The California Breeze AC Tour

Ah, feel that California Breeze. Sweet, isn't it? Sharon Lynn has been featured as blog of the day, well deserved, and now the Gatekeeper's 2007 AC Tour is passing through the Breeze.

Sharon rides through the desert and mountains of California on an off-road motor cycle--chasing her teen sons and husband. A published writer, she also enjoys her job teaching writing, language arts and math to Special Education Students.

She's a blast, my friends of Blog Land, and she loves to get a little controversial as you will see with her article Inherit the Wind vs. The Scopes Monkey Trial.

Here's the scoop from Sharon Lynn . . .

Inherit the Wind Vs. The Scopes Monkey Trial
By Sharon Lynne,

If one reads the actual historical record of the famous Scopes "Monkey" Trial it is evident that Inherit the Wind (a play about the trial, used in classrooms) not only misleads students, but is guilty of promoting the "narrow thinking" it rallies against.

****

Click here to read Inherit the Wind Vs. The Scopes Monkey Trial at Associated Content. If you would like your AC article linked here just let me know. We just ask for a link on your blog. Or if you would like to join our writing team, point that mouse right here. You can earn up to $20 per article and receive royalties, so to speak, every time your article is read. Enjoy!

The Tour So Far:
Interview With The American Goth






Gatekeeper Inherit The Wind" Associated Content

The Wealth of Health Info

Communities on the internet, for the most part, are based on information. It is the one thing we apparently do not lack. I mean to say, does anyone own a set of encyclopedias anymore? Oh, I would not doubt that some still do. Nonetheless if you seek information, encyclopedia style, on such things relating to health or any other matter, please visit EncycloCenter. Furthermore, travel through Your Life Health Village to find a new and fresh approach to nutrition and supplementation. And the Food Doctor Diet it seems has a personal plan for your health. It's a wealth of information over there on just about anything you need, so here's to your health my friends.

To Degrees On: The Learning Process

Let us see then if we can successfully write this web release with a little sense of flare. Further that education the online learning way, so to speak? Quiet the feat, I would say, to get that 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 www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552) and find out more about Orem's book.



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

Capella University online phd blogitive

The Mission

We're still looking for any kind of a buzz for the Gatekeeper's 2007 AC Writing Tour. If you write for Associated Content and would like a link from here to your articles, I will try to get as much exposure for just a link back on your blog. What say ye? Here's a snippet from an interview I did with Steve O who's on the mission field in that place we lovingly refer to as . . . ahum . . . Detroit?


The Gatekeeper: Tell us why you moved to um . . . Detroit?

Steve-O: We're on a mission from God. And quit laughin. Let me explain something about Detroit: it's hardcore. It's cold here. People are struggling to make the rent, struggling with heavy addictions, struggling with depression, anger, multi-generational prejudice, they are searching for a voice, they are searching for connection, they are searching for meaning, searching for a real relationship with God, yet they are too blue collar proud and scared to say "help me." Add to that a certain blunt honesty. If they like you, you'll know it. If they don't, believe me you'll know it.

Laura and I speak that language. It's been said in certain circles that we're possibly a wee bit rough around the edges. But we fit here. Not only do we fit here, we were made for this place, and this place has welcomed us. It's a battleground that we've been preparing for all of our lives.

****

I shall now direct you to the AC page for more on this story. Click here, and thanks for reading.






Interview With A Goth Missionary Detroit Underground American Mission Field

Customer Relations

Ah, my friends, if you are running your own business (whether it be small, big or bigger still), you will, no doubt, want on-demand lead management. It is sales you would like to concentrate on and furthermore to stop wasting precious time learning all the necessary software. AimPromote thus can lead you in the right direction. They boast, and rightfully so, of their superior crm software which they believe is the best choice for increasing sales and understanding business intelligence.

Now, there are no setup fees and they can integrate your system, at no cost, with your website. Please do take advantage of a free trial and educate yourself on why this company is changing the way one might look at customer relationship managment software. Indeed! You can view a video at their site which will demonstrate the system. A must-see I would imagine.

Key features for you to read includes Sales Management, Lead Reseller System and Campaign Tracking to name a few. No need to listen to the Gatekeep any further, for more info on crm software track on over to their site. Blessing to you all.


CRM Customer Relationship Management AIMPromote

Happy Birthday Wishy-Washies

Another year added to our sweet College Girl--she is nineteen today. Yes, yes, I feel ancient and have gracefully accepted that . Princess S. has one year of higher learning from Biola under her belt and is looking forward to Summer school. Lady Gatekeep's intention, however, is to have her enjoy the summer, maybe a part time job, but a break from school will keep her healthy and sane.

So let us explore this historical day. Princess S. has moved back into her castle above the guest quarters with all her belongings which could fill another castle. The Boys from GE came over and installed security throughout the Manor so Princess can feel safe--protection feels good. Then Princess College Girl went out to dinner with a friend while Lady Gatekeeper finally managed to restore her laptop after a fatal crash. Oh my!

All in all it was a fine day. Happy Birthday Princess!

My 2007 Associated Content Writing Tour

Associated Content has been good to many writers. My thought is to not only publish my own links to my articles at AC, but if you would like to have a link placed here I'd be happy to do it. And maybe you would link my articles on your blog in return. We shall see how this writing tour goes. Here's a link to one of my interviews with my favorite kind of people, a hard core musician missionary.

He's goth, he's hard rock, and he's really rough around the edges which makes life ever so interesting. He and his wife moved from CA to Detroit where life has been hard but very rewarding. They are a part of the underground Goth community. It's a most interesting read. Enjoy.

Leave me your link to your best articles and hopefully we can give you more exposure. And if you are interested in writing with us, come join my writing team and get paid up to $20 per article and a "royalty" for every page view. What more could you ask for while waiting for that big publishing deal?

The Florida Get-A-Way

The obvious and most well known landmarks of Orlando, Florida are loved by one and all. It is, after all, the home of Walt Disney World. I am sure you can add your own knowledge of other main attractions. It is highly probable you have been there yourself or have, at least, at one time or another thought of vacationing there.

Well, my friends, apparently Orlando also serves as the backdrop, so to speak, for high-end shopping areas. If shopping is your cup of tea, reports say this is your place. And we are also sure that your Florida vacation rental will be found amongst luxury resort hotels with all the pertinent information at Orlando. com.

In any case, enjoy cultural venues and quite a few other family-oriented activities. As a matter of fact your vacation rental would likely be very close to one of the six major theme parks (can you name them?). Prices compliment your budget, Orlando.com will make sure of that. Let them make the arrangements (car rental, hotel and flight booking) for everything you need to make that vacation anxiety free. You'll even find a travel guide offering important tips on good family entertainment and fine dining. Enjoy!

It's A Strange Land (The Neighborhood Chronicles)

Well, it has been a little over a year since we invaded this small desert neighborhood, and we are settling in quite nicely amongst the dry sand dunes and flying tumbleweeds. Who would have thought that I would come to love the desert? Granted, the alternative was remaining homeless. Therefore the desert was the better choice.

The weather has also been a pleasant surprise--four seasons with attitude. Winter brings us a fluttering blanket of a snow fall but a blizzard of that white stuff over in the next town, up the hill a bit. Spring is amazing. Our garden (a small oasis) grows with abundance--Fuji apples, pomegranites, clusters of green grapes, persimmons and so on. Birds, especially green and red-chested sparrows, can now be heard morning and evening time. They even land in our baby trees. It's adorable. And they have made peace with our two hounds. Grass is a little hard to grow but truck loads of water can do the trick. Summer can run a little hot, three digit kind of hot, but we have three beautiful natural lakes close by. The extreme heat seems to put more color into our flowers. No kidding. And then we are back in the Fall which soothes the land and prepares us for winter. It's all very strange and wonderful. We thank God for this land every day.

We knew, of course, when we first arrived that we had landed on another planet. People speak very strange here--Git-R-Done is written on Spanky's baseball league shirt. We have no gangs here, but those Southern-like boys have AR-15s and M-16s which probably drove away those ganstas. Eeeck!! Then again, we might need those weapons as we spot those baby rattle snakes crossing the street. Yes, we stop for snakes. And that howling of those coyotes brings no comfort at night. Though we think they howl because hawks attack their pups. Still, we sleep with open windows and our little dogs patrol the fences. Bless their hearts.

The neighborhood is silent this Saturday morning. I counted a few cars driving on the "express way," and I think I can hear the grass grow (someone has dropped hills of good dirt) on the empty acres of vast desert land behind our home. Farewell, my friends, I am off to read about even stranger lands from That Hideous Strength by my literary hero, C.S. Lewis.






Gatekeeper C.S. Lewis That Hideous Strength

The Golden Years

It is not something a Lady would like to speak of. We shall stand tall, nonetheless, as speaking of it is quite necessary. It shall not be denied, as Ladies get on in those years (we are by far wiser also), that information is foremost in battling the dreaded menopause years. Oh my . . . there, I have said it.

Now, I would also say, to not have so much anxiety about it. There is help, you know. For example, there exists a most wonderful webcastle with over 200 articles, some of which discusses the possible menopause alternative treatments--it is all natural one would suppose. There is also a book (the gathering of many scrolls into one) which will indeed give one all the necessary equipment to fight off this enemy, thereby taming that beast. One can download the book, Menopause A to Z, right here. A to Z? That should cover it, I dare say.

Though Lady Gatekeeper will not expose her true age today, she will say that seeking advice from those who have been there would be wise indeed. So let us find help, even before those early menopause symptons appear, and rid yourselve of any anxiety. Stay the course Ladies and this too we shall overcome with grace and dignity.





Gatekeeper Menopause A to Z alternative menopause treatments

I've Been Tagged By Lady G.

Cool . . . Lady G. (how sweet) has tagged me. This is hard work but I love it. If I play by the rules I have to write 8 random fact/habits about myself. Let's start with that.

1. I was born in a jungle . . . New Guinea actually. My puppy, Tonto, was born on the same day as I so the villagers handed him over to me. He was a fearsome little protector.

2. I've lived in New Guinea (obviously), The Netherlands, Australia, and various parts of the US. I miss my cousins terribly. We're still trying to get that family reunion together.

3. I don't know how to cook but I published a cook book.

4. I worked for Focus on the Family until they left for Colorado. I regret not going with them but my husband (X now) didn't want to make the move.

5. I played in a Christian Punk Band with my friend "Burrito" for one night.

6. Spent the night in a mausoleum, an old abandoned train station (with gigantic killer June bugs), and a school locker room.

7. I drive 80 miles to church every Sunday, and (sometimes) Thursday. I do adore my Jesus.

8. I love to write and hope to publish my novel some day.


Well, there's 8 facts/habits, whichever, about me. Now I need to post the rules for the next 8 victims, I mean bloggies, who I am about to tag. Mwwooaha (sp?)!

The rules are:
1.) Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.

2.) People who are tagged, write a blog post about their own 8 random things, and post these rules.

3.) At the end of your post you need to tag 8 people and include their names.

4.) Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Okay, here's my 8 taggies:
Sharon Lynn (she's gonna love me),
Janey L.
Now, hang in there, I'm off to find 6 more bloggies who won't get mad at me.

The Florida Race And Agriculture

Would you have guessed that Florida's Agriculture is an $87 billion industry? Indeed, the facts speak for themselves. I do so love those farm boys, have a few here ourselves. In any case the farmers in Floriday apparently provide food to the entire planet. That's what their video says. Speaking of videos, you really ought to see it and vote on it if you please. Our farm families deserve nothing less. Nice short clip, I must say, to wow you about the importance and the astounding impact of our Florida Farmers and (for your enjoyment) take a look at race car #99 showing off the industry. More horsepower to you!





Agriculture Florida Farmer YouTube Florida Fresh

New Blog

Yes, we are off to create yet another blog. One can not have too many blogs, I say. We've gathered a few of the Hollywood moms together and we'll try to set the record straight about stage moms. We're actually a very nice mob. It will be fun, entertaining and nothing but the truth. No backbiting allowed. When we launch the blogosphere will know. Enjoy your weekend.






Gatekeeper Hollywood moms stage moms

Sinking The Competition

Another step forward for unique and favorable blog marketing techniques from our beloveds at PayPerPost. Always looking for ways to improve (bravo I say), part one of the Birdo has been released. You heard! Features in this release will excite posties of all kinds--PPP Direct has arrived. Yes, my postie friends, let the advertiser contact you directly. How much would you like to be paid? Set your price, stick a widget on your blog and let the advertiser come to your blog and make you an offer. Sweet deals and you cut out the middle man.

One shall be most impressed with the PPP Direct engine so that posties and advertisers can iron out all those important details of how the post should be written. A full negotiation and transaction auditing system is built right into this engine. Indeed!

Now, let us explore the reason why one should use the PPP Direct program. Only 35% is charged for PPP's self service model while closest competitor, ReviewMe, charges anywhere between 50-100% markup on your post. A little steep, one might say. This would mean I suppose that they would make as much as half of your money for doing . . . almost nothing. Remember it is the postie that is negotiating the work with the advertiser. Thus there is no need for the middle man except to use their widget on your blog.

In any case, PPP Direct will now give quality bloggers more opportunities. It is all we ask. Blessings to all you writers.







Gatekeeper PayPerPost Direct Birdo release

Gen Emo

Well it seems that I am much too old to be Emo and way too happy! Apparently, however, I have received Emo points for using blogger. This coming under the header, "Blogging For Dummies." Hmmm. It's all here in the book (published by two kids in their early 20's) called Everybody Hurts: An Essential Guide to Emo Culture.

Here's the definition of Emo as suggested by authors Leslie Simon and Trevor Kelley: "Emo is still a kind of music, sure, but more than anything it's a state of mind. It's a place where people who don't fit in--but who long to fit in with other people who don't fit in--come to find solace, and its resident ideology is something that those within the scene take very seriously."

I thought I better get myself acquainted with the Emo culture since well . . . apparently my kids are a part of this world, and they didn't even try to be.

Having a MySpace -- very Emo.
MySpace name: "Tragic Heroine" very Emo.
MySpace Sub Heading: "I would save the world . . . but you wouldn't care if I died." Uwww, totally Emo.
Mom finding out you have a MySpace--soooo NOT Emo!

Reading through the pages of "Everybody Hurts" then, I found that it's not all that bad and rather funny. Ah yes, we must let our kids be kids and "find" themselves. Scary!! Oh, yes, and Emo says that God can still be in control, because if there are any kids that don't fit in this world it would be the Christian kids. But Emo gives them awesome and faithful Emo points.

Under the title, Christian Emo on page 21: "This particular Emo set is made up of some of the most devout fans around, many of whom continue to be huge proponents of even the most obscure bands on the Christian Indie label Tooth & Nail. By and large, the Christian Emo set is mostly a plainclothes bunch who don't dress--or often act--like many of their nonreligious counterparts. For example, Christian Emo fans do not drink. Only with rare exception do they flat-iron their hair. And, perhaps most alarming of all, their love for the modern-rock band Switchfoot is not at all ironic."

Haha, I love it! So for all my cousins up in Seattle working their patooties off to get ready for their Music Festival FreedomFest--You are EMO!! More on that later.

Emo Value System: (page 2, 3)
1. Depression (more dramatic than simply being sad)

2. Effort(lessness)When you're emo, you're constantly looking to invent unnecessary obstacles so that you can overcome them (Oy!)

3. Empathy, "Feeling other people's pain is crucial to being part of the emo community."

4. Faith, "When emo followers believe in something, they believe in it 110 percent. Anything is possbile . . . And so, through struggle, strife, and tragedy, true emo types carry on. In the end, being emo is all about having the kind of unwavering conviction that allows one to face the challenges of a new day (and then blog about them later in the evening).


Okay there's more, waaaaaaaay more. Actually let me say this, the book is absolutely a fun read, be careful of some of the language but if you want to understand your Emo kids this is the way to do it. I get it. I love my Emo kids.

Emo Everybody Hurts Emo Culture

Summer In Costa Rica

Yes, summer has almost arrived and Lady Gatekeep is looking for beautiful vacation spots where she can dream a few days of life away. A Costa Rica all inclusive vacation will certainly fullfill that fantasy. Imagine the beautiful coastlines with cloud forests, lakes for windsurfers, beaches to surf in and tropical gardens . . . oh my! Now there is a world to discover. You might want to avoid the poison-dart frogs (lovely to see though), but do see the butterfly farms. Or perhaps you are filled with adventure and walk through the Costa Rican jungles which are full of monkeys, wild parrots, lizards and exotic birds. Say hello if you should walk upon my path.

In any case, begin your journey at Vacations.net's website and they will make sure you save up to 50% on your travels. The site has a customized booking engine and very easy to use--something Lady Gatekeep finds necessary. This booking engine, it seems, is quite intuitive and allows one to see most excellent images of the vacation resort sites. And apparently has the ability to price and offer dollar and percentage off promotions, to discount your regular rates and even find you the save-with-free-nights programs. This site, my friends, is quite entertaining to say the least.

Your vacation can be seen through wonderful and compelling visual images and one could begin a virtual tour to get you on your way. The site has ratings from travelers who have experienced the resorts first-hand so one might want to read all about their adventures . And there is a toll free number if you'd like to book your vacation by phone (1-888-205-3315) or visit www.Vacations.net to book online. Shall we say then that paradise is just a click away. Enjoy!


Costa Rica vacation resorts online vacation booking

RVs In The UK

It has been quite a while since I last visited the UK. Actually we were there for a day or so. I was a mere child of twelve and don't remember much except the weather and the guard I was trying to bug. That was fun, if I might say so. The roads were narrow, from what I remember, and I don't recall ever seeing an RV or a motorhome in the vincinity.

I do believe that times have changed. Apparently there is now an RV and Motorhome Dealers in the UK. And, mind you, they import new and used American RVs. Ah, yes, proud to hear it. After all, we Yanks do know how to celebrate the holidays in grand style, thank you very much.

It's a marvelous website actually. They call it the Travel World RV and they do claim they have the world's finest motorhomes. One shall visit them to make one's own conclusion, though illustrations might indeed prove their point.

There's a fine English lady on the front page with a pleasant voice and gives a little bit of background to the company's achievements. She's very enchanting so do give a listen to her. Speaking of listening there is FAQ video done well at the site. It loads quickly enough so you will not have to wait long before all your requests are answered. Two English chaps with all the answers to your Recreational Vehicle questions. One cannot go wrong there.

So do learn about the largest show room that side of North America and let RV and Motorhome Dealers in the UK keep you happy on the road. Enjoy!




RVs and Motorhomes UK RV dealer Travel World RV

Of Jazz And Shadows

(This is a fictional account based on my experience of the car crash that almost took my life and the lives of my two friends.)

It was a cool and breezy November evening. Golden leaves, with splotches of brown here and there, fell gently from dry branches. A sky of pinkish hues settled comfortably in the dusk hours on Prairie Avenue. Something, however, was terribly wrong.

Prairie Avenue was only a stretch of dirt back then, in the days of flappers, bootleggers and marathon dancers. A small crowd, silent and somber, had gathered around the wreckage of a sleek black Model T. There were no survivors. Tinny sounds of Jazz music with a hint of Gospel continued to play on the radio as static crackled through the sound waves of WOAN.

“He’s only a child,” they murmured. Many other whispers that day were stolen by the wind. Everyone sadly nodded in agreement.

Urgent sirens of a white Ford ambulance shrieked in the background—twenty minutes too late. Could he have lived if help had arrived but ten minutes earlier? Most likely. Johnnie Gilbert breathed for at least ten more minutes after a violent collision with a newly erected telephone pole. The nineteen-year-old student from Hope International University in Los Angeles was exhausted. Nonetheless, after a long week of grueling classes and a long choir tour he opted to take the short drive home instead of staying in his dorm.

An eighteen-year-old research assistant at Bell Labs, named Effie Loren, held onto Johnnie’s hand throughout his ordeal. It wasn’t anything Effie would ever forget, though at times good friends reminded her that she had been his angel in the last few moments before death. But Effie Loren lived her days haunted by Johnnie’s memory and allowed herself to walk in perpetual sadness.


(If you would like to read the rest of the story published at Associated Content please click here and thanks. And please join my writing team and earn a few dollars and cents for your articles and short stories.)





Gatekeeper Associated Content Publish Your Story

Insuring Those Horses

Well then, this would be the information needed if one was seeking to insure your horse power in the British Isles. Although, one would wonder if indeed this motor insurance company would deal with us Yanks. But of course we would simply call it car insurance. Nevertheless, from the looks of it one could receive two kinds of discounts--a no claim discount, or an introductory discount. Honestly, I dare say, one might have to visit their home on the web to get an honorable explanation of both.

Shall we explore some of the free benefits then? Always a plus to know what one can receive for free, I say. First of, one shall receive a free courtesy car--this I would imagine we Yanks would call a rental when the car is in for repairs. Then there is a 24-hour emergency helpline in the event of said car breaking down. This next one Lady Gatekeep likes very much and that is free uninsured loss recovery service. Also, a favorite would be the medical expenses this company will pay for--up to 250 pounds. I do apologize but Lady Gatekeeper has no clue to exactly how much that is. Sounds like a fair deal. However, for all the pertinent information about motor insurance I would recommend one visit them on the web. Have a wonderful day now.


car insurance online motor insurance CIS Insurance

Living On Heart And Guts

This day, Monday the 21st of the month of May, while searching for an old manuscript I came across a journal of mine (a handwritten one) where I recorded the darkest days of my life (my divorce). I can see now how deep the pain was and I wonder how it is that I no longer feel that pain. As I turned the pages of this journal I found them covered with scripture. God truly walked through the fire with me.

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8,9)

I do indeed remember darkness, short moments of depression for a time, lots of tears, and weight loss. But from the first day my husband left I heard that still small voice from Heaven say. . . "Don't be afraid. I am with you."

January 16, 2003
"The troubles of my heart are enlarged. O bring Thou me out of my distresses."

Woe to the Warrior who throws away his shield.

Suffering enlarges the heart by creating the power to symphatize. Frequently the dealings of God with us are mysterious, and then also we may appeal to Him as His own interpreter, and in due time He will make all things plain. (C. H. Spurgeon)

Christ leads me through no darker rooms
Than He went through before;
He that into God's kingdom comes,
Must enter by this door.
(C.H. Spurgeon)

****

Like I said most of the entries have scripture plastered all over. I would do well to remember life should be lived according to these precious verses. He did give us a blueprint to life after all.

****

January 22nd, 2003
Our friend Rick called today. He had a scripture for me . . . "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Wow, that was like hearing from the Lord. I needed that.

****

Here's an entry dated 11/16/02
Lay your Burden down! Learn to dance before the Lord. Let it go! Today I am dancing throughout the house. Mostly to Audio Adrenaline's song "Under Dog," and Third Day's worship CDs. I'm laughing and crying at the same time. I know God is dancing with me or at least He's smiling.

****

1/27/03
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

Thus are they made like Jesus, their covenant Head. Scripture does not flatter us like the story books with the idea that goodness will secure us from trouble; on the contrary, we are again and again warned to expect tribulation while we are in this body. Our afflictions come from all points of the compass, and are as many and as tormenting as the mosquitoes of the tropics. It is the earthly portion of the elect to find thorns and briers growing in their pathway, yea to lie down among them, finding their rest broken and disturbed by sorrow. But, blessed be, how it takes out the sting of the previous sentence. "But the Lord delivers him out of them all."

Through the troops of ills Jehovah shall lead his redeemed scatheless and triumphant. There is an end to the believer's affliction, and a joyfull end too. None of his trials can hurt so much as a hair of his head, neither can the furnace hold him for a moment after the Lord bids him come forth from it. Hard would be the end of the righteous if this promise, like a bundle of camphire, were not bound up in it, but this sweetens all.

The same Lord who sends the afflictions will also recall them when his design is accomplished, but he will never allow the fiercest of them to rend and devour his beloved.

C. H. Spurgeon

****

There were nasty letters and emails from certain ones involved in this drama that I could never publish here. What amazes me is that the sting of those letters are just gone. I'm glad I held on to God's promises. He, indeed, took me out of the fiery furnace.

CRM

Ah, my friends, if you are running your own business (whether it be small, big or bigger still), you will, no doubt, want on-demand lead management. It is sales you would like to concentrate on and furthermore to stop wasting precious time learning all the necessary software. AimPromote thus can lead you in the right direction. They boast, and rightfully so, of their superior crm software which they believe is the best choice for increasing sales and understanding business intelligence.

Now, there are no setup fees and they can integrate your system, at no cost, with your website. Please do take advantage of a free trial and educate yourself on why this company is changing the way one might look at customer relationship managment software. Indeed! You can view a video at their site which will demonstrate the system. A must-see I would imagine.

Key features for you to read includes Sales Management, Lead Reseller System and Campaign Tracking to name a few. No need to listen to the Gatekeep any further, for more info on crm software track on over to their site. Blessing to you all.


CRM Customer Relationship Management AIMPromote

Of Jazz And Shadows

(This is a fictional account based on my experience of the car crash that almost took my life and the lives of my two friends.)

It was a cool and breezy November evening. Golden leaves, with splotches of brown here and there, fell gently from dry branches. A sky of pinkish hues settled comfortably in the dusk hours on Prairie Avenue. Something, however, was terribly wrong.

Prairie Avenue was only a stretch of dirt back then, in the days of flappers, bootleggers and marathon dancers. A small crowd, silent and somber, had gathered around the wreckage of a sleek black Model T. There were no survivors. Tinny sounds of Jazz music with a hint of Gospel continued to play on the radio as static crackled through the sound waves of WOAN.

“He’s only a child,” they murmured. Many other whispers that day were stolen by the wind. Everyone sadly nodded in agreement.

Urgent sirens of a white Ford ambulance shrieked in the background—twenty minutes too late. Could he have lived if help had arrived but ten minutes earlier? Most likely. Johnnie Gilbert breathed for at least ten more minutes after a violent collision with a newly erected telephone pole. The nineteen-year-old student from Hope International University in Los Angeles was exhausted. Nonetheless, after a long week of grueling classes and a long choir tour he opted to take the short drive home instead of staying in his dorm.

An eighteen-year-old research assistant at Bell Labs, named Effie Loren, held onto Johnnie’s hand throughout his ordeal. It wasn’t anything Effie would ever forget, though at times good friends reminded her that she had been his angel in the last few moments before death. But Effie Loren lived her days haunted by Johnnie’s memory and allowed herself to walk in perpetual sadness.


(If you would like to read the rest of the story published at Associated Content please click here and thanks. And please join my writing team and earn a few dollars and cents for your articles and short stories.)





Gatekeeper Associated Content Publish Your Story

Transfer Home Movies To iPods

Here is yet another purpose for that little rectangular contraption we lovingly call iPod. Yes, indeed, we now have iPod DVD and Video Converter software. With this amazing tool one can convert your family videos and make a collection of iPod movies. What think ye of that? Rather delightful, one might say.

What Lady Gatekeep has heard is that it is a fast and easy process even for computer novices. This pleases the Gatekeeper to no end.

To perk one's interest in this software a free trial is offered and for a mere $39.95 one can start this marvellous project of DVDs and videos conversion. Family entertainment then is available to one wherever one might be. Well then, do have some clean fun and by all means, enjoy!


iPod converter iPod movies PQDVD

Prince, Worthy Son and Loyal Friend

Once in a while the 86 (or there abouts) miles to church just gets a tad bit tiresome to drive. I do miss it today, though it's only the first time I've missed it this year. APU professor Sarah Sumner was to speak on Jonathan today, so let's see what my knowledge of this young hero looks like.

I would suppose that he was a real Prince since he was the oldest son of a King. Therefore, Jonathan, being the oldest son would, most likely, be King some day. He was an awesome Warrior and commanded a few thousand men. King Saul, from what I gather in 2 Sam. 13, seem to take the credit for a few of Jonathan's victories and the boy never complained.

The man (Jonathan) knew God well and lived his life completely submitted to the God of Israel. Even asked Him whether he should go into battle or not. He knew that he would win, even if he faced twenty men or more by himself (with his armor bearer by his side), if God said 'Yes, go. I am with you."

This alone should be enough for me to realize that I, even I, can battle any enemy in life if God is on my side. And He says He is. I try to never go a step without Him. Life is so much sweeter when I include my Saviour in my everyday plans.

The people of Israel loved Jonathan and actually saved him from his father's death curse--nobody eats until the King is delivered from his enemies. Jonathan ate from a fresh supply of honey which covered the ground like dew because he did not hear about his father's foolish curse. He was in battle after all. Read 1 Samuel 14:43-45. Let that be a lesson not to make silly curses or dumb promises. You might have to go through with it. But again, God was on Jonathan's side and the people pleaded for him with the King and spared his life.

Prince J. was also a fiercely loyal friend to David. They were kindred spirits, so to speak. When King Saul looked to kill the young shepherd/musician/future king, Jonathan stepped in and devised a plan to save David's life. Oh to be a friend to God's chosen. That, no doubt, would make one God's chosen also. Don't forget Jonathan knew that David would be the next King of Israel. That, I would imagine, was supposed to be Jonathan's position. But there was no jealously in him. Wow.

How many times have I let jealousy ruin a good day? We won't discuss that here at this moment. Jonathan, on the other hand, had plenty to be jealous about but he would have none of it.

Jonathan died in battle with his father and brothers. When David (who eventually retrieved their bones and buried them in their rightful burial grounds) heard about it he mourned for at least 7 days and wrote this beautiful lamentation:

The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou was slain in thine high places.
I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!


I'm sure Sarah Sumner will have many insights into this story. I hope to write some of it next week.






Gatekeeper Jonathan and David Old Testament

Resort and Booking Info

If you do a lot of travelling like we do, life is much simpler if you can make your hotel reservations online. Here's a nice site with all the information you need whether you're travelling overseas and overskies or staying put in the USA at your favorite Resort. It's kind of a fun site and you can view it in your own language whatever that might be. Plus a site for Italy, France, Germany and Spain. Make's it all the easier to book everything you need.

And then there's those of us who love to take road trips, or sometimes need to hit the road for business. There's tips here to find those great places along the way, local attractions before you get to that all important destination. Never take a dull trip, right? All info needed is at this travelling site for those long drives to keep it all pleasing for the weary, but happy, traveller.

One can also book a cruise through this site, always for pleasure and a relaxation plus. But my all-time favorite kind of lodging would be the Bed & Breakfast, though I strongly recommend to be there with your beloved. And, of course, let the good people handle your Hotel Reservations and do all the planning for you.

So there it is, take a look over there next time you need to rent a condo for your vacation, they even have the right vacation package for you, no doubt. There's nice Hotel discounts available and even city guides if you need them. Who could go wrong when everything and all the info you need is in one place? Happy travelling.

Thursday Thirteen Edition # 11

Thirteen Thought-Provoking Posts I Read Today While Surfing the Web


1. Does God Exist?
http://cabreeze.blogspot.com/2007/04/does-god-exist.html

2. Is Atheism Really a Religion?
The Dana Files


3. In Honor of Lady G's Knight. I love her posts about her sweet Knight.
http://aknightslady.blogspot.com/2007/04/in-honor-of-my-knight.html

4. Instructions Enclosed. How do you worship?
Beneath The Ivy Wreath


5. Being Published vs Being a Good Writer.
Portrait of a Writer by Gina Conroy


6. A Wednesday Heroes Post by Mama Archer. Meet Lance Cpl. Steven Chavez.
http://mamaarcher.blogspot.com/2007/05/wednesday-hero.html

7. A New Creation
http://thechristianwoman.blogspot.com/2007/05/new-creation.html

8. Too Busy Cleaning?
Pieces of Me

9. Women (Pagan or Christian) Who Changed the World.
Goddess Worship Blog


10. The Destruction of Negative Thinking
Values 4 Life


11. How To Manage Those Sibling Conflicts.
http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/2007/05/prayer.html

12. 99 Baloons. Thanking God Through the Hardest Trials.
http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons

13. Light and Labyrinth.
http://seedlingsinstone.blogspot.com/2007/05/light-and-labyrinth.html

Extra Extra TT. The Queen has spoken. Life Is Just a Bowl of Cereal.
Suburbian Queen's Blog


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)


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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Gatekeeper Thursday Thirteen 99 Balloons

Wisdom In A Cook Book

Today we will share a few interesting cooking/food facts from our family cook book "Come and Dine." Recipes from Indonesia, Holland and Australia and we snuck a few US dishes because, after all, we are now second generation American. By the way, did you know that Indonesia consists of 13,000 islands (last I checked, lol), has 300 ethnic groups, and 365 languages? Mom was born in Soerabaja. Great food!

Fact: Bananas can lower the risk of high blood pressure because they are high in potassium. In WWII, my Oma used the white meaty part of the banana peel to soothe her children's upset tummies (nice way of saying diarrhea). Mom said it worked splendidly.

Interesting fact: Do you know what stock cubes are? How 'bout sultanas, or mince meat?

Gross fact: To make sour milk, add one teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of fresh milk. And why would you do this?

Fact: from my neighbor--If you have problems cleaning your grater after shredding cheese, try grating a raw potato after the cheese. The potato clears the gummy cheese out of the holes. Nice!


Family Fact: Nasi Goreng is actually a breakfast dish in Indonesia. It is often made from the boiled rice which may have been left over from the previous night's meal. Yep it is. Here's mom's recipes for Nasi Goreng (the kid version) . . .



2 c. white rice
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 salted pork, diced
1 chicken bouillon
1/2 large onion, finely chopped
4 eggs

Scramble the eggs. Cook rice (or use the left-overs) according to directions on box/package. Fry pork in its own juices/fat till golden brown. Spoon pork into separate bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients to frying pan. Fry in pork's juices till done. Add rice, pork, and scrambled eggs and mix thoroughly. Serve with a few sliced cucumbers and kerupuk (prawn crackers).

Juicy Fact: You can make a tea from lemon grass to relieve congestion, coughing, headaches, and fever.

Kneady Fact: Take 1/2 cup of butter or margarine, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of flour and milk to make a soft dough. "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" (Luke 22:19)

Cut the butter into the flour and sugar, Add milk to make a soft dough and knead several times. Chill the dough overnight. Roll thin as a pie crust. Score serving size pieces. Bake at 375 degrees F to 400 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown on top. Watch carefully. From The Grandma's Attic Cookbook. Amen!

Gatekeeper cooking Come and Dine

We would like to publish a cookbook through Lulu.com with easy recipes from moms who blog. Wanna be a part of it? Let us know.

Tracking Software

Company's name is Siterra. Have you heard? Well, the scoop is if you need the software for managing retail stores or even cell towers this is the company to seek out. Apparently they have the knowledge that could lead to tremendous productivity, cost savings, and speed to market. Also included is Real Estate Management Software and it seems Siterra has become the standard solution in the wireless community, and by all means read about their wind energy solutions--very interesting blurps. But, of course, one must check for oneself. Their site will show you the impressive list of customers, services and news articles. Take a look.

Siterra Asset Tracking Software wind energy solutions

A Day So Slow

I woke up to an unusual cold summer morning. A rather strange mist covered our local mountains--looked like snow. Of course, that didn't happen. Both dogs left a few presents in the garden--cleanup took a few minutes of my time, very necessary. Then I hung around the grapevine for a while, sat on a wooden chair and soaked in the morning air. A little baby hummingbird kept me company.

Spanky finally opened his eyes around 11:00am and started his lessons a little after. Hmm, we need to stick to a better schedule. It's the last weeks of school and getting in those last assignments is quite a chore. We're sort of on track. Mother says that when Spanky graduates I deserve to finally get my American HS diploma. You see, apparently Aussie HS is a couple of years ahead of the US and when I got here in 1976 I was only in 10th grade but I had enough credits to graduate. I'm thinking I missed out on something, however. Ah, reflections.

In any case, after a shower I drove Spanky to the baseball diamond. And there in the school's parking lot I found my shady tree and fell into the shadows of a world filled with evil English men. I walked through the thick wet fog with a Lady seer who, as it seems, will save all humanity through her dreams. Unfortunately, her husband might have something to say about that since he seems to be on the wrong side of things.

There's a knock on my car door, baseball practice is over. We drive home. Neighbor to the right has homemade tacos ready as we turn into our driveway. And here we sit, eating tacos and ice-cream. The day ends as we watch Layne, I mean Spanky, on the Disney Channel. Ah, he's cute even with his hair in face. It's been a nice, slow day and I bid a Good night to you all.

Gatekeeper That Hideous Strength C.S. Lewis