One of the earliest memories I have of my childhood was the day I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of five. I can remember talking to my Sunday School teacher about what is meant to be saved, then going home and praying with my parents. I remember the joy I felt that day.

For many years, I attended church with my parents and went to a Christian school at that church. I was able to learn a lot about the Bible, but I was not applying it to my life. My walk with God was like a roller coaster with many highs and lows. I stayed out of trouble, but I was not producing fruit. God's presence in my life was not apparent to those around me, and I was not making an effort to grow closer to Him. In September 1998, a friend took me to Campus Crusade for Christ at NC State. Soon I joined a Bible study, which was an important step in my spiritual growth. Through the Bible study and circumstances in my life at the time, I learned to rely more on God and His plan in my life, rather than trusting in my own knowledge and what I thought was best. When I look back on my life, I see God’s loving hand in every event to bring me to where I am today. For example, after I got my master's degree in meteorology in 1998, I was ready to get out in the real world and find a job. I applied to jobs around the country, but nothing came up. I was extremely disappointed and questioned God's plan for my life. So I decided to stay at N.C. State another year to work toward a Ph.D. Over that year, I met new friends, found a great church, traveled to India and Europe, got a great job in Raleigh, and met my wife. My relationship with God grew tremendously over that time. Who knows where my life would be if I had had my way? Since then I have continued to learn more about God's will in my life and what it really means to live for Him. Fully trusting in Him has given me a real peace in my life. He has blessed me beyond what I ever imagined and He continues to amaze me with His love and mercy. He has always proven to be faithful, even when I am not. He has always provided for me and I have learned to trust in Him and not my own knowledge. This is why my favorite verse is Proverb 3:5-6:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

I am very thankful that I was able to grow up in a Christian home where both parents love the Lord. God has blessed me so much throughout my life, and I know that to whom much is given, much is expected. My purpose for living is to give glory to God and serve Him, wherever He places me in life.