A Caleb Grief

2011 Holiday Gift Guide, Pt. 1

2011-11-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

I've written a few of these over the years and people have been appreciative. When that clueless young grandmother attempts to step into a Toys-R-Us and look for something unique, it can be a hectic and harrowing experience. So, I try and pick a couple toys for boys and girls and something for pops and nana too.

So, if you're in the market, and need some help you're welcome.

For Boys:

There is such a wide variety of things you can buy for kids these days (especially for boys), and like their grown up counter parts, there are so many gimmicky gadgets directed at them. So, my advice is keep it practical. Will they really be playing with that robot hand or ipad arcade dock a year from now?

Toy:

A Slingshot
Sure, it's probably a bad idea. Yeah, they might get in trouble with it, but isn't that half the fun? Spoken like a true uncle that doesn't have kids yet.

Creative:

Kodak PlaySport Camera

This camera does pretty good video; takes decent pictures; is rugged enough to stand up to kids; and it's waterproof. With our always on computer culture, it's easier than ever to share moments from the kids' point of view with family and friends. And it's cheap enough to not be earth shattering if they manage to break it.

Practical:

Nerf Dart Refills
A lot of boys already have mega nerf guns, that are probably cooler than anything you ever owned as a child. If they've already got one, they don't necessarily need more guns. But I'm sure they've lost most of their darts already. Just be sure you get the correct darts that fit their guns.

justice for all.

2011-04-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

So, Warner Brothers announced interest in making a Justice League movie similar to how Marvel is making their Avengers film. Who knows if they'll ever actually do it. I mean they still haven't done anything on that Teen Titans movie of theirs, but I went ahead and cast the movie I want to see.

Here goes:

Anna Torv as Wonder Woman
Armie Hammer as Aquaman
Peter Mensah as Martian Manhunter
Henry Cavill as Superman
Chris Pine as The Flash
Sam Worthington as Batman
Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern

agents of change.

2011-02-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

Here's a thought for today.

Before we can expect anyone around us to change for the better, we have to change first. You can be an agent of change in your world. Your transformation can affect those around you.

We often expect things from everyone but don't live up to our own ideals. You want more? You want better? Be more. Be better.

% vs perception.

2010-10-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Les Miles haters out there, don't hate me for this.

I know it's only half way through the season right now, but I wanted to share a few statistics about the much bemoaned coach of LSU football.

People like to talk about how great Saban was for LSU, and sure I agree. But as a matter of fact Les Miles won more games than Saban in their respective tenures.

I would say win percentage speaks more than "clock management".

Miles has the best win percentage of any LSU coach in the modern era .789 (vs Saban's .750).

The only coach with more bowl wins than Miles is Charles McClendon (who coached at LSU for 18 years and only won 7 bowl games). Saban went 3-2 in bowls while Miles is 4-1. And who knows what will happen this year?

I'm not saying Miles is better than Saban, because Saban took a flailing program and turned it around in 3 years, but I wouldn't be too quick to throw Miles to the wolves just yet either. Let's hope we at least win a bowl game this year. If we got rid of him, who would be better? Steve Spurrier maybe? Honestly, who could do a better job right now?

Is Miles a Lunatic or Mad Scientist? Either way, he's won a lot of games.

please God.

2010-10-02T21:43:00.001-07:00

Please God,

Tell me this is a joke:

For any of you Law & Order fans out there, 2 questions for you:

1. How can you like Law & Order? That show is awful.

2. Are you really going to watch even more Law & Order? Enough is enough NBC.

This show appears to be a parody of itself. Like Elvis during his later years or Kanye pretty much all the time, it has become so engrossed in its very essence that it has become a caricature of itself. Look at that mustache and those "cool" sunglasses. It looks like what a fake cop show would like on a show about dolphin trainers or high schoolers. You know, like if the Golden Girls showed up on the set of some fake cop drama and caused some raucous, you'd expect the actors playing police to be dressed up like this. Cliché much?

Sometimes I hate you NBC. Booooo.

PS. No, I haven't seen the show, nor do I plan on it. I hate all incarnations of Law & Order. It is terrible television. The whole "ripped from the headlines" thing is really dumb, and Law & Order is the reason I dislike cop dramas in general.

marvelous light.

2010-09-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

I was reading in Isaiah today and was reminded of God's greatness.

I publicly proclaim bold promises.
I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner.
I would not have told the people of Israels to seek me
if I could not be found.
I, the Lord , speak only what is true
and declare only what is right.
-Isaiah 45:19

What bold words from a powerful God. Love it.

soulmates.

2010-07-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

I haven't been shy about decrying the idea of soulmates, but let me ask you this... Do you believe in musical soulmates? Is there an artist out there that so perfectly embodies your musical tastes, that the only possible explanation is fate? If there is such a thing, then maybe I've found mine.

Her name: Janelle Monae. Her style: somewhere between ~~Amy Winehouse (when she could remember lyrics)~~ Lily Allen, Lauryn Hill and Outkast. Does that not make any sense to you? Then have a listen and you'll be a believer.

world cup.

2010-06-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

Seriously, the officiating in the World Cup is driving me insane. The way I see it there can only be one of two explanations; either A) there is a serious corruption issue and refs are being paid off or B) these referees are simply incompetent and are actually making terrible calls on accident. Either way, there is a definite problem with the arrogant FIFA. Get the guys glasses or something; mandatory eye exams before every match; mandatory breathalyzer and drug tests. These refs have to be smoking something to have this many terrible, awful, inexcusable calls.

In a game where momentum is this important and single points can mean the difference between winning and losing, the people calling the games need to be completely above reproach. Instead what do we get?... reprehensible calls.

That's why I like tennis. The game doesn't stop too often because of replays. You're only given a certain amount of replays, and when you do ask for one, everything is done on a computer. Calls in tennis are excellent, and this is from a sport that has produced famous athletes because they used to argue with the umpires. Now, there is rarely controversy because of bad calls.

And soccer has no way of challenging these terrible calls. If a game's rules become subjective to the point of meaninglessness, what's the point in enjoying it? Are there real winners and losers or simply favorites picked by unfit judges? The beauty of sport is that anyone can win at any time, no matter who is "supposed" to win. I feel like the "beautiful game" is a little uglier right now.

FIFA, get with the program. Fix your terrible officiating. Embrace technology. Enable a system for challenges. And for goodness sakes, penalize these fakers pretending to be injured. I would suggest red cards and a $10,000 fine for every blatant dive taken, and yellow cards for less blatant ones. Clean up the sport guys.

celeb look-a-like.

2010-05-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how old friends pop up into your life randomly through facebook? Well, it happens to me anyway. Recently I saw a picture of a girl I went to college with and her husband. I thought she married ultimate fighter BJ Penn for a second there.

I'm sure you can understand my confusion.

iron man.

2010-05-08T00:50:00.000-07:00

I don't have much for you in the way of commentary on the film Iron Man 2. Here's all that needs to be said. If there are any critics that decry this as a sequel that sucks all of the life out of the original via explosions, lots of CGI and ridiculous whatever, they are wrong-o.

The Hollywood Reporter had this to say,

"Well, that didn't take long. Everything fun and terrific about 'Iron Man,' a mere two years ago, has vanished with its sequel.

In its place, 'Iron Man 2' has substituted noise, confusion, multiple villains, irrelevant stunts and misguided story lines. A film series that started out with critical and commercial success will have to settle for only the latter with this sequel; Robert Downey Jr.'s return as Tony Stark/Iron Man will assure that."

Hey guess what, not every movie's gonna win an Oscar. I'm sure Marvel and co. will be crying about that after this weekend's box office numbers come in [sarcasm].

Sometimes I'm a movie nerd with very elitist tendencies, but at my core I just love watching good movies that entertain and don't annoy me too much. I think some critics just don't enjoy movies anymore. Get a life.

Iron Man 2 was fun, not without faults, but fun. That's all I've got to say.

PS. Warmachine is awesome.

new red scare.

2010-04-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, Glen Beck, a Mormon, Republican Commentator, said this recently:

"I beg you, look for the words 'social justice' or 'economic justice' on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, they are code words.
Now, am I advising people to leave their church? Yes!"

My quick retort are words from James.

James 1:26-27
²⁶If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. ²⁷Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

There are two points here. One, Beck should really read verse 26. It may help him. Secondly, the church has always been on the front lines of social injustice. Whether it be slavery, sex trafficking, feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, helping widows or serving their communities at large, the church has been there.

I know a lot of people equate political conservatism with godliness, but Jesus never preached "Become a part of the government and that will save you." No, he commanded us to love our neighbors and serve those that need it most. If you are politically conservative, you may think the government should have no role in helping people. That is fine, believe what you think is right. But if the government can't help people and the church can't help people, then who is left to care for the broken?

Beck is played out. He's the new McCarthy. He sees red ghosts everywhere and in everything. Though, this is worse. He wraps his thoughts in the guise of some sort of pan-morality, but he's actually attacking fundamental principles of the Christian church. The words "False Prophet" come to mind...

overdue transmission.

2010-04-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

My Zune was dead the other day, and I turned on NPR (my back up) but they were playing classical music and I lost interest. Then I went to my back up NPR station from the next city over (my back up back up), and I think they were playing salsa music or something. I kept up my search for something intriguing on the radio, and landed on K-Love (my last resort).

It's not that I don't like the music on K-Love, it's more that I don't like a lot of their programming. Oh well, this would do for the moment.

I say this to present a point. Typically, I'd rather listen to people talk about something they think is important than hear what passes as Christian music these days. The radio, in general, is boring and I don't listen to it often. But the problem I'm finding now in this fragmented world of itunes, is that I don't have a place to find new music for free without the radio. Pandora worked for a while, but it's so in tune with my tastes it doesn't allow for discovery.

One new outlet I've been using is Relevant Magazine's new internet radio station, relevant.fm.

It has a good mix that I like. It's not the ultimate answer to my dilemma, but it will suffice for the time being.

Check it:

coconut.

2010-03-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

Just for the record, Almond Joy Pieces are way better than the Coconut M&Ms. Get this, the M&Ms don't even have coconut in them. They're just coconut flavored. Ewww.

hop in my freemason van.

2010-02-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

I just picked up a couple pairs of jeans from the new Vans outlet, because all of my other jeans have holes in them. I noticed something unusual about a certain logo on one pair.

Do you see a resemblance with the Freemasons' square and compass? Conspiracy theorists, begin making your connections.

celeb look-a-like.

2010-02-18T20:13:00.001-08:00

I've been conspicuously absent from my blog. There are signs of neglect all over; so it's time to dust off my readers' favorite section, celeb look-a-like.

Granted, this isn't quite as fun after the whole doppelganger week on facebook, but there's still some good times to be shared and lulls to grab.

I was looking at my "Recommened for You" videos on youtube and thought there was a new music video out, but no it was just a mashup from Gone With the Wind. Long before Katy Perry was waking up in Vegas, Vivien Leigh was burning up the silver screen. But I'd be surprised if I was the first person to suggest they look alike.

I think it's a pretty good fit. Yeah?

legit.

2010-02-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

We're in the middle of some construction at our new building here at the church. I was thinking about all of the things that we're about to do, and I finally saw it. Right now, the church looks like a construction site with multi-colored walls, dust everywhere and torn up carpet. But I could see what the church was going to look like. A sense of relief washed over me as the realization that, "This place is going to look legit," knocked me in the head.

I'm excited about what's going to happen psychologically to the group when everything is done. Maybe then we'll have a real home. I know it's not an arena (can't wait to see HPC's in April), but this will do for now. I'm thankful for the beginning, and excited about Chapter 2.

If I don't forget I'll try to get some pictures up from some of the build out we're doing, later this week.

hpc news.

2010-02-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

Kind of funny. Skip about 30 seconds in.

other one.

2010-01-16T10:43:00.000-08:00

The past couple of days, I've posted on Pastor Buck's blog. Follow the link to check 'em out.

the world is a vampire.

2010-01-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

I know I'm way late on making this observation out loud (or in print (or onscreen as it were)), but what's the deal with the vampire obsession? Back when I was a young sprite, people that were into vampires were called "freaks" at school. But now, just talk to your average 13 year old, little girl to find out how weak vampiredom has become.

All I'm saying is, I don't want to see a teenager with diamond acne in my ideal vampire. Can monsters be monsters again? I don't want to see all the lines of grey. It seems like every baddie on film and TV has this drawn out back story that tells us what hardships drove them to do terrible things. Or they make the bad guys good guys and vice versa.

I think we've done this long enough. Maybe it's been going on so long that flipping the switch once again will be seen as revolutionary.

In the meantime, the only vampires I'm digging right now are of the weekend variety. (Vampire Weekend's new album drops next Tuesday. Check the link to get a peek.)

celeb look-a-like 2.0.

2009-12-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

I was watching The Colbert Report for a minute because Steven Seagal Lawman was on a commercial break, and saw Alicia Keys performing. I thought she looked like a girl I had a class in college with and is a celeb in her own right. Now, this issue of celeb look-a-like may be controversial, but I think it has some validity. So, hear me out.

I think Keys looks like Lolo Jones.

And if you're saying, "Caleb, I don't buy it." Well, sorry. I don't know what to tell you. Maybe this will help. Lolo looks even more like Rashida Jones from The Office and I Love You Man, but everybody knows that.

ambien.

2009-11-28T21:43:00.000-08:00

Just saw this Ambien CR commercial.

Wow. Listen to those side effects.

another thanksgiving.

2009-11-26T14:24:00.000-08:00

Today is the day we all know so well. We eat, enjoy family, don't get along with family, watch football, or whatever. Few of us actually take time to celebrate the day's namesake. Giving thanks is in the very back of our minds.

I was reading in John today and saw a similar holiday. Jesus and his disciples are celebrating Passover. They ate a big feast too, and gave thanks to God for delivering their people out of Egypt. And on this very special holiday, Jesus tells them he is leaving. They are all confused, blown away. Jesus goes on to tell who is going to betray him, and they can't believe that either.

Then he says to not be afraid. He'll send them a comforter. God will come and live inside them. He says there will be pain, but there will be much greater joy. "It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world."

So, today, on a day that we forget too easily, I say thanks for that. Thank you for the joy after all pain. Thank you for my reason to go on. Thank you for a hope that surely doesn't disappoint. Thank you for everything good, and even in the bad times that you still find a way to carry us through.

Thank you.

prosperity.

2009-10-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Prosperity Preachers,

You know who you are, I don't have to call anyone out by name or be rude at all. I just wanted to say a gospel that preaches you'll eventually be blessed financially if you become a Christian is pretty much idol worship. Most of you probably didn't intend to stir up greed and lust, but empty promises based more in a consumer culture than in scripture can't be very good.

Sure, David said, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread," in Psalm 37:25. But don't skip over the less sexy verse 16, "Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked."

If Jesus is our true example for a perfect life, then we are in for a treat. He was lied about, lied to, only had a few real friends, didn't own property, worked a regular job until his ministry started, homeless, falsely accused of a crime and eventually murdered.

Being rich isn't a sin. Rich people are great. It's just not for everybody.

God wants to bless us, and it's usually not in ways we were expecting.

whip it.

2009-10-08T23:09:00.000-07:00

I saw that movie Whip It the other day and thought it was really good. I thought you should know that. Sorry I don't have any funny quips or witty observations on this one. Ellen Page is boss. And kudos to Drew Barrymore on making a movie without a male hero.

vma.

2009-09-15T22:33:00.000-07:00

As I watched the Video Music Awards this year and then bits of them again numerous times over the past couple of days, I have gained a sense of wonder and appreciation for them. For as many evils as MTV has shoved down my generation's collective throat, it can still put on one heck of a performance. Think about it. Here was a place where pretty much every important entertainer of our time was located: Madonna, Kanye, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Jack Black, Green Day, Alicia Keys, etc, etc. I'm almost reluctant to admit to myself how incredible their performances were.

Yet what do we take away from the night? What do we gain?

I won't discredit any of the performers. I won't decry the artistry of any of them. But I can't help but feeling like a robot right about now. Like there's a larger, more sweeping plot at work, whether intentional or not. What gives this moon its gravity? What causes these few to swell the tides of emotion in all of us?

Does anyone else feel that there are greater powers at work here? Pleasure is god. MTV is one of its churches. All of these people were in prayerful reverence for a pop cultural icon, whose legacy will go on for what, a few decades before fading away into the halls of obscurity? Corinth had its temple prostitutes, we have our own.

I pray that we remember there are more important things in life than being entertained. And I hold onto the hope that one day the word Christian will be more than a punchline for most people.

celeb look-a-like 2.0

2009-09-09T14:05:00.001-07:00

I wanted to do one of these for a long while now. So, after much waiting, here is one new celeb look-a-like.

This celebrity might be recognizable to young parents that watch the Disney Channel early in the morning.

I think my friend Becca (r) looks just like Wendy Calio (l) from Disney's Imagination Movers. There you have it. One more CLL 2.0 for the books.

spare me.

2009-09-05T00:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you read blog posts or tweets or myspace whateverity doodads and you have the thought... "Why don't you just get a journal?" I guess there are inside thoughts and outside ones, and deciding which is which can be complicated in this techno age of instant updates yet deep disconnection. As communication becomes more immediate, it seems the quality of discourse is cheapened. Go read a letter from the Civil War and tell me my blog is well written. Bah! This only comes up because I was in one of my introspective moods and was about to write a whiny open letter to anyone who cared to read it. Fortunately, you were all spared the frustration.

I blame Alexander Graham Bell of course. We were getting along just fine with the telegraph, thank you very much.

But seriously, it would be pretty awesome if I knew Morse code.

You can go read some Civil War letters if you're in the mood. I found a site that has that sort of thing. While reading I came across this quote, "We can't get any news here - do not know what is going on in the outside world. The boys will all write as soon as they get chance to send them off." Is it ironic that I used the power of the internet to find that quote?

I am thankful for the instant gratification of google and facebook. It's incredible that whatever pops into my head, be it Civil War letters or midget boxing, I can immediately find more information on the subject than I need. I'm in love with technology, and if I had more money I might have more of it. The thing is while part of me loves being able to skype with my parents, the other part wonders what life would be like minus all the distractions.

For now though, I think I'll just try to navigate through my inside and outside thoughts.

while I'm at it.

2009-08-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

While I'm at it, I might as well post a couple of my new favorite ads. Frito-Lay has had some exquisitely simple tv spots that I've fallen in love with. One is the chips and dip campaign that is so obvious and moving, it makes you wonder why more ads aren't like this. These are simple messages presented beautifully and completely make sense with the brand. To all of those advertisers out there, Make more ads like these.

hp.

2009-08-26T20:06:00.001-07:00

If you know me a little, you probably know I majored in Advertising (more or less) in college. Even if I'm not technically doing that, I'm totally using my Mass Comm degree out here in The Pass. Anyway, I still keep up with ads and try to keep my vids relevant.

One company that's had pretty snazzy ads for the past several years has been Hewlett Packard. Well, for their printers at least. (The computer ads with celebrities are kind of lame.)

Here's a new one and an old one.

MXLC 2009

2009-08-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Mexican Leadership Conference was by all means a success. I had the privilege of speaking each night to rev the crowd up for Pastor Buck. We built some relationships down in the interior of Mexico and I can't wait to go back.

Here's the recap vid we showed at church.

the end is the beginning.

2009-06-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

^{1 Corinthians 15:53-58
53}For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. ⁵⁴When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."^[^g]

⁵⁵"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"^[h] ⁵⁶The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

omg.

2009-06-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'll get back to my favorite singer list shortly, but first watch this:

Isn't that incredible?

favorite singer #2.

2009-05-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

And it's back. I've had quite a few things going on since my last post. Not least of which was preaching last Sunday while Pastor Buck was scooting off to Africa.

But a promise is a promise. Here is my next favorite singer.

#2 Elvis Presley

You can't mess with king. There's not much more to say than that. Everybody knows him. Some hate him, but only because others love him so much. I went to Graceland when I was a boy and remember reading what fans had written on his wall. To them, he never died.

I don't know if anybody's really ever had that kind of stardom since. You can argue maybe John Lennon, but ask an average Joe off the street to name 3 John Lennon songs. I think way more people worldwide could answer that same question about Elvis. He is THE legend, THE gold standard of pop music, THE ultimate. Nobody comes even close.

favorite singer #3.

2009-05-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

It's day three in my countdown the favorite singers of Caleb (yes "the Caleb") Brown. Hey, I've got to get credit for not giving up yet.

#3 Otis Redding

Who would have thought Otis Redding, a pioneer of soul music, could play for a crowd of white hippies at the Monterrey Pop Festival? There he was playing next to bands like The Mamas and the Papas, Jefferson Airplane and Simon & Garfunkel. On paper it doesn't make all that much sense, but that just speaks to his genius and broad appeal. Name a person that has actually listened to Otis and still doesn't like him. I'm sure it's possible, but not that likely. His inescapable, rapturous magnetism draws you in and doesn't let go. Every word, every grunt, every cry is perfection. Even his imperfection is perfection.

favorite singer #4.

2009-05-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

I'm still on the favorite singers train. You can be too, if you hop aboard. This hot tamale is leaving the station.

#4 Freddy Mercury

I think it was mixture of Saturday morning cartoons and the Mighty Ducks movies that introduced me to Mr. Mercury. Everybody was singing "We Will Rock You" that year back in third grade. But it wasn't until seeing Wayne's World (far too late in my youth, btw), that I was hooked. What's not to love? There's theatrics aplenty and that guy can flat out wail like nobody's business.

favorite singer #5.

2009-05-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

My not-so-noted absence from the blogging world has left a hole in my heart. Today I thought a good way force myself into writing a few posts consistently would be to start a new series.

All of you are incredibly interested in what I think, I'm sure. So, why not join me while while I count down my five favorite singers of all time? They may not all be the absolute best singers but they are my favorites.

#5 John Fogerty

Aside from the fact that I simply wanted to be John Fogerty in high school, he's one of my favorite singers because of his growling, yelping rockabilly style. A crooner he ain't. He's more than a white guy trying to rip off black soul singers. He took that base and made his own thing. It's southern rock that isn't even southern. How'd he do that?

heartbreaker.

2009-05-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

I just watched/am still watching a documentary I've been wanting to see for a long time now. It's a real look at a musical genius and his bouts with manic depression. I don't even have words. It messed me up. It conveys the sweetness and harsh reality of his life and trials.

The Devil and Daniel Johnston

It's a heartbreaker.

it's a shame.

2009-04-18T23:43:00.001-07:00

Most Popular Artists (according to MTV.com)

1. Lil Wayne
2. T.I.
3. Lady Gaga
4. Britney Spears
5. Pussycat Dolls
6. Beyoncé
7. Rihanna
8. Chris Brown
9. Akon
10. Day26

In case you don't know me very well, I don't listen to the radio unless my Zune's battery is dead. Even then, it's usually NPR and not pop. I thought music was bad about 10 years ago. But I don't know if I could have expected it getting this bad.

MTV comes on the scene, challenges radio. Local radio stations close and are gobbled up by giant corporations. Radio becomes devoid of original content. Radio dies. Musical TeleVision stops playing music and then we're stuck with radio. MTV ruins the music industry.

LCD- Lowest Common Denominator

Whatever sells. Forget talent. Don't wear clothes and get Auto-Tune.

Groan.

Eye roll.

sort of iphone multi-touch.

2009-04-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Multitouch Subway Map from Ironic Sans on Vimeo.

judgement.

2009-04-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

"Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

Abraham Lincoln
excerpt from his second inaugural address

time in a bottle.

2009-03-31T01:49:00.000-07:00

I wish I had it, time in a bottle. Yesterday around "lunch" (or Mexican lunch at 4pm) the discussion revolved around the teen juggernaut entitled Twilight. For those of you not in the know, it's a book turned movie about vampires riddled with teen angst and diamond acne. The said vamps don't sleep and my friend said that he wouldn't want to be a vampire because he likes to sleep.

I argued about how much more we could get done in a day if we didn't waste time sleeping. He began to see things my way and said he might not mind it if you never got tired.

Then again, if we're too busy for things now, would it make any difference if we got a few more hours in the day? I think some of us would lie down with our eyes closed just to get a break from it all. Are the hours really the only things that keep us from all that we love? Or do we make too many excuses?

Oh, for the record, Twilight was OK. Not great. Didn't really get what all the fuss is about.

ur turn.

2009-03-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

DIRECTIONS:
- Go to Google image search.
- Type in your answer to each question.
- Choose a picture
- Use this website ( http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php ) to make your collage.
- Save the image for use in this note.
- Post.

QUESTIONS:
1. What is your name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What is your hometown?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. What is your favorite movie?
6. What is your favorite drink?
7. What is your dream vacation?
8. What is your favorite dessert?
9. What is one word to describe yourself?
10. How are you feeling right now?
11. What do you love most in the world?
12. What do you want to be when you grow up?

new fave 5.

2009-03-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

It's official. My favorite bands are changing this week. The White Stripes enjoyed a long run atop the Caleb fave 5. It's been an impressive 5 years. That was almost as long as Big Tent Revival's stay from 1995-2002. But change comes with time. As with all things, this must come to an end.

My new favorite band is Kings of Leon. This has come as a shock to me, but their new album, Only by the Night, was too good to overlook. Wow! There are so many great songs, I can't pick a favorite. I suggest anyone that likes music should at least check it out.

It's just incredible.

My overall top 5 has shifted greatly over these past few months. It is as follows:

1. Kings of Leon
2. Spoon
3. The White Stripes
4. Jesus Culture
5. (either) Marc Broussard or Ryan Delmore

is it all relative?

2009-03-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today I was ruminating on the "emerging" church's theology (or is that an oxymoron?). They hold that the church needs to decentralize, there shouldn't be distinctions between clergy and laity, buildings aren't important, etc, etc, etc. But then again, to say anything definite about what the emerging church believes is like trying to catch the wind. The journey is more important than the destination. I guess if the destination isn't that great. If God is our destination, I doubt the journey is more important than him.

I appreciate people's need to search for ways to reconcile all of our differences. I do. But if we sacrifice what we believe in the process, is it worth it? If you believe that everyone can be right, then no one can. If there can be no ultimate truths, then there are no small ones either. Post-modernism is for suckers.

Why are so many people afraid of absolutes? I've heard the term "organized religion" since I was in high school. And don't get me started on "fundamentalist". There's nothing wrong with either organization or fundamentals. Things built without foundations fall down.

Of course, we can only get really really close. None of us totally get there. That's the beauty of it all. But that doesn't mean we can't tell who's furthest from the truth (and who's closest). I believe in careful introspection. I think we can question what we believe without abandoning the roots of truth buried deep down in our souls. Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.

No, it's not all relative. Some of it can be though.

belief.

2009-02-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

I was reading in Mark this morning. Jesus had just transfigured in front Peter, James and John. As the group is arriving to meet back up with the other disciples, they enter a scene of complete chaos. The disciples are arguing with some scribes because they were trying to cast a demon out of a boy and weren't able. Jesus asks what's going on, and the father of the boy tells him and then says:

Mark 9:22b
But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.

Jesus replies seemingly indignantly.

9:23
'If you can!' All things are possible for one who believes.

And then the man says something so humbly and honestly it struck me in the face.

9:24
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"

I might need to pray that more often. "I believe, but help my unbelief."

Mr. T.

2009-02-26T16:23:00.000-08:00

I promise this blog isn't going to become a dump for videos, but I saw this and had to share. This clip from Conan is one of my favorite things ever. I remember watching it back 2000 when it first aired. Good times. Good times.

Healing Place Men's Conference

2009-02-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

I hope I get to go.

Mens Conference 2009 Promo from Healing Place Church on Vimeo.

my mistress.

2009-02-24T23:20:00.000-08:00

I occasionally write for another blog. As shocking as that news may be, you might still be interested in reading it. I reserve my deeper, more spiritual posts for that one. Mainly because it's my Pastor's blog and he asks me to contribute from time to time. Read my latest post here.

When you're done, be sure to come back here for the cotton candy side of my thoughts. It's not necessarily good for you, but you bought the whole bag and feel obligated to eat the rest of it. You know what I mean?

it's been a while.

2009-02-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

I know it's been too long since I've written last. Life is crazy over here in El Paso. This week I'm getting some chill time because I'm helping out some friends with their short film project. It's for a contest or something....? I can't remember the name of the contest.

Anyway, today we start shooting, and it should be fun. Here's hoping we don't stink.

celeb look-a-like 2.0

2009-02-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

Since last posting my personal celeb look-a-like, I've received numerous replies that I should do the feature more often. I shall try, but I'm not making any promises. It's not everyday that you make those visual connections between a person and a celebrity. (Notice how I distinguished the two?)

Anyway, on hulu.com you can watch feature length films via the interweb, and I happened to see Robocop for the very first time. I always thought it would be cheesy but it was pretty good. I noticed that the main character (played by Peter Weller) looks suspiciously like a certain worship leader from Baton Rouge. You be the judge. Does Jason Ryder look like Robocop?

ewww.

2009-02-02T22:15:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wished you weren't so connected? Sometimes I wish my blog could just be a bathroom wall to write nonsense on, and from time to time strangers could look over their shoulders and chuckle. I always wrote on desks in school. Maybe the school desk is a more palpable analogy, but I try very hard to not sacrifice sufficient imagery for palpability.

Admittedly, google analytics has made me a little gun shy. I see that people actually look at this thing (for whatever reason), and that makes me nervous. My neuroses regarding mass acceptance sometimes overcome my innate love for balding, ugly truths that people don't quite enjoy yet can't seem to muster up hate for either. Caleb's my name; discomfort's the game.

Yep, I'll hold on to that stall wall dream, but alas, anonymity can only be enjoyed when people can't see your name and picture in the right hand column. Oh, well.

top 6.

2009-01-23T13:58:00.000-08:00

I've done these in the past and they've always proven to be interesting (for me at least). Today I thought I would count down my favorite artists in a very particular order.

6. Alex Ross
I know some of you may be thinking, a comic book artist doesn't belong on a list with "serious" artists, yet Ross' near photo-realism never ceases to amaze me. His work is good enough to be in frames. Instead, it is sold in cheap books and easily accessible to all ages.

5. Saul Bass
How can you describe Saul Bass? His works could certainly be considered high art, but on the other hand it was commercial. He made the familiar AT&T, Quaker Oats and Continental Airlines' logos. More notably, he created several posters and title sequences for films. I learned about him in my advertising classes. I can't get over what he was able to do with only color, shape and lines. The following is the title from the original Ocean's 11 film.

4. Carvaggio
He's the original rock star of art. It's almost as if his paintings show a battle between light and dark. Perhaps, it's an apt metahpor for his inner demons.

3. Alphonse Mucha
This is an artist from the art nouveau period. I'll spare you the long description. He did lots of magazine covers and such. As with all art nouveau artists he specialized in beautiful organic shapes and usually drew women.

2. Botticelli
Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" sums up human beauty and grace. Notice he's the only renaissance artist on my list. Those guys get a little cliche after a while.

1. John William Waterhouse
Why is Waterhouse my favorite? Maybe it's because I bought a poster of his "Lady of Shallot" in college. Maybe it's because the moment I saw that painting in an English textbook in high school, I was instantly captivated and intrigued. Who was she? Where did she come from? I guess all good art leaves you wanting more. Something inside of me jumps every time I see one of his paintings. I don't know if I can explain it. Instead, I'll just give you a taste of the magic.

pandora.

2009-01-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

As I was listening to my Pandora.com radio station today a thought occurred to me. What if Pandora, the character in mythology that opened a box (or jar actually) and released evil into the world, worked for UPS? All of your packages would show up re-taped from her peeping tendencies. That's some food for thought.

Go check out the site though. You type in the music you like and it picks similar songs you might enjoy. It's a great way to find new music.

Peace.

vlog.

2009-01-18T15:35:00.000-08:00

Doesn't everybody hate vlogs? Well, too bad; I was bored and made one to spite all of you that hate vlogs.

camels.

2009-01-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Gen. 32:14-15, Jacob is preparing a gift to give to his brother Essau. Said gift includes:

14two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows...

Wo, wo, hold up there Sally. Did that verse just say, "Milking Camels"?

I guess you can milk any mammal, but apparently people drink the stuff. I wonder how different it is from cow's milk?

celeb look-a-like 2.0.

2009-01-12T21:36:00.000-08:00

One thing this world needs is a new celeb look-a-like post on my blog. I haven't done one in a while, and I usually get a little flack from whomever I feature. So to make all things fair, I thought I'd show you the people others have said, "You know who you look just like?....."

First off, there's Emile Hirsch and Enrique Eiglesias. I guess a little bit.

Then there's that guy from the OC, Adam Brody and John Mayer. I think we're getting warmer.

Finally, the winners are: the Kung Fu Panda and the whiny kid from The Killers (Jack Black and Brandon Flowers).

psalm.

2009-01-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hey my official, new, favorite psalm is (drum roll please) Psalm 8.

3When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

5Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,

Ah, the majesty, the length, the breadth of his love for us is so overwhelming. Of all the galaxies and stars and planets He's created, one blue orb receives his greatest delight.

church in politics.

2008-12-31T08:23:00.000-08:00

Mark 16:42-45
42Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Revelation 22:11
11Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy."

John 18:33-37
33Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" ...36Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." 37"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

When did Jesus say Christians needed to get involved in politics?

Why do we force false morality onto a wicked and perverse people? Let the filthy be filthy. We can't clean them with rules or laws. Only Christ can clean them through his grace.

Present the Gospel. Let them hear it and see it. If they are on the side of truth, they will listen. If not they will respond like Pilate did to Jesus.

38"What is truth?" Pilate asked.

home.

2008-12-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

I'm back home, or I've left home. Either way, I'm back in El Paso. Huzzah for me!

public warning.

2008-12-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night at around 10pm central time I'll be in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Consider yourselves warned. If you would like to see me then set up a time and place so I can put you on the schedule. Am I deluding myself to think that my holiday will be filled to the teeth with catching up with old friends and painting the "Red Stick" red? Possibly, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

You never know, I might have gotten you a Christmas present. So, it might be advantageous for you to see me. Of course, I may not have either.

christmas' final countdown.

2008-12-15T09:35:00.000-08:00

What happens when I don't post for a whole week? Dustin Anderson simply comments "POST!" on my latest scribblings. My public demands more. I apologize for getting behind.

So, without further ado I will finish my Holiday shopping guide.

This week I thought I'd finally speak on the subject I had been avoiding, relatively expensive gifts. Sometimes price tag and thoughtfulness meet with dizzying excitement that leaves all of us speechless when a special wonderment is unfurled from underneath cheap paper and scotch tape. Yes, gifts can be thoughtful and pricey to astounding effect.

So, here are a few things that you might want to buy for someone special in your family this year.

For Dad:

I don't think it's any surprise to find that fathers enjoy gadgets as much as good candy and quality meats. So, if you want to go big this year, get him one of each.

You can't beat something sleek, well-designed and completely usable. Stay away from things that won't have many practical applications like a pocket folder blowgun or personal robot. Just stick with the basics like a Garmin nuvi 760. This GPS unit will do pretty much everything you need to do and then some. It's one of the better deals on the market.

For Mom:

I don't know about your mom's style per se, but I think most mothers wouldn't mind having a one of a kind antique. There are good sites to locate something nice or an antique store near your home would do as well. (Note: a real antique store is not a thrift store in disguise.) Bookcases, Tiffany lamps, etc. would all do nicely. Just do a little research before you buy.

For Brother:

(See For Dad) Also, younger generations are more likely to be early adopters to new tech. So, go outside the box and get something completely novel like an Amazon Kindle, the electronic book machine doo-hickey (aka Wireless Reading Device). With this thing, you can wirelessly download, store and read books at will.

Then again, you could just get him an end-all, be-all remote control from Logitech.

For Sister:

Just go ahead and get her a Coach bag already. No, I don't understand women's obsession with bizarely designed handbags, but that's just number 391 on the list of things I don't understand about women.

Here's looking at you kid.

Merry Christmas.

men in tights.

2008-12-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

HPC El Paso had its first Men's Retreat. We were up in the mountains without cell phone reception (gasp!!!). It was a brisk 21 degrees when we pulled up Thursday night, but eventually warmed up a little.

If being with just men teaches us anything, it's that life without women would only be fun for a little while. After the initial fun of being able to flatulate in public wears off and the three hundredth scatalogical joke is told, you realize how fair the fairer sex can be.

I dressed like a homeless person pretty much everyday, even when I preached, as the above photo shows, and if I'm honest with myself, I think I'd dress like that everyday if I didn't fear the reproach or unacceptance of women everywhere.

There were 12 of us that attended, just like the number of disciples. Though, there was some debate on whom would be considered the Judas among us. I called dibs on John.

It was a great time to get to know the guys better and have everyone share their hearts.

christmas pt. 3 (second to last).

2008-12-02T22:03:00.000-08:00

As Christmas approaches and I near the point of being finished shopping for gifts, I realize how much I absolutely love buying things for other people. This is why Christmas is my absolute, favorite holiday; well, that and celebrating Jesus' birthday.

I love people, and I especially love the people I keep close. So, it's fun to spend a little on some of my favorite peeps.

In the installment of my Christmas shopping guide, I'd like to commence the lighting round.

On Donner and Blitzen (learn a little German, nerds).

Top 10 DVD ideas (in no particular order)
DVDs are always a good choice because they won't break the bank, can be thoughtful and are fun to watch. Just be careful your pals don't have a Blu-Ray player yet.

Top 5 CD ideas
Everybody likes music, right?

Kings of Leon- Only By Night
Adele- 19
The Ting Tings- We Started Nothing
The Raconteurs- Consolers of the Lonely
Kathleen Edwards- Asking for Flowers

Top 3 Wii Games
Odds are, somebody you know has a Wii. Bonus is you get to play it too, if you're really friends.

Top 1 Present to Buy Jordan

A Razor

thanksgiving.

2008-11-24T22:43:00.000-08:00

I was going through some old papers tonight trying to get organized and I came across an old journal entry. My advanced math class during my senior year in high school was hard, and for some reason our teacher made us write journal entries for her to read. The entry for 11/13/01 said this:

The most enjoyable part of the Thanksgiving holidays is eating. I love to eat non-stop without any occasion, but when I have an excuse I leap at the opportunity. I do not eat to live I live to eat, and as long as there are holidays that encourage eating large amounts of food I will know that there is something right in the world.

As much as I've changed since then, some things are always the same. Food is our constant. It is our common denominator.

Think of the culture, the wars, the centuries that have passed through time to bring us our foods. It connects all of us past, present and future. No matter our differences, we all have to eat. This is one necessity of life I wouldn't want to live without.

christmas 2- the sequel (even christmasier)

2008-11-21T06:39:00.000-08:00

As I ponder what you should buy your loved ones this holiday season, I've become slightly distraught. You see, my family never got into the lavish gifts that put you in the hole for the upcoming year. While we did receive gifts (sometimes really nice ones) it was indeed the thought that mattered more than the price tag. We were thrifty, yet thoughtful.

I must say, growing up I was jealous of the mega-toys most of my friends racked up, but looking back now the experience has only made me more creative and resourceful in my gift giving. So, you won't find any kisses beginning with Kay here. The easy road (i.e. buying expensive yet thoughtless gifts) might be for you because you're, well.... lazy, but maybe you could take some encouragement from me to try to give your brain a workout.

As we're giving our brains workouts maybe you'd like to give your friends and families something to read, more specifically a book. I know what you're thinking, "They still make those?" In short, yes they do.

Books are almost no-brainers really. Someone is interested in a subject. Buy a book on that subject and call it a day, but before you accuse me of being a lazy hypocrite think of this, at the very least by buying a book you've thought about the person in question and not what's the hottest thing out right now.

1. For the Well Read

I came across the Thursday Next series while perusing my local B&N, and became intrigued. The first book in the series, The Eyre Affair, follows a detective trying to stop a thief from stealing fictional characters out of books. Think of it as accessible fantasy that takes you into a world full of literary allusions.

2. For the Morbid Humorist

Loads of us are intrigued by death. I mean, look at all of those Zombie movies. I'm sure you have at least one friend with a morbid wit that lives on the border between hilarious and scary. Well, look no further than Michael Largo's Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die. From entries like "Air Bags" to "Sharks", the book takes an interesting look into the things that make us go kaput. It is filled with real statistics and gives you a general idea of how likely something will kill you. From what little I've read, it seems to be a fun read (stop judging me).

3. For the Guy that Hates Reading

Honestly, the last book would be good for this too, but a decidedly sweeter book would be How To Talk To Girls. You know it's an easy read, because an 8 year old wrote it. With tips like, "Sometimes you get a girl to like you, then she ditches you. Life is hard, move on!" you can't go wrong.

My Quick List:
Sci-Fi Nerds- Ender's Game (from the Ender series)
Comic Book Geeks- Bat-Manga!: The Secret History of Batman in Japan
A Classic- Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury
The Inquisitive Christian- The Baker Pocket Guide to World Religions: What Every Christian Should Know

christmas.

2008-11-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

I thought I would help everybody out this year and give you all gift ideas for Christmas. This is the first installment of: "Stuff Caleb Says I Should Buy For People or At Least Get Him".

Let's start off with ideas for the kids. There's only one thing (for each sex) you need to buy. Look no further than: The Dangerous Book for Boys (or The Daring Book For Girls).

These books are filled with everything you ever need to know. If I had this book when I was a kid, I would've been the baddest kid on the street. Come to think of it, there were only the two of us so that wouldn't have been that hard.

Um, let's see. If you absolutely have to buy a toy because your kid don't read good, then there are a few routes you can take.

First being the violent route. Instead of buying video games that have pretend violence buy a heavy duty belt fed Nerf Gun.

Or laser tag. And this one's good because it's Halo 3. So, you can cheat them out of an XBOX and still get them Halo. It's a win win win.

While you're at it, you can buy them night vision goggles so the fun doesn't have to stop when the lights go out because you spent the electric bill money on Christmas presents.

The Girls might not like all of the shooting so...
Friendship Bracelet Maker
Stable Cleaning Set (hahahahaha. I can't believe this is real.)

And finally, for the nerds in your life:
Personal Planetarium
Star Wars Toys

Tune in next time for my next installment.

reminiscenty.

2008-11-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about my friends this week, as my pastor got to be with them in Baton Rouge, La... lucky him.

More specifically, my friend Jordan comes to mind because he actually picked up said pastor from the airport.

So, come along with me on a Jordan retrospective.

See, back when I knew Jordan, we lived together. He was messy. Possibly the messiest (at least that's what I would say to make myself feel better about my messiness. Yeah sorry about that Chris.) He had a shaved head and some gruff on the the chin, but deep down there was a baby face under that gruff.

Then he grew out his poof-doo and looked more like this.

(he's the euro)

(and here he is pretending that he's on a double date)

But, I up and leave and turn my back for 5 months and what does he look like?

Well, he's lost all semblance of respectability, but in my opinion respectability is overrated (at least in the shallow appearance aspects). Welcome to manhood oh hairy one. I'm trying to catch up with you. You can be in my ZZ Top cover band, AA Bottom. You can play the maracas or something.

sweet.

2008-11-06T01:39:00.000-08:00

If you don't really "get" what Healing Place is all about, this post by the great and holy reverend Dan Ohlerking is a great start. It's killer.

election.

2008-11-04T20:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a lame couple of months during this past presidential campaign, but I've got to admit that McCain concession speech was better than any of his other speeches. It was gosh darn good (a little Palin dig there). He kept getting booed though. What's up with that? Very gracious in defeat.

snl.

2008-11-02T18:14:00.000-08:00

I know lots of people think that SNL isn't funny anymore, but they're probably too old to stay up that late. I'm one of those too, I think, but thanks to Al Gore and his newfangled internets we can now watch tv on computers.

This skit with Ben Affleck as Keith Olbermann is pretty funny.

a few articles.

2008-10-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

James Watson's (the discoverer of DNA) racist views on race and evolution.
Darwin's theory and racism.
Darwin and Hitler
Evolution, Values and Morals

riddles in the dark.

2008-10-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

I just watched Ben Stein's interesting movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, and it got me thinking.

The movie chronicles the science establishment's systematic suppression of any thought that would lead to Intelligent Design being pursued, validated or talked about.

Darwinism is in fact science gospel. There are zealots that will defend the theory no matter what science suggests, and furthermore will not allow any line of thinking that contradicts their worldview.

Let me preface my thoughts with this disclaimer:

I don't mind scientists coming up with ideas. I want them to follow the evidence to its logical conclusion. Also, as I am an open Christian (I work for a church for goodness sakes), I don't see a disconnect between the presence of facts and faith. These are not disparate phenomena and can be reconciled. So, let science prove whatever it believes.

The framework of the argument between evolution and creationism, in my opinion, has been framed in the wrong light.

Too often faith has been propagated as the belief in something that can't be proven. The idea goes like this, "If you can prove with science that natural processes are responsible for everything, then supposedly God disappears in a puff of logic."

Yes, often faith arises when we don't have the whole picture, but this does not mean we can never have deeper glimpses into the reality of what we believe in. The Christian and Jewish ideas of faith aren't really founded on strong beliefs in something that can't be proven. It is rather the belief that a promise will come to pass. True you can't prove the promise will happen until it actually does. This is where believing in things that you can't see comes into play. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb. 11:1)

If something happens that proves your faith was right, does that then nullify your original faith? The only reason what we hope for can't be seen is because it hasn't happened yet.

Now, any explanation of the universe, human body or life itself does not muck about with our faith. If science can prove evolution, does that nullify faith?

I think the belief in evolution as a blind guide to life requires faith as well. How did life begin? No one knows. Scientists have come up with some harebrained ideas, but nothing solid. Yet scientists still hold onto hope that what they believe will be justified one day by proof of the process of life beginning by a natural means. This sounds a lot like the author's explanation of faith in Hebrews to me.

I think there are lots of flaws in evolution. I'm not a scientist though, and don't feel qualified to get into that particular argument at the moment. I just wish science could be open to more lines of thought.

Years ago Newtonian physics explained our universe almost perfectly, and then Einstein came around and said differently. Once the big bang theory was ridiculed as being nothing more than creationism. And we used to think the world was flat.

Science often contradicts itself. It is supposed to be the pursuit of pure truth, but is too often muddled with the pride that we already know enough on a subject. Letting things stay as they are is not true scientific discovery. It goes beyond what we already think we know.

Does it mean that science could never prove God exists because it can't do it now? And is there really a disconnect between rational thought and the belief in a creator? I think the answer is "no" to both of these questions. Blindly following science (or rather scientists) doesn't make sense to me. I'd rather believe life has a purpose. The question has too long been "How?" and not "Why?". Faith really isn't blindly following a set of beliefs or rules. It's hoping in a brighter future. We differ on what that future will be, but I think everyone has at least a little faith.

I'll leave you with Isaiah 1:16-20:

16 wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds
out of my sight!
Stop doing wrong,

17 learn to do right!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed. ^[a]
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.

18 "Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.

19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the best from the land;

20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword."
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

That's what I believe in, a God that wants us to care for the oppressed and follow him so He can protect us. And furthermore, He wants us to join with him in using reason.

dead wrong.

2008-10-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today; how many times have I been wrong, but thought I was right? And secondly, how could I possibly know I was wrong at the time?

It's just something to think about. We're so often determined that our way is right until we one day get blindsided by the truth of a subject. And if experience really is our best teacher, I can't see a way around the being wrong part. Maybe, we can shorten our periods of "wrongness" by keeping open minds to our detractors.

Question: Can we really navigate between strong convictions and open mindedness?

Surely, there's no point in keeping strong convictions when you're wrong. Where's the balance? My guess is the balance can be achieved by true humility. If we are quick to accept lapses in judgment and allow others the right to differ in opinion from ourselves, there won't be much face to be lost.

Of course, the flip side to humility is dearly holding onto our ideologies, long after we've been proven incorrect. This, in a word, is pride.

Pride is, after all, the root of all man's troubles.

project runway.

2008-10-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

I've finally gotten to see the finale of Project Runway. And once again, I picked the winner early on in the competition. It's just too bad that I didn't post my pick on here earlier to prove it. I knew I should have. I've picked all of the winners for every season.

Congrats Leanne.

google me.

2008-10-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

If you google image search "teen titans movie" a post from my blog comes up fourth in the results. I was wondering why that post had so many hits.

And if you do an image search for "hillsong united" a picture from my blog comes up on the second page.

And sadly, if you search for "caleb brown", besides finding a rugby star, you'll also find an unexpected picture on the second page. My picture's all the way on the fourth page. The fourth page?! How lame. I want to be google famous.

Though, the rugby thing probably explains the hits I've gotten from Australia. Either that or Hillsong. It's debatable.

Servolution.

2008-10-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

I know it's way late, but I just saw this sweet action shot of me at Servolution on Buck and Esther's Blog.

What can I say? I'm a regular Pelé.

modern office.

2008-10-09T11:55:00.001-07:00

I was surfing for prices on Lecterns and came across one hip site. It was the Modern Office. You can just tell by these pictures how cutting edge it all is.

It's a folding carpeted "podium". Our model, Gina, is wearing the latest in country church office chic.

You don't want the lectern to come between you and the audience. Show some teal, why don't ya?

In the modern office there won't be any more of those clunky speaker stands.

el paso update.

2008-10-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

I had been meaning to do this for a while but haven't gotten around to it.

El Paso is good and nice and clean, and if any of you want some Mexican food come on down (or over or up, depending on your current geographic location).

Services have been going well. The crowds have been big considering how young we are. I think we had the largest launch out of any other HPC launch, which is neat.

I'm most excited about our youth group starting up next week. That's always fun. Be sure to pray I don't mess that one up. ;)

We did a pretty funny video last week if want to check it out:

I know my accent changes, but I see it as Bill's getting more comfortable with himself in the situation.

And here are some pictures:

Unloading the trailer in the rain.

The band gets into it.

That screen is huge.

Baptisms were Saturday.

A dunk

Later. Until next time.

fallin'.

2008-10-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

I was on hulu last night and got reconnected with my favorite childhood show.

The fall guy.

I wanted to be a stuntman because of that show. I can't tell you how many things I jumped off of as a kid preparing for my future life in movies.

Well, my plans to become a Navy Seal/Stuntman/Professional Chef/Track Star/Actor haven't exactly panned out yet. Bet here's hoping.

thought about it.

2008-10-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

I thought about how I haven't blogged in a while, and then it hit me! My next post would be the very first from my new laptop.

Ole Bessie, isn't she a beaut? Oh yeah, you see that 1600x900 hi def screen!

Haha. I'm such a nerd.

msnbc.

2008-09-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Just in addition to my addition about the "news"/make fun of religion people, I've added Keith Olbermann's terrible critique of Sarah Palin. Wow, talk about someone who is out of touch with both history and current events. You know, Obama prays for God's will to be done too.

He inserted a prayer into the wailing wall that said:

Lord,

Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins and help me guard against pride and despair.

Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just.

And make me an instrument of your will.

Scary stuff?

Olbermann says, "I don't mean any offense to the belief in God..." No, of course not Keith. You just mean offense to the belief in God of someone who isn't a socialist.

celeb look-a-like (VMA Edition).

2008-09-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

After watching the Video Music Awards on MTV and being severely disappointed on most all levels, I've decided to relieve my pain with celeb-therapy.

Here are a few celeb look-a-likes that were inspired by the dismal night of lip-syncing, poorly produced numbers and one very un-funny host.

Christina Aguilera (L) and Julianne Hough (R) pretty much are the same person. And no, I didn't cheat on this one; these are actually two different people.

No, you're not seeing double. That's Bill Kaulitz from Tokio Hotel (L) and Audrey Hepburn (R) . I'm guessing that's a dude on the left, but either way it sure looks classy. Tokio Hotel won Best New Artist; so, congrats to that band I've never heard of.

And finally...

The host of the evening, Russell Brand (L), looks suspiciously like a pomeranian (R). The main differences between the two are the pomeranian is much better looking and is probably funnier.

additionally.

2008-09-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Say you believe in creation, you're anti-science.
Say you don't believe in abortion, you're a sexist.
Say you don't believe in gay marriage, you're a bigot.
Say you believe in the Bible, you're an idiot.
Call anyone out on racism that isn't white, you're a racist.
Say you think one course is right and others are wrong, you're Satan incarnate (if something like that existed).

Many cry for tolerance and acceptance for all, and don't believe in it themselves. I don't get it. I'm getting angry again.

rnc blues.

2008-09-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember a time when journalists reported stories that were 100% true? Remember when decent people were treated like decent human beings? Remember unbiased news coverage?

Yeah, me neither.

I've been keeping up with the political conventions on all of those major cable news networks (whatever that means right?) and have grown to a crescendo of anger. It's been a gradual process. It took a while for NBC to make me forget Tim Russert and the network's sort of fair coverage, last election.

I know Fox News is biased towards conservatives. That's never really been much of a point of argument. They live with it, but at the very least Fox throws a bone or two in the way of liberals. There is in fact a Colmes' yin to Hannity's yang. At least they try.

What I've seen in the past few days frightens me. Everywhere you look, you see upside down truth. It's been twisted to a point where you don't recognize it anymore.

People rail against Governor Palin for believing in something that disagrees with their beliefs. Which is fine, if you don't present it under the guise of fact.

I don't know, maybe she's got some big skeleton in the closet. I would want to know about it. What I don't want to know about are all of the little things you find along the way. You've gone to look for a skeleton in the closet and you've brought us back a shoe with skulls on it.

Her daughter's pregnant. Thanks, but no thanks.
She was for the bridge to nowhere before she was against it. You're getting warmer.
She believes the war in Iraq is God's work. Now you're just lying.

I've seen part of the video that they supposedly quote to say she's basically a jihadist. She suggests to her church audience to pray for God's will be done in government policies.

Perhaps our religious language is too hard to understand for those too disconnected from religion to know what we're saying. Perhaps this is the religious establishment's fault. Sure, I'll take some blame for that. Then again, maybe there are too many people too absorbed in stories to keep track of the values the people they are serving hold.

Journalists, after all, are servants of the people. We just have servants of low caliber and class these days.

There is so much more I could say, but I know most of you haven't read all of this post anyway.

So, I'll end with this.

Journalism is dead. We have killed him.

the pass.

2008-09-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

All of you folks have been clamoring for a pictorial update from El Paso. In an effort to appease your requests, here you go.

This is part of a "weather balloon" spotted over Roswell, New Mexico. (White Sands Missle Range)

Big Boy goes boom. (WSMR)

This was at the White Sands National Monument. It felt like walking into Tatooine in Star Wars.

Buck and the fam.

So, that's it for this round, but if you want a couple more pics you can check it out here.

And sorry for no celeb-look-a-like in August. Life happened.

pic from sunday service.

2008-08-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

We had a service last Sunday at a park in town.

It was a pretty site for a service. I just can't wait till we have a screen instead of those sheets. Too much like a hymnal if you ask me. Things are going well out in "the pass" though. I even spotted a celebrity at Wal-Mart today.

i'm close to the edge.

2008-08-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

If any of you aren't too sure about country music there's a show on GAC I'd recommend. The Edge of Country is a mix of different country styles; it's just really different than what they play on the radio or CMT. Have a looksie won't ya?

In personal news, this past week I've purchased a Korg Triton keyboard and a set of drums for the worship team. We don't have anyone to play the keys quite yet, but it'll work out...hopefully.

In more important news, the Olympics start tonight, and guess what? I've got a meeting to go to tonight at the same time. At least I have a VCR.

Anyway, I'm going to start the chanting a little early:
U-S-A
U-S-A
U-S-A
U-S-A
U-S-A

omg.

2008-08-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to me.

The best thing about my birthday is that the Olympics are only 4 days away from it. I guess American Gladiators will have to hold me over until then.

There's that peacock and 5 rings in the corner of the screen that keeps me antsy.

Stay tuned this month for more celeb look-a-likes and maybe some other stuff.

And as a bonus, here's a pic from my birthday party at Bob-O's.

word of the day.

2008-07-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

Resistance.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:7-8a

I heard that word when I was praying this morning. Resistance. It was almost accusatory. "Who are you resisting?" it implied. Thus I was crushed underneath my own guilty plea, but hope rose her beautiful head to point to the future of endless possibilities.

You still can do it, even if you've failed before.

I can. I will.

We won't go silently into the night.

Vive la Résistance!

celeb look-a-like.

2008-07-23T15:08:00.001-07:00

Yes, the fan-favorite celeb look-a-like is back for another round. It's OK, let out that squeal of excitement you've been holding back.

I was watching White Chicks yesterday and found this little gem. This actual white chick (Busy Phillips) looks extremely like a Dixie Chick (Natalie Maines). I didn't even think about the chick connection until now. Man, I'm good.

I give you,

Busy Phillips and Natalie Maines

What do you think?

Stay tuned for more celeb look-a-likes in the future. I've got some even better ones down the pipe.

friend.

2008-07-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

I was reading in Matthew, chapter 26, today. It's the part of the story when Jesus is being handed over to the Pharisees by Judas, and I noticed something.

In verse 50, right after Judas gives Jesus that infamous kiss of betrayal Jesus says, "Friend, do what you came for."

Even after the deepest betrayal, unto death no less, Jesus still calls him friend.

Wow, he's immediately ready to forgive. That's crazy.

alone.

2008-07-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

So, I dropped my parents off at the airport this morning, and I realized the weight of my decision. No mom. No dad. Just you, a guitar and a good group of people you don't know quite yet.

This week was weird to say the least. I moved into a one bedroom apartment which now has all of my accoutrement, and I've been staying here with my parents. The inside feels like somewhere in Louisiana and when I walk outside I immediately see mountains. All of the week has felt like a family vacation.

We went to museums, an outlet mall and even the history of El Paso told through interpretive dance. And when waiters come and ask us if we'd like an appetizer my dad says, "No thank you," with a slightly condescending smirk that seems to say, "I'm but a simple man from the country who doesn't need any of your fancy smancy appetizers."

It's just like vacation, except this time they'll go back home and I'll be staying.

This all for the best though. It's hard to say goodbye and leave your family; it's hard to breakaway like that Kelly Clarkson song. But just as Christ endured the cross, I'll endure this small trial for the joy set before me. There's loads to look forward to, like all of the work ahead and the people. I love to think of all the people that we have to go to. It's exciting.

Still, it's fun to look back too. Like when that same waiter comes back around to ask if we'd like dessert, and my dad says, "We'd like the check please," in such a way that you can almost detect an air of, "I build cabinets with my bare hands, do I look like I need dessert?"

happy 50th.

2008-07-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

So, this is my official 50th post here on calebbrown.blogspot.com. Happy 50th to me.

I'm having fun down here in El Paso. My parents helped me move last Friday, and they're staying the rest of the week. I had a meeting today with a team of leaders from the church (HPC El Paso), and I'm getting excited. I should have some pictures to show you guys of the area soon.

Wish me luck, and if you know any musicians in El Paso drop me a line.

oh japan.

2008-07-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

I wanted to blog today with as little effort as possible. So, you guys get a slice of heaven from Japan. Enjoy that little gem. No need to thank me (I'm just being modest, you actually should sing me a song of praise and thanks, but do what you think is right).

That's America's favorite pastime turned into a Japanese game-show travesty. It's one of the many reasons I find Japan completely endearing.

i hope i'm cool by distant association.

2008-07-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

How many Olympic athletes have you met in your day?

Apparently, I've met one, and her name is Lolo Jones. I've seen her around at church, and we had a class together at LSU. And just today she clinched her spot on the U.S. Olympic team in the women's 100m hurdles. That sounds nice doesn't it?

I'm not going to lie I had one of those school boy crushes on her in college. Once I even asked her when our next test was scheduled. I can't believe she didn't interepret that as a sign of me liking her..... That's weird.

But seriously, Ms. Jones you're on that short list of really cool, far above average people that I've met in my life (if only for a brief second). All in all, you're an inspiration. Make us proud in Beijing.

celeb look-a-like.

2008-06-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've been pressed by close friends to write more. So, I'll do what I can.

Today I thought I'd tide you over with a new installment of my "celeb look-a-like" series. I hope you enjoy the visual connections my twisted mind make.

That's right, Barak Obama looks like Harvey Dent from Batman: The Animated Series. And no, to those of you who are pop-culturally astute, I'm not calling Obama "Two-Faced" (for those of you not in the know, Harvey Dent is the District Attorney who later becomes the villain Two-Face in the Batman universe).

Admit it they do kind of look a like. Look at that perfectly cropped, "I'm somebody" hair they've both got.

hp-google.

2008-06-10T16:17:00.000-07:00

Last night I was fighting back my urges to go to sleep while watching the

keynote address given at this year's Google I/O conference by a collection of developers at the company. Of course, there were loads of talk about very exciting software and innovation coming from the web-based behemoth.

My personal favorite was the talk about Android, the new open source mobile platform. Basically, Google is in the process of building a platform for phone companies and third parties to build on top of. Check the link if you really want to know more.

Android, in a wider sense though, is just one more example of Google empowering smaller developers to be creative and innovate by making it easy for them to develop and publish their own software.

I really enjoyed hearing their business model for pseudo-philanthropy:
They want the web to be more open to developers;
which leads to richer web apps;
which leads to more users;
who use the internet more;
which in the long run results in more revenue for Google;
who in turn invests more money into the development of the web to be more open to developers.

It's a nice cycle.

Invest in the big picture and you'll do well based on the success of others.

That reminded me of how Pastor Dino has decided to do church at HPC. He always says, "We're not here to build bigger churches but bigger people." If we invest in helping people, if we take the long, hard road of empowering others and if we discover the need to encourage personal growth within our congregations, it will benefit us much more than simply building a megachurch or pushing our own agenda down everyone's throats.

Think about it.

Ministry A can invest in ministry B and win in the long run because B could be more successful at helping people in a particular way than A could never be.
or
You can be even more effective at serving the world if you raise up and train leaders to serve their own communities.
or
If one Christian reaches one lost person in their lifetime, their potential lifetime impact will be doubled.
etc.
etc.

The possibilities are endless.

Invest in the big picture and you'll do well based on the success of others.

scarlett.

2008-05-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

So, I got on the computer today and saw the great media machine working away trying its best to make a crossover artist out of Scarlett Johansson. You know I thought I might have respected her as an actress or "artist" (if you will), but I'm beginning to believe I fell for some great ruse.

This started with seeing her new music video. Here it is:

Yeah, check that one out for yourself. Complete turdsville.

Let's start with those lyrics. It sounds like a five year old wrote them.

When you give a man luck
He must fall in the sea
And she wants you
To steal and get caught
For she loves you

What the frick does that mean? Yeah, this is about as inspiring as The Pussycat Dolls or LFO's "Summer Girls".

But the packaging is so shiny and convincing you would think she actually has talent. They've given her a decent band, Pepsi's backing her, a pretty neat looking video but a completely worthless song. In the end you can't give someone soul or talent.

And the more I think, the more I'm beginning to realize her acting is about the same. She's been on the cover of so many magazines and for what? The Nanny Diaries? Honestly go back and look at the films she's been in and ask yourself what she's really done well. I think in the end the answer is "not much".

Here's a toast to marketing, PR and advertising. Good job guys. You've done it once again.

and we're back.

2008-05-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

These past few days have been a whirlwind. Let's see, there was a 24+ hour flight back from India, Elevate graduation, move out day, Leah's going away party and don't forget that hour long drive back to my parents (just thank God I stopped and bought a tea at Love's truckstop, OK).

This morning I found myself sitting on Mom's couch watching TV and saying out loud to no one at all, "I don't know what to do."

It all ends so fast, and I'm looking for my next big thing. I know deep down that I can't go back to my normal life of work, sleep, eat, work, sleep, eat, sleep. There are churches to be built, people to be reached, hopefully a girl to be loved (there's always hope), children to be had, etc. Life goes on. It won't stop until I die.

If there was anything I learned from the India trip, it was that I am up for a challenge. It's not easy being sick in a foreign country in 110+ heat knowing that you're going to have to lead a leaders seminar session to about 500 people. It's hard leading worship when you feel like there are two armies carpet bombing one another in your stomach. It's hard getting out of bed when you feel like you're about to pass out. It's hard. Life is hard. Ministry is hard. Love is hard.

But in the end I did it, and at the same time my greatest relief is knowing that none of it could have been me. It was all Christ in me. His love and mercy and tenacity that lives inside of me allows me to show love and mercy and be tenacious.

In defense of my previous "in case of death." post, I'd like to say something. A part of me did die in India, and I think it was my fear and worry. I just want to know what my next challenge is. Where do we go now? What is my next fight? I'm not positive yet, but it will come in time. I'm sure of it.

Whatever it is, wherever I go, I'm sure I'll be sharing this hope I have. I wish all of you could know what it feels like to have a reason and a purpose, a hope and a future, a faith and a Saviour. He is so good to me, and he can be great to you too. There is a hope that does not disappoint, and there is a faith that is more than just wishful thinking.

Have you found it yet?

waiting.

2008-05-23T04:27:00.000-07:00

Hey, keep waiting. I'll be posting soon about India. Until then go check out our go global blog for the trip.