Seasonal Tips for Winter

The holidays are a time for family, friends and quite a few plumbing emergencies. A majority of Americans take part in holiday parties with 11 or more guests around Thanksgiving and Christmas. These extra guests put a serious strain on a home's plumbing system, which results in more emergency calls to plumbers.

Pipes clog because of a gradual buildup of grease, hair, soap and/ or food particles. All it takes it one major overload, like a house full of guests, to exasperate the situation and create a clogged drain. Follow these tips to avoid a plumbing disaster.


In the kitchen:

•Avoid pouring fats or cooking oils down the drain because liquid fats solidify in the pipes and create clogs. Wipe congealed grease from pots.
•Never put hard-to-grind, stringy, fibrous waste into the garbage disposer (poultry skins, carrots, celery, pumpkin pulp or banana peels). The disposer can't sufficiently grind these items and they will clog your sink drain.
•Run cold water down the drain for about 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposer to flush waste down the main line.
•Turn on the disposer before adding food debris.
•Run the dishwasher and washing machine at night or at off times to conserve hot water and maintain adequate water pressure for your guests.

In the bathroom:

•Plan ahead, spread out showers throughout the day; wait 10 minutes between showers rather than taking one right after another.
•Turn up the water heater slightly to retain hot water. To avoid scalding, do not exceed 125°F.
•If shower pressure is weak, pour a cup of vinegar into a plastic bag, place it over the shower head, and soak. Use a twist tie to hold it in place overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub off the mineral deposits to help restore water flow.

Mission trip in Namibia Africa: Day 7 continued

Our work on the church was done, base structure and roof complete, The members of the church will have to close in the wall, this is so that they can truly take ownership of the home for GOD, Us workers cleaned up as best we could, We sent for the chief or one of his head representatives, all the women and children gathered for the dedication ceremony, This once again moved me, I felt the strong need to drop to my knees, This time I didn't fight it, You see the gift of the LORD is always great, life is good and GOD is great, one should embrace these moments, the good and the bad is what life is about, keep it positive even when it seems negative, the bumps are just tests to see how true you are, So keep your faith.

This ceremony was about an hour long and even though my body was tired was spent my spirit carried me through, We then snapped tons of photos, which was great seeing all there smiles and laughter, The chiefs representative a Herrara women ( they hadn't called her his wive but the chief can have multiples) came pushing through the crowd towards the back where I was standing, Locals and 13 Americans and she pushes through the crowd to me,,, This I thought was strange, I'm just "JDP" a working class man from the U.S.A. I didn't understand her spoken words, they were not English, so I called for our translator Jobe, She stated she would like to be photographed with me and no one else, Now picture taking here is a touchy thing, you see they feel it will do something to there spirit, so we always were careful, in fact most of my pictures were taken from my hip not to draw attention to the camera, So I of course said yes with out questioning why, she shook my hand many times and hugged me in an excessively long time and walked off, I had no clue at this time the significance of this event, Some said she liked me, some said we would be married now, some also said it was because I was the largest of our group so I must have been the leader, Some even said my long hair and blue eyes gave me a JESUS like appearance, What ever it was I was honored, Just look out honey you might have some competition !!!

We once again load up and head back to our camp, on our way back we pass a parade with cars and trucks all flagged out, loudspeakers blaring, "come one come, come all, soccer tournament tomorrow" Exciting if I really played that sport, My bro Nick Clark would have been down at that field I bet, Once back at camp everyone gets a more deeper cleanup, we eat dinner and wait for church service, this was to begin at 6:30pm, But didn't until 10pm (African Arrival time Again) Service was in a tent about a mile down the road, we all pile in and watch the hours of signing and dancing, Our pastor Kokomore preaches, Then more signing and dancing we head back to camp now Saturday, I go to get some sleep but I see this as impossible, our camp is filled with 100's of new tents filled with all the surrounding villages children and teens for the youth services in the morning, It was time to go american I put my mp3 player on ear-buds in, Good night all I love you baby wher ever you are !!!

Mission trip in Namibia Africa: Day 7

So Friday has arrived, GOOD MORNING AFRICA !!!!!!!!!!!
We had a rocky meeting last night, The ladies were addressed, We understand our situation isn't normal in the American sense But we have to get with the more go with the flow attitude, Were in Africa, one bathroom, no real showers or water, when we say were leaving at a certain time were leaving, So This morning 8am is the time to shoot for, It's currently 7:20 and half are up moving eating breakfast, I have been up since 6, bucket showered, semi clean clothes, meditation/prayer and morning video blog, It has been humorous sitting back watching them all trying to scurry around trying to get ready for the 7:30 load time, In fact I hear a song playing in my head, maybe you know it, Beastie Boyz "body moving, get your body moving" If you know it you will be singing it all day now, Well I must Thank the
LORD for another great day alive, we will do our best to serve you and continue bringing other along with us
This morning our crew really did the split, most went to the church building site, I went with the Shalleys to get supplies, First stop for me was the building material supply house, They had everything you would need to build a modern African house/hut, But not what we needed, so we traveled to another, Second stop had our steel roofing material, bolts, nuts, and washers, One sheet of corrugated steel was $147.49ran (I love that number)Pretty decent price, that's like 20 bucks American, we then traveled to the tire store, they spell TIRE "TYRE", two flats so far, the roads here are rough, Also they have all the normal stuff like any American tire place, Just no 20's and low profile, mostly aggressive tread truck stuff, Glad for this stop, you see I have been hand pumping them up for a few days, No air tools either, all the old way brute force, lug wrench and scroll lack, got to love it, Grocery store next, got bread meat, ice, milk, butter and more snacks, The milk here is funny, it comes in a carton like soy milk and says long life on it, No refrigeration needed, All ready to go out to the village, I'm riding in the bed to hold down the steel, we don't need no OSHA or Safety police, We got GOD on our side.

Once at the village it was time to roof the church, Since I just brought that they were waiting on me, so I better get moving, get my body moving, This is going to be a day of adaption to our African construction condition's, Adaptation that is a great skill to have in life, In fact I think it's a key to life success, Especially here in Namibia Africa,,, You see no jack lifts, or multi-level scaffolding with built in ladders, no cordless drills, impact guns, Just standard skill brand drills with nut drivers and ladders that don't reach the peak of the roof,,, So here we go again throwing all the OSHA rules out the huge window, Step one put a ladder in a pickup truck, send the tall man up it, He then pulls him self up on top of the peak, Step 2 move the truck and send another man up it to a lower spot, and step 3 you set the make shift scaffolding up for a third man, the final step is for all who's left to pass up the steel, sliding it up to the peak and let the screwing begin, Can you guess who the tall man was ??? You guessed it the plumber, Here in the states RULE #1 when you start as The plumber 's your feet never leave the ground unless your standing on a scissor lift, So I climbed up there like a nimble little spider monkey, using self taping screws with rubber washers, sliding backwards sheet by sheet, one side complete, Lunch time came.

Today they slaughtered a goat just for us, so the meat it fresh off the bone, The liver has to be eaten first, it's an honor thing, It tasted good, although I thought it was overcooked, we also had hoagie rolls with hot dogs and potato chip mix, It was all good especially since or with the hard work, once break time was over it was time to climb again, We needed a new plan, The spider monkey's plumbing needed a re-prev, Since he enjoys being intimate with his lovely wife someday again, besides I felt we were pushing our luck and faith with the risks we were taking, new plan,,,

One man on the scaffolding standing on a box, the other 2 men each on a ladder in the pickup, opposing each other, short side tall side, tying of to the perlins, Great plan and we began rocking and rolling, sheet by sheet,pickup moved down scaffolding moved, and so on, Roof complete, Now it will be time for dedication,,, (to be continued)

Mission trip in Namibia Africa: Thursday day 6

So woke up and Thanked GOD for another glorious day, all in all performed my normal routine of a bucket bath, put on semi clean pants, sock, underwear, a totally new T shirt, Filled everyone's buckets, Meditated/prayed and finally made my morning daily vlog, Then loaded up the truck with materials, food and water for the day, Best of all this is done before 8am, So breakfast was usually done by now, today White bread with the center cut out and where the bread center was, is a fried egg, There was always regular scrambled eggs with spam and cheese, dry cereal, coffee and tea. Now in our world you may know I don't usually drink tea or coffee because I don't need caffeine to get me going, since life primarily makes me high and if I'm feeling down I go for a run, But (this is where the true N.Y. plumber will come out) Coffee or tea Will help me drop the kids off at the pool, if you catch what I'm laying down, After 5 days of no drop off the chocolate children are getting angry so I must do something about the backup at the "OK corral", we all brought stuff for Montezuma's revenge but not anything for the current situation, We think it due to the malaria pills were all taking, I'm drinking the tap water today and hoping It will make the river flow, if not I can chill and go with the flow, I hope the local water will work just better not let the missionary's catch me, you see they say the water is bad for us Americans,,, I'm not buying that besides I'm the plumber and drink all kinds of water to check for taste when a customer thinks something is wrong, So I'm thinking I will taste the pollutants right away, bring it on Montezuma !!!

Well we head off for the village, The children that don't go to school came running as soon as the saw our vehicles hit the cattle road, We unloaded, set up the scaffolding, ladders, generator, welder, drills, hand tools, painting supplies, Had one of the ladies prep a nut to a bolt, while others painted the steel, As we started installing the perlins and roof structure, We all worked until lunch, Which was African sloppy Joe's with African cheese puffs and canned fruit salad, After lunch back to the the task at hand, The school children began to arrive back at the village, so the ladies get to switch modes, this always made them happier because the didn't really enjoy listening to us men any way.

Today they made an art project with yarn, paper plates and pictures from hallmark cards, Everyone was wearing them around there necks like trophies, It was neat watching from high atop the roof line, I'm not down helping the ladies but surely enjoying there beautiful work, just watching the children and adult Himba ladies create art then play the school yard games is so so AWESOME

finished work in the village for the day, washed up and headed back to town, first we stopped at the grocery store for the normal, water, ice, snacks, soda, Oh and I got some hand wash laundry soap so I can wash some clothes in the morning, Returned to camp, As others went to settle in, shower, and start dinner, I went back to Macgyver plumbing mode, Fixed many thing and none up to our American plumbing standards, I won't tell any one if you don't, If anything they will want me to come back again, Dinner bell rang, tonight, A meat stew like thing, Now I say meat because it comes from a 4 legged animal but I wasn't asking witch, we also had African Doritos, buttered bread with fruit jam and desert rice crispy treats, We conversed and split off as usual, I decided to do my laundry tonight, It helped put real American life into perspective, I'm really enjoying this walk with Christ, I think this lack of hot showers and washing machines would make us all smelly, I ask for a ladies to be 100% honest and let me know if I got the funk, They say I'm not so I must trust them just as I trust in GOD, Tomorrow brings a new day and each more challenging, So bring it big guy, I hold you in the highest and will walk the path no matter where it leads,,, Good night all, I love you

Mission Trip in Namibia Africa: Day 6

So morning came to me again and I thank GOD for another day, Sleep was not a strong one, The Illegal night club went until 2am and at 3 the roosters began to do what they do, In fact what is that noise they make even called, crowing, cackling, howling, calling, I'm not sure, I guess sometimes the city boy in me comes out, the cot was comfy though, The temp at night was hot but as the night went on the temp dropped, kind of like a high desert like environment, Also I had to decide what to use as my pillow, you see there wasn't enough of them and I gave mine up for one of the ladies, So use my blanket rolled up and be cold, or be warm and not use something under my head, I chose the no blanket be a little cold, I'm in Africa land of real tough men,,,

But that's not the half of the night time adventure, you see in the middle of the night I hear an old voice calling Kevin, Kevin, Kevin, I thought to my self how can I be in Kevin's dream, and Jesus is calling him and he won't wake up,,, man am I tired and now I'm going delirious, It was Bob calling through the steel window since we had our door locked, He said Dee our nurse needed help she was bitten by something on her foot, She was in severe pain and didn't know what to do, Kevin and Paul went since they were from Africa, They searched with there flashlights and found a small albino scorpion, It stung her twice on her foot, They say the small ones are the worst, be prepared for 24 hours of discomfort and maybe some swelling, but an Adult won't die.

I came to Africa prepared with some knowledge and as you know knowledge is power, Well the men loaded up the cars, the ladies prepared breakfast, eggs with spam and cheese, pancakes, we then headed to the grocery store for ice and corn maze for the tribe offering, Then drove 30-40 k's to the village of Oskorsove, I began to feel like now were in Africa, the middle of the wilderness, huts, cattle, sheep, dressed people,, naked people, half naked people, children, adults, Real Africa "JDP" is here,,, We arrived at the final little village, unloaded all the equipment, laid at the tools, the steel, generator, welder, concrete, Began working, building a building of worship, The men worked hard, the ladies tried the best they could, it was hot, and the work was hard

In the afternoon the children started to arrive from there 10-15k walk from the school, Then the women switched to teacher/art teacher mode, this was good to get them smiling and doing more what they know what to do, They played games, like duck duck goose, hopscotch, head shoulders knees and toes, and some other American childhood school games, We worked until 5 and made the trek back to camp, the ladies prepared dinner, I filled all the water jugs, buckets and went back into plumbing mode, I also worked on the missionary's truck, Learned an African mechanical trick, Grease your lug nut studs to help with the dusty conditions, I was told you do this " so in Africa so you don't have to fight to get your nuts off by hand every time you want to get them off",,, No jokes people but I thought the same thought when it was said to me,,, We ate dinner, conversed about the great day we had and split off to bed at about 11pm so good night all !!!

Mission Trip in Namibia Africa, Touchdown to camp

So It's currently day 5 Wednesday 9-21-2011, 5:30am. We rolled into the town of Opuwo around 6:30 pm, Got everything unloaded and separated, Ladies in the guesthouse, which is a building with 5 rooms, 4 for sleeping and a large room for the kitchen/dinning room, It has two smaller rooms one with a toilet and a sink and the other a shower(well kinda a shower) Reminds me of a mexico Esque hunting camp, 10 beds so looks like the ladies will be all good, well wait we have 9 women 4 men,,, That leaves Paul and I out since our wives are home, The other two Kevin and Bob will have to choose who stays and whom goes, Cots in the classroom for 3 who will it be ???

Paul, Kevin and I got the cots in the class room/dining room/main kitchen witch is one door over closer to the sanctuary, We had to well the ladies had a bunch of cleaning to do, The play was a mess, Different culture or priority don't know which yet, We men got to fixing bed frames, wooden tables and chairs so we can eat and meet in a civil manner, Then it came, my calling, I did travel all this way to do the skill GOD made me for, I know what my hands were made for each day, At a young age I thought trouble, But it was just training for the days of fixing things, So on to plumbing, Well they take me to this cistern tank, whose job it is to fill during the day and have water for the night when the water is turned off ???

Apparently the local municipality shut the whole towns water off from approximately 7pm to 7am if there lucky. you see it can be shut off or on any time so the storage tank is real important, The water piping supplying it is leaking about 90% of its water all over the ground, which means some days the tank is never full and if the main isn't on for a few days there S.O.L.(if you catch me) Well well I said what do we got to fix this. So I looked at the supply we had, I prayed my Macgyver skills will be strong, began working without shutting the main,,, well because there's no valve and within a half and hour got the line 90% fixed with only a 10% leak, But knew I would find the parts to make it 100% leak free or I'm not "JDP" I then asked while I'm In my groove what else you got, Even though the tools I got are barbaric, the parts are all metric and not like a Home depot part, I was here to be the best I could and I would not back down, So I service 2 toilets, repaired a propane cook stove, That in itself would have made Macgyver and Macgruber proud, It was funny as I was working I knew if I kept my "I can do it" "I can do Anything" "I'm unstoppable" attitude, This trip and experience will be AWESOME !!!

I did what I set out to do, Presto it was done and better than when I arrived. Now nothing was done to America standards and I'm pretty sure Osha and the engineering inspectors would say "You can't do that" OR "That won't work" But were not in the U.S.A. were in the small town of Opuwo Namibia Africa, 5000 or so people, with 100,000 or more acres, where every once of water counts, So I'm thinking no one and I mean no one will say a thing, Now one will think I sucked, Right now I'm pretty Awesome to them right now, By The time I leave here they will want to know Why I keep referring to my work as Macgyver, I'm having fun feeling needed Hoping this feeling will continue

Meanwhile the ladies with Mrs Shalley were cooking, Now I'm prepared for whatever I'm served, It was some kind of Sausage stuff, potato, frozen peas -corn mix, African mac-n-cheese and a cakey spiced desert. We had prayer of course and formed the line, Ladies first I thought but not here men first,,, again were in Africa not much women's lib, So I will have to stay busy so I eat towards the end, We then had several hours of conversation, set the plan kinda for tomorrow, The women retired, we retired to our cots, boots off and up from the floor to keep the scorpions out of them, flashlight and knife I hid in my suitcase close, Final prayer and meditation to set my own personal intentions for the next day,,, Good night all where ever you are, I love you baby

Mission trip In Namibia Africa

So were on the road to Opuwo, about 4 hours in lunch time is calling, so we stopped for lunch, Who would guess in the middle of Africa a KFC ??? I know I thought it too, That's a stereotype, Were in Africa not the U.S.A. The menu was different but the same premise, no bucket family deals, All set combos with no substitutions. About 50 ran per combo give or take a couple, No wedges only fries or chips as they called them, Oh and 50 ran is about $7.15 U.S. But no biscuits, Mack n cheese, mash with gravy, Just chicken original and extra crispy, on a roll or in a wrap, The special African one was called the Master-box, I got this for a more culture experience, It was a chicken strip with a fish strip on a wrap with lettuce tomato cheese and spicy mayo. All orders came with chips, red vinegar,tomato sauce and a soda, they also had no deserts, even though they had a soft serve ice cream machine BUT said it was broken,,, We thought it probably has never been used


This next portion I got to drive for about 300K's This was a nicer scenic drive, we were in cattle country, goats, cows, huge bulls and donkeys just roaming free, across the road when ever they want, I had to be on my toes. The lady tinkle breaks were just getting even more funny the Bush was less available, This trip will get the prissy out of any one of them, Next time we will be in Opuwo, see you then !!!

Mission trip to Namibia Africa: now the road trip, let the rubber meet the road

My job in the Comb-bee (Van for you Americans) Map reader navigator, So let the rubber meet the road, woo hoo !!! 1000k's ahead, First stop ladies bush potty break, That's right in Africa the rest stops are in the bush no real privy's for you weaklings, The ladies will really learn about ruffing it, just watch out for the thorns, scorpions and black mambo snakes ladies, Hey when in Rome right, It was actually funny knowing the bladder's one against the squeamish fears, Second stop Okahandja, This down has a real gas station rest stop, so those who wouldn't hit the bush used the toilet, But I think the bush's were cleaner and had less germs, snacks our first in Africa, Soda's no Pepsi, only coke or Africa brands, Most chose a ginger beer, which is like ginger ale without the ale part, Also this town is know for BILTONG, which is there version of beef jerky, except that they have it in every eatable African animal, real soft lightly salted, no spice or teryaki

We were on the road again, next stop Otijwarongo, never know if I'm spelling it right, but I have learned the W sounds like a V, we got gas here, the attendant pumps it, it is illegal for you to do it, 11 liters $340 ran, translation 4.5 litters are 1 gallon and $340 is $48.50 U.S. I got a strawberry cream-cycle at this stop, caught sight of our first sunset and know It was my time to drive so no writing for a few hours

Once we arrive at the missionary's house at about 9:30pm I drove for about 3 hours, what a trip, driving on the wrong/left side of the road, gear shifting with my left hand, all the controls reversed and in the dark, boy o boy they where trusting, Every time any of us men would go to signal we would turn the wipers on so that the oncoming traffic knew we we foreigners, The two things that really made it uncomfortable was not having the window sill to lean your left arm on and the seat-belt reverse rubbing you while you drive, Very very wild and fun

The meet and great was great, Mrs Shalley had pizzas waiting for us, She knew how to make us Americans feel at home, coffee and chocolate nut cookies for desert, We then unloaded and sorted all our trinkets and art supplies for the people, we also had our meeting to set our kinda sorta plan for the work, brief internet to email home and update FB, Then bed time at 2:30am alarm set for 6:30am, we got work to get too, sleep is for the lazy !!!

6:30am up and showered with hot water, this has to be the last time for this, Breakfast egg quiche and apple fritters with coffee or tea, grub over and back to the road, Did some vehicle maintenance with tools like Macgyver, They did not expect to be traveling with the world famous "Macgyver JDP" if were lucky 8 hours driving to our base camp Opuwo

Mission Trip to Namibia Africa: still traveling

The b&b shuttle us back to the airport, This part was pretty painless, straight through, not much checking of our bags like the U.S., I didn't even have to take my shoes off again, weird ???

This is the first time I have boarded a full size plane out on the tarmac, I got the isle seat again and An empty row, The big gut has been thinking about my long legs hasn't he :-) well I guess I don't get the whole row, A small African boy came and he gets the window seat, The flight attendant informed me I would have to be responsible for him during the flight, I jokingly said what if I don't want too ? He didn't get me joking, I said it would be fine but thought I guess I can't get some more shut eye, So I helped him with his buckle, trying to ignore him, surely impossible, He was wanting to play And I guess I looked friendly, he told me he was 6, his birthday was yesterday (9-17-2011)He just left his father whom works in Johannesburg, His mom would be waiting when we landed, He proceeded to tell me all the cool things I could do in Namibia, Drink cart came, I got a tomato juice, asked him and he said coke, This is where as a parent I would have said no you must have juice But he's not mine so coke it is, The meal and once again real silverware, At this point I could have a setting for six, they where nice and heavy, Choices chicken, fish, or pasta, I chose pasta, he chose beef but only ate the salad and desert

So we land and exit the plane walking across the tarmac, we must fill out some forms entering the country as non citizens, they have general info questions, who, what, where, how much etc etc , Then you wait in the appropriate line waiting for the custom agent, My turn and she asks first time in Namibia Africa, yes, What are you going to do, Just see the sites, She then proceeds to tell me some stuff I should check out, I told her that's what the boy sitting next to me on the plane said, she said who, I pointed, She said oh he's a brat, I said no no he's just a curios young boy and I appreciated him telling me some stuff, She then told me he was Namibian royalty, the grandson of this guy who's name I couldn't pronounce or spell, I said I'm sorry I didn't know who that was but the boy was no bother, She stamped my passport and said have a nice stay,,, I think the boy saved me the normal travel pat-down,,, Thank you Jesus !!!

We picked up our luggage, mine was gone through some where on this journey, I'm a neat packer and it was mish moshed, Now we had to play the rental game which was setup before we left, we get not what we had planned but a 13 passenger van and a trailer, Fine Paul and I load the trailer and away we go

Mission trip to Namibia Africa: On The land

We arrive at our temporary over night accommodations, It was an African b&b in Johannesburg, It was actually quite nice, I was surprised we were even in Africa, It was more like a b&b in Tahoe or something. The room had a double bed and a single bed, nice wooden furniture, desk, dining table, TV, wifi, beautiful place all in all, the grounds had a pool, huge grilling area, a bar, a pool table, The staff all African with whites and blacks. They had a basque meal waiting for us. huge steaks, mushroom gravy, corn on the Cobb, salad stuff, a carrot dish, potato salad, a spinach dish, olives (they love em in Africa) 3 different type of breads. (As I wrote this in my journal it was apparent I was tired because this passage was all spelled wrong)

In my room now to wind down and try to sleep but I was over 9 hours behind the actual African time so this would be fun, There is a disco near to the b&b, I can here the music pumping so sleep was not really possible, I showered and hand washed my clothes for the first time and I'm sure not my last, I don't smell Just don't want to for everyone else's sake, also tomorrow will be another long day, I took an all natural sleep aide and will try to get some shut eye, put the tube on all soccer and rugby

It's 3am, Paul is fast asleep, he snores and murmurs in his sleep, we will be good bunk mates, I wish I could sleep longer but my senses are on overload, I can hear all the sounds of the outside world, sirens, trains, the club, Even though most would think I'm in a third world country this place is a large metropolis city, At dinner everyone was in good spirit thus far, we even had a few visitors, some other missionary's and some of the Kokomor's family, My clothes will still be damp when I get dressed and I guess I'm on day three, Oh and in case you were wondering I have been sitting in the tub writing tonight so not to wake my bud Paul, you know my favorite room is the bathroom any way, I must also admit I'm a little lost with out my phone, internet that works and the normal U.S.A. routine, I'm alerted by every sound and it seems to me others are struggling with sleep, I can here them trough the walls, talking, toilets flushing, some one is taking a bath, there must be a train close, every 30 minutes I can here one, A hair brush and some deodorant with tooth paste would be great, Not for me really just don't want to look a shambles for others or even stinky, I put my clothes over the electric room heater to help them dry, I already read the entire book I brought, I left a note in it, this is what I said:

"This book was purchased by Jeff Wagner to read on hs mission to Africa, I am done with it, I am from Sacramento California, you can search me out on the web if you like, Take this book on your travels, when your done leave it for someone else, I hope you have a safe journey and stay blessed signed "JDP" and the date"

Breakfast where are you I'm hungry, put my mostly dry clothes on and headed out helping others with there bags, food was great very western, eggs fried and scrambled with cheese, some sort of bacon, sausage with peppers and onions, bread for toasting, pancakes with all the normal toppings, coffee, tea, juices like orange, apple and a mango guava, which I drank with pleasure and ate everything since I thought this may be my last real meal since will be heading out to the wilderness, Load up and head to the airport !!!

Mission Trip to Namibia Africa: The plane trip continues

So we landed in Dakar, we stay on the plane for an hour and a half while they refuel, clean, reload food, change crew, On the final plane till we change in Johannesburg Africa, I also watched another flick during the night, the latest pirates movie, I only slept an hour, it's 6:55 am so I have been flying over 24 hours thus far, this next portion will take 8 and a half hours, we will time change 2 hours more, They just sprayed some deodorizer mist out of the plane vents, its smell like urinal cakes, guess they think some of us smell or something ??? I am hugely parched wishing I had some water and juicy fruit to moisten my throat, The plane is being loaded with new people and they are announcing the safety instructions again, In every world language except Spanish, I guess were not in the U.S.A. anymore, IO still feel good, not really tired, just stir crazy-ish, really really want some H2o, were in the air, new movie choices, first up the latest fast and furious,,, I still need that water !!!

Well I'm into day 2,,, It's breakfast time on the plane, choices eggs or pancakes, I chose pancakes, they had a blueberry compost on them with a sweet cream sauce, a fruit cup with strawberries, oranges and grapefruit, a cup of raspberry yogurt, a croissant with butter and jam, I asked for 3 bottles of water and a peach juice and a cup of coffee and I got all of them, I'm destined to try and beat the home court advantage in the "2 bathroom department, I'm sure a "2 at 30,000 fett will fell nice !!!

Well well another surprise a second meal on one flight, That's right breakfast and dinner, It's been 9 hours so They are being nice to us, Chicken or beef, They love there beef in Africa I'm told, I chose the chicken, It was a chicken cream pasta dish with peas and mushrooms, sides full salad with salmon on top, crackers with cream cheese, buttered roll, with mocha cream cake, I had 3 deserts from my mates since they thought it didn't look good, all I can say is it was yummo and they missed out, I ordered a tea and 3 more water bottles, I was not going to get dehydrated

I watched THOR and played some of the games they had on the screen util we landed at about 6pm, that's like 36 hours since the start, 18 hours until the next flight so we will have some down time in Johannesburg, We will have to pass through a port of entry area, first time ever Where I had to wait in the "other" isle, One said South Africa, the Africa, Then other which me and every where else worldwide, It is an conventional international airport with all the normal hustle and bustle stores restaurants and such, went to pick up my luggage, apparently the Kokomor's, Bob, Dee, and mine were not on the carousel, apparently they went to the final stop, so no change of clothes till tomorrow, no washing with soap, no teethe brushing, nothing, FUN FUN FUN

Mission trip to Namibia Africa: plane ride there

Now I sit and wait for the airplane, consider this a spiritual 4square check in. I'm at the Sacramento airport headed to Namibia Africa via Washington, Dakar, Johannesburg, Windhoek (they pronounce it vint-hook) Final destination Oskosorve village, Here I come Jesus take the wheel !!!

We have begun to board the plane and I have been gifted an aisle seat, row 27 d. It's funny they show you a safety video now instead of the flight attendants actually doing it, There job gets easier and easier, They must have good union representation. The flight is packed, every single seat filled, In the air, There is no turning back now

Side note: Its also a wonder how the world or people will always provide those who give will always receive, Most of my church mates got food to eat in the airport, Big ole burritos with eggs and potatoes, they were huge just like us big gluttony humans expects, these plates of food could easily feed 3 people any where else in the world, But here the norm, Me ate my bananas I packed in my carry on bag, figured I would need the potassium for or not to get cramps on this long trip

The stewardess said 4 hours 40 minutes till touch down, Landed in Dulles airport that's Washington D.C. for those that don't know, 3pm east coast time, This airport is massive, we found our gate for Dakar, our next flight is on South African airlines, The plane left about 6pm, each seat has it's own TV with tons of choices for selections, I think I will watch the latest x-men and super 8, They gave me a pillow and blanket without even asking, even earphones, a mask to cover your eyes, even socks to keep your feet warm, A total different experience from an American flight unless you fly first class, which I have not done yet but some day I will, right honey ??? I got my wife her first spoons in the airport gift shop, I'm feeling pretty good so far only 24 more hours of this give or take.

They are starting to serve our meal now, it seems a bit gourmet, the choices beef, chicken, pasta, The beef comes with potatoes and green beans, The chicken with rice and peas, The pasta with sauce Lima beans and peas. I picked the pasta, you then had the choice of bread white or wheat, then it had cheese and crackers, a kit-kat bar, a salad with lettuce and tomatoes, yellow peppers and olives with a vinaigrette dressing and for dessert a real piece of N.Y. cheesecake. The kicker ,,,,,, Real silverware, fork knife spoon, ohh and a cup of coffee or tea, Boy o boy we get cheated in the U.S. nuts or pretzels and a soda if were lucky, I think I will have to go on international flights from now on

Some sleep now see you later peeps !!!

Mission trip to Namibia Africa Day 1

So the journey will begin, It's currently 6:30am. I have checked my suitcase, it weighs 49.8 pounds. Just passed the mustard, Its mostly packed with stuff for others. It has colored pencils, normal pencils, pens, glue sticks, art supplies, paper plates, 200 rubber gloves, scissors, toys, candy, soccer balls, rope, and rulers. As I packed I thought "I wonder if any one thought of a pump to fill the soccer balls ???" So I scrambled and found one in my garage with a bunch of pins. I brought enough T shirts for the trip and will give em away when I disrobe each night. They will probably be dirty but I'm sure they will appreciate them, This adventure IE MISSION will be just that. How often does one get to travel half way around the world to be or do what they are in the USA for people who will love every second of there presence. I also find it funny how we AMERICANS loose site of our normal habitual routine. As I got dressed I kept thinking I'm missing or forgetting stuff. I fell out of balance, NO cell phone, NO pocket knife, NO flashlight, NO metal business card holder, NO leather-man, NO normal brick wallet. All left behind not needed on a mission trip to Africa. One man "JDP" with 12 other JESUS loving friends making a world difference. Transforming lives, theirs and ours, With our love for GOD man or woman, LIFE is GOOD GOD is GREAT, no wait It's simply,,, AWESOME

Jeff da Plumber Going to Namibia, Africa

As I am heading out on this journey of epic proportions, I just want to share with you, my followers, some of the history and facts of the place I will be going and working in. I will try to take pictures and videos that I can show afterwards and for the rest of my life.

NAMIBIA -WORK & WITNESS MINISTRY TEAM

GENERAL

ONE OF THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE WEAPONS THE ENEMY CAN USE TO BREAK DOWN OUR MISSION IS TO INSTIGATE COMPLAINING & MURMURING AMONG THE WORKERS. GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND ATTITUDES IN THE LORD AND MAINTAIN THE UNITY THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS AT ALL TIMES ...

It is important that we always work as a team. The bible teaches in (Leviticus 26:8) that "Five of you will chase a hundred, and it hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you".

When we are united in God's plan and purpose, we are an accomplishing force to be reckoned with. Remember the Lord is a Lord of order ... not chaos and so while we never try to confine our I.ora, we do make ourselves accountable to each other in the task ahead. In addition to the work required to build the steel structure frame for the new church and to be witnesses to the Lord's goodness, there are some specific responsibilities that will also need to be covered on a daily basis. To this end, we have a promising ministry team outlined in this update ...

HAVING SPENT MUCH OF MY LIFE IN AFRICA, I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST-
REMEMBER THE TERM TIA - WHICH MEANS ‘THIS IS AFRICA’


NAMIBIA AND ITS PEOPLES- THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH

Short History

The country was first settled by the Germans. After the First World War, Germany was defeated and IN
1923 South Africa was given full administration of the country by the United Nations. This continued
through until the late 1980's.


The country was torn apart by the presence of South African Military (at that time the strongest in the
southern hemisphere) and a movement called SWAPD (South West African Peoples Organization) with
Sam Nujomo, being the leader of SWAPO.


The primary war area was along the northern borders where we will be travelling. The reason for this
was that war torn Angola was the best refuge for SWAPD soldiers. The main people of SWAPD were the
Ovambos, the pradorntnant Namibian nation by far. Sam Nujomo was an Dvambo. The conflict spread
into civilian areas and there were many tragic losses on both sides. One of the ways used to intimidate
was tying a small trip wire to a hand grenade and then tying the other end to a ten dollar note. This
would be left on the main rural path used by children walking to and from school. When the children
saw the money, they would run and grab it without thinking and however many children were together
at that time would be blown up.


Eventually an agreement was reached between SWAPD and South Africa and soldiers came from all over
the world under the authority of UNTAG (United Nations Transitional Assistance Group). They were
sent to maintain a presence during agreed on elections but had strict instructions not to engage. It was a
similar situation to Ruwanda with the United Nations providing a presence only ... do not engage the
locals regardless of what you see.


This conflict came to an end when South Africa withdrew its military and SWAPD was elected to run the
country. There are many unfortunate and tragic stories on both sides and the victims were all the people
of Namibia. Mike and Julie Shalley served as missionaries during this time as did Kevin and June. Their
children grew up in a very tense conflict environment.


Because of the conflict and non acceptance of anyone political leader .other countries used Namibia for
their own purposes. Eastern Block countries sent large fishing vessels into Namibian territorial waters
together with factory ships to process the catch. Large, almost vacuum pipes were lowered Into the sea
and the sea was sucked clean of its fishing resources. Whenever anyone would complain, it was pointed
out by these countries that there was no legal government and 50 there was no authority to speak on
behalf of the country. The ships would anchor just a few hundred yards from the Namibian shores and
nothing could be done to remove them. Eventually the waters were so thinned out by their large scale
fishing that locals could no longer make a living from fishing. Stories of grenades being dropped into the
sea to kill fish and then nets lowered to pull everything from the surface became common place.


Cuba had sent 60,000 troops into Angola and these soldiers began to affect Namibia too. Angola had
been a Portuguese colony and so many of the locals spoke Portuguese and even had Portuguese names.
Ovambo land (the north) and the Caprivi (the long strip of land that ran along the northern border) were
the hottest war zones while the rest of the country groaned under insurgent attacks and constant
military presence.


After President Nujomo took office, the war scaled down but the economy had been ravaged and there
was an unemployment rate that exceeded 50%. Namibia has slowly tried to come back as a country but
it has been very difficult without sufficient resources.


While the conflict is over it will take a number of generations to
completely remove all the anger and pain of a very long war, It is a
nation in healing and sensitivity should be practiced even today.


While the country was home to many Germans and the German language was heard throughout the
country, the Ovambo people were the main ethnic presence and the South Africans (particularly
Afrikaners) had been involved in its history. All sides believed they had been deprived of what was
rightfully theirs and so there still remains some animosity between these peoples.


The current President of Namibia. Lucas Pohamba, studied politics in the
old Soviet Union. During the time he held the office of Minister of Lands.
he initiated the same type of land expropriation from white farmers as
was first done by Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. Everyone is strongly
urged to listen if spoken to but it is ill advised to offer political opinions.


In Africa it is common to find people of the same ethnic origins making up their own communities.
African people are proud of their ethnicities and embrace them with passion while holding to the
knowledge that while we are different, everyone is equal & none are better than another.
The main people of Namibia are ...


People


The Ovambos ... predomlnant Namibian nation found mainly in the north.

They are a black nation with well defined facial features. They are intelligent people looking for
educational opportunities that might advance their life positions. They continue to maintain some
strong feelings about their past history and have a national pride that makes them appear as poised.
They are largely considered westernized in their dress and attitude but stiff hold to some strong ethnic
traditions. During the last presidential elections, the Ovambo people helped the current President
Pohamba win with 75% of the nations vote. The nearest political opponent came in second with about
3%. They have their own language which is also spoken by many others because of their large national
influence. The people have learnt to live with meager provisions ... Their religion is either Christian
(Lutheran & Catholic) or Animist. During the Namibian war, many Ovambo Christians embraced the
teaching of Liberation Theology.


The Hereros ... pockets of this ethnic group are scattered over the country north of Windhoek. They
are a black nation with tremendous pride. Their women can be identified by their long dresses and
unusual head dress. They have their own language which is quite complex. Their religion is either
Christian or Animist. The Himba people have come out of this nation.


The Bushman type peoples ... these consist of desert and semi desert peoples. A few nations
Namara and Damara, still live in conditions that are very harsh. They could be considered a close relative
of the San of North Eastern Namibia and Botswana. Their language is similar to that of the bushman in
that it consists of clicks and is again very difficult to learn.


The Colored people - mainly in the cities and towns. They come from mixed race parents. They are
generally light brown in color ... not as dark as the Ovambo or Herero - their language is either Afrikaans
or English. They have their own communities and are a very strong presence in the city of Windhoek.
They are known to be very colorful, very warm and artistic. They are often very musically talented. Their
religion is either Christian or Muslim. Some of their cultural traditions would be unusual to most of us.
Many women pull their upper teeth out as they believe it makes them attractive. On the coast of
Namibia a large number of the men work as fishermen. This is quite a vocation as very few are able to
swim and as a result the fishermen are regularly drowned when they fall over board.
Unfortunately they are generally identified as an ethnic group with strong drinking tendencies.
Their colorful lifestyles have been known to take church board members who disagree outside the
meeting room to solve the issue with a good fist fight to see who prevails


The Bastars ... people found in an enclave south of Windhoek. They are descendents from mixed
races. They separated as a people in 1868 and headed north from the Cape Colony to settle their own
land where they could have their own form of biblical government. While they have sought
independence from Namibia since the very beginning, it has never been achieved. They are similar to
the Colored folk except they insist on keeping to themselves in an area around a town called Rehoboth.
They have their own Kaptein (local leader) and they speak mainly Afrikaans. They have embraced

Covenantal Theology and are an honorable Christian people. Christian Church life in their communities is
central and highly regarded. The basis for their existence in Rehoboth as a people is based on Genesis 26


v 22:
"...for now the lord hath made room for us and we shall be fruitful in the land"


It is nearly impossible to settle in this area if you are not a Bastar. Bastar comes from the word Bastard
but does not carry the same connotation as offered by the dictionary. To Rehoboth locals being a Bastar
has nothing to do with illegitimacy and simply identifies people with a brave group of settlers that made
their way north many years ago while standing against very powerful odds.


The Afrikaaners ... people who originally emigrated from South Arica. They are a Caucasian nation
speaking the Afrikaans language. Their ethnic roots take them back to the days when the Boers settled
southern Africa after coming out from Holland. These people governed South Africa after 1948 and
attempted to create the homeland solution for different ethnic groups. It did not work and Nelson
Mandela eventually took over the leadership from Prime Minister De Klerk. It was primarily the South
African Afrikaaners that Administered Namibia from 1923 (after the end of the First World War) until
Sam Nujomo took leadership. They are a very religious ethnic culture with a strong history of Gods
involvement in their destiny. Their Christian faith is probably one ofthe strongest "Covenant
Theologies" seen in Christianity. While in office, they promulgated laws that outlawed any form of
gambling, prostitution, pornography, abortion and rape was punishable by death. Christian holidays
were established as National holidays. Large stores and non essential businesses were prohibited from
being open to the public on Sundays and alcohol could not be sold on Sundays either. Small 711 type
stores were permitted to remain open on Sundays to provide essentials like bread, milk etc.


All of these laws were repealed in South Africa when Nelson Mandela took office as President and the
same occurred in Namibia when Sam Nujoma took office. The reason for this was really simple, the
Afrikaaners had lived with the strong Christian ways of the Dutch for centuries and had established
Christian standards as 'the standard'. The Local ethnic nations of Southern Africa had not been exposed
to these biblical behavioral boundaries and hence their repeal when political power changed.


The Germans .... generally descendants from early German settlers. They were present in Namibia
during the Second World War and many supported Hitler. It was possible to purchase Swastikas and
pictures of Adolf Hitler in the town of Swakopmund into the 1990's. To this day strong German schools
educate the descendants of the settlers in their own language and with a focus on traditional German
culture. German bakeries remain popular and the economy has the support of many German
businesses. It is common place to hear German being spoken in public areas all over Namibia.


It is important to remember that while there is tremendous ethnic divergence ... and also
great ethnic pride ... the people of Namibia consider themselves as Namibians living with other
Namibians.


If you get a chance try the African creme soda or ginger beer floats. They are very good. Remember that
African creme soda is green and not brown as in America. A rock shandy is also a refreshing non
alcoholic drink. It is available at hotels and restaurants but not generally at stores and gas stations.


REMEMBER TO TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT AND DIGNITY AND YOU Will RECEIVE THE SAME.
We are all different but none are better ...

God Bless you as you reach out to "make disciples of all nations ... "


This is "Jeff da Plumber" saying until next time stay blessed,,, OUT

Never Forget 9/11

OK so it's 9 11 and I thought I would just keep it in today,,, The world won't let me.

Everything on the tube today is 9 11 related even food network. which has left me

watching game show network allot. Which by the way has become my go to, no thought

Chanel. If not watching the tube or playing mafia wars on FB, It was my day to give the

sermons for seniors, I didn't write nothing. I just talked about my day 10 years ago. Why

was I given that funny, weird feeling that early morning ??? I always showed up to do my

job. But on that day I called in and cancelled my job, That I was the foreman of, not the

normal go to work sick guy, I saved lives that I don't even remember, They were a good

crew but all there name and faces are blank to me now. I hope they went on to greatness.

As for me I'm still searching for my own greatness. Is that even possible, To be great I

mean, not the searching for it part ??? You can be my judges, One thing I sure know I love

being the plumber. you can't understand I really really love being the plumber. In less

than a week I'm traveling to Namibia Africa to be the plumber. That I know will be

AWESOME. I know each day that is what I was made to be. I guess the "BIG MAN" GOD almighty

has a plan for me and if I had passed that day,,, well I didn't and now I get to

continually help others in the way GOD intended me too, My heart will remain heavy, my

prayers will be strong, I LOVE you All !!!

This is "Jeff Da Plumber" saying until next time stay blessed,,, OUT

August 21st 2011

I know I haven't shared with you in a bit this is because life has had me a little occupied. Here is my last sermon for the wonderful seniors,,,

Some times life continually throws you curve balls, during these times we question our faith. Bad things happen and we shout towards the lord asking why me ??? why now ??? or even worse, I have learned not to do this or to even question GOD,,,

As a believer in JESUS we can trust our savior, turn to him during the life's tough spots, GOD cares for us each and every day, he is testing us, He is sovereign, His holy word is true and sure, He does keep his promises, We must just uphold ours,,,

I find for me meditation or prayer time can help ease your worries or calm your fears, we can always use extra help and answers. That help is all written in the bible, one must not be fearful and simply read,,,

Here are some examples of places or reminders that I use,,,

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear ? The lord is the stronghold of my life, Of whom shall I be afraid ?

Isiah 41:10
So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your GOD, I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 46:1
GOD is our refuge and strength, An ever present help in our trouble.

I could go on and on reading to you examples, but your answers can be found in the bible, If you can not read have some one read to you, this will not only help you But they will gain in the sharing of The LORD,,,

Some reading home work for you.
Psalm 27:4-5
Psalm 84:2-4
Psalm 34:7-9
Philippians 4:19
Philippians 4:6-7
Luke 12:22-34

Any kind of life trouble are in this great book called the bible, just loss in general, loss of home, loss of job, stress and how to deal with it, even financial worries, The answers can all be found in the bible.You just have to read it, Keep your Faith, Don't question HIM, AS I say just go with the flow and know each down fall is a test, when you pray hold him in the Highest power,,,

Let us all pray together right now,,, AMEN

This is "Jeff da Plumber" saying until next time stay blessed,,, OUT

Fathers Day June 19th 2011

So one again it was my day to speak at the senior centers and it was another hallmark holiday. So here's what I talked about as per my notes:

Today is Fathers Day, This to some it is a very special day. To me this take takes second place. The biggest parent day is of course Mothers day, because without them and GOD we would have no fathers, Sorry I regressed back to my feelings, Again today is fathers day

As we know a father wears many hats and is called many things, I thought and searched for things or qualities we must have and these are my top four,

1- The PROVIDER, the provider is charged with providing for his family. This by far is the number one job for a dad. In the bible Paul says "That if a man will not provide for his own he has denied the faith and is wore than an infidel" pretty powerful words and also totally true !!!

2- The Protector, fathers get honored this responsibility, they must become worthy whether the want to or not. It becomes there job to protect the flock and a true guardian they will need, the Lord will always be there for guidance But dads will be the front-line ground force

3- The pattern maker, As the leader a father must set the path, his footprints will guide the way to his children, when questions arise that mom cannot answer he must be there to respond. He must also show good habits, work responsibility, etc. This also includes bible study. Did you know that when a father is faithful to the LORD 73% of children will believe in the LORD. This number increases to 93% if both parents believe, show the father must be the pattern maker, which leads me to my fourth

4- The Priest, that's right I said the priest, A father must preach each and every day to his flock. In Deuteronomy 6:4-9 it says, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."

Fathers our responsibility's are pretty great, But also AWESOME. Which in turn makes us awesome. Just remember when we need help or guidance the HEAVENLY father will enable us to be the father we should be. Commit to HIM and we will both remain AWESOME !!!

I feel it's only fitting that we all say the LORD's prayer together, So don't hesitate to speak aloud as we all pray together:


Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy Name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

This is once again "Jeff da Plumber" saying until next time Peace OUT !!!

Foot Pursuit 6-18-2011

Another day, another race. This time Jeff da Plumber ran the race in his boots to show his support for the men and women in service.

Good vs. Evil

I've been so busy with triathlons and bike races, so I haven't had time to type this up. Here is my sermon from May 15th, 2011:

So this week let's talk news & media. Do you guys & gals know what's going on or do they shelter you in this house? Well let me share with you anyway. We, the United State Military, killed "Osama Bin Laden." Good finally won over evil. We were attacked many times by that man and his disciples. Our most devastating tragedy was 9-11 in New York City. That day has impacted my life as I was living in New York that day and would have been in the buildings. I escaped because of God's Will; others did not. We will remember their lives forever.

So on May 6th 2011, we were given the news of "Bin Laden's" death; A victory for those lost; Again, a win of good versus evil.

Where does that fit into the readings of the Bible?

Luke 6:45 states:

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

The media right now are acting like false teachers, filling our ears with false translations of the Bible, with prejudice, hate, greed and desire for information of "Bin Laden's" death.

The Apostle Paul gave warnings to the people and church's of false gospel.

Roman's 16:17-18 states:

Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

So the media is sucking us in to continue to celebrate the death of an evil person, feeding us with ever detail; putting him, "Osama Bin Laden," on the foregrounds of leadership of evil. We must continue to ignore it because it will lead us into sin.

The Prophet Isiah and Jesus both warned against misleading others into sin.

It says in Isiah 5:20-21:

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and clever in their own sight!

Matthew 18:6-7 states:

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. "Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!

Reading and learning the wisdom of the Bible helps us discern good from evil, good teachings from evil teachings, even when evil is disguised as good. A victory over evil is good, but celebrating it is evil.

Once we distinguish that good from evil, we can practice good in our own lives.

My final reading is Proverbs 2:6-13:

For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you, To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things; From those who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness.

Wisdom is always the buffer against conflicting ideas. When good wins over evil, brief celebration is acceptable, but one must let it go.

I, as a former New Yorker, am happy for the death of "Osama Bin Laden;" the victory of good versus evil, but I will let it go. I will not fall into the pit of sin and continue celebrating. We must move on and continue our prayers for those who lost their lives in the fight of good versus evil. It is constant and never ending, but we will live with our own peace.

Let us pray.

Thank you Lord for out victory. Continue to protect those who protect us. We will always remember those who left us; They will not be forgotten.

Peace be with you.

and everyone says

Amen.

Auburn International Triathlon 2011

Mothers day :-)

May all the moms have a beautiful blessed day !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re5EIUIXbhc

EASTER

Here I am again giving a Sunday sermon to the seniors on the Easter holiday. We all know what the meaning of Easter is if you have read the bible, But is the word "Easter" as we know it ??? The name or word is never mentioned in the original scriptures. In a later English translation the word is used,,, King James 12:4 it says
"And when he [Herod the king] had apprehended him [Peter] He put him in prison and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him intending after Easter to bring forth to the people"

In my studies I found that the book of acts was originally written in the Greek language, So the translation "Easter" is actually the word "pasha" which is Hebrew for passover. Jesus was killed during the celebration in Jerusalem. Passover is the Jewish religious celebration, It was instituted by GOD (Leviticus 23:5) It comes from when GOD delivered the Israelites from bondage and spared there first born.

"Easter" is more than the bunny's and egg coloring thing, But where did that stuff come from ???

First the rabbit, a symbol of fertility, a creature bringing new life. Fitting for "Christ has risen" Right, Easter is also on or around a full moon, which is the mother of goodness or Semiramis. In other words the Easter bunny symbolizes the mother.

The eggs now also means life. It was also a symbol of the Babylonians. They believed an egg of immense size fell from heaven into the Euphrates river and the goddess Astarte was hatched. The eggs now brought life and goddess Easter.

Easter is the day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. When you have the time you can read the whole written story in Genesis. There you can learn about Christ's journey, why he came and who he was. His last days was told by Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. He was and is our Messiah. The colored eggs, chocolate bunny are all symbolic of forgotten meanings but they are what they are. We as society sometimes forget the true past meanings. Now that I have shared my learning may you see things in a new light

Hide the eggs

Eat all the chocolate bunnies

Or my favorite yellow peeps,,,

Just don't forget the Messiah Jesus Rose and Returned,,,

Until next time "JDP" OUT

St. Patricks day

So I misplaced my notes from my sermon for the seniors which took place on march 20Th 2011, Today (4-10-2011) I intended to run in the Sacramento zoo zoom 5k But a member of my church asked me to swap my scheduled sermon day to this morning, No run but I found my notes from last month, If you don't mind I feel I must share since knowledge is power even if it's not on time !!!
SERMON
So as I have for the last 5 months come to you for my monthly sermon it once again fell on or around an American celebrated Holiday. This week was St Patrick's day, this is one of my favorites, I'm Irish and my son was born this day 17 years ago.
As usual I found my self searching for meaning of this holiday, where does it fit in with religious beliefs ??? Why the green, shamrocks, beer, leprechauns, rainbows with pots of gold or even kiss me I'm Irish buttons, Or even where does the snake story fit in ??? I began my search with Who was St Patrick,,,
There is not much about him in the history books because such records were not really kept back then, Here's what I found, First off he was not Irish, At around the age of 16 Patrick was captured from Britain by Irish raiders. Taken to Ireland to be slaved. He remained one for more than 6 years. Once he escaped he returned back to his family, He the entered the Roman Catholic church, There he became a ordained Bishop, Once he was chosen to leave and serve his own district, He chose North West Ireland where he was a slave, Little was written what he done there but he was a missionary spreading GOD and giving hope to those who had very little. By the 7Th century He had become the revered saint of Ireland. No snake story found or written.
Was it a MYTH or a fact that was hidden from the books. I was shocked when I found the truth, Something I grew up to believe as truth was not the real story, In fact No snakes exist on the island of Ireland today or ever in the history of history, Since it is an island surrounded by icy cold ocean waters, No snake could ever migrate onto it's soil.
So where did the "snake" story come from,,,well its a metaphor, You see when they said "St Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland" What they meant was he drove the pagan ways out of Ireland bringing a new age of faith and becoming an Irish saint.
So I covered whom the holiday was named for so where do all the other stuff come from ???
The Shamrock, It grew plentiful in Ireland during that time and was used as a symbol of the Holy trinity (the father, the son, and the holy spirit) Much later in time after his death the Monks used them on this day to celebrate St Patrick bringing faith to the Irish
Corned beef and cabbage, This tradition was given a free pass so to speak on this day to celebrate heritage since St. Patrick's day fall on a day during lent.
It wasn't till the 1970's when eastern America, especially N.Y. and Boston did this Holiday take the form as we know it today. The priests would speak of it during this time and the people began to celebrate using True Irish tradition, They added the beer and whiskey Since "GOD created those drinks so the Irish don't rule the world" (My child hood priest gave me that one at an AA meeting) Every thing else as we know came to fruition due to our society commercializing another tradition, Whether you celebrate the modern way or the Christian way Just be safe and have fun !!!
I find it great to gain knowledge from facts, Something you have always believed to be one way can easily become another once you gain some more knowledge from true Historic facts not family myths, This leads back to my favorite life long saying "The more you learn the more you earn and I don't mean monetarily" Until next time "JDP" OUT

Life song

Do you ever feel blah ??? I'm feeling that way. I guess probably because I took today as a rest day. Just chilling in the pj's doing nothing, watching nothing of substance, or even reading for that matter. Life's constant swirling around is draining. I realize it's hard to be and stay positive and upbeat each and every second of every day. I think my life is AWESOME, I tell myself that I am every day, It is my self affirmation. Every one should do it every day. So I thought I would share the song playing in my heart and head today, Hope your having a great day and don't forget your AWESOME too !!! until next time "Jeff Da Plumber" OUT

"CHANGE"

Let's talk change, It has been on my mind a ton in this new year. First off what does "change" even mean. I'm sure everyone has a different point of view. For me it has several. First one is actual change, the nice shiny and dull coins you carry around in your pocket or purse. My family and I are putting it in mason jars to raise some extra cash for my Africa trip I'm going on this year. I will be making some "change" for others and myself. Then you have personal "change", Spiritual "change", physical "change", Emotional "change",,, All of which I have been putting myself through.
Some you can "change" on your own, others "change" without your input at all. Let me start there, The people in your life change. You may edit them out or vice versa. Or they go through changes that affect you. Some you may like or not. In fact my close friends had a major change recently and to be honest I don't like it. It makes me sad and makes my heart heavy speaking to them. It changes my life too. I love them and wish them the best. I will go with the flow, not pick sides and let them decide how or where I fit in to there change. It's change you have no control over. Like the weather, you look outside, listen, and go with the flow
Physical "change", Boy have I been working this on many levels. As I sit here typing my left knee is throbbing. See yesterday I ran in the shamrock half marathon and my knee gave out, it was not ready for the change I was trying to make. See when I started this run "change" I was at like 16 minute miles, I'm trying to get consistent 6 minute miles. My body may not be ready, I finished anyway because I will not make the "change" of quitter.
I also just completed a 40 day transformation class. 40 days of change. Originally I went into it looking for sick abs "change". That "change" didn't happen. But my body did "change". The v shape physique is returning Thanks to my Zuda peeps and my own fortitude. As we went trough the book I had allot of "aha" moments. Been there doing that, so I have been changing whether I was aware or not.
Most who know me, know I can talk and tell stories. Be boisterous and expressive. But in my new phase of "change" I'm settling down, feeling more at peace alone. In my past alone time was drinking and drugging because I was alone and thought no one wanted me. So I filled that void. Once I "changed" that habit I came to the conclusion I was doing that stuff because I was afraid of "change". People wanted me and loved me, silly boy "change" can be good. Now When I'm alone I meditate, pray, or just listen to the sounds around me. feeling the love that surrounds me. In fact when I run I used to find someone to talk with. I have been just running quietly, having my own personal mind conversation. I even realized when music is on I'm really listening to what they are singing about and deciphering what they are meaning. This all comes from me being quiet. A "change" for the better,,, I don't know is it ???
In fact as I am writing this I'm confused again, what does "change" mean. I thought I knew 20 minutes ago but then it "CHANGED",,, AHA,,, That's my point it happens when your not aware. Whether your in control or not "change" happens. Once we learn to just go with it life is easier. One must be able to accept the world goes round and round with or without your input. You can change or not. Things will change or not. You will be happy or not. But "CHANGE" will happen. I say love it or hate it, But you can not always "change" it. I hope I brought something up within you just now, But my new life awareness or mantra, Just "Go with the flow" ""CHANGE"" Until next time, Jeff da Plumber OUT

Is Valentines day a Pagan or Christian Holiday ???

Who knows the answer to this question ??? In my own personal quest to read the book of GOD, The bible, It seems it has become my turn again to preach or give sermon on an American "holiday" time. So is Valentines day a Christian or Pagan holiday ??? I will have to search the history books and not the bible for this answer. First off isn't it St. Valentine's day. One would assume that makes it a Christian holiday. But I doesn't say that in the bible. There is no real correlation between saints and romance, So I'm leaning toward the Pagan side, But history will sort it out.
In fact the Romans celebrated February 14th to honor Juno Fructifier, Queen or Roman gods and goddesses, as well as goddess of marriage. On this day Roman woman would place there name in a box, Roman men would take a name, Which would entitle them to couple together for one year, thus promoting fertility to spread the Roman seed, Making the tribe or culture stronger. The process would start all over again a year later and every year after,,, Now that's not very Christian is it ???
Where or how does Christianity come in, Who is St. Valentine ? This is where it became interesting to me and I hope you too !!!
According to the stories Through history Roman Emperor Claudius II imposed a ban on all marriage because a married man could not be drafted, So early draft dodging marriages came about, Only single men could be in the army, This also made the Pagan February 14th celebration appealing, Single men could spread there seed and fight for the Roman army. Along came this priest of Christianity named Valentios, He would perform marriages before the lord and this made him a martyr. Upon waiting for execution many young lovers would visit and leave love notes which mostly said "love is better than war" He was killed on February 14th 269 AD.
The next Valentios was a priest that also was jailed for helping Christians. While jailed he fell in love with the jailers daughter. He would send her notes and sign "From your Valentine" He was beheaded on February 14th
Lastly the third Valentios was a bishop of a place called Turni, He to was spreading love not war and was martyred and killed on February 14th
All killed on this day by Pagans to keep there traditions alive and squashing a way of love and peace. How did we get to Love with the little cupids and heart stuff. Well in 469 AD Emperor Gelasius declared February 14th a holiday in honor of the Velantius men, Instead of the former pagan god Fructifer Lepecus. This allowed Christianity to take precedence over the foul seed spreading lust and fertility,,,But the pagans fought back hard.
It wasn't until the 14th century when the renaissance began. The customs of love and romance began again. The poets began sprouting love about, Authors wrote books of romance. Society became about love and life not death of faith. Humanistic views of nature, social thought, Sensual art and literature. The flowers bloomed, Love, sexuality and fertility were alive in a civilized Christian way
Today our society with capitalism has taken this to a greater level and the true meaning has been forgotten. We spend millions upon millions of dollars on chocolates, candies, flowers, dinners, hotels, jewelry, gifts and trinkets Celebrating Valentines day. You must decide on your own, Make your own decisions or resolution about another over commercialized holiday.
In the song of Solomon it says "Many waters can not quench love, rivers can not wash it away, if one were to give all the wealth of his house for love it would be utterly scorned" So gifts don't just show love, They do help though. Love can hurt, Love can and is beautiful,,, Just say it to some one and watch them smile. We need to love more, if you don't feel you share it enough share it on February 14th The day of love ST. Valentines day. Let us not forget there sacrifice for our little cupids, cards and candies. I hope you learned something, I know I did, I love you babe, Everyone else, SPREAD LOVE NOT WAR... Until next time "Jeff da Plumber" OUT

Meditation and Love

Alright So how's it going people, The world makes life fun doesn't it ??? 16 days in to The 40 day Zuda transformation class, What is that about,I'm changing in multiple facets. My personality is who I am, My mind can be changed, My body has issues (well really I have issues with my body) It is strong and changing. I want those tight abs, But learning it's not that important. I think because I wasn't prepared for the other changes. Like sharing my feelings more. Or even having any. As a man formerly from N.Y., my friends would always say I was heartless. I felt but hid them in order to appear strong. I'm not saying I'm sitting and crying all the time, but if so what's wrong with that it's OK if one does. Nothing has brought me there yet but I'm felling I will. However I am feeling sadness in my heart more just listening to others out side my circle. My new friend Susan shared with us recently and the first thing I did is text my wife Saying I love you and thank you. She is thinking I'm going crazy right now and that in itself is exciting, After 20 years a little extra spice is good. In fact When we had our date the night after learning about "YOGIC" eating, 20 minutes into it, she said what's up with you your quiet and you keep putting your fork down. Once I explained it to her she understood and appreciated the no talking with food in your mouth. Where was I ??? Oh yeah So Susan shared with us and I just wanted to hug her, I didn't since we are new friends and I didn't want to creep her out. But I did hug my wife so tight that evening and she said I should have hugged Susan. So Susan I owe you a hug. Everyone else Really just Love the ones you got, period !!!
So were meditating twice a day. Has or does any one else feel that this is making life more organized. I got super busy with my business, ran and went to yoga class for doubles. Not to mention all the other life chores. No slipping, I even did a double the other night and made it to a 6:30 plumbing job. The customer asked why I was so sweaty, I told them I was running to them since I thought I would be late and I'm never late. She made me a glass of iced tea,,, If she only knew I was loving my body so hard for "SICK ABS".
Back to meditating, I'm loving it even though it kind of confuses me. Should I use it as prayer time or should I use it to set my life intentions. Staying or getting back on point in life. Should my mind be silent or noisy. I have found all of the above is what meditation is (Yogi's you can correct me if I'm wrong)
Funny story to share with you, I have been meditating after my 6 mile runs. I just pushed my body and mind and 15 minutes of silence, stillness is what feels good for me. So the other night after my run about 8pm. I return back to my home, kneel on my lawn and begin meditating, It's dark the birds are settling in, the bugs are doing there thing, I can even hear the bats getting out for chow time. So I'm about 8-10 minutes in and hear a voice and it's getting louder and closer. I open one eye to look for what it is, the voice appears again, so both eyes open and in front of me about 10 feet away in the middle of the street is an older lady probably out for her nightly walk, Asking me if I was OK, Did I need help, Was I OK, She could call 911. I said no I'm fine explained I was meditating, she said she has never seen anyone do that before, I explained it helps clear my mind after the run she should try it, She thought I was strange and walked away talking to her self out loud. I was done, there was no way I could refocus but I got a great laugh and I hope you do to now.
Since I'm sharing I must explain something, I have an expressive personality so some times it may seem like I jump around in my writing, But don't worry I always get to the point. It about the journey for me not the final destination,,, Again back to my thought,
As we travel on this path together many things are clear to me. 1-you must slow down to move fast (Thanks Nick) 2-Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all (sounds like a song) 3-follow 1 and 2 closely and your life with every one in it WILL be great,,, No better yet It will be AWESOME,,, Till next time Namaste and Shalom my peeps,,, "Jeff da Plumber OUT

Living and Changing

Hello all my peeps and new friends, This was a fun week work and life wise. I have found like Forrest Gump said "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get" and that is so true. Most that truly know me know I'm pretty easy going But they also know I'm all or nothing. An addict for life, Literally and physically, never a maybe, unless I'm messing with you,,,HAHA,,, As the week went by some were so pleased I was able to save the day and others were angry because there world was against them and not happy to see me. I did what I usually do, Roll with the punches and keep smiling. Hopefully easing there troubles and making them smile. I always hope the light in me shines towards the lite in them, Just like in yoga. The biggest piece of chocolate came on Friday during the start of a 40 day transformation class I'm taking at Zuda Yoga. 60 Awesome people coming together for one purpose, CHANGE !!! We each had our own reasons or wants for our own personal transformation and each was beautiful. Once a bunch of strangers, now a family on a journey toward greater spiritual earthly peace.
We are on our third night, For me so far it has been smooth. I'm good with my diet, even though it has been a long road for that one. I will find it fun to try (I dislike using that word) I will find as much pure untouched, untampered foods as I can. I'm a foody who loves eating. Eating is so soothing and comforting. I always think eating a hole cherry pie is better than drinking a fifth of jack and getting high. I wouldn't get zooted now, Just lace up my sneakers and go for a run hoping for a runners high and then have one slice of homemade all natural organic pie my wonderful wife baked ( If we ever have a transformation potluck I will bring some)
So far so good, 3 days with yoga and runs, meditation and reading too. I'm excited to get back to biking to tomorrow. Any one up for a ride after 6am classes this week ??? Next week I will write about my experience with meditation. Since it's too early to pass or speak of any decisions. It did seem that I have got allot done this weekend and my mind seems clearer. Almost racing in many different ways which I think is AWESOME (also my favorite word since moving to California) Some say meditation will do that. Any one agree or disagree I would love you to chime in. Hmm LOVE that's a topic I will blog on soon, Nick,,, I know I never say it but I love you bro, I would love my peeps new and old to have an Awesomely Blessed week, I hope you become followers or future readers, Until next time this is "Jeff da Plumber" saying Shalom and Namaste !!!

What sort off New Years resolution should one whom believes in GOD make ???

OK so It was my Sunday to give the sermon at the Sacramento senior centers and as always what topic should I talk about. I always struggle with this since I'm a simple guy from N.Y.C. who was not raised as a scholar of the bible or the LORD. The good thing is when growing up we mature and I continue my appetite for knowledge, Here's what I said,,, Hope you enjoy it !!!

"What sort of New years resolution should a Christian make ???"

As we begin a new year already 2 weeks in, Who in the room has made a New years resolution, Many have, WHY ??? what do they or the act mean, The practice of making new year resolutions started over 3000 years ago in ancient times by the Babylonians. They believed the new year gives you a fresh start, a new beginning of sort, One can start a change. The BIBLE does not speak for or against a new years resolution, If you believe what do you chose.
Common resolutions are to quit smoking, stop drinking alcohol, Manage or save money better, spend more time with family. The most common one is to lose weight and eat more healthier.
Let's start with that one, I searched the BIBLE for a passage on exercise and I found one (TIMOTHY 4:8)"For physical training is of some value, But GODLINESS has value for all things, Holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" That is a clear passage where exercise and GOD go hand in hand, JESUS cares for us to move around a bit, get the blood moving so that we will be ready to work in heaven.
Now as for Christians I have heard they will go to church more, pray daily or read the BIBLE more. Again all AWESOME goals, But in society we usually go the less spiritual way because there is no real spiritual power in making a resolution due to the year changing, as believers we should live that way each day. That is also why most resolutions fail. I searched further for spiritual validation,,, In (PHILIPPIANS 4:13) it said "I can do anything through him who gives me strength" And in (JOHN 15:5) "I am the vine, Your branches if a MAN remains in me and I in him, He will bear much fruit, Apart from me you can do nothing"
Lets set goals, Resolutions, Or simply change some bad habits. They will make us greater, But you must include GOD in them. Not written down or spoken, Just simply include HIM in your heart and spirit, Reading the bible regularly as you read the news paper or your Facebook posts, When you do this you will be successful in achieving all that you set out to accomplish. In case your afraid or scared to follow the path here is some tips I found all on the Internet for achieving goals or resolutions with the assistance of GOD,,,

1- Pray to the lord for wisdom (JOHN 1:5)
2- Pray for the wisdom as how to fulfill the goals GOD gives you
3- Rely on GOD'S strength for success
4- Find an accountability partner who will help or encourage you
5- Don't be discouraged if you fail, Instead allow them to encourage you to try harder,
Maybe they were hard and GOD was not ready for you to achieve them yet, You were not ready
6- Don't become proud or vain with out giving glory to GOD

PSALM 37:5-6 "Commit your way to the LORD, Trust in him and he will do this, HE will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, The justice of your cause like the noonday sun"

So I ask again What are your GOALS or RESOLUTIONS ???
Let us pray:
Dear GOD, LORD, FATHER, as we begin our new year making promises to you and our selves give,,, No provide us with the strength to succeed, We will thank you ahead of time and everyday for the wisdom to complete them, we will continue to give you the glory you hold in our hearts, mind and soles , THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, In the glory of our Father and everybody Say's AMEN

Thanks for reading and till next time "Jeff Da Plumber" OUT

Water and your Health

Another little tidbit that's news to me. Always knew to drink a lot of water, but who knew timing played a role on the anatomy.


Drinking water at the correct time maximizes its effectiveness on the Human body:

2 glasses of water after waking up helps activate internal organs

1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion

1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure

1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack



I though I would share this With the people who follow me. As I'm out there training for my Iron Man competition keeping hydrated is so important. But it is also important to your everyday health. So put down those sodas and Alcohalic beverages and drink your water... Until next time "JDP" OUT

Goals for 2011

OK so today is the first day of the new year and most make resolutions, I say just set goals because a resolution is just you wanting to change a habit and as we all know most times when you change a habit you replace it with an new habit. Calling them goals means you don't have to change any habit, You are just making your self better. You probably have heard me say this once but it is something I repeat internally all day. G.B.B. Good,,, Better,,, Best,,, Your never Good if your not Better than your Best, So go out and strive for greatness. I will present my yearly goals to you all and I Would like to see you do the same so that we will push through all that trials and tribulations of life and Have another Awesome successful year :
Goals for 2011

1. Climb to the top of Half Dome with rules: This must be done early in the year, on a moon lit night, hiking in darkness to arrive at the peak to see the sunrise
2. Learn to scuba dive
3. Finish the Iron Horse bike race
4. Win in a running race
5. Join a team
6. Go on a mission trip that will enable me to use my hands the way God intended them to be used, Building for others to make there life’s Blessed
7. Change a Mona vie Rank
8. Finish a full distance Ironman race
9. Swim from Alcatraz
10. Really Write my story
11. Lear how to meditate,,, I.e. strong yoga training
12. Learn how to play the Guitar
GOOD LUCK FRIENDS, Because I know I will need it !!! For Today Jeff da Plumber OUT