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Paul L. Hanson 100400

Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center
1111 North Rd
P.O. Box 800
Mauston, WI 53948-0800
James Listhartke
C/o Life Point Church
506 Legacy Dr
Smyrna, TN 37167
Dear Jim
It took me a few days before I decided to write back to you. I have no
idea of whom gave you, my name and address. There are very few people who
knows where I am or even know that I'm caged up in prison like an animal.
This is one place I do not recommend for anyone to be placed.
There is not all that much to do in here as far as work goes. But the bible
study's I do through the mail, which help's the time to pass by faster. The
only other item I'm involved in is a ministry in Albany, New York. Which is
ran by Sis. Barbara Judkins, she is a wonderful person and very helpful in a
spiritual way.
I can not find any faults in what she doing by reaching out to other
Christian. And give them a helping hand in understanding the Holy Words of
God. So I praise God for working his will though her, to help other's. You
may think that I'm strange for praising God for someone like Sister Barbara.
But she has shown me that everyone I special in the sight of God.
To enlighten you more of what goes on in this place. I work on the unit I
live, which the pay isn't greatest. The most may job requires is to walk from
the unit over to the medical center in the evening for diet-bags. These dietbag's are for those who are on special diet and can not eat what the rest of
do. I have the weekend off and this gives me time to get ready for chapel on
Sunday evening. Chapel is something that I do not like missing. When I do
miss Sunday service, it is because I am no feeling well. It has only been
very few time's I missed Chapel.
The weather around here has been chilly and somewhat wet. Other then that it
has been an average April weather for this area. And Wisconsin isn't that
great of a state to be in. It surprise's everyone that this is only State
where the innocent is locked up behind bar's. I'm not saying I'm perfect in
any respect but to do any type of crime that this state claims. Well that is
a different story. As far as sending stamps out to anyone. It is hard for me
to do that, because of the lack of funds to do with. Hope this does not
prevent you from writing back
God bless, Paul.
6/22/98
Hi Jim

It was wonderful to hear form you and your family. Yes, I mistook what you
was asking in your first letter about stamps. With the way things has going
for me, it gets real confusing in here. I know what it is like being busy,
but God never gives us more then we can handle. It must have been fun to go
and help with Bible school from one's church. Music for me is a way to
express one self to other's and glorify the Lord. I enjoy listen to music and
being uplifted spiritually. Got two more bible study's through the mail to
do. It seems that it will be a task to do them, at least the place will pay
postage both ways for the bible study. I have learned allot from the bible
study and it is great to learn more about what God will is for each one of His
children.
I know the feeling on my own part about having to pay bills. The work I do on
the outside of prison, is automotive repair. Well, I also had salvage removal
and lawn care for the elderly business of my own. There was at times when it
seemed there was more bills then money. The only thing that made it worth any
thing was to being a caretaker of what God created. Keeping my minister lawn
done and the lawn around the Church.
Being in here in prison, it a total different setting from being on the
outside. It seems that allot of the guys in here want every thing handed to
them. I am so use to being self-supporting with the help of God. It is
senseless to see single guys wanting a woman to support them, or maybe I am
missing something. It is also very uplifting for me when I attend church.
When the people of the church really are in Christ and Christ is in them. I
will close for now for it is getting late, and I have to get up in the morning
early.
Take care,
Paul
PS I had to get a stamp from a friend so I could mail this letter to you.
8-3-98
Dear Jim & Family
This is to let you know that I am in TN. Got down here Thursday of last
week. I would like to put you and family on my visiting form, In case you
want to meet me. You can let me soon as possible about this, so I can get the
paper in progress.
I have not the privilege of go to church here. My bible studies I brought
with me. This way I can keep up with the Lord's work. Hope you and your
family will keep in the Word of God. As all things the prayers that I will be
back up north with my family. Cause the Lord is the only one who knows our
need is the Lord How is the new church you and your family is attending going
for you. It is probably different from us Lutherans . In all we believe in
the same God, the method of conducting the service differ. Through the bible
study's, they have enlighten my knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. And a way
of Telling of Christ Jesus saving Love for his people I will close for now and
hope to hear from you real soon.
God Bless Paul
The address here is :

Whiteville Correctional Facility

1440 Union Spring Rd
PO Box 679
Whiteville, TN 38075
9/2/98
Hey Jim
All I am sure of is Whiteville is near Memphis, just where at is where I am
unsure. As you can see, that your letter made it to me and just to receive
your letter made the day. Round here there isn't a positive surroundings and
very little talk about the bible. Or even Christian's to talk with, I did get
celled up with a Christian and I praise God for it. They can not take away
the freedom of religion from an inmate.
To me it sounds like you and your wife had your hands full of things to do It
is always nice when one's kids come over to visit. I always enjoyed when my
three kid's came home with the grandkids It was a house full.
Thank you for the prayers for they work if anyone believes it or not. Don't
be so hard on yourself. When a person is tired the things he wants to will
never be done right when done in a tired state. Did you get the letter done
to your mom? Family is always important to everyone. I did get the two
stamps you sent me, I thank you for them. Using one of them to get this letter
off to you and your family. Your are always in my prayers and thoughts. The
bible study's I am in is from Set Free Correspondence and NBC If you would
like the address to them please let me know. This way you can let others
around yourself see what one can learn about the bible or learn what they
didn't know before. I will close for now and get some more of the bible
lesson done.
Take care,
Paul
Oct 25, 1998
Dear Jim
Have not heard from you and your family for awhile now. I am taking it as
you are busy and just trying to get everything done. It has been busy for
myself, trying to keep up on my bible studies and work some as a janitor. The
wages and the hours that I work are both slim. Thanks to our Lord Jesus, I
have a job, where some inmates here don't work. Also I got moved to a
different unit, because the last cell mate I had was not mentally correct.
the more other inmates would help him, the less he do for himself. I still
pray for him that he will start doing somethings on his own.
Today we set our clock back an hour. It is like we are trying to save time
for a rainy day. The farmers will start getting the crop's in for the winter.
The seasons may change but God never changes, that is most wonderful and
glories thing. - God never changes. I'm still trying to get use to this
prison here in Tennessee. The hard part is being away from family members. I
hear from them through the mail but the letters are few. they are also busy

in their life's. I still count my blessings that I have a good family and
friends.
A friend sent photo's of her wedding and the get together after the
wedding. Well, it is getting late here. So I will close for now and hope to
hear from you real soon.
God bless, Paul

Sept 21,1998
Dear Jim
Hope everything for you is going according to God's will. As for myself it
is a time of who do's one trust in a place like this, God is the only one who
will not leave me or fail me. I am celled up with a forty-nine year old child.
He always is trying to play head games and trying to get everyone else to pay
for his postage on his letter's. but I will keep on praying that he will
change's his ways.
Further on to better news. Did get a small job in here, work about three
hour in the evening. Which really isn't all that much, at least I'm doing
something. It would be a lot easier if I had a job in here that I was trained
for. But being an Auto mechanic in prison, they think the worst about it. So
I leave it all in God's hands and let him take care of the problems that comes
into my life. Got the three bible study's done and sent back in for
correction. So I am praying that I done well on them. The chaplain here
wanted to see the list of bible study's that I have. I take it that he didn't
know that there was so many bible study's across the country. In all that is
really nothing new for this prison. Well I will close for now. So take care
and hope to hear form you soon.
God Bless. Paul
Nov 17, 1998
Hi Jim
From your letter it sounds like you have your hands full. Praise be to God,
for the Lord will see you through everything. Be patience with the youth and
they will more enough five the very best they have.
I am sure that you will do just great in organizing special music for the
services. Your church has been blessed by growing, most church's don't grow..
They gave a small number of member, I believe that they may be getting a way
from the bible and what it teaches. It give's me honor to correspond with you
and your family. At times I just can not wait to hear form you and your
family, I enlightens my day.
I been doing bible studies for some time now. It is hard to remember all the
things I have learned. Through prayer's I know the Lord will hear us and help
us both to learn even more.

You will have to let me know how the Revival went? For me to go to a Revival
is difficult because I was never a person for a big crowd of people. The Lord
is helping in that area.
Will working some here as a janitor. It is not the type of work that I was
trained for. But repairing car's is not something that they will let me do.
I can give advice to the one who ask or who is just wondering about their
vehicle. The only thing is, I am getting southern way of talking. That is
going to be hard to correct at first when I get back up north. It is all part
of life and God's will for me!
I will be praying for you and your family. Hope the Lord Blessed everyone at
the revival. Take care and write when you get the time.
God bless,

Paul

Dear Jim and Family

Season Greeting to you and your family, it is the season to be thankful for
what Jesus has done for us. I am thankful for what Jesus Christ has done in
my life and for people like you and your family. Freedom can be found in our
Lord Jesus. It seems that a lot of inmates in here seems to forget is no time
to feel sorrow but rejoice that Christ lives and is coming back for his
children.
I am doing will, just knowing that I have friends who care for me. That I am
in their prayers and they are in my prayers. I got done writing to a friend
up North who just married this year. And I could not resist to stop and write
a letter to you. Being active as you are in the church, can be a blessing as
it goes along.
It has been a warm season so far this year. Still waiting for the weather to
change any time. I miss the snow and the real cold weather of Wisconsin.
Some may complain about cold, snowy weather, but it is a time of rest for the
plants. And rebirth in spring of flowers and the sounds of songs from bird in
the air. All things will be a new in the spring.
It must be real busy around the church and your home. Planning for Christmas
service and buying presents for the family at home. It is well worth all the
effort and the time it takes to get everything just right. In all I am doing
great through all the trials that seems to be at my heals,. You may noticed I
repeated myself an how I am doing. It is because I started this letter
yesterday and didn't go through it before starting writing once more. I
wanted so much to get this letter out to you without any mistakes, but it
happened anyway. There is much more to write about at the moment. I will
close for now, and wait to hear form you soon.
God Bless, Paul
Dear Jim and Family
Happy New Year even if it is late in telling you so. May the New Year be
filled with everything that is joyful from the Lord. There may be a few lows
and few high's in the course of the year, but the Lord will never let any of

us down who believe in Him. Things around here is hard to believe that people
can be so out of touch with the facts of God. It must be that I see things
that I should not see and hear things that I should not hear. In it all I
will not weaver from my faith in what Jesus Christ has done for me on the
cross.
The reason I make such a statement is, there is so many false believers around
me. And the statements and actions of the staff member's are unbelievable.
The treatment of some the inmates is a total story in it self. But I can let
you know what happens to some inmates and how they are treated here at C.C.A
It may seem inhuman treatment by the staff members. But it actually happens.
The staff members when they do a pat down put their hands in places that is
totally out of order. It can be classified as make excused to the effect that
is how they were trained. I have doubts that their training goes that far or
anyone has such little moral towards another human being. And to enforce the
correct rules that are set up for everyone, those rules are some how pushed to
the side. And enforced only when it is convenient to that certain staff
member. Does this make any sense, to me it make no sense at all on how this
place is ran.
To further explain about the unbelievers in here. I was celled up with a Jew
person, just because I am a Christian. Everything I believed and have faith
in through Christ was wrong. There was a constant problem between us because
I try to go by the rules. More then once I went to the staff member to
resolve problems. On Dec. 19, 1998 I tried to solve another problem with him
and found myself getting a fist in my face. Both of us were taken off to Seg.
for fighting. It seem strange that one can not do anything right no matter
what it is. I am not complaining about the chips fall, just makes me wonder
is it all worth it, being in this Facility. So I made my mind up to let
everyone that I know and write to know what a person must do through at this
Facility. this way the message can be told to others that are concerned about
those in C.C.A. prisons. In hopes that things will change for the better or
they will send Wisconsin inmates back up north. It would be a blessing for
me, if I was back in Wisconsin closer to my family.
It was a big surprise Sunday
that came in here. Each one
into their life's . A bit of
everyone works together as a

1/10/99. there was a Christian motorcycle group

gave testimony how they finally received the Lord
good can not do away with the bad, unless
whole.

Is everything with you and your family going well? The last time I heard from
you, you were busy with several things in the church. Has it got any easier
for you with the task you have in the church? Now that the holidays are over
things should be getting some what back to normal. But there is always times
that I am wrong. I better close for now and hope to hear from you real soon.
God bless, Paul

01/27/99
Hi Jim and family
Got your letter, which is great to receive and to hear from you and your
family. There maybe ups and downs in life but the Lord is always there beside

us. All one has to do is stand firm in faith that the Lord is always there.
The Lord will always keep his promises to those who are firm believers in
him.. I asked about the tape's you have and the tapes have to come from a
vendors that the prison deals with. As far as the other material, there is no
objection. I pointed out that I received two books through the mail without
any problems and receive study books from a Bible course. The reading
material I would enjoy very much.
When I read the part in your letter about truck's, well trucks are something I
enjoyed being around. Just the sound of the engine running is relaxing to me.
Of course being raised around farm equipment and trucks, I know the danger of
not asking for God's guidance when around them. God never let any of us down
when we go to Him in prayer about needing Him with us daily. At present time
God helped me by convincing my cellmate to study God's word and getting into a
bible study through the mail.
I am sure he will do well in the Bible study courses. He stated to me that so
many other inmates tried to push the courses at him and I was the only one who
told him God would let him make up his own mind. So there is a new door
opened up to Jesus Christ and willing to accept God's Will. I will be praying
that the two quizs your church has to do, you will win! And may it show to
all that has no faith what our Lord God can and will do in us who have faith
in Him. If you have the time to read a book named Heaven Better by far, it is
well written book. the Author is J. Oswald Sanders, it answers to questions
about the believers final hope. I will close for now and hope to hear from
you soon.
God Bless, Paul
PS J. Oswald Sanders has another book call Facing Loneliness, Both of the book
I had the chance to read and enjoyed both of them.

2-20-99
Hi Jim and Family
Doing as well as I can for where I am and being restricted in movement.
Still give thanks to our Lord for allowing me to wake up every morning to a
new day. Your letters are welcome sight and just to know that you care is a
blessing. There is time's when we all get busy and it seems that there isn't
enough hours in a day. I am a very patient person and also know that you are
a busy person.
It seem that you have a big job in transferring information from Disks to
CD's. Personally, I never got close to a computer except to use one on a care,
it gives a read out on how the care or truck are running. But that is how
people differ from one and another. It is great to hear that your daughter
did well in the quiz. The quiz in March will go well for your daughter, she
has good and loving parents.
It must have been a sight for your grandson to just watch the deer, instead
of hunting for food. In Wisconsin it is full of deer, and pheasant. On the
side roads the pheasant will fly right in front of the card, I hit a few
pheasant with a pickup. What do's her son hunt with? Rifle or by bow. Hunting
for me, it has to be by bow. More fun and natural to hunt that way. When you
go out this spring for the turkey, I wish you the best of luck.

I draw some but it has been some time sense I did any drawing. Was the
only one out of seven children in family that drawing came natural to. I am
also good with animals, that is due to being raised up on a dairy farm.
Working with my hands is a pleasure not a chore! Of course the six members of
my family was girls. So I got a great deal of help in my homework if I did
there are work. It was a good trade off for all of kids. My parents wanted
me to go to school for drawing, but I had no means to pay for the schooling.
Some years later, I went to a trade school and took up Auto Mechanic's. Which
is a form of art in a way.
There is a few questions I have, there are about the trinity. So have a
few inmate are claiming the trinity is one person. What I have been taught
was the trinity is three person but acting as one? Could you help in that
area? If you could find any material on backsliding, it would be of great
help. And the question is, about Revelation. Most of Revelation is in symbols
of things, such as colors, water and precious stones. All the symbols have a
meaning, where can I find the meanings? There are three books I have read
which I got a great deal out of. They are; Facing Loneliness, Heaven Better
by far, the two are by J. Oswald Sanders. And the third book is Living Proof,
by Jim Petersen. The third book is based on the Book of John and has a
outline in the back of the book for a small group to study the book of John.
If you get time to read these books, you could let me know what you think
about them. I will close for now and wait for your next letter. Take care.
A Friend
Paul

3/23/99
Hey Paul,
I wanted to get the stuff on the Trinity to you as soon as possible. Now
that the Bible Quizzing is over we have to concentrate on the Easter Play we
are putting on for Palm Sunday - Next Sunday, we have play practice tonight,
Friday, Saturday and probably one Sunday afternoon so we will be ready Sunday
Evening. We have to get everybody ready with their parts. The props need to
get done too. I think most of the wardrobe's are ready for everybody.
After all this I don't think very much will be happening.
have to start mowing the lawn.

Soon, we will

Without those other letters, I don't know what happened to them, I don't
remember what else you wanted information for - Are you originally from
Wisconsin? I take it that your family is there. Who are your family?
Have you had formal training in automotive repair? I don't know how long you
were in the prison system, but, a lot of changes have taken place in
automotive technology. There is computers in them controlling the ignition and
fueling system, dash and monitoring systems. You may want to consider a course
to update you.

You made the comment that guys there are looking for an easy solution out.
They want someone else to take care of them. There are males and females at
home and at work that have the same attitude. The one's living on government
this, that, and the other thing. They don't care, they feel they deserve it. I
myself would rather take care of myself and my family and not look to someone
else to take care of me. I wouldn't feel good about myself in that situation.
I made some small drawings and put them onto these papers for something
else to look at. I like to draw. It is relaxing.
I finely got all your letters typed into the computer. I have them for
reference. It also helps if I loose the originals that I still have it. I did
find some of the letters. I think that I am missing some though. Last year
when we had revival it was great. For us the revival was just within our
church and it was not like a big crowd. It went very good, many were blessed
and recommitted themselves to Christ. It is always a good time to spend a more
intense time growing closer to the Lord. It is a time of singing and learning.
The church finely got a part time Music director that took over the special
music. I worked with him for awhile to get him familiar with how I
was doing it. He is doing a great job. He organized a choir for the church.
It is difficult to get them all together to practice. We also have two
services in the morning and don't know when we are going to sing. I sing bass.
I have done it at other churches. I don't mind getting in front of people to
sing if I'm in a choir.
The whole topic of prophecy and prophetic events that have been, are
happening, and will happen, shows us to be in the end of this age. The most
important one that has been fulfilled is the coming of Israel to be a country
again (Since '47). Most people who study prophecy see this as a significant
event. Others are the age of technology that we are in - Never before in the
History of Mankind has knowledge increased to such unbelievable limits. The
cars, trains and planes make this also a very small world. With the added
technology of television and computers (internet), it has made the world like
a large community.
Satellites can read license plates, monitor herd movement within a wildlife
resource area or transfer television and phone conversations around the world
in seconds. With the '"Euro" dollar the European money has been united. The
use of the "Smart Card" has eliminated the need for cash in Europe. Our
military and some test areas have also eliminated the need for cash. There is
ADS on TV from time to time encouraging the use of debit cards. Direct
deposit has put our money in the banks for us and some banks have gone to
electronic banking. We can pay our bills, reconcile our check books, transfer
funds, etc, at home or our computer. Banks charge extra for paying our bills
for us though.
You know where this is leading don't you? It is the one prophetic event
where they will make you get this number, smart card or whatever, and you will
not be able to buy, or sell without this I don't know how much you know on prophecy or events that are happening,
have happened, Let me know How is that cell mate of yours working out? You mentioned that he was
Jewish. Has he done any Bible Study yet?

Take care, God bless, Jim

4-4-99
Hey Jim
The material on the trinity was very helpful. It cleared up the question
that one person kept asking. You will tell me how the play went, even though
I am sure it will go fine.
The other information that I was really interested in, was the brake down
on the last book of the bible. Yes, I am originally from Wisconsin, I was
born and raised in Wisconsin. So most of my family is in Wisconsin. Most of
them don't even know that I'm down here in Tennessee. I was formally trained
in Auto technology and full aware that there has been some changes in that
field. There is no doubt that I can learn about all the new car's coming out.
There seams to be that the attitude, they owe me a living is everywhere.
Very few male and female want to make a living and depend on them sell to take
care of their family's. It is sad that this country has to degrade itself that
far. I enjoyed the drawings on your letter, as you may not know I draw some
but is for entertainment for myself. Once in awhile I will put a drawing on
my envelopes.
Having things on the computer saves allot of space and time. I am glad
that last year revival went great for you. Now you got more time to spend
with your family, because the church has a part time music director. Singing
is one thing that I don't do, I sound awful.
The topic of prophecy and prophetic events are interpreted differently by
many people. Some of the old testament prophecy still has not been fulfilled.
All things has not come full circle, it has been talked about for years about
one standard currents. That has become true in Europe. Soon to become world
- wide. The one's who don't know about signs of the coming of the beast will
caught up. The number of bible studies that I have done, has pointed out in
detail things to come. the events happening in the world is only briefly
touched on by the news, and newspapers.
I am no longer celled up with the Jewish inmate that I told you about. It
turned out that all he really wanted to do was to look down his noise at
Christians. It seemed that he didn't care to hear the truth about Christ
Jesus nor did want anything to do with bible studies. The problem was he was
not willing to have an opened mind to hear the truth about Christ. So I am
now an a different unit and celled up with someone I know. It in some ways
allot easier and not so tense when each person knows the other.
At the present time I am doing a bible study from NBC. It is the easiest
study that I have done yet. If you would like the address, I would be more
then happy to share it with you and your family and church..
The NBC bible
study is a great help to the young and those who has been just saved. If you
do want the address you can let me know. I will close off this letter to you
for now. Take care.
God Bless, Paul

5/16/99
Hey Jim & Family
Sorry about the delay in writing to you. Been trying to keep busy here so
there isn't so much dead time on my hands. Always liked to be busy where I
don't have to just sit around. It good to hear that you are trying to set
time out for prayer each day. So many Christian's keep forgetting the power
of prayers, it just time set aside to praise God for what He has already done.
Being a wife, mother, and homemaker is a job within it self. To foster or
adopt a child is a job, yet it is well worth the effort. I wish you and your
wife God's blessing in that area. All things takes time and it has to be
according the Lord's time table and will.
The last of good engineers and technicians are hard to find. It is the same
way in the auto industries and semi trucks areas. I worked on car's for self
satisfaction and not so much for the money. of course the people of today are
not happy with them self, so their not happy with their jobs. All of us has
ups and downs with love's, it how we handle them. It make a relationship
stranger if we refuse to let go and stand strong by each other in God's word.
I am not able to get close to a map, so all I knew was that I am not that
far from Memphis. Hope your trip to N.C. goes well for you and may the Lord
guide you on the trip. I will close for now, May the Lord watch over you
A Friend
Paul.
5-31-99
Dear Jim & Family
How are you and your family doing? I found some time to write to you, so
you may know that I am all right. Of course it is a pleasure to relay that
all is going well here. Even though I still long to be with or even close to
family members. For now I must make the best of where I am, knowing I will be
reunited with love ones soon. The job which I have here is simple but it take
time. All I really do is wash windows. It may not sound like much of a job,
it keeps me mentally and physical active. There is allot of inmates who don't
have a job, so there is boredom for them. If it wasn't for the televisions
which we are allowed to own, there probably be great amounts of trouble. I
try to steer away from the trouble makers, it makes my time easier. Got the
Memorial weekend off to relax from work. So gives me time to draw some and
get some letter written.
The Flu has been making it's way around the Facility. Hope no one in your
family has caught the flu. Once it starts, it is hard to get away from it.
Hope the trip to N.C. will be in your favor and God will use you to do his
work. God has plans for all his children, by now you have learned that
important part of God's word. Don't preach the word to you. I find myself
preaching at people without knowing it. I still don't know where Smyrna is,
of course a map would help. Tennessee is not my favorite state, then again
neither is Wisconsin. To be set up in the mountains away from big cities

would be more me. Being raise on a farm was the best time of my life.
I better close for now, for it is getting late. Take care.

Well,

God bless,
Paul
07/30/99
Dear Jim & Family
May this letter find you and your family in good spirits and health. It be
some time between my letters and wondering if everything is going well with
you. Been keeping myself some what busy here. Trying to get my Bible Study
done so it can get mailed out to be graded. I pray that I don't get too many
questions wrong. Most of the question are not that hard, they make one
reflect on what A Christian should be and do in life.
Of course there is a lot of guys here who proclaim to be Christians. Yet, it
is just a game with them to get out of prison. It makes a true Christian
think a lot about how strong Satan can be at times. It is times of temptation
and trials for all of us, but faith will carry us through. Until Christ's
returns for his own.
I find that some of the television programs in this area is unusual. One
channel during the day shows program that I have not seen in years. It is a
enjoyment to see programs that was on when I was growing up.
Yet, in all television isn't a great part of my daily life. To know the Bible
and what goes on around me, is what catches my attention. Not everyone can
see or hear what is going on around them. Nor do they care. It is a shame
when no one pays attention to what is happening. It is getting late, so I will
close for now. Hope to hear from you real soon.
A friend Always,
Paul Hanson

8/22/99
Dear Jim & Family
Received your letter last night, Friday the 20th. Seems that this place
don't pick up the mail on the weekends, nor do we get mail on Saturday. It
gives one time to sit down and write this letter to you and your family. I
know what it is to be busy, barely enough time in a day to rest at times.
Sounds as if the kids in your neighborhood has no respect for others. If they
don't change now, then there is one place for sure they will be - in prison.
Prison is nothing for things to laugh at. Some of the things that goes on in
prison would make a anyone out wonder how anyone live through it. There is no
respect for life in here or property. It is a life of self - defense and
trying to keep one own morals in place. There is no fear of the staff member,
matter of fact the staff members here are afraid of the inmates and what can
happen. It is a shame to hear about or see a young person heading down the
wrong path of life. Trying to buy a house with any type of crime in the area
is hard. All anyone can do right now is let the Lord show the way and work
the problem out.

To be able to write to you and your family is very uplifting. The letters
that I receive from you show that someone care about me. I don't know anyone
overseas, never had the chance to know anyone in deferent country. Of course
there is only a hand full of people here in the US I know and even less to
write to. Guess I didn't get around when I was free, more less stuck to
myself. Crowds of people made me uncomfortable to be around. Could be due to
the fact that I was raised up on a farm and only had to be around the live
stock. So to be an out going person was not something I had to do then.
You will find that your bible study will get easier as you let the Holy
Spirit work through you. Even the difficult things God has planned for us
will be revealed at the proper time. All things are done according to the
will of God.
The Lord will for our life's is done according to His time
table not our own.
To sit down and draw for any length of time or even to start at time is
hard. The noise around here at times is hard to take, everyone trying to talk
louder then the next guy. Which makes hard to stay focused on drawing.
A sanctuary is what is needed here so some of older guys can relax and to
talk with the Lord. Maybe it would not be a bad idea to suggest a sanctuary
to the staff just for us Christians and older inmates.
There is a few contemporary programs that I like watching. The Waltons,
Mash but cartoons I never got into. Most of the good programs are on during
the time I'm working, so it is hard to watch them. The radio comes in handy
for me when there nothing on TV. I will close for now, so I can mail this
letter to you. Well, before it becomes a book.
A Friend in Christ Paul Hanson
Oct 31, 1999
Dear Jim and Family,
Have not heard from you for some time now. So I am taking it that you got
busy with the church and everyday life. As most of us do, in getting side
tracked in life. I am doing all right yet, the food here has not got the best
of me so far. Working some, doing windows of all jobs to have. At least it
is a job and helps keep my mind and body active in here. I just finished a
Bible Study course through the mail. It was one of the easier Bible Study I
have done so far. Also been corresponding with a Christian lady in Texas.
Who is also in prison, it a an uplift when I can share what I have learned
with other. There are some who are not interested in what Christ Jesus has
done for them. God has made us all the same, yet so different in many ways.
Such as, proclaiming to be a Christian and they are not. Some guy here try to
impress the staff by acting the Christian part. All they are doing is fooling
themselves. I pray for those inmate that put a false front up for others.
How is your art work going? Just remember do not try to rush the work on
drawing. It will be done correctly in time. Are you still sanging in the
church? Sanging is an art within self. The several places in the Bible study
state that everyone has a gift given to us by the Lord. It is up to us to
find the gift and use it to Glorify the Lord. The Bible Study's must of done

me in a way far the uses of the Lord.

from you soon.

I will close for now and await to hear

God Bless, Paul L. Hanson

11/3/99 Wednesday
Hey Paul,
Sorry haven't been writing. No excuse. There have been some changes at church.
The pastor left for New York. I spoke with a lady at church and she said that
there hasn't been any mail from you either. I hope that you are doing OK and
keeping busy. He had a change of calling you could say. The family moved
there. He was originally form there I think but his wife's family is here in
Tennessee.
I have missed your mail. I look forward to hearing from you. I don't know
what your situation is three I wrote to a prisoner years ago and he was
paroled and went home or somewhere. After he left from the institution he
didn't write anymore.
There has been a load of changes at work too. They have been redecorating and
moving departments around. We have half of the department is still in the
original room. Some are in the front office area and some the other end of
the building. I drawn a layout of the proposed room where the lab and I are
going to move. I told them there isn't a lot of room to put everything in
there. It won't be until 3 or 4 weeks probably. Some of the people are
moving to the other end by end of this week.
It has been kinda slow down at work.
My wife has been having pains in the abdomen and the doctor still doesn't know
what it was. I hope that she will get better soon. I don't like when she
hurts. We have been very short with money since we moved. Expenses exceed
income. So, we have been looking at more, work at home opportunities, or a
part time job for me. I have been considering a part time working with
animals. I took a animal specialist correspondence course and finished it. I
liked working some hours in a kennel cleaning and taking care of the cats and
dogs. I like to work with other animals. It would be neat in a pet shop where
they have a variety of animals to care for.
My drawing has been coming along good. I copied a cat that I did in pencil.
The copier doesn't do justice but you get the idea.
Please let me know if you foresee any changes where you are. I still need to
work on some animals like farm animals. Then I will concentrate on scenery trees, bushes, flowers and stuff.
Bye for now, God bless, Jim

Nov 10, 1999

Dear Paul,

What kind of Bible Study did you finish? I am glad that you wish to learn and
study the Bible. We need to always to keep the Bible in our hearts. I don't
know what is in the hearts of men, but, sometimes they may have excepted Jesus
into their hearts but not surrendered their life to him yet. Sometimes they
are still caught up into their own sin that so easily binds them, it keeps
them from growing. Please be careful to Judge them. They may really want to
serve the Lord, but, don't know how, or not encouraged to do so. You have a
special gift to want to learn and grow. It may be that the Lord wants you to
share your faith and help those others grow into maturity. You may be able to
reach, those that would not be reachable. I can't imagine what it is like
there. But, your love for the Lord has kept your faith alive. We can pray for
those others that do not seem to be very dedicated Christians, and, let the
Lord make them grow. We can only be lights in a dark world. If the people are
playing a game with others heads, God knows their heart and will deal with
them.
Can you get me a picture of yourself? Or, would that bother you to send me
one? I will send you one of myself, if you want one. Do you have a chaplain
there? Or someone that leads the worship. Do you have regular worship services
there?
God Bless, Jim

Nov. 14, 1999

Dear Jim and Family,
Sorry about not writing as I should. There no good excuse for not keeping
up on my letter writing. It been busy and confusing around here. To keep up
with all the new rules that this place makes. It makes an inmate wonder what
is really going on with the people who are in charge. All I can do is take
one day at a time. In here is nothing I can do about yesterday, and tomorrow
is in Gods hands, for he is the only one who knows what it holds. Sorry to
hear that your pastor left your church. It is clear that God has something
better for your church. it will not be long before there is a new pastor at
your church. The situation seem to never change, except the guards and rules.
When an inmate does get paroled, they are more interested in what is going on
with the new life they got back. Some here say that they are true Christian.
Yet, a person can see that once back out a home. Their Christian ways of
thinking is gone and they are back to the way they were before.
Sounds as if your job is trying to enlarge and there isnt enough room
where they are. Before I get much farther into this letter. Thank you for the
drawing. In art work, it is not what others think about the drawing. It is
the way you see the object and how you put it on paper. None of us are real
great artist, God is the true artist of all things in this world.
I pray that your wife doctor will find the cause of your wife pain. One
feels helpless when they can not help the one who is in pain. I pray that you
will find a way to get a part job or home opportunities.
I have been writing to a Christian female in Texas. She is also in prison
and very enjoyable to write too. Yet being locked up as we are, there isnt
much to write about. She has a wonderful out look on life and she not letting

where she is get her down. I enjoy receiving letters from you and your
family.. The letters that I get from you, keep my faith up in mankind.
Animals are great to work with. Of course I was raised on a farm.
was around animals all the time, when I was young.

where I

I am sorry that I left the farm life for more money in the city. We all
once in awhile make the wrong move for work for the wrong reasons. Hope you
find the right kennel to work at. I will keep you posted if there will be any
changes as far as movement out of the facility. There is no doubt that your
drawings will get better as long as you keep working on drawing
well bye for now.
God bless
Paul
2-18-2000
Dear Jim and Family
It has been a while since I wrote my letter to you. Every time there seems
I have time to write, something happens to make things hard to write. You
probably seen where we got locked down, because of a few inmates. Yet all
things are going well for me. Been told that my chances are great to be
transferred back to Wisconsin. You are the first person that I have told. I
prayed to God before I would tell anyone of the transfer back north. I will
pray that we can keep writing each other after all this transfer is done. I
know that a lot of people make promises and don't keep them. At times I may
be slow in my letter writing, yet I have not forgot those I need to write to.
Hope you Valentine day went well for you. It is man made day for those how
are in love. Should Valentine day be every day. Because Christ Jesus ask us
to love one and another daily? Before I forget, I started on another bible
study. It is a simple bible study, there is always hope that it will get
harder. If not I will always learn something from it. There is a few guys
here who rather have the answers given to them. Instead of reading the bible,
they learn nothing that way.
How is your drawing coming. Still have the last drawing you sent to me.
work some on my drawing, just it improve upon my way of drawing. Well for
now, I will close. Hope to hear from you soon.

God bless, Paul

2/24/2000
Hey Paul,
Sorry didn't write. Started a letter, the day we decided to leave the church
we were going. The interim pastor Gonyea was asked to leave because he was
speaking the gospel. Ever since our full time Pastor left the church 2 or 3
months ago, it has been going down hill. I enjoyed Pastor Gonyea's sermon, in
fact I made sure I asked him for his sermon notes too. I don't know why
churches have to do that. We are still looking for a good church we can call
home. We are going to try one of the churches up the street from our house
next Sunday. Take care God bless, Jim
Hey Paul,

Had a busy holiday and things going on. The song at church was nice. It was
"How great thou Art" it makes me think that I am out in the wilderness
enjoying nature, trees, animals and everything. It really gets me to feel
good. He is an awesome God!
I spent a lot of time scanning all my pictures at home and transferring them
to my computer, it took many days. There was hundreds of pictures I have
accumulated over the 20 - 30 years. I also send some Email devotional to
people in the church.
I hope that you will have a hood new year.
It has been busy down at work. I have been doing over time. I usually only
put an hour a day, making a 9 hour day. Things have been going down hill fast
down there. We are loosing 3 engineers already this month. I have also
considered starting a new job. There are not a lot of electronics jobs in my
area. So, most of the people are leaving for certain companies and everyone
knows where they go. If I leave I will be going to a place where there are
former people that worked where I am now.
I know that you may feel like you are writing a book, but, please go ahead! I
enjoy your letters. I want to know what it is like for you. I want to know
you. You can tell me what you do everyday - even if you feel it is
unimportant - I want to know everything you do everyday.
Please send your letters to: Calvary Baptist Church PO Box 942 Smyrna, TN
37167
I reread
back and
am sorry
or write

one of your letters last year I save all the letters too. I can go
feel again the things you have wrote about. I do care about you. I
that I haven't wrote you much. I feel bad when I don't hear from you
you for a long time

I am listening to a Wednesday night bible study on Exodus. They are studying

the Ten commandments - in particular about " Thou shalt not kill". He talked
about abortion, capital punishment, war, and other related topics that this
world is doing.
God be thanked - he died for all of are sins. He forgives us of all our sins
and we begin a new life in Christ! I enjoy the pastors preaching and studies.
I want to grow in Christ and be closer to him. I don't want to be a carnal
Christian - without joy. I want to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit.
To be filled with love - not hate - anger to people that leads to killing. He
was pointing out that the Bible says " Thou shalt not " but, also, " Thou
shalt love". To be a Christian is not "do not do this or that" but "to do" as
well...
He started on Adultery next. President didn't give good example to all. This
would also include thoughts and actions concerning all sexual situations of
the mind or body.
Well - that gives you an idea of Wednesday night service. I am tired lately.
It seems that I have so much that needs to get done. Some days are so tiring
I come home and take a nap.
My wife and girl and I started attending a Art class Monday nights. It is a
nice place to learn a lot. All of us are learning how to transfer a picture

to canvas. I never worked with paints or ever did a portrait.

also fun. I am trying to do a portrait of my wifes brother.

Its hard, but,

I will try to send more letters and at times a picture. Take care Jim
March 3, 2000
Dear Jim & Family,
I am very happy to receive your letter, yet shocked that you changed
churches. I do understand that changing pastors makes allot of different on
how the service are done. The Lutheran minister still come here once a month.
Which make everything worth wile to take time off work to go to the chapel for
communion. And my supervisor understands that my faith and religion are
important to me. To me it is important that they are willing to let me visit
with the minister with pay on the day he visits me.
It is hard for me to tell others about myself. Except that all things that
happens around me or to other effect me and others. What happens in the life
has effect upon us all, as Christ Death on the cross. The Bible course I
finished from NBC Bible study, they sent a King James Bible to me. Which is a
real nice Bible an it in large print type. This way I dont need a microscope
to read my other Bible.
Well, some how I miss placed my Blue Ink Pen. I am very sure that it will
show up sooner or later. yet it will not stop me from finishing this letter to
you. To let anyone know what it is like inside of these wall is hard to
explain. Having ones freedom taken and put out of reach. When there is the
mind games of the staff members and the staff members here are not trained for
the job they are doing. Then inmates who play their head games on other
inmates and even staff members. To stay out of trouble, I stay off to my self
and try to do my time. There is a need to tell others that this is no place
for any person. And to let those persons know that through Christ Jesus can
anyone be saved and guided down the straight and narrow path. The job I have
here consists of washing windows five days a week. Of course there is others
inmates who also work in the hallway. Yet, Im left alone to work and some
how they have no doubt that I am working.
Dont feel bad about not writing as much as you want. Some how I know you
are thinking about how I am doing. As far as the President committing to
Adultery, if Christ Jesus can forgive me of my sins. then I can forgive Bill
Clinton, isnt that what we are suppose to do?
I am sure that Bill Clinton is fully aware that he has done wrong.
Adultery is spoke of, through both the old and new testament. As they say we
are not getting any younger, maybe that is why we need to take a nap once in
awhile.
Hope the art class that you attended will be a great adventure and
relaxing. I have not done any art in paints. Chalk is what I enjoy working
with. This place is strictly about what we can have in our cells or have as a
hobby. I will live until I get out to do art with chalk. Well, it is late,
so I Will close for now. Will write more soon.
Take care,
From a friend,

Paul
PS Sending this song, so it may uplift your spirit as dos mine.
13-April 2000
Dear Jim & Family,
Greeting from Wisconsin once again, got transferred back up at Wisconsin at
the end of last month. I just got use to the weather up here. It is a slow
process in adjustment but with the grace of God, I will make it through. Just
got finished writing to the Lutheran minister in Memphis, Tennessee. Yet you
and your family are important to me as the minister. It has been snowing up
here for the last two days. Yet the snow is not staying on the ground that
long. There is no way of describe the snow when it stays any length of time.
Hope your art class is going well for you. I never tried to paint any type
of picture. It would be a challenge for me to try one of these days. for now
drawing will have to do, trying new ways of doing different picture. Done a
few drawings on envelopes but nothing that great. Sent most of them out to
another friend She like them and that was all that mattered to me. Has
anymore people quit where you work?
Some people are not happy with the job or the wages dont cover living
expenses. Raising a family cost money. Be happy when I can work on cards once
again. Probably have to get some training on all the new cars that has been
built since I been locked up. Been trying to keep up on the new cars, yet it
is a challenge in here. All good things must wait for the proper time and
place. Drawing will have to be the substitute for working on cars right now.
Had to send out two visiting forms to family and friend. For some reason
when I got back up here my visiting list was wiped clean. Which does not make
any sense, there was no permission given to have anyone removed from my
visiting list. That is what I get for being sent out of the state of
Wisconsin in the first place. Of course I had no say, just had to follow the
rules that they have set up. It is to bad that the younger generation can not
see that prison is not a game or a place to be for anyone. Some where along
the way our society has lost values in what the Bible teaches and letting
government rule our daily lives. No more disciplining our own children, or
prayers in the school systems. Saying pledge to the flag of the United States
is what I grew up on.
Not everyone can agree on things and some has to suffer for it. A friend
is making good money where she works and has a chance for a $1.00 pay raise.
So now I know she is making it without any problems. This does not mean that
I dont worry about her as a friend. Well, I close for now and wait to hear
from you and your family. Take Care
God Bless,
Paul
14-Aug 2000
Dear Jim and Family,
Received your letter before leaving Fox Lake Correctional. where I am at
is worse then where I was, yet by the grace of God things will work out. It

is all right about us not getting to meet when I was in Tennessee. Both of us
was busy with daily life that God gave us to live, but we kept in contact by
mail.
The short time I was at Fox Lake Correctional, I worked in the kitchen. It
was hot in the dish room and the pay was not that great. Yet I found away to
get what I needed. And got a few inmates interested in the Bible studys I was
doing. There is no better way to get Gods word out but letting others see
what one is doing. Glad that you are learning allot in your art class.
Chain saws are useful but when rebuilding the engine it is hard. You are
good with your hands, so there is no doubt that the chain saw will be running
soon. Sounds like you are working allot of hours. Hope it will pay off for
you . Three isnt much more to say. So I will close for now.
A friend Always,
Paul
PS The address here is Jackson Correctional Institution
PO Box 233
Black River Falls, WI. 54615-0233

November 10, 2000

Hey Paul,
So much has happened since I last wrote you. My wife and I went through Foster
and Adoption classes last year. We did not have any children placed with us. I
contacted the Baptist Children's Home at the beginning of the year. They had
to go back to the department of Family Services (DHS) and get all of our
records transferred to them. We had to get some other paper work done. We
found out my mother in law did not fill out the paper work she should have,
that was one of the things that held us up. The agency requested for her to
fill out the form, at least twice, but she still said didn't get the letter or
lost it or something... My oldest daughter filled it out instead. Right after
I got your letter we received a girl named Christina, she is 8. About a week
after we received two more girls, Jasmine and Aleia ages 1 and 2 respectfully.
These last two were such a hand full that we could not take care of them. We
were getting so frustrated. The 2 year old had a habit of head banging. At
night she would bang her head on the floor. It started out just in her bed,
then she got off her bed during the night and banged her head on the floor.
Needless to say my wife lost a lot of sleep because of her. She got very short
with her. I tried to help, but, it was a situation that we both could not take
any more. We called up the agency and requested them to be re-placed into
another foster home. We were sure glad to see them go. I am sorry to say...
The baby Jazzy was a good baby. We could have dealt with her if her sister was
not in our house. She would sleep good at night and had a good personality.
She also suffered from lack of sleep from time to time because of the noise
from her sister at night.
Christina is a good girl for the most part. Since she has moved in my daughter
and her like to play with each other constantly. They have the idea that there
is nothing else they need to do but play. She started out lying about the
neighbor. She said that he came over and abused my dog, and our other pets
outside. I really didn't think that he would do that, at least not to the

extent that she said. I had to talk to his father and explain the situation
and we took care of that. Needless to say there has been other things that
have come up since then that made us wise to her lies. Now when we start
hearing something from her we tell her that the "Pink Piggies are flying
again" ... another words, we are on to her. We have found out that her mother
lives in a fantasy world as much as she does...
I have been working on a club on the internet under Yahoo. The name of it is
the Christian Hunter's and Fisherman. I have been working on building it up. I
started it in June 2000 but didn't get real motivated in sending out
invitations until a month or more ago. I sent out over 2400 invitations to
other users in different clubs on Yahoo. Boy that was work. Out of all those
the club has grown to at least 100 people as of today.
I wanted a place that other Christian Hunters or Fisherman could come and
share their faith and testimony of how the Lord has been working in their
lives. So besides the fact that they share in the hunting or fishing
experiences, I am hoping that they will also be sharing their faith to other
hunters or fisherman. When we go hunting and fishing we need to glorify God in
all we do in our lives and be a witness. Many of the members are glad that I
sent them an invitation. Others have said that it was a good idea. Last time I
looked we have members from at least 3 different countries, from 13 to 65
years of age, as well as females. I am also trying to accumulate information
on different states. I am doing research on other clubs that are within their
states, or countries, so that they can fellowship with others. Of course there
is no guarantee that these other clubs will be Christian in nature or
practice, but, it will give them a chance to share their faith to others.
My wife and I have started a Discipleship Class at our church. Boy, is that
interesting to learn about so many things. We are studying many different
topics including, salvation, baptism, dealing with sin, prayer and the
attributes of each member of the trinity. We go every Thursday evening for a
couple hours. We have at least three selected verses to memorize each week.
This last week we were dealing with sin. Our pastor has a Godly heart. I am
going to Email him and tell him so. He needs our prayers and encouragement
too.
I am sorry that things were not so good for you. I hope things are better at
Jackson. I will put you on my prayer list. Speaking of prayer lists... I have
a friend on Yahoo that is a pastor, well several of them. But, this one has
been working on taking care of homeless people in his area, at his church. He
has been providing shelter and food. He requested that I would pray for him.
He wants God's direction on how to do the ministry differently and better.
I don't remember if I told you that I am helping out at church doing the sound
system. I also talked to the minister of music and asked him if there were
others that play instruments for a Christmas Musical. I told him that I play
the violin. He said, "Really!" I think he thought I was kidding. I don't mind
playing with other people but get real nervous playing by myself.
I have many Christian pen pals that I right too via the internet Email. They
are mostly men between 30 and 40 years of age. I got a list of them when I was
39. They are located in different states and countries as well. Some of them
I can go through the Yahoo Instant Messenger and others through the ICQ
instant messenger. Boy, I wish that I could Email you. Now that would be neat.
I could talk to you everyday and quickly. I don't know what security clearance
is possible for you, or the facility you are in. Is anything like that
possible? Using the snail mail is so slow... (Snail mail is via the post

office...) Email is sooooo much cheaper too..... I have at least 3 free

Internet services that I can go through. It does not cost us anything to get
onto the internet. It is not like it used to be where you had to pay $20 per
month for internet service. Now you can even make long distance calls via the
internet to anyone, saving on long distance charges as well! I signed up to
Yahoo Phone Service. It allows you to "hear" all you Email that is sent to
you! It has sophisticated software that recognizes words in letters and
translates those words to sounds. (words). It is unbelievable what they can
do now a days. You can also reply using the phone to those Emails. It will
send a recorded message to your recipient that they can hear on their
computer.
Oh I forgot, I went hunting September 23rd. Was going for deer, but, only saw
squirrels. Then I went out in the evening and only saw a few squirrels and
they were out of range. Then I went out Sunday morning and bagged me a
squirrel. I know the doe and buck are in the area, but, I need to practice
more with my bow. We are in muzzleloader and later this month we will be in
gun season. I am still praying I will bag a doe or buck.
I don't know if prisoners can vote, but, both my wife and I did this year. It
was such an important Federal and State Election for president and congress
that we needed too.
I hope that you don't mind me typing this out. It will be easier for you to
read and I will be able to get more information on less paper this way. I
really.. really ..really missed hearing from you. I hope that you are doing
OK. Again I will be praying for you and that the Lord will be close to you.
Please take care, James.
Paul Hanson #239299 Jackson Correctional Inst. PO Box 233, Black River Falls,
WI. 54615-0233.
Dec 6, 2000
Hey Jim,
Found myself in some bad situation after receiving your letter last month.
Spent twenty-one days in segregation because another inmate struck me in the
face. All I did was asked to get past so I could go to the bathroom. I give
full thanks and grace to God that everyone seen the truth when the conduct
report was heard. The ticket was dismissed.
Sorry to hear that the two children you took in, didnt work. god will find
a place for them. What you are doing on the internet sounds great, it may be
a great thing for all who see what other Christians has to say. And how God
has worked in their lifes . I just finished the first part of a Bible Study
and got a recommendation from them. Just can not wait to start on the next
part of their study.
As far as e-mailing anyone from inside prison is a big dont . the
institution up here frown on anything dealing with a computer when dealing
with the public. So I must follow the rules in here, cause I do not need any
more trouble from these people.
Did you get a doe or a buck, when you went bow hunting. The squirrel was
something to take home. A lot of people dont even get that when out bow
hunting. For myself, bow hunting is more sporting and it is relaxing to me.

Up here, it is nothing to get a doe or buck within the first couple of days.
The deer population is up in numbers, so you should try deer hunting up here.
No, us inmates dont get to vote. Wish
laws. I do not mind you typing out your
slow in writing at times. Thank you for
and acts upon them. I keep you and your
always close to me and you. Please take

we could, yet its one of their

letters to me. Sorry about being so
praying for me. God does hear them
family in my prayers. The Lord is
care.

A Friend Always,
Paul
PS here is the address of the Bible study I am in:
Key Life Network
PO Box 94-5000
Maintland, Florida 32794-5000
So in case you may want to do the course 12 lesson on tier 1 and 3 on tier 2.

Jan 13, 2001

Dear Jim,
Got your letter and had to wait so I could get some stamps. Been keeping
up with my Bible Studies. What is so amazing is one inmate thinks God will
get him out of prison before his time. Other then that, I have been doing all
right. Been doing allot of reading, even though the library here is very
small. Been asked what type of newspaper is in Tennessee. I could not answer
what was asked or find any newspaper address. If you know of the address of a
newspaper, let me know - please. Well close for now. May this card enlighten
your day.
It is nice to have a friend like you to share things with.
PS How is the foster care going for you and your wife?
that area.
From a Friend always.

May God bless you in

God Bless, Paul

2-15-01
Hi Jim,
It has been a some time between my letters. Things up this way has been on
the cold side, hope our weather has not found its way down your way?
All I can say is, there is a whole lot of snow up here. Got one letter from a
friend in Texas, who is in prison, she a nice lady. Hope your valentine day
went well for you and your family.
Got a different governor here in Wisconsin. He wants to bring
out of state inmates. Just have to see if he hold to his words.
for sure, allot of family would be happy to have their love ones
and closer to home. It will take some time to see what happens.

back
One
back
How

all the
thing
up here
is your

drawing and painting going. Ive been trying to keep up on my art, some of my
drawings needs allot of work. It could be Im getting rusty at drawing? Ill
just keep on trying to do better on my drawing.
You had said that you got pen-pals
that? If I may ask, cause I have not
place, the reason I ask is, Im been
directory or a match - maker. I will
hear from you.

through the ICQ. What kinda service is

heard of it. Is there a address for this
hit up for a pen-pal. Which I am not a
close for now. Take care, will wait to

A friend always,
Paul
5-5-2001
Dear Jim,
How is things going for you? As far as I go, Ive been moved once again. A
new institution that Wisconsin Built, If I remember right I helped open the
C.C.A Facility in Tennessee. In a way, I wish I was still down there yet.
Have you ever heard of Miracle Lake in Etowah, Tennessee. it is a Christian
training and counseling place. Their E-mail: mlake @iol24.com. Phone (423)263258? I found out about them when I asked the chaplain here if he had any bible
study course. The ones I could do through the mail. Miracle lake was on it,
yet it dont offer any bible courses. If you know of any bible study courses I
could do through the mail, it would be a great help. There is allot of inmates
who are seeking there Lord and wanting to get in to bible studies. They see me
reading the word and helping one or two inmates in their bible studies. It
automatic, they think I have ways of getting them in to a bible study course.
There is only three or four bible study course I know of, then I left in the
dark. the Chaplain here is not use to what it takes to see the hunger that
some inmates have to learn about God.
Are you and your wife still in art class that you told me about. Here a
surprise for you, I still have the drawing that you did of a cat. Im slowly
getting back into drawing some, nothing all that great. Not like when I was
younger and draw people, animals, and landscape and made all three fit
together as they meant to be one drawing. God forbid if it sounds like
bragging, I mean not to boast, it is I was born with the gift of drawing. It
also carried over into my work places. Any job I would set out to do, it has
to be done correctly or not done at all.
I said earlier in my letter that I wish I was still Tennessee. It is
because of the people up here are so wound up tight, that it is very
unpleasant to be around them.. The tension between the races is very great,
unlike being at Whiteville. Where race was not so much a problem as great as
being away family. The guards really dont care about inmates so much, as they
care about the pay check. The guards at Whiteville are paid allot less then
the guards up here get paid. From what I been hearing the contract for out of
state transfer is being canceled by the year 2003. And that is not far off,
before Wisconsin starts bring back the rest of the inmates. So they will have
to start releasing some of us to make room for the ones coming backup up.
Any way, I am working as a janitor on the unit. It is a job, yet I get no
gratification from the job. Because of the way the place is ran and I feel
like Im clean up after group kids, instead of grown men. There is only four

men on the wings Im on the will pick-up after them self.

for now .Write back when you get the time.

Well, I will close

your friend Paul

PS Here a small drawing I did and two bible verses from the book of Proverbs.
Hope you Like the drawing. Address here Red Granite Correctional Institution
P.O. box 925 Red Granite, Wisconsin 54970-0925
5-24-2001
Dear Jim,
got your post card today. I heard of Moody Bible Correspondence, it is in
Chicago, Ill. Yes I would be interested, at the present time Im a strapped
for stamps and money. Yet I am eager to learn more about the Bible. I am not
aware of that if you know or not there is place in Tennessee called Miracle
Lake, 182 County Road #498, Etowah, TN 37331 (423-263-2583).
This place is
Christian work.
full picture of
know. How do I

for men released from prison and willing to do 8 weeks of

They sent information to me yet it was not enough to get a
their outfit. If you like to check them out for me and let me
get the post cards, do they come from the Bible Course?

There a book I just read called Living Proof by Jim Peterson. It about
sharing the Gospel Naturally. The book is based on the book of John. Dont
want to give away the book to , before you read it. This way you can get the
same effect of the book as I did. Finally got a friend started in studying the
bible, which is a great thing. Not much more has hanged here, I will write
more later.
A Friend Always,
Paul L. Hanson

6-10-01
Dear Jim,
Hope things are going well for you. The two stamps you sent to me, they
would not allow me to have.. The them it is all about controlling every part
of an inmates life, yet they can not control them selves. did get a change to
find the book I told you about? of course each person has their own taste of
reading material. I sent away for list of Bible studies I did through one
place, didnt know I did so many studies. There is allot of places that offer
Bible Courses but I am not sure if you can find them on the computer. But if
you can find a list of any bible study courses through the mail, could you
send it to me.
Anyway, I have a new book that Im reading It is called Bible Reading On
Hope, by Roger C. Palms. So far It is good reading. Ill be writing one
place and see about one book that I have not received from them. Well, this
letter is going to be short. Im sending along my transcripts of a Bible

course. So you can see what studies I did. You can write to them and take
the courses also. I close for now. Hope to hear form you soon.
A friend Always
Paul
June 19, 2001
Dear Jim,
Hope my last letter didnt scare you. I thought that it was important to
let you see what courses I went through. And that is only one place that I
went through, there is a few other Bible courses I took and passed. Another
good place is NBC Correspondence, Emmaus Bible School 2570 Asbury Road,
Dubuque, IA 52001. I dont have the address NBC Correspondence, if I find
someone with their studies, I get the address for you. If that is all right?
This way you can let others know about the Bible studys. Emmaus Bible School
is free for the studies, they pay postage both way. They will send the study
to you and postage is pay for when you mail the lesson back to them. Hope you
and your family check out Set Free Ministry and let your church know about
them. In this way we are spreading Gods word to everyone we can.
I heard from a friend that is still at CCA in Tennessee. He is one of many
on the list to come back to Wisconsin. It is about time, he been down these
for over two years. There is time I wish I was still down there, allot less
headaches there, then being up here. Form what I understand is all the inmates
that are Wisconsins are coming back up. So the prisons up here are going to
be packed beyond their limits.
It is really a shame, when they could start releasing more people. I would
love to get on with the rest of my life without a fence around me. yet the
Lord has something better form e, what it is yet I do not know. But I put my
hope in the lord for all things. I finished reading a book called Bible
reading on Hope. It gave scripture and short story for the verse. I think I
told you about the book in my last letter. And I also read my Bible which
gives me strength daily. Cause this place can get to a person real fast.
Makes some in mates not care about anything but to carry out all their anger
on others. It is a no win situation up here for inmates, we can tell the
staff the truth, yet we are lying. Make any sense to you, cause to me it
dont . But that is life and I give it to God to take care of. Well I will
close for now. Write back soon.
A friend Always,
Paul
7-8-01
Dear Jim,
Got a ink pin that I dont have to fight with to write a letter. I found
the drawing that I did and I am sending it to you. .Hope you like it, the
faces are not just right. Never really was any good at doing the faces of
people, there has to be a better way of learning how to do faces. Im sure
one of these days I will get it right. Still waiting on a book called what
the Bible is all about, just want to get started reading it.

This place got all up tight about what I wrote to another inmate. It isnt
my fault that staff members dont even know what is going on in their own work
place. Of course some dont even care and that is shame, because Christ Jesus
cares so much for them It is all about the money and how much they can get.
The weather up here, has not been that bad lately. On the mild side as far as
the temperature goes. Around here inmates dont have that much freedom, it
probably be better in a max. prison as far as freedom goes.
Still waiting on Billy Graham Association Bible Study Course. I want to
see what is in it as far as study work. As you can see, I have not given up
on studying the Bible. For I put my hope, faith and love into the Lord. How
is you Bible Study Going? The Lord will show a person a great deal through
his Word.
So, I am going to close for now.
more later.

Sorry about a short letter.

Will write

A friend through Christ

Paul
Hey Jim,
Hope you are doing all right? Hope the record of what bible course I took
did not over take you by surprise? I thought you had the right to know how
much of the bible I studied. And in my last letter to you, I also told you
about other bible studies course I have done. I tried to get a friend who is
also in prison into doing a few bible courses. Yet it seems he wanted all the
answer given to him so he could sit back and watch television. To me that is
no way to learn anything about the bible. Did you get a chance to check out
the two address I gave you, you may be surprised in how much you can really
learn. I know that I gained a great deal from the bible courses I took.
Anyway, to let you know more about the place that I am at. The institution
is not that large to say the least, there is only (4) four units. Well five
if one includes segregation. most of the guards are fresh out of school and
dont know what is really going on. Most inmates dont help matters when all
they care about is fighting or trying to take from others. That is why I like
staying off to myself in here. very few can one really trust in here and the
one who can be some what trust you keep an eye on them also. cause prison
here in Wisconsin is place for those who are out far them selves. Yet I try
not to judge anyone far who they are or far what they did to be put into
prison. We all are sinners and fall short of the glory of God. If more
inmates would realize that, then maybe things may change for the better. This
institution does not offer much far programs or even jobs are very, very few.
I think that could be a great part of why this has problems with inmates, is
the lack of activity. But that is my opinion, I can only speak for myself.
Then we the guards who has-been around for some time doing the same job. They
see them self above the law. What a waste of taxs dollars. I dislike to say
anything but when a guard can have sex with another man wife, there is
something real wrong. Or a young female guard who openly admits that she
would love to have any black inmates have sex with her while on duty. That is
sick, yet if an inmate reports things like what go on in here. Is in big
trouble, because they dont want the public to know what really go on behind
these fences. I hate to let them know this, but I will not bear false witness
far no one.
I fit hurt their feeling well I really sorry about that. They
are to set an example of how god wants us to be, these people dont care.

Well, this letter is getting longer then when I had intend to let get. so I
hope you dont mind my long letter. I will close for now.
A friend Always,
Paul
Dear Jim,
Hope this letter finds you and your family doing well. I received another
letter from Set Free Correspondence, and they are looking over some new
course. they may add new courses and wanted to know if I would be interested
in doing them.. So I had to write them back and tell them I would be glad to
do them new courses they may add. Have you done any studies from
Billy Graham Association
1300 Harmon Place
Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 338-0500
I included the phone number, so if you dont want to write them. You can call
them.
Anyway, this new prison is a joke. They try to mix the younger guys with us
older inmates.
And they are finding out that it is not working as well as
they hoped. Then there is all new guards fresh out of the schools. First time
they ever stepped foot in a prison or even be around inmates. Just wish they
would transfer me to where Im suppose to be, cause this institution holds
nothing for anyone. There is really no communication between staff members
and inmates, well there is if the inmate is black. They white inmate really
has nothing around here as far as communication with staff goes.
The meals are something else, I ate more at a truck stop then I do here. My
kids ate more as snack then they feed us. Goes to show you that prisons in
Wisconsin is just out for money. They will lock up innocent people up here
and justify it by saying we are a threat to others. the only time Im a threat
is when my life in danger or one of my kids are in danger. there is no self
defense law up here in Wisconsin.
Did you hear anything from Moody Correspondence? And what their response
was? I am just wondering and thought I would ask Ill close for now. Hope you
dont mind so many letters from me. Dont mean to be a pest.
A friend in Christ,
Paul
7-19-01
Dear Jim,
Finally got the letter you sent me with the two stamps. I was set back some
when I read your letter and the shock that some people are only out to hurt
others. Im very sorrowed that another human had to inflict pain on your loved
one. For me, I dont think I could be so restrained from hurting that person,
for causing one of my children any type of pain. It is the animal in me. Which
causes me so protective of my love ones, even those who are very close friends
are secure around me. I will pray for your daughter and you family.
It is very hard to tell the difference between male and female chicks. One
has to wait until they are grown some, any type of bird is hard to tell the

different in the sexes when they are young. And the bad part is, I was raised
up on a farm. I mainly seen was dairy cows, the only thing there is. There is
four different breeds of milk cows and number of beef cattle. Went from
farming to fixing cars and driving truck, more pay. The city isnt the type of
life for me. Yet the wife didnt like country living and being away from her
mother that long. My parents taught me early on in life that I had to make it
on my own.
Hope you got my last letter, for there was a drawing in it. I am enclosing
another drawing that I did. Sent so many drawing out to another friend that
she has to build an extra room on her house for my pictures. Ill close for
now, please write me.
God bless,
Paul
PS I will pass on your address and name if someone is in need of pen pal. So
for everyone here has someone to write.
7-28-2001
Dear Jim,
I got your post card today, the only thing is I dont know how long the
mail room here had it, the post mark is the 21st of July. Billy Graham sent a
few books to me. Plus I got one book from Set Free Prison Ministry, the name
of the book is What the Bible is All about. It is a very interesting book,
written by Henrietta C. Mears. you can get a copy of the book by writing
Chaplain Ray, International Prison Ministry, PO Box 130063, Dallas Texas,
75313-0063. you can share the address with the members of your church.
You should of seen what happened up this way. One prison guard raped a
child and try to pick up three other children. A Very sick person in any case.
The way these guards acted around us inmates, I knew only time would one of
them would show the real side of how the guards are here in Wisconsin. We all
make mistakes in life but when one person or group of people say they are
better then the rest. I have to wonder what that person is hiding from
themselves and others and God.
It sounds as your daughters wedding was allot to get ready for. The cost of
wedding and the planning of the wedding takes allot out of a parent. Yet, when
the wedding is done, everyone can relax, until the grand kids start coming
along. The only thing good about being a grandparent is, we can spoil the
grand-kids and let the parents take them home. Of course our kids are not
happy when we spoil their kids, they have to remember that is what our parents
did to us.
I got a list of Bible Study course from the Chaplain here. if you want a
few of the address let me know, and I will copy some of them down far you. I
will close for now. Take care and may God bless you in all thing you do in
his name.
A friend,
Paul.
8-3-2001

Hello Jim,
Hope the weather isnt that bad where your at, up here it is hot. That
means this winter will be cold and allot of snow. There is a young man here,
who is trying to get his life straight with God. I told him about you and
what an uplift it is to have a Christian person to write tool. you are a lot
of help in lifting me up when I am down. He want to enclose a letter with
mine, to you. Hopefully this isnt to much for you? His own family hasnt
wrote to him in some time now.
How did you like the last two drawing that I sent. I am not good at doing
faces of people, just can not get a persons, face just right. For the longest
time, all my drawings were cartoons or of landscape. Lately, I have been doing
allot of reading, all the books are on the Bible.
What the Bible is all about, is the one Im reading now. It is a very good
book, the author is Henrietta C. Mears. Still have one or two books yet to
read Finally got the Bible study course list from the Chaplain here, some of
the address are out of date. At least he tried his best in get the list for
me, sometime us inmates are ahead of the staff in knowing anything.
Often then reading and staying in the Bible, there has nothing new happen
around here. It is just new faces but the same tune as any other inmate. I
will close for now hope to hear from you real soon.
God Bless
A Friend
Paul Hanson.
8-25-2001
Hello Jim,
Got your letter, yes I will need the listing of Bible studies I have done
back. That list is only part of all the studies I have done and a way to prove
that I have done the studies. There is no reason to be sorry for not checking
on Miracle Lake. I took it as you were very busy person, which you are.
The only reason
better then that,
car, van or truck
mechanics and fix
because they want

I feel bad about the faces not coming out right. Is Im

just need time to get back where I once was in drawing. Any
is a costly item. yet Im lucky I went to school for
my own cars. To much stress to fix other peoples cars
to know every little detail of what I am doing.

I feel very lucky when it come to my children and grand children. We

already had boundaries set up for when they are around me. Act like an animal
then I treat them as an animal. If I sound some what is the dumps, it because
I received a letter from a friend. She had to put a very special dog to sleep,
the dog was smart as can be. of course I made sure of that because the dog was
once mine. Now the last one of the pups are dead, as well as the Father and
mother.
Having a gift is one thing, yet so many people up here dont care about
God. And being in prison is another story. So many inmates that are locked up
think that God will physically free them. They miss the target completely ,
its is spiritual freedom. The address I sent to you about Bible Studies is
meant for anyone you want to share them with. That is why I let you know about

them. At the moment I am taking a short brake from the study part. To do some
reading of some book that was sent to me from Billy Graham. I will close for
now.
May God Bless you,
Paul
10-9-2001
Jim,
Hope you are all right, I have not heard from you in awhile now. So I took
it you been very busy at work and with your family. Everything around here is
about the same. New faces show up every week, so they try to keep the beds
filled. The biggest thing is, there is nothing about this place that makes
sense, well at least to me. The last time I wrote Edward Christianson was
sent to segregation, he has problems connecting with other inmates. Ed. isnt
a bad person, he tries to hard make people like him and not every person in
person is not going to get along together. Any way Ed has not came back on to
the unit of yet. I dont even know why he was sent to segregation in the first
place. he is in my prayers every night.
I wrote to some other Bible Studies, so now Im just waiting for the
material to come in. Just hoping that it is more interesting and different
then the studies I have already done. Each study was informative and very
helpful to me, I have told other about the Bible studies I have done. Before I
left Tennessee, I got one inmate started on WELS. Dont know if he ever got
them done or not. I still miss hearing about the little dog that put to sleep.
My friend finally wrote and told me the whole story. It was old age and her
bred, she was a small dog. Yet the idea of being there when the dog was born
and then house training her before I gave her to my friend. A lot people dont
understand that allot of training and caring about the dog, it makes the dog
less animal and more family. I dont know if you understand what I mean, but I
tried to explain it the best I could. I will close for now, for it is real
late here. Write back real soon.
A Friend,
Paul Hanson
10-17-2001
Hey Jim,
Got the package you sent me on Miracle Lake, thank you for getting me the
information. Been busy reading my Bible and a few other books, which are on
automobiles and trucks. Before get too far into this letter, I better let you
know Eddy isnt in the Facility any longer. One minute they take him to
segregation then Ed is moved out of the institution. From what I could find
out was Ed owed a few inmates something. Someone must of made a threat towards
him for this place to move Ed that fast.
Still waiting on one Bible study that I sent away for. it is in Gods hands
when the Bible study arrives, it is no problem in doing them. your art course
sounds like it is getting in real depth, wish they offered an art course like
the one your in to us inmates. That is to much to ask for out of the state of
Wisconsin, of course each institution is different in what an inmate can do or
can not do. But that is prison life, which is hard to explain to other on the
outside of these fences.

Yet you have problems with your company being sold. I was always lucky in
that I was self employed, good workers are real hard to find. To me your cars
are just getting broke in, I had 1064 Oldsmobile that was still running today
I got locked up in 1992. So I had well over 200,000 on my car, yet I was the
mechanic which helps out allot on repair bills.
The bombing in New York and Washington is terrible, yet our own fault. We
should of been harder the terrorist in first place and not have been so soft
on them. We was not safe when Japan bomb Peril Harbor, the bad part of it is
Hawaii was not a state yet. Hawaii became a state in 1959. Im not the one in
charge of this country and I have no longer any say what this does. Ill close
for now, Ill write more late.
A friend and God Bless,
Paul
11-11-01
Jim,
Hope you and your family are will, and doing well health wise. I am doing
the best that is expected, the Lord is always with me. To find out they moved
Ed because he owed a few inmates some stuff. Really dont know how true it is,
if he owed any body or not. How was you Halloween? Here in prison it is just
another day, just like the day before. A person gets use too not making a big
deal about holidays except for Christmas.
I got back two lesson from one of my bible studies Did fairly well on both
of the lesson. Still waiting on the other two places to send back my next
lesson. I would like to get going on them, so I am not so bored. that is one
thing about this new institution, it is really boring here. Very little
movement about this institution and jobs are hard to get, the main reason for
so few jobs in there is only four units in the whole place. Im still working,
doing the bathrooms cleaning, which gives me some money to spend. I praise the
lord for the Job.
They brought a few more inmates back up from Tennessee. So you can see a
few families are happy to have us back up here closer to home. did you get
another job yet? God will always provide for his children, I dont mean to
preach at you.
It is late and

I got to get some sleep. Will write more to you later.

A friend always,
Paul
11-23-2001
Hey Jim,
Well, thanksgiving in places like this is really no different then any
other day. Yet, I make the best of a bad situation thank to God above who
gives me strength everyday. It sounds somewhat like your children has grown
away from the family, it is shame things like that happens in families. Thank
you for the drawing of the bird. Been drawing some myself but I sent them out
to elderly lady who had surgery. It was in hopes to brighten up her days.

There is a couple Bible Correspondence course that one can get degree. you
have to find one that you are comfortable with. I take you finish Moodys
Bible lessons. right at the moment I have two studies going, which is
challenge within it self. Sorry to hear that your daughter dont want to pay
you for gas, she will be shown by God that she needs her parents. So hang in
there and your daughter will come around.
Thanks any way, but I will wait until Im out before I get another animal.
The dog was part of two families, I trained her to do somethings. Then a
friend took her for her son the dog was spoiled by all means. Any way, my
friend and I are going to miss princess (the dog) because that how she fit
into our lives.
I drew deer for you, just in case you didnt get to go deer hunting. The
news says that the deer populations down this year in Wisconsin. I learned not
to believe what hey say on television cause they always change what hey say
form moment to moment. I will close for now. Your in my prayers.
A Friend,
Paul

1/2/02
Hey Jim
Here it is already a new year, hope the holidays went swell for you and
your family. It is the same thing around here, except for some new faces
showing up on the unit. It is very noisy to say the least, so I try to avoid
all the inmates who likes to scream and shout. Been doing some reading on
automobiles, mainly magazines of cars. there is a few good articles I have
seen in them. To say the least, they try to keep prison up here filled right
up to the top.
Are you still on the computer? If you are, there is this co-author
Vishny show wrote a book. I dont remember the name of the book. Can
out what she wrote about and if she is apart of any foundation. So I
further my knowledge and to help someone she was to defend in court.
not do her.

Deja
you find
can
and did

Hope you received the Christmas card I sent to you. It was the best card
they had at the time. Sorry about my handwriting. But the ink pen keep
skipping. I will close for now. Take care and hope to hear from you real soon
A friend Paul
3/7/02
Dear Jim,
It took me a little longer in responding to your letter, it is from all the
commotion that is going on in the unit. To understand what it is like in here
and to explain it to someone on the outside of these fences... it is a total
different world in here. This is a small camp, so jobs are hard to get. And
when a person gets a job, there is always someone trying to take the job away
from that inmate. Sound like anything that wouldnt happen out there? So at
the moment I am not working, even though it would be helpful in the money

areas. And this prison will not let anyone send in stamps to inmates, they are
picky that way. Afraid of drugs being put on the back of the stamp, which has
been done. But you are not that type of person.
Wish I was there, because that car would have been repaired by now. It
would have been done at a cheap cost. I enjoy working around cars, truck or
lawn mowers, it just something I was around when I was growing up was, cars.
Pornography came in many forms, sot it is hard to get away from. As for
masturbation that is covered in the bible, in the Old Testament. Just where, I
do not remember. I know that we are not to drop the seed on the ground for it
was meant to increase ourselves in number on this world. There are several
verses in the Bible I can give you on wife and marriage.
Keep marriage bed pure - Hebrews 13:4, Rejoice in wife of youth Proverbs
5:18. Wife of noble character Proverbs 12:4; 31:10; 30, 31 Man and Women
become one - Genesis 2:24,25 Jesus on divorce - Matthew 5:31, 32. Paul on
marriage and divorce 1 Corinthians 7:22-4, 7,8,10-14. There is a few more on
marriage, for it is not good for man to be alone. you ever think your feelings
can be wrong about your wife not wanting to talk to you. Women are emotionally
humans, wife have deep loving emotions. Just ask her, She will tell you.
Dont worry about dumping on me - what are friends for. But to hear each
others problems out. I will keep praying for you - because I care about you
and your family. I close for now, Write back soon
God Bless Paul
P.S. Please say a prayer for me, for I just found out that another friend
passed away. I will surely miss him, he got me into the Bible and Now I know
for sure God does love us.
4/16/02
Dear Jim
How are you doing these days? Its getting warmer up this way, yet it still
feels cold some to me. Guess after being in Tennessee for a while, this
weather takes some getting use too. Still not use to this place where Im at,
one too many kids in mens bodys. They think they know something but they
dont. How is your problem coming along?
A lot of time Satan will make one think that our Love ones are out to get us,
all it takes is prayer and to tell Satan to get behind us. There is a place in
the Bible that tells us what God want us to do in our marriage.
As for the cards you asked about, I dont really know. I checked our hand
books on rules and there is nothing on post cards. There is a young man here
by the name of Randy Davis, who is looking for a pen-pal. Yet to get any young
man in his early twenties to do anything is hard.
Hope this scratch paper dont bother you, it was the only thing I could
find real fast. I enjoy writing to you, the fact is your letters always
enlighten my days. would like to hear more from you.
Dont be afraid of opening up more, everyone is not perfect, even me. Look at
where I am at. Why and how I got here is a real long story, if I knew then
what I know now. There be allot of changes in my life and everyone would know
prison isnt a nice place. And to obey our parents; this is pleasing unto our

heavenly Father. What I been learning from my Bible Studys, I been passing it
on to your and other friends. Still waiting on one lesson to come back from
Port Orchards, WA. It is called Prison mission Association, I am about to
write them and see what is wrong. Hope you are learning as much as I am from
the Bible.
Still waiting on Randy to write down information about himself and mail it
with this letter. After that it is up to him to stay in touch with you. Im
going to send few Bible verses to you in hope that they will be some help you.
Close for now, and write Back really soon.
Your friend Always, Paul
Belief John 10:40-42; Matt 3:1-17, 1 Cor 13:1-13, 1 John 4:7-5:5,
God is love John 1:26-34, 6:47
Deeds John 8:37-40, 14:1-31, Titus 1:16, Rom 9:1-10:13, Gal 3:1-14
Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
5/25/02
Dear Jim,
Got your letter, which is more then welcome. When I hear from you and your
family, it is a warming feeling.
Now you know as I do lust of the flesh is the devils way of separating us
from God. Im not that good at the Bible but there is allot of verse on lust.
And verses on what marriage is about from Gods side of life for us.
Any way I was sent to Seg for awhile. All because I prefer not to be celled
up with a black person. Up here the blacks always try to take the white race
for a fool. Not going on with me nor anyone I know. They take the women for
their money and sex... it is sad that some people play head games on women. Of
course from what I hear, women do the same as the male inmates.
So where can one really draw the line in head games? All I got out of the
whole deal is 4 day adj. 60 days program, which means I am confined for a
short time before going back out to general population. Going back to general
population has its fall backs there always someone who is out there to cause
trouble and back to seg one goes. It is a bad situation at this institution
where a few inmates can lie on others and nothing happens to the inmate that
lied on me. They protect them that make a false statement, dont understand
this whole system? It surely got me totally confused by all means? When
Somebody figures these places out, I wish they would tell me. This way I will
know more then to fall into their traps of lies and discontent of life.
Anyway, I have been reading this book I received from a Bible study course
I am doing, It is called A foreign Devil in China by the author John
Pollock, it is endorsed by Billy Graham. So you know it is a good book to
read, dont know if you can find this book or Find it Fast in the Bible in
your Book stores? yet the last book I have wrote down allot of Christians have
looked through it for a lengthy time. So that should say something of the last
Book. Well, I will close for now, you and your family are in my prayers.
Your friend Always,
Paul Hanson.

6/04/2002
Paul,
Did you get my question about the person you were looking for - Deja? Is
this a man/women name of the book or anything else I can search for - I have
to have more info to be able to searchFar as the van we are not going to put major money in it - we would rather
use the money on a better vehicle that wouldnt have so many problems to fix so the end of the July we have to do something with it - that is when the tags
are expired - We only had a year waiver from the state we were allowed to use
it till then - If you were here I would give you a chance at it - providing
the parts were not that much Far as P by Gods grace I was free of it for 4 months now - I know
nothing to be proud of - Gods Work - Far as M cant say I havent been
tempted these last 30+ days, but, I dont want to give into it What ever happened to Randy Davis #320488?
I dont understand what happened to you - I certainly cant relate to your
situation - I have no idea - I will not say what I think is right or wrong Far as being a fool I would have to say - we are fools for Christ - we believe
in an way of life that surrenders our will to do His Will - we have faith in a
God that we can not touch, feel or have seen - yet we believe that he exists
and foolishly believe that he loves us and (to beat that) we believe he died
for us! How can others possibly believe in such foolishness - and yet God
calls us to serve him - not to serve ourselves or what we believe in or listen
to the foolishness of the worldly system of thoughts, ideas or philosophy!
When God wants us to serve him in obedience, faith and to do his will - do
we listen to him? Do our thought betray us - or our actions?
Do we think like the world thinks or wants us to think - Do we have the eyes
of Christ - do we look for opportunities of God to save a soul - to have an
opportunity to show a lost soul the light that shines in our heart for our
friend, lover and God! Or do we close off opportunities and listen to the old
ideas or philosophy that we have learned?
I hope that you will pray, ask the Lord for opportunities to save souls
that are lost in that hell hole you are in I have the temptations to serve myself and my own pleasure too - to put
aside what the Lord wants me to do and do what I want too - you see we all
live in a prison - yours is in your mind and mine is in my mind - May we open
our mind and look for opportunities to serve God and not ourselves May God bless you with his Word and with his Presence, James.
6/12/2002
Jim,
Got your question about Deja. It is a female district Attorney in
Milwaukee, WI. The name of the book was not given to me, so I am in the dark
about what to look for as you.

So it is a van that is in of fixing. What kink of van (GM Mopar, or Ford).

If GM then the van is worth saving, at least to they are. I redid a Chevy
truck (3Ton truck) then I got it sold to another place for a straight truck.
For me, repairing vehicle is enjoyment.
As far you P&M problems. They will always be there, It is up to you to do
Gods will Totally. For some reason I keep remembering something I read in a
book. It is possible it is the book Im reading now, I called The God of All
Comfort wrote by Hannah Whitall Smith. So far it is a very good. I will
continue praying for you to stay in Gods Will.
I dont know what happen to Randy Davis, I try to find out for you. To
understand my situation is even hard for me. Because of the way the prison
here in Wisconsin is ran, some time it is one big mess. Of course I ask for
no pity, I made some choices in my life to take the Lords Word as it is
meant!
At times we do find our self foolish enough to listen to the worldly
systems of thoughts, ideas or philosophy. That is when we do not listen to God
or obedience in our service to him. Our thought and our action do betray us in
God eyes. You must remember God is all knowing . So what ever we do, God know
before we can tell him. In saving soul, are not those that do not want to be
saved? And the soul and who can be saved are the one who has the hardest time
in grasping that a God can really care for them.
Any way the people behind the fences are really blind. If someone says
something about another inmate, they take that as fact. Which is really bad
because it makes that inmates snap on other people, which only causes trouble.
The reason I bring this up is because there are several inmates who enjoy
causing trouble for me. Just cause I dont go along with their way of
thinking. One is a black gay guy, I told him that God did not intent for man
to sleep with man. Now he is mad and so is gay friend. In the physical prison
the flesh is being a thing instead of a temple for the Lord.
Dont know if I told you, but a close friend had gotten a new dog.
The Dog looks like it nose has been push back in its head, but as long as she
is happy, I am happy for her. Please say a prayer for her, she had surgery
done on her arms.. Seen a photo of her arm and it dont look good. I close for
now, write more later
A friend Paul
6/23/02
Hi Paul,
Glad to get your letter again. It is a Dodge Caravan. It has a Mitsubishi
motor I believe. Ours happened to last longer then most. They usually go out
around the 100,000 mile mark, from what I hear... And we have been putting CV
joints on it since we got it about 70,000 miles ago. We just dont want to put
more money into it, because, it just doesnt seem to be a good investment.
I did get a letter from Randy Davis, he is doing fine I guess. We are finely
getting some letters back and forth.
I dont know if I have every asked you to tell me what it was like when you
received the Lord as your savior... would you tell me?

I dont remember the name of the breed of dog you described, but, I can
picture the dog. Yes, it is a funny dog to look at. But I think, that it is a
good tempered dog. I am sorry your friend had to have surgery. I will pray for
you and her. What kind of surgery was it?
I am finely on vacation for a week. Not going anywhere. I am trying to get
some projects around the house caught up. Today I need to change my oil in my
motorcycle and lube up my chain, and check the anti-freeze... Just
maintenance. I think my battery in the truck has a bad cell. I had to jump it
again this week. I have been riding my motorcycle to work, and, when I do that
the battery in the truck goes down. The terminal on the battery on the cable,
needs replacing too. But, I made it work for now.
I know that I have never asked you why you were in there, and how soon you
will get out. Really I dont care why. but, I dont ever here when or if you
will be getting out. If you dont want to share that is fine. Please dont
feel that you need too, if you dont want.
I know that the things we do in the past, well, we cant change them. But, we
can let God change us. So we are not to dwell on the past, but, look to the
future and how he is working in our life now...
In his care,
James
Paul Hanson #239299
Red Granite Correctional Institution
P.O. box 925
Red Granite, Wisconsin 54970-0925
James Listhartke
C/o Calvary Baptist Church
P.O. Box 942
Smyrna, TN 37167-0942
7/23/02
Dear Jim
Got your letter post marked June 26, sorry about the delay between my letters.
A dodge caravan front wheel drive and fair on gas mileage. Some things are
worth the investment but the caravan isnt. Worked on one two many of them,
that why I drive GM.
Happy to hear that Randy Davis made time to write you. Most of the time Randy
is busy with the garden they have here.
When I received the Lord as my Savior has been awhile now. It was thanks to a
friend who now is passed away, for he would not give up on me and prayed for
me continually. Prayer does work because things in my life is done according
to the Lords will. You dont have to feel bad my friend having surgery
because it is something that had to be done. It was surgery done on the nerve
in the arms, that is all I know.
I thought vacation was for rest with the family. I was so use to the vacation
being for my family and dating the wife as if we were young couple. Sounds
funny but dating the wife is fun, and will bring a couple closer.

I am getting released this year, just wish it was down there I was being
release out at. It is true that the past can not be changed. Yet some are
innocent and many prefer to believe the worse about some people. I hold the
same false, yet I have learned to look deeper and see another as human. I got
another cell mate and this one is better then last. He dont judge me or I of
him. So life is easier to deal with. Well I will close for now. May the Lord
keep his hand on you.
A friend Paul.

9/9/02
Dear Jim
Hope all things are going well for you and your family. Things around here is
some what different, some inmate can get away with what they want. While other
inmates are punished for the smallest thing that happens. I am sorry to hear
that Randy Davis wrote a nasty letter to you, I had hoped that Randy had more
common sense but I was wrong. Hope this will not affect our friendship.
Any way, I heard from a friend here in WI She not happy with the dog her
husband got her, guess the dog is dumber then a box of rocks. Each dog is
different, the one I gave her was trained. Also I kind of babied every dog I
had, cause they became apart of the family.
So what did you and your wife do about the van. Hopefully you let God guide
you in that area and every other area of your lifes. Form what I am told, I
maybe getting out this year, in Nov. yet I wish to stay in contact with you,
we have been writing each other for some time now. I will let you know where I
am, Wish I could come back to Tennessee. I have no where to stay down there.
God will see me through every part of my life.. So I will close for now and
hope to hear from you real soon.
Your friend Always
Paul
September 21,02
Hey Jim,
Well, I am still hanging in there. Some times I just wonder why? It is
something most of wonder, then I realize I have a family and friends. Sounds
as you enjoy watching your daughter working out for her soccer games. My
oldest son likes car racing, so we make it a father and son thing.
Sorry to hear that you had to get red of the caravan. From all the ads on
cars are very expensive. Buick is a very dependable car, and parts up here
are easy to get. Yet allot of GM cars can interchange engine parts. There a
place on the computer called www.autopart.com. This way you can find cheaper
auto parts for you cars.
The disease you wife has, I can not even pronounce. Yet it dont sound good,
so I will pray for her. She must have a real good doctor to help by changing
her meds. Put more faith in God and you finances. Sorry about you losing a
pigeon. Anyway, they young man here that wrote you, Randy Davis. Because he

keep asking me if you said anything about him. There is only one answer I can
give him and that is nothing was said to me. And I dont know what went on?
Anyway, you can always replace the rooster. A wife is forever. About being
released, there is no reason why I can not keep writing. I dont think I will
forget how to read and write. At least I will give my best in keeping in
contact with you. If you could, I been trying to find another friend without
and help her name is Linda Rogars, I lost track of her. She was in prison once
for forgery, her Doc number is #254977. So if you cold find her on the
computer, it would be helpful. Well, close for right now. You and your family
are in my prayers.
A friend Always, Paul
11/11/2002
Dear Jim
Got your letter, which is always more then welcome. I will always keep you
informed about were I am. Right at the moment I am at different address, still
holding firm to God for he is my maker. And God dont make garbage.
It sounds like its getting really cold down there. Yet I miss being down
there, the whole environment is different from up here. I still remember all
the nice people I meet there and how our letters did not take that long to
move between us. How does your daughter like the rotary soccer club so far? To
play soccer at my age I would be on the side lines more times then in the
game.
Sounds like your wife and here days are also busy. Hope your wife and daughter
will have great time in the project Linus and helping others. You keep praying
for me so I came through all the trials I have yet to go. If there is anything
else I need is prayers to give me strength where I am.
I will pray for your dad. You keep me informed how your father is doing. All
things will be according to Gods will, so may your faith and your dads faith
grow stronger in this time.
I am trying to get used to where I am now, Before everything changes. You know
I been locked up for a few year, so the world has changed. It is like just
waking up from a bad dream. But all things are possible through Jesus Christ,
who strengthens me. I thank Jesus Christ and God for a friend like you. Will
close for now write more later.
Sincerely your friend always,
Paul L Hanson
Nov 23, 2002
Dear Jim,
Here I sit once again writing you to keep you informed how I am doing. So far
I am in good mind and health, thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ. As anyone else,
I have my up and down days. The down days is when lean on Christ the most and
he carries me through them. If more people would trust in our Savior, they
would find life more relaxing. You may have another out look on this subject.
Been wishing that I had television, for the simple reason, one or two guys
control the day room television. So I miss some program I want to watch. Dont
take it that feel sorry for my self, it just letting off steam. At least I

have the use of a radio, that breaks the boredom here. I still read the Bible
and keeping in Gods word.
Here, I am allowed to smoke, even though it is not good for me. Yet, the
upside of it is, I am not as out of sorts in my moods. It should always be up
to the person if they wish to stop smoking. Yet, there is so many people
trying to manage persons life. All one can do is give facts about what smoking
can or can not do.
How did things go for your wife and oldest daughter, On their special day for
Project Linus? Any more soccer games for your other daughter? It seems that
the weather would be getting too cold to play soccer. There was some snow up
here but it did not stay on the ground. Have you got any snow down there? Hope
your back is feeling better for you. Is there car you bought, what you hoped
for? I dont know what the law is on what the state say the condition of up
keep in Tennessee. I know up here they expect cars, pick-ups, and semi-truck.
To make sure of vehicle is up to par, on tires, brakes, lights, seat belts,
etc. Each state is different.
Is your dad getting stronger after his mild heart attach? I been praying for
him. What city is your sister close too. I may have drove truck through it
when I was driving truck. I will close for now, and pray for you and your
family.
Sincerely your friend,
Paul L. Hanson
11/28/2002
Hi Jim,
It isnt a correctional institution, it is a place for those who have mental
problem. Such as anger problem, not willing to admit to a crime that person
didnt do, or sex offenders. A real nice place to not put me, they only
believe what they wish too. Yes, I have an anger problem. Which I am not happy
with, because I strike out before gaining control of my actions. I have not
given up on getting out to be with friends and family.
Happy to hear you wifes doing went well for her. Your daughter must feel good
about win all her soccer games and only game was a tied one?
We will keep praying for your dad recovery, God is with all his children who
believe and depend on him. It sounds like your sister lives in mid Wisconsin.
There is no real work around here. And that makes it bad because one, two many
trouble makers in here. So I mainly try to hide in my cell, luckily there all
single cell. Hope you enjoy your vacation. Even on vacation I found that I had
more work then I could handle But that was normal for me, I could not just sit
around the house. I couldnt take the racket of my kids, so I just separated
myself from them by working. children must enjoy their lives before growing
up, I still love my kids. But they are adults now and beginning to understand
why I like peace and quite. They children of their own. I kept telling them
that one day they would find out what their mother and I had to deal with,
when they were little. being Grandfather, I can spoil them, then send them
grand kids home. Of course my kids were not happy when I did that.
Thanks for the verses you sent to me. I looked up the verses on Guilt, and
found that anyone who changes from their wicked ways, we are pardoned. Have
you every heard of a book called find it fast in the bible. If you can find

a copy of this book, get it. You may find it very useful for your study but
the whole family or church can find something in it for every day life. What
ever this life has to offer is not ours, but belongs to God. God just lets us
have things in knowing that we are his. When we are not in good relationship,
things seem wrong. God is trying to get us back on the right path toward him
and the love he has for us.
Are you still in a art class, yet. Or is that all done with, artistic talent
is a gift. So dont ever give up on gift from God. I still once in awhile will
sit down and draw up some pictures. Have not drawing any pictures lately, but
I been thinking about drawing some pictures. Thanks for passing on the message
from Randy Davis. Never got to tell him where I was going or ended up at. I
should write to him when get more stamps and envelopes.
Take care my friend Paul L Hanson
PS When write Randy Davis, tell him I said hello.
12/6/2002
Hello Jim
May God fill every day will joy and Happiness. Keep me in your prayers
through the holidays, for you and your family are in my prayer. I am doing my
best to keep my temper in control. At least to say, it takes allot being in
place like this I will close for now, will write more Later. I wrote to Randy
Davis but heard nothing from him yet.
Heres
May it
Heres
May it

to Your Christmas...
be filled with joy!
to your New Year...
bring Peace and Happiness!

Happy Holidays
Paul L. Hanson
12/16/2002
Dear Jim
Hope everything is going well for you and your family. As always, I am in
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no better presents to be in then
the Lords. Finally got a television to keep upon the news with. Besides it
prevents arguing over the television in the dayroom, there is some who wants
to watch sports most of the time. I was never interested in sports except for
car racing. Even then, car racing can be boring at times.
Havent heard from you in a while. I am taking it you got very busy at work
and home. I can understand about not having enough time to get everything done
in a day. it was that way for me when I was home, so many things to get done,
yet not that many hours in a day. It took a toll on my health and family, just
because I had to keep busy making money.
I heard from a friend in N.C. and they got snow there. So far we have not
received any snow, it been cold and windy so far. The Lakes up here, has iced
over. The Ice on the lake dont look that thick that I would not take a chance
walking on the ice. I am still looking up the verses you sent me. Will close
for now. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Your Friend,

Paul
12/29/2002
Hey Jim,
Well, Im still hanging in there, so someone must of said a prayer for me.
No matter if we are in prison or free. Sin of some type will incage us to the
point where we are no longer doing Gods will in our life. The time you feel
that the flesh is over coming you, take it in prayer. And I will continue to
pray for you to keep the victory over the flesh.
Hope, your Christmas went well for you and your family. This place tried hard
to make Christmas as best as they could. They been playing different movies on
the weekends, but I am not into the movies they show. The travel from where
you are takes some time. Yes, it would be nice to meet you. The problem is you
have to be on my personal visitor list or they will not let you in. It is one
of their rules, which is standard for all institutions. I look at it as these
people are scared, of course a few inmates would take advantage of it. To do
more crime, which makes it hard on those who trys to make it back to their
family members.
I wrote to Randy Davis and didnt get any response from him. One guy was
transferred here and stated Randy is slow in writing.
From my understanding Randy Davis is slow in writing his own mother. He young
yet and will learn that he should of stayed close family members. Lately I
have fall behind in my letter writing, it is from boredom that I neglect to
write back. I am trying to get everything back in order in my life. I will
close for now and get this letter in the mail to you.
Your Friend,
Paul Hanson
P.S. If you wish to send a photo of your self and family. I can have picture
as long as they are not Polaroids. God Bless.
1/29/03
Dear Jim,
Have not heard from you in some
busy down there. This weather has
that all things will work out for
going well. Hope you are not over
health.

time now. I take it, that you have been

been something else this year, but I am sure
the good. I pray that everything for you is
working yourself, for it can be bad on ones

Been looking at a map and found the city where you live. It looks like it
is a suburb of Nashville? Isnt Nashville where they record country music, at
least that where Ernest Tubbs record shop is. Luckily a friend had the address
of Ernest Tubbs record shop.
Been holding my own here, yet it is not the place of fun. There so many
dumb people in here, a few inmates think they are better then others. Hate to
say it but they are no better then anyone else. A couple inmates are in Wicca
which goes totally against what the Bible teaches. They wish not to hear about
what the Bible says about worshipping other gods, we must follow the true
Living God.

How is your job going for you? Is your daughter still in soccer or any
other sports. I never was interested in sports, except for car racing. Hope
your wife is doing alright? Dont know if I told you, but I have a television.
It is a 12 black and white, yet it something to watch. All we have is seven
channels to watch, but that is alright. I will close for now and hope to hear
from you soon. God bless,
Your friend,
Paul Hanson
5/12/04
Hi Jim
Thought I send this card to you, hope you like it. Anyway, I had a couple of
things to ask you. There a friend down there whom I have been looking for,
with no good news. Her name is Serinia Smalls, and she lives in Brownville
somewhere. If you could be any help in getting her address, it would be a big
help to me. The other thing that crossed my mind was the job situation in your
area. There isnt any jobs up this way. Cause I checked out the job market in
my area and most of them was laying off their employees or they were not
hiring due to economy was bad
So far, I am still counting the time I have left in prison.. It seems like
the time isnt gone fast enough for me. But my faith in god, God will help me
through this time I have left. The weather we had lots of rain. The rain is
good for the farmers, though Im not into all this rain.
There been a lot of movement on the unit which I am housed. About three guys
went home today 5/11/04. One of them was a friend I have known for about four
years. Sad about it, yet happy to see him leave this place. We are going to
try to stay in contact with each other. Since both of us know what prison life
is really like. Sorry about such a sort letter. Ill close for now and hope to
hear from you and your family real soon.
A Friend always,
Paul L Hanson
PS if there is anyone in your congregation who wish to correspond with one
guys up here. Please let me know so I can find a true Christian man in here
correspond with them.
5/31/04
Hi Jim
Wrote two letters to you and heard nothing from you. Beginning to think that
our rain up here got your area and started floods there!! It been raining up
here for the last few days. Dont know if I should try fishing or build an ark
like Noah? In a few areas up here, there been flooding in the low line
areas. the grass has been growing real fast because of the rain.
Heard from a friend here in the southern part of Wisconsin. She been put on
restriction at work. She works twenty hours a week, because of the surgery on
her arms. She had carpal tunnel, caused by the job she was doing at her place
of work.
When I seen her last summer, I got to meet her husband and her new dog. The
dog that I gave her had to be put to sleep because of old age. The dog was

over 12 years old, and she was very attached to the dog. When she received the
little dog from me, the dog was house broken and some what trained. Any way
her new dog is small and a fur ball. He thinks he is bigger then he is.
I got revoked because they said I wont follow in the half way house rules.
The halfway house wanted full control over my life and money. They got upset
if I talked to some friends I have knew for years. Could not even to talk to
my ex-wife and to see how she was doing.
Didnt seem right on their part of being so strict on what I should do and
whom I am aloud to talk with. The impression I got was, I was not have friends
who carded about me or friends I cared about. The oldest friend I have is
ninety(90) years old. Its hard for her to get around. But she is a sweet
woman, I used to do odd jobs around her home for her. She had the nicest lawn
when I was doing it.
The woman I asked you to find, was my supervisor at the prison in Whiteville,
Tennessee.. she gave me respect when I was down there. I wanted to let her
know that I am doing alright. And to see how she was doing down there. It
seems like where ever they send me, I make friends.
It seems like this letter is turning into a book. Yet, that is alright because
I had a lot to write to you. Hope the church you are attending now is filling
your spiritual needs. And keeps you close to God and doing Gods will. My
favorite verse is James 4:10. humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and
he shall lift you up.
Will close for now. Hope to hear from you real soon.
A friend,
Paul L Hanson
PS god bless you and your family
6/14/04
Hey Paul,
Sorry I havent been feeling well last couple weeks. My mouth is in pain. Some
how I got a virus. Not from sinus, mostly in mouth. It made my gums to bleed
bad. Very painful. I was at home for 3-4 days with pain killers when it first
hit me. I missed some of my normal meetings and time at church.
I did try to find this women. I used one of your previous letters and presumed
it was a previous inmate in Texas that you told me about. Of course I couldnt
find her. Now that you provided new facts I may be able to find her easier.
I was baffled. I knew that you were writing me from a half way house the last
time I wrote you. When I got a letter back from them telling me you were not
there anymore. I had to presume you were released. So I lost hope that I would
hear from you again. When I searched for you through the Wisconsin inmates
system and found you again I was baffled - why you were there again. So when
you wrote me again it brought joy back to my heart to hear from my friend
again Thank you so much for writing.

I will write more. It does take time to receive your letters. I get them on
Sunday when I go to Church so days can go by before I get them. Please be
patient..
I dont have your last letter before me. So I dont have it to answer you
questions. When I get home I will look at it.
I wanted to write to you before another day goes by get it in the mail as
soon as possible.
Take care my friend
James
July 18, 2004
Hey Jim
Got your letter on Friday the 16th, the post mark on the envelope was July
12th. so it took your letter a while to reach me, I take it that they pony
express didnt get the new horse they needed. Sorry to hear that you been
under the weather. It is dreadful to be sick and miss out on ones normal
activities.
The woman I was asking about lives and works in Brownsville, Tennessee. And
she isnt a inmate, but someone who worked at CCA in Whiteville, when I was
there which now seem like a long time ago. The woman in Texas is in prison,
outside Gatesville from what the map show Gatesville is south of Houston
Texas..
The woman I asked you to find, was my supervisor at the prison in Whiteville,
Tennessee.. she gave me respect when I was down there. I wanted to let her
know that I am doing alright. And to see how she was doing down there. It
seems like where ever they send me, I make friends.
I was at a half way house because of the rules they had there, I did not
agreed with.. they restricted me to whom I could talk with , or visit which,
the case worker there wanted total control over my money and personal life.
Which did not go over with me. It was worse in the halfway house then prison.
When I got revoked, I didnt have your address to let you know what was going
on . so please didnt lose hope for god always s prides for us. When I got
your letter , I was shocked. Because I didnt have no way to let you know
where I was. After reading your letter I know I had respond to your letter.
So far I been able to get into another bible study through the mail. Just
started receiving a publication call the word of faith, from Kenneth Hagin
ministries they also sent a KJV bible to me, which is greatly welcomed. Still
every once in awhile I still draw pictures, must be motivated by something
that gets me thinking. Well I close for now I will be patient until it get
your next letter.
From a friend always Paul L Hanson
Ps sending you two enrollment cards of the bible study Im in and two drawings
I just finished.
8/30/04

Hey Paul,
Been a while hearing from you. You have Randys address?
Randy Davis
#320488 Oshkosh Corr. Inst
P.O. Box 3310
Oshkosh, Wi 54903-3310
Linda Rogars #254977 Gatesville, Tx Houston Emailed havent heard
Serina Smalls Supervisor whiteville (Brownsville, TN.
731-254-9400 1st facility
901-231-0465
she is not working at either of these
8/26/04
Hey Jim,
I thought I drop you a few lines to let you know I am doing alright.
At least I should be after being put on some medications for thyroid and
cholesterol. Guess my thyroid was not working right and my cholesterol level
was really high. The doctor here was afraid of me having a heart attack or
something. Unfortunately they didnt want to do anything for me at the halfway
house, they kept saying that it cost too much for the medications and doctor.
figure, the way the halfway house thought and the parole agent was no help in
any respect. Of course here in Wisconsin, prison is just a money deal, but
from the newspapers the Federal government is getting tired of Wisconsin lockem up polices.
Had some extra time on my hand, so I thought I would draw some cartoon
figures. Hope you like them, it kinda makes the writing paper more
interesting. Was celled up with a football nut. Sports is not my thing, I was
not force into doing any type of sports when I was growing up. So I never
watched any sports except for some car racing or swamp races. That is from
working around so many vehicles and being around relatives who did auto
repair.
I still keep in contacted with a friend in the southern part of Wisconsin
neither one of us have all that much to write about, yet we keep each other
informed oh how we doing. Guess her arms are still bothering her, she had
surgery for carpal tunnel. Yet, she was allowed to go back to work. I been
praying for her and knowing if I stand on Gods promise, it will be done. Got
a letter from my minister and it cheered me up, just knowing that there is
still a few people who care. It is about time to eat our last meal of the day.
So I will close for now. May god be in your daily thought all the time.
A friend always,
Paul L Hanson
PS got a new bible from Kenneth Haggin out Broken Arrow, OLK.
If you want address let me know in your next letter . Did you get any Bible
course from Lamp and Light Publisher?
Hey Jim,
While I know I sent out a letter to you last month. Thanks for Randy Davis
number and address, the last I knew he was a Red Granite Corr. Inst. Thanks
for Checking on the other two people I asked about. For how long I will be
here, it will be awhile yet. If they move me before hand I will try my best to
let you know where I am. Dont want to lose contact with you, or you to worry
if I am alright or not.

Anyway, got put in Segregation do to a fight. Some young guys in here dont
have the common sense God gave a box of rocks. Thinking that I tolerate being
struck in the mouth, they have something coming. I know it isnt what God
wants me doing is fighting. Yet I am still in the flesh and already took more
of the young mans mouth then anyone else would of. He claims to be a number
one mechanic and he never finished the 10th grade of high school. Go figure?
You ask what kink of work I can do or able to do. Dairy Farming, Drove grain
truck, auto mechanics needs refresher course in mechanics. Custodial services
or janitorial work. And done some cooking at truck stops and restaurants. The
halfway house I was at, I worked in the kitchen there. Didnt do any dishes,
cause I aint no pearl diver.
Hope that gives you some idea what I can do in work force. Before I got locked
up in 1992, was running a handy man service for the elderly people who still
lived at home. And picked up scrape metal for a business, not a clean job at
all but made money at it.
With being in Seg. Please be patient on the letters form me. Right now I am
not making any money and no one to send me any money in to get the basic
things of life. I will keep trying to keep in contact with you. Will close for
now. May the Lord keep you and your family safe.
A friend always,
Paul L Hanson #239299
9/26/04
Hey Paul,
How are things going out of segregation? I cant blame you for the things
that happened. When you were put in there again how does that work with parole
and you sentence Just curious. I am talking about when you went to the half
way house and went back to prison
Is there any that visit you? Are there any chaplains that visit the place?
Today I am at church and siting here listening to a ventriloquist. She is
sharing the gospel. There is a time of laughter and a time of seriousness.
My daughter had a game yesterday. She is on a soccer team of boys and girls.
The other team was rough. Caused fouls and hurt her team mates. They ended up
winning 4-02, not nice huh!
What do you do everyday what is it like? What do you eat?
I got the course from Lamp & Light and started it.
I am also working on a course Sunday evenings, a witnessing class. I hope that
I will learn and that God will use me to be am instrument for the gospel.
Yesterday I fixed some spaghetti with hamburger and green beans. Today I feel
like Kentucky Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans.
I am so glad when you write. I look forward to your letters. Take care my
friend, write soon,
James
PS. Tell me about your family sisters, brothers, mom, dad. What was your day
like before you got in what do you want to do when you get out? What type of
supplies do you need?

9/29/04
Hi Jim,
I thought I would drop you a few lines. And let you know that I am alright and
still hanging in there. Got my monthly publication of the Word of Faith by
Kenneth Hagin Ministries. Been receiving his publications for about four
months now, it is good reading and has a lot of information.
Just remember that my last letter to you had a slight different return address
on it. The reason for this is, the seg part the prison offers on letter a week
to be mailed out for free to the inmate. So I took advantage of their offer.
As I had stated I would try my hardest to stay in contact with you.
Got another certificate, this one ifs from Hope Aglow Ministries Inc.
In Lynchburg, VA. My final grade on the lesson was a 92%, which I feel isnt a
bad grade. So far I ha have learned more about the Bible and how to put my
question better to the chaplain here. He has been of some help to me also.
Always trying to keep up on my Bible reading, yet there is always a
disturbance in here to make one loose his concentration. Praise God, he always
helps to get my back on track.
How is the weather down there?
Any more bad rain storms in your area? The last I heard was that southern US
got his real bad with rain storms and Florida got a tropical storm. The only
bad weather I have been in is a tornado. Which is common in some areas of
Wisconsin, and one flood on the state line of Illinois, and Wisc. Never been
in a Hurricane, thank God.
Well not much more to write about at the moment. So I will close for now, may
God always be present with you and yours.
In Christ Jesus
A friend
Paul
10/3/04
Hi Jim,
Hope this letter finds you in good cheers and health. So far I am still in
Segregation, do half the time they gave me for segregation. Which 90 days. I
was placed in seg on August 29th. For every two days in segregation, one day
in add to the sentence on MR. The time I was at the half way house dont
count, it is like the short I was there I was get in prison.
There only one person on my visiting list. And it seems that she is too busy
to visit me. No big deal there. The minister I know on the street keeps in
contact with me through the mail. He had a lot to do around the church, an
endless job to say the least. He did mention something about ministerial visit
when he could find the time. I keep in contact with the chaplain that they
have here, the rest of the ministers that come in here are not of my faith..
Look at it this way. The team your daughter team played with in some way find
they error. Just pray over the matter. It says in Ephesians 6:18(amplified)
Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all
(manner of) prayer and entreaty. That came from something I read from Rev
Lynite Hagin article. I get the Word of Faith Magazine, they are kind enough
to send it too me without cost.

At the moment I am trying to keep myself from going nuts, sitting in this seg
cell. Other wise in population of the prison, I would be outside talking to a
few inmates about God and working on my faults.
The food in here is nothing I like thinking about. The food is bad, had
hamburger the other day. It was not like the one I had with friend on the
street last year. The Lamp and Light Bible Study is a good study. I have to
finish mine when I get out of the seg.
My home life when I was young was not nice at all. Had five(5) sisters and no
brothers. I was the only boy of the family. My Father was abusive toward me,
cause he wanted only girls. As far as my mother, we really never got along, it
seems there was very little time for any of kids. She felt trapped in a
marriage of no love. If they only knew that I felt unloved and unneeded. Grew
up on farm, and my dad took factory job for few years. Which did not last, he
became ill after a sister drowned at the age 13 or 14 years old.
I was married twice, have three grown kids and three foster kids. The foster
children are friends kids who really did not know their own fathers. I drove
straight truck hauling scrap metal, etc. and worked on cars and ran a lawn
care business before coming to prison. Would like to get back into lawn care
business for the elderly, up on my release. All the supplies I need, I have to
buy from the canteen here in prison. Like shampoo, body soap. Writing
supplies, envelopes and stamps. Etc. the prison canteen has all this stuff and
more, that is the only I get them I close for now take care my friend.
Paul.
Ps. It is bad when the only give one piece of paper to write on. You and yours
are always in my prayers.
11/6/04
Hey Jim,
Aint heard from ya for awhile? You must be real busy at work and doing your
bible study. How is the Lamp and Light Bible study going for you? I did some
of that study and found it very easy to understand and to do. I had to hunt up
two stamps, had to send a birthday card to a friend up this way. And get a
letter off to you, dont want you thinking I forgot about you.
Did you get anything on Linda Ragars #254977 in Gatesville , TX of yet. Dont
mean to sound like Im in a big rush, thought I would ask. I haven drove truck
through Texas, but it was summer and very hot weather.
Your last letter to me, you state you want to know more about my family. I
gave you a brief description of them , I really never talked much about m
family. My dad was a strange man, at least he was to me. It always seemed he
had very little time to spend with me. But always time for my sisters or his
brother and sister their kids. As I got up in my teens where I was able to
work after school and summers time. Then I became someone to him, because of
the money I was making. Yet I had that feeling of being unloved and not needed
except for money. I blame a lot of the money hunger from him on to my mother.
Both of my parents grow up in the depression era. Yet that no excuse for their
actions toward their children.
Im the only boy in my family had five sisters. Which was really fun to be
around, not really. My older sister also felt the bite on her purse for money

from our parent. Money was a big thing with our mother, even after my older
sister and my self move away from home.
Before being locked up in prison, I was self employed. Made good money at my
work, yet my mother hounded me for money and other items. She want me to buy
car parts for her and get her a new refig. For her and two of m sisters.
I told my mother that my wife and kids came first. I could not afford her and
two sisters bills. Surely I would send my older sisters down with a few things
for them, but it was a gift, not a handout. Sorry if I sound cold hearted to
my own family. At times a person can only do so much before turning family
down. My uncles and aunts I would do anything for, because of what they have
done for me. Maybe I was blessed by just having aunts and uncles, life is
never a total lose for anyone. Even me.
On to better things I think. Met a young man in seg. That is all fired up
about the Da Vincie Code book. He tried to get me to disregard my beliefs in
Christ Jesus. Well, he got very angry when I made the statement that God dont
lie and he is unchangeable.
Because he read a book that tries very hard to discredit the bible. And want
me to follow his ways of thinking. It nice to read book, but if one doesnt
not know what is really in the bible for the. Please read the bible and ask
question. Of course you already know the power of the Living God.
Well, I will close for now my friend. Hope to hear from you real soon
A friend always
Paul Hanson
PS here two poems I found and wrote down for you Hope you enjoy them.
Three men were walking on a wall
feeling, faith, and fact,
When feeling got an awful fall!
And faith was taken back.
So close was faith to feeling,
He stumbled and fell too.
But fact remained and
Pulled faith back,
And faith brought back feeling too.
A man may go to heaven:
Without heath
Without honors
Without learning
Without friends
But he can never get to heaven
Without Christ.
12/5/04
Hello Paul,
I had a good Thanksgiving dinner, My sister came and my brother in law. We
had Turkey, and ham, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes, green beans and
macaroni and cheese just to name a few things. For desert we had pumpkin pie,

and pecan pie. There were other things, but, I dont remember it was more
then a week ago now.
Today my whole family came to church with me. Even though my wife is not
completely over her cold she still went. This Friday the Church is having a
Christmas special.
I have to finish
that I should be
best on my tests
and over till it

my art test. It always seems something is getting the time

using for my art. Sometimes it seems so hard, I want to do my
so I take too long doing the test. I keep drawing it over
is right. I have a problem judging proportions correctly.

I want to assure you my friend that I look forward to getting and writing to
you. You are my friend and I care about you.
I havent heard from the people who I contacted to find out about the lady
in Texas. Havent heard a word maybe I have to contact them again to see what
is going on
I hope that your thanksgiving was not bad. Can you receive phone calls? I
would like to talk to you if that is possible would it be ok?
Take care my friend,
James.
11/21/04
Hey Jim,
Well it started to get cold up here. Hope the weather in your area is holding
to the warm side. How is your bible study from Lamp & Light going? Guess there
is several levels to that Bible Study, I also did a study from Hope a Glow
Ministries.
How many soccer games does your daughter have left. It was different when I
went to school. The schools up this way mainly focus on basketball, football,
and track. It could because of the winter being a lot different up here, then
is down there. Tell ya the truth, I miss being down there. The people down
there are a lot different, then the people up here. The doctor up here put me
on aspirin to help prevent a heart attack in me. Like I was not even worried
about having a heart attack in the first place.
Hope I gave you idea about what kinda family life I had growing up. Married
life wasnt much better. My ex wife wanted me to support her first husbands
son. His father did not pay child support or much cared to come and see his
son or even call him to see how he was doing. He come around when his car
needed fixed or need someone to haul something for him. I am just happy that
she is no longer apart of my life. I am trying to piece my life back together
as it is.
With the ex-wife, I already lost enough through her stupid way of thinking.
She wanted to be friend with two families that were drunks. I dont support
other people dranking habits, when I dont drank myself. Well enough of that
subject. Just thinking about upsets me to no limits. I will close for now.
Hope to hear from you real soon.
A friend Always, Paul
12/2/04
Jim,

Got your note here other day. Right after I mailed another letter off to you,
so we must have been thinking of each other. Put your mind at ease my friend,
for you have helped in more way you can count. Only wish my other friend here
in Wisc. Felt the same way. But she has problems at the moment with her arms,
something called carpoltunnel. What ever the is? Of course I am no doctor
either. Not much changed from my last letter, except 12/7/0 I will be getting
out of segregation and back into population of the prison. Hope you enjoy the
Christmas card Im sending you. I will pray for you and for your family
Your friend, Paul
PS I talked to my children, my daughter was not home. So I will prayer for her
my two sons were doing fine. Praise God.
12/27/04
Hey Paul,
Spending some time to write you, let you know I am alright
My family had a limited get together. We went to my oldest step daughter
motel. Had supper and exchanged gifts. I know that we couldnt live like that.
They didnt have any heat. It was cold in there. We stayed for awhile, then we
left.
My other step daughter was supposed to pick up her kids on Thursday night at
6PM. She had visitation rights until Friday at 9PM. We bought presents and
stuff. But, they refused to honor the court order. Who knows where they
brought the kids. Needless to say it ruined our Christmas - We had to drive
some 30 miles away just to get to their house. We were pissed.
We just had some family pictures taken at our church. I will put some old
pictures in of us anyway.
I hope this letter gets to you by new years. My hope is that you will have a
happier new year with renewed love and support from friends and family.
Hey, finely got another minute to write more. We had some running around to
do. Driving back and forth to Nashville and Murfreesboro my eyes are burning
I put a drop of stuff in but they still burn once in a while they do
who knows..
Anyway guess I need to get this in the mail.
Take care my friend,
James
12/17/04
Hey Jim,
How is holidays going for you so far? Christmas is the busiest time of the
year. As far a the question you asked, about calling here to talk to me, they
said no. I have to call you collect, the only problem is, one I dont have
your phone number and I am not sure you want me to make that long distance
phone call? But I did check it out about the call for you, I would like to
talk with you, my friend. It would sure lighten up my day for sure. Thanks for
the Christmas card, it was the only one I got this year. Beginning to think
my friend for got about me. My kids already wished me a happy holidays, even
though they are not happy about me being back in here. Can not really blame
them.

Finely out of the segregation and back in general population of the prison.
Come to find out the other inmates that started the fight is being sent to a
max prison. From what I am told this is not the first time he started a fight
hoping to get the other inmate for battery charge and more time in prison. It
is a warp way of thinking on his part. But that is the way some of these
inmates think around here, I rather see someone go home instead of spending
more time in prison.
When you mentioned what you had for thanksgiving dinner, made me hunger for
some home cooking. Got use to this northern type of cooking. Could because my
taste buds went on a trip or they fell asleep on me.. dont know which yet, do
remember the pizza my friend son made me. And it was really good, of a had my
coffee with the pizza. I am not going to worry about the food in these places,
beside I am a bit over weight as it is. Well, not much more to write about. So
I will close for now, will write more later, hope to hear from you soon my
friend.
Your friend always
Paul Hanson
Jan 2, 05
Hey Jim,
Glad you had time to write me before 2004 ran out. Got your letter on Dec 31,
so it made its way to me in time. Why is your step-daughter living in a place
without heat? There must be away of letting her know that you and your wife
are very concerned about how she is living, in a kind, loving way.
About your other step daughter. It would be wise to contact her and have a
one on one talk with her. I know that you can do it, without losing your
temper. Use parts of your past and how you feel what you did was wrong. And
how you are changing yourself by following rules and laws to the best of your
ability. The biggest part is to listen fully to what she tell you, both
partys must have open ears and minds. Means to help each other and forgive
each other faults. Yet, this is how I would handle it and Jesus taught us how
to confront each other in love and forgiveness.
Well as far as family goes, there is a time when my family step back
for the answers to our problems. So far it has worked, my grand kids
taken care of and I am in their prayers. My one friend here in Wisc.
problems with her arms. So I will just wait until she answer my last
My minister has been keeping in tough with me.
Of course I am doing a bible study. Which keeps me some what
few inmates here who think they know all about the bible. It
call, they came to get religion, where I came to prison with
still have to read, study, meditate on what God is trying to

and hunt
are being
Has
letters!

busy, there are a

is what they
religion. And I
teach me.

Well, I will be turning 50 this month. I can actually say I have seen a half
of a century. Seen cars go from full frame, all metal to almost all fiber
glass or plastic. The cars of today are very expensive to buy and to repair. I
prefer the older cars to these cards they make today.
Got some more time to write more, even though it is Sunday. Sorry to hear you
having some problems with your eyes. Something must be going around because so

far I seen the doctor here 3 times. All because of a rash on my legs and my
eyes. Never to say the less, I have more eye drops, creams and lotions then I
know what to do with. Got cream for dry skin, my hands cracked skin on my
fingers. Hard to bend my fingers when they all cracked, it is painful to bend
then. I will close for now and get this letter in mail to you.
God bless
A friend
Paul Hanson
1/18/05
Hey Paul,
Got your letters. Look forward to them. I know you sent a list of the
correspondence courses you took. I need address of them. I have another inmate
that I write too that I want to give them too.
I was a little confused as to whether you have TV or not. I thought you said
you did, but, that was before you were released. Did you manage to keep it? Do
you smoke?
Heather my daughter has soccer in fall and spring usually 10 to 15 games.
It is through the park district. This fall was not fun I think. They had no
coach at first. Then one volunteered, then he dropped out and an assistant
coach helped them.
As for step daughter Audrey she lives there because she gets kicked out of
better places. Either because of involvement with wrong people, dame to rooms,
failure to pay, etc,. it is her own fault really.
I did finely find a book by Deja Fishny Indigent defense: defending a
confession case. Crossing the detectives: putting the interrogators on trial
for $15 from National Association of Criminal Defense lawyers.
I also emailed for Linda Rogars information again still no word. Dont know
why. And I dont believe Serina Smalls ins working at Whiteville anymore and
they wouldnt tell me anything have a # 1-888-693-5455 call me Sunday
afternoon/evening the 234d or 30th. Love to talk to you, James
1/24/05
Hey Jim,
Received your letter Saturday 22. The day before my birthday, now I can say
that I have seen 50 years.
So far things around here has been going as normal as they can get. If anyone
can call be caged up like a wild animal normal. I am sending the address of
Bible studies that I have done. There is one I am still doing Lamp & light
Ministries, just sent a lesson back to them to get graded.
I had a television before my release but could not bring it with me. So I
dont know what happen to it, who ever has it I hope they are proud of them
sell for stealing it. I seen a small 5 TV for sell in Marcus catalog with a
radio built in, but no money to get it. Yes, I do smoke, some how I am making
it on that part.
Sorry to hear your step daughter Audrey was evicted form a better place. How
old is she? I had a step son who refused to hear from me about finishing high

school.. or even go on to tech. School for training. He had it in his head I

should fix his cars and give him money because I was married to his mother.
His mother did not discipline at all, it got to the point of disaster and
emotional brake down for me. And I pleaded guilty to a crime that I did not
commit.
I have no one to blame except myself for what happened. What I am saying is,
maybe find someone who could talk to Audrey and find out her standing with
making wrong choices.
Dont know the reason why they are not sending information about Linda Rogars.
Unless all the information has been sealed up because of being immigrant. I
believe Serina Smalls in from Brownsville, where ever that is. I tried twice
the number you gave and got this number is not real. You have to be on my
visiting list before I can call you. I asked one of the staff members. Will
send the visiting form to fill out and the soon it filled out mailed back to
the address on the form. The faster I will able to talk to you. Will close for
now.
A friend Always,
Paul

2/7/05
Hey Jim,
Got some quite time to write a few lines to you. How are did you get with Lamp
and Light Bible Study? So far I have done three separate studies from Lamp and
Light and a study from Hope Aglow Ministries. There was a book on Health and
Healing a church sent to me. It is a good study for a group, If you are
interested I will hunt up the place you can get the book.
Things around here, has not changed. Well, except for the weather and that is
always changing. In the photo's you sent, who is the other young lady Robin?
There is a lot to say but unable to say anything at the moment. Because of
this place reading the mail. All I can say is, the public would be shocked at
the things which goes on in these places. The biggest criminals here are the
staff members. For some reason I came up missing two magazines from Kenneth
Hagin Ministries. It called Word of Faith, it is a monthly magazine. I check
with the place that sent them and they mailed them out me, but I never
received them. Sad to say someone isn't being truthful around here.
Well, I turned 50 years old on January 23. I can honestly say I have seen a
half a century now. Have seen a lot of things change over the years. Morals of
the people has changed from trusting each other to self center and self
pleasing. The worst part of it all, is the Yankees are the worst of the lot.
It is bad up this way when a white woman has sex with the black race. Knowing
that all the black males wants to do is to use them for self gain. I do not
know where you stand on interracial marriage or dating.
Well, finally got a letter from my friend in southern Wisconsin. Guess the
contractor did not finish the garage that he started. So she is upset about
that. Otherwise she is hanging in there.

Her oldest son and girlfriend is having a baby, she going to be a grandma
again. She only 50 years young.
The bible study list is sent to you are the major ones I have done. Set free
prison Ministries is the one that is in length. It also rises material from
Emmaus Bible College and Moody Bible college. The one I enjoyed doing was the
one out of Mail Box Correspondence. At one time Mail Box gave a free Bible out
at the end of completions of their courses, King James, large print bible It
is a Bible because of all the reference it contains in it.
A couple of inmates here are trying their best to get a pen pal of girls under
age it is sad. I refused to give out any address of friends I write. It is not
worth losing any friends because of their stupid nasty letters. Well, I close
for now. Hope to hear from you soon
A Friend Always
Paul

2/28/05
Hey Paul,
How are you doing? I am doing ok Picked up a part time job on Saturdays to
make some extra cash. My wife has been helping me. We work at the local
newspaper shop where we stuff the Sunday Papers. Yesterday we stuffed about
1000 papers.
We are in the process of switching churches. One that is hopefully closer to
home. We want a good youth group for our teen, so we are looking for a good
church. I am also hoping for a good men and womens ministry in that church. I
would like one that I can grow and be a better man and husband for my wife.
I wish I had some spare time to spend with my music or art. Today I fell
asleep again this afternoon. I used to be able to sleep in on the weekend a
little.
Sorry for not writing to you more. My computer was having problems and I cant
afford to have it fixed yet. Some days it has been slow at work and some days
busy. I dont have a lot of spare time to do things I would like. Guess I have
to eliminate some things that I am doing so I have some time.
We are having problems with a lot of debt. We are taking a finance class at
one of the churches.
I dont know what I can say far as what is going on here on the outside
there isnt anything new out here. there is always new technology stuff that
is coming out but, is it really helping us? Or hurting us?
I think the best things that could help us to be better people only come from
a loving and merciful God.

More later,
James
3/15/05
hey Paul,
I wanted to send you a quick note. I am going to a new church in Smyrna.
Please write to me there:
James Listhartke
C/o First Baptist Church
506 Legacy Dr
Smyrna, TN 37167
I dont remember what picture I sent. My first thought was my wife Robin I
will get you some new current pictures I have on eof my family now.
I am glad that you are keeping up with your courses. I havent had any time.
It took a while to get a hold of the pastor. He took of to India on a missions
trip and got back this last Sunday that is when I asked him if I could get
my mail here. It is a very contemporary church. The services have a band with
drums, guitars, and keyboards. Stuff like that. But, I sense a love for God
and a willingness to reach out to the unsaved which is good. They are a good
size church with an attendance of 1500/week. Bug huh! But they are a friendly
and comfortable group. They dont seem rich and stuck up. They are down to
earth and helpful. A good place to grow.
God bless my friend,
James

March 6, 2005
Hey Jim,
I got your letter 3/5/5 and was happy to hear from you. Been having a slight
problem in receiving any of my mail here. I have complained about it, yet it
falls on deaf ears, they always have some type of excuse to give. Now the
chapel and property wants a list of bible correspondence courses that each
inmates is doing. Tried to tell them that the bible study I am in, is a free
course supplied to those who wishes to enter them. It is very upsetting to say
the least when they try to stop a person from studying the word of God
You ever think about getting ordained? It isnt that hard to do and most of it
is the studying the bible. And the different functions of church and pastoral
duties. That is the reason I have done so many studies Hope you find a church
thats closer to home, it save travel time and the card repairs. Read a couple
of books from Joyce Meyer, which are very well written.
When one thinks he/she needs spare time , is when they miss out on things God
has planned for the. Usually I have the most time on my hands is when I am the
busiest doing something. God can make time for us to do everything that needs
to be done, even time to enjoy our hobbies. The bible study I am doing seem to
be getting more and more in-depth in the bible. Just finished a lesson and
sent back in, it be my fourth certificate from them.

Another inmate here received a study from Lamp and light, for some reason he
trough it out. Form his actions he is a half a load short, he got a few wires
crossed.
Hope the course your taking for you finances is helping we all get in to debt,
but it how we handle the problem.
It sounds as technology is moving faster then man is. Is technology good for
us? In some ways it is and other ways no. it been fore warned about
advancement of man and how it can and will be our down fall. The more advanced
we become, the less we look at God and Gods will for us. I will try very hard
with the help of the Holy Spirit to seek Gods will for my life. Well, I will
be closing for now. Keep your eyes upon the Lord. I am sending Joyce Meyer
address and phone no. She has several book she wrote that are like study, hope
you are able to check into them.
Your friend from up north,
Paul Hanson

March 18,2005
Hey Jim,
Got your note today. I was surprised when I looked at the mail list and my
name was marked. It seems that this place has been missing with the mail for
the last couple of months. And here is no apparent reason for it, to be
returned or with held from us inmates. They are also making us tell them what
bible studys we are doing, even though the studys I do are free studys for
the asking.
I wrote you a letter around 3/7/05 and mailed out to the last address I had
for you. Hope you did received it?
Anyway, I am doing all right so far. The doctor here put me on blood pressure
pills and increased my thyroid medication. Beginning to feel like a pharmacy.
Plus have to take a aspirin a day and cholesterol medication. I can see the
cholesterol meds because my cholesterol was well over 311 count.
Finished the fourth set of studys from Lamp and Light Ministries. Just
waiting on the test to be returned with the certificate and the next set of
lessons. The lessons get a little harder on each set of lessons. Hope you are
doing well with your lessons from Lamp and light ministries. Also read three
good books. Two of the books are written by Joyce Meyer and one by James P
Gills, MD called worry: a thankful heart. I am sending the address of both of
them to you. Just in case you wish to write them or pass the address to
others.
Here it is the 18th of March and we are getting a load of snow dumped us. May
as well hibernate when it snows up here.
You heard anything on Linda Rogers of yet? You said something about your
computer being down or needs fixed. As soon as you here anything about Linda,
let me know. Well, I close for now and get this in the mail to you.
Your brother in Christ,

Paul
PS here a cartoon I did, it suppose to be a card.
4/10/05
Hey Paul,
I got your letter you wrote on March 18th today. The church called me when
they got it which was nice. I havent had the time to get there to pick it up
until today. I talked to the church secretary and she will put them in My
Sunday School class folder at least they will not be lost and I will get
them in more of a timely manner
Yes I think I did get your last letter from the other church. This transition
has taken a lot longer finding a nice church to go to. I apologize for that. I
or should I say we needed to find a church that all of us would be
comfortable with I am 45 today - my birthday I want to spend more time
doing the things that are important this new year for me that includes
working my programs and writing, calling my friends and family I have been
reluctant to fill out the sheet for visitors list that you sent me. I have
never asked you why you are in there so I am concerned, it really doesnt
matter I guess the toll free # I gave you would call our personal phone and
still maintain some anonymity I want to be honest with you so you know where
I am coming from. Nothing personal, but, I treat all those I write to from
prisons the same. For our protection. Especially those in for life that
doesnt mean I dont care about you and dont love you as a brother
Randy was released this year and doesnt write me anymore he is probably in
Wisconsin some where my guess.
I cant find any information about those people you want I end up in a dead
ends no info sorry I did try even phone calls, but, they dont want to
give information out.
I appreciate your letters and so look forward to them.
One reason I dont like writing is because my eyes have got so much worse
things are blurry when I write and when I ware glasses they give me headaches
I wish I had young eyes again.
I love your little drawings they are really good. Thanks
There are so many things that are on my list to do or have to do and then so
many things I would like to do I need to specialize cut down on all the
things that I do
Please pray for me that I will do more of what is important and what god wants
me to do. I have work that is pulling my strings to better myself, family,
my recovery programs, my own desire to learn which pulls me all in different
directions that I dont know what way to turn there doesnt seem to be
enough hours in a day to do anything some day sThen there are the day today tasks and emergencies that come up. Repair this,
do that, read this, type this pay this, it gets to overwhelming
I would love to spend time in the correspondence courses that I have.
Work on my music, art, bible courses and such. Oh by the way I was ordained
a reverend by the universal life church back in Nov. 2001 though some what
honorary it is something that I like. Anyone can be ordained all that is
needed is sending in an application then its done

I know all about medications. I am on blood pressure and allergy meds my BP

is quite normal now I dont know how my cholesterol is my doc has never
mentioned it when I have had my physical done so I assume it isnt bad
It is spring here in Tennessee now today and yesterday are finely sunny oh
my truck needs your loving touch wish you were here to work on it.
Guess this letter is turning into a book and need to say later..
May God bless you with his presence and love my friend.
Take care
James

April 16th 2005

hey Jim,
The got your letter post marked the 13th. Just got done writing a letter to
buy minister and sent a recipe for Sun choke pheasant, to him hope you will
try it or pass the recipe around the congregation, because their aid pheasant
farm not that far from the church. Glad that the Secretary will put my
letters to you, in your Sunday school class folder. I was ready to write to
you and see if you and your family was all right.
It is none of my business, but for you raised as a Baptist? I was raised in a
Lutheran Church, but I switched churches because of having to wear a suit.
Something about a suit and tie that is very uncomfortable to me, besides God
don't look at how we dress. God sees the inside of the person, so I was told
by a minister when I was 22 years old. It is always good to have a church
that the whole family is comfortable with, and can get a lot from the sermon
being by the pastor. A belated happy birthday, which mean you were born in
1960, got five years on you.
Well finding time to do the right things that are important, can be done if we
take it to God and God and prey. I may not think I have time to do important
things, somehow they get done, God handles all things. At times I get behind
in my letter writing somehow guide provides the time for me to write the ones
I care about.
The visitor list is to be filled out so I can get you of my visitor list, you
don't have to visit me. It is so they can check the number out, after that I
will be able to call you. It is just another way of controlling whom we can
call and talk to. They say they don't want the inmates calling their victims.
I have no reason to call anyone that is involved with my case. I'll let the
court systems do that, it save me a lot of headaches. I can understand your
concerns and wanting to protecting your family.
Glad to hear Randy got released from prison. Really cannot speak for why
Randy don't write you or his actions, yet he is still young. One day he will
learn that friends are important to his life, as long as he learns to pick the
right people to be friends with.
Don't feel bad about not finding any information about Linda or Serena. I
sent a letter out to Linda, just waiting or the response from her. Just hope
it not the same Linda that I corresponded with a few years before. That young

lady started to have some feelings toward me, that was not what I'm looking
for at that time. I had a bad experiment with my ex-wife, which set of bad
taste in my mouth for any type of close encounter with a female for a few
years. I think I'm over it now, still ready to run when it comes to marriage.
Your appreciation toward my letters is a complaint. It makes me feel needed,
thanks. Even though I don't see how you can make out my handwriting or figure
out some of my Miss spelled words. One friend said I had the best handwriting
she's seen for a man. Don't know if that is a complement or a excuse for her
bad handwriting or both? I always look forward to hearing from you.
Maybe you have the wrong prescription of glasses. Your glasses should not
give you headaches. I cannot see to read or write otherwise I can do without
them. Of course bold printing Bible helps reading God's word. Yeah, it's
called cheating but it works in reading the word.
The drawings by ones in a while do, writing paper is to Nancy up the letter.
At the idea from another friend. We used to draw all kinds of things on her
letters to me, it cheered the letter up. It always have put a smile on my
face when she did that. That was when I was young and foolish. I draw to
keep from getting to stressed out and to keep in the habit of drawing
different thing. Lately, I haven't done any type of drawing, just haven't
been in the mood to do any drawing.
When you start to feel like things are pulling you apart, just talk and start
praying. At times it seems as God don't hear is, but God is way ahead of us
and already working on the problems we have.
Satan is always trying to separate those from our heavenly Father. We read
the part where Jesus was tempted by Satan, or your wife can read it to you.
The art and music can be set together, art is drawing of a sole singing.
Music is an art of tunes and songs on paper, and songs about anywhere. I was
ordained back in 1997 by the same place as you are. The other place that
ordained a person is PULC. Box 2762 65 -- G., Sacramento, California. 95827
for www.pulc.com. Hope this other address is helpful to you. Actually you
are ordained for life and can ask you will see for application to start your
own church. All that is needed is your ministerial license the Secretary and
treasurer. I have to finish filling out the application to have my own
church.
It cannot make up it up this way, it's going to be spring or winter. One day
in sunny and warm, the next day it's cold and raining. Don't think the
weather up here can make its mind up. I am tired of taking pain killers for
back pain, and the midst don't seem to take the pain away. The muscles in my
back not up so that it is painful to move some days. Never felt this bad when
I worked on cars, trucks, and vans engines. My mind was always on the job of
getting the engine running right, not on pain of cuts or my hands or my back.
My blood pressure has leveled out, it's what they call hypertension. The next
time I see the doctor, there is something I am going to be asking about
hypertension. I'm always curious about thing when I comes to my health. The
note that Dr. sent me, my blood tests came back good so my cholesterol must
be down where it should be. But cannot figure out what my weight has
increased, heaven change my eating habits none. Just eat a little more greens
than usual. That shouldn't cause me to gain weight. What is wrong with your
truck? What to doing as far as the engine does, or is it the transmission,
rear axle, breaks or exhaust? What model is it? Hopefully, it is G. M.

I don't mind long letters, it makes my letters to you longer. I just

remembered a very close friends said she found a directory that list people
like a phone book she said Serena Smalls was in Brownsville but the number
that is listed as a fax number so you may want to contact the one in
Brownsville, Tennessee. Or I'll wait until I get out. Well, better close for
now and it is in the mail to you. I hope you like the card. A
brother in Christ,
Paul L. Hanson
In case I haven't told you lately I'm really glad were friends from a brother
in Christ Paul Hanson
hear is a couple of riddles for you. Question: what to you get when you
cross and orca with a SUV? Answer: 4 whales drive
Question: what's an orca's favorite TV show?

Answer: whale of Fortune.

April 25th 2005.

Living is not enough...
Hans Christian Anderson

One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.

humble your self in the site of the Lord: and he should lift you up.
10

James 4:

hope this card brings warmth into your daily life and days to come. May our
friendship continue to grow and strengthened with every passing days and
years.
A friend always,
Paul L. Hanson
April 23rd, 2005
hey Jim,
got some time and thought I would write to you. By now you should be
finishing reading the small book I wrote to you. Just finished another Bible
study, got so far 5 certificates. In an able to find a book by the title of "
in the whales belly ". I checked at the prisons main library at the chapel
library, without any luck. The chaplain here is of no health to us inmates.
He claims he has no idea of where the book can be found, yet, I am feeling he
just here to collect a paycheck. About every book in the chapel library was
donated by inmates.
Heard from my minister on the street. I guess a couple of guys from the
halfway house, started to attend his church. I pray that they are able to
stick to going to church, because church in prison is totally different than
church on the streets.
Finally got my wrist bracelet for my right arm. Hope the helps to slow down
this carpal tunnel. What they tell me about it, it caused by using my hands
so much fixing car engines. Now, I wish I back working on cars. Wouldn't be
so bored out of my mind. Of course been around these childish inmates don't
help my blood pressure. There is want to be any gang banger in here, who

make time for everyone else times harder to do. I have never belong to a
gain, nor did it never cross my mind to join a gang.
The address I sent to you in my last letter for ministerial license. Maybe
connected with U.L. C., I'm not sure if they are a part of each other. Finely
sat down and wrote to Linda, just waiting to hear from her. Don't have
nothing but time to wait to hear from her. I wish I had Desire'e Shaw numbers
because she is at the same place as Linda. I felt comfortable writing
Desire'e to because she likes about the same things as I do. It is hard to
find a woman who likes strong coffee, and mud bogging. Or working on cars for
farming, she worked on beef farm, where I was raised up on a dairy farm. You
can see I got to know Desire'e very well, wrote to her for about 5 years.
Any way, a cold front is moving through up this way. Kind a miss the warm
weather already, even if it was only a few days of warm weather. It seems the
weather when I was young, was a whole lot different. Or I am just getting
old. There a few who will go outdoors without any coat on, and it is cold.
If they get sick, it is of their own doing. Hope this cold snap hasn't
reached your area. It's been a long time since I've passed through or even
anywhere near Nashville. Heard they took down the building where the grand
old opera was. And put up a new building for it. Wouldn't mind getting a
look and it one of these days. Always enjoyed the country music.
Not everyone enjoys the same music, or matter fact anything else. If we did,
it can be a boring world. Been catching up on some of my reading that I have
been wanting to do. Found a book here in the unit library, is called
"supernatural tales". Some or most of the short stories are fairy tales,
something one would hear around Halloween. So you can imagine, I'm laughing
at the tales in the book. It is hard to believe that anyone could belief in
where wolves or vampires. At least it is entertainment as far as reading
goes.
Did you ever find out where Randy Davis was released to? Usually the inmates
locator tell where and in the been released to, unless he went directly home.
Randy really wasn't much for letter writing, I don't think he wrote much to
his parents. At least he didn't when I first got to know him. Well I close
for now, so I can mail this letter off to you, my friend. Hope the card is an
enlightenment to you.
A friend always,
Paul Hanson
Hey Paul,
Got your two letters and cards thank you. I appreciate your cards and time
to take to write and communicate. With this last set back from you last
release how much longer are you going to be in there?
I didnt know you were ordained too! Yeah both those places are the same
ULC. Dont know why they have a separate address. How is it you know internet
locations you have internet access?
I was raised in a independent Bible church. Been to Nazarene churches and
Baptist. Both independent Baptist an southern Baptist.
Hope you get your blood pressure and food under control.

Working again on correspondence courses.

Spent some time scanning in pictures into the computer next time send you
some.
They had a layoff at our company. They let one of the engineers go. Kind of
scary makes on e wonder how long my job will last
Your friend,
James Listhartke

5/9/05
Hi Jim,
Got your letter, post marked May 6. That time Im doing now is just minor set
back. Hopefully I should be out in August of this year. Even when I do get
released once again I will keep in contact with you and your family With your
approval!
To my understanding ULC Expanded to take care of their operation. Some of the
address came with internet locations. There is not internet access in her, yet
one other person I know has a computer yet no fax machine. So there a lot I
can not do, computer is one of them.
I was raise Lutheran, after I was eighteen I started to attend a Pentecostal
church. Been thinking of going back to the Lutheran church. Some of the
protestant churches just scares me, the way they conduct their services.
From what the doctor says, its hypertension. Which make my blood pressure go
wako.. I have a feeling the tension come from being around so many men who
acts like children. Then the worry about carpal tunnel and cholesterol level,
gets to be a lot on ones mind. Im too young to feel this darn old.
Glad to hear your working on your bible correspondence course once again. How
far are you in it?
So far I have gotten five lessons done and working on number six. Have a lot
more to do in it. Finally got a bible course I sent for over 5 month ago. Lamp
and light has a catalog that has some things in it that are useful. All you
have to do is you would like their catalog. Their fax number is 505-632-1246,
this number came off the catalog.
Well, I will pray you dont loose your job. God know all about our worries and
what our needs are! Will bee looking forward to the pictures, I still have
the one you already sent me. Ill close for now and get this letter in the
mail to you
Your friend

Paul Hanson
PS have a new bible address for you
Christ truth Ministries
P.O. Box 610
Upland CA 91785
Hope this address is useful to you.
5/25/05
Hi Jim,
Its been a couple of weeks since my last letter to you, so I thought I would
drop a few more lines to you. Things around here hasnt changed very much,
except different faces. It is non stop thing of new faces and different
outlook on life. Ran into a inmate that was at Whiteville when I was, we have
sat and talked some. Mainly about the staff members we could remember down
there. We agree that doing time at Whiteville was a lot easier then up here,
got treated more like a person then a pay check.
Just finished the sixth lesson in Lamp and Light and mailed it off to be
graded. There is fourteen lessons in the whole course. You may have noticed
that they bring up a lot of things from the Bible that the church dont do.
Such as feet washing, closed communions, etc. of course I do not know how far
you got in the study! The other Bible course from New York takes a long time
to get a response from , even after the first lesson has been done and sent
back to them. Im not sure it is worth doing! Ill give it a chance and see if
their Bible study gets more in detail!
Well, the weather up this way has certainly prove it will change very quickly.
One moment it is warm, then it clouds over and cools down. Too the point where
it feel like it wants to snow. It has been a wet month so far, just makes me
wonder what June is going to be like. Hope the weather were you are, has been
little better then what we have .
One inmate here was asking about a female prison some where around Nashville,
Tennessee. I could not answer him about it, because I didnt know anything
about it. Guess he is writing some female thats in prison down there. The way
my luck is with males in prison, it looks grim in getting any type of response
from the. Texas prisons are not allowing any correspondence with other inmates
from any other prison. From what I hear, a few females inmates in Texas where
hitting guys up for money. Which is believable, cause a few inmates here do
the same thing. Trying to get females or males to send money to them. I dont
grasp the train of thought on begging for things, it no body fault that Im in
here. Except my own.
Dont know if I told you, but my minister writes me once or twice a month. To
keep me informed about whats happening at the church and at the half way
house. The minister is a good person and he seems to try to keep in contact
with me. Really dont see how he does it with all the things he has going at
the church. And he also visit some guys out at halfway house, home visits, and
the county jail. When I was out there on the streets, I was trying to get my
parole agent to let me attend church. He wasnt going to hear it, cause Im
suppose to be bad person.

Was there anymore lay off where you work? What kinda work do you do? Of course
it none of my business and you dont have to tell me. I believe I told you
what I was trained in, and the other jobs I had. Doing work on a dairy farm
isnt all that hard to do, there is some people who couldnt milk a cow if
their life depended on it.
Got a letter from a very close friend of mine. Some how the innocence project
in New York sent a form to me at her address. She wrote me letter and sent
the form along with her letter, so I had to fill the form out. Hopefully they
can do something for me. God must have intervened on my behalf. I close for
now and get this letter off in the mail to you. I pray that God will continue
to do wonderful things in your life.
Your friend always.,
Paul
PS if you find time could you look up a Kirt R Donaldson #319146 and see what
it says about him, he keep hiding why he is in prison
I found a Kirt R. /Reid/Red/Redlander Donaldson #319046 listed in the same
facility that Paul is in. No idea what
He is in for. (just like Paul) DOB. 3/14/77
6/24/05
Hi Paul,
I got your letter and enjoyed it. I have been on a vacation well a trip to
Illinois and Wisconsin. At one time I was about 50 miles from you. I was
visiting my mom and step father. I always imagined that the facility was more
south eastern Wisc. Not on the west side.
We went because my wife was there to celebrate her parents 50th wedding
anniversary. So we also visited my family and friends too.
One thing I hate to travel such a long
dads then another 3 hours to my moms in
restful and not much of a vacation, but,
again. It made me realize the importance
that are not eternal.

distance. It is like 10 hours to my

Wisconsin, driving all over is not
I was glad to see family and friends
of relationships over stupid projects

My certificate from my Cherokee language course should be here in a month I

hope.
Did I tell you that I have been also taking a course from the catholic church:
I finished two chapters and took two tests so far.
Anyway my trip was about 2 weeks and I got home late Tuesday. I took one more
day to recuperate at least that is what I planned. Caught up on errands and
such.. after work yesterday I was so tired I took a nap then I had problems
going to sleep last night. I think it is catching up with me again today
I brought my cat in for a little bit and let my chickens out scrounging
they need that too.
I did find Kirt R #319046 aka ray/red/redlander DOB 3/14/77, but, other then
that nothing just like I didnt find anything on you. They dont release
that to the public. Only the sex offenders have there own registry that the
public can access.

So this pints me to do thing like doing my art or practice my music or spend

more time with relationships of my friends and family.
When I was visiting with my friend that I have known since 3rd grade I
realized that there is many things that I dont know about him and his family.
What I have to figure out is what am I going to eliminate. I love to learn new
things. The problem is I want to learn too much, too soon, or too often. It is
robbing me of energy. I just dont have the time and energy to do so much
anymore.
I have let my art studies go for way to long and other things that dont mean
that much take my time. I get involved with things with my computer and find I
dont have much time for anything else and for what
I really need to put my best foot forward and write to my friends too. That
includes you of course. I really like the art doodles that you do. They show
skill and creativity. I tried once to doodle cartoons even bought a book ,
but, some how never latched on to it.
I was too critical of what it looked like and it never really interested me
then. I was going down a different road. Since then I discovered I like to
draw and probably like doodling too.
I was thinking if I showed up at your facility if they would let me visit if I
said I was a minister seeing that I am or if they would still want time to
be on your visitors list
Take care my friend,
James
6/16/05
Do you ever get the feeling that someone is thinking of you?
Its me!
May this card bring a smile of light into your life. And the enjoyment of
knowing the Lord and all he has done for us! From a friend always
Paul L. Hanson
6/16/05
Hey Jim,
Have not heard from you in a while now, so I thought I better drop a few
likes to ya. There has been a lot of movement here, so inmates going to other
units and some going home. One inmate I talked with went home, in a way I
kinda miss his humor. It brightened up a dull place, and he made me laugh at
things that is depressing.
Heard from a my friend, who is a paralegal. Somehow the innocence project
became aware of my case. So hopefully they will do something for me, pray for
me about this.
The 20th I have to see the doctor about my hypertension and get a cyst
removed. I think the cyst is a ingrown hair, yet I will let the doctor take
care of it. Finally got a hair cut, now I can use less shampoo on my hair.

Got a suntan, but now my arms itch like everything. Of course one medication
Im on states I am suppose to avoid suntans. I really dont like being trapped
inside on a nice sunny days.
Got six lesson books done from Lamp and light. Working on number seven lesson.
They sent a catalog to me upon request, because the chaplain could not tell
me where I could find the book I was looking for. From the way the chaplain
acted, he really didnt care about what I was asking him. Ill close for now
and get this in the mail to you.
A friend
Paul
PS hope you could find something on Kirt Donaldson for me
Sending a few enrollment forms for Lamp and Light
7/3/05
Jim,
Hope you like the card, it was just laying around. So I thought I would mail
my letter with the card. Has Randy Davis ever contact you so far, after being
released from prison? Linda Rogars must have been released from the Texas
prison. I have to wait to write to Desiree Shaw. I lost her DOC numbers
Write more later.
Some days its tougher to hang in there than others
A Friend Always
Paul L. Hanson.
7/4/05
Hi Jim,
Got your letter and family photo on the first of July. Thank you for thinking
about me well you were up this way. Being this far up in Wisconsin is hard on
my other friend to make the trip. And she lives here in Wisconsin, she is
working steady and busy with her two sons and husband. The last few weeks have
been busy around here. A friend left here to the county jail them home, but we
plan to stay in touch with each other.
I take it you couldnt handle driving semi trucks. Cause there a guy is always
on the road, anymore I dont think I could take the long hauls. Probably
could handle the short hauls without any problems. Yet I would always be
thinking of those things I need to be getting done at home. How hard is the
course for Cherokee Language? The reason I ask is, some of my relatives are
native Americans. So far I have learned some German, just enough to get by on.
Very few people up this way speak German.
Hear last month I had a cyst removed from the side of my face. It
when she removed it, but a lot of drainage of stuff. It took four
close it up. Im glad to have it removed. There was a lot of cyst
skin, the doctor allowed me to see the stuff she had removed. Yes
female doctor at this prison. Actually she is a good doctor.

didnt hurt
stitches to
under the
we have a

Thanks for Kirt Donaldson, cause another inmate in here thinks he can get any
information on anyone he wants. Now I know better and found out he is a liar
about things I will be on guard. Some of the things he has stated, as he out

ran a tornado on a dirt bike seemed out of line. He also stated that one
didnt have to replace a timing gears and chain when it jumps 180 out of
time. I really knew better then that, the engine wouldnt start or run.
What course does the catholic church offer? They had a class to become
catholic but that is not for me. How many chickens do you have? And what kind
of breed of chicken?
There is very few things in here to do, except writing letter, bible studies,
or watching television. The programs or class they set up here. Such as AODA,
SOT< Deniers, and educational is a joke. The staff members already has the
name of whom they are not going to pass.
Thanks for liking my drawings. I was the only one out of six children in my
family who could draw. A couple of my sisters tried art class in school but
failed the course. They could not grasp the idea of taking ones time in art,
or art is a object of ones own ideas. art come to me as second nature and a
lot of family and friends like the doodling I do. Dont be so critical of
yourself, it only slows you up when it come to art.
As far a s showing up here at the Facility as my minister. I think you would
have to call ahead of time and arrange the time for the ministerial visit.
Otherwise you would have to be on my visiting list to get in, to see me.
The way this facility keep changing the rules to suit themselves, the inmates
dont know one minute to the next what is going on. Well, I will close for now
so I can get this letter in the mail to you. Thank again for the picture and
hope your fourth of July goes well for you.
Take care my friend
Paul
8/7/05
Hi Paul,
How are you doing today?
I hope that you will be in good spirits and health when you get this. I am
doing fine today We have our grand kids at our house for the weekend. They
went to church with me this morning. I didnt get to sleep early last night.
It seems that I dont get much sleep at times. When I go to sleep I dont feel
like I get much sleep and rest. I always feel tired.
I did work
portraits.
need to go
practicing

on my last lesson exam and mailed it. Now my lesson is working on

I need to spend time going through the lesson material today. I
through the lesson in a week and spend the next week or two
what I learned. And, then I need to work on my test and submit it.

8/14/05 Sunday
Last Thursday night I was over tired and couldnt get to sleep and sleep good.
I got up to do something. I finely did get to sleep, but, sure not ready when
the alarm went off.
My daughter is starting high school tomorrow. She will be a freshman. Big time
in her life. She is moving up to the big time.

I dont know what to say to you sometimes. I know that your parole or what
ever you call it is coming up for you. When you get out what are you going to
do? Past the half way house what would you do?
So often my pride gets in they way and I resent others that do things to me or
try to control me in anyway but, I have learned acceptance as talked about
in the Big Book pages 417, 418 that God is in control and that I have to
believe that he has put them in my life for a reason that I dont see. It is
my attitude that needs to change.
Your friend,
James
8/17/05
Hey Jim
Beginning to think you forgot about me or you got real busy down there. Im
taking it you got busy with everything there and just have not had time to
write. It has been the same around here, except we did get the rain we badly
needed. The grass was in a bad way, turned all brown. Now it is back to green
color. Not sure if the grass will ever get fullness as it did have earlier
this year.
Havent heard anything from two other friends of yet. Maybe both of them have
forgot how to write or they are doing something else. All I know for sure is
the days are getting shorter and God cares for me. Had to take one lesson
over in Lamp and Light Bible Study. It is a four book study thats not on the
list of studys, which is alright with me. I will just redo it. Dont
remember if I told you, but I had a cyst removed from the side of my face. It
only took about forty-five minutes to be done. I feel more comfortable with
the cyst removed, cause for a while I was beginning to think it was more then
a cyst. Finally got taken off cholesterol meds., because I could not be in the
sun. Both of my arms got sun tanned and blistered up, it looked real bad. It
is finally clearing up with the help of Antibiotics ointment. Blood pressure
is down do to blood pressure pills, still feel like a darn drug store.
Hope it hasnt been warm there, as was up this way was for a while. Have you
seen the Grand old Opera since they redid it? Heard it is, in a new location
now? Wish I could see it as at least pictures of it. Heard they used the
seats, at some of them and other parts of the old building. Always liked
country music and polka music. of course that was they type of music my
parents listened too. I will close for now. Hope to hear from you soon my
friend.
Your friend always,
Paul
PS the time you get this letter, I should be at the halfway house again. The
address there is 203 W sunny lane
Janesville WI, 53546-9091
9/8/05
hey Jim,
Got some time to write to you. The state of Wisconsin had decided I have not
done enough time, so here I sit yet. Been moved over to:

Wisconsin Resource Center

P.O. Box 129
Winnebago, Wi 54985-0129
Paul L. Hanson 990358
This way you know where I am. Im fighting for my freedom and it is a long
road. So pray for me that I win.
Finally got a letter from a friend here in Wisconsin. Found out she is a
grandma again, her oldest son has another son. She still writing for her
youngest son and his wife to have their first born. Im a little more relaxed
now, because Im away from the room mate I had. He was a Muslim and thought he
religion was the best and the correct one. Still studying the Bible study from
Lamp and light. Each study seems to be harder then to last one.
Hope things have been going well for you and your family. Wish I could be down
there to help you out. But that is another detail that has to be worked out
somehow. Im sure tired of how this state treat people up here. Seen a lot of
innocent men in prison for hear say and there was no crime committed.
Gave one inmate the address to the innocent project, hopefully he will write
to them. He went for a by-pass surgery here last month, so I have been praying
for him. Well, I will close for now. Hope to hear from you real soon
Your friend Always,
Paul
May God bless you every day.
9/23/05
Hi Jim,
Im in fairly good spirits, but the health part I am not so sure of! With all
the medication Im on, it hard to say Yet I am still living.
Did your grand kid keep you busy over the weekend you had them. Sounds as you
have a lot of stress in your life and it is interfering with your sleeping
habits. You may want to get a check up from your family doctor, and see what
he thinks. Because stress can cause high blood pressure or something more
worse, dont mean to scare you.
Portraits are hard to do, I was never any good at portraits. Drawing animals
are easy to do but when it come s to human figures, things dont work out
right for me. But I keep trying portraits once in a while. Just to see if I
can do better on them.
High School can be a strange place on the first few day. Of course your
daughter will have some familiar faces around her, her friends from junior
high will be there with her. Does your daughter plan to go to college after
High School?
Right at the moment that is what I am fighting for, is my freedom. Want to
transfer out of Wisconsin, but need a address and a possibility of a job, to
go to that state. Found the information out before I left Jackson Correctional
Institution. And still finding out how darn crooked the state of Wisconsin
really is. there is very few jobs up this way to get, and if a person has a
felony record it makes getting a job twice as hard to get. yet Im still
hopeful in getting released from this place, keep me in your prayers.

I think we all have problems of pride and resentment toward those who seem
like they want to control us. personally I dislike others who wants to control
my life. Because some of them can not control their own actions, words, and
way of thinking. That is why we may understand each other so Well. We can tat
times see our won mistakes and hate the mistakes we have done. God does have a
plan for who we meet and who we fellowship with, attitude plays part of life
and how we communicate our thoughts to others. The attitude of others also
shows their way of acting and how they get their thoughts across to other
people.
The future at the moment is real shaky and Im afraid for number of reasons.
The biggest one is, they can revoke me on hearsay at any moment. Which is
unfair and unjust, prison is just a money thing up here. the federal
government is getting upset how Wisconsin is doing most of their people up,
keeping us away from our familys and friends. dont make any sense at all.
You mention a big book and some page number, which has me somewhat in the
dark. is this about the Bible or some other book you are reading? I read a few
books while at Jackson, which I was able to keep as my own. About 3 of them
was written by Joyce Meyers, all three are well written books. Well, I will
close for now and get this letter in the mail to you. Write back as soon as
you can.
your friend
Paul
10/25/05
Hey Paul,
As I promised I am writing you again. I am sorry that I have not wrote no
excuses. Today I am at High School Heathers Choir teacher wants to update
us on what is going on. I still need to eat supper and I am hungry.
I really am starting to like my church.. There are times when I am enjoying a
closer relationship with God. It seems that he is close when I am there at
church. sometimes in church or Sunday School. I am starting a new study
starting this next Sunday. It is a part of the Sunday School Class. It sounds
like a good opportunity to Study Gods Word and to get closer to God. It has
daily work to do. It is like a 13 week course. I am still going to try to keep
going on my Lamp and Light Ministry Bible Study.
Lately I have a desire to get closer to God. I want to read his Word and pray
more. I know I am out of habit to do these things so it is going to have to be
progressive as time goes on.
I like to read from the Psalms and be encouraged. I feel that there needs to
be more praise and thanksgiving in my life. I am too critical of anyone
including myself. We have in recovery what is called a gratitude list that is
similar. It helps me to see all what God is doing in my life. It is better
then to always look at the negatives in others or in my life.
Please write me and tell me your prayer requests so I can pray for you.
How are things going where your at? Are things really different or are they
the same?
Waiting for your letter,

James
Oct.27,2005
Dear Jim
Got your short note and it is a welcome sight to get. Sorry about not writing,
got caught short of money and got busy with things up this way. A inmate I
know at Jackson Correctional Inst. Had open heart surgery last month
and is suppose to have another surgery on his gallbladder. We are good friends
and always talk to each other when I was at Jackson, now all we got is
letters. Otherwise I am doing alright, and still leaning a lot on the Lord to
bring me through this tribulation. The more I lean on God, the stronger I
become. Jim, you are not a jerk, you are one of God's children. And you are a
good friend to me.
Things around here would actually stunt you by the way some of the Black guys
talk. It is the white guys fault that they are locked up and if things don't
go the way they think they should then the white race is prejudice toward the
blacks. All it is, is a lack of responsibility on their part. That is why I
spend a lot of time in my cell so I don't have to hear all the negative in the
day room of the unit. Still waiting to hear from a friend in Southern
Wisconsin, she is very busy working. Yet I still like hearing from her. Finely
sent away for a couple books from the Mennonites, to see how close
they really follow the Bible. The catalog has some good items for all ages and
all walks of life.
This place stopped smoking on Sept 30, 2005. and there a lot of friction about
not able to smoke. For me, I rather to have the say if I want to or not to
smoke. But this place just thrusted no smoking policy on everyone. So to take
time up from smoking, I started to copy down a few recipes that seemed they be
good to eat. Also been reading the Bible to keep my mind busy. A cigarette
would be nice to have and the tension level would be greatly relieved. Well, I
close for now and get this letter in the mail to you. Sorry about gripping.
Your friend, Paul
May Gods Love keep shining
in your life.
10/31/05
Hey Jim,
It seem as both of us get side tracked in life and never really knowing how it
happened. By now you have received my last letter. How was things at Heathers
School. Any time my parents where called to the school, was due to the facts I
got bored very easily. There was a large number of students and teacher who
was there for a pay check.
I have not attended any church services here of yet. This place wants to know
every part of my life, right down to what Bible study course Im doing. There
is no private in here, that can make a person depressed at times. I have not
given up on reading the Bible or any other religious books I encounter. Sent
away for two books from Lamp and Light, called Reminiscences of the civil war
and the Anabaptist, Neither Protestant Nor Catholic.. Both are about the
Mennonites and how they interact with others. Also ordered two Certificates of
Ordination for Minister at .35 cents a piece. Dont know if you sent for the
Lamp and Light Publishers Catalog. They have several things that are useful

for the church or individual and coloring books and stories books for
youngsters.
It is good to hear you say you want to get closer to god. We all should have a
closer walk to God. Then maybe three be less conflict in the world today. Yet
as full the world is with so many other denominations that disagree with each
other. I could be wrong.
The book of Psalms is good, I enjoy reading the book of Ruth. It isnt a very
large book yet it shows many things in its pages. Ruth is in the roots to
Christ Jesus, you may find it in Matthew 1:5. You may want to look at your
past to see why you so critical of others and of self. Praise god that you are
aligning your life to gods will. I think I read something from Kenneth Haggin
about how we see ourselves. And others. Always remember that some time of the
day that the negative things will try creep into your thoughts, that is when
you take a stand on the Word of God.
A prayer request is a big thing to do, cause I have a lot that needs prayed
for. The main concern at the moment is to be reunited with family and friends.
Then to clear my name once in for all. My blood pressure is also a concern
because I dont need a stroke or heart attach.
As for things here, it has it good days and its bad days. I thank God there
has been more good days then bad days. Being here is different then at Jackson
Corr. Inst. Because there was more to do over there, then there is here. As
far as the halfway house goes. The halfway house is worse then prison for me.
Really no type of freedom cause they want to now everything from where one
goes to look for work at. To who I was communicating with and the person name,
age and address. The worse part of the halfway house was they wanted full
control of everyone money. They didnt agree that I was old enough to take
care of myself. Maybe I was out spoken toward many of the rules at the halfway
house, only because I felt I was Being treated unfairly by the staff out
there.
Yet out of it all I grow even stronger in my faith in God and in my self. Even
though the halfway house was a place of dysfunctional females who wanted to
run a man life when they could not run or manage their own life. Will close
for now and get this letter off in the mail to you.
Your friend always,
Paul
11/12/2005
Hey Jim,
Got some time to sit down and write a few lines to you. Just to fill you in on
things since my last letter, and to let you know God still loves you. Still
holding in there since this place stopped smoking, yet the extra weight that I
have gained isnt good. I am thinking about getting a television some how, so
I can watch TV. Without anyone yelling in my ears. Full grown men yelling like
a bunch of kids. Im sorry I wasnt raised to act as a child, and yelling is
to be used to be heard over natural noise.
My friend that had by-pass surgery came through surgery well. Then he had to
go through another surgery for his gall bladder, two surgery in
very short
time. We been writing each other since I left Jackson Correctional Inst., and
I have sent him a few recipes so he have something to keep his mind occupied

while recovering. Finally got my order back from Lamp and Light. Order two
books from their catalog, was surprised that it only took two weeks to fill my
order and get it to me. They have some very nice books and Bible s in their
catalog, there is a hymn books for cheap price.
Well the weather is changing up here. It is real cool at night and up in the
50s during the day. Just waiting for the snow to fall now.
Hope the weather in your area has been on the warm side. I know that Tennessee
does not receive that much snow as we do up this way. Dont know if that is
good or bad. Been so use to seeing snow and feeling the cold it is second
nature for us up here. To drive in, walk in and to play in. I am not going to
give up until I am released from this place and where I will not have to go a
halfway house. I halfway house is just trouble because they want to run every
part of mans life. The rule I was supposed to follow state I can not go
around any place that sell alcoholic drinks. The dumb part of it is I dont
drink or use drugs, they want to put a rule like that on me.
Well, I better close for now and get this letter in the mail to you. May you
keep a closer walk with Christ Jesus.
Our friend Always,
Paul
PS the books I bought was: reminiscences of the Civil War and the Anabaptists,
neither protestant nor catholic. And two certificates of ordination for
minister.
11/28/05 6:30pm Monday
Dear Jim,
I pray that your thanksgiving day went well for you and your family. It seemed
that this year my family forgot about me! That is alright because all things
have away of working out for the best in the end. Got the things I ordered
from Lamp and Light catalog and about ready to send for some more books. The
main book is the Minister Manual, which covers a lot of areas from Marriage to
procedures for ordinations, the book cost $5.75 I tried when I was on the
streets to get this book, but no book store carried them.
It snowed up this way but so far none of it stayed on the ground. The weather
has been getting very strange over the years, it not like when we were kids.
When it snowed we got piles of snow but that was many years ago.
There is not minister coming here to visit me or even writes to me any longer.
The minister I was writing has a church in Afton, Wisconsin, which is in the
southern part of Wisconsin. If I was closer to you, you could come talk and
visit me as often as you liked. As soon as I can get a photo of myself, I will
send you one.
Did you ever place your wife in way where there is not other way but to talk
to you. And ask if she ever thought of your feelings when she just does thing
son her own, without you being apart of the decisions on the matter. The
biggest thing in my last marriage was money. I do all the earning of the money
and she do all the spending of the money. That is why we had so many arguments
and fights. Besides her son being so spoiled by her family, he could not
figure out shy I did more for my own kids. They were willing to put an effort
toward everything they set out to do.

You had said something about it (the Catholic Bible study) there a church up
here that has a Free Bible Correspondence course (608 788-1593 Email
[email protected] the address is 28th street church of Christ
3506 S. 28th street.
Hope this address is of some help to you or your other pen pall or a family
member!
Got a really nice letter from my friend at Jackson Correctional Institution.
He has recovered very nicely, the only complaint was when they removed the
staples out of him. Yet when he goes to the doctor there, he has to use a
wheelchair. He is 64 years old, soon to be 65, and still gets around very
good.
The Mennonites believe in the new Testament, it hard to tell anyone in a
letter. It a full submersion baptism, no rosary or prayer beads, no praying to
saints or to the Holy mother Mary and etc. Not join a union or join any arm
forces where it forces one to kill another person. That is what I have learned
about the Mennonites. Well I will close for now. May all your days become
special to those around you, as well as to those who write you
Your friend, Paul
PS hope you like the poems.
Joy is a net of Love by which you can catch souls.
Were not put on this earth so see through other,
but to see others through.
Mercy came running like a prisoner set free, when I passed
All my failures to the point of my knee.
To love without measure is the measure of love.
Well All Go Home
Prisoner we are closely confines,
But this not one of us should mind,
For Christ hath told us, in his Word,
That we should ever obey our Lord.
Well sure go home as soon as free,
A Holy Life with god to lead
Go Home, go Home, and that indeed
As soon as God the way will speed.
We know it is Gods Holy Will,
Our fellow men we should not kill,
But we should lead a Christ like life,
And not spend all our days in strife.
The Lord hath said we all can see,
Persecution we should flee,
And this we surely had in view,
A safer place we did pursue.
But we were captured on our way.
Then let us all the Lord obey,

That from the truth we never stray,

So that we may all stand the test,
And when we die go home to rest.
12/16/05
Dear Jim,
May the coming Holidays be the brightest for You and your family. And by no
means have I forgot about getting a photo for you. Well I sent my order off
to Lamp and Light Publishers for a minister manual, the cost of $5.75 for
Just one and there a couple of other reading material also on the List. It is
to further my education on the bible. Wrote to a friend in southern Wisconsin
and heard nothing from her. Makes a person wonder who really is a true
friend, yet I refuse to believe she is that type of person, who would not
respond to a friend letter.
We finally got the snow so many people wanted for Christmas. Im glad that I
dont have to shovel the snow, rather to use a snow blower. Getting old dont
ye know. They just moved three guy out to a different institution. One of the
guys claimed to be a Christian yet his speech and action said something else.
There is plenty of individuals who are that way in prison and in society. You
have probably ran into such believers.
How is your Bible Study from the Catholic Church going for you? The Lutheran
Church also has a Bible Study called W.E.L.S.! Been thinking About Doing
another Bible Study from a Church, with the holidays being upon us, I will
wait until after the first of the year.
Been waiting to hear from a friend in Jackson Correctional Institution. He has
gotten the staples out and he is healing well he said in his letters. Which
is good for someone who is in their 60s. I am very happy that
God was with him, as he is with us. Will close for now. Sorry about such a
short letter.
A Friend Always,
Paul
1/3/06
Hey Jim,
Have not heard from you in awhile. Had a picture taken and sending it to you.
You can keep it and it not a good picture, so I hope you like the photo. It
has been a unusual winter this year, cause today the temperature is in the
lower 40s. The winters are getting milder and less snow each year. Yet I am
always reminded that God is in control of everything in our lives.
What do you think of the postage stamp price increase? Always thought the
price increase on the stamps was not needed, it is not my call on what the
post office dos. Still doing the same job here, cleaning the bathroom and
shower. We are having a slite problem of having ants in the walls of the
bathroom. The staff here have been told about the ants.
Been waiting on a bible study from a church here in Wisconsin. It is a church
in La Crosse, if you know where that city is. It been a week or more when I
signed up for the course they offered. How has your studys going for you? I

have been learning a lot from the last two books I bought from the Mennonites.
Always willing to learn more about the word of God. Bought a small screen
television, 5 screen and a AM & FM radio built in. it a real cute TV. And can
be used in a car when traveling.
The friend I have in Jackson Correctional Institution, is healing
must use a wheelchair to go and get medication. He has to go from
unit to the medical unit across the institution. Been praying for
ahs to with the ok from the doctor before going back to work. All
him is be patient and it will not be long before he will not need
wheelchair.

good, yet he
the housing
him, and he
I could tell
the

How dos your daughter like her first year in High School? How is work going
for you? Hope no more lay off are happening, there so many people out of work.
Will closer for now and get this letter in the mail to you. Take care of
yourself my friend.
Your fiend always
Paul
Hope the photo scare you any. Ha Ha
1/30/06 Monday
Hello Paul,
How are you doing my friend? It was good getting your letter and picture. And
no, it was not scary. I hope you are in good spirits. Having to change places,
and faces, not to mention routines.
Been a bad boy and not writing you. Not your fault. Not going to give excuses.
I need to take the time and write my friends. I have been working hard on my
program(s). I have been sober now for 10 days and abstinent from compulsive
overeating for a while. I talked with my sponsor last night and getting
started again working my steps. It feels good again. Will be going on company
trip tomorrow. Delivering some test equipment to Lexington, KY.
Havent done anything with my art school my time ran out. I didnt finish it
in time. Even with a 6 month extension.
Not much new at home. The car needs rear brakes. Money is short. Utilities up.
Dryer had a problem, had to fix it.
Guess I didnt tell you that my cat bite me. He is no longer welcome in the
house. He runs loose now. Maybe he get fed maybe not. Cant trust it anymore.
Prayed that God would protect me from disease.
The temperature here is warm. Like spring during day and winter at night.
Weird. Daughter Heather is very busy in High school. I think she likes it
though.
Ill try to write more often,
Our friend,
James L
PS Hope our studies are going good. And TV working good.

2/2/06
Hi Jim,
All things are going along as always. Glad your happy with photo, even if it
couldve been better. Been keeping mentally active and still working part
time. It still a challenge to find things to do when not working. This place
is better then the last place in some ways, the new faces is to be excepted.
The routine is easy to get use to here, cause I have a say about the routine.
Was about to write to you and then your letter arrived. Which brightened up my
day. You got busy with important in your life. Didnt know you had an eating
problem, at least here we dont get the problem of eating too much. Feels like
Jenny Craig here. Whats this about being sober, God can help in all areas of
our lives. I too, had a problem staying sober, and I prayed about it. This was
back in 1978 when I had my last drink, now the small of liquor make ill. What
really helped me was the church I was attending at that time.
You will have to let me know how the company trip was. Heard Lexington,
Kentucky is real nice. What kind of test equipment is it. Auto test equip or
electrical? You will find at times that you will be drawing and find it
satisfying. School of art is demanding at times and full attention of an
individual. Been drawing some lately myself, even if the drawing are not the
best. The drawing always looks good to me.
You find anyway to get your brakes fixs. Brakes are not that hard to install,
if one does them by the directions. Dryers I find hard for me to fix, very
little education on them.
Sorry to hear yours cat bite you. Never had my cat bite me, guess I babied him
to much. Had my dog nip once but it was my fault. I was picking on him and he
got even with me. Wish it was like spring up here. This cold weather is normal
up here. Glad to hear Heather some what likes school and keeping busy. The
chaplain here sent me a Bible Study which I already done. The study is called
WELS Special Ministries
P.O. Box 452
New Ulm, MN. 56073
That the address if you wish to check into the study or share
else. My studies are going well for me. The little television
so far and entertaining is something to be desired. Dont get
about six stations here. Well close for now. Write more later
Valentines.

it with someone
is working well
many channels,
to you and Happy

Your friend Always.

Paul Hanson
2/15/06
Dear Jim
What a wonderful God we have in heaven. We wold be always
everything even the times of trials and tribulations. How
Kentucky? Hope everything went well and no flat tires. We
week and now most of it is gone! The news showed the east
feet of snow and high winds. How bad is the weather where

graceful for
was your trip to
got some snow last
coast got hit with 2
you are?

Started a new Bible Study this week, it is from the Salvation army. Started it
and have to read from the Bible to answer the question The chaplain sent me
the form for the Bible Study. Was glad you liked the picture I sent you.
Been doing some reading to pass the time and relax. And trying to find some
unusual recipes for a friend over in another prison. He is 67 years old. This
state will lock up anyone they can, he is a caring person. Still cleaning the
bathroom and shower, at least I am making some money. Some guys dont want to
work, they are too busy complaining about not having anything. So I just pray
for the.
There was some ice fishing going on until the ice started to thin out. On the
news they said there was some open spots on the lake. They were afraid that
someone falling through the ice. Glad I never went fishing that much or was
interested in fishing. It is getting late, so I will close for now
Our friend always
Paul
PS Have you heard of Rod & Staff Publisher, Inc Crockett, KY 41413? This is
the only part of the address I can find on them.
3/5/06
Hey Paul,
My trip to Kentucky went fine. No problems. Weather down here is good.
Not very cold. Some cold days at nights but then it warms up during the day.
I am glad that you are in good health except for your cholesterol. I have been
having back pain. Need to go to the doctor. I am glad that you have the
opportunity to work and make some money. I appreciate your short notes, and
your drawings. I like it. I need to make notes and get them in the mail
faster. Glad that you can get something to watch on your TV.
Heather likes school. And fortunately staying away from boys.
My job is to set up test equipment sometimes. I am a electronics technician.
This job I had to get the test equipment up there and set up for the ones
testing the controllers they are making for us. They are heat controllers for
the food industry.
We design the controllers.
March 5, 2006
Hey Jim,
I pray everything is alright there with you. I have not heard from you in a
while now. Hope your not sick! Been thinking of you and wondering how your
trip into Kentucky went for you? I am taking it one day at a time If any more
then that would be too much.
Been writing to a friend back in prison. He is doing well after his by-pass
surgery and gall bladder surgery. I think he went into the hospital for a
total over haul. Ive been alright health wise, except for my cholesterol went
back up. So now the doctor put me on medication for it. It is better that way,
because the kitchen staff knows nothing of low cholesterol diet. At times one
has to wonder where did these people get their education?

Heard form a good friend of over 25 years Her son just came to prison for 5
1/2 years. By all rights he dont belong in places like thins. I know In my
heart he did not do what he is in for. Could you say a pray for him, for he is
a very good person. I can say this cause I know him ever since he was little.
Anyway, been trying to find a list called Penpal Directory and not having any
success in that area. If you can be of any help, I would be grateful to you. I
seen the list once and it had some good project to contact for help in legal
areas
The other letter is a guy I know, he was at Jackson correctional institution
with me. As I have noticed he has no real letters coming into him. Hope it is
alright that he communicate with you also. Well, Ill close for now and hope
to hear from you very soon my friend.; I really miss hearing from you.
Your Friend always
Paul
3/20/06
Hey Paul,
How are things going? I got some diagnosis on my back. Have arthritis in my
back for one. I let my chiropractor have a copy of my x-rays. He needs to get
back to me yet. He thinks from the description of the pain that I have a
problem with a disc too. So I have been starting off my day asking for Gods
help that I dont mess up my back anymore then it is. And, that if it is
possible that I do something to help heal it.
I got both of your letters. I started one of the 5th and then this one.
Not much new still have my fill time job, and my Saturday job. I spend Sundays
relaxing, sleeping some days and writing.
That guy you sent the letter to me what is his address?
Later,
James L
March 24, 2006
Hey Jim,
Got your letters, and was happy to hear from you.
Sorry to hear you hurt your back, I will pray, cause it caused from two
curvature. A birth defect. I take pain pills, as for surgery it is out of the
question. I'm to old for it. The other guy James Poblitz is a the same address
I am at. He has no one corresponding with him except his attorney. At times he
is over bearing and can be taken the wrong way, but he means well.
So far I sent in 5 lesson out of 12 lesson of my Bible study of Salvation
Army. Also got my last lesson back from a Bible study in New York, on it I got
100%. Which made me feel good. The job I have is cleaning the bathroom/
shower, only do it for a week. Then another person takes over, which is
frustrating because one guy only half cleans them.
April 14, 2006
hi Jim,

How are things going with you and your family? always concerned about you
because it seems more like your family. we been writing for some time now,
started writing while I was at Oshkosh, just before I was transferred to
Whiteville, Tn. wish I was down there now, away from this state. seen on the
news where in Tn was hit with several tornado's. did any of the tornado's
touch down near you?
Things around here is the same, the only time things get stirred up is when a
fight breaks out or someone new is brought on the unit. lately all the staff
been doing is moving us around or causing problems for the inmates. that is
why I been trying to get the directory for inmates so I can get legal work
done. www.penpaldirectory.com could use the help, in getting the directory!
they moved James Politz off the unit, he is now on unit 18. I was in my room
reading and getting things done.
Any more trips to setup equipment? the only electrical systems I learned was
on cars. Cars was the main interest in my life. but over the time I have been
trained in custodian service, which covers a lot of area which some people
would not think of! Don't mind doing janitorial work but cars and trucks is
where my interest is.
evens is time for relaxation, reading, writing letters and watching
television.
We have six channels to pick from, a lot of channel, like not. The channel I
enjoy PBS channel. More less to watch this Old House. Well it is getting late,
so I will close for now. Hope to hear form you soon.
Your friend Always
Paul
5/1/2006
Hi Jim,
Here I sit relaxing from scrubbing down the shower and bathroom. And then
realized I have not heard anything from you. I miss hearing from you and how
things are going for you and your work. So far I have seen a lot of guys come
and leave from here, and not standing up for what is right or speak out about
the wrong. Maybe that is why I am not so popular with staff members, and other
inmates. Maybe at times I should bite my tongue but it is tiring to hear what
they say about me. So I lay out what I see them doing with my own eyes, and
they dislike having the table turned on them
Got a bible study from salvation army, it makes a person look for the answers.
Been trying to get some drawing done, yet can not get into the mood. Have you
finished your art class? The dandelions are up and in great numbers around
here, and seen four robins hopping around the court yard. The temperature has
been warm here, with some rain. So the grass is growing real fast, looks as if
they may need to mow it again. I friend here in Wisconsin sent me two pictures
of her grandchildren. Even If she too young to be grandma.
Is your daughter playing soccer this year or take time off from soccer? Still
have my job here cleaning the bathroom and shower. Cannot believe how dirty
some of these guys are around here. Better close now, it is late. Hope to hear
from you real soon.
Your friend. God Bless,

Paul

5/23/06
Hey Paul,
Good to hear from you again. I feel bad that I havent wrote you. Sorry.
Things art work are doing ok. They have been giving me different work to do.
It has been interesting. It keeps me from being bored.
My back is a little better. They say it is arthritis, another doctor thinks it
is compression fracture of the spine in at least two places. I have been
taking hot baths, doing stretching and trying to strengthen some of the
muscles. Just tired of the pain at times. I have been sleeping better because
of the herbs and hot bath. Not feeling as exhausted in the morning, but, I
feel that I would fall asleep at work real easy.
No Heather has not been in soccer She is in High School. She is involved in
Latin club, and choir class. She is busy with a lot in her life. She started
working part time (5 hours) in the local library. She is making money. Today
was her last day of School.
On May 9th I woke up and the floor was wet Oh Crap the water heater! Took
stuff out and found out the drain valve open it was leaking. The floor was
soaked outside of the room. In the room at least inch of water. I drilled a
hole in the floor to drain into the crawl space, and put a fan in the room to
dry it out. I had to take off and get to work. I managed to get there with a
minute to spare. Our house payment is up. Taxes or the house insurance is up.
There was an accident up the street and backed up the road in both directions.
My wifes credit card went from 6% to 30% fun ha! We will be loosing our part
time job end of June. Tennessean is re-organizing.
Sincerely,
James L.
05/28/06
Hey Jim,
I am so glad to receive a letter from you, my friend. All I really care about
is we never lose contact cause your friendship means a lot to me. We have been
writing each other for some time now and our friendship has grown and
strengthened. Glad that your job has been interesting so far. A job that a
person likes should always be joyable and never boring
Not only stretching but to elevate the lower part of your body, should also
help. It may sound funny but hanging upside down, will relieve the tension on
the spinal muscles. At least it helps me at times in which I can do it. Look
at all the weight your spine support when stand up or even sitting. Have you
ever conceder using a back brace to relieve even more of the back pain you
have?
Sound as your daughter Heather is making the best time out of high school. O f
course high schools of today has more to offer then it did when I was in high
school.
Hot water heaters are expansive, if you really think about how much material
is used. The cost of it is outrageous. Must of leaked gallons of water to soak
outside of the room. If you dont mind me asking, why wasnt a drain put in

the room where the water heater is? It makes sense that it would of saved a
lot of time and not so much water all over the place.
Everything has been going up, gasoline is really up. Dont know if it worth
having a car. Did anyone get hurt in the accident on your street? Credit cards
are all right for some people but the cost of interest is too much for me. And
I would not use it correctly, so I dont need one. Sorry to hear about your
part time job. Tennessean is a newspaper right, why the re-organizing? Did
they lose customers or not enough people order it? Well, it getting late here
my friend so Ill close for now. May God keep blessing you.
Your friend Always,
Paul Hanson.
6/13/06
Hi Jim,
Droping you a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you. Hope that you
are staying out of pain with your back. As James 4:10 says, Humble yourself
in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. This verse can be applied
to all parts of our lives.
Still have the same job here as cleaning up the bathroom and shower. Not much
money but at least I am trying to keep busy and out of trouble. Still studying
the bible and trying to have a closer walk with God. Close for now hope to
hear from you soon my friend
A Friend always,
Paul
July 11, 2006
Dear James,
It has been a while since I wrote to you, or even heard from you. The last few
days I have been having discomfort in the chest area. Still on the medication
for blood pressure and aspirin for the heart. It could be the extra weight I
have put on, because it is hard to breath when walking. The thyroid medication
is helping to put on the weight, because it is the gland that produces
hormones for the body. They cyst was removed from my face for some time now,
yet there is a noticeable scar. It something that can be lived with.
How have you been? You had mentioned that you been having trouble sleeping.
Did you ever have the doctor check you out for lack of sleep? Hopefully that
where you work has not laid off any more people. Dos the company you work for
send part into northern Illinois. Cause there a company that make equipment
for restaurants, school kitchens and etc.
The weather up this way has been wet and high temperatures. It is not
unbearable of yet. The fourth of July went by like any other day, didnt see
any fire works. This place has the ideas that there may be a McIver in the
mist. I will closer for now, and hope to hear from you soon.
Your friend always
Paul Hanson,
7/23/06
Hey Paul,

Hope you are in good spirits when you get this. I pray for you and your
family, for their health, release from prison. I do pray for you and your
release as well. I appreciate your concern and prayer for me. That is nice you
do that for me.
What correspondence course would be good for someone just starting out
learning about Bible and God? Want to pass it on to Charles in Calif. He may
not have stamps. I suppose you have to pay for this for all of them.
Daughter did not get permit to drive yet. My wife run over curb and blew a
tire. I went to store and had to wait over 2 hours. They say I was next after
last car in. But after hour they moved two other cards in before me. I was
pissed. Wrote the store a letter, the corporate office. Not happy But had to
get beyond bad feeling or it would eat on me.
Far as water heater yes it fixed. But if there was a drain, I may have never
known there was a problem until the water bill came and see it was too high.
Not to mention damage under the house. It seems it always something though.
Money goes out faster then it comes in. I think I need a part time job to
cover extra expenses. My wife does not help to make money.
Oh my daughter moved out of motel. I help her move her stuff out
So she lives in a house now. Her oldest son moved out and living
friend. He dropped out of High School not very smart. He can not
without a Ged now. The other son still in school and living with
he graduate, his name is Andrew. The oldest is Daniel.

of storage.
with girl
get good job
mom. I hope

Glad you still have your job. It help making some money.
Some of the stuff company makes probably goes to that place in Ill. They ship
ever where and have places over the world. Glad you still taking your courses.
How is your friend that have all those surgeries? I hope you get better food
and get to feel better.
Really like church going to. Got more involved with services. Help to put up
words for songs. Going to do my first Sunday morning next week (30th)
The weather has been hot in 90s or 100+, dry not any rain except last night a
little, really needed it.
Dont know what kind of Penpal list you are looking for what the name?
Been busy at work. Lot to do. Keeping busy.
Try not let people there upset with you. I know things are not right. But only
god will give justice.
My daughter not interested in soccer. She be working part time in library.
I already thought of making something I can turn upside down to stretch back.
I think it does help. Dont know if anyone got hurt at the accident. The
newspaper has reorganized to save money I guess. More people go to internet
for news.
Back is better. Went to Chiropractor last Wed. Since then it has been
irritated not a lot of pain thank God. My mind cant shut off east. Thinks of
too much stuff when I go to sleep need to spend time meditating before go to

bed. Also need to do more exercise even if it is stretching and moving. What
is a McIver in the mist
Take care my friend, James.
7/26/06
Hey Jim,
What a great surprise, to receive a letter from you my friend. Set Free Prison
ministry is a good beginner study for those who are starting out studying the
Bible. Also Lamp and Light Publisher, Inc. is a very good Bible Study. One has
to pay for the postage to send back the test. To enroll in the Bible study is
free only postage for mail back test.
All three of children are driving and some times I wonder how safe the road
really is. As long as they pay for the repairs on their own cares, I am ok
with them driving. The store you went too, must not be good on their word.
That is hwy I learned to fix my own vehicles and it is cheaper in some ways.
Glad you choose to funnel your anger through a letter Remember what Eph. 4:26
be ye anger and sin not; lie not the sun go down on your wrath. Been trying
to memory a few Bible verses.
Well, you be saving money on water bill and you know for sure the shape the
hot water heater is in. And how long it is going to last. Life is a wonderful
mystery without things going wrong life would be boring. Have you sat down
with her and tell her about the lack of money. And it is becoming a burden not
having enough money to cover all you r expenses. If she dont hear you, bring
her to the minister of your church. You dont need all the worry and break the
joy from God presents. I dont want to mis-guide in any way.
So now your step daughter has a home, hope she makes good. It is sad to hear
that a young person dropped out of school, all due to a female. He will find
out the shard way that he should of stayed in school. Maybe Andrew will make
the family proud of him by graduating from School. In still hanging on to my
job and the minimum wage is now $6.50/hr. which isnt bad money. I can buy
hygiene and other personal times.
The reason I ask about your equipment you make at work. A Friend words in
Rockton, Ill. At Taylor Freezer. And my friend who had surgery is still having
pain in both of her hands. The last lesson I did was called committed to him.
It was very deep. Study on committing ones self to God. The food is better
here and I am adjusting well but still fighting for my freedom.
Sounds like you want to do some evangelism to your area or just witness to
others! Hope you do well on Sunday morning (30 th). It a WWW penpal
directory.com it is a list of information of legal place and Bible study
listing. How does your daughter like working part time at the library. A lot
of newspapers are reorganized their department to save money. I dont know
about getting news off the internet, cause I dont know anything about the
computer.
Glad to hear your back is a little better. Chiropractor are really expensive
these days. Dont feel bad about your sleep, for many times I have the same
problem. Just cant turn my mind off, it is from all the activity that
happened in the day. For me, I have to learn to give the Lords control. It
getting late and I want to get this letter in the mail to you my friend.

A friend always, Paul

Keep me in your prayers.
8/25/06
Dear Jim,
Havent heard from you in awhile. I wrote to the address you found for me.
They sent me a catalog and there is plenty of nice religious books. A plenty
of books for home schooling your own children, but it only goes up to the
10 th grade. Few of the guys I showed the catalog took want the address so
they could get the catalog also. Still doing the Lamp and Light Bible study,
it is a very informative and educational study.
Been having a slight health problem, my blood pressure went up. And then the
doctor doubled my medication, the doctor set up test; to be done. As soon as I
learn anything, I will let you know. They allowed me to keep my job of
cleaning the bathroom and shower. How is your back doing? You had said once
that your back was causing you discomfort.
The weather up this way has been strange. Raining and cool one day, then hot
and humid the next day. Beginning to thinking that the weather can not make
its mind up on what want to do. The only problem about this place is we can
not open the window in our rooms. Well, I make this letter short and get it
off in the mail to you. Hope to hear from you soon my friend.
A friend in Christ, Paul
10/6/06
Hey Paul,
Got your letter. Taking a moment to write to you. The weather down here is the
same. Well warm most days. Very little rain. For September it is still warm.
Warm enough to still be riding my motorcycle. Sometimes getting a little wet.
Either to or from work or town.
Dont know what address you are talking about. I am glad you found a catalog
that is a good resource.
I am working on the Catholic Study Course. It is about attending mass. It
involves history of mass as well as a step by step description of the service.
I am studying it closer by watching it on ETWN. It is a broadcast on internet
like watching television via computer. The Church is in Birmingham, AL. I
manage to get to work when it starts at 7AM.
As long as they dont get into all the hail Mary stuff I enjoy it.
I dont agree with that stuff. The worship of anything other then God is
forbidden so why do they pray to saints and worship Mary.
I did go to visit the local perish. St. Lukes Catholic Church up the street.
It was interesting to be there and experience it first hand.
I cant emphasize the importance to not eat so much. Since I lost so much
weight my blood pressure is normal. Last time it was 123/78. I have lost
almost 40 pounds. My blood pressure was almost 160-170 over 90-95. The bottom
number is more critical.
Oct 4th
Went to doctor today. He said I was doing great from 255 to 215 on his scale.
BP was lower like 110 over 70. Pulse 80. He wanted to run blood work to check

cause it has been a long time. Oh, guess told you that Heather has her permit
and driving daily at school.
That this last Sunday did the computer Graphics (CG) for the church again.
Putting the words of the songs and sermon verses for everyone to see. It
seemed stressful. Normally more laid back and things go smoother. Guess that
varies from Sunday to Sunday. They started a new series and we have more to do
at times.
When we went up to Wisconsin to visit family we went to see mom and sister.
Andrew our grand kid went up to help us. We worked on my dads house and Robin
went to help her dad. Anyway when we were at my sisters Andrew got on the
internet. He was on till 5:30 AM looking at porn. I copied the sites and sent
them to his mom. She finely wrote me. Andrew denied it all and mom says her
good little boy wouldnt do that. It is like whatever! She wont believe me
anyway. Robin got after her cause her dog was way underfed and all tangled up
without water and Audrey got defensive. We had a dog die cause of lack of
water.
Didnt tell you that Robin got a job and is working. This is like her 3rd or
4th week. Praise God. We really need it bad. We have medical and other bills
to pay that we could not. We are taking a budget course at church. I missed it
last Sunday because of doing the CG. At least we are going to try to make
things better.
I am at home today. Taking off some sick days off of work. I have some 300
hours to use before end of year they took away my sick benefit. But have time
to use before loose it. They will not let me cash them in. So if I have a
headache I am staying home. I need it anyway. Sometimes dont get much sleep.
Gas is coming down closer we get to election time from $2 to $3 down to $2.12
some places. Maybe under $2 by election. Some of it will be better with more
economical cars with more gas mileage. Hey hwy dont they get a motorcycle? I
get 55MPG It helps my budget to spend 1/ 10 what I would on gas instead of
my truck. Besides I enjoy it more then driving. I think some of these drivers
would be dead if they got on a bike!
Dont know if I told you. I do use a back brace. When I ride my bike it helps
go over bumps to transfer the jolt to whole body instead of one spot in my
back. Also ware it if my back muscles hurt.
How is your friends doing? the one that had heart surgery and gall bladder I
believe?
Was that address that I sent you for the Rod and Staff Publishers?
How did you get that job cleaning? Charles in California doesnt work. Maybe
he can do something to make some money. I think he can buy things if he had
some money.
Weather is cooler in the 50s at night still warm enough to ride, but it is
getting darker sooner what a bummer.
Did they get rid of the ants in bathroom?
Water heater ok, Dryer ok, washer is acting up always something it is
draining over the floor. Brakes on truck are ok.

James still around? Dont hear from him should write I guess.
Didnt find the www site for penpals. I did find www.prisonpenpaldirectory.com
that has links to other penpals in prison and possibly links to legal aid.
Could that be the one?
Take care my friend,
James Listhartke
10/11/06
Dear Jim,
It so wonderful to hear from you.
Thought you was mad at me for something
I was unaware of. My friend who had heart
and gall bladder surgery is going great. I hear
from him a lot and he has problem in getting
job where he is. Got moved to a different
unit here. The Rod & Staff has come in handy,
also found another address in PA of the Eastern
Mennonite Publishers. Just received my order
from the Mennonite Publisher in PA their books
are well printed and educational.
The catholic is strange in their practice
of religion. Never understood why one would
want a priest to forgive them of their sins. Or
baptize an infant, because children are under
God grace. Wish you the best of luck on your
catholic study course. I will keep studying the
Mennonites doctrine and beliefs. Already got
one of their directory of the Eastern Pennsylvania
Mennonite Church.
The doctor here had me do a stress test
on my heart. Still have not heard the results
of the tests. Guess I will have to write a
request to find out the results of the test.
So when was you up here in Wisconsin?
Dont the people at dad house know they could
get in trouble by having porn on their computer. If
Andrew starts telling his friends about seeing the
porn and where he seen it at, well the law can
step in. Beside it is against the teaching in the
Bible. What kind of job did Robin get? I am
cleaning the restroom and shower. Im allowed
eight hours a month, which isnt much money
at 6.15/hour. The hourly wage went up late last
year, some how I can make it last all
month.
I had a strong feeling that the government
was stock piling crude oil. Of course look at
the guy who was e-mailing young boys, he helped
make laws to lock up molester. And to find out
he is a child molester. There is a lot of people who
have never been on a motorcycle. Glad you are
protecting your back.

The cleaning job was being done by a

black guy who hated white guys. he got
moved off the unit because of his attitude toward
others and I took his job. Beside I need
something to do and it helps. Got this
place to spray the ants about 4 to 6 months
ago, and havent seen any after that.
I havent heard or seen James in awhile
now. The weather up here is getting cold
and the weather man is calling for snow
mixed with rain Weds, and Thurs. Yes
www.prisonpenpaldirectory.com is the
one I am looking for. The information in
the directory is useful for me in here. It has
the address of legal places I could use. I will
close for now. Got to get my job done.
Your Friend always,
Paul
December 23, 2006
Hey Jim,
It seems that this world is getting stranger everyday. Cause if the truth is
spoken, someone gets upset with that person. There will be very few people
going to Heaven because they don't like the truth. I am glad you are not upset
with me, I am the first to admit I'm not an angel.
Been watch my health the best I can. In here it is hard to do. Medical staff
here keeps a person in the dark. I will have to keep barking at them to see
how blood test come out and many other things that need to be told.
I try my best to listen to what is being said I may miss out on something.
Then there is times I hear something that is not very good, you know what I
mean. You have the same problem with your family as I did wih my own. I would
go out for coffee at night and not anyone and they ask where I went. I used
their own words on them, "told you where I was didn't I".
It is always so meaningful if we can keep in contact with brothers and
sisters. And just to leave a message that we love them means the most. Some
how I lost all contact with my family members. The sister you call, she the
one here in Wisconsin? You must mean a lot to her.
TheTV and radio combo is a lot of help in here. This way I don't have to argue
with other in the day room about what is to be watched. And at the price I
paid for the TV I could not pass it up.
All that can be said about Andrew will be in trouble later in life. Andrew has
to admit he was looking at porn and he has a problem with porn. You only wait
and they will thank you to stop Andrew. I will pray that Robin will last the
90 days and be hired on permanent.
I am sure your daughter Heather has learned her lesson. You are a good father
and you set a good sample for her. Before I forget to let you know, I finished

my Bible study from Lamp and Light. Which make me feel good. Well, I'll close
for now. Happy Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Your Friend Alway,
Paul
January 10, 2007
Dear James
Letting you know that I am still hanging in there. Had to send out for a
different television, the one I have the volume isnt working right. Got just
what I paid for it, which wasnt that much. Just happy I got a lot of use out
of it before it went hey wire on the sound.
I pray everything is going well for you and your wife Robin! Got several books
from the catalogs I have. Cant afford one of their books cause it cost over
$30.00 so I get the cheaper ones. I have even seen cook books for sell in the
catalog and there is even coloring books for the young one. How is the weather
in your area. We have no snow on the ground and temperature is not normal for
this time of year.
I more or less gave up in meeting with the Mennonites due to one guy always
butting in ton the meeting. he figures that he should be the only one who will
meet with the Mennonites, hate to tell him that his way of thinking is wrong.
Well, I will close for now. Sorry about such a short letter.
your friend always
Paul
2/17/07
Hey Paul,
What happened with your stress test? I thank God for the cheaper gas during
the winter when I have to drive the truck. The weather is too cold for me.
Today it snowed again, but, too warm to stick. What happened to your blood
test?
I have been talking to the family more. My dad moved in with sister up there
in Wisc. He doesn't like the cold either. He misses his friends
in Illinois. I told him he should feel free to move if he needs too. I also
bought a hearing aide for him I hope he can use it. My relationship with my
wife is better. We talk more. Thanks for prayers. I have to help with church
service worship in morning - get up at 6 be there by 7am.
Did I tell you that your problem with volume control may not be one at all. A
volume control may get scratchy for no reason. With the TV on just adjust the
control from max to min, back and forth fast until it gets better. Sometimes a
little alcohol would help, but, that would mean taking it apart - which I
don't think you can do.
I went bowling with the boys in Sunday School class and back hurts - I want to
soak in tub tonight.
Take care my friend,
James
2/22/07
Dear Jim,
You must be over worked and tired, cause I haven't heard anything from you.
Sure miss hearing from you and how church is going for you. How is the weather
in your area? It been feeling more like winter up this way. Had a week of

below zero weather but now it is above zero. So some people are happy that
they got to go ice fishing. Did you finish the bible study from Lamp and
Light? I found their bible study very informative and the catalog Lamp and
Light has is filled with some good books. And they have books for all ages. I
went as far as to offer information about the Mennonite Publication places to
the chapel here. Hopefully they will allow inmates to order the books. Are you
still doing your Catholic bible study? Is your wife still working or is she
between jobs?
The faces here keep changing or maybe I have become more alert of those around
me. Some of these guys are not to be trusted, they feel others owe them
everything. I don't mind helping people but when they don't make a effort to
help them self. Then I can not help them because I have needs of my own.
There are always those who will disagree with me and they have the right to
opion. I am only making a limited amount of money, but I make due with what I
have.
I have a friend in Virginia which I have not heard from in awhile. He is in
his seventies and been not feeling good. Could you please pray for him and his
wife. Will close for now. Hope to hear from you real soon my friend.
your friend Always,
Paul
2/26/07
Hey Jim,
I asked for the results of the stress test and got nothing from the medical
staff here. The weather up this way has reminded us it is still winter. Got
several inches of snow over the weekend. The gas up here, has been low but
they say it is about to get higher in price shortly. the blood test turned out
alright, it was for the level of my prescription drugs.
It is good to hear that you are talking more to your family. This way both
sides know how the other feels. Your dad isnt the only one who does not like
Wisconsin. it is the only state with the most innocent people locked up. I
pray your Father is using the hearing aid you bought him! keep the
communication line open between you and your wife. Marriage is a life long
deal.
How wonderful, that you been picked to give glory to God by doing Morning
church serves. The television I had volume problem with is gone. Got a
different television, it may have cost a few dollars more. but at least I can
observe my programs, if I knew anyone who needed that TV I would have sent it
to them. but it ended up in the trash can.
I take it you dont care about driving trucks? I have drove grain trucks to
semi trucks, which is enjoyable to me.
Bowling is good exercise for you and others. I always took my wife and stepson Bowling for fun and to relax. Finally got to see the Mennonite minister
after waiting for so long. And got several question, answered by him, well not
all question have been answered.
Take care my friend and you and your family are in my prayers.
Your friend always
Paul
3/18/07

Hey Paul,
My dad is living with my one sister there in Wisconsin. They have had so much
snow and cold temperatures below 0. He is in his 80s and his blood pressure
has gone high since moving in with her and the family. It was a big change for
him.
My mom and step father are living in West Wisconsin too
Robin still has not been hired in permanent. She has been having problems.
Feeling sick and having to go home early. My daughter was not feeling good one
day. Not sure if it had to do with something she ate.
I got your letter the day I took care of worship service last Sunday. It is
good to here from you from you anytime. We had to drive our grandchildren
back to Nashville today.
yesterday a bunch of men from my Sunday School drove to West Tennessee to
Shiloh they were doing a civil war reenactment. There was to be about 15,000
people some to fight on Union, some on the confederate side. They were
shooting their guns and Cannons. It was awesome. Took a bunch of pictures. so
did the other guys.
In case I didnt tell you my truck broke down 2 -3weeks ago. I got it back
from the shop week ago Thursday. I was on the way home from town about 1/ 2
mile from house the engine quit. checked gas and spark both were good but
still wouldnt turn over . Finely had it towed and serviced they found the
timing belt broke. sure wish you were here to help. Maybe it wouldnt have
cost me so much to fix it.
Will pray for you my friend,
James L
march 23, 2007
Hey James,
Sorry to hear your father is having a hard time adjusting to your sister
house. We had a lot of snow lately, but it was making up for being so late in
the season. Is your dad on medication for his high blood pressure? How is your
mother doing? What part of Wisc. west side, hopefully not near Madison.
Sounds as if Robin is holding back from gaining full employment. Dont mean to
sound cruel but some people believe other owe them. Instead of being helpful
to their partner. It is also the season for colds, flu and etc. a few people
around here has been down with a cold. Loot at what been on the news about the
problem they been having with certain food. Cows catching mad cow diseases,
and CWD deer is bad up hear. Then the scare we had with spinach. I pray your
daughter is feeling better.
It is always wonderful to receive your letters. How did the worship go for
you, everyone must have been on the edge of their seats. What was the sermon
on? has anyone done a sermon healing salutation of the Holy Kiss, or sanctions
of Christian marriage? how far is Nashville from you? Because the postmarks on
your letters in Nashville.
I looked up Shiloh on the map and that is some distance from Smyrna. That is a
long ride hope you stop to take a nature break? To see a reenactment of
history must be wonderful. There was some people back then who refused to be
apart of the war. It was all due to their religion, at that time some people

called them Anabaptist. The groups was the Mennonites Amish, Quakers and
Tunkers.
You had mentioned your truck wasnt running right. The truck must be 1990s or
earl 2000 truck because timing chain or timing gears was used. I have replace
the timing chain and gears on half ton pickup I had. Sure would like to get my
hands greasy again. How big is your truck? Because some vehicle have a hard
time on parts and the up keep is expensive. Being down there would be better
then being where I am now. and probably got more jobs down there, cause a lot
of places are moving out of Wisconsin. It is all due to the raise in taxes.
And here is something funny, AARP sent a form to me for car insurance. I want
to know where is my cars and where am I going to go? The yare real smart aint
they> I better close for now. You and your family are in my prayers.
Your friend Always,
Paul
4/14/07
Dear Jim,
May this letter find you in good health and cheerful in thought.
few days ago, seems that winter dont want to leave us. The unit
full, still have two rooms, empty yet. Been working and studying
always. I may have someone here interest in Lamp and Light bible
that can be hoped for is he carries out the study of the bible.

Had snow a
is about
the bible as
study. All

Did you get to do some more sermons? Been keeping in contact with the
Mennonite minister that came and seen me. He had answered some question I
asked. It is always a blessing to have friends like you and him. Because you
both care about other so much.
How is your truck running now? What size of engine is in your truck? The pick
up truck I had, had a 350 cubit inch engine. the timing chain went out on it.
Got it fixed and then the step son went and had a accident with it. But the
engine was still in running condition. Of course I maintained my truck and
care.
You been driving your motorcycle to work? What kink of motorcycle do you have?
Has your wife gained full employment of yet? it seems that every woman I meet
want the man to make the money while they spend my money. When the man pay
check ran not be made for everything a woman wants out of life. Will close for
now and you write back as soon as you can
A Friend Always
Paul
5/27/07
Hey Jim,
Hope you are doing well and surviving the high gas cost. Gas is up over $3.24
a gallon up here. outrageous prices. Been working as usual and the saving part
is the hardest part because rising cost of lignin.
Been doing a quarterly bible study, which is meant for group. It gives me time
to read and study the bible a bit deeper. The bible study book can be gotten
from Rod & Staff Publisher, Inc Just in case you wish to check into it for

yourself or tell your minister about it. Are you still with the yahoo group
that you once told me about?
How is work going for you? Has the minimum wage down there gone up of yet? Has
your wife found full time employment of yet or still waiting? Some of the
farmer up here got behind in getting their planting done. The weather has been
cold and wet and hard time getting into the fields. Well, I will close for
now. Sorry about such a short letter. may I hear from you very soon. I care
about you my friend.
your friend in Christ, Paul
5/29/07
Hey Paul,
How are you doing? Been a while since I wrote. There has been so much going
on. I have been working on a clothes dryer the outlet and plug were bad. I
had to replace them. I went to Nashville yesterday and got a part for a
washer. A friend of mine from church went out to a shooting range to fire some
rifles. I went yesterday and bought some ammo for a shotgun I have. Went to a
meeting a t 9am then went to a store. Went the day working on the riding
mower. It seems everyday it s something. This Friday through Sunday I am
taking care of a customers dogs while he is gone to Alabama for a wedding.
The gasoline is up to $3.09 the highest it has ever been. I am sure glad that
I have a motorcycle that gets over 50 miles per gallon compared to others
paying $30 to fill the tank it cost me $6. I have been trying to pay off all
my debt. It is harder not to go into debt.
We have somethings growing in the garden. the things that we started inside
didnt last. They died. but the seeds that we planted they are growing. Some
of the stuff was planted and we got hit with temperatures in the 30s and
40s. I know that was what killed them. the other plants I dont know. Maybe
they didnt get enough water and get rooted properly.
I bought some spark plugs., air filter, oil filter and oil to do some
maintenance on my motorcycle. I have 27,000 on it now and it needs some
attention. Replaced the two front turn signals bulbs, and one indicator for my
brights head light. So now it is in better shape. I had to replace my front
tire and tube it was worn. Eventually I have to replace the rear tire, front
brakes pads and do valve job on it. It is in better condition then my truck
and car. I dont want to take any chances of something being wrong with my
bike. Be stranded some where with a problem.
I will be in Wisc. traveling during that time. Someone on my wifes side of
the family is getting married. I want to see my father. He is now living in a
new place of his own. He couldnt live with my sister. He found an apartment
for seniors. He is closer to friends from church. I believe he is happier. It
has been a lot of changes in his life. He sold his house and moved out on his
own. He is going to try it for a year. It sounds like a good place. Mostly he
has been able to go to his old church and feels connected to other seniors. He
just couldnt relate to a younger generation.
Dont know if I told you my wife and I went on a marriage retreat the end of
April. It was a good time to reconnect to her and with God. It seems that when
we have problems, it also hurts my connection with God. It is so important to

stay in contract with my family. To make phone calls and write letters. Dont
have much time for letters. to them so I call them more. I give this letter
writing time to you. You are important. it means a lot to me to hear from you
and to spend time reading and writing letters to you. Take care my friend,
God loves you
James
Hey Paul, 6/18/07
How are you doing today? I have had a bad week last week at work. Wondering if
I would have the job. I still have fear of economic insecurity - it scares me
to think of a loss of a job and money coming in. Grateful today that things
are better. Not great but better.
This weekend had to help out at church for worship again. they scheduled me
for two Sundays this month. Having to wake up early, not being able to sleep
in on the weekend can bum me out.
My oldest step daughter showed up Saturday with their new car. She finely got
her debts paid off and paid off the police fines to get her drivers license
back. I hope she learned something. My one step daughter didnt call. But, my
daughter did give me a Father's day card.
This weather has been very dry. We are under maybe 10 inches of rain and
things are burning up. The grass has not been growing ;. we have a ton of ants
in and around our house. we keep spraying them I guess I better close and get
to work - its time to start work.
6/19
Have a moment to write some more. The last weekend (July) we will be traveling
to Illinois and Wisconsin. Wifes niece is getting married and we will be
visiting friends and family.
I finished up my Catholic Study.
Wish I had your help with the riding mower. I would like to get it working
just to say that is doesI want to start back with my art and music. It helps me to relax and it is
fun. I am tired of all the junk that is no fun in my life. Music and art
always helped me to reflect on more important things in life and having some
time of worship.
your friend, James
6/8/07
Hey Jim,
How great it is to hear from you. I am still hanging in there, and had to have
my cholesterol medication reordered. For some reason the doctor here isnt the
smartest person I have every seen. the whole deal is some doctors look down
on people who are in prison.
Sound as you been very busy in spare time repairing things around the house.
What do you plan to hunt with the shoot gun? Wish I had a small engine to work
on, but, in here the idea of having me do something Im good at, is out of the
question. Suppose to be a great danger to others, a lot of people in authority
has strange way of thinking. What kind of dogs does the accounts have?
Gasoline up here is 3.24 gallon, so it only a few cents cheaper then up here.
That is cheaper then filling up your pickup truck.

Paying off ones debts is hard because there is unexpected accident that
happens. Living alone is an expective. So some of your garden plants didnt
make it. Maybe there is something wrong with the soil, lack of nurturing.
You have been busy keeping your motorcycle up. but isnt some of the parts
expensive for a motorcycle, compared to parts for a truck or car.
I pray that the person on your wife side of the family has a very long
marriage. How far will you be from here (Winnebago)? At least your dad will be
around old friends. I cant relate to this younger generation. They act way too
sill8y, dont even think their parent take an active part of their lifes. God
several young people are that way but we have the dumb and the untrained ones.
How many times a years do they have this marriage retreats? It is good to hear
that the marriage retreat helped you and your wife. I have been doing a lot of
reading, bible study, and writing letters to you and another close friend. It
means a great deal to me to hear form you. will close for now, and got this
letter off in the mail to you, my friend.
A friend always,
Paul
6/30/07
Hey Jim,
got your letter and it is always good to hear from you. It is true that our
economics is on shaky ground. most places are holding their own in this
trouble times.
At last, God has you doing his will. It may seem to take time from us but your
reward is waiting in heaven. the only fall back of it all is getting up early
on a Sunday. Sounds if your step-daughter is getting her life in order.
Sometimes it seems kids can go good for a while then something seems to throws
them a curve to confuse them. At least your daughter got you a father day
card. it seems that my children forgot one cant find the address to this
place. I know in my heart they are always thinking of me.
The weather up this way has been normal except for the tornados activity. Two
countys north of where I am. Got hit real bad by tornados several people got
hurt and one or two deaths. Got a few ants around here, its the darn spiders
thats a problem. they call them jumping spider and they have a real bad bite
to them. a lot of spraying for ants and spiders has been going on.
Hope you and your wife ahs a wonderful time at the wedding. How long are you
going to be up this way?
Finished the Mennonite bible study and if there are any new lessons printed I
will receive them. I also have a few of their books to read, and the catalogs
are useful when Im hunting for the Mennonite books.
Wish I was there to help get the riding mower going for ya. At least you could
drive it around, even if the grass isnt growing. did you check the magneto?
because there is a key underneath the pull nut, to keep the engine in time. Of
course the is so many other details that can be wrong. what art and music does
for you, that is what small and large engines do for me. It is relaxing to
hear a engine roar alive. Beside engines make me think, which is better then
wasting away in here Ill close for now and get this letter off to you.
Your friend always.

Paul
Hey Jim 07/18/07
May the grace of God shine apon you always. Have some time to sit down and
write a few lines to you. Today is real warm and humid and it has a chance of
rain. Yet I am not putting any stock in any rain today. The guys on this unit
are real noisy and always wanting to start fights. That is the main reason I
don't sit in the day room here.
You ever find out what is wrong with your riding mower? Has your job picked up
in new work orders? Hope you don't have to drive that far to and from work!
Been hearing about several layoffs and yet the taxes keep going up. Bad part
of higher taxes is to keep us locked up and to lock up more people.
The grass up here grows real fast and it don't look healthy at all. There are
plenty of brown patches in the lawn here. Got a letter from a guy who is in
another prison. He enjoyed the recipe I sent to him He found a job over where
he is, at least he kept busy. The job I have keep me out of trouble and helps
to buy the books I like reading. Well this is awful short letter. Pray to here
from you soon. Your letters cheer me up.
A friend always,
Paul
August 4, 2007
Hey Jim,
Greeting in the name of our Lord. I pray that you and your family is doing
well. Been reading a lot lately, of course the books are mainly christian
books. Have only bought the book which are spiritually uplifting. I also
bought two cookbooks with some unusual recipes in them. I copied one down just
for you and your family. When you try it let me know how it is and please
share the recipe with your relatives and church.
At times this place can really be nerve racking on a guy. Suppose things out
there isn't any better as far as things getting on one nerves. Of course in
here the staff keep changing rules or enforce rules that is enforced no where
else. But with our Lord, he will see me through everything. Did you get your
riding mower running yet?
I watched the news and seen where Texas has floods and other parts of the
country is dry. Did it rain where you are? How is your garden doing? Has your
company pick up work, cause it is always hard to see a place go out of
business. Are you still helping out at your church. Well I better close for
now. It is getting late here. Write back soon as you can.
Your friend always, Paul
9/13/07
Dear Jim
Got your letter and so happy to hear from you.
I know you are busy and it take you time to write back. I am doing good as I
can for where
I am. Blood pressure has been on the high side, seem I having problem
controlling my blood pressure. Once in awhile the nurses are messing around
my medication. I will bring it to the doctor attention and anyone else who can
help me

straighten this matter out.

How does Robin like her Job? From what I hear is jobs here in Wisconsin are
getting scares.
The taxes are on the raise and declining job market. Makes one wonder where
this country is heading.
So how far have gotten in Lamp & Light Bible study? There is a new study added
to the study, and from what I am told they are working on Genesis for another
Bible Study. When it is suppose to come out I was not told. I found their
bible study very helpful and Lamp and Light also has a catalog. There is
several catalogs pertaining to books about the Mennonite. The biggest reason
for last contact of family is due to different opions. I strong in my opions
and so is family members. Being hard headed and bad tempered is a flaw that I
have been working on. Gods has worked great deal of work in me and yes I
backslide.
Yet had someone around to call my backsliding to my
attention. I know God will re unit me and my family.
So happy to hear your truck is still running for you. The way gasoline prices
keep raising and falling, one can not be sure of which vehicle to drive.
Glad it has not been in the 100s here, but the 90 degree.
for a few days was bad enough for me. At a hot weather, I can understand why
you did not work on the lawn mower. I pray you are doing better after wiping
out on your motorcycle. Will pray that Heather migraines will leave her and
not to come back.
It sounds as your church tries to involves its members in the activities. A
lot of churches up this way is questionable in their way of doing things. One
church in Altonk, WI. is real confusing. The minister
wanted me to fit as member of his church. I was not
comfortable in his church because of the way they practice church service. So
I went to Mennonite church and
felt comfortable and welcomed, they practice the whole New Testament.
Well, it is getting real late here, so I will close for now. Take care my
friend and keep the faith
your Friend always Paul
Have you tried the recipe I sent you?
10/22/07
Hey Paul,
Got your letter. Still your friend. Two weeks ago I took the day off from work
because I had to do something I didn't want to do. My dog Rusty was old and
having problems with her back and hips. She was having difficulty walking.
That Sunday before she fell over and was in a lot of pain. You could tell
because she was having problems breathing, wasn't interested in food or water.
I brought her to the vet and put her to sleep. We were with her. I cried
before, and many times after. We brought her home and buried her in our pet
cemetary along with a parakeet that was old and died a few days before. We had
to get my daughter at school. She knew, because I told her to say goodbye
before she took off before school. We
all helped bury her, say goodbye.
That week on Friday had a Colonoscopy as part of a routine exam. Last
Wednesday I got adjusted at my Chiropracter. Thursday had a cardio echo exam.
And Friday had a dental cleaning. Last Saturday spent most of
the day shampoo the carpet in most of the house. Still have to do the
bedrooms.
Yesterday I helped out at church taking care of the two services as part of my
monthly service I give. I have to get up at 6am to be there before 7. I get

tired not getting enough sleep on weekends. I will have to take some naps this
week after work to catch up some.
It is real boring at work. I wish I had a better job. It feels like even the
stuff I learned is going. Not progressing in learning. Going backwards.
My daughter drives now to school. She is working part time at McDonalds.
Sometimes getting behind in homework and study.
I have started back drawing again at work cause I have free time.
I am in the process of closing my one cell phone I used for my pet sitting
business because I have a new provider and phone number. If you can call me I
still have that number that I accept the charges. Don't know if you can use
it. It is 888-693-5455 it comes to my cell.
No, I haven't had time to mess with the mower. The last few days it has rained
a nice slow consistent rain. Some areas got 3 to 6 inches of much needed rain.
I believe we were down 16 to 17 inches below normal this rain will really
help. Far as the recipe I have not tried it. My food plan requires me to weigh
and measure food that I eat. Eating combination foods are not easy to count.
Sorry. When I eat speghetti at home it has to be all separate. Then I mix it
on my plate so I know just how much of what I am eating. I will have to look
at the recipe and see if it can be made separate. Far as sweets I don't eat
them. That is considered recreational sugar items. They are off bounds.
take care my friend,
James L
10/29/07
Dear Jim
Received your letter and pictures. Thanks for
the pictures, I will cherish them dearly. So sorry
to hear you had to put your dog to sleep. They
become a big part of the family, a friend of mine
put a pup to sleep I gave her. The poor dog was real
old and could barely got around and breathing
was hard. When I was told about it, I cried
because I was attached to the dog.
I have regular check up from the doctor
here. Everything checks out ok for my age, not
saying that I'm old but I am no spring Chicken.
On blood pressure pills twice a day and other
medication been adjusted to correct dosage. On the
third pair of glasses so far, guess my eyes are
effected more then the rest of me. I am scared
to see a chiropractor, as not full informed about
their work.
Done a lot of custodian work at every prison
I have been at. When I was in Whiteville, TN.
I had an easy job o all. All I did was wash
windows there, an enjoyable job. Is your church
the only church that has people helping out with
church services? The Lutheran Church does very
little having the whole church involved in
church business. There must be more reform in

some of the church's of today.

You are very lucky to have a job, it is real
hard to find a job up this way. The biggest trucking
firm up here, has laid off a lot of guys. All due to
the prices of fuel, insurance, cost of Lic went up, etc.
It seems that you are not being mentally challenged
at work.
It is always good for our children to drive them
self to school or work. But driving has its fall back!
I found it costly in car repair and tune-up, I had
a step sons car to repair plus my own children cars
to repair.
Maybe your drawing will help you from getting
bored. It is always a thing to keep your hands and
mind busy thinking. Drawing helps keep me calm
and it slows my mind down so I can figure things
out. May you find peace and love in your drawing.
Well, it is getting that time of year were we
have very little use for riding mowers. Hopefully
this year, the snow will stay longer on the ground
Seems all areas of United States is suffering from
lack of rain. And so many fires on the western
coast. It is ok about not trying the recipe, I didn't
know you was watching your food intake. Well
I will close for now. take care my friend. Keep
the faith
Your friend always
Paul
12/26/07
Hey Paul,
Just want to drop a fast letter before the mail person comes.
want to wish you a Happy Christmas. I wasnt to let
you know that I care about you, even if it is late
At least you will know that I do care about my friend
If this is late enough I guess its a wish for a Happy New Year.
One filled with more love from friends, family and of course God loves you
too.
James, Robin and Heather Listhartke
12/30/07
Dear Jim,
Greeting to a new Year, Christmas was
like any other day in here. I have gotten use to
the boring days in here, yet I have hope for
supervised release. It has been snowing up this
way, so we had a white Christmas and white new
year.
I am waiting to hear from Salvation Army
Bible Correspondence, because I sent in my last study
from them. It is also so heart warming to know
that you care, I am always concerned how you are

doing and love you with a brotherly love. This is

a very short note to let you know I will write more
later in the month.
God Bless you and
your family my friend,
Paul L Hanson
2/11/08
They are going to change TV soon. Everything
will go digital - so the old TV will
be obsolete. It will be the end of this
year. One will have to have a special
digital box to use the old TV's.
Technology is changing again. Maybe
I will sign up for satellite TV. It may
be something that I will like. The only
reason why we haven't done it in the past
is mostly because the stuff on TV is not
fit to watch anymore. There is so much
sex and violence on all the time. I
am tired of it. There is a lot of programs
both of us don't watch.
The one thing that is on my heart is
about my 17 year old daughter. She is going
out with this 30 year old man that is divorced
and has two kids. Both my wife and I don't like it.
We have done all we can do discourage
this, but, she doesn't listen to either
of us anymore. I don't like him. To
me the situation is dangerous. I don't
trust him. I have prayed over and over
and talked about it in some of my meetings. Oh
well, have to surrender it to God I have had time to work on my motorcycle
seat (had to re-stitch), and bags, windshield
(tried to put wax on it to see through it better)
and brakes. I have to bring a big screw
driver home that I can use to loosen one
of the bolts on the brakes. Then, have
to free up the sticky cylinder in the
assembly. It doesn't fully disengage
and makes the shoes rub the rotor
a little. Try to do what I can so it
will not be so expensive to service.
You have a great day
Your friend, James.
2/14/08
Dear Jim
"A God ready to pardon, gracious and
merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness"

Nehemiah 9:17. This was stated in the Old

Testament and he is the same today, praise
His great Name. The television station up
this way has been advertising the are switching
to digital in Feb of 2009. The Lord will
supply away to see the news. Some programs
are reruns or sexual based, which I rather not
watch.
I am taking it that your daughter heather
is going out with a 30 year old man. That is really
dangerous. If he has a sexual crime or been charged
with anything like that, He would show up on the
registry on your computer. Any law enforcement
agent can help you find out more about this guy
At his age, he should know better. But a sex offender
has a age group that they will stick too. Because
they can groom (to control by their words or kindness)
to get their way sexually. And once he has gained
his way, she set aside or your gets too older. He will
lose interest in her and begin to look for anther
younger female or male. Please Jim contact the
police station and anyone else to stop him
Your daughter don't need the pain of being
raped or worest. I will pray for your daughter
and have the church pray for her also.
sounds like the caliper on your motorcycle
needs honed. There might be moisture in
the brake system. It isn't that hard to hone
out the caliper and put new rubber in it. Which
it off you can check the rotor with the gauges
for thickness or have turned (rotor). I am not
an expert on motorcycles and really rusty on
cars and trucks. So many things has changed on
the cars and trucks, must some how learn about
these new items. Lately I been reading a lot about
the Mennonites and a minister brought me a book
called "Doctrine of the Bible". It contained over 631
pages to read.
you have a great day. your in my prayer.
Keep the faith my brother
your friend always,
Paul H.
04/14/08
Dear Jim,
Hello my friend and family. May your problems
be in the Lords hands and all your cares are placed at
the Lords feet. I am no longer cleaning rags or the
bathroom and shower. They have me cleaning up the
dayroom twice a week. Which is alright with me
because I still make the same amount of money.
How are you doing in convincing your
daughter, she is dating a man out of her age
group. it may seem to her that he understands
her way of thinking. He only understands his
own animal lust after a younger female and his
ex-wife dont draw his attention to her as far as his

lust goes. A place called Christian Light Publication

has several books for youth on dating, Girlhood, boy girl
friendship, and moral purity imperative, etc. their
phone number is 800-776-0478, just in case you
want to check out the book selection for help. The
books are helpful in many ways.
How is work going for you? Any pay
raises where you work? Heard gasoline will
be over $4.00 a gallon by middle summer. It is
all most worth going back to horse and buggies
It be cheaper to fee the horses.
There a few group of people using horses and
living alright. Well, I will close for now and say
prayers for you and your family. Take care and
keep the faith. Care about you my friend.
A friend Always
Paul.
04/29/08
Dear Jim,
Greetings in the name of Lord, in whom
I gain all strength and wisdom.
I am doing alright so far. Trying to keep
warm, the weather has gotten chilly up here. A lot
of people do not try to work on their marriages.
May your marriage retreat go well for you and
your wife. Sorry too hear your daughter is doing
something against your wishes. She will one day
realize a high school diploma is important to get
a real good job. I totally agree that you daughter or
any young lady are not ready for children at the age of 18.
How big has your garden been? Actually gardening
is great for relieving some types of stress. Even planted
blueberry bushes? sounds as your job site is down sizing
the building due to the economy. I pray that you adjust
to the new work areas. You see where diesel fuel is over $4.20
a gallon, It would take a large bank account to fill up them
tanks.
Now you can see how I feel when I correspond with
you. Even if there is so many 100 of mile between us, your
letters mean a great deal to me. Yes, the works is changing
every day and will continue to do so. Times has changed
from the time we were young.
The only thing that does not change Is man's
wanting for knowledge. And God's love for
us is unchanging.
May your days be blessed and things
improve in every way. Keep the Faith.
Service of our Lord
Paul H
A Friend Always
6/22/08
Hey Paul,
How are you doing Paul? I apologize
for not writing. I think of you a lot. I

look forward to hearing from you all the

time.
Our garden is doing great. We are going
to have all kinds of things. We also put
in some flowers in different spots in the
yard. I spent one weekend cleaning out
the shed and organizing. We got our stimulus
check from government. We are using it to
fix up the house and do things we wouldn't
be able to do.
I am still on food program. I go to
meetings 3 times a week. I lost 60 pounds
now. It has taken years to do it. I am down
to 191 pounds. That is 11 pounds from
what I weighed in high school. this is
the first time I am this close that that in
decades.
My work is stressful. We moved out
of our old building and things in the new
place is still not organized. things are
up in the air. they are moving our stuff
in the lab yet. The one guy is not going
to have a place to sit on Monday.
My daughter is also very stressful for
us. Knowing that she is having sex. There
is nothing we can do that would stop her.
She wants it and even if we did some things
to him, it would only mean she would
run to him anyway.
There are times I wish I would have
a better job and not have the stress at
home. It just means that I have to
pray that god will work things out
in these situations.
I hope God will help you and your
family and friends. That you will have
contact with them. May God bless you
with his presence everyday.
Your friend,
James L.
7/4/08
Hey Jim,
So happy to hear from you and your family.
The last few weeks has been busy in the mail section,
one brother from the church been writing me. Also waiting
to hear from the minister yet! Been busy in reading the
work and my job, yet you crossed my mind several
times a day.
The small garden the staff allow us to have is
growing nicely. I didnt take part in the garden
due to all the arguments over it and someone trying
to be boss over everyone. you ever think about
where the money came from for the stimulus check
or who paying the money back to the government?
It makes one wonder about tings like that. But
it is wonderful that you got things fix around the house

and things you wants able to do before.

So this food program is not something I heard
of. But as long as it is helping you loosing weight.
I am above my high school weight. About 60 pound
over.
Stress can cause many health problems and you
dont need those problems. The moving the factory
is always stressful but ask God to guide you through
all parts of the day and it helps me. You can
make up your mind on that. I will pray that your
stress will decrease.
it is always stressful when we see or know
our offspring is doing something that is wrong.
Many things go through our mind and wonder where
they are and are they safe. All that must be set aside
temporarily and not over react so fast, love is forgiving.
Dont give up on your daughter.
I will close for now and write more later.
You are always in my prayers and thoughts Take
care and keep the faith.
Your friend always
Paul
08/12/08
Dear Jim
Sorry about the delay in writing to you.
Been busy with my reading and corresponding with
two friends. One friend is also in prison which is
not that far from where I am. And the other friend
is in Pennsylvania and he worked for Rod & Staff Publisher.
Yet no one can take your place as my friend.
Got two new cook books, Amish Kitchen and
Amish Cooking. Both cook books are filled with
very good recipes. One of them also contains recipes
for making Cheese. Then in the back of the larger
cook book contains recipes for Whooping Cough
Syrup, how to tan skin of sheep. Also bought a
child cookbook for a friend. Her grand children
really like it, got it from Rod & Staff in Kentucky
The weather has calmed down from all its
raining. Had several areas the flooded and ruin
a lot crops. Lake Dalton by Wisconsin Dells is n
no longer. One area of the bank broke loose and
the drained out the lake. All things are in God's
will and not ours.
Is things starting to straighten out at you
work place? Still doing my little job but just
happy to work. The pay isn't much but I am doing
alright with it. Did you get a new dog? Or you
can not find the right dog? Did your garden do
alright this year? I will close for now. Take good
care of you self and keep the faith my friend
Your friend Always
Paul
PS Do you know anyplace that teaches Cherokee
language or some place I may contact to get more

information?
10/20/08
Hey Paul,
We have been busy working on our yard.
Getting the rest out of the garden, planting
some fruit trees, grapes and blue berry
plants. Robin planted flowers around
the house. We still have to turn the soil
over, put fertilizer in and let it sit until
the spring.
This last week at work I was so bummed
out. There are things in my life that I don't
like and nothing I can do about it. My job
situation is boring, not challenging and down
right frustrating. I turn my music on with
my ear phones and tune out.
There is things in my life, finances, personal
relationships, and my personal ideals that
are not just right. Thoughts of suicide
and being dead. There are other things in
my life that are good and give me a reason
to live. It is just the way I feel sometimes.
In an ideal world I could imagine a
better home, wife, kid, job, relationships
that would be a whole lot better. I tend
to focus too much on the negatives. Seeing
the negative all around me, in everything.
That is one of my character defects.
Robin is not feeling good this morning. She
was going to go to church. Her gut was still
making her feel bad. She laid back down.
Many times on Sunday she doesn't feel good.
She goes to church hoping to feel better after
a while. Sometimes I think it works.
I wish sometimes that I could go back
to school and better myself, but, just dont'
have the money to do it. Robin has extended
herself with credit so much that we use
most of the money we make to pay it off.
It effects all of our decisions from day
to day through everything. Trying to make
ends meet, looking for a discount, trying
to figure out a cheaper way of doing it.
I can't move up the ladder at my job,
because I don't have those skills, or an
actual job description that would allow
me to move. so I am in a position
that is a dead end job. There is less
and less to do. I tend up working on
my own projects just to keep busy
at something. It makes me angry,
sad and frustrated.
Even in my recovery meetings it is
frustrating that I am not progressing. I
have had a hell of a time trying to find a
sponsor that I can call and work my

program. Dealing with others can be

stressful and disappointing when they
hurt us. It is hard to find a friend that
builds us up and encourages us. Someone
that helps us with day to day problems,
instead of giving us more problems.
I understand that sometimes I have
to give and not receive. To build others
rather then knock them down and
hopefully get some of that back for
all I dish out. Truthfully I get tired
of giving, and giving and giving. It is
like family phone calls - I have to call
or I would not hear from anyone. They
don't call. They bitch that no one
calls them - yet they don't call anyone
So lately I haven't called anyone - I have
not heard from anyone till yesterday when
my mom called me. She got worried
that she hasn't heard from me. Bless her
heart! My dad has free long distance
but doesnt call. Both my sisters
have cell phones with free long distance
at times, but they dont' call.
I have been making some progress when
it comes to connecting to God. I have been
reading from his Word and actually been
able to connect with it. My Sunday School
class has been good. We have had a informal
chili dinner together. Its good to have a
good bunch that I can relate too and that
they accept us as we are.
I am sorry that I have not written
to ya. I don't have any excuse. I have to
write to you more. It helps me to share
some of this. It makes me feel that
someone may care.
I hope you're feeling ok. What do you do
everyday? Do you have access to a library
books to read?
I made some pictures for you. A current
picture, Robin and I at niece's wedding,
our new patio, my mom and step father.
I hope you have a good day my friend.
Your Friend,
James L.
10/31/08
Hey Jim
Got your letter, was beginning to wonder
what happened to you. Thanks for the photo's
but what happen to the mustache? Did your
garden produce as much as you thought it
would. What kind of flowers is she going to
plant around your house. Before I get to far
with this letter, I better let you know I have
been moved. That is real a frustrating when one

is given no choose where they want to be. Any ways,

the new address is Sand Ridge Treatment Center,
P.O. box 800, 111 North Rd. Mauston, WI. 53948-0800.
You have to keep a positive out look on things
Frustration seems to be apart of every body's daily
life. Ever think that God is allowing things to
happen to you and I just to strengthen our faith
in him. At times I know I don't thank god
for another day and being there to carry away
my cares. Thinking about finances, personal
ideals, personal relationship are what you make
them, some how you seeing everyone going places.
Stop and look at how far you have come and
what you have accomplished in life - its a lot.
It sounds as there is a lack of communication
between you and Robin. Ever sat down and tell her
how you feel and see if you can not work out the
money problems. Always be apart of the solution not
the problem, I am not on your case and blaming you
for nothing. I also have the same ideal, worries and
the wants out of life as you do. Or any other person
You ever asked your boss about the plant helping
employee training so you can advance up the ladder.
It just a thought!
I do my best in building up and encouraging
you. But only so much can be done through the
mail. Even to call you is expensive and you have
to fill out a visiting form even before I could
tempt to contact you by phone. Phone for me is
a untrustworthy device, even at home the ex wife
answered the phone and took messages. See
your mother cares about you a great deal,
maybe it don't seems that way to you at the
time.
I am still hanging in there. I did get
a toe nail taken off that was causing me problems.
Have a meaningless job to do but hey I grateful that
I'm doing something. Sweep and mop and wash
windows, you got a better job praise God
Have excess to the library but I usually buy my
books from the catalogs I have. Done so much
reading I about read out. I also heave six
cook books for my own use, copied out some
recipe for another friend. He enjoys receiving
them. by his letters, he sound as if he just got
the biggest gift in the world. Maybe you taught
me something without knowing it - thank you.
I will close for now my friend. Take care and
keep the faith
Your friend Always
Paul
12/6/08
Dear Jim
It has been awhile since I wrote to you. Hope
and pray that you know I care about you as fellow Christian.
Some times I get side tracked ding something else. A old

friend in Oshkosh, WI asked for a few recipes from my

cook books, so I have been sending him a few at a time.
Still adjusting to the environment but things here
are strange. No one here trys to pull together and work
together. If they do then it is a racist thing, the black guys
expect the white guy to be their slavery. So I stay away
from the whole group. I am not getting involved in
any of their activity.
Weather up here, has finally turn to winter and
we got so snow on the ground. It would be nice to go
sliding some where. How is the weather down where
you are? May you find your job more interested, yet you
must never give up. And pray to God for he wants to hear
about our problems. it may seem He (God ) isnt doing anything
but he has great plans for all of us. And all things,
whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Matthew 21:22 May this verse be of some encouragement
to you as it is to me.
I have a small job here, it cleaning the dayroom
three days a week. The pay isnt much but I am thankful
for what I have. Also trying to get my ministers in here
for a pastoral visit. The chaplain is of no help in any
respect as far as other minister seeing us on visits. He will
have to pay for his actions. Well, I will close for now.
Pray to hear from you soon friend and you can
vent you feels to me, if you want.
A friend Always, Paul
12/14/08
Hey Paul,
Good to hear form you in the new facility.
Im glad you are making some money. Thank
you for the Christmas card. Yours came
before any of my friends. Guess you
find out who your real friends are.
Why do you ask about Cherokee language?
There are online classes that I went to for
many years. I learned their sylabery
of their letters and learning more of their
words. Would be easier to have someone to
practice with. When you use it you dont
loose it.
So what skills do you have others than
working on cars? If you dont keep up your
skills, at least by reading your skills will
not be up to date. Other books maybe good
for things that may not be in a car
manual.
I hope you have a good day. I pass on
a holiday hug to you. God Bless
your friend, James L
12/19/08
Hey Jim,
I was worried that the Christmas Card wouldn't make
it to you on time, so I mailed it early. Got only two cards
this year the rest of my so-called friends must have

forgotten or hibernating for the winter.

Have a person, I know that interested in the Cherokee
tongue. For myself, German is the language I learned, and
still use it as often as I can.
I am able to drive trucks or work dairy farm. I
took up custodial service, where I had to learn the different
cleaners. There is doubt of mind if I'm released because
things has change and training will be apart of job
being gained. Just need to be brought up to date on
the auto repair area.
Now for some bright news, well at least for me.
this place has approved both ministers, one from the
area I'm from and the other minister is from Own, WI.
The one from Owen has been a spiritual guide for me and
helpful in my search for spiritual truth. It was two months
of hounding this people to get them to approve my ministers,
never found out what they delay was. Maybe they could
not find a police record or maybe they found out they are not
perfect.
So far we had a great deal of snow over 8" over
night. And it is snow yet, as I am writing this letter to
you. I have a new cook book to my collection of cook books.
It has some recipes I have not heard of but that is a good
thing. Well I close for now my friend. May you be blessed
in the New Year and count all the blessing of this year.
God Loves You. Take care and keep the faith.
Your Friend Always,
Paul
1/29/09
Hey Paul,
I wanted to write you to let you know what
happened. On January 9th I was escorted by my boss into HR and then told I was
laid off from work. I had to pack up all my personal
stuff that I had at work and escorted out the
door Immediately I let my wife know and
went down that day to unemployment office
Needless to say I spent every moment
looking for work. Checking out every lead
and considering anything I looked at.
I applied to a temporary agency for
Inspection job and they were interested.
I had to take a test or two and then
they asked me when I could start. On the
20th I believe I started working at a
company.
Things are so different now, working 2nd shift from 1PM to 9:30 PM. this week
they asked me if I can do overtime. so now I am working from 11am to 9:30PM
So many thing have changed. I am making little more then half I was making.
Instead of working Monday through Friday 7:30 to 4 now I work even
Saturday and more hours. My eating
schedule has changed. Where I work
has changed even things I do at home
has changed. Little or no routine. I
am lucky I dont forget a lot that needs to be done each day
At least God has been good so that I

have some job and money coming in

Robin and I will have to change what
kind of bills are paid, what can we
afford to buy. Groceries have gone
up. At least gas is down right now.
I keep praying for a more permanent
job some where.
Well I wanted to let you know I
havent forgot about you my friend,
May God bless you,
JamesL
PS I need the form for visitation how do I get it?
2/3/09
Dear Jim,
Been meaning to write you before now. Sorry to
hear about you getting laid off. It seems every ones job is
at risk these days, at least you are doing something through
temporary agency. Keep your chin up and always remember
that God controls everything he has created.
I am waiting on the lawyer to get me out of here
and back where I belong around family and a few friends
So far I have stopped attending chapel services all due
to the chaplain attitude toward the group I hold close too,
the Mennonites. yet, the chaplain will go out of his way
for the pagan religion, so go figure that one out! Heard
from an old Gentlemen I have known for three years
He is doing well for his age (85), I believe we known
each other since 1997 or 1998. It been a few years now.
When you have God in your life, your are richer
then you think. The staff was saying price of food has
gone up a great deal. All due to the cost of shipping
the food from distributors to the stores. The cost of fuel for
the big rigs hasnt come down that much. I am
having the social worker send you a visiting form, did
that after I read your letter. So how is the weather
in your area? I heard about what happen in Kentucky with
all the ice an areas being shut down..
Just hope you and Robin got missed by that
storm! I will close for now. Take care and keep the faith.
God Bless you, my friend
Paul Hanson
2/12/09
Dear Jim,
What crazy weather we are having up this way. Had
50 degree weather a day ago but today it was in the upper 20 degrees weather.
One day is T-shirt and now hibernation time. How
is the job searching going for you? Any promising offers
or not. Ever drive semi trucks? Just maybe a gravel
pit or one of those ethanol plants cold use your talents.
Your are the one who knows best what you can do and
can not do.
They sent out the visiting form to you on the 10th of
this month. Even though I put the request for it on the

3rd of this month. This place is really slow at most

things.
The good thing is I got two visits from two ministers.
One of them I had contact with before while I was a WRC
The other minister is from the southern part of WI. It
was enjoyable to visit with them and learn about what is
going on tin the world. I also like hearing from
you, we been writing for eleven years now. Dont
seem that long does it. I know the chaplain here
wasnt happy about the idea of me having contact with
the Mennonite ministers. But I can not stand his preaching
because it is so empty and dry sermons.
He gets bent out of shape when confronted about his
chaplain sermons. Well, hope to be notified of you
approval on my visiting list and we can meet in person.
It is none of my business but has your daughter
changed back toward the good and stop going with
that older man? I will pray for you and your whole
family. Will close for now. Keep your chin up and
keep the faith!
Your friend Always, Paul
3/6/09
Hey Paul,
I filled out the form for you to talk to
me via phone and visitation. When I come to
Wisconsin I can come to visit you.
I dont know if you know I was laid
off from my permanent job on January 9
I did some job searching and got me a
temporary job at a place that was a
mile from where I worked. But that did
not work out either. Their production
slowed down and I was laid off again
last Friday, so, this week back looking. I
had to refill out my unemployment insurance
because of long break from January I was
eligible then to get about $275/wk
Frankly I dont like sitting on my butt and
not doing anything
I have applied for at least five positions
In the mean time I may take another temp
job working at the pace my wife works.
I dont know if I will like doing that work,
but at least it is money coming in.
I started a letter and didnt mail it yet sorry.
I got a call from the church. Your letters got
mixed with someone elses and I will be
getting there to get them this weekend.
My dad had a stroke yesterday. it is stressing
me out. I want to go there and be there with
him. So does my sister in Chattanooga. That is 2
hours farther southeast from me. My mom has had
problems this week as well. her blood pressure
was up and down and made her feel wiped out
She did sound like she was doing better
yesterday. My Aunt has been ICU in the Hospital

in Milwaukee for a while now. She has been

diagnosed with a lung disease and not
expected to last long. On top of it my bird
died this morning. Talk about stress.
When I was working my permanent job I
didnt realize how cushy it was working
from 7:30 to 4 Monday through Friday and getting
good pay. Now unemployed. My temporary job
was stressful on 2nd shift I didnt know when
to go to sleep, when to wake or when to eat. I was
not adjusting very well. I was getting to sleep
at 12 or 1AM instead of 10 to 10:30. My body
was always waking me up early stating from
when I used to wake up before 6AM. Instead
of eating at 6 or 7AM it was anywhere form 8 to 10AM
lunch was any where from 11:30 to 3PM and supper
around 5PM when I had a 30 minute break.
3/14/09
Hey Paul,
I am really enjoying my Sunday School class. It
has been a long time since I felt that I am
connecting with God and the members in it.
With people that love God.
We started working on our garden. Turned
over the one garden and half of the next one.
Robin planted some things in the small one.
Its getting warmer this week. Maybe one more
frost this year. Have to put in the other things
after the frost. The ones we got in now should
be ok.
Last Sunday we drove up to Illinois and stayed over
at friends house. Monday and Tuesday we
went to Hospital to visit with Dad. One Wednesday
Robin had to be back to work so we drove back.
I am continuing to look for work.
I got both your letters that were at church.
Jobs are not easy to find. So many others that
are out of work.
Dad is doing very well. His right side is effected.
On Monday night he was moving his right foot while he
was sleeping. On Tuesday his Occupational
Therapist was working with his right hand
and arm. Dad was triggering his muscles
and they were responding, but weak. He
is able to speak. At first it was hard to understand,
but, it got better form e.. There are
many issues are at hand. Paying his bills for
one, his lease is up and of April and has to
be decided if he wants to renew or if it
will be better for him to be with his
kids to take care of him. Personally I think it
would be better right now for him to live with
us.
So many things to do and to consider. Please pray
for us kids to decide.
Your friend, JamesL

3/5/09
Dear Jim,
Had a few moments so I thought I start this letter to
you. Been busy copying down some recipes for a friend over in
Oshkosh prison. By now he should have enough for three
cook book. Last month I was shocked by having three
visit from two ministers. The visits uplifted my spirits a
great deal. Of course the chaplain isnt happy about the
church that I deal with, but it is my choice.
How is the job search going for you? It dont
sound good at all for finding work. I am praying that
your find full time employment. Im still pushing
broom around for three hours a week. At least I have
money coming in for the things of life. How is the
weather in your area? It been warm up this way, yet not
warm enough where one would not wear a coat. A few
guys think they are invincible or they are want to be
superman. I may seem old to some, but I rather look
at it as being born with brains, wear a coat.
How the problems with your daughter? Has she
come around an started to listening to you? of coarse
look at some of the things we did when we was young.
Well I will close for now. Stay in Gods word. Take
care and keep the faith.
Your friend always
Paul
3/18/09
Well so far I havent got the form that states
Your on my visiting list yet. Of course this place is
Really slow. It depends on when you mailed the form
Back and check things out.
Yes I knew about the lay off from your permanent
Job. It is really a shame that everyone being laid off and
hardly any jobs to be had. It will be some time before we
See anything picking up. Know what you mean by not
wanting to sit around. Most of the time here there is
So little work to keep everyone busy. All I know is
I got to get out and back to civilization, and private
Life style. Noise staff members, they want to be
Everybodys buddy. That aint right at all.
What happen to your church? I had to look
At the return address twice, the name had changed.
They didnt like the old name? Sorry to hear about
Your dad having a stroke. Look like you should asked
Your church for prayer chain for those members of
Family. I know from past experience that prayers
Work no matter the distance. And you can give
God the stress you have and God will make you feel
Better. Everything that happen to us, God has the
cure for us, But what do I know.
Just read three books which were in-depth. The
last one was Ready Bible Answers. It makes one
think and the last book Im trying to get read is
they word is truth. It tells the story of the formation of
the bible. I keep busy reading as you can see, plus doing

my meaningless little job.

How big of a garden do you have? You ever
used the farmers almanac to plant by. Hope it
stays warm at night not to bother what you already
planted.
Lost count of how many letters I wrote to
you. Glad you got them. Keep me up on how your
Dad is doing and where he will be staying. It would
be better if he was with family to watch out for him.
well, I will close for now. You take care and keep
the faith
Your friend, Paul
4/11/09
Dear Jim
It was great to talk with you. Was thinking
about you and your family. while I am writing
this letter, the temperature outside is a little over
50 degrees right now at 7:25pm. So it may start
warming up now. Sure could be a good thing
for us. You sounded worried when I mention
the cost of the call. If it is alright once a month
or when you want me to call, just let me know.
Anyway, my book order has not come
yet. Started rereading the books I have, even
flipping through a Lehmans catalog I
have . A lot of the items are real expensive and
the shipping and handling is $7.95 and up. Maybe
Im just cheap. But other items are at a fair
price and wont mind sending for the. The
only reason I dont is room, the cell isnt that
big.
You mentioned about look at a job at the
airport. Did the ad say doing what job? when it
comes to jobs, not everyone can do the same type
of work. got use to being around guys who did the
same kinda jobs I did or had more experience then
me. I never hung around relatives on my dads
side of the family because they had real high paying
jobs. One worked at GM in the pain dept. the other
uncle was a accountant. My only aunt on his side
was a supervisor at some factory. Was raised on a
dairy farm and I learned real fast to drive the
equipment and trucks to get around. I went to
tech. college for auto mechanics. After being locked
up I got some training in custodial services.
Well, my good friend. I will close for now.
and get this letter in the mail to you. Stay
strong in Gods word and keep the faith always
your friend always, Paul
05/04/09
Hello Paul,
I got your letter a while ago at church. My church
has changed its name to Life Point Church because
it is going global local. Which means it wants to

put up churches around the communities around

us in different towns. They will still be a part
of the old First Baptist church Smyrna (now Life Point).
It is what they call a satellite church. I believe
they will be transmitting the sermons to the other
churches as they happen. They also want to go
global and have churches in other countries.
Today I woke up and did some stretching exercises,
read some meditations and writing letters. I still
dont have any offers for a job. I went on an
interview last Monday at the Nashville Airport.
It went well, but, they had other candidates to
talk to.
Sometimes it gets me down not having a job and
Supporting my family. Other times I feel that my
Head is in a fog and have so many projects to do.
We are putting in other gardens. I built an out
Building where I store the garbage cans, mowers
And other things. We bought chicken wire and
Made the chicken pen better. I want to make
A chicken coop. It would just be outside the
Pen and we would be able to get their eggs
Better. It will be nicer and dryer for them.
I am studying a course. It will require me to
Go for testing. When I pass I will have 3
Certificates in hardware, operating system and
Networking so I can apply for an entry
Level computer person (Information Technology)
I also feel that this is a changing time in
My life. To start a better career doing something
That I will enjoy better.
We are selling books through the internet.
I have one that I have to mail today. We hope
To have an internet business going soon to
Sell more stuff. We already have jewelry
And t-shirts. Its something to get started
We can put more of our books online too
We get them used from people and resell
Them. Its extra money.
One garden is about 8 feet by 48 feet. The other
Is about 10 feet square. We put in fruit trees
Last fall; peaches, pairs and apples. We
Also put in two variety of grapes and blueBerries. We also this spring put in two boxes
Of strawberries. The fruit well not be ready
For a few years yet but maybe a few berries
This year? Hopefully so. We are trying to use
Our yard to save us money.
I got our bill for our first talk it was more
Then expected. We will need to have an idea what
We are going to talk about to limit our time.
Its around .45 cents a minute to talk to you.
Nothing personal, I am glad to talk to you and
Wish it could be more. Right now with limited
Money coming in it may be a problem talking
Longer then 15 minutes at a time.
My dad was moved to another facility closer to

The apartment he had in Wauconda. He is doing very good

His progress with this hand and arm. He was weak with
His legs and needs more work with that yet.
We got him moved out of his apartment. We put his
Stuff into storage for now until we know better what
Is happening and when, or if, he will be moved out of
That facility. I was glad that we are getting his
Financial stuff straightened out, bills paid. Now
We wait more for him to recover more.
I guess end here for now and get it in the mail.
Later my friend,
James Listhartke
5/2/09
Dear Jim,
The weather had begun to warm up once
again. I was taken for a ride over to the hospital,
and I had a stress test done. Wont know the
results for a few days. But still it was nice
to get out around some normal people for a while.
The nurses was all very nice and very professional
and kind. Still have the nitro patch on
during the day, but have hope to get rid
of it soon. The glue irritates my skin.
Still have not finished my new book
yet. Every time I start someone or something
interrupts me and then I can not get back to
right away. A lot of other things going on also.
Waiting on four address from my minister.
Four to six members want to come in here to
share the gospel with me. Which is wonderful
because the other groups are not interested,
or geared for what I want to hear. With the
head start the other minister gave me and
the Bible studys help out a lot.
How is the garden doing? Everything
in you wanted in. How is the soil sandy or
good black earth?
Hope you got your chicken house set
up the way you want. Im still getting the
catalog from Rod & Staff, it the place you
got address for me. Bought a cook book
from them last month. It isnt what I
had expected but I learn to read more
closely to the description of the items. Well,
I will close for now. You take care and
keep the faith my friend,
A friend Always, Paul
Hey Paul, 05/28/09
Sorry about your physical problems. Been dealing with my dad's lately and been
stressful too. I hope you got your blood pressure under control. Our garden is
growing very good. We did more work on it. Putting a fence around two of them
and dug 3 more. We found a nest of bunnies when we dug the one out. Had to
move the nest. Hope mommy finds her bunnies. Do you have a cell mate? Does he
let you watch TV or listen to a radio?

We had to drive to Illinois Monday night. My wife's Father had an infection

due to his diabetes. They had to take his toe on his left foot. They may have
to take more off. He was refusing to eat and take the surgery. The family flew
in and drove to see him. I think it cheered him up to see his family and gave
him the will to live. He did agree to have the surgery done. So it is
scheduled for tomorrow at 9 AM.
We are also here to visit my dad who is recovering from a stroke, back in
March. So he is in a place in Wauconda. He is progressing very good. He is
even standing again, and moving his right hand. Very proud of him.
So we are staying with my Uncle in Wisconsin. It is an hour drive to the
hospital or to see my dad in Wauconda. I have visited him 3 days in a row and
seen him at meal time.
My Uncle is doing very well for almost 80. My dad is 84 and my wife's dad
is 74.
We spent 10 hours driving from Tennessee to Waukegan where the hospital is
and an hour to my Uncles'. We slept maybe 3 hours - and didn't get to bed
until 9 or 10 at night, very long day.
Did the other visitors get on your visitors list yet. If I can maybe I will
get up there to see you. You finish your new book?
Well let you go for now, take care my friend,
James Listhartke
5/11/09
Glad to get your letter today. Been trying to
read a book I have for a month. yet someone
always coming to my cell door and bothering me,
you probably know how that is. Also been trying
to get the address of four church members without
any results, so I can add them to my visiting list.
You must not be hard on yourself. Some things
dont happen over night. At least you got a interview
at the airport.
God knows how you feel and is willing to
hear from you on your fears. The best thing is, God is
working on our situation. The foggy head feeling
is due from worrying. Look at the chicken pen
as the first step and chicken coop is still in the
planning stage.
Sounds as you have a plan to keep bettering
yourself. Is the pay better in information technology
I never got that interested in computers, there no human
attitude in them. Makes on e feel secondary in life. But
that just me.
What kind of books you get to resell? Reason
being I got rid of some in the garbage, to make
room for other books I ordered. The only books I
wont get rid of is my cook books. Kind of attached
to them because of the hard to find recipes.
Sounds as your planted a whole far. At
least you will be able to can a great deal of the
garden. Hope you had a rototiller to turn the
soil. With the size of the gardens, they will save
you some money.
I had a strong feeling that the distance
between would be expensive. Yet, I am still not
use to the phone, I dont use the phone enough
to get use to them. I agree we must have an idea

what talk about and keep it under 15 minutes.

Well, I will close for now and you
keep you chin up and Keep the Faith.
A friend always,
Paul Hanson
PS Started a new Bible Study From
Berean Prison Ministry
Office of the Chaplin
PO box 761
Peoria, Ill 61652-9950
6/2/09
Hey Jim,
Well, so far my blood pressure is down. If I
can avoid a couple of guys on the unit. It seems they
love causing all kinds of problems, which I dont need
cholesterol is down and feeling better about it. So you
found some rabbits you didnt know ya had. Im
sure the mother rabbit will find her babys. As far
as a cell-mate, the whole place is single celled.
I am the only one in my cell and it easier on
me this way. Dont have to worry about someone
getting in my thing. I have a radio to listen to.
Sorry to hear about your father in-law.
Having diabetes when a person over 65 years old isnt
good. but Im glad he agreed to have the surgery.
It is good sign that your father is improving. your
dad enjoys seeing you and he knows you care
about him.
The other visitors has not made the list.
Mainly due to the fact I never received the rest
of the information. Got no address for them!
Dont know what is holding up the minister in
that area. But found a church in the area and
maybe things will work out with this church.
My new book is not finished of yet. Every time
I try to finish reading my book someone comes
along and interrupts my reading. Ill keep trying
to finish it. Well I will close for now. take care and
keep the Faith.
Your friend always,
Paul
8/4/09
Hey Paul,
Sorry my friend for not writing. I dont know where
time goes. Having to spend time looking for jobs. I
try to work on all the projects that I didnt
have time when I was working. I built a chicken
coop, put in gardens, weed the garden and water them,
working typing in books, and keeping the house
clean are most of them. I havent had many job
interviews that I go to . There are not many good
jobs. They are either very low income fast
food jobs and the like or very high management
jobs available. Both of which are jobs that
I either cant get my foot in the door, over or

under qualified. It can be very discouraging

and frustrating. My unemployment will run
out soon. I probably could get an extension
My dad had some very difficult times and had
to go to the hospital a couple times. He was
moved to Wisconsin near my sister. When he got
there he had another set back and finely getting
back on his feet again. He has gone through
so much this year and it has totally changed
his life and ours taking care of him and his
finances, medications, well so much.
My wifes father has had to go back to the
hospital for surgery again to take more of his
leg off above the knee now. He is doing better
as well.
My step daughter is having surgery today. Women
surgery. Dont know how it happened or why, but, she
has to have a hysterectomy. She was scared and
my wife was with her before she was put under.
This year is full of major changes for so
may people in our family and some of them
we know.
I got a laptop computer from someone. They did
not want it. I did not have a power cable for it
When I went to a computer store they gave me a
used one for $20. It is actually a nice unit.
Can use it for a backup for typing. I can
use it for study and for writing my books.
I finished an outline of a kids book and
have a book that is like a western paperback
that I have started. I want to add illustrations
to the kids book.
I am glad you have medical care. I hope
that they have your meds under control. You
feeling better? What were the results of the
tests I havent heard.
Again I wanted to say that I am sorry for not
writing you more. Some days it is very
busy doing many types of things. Some days
getting to sleep after midnight or 1am
and getting up at 7am like yesterday.
I had to re-register at unemployment every
Monday early or it will be so busy that
I dont do it until Tuesday or Wednesday
I have to go through hundreds of job listings
and apply with an application and send a
resume to jobs that I am interested.
My eyes have got worse this last year. It was
a good thing that I already had my eyes
checked and had some glasses. I have to use
them to read and write. The last time I went
to the doctor I wanted bifocals so I did
not have to take off my writing glasses to
see far away. When the company was going
to require us to have safety glasses they
basically paid for them. I took advantage
of that to get another pair that was just

before they laid me off.

It has been harder to pay for bills and find
ways to make other incomes until I get another
more permanent job. Looking for ways to make
extra money doing different things.
I have been checking for your letters but,
have not got any. Please my friend continue
to write me. If you need supplies let me
know what I can do.
Have you heard from friends or family? I
still have your picture in my small office.
Have you heard from your lawyer. You mention in January
about getting to talk with him, have you been able?
Only one of the three wild bunnies made it.
When it was old enough we let it go in a good
area with plenty of water and things to eat Our
gardens are doing well. did I tell you we
hatched out 6 more chicks. They are growing
up and getting bigger. Now we have 8 chickens
I hope your blood pressure is ok and your
cholesterol
well I will close for now, take care,
James Listhartke
7/21
Hey Jim
It has been some time since I wrote a litter
to you. The last time we talked, you sounded
depressed about how the job market going. Well
my friend, God has everything under control. I am
sure you will find a job every soon
Trying to keep up with my letter writing
and my Bible studies. It seems like I no more get
one study done, the other study comes back corrected.
To make life more interesting I get moved to the
receiving unit. Got a feeling why, there was plenty of
unstable guys on that unit. It was a strain on my
nerves and return to me in chest pains. Still have
a problem with High cholesterol, and tried about every
medication to bring it down. One medication effected
my liver real bad, so they had to stop it.
Still reading a lot finished my book and
now re-reading another book called Thy word is
Truth. Want to see if I missed anything in
it.
7/23/09
Thought I better get this letter written
and sent off to you.
Been helping some on a Bible Study that
another guy is having problems with. Dont
know if Im that much of a helper, but I try.
Well, I can not think of anything more to
write about. So Ill close for now. You take
care and keep the faith.

Your friend Always,

Paul
8/7/09
Hey Jim,
Got your letter today 8/7/09. I am just happy
to receive your letter. When did you find that
you interested in writing books? It seems that
letter writing is becoming a lost art form. And
not many guys in here actually reads anything.
Been trying to keep busy in here, even with all
the cut backs in funds. But I am sure I will
make it.
Please keep putting all your troubles in Gods
care, because he care for us. I will say a prayer
for your dad and for your wifes dad. It sounds
as there is a lot of medical problems all hitting at
once for ya.
What brand name is the laptop? I never
got interested in using a computer. Guess I didnt
fid it any use to have in my home. My other friend
has a computer and her one son has one. I look
at the news paper and see a lot of people being
arrested of porn or child porn, If that is what
sent out to different computer then I can do
with out the computer.
The results of my last blood test was
High cholesterol but my liver went back to normal.
My cholesterol hasnt been low since I can remember
but this place are pull pushers. Nothing wrong
with good health but dont push pills because
they thing it is alright.
You dont have to be sorry for not writing
as much as you want. But look at what going
in your life. I also have to deal with problems
in here, and there is so many problems. They
been trying to get me to work in the kitchen
here. It is no place for me to work. Sure I
have cook books but they are for my private
use.
Well, I will close for now. And say a
prayer for you and your family.
Your friend always
Paul Hanson
8/17/09
Dear Jim,
Been thinking about how you are
doing. I pray things has picked up for you
in all areas. Your gardens must be really full
and ready for picking or getting close to it. the last
few days up here has been unbearable with heat.
At night, it has been hard to sleep or even to stay
asleep.
Well, I finely heard from my other
friend here in Wisconsin. She went South with
her husband. To help with his father who had

surgery. So I know she isnt sick or lost. There is

a lot of nuts running around here, and there isnt
anything being done to separate them from other
people. It would be even better if this place would
just release me and leave me alone. Still working
at the same job, yet they could raise they pay here.
The staff tried to get me to work in the kitchen. It
is kind of job I am not interested in. Not how
these people prepare the meals. Everything comes
all ready prepared and they just heat it up and
serve.
Health wise I am doing alright. A few periods
of chest pain but nothing to be alarmed about. Because
all the test come back normal. The medical staff
are not the smartest bunch of people I even seen.
If it sounds like I dont trust the medical staff,
well there is good cause.
Well, I close for now and get this letter in
the mail. Take care and keep the Faith
Your friend,
Paul Hanson
Hey Paul, 09/26/09
Paul L. Hanson 100400
Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center
1111 North Rd
P.O. Box 800
Mauston, WI 53948-0800
Need to drop you a note to let you know change of address:
Smyrna Nazarene Church
P.O. Box 33
404 OVERTON DR
Smyrna, Tn 37161
I am working a new job. Started Sept 2. Been a real struggle getting
through all these changes. A new job, new church, changes at home, with
family. My wife was in the hospital. She is better in some ways. Still
struggling with pain in her neck, shoulder and arm. She had to have special
work note. Fortunately they are working with her and letting her still work.
Things have been tight financially. I will now that money is coming in be
able to pay off my credit that I had to use while I was not
working. I will be able to pay the stuff off in time.
I have been struggling trying to connect with God. I have been taking a
Catholic Study at the local St. Lukes Catholic Church on
Wednesdays. I had to make special arrangements because of my hours. So I am
meeting with one of the decons so that I can
continue my classes. So on Sunday's I have three churches that I can go to. I
can go to my old church at Life Point for Sunday
School. I havne't really connected with their church services because of the
songs and music. I like the pastor and the things
that he teaches. I love the Sunday School Class that I have been attending.
They have been so very supportive and helpful
through all this time of transition. They have been praying for us as a family
through so much. I feel that I need to have the

worship that I find at the Smyrna Nazarene because of the service and the
music worship. I connect better with the smaller
groups and the people. But I find that the Protestant churches do not commit
to having the Lord's table or communion at any
real time. I really miss the communion and have considered going to Mass at a
Catholic church so that I can have the Eurcarist
or communion. I feel that I can worship in any service or mass because it is
my heart that matters not the religious things we
do in the service.
10/4/09
My agency called me on Thursday and said don't bother coming in - work is
slow and we don't have work for you to do - been laid off again!
So now I have time off to fix up the house and work in the garden again.
Have to find work again and ways to make some money another way - May God
Provide
We got Robin's hospital bill - we have at least $1000 or more to pay now.
She has severe arthritis in her neck and shoulder and in pain.
Take care my friend,
James Listhartke
9/27/09
Dear Jim
Hope things are going well for you. Well it is
the last Sunday of the month, time is going by fast.
things around here is the same for most of us. Three
has been some guys released from here to go home.
Been trying to stay clear of trouble yet it seams to
show up, because I dont agree with a lot of things
around me, then I am a trouble maker. I dont think
it is right that someone has the right to boss me
around and not say something about it. Or get
blamed for another persons problems. Sorry about
unloading my problems on you, it just upsets me
to no end.
How is your chickens doing? How well
did your garden do for you this year. this place has a small garden, they
planted
everything that hardly eaten by anyone. And
I am sure getting sick of lettuce or cabbage
already. Beginning to feel like a rabbit with
the cabbage. The weather has been changing
toward the winter weather up this way. Soon
there will be snow flying around. Winter is
the time of year I could do without, or maybe
Im just getting old
Well it is getting late here. So I close this letter
off and get it in the mail to you. You take care
and keep the faith.
A friend always,
Paul
10/5/09
Dear Jim
May this letter find you in good spirits and good
health. It seems like time is dragging along and the
weather is changing to winter time! How is things

going down there for you? I pray you found a

full time job close to home. The job I have in here,
has changed. They redeem I should work add hour
and they call it taking care unfilled hours. It make
no sense to me because I am not making any
more money. I think I got taken.
How did your garden do this year. Next year
your garden should do even better. How does your
chickens like the chicken coop you fixed up for them?
Found another place to buy my books and they
have cheaper shipping and handling charges. Already got
one of their books.
Got a letter from a guy, I know. He is at
Oshkosh prison, we were at Jackson Corr. Inst.
together. He is a good person, at least he always
treated me with respect. I think if there was a way
I would like to call him, Just to cheer him up, or
cheer me up.
Miss your letters but also know you are busy
down there. Well, close for now, Hope to hear from
you soon my friend. Take care and keep the Faith
Your friend always
Paul Hanson
10/25/09
Dear Jim,
Got your letter and the new address of the church. I was wondering about you and how you are
doing. And now I know. Sorry to hear about your wife. I will continue to pray for you and her and
the rest of the family.
Being out of work makes things tough but just remember God is in control. The protestant
church service did very little for me. That is why that is why I went to the Mennonites and they
care about those who are true to Christ. I have already done their study and also done several
other studies. The other one seemed real simple to me.
Are they going to do anything for your wife arthritis? You can always be sure that God provides
for all believers! The economy is suffering all over this country. I have not seen where the
president has done anything for the people. I feel Hilrey Clinton is the better choice for president
then Obama. At least she has the time in the White House. Well I will close for now. Please take
care and keep the faith.
Your friend always,
Paul Hanson
11/21/09
Dear Jim,
Sorry about not writing before now. Things have been up in the air around here. Got a black guy
on the unit who keeps everything in an upevil. And its hard to concentrate on anything with him
yelling and acting stupid continually. Other then that, I have been holding my own.
How is the job hunting going for you? It is rough all over the country. The jobless rate has been
on the news, hope it will get better very soon. How is the new church working out for you? Are you
getting more of what you want out of the church. I finely got fed up with the so called doctor
helper. She kept changing cholesterol meds every month. So now I stop taking them because she

was coming close to damaging my liver. Guess she must dislike certain person and I must be one of
them. Still doing the same old job, at least I make a few dollars for my self. Will close for now and
get this letter in the mail to you. Keep the faith my friend.
A friend always
Paul
12/17/09
Hey James
Glad to get your card and short note. I was
thinking about you and wonder if you found a job
yet. We must all find patients through the word of
God and the Lord will grant us strength in all areas of
our lifes. It is very depressing in here with so many
guys trying to be something they are not.
So what is your daughter studying in school, if
dont mind me asking? It seems that you are happy about
her being home for the holidays. I can understand the
holidays are very mind boggling this always tires a
person out. You are always in my prayers.
Been trying to keep busy and away from
trouble around here. It seems almost naturals for some
to cause trouble here. the weather up this way has been
really cold, so I stay inside here it is warm. Already
got plenty of snow up this way. Well, I will close for
now. Take care and keep the faith.
Your friend
Paul L Hanson
12/11/09
Hello Paul,
You may not track the TN Titans football but they game that I watched
with IND. they didnt do so good. I believe the IND team havent lost any
games this year.
I sent off a Christmas Card to you this morning. Figured a longer letter
was in order. The one pet sitting account wanted me around Thanksgiving days
until Dec 3. Then when they got into the US They needed to go to MO because
her Mother was not doing well they called me Monday and will not be home maybe
on Sunday. So I go there twice a day to make sure they have food, water and
let them outside.
I also have a cat account coming up around Christmas time. I may also have
a new account to do during that time. They wanted to check my references and
we need to go out and visit with them.
My wife Robin is not feeling very good I am in a clinic and she going to
see doctor she has been fighting a problem in her sinus. Then get infection in
the sinus. When she came out she also had a bladder
infection.
12/23/09 wed
I started my cat account today she had a problem in the summer where
someone broke into her house. no she is afraid of living there and getting
robbed again. she maybe sell her house and move. May
loose that account. the other account has dogs inside and out
I will start on 25th and have to visit 3x a day to let dogs out. They paid
good new account and it is far from home at least its money coming in Still

no full time job. Wife is upset she think I am not looking hard for a job so
now both of us are upset more and still
no job
I like my new church, we had communion today. I really enjoy it. Getting
more out of it.
Wife still putting in a lot of hours because of Christmas
I know it is physically getting to her. It is much more then what she can do.
I went to a Wednesday night special tonight when they served communion. it
has been a very long time since I had it. It means a lot
to me to remember what Christ did for me. He has helped me so many ways in my
life I will pray for you tonight
God Bless, Have a better New Year
Your friend James.
12/31/09
Hey Paul,
Sorry you will not get this before the end of the year.
I need to get this in the mail for you.
Still no job yet. Sometimes when I submit a resume I feel real good hopeful.
Well ends another year. Want to finish up old projects around house
before the end Start off the year right in someway. Praying for
you friend. God bless you in the New Year.
Yours truly, James Listhartke
1/28/10
Dear Jim,
Had a few moments to write a few lines to you.
Things around here seem to calm down then heat right
back up with activity. If it aint one thing here, it is another.
I spent two weeks without any radio or TV, because I had
to send mine out for repair. I am grateful that it was minor
to fix. So now I can watch television without any interruption
from anyone. And can be in my room more and away
from most of the trouble in the day room.
It has been real cold here, also see that it been
cold down where you are. How you been handling the
weather. Any luck in the job area? Been praying for
you to find a job. I am still doing janitorial work
here, at least it money for the things I need.
We just got two new guys on the unit, now
someone will be moved to make room. Word has it there
may be more move over here. Heard from a friend
in Oshkosh, WI. Guess he is having a hard time
over there. HSU has him on a work restriction, he wants
to work very much. So pray for him please. Will close
for now. Keep the Faith.
Your Friend, Paul
3/9/10
Dear Jim,
Got your note and was happy to receive your note
It seems that everyone is hurting financially, even I am feeling
the crunch of lack of money. Yet there is faith to carry us
through these bad times. I will keep praying for you and your
family.
My other friend is having problems due to her ex-boss messing
up her credit. I been trying to get caught up with my letter
writing, it seems I just kept putting off certain letters. Between

my small job and trying to stay away from guy who cause
trouble. And finding out my cholesterol is over 300 count.
Otherwise Im doing alright as health goes.
The weather has been showing some signs of warming
up. Been watching the weather reports In the evenings. finally
finished one of my Bible study. It was out of Peoria, ILL and
it was a very simple study. still have done nothing with
Salvation Army Bible study, got to a certain point with the
study an lost interest for some reason. I will close for now.
Keep praying and keep the Faith.
Your friend
Paul
4/3/2010
Dear Jim
Got side tracked in my letter writing, it might be
old age. Ha Ha. Caught a cold so not really able to get a good
night sleep. But I still do my job on the days Im scheduled to
work. Been praying for you and the job situation.
There has been some strange guys around here. What
can one expect from places like this, it is not the best place
to make one to be motivated to do better. My friend in Oshkosh
seems to think I have a library full of cook books. He dont
want to get out and go to the library to find the books he needs.
Are you going to put in a garden this year? How are
your chickens doing? It is always nice to eat real fresh egg
or even to cook with them. the last few days the temperature
was in the high 60s to mid 70s. This weekend is cool like
very early spring. Seen where parts of the eastern coast got
heavy rain and floods.
Well, this is a short letter to let you know that your
are thought about. Take care and keep the Faith
Your friend always,
Paul
Hey Charles,
4/1/10
good to hear from you again. had a test yesterday for a job called Animal Control Officer. When I got
there I was brought back with 7 others. By the time
of the test more showed up. There were a total of
13 that took the test. It took me about an hour and half.
I tried my best. I sure didn't realize just what
the job was all about. Sure do now.
We already had to cut the grass two times this year
Had to clean and fix up the chicken coop.
Started working the gardens again, got one of our
main ones roto-tilled once and about 2/3 of the other.
Almost ran out of money. I don't like using more
of my credit to buy gas and such. If I could even
get some part time cash coming in that would help.
Not much new. The jobs I have seem are the same ones
that were there a month ago. Get the same old story taking applications, but, not hiring. It makes it look
like there are a lot of jobs out there. The employers
are looking for the perfect person for the job. They
have a lot of people to choose from. They can be

perfectly choosy and wait for that perfect someone.

4/19/10
Sorry for not writing more. Some days I feel I am
loosing it. Not really in touch with reality. That is,
what my life is today. It seems others are better
at coping with problems better. They have job,
careers, family and friends. The problems they
have are not different then mine, but, I have
isolated myself from people emotionally.
I went to a informal job interview from off
of Craigs list - an internet site. The company
is about 10 to 15 miles away. Small company of
a max of 15. Not sure how I did . In some ways I
thought I did ok, but, towards the end he said
he has other interviews to do. Which made it
sound like he is moving on.
Not sure what else to say. I can't imagine
what a typical day would be for you.
I have enjoyed my church I am going to. Some days
I feel closer to God.
Havent planted anything yet. Maybe the frost is done
for the year and we can safely plant now.
Take care my friend,
James Listhartke
P.S. My chicks turned out to be 2 hens and 4 roosters.
now I have to figure out how I am getting rid of the roosters.
The hens have at least started laying.
4/21/10
Dear Jim,
Sorry about not writing before now. Caught a cold
and really slowed everything down for me. But a will
catch up sooner or later on my letter writing. My job is going
along as well as one can expect.
There isnt any news to speak about, that can change at
any time. A lot of movement going on here. There are a few
units standing empty and they are trying to find more guys to
fill them up. It is lock us up and throw away the key. It sad
that they can not see the waste of money they are causing.
The weather has changed up this way. Did you finish
all the thing you had to do around your house? How is the pet
sitting work going? Any leads to a permanent job yet. Hope thie
weather down there is warming up for you. Are you planning on
planting a garden this year? Well, I close for now. Hope to hear
from you soon. Take care and keep the faith
Your friend,
Paul Hanson
5/25/10
Hey Paul,
I want to write you a note to let you know
what is going on with me. Back end of April I went
on an interview with a company that works on
diesel trucks. They need an electronics person

that repairs the injector ignition module. They

let me start and been working there since. I
have been working from 7am to 4:30 PM. They
had a lot of work to do to catch up on the orders
we are caught up now. So we are keeping the orders
up to date. It has been busy.
Trying to do things around the house too.
Like cutting the grass and fixing my motorcycle.
It had a lot of work to do to it, but, I didnt
have a lot of money. Had to put a battery, change
the plugs, change oil filter and oil, and the air
filter. Now fixing the seat today and painting
the tank. Do a little at a time when I have
the time and money.
Now that I have a job, my wife, Robin, has
been in the hospital a couple times and not
able to work. So we are still on one income
Our house and neighbors flooded the
beginning of may. we went to our marriage
retreat where it was sunny and nice, but
at home it was pouring rain. Five houses
on one side and three houses across the
street were flooded. Fortunately our house
was the highest and the least problems
I dont believe it did any damage to the
house, but, it was very close.
So if we planted our garden then it
would have been under 5 or 6 inches of
water. We did put it in a week later
I hope your feeling better.
I am currently watching someones cockatiels
birds they are on vacation for a couple weeks
It is finely getting warmer and not raining.
Well more to follow. Take care my friend,
JamesL
6/16/10
Dear Jim,
Got your letter the other day, and word from
another friend here in Wisconsin. Got told by them that
my ex-wife had passed away at a age of 58. The whole thing
that bothers me is no one ever took time to notify me when
it happened, she died of cancer I am told.
So how does feel to be back at work? It is nice to
hear you found a job. I certainly need to get out of here and
back around trucks. It sounds as you fell behind on things
around your home. of course I fell behind in my letter writing
and by doing my bible study. I pray that your wife will soon
feel better and wont mud anymore hospital.
It was on the news where Nashville got flooded, I was
hoping that the flood had missed you. Some river in Nashville
almost broke the earthen dam. We been getting a lot of rain up this
way. It is a wonder that we are not been flooded yet. Other then
the rain, the grass is growing fast and keeps the guys busy
mowing the grass.
Will close for now, Take care my friend. God Bless
Paul Hanson

8/10/10
Hello Paul,
Taking a moment to write you a letter
Have a minute to get down some things
that are going on. It seems that there are
always things that have to be done. From
the moment I get up there is a bath,
shave, breakfast, feed the animals, get a
lunch ready and stuff packed for works.
Then off to work with all that goes on there
then, ride home starts with chores like cutting
the grass, checking emails, going over finances
or doing things like dishes, vacuuming or taking
out the garbage. By that time, its time to think about supper.
My wife was not feeling good yesterday
and my youngest, back from college, took her
to emergency room because of dizzy and
headaches or pain in her body
My daughter goes to the university of TN
in Knoxville and is on break for 12 days from
summer school and now starting fall
semester as a sophomore.
I work in a automotive bay where
they service the trucks. it is running between
9 and 100 degrees everyday. We have
fans blowing hot air on us. It is not hard
work to do, just hot. I think God is helping
me coping with the temperature. I come home
and updated my finances and fixed supper.
When I get home I dont feel like doing any
thing. Outside even after the sun goes down it
is still 85 to 95 degrees. I have to cut the grass. But, its
too wet in the morning. Besides I get up before 6 to be
at work by 7.
We lost another chicken from cold in winter
and one from heat this summer. I am down to 2 again
with one laying periodically.
My wife Robin went to hospital yesterday and
today did a follow up with her doctor. She is doubtful
and confused about all the changes with her body.
The doctor doesnt co-operate with her and doesnt help her
much. I dont think he knows a lot. Or cares.
I told her its time to find another doctor.
I am still doing my art on Monday nites.
Yesterday at a water color class its fun to do
things that are different. I need to get my
violin out and practice it more.
My dad went to the hospital and went
back last week to his nursing home. He was
developing pneumonia and retaining too much
water. He has a heart condition.
My sister lost her job and is unemployed
They are refusing her unemployment money,
so she is hurting.
So many people I know are hurting in

some way or another. Like my neighbor is

battling cancer and is not expected to last
very long. It makes me sad. He is such a
good friend. very nice family. He treated
us very well and I helped him too.
Well I guess thats it for now. Let me
know how your doing.
Your friend,

James Listhartke

8/8/10
dear Jim,
been a while since I set down and wrote a letter
to you. the biggest reason for not writing was I was in seg for
a while. A long story for why I was there, I got sick of being rubbed
up against and grabbed in places that not right. It been real hot up
this way and no relief in sight.
How is your job going for you? May all things work out
for you. Heard that Memphis flooded, dont know how true that is!
I heard it second hand, not on the news. Got to get hooked up to
cable yet. So I can see the programs I like, because so many
want to watch sports. I dont care for sports at all. How did
your garden do this year? How is your wife doing?
8/12/10
well, I better finish this letter to you. I am still working
at janitorial work here. The heat does not help while Im
working, I sweat like everything. the heat is effecting everyone
here and no way to cool off. Well close for now. You write
back soon and keep the faith!
Your friend always,
Paul Hanson
9/16
Hello Jim,
Finally found a few moments to write a few lines to you.
There been so much going on here, it seems like some of these
people lost their minds. I dont mind that some guys here are
mentally off, just as long I am not included in their messes.
I try to stick to my room, except when I have to work. Then I
do my job and get out of the dayroom. It sounds as you are
busy from the moment you get up until way after dark.
Ill say a prayer for your wife and daughter.
May the both of them feel better real fast. Finally got my
cholesterol down but the medical dept still isnt happy. Tey
want it even lower yet, go figure. If they ever looked at the
meals they feed us then they could see the meals are high in
fats and very low nutrition and small servings
Got a short letter from a guy in Oshkosh prison.
Copied down a few recipes for him. I dont mind doing a
few recipes because he really is grateful for them. Of course I
would love to try a few recipes just to see how they taste!
On your job, do you just work on trucks? Or is there
other vehicles you take care of also? And how long of a truck is
worked on? So what your next move on your chicken problem.
It always nice to have the eggs since the re-call on the eggs
from the stores.

It sound nice to hear you are enjoying art class, I took

time off from any type of art work. I get bored with art real
fast. One place where I buy books had printed up three new lessons.
and Im still do on study out of Georgia. Keeping busy with reading and
studying my Bible studies. Dont remember you ever mentioning that
you played the violin.
Sorry to hear about your dad being sick. There is a lot
of people getting laid off and being refused unemployment
benefits. I was thinking about calling you but at the time
your wasnt working. you can let me know if you want me to
call, just mention what day and time. Well, I close for now.
Keep good thoughts and keep the faith.
Your friend,
Paul Hanson
Nov 9, 2010
Dear Jim
Found some time and paper to sit down and write
few lines to you. Have not heard from you in a while, so
you must be real busy down there. It is that time of year where
we set our clocks back an hour. It is just an extra hour of sleep
they say, personally I really can not tell. I am always up early
and that is without any alarm clock. How is your job going
for you so far? You are always in my prayers
The weather is cooling down plenty up this way. Just
waiting for the snow to start. So getting winterized is another
job to do. Did you get your vehicles all set for cold weather? Still
writing to a friend in prison and my other friend in southern Wisc
Got one guy here upset a little. It seems that he dont think things
over before doing them. He want to become a member of the Amish
and every other denomination, all at once. I laid it out to him,
that the Amish dont evangelize or mix with outsiders very well.
They are wonderful people and hard workers. Other then that, they
stick to their won people or clan. I think it is a way to belong
to group of people who wont judge him and he has a place to hide
from the world.
As for me, Heather wise, cholesterol is down, my weight
is up and down. It can not make up its mind to be fat or slim
At time I am scared to step on the scale, it might brake. Otherwise
Im in good health. They ran a EKG on me all due to my age and
due to chest pain every once in awhile because of stress in here.
Well, I close for now. You take care and keep the faith.
A Friend
Paul Hanson
12/4/10
Hey Paul,
Got your letter today. I am making time to write to my friend. Sometimes I get
so over-whelmed by the things going on. The new time change for me is start
work at 6 am and get off at 3:30. That means I have to go to
bed like 8:30 to get some decent rest. But, it never fails there always seems
to be more to do and I dont get to sleep any where near that time.
Things with my wifes health have kept us strapped for money. Living
paycheck to paycheck is old I dont like it. Makes me feel
like I am not a good provider. Both of us
are tired and have more aches and pains
lately. Mostly there is a sense of unrest

something that seems to gnaw at me telling

me something is wrong.
We are trying to get health insurance at where I work.
They gave me a quote of $500/mo thats working a whole
week out of a month just to pay insurance. We cant do it.
My two chickens are doing good. My bunny died. We
enjoy our Sunday School class and fellowship at
church.
Trying to find some time to do thing; projects,
meditation time and time to do my recovery stuff.
Yesterday alone I had three meetings in two
of my programs. Been struggling trying to get sober
and abstinent. Please pray for my willingness to
do my programs. I have been in recovery for 10 years. Dont know if I told you
about this.
Any time you need to unload your problems and talk
about it please feel free. I cant imagine just what
you deal with on a daily basis. So when you do share
with me then I have an idea what you go through
and better know how to pray for you.
My garden was lousy only real thing we got is the
cherry tomatoes that produced for us. Out of all
the things we planted, a lot died or didnt produce
Between the heat, over rain, under rain things didnt grow or died.
the grass grew like weeds though
The pet sitting died too many people out of work and have
no money to travel and leave their pets. They have
to make other decisions financially so no extra money.
My wife has made a website to sell some of her dolls.
She has sold 5 things as of today. She is encouraged
Just before Christmas many people are buying. hopefully
they are looking for alternatives like buying clothing for
their dolls or dolls off the website and not locally
Still many people want to buy now. Bring it home and not
have to worry about it coming in the mail.
I hope that you are feeling better. I know that you have
no control over the kind of food they feed you. It is not
the most nutritious. It is meant to fill and thats about it.
We are struggling financially. Been short every week. Doubt
we will be able to give any gifts this Christmas. Maybe we
can find things at the dollar store. It will amount to the
thought that counts. We were $100 short at end of month and
could not pay the bill without the account going in the red.
Now that is has got cold at work. They start opening the
bay doors around 60 degrees. Way to cold to work like that.
So instead of working in 90 to 100 degrees its 50 to 60 at least
we have heat on when its 30 or 40 degrees.
Do you follow the football games? My dad is living in
Wisconsin and had to listen to the news about the Green bay
Packers instead of the Chicago Bears I hope he likes it.
He used to follow the Cubs and White sox ball games, but
now he as news about the Wisc. teams
We have not put up Christmas stuff yet. Guess we are not
in the mood yet. They started playing the music even before
Thanksgiving as well as the Christmas commercials
they even had Black Friday before Thanksgiving.
Nobody seems to care about the meaning of Thanksgiving

or Christmas Turkey or presents Nobody cares.

Well take care my friend, have a good holiday
Will pray for you and Gods blessing on you.
Your Friend, JamesL
Hey Paul,
We are watching a youth Christmas play at church.
Far as my Father he is still in assisted living and doing
well. His eyes are just about gone. he has his mind and
hearing so he listens to TV and radio. My mom is feeling
better. She was very weak this summer. She has had
to stow down from a lot of activity. My step father and
her had car problems this year one thing after
another. My sister lost her job and trying to sell
insurance and a part time job to make it. She has had
a rough year as well.
My job has a good amount of work to do. I am still
trying to adjust to the hours 6 to 3:30. Waking up at 4:30
or so. My wife ran into wood in the house and broke
her pinky toe. Always something guess Ill end the letter
Take care my friend will be praying for you.
Friend JamesL
12/14/10
Hey Jim
Got a little time before I go to bed. I am glad that we
are not doubled up here, it is hard to have to be in a cell with another
person no matter how well we get along. Was surprised that your
letter was four pages long. Yet I am very happy to hear from you
because you matter to me, my friend. I must have pulled a muscle
in my back. it hurts a lot even when Im laying down to sleep. But
I had worst pain then my back, just cant remember when
Dont he doctors give your wife and you and type of
hope. Sounds as if the down there dont take their jobs that
serious or have any compassion for their paints. you may be
right about something being wrong, when one is having the feelings
of unrest there a problem
Isnt $500 a month way too much to pay for health
insurance? suppose you checked with AARP for health insurance or
American family? Is there any plans in getting any more chickens
or another rabbits. I noticed on the news all summer how much
rain was falling down there. I was very worried that you wasnt
forced out of your home. I never knew you had so many
projects to do. If you dont mind me asking about you recovery,
what is it about/ I was a drunk when I was young. I finally figured
out I was hurting myself and gaining nothing. it was hard for
a while, but I had to make the choose to stay sober for my family.
You that curious about this place. It is really a
difficult place to be, you have all kinds of personality. There
a ex priest in the next cell to me, he been trying to convert
me to be catholic. I told him several times I wasnt
interested in his religion, that I was very happy with the
church Im with can not blame anyone because I was warned
about his way of converting unwilling people to his way
of thinking. It people like him, I can not tolerate to be around
but I controlled my anger. I wont allow him or others like
him to control my actions. And plenty black guys who think

they own they palace and try run other people life. That dont
go over well with me. I can handle my own problems with
out anyones heres help.
Sorry to hear about the pet sitting has dies out. please
dont give up. have faith things will start picking up. this
country is starting to wake up and is trying to find away to
kick start our economy for the better. yet I have a feeling
that we as a country must try harder to claim our rights to work
I didnt buy anything off the website but had plenty of
things about Elvis Presley when I was free. Items of collectable
value, rarely ever let anyone know I had such items, one
two many people will to steal things. And I still lost everything.
Well this letter starting to look like a book. So I hope
you like reading. I will pray that your wife little toe will
heal alright. May you adjust to your hour at work. Take
care and keep the Faith.
A Friend, Paul Hanson
1/15/11
Dear Jim,
Found some time to write a few lines to let you know
I am alright. At least I think so after finding out that my
television can not be repaired, and that was a waste of
time and money I didnt have. Every TV I see is expensive,
at least for the amount of money I get a month. Other then
that things are pretty much the same around here.
You said in your last letter you wanted to know about
life in this place. While I will give you some more insight of
this place. For the unit Im on holds twenty four guys
of various race, religion, schooling and age. There is several guys
who has a low education yet think they know all the answers to
life. Point at hand, one young guy wants to become an Amish
He can not get grip on the idea the life he had of easiness will
no longer be his, cars, farm tractors, farm truck is no longer at
his will. Amish life is strict and hard work. Education is
limited in the Amish life. yet the thinks he can change them
Then I have a friend over in Oshkosh prison. He is a lot older
them me, but he gets bent out of shape if I dont send him some
recipes. yet I am lucky to hear from him every two three months
I tried to explain to him I am having a hard time here as he is
having a hard time. At least you and my other friend understand
I hope. Not that I complaining but I wish I was down there in
Tennessee, maybe I could find a job at a restaurant or something.
Now back to explaining this place or at least trying.
As far as the staff members around here. there is some good staff
members but the bad ones out weight the good ones. the bad
staff members are the ones who cause trouble instead of
helping to keep the unit running smooth. There is one bad
staff member here who has a thing about puling trouser down
ward on us. then he denies everything. he is in for a surprise
with me. And the meals around here has gotten really small.
The medical staff fuss about guys being over weight. I dont see
how unless they pig out on canteen. Even then we are limited
to the amount of money we can spend. It dont make sense at
all.
On to better things in life. Finally got a new
calendar two day ago. It not snowing at the present time.

well at least in this area. I am still try to finish the Bible

study that is laying in my room. And they are trying to paint
the rooms, two at a time. Well, I will close for now. Keep
the faith and your always in my prayers
Your friend, Paul Hanson
3/30/11
Hey Paul,
Had to get mower going to cut grass - still not
done with all of it - been either cold or wet
had to get my seat on motorcycle redone maybe
can pick up tomorrow
I hope your doing ok. I am sorry have not wrote
earlier there is no excuse you have been
on my mind I found this correspondence course
if your interested write them and tell them
you need assistance with postage they can
help you so you can do the course I am
currently doing one from them myself.
We have been going to a church locally
I have really made progress connecting
with God I think. Listening to audio sermons
from my last church, Charles Stanley and a
new church found locally the messages
help me to understand things and help me to
believe. I have had doubts about things and need
help to grow.
The more closer I get to God the closer I want
too. That is better then only asking for help at
times. I feel I am growing.
I wish to simplify things in my life and
make my life easier less to do
4/3/11
Sent on a long ride to Woodbury on my bike about 30
miles one way from home with a buddy from old church.
He wanted to go out for a ride. It was his first since
the fall and he was rusty. The wind was high for
him it didnt bother me. I am used to riding in
many weather conditions. My motorcycle seat looks
great. He did a real good job.
Yesterday got the rototiller going and started working
on the garden and pruning the tree by the garden. All
the grass is cut first time this year. Weather was
very nice, sunny, not too cold. We can start planning
the garden where everything could be.
The company I work for has built a room for us
technicians so we will no longer be in a bay where
they do a lot of machinery or welding noises and
thank God no exhaust fumes.
It really am sorry that I havent wrote you more,
that was wrong. So many times I feel that there is
so many things to do . Now that my wife is having
physical problems I have to do more and more.
We have been a $100 to $200 short every month. To many

bills and not enough money. The cost of fuel has gone up
at least $1/gallon more that means filling up the
truck is $35. Cost of electric was very high. We had
a lot of cold this winter and made us short of funds.
Close for now God bless my Friend James Listhartke
5/5/11
Hey Jim,
Got your letter here last month but I was unable to
answer it until now. I got into a bit of trouble and ended up
in segregation for six weeks, I take it that these people dislike
the truth spoken.
You must have some fast growing grass down there?
I know Whiteville had real sandy soil there. hope you got
your motorcycle seat back, and it is up to your standard.
The place you are telling me about -the Bible correspondence.
I already done and any new material they come up with I get
to do the material. Started that Bible study 2007 and finished
it in 2008. Had the same problem you are having in
understand the message until I talk with a minister
from the street. He sent a book to me that helped me
out a great deal. The book is called doctrine of the Bible.
Many times to make things too easy to do, we
dont get the full blessing of the work. It makes me feel I
let the Holy Spirit down by denying him, his job of
guiding my life.
5/7/11
Well, I found my way back to this letter, hopefully I
can get it finished and in the mail to you. Glad to hear
that you got your garden all rototilled up and everything
planned out for it.
Sounds good that you no longer have to smell exhaust fumes,
that can cause health problems, I know
from experience that exhaust from any vehicle is dangerous, and
the noise is something else. Dont worry so much about
writing because I have been slacking off with my writing.
Been busy getting these guys to uncap my cable and yet it has
not happened. So I sit with a new television and unable
to watch it, it is just frustrating to me.
Health wise I am doing alright, except for some
back pain. But that is expected for my age. You make
sure you dont over do it and become sick. Well, I will close
for now God bless, and keep the faith
Your friend
Paul Hanson
6/26/11
Hey Paul,
It has been a very stressful month. It all
started when my wife and I went to Pigeon Forge
to go to our marriage retreat. Started Saturday
afternoon when my back was in pain. My blood
pressure was up. I ended up in hospital until
Sunday evening. They wanted to check my heart
and lungs, which were fine. They released
me and we went home 3 hour drive. Then that

week to my doctor for an ultrasound on

my gall bladder. May 13th had surgery to take it
out. Now I have almost $3000 bill from hospital
and surgery.
There have been so many things that have changed
my relationship with God seems closer though I
still have problems in our church service.
The pastors wife picks songs I dont know and the
pastor dont really care for his attitudes. Seems
more focused in self and not his congregation.
My wife has had a lot of pain some days
and been in hospital for her heart exam as well.
They didnt find any blockages in mine or my
wife. They did find she has a weak heart and
had to go on different medication Now
they are trying to adjust it and her blood
pressure
My friend came by and gave me 3 barred rock
chickens. So I had to get the chicken coop
and feed for them ready.
A tree fell down on my shed and a friend
from church came by and helped me cut
it up to burn. yesterday burned the last
bunch and only have 4 large chunks left. I
plan to give them away that might need
it for a fire place or something
Our gardens that we planted are doing
well. We got green beans already. Tomatoes
plants not grown enough to produce tomatoes yet
My motorcycle breaks started grabbing
so I have it in the shop it will cost almost
$300 to get them fixed
Seems like a month full of lots of bills
that will last for months.
I have stayed away from caffeine. Not in
colas or coffee that has helped me. Been
taking something for my stomach that was
hurting as well.
I hope things for you have been easier. Take
care my friend.
James Listhartke
7/8
Dear Jim
Greeting in our Lords name. Sorry about not writing
you like I should. One inmate at Oshkosh has been pestering
me over some recipes he wants. I feel he dont realize I have
you and other friends to write. It like he is not aware of
the cookbooks in the library over there.
Got your letter a day go. You went through a lot there at
the hospital in Pigeon Forge for some doctor find nothing. Sounds
as no one gave a thought to think outside the box. cause of the
doctors did they would found it was your gall bladder. I am
glad that everything was taken care of and I will pray your will
feel better everyday
The word of God does state that Satan will send faith false
teachers, preachers, prophecies among the churchs or people. Your pastor

may have got hold of some false teachings and trying to impress it
upon his flock. It is upon the members of the church to inform your
pastor of his misguided ways. To address the problem of selfa little finger walking through the bible is necessary to backup
all claims.
Hope the medications your wife is on, has been adjusted
to the correct dose. How was your cholesterol level? Keep an eye
on what you eat and how much exercise you get and stress is no
help on a person health. What was all wrong with the
motorcycles brakes to cost nearly $300? Well, Ill close
for now. take care and keep the faith.
Your friend,
Paul L Hanson
Hey Paul,

05/15/11 didnt send this

Got your letter today. I understand that you got in trouble. Those that follow the things in the
Bible need to follow what is in there the right way. Saying the truth to someone can be done in a
hurting way or done in a loving way. What was your motivation? How was the truth delivered? Only
you know the situation. Sometimes a soft voice helps. Sometimes doing it in a way that doesn't
provoke them.
Sometimes being quiet and praying for them. It is not what I want to accomplish that is important.
At least you spoke up. Maybe ask God next time before you say something, what and how it
should be said.
I had gallbladder surgery on Friday 5/13. In pain, though it is less now then yesterday. Tried to
get done what I could before surgery, those things couldn't do after. Got outside house sprayed to
cut down on ants. Got grass cut. Lawn mowers and weed-eaters going. Going through them and get
rid of ones don't want. I had 5 lawnmowers and kept the best of 2.
7/24/11
Got your letter today. Been a rough few months. Had to change front bearings in my truck. Was
hearing squeaks and had a friend of mine clean and repack them 6 months or more ago. So I figured
maybe that was the problem. The place I work changed them. But squeak still there. So has to be Ujoints. So waiting for them to fix it for me. Ordered a front barring kit for my motorcycle. Should
have in days. I contacted hospital for assistance to pay the bill. They sent me paperwork to fill out.
Pray for the help to pay the $1800. Have so many financial problems. At end of month have no
money to pay for groceries. My brakes had to be rebuilt, the master cylinder and caliper seals,
gaskets and stuff. The brakes were sticking. Now they are ok I have to change the front bearings.
Always something it seems.
My wife was in hospital month or two ago and finely seen what they bill the insurance was $25,000.
We have to pay like $3000! Robin is trying to get assistance to pay the bill from Daughters of
Charity.
Being grateful for the things God has blessed me. One, better health, home, job, wife, vehicles, and
so much more. God has blessed me and my family. Need to keep focus on God not on worldly things
or philosophy on how or what this world gives.
A friend of mine give me a used riding lawn mower he fixed. Got from someone he knew and fixed it.

So now I have a riding mower. It needs a little maintenance to get in better condition. Battery
needs a charging, The tires leak a little and few other little things, but, it runs.. I hope all this
vehicle stuff gets fixed soon. I am so sick and tired of feeling fear when driving or riding cause it
has a major problem.
I found my correspondence course and started working it again.
Well more later my friend,
JamesL
8/6
Hey Jim,
I sat and thought over what you wrote. I followed what
the scripture has taught on dishonesty, if feel where hurt them
the truth touched them. And to think what to say isnt like been
on the streets, in here things are different. those who claim to
be Christians play head games in here. It is a struggle everyday to
stay clear of the false Christians and their false claims. Because
myself and few others refuse to join in oh the false statements
and their false church service we pray for each other. Many guys here
rather hear the truth then being lied too. As far as following what
is in the Bible, there is more following in my life now with the
church I gave up the Lutheran faith. Because there is no doubt in
right or wrong, if God hears me or not, we dont belong to this
world.
Got a friend in Oshkosh, who seem to think I should
mail him two letters with recipes every week. Like there are
only so many recipes before they repeat and not that much to
write about. He writes to me one letter every other month.
He is a honest person and outspoken, so it is easy for me to get
along with him. There been a lot of movement around here.
A lot of new arrivals came in, so some guys was moved to
other units. But I remain where I was but I had the fear of
being moved. I pray all things will work out for you. I
will close for now. Write more letter.
A Friend,
Paul

11/13/11
Greetings Paul,
I am so sorry for not writing you sooner.
Havent heard from you since August is this right am
I missing letters? Please write to me as much
as you can. Even if it is a short note how you are doing.
I will try to do the same. Many changes since I wrote you.
Things at work have been really busy. One on
day shift has had hip surgery and still out. The others
had to work over time to keep up with orders.

I am glad my motorcycle and truck are still doing well

since they have been serviced. I ride my bike as much as
I can. Even if it is in 40s in the morning when the day will
be in the 60s or 70s. Still have an issue with the tires
with truck I think. I will try to rotate and balance them maybe it
will help.
Been playing my violin more. The new church I have
been going to is very good. I have communion first Sunday
of month. I like the pastor and Sunday School class. I
have been going every other Sunday. I go to the other
Church my wife is going Smyrna Nazarene. When I can
give you that new address you can send your letters to
the new address.
My back muscles hurt. Doing exercises and taking
pain pills. My wife has good days and bad days. But,
its hopefully better then it was. Thanks for prayers.
There are days at work I want to run for the door
So I look on the internet to see what others jobs are
available. I normally dont see much out there.
But this last week there was something that I
sent my resume for. I dont see much change at
work. The work is very boring. Same old thing
day after day, someone with no schooling could do
I feel closer to God at my new church. It
feels so much more alive and growing. I wish
that my wife would be interested in attending. But,
she is happy where she goes. So it is important
for her to grow where she is.
My family is doing good. My daughter has
moved into a new apartment. We had to go to Knoxville.
and help her move a weekend we slept on the floor
until we hot her moved in. I am glad for her.
Well if there is things you want me to pray
for let me know. Some months we are in the red not
enough for all the bills we have to pay.
Youre my friend and I care for you. I miss not hearing from you.
Please write, dont give up. I really want to
hear from you.
your friend,
James Listhartke
12-3-11
Greetings Jim
Sorry about the laps of time in writing to you. The
unit has a big change of guys and over half of them it seem like
they never grow up. Or maybe they are going through second
childhood. It is real disturbing when a full grown man has to
play every minute of the day.
Lamp of light has sent me a new lesson they just printed
up. Any new lessons are offered up to a person who went through the
course. Been doing a Bible study from Source of Light, it is like
a refresher course of things one should already know. So studying the
Word most of time. Finely they moved the ex-priest from the
unit. There was plenty of complaints about him trying to convert

guys and he tried with me. He refuse to hear I was not interested
about become a catholic. How is your study's of the Bible going?
I thought you was happy with the church you was attending?
Or is it, the church is not challenging enough for you in its services?
Maybe this other church has what you are looking for!
We have this one old guy here, he is in his 70's or 80's
and he gets around real well for his age. It seems that he is
real choosy about who he talks to. Some how I was picked
by him, to be the one he talks with. The only thing we have
in common is both of us likes educational programs on the
television. At least there is one guy to talk with a little, if
either one of us come out of our rooms.
Do you know anything about a place called
Cracker Barrel and how many are there of that place? The
reason I ask is, I seen it advertize on RFD-TV station.
Any information would be helpful. Well, I will close for now.
You take care and keep the faith, you are always in my prayers
Your Friend,
Paul Hanson
12/11/11
Hello Paul,
Got your letter yesterday. Was glad you wrote
back to me. Its good that we keep writing each other
I have a new church I have been going to. I talked
to the Pastor and he said its ok to give you the new
address. The church is: La Vergne First United Methodist
248 Waldron Road
La Vergne, Tn 37086
I really love my new church. They have a choir. Sometimes
other instruments. I am practicing my violin and will play
in the services soon. I hope others will also try to
do the same. One of the Baptist Church I went to years
ago had an orchestra in which I played. there was
only one other string instrument then.
I am praying that
God fill you with his love this season despite
all the trash and negative people. God can still lift
us up each day. If it wasnt for my daily reading
I would be more pessimistic and depressed. But,
letting God help me through other people lifts me
out of the mire and garbage that goes on
around me. I could be negative, but refuse
to live that way anymore I want to live in
a new life this season helps me remember God
loved me so much that he died for me that
I will live not for self, but, for him. He
loved me never deserved it in anyway I
can now be a new person. I have been reading
from the Psalms where David speaks of Gods love
and faithfulness to deliver him from his
enemies those that want to bring him down
destroy his spirit.
Praying that he will change you from
the inside out this season. God Bless my friend
with his spirit

JamesL
12/18/11
Hello Paul,
Got your letter Paul, and as always glad you wrote. I
need to hear from my friends. Its a busy season. Have to
take a moment to stop being busy. put up outside lights,
and inside decorations. Have to make the Christmas
cards and letters. To some I will send emails. God has
blessed with many friends and people that I know
Talking to family and making arrangements. The company
is shutting down for holidays end of months, so we have decided to
take advantage of time to visit family up in Wisconsin
My dad and wifes father not doing well. Figure have
to see them before they die. My dad is well into 80s
and suffered stroke years ago. He has not really recovered
his eye site is all but gone.
I went to my church Sunday Scholl class party on Friday
and my wifes Sunday School Class today.
I wanted to share the reason for the season. Christ coming
for you and me. I cant tell you how much God in his mercy
has helped me. he had loved you and me so much he sent
his Son to tell us of his new life for us. To reconcile us to
hm. To forgive us our sins and provide a new life in his
Son. Many days I feel unworthy of such grace and love
It is truly unmerited love He helps me everyday to
live. so many ways each day. I wouldnt feel I wanted
to live except for his love. We can walk in newness of
life. not living for self. Living for God and others. He
gives me reason to live. Remember years ago when a kid
many a day felt so depressed really down. Today I
look more to positive things. Making a gratitude list
helps me to remember Gods blessing Gods Word has
been so powerful a force in my life. Read it and
be blessed.
Well guess I will end for now. Please write
and let me know how you are doing. God bless you
with his presence in your life. Living above
our circumstances in newness of life Galatians 2:20
Have a good Christmas my friend,
JamesL
12/21/2011
Dear Jim
Hey there. Well I finally got to change cells. Now
I dont have to hear slamming door of the guy next to me. Slamming
cell doors are a big thing with some of these guys. Still
trying to get released from this place, and move out of this
state.
Been trying my best to stay away from the trouble.
makers, and one old guy. The old guy went and bought
some sausages and cheese. Well, he shows up at my door with some
of his treats. He wanted to share it me, I was grateful for him
thinking of me even when I dont deserve any of his property.
Any, we got a really light dusting of snow up here and it

is cold.
Still keeping in contact with a friend in Oshkosh, both
of us has covered everything in daily life here in lock-up. I am
trying to finish up my bible studies that I have laying
in my cell. One is from source of light and the other is from
lamp and light. Just feels like I lost energy, Satan is trying
to prevent me from doing the right things for Gods will.
Well, I will close for now. Sorry about such a short
letter. Write more later. Have a great and Godly Holidays
Your friend Always
Paul
12/30/11
Dear Jim
My last letter may have been short in length
So I sat back and thought about you and your family
in the last few days of December. Got my hair cut on Monday
the 26th, it was heavy and took a lot of shampoo to clean it.
The unit I am on, is full of guys who are mental off, so
I stay either in my room or find reasons why not to be in the
dayroom. Just trying my very best to stay out of trouble.
I made up my mind that I can speak my mind in a better
way without hurt feelings. No one can control the other person,
so we (I) must control myself. Anyway I may have
told you that I switched rooms, got away from a person who
slams his cell door and talks to himself. Not that he is
a bad person but the personal problems he has and the slamming
of his door I could not handle. Got a corner cell, it is nice
if I got more heat in the room but I am making the best of things.
Made friends with a 60 some year old guy, he also
stays off by his self. Guess why we get along is we see things
differently and yet almost the same way. It is almost scarie.
January 1, 2012
I laid this letter down and got side tracked. I person
was looking for an address I have. Guess I must have some
strange address who knows. he got what he needed by the
way. Hows the weather down your way. Up this way, it is
cold and then I get cold, all part being locked up.
I have cut back on eating so much, so I can
loose some fat. Pray that I can accomplish in losing
weight, so I can breath easier. Well, I will close for now.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Your friend,
Paul Hanson
January 21, 2012
Dear Jim,
A few lines to let you know I am thinking about
your.
And to tell you that I am so happy that I have you
and two other friend who care enough to correspond with me.
The reason I say this, is we have a guy here who receives
no letters from anyone, not even family. I told him about
a pen-pal place in NC and gave him the address. He heard
nothing yet from them! If you know of any other pen pal
service, let me know so I can pass the information onto the
guy here. The only hold back I notice about him is, he belongs

to Wicca, always has a negative attitude toward life, and he

briefly sees something on television he becomes an expert on the
subject! I try my best to over look all these things because
I have many faults of my own which are not good.
Anyway, it has been real cold up this way. Of course
you probably have notice we got snow up here on the news.
It feels like I put on a few extra pounds, which I dont
need. How is your job going? From a few letter from
you, it sounds like you are unhappy with the job and the
pay. You should see it as a blessing because a lot of people
dont have a job or find one. Even to have a job in here
is a blessing. I may not have a lot of things due to
very little money. But at least I have a job and
a little money coming in. there is those who refuse to
work in here and yell they are no ones slave.
Andy they expect everything handed to them. We have
one guy one the unit who refuses to work, he talked a
another guy into buy him a television and to pay for
cable for him. that is the way he lives and no one hardly
talk to hm. He ahs the right to live the way he wants
I dont have to support his habits.
Health wise, everything is going well. Except
that after taste of the fish oil pills, I take them for
cholesterol. Blood pressure seem to be stable with the
help of medications. Well, I close for now. Sorry
about such a short letter. Hope to hear from you
soon.
Your Friend
Paul Hanson
2/12
Hey Paul,
Its good to hear from you thanks for writing. it lifts me up when I get a
letter from my friends. I hold you as my friend. Lifting each other up,
listening, having a concern for and even praying for our friends. I trust that
you do care, and listen to what is said, and that your pray for some needs and
concerns.
My dad feels helpless. Cant do much His eyes are not good though he can
hear food His body does not work well. He doesnt eat enough food. He eats
something for breakfast, doesnt eat much for lunch or supper. He is sleeping.
I tried to encourage him to talk to others about the Bible and future stuff.
To talk with others in his place about God and sharing his faith with others.
God still can use him in ways others could not reaching others when some
could not. May God open his heart to share his faith to others who may be
afraid to die.
My sisters husband is having more problems with his heart. He is in his
heart 4 times. He even has a pace maker. Dont think it is working good.
I have been eating too much. I get angry when I came home that my wife
doesnt fix my supper. So I eat whatever and its not always good food or the
right amount.
2/19/12
Hey Paul,
Update on my dad, my dad has a lot of phlegm in his throat making it hard to
swallow. The family is making the last plans for the memorial service. Us kids

are ready as we are going to be. My only concern is the cost of the trip. It
cost us about $200 just in gas to travel there
I paid off my surgeon bill, and anesthesiologist still have the hospital
bills to pay off yet which are about $2000.
Its going to be in the 40s at night and up in the 50s or 60s during the
day. Its getting warm enough to get the garden started with cool type plants
I really like my church. I have invited neighbors and co-workers to visit
the church. The neighbors and some going to my old church are not going to a
church. I feel inside they have got discouraged because of the old church and
need to connect with a good church again. Please pray for the Bean family and
the Forte family they are on my heart
I hope that you will connect with God. Confess any sins and get right with
him the term repentance means to have a change of mind to go in another
direction turn around I need to take self off the throne of my life and
make God my Lord and director of my life It is opening up my spiritual life
to live in the spirit and not of this world my prayer is that God will
Change your life and heart to be a witness to others may God Bless you
God loves you, James Listhartke
2/29
Dear Jim,
Got your letter and photos, I did not expect the photos but thank you for
sending them. Any way, one
guy here on the unit finally got his television in. he is like
a child with a new toy but that is alright. At least he is
no longer sitting at my door watching my television and
talking through the programs. Still having problems with
the choices of channels this place believe is better and I disagree.
You ever think that your dad wasnt called to witness
to others. But to be a pillar of love, a father to other who
watch him living out his life according to Gods will? it
is just a thought, because how I interpret the Word of God
When I got home late, it was always up to me to cook
for myself. And it turned out that I was learning that my wife
had things to be done and house to do. Sure, I was tired and
wore out but getting angry and mad at things around me did no
good. So please vent your angrier at the food you should not
eat and find good food, or there a way of making mixes
that help I light times when you are hungry
Glad to hear that you like the church you are attending
now. Even if I am not familiar with how your worship
are done or how the seating is arranged. Maybe it all due
to the church I am connected with. So I will close for now
and write more later. I will pray you and the other you asked me too
your friend,
Paul
3/12
Dear Jim,
Thought I would write you a few lines and let you
know I was thinking about you. it been real noisy around
here, it seem that most these guys dont have any manners. Health
wise, it seems I get the raw end of the deal. All they do is draw
blood for cholesterol and not for the rest of the medication. one
nurse dont even know how to draw blood. Very tired of untrained
nurses, if you know what I mean.
Other then that, all other things are mind boggling as

ever. The people up and changed the station on the television. Which
is for the worst in my opinion and many others I have talked
with. But the people up front dont want to hear any thing
about how we feel. They think they know best in every detail
Got a new cookbook with over 1000 recipes in it. The cost of
it was not cheap after including S&H and Wisconsin tax.
Hope everything is going alright for you and your are
finding your job more challenging as time goes on. You stated once
that you felt unchallenged at your job. At times I feel the same
way in here, just not mentally challenged. That could be the
reason why I get so moody. Well, I will close for now, You
take care and keep the faith.
Your friend
Paul
PS you know anything about cracker barrel Store Please let me know.

Insert
****************************************************************************
Birthday 1/23/1955
Offender Record
Last Name: HANSON

Custody Status: In Custody

First Name: PAUL L
Agency: JACKSON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Date of Birth: 01/23/1955
Race: White
Offender ID: 00239299
Gender: Male
Old Address:
Paul L. Hanson 990358
Wisconsin Resource Center
P.O. Box 129 unit 13
Winnebago, Wi 54985-0129
Notes:
started writing to him around 6/22/98
Moody Bible Correspondence, it is in Chicago, Ill. Yes I would be interested
the only time I'm a threat is when my life in danger or one of my kids are in
danger. There is no self defense law up here in Wisconsin.
Randy Davis, looking for a pen-pal. young man in his early twenties
4 day adj. 60 days program, I am confined for a short time before going back
out to general population
co-author Deja Vishny show wrote a book. It is a female district Attorney in
Milwaukee, WI. The name of the book was not given to me, so I am in the dark
about what to look for as you.
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2140 - Investigating the Police `Investigation`
2140-13 Deja Vishny
Indigent Defense: Defending a Confession Case
Crossing the Detectives: Putting the Interrogators on Trial
Price : US$15.00
Linda Rogars, I lost track of her, was in for forgery, her Doc number
#254977 Texas is prison, outside Gatesville
is south of Houston Texas..
Serinia Smalls, she lives in Brownville.
was my supervisor at Whiteville, Tennessee.. worked at CCA
731-254-9400 1st facility
901-231-0465
she is not working at either of these
*************************
Correspondence Courses:
Crossroad Bible Institute
2976 Ivanrest SW Suite 125
Grandville, MI 49418-1440
Gospel Echoes Team
P.O. Box 555
Goshen, IN 46527-0555
Mailbox Correspondence

4122 N. Lange Avenuew

Tucson, AL 85705
Lamp and Light Publishers, Inc
26 Road 5577
Farmington, NM 87401
Stonecraft Ministries Bible
Correspondence Dept
P.O. Box 9609
Kansas City, MO. 64134-0609
Set Free Correspondence Ministry
P.O. Box 940731
Plano, TX 75094-0731
American Bible Academy
P.O. Box 1490
Joplin, MO. 54802-0490
Hope Aglow Ministries
P.O. Box 10157
Lynchburg, VA 24506
Got certificate, my final grade was a 92%
Key Life Network
PO Box 94-5000
Maintland, Florida 32794-5000
bible study's I am in is from Set Free Correspondence and NBC
Emmaus Bible School
2570 Asbury Road
Dubuque, IA 52001.
Billy Graham Association Bible Study Course
Billy Graham Association
1300 Harmon Place
Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 338-0500
Port Orchards, WA. It is called Prison mission Association
Joyce Meyer Ministries
PO Box 655
Fenton, MO 63026
636-349-0303
I got one inmate started on WELS.
*************************
Miracle Lake, 182 County Road #498, Etowah, TN 37331 (423-263-2583).
I was born and raised in Wisconsin. So most of my family . raise on a farm
was best time of my life. good with animals. Working with my hands is a
pleasure.
got a great deal of help in my homework. My life when I was young
was not nice. Had five(5) sisters and no brothers. I was the only boy. My
Father was abusive to me, he wanted only girls. As far as my mother, never
got along, very little time for any of kids. She felt trapped in a marriage

of no love. If they only knew that I felt unloved and unneeded. my dad took
factory job for few years. Which did not last, he became ill after a sister
drowned at the age 13 or 14 years old. I was married twice, have three grown
kids and three foster kids. The foster children are friends kids who really
did not know their own fathers.
trained in Auto technology and full aware that there has been some changes.
The work I do is automotive repair. salvage removal and lawn care for the
elderly . sound of the engine running is relaxing. Would like to get back into
lawn care business for the elderly, up on my release. You ask what kink of
work I can do or able to do. Dairy Farming, Drove grain truck, auto mechanics
needs refresher course in mechanics. Custodial services or janitorial work.
And done some cooking at truck stops and restaurants. Hope that gives you some
idea what I can do in work force. Before I got locked up in 1992, was running
a handy man service for the elderly,. And picked up scrape metal for a
business, not a clean job but made money at it.
Hunting for me, has to be by bow.

More fun and natural to hunt that way.

I draw some but it has been some time since I did any. only one out of seven
that drawing came natural to.
There is a few questions I have, about the trinity.
have a few inmate are
claiming the trinity is one person. What I have been taught was the trinity
is three person but acting as one? Could you help in that area? If you could
find any material on backsliding, it would be of great help. And the question
is, about Revelation. Most of Revelation is in symbols of things, such as
colors, water and precious stones. All the symbols have a meaning, where can
I find the meanings? There are three books I have read
Singing is one thing that I don't do, I sound awful.
All the supplies I need, I have to buy from the canteen here. Like shampoo,
body soap. Writing supplies, envelopes and stamps and more
=========================
11/6/04
My dad was a strange man, It seemed he had very little time to spend with me.
But always time for my sisters or his brother and sister their kids. As I got
up in my teens able to work after school and summers time. Then I became
someone to him, because of the money. Yet I had that feeling of being unloved.
My older sister also felt the bite on her purse for money. Money was a big
thing with mother Before prison, I was self employed. She want me to buy car
parts for her and get her a new refig. For her and two of my sisters. My
uncles and aunts I would do anything for, because of what they have done for
me.
Met a young man in seg. That is all fired up about the Da Vincie Code book. He
tried to get me to disregard my beliefs in Christ Jesus.
11/21/04
The doctor up here put me on aspirin to help prevent a heart attack. My ex
wife wanted me to support her first husbands son. His father did not pay child
support or much cared to see his son or even call him He come around when his
car needed fixed or need someone to haul. I am happy that she is no longer
apart of my life. With the ex-wife, I already lost enough through her stupid
way of thinking. She wanted to be friend with two families that were drunks.
12/2/04

my friend in Wisc. has problems with her arms, something called carpoltunnel.
I talked to my children, my daughter was not home. So I will pray for her my
two sons were doing fine. Praise God.
12/17/04
As far a the question you asked, about calling here to talk to me, they said
no. I have to call you collect
Jan 2, 05
my grand kids are being taken care of and I am in their prayers. My minister
has been keeping in touch. I will be 50 this month. I seen the doctor 3
times. because of a rash on my legs and eyes. I have eye drops, creams and
lotions Got cream for dry skin, my hands cracked skin on my fingers it is
painful to bend then.
1/22/05
I have seen 50 years. I seen a small 5" TV for sell in Marcus catalog with a
radio, but no money. Yes, I do smoke. I had a step son who refused to hear
about finishing high school.. or even tech. School for training. He had it in
his head I should fix his cars and give him money because I was married to his
mother. His mother did not discipline at all, it got to the point of disaster
and emotional brake down for me. And I pleaded guilty to a crime that I did
not commit.
2/7/05
I have done three separate studies from Lamp and Light and a study from Hope
Aglow Ministries. There was a book on Health and Healing a church sent to me.
The biggest criminals here are the staff members. I came up missing two
magazines from Kenneth Hagin Ministries called Word of Faith, a monthly
magazine. I check with them and they mailed out me, but I never received
them. Sad to say someone isn't being truthful around here.
got a letter from my friend in southern Wisconsin. the contractor did not
finish the garage. So she is upset about that. Otherwise she is hanging in
there. Her oldest son and girlfriend is having a baby, she going to be a
grandma again. She only 50 years young.
March 6, 2005
The bible study I am doing seem to be getting more and more in-depth in the
bible. Just finished a lesson and sent back in, my fourth certificate from
them.
March 18,2005
The doctor put me on blood pressure pills and increased my thyroid medication.
Plus a aspirin a day and cholesterol medication. my cholesterol was well
over 311 count. Finished the fourth set of study's from Lamp and Light
Ministries.
April 16th 2005
raised in a Lutheran Church, but switched churches because of having to wear
a suit. sent a letter to Linda, waiting
the response from her.
hope it
not the same Linda that I corresponded with a few years before, she started to
have some feelings toward me, not what I'm looking for at that time. I had a
bad experiment with my ex-wife, which set of bad taste in my mouth for any
type of close encounter with a female for a few years. I think I'm over it
now, still ready to run when it comes to marriage.

I draw to keep from getting stressed out and to keep in the habit of drawing
different thing.
I haven't done any type of drawing, just haven't been in
the mood to do any drawing.
I was ordained back in 1997 ordained a person is PULC. Box 2762 65 -- G.,
Sacramento, California. 95827 for www.pulc.com.
My blood pressure has leveled out, it's what they call hypertension. The note
that Dr. sent me, my blood tests came back good so my cholesterol must be
down where it should be.
April 23rd, 2005
finished another Bible study, got 5 certificates. Heard from my minister on
the street. couple of guys from the halfway house, started to attend his
church.
Finally got my wrist bracelet for my right arm. Hope the helps to slow down
this carpal tunnel. they tell me, it caused by using my hands so much fixing
car engines.
It's been a long time since I've passed through or even anywhere near
Nashville. Heard they took down the building where the grand old opera was.
And put up a new building for it. Wouldn't mind getting a look and it one of
these days. Always enjoyed the country music.
Found a book here in the unit library, called "supernatural tales". Some or
most of the short stories are fairy tales, something one would hear around
Halloween. I'm laughing at the tales in the book. It is hard to believe that
anyone could belief in wharwolves or vampires.
5/9/05
raise Lutheran, after eighteen I started to attend a Pentecostal church.
Been thinking of going back to the Lutheran church. Some of the protestant
churches just scares me, the way they conduct their services.
5/25/05
Ran into a inmate that was at Whiteville, we have sat and talked some. We
agree that doing time at Whiteville was a lot easier then up here, got treated
more like a person then a pay check.
finished
There is
bring up
washing,

the sixth lesson in Lamp and Light and mailed it off to be graded.
fourteen lessons in the whole course. You may have noticed that they
a lot of things from the Bible that the church don't do. Such as feet
closed communions, etc.

my minister writes me once or twice a month. I was trying to get my parole

agent to let me attend church. He wasn't going to hear it, cause I'm suppose
to be bad.
Got a letter from a very close friend of mine. Some how the innocence project
in New York sent a form to me at her address. She wrote me letter and sent
the form along with her letter, so I had to fill the form out.
6/16/05
Heard from my friend, who is a paralegal. Somehow the innocence project became
aware of my case. So hopefully they will do something for me, pray for me
about this.

The 20th I have to see the doctor about my hypertension and get a cyst
removed. I think the cyst is a ingrown hair, yet I will let the doctor take
care of it. got a hair cut, now I use less shampoo. Got a suntan, my arms
itch like everything.
one medication states I am suppose to avoid suntans. I
really don't like being trapped inside on nice sunny days.
7/4/05
Being this far up in Wisconsin is hard on my friend to make the trip. she
lives here, she is working steady and busy with her two sons and husband
I take it you couldn't handle driving semi trucks. Cause a guy is always on
the road, I don't think I could take the long hauls. Probably could handle
the short hauls. some of my relatives are native Americans. I have learned
some German, just enough to get by on. last month I had a cyst removed from
the side of my face. It didn't hurt when she removed it, but a lot of drainage
of stuff. It took four stitches.
What course does the catholic church offer? They had a class to become
catholic but that is not for me. How many chickens do you have? And what kind
of breed of chicken?
Thanks for liking my drawings. couple of my sisters tried art class in school
but failed the course. They could not grasp the idea of taking one's time in
art, or art is a object of ones own idea's. art come to me as second nature
and a lot of family and friends like the doodling I do.
8/17/05
got taken off cholesterol meds., because I could not be in the sun. Both of
my arms got sun tanned and blistered up. It is finally clearing up with the
help of Antibiotics ointment. Blood pressure is down, feel like a darn drug
store.
9/8/05
got a letter from a friend here in Wisconsin. she is a grandma again, her
oldest son has another son. She still waiting for her youngest son and his
wife to have their first born. I'm a little more relaxed now, because I'm away
from the room mate I had. He was a Muslim and thought he religion was the best
and the correct one. Still studying the Bible study from Lamp and light. Each
study seems to be harder then to last one.
Gave one inmate the address to the innocent project, hopefully he will write
to them. He went for a by-pass surgery here last month, so I have been praying
for him.
9/23/05
Portraits are hard, never any good at portraits. Drawing animals are easy but
human figures don't work out right for me. But I keep trying portraits once in
a while.
what I am fighting for, is my freedom. Want to transfer out of Wisconsin, but
need a address and a possibility of a job, to go to that state. Found the
information before I left Jackson Correctional Institution.
Oct.27,2005
A inmate at Jackson Correctional Inst. Had open heart surgery last month and
is suppose to have another surgery on his gallbladder. We are good friends and
always talk to each other, now I get letters.

sent away for a couple books from the Mennonites, to see how close they
follow the Bible. The catalog has some good items for all ages and all walks
of life.
10/31/05
I have not attended church services here yet. This place wants to know every
part of my life, right down to what Bible study course. Sent away for two
books from Lamp and Light, called Reminiscences of the civil war and the
Anabaptist, Neither Protestant Nor Catholic.. Both are about the Mennonites
and how they interact with others. Also ordered two Certificates of Ordination
for Minister at .35 cents a piece.
11/12/2005
My friend that had by-pass surgery came through surgery well. Then he had
surgery for his gall bladder . We been writing each other since I left Jackson
Correctional Inst., and I have sent him a few recipes so he have something to
keep his mind occupied while recovering.
11/28/05
ordered from Lamp and Light catalog and ready to send for some more books.
The main book is the Minister Manual, which covers a lot of areas from
Marriage to procedures for ordinations, the book cost $5.75
You had said something about it (the Catholic Bible study) there a church up
here that has a Free Bible Correspondence course (608 788-1593 Email
[email protected] the address is 28th street church of Christ
3506 S. 28th street.
12/16/05
The Lutheran Church also has a Bible Study called W.E.L.S.!
About Doing another Bible Study

Been thinking

1/3/06
doing the same job here, cleaning the bathroom and shower. having a problem
of having ants in the walls of the bathroom. The staff here have been told
Been waiting on a bible study from a church here in La Crosse. Bought a
small screen television, 5" screen and a AM & FM radio built in. it a real
cute TV. And can be used in a car when traveling.
2/2/06
Glad your happy with photo, even if it could've been better. keeping mentally
active and working part time. Its a challenge to find things to do when not
working.
Feels like Jenny Craig here. What's this about being sober, God can help in
all areas of our lives. I too, had a problem staying sober, and I prayed about
it. This was back in 1978 when I had my last drink, now the liquor makes me
ill. What really helped me was the church I was attending at that time.
let me know how the company trip was. Heard Lexington, Kentucky is real nice.
What kind of test equipment is it.
You find a way to get your brakes fixes. Brakes are not that hard to install,
if one does them by the directions. Dryers I find hard for me to fix, very
little education on them.
Never had my cat bite me, guess I babied him to much. Had my dog nip once but
it was my fault. was picking on him and he got even with me. The chaplain here

sent a Bible Study which I already done. The study is called WELS Special
Ministries
P.O. Box 452
New Ulm, MN. 56073
studies are going well for me. The little television is working well so far
and is something to be desired. Don't get many channels, about six stations.
What do you think of the postage stamp increase?
2/15/06
Dear Jim
What a wonderful God we have in heaven. We would be always graceful for
everything even the times of trials and tribulations. How bad is the weather
where you are?
Started a new Bible Study this week, it is from the Salvation army. Started it
and have to read from the Bible to answer the question The chaplain sent me
the form for the Bible Study. Was glad you liked the picture I sent you.
doing some reading to pass the time and relax. trying to find some unusual
recipes for a friend in another prison. He is 67 years old. This state will
lock up anyone they can, he is a caring person. cleaning the bathroom and
shower, at least I am making some money.
There was some ice fishing until the ice started to thin out. On the news
they said there was some open spots on the lake. They were afraid that someone
falling through. Glad I never went fishing that much or was interested in
fishing.
PS Have you heard of Rod & Staff Publisher, Inc Crockett, KY 41413? This is
the only part of the address I can find on them.
March 5, 2006
I pray everything is alright with you. I am taking it one day at a time If
any more then that would be too much.
writing a friend back in prison. He is doing well after his by-pass surgery
and gall bladder surgery. alright health wise, except for my cholesterol went
back up. the doctor put me on medication for it.
Heard from a good friend of over 25 years Her son just came to prison for 5
1/2 years. By all rights he don't belong in places like thins. he is a very
good person.
Anyway, been trying to find a list called Penpal Directory and not having any
success in that area
March 24, 2006
Sorry to hear you hurt your back, I will pray. Mine is caused from two
curvature. A birth defect. I take pain pills, as for surgery it is out of the
question.
So far I sent in 5 lesson out of 12 lesson of my Bible study of Salvation
Army. Also got last lesson back from a Bible study in New York, got 100%.
made me feel good. I clean the bathroom/ shower, do it for a week. Then
another person takes over, which is frustrating because one guy only half
cleans them.

we get six channels on Television and there is nothing on. That is when the
radio comes in handy. On AM I can get 650 WSM from Nashville and listen to
the Grand Old Opera. I like country music.
Your job sounds interesting. There is two places that work in electronic
equipment. One place is Tylor Freezer in Rockton, Ill.
How long did take? Happy to know you enjoyed the drawing I sent to you.
April 14, 2006
it seems more like your family. we been writing for some time now, started
writing while I was at Oshkosh, just before I was transferred to Whiteville,
Tn. wish I was down there now, away from this state.
things here is the same, things get stirred up when a fight breaks out or
someone new is brought on the unit. lately the staff been moving us around or
causing problems for the inmates. I been trying to get the directory for
inmates so I can get legal work done. www.penpaldirectory.com could use the
help, in getting the directory! they moved James Politz off the unit, he is
now on unit 18.
trained in custodian service, which covers a lot of area which some would not
think of! Don't mind doing janitorial work but cars and trucks is where my
interest is.
evens is time for relaxation, reading, writing letters and watching
television.
The channel I enjoy PBS channel. to watch this Old House.
5/1/2006
I sit relaxing from scrubbing down the shower and bathroom. have seen a lot
of guys come and leave not standing up for what is right or speak out about
the wrong. that is why I am not so popular with staff members, and other
inmates. at times I should bite my tongue but it is tiring to hear what they
say about me. So I lay out what I see them doing, and they dislike having the
table turned
trying to get some drawing done, yet can not get into the mood. some rain. I
friend here in Wisconsin sent me two pictures of her grandchildren. she too
young to be grandma.
Is your daughter playing soccer this year or take time off from soccer? Still
have my job here cleaning the bathroom and shower. Cannot believe how dirty
some of these guys are around here. Better close now, it is late. Hope to hear
from you real soon.
05/28/06
Hey Jim,
glad to receive a letter, my friend. I really care about is we never lose
contact your friendship means a lot . We have been writing for some time
our friendship has grown and strengthened. Glad your job has been
interesting. A job a person likes should always be joy able never boring
Not only stretching but elevate the lower part of your body, should also
help. hanging upside down, will relieve the tension on the spinal muscles.

it helps me at times. Look at the weight your spine support when stand up or
even sitting. Have you consider using a back brace?
Sound as Heather is making the best time out of high school.
today has more to offer

high schools

Hot water heaters are expensive Must of leaked gallons of water to soak
outside of the room. why wasnt a drain put in the room where the water
heater is?
Everything going up, gasoline is really up. Dont know if it worth having a
car. Did anyone get hurt in the accident on your street? Credit cards are all
right for some people but the cost of interest is too much for me. I would not
use it correctly, I dont need one. Sorry to hear about part time job.
Tennessean is a newspaper right, why the re-organizing? Did they lose
customers ?
6/13/06
Hi Jim,
I am thinking of you. Hope you are staying out of pain with your back. James
4:10 says, Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you
up. This can be applied to all parts of our lives.
Still have same job cleaning the bathroom and shower. Not much money but keep
busy and out of trouble. Still studying bible and trying to have a closer walk
with God.
July 11, 2006
Dear James,
been a while since I wrote you, or heard from you. last few days I
having
discomfort in the chest area. Still on blood pressure and aspirin for the
heart. could be the extra weight I put on, it is hard to breath when
walking. The thyroid medication helping to put on the weight, it is the
gland that produces hormones for the body. The cyst was removed from my face
for some time now, yet there is a scar. It something that can be lived with.
How have you been? You mentioned you been having trouble sleeping. you ever
have the doctor check you? Hopefully where you work has not laid off any more.
Dos the company send part into northern Illinois. there a company that make
equipment for restaurants, school kitchens and etc.
The weather has been wet and high temperatures. not unbearable yet. fourth
of July went by like any other day, didnt see any fire works. This place has
the ideas that there maybe a McIver in the mist.