Reggie The Dog, Treasures And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ >-->OoooWEeeee!! (>, oo / 8 "} > @ < |`.8 .-._/| `-.'`')`_.' ) / / |__, | ( / .' , / `._/ '`- \| -- -`' - --- VK/ejm I'm doing a 'Happy Angel' dance! Why? Because Shangrala has been blessed with our first 2012 Angel! Pat De Esposito is again a faithful Shangrala supporter. This is his 2nd year of stepping up to the plate to help Keep Shangrala Alive with a sweet donation! We sure do thank God for him and all our past wonderful angels! If you'd like to help too and be counted as a 2011 Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS ALL OUR ANGELS MOST ABUNDANTLY! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press! :) This super hottie comes from our friend KarenF. If you've never heard of this tree, this will astound you! Check it out here... , .__ ._ \_. _, _. ' \/ \.- / \/ .-_` // |/ \, .-""""-. \. ' \`. || \.-' / F Y .-.`-( _/\ V/ \\//,-' >-' ._, F Y .__/ `. \. ' J ) ./ / __._/ J \, I ' _/ \ \ | | / / .'-'.-' `._, ( L \_.--.| \_. ' .___ `\: | / .--'.-'" \ \ '\ . L / \\/ ._/`-.` \ .'.' .'---./__ ' \__ '\ ) \._/ `-.__. ` \\_. ' .---. \ / / , ` ` --' \\ ): // \, `-.`__.' `- \ / / _/-.---.__.- . _.-`.'/ /'\_, ._ >--.-""'____.--"`_ ' /.'..' \ \ _/` _ .---._\ \'/ '__./__.-.. / .-|( x_.-'___ | :' / _..---_' \ .:' /`\ `. `..'.--'\ /.' /`-`._ `-,' ` ' I '_.--'__--..___.--._.- ` `. `\/'/ _. _.-' _.____./ .-.--""-. .-" ' _..-.---' \ -._ .--.\ / /-./ / .---'-//.___. .-' \__ .--. ` `. '`- ,--'/.-. ^. .-.--. ` _/ _// ./ _.. .' `. \ \ |_. /' | >. ' | \._.- ' _..' `.' . `. ) | |\ ` ./ \ \' ) c| / \ \_.. .--' ,\ \_/` : ) (`-. `.|`\\ \' / ,-. | ` ./` ._/ `\\'.--.,-(( `.`.__ | _/ \ |) `--._/` ______'\ | < __________ //' // _) )/-._`. (,-') ) / \_. /\. _____ a:f | | .__./ // '\ |// `.\ '\ ( ( <` ._ ' > | _. / ..-\ _ _/ \_. \ `\ \_ `---.-'__ . / `- _.' / ` _/| J /` `-,,-----.`-. ' .:' '` ' < ` f I // `­\_, ' \. J I/\_. ./ __/ `: I .: K ` ` \/ ) `, J L )_(_ . F .-' J / `. . I (. . I _.-.._ ' <' \ ) _.---.J/ :' L -' .:. \. _.->/ _.-'_.) ` `-.`---.,_. :< ( \ .--"" .F' J) `.`L.__`-.___ .: |-'\_.| Y ..Z )) `--' `- . ) | > : . ' :' / ) L_J .x,. L_J ., .:<., .'` ` :J.,` . ;.+K,:. .,L+., Great Banyan Tree http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/banyan.html --- ...Simply mind blowing! Thanks KarenF! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ,--. _/ <`-' ,-.' \--\_ ((`-.__\ ) \`' @ (_ ( (_) ,'`-._(`-._/ ,-' )&&) )) ,-' /&&&%-' ,' __ ,- {&&&&/ / ,' \| |\&&'\ ( | |' \ `--. (%--'\ ,--.\ `-.`-._))) `---'`-/__)))`-._))) hjw >THOSE PARENTS GOT IT RIGHT by Corrina Jayne Hyde I have gone from being a child care consultant who trained child care workers, to becoming a child care worker myself. It's been a number of years since I've been in a classroom, and believe me, I've caught myself, more than once, reminding myself of my own advice. In some ways the most difficult part has not been the classroom, the curriculum, or the co-workers, but the children themselves. They are so angry! Every classroom seems to have more than one angry child, and the whole thing is heartbreaking. It's difficult in trying to pinpoint what it is that causes such anger, because they all come from such diverse situations. What we know about child development changes daily. Different times call for different tactics, and we are living in difficult times. Parents are all over the place with their children, some are involved, some are not. Some are raising their children, some are not! Some are getting it right, some are not! After one particularly bad day, I came home and decided the change that needed to be made was with me. I needed to "mold" not "pound." I had to show respect to get respect. I could not change the homes they came from, but I did have the power to change their self- images and self-worth. The next day as they came in, I made sure to speak to each child, and tell them how happy I was that they were there! And I meant it! I hugged, I held, and I listened. It was an amazing day. I was walking home later that day after work, with a few groceries I had picked up, and noticed some children in an empty lot close to my home. They ranged in ages from about 4 to 10, and the first thing I noticed is they had a shovel. I remember thinking that whatever they were doing they were probably up to no good. I shook my head and walked towards home. I was about to pass them when I heard one of the little girls start to sing Amazing Grace. And I am talking this child sang Amazing Grace, like she was at the feet of the Master. The other children joined in. I stopped and turned around. I took it all in -- the fresh dug grave, the wriggling puppies in their arms and realized I was witnessing a burial. No adult was around, and they did not miss a word of that song. I wanted to pull out my camera and set it to video and record it. It was beautiful, haunting! It will forever be etched in my mind. So will the lesson. As I walked away I smiled and thought, "Now those parents got it right!" -- Corrina Jayne Hyde __________________________________________________ Corrina lives in Atoka, Oklahoma and been a Heartwarmers member and writer for over 10 years. ======================================================== >-->From Our Friend GloriaB :) Love to all!!! __ ( ( ) ) _ / / ___ /:;-/_ ( ( \ ___ __/::::;;;-. ) ) \ / _ \/ _\`".:::::/\/ / ) ) (_( \/ / \__ `";/ /\/ ( ( (_(_) /`_>-~-\/ /\ \_\ \/)'O_O`\/ / /-.(_),-\/ ( .:_|_:. ) /`--'U,-.'\_ ,'\,-. (_,,),:| ___ ,'__(,,_)___,:::| / _ \ |||||||||||||:::| / / \ \|||||||||||||:::| __ ( ( \ |||||||||||||:::| ( (\ )_) \|||||||||||||::;'__) )\ hjw |||||||||||||;'_____/\/ """"( ("""""" ) ) (_( >A letter from the Post Office...this is absolutely the best!!! Beautiful story. We don't know who replied, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service. Our 14-year-old dog Abbey died last month. The day after she passed away my 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so, and she dictated these words: Dear God, Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I'm happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to swim and play with balls. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her. Love, Meredith We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey & Meredith, addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had. Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note: .-=":-=") |_.'|_.' /" /" : / / / .' .' : .-'-.---. / .--"""""--.. : .((((__ .\ ___.:-//\\\\\\-._ -. __..--'"` [.]-[.] \\_. ` `""--..__ ..---\ ___(/_ | /___ /---.. """",-/_...---'"`` \,_ /.- ``"'---..__\-,"""" " /"""'"'""""/ " \`'-.__.-' \___ aa/wkm "._________".' Dear Meredith, Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help and I recognized her right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in so I'm sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find. I am wherever there is love. Love, God Don't say you're too busy to forward this. Just go ahead and do it. --- ...A heartwarming sweet one! Thank you GloriaB! ======================================================== >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) _..--------..__ .--..' `"""---.. \ / `""--.,_, ,_ (,\: "^^MMMMMmm , , `": `"^MMMM`M/,',m : `"^MMMMMMM" : ; `^MMMMMMm. | ; `MMMMm ` ."": \ ; ; ,m"^`MM: : ; \ \ : , , ; | " .. |" \ ` `. | | -"/`"""----|/ : /M} : |` : `.-.._ ; | : /: 7 ; `--' \ `._gP `=._`"-; ; ;.-' | : ; _.-""`. .MMb. : `"-.\| | : ; | .' : "MMMM' ; \ : : : : :,' o : MM"/ /-.___.' ; ; \ | : _ / `"( .' / ;_ / : | / \, _.-7 `""""" / / `----' \ :`""""`"\_/ fsc ( .' `./ `----"" >I Made A MisTeak So, I made a mistake. Mistakes happen. Not only do they happen, they are guaranteed. My father used to say, the only way you won't make mistakes is if you don't do anything, and that itself is a mistake. Too many are afraid to try something new because they feel they might make an error. They are both right and wrong. Yes, they will probably make errors but it is good to understand that errors go with the territory. You will never accomplish great or worthwhile things without risk and risk generally means great mistake potential. You are probably reading this by light bulbs invented by Thomas Edison. He made over a thousand light bulbs that didn't work. The world would have called them mistakes. He said he learned a thousand ways not to make a light bulb. The way to avoid mistakes is experience. The way to get experience - Mistakes. Don't feel bad because you messed up with something. Don't be afraid to venture out into a good thing because you are afraid that you might mess up. While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, another is busy making mistakes and becoming superior. An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made, in a narrow field. We have to keep trying things we're not sure we can pull off. If we just do the things we know we can do... you don't grow as much. You gotta take those chances on making those big mistakes. Finally in this computer world on misteaks. Dew knot trussed yore spell chequer two fined awl yore mistakes. ~unknown~ --- ...HaHa! Yes, I'm guilty! I do make many mistakes! Thanks Bunni! Another good thing to remember... I remember my teacher in the Word taught us that when we are asked a question that we don't know the answer for that there is no shame in admitting that we don't know. He taught us not to fabricate an answer just because we might think it would look bad of us if we didn't know. The truth is, if you don't know the answer to something and you make up an answer just to look good in the moment then it will come back at you later to totally embarrass you. There is no dishonor in not knowing, but there is dishonor in lying about it. -<>- >4 BOYFRIENDS __ /__`. / \ `\\ / \ `\ / \ \ /_______\ /\ (((( )))) (((' . '))) (((\_-_/))) (((_) (_))) /((( \ / )))\ / ((( ^ ))) \ / / (( ^ )) \ \ ( ( \ ^ / ) ) \ \ )www( / / `\\ / \ //' /' `\ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ jgs | | `-----......_____......-----' Once upon a time there was a princess who had four Boyfriends. She loved the 4th Boyfriend the most and adorned him With rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best. She also loved the 3rd Boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another. She also loved her 2nd boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times. The girl's 1st boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him. One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.' Thus, she asked the 4th boyfriend, I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No way!', replied the 4th boyfriend, and he walked away without another word. His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart. The sad girl then asked the 3rd boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the 3rd boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold. She then asked the 2nd boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the 2nd boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.' His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated. Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!' In truth, you have 4 boyfriends in your lives: Your 4th boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die. Your 3rd boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others. Your 2nd boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave. And your 1st boyfriend is your Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, your Soul is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity. Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections. --- ...Well put. Thanks Bunni! Note - guys substitute Boyfriends for Girlfriends ======================================================== >-->From Our Friend Sharon :) Like myself, if you ever received this before, you will recognize it within the first few words and the name, Reggie. It made that much of an impact many years ago when it landed only the one time in my mailbox (Amazing it's taken this long to return!). This story will ALWAYS be sent 'round the block from me. BTW, even if you recall this special forward, please don't let it stop at your mailbox...surely you have someone new on your contact list. And, even if you don't, STILL send it... unless you fit that very last sentence at the end of the forward. Somehow, I don't think I have misjudged you on this. Sharing with the Herd - Get the tissues... a Classic Gem __ /\/'-, ,--''''' /" ____,'. ) \___ '"""""------'"""`-----' pb >Story Time - Reggie, the dog They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie, as I looked at ouhim lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street. But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did. But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike. For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls --- he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to. I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name --- sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth or fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey. This just wasn't going to work. He chewed up a couple of shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "darn dog probably hid it on me." Finally, I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction maybe "glared" is more accurate and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down ... with his back to me. Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number. But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice." ____________ _________ _________ _________ To Whoever Gets My Dog: Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to try to make it right. So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you. First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after them, so be careful. Don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly. Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones ---"sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals, too:"back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down --- I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog. Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand. He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car. I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows. Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people and me most especially. Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new. And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you.... His name's not Reggie. I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well ... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems. His real name is "Tank. Because, that is what I drive. Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. You see, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with ... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq , that they make one phone call the shelter ... in the "event" ... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog-guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word. Well, this letter is getting downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family .... but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family, too, and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me. That unconditional love from a dog is what I take with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things ... and to keep those terrible people from coming to the U.S. If I have to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades. All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth. Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight every night from me. Thank you, Paul Mallory ____________ _________ _________ _______ I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure, I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer. I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog. "Hey, Tank," I said quietly. The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. "C'mere boy." He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered. His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him. "It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So what say we play some ball?" His ears perked again. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared into the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth. smile If you can read this without getting a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye, don't send me anymore emails. You just ain't right. --- ...Awww, yes, tissues! Thanks Sharon! ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ____ ____ '###\ \ / /###' ,\\\\\ | /////, __ \ .--. .--. / __ ___\/ ' | ' \/___ -- _, ! | ! ,_ -- / '! | !' \ /'/ ! | ! \'\ 1# ! \ 0|0 / ! #1 !# \ '--; ;--' / #! ` `\ `-' /` ` \## `--~' '~--` ##/ `-___________-` [Mash] >TO REMAIN POSITIVELY A great way to remain positively focused is to have something positive toward which you can direct your thoughts at a moment's notice. That way, when you catch yourself falling into negative thought patterns you can quickly switch your thoughts somewhere else. Imagine what would happen if you made a habit, at the beginning of each day, of finding something new to appreciate about yourself, your life, or your world. Then, any time you felt yourself being drawn into negative, destructive thinking, you could immediately put your focus on that day's object of appreciation and gratitude. Genuine, heartfelt gratitude can have a powerful positive influence on every aspect of your life. It can be an effective counterbalance to all the negativity the world throws your way. Think right now of something for which you can be truly grateful. Then, the next time you feel yourself being drawn into anger, frustration, spite, envy or despair, shift your focus instead to your ready-made gratitude. Keep yourself genuinely and realistically positive with sincere gratitude. And each day will bring even more reasons to be thankful. Ralph Marston -<>- ,-----. W/,-. ,-.\W ()>a a<() (.--(_)--.) ,'/.-'\_/`-.\`. ,' / `-' \ `. / \ / \ / `. ,' \ / / `-._.-' \ \ ,-`-._/| |=|o |\_.-< <,--.) |_____| |o____| )_ \ `-)| |// _ \\| )/ || |' | `| || | | | || ( )|( ) || | | | || | | | || |_.--.|.--._| || /'""| |""`\ [] `===' `===' hjw >Use It or Lose It "The LORD said to him [Moses], 'What is that in your hand?' And he said, 'A staff.'" Exodus 4:2 (NASB). I have read how in 1872, at the age of 16, Booker T. Washington (born a slave and then became the foremost black educator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries) decided he wanted to go to school. He walked 500 miles to Hampton Institute in Virginia, and presented himself to the head teacher. Washington later recalled, "Having been so long without proper food, a bath, and change of clothing, I did not make a very favorable impression upon her, and I could see at once that there were doubts in her mind about me." Finally she said to him, "The adjoining recitation room needs cleaning. Take the broom and do it." A lesser person might have been insulted by being assigned menial work. But Washington recognized immediately that this was his big chance. He swept that room three times and dusted it four times. He even cleaned the walls and the closets. Then he reported to the head teacher that the job was finished. She examined that room like a drill sergeant. She even took a handkerchief and rubbed it across the top of a door. When she could not find a particle of dirt, she said, "I guess you will do to enter this institution." As a 16-year-old, Washington could not do many things. But he could clean a room. And he did it gloriously. Extraordinary living begins with using what we have. What gifts and graces do you have that you have not fully activated? Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you use ordinary people to do ordinary things in extraordinary ways as well as using ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Please help me to know and do your will, be it large or small--and thereby help make my world a better place in which to live. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Our Gifts And Callings http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html Overseer http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/overseer.html Angel Wing Decoys http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/angel.html Attitude Is Everything 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude3.html Friends http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/friends.html I Believe In You http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ibelieveinyou.html Proud Of Our Troops 5 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/troops5.html Dominic And Jobe http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jobe.html Dog Warriors http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogwarriors.html The Bible http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thebible.html -<>- >From our friend Sharon :) Loyal Dog In China Refuses To Leave Owner's Grave, Goes Week Without Food http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCn-NrR0eW4&feature=youtu.be --- ...so sad. Thanks Sharon! -<>- 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 If You haven't joined LynnLynn's mailing List yet, send a blank e-mail to LynnLynns-links-subscribe@Yahoogroups.com ========================================================== ______ (______) ___ | ___ / _ \ _|--._ / _ \ / / \ |.' `.| / \ \ / / / \ \ \ / ( / J * * L \ ) \ ( / ( / | * | \ ) \ ) ( / ( J * * F ) \ ) ( | \ * * / | \ ) (_| J `. .' F ) ) / \ \.-' `-./ |__ ( / |.' `._.-' ( // \\ ) (J L) F J L J J F VK -. \ / `---.> <_.----.__ >Just a Little Thing Story Editor: by Carolyn Fansler Joyce Schowalter Pennsylvania, USA It was the winter of 1978. I went to work that morning in a really bad mood. I can't remember why, but it felt like a dark cloud hung over my head. The weather was miserable, cold and damp, which probably greatly influenced how I felt. The forecast called for snow through early afternoon. I had a feeling it would be a very bad day. I parked my car in the outdoor lot, entered the building and made my way to my desk. I needed time to get a cup of tea and adjust my mood, but it was not to be. My boss was already there, needing my help immediately. My in-box held a huge stack of papers and a meeting was starting that I had to attend. I forced myself to be as cheerful as possible and hide my grumpiness. Lunchtime came and went with no time for a break -- or even a vending machine snack. My office mates talked and laughed as they returned from lunch breaks. Usually, that didn't bother me, but this day, it caused my mood to darken further. There were no windows near my desk, but other people commented that it was snowing hard. Several inches were on the ground and people were planning to leave early. Obviously, I couldn't -- with a 5 o'clock deadline every second was needed. That evening I was the last one to leave. By then I was pretty mad and feeling awfully sorry for myself. I wasn't looking forward to cleaning snow off my car in the dark. The snow had stopped, but there were at least five inches on the ground. Turning the corner of the building into the parking lot, I saw my car. It was completely free of snow. Someone had cleaned every inch of it away. It looked like it had been parked inside a garage all day. I just stood there with my mouth open. Immediately my mood lightened. I started to smile and then laugh. More than 25 years have passed and I still remember that feeling as if it happened yesterday. The next day, I asked around to find out who had done it. Mike told me that he knew I was working furiously to get my projects done and having a hard day. He didn't want me to spend time alone in a dark parking lot cleaning off my car. He said, "It was just a little thing". I thanked him and told him that his "little" thing was a big deal to me. Even now, every time it snows and I'm cleaning off my car, I smile and remember what Mike did for me. Whenever I have the time and opportunity, I brush off at least one other car besides mine. Every time it makes me feel as good as I did the night Mike cleaned my car for me. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: >FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY `-.\ __.._\|--. .'_o `=\.' |F-' o ) \ `;=/" ,; _| ." `-. .' `-._,/.`._ ) / 7`. `-..-' _/ ;-' . `-._ .' \ `-. ;-. `"-. / `-._ )|-.`--..___) ; .7`\ | : __ | .': ;' | .'_.`, ;`. | ; :/ |.:-' / ; `-.; | |`", `/ .-' ; /`; : \7.-' : ; `./ \ | ; ; : ; ; : | / fsc :/ ` Caitlin, 5, had asked several times for a baby brother or sister. But, her parents had decided not to have any more children because Christal had been sick for several years after Caitlin's birth. Even though Christal was finally healthy again, they thought it wouldn't be fair to Caitlin because she was starting to get involved in many activities. Then Caitlin started attending a private Christian school. One day Caitlin told Christal that they had discussed kids' prayers to God. "My teacher says that God listens to children when they pray because God loves little children best," Caitlin said. A few months later, Caitlin asked if she would be getting a new baby brother or sister soon. Christal was taken by surprise. "No, Sweetheart," Christal said, "Daddy and I decided to just have you -- remember when we talked about this?" Caitlin huffed noisily and said, "Well, I talked to God about this a lot! You said God listens to prayers and answers them." Christal felt a small surge of panic as she remembered previous conversations with Caitlin about how God listens to children's prayers. Caitlin continued, "Now, Mommy, I have asked very nicely several times... I asked God for a baby brother or sister..." Apparently Caitlin kept up her prayers because Christal's previously reliable birth control failed and within the year Caitlin got a gift from heaven -- Kyle -- who she adores. -- Christal Bricker of Colorado Springs, Collorado Holly, 4, goes to a school in which part of the day is devoted to learning Spanish. So Holly proudly called up her grandmother and said, "I can count to 10 in Spanish!" Cindy praised Holly and added, "I can only count to six in Spanish." In a deeply sympathetic tone, Holly said, "That's OK, Grandma, you'll get better!" -- Cindy Bevington of Kendallville, Indiana Lauren noticed that her baby sister's hair was sticking straight up in the middle. Lauren said, "She has a hammock (meaning to say Mohawk)!" - Liz and Steve Ward of Butler, Indiana / _, ,_ M\M"_,, `"MMMMMm._ `/MMMMMMP^^", MPTMMM`M `-. .'" MMMm "=, `.`"-. .' / S _"^M :Ww. \ `-. .-' .: ".wW\.; :WP^; `-. `-. .-' .-'/ \ :^WP: ; `--' ;\ `-. `. .-' .-' / /; `..' ; \`. `-. \ / .-' .' / ; .-";`"""--5..`-. `-.\ / .' .-' / | .' ; r`) `-. \\ ; / .-' .-' ;_/ ; _ ; `. \; |' .' .' ( _ _ : `-' :\ `./ `-' / .-r-.`Y `-' : / ; ; .-7" `.`7. | .' | : ' ; ; `--..__.'-""/ ;\ \ ,| | | ..--",-' : ; _ _.7`,_J- ; : ;, _,': /; ; _ .' `--.`-.`-'_.-| `. |/ : .'/ : ; | |`". _.-".+. :`"-. `--`"" ,_: `'7 /.-. ; | / | : 7",' ." | : \ : `-. / ;' / | | `--\ /4 ' / .' ; `. ; \ :`"\ .< ; : _.7 ' `. / /.' \ `.___.-"> ;_/ :---"\ `. ' `.-.. `"--' / fsc `.___..--"/ _mMMMm,.' `-.`-.._ ) `"--. .' `---'"mMMMMMMMMm,_ `-----' `"" `" "^`^MMMP^^mm, Kelly, 4, went to visit her grandmother after her great-grandfather died. They visited the grave and Kelly was told that her great- grandfather was "sleeping" there. She walked around the grave and remarked, "They forgot to put a door to his small house. How will Tata come out when he wakes up?" -- Edith (grandmother of Kelly) of Dares Salaam, Tanzania, a country on the Eastern part of the African continent bordering Keny James, 13, came downstairs half asleep and sat next to his father. When his dad started to wrestle him, James said, "Dad, not now, I'm not fully functional yet!" -- Becca (James' mom) of Knoxville, Tennessee Three-year-old Mackenzie's favorite place was the mall. Her parents didn't know how she would take it when they moved and the nearest mall was 30 minutes away in Springfield. A few months after the move, her grandmother was reading to her, "All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all." Mackenzie replied, "The Lord God made... the mall!" When her grandmother said, "It's 'them all,'" Mackenzie answered, "No... the mall... like in Springfield!" -- Keith of Illinois .-. _ .--""" / { `.__ ( ( _ .e"8a-. J ' \ `.._, \ /_`\/8P '.--\/8P-' ) .-. \ e8a `.`. `" / o o`._..--' (;88`-.. \ ""`. `--.>#--.._/ `.-. `8_ 8P`. :_e8P .a. _.' |`\_, \ /-. `.` ,8 ^P" e8P 8a 2 '7.__7" \ \ `": `. ,8P _ /_\ ' / ;e8| 98P .-' `7 `--' |`8: .e8a._..e8" .' : : 88P" .8P`88,8P' / Y8/88 eP"| `YP" / `. `M " :-. .' : .'_ ; _.' \ \ '.' `/_.-e8`,.--. `-: : .'"" " 8P : `""`.e8a ; `"""--. / fsc `---' Dylan, 6 months, was sitting in the bouncy seat. Mya, 3, said she wanted to give him a kiss. As Mya leaned to kiss him, Dylan spit up. Mya turned away and said, "Oh no, he spilled!" -- Michelle Batson of St. Joseph, Michigan Billy, 6, was giving his mother a particularly hard time and she said, "Billy, you're going to drive me to drink!" Billy ran to the window, peered out and then proclaimed, "You can't. Daddy has the car!" -- Trudy (Billy's sister) originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada One afternoon Ms. Dennis's third grade students were discussing getting jobs when they get older. One girl said, "Ms. Dennis, why do people retire?" Ms. Dennis explained that when people reach retirement age, they are often very tired and ready to retire. Ms. Dennis added, "I'm only 26 and I would love to marry a millionaire so I can retire!" In the midst of the children's snickers, Ryan, looking dreamily at Ms. Dennis, said, "I wish I was a millionaire!" A few days later Ms. Dennis was talking with Ryan's mom on the telephone telling her the story. Ryan's mother burst out laughing, saying, "So that's why he told his step-dad that he wished he was a millionaire so he could get married!" -- Tammy Dennis (teacher) of Memphis, Tennessee Here is another teacher story. One of Jean's little students drew a picture of a cat with a multitude of kittens and labeled it, "Do Not Litter!" -- Jean Champoux (retired teacher) of Westerville, Ohio ========================================================== __ ,_ : \ ; L_; ;. `.' ` ` \ ,' ; ; ", | .-' * | $ _ ;_ \ ; _.-' ) `+* .' -') [bug] .`._.-' / ,( .- : _.: ; -'.' `, /\--*" \/ .' ; ; / \ /-.-'"*. / \ ;__.-*"\.--*" ;:_..-+' \\ : _.-' ; \\ *.___.-' : .-\\ \ | : ;.-. \-*""*. ; : : ; ; _.-*" ; / Y: : '" ,___.-' Y' __...___.-*" `"' >-->Treasures There are treasures in life, but owners are few Of money and power to buy things brand new. Yet you can be wealthy and feel regal too, If you will just look for the treasures in you. These treasures in life are not hard to find When you look in your heart, your soul, and your mind. For when you are willing to share what's within, Your fervent search for riches will end. The joy and the laughter, the smile that you bring; The heart unafraid to love and to sing; The hand always willing to help those in need; Ones quick to reach out, to labor and feed. So thank you for sharing these great gifts inside; The caring, the cheering, the hug when one cried. Thanks for the energy, encouragement too, And thank you for sharing the treasures in you. -Author Unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Chriistian 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 DARRE 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 ************************************************************************