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Relationship

Single. Interested in meeting women for dating and meeting women for a serious relationship

Hometown

Chicago, Ill, sort of.

Places I've been

I was born in Chicago but do not consider myself from there. Most my youth until my Freshman year in High School was spent in towns in eastern Tennessee. High school was in Knox, Indiana and the rest of my life in Texas, except with a brief excursion to California in 1981

More about me

I was born in Chicago, Illinois at 5:15 am on July 10, 1957. Born at St. Bernard's Hospital.

Full given name is Aulbert Ben West, Jr. [no it's not Albert, it's Aulbert as in Automobile]. Call me Butch, it's a nickname I've had since birth. [Unless you're paying me, then the other name is what the banks want to see].

Raised in Eastern Tennesee, Newport, Del-Rio, and Knoxville [Sunny Hills Children's Home in Kimberlin Heights]

Went to and graduated from High School in Knox, Indiana from 1972 to 1975. Most of freshman year in high shcool was spent at Doyle High School in Knoxville, Tn, about a week at Cocke County High School in Newport.

In April 1977 came to Texas [sister married a native Texan].

A note about Knox, Indiana. Knox is closer to Chicago than it is to Indianapolis, and about 30 miles from Valparaiso and about the same distance from South Bend, Indiania, which, if I remember correctly, borders Michigan.

When I was a Jr. and Sr. in high school [the years after] I went to camp in western Indiana, but after my sophmore year [1973, when I was almost 16] I went to a camp in Lansing, Michigan.

I've eliminated a portion of my profile because it involves something in my "criminal" past that seems to offend people, but if you accept Christ as your Saviour, then you should allow people to repent no matter what they have done in the past. In today's society it seems nearly everything is offensive to someone. The ten commandments are offensive to some, the written word is offensive to some.

Somehow, in today's society we can promote sexual promiscuity, including promoting it among children by handing out condemns under the excuse "they're going to do it anyway", but similtaneously we can't say that it's often not the children who are offended [but us "adults"].

So, we can promote sex among children, but we can't say that if they see something it's us, and not them that are offended. Why is that? Well, the truth is, it is because this secular demonic society has a beef against Christians, they want to be forgiven, but they won't forgive Christians who do the same things. Modern day Phariseeism is a tool of the devil.

The apostle Paul was a murderer, he was on his way to Jerusalem to kill Christians when he was converted. When Jesus was crucified [and you and I crucified him], he cried out "Father Forgive them, for they know not what they do".

I've had various jobs in Texas since then, [referring to school days mentioned above], went to California briefly, and believe God provides in spite of our circumstances. I have been priveleged to take a few "continuing education" classes at ACC [Austin Community College].

Am taking a course [program] in Fitness and Nutrition from Stratford Career Institue. I'd rather concentrate on just nutrition, but I do work for a gym and they go hand in hand.

Currently have property [am purchasing] just east of Lockhart, Tx.

Work for Discover Fitness Center in Pflugerville, Tx. where I have [usually] a very wonderful boss. Do promotions as either a "sandwich man" [holding a sign on both front and back of my self] or passing out flyers door to door. I like the job ok, and could not find a better boss, but wish I could do something better and closer to Lockhart.

There are many local preachers I am not too fond of partly because of their refusal to help me when I was in need, but having said that, I think Christianity is very important, God loves us in spite of ourselves, and in spite of the things we do. Jesus said he who is forgiven of much will love much.

It does not matter what you've done, including murder, actual sexual molestation of children [this does not mean I approve of this, and yes repentance is required], you know in your heart whether you've actually done something like that, JESUS LOVES YOU whether the preachers and people do or not, yes one must be repentant. And yes, repentance is required, preachers use to preach this, now they are giving in to what society wants at the expense of the gospel.

Today [meaning in modern times], we have a politically driven and market driven church where forgiveness has been redefined by psychologists at the expense of the gospel. We talk a lot about repentance, but if someone has done something we think is really bad or evil, we will not let [allow] such people to repent. Jesus did say that if you will not forgive you will not be forgiven.

If we will not let people repent, then are we then not denying the power of God.? Isn't that a situation where we are "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof "? There are people here in Texas that have been arrested recently for things society shuns, I hope that when they get out, they will have a place to go, a place to work, and a place to fellowship, and that we stop denying God the opportunity to change these people from the inside out. Yes, a few people use Christianity as an excuse, I happen to think that if we would allow repentance and give these folks scriptural guidance [pastoral [scripture based] counseling, not psychology]. In the "multitude of counselors" there is safety. Without counsel purposes fail. So, if one's purpose is to find a wife, pastoral and related [Singles ministers] "how to" counseling can help if it's scriptural and certain individual beliefs and situations are taken into account.

Sometimes people are not a danger to society, but society is a danger to them.

Yes, Jesus did say that if you offend Children you'd be better off with a millstone around your neck and cast into the sea, but he did not tell you to do it, and in many situations it's not the children who are offended. JESUS LOVES EVERYONE, repentance is allowed by Christ, it's people who refuse to forgive, though your sins be as scarlet they shall be made white [pure] as snow.

You need to accept the Jesus Christ of scripture as your personal Saviour, regardless of what you have done. You already know you can not trust humans, so who can you trust? God, the creator, Jesus Christ of scripture. That's it.

When I go to church, it is either to World Harvest Outreach in Austin or to The Gospel Lighthouse Church in Lockhart. The car has broken down so it is hard to get to church anywhere anymore, though I do get rides to get to work.

I do not believe in "playing the field", I think it's a form of adultery. Not to say that I've never committed adultery, which I should be forgiven for if I repent [See John 8:7 and context], but I do think "playing the field" is one form of adultery, as is going to websites I shouldn't, even if it is to seek a mate who may understand my past and share my weaknesses.

I do have a hobby of gardening and an interest in nutrition, and I do work for a gym.  But in today's world, I think we put too much emphasis on the physical and not on the spiritual, but the spiritual should be prioritized.

I believe there is and has been a war against Christians and Christian religions in this country.  The most recent examples are a Virigina pastor who was basically being told that if he is at a certain location [city council meetings] he has to have a prescribed manner of prayer and can not say the words "In Jesus Name" because of where he's at.

Even more recent is a decision in Connecticut which specifically targets the Catholic Church.  Some denominations believe that the Catholic Church is the Anti-Christ, which may be true of its leaders, it also may not be true.  But this was not one religous group targeting another, it was government attempting to prevent "the free exercise thereof" with regards to how the Catholic Church runs itself.

In the denomination I grew up in we have a Minister, Elders, and Deacons.  Elders and Deacons, in some congregations The Elders and Deacons set up boards or committees to choose the minister [the equivalent of pastor in many denominations].  The minister and people who are already on the Elder and Deacon boards submit names when there is a vacancy of either Elder or Deacon the congregation votes on it.  What happened in Connecticut was essentially the equivalent of the legislature telling the denomination I was raised in you can't do it that way anymore, you have to do it our way.

The ACLU, People for the American Way, Americans United for Church & State, and other such groups had no qualms about this.  Why?  Well, I think it's because this step of controlling what the churches can do is what these groups really want.

I wish I had the video tape of that sermon, I can tell you that in 1999 that a youth minister, youth pastor from Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin, Texas got into legal trouble.  The Church preached sermons during that time, and on a 1 week delay [meaning the sermon was aired the week after it was preached] on the ABC affiliate in Austin, KVUE in the mornings.  Harold O'Chestor was the pastor.

What I remember, is that a lot of people in the congregation wanted prayer about that specific situation, which was a situation that directly involved people from Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin, yet they were influenced by a secular lawyer who LIED and told the church "you can't even ask the church to pray about it".  It angered, it seemed according to the sermon, that people were upset that they did not pray about it.

My point in telling about the situation at Great Hills, this not about not offending people, it's not about taking religion out of courthouse, out of classroom, or out of ball games.  These are just tools being used to deny the freedom of religion that is clearly presented in the First Ammendement.  It is an intentional and flagarant violation of the "free exercise" clause of the First Amendment.

In the case in Virginia, the free exercise clause was not only ignored, the establishment clause was clearly violated.  Former Supreme Court Justic Sandra Day O'Connor said that pastor Turner did not pray "in the manner the government prescribed".  The GOVERNMENT does not have the right to prescribe a manner in which a person may pray even if it is on government property.  The manner is an individual choice, regardless of where we are, and that decision in Virginia was different than the one they claimed they based it on.

Activities

I enjoy gardening, especially when it involves growing food. It actually started as an attempt to save money on food and eat healthy too. I also like to learn to do things that are useful, I'd like to learn sew my own clothes. I'm currently building my house [a very small one] in Lockhart, Tx.

Favorite Charities

Truthfully, me, myself, and I. I like Habitat for Humanity of Austin, as I had opportunity to work and volunteer there. Hoping to like Gospel Lighthouse Church in Lockhart, Tx.

Favorite Music

I like old time gospel music. Songs like amazing grace, Jesus loves even me, Higher ground. Of modern gospel, a group with a CD called water in 2 wine has songs that I really like. I disagree with the statement about being proud in the song God Bless the USA. Pride is not good unless one is proud of others.

Favorite TV Shows

The Andy Griffeth, Sanford and Son, the Jeffersons, Amen. Etc. Modern shows I like game shows, Jeopardy, Are you smarter than a 5th grader, Grand Slam, Lingo, etc. I also like practical shows like Toolbelt Diva, Wasted Spaces, Diet Doctor, Living Fresh.

Favorite Movies

Bruce Almighty, Remember the Titans, Seabiscuit, Freedom Writers. Movies that give the underdog a fair chance of winning. Though I agree with the principle and the point, it is accurate, but I did not really like Passion of the Christ. That is what Christ went through for us, as someone once pointed out, I just didn't see the need to show a constant two hour beating to get the point accross.

Favorite Books

The HOLY Bible, protestant, King James Version. Also books like "How to install your own water well and septic system" by Max and Charlotte Alth. Strong's exhaustive Concordance

Favorite Quotes

"Ask and you shall receive" Matt. 7:7 "For he shall have judgement without mercy that hath shewed no mercy and mercy rejoiceth against judgement." James 2:13

Favorite People

My mother, preacher Kenneth Wiles who was minister at First Christian Church in Knox, Indiana when I was in High School and I did things there that he was very forgiving of, and I appreciate his forgiveness. My good friend Paul Eckert of Fort Worth, Texas who has helped me in many ways since we met several years ago. My Nephew Chad Gibbs who has helped me get to work and back. My friend Carl Halla and his mother, Shirley, who have encouraged me to dream. My Boss, Rick Skaggs, who gave me a job when I really needed one, a personal trainer at the gym where a work, Ninnette Winston, and other trainers there and elsewhere, Fred and Jason. Rodney Ringold who gives me rides to the bus stop, as do the others. Larry Walker of Walker Tire who gave me my first job. Kathy Morgan, Nelson Peet, etc

Favorite Places

Wherever I'm at right now, especially if it is with friends or family.

Favorite Animals

My cat Gumdrop. Maybe my neighbor's [in Lockhart] pit bull named Texas, though I have concerns about him, he's not a pup any more.

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