I just started this BLOG. I have been writing email for about twelve years. I started out in 1995, with a political campaign, but as these political contacts passed and others have developed, I have gone from writing about a candidate, to writing about social topics and current events, to philosophy and theology, which I studied in college (in the late 70's, but mostly early 80's - I just turned 50), and even science, which I've read a bit in.

I named the BLOG "Stranger In A Foreign Land," because 1) That's how I've come to feel in the contemporary world. My thinking doesn't seem to be exactly like anyone else's. I admire people for their character. Perspectivally, I'm no one's follower, today. I want to be a follower of Jesus. But, other people who follow Jesus will view things a little differently. And 2) The Bible describes people who went out as strangers; sometimes "peculiar people." Sometimes, ,people seem to see my thoughts as "peculiar."

Though for the first time in several years, I have taken up supporting a (reasonably) recognized political candidate, and I'll no doubt be saying things about him, I don't want to make this BLOG just a campaign BLOG for Mike Huckabee. If I want to do that, I'll start another one. But, I do recommend you read, listen, and see what you can of him, on the web. There are links to television appearances at Huckabee BLOGS, and a lot of video of and about him on YouTube. Now, he even has his own page, there.

No doubt, things will strike me or play on my mind that I have to discuss. But, aside from those thoughts about social or philosophical matters, some people (not me) will find it more interesting if I discuss more of my own life. Perhaps that will add perspective to some of my other thoughts. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993. That has brought some surprising and unpleasant things to my life. But, it's nothing that merits complaining, compared to the things I see other people face.

I'm not in the process of dying. I have a loyal family. They are three assertive people: so that makes four of us. My children's four grandparents are alive and in our city and we see them regularly. MS? And, yes, there are other problems, too. But, I can easily feel guilty about how much I have. And, the older I get, the more I know that I didn't earn it.

I have to retire, for now. But, I'll be back with plenty of thoughts for discussing or scratching your head over.

LarryPerrault