Donna a modern day Good Samaritan

I am sure we have all heard the story of "The Good Samaritan." Well when I think of that story in this day and age , I think of my sister Donna.
Donna never passes up the opportunity to help others. She is forever ready and willing to help another. She is available day or night to step in and make things a little easier for the person who is having a tough time or has fallen in need of some help.

Donna has this strong tugging at her heart to do whatever she can for the one who is down trodden. Its like its her whole purpose in life and I worry that it gets to be a bit much at times for her. I have seen her in action many times as she goes out of her way to help those who are ill, low on money, sad, homeless, or just plain in need of cheering up, you name it. A nice trait but it also has come back to haunt her at times. Such a person came around more than a dozen times and Donna had already done all she could do. It was only after the lady moved that Donna got some peace from that situation.
But as it goes , she will not leave one stone unturned until she has found away to help that person solve their immediate problem.
When she worked at Albertsons there were many a time she would pull from her own pocket to pay that extra few cent or dollars so some unfortunate person would have what groceries they needed. She has given people rides to their homes when it was far away and an inconvenience.
I feel strongly that the day will come that all the good she has done will not go unnoticed. Donna has a great love for people which I see radianting everywhere we go together. Her heart is sincere. There are many people I have ran into here in this small town of Eustis who tell me what a wonderful person Donna is. Many times they have come up to me and said:
"Do you have a sister that works at Albertsons?" I say yes and they say I thought so! then they go on to tell me what a wonderful person she is. I don't think we look alike at all but to just have someone come up to me and sometimes mistake me for her is quite a honor . They see a expression or something that gives them a clue that we just might be related and I feel greatly honored to be her sister. I tell her she will have the biggest funeral service Eustis has ever seen when she is called up yonder. we both laugh, but for sure she is known by many for her caring and helping ways, and cheerful personality.
So here is to you Donna , the good Samaritan reward card!! You can take a break now for awhile, your card is full !!
love ya, Dottie

Rabbits

Newsflash!!
Aunt Donna attacked by a rabbit!!

Think these cute innocent little fellows can do no harm? think again. Here is pictures of what happened to Donna yesterday as again she trys to be a good neighbor. She told her neighbor she would feed and take care of the childrens pets while they took a mini vacation. First few days went well and then just when she thought she had it down , she went to pick the one up yesterday and she almost dropped him and finally did and when she went to retrieve him he scratched her to pieces. He felt trapped for whatever reason and Donna was afraid he was going to get away so she held on to him and he fought back. And did he ever! Oh my gosh! and this is the results. She had to go get a tetanus shot the wounds were so deep. So much for trying to be of help. Poor Donna ! pictures tonight , stay tuned.

Indiana trip

Total Country!








List of relatives we met:
Steve & Tammy

Penny & Mark

Roscoe

Kenny and Penny Kays

Sarah

Kim & Marshall Shelton

Erica Robbin, Braya & Brant

Brock & Heather Emmons/Bryson, Tyler & Taylor

Aaron Emmons /Lindsey & Justin Emmons

Abbey, Kaiden /and Phyliss
Left some out, will get back/ not in order and some pictures missing.

Publish Post

More pictures from Indiana

Where we went swimming as kids/many a day Bump and I walked to the Rainbow Beach. In our small town there really wasn't much you could do but swim, go to the skating rink or to a movie.

Prom Day/I wonder who got me this dress?

Our Missionary in Brazil

"And they shall go forth and teach my gospel"

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the official name of our church commonly called the Mormon Church because of an ancient prophet named Mormon who compiled this history of ancient books together and after his death his son Moroni added his testimony to his fathers that the records were true and then buried them in a hill top. I read this record of these ancient prophets and yes I believe the book is for real, a record and does teach that Heavenly Father lives and would have us all know concerning his gospel. Moroni buried the sacred record in a hill after a terrible war between two civilizations and hoped that these records would come forth one day when the Lord chose the right time . Well the right time came and a young boy named Joseph Smith was chosen to bring it forth. A common name yes, but young Joseph was from a family that read their scriptures and he being young and having faith and taking literally word for word what the scriptures say to be true believed what it said in James, chp 1, verse 5, " if any one lack wisdom , let him ask of God , that giveth to all men liberally , and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." So young Joseph did just that! this young boy went and ask God and being sincere ,not doubting , got his answer.

Well its a history story of Gods' dealings with His people. Its a record and its beautiful and I promise if you read it, really read it, you will know its a true record. I read it, and yes I wanted to know for myself!!

Read it all, it will tell its story and you will draw close to the Lord. Learn how His priesthood was on the earth at that time , learn of His love for you and all people.

Search in your own way and find out why so many churches , and how all these manmake churches have sprang up today. Thats all you have to do. Then ponder , ask Heavenly Father, is this record true? I personally had tears flowing at the end of reading the book, I knew in my heart that this was for real what these prophets wrote!

Some don't want to know , its easy to not know, its requires doing nothing, doing your own thing as they say. Knowing requires action , for some not easy to live, but he knows we aren't perfect, he understands this life, and we do what we can do, he blesses us for that. But never should we be ashamed of the gospel and being different. Yes , living the gospel requires serving and yes where much is given much is required. To follow the Savior requires giving up some of the ways of the world ! Its possible but for some its hard, for others not so much. We can enjoy our lives but we really can't serve two masters. We do have to make a choice. Look around, the world will pull at you so you do have to make that inward commitment. You can enjoy knowing the plan of the Savior, he wants you to know his plan . He wants you to know him , that he is a real personage , has feelings , and he loves you very much and that this life isn't the end!

WE are all different , but he wants us to know his plan . We need not fear man. Its never a easy road being different but look at all the the Savior went through, he was different, and look at the HOPE he has given us all! Wow, can I not do my part.

love you all, mamashap

We believe first and foremost that

"Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God."

While our backgrounds and experiences are diverse,
Members are united and committed to serving Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ
as is the Bible and confirms the truths found in the Bible.

Here is a picture of our son Todd who served a mission in Brazil where he spent two years telling others of Jesus Christ and of His gospel . We are proud that Todd would take the gospel to others who might not know of the Savior .Today Brazil is the fastest growing in converts to the church. They are reading this book and finding out that the Lord has not forgotten His children. There is a plan!
And neither will the Lord forget those who have served in his behalf.

Dad and I

Wow, so long ago. These pictures were taken back in high school. I didn't even know who Joe Shappard was and wasn't interested in boys much but did have a crush this one missionary, Elder Burton! He was at that time was all I could see.
Had dated a couple boys , Dickie George who Jean Clark really liked , he wanted to marry me but I said no. Even had a ring! He had cancer, infection set in and he later died and was only in his twenties . Another kid liked me and dedicated a song to me and it was played and announced on the radio right as I was riding to school one day on the bus. I was so embarrasssed. I think went with him one or two times but no fireworks went off!
Time passed and then one evening my sister Sarah wanted me to come to a cookout at her home which happened to be across street from Shappard's Grocery. Guess timing is everything and so I went and she wanted me to meet this boy next door, and that was your dad . After cookout and casual talk , he ask to take me home and then wanted to know if I wanted to go to a movie with him the next evening. I said ok, and thats how it all began. Movies and A & W. rootbeer stand nearly every week was a ritual . Oh we did go roller skating now and then and to the outdoor drive in threater. He was sweet , all the family loved him, we were six months dating and six months engaged and on June 3rd , 1961 we were married. Those early days were special and now its been 50 years / all passing memories / we go back to those memories now and then and talk about the good old days and say remember when? then reality pops in!! ha!

Fall Is In The Air!

HAPPY FALL EVERYONE! OH HOW I LOVE THE COLORS OF FALL!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and there is so much to be thankful for ! I hope this will be a happy time for you and your family as you gather to give thanks for your many blessings! love you all, mama

THERE IS NEVER A RIGHT WAY TO DO WRONG!!

Wrong is wrong even if you don't get caught
Wrong is wrong even if you do it for a good cause
Wrong is wrong even if others are doing it
Wrong is wrong even if it doesn't bother your conscious
Wrong is wrong even if it is considered acceptable

If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever
" that he is your brother."
Epictetus



Believe it or not, doing the right thing turns out to be doing the easiest thing."
"The very sad part about human nature is that we tend to comment only on those who do it wrong and neglect to balance it with praise for those who do it right."
-- Keith Ready


If you think it is difficult to do the right thing ... "If you think it is difficult to do the right thing with your life, think about how difficult it will be to live your life doing the wrong things. Many people think doing the right thing is hard, and I agree with them, it is hard. On the other hand, doing the wrong thing seems easy, but boy, oh boy, does it get hard fast. And undoing the wrong thing seems to take a lot more time and energy than we thought, all the while taking this effort away from doing the right thing. So before you go for that easy, comfortable wrong thing, take a second look at what will be involved in undoing it, and then do the right thing. Believe it or not, doing the right thing turns out to be doing the easiest thing."
-- Edward W. Smith,

Its hard to do things in the right manner, but as long as we do things right, we are in tune with the Great Spirit.

Great Spirit, I ask You to guide me on the Road today.

Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE

This Indian looks alot like Grandpa Shappard. seriously! This is a great prayer!

Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, Whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others. Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy Myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.

Reading has been a joy!

More books I've read:


"Breathing Lessons" by Anne Tyler/this was a little crazy. About a couple taking a road trip and how amusing and silly his wife was.

"My Maggie" by Rich King/ very sad. Rich wrote this book and dedicated it to his wife who was going deaf and blind, he told of her challenges and how very brave she was and how very much he loved her.

Books funny, serious ,true or not, enrich our lives.

My Summer Trips

First/ Trip to San Diego California: Well, to start off Angie ask if I would like to come out to Ca. and help with the children. Her nanny for the summer had to get back to school and she needed someone for a couple weeks. Of course I was delighted and was much in need of a get away myself! After a grand time with Angie and Jen, I headed over to spend a few days with Leslie in Berkley Ca. I enjoyed all my grandsons so much and only wish I could live near them all so they could spend more time with grams and I could go to all their functions and be a real part of their lives. Living so far away makes me kind of sad at times.
After getting back home Bump my brother was heading out to Indiana and ask if we girls would like to tag along as he was going to go back for his class reunion. Of course I was delighted to go and to see some of my old stomping grounds plus my siblings. Time does go sooo fast and you just never know at this age just how long your be around.

So here is some pictures of my trips. Starting off with San Diego!
Welcome to Paradise : Because of an idyllic climate thats what the pilot said once when I landed in San Diego. He was right, perfect weather, clean air and lovely surroundings. He was right, it does seem like paradise and so nice getting away from muggy Florida!



"Trip to VINCENNES" Its my home town.

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A city rich in history. Its the oldest city in Indiana!

For the pass wk. I been back in my hometown Vincennes, Indiana visiting relatives and seeing all the old places that Bump and I went to as kids. My brother Paul or Bump as we called him ask if we girls would like to take a road trip with him back to our hometown for his School Class Reunion. Of course we said sure , but being Donna's store was closing she was unable to make the trip with us. So it was Frankie, Bump and I. It was a great trip with beautiful scenery , lots of greenery, trees and open fields of corn and cotton. I loved it and it felt good being able to go back in time and see it all once more. A couple nights getting as low as 38 degrees but refreshing , a real change but kind of felt good!

New Moon Theater/
/Francis Vigo / Chief Tecumseh/Rainbow Beach
Thanks Angie and
thanks C .and brother Bump for the nice get aways!