I'm thankful to have been raised in the area of the world known as Canada, particularly in rural northern Canada. I think I will always be a country boy at heart. I love the quietness and peacefulness of the country. I love being able to hear a coyote or wolf off in the distance, and to see the star light undimmed by the glow of city lights.
I enjoy just about all things pertaining to the outdoors. Special interests include hunting, fishing, gardening, and just roaming around acting like a tourist, taking in all the sights and sounds of the land. I've spent the better part of my life farming with my dad and in doing so have really come to love the freedom of being outside and having the sky over my head instead of a roof. If only the crops had grown as my love for the outdoors did.
My pre-teen years were very happy years, spent in awe and wonder at this thing called life that was unfolding before me. Memories of my mom teaching my brothers and I bible stories and songs will never be forgotten. Nor will the memories of staring in wonder at the deep blue sky and fluffy white clouds ever grow dim. My mom was sure to tell us that God loved us, and that Jesus had come to save us from our sins. Even as a child, I always knew that Jesus was my Savior. It was something I never doubted. I saw God's handiwork all around me, and the beauty of the land was signature to His power and design.
My early years were spent in a variety of places, as my family moved about quite frequently.
My teen years found me living in a place called "Mackenzie", a small sawmill town in the Rocky Mountain Trench, about 100 miles north of Prince George. The wilderness was literally a few steps out my back door, and my older brother and I quickly took to the freedom and adventure offered by the wilderness. Our summers and winters were spent fishing and hiking and exploring. Many were the times we were miles out in the wilderness and not a soul knowing where we were. Looking back now, I see just how foolish we were at times, paddling homemade rafts on the lake, and hiking deep into bear country. Fun and adventure were always to be had in the immense playground that was ours.
My school years went fast. I never really applied myself at school as I should have, but still managed to come thru with good grades. Sometimes I think my teachers were a bit generous with their marking. It was in my teen years that I gave my life to my Lord Jesus Christ. When I was 14, I realized I needed and wanted Him to be Lord of my life. I have never regretting making the decision to follow Him. He kept me from so much that could have reaped not so nice dividends down the road of life. Please don't think I was (or am) a perfect Christian. I have made more than my share of mistakes and bad decisions, but always, God has been faithful to forgive me.
Upon Graduating from high school, I started farming with my dad. During my 11th grade year, my family had moved back into the Peace River country of British Columbia. Good crops were hard to come by in the hard clay soils we faithfully tilled. Early frost and drought were frequent visitors to our farm. Still, we scratched a living from our labors, and work in the oilfield lent us many years of blessing. Spare time was filled with the outdoor activities I had grown accustomed too through my teen years. Hunting was particularly fruitful amongst the plenteous wildlife that abounded where we farmed.
I no longer live or work on the farm. Circumstances beyond my control have demanded changes in my life. I do miss the farm, but am building my life from where I find myself now. I guess I am kind of in a rebuilding stage of my life at the moment. The last couple years have brought with them many disappointments and losses. It has been a real trial of my faith. God has been faithful to see me through the darkest hours of my life. Even in the midst of loss and pain, He has been teaching me, and molding my character. More and more I am seeing that He alone is dependable. There is nothing in this life that is sure, except the unfailing love and faithfulness of God.
What is the most important thing in my life? Find out here
