Why was this page created?

  Blogging is popular because it gives anyone the ability to make their presence known on this monolith we call the World Wide Web. Given that I am a computer geek by trade myself, I decided it was time to throw my hat in the ring back in 2005. I suppose I'll keep it up as long as I feel inspired to continue.

What does the title of your site mean?

  It's based on what I consider to be my "life verse" of scripture, found in II Corinthians 4:8-9, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." I have fallen many times and have been faced with a choice on each occasion: stay on my face, or get up and learn. I have chosen the former more than I care to admit, but have managed over the years to embrace the latter on a greater level. This site struggles to make sense of facing difficult odds, whether by self-sabotage, forces beyond my control, or the unseemly conduct of other human beings.

Is "Perplexed" about anything in particular?

  Most pages like this are often of a personal nature. For example, some use it as an online diary. Others prefer a more political forum. Hence, this page isn't too groundbreaking or different in that respect. I tend to incorporate more of an "all-purpose" approach. Although it has matured largely into discussions of issues pertaining to the body of Christ, this site is primarily devoted to the things I often think, usually feel, have always believed, or have come to know. Consequently, this encompasses many facets of life, not exclusively those of a spiritual nature. I will always say what I think, with the iron-clad guarantee that not everyone will like it. I may choose to post quotes or lyrics I like, or similar material I have written myself. And, of course, we'll have a fair amount of fun as well...people who know me well know I'm all about the humor!

How often is this site updated?

  I will try to be as regular about it as I can, but no guarantees. At times it could be daily, three times a week, or five times a month depending on how busy I am or if there's anything of interest I feel is worthy of a post. I've provided a way for you to be notified by email whenever a new post is generated, to avoid having to check back over and over for fresh content. Just enter your email address in the Page Updates section. Then, whenever new material is added, you should receive an email saying so.

The order of the posts doesn't make any sense.

  You might be making the common mistake of reading from the top down. The posts are listed in chronological order, with the most recent ones first. That means, if you want to read the posts in the order they were written, you'll need to start from the bottom and work your way up from there.
 

Hey, what's up with editing/deleting my comment/post?

  Anything posted here becomes the property of Perplexed; and as such, I reserve the right to make corrections to, edit out or totally delete any content I see fit. But this particularly applies to comments containing slanderous, racist, profane, or otherwise offensive content...without warning or explanation! This is something that will be done with great care, meaning very seldom, unless I feel it's necessary.

Are you one of those people that talks politics a lot?

  Politics has become increasingly inflammatory and divisive over the past few years. I have always appreciated the quote, "There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the cold hard truth." I believe it's time for intellectual honesty and critical thinking to return to our way of life. And it is life that's examined here: that of society as well as my own. Politics is but a small subset of existence and is treated as such by me. Whatever I explore within these pages will be approached from a biblical, Christ-centered perspective. Take care not to automatically assume that such will always favor or alienate your favorite position on "the issues". Jesus did not allow Himself to be placed in an idealogical box...and neither will I.

Hold on...are you saying you're a Christian?

  Apparently I am! I accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, God, and King at the age of eight...the person, not "the faith". As you might imagine, a lot of hatred has been directed at my segment of society. Unfortunately, it has been deservedly so in many cases! Yes, I know other belief systems and "lifestyles" have faced their share of grief...don't bother leaving comments to remind me on this. The particulars of how I approach this thing called faith will likely surface as we go along here.

We're not going to be bombarded with every mundane detail of your pathetic life, are we?

  Not at all. I am somewhat of a private person and generally do not prefer to air my laundry, dirty or otherwise, for all to see. A good rule of thumb I use and recommend is, if you would not be comfortable with your mother or grandmother reading it, it probably shouldn't be posted. That's not to say I won't share any details...I will simply be more judicious than most in considering what, of those things, would be stimulating, thoughtful content for the reading public.