I am so grateful that I can't remember not knowing who Jesus was or hearing truths about the Bible. I grew up the oldest in a family of two girls. My dad served as a pastor for most of my growing up years. It was a wonderful way to grow up. But somewhere in those years, I became the classic story of a girl who lived to please people, to follow the rules, and to work very hard to make sure I was seen that way by those around me. It was an exhausting way to live, and yet I continued to do so well into my adult years. I remember reaching a place in my early years of raising children where I just couldn't do it all in my own strength anymore. Realizing that brought about a kind of despair I had never felt in my life before. It was truly a fork in the road for me as a believer, wrestling with what I really believed about God and how much I really believed God. God in his goodness and faithfulness led me to take a class in which my eyes were opened to the truth that in addition to being saved from all my sins, God has also put me “in Christ.” Because of Jesus’ great sacrifice, I was given the gift of putting on his righteousness instead of depending on my own. The gospel truly became good news to me in a brand new way. A weight was lifted and the freedom I experienced is hard to describe. My obedience to him brought a new kind of joy. I had a greater desire to please him, over people. The things that were important to me began to change. Best of all, none of it depended on me. I could rest in Him to do the work and to be faithful to finish what he started in me.

After attending a church in a different city for many years prior to visiting Veritas, it was time to find a church that was local and that we could serve as a family. We had some trusted friends who were already a part of Veritas and decided to visit. It felt like home right away. We connected immediately with the verse by verse teaching, the culture of discipleship, and great value put on glorifying God in all things.

I was born in Texas but have lived most of my life in Iowa. I married my high school sweetheart, Jim, after graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education. We have five children: Andersen, Reid, Grace, Griffin, and Brooks. I enjoy running, reading, coffee, sunshine, and spending time with friends/family. A “perfect” day would include all of the above! I am so grateful for God’s grace, for his Word, and for his Holy Spirit. I count it such a gift to walk alongside the women of Veritas Church, prizing God and pursuing Jesus together.

​​I grew up going to church on Sundays, was confirmed in middle school, served in my church in high school, and worked at a campus ministry in college. I knew a lot of the right answers, but the truth of the gospel did not become real to me until I was in my mid 20's at Veritas Church in Iowa City. It was through discipleship within my connection group that I learned of the God of the Bible, a God who was near to me and who offered a free gift of grace that I could never earn or repay. I put my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior and was baptized shortly after in 2012. I was hired on staff at Veritas in Iowa City in 2013 where I was surrounded by mature, godly men and women which was foundational to my growth as a new Christian. 

I made the move to join the Veritas Cedar Rapids staff in 2017 and have been so blessed by the leadership and people of Veritas as I continue on the journey of sanctification. 

My dear husband, Derek, and I were married in 2010 and have been overwhelmed by God's faithfulness throughout our marriage. After several years of infertility, we welcomed our first daughter, Juniper Louise in 2018. Luna Belle completed our little girl squad in 2021. Our prayer is that our daughters would grow up in a home that loves and serves the Lord and that they would one day know, love, and obey Jesus.

I enjoy cooking and spending time with people. I love the fellowship that comes from being gathered around a table and sharing a meal with others. I am on a quest to create the perfect charcuterie board. Our family can often be found cuddled up on the couch for family movie night or spending time outside playing games, gardening, or making s'mores around a fire. 

I grew up a "good" kid in small-town South Carolina. My parents loved the Lord and took me to church regularly. I knew Bible answers and lived a biblically moral life. Unfortunately, I thought all those things made me right with God and better than everyone else living differently. At age 14, God drew me to himself, showed me my sinful pride, and humbled me before him beside my parents' bed following a revival service at our church. That night, I confessed my sins, received Christ's righteousness, and committed to following the Lord for the rest of my life. Eventually, as a senior in high school, that commitment would express itself into a calling to full-time vocational ministry.

Following college, I moved to Louisiana to complete my Masters of Divinity degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. After one semester, I started serving on staff at The Chapel on the Campus in Baton Rouge, LA. It was there that I met and eventually married my wife Erica (in 2009). I served at that church for twelve years until helping plant a church just north of Atlanta, GA. Then, we were led to make the move to the Midwest and join the staff at Veritas in January 2019.

We became foster parents in 2014 and adoptive parents in 2017. We now have three boys, Jeremy, Amos, and Abel, and welcomed Eliza, our girl, into our family in 2022. 

Following Jesus has been an absolutely joyful journey! He's led me to satisfying waters, sustained me in hard seasons, and graciously turned his face to me each step of the way. I can't imagine life without Jesus, and I have a passion to see neighbors, the neglected, and the nations experience the same thing in their lives for the glory of God!

When not at Veritas, I love playing and watching all sports, especially golf, cheering on my Clemson Tigers, drinking good southern sweet tea, and watching The Shawshank Redemption anytime it's on TV. These days, I'm spending time hanging out with Erica, playing sports and building Lego creations with our kids, working on house projects (that I'm unskilled to complete), and begging God to redeem my bad parenting for his glory.