Lance:
Biography: The Short Version
I am a dedicated husband, father and Christian. I am striving to be the best husband and father I can and create a lasting legacy in my children's lives focusing on areas of true significance.
Biography: The Long Version
Who am I?
Here is the long version
Spiritual
First and foremost, I am not a "traditional" Christian and not as far gone as a "revolutionary" but somewhere in between. I attend church weekly, pray daily, read Christian books, and try to make my life a living example of being a Christian. However, I am frequently unhappy with the current state of "The Church" and frequently voice my opinion on changing the old ways and views in favor of living by example and being accepting of others views and criticism of Christianity in hopes that God's grace and the holy spirit will work in my life and the lives of others by my example and non-traditional thinking.
I was raised Lutheran (Missouri Synod) but also went to a private Catholic elementary school, my early view of religion was confused and a very strict, no-fun environment. In my early 20’s I became an atheist, at this time my life crumbled around me: My career, my marriage, and my finances. When I hit bottom, I prayed for the first time in a year and a half and told God that if he gave me another chance, I would “Make it Count!”
I rebounded slowly at first but started working with youth again on the Christian side; I easily connected with the kids and could articulate at their level on many issues. I passed up a Youth Pastor position (which I still regret) but it was not my time. I then got more involved in my spiritual life, reading, studying, worshiping and found a home at a Evanelical Christian church called Manna Church and I became born again. For the first time I realized that a relationship with God was more important than all the ritual and dogma.
I learned having fun and enjoying Christ is okay and a true Christian is someone who lives the values daily and when no one else is looking rather than once a week or when others are watching.
Marriage
I married my dream girl from High School, the Homecoming Queen. I was the long haired rebel who played in a band and lived a “less than Christian” lifestyle.
We married young and had our first child soon after, we had no idea what we were doing. My own father died before I was born so I promised to be the father to my children that I never had.
After 2 years, I was a complete failure. Bad marriage, immature, selfish, irresponsible, you name it, I did it. See: My Testimony
My wife and I separated for a year and a half during that time I made some serious life changes and came back to Christianity including truly starting to work on becoming a real husband and father. Once we re-united, I strived to become a super Dad and husband. Many years later, we have the best marriage we know of and our children our daily becoming strong, moral based leaders.
Financial
At age 17 I founded and built my first business, a non-profit corporation to help local youth and provide a youth center for them. We transferred the corporation to a Christian group in 2002 and it is the longest running establishment of its kind in my home state. I also built a second business that ended when I moved out of the state and I consult with business owners and help with marketing events.
I started out in the military but after 3 years; I went back to college to earn a degree in Marketing. While I was back in college, I worked as a Financial Planner after the 2000 tech crash. I worked mainly in Estate Planning for wealthy clients. I learned a lot from retirees and wealthy clients on what to invest in, why and how to protect it.
I also got the unique experience to work around some highly successful business people and a few CEO’s. One thing that I noticed was people with a pension or a secured cashflow income, were far better off than those who didn’t have one.
So I decided to get back in private sector for the long run and the pension but also to use my investing skills to invest in equities, real estate and business while I was working towards a retirement goal of age 45.
I am currently actively investing in equities and real estate. I do have plans for another business but not in the immediate future.
This blog is a testament of the process we have used to turn our own lives around in the areas of spirituality, finances, values, marriage and how we transfer this knowledge and life experience on to our children.
For further explanations please see the Start Here - Read First area of the blog.
My Interests:
My Family, Relationship with God, Investing, Travel, Reading and spending time with my beautiful, amazing wife. I also teach various classes at my church and assist many friends and colleagues with financial planning and investing free of charge.
