On this episode of Conversations with Buddy, I had the honor of sitting down with Nathan Pendleton, a man whose story is marked by courage, perseverance, and deep faith. 🇺🇸💪 Nathan is an Army veteran, a father of two boys—including one with cerebral palsy—and above all, a disciple of Jesus Christ. Our connection came through our mutual friend Mike Peterson, and from the moment we started talking, it was clear that Nathan’s life has been shaped by both intense battles and incredible grace. Like many veterans, Nathan carries the heart of a protector, someone wired to stand in the gap for others. 🛡️❤️
Nathan spent nearly 10 years as a missionary in Nicaragua, pouring his life into serving others and sharing the Gospel. Unfortunately, due to a complicated personal situation and ongoing legal battle, he was deported and cannot yet share all the details. Even in the middle of hardship, though, Nathan’s faith remains unshaken. His life verse, Proverbs 3:5–6, has guided him through uncertainty: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” That trust has carried him through seasons of pain, confusion, and the refining process that so many believers face. 🙏🔥
Nathan also shared his passion for fitness, discipline, and mindset. As a performance-driven athlete, he believes discipline is the key—learning to say “no” to temporary satisfaction in order to pursue long-term purpose… pushing through injuries like a broken tailbone, or battling the mental and emotional challenges that come with PTSD, Nathan emphasized the importance of the internal dialogue we carry. Words are powerful. The question that changed his life was simple but profound: “Who does God say you are?” đź’✝️
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was when Nathan shared about his moment of salvation. Like the prodigal son, he came to the end of himself and cried out, “Forgive me Father… I’m all Yours.” Through the crushing seasons that humbled him to the core, Nathan discovered his true identity in Christ. He describes himself as “saved by grace and fueled by faith”. That transformation reshaped his life, his fatherhood, and his mission. ❤️🔥
Today, Nathan is working on his real estate license to be a part of the Eric Beechy Real Estate Team, bringing that same servant-hearted mindset into real estate and lending relationships—especially when connecting with VA buyers and sellers. At the end of the day, Nathan’s story is about brotherhood, resilience, and faith—a “ride or die” commitment to Jesus and to the people God places in our lives. 💪🇺🇸🙏
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#JesusFollower 🙏 #Discipleship ✝️
#ArmyVet #rideordie #Proverbs3:5-6 #ConversationsWithBuddy 🎙️
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https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckettIf 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, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit
www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates.
Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).