Governance / Board
Board of Directors
As the AACS governing and policy-making body, the board provides spiritual leadership and direction for AACS. Members work closely with the Superintendent and other key personnel to advance the school’s mission and further our cause for Christian education.
What is a Policy-Making Board and How Does It Function?
The board operates according to a Policy Governance Model developed by Dr. John Carver and sometimes referred to as the Carver Model. The board approves strategic goals and plans, creates governing policies, and approves and monitors the school budget. While the board approves all senior-level hires (principals, and others who report directly to the Superintendent), the superintendent is the only employee directly evaluated and supervised by the board. The superintendent leads the school, and his/her direct reports include four principals and staff leaders in advancement, operations, and athletics. Additionally, the AACS Board acts together, requiring a majority vote, when approving policies or budget proposals or changes to the bylaws and constitution. In other words, individual board members do not have the authority to act independently. Please email Michael Edmonds, board president, if you have a question, comment, or suggestion for the board.
Michael Edmonds, AACS Board President
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I love the school, all three of my kids graduated from the school after attending 13 years (K-12), and my grandson is now attending the school. AACS has had a tremendous impact on my family, through the education that has been provided from amazing godly teachers & staff, the community of parents, and the focus on partnering with parents to support my children with their walk with Christ. AACS has given so much to me, and I hope I can offer my time, treasure, and talents on the board to continue the great work of AACS into the future.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I work with Chick-fil-A in the Annapolis area, serving my team and guests. I have been with Chick-fil-A since 1986 and became the owner in 1992 - I love what I do! I attend Bay Area Community Church and serve on the finance team there and I love time with my family. Being a grandparent is amazing!
Tell us about your family.
My wife Rene’ and I have been married since 1989 and I have three adult children in their 20’s along with three grandchildren. All three of my kids graduated from AACS in ‘11, ‘12, & ‘13, and my oldest grandchild born in 2011, is attending the AACS Lower School as AACS. I also have two granddaughters who were born in 2016 and 2017.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Huntington, WV. I left Huntington after graduating High School in 1988, and I have lived in the Annapolis area since 1997.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
Probably sleeping in a little later, having breakfast with my grandbabies. It is one of the busier days for my restaurants so I like to visit one of them for a while. I may work on a project; I love home improvement, and we try to have family dinner since everyone is so busy throughout the week.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart for it is the well spring of life”. It reminds me of how I need to keep a check on my heart, and I need to keep close to Jesus to do this.
Kevin Atkinson
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I’ve been investing in AACS since our kids started. I’ve witnessed and experienced the blessing to our family and so many other students and families. I’m humbled by the privilege to further serve the students, alumni, families, faculty, and administration as an appointed member of the board. I desire to bring my business, perspectives, and experiences to sustain and enhance the partnership with the AACS community - in discipleship and education of our students.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I own a boutique consulting firm focused on captive insurance solutions for private companies, which combines my career experiences in finance, risk, wealth management and creative solution development to align with clients’ personal and business goals. Outside of business, I enjoy time with the family and sometimes squeak in a game of golf. Much of my time I am thrilled to be involved with our kids and their friends and just be available.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Christy, and I have been married since 1996 and in 1998 moved to Annapolis from Northern Virginia. We have two children, Garrett and Kelley. Garrett is a 2017 AACS graduate and is currently pursuing his passion in music production at the Art Institute of Washington in Arlington, Virginia. Kelley started at AACS in sixth grade and is now part of the 2022 class where she is discovering and developing her gifts and talents. We enjoy watching TV shows and playing corn hole together and love when our kids’ friends are routinely over, especially with Garrett’s recording studio in the basement! Maddie, our Westie, tries to stay out of the way of all of the activity!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Richmond, Virginia and graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
An early morning mocha coffee sitting outside on a dock on the water or on a beach. Then heading back to make breakfast for the family with bacon, eggs and french toast.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
I’d say one of my core passages has always been Acts 2:42-47. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
I’ve always been fascinated with the apparent simplicity of the early church and the picture of the believers being together in such tangible and practical ways. I so much enjoy just being with folks and hanging out, mentoring, and encouraging young people and their families.
Steven Boggs
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
Passion and purpose. If I can find passion for something, because of its compelling purpose, I am all in. Having two sets of kids go through AACS with a decade age gap between them, I have the unique perspective of witnessing the positive influence of AACS for a second time including the blessing of the new lower school in Severn.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I am Law Registrar at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. In this role, I am responsible for the curriculum and schedule of classes, final exams, grading, record retention, FERPA enforcement, certifying records and graduates and leading the office. In addition, I serve on a Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) section (Legal Education and Bar Admission) and a MSBA task force (International Law Committee of Business Law). I am also an elected member of the Staff Senate for the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus. Finally, I am a licensed attorney in the State of Maryland and Texas (inactive since 2000).
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Sharon, and I have been married since 1993. We met at the University of Maryland College Park as undergraduates in the Greek System. We have four wonderful children. Our oldest daughter, a 2014 AACS graduate, earned her English Literature and Teaching Certificate credential from UMBC in 2019 and is interviewing for teaching positions in the Richmond area. Our oldest son is a rising junior Voice/Performance major at UMCP having graduated from AACS in 2016. He was involved in sports (football and lacrosse) and the performing arts at AACS having performed the male leads in both Cinderella and The Addams Family as well as singing tenor with the Madrigal Singers. Our youngest son is a rising 8th grader at AACS middle school who also has the performing arts bug. He was Mike Teavee in Willie Wonka Jr. in 6th grade and was cast as Kristoff in 7th grade (production still in process). Our youngest daughter is a rising 5th grader at AACS Lower School in Severn.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Southgate Community of Anne Arundel County since 1976. I attended Southgate Elementary, Old Mill North and Old Mill Senior High School having graduated in 1985.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning would be spent with my family at the National Gallery of Art in DC surrounded by The Voyage of Life paintings of Thomas Cole followed by a meal in the Cascade Café watching the waterfall and cascading lights in the pedestrian tunnel.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Jeremiah 29:11, " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' ” I remember hearing this read by Dr. Tony Evans at a Promise Keepers Conference and it was a powerful reminder that God is in control and knows His plans on my behalf, so it is unnecessary to worry or set my own agenda.
Karen Kelbly Cole
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
“Knowing God and gaining His heart for the world” – As parents, educators, the body of Christ – if we can ignite a fire in our children for this pursuit, we will have achieved much. Serving on the AACS Board of Directors affords me the opportunity to contribute to this goal. Our two, now grown daughters attended AACS, K-12, and reaped the benefits of a Christian education. We are forever grateful to God for his generosity to us. It is my prayer that together we may preserve this education option informed by a Christian worldview for future generations.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I recently retired after many years in the federal government serving credit unions in an accounting and auditing policy role with the federal regulator and insurer of credit unions. Retirement has afforded me time to pursue a variety of interests. I have participated on several church visitation opportunities with seniors in our community. I attend several Bible study focused meetings throughout the week. I have greater opportunities to pursue wellness. I assist my siblings in the financial oversight of a parent. And I have enjoyed serving AACS these last several years on the Board and certain Board committees.
Tell us about your family.
Apart from God’s gift of salvation, my family is God’s greatest blessing to me. Mark and I have been married for over twenty-eight years and have two grown daughters, AACS alumni. We enjoy time together in and around our home, as well as travel to visit extended family throughout the year. Mark and his brother own a residential and commercial excavation company serving contractors and homeowners in Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in rural northeastern Ohio in an area rich in agriculture and known for its dairy farming community. I was one of five children, and lived near both sets of grandparents. Extended family and the local church provided a sense of community and a social network that was rich. I came to know God at a small country church where the Bible was taught, and God was worshipped.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
I'm sitting in the sunroom of a cabin by a lake, lingering over breakfast and coffee with my husband Mark as we share our lives and hearts. Mark heads out in his boat to fish, and our daughters and I take a leisurely bike ride exploring local roads and bicycle paths. After our ride, what could be better than a family dip in the lake? Sweet Saturday morning.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Whenever I read Philippians 2:3-11, I am convicted and humbled and reminded anew of the Gospel.
"Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Amy Cowart
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I did not choose to serve on the board, I was chosen! Truly, when I was asked to consider serving, I spent time in prayer and in discussion with my husband. With peace, I have moved forward with my nomination, willing to serve should I be voted in. My hope is that I will be an asset to the AACS leadership community as we seek to provide an excellent education built on a biblical worldview.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
My professional calling is working in the medical field. My heart calling is nurturing the hearts and minds of my family and those He has put in my path.
Tell us about your family.
I met and married my husband, Jim, while in Michigan; I was in undergrad and he was a recent hire at Ford Motor Company. We met while volunteering together with Young Life (evangelical parachurch organization). Fast forward a few decades, we are married, still volunteering with Young Life periodically, and have 2 children in attendance at AACS since kindergarten.
Where did you grow up?
I was born into a family that values faith, family, and a strong work ethic in western Michigan. At the time, I did not realize how my church and home educations formed my worldview and the foundation of a lifetime of faith in the Gospel. As I looked toward starting college, my dad said, “get out of town and see how the rest of the world lives.” I did! He has regretted those words ever since, especially with his grandchildren being here.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
My perfect Saturday morning would be an unhurried one: awakening refreshed, coffee, quiet time, and family waffles for breakfast. Getting in a walk or bike ride before noon would be an added delight!
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Proverbs 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 make your paths straight.”
Every time I have to make a decision, including moving forward with this board nomination, I have clung to the promise of these verses. God has opened and shut doors over my lifetime, straightening paths that I would have made crooked should I have made them on my own. Leaning into God removes the pressure off of me and lets me rest in God’s peace. I pray this will continue to serve me and the AACS community well.
Kristin DeMarco
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I have always lived my life by exploring all opportunities that the Lord puts in my path. I am so grateful that I was called to serve the AACS school community. We have been an AACS school family for twelve years and this community has blessed and strengthened our family in so many ways.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I recently retired from being a small business owner of 11 years and I also am winding down my role as a venue manager. I am going to take some time to manage the DeMarco household and help our son with college tours and applications! I spend my free time volunteering at AACS, at my daughter’s ballet schools and also at Bay Area Community Church.!
Tell us about your family.
My husband Joe and I have been married for 19 years! We moved to Annapolis in 2004 and knew this was a place that we wanted to take root and raise our family. We have been blessed by three children – Alexander who is a rising senior, Julia a rising ninth grader and Anna a rising 6th grader. Our family has a love for the arts! – My son performs with the high school drama club and wants to be an animator; Julia is a ballerina and Anna is an actor. We enjoy watching movies and going to live theater and ballet performances.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I went to Penn State University and received my degree in Advertising with an emphasis in Public Relations. I moved to the DC area in 1999, met my husband and married him in 2001–the rest is history!
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning would be waking up early to enjoy the stillness of the day, making my family breakfast and going out on the water with my paddleboard.
What is one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
I find great comfort and encouragement in Proverbs. If I had to choose one verse it would be Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” I’m not always excellent at following this verse, but I strive to be more understanding, and I try to see the point of view of others and not react in anger.
Sheyda Gill
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
Our family has experienced the benefits of being a part of the AACS community where our children have been provided a high academic standard of excellence while assisting them in growing their relationship with Jesus Christ. I have a sincere heart to serve and a passion to support AACS in continuing to move forward positively in the community by equipping our students to impact the world with their knowledge, gifts, and talents from a Biblical Christian perspective.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I am the home manager of the Gill family experience. I have recently transitioned careers from the private business sector where I worked as a hospitality executive and in the government-contracting arena to now in the Non-Profit profession. I am an Integrated Education and Training Instructor and Hospitality Workforce Development Coordinator for the YWCA National Capital Area Headquarters where I work with adult learners who are obtaining their GED’s and specialty workforce certifications. I am a Breast Health Advocate for more access to breast cancer screening, research, diagnostics and treatment resources for all. I assist and support couple discipleship of ministries.
Tell us about your family.
I am the wife of Geoffrey Gill for 20 years. I am the mother of Christian Gill (AACS Class of 2018) and Gabrielle Gill (AACS Class of 2023). Christian has successfully completed his freshman year at Campbell University, North Carolina and Gabrielle is closing out her 9th grade year at the Upper School. We have a huge local extended family community who love to support AACS. You will normally see a Gill family grandparent, aunt or uncle cheering at an AACS event. We truly believe it takes a village to raise our children.
Where did you grow up?
I grew in Southwest Washington, DC. I attended Naylor Road Elementary School (Washington DC), Holy Family School (Hillcrest Heights, MD) and Elizabeth Seton High School (Bladensburg, MD).
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning would be sleeping in late, waking up to the smell of my husband’s special recipe waffles and a great family breakfast along with a day of family activities like a movie, bowling, putt-putt golf or visiting with extended family. Then ending the day with family game night full of our favorite games.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
I find great joy in Romans 8:37:
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Although we are imperfect and we may face challenges through life, God’s love through His Son Jesus Christ will gives us the grace and support we will need to overcome in all situations. Our strength and joy comes from Him.
Charles Griffin
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
AACS is an intentional investment that my wife and I are making in our children. We believe wholeheartedly that God has lead us to put our kids in a Christian school and AACS has been awesome. I would love the opportunity to have an influence on the direction of our school and be able to provide the gifts that God has given me to further the kingdom of God. I have children in the lower (1st grade) and middle school (6th and 7th grade) and I believe that I should do everything possible to have a positive influence on their life. School and the school environment/culture has a major impact on who children become. As a board member, I’ll have an opportunity to influence the future of the school that my children and their friends will grow up in.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
While I am not at AACS I am primarily doing 3 things. (1) The majority of time I am with my family in some capacity: taking kids to practice or games, working with kids on their homework, hanging out with the family, or spending one on one time with my wife. (2 & 3) When I'm not with my family I am usually either by myself trying to squeak in a workout or work on the business that I own and run, Next Rev Technologies.
Tell us about your family.
I have truly been blessed with a wonderful family. I am happily married to my wife of 14 years, Kimberly Griffin. Kim is my friend, lover, encourager, prayer warrior, superwoman mother, and proof that I clearly heard from God 15 years ago when I asked her to marry me. I have three children, Tiana, CJ, and Ryan (in birth order). Tiana is 13 years old in seventh grade at the middle school. CJ is 11 years old in the 6th grade at the middle school. Ryan is in 1st grade at the lower school. Tiana and CJ have been at AACS since 1st grade and kindergarten respectively, and Ryan came to AACS last year during kindergarten and is currently in 1st grade.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts in a close knit family with my mother, father, older sister, and older brother.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning for me would be one on which I wake up without an alarm clock. I’d go downstairs and have my prayer and reading time uninterrupted. After which, I’d go for a 2 – 3 mile run. After returning, I’d have breakfast with the family to catch up on things and discuss the plans for the day. The perfect plan would be one when none of the games overlap, we can go to every game together as a family, and the first game starting at noon so we don’t have to rush.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. --Mathew 6:33
This is one of my favorite passages because it keeps me grounded and directs my focus. It reminds me that God is in control and that none of the other things that I work at and do should ever supersede or take me away from building my relationship with God. The scripture also reminds me that God will provide and make a way even though I can’t see it so that things that seem big and would normally be stressful aren’t worth stressing about and my faith should be placed in Him. I’ve literally lived this scripture and seen it in my walk with the Lord in so many ways.
Douglas Powers
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I believe Christian education is paramount - not only to ground our children in a God-centered worldview with a confidence in their faith, but also to strengthen their self-esteem by knowing that their Creator uniquely made them for a special life purpose greater than themselves. I think AACS’s mission is spot on – to engage our children in excellent education and prepare them to impact the world for Jesus Christ. Excellence is a high goal since even mediocrity is the enemy of it, but it is achievable in Christ. My desire to serve on the board is to invest my time and leadership talents and experience to help AACS remain accountable to our mission today and stay on course for the future.
What do you do when you're not at AACS?
I recently retired after serving 25 years on active duty as a Naval Officer and am currently working in the private sector as a cybersecurity consultant. When not working, I can be found and sometimes heard on the sidelines of my children’s sporting events or attending and serving on the safety and security team in my local church.
Tell us about your family.
Kelly and I married in 2001 and are blessed with three children – all highly energetic teenagers at present. Our daughter is at the upper school at AACS with the class of 2020. Our oldest son is also at the upper school, and our youngest son is at the middle school.
Where did you grow up?
With my four brothers in Waldorf, Maryland, about an hour south of Annapolis.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
Waking up well rested without an alarm clock and then enjoying time with my family in a fun or relaxing activity on, in, or nearby some body of water, such as the Severn, Chesapeake, or Atlantic.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
Proverbs 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.” From the small to the big decisions in life, I’ve learned it is best to trust the original, all knowing, and only faultless Navigator.
Jina Simmons
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
I believe that serving others is one of my most important responsibilities as a follower of Jesus and a member of the global community. I look for opportunities to serve wherever I find myself. Since joining the AACS community in 2017 when my oldest daughter became a student, I have found ways to lend my time and my gifts to the school. I see my role as a board member as a way to serve the AACS community in a new capacity.
What do you do when you are not at AACS?
As a wife and a mom of two energetic girls, I spend much of my time caring for my family and our home. I also volunteer with the youth-focused organization where I worked for many years and participate in various groups and ministries at our church. During my downtime, I enjoy reading and creative writing. I also love to host gatherings of friends and family where everyone can enjoy good food and quality time together.
Tell us about your family?
My husband Charles, who is an interventional pain physician, and I have been married for 17 years. Our two daughters, ages 9 and 6, both attend AACS at the Severn Lower School. Our girls dance ballet, participate in the children’s ministry at our church, and love art and music. As a family, we really enjoy bike rides, picnics, movie nights, and traveling within the U.S. and internationally.
Where did you grow up?
I am originally from Philadelphia, PA, but growing up, my stepfather was in the Navy and we moved around a lot—mostly on the east coast.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning in the Simmons house would involve a family devotional, cooking breakfast together (banana pancakes, eggs with sautéed vegetables, turkey sausage, and fresh fruit) and getting outside for what my husband likes to call “adventure time”: a hike, a bike ride, or an outing to explore a new town, park, museum, or festival.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why
I love Proverbs 3:5-6 because it speaks to me as a summary of instructions for Christian living. It reminds me that when I relinquish my human tendency to control, worry, plan, excuse, judge, decide—independent of God—and instead seek His wisdom and direction, I will have peace in knowing that even when things don’t seem perfect to me, it is all part of God’s good and perfect plan. I can then begin to focus on the lessons, preparations, and growth opportunities to be found in the situation to which God has led me.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6
Mark Solsman
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Why have you chosen to serve on the AACS Board of Directors?
Serving the students, parents, and this great institution is truly a humbling experience. When I was first notified of my nomination I spent days in prayer with the Lord seeking His will. I feel called to serve on the board of directors because I enthusiastically support the vision and the direction of the faculty, staff, and administration. I would like to utilize all of my gifts and talents towards helping advance the school's mission and achieve its stated goals through my experience as a leader, an entrepreneur, and a critical thinker.
Tell us about your family?My wife, Kelley, and I have been married since 1996 and together we have been blessed with two children, who were “lifers” attending AACS from kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Both our son and daughter are now studying at Liberty University in Lynchburg VA. Last but not least we have two affectionate Labrador retrievers who think they are human.
We often look back and reminisce our time with the awesome, God-inspired faculty and staff at the Lower and Middle school campuses. They really are such special places!
At the Upper School both of our children fully embraced the “Eagle Experience” to its maximum, participating in 3 seasons of sports, the performing arts, and in the academically challenging environment. We are blown away by all of the rich opportunities offered in a Biblically-focused, Christ-centered community. In fact many of our children's role models and mentors were first their coach or director. We highly recommend you consider taking full advantage of everything this wonderful institution has to offer.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. I studied at Penn State University in State College, PA. However, you can say that I didn’t truly “grow up” until I moved to Washington, DC, by myself where I worked for the Federal Government.
Describe a perfect Saturday morning.
A perfect Saturday morning for me is when all four of us wake up to the awe of God's beautiful world. I love the beauty-rich environment of our great nation and cherish time with nature, whether that is on the still waters of the bay, or in the picturesque mountains of a national park. God’s creation is a beautiful place. Take time out to enjoy it.
What's one of your favorite Bible passages and why?
One of my favorite passages is the Great Commandment found in Matthew 22:37-39. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
To love another is to serve them. When I think of Christ and how He came to earth to serve us and teach us how to love through His example, I am humbled. These verses are a guide to me when setting my priorities - loving God and serving Him by loving and serving others on this Earth.