Strength Through Faith

Jerry Firestone

• Publisher: Rustik Haws LLC
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9781649340498
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

I believe we are all placed on this earth for a purpose. Many times it can be a struggle to determine the proper direction for our lives. The process of determining that purpose can take two different paths. One path has more of a worldly influence and the other is of a more spiritual influence. People have achieved success through both paths. Likewise the paths people take can vary greatly depending upon their education and other life experiences. The question is, which is more rewarding-material success or peace and happiness?

The intent of this book is to provide direction for those who are struggling to determine the correct path for their lives. Many people determine this early in life, but for others it may not occur until their later years. This is a true story of one individual journey in this regard. The purpose of this book is to share this journey and hope it will help and inspire those who find they are struggling to find their proper path.

CHAPTER TWO
THE BUILDING YEARS

WHILE PURSUING my math needs I also was pursing my other step of finding a drafting job. My search started with possible opportunities close to home, which were few. I felt the best chance to find something was with cabinet factories or mobile home factories which were quite numerous in our area. My efforts with these companies were not successful. One evening some friends of my parents were visiting and my situation came up. The husband was a union carpenter and worked for a large construction company in Fort Wayne. He mentioned that he thought his company hired draftsman and that I may want to check it out. A few days later I coupled my math class trip with a visit to the office of this construction company. There office was down town Fort Wayne in a high rise office building. Very intimidating for a young man from a small town in northern Indiana. Upon finding my way to their office with an example of my drafting skills I was able to meet with an individual. He was very nice and polite and told me they did not have a job for me at that time. He did, however share with me there was an Architectural firm in the next floor above them and they way have a need for a draftsman. Well, sense I was there I might as well check it out. Again with drawings in hand I went up to the next floor, and informed the receptionist of the reason for my visit. She contacted someone that would talk with me, and directed me into a conference room. The meeting that followed was another door the Lord was opening and the impact it had life was totally unexpected. A gentleman came into the conference room and after introductions I proudly rolled out my drawings. After his review of my drawings his response was honest, brutal and profound. I looked at me and ask me this question. Is this really something you want to do? I am sure my response was as much of a surprise to him as his question was to me. I obviously said yes. I was confident in wanting to be an architectural draftsman. He said to be honest with you the quality of your drafting skills are not near the level they need to be to work in an architect’s office. WOW! was my bubble popped. All I could relate to was the high marks I had received on the drawings while completing the correspondence course. His response was, if this is really what you want to do I would be glad to help you. He excused himself and said he would soon return. Upon his return he gave me a set of drawings of one of their projects, illustrating the expected drafting quality along with a roll of drafting paper and drafting pencils. His comment was you need the proper materials and equipment to improve your skills. Take this home with you and practice. If you would like for me to review your drawings to critique them I would be happy to help you. Why in the world would this person take such an interest in me when he had only met me a half hour earlier. The only explanation is it was in the Lord’s plan.

So, in conjunction with my math studies I was back to the drawing board. I tried to combine my Fort Wayne trips to math class and meeting with my architect mentor. Over time, about the time I was finishing the math classes and during a visit with my mentor he informed me that felt the drafting skills were at a level to obtain a drafting position, but they did not have a position available at that time. He gave me the names of other Architectural firms in Fort Wayne and suggested I check with them.

You would think with all I had going on there would not be much time for a social life. I had met a wonderful young lady and after a period of dating I felt this person was my soul mate and the person with whom I would like to spent the rest of my life. Fortunately the feelings were mutual. The other thing that was convenient was that she lived in...

Table of contents

• CHAPTER ONETHE EARLY YEARS
• CHAPTER TWO THE BUILDING YEARS
• CHAPTER THREE THE CHALLENGING YEARS
• CHAPTER FOUR THE REBUILDING YEARS
• CHAPTER FIVE THE YEARS OF REFLCTION AND COMMITTMENT