Liminal Fiction: Generation Gap

Liminal Fiction: Generation Gap

Almost Instant Pumpkin Pudding

The Benefits of Eating Vegan Style 

Recipe from the website:  of Fork Over Knives.

Almost Instant Pumpkin Pudding   and much, much more is on this site.  I'm not a Vegan, but after watching Dr Michael Greger's video (which is rather long but well worth the time) I might become one.  He trashed my ideas on many of what I thought were healthy eating, especially about chicken, which I love.  

The video is well researched, well presented, and quite humorous at times.  I urge you to go to his website and look around.  I think that even if you aren't impressed at the information there, you will have gained much in the area of healthy habits, which we can all benefit from.  Thanks for reading.

If anyone is reading this, even if you are not a subscriber, I would really appreciate it if you would take the time to comment and let me know how you feel about the eating habits of Americans, the differences in vegetarians and vegans.  I didn't know that until today.  

Have a great day!

Ruth
http:www.ruth-clark.com

Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death

Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death  This is a very interesting video.  Rather long, but well worth the times. Thanks for reading.

The Newest Great-Grand

There is nothing in all the world as beautiful as the newborn babe.  And this precious little girl is the newest member of my family.

Grayson is her name and my third Great-Grand.  

Trivia Wednesday

Trivia Wednesday Check this out and see how many "old sayings" you remember.  If you know the origin of some of them please feel free to post.

Countdown to One

Beginning today, it's five days to the ONE YEAR  BIRTHDAY of Rhesa Lynn, my first great-grandchild.  July 11, 2012 is the BIG DAY.  

Is there any more special day in a little girl's life (or a little boy's?)  They don't remember it but all the relatives do, and oh my, the pictures, movies, videos, etc. that accrue.  Who cares about this stuff?

Well, the family does, but there is another that this occasion (and some occasions to follow) that is profoundly affected by the big celebration.  The child involved is molded psychologically to an extent by being told and retold of the awesome occasions where he/she was the star.  

A child loves to know the story of her creation.  The miracle of Rhesa will never get old.  She will want to hear it her whole life.  It will boost her self-esteem that she is so treasured.  

She will want to hear her name from each of her family's lips.  Some memory, some occasion, something special to that time.  When any one family member is missing, it leaves a hole.  The child won't know it except on a deep level.  God never intended for us to be cut off but to be united. 

Let me wander here for a minute.  Have you been in a crowd when the voices around you seem to be like buzzing bees?  Or worse?  All you can think as you graze your way around the room, greeting this one or that one is "How soon can I leave?"  

Maybe you like the scene but I don't.  I don't like crowds.  But, if you will notice, during your intentional "tuning out" of all the commotion, you hear YOUR name.  You turn, you look for the source of the sound of your OWN name.  What is it about our psyche that allows our brains to actually sort through the verbal chaos around us when we are the topic of conversation?  

Where does it come from, this "spiritual"? connection?  I don't know.  

I'm not a psychologist and don't pretend to understand it, but I know it's true.  I can't count times that my own kids are talking around me, not to me, and say, "Mama etc,etc. said...blah, blah."  All I heard was "Mama."  

Immediately I look up and say, "Mama did what?"  We all laugh because I have no clue but something in my brain is tuned in.  

Down through the years of my own life I have been tuned in to "something" and it's a little scary for a minute.  I call one of my kids, or a particular friend and just start a conversation.  Invariably they will say something like, "I was just thinking of you,o" or "You can never know what just happened. I'm so glad you called."  

It's kind of a scary phenomenon if you've never experienced it, but it can be exhilarating, too.  

And so it is with all of mankind.  We need to be so careful of what we say and do (I'm talking to myself here) because someone is listening.  We need to feed positive messages to our children, from the day they are born until infinity.  

Lives are being crafted here.  Lessons are being taught.  I can hardly wait to go to Rhesa's first birthday party.  It's getting close.  She won't remember it but we will and we will help her to live her first year through our memories.  She is so special.  Every child is so special. 

We can't always be with those we love because of one thing or another but God knows our hearts.  He will make it all come right one of these days. 

 My heart hurts for those who are separated from those who love them.  To be unforgiving is to cause harm to come to our own home.  

Not all children are treated special and that's so sad.  Mostly, we have mixed memories, good and not so good.  But, with the right perspective, we can bring beauty from ashes.  If we help one child, teach one child, smile at one child, love one child, we have done what the Lord has asked us to do.  

We are all God's kids. 

Have a great day.  Do something nice for someone else and don't get caught!  

(With six photos) Magnolia 11-year-olds win Arkansas Cal Ripkin baseball title - Magnolia Reporter - Magnolia, Arkansas News: Sports

(With six photos) Magnolia 11-year-olds win Arkansas Cal Ripkin baseball title - Mamgnolia Reporter - Magnolia, Arkansas News: Sports: The Magnolia 11-year-old All-Stars won the 2012 Cal Ripkin State Tournament Monday in Jacksonville by defeating Hamburg twice.

Tyler Bailey hit the homer with bases loaded and brought it home.  Now it's on to the World Series in mid-July

Automattic Bullies WordPress Plugin Developers — Again

Automattic Bullies WordPress Plugin Developers — Again

ABOUT ME

ABOUT ME

New Poet

I have discovered a new poet.  She is a friend and one of my students in the quilting class.  I had no intention of starting quilting classes, but she has persuaded me to teach her.  So, here we are.  Yesterday, I discovered another talent she has - writing poetry.

Michele expresses her strongest emotion through the written word.  I am posting one of her poems that was written for a member of her church whom she admires.  I have her express permission to publish the poem.  I am putting her poems on a separate page.  Thanks for reading and please leave share with someone or leave a comment.

April is Almost Gone

April is almost gone.  Seems like yesterday it was New Year's Day.  I saw my great-granddaughter this past week.  Such a little doll.

We met at Children's Hospital.  That wasn't any fun but she is okay.  Good to hear.

I am trying so hard to get my website up and going and it isn't working out very well.  I bought an awesome version of Wordpress from a designer on the Warrior Forum.  When will I ever learn?

The graphics are created in PhotoShop and I don't have it.  I was told in another forum that Gimp would edit PSD.  I can't figure it out.  Guess that's why I'm not a graphics artist.

Not much happening and this is such a boring blog lately I don't even want to read it.  If it didn't have Doug's poetry on it, I'd just delete it.  But, it does, so I won't.

Have a good day!  Maybe I'll do better next time.

Grateful for Life

I was notified by email today of a blog post that I follow.  I like her blog, but cannot always agree with her beliefs.

 That's what makes us wonderful.  To open one's mind and read what someone else writes without judgment is what make humankind so marvelous.

It is also why Christ chose to pay the sacrifice for us - while we were yet sinners, He died on the cross - that is Love.  I have posted a new poem by D. Bailey on his page.  It is the last one and is written with the Easter message in mind.  Please leave a comment.  I love hearing from you and if you think someone you know will like his poetry please send it on via the  social networks or email.  Thanks for dropping by.

Google + Circles - and Where They Lead Nobody Knows

I have spent most of this afternoon circling Google + and adding whole circles, ready made circles.  I didn't know you could do that.  Well, you can, and furthermore, you should.

I digress.

I found, quite by accident, or maybe not, this circle called, "Writers and people who want to write."  That let me in right there.  I want to write.  What better circle to join that one like this, I ask you?  

That led to me thanking a few people (which I'll have to continue tomorrow as time is an issue today) for adding me, and receiving a reply, with a profound quote, which in turn led to me commenting again, which led to ... you guessed it, this awesome website, an absolute gem in the literary world.  Without further ado, here is the link:  http://www.heatherhummel.net/ and one of her blog posts:  http://heatherhummel.blogspot.com/.

I am so glad I circled through the circles today.  If you click on those two links above, you will be, too.

Welcome to the Official Website of Photonovelist Heather Hummel

Welcome to the Official Website of Photonovelist Heather Hummel

www.captainenterprises.com/onsheepwolvesandsheepdogs.pdf

www.captainenterprises.com/onsheepwolvesandsheepdogs.pdf

www.firmfoundation.org/Resource_Docs/Bible_Reading/Lent_Bible_Reading.pdf

www.firmfoundation.org/Resource_Docs/Bible_Reading/Lent_Bible_Reading.pdf

How Companies Learn Your Secrets - NYTimes.com

How Companies Learn Your Secrets - NYTimes.com

Baseball Videos|Instructional DVDs|Training Video|Coaching DVD

Baseball Videos|Instructional DVDs|Training Video|Coaching DVD

Clicking on this link may result in monetary reward for me.

Brain Based Biz: Jazz Stirs nCreative Flow

Brain Based Biz: Jazz Stirs Creative Flow

Today I have discovered the most interesting (to date) blog.  I was searching for the way color influences consumer purchases.  I found a blog with the information I was looking for, then wandered through a garden of literary, artsy, and scientific blog entries written in such a readable manner that I was unable to tear myself away.

 I spent quite a long time reading, following links, and just enjoying the afternoon.  I can't remember when I have been that caught up in something other than a book.  If you happen to read this, please stop by and make a new friend.  Tell her that Ruth sent you.

MrClogz1947's Channel - YouTube

MrClogz1947's Channel - YouTube

Best of the Free - Google eBookstore

Best of the Free - Google eBookstore

I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston Video The Bodyguard - YouTube

I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston Video The Bodyguard - YouTube

Another D. Bailey Poem

NOTE:  I was going to wait awhile before posting any more of D. Bailey's poems.  I thought to write something original until, while transcribing this latest work, I realized that what he had written was far superior to anything I could say.  I am honored to share this with you today.  It is my prayer that someone will be blessed by reading this. 

A Life Worth Living

I was in this world all alone! I, in my

need, searching for love and care, walking

a road not paved with gold! Instead, with

Death and Hate and Despair!

Unconditionally, I would to man

give my all, never to receive in return...

Not understanding what was inside

of me, that yearned and yearned

As my spirit was left contrite

and broken, knowing I would follow

the path paved for Hell.

Not understanding that every time

death came for me; how it was that every

time I prevailed!

I had given up on Life in

time of need; but - it was in this very hour

that I always saw God's over-coming power.

You see, I'm the sheep who ran away,

I'm the one who left God's flock.

But, my God, who knows my name,

set my feet upon a rock; and I said to this rock,

"You are the Son of the Living God, who is a

consuming flame; if there is a life worth living –

Please,

show me how to change!"

"I realize that I'm a mess, although I have

a willing heart."  He said, "My son, all I want

is for you to simply start.  No matter how low the

valley; and the hills, they do get steep.

But those whom I have called –

 I'll assure you – those I'll also keep!

"All I need is a willing vessel; I'll water;

you just plant the seed. 

According to My riches in Glory,

I'll supply your every need. 

Just put one foot in front of

the other; in all your ways

acknowledge me; I'll see you through.

But - you must give up your old life - for

Behold! Everything is new!

Now I don't claim to have reached the goal

My savior has in mind.  But, before

I found Him, I couldn't see!

Now, I'm no longer blind.

Led by the Holy Spirit, of His

compassion I'm actually a part.

so no matter what this world has

to offer I will serve Him

with all my heart.

Now I know things get overwhelming

a hurt that seems so deep and rare;

cut to the heart, we lay broken in this

aching misery and despair.

But God wants us to know that the

final word is etched in stone.

as He said, with all reverence and fear,

"There is a day approaching soon

when I will wipe away all tears!"

With that said, I'll pick up my cross

and walk in His infinite Grace – for

Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all

      things through Christ who strengthens me."

He gives us strength to finish this race.

                                              _ by Douglas W. Bailey

Copyright © 2011-2012

Reprinted by permission

Doug has given me reprint rights, in writing, to all his poems but they must be transcribed first.  If anyone else wants to copy, print, or otherwise use his work on other websites, blogs, church bulletins, or just for private viewing, you have his permission and mine as long as you cite the author, copyright information,  and this website in its entirety.  Please do not share his poems for profit in any way.  Thank you.  

It's the Journey that Counts: Arkansas Children's Hospital is 100 years old

It's the Journey that Counts: Arkansas Children's Hospital is 100 years old

Arkansas Children's Hospital is 100 years old

It's a birthday celebration for one of the best hospitals in the country and THE best children's facility in Arkansas.Arkansas Children's Hospital

Our children are our future and medicine has made great strides in the past 100 years.  Arkansas Children's has been a major part of that and continues to be, not only a facility to care for our severely ill children, but a teaching hospital, also.

Wikipedia has this to say:

he Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) is a pediatric hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. It is the only pediatric Level I trauma center in Arkansas and the sixth largest in the United States, serving children from birth to age twenty-one. ACH is the pediatric affiliate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and serves as a teaching hospital under the UAMS College of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics.^[1][2] ACH staff consists of more than 500 physicians, 80 residents, and 3,500 support staff members. The campus spans 29 city blocks and has a floor space totaling over 1,200,000 square feet (110,000 m²).^[2]

First Lady of Arkansas Hillary Rodham Clinton served on the board of the Arkansas Children's Hospital Legal Services from 1988 to 1992

There is a plethora of information on Arkansas Children's in this article.  I urge you to click on this link to read more about the services they provide, the mission, the programs, and the latest news as well as awards. This is a non-profit hospital saving the lives of many who would otherwise not have access to the special needs and treatments.

My Hope in Christ - by D. Bailey\

My Hope in Christ

By D. Bailey

There was a time when I felt alone

Forsaken at its best

And in this time all hope was gone

My soul could get no rest

Heavy laden, in my journey

I would pretend I did not have a care

But that would not last; the day would come

When this weight I could not bear.

It was these moment in life – the regrets;

The pain; the guilt.  All the loved ones I left behind

The barrier my heart has built

But it was all in vain.  Because these walls they

Could not stand.  

Who knew that God could reach

so low?   Who knew He had a plan?  So, from the valley He

lifts me up and plants my feet back on the ground

 and says, "My son, the time has come – let's turn your life

around."  

Just be patient;  day by day pray for strength;

I'll lead your way.  Sometimes you'll run; sometimes

you'll walk, other times you'll say, "I can't."

But, it's in these times you'll rise with wings; you'll not

grow weary; and you shall not faint!  

So with strength

renewed; day by day and 

Jesus Christ to guide my way

Who still is the hope I thought was gone.  

That assures my soul

I'm not alone.  

He holds the key to life, death, and to much more!

 and carries the power to restore. 

So I'll put my trust in Him alone,

who holds the key to Life, Death , and so much more!  

and carries the

Power to Restore.  

So I'll put my trust in Him alone until the day he

calls me home.  

Then all my pain, my regrets,

 and my guilt He'll clear. 

When  he wipes away my every tear 

and he'll gently hold me in such

a warm embrace that truly defines

 His Love, His Mercy, His Grace; and

He'll whisper, "For  your heart, 

a faith profound, my gift to you-Salvation's

Crown!"   

                                                                               

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord

Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up

with wings like eagles; the shall run and not be weary

and they shall walk and not faint.

__Doug Bailey

Copyright 2011 All rights reserved

 D. Bailey is a guest writer on this blog.  From time to time he will publish his poetry here. 

 All Rights Reserved ® January 2012   

Ruth Clark

Where to Put Granny ... & Who Gets to Decide?

Where to Put Granny ... & Who Gets to Decide?

It's the Journey that Counts: Features - Facebook Send - AddThis

It's the Journey that Counts: Features - Facebook Send - AddThis: Features - Facebook Send - AddThis

Poem by D Bailey_#2

If I've Ever Had A Friend

by Doug Bailey    Copyright 2011-2013

If I"ve ever had a friend

I've had a friend in you, 

Though in my life I can truly say,

"I've only had a few."

People have always let me down

(because that's what people do)

When times have shown blue

But a true Friend's love shines through.

It gently lifts you up 

When things go bad,

Or 

Perhaps when you're just feeling

Sad.

It makes you laugh

When times are great;

This love forgives

When most would hate.

Without you in my life

I don't know 

What I would do.

So,

Thank you, Mom,

Your love shines true!

Poems by D. Bailey as presented to Me

I have in my possession a collection of poems, written from a place I cannot name nor whose location I can divulge.  I do have express, written permission to share them.  I hope you respond to them.  Let them reach down into your heart and soul.  They are written by what used to be a tortured soul, but now one who has found peace.

A Mother's Heart

From a mother's heart

There is none

Like the love she

Shows her son

It's not taken

It's not earned

It's not worn

but

from

a

  Mother's Heart

Love is Born

My Hope for Today

Psalm 27:1
[ A Psalm of David. ] The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1-3 NKJV

I don't know what this day holds, but I intend to let my Lord, My God, the God of my salvation lead. When I take the day back, I trust Him to nudge me back onto the path. This is my prayer for today:

"Lord, I offer myself to you ; to mold me, build me, use me as you want to.
Remove from me my selfishness, that I may better be of use to you and my fellowman.
Take away all stumbling blocks, my difficulties, that I can be a better witness to others of your power, your love, and your way of life. Take them away, every single one. I now give them to you. Grant me strength as I go about my day to do your will, not mine. Show me how I can be helpful to whomever I come into contact with today. In Christ's holy name, I ask these things and to God be the glory."

Bite You Back Potato Soup

Bite You Back Potato Soup

I found this recipe on HubPages.  Haven't tried it yet, but it sounds yummy...except for the HOT.  I'll have to do some tweaking there.

My new friend, By lcbenefield gets all the credit here.

Internet Church

Have you ever been to Internet church?  I attended this morning.  I showered, dressed, and remembered that my daughter's church was without a pastor.  I wanted a sermon.   Rather than search the yellow pages for a church, I turned on the computer.  A name had come to mind.

It's been years since I saw or heard Bishop T.D. Jakes, of The Potter's House.  It was his name that came to mind this morning.  I watched streaming video and was again moved by the anointing that God has bestowed on this man.  He has gotten a little older, but haven't we all?

Back then, I had recorded a VCR tape (remember those?) one Saturday morning and was really moved by the message.  Sunday morning, about two, my phone rang and a friend and co-worker wanted to know if she could come over.  Something in her voice told me to agree.  As soon as she walked in, she began to cry.  I led her to a rocking chair and turned on my T.V.  The VCR was already set up and I put the Bishop's tape in.  She was still crying and I still hadn't said a word.  I didn't know what to say.  All I knew was that she was prone to severe depression.

When Bishop Jakes began to talk she got very still.  For about an hour and a half we sat there, the only sound the soothing voice of Bishop Jakes.  He told her story.  He told her about her life, her pain, her loss, and her hopelessness.  Except, at the end of the tape, he spoke of hope - the hope that Jesus gives to us freely.  The forgiveness that He has already given.  All we need to do is accept His love, His mercy, His forgiveness; just as important, we need to forgive ourselves.  Our hope lies in what Jesus Christ did at Calvary.

When the tape was over, she stood up, dry-eyed.  There was a peace that I'd never seen before in her eyes.  She began to apologize for interrupting my sleep and I stopped her.  "What would you have done if I had said 'no'?" I asked her.

She looked at me for what seemed like a full minute.  "I had decided to end it all.  I thought of you and told myself that if you said I could come talk to you, I would wait."  She entered extensive counseling the next week.  I do not believe in coincidence.

The Potter's House was just a dream back then.  If you click this link  http://www.thepottershouse.org/ you can see where it is today. Bishop Jakes is still preaching about the love of Jesus Christ and our hope for all eternity,

God described as a shepherd and as a host - both descriptions show God's care of man

I woke up this morning between 1:30 and 2:00 A.M.  So, I've been sitting here browsing through the Bible.  I like the website  http://www.esvbible.org.  There are so many resources to go along with reading.  Also, there is audio to listen to while you read along.  I can close my eyes and listen.

I particularly like Psalms 23 http://www.esvbible.org/search/psalms+23/  If you register, you get all manner of resources.  An example would be that God is described in two ways:  as a shepherd watching over his sheep and as a host who cares for a guest.  

¹ "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

       ²He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

       ³ He restores my soul. 

He leads me in paths of righteousness

        for His name's sake.

  ⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

        I shall fear no evil,

For you are with me;

       your rod and your staff, 

they comfort me. 

⁵ You prepare a table before me

        in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

        my cup overflows. 

⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 

        all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

        forever.  

No Turning Back: Robbins

No Turning Back: Robbins

3:34 P.M
I have had a productive day, although not in the areas I thought I would.  In my rambling around cyber land, I have run across a blog that is absolutely captivating.
It is here  http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com and if you are the least bit "crafty" then please give it a look-see.

I was surfing for a freebie baby bib pattern for Rhesa  and this is where I landed.  With over four thousand followers, she has to be superb.  Anyway, check it out.

By the way, the above is Rhesa.  She needs more bibs.  Awww...isn't she is a little doll?

Good Morning

This is the day that the Lord hath made. I shall rejoice and be glad in it. 

I have been reading Dr Stanley's devotional at http://www.intouch.org/.  I urge you to check out this website.  

Dr Stanley has some real-life, down-to-earth teaching that reaches the masses.  He does not talk in a lofty manner, using $50 words.  His teachings reach down into the heart and bring comfort to the wounded.  If you know someone like that, then direct them to Dr. Stanley.  That's all for now.  I may be back later - or not.  If not, know that I have you in my heart and mind even if I don't know you.  Leave a message and I will get to know you.  Google + this post and send Dr. Stanley's link around the world.  Thanks and God bless. 

The New Year

HAPPY 2012

I am late with my good wishes for the New Year, but they are just as heartfelt as if I'd gotten them to you on time.  Anyway, who's to say, "What's on time?"

I'm glad December is over.  Yes, I celebrate Christmas.  Yes, I believe that is the time of year that we celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus, the Savior of the world.  Yes, I'm one of those Christians, one of those who are not politically correct.  But, who's to say, "What's politically correct?"  I don't believe in writing xmas.  It gets on my last nerve.  Lots of things get on my last nerve.  Some might say, "She has a lot of nerve(s)" - they would be right on that score. 

I'm just glad it's over.  Too much traffic.  Too much commercialism, too many crowds (and in flu season, no less!)  I'm tired.  I'm trying to be depressed.  I was depressed yesterday, but today I think I may have talked myself out of it.  Such a waste of time is depression.  Being depressed bores me.  I have some books that need reading and I can't enjoy them if I'm depressed.

What is depression?  Anger turned inward?  Sometimes.  I think for me it's just being too tired for too many days in a row.  Traveling, talking to people (some that you don't even like),  sleeping in the wrong bed - that surely did not come out right.  I did get to see family that I needed to see.  That was good.  God allowed me the love of family and friends, laughter, and good food.

I listened to a podcast this morning (the URL escapes me now) of the persecution of Christians in another land.  It used to be that listening to those things and reading about them made me uncomfortable.  I felt guilty for being one of the "haves" and reading about the "have-nots" made me fidget.  God doesn't want us to feel that way.  He simply wants us to be grateful enough to do what we can, where we can, when we can.

That's it for now.  Comment if you want to.  I would like your thoughts.  I am going to try to monetize this blog, if I can figure out how, and it would help if someone read it once in awhile and clicked on a link or two.  Thanks for reading, even if you just skimmed it.  Have a good day.