Conversations do take place ...

And it's not just husband and wife who differ on who started the conversation ...nor what is deemed relevant.

No, it's not as relevant how the conversation begins ...as how it proceeds.

And with Twitter, Facebook, or Blogs ...everyone can join the conversation, much more than a mere conversation among a circle of friends.

When we are together with friends, we have much opportunity to observe the reactions of others ...and to consider whether we think they have understood our intent or meaning of what we've said.  I try to make it as clear as possible here ...though there is no feedback, unless I 'link' it to Facebook or Twitter.

I know there are other ways to join conversations through the internet, but they are al most always people I don't know ...and who are a times a bit unhinged.

If the person knows me, then I have at least a beginning ...as usually the person knows me enough to know where I'm coming from. or what I mean (even in spite of my often clumsy writing).

And if the person is like-minded to an extent ...or if we have a common reference, well, at least we can refer back to that common point.

I am a Christian ...so, often my common reference is the Bible, what it says in entirety, and what it says about Jesus.

It seems that we look differently ...well, let me give an example. With our children, we often say we expect more out of them ...than perhaps children we are not our own.  This is not to say we are more judgmental, it's just that we know what we have told them, therefore we know what we expect from them after we have established how many acceptable times it is that we say something before we think there should be consequences.

Likewise, in a way, I guess, we expect more out of more educated societies than we would from ...with no disrespect, more or less uncivilized cultures or societies.

Yet, there seems to be a divide ...which in a way may be also a sort of bridge.  This is in reference to how we are educated.

I've heard many people comment how they think it's wrong for missionaries to go to other nations to intrude upon them with their ideas and perceptions upon how they should live.

I personally don't know of any missionaries who force people. Perhaps you may think a dangling carrot is the technique they use ...offering food and medical supplies to get the people to come.

Yet, isn't that sort of like what the internet has done??

People who are against missionaries, often do not believe in what the missionaries are saying.  Well, I often don't believe what the media or news is saying ...and I see slants and deceptions, yet I still watch the news, not to isolate myself from what is going on.

You may ask ...how does it help me, if I don't believe it??

Well, for one, it helps me understand those of you who do believe it.  And in understanding that, it helps me with how I approach our conversation.