The Doctrines of Grace have completely transformed my understanding of the gospel and my relationship with God. I have experienced an amazing freedom and joy knowing that in his sovereignty and because of his mercy, God has saved me and will preserve me.

The first link between my soul and Christ is not my goodness, but my badness; not my merit, but my misery; not my standing, but my failing; not my riches but my need. C.H. Spurgeon

Mary Magdalene is the first person who comes to mind because her story demonstrates that God is both righteous and merciful and that he chooses the weak and defiled to shame the proud.

I also like King David because he was such a "real" person. From him I learn so much about humility before God--having the courage and contriteness of heart to confess my sins.

I enjoy kindness, gentleness, strength, loyalty, intelligence, honesty, leadership, someone who shows affection, a good sense of humor... I think the most important quality in a potential mate is a growing relationship with God. Along with that, I firmly believe in male headship and require someone dedicated to leading his family spiritually.

I would like to possess all of the above characteristics, but I'm definitely a work in progress.

I would have to say one of my liberal, non-Christian college professors, who taught me valuable lessons about living a life of integrity.

Added 28 May 2008: At this point in my life, I think the most influential person has been my paternal grandfather, who went home to Jesus one year ago. Grandpa was a simple man with only a 10th grade education, much to the dismay of his schoolteacher mother. He was a blue collar worker who loved his family, a cold beer, dancing, telling stories, and loads of outdoor activities. He also had a simple love for the Good Shepherd though he couldn't tell you much of anything about theology or doctrine. He treated my grandmother like a precious jewel until the day of his death. He never had much money, but he would not hesitate to give the shirt off his back to someone who needed it more than he did. He taught me more than even he will ever know, and though I miss him greatly, I take comfort in knowing that he is with our Savior.

I have limited experience with relationships.

I just spent two years communicating with one person whom I met here on SGS. I honestly thought things were going in a certain direction but have learned that I was wrong about that. I must take full responsibility for my blindness to the reality of the situation. I have learned that I cannot trust my own judgment and really need trusted friends and family to be involved should God ever bring someone into my life again.

Arise my soul, arise. Shake off your guilty fears. The bleeding sacrifice on my behalf appears. Before the throne my surety stands. Before the throne my surety stands. My name is written on his hands.

"The most valuable of all possessions is a friend who is a man of understanding and also sincerely well-disposed." Herodotus

"...Christ does not let go of us during our desert march. He has bought us at a great price and at least he keeps things in perspective for us. To use the language of the desert narrative, he is testing us. Again, this is not an occasional spot check to see if we really mean business. It is Christ knowing full well that, when push comes to shove, we don't mean business, but he is there to train us to do so. Sometimes I have noticed that he uses our perceived needs as a means for teaching us this lesson. The Lord, by his grace, sometimes allows us to experience the fruit of our own self-centeredness in order to impress on us how fleeting such a focus really is. These times of testing are a gift from God. He is moving us to a deeper understanding of what life is really about." Philip Ryken

At present I am self-employed as a private tutor working with children in public, private and home schools. My students range in age from 8 to 24. I am currently teaching reading, various levels of math, ESL, history, writing, Latin and piano.

Previously I taught in a classical Christian school for about seven years. I love teaching and hope to be able to teach my own children someday. Before coming to Grand Rapids, I taught in an international Christian school in Nagoya, Japan, for two years.

I have just completed an MA in Liberal Arts at St. John's College in Maryland. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to study classic works in philosophy & theology, math & natural sciences, literature, and politics & society.

read, garden (containers only at present), bike, swim, Rollerblade, drink coffee, go to bookstores, spend time with friends, cook real food, knit, crochet, play guitar and piano and sing