I was born and raised in a Christian home, so it comes as no surprise that I accepted Christ at a young age. My father was an Air Force Captain and my mother worked as a church secretary for the better part of my childhood. I don't directly recall the circumstances that led to my decision to follow the Lord, but I do remember the Lord's work in my life after my baptism and declaration of faith.

At the age of five, shortly after my baptism, my father received orders for Colorado Springs, Colorado. We moved to the state where I've spent most of my life in 1991, and I remember a deep feeling of resentment after I got here. I didn't particularly care for Illinois (where I was born), but Colorado just seemed so dead.

I entered the public school system shortly after our arrival, and was heavily criticized for my disability and my faith. Gradually my "walk" with God was worn down, as was my self-esteem. I made all manner of excuses for the person I became, but I was the one who chose to be a bitter, caustic person. I chose not to take care of myself, and it led to some major trouble when I was fifteen. In short, the police were called on me and a friend for planning an assault on our high school. Thank the Lord that charges weren't filed and I received the prayer and support I had needed but didn't know how to get.

I transferred to a healthier school environment, and graduated from there in 2003. Shortly after my graduation, I dropped out of a criminal justice degree to begin pursuing classes in general education. When I was almost nineteen, the Lord called me into youth ministry (specifically to "counter-culture" youth). Unfortunately, not until recently have I taken the Lord very seriously on that calling.

In 2005, I moved out of my parents' home. That was the single event that has tested my relationship with the Lord to the limit. I have, for the past two years, dug a hole to bury myself in, and now I am working to dig myself out of that grave. If there's one resounding theme in my life, it is that God is faithful even when I am not. I have done some seriously stupid things in my life, and I've found that God has been there for me every time to pull me out and dust me off.

I have been provided with cushy opportunities, but my own laziness and ungrateful attitude have "forced" me down the road less traveled.  The Lord has called me into ministry to those on that road who wander.  Like Silas Marner, I am the reluctant caretaker of a precious gift I did not initially appreciate nor want.  However, I am slowly finding freedom on this road, despite the fact I would not recommend it to anyone who asks.

If y'all have any questions whatsoever (from my weight to the air velocity of an unladen swallow), feel free to ask!