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I was born in Texas but never really lived there. This is convenient when trying on cowboy hats, because I can claim Texan status without actually having to deal with the baggage that comes along with an actual Texan upbringing (ranching, roping, rustling, and all that jazz).

I actually grew up in Phoenix, AZ where I learned to wear long pants in 120 degree weather, apply sunscreen without blotching, and avoid the dreaded venom of the Gila monster. For a couple of years I lived like a tamborineless gypsy, roaming incessantly back and forth across the highways and byways of America. Then I did some missions work with mountain people in the Sierra Nevadas. Now I live in Long Beach where I still wear long pants and sunscreen but almost never think about Gila monsters.

I did pretty good in grade school, but was frequently spanked by faculty members for disrespect (real or perceived). I barely graduated from Ironwood High School in Peoria, AZ in 1992, and took out huge loans to attend Southwestern College of the Bible in Phoenix (which I will be paying off in $75 dollar monthly increments until I'm 122 years old). In 1996 I graduated from SWC with a degree in Christian ministry, and a profound respect for Conservative Baptists (real or perceived). I intended to go to seminary, or get a masters degree, or maybe learn some computer skills at ITT Tech, but was dissuaded by a pastor/ultimate fighter in Bangor, ME who encouraged me to just keep reading books, which I still do today.

I got married in 1996 to a girl I met in an elevator named Shannon. We decided to have four children, and thats exactly what we did. Jack, Hank, Lily, and Will are their names. We do not want to have any more children, and will probably not even consider adopting more until adoption gets less trendy. We will be married until I'm either dead, or Jesus comes back, because I think quitters are stupid.

I love to preach, teach, write, paint, think, sing, observe, mock, compose, play, act, perform, read, and argue.

I'm an avid music collector who has no favorite Christian band.

I have been an insurance salesman, movie projectionist, waiter, worship leader, professional musician, camp program director, and pastor. Currently I am on staff at First Baptist Lakewood, in Long Beach. At 1BL I'm a teaching pastor and pastor to young families. In addition, I'm on the road teaching and preaching about once a month at churches, camps, colleges, and conferences all over the west coast. I'm trying to write a book but cant think of anything clever to say.