I was 43 years old and had been a member of the PCUSA denomination for 30 years when I was saved the evening of August 19, 1985. Things changed radically from the inside looking out, and those around me were regularly astonished by the overt changes in my life, because they don't see many conversions in the PCUSA.  One key change was my being drawn to young-earth creationism.  

It was at this point that I began to learn all about Reformed Theology, and it made incredibly good sense. Prior to my conversion, I didn't really care. Though an active member of an interdenominational and evangelical congregation,  I became more Reformed (Calvinistic) today, than ever before. Fellowshipping with Armenians and semi-Pelagians was eye-opening.  I'd listened to Drs. D. James Kennedy, R.C. Sproul, Steve Brown, and Barnhouse and the Bible for years on Christian radio. A.W. Pink (The Sovereignty of God), and John Piper (Future Grace) are two of my favorite authors, but I have MANY. I have shelved my NIV Bible for the ESV Study Bible with notes by Dr. R.C. Sproul, and really enjoy the translation,  but  keep handy my copy of the 1599 Geneva Bible from Tolle Lege Press.  The Geneva Bible is the translation brought both to Jamestown, VA by the First Settlers in 1607 and in 1620 to Plymouth, MA by the Pilgrims on the Mayflower. 

The first recorded Thanksgiving actually occurred with the First Settlers in Jamestown, not with the Pilgrims in Massachusetts,  and is one of the first intentional historic misrepresentations which ultimately initiated the division of the South from the North. 

Early to bed and early to rise, I begin every morning with my hot cuppa java, and the Word, using the "Walk Through the Bible" reading guide, "Closer Walk", which leads me through the New Testament each year. Though having spent many years in a Presbyterian environment, I have problems with infant baptism, and have been investigating the Reformed Baptists (ARBCA) and the Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals (F.I.R.E.). At present though, neither of these denominations has a congregation near me.   I have a 40-mile commute to an ARBCA congregation in Suffolk, VA but it's a bit more legalistic (KJV-only, etc.) than my understanding.

I'm in the Word every morning, currently using an annual Bible-Reading-and-Devotional plan from "Walk Through the Bible" Ministry, that I have followed for over 20 years now. I'm fascinated with the Jewishness of the very early Church, from the time of our Lord and his Apostles until about 300-400 AD(time of Constantine). Also, I'm interested in the origins and real history of the early Scots-Celtic Christians in the British Isles that began around 35-36 AD. Dr. Francis Nigel Lee has done some fascinating research where this early history is concerned, and there is much info in his website. So has Dr. Oskar Skarsaune, "In the Shadow of the Temple". 

Early in my new faith walk, I was led to young-earth Creationism, and have followed the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) and Answers in Genesis (AIG) ministries closely since then.   Also, there is a creationist ministry affiliated with Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, and a creationist ministry affiliated with American Vision, both of which teach from the specific Reformed viewpoint.  My favorite on-line ministries are American Vision, Vision Forum and Nicenecouncil.com.  They are Reformed and have excellent books and DVD's.   Because so many Scots and Scots-Irish early settlers from both Scotland and Ireland relocated  to the USA and migrated to The South, study of the Confederacy and Southern Heritage has also become a strong Spirit-led interest.  I have an ancestor who was in the artillery of the CSA Army of Northern Virginia for the entire 4-year duration of the War Between the States, under Gen. Robert E. Lee.  He kept a 'Testament" in his front shirt pocket which stopped a Yankee minnie-ball, saving his life.  Otherwise, he was never wounded.

*The huge number of deceived-unsaved people in the mainline church (PCUSA, UCC, ELCA, UMC, Episcopal Church in the USA, et.al.), and how to be the Lord's Ambassador for them; *the fields that are white with harvest, and how to reach them. *The Democratic party has long been way off the beaten path, in the high weeds for a long time. Sadly, the Republicans have followed the Dems over there, so I actively support the Constitution Party; *installation of a constitutional judiciary and if possible, reversal of much of the legislation that has come from an activist judicial bench and a blind/selfish/greedy congress; *short-circuiting the ACLU, and the homosexual and the Islamic agendas in the USA; *increasing border security on both the Mexican and Canadian borders, and deporting the millions of illegal (criminal) entrants; *delighted in seeing the freeing of the two Border Guards who had been imprisoned by the Bush administration for chasing off a drug-smuggling illegal Mexican; *an active pursuit toward the education of our citizenry, and return of the USA to our Christian and Constitutional roots (which is why my political support has changed from the Republican Party to the Constitution Party); *an active advocate of making English the official language of the USA by supporting lobbying efforts of U.S. English; *Southern Heritage support via 'Sons of Confederate Veterans',  'League of the South', and Southern National Congress; *life member of National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of America; CHP permit holder in Virginia and Utah pending;  strongly support our Constitution and Second Amendment; *last but not least,  supporter for Scottish independence!

A voracious reader, mostly related to Southern Heritage, Scottish roots and Christian non-fiction. Attending Scottish Festivals and Tattoos are great fun. Having joined League of the South, and having found the requisite CSA-Veteran-ancestor to join Sons of Confederate Veterans, attend some Confederate re-enactments, as well as Southern Heritage events. Also enjoy visiting little off-the-beaten-track coastal towns in Virginia, North and South Carolina. In addition to attending some re-enactment events, I would like to attend a Confederate ball or two in period dress. I enjoy reading and researching the Christian roots of our nation, and also do lots of hunting and fishing . . . in thrift stores!!!

Recently, much of my spare time has been invested in researching South Carolina, particularly Summerville, for a possible relocation there from Virginia.  I've already had three trips down to browse the area . . . and I fell in love with it!!!  Shrimp and grits is not just for breakfast anymore!