Bad Girls For Nancy

Lady Gatekeep had no knowledge of how to include html code in email. Therefore she must use her blog. I have a few wonderful and loyal customers who need to order the following. Of course, the Lady would not be offended if one more would be interested. Nonetheless, here's the link for you my friend. The review follows.

Bad Girls of the Bible and What Can We Learn From Them?

Prostitutes, adulteresses, vengeful murderers and a few expert seductresses are all a part of Liz Curtis Higgs' non-fiction book, Bad Girls of the Bible. What can we learn from these women? Did their wicked deeds and smoldering desires deserve empathy? After all how was a girl to survive in Biblical times? These are the pressing questions Mrs. Higgs asks.

Women of ill repute have covered many a page of the Bible. Some never changed their evil ways but others most decidedly did. Liz Curtis Higgs, author of such books as Help, I’m Laughing and I Can’t Get Up and “One Size Fits All” and Other Fables, brings these timeless chronicles of our Biblical bad girls to life. More to the point, she makes their struggles, their desires and their accomplishments a part of our own stories. Mrs. Higgs’ own past is revealed in the opening chapter.

Ten particular bad girls, from the-devil-made-me-do-it Eve to Jezebel with her murderous appetite for power, were chosen by this award-winning author and speaker. Her accounts of the crimes committed by these somewhat scorned and shady ladies are sometimes comical but always handled with true wisdom, which Lizzie (that’s what she calls herself throughout the book) has plenty of.

Chapter by Chapter:

Each chapter is dedicated to one disreputable sister, so to speak, introduced through a fictional account (a modern-day illustration) of a life that mirrors those of our chosen bad girls—a very clever way to make the distant Biblical characters come alive for every reader.

At first I though the introductory fictional stories of each chapter were too predictable. However, I came to the conclusion that my knowledge of the Bible, small as that might be, could interfere with the enjoyment of a good read. Once I humbled myself, it became a fun exercise to try to guess who Mrs. Higgs was referring to. I did get a few wrong.

Then, at the end of each chapter Lizzie Curtis Higgs, no doubt prompted by her radio host experience, challenges each reader with a few questions. These thought-provoking questions would make for extremely interesting conversation—not to mention a “come clean” session with our girlfriends—and also be appropriate for Bible studies in our small church groups. They doubtlessly reveal Lizzie’s insight, wit and knowledge of life and spiritual matters.

Women with a not-so-good past (which is probably most of us) would benefit from this book. Bad Girls will make you laugh and cry and give you a sense of belonging to a close-knit family of women who found out that their past didn’t matter.

Bad Girls is a collection of stories about women who found grace, mercy and forgiveness and embraced a life filled with unimaginable blessings. It is also a collection of hard lessons learned when women refuse that same grace, mercy and forgiveness which is extended to one and all.

Conclusion:

Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn From Them is a must read for bad and “good” girls alike. Have you ever wanted a second, third or even a fourth chance at life? Pick up this book. If you want to learn how to laugh at yourself once in a while or feel that you are worth something, put this book on the top of your list.

For me, even though I don’t usually enjoy non-fiction or how-to books, recommending this one didn’t take a second thought. Make no mistake about it, this is a how-to book: how to love, how to forgive and be forgiven, and how to live a gracious life. But don’t worry. You will never feel you’ve been preached at. It’s not an easy book to put down as Liz Curtis Higgs takes an honest glimpse at bad character and asks us to gaze deep inside of ourselves.





Gatekeeper Liz Curtis Higgs Bad Girls of the Bible

Write On

Yes, as I have mentioned before Lady Gatekeeper is a single mom. The working world has passed her by. Indeed she no longer would function well as a secretary and Starbucks would make her very nervous. Nonetheless, one thing she loves to do is write. And when companies like Smorty gives her a chance to get paid for blogging, well . . . life just falls into place. Rejoice.

Smorty connects advertisers who will pay bloggers, like a simple Gatekeeper, to write opinion posts with a few links here and there back to the advertiser's site. This is easy, fun and trust me, if one is able to blog for money and remain a stay-at-home mom it is quite possibly a nice paycheck at the end of the week. And again I say, Rejoice! And blog advertising can be done with class and taste so one can keep one's blog as original as the author. Therefore, might I suggest you go visit Smorty and get paid to blog. Many blessings.

Gatekeeper get paid to blog Smorty

The Minds Online

Let us see then if we can successfully write this web release with a little sense of flare. Further that education online? Quiet the feat, I would say, to get that distance learning phd. Yet easily attainable at Capella University--the online university School of Business and Technology.

Latest news from this online campus is that faculty member, Sara Orem, has co-authored a new book called Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change. Orem's co-authors are Jacqueline Binkert, PhD, and Ann Clancy, PhD. A little research for the book revealed that both the people and organizations indeed flourish when the emphasis is placed on achievements and good ethical business practices. The book, Appreciative Coaching, uses positive questions, mindfulness, and such tools, to appreciate the strengths of the individual and thus effect change.

Orem, as well as serving as a faculty member with Capella University (founded in 1993) also runs her own coaching firm. In any case, this online School of Business and Technology is fully accredited. For more information you might want to visit Capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552) and found out more about Orem's book.

Note: This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.


Capella University online phd blogitive

Saturday

Was it not snowing just a couple of months ago? Those days are gone, I suppose, since the temp reached 107 F today here in the desert. That hurts. Nonetheless, we had fun. A day in the park was a nice change after spending a week breathing chemicals, smoke and being shot at on the set of the movie I am not allowed to mention. Did I mention Mom got warned for taking photograph of own son? Not to worry however, we managed to bring home a couple of souveniours that went flying by Spanky. JK, it wasn't that close. He just picked it up when he passed the tank, after walking away from the bombed out cave.

In any case, Spanky had two bottles of Gatorade today for the game so we won't have a repeat fainting spell. Ah, those actors. All went well, they won, Spanky did good and now we need sleep in order to make the 80 mile-journey to church tomorrow. A good night to all.

Gatekeeper actors movies

You Win On Who Gets

Hear here, this is fun for all. It's free to join (one cannot complain about free things), and there is money to win. The prize values? Those will range from $10 to $600. Go ahead, state your arguments at this point. No? I did not think so. Therefore Lady Gatekeeper would suggest one to sign up now. Contests are online, I say, and there are hundreds of them exclusive to whogets.com members.

If one reaches the semi-final, which will last around 7 to 14 days one will hope to ulitmately reach the final round. All the while that elusive prize will be displayed just to add a little more anxiety in one's life (in a good way of course). Enter you must with a 100 word statement declaring why it is you want or rather need the item that is displayed. Other members of whogets.com shall be brave and vote for their favorite contestant. Fun? Indeed. Get your game on and test your skill.

Gatekeeper online contests sweepstakes

This Week On The Set Of ?????

Yes indeed, the life of the actor is quite interesting--a unique experience if nothing else. Plenty of downs and sometimes, with a little help from above, a few ups. This was our week on the set of . . . now here it begins--Lady Gatekeep had to sign a rediculous gag-order-kind of contract stating something to the effect that I wouldn't even blog about what movie Spanky (baseball nickname) is actually working on. So let's see what that would look like, shall we?

We arrived 6:30am at ____ and proceeded to have a lovely breakfast made to order--omelette with bacon, turkey and cheese. Spanky went to wardrobe to change into his _____ attire. Makeup was perfect as he looked exactly like a young ____. The set was awesome: there were ____ everywhere and _____ on the ground and _______ hanging from the rafters. The little _____ made the _____ look authentic. Robert Downey Jr.'s (oops, have I said too much?) stunt double will convince you that the former is over 6 feet tall. Not gonna happen.

After we signed the safety contracts Spanky was handed his ___ masks and ____ hats and goggles so he would be safe from the ____ and _____ that the ______ were spraying wildly in the air.

Hehehehe, this post my friends, is going nowhere. So here's the end of it. We've met some wonderful people, treated to feasts fit for kings and queens, disgarded like dirt on the first day and then thought of as royalty the next. Go figure. We shall return tomorrow. Hopefully the chemicals won't stay in our lungs too long. Dang, I signed that contract. Prayers for health and safety would be appreciated.





Gatekeeper summer blockbusters Robert Downey Jr.

Game On

Even the most serious of Gatekeepers will say once in a while that a good game is healthy for the soul. Frees the spirit so to speak. I'm sure you would agree. Therefore then, let us try to explain the art of winning as one bids on the desired object. Stay with me now.

As auctions go, the usual winner would be the one who wound up with the highest bid. Right! Not so at bid4prizes where the final victor is actually the player who came in with the lowest bid. Yes, my friends, you indeed read that correctly.

I shall explain: Find a prize you would like (for example, a car, a TV, Ipod etc.) and place a bid starting as low as you could possibly go. That, no doubt, could be one penny. Once you make this bid you will be told if it's high, low, unique or duplicated. The secret, of course, is to get the lowest unique bid. Unique being that dollar or cent amount that nobody else entered.

Now that, my friends, sounds like a deal to me. It is also quite a bit of fun, I dare say. In the end, the winner is declared and runs off with his prize and only pays the shipping charge. And even though I might not be sure how much it would be to ship a car, I am still sure it would be worth it. So grab the mane of your mare and head on over to bid4prizes and spend your pennies wisely.

Gatekeeper bids 4 prizes auctions

The Manna Foundation

It is commonly believed that Lady Gatekeeper is the first generation in her family that did not follow in said family's footsteps. What is it we are known for? Let us explore: Opa (grandpa) served in KNIL (Dutch Indonesian Army) and lead worship in church, Father is pastor, Uncle D. is missionary (served in USA navy), Uncle F. and wife are missionaries (son is former Marine, granddaughter serves in US Air Force), Uncle D. son is missionary (he rocks!) , Auntie O's husband is pastor, Uncle Da. (though a little rebelious, led worship in church), Uncle B. and wife are missionaries . . . needless to say this list does tend to go on a bit.

Gatekeeper is not headed for mission field anytime soon (though Kenya was almost a part of her journey this year). She shall write about her family's endeavors however. This will begin a series of salutes to Gatekeep's family. Well done, I say . . . Here is the saga of Oom Frits and Tante Gerda in Thailand and The Manna Foundation. From building desks for local public schools to the story of fish farms, pigs, chickens and taking care of HIV orphans. Interested, please come and visit.

Here's a paragraph from their site: The Manna Foundation serves children of all races, religions and ethnicities with schools, teachers and uniforms; vocational training; and HIV/AIDS and health education. We also support the care and shelter of hundreds of AIDS orphans and vulnerable children, including children at risk of child trafficking, prostitution and slavery.

Wow, that's my family! Blessings to you my Uncle and Auntie. Thanks for giving and sacrificing so much.

Gatekeeper Manna Foundation HIV orphans fish farms

The Hotlines

A serious note for the good people who know all about drug treatment. It is, of course, a very unpleasant task but they undoubtedly take care of business well. Call the hotlines and they will direct you to the rehab center that best suits you or your loved one who struggles with certain addictions. It is a knowledgeable and empathetic staff that will find the best possible treatment for the individual's need. They do indeed have an excellent track record.

A brief online assessment form is available on their site or give them a call. Assessment if free , help is immediate and all other info is right there. All counselors are qualified experienced addiction counselors and will place you with the best rehab service. And let it be known that any personal information is kept absolutely private and confidential. They are HIPPA compliant.

At their site you will find info on recovery and intervention programs and maybe best of all--aftercare. If you are a little "iffy" on calling or filling out the assessment form you could peruse through their helpful articles. Please go take at look and put your mind at rest. Blessings on you, my friends.

Rehabilitation drug addictions rehab hotline

The Neighborhood

It is dark, dreary . . . and the neighborhood is shrouded within a cold mist that seems to rise from below. Small drops of tears fall from Heaven. The morning is lost. Soon the skies erupt and a storm attacks our sleepy desert town.

With a flick of a switch the fireplace crackles and the warmth of its fire brings light to our darkness. Ah, 'tis cozy indeed. We sit in pajamas sipping coffee and tea while lessons in math, Edgar Allen Poe, history and such continue. A good day it will turn out to be after all.

Mr. Policeman across the way has come back from a well-deserved vacation and his children kiss him as he drives off in his black and white cruiser. Neighbor to the right drops by for a hug before driving her precious ones to their respective places of education. The rain pours. Snow falls on our local mountains and a cloud envelopes the forest at the foothills. Dogs howl and play. We laugh and say goodbye.

It was different the day before when the sun so lovingly kissed the bricks of the garden walls. And children rang doorbells to let us know of friendly competitions in baseball or cheer. It's good for them to hear we are proud, and yes we'll buy cookies.

The Gatekeeper's castle is a tad bit large and a little too empty for her taste today. College girl has left and Oma and Opa are gone for the weekend. It is quiet indeed. And there is peace--always peace.

Dear Father of Heaven and Earth and of all the universes seen and unseen send your comfort to all those families and friends in Virginia who will never see their children again. Let Your peace reign.

The Acquisition

Oh my, the boys at PayPerPost are stretching their arms a little further still. Ti's not this week but the next when they will announce exactly what they have their little sticky fingers in now. Sounds intriguing, to say the least. Why is it that things are kept so secretive till then? Maybe it's the way of the East Coast where PPP resides. Who knows, they are funny that way, don't you agree? Do wait however, let me retrace my steps here. By stretching their muscles, I mean arms, Lady Gatekeep declares they have acquired or have made an acquisition to buyout another company. They are clever: Always thinking of ways to make life just a little more interesting.

Not to worry, the lovely folks in the PPP office are paying the Gatekeep for writing a few words about this acquisition on her blog. Ah yes, they acknowledge the fact one must make a living.

In any case who is it they have bought? This I do not know. What does this company do? Again -- I do not know. But hold on, might it have something to do with online ads?--Possibly. Exactly what does this mean for all their posties? We shall find out soon. Therefore I recommend you sign up now before posties like the Gatekeep take all the good assignments. I know, not going to happen anytime soon. It is good for you then. Go ahead and review this post and start making your own pot of gold. For I shall admit to this--whatever the boys are up to, it can only be good for us. That they've already proven.

Gatekeeper PayPerPost online ads

The Gatekeeper's Memories

Once upon a time (sorry, couldn't resist) the Gatekeeper's family lived in peace in a very small castle. Though there was happiness, it seemed there was also loneliness. But alas, the Gatekeeper did not see it in time and the lord of the castle left.

This past Sunday there was much singing in the Gatekeeper's place of worship we lovingly call, NewSong. Lord Pastor talked about the Sunday after Easter when the Lord of all the heavens appeared to so many people proving his resurrection. It is a story for another time. Lord Worship Leader (my personal favorite) picked one particular song that flooded the Gatekeeper's brain with wonderful memories.

When the lord of her castle sang praise and worship to the Author of the Universe, on stage, it was this song that stirred his heart:

Famous One

You are the Lord -- the famous One
Great is Your name in all -- the earth
The heavens de-clare -- You're glorious, glorious
Great is Your fame beyond -- the earth

For all You've done and yet to do
With every breath, I'm praising You
De-sire of nations and every heart -- You a-lone are God
You a-lone are God

The morning star is shining through
And every eye is watching You
Re-vealed by nature and miracles -- You are beautiful
You are beautiful.


[(by Chris Tomlin and Jesse Reeves copyright worshiptogether.com songs/Six Steps Music (admin. EMI christian Music Publishing)]
CCLl#3599431

Gatekeeper NewSong Church Famous One

The Home Front

Today the Gatekeeper did a little research for the best information pertaining home loans. Found a nice little blog that had quite the collection of articles on home improvement and even lawn care for that small budget. Interesting reading, if I do say so, and the blog has undeniable cozy home appeal. Makes one hang around since there is still research to do about all that mortgage business. And they indeed have the know-how.

Ah yes, there's even help for the first-time home buyer. One can't stress enough how valuable that information would be. So take a look for yourself and enjoy the well-written articles, there's one written for you, I'm sure.


mortgage home loans home improvement carnival

Salad Snack From Indonesia

That's what the Gatekeeper's family calls it--A Salad Snack. Good and healthy.

Rujak Kangkung (Indonesian Salad)
Ingredients:

1 tsp. tamarind or lemon
1 cucumber, cut lengthwise
Water convolvulus
¾ C. boiled water
1 tsp. Trassie/prawn paste
6 ox. Deep-fried and sliced tofu
½ C. peanut butter
5 Birds Eye chilies

Preparation:

Grind prawn paste, Birds Eye chilies, tamarind, and water by using mortar and pestle. Add peanut butter. Add cucumber, water convolvulus, and tofu to the sauce and mix well.

For a less spicy hot taste, only use the skin of the chilies. Discard the seedy insides of it.


Click here for some homemade soup recipes!

Gatekeeper Indonesian Salad Summer food

Post For Our Health

Vitamins-- do we need them? Well, it is recommended by educational institutions and medical journals. Hard to believe but even our best diets will lack the right levels of vitamins. Sadness. Do you have a favorite 12-in-One MultiVitamin? Shall I introduce you to another? One can never have enough choices, hopefully so one can make the best choice.

This is a 12-in-one Soft-Gel multivitamin (easy to swallow is a treat, I say) with more than 117 nutrients, 72 trace minerals and 47 fruit and vegetable concentrates. Can't lose with the fruit an veggies. Every ingredient your body needs to perform at its peak is included from all 12 essential nutrient groups.

Decide for yourself, but don't put it off. Get to some healthy living and take advantage of a few incredibale savings with the 12-in-One Soft-Gel Multi.

Gatekeeper multi vitamins healthy living

Summer is Coming

It's all good. Thought I'd get an eartly start to Summer since we're making all sorts of plans with family visiting from Australia in late May. Yep, those salads are coming out. I'll try to keep it interesting.

Japanese Salad
Ingredients For Salad:

2 Tbsp. oil
2 bunches green onions
1 pkg. slivered almonds
1 head of cabbage
¼ C. sesame seeds
1 pkg. Top Ramen
Ingredients For Dressing:

¼ C. sugar
1 tsp. salt
¾ C. oil
6 Tbsp. rice vinegar (it’s white)

Brown almonds in oil. Set aside on dry paper towels; pat dry. Mix remaining salad ingredients, except for sesame seeds, together in large bowl. Slice onions and cabbage real thin. Break Ramen into very small pieces into salad. Add almonds, sesame seeds, and dressing, refrigerate.




Check out a couple of Indonesian soup recipes too!

Gatekeeper summer salads triond

Treating Cancer

I pondered about this the other day and had a deep conversation about cancer with a friend of mine. The thought has crossed my mind that cancer and tumors runs in my family. So any information about new treatment even about brain tumor treatment is always welcome.

Here's a little update on an unknown type of surgery called the Gamma Knife radiosurgery. The believers feel it has a superior level of accuracy because it was designed specifically to provide the best radiosurgical treatment of brain tumors. Radiation is delivered at the same time and from all angles, plus the patient's head is stationary--sounds like a very important fact.

It's not anyone's favorite subject to discuss but there it is. Do your own research. It's important.

Gatekeeper Gamma Knife radiosurgery brain tumors

The Confidence Boosters

Spanky's Pony League And Acting Journals: It is clear to most of us who profess to be Christians that the Lord most likely does not prefer one baseball team over another. He's probably not as interested in the final score as He is in the behaviour and attitude of the heart of our future generation of leaders, doctors and teachers and youth pastors etc.

But mothers across America will still continue to ask for help from above when their child is up to bat. Come on now, confess. After a few strikeouts marking a slow start to his season, Spanky, finally got player of the game for the last two games: a couple of line-drive hits with a few runs batted in, a suicide squeeze, a bunch of stolen basis and solid fielding. Ah, such confidence is good for the soul and it seems to have overflowed to his school work. And even though Spring break was not much of a break for Spanky he did get caught up with late assignments and other schoolwork.

Keeping grades above a C average is important. Anything below that and the State of California won't renew his work permit in the entertainment business. Oops, not a good thing. Work on "Iron Man" will start for him on April 23rd. We still don't have a clue how far Spanky wants to take his acting career but he sure is having fun with it for right now. We shall see.

Tips For Your Child Actor

Gatekeeper acting pony league journals

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

Proverbs 22:6

A Helping Hand

It is fair to say that life can be tough. Under the best conditions we still desire to walk on life's paths with a little help from our friends. It is safe to assume that we welcome it. What happens when we are forced to deal with our own, or our loved ones, bad choices: drug addictions?--or perhaps depending on alcohol to get through just one day? They are life's horrid inflictions. And finding help is of the utmost importance.

Prayers are asked for and gladly given and good advice for something like alcoholism rehab should not be lightly taken. The research is done for you by the people of 1-800-NoDrugs and they are just a phone call away. There is help for the whole family and the best program is found that best suits the individual in need of it. Important articles like how to break the drug cycle can be found at their site as well as how to find the perfect rehab center. Links to information on relapse prevention is highly recommended. It is serious, indeed, so finding the right help is important. Many blessings to you as you travel this road to your health and new life.

Rehab centers drug rehab referral program

Scrolls of the Gatekeeper (The Watcher Part II))

Would you like to read The Watcher (Part I) before you dive into the next part of the forest?

**********

His long black winter cloak sweeps over the hilt of his sword—a Watcher’s Sword. The last of the sons of Seth, heroes of the ancient world, steadies his hands and controls his breathing. At a moment’s notice, he is ready to release the iron blade from its weathered sheath. Still he sees nothing, but without a doubt, the whisper is heard—a very loud, scratchy whisper.

“At last,” he says.

“Canaanite, who do you seek? What is it you fight for?”

Fear, as usual, will not be his companion this day. Indeed, it is his anger that continually grips his soul. “Show yourself.” Joshua Sethson speaks with authority. “I’m tired of this game.” His piercing blue eyes demand to see his enemy.

“Not yet,” comes the hoarse reply. Sounds emanate of a slithering body rustling over leaves and shattered branches and scurrying to the forest hills.

Josh follows. Every inch and every ounce of his body begs to relax. Rest is not something he can afford. He takes a few steps farther into the wooded areas and pauses. Any movement in the shrubs and bushes that adorn the cold hills of Canaan will not escape his sight. What length of time Josh stands silent among the withering trees one can only guess.

He is the Watcher of all the lands of Paragon, one of its few living protectors. But Josh Sethson lives in exile, miles from his beloved town of Canaan. The Canaanites follow the teaching of the self-proclaimed Watcher, Donovan Fletcher. Fletcher, of course, tells the Canaanites that the time of Warriors has passed.

“We are our own gods,” he has said on many occasions. “Let no man tell you what to do. There is no one in the universe to serve. We are the rulers of all.”

In order to step into the role of Watcher, Fletcher, a shrewd and ruthless killer, has murdered Canaan’s true Watcher, Caleb Sethson, Josh’s older brother. Many winters have passed since, without the full strength of the sun. The entire planet is littered with nothing but the ruins of castles and forts. If it were not for the Warriors, the wooded areas might have been gutted. This is the last outpost between their universe and the realms of the heavenly places. It stands almost barren, bar the lands of Paragon—where Canaan is known as Middleland.

Suddenly, from deep within the woods, Josh Sethson cries unto the heavenly places as he spots the claw marks of the Whisperers in the bark of the mighty cedars. He has tracked them to the border of his exile and into Canaan.

Gatekeeper Son of Seth Watcher Christian fiction

And don't forget to visit the Gatekeeper's Shoppe. It's the way we keep control of the castle.

Animal Care

It is a pretty penny these days to take care of our beloved pets. The costs of those vetenarian services has sky-rocketed. Most likely something one could not afford. But those four-legged creatures are worth their weight in gold, would you not agree? Their health is of great importance. They are our companions when life is lonely. Most of our precious hounds will give up their lives for us. In the old days (days of the Gatekeeper) a beautiful mare or perhaps your stallion provided transport and were loyal till the end.

Today the cost of keeping our pups healthy far outways that pot of gold one might have stored away. Thus a trend has grown both in the United States and Cananda. Pet owners realize that
pet insurance has become a necessary thing. There are benefits, you know. Have you considered the cost? Across North America we have spent close to $10 billion on their health care. It is wise then to have insurance which has already paid out over $14,500,000 on covered accidents and illnessess. Wise then to pursue such coverage as I am sure you will agree our pets are worth it, not to mention it will lower your stress level.



Pet Insurance Dog Insurance Pet Health Insurance

The Neighborhood

The California desert is quiet this day. How could it be? Quite unusual, to say the least, to not find one child upon a bike or skates or don their running shoes. School is out! Do they not know? Oh the travesty. Children are sleeping. That is the report from neighbor to neighbor and nothing seems to wake them.

There is a little one, however, three years old I believe. She will help Opa do his daily gardening activities. The flowers are in full bloom and it brings joy to her heart. Brilliant are their coats and at last the apple tree has blossomed and the fruit on the vine will climb once more.

Finally, the boys rub the sleep out of their eyes. It is one hour before the noon clock chimes. Shame, shame I say. Nonetheless, it is rest they need. After all, life is tough these days.

Desert weather is strange. There's a wind that howls and sweeps across this land for just a moment. A quick moment indeed and then the singing is gone. It leaves behind a change in the climate and by nightfall I would assume a chill will arrive. Glorious though, I must admit before the heat of summer greets us.

For now, neighbor child to the left sits, in her Spring dress with golden slippers on her tiny feet, upon the stone wall of Opa's Garden. It's a wonderful world from up there.

Gatekeeper gardening Spring

Roman or Venetian?

I believe that Terry really loves your windows, and no doubt, would like to show you how to dress them up. Your choice, of course. It's the blinds that are recommended with many designs to choose from--Venetian, Vertical, Roller or roman blinds? That, my friend, would be up to you. Speaking of designs The Gatekeeper found a wealth of styles for that more period-style home. Why, it would even suite one's castle.

Furthermore, Terry promises that these blinds will last for years to come. Therefore I would suggest that you choose wisely. Make sure of your color scheme, and remember your furniture might want to look splendid next to these blinds of yours. Well, in conclusion, stroll on over to Terry's Fabrics and feast your eyes on the wide range of blind selections. These, it seems, are always in stock and the prices are to die for. Or so it has been told.

Gatekeeper Roman Blinds fabrics

The Gatekeeper's Weather Report Around the World

Well, it's almost around the world. In any case, the Gatekeeper has made some wonderful new friends in a new community called BlockThat, and they are hard working I must say. Today we will attempt to let you know the weather from whence they reside and for their reward of keeping us up to date I will put up links so they can earn a little bit of a living online.

G's Weather Report

2rugrats says that the weather in missouri is 50 F with a clear blue sky and sunny. Here's the link to her MonsterPaysCash.

cs3129 thought about it and found out that in NY, USA it's currently 39 F with the wind chill factor it's 34 F. Partly cloudy with winds from 10 to 20 mph. Check out her blog at Knit and Crochet Talker.

Forumer reports that malaysia weather conditions are: sunny, and sometimes raining. I guess he might send me his link later.

Stay tuned for more of G's weather report around the world. It's good to have friends.






Gatekeeper weather friends at BlockThat

Photo Contests At SpyMac

What else would I do with Flying Boy? If one should click on pic, Flying Boy would appreciate it.




Enter your own pictures at SpyMac.





Gatekeeper extreme skate
Spymac

It's Good Friday

Calling the day of the Crucifixion ‘Good’ Friday is a designation that is peculiar to the English language. In German, for example, it is called Karfreitag. The Kar part is an obsolete word, the ancestor of the English word care in the sense of cares and woes, and it meant mourning. So in German, it is Mourning Friday. And that is what the disciples did on that day—they mourned. They thought all was lost.

I’ve read that the word good used to have a secondary meaning of holy, but I can’t trace that back in my etymological dictionary. There are a number of cases in set phrases where the words God and good got switched around because of their similarity. One case was the phrase God be with you, which today is just good-bye. So perhaps Good Friday was originally God’s Friday. But I think we call it Good Friday because, in pious retrospect, all that tragedy brought about the greatest good there could be.

I can see virtue in either terminology. If we call it Mourning Friday, as in German, we are facing reality head on, taking up the cross if you will, fully conscious that the Christian walk is seldom a walk in the park. But if we call it Good Friday, as in English, we are confessing the Christian hope that no tragedy—not even death—can overwhelm God’s providence, love, and grace. Either way seems fine to me!

The Reverend Kenneth W. Collins

Copyright ©1995-2007 by the Rev. Kenneth W. Collins. Reprinted with permission.

Jesus Good Friday Easter

The Lead Dogs Come On!

Just to let you know that their slogan alone should convince you to sign up for their services: "Marketing With A Bite." Not to mention that these Lead Dogs think you need a bigger dog if you're just not getting those qualified sales leads. One tends to agree with that.

Apparently they've been around a while and made a fair amount of friends in the business world with their style of lead nurturing. Let's explore, shall we. Microsoft, Adobe, Shell and Orbitz just to name a few, I'm sure, have taken advantage of The Lead Dogs and their success would probably be testimony enough.

So outsource to the Lead Dogs since they promise to get you the sales leads that actually turn into sales. They've been around since 1994, ensure quality, and promise that their technology integration is unmatched. Sounds like the dogs you need on your side. So let me know if you give them a try. Till then.

I Don't Write Poetry

There are worlds upon worlds
beneath and beyond
What power is that
which supports them all?

A few know how
to write this account
How staggering would be that scroll,
If one were to try to write it.

They are the letters
written by God's flowing pen
Which determines the kinds,
the colors, and names
of all creatures

How great is His power,
How striking His beauty
None can assess how great
is His gift

(author unknown, it's on the cover of my licorice tea box)

The 1K Tuesday Opp

Today we are once again put on pins and needles, so to speak. It is nice, indeed, to get the much needed blog traffic and PayPerPost is certainly gracious enough to bring it our way. You have not heard the buzz? Seriously? Oh, by all means, you must sign your name to this program. There is a writer inside most of us, is there not? If you like you could even review this post and receive $7.50.

This is not a well kept secret, a nice earning is to be made here, so you might want to get you're groove on and sign up. Would I, The Gatekeeper, steer you wrong? Not likely.

Now, on to the pins and needles. I tell you the scoop: When Tuesdays comes this month, in the dark hours at precisely midnight, PayPerPost will release one opportunity for $1000. Thus the name 1K Tuesday. Nice, don't you think?

The opportunity will run into the wee hours and shall be closed around 11:59pm. Be aware all you West Coasters--they're abiding by the Eastern Standard Time Zone. In any case, you might try to keep your eyes open for this one since they are not willing to let us know when this 1K opp is released. This is promised--it will be out there with no segmentation guaranteed.

So, be on the look out, Tuesday will be upon soon. I truly wish you to grab the 1K Tuesday for yourself. But alas, the Gatekeeper is on it too. Blessings to you all.

PayPerPost $1000 opportunity writing for money

A Post For Screen Writers.

I should have had this information up a long time ago. Better late than never, right? Here's one place I'd like to direct all you budding screenwriters to. It's hard work but You can do it. Sign up with Storybay...Let your Mentor be your Guide!

And here's a testimonial from an Industry pro.

"If I was an unknown writer sitting out there in the ether, wondering how I could get somebody who's reputable and professional to read my script, I would definitely send it to Storybay."

Oscar-winning producer/director Tony Bill (The Sting, Five Corners) Film Maker Magazine, January 2002



Storybay is an innovative, multimedia, distance learning and mentoring program created by industry professionals for the literary community. Storybay’s membership community is designed to help mentor, develop and market the writers’ properties to Hollywood and the publishing industry. With the assistance of top producers, entertainment executives and professional story analysts, Storybay Members have access to a variety of services that can help them to:
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Let your Mentor be your guide…. Visit Storybay today.


Let's get those screen plays out. I'll be in my screen writing class before summer. See you there.

screenwriting Tony Bill Storybay The Sting