User:Jakebelder
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[edit] Introduction
My name is Jake Belder, I'm 25, and currently residing in Casselberry, Florida. I am a Wikipedia-addict. It's the first place I run to for quick information on any topic.
To find out more about me, you can visit my blog, café de soirée.
[edit] Biography
I am Canadian, and was born in Toronto, Ontario, on February 12, 1983. At the age of seven, I moved north of Toronto to the small town of Bradford, Ontario, and at sixteen, left Bradford to move to Hamilton, Ontario. My family's ancestry is in The Netherlands, and can be traced back there as far back as 1750, though beyond that it is uncertain. It is most likely Western European, though there is some possibilities that it is Northern European. I hope to spend some time in the future researching this to figure it out.
I graduated in 2006 from Redeemer University College with a B.A. in the humanities. I recently married my beautiful bride, Robin, and now reside in central Florida and am studying at Reformed Theological Seminary, working towards a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. Robin works as an accountant. We are members of the Presbyterian Church in America. I hope to complete a Ph.D. in church history and historical theology, possibly focusing on the Italian reformer, Pietro Martire Vermigli, or on some topic in Eastern Orthodoxy. I hope to teach at the university level in due time.
[edit] Interests, et. al.
Theology. One of the main reasons I'm in seminary. I was raised in the Reformed tradition, and am comfortable calling myself a Calvinist. My understanding of that is still being shaped (and likely always will be), though I firmly hold to the basic fundamentals of what it means to be in that tradition. I maintain a special interest Eastern Orthodox theology and history, and more recently Peter Martyr Vermigli.
History. My big number two interest. I particularly enjoy the study of American history, especially the period surrounding the Civil War as well as the settlement of the American West. I am fascinated by the American experiment, the spirit that runs the nation, and all the problems associated with that. I also enjoy European history in general, and have a small, but piqued interest in African history.
Scandinavia. A somewhat odd, yet persistent interest. It all started in seventh grade with a geography project on Norway, and since then I have been fascinated by the region's history and culture. My heart longs the work of Kingdom to be done there, and if I could, I would pick up and go live there and just live John 13:35, illuminating hearts and minds with the gospel.
Cars. Spinning wrenches is one of my favorite hobbies. Nothing perks my ears and gets my blood rushing like a powerful American V8, and I am big fan of early- to mid-1950s Oldsmobile's (one of which I hope to own someday). Though I get a rush from power and speed, I have great trouble reconciling that love with principles of environmental stewardship. As a result, I take a great interest in the eco-friendly technologies that car manufacturers are exploring. But I still maintain a vibrant interest in classics.
Music. God has blessed me with musical ability, and I could not exist without music. It truly is the universal language. I play piano, and a little guitar. Music arouses emotions that words never could.
Photography. I take pictures and post them on my Flickr account, but I am still learning and am not very talented.
Languages. I am fascinated by languages, though I speak only the English language. In my opinion, people should be bilingual at the least; my wife and I are about to begin working on it. The sounds that come out of our mouths that we call words, and the power that they have blows me away on a regular basis. James was completely right.
Identity. I am Canadian, and because of that I do not really understand national identity, nor do I find it particularly important. This is further complicated by a Dutch ancestral heritage, which historically is very proud and nationalistic, but are two traits that I did not inherit. Still, other people attach a great significance to their nationality, and this interests me. Though I have great difficulty relating to this, I try hard to understand it.
Coffee. The fuel I run on. I think the whole coffee culture is very cool. There is very little that makes me as happy as a cup of coffee first thing in the morning.
