What effect does your faith have on your lifestyle?

It gives me hope! So I’d say that it inspires me to engage in a different outlook on life, an outlook where there is purpose in everything and the goal is to make an eternal impact. Not just a temporal impact. Christianity shouldn’t be a Sunday thing, it’s an every day, every decision, change my life kind of thing.

Describe how your Journey with Christ began.

I was raised in a Christian home since the day I was born. I am blessed to have two great role models in my parents! But, as with anything in life, you have to learn to make it yours. College is where I made the decision to become a ‘full-time’ Christian. Jesus died for me, so it was time for me to die to myself. And now, just like baseball, it’s a process. God has taken me through a lot, and through all of it He’s been there for me!

Who have been the mentors in your life? How did God bring these people into your life?

I am blessed with two incredible parents who have been monumental in my life. Parenting never stops – and the older I get, the clearer that becomes. Not only that, but my entire family is a great community of believers. I have to give praise to my brother here as well. I will never know why I was blessed with a twin who has pushed me beyond anything I could have ever accomplished on my own – spiritually, physically, and emotionally. (Not to mention the self-control he’s taught me from all the bickering we’ve engaged in over the years!) My wife has been, and always will be, a big mentor in my life. When I think of mentor I think of this person who is older and wiser and has chosen to take time out of their busy schedule to set aside time for my growth and spiritual well-being… Well that’s her. Marriage is a perfect picture of how sanctification should take place in a relationship! She’s my rock! “Above all things guard your heart, for it determines the course of your life.” – Proverbs 4:23

What does the Increase of Christ mean to you?

It means giving up what I want and what I think I need so He can do what He wants with me. And when God has more of me, He will do bigger and better things than I could have ever done myself. It’s a tough thing to grasp, and it’s a struggle! Sometimes I’m so needy! But when I really do just give up and give in to God, He always comes through in ways I never could have imagined.

What is your life verse and why?

This is one of those things that I have never truly nailed down. Life is made up of so many different seasons, which call for so many different verses. Just take a look at Psalms! But this is what I keep coming back to again and again. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” No matter what happens in my life, good or bad, God is using it for His good. No matter where I am right now – in my job, in my marriage, in my spiritual walk, anything and everything – He is using me. And I want to be used!