Starting a Blog?

I feel so excited to begin this journey, and I'd like to share a little bit about who I am, what you'll find here, and why I'm doing this.

Who am I?

I hate to disappoint anyone, but for the most part I will be operating anonymously. A couple details about myself I do feel comfortable sharing are:

• I am an 18 year old college student, studying philosophy and classics

• Some of my interests are: writing, reading, playing guitar and banjo, and camping

• I currently play water polo at my local Junior College, hence the name, Between Pools and Pages

• My goals post college are to attend seminary and become a pastor, although I would consider doing doctoral work in the future

• A few of my heroes are: my dad, Gavin Ortlund, John Frame, J. I. Packer, Sinclair Ferguson, John Murray, and Arthur Pink, along with my own wonderful pastors who will also remain anonymous.

Why write and publish anonymously? For the most part, I'm actually very self conscious of sharing my work. I love it and pour myself into it, considering it a reflection of my heart and mind. I guess sometimes it's easier to stand in the spotlight when you wear a mask. My other concern is that I am easily disposed to pride (a prideful 18 year old man? Who ever heard of such a thing??) I hope that by remaining anonymous, I can labor honestly in communicating the beauty of the gospel and topics concerning it, without my own vanity coming in the way. Considering it now, it may be self-defeating to claim humility, perhaps a humble person would never have started a blog in the first place. Whatever the case, this is the course I have decided on, and I hope to use this opportunity to glorify the Lord with whatever gifts he has bestowed upon me.

What Will You Find Here?

For the most part, that honestly remains to be seen. Most of my writing comes from personal reflection on Scripture, apologetics, and philosophy, which I stumble upon accidentally each day. I'll do my best to post consistently despite the business the fall has in store for me. A safe bet would be, sermon-style Scripture reflection, thoughts on philosophical issues, and perhaps even a little poetry (prepare to vomit).

Why Am I Doing This?

Believe me I ask myself that most days! I've already communicated at this point my love for The Lord, and for writing. But love requires effort and care, so I sincerely hope that this will be a place where I can earnestly interact with people of all different walks of life. I hope to receive constructive criticism from anyone kind enough to offer it, although I would humbly ask that you be gentle, and bear in mind that I am only 18, and have never done this before.

I hope and pray that my writing will be irenic! It saddens my heart to see brothers and sisters in The Lord lash out at each other constantly, more than anything I hope to address topics in a way that is loving and Christ-like. I also hope that even in my youth, I could write with godly wisdom, and I ask that you would keep me in your prayers as I learn and grow.

I hope that in doing so I could facilitate peaceable conversation between all sorts of people even in, and especially in disagreement.

I am also motivated by a desire to become a better communicator of the gospel specifically, but of many things more generally. Perhaps in doing this I will become a better writer, and a better representative of Jesus.

More than anything, I strive honestly to glorify God. I am filled with awe at His goodness and mercy, I seek only to do this in thankfulness to Him.

Closing

Friend, if you have providentially stumbled upon this, may God bless you richly. I hope you enjoy what I have written. Please pray for me.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Between Pools and Pages