Free Speech

by | Feb 28, 2025 | Opinions, Politics, Prayers & Thanksgiving, Queer Community

I was on Facebook, the other day, and I found myself on a feed of a more conservative perspective, where people were enjoying their right to free speech, and I came to realize that these people were the people that voted in the politicians that are responsible for the chaos we are in right now. I always hate it when people just blame the president for every issue we have because the president only has the power Congress allows them. Congress is more powerful than the president. And it is Congress that has empowered 47 and Musk. But it is voters that empowered Congress and 47 and Musk.

The lack of care for individuals, these people showed, should not surprise me. They were ok with thousands of people losing their jobs and health insurance. They were ok with the impersonal way these people are being let go. They were happy with the fear that some of us feel. They considered anyone that disagreed with them garbage and felt free to say it in all sorts of nasty ways. I didn’t comment because I knew they couldn’t hear me. The inalienable right of every man to pursue their happiness was irrelevant to anyone but themselves.

As we watch our scientists lose their jobs and funding, I wonder if anyone with the power has considered that this investment in  future knowledge is part of our culture and power. That our reach for science compels us to find answers for illness and technology that also creates relationships even with our enemies. As we isolate ourselves from a world that we helped create on a global scale, this sudden rejection is not going to make us better or great. As our Congress allows our president to run his mouth, unchecked, one day the other countries will get sick of the stress he brings and we can only wonder when war, which our country had been able to keep off our shores for a very long time, might just come to meet us and there will be no one to help us.

I know that all presidents reject executive orders and projects of previous presidents, but the extent that 47 has done this is extreme. Someone asked me about what I thought about the pipeline project that Biden stopped and laid off workers, that Trump had begun when he was 45. But in actuality, that project was begun when Obama was president and before they could get too far, testing showed that the pipeline would poison the waters that the pipeline would be under. It would affect the fish, animals and people that were around that water, so it was stopped by Obama. 45 started it again because he doesn’t care about our environment or our health. When Biden got into office, the same testing happened with the same results that were found when Obama was in office were estimated and Biden put a stop to the project. At the time, there were no definite numbers as to how many jobs the pipeline would create during the build, but they were only temporary jobs. In the end there would only be 50 jobs created to maintain the pipeline, once the project was completed. This, by far, is a much smaller number that the hundreds of thousands of jobs that have been lost and will continue to be cut because of 47’s crusade to make government smaller, even if we need those government workers.

This same person asked me about nurses, doctors and state, local and federal workers that lost their jobs because they refused to be vaccinated for COVID-19. This was an easy response because I have voiced my opinion many times that my rights are superseded by my responsibility to my neighbors to be vaccinated, because the bible says I must love my neighbor as myself, without prejudice. Since I am not allergic and have no medical reason that stops me from being vaccinated, I am up to date on all my vaccines. As a medical professional, I would expect all my medical team to follow the same standard I do. People that work in the medical field or want to work for the government, unless they have a medical reason for not getting vaccinated must live to a different standard as the general public. If they don’t like it, they should have picked a different job.

One of my friends said this: I think we are in the situation we are in because “we the people” have allowed our government to dictate our lives. We are allowing “agencies” to spend without accountability. The people who were supposed to be accountable were not doing their jobs. The fraud and/or theft that has been discovered is insane. The Fed’s shouldn’t be involved in education or religion or anything not constitutionally put in their power. Including health care and providing for the poor. When you ask a person to work and take part of their labor pay to support the well-being of another, you have made the working class a slave. Our country has been a complete mess for quite some time. You can’t blame this on a month.

I don’t really have an answer for all of this. When she shares her information with me, we often disagree, so we are good at agreeing to disagree, because we love each other.

Except for religion, which I believe should never touch politics, government was needed to create balance in schools where states would not or could not. Without government help, some children have no chance of rising above their situation. As far as helping the poor, a healthy working class creates a healthy tax payer, better parents and more stability in society; it adds to the economy when people spend that money on bills, groceries and goods.

The defunding of research not only holds us back from reaching for the answers we need for the future but the relationships we had with other scientists in other countries. The fact that 47 has referred to himself as the king is unconstitutional and confusing to other countries. The fact that he will raise tariffs on Canada and Mexico in a few days, our biggest trading partners, will either be the biggest mistake 47 has ever made or maybe just another error, we will see. 47 has blatantly lied and said that Ukraine started the war with Russia when we all know it was Putin, all along. 47 has tried to erase all transgender people from existence, that is at least 1.4 million people. He is also making it so that businesses can’t choose to use diversity, equality and inclusion practices without fear of the government coming down on them. He has cut off communication between the CDC and the United States people during a break out of the bird flu, measles and flu so we have to rely on the media. He has also provided a long list of words that you can’t use when applying for grants or you will automatically be denied. Some of these words are: woman, black, trauma, victim…just to name a few. This is just a short list of what 47 has done; there is actually a lot more he has done. It has been a very fruitful month for 47.

Someone did question my christianity. I do not call myself a christian. That word has been ruined by people that have not spent enough time reading the Word or have warped it to suit their own purposes. I am a Jesus follower. I am not perfect, but I try to follow Jesus with all my heart and sometimes that causes me to say things people don’t want to hear. Which is probably just one of many reason that I don’t think that politics and religion should mix. I don’t believe I have the right to tell someone how to live their life and I certainly don’t want you to tell me how to live mine.

I am trying to be fair and relate to others. But to be honest it is hard not to be scared.

~

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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 Jesus Follower, 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 Jesus Follower…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.

5 Books for February 2025

by | Feb 19, 2025 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions

Books are so important. If there is one thing that stands out that my wife, Karen G Clemenson, and I have in common in our upbringing it is that our families ensured that we could read and they were serious about it. The books I grew up with were part of my childhood and part of me. They took me places when there was no one around to take me anywhere. Even as an adult, I am still traveling through books and learning and growing and reading children’s books is saving me from the stress of adult life; I really need this right now. I encourage you, even if you don’t have children that live with you to dig out your favorite children’s books and read them. Let the stress of the day melt off and be reminded of an easier time.

Now without further ado 5 Books for February 2025:

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Standing in the Need of Prayer by Carole Boston Weatherford

I have read and reviewed Standing in the Need of Prayer by Carole Boston Weatherford in the past. It was such an outstanding and powerful, poetry book based on the words of a gospel song and brought to life with the meaningful and strong illustrations by Frank Morrison, that I had found at the Longview Public Library, that I chose to add this book to my personal collection. As I opened the package, last week, I realized that the timing was perfect to share Standing in the Need of Prayer again for Black History Month.

I love this nonfiction book because it doesn’t hide the slave ships that first began bringing stolen people to the United States in 1619, before we were ever the United States of America, yet the artist doesn’t go so far that young children will be too frightened. The chains of oppression are right out in front, but so is hope. The book illustrates how Black people made themselves heard through speeches, music, art, military service, politics, sports, and being willing to stand where others had not before. Within these pages, growth is celebrated.

I also find the resources in the back of this picture book to be helpful and inspiring. We may have more to do, but we have come so far.

I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Standing in the Need of Prayer by Carole Boston Weatherford on Amazon.

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Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik

Little Bear (Little Bear, #1)Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I was a little girl, I enjoyed Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik. This book actually has four stories in it: What will Little Bear Wear?, Birthday Soup, Little Bear Goes to the Moon, and Little Bear’s Wish. Although I enjoyed all of the stories, and I had a hard time choosing between the last two, Little Bear Goes to the Moon is my favorite story because I love when children use their imagination.

Armed with his homemade space helmet, Little Bear, insists he can fly like a bird to the moon, even though his mother bear says that isn’t true. Along with his imagination, he finds that the moon is just like his world and he makes it home in time for lunch, where he can stop living his fantasy and enjoy the lunch Mother Bear made for him.

The illustrations by Maurice Sendak are simple and endearing and add to this classic fiction story, which has a lot of repetition and rhyme, This is perfect for young children learning to read.

I got this adorable book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik on Amazon.

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The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff

The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff moves very fast. there are so many things that happen in this book about animals, elephants, family and France, yet there isn’t time to absorb them. The idea of this story is fantastic but very hard to believe. I was shocked to see that I have read this book before and loved it. It is amazing what a few years can do to one’s perspective.

I do think the illustrations are wonderful and help tell the story quite a lot.

I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoffy on Amazon.

Read my Review on GoodReads from a few years ago:

The Story of Babar (Babar, #1)The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Story of Babar The Little Elephant by Jean De Brunhoff, was published in 1933 and must have been quite a hit among children. I know I loved it. Even though Babar loses his mother, his adventurous spirit leads him to the city and new human friends. Later he becomes king. What a sweet story that I believe can stand the test of time.

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Days With Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel

Days with Frog and Toad (Frog and Toad, #4)Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the book Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel, I found a total of 5 stories: Tomorrow, The Kite, Shivers, The Hat, and Alone. I really had a hard time choosing a favorite but I finally decided on Alone. The reason I chose Alone, is that even the best of friends sometimes needs some time alone and that is what this story is about. Toad went to Frog’s house to find a note telling Toad that Frog was gone and that he wanted to be alone.

Toad spent the day worrying about their relationship, when really Frog was in great spirits and just wanted to spend uninterrupted time being thankful. Being thankful is important, just like spending time with our friends.

I really enjoy the honest and authentic amphibian relationship that Frog and Toad share.

I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel on Amazon.

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Harold’s ABC’s by Crockett Johnson

Harold's ABC (Purple Crayon Book)Harold’s ABC by Crockett Johnson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I believe I have read all or at least most of Crockett Johnson’s Harold and the Purple Crayon books, but I must admit, Harold’s ABC’s is my least favorite of these children’s classics. The story and the art was tedious and forced to include all the letters of the alphabet in order. This is very unlike the natural flow of Harold’s natural drawing imagination.

View all my reviews

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This month our books traveled through many topics: Black History, Imagination, Family, Friendship, and Learning. That is what books do. They are always moving us. I hope you let yourself be moved by books.

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 Jesus Follower, 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 Jesus Follower…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.

 

I Am Very Concerned About Our National Debt

by | Feb 18, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions

Dear Representative,

I am very concerned about our national debt and the stress that is on my family and working families like mine. I know that Trump and the republicans are going to want to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from 2017 that is about to expire but I am asking you to fight against this with all you have. It doesn’t make sense to make those who have less to pay more than those who have more. I am not asking that the wealthy pay more than their fair share, just the same rate that all hard working United States citizens do. It is the only way that makes sense to get control of our debt without crippling our nation.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Summer D. Clemenson

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Holy Fire

by | Feb 18, 2025 | Poetry, Politics, Prayers & Thanksgiving

It is hard to think with my human mind
Sometimes my spirit is on fire
And I can’t imagine how to move
The direct path is hard to see

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Those who live in the spirit
Cannot be judged
They cannot be understood
By those who live in the flesh

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It is only God that knows
Where I am going
Where we are going
My arms are tired from holding them up

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The champions that are fighting
Must see that someone is for them
So here I stand with my arms stretched out
I am a beacon of light

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So many have left love behind
They seek human made things
For validation
For power
For life
But none of this will stand up to fire and brimstone

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Only LOVE will survive the holy fire
So I stand here
Because the warriors are winning
Even if it doesn’t look like it

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They Can’t Teach You Anything Else

by | Feb 16, 2025 | Opinions, Politics, Prayers & Thanksgiving

My heart hurts so much for the persecution that people have been going through and are going through at the hands of people proclaiming to be christians. White people. I used to be one of them, by proxy, but luckily for me, one day, God spoke to me and said, “It’s time to leave. They can’t teach you anything else.”

I cried with God today. I asked Him why He chose 47. Why He lets christian nationalists persecute people for being Queer or Transgender or Native or Black or Latin or Asian or Women or Disabled or any other group that has been othered. He loves all His creation; even if we are wrong, the bible says God leaves us to our depravity. And He said that is what He is doing. I knew He was talking about the white cisgender male christian nationalists, with all my heart.

The God I know doesn’t work in the ways we always understand because He is Spirit and He knows and sees and hears every aspect; we cannot possibly understand everything He understands. He is love in a way most of us cannot comprehend because it is free of condemnation, ulterior motives or evil in any way. I can understand being afraid of Him because conservative christians tell us we are going to hell for any human act, yet that isn’t what Jesus taught. He taught us to love God with everything you have and love your neighbor as yourself, without exception. This requires humility, the same humility that some christian nationalists say is weak. But humility is what is required to love someone as yourself. To have empathy for someone who is different from you.

Jesus said if you want to be first, you must put yourself last. If you do this God will lift you up. This is not what 47 is doing. This is not what people that are hungry for power are doing. This not what people that are condemning are doing.

Jesus said if you are being persecuted, to know that He was persecuted first. Even if you have never considered Jesus, or you have, and became disenfranchised for any number of reasons, know you have something in common with Him. People hated Him because He loved people and He was true to His beliefs even though the church and government persecuted Him. He never stopped speaking His truth.

Christian nationalists are not following the same God and Jesus I do. Their god is judgmental and ready to send sinners to hell. My God has planned for our salvation before the creation of the world because He was excited to love us and be in a relationship with us. Why would a God like that want to condemn us? My God is creative and has expressed His creativity in this amazing world but also in the individual differences of all of us, that are all made in His image. Why would He create you in His image, if He didn’t love you?

Christian nationalists have warped and misunderstood the bible, their religion and even their responsibility to love us all. They are the depraved. We must continue being strong, supporting each other, loving each other, enjoying our differences and being thankful for each other. Be strong. Be blessed. And when you can’t be strong, remember, you are not alone; grab someone’s hand and borrow their strength.

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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 Jesus Follower, 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 Jesus Follower…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.

 

I Went to a PFLAG Meeting

by | Feb 15, 2025 | Opinions, Politics, Queer Community

I went to a PFLAG meeting this week and the people at the meeting gave me some great resources to read. I got to a part in one of the pamphlets where they talk about coming out to your loved ones. I realized I never really came out to my extended family. I invited them to my wedding. I gave them 3 days notice. It was technically an elopement. They didn’t come. They blamed me for not giving them time to adjust to my announcement.

Karen G Clemenson insisted on it. I didn’t think they would come. I had never felt supported in my endeavors. They didn’t show interest in me as an individual. I was important when they needed something from me. Even now, I am positive I didn’t tell them because I had spent so much of my life trying to be what they wanted me to be, I didn’t know who I was. Being queer wasn’t something I could embrace for myself until a year after I was married, with the help of my therapist.

So many things that my extended family did wrong are mentioned in these booklets. I’m glad I have these resources. Daily I am learning more and more clearly that if you are not part of a group, you don’t get to define it.

I went to this meeting hungry for help finding information about transgender people. This special group of people usually has to fight every day for their right to live in peace. I didn’t realize that my questions, no matter how innocent my intentions were, they could trigger some very strong and negative feelings. At this meeting I was able to find people that were willing to answer some of my questions and give me a few sources to start. These resources have also given me leads to more information.

I know being a cisgender person, I will never really know the transgender or gender expansive experience, but learning more will help me empathize. If we end up fostering a transgender or gender expansive child, this will give me a little knowledge beforehand too; this is my main motivation.

This reading and what is happening at the hand of our current political administration has left me feeling so raw. Often my prayers are, “Please help.” I can hardly say more. Executive orders that erase all gender identities besides male and female must be terrifying for the estimated 1.4 million transgender people in the United States. But white cisgender male christian nationalists are used to getting away with this; they have violated and controlled black people, Natives, Asians, Latinos and any person of color, women and any religion that isn’t theirs. I am exhausted by this thought and how little I can do about it.

I have tried to disconnect because I can only handle so much stress and I want to focus on the research that I have chosen but it is impossible to avoid the daily actions of 47 and Musk…who we never voted on but somehow he seems to have a lot of influence. I guess if you can’t be voted in because you weren’t born in the United States you just need enough money to buy your way in.

I hate what money can do sometimes.

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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 Jesus Follower, 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 Jesus Follower…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.

 

Canceling DEI Programs and Practices Only Benefits White, Male, Christians

by | Feb 10, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions

Dear Representative,

When I first heard about the president’s executive order regarding DEI, I felt it was just another phrase for affirmative action and being married to a black woman, that believed we were far enough evolved to not need this anymore, I didn’t let this bother me. However, I have thought more on this, and read several articles and viewed many videos that have educated me that DEI is much larger than civil rights for black Americans, but women, transgender people, queer people, Native Americans, disabled people, the more mature, and any person of color or people who have religious beliefs other than christian. It seems that cancelling DEI programs and practices only benefits white, male, christians. This anti-humanity mindset doesn’t sound like it allows most people to pursue their happiness or enjoy much freedom.

There must be something that can be done to stop this extreme executive order that has caused websites to be washed of medical information that is helpful to many. Businesses are being told how to hire. This not right.

Please help.

Sincerely,

Summer D. Clemenson

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Book Review: Come to the Garden by Jennifer Wilder Morgan

by | Feb 10, 2025 | Book & Product Reviews, Cancer, Opinions, Queer Community

Come to the Garden by Jennifer Wilder Morgan was a lovely Christian read about the main character, Jennifer, and her angel, Margaret. They met on her birthday in her Jennifer’s garden to talk about different experiences that Jennifer had had in her lifetime where God had been communicating and working in her life.

“All of God’s children have the ability to encounter the Divine but must have hearts and minds that are open to the possibility…Anything is possible for one who is willing to believe.” Chapter 2

Throughout the book I found important messages:

  • God knew me before I was born.
  • When we worship with music God joins us and rejoices.
  • Talk to God like He is your friend.
  • Listen to your dreams.
  • Listen to His voice.
  • God is the eye of the storm.
  • God is always with me. There is no darkness too dark for His light to encompass.
  • When God speaks, obey.
  • The past, present and future are all connected.
  • God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one. They are light in the darkness.
  • It is the Divine will of the Father that all of His children are restored to Him.
  • Death is part of life, not the end; it is our way back to our origin.
  • When we don’t know what to pray our spirit does because God already know what we need.
  • Heaven is right here.
  • God wants to be the delight of our heart as we are the delight of His heart.

I have called you by name, you are Mine. Isaiah 43:1

This book was what I needed at this time. Something light, yet not; a reminder that I am a child of God and He is always communicating with me for His good pleasure. I chuckled a lot during the reading of this faith fiction novel but I also had a few aha moments. I really enjoyed this book.

I got this book from my sister, Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of Come to the Garden by Jennifer Wilder Morgan on Amazon.

Read My Review on GoodReads:

Come to the GardenCome to the Garden by Jennifer Wilder Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever considered what you would do if you came face to face with an angel in your garden? I haven’t, until I read this book. I am still not sure what I would do, but I did enjoy reading Come to the Garden by Jennifer Wilder Morgan. This book about listening to God and hearing what He has to say and learning to hear Him and be of service to him was both lighthearted and yet profound. I would recommend you read this book. It isn’t scary or too much, it is just right.

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.

Don’t Let Trump Take Away Money From Farmers

by | Feb 6, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions

Dear Representative,

Don’t let Trump take away money from farmers. The Federal Government needs to keep its word to small family farms and ranches. Our government needs to provide the money they promised they would provide for conservation efforts, improve farming and increase productivity. Farmers were counting on this money when they signed their contracts and spent the money they spent. The letters small family farmers and ranches are receiving telling them that the Federal Government won’t be fulfilling their promise is dishonest and un-American.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Summer D. Clemenson

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Regarding DOGE and Communication Issues

by | Feb 1, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions

1—— Regarding DOGE

Dear Representative,

Please remove Elon Musk and his team from their position in Trump’s cabinet. The fact that they have been caught installing hard drives in the Office of Personnel Management, the Treasury Department, General Services Administration and other key federal agencies so they can have unchecked access to critical government data and financial systems is not acceptable.

It is clear they have attempted to lock people out of their jobs and are trying to take over the government. They must be stopped.

Sincerely,

Summer D. Clemenson

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2—— Communication Issues

Dear Representative,

How is it that DJT is allowed to stop communication between the CDC and medical professionals and scientists? I was disturbed by him cutting off communication with United States citizens but I never imagined he would stop communication between medical professionals and scientists whose very job it is to protect our lives.

I’m also very concerned about the scrubbing of the CDC website of important medical information for the general population. How are you protecting us from this man and his cronies and their corrupt agenda?

Sincerely,

Summer D. Clemenson

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Potential Changes to the Constitution

by | Jan 31, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions

Dear Representative,

I am writing to ask you to work with your colleagues with potential changes to the constitution. These following changes, I believe are imperative to our safety and mental well-being as a country:

  1. Candidates running for president cannot be convicted felons. If a candidate is found guilty of a felony during or after their election, they are ineligible for office.
  2. Presidential pardons are not valid toward persons convicted of Federal crimes.

What is the point of law and order if the president of the United States does not have to live up to the same standards as its citizens?

Sincerely,

Summer D. Clemenson

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The Crash

by | Jan 31, 2025 | Opinions, Poetry, Politics

Wednesday January 29, 2025
probably seemed like any other night
Until Headline News screamed
across the television screen
in bright red letters
An American Airlines jet and
a military Black Hawk
doing an annual night proficiency training flight
had collided

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60 passengers and 4 crew members on the jet
3 soldiers on the helicopter
67 lives lost because of a human mistake
As of Thursday over 100 first responders
are still fishing out bodies from the Potomac
Teen figure skaters returning from
a national meet with
their mothers and coaches
Union steamfitters
from Washington, D.C.
and soldiers we can’t replace are all gone
We will never get them back

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#47 wants to blame
Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs
because he is emotionally immature
#47 wants to blame
#44 and #46 because generally
people like him think the buck stops with the president
And he can’t bear that
But those who have grown beyond their fears
are much more creative
We want to see the families and loved ones cared for
We want to learn how this tremendous error happened
so we don’t do it again

~

This atrocity is not even about #47

~

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The President is Not Above the Law

by | Jan 29, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions

Dear Representative,

I am writing to encourage you to show Trump that although he is the President, the President is not above the law. I am not sure why he was allowed to pardon all the insurrectionists that were found guilty of Federal crimes, especially those who committed assault or caused any bodily harm to police officers on January 6, 2021, or caused trauma to officers that later took their own lives. This obscene act should be viewed as an act against the people of The United States.

Now, he is ignoring the law that says the Tic Tok is supposed to be gone. I don’t use this platform. I try to avoid supporting China, personally, so I lose nothing in this, however, I see he is being allowed to make his own rules again. As a person that understands the kind of person Trump is, he belongs on a short leash. If you keep bowing down to him, our republic will be shortly replaced by the dictatorship that many have been afraid of.

Please do something!

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson

5 Books for January 2025

by | Jan 27, 2025 | Book & Product Reviews, Cancer, Opinions, Queer Community

January has been quite the month. It is the start of a new year and the start of a new presidency. I have been having some dental work done. There are many reasons to turn to children’s books. As I have written before, children’s books are great stress reliever.  We don’t have children in our house, but we sure do own a lot of children’s books, not just so I can write this blog, but in case my great nephews come over…or any other amazing short people or just anyone that wants to have a light read wants to grab one.

Now without further ado 5 Books for January 2025:

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The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings by Stan and Jan Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears Count Their BlessingsThe Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings by Stan Berenstain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings by Stan and Jan Berenstain is just another sweet story, in a long line of high morale children’s classics that help teach positivity. In this story, Mama Bear is a bit stressed because every time Brother and Sister go to visit a friend, they come back, excited about what their friends have, they they don’t have. But on this day, there is thunder and lightening storm that knocks out the electricity. This is the perfect time for Mama and Papa to talk about the weather and counting their blessings as the family huddles around the fire with their hot chocolate.

I find this fiction animal picture book to be endearing and educational.

I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings by Stan and Jan Berenstain on Amazon.

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Harold’s Fairy Tale by Crockett Johnson

Harold's Fairy Tale (Harold, #2)Harold’s Fairy Tale by Crockett Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Harold’s Fairy Tale by Crockett Johnson is a fantasy that begins in an enchanted garden with no flowers. Of course Harold must find out why that is, so on his art adventure he ends up in a castle with a sad king. There Harold meets with a witch with giant feet, a swarm of mosquitos, fire, rain and then a beautiful enchanted garden full of flowers and a fairy that gives him one wish, that he trades for a flying carpet that brings him home. When he finds his mother, he asks her to read him a bedtime story.

I got this adorable book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Harold’s Fairy Tale by Crockett Johnson on Amazon.

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Curious George Flies a Kite by Margret Rey

Curious George Flies a KiteCurious George Flies a Kite by Margret Rey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Curious George is a monkey that always finds himself in an adventure. In Curious George Flies a Kite by Margret Rey, the man in the yellow hat has work to do so George has the day to amuse himself. His new ball is a lot of fun, until George gets distracted by the window and must see who would live in the tiny house next door. This is George’s first experience with rabies and he really enjoys them until he sees a man going fishing. He tries to go fishing on his own but has no success and luckily his friend, Bill, is there to help get George out of the water. Bill has a kite, which turns out to be great fun until George attempts to fly the kite by himself. Fortunately, the man in the yellow hat is able to catch George in a helicopter and bring George and the kite back home.

This fun fiction children’s classic with animals is brought to life by the colorful pictures by H. A. Rey. This picture book is full of humor, morals and the innocent whims of Curious George.

I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Curious George Flies a Kite by Margret Rey on Amazon.

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Frank the Farting Flamingo by Humor Heals Us

Frank the Farting Flamingo: A Story About a Flamingo Who Farts (Farting Adventures Book 2)Frank the Farting Flamingo: A Story About a Flamingo Who Farts by Humor Heals Us
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Frank the Farting Flamingo by Humor Heals Us is just another children’s fiction picture book that gives us another reason to talk about farting. I don’t think most kids need a reason for this, but they will enjoy it. Frank is adorable though…and who doesn’t like to fart anyway?

I originally bought a copy of this book for my friend Linea, who insists she has the soul of a 10-year-old boy living inside of her. She loves flamingos and it made her laugh so much that I bought a copy for myself.

I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of Frank the Farting Flamingo by Humor Heals Us on Amazon.

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Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel

Frog and Toad Are Friends (Frog and Toad, #1)Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had Frog and Toad books as a child and I was glad to recently obtain the collection. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel is a delightful collection of 5 stories about amphibian friends, Frog and Toad: Spring, The Story, A Lost Button, A Swim and The Letter. I enjoyed all of the stories about Frog and Toad and their animal friends but my favorite is The Story.

Frog had come to visit Toad and he did not feel well. Toad offered Frog his bed and Frog asked Toad for a story. Toad, not able to think of a story, did all sorts of things to try to make his brain come up with one. He was not successful. But just as Frog felt better, he and Toad switched spots, because Toad no longer felt well. In turn, Toad asked for a story and Frog told Toad a story about a friend that did all sorts of silly things to help him come up with a story to tell his sick friend. By the end of the story Toad was sound asleep.

When I read this classic children’s story, my wife, Karen G Clemenson, had come home for lunch and she very much enjoyed these stories too. She told me that she enjoyed The Letter the most. It was about Toad and how he got sad waiting for the mail because he never got anything. When he told Frog about this, Frog immediately went home and wrote him a letter about how much he enjoyed his friendship. Frog gave the message to a snail to deliver. Four days later, as they were waiting for the mail, both Frog and Toad were overjoyed that Toad got such a lovely letter. I enjoyed this story too because it reminded me of my sister, Jamie Holloway, and I because even though we communicate daily, we also send letters to each other.

I enjoy how these two friends truly love and accommodate each other in this book. What a lovely example of friendship.

View all my reviews

I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel 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.

Book Review: The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway

by | Jan 24, 2025 | Book & Product Reviews, Cancer, Opinions

Santiago is an old Cuban fisherman. He lives alone because his wife has died. He fishes alone because the boy, Manolin, he used to fish with no longer has permission to fish with him after so many day without fish. This does not stop the boy from caring for him though. Santiago likes to talk about baseball, but he loves to dream about Africa, in his youth and about the lions on the beach.

After 85 days, Santiago set off his fishing adventure alone to go fishing. This time his line is caught be a great fish. A fish longer than the boat and larger than he had ever caught by himself. For 3 days and 2 nights Santiago held onto this mighty fish, that he greatly respects. He finally brought the fish to his demise. He lashed the great marlin to the side of the boat.

As they headed home, 6 sharks attacked the carcass before an entire army of sharks made their way to the boat. Santiago fought them all, but they all got their share of that great fish. Santiago was sad that he had allowed the great fish to take them so far out and that he had even killed the great fish only to have lost him to the sharks.

The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway is a beautiful American Novel about friendship, longevity, respect for life and honesty. It was a wonderful read. It was written in 1952 and in 1954 it won the Nobel Prize for literature. This is the first book by Ernest Hemingway I have ever read, but I am sure it is not my last.

I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway on Amazon.

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Read My Review on GoodReads:

The Old Man and the SeaThe Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway is an inspiring story about an old fisherman from Cuba that never gives up. When his wife dies and leaves him alone. When the fish stop biting and the boy that helps him is no longer allowed to help him.When everything is against him, he still presses on. This fiction story is exciting and inspiring.

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.

The First Insurrection

by | Jan 23, 2025 | Opinions, Poetry, Politics

Things we have never seen before
have happened at his hand
He has encouraged us to give way to violence
and given control to white supremacist
after they had been taught to be quiet

~

On January 6, 2021 our United States Capitol Building
was attacked by a mob of over 1500
They included Oath Keepers
Proud Boys
and Three Percenters
fueled by his rhetoric that his election had been stolen

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5 people died
many people were injured
including 174 police officers
Four officers committed suicide after it was over
$2.7 million in damages were caused by rioters
Pipe bombs and Molotov cocktails were found nearby

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Most people were convicted of federal crimes
But he pardoned them all
as soon as he could get his cult members
to elect him again
Probably because it reminded him
of his 2nd impeachment

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What does this say to us?
That people are only useful
if he needs them
That the police officers that help us
have no authority
and their lives are unimportant

~

I am beginning to wonder
when the second insurrection
will come

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Photo By Tyler Merbler from USA – DSC09254-2, CC BY 2.0

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Book Review: Mary: A Flesh and Blood Biography of the Virgin Mother by Lesley Hazleton

by | Jan 22, 2025 | Book & Product Reviews, Cancer, Opinions

Mary: A Flesh and Blood Biography of the Virgin Mother by Lesley Hazleton is a very special book that helped me to not only understand some of the culture in the Middle East better, but by knowing about Mary, I have a deeper understanding of Jesus. I really enjoyed this nonfiction book.

Mary’s true name is Maryam. She had brown skin and almost black hair. She was from Galilee, Nazareth. A tiny place with only 200 to 300 people living there. Galilee is never mentioned in the Hebrew Torah because it was so small. it’s name means, “small fort.” Galilee is located along the Silk Road to the Jordan River, in Palestine. The villagers were very poor. Though many riches were carried along that road, they were only passing through. Maryam and her neighbors would never have seen any of them. Although we often see Maryam in a while gown and blue shawl, she would have never worn those colors, for those colors were afforded only to the rich. Maryam would have worn black, red or yellow, or faded versions of those colors because there were flowers in the area that were used to color their fabric.

Drought was common in Galilee and water was never wasted. Nothing was wasted. Water used for washing was used to water plants. The remaining wheat, after threshing was used in sleeping pallets. Animal dung was used as fuel for fire. The people were lean just like the land. Although some people in the bible lived very long lives, these people were the rich ones that could afford proper nutrition. Most people were poor, like the villagers in Galilee. Most people did not live longer than 40-50 years. Life was hard. Puberty meant fertility and fertility meant marriage. Mary was 13 when she had Jesus. This was not uncommon.

Maryam and everyone in her village were illiterate but they knew the stories of their Hebrew history. They would tell them every night around the fire. She was not ignorant. Maryam knew of the prophets and of Yahweh.

“What we now think of in the west as the separate spheres of religion, politics, ethnicity, and culture were so deeply intertwined that there was not distinction between them.

A Jew—Yehudi in both Aramaic and Hebrew—was literally someone from Judea, Yehuda. Judean-ness was an ethnic and national identity, and the Jerusalem temple, with it’s recognition of Yahweh as the ultimate god, was the cement binding that identity.”

Before Jesus, the temple was a slaughterhouse for constant sacrifices. The temple was not a place for worship. As parts of Judea changed hands through wars, temples were destroyed. Historians were beginning to see that although people could live under laws, laws did not have to control minds. This was part of John the Baptist’s message. This was the beginning of religion as we know it.

“What Baptist preached was inclusive; every person mattered, registered on the grand scale of things, and made a difference in the world. The temple cult depended on birth, wealth, and influence; the populist one, on faith and commitment.”

The fact that Baptist preached that God was inside you and not in a temple, was a threat to the King’s authority. This is the true reason Baptist was killed.

There was so much oppression from the rich on the poor. Families lost their land and sold their children to pay taxes imposed by the King and the tax collectors. As the people fought back, they would be crucified in plain sight by the Romans. When people were crucified, it was never one at a time, or even 3, like it tells us in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. There could be hundreds or thousands crucified at one time. The guards were not paid well and did not like to take the bodies down and left them there for days to be ravished by vultures; when they were taken down, the bodies were not buried, but thrown in the open ditches alongside the the area where the crosses were, to be devoured by wild animals, which was disgraceful to the Jews. Because Maryam was a shepherd girl, she would have known all the perfect hiding places and every cave and tree for shade. She would have helped the rebels.

“To be killed in the struggle for independence was to achieve a form of immortality. It was to be celebrated in song and story as a death chosen rather than imposed.”

Maryam’s grandmother was the village healer and midwife. She used herbs to heal people. When Maryam is out in the hills, she collected herbs for her grandmother. Maryam learned all her grandmother had to teach about healing. Maryam knew about birth control and abortion. Both were necessary, especially among very poor families. Her, “Yes,” to God to become pregnant, was also a, “Yes,” to bear and give birth to the child. She could have changed her mind. She had the knowledge to end the pregnancy at any time.

Maryam taught Jesus everything she knew about shepherding and healing. He was an excellent student, as if He already knew how. Jesus was her only son and Maryam was at the cross to witness his death. She must have felt HIs pain as her own. The fact that Jesus was buried is abnormal. The women that joined Maryam to clean and anoint and wrap Jesus’ body were the beginning of Christianity.

After Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus passed Maryam to John, His disciple, to care for her. She couldn’t go back to Nazareth after all the turmoil Jesus had caused, so they may have lived in Ephesus. However there are accounts that lead some people to believe Maryam didn’t stay with John, but joined with the women that were part of the followers of Jesus. They lived and worked together, teaching each other and healed each other and others that came to them for physical, spiritual and mental healing.

“Each time a woman gives birth, each time a woman sits between another’s legs and cradles the emerging newborn’s head, each time a woman sings in joy or wails in mourning, seeks out knowledge or teaches it to others, works for justice or acts for peace or risks her life for freedom, the mantle of Maryam is handed on.”

This book is full of history, politics, relationship and humanity. I feel so inspired after reading it. Maryam is more real to me, than she ever has been. I am thankful that I found this book.

I got this book from my personal collection you can get your own copy of Mary: A Flesh and Blood Biography of the Virgin Mother by Lesley Hazleton on Amazon.

Read My Review on GoodReads:

Mary: A Flesh-and-Blood Biography of the Virgin MotherMary: A Flesh-and-Blood Biography of the Virgin Mother by Lesley Hazleton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mary: A Flesh and Blood Biography of the Virgin Mother by Lesley Hazleton is a powerful book that studies many facts and accounts from around the history and culture of the Middle East and the time when Maryam, the mother of Jesus Christ was alive. This account of what may have really happened helps create a true human experience for the woman that gave birth to the Son of God and raised Him to change the world. I found this book fascinating and could hardly put it down.

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.

Book Review: Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg

by | Jan 21, 2025 | Book & Product Reviews, Cancer, Opinions, Politics, Queer Community

All over the world at one time or another, multiple sexes and types of relationships have been accepted. It wasn’t until the wealthy chose to control people that they divided people into classes. This is when hostility toward Queer folks, especially Transgender people became acceptable and expected. I learned a lot from reading this nonfiction book: Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg.

Some Names People Have Used to Define Transgender People are:

  • Androgynes
  • Bearded Women
  • Bigenders
  • Bulldagger
  • Butch
  • Cross-dresser
  • Cross genders
  • Drag Queens
  • Drag Kings
  • Gender benders
  • He/She
  • Intersexuals
  • Female to Male (FTM)
  • Feminine Men
  • Male to Female (MTF)
  • Masculine Women
  • Passing Women / Men
  • Shape Shifters
  • Trans
  • Transgender
  • Transgenderist
  • Transvestite
  • Women body builders

Native Americans use the term Two-Spirit to refer to transgender people.

Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for cross-dressing.

The author, Leslie Feinberg, had grown up always being a masculine child and she needed someone like her to be found in history and in a pamphlet by Bob McCubbin, McCubbin outlined how in early communal societies, people had honored all forms of human love and expression but as the wealthy divided society into classes, those leaders were increasingly hostile towards same-sex relationships.The stigma of race, nationality, religion, sex or gender was meant to dehumanize individuals and justify enslavement and the now male-dominated society as it changed from matrilineal and communal living. It was about money and politics. Even in the bible.

The witch trials or “Holy” Inquisition began in 1233. Women that followed other religions besides Catholicism, or held small amounts of land, women that had medical knowledge. such as midwives that shared birth control or abortion methods were accused of being witches and accused of being able to change sexes. Trans people, Lesbians, Gay men, Muslims, Jews, Herbalists, Healers and Scientists were all at risk of death.

Some people may choose to pass from female to male because society is so unfair to women.

Jazz musician, Billy Tipton, died in 1989 from an ulcer because he was afraid to go to a doctor and be found out to be a biological female. There are no personal records to explain why he hid his identity. During his lifetime, it was very hard for females to become jazz musicians and there was a lot of lesbian oppression. Both of these reasons could be valid for Tipton.

As soon as the attending doctor found out Tipton’s sex, he announced it to the world.

“If you are not Transexual, Transgender, or Intersexual, if you’re not a Cross-dresser, Bigender, or Drag queen or king, then perhaps you already understand that defending our right to be who we are is inextricably tied to your own right to explore and define who you are. Each individual has a stake in Trans Liberation.” Leslie Feinberg

The first gay rights liberation organization was called that Scientific Humanitarian Committee. It was founded by Dr Magnus Hirschfeld in Germany. He was Gay, Jewish and a Socialist in 1897. His research found that gender expression and orientation were not automatically linked; this means that not all trans people are gay or lesbian.

Transgender people can be Heterosexual, Bisexual, Gay or Asexual.

The Stonewall Rebellion happened on June 28, 1969 in New York, Greenwich Village. After years of being beat up, dragged out of bars and arrested, Queer folks fought back against the police brutally until the police had to retreat.

The histories of Transgender people and Women are interconnected. Societies that degrade Women and Trans folks are divided into classes by men that divide people by a rigid categorization of gender and sex.

Gender is expressed differently in different nationalities, cultures, regions and classes.

“I am heartened by the realization that hatred of sex and gender variation is not rooted in human nature. The more I dig, the more I find that although what we think of as gender today has been expressed differently in diverse historical periods, cultures, regions, nationalities, and classes. There appears to have always been gender diversity in the human population.” Leslie Feinberg

I found this book to be very empowering. Although I am not transgendered, I am queer. Many feminists do believe that transgender females do not belong in the feminist movement, but I think this is wrong. I think at the heart of true feminism, true equality is the desire, where men and women are absolutely equal; this would extend to ALL genders. Some queer folks do not include transgender people in their fight for equality too, and this is absolutely incorrect. In a perfect world, I believe all people are worthy of the pursuit of happiness, regardless of sex or gender or orientation. While we must fight for our civil rights, transgender humans fit in the LGBTQIA+ and Women’s movements. I am thankful to Leslie Feinberg for sharing her story so bravely and helping me to understand more deeply, issues I have not experienced myself, so that I can more deeply empathize with my Queer family.

I got this book from my personal collection you can get your own copy of Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg on Amazon.

Read My Review on GoodReads:

Transgender Warriors : Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis RodmanTransgender Warriors : Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman by Leslie Feinberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Transgender Warriors is a book about the lives of transgender people, including the author, Leslie Feinberg. Feinberg researched throughout history to find how humans have changed from communal living, led by women that made room for many types of love and genders, to the colonialized version of life we now live that divides people by classes, sex, gender, religion, race, skin color, and disability all in the name of money and politics. Feinberg helps to define some of the ways that people have belittled transgender people and ways that these warriors have risen above the criticism. This is a powerful book and I highly recommend it to people that want to empathize more fully with humanity.

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.

My Jesus Story

by | Jan 20, 2025 | About Summer, Opinions, Prayers & Thanksgiving

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.

Loss and Tragedy Are Always Loss and Tragedy

by | Jan 15, 2025 | Opinions, Politics, Prayers & Thanksgiving

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

If you want to donate:

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.

Struggling in This Position

by | 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.

~

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.

5 Books for December 2024

by | Jan 1, 2025 | Book & Product Reviews, Cancer, Opinions, Queer Community

2024 was so full of blessings and opportunities to grow. Many people might not agree with me but I see challenges as opportunities to see my strengths and where I need to get stronger or let others help me. Fretting or stay angry is a waste of time. Time I could be doing better things, like reading! I found some great books to read this month, in fact I am almost out of my personal books to read. I will have to head back to the library soon, what a problem to have. 🙂

Now without further ado 5 Books for December 2024:

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Taylor the Tooting Turkey by Humor Heals Us

Taylor the Tooting Turkey: A Story About a Turkey Who Toots (Farts) (Farting Adventures Book 1)Taylor the Tooting Turkey: A Story About a Turkey Who Toots (Farts) by Humor Heals Us
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Taylor the Tooting Turkey by Humor Heals Us is not my favorite farting fiction children’s book. There is really no story but there is some humor. What might be helpful is the definition of the different types of farts the gives, if you need this information. The illustrations are cheerful and endearing.

I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Taylor the Tooting Turkey by Humor Heals Us on Amazon.

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A Christmas Wish for Corduroy by B.G. Hennessy

A Christmas Wish for CorduroyA Christmas Wish for Corduroy by B.G. Hennessy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Corduroy is a sweet teddy bear that always finds an adventure by accident. He is the creation of Don Freeman, but A Christmas Wish for Corduroy is by B.G. Hennessy.

In this classic children’s fiction picture book, Corduroy wants a name, an outfit and a boy or girl to want him for Christmas and luckily for him, Corduroy accidentally makes all of his wishes come true. This heart-warming story is made even more special by illustrations by Jody Wheeler.

I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of A Christmas Wish for Corduroy by B.G. Hennessy on Amazon.

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The Raggedy Ann Stories by Johnny Gruelle

The Raggedy Ann StoriesThe Raggedy Ann Stories by Johnny Gruelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I was a little girl I had a copy of The Raggedy Ann Stories by Johnny Gruelle. I also had my mother’s Raggedy Ann doll. She was a special doll in my family. It was special to me to reread these heart-warming children’s classic fiction picture book, which included 7 short stories: Raggedy Ann Learns a Lesson, Raggedy Ann and the Kite, Raggedy Ann Rescues Fido, Raggedy Ann and the Strange Dolls, Raggedy Ann and the Kittens, Raggedy Ann and the Chickens, and Raggedy Ann’s New Sisters. Out of all the stories, my favorite is Raggedy Ann and the Strange Dolls.

All the stories have lovely morals and simple beauty and fantasy to them, but Raggedy Ann and the Strange Dolls is about some new fancy dolls that come to the nursery. Annabel Lee and Thomas, named after Marcella’s aunt and uncle, who sent the dolls to Marcella, thought they were better than all the other older dolls because they have real hair and fashionable clothes, while the other dolls have been well-loved and have some wear and tear, especially Raggedy Ann, who was Marcella’s grandmother’s doll and has a simple painted face, cotton stuffed body and yarn for hair.

By the end of the story, the two new dollies learn why Raggedy Ann is a favorite of all the dolls and Marcella, not because Raggedy Ann is more beautiful on the outside, but because of her great wisdom and love towards everyone. I love that this story shows that a beautiful heart is the most important feature in a person.

I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of The Raggedy Ann Stories by Johnny Gruelle on Amazon.

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Lightening Strikes Twice by Marci Ridlon

Lightning Strikes Twice (Woodsey Adventure)Lightning Strikes Twice by Marci Ridlon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Papa, Mama and Milkweed are the Woodsey family. This family of squirrels live in the forest in a lovely home, high in a tree in nature. But one night there is a terrible storm that forces them to leave. The family works together to save some of their tools and possessions and their very lives as they leave their home before lightening strikes twice.

This sweet animal family loves each other and their new friend, Goodgrub Mole, as they learn how to relocate and stay positive during stressful times. Lightening Strikes Twice by Marci Ridlon is endearing and educational and the illustrations by Cyndy Szekeres are adorable.

I had this book as a child and I still love it! This children’s fiction picture book is a great addition to story time.

I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of Lightening Strikes Twice by Marci Ridlon on Amazon.

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Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Champions by Brendan Flynn

Seattle Seahawks: Super Bowl Champions (Today's MVPs and Champions)Seattle Seahawks: Super Bowl Champions by Brendan Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My wife loves the Seattle Seahawks and since we have been married I have bought so much regalia that I have told her she is not allowed to fall in love with another sports team. When I bought Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Champions by Brendan Flynn, I didn’t realize it was a children’s history book, I believe it is grade 1-2 level because it has 9 chapters, but the chapters are only 1 page long and easy to read. She has given this nonfiction book her thumbs up!

The Seattle Seahawks were formed in 1976 by mostly unwanted players. Their first year, they lost 12 of 14 games.Their success didn’t grow until 1983 when they got a new coach named Chuck Knox, who had been known to have success with other teams. The Seahawks finished 9-7 that year.

Pete Carroll became coach in 2010. People loved his positive attitude. He used the draft to choose strong players.

“The Seahawks played the New Orleans Saints on December 2, 2013. The home fans set a record for noise. The crowd was louder than a military jet taking off from an air craft carrier!”

In 2014, the Seattle Seahawks won their first Super Bowl.

This book has good information and great pictures. I think it is a great read for young readers.

I got this book from my own personal collection. You can get your own copy of Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Champions by Brendan Flynn on Amazon.

View all my reviews

I got this book from my personal collection. You can get your own copy of Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Champions by Brendan Flynn on Amazon.

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As 2025 begins, I hope that you are surprised with a great number of good things to bless you. Some of the best things are very small but bring great amounts of joy if you see them and appreciate them…like my wife who is holding on for dear life to her Seattle Seahawks chance at going to the Super Bowl. It could happen. It did in 2014. Happy New Year!

Be blessed.

~

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.