Tell us a little about your story.
My parents divorced when I was really little, and there was a lot of uncertainty about where I belonged, if anywhere. So that shaped much of my life.
I was so blessed to be raised in the church, and by high school, I was really clinging to Scripture and the Lord, but was still carrying around a lot of blindness to my own sin and pain. Looking back now, I see that so much of my life was driven by running from anxiety and fear. I spent years trying to control things, trying to figure things out on my own, and being terribly self-absorbed.
How did Watermark impact your walk with Christ?
For a long time, I had felt like I was hanging on to the Lord, but didn't really know how to walk with him. When Ryan and I came to Watermark after we got married, it was really the first time we had ever been discipled. And, wow, what a difference that has made.
Through community, Re:gen, and people walking alongside us, we began to learn how to actually put Scripture into our home, into our relationships, into the ways we think and live.
We've been married 11 years now, and with our community group for over 10, and it's been amazing. Not because it's been easy, but because we've had people around us who love us enough to tell us the truth. Some of the biggest gifts of community have been having people around us who aren't taking sides but are fighting for both of us, protecting our marriage, and, most importantly, pointing us to God.
How has your faith affected the way you think about parenting?
Since both Ryan and I come from families of multiple divorces, we have found great joy and healing in seeing how God has allowed us to grow and pour into our family. We get to build a home where we ask for forgiveness, we confess our sins, and delight in the wonders God has for us. My faith has taught me that the role of parent is such a powerful gift. I know that if I don’t lean on God, it will hurt them. But I’m excited for us to battle through those things because we serve a God who's incredibly gracious.
Why is Watermark Kids important to your family?
Early on, I think it was the security. Having a place that I knew was diligent to protect our kids was a huge blessing on my heart. But as they’ve grown, Watermark Preschool and Kids give them opportunities to learn alongside other kids who are following Jesus, and it gives us something tangible to build on at home. It’s been so collaborative.
I also love that they're hearing the gospel and counsel from other adults who love them. It builds a picture of us all as God’s church, rather than Mom and Dad just being “preachy”.
What fruit have you seen in your children?
One of the sweetest things has been watching my seven-year-old daughter, Catherine, develop her relationship with the Lord and how she shares the gospel with people.
Recently, a Muslim family moved into our neighborhood. Their boys started coming over to play, and Catherine grabbed a Bible to give them, telling them they need to know Jesus. In her zeal we encouraged gentleness but she's genuinely trying to sort out what she believes and why it matters. She and their 9-year-old son talk about faith often.
In class, she welcomes kids who feel uncomfortable. She's looking for people who need a friend. She loves Scripture. She loves talking about Jesus. It's profound to watch.
And then with my younger daughter, who's much more shy, it's been beautiful watching teachers and leaders know her and care for her in ways that help draw her out.
Even our 2-year-old, Jack, has found a teacher he loves and looks forward to seeing. There’s nothing like seeing her light up when we arrive at the door. Their teachers are such a gift.
As a mom of three, with another due in November, you still serve at Watermark Preschool every week. Why?
Oh, I have been so blessed to serve in Orange at the 9 AM service with kiddos I moved up with from Red. When I started in their class, they were tiny and now they’re talking and singing and praying. It fills my cup. It refreshes my heart for loving my own kids better.
As a mom, I know how important it is for other believers to truly love and invest in your kids. I love being able to care for little ones so Mom and Dad can go worship and be present.
Pick-up time is also so much fun. I love encouraging mom and dad, watching families grow as new siblings arrive, and celebrating all those moments with them.
It matters more than people realize. The church isn't separate from what we're doing at home. It's foundational to what we are doing. It’s the discipleship we ALL need.
Watermark Kids gives our children relationships, accountability, examples, and opportunities to learn alongside other believers. It brings the family of God to life for them. It helps us see areas where we're doing well and areas where we get to grow.