About me
With Jesus
Welcome friends! My name is Ben Landegent. I'm pictured here with my lovely wife.
I love Jesus. The love of Jesus, my Savior, defines everything about me. It comes out in my songs, poems and writing.
Recently I watched an old TV series called 'White Collar.' In the moving last episode, Neil (a reformed con-man) speaks to his FBI handler, Peter. As Neil says goodbye to Peter, he says, "you're the only one that saw good in me. You're my best friend." As I watched I thought, "that's how I feel about Jesus!" Because Jesus is my creator he sees me as made in God's image, and it's good. Same goes for you, friend. Yet my sin taints me, along with you and everyone else. It leaves us with a consequence of death. Because Jesus is my Savior, He has forgiven that sin on the cross and gives me His righteousness and goodness. Thus, He looks on me and sees good in me. I was united with Him through death on the cross, putting my sin nature to death. I was united with Him in His resurrection, as I was spiritually reborn and am a new creation. Jesus is the creator of all things, savior of those who believe, Lord of all and my best friend.
Because I love Jesus, I love to write songs and poetry that spill out of my relationship with Jesus. Enjoy!
With Experience
I graduated from college and went on to 13 years of ministry. I served as a youth pastor for two churches in two small farming towns. I served a church as youth pastor and pastor on a Native American Reservation. I also served as an intern at a church in the Pacific Northwest. During this time I completed a Master of Divinity.
Through all these other things I was facing a long and very difficult marriage context which led to a divorce.
In my mid 30's I finished divorce proceedings, graduated from seminary and collapsed in burnout. This led to a grief and healing process that took some years.
I've experienced much: one person's cruelty, the meanness of a few others, my own addictive sin nature through sinful coping mechanisms, anxiety, discipline, struggles to forgive, hurting others through my sin, selfishness, forgiveness, mercy, worship, deep and caring friendships, tenderness, renewal, optimism, hope, grace, righteous living, obedience, unselfishness, resurrection, discipleship, peace and love.
Instead of more ministry I've gone on to...become a nurseryman! These days I help manage an ornamental plant nursery in the Pacific Northwest.
I've also had the joy of getting remarried to a lovely woman and being a dad to my kiddos. God has been so good to me.
With Love
I love my beautiful wife. I love my kids. I love my family. I love my friends. I love to play guitar, drums and piano. I love to play duets with my wife, and play on my church worship team. I love plants and trees. I love national parks. I love the fall season. I love to see how trials bring perseverance and maturity. I love to watch how God works all things together for good for those who love Him. I love that when I am breaking down, Jesus is steadfast. When I am weak, He is strong.