| Family | Theological | Technical |
My Family
The most important thing about me is my family!
My wife of 30 years is the one who keeps me on track! She is currently an Editor for a large Publisher, but has also been a journalist, freelance writer and a high school teacher!
I have three children:
- My oldest son graduated cum laude with a degree in Philosophy (taking after his Dad only smarter!) He will begin Law school this fall.
- My oldest daughter graduated cum laude also but her degree is in English and she hopes to break into the publishing field as an editor.
- My youngest daughter has just completed her first year of college, Majoring in English with a Minor in Biblical Studies.
I cannot tell you how proud I am of each of them. But mostly, I thank the Lord that they are walking with him!
My Basic Information
I have a BA in Philosophy (a minor in Biblical Studies) from Covenant College and was privileged to study under Dr. Gordon H. Clark, one of the greatest Christian Philosophers of the twentieth century.
I have my M.Div. from The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburg, PA.
I served as a Pastor for 8 years and still maintain my active credentials in the RPCNA. I teach and preach regularly, mostly in our sister denomination the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
I currently earn my living in IT (computer support) for a National company.
A Brief History
This is what is called in some circles a "Testimony." It is a brief story of my life, told from the point of view of how God has worked in my life. This does not make it less factual or true, in fact it is more true than if I tried to eliminate God from the story of my life.
I was born in Bemidji, MN way north at the mouth of the Mississippi River. One of the coldest places in the continental U. S. Though, I only remember it from home movies, I have always thought that it symbolized my early life - cold.
My father was a military career man and we moved every few years. I learned early in life that friendships didn't last, everything changed. I was taught to have a high moral standard, but I learned that few people lived up to that standard. What became important to me, was not so much friendships or circumstances, but that I was strong and true to what was right.
Considering everyone I knew, I concluded that there was no real happiness to be had. Everyone seemed to seek it in many ways, but I realized that no one I knew achieved it. What was important was pride and confidence. The strength to do what was right no matter the cost. I did not seek happiness and did not think it was possible, but nobility and strength of character was what set great people apart.
In my early teens my older sister moved away. That was important to me, because it meant I got her room. I remember very well, the first night I was going to get to sleep there. About the only thing of mine in the room was the bed and, with the lights out, I ran and jumped on the bed and rolled over. At that moment, I was confronted with a glowing cross! It only took a split second to realize that it was a plastic glow in the dark crucifix that my sister had left on the wall. But it got me thinking. If I were to come before God right then, would he accept me? I quickly came to the conclusion that he would. After all, I was the most moral person I knew. If anyone was going to make it to heaven, I certainly would!
I lived in that confidence for years. However, when I was about 15 something happened to change me forever. My sister, the same one whose room I got, invited me to spend a week of the summer with her and her husband. I had no expectations of a good time, but at least it would be something different. Why not?
During the week, I discovered that Karl and Joan not only went to church but read and discussed a portion of the Bible every evening. I had no problem with that, but it didn't really mean anything to me either. What did impress me, even shock me, was the discovery that they were truly happy people. This challenged my whole view of life, because they lived up to very high standards and were happy. What was even more surprising was that I found myself enjoying being with them! They asked if I would like to stay another week and I said yes.
The next Sunday we went to Church, had a nice afternoon and then went to hear a guest speaker at the Church in the evening. Once again my world was shaken. This speaker, so clearly explained the bible that I actually understood it! I learned three things. First, I was shown that I did not live up to my own standards! I was not nearly as good as I thought I was. Second, and even worse, I learned that God's standards of right and wrong, his standards for integrity were far higher than my own. He required perfection. Now the obvious conclusion was that I had been wrong. I would not be accepted by God, because I was so good! In fact I, and all men, stand convicted before him. Thankfully, I also learned that Jesus Christ had done something to fix the situation for those who would believe and follow him. I didn't know how, but I was convinced that this was true.
Nevertheless, I was not going to go down that isle in front of everyone! We stopped for ice cream on the way home and I thought I could safely put aside all these new things to ponder some other time. However, Karl and Joan surprised me again, by taking out their bible when we got home. They reviewed what the speaker had said, and I prayed with them (something totally new to me) and told the Lord that I needed and desired his salvation. I became a Christian and he has never let me go since. I felt a great load lift from me, I no longer had to do the impossible and earn my way to heaven. Yet, I was all the more motivated to live a worthy life.
I will add more as I have time . . .
As of this update, the site is just beginning so be patient and come back now and then to see what's new!
