I suppose it could be said that "I was a country-kid" who made good. Have done everything from ride a running horse bareback, working at big time truck-stop and repairing inside duals that were flat. I was 11 then. Later had my own businesses as early as 13 and 14. Worked for large lumber company as a senior in HS. Went to work at 5pm and worked 10-12 hours filling boxcars with lumber and could operate every size of forklift, lumber straddler etc.
Was first in my family to get a college degree. I Taught school for a few years..
I did some things simultaneously: One phase was work a secular job, attend University full time, and drive out 23 miles to pastor a a small but growing Church. Later, I would work a secular job, do 6 years in the military, and pastor a small church that grew until it could provide a living for a pastor:
For 23 years, I was a full-time pastor. My wife of 37 years came home from work and moved in with her BF she'd been hiding.. She wrecked a home, kids, grand kids, and a God-called ministry. Have I asked God to punish her?? NO!! Revenge is not my business, if any is due it is HIS business Listen closely: Thomas Jefferson said this:" I have no problem with the Lord Jesus Christ and know it is only by his birth from a virgin, HIS death on the cross so his blood could be a sacrifice for our sins, HIS mercy and grace that I shall have a chance of entering his Heaven:
...Thomas Jefferson :" But yes, you better believe I have a problem with the Church on the earth which is governed by men and is corrupt to the core" --Someone who calls themselves a Christian may hurt you badly, but you must never fall out with Jesus. HE is the ONE who had pure blood to cleanse my sins and yours, He died on the cross.. HE rose from the dead.. HE said," If I live, you shall live also.. I have not pastored or preached much in 15 years.-- But I am still in love with Jesus and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob--- I cannot pastor as that group I was with, will not let me since I have experienced divorce... Guess what, Preachers who have done plenty of suffering themselves.. have more compassion and are better at helping others because they have more MERCY and Wisdom:..I love you here, Jesus loves you.. but you have to ask HIM to forgive you your sins then live for HIM:::::