what do i know?

I didn't think this would be necessary to do when I composed my most recent blog, but I now feel strongly compelled to offer a few points of clarification regarding that post. The intention of that post was not to cast judgment or blame on anyone, to insult anyone, or to evoke pity. Unfortunately, not everyone interpreted it that way. I will now provide a quick follow-up in order to address ways that my words or intentions appear to have been misunderstood or misconstrued. My intention in writing that post was to share a very small bit of my story. I have had it in my mind for a while-primarily for my own private purposes-to write a memoir about my life. By nature, this means that there will be events retold that are happy, sad, traumatic, disappointing, triumphant, and joyful. The good and bad that have happened to me have made me who I am, and thus have their role in my story. This story will be written. The primary battle is going to be whether or not it becomes public. I...

I've spend a lot of time thinking about writing a memoir about my life, particularly about my experience growing up poor and in a broken home and then rising out of that. I've even written a draft of an opening chapter. I've been reluctant to pursue it with real energy for two reasons: fear that it would be a waste of time because few (if any) people would be interested in reading it, and-more significantly-fear of hurting or offending certain people based on the retelling of various events in my life. Other than my close friends and coworkers, I don't believe most people really understand the extend to which poverty and dysfunction defined much of my childhood. I'm not going to go into any major details here, but what I would like to do is share a few brief memories to give a glimpse into what I experienced as a child. Maybe if I garner encouraging responses I will pursue writing more. ...   ...   ... Story 1 : When I was in first grade I won a contest I did...

To many people I am still living in the stone age. Many people may be surprised to know this is still possible, but neither my wife nor I have, or have had, a smart phone. On a side note, we also don't have cable. Your jaw has probably hit the floor in disbelief as you're wondering, " How are  you able to survive without a device to constantly look down at and scroll ?? " Well, the answer is that it is quite simple. I do so the same way I did before 5-7 years ago when everyone decided a smart phone was essential for life. So, why do I not have a smart phone? No, I am not paranoid of being tracked, am no simplest-is-best purist, and am not arbitrarily shunning modernity or changing times. Some would consider me frugal (this is what people call others who are not wasteful and/or prioritize saving), but this is not a primary reason why either. The answer is actually quite simple. I don't have a smart phone because I have no reason to buy one.   My phone, which I ...

I'm taking a new blogging direction. I've typically focused all blogging and journaling on spiritual topics. I believe that Christian truths define us as humans and influence every aspect of life, but I'd like to expand my posts beyond that reality. I'm not shedding my faith; I'm simply wishing to record and share additional thoughts. So, nothing will be off limits (except pop culture-so that my ignorance can remain concealed). I may write on random thought tangents, sports, politics, religion, geography, books, philosophy, family, or nearly anything. Some posts will be serious, some will be humorous, and some will be morally neutral. I can't predict where this chaos will go, but hope that I can pique the interest of a few others along the way. Hopefully, my first thoughts will come soon!