Emma Jean Long

On Thursday, January 14th, Emma Jean Long was born at 2:43 PM.  She measured 19 inches and weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces, most of it hair.  She is healthy–sleeping and eating well.  Thanks to everyone who joined in on the contest.  The numbers are in and the winner by unanimous decision is … Diane, Kristy’s former boss!  Diane said in her post, “This is fun! I’m Diane, Kristy’s boss, and I hope I win.”  And she did.  Diane, you have won a 25 dollar gift card to the retailer of your choice and the right to say you guessed best.  Congratulations!

Baby Long Contest

This is my beautiful wife, Kristy.  We are expecting our first child.  We thought it would be a lot of fun to have a contest in which our friends and family guess the gender, weight and time of birth of the baby.  A bit of info: we do not know the gender of the baby; the official due date is January 11th, 2009.  Each person who guesses will get points based on the accuracy of their guesses.  The person who gets the most points will win a $25 gift card to the retailer of their choice!  Here is the points breakdown:

5 points for correctly guessing the gender

10 points to start for guessing the date of birth minus 1 point for each day off target

24 points to start for guessing the time of birth (regardless of date) minus 1 point for each hour off target

10 points to start for guessing the weight of the baby minus .25 points for every ounce off target

Post your answers on this blog as a reply to this post.  See the first reply below for an example.  Email calamusink@gmail.com if you have any questions or can’t figure out how to reply.

Good luck and we can’t wait to introduce Griffin Michael or Emma Jean Long to the world..

More Autumn Forest Photos

Rowlett Creek Preserve

I went trouncing through the woods this week in the soggy rain and took a few photos:

 

Termite Art

 

I think these are the same kind of mushroom that were in my yard.

 

A genuine leech

 

 

 

 

Mushrooms

Found these mushrooms in my backyard and thought they would make perfect little subjects for some photography.  Anyone know what type of mushrooms these are?  I wonder if they are edible.

Google Invites

Hey guys,

I have two Google Voice invites to send out. I’d LOVE to trade one for a Google Wave invite.

P.S. Google, please tell me if it isn’t cool to trade invites.

Josh

Poll

Power vs Poverty

I must admit that I know very little about the reasons for poverty or its solutions.  What is even sadder is that I have not even begun to apply what I already know.  As I begin to read about poverty and how Jesus interacted with the poor and rejected, I am also searching my heart to find both why I haven’t gotten involved before and how I should begin.

I am also learning that it is easy to “help” with the wrong motives and with broken results.  For instance, at a macro scale, aid money given to poor countries is sometimes used as a way to control that country.  I will give you this money to feed your people if you will stop x (producing a certain product, harboring so and so, etc.).  In the same way, aid money is rarely given for the purpose of helping a country achieve economic wealth.  More often than not it is simply a drop in the bucket that makes the donors look good but does little to alleviate the REAL problems.  This cycle is difficult to break because is allows those with power to look good while avoiding the risk that another power will arise.

On an individual level, we are just as guilty of using acts of charity for our own interests.  It makes us feel really great to give 5 bucks to the homeless guy on the corner, but that gift has little impact and does more to boost our own egos than to bring about change in his life.  What is more, the gift may well given be out of a desire to be relieved of guilt than to care for that person.

When we toss money at people who are hurting, we assume that they have no power, no voice, no value.  We must stop giving as a means of self-aggrandizement or a way to exercise power.  If we were instead to love the poor much in the same way Jesus did, then we would talk with them and find out their real needs.  We would sacrifice to see them made whole.  We would see them as valuable and give them opportunities to contribute to alleviating their own need and becoming productive members of their communities.

Have you seen instances of people helping to care for the long-term needs of individuals, valuing them and walking along side?  Please share.

Meditation

I’ve always been drawn to and scared of by the idea of meditation.  There is something profound and true about the idea, but it is equally daunting.  Perhaps it is so frightening because it is unknown, like death.  It’s easy to get the idea that you never know what you might find staring back at you when you enter in.  Some say it is the secret to a spiritual life.  Others decry it as a gateway to demon possession or eastern mysticism.

Let’s be clear.  Jesus meditated.  The Psalms implore us to meditate.  The prophets no doubt spent countless hours in meditation.  What then is the big deal?  The problem is that our modern concept of meditation is distorted by the New Age worldview.  It is seen as psychedelic and mushy.  Our concept is also shaped by the Eastern concept that nothingness and everything are one and the same.  The goal of meditation in that culture is to empty the mind and to become one with the cosmic forces.  Richard foster shares, “Detachment is the final goal of Eastern religion.  Christian meditation goes far beyond the notion of detachment. [...]  No, detachment is not enough; we must go on to attachment.”  We clear out the rustling around us and in our minds so that we can give ourselves to God freely.

For a follower of Christ, meditation is crucial.  It is not psychological manipulation.  It is not simply a means to conquering fear or centering one’s thoughts.  It is time focused on God and God alone.  It creates space for God to shape us.  Have you experienced this kind of meditation?  What was it like in practice?

TV vs Radio

I am by most standards a moderately conservative modern; however, this post could be evidence that I am a liberal luddite. First, I deem radio programs to be far superior to television. My two favorite entertainment shows are radio shows (“This American Life” and “Radio Lab“). Because of the restrictions of radio (no visuals) the creators must be especially clever.

I also choose to get my news on the radio because it is concise yet thorough. Which brings me to my next point. I listen to the news programs that run on public radio, like “The World” and “Fresh Air.” When I tell this to my conservative friends they often make me feel like a traitor for listening to “liberal radio.” I find these radio programs to be the most balanced news sources among all sources video, audio, print or otherwise. Furthermore, I find Rush Limbaugh and Michael Savage to be among the least balanced, least thoughtful people in all of the world. Yelling and name calling are in no way akin to presenting a logical argument.

So the whole point of this post is this:
1. Friends, please give radio a chance.
2. Conservative comrades, please step up your game. Please find a way to use the media of your choice to share a credible, compelling story that represents our values.

Following Jesus

I am reading a book by Dallas Willard called “The Great Omission” and it is causing me to search my own heart. See, I have been content to be a believer and neglected to follow, leaving everything behind. In Christ’s time, he called others to leave their occupations and families to travel with him and learn from him. This was not uncommon for a rabbi (teacher) to call disciples to leave behind their former lives for the privilege of learning. In our time, we are not in the same position since Christ is not physically walking the cities teaching. However, we are not called to a lesser sacrifice. We must follow Him with regard for nothing else but becoming like him. That does not mean we should not care for our health or our families. On the contrary, when we are chasing him we are more acutely aware of our need to care for our bodies and love our families.

I have somehow bought into the lie that it is good enough to believe in Christ, to accept his free gift of salvation, and then go about life as usual. Someone may object: “But you know Scripture, you are a seminary student and a pastor. Plus, you are a man of morals.” You must know that all of these things come easy to me. I know Scripture because it was taught to me as a child. I have studied in seminary because I love to learn and I am a pastor. The people I find in my close circles value morals. My father is a pastor. This is the life I know. The same can not be said for many.

For most, the life you see on the external of my persona is very difficult. However, being a radical follower of Christ is equally difficult for all. It requires true desire and sacrifice. Believing in Jesus and trusting him to forgive me is one thing. But isn’t it impossible to trust Christ for salvation, but to neglect trusting him with my entire life and being?

I trusted Christ as my savior when I was very young. I am just now learning to trust him as my rabbi.

Song of the Year

Regina Spektor has been writing excellently thoughful and dry songs for a while now. It is hard to imagine how she could possible top herself after this latest album which includes what I consider to be the masterpiece of the year: “Laughing With.” Please listen carefully and think critically about the content:

http://hypem.com/track/858618

Leadership Tip

The data used to make a decision are not always the same as the data used to explain a decision. For instance, you need to confront an individual about an issue that has become known to you as you investigate several red flags. It is not necessary to list out each of the red flags. This will only lead to an argument over inconsequential side issues. Instead, identify the one main problem and confront the issue with some focused data. Of course, before doing anything like this, search your own heart to purge any hint of pride, fear, or anger.

Gothic Architecture

I’ve always loved Gothic architecture. It breathes and soars. It seems to grow up out of the ground. Today I learned that my very favorite piece of architecture is the Palazzo Ducale aka Doge’s Palace. Here are a few photos that I hope will inspire you.

On the Trail

Why does it feel like Obama is still campaigning?

Cake!

One of my favorite bands is Cake.  That is not what this post is about.  This week, I made two cakes.  The first turned out to be one of the worst ever and the last turned out to be my personal best.  Here’s a photo of the white one.  It is white silver cake with vanilla lemon buttercream icing.  

 

Book Review: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Gnomic and quotable, The Prophet will guide you to question your assumptions about life and especially about community.  Good poetry does not set one straight with simple corrections to the reader’s understanding but rather draws one into a different picture of the world.  The Prophet accomplishes this with excellence.  

While reading this short book I often questioned my own understanding about corporate responsibility, silence, love, and even faith.  At times I found myself disagreeing with the truth statements of the poet but wishing I were able to agree fully.  Such was the charm of the writing.

Gibran’s most celebrated work is wonderfully modest and keen.  The subject of the writing, Almustafa, is a temping allusion to Christ for those who are accustomed to hearing Jesus in every hero’s voice.  However, Almustafa more closely resembles the voice of the post-Christian era’s pluralism, embodying humanism, hints of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Greek philosophy, Hinduism and New Age thinking.  

I ask that you read this book not because I agree with the author’s universalist approach to spirituality, but because I admire his ability to relay a fine story, his ear for open-line poetry, and his desire to explore the human spirit.  Perhaps, like me, you will find yourself agreeing with much he says and wishing you could agree with more still.

Webapps

The last post reminds me to tell you about two things you just can’t live without: Pandora and Google Reader. Pandora.com plays all of your favorite music for free and lets you create stations. Google reader reads all of your favorite blogs for you and lets you know when there is a new post. What other awesome webapps are out there do you love?  Wesabe?  Aviary?  

I really wish I could get Google’s Grand Central Station.  They’ve been in closed beta forever.  If anyone knows a way…hook me up!

Favorite Music

Here’s a random list of all my very favorite artists. Who are yours?

Joanna Newsom
the narwhal invastion
Andrew Bird
mewithoutyou
Black Keys
White Stripes
Alela Diane
Beck
Arcade Fire
Cake
Coldplay
Damien Rice
Dave Matthews
David Crowder
The Decembrists
Emiliana Torrini
Iron & Wine
Johnny Cash
Keb Mo
Laura Gibson
Lead Belly
Modest Mouse
Nora Jones
Radiohead
Robert Johnson
Steven Delopoulos
Switchfoot
U2
Regina Spektor
Fiona Apple
Franz Ferdinand
Ray Charles
Robert Johnson
Jolie Holland
Sufjan Stevens
Outkast (we all have one we are ashamed of)

Even more snow!

Snow!

So these are the mountains just outside of town near where I often mountain bike.

On Christmas, we are planning on driving up to some larger mountains North of these to go sledding!

Delicious Holiday Food

Made a rack of lamb last night. I actually split it into chops but it was a rack when I started. It was cooked to medium well in skillet and was topped with a Sherry-Parsnip-Apple sauce. Wonderful. By the way…Sherry is a wonderful liquid to cook with. It adds a nutty sweetness to the food. We also had skillet fried red potatoes tossed in sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic, onion powder, and parsley. Mmmm.

We plan on cooking quite a bit over the holidays. I’d love to have some new meat or bread recipes. Post ‘em here!

Bad Coffee`

I have tried to quit coffee before but have always crawled back to its earthy warm goodness. This week, I switched to decaf. Does anyone know of a good Decaf coffee that doesn’t taste like old burnt popcorn kernels?

Story (or how to share your faith in a loving way)

I am sure most of you share my frustration with popular media’s portrayal of Christians.  Somehow, almost every person tagged “Christian” who gets airtime is either a Universalist or a hateful bigot.  I am surrounded by believers who love God with all of their hearts and love the people around them, yet I don’t see this represented in my cultural environment.

I want to show you two videos that do not come from popular media.  I want to see people like this being open about faith by simply sharing their stories.  These two are great examples because they are both musicians, but that is about the only thing they have in common outside of faith.  These two stories placed next to one another demonstrate how God can use the extreme and the seemingly mundane to build the Kingdom.  

Some of you who are reading are scared to share your faith because you have had so much drama and struggle.  You don’t want people to know that dark side of you or you feel like you messed up so badly that God cannot redeem your story.  Let the story of Brian Welch give you courage and challenge your pride.  Some of you feel like you have no compelling story because you never experienced such a drastic rebellion.  You wonder, “Why would anyone want to hear about someone who grew up in the church and in a Christian home and is now a person of faith?”  Let the story of Jason Castro inspire you to see the story of transformation and mission in your life and share it!

Worst Idea…Ever

I usually don’t randomly attack ideas, but this company left an ad on my front porch so I feel justified in critiquing the product.  Here it is: Green E’co Towel (that’s right, there is a trendy French style accent mark in there).

Here’s the problem.  It is a compressed paper towel the size of 15 dimes stacked together.  In the photo, as you can see, in order to dry your hands with it, you must first wet the towel.  I was graciously left a sample of this item and was thoroughly amused to find that in order to use the towel, it must be soaking wet.  There is a flaw in reasoning here.  Secondly, these compressed towels take up more space per 100 than a roll of paper towels, not to mention that they cost 50 cents each!  Whoever allowed this product to end up on the market needs a psych eval.  The worst part is that I fear people will actually buy these.  If you have already bought this product, please don’t tell me or I may be forced to defriend you. 

Also, I have begun selling solar powered flashlights if anyone is interested *-)

Short Holiday Season

Over the last few days, I have heard several people in the media bewail the fact that there are fewer days than usual between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.  They say retail sales numbers will be down because people do not have as much time to do Christmas shopping.  Really?!  Are people going to spend less on Christmas this year because they have a few less days to shop?  

The only thing I can think of is that all of those everyday purchases (clothes, food, soap, etc.) that would have gotten lumped into the “holiday shopping season” will now just stay on the “pre-holiday shopping season spreadsheet.”  Don’t we have better (or worse) things to worry about?

Let’s have a sensible discussion here

Drugs, guns, gay marriage, abortion, welfare, war.  I’m going to ask you to share about it.  Wait…hold on…take it easy!  I don’t want your opinion on why one is right or wrong, we’ve all heard it and we’ve all made up our minds.  In fact, I don’t want opinions at all, only well-crafted arguments using verifiable facts and ending in viable conclusions.  The question is not about the morality of these issues.  Here is the question: what should be the role of government when it comes to these issues AND WHY?  

Should the government be the morality police?  Should the government be laissez-faire when it comes to morality?  What about fiscal policy?  How does a government view on fiscal policy/international policy affect your view of the government’s moral responsibility?  What is the job of our government!?  Let’s figure it out and put it to work for us!  Give me references: the constitution, John Locke, Jefferson, Hamilton, Plato…let’s do this right!

I am not going to post or respond here for a few reasons:

1. I’m still trying to figure it out and haven’t heard much in the way of reasonable argument.

2. I’m a pastor and so will fly a little low because I don’t want to allow politics to distort my role as a leader in a much more important battle.

3. I’m tired.  I’d love to come back in a few hours and see a great debate taking form here.

Men’s Retreat

Had a great time at the Men’s Retreat in Zion National Park.  If your church does a men’s retreat, here are a few learnings:

1. Provide free time
2. Have a guest speaker that rocks
3. Don’t freak out if a few things go wrong.  God works in those moments.
4. Don’t be afraid to bring the Truth hard.  That’s what these guys came for.
5. Spend as much time as possible with men you do not know.
6. Don’t overspiritualize everthing.
7. Follow up!  Provide opportunities for men to serve or get in groups.

Here are a few photos I took at the retreat.  I used a Canon Rebel XT and Photoshop for resizing and levels.

Mormon Tea

While I was riding today, I made a point to keep my eye open for some mormon tea (ephedra nevadensis I think).  I saw quite a lot of it but most of it was scruffy and dry.  While I was in the creekbed, I spotted a nice bush and grabbed some to take home.  

 

I took the needles home, cut them into 3 inch pieces, washed them, placed them in a coffe coffee cup, added boiling water, and stirred the water with the needles for 1 minute.  The water turned a brownish amber color.  I removed the needles (to prevent a bitter taste) and took a sip.  It was wonderful.  It tasted like a mixture of black tea and green tea and was a bit sweet.  I really did not expect such a pleasant experience.  

Panorama

I went riding again today for a few hours.  A few small crashes but nothing major.  Here’s a panorama I made in photoshop using 24 individual photos.  The exposure, etc is not consistent because I used a low end camera but I think it still gives a pretty good sense of the place (a dry creekbed in the middle of the desert).