by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 20, 2025 | About Summer, Opinions, Prayers
I want to share my personal account with you about my God; the Father of Jesus. This is not something that I want to force you to read or make you feel anything negative about so if this is not your type of topic, I won’t be offended if you don’t read it, or you don’t believe me, but I have not copied any of this from anyone else. I don’t go to church, so I am not under the influence of any human doctrine. It is just my Jesus story.
I was raised in a family that believed in God. But it was kind of a fire and brimstone belief. That is not what I believe.
I have always spent a lot of time alone. One day, I was playing under the apple trees in my backyard; my favorite place to be. I was 5. I knew I was suddenly not alone. Jesus was with me. After that, unless I forgot, which is a very human thing to do, I was never alone. Although I didn’t always understand it, I went through phases where I would spend hours in the bible; especially the words in red.
Because my parents divorced when I was young and my father wasn’t around, my mother expected a lot out of me, since I was her oldest child. I didn’t know how to do most things that were expected of me but Jesus was My Friend. He taught me many things. My whole life, I have asked Jesus for help and I would either suddenly have a great idea or later I would have a dream and wake up knowing how to do something I had never done before.
I was raised in a Southern Baptist Church, with all its blessings and limitations. When I was 20 years old, I heard the voice of God, that still small voice, for the first time. God told me it was time to leave. This church had taught me all they could teach me.
I had never really rebelled as a teenager, like most kids do. I didn’t have time. I had a house, siblings, school and 3 part time jobs that I was responsible for. At 20, I was struggling and as I was starting to express some individuality and experiment with small amounts of alcohol, cannabis and hair color. The response was to shun me, not love me. But God knew me. God knew I would never enjoy anything beyond the hair color for very long. I enjoy sobriety. I am wired that way. God also knew I had gifts that I needed help with that needed a different kind of belief.
I found myself at a nondenominational church that was related to a vineyard church. I was drawn in by the couple with Mohawks near the door and the amazing music. I was intimidated by the groups of people speaking in tongues, or shaking and quaking but I loved watching the dancers and when I was almost ready to leave because this seemed to be too much, the pastor seemed to look me in the eye, from the pulpit, and say I belonged here and wasn’t it wonderful that God could be expressed in so many different ways, so freely?
I stayed there for 5 years learning things that were helpful. Things about the spiritual realm that I had experienced all my life, but could not put into words or didn’t know anyone that could help me understand before this. Some things were useful. Some things were not, but I learned to discern the difference, not from them, but from Jesus. He was still My Friend and Teacher.
When I was 25 years old I realized I was a 20 year old Christian but I felt like a toddler. I wanted to be fed, not just by the milk that the teachers at church gave, but the meat that the bible talks about. I had been failed by humans my whole life and I wanted God to prove The Word was true.
I told God I would not go to church or read the bible until it was proven to me. I don’t recommend this to everyone. It was a risky proposition. But God was faithful. I can’t prove it to anyone but me, but one by one, God proved that God was the author and finisher of my faith.
I visit churches now, but I have not found one that offers the relationship I have with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Humans, even in their good intentions, mess things up. Politics and human nature can be our worst enemies.
I do read my bible though. Almost every day. I have read it all the way through, I don’t know how many times. Each time, I learn something new. I am encouraged. I learn more about, not only my God but myself. I learn to be objective and I learn to love.
I know that in the bible times there were many gods that were worshiped and many of them may have been aspects of My God because it was believed to even say Yahweh (the Hebrew name for God) was to own God and that was not accepted. Instead of being brave and choosing to follow one God, they broke God into pieces and worshiped God in parts. This is what made God so angry, although God did understand. That is why God had already planned to send Jesus, God’s Son, God in human form to the world so Jesus could relate to us and us to Him and He could give His life as the final sacrifice for all sin and the temples could become places of praise and worship, instead of the slaughter houses they actually were.
It has never occurred to me to learn much about other gods. This is only because no other god has ever chosen me. No other god has come to me and introduced me to themselves; they did not teach me anything, love me or help me in anyway. I am curious about other religions, only in the way that I want to respect other people and their beliefs.
Just as much as I want you to let me have my beliefs. I want to let you have yours. I hope we are both secure in ourselves and our beliefs that we can communicate in respect for each other and even learn from each other. It is my responsibility to love you and this responsibility is greater than any rights that any law a human can give me. If God has chosen you, God will change your mind.
This is my story and my truth.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 15, 2025 | Opinions, Prayers
I was scrolling Facebook and saw several posts where people had decided that the fire in California was God’s wrath or it was fine that part of the United States is on fire because the people in that area generally have money. At first I was mortified because I can’t imagine feeling that much hate and judgement towards people I don’t know, but now I just feel sad.
Loss and tragedy are always loss and tragedy. Many of us know people that have lost something, whether it is a loved one, a beloved pet, a place we once went to for fun or relaxation, a job we once relied on, a home we enjoyed or a place we planned to go to. There is wildlife that have lost their homes and lives. There are vulnerable individuals that are still vulnerable. Not everyone in California is wealthy.
The most shocking posts were the ones that blame politicians. I mean how do you blame humans for fire and wind? Or the late rain?
There are firefighters from Canada, Mexico and Africa (and maybe more that I have missed) that found value in us, enough to come help us, but our own citizens, can hate us. I am so thankful for every helper! Every penny and resource donated and every prayer and good thought sent.
Those same people that have decided where God’s wrath should go, I feel sorry for them.
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
John 3:17-19
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Thank you for your love and kindness. It is contagious. Be well.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 10, 2025 | Opinions
I had a dentist appointment on Wednesday to prepare for a crown and to fill a cavity. I have never had this many issues before with my teeth. It is caused by a medication I take to control my arthritis. I have a lot more work to be be done. But on Wednesday I was trying to work with my dental team. My mouth is very small so with my chair tilted back as far as it goes, which is kind of backwards, and my head to one side and my mouth as wide as I could open it, and my hand trying to push my jaw in the opposite direction of my head to try to make more space for my dentist and the hygienist that was assisting her, I was focusing on breathing out of my nose and reminding myself to not clench up, which I tend to do, and I thought about my sister. Jamie Holloway, who also has a small mouth but she also has a trach. I was considering that immediately as I sat down, a bib was hung around my neck and towel was put over that; Right where Jamie’s trach would be. I also know she can’t breathe lying flat so she would really be struggling in this position.
Later I texted her and asked her about it. She took a bit to answer me. But finally, she told me she doesn’t go to the dentist. I was very concerned. I asked her how she knows if there is a problem brewing in her mouth and she told me she does have issues. She has a broken tooth and nerve pain in her face. She said the last dentist she went to told her to take her trach out. They were unwilling to be creative or helpful at all.
Jamie doesn’t have that contraption in her neck that connects to her oxygen tank just for looks or for fun. She would love to be free of it but so far there is no medical procedure that will free her from the tubes and tanks that keep her alive. She has an auto immune disease that attacks her throat and lungs and she can’t breathe without her trach. She did tell me she might go back but right now she has a lot on her plate. Jamie has to have dilation surgeries on her throat and lungs regularly because the inflammation causes them to close on her. She is really struggling right now and we are all counting down to January 22 when she has her next surgery will be able to breathe better.
I’m writing this in case there is a dentist out there that has never considered that people with tracheostomies need dental care. They need dental teams that are willing to think outside the box to make sure they get what they need. Disabled people need to be able to go to places that are willing to accommodate them because they matter, they are important and they deserve to have the help they need just like everyone else.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 28, 2024 | About Summer, Opinions
I have been fighting my body for years. The chronic illness and pain is exhausting. The one step forward and 10 steps backwards can be so defeating. It has taken 10 years for me to create and get to a place of success with my anaerobic workout; which means I can do it every day and still do what I need to do. From this workout I have gained muscle which supports my arthritic body and lets me do more things than I used to be able to do. Walking has been a challenge.
It is hard to fight with my hips and knees but I never gave up because I want a life that is more active than it is now. Losing 50 lbs has helped. I have got stuck in a plateau so last week I decided to try to push myself a little harder. My first longer walk left me almost unable to walk for 2 days but walked as much as I could.
I have to build up my lungs for my hysterectomy where I will be upside down for the procedure. Air will be forced into my lungs. If they are not strong enough, they could collapse and the procedure will have to end.
I have not been able to be on the floor for years. When my cat, Xavier, was dying, I had to get down to see if he was alive under the bed. I was glad to see his shiny eyes, but my knees were screaming. But I want to play with my nephews and be a foster mom. I need to keep losing weight and building more muscle to support my joints and ligaments.
I am so excited to say I walked every day last week, for even only 8 minutes, except Tuesday. I walked 22 minutes yesterday and 23 minutes today. My body seems to be accepting something I want and I am dumbfounded. She usually fights me so hard. Wow!
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 28, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Books can take you all sorts of adventures. Some of these books I am sharing this month were books I read as a child. Some of them I read to my preschool students or nieces and nephews. Some of them are brand new to me but they remind me of other people in my life. Books are so important. I love to watch children fall in love with books because I know that books not only increase our ability to imagine new places but they teach us self reliance and resilience. If you can imagine yourself doing something, you can make it happen. I hope you are fostering love for books with the young people in your life.
Now without further ado 5 Books for October 2024:
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The Raggedy Andy Stories by Johnny Gruelle
The Raggedy Andy Stories: The Very First Raggedy Andy Stories by Johnny Gruelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I grew up with Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy and I had The Raggedy Andy Stories by Johnny Gruelle as a child. Reading this collection of children’s classics fiction stories was heartwarming and nostalgic. Out of the 8 stories: How Raggedy Andy Came, The Nursery Dance, The Spinning Wheel, The Taffy Pull, The Rabbit Chase, Raggedy Andy’s Smile, The Wooden Horse, and Making Angels in the Snow, I have to say the 6th story, Raggedy Andy’s Smile is my favorite. I loved my dolls. I loved to help them or other children’s dolls or blankets when their smile wore off or some other repair needed to be made. I love that Santa came to the rescue of all of Marcella’s dolls and repaired them all because she loved her dolls and played with them every day.
This beautiful fantasy picture book is filled with love and friendship and is perfect for any story time. I really enjoyed reading this book.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Raggedy Andy Stories by Johnny Gruelle on Amazon.
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Harold at The North Pole by Crockett Johnson
Harold at the North Pole by Crockett Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Harold at the North Pole by Crockett Johnson is another children’s classic fantasy about Harold and his crayon and how he solves a problem though art. This time, Harold needs a Christmas tree before Santa comes to his house. While he is out looking and drawing, there is a snow storm and he gets a little lost, but ends up at the North Pole where Santa is snowed in. Although Santa can jump up the chimney, his sleigh and all his reindeer cannot, so Harold helps him out. Harold also finds the perfect tree, just in time. This beautiful children’s holiday fiction picture book is perfect for any story time.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Harold at the North Pole by Crockett Johnson on Amazon.
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Fairy the Farting Unicorn by Humor Heals Us
Fairy the Farting Unicorn : A Funny Kid’s Book About a Unicorn Who Farts by Humor Heals Us
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fairy the Farting Unicorn by Humor Heals Us is so fun to read. It book every rule about bodily functions my nana ever taught me, but I think, even Nana would have laughed at Fairy’s floral scented flatulence, especially when she blasted the animal poachers to France! Even though the word fart was consider the “F” word when I was growing up, I have found that farting happens and children, especially my nephews, love books about farting, so I was excited to add this book to my collection fiction picture books and I have laughed through my first reading of this great fantasy. The rainbow colored illustrations are exceptional too!
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Fairy the Farting Unicorn by Humor Heals Us on Amazon.
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A Treasury of Curious George by Margret & H.A. Rey
A Treasury of Curious George by Margret Rey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Treasury of Curious George by Margret & H.A. Rey is a collection of 8 stories that include: Curious George Takes a Train, Curious George Visits a Toys Store, Curious George and the Dump Truck, Curious George and the Birthday Surprise, Curious George Goes Camping, Curious George Goes to a Costume Party, Curious George Visits the Library, and Curious George in the Big City. All stories were fun and educational as we watch a little monkey, named George, be curious and get into all kinds of adventure, but if I had to pick one favorite, it would be Curious George and the Dump Truck.
In Curious George and the Dump Truck the story starts out with ducks and ducks are one of my favorite animals. George likes them too and since he had never seen ducks before, he followed them to the park where he found a dump truck. The workers were on their lunch break. George really reminds me of my nephew, Kaison, who doesn’t have a lot of words yet, but he has enough energy and curiosity for 10 children and that can lead to anything, much like the creative situations that George often finds himself in. He doesn’t mean to cause trouble, but messes often happen and there always some fun.
The illustrations in this classic fiction picture book are in the style of H.A. Rey, by Vipah International and Martha Weston and they are heartwarming and fun. George makes any story time fun.
I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of A Treasury of Curious George by Margret & H.A. Rey on Amazon.
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Walter the Farting Dog Goes On a Cruise by William Katzwinkle, Glenn Murray & Elizabeth Gundy
Walter the Farting Dog Goes on a Cruise by William Kotzwinkle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I always wonder why Walter’s family take him on adventures since his atrocious gas always gets him alienated from society, but I love that they adore him enough to try to include him. Although one might see Walter’s horrendous gas as a handicap, it always turns out to save the day, just as it does in Walter the Farting Dog Goes On a Cruise by William Katzwinkle, Glenn Murray & Elizabeth Gundy. As always Walter is isolated because no one, not even the other animals, can stand the smell of his farting, but when the computer system goes out on the cruise ship, leaving Walter on a dingy attached to the back of the boat worked out for everyone as some especially powerful farts project Walter and the ship directly into port right on time, saving the day even with some humor.
The fun and colorful illustrations by Audrey Colman really add to the enjoyment of this children’s fiction picture book.
View all my reviews
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Walter the Farting Dog Goes On a Cruise by William Katzwinkle, Glenn Murray & Elizabeth Gundy on Amazon.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 24, 2024 | Opinions
My wife, Karen G Clemenson, called me to the carpet. I think what Israel chooses to do in the war between them and Palestine is none of our business, but I think we should be helping people from Latin countries who need asylum.
It isn’t that I don’t think we should stop sending food and resources and prayers for Israel and the people in the Middle East. I do. But their culture is so different. We can’t know what it is like to live with terrorists or next to a country that won’t lead itself. Besides, Israel is going to do what they are going to do and it doesn’t matter what we think and they are in their own country. They get to choose because they are in their own house.
But just like the neighbor that chooses to stay in the abusive relationship, we can’t make them change.
However, we have neighbors in abusive relationships that are banging on our door, begging for help. They don’t want their daughters to be trafficked and their sons to be forced into wars or gangs or drug cartels. We need to help them.
Some of us are afraid because life is hard and for most of us, we are juggling bills just to survive, but as I reminded my wife, even though our home is not what we desire, it is solid; we have clothes to wear and food to eat, and often we even get to share. Politicians want us to be afraid but God tells us to not be afraid. He will provide. He always does. The United States is one of the richest countries in the world, we just misuse our resources. We have enough. Stop worrying.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 22, 2024 | About Summer, Opinions, Wellness
I bought into the WalkFit app. It’s on sale for $16 for the first month and $40 after that. You might wonder why I would do that when my wife, Karen G Clemenson, is one of the best personal trainers in Cowlitz County…well I am sensory person and there is just too much going on at a gym and I am truly very intrinsically motivated. I don’t usually need help. But I hate cardio. It’s time to move.
I have created several great wellness habits over the years, including an anaerobic workout that I do every day, but my nana was a very fit woman and still needed a triple bypass in her 50’s and even though scans show that my heart and arteries are all good, I still would like to avoid that situation. I would also like to be able to walk a 5K one day and return to Disneyland without help and right now I can’t honestly say my body is up for that.
I like that this app has several types of walking workouts, even indoor ones that are like light aerobic workouts. That is what sold it for me but I started with just a walk because I really haven’t walked much over the last month while I have suffered with a terrible migraine, my trigeminal neuralgia has been acting up and my TMJ has been giving me hell. I successfully walked for about 17 minutes without my cane or a shopping cart, which is how I usually get my walking in.
I have been considering this for some time but what really got me to actually move was my sister/friend, Jamie J Holloway. She has several severe mobility issues and is usually housebound and wheelchair bound. Sunday she had to go somewhere and couldn’t take her chair. I am so overwhelmingly proud of her. I know she is hurting Monday and super tired from all the walking with her walker. She had to stop a lot to catch her breath but she did it and she made it home. If she could do that, I could do this. I don’t think she realizes how much she inspires me. That’s why I post these things because we should all be proud of our accomplishments. We can inspire and influence each other to be better, like Jamie and Karen and so many others do for me.
Falling asleep was hard because my feet and knees were complaining but once the Deep Blue Stick took affect and I did my nightly feet exercises a few extra times I slept like a log. However today my hips are not happy. I spoke with Karen about it and she agreed that I should take it easy today. I still did my regular workout but my walking will be grocery shopping. I am still a person with two kinds of arthritis. I will walk tomorrow.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 18, 2024 | Opinions
October is hard on me. This is my mother’s birthday month. She hates her birthday. Even as a child she hated her birthday. She also hated holidays. She seemed to hate Sunday mornings and picture days. These were the hardest days to prepare for and get through. My mother has borderline personality disorder. If you know anything about this mental illness, you know what a struggle she has had. Her brain hates her and wants her to die but she is in love with her children and is highly creative. She is generous and kind but as with many people with BPD, she excelled at work and was worn out by the time she got home and I was the target of her negativity.
I want people to love my mother. She deserves it. I love my mother. But she can’t be in my life.
I was raised in a Southern Baptist Church. My mother was raised in a Southern Baptist Church. She also went to Catholic school. My father was raised Catholic. I have been taught about hell and told I will go there for the smallest to the largest of acts.
I know hell.
I won’t be cursed like this anymore. My wife reminded me that I need to get used to this because I am queer. I don’t even think about this very often. In my relationship with God, it just hasn’t been a problem. Only humans like to label me.
I was told I will pay for my belief that women’s medical decisions are to be left between them and their medical team, on Judgement Day, yesterday. It reminded me of all the times I was told I would go to hell if Jesus came right now. I don’t believe God works like this anymore but it still brought back a lot of scary memories for me.
I ask Jesus to save me and know me now, regularly. It was something I learned during my time with a Christian therapist that was helping me integrate several fractured parts of myself. It is implied that God will reveal anything I need to repent to Him for, which I do because anything that stands between God and I is sin and stops me from hearing Him. I have had a relationship with a loving God since I was 5 years old that has saved me countless times, especially as I became an adult and could begin to heal and grow into the person God actually created me to be, instead of who my family expected me to be.
I don’t have a lot of faith in people. I love people but my faith is in God. I don’t believe every conservative Christian is bad; there were many that truly helped me and loved me but I do believe that christians that let rules and dogma become more important than love and grace will not be in heaven on Judgement Day.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 17, 2024 | Opinions
Dear conservative christians: You can’t possibly understand my position on abortion. You are so stuck on an idea. My position is based on free will, which is based on what God created because God wants to be chosen. God also understands each of us better than rules and ideas. God knows that there are circumstances where humans find ourselves in desperate situations and grace is necessary. I believe that God is with all His creation and especially with babies that are aborted.
I have never had an abortion and I don’t think I would ever have been in a situation where I would have had one, because I have a relationship with God and I know He would have carried me through the worst scenario I can imagine, I can’t test that because I have never been pregnant. I don’t believe I could have become pregnant which is a huge burden to me, since being a mother, is the one thing I have wanted most. But I don’t believe I have the right to judge anyone or stop them from having a safe procedure that might allow them to have a safe pregnancy when they are ready.
I believe many christians are not truly pro-life but pro-birth. I believe this because my mother worked hard but could never afford health insurance. Healthy parents raise healthy children and work harder and pay more taxes. Our foster care system is overwhelmed with children, and yet, pro-birth christians have empty rooms in their homes.
My words are hard to hear because many conservative christians don’t want to consider themselves to be Pharisees, but when ideas and rules are bigger than love and relationship, that is exactly what you become. Jesus came to teach us that love, forgiveness, grace and mercy is bigger than the rules we can’t follow because they cause death. The bible is an important tool but it must be read continuously along with prayer and relationship with God and not relying on the teaching of humans. Humans like to rely on rules because it is safe and comfortable. Rules can be helpful but relationship with God, who knows us best, is where real growth and compassion comes in. There is corruption that has been sewn into the bible too because humans have edited the bible over the years to benefit their agendas. This is why relationship with God and honest prayer is vital to bible study.
There is no room in heaven for Pharisees. Conservative christians need to know that is in the bible too. Your rules cannot be bigger than your love and mercy. The rules in the bible were meant to teach us how to have self control, so we would have less stress. The rules were not meant for us to impose on other people.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Sep 19, 2024 | About Summer, Opinions
I was a dad’s girl. I tried to call my father daddy once and we both gave each other a look. We both knew he wasn’t a daddy. It wasn’t that he didn’t love me. I knew he loved me. It was just that neither of us was overly cuddly. We were more logical. I was in grade school and there were girls that called their dads by that name and I was trying it out. It was not natural. I didn’t do it again.
If Dad was available I would be by his side. I am sure I tried his patience a lot, but I did learn to work because that was what my dad liked to do. We worked in the yard. We worked on the cars and on the bikes. We built a shed. We worked in the garden. I wasn’t allowed to prune the trees or anything dangerous but I liked being with my dad. He thought more like me. Most of my questions didn’t overwhelm him. He was usually the most stable parent. If he got upset, there was always a reason; you knew to obey him and never do certain things.
My mom was different. Her mental illness made her different. I never really knew which mom I was going to run into. She was very emotional. She wanted a daughter that wanted to be coddled and I wasn’t that way. She had an easier time with my younger siblings.
My life seemed perfect until I was 5 years old. There is a definite line in my life that started there. My great-grandmother died. I called her Grammy. She was my favorite person. Jesus introduced Himself to me when I was playing under the apple trees in the backyard. I was by myself so there aren’t any witnesses but I will never forget that day and how I never really felt alone again. I also think that was the year that my parent’s marriage really began to fall apart.
My dad left when I was 9 years old. He had made promises to me about when I became a woman. He said he would still be there for me. But he lied.
He lied a lot.
He not only lied but he left me holding the bag. I now had all his responsibilities. He really did expect me to take care of my siblings and the house. He expected me to be happy when I came to visit him even though he emotionally abused me the entire car ride to his place where I had to be respectful of his girlfriend and eventual wife. I hated her. I am positive it was mutual.
Not one promise my father made to me, growing up, ever came true.
I tried to make friends with his wife, when I was a young adult, but she didn’t want that. It didn’t fit in with what she wanted. I was supposed to be the scapegoat.
In my young 20’s, I was in therapy and trying to become whole. It was hard because I didn’t know how to leave the abuse that we were all used to. But when I got married, I left and I finally had someone that asked me to not let them hurt me anymore. After several therapists had suggested I leave them behind, I told them I needed a break. It was supposed to be a break.
But my siblings cut me off. They tallied up anything they ever hated about me and rallied against me and anytime I tried to talk to my father he would tell me about them. I was so confused. He had always said that when we were adults, his job was done. If that was true than these things were none of his business. Why was he talking to me about things they should be talking to me about, but weren’t? Why was he yelling me about this? Why was I being abused still?
When I got cancer I didn’t want my parents to hear it from anyone but me. I felt like I should respect them at least that much. I had told my friends first but that had been in a text. I hadn’t actually said it out loud yet. I had heard it at the doctor’s office with my wife and texted my friends. This was a mistake. I called my mom first but she didn’t answer. So Dad got the message first and I broke down. While I was crying he was telling me about the problems with my damn siblings and their adult kids again. What the hell!
The call ended up with me calling my father a son of a bitch. A few weeks later I sent him a letter asking for forgiveness for my response to him. I don’t believe he deserves to be spoken to like that. But I also see how he brings out the worst in me. I told him I had to be done. I told him I didn’t want to be his daughter anymore. I didn’t want anything from him ever again. I loved him and I pray for him but I had to be done.
I know he didn’t understand this letter. I know he didn’t understand the level of pain I was in to make these statements; that after years of begging for respect and love and better communication, I was removing myself from his flock. Even though I see myself as the most like him and I understand why he does what he does, I have to protect myself. I have forgiven him but I had to leave.
His wife expects me to come back because she usually gets what she wants. She has written to me in his name. I know my father knows me. He knows when I say I am done that I really mean it. I know it was her that wrote the letter that I received the week after my grandpa died, knowing I would be hurting. She really expected me to want reconciliation and she really expected me to apologize but I don’t have anything to apologize for. I am not sorry.
I have repented to God for the pain that my healing has caused. I know that my telling my stories has caused pain because my growth and honesty hurts my fixed mindset extended family members that need to keep their secrets. It is healthy and necessary for me to tell my stories and I also know that there are people that read my stories and they are empowered by them and I want them to be. I am not so special that my stories can’t help someone just as they help me to heal.
I have been told that because I tell my stories I have betrayed my extended family members. That is the trouble with family abuse and traumas that are never dealt with until someone says; here and no further. Because my family has refused to get help with their traumas, which are there. Because they are there, they have perpetuated a system of pain. They could be proud of me. They could see that I am brave and honest. They could see that I have learned a lot of positive tools to deal with the things my brain and body lie to me about and they could join me in getting well. They have not chosen to change. They have that right.
There is a difference between forgiveness and repentance. When we repent we recognize we have made an error and we try our hardest to never do it again. I know this is next to impossible from my fixed mindset family. But it is not impossible for God to do anything. If God wants reconciliation He will make it happen. He knows what I need and what we all need. I trust Him.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Sep 17, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I believe that Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is one of the saddest stories I have ever read. The first time I ever heard about this book, I was reading The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams. This classic fiction novel was on the reading list in this book; since then I have also seen it on a couple more literary must read lists, so I purchased it and made sure to read it. I don’t believe the book mentions any dates for reference, but it must take place around the time it was written, 1938. I suspect this because people had cars but no TVs in their homes, women were educated but men still did most of the talking.
“I believe there is a theory that men and women emerge finer and stronger after suffering, and that to advance in this or any world, we must endure ordeal by fire.” Chapter 2
Rebecca was the name of the first wife of Mr. de Winter. Although Rebecca is dead, she is still the main character throughout this mystery. Although the narrator and secondary character is the second Mrs. de Winter and we never hear her first name throughout this entire romance thriller.
Rebecca is an intense book. It is well written. I was compelled to continue reading it. There was growth in the characters, especial the second Mrs. de Winter, but it was a stressful story. I am not in love with the ending. It doesn’t feel finished.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I related a lot to the narrator of this book. As a young woman I was very shy and not able to communicate or feel capable of knowing how to make myself known. The second Mrs. de Winter was a very young lady when she married her much older husband and she had no idea the history of the family she was marrying into or even the history of her husband. She had a lot of learning and growing to do and she was forced to do it or lose him. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a complicated and sad story of mystery and manipulation.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Sep 12, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
In all the world we will never find a love like what we receive from God. I knew that before I read The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning because in all the world I have only met a few people that even came close to God’s ability to accept me and know me and love me even partially as well as He loves me. This book celebrates this truth and encourages us to reach out to our broken, imperfect neighbors and love each other anyway because it is what God does. We are all given the opportunity to be un-entitled beggars able to receive God’s mercy.
“My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.” Brennan Manning
When we accept our humanity, we declare our freedom from hunger for power or acceptance from others because we are more secure in ourself. We no longer fear criticism, because we accept our limitations. When we trust in God, who loves us consistently and faithfully nurtures us to be free disciples we are able to foster other loving people.
Jesus hung out with ragamuffins. In Jewish culture, to share a meal is to declare friendship. In bible times, sinners (ragamuffins) were outcasts and it was illegal to mix with them so Jesus was breaking the law and breaking the structure of Jewish society. Jesus was the first to treat ragamuffins with dignity and show them they were acceptable to God. :
- the poor
- the lepers
- the blind
- the hungry
- the lame
- sinners
- prostitutes
- tax collectors
- the persecuted
- the downtrodden
- the captives
- those possessed with unclean spirits
- all who labor
- all who are heavy burdened
- the people that didn’t know the law
- the crowds
- the little ones
- the least
- the last
- the lost sheep of the house of Isreal
Imposters in the Spirit always prefer appearance to reality: Self deception sells our sinfulness and prevents us from seeing that we are all ragamuffins. The self-righteous place their trust in the works of the law and closed their hearts to the gift and message of grace.
The poor is spirit (Matthew 5:3) are all those who rely entirely on the mercy of God and accept the gospel of grace. The poor in spirit are like children. Children are unselfish and incapable of pretense — they just accept the gift of the kingdom of God in faith. But we are called to be like children. Children had no worth in the bible times. So to be like a child is a big call. Christians must be willing to be totally humbled to accept oneself as unimportant and of little account. If we maintain that open-mindedness of children, we challenge fixed ideas of established structures — even our own. An open-mind believer realizes that in reality, truth and Jesus Christ are incredibly open-ended.
“Honesty is such a precious commodity that its seldom found in the world or the church. Honesty requires the truthfulness to admit the attachment and addictions that control our attention, dominate our consciousness, and function as false gods.” Brennan Manning
Repentance is not just what we do for forgiveness — it is an expression of gratitude because forgiveness can’t be earned. Once forgiven, our past is irrelevant before God. God is in the now — in the present. God is not our enemy. He is not intent on trying, tempting or testing us. He does not promote suffering and pain. Jesus teaches us that a relationship with God drives out fear, mistrust, anxiety and guilt. A true relationship is hopeful, joyous, trusting and compassionate. Human love is a faint shadow of God’s love because of it’s passion and emotion — it is a thin echo of the love of God. Authentic Christianity leads us to treat others with love and communion. It should lead the Christian to maturity, personality and reality, and reverence for the mystery of humanity in spirituality.
Jesus told us not to fear because fear was useless. He told us to trust and have joy and share this with others.
Some Christians want to be slaves. It is easier to let others make the decisions or rely on the law than to be truly honest with God and accept our limitations in religion and the gift of grace.
At this end of this book are 19 inspirational bible studies. I wish that I had been doing them while I read the book. Since I think this is a book that is to be read again and I again, I will keep this in mind when I read it next time. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to grow in their relationship with Christ and their understanding of theology.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have tried to read this book for over 20 years. In fact this is not the first copy of this book I have bought. Now was the time for this book and I am glad I finally read it because over the years, in my personal study of the bible, I have come to find that my beliefs, which seem to be different that what I was taught growing up, are exactly what are in this book. I am thankful that I can never earn the mercy and forgiveness I have got from God. I love that God is so in love with me that I can learn that kind of love from Him. That I can even try to share that kind of love with others. I know that my version of love is just a shadow of His, but I am glad to be free from the law and to live in His grace. This book is such a gift.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Aug 30, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Rosa Parks was an amazing woman and what is special about this biography put out by the Library of Congress is that it is full of pictures of her memorabilia and writings. She was an avid writer and notetaker and would write on anything she had on hand. I find this fascinating because I do this too.
Rosa Parks was active in helping people well before the day she chose to not get off the bus. She also:
- Educated voters
- Supported activists
- Campaigned for political candidates
- Fought segregation
- Sought justice for victims of sexual assault, abduction and gang rape
Rosa Parks lived for freedom not just for herself but for others. She wanted all people to be treated well.
“I would rather be lynched than live to be mistreated.” Rosa Parks
Many people had been abused as they protested bus segregation before Rosa Parks. Her actions were not planned but there was a lot to fuel the fire of history. Rose had just reached her tipping point on that day.
- Brown v. Board of Education which said that segregation of schools was unconstitutional
- Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl had been roughed up and dragged off a Montgomery bus for not giving up her seat to a white person
- Emmitt Till, a 14-year-old boy has been murdered by the KKK for a comment no one heard him make
Because of Parks’ calm demeanor and good reputation the president of the NAACP chose her to be the face of resistance. Many things happened that were a help to the civil rights movement because Rosa Parks chose to stay seated one day on the bus. On June 6, 1956 Browder v. Gayle stated that bus segregation was unconstitutional. Civil rights leaders were expecting pushback from Alabama and they got it. Alabama appealed on November 13, 1965 but the lower court upheld the ruling. Alabama appealed a second time but it was denied and Federal Marshalls handed Mayer Gayle official notice on December 20, 1956.
“I want to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free and wanted others to be free.” Rosa Parks
This is the first nonfiction book that I have read about Rosa Parks but she also wrote books about her life and I intend to read those too:
- Quiet Strength
- My Story
- Dear Mrs. Parks: A Dialogue with Today’s Youth
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Rosa Parks In Her Own Words by Susan Reyburn on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words by Susan Reyburn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rosa Parks was a humble and great woman. She worked hard to serve others for the betterment of the civil rights movement because she wanted to be remembered as a person that wanted to be free and wanted others to be free. She was not wealthy and did not ask for riches for anything she ever did but she has gone down in history has an amazing force for good. This book, put out by the Library of Congress is full of notes and personal memorabilia that she kept while on her journey towards freedom for us all.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Aug 29, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I can’t believe that summer break is over and school has begun again. Summertime flew by. It seems to go faster every year. I hope you got your reading in. I read 24 books over the summer. I think that is pretty good for me, considering only 9 of them were adult books. I love to read. If you have any books you would like me to review just let me know! Now for the 5 Books for August 2024:
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Harold’s Trip to the Sky by Cricket Johnson
Harold’s Trip to the Sky by Crockett Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love Harold and I love his adventures. Harold’s Trip to the Sky by Cricket Johnson is a sweet and classic children’s fiction story that takes you along with Harold and his purple crayon as he attempts to visit the moon, but misses and lands on Mars instead. Don’t worry, in this space fantasy Harold still makes it home in time for breakfast. I love how Harold talks about what people are afraid of and he bravely faces them with his art. I think this is my favorite Harold and the Purple Crayon picture book.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Harold’s Trip to the Sky by Cricket Jonhson on Amazon.
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Make Way for the Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I remember having Make Way for the Ducklings by Robert McCloskey on my bookshelf when I was a child. I had an aunt and uncle who lived in Boston, where this fiction story takes place and they had sent the book to us. I don’t remember the story though. It made reading this children’s classic, like new today and I am glad I have this book to share with my great niece and nephews. I love how this bird family, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard looked for the perfect place, free from foxes, turtles and other animals, bicycles and other things with wheels to raise their ducklings. I also love how when the ducks were ready for their first adventure, the police were ready to make way for the ducklings. This is a perfect family picture book.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Make Way for the Duckling by Robert McCloskey on Amazon.
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Corduroy Lost and Found by B.G. Hennessy
Corduroy Lost and Found by B.G. Hennessy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Corduroy Lost and Found by B.G. Hennessy is an adorable bear adventure just like the fiction animal adventures had by the character created by Don Freeman. It is great to see Corduroy continue on with new artists! In this children’s classic story, Corduroy finds out that Lisa’s birthday is coming and he wants to find the perfect gift for her. But on the way he gets lost. With the help of new friends, Lisa finds him, which is she really wanted all along. This precious family story is the perfect addition to story time. The illustrations by Jody Wheeler really bring this fantasy picture book to life.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Corduroy Lost and Found by B.G.Hennessy on Amazon.
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Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jim Panzee woke up in a bad mood but he doesn’t know it, but luckily all his animal friends in the jungle are there for him and help him understand his feelings. It’s ok to feel what your feel, even if its s a beautiful day. Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang is a wonderful children’s fiction book that examines emotions with the use of humor. The illustrations by Max Lang are fun and inviting to any story time.
I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang on Amazon.
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Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray
Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble At the Yard Sale by William Kotzwinkle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Surprisingly, Walter’s family brought him to the yard sale and wondered why no one came to their yard sale, not even other animals. If you know about Walter, you know he is a dog with terrible, smelly gas. Walter probably should have stayed inside for the day but where is the humor in that? Walter’s amazing farting was so powerful, he only caught the attention of a wannabe bank robber with extra stinky crime on his mind, in Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray. I was shocked that Father was willing to part with Walter for only $10 but in the end, Walter made his way home and saved the day. The fun illustrations by Audrey Colman really make this children’s fiction picture book extra fun!
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I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray on Amazon.
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You learn such amazing things when you read. Sometimes you just learn about yourself and what you like. Reading is one of the best things I ever learned. I hope you make time to read.
Be blessed.
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Aug 8, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
“Bathsheba looked directly toward the threshing floor and the king’s store house directly behind the palace. David was giving a staggering amount to this work [the building of the temple]. But she would expect nothing less of him. He was a man devoted, consumed, in his passion for the Lord his God. A generous man who had learned the gratitude that comes of sins forgiven.”
Bathsheba was King David’s eighth wife, but he was not her first husband. She was originally the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of the King’s Thirty most trusted captains. Uriah was loyal to the rules King David, the king of Israel, established for his soldiers during war, which included celibacy. Wars could last months and Bathsheba was often very lonely.
During the beginning of this biblical fiction book, King David’s favorite wife, Abigail, died after giving birth to their third child and King David was very distraught. He stayed behind from a battle and eventually met Bathsheba on her roof. They were both attracted to each other, but they stayed away from each other, knowing they were married.
Still depressed, King David, stayed back from another war. His wives quarrels had become too much for him, Abigail had often been the peacekeeper. King David and Bathsheba kept bumping into each other until one night he sent for her.
In all the four years Bathsheba was married to Uriah, she had never conceived. Bathsheba had grown accustomed to the idea that she was barren. However one evening with the king brought forth a child. When Bathsheba told the king, he called Uriah home from war and suggested that he go home to his wife. After two nights, Uriah stayed faithful to his men at war and slept at the castle’s front gate with the guards. He did not want to fail his men.
Knowing that by the time Uriah returned from war, the pregnancy could not be covered up and the consequences for adultery was death, King David ordered Uriah the Hittite to the front line, where certain death came. After the allotted time of grieving, King David took Bathsheba as his bride.
The birth of David and Bathsheba’s first son brought the attention of Nathan the profit with a message from God. The truth was revealed and David repented. God forgave David and Bathsheba but He took their first son. God also said that sword would never leave his house, while he was alive.
Years later, after David and Bathsheba had know the forgiveness of God for their forbidden romance and raised their 4 sons, King David announced his son Solomon as his successor. He had never know war and was the one to bring peace to Israel. King Solomon would go down in history as being able to do things that King David would never have been able to do.
Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith is #3 in a three part historical fiction series of the Wives of King David: Michal, Abigail and Bathsheba are wonderful novels. Each book is powerful and can stand on their own. Michal, telling about David in his youth and running from King Saul. Abigail tells of King David as his kingdom is established. Bathsheba shares about his last years. King David was a strong and passionate leader and these three of many wives helped him in so many ways. I highly recommend these Christian fiction books on their own or as the series.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith showcases the humanity of King David and Bathsheba and the love and mercy that God offers for His own pleasure and purpose. I found myself having compassion on both characters because there was so much sadness and loneliness around them. I could understand how they might have been able to cling to each other, even though they had their own spouses. Among the pain there is growth and forgiveness and that is the theme of life. I truly enjoyed the Wives of King David series, this book being #3. I highly recommend this fiction book to anyone that likes to read, even if you are not a Christian.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Aug 2, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith is an amazing historical fiction novel based on the story of King David in the bible. Abigail was David’s third wife, but before she was King David’s wife, she was betrothed to Nabal, a cruel, rich man who had inherited debt owed to his father, by Abigail’s father. Both Abigail’s father and brother worked for Nabal and Abigail was promised to him as soon as she was old enough to marry.
The marriage was filled with abuse and infidelity but Abigail was honorable to her husband in order to honor God. When David’s men protected Nabal’s livestock and required some pay, Nabal refused. Knowing this would not end well, Abigail ordered her servants to pack mules with provisions and she met David on his way to seek revenge. David respected how Abigail honored him and was thankful for the payment. There were mutual feelings on both sides at their first meeting.
As Abigail tried to tell her husband how she had saved his life and corrected his mistake, Nabal was about to strike her, but God would not allow it and struck Nabal down, who died a few days later. When David found out, he asked permission from Abigail’s father, who had joined his camp earlier, for her hand and once he agreed, David offered to marry Abigail, knowing that a woman without a husband in Israel at that time was powerless, Abigail accepted.
Abigail knew she was David’s third wife and knew he would probably take more wives. She truly loved David and he truly loved her. David even admitted, he wished he had met her first, so she could be his only wife. Her love for the Lord and her wisdom were a great comfort to him. Out of all his wives, she was the easiest confidant and support.
But sharing King David was a true test of her strength and devotion. It was hard to bear the other wive’s complaints and to share his time among them and their children, but with God’s help they made it work.
Abigail is number 2 in the 3 part biblical fiction series of The Wives of King David. I can’t really compare this book to the first one: Michal. Abigail is it’s own story. Both books are wonderful in their own ways. Whether you are a Christian or not I believe that this story of romance and war is compelling and worth the read.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Abigail: A Novel (The Wives of King David) by Jill Eileen Smith (2010) Paperback by Jill Eileen Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith is number two in a 3 part Christian Fiction series about The Wives of King David. Abigail was King David’s third wife and probably his favored because of her love for the Lord and her wise ways. She came to him while he was still living in the wilderness, hiding from King Saul’s murderous hunting and rose with him to the pinnacle of his success. The story of Abigail is full of history, romance, war and everything in between. I really enjoyed this book.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Jul 31, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Michal by Jill Eileen Smith is biblical fiction and based on history as found in the bible; the story of the rise of King David.
“And suddenly she knew. A window to her soul opened, and Michal squirmed at the sight. What a bitter woman she’d become! She’d been so afraid Father’s demons would one day hound her steps that she never realized she’d given herself over to demons of her one.”
Michal wasn’t sure how to pray but she was not alone and Adonai led her through to repentance.
Michal was the youngest daughter of King Saul, the first king and once powerful ruler of Israel. But as Saul stopped honoring the Lord Most High, his success waned and he was known to have fits of madness. Only the music of David could soothe him. But there was word that David had been anointed as the next king by Samuel the priest and this hurt King Saul’s pride. He wanted his son to be king. But even Jonathan, the king’s son was willing to honor God’s will. As King Saul’s madness progressed he was willing to do anything to keep David away from the throne. However, Michal loved David and she did become his first wife. But as King Saul sought to kill David, he had to leave his bride behind as he fled. They were separated for 17 years before David could take his place on the throne and reclaim her, but much had changed for both of them.
I was so into this historical fiction book, I read all 382 pages in one day. I simply couldn’t put down the book. I highly recommend this novel on romance and war and everything in between to anyone that likes to read, especially if you enjoy Christian Fiction.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Michal by Jill Eileen Smith on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
Michal by Jill Eileen Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Michal is a book about romance and war and life lived as the daughter of a king driven mad with jealousy while being the wife of the future king. Michal has a life of loss that has turned to bitterness but in the end she learns to turn to God for forgiveness and freedom from all the pain.
Michal by Jill Eileen Smith is an action packed book that keep the pages turning for me. This is not the first book by Smith that I have read and I look forward to reading more. I highly recommend her books to anyone that likes to read.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
by Summer D Clemenson | Jul 30, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
I am sitting here and thinking about how I can really honor The Last Black Unicorn by TIffany Haddish. This autobiography is for adults. Your kids might want to read it but you might want to read it first because Haddish has had a challenging life and she doesn’t hide any of it, not the complexities of being black, homeless, female, abused or any other detail about her life as she shares her memoir of how she built her life from being an unwanted foster kid to being celebrity. Comedy is Haddish’s saving grace and what keeps her healthy. It is how she has made it through most of the hardest parts of her life. In high school she had the opportunity to meet Richard Pryor and he told her to always have fun and that advise has really paid off. This nonfiction biography is filled with pain, growth, but also humor and beauty as Haddish learns to value and trust herself.
I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Last Black Unicorn by TIffany Haddish on Amazon.
Read My Review on GoodReads:
The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have always enjoyed Tiffany Haddish in movies and in interviews. She is so authentic. This book is honest. She has had a hard life but she always chooses to have a good time. She has overcome a lot and worked hard to be where she is and this book tells how she did it. It was an easy read because you didn’t want to put it down. Haddish is an amazing and resilient woman.
View all my reviews
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Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
Transgender Warriors : Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman by Leslie Feinberg
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