I know I know it has been a while. It
certainly feels like it from my end. I planned on writing several blogs last
weekend following a political awareness one that got me reading far too much
news than was healthy. That was one of the few outlets of boredom I had while I
was "away" for a few weeks. The ability to logon and read boundless or hit up the bodybuilding forums has been
my mental outlet of some sorts. Under further investigation of my own motives
for blogging I think it is because I like to argue and teach.
I recall the first stages of my
plugging into the web when I was in high school. It had a period of life that I
would hang out in the religious or philosophical chat rooms to discuss topics;
I gave those up because I was constantly reaching a point of futility in the
chat rooms. It is not easy to have a real conversation with anyone when there
are multiple conversations about other topics; it is just rather chaotic in
terms of practical communication.
The next step in my mass form of
communication came in the form of forums. I think depending on the year I was
involved heavily with at least two forums, my gaming clan at the time and bodybuilding
forums. Each forum offered areas that we could discuss elements in line with
the give topic, such as the game of choice, or something about bodybuilding and
the like. In addition, those forums also had the infamous Misc. section, which
the topics are usually relationships, religion and politics. Knowing me I can
get wrapped up into those conversations very easily. In which the duration of
much of those discussions and debates will cycle through the most common
controversial issues.
In those years I typed my heart out,
I think they were valuable learning experiences. One of my primary joys of
discussing/debating beliefs is because one does not truly know something well
until they can explain or defend it. Perhaps it was a slight joy of teaching
that I had not yet recognized at that time, but I enjoyed it a great deal. Granted
I doubt I converted a single person or lead anyone directly to Christ in those
forums but I know I presented the Gospel and biblical principles in such a way
that some people had to re-examine themselves and their thinking.
Then there was that period I was
disconnected from the internet. It wasn't a difficult thing in certain terms, I
adjusted. While I was in Basic Training, I studied the Bible with a depth and
devotion I long to repeat and continue. With what little time I had to myself I
was very conscious about how to best use it. Often I think I ended up mailing
my study notes to mom for communication just so she could know I am doing okay
or what I was thinking about. I can't remember what exactly my outlet was when
I was in Arizona. I recall having lots of chapel activities to take part in and
volunteer, but as a whole the intimacy level of the Christians I fellowshipped
with was not that deep. Perhaps it was in the conversations I had with my
roommates. I really can't place a finger on my thoughts at that time.
I get to Germany and find there is
very limited internet access. In addition to that, the spiritual isolation was
something fierce; I had not expected it to be so cold and dark spiritually. There
was emptiness surrounding me constantly. Between the lack of single Christians and
adapting to socializing with the young married Christians nearby, I started to
blog. You can look down and see my quick progress from writing about things of
minimal importance before I dove in heart first and just started writing.
So here I am still writing, less
frequently but still writing. I continue to try to keep it balanced with issues
of the heart and soul more than issues of the mind. Upon getting internet in my
room I went wild, getting back into the video games, the forums and myspacing
like I have just been cured from an eating disorder and was at a buffet. Earlier
this weekend, and it is not the first weekend, I spent a large portion of time
in the debating section of the bodybuilding forums. You know, share the word
again. The years I was absent the site has grown and provides a myspace like
atmosphere in addition to all the previous services it offered when I was just
a forum member. I can even blog there, but those are called bodyblogs, so I am
pretty sure those are meant for blogging that has to do directly with fitness
issues.
Yes I did get into that scene as
well, this is my
bodyspace if you want to take a look. It is fairly new; I don't know
how many blogs I'll keep going on that thing. Part of me getting back into
bodybuilding, as I have lamented frequently as a whole I think I was in better
fitness condition as a civilian than I have been since I joined the army. Something
to encourage my commitment to the right diet, regular gym attendance and the
proper lifting schedule is to read up on the material. Very similar to how to
be a more committed Christian among some parallels that apply. Just as we can
read the articles, scripture and practice it in our lives, so are the choices
of the bodybuilding lifestyle/hobby. I have personal gains I would like to
return to, mostly because I feel like I have been lazy for the past two years
not pushing myself physically in the right direction.
It was this weekend in particular
that I squandered the majority of my Saturday having some debates in the forums
that I was clearly hit with a sense of pointlessness. The setting of the forum
is rather shallow. It is great for getting quick answers to quick questions
from various sources. To carry on a discussion like "How can Christians be
happy in heaven, if they have family in Hell?" or "Rant about people
who don't believe in evolution" is far beyond the ability to discuss such
topics effectively. This is where the last 2 years have really contributed,
mainly the books I have been reading. There are many books that answer all people's
questions, to give a detailed response in the form of a forum post people most
often don't read them because it is too much reading. The same thing goes with
links with evidence or statistics to back up our arguments. The forum
atmosphere is not the appropriate place to have in-depth discussions.
On the flip side it is a decent
place to get used to criticism and start to get familiar with the different
through processes of people around. This brings me to my ultimate appreciation
for the blog. Granted on my blogs I would always appreciate more feedback than
I usually receive, the ability to control the "discussion" and have
the complete atmosphere for writing an in depth topic is very suiting. I can
make these as personal or private as I like. I choose to keep all my blogs
public because I want to share with the "world" the things I learn
and experience. Granted I know the chances of a random person reading this is
unlikely, but it is possible. It is more possible to encourage and have a
discussion in blog form than in any forum I have found.
