First post: Winter is here

Hello,

First introductions can be awkward, but since I guess I am probably only talking to myself for now, I will simply say... hey! I love to write and pen my thoughts, and since xanga is now all but obsolete, this will be my new forum/personal journal/rambling space... about God, life in general, and my life.

Its is safe to say winter is here and this weekend was a great weekend to usher in what I guess would be the end of our "Indian summer", a phrase I still don't understand. This weekend one of my best friends arrived back in the states from a stent over in Afghanistan. One of my other best friends also happened to visit me this weekend from Nashville. They both stayed at the apartament and though I was still busy from work and church, it was great to spend time with them again. Especially this time of year. There is something about the cold and the feeling of winter that makes you want to put on the warmth of coats and friends and huddle together in little restaurants to drink coffee and talk. Winter,  I believe, is the season of mystery and nostalgia. There is something about the cold and the feel of it that makes life seem denser. Weightier. It is an odd, but great sensation.

I am also finally blogging because tuesdays are my glorious days off. I had one of the best prayer times this morning that I have had in a long time, and though it is now noon, it is dark outside and still feels early and excusable enough for me to remain lazy in sweat pants with coffee in hand and commence my first blogspot entry. Today I will finally hit the gym again, hang out with pastor, hopefully get some cleaning and errands done, and then go to staff meeting tonight. I wish everyday could be like this. All I know is I am grateful for this life I have been given. I love my friends and family so much. And I love the Lord with all my heart.

For those bored or curious enough to stumble onto this site, I will probably spend much time talking over theology, society, God, and truth - all of which run hand in hand. If anyone happens to run across this, I will say ahead of time that some of what I propose will offend. I am comfortable with that. As long as it is done in love, we should never apologize for speaking what we believe to be the truth. And as long as it is tasteful and intelligent, I welcome comments and disagreements!

I hope anyone reading this has a great day!

Russ