My Name Is Stephen…

Posted byFractured Faith BlogPosted inA Fractured FaithTags:, , , , , , , , , , ,

Work has been super busy of late so my blogging has taken a back seat. I haven’t been happy with that as blogging is where my writing ‘career’ took off four years ago. In one sense, that seems like a lifetime ago, but in other ways it feels like only yesterday. Some of you have been there since day one, others are recent followers. Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, all are welcome at FracturedFaithBlog. If only I was here more often myself.

I thought it best I introduce myself again. My name is Stephen Black and I’m married to Fionnuala. We have three ‘hatchlings’ as I like to call them: Adam (19), Hannah (17), and Rebecca (14). Oh, and not forgetting Charlie the border terrier. We live in a little village about 20 miles outside Belfast, Northern Ireland. I work in Belfast and have recently taken up a new position in my organisation. Which involves lots of pressure and long hours. And less blogging.

There’s no consistent theme to my blogging. I tend to write about what’s on my mind at any given time. I also try to keep my posts short and snappy. I find long blog posts are a struggle for many. So I try to make my point and move on. I also always try to reply to anyone who is kind enough to comment on one of my posts. It might take a day but I will get back to you. Honest. Communication is a two-way street, after all.

But that’s enough about me. Many of you will know this already but I thought a new blogging momentum called for a re-introduction. I’ll try to blog regularly from now on, so please feel free to leave a comment and let’s get talking. I’m hoping my fifth year on WordPress will be a lot more active than the previous one. Some say blogging is a dying art but I’m determined to stay true to my roots and keep the dream alive.

Published by Fractured Faith Blog

We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca. We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised. But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all. We hope you enjoy the blog.

67 thoughts on “My Name Is Stephen…”

  7. Don’t sweat; I have taken on more responsibility with my new job. It is a matter of balance. I now get up earlier than before I can edit my book. Write a blog post. Late at night, I watched TV, and during the commercials, I post on social media, all the while saving time for my loved ones. I take Sunday to rejuvenate.

    Thank you, Karen Carnahan Author http://www.KarenCarnahan.com

    ________________________________

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      1. It is about a fifteen-year-old girl in our world, living with whom she thinks is her mom. Well, when blue sparks with electrical bolts⚡coming flying from her fingertips, she finds out her whole life has been a lie.
        El meets her birth parent to learn she is the Princess of the Elves and the Fairies. They are keeping her identity a secret to keep her safe. Now in her world, she has to learn everything as quickly as possible, so no one knows she hasn’t been elsewhere.
        Her powers are too strong for the Wizard, so he recruits a dragon to teach her. As the Wizard watches the two of them, he figures out she is the Dragon Fusion and believes the dragon is who she is to bond with to get the rest of her powers. The fact she is so young, the dragon refuses to do anything until El is ready and willing. They believe that this is the only way to save their lands. She won’t be with anyone that she doesn’t love with all her heart. Will her new world plummet into chaos?

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    1. I’m afraid not, Padraig. A combination of work/family life and a fatigue that has knocked me for six. My wife thinks I might be suffering from long COVID even though I never tested positive. A short walk now leaves me exhausted. It’s frustrating but I enjoy checking out your progress on Strava.

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  11. Really entertaining read! You sound like a very well spoken and down to earth guy, and I appreciate that😁
    Also, that is the first time in my life I’ve ever heard someone refer to their children as ‘hatchlings’, that kinda made me chuckle a bit haha

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  13. I’m reading this post and like how honest you are about how tough consistent blogging can be. I’m just dipping my toe into blogging and it’s tougher than I expected. I have a friend in Belfast who went to Ulster University.

    Love from Hawaii!

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  16. I too think that long posts are kinda hard to read, Stephen. My word count per post varies from 800-1000 words, so you can guess. I’m planning about posting shorter content from next

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  18. Hello from New Zealand, here’s to an active year of blogging thats better than the previous one 👍🏻

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  19. Hi Stephen! A pleasure to know about you . Congratulations for the five years of blogging .😊
    I am new to this platform . And I’ll also trying to keep my interest alive as long as I can.will you not mind, writing something about how to start blogging. It will help me a lot.

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  22. I’m new to your blog. Hi. My name is Sajida. I’m Lebanese American. I’m married and I have a 6-year-old son. I’m a stay-at-home mom but I’m trying to become a freelance editor. I have a podcast on Anchor and Spotify where I convert my blogs into podcasts (not my real voice as I keep my face and voice hidden). I have also published 10 books on Amazon so far, between poetry, autobiographies, and self-help books. The content in my books is not in my blogs but has a similar style.

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  25. Stephen, have loved reading your blog over the years. You are an amazing writer and your authenticity shines through.

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  26. It is nice to re-meet you Stephen. My name is Hamish, a thirty-something writing and musician who lives in Wellington in New Zealand. Know I am still writing, and working towards getting my first book published, and seeing your blogs, and your updates with your books keeps me energised to keep going.

    Ka pai on getting back into the blogging sphere! It is always good to read your writing, my friend!

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