Preface

I must first apologize to anyone whose eyes may reach the pages of this blog who actually know a thing or two about writing. You see, by profession I am a technical writer, even though I despised English classes in school, I now write 100 to 500 page documents about real estate. Allan is my father, and although I am his oldest child, I seem to have the least in common with him when compared to my siblings. Of course that didn’t mean that he loved me any less than his other children, or that I loved him any less than any loves his father. But it does mean I did not inherit his creativity and deeply philosophical mind. I will try to throw away my technical writing habits and think and write as my father would have, but I know those that love creative writing like Dad did will see right through it. I will include as much of my father’s thoughts and words as possible, but if you find the writing a bit drab, or if words and thoughts seem forced, at least you know why.

I have found it hard to decide whether or not to use the present tense when describing characteristics and traits of Dad. Although Allan has left this earth, I know along with those who were closest to him, that we will again experience one of his loving hugs. He will be the same Allan, kind, gentle and with an infectious sense of humor. But this is intended to be a work to commemorate his earthly life, to give an example of faith for his posterity to see and to honor a life that was full of steadfastness and true prosperity. So, past tense seems to be the most appropriate. Allan was defined in all aspects of his life in his faith in Christ. As his course in this life will attest, he recognized his gift of faith.

I should make a note about the title of this work, As a Man Thinketh. This was derived from one of Dad’s favorite scriptures in the Book of Proverbs, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” It also appropriately describes one of his most dominant character traits, that of a thinker. This truly defined who he became as a husband, father and friend. You will just have to trust me when I tell you that the title was conjured before I became aware of a relatively famous American work with the same title, written by James Allen in 1905. A novel written about the very same scripture in Proverbs, it is very similar to some of the theories of Dad’s life, and to be honest, I would be surprised if he hadn’t read it. So I will incorporate some quotes from the novel intermittently in the posts for your enjoyment. I’m sure Dad would appreciate that.

This blog is designed to give everyone who knew Allan a forum to contribute to the finished product of his biography. I have collected a good amount of information about Dad in his early years and beyond, but in no way claim to be an expert yet other than in my own experiences as his son. Please leave comments and give suggestions/corrections. Like all of us, his life was molded and influenced by many, many people, and it would only be fitting if his biography was constructed in the same fashion. Share this with anyone and everyone who you think would like to contribute to or benefit from the events and lessons than made up Allan Garth Kjelstrom.