The Pig Who Saved Christmas ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! ================ M E R R Y __ ( ) _.-""-._ .' '. () () () () () |\_/\_/\_/\_/| | | |============| _|____________|_ > / __ __ \ < > | `^ | ^` | < > |()___ |_ ___()| < > \ \__)__(__/ / < ,===>.-'._||||||_.'-.<===, (____|`-.__||||||__.-'|____) {{{{{{ ( ) }}}}}} {{{{{{ () ( ) () }}}}}} | | ( ) | | | | () ( ) () | | | | ( ) | | | | () ( ) ()_| | | |\=====,==,====/ \ | | ||_____|LI|___/\/| | _|___|/ () / /\|___|_ \O | / / | O/ \___| () / / |___/ | /;-.__ / /_.-;\ | \_/ | : `""/ /`: | \_/ | : / / : | jgs | : / / : | | : / /| : | | :/ /|| : | | /_/ || : | | : || : | |.-;"-.||.-";-.| | | || | | | | || | | | | || | | | | || | | /\ | /\/\ | /\ ; ```` || ```` ; |.-""-.||.-""-.| (______)(______) C H R I S T M A S >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This hottie is sure to tickle your funny bone. It comes from our friend Sharon and I dedicated it to Val and my son Victor. Give this one time to load and Turn up your sound... ,;;, ';;;' )`\ .--' ) .--' / .' ( ."`-./_ _ _ _\.-'". | (` `=``_````_``=` `) | `) (0)__(0) (` /` .-( )-. `\ | ( \/ ) | \ '._/\_.' / '-._ `""` _.' jgs /'-. _.;_...-'' | ()` | '-`/\`-./ ((\\ \)\\ )) (/ Santa Ho Ho Oh-No's! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/santa.html --- ...Such a sweet fun one! Thank You Sharon! I think I might have had a bit too much fun with this one! LOL! ;) -<>- __ /\ __ __ /\ __ __ /\ __ __ /\ __ \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ <_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_> /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ \/ _ _\/ _ ___ ___\/_ _ \/ .\/. + | | | / \ | \| \| | | ' .\/. -=><=- | || ' || '_/| '_/\ / -=><=- '/\' |_|_||_|_||_| |_| |_| * '/\' __ /\ __ _ _ ___ _ _ ___ _ _ _ __ __ /\ __ \_`\/`_/| | |/ \| | | || \ / \ | | |/ _/\_`\/`_/ <_>()<_>| || | || |_ | || | || ' |\ /\_ \<_>()<_> /_,/\,_\|_|_|\___/|___||_||___/|_|_| |_| /__//_,/\,_\ \/ _{}_ \/ .\/. * .' '. + .\/. -=><=- ' + /_......_\ + -=><=- '/\' _ __ _ ."` `". * '/\' __ /\ __ | | ______ \ __ /\ __ \_`\/`_/ |; |_.-'o o`-._/ \_`\/`_/ <_>()<_> || | V | ' <_>()<_> /_,/\,_\ ||_ , |\ `'----'` / /_,/\,_\ \/ '-.` .-';'---.--.--'; * \/ .\/. * || | \ '. \ * .\/. -=><=- _||_ /'-.____\ `\ ; -=><=- '/\' / ) | | |`\ + '/\' __ /\ __ ' | _.' \ \ \ \ ' __ /\ __ \_`\/`_/ \ || ()\ \\\ \ \_`\/`_/ <_>()<_> \|| \\\\\\ \ | <_>()<_> /_,/\,_\ || () |_/ /_,/\,_\ \/ * || ; * \/ .\/. || () ' '. .\/. -=><=- ' .'|| '. -' '-. -=><=- '/\' .-' || `" " ` `--. '/\' __ /\ __jgs __ /\ __ __ /\ __ __ /\ __ \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ .\'/. \_`\/`_/ <_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_>-=>*<=-<_>()<_> /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ '/.\' /_,/\,_\ \/ \/ \/ \/ >-->From Our Sponsor - Google... Thank you. Because of your partnership, this giving season we’ve been able to contribute to charitable organizations that are working to improve the lives of millions of people around the world. Here’s how http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/givesback/2011/ All of us here, with deep gratitude, thank you for your continued partnership and wish you and yours a happy New Year. – The Google Team ============================================================ >-->From Heartwarmers: .--------. * . |________| . * | __|/\ * .-'======\_\o/. /___________<>__\ |||||| / (o) (o) \ |||||| | _ O _ | . . |||||| | (_) (_) | |||||| \ '---' / * \====/ [~~~~~~~~~] \\// _/~||~`|~~~~~\_ _||-'`/ || | \`'-._ * * .-` )| ; || |) ; '. / `--.| || | | `\ | \ |||||) |-, \ . \ .; _ ; |_, | `'''||` ,\ (_) /, `.__/ ||.` '. .' `. * * || ` ' ' ` \ || ; . * || | . || | * || | .__.-""-.__.-"""|| ;.-"""-.__.-""-.__. || / jgs ||'. .' || '-._ _ _ _ _.-' `""` >THE FORGOTTEN ONES by Kathleene S. Baker After many years of trying to brighten the season for needy children, my husband and I happened upon an Angel Tree for nursing home residents -- the often forgotten fragile, lonely oones in our society. Some have outlived their children, others have children not willing to travel across the country, while some have no family or friends whatsoever. They are left to languish alone on our holiest holiday. These are ones we owe so much -- they are survivors of wars that kept our country free. Many suffered during the Great Depression simply trying to put food on the table for their families. They are all strong folks that could teach us much and deserve our absolute respect! Most of them did not have easy lives and in their final years. Many are the "forgotten ones." In my eyes, nothing could be more shameful! My husband, Jerry, instantly grabbed a card for a gentleman from that very special Angel Tree, while I selected the name of an older lady. Then we launched into an all-out shopping spree. The only information we had was first names, ages, and two wish lists. Never have I given such thought to each and every purchase. Making Christmas special for these two older kids became an obsession for both of us on a cold winter's afternoon. The gentleman had simply asked for music CDs. There was no mention of what type of music or any particular singer he enjoyed. We were both perplexed and then it hit us like a rock! Doing a little math we figured out what years he'd have been a teenager and took it from there. We purchased several CD's of hits from that time, as well as hits on into his twenties and thirties. The dear lady had requested only a robe. After some thought, I knew it must be washable, warm and of durable fabric to withstand being washed at the nursing facility. I located a lovely, plush, terry cloth robe with a bit of pink "girly" embellishment down the front -- the tag even said it could be bleached. But, what woman wouldn't enjoy new house slippers to match her robe? I tracked those down as well! Jerry and I were so wound up at that stage of the game that we couldn't stop with simply the items that had been requested. "What's Christmas without a box of fine assorted chocolates?" Jerry asked. I giggled and agreed, but as we headed to the candy department I realized one of them could possibly be diabetic. We found wonderful sugar-free assortments of chocolates that could satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. Still, it seemed something was lacking. "I wonder how long it's been since this little gal enjoyed a bottle of nice perfume!" I wondered. We sprayed and sniffed until we found a mild scent that seemed suitable, and so hoped she wouldn't be allergic. I also included hand and body lotion. In my heart I knew she'd once again feel spry and beautiful as she pampered herself with the delicious aroma. Then, Jerry piped up, "Boys are never too old for toys!" After studying every small-scale model car and truck in the store, he chose several that would have been popular when the older gentleman likely purchased his first "set of wheels," and possibly his first family auto as a young married man. They would be nice remembrances placed on his bedside table or dresser to remind him of "the good old days." I took great care in wrapping all items. The packages had to be beautiful. All the while I envisioned the sparkle in their aged eyes when opening each gift, and prayed our efforts would create a very blessed and Merry Christmas for two genuinely deserving people. No, that year they were not forgotten! In fact, they are never forgotten in our home. Each holiday season we discuss the joy that filled our hearts that year as we attempted to sprinkle the Christmas season with a bit of bliss for two aged, forgotten, souls. In remembrance of two nursing home residents who, every year, remind us of the reason for the season. -- Kathleene S. Baker __________________________________________________ Kathy and Jerry reside in Plano, Texas. Kathy has contributed to magazines, online ezines, newspapers, Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and writes a weekly column entited Heart of Texas. You can visit her website here: http://www.txyellowrose.com ============================================================ >-->The Christmas Story . ' ' . ' /\ ' + ' || ' + |\ || /| ' - . \\||// . - ' -= <>>>><<<<> =- . - ' //||\\ ' - . |/ || \| + . || . + . || . ' .||. ' \/ .*' " " *. * * *.;"``",.* / (-\-| ___ | `-=-( /.-.\ .(`-.__/-,// || / \ | // -->From Our Friend Linda :) _....._ .-::. ':::-. .:. '::. '::. '. /'::. _::._::. :\ ;. '::'` `:' .::\ |::. / \.::'| | '::.| |' .| |. ':| |.::/ |::. | /__.' | '::.| |. ':| |::. | /`""-._ |_'::.| _.-''`\ | .__'/ `\'_. | | .-| |--. | | _.\ /._ | \_..-' /`\--'\ `-.._/ / | \ | | | / ; \ / \ \ | ;-.____/ \____/::.| |. ':| j::. | g '::.| s. ':| |::. | | '::.| '-..:-' >CHRISTMAS Did you know that the chopping down of the Christmas tree represents the death of Christ and putting it back up again represents the resurrection of Christ. Did you know that the wreaths we hang are never ending circles, that represents eternity? Candy canes were made to look like shepherd hooks and the colors red, Jesus' blood, white, purity. The gifts, represents the 3 gifts the wise men brought for Jesus. So when you are running around trying to get the "perfect gift", stop yourself take a deep breath and remember we have been given the perfect gift, Jesus Christ was given to us to remove all of our sins... MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!! -<>- /`\ | ( | | | | | | .--'--. | | _.--""`````""--._ .'\/ \/ '. .' -|` `|- '. / ,_\| |/_, \ / # \ / \ ; # .-.._)---(_.--. ; | \_.-/ \-._/ | | | a a | | | \ /`\ | ; | | '. ; \ \0/\ '/`\ / \ |__.' / / '. / _.' .' '._ '---' _.' jgs '--.._____..--' Christmas Smiles... Dog & Cat http://sorisomail.com/partilha/188658.html Jingle Goats http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/b4_EdJ-XkUA?rel=0 --- ...Aww, so sweet! Thank You Linda! ============================================================== * , _/^\_ < > * /.-.\ * * `/&\` * ,@.*;@, /_o.I %_\ * * (`'--:o(_@; /`;--.,__ `') * ;@`o % O,*`'`&\ * (`'--)_@ ;o %'()\ * /`;--._`''--._O'@; /&*,()~o`;-.,_ `""`) * /`,@ ;+& () o*`;-';\ (`""--.,_0 +% @' &()\ /-.,_ ``''--....-'`) * * /@%;o`:;'--,.__ __.'\ ;*,&(); @ % &^;~`"`o;@(); * /(); o^~; & ().o@*&`;&%O\ jgs `"="==""==,,,.,="=="==="` __.----.(\-''#####---...___...-----._ '` \)_`"""""` .--' ') o( )_-\ `"""` ` >You Are Not Alone Story Editor: by Lucy Hanouille Joyce Schowalter Texas, USA My father died when I was twenty years old. Up until his death, I had never told anyone of his illness or the suffering that our family had endured for the past fifteen years. It was the family secret -- we learned well not to discuss it. Death sometimes has a way of revealing secrets. I was encouraged to take the news of my loss to the Assistant Dean of my art school, Doris Kinsella. Doris was, in my opinion, one of the world's best listeners. I found myself pouring my heart out to her. She listened, gave advice and encouraged me to stay in school and in counseling. As I left her office, she pointed down the hall at another girl I knew and liked and said, "See that girl? She lost her father this weekend. Heart attack. Very sudden, very unexpected." That was all she said. But from that moment, I looked for that other girl. If she was working in the studio, I worked. If she was going to classes, I went. I couldn't imagine how it felt to lose someone so quickly; I admired her courage. Having known my father was dying... if she could keep going, I could, too. At the school year's end, the other student, "Alice" and I were talking. We shared our deep respect for Doris and the comfort she had brought to our lives in this difficult year. Alice then told me her story. She also had been encouraged to see Doris when her father died. She also found a deep, thoughtful, compassionate listener in Doris. Doris had suggested grief counseling and encouraged her to stay in school. When they walked out of her office together, Doris pointed towards me and said, "See that girl? Her father just died after 15 long years of illness. No one really knows what made him ill." After that, Alice looked for me every day. If I was working in the studio, she worked in the studio. If she saw me going to classes, she went to classes. Alice said she couldn't imagine how it must have felt to live with the inevitability of death for so long. We both agreed that it didn't matter how the loss occurred -- it still hurt deeply. In that way, without even speaking, we kept each other in school. We kept each other going. With one simple sentence, Doris kept us both in school. We lost Doris to cancer almost 20 years ago, but her kindness and her love for me as a student and person have stayed with me to this day. I realize now that the lesson she taught me, by her simple statements, has been a guiding light keeping me going through the hard times in my life. No matter how alone depression or PTSD made me feel, I knew I was not alone after all. Her words made all the difference in my life. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _/\_ > _< /` `. .' ' o \ ( () @ '. .-' *_.-'-; .' 0 Q () `-. / @ o . * ) `-...-""- '-~'` _.'` Q * 0 @`-. .' o . * '-. / @ .___.~-' () `\ ( () * Q'.__Q *.' '-.-' `--._ @ ``-. _.-' @ __.-'~'-. @ `-. .' * ..-' o 0 `) / 0.-~-._ 0 * _.~-.*__.' '._ () '-.____.-'Q . '-. ;--' Q * * o @ '-. .-' * '.___ ..~ - . 0 () Q '. / @ o * _.''~.._____.--'`-. '-.___Q . 0 () @ * @`;_*8*_ .':. `'c___c .___.-~ Q o .=..=. |\ \\ | /. ':. /. .\ 0 @ _____((-\/-))__|\\ \\| ; ':. ':.\_T_/: _______ |-__-----||-----| \\ \| |. ':. /` `\ ||__||_|_\/ || |\ \\ | \:. ':(/ \) |"" |____|\ || |\\ \\| '::.__'/';-;'\ (=)==(=)==(=)\"""~~"""""| \\ \| jgs ()/ \() >One of the Best Presents I Ever Received Christmas 1994, my wife had died in September. I did not want to put a tree up, but the kids were all for it. So we dragged out the box of ornaments and the tree. In the box with the tree was a notebook. I opened the book. It was a semi-journal from my deceased wife. It was her way of being there that Christmas. In this notebook, she wrote how much she loved me and what a difference I had made in her life. I had a great difficulty in reading the words through misty eyes, yet felt warm and close to her. She went on and wrote about the fact she was dying and how she wanted to thank me for being there for her and with her. That year for Christmas dinner, I set a place for her at the table. She was present with us that Christmas and had given me a present I will always treasure. I have learned to write about my life, about my friends, because in doing so, I can share the magic that has been given me. Merry Christmas one and all. B.J. Cassady -<>- _._ _..._ .-', _.._(`)) '-. ` ' /-._.-' ',/ ) \ '. / _ _ | \ | a a / | \ .-. ; '-('' ).-' ,' ; '-; | .' \ \ / | 7 .__ _.-\ \ | | | ``/ /` / jgs /,_| | /,_/ / /,_/ '`-' >The Pig Who Saved Christmas My mom and I were poor when I was young. I remember once when my father gave her ten dollars(he owed thousands), she cried. She worked two jobs to support us and I sold donuts in the neighborhood(I made 25 cents for every box sold). We didn't have a car, but we had each other. The divorce was though on mom and on me. The stigma of a divorced woman back in the early 50's is so much different than today. If I wanted to see a movie I would go downtown on Saturdays, catch a serial, a feature for free. I would walk home to save the 25 cents for the bus ride. The walk was about eight miles one way. The point is, Christmas was an imposing time for us. How could we have money for Christmas. Well mom had an idea. She bought us a red plaster pig and we would put pennies into it. As Christmas would near, the pig would divulge it's contents and that would be our Christmas. I know this pig holds about 30-35 dollars in pennies. I would get 1/2 of the money and mom would get 1/2 and off we would go to buy our presents. A person can get a lot for 15 dollars if they are careful, pencils, papers, some board games, a few books, some toys could all be purchased for less than 15 dollars. I would buy mom some costume jewelry, perfume and maybe a teddy bear. No we didn't have the expensive gifts, but we had ourselves a wonderful Christmas each year thanks to our special pig (which I still have). B.J. Cassady -<>- .-. .;;\ | /::::\|\ /::::'(); |::::' | |\/`\:_/`\/| ,__ |0_..().._0| __, \,`////""""\\\\`,/ | )//_ o o _\\( | \/|(_) () (_)|\/ \ '--' / _:.______.;_ /| | /`\/`\ | |\ / | | \_/\_/ | | \ / |o`""""""""`o| \ `.__/ () \__.' / / \ \ | | ___ () ___ | | / \|---| |---|/ \ | (| | () | |) | \ /;---' '---;\ / `` \ ___ /\ ___ / `` `| | | |` | | | | | =| |= | jgs | | | | _._ |\|\/||\/|/| _._ / .-\ |~~~~||~~~~| /-. \ | \__.' || '.__/ | \ || / `---------''---------` >This was written by Dr. Bob Moorehead not George Carlin The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. -<>- _ .-(_) / _/ .-' \ / '. ,-~--~-~-~-~-, {__.._...__..._} ,888, ,888, /\##" 6 6 "##/\ ,88' `88, ,88' '88,__ |(\` (__) `/)| __,88' `88 ,88' .8(_ \_____\_ '----' _/_____/ _)8. 8' 88 (___)\ \ '-.__ __.-' / /(___) 88 (___)88 | '--' | 88(___) 8' (__)88,___/ \___,88(__) __`88,_/__________________\_,88`__ / `88, |88| ,88' \ / `88, |88| ,88' \ /____________`88,_\88/_,88`____________\ /88888888888888888;8888;88888888888888888\ /^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^`/88\\^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^\ jgs / |88| \============, \ /_ __ __ __ _ __ |88|_|^ MERRY | _ ___\ |;:. |88| | CHRISTMAS! | | |;;:. |88| '============' | |;;:. |88| | |::. |88| | |;;:' |88| | |:;, |88| | '---------------------""""---------------------' >The 25 Days of Christmas Christmas. A treasured family holiday, a time full of joy and love - and my husband Shawn was six thousand miles from home in Iraq. I felt no joy, and my heart ached for him. How could Christmas feel like Christ-mas this year? This would be the first Christ-mas we would spend apart in our six years of marriage. And something greater pulled at my heart. Our daughter Faith, six months old and born while Daddy was in Iraq, would have her first Christmas with Mommy . . . but no Daddy. My heart hurt, and my mood was gloomy. I knew I had to quit focusing on what I couldn't change. If not for my sake, for Faith's. My heartache was killing the holiday, and I didn't want that for any of us. I decided that a person can either have a pity-party or pick herself up and make the best of it. I began racking my brain. How could I find joy in such an unhappy situation? How would I help it be Christmas for us? I knew it would be especially difficult for Shawn to get in the mood, being in a desert with no good-old North Dakota snow or traditional mistletoe. And, then, it hit me: Why couldn't he have snow, or, at least, the mistletoe, over there? I decided to send him a care package labeled, "The 25 days of Christmas." There would be twenty-five gifts, each a reminder of our treasured holiday. However, there was a rule for the package: He could only open one gift each day until Christmas. That would be tough for him, I knew, but it would give him something to look forward to every day. Besides, isn't torturous anticipation of opening gifts part of Christmas? That thought put a loving smirk on my face! My excitement built as I began putting together his package full of Christmas touches: a pine-tree-scented air-freshener so he could have the smell of Christmas, a candy cane so he could have the taste of Christmas, a Christmas music CD so he could have the sounds of Christmas, some cotton balls so he could have some snow for Christmas, hot cocoa so he could have a sip of Christmas. . . . Well, maybe he'd have to make it chilled cocoa! And, of course, the mistletoe, with instructions pending his arrival home. Putting together this package put the spirit of Christmas in my heart. When Shawn finally received the package and called to thank me, I could hear it in his voice, too. And I guess you could say Christ-mas for us was what it was supposed to be - full of joy and full of love. I mentioned the rule that he could only open one gift at a time each day until Christmas. . . . Well, this year for Shawn we'll have to mark "naughty" instead of "nice" for when Santa's "making his list and checking it twice." By Chanda Stelter (c) -<>- .-.-.-._o=- / /. .\ ||\ _\/ T \/ | /_o\__^__// | /_(_/(_/` _; \ _,--' / \ | \ / \ / | / jgs /_ ;-' | \.' '--' It was almost Christmas as the young boy went into the pet shop looking for a puppy. The owner showed him a litter in a box and the boy picked up each one looking, examining them and putting each back in the box. After several minutes he walked back up to the owner and said, "I picked one out, how much will it cost?" The man gave him the price, and the boy promised to be back in a few days with the money. "Don't take too long." the owner cautioned, "Puppies like these sell quickly." The boy turned and smiled knowingly, "I'm not worried," he said, "Mine will still be here." The boy went to work, cleaning, doing jobs and saved his money. When he had enough for the puppy, he returned to the store. He walked up to the counter and laid down a pocket full of wadded bills. The store owner sorted and counted the cash. After verifying the amount, he smiled at the boy and said, "All right, son, you can get your puppy." The boy reached into the back of the box, pulled out a skinny dog with a limp leg, and started to leave. The owner stopped him. "Don't take that puppy," he objected, "He's crippled. He can't play. He'll never run with you. He can't fetch. Get one of the healthy pups." "No thank you, sir," the boy replied. This is exactly the kind of dog I've been looking for." As the boy turned to leave, the store owner started to speak, but remained silent. Suddenly, he understood. For extending from the bottom of the boy's trousers was a brace - a brace for his crippled leg. By Max Lucado -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment Funny Stuff http://www.buffaloschips.com/sadfswa.htm German Coast Guard http://www.buffaloschips.com/sdfsafe.htm Gun Control http://www.buffaloschips.com/4r4n.htm How Aliens Fish http://www.buffaloschips.com/34r43r.htm Idiot 1 http://www.buffaloschips.com/5y5g3g.htm Christ's Life http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html Our Valuable Anchor! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Come Adore Him! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/comeadorehim.html Bailey's Jesus! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html Amazing Grace! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bailey.html Awesome Photos http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/awesome.html God Is Like... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/godislike.html Who Is This Jesus? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html Winter Wonderland And Life Lessons! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lessons.html The 2nd Commandment http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/2ndcommand.html Just Have Faith! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faith.html Pink The Pig-Puppy! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pigpuppy.html ============================================================= >-->From Laugh And Lift: .-----------------------------------------------------. | __ ___________________ | _________________ __ | || / / '.|.' \ \ || ||/ / ___ -= + =- \ \|| | / ******* .'|'. ___ \ | | / /-====) | ******* \ | || | / -( | (_.- )) || || / / _/ )- ) )) || || | |-( _ \_( (( || || / | \ //| _ )) ) ) || || / \ \/\/ |\\ /'-( ( || || | |\ / *** \/\/ / ) ) || || `-;./==;-' .=. \ / ( ( || || | \ _\/(_)\/_ '-;==) ) || || | \ |'---'| / ( ( || || | \ _| |_ / ) ) || || _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( || || .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. || |jgs `""---`-----` `----`----`""` || Thought for Today "How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, his precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments." - Benjamin Franklin The Lift Twas the night before Christmas (By Rev. Jon Prain, Pastor, The Federated Church, Avon, Illinois, November 25, 2001) Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town Not a sign of Baby Jesus was anywhere to be found. The people were all busy with Christmas time chores - Like decorating, and baking, and shopping in stores. No one sang "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed". Instead, they sang of Santa dressed-up in bright red. Mama watched Martha Stewart Papa drank beer from a tap. As hour upon hour the presents they'd wrap. Then what from the T.V. did they suddenly hear? 'Cept an ad - which told of a big sale down at Sears. So away to the mall they all flew like a flash - Buying some things on credit and others with cash! And, as they made their way home from their trip to the mall, Did they think about Jesus? Oh, no - not at all. Their lives were so busy with their Christmas time things They had no time to remember Christ Jesus, the King. There were presents to wrap and cookies to bake. How could they stop and remember the One who died for their sake? To pray to the Savior - they had no time to stop. Because they needed more time to "Shop til they dropped!" On Wal-mart! On K-mart! On Target! On Penney's! On Hallmark! On Zales! A quick lunch at Denny's! From the big stores downtown to the stores at the mall They would dash away, dash away, and visit them all! And up on the roof, there arose such a clatter - As grandpa hung icicle lights - using his brand new step ladder. He hung lights that would flash. He hung lights that would twirl. Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus - the Light of the World. Christ's eyes - how they twinkle! Christ's Spirit - how merry! Christ's love - how enormous! All of our burdens - He'll carry! So instead of being busy, overworked, and uptight - Let's put Christ back in Christmas - and enjoy some good nights! SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com =============================================================== _.-"""-. .' \ `\ .' .-' '. _ | /.__ ) C, ^ \ .' `'-. ( ;-.-' / '. ) | / \ / _., ; . ';-"`;_.'\ | '. \ | / .* ** *, |___ `'-..___.|__/--' * .--. * | ```"""-----'/ '*/_ _`\*'`\ )"""----....___.; _.`.|^.^ ?;` .' .' '.`'. .;-.-'\_- /-.',( / '. \ /_.' ;.| |'--....___ ___..--` \ .;' .-' .; L.._ __ ```` __..-' /; / `.' / ;._`__````""--""`` \ .'( _.'`.' /` 7 | ``""";--.._ | /`,'`'"".`"` '.' .' | 7 | | `' | \__.` '. _`;.' .' \__| .--'._; / |_`""-'` | .' \__/` jgs `'-.___.; .-; `\...._/-' {_}-' \ \ `-.._ | / `"-' >-->CHRISTMAS ANGEL by James Colasanti Jr. "Doesn't Santa Claus always have helpers?" I turned and asked Butchy, my first dog and my best friend. "Perhaps this year," I continued, "we need to help Santa with a special gift for our neighbor, Mrs. Launderville." We were seeking to become generous gift-givers this year, Christmas 1964. Butchy and I were both 15, and we had grown up together. She had been a baby shower gift from a family friend to my parents. And rather than being "just a dog," she was more like my missing sibling as I was an only child. Mrs. Launderville lived next door to us in the first floor flat. Her dog, Molly, had passed away due to old age almost a year ago on Christmas Eve. She had been devastated as they were inseparable companions. And I thought what a good way to show our neighborly concern by selecting a new dog for her as a gift. Butchy and I would scout out the local animal shelter in hopes that the perfect four-legged friend would be there waiting for her. "What do you think, Girl? Do you think it's a good idea?" Butchy cocked her head in agreement but did not speak. Instead she licked my face. As my father always told me, "James," he would say, "the best therapy in the world is a dog licking your face." We got up and energetically pushed open the front door ready to run our idea past my mother. The house smelled like an Italian Hoagie. The aroma of freshly fried garlic and wild mushrooms assaulted our senses immediately as we entered. Supper was well on its way. My mother, Mary, had the kitchen table engaged in the dynamics for making a meal for the family. Butchy was always included. Each dish was extraordinary in the preparation that my mother gave to it and each required her undivided attention. "Hey, Mom, what do you think about Butchy and I getting Mrs. Launderville a gift this year for Christmas? Just from us." "Just what kind of present did you have in mind?" she asked as she added the Italian sausage to the pan causing a sizzle to stir in the air above the stove. "Well you know her dog passed away last year. Don't you think it's time for her to have a new companion to keep her company?" Butchy put her front feet up on one of the kitchen chairs. This was her way of relaying to my mother that she would like a treat, especially food. "Well, what do you think?" I asked again. "James, you know you should ask your father. He knows more about that sort of thing than I do. How do you know she even wants another dog?" she asked while stirring the vegetables with her old wooden spoon. "How can she not want another new friend to be at her side, just like I have Butchy. She's old and she needs a buddy," I continued. While growing up I always thought everyone over 30 was old, but Mrs. Launderville was actually in her eighties even though her spry demeanor certainly gave no indication of her true age. Butchy put her feet back up on the chair seat again hoping for one more morsel to tide her over until supper. Another bite of sausage was handed off to my dog. "So where's Dad?" I asked in hopes of getting this gift search underway. "He's in the attic untangling the Christmas lights for the front porch. you might not want to bother him just now while he's busy," she added, "you know how he is." Butchy and I climbed the narrow steps to the attic hearing the Italian grumblings long before we reached the top. My father, James Sr., sat in the far corner pulling a string of lights out of a large cardboard box in which they had been stored. "Dad," I shouted so he would know we were up there, "can we talk to you (I always included Butchy)? We would like to get Mrs. L. a dog for Christmas. She's been without one for almost a year now and we think it's time." "Do you think she's really ready?" he asked, "Sometimes it takes a while to get over a loss like that." And it was often moments such as this in which my father would go into his philosophical mode. "You know, James, the dog who has been your friend and your companion in life never really dies." I looked at my father inquisitively. "He or she will always walk at your side every day for your entire life. And do you know why this is true?" I shook my head. "It's because your dog is always with you in your heart. It is a never-ending bond. And if you always think with your heart you can never go wrong." We sat by the side of the cardboard box, Butchy and I, listening attentively with Butchy resting her head on my lap as I gently stroked her back fur. He continued by saying, "James, there's no such thing as 'just a dog.' They are the most trusting and the most loyal friend that you will ever have. They never let you down. The amount of love and affection that dogs shower on us cannot really be expressed in words." My father was often his own world of old world sayings. "Even though I am not really sure about your 'gift idea' I will tell you what's good about this whole situation. It's that you are looking out for someone else. That makes it extra special. And that kind of gift is something that will always be appreciated. We'll go to the shelter tomorrow." The next morning my father drove us to the pound. Although he was not totally convinced that Mrs. L. would want another dog, he did know that my intentions were good and coming from my heart. As we entered the shelter, I looked down at Butchy and said, "You need to be quiet and you need to behave." Robin, the head shelter clerk, was on duty. We knew each other because I had volunteered at the shelter, cleaning out the runs and walking the dogs. "What 'cha doin' here, Sport?" she asked from behind the counter. "We're here to see if we can get a dog for our neighbor, Mrs. Launderville. She's been without one for a year and we think it's time for her to have a new friend to keep her company." "Well go see who's here. See if you can pick one out for her. Go have a look." We walked slowly down the main aisle, looking to the right and to the left, but suddenly Butchy raced ahead of us to the very last kennel. She stood up against the fencing and barked, and continued barking until we got there. In the very last kennel was a small black and white terrier dog shying away from us to the back of her cage. The hand-written 3x5 card listed her name as "Feather." And to my dismay, I saw that the dog was missing her right front leg. I ran back to Robin's office with Butchy on my heels to inquire about this dog. "Well," Robin began, "I named her 'Feather' because with only three legs she's as light as a feather. She fought a hard battle with a truck and it cost her a leg. She's not broken you know. I think she's a real sweetheart who's gotten a bad deal in the past. But I do believe she's ready to make a comeback and with a little love and attention she can share the rest of her life with someone who thinks she's really special. Someone who will not look at her as a disabled dog." "We'll take her," I said without any hesitation. "She'll be perfect." "James, are you sure?" my father asked. "Yes Dad, I'm sure. Butchy picked her out." We brought her to our veterinarian, Dr. Carter, to be thoroughly checked out and updated on any shots. And she received a clean bill of health from him. Then, under false pretense, we invited Mrs. Launderville over for Christmas Eve supper. My mother's orange-glazed ham was a hit as were all of her side dishes. Eating at our house was something to be enjoyed, each and every time you did it, and not just on special occasions. After supper Mrs. Launderville said to me, "I haven't seen Butchy all evening. Where are you hiding her?" She's up in my bedroom guarding the Christmas gifts for Santa," I replied, "she's got some real special ones to look after this year. She has to be sure that none of them get away. You wanna' know a secret, Mrs. L? I think Butchy has a Christmas gift for you too." "For me?" questioned Mrs. L., "well she shouldn't have. I'm too old." "You're never too old for Christmas," I shouted as I ran up the stairs. I opened my bedroom door, whistled for Butchy to come, and carried "the present" down the stairs to Mrs. Launderville. "Her name is Feather," I said, "and she wants to come and live with you and be your friend. She needs a lot of love and affection and Butchy and I know you're the only one who can give it to her. Butchy and I chose her just for you." "Oh, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, and Butchy, you too. She's so beautiful. She's my little Christmas angel. You have put a warmth in my heart that has been missing from my life for the past year. And I have always believed that love that is not shared is lost." The surprise in Mrs. Launderville's eyes formed into little tears that slipped silently down her cheeks as she met her new friend. The little black and white terrier had found a new home and a new friend. As Feather licked away Mrs. L.'s tears, I turned and looked at Butchy and said, "Now that's the best 'Christmas therapy' ever -- a dog licking your face." And then Butchy cocked her head to one side and issued a soft bark in total agreement. -- James Colasanti Jr. __________________________________________________ James is the recipient of the Maxwell Medallion given by the Dog Writers Association of America. A past president of the Animal Rescue & Foster Program of Greensboro, NC., James shares his home with a housemate and 8 dogs. He is a lead clerk with Barnes & Noble Booksellers. His stories have appeared in Cesar's Way Magazine and many others including the archives of Petwarmers.com and Heartwarmers. com. Do you enjoy Petwarmers? Maybe your friends would too. They can join for free by sending an email to: join@petwarmers.com ================================================================= .****, * .--. *_ \/ `\| `\ _.` |^.^ ?;` .' .;-.-'\_-'/-.',( /_.' ;.| .;' .-' .; /; / `.' / .'( _.'`.' /` /`,'`'"".`"` '.' .' \__.` '. _`;.' .' jgs | `""-'` | .' \;_....._/-' >-->"Christmas Long Ago" 1/2 cup of Hugs 4 teaspoons kisses 1 cup of Holiday Cheer 1/2 cup of Peace on Earth 3 teaspoon of Christmas Cheer 2 cups of Goodwill Towards Men 4 cups of Love, 1 Sprig of Mistletoe 1 large bag of Christmas Snowflakes DIRECTIONS: Mix Hugs, Kisses, Smiles, and Love. Blend in Holiday Cheer, Peace on Earth, Christmas Spirit and Goodwill Toward Men. Use the mixture to fill a large, warm heart where it can be stored for a lifetime, for it never goes bad! Serve as desired under Misteltoe, sprinkle liberally with Christmas Snowflakes it is especially good when accompanied by Christmas carols and family get-together. Serve to one and all! May God keep you in His loving arms and I pray Jesus walks beside you as you walk the pathway God has placed you on. And I pray the you Wisdom and Knowledge to complete all God has placed on your plate each day. Lots of love, .-""""""""""-. / `\ / .--.---.-.-.--.-;. ; { ' . ' . ' . '} | {__'_,__.__'__.__'_} | / _ _ \ | ; / \ / \ ; | | |0| |0| | \ | \_/ \_/ | .-'\; \ / ; |. ' \ '. .' / \ ` / '. '-.__.-' .' '--' '-._ _.-' jgs '''' Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. __,_,_,___) _______ (--| | | (--/ ),_) ,_) | | | _ ,_,_ | |_ ,_ ' , _|_,_,_, _ , __| | | (/_| | (_| | | || |/_)_| | | |(_|/_)___, ( |___, ,__| \____) |__, |__, | _...._ \ _ / .::o:::::. (\o/) .:::'''':o:. --- / \ --- :o:_ _::: >*< `:}_>()<_{:' >0<@< @ `'//\\'` @ >>>@<<* @ # // \\ # @ >@>*<0<<< __#_#____/'____'\____#_#__ >*>>@<<<@<< [__________________________] >@>>0<<<*<<@< |=_- .-/\ /\ /\ /\--. =_-| >*>>0<<@<<<@<<< |-_= | \ \\ \\ \\ \ |-_=-| >@>>*<<@<>*<<0<*< |_=-=| / // // // / |_=-_| \*/ >0>>*<<@<>0><<*<@<< |=_- |`-'`-'`-'`-' |=_=-| ___\\U//___ >*>>@><0<<*>>@><*<0<< | =_-| o o |_==_| |\\ | | \\| >@>>0<*<<0>>@<<0<<<*<@< |=_- | ! ( ! |=-_=| | \\| | _(UU)_ >((*))_>0><*<0><@<<<0<*< _|-,-=| ! ). ! |-_-=|_ |\ \| || / //||.*.*.*.|>>@<<*<<@>><0<<@>>>>>| ( ~~~ )/ (((((((()))))))) ~~~~~~~~ '""""`------' `w---w` `------------' >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->BECOMING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 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 andd DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************