Global Warming is Coming

Here's a recent article on Global Warming:



"Former vice president Al Gore laid out his prescription for an ailing and overheated planet Monday, urging a series of steps from freezing carbon dioxide emissions to revamping the auto industry, factories and farms.


Gore proposed a Carbon Neutral Mortgage Association ("Connie Mae," to echo the familiar Fannie Mae) devoted to helping homeowners retrofit and build energy-efficient homes. He urged creation of an "electranet," which would let homeowners and business owners buy and sell surplus electricity."

"This is not a political issue. This is a moral issue -- it affects the survival of human civilization," Gore said in an hour-long speech at the New York University School of Law. "Put simply, it is wrong to destroy the habitability of our planet and ruin the prospects of every generation that follows ours."

So don't be too hard on Al Gore and the environmentalists! Contrary to those who may think they are "nut" cases, they may have read the last chapter in The Book. Global Warming is Scriptural.

In Revelation 16:8-9, the fourth angel pours out his bowl upon the sun and the people on earth will be overcome with the heat.

Rev. 16:8-9 "The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. [9] They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him."

As a matter of fact, they will blame God for their misfortune and refuse to do anything about it. So I hope you make sure you're not around when this happens. For sure, I'll be "out of here."

We leave in a couple hours for Christmas in TN

Have a Merry One!

Love
Gpa G

Bitter Sweet Memories

20071220
Thursday

Tomorrow we leave for TN and we plan to make it a “Greene” weekend even if snow should make it white!

Mom reminded me that today is Steve Sommer’s birthday. His father, George (Arlene’s brother), died this day in 1980. Twenty-seven years ago, it’s hard to believe! We had recently moved to Tipp City, to begin our ministry at the Grace Brethren Church in Troy, OH. Arlene and aunt Shirley made the trip to Memphis while George was still in the hospital. Not long after that, Mom and I attended his funeral.

George (Arlene’s brother) and Eileen (Logan) had three children: Sheryl Lynn was born October 23, 1948. She and her husband, Todd Rooks, along with Eileen, are now living in Barberton, OH. I don’t recall their address right now. They have two adopted handicapped children.

George Charles, aka Chuck, was born Feb 27, 1951 and married Deborah Lynn Cosby June 4, 1977. We had a good visit with them at our last family reunion at Gatlinburg, TN. They are still anxious to move to Alaska. They live in a beautiful place near her folks out in the country, POB 607, Blairsville GA 30514

Stephen Jay Sommer was born December 20, 1954 and married Sherrill Lynn Hawkins October 10, ??. They have 3 children: Wesley, August 28, 1978, Angela, April 30, 1981, and Landon, March 21, 1984. So Steve was 26 when his dad, George, died. Steve lives at 3739 Cactus Trail, Martinez GA 30907. He is a nuclear engineer and may still work at Oakridge TN. I don’t know.

So now you have a run down on some of your Sommer cousins from Uncle George and Aunt Eileen.

Gpa G

On Dasher, On Dancer, On Prancer, and Grandma and Grandpa

20071219
Wednesday

It's getting down to the wire:

Today is Wednesday, December 19, 2007. The year is rapidly drawing to a close—everyone I know is busy, busy, busy. Our schedule for the next week is just that—busy, busy, busy! Grandpa has one more night to work this week (today) and then he will not return to WEEC until Wednesday, Dec. 26. I have my Bible Study group tonight at Basore. We are having a munchfest and a gifting for our teacher. I have to finish wrapping gifts when I get home from church.

We plan to leave for Amanda and Brad’s house in Cleveland, TN, this Friday morning.

The Bonham clan is coming from FL, PA, OH and IL for Christmas. Everyone’s schedule is different so they are having Christmas on Sunday (hopefully Josh and Michelle will make it).

We will leave for home on Christmas Eve morning. May still be wrapping gifts to take to the Glass get-together on Christmas day at Jon and Annette’s—have to make pink stuff for that one. Joy and Lee and their family, Roy and Carol and their family, Lori and Greg and their family and Roy and myself will join them. That should be a (you put in the adjectives!) day. We will either spend the night before Christmas or have to get up very early to get over to their house before the girls’ patience wears out!!

Then we plan to leave Friday morning for Warsaw and Rick and Deb’s clan—who will all be gathering at John and Heather’s on Saturday, the 29th. I don’t know who will be there. I think Jon and Annette are going up for the day. Tracy and Jeremy and their brood will be staying at Heather’s. We may or may not come home Saturday night—depending on our energy level—will most likely stay a second night at Rick and Deb’s.

We love you all and wish you a very joyful Christmas Day regardless of where you are.


We had a great visit with Scott and Lisa and Family at Thanksgiving which helps make a Christmas without seeing them more acceptable. We ask your prayers for journey mercies on our trips to Tennessee and Indiana—we need them locally too!!

Merry Christmas
Gma G

Peace on earth, Goodwill to men!

Daniel 9:24-25 is a primary key to prophecy. It gives meaning to the church age and an understanding of the end times. Another important passage is Ezekiel 38. As you read this passage and relate these ancient lands to those of today, you will see that Israel is surrounded by those who would like to see her disappear. Magog seems to be Central Asia. Gog is probably the prince. Others include: Rosh as Russia, Meshech is Turkey, Tubal is Turkey and southern Russia and Iran, Persia is Iran, Ethiopia is Sudan, Put is Egypt, Gomer is Turkey, Beth-togarmah is Turkey and the ‘many peoples’ may well include other Islamic nations.1

Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said yesterday [Sunday] that the U.S. intelligence report saying Iran had halted a nuclear weapons program in 2003 amounted to Washington’s “declaration of surrender” to Tehran. He was obviously pleased with the report.

This is the same man who said Israel should be wiped from the face of the earth. In my recent blog, I shared Philemon’s thoughts on the dangers facing the U.S and the world from the deceptions and practices of Islam. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) said Iran shut down its nuclear weapons program in 2003 but started it a year later. Their equipment was dispersed to hinder the work of international inspectors.

To consider the hideous (far from peaceful) religion of Islam, check out these links: http://www.kidnappedchristiangirls.org/
http://www.americastruthforum.com/
http://www.mipt.org/ Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism
http://www.faithfreedom.org/

Israel had its beginning in 1948 after a six day war. Jewish people continue to move into Israel today in spite of the continuing attacks by their neighbors. Russia has even changed her position. Once they were anxious for the Israelis to leave, now they are offering incentives for them to return. They encourage Iran in their nuclear endeavors.

Some day, and I believe sooner than later, a peace deal will be made with Israel ushering in what appears to be a lasting peace. This peace will occur at the time of the rapture and the man accomplishing this amazing feat will be none other than the Antichrist. Then when peace seems to be firmly established, the treaty will be broken and the Islamic nations will rise up to wipe Israel from the face of the earth. Ezekiel 38:8 sets the time: “After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely.”

The Battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:16, 19:17-21) will take place at the end of the seven years of tribulation and the beginning of the 1000 years or the Millenium. The battle of Gog and Magog referred to in Rev 20:8 will take place at the end of the 1000 years. The battle in Ezekiel occurs before the Millenium, since the writer describes the Millenium in chapetrs 40-48. This battle may well take place in the middle of the 7 years of tribulation. There may be two battles with Gog and Magog.

The conflict of the ages began when Satan was cast out of heaven. He continues his battle as a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” That battle continues today between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael.

These Islamic countries are ageless and intent on destroying (Gen. 16:11-12) Israel and anyone in the way, even US. Ezekiel 38 indicates these countries will form an alliance to bring an end to Israel but not before a peace treaty is brokered by the Antichrist. Then they (the Islamic nations) shall be defeated (Ezek. 38:21-23) and the peace treaty signed by the Antichrist will be broken. Then comes the last 3 ½ years—“the Great Tribulation.”

In spite of all the efforts of the United States to broker a peace treaty, it seems like things will get worse before they get better. Israel longs for this peace, but it won’t last very long. The peace of Christmas initiated by the birth of Christ is an everlasting peace available to one and all thereby assuring a ringside seat from the battlements of Heaven. Hey! We’re out of here, don’t ya know?.

Merry Christmas
Gpa G.

Cousin Linky Again

Putting a Christmas card/letter on my blog does not seem very appropriate, but I think the exception is worth it. We received the following letter from Gma’s cousin ‘Linky’ Brokhausen, aka, Gladys [Sommer] Brokhausen. As a young girl, Arlene vaguely remembers meeting her in person while in Altoona.

The picture was taken from an article in the Williamson County Sun , March 6, 1985

Linky [Sommer] Brokhausen

Christmas 2007

The first five months of 2007 were nothing to write home about. The high low points were caused by shoes! Due to the Achilles-tendon surgery, my feet are no longer a pair. So I wear those sandals closed by Velcro rather than buy two pairs of real shoes. Believe me, two pairs would have been cheaper. In March a young woman ran into me with a shopping cart in the supermarket, badly warping two toes and totally removing a toenail. As I heal well, I did my thing with aloe vera and bandaids. Then on April 17 (who can forget Income Tax Day?) as I came from a volunteer task in town, I caught my sandal under the brake pedal and when the dust settled I had taken out the left door frame, sailed through the garage, taking out a large section of wall, and made a four point landing about two car lengths into the back yard, which is about three feet below garage level. Totaled my faithful Olds 88. Drove around the house and put the wreck in the garage. Heaven knows there was enough room!! But I didn’t have a scratch. I believe in angels.

Came June and life got very interesting. Don’t know how many of you watched the Ken Burns series on WWII that showed on PBS at the end of September. The PBS station in Austin, KLRU, made a program, The World, the War, and Texas, to show along with it. They had 18 WWII-vintage veterans and two non-veterans in a 1 ½ hour show. Maybe it was because I was the only female veteran, but I got a surprising amount of air time. Plus being used in promos. A crew came to the house, and taped for more than an hour—quite a long interview. They used bits. Caused quite a stir among friends.

More fun in the Veteran’s Day parade in Austin. The same four of us in the same yellow 1949 Chrysler convertible as in 2006. Last year I told Larry, the owner/driver, that the other two women I had found were also Navy, he said, “We have to do it again next year, with signs on the car saying we’re Navy. As long as it doesn’t hurt the finish.” He made placards for each side—U.S.Navy – 3 WAVES AND A SEAL. Last year, the car got attention. This year, we all got noticed. Shouts and salutes from the sidelines. We were unit #5 in the parade, so when we reached the end, Larry found a place where we could park and watch the rest go by. At one point, there were 8 former service-women (all much younger than us WWII babes) gathered around the car yakking up a storm. But more was to come. My phone started ringing at 0800 on Monday, 11/12, asking if I had seen the morning paper. Upon retrieving it, I almost flipped out. There we were in full color, smack in the middle of the front page of the Austin American-Statesman. The Front Page!!! Takes the cake.

One more thing. Unless you hear differently from me, early next year my mailing address will change to 139 Estrella Crossing, # 307, Georgetown, TX 78628. I’m finding it necessary to give up the struggle to hack it alone out here in the country. Will be moving into a retirement facility that was supposed to be ready some months ago. The heavy downpours during the summer slowed construction. Hence the uncertainty timewise.

This is what I whomped up to send to friends across the country. With the move so close—no time for personal notes. Busy weeding and tossing like crazy. Will I ever figure out what from a 2600 sq. ft. house I’ll be able to squeeze into a 650 sq. ft. apartment. A house with huge closets that housed a squirrel and a pack rat!

Will try to do better once I’m in and “sorta settled.”

Best to all—
Linky

Islam in the U.S.

20071214 Friday

I attended the recent Tri-State GBC ministers meeting and was very pleased that an unexpected visitor was present and asked to share his testimony. Philemon is a Pakistani Christian. He stated that he was not an Islamic scholar, but that he spent most of his life in the Islamic world.

I quote: “While working as a pastor and
evangelist in Pakistan, one of my colleagues was shot twice in the head while distributing Bibles and other Christian literature. Another co-laborer was kidnapped and his body was found
two days later brutally mutilated. Were it not for God’s intervention, I could have been next.

In 2003, I fled Pakistan because my life was in danger. Working as a pastor and evangelist, I began distributing shipments of Bibles and other Christian material. One such shipment of children’s picture Bibles was seized by Pakistan customs. When Officials saw the pictures of the ‘holy prophets’ [Jesus is also considered a ‘prophet’ in Islam] they were outraged. In Islam, it is considered blasphemy to have images of any of the ‘holy prophets.’ And since my name was on the shipment of books, I was going to be tried in the Islamic court for blasphemy, punishable by death. Prior to my scheduled court date, at the pleading of my family, I quickly gathered my things and left for the U.S.

…Increasingly, the Lord has revealed to me His calling for my time here in the U.S., which is to educate the American church about the deceptions and dangers of Islam, so that we can stand firm in this battle against the powers and principalities of darkness.”

He further said, “In 1988, there were 612 mosques in America. Today, there are more than 2,000. 80% of the mosques here in the United States are funded by the Saudis. Most of the terrorists who were involved in 9/11 attacks were Saudis.”

I don’t have the space to share all that he had to say. I did get some of his folders and brochures as well as his e-mail. He lives in the Pittsburg area. His message should be heard by all Christians. He seems fearless in his presentation but is well aware that he could be ‘pointed out’ here in the U.S.

He concluded saying: "First, we must recognize that we are already in a Spiritual war. And with the threat of Islam knocking on the door, it is now more important than ever that we reach our friends, our family, and our neighbors for Christ, bringing His message of love and hope to the lost world.

Second, we must inform others of the practices, atrocities, and deceptions of Islam, bringing awareness to our friends, family, churches and communities. In circumstances like this, it is good to remember that God is in complete control of everything. We need not worry….”

Gpa G

Ricky's Birthday

20071209

Today is Rick’s birthday. That may not be news to you, but it was news to Gma and me back in those early days—our first experience with parenting. I think it turned out pretty good!

It was 1949 and Christmas was coming and so was our first baby who turned out to be Richard Alan Glass. My brother’s name was Richard, but we always called him Dick. At the time we were planning to go to South America as missionaries and we thought Rick, as in Ricardo, would be more appropriate.

He made his grand entrance at McDonald Hospital in Warsaw located at the end of Argonne Road on Route 30. Dr. Baum was a unique smoker. The cigarette ash never fell off, even when he was bending over mom when the baby was almost here. You’d have to see it to believe it! So here you can see the announcement.

We lived on the island at that time. There were no

house numbers. All the houses had names. We lived in “Pilgrim’s Rest.” It was cold that winter and the wind from the lake seemed to penetrate the house. You can see the old space heater behind mom in the rocking chair. We had a wooden rack we put on top of the heater to dry the freshly washed diapers—no throwaways back then. Every piece of furniture--including the stove and fridge--was painted battleship gray! A real exciting place to live. Not! We had to move our bed to the living room near the space heater because the bedroom was so cold.

From there we moved to the Breckenridge. It was at the top of the hill catercornered from the old Westminster Hotel. There were two apartments on the second floor. Carson and Rosalind Rottler lived across the hall from us. It was while we lived here that my home-made root beer blew up. Mom reminded me that she had laundered all of Rick's baby clothes because Ardi was now on the way. They were spread to dry in the enclosed porch just off the living room. I don't know which was worse--ruining the baby clothes or having the root beer go through the floor to the landlords apartment below.

Now it was time to to move to Roosevelt Ave. It was located almost behind the Argonne Apartments that are not there anymore. Here we would celebrate Rick's second Christmas in style. He was bedded down early and we put up the tree and started to decorate it. Some friends showed up about midnight. We had bought Ricky his first train and were trying to make a village on a platform I had made. Barbara Boatwright was an artist and in no time she had created mountains and terrain for the track to run through. A real village appeared in no time. It was fabulous. We were all excited and trying very hard to be quiet so as not to wake the little boy. All to no avail. After playing with his wind-up roller coaster we were surprised to see the toddler appear. For some reason he thought he should be playing with the toys.

Now he's grown up and still going to school. He graduated from high school, graduated from Grace College, and graduated again. I'm not sure how many times. Now he's the teacher. He never did get out of 4th grade.

We are thankful the Lord has used his talents, raised a wonderful family, and fulfilled his dreams of working with children.

May the Lord continue to bless and use you.

Happy Birthday, Rick!

Love, Dad

Pearl Harbor & Dad's Aglow

20071207

Well today is Pearl Harbor Day! 66 years ago Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. I know I talked about this several years ago. I heard someone today recall that the Japanesse bombed Pearl Harbor while they had a delegation in Wash DC for a peace conference.

I don’t remember what I was doing when some of the other GREAT historic events occurred, but I do remember very vividly where I was and what I was doing when I learned of Pearl Harbor. Just a quick rehearsal. We had just returned from church. We were living in Alexandria VA and attended the First Brethren Church in D.C. Mom always fixed a big Sunday dinner and it usually took 45 minutes to an hour. So I headed over to the ‘sand lot’ basket ball court. The guys were not playing. They were all standing around talking about this attack on Pearl Harbor. At first I didn't know what they were talking about. I was only 13 at the time. The older ones were talking about enlisting first thing Monday, the next morning. Some planned to lie about their age—and did.

I was on my bike and headed for home as fast as I could. Mom and Dad had not heard about it yet. We turned the radio on—no TV then. We heard it right away. The next day FDR made his famous speech. We were at war.

Grandma was also on the way home from church. At that time she attended the Methodist church in East Juniata—on the other side of the railroad bridge from their place. [At this time we did not know each other]. As they were walking up the road, Arlene’s friend Leah Burkholder came out of her house and told them. Arlene was 14. George, her brother, enlisted in the Navy in March of 1942 [I think]. He never got into any battles. You’ll have to ask her about the details.

I have told you before about the black outs drill we had. I was a messenger boy on my bike and was allowed out during air raid warnings. We bought the dark green blinds to put over the windows in the house to keep the light from shining out. If any light showed, the air raid warden would sure let you know!! At that time, they had huge carbon-arc spot light to search the sky for any incoming planes. These old lights are still used today to attract attention to special events at night.

So another momentous event occurred today—Pearl Harbor Day. I graduated from Radiation Therapy. They even gave me a diploma to show I had completed the 43 prescribed treatments. And if you see me after dark, you will notice I have a glow about me! And don't you know, I got a big hug from all the tech girls/ladies!

Gpa G

Deer Hunting Time with Uncle Jerry

"In the good old days" back in PA, we always went bear [not bare] hunting the week after Thanksgiving. The next two weeks were deer season. On one of those occassions, I helped Uncle Jerry build a camper on the back of his pick-up. He had cut the roof off an old school bus. We made sides for it and included a stove, a place to eat and sleep. We didn't hunt from inside, but parked it in a park in Northern PA. It was cold outside, but we were toasty inside--until we realized since we had not insulated it, we had a major problem with condensation. I mean major. It was like a rain storm! We stuck it out, but I think that was the last year Jerry used the camper.

Now Uncle Jerry hunts in real comfort and in his own back yard. Really! He just goes to the top of the hill then cuts back into the woods and shortly this is what you will see. He said he was open for business and even had hot coffe if I come. Rain or snow is no problem.


This picture give a better view of the land. On the back he said, "Think of all the times we stood out in the rain and snow. I dream about then when I doze off in the warm. If you look closely on the first picture you can see the ladder that goes up to a trap door in the floor. Notice in both pictures that he can shut and lock it up when he is not there.


These pictures are looking out. This is from the left window. The windows are covered with glass, but have convenient openings for the gun barrel and you can view in all four directions.





The next picture is on the right side and he says, "with the mirror you can see behind with no twisting the neck.

It's a real temptation, but I think I can resist.

Gpa G

Brief Bio of Jake Sommer - Part 2

The second article follows:

Down Memory Lane
Became Skilled Bowler, Singer
By Os Figard

Continuing and completing the brief biography of Jacob [Jake] Sommer of 1922 1st Ave.

Arriving in Altoona from France on Aug. 8, 1892, he became properly settled and was hired by the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. in Altoona on April 3, 1993, and served continuously with the company until he was retired June 1, 1932. Mr. Sommer was married in Altoona on April 25, 1895, and for some unknown reason his wife’s maiden name was omitted in the story written in 1930. However, the following children were born to that union: George Sommer, better known as ‘Doc’ when he served as a mailman and who was exceptionally good as a baseball pitcher in the old Civic Mechantile League; Henry, Carroll, and Emil.

[The picture was not a part of the interview]. Grandma Anna Sommer [Jake's wife] with daughters-in-law, Aunt Dot, Mother Blanche with little George, and Gladys with baby Linky. Taken in back of the home at 1922 1st Avenue.

One thing that Jake Sommer did learn before leaving his home in France was the art of handling a musical instrument. Memories of this man will linger long with the oldtimers who followed the Altoona Logan Band with Jules Neff as its leader, and he was just as popular a musician with the old Frohsinn Singing Society.

Jacob was one man who, regardless of crowded conditions at the old Academy and Metro bowling alleys, could always find a place to bowl, because at one period in his life he was a member of five different teams that bowled there.

This man bowled his first game with a team in the old Ford Cigar alley located in the basement of the building later tenanted by the Goodfellow Hardware Store, which was located midway between the Capitol Theater and Winter’s Music Store. His wife once told us that Jake bowled six nights a week, and she wasn’t just overjoyed about the statement when she mentioned it.

Jake, in closing the interview, said, “Os, just about everything is so different here from what we knew in France. In France anyone could buy a good-sized glass of wine for 5 cents and a quart could be bought for 14 cents, while whiskey was cheap with a big glass coming up for 13 cents. In France you seldom saw four or five men standing on a corner talking at anytime, and if an officer came upon people talking, he would send them on their way and fast, too.

“Well, certainly America has many wonderful freedoms for everybody, but we are inclined to believe that it has not been only the U.S. government that made possible this friendly freedom here, but the Godfearing people of the nation.”

I have noticed some problems with dates referred to in the articles. The first was evidently written in 1930—no problem. I could check the Altoona Mirror archives to make sure this is the proper date. The second article says it was a continuation of the first, implying it was written shortly after the first. However, the reference to his retirement from the railroad didn’t occur until 1932—two years after the article was supposedly written. In the second article, the writer does refer to the first as being written in 1930. It appears the second article was written two years later.