Secure In His Presence... :) 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: For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' Press :) Still working hard editing the pages so all be able to view the pages correctly. A work in Process - or as I like to say - . / \ / . \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / _ _O \ \ / / \ / | \ \ / / / /| \ \ / / //\\ `. . \ \ / / // \\ / \ \ \ / / // || /___\ \ \ / `-----------------' \ `-----------------------' jrei "Don't worry, I'm working on it!' =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: . '@(@@@@@@@)@. (@@) ` . ' . @@'((@@@@@@@@@@@)@@@@@)@@@@@@@)@ @@(@@@@@@@@@@))@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@)@@` . @.((@@@@@@@)(@@@@@@@@@@@@@@))@\@@@@@@@@@)@@@ . (@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@)@@@@@@@@@@@\\@@)@@@@@@@@) (@@@@@@@@)@@@@@@@@@@@@@(@@@@@@@@//@@@@@@@@@) ` .@(@@@@)##&&&&&(@@@@@@@@)::_=(@\\@@@@)@@ . .' @@`(@@)###&&&&&!!;;;;;;::-_=@@\\@)@`@. ` @@(@###&&&&!!;;;;;::-=_=@.@\\@@ ' ` @.#####&&&!!;;;::=-_= .@ \\ ####&&&!!;;::=_- ` ###&&!!;;:-_= ##&&!;::_= ##&&!;:= ##&&!:- #&!;:- #&!;= #&!- #&= jgs #&- \\#/' ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >KEPT IN THE DARK On nights when the black sky gives way to rolling gray thunderclouds, and the wind begins to send the leaves of great trees across the back lawn like tumbleweeds, I am reminded of my mother, and her fear of tornadoes. Growing up in the Midwest, it seems like every summer brought us one of these dangerous storms and sent us to the dark, gray basement with blankets, pillows and a transistor radio. When the winds finally knocked out the power, my mother would round us up, my three sisters and me, and say, "Bring the flashlight and lets go down to the cellar. There's a tornado coming." From down there you could barely hear the wind over the scratchy voices of radio weathermen emitted from radio we huddled around, trying to hear what was happening outside. Finally, when an unknown voice said the danger had passed, we'd fold up the blankets, turn off the radio and emerge unscathed from our safe haven. My mother would cross herself and life would return to normal. Some of my mother's fear was passed on to me along with her eyes. When a storm kicks up in east Texas I turn on the Weather Channel and get ready for the worst. One summer night, when my son was 9 and my daughter 7, the sky began to display signs of the kind of storm that shakes even the bravest soul. Far-away lightning illuminated the treetops and the rumblings began. As often happens, the television went blank during one window-rattling thunderclap. My family fast asleep, I searched in the dark for some matches to light the candles on the coffee table, and dug through the closet to find my old battery-powered transistor radio. When I heard the news that funnel clouds had been spotted not five miles away, I decided to go into mother-mode. I tried to wake my husband, who thought I was overreacting and refused to get out of bed. I gave up and woke my children, with sleepy eyes they took my hands and followed me down the stairs to the small bathroom, the safest place in a house without a basement. With blankets, pillows, and my radio, we sat huddled in the dark. I tried to assure them the storm would soon pass and that chances are, no tornado would find its way to us. For them, it was like an adventure, sitting there enfolded by the dark, listening to the strong wind whistling through the house. I hadn't been able to find a flashlight, and wished out loud that I could find one. My son Jonathan, always brave and fearless, said he had one in his bedroom. He promised to be quick, as he knew exactly where it was hiding. Standing in the darkness next to the door, I waited nervously while he ran up to his room to fetch the flashlight. He returned quickly, back to the safety of our little "cellar" as promised. Time passed slowly and we talked about storms. I told them I liked the rain and the way it refreshes the earth. We talked about my mom and the way she always made my sisters and I sit in the cellar. With their warm little bodies lying against mine, we laughed and talked and shared in the little adventure. When the crackling voice on the radio said the storm had passed, I reassured the children, and told them I would help them back to their rooms since the electricity wasn't yet cooperating. With a huge smile and a little laugh, Jonathan flipped on the light switch. My daughter and I looked at each other, surprised. "The power has been on for a long time, Mom," he said. "When I went to my room to get the flashlight, I had to turn on the light to find it." "Why didn't you tell me?" I asked laughing. He started giggling in the way only children can giggle, right from the center of themselves, until we were all laughing so hard we could hardly breathe. "I don't know," he finally said, catching his breath. "I never thought of it." Jonathan's grown up now, but he goes on comforting me when the lightning fills the sky and the rain starts to fall. As the wind blows, I quietly remember the tenderness of that stormy night, when Jonathan kept us in the dark. -- Melissa Bachara _________________________________________________ Melissa Bachara lives in Kingwood, Texas, is married and has two step-children. She says, "I've been working as a freelance writer and creative consultant for two years. I am currently working on a novel." ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Secure in His Presence By Steve Troxel Jehoiakim was king of Judah just prior to the first Babylonian invasion in 605 B.C. He had become comfortable in the security of the palace, and an alliance with the Egyptians made him feel even more protected. But Jehoiakim led the people of Judah further away from God; "he did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his fathers had done" (2 Kings 23:37). God sent the prophet Jeremiah to warn Jehoiakim and the people of Judah that disaster would come if they did not repent: "Say to them, 'This is what the LORD says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.'" (Jeremiah 26:4-6) But with his every need and desire fulfilled, and every fear removed, Jehoiakim did not see a reason to listen. Jeremiah 22:21 "I warned you when you felt secure, but you said, 'I will not listen!' This has been your way from your youth; you have not obeyed me." We spend the majority of our lives building security in our job, finances, and relationships. But security within the world system is extremely shallow and deceptive; "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). We ought to be thankful for every one of our earthly blessings, but we should NEVER receive our "security" from the world. Our complete dependence must always remain on our Heavenly Father, and our eyes and ears continually open to His leading. Our daily walk is made one slow step at a time as we "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). Usually, we are allowed to see only the next step; "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105). We may not know what turns lie ahead, but our true security, peace and comfort, comes from simply knowing we're on His path, not from feeling we control the direction or pace of the journey. True security begins with faith in Jesus Christ and builds on a pure love which flows from the innermost part of our heart. Even activities such as church attendance, Bible study, or work in various ministries mean nothing without a faith based love; and these well-intended actions become a false spiritual security when they replace the need to abide in the presence of God or daily seek His direction. Let's not allow our lives to develop a sense of security which shuts out the need for God and the absolute hunger for His presence. Our walk of faith will always require stepping into the unknown where all we have is what He provides. And a loving trust in God is confident that His provision is always enough! Let's lean on Him, love Him, and draw ever closer. Let's seek true security by only being secure in His presence. -<>- % % % % % % % % % % % % ::: % % :::::: %%%%%% %%%%%%%%% :::::::: %%%%%ZZZZ%%%%%% %%%ZZZZ :::::::::: :::::: %%%ZZZZZ%%%%%%%%%%%%%%ZZZZZZ ::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::: ZZZ%ZZZ%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%ZZZZZZZ::::::::::***::::::::::::::::::::: ZZZ%ZZZZZZ%%%%%%%%%%%%%%ZZZZZZZZZ::::::***::::::::::::::::::::::: ZZZ%ZZZZZZZZZZ%%%%%%%%%%ZZZZZZ%ZZZZ:::***::::::::::::::::::::::: ZZ%ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ%%%%% %ZZZ:**:::::::::::::::::::::: ZZ%ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ%%%%% | | %ZZZ *::::::::::::::::::: Z%ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%ZZZ:::::::::::::::::::::::::: ZZZZZZZZZZZ%%%%%ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ%%%%:::ZZZZ::::::::::::::::: ZZZZ%%%%%ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ%%%%%ZZZ%%ZZZ%ZZ%%*::::::::::: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ%%%%%%%%%ZZZZZZZZZZ%ZZ%:::*::::::: *:::%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%ZZZZZZZZZZ%%%*::::*:::: *:::::::%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%ZZZZZ%% *:::Z **:ZZZZ:::%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%ZZ ZZZZZ *:ZZZZZZZ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%ZZZZ ZZZZZZZ *::::ZZZZZZ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%ZZZZZZZ ZZZ *::ZZZZZZ Z%%%%%%%%%%%ZZZZZZZ%% ZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ%%%%% %%%ZZZZZZZZZZZ%%%%%%%% Z%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ZZ%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ %%ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%% ZZZZ ZZZ ZZ Z >The Big Black Bee (Author Unknown) A vacationing family drives along in their car, windows rolled down, enjoying the warm summer breeze of the sunny day. All of a sudden a big black bee darts in the window and starts buzzing around inside the car. A little girl, highly allergic to bee stings, cringes in the back seat. If she is stung, she could die within an hour. "Oh, Daddy," she squeals in terror. "It's a bee! It's going to sting me!" The father pulls the car over to a stop, and reaches back to try to catch the bee. Buzzing around towards him, the bee bumps against the front windshield where the father traps it in his fist. Holding it in his closed hand, the father waits for the inevitable sting. The bee stings the father's hand and in pain, the father lets go of the bee. The bee is loose in the car again. The little girl again panics, "Daddy, it's going to sting me!" The father gently says, "No honey, he's not going to sting you now. Look at my hand." 1 Cor 15:55 -- "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" Jesus says to us, "Look at my hands." He has Satan's sting, the sting of death, the sting of sin, the sting of deceit, the sting of feeling worthless. Jesus has all of those stingers in His hands. When you see that nail-scarred hand, realize that, on your behalf, Jesus took all the pain that Satan could throw at Him. He reduced Satan to a big black bee that's lost its stinger - all Satan can do is buzz. That's the victory that Jesus won for you! The key is that you take hold of that victory through faith - if Satan can deceive you into thinking it isn't there - you'll live like it isn't! --- ...aww, very good ones. Thanks LouiseA! ============================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ___ ( )_ ____ ___.--' `--( ) // \ __.------' || // `----' || // THE SEVEN STEPS TO STAGNATION || // || // Brought To You By || ,,,,, // ,,,,, || ;;;;;\ ,/(_/ Steve Goodier ;;;;;\ || ';;C '\ .'// ____ /--'-'';;C '\-\|-: ); _) .' //\____' `----.____.--`\----' ); _) / : .'=. ( '/|// .'=. ( / / | )`-\.' __/ | )`-\/ /| \ \ ,'\/// \ \ / /|| ;. ' /// ;. ' / || | `._,'// | `._,'|-||: \ // \ )-||: )===//] )=====] || / // \ / \|| \_ (/ | \_ )|| \ |\ \\ | \ | \ \\ | | | ) || / | / / || | \ | / \\ | | |/ || | /| | || | /\| | || | /`.| | || | `=.[____) |[___/ ) '`--. )) '`--. `='====' hjw ``='====' You may recall that for centuries people believed Aristotle was right when he said that the heavier an object, the faster it would fall to earth. The philosopher was regarded as one of the greatest thinkers of all time, and so it follows that he MUST be right! But nearly 2,000 years after Aristotle's death someone actually tested the theory. In 1589 Galileo Galilei summoned learned professors to the base of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. He pushed two weights from the top of the tower -- one light and one heavy. They landed at the same instant. But the power of belief was so strong that the professors denied their eyesight! They continued to teach that Aristotle was correct. Galileo and others also tried to convince the educators of his day that the earth revolves around the sun. But they would not believe anything so radical and eventually forced him to recant his support of the Copernican theory. He lived the last years of his life under house arrest. Erwin M. Soukup compiled a list he calls "The Seven Steps to Stagnation." You have no doubt heard these statements before. Most of us have said them! They are: 1. We've never done it that way before. 2. We're not ready for that. 3. We are doing all right without trying that. 4. We tried it once before. 5. We don't have money for that. 6. That's not our job. 7. Something like that can't work. There is tremendous power in belief. Our beliefs shape our future; what we believe to be true quite literally becomes true for us! And there is a bold and exciting tomorrow awaiting anyone with the courage to believe something new CAN HAPPEN -- things CAN BE DIFFERENT! Your life -- your organization -- can be stagnant or things can change. Tomorrow can look very different than today for those who believe. Will you stagnate or will you believe in tomorrow? Steve Goodier -<>- _.--._ \ ** / (<>) . ) ( . )\_.._/ /\ \_.._/( (*_<>_ _<>_*) )/ '' \ \/ / '' \( ' ) ( ' ( ) ) ( (<>) / ** \ >A Cross In My Pocket Carry a cross in my pocket A simple reminder to me Of the fact that I am a Christian No matter where I may be. This little cross is not magic, Nor is it a good luck charm It isn't meant to protect me From every physical harm. It's not for identification For all the world to see It's simply an understanding Between my Savior and me. When I put my hand in my pocket To bring out a coin or a key The cross is there to remind me Of the price He paid for me. It reminds me, too, to be thankful For my blessings day by day And to strive to serve Him better In all that I do and say. It's also a daily reminder Of the peace and comfort I share With all who know my Master And give themselves to His care. So, I carry a cross in my pocket Reminding no one but me That Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life If only I'll let Him be. Jerry & Mary Chandler, have told me that A Cross In My Pocket was written by Mrs. Verna Mae Thomas of McGehee, Arkansas. copyrighted © by her daughter, Lou Alice Thomas Evans, who has given permission to quote the poem. -<>- ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >"ABC's Of Friendship" (A)ccepts you as you are (B)elieves in "you" (C)alls you just to ! say "HI" (D)oesn't give up on you (E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts) (F)orgives your mistakes (G)ives unconditionally (H)elps you (I)nvites you over (J)ust "be" with you (K)eeps you close at heart (L)oves you for who you are (M)akes a difference in your life (N)ever Judges (O)ffers support (P)icks you up (Q)uiets your fears (R)aises your spirits (S)ays nice things about you (T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it (U)nderstands you (V)alues you (W)alks beside you (X)-plains things you don't understand (Y)ells when you won't listen and (Z)aps you back to reality -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Graffiti Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/graffiti.html Dick Clark's House! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dclark.html Dog Eat Dog World! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogeatdog.html Jesus Laughing Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Eagle Sculpture Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eagleart.html Akiane Child Prodigy http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Building Advertising Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buildingads.html 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 ========================================================= >With Her Help Story Editor: by Mark J. Mitchell Joyce Schowalter California, USA Dad was diagnosed with small-cell cancer, terminal. "Enjoy what life I have left," he said. He had three good years before his downhill slide. Then a family call said it was time to head north to see Dad as his time drew near. I booked a flight as soon as possible to meet my brother Paul and my sister Claudia in Sacramento. One can imagine my mood as the plane cut through the air. No smiles for anyone on this "bummer trip". I sourly walked through the Sacramento terminal, in no hurry to get anywhere -- especially the hospital. Ahead was a woman with a little girl on her shoulder looking backwards at me. Out of nowhere this girl's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Out of her mouth came one word: "Santa!" Now, I've got long silver white hair, a full beard and mustache, and while I'm not the fat man always depicted, I fit this little girl's vision of Santa Claus. Stopping dead in her tracks, her mother spun around. As she started to apologize for her daughter's outburst, I put my finger to my lips and said, "Sshh! I'm on vacation!" The little girl broke out into a great big smile and shook her head yes. Her mother only smiled and walked away. Her daughter gazed back with her big smile shining. Her smile changed my mood -- and my life. I put it in mind that I wouldn't show Dad anything but a smiling face. At the hospital, I found myself needing the facilities. While washing up, I thought of a way to lighten up the situation. Taking ten feet of toilet paper, I stuffed one end into my pants. I had a tail. Out the door I went -- much to Paul and Claudia's astonishment. Claudia piped up, "Mark, do you know what you have following you?" "Yep," I said. "That I do." "Oh, jeez," said Paul. Arrows painted on walls led to the ICU. All along the way people pointed and laughed. I continued on my way like there was nothing wrong with this world. A glance over my shoulder showed Paul and Claudia following quite distantly. The ICU nurses nearly busted a gut laughing. They pointed at Dad's room, and off I went. Howls of laughter followed me. Dad was sitting up, trying to see what all the commotion was. Taking one look at me standing in the doorway, he said, "I should have known it was you!" I walked to his bedside, gave him a big hug and kiss and told him how much I loved him. Later, Dad called Mom over for a kiss. He said, "See you in Paradise, honey," and away he went. I wish I could thank that little girl. Without her help, I would have been in tears and not much good to Dad. Because of her, Christmas took on a new meaning, which I try to keep alive throughout the year. "Peace on Earth, good will to all." =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: .-.*_, {*(,\}/___ .-"-, `;)@\*|" `", _.' \ '((/; | .-' | *;-.=-=-=._ .;-, | __;____..---/' -,\ ; .--';`_ __.-'` _/ / / `;---'__0 \ .' | / (__) \ _.' _.-,_ { |-'` ({\*,;) \,'-`-' /' /*(@-'}) ___",_ __ __,;`.--, \_,'-;}`.' `'."".,---.._, ) / _`) |`----'`( (= /`-._ / ', \ =";`--'\ '=. /| ()() | | /` / |\ '. ` | ()@()* | ,_/.=\ .; | | '. /-' -##@() \ || '--'/| \ \ \`-` ##)@() '.||_,.--'/ / / ) |/ *`(\A/)() || { |.'.| /_.'./ .-.* { >*< }*) |/ { | (\A/) @(/V\)()@() /{ \___{ >*< }()()##()()*{ { \ / ###(/V\)()@()(####\) | `--.. ,' #########()()##### { / <><><><><><><><><> \ | | ; \ / jgs \ | / _.-'` { `-. .' } .`\ `.-' _.-'`'-._ \' `"""` `""""` >FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Clifton, 3, was interested on how big he was getting. Almost every day he would go to his mother Donna, stand as tall as he could and say, "Look how big I am!" One day as he did this, standing as tall as he could, saying again how big he was he said, "Look how big I am! My legs go all the way up to my butt!" -- Donna Parker of Connecticut Kelley, Paula and Paula's daughter Morgan, 6, went to visit Paula's grandmother at the nursing home. It was the day before Valentine's Day and they were having a party with an Elvis impersonator crooning to the women. Morgan has a grandmother named Judy who is a huge fan of Elvis. When Morgan saw Judy the next day she said, "Grandma, you're going to be so happy! Elvis isn't really dead, he's living in the nursing home with Granny, and I got his scarf for you!" (It was a souvenir that they bought at the party!) -- Kelley Barnes of Camden, Ohio With all the celebrations such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. Aaron, 5, asked his mother, "Why isn't there a Happy Kids Day?" When Aaron wanted to wear a special shirt to pre-school, they discovered it had a tear in it. His mother, Christina, told him to wear a different shirt. "Put a Band-Aid on and it will be OK," Aaron said. -- Christina Smith of Kendallville, Indiana A 5-year-old, traveling on a beautiful road through a forest, asked, "How many trees are there?" "Only God knows that," his mother said. He replied, "Yeah, He can make as many fingers as He needs." -- His Aunt of Killeen, Texas ,===,._ | `", | / ,-..-"-.=-,,_/ /,- \.""-`\ )_ \_ - '--' \ / 0 __0 7_/ |/ _ (__) \ /`| |/(@) |` _.-"\-; '. \ # \/ /'_.-" \ \ `)\ .="#,_ __ _,'` ;-'-.`) __`;.#/|/ \/ \. | /` # | () |\ _.-"`` | .--# |'--' `-`\|-'` \ / `)\ `./ \| '. | .-#\ \ \ \ `\__/# \ |_ /`-. /| / # \|`-` . ` } / .#-, | ; ,} / / # `' , .} / /`\ # _,-' //` `#_ ,--'{ (( _,;` { } jgs `""` / } { ,-'` } `-._ .' _,-``, `\ (_(_(_.' `-.__)_)/ Ian had been in kindergarten for about two months and had been behaving excellently. One day when his mother picked him up from school she commended him for being so well behaved. "Yeah," he said, sounding somewhat scared and looking very wide-eyed, "if you're bad you go to the principal's office, and do you know what they do there... They have a big vat of hot water and all the bad kids get put in it!" His mother was confused. "The school doesn't boil kids," she said. "YES, THEY DO!" Ian said quickly. "Mrs. Brown told Marrissa that if she didn't stop acting up she'd have to go to the office and she'd be in hot water!" -- Christie (Ian's mom) of Jacksonville, Florida Christopher and Sharon got stuck in traffic. Christopher is not used to traffic because they live in a rural area. At first he was fascinated by all the cars, then he grew bored and wanted to know what was going on Sharon explained about all the people who were getting off work and heading home. "It's called rush hour," she said. Christopher looked puzzled and asked, "Why do they call it that, Mee Maw? No one's rushing! They are all sitting still!" -- Sharon Sell of Waxahachie, Texas Twins Erinn and Brandon, 3, were told by their mother, Marina, that she was pregnant. When asked what they would like -- a brother or a sister -- Erinn said she would have to think about it. Brandon thought for a moment, and said, "I want a truck ... a BIG red truck!" -- Submitted by Donna Schiavello for Marina of Toronto, Canada .--. .-""-. |,=._\..-"""""-.' -. | \.-' .---.---. ';./ .' //o\ /o\\ '. / \'-'__ '-'/ \ | / (__) \ | \ | ( | / '. \_-.__.-_/ _.-' "--.__'.__.'__..-"; / '----' , '. .-"" ( _..-"` \ .---/ _\----(_ _.;. '--(_(_(_\--. .--/ .-"-' ,`| - ' | | | \_\_\_/ / / ' _\ .-| |_ __ /=' ' .' `. | | ./` `\ .' . | ooo___| |_|_ooo .-' \ (_'---. .---'_) / ' jgs '.__.' | | '.___.' ' . ' | | ' ' ' | | ' \| === ' . |_|-. . \| Rodney, 5, is full of questions about God. He has asked if God had a bellybutton and if angels burp. One day after a baptizing in church, Rodney and his mother were passing a pond with cows in it, and he said, "Look, those cows are baptizing!" -- Georgetta Tinnin of Moore, Oklahoma Donnie, 9, loved to go around kissing girls. His mother was so exasperated with him that she told him he was forbidden to kiss any girls until he is 20. In the car one day, Donnie was overheard telling his school friend, Lavendar, "I can't kiss you, but you can kiss me!" -- Bobbi (Donnie's cousin) of Malaysia Donna asked Brett, 4, what he wanted for breakfast. His answer was, "Grandma, can I have some eggs, but don't let them hatch." That meant he wanted boiled eggs. -- Donna of Muncie, Indiana /\,%,_ \%%%/,\ _.-"%%|//% .' .-" /%%% _.-'_.-" 0) \%%% /.\.' \%%% \ / _, %%% `"---"~`\ _,*'\%%' _,--""""-,%%, )*^ `""~~` \%%%, _/ \%%% _.-`/ |%%,___ _.-" / , , ,|%% .`\ /\ / / `\ \%' \ / \ \ _,/ /`~-._ _,`\ \`""~~` `"` /-.,_ /' `~"----"~ `\ \ jgs \___,' \.-"`/ `--' In order to keep things under control at her little boys' birthday parties, Judy allows them to invite the number of guests that equal their ages. Therefore, when Jack was turning four, he could only invite four guests. As they were discussing his choices, Judy tried to include his older brother as one of his four guests. Jack immediately voiced his objection and shook his head. "Ryan doesn't count! Ryan doesn't count!," he said. "He's... he's... he's my LIFE!" -- Judy Weiss of Bloomington, Minnesota Barb is well-known as an avid bridge player. One day Kari, 4, asked, "Grandma, do you like to play bridge?" "I LOVE to play bridge!" Barb replied. "Do you walk over the bridge or do you run under it?" asked Kari. -- Barb Davis of Kendallville, Indiana Marie, tired from a week of sick children, missed work and interrupted sleep, was dismayed when she was pulled over for a traffic violation during a brief errand with Joshua, 2. Joshua, on the other hand, was delighted because Marie had been teaching him that "police officers are our friends." Joshua seemed a bit confused when Marie responded to his excitement with a tired, "No, Josh, this is not a good thing." But he lightened the mood considerably when the police officer approached the car and asked for Marie's license. "He talks!" Josh exclaimed. -- Marie of Athens, Georgia ========================================================== __ _ / \_/ ) \ ` `\ ; a `-. | ) Dear God... \ _..' /` <._._ / .'';_;'` \ .' : _/ / '. __..-` / | | \/\ \._ \ \ | ``--J \ | / \ | jgs \__.'-._____.' >-->>We Pray For Children... We pray for children Who spend all their allowance before Tuesday, Who throw tantrums in the grocery store Who pick at their food, Who like ghost stories, Who shove dirty clothes under the bed, Who never rinse out the tub, Who get visits from the tooth fairy, Who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool, Who squirm in church and scream in the phone, Whose tears we sometimes laugh at and Whose smiles can make us cry. And we pray for those Whose nightmares come in the daytime, Who will eat anything, Who have never seen a dentist, Who aren't spoiled by anybody, Who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep, Who live and move, but have no being. We pray for children Who want to be carried and for those who must, Who we never give up on, And For those who don't get a second chance. For those we smother and . . . For those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it. ---Author Unknown --- ...And we pray for the children held captive by those who use their religion as a shield to support their evil doings. __ _ / \_/ ) \ ` `\ ; a `-. | ) \ _..' Dear God, PLEASE /` <._._ SAVE OUR GIRLS / .'';_;'` \ In .' : _/ Jesus Christ's Name, Amen / '. __..-` / | | \/\ \._ \ \ | ``--J \ | / \ | jgs \__.'-._____.' Mark 10: [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. >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! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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