I'm afraid to ask

[greybeta]

The sixty people that I have friended so far help me realize things that I would be otherwise ignorant of. It's easy to think you're right until you're challenged to think for yourself. Per usual, I seek people who can help me in my quest to become a better writer in both content and style. I really like how I get all sorts of opinions on things that I wouldn't normally get, and I hope that I do the same for others.

Typically, I don't like to ask questions but I'm a rather inquisitive guy. I saw this on correspondguy, who got it from the talented yuki_onna. I'm afraid to ask, but I ask you to ask...

The problem with LJ: we all think we are so close, but really, we know nothing about each other. So I want you to ask me something you think you should know about me. Something that should be obvious, but you have no idea about. Ask away.

Then post this in your LJ and find out what people don't know about you.

Comments

[cindmouse.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'll give this a shot here ...

Judging from a recent post, you are a Christian. And I praise God for that.
My question? ... Are you of any particular denomination and what are your personal feelings about the various denominations within the Church?

I'm NOT asking for an opinion on who's right or wrong or anything like that.
I AM seeking your personal insight on how the overall aspect of separate denominations factors into the Christian Church as a whole.

Wow! I feel like I'm being extremely nosey, but you asked ... ;-)

[cindmouse.livejournal.com]

BTW, something that circulated a few weeks ago among the circle I travel here on LJ was to make a list of "50 Things You Might Not Know About Me" and post it on your LJ. Made for some real interesting reading and certainly went a long way in getting to know people just a little bit better.

You can find mine on my LJ at 10-19-04.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

I'm a Southern Baptist. As far as denominations go, I think there are many ways to serve the Lord (1 Cor 12:5). But I also think there are too many denominations in that a group of people leave a church because they don't like a certain teaching of Christ, so they start a church that's more comfortable for them.

[cindmouse.livejournal.com]

That's interesting ...
I originally come from a Baptist background too, though not Southern - more independent. Mixed with a little Methodist too - Mom is Baptist, Dad is Methodist. But I attended the Baptist church mostly as a kid, visiting the Methodist church with my Grandfather on occasion.

I THOROUGHLY AGREE on your viewpoint of there being many ways to serve the Lord. And I also agree there are too many varied "denominations". The whole aspect of the word "denomination" stands for DIVISION. A sincere desire of my heart would be that we Christians all - despite our varied interpretations of God's Word - could all just simply see each other as just that ... Christians - followers of Jesus Christ. As long as we believe in/on Christ, the minor differences in doctrine really shouldn't matter all that much cause all they are are "man's" interpretations. God's Word doesn't change.

Thank you so much for answering that question.

[cindmouse.livejournal.com]

Oops ...
BTW, forgot to mention that now I'm non-denominational, just plain ol' "CHRISTIAN".

[gentleeleos.livejournal.com]

You have said you want to get into local politics. Which I commend (even if, politically, you and I disagree, I commend your willingness to jump into the fray to make the changes you see as necessary). Have you thought about how you want to pursue that goal? And where you ultimately hope to end up with it?

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

Well, first I want to get my doctorate in history. Eventually, I'll get involved in local campaigns, to see how elections and campaigning works.

If I stay in politics, I want to end up as a foreign policy advisor of some sort. I don't think I'd like to be the front man.

[correspondguy.livejournal.com]

Okay, what kind of history?

And aren't you one of those icky applied science types that make me feel so stupid?

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

I want to get something either in American History or Southeast Asian studies. Whatever history it is, I definitely want to specialize in Vietnam.

Oh yeah, I'm one of those strange dual majors in electrical engineering and history. It's rather awkward, but I'm good at math and happen to have a good memory. I probably won't be able to graduate with both in four years, but I defintely can get the engineering degree in four years. Then I'll apply to history grad school (this case has happened, where a grad history program accepts someone who did not major in history).

[happydog.livejournal.com]

maybe you can help me with this. Since you are in electrical engineering, I am hoping that you know about soldering. What is the best way to learn how to solder? It drives me crazy.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

I can tell you what they did to teach me. They had a lot of old PCB's (Printed Circuit Boards) and random resistors around our EE lab. Before they would allow us to solder a circuit, we had to practice soldiering resistors to old circuit boards. It took awhile, but I finally got the hang of putting forming a cone shaped sodder. The trick is to rest your hand against the table (otherwise your hand will be shaking holding the soddering iron), and look for a little smoke and pull away at the right time.

[happydog.livejournal.com]

aha...so it's (a) look for the smoke and (b) practice. This is good. Thank you!

[iceofpluto.livejournal.com]

Ok, I wasn't sure how to say this, but you've mentioned your parents, yet I don't think I know anything about them at all. So, I guess, tell us something about your foke's.

[iceofpluto.livejournal.com]

Stupid not enough sleep. I meant folk's not foke's... *wanders away sleepyly*

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

My dad graduated from the South Vietnamese Military Academy in '75, and not a month later South Vietnam fell. My mom was a teacher at the time.

[Here is a long boat story that I'm saving for a long post when I'm in a more introspective mood].

Now my dad works as an extrusion technician for a plastics company that makes parts for refrigerators. It took him awhile to become supervisor because of his poor English, but they finally sent him to school to learn what he should have learned. On the flip side, my mom works as a clerk for a different plastics company that makes parts for refrigerators. She speaks pretty good English because she taught English when she was in Vietnam.