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    King Here: Never Too Old, Too Rich or Too Anything to Meet Jesus
    King Here: Never Too Old, Too Rich or Too Anything to Meet Jesus
    King Here: Never Too Old, Too Rich or Too Anything to Meet Jesus
    Ebook182 pages2 hours

    King Here: Never Too Old, Too Rich or Too Anything to Meet Jesus

    By Trish Porter Topmiller

    4.5/5

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    About this ebook

    King Here is the eye-opening true story of God’s unfolding plan to bring a rich man through the “eye of the needle”.

    Trusting God and sharing Jesus with aging parents can be difficult. As Trish Porter Topmiller watched her father’s casket be lowered into the ground, she knew the complicated jigsaw puzzle of his life finally held the missing piece—Jesus. But for years, his life seemed as far away from grace, and a believing faith in God, as a person can be. A multimillionaire entrepreneur who believed his financial fortress (and business acumen) was invincible, he turned into a workaholic adrenaline junkie—and ultimate opioid statistic who had given up on life. Even then, grace found him.

    King Here offers hope that no matter how old, how rich or how addicted someone is, it’s never too late to meet Jesus. Trish shares her father’s inspiring, yet tragic life story—filled with adventure and color and unique escapades—to reveal God’s plan for an old rich man who thought he had no need for God. Stepping back to see the big picture brings to light the hope and joy that God truly can answer prayers and do the impossible, but it doesn’t always look the way readers expect. In this moving tribute to her father, Trish encourages readers to never give up on loved ones who seem “too far gone” for God to reach.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherOpen Road Integrated Media
    Release dateFeb 5, 2019
    ISBN9781642791204
    King Here: Never Too Old, Too Rich or Too Anything to Meet Jesus

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    Reviews for King Here

    4.5/5

    7 ratings2 reviews

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    • 4/5
      When I picked this book up to begin reading it, I have to admit that I was a bit surprised. To be honest, I was also wondering why I had signed up to review it, because the description didn’t sound like something I would be interested in. I thought it was going to be a different type of nonfiction book than it was, based on the title; I must not have skimmed the summary before deciding to review this one. Books about financial matters, drug use, and/or death do not appeal to me; they just aren’t my cup of tea. Thus I was mentally preparing myself to muddle through while still hoping for the best.Trish Porter Topmiller’s “King Here” grew on me as I turned the pages. The first section is expository, offering details about Chuck King, who is Topmiller’s father and the primary focus of the book, as well as the author herself and her family. Because this part speaks extensively about athletics and reads like a biography, I did struggle with it a bit, but in light of the rest of the story, I understand why it is written this way. I was amazed at Chuck’s adrenaline-seeking disposition. Definitely far more daring than I will ever be! His “Chuckisms”, the brief inspirational quotations he spoke often, open many of the anecdotes. The book is not separated into chapters but rather short vignettes that bespeak the transitory nature of life. Black-and-white photos interspersed throughout also demonstrate the process of growing and maturation that each person experiences while giving readers visuals of the people in the book and making them become more invested. Following that initial segment, the rest of the narrative proceeds with a more familiar manner, drawing readers into the author’s family. There are several heartbreaking instances, which sets the stage for a godly victory and an unexpected ending. “King Here” does deal with issues such as grief, opioid use disorder, and suicide, but Topmiller is careful to address these gently and continuously turn readers toward hope, which can only truly be found in Jesus. Due to certain events in the story, Topmiller addresses possible challenges and questions that will likely arise. Her foresight extends to telling readers how to share Jesus or how to meet Him. This relevancy flows naturally from the narrative and ties together the theme of allowing God to direct our steps: “I am in awe of how God cares for every detail. Every piece of the puzzle was important.” The most important lesson of “King Here” is that God is always working all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28) and that it is always the right time to come to Jesus. What are you waiting for? I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
    • 5/5
      One of the things I liked the most about the book was the author’s ability to share her father in a loving way. I loved that her father was so involved in his children's and grandchildren's lives and made lasting memories for each of them. He was a driven but fair man who never flaunted his wealth. The touching tribute to her father is very transparent and at times emotional. Her relationship with her father was both joyful and hard at times.Mr. King is very charming and I bet he had a personality that drew people to him. He is someone you want to be around because he had confidence and encouraged others. The Chuckism throughout the book was so fun to read and had much wisdom in those phrases. I loved the pictures the author shared in the book which gives readers a glimpse of a man who was smart, unique and loved his family.The later chapters in the book are hard to read as the author shares how her father changed when his wealth started to diminish. I can't image losing ninety-seven percent of your wealth. This one point in his life was to become his greatest challenge. Reading about his drug addiction made me tear up. A vital strong man reduced to sleeping all day devastated his family. Along side him was his wife who had also become addicted. As I read the book I kept thinking it doesn't matter how rich you are and how immune you think you are from the enemy. The enemy found a way into this man's life and continued to weaken him with drugs and lies.This story is sad at times but the miracle that happens overshadows everything. This is a story that illustrates that it is never to late to give your life to Christ and to never give up hope. I loved this statement the author shares, " Who are we to judge whether someone who has professed Christ is saved or not? Only God knows." Such a powerful statement that we all need to remember. I will always believe before my brother passed away last March that as he said the sinners prayer with me, that he was saved. I know he is in heaven and I'm thankful that I never gave up witnessing to him. I loved the ending of the book where the author shares how to lead someone to Christ. This would be an excellent book to use in a bible study or to share with someone who doesn't know Jesus. Thank you for writing a passionate book that gives hope to everyone who struggles with lifeThe definition of character : "Doing what is right when no one is looking."I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

    Book preview

    King Here - Trish Porter Topmiller

    Words of Wisdom?

    Fords pass Cadillacs all day long.

    They just have to work harder.

    Chuckism

    Wedding Advice? Really?

    You reap what you sow.

    Chuckism

    It was supposed to be the perfect night. God had clearly brought James and me together. For this special night we chose the Governor’s Mansion, high on a hill overlooking breathtaking Santa Fe, New Mexico. Complete with a large white tent with string lights all around, crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and chair covers with big bows in the back. There to celebrate with us were 165 of our friends and family who had been beside us through our difficult journeys of pain and heartache over the last several years.

    My dad was graciously flying my brothers and their wives to our big day on a chartered jet. He’d later take my mom, James, and me back to California so we could see local family and start our honeymoon driving up the coast to Washington. From there, we’d go on my dream cruise to Alaska.

    We’d had a short engagement—in everyone else’s eyes anyways—six weeks. Given that timeframe, I needed a dress off the rack! My fifteen-year-old daughter Shannon wanted us to fly to Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City, where the television show Say Yes to the Dress is filmed. Miraculously, I found one that didn’t even need to be altered and was well under budget, which is unusual for me. The tight-fitting mermaid-style dress made me feel beautiful. I was excited for everyone to see it, especially James.

    I hoped my dad would like it too. As we took photos before the wedding ceremony, I saw him coming toward me. I smiled even wider than I had been all day. I was so glad he had made it. He smiled his big grin, and I noticed one of his front teeth was missing. Where’s his tooth? I wondered. I shrugged it off because at least he was there. Until that night, I wasn’t confident he’d make it. I’d been checking in with my brothers regularly, hoping they would make sure Dad didn’t back out.

    Dad and I held each other as the photographer clicked away and created the pictures I knew I’d always cherish. Then it was time for me to go and get ready to walk down the aisle.

    Before letting me go, Dad pulled me close to give me that last special father-daughter hug. As he held me tight, he leaned in close to my ear to share some last words of wisdom.

    Don’t get fat, he said.

    I guess that’s not what I expected my father to say. But nothing would spoil this night. Not tonight.

    That’s my dad.

    (2016) My wedding: Dad and Trish; photo by Frank Frost

    The Inside Story

    There is always a better way!

    Chuckism

    Destined to Be Different

    Better to live your life interesting and productive than easy and comfortable.

    Tom Sorenson

    Dad was destined to be different, it seems.

    He was born just outside Chicago, Illinois. Both of his parents became alcoholics. His father took uppers in the morning to get out of bed and downers at night to go to sleep. Dad was a gifted athlete who received the All-Around High School Gymnastics Award for Illinois and the Midwest in A.A.U. (Amateur Athletic Union). He was offered many college athletic scholarships. However, his father, Charles W. King, said he would only pay for college if Dad went to Dartmouth, his alma mater. But Dartmouth only had a club gymnastics team. Dad succumbed to his father’s pressure and attended Dartmouth. He competed for two years at the club level, but it was difficult to continue as an elite athlete, so he worked to receive both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Dartmouth College. His college friends called him Snitzy, but most people called him Chuck.

    My dad also completed the US Army Critical Skills Program. That, in and of itself, was a significant achievement. Still, he managed to go AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave: a term used in the US Military to describe a soldier or other military member absent from their post but without intent to desert). He hopped a wall to get off the base and later talked his way back in. He was not a deserter.

    After college and his time in the military, Dad ventured West in search of the perfect burger. He’d tell you he ended up in Menlo Park, California, because of his love for the legendary Oasis burger. The O, as it was called, was a popular burger hangout where you’d enter the dimly lit room and feel the crunch of peanut shells beneath your feet that everyone had dropped on the floor. Then you’d search for familiar names carved into the wooden tables.

    Menlo Park was where he fell in love with my mother, Carol Argilla. Their marriage had a rough start when Dad’s parents barged in on the wedding ceremony, spewing drunken obscenities about Carol. Luke (Carol’s dad) escorted them out, and they remained on the outside throughout most of my parents’ married life. This meant my mom got to spend time with her family who lived nearby and didn’t need to divide her time going to Chicago to see his parents. It was difficult for my mom, knowing her husband’s parents didn’t accept her. Once Dad’s mom passed away his father tried to make up for how they had treated Carol by giving her his wife’s large diamond wedding ring. It was his way of offering peace.

    A few years later, they were living in a tiny apartment with two children, and Mom really wanted to buy a house. Dad did not! He wanted to put all his money in the business. Mom won this battle, and it turned out to be an awesome investment. They bought their home, located next to an elementary school, for $33,000. Thirty years later it was worth $900,000. Now, they did have lawn furniture in their house for the longest time. Thankfully, Mom’s father owned a garden-and-pet-supply store or they might have had only boxes to sit on because Dad didn’t want to spend money on real furniture. As kids, we loved being next door to all the fields, tennis courts, and activity the school offered us. It was the perfect energy outlet for three young, athletic children. Way to go, Mom!

    As a young newlywed, Dad embarked on a career in real estate development. Ultimately, he was involved in developing 135 industrial and office buildings, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area. He also built in Southern California, Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Taiwan, and Thailand.

    He created The King Empire, as many people called it. He started in real estate development and expanded to Venture Capital. He had three main companies: SteriGenics, Records Retention, and King and Lyons. He was the cofounder, major shareholder, and chairman of the board of SteriGenics International, the world’s largest-capacity gamma sterilizer of medical disposables and other products. They were on the cutting edge in the United States, irradiating spices and other foods. This improves the safety and extends the shelf life by reducing or eliminating microorganisms and insects. He was very excited when he took SteriGenics public.

    He acquired a bankrupt record storage company and merged it with Filesafe Inc. to create the largest record storage company in Northern California. Thankfully, he sold the company right before the world went digital.

    Finally, along with Bud Lyons, he merged King and Lyons, their real estate development company, with Security Capital, a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust: a company that owns or finances income-producing real estate). Modeled after mutual funds, REITs provide investors with regular income streams. Security Capital changed their name to Prologis, which is traded on the stock exchange and is very successful today.

    You might guess he was the definition of a workaholic. Dad worked long hours at the office, only to come home and continue working from his bed. The King genes meant he almost always woke up in the middle of the night to get in a few more hours.

    Despite his high profile as a developer and entrepreneur, Dad was a loner, intensely private, but happiest in the company of family and friends. To them, he is remembered for his kindness and generosity. Regardless of his stature in life, he treated everybody equally and with respect.

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