Words and Melodies

Author: Mark Weller

Understanding God’s Forgiveness and Judgment

God forgives us our sins and wants us to ask for his help in our lives. The forgiveness is unconditional, however salvation is not.

If you were to act the fool in your parents house and raise hell your parents would most likely still love you.
However, if after being taught the truth, you still continued raising hell and refused to accept their guidance, they may very well throw you out.

How much more do you think God loves us, and he too has the right of judgment to decide whether you live in his house.

So yes you are loved and forgiven by God, however you can not continue to live a sinful life and strut your sin around demanding “Equal Rights” from government and expect to be asked into God’s house.
Repentance must follow forgiveness, in other words, you must change your sinful ways. No amount of human justification will affect God’s Judgments.
Parades, signs, shouting, governmental intervention, special rights groups, none of these will change a sinner into a non sinner. Only your own contrite heart and God’s Grace can do that.

Jesus forgave the prostitute but then said, “Go and sin no more.”

December 10, 2024
Faith in Crisis: Seeking Divine Guidance Amidst Global Turmoil
1. The US has over 800 bases around the world.
2. BRICS is steadily gaining strength and making progress.
3. Russia and China refuse to bend to the will of the US.
4. Execs and other “in the know” people are creating bug out sites far away from the major countries.
5. Greece is collapsing before our eyes.
6. The federal government knows that the US dollar is soon to collapse.
What does all point to? Many see world war three just around the corner. The US policy of hegemony has alienated Russia and a few other countries.
The only way humanity can accomplish anything is to ask God for direction. This approach can possibly prevent the destruction of our world as we know it. We must trust in Jesus. Every one of us needs to accept Jesus in our hearts as our savior, and pray vigilantly for his direction and strength.
Truthfully, There is no human answer to these global destructive patterns that governments are following. The answer is to bring back Gods morals, and God into our hearts and minds, and to listen to his words.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isiah 40:31
December 10, 2024
Sailing Adventures: Joy on the Open Sea

Sailing through shadows and seas
winds and waves, my hull to please
colors of blue, and skies of lights
oh what a joy, to see the sights.
A wondrous creation, a pleasurable day
shared with friends, no trials to pay
Sailing along, the wind as a song
No past to forget, the future unknown
we all enjoy the skills we share
each acting as solo, but never alone.
A wondrous creation, a pleasurable day
shared with friends, no trials to pay
One sails furrowed, one under sail
One taking stock, the other prevails
the skies colors are the essence of God
His little hints, and his awesome details.

December 8, 2024
The Adventures of Four Kittens

Two black, two white
We are family, there is no fight
Four little kittens sleeping on the grass
Four little dreams the time to pass
Kittens in a pile, lazy as the day
What was that mama, what did you say?
My chin on your shoulder, my ear on your tummy
What the heck where is our mummy?
Silly little kittens sleeping in a group
No matter what the time, were ready as a troupe
Kittens play and kittens rest
This is the life, this is the best
Two little white kittens, two little black
We are a family and that is a fact
Darn that was fun said kitten one to his kin
Lets get some rest and do it again

December 4, 2024
Reflections on Connection: The Footprints We Leave

Every thing we do, every thing we say
The things we feel, the things we play
Can it be that you are part of me?
One
As I sit here writing
I remember all the fighting
The words that we said
The hurt that we did
Remember the day we met?
Two
The joy we felt
The flight to the sky
The feeling of on high
_____________________________________
Every thing we do, every thing we say
The things we feel, the things we play
Can it be that you are part of me?
Three
As I sit here singing
I sing the things we said
I sing the things we did
I embrace the times we lived
And fear the times we lost
Is it all just a dream
Or are we living it still?
_____________________________________
Every thing we do, every thing we say
The things we feel, the things we play
Can it be that you are part of me?
Four
Every thing we do leaves a footprint,
a memory, a mark
Everything we say is a stamp in time
Like the footprints in the sand
Washed away by the waves
But held in time, in memory
Forever….

November 29, 2024
Nature’s Silence: Reflections on Stars, Waves, and Trees

The Stars
The stars sit quietly in the night sky
No cares radiating down
The minuscule entities bounce about
Indiscriminate in their action
But then the morning comes
The Waves
The waves crash beating the shore
Coral reefs living peacefully no more
Dredged up from the depths of old
Man’s greed seeps from every pore
But then the morning comes
The Trees
Ancient in their existence
Mighty redwoods have listened always
Stories lived and died in silence
Waves of time with no resistance
But then the morning comes
The Mountains
Rising mightily from the plains
Solid and strong in their right
Reaching to the skies of night
Memories swirl in the dust and rains
But then the morning comes
The Man
Wandering lost with little direction
Time swirls about with no discretion
Lightening strikes and rains pour out
Images flash on the screen of doubt
Desires of peace from this torrential rout
But then the morning comes

November 29, 2024
Moon Flowers: A Song of Nature’s Beauty

On A Hill
Here on a hill I stand Yip….
Watching the day fade away, as you climb the hill I see you
I see you and hear your call Yip… Yip…
I sing my song to you as the flowers fill the air with soft scents
Moon Flowers Song
White as the snow I see you, Delicate and soft
But with the fragrance that drives tall creatures wild
You stand tall in your beauty Yip, Yip….
Shining down I see you, bright and clear, You call to me, ask me to sing
As I watch you, the white flowers rustle in the breeze Yip Yip…
Pastels
Yip…Yip
I feel your soft smile, As you flirt with the moon
Reflecting your beauty Yip….
Shimmering softly as I sing Yip…Yip>>>Yip
Softening
You hear my song and I see you soften
Your color blends with the night sky
As the moon smiles down calling
calling me…. Yip…Yip What is it you say?
Sing to me…sing to me Yip
Sleep well
Time has passed
you have called me to sing my song Yip…
The flowers rustle quietly as the tall creatures pass by Yip…Yip
Sleep well as mother calls Yip…
I will sing your song again Yip

November 28, 2024
History and Nature of Big Basin State Park

The Park
As a young man, I spent a fair amount of time in Big Basin hiking and exploring the area. There are trails that cover the basin, and you can hike from the highest areas all the way to the coast. The spirit and ancient feeling of the area is awe inspiring.
Big Basin redwoods State Park is California’s oldest State Park. The park was established in 1902 and is home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco. Big Basin Park consists of over 18,000 acres of old growth and recovering redwood forest along, with mixed conifer, oaks and chaparral. The elevations in the park vary from sea level to over 2,000 feet. The climate ranges from foggy and damp near the ocean to sunny, warm ridge tops.
The park is located about 22 miles North West of Santa Cruz, and contains most of the Waddell Creek watershed. The basin was formed by a seismic uplift of the rim and the center was eroded by the many creeks that flow through the area. It served as a refuge for Ohlone Indians during the Spanish occupation of the area
Big Basin History
Popular belief says that the old growth areas were not inhabited by early peoples, but evidence indicates the contrary. Native artifacts have been recovered and indicate that the area was inhabited by the Olhone tribes of Quiroste, Achistaca, Cotoni and the Sayante.
The Redwood forested country of Big Basin served as a refuge for Ohlone Indians early during the Spanish occupation of the area. Although redwoods are the dominate species there are many other plant species are common. There are Coast Douglas-Fir, Tan Oak, Pacific Madrone and Pacific Wax Myrtle.
The first resistance to Spanish power in the Bay Area was led by the Quiroste in the area of Point Ano Nuevo, down the coast from San Francisco.
Flora and Fauna
In competition for sunshine are shrubs such as Red Huckleberries, Western Azalea, and many varieties of ferns. In the spring and summer, wildflowers such as Redwood Sorrel, Salal, Redwood Violets, Trillium, Star Lily and Mountain Iris.
At higher elevations as the forest growing thinner, the redwoods are replaced by more tolerant species. The higher, drier areas of Big Basin are typically full of chaparral vegetation such as; Knobcone Pines, Chinquapin and Buckeye. Ceanothus, Manzanita, Chamise, and Chaparral Pea grow dense and low. There are colorful wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush, Monkey flower, and Bush Poppies.
A huge variety of animals live in the Big Basin area. They include; California Black Bear, Black-tailed Deer, Western Gray Squirrels, chipmunks, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and opossums. Cougars have been seen in the park but are very rare. Grizzly bears which are extinct in California were numerous in the past.
An interesting fact is that the last known human to be killed by a Grizzly in the wild occurred in Big Basin in 1875, when William Waddell, a lumber mill owner, was killed near Waddell Creek.
There are birds such as; Stellar Jays, Acorn Woodpeckers, The Dark-eyed Junco, Brown Creeper, Anna’s Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Olive-sided Flycatcher and Sharp-shinned Hawk.
In the reptile category, The Western Fence Lizard, and the Pacific Rattlesnake which is found almost exclusively in the high areas. There are amphibians such as the California Newt, Pacific Tree Frog and the Arboreal Salamander. One interesting creature is the Banana Slug which can reach 6 inches long.

November 27, 2024
About Hot Air Ballooning

About Hot Air Ballooning
Although Hot Air Ballooning holds a certain amount of mystique, it is actually quite safe, affordable, and enjoyable. Hot Air Balloons are certified by the FAA (In the USA) as an aircraft. And because of this are regulated as any other aircraft is. There are required maintenance and inspections, that differ depending on the use of the balloon (Commercial or private). The pilot’s responsibilities are the same as any other aircraft. A “Normal” flight would include one or more preflight weather briefings. It involves a launch site evaluation, landing sites evaluation, and balloon preflight. There would also be a passenger briefing. A pilot’s briefing is done if a group is flying together.
The Preflight
In hot air ballooning, the layout and preflight happens after the pilot has released a “Pi-ball”. This is done to gauge the low altitude local winds at the time of launch. (A Pi-ball) is a helium balloon about eight-ten inches in diameter. The Pi-ball allows the pilot to see the wind direction and speed right at the site. After the hot air balloon is laid out, the pilot and crew begin the cold air inflation.They use a portable fan that runs on gasoline or propane. The crew holds the mouth of the balloon open so the fan can fill the envelope with cold air. During this inflation, the pilot will carry out the envelope preflight and inspection and connect any control cables as necessary.
The Inflation
When this is complete the pilot lights the burner, heats the air in the balloon, and manages the crew as the balloon stands up as the air becomes hot.
The Pre-launch
Once the balloon is standing, the crew applies weight on the basket. This helps keep it on the ground according to the pilot’s direction. Now any passengers are boarded, and the balloon flight is ready to begin. When the pilot is ready, he adds more heat from the burner using short 5-second burns, making the balloon lift and climb.

The Montague Event
The Montague Balloon Fair is an annual event in the lovely valley north of Mount Shasta, CA. It is held each September, and is hosted by the local rotary club. Pilots, crew, and spectators all gather for the weekend event.
On Friday and Saturday mornings,there is coffee and doughnuts available for the pilots and crews. The balloon launch happens at dawn. There are aircraft displays, vendors, parades, lunch, dinner, and more! The rotary hosts the dinners and the proceeds benefit local youth. This event attracts people from all over the country. Awaited each year by many, it is a great crowd pleaser for Shasta County, and Montague. I have flown at this event twice, and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend each time. Many of the pilots offer a ride to one of the local participants after a drawing to win a ticket for a ride. Some of the pilots carry local officials or news people and some carry children.

The Adventure
The first year I attended this event as a pilot, I had a very exciting day, and Ballooning is not normally exciting. It usually is very calm and peaceful. After the weather briefing, and all the crew instructions and setup, I launched my balloon with one young woman as a passenger.

I had taken my time inflating my balloon intentionally so that I could watch a few other pilots lift off. This allows me to evaluate what the winds were doing. We launched and began a slow, meandering flight at low level to the west. I was trailing the other balloons that were in a group about two miles ahead.

The flight went well, and the passenger was asking questions and enjoying the ride. As we got further west, we watched several of the other balloons descend. They turned south for landings in a large fallow field.

I made the decision to follow their lead because I was not familiar with the local area. As we descended to the west, we were 15 minutes or so behind the other balloons and a wind had come up in that time. We descended as we turned south, just as the other balloons had done, however the wind was now picking up and we were approaching the field fast at a moderate angle.

The wind accelerated as we crossed the leading end of the first field, which caused me to miss the landing. We continued south toward the second of three fields in a row. As we passed the second field at 27 miles per hour, I was getting a little worried. The passenger was having a great time and not aware of the high wind issue.

I gave her a briefing on high wind landings, and how to hold on and protect herself at touchdown. As we crossed the threshold of the third and last field before the hills, we were doing about 25 miles per hour. Our angle of approach was very shallow. As the basket touched the ground, the balloon leaned forward away from the wind due to the drag of the basket on the field’s surface. I had opened the balloon top to deflate the balloon as we touched, but the wind was so strong the envelope collapsed partially creating a huge sail effect.

We bounced and dragged for the length of the field, which was considerable, and finally came to a stop against a barbed wire fence at the far end of the field. Luckily the balloon envelope was above the fence with the suspension cables draped across, so the envelope deflated on the ground safely. The basket was leaning over against the fence and was filled with about two feet worth of dirt.

I climbed out and surveyed the scene and helped my passenger get out. I asked her if she was Ok. She smiled and ecstatically screamed, “Let’s do that again!” I was startled but happy I had not scared her and made an enemy for ballooning.

My crew showed up a few minutes later panicked thinking we had crashed and were injured. We all packed up the balloon and returned to the airport to tell the story and share others flight adventures.

The Lesson
Although the event went well, and the flight and wind landing I had were safely completed, I learned a couple lessons that day. I had performed the high wind landing exactly as I should have and got the balloon and passenger on the ground safely, but the lesson was clear. I had failed to notice that to the north of my flight path to the field was a mountain pass. The leading balloons had landed just before the wind came up and I was caught in the high winds coming through that pass.

The lesson here is to be thoroughly familiar with the area you intend to fly over, and get local pilot input. In addition, the need to be keenly aware of the changing conditions is vital. I had allowed my plans for landing to be affected by the desire to land near the other balloons without considering the terrain first.

I have many flight hours since then, and have made many safe flights and carried many passengers. To this day that flight and lesson stick in my mind every time I fly.

November 24, 2024
Finding Peace Through Jesus in a Troubled World
This world is ruled by Satan. Every one of us has been under his rule since the time Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and believe the lies Satan told Eve. Prior to that event, Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world, in harmony with God and his commands for them. They had total freedom and peace. No fear of animals or each other. This state of “God’s Kingdom here on Earth” existed for an unknown period of time. We are not told by God’s word how long this existed prior to the “Fall.”
Once Satan convinced Eve to commit sin she then shared this with Adam. Adam went along with that sin and the world has been under the rule of Satan ever since.
This is stated clearly in Genesis 3:
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
and Matthew 4
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.
So we see that Satan had total power over the world and was rebuked by Jesus. Jesus would not have said this if Satan was not in command of the world.
So, why am I sharing this information? Because I am more than sick of hearing all the ridiculous argument about worldly issues. People are consumed with things such as gun control, racism, violence, corruption, homelessness, greed, politics, etc.
People including “So called Christians” arguing about how democrats are right, or republicans are right, or Obama is so good, or embrace Islam, or we should have totally open borders and accept anyone and everyone without regard to the original laws regarding becoming a citizen, or voter rights given to illegal immigrants…..the list goes on and on.
ALL of these things are the ways that Satan deceives people and pulls us away from God. The greatest evil is not a gun, or drugs, or violence, it is the insidious belief by people that they are “Good.” People think that stomping their feet and shouting about how evil guns are, that they are good because of that. That somehow this behavior shows what a compassionate soul they are. But this widespread belief that we are good by doing good works is Satan’s most powerful tool.
The only solution to any of these worldly issues is not man trying to be “Good”, using his ego to feel better about “doing something” to solve these issues, it is rather every one of us letting God teach us what is good, and sharing that with our brothers and sisters. We need to:
- Accept Jesus as our Lord
- Admit we are sinners and ask Jesus to take our lives under his control
- Accept God’s forgiveness
- And from that point on seek God’s teaching and make an honest attempt to live as he teaches
The worst thing we can do is be born again and then grow cold later on. We need to accept Jesus as our lord, study his teaching, implement that teaching in our lives, and share this with everyone we have contact with. God’s greatest desire is to have his Kingdom here on earth, and that means right now as well as the eventual everlasting Kingdom
Matthew 6:
9 This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Jesus taught us clearly that we should ask God for his kingdom to come here on earth as it is in Heaven. This means that if we work to fulfill God’s Kingdom here, that all these other issues will be taken care of by God. If we focus on God’s Kingdom, we will be creating that Kingdom here and now, and by default, slowly eliminating the Satanic control that the world has been under since the Fall.
What this boils down to, is drop the ego, drop the time wasting political correctness, drop the soul killing belief that you are “Good” because of your works, and simply love Jesus, and strive to bring his teaching into your hearts as well as those you have around you. Stop trying to rewrite God’s word like so many “Churches” and denominations are doing and get back to basics, God’s word.
November 24, 2024