Sherry Ballew

I remember nearing the end of my high school years, and clearly deciding not to attend college. My decision was automatic as I carried a hindering mindset of "Not being college material". Neither of my parents attended college, or even finished high school. I also grew up very poor, and lacked the experiences, and influences that often lead to a more successful life. It wasn't until after I graduated high school, married and started a family that I gradually realized that my life did have significance, and that someone greater than myself had been watchful over my life. Coming to know Christ, and the truth of who He was and is, made all the difference in the world to who I have become and am becoming. While I grew up without the encouragement and wisdom of a father and a mother, and perhaps missed out on the affection of a supportive family environment, those obstacles, and difficult memories of lack and need, actually created and shaped my life into who I am today. In fact, I am reminded of the verse which says: "All things work together for the good of those who are in Christ Jesus." I was encouraged then and often now by those words as I understand that even the hard times,and my own failure, along with each of my mistakes are all somehow mixed together, and then used for something good. I've learned that God is a good God, and that He can be trusted. I came from a broken home, but even in that brokeness, I have been made complete in Christ. One of the most important decisions I have ever made in my life, and in fact the most important decision was that to follow Christ. I quite often tell others that there are at least 3 important decisions that are of most important to ones life: Who you will marry, where you will attend church, and whether or not you will choose to know Him (Christ). The consequences to each are enormous, but especially the decision to accept or not accept Christ. Some people assume that going to church secures a relationship with Christ. However, it's not in the attending church that saves us, but rather the invitation of (Christ) into our lives that will. We'll never be perfect. We don't have to be. He give us His grace, and forgiveness for free. It's a free gift. That's why He is a good God.

My Life

Friends describe me

Being spontanous! But, it gets me in trouble because I don't always stick with the plan!

My hobbies

Photography, cooking and bike riding!

Fantasy dinner guests

hmmm.....still thinking.

My undergrad alma mater

Radford University

My worst subject in school

Math!

In college I drove

Minivan! Remember I was a young mother while in college.

If I weren't a professor, I would

Be a writer.

Favorite books

Aside from the bible....cook books, biographies, and documentaries.

Favorite movies

Tyler Perry

Favorite city

I'm such a country girl, please don't take me to a city!

Favorite coffee

I love coffee, but it must be flavored....and almost any flavor will do, but I really like french vanilla or hazelnut.

My latest accomplishment

Walking on my treadmill for more than 3 days a week!