for marriage prospects...

or about three years, now, I've been using a number of "Christian" web sites in my search for a spouse. To that end, I thought it a good idea to share my entire profile from the one site that I'd consider my favorite. (That is...I would consider it my favorite, if it weren't for the fact that it still has relatively few female members (shucks!)...which is kinda sad, because, the authenticity and intent of its owner seem superior to any I've encountered, so far.) Anyhoo...for your reading enjoyment: Gender: Definitely male Age: 30+ Country: United States State: California City: Sun Valley Zip Code: 91352 Title: "Marriage-Minded" My height is: 6' 3/4" My build is: Slender My eyes are: Brown My hair is: Fleeing Fast! My view on smoking: I don't smoke or prefer to be around smoke, much. My view on drinking: I rarely drink My level of education is: Bachelor's Degree Marital Status: Divorced On the subject of children: I've 1 boy, but prefer at least 1 more (a girl?). My ideal place to live is: Near a very large body of water. And some mountains. Looking for: Marriage & Children Race (Select ALL that you would prefer to date.): "Any" Denomination: Non-denominational What type of work do you do?: Sales and Marketing My sense of humor is most like: The Saturday Night Live skit that never aired! --------------------------------------------------- Activities/Interests: Amusement Parks, Bike, Boat Excursions , Bowling, Camping, Canoe/Kayaking, Cards, Puzzles, Board Games , Computers, Fitness, Go-Kart Racing , Hiking, Hot Springs, Miniature Golf , Museums, Music/Vocals, Photography, Pool, Scenic Drives, Softball, Theatre , Vacations, Retreats, Package Deals & Tours, Volleyball, Volunteering, Walking, Water Parks , Whitewater River Rafting --------------------------------------------------- Age range desired?: [My conception of this has been changing, lately.] --------------------------------------------------- Additional Activities: Open to new experiences. --------------------------------------------------- How old were you when you were drawn to Christ and how is your Christian walk these days?: Though I formerly believed I was saved in my teens, I'm now all but convinced the Lord regenerated me in mid-2004. I'm almost daily faced with the reality of my sinfulness and inherent unworthiness to be Elect unto salvation! This compels me to continually seek to lean on Him for all goodness in obeying His Word. Fortunately, I've been immeasurably blessed to be a part of an extremely sound church where we are continually taught the necessity of being both "hearers" and "doers" of the matchless Word of Christ. --------------------------------------------------- How have the Doctrines of Grace changed or affected your life?: Whereas once I was Arminian, foolishly believing man is able to "choose" righteousness by himself, I now see how utterly Sovereign our great and awesome God is! This important realization - along with the numerous ways in which Providence has illustrated it, since - has led me to an increasing trust in the Strength of His Omnipotent hand, which will continue to sustain and preserve me 'til the end! --------------------------------------------------- Are you content being single? Why? If not, why?: Yes...I know full well my marital status does not define my joy. At the same time, the desire I have to be married is strong and proper, and so compels me to be proactive in my search for a Godly, marriage-minded (attractive) Helper. --------------------------------------------------- Do you have a “Quiet Time”? What are you studying?: Yes. I haven't been using any study materials, simply praying, listening to and reading the Scriptures. Love my ESV Listener's Bible! (My intent is to eventually begin learning how to exegete, using Greek and Hebrew aids...but I'm not there, yet) --------------------------------------------------- What are four qualities your friends would attribute to you?: 1) Comedic & playful 2) Smart 3) Good conversationalist (listening & articulating) 4) Loyal & true (I keep my word) --------------------------------------------------- What are you most passionate about?: Seeing people come into a clear understanding of the Scriptures. --------------------------------------------------- Other than your parents, who has been the most influential person in your life and how?: I'll list two: 1) My pastor, John F MacArthur, followed closely by... 2) My very good Friend Stephen --------------------------------------------------- What are three things you are most thankful for?: 1) The Triune God 2) My Election 3) My Church family --------------------------------------------------- Who is your favorite Biblical Character and why?: Peter, because he confessed openly his foolish sinfulness, and often tangibly illustrated the truth of it. And yet, these things left Christ's Election of him unmitigated and he was even set as one of the founding pillars of our Glorious church heritage. --------------------------------------------------- Describe the character and personality traits you enjoy in another person? What are yours?: I'd appreciate most a woman who actively takes responsibility for her own sinfulness, and who is thoughtful, warm, affectionate and genuinely nice, as I, too, am widely regarded as a really "nice" guy and, as such, try to avert needless conflict or negative emotional flare-ups. Someone who can be assertive *without* being aggressive or forward, as I like to (mainly) be the "initiator." Yet, neither do I care much for elusiveness or "mystique," as I'm a fairly direct communicator, and appreciate at least some measure of the same. Someone who *delights* in being "low-maintenance" and living simply, as my vocational ambitions are not extravagant and so I may not be able to offer a life of increasing luxury. Someone who is committed to Biblical Womanhood, as pictured in Eph. 5; 1 Peter 3; Titus 2, & 1 Tim. 2 & 5 (see also: 'The Excellent Wife' by Martha Peace). Who is "family-minded" instead of career-minded, as I desire to be the primary, if not sole financial provider and to have children who are blessed with a home-school experience. Someone who has a *high* regard for healthy eating and physical fitness, mirroring my own. Last, but far from least, I would consider it a great honor to be fully entrusted by a woman with the (humbling) task of being her sole spiritual leader. I realize the issue of "submission" is often a tender one, especially in a world filled with men who are clueless about what it means to lead through sacrifice and service. However, one of my greatest desires is to absolutely contravene this wicked trend of society by imitating the self-less Love of Christ in a marriage relationship. This would take many forms, not the least of which would be leading my wife (& children) into the increasing Light of Scripture. I believe this would bring me joy like few other endeavors! --------------------------------------------------- What contributed most to your previous relationship/marriage not continuing? How long have you been on your own since this relationship and what did you learn from the experience?: Simply put: my ex-wife (how I dislike that term) chose to leave clearly out of disobedience to the Scriptures. Though I'm absolutely certain I was leaps and bounds from the ideal husband, she made it clear from the start that her choosing to leave was about her own choices, not mine. She started speaking of leaving in Dec. '03, physically left in July '04, and filed for divorce in Nov. '04. The divorce was final in June '06. Besides some specific ways in which to be and do better next time, I learned to be clear about what’s most important in a wife. I also learned that, no matter how careful one is, one simply can’t control nor always foresee all the "unfavorable" outcomes (consequently, my trust in Christ has grown immeasurably). More importantly, I learned that, just like my ex-wife, I'm a wretched sinner...prone to disobey at times ("prone to wander, Lord I feel it...prone to leave the One I love")! But, again, I love the fact that I am shored up by His Omnipotent Hand, which will preserve me 'til the end! --------------------------------------------------- Do you have any favorite lines from movies, poems, songs, hymns or Scripture you would like to tell us about?: Top 2 Favorite Songs: O Sacred Head Now Wounded, O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (and almost any classic hymn in a minor key). Of course, there are others. Why not ask me which ones? Favorite Bible passages: > Matthew 16:24-27 (ESV) Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done." Boy, what a challenge to the unBeliever, and sobering call to the professing Believer who has failed to self-examine. This is the heart of the Gospel! Which stands in such stark contrast to the feel-good message passed off as the Gospel far too often. ---- > John 13:6-10 (ESV) He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you [here referring to Judas Iscariot]." Gotta love that Peter. And what sweet, blessed fellowship those who Believe have been granted by our merciful, gracious King...both with Him and with each other! --- > Luke 24:32 (ESV) "They said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'." This verse describes how I am, in part, and how I strive to be, in whole! I would *love* to meet an attractive woman who *most deeply and thoroughly* seeks to have her heart aflame with a passion for having the Word or Christ dwell richly within, guiding her at every turn and ever aiming her affections toward the Eternal Horizon. --- > Psalm 8:4 (ESV) "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU ARE MINDFUL OF HIM, AND THE SON OF MAN THAT YOU CARE FOR HIM?” This passage so accurately reflects the profound, incredulous perplexity I experience whenever pondering the seeming “injustice” exhibited in the Lord’s Amazing Grace [!!!] --------------------------------------------------- What type of work do/did you do? How long have you been/were you in that line of work? Do/you enjoy it?: In March of '07, I started a new job working in sales support for a national tax advisory firm. Within 2-5 years, I'd like to succeed at establishing my budding home-based business so I can leave the work-force permanently. --------------------------------------------------- Do you have any life-long goals? What are they?: *Possibly* enter some form of full-time, vocational or volunteer ministry, if the Lord would have me do so...I can envision no more worthy vocation for myself than that of accurately learning and teaching the precious Word of God to others. I can even see myself one day working in a foreign mission field...with the invaluable support of a very willing Helper, of course! (Then there's the other, less important stuff, like: learn a few languages; drive an RV cross country; travel the world; etc, etc, etc.) --------------------------------------------------- How do you enjoy your leisure time? What do you do for recreation?: I enjoy singing, playfulness, spontaneity, leaving dishes in the sink sometimes (c; and having all manner of new experiences – heck, I’m open to trying virtually anything...once! I'm equally comfortable outdoors camping, hiking or cycling as I am cuddling (yes, cuddling!) on the couch with snacks and a good movie. (BUT, with two bad knees, going for a jog is out of the question!) --------------------------------------------------- Where were you born and where have you traveled?: Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Have since lived in: Tulsa, Oklahoma; Chicago, Illinois; Newark, Delaware; and, of course, Los Angeles, California (my favorite)! I've also spent a couple of months in both Hong Kong and several Städte in Germany. -------------------------------------------------- Tell us about your family. How do you feel about relocating?: I have several siblings, but, am not close to any of them...something I wish could have been different. I can share more about that in personal conversation. As smoggy, congested and expensive as Los Angeles is, I really enjoy life here. By far, though, the greatest enjoyment with which I've been graced is, of course, being interwoven with my current local church family! Second to that is my love for the ocean, mountains and moderate clime. However, I've come to believe something. For the "right" woman, a Godly woman, who smites me, who captivates me, for whom my heart begins to long, and with whom it will ultimately be knitted...my Shining Star, my Rebekah...I might very well be willing to settle into a stony hut in Siberia's tundra. (All that to say that, at this point, relocation would be a MAJOR hurdle.) --------------------------------------------------- Is there anything that the questionnaire didn’t cover?: Coupla things: 1) I have a beautiful, bright, energetic little boy, who lives with me part-time. (And, I firmly believe in patient, loving discipline as Biblical imperative, per Proverbs 23:13-14; 22:15; 13:24; 29:15 & 17; 19:18.) 2) I'm convinced most minor theological differences can be easily tolerated or worked through in any loving, Christ-honoring relationship, and therefore need not be the hill on which a budding relationship must die. With that said -and this need not be a fatal disclaimer, but- on a certain few theological points, I humbly, cautiously take issue with several of our Reformation forebears. It's been my experience that not all "Reformed" women are okay with this, so kindly be advised. [And if you're Pentecostal or Charismatic, you might want to be advised, too...though for somewhat different reasons explained elsewhere on this blog. Go ahead...click around to find out what I'm all about. ] ---------------------------------------------------