The Secret And Story Time! :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an adult club in the love and romance directory so you will have to confirm that you are an adult when you go here. I still have no idea how to change this back as it sends me around in a circle when I try! or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- * 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 :) ,===,._ | `", | / ,-..-"-.=-,,_/ /,- \.""-`\ )_ \_ - '--' \ / 0 __0 7_/ |/ _ (__) \ /`| |/(@) |` _.-"\-; '. \ # \/ /'_.-" \ \ `)\ .="#,_ __ _,'` ;-'-.`) __`;.#/|/ \/ \. | /` # | () |\ _.-"`` | .--# |'--' `-`\|-'` \ / `)\ `./ \| '. | .-#\ \ \ \ `\__/# \ |_ /`-. /| / # \|`-` . ` } / .#-, | ; ,} / / # `' , .} / /`\ # _,-' //` `#_ ,--'{ (( _,;` { } jgs `""` / } { ,-'` } `-._ .' _,-``, `\ (_(_(_.' `-.__)_)/ We have two super hot new pages today! Both deal with getting old and how we deal with it. The first is from our friends Linda, Geniann, and Brenda. It has some awesome photos along with some funny and interesting observations. Check this one out here... On Growing Old http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/growingold.html --- ...What a beautiful one! Thanks Ladies! This next scorcher is from our friends Bunni and LouiseA. Now this one gives us some truly amazing older folks. Showing us that indeed, you are only as old as you feel in your heart! The video is hilarious - a must see! Check out all these cool folks here... Inspiring Seniors http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/inspiringseniors.html --- ...I got a kick out of this one! Thank You Ladies! -<>- >-->From Our Friend Bunni :) _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >UPDATE ON JOYCE I talked toher. She is still in a LOT of pain. Where they put the pacemaker in, her legs and her stomach. So I didn't stay on the phone for long. Just wanted an update. So that is all I know at this point. At least she is home now and has her cat on her lap. She said they didn't get released and home until after 11 last night. Unreal. I'll let you know if anything new develops. Please keep her in your prayers that this pain will lessen soon. When it hits her she can't even talk so it must be pretty bad. Thanks so much. Hugs.........Bunni --- ...Awww, will do! Thanks For the Update Bunni! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: /"""""/""""""". / / \ __ / / \ || /____ / \ || | | In Loving | || | | Memory | || | | | || | | 3/4/25-2/9/98 | || | | * * * * | _||_ | | *\/* *\/* | | TT | | | *_\_ / ...""""""| || |.""....""""""""."" | | \/.."""""..."""\ || /.""".......""""... | |...."""""""........""""""^^^^"......."""""""".." |......"""""""""""""""........"""""...."""""..""-Ray W. >THERE YA'ARE by Joseph Walker I learned something wonderful about living a few weeks ago -- at a funeral, of all places. Then again, maybe it isn't so unusual to learn about living at a funeral. The best and most fulfilling funerals I've ever been to are funerals during which life is celebrated, and examples are shared of a life well-lived. And this was definitely one of those funerals. If you had known Patty, you would understand. If I had to choose one word to describe Patty it would be "joyful." In all the years I knew her, I never saw her without a smile. She was happy. She was positive. She was upbeat. She was joyful. Even as she waged her personal, private war with cancer, she found reasons to smile and laugh. And so she insisted that her funeral be joyful. Because she knew that the end was coming, she outlined her funeral and personally invited those who she wanted to speak. She instructed them carefully that this was not to be a tearful, anguished funeral. She wanted laughter and smiles and... well... joyfulness all around. Joy in the mourning. And to a great extent, the speakers complied. Her father shared sweet and funny stories from Patty's childhood. A college roommate had the entire congregation laughing as she regaled us with lively stories from their college days. Then her husband, Jay, got up and talked about the heavenly reunion that was taking place between Patty and her grandpa, and how the two of them were probably doing something called the Oopa Dance together. Of course, Jay had to demonstrate the dance, which consisted of a series of moves that were part Hokey Pokie, part Funky Chicken and part being tased. It was hysterical. I've never heard laughter that loud at a funeral. And somewhere, I'm sure, Patty was smiling. Of course, there were also some tender moments during the funeral, and some moments of profound instruction. One bit of wisdom really resonated with me – a philosophical approach to living that has made a difference for me on more than one occasion during the past few weeks. I commend it to you. It's called: "There ya'are." In straight English it would be: "There you are." But you can't say it that way, or you'll miss the whole point. It's "There ya'are" -- almost "There yar," but with a little hesitation between the "y" and the "ar." Sort of like "ya'all." "There ya'are." Got it, ya'all? Jay explained that this simple phrase came to summarize Patty's approach to the vicissitudes she encountered during the last few years of her life. When a rude driver would cut her off in traffic, she wouldn't rage or vilify – she would just shrug her shoulders and say, "Well, there ya'are." When she found out she had cancer, she didn't shake a fist at the heavens and cry "Why me?" – she looked at Jay and said, "Well, there ya'are." And with each progressive downturn in her health, she wouldn't moan or complain – it was just, "Well, there ya'are." To me, the phrase doesn't suggest resignation or defeat. Once again, if you knew Patty you'd understand that. She was a fighter, and she battled her illness valiantly right up to the end. She fought, she worked, she tried, she suffered and she prayed. She fought so hard that there were some who knew her who wondered if she wasn't accepting the reality of her situation. But she did. Just a few days before she died, when it was clear that the end was coming, she looked at Jay and smiled weakly. "Well," she said, shrugging her shoulders, "there ya'are." That wasn't surrender on Patty's part. That was acceptance of life as it is, with its sometimes frustrating, sometimes painful realities. Patty would be the first to say that if you can do something about whatever it is that is distressing you, you should do it. If you can fix the problem, fix it. If you can change the situation, change it. If it's tweakable, tweak it. Adjust it. Repair it. Make it better. But if you can't -- and sometimes in life you just can't -- then get ready to do the Oopa Dance. Because... well... there ya'are. -- Joseph Walker __________________________________________________ Joe is a Heartwarmer Gem from Utah. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jacinto :) ,--. ,--. ( O ) ( O ) `--' \ `--' \ _ >-. / /| `-.__.' Krogg >Thoughts: The less you respond to negative people the more peaceful your life will become. Wish you have a clean beautiful and bright day. Count your good deeds every morning and fill your mind with positive thoughts. That is secret to being happy and inspired all day long. Mistake increase your experience; And experience decreases your mistakes. If you want something you never had, do something you have never done. Don’t go the way life takes you. Take the life the way you go. And remember you are born to live and not living because you are born. --- I met this guy while I was in Albuquerque and he has a motto he lives by everyday. He said listen carefully and live by these 4 rules : Drink, Steal, Swear, & Lie. I was shaking my head 'no', but he then told me to listen while he explained his four rules. So here they are : 1. "Drink" from the "everlasting cup" every day. 2. "Steal" a moment to help someone that is in worse shape than you'll are. 3. "Swear" that you will be a better person today than yesterday. 4. And last, but not least, when you "Lie" down at night thank God you are alive and have freedom. --- ...awww, so true! Thanks Jazz! =========================================================== >-->From our friends at TruthOrTradition: \\\\, / \\ '<' ) \- / _)_(_ .'\___/'. /.-.___.-.\ [_________] | | ( | , | (\/) ) _\)_ | -|- | <_@__> _(/_ || | | | (/\)(\/) || || | | (\/) <_@_> || || | | <_@_>'(/\) || || | | (/\|/|-. || || .---------. _|_|_ || ||_,-'---------'-,__ |WWWWW| ___jgs|_|____________________|_\_____/__ >Who is the Bride of Christ? God has always been devoted to His people, and He wants His people to be devoted to Him. One of the ways God expresses the obligation His people have to Him, and the love and devotion they should show Him, is by referring to them as His “daughter,” “wife,” “bride,” or other similar terms. However, these terms have been the source of a lot of confusion. For example, there is a lot of misinformation in Christianity about the “Bride of Christ.” Some people believe the Church is the “Bride of Christ.” Others believe Israel is. Still others believe all the saved people of all time make up the Bride. Read the full of this great Article here: http://www.truthortradition.com/articles/who-is-the-bride-of-christ ========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: ///. // 7 Y `-__.`. .\\ / .----' 7'/ / / \\/ \ /___/ | a=' \ \ /_ / / / \\ \ / .' \\ \ `--` ''-' AsH >back in the day... Nancy, I read the Mayo Clinic's article about handling bullies and just had to respond about how it was in the forties. Made me think that maybe its job creation or bureaucracy that has gained in society instead of getting the job done. Helping your child handle a bully, circa 1947 Have your uncle grab your arm and tell you to SHUT UP crying and listen. He then grabs your hand and bites your finger just enough to get your attention. It hurts a little. He then grabs and bites your nose pretty hard to really get your attention. Then your ear. Then a chunk of arm. Then your ribs and back. Finally your leg. Then he tells you the strategy if you are bullied before you have the two years of boxing lessons ahead of you. You are to grab the bully, hold on for dear life and bite HARD. Bite all the chunks out of or off of your bully that's possible before he can tear himself away from you and run for his life. A piece of ear, nose or a finger is a trophy. Show your teeth and threaten him every time you see him. Make quick jumps towards him at every chance to let him know you are ready to eat his butt for lunch if he gets close to you. After you have your boxing lessons completed always get the first measured hard punch in to the bully’s nose. Then pummel him with calculated punches (he'll be blinded from the broken nose) until he's on the ground. Then proceed to kick him in the face, stomach and groin until he quits moving. If the bully has a weapon of any kind, RUN. This shows his weakness to others when it comes to your stature. Never compromise on this and do NOT use weapons other than your teeth, head, fists/hands, feet and knees. The quote of "speak softly and carry a big stick" means you use your God given measures and training, NOT a stick. You will gain a reputation in school of being a nice, polite person that is not to be bullied. Always stand by your friends. NEVER, EVER pick a fight. Just finish them. - Mark Crider --------------- It would be my wish to live in a society where the children do not have to fight to survive but reality is far from that. Bullies are in every grade at every school and we have all met one in our lives. Unfortunately the one person that can stop them is the same one that created them, the parent. How we treat or children directly affects how they treat others. While it is extremely important that we teach our children to treat everyone with kindness and respect it is equally important that we teach them how to stand up to those that threaten them. As seen more and more each day not standing up may cost a life. I will always remember the sign over the light switch in my kindergarten classroom. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” A golden rule from birth till death. Nancy --- ...If Your child did that today, the school would call the cops and it would be your kid going to juvenile court! -<>- * _ /,\_ |___) , (\___/) * ( \ (. .) \ * c\ >' # )`_/ ' _______| |__ ,|// # ___ ` ~ ) ( / \,| | . ' .) \ /# _( / ) , / \ / | // ,#;,,;,; \,/ __,, ,#;,;;,;; \__( i;;;,,;; \\,;;,%;;,;# %,;;:,%;,;% ;,;; #,; // \|_ |#\ b'ger -" >The Devil Looks Like a Nice Guy A cartoon in the New Yorker magazine showed some pigs feeding at a trough. As the farmer filled the trough with food, one hog asked the others, "Have you ever wondered why he's so good to us? "When Satan tempts people, he's like the farmer fattening up the pigs for the slaughter. Temptation looks appealing at first, but it always drags its victims into misery, bondage, and heartbreak. --Kent Crockett -<>- (\___/) \ (, ,) c\ >' )o_/ /\ ____/ /__ ,_ / \ __/ ` ~ ) / _/// /_ %%%___%, . ' .) \ /# _____________ %%% = =% , / \ / | | '\\\\\\ ___%% > __..,; \,/ | ' ____|_ /' \_% ^ % \:,# | + '||:::::: / %%%% .'%#.% | '||_____| /. ,- O < \%"# '________|_____| (\ <' ' |\ / '-.___ ___/____|___\___ _.\__\________\_\___/), |\\_______________| _ ' <<<:| |_________'___o_o| b'ger >Staying Strong in the Faith Especially for LDS Members Written by Bev Qualheim As we walk along this rocky pathway back to our Heavenly Home, there are so many stumbling Blocks placed in our path. Opposition seems to fill many of our days, trying to drag us Down. Sometimes we get so far down into the 'valleys' of our journey, that we feel there is no way to climb back up those steep climes, back into the 'mountains' or highs of our faith. I am here to tell you, there is always a way back up! Something we should remember is that with every step we take, we need to lean on the arm of our Savior Jesus Christ. He spent His life showing us the way to take, the course to pursue. The Psalmist David, pled to the Lord, "Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy Paths." (Psalms 25: 4) Jesus, in mortality, also had the adversary trying to drag Him down into the valleys, but He turned to His Father for guidance and direction and He taught us to do the same. He was the ultimate example of love and devotion to the cause of good in this world, to doing the will of His Father in Heaven. My heart resides and soars in one of the most beautiful creations on this earth, the Glorious mountainsides of Utah. I love the symbolism of 'mountains' being a strength for Us. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth." (Psalms 121:1,2) Here are some ideas for pulling yourself out of those spiritual valleys, or staying out of them altogether. It is my prayer that these ideas will help lift each of you a bit higher. 1) Make sure you are having personal prayer--not just in the shower or in the car quickly, in the morning, but humbly, down on your knees. And stay down there for as long as the Prayer you said, to help you feel or hear an answer if you're given one at that time. You Should do this at least once every day, more often is better. 2) Read from the Book of Mormon EVERY single day. Do it however you want--look up a Certain category in the topical guide, read from start to finish, read a certain book in There that you love, whatever works, but read, study, feast and learn. Sometimes I only Read ONE verse, but I analyze it thoroughly--I look up all the references in it and write down things I discover, in a notebook. 3) Hug everyone in your family every day, no matter what. Sometimes with my older boys I give them a shoulder rub as they are sitting next to me, or I put my arm around them and give them a quick squeeze. 4) Do NOT allow Satan to put tempting ideas into your head. He will. He knows where you are most vulnerable and he will be there right away, trying to drag you down, or make you think something wrong, is righteous. He is cunning and he can do that. Pray that you will Be protected from his buffeting, and will be able to discern right from wrong. 5) Pray for strength to fulfill all the Father wants for you. 6) Go to your Church meetings. I know it used to be hard for me to do that sometimes, when I felt I should go with my non-member husband, or I should do this or that... But I have always forced myself (when needed) and it has always strengthened me. 7) Bear your testimony often. Bear it to yourself and your posterity by writing it down in a journal. 8) Don't allow the negatives of life to drag you down. We must learn, by practice, to replace any negative thoughts with positive ones, no matter what. And it is TOUGH some days. 9) Take time for yourself, (at least 15 minutes a day) pursuing the things you enjoy when you have a little time for yourself. 10) Write down on some 3x5 cards, some peaceful scriptures, or peaceful words from the prophets. Try to read these often and better yet, memorize them. 11) When trials besiege you and you feel at your worst, try to find someone *you* can help out. There are some lovely Charity ideas on the Charity page on lds-living. Helping someone else, can really lift you out of your own 'problems'. 12) Learn all you can of Christ and try to emulate His life. Write down various times when He showed us how he handled things and read these over and over when you need them. When we need to cope, to endure, our one true source of help is the Lord Jesus Christ. As was stated in General Conference recently by Sister Sheri L. Dew, " 'Likewise, the Lord is our advocate, and He "knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted' (Doctrine and Covenants 62:1). In other words He knows how to succor all of us. But we activate the power of the Atonement in our lives. We do this by first believing in Him, by repenting, by partaking of sacred ordinances and keeping covenants, and by seeking after Him in fasting and prayer, in the scriptures and in the Temple.' -<>- ,-'"""`-, ,-----. ,' \ _|_ / `. | 501 | /`.,'\ | /`.,'\ `-----' | ( /`. \|/ ,'\ ) | H |--|--;=@=:--|--| | H U ( \,' /|\ `./ ) H U | \,'`./ | \,'`./ U | (|) `. / """ \ ,' | (|) hh '-._|_,-` (|) >Echoes Of Kind Words A little boy said to his father, "Let's play darts. I'll throw the darts and you say, `Wonderful!'" Here is a boy who was not afraid to ask for the encouragement he needs. Maybe we all have something to learn from him! Inspirational author and educator, Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, relates a story about the devastating effects of discouragement. Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th Century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man who asked him to look at a few of his sketches and drawings. The gentleman wanted to know if the artist thought they were of any value. As gently as possible, Rossetti told the man that the sketches were of no value and showed little talent. He apologized for the harsh assessment but said that he believed he should be honest. The visitor was disappointed but asked the artist if he could take a look at just a few more, which were all done by a young art student. Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. "These," he said, "oh, these are good." He went on to say that the young student shows much promise and should be given every help and encouragement, as he may have a great future if he will study and work hard. The old man was deeply moved. Rossetti asked, "Who is this fine, young artist? Your son?" "No," replied the visitor sadly. "It is I - forty years ago. If only I had heard your praise then. For you see, I became discouraged and gave up too soon." Mother Teresa wisely said, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Sometimes it may be enough to just say, "Wonderful!" ~ Steve Goodier ~ -<>- _|_ | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ,%%%% // \\ ,@@@@@@@, ,%%%%/%%% // \\ ,@@@\@@@@/@@, @@@%%%\%%//%%%// === \\ @@\@@@/@@@@@ @@@@%%%%\%%%%%// =-=-= \\@@@@\@@@@@@;%#####, @@@@%%%\%%/%%// === \\@@@@@@/@@@%%%######, @@@@@%%%%/%%//| |\\@\\//@@%%%%%%#/#### '@@@@@%%\\/%~ | | ~ @|| %\\//%%%#####; @@\\//@|| | __ __ | || %%||%%'###### '@|| || | | | | | || ||##\//#### || || | | -|- | | || ||'#||###' || || |_|__|__|_| || || || || ||_/` ======= `\__||_._|| || jgs__||_/` ======= `\_||___ >The Secret One day, one friend asked another, "How is it that you are always so happy? You have so much energy, and you never seem to get down." With her eyes smiling, she said, "I know the Secret!" "What secret is that?" To which she replied, "I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise to share the Secret with others." "The Secret is this: I have learned there is little I can do in my life that will make me truly happy. I must depend on God to make me happy and to meet my needs. When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God to supply according to HIS riches. I have learned most of the time I don't need half of what I think I do. He has never let me down. Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy." The questioner's first thought was, "That's too simple!" But upon reflecting over her own life she recalled how she thought a bigger house would make her happy, but it didn't! She thought a better paying job would make her happy, but it hadn't. When did she realize her greatest happiness? Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren, playing games, eating pizza or reading a story, a simple gift from God. Now you know it too! We can't depend on people to make us happy. Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that. Trust HIM! And now I pass the Secret on to you! So once you get it, what will you do? YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too! That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU! But it's not really a secret... We just have to believe it and do it... Really trust God! -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: Beautiful Starfish http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/starfish.html Big Hearts In Nature http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/heartsinnature.html Honoring Nature http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/honornature.html Dreamy Ladies! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dreamy.html Pay it Forward http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/payitforward.html No Words Needed http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nowords.html Telephone Sheep Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/phonesheep.html Hand Painting Art 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hpaint2.html Wall Mural Art 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wallart3.html Christ's Life http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html Ice Sculpture Art 3! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ices3.html -<>- >From our friend Karen :) She sent us ones we have here... Typewriter Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/typeart.html Typewriter Art 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/typeart2.html --- ...This is just amazing! Thanks Karen! I took typing in school and never came close to learning this! -<>- >From Our Friend PatDeE :) Its a Soldiers Memorial, a tribute to all soldiers and allies who fell in Vietnam dating back to 1945, built by some dedicated Vietnam veterans at their own expense and who wish to remain anonymous. Its rumored that ashes of Vietnam vets have been scattered there. The Vietnamese proverb ("Ai bao Troi Khong co mat") is engraved on one of the memorial foot stones - Its an old Buddhist proverb to a non-Christian God and interpreted would mean "God has eyes, He sees and He knows". (There are many translations to this) This video was taken by some dirt bike riders along the continental divide in Colorado, who stumbled upon a Vietnam memorial in the woods. Whoever did it, put a lot of time and money into it. Evidently hunters and possibly some Vets must be aware of it as there are numerous 7.62, 30.06 rounds and good luck coins on the ledges between the stones. Who built it and how did it get there? In the middle of nowhere! Mysterious Vietnam Memorial near Continental Divide in Co http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=axhZ0Tx2L4U --- ...Beautiful! Thanks PatDeE! In checking this one out I learned something pretty cool: WHY COINS ARE LEFT ON TOMBSTONES – snopes.com According to snopes.com these meanings vary depending on the denomination of coin: A coin left on a headstone let’s the deceased soldier’s family know that somebody stopped by to pay their respect. Leaving a penny means you visited. A nickel means that you and the deceased soldier trained at boot camp together. If you served with the soldier, you leave a dime. A quarter is very significant because it means that you were there when that soldier was killed. So what happens to the coins after Memorial Day? It is collected and the money is used for cemetery maintenance, the cost of burial for soldiers, or the care for indigent soldiers. Supposedly the tradition became popular here in the United States during the Vietnam war. It is believed it was a way to show respect without getting into an uncomfortable political discussion about a war that was very controversial. In general, however, this tradition can be traced to as far back as the Roman Empire. It was a way to give a buddy some spending money for the hereafter. -<>- >From Our Friend Deci :) uWall.tv is basically a music video playlist creator that sources music videos from YouTube and displays them in a super-neat interface. Frustrated with how difficult it is to search YouTube for music videos, Argentinian web developer Sebastian Vaggi has created uWall.tv. uWall.tv allows you to search YouTube by artist, song or by music category, with the added benefit of creating a custom music video playlist based on your search. You can also share your uWall.tv music video finds on Facebook. Once you set it motion, uWall.tv plays your search-derived playlist chronologically without you having to refresh, whether you’re in full screen mode or not. Vaggi plans on creating more music categories and listing albums as well as artists and songs. Take advantage of it while (or “if “ for those in non-copyright compatible countries) you still can. https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=uWall.tv --- ...Wow! Love it! Thanks Deci! -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA :) This 5,000 year old city is holy to not one but three major religions - Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It has seen many rulers and has accumulated more than 100 names over the years. It has been called the city of light, the city of gold, the city of peace. There is none other like it. This is Jerusalem. http://tinyurl.com/mmfx9lt Shenea and Nicolas are both world renowned acrobats. Here, they have come together to combine their unique and original artistic knowledge of acrobatic dance and create a breathtaking master piece that is full of emotion and grace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cWIhXzZT8dE --- ...Sweet! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) "Valentino" – Diane Birch http://www.flixxy.com/valentino-music-video-diane-birch.htm The Scripture Tree http://www.thescripturetree.com/ --- ...Love it! Thanks Melody! -<>- >From Our Friend Linda :) The Piano Puppet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPvciIdDZAE --- ...LOL! A delight to watch! Thanks Linda! 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 ========================================================== vv vvv^^^^vvvvv vvvvvvvvv^^vvvvvv^^vvvvv vvvvvvvvvvv^^^^^^^^^^^^^vvvvv^^^vvvvv vvvvvvv^^^^^^^^^vvv^^^^^^^vvvvvvvvvvv^^^vvv vvvv^^^^^^vvvvv^^^^^^^vv^^^^^^^vvvv^^^vvvvvv vv^^^^^^^^vvv^^^^^vv^^^^vvvvvvvvvvvv^^^^^^vv^ vvv^^^^^vvvv^^^^^^vvvvv^^vvvvvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvv^ vvvvvvvvvv^^^v^^^vvvvvv^^vvvvvvvvvv^^^vvvvvvvvv ^vv^^^vvvvvvv^^vvvvv^^^^^^^^vvvvvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv ^vvvvvvvvv^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvvvv^^^vvvvvvvvvv^v ^^^^^^vvvv^^vvvvv^vvvv^^^v^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^vvvvv vvvv^^vvv^^^vvvvvvvvvv^vvvvv^vvvvvv^^^vvvvvvv^^vvvvv^ vvv^vvvvv^^vvvvvvv^^vvvvvvv^^vvvvv^v##vvv^vvvv^^vvvvv^v ^vvvvvv^^vvvvvvvv^vv^vvv^^^^^^_____##^^^vvvvvvvv^^^^ ^^vvvvvvv^^vvvvvvvvvv^^^^/\@@@@@@\#vvvv^^^ ^^vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvv/__\@@@@@@\^vvvv^v ;^^vvvvvvvvvvv/____\@@@@@@\vvvvvvv ; \_ ^\|[ -:] ||--| | _/^^ ; \ |[ :] ||_/| |/ ; \\ ||___:]______/ ; \ ;=; / ; | ;=;| ; () ;=;| (() || ;=;| / / \;=;\ unknown >The Tree Story Editor: by Amberly Neese Joyce Schowalter California, USA My husband's grandmother, Mary, had always been an agriculture artist. She took such painstaking joy in her beautiful gardens, and each component of her yard vividly illustrated her passion for plants. When she and Grandpa moved from one part of southern California to another, she viewed her new garden as a new adventure and immediately went to work. However, there was a fruit tree in the middle of the yard that refused to bear fruit despite Grandma's nurturing. As a voracious reader, she studied all she could on fruit trees in an attempt to find some hint to encourage her fruit tree to blossom. She spoke to the tree, sang to the tree, reasoned with this tree -- all to no avail. Finally, she contacted the California Department of Agriculture and asked to speak to a manager. She explained her challenges to the man on the other end of the phone, took notes on his every word, and determined that she would adhere to his advice. After reciting a long list of hints, all of which she had already done, he made a dramatic suggestion. He told her to hit the base of the tree with a broomstick "to stimulate its roots". Concerned about what the neighbors might think of a woman in her seventies beating a tree, Grandma looked both ways before taking the end of a broom to the stubborn fruit tree. She knew that the vibrations would indeed find their way down to the atrophied root system and invigorate the tree, but she doubted that fruit would be the result of such an unorthodox approach. To her shock and amazement, the next spring the tree bore much fruit. Her grandchildren enjoyed the product of the tree for years to come, and each year the fruit was more plentiful and healthy. We would often laugh together at how silly this beautiful elderly woman must have looked to anyone watching as she hit the defenseless tree. The story will always serve as a great source of joy for our family. A few months before her death, when I was going through an especially difficult time, I called Grandma for advice. We reminisced about the "tree story" and she reminded me that it was the times of adversity for the tree that allowed its greatest strength and value to come to fruition. She lovingly reflected that my roots were being stimulated by the personal trials I was facing, and that I would be a more fruitful 'tree' because of them. She was not only an amazing gardener, she was a wise grandma. =======HeroicStories======= __ .' `'. / _ | #_/.\==/.\ (, \_/ \\_/ | -' | ,\ = / /| .-'|`-. __.' / | / | `-.__.' .-\ /-. | | { _/ \_ } | | `| | | | | '. | | .' jgs '-.| |.' `"` >-->Story Time From Joseph J. Mazzella LIVING IN LOVE AND JOY BY JOSEPH J. MAZZELLA joemazzella@frontier.com Get my book WALKING THE PATH OF LOVE at www.amazon.com >PURE PEACE I was driving home the other day after taking my son to the sheltered workshop where he works part time. The clouds had parted and the newly freed sun was slowly warming the Earth. The radio was playing and Louis Armstrong was singing, "What a Wonderful World." I was joining in with my scratchy voice. I rounded a curve and saw the distant mountains alight with golden sunshine. It was so beautiful. In that second the music, the light, and the view came together and filled my heart with peace. I felt like I was where I was meant to be. I felt like I was who I wanted to be. I felt like I was the person God called me to be. I drove on letting that moment of pure peace uplift my spirit and thanked God again for my life here. I have noticed over the years that as I have gotten older and thankfully wiser those moments of pure peace have become more and more frequent. In my quest for peace I used to feel like I was searching for a treasure. In my soul I was scaling mountains, crossing rivers, and traveling long and far to find that elusive peace. What I finally found when I stopped my searching and striving, though, was that I was carrying that peace inside of me all along. How do you find peace? The answer I feel is to just love. Love God. Love yourself. Love everyone else. Love nature. Love music. Love animals. Love books. Love learning. Love this world all around you. Love life itself. When you love you find that the storms of life can never break you. When you love you find yourself connected to the very energy that created the universe. When you love you find yourself growing ever closer to God today, tomorrow, and forever. Love is what leads you to your true self. Love is what makes peace your permanent companion. May all of your days here be full of love. May all of your days here be full of peace. May all of your days here carry you one step closer to Heaven. --------------- ________________ '------._.------'\ \_______________\ .'| .'| .'_____________.' .| | | | | Scooby _.-. | . | | * (_.-' | | | Snacks | .| | * * | .' |______________|.' LGB >MY BACKUP ALARM Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! I sat up groggily as my alarm went off. The bedroom was still dark and I fumbled for the alarm clock and switched it off. My body and mind just weren’t ready to get up yet. I groaned, laid back down, put my head on my pillow, and closed my eyes. It was then, however, that my backup alarm went off. It jumped up on my bed, put its paws on my chest, and started to rapidly lick my face. It was my beagle dog, Snoopy Girl. She was ready and raring to get the day going and wasn’t about to take no for an answer. I sat up with a smile and pulled her off of me. I turned on the light, rubbed her belly with one hand and wiped off my wet moustache with the other. I have often wished that I could wake up with the same love, joy, energy, and enthusiasm my dogs have. It would be a great way to start the day with a wagging tail and a happy pant. But I am just an aging human being and it takes me a while to stretch out the knots in my back, wipe off the crust in my eyes, awaken the love in my heart, and thank God for another day. One thing I have found, though, is that when I do finally get the day going right my face smiles, my soul sings, and everything in my life goes better. I am grateful then to my backup alarm for being such a wonderful teacher in how to live and in how to love. I am grateful to all the dogs who have blessed my life with their joy, their energy, their antics, and their zest for life. I have given them food and shelter and in return they have given me the priceless treasure of their unconditional love. God gave us the best friends to walk through life with. They may be furry and have four legs, but they will always be by our sides. Take a lesson from them then. Live simply. Love deeply. Greet each day with zest and happiness. And always share your joy with the world. ---------------- \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \ / /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ () - - /\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\ \ /\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\ //\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\///\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\/\\\\\\\\\\\\ >WATCHING THE SUN COME UP If you have never taken the time to watch the sun come up in the morning then you really should do so. It is so good for the soul. You need to go out early when the night sky is still dark and full of stars. Then find yourself a comfortable place to stand or sit and take it all in. The black sky will slowly begin to transform into a dark blue while the dimmer stars and then the brighter ones fade from view. Then as the air warms the blue will begin to lighten and red, pink, and purple clouds will magically appear. It will look like God is finger painting them Himself as they float across the sky. And just as you finish welcoming this beauty into your heart the sky will change again. The blue will turn to orange and then yellow and you will find yourself transfixed as the sun slowly climbs over the horizon and showers the world with its light. Next the birds will begin to awaken in their nests. Some will sing with joy and others will take to the sky, flying through the heavens and taking your spirit along for the ride. And as you watch them the morning breeze will kiss your face while it makes the leaves dance and the trees wave. Few people can watch something this miraculous without feeling blessed with peace and without feeling loved by our Heavenly Father. Take the time to watch the sun come up every chance you can then. Keep it shining in your soul too all the day through. Be a sunrise unto yourself as well. Send your light when you pray, laugh, and sing. Spread your light when you stretch out your fingers to offer a helping hand to another. Scatter your light when you offer your smile, your kindness, and your compassion to others. Shine your light when you connect to the glorious energy of love and share it with the world. Do the good you were meant to do. Be the person God meant for you to be. Live the life you were meant to live. Be a giver of God’s light in this world and in the next. --------------- , _ )\ __`9) _,/^`^(G)-' < \(\a a ) / ) `(v__/` ,_ (_, ) mic `U) _,) )-(_/ (_/ (_/ >A GOOD LAUGH It was a bitterly cold, Winter’s morning. The snow that had started to melt the day before had frozen again. I was walking my dogs, wishing that I could teach them to use the bathroom indoors. Every breath in hurt a bit and every breath out was a cloud of frozen mist. I looked up and noticed the morning sunrise. Thin pink and purple clouds drifted across the sky. Even with the cold it looked like Heaven was smiling down on me. I thanked God for this beautiful gift as I took another step in the snow. Only it wasn’t snow that I stepped on. It was ice. My feet flung into the air. My body crashed to the ground. My shoe slipped off my foot and I found myself still staring at that sunrise but with an aching butt, my back on the ground, and two worried dogs licking my face. A strange sound was coming out of my mouth as well. It wasn’t a moan or a curse. It was a laugh. I lay there for another minute laughing and enjoying the absurdity of it all, before getting up and heading inside. That wasn’t the first time a good laugh had saved me from anger and pain and I am sure it won’t be the last. Laughter is one of our greatest gifts from God. It exercises the body. It clears the mind. It lightens the heart. It comforts the soul. It takes the fear out of life and replaces it with joy. It reminds us that no matter what this world throws at us we can overcome it. It reminds us that we can choose happiness over despair. It reminds us that we can live in love today, tomorrow, and forever. The next time you feel like laughing then don’t hold it back. Let it out. Laugh long, laugh hard, and laugh well. See this crazy, confused world for what it is and laugh at it anyway. God made us to love and God made us to laugh. To do both is to truly embrace life. May all of your days be full of giggles and grins. May your soul always sing with the song of sweet laughter. --------------- __ (=[) pb /`\ -. `` ,,`` /`| ,_,_`-._ ,,' / `---,)`--.) ``,, '' ( '._-/_ / ,, `` ``,, \ /') )/' , ``,''`;; ,, `>' / / `` '',`;;,`;;, -/' /| \ ``,; --..._/| \ ```---...___ /' ```---...___ _```--' >THE MOST EXCITING ADVENTURE OF ALL One year when I was in college my friend and I decided to skip the crowds going to the beaches for Spring break and instead go skiing at a local resort. It sounded like an exciting adventure to both of us. There was only one flaw in our plan, however. Neither one of us knew how to ski. We spent the first day there then falling over and over, trying to gain our balance and learn how to ski on the children’s slopes. Finally, by the end of the day we started to get the hang of it and began to head down the snow covered hills a little better. Just as I was beginning to enjoy the feeling of zooming down the icy hillsides another skier accidentally cut in front of me. Instinctively, I turned to the left and found myself headed straight for a tree. They say your life flashes before your eyes in times like these and mine certainly did. One thing I realized too was that I didn’t want it to end so soon. With no other choice I fell hard and rolled in the snow with my skis in the air. Laying there bruised and covered in snow I realized that skiing down mountains, sky diving, base jumping, and driving race cars weren’t my type of adventures. I preferred sipping hot chocolate by a fireplace, walking in the woods, reading a good book, and talking with a friend. It was good thing to know and I was happy I didn’t have to break a leg to learn it. Over the years too I found that the most exciting adventure of all in this life is simply loving each other. No other adventure brings you as much joy. No other adventure brings you as much peace. No other adventure brings you closer to God. Don’t be afraid then to participate in this exciting adventure of love. Ski the course. Throw open your heart. Share your smiles, your talents, and your kindness. Build others up instead of bringing them down. Live your life with so much love and light that God smiles and the angels sing. ------------- ,-----------------. | | | ,-----. | | %%%%%%% | | ####### | | %%%%%%% | | | | | | | | | | |& | | | (&$ `-. | | `. $&& `. | | __`. * `. | | / ""`-. ** \ | | \_______`-.___) | `-----------------' >WARM SOCKS ON A WINTER’S DAY When I was a boy the one Christmas present me and my brothers never wanted but always got was socks. Every year under the tree there would be a package of thick, white tube socks for each of us. They were always quickly stuffed in a drawer and forgotten about while we played with our real presents and enjoyed Christmas day. In time, however, the lights were taken down, the Christmas tree was thrown out, and only Winter was left. It was during the cold, dark, long, snowy Winter months that those socks began to take on a new importance. On those bitter, windy mornings in January me and my brothers would be huddled by the stove in my Nana’s drafty old house hopping around while we pulled on those thick socks to warm our icy toes. Nothing felt better than feeling them thaw our frozen feet. It was then that I was thankful to Mom and Dad for spending what little money they had on not just what we wanted but also on what we needed. As I sit here 40 years in the future on a cold, Winter’s day with warm socks on my feet I can still smile back on those childhood days so full of simple joys. I realize too that my Mom and Dad provided not just warm socks for my feet but warm socks for my soul as well. In this often cold world they showed me the warmth of love. They showed me that giving is better than getting. They showed me that hard work can fill the heart as well as the wallet. They showed me that laughter and smiles are more valuable than stocks and bonds. They showed me that what is important isn’t what you accumulate in this world but what you take with you into the next. May all of your days be full of warm socks and warm hearts. May they be full of smiles, laughter, kindness, goodness, peace and joy. May they be full of God’s love for you and your love for others. May they feel like Summer even in the midst of Winter. http://www.angelfire.com/wv2/joecoolwv/ ========================================================== \ | / -- * -- / | \ /') ./') ('\. ('\ /' /.--''./'') (''\.''--.\ '\ :--'' ; ''./'') (''\.'' ; ''--: : ' ''./') ('\.'' ' : : ''./' '\.'' : :--''-..--'''' ''''--..-''--: dp >-->I Touched the Hand of Jesus I touched the hand of Jesus Things are not the same I looked into His loving eyes Heard Him call my name. I felt the peace of Jesus In sweetness, I did dwell Serenity, all around me Draped just like a veil. I saw the light of Jesus It burned upon His face When storms raged all about me He sheltered me with grace. I touched the hand of Jesus And things are not the same I looked into His loving eyes And heard Him call my name. Author/Written By: Marilyn Ferguson ©2003 >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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