The title to this post is something I've heard a few times and my response has been, "Who would want to read a blog about my life?" This is more or less an introduction to my life. I have so much going on in my mind between what God teaches me and everyday life events that show me just how great life is with a positive outlook.
What's your story? Many of my friends and acquaintances know that I am the youngest of 5 boys and come from a Christian home. Yes, that's right. My mother is a legend. I grew up in Hawthorne, NJ which many have not heard of, but it is approximately 45 minutes away from New York City without traffic. Growing up in a fast paced environment for most of my life has affected how I drive, schedule my days, and the people I associated with. Four years ago, I chose to come to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA located about an hour north of NC. This place seemed foreign to me because many people were nice to me, smiled at me, and even strangers seemed nicer when they waved.
What changed in you after you left for college and returned home a different person? I mentioned in the first paragraph that God teaches me stuff. Does this mean I am religious? Not at all. Though growing up in a Christian home has instilled morals and values, it did not make me a Christ follower. Three years ago, I took what being a Christian means and applied it to my everyday life. Friends came and went as my lifestyle began to change. I have by no means learned to live as a Christian ought to live. Jesus is the perfect example I strive to follow. I have a few men in my life that have come along side me and mentored me during my short time in Lynchburg, which I am so grateful for. I am not perfect and I do not strive to be. I know that perfection is not attainable here on Earth and pursuing it leads to many disappointments and leaves me feeling as though I've failed at life. There is a word that I love to think about: grace. This familiar word pretty much characterizes my life. I live a life full of grace from a God that has a limitless amount to give. So, when I fail, I am not a failure; I am instead a grace-receiver. ( I could go on and on about this, but for time's sake, I'll calm myself).
What I am doing now? I graduated from LU last fall with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Currently, I am working on a Master's in Couneling toward licensure. Many ask what I will do when I graduate. Honestly? I have no idea. Something I would like to do is to take my degree overseas to a war-torn area filled with broken and traumatized people. It sounds intense, yes, but I have a heart for these people. I will not argue with the burden that the Lord has placed within me. How has your summer been? Lately, reading has become a major hobby of mine and I really enjoy it. From spiritual reading to fiction, I feel so refreshed to hear an author's own journey or imagination put into words. I worked at Snowflex, which is a year round ski resort, until July. I received a position as a Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) at LU for the Psychology Department, which has been a prayer of mine for over a year. I went to Uganda for 11 days and helped to build a piggery, establish relationships with the Pugwini villages, and have my heart and mind transformed. Uganda will have its own blog because there was such an awesome presence of God there that I want to share.
I hope this has been a good reflection of my life and a fair summary of what is going on. I'd be encouraged with any feedback that anyone has to offer. If you thought was not a good use of my time, please tell me and I'll take that into consideration.
In Christ's unfailing love,
Jeff Pardine
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