Last Login: May 23, 2013

Introduction

I was saved and baptized around the age of seven in a small Baptist church during a hot summer evening. I remember it well. That decision meant everything to me, primarily because even at that age I loved Jesus so much. However, Dad didn't like going to church. Mom did the best she could. Church attendance was sporadic and I never really studied the Bible until about thirteen years ago. I've found repeatedly from that point on that understanding God's Word DOES make a difference in one's relationship with Him- what does God say, "My people perish for lack of knowledge"? / For the last 13 years I have attended church regularly. I love worshipping with my church family, and serving the Lord in one of our praise bands. Recently, I find myself co-teaching one of our Sabbath School Bible classes- assisting one of my dearest of friends and elders in our church.

Relatedly, In January of 2011, after a life of wonderful health, I was diagnosed with cancer. I went through seven months of intermittent treatment and came out on the healthy end of it when, one week before Christmas of that year, the mother of my daughter, my beautiful God-given wife of that time, died. Though others have been through worse, my daughter and I have certainly been through a lot. Healing, as I've found, is a process, in experience and learning; and though I haven't traversed this path of grief recovery flawlessly, I think that with God's support I've done very well. What has encouraged me is that I've seen God, through and because of these trials and afflictions, glorify Himself mightily and draw so many people unto Himself (quote from Ellen White- "If we could see God's plans, the ends from the beginnings, we wouldn't change a thing."). He has also supported my daughter and me in so many ways, including giving us the most wonderful of home churches, family and friends. Because of what I've been through, and because of what God has shown me of His amazing love, I seek evermoreso now to make my life a living sacrifice for His glory.

I am praying to God to bring into my and my daughter's life, in His good timing, the right woman, and perhaps larger family, with whom we could and would serve and glorify Him greater than we could separately. Specifically, the type of woman to whom I am most attracted is one who is humble, compassionate, well-read and brainy, funny as all get-out, keeps her cool under stress, is very slow to judge or be critical of others, listens well because people matter to her, chooses her words carefully because she knows the power in them, and reminds herself daily that one of her greatest desires is to reflect the love and character of Jesus.


Having said that, I am not in a hurry to develop a relationship. I did that once, recently. It was a good learning experience, but one of those "learn the hard way" experiences, too... and I DON'T want to repeat it. So, I wanna get things right from this point on, take it slowly and give things a chance to grow in their own way. I look forward to this new path the Lord has prepared for me (and you, my rare flower who captivates my poet's heart, whoever and wherever you are)... :]