What's the point??

So, I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I've decided to give this a try. There is a large group of friends and family that, for various reasons, I haven't been able to communicate with for the last few years. This has been a major concern of mine. The individuals I want to reconnect with are very important to me, though I doubt I have been able to let them know that. What can I say, life is a whirlwind. In the last three years, I have gone from a man with very few and unimportant responsibilities to a man with many. I've been a teacher, student, father, and husband. Not to mention that there are many other interests that have occupied my time. But the truth of the matter is that often during this time I have neglected many friendships and family relations that matter to me. So, the point of this blog includes but is not limited to the following:

1. I want this to be a place where I can connect or reconnect with family and friends. It is simply impossible to call people as much as I would like to, but I do have enough free time to write on this blog from time to time. So, many of the blog posts will detail the going-ons at the Estes household.
2. I also want to share some of the insights I've learned over the last few years, which, I believe, have been many. I would love to interact with my friends and family about some of these things. I think your thoughts would be extremely valuable to me as I prepare for the next stage of my life. In truth, I often have felt a little disconnected with the outside world in my "seminary bubble." Many of you might have a better feel for what really matters to everyday people than the rest of us seminarians.
3. I will use the blog to share my thoughts on books I have been reading. This will be useful to those who choose to read the blog (I hope) and myself.

I hope that this will be something that will be edifying to many of my friends and family and enjoyable to all. Don't be shy about commenting.