Biography
 

The Kid

I was born in May of 1964 in a small clinic in my hometown of Charlton Heights, West Virginia. Shortly after, I'm told, they stopped delivering babies there. The only memory I have of the clinic as a kid, was seeing the hollowed-out building and foundation. I'm not sure who condemned it or when, but I'm pretty sure it was connected to my being born!

I was a "Leave it to Beaver" kind of kid; hardly ever got in trouble, and when I did, I was the first to tell my parents and ask for punishment. Don't ask me WHY, but maybe being the last of six kids taught me something by observing the mistakes of my older siblings. Needless to say, my parents had a pretty easy time with me - but... I still earned and received spankings like all the rest!

I can't say I was a whiz in school, I was pretty uninterested and unmotivated in my studies, actually. Early on, however, I showed a knack for being very mechanically inclined. I took everything apart and learned how to make things work. There were times I got chances to prove myself by fixing things around the house - from alarm clocks to the clothes dryer. Many years later, I received a patent on one of my invention designs... didn't make a DIME from it... but I HAVE A PATENT!

I was also a quiet kid, too. One of my parent's friends once said, "Todd doesn't say much, but when he does - it's worth listening to."

Christ became important to me at an early age. When I learned that Jesus loved us and died to save us from sins I began passing out gospel tracks to everyone at Falls View Elementary School - friends and teachers! It wasn't until a few weeks later while I was on the playground that the Holy Spirit drew me personally to Christ... It hit me that *I* had never asked Christ to save *ME* - even though I was telling everyone else! :) Right there, by the metal railing... I trusted Christ as my Savior!
 

Teen Days (daze)

I began attending Christian schools around 7th grade - by choice. I did witness to my friends in public school, but it was getting harder and harder to be around an atmosphere that was so... well, ungodly (and THIS was in the 70's). Little did I realize that "Christian Schools" were also filled with kids that had little or no desire to please God... so not much changed there, really. But it WAS better to be taught by those who knew Christ AND could share their faith freely in the classroom!

I began teaching children's church when I was in elementary school, but my involvement really took off as a teen. I volunteered for everything from Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Bible Camp Counselor. As I grew older, I always wondered what God wanted me to do in life... turns out I was doing it all along!  God is good!

In high school I participated in soccer, won awards in drama, music and Christian Leadership. I was elected as Homecoming King my senior year... go figure! I was HARDLY what you would call "popular"!

About this time, I started praying that God would break my heart. I can't remember WHY, exactly. It might have come from a talk from a youth pastor, or from just thinking - I had it so good in life. Good Christian parents, years in church and attending a Christian school - and nothing bad really touched me.  I guess I worried that I was too secluded from what most people experience. I don't mean secluded from public school - I mean from the pain sin brings to our everyday lives...  How was I going to be sympathetic and minister to a hurting world, if I hadn't experienced and understood real problems or pain?  Since then, God has answered that prayer... many times over!  Those were/are trying times, but I never regret that prayer.
 

College Years

I attended Appalachian Bible College in West Virginia then Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. I loved both of them.  While in college at ABC, I struggled with my faith. While I maintained exterior appearances, I very nearly threw away my faith in my heart. Maybe this happens for many who trust Christ as Savior very young. At any rate, God is patient, and allowed me time to question my faith and to reassemble it piece by piece. Afterward, my faith became stronger than ever. God is good, I'm not - and his mercy and grace are real and needed!

While at Moody my militant conservative attitudes were challenged!  I learned that legalism is legalism - whether during Christ's time - or today.  My personal preferences or those of the leadership of my church (however well-meaning) can NOT supersede God's Word. He is the final authority - not me! Ahhh sweet freedom in Christ.  I am still rather conservative personally; but I now recognize the difference between personal standards and the Gospel of Christ.

Personal Tragedy

And it was at Moody where I met and soon married a beautiful, intelligent, funny, talented young lady. However, she was fighting demons I wasn't fully aware of. Four months later - she left and divorced me. It was not my will - and I got angry with God, but I had to recognize that the situation was life threatening - and it was perhaps God's permitted will.  I knew she had severe family problems, but she was showing signs of growing beyond those. Unfortunately, she began to try to create an abusive atmosphere in our home. She became physically, verbally, and emotionally abusive. She occasionally ran away, threw away her wedding ring, and even threatened my life. At one point she took a baseball bat to our computer when I was out of the house. I never would have left her - I feel very strongly about marriage and divorce.  But God allowed her to leave me and I've not heard from her since.  It's been over 10 years... I'm praying that God will open up a new relationship for me - if it is in His will.
 

...and Today

I've lived and had jobs in Chicago, Illinois and Columbus, Ohio - but I always seem to find my way back to "almost heaven", West Virginia! 

I always said I wanted to do a little of everything - career-wise. And I've not been disappointed. I've worked in sales, computers, newspaper work, graphic design, high-school teacher, and more!  God is good!

My last job was the Graphic Designer for a local print house - and I loved it!  Currently, I'm a Help Desk Specialist for the National HUD offices.  I'm also still designing websites on the side, as well as occasional digital graphic design for a friend of mine who runs a very successful sign business. I'm content to be single and taking care of my parents as they get older if that is God's will for me. But I am always eager to make new friends