Shine Your Light ... :) 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 or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press ... I've been a little behind lately so I amped it up some last night and actually got TWO new pages done! Amazing for me! ) This first one comes from a forward from our friend Sandi. It has some really great photos of The Stature of Liberty and NYC. Check it out here... ( (_) ### (#c _\|/_ #\ wWWWw \ \-. (/. .\) /\ /`\/\ /\ |\/ \_) (_| `\.' ; ; ;`\ `\; ; . ;/\ `\; ; ;| \ ; .' ' ; / |_.' ; | /) ( ''._;'` | ' . ; |.-' .:) | | ( .' : | |,- .:: | | ,-' .;| jgs_/___,_.:_\_ [I_I_I_I_I_I_] | __________ | | || | | || | _| ||_|__|_|| |_ /=--------------=\ / \ | | Liberty Air Show http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/liberty.html This next one is really strange. It comes from our friend Viv. I had to look it up to make sure it was real and sure enough, it was! Check it out here... ,--. \ _\_ _\/_|_\____.'\ -(___.--._____( \ \ \ \ `--' jg Boeing 727 Suite! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/727suite.html --- ...Thanks Sandi and Viv! Huggums! You Two Are Awesome! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwearmers: ==_a=_========()=== /|_|_| || | |`|`|______[__]_ jrei '-(O)-------(O)(O)' >FIREHOUSE VISIT by Laurie Reyna I can never pass a fire station without thinking of a fine summer day back in the mid-1960s when I was 11 or 12 years old. One of my best friends at the time was Donna, who was a year or two older, and lived with her large family in the big white house across the street. I had only one sibling, so spending time at Donna's house was always a fascinating experience for me. There were jobs connected with everything and it was always the turn of one of the eight kids to do things like set the table, clear the table, wash or dry the dishes or put them away. I don't remember seeing a chart of duties hanging on the wall, so maybe they all kept track in their heads. Well, one day Donna and I decided to visit the local firehouse five blocks away. As we approached, we said to each other, "Wouldn't it be cool if the fire truck went speeding out right now with its siren blaring?" Well, guess what? It did! That was exciting, but then we arrived at an empty firehouse with the doors standing wide open. We couldn't resist exploring, so we made our way upstairs to the second floor. The main room was lined with beds, all perfectly made up with matching plain-colored stiff woolen blankets. At one end of the floor was the captain's room. His bed was the only one not made. We made it. At the opposite end of the floor was a kitchen with its counters and sinks loaded with dirty dishes from the men's most recent meal. We washed, dried, and put them all away. Donna was braver than I was, so she slid down the firemen's pole to the first floor. I went back down the stairs. We found some big heavy horseshoes and went out in the side yard to play. After a long while, the fire truck returned. None of the men seemed too surprised to see a couple of kids hanging around. We put the horseshoes back where we found them and asked about the fire, which was described to us as being a false alarm. Looking back, that doesn't jive with all the men being gone for hours, so maybe they just didn't want to talk about it. When we started home, we immediately spotted my mother walking purposefully toward us. She had become worried when she couldn't locate us near the house, and she remembered us talking a lot about firemen before we disappeared. Donna and I just laughed to ourselves about what the firemen would think when they went upstairs to do their chores and found them done. And what the captain would think when he saw his bed made! That was my day at the firehouse that stays so clearly in my mind after all these years. -- Laurie Reyna ___________________________________________ Laurie and her husband, Glenn, both lifelong Chicagoans, share their home with three delightful cats. -<>- "I can think of no more stirring symbol of man's humanity to man than a fire engine." -- Kurt Vonnegut --- ...I agree! That is why I like this one so much! ( ) ) ( ) ) |o o| |o o) . . |o o| .'. |o o| __\_____ |_O_| |" " ''' | -*---**- Shardac Patriot Fire/Rescue/Transport http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/patriot.html Thanks So Much To Our Brave People In Uniform - domestic & abroad! ================================================================== >-->From InspiredBuffalo: . . . * * * . . . . * * * * * . . . . . . . . + + + + g"y----____ . . HmH--__ ~~~~----____ * * ,%%%. ~~--__ ~~~~----____ . JMMML ~~--__ ~~~~----____ |%%%| . ~~--__ ~~~~----____ ,MMMMM. * *~--__ ~~~~- |%%%%%| . ~~--__ -Erwin Wessels- AMMMMMA . . ~~--__ ___MMM^MMM + ~~--__ `\AwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAwAw^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^ >SHINE YOUR LIGHT By: Vonette Bright "Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16) Missionaries Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry were imprisoned for showing the JESUS film in Afghanistan. They spent three months in a harsh Taliban prison cell with a makeshift toilet and no shower. But despite their circumstances, Heather and Dayna faithfully sang and worshipped God every night. After many nights of hearing their praises, a Taliban guard stationed outside their prison cell gave his life to Christ. The guard said, "I decided that any God who would cause His children to worship Him in such a place must be real." Jesus said, "Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Friend, whatever your daily circumstances, remember that others are watching you. Allow God's light to shine through you every day. Your life CAN make a difference! -By Vonette Bright, co-founder of Campus CCrusade for Christ International -<>- Scottish physician A.J. Cronin was forced by illness to take a leave of absence from his medical practice. He decided to write a novel during this time, but when halfway finished, he became disheartened and threw his manuscript into a garbage can. Totally discouraged, Cronin was walking the Scottish Highlands one day when he saw a man digging in a bog, trying to drain it so it could be used as a pasture. As Cronin talked with him, the man said, "My father dug at this bog but was never able to make a pasture. But my father knew - and I know - that it's only by digging yyou'll ever be able to make a pasture. So I keep digging." Feeling rebuked and re-motivated, Cronin went home, fished his novel out of the dustbin, and finished it. That novel - Hatter's Castle - sold three million copies. Cronin never went back to his medical practice and became a world renowned writer. The moral of the story? No matter what bog life has you in, keep digging. -<>- ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >WORK AND LOVE By: Joseph J. Mazzella My daughter was having trouble recently deciding on what to major in at college, so she asked my advice. I told her the one thing I wish that I had been told at her age: "Find a career that you love and you will never work a day." She caught me off guard, though, when she next asked what she should do if she couldn't get that career right away. What should she do if she had to take a job that she hated? That question brought back a lot of memories of jobs that I had worked at over the years. I remembered one in particular. My young family was struggling. We had no money and there were no good jobs to be had in the area. My brother, however, was able to get me a job at a local lumber mill. The work was hard and meant constant pain for my back. Hours were spent loading and stacking lumber. The pay was just above minimum wage. In the winter the skin on my fingers split and bled from the cold, dry air. The job turnover was high. In the several years I worked there only the four of us supporting families didn't leave to look for something better. Still, I also remembered singing hymns to myself while I stacked and loaded that lumber. I remembered the jokes and laughter we all shared during lunch and on breaks. I remembered as I pushed the lumber carts, glancing out the window and joyously watching the leaves changing in the Fall. I remembered how a simple sandwich tasted like the greatest gourmet meal in the world after 4 hours of hard work. I remembered thanking God for this job so I could feed my family. Remembering all this gave me the answer I needed for my daughter. "Just bring your love to your job then sweetheart," I said. "If you can't do what you love then love what you do." In this life we work to live, but we live to love. Without love work is drudgery. Yet, with love work is joy. May all of your working days then be full of love, joy, goodness, and God. -<>- _.--._ \ ** / (<>) . ) ( . )\_.._/ /\ \_.._/( (*_<>_ _<>_*) )/ '' \ \/ / '' \( ' ) ( ' ( ) ) ( (<>) / ** \ /.-..-.\ >Your Cross The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish." The man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed, and he did as he was told. Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered. The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in." When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more blessed than you imagined. ~Author Unknown -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Don't Eat While Driving http://www.buffaloschips.com/t54.htm Energy Star http://www.buffaloschips.com/gre3.htm Exam http://www.buffaloschips.com/34t.htm Future Engineers http://www.buffaloschips.com/9o7.htm Glock Home Protection http://www.buffaloschips.com/78i6.htm Amazing Gibraltar Airport! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/airroad.html Awww Animals 1 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/.html Car Show 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carshow2.html Character Counts: The Sower... http://www.stfonline.org/sower/current.html Happy New Year http://www.buffaloschips.com/76tg.htm Hard Day http://www.buffaloschips.com/o8u.htm Helicopter http://www.buffaloschips.com/09i.htm Hilarious Prank http://www.buffaloschips.com/5t6r.htm Hombres http://www.buffaloschips.com/juyg.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ===================================================================== >-->From PetWarmers: `. ---)..( ||||(,o) ptr "`'" \__/ >THE MASCOT OF HAIFA by Ann & David Feinstein While packing for our business trip to Israel, Teddy, our 3 pound, 6-year old Maltese dog began jumping for joy. Little did he know just HOW MUCH of an adventure this particular trip would be! Teddy loves to fly, and even the most persnickety passenger soon warms up to him. With Teddy in tow, we became known in Israel as, "The American couple with the small white dog". One Sunday around 5pm, while David was running errands, I was working on my laptop. Since it was near the end of a long day, I took Teddy off the leash and sat him on my lap. As I got up to place a note in my friend's office, I left Teddy on my chair and told him to "stay" as I had done so often before. I was only gone a few moments, but when I returned, Teddy was gone! After calling his name, I ran down the steps. Seeing the office door open, my heart stopped! As I tearfully began to tell several of my English speaking friends what had happened, they ran to talk to all of the other Israeli merchants in the neighborhood. Frantically, I called David and told him to come immediately -- Teddy was missing. The florist told me through a translator that Teddy had walked into his shop. Knowing he must belong to someone nearby, they kept Teddy in their store. But as customers began to come in, one lady began to play with Teddy and picked him up. The florist told her to leave him alone since someone would be looking for him, but then he got busy with other customers. When he turned around, both Teddy and the woman were gone! David and I began searching on foot, calling Teddy's name. For hours, we walked the nearby neighborhoods and showed people his picture. No one had seen him. Early Monday morning, I designed a "Lost Dog" poster with Teddy's picture, knowing I had to write a heartfelt message directed to that woman. Two Israeli friends volunteered to be the contacts on the posters. Besides offering a reward to the "honest person" who returned Teddy, I remembered a tip I once heard. So I also mentioned that he needed daily medication for his heart. This way, the person who found him would be forced to take him to a veterinarian. I had found a service that would fax every veterinarian in Israel describing Teddy. Even the copy center manager offered to make Teddy's posters and flyers at a reduced price. Then, with several friends, David began to cover the city of Haifa, placing flyers everywhere. Many friends offered help -- one took me to the police station to file a formal report, and another called the local radio station and told Teddy's story on the air. On Tuesday afternoon, as friends were hanging more flyers and I was writing a full page article for the local newspaper, a call came in from a man who had seen the poster and thought he had Teddy. His girlfriend had come home telling him she had "found Teddy on a bus!" Over the last 2 days, they had bathed and fed him and he was doing OK. There were eight of us on the rescue team and we all drove over there like a scene from "Starsky & Hutch". We ran up the front steps of the apartment like a "vice squad" and as soon as Teddy saw us his coal black eyes opened like saucers and his tail began to wag like a metronome! Bursting into tears, we all began jumping and crying. The search was over -- Teddy was back! When we returned, ALL of the local merchants and our friends were standing at the curb screaming, "Teddy! Teddy! Teddy!" One of the merchants called out, "Shwarma for Teddy!" and brought him the biggest plate of chopped lamb while another offered beers to celebrate Teddy's return! Finding Teddy filled our hearts with joy and seeing this scene brought tears to our eyes, as we hugged everyone. Needless to say, Teddy is now "The Canine Ambassador to Israel" and certainly "The Mascot of Haifa!" A true miracle in The Land of Milk and Honey! -- Ann & David Feinstein ____________________________________________ You can see a picture of Teddy, along with the Feinsteins and their two other Maltese pets, at their wonderful LoveOurPets website. Click here to see: http://www.loveourpets.com/teddy ============================================================== >-->From SermondFodder: MUSINGS One can never know for sure what a deserted area looks like. In Rome, the emperor sat in a special part of the Coliseum called the Caesarian Section. I went to the Missing Persons Bureau. No one was there. George Washington's brother was the Uncle of Our Country. Cloud nine gets all the publicity, but cloud eight is cheaper, less crowded, and has a better view. by George Carlin Source: HUMOR Digest ================================== .-"''-. _ .' `( \ @/ ') ,--,__,-" / / \ / / _/ __| , |/ / .~ `\ / \ , | / .~ `\ ` / _/ _/ .~ `\ ~~`__/ / ~ `--'/ / / / / /' /jgs >Tough Decision By Kristi Powers "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." -- Psalms 139:13,14 It is that time of year again...the time for rainy spring days, the smell of budding flowers, and the sound of chatter on the softball field... As I watch the tear-stained eighteen-year-old, I want to hug out all of the sadness and frustration she is feeling and tell her how much I love her. Tonight may be the last softball game of her high school career. A career cut short because a nagging knee injury needs surgery so that she can be ready to fulfill her athletic scholarship at college. As I gaze upon her face, I cannot help but think of how fortunate I have been to know this beautiful young lady. However, I know how easily her song could have been one that was unsung... It was almost nineteen years ago that a teenager trembled as she tearfully said to her mother and father the words that every parent dreads... "Mom, Dad, I'm pregnant." What a frightening time for a nineteen-year-old as she is just starting her adult life and already facing an uncertain future. What devastation for the parents as this is the last thing they would have chosen for their daughter. Thoughts of "we have failed her" to "I am too young to be a grandparent", fill their minds. In a heartbeat the atmosphere in the house becomes strained and the following nights are long for the teen as she drenches her pillow with tears. Tears that come only when she thinks no one can see or hear her. Many try to persuade her to keep her options open, but there is only one choice for this determined teen. The little life within her has now become her responsibility, and she will sacrifice all she has to see that this precious being grows to be the young man or woman God intended him/her to be. She is at peace with herself, and the choice she has made... A baby's first cries fill the air and an exhausted but proud, teenage mom holds her young daughter for the first time. She is inexperienced, but is determined to provide for her priceless daughter the best way that she can. If the first few days are any indication, she has a tough hill to climb. Because of no insurance, she leaves the hospital early and takes her daughter home, but the baby girl develops jaundice, and they are forced back to the hospital. Her pediatrician tells her to leave the baby in their care and to go home and rest. "You have got to be kidding me!" she exclaims, refusing to leave her baby girl for even a moment. Something inside her clicks, and, with a determination that surpasses anything she has felt up to this point, she comes to grips with the situation. "You are a mom now. Deal with it," she quietly tells herself. Life is not easy and many hopes and plans for the future are set aside. The early years are filled with tests and trials but it is a time in her life that she wouldn't trade for anything. During those rough days and nights, she need only look at this tender creation God has given her to realize that the best things in life are right before her in the smile, the coo, and the laugh of this darling baby girl. Those eighteen years have flown by, and I ponder all of these things as we slowly walk away from the softball diamond today. I think about all the joy this baby girl, who is now a young woman herself, has brought into my life and to those around her. I remember all the basket- ball and softball games that we as her family have sat through, proudly cheering her on. Not only is she the best all-around female athlete I have ever seen, she is also one of the classiest and I am most proud of who she is off the court. She conducts herself with grace and humility and shows kindness to all who cross her path. I cannot imagine life without my Jen, my darling eighteen-year-old niece. Tonight my heart is bursting with pride, love, and joy for this remarkable being who came into our lives. I shudder to think if she had not been born. How different our family would have been, not to mention the lives of an untold number of people whom she has touched in her everyday life. A scared but determined teenage mom made a tough decision all those years ago, and through it, gave us all the gift of Jen. Kristi Powers NoodlesP29@aol.com Copyright © 2001 by Kristi Powers, All rights reserved. ________________ Kristi Powers is a full time human development specialist (In other words a Mommy!) Her stories appear in many books, including Stories for the Extreme Teen's Heart, Stories for a Teen's Heart Volume 2, Stories for a Woman's Heart, and Chicken Soup for Christian Teen's Soul. To read more of her writing or join the thousands on her inspirational e-mail list, visit: http://www.HeartTouchers.com For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity. "In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how Great the Lord is! ==================================================================== ___________ '._==_==_=_.' .-\: /-. | (|:. |) | '-|:. |-' \::. / '::. .' ) ( _.' '._ jgs `"""""""` >An Unexpected Reward Story Editor: by Debbie Decker Joyce Schowalter California, USA My son attends Douglass Junior High School in Woodland, California. It's a big school -- more than 1,200 kids in seventh through ninth grades. The school population is incredibly diverse, with many languages, ethnic backgrounds, and socio-economic levels represented. The dress and behavior codes are strict and expectations are high, which results in fewer problems at school. My son feels safe at school and seems to enjoy it. One morning in January, 2002, I received a call from Ms. Azevedo, the vice principal at Douglass. A call from Ms. Azevedo strikes fear and terror into the heart of even the most cynical and jaded junior high school parent. Ms. Azevedo is a lovely, charming woman. Nevertheless, she is regarded with a mixture of fear and dread because of her reputation as a strict disciplinarian with a "no baloney" attitude. My son was in the seventh grade. Because he is a good kid, I immediately thought she had called because of a disease outbreak or medical crisis. I worried that he had been injured, run over, taken sick or turned blue -- in the way only a Mom's mind can spin. Then Ms. Azevedo said that Tyler had been referred to her office, and my mind spiraled off to horrifying behavior problems. I presumed that he had beaten up someone, gone berserk in class, stuffed paper towels in the toilets, something involving explosives... who knows! But none of these issues was the subject of Ms. Azevedo's call. Tyler had received a "Positive Referral" from Ms. Ewing, his homeroom teacher. Because of his respectful attitude, helpfulness, politeness and all-around being a great kid, he'd been referred to the vice principal. Ms. Azevedo had taken time out of her busy day to call me and tell me about this wonderful recognition. Mr. Callahan, the school principal, started the Positive Referral program to make sure parents know about the great stuff their kids do. He aims to let us know when our kids are doing well, and not just academically. "Positive Referrals" also let students know that both good behavior and good attitudes are valued. Each kid also receives a free cookie and is entered in a monthly drawing for a free off-site lunch. Parents are notified of their children's accomplishments by phone. What a great way to recognize good kids and encourage parents! This call made my day, because it really is hard work, as a parent, to raise a child who behaves well. It's so hard, in fact, that some days you almost want to give up and let your children run roughshod over your rules. Thank you all: Mr. Callahan, Ms. Azevedo, and Ms. Ewing, for being a positive voice in today's world. And thank you for helping me to realize that a parent's hard work really is worth it. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From AndyChaps: ,,,,, ////""\ . (((/ m m -|- __ )))c = ) | (__) ////-./~` . [] (((( `.`\ :: [] )))`\ \)).-;.' .------, [] (() `._.-'` _( )[] )/ `. | .'`^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^))\`.----'`[] jgs ( \' { ~ - ~~ _ ~ - ~~ - ~ - (( | | [] .-.--\ \ { )) | | [] |_;_._`\ |{ ((__|_|-----[] | ; ``` ;{ )) [] | /``-.____/ `~~~[]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'-' [] `' (__) (__) >** A Child's Prayer ** I've often wondered, truth be told, just how I've carried on Through the burdens life can bring, and how I've stayed so strong. Just why was I not crumbling, amid my soulful pain At watching loved-ones suffer so, as clouds turned into rain? On darkest days, when life seemed harsh, and hopelessness seeped in A little spirit whispered close, "Fear not", and I would grin. For at those times, I'd feel my Savior walking by my side. I hadn't thought to call Him, but He matched me, stride for stride. 'Twas though I had an angel calling on the Lord of Love To help me through the rough spots and to guide me from above. O'er and o'er the days would come when I could sense this thing - That little spirit whisper, knowing not from whence it came. As time went on, and skies turned dark amid life's revelry I felt it even stronger, though the source eluded me. So I prayed - and I said, "Master, I'm aware you carry me Through good and bad, and joy and pain, you never set me free. "But that little whisper, Master, it's quite a mystery - Please tell me where it comes from - I'm so curious, you see." And right that very moment I was jolted from my prayer With the ringing of the telephone, an old friend to say she cared. And she told me of her daughter, who was barely four years old, How she prays each night at bedtime, all tucked in from the cold. And she wanted me to know that little child on bended knee Was praying for me nightly, with great regularity. The sweetness of a child's prayer, oh how could she have known That when I most needed lifting, she had brought me to the Throne! ~ Judy Haas ~ 7-22-99 +++++++++++++++++++++++++ _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >-->Penny's Promise Thomas W Henderson Sep 27, 2002 ** "Penny's Promise" ** By Bob Perks <> She had been given very little time. But she had all the time in the world...her world. She seemed healthy enough and yet, she was dying. "I've lived a good life," she said. She meant it, too. She lived by herself most of her life. That is after her mother passed away. She was very content working at the small local library. Particularly because she loved children so much. They, in turn, loved Miss Penny. So all of this came as a shock to her and the community. This small town was close when it came to caring for its own. "We'll do everything we can to make you comfortable," the mayor said. And they did. There wasn't a night that went by when Miss Penny didn't have a home cooked meal waiting for her. The ladies auxiliary of the church set up a schedule and kept those wonderful meals coming daily. That is until she just couldn't enjoy them any more. "I made a promise to myself a long time ago that I'd do something big for this town. But it seems I failed that one," she said to one friend. "Oh, nonsense, Penny. You are the best thing that's ever happened to this town. Look how you've pulled us all together," one person told her. "And the children love you!" another added. "But the promise. I still never really kept my promise," she said as she took another deep breath into the machine next to her bed. "Don't you worry about the promise, Penny. Don't you worry." Talk on Main Street each morning always focused on how Miss Penny was doing. In recent days the word wasn't so very good. "She's not well at all," one friend reported. "We really need to hurry things along." There were plans brewing in this town and it took the effort of every single man, woman and child, to make it work. "Help keep "Penny's Promise" the signs said and they were posted all over town. It all began one day when one of Miss Penny's littlest friends came up with the idea. When you looked at Danny's big blue eyes you just couldn't say no. From there it just blossomed. Finally, on the Friday before the big announcement, Miss Penny took a turn for the worse. They were to gather at the church on Sunday and march in procession to her home. The church musicians and a few from outside the town volunteered to play as the entire town would join in. "We need to do it tonight," Danny said to his Dad. "But it's the big football game. No one will be available." "Wait, just wait and see." The game was scheduled to begin at 7:00. The stadium located about two blocks from her house was filled to capacity. Just as the game was about to get underway, an announcement came over the speaker. "Excuse me!" the little voice echoed. "Hello!" he tried again. "Listen up!" his Dad shouted over the microphone. "I'm Danny. Miss Penny isn't doing so well tonight. I need your help. "Penny's Promise was to happen on Sunday after church, but...well...Miss Penny...." He couldn't finish telling them that she might not make it. One of the announcers took over. "Look, I know that this is a big game tonight, but we have something more important right now." He explained what they needed and the crowd roared with acceptance to his challenge. Danny rushed out and headed to her home. The doctor greeted him at the door. "Sir, we need to see Miss Penny," Danny said. "Son, this isn't a good time. Miss Penny needs her..." He was interrupted by the frail, soft voice of Miss Penny. "Danny is that you?" she asked. He rushed to her side and held her hand. "Miss Penny, we have a surprise for you," he said. Off in the distance she could hear the sound of the high school marching band playing. Oddly, it grew louder and louder. "Is it a parade?" she asked Danny. "It's Penny's Promise!" he said. The band circled the entire house. Hundreds of people could be heard gathering in her front lawn. The mayor and the head of the women's auxiliary entered the room. Danny took over. "You made a promise to do something big for this town. We called it "Penny's Promise" and helped you do it. Danny then dumped a huge jar full of pennies on the table next to her bed. "That's not all!" he shouted. Then one by one dozens of people came marching through the door, each carrying a container filled with pennies, quarters and bills. "We're going to build a new library, Miss Penny and it's yours!" Danny said. He then began to cry as he laid his head on her shoulder. Miss Penny was overwhelmed. As weak as she was just moments before, she suddenly seemed vibrant and alive. "Penny's Promise" was born from one little boy's love and one woman's passion for learning. That Sunday, as they gathered to tally this massive penny collection, Miss Penny passed away. But if you take a walk down Main Street today you'll see the newly constructed building. The sign over the door says, "Miss Penny's Promise." When you enter you'll find Danny's jar at the front desk. If you have some extra change, you too can help keep "Penny's Promise." They're adding a wing next year. Danny's heading the fundraiser. "I believe in you!" Bob Perks Bob@BobPerks.com Please don't remove my name and contact info! If you are about to copy this story to share with your friends, please leave my name, email address. 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