A family friend gave me a small starter set of leather tools when I was about 14 that grew into quite a collection and a great hobby. They sat in my closet for about a year gathering dust when a friend of mine started a volunteer program on the pediatrics ward of a nearby hospital and asked if I would help. We would be teaching various crafts to the kids that were hospitalized. I went to Tandy's Leather for a demonstration on how to use each of the tools that I had, and that is what started my lifelong hobby. I will attempt to make most anything with leather but I really enjoy making cowboy gear ( holsters, belts, chaps, etc...). My goal is to learn and become a good saddle / harness maker. I also enjoy making guitar straps. I am a member of the "International Internet Leather Guild", "The Puget Sound Leather Artisans Coop", and my local guild is the "Lone Star Leather Crafters" in Forth Worth, Texas.
Shortly after high school, I joined the United States Navy. My enlistment lasted just over 8 years and spanned three ships: The U.S.S. Enterprise, U.S.S. Reasoner, and the U.S.S. Long Beach (click image to the right for a full size view of each ship). 
 
I've played guitar since I was about 8 years old and have played in various bands growing up. Most of those were garage bands that the neighbors would call the police on because we were playing that loud rock music and disturbing the neighborhood. I've mellowed with age however, and now play in a Christian praise and worship team with some wonderful musicians and friends.

In 1997, I surrendered my life to God and in 1998, was licensed to the ministry by Zion Hill Baptist Church in Weatherford, Texas where I serve as the minister of Music and am also an Ordained Deacon. Accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior has been the greatest thing I've ever done. My favorite scripture is Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Surrendering one's life to God doesn't mean that there will never be adversities or tragedy in your life. What it does mean is that God will give you the strength to endure those tragedies however great they are.
God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and 4 fantastic children who have all grown into adults that would make any parent proud. My youngest son is the designer of this web site. I also have 3 beautiful granddaughters and 3 terrific grandsons.

If you feel there is something missing in your life and nothing you do seems to fill that void, I would suggest that you need to fulfill it with Jesus Christ. He promises a peace that surpasses all understanding and is waiting for you. All you have to do is ask. If you've never done so it's simple, just say this prayer in your own words. If you truly mean them from your heart, your life will be changed forever.

“Lord, I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that you were crucified for my sins and that you arose three days later to sit with you Father in heaven. I'm asking you to come into my heart as the Lord and Savior of my life. I ask for your forgiveness of my sins and want to turn from my sin and give my life to You.”

If you have just said that prayer and meant it, I urge you to seek out a local church. God wants you to publicly profess your new faith and follow through in baptism. Seek out fellowship to help you grow spiritually and read your Bible daily for increased strength and knowledge.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”

John 3:16