PASSING ON

Sophia (Sue) Davis peacefully and quietly ended her journey here on earth on Friday December 25, 2015 at the age of 92.

Sue was born on July 22, 1923.  Her parents raised her and her seven siblings on the family farm at Orion, Alberta.  She attended Prairie Bible College (a ministry of Prairie Bible Institute) from 1939 to 1942.  An early accomplishment of note is when she memorized 500 Bible verses to win a Bible and a trip to attend a children's summer camp at Gull Lake in Alberta.

In 1949 she married Bob Davis who had been raised on his parent's farm at Three Hills.  They lived in Three Hills, Alberta until moving with their son to California in 1956.  The family spent time in California, Hawaii and Oregon before returning to Canada in 1969.  Sue worked as a secretary and enjoyed writing poetry.  She also had an interest in healthy eating and fitness all her life.

WHO

Who is at the feeding trough and rooting others out,
Are they the brightest and the best? There should be no doubt.
Who begged to be elected and coaxed folks to donate more,
With only empty promises like worms within the core.
Who struggles when their debts are left, wages from the poor?
The cutbacks from their health care needs,  saying "Show them to the door."
Would the brightest and the best leave kids in moldy schools?
Increasing future health care needs, expects taxpayers are fools. 

Who thinks "Let grandkids pay our debts while we're in sunny climes.
You could have changed things with your vote, so you shouldn't mind."
"Minimum wages can be slashed,  it worked for us before,
Increase monthly health care fees, they will still pay more."
"Just pay up and be silent, we don't care how you think or feel,
I'm having a great ego trip, our power keeps you at bay."
I'm having a great ego trip, and hold the Golden Purse, 
Be quiet  then, just stumble through, we could have made it worse."
So of weight and power, can someone tell us how?,
For such , there never is enough and never satisfied, 
since  power creates more needs, for such there never is enough,
Its time to take more heed.  

Anonymous author. 

JUST PASSING

Passing out of the shadow into a purer light,
Stepping behind the curtain, Getting a clearer sight,
Laying aside the burden, this weary mortal coil,
Done with the world vexations,  done with tears and toil,

Tired with earth's playthings, heartsick and ready to sleep,
Ready to bid our friends farewell, wondering why they weep,
Passing out of the shadow, into eternal day,
Why do we call it dying, this sweet going away.

Author unknown for the above poem.

THE KINGDOM CALLED EARTH

In this kingdom called Earth on its pages of time,
We are writing the script for each day,
Deeds of kindness and love fills the hours given us,
Life's signposts will show us the way.
Decorating each one with  smiles of love,
Helps to show others the way,

A breeze of love carries it on,
Cheering the hearts of all you meet.
Places upon the pages of time,
Making each moment yours and mine.
Finding for each one a sacred trust,
Each moment both yours and mine.

MONDAY NEW DAY

Monday, new day, new day of each week,
Decisions, choices, new hours of time,
We call it our working day,
And its ready its part to play.
The fuel pump plays an eager part,
In fact its first line,
Inspiring words and screens up its part.
All value the hours of time.
A menu page mentions the food to fix,
Two of water and one of grain,
You chose it last night, so to make flour soft,
Morning's simmering fifteen minutes remains.
A fruit plate offers a peach or a pear,
Asks to join the others that day,
An orange bounces around with glee,
And offers its entrance to play,
That will be best for another time,
So we will keep you all in line.
Be patient and maybe be yours or mine.

STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING FALLS

Each year, about half the seniors who are in their 80's and 90's suffer a fall, according to Marvin M. Lipman, M.D. Ten percent of these are seriously injured and even though they have weathered cancer or a heart attack or are seriously injured in other ways, they do not survive. Sometimes death may occur immediately but a fall may cause a broken neck or a brain bleeding as a result of complication from the initial injury.

Aside from the proverbial slip on a banana peel, the causes of most falls are age related. They include painful arthritis, strokes, and nutritional deficiencies that can lead to nerve damage in the feet or other other areas of weakness. If medications have caused dizziness and decreased alertness make you suspect, you're at risk of falling during daily activities,so discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Of all the various causes of major falls, impaired gait and balance account for most. So test yourself. Are you limping or shuffling? Can you do heel-to-toe walking (taking steps with one foot directly in front of the other) without lurching off-balance. Can you stand on one leg for at least 30 seconds. Less than that suggests a balance problem. You can also do two other tests - both have a high predictive value for future falls you flunk. For the get Up and Go Test, sit in a chair without arms, rise, walk 10 feet forward, quickly turn, walk back to the chair, and sit. Have an observer time you. If it takes more than 14 seconds, you are at risk for falls.  

SHARPEN YOUR BRAIN WITH NOURISHING FOODS

Topping the list of plant foods that offer healthy eating as well as top nourishment, we could make a right turn and stop at a berry patch on our way home.  Berries are rich in plant chemicals and help the brain clear toxic proteins in the brain. One detailed disease can decrease any toxic proteins in the brain.  In Alzheimer's Disease (AD)  brain cells become clogged with these protein toxins.  A berry-rich diet activates the grain's natural house cleaning process, helping it remove toxins and other compounds that can interfere with brain function.  Blueberries in particular have been a good defense against Alzheimer's.  It encourages certain white blood cells to gobble up proteins that fouls up brain function.  Even some preliminary evidence from an experiments with rabbits shows that curcumin can help generate brains after a stroke. When  it comes to brain protection, read the following.

Fatty fish is the single food with most evidence to back up these experiments.  Salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and trout are all rich in these products.  A four year study of older adults found that those who ate fish once a week were 60 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's than those who did not, or rarely, if ever, the researcher noted.

THE PRESENCE

From early morn through late hours, one thought absorbed his mind,

To build his strength through exercise and healthful food combined,

Success was his and honors too, gold medals thee, then four,

Through dedications power of will, that strengthened inner core.

A body built through exercise a strength and power reflects,

Just so the mind's activities, the mental strength projects.

Electromagnets storing power, latent deep within,

So core beliefs can motivate beliefs will power and discipline.

To carry on in spiritual growth, as mind is exercised,

Beliefs can reform, and lives transform, as patterns are revised.

To show results as to ourselves and friends, we generate

A loving , useful attitude with mind and soul true mates.

To face life with its challenges, its present point of power,

As silent strength builds in the mind, through meditations hour,

The mind, a window to the world, attuning with the soul,

Believing, so desires within, may reach their outward goal.

Then helping those along the way, this attitude makes clear,

The spirit that is built within, the precepts to revere.

The lessons that the Bible showed, the oneness with all things,

The strength and healing can come from power stored within.

Beliefs we choose are like the paint an artist's pallet holds,

Dispersed upon the canvas face,a picture will unfold.

When these beliefs no limits know, convincing us we can,

From thoughts will come reality, to form at our command.

As limitations are released we cast out doubts and fears,

True wisdom, health or wealth - all those needed things,

will move within our sphere. much like the strength of wings.

THE DOOR

A door of mystery marked my path in mellow golden light,
Receding toward a distant place to blend in with the night.
Upon the outer wall a sign its welcome words purveyed,
"A place of peace awaits within, where none need be afraid."
"The entrance key is locked within the confines of each soul
Where silent intuitions wait, in hidden secret scrolls.
That know the heart - the souls desire, Within its phase of time,
Where wisdom's touch awaits the will to make its knowledge mine.

And in the twilight glow I heard a creature call for aid,
Then reaching forth to lend a hand, the lock began to fade.
And barriers that once loomed large in consciousness were gone,
From finite to the infinite to move in rhythmic song.
To blend in harmony as one, uniting searching hearts.
To share the music of the spheres, as each one plays a part.
Each time a kindly word is said, it opens up a door,
To share  a secret kind of hope and confidence restore.

As core beliefs that bind are changed, we find the strength of will,
To join with flesh by faith to find life's deepest yearning filled
With daily confidence to share a walk that generates.
A strength and energy that spreads like waves upon a lake.
And as our thoughts speak to each cell our inner life expands,
To open up the doors that spread new life throughout the land.

FELLOWSHIP

A new commandment came to man, two thousand years ago,

"love each other, Jesus said, Unselfish love bestow,

This lovely gracious way of life, so many have passed by,

Remains still new to many who, still live self center, me, my and I

For all need love and kindness, friends, neighbors, plant life too,

Friends, relatives, all those we meet, need kindnesses from you,

That kindness may be part of us, upon the stage of time,

Not for a name or thanks to gain, bur for content of mind,

For every being whom we meet, is no way less divine,

The inner kingdom of each one with different aspects shine.

If the acts of others come that caused us grief or pain,

The strength of will to minimize, will bring a spiritual gain.

For unkind deeds like boomerangs strike sadness to the soul,

Of senders in their thoughtless rush, and hinders their true goal.

For selfish ones, give gentleness, that encourages others too,

At times a gentle word will do, sends love to them and me and you,

A shadow is of higher love, that in their hearts may dwell.

A meditation hour can tune into this special power as well.

Directing power to those in need helps brotherhood to flower,

So burdens weary for those least ones find that special power.

VIRTUE AND UNDERSTANDING

Once Plato said that virtue would embrace a word group four,
With prudence , temperance, fortitude and justice - but there is more.
When words are brought alive with deeds and daily spread around.
Inspiring, helping all, then virtue can abound.
Words brought to life with actions join the forces of the soul,
To effervescence and coalesce a charismatic whole.
An understanding from within, beyond the senses will
 Interpret laws that bring about relief from every ill.

As tenon and the mortise join to form a smoother whole,
From virtue, understanding grows, to play its perfect role.
Not only mere observers here but part and parcel, we
Of living, universal laws, as members, that's the key.
The colors bringing harmony as morning sun just risen.
That may tune to Creative Force, reflecting through its prism,
Whose rays of hope and trust and faith give energies access,
To wisdom that true knowledge brings, so virtue may express.

To build this virtue in the mind as part of daily ways,
A meditation time apart, insures a brighter day.
Each moment holds its gift of life, a time to touch and find,
The way to help another's need, or ease a worried mind.
So virtue may spread forth its blooms of sweet and fragrant flowers
An essence blessing every life that passes through its bower.
As thoughts direct each act and deed to daily set the tone,
It blends with all earth's symphony and for you a happy home.

Faith

BOOST YOUR BRAIN POWER

    “It is normal to have occasional episodes of minor forgetfulness
but some types of memory loss are more substantial than others as we
age,” says Arthur Kramer, a professor of psychology and neuroscience
at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  “For example, you
meet someone at a party and want to remember their name, what they
looked like and what you talked about,” Kramer added.  The memory
takes different pieces of information and puts them all together.  The
brain is surprisingly adept at compensating, and other types of memory
can improve or remain intact over time to help retain a vigorous mind.

    In late adulthood, the brain region is responsible for forming
some types of memories – the hippocampus – shrinks one to two percent
annually, leading to memory challenges.  Regular aerobic exercise
encourages the use of new brain cells even when workouts are not
strenuous.

    In a trial published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences in January 2011, older adults were asked to either exercise
or stretch.  Exercises began with 10-minute walking sessions,
extending them by one minute each week until they walked for 40
minutes three times a week.  Over a year their hippocampal volume
increased by two percent on MRI brain scans, reversing age related
loss by one to two years and improvement of memory.  Those who only
stretched showed a decrease in hippocampal area.  Aim for at least 30
minutes a day, five days a week of moderate intensity aerobic
exercise, such as brisk walking or hiking.  Social people are more
likely to retain their brain power.  Over an average of five years,
the rate of decline on a broad range of cognitive abilities, including
several types of memory, was 70 percent lower in least socially
active.

    Regular consumption of fish, fruit and vegetables protect mental
ability.  Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh tracked the
diets and using MRIs, the brain volume of 260 older people with
cognitive function in a study presented at the Radiological Society of
North America in November of 2011.  After 10 years, those who ate
baked or broiled fish at least once a week had larger and healthier
cells in brain areas responsible for memory and learning.  Listening
to mellow music, visualizing pleasant scenes and writing your thoughts
all helps retain memory.  Stop smoking if you do and limiting alcohol
are good ways to relieve stress.

THE MYSTERY

Does each question beg and answer, the mystery that it holds,

Sacred in its inner self, through silence to unfold,

Am I me, yet one with Thee, how can this thing be,

A presence near , that feels right here,

Together on the path of life, awareness, one in heart,

An inner essence, guide and friend, to practice spiritual parts,

A path to choose, a life to use, to practice spiritual art.

A path to make, a life to take, together as a team,

Joyous in the sacred self, and on God's wisdom lean.

Still myself, as spirit grows, within God's holy sphere,

An all embracing comfort place, a presence very dear,

At times your presence seems to leave, and flown to different climes,

Let me once more feel Thee near, and at Thy table dine.

You say, "I never went away, I'm with your living soul,

Your purity of love seek, a cleansing sacred goal."

I cancel impure thought streams, and send the far away,

Into the abyss of the past, I'm free to live new ways.

Once more embracing soul's ideal, eternal spirit lives,

A corpuscle in the heart of God, that only He can give.

Conjoined within His sacred trust, in work and all I do,

In fellowship to live and learn, as daily life renews.

Thank you for your patience, that cleaning out soul needs,

Resisting every grudge and thought or other careless deed.  

Messages From the Earth

My eyes behold the sweeping landscape,
The rivers wide their stories tell.
Then rippling grasses dance in sunbeams,
While the mountains cast a mysterious spell.
God's message comes in the silent waters,
Can change change into a raging storm,
Then whispers soft in evening twilight,
Restoring the soul, our inner home.

Attuning to this inner wisdom,
Our conscience guides throughout each day.
To each a guardian angel spirit,
Provides us with protective rays.
And shows a bond with all creation,
The smallest flower, the tallest tree,
Each with its special song of wonder,
That blends its sound through earth
and sea.
To join in universal service,
With challenges still more refined,
Within, without, a heavenly kingdom,
To love and serve throughout all time.
With challenges, alone we conquer,
And walk with those on ancient roads,
Alone to see heaven's dazzling welcome,
To join those loved,in new abodes.

How to Avoid Prostate Trouble

Cancer is caused by the bottling information of negative emotions. It is not what we eat, but what eats us. At the mental and spiritual level we can avoid cancer by forgiving those who cause us harm and forgiving those who caused us harm. Cancer seems to occur more readily which is avoiding it to begin with.

“My prostate was in good shape until five years ago when the doctor examining me said it was enlarged which explained some urinary changes that I had noticed.It suggested a massages of olive oil and peanut oil every evening before retiring. Last fall I had another medical exam during which my doctor commented that I had the prostate of a 20 year old (I was 68) I reminded him of the first exam which he had forgotten. I mentioned my success to a friend who had prostate problems. This man experienced the same salutary results.”

Resisting every grudge or other careless deed . God's spirit dwells in everywhere, on standby and on call, responding to each sincere prayer to answer one and all and I am finding my sincere prayer will answer one and all. How beautiful and different our present world challenges would be when we feel and practice this forgiveness.    

THE DREAM

Slim and trim and sleek and suave is what they hoped to be,

Esteemed, admired and sought by all, "Best dressed of all," said she.

With furs ad finery to shape their her figures lean and bold,

A social register to make, all masked a heart ice cold.

Each whim or stylish fad of time that fashion might dictate,

A selfish hand reached forth to grasp, their ego to inflate.

And then one night a dream took shape, they stood upon a plane,

Where earth and time rolled back the years, each moment to reclaim.

They watched those hands of time reverse, unneeded furs were shed,

A white coat floated from each form, to seals no longer dead,

They saw a parents rich brown eyes awaken as in dream,

From nightmares that had rode the floe, the pups were white and clean.

No more their naked bodies lay, in bloodied splattered snow,

No more the sealers sullen ships, waited by the floe.

No more were mothers brutalized protecting babes they bore,

No longer did the voice of doom decree their death in gore.

She saw the years these hapless slaves provided fuel and food,

Cosmetic oils to smooth their hands, and warm coats for the cool.

If this be dreams, let me awake, this is so sad for me,

Let me awake that I may help those helpless from the sea.

Fast forward on the tapes of time showed writing on the wall,

The numbered days of many forms, she heard their desperate call.

The mercury poisoned waterways no fish or birds should use,

Life's fragile chain of smaller forms, so carelessly abused.

Those dwindling numbers herded back, she marked their areas small,

The elephants hard pressed for space, the songbirds lingering call,

Man called it progress, asked for more, demanded death for all -

Who hindered his voracious lust for money making sprawl.

As psychic symbols moved to view, a silver chord appeared,

That blended every form of life, their balance to revere.

For when man slashed at Mother Earth, her roots were wounded too,

A lifeline touching psychic needs, for peace and values true.

The poisons seeped into both souls that carelessly were thrown,

As waste in Mother Nature's store, a store that was his own,

She watched man join the march of death whose slow and ghastly pace,

Marched through a vale of drugs and tears, mutations sad disgrace.

For with man's plunder of the earth, the poisoned soil and air,

No more could bring the needs of health, from nature's squandered fare.

But hope may spring eternal still and change to better ways,

The dream declared that love and care could bring a better day.

THE UNWELCOME IMMIGRANT

Among the huddled masses that from Europe came,

A tiny golden visitor staked its claim to fame,

Somewhere in steerage passage with no ticket by my side,

I threw a shoot and anchored roots, in new lands far and wide.

Content to live in wastelands, my golden flower thrived,

In backyard tenement clutter, 'twas just thrilled to be alive.

On barren ground or homestead, this hardy alien grew,

Its puffballs - games for children, to scatter joy anew.

Unlike the dashing rosebud, whose thorns a child may fear,

The friendly dandelion waves, a stately stem with cheer.

Strong winds and rain may damage other dainty flowers,

But this sturdy willing immigrant stands tall through every shower.

Just weave me into garlands, I am a friendly flower,

To bed I go at sunset and rise a decent hour.

Like you, I love America, my new home top to tip,

Sharing nourishment and beauty, I am grateful for my trip.

THE INJURED TREE

High on a hill a bent plum tree, lies half prone, where it started free,

A lightening bolt from a windblown board, bowed it low where the damage scored.

Its neighbors proud, stately and prim, towered above with their branches trim.

Yet a special charm embraces the eye, as hopeful branches their leaves hold high.

Summer will pass and a message tell, how a child can reach its fruit so well.

Its sturdy bole - a fine seat make, so handy to reach when its fruit we take.

What may have seemed like a mishap grim, has risen to bloom with hope from within.

Spreading its beauty and service free, a special delight - like no other near tree.

A message to all, soft breezes will tell, Its sturdy root still nourishes well.

The sun and the rain no favorites show, As small birds fly to branches so low.

Small children can reach its fruit so well, to share with their friends or even to sell.

"Don't feel sad that this plum tree fell, we can now reach its fruit, the children all tell."

REMEMBRANCE DAY

From Flanders fields red poppies flash,

Their show is speaking from the ash,

With undulating waves that flow,

Their sounds of silence tell of old,

Of wars that promised force brought change,

For life on Earth to rearrange.

To those who fell in lines of fire,

In death have joined this silent choir.

All so simple, yet profound,

Through change of thought - new life is found.

This hidden secret - thoughts bring power,

To demonstrate from modern towers.

Flashing from the heart to mind,

Translates with choice as speech refines.

That offers care and love for change,

And magnifies when we rearrange.

Thoughts that prove from new in power,

Speak for those dead in fields of flowers.

From history's page, as thoughts renew,

New President, new change in view.

Young voices help to speed the race,

A change through internet of space,

Pictures flash, hearts choose to change,

Fingers flash - thoughts rearrange,

Rejecting hate through power of mind,

Renewed through love, ALL people bind.