by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 13, 2026 | Opinions, Politics, Prayers & Thanksgiving
I was doing my bible study today and it occurred to me while I was reading Deuteronomy 7:1-19 why countries where Judaism or Muslim is the primary or first religion and that religion shapes their culture, why religious freedom might be hard with the United States. On the flipside of that, our response to those countries from all the different glasses we wear in the United States, including a million denominations of Christianity and the many other religions we say we make room for, and even though I am truly ignorant and very naive, think I have a better understanding today.
In the Jewish Faith there are many sacred texts but the main book that they study is the Torah which is also found in the Christian Holy Bible. These books are called Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
The Qur’an is the primary text of Islam, revealed to the Prophet Muhammed beginning in the year 610 C.E. The Qur’an is required reading for anyone who wants to understand Islam. Qur’an means “The Recital” in Arabic; according to the story, the angel Gabriel commanded Muhammed to “Recite!”. Some Muslims do not believe that any text other than the actual Arabic text of the Quran (even a transliteration or an Arabic text with vowels) can strictly be called ‘the Qur’an’. This is because the Arabic text is considered canonical and there can be no other versions of it.
I met a Muslim woman, while I at the hospital once. I asked her about her beliefs and she said basically her beliefs were the same as Christianity, except she did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Now I know that isn’t entirely true, but there are some similarities.
Deuteronomy 7:1-19 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
“When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are about to enter and occupy and he clears away many nations before you—the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than you— 2 and when the Lord your God gives them over to you and you defeat them, then you must utterly destroy them. Make no covenant with them and show them no mercy. 3 Do not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, 4 for that would turn away your children from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly. 5 But this is how you must deal with them: break down their altars, smash their pillars, cut down their sacred poles, and burn their idols with fire. 6 For you are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
7 “It was not because you were more numerous than any other people that the Lord set his heart on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 It was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath that he swore to your ancestors that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know, therefore, that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, 10 and who repays in their own person those who reject him. He does not delay but repays in their own person those who reject him. 11 Therefore, observe diligently the commandment—the statutes and the ordinances—that I am commanding you today.
Blessings for Obedience
12 “If you heed these ordinances by diligently observing them, the Lord your God will maintain with you the covenant loyalty that he swore to your ancestors; 13 he will love you, bless you, and multiply you; he will bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the issue of your flock, in the land that he swore to your ancestors to give you. 14 You shall be the most blessed of peoples, with neither sterility nor barrenness among you or your livestock. 15 The Lord will turn away from you every illness; all the dread diseases of Egypt that you experienced, he will not inflict on you, but he will lay them on all who hate you. 16 You shall devour all the peoples that the Lord your God is giving over to you, showing them no pity; you shall not serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you.
17 “If you say to yourself, ‘These nations are more numerous than I; how can I dispossess them?’ 18 do not be afraid of them. Just remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt, 19 the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples of whom you are afraid.
So God says:
- WHEN I bring you into 7 nations that are mightier than you, you WILL defeat them.
- Make no agreement with them and show them no mercy.
- Destroy all idols and high places.
- Do not intermarry with them because that will cause you to become confused and turn away from Me and worship other gods.
- If you worship other gods, I will have to destroy you.
- I have chosen you and sustain you because I love you. If you are loyal to Me, I will keep My promise to you.
- If you reject Me. I will reject you.
- If you follow My laws, I will richly bless you.
- If you doubt Me, I will make you like the countries I have already beaten for you.
I don’t take it lightly that Judaism, Muslim/Islam, Christianity are all Abrahamic religions because they are connected through one person. All three religions are monotheistic (they believe in only one God), they originate in the Middle East and they are all connected to Abraham, the first man to make a covenant with God, the father of Isaac and Ishmael. Isaac became Israel, the father of the Israelites, otherwise known as the Jews. Jews believe in God and Jewish prophets. They do not believe in Jesus or Muhammad.
Ishmael was Abraham’s other son. The son of the servant who was sent away, the father of the Muslim people. They believe in the prophet Muhammad who was inspired, divinely to write the teachings of the Muslim religion. They believe Jesus was a prophet, but not the Son of God. Islam sees Judaism and Christianism as earlier versions of their religion, and their religion as the final, complete and correct version of religion.
Christianity is an offshoot of Judaism. Many Christian Saints lived in the Middle East. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God that was foretold in the Old Testament or Torah. Christians believe that Jesus was born of a virgin birth, He was crucified on a cross and rose after 3 days ascended to heaven and left His Holy Spirit here to guide them, until He comes back. Christians do not follow Jewish laws and they do not accept Muhammad as a prophet. They follow a “love they neighbor as thyself,” type of teaching.
And then I read about the crucifixion. (I have done this before)
Mark 15:37-39
Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed His last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from the top to bottom. Now when the centurion who stood facing Him saw that in this way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”
Matthew 27:50-54 said that there was an earthquake and dead saints came back to life and were seen by many.
Luke 23:44-47 said that there was an eclipse for 3 hours from noon to 3 pm and as the light failed, that was when the curtain in the temple was torn in two.
The Tabernacle and Temple were signs that God was with the Jewish people. This building was built on separation. There were many courts. The Outer Court was for Non-Jews, the ceremonial unclean, and women. The Inner Court was for men. The Holy of Holies, which was enclosed by a thick curtain, contained the Ark of the Covenant. This symbolized the manifest presence of God. Only the High Priest was allowed in there, after ritual cleansing, one time a year. (Hebrews 9:7) The tearing of the veil meant there was now no separation between God and man.
In the Old Testament, it was believed that people would die if they spoke directly or saw God. (Exodus 19, Exodus 30:20-33, Leviticus 10:1-2) But Jesus became the conduit between God and His people. (1 Timothy 2:5) He fulfilled all prophecies. (Genesis 3:15, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 49:10, Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Psalm 2:1-12, Psalm 16:8-11, Psalm 22, Psalm 78:1-2, Psalm 110, Psalm 118:22-24)
As a Jesus Follower (I prefer this term to Christian) I feel like this is the final revelation. The New Testament is full of what was taught by Jesus as the new covenant. We are to show love and compassion. Share what we have. Be honorable towards each other and hold each other up. I believe that Jesus died to free us from the law that is so important to the Jews but can’t save anyone. (Romans 7:4)
I also see that in the United States we have a lot of options that other countries do not have. We have a lot to have to try to shut out so we can try to focus on the teachings of Jesus and things that are good and pure and holy. There are a lot of temptations. There are a lot of freedoms that might even be seen as idols to worship. Even the idea of religion can be an idol if we aren’t careful. It is hard to stay humble on this earth, regardless of where we are. Even yesterday, I got angry and forgot to pray before I sent a message to someone, I should have never sent a message to. I have been praying ever since about how to attempt to rectify that. It is hard to be human on this earth. I can see why our judgement can get us in trouble and why others might think badly of us and even hate us, especially if we hate them. If I am having trouble with my religion, I can see how others might have trouble with there own and even mine.
Its a lot to think about and even more to pray about.
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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 12, 2026 | Local Interests, Opinions, Politics
“Democracy will never be sold!” This could be heard from a man with a bullhorn on the corner of 15th Avenue and Broadway Street at the ICE protest in Longview, Washington today. There wasn’t a huge crowd. They remained on the sidewalk. They held signs. From the video clip shared on Facebook, there was even room for people who might want to access the crosswalk to be allowed to pass through the group to do so. In Longview we like order. It made sense to have the protest where they chose it, in front of City Hall, on a main drag of town.
>>>Click here to watch the video on Facebook.
The group that I am part of because we don’t have a local news station and our local paper is not actually local, is very conservative. More conservative than I aspire to be; although I am not entirely liberal. I am used to the name calling and total hateful comments towards democrats. I think all name calling is taking the easy way out. I say that because, I do call names when I am too tired to take the time to find appropriate words to describe why I feel what I feel about a situation.
If you watch the entire clip, which is very short, you can see that some signs and some people use the same phrase: FUCK ICE. I am not afraid of the F-word. My favorite comedians are from England. They say fuck a lot there. But when I told my mother, while we were Christmas shopping, after I had used the F-word, that I should really quit using that word so much, she did respond, that I should save it for special occasions. The problem with the word is that it is entirely universal, however it isn’t specific.
I was raised in Longview. I know a lot of people here. One of the commenters responded with one word: Stupidity.
I wasn’t wanting to fight with this fellow R.A. Long High School graduate of mine. I just wanted more information. I can understand why the offensive language was a problem. Children in cars or in strollers might hear those words and in a city with over 100 churches, we still care about that around here.
Another thing is, why is it ok for republicans to call democrats names and make terrible accusations against their beliefs, but when liberals complain about things that republicans are doing or call them names, they are evil? Name calling is not the best way to communicate but one calling the other out for doing what they are doing is hypocritical, at least. Everyone has a right to their opinion. I did not see any weapons out. No one was threatening anyone with their signs, bodies or their words. They were conveying that they are angry about the policies of ICE. If you have a right to your beliefs, shouldn’t you allow them the right to theirs?
I believe that the phrase FUCK ICE is not specific enough. I am not happy that ICE does not share their ID, they do not check IDs and they do not offer warrants. They have shot many people as they drive away and that endangers passersby. This is not how many agencies are trained for public safety. When President Obama was in office, ICE did not cause the issues that we are seeing now, but they were effective. I think we need to see change. This current administration encourages chaos and it is making everything worse. I am not trying to fight with anyone, I am asking you, what about these fellow United States citizens, voicing their fears is stupid to you?
32 people have died in ICE detention centers in 2025 because they didn’t get medical attention. 16 incidents in which immigration agents opened fire and another 15 incidents in which agents held someone at gunpoint since the Trump Administration has cracked down on immigration. At least three people have been shot observing or documenting immigration raids, and five people have been shot while driving away from traffic stops or evading an enforcement action. ICE has no trouble raiding people who are asleep and their children.
Up-to-date data on federal use of force is hard to find. Customs and Border Protection reports don’t include details about where incidents occurred, how many deaths or injuries happened and if victims were armed. There are also incidents were officials have used rubber bullets and pepper balls against people during protests or prayer vigils.
What this comes down to is that ICE and CBP are being used in a way that resembles the military towards communities. They are not responding to situations in a way the police respond to incidents because police are invested in the communities they serve; they live there.
According to census.gov Longview’s population is 82% white. I know these numbers are not perfect, but essentially 18% of our people are of color and according to their numbers 11% of our people are Hispanic and 11% or our people are Mixed. I can see why our people are concerned about what ICE is up to. We love our neighbors and our families. We want our children to feel safe and what we see on TV and online doesn’t make us feel safe.
So I don’t want small words that don’t say enough to be where we start and stop. I want words like:
- Hold ICE and CBP Accountable
- Retrain ICE and CBP
- Restore ICE and CBP
I was never a supporter for defunding the police. I always thought they were underfunded. They needed money for better training, more time off, mental and physical support, boots on the street and governments needed more community dollars to build up youth programs, housing, education, healthcare and community resources. But people used the term Defund the Police and hoped that we would know that is what they meant. If you google that phrase, that is what you will find. The sad thing is that most of us don’t have time to stop and google every phrase and see where it came from.
But maybe if you know that now, Defund ICE and CBP makes sense. But that also means more taxes since everything that the government does whether it is state or federal is paid for by you and me, the tax payers. That might be another reason that people are angry about ICE. We are paying for what we are afraid of. Just a thought…
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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 9, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I am writing in regards to Trump’s January 7, 2026 Memorandum: Withdrawing the United States from and Ending Funding to Certain United Nations Organizations and Reviewing United States Support to All International Organizations.
In his order Trump says that after hearing from his Secretary of State regarding the United States representative for the United Nations, he has decided that the interests of the United Nations are no longer aligned with the United States of America and he has decided that as soon as possible he wants us to cease our involvement in 35 Non-United Nations Organizations and 31 United Nations Organizations.
The mandate of the U.N. Security Council is to maintain international peace and security.
“The charter states that UN membership is open to all ‘peace-loving states’ that accept obligations under that charter and, in the judgement of the organization, able and willing to carry out such obligations.”
After recent events, including Venezuela and several shootings involving ICE and border security, I am feeling more and more as though we are not a peace-loving country. Comments that Trump has said in front of cameras or shared on social media where he threatened Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Greenland have also made me feel more insecure in this world.
It seems as though Trump wants to remove us from the UN. I haven’t been able to find whether our relationship with the UN was created by Congress, however I did find that the UN was created after World War II. I don’t want to see WWIII in my lifetime.
I am terrified. I don’t believe this man has good intentions for the United States. Please help.
Sincerely,
Summer D. Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 8, 2026 | Essential Oils, Opinions, Wellness
Today I saw a post asking for help with sinus troubles. There weren’t details other than they wanted to put essential oils up their nose. I don’t recommend that. I have used Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils® since 2011 and I have used them alongside Western medicine. I recommend that you tell your medical team everything you take, as far as supplementation and that includes the oils, herbs and vitamins you take because even though, they might be natural, they can be powerful and they can effect the medicine the doctors and pharmacists are sending home with you.
The essential oils I use cannot heal my body, however they might relieve symptoms while my body fights what is making me sick. There are time limits that I will use natural supplementation and then decide that it is time to go to the doctor, if my body can’t deal with what is happening on her own. My body doesn’t tend to get fevers. I have had COVID-19 twice and never got a fever. This is important to know so time limits and level of suffering are important for me to keep track of.
As you can tell by the wear on the labels on the bottles in the picture, I have refilled the applicator and bottle many times. Both my wife and I tend to have seasonal allergies and this blend of oils is something I use to help us manage our symptoms while our bodies get through the sniffles, coughing, etc…
Recipe for Sinus Blend for Diffuser: 35 Drops of each Oil
Recipe for Roll On Applicator: 10 Drops of each Oil and the rest Carrier Oil of your choice
- Eucalyptus
- Frankincense
- Grapefruit
- Lavender
- Lemon
- On Guard
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Ylang Ylang
Some of these oils could be considered redundant, however they are here to help make the mix smell better, I mean Oregano is pretty harsh on its own and Frankincense is not my favorite either. Plus when I don’t feel well, my blood pressure can be high because of stress, so who doesn’t like a little Ylang Ylang. The thing about making your own blends is that you can customize it your person needs.
If you have any questions please Contact Me.
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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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 8, 2026 | Art, Opinions, Poetry
An armed attack against Greenland
is an armed attack against NATO
and we don’t want to attack NATO
because the United States is also
a member of NATO
and right now we are crazy
~
Proof being that ICE just shot
a 37-year-old single mother in the face
A United States citizen
who just didn’t want to be detained
without due process
for an unknowable amount of time
because she has a 6-year-old
But now her child is an orphan
And I don’t believe the words of Kristi Noem
~
Venezuela is still standing
however we are still stealing their oil tankers in the sea
Our Sex Offender and Chief is drooling over barrels of oil
that he is counting in his mind
while he is wondering when he will be impeached
And we are all laughing at the Food Pyramid
RFK Jr has turned upside down
~
Heck ya!
Things I never thought would happen
Are here
The Late Show
Is just trying to help us find a way to laugh
instead of cry
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 5, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I have written to you regarding my desire to see Trump removed from the presidency in the past. But now that I know that he has been working with his cabinet and other people in authority to overcome Venezuela and kidnap their president and his wife, while you were out of session, I want to see Donald Trump and his entire cabinet and any compliant government officials impeached and removed from their positions in our government. Not only have the actions that he has ordered since September 2025 against Venezuela killed at least 155 people but I have read articles that tell me that North Korea has tested nuclear missiles, in preparation for war. Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay have joined forces to criticize the actions of the United States as against International Law and any future exploitation of natural resources in Venezuela would not be in harmony with International Law and sovereignty. I have also read of adverse judgment from Iran, Russia and China. I don’t want to live in another 20+ year war.
Trump consistently says one thing and then the next day, he changes his mind. This is a paraphrase of the nicest way I have ever heard someone call him a liar, that I have ever read, as of yesterday. The actions of the Trump Administration has put us under scrutiny and possibly in danger. Under Article 11, Section 4, please invoke the powers of impeachment for treason, bribery, high crimes and misdemeanors as you and your colleagues see fit. We cannot afford to keep this administration in office. Their cost is too dear.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
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by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 4, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
I am writing to you in regards to H.R. 5722 Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act. This Act was introduced on October 8, 2025 by republican Representative Chip Roy. This Act is meant to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit entry of aliens who adhere to Sharia Law.
“The term Sharia comes from the Arabic word meaning “path to the water,” which reflects the concept that Sharia is divine guidance drawn mainly from the Qur’an and Sunnah (teachings and guidance of Prophet Muhammad) for the purpose of helping humanity draw close to God and live in kindness and justice with His Creation.” A Closer Look at Sharia in the United States by ING
Muslims follow Sharia in the same way that people of other faiths follow their sacred laws and traditions. The First Amendment of the Constitution protects our rights to religious freedom as long as our practice respects other people’s rights. No religious law can supersede state or federal law. Sharia law commands that Muslims honor the laws of the land where they live.
I do not believe that H.R. 5722 is necessary and I am surprised that republicans would be for more laws, when they say they want less government. While reading the Immigration and Nationality Act from October 1965, in section 203 there are words regarding people from the Middle East and people from communist countries. In Statute 176, section 205, it states, “The Attorney General, at any time for what he deems to be good and sufficient cause, may revoke the approval of any petition approved by him in section 204.”
I believe that H.R. 5722 is a ploy to invoke fear and hate and is unnecessary because we already have given the ability to the Attorney General to remove immigrants who are not willing to follow the laws of the United States before they become naturalized.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Summer D. Clemenson
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by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 3, 2026 | Opinions, Politics
As we are about to come upon the first year anniversary of Trump of his second term as the President of the United States. I am now asking myself: Are We At War?
We were watching The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and suddenly we were interrupted by the news to tell us that Venezuela has been attacked. Venezuela has not done anything to the United States. Although they have condemned the military aggression and acts of international piracy our military has perpetrated against them as a violation of international law.
President Trump has increasingly conducted military and intelligence operations around and inside Venezuela. Since September 2025. These actions include:
- Over 35 boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific have been struck. These actions have caused at least 115 deaths. Trump says these boats were smuggling drugs, however he has offered no proof.
- CIA drone strikes on a port facility on Venezuelan soil in December 2025.
- Sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers have been seized by the United States.
- Significant U.S. military presence buildup in the region around Venezuela.
Just this morning on January 3, 2026, strikes have been reported on the main military base in Caracas. This has caused a blackout. It is presumed by Venezuela that these strikes have come from the United States.
The Associated Press has reported at least 7 explosions and low-flying air craft at the capital. There is evidence of smoke rising at La Carlota Airport.
Thursday, President Nicolás Madura said he would be willing to talk with Trump’s administration about combatting drug trafficking, however he has also said he thinks Trump wants access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and wants to communicate through, “threats, intimidation and force.”
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for an emergency meeting of Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN) on Saturday.
- The US Embassy in Venezuela has advised against travel to the United States and suggests that people should shelter in place.
- Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez denounced “the criminal attack by the US on Venezuela.”
- The United States Federal Aviation Administration has issued a NOTAM prohibiting US aircraft from operating within Venezuelan airspace today.
Trump has threatened for months that he intended to begin land strikes. At this time, The White House and Pentagon have not released any statements. CBS has reported that Trump, in fact ordered the strikes. I wanted to ignore their article because I wanted to have more proof, but since other countries are believing CBS’s reporting, that US officials have reported that it is true and the military actions has caused these catastrophes.
The thing I keep thinking about is that it sounds like Trump has decided that we are going to war. But that isn’t his job to decide this. And he has done it while Congress is not in session.
The president is Commander in Chief of the military. The president may deploy troops for limited actions without a declaration of war, in the case of an emergency. However, Congress is the authority over declaring war (Article I, Section 8, Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution of the United States of America).
Another thing that is bothering me, is how much time Congress is taking to act. I realize they have rules to follow, but by now, they should be able to anticipate what Trump is about to do. When I checked Congress’ website I only saw two Resolutions or Bills that refer to Venezuela.
H.Con.Res.64 was introduced to the House on 12/1/2025 by Rep. James P. McGovern, a democrat from Massachusetts. The resolution would direct the removal of US Armed Forces within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress. It was voted on, on 12/17/2025. It failed 211 – 213.
S.3344 Prohibiting Unauthorized Military Action in Venezuela Act of 2025 was introduced on December 4, 2025 by Senator Jeff Merkley, democrat from Oregon. It was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations…before they went out of session.
They might be back in session on Monday. It is hard to say. When I look at Congress.org the January 2026 calendar is not listed, but January 2025 shows that they worked most weekdays, last year. Hopefully they will think this is important.
I am really trying to be fair and honest. If Venezuela has done nothing to us, I am really upset that Trump is sending our military to hurt them. I am sad that our military is obeying him. I am confused that our military is following Trump without the leadership of our Congress. But I am crushed by that lack of action of our Congress. They are simply not doing their job. They are letting Trump do whatever he wants, regardless of what the people want. I do understand that some of us voted him in and want him to do what he is doing. But not everyone likes what he is doing. And since when is it ok to kill people without a fair trial?
I don’t want to be at war.
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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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 2, 2026 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Technically the holidays are over, but I suggest you hold onto the joy and peace, that I hope you found while the lights were twinkling and you were making merry. This is where books, especially children’s books can make this easy. The stories are easy to digest and the bright colors and happiness is generally easier to find, even in heavier topics. This year, I hope you open more books.
Now without further ado here is 5 Books for December 2025:
Rainbow Soup by Brian P. Cleary
Rainbow Soup: Adventures in Poetry by Brian P. Cleary
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have written poetry since I was 9 years old. As much as I like writing poetry, I often don’t enjoy reading it. However, I did get some enjoyment from this children’s poetry and rhyme book. This book as 83 poems in it. It also includes notes and definitions of the different types of poems which I found interesting and inspiring. I also found the colorful blends of styles of art by Neal Layton to be fun and captivating.
I checked this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Rainbow Soup by Brian P. Cleary on Amazon.
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Balderdash! John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel
Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Balderdash! John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel is British Literature nonfiction history book that has great timing and this book about books is kind of interesting but I don’t know if children would sit through this biography. The illustrations by Nancy Carpenter make this children’s picture book beautiful.
I checked this book out at the Longview Public Libarary. You can get your own copy of Balderdash! John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel on Amazon.
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Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme by Betsy Bird
Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme by Betsy Bird
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme by Betsy Bird is a great rhyming book. This children’s fiction picture book of fractured fairy tales has great humor, energy, and music. The illustrations that include animals, birds and nature by Andrea Tsurumi add great color and movement to the fun smashup of nursery rhymes to any story time.
I got this copy from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme by Betsy Bird on Amazon.
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Home by Matt de la Peña
Home by Matt de la Peña
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Home is poetry, a lullaby, memories and emotions with loved ones, experiences, the people that make our life better, things we can count on, love we hold onto when there seems to be nothing else. Home is made of family, friends, teachers, neighbors and nature. Home is where we make wishes, where we see miracles and where find ourselves. Home by Matt de la Peña is a contemporary brilliant fiction children’s story. this picture book is brought to life by the illustrations by Loren Long.
I got this copy from Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Home by Matt de la Peña on Amazon
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As Good As Anybody by Richard Michelson
As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King and Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Amazing March Toward Freedom by Richard Michelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel had very different lives, yet their differences also made them brothers. King was the son of a Black Baptist preacher in Southern United States, where there were separate stores, bathrooms, parks and drinking fountains for Black and White folks. Heschel was from Poland. His father was a Jewish Rabbi. Heschel came to the United States as World War II was going on and Jews were being persecuted and killed by the Nazi Regime. Both men followed in their father’s footsteps in religion because they understood that the way things are in social justice, is not how it has always been and eventually all people will live in harmony. King and Heschel wanted to be part of the change.
“I solemnly pledge to uphold the fair name of Jews. Not only because we need their friendship, and surely we do, but mainly because bigotry in any form is an affront to us all.” Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.
As King was encouraging and supporting people in the fight for civil rights, he was planning a march for voting rights in Alabama. He knew they needed as much help as they could find, so King put a call out to all supporters and Rabbi Heschel answered.
“One hundred years ago, the emancipation was proclaimed. It is time for the white man to strive for self-emancipation, to set himself free from bigotry.” Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
On March 21, 1965, the march began in Selma, AL. 4 days later, King and Heschel and 25,000 people arrived in Montgomery, AL. 4 months later, the president signed the Voting Rights Act. King and Heschel remained friends.
As Good As Anybody by Richard Michelson is a nonfiction history book about working together for good of mankind. I really enjoyed this children’s biography. The illustrations by Raul Colon were inspiring.
View all my reviews
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of As Good As Anybody by Richard Michelson on Amazon.
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This year I beat cancer and I didn’t meet my books goal but I did met a lot of other goals. I am not someone that makes New Years resolutions. I try to do my best every day and a celebrate any goal I reach right away. I hope you find peace, joy and a few shareable stories this year.
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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 2, 2026 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
November is a wonderful month because we take the time to remember what we are thankful for more than other times of the year. We should do this every day and some of us do, but even the commercials and stores have reminders for us to be thankful, even it is rooted in their desire for us to spend money while we do it. But I must remain confident in my thankfulness for books. Books have helped me learn, they have helped me be distracted when I needed to put my mind in better places, books gave be tools to be a better person. This month, I didn’t plan it but my wife, Karen G Clemenson, and I chose a lot of biographies to read. What a rich history we have here in the United States of America. Yet another thing to be thankful for. We are not perfect as a nation, but we have come so far.
Now without further ado here is 5 Books for November 2025:
Abraham Lincoln A Photographic Story of a Life by Tarya Lee Stone
Abraham Lincoln: A Photographic Story of a Life by Tanya Lee Stone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. His family was very poor. Before he was an Illinois Senator in 1837, Lincoln had helped his father clear land and build a home, fences and outbuildings for his family, twice. Lincoln’s mother died before he was 10 years old and his older sister died while giving birth to her first child. Abraham Lincoln’s humble beginnings helped form him into the leader that American History needed.
“Lincoln inspired closeness and generosity in his friends and reciprocated when he could, but he was intensely private and did not get too emotionally attached to anyone.” Chapter 3
Lincoln loved telling stories and reading. He was resilient and an overcomer. He loved to debate. He was a member of the Whig party. He became a self-taught lawyer in 1837 and served two more terms as Senator and then served in Congress before he ran for President as a Republican.”
“Persuade our neighbors to compromise whenever you can…As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man.” Abraham Lincoln
President Lincoln is probably known most for his leadership during the Civil War, when many Southern states succeeded from the Union. The Northern states did not want slavery and the Southern states did. There were other political and financial reasons for the separation but President Lincoln believed that it was illegal for the states to leave the Union and he wanted to restore all the states.
The first 3 generals fighting for the Union in the Civil War were not effective. The Confederates (the Southern states) had more soldiers and their generals were more successful. People were getting tired of the war on slavery and the feelings against Lincoln were becoming negative. But in April of 1863, Ulysses S. Grant had success at Vicksburg. There was a Union draft. Many people wanted to preserve the Union but some were afraid that freed slaves would take jobs and others were angry that wealthy people could pay their way out of the draft. A riot broke out in New York on July 13, 1863. The draft office was burned down, stores were looted and more than 100 people died.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. It will become one thing or the other.” Abraham Lincoln
Frederick Douglass suggested creating black units of soldiers to help fight against Confederate soldiers in August 1861. The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 encouraged black people to fight for the Union. The United States Colored Troops was set up by the War Department in May.
“Fondly do we hope — fervently do we pray — that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away with malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan — to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.” Abraham Lincoln
April 15, 1865, the 16th President of the United States was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. Eight other men were also captured in relation to their plans. Booth was killed during capture.
The war was over. Slavery was abolished. But the South’s economy was in a shambles. 600,000 people had died and 300,000 were wounded from the war. Reconstruction would be slow, especially without President Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln A Photographic Story of Life by Tarya Lee Stone is a 15 chapter biography that is full of details that are easy to understand and follow with pictures that tell stories of our history as a nation, by themselves. I really enjoyed this nonfiction book.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Abraham Lincoln A Photographic Story of Life by Tarya Lee Stone on Amazon.
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On the Trapline by David A Robertson
On the Trapline by David Alexander Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Traplines are where Native American people hunt animals and live off the land. On the Trapline by David A Robertson is a book about a boy and his grandfather traveling from the city to where is grandfather lived as a child in the Indigenous Cree Nation. This special book shares words in the Cree language that express their culture. Julie Flett’s art helped bring this picture book to life.
The boy and his grandfather visited his old house, the site where his school used to be, where he learned to speak English and would sneak off to speak Cree with his friends. They saw beaver dams and eagles on their way to catch fish. His grandfather told him how everyone shared chores with his family. The saskatoon berries they picked and ate were tastier in their nature environment, than any he had had from the store. The community had a feast before they were to head home and the elders were fed first before the children.
The boy was excited to think of future visits with this grandfather. I really enjoyed this fiction picture book.
I checked this book out at Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of On the Trapline by David A Robertson on Amazon.
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Elvis is King by Jonah Winter
Elvis Is King! by Jonah Winter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi and recorded his first hit, “It’s Alright,” when he was just 19 years old. Elvis is King by Jonah Winter is a fun and energetic memoir about the King of Rock and Roll. A shy southern boy that loved music and performed like none other before him created a place for himself in history but also inspired many musicians and artists to come.
The 3-D illustrations by Red Nose Studios really make this biography one of a kind. I really enjoyed this book and I think kids will love the bright art and the great details in this nonfiction children’s book that is sure to entertain the whole family.
I checked this book out from the Longview Public Library. You can get a copy of Elvis is King by Jonah Winter on Amazon.
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Go Tell it How James Baldwin Became a Writer by Quartez Harris
Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer by Quartez Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
James Baldwin was born in Harlem, New York on August 2, 1924. Go Tell it How James Baldwin Became a Writer by Quartez Harris is an empowering memoir about how James Baldwin used art to speak for Black and LGBTQIA+ people and Civil Rights. This children’s nonfiction history picture book was brought to life by the art of Gordon C. James.
Baldwin loved words and he learned that words could heal. He used his words in writing and speaking for activism and teaching. This biography is both colorful and inspiring.
I checked this book out from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Go Tell it How James Baldwin Became a Writer by Quartez Harris on Amazon.
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When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudson
When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudson is a beautiful story about the author’s experience while growing up listening to the wisdom, history, emotion, religion, and spirituality that is felt and heard in this beautiful songs, meant to carry Black history, tradition, culture and stories for a people forbidden to even learn to read and write; whose lives were not their own but through poetry and song they endured in strength, perseverance and even some joy.
The words in spirituals are simple, yet powerful. The art is colorful. I often wanted to clap my hands to the music I imagined. I really enjoyed this children’s nonfiction picture book. The art by London Ladd really brought the music to life.
View all my reviews
I checked this book out at the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudson on Amazon.
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Such richness we have to look forward to in our history and our future. I hope you indulge yourself in it as 2025 has come to an end we look forward to a newness.
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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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 26, 2025 | Opinions, Wellness
This has been the best holiday season in years. The Best Gift of the Season 2025 wasn’t an actual present you can open but one that you carry in your heart; hope. For years Karen G Clemenson and I have been separated from my family as I healed and learned how to choose myself. Karen’s family is many miles away, but mine is right here, throughout the state of Washington, mostly.
Karen still worked a lot of hours. We didn’t have a lot of time to enjoy holiday events, but we did have a place with more space to do to holiday traditions in. We had a person to share time with. We had a reason to make a fancy meal for someone. We had someone to laugh with. It was nice to not have to cut the turkey in half so I could cook it in the crockpot. Because I had a kitchen to prepare it in, I could find my favorite way to cook a turkey. I am not embarrassed that we live in a hotel. I am proud that my wife works hard to pay our rent and she is successful in keeping us here and she pays what many people pay for their mortgage. But a real kitchen is nice. Seeing my mother happy was the nice.
Although I didn’t need any gifts; I was super excited that Jamie got a gift from someone that she really needed and Karen got a new pair of shoes that she really needed and I am so satisfied with what I have that those needs being taken care of were enough for me. Any gifts for me were not necessary. But I love the earrings and new bible and the new blouses that were under the tree for me. The flashlight is awesome and it goes great in the glove compartment. Karen loves her new socks, long sleaved T-shirts, and books. Mom loved her new kitchen knife, diffuser and soap. Ginger loved the organic pumpkin. It was nice to see everyone so happy. It felt good to laugh and to hear laughter.
This year the gifts came in batches. When I was contacted by my youngest sister and God told me it was going to be ok to read her message and then to connect with her and our mom, it was a practice in trusting in God. I had been waiting for Him to tell I was ready, and He was waiting for me to be ready. There has been opportunity for every conversation we never had been able to have. The healing is profound. The one person that brought chaos is no longer there to keep us separate and we all like peace and so that is what we enjoy with each other. We are not perfect. We are human and we love each other. It isn’t that we all agree all the time, but its ok, that is not a reason to be separate. We want the best for each other and we pray for each other, and even those that we don’t have anymore.
In all of this change I have struggled a bit. I have wanted to strike out at people that still talk about me behind my back. It hurts. When I asked my friend to pray with me about steps I could take to protect myself. [I have prayed. I have written to them that I want nothing from them; I have discontinued our relationship. I don’t contact them. I know they are mentally ill. I know they don’t understand, they need help and they don’t believe in therapy. I have heard and thought these things many times, but it took my friend saying it, this one time, for me to finally get it.] My friend said: People that continue to attack, without provocation are mentally ill.
I can have compassion on this. When I mentioned this to my youngest sister, she asked me if I had asked the people that tell me about them, if they would stop. Honestly, I had thought about it, but I had not done it yet, because the main person has been hurt a lot by them and I felt sorry for their pain and I was letting them vent. But the next time it comes up, I will ask them to stop. But the big thing for me is to finally have it click, that I am going to have compassion on them for their mental illness. The same kind I needed when I was not ok, before my psychiatric RN and I found the right meds and amounts, and my therapist and I had figured out the right tools for me and my brain had healed as much as it has.
Mental wellness is a process and journey and it is ongoing. Compassion is part of the process.
So wherever you are, I hope that you got what you needed. My biggest and most wonderful gift was more hope. More love. And more mental wellness. I am satisfied with my life but it is nice to celebrate relationships. I am not done. This coming weekend we will celebrate Jesus with my sister, Jamie Holloway. Next week will not only be New Years, but my birthday.
We have so much to be thankful for.
~
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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 22, 2025 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions
Sometimes books take us places we can only imagine. Sometimes our schedules can keep us so busy that we don’t realize that we have forgotten to do what we love best, which is why it is December and I am finally typing up my book reviews for October. I really loved these books. They were not my normal lighthearted stories. These books were historic and deep and I had to pay attention to them. That is how life is at times. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Now without further ado here is 5 Books for October 2025:
The History of We by Nikkolas Smith
The History of We by Nikkolas Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The History of We by Nikkolas Smith is stunning work of art and poetry and history. Smith’s paintings portray how the first humans began in Africa and lived and traveled as the population expanded throughout time. This nonfiction picture book is a joy to read.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get a copy of The History of We by Nikkolas Smith from Amazon.
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I Am The Music Man Illustrated by Debra Potter
I am the Music Man by Debra Potter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I was stuck regarding this picture book with no author and so I was trying to find one. Originally I believed that I Am The Music Man Illustrated by Debra Potter may be based on the 1957 Broadway musical, The Music Man by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, however I have also found that there are other songs, one being, The German Musicianer by Peter Kennedy in 1975 and The Wonderful Musician by Walter Greenaway in 1871. It seems that this is a traditional folksong across many cultures.
As interesting, or not, as that tidbit of knowledge might be, I find this fiction story to become a bit tedious about 3 pages in. Ms. Potter’s illustrations are fetching. I love the colors and whimsey are wonderful but I feel as though the chorus seems lost if you don’t have 4 other people to sing the parts of the musical instruments and keep up the vigor that the words suggest.
Maybe I should have found a room full of children to sing with me.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of I Am The Music Man Illustrated by Debra Potter on Amazon.
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Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld
Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld is a beautiful book that pays respect to the military and history of the Unknown Soldiers that have died in battle from WWI, WWII, the Korean War & Vietnam. There are Tomb Guards present with the Unknown Soldier at all times so they are never alone. There is a reverence that is portrayed grandly throughout the book, not only in words but in the illustrations by Matt Tavares.
I am not sure how children would enjoy this picture book. My wife and I enjoyed this nonfiction book, but I am not sure small children would have the attention span needed for this patriotic book.
View all my reviews
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld on Amazon.
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Bearskin by Howard Pyle
Bearskin by Howard Pyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bearskin by Howard Pyle is a very old fairy tale written by the same author of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. Because it is a fantasy and not like today’s stories, you can’t appreciate it with the TV on our other distractions. This book requires your full attention and you wont regret letting your mind fall into the folklore.
The illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman are beautiful and bring the picture book to life.
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your one copy of Bearskin by Howard Pyle on Amazon.
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Tiny Stitches by Gwendolyn Hooks
Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas by Gwendolyn Hooks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tiny Stitches by Gwendolyn Hooks is a children’s biography about medical pioneer, Vivien Thomas. He was a son of a carpenter in Tennessee, who worked hard and saved his money to go to college to become a doctor. Unfortunately in October 1929, The Great Depression hit and the bank lost his money and he had to start over.
Vivien heard about a job opening at Vanderbilt University, an all white school. Because Vivien was black, he knew he could not attend classes at Vanderbilt, but that didn’t mean he could not benefit from experience at Vanderbilt. His interview was a success. While he was working, Vivien was reading text books, researching medicine, conducting science experiments, and learning surgical techniques. When the doctor that hired him got a position at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, went with him.
While at Johns Hopkins, Vivien researched and developed a surgical procedure for open-heart surgery on infants. He even designed instruments because there weren’t any small enough at the time. Even though he only had a high school diploma, his research and attention to detail, allowed him to create a procedure that has saved many children’s lives. This procedure was named after 2 doctors that Vivien worked with; the procedure is called Blalock-Taussig shunt.
Vivien coached Dr. Blalock through more than 150 operations. He also shared his knowledge and skills with other doctors. In 1975 Johns Hopkins University awarded Vivien Thomas an honorary doctorate degree and appointed him to the faculty as Instructor of Surgery.
I found this history book to be very inspiring and a positive illustration on culture and civil rights. The illustrations by Colin Bootman were beautiful and helped bring the this nonfiction picture book to life.
View all my reviews
I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Tiny Stitches by Gwendolyn Hooks on Amazon.
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As the weather is getting cold and dark it is the perfect time to grab a warm blanket and a cup of your favorite beverage and dive into a book. No matter what your favorite genre is, I hope you are reading. It is a great way to stretch your brain and travel to a place you might never have imagined.
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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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 20, 2025 | Opinions, Prayers & Thanksgiving, Queer Community
This week I got a note from a random messenger that saw one of my posts. I didn’t edit their message. This is what they said:
Hi you stated that you are a Christian but you are not christ like as you are gay and you are sinning. You are also have a problem with our president who is way better than the other which is a devil.
At first I was a little miffed. Who likes to be judged, especially by a stranger? I have never met this person. But as I began responding, I was also thinking…
How do you know? Have you done your own research with more than one book or are you relying on what other people have told you? How long have you walked with God? Does He talk to you? Has He verbally told you what you are saying is true? Our president is just a man, just like all the rest before him. He is not perfect. Have you read in the bible what a good leader is supposed to look like, because Trump is not that. (Exodus 18:21, John 13:13-17, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-14)
Also, when did I state that I am a Christian? I don’t use that word. I think that word has been morphed into something very sad. I am a Jesus Follower. It’s a very different thing. Jesus never said anything about sexuality but He said very specific things about adultery, selfishness, taking care of the poor, compassion… (Matthew 5:2-12, Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 19:21, Matthew 23:25, John 15:13)
Another thing, who told you I am gay?
You might think I am angry with you but I’m not. I’m angry but not even at you. I’m angry at the system that taught us to judge each other and to think small. I used to think like you. I was raised in a conservative family and church. I was taught that homosexuality was an abomination. I didn’t know to ask questions. I never even met a queer person until I was 18 years old.
I had to meet several queer people to realize that each one was an individual with their own personality and dreams. I had to learn who I was to learn that it is not my job to tell other people how to live. Even the bible says, ‘judge not, lest ye be judged.’ (Matthew 7:1)
I know you are ignorant. The letters LGBTQIA+ all mean something special. I am old enough that I prefer the term queer, which is a blanket term for everyone. I’m not a Lesbian (women that only love women). I’m not Gay (men that only love men). I’m Bisexual (I have loved 2 men but I married my wife). I’m not Transgender. I’m Queer. I’m not Intersex (a person born with genetic markers or genitalia for both male and female sex). I am not technically A-sexual, however I am Demisexual which falls in that category. They added a + for any other groups people want to be in…
The far right republicans and conservative christians have spent years creating a platform to control people. Telling people that the media is fake and science is wrong and all kinds of propaganda. You probably can’t hear me, but I said it anyway. I don’t hate republicans. My wife is a republican. I don’t hate christians. Most of the people I know believe in some version of this faith. I myself, am a Jesus Follower.
But the word homosexual was not in the bible until February 11, 1946. You can research all of what I am saying. It is not hard to find. This translation was created to convince people to hate queer people who had quietly lived among us forever. There was no word for this kind of relationship in the bible because marriage was mainly a way to create children and provide inheritance; it was a business agreement. If you got lucky, you learned to love each other. People did not marry for love.
There are many books about this. I recommend you start with Bible Gender Sexuality Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships by James V. Brownson, if you feel so inclined.
I did not realize I was queer until I was almost 40. But I have lived through a lot of trauma and have been in therapy for years. The reason I am bothering with you is that, I know people who knew they were queer all their life. They were abused terribly and have many scars. I don’t have scars about my sexuality. So I feel comfortable expressing things that someone of my queer community might not be able to communicate clearly.
I have read the bible through and through many times. I talk to God everyday. I have walked with Him for 45 years. I have read lots of books and watched documentaries. I don’t believe that loving my wife is a sin. I believe God created her for me. We have found so much healing with each other and so much peace and growth that no one else was ever able to create. God guides us and helps us together. Our marriage is just like any other marriage that relies on God to inspire.
I really don’t care if you don’t believe me, but I do want to impress on you that there are people who have hurts because people judged them merely on who they loved; not on their character or deeds or aspirations and it is not right. Jesus told us to love our neighbor as ourself and He did not differentiate. I hope to inspire you to share the same kind of love the He gave to you. (Mark 12:30-31)
Even with the woman that was caught in adultery, He did not judge her. When all the men were ready to stone her, He advised that the man that was free of sin should cast the first stone. After they all left, He sent her on her way. (John 8:1-11)
We are not here to judge each other. We are here to learn how to love each other and to learn how to be loved.
This person never responded to me. I find this confusing because they cared enough to accuse me but they didn’t care enough to say anything to what I had to say. I don’t believe I was rude or even mean. I was sharing information I have collected over the years while I was learning who I was and meeting great people. But I think I can understand because the conservative right doesn’t teach us to question or study. They want us to stay ignorant so we are easily led. I am afraid this person expected me to either ignore them or respond with verbal violence, but that is not where growth is. That is not who I am.
In the end we can only grow through education. My hope is that this person learned something.
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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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 20, 2025 | About Summer, Cancer, Chronic Illness, Life, Opinions
Today was a special day. A birthday. They are hard. Days for special people that I love with all my heart that I can’t reach because they have not chosen me. Jamie Holloway suggested we have cake and sing, “Happy Birthday.” She was right. It helped a lot.
I have been trying very hard to not write about certain people. I want to be done with them but they still live in my dreams. They are still in my history. They still make me cry.
I recently texted something I needed to say to my mom, but I couldn’t say it to her. I don’t need an apology. I just needed to tell her. People can only give what they have. Most people don’t have the words I need. That is what Karen G Clemenson and Jamie and a few others that know who they are, are for.
Mom said that she thinks the blog is what really triggered these people. Whether that is what she meant, I felt some blame in that phrase. I am not angry about it. We don’t have to agree to love each other.
I never pulled all the heads off of someone’s dolls until they made Cabbage Patch Dolls and I couldn’t do it anymore so I outlined their mouths with blue ink. I have never chased anyone around a house with a knife on more than one occasion. I have never kicked anyone in the stomach over and over again while they begged me to stop. I have never stolen anything from anyone, especially their senior year, year book with messages from people they can never replace. I never helped someone buy their psych meds and then told everyone about it. I never told people I paid someone to do something that they did for free. I never poured river rock on top of the flower beds they dug out by hand and planted bulbs that they never saw produce. This is the short list. This is the list of only one person. This is the list that hurts the least.
This is the substance of a system that I was not born into but it became as I grew older and things changed; while my family changed.
I was told by several therapists that I should leave my family. I loved them. Most importantly there were sibkids (kids of siblings) that I adored and I knew if I left, I would never see them again because the system was what it was, so I stayed.
But when I got really sick, the kind of sick that doesn’t go away, I realized I had to change. And when I prayed to God for a partner because I really didn’t want to live anymore, and I didn’t want to live alone because even though I was surrounded by people, none of them ever chose me, there was Karen. So we married and even though nothing got better right away, I had some joy. One day we came over for dinner and my mom even told me how beautiful I looked. I didn’t know what to say. Joy does that for you.
But we tried to be part of this system and Karen was watching me get worse. And one day after a visit when I was unable to stay awake or get out of bed, she came home from work and begged me to get out of bed and eat something and take my meds. She begged me not to let them take me away anymore. And when the depression subsided and my mind came back around, I realized I had to make a choice, so I called my mom and then my dad and I told them both that I had to take a break from them. I didn’t know where the pain was coming from and I needed a break. My therapists suggested a complete cut, but I didn’t want that. I had hoped that it would just be a break.
But my sisters heard about it and they cut me off and took their kids. My only pure joy.
Ms. Colvin, my father’s second wife remained who she is. My oldest sister remained who she is. My older, younger sister stayed who she is. My father chose who he always chooses. There were lots of terrible things.
It became permanent.
I cannot and will not apologize for my writing my truth. I cannot and will not apologize for living authentically. Abusers need to be outed. I deserve to be advocated for. I deserve to be my own hero. I have earned my freedom. I will never get back the love I wasn’t given and that I deserved.
God is a God of reconciliation. It is because He healed me so much that I could hear Him when my youngest sister reached out to me and He said it would be ok, that I read her message about our mother that I have had amazing moments with her. But I have fought hard to be able to stand in my truth. I will not sit down now. I will not be quiet and let things be.
I will not attack my abusers on purpose. They do not have to read my blog.
It is their love for drama that created my need for the outlet that sometimes my blog is. This is my 653rd article on this website. These articles that might bring them up might take up only >5-10% of all of them. I am a warrior. I have beat cancer. Jamie reminds me of that all the time. I may have spent most of the day in bed today, but tomorrow I will get up and have a great day.
I am free from the system that my extended family holds dear.
Oh BTW I beat cancer!
~
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.
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by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 12, 2025 | Life
Dear Representative,
I would like to tell you how much I support H.Res.353. I believe Donald J Trump is guilty of abuse of power through unlawful detention and human rights violations. He has defied federal law and court orders. He has created corruption and used the justice system to retaliate against critics. Trump has also obstructed Congress and concealed information, stopping the balance of power. I also believe that he has endangered our national security through impaired governance.
I am not going to waste your time with lots of words. I know you are busy, however, I do post all these letters and other articles on my website at https://goodtimesalways.com/ if you want to read more, I would suggest:
Please do your job.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 12, 2025 | Opinions, Politics
Today I was scrolling and watching videos and found Jayne Converse on Articles of Impeachment and I was so inspired that I decided to share her words. This is not a perfect word for word dictation of her video, but it is pretty close and I think it is a very good message. I hope it inspires you to write to your representative to support H.Res.353, articles of Impeachment for Donald J. Trump.
These Articles of Impeachment illustrate a pattern of abusive conduct that violate the Constitution, endangers the public, and undermines the foundation of our democracy. Al Green, lawyer and house representative for Texas’ 9th district, intends to file Articles of Impeachment before Christmas, but this responsibility does not fall only on members of Congress but on people who have made an oath to defend the Constitution. The Constitution belongs to all of us and so does the responsibility to defend it.
Article I. Abuse of Power Through Unlawful Detention & Human Rights Violations
As president, Donald J. Trump has directed federal agencies, including Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to carry out raids, detentions enforcement actions without lawful warrants, without probable cause, and without constitutional protections owed to every person under the jurisdiction of The United States. He has permitted the detention of U.S. citizens, the targeting of political protesters, the coercive deportation into foreign detention facilities and the expansion of detention centers where documented abuses have occurred. Such actions are abuses of the powers of the presidency and a violation of the 1st, 4th, and 5th Amendments.
The government has enormous power but not in a random manner, without cause, or to weaponize fear. When federal power is used against the people it is meant to protect, the presidency has crossed a constitutional line.
Article II. Defiance of Federal Law & Court Orders
Donald J. Trump has repeatedly refused to comply with federal court rulings governing asylum procedures, detention limits, access to counsel, medical care and due process rights. He has diverted federal funds without congressional authorization in violation of Article I of the Constitution and the Appropriations Clause. This conduct represents a sustained defiance of the judiciary and a failure to take care that the laws be executed.
Our system only works when each branch respects its limits. A president who ignores court rulings places himself above the law. A president who spends money without Congress violates one of the oldest checks on executive power. The Constitution does not allow a president to rule by force of will.
Article III. Corruption of Justice & Retaliation Against Critics
Donald J. Trump has misused the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to initiate or threaten investigations into political opponents, journalists, protesters, and state officials for the purpose of retaliation and intimidation. He had interfered in the federal prosecutions involving allies and pressured law enforcement to act, not in the interest of justice, but in the interest of the president himself. Such conduct violates the principle of impartial justice and constitutes a profound abuse of executive authority.
The justice system is supposed to be neutral. It cannot function when the president uses it to punish or shield his allies. When law enforcement becomes a political weapon, democracy is unravelling from the inside out.
Article IV. Obstruction of Congress & Concealment of Information
Donald J. Trump has stopped the lawful oversight responsible of Congress by refusing to comply with subpoenas, directing executive officials not to testify, withholding documents, impeding inspectors generals, and concealing medical and administrative information needed for Congress to assess the functioning of the Executive branch. This obstruction violates congress’s Article I authority and prevents the Legislative branch from carrying out its constitutional duty.
Congress can’t check the Executive branch if the president blocks every attempt at oversight. Transparency is not optional, its required. A president who conceals, obstructs and evades review threatens the balance of power itself.
Article V. Endangerment of National Security Through Impaired Governance
Donald J. Trump has exhibited repeated signs of cognitive and physical impairment, including disorientation, confusion, inability to remain focused during briefings, erratic public behavior and unexplained medical indicators while refusing to initiate procedures under the 25th Amendment or to transfer authority when unable to discharge the powers and duties of the presidency. Such conduct endangers national security and constitutes a willful dereliction of duty.
Health challenges are human. But hiding an impairment while making decisions that affect national security is not acceptable. The 25th Amendment gives the vice president and the cabinet the power to step in if the president if a president can’t do his job. They are the backup system the Constitution created for moments like this. If the president wont acknowledge the problem and the people who could use the 25th Amendment don’t act, then impeachment is the only tool left to protect the country.
These article taken together describe a pattern of conduct that threaten our constitutional order. A president who abuses power, defies the law, retaliates against critics, obstructs oversite and governs while impaired violates the oath he swore the the United States people.
Impeachment is not an act of hostility. Its an act of protection. A safeguard, written for moments like this.
>Watch Jayne Converse’s entire video.
Note: the link above is to a video on Facebook. I do not own the site and I do not manage it.
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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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 12, 2025 | Life, Opinions, Politics
“16, 26, ~27, and as many as 69 depending on how misconduct is counted women” accused Donald Trump of sexual abuse and STILL some people made him president. 27 women. That is a lot of women to be lying. But 27 women. I think I should start calling Trump, President 27 Women. We really fucked up somewhere. That is just irresponsible on our part as a nation because we do not support victims of sexual assault.
The families of 3 young men accused Michael Jackson of sexual misconduct. It was never proven but people still talk about it. I don’t know if MJ hurt those boys, but I would never let my children spend the night in a grown man’s bed, that wasn’t family, especially if I wasn’t there, so if they were hurt, some of the blame is on the parents for being irresponsible.
Nearly every person I know has been molested or raped at some point in their life. Women and children go missing every day and they are never found. We know human trafficking is a real thing yet we don’t seem to have a solution. 27 women have accused our current president of sexual misconduct, yet people still voted for him. When I told Nana that one of grandfathers touched my breast when I hugged him, she laughed and said he was a handsy guy. He had done that to her; that is how I knew she would not be able to advise me on this situation. Nana was intelligent, classy and beautiful, but she also accepted that men would take their advances.
Society has created laws against sexual assault, harassment and violence. Society has created consequences too. But somewhere in between, the laws don’t seem to protect the victims as much as they do the perpetrators. And if the bad guy does serve time, they tend to get out early, they don’t have to prove themselves rehabilitated, and society still has to pay for them in monthly installments, because no one wants to hire them unless they are well educated.
The other day I started a new LinkedIn. My old one was hacked awhile back and I just didn’t feel like starting over until I was helping a company with their marketing. For some reason LinkedIn showed me a profile of someone I hadn’t seen in years. He was a person I met at a Goodwill event that seemed like a nice person. I tried to give him chances but he was a level 3 registered sex offender for a reason. And after I realized he was grooming me, I removed him from my life. Seeing him, has brought up a lot of feelings. He didn’t rape me, but he did feel ok with making me feel like he was taking advantage of my trust in him in ways my other friends did not.
What I want to know is how do we change a system that is not protecting anyone? The people in my world are not only women, but men, not only white, but all colors. Why do we as a society allow each other to be hurt? Although any person can hurt someone, we know that most perpetrators are white males. What is so broken in white males that we are willing to hide, instead of helping them stop?
I posted some of this online and one friend was honest about the fact that we are wrong to call this crime sexual assault because the only thing about this assault that is sexual is that it involves genitals. Rape, molestation and human trafficking is about power and control, hatred and abuse. The perpetrator is turned on by the fact that the victim can be blamed by what they wore or just by the fact that they can be blamed at all, thereby justifying their addiction to their victimization.
Another person said, “The Epstein Criminal Enterprise tells all of us that justice isn’t equal and if you are powerful enough you can get away with anything.” They also said that because of this, it was hard for them to leave their child with anyone.
Someone stated at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting once that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results (yes I know you thought Einstein said it, but we were wrong). So when are we going to start treating assault that includes unwanted advances that are sexual in nature, or just plain violent, hateful and include our genitals, differently so that the victim is no longer victimized and the perpetrator is found guilty and not allowed to be validated and turned on by further victimization?
Well…first off…you can write to your representative about House Resolution 353, which are articles of impeachment for President Donald J Trump, AKA President 27 Women. We should not have a president that has been accused by that many women; they all can’t be lying. Next when someone tells you that they have been victimized, believe them, love them, and support them in legally getting justice against their perpetrator.
There should be no difference between any of us, regardless of our status in society.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
Read More:
- A sexual abuse ruling. 26 accusations. Yet Trump is still frontrunner to be the next President by Bevan Hurley for Independent, May 10, 2023
- Donald Trump Sexual Misconduct Allegations: 26 women, 43 instances, starting 1970 by Abhishek Awasthi for First Post, April 26, 2023
- How many women have publicly accused Donald Trump of sexual assault or misconduct and what are the sources for each allegation? by Factually Staff November 22, 2025
- List of Trump’s accusers and their allegations of sexual misconduct by Meghan Keneally for ABC News, September 18, 2020
- Michael Jackson: A Quarter-Century Of Sexual Abuse Allegations by Anastasia Tsioulcas for NPR, March 5, 2019
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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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 10, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics
Dear Representative,
Tonight I saw a video by an influencer I follow. She was talking about Bill S.3386 which was introduced to the Senate on 12/08/2025 by Senator Mike Crapo, to be voted on, on 12/11/2025. The influencer stated that this bill was in response to the Affordable Health Care Act tax credits that are expiring next month. Her main concern was that she felt that this plan was about the rich becoming richer while the poor were not cared for at all. She said that monthly costs for currently insured people would skyrocket, deductibles would double and there would be more out of pocket costs. She also stated that insurance companies would be free to deny coverage for care. This would mean that many people would just not be able to afford to have health insurance. I agree with her, that we do not need more poor people filing bankruptcy because they got sick.
I also thought her point that Universal Healthcare would save the United States $450 billion a year if we were to switch over, because of how inefficient and expensive our medical system currently is. Have you looked into that? Is she correct?
When I read the text of the bill, honestly there were not many details there to come up with her premise. This actually bothers me because there is not enough text available to know how to vote. What I did see was that, although the the bill is called the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act for 2025, there are stipulations that people will not be able to have gender affirming care under this health insurance policy. I believe very strongly that what my doctor and I decide needs to or will be happening with my body, should be between my doctor and I. I don’t see why you should have any say in that.
So overall, I am a hard no on this bill.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 6, 2025 | About Summer, Cancer, Opinions
I’m much stronger than I have ever been and I have forgiven so much. I have learned who I am and I like myself. I like myself enough to be comfortable with saying this is who I am and it is ok that I am not like you. I can say no to abusive people or people that don’t add anything to my life, especially if they know they are hurting me, because I told them, and they are not willing to change, or worse, they tell me that if I am the only one with the problem, than I am the problem.
Learning Who I Am
I have been hurt by a lot of people. I walked away from most people for a period of time, some so I could get the medical and mental wellness help I needed. I needed to learn who I am, what I want, what I need, how to take care of myself and make healthy boundaries. Some of these people had hurt me, but it wasn’t intentional, they were surviving too and I needed to know how to see myself as an individual and not an extension of them. In fact I hurt them too because I was always angry and confused and we were all being manipulated by the same people.
I am very sensitive, I am also a sensory person. Lights, sounds, colors and large groups of people are hard for me, especially if I have not prepared myself for the experience. It took me a long time to learn how to do that.
I have been talking with God about the emotional pain I have lived with for most of my life and a lot of it has healed. I used to be so miserable all the time; fluvoxamine has helped me not want to die and slowed down my thoughts so I can process them in a healthy way. I don’t feel angry all the time anymore. I was talking with God several nights ago and had no peace about the pain I was feeling. My abusers will never hear me, even if I had the opportunity to tell them what I want them to know. They believe what they want to.
Over the years, I have become more comfortable with my emotions. Grandma Clemenson was someone who cried. I am more like her that way. The following morning when I was talking to God, I found myself saying to Him that I wanted my pain to honor Him and that was different and I felt a shift. I suddenly knew why He hasn’t taken it from me. Even the Apostle Paul had a “thorn in his flesh” that kept him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7).
I don’t leave home often but when I do, I meet people and I have moments with them that mean something. Because my pain is available, I never forget and it makes it easy to empathize with people that hurt, with people who might be ignored or misunderstood by others. It helps me love them.
Growth Is Good
I am glad I was able to reconnect with my mom and youngest sister. God told me it was time. He is always correct. I had always thought I was just like my father and I do have some of his good qualities. But I see that I am very much like my mom. We are givers. We are creative. We have had some great conversations.
We have been able to clear up some misunderstandings. I had always thought Mom didn’t like to talk about hard things, but since we have been able to do this many times and we both have been able to apologize for where we were wrong, I think she was tired a lot when she was carrying our family.
I was not as clear in some of my blog posts regarding my mom. Like in I Tried to Call My Father Daddy Once where I wrote about the call to my parents to tell them about my cancer. I only mentioned my mom, because I wanted to illustrate that I called her first because she deserved it. The article was about my relationship with my father. I should have left her out of the article altogether, but since I didn’t, I should have mentioned that she called me as soon as she heard my voicemail and we talked for a while, she tried to reassure me that I would be ok and she was praying for me. In our recent conversation, she told me her phone didn’t recognize the number I was calling from, but she called me right back after she heard my message, and she did. I apologized to her but also told her that article was about how bad my father made me feel.
There were other things I wrote about my mom that must have been confused in my mind. I have apologized for things I thought were true; I should have never mentioned anything about my mother’s mental health diagnoses, especially because I was wrong. Mental health can be a real bear. I am trying very hard to remain in now and stop looking back.
There has been a lot of mumbling about my blog. It’s sad to me that people get stuck on a few articles but don’t see the hundreds of poems, book reviews, articles about Jesus, research articles and my updates about my cancer. I have been writing since I was a child. I was skimming through many posts today, and yes, the last several years have been intense, but, in my opinion, there is some lovely art mixed in with my growing pains.
I am at a point where I don’t want to talk about my abusers anymore. I have said enough. They don’t deserve any more of my time. But I do want them to leave my mom alone. When I stepped away I didn’t keep sending her messages until I was ready to return. I certainly didn’t send hate mail. I didn’t lie or manipulate anyone to alienate her. I didn’t even do what I was accused of.
Society is in Pain
This week, I was watching a video of an influencer I have been watching for a while. He is a young man that I have been paying attention to as he grows into himself. He does beautiful things in his community, with the goal of building relationship. Usually he posts great stories about his interactions with people but the video I interacted with, was his response to two young women that took a couple Angel Tree tags off a tree and filled a shopping cart with merchandise and recorded themselves while doing it, and then left the full cart in the store when they left. Immediately people were angry or sad and other big emotions. Because I used to be on The Salvation Army Board for the Kelso-Longview Corp. I know how some of the ways the Christmas Center was run while I was on the board and volunteered. So I posted that the cards were only suggestions and that the Christmas Center was probably set up like a store so parents and guardians could come and “shop” for what their children wanted and needed for Christmas. I wanted people to not worry, children would get something to open for Christmas. My message was totally meant to bring peace to those who thought that those children would not get anything because their card was stolen.
And for many my message did what I had intended.
But for a lot of people my message illustrated 2 things for me:
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- Kelso-Longview is truly unlike most other places and we do things differently. I already knew this but I forgot. But it does make sense that each TSA Corp would function in the way that their community would respond the best.
- People have been hurt. People have been hurt by groups, organizations and people that said they were going to help. Because of this they are cynical, gun-shy and sometimes just plain hateful. This I also knew because I have been there.
I have spent a lot of time the last two days responding to people because I thought it was right to tell them that I was wrong to tell them how my corps handles the Christmas Center, when I haven’t volunteered there for several years and I have never been to another corps ever. I also told them it makes sense that all TSA Corps would function in a way that best suits their community, meaning that those cards might really be for a specific child. I have apologized to people that felt as though the Corps in their area has taken advantage of them or people in their community (I don’t make excuses or argue, their experience is their experience). I have explained that I was raised being told that I would never get every gift on my Christmas list because gifts are not the main reason for Christmas, spreading joy, love and gratefulness is. I have said Merry Christmas a lot.
I also have been discussing with a gentleman in a community group why I think it is wrong to call people names because you don’t agree with their political beliefs. I don’t offer my opinion as much as I used to. I have begun reading other people’s responses and giving a thumbs up or hug to people I agree with and letting the rest go. Many times I find people that just like to swear a lot and call people names. Those people I respond by telling them they are an abuser. I never get a response from anyone on those. But this guy was different because, although he was calling a particular group names, he was using old fashioned names that were fascinating and intelligent. So I thanked him for being interesting, but reminded him that other people have a right to their opinion. He thanked me for noticing his great words and explained why he thought that people who believed a specific way were troglodytes and referred to a violent show that I have not seen to illustrate his reasoning. I told him that I believed that verbal violence was still violence, I had not seen that show, and I didn’t want to add to any violence. I think we are done with our discord.
My point is that our society is hurting. Many of us are hurting as individuals. Some of are hurting as families. A lot of us are hurting as a nation. Even some might say that the earth is crying out. I have to admit that several times this week, I have wanted to let my anger engage with some people. I am human and I wanted to have some vengeance. But I know that vengeance belongs to God. And when I didn’t want to let that prevail, I asked Karen G Clemenson, and she reminded me that the people I wanted to engage with, only like to fight and I would be giving them what they want. I don’t like to fight. I am trying to grow up here. I will 50 here in a few weeks, and I want to be a thoughtful and wise person like Grandpa Bill. I want to be a graceful lady like Nana. I want to by a good listener like Grammy. I want to be devoted and forthright woman like Grandma Clemenson. I want to keep creating and giving like Mom. I don’t need to let my temper or my mood swings get the best of me.
This year for Christmas maybe we should choose to be soft with each other. Even if it takes a few days to cool of so we don’t give more violence or hate instead of love and compassion.
Note: It has taken me 6 days to write this.
Image Credit: Isn’t my mom’s Christmas tree pretty?
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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.
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by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 25, 2025 | Food, Fuel Your Wellness, Opinions
This article was originally posted on WellnessWorksNW.com on 11/18/2025.
Popcorn is a must in our house. Karen G Clemenson and I both have our weaknesses that we have learned to keep at bay and it is made easier with popcorn. Popcorn is high in dietary fiber which aids in digestion and maintains weight. Popcorn is low in glycemic index and on its own can help those with sugar issues to maintain their blood sugar levels. Popcorn is high in antioxidants and polyphenols which can lower the chance of some chronic illnesses, including heart disease and some cancers.
Popcorn is also a whole grain that is linked to lower obesity rates. Before you add anything to popcorn, 3 cups of air-popped popcorn has 93 calories, 3 grams of protein, 18.6 grams of carbohydrates, 3.6 grams of dietary fiber, .2 grams of sugar, 1.1 total grams of fat, .2 grams of saturated fat, 1.9 mg of sodium and several nutrients.
At my house I make a huge batch of popcorn at a time. I use an air popper. I have a set of bowls, just like in this set. I use the largest bowl with the lid. It holds about 5 quarts of popcorn. When it is just us, I melt a stick of good quality butter like Land O Lakes (butter does have some nutritional value and contains MCT that is good for your brain) and add organic sea salt, black pepper, ground garlic and nutritional yeast. If our nephews were coming over, I would use coconut oil, instead of butter because they are lactose intolerant. I might also leave out the pepper, nutritional yeast and garlic since they are toddlers and they might now like the grown up flavors. When I want a sweet treat I have also used sea salt, cinnamon and organic sugar. The boys would probably love that too. Depending on how stressed we are the 5 quarts of popcorn will last us 2-5 days.
The other day, Karen was selling cheese and caramel popcorn at the store. She had mentioned it so many times that when we went grocery shopping I grabbed a bag. She was surprised. I only buy meat, fruits, vegetables and dairy when we go shopping, unless we are out of bread. I buy all our pantry items online at the beginning of the month and I rarely buy anything beyond dark chocolate as a treat unless I plan to bake something. But one time we were at Jamie Holloway‘s apartment and her sister brought over some Cretors Cheese and Caramel popcorn and it was amazing! So after listening to Karen talk about popcorn I just needed to take care of this craving. I don’t make caramel popcorn because I have little self-control over this food. But this regular sized bag of popcorn would be ok. It didn’t last the night.
The next day Karen brought home the leftovers from the samples she had been selling. There was more cheese and caramel popcorn. As I was enjoying the popcorn, she was watching me. This was new to her. I have gone through a lot of food changes over the years. She has not seen me enjoy popcorn out of a bag before. I make amazing popcorn. That was one thing my dad had taught me. He made great popcorn and when he left our house, I asked him how to make popcorn, then that became my job at home. My nana also loved popcorn. This is the part where flavored popcorn comes in. She lived in Seattle when I was really little and then when she married my Grandpa Bill, they lived in Kirkland. Both places are known for their malls and ports. Both of those places always had popcorn shops. Nana always had popcorn at her house and when we went shopping, we often got flavored popcorn. So when I enjoy flavored popcorn, I think of her.
I have never met a popcorn I didn’t like. Karen asked if I would buy this popcorn she brought home. I was honest. I would eat it, but I wouldn’t buy it. I will buy Cretors. Just like we don’t buy microwave popcorn, or even any I have found at our local stores. I buy organic purple Amish popcorn that I found online, because it is the best tasting popcorn I have ever eaten and even though it costs about $17 for 6 lbs, it takes us several months to eat 6 lbs of popcorn so I don’t think that is too much.
Food is health. We don’t eat microwave popcorn because there are chemicals in the bags. My body is sensitive to chemicals. That is why I make most of our food from scratch and why we only go to restaurants where I have not had a bad experience. It isn’t that I think restaurants that I have bad experiences are bad, I just know my body is sensitive to what they are cooking with. My body is sensitive to many healthy things and also unhealthy things. I am just protecting myself. Sorry for the rabbit trail. But if my experiences can help you, I am glad to able to tell you about it.
But back to popcorn. This is how we get through the cravings for other foods that have no health value. We are heading towards the holidays. The bible says that all things are permissible but not all things are beneficial. There will be many foods put in front of us this season. Maybe putting some popcorn out will help you eat less things that are not beneficial this season. Be blessed.
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I hope this article helps Fuel Your Wellness. Please leave your comments below.
Summer D Clemenson is a co-owner Clemenson Enterprises, LLC and Wellness Works NW. Summer her wife, Karen G Clemenson’s personal motto is Creativity, Honesty & Positivity are a must! This mantra helps them stay community and wellness minded in all they do. Summer is an Independent Wellness Advocate at dōTERRA. Summer also writes poetry and inspirational blogs @ GoodTimesAlways.com.
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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.
~
by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 20, 2025 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions
Dear Representative,
I am very concerned about hearing about a massive structural shift in the Department of Education. I have heard that the Elementary, Secondary & Post Secondary Education programs are being moved to the Department of Labor. These are core educational functions for the entire United States of America. Foreign Medical Accreditation (FMA) & Childcare Access Means Program (CAM) are being sent to Health & Human Services. International Education & Foreign Language Programs are going to the State Department.
Usually Congress, public comment, & impact statements are done before anything like this would take place prior to a federal agency being dissolved or restructured, but the Trump administration is forgoing the legislative process by reallocating the Department of Education’s core functions. This is diluting accountability, removing civil rights protections & national educations standards for all students, nationwide.
The mission of the Department of Education (ED) is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access for students of all ages.
The mission of the Department of Labor is: To foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.
Please tell me how The Department of Labor is able to take care of the educational needs of our students? I could go on, but it would be redundant. I am very concerned by the direction we are going as a country. I am very much against the fact that Congress is allowing this sidestep to happen. Please make this stop.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
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