biography, in progress...

Well, my name is Benjamin D. Shari. I was born and raised in the great state of Florida. I was born in Hollywood, FL and moved to New Port Richey, FL when I was about two years old. I've been here ever since. I was raised by two great parents who love each other. They had the patience and devotion to homeschool me and my two siblings, Danae and Jared. Not because I was stupid or extra smart or antisocial or whatever other reason you could come up with. Just because they believed in a different way -- a way that would raise us right, apart from the junk in the school system. A way in which we would learn to read young and be prepared for life when we came of age. I think my parents did well in this respect. I love the fact that I was homeschooled. Sure there were pros and cons, but overall, I know I'm a better person because of my education. And yes, to those that are still sitting there thinking what about having friends and a social life and to those that have asked me all my life: I have friends and did see other people during my child and teenage years other than my parents..... :-)

My parents grounded me in the faith and taught me simple truths about honesty, discipline, hard work, and diligence. I thank God for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ and that they have lived their lives and taught me through example in their character and service to each other and Christ.

I got my first job at Steve's Place when I turned 15. I didn't think I was ready but my parents encouraged me to get a job. They knew that none of my goals or ambitions were attainable without working hard and getting my own paycheck. So, I worked there until I was 18 and paid for flying lessons, of course. That was my goal at the time: to get my pilot's license. And I got it. I soloed just after my 16th birthday (I didn't even have my driver's license yet). I got 100% percent on my written exam and passed my flight test and just after I turned 17, over $5,000 later, I had my pilot's license. At the time, I wanted to be an airline or professional pilot for years. Now I realize that's not the direction God would have me take, but I still love flying and as money allows, I will get back in the cockpit soon enough.

When I was 18 my parents' friends gave me a job working for their plumbing company, Royal Plumbing Contractors. No, I wasn't a plumber -- I worked in their office. I learned so much about life, management, office work, employee relations, owner-manager conflict, and believe it or not, how to talk on the phone. Yes, I couldn't talk on the phone to save my life -- I don't know how they gave me that job. But I am so endebted to the owners and manager for all I learned there -- it's invaluable to me now. God put me there and I gained so much knowledge and experience.

And as time went on, I knew I was being pushed to a new level. A new direction. I wanted to go where God wanted me, and for that I felt I needed... education. I had just finished a two year degree program at Remington College in Tampa in January 2005. I got a degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology. But I knew that wasn't what I wanted or was supposed to do. After friends invited me to check out Southeastern University in Lakeland, I knew that's where I was supposed to be. I applied, I was accepted, and I put in my notice at work.

Why did I choose Southeastern? I'm not 100% sure. I loved the atmosphere, the Christian perspective in the classroom, and chapel. I knew I liked business and politics, but since they didn't have poly sci, I opted for business finance. I felt at the time, and still today, some kind of general call toward ministry, and so I chose Bible as my minor. I think I partially thought that if the Lord reveiled his plan exactly that I could switch and choose a religion major. That hasn't happened yet, but I know that I'm still getting an education that has me within His will and plan. I can still go in the direction He wants, business or ministry or both, and SEU will have prepared me.

So, I finished my first year. Many challenges and events took place that year that brought me to my knees more than once. A truly humbling year that brought me face to face with God and opened my eyes to just how unending His love, mercy, and grace truly are.

Towards the end of my first year, I had two job offers for the summer. I had been working for Royal Plumbing part time, doing payroll each week while at school, and the owner asked that I come back as manager, or in some new capacity unlike before. And at the same time my dad offered to take me on at Balanced Air, his air conditioning and heating business. I prayed and pondered my decision and decided: family first -- I started in May 2006 for my dad. What an amazing experience. I absolutely love the position, the company, the owner :-), and my job in general. I cannot begin to explain how good it is or how much I've been able to do through God's incredible grace and mercy. To be honest, I don't know what I've done that is so great, or how I have done it, but only by Him. The company is growing, it's been transformed from a one man show to a firm that is going places with an actual office and warehouse.

But please, don't give me credit. It all goes to my dad and God. Some days I have no idea what I'm going to do next or how I'll get somewhere or pay another bill, but somehow God keeps it all together and in line and He guides my step. At Southeastern, I've been so blessed to sit under the teaching of Dr. Mark Rutland, and I have learned so much about leadership. About God's annointing for leadership. It is definitely a God thing to transform an organization. I can't even explain it, but I identify with other leaders, like Dr. Rutland, who have just trusted God and He's lead them. It's so cool how God puts you in a place, a place you know you're supposed to be -- really, you have no idea. :-)

Anyway, that brings me to the present. I go to school 2 days a week and work at my dad's office 3 days a week. It's rough, and I'm busy -- ALL the time, but it's good. God's given me the strength and the drive to be able to handle it, and so far that's what I've been doing. Somehow in the midst of it all, I'm starting my own business. Not quite sure yet what I'm going to do with it, but at least the business exists with a name and everything... Things are going good financially also -- only by God's blessing. TITHE! You must tithe. If you're saved and you're not tithing 10% or MORE of your gross, you should be!!! Seriously, it's so important that you surrender all your finances to Him. But anyway, I've been setting goals and plans for my money. I just bought my car (it was a lease) and I've been absolutely crazy lately about saving for a house and to be able to invest.

So, where does the future lead? I don't know. But I do know that to God be all the glory, forever and forever. He is awesome!