I occasionally enjoy taking some time to read blog posts. Most of the time, I have a personal interest in the author: a family member, friend, acquaintance, someone with a common interest, or maybe there's a humorous point to the post. Sometimes, I come across posts after doing an Internet search--no shameless plugs for the leading search engine here. Occasionally, I get a post forwarded to me from someone else on a certain topic. However, I don't typically go searching for blogs.
Blogs are an interesting medium. They can provide a simple way of communicating news and notes with others, without being as restrictive in characters allowed like the various social media outlets. They allow a form of expression that can be very cathartic, although it can at times become nothing more than mental diarrhea.
Blogs allow the author the possibility of a global audience, be that a good or a bad thing. They also provide a forum for anonymous blathering, complaining and outright libel, the latter being a subject many seem to care very little about anymore. I could go off on how anonymous comments on forums, media stories, etc., drive me up the wall, especially when they are fraught with spelling and grammatical errors--written as I re-read this looking for the same. "Now, I don't want to get off on a rant..." Thank you, Mr. Miller. I'll refrain.
So why would I start a blog? Good question. I've often thought it'd be a tad egomaniacal to think I have something to say that others would find worthy of reading. Perhaps I am. I often think about random subjects and realize that writing down said thoughts can help with clarification. And, as the blog title denotes, I foresee my posts being very stream of consciousness--insert snarky depth comments here. However, writing it in a public forum such as a blog would allow opportunity for feedback and critiques from those who might have thoughts on the same topic. But, for me, there's a more specific reason.
Over the past month, I've been attempting to form a good devotional habit with a few friends by working through Wayne Cordeiro's "Life Journal" reading plan. A key part of the plan includes keeping a journal that allows for meditation using a SOAP methodology (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). Take a small portion of the Scripture read that day, write down observations about it, determine how one can apply the Scripture/observation to one's own life and finish with a prayer to ask for God's help in doing so. There's only one problem. I hate journaling.
Now, hate might be a strong word, but I've never really enjoyed writing. I dreaded writing papers for school. Give me a test over a paper any day, except for an essay test. The one class that required a daily journal to be kept made for a long semester (my wife may claim some form of mental/verbal communication constipation as the reason I don't easily share my thoughts). The disdain for writing wasn't because I did poorly on papers; I typically received good marks. In fact, I take a bit of professional pride in my written communication abilities. Nevertheless, it's not a pleasure for me to put pen to paper or fingers to keys for a specific, scholastic assignment. So, again, why blog?
From the FAA's Aviation Instructor's Handbook, I know that application is the third level of learning: Rote, Understanding, Application and Correlation. Now, I'd like to think of myself as a lifelong learner. Seeing that learning is a change of behavior as a result of experience (also defined in the AIH), I figured I should be purposeful in trying to establish this new habit. I also thought the use of a blog might be good from an accountability standpoint with my devotional mates. Additionally, I can see the benefits of being able to look back on how God was working in my life at a particular point in time. And, despite my limitations, He might even be able to use my random thoughts to speak to someone else.
So, here's my first post. Please watch your step around this spot for mental regurgitation. I won't promise frequency or quality in any entry. My posts will at times be random. I doubt they will ever contain earth-shaking content. I can't promise piety, pithy ponderings or possible solutions for the world's problems. Why blog then, Kyle?
I hope I just might learn something along the way.
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