The Lights Of The World... :) 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 ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please 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! :) -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This too hot to handle new page comes from our friend PatDeE. This should intrigue and surprise you. Ever order online from Amazon? Here's the inside scoop of what actually happens to your order. Click the link below... _.-,.____ .-' .--._ ```--.-----.___ ._"""-- (`-...`-. _/,----. ) ````---=. _.-'' ````-- `.___.-.) (---=='' .-' | _.-' _.-. )(`.-._``--.._ .' | |`---..__ .-'.-'.' )\ \_ ``--...`. | | ``--.._ ,'.-' ( ( `-.`-. .'| + | | | | --.._`. \ `. `. | : | | | | / (-.._.') ) ) : | | | | ( | | ( ( ) | | | ) | \.' | `.\ | : .' | | | | L/ | : .' (__ | | | | (.' `-.._ | | | | | `-.._ ) | | |/ `--`_|_ | .' Markus Gebhard/a:f `._ | .' ``-.__ | .' `--`' Amazon Warehouses http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazoncenter.html --- ...This was really interesting! I would never had thought they would be using this system. It reminds me of when I used to do programing for schools, farmers and businesses using dBase. Loved that program! You could do anything with it! It managed huge inventory databases with such ease! Thanks PatDeE! -<>- >From Our Friends At TruthOrTradion: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' The STF National Conference is a time when people from all over the world are invited to spend a weekend together to be encouraged, inspired, and better equipped in their walk with the Lord. There will be inspirational teachings, praise and worship, workshops, presentations and instruction in the use of STF products and resources and, as always, times for fellowship and friendship. Our conferences have always proven to be a time of much spiritual refreshment and encouragement, so please consider attending this year’s conference! It just won’t be the same without you! http://tinyurl.com/q7rcvqx God bless you! Spirit & Truth Fellowship International =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ,sdPBbs. ,d$$$$$$$$b. d$P'`Y'`Y'`?$b d' ` ' \ `b / | \ \ / / \ | \ _,--' | \ | /' _/ \ | \ _/' /' | \ `-.__ __/' ,-' / | | \ `--...__ /' / | / \ \ `-. `\ / /;;,,__-' / / \ \ `-. / |;;;;;;;\ \ _|_ | /^\ /^\ /___\ /^\ \/^\ | # |__________ /^\/ \| | | # |__________\ . |_|/ | _ | # # # # | X | H | | >THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN by Bonnie D. Evaschuk I love where I come from. I am so very proud of being born and raised in the Granite State. With that said, you can imagine the horror with which I listened to the news on the morning of May 4, 2003. The Old Man of the Mountain had tumbled down from his perch above Profile Lake. Granted, it is not President Kennedy being shot or the horrific events of September 11th being etched into our brains, but still it was terribly sad news to me. If you have ever been to Franconia Notch, you know the feeling of some larger power at work. This Man's profile was etched into the side of a mountain by years and years of weather, glaciers and God only knows what else. His face looked the part too. It seemed, from afar, the face of a man who had worked outdoors all his life. I loved that Old Man. I loved everything he represented to me, and I loved that he stood for New Hampshire. As a family, we would go visit the Man every summer. One summer, when I was about eight or nine, my grandmother came to visit the Man with us. This particular day was beautiful. The sky was a cobalt blue and not a cloud to be seen for miles. I looked at my grandmother and I said, "Nana, look at how distinct he is!" Distinct he was, distinct he will always be, etched in my memory forever. I'm very sorry the Man will not be there for my next visit. I have a feeling I will go to the notch and it will be with wet eyes that I say my final goodbye. I cannot begin to tell you how many people I have brought up to visit the Old Man. It seems like hundreds. Each and every one of them stood at the base of that mountain with awe on their face. I had many tell me that it was impossible that the Man was created by nature. They swore it nearly as vehemently as I swore the Man was created by wind, rain, snow and sun. What I never believed was that the Man would die before me. I never imagined that he would go away in my lifetime. However, I was keenly aware of the cables and struts that held him up there. Perhaps it was those bonds from which he felt the need to escape. Live free or die Old Man! You will be greatly missed. "Men have hung out their signs indicative of their respective trades -- shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth -- but in the mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men." -- Daniel Webster -- Bonnie D. Evaschuk ___________________________________________ Bonnie says, "I'm a transplant from New Hampshire who lives on the east coast of Florida. I do miss my White Mountains, but I've always loved the ocean as well. I've had one story published in Petwarmers, My Handsome Man." You can see photos of the The Old Man, along with what the area looks like now after the rockslide in May. Click here: http://www.nh.gov/oldman/ ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Fran :) \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >They Who Served There they lie in peaceful serenity, as they shall through all eternity. These are they who gave their all and thought it not loss should they fall. These brave heroes, these volunteers, who served, disregarding their fears, Going forth for God and Country, protecting us all from possible calamity. Preserving the freedoms we could lose without these courageous souls who choose, To meet the enemy face to face, putting their trust in God’s saving Grace. So give them homage where they lie and pray no more will have to die, to protect their loved ones in some future day, while helping to preserve the American way! Virginia Archer 05-12 --- ...Touching! Thanks Fran! -<>- >Story Time.... Today's story is a bit different. It is about me. I'm Carol, a senior who is 81 years old, physically active, go to church and do all the things a normal person does. I'm a three year lung cancer survivor who is still fighting the side effects from the chemo and radiation along with Ulcerative Colitis. I'm one of the lucky ones, my genes on my Moms side of the family were good and I have always been active, loved sports and was an engineer who had to walk and measure outside in order to do the designing in the office. So all in all I kept pretty fit. __.------. (__ ___ ) .)e )\ / /_.------ _/_ _/ __.' / ' `-.__ / <.--' `\ / \ \c | / / ) GoT x \ | /\ |c / \.- \ \__/ ) /( ( \ <>'\ / _/ _\- `-. \/_|_ /<> / /--/,-\ _ \ <>.`. \/`--\_._) - / `-/\ `.\ / `. / ) `\ \ \ \___/----' | / `( ___________ \ ./\_ _ \ ______________ / | ) '| __________________ | / \ \ ___________a:f / | |____.) / \ a88a\___/88888a. \_ :)8888888888888888888a. /` `-----' `Y88888888888888888 \____| `88888888888P' Let's get to last night. At 9:45 someone knocked very loudly on my door. I looked out the peep hole and there was a white man, tall, husky and light hair. I said, "I do not open my door after dark to anyone, EVER, just go." He knocked some more. My apartment is located in a foyer. There are 4 apartments downstairs and four upstairs. I knew the two men in apartments 1 and 3 were not at home and the woman in apartment 2 was deaf. I didn't know if the people upstairs could hear. I told him to leave or I was calling the police. He was talking to me but I couldn't understand what he was saying. He just keep knocking so I said I AM NOW GOING TO CALL 911. I went to my phone and reported it at 9:50. It took about 5 minutes for them to get all the info from me. After the call I looked through the peep hole and he was gone. I went to the very end of my blinds to look outside. My patio and blinds are 12 feet long. He was standing outside by the tree in front of my patio. Was I scared? You bet. There are bricks around the bushes and it would be easy to pick one up and put it through my patio window. So back to 911. I told them where he was and I was really freighted, by now it was 10:10. They asked me on the first call if he was armed, I told them I didn't know. This time, even though I still wasn't sure I told them I thought he was and I was very frightened. When I went back and checked the patio by peeking out the end blind, he was gone. The police got there at 10:25. It took 35 minutes for the police to arrive. He was nice and had contacted the security guard at the apartments but they could not find any one. I told them I saw no car leaving so he was probably still here, maybe a resident. They told me not to worry. Hey, I worry. I took a Xanax and finally went to bed at midnight. Took awhile to sleep. What the heck was he doing at the door of an 81 year old woman. Well, the next day, Monday, this 81 year old woman goes to Walmart to pick up a couple of prescriptions and groceries. I've been having problems with colitis so I didn't want to put on my pants or shorts because it would be tight on my stomach. So I put on a cute little sundress that the hem was about 3 inches above my knees. Since all my hair fell out with chemo I just let it grow. It is thin, fine and almost reaches my waist. When it was short someone told me I looked like a skinned rat. So I would rather people say, "look at the funny looking old lady with the long hair." I don't wear makeup when I go shopping so I was no beauty. I go to the pharmacy to pick up my prescription. The order just came in and hadn't been unpacked so they asked me if I had other shopping because it would be ten to fifteen minutes to get unpacked. I said no problem and went to pick up mouthwash, looked at the pony tail bands and that is when a nice looking young man approached me and asked if he could help me. I told him no I was just killing time waiting for a prescription to be filled. He patted my shoulder and said he would be more that happy to help me. I smiled and moved on. I stopped to look at something else and he joined me. I was starting to wonder because he did not have a Walmart tag. He told me how attractive I was and I was really in good shape especially back here and he tapped my fanny. I told him I was going back to the pharmacy and to leave me alone. I pushed my cart to the center aisle where other shoppers were and hurried back to the pharmacy. I knew it was not ready yet so I stopped about 10 feet away and was looking for some eye vitamins and he walked up behind me and said, "I am here do you want to touch me?" And he lifted up my dress. I screamed and started hollering, the pharmacy person started toward me and another picked up a phone. The man was gone. Security came and it turned out once I told him the story and where I was standing, there was a camera that recorded the whole thing. They wanted to know if I wanted to report it to the police. I told them no but I felt they should look at the film and make a copy of his face to pass around to other security officers because he was crazy. They agreed. So all you ladies out there, just because you are passed the point where you are young and sexy, just remember there are sick, very sick people out there and you just gotta be careful. I could not believe in two days that something like this could happen to me. -Carol Clarke [our own sweet Fran] --- ...Oh my goodness! Thank You for sharing this Fran! I am appalled at what you had to go through! Thank God He was with you and kept you safe through this ordeal and helped keep your sanity too! What a horrible night and day! Maybe you need to be packing some pepper spray or some sort of protection? The world sure is a crazy place! My thoughts are that God helped you through this and kept you calm so that you could help protect others that are weaker than you are. Maybe now these perverts won't be able to hurt others since you alerted authorities to them being so dangerous! -<>- __ /` ,\__ | ).-' / .--' / / , _.==''` \ .'( _.=' | { `` _.=' | { \` ; / `. `'=..' .=' `=._ .=' jgs '-`\\`__ `-._{ CALGARY, Alberta (UPI) - A Calgary cab driver waived the $17 fare for a mother duck and her ducklings after he gave them a lift from a busy street to the nearest river. Checker Cab driver Urga Adunga said he was driving Thursday on a busy street when he came across a mother duck and her nine ducklings trapped in traffic. "I didn't want to pass them because there is no way for them to escape from the road. It's blocked all the way," Adunga told CBC News. Adunga said he put on his hazard lights and used his cab to block other vehicles from getting too close to the ducks while he and other witnesses worked to round them up. "The other people, they are very nice people, and they stopped and they helped me get the nine ducklings," he said. "One of the people who helped me was a mother, and she had a backpack for the baby and she tried to put them in there, but we couldn't do it. So I told them to put them for me in the car." The cabbie drove the duck family to the Bow River and waived the $17 fare. Checker Yellow Cabs shared a Facebook photo Adunga snapped of the ducks in his back seat. "As a human it is our responsibility to protect those animals, and nature and the environment," he said. "I could do it again, too. Not only the animals, humans, too. We have to rescue each other, we have to help each other." -Unknown --- ...Such a sweet story! Thanks Fran! -<>- >Tips: Ladies, try shaving your legs with hair conditioner instead of soap. The hair conditioner makes them soft and smooth. Just apply, shave, and rinse. Keep raccoons and other rodents away from your trash cans by sprinkling a few tablespoons of Epsom salts around the trash bins. Animals don't like the taste of the salt, but don't worry they won't be harmed by digesting some. Bug-proof your picnic table. Drink drips on your patio table can attract ants and other pesty pests to join you and your family for dinner. Keep them away by spraying the table with white vinegar after wiping down after each meal. The acetic acid deodorizes the table and hides the scent of sugar. --- ...Great Tips! Thanks Fran! ===================================================== >-->A story From CCRKBA: .-""------------------------------------^--. | | BROWNING Mod. GPDA8 \\\\\\\\ \/) |------|______________/''\________\\\\\\\\__|/ |_______\ `-----------' //__) \ ''''''''''\ /'''\ ('''\ ''''.. / (( )) ) ''. / \\ // / .. | ``=======(()::::.. L T `:::::: T L :::::::. L T `:::::::.T L :::::::::L T `::::::::T L :::::::::L T `::::KSR:T =========--- >CCRKBA Lauds Texas' 'Pistol Packin' Pastor' Who Stopped Burglar BELLEVUE, WA – The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms today noted that a church shooting this week in Texas will be difficult for anti-gunners to exploit, because it involved an armed pastor who stopped an electronics thief in the act. “I’ve read various published reports of the Tuesday morning incident in Baytown, Texas, and all of them clearly note that Pastor Benny Holmes will likely not face charges,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gotttlieb. “It’s not every day we hear stories about a member of the clergy rendering unto a thief what he’s got coming to him.” Published reports say Holmes confronted a man identified as Lee Marvin Blue, who forced his way into the Church of New Beginnings. Unfortunately for Blue, Pastor Holmes was asleep inside, was aroused by the noise, grabbed his pistol and went to investigate. He reportedly found Blue carrying a box filled with electronics taken from the church, the AP noted. When the suspect made a quick furtive gesture, Holmes shot him. Reports say surveillance video captured the break-in. Last year, according to published reports, Baytown Police got help from Holmes in solving a series of thefts of UPS packages from in front of private homes. Pastor Holmes caught a woman in the act and held her until the cops arrived. “In most cases,” Gottlieb observed, “when a private citizen uses a firearm in self-defense, a shot is not fired. In this case, there was a single shot, and it stopped an apparent burglar. But it is disappointing that stories like this get very little attention from the mainstream press, and anti-gun groups like Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety run and hide rather than admit that people can fight back with firearms. “Pastor Holmes’ incident certainly adds perspective to the use of force, and how using a firearm can stop or prevent crime,” Gottlieb concluded. “You can bet that this story is spreading around Baytown and nearby communities, as something of a deterrent. One might even theorize that a message was being sent, not only to the burglar, but to anyone else who entertained thoughts that a church is a soft target. We wouldn’t call it divine intervention, but we will call it darned fine shooting.” ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .---------------------------. /,--..---..---..---..---..--. `. //___||___||___||___||___||___\_| [j__ ######################## [_| \============================| .==| |"""||"""||"""||"""| |"""|| /======"---""---""---""---"=| =|| |____ []* ____ | ==|| // \\ // \\ |===|| hjw "\__/"---------------"\__/"-+---+' >Benny: The Man on the Bus This is a parable about leadership. A teacher assigned her 12th graders an essay about a leader they admired. Most kids wrote about famous people, but one student turned in this: Benny: The Man on the Bus I’ve been taking a public bus to school for years. Most passengers go to work and never talk to anyone else. About a year ago, an elderly man got on the bus and said loudly to the driver, “Good morning!” Most people looked up annoyed, and the bus driver just grunted. The next day the man got on at the same stop and again said loudly, “Good morning!” to the driver. On the fifth day, the driver greeted the man first with a cheerful “Good morning!” and Benny replied loudly, “My name’s Benny. What’s yours?” The driver said his name was Ralph. That was the first time any of us had heard the driver’s name. Soon all the passengers began talking to each other and saying hello to Ralph and Benny. After a month, Benny extended his cheerful greeting to the whole bus. Within a few days, his “Good morning!” was returned by a whole bunch of “Good mornings.” The entire bus seemed friendlier. If a leader is someone who makes something happen, Benny was our leader in friendliness. A month ago, Benny didn’t get on the bus. Some of us thought he had died. No one knew what to do. The bus got quiet again. So I started to act like Benny by saying “Good morning!” to everyone, and they cheered up again. I guess I’m now the leader.. This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts. -<>- (.,------...__ _.'" `. .' .' `, `. `. ` . .' .'/''--...__`. \ . .--.`. ' "-. '. | '' .' _.' .()) .--":/ ''( \_\ ' (()( ''._' ( \ ' ' `. `--' ' `.: . `-.___.' ' `. . _ _ .' ) .____.-' .'`. (--.. .' \ /\ / / `. .' \( \ /|/ `. .' \__/ `. / | o | \ | | | jro >ALIVE AND PRESENT Architect Frank Lloyd Wright once told of a childhood incident that may have seemed insignificant at the time, but had a profound influence on the rest of his life. It happened when he was nine years old. It was winter. Young Frank was walking across a snow-covered field with his uncle. As the two of them reached the far end of the field, his uncle stopped him. He pointed out his own tracks in the snow, straight and true as an arrow's flight, and then young Frank's tracks meandering all over the field. "Notice how your tracks wander aimlessly from the fence to the cattle to the woods and back again," his uncle said. "And see how my tracks aim directly to my goal. There is an important lesson in that." Years later the world-famous architect liked to tell how this experience had greatly contributed to his life's philosophy. "I determined right then," he'd say with a twinkle in his eye, "not to miss most things in life, as my uncle had." He determined to be alive and present. To be fully aware and squeeze as much life out of each moment as possible. We will miss most things in life if we live in the past. Let us learn from the past, but not live there. We will miss most things in life if we live in the future. Let us plan for the future, but not live there. We will miss little if we live in the present. And we'll have more fun along the way! By Steve Goodier -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Akiane Child Prodigy! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Kitty Dream - An Original Poetry Page http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/kitty.html Empire State Building! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/empire.html Adopted Chimp! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/adoptedchimp.html Beautiful Aerial England! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/england.html Statue Of Liberty! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/statueofliberty.html Life Is... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifeis.html The Final Toast! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/finaltoast.html -<>- >-->In The News: >"The Lights Of The World" .-. o \ .-. .----.' \ .'o) / `. o / | \_) /-. '_.` \ \ `. | \ | \ | .--/`-. / / .'.-/`-. `. .\| /.' /`._ `- '-. ____(|__/`-..`- '-._ \ |`------.'-._ ` ||\ \ || # /-. ` / || \| || #/ `--' / /_::_|)__ `|____|-._.-` / ||`--------` \-.___.` | / || # | \ | | || # # | /`.___.'\ |.`|________| | /`.__.'|'.` __/ \ __/ \ /__.-.) /__.-.) LGB Lately I've been posting more worldly news and events. The reason why is because I believe that we are now facing what I call an 'infestation of evil' in the world. It is important as Christians to know what is going on so WE - 'The Lights Of The World' can pray and do what God needs us to do so that God can intervene and foil all evil plots, plans, and actions through our Lord Jesus Christ! In other words we need to help God so He can be the world's exterminator of this uprising of evil doings. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' 1 Peter 5: [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. [11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. >From AFA: We warned it would happen and it did - Boy Scouts of America caves to gays again! http://tinyurl.com/paaq9vz --- ...At least we have a Christian alternative to the BSA! Does your local United Way chapter donate to Planned Parenthood? Find out here... http://tinyurl.com/pmyuu9c -<>- >From Manhattan Declaration What does it mean to be "pro-life"? The recent exposure of Planned Parenthood is causing more and more Americans to realize that they are, in fact, pro-life. http://tinyurl.com/pgp78oo So far, more than 110,000 have signed their names to make their stand for the cause of life, and we invite you to do the same. It's time for all pro-life individuals to unite under the banner of the sacredness of life. Will you join us? Take a moment right now and sign The Pro-Life Declaration. http://tinyurl.com/ornoufz -<>- >From MRC African-American Ohio Dem: 'Black Lives Matter Protesters...Should be in Front of Planned Parenthood' An African American Democrat from Cleveland announced he's co-sponsoring new legislation that would cut off state funding to Planned Parenthood... http://email.mrc.org/c/12WIFEXc32ksWKE4nSvWu0hZH -<>- >From Washington Post: McCain: 'Absolutely astounding' that U.S. hasn't seen Iran side deal Chairman John McCain called it "absolutely astounding" that the U.S. government would not have access to the actual roadmap. "I don't think many of us would agree with that process," said the Arizona Republican. http://tinyurl.com/pdbp5g2 --- ...Kerry still hasn't read the whole Iran Deal - he just signed it! He is taking after Pelosi who, concerning Obamacare, had said, '...we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it'. Nothing like using failed logic when dealing with terrorist sponsoring countries who hate the US and Israel and any free Christian society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoE1R-xH5To Note: - this Denise Miller video is great! - 'An Et-Ahem on language' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucweexNqbgg -<>- >From our friend Victor :) Hidden Ocean Found Underneath China's Largest Basin Is Larger Than Five Great Lakes Combined http://tinyurl.com/o9ccp5a --- ...Pretty interesting! Thanks Victor! Kind of reminds me of this one.. Underwater River In Mexico http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/underriver.html -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) Health Conditions - Health911.com http://www.health911.com/healthconditions Tinfoil.com - Early Recorded Sounds & Wax Cylinders http://www.tinfoil.com/earlywax.htm --- ...Great! Thanks Melody! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA :) When it comes to presenting wildlife documentaries, we all know you can't outdo David Attenborough - but this rowdy bird of paradise has a pretty good go at it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2TJaNDBI87s Beautiful and charming Ma Yan Yan combines magic and ballet for a fascinating show at 'Amazing Chinese 2014.' https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kyBVG_npWug Amazing singing and talking parrot 'Groucho' on 'Animal Planet' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYmEviJK5Hs&feature=player_embedded --- ...Cool Links! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- >From Our Friend Fran :) >AMERICA, WHY I LOVE HER Narrated by John Wayne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuteyiYN6js --- ...Beautiful! Thanks Fran! 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 ========================================================== _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >-->The Happiest Day Of My Life By Michael T. Smith It started innocently. Many years ago, I worked in an office with large windows that looked out over a busy overpass. I stood by one of those windows one day, when a woman in a passing car looked up and made eye contact - naturally, I waved. A chuckle escaped my lips as she turned and tried to identify me. It was the beginning of a year of window antics. When things were slow, I stood in the window and waved at the passengers who looked up. The strange looks made me laugh - work stress was washed away. My co-workers took an interest. They stood back, out of view, and watched the reactions I received, and laughed. Late afternoon was the best time. Rush-hour traffic filled the overpass with cars and transit buses, and provided lots of waving material for my end-of-day routine. It didn't take long to attract a following - a group of commuters who passed the window every day and looked up at the strange waving man. There was a man with a construction truck. He'd turn on his flashing yellow lights and return my wave. There was the carpool crowd and the business lady with her children fresh from day care. My favorite was the transit bus from the docks that passed my window at 4:40 PM. It carried the same group every day. They were my biggest fans. Waving became boring, so I devised ways to enhance my act. I made signs: "Hi!", "Hello!", "Be Happy!" I posted them in the window and waved. I stood on the window ledge in various poses, created hats from paper and file-folders, made faces, played peek-a-boo by bouncing up from below the window ledge, stuck out my tongue, tossed paper planes in the air, and once went into the walkway over the street and danced while co-workers pointed to let my fans know I was there. Christmas approached. Job cuts were announced. Several co-workers would lose their jobs. Everyone was depressed. Stress reached a high point. We needed a miracle to break the tension. While working a night shift, a red lab jacket attracted my attention. I picked it up and turned it in my hands. In a back corner, where packing material was kept, I used my imagination and cut thin, white sheets of cloth-like foam into strips and taped them around the cuffs and collar, down the front, and around the hem of the lab jacket. A box of foam packing and strips of tape became Santa's beard. I folded a red file folder into a hat and taped the beard to it. The whole thing slipped over my head in one piece. The next day I hid from my co-workers, slipped into the costume, walked bravely to my desk, sat down, held my belly, and mocked Santa's chuckle. They gathered around me and laughed for the first time in weeks. A few minutes later, my supervisor walked through the door. He took three steps, looked up, saw me, paused, shook his head, turned and left. I feared trouble. The phone on the desk rang. It was my boss. "Mike, come to my office!" I shuffled down the hall. The foam beard swished across my chest with each step. "Come in!" The muffled voice replied to my knock. I entered and sat down. The foam on my beard creaked. He looked away from me. A bead of sweat rolled down my forehead. The only sound was the hammering of my heart. "Mike..." That was all he managed to say. He lost his composure, leaned back in his chair, and bellowed with laughter. He held his stomach. Tears formed in his eyes, as I sat silent and confused. When he regained control, he said, "Thanks, Mike! With the job cuts, it's been hard to enjoy the Christmas season. Thanks for the laugh, I needed it." That evening, and every evening of the Christmas season, I stood proudly in the window and waved to my fans. The bus crowd waved wildly, and the little children smiled at the strange Santa. My heart filled with joy. For a few minutes each day, we could forget the loss of jobs. I didn't know it then, but a bond was forming between my fans and I. The next spring, I discovered just how close we had become. My wife and I were expecting our first child. I wanted the world to know. Less than a month before the birth I posted a sign in the window, "25 DAYS UNTIL 'B' DAY." My fans passed and shrugged their shoulders. The next day the sign read, "24 DAYS UNTIL 'B' DAY." Each day the number dropped, and the passing people grew more confused. One day a sign appeared in the bus, "What is 'B' DAY?" I just waved and smiled. Ten days before the expected date, the sign in the window read, "10 DAYS UNTIL BA-- DAY." Still the people wondered. The next day it read, "9 DAYS UNTIL BAB- DAY," then "8 DAYS UNTIL BABY DAY". My fans finally knew what was happening. By then, my following had grown to include twenty or thirty different busses and cars. Every night they watched to see if my wife had given birth. The number decreased - excitement grew. My fans were disappointed when the count reached "zero" without an announcement. The next day the sign read, "BABY DAY 1 DAY LATE". I pretended to pull out my hair. Each day the number changed and the interest from passing traffic grew. My wife was fourteen days overdue, before she finally went into labor. The next morning our daughter was born. I left the hospital at 5:30 AM, screamed my joy into the morning air, and drove home to sleep. I got up at noon, showered, bought cigars, and appeared at my window in time for my fans. My co-workers were ready with a banner posted in the window: "IT'S A GIRL!" I didn't stand alone that evening. My co-workers joined me in celebration. We stood and waved our cigars in the air, as every vehicle that passed acknowledged the birth of my daughter. Finally, the bus from the docks made its turn onto the overpass and began to climb the hill. When it drew close, I climbed onto the window ledge and clasped my hands over my head in a victory pose. The bus was directly in front of me, when it stopped dead in heavy traffic, and every person on board stood with their hands in the air. Emotion choked me, as I watched them celebrate my new daughter. Then it happened: a sign popped up. It filled the windows and stretched half the length of the bus, "CONGRATULATIONS!" Tears formed in the corners of my eyes as the bus slowly resumed its journey. I stood in silence, as it pulled from view. More fans passed. They tooted their horns or flashed their lights to congratulate me. I hardly noticed them, as I pondered what had just happened. My daughter had been born fourteen days late. Those people must have carried that sign for weeks. Each day they must have unrolled it and then rolled it back up. The thought of them going through so much just to celebrate my new baby made me cry. I made a fool of myself for eight months. I made those people smile after a long day at work. They must have enjoyed it, because on the happiest day of my life they showed their appreciation. That day, more than twenty years ago, changed me. I just wanted to make my day better. I didn't realize how it affected others. Ever since then, I try to put a smile on someone's face every day. I compliment strangers on their clothing. I start conversations in elevators. I even make jokes in crowded New York City subways. Some may think I am stupid, but I know there is a chance I'm making someone's day - someone who will may one day hold up a sign that says "Congratulations!". ============================================================= _ ___ _.--. \`.|\..----...-'` `-._.-'_.-'` / ' ` , __.--' )/' _/ \ `-_, / `-'" `"\_ ,_.-;_.-\_ ', fsc/as _.-'_./ {_.' ; / {_.-``-' {_/ >Freedom From Fear Story Editor: by Andrew Scal Joyce Schowalter California, USA When I was young, fear was a strong influence on many aspects of my life. I've since come to understand that many people go through this, and that as a part of our development we learn how to overcome everyday fears. But it took me a long time, and I needed the help of another person. In my junior year of college in Boston, I adopted a cat. It wasn't a well thought out idea -- especially since I lived in a school dormitory! Fortunately I had a single room, and Neebo, as I called her, was perfectly happy there. She would acknowledge and greet visitors, but was utterly devoted to me. Just having her sit on my lap and purr as I petted her was soothing. As I graduated and moved on to New York, Neebo went with me. She never complained, was always waiting for me when I came home, and came whenever I called her. When times were tough we shared ham sandwiches until I could afford cat food. In the mid-80s I decided to go abroad for a year to work in Japan. I arranged for Neebo to stay with an old friend in Brooklyn. About three months after I arrived in Tokyo I got a phone call from my friend: Neebo was not taking this change well. She took every opportunity to escape, wasn't eating, and seemed quite disturbed. I had decided to stay in Japan for a while, so we made arrangements to ship her to me. She arrived, and after a few days we quickly resumed our life together. After a couple years I noticed Neebo licking a sore on her abdomen. As months went by, the sore became an ugly wound. I avoided taking her to the veterinarian because, what if she had something serious or terminal? I dreaded losing her more than anything else at the time. One day my good friend, Kathy, noticed Neebo licking her wound. "Andrew" she said "I think it would be a good idea if you took Neebo to the vet and had that checked out." She didn't scold me or point out that I was endangering my beloved cat, she just told me what I ought to do. And so I did. Neebo did not live much longer. The vet told me her form of cancer was fatal even before symptoms arose, which slightly assuaged my guilt. Kathy and I are still friends, she and her husband in Washington, my wife and I in San Francisco. I often remind her of that day and what it did for me. 25 years later, I have never let fear stop me from doing something I know I have to do. That's the lesson I took from Kathy's words that day in Tokyo, and it has served me well time and time again. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: Two tooth brushes ___ ___ /\ ..\_ _/ /\ \/\ _) (_'' /\/ \/\ o\ / . /\/ \/\_ ) ( _/\/ Faucet \/_)( )(_\/ ____ (__\______________/__) |___|\ |\ \ / /| | \ Tube of | \ \ / / | | \ toothpaste | \ \ / / | | \ ___ | \ \ / / | ____ | \ ____ / _ \ ______ | \ \ / / | /|_||\|________\/|_||\___ / // // \ \ | \ \ / / | _________________________\-\ \_// \/-__ -\__ \__)(__/ __/--- \_________ / |||| [][][][][][][][][] """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" unknown >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Micah, 4, was getting desperate to make some money in the neighbor's garage sale which was scheduled to start the next day. Micah came up to his mother holding his toothbrush and toothpaste and asked, "Can I sell these?" - Anne Lowe of Ligonier, Indiana With their children, Anne and her husband Nate were watching their wedding video and the wedding reception slide show that included their growing up years. About three-fourths of the way through Micah turned to his father and said, "So you growed up to be our Daddy?" Here are two stories from Dawn. The first one is something Dawn said when she was a kid. Her mother reminded her about it. When Dawn was 10, her mother got her a box of Cracker Jacks. Dawn told her mother that she didn't get the prize she wanted. "What prize did you want?" her mother asked. Dawn replied, "A driver's license." Her mother asked her why would she would want a driver's license? Dawn replied, "Because that is what you yelled at the guy yesterday: ??~Where did you get your driver's license? A crackerjack box?'" - Dawn Keen of Santa Fe, New Mexico _.---,_ .' `'. \ __..-'\ }-"` \ /__,,..---.._| \ | |---..__ | / ``"-./ .'---...__ | .' ``"-./ ,--./...,,,__ / '--.'__ __```.-. /._ / ` ` ' `=/.-.|-._) | .-. .-. "\\ / || O| | O| ""=='_\ .-' '-'o '-' ""=\` `''--/- ""=-,\--._ .---|- ( ""=-. \` \ /`)"=."=|'-. '. _.-' ' "=|\| (`----` '="=|/ `-. "=/` '. =/ \ =| .-. |` "=| ( ~._ | "==| _.-~`\ \ ~. |'"="| _.-~ ) ; ~-.|.-._|_.-~ / / _-( /-.__ ( '._..--~~`/`/-'\-._ `~~- ; jgs /"=| |" =\~-...___.-~ /=" / | "==\ / = (_ \ "==\ ;="= `\_) =="\ At bedtime Dawn was reading the book Green Eggs and Ham to her daughter. Katelyn commented to Dawn in the middle of it, "He should taste them before he says he doesn't like it. That is what you tell me, right, Mom?" Caden, 4, and his father Dalen were having a dinner table conversation with a cousin, Lydia, 15. The topic was schools. Dalen explained to Caden how people progress through school - first kindergarten, then elementary school, and then to high school like Lydia. Dalen said that after high school Lydia would be going to college. Wanting to indicate that finding a job was the next level, Dalen then asked Caden, "What should Lydia do after college?" Without hesitation Caden answered, "TAKE A NAP!" - Suzanne Zuehsow (grandmother of Caden) of LaOtto, Indiana Caden turned 5 earlier this summer. He is proud of his family's chickens: 14 hens and one rooster, all different varieties that they picked out as chicks. Dalen built a coop for them and Caden spends a lot of time out there. The chickens all have names; Caden can pick up the chickens since they are not afraid of him. Caden gathered his first egg on June 24th and called his grandmother, Suzanne, to tell her with great excitement that "Goldie" gave him a birthday present! .___ dWWb | |~| MM & | '.' qp -' | ( .,______ | ( ,. |(____|.\ | ( -."& | | \ | | __)____\ )/-'\ | | | | |\._______|_(X___| '.-' ./' | (_./ | _|____|____|_______.-' .-'/ | | | ||___________|________.-' \ | | |\ |______|______ |_____.-'--' | | | O---/_______|____o-/______ | |_| | -_-.##_______|_____##____g3_#.-_- |__\_\ (_) O--O--O (_) When Stella was 4, she had some oral surgery which required a general anesthetic. Just as the physician had completed the procedure, Stella pulled the IV out of her hand. The result was a quick awakening, in a strange place, without a familiar face. She panicked and started screaming. She remembers this well. She is now 6 and just had her tonsils removed. In preparation, they talked to her about the procedure and the anesthesia. She cried because she was afraid she would pull the "RV" out again and she didn't want to do that! Surgery went well. In the recovery room she woke up agitated because the IV was still in place. She didn't want it left in, but they were not ready to remove it. She said, "If I'd have taken care of this when I was asleep, we wouldn't be having this discussion now!" What a sweetheart! - Nana Suzy of Springfield, Oregon Jacob, 6, had gone with his mother to pick up his two sisters and a friend from dance camp. They were all talking non-stop when all of a sudden Jacob says, "YUCK! It smells like girls in here!" His mother Sasha doesn't know if he was realizing he was the only boy in a car full of girls or if the car really did smell after the girls had just danced for three hours! -Sasha Frazier of Kendallville, Indiana Connie's daughter's family has experienced some illnesses this summer. One night before supper Isobel, 3, said grace: "Dear God, I pray for Elisabeth (her 4-month-old sister) that she feels better, please, 'cause her crying makes my head hurt. I pray for Kendra's shot (her 7-year-old sister) to be better, please, 'cause she is a whiny butt, and I pray for Grandma Jane. Please make her better so I can get out of here and play with her." -Connie Blotkamp (grandmother) of Auburn, Indiana Bonnie Brownell of Indiana shares these stories about her great-grandchildren. _ ____( )_____ ___ | | ____ \ \ _---__________---_ / __ \ \ \ / \/ / \ \ _______| |_____/ \/____\ \_________________________________ | | / \ | | \ \__| | | | _____________ \ | | | | | |/\ \ | | / / |___________| \ \__\ /__/ / \-----------/ / \ /____/ |---------|__/ \____________________/ / \ _____ / \ Vicky Wilks |__________________| \___________/ Bonnie's daughter, Diane, had a "tea party" for her granddaughters, Rylee, 5, and Shayla Frain, 3, and several guests. The party was complete with jewelry, hats, scarves, dresses, gloves and refreshments. When the party was over the girls said they wanted to have another one sometime, but wanted to have dragon dresses for it. Being the great- grandma Bonnie was not at all excited about her beautiful girls going "Goth." She felt better when they explained that "dragon dresses" weren't black, they just dragged the ground! They had draggin' dresses for the next party! Shayla colored a picture for Grandma Diane. When she showed it to Diane, Diane said she wanted to put it on the refrigerator. Shayla immediately took the picture back and said, "No, I'm keeping it to put in the box with you when you die." They have no idea where that came from. Another daughter, Doreen, and Kaylin, 2, had been swimming. When they returned home for lunch, Kaylin's wet bathing suit was on the floor behind a chair. When Kaylin was called to the table and walked past the bathing suit she stopped, put her hands on her hips. Looking at the bathing suit, then at her grandma, she said, "Seriously?" Brian, 14, told his father about using a lighter: "I know how to use one. I just can't get it to work." - James Tew (father of Brian) of Kendallville, Indiana .--..-""""-..--. ///`/////////\`\\\ ||/ |///""\\\| \|| ## ( 6. 6 ) ## /_\ \ _. / /_\ _`) (`_ /` '--' `\ / _,,_ \ / /` `\ \ /\_/ / 6 6\ \_/\ \ \/\ Y /\/ / \ \/ `'U` \/ / \( \ / )/ |\_/ \_/| / ____ \ \ ( || ) / (__)||(__) | || | |__||__| jgs |==||==| /~`//~`/ / // / `""` `"` Jamin, 8, lives where there are a lot of little girls. He is the only boy who is nice to them, so they like to play with him. Jamin told his mom that the sister of one of his playmates likes him. Jamin's mom replied, "Oh?" Jamin continued, "She likes me and and she doesn't even know what I do for a living." His mom asked, "What do you do for a living?" Jamin replied, "Play … and I'm lazy!" - Rita Maurer (great aunt) of Kendallville, Indiana Tim and Brandon went shopping together. Brandon has become cart riding resistant because he is a big boy. Tim was looking a new razors and was a little distracted so when he got to the check out stand there was a huge bag of M & M's in the cart. He asked Brandon where they came from and whose they were. Brandon said, "For Baby" - his name for his little brother Cam. Tim said, "But Baby isn't here." Brandon thought for a few seconds and then said with a grin, "Brandon's, all Brandon's!" - Marsha (grandmother of Brandon, mother of Tim) of Green Valley, Arizona Noah, 6, told his grandmother, Kathy, that his brother, Alex, 7, said the "G-L- S" word. Kathy knows a lot of things but had never heard of the G-L-S word. So she asked Noah what that meant. He explained, "You know Grandma, G L S is girls, and baseball players and girls do not go together!" - Amy of Butler, Pennsylvania |><|~|><| /(((9)))\ //) -_- (\\ (((( ._. )))) ))))---(((( ((((`---')))) (___|xXxXx|___) \ | | / / ^ ^ ^ \ / \ (_._._._._._) \ | / ( | ) | | | hjw |-|-| /`-^-'\ (__,^.__) Here is another story from Amy. Andre, 4, spent a few days with Grandma and Granddad. It was time for lunch and Grandma told him to go call Granddad to come eat. Andre stood at the sliding glass door and called, "Granddad, Granddad." He didn't look, so Andre got more aggressive, "Jim!" Still, no reaction, so Andre called him the only other name he had heard him called, "HONEY!" That brought Granddad in! - Amy (mother of Andre) Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== .-. ,-( o )-. ( o )-( o ) .-\-'.|,`-/-. .-. ( o )--*--( o ) ,-( o )-. `-/-.'|`,-\-' ( o )-( o ) ( o )-( o ) .-\-'.|,`-/-. `-( o )-' _( o )--*--( o ) `-' \/_/ `-/-.'|`,-\-' __ | ( o )-( o ) \_\| .'`-( o )-' | .'\ `-' |/ |\ __ | \| \_\| | __ |/_/ __ | \_\| | __ |/_/ >-->God Hath Not Promised... God hath not promised Skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways All our lives through; God hath not promised Sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain. But God HATH promised... Strength for the day, Rest for the labour, Light for the way, Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, Undying love. -Annie Johnson Flint, 1866-1932 American Teacher and Poet >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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