I’m a mid-40-something follower of Jesus. I wasn’t always that way. For over thirty years I was a ‘happy pagan’, deeply skeptical of all religion, and especially Christianity… when I wasn’t simply agnostic, imagining it all to be silly myths — a crutch for stupid people who couldn’t deal with reality.
Then God kind of grabbed me. I wasn’t planning on it. In fact, it interfered with my plans pretty profoundly. I was running the other direction, both literally and figuratively. (I was training for and doing well racing Ironman triathlons at the time. They were my 24/7 idol. I was exceedingly fit on the outside; but not so much where it counted — in my soul.)
I was also at the top of my game career-wise — flying around the world telling Fortune 100 companies what to do, convinced I’d be able to retire on dot.com stock options in a few years. Then it all blew up. No dot.com. No stock options. No job.
About the same time, my younger daughter (then about eight) asked me: “Daddy, why don’t you ever come to church with us?” I didn’t have an answer (much less one that wouldn’t hurt or confuse her) and so I had to actually think about it: why didn’t I go to church?
A few months later, 9-11 happened. I don’t know anyone who didn’t ask larger questions for awhile after that.
Finally, a friend invited me to a Bible study about a block from my house. I was unemployed at that point and so figured, ‘why not?’ It would be fun poking holes in the lame arguments of these ignorant, superstitious Christians, I reasoned.
Only that’s not how it turned out. I came in with much higher academic credentials, fitness and income than any of them, but I came out realizing how little that mattered in the long run and how little I actually knew about the Bible. Four months later, despite my strongest intentions going into that process of study, I had to confess: Christianity is demonstrably true and it explains more about my life and the world than any other system of belief I’ve encountered. (And I have looked into most of them.)
I’ve been the husband of one woman for over 20 years now, father of two teenage girls, gifted with a love of writing and long-distance running. To pay the bills, I help executives at big companies develop their strategic thinking and innovation capabilities while I work on a novel and a kind of spiritual memoir centered on my late brother.
I’ve lived my entire life in Massachusetts–all but four years of it in suburbs of Boston. (The rest I spent out in the Berkshires). I’ve traveled widely for business and pleasure and always thought I would live in the mountains somewhere. Recently, I have come to accept that this is where God wants me, at least for now. On the Internet it doesn’t matter much anyway.
This blog is a fresh vehicle for sharing with friends–old, new and future–as the Holy Spirit nudges me to do so. It may address some of the issues I did on my old one but with a somewhat different emphasis.
If you’ve gotten this far, I’d love to hear form you. You can e-mail me at: hiscannytruthhour [at] gmail [dot] com (extra points if you can figure out the gimmick)
Pray for my family. I lost my 16 year old son on the 9th-we are hurting so much. God didn’t answer our prayers to heal him but took him home.
By: peggy rickard on January 16, 2013
at 4:07 pm
Just got back from NY seeing the Dead Sea Scrolls. Am doing research etc to present to my church’s Sunday School next week. Came across your blog! Boy can I relate! Born a Catholic who did tarot readings, seances, Native American rituals, etc. and one day the Holy Spirit just knocked me over! Long story short…I can relate!
Great blog, keep up the good work! 
[ART: Thanks for sharing your story, Lisa. Wow. Knocking over that many false-religious practices and spirit-attachments sounds, in bowling terms, like a strike. Praise God!]
By: Lisa on April 23, 2012
at 10:29 pm
Just found your blog and looking forward to reading more. Peace be with you!
[And also with you, Charles. Glad to know another brother 12 timezones away! I really liked the story on your blog about the bright light on the Bible. -Art]
By: Charles in HK on December 30, 2011
at 9:19 am
Hey Art,
I have so enjoyed your postings. The LORD put it in my heart to start a blog. It is simplistic in the approach as I am new to blogging. This is the link
http://sharetestimonies.blogspot.com/
It is basically a place for believers around the world to post testimonies of what the LORD has done/is doing in their lives. Comments are welcome but guarded. I pray it brings encouragement to the body!
Peace,
Deirdre
By: Deirdre on December 6, 2011
at 11:32 pm
[...] actually start this post as an email to my Brother Art, also know as Ultraguy, because I was inspired by his last post here. Afterwards I was heading to [...]
By: Earthquake in Vanuata « Gates of the City on September 12, 2011
at 2:39 am
Another follower. I sense you sit at the table and dine all day with HIM. Feasting on the yummy food HE serves you. Taking plate after plate to your invited guests. This forum is a way to dine and eat of HIM.
I also have a blog HE had me set-up to boast about HIM. It was by no accident I stumbled on this site.
Check it out http://www.seewithyourheart.wordpress.com
Sue Wilke
By: seewithyourheart on July 19, 2011
at 1:34 pm
Thanks for several recent posts: Pointing us to the Fuel Project – WOW. I have sent many there now, thanks to you, and know that the circle is widening. Awesome video’s. The series on Rainbows has been incredible and now the tribute to dear brother Wilkerson. Thank you for the excellent work you do here. I have been thinking much about how the Lord is taking his Elijah’s home over the course of the last year… in just the last couple months we have lost JR Church (Prophecy in the News), Fred Stone (Manna fest) and now this amazing saint whom I have followed far longer then any other. Billy Graham is 92 – I keep hoping the Lord will see fit to let these great saints live to His second coming – but maybe he will be passing soon as well. An age is clearly passing as we move into the next……….
By: Jamie on April 28, 2011
at 8:24 pm
Awesome testimony my brother. Amazing how God works to call upon those who were not even seeking Him. I look forward to reading many of your posts. Grace and peace unto you. Pete
By: Pete on April 26, 2011
at 11:10 am
For sure the “Know Your Enemy” series has really been an eye-opener–I have “friended” Mark Fairley on facebook, have been corresponding with him, and have invited him to stay in our home in SE Indiana if he ever comes to the U.S. He relates that he wishes to someday do a “cross country tour” of the U.S. and would indeed grace us with his company for a time if he can do it. I suggested to him that maybe he could find more willing “hosts” for the cross-country part by networking with friends that are following his video series on the Fuel Project. He laughingly said there are a few “gaps” in the coverage! Maybe the East Coast connection could be Art and Mrs. Art??? Just sayin’!! It would be a delight to have him in our home as he certainly is devoted to God and through our correspondence he has revealed a very warm, charming, engaging personality. I really appreciate your work and would offer an open home if you and yours ever came our way, too! Diane
By: Diane Belew on April 16, 2011
at 1:01 pm
Art–just want you to know I am really loving the “Know Your Enemy” series from the Fuel Project. I have finished the first of 4 segments. Praying my children will look at it as I sent them the link through facebook. Thanks for what you do, too! Diane
[Diane, I'm glad you're enjoying it. I blasted through the entire series in a three-day fugue; it has rocked and continues to rock my world. -Art]
By: Diane Belew on April 10, 2011
at 10:33 pm
[...] Brother Art, [...]
By: Open letter to Art « Gates of the City on March 21, 2011
at 9:07 pm
I found this blog by chance while searching for a map of the ancient world in biblical times. I was looking for the name of Libya to see if it was the same then as now. I looked at the blog and then found your story and read about your brother. My heart goes out to you. My grandfather passed away from cancer. I like the name of your blog, it feels “right” to me and it would be good to read and write here among this band of brothers(and sisters?). Great blog. look forward to reading more. In light of the awesome and shocking events occurring in the world every day now…I feel we are approaching the gate to a very narrow and rocky path ahead. I am preparing myself and my family however I may…and seeking the guidance of my Lord and Saviour in all things. May God be with us all now as we will need him even more from this point onwards. We cannot falter and allow the enemy to win the battle for the hearts and souls of ourselves and our children.
[Delighted to 'meet' you, 'KL'. God bless! -Art]
By: KnightLight on March 18, 2011
at 7:41 am
[...] Me Posted by: ultraguy | July 30, 2009 [...]
By: Well, That Was Close… Landmark ‘Education Forum’ « New Wineskins on July 30, 2009
at 3:44 pm
Enjoy your insights and all the “dots” you connect. You have mentioned Jred from Look Up Fellowship in your blogs…I can’t access his postings…are you able? This started about 5 days ago…can call up site…but no postings. I like Jred…you two are similar in nexus logic.
[Brother Jeff has had some technical gremlins lately, but I know for a fact that he's alive and well and blogging away... or at least he was late Tuesday afternoon. Try another browser? Refreshing? Hey, do I sound like I'd be competent at tech support?
-ed.]
By: robroy on July 21, 2009
at 10:43 pm
Great testimony! Keep up your fantastic work!
By: Wolverine on July 16, 2009
at 10:00 pm
What a moving & inspiring story of your conversion. May God be praised.
I completed my journey back 7 years ago this August.
It may well be that God is calling back His children before the End — but our ears and hearts must be open to His call.
God bless, ultraguy. Keep up the good work!
By: Eowyn on July 14, 2009
at 6:13 pm
very interesting , i had not heard of this Ark news before reading this, Thanks
By: KnowHimMinistries on June 27, 2009
at 6:43 am
UG – Dig your blog – excellent insight.
Thought you’d find the following as interesting as it it is disturbing . . . . (apologies if you have already covered the topic).
Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance , and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
The antichrist causes craft to prosper (Daniel 8:25). Craft in Strong’s Concordance is word # 4820 and means “fraud, deceit, and treachery.”
He also shall understand dark sentences in Daniel 8:23. Interestingly enough, the Strong’s Concordance word for dark AND sentences is the same word, # 2420. They mean ” a puzzle; hence a trick” saying. The expression comes from the root word #2330 which means “to put forth.” This must mean that the eventual antichrist will purposely use (put forth) language designed to trick the hearer. [links added -ed.]
http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Find-Freedom.htm?At=039963&From=News
By: GNL on June 8, 2009
at 1:05 am
[...] Me Posted by: ultraguy | April 21, 2009 [...]
By: Running on God’s Time « New Wineskins on April 21, 2009
at 10:08 am
I’ve really enjoyed your website! May God Bless you abundantly
By: Jason on January 23, 2009
at 9:34 pm
[...] Me Posted by: ultraguy | December 27, 2008 [...]
By: Watch Israel « New Wineskins on December 27, 2008
at 2:38 pm
Thank you, for dropping by and leaving kind comments. Glad you enjoyed the read
.
By: mysoul on November 22, 2008
at 11:51 am
I should be in bed, but I could not sleep. Rooting around, I found out you had a blog. Will add it to my feeds.
I went to BC, so I know the Boston area. Nice. We’ll have to talk sometime.
Hope your lunch went well last Friday.
God Bless,
Fr. J.
By: Fr. J. on August 6, 2008
at 1:29 am
Art,
So you’re using your real name now! Glad to see you here, and to see that KM brain paired with an Ultraguy heart.
Blessings to you brother.
By: Jim Gilbert on October 22, 2007
at 11:22 pm