A Bit About Wit
Here’s a bit about me, for the sake of giving some context to my writing:
About me: The summary of all I yearn for: ‘I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me’ (Gal 2.20). I am first an elect saint of God in Jesus Christ alone by His mercy and grace (because apart from Him I am a filthy, wicked sinner), and my greatest delight and destiny is to enjoy His Presence forever and to magnify Him by spurring others into this delight. I am also the husband of the most amazing and beautiful woman in the world (Jenn), whom I love tremendously and passionately. I am Dad to a gorgeous baby girl named Avynlea (meaning “a return to childlike faith; simple beauty; noble purity; compassion for the least”), whom Jenn and I seek to raise to magnify the blessed Trinity. I am the son of incredible parents and parents-in-law and the brother of a sister and brother-in-law and brother- and sister-in-law whom I love and am thankful for. I am also a pastor, counselor, and teacher.
Relationship status: Married to Jenn; dad to Avynlea
Work: Pastor
Education: BS in Biblical Studies and Speech Communications (Multnomah University) / MA in Counseling (George Fox University)
Religious views: We all exist to glorify God, either in rebellion (hell), or in obedient love, by faith alone in Christ alone (His Presence in heaven). How will you glorify Him? For more information, see the Confession of the Christian Faith and The Heart of All [that] Matters.
Political views: ”There is no authority except from God…” (Romans 13.1). “There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns away from Him” (C. S. Lewis). I am part of the Republican Party.
Activities: ‘…do all to the glory of God’ (1 Co 10.31) / 1 Th 5.16-18 / Scripture / being with my magnificent wife / being with family / learning / reading / writing / walking/hiking/jogging
Interests: ‘…that in everything [Christ] might be preeminent’ (Col 1.18) / 1 Th 5.16-18 / Jenn / family / biblical studies/theology / biblical counseling / teaching / preaching/public speaking / learning / honor
Favorite books: The Bible (actually) / Institutes of the Christian Religion / Give Praise to God: A Vision for Reforming Worship / Systematic Theology (Grudem) / Patrick: Son of Ireland / Harry Potter series / The Chronicles of Narnia / Jane Eyre / The King Raven (Robin Hood) trilogy / The Practice of the Presence of God / Lord of the Rings / and many more!
People who inspire me: my wife and daughter / Paul the Apostle / John Calvin / Jonathan Edwards / Martin Luther / C. H. Spurgeon / Matthew Henry / James Montgomery Boice / R. Albert Mohler, Jr. / John MacArthur / C. S. Lewis / Paul Washer / Albus Dumbledore
Favorite movies: The Lord of the Rings / Mary Poppins / the Harry Potter films / Braveheart / Robin Hood / Gladiator / A Christmas Carol (George C. Scott) / White Christmas / It’s A Wonderful Life / Bleak House / Jane Eyre / Pride and Prejudice / The Avengers films / King Arthur / Kingdom of Heaven / Indiana Jones / X-Men: First Class / Star Wars saga / Star Trek: The Next Generation films / Inception / Marley and Me / Frequency / great epics that inspire excellence, righteousness, and noble living
Favorite music: ‘…addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…’ (Eph 5.19) / Keith and Kristyn Getty / Keith Green / Port Blue: The Airship / Christmas / Mediterranean/world / classical / film soundtracks / Michael W. Smith
Favorite television shows: 24 / The Cosby Show / Once Upon A Time / Lie to Me / Star Trek: The Next Generation
Random and interesting fact: As landowner of a small estate in the Scottish highlands of Glencoe, I am rightfully a lord of Scotland. Below is the crest (not a coat of arms) of the part of Glencoe in which my estate is located (in support of the conservation project of Lochaber Highland Estates):
