Greetings and Blessings in Jesus Name, Brothers and Sisters!
It has been suggested to me that I let the reader know more about me so when we meet in chat, or on the boards, I will seem more like a friend then a stranger.
I am a relatively quiet person, always have been. I try to say as little as need be and be as clear as I can while doing so. Even though I enjoy talking with people, I try to be direct. In a crowd, you will find me usually watching the conversation instead of joining in. Alone, I have no problem discussing issues of the heart. Guess I am not into small talk much. Been that way for my 55 years of life.
I was born and brought up in a small town in West Central New Hampshire where the population has a hard time reaching the 13,000 mark. People here have that New England old fashion way about them. We are quick to notice a difference but take our time discerning what we think on a matter, not rushing into judging if the difference is good or not. Saying that, my town is trying to keep up with the times as the farms are disappearing and are being replaced with High Tech businesses and more housing. The corn fields have been developed into plazas. Our area is prime for growth with intersecting interstates, an airport, train station and Dartmouth College right up the road.
The landscape in my area consists of rolling hills and small mountains, barely reaching over 3,200 feet. The Appalachian Trail runs just 5 miles north of town, through some beautiful scenic mountains as it winds its way North to the White Mountains and Maine, and South into the beautiful green rolling hills and mountains of Vermont. There are many trails to hike everywhere. Recently, mountain biking has become a popular sport. Wildlife consists of Moose, Bear, Whitetail Deer, Red and Grey Fox, Bob Cats, Beaver, Mink, Fisher Cats, Weasels, Porcupines, Red and Grey Squirrels, Chipmunks, Rabbits, Snow Shoe Hares, and the all too feared Striped Skunk! Oh yeah, I can’t forget to mention the mosquitoes and the famous black flies that frequent the damp late Spring and early Summer.
My family consists of my wife of 26 years, five children and three grandchildren. We have been blessed with a Habitat for Humanity house that we helped build in 1994. Through the process of building our home, I had the opportunity to make some life long friends, some that have moved on and others that still live in the area. If you ever get a chance to help construct one of these homes, you will be well blessed for your efforts. Since my house was finished, I moved on to help build many more. Watching a dream come true for those who fall between the cracks leaves a lasting effect as you sit back and reminisce your memories of small children with smiles a mile long and parents who finally have something to work for.
I was a child of the 60′s, which would mean that I was a hippie who struggled with the moral issue of the Vietnam War. After struggling with this issue for some time, I did join the service. To my surprise, I enjoyed boot camp, but really disliked the rest of the service. I guess that it was because what I really wanted to do was close to enlisted servicemen while I was in boot camp. After my time was up, I headed out on the road hitchhiking across the US to see and do as much as I could while I could before I settled down to a family. Yup, one of those long haired hippies with a knapsack standing on the side of the road with his thumb out. Thank God that the world was a much nicer place back then. People were not afraid to stop and offer others a ride.
After working in manufacturing for many years, I thought it would be nice to get into construction, so I ventured into the building trades until an unfortunate accident left me with a broken neck. After recovery, I was informed that I needed to change my career, so Vocational Rehabilitation help me with school, where I went back at the age of 40 to get a degree in Computers and Business Management. After colege, I ended up in an IT position where I was the all around fix-it technician, far from my degree, but lots of fun. I worked with everyone in the company, from the President to the Mail Clerk. I became the welcomed face to everyone, since they mostly saw me when I fixed their computer problem so they could proceed with their daily business. It was normal for me to fix things cause I tinkered with cars all my life, and the “other job” I had to take in the service what a jet mechanic, specialized in Helicopter Jet Engines.
Today, I enjoy rock climbing, from bouldering to traditional climbing. I am always at awe as I climb cliffs and view the beauty of Gods creation, sometimes, taking a moment to say “Hi” to a lizard that is cruising down what I am struggling to get up! I love to watch hawks as they seem to float in mid air almost within reach. Other then climbing, I enjoy biking down the Rail to Trails we have here and hiking the many trails to beautiful outcrops that offer splendid views of the surrounding area. I use to be into Tae Kwon Do where I was into competition. I had to stop competing after I was diagnosed with Hep. C and Fibromyalgia.
As for my walk with Christ, I do have a shortened version of my testimony here, Running from God. I feel it is time to redo this and bring to light the full glory of God, who reached deep into the muck and mire of my sinful life to pull out a sinner like me. I have had the pleasure to work in the helps ministry for some time now. It is a blessing to help those who are where I once was, sharing the Love of the Lord with them and watch, over time, as the Holy Spirit works in their lives. It has been only a little over a year that I have been blessed with the opportunity to be part of this online ministry. Worthy Christian Forums is like a second home for me, where I have made many new friends, learned a lot and have shared some of what God has shown me. WCF is a very diverse site where Brothers and Sisters from other denomination come to give glory to the one God we all share, and to witness to those who are searching for the meaning of life. The blessings one receives from helping another find Christ, or help others find answers to critical questions, is beyond measure. Please, take the time to get to know everyone here. We all have a past, present and future. Come share yours with us as we share ours with you.
Well, that is basically who I am. Feel free to inquire where I have been vague or just stop by to say “Hi!”
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
In His Love,
Your Brother In Christ,
Alan, a.k.a. OneLight