How My Path of Self Destruction Led Me to My Creator! 

Hey brother, I was on drugs for 14 years, I'm 9 years clean man. I'm proud of you! Anyone who reads this, if you're struggling with addiction, trust me, you can do it! One day at a time. It gets easier the next day. Just remember that. Today is the worst, but tomorrow will be better! I love you all!🤜🏼🤛🏼

dude this is pretty wild. I kinda had a rough week and you and i have a very similar story with a similar amount of sobriety. I'm sitting outside of this hotel because I'm travelling and I'm all out of my element and twisted up inside. Going to a meeting is absolutely not an option right now. So I pray sitting there on the concrete in the parking lot. God help me, show me the way, etc..... And I come back into my hotel room knowing that going to bed at 5 pm isn't gonna help this depression. So I put on this video and man did it help. I swear it was an answered prayer. Thank you. Your message was absolutely on point, it got me to think of where I was at when I first got sober, all the struggles along the way, and things are just so much different now. Amazing

Came for the drywall, stayed for the spiritual advice

Ben, you have 621,000 people that you just bared your soul to AND 621k people that respect you on a deeper level now. Keep being you. You're here for a reason. We all are. Stay blessed!

I am glad you shared your story/testimony online. That act alone is very courageous and has great power to show the deep need we all have is rooted in our need for Jesus Christ.

My respect for you just went up one million percent. God bless you my friend!

I started watching your videos because of your ability to teach your trade. You are gifted. But now that I see you are a fellow believer and not afraid introduce your testimony in your videos, I appreciate you even more! You are gifted in more than mud work! People I think will listen to your relating God in a personal way as opposed to someone in an auditorium style church. Nice job. Nothing wasted. Love you man!

Thanks Ben. Congrats on your sobriety. You have a gift of speech and story telling. Oh. And you are great tradesman.👍

I've been in the word for over 50 years and I've never heard such a wonderful testimony as yours. Bravo my Brother!

I’m the opposite, had a very religious upbringing and went to a private religious school through 8th grade. Very quickly became turned off to religious folks, it was not a good experience and there are plenty of reasons currently as well. If all people who call themselves Christian could have a chat like this, and be KIND and empathetic to folks different than themselves, non judgmental, not demanding or self righteous, not insistent that others must only live the way they do, than I think the conversation could become easier. Thanks for sharing your experience, I’m glad you found what you needed and what worked for you

I have subscribed to your channel for years. Probably during my first years and the last drywaller I hired died of a major cardiac...overdose. I had no idea why I've very occasionally watched you all this time when I've subscribed and unsurrendered from a bucket of channels...until now. I consider that among other things, the work of my Creator. What a privilege and gift to see and hear you today. ❤

Coming from someone who's watched pretty much every entry level drywall video on your channel, I'm really enjoying the new "Vancouver Story Time Carpenter" format.

Welp, despite not wanting to, I sat through it. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was gonna be and I welcome future discussions. I'm fighting with my own demons at the moment and you have given me some ideas. So, thanks.

I seen a positive side of you a long time ago I always wonder if you believed in God. Thank you for opening up and give us your thoughts about God. Thank you for being who you are and being real.

I like working alone as a painter with some music or a podcast. But sometimes you need to talk and laugh and enjoy. The new videos feel this way. Enjoying them a lot. 👍

Great conversation to listen to while doing some work in my own shop. I really enjoy hearing other's points of view when they speak from the heart. I, myself, am not very religious even though I was brought up in a very religious family. That's not to say I am not spiritual, because I am. I'm just not into organized religion. I have my own relationship with my creator and don't need to share it with a bunch of other people in a designated building on a specific day of the week to prove it. We have our talks when and where the need arises. Congrats on your sobriety. I have never had that problem. I don't understand what gets people into that position... but have such respect for those who find their way out.

Thank you so much for showing me how to plaster (drywall). I did mum's whole house after she passed away, and two years later started on my own house after a flood tore through the town. Plenty of time to think, sing like no-one can hear, and howl like a hound. It was healing, incredibly satisfying, and I saved a load of money. I hope you post more like this if that's what you want to do. Very best wishes to you and your family.

I've been watching for quite awhile now. I've often wondered if you were a Christian because of the way you talked and your demeanor. I always thought to myself wow he doesn't have a foul mouth and always seemed happy and content. Then I watched this video and now I'm thanking the Lord for this time to listen to your testimony and that you are doing well. Always remember what does a man do if he gains the whole world but loses his soul. Stay humble and seek ye first the Kingdom of God. May God bless you and keep you. Keep on with the words God gives you to share with the world and be prepared for the many blessings he sends your way and may you receive many blessings. Your friend in Chist Jesus our Lord and savior. Keep up the good work.

Loving this style! Sometimes just watching someone do something is better than being told. And I love listening to your journey and insights!

Loving this. I will say as someone who believes I am moving "dirt and water", I find it comforting and relaxing and spiritual in its own right. I feel very connected to, and in fact part of, a universe also of moving dirt and water. Great chat!

You are very natural at talking about such a complicated thing like religion... Maybe this and talking other deep topics is part of your new path, as you look where to pivot. One thing I know is I trust what you're saying much more than I had from any spiritual leader I had growing up in church. I never full on rejected my upbringing nor did I fully accept it, so I feel stuck in the middle. I feel like this topic is great timing to help motivate me to move closer to the correct path.

So far, in my humble opinion, this is the best and the most inspiring videos of all in this channel.

More people need to hear the message you just laid out. I am pushing 50. Spent 30 and 40s chasing the buck. Now I think am ready for similar change. Bless you Ben!

Ben please keep doing this comment-as-you-go videos. Good discussions and so helpful to see what TO and what NOT to worry about as you go through the whole routine process of coating.

I once took a class in string theory from a professor who made me feel like I could do string theory. He was just that good at what he did. As I watch you mud, it's the same, I think, I could do that. It looks easy. Then I remind myself I tried. You are an artist. This is so much harder than you make it look.

A creator talking about his creator! I’m glad to hear it.

Thanks for sharing from the heart. I came for a drywall video and got a testimony. Hard to believe there are so many corners in one room!😮

Love the format. Love your comments. I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. Those who move on are missing out on chats with a great neighbor and mentor.

IM so proud of you for sharing and doing so good now

My story is similar to yours, an atheist until my first child was born. Watching that birth, a miracle of creation, and my wife’s connection to this new life made me realize how we are a part of something much larger. I am a scientist, and most of my colleagues joke about my faith (I am a deist), but it allowed me to find my place in this fantastic universe. The Creator gave us life, love and reason. Our purpose is to explore, admire and try to understand the world we inhabit.

I like a man who casually uses the word meniscus. It's like mentioning chromatic aberration in conversation without any special note. These are the people with whom to associate on a regular basis.

As someone who thinks your imaginary friend is just that, it's not my place to tell you what's true in your life. What I liked about this conversation was that it wasn't disrespectful in any way. It's a conversation about your own experiences without talking down to people that don't believe as you do, all while being empathetic to those views as well. I respect you and your thoughts. Thanks for sharing something so personal. Also, congratulations on 20+ years of recovery. That's no small accomplishment and something to be immensely proud of. I'm glad you're here to have these conversations with us. Thank you for sharing your story.

Thank you for sharing. Came to be soothed by your drywall skills. Had my heart uplifted by your journey. 🙏

I really enjoyed this heart-to-heart style video. It’s really refreshing. I’ve learned a lot from watching your videos and they’ve helped me immensely. Looks like others feel the same way. Whatever direction you decide to go, we support it! Take care of yourself.

I avoid all controversial topics on my channel since it's 2024, but I appreciate the open interpretation of spirituality and the honest expectations of practicing any form of adherence to a religion, understanding there's no "perfect life" switch. At the same time it feels like any time something good happens, a deity gets credit, while anything bad is your fault followed by an avalanche of consequences. Being a decent person and helping others (especially animals) is certainly a good start.

Thank you for everything you do and have done. If your life is taking you in a different direction than content creation, you have to do what is best for you, your family, and friends. It takes a strong person to do what you've done. Stay strong and I hope your projects going really well, but I hope you're doing even better.

Wow! Thanks for sharing your story. Never in a million years would I have thought that would have been your experience. I’m so glad you got the help you needed! I’m currently struggling to finish a small DIY project and listening to you talk and watching you work away on these jobs you do, I always come away learning something new. Please keep the videos coming!

It's nice hearing a professional talk through what is happening.

I'm a 61 y/o female that tackled the drywall in my bathroom because your teaching style made me believe I could do it. It turned out great and watching your testimony last night made me like you even more! You have many gifts and we are all blessed that you share them with us! May God continue to bless you!

Cathartic, Ben. Seeing your technique, as you work and think about greater things, is a tremendous “double-whammy”. Blessings on you, my man.

Thanks for your video. I have been sober for over 20 years now. I can understand what you are saying about God. A higher power in God has kept me on the level. It's never been easy in my journey. But it is well worth it. Proud of you for sharing Amen. You are doing well in your plastering. I, m still plastering at 64 years old.Pleased you are Making good. Of the positives of been sober.

We're gonna watch no matter what, we just want to see you be yourself and succeed. No point in living if you dont enjoy it. Good luck!

Wow, this was a pleasant surprise. I've been watching several of your tutorials lately and I am just finishing up a drywall project. Loved hearing your story. Keep pressing into God. The goal is to know Jesus Christ in a deeper way. He died on the cross for our sins that we might live. Not sure if you are that far into the journey yet but I hope you will get there.

Been a fan for several years. Always knew there was something deeper about you. Hope you keep growing closer to your maker!

im half your age maybe butt was connected to this energy some years ago, it faded when big problems showed up and now when the winds slowing down i feel something missing and in need. thank you for reminding. i needed that.

I've been subscribed for a few years and have learned a TON from your channel. This was your best video yet, and I hope to see more like it!

"Sometimes you have to burn it all down before you can build it back up!" ... Well said brother.

Trust earned. I have been watching for years as a self supporting missionary pastor needing to save money. You have helped me learn skills and do work that endures and brings honour. I see the wisdom and life-giving purpose in your testimony. I thank you for carefully and intentionally telling it so well.

This has been the best 38 minutes of my day! So much admiration for you!

I’m Heart wormed over everything you said and in the way you said it. You may or may not realize how simply sharing your testimony like this and in such a thoughtful way can really influence someone through their trials. I often say to my friends that religion has been such a bad influence on our culture. I believe that church is supposed to be a place where a bunch of messed up people get together and lift each other up. We will never be perfect, but when your life is full of people who Love you and lift you up, you without realizing it start doing the same thing. Sounds cheesy, but it’s quite fulfilling. Been binge watching the content over the past few months, it’s really been a blessing, and now more than I expected. Thank you Brother!

It really warmed my heart to hear this. Thanks for sharing something so personal. Even if only one person watched this video, messages like these really matter. Your words encouraged me today. I’m thankful for your openness and want you to know that God has used you to be a blessing to me today. Thank you. I want to share my favorite quote with you because it articulates so well the most important paradigm shift in my life. I think of this quote to remind myself of what is important and then pray when I feel like I am a failure or am upset about my life not being the way I want it to be. "It is not what man does which counts in eternal life, but what he is; whether he is like Jesus Christ, our Lord, or if he is different and unlike Him." ~ St. Symeon the New Theologian Praying for you man! We’re all in this struggle together!

I clicked to hear your thoughts, not learn about Drywall. And I've gained much respect for you and appreciate your boldness to speak out

Thank You for being so open We are all on our own journey.

Whoa, Ben unchained, this is rad

Love you, man. You do you. Thanks for sharing your story. I needed it today.

You really have a gift for articulating faith in a relatable way!

happy for you that you made it out. Its great when you ask for help and you get it.

Sometimes just being honest and doing the best you can is all that is needed. Great video and your channel is not floundering, it's just deciding what it will be in the next phase.

Fantastic Video! I have enjoyed your drywall videos for years, got me through renovating my parents' house. After I finished the renovations, I found myself watching your videos sometimes just for fun and often as a meditative escape from reality. And now I'm in a different place and suddenly find your conversational videos to be perfect for where I'm at now. I'm glad you're on a path you find fulfilling and appreciate you sharing your journey. It's definitely helping me, and from what I just read in the comments, it's clearly helping others. I appreciate your integrity and honesty and your willingness and courage to share your thoughts and journey with us! Thanks!

Ben, it always means when someone shares their faith. God Bless you and your family!

Allright!!! The VC w/ an edge! It ain't all sunshine out there and working alone ain't easy. Nice to hear you growl.....carry on!!!

Ben, I truly appreciate you sharing your experience and perspective. Your story really resonates with me and was the reminder I needed-that I’ve been neglecting to pray. Thankful for you and these videos.

Thanks for this video. You're a great example and reminder that while vocational ministry (i.e. being a pastor) is one way to minister to others, it is by no means the only way. Sometimes you need to hear messages like these from a drywaller on RU-vid with a simple, beautiful life story. The timing of this video is a perfect example of what you were saying towards the end about our prayers being answered - I have been struggling with some bad health anxiety recently and "letting go", and this video really did calm me down and help me remember to rely on God's sovereignty and the fact that our prayers will always be answered, even if not in the way/time/place we hope for. Also, I think you made some really great points. Specifically I think your point on dogma is spot on, and very interesting (I'm coming at this from a Christian perspective). I think as a society we lost our faith because we put too much stock into dogma/tradition/etc. While those things really are important, they are meaningless to someone who doesn't have faith in the first place. We need to start with Jesus and the Gospel (again, from a Christian perspective), and then all those other things will be inherently interesting to people. But they won't bring anyone to faith. Again, excellent video and congrats on 20.5 years! :)

You are so right. You are speaking history and discussing important topics in such a wonderful way. I love this.

Thank you for teaching us your carpentry/drywall skills over the past several years, and for sharing your personal struggles with us today. You have worked so hard to get clean and to learn your trade over the past 20 years. Kudos to you! BTW, I like this style of video!

Thank you for sharing your testimony! I found your video on how to repair torn drywall, and stayed to hear this. Keep sharing your spiritual journey!!

I enjoyed the vid. Sharing your life journey with us was both brave and honest. Everyone's journey is different but when things work, it can be an inspiration to others.

Your ending hit me.... I needed a change from inflammatory political BS and cleared my history and undid subscriptions. And poof, algorithm threw me back to you (I was watching every episode for about 6 months.) When your video popped up, I thought YESSSS....this is what I need to go back watching! I wasn't ready for this GREAT conversation! Thank you, thank you!! I have to say, watching so many beginner dry wall videos of yours, watching you do a room reinforces what you already taught without you explaining. So, you're helping and you're helping. 🎉

Thank you so much for sharing your spiritual testimony. I started watching your channel because you are so proficient at drywall and I pretty much suck at it. Come to find out you are my brother in Christ and I appreciate what you do. I was called to lead my church for a year and a half as worship music Director when we had no one else to lead the church. It’s not something that I ever wanted but God gives us gifts for a reason. You are drawing people in.by sharing your gifts. Don’t forget that. God bless you and your family!

I've always been humbled by your (apparently) effortless witty and very helpful videos - now I am especially proud of you. Such an inspiring video. Thank you.. Your videos are much appreciated by many.

I've been watching your videos for years but have never commented. Thanks for such a personal and honest story. About a week ago I heard you say something in a video and decided to share it at a bible study that I attend (even though it was not an explicitly religious thought). The best way that I can put it is that it had a quality to it that felt like it would not have come from man all on his own. That's often how I have seen God in my own life, ideas that come to me which are clearly wiser than I am. All that to say, I think God is doing things in your life. Blessings.

Again thank you. I think we would have had a lot of fun on a job site together, I really enjoy your sense of humor. Now that I've watched this video I understand what drew me to your channel. I've been doing this work longer than you've been alive. Now I know that we had a lot of the same struggles, I'm an alcoholic and addict, sober for a long time. No matter what content you post, I will be here,as I suspect many others will be also. You are a genuine person, you care about your family and you care about people in general. What you did in this video took a lot of courage. Thank you. G-d bless you and your family.

I have been watching your videos randomly here and there for a few years now. Loved this !! ❤ something about talking from the heart ..while working that just apeals!!!😊

Same path as me brother, the Lord healed me and cleansed me. Bless you brother!

Glad you made it through the rough patch. Hang in there. Thanks for the videos. Really. I've done a bunch of minor room remodels, and he drywall and taping instruction has been the so helpful.

Thank you for sharing your journey! Also, I appreciate the close-up views of your work in the beginning, It helps to see how the finish should look.

awesome video ben, really like your perspective on this stuff.

Thanks for sharing this Ben!

You’re a good man, Ben. I wish there were more like you out there in the world. It’d be a better place.

I’m loving the new videos! Super pumped your openness and believe Jesus is going to bless this new season!

I’m liking the new style you have the best how-to videos direct to the point for every topic. Now we’re advanced and on to the next stuff. Which is just working together, pointers here and there and some good random convo. I’m watching these vids again and I’m digging it. I know pretty much every technique you’re gonna say about drywall pretty much so it’s cool to see the efficiency side of it and get to know you a little better

Thank you and your channel for always meeting me at my level of needs😊

Ive been watching both for many years. Im in the same situation much love homie i hope we progress to be great beings.

I first found your channel when I was building a home studio and wanted to learn how to drywall. Your videos have taught me a lot. I never expected this one, but the algorithm suggested it. Your “click bait” 😊 title drew me in and I enjoyed the entire video. Thank you so much for sharing your history and spiritual journey. God bless you and your family.

Thank you for sharing your store. I really enjoy the new format.

Thanks for this. Cheered up an old man. Very good advice. I also appreciate hearing your inside perspective on you tube. You're a good man.

Love the content! Love the honesty! Thanks for sharing your struggles and successes :)

My mistake after listening to till the end ,I like you even more,thanks for sharing that,as someone who has been through similar experience,not drugs related, but learning to believe in yourself when at the bottom is a long and difficult process but building that strength works Religion has never been my path but I am now in my sixties and appreciate that I made it happen

Amazing video! Thank you for sharing your truth as you did your thing. I have been watching your videos non stop trying to complete a DIY office revamp that ended up with some hiccups and your videos have helped me a great deal! I’m on my own now because I kind of fired my husband.. I’m way too critical and would be staring at the walls going nuts noticing the imperfections while creating myself. I too went to treatment shy of 5 years ago. That’s when my spirituality took a huge leap. I can resonate with what you shared. I appreciate the bravery and vulnerability in the real world and good ole RU-vid. Also, thanks for doing what you do on here for us beginners. I found your videos to be the best! Keep being you! Good luck on your journey where ever it may lead.

Amazing testimony 🤍 praise God!! He called you and you answered, it may have been hesitation at first but he is faithful and will not stop pursuing us 😭🙌🏼 I too was an addict and finally realized that I couldn’t stop doing drugs on my own. Treatment wasn’t an option because I was a young single mom, and I didn’t want to lose my son. But my brother was in a Christ centered program called Adult and Teen challenge and was in town visiting, and he invited me to church. So I went and cried the whole time. Went home to take a nap with my son and had an out of body experience dream. I saw myself die and my son found me (in my dream), and from that moment on I knew I needed God. He stood at the door and knocked and I answered and he came in to eat with me (verse from revelation). 😭😭

I’ve been watching you for quite a while, I’ve always enjoyed your videos because they were super helpful to me as a DIYer. But mostly because of the way you presented them without gimmicks. I watched this from start to finish… keep it up, I found it very encouraging… God Bless you

HVAC guys looking at whoever framed the furnace in to that tiny closet like 😩

Thank you for the amazing testimony. I will pray for you every time I walk into my kitchen and look up at the ceiling that the Vancouver Carpenter encouraged me to DIY through your videos.

I am really enjoying these videos man. This one especially. You have so really good thoughts on this topic and aome well thought out opinions. You have a platform to share your faith, do it! Do it well. Do it for the Kingdom. Faith is not the same thing as religion. Religion strangles and kills. It is by grace you are saved through faith, not by your own doing, but a gift of God. Not of works so that no one may boast. It is faith, personal faith and personal relationship. One that cant be explained to someone who hasnt walked in it and one thay cant be transferred to another no matter how much we try. Goos talk Keep it up.

Love the format....keeping it real.

Love you, bro. You are in my prayers.

When I was in eighth grade back in the 80’s everyone was smoking dope. We used to have parties at friend’s houses who had bars in their basements. I went from being an A student in the talented and gifted program to D’s and F’s in remedial classes. But then I decided that one day I was going to meet the girl of my dreams and what would she want with a pothead? So I quit. And a year later I met a really nice girl and we dated all through high school. I should have married her. About that same time I also was trying to figure out what I was. What I believed in. So I studied the Bible, studied ancient history, learned about the early church, went to different church services, and even dated a Jewish girl in college. Learned a lot. But I’ve always admired the Amish and Mennonites for their devotion and simple lifestyle. So now that I’m older I identify as a Mennonite. I’m a software engineer but I live my life simple. No smart machines, no smart thermostats or gadgets, manual tools, push mower, I don’t event have a washing machine or dryer. Wash my clothes by hand and hang up to dry. When my wife ran off to become an alcoholic party girl and I had to raise our two daughters by myself my faith helped me get through the hard times. And now that I’m unemployed thanks to this economy I need my faith even more. Thanks for sharing your story. Faith is different for all of us.

I’ve been a long time subscriber and your videos have always been fascinating.

Thank you for your transparency, which does involve courage. Always have enjoyed your videos, and have learned very much. May whatever transition you face, be guided by that Creator, who does have a plan. The doors will open in His time. God bless you.

I have watched many, many of your videos. I always learn and enjoy them. This is the best one you have done. Thank you for your openness and speaking about your faith. Keep going.