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| Hi all. Beautiful song as my background. Sappy maybe, but not too sappy... but if you're not into that sort of thing, don't bother. Otherwise crank up the speakers, lol. I substitute 'February' for 'December,' but it's a song about waiting for your daughter to arrive. I thought it was timely.
So how are you guys? Long time no post from this kid. I don't get on to post much anymore. I actually wrote a post sometime in the middle of January, but I reconsidered publishing it and, well, it's not there. Basically, I was talking about how it is stories that are important, not lectures. And I am certainly guilty of instructing where advice was not requested, both in my xanga posts and in my conversations. And for that, I am sorry. Here's the core of the post, as I think it's relevant, and I believe I still need to say it:
"The catalyst for me learning this was something I read in a book, something along the lines of (and this is paraphrased) “stop thinking about the Bible so much as a collection of principles and rules for living, but as a collection of stories of how different people walked with God in different situations. In times of peace, this is how I walked. In times of war, this is how I walked.” And so on. Stories. And it clicked. For a long time, I’ve been, often without realizing, preaching to people instead of just talking with them. Did this come from love? A lot of the time, yes. Doesn’t mean it was good for anyone. And finally, I realize the right way to do it. I think  . I mean, first of all, I shouldn’t be preaching at people, period. Secondly, and more relevant to where I’m going, it’s stories that matter. Tell a story – let people make their own conclusions, take their own advice. My favorite computer review site, hardocp.com, will do a 30 page review of a product, and then they won’t give it a rating (no 10 point scale, no stars, etc.). They present their findings, and the reader is left to make his or her own conclusions on how good or bad the product is. It’s my stories that really matter. My beliefs, my opinions – these are all things that anyone can argue with or debate about, etc. But nobody can argue with my actions – my story. Can I, like anyone, misinterpret a certain event in my life? Of course! But I hope you all get what I mean. Eric seems to be well ahead of me on this. He very well may be guilty of preaching sometimes (nothing comes to mind, but I don’t pretend to remember everything he’s ever posted), but everything I can remember reading of his is just him telling his story. He talks about his life. And I, the reader, am left to draw what inspiration – if any – that I would like to take. And for that, Eric, I thank you – for setting a good example for me. And I thank everyone else who already writes like this – you are all an inspiration.
Going forward, I commit to do my best, both in my writing and my conversations, to no longer preach at people. Ask me a question, and of course, I will do my best to find an answer if I do not have it already, but I will try not to preach. I do want to share some of my life with you all – many of you being my closest loved ones. Boundaries are crucial, of course – if I ever cross one of yours, please tell me – and I will not be spilling my guts in this forum – there is a time and a place (and that place, for me, is NOT xanga, lol). I want to share with you about myself – the changes going on inside of me (such as this post). I want to share about my family (Brittany and I are doing great – Livia is very healthy, and she’s almost here – yay!), my job (going well – I’m learning a lot) – my story. We all have our stories. I look forward to hearing more about all of your stories. Linda, Mom, Dad, Brittany, Eric, Kienan, Wendy, and Livia – I love you all (hopefully a non-offense ordering of the names? I’m trying ). You are all in my family, and you all have already played big roles in my story. I appreciate all of your love and support. Carry on  . I’m trying to learn how to be a better son/husband/friend myself, and hopefully you will all reap some of the benefits of that."
And that's probably enough for now. If any of you have computer related woes, let me know. I know a little something something on the subject, and I would be happy to offer what assitance I can. I will keep you guys posted about my daughter. She'll be super awesome... trust me. Her room is basically finished... which is the upside of 'nesting' syndrome, or whatever they call it. Thanks Brit . I need to go get an oil change. So good times. And great oldies. Fox 97.
Much love ya'll.
P.S. - Shameless plug! If you haven't already checked it out, go to Eric's myspace.com page and listen to "Wild Girl." In a few words, Ben Folds wishes he had written this song. It'll roxor ur boxors. Whatever that means. Keep in mind that this is done with a cheesy PC mic and an Eric soar throat. And it still rocks. And such. Here's a link. I think. Bya!
http://www.myspace.com/ericstetsonmusic | | |
| (Note from here on out or until notified otherwise: whatever song I post as my 'curently listening' is likely set as my background music, so if you're interested in hearing it, go to my site! If you're not, just read the e-mail, or turn down your speakers! Fair warning to both groups. And no Switzerlands allowed here. Even though they make great chocolate.)
Hi everyone. It's been a long time - life just keeps me busy I guess. I've wanted to post this for well over a month now, so maybe it's too late, but maybe it's still better than never. I wanted to unconditionally apologize for the two very long posts I made a few weeks ago. Not only were they VERY lengthy, but they really were not intended for most of the people who subscribe to my blog - "most" being members of my family. So, for sending a very long e-mail to all of you that really was not meant for any of you, I apologize. I think I somehow wanted to take 'credit' or something for all that I had written, so rather than directly post a comment on the blogs of those that my post was intended for, I posted it on mine for all the world to see. That said, I am sorry for my pride, or whatever that was. The posts were didactic, to say the least, and none of you should ever be forced to put up with my preaching (although I am accepting volunteers ). I really am very sorry for offending anyone, and I will be sure to consider my audience in future posts.
In other news, I accepted a very much needed big raise (yay!) and I will be moving in to the East Lake apartments on Roswell road in late January along with Brittany, Livia, and Smudge. Yes, I think we are going with Livia instead of Liviya. Slight difference, I suppose. I think I am becoming a cat person. Smudge and I have really bonded. My job is going well. I learn a lot every week - sometimes every day. Studying for A+ has gone slower than I initially thought - I just haven't taken the time to do it as much. I am on chapter 8 - about a third of the way through. A lot of it is useless trivia, and 95% of the useful information I already know because I've been doing it for years. It's slow reading, but at least it's a subject I'm interested in. I am excited about the books I will read after this, as I am sure that I will learn a lot from them.
Dad and Linda - your Christmas letter was very sweet - thanks for the mention and for sending it out to me in the first place. I love you guys. Stay warm this winter as you readjust to the cooler climate you were once both used to. I imagine that next year will be easier .
Eric - I need some Italian soda. Gimme. You have a warrior's spirit, and I admire it more and more as you mature day by day.
Wendy - I'm proud of you. Keep fighting.
Mom - Thank you for starting to treat me like an adult. I am trying to do the same in regards to you. Sorry for not working on it more soon.
Kienan - You're insane. Let's hang out some time!
To my radiant wife whom I love more than I ever thought it was possible to love: Thank you for bringing color to my formerly black and white life. I can't remember how I ever got by without you. I will love you always - and that's a promise I plan to keep.
And to my shining star, the only one who could possibly take over that place in my heart, to my baby girl, Livia: I'm madly in love with you, and I can't wait to meet you face to face.
Love to you all. You are all so very important to me. Let me know of anyway I can give back to you guys. You all give to me most everyday - it's the least I can do. | | |
| A very happy birthday to my one and only bro. See you Saturday. More in my comment on your site.
Happy birthday to Michal up in Montreal - good to hear from you again... though I suppose you don't use xanga. So I wasted 30 seconds. Ah well.
By November next year, I hope to be A+, Net+, Server+, MCDST, and MCSA certified. That probably didn't mean anything to the majority of my readers, but that's okay. They are all IT certifications that will help a lot in my career - although I may not learn a whole lot, the certifications make other people believe that I know what I do, which can be just as important as actually knowing what you are doing (enter many college degrees). I would love to go back to Kennesaw (or somewhere else?) one day, but for now I will do this whole certification thing. I have an 1100 page A+ book in front of me as I type - I'm sure I'll learn something.
Take care you guys. And Yo-Yo Ma playing Bach's 1st Cello Suite rules. And it plays smoothly on both my work and home PC's... so to any having problems, I'm not sure as to why or how. Oh yeah - learn about the Fairtax. It's awesome, it's realistic, and it's bipartisan. Great times. Read and it and you'll probably learn a whole lot about economics that you certainly weren't taught in high school... or likely college, for that matter. Highly recommened, humourous and to the point. Goodbye for now. | | |
| A quick post.
So I'm paying $3 a month for a Gig of storage space for fun stuff like, oh, whatever music I want to be my backgroud music. Which is all fine and good. So Wendy or Eric - lemme know if I can hook you up. It might cost you. 10 cents a month! MWAHAHAHAHA......... and that goes for the rest of you, too! Maybe a quarter even! Buyer beware!
Anyway, I have found out that you have to be using Internet Explorer and have Windows Media Player as your default player in order to hear the background music. I have read that Quicktime works for Firefox, but as of yet I have been unsuccessful. So Kudos to those Mozilla guys for making a more secure browser, but unfortunately, in the interest of security and order, if you will, the Firefox browser lacks some of the freedom that goes along with IE (although, of course, this makes IE less secure). So what's the better browser? I guess it depends on your politcal philosophy... or, whether you favor freedom over order.... or security. Yeah. Anyway, seriously, anybody let me know if I can host a song for you. And if you want like a whole bunch of space for a player or something (cough Wendy cough cough) that can probably be arranged for the preposterous price of, say, a dollar a month for 350 Megs of storage. Good times? We'll see. Love to all.
And God bless the nerds. | | |
| Hi Mandi. Though I thought it was implied...
Addendum to my November 4th post:
Just because someone says they are a christian does not guarantee that they 1) Have any spiritual authority 2) Are filled with the Holy Spirit and/or 3) Are actually a christian at all (christian being defined as - according to C.S. Lewis - someone who believes the basic principles of the bible). I am only specifically endorsing, in this particular post, C.S. Lewis and John Eldredge. Of note, I do not automatically accept everything that either author writes, as I am 1) not a fan of blind faith and 2) sure that each of them have written of some beliefs that I do not share and/or are not necessarily 100% true. Neither one of them are God, after all - we are all merely human. However, I do believe that the aforementioned authors did/do have the influence of the Holy Spirit as they write, evidenced by the deep sense of intimacy with God they both frequently relate to in detail.... not to mention my own personal discernment, which isn't exactly scientific proof, but it IS good enough for me (most of the time :) ).
As for doing whatever the elders of Israel say, etc., I do believe Paul writes of those put in authority over us and how we should submit to that authority, as it is established by God (Romans 13). However, rather than at this time getting into a big discussion about things like gentiles believers now having plenty of spiritual authority (and being spiritual descendants of Abraham, etc.) and how this was always in God's original plan (case in point - Melchizedek the King of Salem, priest of God Most High (El Elyon).... where in the world did he come from? He wasn't Jewish.... there was no Israel yet.... he wasn't one of Abraham's descendants at all.... the Levitical priesthood had not even been established yet... and he was a Priest-King? Huh. Genesis 14:17-20. Good times.), I will simply state that scripture references are always welcome and always preferred.
I would be happy to discuss theology with you anytime, Mandi, even in this public forum, for all to see. It is only to my benefit, and hopefully to the benefit of you and others. If you argue a point that challenges a belief of mine, it is only to my benefit, for several reasons: 1) it's a great excuse to get into the Word 2) it's a great excuse to have conversations with my new sis-in-law 3) if in my research I conclude that my original point was either correct or mostly correct, it solidifies my faith and increases my knowledge - anytime we study the Word we should come out of it changed, after all 4) if in my research I conclude that I am wrong, then you just helped me out a great deal, as whatever belief you challenged was a load of B.S. (Brittany Stetson)..... whatever that means.
I have heard through the grapevine that you once posted that no one in the messianic movement has answers for you, or something like that - however, I will go out on a limb here and say that I, yes, Adam Stetson, all of 22 years, have the answers for you, and I am also in the messianic movement. Well, I'm sure I don't have all of them at the moment, but I commit to always doing my best to find them for you, to the best of my ability. And on that note, I submit that there is not a single contradiction to be found between the old and new covenants (and it is a new covenant - see Jeremiah), and that the whole Bible flows wonderfully, perfectly, and seamlessly. Arguments to the contrary are welcome from anyone - Mandi, or Kienan (heh, that would be fun), or anyone else interested , and I commit to do my best to resolve any issues that are brought up.
Love to everyone. Especially to Linda and Eric, who could really use some lovin'.
Platitude of the day: "Emotions are the voice of the heart, to borrow Chip Dodd's phrase. Not the heart, but its voice. They express the deeper movements of the heart, as when we weep over the loss of someone we love, or when we cheer at the triumph of a son's team at the state championships. The mind stands detached, but it is with the heart that we experience and respond to life in all its fullness." -John Eldredge | | |
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