Games

We are totally into games right now. We got hooked on Cranium Zigity playing at Starbucks while on a date. They are supposed to all have demo copies, so you can go to your local Starbucks and play too. It's Uno, Cranium style. Very fun. We ended up buying a copy, but found a coupon inside to get a free copy. Apparently, if you buy any cranium game, you get a free copy of Zigity right now. Pretty cool! While at my parent's for Thanksgiving, we played a lot of Zigity and also a little Phase 10. I hope we get some more games for Christmas!

4 years!

Today marks FOUR years of blogging for me. I started out at one blogspot location, posted there for about 18 months, garverized for a little while (before that was the term for it!) and reemerged at a new locale. My archives on this server start there.

Anyhow, looking back, I am really thankful for all that I've learned whilest blogging and reading blogs. I am also thankful for friends that I've made, a bonus I wasn't really expecting. It's fun to look back and think that I have been following different people's blogs, and vice versa, for so long. I remember when Richard proposed to Megan. I remember before Brandon and Wendy were together. I remember when they first met. I remember when Joel and Laurel announced they were pregnant with Claire.

Thanks for the memories.

Ukrainian Elections

Alexandra's got me all interested in the election fraud and protesting in the Ukraine. Check her blog for frequent updates.

Clay Calhoun has messages like the following from former Congressman Bob Schaffer, monitoring the election on behalf of the U.S.

Russian special forces dressed in Ukrainian Special forces uniforms are in Kyiv. Ukrainian militia have been instructed by the mayor to protect the people from the Russian troops. Ukrainian militia have established a hotline for Ukrainians to report any incidents with the Russians and pledged to protect Ukrainians.

For Those Who Swing That Way ...

XML is now working for this blog. At least, it works with my "My Yahoo" page. Let me know if you have issues.

NT Wright

I have always enjoyed reading NT Wright. If anyone is wondering what to get me for Christmas, there is a host of books he has written which I do not have. For those who haven't heard of him, you must not be in many reformed circles (where he is either praised or trampled upon), and you must visit the NT Wright Page.

Recently, I've been reading "New Perspectives on Paul," a lecture he delivered Aug 2003 in Scotland. A point he makes in section four, "Ordo Salutis," speaks to something I've been thinking about for a long time -- Calling. In college, christians guys often struggle and fret about their calling. "Should I go to grad school? Should I ask out that girl? Is God calling us together? Should I be in Engineering or Liberal Arts? Where is going calling me?" I've also been thinking about this post-college. Many ministers discuss a calling to this area or that area. "Calling" or "Vocation" always seems to be wrapped up in some sort of paid service which occupies my time from 8a-5p Monday - Friday. Based on a discussion in a Pauline Greek class, led by the infamous Dr. White, I have rejected this interpretation of "calling."

Well, what Wright does is interesting, or at least his phrasiology is new to me.

I have already described how Paul understands the moment when the gospel of Jesus as Lord is announced and people come to believe it and obey its summons. Paul has a regular technical term for this moment, and that technical term is neither 'justification' nor 'conversion' ... the word in question is 'call'. 'Consider your call', he says to the Corinthians; 'God called me by his grace', he says of himself. (This is why, incidentally, Krister Stendahl's suggestion that we should think of Paul's 'call' as opposed to his 'conversion' misses the point. For Paul, the word 'call' denoted not merely a vocation to a particular task but also, more fundamentally, the effective call of the gospel, applied by the Spirit to the individual heart and life and resulting in a turning away from idolatry and sin and a lifelong turning to God in Christ in believing allegiance.)

That last part, I think, should be repeated over and over and over to christian college students everywhere. the word 'call' denoted not merely a vocation to a particular task but also, more fundamentally, the effective call of the gospel, applied by the Spirit to the individual heart and life and resulting in a turning away from idolatry and sin and a lifelong turning to God in Christ in believing allegiance.

What is my calling? I have been called by God to turn away from idolatry and sin and to turn to him in faith and obedience.

P.S. That phrase "believing allegiance" is a nice phrase. I wonder if it is Wright's own.

Wisdom or Foolishness?

Two local tv stations have ran reports on Gary Ezzo's Babywise last week -- WXYZ (two parts) and KAKE. Babywise is a secular version of Ezzo's Along the Infant Way (formerly known as Preperation for Parenting). In the Christian version he explains the theological reasoning for allowing babies to cry it out -- that Christ cried out on the cross and God the Father did not answer him. Think about that for a minute. Christ on the cross dying for the sins of the world = infant in crib trying to fall asleep. Hmmmmm... Not only are his interpretation and application skills lacking, he's also been excommunicated.

To see what all the fuss is about, I started reading Babywise. Ezzo's whole arguement is based on an attachment parenting strawman and shoddy and unscientific studies. Basic scare tactics. According to Ezzo, we're doing everything wrong with Kate. Interestingly, we're getting great results. Everyone comments about how extraordinarily happy, friendly and calm she is. She's so quiet the man who lives directly above us didn't know we had a baby. Seriously. More on Ezzo here.

All I Want For Christmas

Friends of ours from church have a really fun two year old son who REALLY likes Mike.

A relative asked him the other day what he wanted for Christmas and he replied, "Mr. Stewart."

He hadn't even seen him for several days...

New Realization

One can't call in sick from being a stay at home mom.

Help Kristen Win an iPod!

Kristen is still trying to win the ever elusive iPod. So far, she has two referrals; she needs three more for a total of five. Several people signed up, but weren't able to complete the offer. After you sign up, you have to submit yourself to a trial offer that can usually be cancelled in a few days.

Note: only one person per mailing address can sign up, or the offer is voided.

Slate on Grant

Timothy Noah of Slate disagrees with Dr. Grant on the Electoral College. I think his thoughts are best summed up by "Grant's book, which is elegantly written and tightly argued--kindly note this blue-stater's respect for red-state evangelist evangelical* scholarship--is preoccupied with states' rights, which the Electoral College does indeed enhance (at the expense of the voters)."

* correction made by me, because liberal journalists are morons.

Genetic?

I believe I suffered from this addiction as a child. Perhaps it's genetic. I might need to watch out for Kate!

Breaking News!

Rick and Rachel are back at capezza.org/beautiful feet!

Letters

A letter to Jay Nordlinger of the National Review, as posted in his column:

<><><><>

Dear Jay, I just received news that Luis Dominguez, my great-uncle, died last week. My father sent the news along with some of Luis's favorite jokes about Cuba. These are jokes told by Cubans to illustrate their disgust at the Castro regime and conditions in their country. . . .

Luis died without ever seeing his country regain her freedom. I pray he is the last in my family to do so. As my father said in his letter, "Que Dios lo tenga en la gloria" - "May God keep him in glory."

*****

A Communist stands on a street corner yelling, "Fidel delivered us from our chains!" A drunk stumbling by answers, "And our watches, rings, bracelets, and necklaces."

Before the revolution, people died and became skeletons. After the revolution: skeleton first, die later.

The teacher asks Pepito, "What systems are incompatible with the Communist system of government?" Pepito answers, "The digestive system and the nervous system."

Another teacher asks Pepito, "Tell me three benefits of the Communist revolution." Pepito answers, "Nationalized health care, education, and defense." "Great! Now tell me three challenges the country faces." Answers Pepito, "Breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

Still another teacher shows her class a photograph of President Bush and asks if anyone recognizes him. Absolute silence. She continues, "Let me give you a hint: It is because of this man that we Cubans go hungry." Pepito jumps up and says, "I didn't recognize him without his beard and uniform."

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Kristen and I found these to be funny, especially the last few.

Milestone

Kate turned 4 months old last week and decided the way to celebrate was to start rolling over both ways. Considering how little time she spends on the floor, she really started rolling quickly. She is now little miss dangerous when she's on the floor alone. She can manage to traverse several feet in less than a minute!

[cross-posted with All Things Kate]

Consequences of Abortion

Who knew that a society with abortion has few kids than one without? In an article about Europe and the rise of Islam, especially since the brutal murder of a Dutch filmaker, comes this line:

In December, European Union leaders will decide whether to overlook widespread public objections and move ahead with membership talks with Turkey, a Muslim nation of about 70 million people and a galloping birthrate that could push it past Germany's population in a generation. (My italics)

Hmm ... one reaps what he sows.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

It begins ...

The unofficial campaign for Hillary Clinton has begun. Her husband, that is, former President Bill Clinton recently gave a speech to the Urban Land Institute, where he urged Democrats not to whine, but find a "clear national message."

RedState.org is beginning to throw out names to replace DNC chairman, Terry McAullife. The rumor is that some are suggesting Democratic presidental wannabe, Howard Dean.

The question is: what is the future of the Democratic party? Descending into the far, far left? or moving towards the center and given the Republicans a run? Hillary certainly isn't a centrist, but I think she's definitely to the right of Dean.

New Links

All of my new links are connected to one another, and to me by extension! How fun!

Dave is the boyfriend of my dear college friend, Meadow. Michelle and Lynn are the wives of Dave's former roommates from Covenant, where Rebecca also attended. The latter three are all mama-bloggers who have very cute kids!

By the way, you can access our links from the nav buttons on the left.

[ED. 11/6/2004] In case you haven't noticed, the Rench and Gunn bloggers are linked now as well.

For Allison

I really enjoyed Roth's Plot Against America. It was realistic and fairly well written for a modern novel. Not as well written as The Brothers K, but much better than the average novel. The whole "alternative history" was a neat idea. I recommend it!

She voted.

Kate turned 4 months old today. I gave her an "I Voted" sticker.

Happy All Saints Day!

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!