Nelson joins Conversations with Buddy to talk life and marriage and share a story that’s both rugged and redemptive. Growing up in Scio, Oregon, Nelson’s early life looked like something out of a storybook — a three-story log cabin on five acres. But when his parents divorced, everything changed. He and his siblings found themselves without a home, living in tents on a friend’s property before settling into a run-down single-wide trailer in Marion, Oregon. Those early struggles shaped Nelson’s resilience and faith, even when life didn’t make sense.

As one of five kids and homeschooled until high school, Nelson’s transition into public school was one of his hardest challenges. But it was through life’s bumps and bruises — both physical and spiritual — that he began to understand who God really is. Though he grew up in a Christian home and always believed in God, it wasn’t until age 30, after reading Frank Turek’s I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, that Nelson’s faith became concrete and personal.

A thrill-seeker by nature, Nelson poured his energy into extreme sports like BMX and snowboarding, collecting more than his share of injuries along the way — from concussions and fractures to a blown-out knee. These days, his passion is disc golf, though even that hasn’t been injury-free! But beyond the competition, Nelson finds joy in the simple, grounding moments — especially cooking for his family. He’s the chef of the house, preparing 90% of their meals with creativity and love.

In this episode, we dig deep into themes like self-reflection, forgiveness, leaving the nest, and what it really means to live courageously. Nelson’s story is one of grace, grit, and gratitude — a reminder that God often uses the hardest chapters to reveal His greatest work. From living in tents to standing firm in faith, Nelson’s life is a living picture of what it means to walk in God’s purpose.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
~ Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV)

#conversationswithbuddy #faithandresilience
#graceinthejourney #Godshandiwork
#courageousfaith

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For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

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About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Buddy Puckett -
NMLS #270057 - OR, WA, AZ
Guild Mortgage 
Company NMLS #3274 | Equal Housing Opportunity