Today I Smiled... :) 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 page of animations comes mainly from our friend Desi. I love lighthouses and she sent us a lovely group of animated ones. This prompted me to get busy on making an easy access animated page for the Gallery. You can view this page by clicking the link below... . \ _ / .-='-. _db_ .--==-, -= (_) =- (_ ( _IIII_ _( ) `. / \ ( |" " |-.( ` ,_ ` ) ' '-._HHHHHH `)---' `'--' =.= |. |--` =.= | | =.= _H___,=====;___| =.= n_/____/____/``\__\ /__|:: :|. .|:::|::| =.= _%&|__&%_"_|_"_|_ H|__|__ jgs`";;;;`";;;;'";;'"';;;;``;;-. . ' `";;' `;;; `;' `; .`' `\ . ' . `' . `';. ' . . |^-`^~_^^~``-^^_~ Lighthouse http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/agifs_lighthouse.html --- ...Most beautiful! Thanks Desi! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ >A FRIEND ALONG THE WAY by Patricia Bessey The wind howled as Kathy buckled in. With a prayer for her defrosters, she shifted into drive and left for home. The loneliness of the highway, combined with the stress of helping out her newly divorced sister, made her feel empty and bleak. Christmas was coming, but no one in her home felt like celebrating. Realizing her wipers were collecting snow rather than pushing it away, she pulled over. With no traffic coming she slipped out the door. One wiper down and one to go, she hurried to the passenger side when something caught her attention. In the distance was a glowing snowman. It was the plastic type you'd find in a department store. Kathy couldn't make out a single house or structure of any kind. That makes no sense, she thought as she looked back. A smiling snowman glimmered back through the swirling snow. Every night for the next month it greeted her. A glowing red heart replaced it. A shamrock followed, and by April, an enormous basket-carrying bunny arrived. The Friday before Easter, she pulled over and walked to where the bunny stood. Reaching the statue, a bright orange electrical cord was visible twisting towards a cluster of houses ahead. Knowing she could follow the cord to the house where the mysterious decorator lived, she pulled out a note, folded and sealed inside a plastic bag. She taped it to the back of the bunny, smiled and walked back to her car. Her note said this: "What may seem like a small gesture to you has meant more than you will ever know. You brighten my ride home and give me the opportunity to think about something other than my problems. You have proven the smallest of actions can make the largest impact. I don't know your reason for what you are doing, but thank you very much." -- Patricia Bessey __________________________________________________ Patricia says, "I live in Maine with my husband and three children. I work full time as a service writer at a garage. I would love to some day swap that with a career as a freelance writer." ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jacinto :) .--. , , ) .-----._ ___ < /) | | ||==|| _(())\) | | /|==|| __ .-' (()/ '-. :_____:/ |"_|/) /| _/ () \ / .-------. __.' / | oo)__/ () \ | / '=======' () / | :~ \_ ) _/ _/ /__________________/ | | |- (--|(,/ | [___o___] | | / ) \ | / [___o___] / | | ( \ | / [___o___] / | | ( | / | / | / . | |/ __ |/ | | : | <`,,'>,--,--..-, snd | |__/_____\ | / ( ( ) ) \ .,,. oo=' oo=' '-'\ ) ) ) )\ ___.---; < (,_)_)(_,)_/ / \ .-\_/_,__ ||| ||| _ _\_\_ \\ __\-' ~~ ~~ ( ) ( ) _/ '-' /_/-/_/-' >Wisdom A Bird Asks A Bee After Such A Hard Work, You Make Honey. But Man Steal Your Honey From You. Do You Not Feel Sad? Bee Responds Never.! One Can Steal My Honey But One Can Never Steal The Art Of Making Honey From Me. Living For Self Is Part Of Living. Living For Others Is The Art Of Living. Truth is like Surgery, it may Hurt, but it cures, A Lie is like a pain killer. it gives relief at that point of time, but has side effects later. Nothing will work unless you do. Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. "Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye." ~ Helen Keller "Observe your enemies, for they first find out your faults." ~ Antisthenes The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time. ~ Jack London Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." ~ Mary Anne Radmacher Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called Present. ~ Anonymous "Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you will reach your destiny." ~ Carl Schurz "Who dares nothing, need hope for nothing." ~ Johann von Schiller --- ...So true! Thanks Jass! ======================================================= >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) . : . . : | : . . | | | , \ | | / . ,-'"""`-. . "- / __ __ \ -" |==| I |==| - --- | _`--^--'_ | --- - |'`. ,'`| _- \ "---" / -_ . `-.___,-' . / | | \ .' | | | `. : | : . : . >GUIDELINES FOR LIFE ~ Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage. ~ Compliment three people every day. ~ Watch a sunrise at least once a month. ~ Be the first to say hello. ~ Live beneath your means. ~ Treat everyone like you want to be treated. ~ Never give up on anybody; miracles happen. ~ Never deprive someone of hope; it may be all they have. ~ Be tough-minded, but tenderhearted. ~ Be kinder than necessary. ~ Keep your promises. ~ Learn to show cheerfulness, even when you don't feel like it. ~ Remember that overnight success usually takes about 15 years. ~ Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. --- ...These Are Excellent! Thanks Louise! -<>- _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >Today I Smiled Today I smiled, and all at once Things didn't look so bad. Today I shared with someone else, A little bit of hope I had. Today I worked with what I had, And longed for nothing more, And what had seemed like only weeds, Were flowers at my door. Today I loved a little more, And complained a little less. And in the giving of myself, I forgot my weariness. ~ author unknown ~ --- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' ...Aww, a beautiful reminder! Thanks Louise! As you give, you receive! If we remember that each time we want to gripe about something or be negative and say 'oh I can't do that' we will instead flip it to what I call the 'Orangy' or sunshine side. * Instead of griping - give God the Glory and find something to be thankful for. Col.3: [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 1Thes.5: [18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. * Instead of being negative - remember that This is the day the lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Pss 118:24 - nothing to argue about that. * Instead of saying or thinking 'I am poor' - flip it to the 'Orangy' side by confessing what God's Word says - 2 Cor.9 [8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: Phil.4: [19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. God's Word says God will take care of your needs - God said it! So if you confess otherwise you are making Him out to be a liar. Why Does God Teach Us to Be Happy, Joyful and Thankful? Because God has a little invisible law in place - just like the law of gravity. This one is the law of giving. Put this one into your mind and remember it every single day. It is invisible but works just as surely as gravity does. Gal.6: [7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Notice the use of the word - 'shall' - that means absolutely - no doubt about it. Notice the word 'whatsoever'? It doesn't matter what it is - good, bad, or evil - if you sow or give it, it is going to come back at you - good for good, bad for bad, evil for evil. If you want more money - give more money. If you want happiness - give more happiness. If you want more to be thankful for - be more thankful. See how it works? As you give - you receive - absolutely! So what does God want for us, His children? 3 John 1: [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. ABOVE ALL THINGS! Wowsers! Think of all the things that need to be fixed or taken care of or that God may desire. What does he wish ABOVE ANYTHING ELSE For Us? That we may Prosper and be Healthy as long as we are breathing! That's our Father talking! Never think you do not deserve to be prosperous or healed! God tells us His Will for us is that we are to be prosperous and healthy! Awesome! Gotta love Him! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' Also Check out these teachings... GIVING EQUALS RECEIVING. 'There are basically two (2) laws of God that work for both saint and sinner alike. God has set up these laws so that they always work and never fail. It does not matter what type of person is operating these two laws. The first law is referred to as the Law of Believing. In our teachings, we have three parts on the Law of Believing. If you can master this law, there is actually nothing that you cannot accomplish. However, you want to operate this law according to God's Word. For the sake of this teaching, that is all we are going to say right now about the Law Believing. If you like, you may turn to this law and study it some other time. Right now we are going to talk about the second immutable law of God that also works for saint and sinner alike. Again, this law always works and never fails. If everyone on the face of this earth understood and applied this law, there would not be one single problem anywhere. That is how important this law of God is to us today. We will refer to this law as the law of GIVING EQUALS RECEIVING. Study This Teaching by clicking/going here: http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/GIVING_EQUALS_RECEIVING.htm The Law Of Believing http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Believing/Believing.htm Be Ye Thankful http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/Be_Ye_Thankful.htm ============================================================= >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _,--._.-, _,--._.-, /\_r-,\_ ) /\_r-,\_ ) .-.) _;='_/ (.; .-.) _;='_/ (.; \ \' \/S ) \ \' \/S ) L.'-. _.'|-' L.'-. _.'|-' <_`-'\'_.'/ <_`-'\'_.'/ `'-._( \ `'-._( \ \\ ___ ___ \\, ___ \\ .-'_. / \ .'-. \\ .-'_. / \\ /.-'_.' '._' '.\\/.-'_.' \('--' '--``\('--' snd \ snd \\ `\\, diddled by jgs \| >ROSES OF LIFE By B. J. Morbitzer I've dreamed many dreams that never came true I've seen them vanish at dawn But I've realized enough of my dreams, thank God To keep me dreaming on. I've prayed many prayers when no answer came Though I waited so patient and long But answers came to enough of my prayers To keep me praying on I trusted many a friend who failed And left me to weep alone But I've found enough of my friends to be true To keep me trusting on I've sown many seeds that fell by the way For the birds to feed upon But I've held enough golden sheaves in my hand To keep me sowing on I've drained the cup of disappointment and pain And gone many days without song But I've sipped enough nectar from the roses of life To keep me living on -<>- , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >HOPE, CHARITY, LOVE, FAITH, and GRACE. Bill Walker wildbill6807@yahoo.com All small words, each is related or goes hand in hand with the others. Makes very little difference in anything in life we do. If you stop and think about any part of your life. These five words play a great part in the end. It makes no difference what you have, or how little you have. You deal with these five words every day. From the day you bounced into this world, till the day you drop out. I started out thinking I would use these five words about the Bible. We could you know. May wind up on that note. We also can use them for every day life. So I will do a little of both. That is the Bible and every day life. HOPE: Anything you do, you have a hope it will work. There must be a reason for you doing something. You have hopes the day will be a good one. I hear that so much any more. "Have a good day." Do you need a bad day? You hope today will be a good day From the day one of your life to the very last day, there is that hope. As long as you breath, there is hope. When you stop, there is none. The doctor can C.P.R. you forever. As long as your not breathing, there is little if any hope. CHARITY: The world also runs on that. Even the very rich depends on charity. You see if you stop and think about it. If the poorer crowd got together, they could take the very rich and powerful down a peg or two. History is full of that. Remember the French up starts taking down the King and Queen. I do. I remember the poor starving for a loaf of bread. The Queen said. "They have no bread, that is a shame, let them eat cake." How about later times? The people of Russia was in the same fix in and before World War One. I know maybe this is far out. It still is something to do with charity. We live by charity of others. You can be mean to others, no charity there. You can be kind, it is a form of charity. The Queen could have said, "They need bread King, open the store house." That would have been charity. The mob could have said, let the King and Queen live, don't lop of their head. That too would have been charity. LOVE: I have been told by more then one of the Dollies, there is different kinds of love. I thought there was one. Guess I'm wrong. Dollies love to get a gift. Your an angel. Some will be happy with a GrandMa Fruit Cake. Others tell you no more of those things. I guess one loved fruit cake, the other sees no love at all. I know some say they love the car, the house, the ring they had planted on little pinkie. I even remember one falling in love with a silly looking frock one evening. Just had to have it. I guess there is different kinds of love. I was thinking yesterday about Tinker, my little dog. I remember his love. I could turn the A/C on. He would walk to an air vent. Pile down, I got a look and to me it seem like he had a grin and the look of love in his eyes. I wonder was it me he loved for turning on the air, or was it the cool air. I think I know. I have seen many acts of love. One is when you help someone in need of help. Yes I call that some kind of love. Love for your brother or sister in this walk of life. You made their day better, and you felt good about it. You married the one you call husband or wife. There must have been a bit of love at that time. I hoped it grew into a never ending love for one another. This other kind of thing called same sex, I don't think much of that. I happen to be a boy, looking for a walking talking Dollie. Of course I hear some Dollies never shut off the talking, about all you get to say after they get the ring, is . "Yes Dear, No Dear." And God help you if you get messed up, and say the wrong yes or no at times. And for goodness sake never say the wrong name. I know all about that bone head deal, first hand. So much for love. FAITH You put you trust in something or someone. That is faith. I have trust, faith that I can do something. You have the same. You have faith and trust your team will win. That is till the score is 62 to 24. Your team is the one on low end, and have 30 seconds to play in the game. You see your coach standing on the sidelines ripping his cap off and throwing it on the ground, saying words of no print here, and crying Gator tears. I just had to get that in. Sorry Gator. We deal in trust and faith every day. We trust, and have faith in the doctor, else we find one that we do. We have trust and faith in the old clunker. it will start and get us down the road. When it bulks, we shop for repairs, or get a new clunker. We get kind of like the old cat. Darn it all. The good times is over, we walk away looking for a better deal. We lost trust and faith in that old bucket of bolts. We have faith something is going to happen, to make our day a good day. GRACE: Last, sure not the least. Maybe the most important one word of the lot. I often wonder, about this word. What is grace? Are you graced because you have fine clothes, food, car, boat, plane, train, motor home, a wife, a couple girl friends on the side. I put train in as a laugh. That could be next thing one must have. Are you living in grace because you have little? I know and have heard of many who have little and they are happy. They have a happy home, may be a poor home, They enjoy things they do have. They live a simple life. Maybe they never get to the other side of the mountain. But their happy with the side their on. Maybe it is by grace they have what they have.. They have something called happy times. While the other fellow has to worry about wife finding out about the two girl friends. Maybe she has a small problem too. She tramping also.. They have no happy times other then what looks great to others. So maybe it is the ones on the lower end of things that has the most blessings and grace. Maybe in the end they keep their heads. Someday they too will eat at the big table, with the master. I remember reading about a man who asked for a lot. He asked, never got what he asked for. His last lines was he was most richly blessed. I think that is called GRACE. I have read about a man who also had very little while here on earth. He was/is the most important man to ever walk on this earth. God's HOPE, CHARITY, LOVE, FAITH, and GRACE sent him to do a job. You see I believe God has hope yet for you and I. He also has much in the way of charity for you and I. He still has love for you and I. He has faith that you and I will do as he has asked us to do. Grace, again last, sure not least. It all boils down to by his grace. We have what we need. It takes all of those words. HOPE, CHARITY, LOVE, FAITH, and GRACE in this life. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: 90/10 Principle http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/giving.html I Believe!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html Let's Dance!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dance.html Liberty Air Show!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/liberty.html Attitude Is Everything 4!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude4.html Think Happy Thoughts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/happythoughts.html Pay It Forward!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/payitforward.html Akiane Child Prodigy!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA :) The natural world is a world of balance, of yin and yang. There are the herbivores, the predators, and the insects and bacteria which recycle everything back into the elements. In this world of balance, all species are needed to maintain a healthy natural state. So, when wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone park in the 1990s, their coming invoked a huge change - for the better. Watch this video and realize once again how magnificent the natural world is, and how smart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ysa5OBhXz-Q An interesting look at winter in Yellowstone National Park as seen through the life of the Winter Caretaker, Steve Fuller. He has been the a caretaker at Yellowstone since 1973. I'm sure he has some wonderful memories and experiences of living this solitary life for over 42 years in such a beautiful natural setting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UV10Wt30IGE --- ...Great videos! Thanks LouiseA! Reminds me of these... Beautiful Wolves http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wolves.html Endangered Wolf! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wolf.html -<>- >From Our Friend Geniann :) This is really something and even if you not a sportsman it's still a must see if your going near it. Barring any unforeseen problems. It is going to be a destination site for any sportsman who gets near Memphis. https://vimeo.com/bassprovideo/review/119460678/63245d0b7d --- ...Paul would love this! Thanks Geniann! Audition of 3 kids performing Hallelujah ‘The Voice Kids’ http://tinyurl.com/o5xo43z --- ...Sweet! Love It! Thanks Geniann! -<>- >From our friend Melody :) Potato Lollipops | mrfood.com http://tinyurl.com/kb94a9f journey through asia on Vimeo http://vimeo.com/8728416 Shocking Before and After Photos of California Mega Drought! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drvsaJrebd8 --- ...Wow! Thanks Melody! -<>- >From Our Own Paul :) Paul sent me an email that tickled me. I had seen in the news where this group of Orphans had all been unharmed during the recent earthquake around Nepal and was most thankful and praising God for it. They only need to raise around $30,000 to rebuild the home. When he sent me this email, I immediately thought - 'Well Of Course They Did!' I didn't know the name of the orphanage until he sent me this... 'Really Brave' Orphans Knew What to Do When Quake Hit By James Novogrod and Henry Austin NBC News The children of Shangrila orphanage in Kathmandu knew immediately what to do when the quake hit. Read The Full Story! http://tinyurl.com/k4cd4wp --- ...Pretty awesome! I pray people chip in to help them rebuild :) -<>- >Go Here to help give food This site is free! Other free clicks are on the top bar The Hunger Site http://tinyurl.com/lj5vxt5 -<>- >From The Voice of the Martyrs - Lessons from the Faithful Believers living in regions dominated by ISIS, the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas want to teach you something. http://tinyurl.com/pqnzlm7 --- ...This is so heart-wrenching! Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ! 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 ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend PatDeE :) A feel good story. ,-n-."HHHHHHHHHH _ L_| |______|"""o| ;" ". |_ ____________|--___ _ J l "(_,------(_,(_,P _) /O / (_____--P= AA H A### Jan Foerster >Am I A Fireman Yet??? {True Story} In Phoenix , Arizona , a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6-year- old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled with sadness,she also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up & fulfill all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible.. The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true. She took her son's hand and asked, 'Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?' 'Mommy,I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.' Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can make your wish come true.' Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met Fireman Bob, who had! a heart as big as Phoenix She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can dobetter than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary Fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy -- one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots.' 'They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix , so we can get them fast.' Three days later, Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines,the Paramedic's' van,and even the fire chief's car. He was also videotaped for thelocal news program. Having his dream come true,with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible. One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept - that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition. The chief replied, 'We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes.. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire?' 'It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room?' About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window--- 16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him. With his dying breath,Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, 'Chief, am I really a fireman now?' 'Billy, you are, and The Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,' the chief said. With those words, Billy smiled and said, 'I know, He's Been holding my hand all day, and The angels have been Singing..' He closed his eyes one last time. --- ...Aww, a sweet story. Thanks PatDeE! ============================================================ ____ || | ||___| _)__<__ _ _ |____|__|:|___|:|_ | |_.---._|___| _ | o| | | |_o_| | || |/| |\| | |_||____|`\___/'|___| V _/-\_ fsc >Filling A Need Story Editor: by Diane Gallant Joyce Schowalter Quebec, Canada After leaving a particularly difficult job, in July, 2001 I began working for the Canada Student Loans Program in Gatineau, Quebec. I started as a contractor -- my job was intended to be little more than an administrative assistant and data entry clerk. I was glad to get any job, since I'd been out of work two weeks and our family was feeling the lack of income. The location was ideal -- a 5-minute walk from my house. Thanks to my parents teaching me a great work ethic, it wasn't long before my job description was expanded to incorporate many new projects. In September 2001, I learned I was pregnant with our third child. In October my husband lost his job. While he looked for work, my supervisors permitted me to have an erratic schedule as I cared for our children at home. Then in December, we learned we'd have to move. We found another place beginning mid-January, however we'd have to stay with friends over the Christmas holidays. At the office we had been collecting money and food to make Christmas baskets for needy families in the area. I tried to stay positive and to participate in as many activities as I could to help. A week before we were to move in with our friends, my manager called me into her office. She and another manager were there so I was sure this was to be bad news. She invited me to sit down and they said they were impressed that, although I was going through all this stress, I had tried to help out other people as best I could. They said they'd decided that it wouldn't be right to help out strangers when one of their own was suffering. They then turned over to me the entire money that had been collected to help those families, and informed me that it would be enough to pay the half-month of rent in January, with money left over to buy some Christmas presents for our children. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed. After that experience, this same group of people continued to support me. They encouraged me to get my GED and to enroll in university. They threw a baby shower for me as I went on maternity leave, even though we were unsure I would be able to come back to work with them. One year later they helped me to be hired back as a student. In summer of 2003, I went white water rafting and broke my ankle. They all pitched in and gave my family a huge basket of food to help ease the burden on our family. My co-workers constantly look for ways to fill needs wherever they find them. I work with a great group of people, and I am so grateful for them. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: //\--.//\ /\\/ _ _/ | `o o\__ | \) \ ,__/ \ '-/__ (`"=-.=-"`\ /``'-. / '.-._ `\ /_\ \ _.-`, "._/ | \_..-\ \ | \ \ | | '.__.' |, \ .""-. / \ _ `| |_.-`\ \/ \ | / \ / / | / \ / | .' '-' jgs / `"-. `'-.,__/ >THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Two years ago Connie spent three months in Rochester, Minn., about nine hours from her home in northeast Indiana. Her grandson Parker, 8, who lives close to Topeka, in the heart of Amish country, traveled with his family from Indiana to Rochester to visit Connie. When they got near Rochester they saw an Amish family in a buggy. "Gee, they must have left awfully early to get here!" Parker said. He thought Topeka was the only place Amish lived. - Connie Burtch of Wolcottville, Indiana Anna's chore is to do the dishes. The day after getting scolded for not filling the dishwasher completely before running it, she was washing all the dishes by hand. Faith, 6, finished her own chores and went to see how her big sister was coming along. She asked what Anna was doing, and Anna started giving her a lesson on doing dishes by hand. As Faith started helping, she asked, "Is this a new way of doing dishes?" Anna, 11, started telling Faith about "the days before dishwashers!" - Debbi Armstrong (mother of Anna and Faith) of Orlando, Florida When the Davidson family was returning from a trip to Florida, they had to spend the night in Tampa because of bad weather. Father and Robert, 6, went to get all 10 pieces of their luggage from the airline. They loaded the luggage on SmartCartes and headed to the hotel, only to be met by a large sign, "No SmartCartes In Hotel." Father, frustrated by the day's events, said, "Gees, they are not going to be happy until they have drained every last dime out of my pocket." Robert, a little confused, asked what he meant. Father proceeded to explain the bellman concept. They proceeded to find a bellman (Bob) who was absolutely fantastic! Later that evening father and three kids were returning to the room after going swimming. Bob was also waiting for the elevator with someone else's luggage. Robert, politely asked, "So, Bob, whose pockets are you draining, now?" Bob, a little unsure of what he had heard, said, "Excuse me?" Robert, ever ready to be polite said, again - loud enough for him to really hear, " So, Bob, whose pockets are you draining, now?" - Kim Davidson of Kendallville, Indiana |\ _, \_|/ | .' `\/ _o o` | ()` ; __ `--' / \_`\ `.___/ \ \ /=====\ \ |=====/`\ `|=====| | |=====| | |=====\_\ \======/ /`--/^`\ jgs \ |\ | (___(___) ,===, ,, ,==, ,, ,===,,====, ||__))||// __ || ||__ || || ||\\ |||| || || '' '' '===''===''===' '' Danyelle, 5, and grandma were looking at a wedding of a relative on a Web site. Grandma explained what happened in each series of the pictures. Danyelle said: "Yuck, they're kissing." Grandma explained that the minister told them they could and now they are married. Danyelle's conclusion: "Oh, you can't kiss until you're married!" - Sally Morris (grandmother of Danyelle) of Wellington, Florida Angela, 11, is beginning the wonderful stage of body changes. She was home from school one day complaining of cramps in her stomach. Her sister Tabitha who is 7 decided that was a good way to get a day off because she approached their mother, all hunched over and holding her tummy, and said, "I don't think I can go to school today 'cause my cramps are too bad!" - Jean Peterson (mother of Angela and Tabitha) of Manchester, New Hampshire _..._ .'.-:-.`. .-._.'.' ^ ^ `.`._.-. :''"'-':_ o o _:'-''"': `--':-._ :-:'_.-:`--' .``'. .-. : (___) ; .-. .'``. : '-' '------------`.__.:.__.'-----------' '-' ; `. . '..''..''..'' : `---' ; ``..``..``..` . .' `"'------------..' : : : `..------------'"` :-:' `-----'`:`: :=:' `:-: :-: :=: :=:' :-: :-: :=: :=:' `:-: ..-. :-: :=: .-.. .'.' : :=: `:-: : `.`. .'.' .' :-:. .:=: `. `.`. :,' `:'::-.._`.=:' `:-.'_..-::':` `.; `._ . `: :: :: `. `. .' .' :: :: :' . _.' "'._ , `: `: ` `""` ' :' :', _.'" `--..__ .'.' .'. `. `.`. __..--' jgs `'"'--.. . ..--'"'` .'.::.`. `.. . .' .' ..::. `. '.' .::.. `. `.` .::' .' `. `::.. .' .'` .::. `. .' .::.. `. `.` .' `--' Melissa, 5, and her grandmother were driving when they passed a sign advertising sign ups for the upcoming softball season. Her parents are very good ball players and so his her grandfather. Her grandmother tried to explain to her how much fun she would have in softball. "Is that the game with the bat?" Melissa asked. Her grandmother said yes. "I don't think I should play softball, Grammy," Melissa said. "I'm a watcher, not a player!" - Cathy Johansen (Grammy) of Glendale, Arizona Traci was getting clothes together for a spring consignment sale. Casey 7, began going through the clothes and asked his mom why she was selling his clothes. Traci explained to him that he had outgrown them and he would be getting new ones. He shook his head and said, "I can't believe you are selling my favorite clothes. I wanted to save them for my little boy someday!" - Traci Walker of Lebanon, Tennessee /`"'-,__ \/\)` `'-. // \ .--.\ '. //|-. \_o `-. \---._ || \_o\ _.-.\`'-' `-. || |\.-'` | `. || | \ \ | `\ \| / \ ,\' / \ `' `---' ; `)) .-' | .-.// .-. .' ,;=D / // / \ .' || |..-' | '-' // (( \ .===. _,// '`'--`'---''',--\_/-;-'` jgs `~/^\` '===' Here's another one from Traci. Casey was telling Traci about a movie he had watched. One of the characters had died. Traci said, "That is really sad." Casey replied, "Yea, Mom, his heart just quit beeping." David's son was wrestling with David's 4-year-old grandson. The 4-year-old yelled, "Stop!" His father asked what was the matter. The 4-year-old said, "We're friends!" His father said, "Yes, but friends wrestle." And he started wrestling again. Once again the 4-year-old yelled, "Stop!" His father asked, "Why?" The 4-year-old said, "But we're family!" - David Crawford (grandfather) of Clearwater, Florida When Breanna was born her mother's friend had a baby boy who was born at about the same time. Breanna and Gabe were inseparable. The mothers took many pictures of Breanna hugging Gabe. (Gabe was always trying to run away.) A few years later, when Gabe, 5, was looking at pictures of Breanna hugging him, he said to Breanna, "You know, I didn't really love you when we took this picture because I was young. But, Baby, look at us now!" The two mothers overheard the comment and just about fell out of their chairs laughing! - Alicia Clark (mother of Breanna) of Vandalia, Ohio ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Fran :) .---._ _.-'"""'-._ _.---. :.---._`.: .- -. ;.'_.---.; : ' `.': .`.' ` ; `....-':'::. 0 0 .' :;`-....' :.:'_:---:_`::; .--._ `:_( )_:' _.--. .----. ``-.' \ / `.-'' .----. : : .---'': `-.-' :--''''-. : : ___: :____.--''`. : .'``--._____: :_____ : :_.'| ' | `''"'|"'' | ` `._; : ____`-'____|_______|_______|_______|_______|___`-'______ | | | | | | | ______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|___ | | | | | | | _|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|________ jgs | | | | | | | ____|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_______|_____ >Heavenly Flowers of Spring Sweet lingering fragrance of springtime How gently it drifts through the air With lilacs in bloom and natures perfume To sweeten a day, ever fair. Oh, for the richness of springtime With tulips and lilies in bloom Carnations so fine, an iris divine Orchids to brighten a room. Oh, for the love of the springtime A heavenly scent does abound Daisy delight, a violet so light Tender red roses are found. Oh, for the blessings of springtime Such beauty, mine eyes do behold Petunia’s from God, peek out from the sod More precious than rubies or gold. ~ Marilyn Ferguson ~ Echoes Of The Heart --- ...A wonderful poem! It delights the senses! I do love Lilacs around Mother's Day! Sweet! Thanks Fran! >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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