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.