chair. There's shoes to be tied, and hair to be combed At least twice before you get out the door. And by the time you get where you're going You've combed and tied a few times more. There are birthday parties with little girls screaming, "Johnny's pulling my hair!" With "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" And cake and ice cream everywhere! Parenthood is a listening ear While sharing a midnight snack And teaching your son to drive the car With encouraging pats on the back. You have to be able to fix toy trucks And replace a baby doll's head You also must take time to write down The cute things your child has said. Sometimes being a parent is hard Like when your child thinks you're mean Because "no" is what you're saying And they create a fussy scene. But parenthood is more than just Correcting your child's wrongs. You also get to laugh a lot And make up silly songs. Parenthood brings crayon drawings, Popsicle stick art, and glue And your precious little one hugging you tight Saying, "Mommy, I wuv you!" It's the pride you feel when the teacher says, "Your child is such a joy!" And how on his graduation day You shout out, "That's my boy!" Parenthood is tough, for sure; You'll worry and shed some tears. Sometimes you'll wonder how you'll make it For eighteen-plus long years. But in the blink of an eye, the years will be gone And you'll think, "It can't be true. It seems like only yesterday That he was a "terrible two!" So cherish the hours, the good and the bad, Each precious moment in time. And when you're having a really rough day Think back to this little rhyme. And remember, "I was warned about this. They said these times would come." Then concentrate less on the negative things And take more time for fun! Seek to do your very best But forgive yourself and say, When, as all parents, you make mistakes, "Lord, I blew it today!" And always remember the joy you felt The moment your child arrived And be thankful each day for that precious gift God brought into your lives. -- Evelyn Pulkin __________________________________________________ Evelyn says, "I have been married for 38 years and have lived in Lilburn GA for more than 20 years. Employd by The Salvation Army, but the greatest job I've ever had is that of Mom to my four wonderful children." ---------------------------------------------------------------- >ZUCCHINI SUMMER by Diane Dean White That summer was warm and wonderful. The kids were young and we had just moved into our first house. It was in the city, with a fenced in backyard and beautiful lawn. I was sorry that some of the backyard would have to be spaded and rototilled, but I was going to have a garden! With three children, I knew how much money could be saved by freezing and canning the bounty which the Lord would provide. My husband lucked out on the rototilling. A kind neighbor came over with his son and offered to spade up the ground! I kept the lemonade and iced tea coming to them, visualizing my soon to be garden. I was so grateful for their kindness. "How large do you want it?" our neighbor asked. "Oh," surveying the entire yard, I said, "From the back fence post to this area..." I started walking off a good distance. "Wow, you're going to have a lot of weeding to do," our neighbor replied. That was my first inkling that I might be making this a bit too large, but I had a number of things I wanted to plant and he was offering! Later that evening, as Steve walked in the door, the kids ran up to their dad. Our oldest said, "You should see the backyard, daddy. The grass is gone!" Not the best way to approach the subject. I laughed. "Honey, guess what? Our neighbor down the street rented a rototiller to do his own yard, and he and his son offered to do ours." "Hey, that's great," he said striding for a glance out of the back kitchen window. "Good heavens, Dee, did he think we had farm land here, why is it so large?" "Well, I knew I wanted to freeze and do a lot of canning, so I figured the number of seeds I'd need, and asked him to make it this size." I knew he thought I'd ordered the entire supply of seeds from Burpee. The weather couldn't have been better and as we watched the kids at play with their swing set and tire filled with sand, we proceeded to make our trails, holes, build our mounds and plant our seeds. Everything had been all laid out on paper as to what was going to be planted where. Now we could all watch the seeds and plants grow. "How did we get so many tomatoes from just those few plants?" I was in awe. "The vines are weighed down with those large beauties!" I couldn't wait to see how everything was coming up. The snap beans, the radishes and onions, the cukes, squash and the zucchini were doing great. Lots of zucchini! "Look at all that zucchini, Steve. I don't remember planting that many seeds," I said. "Well, dear, we did. Remember you wanted to harvest, can and freeze?" he smiled. At night we had great meals. Fresh green beans, sliced zucchini simmered with onions, and sliced tomatoes with our meat. As our yield increased, I started inventing new ways to use zucchini that summer. I sliced, battered and fried. I used it with meat and tomatoes in a casserole. I made a vegetable dish with zucchini, cheese, onions and tomatoes. Then I found a recipe for Zucchini Bread, and I started to make breads. When a dish was needed to take to a church function or someone's home, I volunteered to make a cake. I found my bread recipe that made two loaf pans would also make a wonderful looking bundt cake. It was so moist and didn't need frosting, people loved my cake and breads. I was in Zucchini heaven! As the summer progressed so did the zucchini, and I could see the need for some help with my home economics pursuit. I was having dreams of zucchini! I called Mom and asked if she would like to come over with her empty canning jars. "Just wear old clothes mom, we'll be doing some canning," I chimed. "Bring a nightgown, you might want to stay a few days." I was constantly sending a dish of something down to the neighbor who helped me with my initial ground breaking. Was it my imagination, or did his wife paste on a smile of "Thanks, dear" on my third trip over there? That casserole had been my own invention! Mom came and we "put up" tomatoes, whole, diced and pureed; chili sauce; bread and butter pickles and squash. She even had a recipe for pickling zucchini cut into chunks. We made breads, lots of them! I used the regular size bread tins, but also smaller ones, the size we could use for gifts. I added some maraschino cherries to the batter and made tiny zucchini breads to give out at Christmas time. We blanched and froze the beans and by mid-August my garden was getting pretty bare, except for a few pumpkins we planted later in the season. As summer turned to fall, I gathered the pie pumpkins, placing them in my canning room and surveyed my garden within. It looked great! "I can't wait until Christmas when I can give out pint jars of chili sauce and little zucchini breads, tied with pretty bows," I announced. "Yes, dear." I thought I could detect a less than exciting note to my husband's voice. "I just know our friends will be looking forward to your homemade gifts, especially the zucchini bread." You would have thought he'd eaten it everyday this summer! Well, maybe he had! Anyone for a good zucchini bread recipe? -- Diane Dean White ___________________________________________ Diane and her husband Stephen reside on Hilton Head Island, SC. They are the parents of three grown children and two grand-gals. She is a former newspaper reporter and writer for fundraising organizations and historical research projects. Her new book, Beach Walks, is a variety of short stories and can be obtained by visiting: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1403366888/heart/ref=nosim You can reach her by clicking here: mailto:Thelamb212@aol.com ============================================================= >-->From SermondFodder: / .- __ |/,-'` `-.\ _.-'''-._ \\ .--. _.;.--._.--.;._ _\\/_`~\\ _ .-. .` /( / \ )\ `|. \\ |--' | \ | | ; '-' '-' ; |~~~~~| _\ \| |__ | (_) | | '__|_ (_` _)| . . | |. (__ \ `', |` | `-.___.-' | | (__ | | | ; | : | ; | '(___ | | | \ | : | / | . | | | \____'._| : |_.'___;====| | \ | : | / jgs '------. '._.' .---------'` | | | . ~ . | | | | | |____.____| /===========\ ;:. | .::. ; |:' |_'::' | | .:. | | |__':'_|___.::| [______I______] | | | (_ | _) | | | _|___|___|_ .-//\\--|||--//\\-. (_||__\\//|\\//__||_) `"""""""""`"""""""""` >Hurricane Season Tips We're about to enter the peak of the hurricane season. Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological points: (1) There is no need to panic. (2) We could all be killed. Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to live along the Gulf Coast. If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by "the big one.'' Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan: STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least three days. STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car. STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Halloween. Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay along the Gulf Coast. We'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items: HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE: If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements: (1) It is reasonably well-built, and (2) It is located in Nebraska. Unfortunately, if your home is located on the Gulf, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place. So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house. At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane George, I have had an estimated 27 different home-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys. SHUTTERS: Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets. There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages: Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off. Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December. Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them. "Hurricane-proof'' windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska. "Hurricane Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc.. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles. EVACUATION ROUTE: If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says ``Louisiana,'' you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely. HURRICANE SUPPLIES: If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Tradition requires that you wait until the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM. In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies: 23 flashlights At least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes off, to be the wrong size for the flashlights. Bleach. (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for, but it's traditional, so GET some!) A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant. A big knife that you can strap to your leg. (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.) A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Camille; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.) $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth. Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean. Good luck, and remember: It's great living in Paradise! -<>- "My mother's menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it." --Buddy Hackett -<>- ..%%%%% ... .%%%%%%"" .%%%%%%%/%%%%%" ..... .%%%%%%%%%%%%%%\ ..:::::::::::.. :;"" {_}\%%/%%%%%%.. .:::::::::::::::::. {_}/{_}%%%%%%% ::::::::::::::::::::: \\// """\:: ::::::::::::::::::::::: \\// ---____-----__---------_____----....------..--.....~-----_____-\\//---_____- -----___---___----____--__--_.----...-----...----..---__--_-___\\//--___--__ --____----__-___-----____----_...-----...--..---..___-------__\\//_-----____ ___----____------____---__--___..--..-..----....___-----___--\\//_---__---- ---___--___--__---__----___---___..-----------._---____-----__\\//___---__-- --___---_-___-------______------___--____----___--__------___-\\//__--__---- ____------____----_________------__ \\// --_____--__--____ ' \\// _ __--- @ , " {_} . ' cgmm >Procrastinating "Never leave that till tomorow which you can today." - Benjamin Franklin Sometimes, it seems like there are simply not enough hours in the day. I start off the day with the best of intentions, and by time evening rolls around, there are many instances where I do not accomplish all I had planned. I'm sure this happens to all of us at one time or another, but what about procrastinating in the long-term sense? Here's an example. For the past year, I've been atypically lax in my regular exercise routine. I used to hit the gym just about every day, even adding regular daily walks in the evenings with my dog, but I've strayed so far from my original intent of keeping firm and fit, that I, admittedly, have gained a few pounds. I am very displeased over this, and lately, I've been promising myself I will begin this day anew, but by time I rest my head on my pillow at night, I am again disappointed I did not live up to my goal. What about you? Do you ever promise yourself that tomorrow will be a better day, yet when tomorrow comes, nothing changes? Before long, a day turns in to a week, and a week turns in to a month, and months turn in to a year! The sad part is, what happens when a year turns in to a lifetime? This Daily Wisdom is not just about putting off chores and errands, but about procrastinating with our spirituality. Whether you are already a person of faith who has fallen in to a path of ungodliness, or a seeking individual who has kept running away from a relationship with God, time always eventually catches up to us. We may procrastinate regarding our salvation, but the consequences for doing so will be devastating. =============================================================== >-->From our Friend Jewelle :) .-"''-. _ .' `( \ @/ ') ,--,__,-" / / \ / / _/ __| , |/ / .~ `\ / \ , | / .~ `\ ` / _/ _/ .~ `\ ~~`__/ / ~ `--'/ / / / / /' /jgs Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Bless this bed I sleep upon Four corners to my bed Four angels surround my head One to watch and one to pray And two to keep all harm away. ======================== Four posts around my bed, Four angels around my head, One to watch and one to pray And two to keep the Devil away. ============================= Four posts around my bed, Four angels around my head, One to watch and one to pray And two to keep the Devil away. =============================== Five little angels round my bed. One to the foot and one to the head. One to sing and one to pray, and one to take my sins away. Amen. =============================== THIS WAS A WONDERFUL TEACHING AID: ,,,,, ////""\ . (((/ m m -|- __ )))c = ) | (__) ////-./~` . [] (((( `.`\ :: [] )))`\ \)).-;.' .------, [] (() `._.-'` _( )[] )/ `. | .'`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^))\`.----'`[] jgs ( \' { ~ - ~~ _ ~ - ~~ - ~ - (( | | [] .-.--\ \ { )) | | [] |_;_._`\ |{ ((__|_|-----[] | ; ``` ;{ )) [] | /``-.____/ `~~~[]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'-' [] `' (__) (__) Teaching Our Children to Pray « Power to Change http://powertochange.com/experience/family/childrenpray/ --- ...Very Wonderful! Thanks Jewelle. I cannot stress this enough to Parents and those in charge of children. God gives it to you and not to any one else to Teach Your Child Salvation. Your child trusts you the most to be his or her everything. A little child has perfect trust in you - their mom, dad or caregiver. No other person can even come close in their eyes to you. That is why God gives this big responsibility of not only caring for their their physical life - but seeing to their spiritual life too... .===. _ _ / _/\ \ / )%.===.%( \ \/6.6\/ | // ,,, \\ | ( _ ) \/ \/6.6\/ \/ .===. _)---(_ /\ ( _ ) /\ / ,,, \ / `~` \ ^^ /()-()\ ^^ ( /6.6\ ) /\/ \/\ / /o o\ \ )( _ )( \ | | / (._\ Y /_.) (_/;---;\_) \|_____|/ (O_`&`_O) / `"*"` \ | L | / / \ \ ( (_.@._) ) |__|__| / ()/^\() \ /'._\|/_.'\ | | | /. . . . . . .\ /. . . . . .\ |_|_| `"`"`|`|`|`"`"` `"`"|"|"|"`"` jgs _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ (___|___) (___|___) (___|___) Prov.22: [6] Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Deut.6 [4b]... The LORD our God is one LORD: [5] And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. [6] And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: [7] And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. [8] And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. [9] And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. See how strong that is - Teach Your Children - when? In your house, while walking, while laying down, and while getting up! Don't forget! Put a mark on your hand or tie a bow on your finger so that shall be a sign always in front of your eyes to remind you! Put the message on your walls, posts and gates to remind you! AND Jesus confirmed this for us... Mark 12: [30] And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Salvation is Romans 10:9,10... That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Say out loud 'Jesus Christ is my Lord' and mean it while believing in your heart of hearts that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God made it simple as Jesus asked in prayer so... John 17: [21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. ===================================================================== >-->As I Kneel _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ While morning chill is in the air My day begins anew. This day begins with no mistakes, But much I need to do. With this in mind I then bow down On humbled knees I pray. I ask the Lord to be with me As I begin my day. I thank him for the friends I have; For life and family too. I thank him for the blessings of The work I have to do. From choices that I have today, I pray I'll choose the right And be the best that I can be, Improved within his sight. Now that I've said my prayer to him My day can now begin, But know I'll be back on my knees Because I'll likely sin. I'm grateful that I can repent And clean my life each day So I can start each morning fresh, As I kneel down to pray. © James O'Brien Sept 2002 >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->Pass this on as it should be of interrest to all who served. The study was carried out in Austrialia on their Vietnam Veterans. ABC Nat. Radio Health Report Autralian Vietnam Vets: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/HealthReportVV.mp3 VV ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->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 ************************************************************************