WELCOME!

& MERRY CHRISTmas !

so I HAD TO FIND A WAY TO SPEAK to the worldand started out with
youtube videos just as the youtube revolution was beginningunfortunately, that
was also the false flag revolutionand negative comment bombing
revolution as well, and my original youtube site was sabotaged . It was quite
frustrating because of all the time & energy I had put into what I had hoped to be
my main site; and it was making good money too. Many years later youtube has
taken steps to limit false flags and comment-bombing but it was too late for me to
start all over. I managed to save some of what I had on youtube and started using
blogger instead. I still use youtube but to a lesser extent. And so far (with
blogger) I havent had the same problems , and hope it remains as such. So now,
albeit without any revenue, I spend my time updating my blogs for the good of
mankind & the body of Christ trying to keep people informed, educated, aware,
etc on all sorts of different, important, & also a few recreational, inspirational,
theological, topics, among other things. And I always try to encourage people to
read the Bible on every blog as you will notice. Now I am attempting to put them
all together on word.doc so a person can quickly and easily navigate to the sites.
*****************
So here goes, with no particular intentional order.

,BELIEVE in the POWER of CHRISTMAS CARDS 022815

next:while starting my ministry I made an intentional effort to send out Christmas cards every
year, and memorialized it in part with this blog.
http://the-power-of-christmas-cards.blogspot.com/

******************
NEXT: over time Ive become more passionate about being pro-life. For a while I
managed to ignore the abortion issue, but my conscience has been pricked and I
can no longer remain oblivious to the reality of the fact that we are losing WAY
TOO MANY BABIES every day to abortion. Even one is way too many, but we are
WAY past one, we are in the multi-millions since abortion was declared legal in
1973. It is a baby holocaust and tragic beyond all words. We must stand up and
speak out against this killing field. So now I dont just blog but I also go stand
outside planned parenthoods with a sign saying Save Our Babies among other
things. I also walked in the big west coast March for Life in San Francisco this
year (2015) as well as the new Walk for Life (1LifeLA) in Los Angeles. Plan to
continue doing so every year! Hope you will add your voice as well.

http://protectunbornlife.blogspot.com/

Next:
http://defend-unborn-life.blogspot.com/

HAVE A HEART- DEFEND UNBORN (pre-BORN) LIFE: THIS IS a website dedicated to

the defense of unborn life...a pro-life site,

NEXT: I was in California in 1991 (November or December) having just moved out
on my own as an adult from Michigan (after college and a bit of law school and a
year of working post-college) when I received a phone call from a high school
friend telling me of the death of a mutual friend. He had committed suicide. It was
my first and so far only first-hand experience with suicide. One is enough. One is
too many. I went back for the funeral. Lots of thoughts about it that I mention
periodically in my suicide prevention blog. Lets ALL be mindful that there are
depressed people near to us, and the importance of marking our words and
actions to try to make the world better for everybody. Simple act of kindness
help. But let us not blame ourselves thinking that if only we had done this or
that we might have prevented suicide after the fact. It never dawned on me that
my friend was seriously suicidal. I saw the clues after the fact. Just be mindful.
Be kind. & also be aware of the epidemic of suicides amongst our American
veterans.
http://stop-our-suicides-sos.blogspot.com/

Next: despite the secular mockery of us conservative Christians who deem it the right thing to do,
I have an entire blog dedicated to thoughts & prayers for people who especially need it due to a
current crisis, tragedy, death, et al . SO here it is:

Although you heard liberals criticize the phrase thoughts & prayers after the
san Bernardino massacre, I stand by it. Most of the time when tragedy strikes,
there is NOT much we can do about it . Most of the time there are NO actions
we as citizens and the body of Christ can take to make any difference EXCEPT
letting people know we care and they are in our prayers. I myself find it very
comforting to know somebody is praying for me and cares enough to tell me
so. Sure, if and when there are concrete actions we can take to make a
difference in an emergency or as a preventative measure we should do it; but
if such is not an option then at least we can offer our thoughts & prayers. This
blog is for such cases.
http://thoughts-and-prayers4.blogspot.com/

*********************
Next: politics has become inescapable in our era. Currently it is December 2015 and trump is
dominating the headlines with his recent comments about muslims. Not sure how I escaped
politics for so many years, but now Im finally starting to understand the parties & the issues a bit
better (Im conservative by the way)
http://thats-politics.blogspot.com/

*********************
Next: I have been shocked, disturbed, & dismayed to see the daily news about the recent elephant
poaching. So tragic. So unnecessary. I went to Africa once and enjoyed going on a few safaris and
seeing the elephants in the wild close-up. We MUST do everything we can to stop poaching and
save the elephants ! as well as all other endangered species. Elephants may not be endangered
yet but they are quickly heading in that direction.
http://save-the-elephants-and-rhinos.blogspot.com/

NEXT: and here is my official ministry website, which, ironically, I dont have much
posted on at the moment I hope my other blogs speak for it.
http://mustard-seed-ministries.blogspot.com/

next: MEMORIAL DAY was never meaningful to me most of my life until I picked up a video camera
and started experiementing with photos & videos to document just about everything I was doing
as I started my ministry around 2000. It was around the time of the youtube revolution, and I
wanted to be a part. So I was uploading LIKE CRAZY ! and BLOGGING too. And memorial day
became another good event to memorialize (no pun intended). And I added veterans day to it as
well.
http://memorial-day-praise-god.blogspot.com/

******************* Next: I love Africa, all the different beautiful countries, and especially Kenya, Tanzania, &
South Africa. Heres some photos from one of my trips this one to Africa in 1996 . I went on safari, studied
some of my dutch roots in south Africa and interacted with the people, while telling the good news of Jesus
Christ here and there. Heres to Africa !
http://the-beauty-of-africa.blogspot.com/

Next:This is my DOG BLOG; starting with a memorial for my Golden Lola. She was such a great dogwith
me for fourteen years.
http://my-golden-lola.blogspot.com/

10

NEXT: my original local color blog

(local color #1)
http://just-my-pictures-glory-2-god.blogspot.com/

Next: now we come to my MAIN ANIMAL BLOG. Mentioned my love of

animals previously. Here you can find some of my animal pictures and animal
news updates etc. http://godsawesomeanimals.blogspot.com/

11

Next: Being in L.A. how can you avoid being in or around Hollywood ? And our
church (the crystal cathedral) for many years often had various Hollywood
personalities coming for Sunday worship as guests or as members. And I myself
dabbled a bit in the acting profession . I remember the original central
casting location in Burbank as I toyed with becoming famous. Theyve since
moved to a new location, and over the years I did some bit parts in various
productions, but never worked too hard to make it big. Lately, I havent done
much at all, and am drifting further and further away from any such interest. But I
still keep one ear tuned to what is happening , and still occasionally cover events
as a reporter rather than as a struggling actor. The big STAR WARS premiere is
coming up next week and I might make it to that (outside, not inside;
unfortunately, Im not on the invite list).
http://hollywood2holywood.blogspot.com/

12

Thanks

******
Next: and because we moved to Bellflower in 1984 and I had lots of family photos from the city and nearby I
started a blog dedicated to Bellflower, which my grandfather arrived at in the 1930s as a CRC pastor and
where he started valley Christian schools (thats a separate blog). Heres to Bellflower, past present & future:
http://the-beauty-of-bellflower.blogspot.com/

13

******************************
Next: and being in the GOLDEN STATE I added on a blog devoted to my new home state (sort of) , and have
tried to keep updating it
http://golden-california-usa.blogspot.com/

Next: every day people pass away (ie die) and its important for us as a humane
society to pay proper respects to them, both near and far. Of course I cant

14

remember everybody who dies every day but I try to post an RIP for those many
people know as well as those I know personally or from my denomination etc. Its
the right thing to do. see http://rip-remembering-those-who-havepassed.blogspot.com/

Next : we are mandated as Christians to care for our prisoners, whether they deserve it or not.
For that matter do any of us deserve grace? No ! So we need to do pastoral care for our
prisoners. This blog is the LEAST I can do in that regard. THIS BEGAN as a prayer site for our
prisoners in general, but I am also adding "death row" prisoners in specific..after hearing a few
stories about persons on death row wrongly convicted.., and also about "zealous prosecutors"
not concerned about false convictions..but simply getting convictions, true or false. Let us remain
conscientious about false convictions, zealous prosecutors, and all things related; as well as care
& prayer for those who were rightly convicted. see
http://prayers-4-our-prisoners.blogspot.com/

15

Back when the winter Olympics were in Vancouver Canada I headed up from L.A. to the state of Washington
and planned to attend a few of the winter games in Vancouver Canada back in the day, but it turned into a
fiasco due to border issues (long story). I eventually made it across but ended up only staying a few hours
before returning to the USA and spent more time exploring little dutch town of Lynden . Nonetheless, Ive
kept an Olympic blog ever since, and believe it or not was highly impressed with the special Olympics hosted
by L.A. this summer (2015). We also happened to move to L.A. the same summer that L.A. hosted the
summer Olympics, and enjoyed attending a few of the events.
next: http://winter-olympics-2014.blogspot.com/

16

Next: border and immigration issues keep raising their ugly head and I keep an
eye on whats happening not only the USA border but border issues in general.
http://usa-border-and-immigration-matters.blogspot.com/

NEXT: I started out my professional career (sort of) as a regular teacher

(English) in coachella and went on from there to also substitute teach while going
thru seminary. Ive always been passionate about good education and try to keep
blogging periodically about educational topics.
http://some-la-schools.blogspot.com/

17

NEXT: not sure what prompted me to start a blog about murdernot very
edifyingI think it was when I started scouring the news and starting my news
blog and noticed how much of the news is so negative and even deadly. So I
decided to remind people of the obvious and find something to do with stories
nobody really wants to read.
http://murder-is-a-mortal-sin.blogspot.com/

18

NEXT: a random blog speaks for itself

http://random-by-random.blogspot.com/

RANDOM by RANDOM BECAUSE I BELIEVE in JESUS CHRIST

*******************
NEXT: local color is about a lot of photos . This is actually my secondary local color
blog, not updated as often as local color #1
http://local-colour2.blogspot.com/

LOCAL COLOUR #2,

GLORY 2 GOD 4EVER !
NEXT:I have some relatives on my moms side who are the peters 2 family (ie
after my grandmother peters died, my grandfather peters remarried and had 3
children with his second wife. They are my half-aunts & half-uncles. Heres to
them and to the Butterball legacy as well. And since my grandpa was all about
butter & meat (but not about butterball turkey per se, although he did sell the
name to them while retaining the rights to keep it for his butter as well) I also
made it into a thanksgiving blog .

http://peters-appreciation.blogspot.com/

19

Next: being a Christian, I am always leery of what science does contrary to the Christian faith. Yet
I believe true science done right should complement Christianity. Thats what this blog is about.
http://what-science-says.blogspot.com/

20

******************
NEXT: the disabled are important to me for several reasons. Theres the obvious humanitarian
good citizen reason which we should all have, but theres also the fact that when we were growing
up in Michigan my dad was a pastor at a hospital that helped people with mental disabilities as
well as other developmental disabilities, so I inherited a soft spot in my heart for these issues.
Later I was a psychology major and also worked as a young adult at the same hospital, and did
other things in the mental health and developmentally disabled field.
http://remember-the-disabled.blogspot.com/

*********************
NEXT: one day I was a a famous surf spot where a surfing contest was being held and all the big
name surfers were there and I had a negative encounter with a lifeguard who was trying to
showboat and trying to embarrass me. This blog started in response to that and evolved into a
more caring blog for our lifeguards after one died trying to rescue somebody
in Newport beach.
http://our-lifeguards.blogspot.com/

21

******************
*******

********************

NEXT: so I mentioned my first teaching job it was here in Coachella which is

now more famous for the annual music festival (which hadnt begun yet at the
time I was teaching) . Where this music festival now takes place every year is only
a few miles from where I started teaching. Its the east end of the valley, opposite
side from palm springs (the poor side some say). Lots of date palm trees, open
fields, but also polo fields (for the rich), and farms. Also you see the bighorn
sheep every now and then (most of them are collared). I also had my dod lola at
the time and she inadvertently became pregnant and gave birth to 9 black
puppies (great pics). So this blog is dedicated to the past present and future in
coachella.
http://my-memories-of-coachella-valley-usd.blogspot.com/

22

*******************
NEXT: how many churches have I been to over the past years? So many I cant count them all nor
the # of pastors and priests Ive encountered. This started in response to these encounters.
http://prayers-4-our-pastors-et-al.blogspot.com/

prayers for our pastors

Next, with all the things happening in the world its hard to ignore the possibility of a WORLD WAR
III if we are not already engaged in it (unofficially).

23

, IS THIS WORLD WAR III ?!

****************

NEXT: as mentioned, after teaching for a few years in Coachella (in

addition to teaching in costa rica & a bit in Michigan also) I decided
to say 100% yes to Gods call for my life (for a while I thought
maybe I could be a missionary teacher or just incorporate being
evangelical into whatever job I did, but later I realized I needed to
go all out as a Christian and get a formal seminary education) and
returned to Michigan for a year at calvin seminary and then
transferred to fuller seminary where I stayed for several more years
completing all the academic requirements for the M.div (ie greek,
Hebrew, Aramaic, church history, various in-depth studies of
different books of the Bibles, hermeneutics, apologetics, etc etc ) .
While at fuller seminary a few issues arose and a few matters of
principal that I felt I needed to address and that is part of the
beginning of this blog. Lately I add current events at fuller (& any
news about fuller) from time-to-time
http://savingsoul.blogspot.com/

24

NEXT: poverty is an issue we should ALL be concerned about, but not

overwhelmed with. As Jesus said The poor will always be with us. This blog is
my attempt to stay aware, concerned, & compassionate, without being
overwhelmed by poverty.
http://join-the-war-on-poverty.blogspot.com/

****************
NEXT: growing up in Michigan I rarely encountered latinos of any sort. The two
main ethnicities (or skin colors ) were black (African-American) or white

25

Caucasians (of various European background, in my area many were of DutchAmerican ancestory). So it wasnt until we moved to L.A. that I truly began to
experience the melting pot of America in all its glory, for better or worse. My
teaching experience in Coachella was with 95% latino students. All around
Bellflower & southern California is a mixture of ethnicities and again a large
population of latinos. Not all my interactions with latinos has been positive.
Sometimes they have been mean to me. I didnt know how to interact with them.
Sometimes I get angry with them and wish more of them would stick with
education rather than drop out and become store clerks or whateer. And the Los
Angeles blacks are different than the Grand Rapids blacks. Anyways, this is my
attempt to be thoughtful and prayerful for the various minorities in our country,
especially around southern California (albeit around here it is actually the whites
who are the minorities now).
http://praying-4-latinos-and-minorities.blogspot.com/

*************************
NEXT: Ive mentioned where Im from (grand rapids mi ) and about my dutchAmerican heritage and this may give some of you knowledgeable ones a hint
about my church heritage as well. Namely I grew up in the Christian Reformed
Church (CRC) which was once part of the Dutch Reformed Church in America that
came over from the Netherlands and originally settled in New York and named it
New Amsterdam (now better known as Manhattan Island). These were my
ancestors. Later the Dutch Reformed Church split into two smaller denominations
(the CRC versus the RCA (or reformed church of America)). My grandfather as well
as my father were both CRC ordained pastors. I myself almost became CRC
ordained and actually did ministry for the CRC on a short-term basis, but never
made the final formal step of becoming a CRC pastor. Instead I started my own
ministry and started evangelizing in various ways and continue to do so. And I
also broaded my horizons and now regularly attend various sorts of churches
including catholic & orthodox while also still remain proud of my denominational
roots. So this is my blog dedicated to my original denomination.
http://my-beloved-christian-reformed-church.blogspot.com/

26

************************************************

****************************
NEXT: So Ive briefly mentioned a bit of work I did for the CRC on a short-term
basis . This included a summer mission in the Philippines as well as disaster relief
after an earthquake in Costa Rica. I almost became a missionary teacher in
Hungary as well but at the last moment was offered a job in a public school in
Coachella and thought I could be a missionary there (not sure I was so successful
in that regard). And as mentioned I started my own ministry and have been doing
evangelism around southern California and online around the world for years now;
so I guess I am a missionary after-all in a certain sense. And so I added a blog
with missionary topics as well.
http://missionaries-are-heart-and-soul.blogspot.com/

27

NEXT: my first REAL BIG solo hike was to the top of the highest peak in the
continental USAits not far from the lowest point in the USAie death valley. Mt
Whitney is 14000 plus feet and for most people takes two or three days, with a
night in a tent halfway along the way. I thought I would go all the way in one long
hike without a tent (which requires an extra permit as well). My plan was to hike
thru the night using my flashlight if necessary. However as it got dark I lost the
trail in the snow (yes, theres snow up there in mid-july) and didnt want to make
matters worse by wandering blindly too far from the trail and get lost so I ended
up staying awake most of the night, briefly laying down under my emergency
blanket to try to catch a few winks; also using my dog lola for extra warmth (she
was my golden retriever for 14 years). That was a LONG COLD NIGHT, but I
survived and made it to the top the next day, and all the way back to the car,
exhausted but happy. And Lola loved it, but was so tired she slept in the car
almost the whole drive back. And from that big hike Ive added a lot of short hikes
all around California to my hike blog. I also had a great youtube hike site but
somebody sabotaged it and its gone now. I lost some good video footage with it
as well. But my blog tries to make up for that loss. Enjoy.
http://hikingbyvanderkok.blogspot.com

28

***************
NEXT: while working as a public school teacher, (especially later on as a substitute teacher in L.A.
to help pay my way thru seminary) I realized how uncaring and mean sometimes students can
be to each other. I realized there was NO place for students to reflect, think quietly, or even
pray according to their religion if need be. Although I know it will probably never happen, I
realized how important it is to have a chapel in public schools. Just because its not likely
doesnt mean we shouldnt advocate for it, right? Thats what this blog is all about.

http://pray-4chapels-in-the-publicschools.blogspot.com/
I am concerned about our public schools lack of spiritualilty and the limited to none educational
opportunities to learn and grow in terms of spirituality. They want to say that "spirituality" is
something you do on Sunday, once a week, at your church, and that's up to your family & pastor,
etc if you or they so choose. But I say that the schools have an obligation to the spiritual as much
as the cognitive, physical, etc.
***************
Next: WHY IS BAPTISM so IMPORTANT? That was a theological question I asked
myself many times during and after seminary. And theres more than one kind of
baptism to make it more complicated. And there are denominational differences
as well. Some say all you need is infant baptism. Others say you must be
baptized as an adult. Others say water baptism is merely symbolic but what
really matters is baptism in the Spirit. And the list goes on. This blog is dedicated
to baptism and includes me doing baptism in the Spirit which I record on video.
ITs nothing complicated or sophisticated. Its simply my attempt to be obedient
to Gods command to not only be baptized but to go and teach and disciple and
baptize

29

http://i-baptize-you.blogspot.com/

******************************
Next: sports has always been somewhat important to me both as a child as well as
an adult. I mentioned playing football as a child thru high school. I also enjoyed
basketball formally & informally, as well as a little bit of little league baseball,
among other endeavors (snow skiing, water skiing, hiking,rock climbing, and the
list goes on.) I also enjoy remaining aware of current sporting news and attending
some athletic events . So I added a general sports blog .
http://pray-by-play.blogspot.com/

30

******************
Next: I mentioned growing up in Grand Rapids MI , and maybe I noted that I
attended Christian High as it is simply known in GR. Heres my blog dedicated
to the high school days and friends; and I periodically blog about current events
happening there.
http://grch-eagles.blogspot.com/

31

*********************

Next, we are also called to pray for and respect our leaders, judges, law enforcement, first
responders, military, et al in so far as they do not attempt to live contrary to the word of God. So
we must keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
http://prayer-and-care-4judges-et-al.blogspot.com/

32

next: http://theological-god-notes.blogspot.com/

33

ALSO
**********************
Next: this is become one of my most-visited blogs. It is entitled very simply STOP the TERROR
and takes on issues of terrorism, both domestic and international. And hasnt it become ALL-theMORE relevant given what just recently happened in san Bernardino (not far from where I happen
to be typing this today, only a week later, as I am heading to Redlands for a forum to talk about
the issue on 12/9/15) . We must pray and act to stop terrorism. Hear our prayer, Lord ! THIS BLOG
is DEVOTED to ENDING TERRORISM AROUND the WORLD thru EXHORTATION, INFORMATION, &
PRAYER. JOIN US in PRAYER to STOP the TERROR,ACCORDING to GOD's WILL
**********************
http://stoptheterror.blogspot.com/

34

************* next: ever since I started researching the catholic churches

while going thru seminary and starting my own ministry Ive continued to
attend (and sometimes appreciate) the various catholic churches I attend
for daily or Sunday mass. I say sometimes appreciate because I have
had a few less than positive experiences, but by and large, mostly good
positive experiences. And I recite the Nicene Creed at the protestant
churches I attend as well as the Catholic churches. Theres a few
independent non-affiliated churches that do not recite the Nicene Creed
and I try to avoid those churches by and large because they are too solo. I
believe strongly in the united Body of Christ: protestant-Catholic-Orthodox
(ie pro-cath-ordox). And so I attend all three churches in various locations
with utmost respect and integrity, in good faith. And I blog my
experiences and also update this blog with catholic & Vatican & poperelated material.
http://pope-and-vatican.blogspot.com/

35

Next: going to spring training in Arizona for the first time was a big thrill. The cactus league has
many locations for the many different teams around the phoenix area including angels, dodgers,
cubs, and many more. Its a great experience. You can see half of the MLB teams play in just a
week or so as you go from stadium to stadium. Hence, my blog which has become more than just
spring training, ex-post-facto. GO ANGELS ! re LOS ANGELES ANGELS of ANAHEIM & MLB IN
GENERAL .THIS was originally a blog for spring training...with an emphasis on the L.A. Angels
(my home team)...but now I've converted it into an Angels (all season) blog, and also periodically
other MLB news..not your blog for everything...just periodic entries;
http://spring-training-go-angels.blogspot.com/

36

,
*******************************
Next: once again I remind you I grew up in grand rapids and this blog
remind you as well.
http://i-love-grand-rapids-michigan.blogspot.com/

37

will

********
part of the great commission is to go and tell the good news, baptizing, teaching,
discipling etc. Its the most basic element of being evangelical Christians and
Catholics. We verbally proclaim the good news and we also give out the written
word, among other things. This blog is about issues of reaching people with the
Good News!

38

Next: I love music, always have, always will. And I grew up in a musical
household. My mother was a piano teacher & cello player. All of her children were
required to take piano lessons for at least a few years. Then in junior high I also
played cornet. I also collected albums (yes the old vinyl kind that go round-andround and need a needle to play; but also CDs later on, and I stay aware of
whats happening, in general, in the music scene, or try to. I grew up on classic
rock, not hip hop. And I was on the tail end of the disco scene growing up in the
70s . see
http://musiclyricsmatter.blogspot.com/

39

**********************
Next: after graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School I went on to
Calvin College, only a few miles away also in Grand Rapids. Calvin College is one
of the denominational colleges for the Christian Reformed Church. Many of my
classmates also went there. Its a natural progression so you already have a lot of
friends when you arrive as a freshman, and make some new ones too. I graduated
from Calvin twice. First as a psychology major. Later I returned and added
English/Education for a second bachelors degree. All my siblings attended Calvin
College as well; and parents, and grandparents. You get the picture?
http://calvin-knights.blogspot.com/

40

**********************************

*********************************************************
next: this little sailing event came to Long Beach one year and apparently it is here to stay for a
while. Im not a big sailor, dont know much about how to sail these big boatsI only sailed hoby
cats growing up on lake Michiganthe little ones that is, not the big ones you see at the Americas
Cup. But I was going blog crazy at the time and felt I had to cover this
event with a blog as well.
http://congressionalcup.blogspot.com/

41

,
****************************************
next:the first time I attended the Oscars I was sort of new to Hollywood. That is, I had been
around for a few years, but hadnt really every paid attention to the Oscars most of my life. Then
one year I went down to Hollywood blvd to see what all the fuss was about and finally realized
what a HUGE DEAL it is (to Hollywood, anyways). They literally close down most of Hollywood
blvd in the area around the Kodak/dolby theatre, and put up bleachers for a small group of select
persons chosen to be red carpet viewers. And they put up fences along the blvd with police
scanners here and there. For the first few years I attended ( and I mean as an observer from the
outside, not inside) it was still rather loosely policed. We were able to get fairly close without
being overly-monitored by the police, but in the past few years theyve made it suffocatingly
difficult to get a peak. Its not as fun as it used to be to come and observe from the sidewalk, but
theres also other events apart from being an informal spectator. They have symposiums and
interviews of the various nominees, many of which are free events. So every year I still try to do a
little b it of something to feel as if I am still part of Hollywood, and have been blogging it more or
less ever since. See
http://academy-awards-oscars.blogspot.com/

42

Next , another big event in the greater L.A. area is the Toyota long beach grand prix . This also is a
multi-day event, and requires the closing down of a huge section of downtown Long Beach near
the waters edge. And they allow free entry on the first day of the event, so its always fun to go
and view for free every year. I also add current car racing news periodically.
http://long-beach-grand-prix-2013.blogspot.com/

,@ the GETTY MUSEUM,

LOS ANGELES, CA

next: I periodically go to the various art museums around L.A. including, of course, the famous
getty museum along the 405 freeway (also less frequently I have gone to the getty villa but thats
much more of a hassle) . And I try to learn something every time. I try to remember some of what I
learned in art history at calvin college and apply it to my viewing experience at the getty or other
museums. Ive enjoyed taking photos of the art and blogging the pictures here as well.
http://a-day-at-the-getty.blogspot.com/

43

*************
re NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING: SEX ACCORDING TO GOD's PLAN
Next: as I began attending catholic churches more often and studying their theology I was
introduced to what they call natural family planning. Its a way for married couples to engage in
sexual activity without violating the beliefs of the catholic church (ie they believe using
contraception is sinful, among other things). Im not married so I havent had to put this into
practice, but maybe I will someday. However, for the time being I have commited myself to the
celibate life. see
http://sex-according-2-god.blogspot.com/

***************
next: I spend a lot of time at libraries , or did as I was starting my ministry and trying to organize
some of what I do on paper, and also use the public computers to upload my videos, update my
blogs etc (I still havent replaced my laptop ever since it was stolen so I depend on public

44

computers). And as I do my work I enjoy listening to various programs, whether its a religious
program, a youtube sermon, music, or sometimes old time radio! I really found some great old
time radio shows to enjoy and continue to do so. Most recently Ive been listening to a lot of the
old texas rangers radio program on internet archive. And I try to add some of these to the blog
for others to enjoy. And over time I also added links to general audio, not only old time radio. see
http://old-time-radio-is-fun-2-hear.blogspot.com/

*************
,BRINGING the GOOD NEWS to OC FAIR!
next: another part of my ministry and evangelism (as well as pre-evangelism) was to become as
familiar as possible with all the big annual events around southern California. The county fair
tradition is very important to local Californians. Theres the BIG L.A. Fair (maybe the biggest in the
world?) as well as the slightly smaller OC Fair. And theres also the San Diego Fair which is
smaller the L.A. but bigger than OC, and has the best location of the three (right next to the
beach). I have a general county fair blog as well as this specific oc fair blog.
http://oc-fair-2013.blogspot.com/

**************

45

,MY FAVORITE YOUTUBE (et al) VIDEOS

next:as mentioned, I enjoy checking out viral videos on youtube and adding the best ones to my
favorite video blog. I havent been updating it as much as I used to but I think you will enjoy a few
of the posts:
http://my-favorite-youtube-videos.blogspot.com/

*******
,CARE & PRAYER 4 PHILIPPINES, re TYPHOON HAIYAN, NOVEMBER 2013
next: as mentioned above, I did mission work in the Philippines, and have a blog dedicated to that
experience, but also have/had this separate blog which I started after the GIANT TYPHOON hit the
Philippines in 2013. It happened to have a direct strike on Tacloban which is an area I stayed for
several days with one of the missionary families in 1992. See
http://philippines-prayer-re-typhoon-haiyan.blogspot.com/

46

(updated for 2015) TIKI FEST , LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

next: I havent mentioned it y et, but I also did a semester in Hawaii at chaminade university and
have a separate blog dedicated to that experience, one of the best times of my life. And ever since
then I h ave enjoyed the tiki spirit (or hula spirit) ie the Polynesian lifestyle and dance spirit. And
around southern Cal there are several festivals dedicated to the Polynesian lifestyle and NO they
are not anti-Christian; in fact most of them have been specifically pro-Christian in nature,
including local Polynesian-american preachers saying prayers and even leading a short worship
service on occasion. The human body isnt bad. Its good. ITs the matters of the heart which make
it sinful or not. And I have never felt the hula dance and other tiki expressions to evoke lust, but
rather a feeling of peace, even praise to God !
http://tiki-fest.blogspot.com/

47

**********************
Stop THIEF ! next: Ive been robbed more than once in southern California. The first time I got
conned by a guy selling airplane tickets on craigslist. HE apparently fooled a few others as well.
And the LAPD cops didnt do anything about it. Instead they blamed the victims. Some lazy cops
will often blame the victims because then the victim will feel ashamed to keep pushing them to do
their job. It makes their day easier. But its still sleazy of them. They did it to me again when I got
attacked by a 7-11 clerk & an accomplice. They blamed me, the victim, warning me repeatedly that
they could, in fact, charge me for trespassing at the 7-11 (sleazy police, this time in orange, ca). I
also had my car broken into when I was at a dodger game. I asked for police to come and take a
report and they never showed up. And theres a few other matters that shed bad light not only on
the perpetrator but the police as well. Do you think they care? You cant buy integrity no matter
how much you pay the police. Anyways, this blog attempts to keep track of some of these events
and has become a robbery blog in general (not all about me being robbed but others as well).
http://i-was-robbed.blogspot.com/

48

on August 21, 2015 I was assaulted, robbed, & vandalized at a 7-eleven store ! also see video at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gnjIFTjmjQ

*******************
,STOP ALL ABUSERS & MOLESTORS
next: we should ALL blog against abusers & molesters. Shame on them!
http://stop-all-abusers-and-molestors.blogspot.com/

49

*******************
next: I had never heard of greg laurie when I first came to southern cal as a teenager in 1984. I
knew of Billy Graham of course, but greg laurie was a new name. Now I know that he holds an
annual harvest crusade at angel stadium every year (his original location) as well as other parts
of the country. Ive been attending every since I discovered it, although we might have some
theological differences. See
http://harvest-crusade-2013-anaheim.blogspot.com/

50

**********************
next: how can you live in southern California if you dont enjoy the beach? I love the beach. And
try to get to different locations as much as possible. I also enjoy snorkeling around southern
California. I was amazed at how many unique locations there are around southern Cal. But it takes
some time and effort to find some of them. See
http://beachesbyvander.blogspot.com/

******************************
next:SIMPLE ACTS of KINDNESS or sacks are common phrases now in the year 2015, but it
wasnt always the case. The kindness movement has taken time to catch on over the years but
thankfully it is now part of the lexicon. And I thank my dad , in part, for being a kindness
evangelist. He started out as a pastoral care pastor and over time began holding an annual
kindness conference at the crystal cathedral (before they closed/moved), and I picked up the
ball and ran with it as well with a kindness blog (or two, or three). This is one of them. .
http://fight4kindness.blogspot.com/

51

********************
next: I dont golf much. In fact not really at all anymore, but for a while when I started this blog I
was still going to the driving range. I havent added a whole lot to this blog but do try to update it
for the big events such as masters, us open , etc And I still enjoy attending different pro golfing
events around southern California. I just havent been too good at updating the blog.
http://golfing-for-exercise.blogspot.com/

52

MY BELOVED INDIAN TRAILS! "

http://www.9and10news.com/story/29976943/officials-consider-upgrades-at-grand-rapids-golfcourse
*******************
next:I come from a conservative Christian background and still believe in traditional lifestyles and
heterosexuality being what God intended. I believe that too many people are wrongly led into a
so-called alternative lifestyle due to secular media & influences saying its ok, or even better. I
advocate that it is NOT ok, if it is NOT according to Gods will. I think a lot of gay people will find
happiness if they leave their destructive lifestyle and return to what God has planned for those
who believe and follow Him.Its not about gay-bashing, but about telling the loving truth See
http://its-ok-2b-ex-gay.blogspot.com/

********************
Next, as mentioned, my family came to California because my dad took a job at the crystal
cathedral. After working there for almost 30 years the large glasss church could no longer cover
the costs of operation. They declared bankruptcy and sold the campus to the Catholic Diocese of
Orange County. This blog is dedicated to those last days and a little more. see
http://rip-crystal-cathedral.blogspot.com/

53

************************
next: I mentioned my late grandfather came to bellflower in the 30s and started a k-12 Christian
school called Valley Christianwhich is still in operation today in bellflower & Cerritos. Im proud
of my grandfather for founding this school and proud of valley for providing excellent Christian
education, and also having a strong athletic tradition as well.
See http://valley-christian.blogspot.com/

54

********************
next: A SECONDARY BLOG this was another prayer & care blog but is no longer updated.

http://prayer-and-care.blogspot.com/
,VK's PRAYER & CARE PAGE
this blog is no longer updated
see my main THOUGHTS & PRAYERS BLOG
which is current & up-to-date at
http://thoughts-and-prayers4.blogspot.com/
****************

next:I started this blog to pay respect to Nelson Mandela at the time of his death.
http://rip-nelson-mandela.blogspot.com/

55

*****************************************
****************************************
Next: I spent a significant amount of time voice-recording the Bible not only in English but in a
few other languages as well, including Tagalog (the language spoken in the Philippines). And I had
them nicely uploaded to a website called posterous, and was assured by them that they were
going to be there for a long time. Then one day, however, they werent. Twitter bought them out
and closed them down. It was tragic ! IT took so much time and effort to upload and add the
written word alongside the audio. I was very disappointed. And Ive never found another good site
to post my audio Bible for free. I tried to save evidence of what I had done, and this is what this
blog is about, mostly for me to remember my efforts. http://tagalogbiblya.blogspot.com/
********************
,MY LOVE and PRAYERS for ANATOLIA ,ANADOLU iin MY LOVE ve DUALARI 022815
next: one day as I was still trying to do a little bit of everything there was to offer in southern cal I
came across this anatolia festival at oc fairgrounds. I memorialized it and created this blog:
http://love-and-prayers-4-anatolia.blogspot.com/
**********************
next: for many years I was a faithful attendee at the tonight show in Burbank . It was SO
convenient to show up an hour before the show and most of the time get it on a standby ticket
and see an interesting guest. One day Obama was schedule to come and a LOT OF US came out
to protest rather than attend the show. Here I am making a stand for unborn life as Obama drives
by in his motorcade. Obama is notoriously apathetic about protecting unborn babies.
http://president-obama-at-tonight-show.blogspot.com/
********************

*******************
NEXT: this was one of my original blogs, and I kept it GOING for a long long time.
It has so many posts it is difficult to edit it now. I dont update it very much but

56

keep it for posterity sake, and people keep coming to see the old posts.
http://keepthefaithbyvanderkok.blogspot.com/

*****************
NEXT: heres another one of my RANDOM
SITES
http://random-by-faithful2.blogspot.com/

57

**************
NEXT: THIS BLOG is devoted to my attempt to document a note or two about
every homily (sermon) I hear at the various churches. I call them c-blogs (short
for church blogs) . Its important to try to make a conscientious effort to be
improved by a sermon or homily,and to critique it in a constructive manner.
http://vanderkokCblogs.blogspot.com/

58

*******************
NEXT: heres another OLDIE BUT GOODY, not updated very much anymore.
http://KeepTheFaithForChrist.blogspot.com/

59

**************
******************
NEXT: another mandate by God to us as Christians is to protect the orphans.
This is the LEAST I can do in that regard. I wish I could do more.
http://protecting-orphans.blogspot.com/

**********************
Next: we also should all be GOOD STEWARDS of our environment. However, I am not a climate change
evangelist. In fact I have my doubts about whether we have a serious man-made problem or whether our

60

climate is simply changing as it always has done so on a cyclical basis and will change back again according to
Gods will (by the way, have you noticed they changed the name from global warming to climate
change?) This however, does not mean we can neglect our environment and Gods creatures. We must do
our best to take reasonable measures to keep the earth and universe in as best condition as we can without
neglecting the human race. I also do not believe we are becoming over-populated and therefore need to thin
out the human race for the sake of our environment. Thats CRAZY! . Dont be fooled by the liberals. Just be
good, reasonable, stewards of Gods creation. See
http://protect-our-environment-now.blogspot.com/

NEXT:this is sort of another RANDOM BLOG

http://we-can-make-this-world-a-better-place.blogspot.com/

61

***********************
NEXT: SO I MENTIONED doing a short-term summer mission in the Philippines
which was a wonderful experience, with a few exceptions, and increased my
desire to be a formal Christian missionary and do evangelism; and also increased
my fondness for Filipinos and the country of the Philippines. By and large they are
a very friendly people, and there are already many there who are passionate
about their Christian faith and following Jesus Christ. But there are still those who
have not heard or accepted the Word of God. I continue to pray for the Philippines
and our missionaries there and started this blog to document our summer mission
there in 1992 and also update current news and events as they happen there.
http://thoughts-prayers-love4-thephilippines.blogspot.com/

62

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS & LOTS of LOVE 4 the PHILIPPINES. THANKS 4 the HOSPITALITY!
********************
NEXT: I first came across the term Biblical manhood when I was working on my masters-in-divinity at
fuller seminary. It occurred to me that a lot of things happen to us in our secular society and in some parts of
the church that wrongly emasculate us as men (& women who deserve Biblical womanhood as well . I use
manhood in the Biblical sense to include both men & women). So I have tried to create a blog to keep
people attentive to this, albeit there is not enough material in general to support this cause. Let us ALL work
towards building up men & women in general and especially in the church to be able to live out their Biblical
right & obligation to Biblical manhood. See http://biblical-manhood.blogspot.com/

63

STOP EMASCULATING US! SAVE the AMERICAN MAN. RESTORE BIBLICAL MANHOOD !

next: so I always thought I would get married and have children, but one thing led to another and
it kept getting postponed and finally I came to a point of thinking maybe I should not only accept
but endorse the celibate life. And so I wax and wane in such regard as to whether I am devoted to
celibacy or should still consider the possibility of being married with children still at the age of
48 ? I will leave it to Gods will for me, but I am not actively pursuing the married life. I dont go to
dating sites and those sorts of things, and dont normally go to church looking for a wife.
Sometimes a woman may catch my eye according to my normal healthy masculine self, but I dont
normally pursue a woman in such regard. I am open to the possibility of marrying a good
Christian woman who will pro-actively support an evangelical missionary lifestyle, but am
leaving it up to God to make exceedingly clear. Thus, this blog was created a long time ago.
http://the-perfect-husband.blogspot.com/
I WANT 2b the PERFECT HUSBAND for the RIGHT WOMAN
"The new celibacy: Why more men and women are abstaining from sex--and enjoying it:
"The new celibacy: Why more men and women are
abstaining from sex--and enjoying it:
Amazon:Books "
http://www.amazon.com/The-new-celibacy-abstaining-sex/dp/0070084300

-**********************

64

next: after teaching in the L.A. area for many years as I was going thru seminary and starting my own
ministry, I slowly but surely ventured into the orange county area for the sake of evangelism and exploration
and some relief of sorts from the L.A. culture (or lack of). One area I explored was the Newport beach area. I
looked at the bay with a desire to get out on the water, but I didnt have a boat. So I found a boat club in what
they call the back bay area, east of the PCH (pacific coast highway) and paid for a month membership that
allowed me to use the stand up paddleboards or kayaks etc at any time. I quickly learned how to handle a
stand up paddleboard and enjoyed going out on on the bay, sometimes paddling all the way to the mouth of
the channel. It also happened to be July so I went out on the 4th (Independence Day) and discovered they have
a boat parade that was fun, took some pictures, enjoyed the comraderie. So I made this blog to
commemorate that chapter in my life.
http://boating-back-bay.blogspot.com/

backbay newport beach

Next: I mentioned hiking Mt Whitney in my early narrative in association with my

hiking blog. And Whitney deserves its own blog, rather than just a single post or
two on the hiking blog. So here it is.
http://hiking-mount-whitney.blogspot.com/

65

Next: HERE IS my secondary hiker blog http://hiker4christ.blogspot.com/

66

see my
MAIN HIKING
BLOG at
http://hikingbyvanderkok.blogspot.com/
Next: http://hiker-4-christ.blogspot.com/

67

Next: bullying is also a concern of mine. We shouldnt allow people to be bullied ,

nor allow people to bully. http://stop-all-bullies.blogspot.com/

Houston Press - Are You a Bully Online? 10 Signs You Might Be

68

*****************
NEXT: This was back when I was creating blogs for everything. This doesnt
deserve its own blog but it just happened that way.
http://b-17-bomber.blogspot.com/

*****************
Next: another event that didnt require its own blog.
http://newport-to-ensenada.blogspot.com/

69

***************
*********************

70

*****************
Next: I CONVERTED this Beverly Hills Car show blog into a Beverly Hills everything
blog, sort of. http://beverlyhillscarshow.blogspot.com/

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because
through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life in Christ has set me free from the
law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

**********************
Next: Most people dont know much about Hollywood director Paul Schrader, but I
happen to have a personal interest in him because he grew up in my same
hometown of Grand Rapids Michigan and even attended the same high school and
the same college (although he left early, either on his own or kicked outits not
clear anymoredue to a controversy while he was the editor of the college
newspaper) . And one of the movies he directed Hardcore filmed some of the

71

scenes in west Michigan, and the story was based on a young Calvinist gal who
goes from GR to Hollywood. Schrader is sort of a legend but also a controversy in
our Christian Reformed community because it seems as if Schrader has rejected
the Christian faith, and some of his films tend to be contrary to Christian ethics so
he is written and talked about with a lot of qualifications around our community.
Nonetheless, he is one of our hometown Dutch boys, as well as his late brother
Len.
http://seeing-paul-schrader.blogspot.com/

*****************
Next: AS WELL as my football blog I have a separate blog just for the Super Bowl.
However, even though I played football from childhood thru high school (our
college didnt have a football team unfortunately) , today I have my reservations
about the danger of playing football and all the concussion information we are
now aware of. As much as I love football and a lot of people everywhere love the
game we need to be conscientious about whether it is safe to play given what we
now know with modern medicine.
http://superbowl-2014-4god.blogspot.com/

72

***********
next: we are Biblically commanded not to exasperate our children (Ephesians 6.4), and to not lead
a child astray (Matt 18.6). We must CARE for our children and their future, but NOT spoil them
either. This blog is dedicated to the future of our children, the next generation.
http://for-all-our-children.blogspot.com/

73

Next: I LOVE the BEATITUDES, and one of them is Blessed are the persecuted ;
and we as Christians are ALL persecuted, some more than others. And we need to
care & pray for eachother as such. We are united as the Body of Christ, or are
supposed to be. Yet, even in some churches I notice cliques and social clubs that
exclude others. So we know that in some churches NOT ALL are true Christians, or
are very immature Christians who need correction. Let us remember the
persecuted far and near.
http://persecuted-4-righteousness-sake.blogspot.com/

74

PERSECUTED 4 RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE

*****************
next: SO MUCH TALK ABOUT MUSLIMS and Islam and extremists, and whether it is
ALL MUSLIMS or only a small percentage, et al. I KNOW it is NOT all muslims,
and so do you. We ALL know that, and dont need constant reminders as if we are
idiots. But yet still, as a book by Glenn Beck says , IT IS about ISLAM. SO yes it
is about Islam and Muslims but not about all Muslims, for sure. And as an
evangelical Christian setting aside the topic of jihad and extremism, our concern
should be for the souls of Muslims. We know as Christians that they are NOT
saved by their belief in Allah. The only way to salvation is thru belief in Jesus
Christ. And so we must reach out to Muslims with the Good News the Gospel of
Jesus Christ. This blog is dedicated to that hope.
http://muslims-need-jesus-christ.blogspot.com

75

********************
Next: I started going to the hammer museum when I started exploring L.A. When I first started
going it was only on Thursdays because that was the only free day. Then they started opening it
up every day for free. That was nice. However, as a moderately-conservative evangelical Christian
I discovered that the Hammer intentionally chooses exhibits aimed at offending conservative
sensibilities. This includes some exhibits that not just contain nudism (yes, conservatives know
that not all nudism is pornography and yes conservatives can enjoy it as art just like anybody
else. Heres a shocker: I even attended a conservative Christian college and in the art class they
show classic nude paintings and discuss them as works of art) but sometimes nudism obviously
intended to offend conservatives (and needless to say definitely not appropriate for children,
whether children of conservative or liberals).And for a long time they had a HUGE sign that said
END WHITE SUPREMACY . This again is targeted at the idea, if not reality, of conservative
whites in some hillbilly town who allegedly hate non-whites. But the Hammer museum is in the
smack dab middle of L.A. which is west L.A. and the most liberal and therefore so-called
tolerant areas of the USA, right? Only liberals are tolerant, right? Albeit they are intolerant
towards those who disagree with them. That seems to be a conundrum they dont like to
acknowledge. Anyways, because of this GLARING BIAS at the hammer, and no way to talk back
or even complain (they would love to shut a white male Christian conservative such as me down
by hanging up on me ) I realized I needed to go online; and thats what led to this blog. And I think
it has actually helped to a certain extent. I have seen signs outside some exhibits that say not
appropriate for children or may be offensive to some , and even perhaps a slightly less flaming
liberal tone to their exhibits, albeit you can be sure they will never become conservative or
modrate, but at least they are showing a slight sensitivity towards conservative sensibilities.And
so I will continue to visit and blog about my experiences at the Hammer from a conservative white
male Christian evangelical perspective. I love art. I love people. I love God. I love kindness. And
by the way, the hammer does have a small, permanent, collection of classics which includes a few
Van Goghs among others. See

76

http://whats-happening-at-the-hammer.blogspot.com

***************************
Next: Another aspect of my exploration and pre-evangelism of southern California
included visiting the many various public libraries around the southland.
http://i-am-library-blogging.blogspot.com/

77

***********************

Next: I spent a LOT of time attending the Jay Leno Tonight Show in Burbank. Being in the area it
was very nice & convenient to pick up a ticket the day of the event and wait in line for a good
show often with interesting guests. I was a regular there during the last few years of the show.
And it was saddening to see it come to an end. I happened to get a ticket to the penultimate show
(2nd-to-last). And hung around outside with others on the last day. I was also there when various
presidents came to town to be a guest on the show. And I was one of the protestors when Obama
came to the show (I am pro-life, Obama is the opposite). And I met jay Leno as he arrived one day
in his cargot a handshake from him from the window of his car. Also got a handshake from Leno
when I saw him at the Beverly Hills car show. I came to respect Leno even though he leans a bit
too liberal for my convictions. At least he was respectful in general towards all, including
conservatives. And I was also there during the brief Conan takeover & transition. That was quite a
fiasco. And I was there even when Johnny Carson was still on stage. I remember going with my
family to the Tonight Show, as well as with a few friends who came out from Michigan. So I added
this blog to memorialize the great Jay Leno and the end of the Burbank-era Tonight Show.
http://goodbye-jay-leno-thanks-4-memories.blogspot.com/

78

Next: so I also added a secondary blog devoted to Jay Leno and the Tonight Show
http://remembering-the-jay-leno-tonight-show.blogspot.com

79

*************************
next:
http://new-crystal-christ-cathedral.blogspot.com

80

*************************
Next: this blog is no longer being updated but if you want to see it go to
http://kindness-actions.blogspot.com/
; and

see my main kindness blog at

http://fight4kindness.blogspot.com/

81

***************
Next: Southern California being so far away from where I grew up (west Michigan)
made me feel disconnected from so many friends, former friends, frienemies
(people I thought were friends but turned out to be enemies) , relatives, teachers,
professors, coaches, et al. I needed a way to talk to such people, and using
video messages seemed to be the best I could come up with. Every now and then I
receive a response from somebody who saw my message to them. Its great! And
Hello to all ! http://video-messages-from-vk.blogspot.com/

, VIDEO MESSAGES TO PEOPLE I KNOW or

USED to KNOW, PLUS BIBLE READING
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.What is
more, I consider everything a losscompared to the surpassing greatness of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, ....
Philippians 3:7-8

**********************
Next: I traveled to the DOMINICAN with a few friends from Calvin College back in
1989 or 1990. One of the friends parents were missionaries there at the time for
the Christian Reformed Church (CRC). I added pictures of that trip to the blog and
periodically update current news to it. There are some beautiful prosperous areas
of the Dominican but also some areas of extreme poverty. Let us keep the poor in
our thoughts, prayers, & actions!

82

http://god-bless-the-dominican-republic.blogspot.com/

******************
Next: as mentioned I come from Dutch ancestory. I grew up in a Dutch_American
part of west Michigan (which includes a small city called Holland) and attended
the Christian schools and churches that are affiliated with our Dutch-American
heritage. My grandfather spoke Dutch (& and English) as a pastor who helped
Dutch immigrants coming to Bellflower California in the 1930s. My dad was/is a
pastor also for our Dutch-heritage denomination but doesnt speak Dutch himself.
Being Dutch-American was a big theme for our family and community, and so I
finally made the trip to the so-called homeland as I call it affectionately. It was
a brief trip, but fun to see all the different areas of the Netherlands. I even
bought a pair of wooden shoes ! So heres a few of the photos and I update
current Holland news periodically as well.
http://holland-my-homeland.blogspot.com/

83

Above: thats me in Holland in front of one of their great castles. I dont have a
beard anymore, nor the huge glasses, ha ha.
***********************
Next: I was born in the USA, and even though I mentioned my Dutch-American
heritage and am proud of my ancestory, I am also proud of being American, redwhite-&-blue. Something instigated me one day to make sure people KNOW that I
am a full-blooded American, and dont back down to anybody in that regard,
although my primary identity is as a believer in & follower of Jesus Christ. But as
an American I want to be able to have comraderie with my other fellow
Americans, not in a superiority way, but surely in an excellence way. We can, and
should, be proud to be Americans, and all that weve accomplished. Nobody can
take that away from us, whether we accomplished it with our own hands as
inventors, soldiers, writers, evangelists, pastors, construction workers,
businessmen; or whether we celebrate it as part of our heritage (our
grandparents, parents, et al accomplished something significant). Thats the
American way!
http://born-in-america.blogspot.com/

84

*********
Next: as a Christian I feel compelled to defend the literal story of Biblical creation, or at least
defend against the so-called scientific theories that are anti-Christian or anti-Biblical. And if you
listen, study, think, read, & research carefully you will find out that the creation story according to
God is the true story,and the only one that makes sense. See
http://defending-bible-creation-story.blogspot.com/

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**************************
Next:when the ebola crisis began it seemed to me the way people were talking that this was going
to be a serious epidemic that could grip the entire world. In retrospect, it was amazing, if not
miraculous, how quickly it was contained. I havent seen many headlines about ebola in many
months now, thank God. Maybe thoughts & prayers did work ! Along with good medicine and
protective measures (which is also by Gods power).
http://stop-ebola-now.blogspot.com/

******************************
Next: not being a california native, I didnt know much about the hot surf spots and other local
legends or legendary places when I arrived here, or re-arrived.And I didnt have anybody to sort of
hand it down to me the way some families do thru story-telling. So I discovered everything by
reading, listening, seeing, & general every day experiences. The Wedge of Newport beach was
one of these local phenomenons that only happens once in a while. Most days the wedge is just a
normal beach with normal or even sometimes no waves at all. But when everything comes

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together right, like the perfect storm, the wedge becomes the most wild surf spot in all of
California. The waves become gigantic. I witnessed this for myself as you can see in the blog.
Unfortunately, at the time I was still recovering from an injury so I couldnt personally go out there
and ride the waves or at least swim thru or over them, and feel the surge. Next time I will. But just
seeing the waves and watching people ride them is quite the experience. Enjoy.
http://the-wedge-newport-beach.blogspot.com/

*******************
NEXT:CARING
For our elders is a nice thing to do, but its not just nice, its required. Its a commandment from
God. 12Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land
the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20.20 You may argue thats simply your
own mother and father, but I contend it extends to elders in general. Its not
either/or but both/and. This blog is the LEAST I CAN do in that regard.
http://loving-elder-care.blogspot.com/

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******************
NEXT: PRAY THE NEWS This is ALL about the CHRISTIAN FAITH, with daily news & other items mixed
in ! We cannot ignore what's happening in the world around us:the good, the bad, & the ugly, but we CAN try
to respond to it thru the LENS of FAITH ! I keep running the race of faith in the name of the Father-Son-&Holy-Spirit ! Join me
HTTP://WALKING-AND-TALKING-THE-FAITH.BLOGSPOT.COM/

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Next:
AS MENTIONED,
I attended Chaminade University of Honolulu in Hawaii for a semester. It was such a wonderful experience,
and I had such great pictures, I wanted to memorialize it and keep it in my memories forever, but not just as a
one-time past event, but as part of an ethic of lifethe Chaminade ethic of living with gusto; good friends,
good times, good beaches & waves, and praising God for it! Thats the Chaminade way! I continue to update
this blog with current Hawaii news from time to time.
http://memories-of-chaminade-honolulu.blogspot.com

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next:
random speaks for itself, check it out!
http://random-by-johnny-faithful.blogspot.com/

Next: When I was attending Calvin College (the 2nd time around, working on a 2nd bachelors degree) I lived
in a house on Baltimore street for a while. Heres a few photos from that chapter of my life.
http://at-the-baltimore-street-house.blogspot.com/

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"I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christwill
certainly not lose his reward." Mark 9:41

NEXT: DEATH ! ITs something that will happen to ALL OF US, 100% guaranteed.
But NOT so many people want to think about it, let alone prepare for it.
Nonetheless, we ALL need to prepare for it, most importantly for spiritual
purposes; but also if we want to leave a legacy and/or take care of our kids or
grandkids; and/or simply leave our things in order before we go. So this blog
attempts to remind people, and myself, of these various issues on a periodic
basis.
http://prepare-to-die.blogspot.com/

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next:

this is one of my original blogs, and its a big one and long one, no longer updated, sort of a
random blog. I call it an oldie but goody.

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http://keepthefaithforchrist.blogspot.com/

*********************

NEXT this is also called theo 2 ,

for miscellaneous posts pertaining to theological topics.
http://theological-continued.blogspot.com/

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******************************
NEXT: Have I mentioned that I was born in Iowa City? Well if not, now I have. Yes, Iowa City was where my
dad was a church pastor as a young father & husband for a few years back in the 60s. Heres some photos
from the good ol days ; and I post current Iowa news periodically as well. I cherish the Iowa City years
and will always have a bit of Iowa in my heart & soul.
http://our-iowa-city-years.blogspot.com/

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**********************
Next: more random ! which is also a good reminiscing blog.
http://random-matters-by-me.blogspot.com/

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NEXT: I was a mere freshman at calvin college when I took an art history class at the suggestion of one of the
professors I merely walked by as we tried to decide what to take for our first year (back when registration
was done in the calvin gymnasium, before internet). Unbeknownst to me, it was an upper-level art class which
even art majors dread because of its difficulty. TO this day I still am mystified why a professor would
recommend I take such a difficult class as a freshman, especially when I was NOT an art major, nor had
much of an interest in art at the time. I managed to pass the class with a C, but was a bit disappointed to
start out with a low GPA due to the one C on my report card. I managed to bounce back later as I went
thru the regular courses for my psychology major. And I didnt think much about art after that semester for
many years. Later in life however Ive started to enjoy going to the various art museums around southern
California (ie getty, Norton simonPasadena, hammer, et al. ) I still think the professors advice was a
cheapshot, but this many years later, I value a little bit of what I learned in that class as I apply it to my
experiences at the art museums.
http://art-blog-4-christ.blogspot.com/

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Next: Im actually not sure why I made a blog for this. Although I was the best
man , so many years later my brother and I are not even friends anymore. Its
too bad. Thats what happens when your siblings or friends get married. Too often
you lose them as friends. Their spouse becomes a wedge. Its too bad because I
truly care for them and pray for them and include them in my Christmas cards and
periodic newsletters but they never reciprocate. God bless them.
http://andys-wedding.blogspot.com/

NEXT I happened upon the baseball shrine of eternals when I was in seminary in Pasadena. The
shrine reliquiary holds its annual gathering at the Pasadena library, and I started attending every
year except for the most recent one (2015) .
see
http://baseball-shrine-of-eternals-2013.blogspot.com/

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NEXT UP IS ONE OF MY RANDOM SITES.

http://random-by-angel-blogger.blogspot.com/

RAND OM BY ANGEL BLOGGER

AFTER WHICH IS A SITE DEVOTED TO THE NEW DODGER GREAT
(AT THE TIME HE BEGAN ANYWAYS) YASIEL PUIG
http://yasiel-puig.blogspot.com/

THEN COMES A SITE DEVOTED

TO the WORLD SERIES. I attended my first world series in san francisco, when
the giants won their first won there at AT&T Park. I put quotes around attended
because I actually watched the game thru the outfield fence, where they even
allowed free spectators during the world series (three innings at a time). I did it
again for the Giants 2nd world series victory, and ever since then have been
blogging the world series.

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http://at-the-worldseries.blogspot.com/

******************************
AND THEN THE SAN DIEGO PADRES because I would periodically drive from L.A. to SAN DIEGO
and catch a padres game (more so than going to a chargers game)
next: http://go-padres.blogspot.com/

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AND THEN GOING BACK TO MY JACKSON HOLE DAYS in the early 90s, I spent a
few summers in jackson hole , courtesy of my aunt & uncle who own a home
there.
http://jackson-hole-wyoming.blogspot.com/

&***********************************

AND THEN OVER TO THE DODGERS IN GENERAL (I started going to dodgers games back in 1984
when our family moved to Los Angelesthose were the good ol dodger days (didnt enjoy going
so much in the 2000s, but the new blue is a little better:
http://r-they-really-the-new-blue-dodgers.blogspot.com/

AND THEN ABOUT FOOTBALL FOR BETTER OR WORSE (I grew up playing rocket football in
grand rapids and continued playing thru high school at grand rapids Christian High for the Eagles
. I loved football. But I believe it is potentially dangerous. So be careful.
http://football-for-christian-discipleship.blogspot.com/

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AND THEN WE HEAD OVER to the L.A. ANGELS of ANAHEIM (the angels are really my
MAIN team, although I grew up more of a tigers fan than an angels fanmaking the switch
for geographic sake later in lifebut I still root for the tigers too.
http://go-angels.blogspot.com/

And I love animals so I started an animal blogspending a lot of time at the san diego zoo over the years (&
safari park) among othersthis is my secondary animal blog.
http://gods-awesome-animal-kingdom.blogspot.com/

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Also SEE MY MAIN ANIMAL BLOG AT

http://godsawesomeanimals.blogspot.com/
***************************
in my heart of hearts I have a lot of care and concern for women, single mothers,
& related issues, albeit am not in favor of full-fledged feminism, thats for
sure (definitely not pro-choice) so heres a blog for women, especially single
moms, but all women and moms in general as well. I apologize but I havent
been very good so far at updating it. But its the thought that counts, right ?!
http://for-single-mothers.blogspot.com/

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Next: since my dad moved us as a family from Michigan to California in 1984 so he could take a job as pastor
at the then-famous crystal cathedral (now closed, or more exactly it is now a catholic cathedral known as the
Christ Cathedral, and Robert H. Schuller has passed onward) it behooved me to beware of how the boss
(my dads boss not mine) and family was doingthat would be Robert H. Schuller so I started this blog
http://thoughts-and-prayers-4-schullers.blogspot.com/

And thats ALL THATs ALL

FOLKS for the time being !
merry christMAS TO YOU
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