This is the page on my blog that I have the hardest time knowing what to do with. Bottom line, I hate talking about myself. Most people will list their accomplishments, the exciting things they’re doing with their life. Me? Well, I’m just a simple, family man just trying to figure out who I am and who God wants me to be. I wish I was one of those people that had it all figure out - but the truth is, I haven’t the slightest clue. But if you’re still reading, then I owe it to you to give it my best shot, so here we go…

My name is Nathan Duvall, and the beautiful people you see to my right are my best friend and beautiful wife of 10 years, Carrie and our two little boys, Landon (4) and Gavin (born 10/15/12). We live in Taylors, SC and are both actively involved in ministry at LifePoint Church. I handle a lot of the communications aspects of our ministry, website and newsletter, etc. But to pay the bills, I am an Application Support / Designer at Level One. I also just launched a new freelance business called GruffyGoat, specializing in affordable WordPress websites for personal & small business.

What’s the point of Unfettered Bloke?

While it’s mainly a personal blog and a way to express what God’s teaching me, I also want it to be a place of community and interaction. I am a self-professed geek. I love finding creative things all over the internet and posting them here. So whether it be videos, music, gadgets and technology, or something applicable to ministry or everyday life, I hope my posts will benefit those of you who happen to stumble on them. And if you find something inspirational that you can apply to your everyday life or ministry then it’s an added bonus!

What’s up with the name?

It’s another way of saying that I’m a “free man” - specifically, free in Christ. I was raised in a Pastor’s home and accepted Him into my heart and life at an early age. Although I’ve known Him all my life, not until recently did I really understand the complete and total freedom I have in Him. I grew up in a legalistic environment that added a lot of “extracurricular” rules and regulations to the Bible… things like music, movies and ones physical appearance and attire were all strictly regulated. More emphasis was placed on how to look like a Christian than how to follow Jesus. Once I began really reading through the New Testament, I realized that the group Jesus harped on the most were the Pharisees — the very people who “understood” the law and the Scriptures the most. They were bound by their laws, their rules and traditions to the point that they couldn’t accept Jesus for who He was and what He came to do. Over several years, through the help of amazing family and friends, I came to understand that I was living the life of a Pharisee in a way - living a fake, religious, guilt-ridden life, not the unfettered life Jesus brings to those who accept Him. So now I am seeking a life of freedom in Him - a life no longer bound by the chains of rules and tradition.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!
~ John 8:36

Random Facts About Me

• My greatest fear is public speaking, bar none. I would rather sing in front of millions than speak in front of 5.
• I love football - my teams are the Tennessee Volunteers and the Indianapolis Colts.
• I love graphic and web design, although personally, I feel I’m terrible at both. I’m self-professed “hack” and have trouble creating from scratch but I really enjoy it nonetheless.
• The favorite place I’ve ever been? San Francisco… although my travels have been limited - I’ve never been outside of the 48 states.
• I enjoy seeing footage of major disasters (tornado’s, hurricanes). Things like that are so surreal to me and make me think about God’s infinite power.
• I had a run in with a swing set when I was 9, my front 4 teeth are fake.
• I easily get lost in the music, I rarely ever hear the words unless I force myself to listen.
• My idea of a good book? Audiobooks. I’m not one to just sit down and read a book.
• My grand aspiration in life? To be a good husband and father. Nothing else feels right or makes any sense.
• I’m shy. I have to force myself to meet new people, it just doesn’t come naturally.