(See menu at the top of this page for more blogs. [plus the wife's site]).
There are several threads that run throughout my life: Christianity, Music, Literature, Movies, Computers, and Sports. Most of my interests fall into one of these areas. You can also find me on twitter as @memdude.
I've been programming computers for a long time. I wouldn't say I'm an expert by any means, but I'm smart and can get things done. I've got experience with Java, C++, and I'm spending more time with python, Objective-C, and PHP. I've worked with SQL databases, and I find NoSQL datastores like CouchDB useful.
Early 1980s Mac OS.
I'm not much of a photographer, but in the age of digital photography you don't have to know much: just point and click. Add some Photoshop effects and you can even alter reality to what suits you. I use Picasa as a way to keep photos stored online. Take a look at my photos here. Or just browse interesting photos from their featured photos page.
Coffee in Downtown Memphis.
Music is the most powerful art form in the universe. In fact, it may not be "art" in the manufactured sense, but a part of our spiritual nature. It doesn't matter if you like Mozart, The Beatles, or Miles Davis. The great musicians tap into something that resonant with our humanity.
Some of my earliest experiences involve music. Listening to my mom playing piano, learning how to play drums, then piano, and banging out chords on a guitar. I like a lot of types of music, but at the end of the day, I usually venture back to rock music.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
I've enjoyed reading books for as long as I can remember. For me, it's like taking a vacation in your mind. You can read for pure enjoyment(e.g. John Grisham), or you can tackle a more demanding work(e.g. William Faulkner). Either way is fine by me. I'm not a literature snob. Non-fiction is great as well.
Faulkner's typewriter.
I started reading the Bible around twelve years old. I didn't understand everything I read, but I did manage to connect to what Jesus was trying to communicate.
To me, Jesus made a path for anyone wishing to have a future with God. He taught about this path through his words and actions. He explained what God was looking for in people, and he made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could "connect" easily to God.
It's a shame that here in the U.S. some religious groups have used Jesus' teaching for their own agendas and political views. But don't let that deter the real message:
Jesus told her, I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die." --John 11:25
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.
