Well, I've finally given in and started one of these blog things!

I've always been into gadgets and toys, but I've resisted "blogging" because I have a feeling that it's addictive and somewhat self-indulgent. However, having said that, I also have to admit that it may also be very therapeutic - a kind of 21st century 12-step program.

My motivation for keeping this blog is that I hope in some way that it may help someone else out there who is dealing with the same questions about life, and who might be where I have been and appreciate hearing about my experiences. Then they can either avoid my mistakes, or, perhaps, find some guidance in finding their own way.

I'm an Eastern Orthodox Christian, or at least, as I write this, on the path of conversion to Eastern Orthodoxy.

For most of my life I've been a spiritual seeker. I've been a member of nearly every religion there is - most recently a Jodo Shinshu or Pure Land Buddhist. I had turned my back on Evangelical Protestant Christianity about 12 years ago. I felt it was missing something that I needed. Although I knew in my heart of hearts that there was something special about Jesus, it seemed like most of the denominations were failing to live up to His model. I found that in all the religious paths that I followed Jesus was always recognized as the perfect example of that particular path - Jesus was a Bodhisattva, or Avatar, or Special Prophet. As I studied each of the religions I found that although each contained elements of truth - they all pointed to a higher source of that truth. For example, in Pure Land Buddhism, Amida Buddha is identified as one of many Buddhas that appear in time as manifestations of Dharmakaya, the spiritual body of the buddhas, their true nature, which all buddhas have in common. As much as I tried I couldn't help but see this as just another way of trying to describe the nature of God - the creator of all things that is beyond the comprehension of His creation. Other religions have a similar concept.

I won't go into all the details in this post, but let me just state that when I became aware of Eastern Orthodox Christian teachings through the writings of the saints and fathers of the historical church, it was if I had found the box lid to a jigsaw puzzle that I had been struggling to put together all my life.

As I post to this blog I'll try and share a little of my story and findings, and I'll share life experiences of my journey into Orthodoxy. Stay tuned as I find my way through life day by day by the grace and power of the Lord Jesus Christ.