Date men and women from United States / California / Applegate, 54 year old

Date single man from California, United States. I am a Christian and consider myself to be spiritually and emotionally healthy, ready for a life long commitment. This is not by accident but rather purposeful preparation of my heart and life. Personal growth is important to me and I read over 40 books a year and listen to as many sermons that I can on MP3. In this last year, I have attended one "Love and Respect" conference with Emerson Engrich and also one "Family Life Today" conference for couples ( I went as a single). In the last two years I have attended three men's retreats. I am very diligent about working on being the right person verses just searching for the right person. I don't need a perfect partner, but I do need someone equally yoked in that they are going the same direction.
Second, I hope we share some common interests so that a good friendship would be formed that would lead to marriage. I have an unusual amount of energy and enthusiasm for life and learning and am much more fit than most people my age. I do the gym with free weights, kettlebells and have a functional fitness type of focus and know more than most personal trainers,, but I am most passionate about exercising in the mountains and I love scenic beauty. I love to nordic ski on groomed trails, hike, paddleboard, bike, swim, etc. around the Lake Tahoe area. But a very opposite side of me enjoys reading a relationship book or a devotional with my partner and discussing it with her. Did you know that less than one percent of couples that pray together regularly get divorced? Yes, I want to connect spiritually with my mate.
I now have an empty nest and I loved my previous role as an active Father. I did the Dad thing right with no regrets. If you have seen the movie "Courageous" the type of man those men aspired to be was the type of man that I was. To see a Daddy''s heart in action, go to you tube and put in the words, Jessica's Wedding Blessing. That will show me giving away my second daughter and a blessing I said over her at her wedding.
I do talk quite a bit for a guy and am quite articulate. Most people find me very interesting since I am well read. Deep conversation means a lot to me and comes with little effort..A must have for me is a woman who is interested in verbal intimacy. I want to know someone deeply and I also want to be known.
My personality is an ESTJ per the Briggs and Meyers and a blend of DC on the DISC system. My favorite color is red.
I am not a teacher by vocation, but I do have the gift of teaching and use it often with my peers in a church setting, discussions , etc. I read and listen to everything I can on relationships and people tell me that they learn a lot from me. I am always learning something new. Currently, I am a guinea pig for a new on line conflict resolution coaching course put out by Peace Makers Ministries. I think I will have about 45 hours of volunteer time in that by the conclusion of my study and review.
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Do you have a passion for the outdoors? Such as the majestic peaks, the rivers, the lakes, the pines? Camping under the milky way?Does the deep blue color of Tahoe or Crater Lake relax you like it does to me? If you are a good match, I think you will know it.
I work from home, so I do have an ability to relocate more than most matches.
One more thing, honesty and integrity are important. Which means, even honesty and integrity in your pictures. If your pictures do not look like you, please don't contact me.