Today, a bit of fun. Many of you don’t know much about me, so inspired by a fellow blogger who wrote a similar post today, I thought I’d share 10 bite-sized insights into who I am.
1) I’m a proud Brit ๐ฌ๐งย although I have Dutch heritage ๐พ๐ชย which makes me feel quite European. My Father is English, and my mother, who passed away in 2003, was Dutch.
2) I have lived in the UK my entire life. I was born in Cambridge, grew up in Abingdon in Oxfordshire, and moved to London to go to university. I have stayed in London since then, though I have moved house many times. ๐
3) In 2007, after a lengthy period of turmoil in my life, I had a breakdown and ended up in psychiatric hospital. During my time in hospital I read the Bible properly for the first time. ๐
4) I have spent time attending Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, and Evangelical churches, which has been a real blessing and opened my mind to the diversity that exists within Christianity. โ
5) I am single, and I live in a flat on my own, which is wonderful, despite my evil neighbours. ๐
6) I have a degree in Commercial Music, and have worked several jobs in the music industry promoting some very well-known bands. I also have a postgraduate qualification in Philosophy and Religion. ๐
7) I used to play guitar in a heavy metal band named ‘Marconi’s Voodoo’. We went into the studio a few times and recorded some EPs though never an album. I still make music and have a modest home studio where I record. ๐ต
8) I have worked for a few different charities and NGOs, including one job where I was a street fundraiser for Greenpeace, which involved trying to persuade members of the public to set up monthly direct debits to support clean energy production. ๐
9) I have written several books, which expound my belief that there is a God who is in control of everything that happens in existence. ๐
10) My favourite food right now is caramelised onion hummus, and I’m about to have some (with a tasty ciabatta) for lunch. Yum! ๐ฎ
Thank you for reading! On this blog I post mainly about philosophy and theology. Want to receive an email whenever I publish a new post? Subscribe below!
The nosy journalist in me is just itching to know the identity of the bands you promoted. Are in the mood for “dishing out?” ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, yes of course! Some of the best-known bands I promoted are Pixies, Prodigy, The White Stripes, Basement Jaxx, MIA, Devendra Banhart, Dizzee Rascal… any of them familiar?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely have heard of the White Stripes, but I’m afraid with the others you really brought out the geezer in me. I certainly would have been on the same page as you if you had mentioned Duran Duran, the Cars, the Thompson Twins, i.e., 80s bands! (Yeah, and let’s throw in Flock of Seagulls and their hairdos!
Thanks for info.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now you see I’m not familiar with the Cars or the Thompson Twins… I was probably a toddler at the time! I thought you may have heard of Pixies as they’re an American band who made quite an impact:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixies
But some of the others I mentioned are UK-based and have enjoyed more recent success ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
All of them except Dizzee Rascal. What a resumeยด! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, thank you, M! I see you’ve been checking out a few of my posts, thank you so much โบ๏ธ
LikeLike
Ditto! Many thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok all of them are great but you promoted the PRODIGY!?! Wow. Props man, you have my respect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL thank you, friend. They used to be my favourite band so it was amazing to end up working with them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have so many talents!
๐ธ๐ธ
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s kind of you Pramegha! But any talent I may have comes entirely from my Creator, so I take no credit! ๐
LikeLike
I appreciate your warm personality! Thanks for sharing. It’s been a pleasure to read your blog and chat with you. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Amanda! I appreciate your kind and humble heart and your great blog ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for giving us a little insight into your world. ๐๐๐ฅ
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, John! I enjoyed doing this. Thanks for reading ๐
LikeLike
The concept of Theology and Philosophy scares me. But I’m amazed at how you know about so many religions yet, keep the faith. Also, I love your blog. God bless you richly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can understand that, there is much to be afraid of in the world’s of philosophy and theology. I have to constantly guard my heart. But I find them to be wonderful and fascinating subjects ๐
Thank you so much for the kind words about my blog, they are really appreciated!
God bless you too ๐
LikeLike
Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loving the emojis Steven ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the inspiration, Rebecca! ๐ค
LikeLiked by 1 person
๐ It’s the little things in life that spreads joy ๐๐ผ
Blessings ๐๐ผ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing so much of yourself. I really enjoyed reading about you.
Sahara.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, Sahara! That’s so kind of you. Thanks for reading and following my blog, I’m really grateful. Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great idea! It is a fun way of sharing who you are in a simple way and I enjoyed finding out more about you. Would love to use it myself – are you okay with others using it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! I’d love to read yours when you’ve done it! I’m subscribed to your blog so I should I get an email when you post it ๐ Have a wonderful day ๐
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing some facts about you. Its a great read ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading! I’m glad you enjoyed the post ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your post are always a good read! thanks for following my blog. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure! And thank you for the kind words ๐
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing, you have given me an inspiration for my next post ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great! So pleased to hear it. Thank you for reading and God bless ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need this hummus!
Great facts to share! I think if people aren’t familiar with your blog this is a great post on an introductory!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, T.R.! And I agree, you’ve got to try the hummus! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved reading about you, and being able to tag along on your journey of faith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate you ๐ God bless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great post, Steven! I loved learning more about you! Sounds like you have had some amazing jobs! Wondering how things are in your current flat. You thought some time ago that you might have to leave. No word on that, I’m guessing… that would be something to be thankful for since moving is never fun but simply a lot of work! Loved this! ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Lynn! That’s very kind of you to think of my living situation ๐ Things are okay. No word yet on getting the ‘assured tenancy’, so I’m still living with the prospect of being pressured to move, but things have gone mercifully quiet for the moment!
Glad you enjoyed the post ๐ Hope you’re having a blessed week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love caramelised onion hummus too. Yum. Nice to find out more about you. All the best
Kristian
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I’m glad you’ve discovered the joys of fancy hummus too! ๐Thanks Kristian!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice to read your bio.
I have always been fascinated with England.. The accent and green countrysides..
When I get rich and cure my fear of flying.. maybe I will see it..
As for now I have been addicted to the Ruth Goodman series ๐
God Bless You!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Mary! Thanks so much for reading ๐ Yes, you’ll have to take the trip across the pond some time, to experience the British weather first hand, haha ๐ God bless you too!
LikeLike
Thank you, Steven. I enjoyed reading the ten fun facts that you posted about yourself. You are a man on a quest, searching for life. God is with you. I crossed “the pond” to London back in 1998. Spent only one week with a friend. Loved it. Always thought that I would like to go back. Be well – Andre
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Andre! Thank you so much for reading my post and for your kind comment. That’s wonderful that you enjoyed your trip to London! I have been across the pond to New York on just one occasion for a work trip ๐ Blessings upon you!
LikeLike
I am very new to your blog and honestly, overwhelmed by how great (I am struggling for a better, non-verbose word) it all is. I’m a philosophy fan myself and I love how you have Ground Rules so that everyone can express their opinions without offense as this is much needed, all over the world really. And the Promote your Blog page as well – genius.
I can’t wait to get started on reading everything you have to say.
I also admire you working for NGOs and your postgraduate degrees in Philosophy and Religion – I am, coincidentally, aiming for the same degree (in Philosophy) later in life. I’m super inspired by your blog, I love debates/discussions about these topics.
In conclusion – I am in awe.
A question though: Why do you say your neighbors are evil? ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Katelynn! Well, I’m super-blessed by your kind comment, thank you so much! It’s a real encouragement to know that you like my blog ๐
The situation with my neighbours is somewhat complicated. The main troublemaker is the guy in the top flat, who is really aggressive and has a cat who he bullies all day long. He’s constantly shouting and growling, and plays really loud music (with the bass turned up) for about 5 hours a day. There’s no reasoning with this guy! And my other neighbour is pretty difficult too, but that’s another story. I don’t like calling people evil but feel at least partly justified in my current situation!
Having said all that, I’m really grateful to be living where I do. There are many wonderful blessings.
I hope we’ll stay in touch, Katelynn! You’re always very welcome to join in the discussions. Thanks again! Steven
LikeLike
I hear you on the neighbor front, the poor cat. It’s terrible but it’s also slightly comical. Best of luck with that as well.
And thank you for the invitation, as soon as I have some time set aside, I’ll be jumping right in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent! The link you left to your blog doesn’t seem to be working. I think I visited your blog yesterday though, if I recall correctly. What’s the URL?
LikeLike
You did, yes!
The URL is allencompassingmusings.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, that’s working. Thanks! ๐ Your theme looks great and I’m going to read some more of your content ๐
LikeLike
I sincerely appreciate that, coming from you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! Your blog is very nice ( I also have a postgraduate in philosophy so it feels very relatable for me)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Shai! That’s very cool that you’ve studied philosophy as well ๐ I wish you every success with your blog and your time in Europe! Keep in touch! ๐
LikeLike
Cool stuff…or should I say cool beans? As in chick peas…those are beans aren’t they? So ya…that hummus sounds rockin’! (Not to eliminate anything else you’ve said…but…this is FOOD!) ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, thanks, Sherrie ๐ I’m now wanting to google whether chick peas are classed as beans or not, my gut feeling is they aren’t! But I’m no expert ๐ Thanks so much for stopping by!
LikeLike
Awesome! Looking forward to get to know you better. God bless you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Katrina! Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful day and God bless you too!
LikeLike
Onion hummus…whoa: methinks I need to try that! I’m in love with the roasted red pepper hummus…that’s ruddy brilliant stuff. Study food at its finest!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes the roasted red pepper hummus is really good, too! You’re making me hungry! The caramelised onion one is still my fave tho ๐ Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Many thanks for sharing these 10 fun facts about yourself with us, Steven! You’ve have a very interesting background to say the least. One of these days I’ll have to try and read your book Ultimate Truth: God Beyond Religion as the title alone is intellectually enticing to me. ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello! Thank you so much! My advice (if you’re planning to pick up one of my books) would be to wait for my new book God’s Grand Game (25th March) because that develops the ideas contained in Ultimate Truth in a more thorough and, I think, convincing way. In any case, God bless you and I appreciate your kind comment! Steven ๐
LikeLiked by 1 person