About Larry

Over the years, people have often responded to my name, Larry Nevenhoven, by wrinkling their noses and saying, “Larry Who?”  Thus, the reason for my website’s name (larrywho.com).

I was born in 1946 and grew up on a farm, near Forreston, Illinois. Like most farm youths, I participated in 4-H, high school sports and helped my dad on the farm with chores. My parents instilled in me a love of reading.

After high school, I attended the University of Illinois where I graduated in 1968 with a B.S. in Liberal Arts and Sciences. My jobs since college graduation have included being a salesman for various companies, a painter/contractor, magazine publisher, licensed real estate agent, car salesman, pizza deliveryman and countless other jobs.

My wife, Carol, and I met at a dinner party and were married in 1996. We have four children and six grandchildren. We now reside in Temecula, California.

My Testimony

In 1985, my life smashed into a brick wall. I needed thousands of dollars to start a publishing company and bail my family out of debt. My sources were all maxed out and the hope level in my reservoir was hovering at empty. I was finished.

The only untouched asset I had was a $125,000 life insurance policy. So, my solution seemed obvious: suicide.

As for taking my life, I had no problems with it because I was an agnostic. No God equals zero problems with eternal judgment, right? It wasn’t personal, just a business solution for my family and me. My plan was uncomplicated: I figured on enjoying one last weekend with my family and then committing suicide on that Monday evening.

Thus, on May 20, 1985, I spent the day finishing up loose ends. Then, for some reason, I stopped at an insurance agent’s office. Although we knew each other, Bill and I were not intimate friends and had never really talked to each other before that day. Bill invited me into his office.

We discussed baseball. Then in the middle of our conversation, he stared at me and said, “You’re thinking about committing suicide, aren’t you?”

His words hit me like a sledgehammer. How did he know? I had told no one. It was my secret $125,000 payday. I was speechless. As I sat there, a vision played across my mind about my car ramming into a viaduct and killing me.
           
I wept and although I tried to regain my composure, I could not. “How did you know?” I asked.

“Oh,” said Bill, “the Lord told me while we were talking to each other.”

His words shattered my unbelief. God was alive and He cared about me. We continued talking and he finally gave me a book to read: Power in Praise by Merlin Carothers.

When I arrived home, I began reading the book. After a few pages, I walked into the bathroom, closed the door and knelt in front of the sink. Looking into the mirror, I prayed, “Jesus, I’ve tried everything else and they haven’t worked. I guess I’ll give You a try.”

Instantly, I was changed. Fear and shame were no longer a part of me, but instead, joy and hope filled my heart. Bowing and worshipping my new King, I promised to never let go of His hand.

If my story were a fictional Hollywood movie, perhaps it would resemble It’s A Wonderful Life. Jimmy Stewart would play me and Donna Reed my wife. The angel would get his wings and everyone would live happily ever after. The end.

But sadly, my life has not been a work of fiction. It has been a day to day journey, filled with a few good experiences, but also many mistakes, false starts and failures. Divorce. Loss of friends. Numerous firings from sales positions. Low-paying jobs. Poverty. Rejection. Loneliness. Not exactly, a picture perfect Christian life.

And yet, it has been in the deepest valleys where the Lord has truly revealed Himself to me. It was there He became my loving Father and I learned His grace was sufficient for me.

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List of random things I wrote about myself on Facebook

  1. I'm bald which is totally unfair.
  2. My resume does not include playing shortstop for the New York Yankees which is totally unfair because I could have not hit as well as Tom Tresh did not hit.
  3. An African-American church of which I attended asked me not to clap my hands...something about not having any rhythm. 
  4. Did I mention I'm bald?
  5. I like Grape-Nuts and think it's okay to eat them more than once a day. Three times is a little bit much though.
  6. I deliver pizzas and I'm possibly the oldest pizza driver in California...maybe in the whole USA (except Mississippi where everyone is at least 60 years old when they are born.)
  7. My best Christmas present ever was a Roy Rogers chrome plated two-gun set with black holsters. I was quick on the draw and had an itchy trigger finger.
  8. When I was in 4-H, I always wanted to have a Grand Champion steer...another unfulfilled desire and possibly a life scar even until this day.
  9. I had parents who always patted me on the back and encouraged me. 
  10. I like music, especially Sarah Brightman and most classical music...and some country music, too.
  11. I couldn't hit the curve ball in baseball.
  12. I have read hundreds and hundreds of books.
  13. I have a great memory and can still remember what Carol wore the first time I saw her. 
  14. If my knees were in good shape, I might still be able to hit the long three-pt shot. 
  15. I write a lot.
  16. I like humor. Carol enjoys it most of the time except when I laugh and there is a noose hanging over our necks. She's not into gallows’ humor.
  17. My favorite writer is Michael Connelly. 
  18. My favorite book by Connelly is the "Poet."
  19. My favorite all-time book is "Tramp for the Lord" by Corrie ten Boom. I've read it over and over again.
  20. My favorite saying around the house (also Carol’s most unfavorite one) is: "As the farmer said about his prize bull, there she is."
  21. I like blue jeans, tee-shirts and tennis shoes and think it should be against the law to ever wear a tie and suit.
  22. Writing is lonely. Oh well!
  23. I've always wanted a pony tail…another unfulfilled dream.
  24. Carol is the greatest wife in the whole world, but not a very good basketball player. She can not shoot a jumper.
  25. I love Jesus and love Christians, all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds...even those who think I'm a nut.
  26. I fit in with most people...except nudists.
  27. When I look in the mirror, I say, "Who is that guy?"
  28. Although I am one of the easiest going guys in the whole world, I am also one of the most passionate Christians that most people will ever meet. Both fit well within me.
  29. I wish our children were still young, sat on my lap and gave me sloppy kisses.
  30. I'm bald and not handling it very well.

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