The Grasshopper was a sluggard and was caught unprepared

      My dear friends, people have relied on this world far to long, to the point that survival knowledge handed down from generation to generation has been left behind by most in favor of a system of script that can be traded for the things that used to take preparation, to things ready to go from a box, almost anything you desire.
     What will be the result of intentional ignorance that prevails today. If we are hit with a major natural catastrophe, how many will know or even have made preparation for disaster.  Do you know how to make drinking water safe enough to consume without fear of disease? Do you know how to forage, what plants are edible and which are poison.
Do you know how to use weapons like a .22 caliber rifle for hunting small game or protect your family? Or use a bow and arrows to hunt game silently, so as not to draw attention,
Do you own these weapons, if not how do you intend to feed your family and protect them.
     With the world markets failing everyday, and government's toppling all around. Do you think your staples are going to appear out of a magical place. Or are you storing things now, that can be quickly gathered in an emergency.                                            
     Do you have a place that your family can gather to see who is safe and who is missing
     Do you know how to can food, or dehydrate fruits and veggies and preserve them ? Our government offices are so slow, you need to be able to hold out  for a very long time.
     By now you realize this will be a major undertaking, when you see hundreds of people rush a department store at Christmas breaking doors off of their hinges to get at Michael Jordan retro-shoes, what do you think they will do when they are hungry, and hear that you have food.
     Study the behavior of the people and government when disaster struck New Orleans,   it was pathetic from the start. National Government drug it's feet, had no clue, wasted so much precious time. People drowned, people starved, people were left homeless and all personal belongings destroyed. What it would have cost to secure that city from taking a hit from nature like that would have been a drop in the bucket compared to what the disaster cost them.
     This is no laughing matter, The day is coming! Not maybe it is,  it is coming.
So will you prepare for that day or will you be a victim. Will you provide extra to share with unfortunate people, or extra to barter with for needs that slipped your mind. There are books available that can teach you how to get prepared and stay prepared. I suggest you go to a library if you have a very limited income like myself or go to a Barnes & Noble and look through a few books and decide which one would be the best purchase.
                    Here is wishing you all, the very best in Christ Jesus
P.S. I would love to hear your comments on this blog

My Pastor James Timothy Freeman

     I just related the story of Jon taking me to a church in an old motorcycle shop, well, this church was pastored by James Timothy Freeman, he was a younger man than I, but he had such a great love for the word of God. When he spoke he was very thorough with the scriptures. He has a heart for the spiritual wellbeing of the people God has entrusted to him.
     Many times he and his wife Sheila sacrificed their own well being for Gods people. He took jobs like a security guard standing in the cold rain & fog all winter. he did this more than one year. He would be there day or night for anyone in the church that needed counseling. He and his wife would go out of their way for people that treated them so wrong , but the Freeman's wanted their souls saved, and helped them in their time of need. Being a Pastor is nothing like the portrayal you see on television, standing in the doorway smiling saying. see you next sunday ? a Pastor is in the trenches fighting the battle day by day. Once I was very sick at Christmas time working and living on a Christmas tree lot. I stayed in a little trailer to discourage tree theft. Pastor Freeman came by and gave me a lesson on the candlestick in the Holy Place, and it was so interesting and full of types and shadows, and that lifted my spirit and lightened the pain and discomfort of being ill. I know he asked God what to talk with me about because it was the best medicine for me at that time. I hope your pastor is as just and fair as mine. Like a football player, God calls the play and he does his best to carry out his assignment.
     See the Photo of my Pastor below.
please feel free to comment on this or any other topic on my blog

Reunited with an old friend Jon and struck gold

     Many years ago, in the mid-70's, an old friend Jon Sump came to visit me in Redwood City, CA. We had a good visit and talked over old times together, he still lived in our hometown of Stockton and invited me to come down with him so we could hang out and visit. When I got to his house, I noticed right away that things were different in his home. On the dining room table, there was a Bible and note pad by his chair. His television was on, there was a program called The 700 Club on most of the time. Jon told me he no longer drank I thought, What did I get myself into ? Jon's brother Terry came by and we talked a while, then Terry and I took off and went someplace and had drinks, this was the start of a three day party.                                                                                                                                   Then I went back to Redwood City, but I couldn't get over the change in Jon. Everything Bad I learned, Jon was my mentor. I got drunk with Jon first, I smoked pot with Jon first and so on. I was at home the next day flipping channels and came across the show Jon was watching. So I thought, I'll watch this and see what his angle is. A guitar duo came on and sang a song. There name was Lamb and their song was The Sacrifice Lamb, the lyrics  rang so true, and humbled me, then the host of the program Pat Robertson, challenged me to pray a prayer with him, and I thought, what have I  got to lose I'm in a living hell now. Back home with my father, not much future just looking to get high and block the world out. So I prayed, Lord I don't know if You are real, but if you are please let me know.
     Things began to change that very evening. My father was plastered and in his, And another thing mood. my friend Terry stopped by out of nowhere. My father started in on me again, and Terry said Let's go. I stayed at his place, and Jon came by, he saw I had a Bible and asked about it . then he invited me to church, I told him that I prayed for God to show me the right place. He said that's the right way to go. but come to church with me, it's in an old motorcycle shop, the tiles were ripped up so you  had to walk on squiggly dried glue on the floor. I thought that was great and went. And I have not left. Jon and I became close friends again, and this time he helped guide me on the right path.

Then along comes Mary

     I have a very sweet face book friend Mary Triviski, she has been a blessing ever since I first made contact with her, she sends encouraging scriptures, encouraging words everything she writes is encouraging. Sometimes Mary has to write while in extreme pain, but , she does it anyway. She believes in being a workman worthy of her wages (Eternal Life) so she presses onward and upward along the path.
     Mary suffers from Mollaret's Meningitis, called a syndrome rather than a disease, M M is very rare. It is now believed to be carried by HSV2, and the side effects are many and very painful. With the assistance of her close friend Libby Baker Sweiger they have started a new face book page titled, "The Truth About Mollaret's Meningitis" with the purpose of 1. Learning more about this rare condition and 2. How we can help those who have it. It has just started up, so if you know something about this topic, here is a great place to tell what you know.
They are both the kindest, sweetest, pleasant and charming women, in Minnesota. which is somewhere back east where it gets cold and stuff, maybe north of Cold as H E double hockey sticks, population: frozen. It's probably by a big lake like everything else back there. sorry I got lost for a minute.
     My life is richer with a connection with Mary & Libby & also their friends and equals Heather and Meghan. I have been so fortunate to be in contact with them all, and so will you. I'm not a person with money, if I was I probably wouldn't have it long, but I am blessed with very good friend that comfort me, and give value to me.

The family at Vegas for a wedding

I went to Las Vegas, NV with my sister Sandy & Rueben. We drove down in my sisters car, an eight hour drive. We arrived in the early evening and checked in to a time-share at the Grandview on Nov. 6th.  Sandy and Rueben treated me so well, they even put off the show they wanted to see because they new I wanted to go to the Mirage and see the Beatles inspired LOVE by CIRQUE DU SOLEIL. It was a show well worth seeing. Wonderful acrobatics from the floor to the ceiling, no safety nets or harnesses. The sound system was awesome with Beatle music playing like I have never heard it before. We went to a Time-share promotion on Monday, it lasted about 90 min. with breakfast served in the casino buffet prior to  the spiel, which by the way was a very good deal. For listening to the presentation we got $100 tickets to the LOVE show for $25 apiece, we saved $300 on that. Tuesday was my Birthday and I got a year older. The wedding was held at Treasure Island on 11-11-11, there were over 20,000 weddings in Vegas that day, Brides in gowns all over town. My brother Skip and his wife Frieda flew in from Hot Springs, Arkansas, My other sister (the bride's grandmother) Dottie and her husband Jim, drove over from Oceanside,CA the same day we arrived. The bride Brandi looked absolutely marvelous and I am so happy for her. My brother looked really good for his age ( I had to say it, it's a long story) Both of my sisters looked very good. I thank Rueben especially, he went out of his way to make my stay a good one. We left Sunday morning early and arrived in Stockton at 5pm. It is so good to be home that really wore me out.
I would appreciate comments on this post, especially from family members.

My Lifelong Friend Terry Sump

I met Terry and his brother Jon outside the neighborhood barbershop when Jon and I were going into the 4th grade. We only lived a few blocks from each other and became fast friends. We opened our imaginations when we were together, as we carried our BB guns to the levee to shoot at squirrels, and look for left behind fishing tackle along the shore. We were there almost every day in the Summers. There was a dock about 20 ft. high where the oil tankers would unload, and we would dive off into the water below. but first someone had to be thrown in to clear the oil slick away. We didn't know from day to day which one of us it was going to be, but if someone new was there, we would say look down below and see if there is anything floating on the water that might hurt us. They would look, and as soon as they said it was all clear, off they went. Hey, Kids are bullet proof (remember) anyway, as we grew the bond between Terry, Jon and I became stronger each year, like braiding a rope, the more strands braided the stronger the rope. Terry has always been a faithful and true friend, through thick and thin and I count him as a brother and confidant.  I couldn't tell all of the adventures, good times, bad times and inside stuff we went through together without having a book like war and peace page number wise. I would hope that everyone has a friend like Terry. And if you don't, naner, naner, naner. ;^)   Almost forgot, there is a picture of  Terry below.

My Face book Friend Libby Baker Sweiger

How can I express the joy of finding Libby, she is such a wonderful child of God. She is very well educated, very independent and work oriented and has her own business. She is currently writing a book, which runs in the family. Her dad, William D. Baker is an accomplished author. I have read one of his books, "THE GUIDE SHOOTS FIRST"and enjoyed it very much. I am so much looking forward to Libby's book. She has a way with words that bless me and make me want to be better and step up my pace on this pathway we are on. She has been a major encouragement to me, and I love my sister for it. You can see her love for God all over her face and in her eyes. Libby has held my hand through this whole facebook experience, new things frustrate me and I shut down when I don't understand, so I appreciate that she was willing to make it easier for me. You know, you can tell a lot about people in the way they treat their parents, long after they have left the nest. If you go to Libby's page you can see her beaming with happiness in the photos with her family. I go back occasionally and check them out again, it cheers me to see the warmth. I haven't talked a lot with her husband Mike, but I know he is the strong center of the family. They are so well matched, and have been together for quite a long time. I heard they met when Libby's horse threw a shoe, and Mike came by and being a good cowpoke screwed it back on, and aired it up or whatever they do. ;^) just kidding! Anyway, they have a daughter which is the sweetest, most wonderful young lady in the state of Minnesota. Did I mention she's a hockey player. I won't tease her cause a balding man with a puck wedged in his forehead, well, let's just say that would be a minus and I'm already ugly. Also because of Libby I have been friended by so many true hearts, Heather, Mary, Meghan, just to name a few of those beautiful people. I will have to plan a trip back there, hopefully the weather will take a brake one of these days.

Walking

I had been speaking with a man on facebook, and his comments to me and the scriptures he quoted made me think about the word of God and our Christian walk. This man I was speaking to had such a negative spirit, he would quote me scriptures and between scriptures he made personal statements calling me stupid and a liar because I didn't answer him with quotes, he was so offensive and angry, and with each post he made, the more angry and vicious he became, arranging Bible verses to try to beat me to a pulp. If we are walking in Christ then we would not outstep our bounds. This man's opinion of himself was so great that he went totally overboard. Then at the end of his rants, he said this was his last contact with me, in his eyes I am doomed for not accepting his judgement (which he interprets as a decision, nothing more) and with that he blocked any responses from me. I only asked him not to judge others, that there is one Judge of all. My thought is, watch how the Spirit of God is moving and also watch how your spirit is moving. As we walk do not stray from the path, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and the prize.

Heading Home: A Vision of Earth

Heading Home: A Vision of Earth

A Facebook Friend

I wanted to take the time to tell you about a friend I've been blessed with since I've been on facebook. Her name is Heather Jeanette Jensen - Siebens, and she is such a lover of God.
From the first time we communicated I knew I was talking with someone very special. There is no visiting her page without leaving it desiring to draw closer to God. She is Bright & Beautiful, Intelligent with a great wit, Creative, has such a zeal for life and such a upbeat personality. Inspiring, and Committed to our Lord Jesus. Heather is more flexible than Gumby (a Gymnast) I hurt just thinking about the things she can do.
She has had Brain Surgery 3 times, and is in pain most of the time. She has her whole story about her illness posted on facebook, twitter and on her blog Alive in me. If you read it, you will be as in awe as I am. She has a wonderful Spiritual daughter Tory, mature for her age and as cute as a button. A husband Christian, a good man and the love of her life, After Jesus of course. And a brother Troy, they are so connected you would think they were joined at the hip.
I really value Heather's friendship, and as yet have not had the pleasure of standing face to face with her. If the Lord wills someday it shall come to pass, until then, I will have to be content speaking with her this way. I have heard people give facebook a bad rap, but I would have to say they haven't met the good people I have. They are all as cool water flowing from an artesian well.
P.S. Heather is very ill right now, so if you are a praying person, pray for her recovery and that her pain will vanish, this is a very serious and urgent request, Thank You

Stockton, CA

The city of Stockton was founded by Charles M. Weber. Prior to it's official name it was formerly known as Tuleburg & Mudville. It Became Stockton officially in 1849 and was the first town in California with an English name. Weber immigrated from Germany, got a large land grant and started Stockton. When gold was discovered he tried his hand at mining, but soon realized the real glory hole was providing supplies to the miners heading for the gold hills. With it's navigable channel Stockton became a major supply port for the area. The channel brought adventurers & supplies 90 miles inland from San Francisco Bay. Stockton is the 13th largest city in California. Home to Tilli Lewis Foods, she brought in the Roma tomato to grow and can. and became a giant in the food industry. Also home to Caterpillar Tractors, designed with track like a tank to farm the island area around Stockton, normal tractors would sink in the island peat dirt. Today we Grow an abundance of Asparagus, Tomato's, Carrots, Onions, Melons, etc. Stockton is also home to the University of the Pacific, a very prestigious school. A popular locale for the movie industry, many films have been shot here, my favorite of them, "Cool Hand Luke" with Paul Newman, George Kennedy and Strother Martin, Strother Martin's famous line from the movie, "What we have here is a failure to communicate". That is one of my favorite movie scenes. The line itself, the context and Strother's delivery of it.

Grandfather

My oldest son Samuel informed me yesterday by text message that I am going to be a grandfather, I texted back that I would work up baby sitting prices and send them to him. I Am optimistic about the time ahead.
Here is an update, the baby is 24 weeks in the oven, healthy and all is well. They found out that they will be having a boy he is due in December, and I will have a grandson (time to double those babysitting fees) I am very happy for Sam & Amanda.

Time has marched on and Abel is 6 months old, and such a sweet little guy, his full name is Abel Thomas Wall and I will post a picture for you . I am a very proud grandfather and father. My oldest son Sam has turned out very well, and I am proud of him. He is such a great dad, and helps me when I need help.

My Big Brother Skip

This is my brother, he is 9 years older than me. He left home and moved to Chicago with our uncle  Clyde when I was 8 years old. He went to work cooking in a place in the Loop, where he met his wife Frieda. We have very similar hairstyles but I think his head is bigger. We haven't seen each other very often in all these years, but when we do get together it seems like we haven't been apart. He used to tease me quite often when I was a child.  He told me that a family of Chinese slowed down in front of the  house and kicked me out of the door , his mom felt sorry for me and took me in and to prove I was Chinese he quoted Ripley's Believe it or not. where it said "Every fifth child in the world is chinese" then he would count us off by age, and by golly I was the fifth child. I love my big brother very much, without him I wouldn't be the emotional cripple I am today. 

Being open to new things

     Have you ever put off something you had never tried before? That's the way I was with Face Book and Blogs. A short time ago I was encouraged to check out FaceBook, and there I met some very wonderful people. Libby & Mike , Heather & Christian & Troy & Tory. Mary & so many more, I am so happy I've met these special folks. I even re-connected with a high school friend Barbara that I hadn't seen for many many years. Libby encouraged me to look a bit further, and here I am at Blogspot. So if you happen by, don't leave without saying Hi. Tell me how you met the Lord Jesus.