I've been excited about the local church for as long as I can remember.  I was the kid in Sunday School with the most "bible memory verse" stickers that were always exchanged for one of those "Smile! Jesus Loves You" bouncy-balls that didn't really bounce at all.  As thankful for this upbringing as I am, I think it was actually less helpful than I originally believed it to be.  It taught me that Christianity was some religion that rewarded you for positive behavior modification, and that I could receive great benefits if I just tried hard enough.  Some time in High School, I started to realize that I was actually buying in to an impossible view of the Gospel, but I couldn't figure out how to fix myself.  In my later college years, I realized the problem- I couldn't fix myself.  I was challenged to experience a deeper, more genuine faith in a more profound way by thinking deeper about the greatness and incomprehensibility of God.

I began my attempts to push deeper and deeper into Scripture to see more of who God is, and how I could know Him more.  Throughout my journey of faith, I have constantly been made aware of my ability to encourage others to step out of this "behavior modification gospel," and into the joy that comes from being moved to an awe of the Creator.

If it has anything to do with being outside, I'm in.  I've been caught daydreaming about my next hike or camping trip more times than I can admit, and I can never get enough of the feeling of waking up to the crisp mountain air in a dew covered tent or sleeping bag.  The dirt infused sweat beading off my forehead during a long hike is actually a sign of great satisfaction, rather than misery and despair.  If I'm not afforded the luxury of being out in nature, you can also find me at any local "third wave" coffee shop (a.k.a. my office) chatting with a friend, working on a sermon, or discussing the book that the person next to me is reading (who I most likely just met).I'm an ENFJ (some days an ENTJ), I'm fond of my Top 5 Strengths , and I love the great sports of rodeo, baseball, and hockey.​I believe God has given us these great gifts to give us great joy, so long as we enjoy them in a way that continues to point us back to His goodness and moves us to an awe of our Creator!