I am so thankful for the “But God” statements throughout Scripture, as they show who I am and who our Creator God is (Eph. 2:1-10, Titus 3:1-8). My story, just like everyone else's that belongs to Jesus, is a story of God’s amazing grace and mercy. Our Creator God knows everything about me, as He sewed me together and knows my thoughts before I speak them (Psalm 139). He sees my sin, and yet still chose to not leave me there but to send His Son to die for me (Romans 5:8). I am only made right with God through clinging, in faith, to His Son’s sacrificial death (Ephesians 1:7-10).

Though I am saved through Jesus’ work on the cross, God is still working on my sinful heart and shaping me through His Holy Spirit to be His hands and feet. My life verse is Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” I am so thankful for the people God has used to shape me and for those who are still shaping me to do the good plans He has designed for me (Eph. 2:10). The older I get, the more I am humbled by God’s continual grace and desire to use me.

I graduated from Cedarville University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Childhood Education, with an emphasis in math and science and a minor in Bible. I’ve spent the past 21 years teaching primarily middle school science at Lansing Christian School.

I am thankful for the opportunity to teach 7th grade science and Bible at Ada Christian, as I get to walk alongside students and invite them to be part of God’s grand story. My deep hope for students is that they will primarily know Jesus (Col. 1:9-12), as He made them, on purpose, to simply be who He designed them to be (Psalm 139), and that is very good (Gen. 1:31). As we explore God’s creation together, I hope to guide them in seeing, in wondering, and in seeking to understand God’s handiwork with those around them (Ps. 19:1).

My wife, Christi, and I have three kids (Caleb, Elijah, and Eliana). We enjoy going on family bike rides, hiking, and simply spending time together. I enjoy working on house projects, running, mountain biking, and learning about woodworking.