Submitted: Tue, Dec 03, 2002 11:28 pm
Subject: Remember me

Dear Peniel,

I have to start by saying that I have had your book "The Truth" for close to 10 years now and I have read it multiple times in that time.

I am glad to see that you are as successful as when I last met you when I was in High School in 92.  I’m from Bethel, OK and I was a "regular" on your BBS that you ran and then handed down to a very delightful gentleman that I can't quite remember his name.  (I’d love to contact him if you still know him?)  I remember you were first getting him (and me) into some form of MSDOS that used colors and alphabetizing, SuperDOS or something.

Anyways Peniel, I just would love to keep in contact and maybe talk with you every so often.  You may or may not remember me, but you changed my life regardless. We never had much contact accept for you thought I was a troublemaker teenager that played BRE all the time. HEHE. How time flies.

I’m now in the Air Force and work at the National Security Agency as a Network Administrator in Wash, DC.  I love the lord, and attend service at Baltimore Church of Christ, non-denominational church.

Peniel, in a nutshell, I’m very pleased to have known you and it’s nice to see you are still as dedicated to the Truth as you were then.  I hope to correspond and talk with you in the future.

PS.  God is GooooooooooD.         :O)

Scott Hurst, SSgt, USAF

Submitted: Wed, Dec 04, 2002 12:20 pm
Subject: I remember

Scott, my old friend!

How in the WORLD did you find me? How did you find my e-mail address of peniel@peniel.us?

I will answer / comment on all the points in your e-mail, this may sound disjointed, but, that's the way I am! ;-)

Yes, I do remember you! Ah, the GOOD OLD Days of RBBS - huh! I remember the fun and excitement I had of tracking you down (which was no easy task to start with) and the remorse I had in exposing you. But, you were the sacrificial lamb and after the "Scott Hurst Affair" (which it came to be known) we didn't have any trouble with multiple user accounts. BTW, you might be surprised just how MANY others were playing the same multi-account game as you... hehehe!!

Anyway, the TRUTH of the matter is, it was a mistake to do what I did. After that, the game was never as much fun. I should have just let all of you play as much as you liked! You might be glad to hear that it was a bad decision on my part, and I regretted it later. Of course, I could never have admitted that to you! ;-) Especially not at the time. You were right and I was wrong. I should have granted your initial request for more time to play. Oh well, water under an old bridge!

You were a lot of fun and I very much enjoyed the games we played, and then sleuthing you out also!

Did you initially get the book from the BBS?

Did you know that FINALLY, this book is going to be published? The title has changed for marketing purposes, but it is the same book as you have, essentially. It will be available in April 2003 as a paperback in all the bookstores. If you have a "printed" copy or even one that you downloaded from the BBS from 1992 there will be some slight differences in the book. DO NOT GET RID OF YOUR OLD COPY!!! It is going to be worth a great deal of money!

There were only about 70 or 80 copies printed, downloaded, given out, etcetera in the past. Prior to publication (next April) those RARE copies are all that there is. Once this becomes a million-selling best seller, that OLD COPY you have will be worth a great deal of money, I guarantee it!!

If you want, send me the printed "COVER PAGE" or "TITLE PAGE" that you have and I will personally autograph it for you, with a little personal comment about the good old BBS days. This will make it more valuable for you also. DO NOT FOLD IT! Send it in a large Manila folder to:

Peniel G.G.G.

Penielite GGG Press

PO Box 5182

Shawnee, OK  74804

Make sure to include you "return address" and I will promptly get it back to you.

Now, since we are OLD FRIENDS (and we are!) and I am doing something nice for you, do something VERY NICE for me.

First, give me permission to use your quote:

MAY I QUOTE YOU (about this statement:)

========================================================

"Anyways Peniel, I just would love to keep in contact and maybe talk with you every so often. You may or may not remember me, but you
changed my life regardless."
--Scott Hurst (Friend on Peniel on his BBS in 1992)

========================================================

Second:

E-Mail me a little more info about "how" I changed your life? Was it because of the book? How has it changed your life? Would you recommend it to others? Why? Etc. I am needing "comments" on the book to include in the final published version and might use yours.

Do you know about the book I wrote about you? It is titled "The Box" and you were the inspiration for it! Because of your excellent computer and BBS skills, and because you were so hungry for power (remember the game!) I made you the main character in a different book, called "The Box". I didn't use your name, but the character is based on you and your experience on the BBS. That is why the character is a computer whiz kid working at IBM (when the book starts out, in about 1992) and the young man realizes that he can't get the power he seeks from climbing the corporate ladder at IBM, so he decides to quit and go find his destiny.

He is sure that he is supposed to be some very powerful guy, but he doesn't know how or where. He quits his job and goes to Lake Thunderbird to sort things out. It is late October when he takes his camping trip, and Thunderbird is mostly deserted. After he has been there a few days, a crazy guy and his family shows up and camps right next to him! He finds out that this crazy guy is Mark Johnson (called Peniel) and the story gets very interesting very fast!

I might suggest that you download a couple of sample chapters of that book and read them over, Ginsberg!!

I don't remember to whom the RBBS went to. If I remembered his name, I'd tell ya. - Sorry.

You mentioned "Colored DOS and alphabetizing"... must have been 4dos! (I still use it!!)

You said, "I just would love to keep in contact and maybe talk with you every so often." - Hey, call me ANYTIME, buddy! Or, I can call you in the evenings or on the weekends on my cellular plan for free. Just tell me a good time and we'll talk. I'd love to talk with you! As you probably gleamed from the book, I have MUCH to tell that is not in the book, or, we could talk about the good old days of BBSs and 4dos and CGA and 1200 baud modems.

A network administrator! How bizarre, I am an MCSE, a CNE and an SSE! (Microsoft, Novell and Sun Network Engineering degrees!) Although I am an author by heart, my day job is a Network Administrator at a dot COM Company that has a imaging package for the federal court systems! (We turned out a lot alike, you and I!) You may have known, I served 12 years in the Air Force as a 32172Q (F4E Radar Tech) but I got into computers in the late 70s and the Air Force had me doing installing of the first computers they were putting in at Moody AFB in Georgia when I was there. After that, I came home to Shawnee where you then met me! We sure have similar lives, huh?

When I got out of the AF in 1989, I was a SSgt!

How is life at the NSA, I'll bet you got a real secure LAN there, huh?

Scott, I am BLESSED to have know you and it's nice to see that you are still interested in the TRUTH and still in love with our Father.

You have hit the nail on its head: God is GooooooooooD! That is the core of ALL TRUTH! I am so pleased that you remembered!

You like to talk, call me up. My cellular is (405) 850-5795 and I am available anytime in the evenings after about 6pm CST. EVEN BETTER, if you prefer and can wait, my cellular gives me free time after 9 pm CST and all weekend. Tell me when and the number and I'll call and we'll talk until you can't stand to hear any more! I much prefer to talk about TRUTH, the book, what is in it, what is NOT in it, The Box (about you), God, Jesus, Love, Relationships, How to make life better, etc. BUT, I am willing to talk about ANYTHING!

I also have a WebCam and a cable modem at home - evenings and weekends - very fast. We could use some Internet phone for free or Microsoft NetMeeting or something similar, if you prefer.

Well, that's enough babbling for now. You know me, once you get me started talking about God, Jesus, The Books, etc, you just can't get me to shut up!!

Looking forward to talking / e-mailing with you at great length...

Peniel G.G.G.

Submitted: Wed, Dec 04, 2002 8:27 pm
Subject: How I found you

Mark,

Its great to hear from you and I think it would be great to talk with you and see how you have been and what things you have moved on to doing with your interest and career.

How I found you?  Well, I remembered your name all these years (Mark Johnson), but actually how I found you was this.  Last night, for no apparent reason I was on Google and I was looking at some Amazon book titles and it just popped in my head.  I typed Peniel GGG in the Google search and I saw a web site URL for a message board that you were looking for some information on some national book lists.  Well, I saw your email in it and then went to the site named from your email  @ "peniel.us".  Which was www.peniel.us.

Whats funny is I looked for you about 4 years ago, but had no luck finding you.  I even sent a letter to the address on the Book preface of the copy I have.  No response.  I assumed you were out of state or something to that effect.  Maybe I should have resisted the name peniel.com, maybe that would have got your attention. :O)

Its GREAT that you are getting your book published.  In all these years I could not understand how it had gone unpublished.  Congratulations!! I will be interested to see how to public will enjoy your book and read the reviews.  If you ever make it up this way for a book signing, I’ll definitely try and get with you.  Maybe we can catch up on old times and talk about everything that’s been going on in our lives.

I didn’t know you were in the Air Force as well.  I am a Signals Intelligence Analyst by trade, which is a 1n271.  I originally was planning on moving to Texas, but it appears that my field of interest is dedicated to the District and surrounding areas.  I enjoy it here though, there are lots to do and see.

I will be getting out of the service Dec 31 this year and since I have been learning Networks, I’ll most likely take a job at the NSA for one of the contractors.

Oh, I almost forgot.  The Book.  Yes, I'd love to get a signing from you. The book that I have apparently is a copy that was hand delivered to the guy who ran your BBS and then passed to me.  So, I assume it is one of your first prints.  It was in a white binder and was already a bit tattered when I received it.  I assure you its more so now. :O) Its in pretty good shape though and has some short stories in the end chapters, which are very enlightening ill add.

I'll attach my resume, so you can see what I’ve done. :)

Scott Hurst

Submitted: Thu, Dec 05, 2002 1:31 pm
Subject: Leroy Butler

Scott,

My wife helped me remember the guy you were talking about. Leroy Butler took over my BBS, nice guy, had many copies of my book. Used to live in Shawnee on Moccasin Trail or thereabouts. He also noted that I had influenced his life and he eventually owned and operated a computer store in Shawnee, but no longer has it.

I haven't heard from him in years, but you might try looking him up on the Internet.

Peniel G.G.G.

Submitted: Mon, Dec 09, 2002 11:13 pm
Subject: Phone Conversation

Great talk tonight,

As promised, here is the current copy of "The Box". It is in Word format, 11 chapters plus the Introduction. This is Version 2.x. Version 3.x will have your name in it.

Enjoy!

Peniel G.G.G

Submitted: Fri, Dec 13, 2002 9:40 am
Subject: Reading The Box

Peniel,

Hi there. I’m about half way through the Box but I haven’t yet started back on the TRUTH yet. Ill probably take them both with me to PA this weekend. Hope things are going great on your end and all give you a call sometime early next week if that’s ok. Have a good weekend!!

BTW - Ill start on writing some info about me as well, so I can get it out to you. Take care!

Submitted: Fri, Dec 13, 2002 9:41 am
Subject: Reading

Scott,

There's no hurry. You got all the time in the world.

Peniel G.G.G.

Submitted: Sun, Dec 15, 2002 12:33 am
Subject: Rev of The Box

Scott,

Here’s the first new revision of the box with you as the main character now.

Send me some life details and they’ll get in here too!

I planned on getting this book published next year through my regular publisher, but I could self-publish it for now with just a little work. I will get the book cleaned up a little, and once you send me the details and we get those in it, I’ll make The Box available on the website for sale as an e-book ($9.95.) If you want, you can have your friends order it and you’ll be so famous.

Also, if you like, I could reformat The Box like the current version of OMGAYTTM (paperback style format), make up some galley copies, and make the “printed” version available on the website just like OMGAYTTM. It would sell for about $14.95. How would you like that? (And you’d get about a dollar commission for every one that sold through this website.)

If you notice, the website already has a place to sell The Box, I was just not putting any time into making it ready just yet. Now that we are editing it for your details, I might as well make it available also.

YOU ARE GONNA BE A STAR!!!!

Peniel G.G.G.

Submitted: Wed, Dec 18, 2002 10:00 pm
Subject: Audio version of OMG

Peniel!!

Hi there.  How are you doing?  I got the copy of the updated book, thank you very much!

I was reading the Truth today and was pondering something.  You should make a AUDIO version of it.  Can you imagine?  You could find someone with a soothing voice to sound byte 'Jesus' and you can sound byte yourself!  I for one would think that would be awesome.  Like a .mp3 or .wav for each chapter or something.  I wouldn’t image it taking too long to produce.  Anyways, just a idea.

I have had such a rough week Peniel; my roommate was in a very bad car accident while I was out of town and I have been taking care of him for the last week.  He broke his shoulder and has a back injury.  His car was destroyed and now has trouble finding transportation and can't work right now.  How terrible.

I’m doing all I can to keep him in good spirits and working with helping find another car.

I am negotiating with my work to let me go take the SUN OE Sys Admin class the 7th-24th next month.  It’s a fast paced intro-advanced course for the cert.  I hope things go through so I can take it.  I think I remember you saying something about taking it?  How was it?  Tough?

Well, I’ll let you go for now!  Talk to you soon!

Take care!
Scott

Submitted: Thu, Dec 19, 2002 12:26 pm
Subject:

Scott,

You know, they say great minds think alike! I have already planned to make audiotapes of the book. I was going to read the part of "God" and find some "young person" (13-20) with a real good sounding voice to read the part of Peniel. I will then make the "Audio Version" available as Cassette, wave, mp3, etc. Should be an excellent way to present this particular book!

Sorry to hear about your roommate. Call me some evening or weekend if you get time and we'll talk some more!

Peniel G.G.G.

Submitted: Tue, Jan 07, 2003 8:50 pm
Subject: Q about OMG

Peniel,

I had to reread a few things in the book that are difficult to understand and off the bat maybe you can explain something for me that I am not sure about.

On page 35, you speak of showing example in your own life of good and others will follow suit.  I sorta understand that but something I wasn’t following and I can’t remember exactly where I read it was about 'purpose'.

How do I know my purpose?  Pg 80, #9.

If this is my goal, aside from dying.  I can’t seem to find a root or starting point.

Best Regards,
Scott Hurst

PS.  I haven’t had a opportunity to write a small bio yet but I’ll get on it as soon as I get some free time.

Submitted: Fri, Jan 10, 2003 1:47 am
Subject: Background info for The Box

Peniel,

Here is my Background info you were wanting for the BOX.


Scott Allen Hurst, 28 years old and born in Oklahoma City, OK. My mothers name is Judith Anne Hurst and she is 64 years old. I have a Twin sister named Kelly and she currently lives with mom. I have 3 brothers: Mike, Steve, Charlie.  Mike is deceased (1/1/94). My mother and father (divorced) both live in Gainesville, TX now. My stepfather is in Seminole, OK and is a full gospel preacher and takes care of my Grandfather.  He is a construction worker by trade.

I first account that I have always enjoyed a challenge.  Whether it is physically or mentally; I have always tried to succeed.  As a youngster at the age of about 8, I got my first computer!  A Tandy 1000ex with a CGA monitor.  I was the man.  I had a 300-baud modem and could read text from BBSs about as fast as it could send across the screen.  I became fascinated with computers, modems, and telephony at a early age.  I spent the best part of 5 years playing games, BBS'n, and reading PHRACK magazine.  

At around age 15, I found deep interest in knowledge of the THEN Ma' Bell activities and her technologies, i.e. PBX, TELEX, DialNETS. I guess I liked having control/knowledge of the workings of things I consume myself with.

I started playing WAR games like RISK, COMBAT, Axis/Allies, and delve into a few BBS strategy games as well.  I was never a good student in school accept
in courses dealing in science or history and still don’t like math! :O) I never really hung out with kids that were into computers or games, mainly they liked getting into trouble and I suppose tat my interests kept me from being in a far worse state of mind than I was in.16-19 years of age were the BRE days.  I won a FIDO league championship and even had cordial conversations with the creator of BRE (Mehul Patel).

I became a frequent caller of a BBS ran by (then) Mark Johnson.  One who I despised because of his meddlement in my online gaming affairs. I had a brief meeting at a PC user group meeting and that was about the only thing I really knew about him at the time.

Then one day I started talking to one of his friends that had taken over his BBS since he was moving, or so I believed at the time.  This man taught me about some of the things Mark had been teaching him, (little to his knowledge).  I had become increasingly interested in some books he had written, namely THE TRUTH, and also in some of his PC operating system interests.  After a short time, I had talked the new BBS owner (sysop) to allow me to co-sysop with him.  I found this to be a very rewarding experience and at the same time, felt fulfilled knowing I was running the BBS that once forfeited my access.  Truly enjoyable. :O)

I had read THE TRUTH once in my teens.  I might have been 17.  I read it in school and some while at home.  I was intrigued and in awe of the perspective I was seeing from the chapters.  They helped me understand a lot of things, and helped me out of my troubles.

When I was 18, my family moved to Denton, TX and I lived with my Brother Mike for 6 months, then he died.  I can say that I at least got to spend some good quality time with him before.  I got to love him more.  For that I am grateful.  When he died, I felt a whole in my heart.  A limb was missing.  A piece of me was gone.  I needed escape.

I joined the Air Force and was trained in Ft. Huachuca, AZ to be a Signals Intel. Analyst.  My first assignment was Hickam, HI.  I was there 3 years (95-98).  I started a BBS while I was there called Primal Scream BBS.  It was a small BBS and I did it mainly because I wanted to control and enjoyment of RUNNING and world.  This was my world.  I created it from head to toe, art to game.  I ran the BBS about 1 year (96).  I then moved on to doing some BBSing again, and playing BRE (again), but this time, my focus was more toward learning Telecommunications and Computer Operating Systems. I studied TCP/IP, Packet Data, and the like and have learned UNIX (98 ->).

I moved to Ft. Meade, MD (NSA) in Dec 98 and have been going to school for my degree in Computer Science.  I am a Jr.  I go to a large non-denominational church in Columbia, MD and have in the last 10 or so years read THE TRUTH more than 5 times.  I find something new in it each time I read it and I have carried the Dot Matrix printed copy with me throughout my last few years of high school and now my entire career in the Air Force.  I just recently separated from the Air Force and am now working for NSA as a contractor as a System Administrator.

All my life I wanted to know, seek, and have the control that I felt I needed.  It wasn’t until I was nearly 27 years old that I realized that there is more to life than gold and riches.  Milk and honey!

Submitted: Fri, Jan 10, 2003 9:58 am
Subject: Perfect

Scott,

PERFECT!!!!

I will incorporate ALL of this in the next version (soon, I hope) and put it on-line for sale AND send you and electronic copy for your "review" and if you want some changes made (SOME).

If you come up with anything else you want in the book, let me know - this will do fine for now!

YOUR GONNA BE FAMOUS!!

Peniel G.G.G.

Submitted: Fri, May 30, 2003 12:25 pm
Subject: Book Purchase

Peniel,

Here are the files.  The quality isn’t so great, not sure if you can make it bigger to see better? They are .bmp files.

Scott

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