I love universities and culture clashes. I love when something finally makes sense or when an idea is so revolutionary it sends me reeling. I love going a little crazy at rock concerts or just grooving to a good song on the radio with my eyes closed. I love stories and storytellers, librarians and libraries. I love to sit back and observe, but I also love spontanious adventure. I love caffeine and I love sleep.

The Lord drew me to himself during my last years of college. I had struggled with a lot of questions and had been in rebellion against my family and God for some time. Through some amazing people in Campus Crusade and the Navigators and through the ministry of an RPCNA church, I saw first-hand what it meant to live holistically, intelligently, and passionately as a follower of Christ, and the change in my own heart began...

My user name is how I currently see my Christian walk - I am most aware that it is only God's grace and mercy and patience that keeps me alive and in his care. In a number of ways, this past year has been a bit of a valley - I've been intensely humbled in some major areas of my life. But, it's been amazing to see God reveal his faithfulness in every situation. I have a lot to learn, but I also have a Father who knows exactly the best way and time to teach me.

As a young person, I struggled terribly with the feeling that I could not be saved. I felt like I could never be sorry enough for sin or passionate enough in faith. This led to literal and serious depression in my life for many years - I felt outside of the reach of God. It wasn't until I began attending a church towards the end of college where the pastor would say at the end of every sermon, but YOU can't do it, CHRIST has done it for you .. that the idea that faith itself was given by God really sank in.

The only hope I have is that I have someone way better than myself in whom to trust. Things always take a turn for the worse whenever I forget that.

I'm back to morning times and I've slowly been working through Hebrews. There is so much encouragement about perseverence in that letter, which I'm finding that I need for this time of my life. There are so many beautiful passages, both about the perseverence of the saints that have gone before and about the contrast between the old and new covenant. Why would we ever desire anything else if we truly understand the blessings that God has given us through Christ? Why ever look back?

I think it's pretty cool how Jesus keeps popping up throughout the entire Bible, from the very beginning to the very end. I probably wouldn't read it if he wasn't in there. ;)

Not entirely, though my discontentment has been a fairly recent thing and with a long story behind it.

A good listener

Unique - I have an eclectic mix of interests and experiences. I'd say people are surprised often as they get to know me better.

A risk taker - sometimes a good thing.. sometimes not.

Curious - I guess this is tied in with listening well - though I do like to ask questions which push people's assumptions a bit (or a lot, depending on the circumstance).

I am most passionate about helping students integrate their faith and their studies, because it has meant so much to me in my own journey. I studied cognitive science as an undergraduate, and when I became a Christian, I didn't have the faintest clue how to put together what I was learning at my university about the human person and mind with Christian theology. After I graduated, I was then blessed with the chance to study at a reformed seminary where I could work through a lot of those questions. It was an amazing experience, and I really can't imagine what would have happened if I had entered a secular PhD program before getting that grounding.

There's such a need to think deeply about what it means to have a Christian philosophy of physics or law or medicine or whatever else - our intellects are also affected by the fall and so redeption has to happen even here!

The Lord's protection and mercy

thick-skinned friends

the diversity of creation

The people I admire the most are those who are welcoming to those whom society would consider a bit different: foreigners, outcasts, fringe, or strangers. It is so important to me to engage with "outsiders." I can't say I'm always great at it, but I like to be pushed in this direction. I also admire someone who knows how to be serious but who doesn't get overly serious about anything.. especially things that don't practically matter. I admire someone with a strong curiousity, regardless of how much education they have. I admire someone who is open about their faith and how they are learning and struggling. I also admire someone who is careful in their words and gracious to people around them, but also willing to challenge a person when the time is right .

I'm laid-back. I can be shy or outgoing depending on the circumstances. I have a dry sense of humor.

I'm staying away from describing character traits because I think it's a given that as Christians we desire godliness and the fruits of the spirit in each other. And being in Christ, I have each fruit, but it may or may not be visible yet ;)

A particular family, not an individual, has had the most impact on my life. This family incorporated me right into the hustle and bustle of their life when I was far away from home. I saw the ups and downs of decisions and communication between the spouses and I saw all of the details of what it meant to actually have and run a home. They let me sit in on hard conversations and be present for life-changing joyful moments. They made a huge impact on how I think about relationships, education, church, and intellectual endeavors as a Christian. But they also showed me the importance of a home that doesn't turn in on its own interests but offers itself to others. I could bring over any friend, no matter how "different", and they would welcome them in and engage them as an equal. Them taking the time to invest in my life truly did change the course of it in many ways, and it is no doubt true for many other young people who found themselves in this family's home.

I haven't been in any recent relationships, or really anything long-term.

"You have given my heart greater joy by far
Than when grain and new wine most abundant are.
So in peace I lie down; I will rest and sleep,
For, O Lord, You only will me safely keep" - RP psalter 4b, stanza 4 (Psalm 4:7,8)

"...Paul said if Christ ain't resurrected then we wasted our lives
Well that implies that our life's built around Jesus being alive..." - Lecrae

"For it's only in your will
That I am free."
-lyric from the song "Jesus, All for Jesus"

I could call myself a perpetual student, but I think I'm finally in my last stage... I'm halfway through a PhD program in cognitive neuroscience (which means I still have at least 2.5 years to go). Ask me every hour if I enjoy it, and you'll get a different answer each time! But overall, I truly believe this is the path the Lord is calling me to be on and I do have a lot of fun with it.

I have felt called for many years to teach at a Christian university. I honestly don't know how such a goal would work with having a family, because I also have no intention of shipping my kids off to daycare or away to school if we have the means to not do so. I trust that the Lord will help me cross that bridge if I come to it.

Chat with friends at coffee shops. Read. Jam (drums and guitar). Bike along the river. Drive into the sunset.

I was born in Seattle, Washington, though my family moved shortly afterward to Indiana where I grew up. I have traveled to Japan, but unfortunately no other countries.

I should mention that I really enjoy wandering aimlessly around new places and meeting people. My most interesting encounters were probably when I was staying at a hostel on Santa Monica boulevard, but I was recently able to explore some parts of Lancaster, PA and Naples, FL.

I don't really have a "home base." I have family on both coasts (no one left in Indiana) and we're all a bit transient. I'm committed to Philadelphia for the next few years to finish my degree, but after that, I'm up for anything.

My ideal place to live isn't listed. I'd like to live near a university, whether that means small town, city, overseas, etc.

I removed "friendship" from the list of what I am looking for, not because I don't like making friends (I do, which is why I listed it in the first place and don't mind people contacting me for that reason), but simply because that is not my primary intention of being on this site.

I am okay with FTMs.

Sorry to not have a face shot for my profile. Since these profiles are open to the public, I'd rather stay slightly anonymous while at the same time show you my gorgeous hands. ;) (NEW: I did put some pictures in a photo gallery available to logged-in members)