As I was Saying....

8 days gone, 20 miles traversed

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:25:00 +0000

One of my resolutions this year (birth year) is to run 1000 miles. So far, after 8 days, I’ve traversed 20 miles. “Traversed”, that’s an important word. I should have clarified this in my resolution, but in resolving to “run” 1000 miles, I do not force every step to be a run. My goal is basically to travel 1000 miles during time periods that I’ve set aside for “running.” So far, most of my steps this year have been in a run, but they are not exclusive.

I’m on target, and as my Half Marathon training continues, my miles/per/week will increase. I’m also hoping the coming spring weather will make running a bit more pleasant. I’m not concerned about the immediate, as much as continuing this habit over the next 12 months. Keep me accountable :-).

New Year Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:12:00 +0000

It is a sobering thought to think that today I begin the year of life in which it is speculated that Jesus gave his life. Today, I am 33. In reflecting on the life of Christ, I am reminded of how far I have to go. May this year be another year of growth: another year of growing closer to the path that God lays out in His Word for His followers.

Today, I start a new tradition of setting my New Year Resolutions. Sure, many use the opportunity to do this as a new calendar year begins; but I think it is more personal and apropos to do so as I begin a new year of life.

Before I get to the details, one would immediately notice that these goals are mostly physical. That does not mean that I don’t have spiritual goals; however, my spiritual goals aren’t changing today. Furthermore, I want all of these goals to fit the SMART philosophy of goal-setting: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. I believe my goals will fit these criteria.

Sleep less – bring my avg sleep to 7hrs/night or less.
Run 1000 miles – (preferably in my Vibrams, or barefoot; preferably outside), roughly 2.75mi daily avg.
Read 10000 pages – roughly 27.5p daily (I do not include devotional Scripture reading here)
Complete the 100 pushups challenge.
Complete the 200 sit-ups challenge.
Complete the 200 squats challenge.
(Optional) Complete the 25 pull-ups challenge (this is assuming the timely nature of the challenge being posted).
Write 100 blog posts.

I’ll begin completing #8 by elaborating on each of these at some point in the (hopeful) near future.

Finally, I am now accountable, having put my goals in print and having set a timeline (i.e. February 22, 2011).

Are there enough words?

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:21:00 +0000

You'll need to be my "friend" to see my Facebook status today, but I thought I'd provide a little back story. I have a slight addiction, I'm a bibliophile. I love books. I've written before about my love for Half-Priced Books. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to visit McKay Used Books in Knoxville. While there, my mom came across Reading the OED: One Man, One Year, 21730 pages.

It was while perusing the pages there that Mom pointed me to some selections that I was able to incorporate into my vocabulary today. Although the book was priced at half of retail, it was not yet to the price floor that I wanted. Thankfully, I can read most of it through Google Books. This is not my first literary collision with the OED. A couple of years ago, I was fortunate to read The Professor and the Madman: a Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester. It was a fascinating read.

I love words. I love etymology. However, I'm reminded by a song we used in worship this past week: Let My Words Be Few (written by Matt Redman). The good news is that we don't have to be the master of any written language in order to talk to God or worship Him. It is the thoughts and intents of the heart that God looks at. It is childlike faith not plausible words of wisdom that reach the throne. So, in one sense, there are enough words. At the same time, as conveyed by MercyMe, "I cannot say enough about You."

That's my concluding thought; however, I thought I'd pass along the deals that I did score:
Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels - $2 (I've read this excellent book, I snagged this as a giveaway).
Making Room For Life by Randy Frazee - $2 (another pre-read giveaway)
God is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg - $0.75 (I've read others by Ortberg and am sure this will prove to be a great value).
Roaring Lambs by Bob Briner - $0.75 (I'd eyed this before and couldn't pass up this price)
Simply Christian by N.T. Wright - $2 (My theology does not align with Wright, but he's an excellent thinker. I'd considered picking this one up for retail; this is what I will consider as my best "find" of the day.)
One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook - $4 (Kerry is the pastor of one of the largest churches in America and I've heard great things about this text)
My Life on the Run by Bart Yasso - $4 (the only secular book from the list, but I want to constantly revive a passion for running and hoping this helps.)

Not So Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:28:00 +0000

Matthew 6:16-18
¹⁶ And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ¹⁷ But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Fasting is an often neglected discipline by today's believers, in spite of the fact that Jesus assumed his hearers would fast ("when you fast"). I've personally found great personal reward through fasting and try to make it at least an annual discipline in my life. The start of a new calendar year is an ideal time to begin a fast. There are several books written about fasting and it benefits; I simply want to give some personal experience insight.

Why I fast:
Spiritual:
I don't fast because I am a highly spiritual person. In fact, it is just the opposite. I find that I need fasting in order to get my life back on the right track. Fasting is a cleansing and purifying process that can bring clarity to my spiritual condition. It brings to the forefront the issues in my life I need to deal with. I replace my temporary dependence on food and depend on God instead and the strength He supplies. I began my fast this year on January 4 (for practical reasons, I did not begin on January 1); in addition to my daily readings on YouVersion.com, I'm re-reading John Piper's Why I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy. Fasting, for me, is like hitting the Reset Button in my life. It is a fresh start.

Because I know some might think it, especially having read the Scripture above, but "doesn't going public about your fasting negate the spiritual benefits ('they have received their reward.')?" I don't feel this is true, and it has not been my experience. The Pharisees were fasting intentionally "to be seen by others." For me, fasting is inevitably going to be seen by others; so instead of disguise my fasting with deceit (making other excuses for why I'm not eating), I've found it valuable to be honest. In today's culture, fasting is less likely to make people think you are more spiritual, and more likely to make people think you are weird. I pray that my motives are sincere in that I fast for the reward of the Father.

To take it further, "That's what you may say, but isn't it going a little far to advertise your fasting in a blog post and on Facebook and Twitter?" A good point that I've wrestled with. However, if you knew a secret that could make other people's lives better (e.g. the Gospel), do you keep it to yourself? In this case, my "going public" is with the motive of discipleship and instruction. I'd love to start some conversations that would see people's spiritual lives re-tuned, revamped, and revived as a result of fasting. I would love to encourage others in their personal spiritual journey.

Mental:
Fasting also has many mental benefits as well. In the beginning, this is not the case. Initially, your body is having to wrestle with the release of toxins back into the blood stream which can bring fatigue (physical and mental) and a "cloudiness" to the mind. Focus isn't always easy. There can be an increased irritability with friends and family, which relates to the physical processes going on as well as the spiritual revelations. However, after the first couple of days, a significant clarity is experienced, the "fog" will be lifted, and hopefully an improved mood.

Physical:
There are obvious physical "side-effects" to fasting. It is not wrong to fast solely for physical benefits. The most obvious benefit is weight-loss. It is not unusual to experience a couple of pounds lost per day in the first couple of days. Overall, I find my weight-loss to be around an average of a pound a day. I also find that my net loss after recovering from a fast tends to be half of what I initially lost (i.e. 1/2 lb per day).

In the first few days, there will be a significant decrease in energy. I try to get increased rest during this time. Your digestive system will shut down, this will enable rest and healing to begin to occur throughout your body. There will be a detoxification taking place that will ultimately result in higher energy in the later days of the fast.

My rules:
There is no biblical prescription or rules around fasting. There are several examples of biblical fasting and variations. I believe we have liberty in this area to fast in a way that would benefit us. I very my "rules" at different times. Typically, I like to start out with water only. If I find my energy dropping too low, I may resort to juices. It is important (for me) to stay away from proteins or anything that might really engage my digestive system. I want to give my body as much of a break and limiting non-water intake is important. If the point of your fast is mostly for physical benefit, then the "rules" become more central. However, if you are seeking spiritual growth, the concessions are not as important, as long as you keep the right perspective and focus.

How long can you fast?
This is, of course, a better question for a licensed physician. However, it is much longer than people think. Consider that at the beginning of a fast, you have a day or two's worth of energy stored through food consumed in the previous days. Once your body exhausts that supply, it will begin to break down fats. Body fat for a "normal" man is between 15-18%. Honestly, when I started, my body fat was in the 20+% range. This is a combination of subcutaneous fat, fat that is found on the outside of the body just under the outer skin layer, and visceral fat, the more unhealthy/dangerous fat that accumulates around the body's organs. My starting weight was 203. Considering that I had 20% body fat (although it was certainly higher), I have 40lbs of fat on my frame. A pound of fat renders approximately 3500 calories. Assuming that with the slow-down of activity and metabolism that is experienced through my fasting, I expend a liberal 2500 calories a day; I could go up to 56 days before my fat supply would be exhausted. I should note that it is unhealthy to have 0% body fat. The body is smart to use stores of fat before it begins breaking down other (e.g. muscle) tissues.

My longest personal fast has been 14 days. I did not stop because I was hungry; I stopped because I knew it was time. From my research, once your hunger subsides, it will not return until your body reaches the point of starvation. It is at that point that the fast should be broken.

A new perspective on food:
A several points in time throughout the first few days, I realize that I could easily be satisfied by much less food. Cravings are decreased so that I could be satisfied by much more ordinary food. I don't need the Chinese buffet, I'd be happy with just a bowl of rice. I don't need a candy bar, carrots would satisfy. If I do well, this perspective continues when I break the fast. Having killed many cravings, I can be much more sensible in how I fuel my body.

I'd love to start a conversation with anyone about this topic, their experiences, or field any questions. I'd also encourage anyone interested to do more research. There is a lot of information on the web (mostly secular), but I'd recommend Piper's book, A Hunger for God.

Daddy is smarter than Mommy

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:59:00 +0000

This morning as we were discussing Annie's school work, Rachel (aka Mommy) said, "You need to have Daddy help you with this homework. Daddy is smarter than Mommy." Now, I believe that Rachel was simply trying to "pass the buck." It is true that I should be helping Annie with her homework more often. However, I replied, "Do you know why Mommy says that Daddy is smarter? [Annie does not know...] Because, Daddy married Mommy, and, well...Mommy married Daddy." So, if that isn't proof enough, I don't know what is.

Google Voice / Blackberry Storm / GVDialer

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:39:00 +0000

Point 1: I used to have a severe case of Smartphone Envy, that was until I became the proud owner of a Blackberry Storm. The iPhone wasn't an option, because I'm pretty sold on Verizon [VZW] (mainly due to In-network calling, because the majority of my family uses VZW. Not to mention, they have great coverage). When I upgraded to the Storm, I also ported our home number from a VOIP line to VZW's Add-a-line, because I was not ready to surrender the number, and it is less than $10/mo. to keep the number active (I also got a 2nd Storm with a BOGO deal).

Point 2: I've been a GrandCentral user for a couple of years (prior to the Google Acquisition). GC is now Google Voice [GV]. I had not made use of many of their features, but we want to eventually replace our home number with the GV number. Now, the additional phone has been set to forward to our GV number, which then rings both of our mobile phones. In addition, this lets us put some filters on the numbers to limit spam, and the voicemail transcription has been pretty cool.

Point 3: VZW has added a new Friends & Family option that permits me to add 10 numbers for unlimited calling to our current Family Share Plan. At this point, our GV number is one of those numbers. I can now call my GV number (initially for voicemail purposes) without concern of minutes used.

Point 4: The loophole is that GV permits me to make an additional call from within the GV menu. The call would appear for all VZW's intents and purposes, as a call to my GV number, and therefore free of charge. This requires a little bit of extra effort, but if I know it will be a long call, it could be worth it.

Point 5: GVDialer takes all the work out of it for me. After installing GVDialer, when I select a contact from my address book or punch in a number to dial, I am given an option to call via GVDialer. It is one-touch dialing from there, the app does the rest to connect my call. I've only made a few calls using the app, but I am pleased thusfar.

This has the potential to totally revolutionize my voice communications. I'm stoked.

Happy Birthday Josiah

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:56:00 +0000

Today was a fun day around here. It was Josiah's 4th birthday. He has grown to be such a sweet boy and a great delight to have (most of the time). For those who are "friends," Rachel has done a great job posting to Facebook. She's also done well to keep our Family Blog up-to-date.

We opted to take the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge 2 weeks ago in an attempt to celebrate Annie and Josiah's birthday. We did this in lieu of throwing a public party for the two of them.

I started off today with a trip to the Y-Express. I got back in time to see Josiah open his T-ball set. Then I showered and headed to the chiropractor for my first (ever) massage. I returned home to begin working for the day. After Annie came home from school, we headed to Toot's for lunch. After lunch I came back home while Rachel and the kids headed to Chuck-E-Cheese to play some games.

One Hundred Pushups - Week 1, Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:56:00 +0000

Today I managed the 5 sets: 14, 19, 14, 14, 12. The final set was supposed to be a minimum of 19, continually leading me to think that I'll re-do this week. I am, however, pleased with the progress.

One Hundred Pushups - Week 1 - Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:08:00 +0000

Although it is listed as Week 1, day 1, I am on the Week 3 day 1 schedule. I was supposed to do sets of 12, 17, 13, 13, min 17. I was struggling on the last set of 13 and pushed out a max of 7 for the final set. Maybe I should have started on Week 2's schedule. I'm happy at this point and will continue on the Week 3 program. Worst case, I repeat the Week 3 program next week.

One Hundred Pushups - Initial Test

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:53:00 +0000

I scored well on the initial test...I guess. I popped out 24 pushups.
Per this page:

More than 20 push ups? I would suggest starting the program on Week 3. Choose either Column 2 or 3 based on the number of push ups you managed in your initial test.

So, I'm starting on Week 3, which is fine because it gives me a 2-week buffer if I don't finish a week like I should. I'll be using the free Logger tool to keep up, as well as trying to post my progress here.

One Hundred Pushups

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:55:00 +0000

This is a re-post of an entry over at my church blog. I've modified it slightly for here.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. - Mark 12:30

If you are like me or the typical American, you've likely made some New Year's Resolutions. Odds are also great that you've already fallen behind on these resolutions. Here's a chance to re-up the ante and join me in a physical challenge.

I came across the Hundred Pushups Challenge several months ago. I started week one and got distracted. A secret to success in arenas of this nature is accountability. Here's my going public with this challenge and inviting you to join me.

A couple of months ago we learned about HD Living. One week in that series was focused on strength. It is important that we maintain healthy bodies. I believe there is an extreme in which physical health supersedes spiritual health; but more common is the lack of concern for our physical well-being.

I plan to start the 6-week program as posted at the Hundred Pushups Challenge Website beginning next Monday, January 19. If you're game to join me, drop me an email or post a comment here. I hope to post consistent updates here.

A Geek’s Daughter

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:16:00 +0000

We celebrated Annie's sixth birthday this weekend (Jan. 3). Tonight, Rachel was at WalMart trying to pick of goodies for the gift bags Annie is supposed to take to school tomorrow for her classmates. Rachel called me and asked that I try to have Annie list off (for memory) her classmates, so that Rachel would know the correct number of gifts for boys and girls. Annie did a great job coming up 3 short of the 19 names.

What was most humorous to me was Annie's intial comment when I told her what her mother had requested:

Dad, you just go to WWW Annie's School dot com. They probably have a picture of my class and a list of all the kids' names.

Creative 404's

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:35:00 +0000

I came across a creative 404 (page not found) error page on Digg this morning. It made me wonder what other sites have creative 404s. If you come across this post, feel free to pop an entry in the comments and I'll add it to the list.

Here's a start:

http://www.orangecoat.com/404 (via Digg)

http://patterntap.com/404

http://homestarrunner.com/systemisdown.html (not their actual 404, but creative nonetheless)

http://homestarrunner.com/404 (their actual 404)

http://www.lookitsme.co.uk/404_me

Black Pepper Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:41:00 +0000

One of my favorite places to eat is our little "hole-in-the-wall" Chinese buffet - Super Wok. What keeps me coming back, again and again, is the Black Pepper Chicken (BPC).

I used to be (and still am to some extent) a General Tso's chicken fan; however, it is BPC that currently holds my affections. When eating BPC, I like to start with a heavy layer of white rice, topped with some pork fried rice (for flavor), and a healthy dose of BPC. I've tried BPC at other buffets, and they just don't cut it.

We've ordered the BPC as take-out on a number of occasions, but I prefer it on the buffet; because Super Wok also has the best Crab Rangoon I've ever tasted. Toss in chicken on a stick, topped off with a Chinese doughnut and a fortune cookie, and you have the makings of a fine meal.

If you ever pass through the South Lebanon/Maineville area, you need to check out Super Wok.

Burn Notice

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:34:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I saw that Burn Notice was returning on July 10. Unfortunately, I did not mark the date. So, I missed the season premiere of season 2 last night. Fortunately, USA now has full episodes online (brought to you by DirectTV or Blackberry...on the two occasions I've started the episode this morning).

If you've never seen Burn Notice, it is James Bond meets MacGyver in Miami. It is a serial, action dramedy. It is good enough to be on network television. With the lull in summer programming, Burn Notice is a note-worthy addition to your line-up (of course, I'm not advocating more TV watching, stop watching all that reality garbage and watch something fictional...or should that be the other way around?)

Technorati Tags: Burn Notice,TV,USA Network,dramedy

Just for Fun: Edit any Web Page

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:18:00 +0000

I suppose I really don't have a chance at this year's election due that that whole not 35 y/o issue. However, I can still manipulate the news. Hey, you can too. Just drag this link to you bookmarks toolbar: Edit this page.

[via Digital Inspiration]

Technorati Tags: fun stuff,fun

A Productivity Hobbyist

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:57:00 +0000

I'm not a GTD freak; I've never read the David Allen classic. However, that does not isolate me from being a Productivity Hobbyist. My fascination with lifehacks and shortcuts is very much on the level of a hobby. It is certainly not out of necessity. If I were to spend as much time doing work as I do reading about how to do it quicker, I would get much more done. However, when it comes down to the deadline and getting things done, I can usually (due to my hobby) zip through a list of tasks with ease.

My hobby is not entirely in vain. I've been able to stay ahead of many of my more knowledgeable co-workers when it comes to workload, simply because I've discovered tips, tweaks, and hacks they haven't.

I'm quick to give up any secrets. As soon as I come across a piece of information that I think is valuable, I want to share it with someone else. I want to constantly be a learner and a teacher. In many respects, I want to be a filter. I'll read 30 blog posts a day on productivity, and I'll pass along 3. Not that the content of the others wasn't valuable, but I'm intentional when I forward the 3 filtered posts.

My productivity hobby is primarily centered in the world of technology. In the coming weeks, I'd like to discipline myself to actually post about some of the tools that I use and how they make my life better and more productive.

I'm counting on you.

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:20:00 +0000

Blogging again?

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:09:00 +0000

I've been on hiatus since January. I've already re-entered the blog scene through http://blog.journeyky.com. I've written a dozen posts (mostly drafts for the future) at this point over there. I'm going to try to pick up posting here.

The hardest thing is to start again. I know I don't have any readership at the moment, so blogging is really just a practice that benefits me. I do hope to stick to it, and maybe I'll gain a reader or two.

I think that if I knew I had people reading and subscribing, then I'd be more faithful with it. I don't seem to mind letting myself down, but if others are involved, I think I'd be more committed.

So here's to getting over the initial hump by actually posting an intent to return. You'll hopefully be seeing more in the future.

Fasting - the one week mark

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 04:13:00 +0000

As this evening closes, I've completed a full week of fasting. At this point, the hunger has almost completely subsided. My energy has picked up quite a bit. I think this is due in part to getting over the initial slump, but I must also contribute my growing energy to adding more juice to my diet. I've added between 2 and 3 8oz. glasses of juice each day. I've picked higher end juices from Odwalla. I've noticed better mental clarity, and overall I'm feeling very good.

My fast remains open-ended with no set conclusion. I will simply stop when my willpower gives out.

The basic purpose of this fast is to recharge my self-discipline. As I see it, fasting is one of the greatest challenges in discipline that I've ever experienced. Completing the fast is an encouragement to myself that I can master my passions. Other challenges in discipline that I will face will likely pale in comparison to what I am experiencing currently.

Custom Favicon

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 04:17:00 +0000

Did you notice the new custom favicon? I whipped that together this afternoon over at http://favicon.cc.

Nathan Mabry ||

http://nathanmabry.com

A New Year's Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:36:00 +0000

I've fasted a handful of times in the past. The last time I fasted was during the first week of 2007. Throughout last month, I had been contemplating a recurring fast for the beginning of this year. So far, I've completed 4 days.

Some have asked, "why fast?" The answer, for me, is to help me start off the year in a better spiritual, physical, and mental direction.

From reading and experiencing, I can say that the first few days are the most challenging. I've managed to keep myself hydrated and have avoided the usual headaches (mostly from caffeine and sodium withdrawal). I cannot, however, distance myself from the exhaustion and dizziness that accompanies this phase. I usually take the steps two at a time but not today. The hunger today has not been too bad. Typically, after the third or fourth day, the hunger almost completely subsides. Mentally and spiritually, there are eventual benefits, but initially there is a struggle with irritability and grumpiness. I think I've done better coping with these symptoms.

I've left my fast open-ended, that is, I have no determined end; I will continue until the time feels right to end it. I intend to share some more of my experience in the next few days, touching on more of the benefits I have and hope to experience. I also intend to address the question that some raise about making your fast public.

All things new

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:59:00 +0000

Happy New Year! I love the "new" in new year. I love new months, new weeks, new days, and all things new. "Why?" you may ask. My love of newness comes from my tendency to screw up, because newness implies freshness and the opportunity to begin again.

Consider resolutions. There is no law, actual or imagined, that indicates that resolutions only be made at the beginning of a calendar year, but the beginning of the calendar year invites the opportunity. Habits can begin to be formed at any time, but it is encouraging to know that we can get a fresh start.

I'll be the first to admit my mistakes (some of them) and my past failures, but failure for me is a daily thing. I am by nature a selfish person, and it is something I wrestle with constantly. Here are some questions I would want to be able to answer "yes," but I cannot honestly do so:

Am I as patient a father as I could be?
Am I as attentive a husband as I could be?
Am I as dedicated an employee as I could be?
Do I follow God as closely as I should?
Am I as wise a steward of my time, finances, and abilities as I should?

It is a new year, and a new day and I have an opportunity to change the direction of my life. It does not erase past failures, but it is a reminder to be better and more diligent in pursuing these goals going forward.

Happy New Year to you, and may you have a fresh outlook on life and the motivation to set goals and pursue them more passionately.

Jonathan Edwards' on Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:47:00 +0000

I've made some New Year's Resolutions, and I will be sharing more about those in the days to come. Today, however, I offer you the opportunity to reflect on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions. These were not for a specific year, but this was a list that he continued to compile over his lifetime. I'd like to say that just one of my resolutions is as profound or deeply spiritual as his, but that is not the case. As you may discover, mine are mostly typical. Simple or complex, resolutions are good, but they are best when actually applied and kept. The key is to aim high and make yourself accountable.

As I was Saying....

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year and welcome to my blog. This is not my first attempt at blogging, but this year, I really want to make more of a habit of it. By habit, I mean at least once a week. One of the greatest challenges I've had in preparing to blog is "what should I title my weblog?" I finally settled on "As I was Saying...." This is a phrase I find myself employing on a regular basis, mainly because of my attempt at multi-threaded conversations.

When it comes to conversations, I have a tendency to stray off topic. It is partly a blend of my ADD and my general love of knowledge. As I am talking on one subject, I'll say or think "that reminds me of...." At this point, I will stray to a totally different tangent on an entirely different subject. Don't begin to think that the first tangent is isolated. It is likely that I will stray again and split off a second, third, or fourth time. However, my gift lies in that I typically close each thread before the end of the conversation. As I reverse through the tangents, I will remember the path that took me down each rambling and come back to sufficiently close that topic of conversation until I finally end at the original subject.

As it relates to this weblog, I want to have some general areas of focus: technology, theology (matters of faith), philology (general love of knowledge), and efficiency (i.e. life-hackology). Notwithstanding, tangents are allowed. However, you can be certain that "As I was Saying...." will eventually resolve to one of these main foci.