My name is Jonathon A. Willis. I enjoy the pretentiousness brought by the use of a middle initial.
I am a reluctant member of the so-called generation "X" (God help me), and espouse very few, if any, stereotypical viewpoints, beliefs, and political platforms of said generation.
I am a Christian - although I would certainly prefer the moniker of "A Disciple of Christ" - since the word Christian has unfortunately become a term that has little to no meaning in the current climate of our society. (More on this in a later blog entry.)
I am, by trade, a professional musician, which oddly enough is also a term that has little to no meaning since the very thing I produce has little to no inherent value in today's society. (Also another topic for future blog entries.)
I love my family - dearly and with all my heat and soul. My wife and three children are my lifeline. I've been with my wife for over half of my life, and I've yet to hit 40 years of age. She is my best friend, my true soulmate, and kindred spirit in all things. She is also my biggest hero and the true backbone that keeps our family humming along on all cylinders. (I know, pretty corny, isn't it?)
I enjoy bass fishing and smoking fine cigars, often at the same time. In fact, I've been dutifully involved in a wonderful weekly meeting of like-minded fellow disciples of Christ going on five years now. We began as a Bible study, and have evolved into a "Life" study over the years. We enjoy a cigar together, and in fact call ourselves the "Holy Smokes Band of Brothers". (That ought to get the legalists' proverbial panties in a bunch...)
As to my "religious" leanings, I would consider myself a reformed Southern Baptist. Since there really is no such thing, I guess Calvinist would do just as well. I don't particularly enjoy the label of "Evangelical" or "Christian Right". I do believe that God is sovereign in every way, and therefore He's pretty much going to do what He's going to do. I strive then to live a life that glorifies God with a servant's heart, constantly seeking his will and direction.
Politically, I would like to think I'm a staunch conservative. I used to be able to call myself a Republican, but I have no earthy clue what that even means anymore. (Many blogs to follow on this particular subject.) In short, I guess I would perhaps embrace a more Libertarian view on most things. The more our government would get out of everyones lives, the better things would be for everybody. Ok, then, call me a Federalist if you prefer. I hate labels.
So what to expect from this blog? Well, do me a favor and keep your expectations low so that I have a fair shot at appearing to be somewhat intelligent, or at the very least provocative. I have no answers to anything, but I'm pretty sure I've got an opinion for everything. I don't like to name names, but I'm also not above doing so. At the end of the day, this is an outlet for me. For those of you who are so willing to spend a couple of minutes once or twice a week, be assured that I'm likely to make you laugh, offend you, make you angry, perhaps even tug at an occasional heart string from time to time.
So if you don't much care for me, there's a really good chance you'll HATE my blog 8-)
(And yes, I promise that's the last smiley you'll every see from me!!!)
