Caleb's Blog

Blogging Takes too long

2010-02-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

I figured people would look at the title and this and laugh..because it is kinda ironic. Blogging is supposed to be: just leaving quick thoughts or talking about a small subject...or at least thats what I invisioned it as. As time goes by, I find myself digging into books and reading more and more just to make a blog post clearer and yet I always find myself wanting of clarity. So, here is an opportunity for me to say that blogging takes too long sometimes! Thats probably why I dont blog so much.
So here is a big thanks to all my blog readers. Thanks for being patient, thanks for commenting, thanks for being involved in the conversation. You guys rock.

Imagination continued

2010-01-15T12:12:00.000-08:00

Imagine for a moment that you are sitting underneath a large tree. The breeze is blowing, and your heart beat slows. Everything around you is trivial comparable to the state of mind you find yourself in. We have all had this feeling. The difference is that some of you imagined an oak tree, others a tall prickly pine, and still others a palm tree maybe sitting along the shores of a beach. We all have seperate imaginations, but we are limited in our imaginative knowledge. You can only imagine things of which you know. I started this whole excersize for myself when reading Francis Schaeffer's "Everybody Can Know." Schaeffer begins with walking us through this imagination of human experience. Schaeffer's goal is for us to realize that most of the things we imagine our human experience, and then he drops the hammer, as I am about to do...

Imagine again this same tree. Maybe there are birds, maybe there are waves, nevertheless you can see it because you know of it.

Now imagine God.

By this time most of you are either staring at the screen or trying in some abstract way to put God into images. Your epistemological framework, or the way in which you know has just been shattered. If you are an athiest or agnostic, you might say, "not at all, I completely agree."
So I pose my second question.

Imagine Time.

Not the magazine, not a clock, not the ticking sound it makes. Imagine Time. The concept cannot be grasped into an imaginative framework. Does this negate the existence of time? No. Even someone who loves to argue cannot convince themselves that time does not exist, because when they sit through my discussions, they will look to see how much of their time I might be wasting...jaja. We live in a society controlled by time, yet it is an unimaginable concept, which we are constrained to. If you still dont believe me, imagine Eternity. You cant. For every moment you spend imagining you must allow it to change eternally, and therefore cannot ever create a solitary truth about eternity as a concept in the mind.
You cannot imagine time, but you CAN know that it exists. I am not saying that you DO know. We all have the concept in our heads, but could construe it to fit our own needs. So it is with God. we cannot imagine Him, but we CAN know that He exists. This is inequivicably different than KNOWING GOD.

Again, I am going to leave you hanging. Next time I write, over the weekend, I would like to unpack what it means to know God's existence, how it relates to imagination, and why we can trust our imagination and our knowledge of Gods existence. I hope you are enjoying reading this as much as I am writting it, but do understand that this is written mostly as a stream of conciousness and some ideas may be disconnected since I am connecting the dots quicker in my head than my hands can respond most of the time. So if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to leave them and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Imagination

2010-01-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

Imagination is an expression that is stricly human. You dont see dogs daydreaming about eating bones, you dont see rabits daydreaming about outrunning dogs. Imagination is a human experience, not because of the daydreaming aspect, but because of the memory and extrapoliation that a human can accomplish from one simple thought. I dont want to argue whether or not dogs dream, or remember. They obviously have some sort of sensor of perception, but what I do want to argue is that the extent of that perception is limited comparable to the human mind.
I have always heard the common expression "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." However, I would like to pose a question concerning this expression. Can a mind, when being used, be wasted, and by what standards do we make these judgements. Here is where imagination steps into play. Can we make judgements on someone else's imagination? This is also the point where many philosophers would scoff at me and say, "Of course not. Imagination is an individual experience." However, if it is an individual experience, then we would all experience the method of imagination differently, which we do not find to be the case. In other words, everyone does have different imaginations, but the very fact that they are able to conjure up thoughts in some form or process means that the process of begining an imagination is the same in all humans. Notice I am not saying the catalyst of imagination is the same, but the process. It could easily be argued that different people have different catalyst of imagination, and different levels and sections of an imaginative function of the brain.
I will pause for now and let you think on this. I now must leave for class, but will return to ponder more on this concept later. Enjoy the thoughts and imaginative concepts this leaves you with,

Caleb

First Day of Classes

2010-01-06T10:32:00.001-08:00

Its the first day of classes, and im sitting in the library watching the people scurry about their daily routines. I thought myself, itll be good to get back into a routine, but thats just my flesh talking..jaja. many of you may know that routines and me dont tend to get along. Hopefully I can pull off this last semester of school without getting sucked into the 'societal' aspect of christianity. I know I may have talked about it before, but I obviously do not want to conform to the world much less the 'christian world.' but here we all are, making decisions and routines. I just pray that in all I do God may be glorified and I that we can continue to be mystified by the gospel so that we will not stop in seeking its truth. Ill try to have a good first day of my last year, you try to have a good day, cause really it doesnt matter what tomorrow brings. Charis and Shalom,

Caleb

2010

2009-12-31T21:55:00.000-08:00

Well. We made it. We are now in the year 2010. Im sitting in my parents apartment just watching alot of the performances on television and im thinking that whatever is wrong with the entertainment business, and its alot, needs to be corrected. When we begin to allow children to sing songs about relationships i think we are loosing intelligent young men and women. with the introduction of the idea of 'adolesence' we take away responsibility at a very young age and teach our children that its ok to be whatever you want to be and you dont have to be responsible till you grow older. I hope that in the year 2010 that if I cant do anything else that I can set an example for those who are younger than me to be a mature thinking individual no matter what age they might be. I also plan to loose wieght next year..jaja. if i cant balance my own life and my own physical aspects how should i expect to teach a healthy lifestyle, physical, mental, and spiritual to others around me. Happy new year,

Caleb

Film- Culures Mirror

2009-12-11T00:56:00.000-08:00

Well, just finished up typing a small paper that i actually did a short documentary about my life as a filmmaker. Anyways, here is the summary paper that went with the video. Maybe one of these days ill have enough time to upload the video so you can watch it. In the meantime, enjoy the paper!

Caleb

Film: Culture’s Mirror

We live in a society where art is now a form of communication between many different cultures. Living in America, we must realize that we are surrounded by a myriad of cultural expressions that are formed within the smaller families from whence they come. Andy Crouch recognizes this and has made it clear in his book, Culture Making, that we must be cultural creators in the cultures that we live amongst. I have been working in film for almost five years now, taking on many different positions in the production process. As I grow in my filmmaking career I have begun to see the impact that film can make on a culture.
The world likes to revolve around its art, and in some way the art begins to show the expressions of the culture, whether for good or for evil. Dr. Harvie Conn once said that film is ‘culture’s mirror.’ In some way we are able to see the things that are in culture manifested in film, but in the opposite sense we can see ideologies that are developed in film be adopted by culture. Culture is inescapable, and the renewal of culture is our responsibility as believers. We have to return the ultimate expression of culture back to its original purpose, namely Christ Jesus.
I began to see the need to be a cultural changer in the world of film almost as immediately as I had started working. It’s often an interesting dialog when working with a non-Christian that is started simply by the works I have done in the past. The work I do as a filmmaker may not often be considered explicitly Christian, but what I do wish to do is to open the conversation with non-believers. I believe this would be a way that we can see cultural impact being made to the same extent that Paul began to do it in the early churches. He knew and understood the context, and he also knew and understood their philosophies and practices, and many times used those very things to point to Christ.
There are some topics in the film world that bypass any small concept that can be presented. If we as Christians are able to make quality films that meet the criteria of those very basic human concepts that have been ingrained in our system by God himself, then we can begin to see culture shifting towards its original intent. No matter what career path God takes you in you need to be and are commanded by scripture to be constantly renewing your mind so that you may know Christ. In this way you talk through the conversation with culture.
My name is Caleb Childers, and I am a filmmaker. My part in changing culture is to start the chain of conversation or inflict values on the greater conversation in culture on human morality and God. These values can be placed in any film and can exist to start the conversation or to even challenge the church. Either way that it is done, my job as a filmmaker is only completed because my duty as a Christian is completed.

EPS

2009-12-06T21:31:00.000-08:00

Evangelical Philosophical Society....need I say more. If you have never checked out the EPS, you should do so. They have an incredible amount of information. I have spent about the last hour reading alot of the papers and essays they have as well as their blog, and I am just pushed to continue in my education so that someday I might be able to truly be an impact in the intellectual minds of America. Ive been contemplating and praying about getting my masters in apologetics at Biola, since they have a great program, but am still on the fence because of the money its going to cost. However, I still have 2 more semesters left(be graduating next december) and so Im still just praying and waiting to see where the Lord leads me. I do know now however that I need my masters, and I do know that I love making films, and that must also be a part of my life. So leaving California is almost entirely out of the question. I would also love to be at least nearby Riverside so that I could continue to work at Central Community as long as I have breath in me to serve their needs as a church body. So please, be praying for me as my time of 'transitions' is to come, but I know that God will provide the way that is right.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. -Ephesians 1:3

Caleb

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

2009-12-02T22:10:00.000-08:00

Today I walked into my house after a Bible study and one of my friends says, "What the heck is Pastafarianism?" To which I responded, "you mean, rastafarianism?"

He was, however, asking a legitimate question. 'Pastafarianism' does exist. It is the religion that 'worships(if i should use such a word)' the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Yes its real. Google it, because that obviously makes them happy and makes them think they have more believers(this is implied by their 'research.')

At first glance its very comical, and continues to be when in the heat of an argument it can be brought up to lighten the mood with some atheist or agnostic thinker. From what I can gather the sole reason behind this movement is to show that science is separate from religion or better said faith-based explanations for reality.

The word 'science' has been defined in many ways however, and so I believe the entire argument comes down to semantics. For this blog however, I would like us to play on common ground and will define science as" systematic knowledge." Hopefully that can be understood by people from all worldviews. The science of the present age is predominately focused on logic, or logical systematic evidence. I totally agree with any atheist, agnostic, or pastafarian(if they should be separated from agnostics or skeptics, but i assume they might want to, in which case i will gladly permit) that good science must be practiced this way.

Now science as it understood in this way should try and respond to the ultimate expression, namely the meaning of life. If you don't agree with me, thats fine, you can exit my site and never think of me again. You can also dump massive amounts of comments about this stupid conclusion of systematically knowing the world. Thats fine with me. Eventually you need to answer this question, otherwise your opinions in such a discussion become as relevant as a cat talking about a dogs emotions(if this were true, I'm sure the cat would long for dog-ness since all cats i believe deep down hate themselves for being cats.)

In the same sense, it might be turned to say: how can one say they understand how the world works if they are within the world?

I totally agree. Its impossible.

However, if you allow me the truth that God does exist(for the purpose of the conversation) then He must completely know how the world works. My definition for God here would definitely be Anselmian: 'That which nothing greater can be thought or imagined.'

So, for the sake of conversation, if God does exists and we want to know the world, we must know God. Therefore making stories, whether comical or not, is just that: making stories. Does remind me much of the predominately postmodern world we live in.

Long story short(jaja-i kid myself with this innuendo to stories after a postmodern reference) if you want to claim that science should be the answer and faith-based explanations of life are not welcome in intellectual thinkers, then have you yourself not destroyed your Flying Spaghetti Monster story by doing the same thing you accuse others of doing?

However, I do want to make something clear. Im not telling you to stop believing in the FSM, Im just asking, do you know who FSM is and are your sources reliable enough to teach you properly who he is? Also, do you really care? If you don't care, then you should have no problem being rejected from most intellectual discussions.

I know I cannot answer every question that might come my way, but if you do have comments or questions or 'rebuttles(should i allow you to call it that in the terms i have laid out about its beliefs?)' please set them here, and we can discuss them. If you do not intend to interact or want to argue about something that is not present in this article, let me know, and we can do that through email rather than taking up space on something that isnt covered here. Much love to all,

Caleb

PS-- Im hungry for spaghetti now...

Poem

2009-11-28T22:32:00.000-08:00

This probably belongs on my poetry blog, but i was just posting it here cause I want to build the readers of this blog as well. So here goes. This is a poem I wrote a couple of days ago:

I am as shifting as day and night,

but just as predictable it seems.

I lie awake and day dream of things that most a man shouldnt dream.

I fight and cry that my sun might stay in the sky

for at least another day,

but the darkness always falls between its rise.

And though I might fight and scream for the light,

my soul seems to love the night.

This reminds me of the Russian classic "The Brothers Karamazov." People continue to use evil to deny God, but it is only by saying that evil exits that shows our desire for light. Thus spawns this poem. Bless,

Caleb

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T23:17:00.000-08:00

Well, it is here, its come upon us. Thanksgiving. A day where there is no reason why you shouldn't be eating or watching football. I have the great priveladge of working for Central Community Christian Fellowship, a church that for the last 21 years has delivered Thanksgiving meals throughout Riverside County and feeds hundreds at our church on Thanksgiving day. If you would like to help out, come on by between 8am-4pm and find the volunteer booth. We need as much help as we can get. Especially in delivering the 3000 meals that we will be delivering this year. So come on by to Central Community at 5623 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92504 and help us help and serve others.

On a day of such blessings, let us only be a larger blessing to one another,

Caleb

Power to the Powerless

2009-11-16T15:54:00.000-08:00

Just got done comparing two articles, its just a quick paper I worked on talking about Power to the Powerless. Hopefully you can find it interesting, as I try to finish some homework up tonight. Ill post another apologetics response tonight. Have a good one,

Caleb

Power to the Powerless

There are millions of ministries around the world for different demographics of people from every race, creed, and social status. Cultural influences can make or break many ministries around the world, but I would like to argue that when ministries are done with a gospel-centered hope, they cannot fail. I will use two different ministries from two articles to make my point clear. These two ministries focus on a demographic that in American culture are definite outcasts, the mentally disabled and prisoners. The first of these two ministries is “Christ for People with Developmental Disabilities[1],” focusing on the mentally disabled. The testimony of Don Anderson, the founder of CfP, lies strictly on this gospel-centered hope that must supersede the immediate cultural surrounding.

Anderson first began to work with the disabled as a child, but in college was challenged to go to help with a ministry at a local church. His mindset going in is an echo of biblical cultures as well: “I’m going to go, I’m going to sit in the back row and I’m not going to make an commitments to this thing.[2]” The echo I see here is directly related to the early church. The ministry of the church is to be truly reaching out to the outcast, however, many churches had begun to adapt the cultural ways that surrounded them, and began to neglect the ‘least of these’ in hopes to be casted into the lot with ‘the best of these.’ Whilst the governments were supposed to care for them, the church was not doing so. This is the same cause that brought about Anderson’s care for the souls of the disabled.

Anderson sees that unity between the powerful and the powerless is direly important. This relationship is what Andy Crouch considers the necessary and natural conclusion of a gospel-centered life. Crouch says that the power must be used to ‘propose a new cultural good.[3]’ Through stewardship and service, Don Anderson began a ministry, which now has over 500 people being served, 20 volunteers, serving in seven counties, supported by 10 churches, and even helped in building a church and orphanage in Haiti. CfP is a prime example of having a gospel-centered hope for the hopeless, power to the powerless, and unity with the rejected.

This unity that is developed amongst many times complete strangers is not far off of the second ministry I would like to talk about which draws on family community in a prison setting. Forgiven Ministry is a ministry that brings family members in community with their imprisoned family. However, it’s not just any prison. Maury Correctional Institution, in Maury, NC houses some of the most violent criminals on the east coast of the United States. The ministry was put in place to help children meet their fathers who are in this correctional facility. In a place where only two hugs (one at the beginning, and one when leaving) were allowed during visitation hours, Forgiven Ministry has been allowed to unite families for an entire day to a select amount of inmates.

Scottie Barnes, the founder of Forgiven Ministry focuses on training volunteers to be leaders at these camps where the family’s can be reunited. They also have begun to lead bible studies at these prisons and teach life skills to those who are about to finish their sentence. This idea is also an undertone of the biblical practice of discipleship. You begin discipleship small, with a couple volunteers in Barnes’ case, and begin to affect all of those around the inmate, including the immediate family, where culture takes its most effective changes. This can be found in Jesus’ discipleship ‘program’ as Crouch sees the most effective means as well; the 3, the 12, and the 120. Focusing on a small group and imbedding in them this cultural good of servant hood causes us to be then good stewards of our own knowledge and abilities.

In Barnes own words, she acknowledges that this is necessarily done small in order to affect a larger amount of people, “ These are our lost sheep-and if we can save one, we are going to do it.[4]” The programs in place by Forgiven Ministry have a profound effect on prisoner’s lives. Some are confronted with the truth of their own past failures in the bible studies and seminars about fatherhood, and the change is as effective as any gospel-centered ministry should be. Forgiven Ministry continues to grow, both financially as well as with their volunteers.

Culture is in need of people who run ministries that are inflicting cultural good from a gospel-centered hope for the unreached. There are many unreached in America, many who have been outcast from our society in order to maintain the high-society looks that the Corinthian church couldn’t get away from. The warnings are clear, we must do what God has called us and prepared us for: reaching the unreached.

[1] “Christ for the People” will be abbreviated ‘CfP.’

[2] Harris, Alisa. “Church of the Disabled.” WORLD Magazine September 26, 2009.

[3] Crouch, Andy. Culture Making. Downers Grove, IL. 2008.

[4] Dean, Jamie. “Forgiven, not Forgotten.” WORLD Magazine. September 26, 2009.

Relativism

2009-11-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

Many times have I had discussions with people who claim a relativistic truth. I could sit here and write for the next hour on how relativism is false, but at this point Im going to call on previous materials. These are the same basic philosophical values I apply to. The following is taken from Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry- a great resource for Christians who wrestle through these thoughts and debates. So here is the following most well established and produced list that I agree with for refuting Relativism, it is presented as most philosophy is, in statements, and refutes. Take notes, copy paste, email your friends that you think need this! Its a great resource in a world that thinks it is relativistic:

All truth is relative.
1. If all truth is relative, then the statement "All truth is relative" would be absolutely true. If it is absolutely true, then not all things are relative and the statement that "All truth is relative" is false.
There are no absolute truths.
1. The statement "There are no absolute truths" is an absolute statement which is supposed to be true. Therefore, it is an absolute truth and "There are no absolute truths" is false.
2. If there are no absolute truths, then you cannot believe anything absolutely at all, including that there are no absolute truths. Therefore, nothing could be really true for you - including relativism.
What is true for you is not true for me.
1. If what is true for me is that relativism is false, then is it true that relativism is false?
  1. If you say no, then what is true for me is not true and relativism is false.
  2. If you say yes, then relativism is false.
1. If you say that it is true only for me that relativism is false, then
  1. I am believing something other than relativism; namely, that relativism is false. If that is true, then how can relativism be true?
  2. am I believing a premise that is true or false or neither?
    1. If it is true for me that relativism is false, then relativism (within me) holds the position that relativism is false. This is self-contradictory.
    2. If it is false for me that relativism is false, then relativism isn't true because what is true for me is not said to be true for me.
    3. If you say it is neither true or false, then relativism isn't true since it states that all views are equally valid; and by not being at least true, relativism is shown to be wrong.
2. If I believe that relativism is false, and if it is true only for me that it is false, then you must admit that it is absolutely true that I am believing that relativism false.
  1. If you admit that it is absolutely true that I am believing relativism is false, then relativism is defeated since you admit there is something absolutely true.
3. If I am believing in something other than relativism that is true, then there is something other than relativism that is true - even if it is only for me.
  1. If there is something other than relativism that is true, then relativism is false.
No one can know anything for sure.
1. If that is true, then we can know that we cannot know anything for sure, which is self-defeating.
That is your reality, not mine.
1. Is my reality really real?
2. If my reality is different than yours, how can my reality contradict your reality? If yours and mine are equally real, how can two opposite realities that exclude each other really exist at the same time?
We all perceive what we want.
1. How do you know that statement is true?
2. If we all perceive what we want, then what are you wanting to perceive?
  1. If you say you want to perceive truth, how do you know if you are not deceived?
  2. Simply desiring truth is no proof you have it.
You may not use logic to refute relativism.
1. Why not?
2. Can you give me a logical reason why logic cannot be used?
3. If you use relativism to refute logic, then on what basis is relativism (that nothing is absolutely true) able to refute logic which is based upon truth.
4. If you use relativism to refute logic, then relativism has lost its relative status since it is used to absolutely refute the truth of something else.
We are only perceiving different aspects of the same reality.
1. If our perceptions are contradictory, can either perception be trusted?
2. Is truth self-contradictory?
  1. If it were, then it wouldn't be true because it would be self-refuting. If something is self-refuting, then it isn't true.
3. If it is true that we are perceiving different aspects of the same reality, then am I believing something that is false since I believe that your reality is not true? How then could they be the same reality?
4. If you are saying that it is merely my perception that is not true, then relativism is refuted.
  1. If I am believing something that is false, then relativism is not true since it holds that all views are equally valid.
5. If my reality is that your reality is false, then both cannot be true. If both are not true, then one of us (or both) is in error.
  1. If one or both of us is in error, then relativism is not true.
Relativism itself is excluded from the critique that it is absolute and self-refuting.
1. On what basis do you simply exclude relativism from the critique of logic?
  1. Is this an arbitrary act? If so, does it justify your position?
  2. If it is not arbitrary, what criteria did you use to exclude it?
2. To exclude itself from the start is an admission of the logical problems inherent in its system of thought.

Evidence Based Faith

2009-11-10T23:38:00.000-08:00

Why am I a Christian?

Because the evidence for the Christian faith is immense. Too often we as Christian are accused of not being thinking humans, or realistic, reasonable people. Since I began my search for the evidences for Christianity, I have talked to many different philosophies of life(athiests, agnostics, skeptics, muslims, etc..). I have always been willing to listen and focus on the issues on which they want to begin their arguments. I believe that from any argument, we can break down any worldview and learn to focus the loci of truth on God.

So this is my place. I am Christian because it is evidentially true.

In the next couple days I will be blogging on different arguments that have been presented before me in my time as an apologist. Feel free to ask any questions at any time, or leave any comments. I would love and do enjoy the interaction with all people from all walks of life. Look forward to the discussion,

Caleb Childers

A Little Late

2009-11-08T16:40:00.001-08:00

A little late, but here is my critique of Halloween. Ive been super busy and havent gotten around to writing another blog in a while, but im working on slowing down my life a little. much love,

caleb

Halloween: A Cultural Phenomenon?

All Hallows Eve has become one of Americans largest holidays. Candy sales go through the roof every year, and I might even presume that alcohol and drug sales might increase as well. The cultural aspect that is so envied is that of becoming or appearing to be something you are not. This is not a new idea, in fact it tends to resonate of the ancient Platonic idea of “The Ring of Gagys,(what might be more culturally understood in Tolkiens adaptation: ‘The Lord of The Rings’)” that a majic ability to identify with nothingness, or allowing us to be not ourselves in order to obtain happiness. What is interesting about this proposal is that the ring itself, in a Platonic sense, allows us to do evil without consequence.

It is a universal idea of moral philosophy that still applies today. Culturally we want an excuse to be free to do as we please without any consequence or societal dislike, but rather societal approval. Halloween has beome this cultural expression in America. Much like the idea of ‘lent’ of the Catholic Church and the Latin American tradition of carnaval. Halloween has become an accepted excuse, and an allowed excuse evein in the mind of American high culture. Although I might argue, since our fulfillment is found in Christ-likeness, our identity must be found in Christ. Halloween offers the attempt at trying to explore where fulfillment or happiness might be found, and in which identity.

Therefore, Halloween as a cultural expression could be understood as a call for purpose, even amidst its unorthodox identity search. Culture is in need of a source for identity which matches the imago dei that is inescapable, but they do not know how to fulfill it. We as Christians do. So what are we doing about it?

Culture?

2009-10-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Well, its officially been too long since Ive written something of true substance for my readers(all 3 of you..jaja). So here goes a stab at something you have probably heard me speak about, or discuss, or lecture on: culture.

Such a giant enigma cannot and will not be understood by any two people in the same way. No conclusion will be reached that will satisfy our minds in regards to aspects of culture from within our culture. Why? Because we are all a part of a culture, subculture, group of beliefs, the standards 'forms,' and human interactions. Our answers will vary on minute differences about what culture is, how to engage it, and how to react to it. Which is why I 'plead the fifth' when it comes to the cultural sphere within humanity. However, and here is where the fish will bite, there must be something from which culture comes from, a greater source that helps to solidify some sort of ideal of culture. In order for us to understand even the most basic means of culture, we must specify how we come to the understanding of culture.

Well, sure, you can say,"No, we dont need to do that."-But isnt it being a little naive to think that the knowledge we have is flawless?

Still stubborn?

Ok, if i say to you, "Dog run pants bark tree," and I ask you what that means, youll say, it means nothing!

To which I am happy to respond, True, but how do you know that it means nothing. Simple, the words I am using dont go together, there is no proper use of a sentence.

By this little and probably confusing-can-be-frustrating statement, we come to the conclusion that there is a sense that words, and sentences have a proper use. On an even lower level, language has a proper use. How else will you learn to express yourself if not by means of language, which needs a proper use as defined by something outside of our minds. something eternal to which we must appeal.

By this time a little bomb shouldve triggered thoughts in your brain...if it hasnt, go back to playing video games and disregarding the world that is actively moving around you, but know that eventually the games will end, and we must seek the answers.

When I spent a week in San Francisco talking to many people about my faith and my basic belief system, most people were astonished and angry at me that I would want to get answers about the world. They would rather live in ignorance than know truth. There were some, few and far between, that were willing to sit and talk with me and reflect on 'that which pushes against us.'

We live amidst a culture that has accepted defeat of the mind. This is the enigma. I cannot give you a proper definition of culture, because you will not accept a definition, yet you live by them in every step you take in your daily life. By denying definition, you create a definition to which all others are unnecessary. Relativism, polytheism, and pluralism is invading the mind of this culture, and Christians alike are allowing it to take over the basic beliefs of the church.

Christians have become cultural critics instead of cultural activists. As believers we should be active in culture, not pointing a finger, but showing the correct measure by which all culture should be measured, Christ. Culture is measured by Christ. Culture is measured by Christ. I cannot repeat or emphasize it enough. Culture does supracede humanity, it is part of the eternal sphere of existence that God created for us to function within. However, like anything else, we have darkened it. With the help of 'principalities of darkness,' we have turned culture against us.

That which was created to help us express godliness, holiness, truth, peace, purity, and righteousness has become that which expresses the distress of darkness. That which was put in place to display Christ has fallen in our hands.

Hope remains. Why? Becuase God remains. That eternal ever-existing Truth remains, and cannot be shaken or changed by any human mind. Let us rejoin the battle in retaking culture to claim Christ-likeness.

So be it,

Caleb Childers

Poetry

2009-09-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

Poetry has flowed in and out of me for as long as I can recall. Needless to say I see and hear poetry everyday, and yet people have no idea that they themselves are poets. We have this idea of poetry being such an ultimate expression of language. But shouldnt poetry be the opposite, it should be simplyfing down to the bare essentials of life. Bringing us back to the essential needs of humanity. And I truly believe thats what good poetry does. So if you have some spare time, feel free to check out my poetic corner, full of old and new ideas, philosophies, and poetry at www.mindblogeling.blogspot.com . Thanks guys, Ill try to keep up on my blogging. Life is dificult as a full-time student, part time worker, and full time dreamer, but it goes as it should, and this is but the only way it can go. Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

If you would look, you would find me.

2009-08-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Recently God has been teaching me more than what I can take in all at once. I grew up thinking that its ok to have spiritual highs and lows. As I search and search I do not see it evident that we will go into times of spiritual lows. I think we equate spirituality to emotions and we assume that we can be in a spiritual low if we are at a tough emotional time. We were created to worship and bring glory to God. In doing so we should not let our spiritual walk with Christ suffer. It should not be lessened. I have heard it said, and Im sure I have said: "I just cant hear Gods voice, or I dont see God working in my life."

Did you breathe today?

Are you still living?

Then God is working in your life. You may think, "Caleb, thats not what I mean, I mean I dont feel Him leading me towards His vission or His path for my life."

My answer is-

Does He need to?

Must you know?

How can you prepare for what God has for you. Only He can prepare you, and therefore you knowing it, might actually give you the chance to blow it!

I think the greatest example of what I am trying to say from a biblical perspective is that of Job. He was definitely not in a time of spiritual lows. He spoke to God almost everyday, and God spoke to him. That is not a spiritual low, but we, being human, equate the fact that he lost everything to him being in the spiritual slums.

It might even be argued that we are always involved in a spiritual high, since we are spiritual beings always surrounded by conflicting spiritual powers. In response I might say, 'yes-but we often choose to ignore our own spirituality.'

So in essence the people who say that they want to be 'more spiritual' are only fooling themselves with emotions and jumping into a rushing river that does not lead to the mountains but to the sea (emotionally speaking-literally meaning you will become emotionally drained).

Spirituality is evident in every human, even the darkest satanist is a spiritual being. Even those suffering from mental retardation are spiritual beings.

People suffer from identity crisis everyday because they decide that their emotions should dictate their identity, when really their identity is imprinted in the imago dei. The reflection of Godlikeness. Its always there, in some sense hand in hand with our spirituality, but like our idea of spirituality, our understanding and portrayal of the imago dei can also be very corrupted.

So next time you start to say "I cant hear Gods voice...I cant feel God moving me" just think about the questions I placed before you. Remember I am only a man, and cannot begin to ask to comprehend the mind of God, but some things are revealed and some things are made to be discussed in order to be understood. Thats the beauty of being created with the need of fellowship and human conversation. We all have different minds and different ways of processing information, so whatever you may have to say or do to work through this-do so. Much love to all and thank you for reading. Shalom and Charis,

Caleb Childers

Reunited

2009-08-25T01:07:00.001-07:00

Paul Smith just flew in. I feel like all of my brothers are now here, and we are being reunited. It is an exciting moment in time for me. All the spontaneous moments that we had last summer are starting to come back to memory. This summer has definitely been one of the most interesting summers of my life. I walk 1250 miles, break a kneecap, then am able to spend the last month hanging out with the youth group and recovering.

Im getting really anxious about starting up my film company, but am still being hesistant to make sure I have everything taken care of before we start the company. I have several people who are interested in working with me, and the idea of being able to run and manage my own company is awesome. The concept of business in this modern day world seems to be pretty difficult to pull off, but when you have all the right people at the right time with the right connections, the right business will take off succesfully. I pray that God continues to move through all the work that I am doing and all the work I want to do. I hope you are all doing just as well!
Shalom and Charis,

Caleb Childers

Six Flags

2009-08-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Just went to Six Flags Magic Mountain with the youth group. Had a really good time. I'm exhausted today, but i got to get busy writing the business plan for my company, Malachi Films, so that I can attract some investors. Much love, enjoy the pictures of six flags!

Caleb

48 Hour Film Project

2009-08-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

Just finished 48 Hour Film Project. Worked with Producer Michael Trobisch and Director Jesus Hurtado. Was a great film we wrote and shot the entire film within 48 hours. The screening is this thursday at University Village Theatres here in Riverside,CA. The tickets are $10. There is more info here: http://www.48hourfilm.com/inlandempire/ . Here are two shots of the filming of the cast and crew. It was alot of fun, and alot of work, but it continues to push me to creating, managing, and running my own film company, Malachi Films. I'm truly excited to see what starts in the next couple months with the company and my life.

Caleb

Youth Surf Trip!

2009-08-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Youth Surf Trip was awesome! It was just a couple of guys, but we had alot of fun. I even paddled out, although I got stuffed by waves and hit my knee. Its all good though. Good times,

Caleb

The Beach

2009-07-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

On wednesdays in July, the youth group goes to the beach. Today was a beautiful day down at Huntington Beach. I was even able to walk out into the water, but man do i miss surfing and skimboarding! Anyways, it was great!

Caleb

Sunday Morning

2009-07-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning was good at Central Community. I only slept three hours last night and was exhausted, but fellowship is always awesome!

Caleb

Slow or Melow?

2009-07-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

There are times in life where I have to stop and ask myself this question. It happens pretty regularly...

Sometimes we do things without taking into consideration what we are doing as a whole. I have recently been developing a true desire to work hard on getting my company, Malachi Films, on its feet. At the same time, I know that I have responsibilities to my self. There are times when we need to just melow out, but without slowing down. Today i sat in my room with my roomates david and jonathan and just played guitar and sang whatever came to mind.

When we had kinda all stopped jamming we just sat there. Jonathan took off to bed and we all laughed it off how hipnotic music can be sometimes. It is, however, so much more than some cheap parlor trick to lead us into some form of unconcious melancholy. It is that which keeps me. Keeps me going, keeps me from making mistakes, keeps me from being lonely, and keeps me from being dumb.

I am definitely at a crossroad in life where I have to make a very important decision. I have been for so long following the things I knew, now I must push to follow the unkown. To follow the promised, the unseen, and unfortold. This is where I decide who I am going to be. Not like I am not already my own person, but here, in this drowning of self, do I truly understand who I am and why I am here.

Its not untill you have nowhere to go that you see a way out. Many doors seemed open, but were cracked just enough to see that they were empty rooms.

Now I am continuing to let go of everything so that every room I might enter might be full, not for me, but for hope. Hope surpasses humanity, it supracedes intellectual discussion and philosophy. The only way I know how to describe hope is in a beautiful note, an undertone that leads to joy. Music is my remedy, what is yours?

Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Walking down Sunset Blvd.

2009-07-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

Well, today I went down to Hollywood with my brother and walked around, stopping in at Sam Ash and Guitar Center. My knee definitely felt the brunt of walking around, but it was good to get out and walk a little bit. I actually was able to run into someone that I had worked with on the streets. David was a guy that I ran into several times when i was filming in LA. I walked him to many different missions in the middle of the night, and even shared a cup of coffee with him once to help him 'sober up' before his hearing at City Hall. Now he is renting an apartment in Hollywood, never misses his appointments with his parole officer, and is working as a janitor in some local business. It was really awesome to see him doing so well. He seemed to really be free from the drug addiction that I had seen him on just 6 months ago. Its times like those where I feel really good for the time I have spent in the streets. Even after all the hours i have spent editing old footage on the computer and discovering that i am nowhere near being done with Simply Alive, its those moments when someone like David says "thanks man." I never gave him a dime, i bought him coffee only once, but just because i spent time with him, he really appreciated it.

It really shows how a simple gesture of kindness and love can help change a life. let us never forget to show love and kindness to everyone around us.

Caleb

Opportunity

2009-07-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Its been said that Opportunity comes once in a lifetime.

The way I look at it, each day is a new opportunity to make something of yourself. I have been working for over a year now on a film about Skid Row. I recently bought a new computer to help me get my editing done. I am trying to get more cameras so that I can continue to make films.

Money is always the issue. Im trying to get a loan to buy more cameras with the idea of renting the cameras out by the day. This seems to be a wonderful idea. It just seems to be dificult to find the right camera, and know the right time. Ive been investigating how to rent out a camera, hoping that I can do it legally and with good measure. I hope to help out other filmmakers in the area while building my own portfolio.

If anyone knows anyone who is interested in writting small scripts for short films, get in touch with me, and we will attempt at producing them. Hopefully I can manage to get all the money together so that I can start my own business. Much love,

Caleb

Beach Day

2009-07-08T16:24:00.001-07:00

Well today the youth group went to the beach. I enjoyed just hanging out and playing guitar on the beach. It was an awesome time. David and some of the other guys enjoyed the time skimboarding. Life is good when God is in control.

Caleb

Dunzo

2009-07-07T14:36:00.001-07:00

Seems as if my time on the trail is finnished. I have three fractures on my knee and will begin my physical therapy next wednesday. So as it is now, I am trying to refocus my life back to the society we live in, as well as continue to do fundraising for Gospel For Asia.

During this time, I will be readjusting to life. Please pray for me, and pray for Team Sweetwater and GFA.

In the meantime, watch this old short film I had made with some short films-for no meaning and with no purpose at all but laughter. much love,

caleb

Back to the Trail

2009-06-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

Well, we are heading back out to the trail. We actually had about a week that we spent in riverside, but I just was too busy running around with my brother who just recently moved to Riverside. I wanted to write a blog but i just never got around to it. I will try later today to upload the pictures from week 3 of the hike. We have been uploading the pictures to our facebook page-Team Sweetwater. But we hope to add some more pictures to our site: www.teamsweetwater.net . Everything is going good, we had to change our schedule so that we could continue to walk without taking too long of a break. We are up north of Sacramento right now, going to head Southbound to Tahoe, and then shoot back down and hike up. This is all happening due to all the snow that is comming down on the high sierras at this time. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I hope to post again possibly in a week or longer. You can follow also our updates on our site.
It was great to be in Riverside and see my brother, and John, and get to hang out with the youth group some. I miss those times, but I know that God's plans are much bigger than just enjoying myself hanging out with friends in Riverside. Much love to all, hope to see or speak to you soon,

Caleb

On the trail

2009-05-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well, we are about two days shy of our first full week out on the trail. we have had some awesome experiences. From meeting several trail angels and naming two guys from costa mesa the "good samaritans," to now where we hiked a full 16 mile day yesterday to make to cajon pass to a best western sharing a room with "indy," who happens to be a believer that went to school at point loma for his theology degree. He hiked 30 miles yesterday. thats a huge hike! we do about 16 and feel like we are done. we also met "dolly lopper(i hope i spelled it right)". it has been an awesome experience so far and we are only a mere week in. Today we are heading up the mountain, probably a 4,000 foot climb in about 12 miles, so we havent exactly decided how far we are wanting to go today, but we are about 25 miles out of Wrightwood, so we will be there this weekend, and are praying that God will provide the opportunity to speak at a church up there as well as with the trail angels who live up there. Thank you all for your prayers, if we have access to a computer up in wrightwood we will be posting some pictures on our facebook page for Team Sweetwater. God Bless,

Caleb "Hollywood" Childers

Yes, I am actually doing it!

2009-05-02T22:52:00.001-07:00

I am leaving for the Pacific Crest Trail tommorow afternoon. Please be praying for me! I will be updating the blog as much as possible, maybe once a month. Thank you all who are supporting Team sweetwater. please visit the site at www.teamsweetwater.net . Much love to all of you! God Bless,

Caleb

AHHH....Life comes at you fast...

2009-04-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

Along with Nationwide slogan, it has also become a common understanding for me. I'm broke, in debt, and my car broke down again. I finished all my classes but am still waiting for a paper to get back so that I can finish it by tuesday night. I am playing guitar at John and Stephanie's wedding on monday, so i just wrote up my own arrangement for the Bride Chorus, the wedding song. So now its off to practicing, after already breaking one string, things will be very interesting to see if i get everything done in time. Next weekend i leave for the trail, and thank God, because I need to be free from this society for a little while, and when I get back its definitely going to be bye-bye to that car, so that I can begin to live simply again. God, help me to be more of a true man, and ignore this materialistic world that we live in so that I might use my gifts for your glory more fully. God bless, please be praying for me.

caleb

Its been a while

2009-04-17T02:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it sure has been a while. I had lots of plans of uploading some of the work I am doing for some of my final papers, to show both my intellectuality and to have something to upload to the blog for people just to read, without me having to do extra work, but things happen, and i never have time. so in the process of writing the final portions of my paper on Social Justice and Worship in Chapter Five of the book of Amos, I took some time off to watch some funny videos on youtube.

My roomate David suggested: Sneezing Panda, and Dramatic Chipmunk.

Both were funny. but i happened to click on a link from the first one that took me to "Sneezing Panda Goes Gangsta." It was by far one of the funniest short clips ive ever seen, and if the music were better(they chose Snoop Dogg, so if you watch it, expect foul language!) it would have been one of my top videos of all time. It is still pretty funny if you can get passed the music.

Well, im off to finish the paper, and yes it is 2:20 am, and I have to be up at 8, but God will bless my hard work, or so I pray. Check you later,

Caleb

The Poets Corner

2009-04-06T00:50:00.000-07:00

Recently on a trip to San Francisco, as we were walking, Paul and I discovered a small little park on top of a hill from which you could see downtown and Alcatraz. In the very top corner was a bench and a rock. On the rock a plaque read, "Poets Corner."
I was highly intrigued, and loved the idea of sitting and discussing poetry and philosophy over the view of the city and the bay. I wonder how many people actually go there to practice poetry anymore. I know that if I were to live in San Fran, I would definitely be going to that little park for some inspiration.

If only I could create a "Poets Corner" here, or perhaps discover one. But it need be one of true poetry, as I find most poetry these days to be insanely lacking in sense and beauty, two things which I believe poetry should keep.

Paul Smith, Kyle Richardson, and I all traveled downtown Riverside (whooptiedoo...although I really enjoy any dt area) and sat in the local "hangout coffee shop," Back to The Grind. We had a cup of coffee and worked through several ideas, including the Trinity analogies, the reality behind each, and the disfunctionalities that we could find in each. It was a very good discussion, which lead also to philosophy...yess!....if you havent noticed, I base most everything on philosophy, hence why I study Apologetics so carefully. I am hoping that it might become a common ground for discussion, and a routine, perhaps weekly endeavor for us and others who are interested in joining in the conversation.

Now I'm off to bed, need to be up early to get some work done tommorow. Wish you all the best of nights, and the best of rest. Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Book Review

2009-04-02T23:32:00.001-07:00

I just finished working on a paper on Terry Eagleton's The Idea of Culture. I am going to paste it here, but only with the understanding that I was under a length restriction, and definitely was not able to completely cover exhaustively the book. So I plead Eagleton's mercy! haha. much love,

caleb

Summary Response: Terry Eagleton’s The Idea of Culture

In order to properly create an ideological robust definition for the universal phenomena[1] known to us as “culture,” an intense study of past interpretations and common spoken jargon is needed. In Terry Eagleton’s The Idea of Culture, this is exactly what he pursued in order to develop a vastly compiled and accurate understanding of a simple word with such complex ends. Eagleton’s work within the bounds of “culture” helps to define new strives at an ancient understanding, which is the ultimate goal of “cultural apologetics,” perhaps some might argue through a constructive format from within and for culture. Eagleton begins the discussion excursion into culture by riding a common understanding of culture, “husbandry, or the tending of natural growth (Eagleton, p. 1).” He wishes to expound on this ancient understanding of what was considered once an activity, and which now, he explains, has become an active entity.

Eagleton takes a similarly acknowledged understanding of nature which he describes to be the most difficult word to define within timeless rhetoric. To understand culture, Eagleton begins, is to first understand its roots found within nature (Eagleton, p. 3). Even with such a definition being made evident in his work, Eagleton feels as if this could be stealing away from the creative capacity of culture, “the very word ‘culture’ contains a tension between making and being made, rationality and spontaneity…(Eagleton, p. 5).” Eagleton goes on to describe culture in essence of national boundaries and civilizations ultimate goals within the given societies, thus creating a backdrop of ‘versions of culture’ in order to properly come to the greater more robust definition of culture in the modern era of thought. While bringing the first chapter to a close Eagleton hopes to lead us to the separate understanding of cultures, such as that which what was Romantic, becomes scientific. In such a sense that differing definitions of culture throughout societies and its functions are beginning to merge into a common understanding for the phenomena of culture.

In Chapter two, Eagleton continues to work through alternating definitions of the word culture, and implies that the complexity of the definition is much to hard to explain with only a few words, and a few functions, hence he calls it the ‘Culture in Crisis.’[2] However Eagleton makes it obvious that to claim that culture is in the midst of a crisis is a dangerous claim to make. He asks the question, when has culture not been amidst such crisis. In the following pages Eagleton begins to expound on the distinctions within what he defines as Culture and culture. The initial separation of the two must be understood, in Eagleton’s mind, as an anthropological sense becomes pluralistic minutia (culture), and the aesthetic sense which becomes what Eagleton calls the ‘Olympian’ alternative (Culture). With this understanding of culture (and Culture), Eagleton takes the discussion into the actual conversation between separate cultures and within cultures, and thus the crisis becomes more than an internal event. It becomes an active entity within cultures, thus bringing upon us the ‘Culture Wars.’[3]

In the third Chapter Eagleton addresses the ironic relations between the cultures involved in the ‘culture wars.’[4] Eagleton states that Culture requires the socio-political to remain as applicable truth, namely necessary ideals, whereas culture requires abstractedness to remain applicable. Therefore an ironic relationship exists between both the distinctions within ‘culture.’ Basing himself on the poetry of T.S. Elliot, Eagleton looks to make a ‘double-coding’[5] connection within in culture. He makes it clear that, “we must operate a kind of double-coding and grasp it as at once itself and something else, the product of a specific civilization yet also of universal spirit (Eagleton, p. 53).” This continues to emancipate culture from anthropological standards, as well as from the aesthetic, but still leads them to a connection between each other. Eagleton also discusses later in this chapter on the essence of modernity in the west. Eagleton says that although the West claims modernity, “the religion and high culture it calls upon to legitimate itself are traditionalist (Eagleton, p. 83).”

He takes this view of religion and culture as an open discussion however and chooses to pursue it through nature, and nature’s effect and cause to culture. In the fourth chapter, Eagleton seeks to discuss separately each culture and their distinctions throughout history as applied to the ultimate culture war that is in constant attention as the culture itself remains in crisis. Eagleton concludes that if humanity in itself is purely descriptive then we cannot derive values from it, and therefore culture itself, if defined from within and from human nature, seems ‘pointlessly circular (Eagleton, p. 104).’ Eagleton continues to rip apart the truths within culture, and very similarly touches on Christian theology and philosophy with his ultimatum on culture. In essence, Eagleton brings the book to a close on the hinges of culture and our responses to it. “Culture is not only what we live by. It is also, in great measure, what we live for (Eagleton, p. 131).” To Eagleton, culture itself is difficult, perhaps impossible to define, and yet it is the most interesting cause and effect behind some great things that are happening globally, consciously and unconsciously. It is in effect what we live to define so that we might live for it. Perhaps it could be argued that culture itself can become that which we chose to worship. In G.K. Beale’s work, We Become What We Worship, Beale argues that “we resemble what we revere, for ruin or restoration.” Culture could therein be the one thing that we are building into a golden calf, so that we ourselves might be able to worship what our own minds have made, conforming to our self; thus creating a culture war within each individual.

In my assessment of Eagleton’s work, I hope that I have been true to the dedication of understanding the various interpretations from which he draws. In The Idea of Culture, Eagleton takes an ancient game, that which is to define and ferret out that which culture is, or strives to be, and created a new outlook into the depths of culture in all its various meanings and activity. In the end I felt as if Eagleton had committed that which he himself accused culture of doing; becoming seemingly circular. I take this standpoint because of my previous analysis of culture as the phenomena, obviously something which no one from this subjective viewpoint (that of humanity) can make. I came to the table of Eagleton’s discussion with the predetermined ideology that culture is not from within, but transcendental, yet perhaps dependant of human existence.
The collocation of various ancient, or modern, definitions of culture might help us to gain a more robust view of culture in Eagleton’s mind, however I believe this still leaves out the utterance of whether or not we that are within culture can appropriately define culture. From T.S. Elliot’s poetry and Raymond Williams to the distinctions found within Nietzschean philosophy, Eagleton based his definitions on others within culture. I found the answer to my questions on definitions from that which is still bound within culture, by gaining entrée to the Culture and culture discussion that Eagleton arouses. Now this was a discussion that I found direly imperative and intuitive. When I read the book as it is written, I struggled through various effects on which he bases his thesis, but when I interpreted culture as only aesthetic-if anthropologically it is inescapable- then it is in the aesthetic for which we can define culture as we wish and please, as we live and breathe in and amongst Culture, therefore allowing us to tamper with a phenomenon that transcends, but is limited to and appropriated to, human existence.

Eagleton’s work is a great work for the study and development of a robust idea for culture of culture. I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking after that, although I don’t see the discussion on culture as being closed, and perhaps Eagleton’s work has turned some heads, but the discussion has never been more at hand than at the present time. I believe that with the major changes that are happening in the world today and in our country and our culture, the culture discussion could not be more immanent at this time for Christian philosophers and apologists to rise up and claim culture to be that which God has created for humanities functions. That without culture we cannot function, and thus opening the door to intellectual discussion from within culture to change and define culture into what it should be: a way to please and glorify God through the lifestyle and habits of a society.

[1] In the reading of this paper, I am using culture as a ‘phenomena’ in order to arrive to the understanding that is not from within mankind, and therefore is difficult to explain through one realm of thought-science, philosophy, etc…

[2] Chapter 2 of Terry Eagleton’s The Idea of Culture.

[3] Chapter 3 of Terry Eagleton’s The Idea of Culture.

[4] The Idea of Culture, Eagleton, p. 51

[5] The Idea of Culture, Eagleton, p. 53

when illness finds you

2009-03-26T20:16:00.001-07:00

Today I took the sick day of "sick,tired, and spiritually exhausted." It has been a long time since I just had the time to really read and dive into Scripture. Today I coughed up some stuff, and learned some stuff...so it really evened out. But I feel like more life has been added to me.

It has been good to refocus and set my goals better, as well as convert hours upon hours of video for the hiking team. Here is an old picture of me, which kinda implies what I had been feeling like recently, haha-

caleb

The things that last

2009-03-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

Recently, as many of you may know, I traveled to San Francisco. There I was able to just be light, play music, and make friendships and connections with people. It dawned on me there, that we, the leaders of a new generation, have a necessive responsibility to show truth, reality, and knowledge to the young. My esteemed friends amongst the world which I have met are failing at this, just as I have not begun to truly pursue this task. I began to pray fervently during this past week to see what it is that I can do to help mold culture, and art(the expression of culture) into one that is grounded in truth and knowledge. Then I felt that I have the ability to do as much as I possibly can, if not, there is no reason for me to try anything at all (a method to which MANY of my peers have resolved to do:nothing).

As many of you may be aware, I am an aspiring film maker. I have been working on a film in the streets of L.A. on homelessness for quite some time now(over 6 months). The film is still obviously unfinnished, and the more I learn there, the more I want to add to the film. In the midst of that and my studies, I love to play music. So this past week in San Fran, thats what I did, was play music. In the process of playing music there, it hit me: What do I do at home that ministers truth to the world around me?-Well on thursdays we have youth group, on saturdays college group, and on sundays youth group again. Thats only three nights out of 7 that I am doing what I am called to do.

Hence, I have resolved to write more music that challenges the thought pattern of modern era thinking. Yes, I am going to do more work...I will try not to get burnt out, but my first order of "business" is to make God first and his commision to me first, prior to my other commitments. So you may be hearing more of my music around here...Im hoping to get some guys together and start playing in the streets of cities around Socal, just to spread the truth around day by day. much love to all, and thanks for reading,

Caleb

wear some flowers in your hair

2009-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Well, Im in San Francisco staying in a 3-story hostel in downtown called the Adeline. It has been crazy so far, but very amazing. I have made it a goal to try and learn some of the local homeless guys' names and pray for them. tonight i met alan, who stands outside mcdonalds on market, and lee who sits on the corner of post and geary. I am continually going to remember them in prayer. crazier than that is the story im about to tell you. We prayed for opportunities to challenge the minds of the youth in san francisco.
As we stood at a light, two girls approached us asking for directions. We told them, obviously, we had no idea, but they asked if we could walk with them till they got there. We had the opportunity to tell them a little bit about our lives, me and Paul Smith(both mks), and how we got where we are today. one of the girls, Julie, had grown up in Japan, and the other girl, zhara, if that is correct, grew up in singapore, and is from london. Well-obviously, i cant say that this is 100% sure, but at least i know we were completely honest with them. We got to meet some of their other friends and shoot some pool.
I made a connection with one of the guys, Neal, who is a visual effects guy in movies. we exchanged cards and talked a little about it all. When they started drinking, we decided we should leave, although we are continuing to pray for them. Pray for us that we may not falter in our faith, and be true to YHWH. Much love to all.

Caleb Childers

The Integration of Faith and Reason

2009-03-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, its a huge topic. I recently wrote a paper on the topic. Here is my work, incomplete as it may be:

“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves” – Pope John Paul II.

The assimilation of faith and reason is a discussion that has existed since religion began. Pope John Paul II might be the last guy that some people would look to, but his insight here in the history of development of the theories behind faith and reason is a very important one. First we are to understand that the two, faith and reason, coincide within the human. The human must also use both faith and reason to gain truth, but this desire for truth only comes from God, who plants this need for truth in us. In searching for truth, we, humanity, should begin to understand who we are, namely by discovering who God is, and who we were created to be in his image (imago Dei). This question, who am I? How does this world work? has been discussed in a myriad of works such as the Veda, Avesta, Confucianism, Lao-Tze, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. It is therefore compulsory for us to come to know truth in order to know ourselves better, and to discern truth we must start with faith and reason. How the two will mesh together is the discussion that has been carried out over centuries of great thinkers.

Faith and reason have not always been put together some philosophers would even argue for the separation of the two. Before we begin to divulge the arguments behind the separation or unity of the two, the two must be properly defined. In his article Faith and Reason James Swindal defines reason as, “generally understood as the principles for a methodological inquiry, whether intellectual, moral, aesthetic, or religious.” He goes on to define faith as, “a stance toward some claim that is not, at least presently, demonstrable by reason. Thus faith is a kind of attitude of trust or assent.” These are two solids definitions, or at least the definitions that must be kept in mind as the topic of faith and reason is discussed in this paper.

The dialogue has been in written existence and intellectually stated since Plato. Even Plato, however, struggled with the ultimate definition for his understanding of faith and reason. In Plato’s Republic, Plato argued that faith and reason were two separate and opposite states of mind. Later in Theaetetus, Plato states that the disparity between knowledge and belief is not so absolute. He argues that knowledge is actually a form of belief and therefore must be argued from belief. With this established as one of the first sophisticated discussions of faith and reason, it is immanent that we comprehend the girth of reason as only a factor of belief. If it is how Plato puts it, then we must start with faith to gain understanding. In regards to Plato’s distinctions, moral philosopher Kenneth Sayre says that “knowledge by acquaintance is ‘palpably experiencing’ a series of affairs, whereas belief (in his example of Denver as the capital of Colorado) is acquired by looking at maps or listening to others. The object of the mind, for Plato in the Republic, is reality; the object of the mind, when it believes, in the Theaetetus, has to be a proposition, a substitute for a (purported) representation of reality.”

To study the Forms, one must already have established his or herself in their own propositions or representations of reality. They must have presupposed beliefs and ideals before the reality that exists comes into agreement with the Forms one will study. From the earliest of Classical apologists such as Paul, the apostle, Christianity has fought to maintain the unity and essential inseparability within the realms of faith and reason. R. C. Sproul, in Classical Apologetics, in regards to the mediate and immediate within natural theology, says, “The invisible things of God are made known by means of the visible things.” Sproul discusses the dissimilarity between an a priori knowledge of God and the a posteriori knowledge of God. Keeping in mind that this natural theology can take place within Christianity itself, making the challenge of faith and reason one that exists and is evident in Christian discussion just as much as secular history, bypassing what Sproul says is the duty of the apologist (Summa Contra Secularisma) and making strife amongst believers. Thus showing forth the dire need to better define and understand the differences in past interpretation and future thinkers in regards to the integration of faith and reason. The development of natural theology can be found in Locke which breaks him further apart from the crowd by stating that we "enlarge every one of these with our idea of Infinity; and so putting them together, make our complex idea of God (An Essay Concerning Human Understanding).”

St. Augustine, a fourth century Christian apologist made a large distinction in the discussion on faith and reason by stating that (fides quaerens intellectum)“faith seeks understanding.” Augustine made it clear that the method in which we must acquire and build faith must be done through knowledgeable means. In contrast, Blaise Pascal introduced one of the most original thoughts to mark the discussion. Pascal stated that the very belief in God’s existence is logically better than not believing, therefore separating reason into two separate boundaries within faith: That which can be understood and that will never be understood. Pascal made the inability to prove God’s existence through reason only more of a reason to believe in its truth. Augustine would have argued that the knowability of God is found naturally in the Christian (namely part of the given nature in the second birth process), and cannot be found without it in other forms such as philosophy.

Thomas Aquinas, another father of the Christian apologists, held the belief that our faith in eternal salvation is superior to that which the human mind should be able to fathom. This, Aquinas would argue, lead us to comprehend that these truths must be acquired in order for a faith to proceed from knowledge. Aquinas defined reason as in two separate departments, that which is revealed theology and that which is rational theology. Aquinas leaned on the truths that which are found in revealed theology to point to the understanding that in order to have truth firmly established in faith knowledge must establish these truths. Hebrews 11:1 says that “Faith is the evidence of things that cannot be seen.” The argument presented by many such as Kierkegaard is that reason must be a scientific understanding is refuted by Aquinas in his understanding that science and opinion both take part in knowledge and a completed understanding which then might lead to a completed faith. Aquinas is known for his statement, “I understand in order that I might believe.”

Taking into consideration all that is discussed between these philosophers and apologists, it seems almost wrong to leave out Anselm, one of the most influential leaders in the faith and reason dialogue. The presenting of the ontological argument is found clearly stated and argued throughout the entirety of the Proslogion, in which he deciphers major issues of the faith in regards to how we come to the knowledge of God. Anselm’s idea of God being that “which nothing greater can be thought or imagined” sets him apart in the overall understanding of how we come to know God. Although it is similar to both Aquinas and Augustine in the aspect that the knowledge of God is not an easy pill to swallow without that intervention of God, Anselm separates himself in saying that we can reach the knowledge of the knowledge of his existence, namely the sense of the divine. In the Proslogion, Anselm states that “It is one thing for an object to exist in the understanding and quite another to understand that it exists (in reality). (p 7)”

Existence, faith, and reason find themselves collocated into a strange and new individual dichotomization. Each broken into separate categories: Existence becomes that which is in the understanding, and that which is reality; Faith becomes that which is found in general revelation and that which is acquired through special revelation; Reason, if we are to use the orders of Aquinas, revealed theology, and rational theology. Therefore the argument, may I suggest, finds its roots embedded in existence. Not saying I am the first to think this, for there are many who have come before me who hold to that “if something exists, then something must necessarily exist.” God is present, hence we have knowledge. I would definitely find myself in the discipline of Augustine and Anselm when defining these terms. The separations within both faith and reason bring us back to the first asked question, Who am I? Why am I here? We must look to reason and faith, to the integration or interplay between the two to seek after knowledge through faith, so that our faith will increase as our knowledge increases.

Works Cited

Anselm. Proslogion, with the Replies of Gaunilo and Anselm. Boston: Hackett Company, 2001.

C., Sproul, R. Classical apologetics a rational defense of the Christian faith and a critique of presuppositional apologetics. Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan, 1984.

Hoitenga, Dewey J. Faith and reason from Plato to Plantinga an introduction to Reformed epistemology. Albany, N.Y: State University of New York P, 1991.

Plantiga, Alvin. "Religion and Epistemology." The Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 1998. 209-18.

Swindal, James. "Faith and Reason [Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy]." The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - IEP. 10 Mar. 2009 .

21-Vientiuno

2009-03-08T17:15:00.001-07:00

one of my favorite things to see is my brother, jeremy, ready to fight....good times.My parents, Marty and Melissa, have made me and continue to mold me into the man that Christ created me to be.
The Childers men, what used to be the Childers boys, but its seems that my dad grew up with us again, which was the greatest thing any son can ask of his father, thanks for always being there dad, Lytm.
Mi gente, los quiero tanto. Nunca los olvidare, y aunque no esta presente en la foto, faculin, siempre estaras en mi corazon como mi hermano.

I did it! I graduated High school. not too much longer and the world can no longer hold me in an institution! haha.

Well, its here. I’m 21 years old. People say that these are the “golden years.” So far, its been. Not gold, Its been red, as I have injured myself more than enough times, experienced blood, and pain, maybe yellow at times, but don’t get me wrong, cause I aint yellow…(for those who don’t understand this, it is a southern term for cowardness).. Its been green as I have seen evident agricultural growth within my mind and the plants of seeds planted by those who came before are sprouting some crazy things…

Yes…Its been. Its been good, sad, inflexible, rough, effortless, beautiful, ugly, self-challenging. Its been.

I remember running around as a child, skipping, jumping, frolicking, and hurting myself repeatedly. For those days I must turn to the ones who raised me, the ones who changed my life and helped shape who I am today: Mom & Dad, Jeremy, Mike Banks, etc…. There are many, but those MUST be named.

I remember the early college years, struggling to get good grades and focused more on physical relationships than the spiritual relationship with my Father in heaven. But time changes all things, and for the good. We must realize no matter how old you are, change can always happen, we just begin hardening our hearts towards it the older we get. But the more that we choose to accept the inevitable, happiness and joy overtake us. This is what is called of us from the Father above.

I said once that I must make a difference in this world. I still think this way, just that I understand that it may only be a seed of my thought that produces fruit in another life to change the world. I don’t even need or want the credit for reshaping culture, but Christ does deserve it, so I use His name when such need arises. I was once told by a homeless man, I am a brother in Christ, my name doesn’t matter. No statement could be truer.

So that’s it, 21 years of my life are passed by, and I remain sober-this will never change. Sober in thought, and sober in actions. The immediate changes that I know about are: renewing my liscense, explaining daily to people that ‘no, I don’t drink even though I can,’ continue to practice purity and holiness, become more and more of an influence on the youth of tomorrow and yesterdays youth as well.

So here we come, 22, cause another year here is just a tick on a t-rex in God’s picture. Much love to all of you, and thank you so much for the birthday wishes. I pray that God continues to guide us into the light of knowledge, understanding, and holiness.

Caleb

New Song-30 hourfamine

2009-02-26T23:43:00.001-08:00

So tomorrow will be my most hectic day of the week, but its going to be good. I have alot of work to do early morning, and need to meet with several guys, then practice for tomorrow nights 30hour famine, and then play soccer, and then come to the 30hour famine. its going to be a crazy day, but a good one. I wrote a new song, started last night and finished it tonight in regards to the 30hour famine. I'm going to post the lyrics here so you can read them. Its given from the perspective of a child:

My stomach hurts, from crying

My heart burns, from dying

My face hurts, from lying on this street,

My feet hurt from walking

Cause im hungry for your love

And im thirsty for your touch

Im dying longing to live twice as much

My hands ache from holding my brother

My minds in pain for losing all my friends

And I don’t know who is my mother

Will you be my friend?

Cause im hungry for your love

And im thirsty for your touch

Im dying longing to live twice as much

If I meet you in a better place

What will you say to me?

Will you say that you helped my friends?

Will I remember your name, in the end

Cause im hungry for your love

And im thirsty for your touch

Im dying longing to live twice as much

Music

2009-02-25T17:15:00.000-08:00

I have placed one word in your mind. Music.

What does it call up in your thought pattern?
Many of you may be smiling, others laughing, some of you may be feeling sad, maybe some just get excited to think about music. I fall into all those categories. For some reason, music touches deeply in me.

When listening to music, I feel like I can see the world as it was meant to be seen. There are several bands that just tend to blow my mind, that in their own simplicity, whether in words or music, they touch on deep-rooted truths and it just stabs at my heart. I feel meloncholy.

Many accuse me of benig too meloncholy all the time.

Nonesense! haha. I guess it would depend on your definition of melancholy. Dictionary.com says that melancholy is: a gloomy state of mind. /2. pensive, sober thoughtfullness.

YES! Sober thoughtfullness. I really like that way of putting it. But even then, is there maybe a better understanding or expression of it?

I might argue that melancholy can take a part in joy. And that to be melancholy can be a active agent in joy. Note:it doesnt have to be present to have joy. But it is lets say an easy way to slide into a joyous life.

I tend to equate worrying with melancholy. Not that someone who is melancholy worries, but namely that worry is the antithesis of a melancholy mind. And when worries are gone, there is much more room to think. Hence the Sober Thoughtfullness ideaology.

So I hope that there is some music at there that sets your mind at ease. If you are confused as to what it is, just keep looking. I look to bands like Nizlopi, Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens(amazing), Louie Armstrong, Ray LaMontagne, Amos Lee, Andy McKee, Antione Dufour, Trace Bundy, Thomas Dybdahl, Iron and Wine, Taj Mahal, Colin Hay, Ben Harper, Brett Dennen, etc...

If you need some music, go through that list i just made, it should suffice to say that you will find one that really soothes your soul. Helps the mind relax, so we can ponder the greater things that we were meant for,

Caleb

Skating

2009-02-22T00:06:00.000-08:00

Today i finally got out and skated with paul and john, the youth pastor. I know. i shouldve at least busted out the cell and snapped a picture cause it was pretty funny. John was kickflipping, bigspinning, etc...as I struggled with ollies and trying to land kickflips.

Which, by the way, after Transitions tonight(the most amazing college group ever) I spent about half an hour kickflipping(or trying at least) out front...and hopefully ill get it soon. Well thats my adventurous saturday. Tommorow im back to the normal-editing videos and hanging out with the youth group. Much love to all, and to all good night.

Caleb

Melody

2009-02-17T00:16:00.000-08:00

There was a time where I would sit in solitude in rooms or (AH THE DAYS) when I could be up in the mountains, or even better, in the middle of major cities, where i could just close my eyes and focus on life's melody.

Not the harmony. Other humans scare me sometimes, and I'm brave enough to make that statement...haha.

The melody.

The sounds that make LIFE.

Every life has a voice. every man and woman make a difference. The world is big. bigger than you. bigger than me. But as a whole, we create a melody that cannot be ignored.

What is just so great is that the melody we write is already here. all we are doing is playing it. And in playing it, we are the music. The music that does not know what note might come next, but plays in a universal harmony with each other to create a melody above and beyond ourselves.

Knowledge. is it available? is it created? is it free?

Or have we as humanity begun to undermine knowledge. have we locked it to our bedpost, hoping that we might find it in dreams and goals set by mans standards?

Or is knowledge, like the melody, been written, but still to be truly and fully discovered? Dig deep my friends. deeper than your mind wants to travel, because there are grass fields filled with the wheat of truth in this incredible melody. WAKE UP! Stop trying to change the melody. it will not be altered.

Truth is truth.

-Caleb

Sunday Night Dinner

2009-02-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

Who ever said that Sunday Night is the night you stay in and just watch tv?

We broke that rule..i guess...if it even is. I probably just made it up in my head, cause thats what i have done for the most part. But since our expedition dumpster diving, we had some extra cash lying around, so Paul, David and I(oh yeah...im going to pull good literary devices in the midst of my bad writting) went to T.G.I Fridays...on Sunday. After church we decided we would treat ourselves to some steaks. It was a great meal, and a fun time.

Well, I'm off to write another paper that is due tommorow...but dont gasp, i have already been thinking about what I want to say, plus its in response to a book, that I plan to have completely read before I start the paper...no worries. much love to all! Have a sweet monday night...we will be watching heroes. then ill do my paper. Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

A dream, or reality.

2009-02-06T00:42:00.001-08:00

Time moves by so quickly some weeks, that the reality we live in turns into a monotonous cry in the streets, heard by noone, seen by noone...Even we have dificulty understanding truth from our own fiction.

Ok...so I've been listening to some post-modern musicians. Great thinkers, so close to how life works, but because they deny the missing piece, they wont accept it. Im listening to Thomas Dybdahl, a sweet Norweigan, if thats how you spell it, with some awesome tracks and lyrics. Definitely an odd and different sound. Although I wont tell many people that I like his music due to his outlandish and highly offensive music videos. He is still a good musician and a good songwriter, missing the mark just slightly, but constantly proving the call for something greater than ourselves.

Philosophy is becoming more and more evident in the way I write. I have always been this way, just tend to shut myself up and say, "nobody wants to know how or why your brain works the way it does." Sometimes it just comes out. As some of you know, I am a student of Apologetics, and Im excited to think that next year might be my last year in college...MIGHT...haha. I hope so, but we will see how it all works out.

Well, thats kinda where my week is, if you get the chance to listen to some of dybdahl, its very soothing, but remember to listen with your Christian mind in the forefront, and not the "open-mindedness" that our culture calls for. Have an awesome friday! Maybe I'll write some tommorow. If you havent checked out my creative writing blog, you should go and do that: www.mindblogeling.blogspot.com . Chau

Caleb

Skate.

2009-01-28T00:39:00.000-08:00

Everything starts with a video or a video game these days.

I see a guy jump off a roof and not get hurt....I want to try to-so I practiced Parkour for about a year. Never gave it up...just stopped due to noone wanting to join me. My roomates say they will go out and parkour with me, but they never do...sometimes I find myself in the backyard lifting weights and then i stop and just jump the wall and try some bridges and body flips. ussually end up stretching something out that shouldnt be stretched....

About a week and a half ago, me and my roomate Paul traded in some old video games for a game called "Skate." and you guessed it....its a skateboarding game.

So what did i want to do?

I wanted to skate.

We sat there entertained for a good while...about a week...and then we realized that we could be outside skating, especially since John, the youth pastor, just started the skateboarding ministry back up. So we got some boards...(not the real deal, just something that we could learn on)...and started skating again. My ollie is still alive, just needs to be polished(thats jumping in the air with a skateboard for those of you that are skate-illeterate) but I cant even do any flips and cant get up to grinds yet...but someday I shall. I am determined to get much better before I leave this behind. In fact, my board has come very handy when it comes to transportation. Just tiring....got to get used to pushing a board around again.

I also started watching videos again, and as always am astounded by Rodney Mullen(youtube him, if the name doesnt make sense...and youll see his royalty in action) and so I looked up some of his sponsors and people that skate by his side. I found out that he skates with Globe(shoe company), along with another one of my favorite inventive skaters, Chris Haslam from Canada....just amazing.

All that to say that I am skateboarding again, and hopefully soon enough we will get some new tricks and we will get some pictures to make us look ligit(even when we arent..haha) Much love to all, and I hope your weeks are as interesting as mine are.

Caleb Childers

Trace Bundy

2009-01-21T00:14:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the privaledge of going to see one of my musical inspirations, Trace Bundy. If you have never heard of him, stop reading this and youtube him right now! He is one of America's most prominent guitarists, and a strong Christian guy too. We went out to Santa Clarita where we saw him at a in-house concert. We literally sat in the front row, about 3 feet from him. It was an awesome experience. This is the guy that I studied two of his songs for my recital when I was studying classical guitar. Its not easy stuff, the man is incredibly talented. And incredibly humble.

The whole time he was cracking jokes and having a good time. We got to hear one of his new songs called "Bongaloo" and a great story that goes along with the song. If you ever get the chance to see him play, dont let it pass you by. At one point he said that when he dies he hopes his gravestone will read, "He loved Well." An awesome statement to show his passions in life. He said he didnt want to be remembered for his guitar skills, but for the love he showed others. And he was a very loving man.

We talked and hung out for about 20 minutes after the show. Just an all around great guy. Me and my roomate David and working on trying to get things together so that next time he comes down to Southern California, maybe we can get him some shows around here. I taught him some Bolivian slang words as well. it was great fun. I also made some connections with some film makers in that area as well, so hopefully if God contiues to bless my efforts in film, I will be making more and more out there, and getting Trace's music into my films.

Well thats my incredible story and what an awesome concert and time it was that we spent with Trace. I wish him the best and will continue to pray for him daily. He is a great guitarist and better person.

Caleb Childers

The God Competition.

2009-01-19T00:27:00.000-08:00

We are all in it. Whether you like it or not, as a believer, you will compete against other believers at one time or another to be the "better" Christian. And this is not only limited to Christians, but to every religion...why?????

One word: EGO.

Something that I presumed would be gone from my life before I was 18, I still fight it. I have taken up a sword against it, and yet at times it slays me. I find myself laughing and cheering on, making my friends laugh and smile, untill I notice the one person in the room who feels like somehow in someway I have surpassed their greatness or ability to be funny.

The knowledge pours down and out of our mouths...oh but the great Paul wrote this...well Augustine said this...well, Piper says this....

....in all reality, who cares? Because when it comes down to it, if you want to converse with me about the writings of church fathers, i will be more than happy to listen and argue. If you are going to tell me the answers to life's problems by your own experience....I should be slapping you. But then again, is that not my ego telling me that im better so i should put you in your place?

What argument is made that can bypass human reason if it sources from the humans mind? Should all arguments find themselves rooted in Christ? Is God not the author of knowledge and wisdom, and therefore ultimately responsible for the knowledge that we obtain? But we know that because of sin, it has become twisted.

Where?

Where has it become twisted?
If this established point cant be made, then how can one dismiss an argument(ANY ARGUMENT) without going through reason to conclude the matter?

Why must I be better than you at everything I do, including my ministry? This is a farce started by false teachers within the church, and still followed today. Well, what about Paul when he says in 1 Cor. that we should all be running to win the race? Well, the question arrises, will the old lady in the church be much slower than the new kid in the youth group that has all the high school football records?

No. In fact I believe that the old lady will outrun the young man by miles. Why you ask?
Because he has been trained to look for the water on the sidelines. He has been trained to pace himself. He has been trained to stop and take a breather when he feels he needs it.
She has no training. Since she came to Christ she has been learning how to get rid of the training her parents and peers gave her.

You were born into a society that trains you to continue in the sin ways of your longings. We were fed what we wanted to be fed, and now we suffer the consequences of our peers mistake.

So in order to be fit for the race, you must learn how to rid yourself of the training you have had in all your lifetime. Even as some family members and friends are on the sidelines saying, why you running? just wait for the bus, it should be here shortly. You have to be the one to say, "There is no bus coming down this road. It is a narrow way, and I cannot falter in my stride."

At least this is where I wish I could be. I wish that I wouldnt get annoyed when I play guitar and my friends decide that they want to outplay me from the other room. Well, maybe they are better, maybe they arent, but God will be the judge of which of us is playing for their own glory and which one plays for God's glory. So in this regard, play for Christ, even when you are challenged by an outside force, we are all in this together, and as a church should be embracing each others differences, but not uplifting them.

Throw away your training, and let your ego go with it, cause itll only bring you down in a church so flooded with ego. Much love to the church as a whole, this is something we must work on. In africa, europe, asia, north and south america, australia...to all people of all nations! We are the church and we can change this! One heart at a time...your heart first, so that your neighbor may see your act of courage in letting go of ones self.

Caleb

Its back to the basics

2009-01-15T23:31:00.000-08:00

Its back to the basics. To understanding freedom in a society governed by rules imposed by man. And you are probably going...what are you talking about Caleb?

I'm talking about stricly following God, and how when seeking after Him, mans rules fall into place. King David understood this and he cried in the psalms, Teach me your ways, oh God! Let me know and love your commands!

What an image of seeking Christ. Giving up your right to break the rules and embracing them. Now lets talk about free will! Understanding true free will, is to understand how to toss everything aside. I dont think we can begin to comprehend free-will untill we begin to comprehend what it means to give up and let go of our physical mindset. Not reason! Im not saying deny reason, please dont miss me on that. But the physical needs buttons that we have fabricated. The very fact that im sitting on a computer when i could be writting a personal letter to you all...that is if i knew where you all were comming from. If I, like Paul, would make the effort to implement churches and God fearing groups so that I might communicate with them to continue their passion towards Christ-likeness.

We have decapitated reason and faith inside the church and set their heads on the stakes outside its "walls". This whole mindset of "check you brains at the door." Ive heard it argued before about how dumb and unimaginably ignorant this Christian lifestyle is, and yet it never seemed to me that the church does this. But I can now see the evidences within the church(notice again, this is not a church, but the church, the immeansity of the body of Christ as a whole) that is setting aside reason and faith for an emotionally based message that leads us straight into the abyss. If we are to regain reason in the church it must be done by means of wisdom. We must turn to the fathers of the faith and understand why it is that believe that Christ is the only way to heaven. We must shut down our universalist minds to understand that this whole life is not about us.

Humanity is the dirty speck on the mirror of Gods image, and only God knows how to spit-shine it right. Noone else is there, is evident, nothing else outside of God exists that might be able to clean the image.
Hebrews 12: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

If it were up to me, id post the whole entire chapter. but I think that God wants me to be breif seeing as my own thought process is a reflection of His great mercy and grace.

Live as if it is your last day every day, that in every way your love towards humanity might show forth the glory of God. I love you all, and Im tired, so im going to bed to rest, and dont ever forget that resting is a beautiful time that God has given us, so dont overuse it, God knows I have in the past.

Caleb

Pneu-Revolution

2009-01-14T23:01:00.000-08:00

Well, after returning from the hike, God was pressing firmly that I needed to begin part of a revolution to bring the Spirit(pneuma) back into the church. I do also recognize that bringing the Spirit "back" into the church is not a new idea at all, since its been done many times and still is done daily. The difference is that I want to do it using a Spirit-led Bible Study.

I began to develop the basic concept of how the study could work based on the knowledge and study of spiritual gifts that are used to edify the church. The fact that the church as a whole lacks the knowledge of how they should be serving inside the church is sad. Every Christian plays a role in the church, some in discerning, some in pastoring, some in teaching, some in discipling....etc... many of you reading this may not even know what spiritual gifts are. I think that the church as a whole has also failed in helping people understand their place in the church. Everything we do should edify Christ and the body of Christ. Thus the importance of understanding the gifts God has given us to edify it with so that we might learn to use them properly. So my idea is to eventually lead a weekend study with a good number of other leaders with teaching abilities to do a short seminar to help people understand their place in the church. This would be based off my bible study group, and even though I say mine, i mean God's study that he has imparted on my heart. The Pneu-revolution.

It is a Spirit-led study in the sense that a message will be given and then it is open to discussion that the Spirit of God might lead the conversation. With several people knowledgeable in scripture to be sure and discern words that are purely mans and words that we find coming from Scripture. This is the idea and the prayer. I am still praying that God might provide the right leaders for this type of study and perpare properly before it begins. So thats my revolutionary idea for the body of Christ in America, and hopefully I will begin to implement it soon. Much love to all, and i hope you are having more time to lounge around than me, seeing as ive read more in the past 3 days than almost ever before in my life, but it is good. Im learning the scholarly ways to present theology as well as the proper and appropriate ways to approach culture apologetically(not sorry wise-but proving the rationality of the Christian faith-wise). Hope you are well, Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Back Home

2009-01-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am, finally back home and trying to get back into all the business of college life. The christmas break was awesome. I was able to go back to North Carolina where my parents are now living and visit with my grandparents and cousins and brother and sister-in-law. it was a freaking sweet visit to say the least. Those are the pictures you see above. My family has now gotten serious into playing Mexican Train(The dominoes game) and Blokus. It was an awesome time of just hanging out and playing a ton of super sweet games with my family. But now I'm back in sunny Socal. Although today it feels like im in Chicago with all this wind! ridiculous! Anyways, I came back to socal the 28th and hiked section A of the PCT(Pacific Crest Trail) with the guys from Team Sweetwater who have asked me to be the official Cameraman for a documentary they will be making about the pct and the persecutted christians in India. A very awesome movement. You can check out more of their info on their site:www.teamsweetwater.net, if it is up yet...it may still be the blog that I put together for them a while back. Here are some pictures from the trip. It was a really good time! I'll write some more tommorow to get you guys caught up with the new ministry idea that God has put into my mind. Much love!

Caleb

Back to School

2009-01-08T00:07:00.000-08:00

Well its back to school and life is extremely busy. With all the hustle and bustle sometimes we forget to look to Christ to see what He is doing in our midst. I will hopefully write a bunch more tommorow if i get the chance, if not I will have to just write this weekend and get everyone caught up. The biggest news that I cant leave out, even in this short message is that I am officially an Uncle! Yesterday my nephew, Elijah Levi Childers was born. He just looks awesome, and I cant wait to meet him and spoil him in the ways of a righteous man. Pray for my brother and sister-in-law as they are just now entering parenthood. Much love, talk to you soon,

Caleb

Its Christmas Time

2008-12-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

Well the snow is falling, the sky is grey, people are laughing, and cheering.....NOT. No snow. It must be that snow does not like me, even though I love snow. When I was a little boy I used to look at the pictures of the snowcaps and just stare and think....man, maybe someday ill see snow. It wasnt long. When I was about 6 I saw snow for the first time and was able to play in it. I love snow. This winter was supposed to be one of the coldest winters in NC(thats where i came to spend christmas with my family) in a very long time. But tommorow it is supposed to be in the 60s...well life has its dissapointments.
I have gotten to spend alot of time with my brother and sister-in-law, which is awesome, and the yet to be born, Elijah who will be a handfull to say the least. We have spent hours watching movies, playing mexican train, playing blockus, and just sitting around talking. It has been an awesome ammount of fun.
I began praying for next semester, I am really excited about graduation, but I have to make sure that i will be able to get out in time, so I am really checking into taking the right classes...etc... I also am going to try and get my financial aid worked out before I leave for california again, cause I have to have financial clearance to go back to school! Anywho. Thats life in the mind of Caleb. I hope all of you are well. This is practically the second time ive used a computer since ive been here. which has been nice. I also just got my phone working at full power again, so some of you, my dear friends, might expect a call from me soon. I hope all is going well wherever your travels are taking you, and I will pray for you, even if i dont know who you are, I do. Much love, and merry Christmas to all. May we not forget the Christ and His sacrifice that changed everything as we may never truly know.

Caleb Childers

God and Evil: An Eternal Struggle?

2008-12-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

I recently wrote a paper on The Problem with Evil. Here it is. You may read it:

I woke up to the out of control fan and dark room, my heart paced, but my mind knew what to do and I quickly responded. The fan slowed back down and the room felt as if a large burden had been lifted. Surrounded by a superstitious culture and society evil is not news to me. It has been used to disprove God’s existence and to prove it alike. It is the greatest problem that faces individuals and society as a whole. If Evil proves that God does not exist, then all that we do as Christians will be destroyed, and countless lives will have to be changed. However, if Evil proves Gods existence than any other argument will falter in its comparison. Proofs make evidence malleable. If no common point of contact can be reached, if the evidence for either view isn’t enough to conclude the argument, then the existence of God must still be considered. Due to this fact, using simple “Pascalian” theory, understanding and believing in the existence of God would be the most logical conclusion to come to. Even so, we must, like first century philosopher Anselm says, continually seek out understanding on which to base our faith. Otherwise our faith can be argued to find its root in emotional standards and not truth.
In order to truly understand what evil is, we must take some time to define what evil is. Firstly, we must understand the separation in the studies of the problem with evil and the problem with pain or suffering. Evil causes suffering, so it is therefore the root of all that entails suffering. I looked to ancient philosophers and thinking men to find the ancient answer to the problem of suffering. One of the most obvious and most elaborate non-religious explanations must be the Greeks, the Epicureans to be more precise. Lucretius, a first century Epicurean philosopher and poet, expressed his understanding on the problem with evil in his work, On the Nature of Things. In On the Nature of Things, Lucretius spoke of his plan to help free men from religious fear. The common belief of the era was that religion was a scapegoat to help calm the soul. This is still a highly held belief about religion and Christianity in particular.
“Throughout the lands lay miserably crushed Before all eyes beneath Religion- who Would show her head along the region skies, Glowering on mortals with her hideous face- A Greek it was who first opposing dared Raise mortal eyes that terror to withstand, Whom nor the fame of Gods nor lightning's stroke Nor threatening thunder of the ominous sky Abashed; but rather chafed to angry zest His dauntless heart to be the first to rend The crossbars at the gates of Nature old. And thus his will and hardy wisdom won; (Lucretius, Book 1)”
We can see his answer to religion is rough, and he speaks about the anger that religion has had in return. What he fails to realize is that religion has always been opposed. A common misconception, one which we also read in Richard Dawkins, is that Christianity isn’t daily opposed and countered. Lucretius says, “A Greek it was who first opposing dared…” we can see the evidence of mans fight against religion. This is the problem with evil, it is everywhere. It exists in and against Christianity; it exists in and against the non-religious groups around the globe.
Lucretius makes it quite obvious, as an epicurean, that to live completely engulfed by pleasure is to do away with suffering. Epicureans are not what they were commonly referred to as selfish pleasure-seekers, instead epicureans would state that their sole life as a wise man is to be free from superstition, remorse and even passion and focus on cultivating friendships and knowledge. This, they believed, would end their mental suffering, and therein their inherent evil. Evil to an epicurean comes from within. Not far from the Christian philosophy of inherent sin, except in the epicurean it is created, but for the Christian it is ever present since its existence is not only inner but also outer. Thus we begin our definition of evil as an outer-force that has control over aspects outside the body as well as inside the body.
Evil, however, cannot be given the title of entity. We see this definition happening in many Eastern religions, such as the eastern philosophy of the Ying and the Yang. Evil and good in a continual struggle is not a new idea. Commonly referred to as dualism, evil is given the title of entity in which it can and does at times conquer Good. If evil is given this leeway, than the very existence of a supreme God is not necessary. So we know that a non-religious response to evil equates with a non-existent God, hence a religious response must provide evidence for the existence of that Supreme Being. Brian Hebblethwaite, author of Evil, Suffering and Religion, says “in turning to religious practical responses to evil, we enter upon an enormous, comprising the larger part of the history of the human race.” Since the beginning of recorded time, religion, or the response to a supreme being has existed. Hebblethwaite says that there is no form of human society whether far back in history or in surviving tribes that does not have some form of religious response to the world, or namely, evil. Tribal understanding of evil might seem to be better understood in a society that is based around basic magic and sorcery in which evil might seem a more physical experience.
The Greek expression of evil is not sufficient in the struggle with evil, for their gods do not seem to fight evil, and in fact at some times actually use evil as a tool. The Greek understanding of evil as a whole is seen as useful tools for further advancement of ones self. Even so, Greek philosophers were mocked for their ideas of not using evil and focusing on things that satisfy self without evil means or motives. The understanding of the existence for evil is a universal understanding that spans the length of time. How it is expressed is where we find the argument for evil at its peak.
Why should we view the evidence of Christianity’s understanding of evil above any other? C.S. Lewis, author and world renown theologian wrote in his essay Is Theology Poetry?" The Weight of Glory and other Addresses, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” Plato’s Republic reinforces this idea in Book VI, “Visible objects are to be seen only when the sun shines upon them; truth is only known when illuminated by the idea of good.” Christianity does not define evil as our common thought of the opposite of God. Instead, it is the absence of good. Good exists since the beginning of time because God exists since the beginning of time.
The standard for good helps us to understand the standard for evil. If it is truly the absence of good then why is it that there is evil, when no one wants to be evil. The most elaborate understanding and statement of evil and the problem with evil through Christianity we must to back to Lewis. C.S. Lewis expressed the argument, "Free will, though it makes evil possible, is the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having." In his quote it seems that he tackles the argument of a moral evil that surrounds us all, but what about natural disasters and universal issues outside of man. Evil is both an inner and outer struggle and we cannot escape. The question has always been proposed, “What does God do about evil.” In order to answer that question we must also acknowledge what evil is compared to God. N.T. Wright discusses the evidences of God’s goodness and his actions in regard to evil. “The most deeply formative narrative in all Judaism and one of the key biblical answers to the questions of what God does with evil, the story of Exodus, Israel’s release from slavery in Egypt.” By looking into the Old Testament and the examples that God set before us in His responses to evil, it can very well be argued that God is presently acting against evil in all that He can. So the question returns what about natural disasters? Is this evil part of the outer-evil described earlier, or a different evil entirely?
An ancient biblical story comes to mind. One of the greatest accounts of evil in the world at God’s disposal is the story of Job. Job was part of God’s great test, or Satan’s test as many see it, which put Job through the fire of evil. The story is an obvious expression of what N.T. Wright is trying to say in God’s dealing with evil. In spite of the evil that Job was going through, God did not falter in His goodness. That was the entire purpose of Job’s trials. Therefore we can see that God can use evil to His advantage. Hence evil must be below and controllable by God. So the question remains, why is God not stopping all evil?
God does not stop all evil because he can. When God does not stop evil, it does not make him evil, instead it intensifies his greatness. Like a father, who knowing that when his son is going to touch the flame might hold his tongue in order that his son might learn not to touch the flame. In the same way God allows us to fall into the hands of evil that his ultimate good may be shown. Paul writes in Romans chapter five of the effects of evil, namely sin, and God’s grace, “20The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Evil therefore is helping to show how good God really is, and therefore it can be argued that evil helps to prove God’s existence.
There are many authors in today’s day and age that have come a far way in creating defenses and arguments against and for evil and God’s existence. M.B. Ahern’s book, The Problem of Evil, he confronts the issue of evil and the “kinds of evil,” as he likes to put it. “The notion ‘good’ does not itself entail that whatever instantiates it could not logically suppose either moral or non-moral evil, or that the good could not be proportionate to the evil. Therefore, it seems impossible to show positively that God could not be morally justified in not preventing some instance of either moral or non-moral evil.” It is impossible, as Ahern says for us to say whether or not God is not morally justified in NOT preventing evil.
Evil is evident. Evil is real. But it is not prominent as is commonly thought. Due to this fact that good is more prominent than evil, we can argue for the existence of God and his interaction with evil. This is where many people like Richard Dawkins fall short in their arguments. Arguments based out of redefining evil, or the nature of God into a man definition, instead of taking evil into its entirety of context fall short of Gods true nature. We must understand, like Anselm should make plain and clear to us that God is “that which nothing greater can be thought or imagined.” When we come to this understanding, the problem of evil pales in comparison to the greatness of God making evil no longer an issue, but the existence of God the ultimate decision to be discussed. If Evil exists then God must exists, and if God exists then evil must follow or counter the pursuit of God.
The Epicureans had it right when they said we should look to the things that bring good, things that increase knowledge and friendships. C.S. Lewis knew this and it sparked his desire to seek God, knowing that in following the Sun, we learn to see what was once in the darkness. The problem with evil is that it makes God an undeniable possibility and to some that’s just plain unacceptable.

Bibliography
Ahern, M. B. The Problem of Evil. New York: Routledge, 2003.

Hebblethwaite, Brian. Evil, Suffering and Religion. London: Sheldon P, 1976.

Lewis, C. S. The Great Divorce. New York: Harper San Francisco, 2001.

Needleman, Jacob. Why Can't We Be Good? New York: Tarcher, 2007.

Williams, Thomas, trans. Monologion and Proslogion : With the Replies of Gaunilo and Anselm. Boston: Hackett Company, Incorporated, 1996.

Wright, N. T. Evil and the Justice of God. New York: InterVarsity P, 2006.

Seeking Wisdom and Guidance

2008-12-10T01:53:00.000-08:00

I lay here today, not for long, because Tuesday is my second busiest day after Thursday, but I laid in bed for a couple minutes, hoping that time itself would fade into its own ticking. I chose the clock on my wall because it makes noise. I chose it because it reminds me of the ticking my heart takes, the ticking my mind makes. I sleep so well and solemnly, no problems come to bother me. And yet today i lay awake, wondering, Will i make a mistake?
Choose wisely and seek understanding, that in all you do you might see God and his commanding.

I am seeking wisdom and guidance, I hope you are doing the same. Today was a good day, tommorow is another day.

Caleb

Been a Long Time

2008-12-07T22:37:00.001-08:00

It seems as the break gets closer, I have less and less time to get anything done. I had to take a nap today, first time in a long time. I was worn out. Hit me about 5:30. On Friday night I went out to an Apologetics get together with some of the people in my Apologetics class. It was really good. I just had too much coffee. I couldnt sleep, and then the guys from Team Sweetwater were at my house, they had set up the tent in the backyard and wanted me to go out and sleep in the tent to get a feel for it. So I did, cept we talked for like 2 hours and just laughed, then I had to get up because I couldnt sleep so I went inside and fixed a cup of chamomile tea and started reading my Bible. I walked around my coffee table for the next two or three hours, and read most of Proverbs, 1 Corinthians and Ephesians. It was awesome because I read alot and I got to talk to God alot, so even though it took away my sleep, it was good. Because of that, I was tired on Saturday, and then after Transitions(most likely the best thing in the world that anyone who doesnt come to is MISSING OUT) we just hung out with some friends and watched a movie, then I stayed up for a little bit, did some emailage and my average Woot, Slickdeals, and Craigslist search, so I didnt get to bed till late again. So thats why I had to take a nap today and ended up missing SNY, our Sunday Night Youth on sunday nights. David sat in his chair, in fact he is still there, working on physics homework. Thank you Lord for not making me have a passion for engineering.
Well. Thats life up till now. Im working on a paper on the Problem of Evil. So that is interesting and time consuming. And I have a mental list of things I HAVE to get done tomorow, even though right now I cant remember any of them, except for the presentation I have on Tuesday in my Psychology class.

AH! Thats life in the Gen-Eds. But I am almost done with them! Next semester Im taking European Twentieth Century for my non-us history...hmmm...should be interesting. Anywho. Me and david are going to try to lay down some tracks sometime in this next week to leave with the kids here when we leave. so hopefully we will find some time to do that. Hope all is well with you, my readers. I guess it would be better if i just said readers, since you dont really belong to me...
Much love, have an awesome monday!
Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Break

2008-12-01T00:21:00.000-08:00

My break was awesome! I hung out with my parents for thanksgiving and now i just ate some more carrot cake(best in the world). Yesterday i was in san diego, and the day before we went to Laguna. pretty sweet. ill put up some video of it once i get the chance to edit it a little more. much love! 2 weeks left

caleb

Poetry

2008-11-24T15:20:00.000-08:00

I've always enjoyed poetry. both reading and writting it. I always wrtie writing with two "t"s. Is that wrong. I mean, i know it is grammatically incorrect, but the question is is it wrong? Like putting is right after another is....Maybe i think too much about life and the small things that hold it together, or am I thinking so much in the details that the big picture becomes clearer? Have you ever done one of those pictures where if you stare at it for long enough you see something in the background? Yeah, I can never ever figure those out!
Maybe, it is because i am colorblind. My parents told me when i was little that i probably wasnt colorblind, i just decided that since my brother is, that I cant see them either...I think i disproved that when i tried to take a colorblind test a couple weeks ago. Who saw a number in a red circle?!? thats ridiculous. (did you know that they used colorblind people during the Vietnam war to spot the enemy, because seperate shades of green can look orange to them? AHA! ) See, colorblindness isnt all that bad. there are its perks. so yeah, back to the little details. I was challenged by my friend Paul when i spoke about Solomon's authorship of the book of Ecclesiastes. So i checked it out, and here are the biggest differences i could find:

A. Arguments Against Solomonic Authorship:

1. The words "I the preacher was king over Israel" (1:12), seeming to indicate that his reign was in the past, could not have been written by Solomon, who never ceased to be king as long as he was alive.
2. It seems odd that a book purportedly coming from the son of David should omit the divine name Yahweh which appears commonly in the books of Psalms and Proverbs. It also seems odd that there should be no mention of the history of Israel, Solomon's work in building the Temple, or his palaces and gardens.
3. If written during Solomon's old age it seems puzzling that he merely sighs over the emptiness of life instead of repenting of his apostacy.
4. As merely the second king of his dynasty, it seems odd that he should speak of "all that had been before him" as if there had been a bunch.
5. The book describes the disorder and corruption of the government (4:1, 5:8, 8:9, 10:5). This seems unexpected, since if such evils existed, then Solomon was responsible for them.
6. The book seems to present striking parallels with the language of Malachi, which is generally dated to a time after the Babylonian Captivity, perhaps as late as 390 BC.
7. The book seems to contain allusions to events in the history of Persia. Some think it may even refer to the history of Egypt under the Ptolomies (4:13, 5:8, 9:14, 10:7, 16, 17, 20)
8. Some scholars see the germs of three tendencies which later developed in Judaism: Pharisaism, Sadducaism, and the asceticism of the Essenes (3:19-21, 7:1-6, 16).
9. Several passages seem to betray a writer influenced by Greek philosophy and literature ( 1:3-11, 2:24, 3:20, 5:18, 6:6, 12:11-12).

B. Arguments In Favor of Solomonic Authorship

1. The book identifies itself as having been written by Solomon. "I am a teacher, I was king over Israel in Jerusalem." (1:12). Only David, Solomon, and for a very short time, Rehoboam would have been able to make such a statement, that he was king over Israel, in Jerusalem. After Jeroboam's rebellion, the king in Jerusalem was only the king of Judah. Israel had its own kings.
2. Hebrew does not have past, present or future tenses, only completed or uncompleted aspects. It would not necessarily be inappropriate to use completed aspect "I was".
3. The nature of the book and the perspective from which the author is writing would make the use of the divine name inappropriate, since he is seeking to discover knowledge of God appart from his revelation to the nation of Israel. Hense also, the lack of mention of the temple, Moses, or Israel's history.
4. Likewise, the fact he is not repenting for apostacy is because he is still aposticised, unable to find God or know what God wants, since he has purposely turned his back on divine revelation (see 1:13-14)
5. The similarities to Greek philosophy and literature are more simply explained by a general similarity in topics than any conscious borrowing. The differences in perspective between Ecclesiastes and Greek thought are far more profound and obvious than the supposed points of confluence.
6. Certainly it is to be expected that the Pharisees, Saducees and Essenes would have been influenced by Ecclesiastes; but they were also influenced by the rest of the Old Testament. We are dealing with Jewish people, after all. Such influence is no proof of a late, non-Solomonic authorship.
7. Supposed historical allusions are weak evidence at best, since they rely on the assumption that the book is late and are never explicit. Other possibilities are available.
8. The language used by Ecclesiastes is not the best evidence for late authorship since the Masoretes have obscured whatever historical development might have at one time existed in the Hebrew of the Bible. They regularized and standardized usage, so that few differences exist between so-called "early" and "late" books.
9. David had no problem repenting of his role with Bathsheba, and modern politicians are often quite forward in admitting errors of judgement in their memoirs. Why should it surprise us to find Solomon able to admit that his administration is not doing well -- especially considering the depressive nature of the book. Depressed people will tend to exagerate the bad at the espense of the good. His discouragement at conditions are consistent with the tenor of the book as a whole.

So in its entirety, and looking at the different evidences, I still hold that Solomon probably wrote parts of Ecclesiastes, but ultimately we have to remember the Scriptures themselves. I do believe there is a point in time where we have focused too much on context. Some might say that is blasphemy, but when it comes to Ecclesiastes, i dont think we should get caught up in arguing about the authorship of it, instead we should talk about its content.

Now, the whole reason i started talking about poetry is cause i wrote a new poem today. you can check it out on my other blog, www.mindblogeling.blogspot.com

Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

long-short week

2008-11-22T23:33:00.000-08:00

Im sure you understand when i say long-short week. its one of those weeks that just flies by, but feels extremely long while you are in the midst of it. It was a good week though. Got a lot of work done, and I have been able to tab out some good guitar songs, so hopefully i will continue in bettering my guitar skills. or so i hope. I have been listening and tabbing Antoine Dufour for the past week, and you guys should listen to him, he is really very good and entertaining. I also watched the Jeff Dunham Christmas Special, which was very funny as well. thats pretty much the shortest summation for one of the longest weeks of my life...haha. anywho, have a great weekend. I hope to be making some videos soon, so you guys will have to check it out! I want to get a bigger reel for my cinematography. Have a good one! Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Behind

2008-11-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

I know that I am behind on my story, and I am still just trying to get through the busy week, but I will try to get some more up. In the meantime, make sure you head over to www.mindblogeling.blogspot.com . I have put alot of stuff up there you might be interested in reading, including a story I wrote many years ago. Aight, gotta go, got class soon, and wont get out till late tonight. Say a prayer for my roomate, David's parents as they are flying in today. Much love, shalom and charis,

Caleb

uggghhh...tuesday

2008-11-11T23:25:00.000-08:00

Well. It was tough.
Thats all I gots to say. Yeah, i said it, gots to say. I dont know why, but my mom always has had some crazy words she used while i was growing up. Well, I know that she got them growing up in Durham, NC. When I was little, we would come back every couple of years and live in a house in Durham for a couple months. I liked it there too. Still the idea of having to have a car to get everywhere drove me crazy! I like southern California, because for the most part, there is public transportation available. I love the metro into L.A. I think its just cause my dreams and aspirations mirror off of those high-rises. I love the city. And yet, I sit here and listen to Ray LaMontagne, a Mainard. I went to Maine to see my fried Calvin get married. It is a beautiful place. The mountains and the valleys and the ocean. I bet its gorgeous in the winter time. Back to California though, I love the fact that I can listen to great lyricist like Ray, who is obvoiusly inspired by nature, and that I can walk around singing them in an urban area. Isnt it so ironic that I connect with nature through the man-made accomplishments on earth. Today was one of those days, when singing a couple of folk songs soothed the longing for my warm bed and a tall mountain. Words like Ray's song Burn, where he says so eloquently, "Try to ignore all this blood on the floor. Its just this heart on my sleeve that bleeding." Awesome. After several hours of schoolwork, literally from 8 am till about 4(note these are my upper division classes...not that easy-fresh-out-of-high-school junk.), I was able to jam out on the drums and keyboard at a friends house. Music just soothes so much of my soul, does it not yours? It speaks a universal language. I was able to eat dinner with some good friends, and my heart went out into prayer for the future, that God might help me to see when He is providing and calling me to my ministry. I know that what I do now is the ministry He has called me to, but I also can't ignore the tug-of-war at my heart for God's future plans for my life. And so I wait. Hope you guys had a good Tuesday,

Caleb

Monday Night

2008-11-10T23:09:00.001-08:00

Well, tonight I was able to fix Majao, a Crucenian dish....so good. Patria Amada, te extrano! The tastes and smells of majadito are just so good and help me reminisce so much. And then we watched heroes....yeah...its ok. Some pretty sad lines, bad screenplay's but besides that can be quite entertaining when you poke fun at the things they say and do.
Well, thats all for today, because it was also brought to my attention that my research paper on Violence in Video Games is due tommorow rather than Thursday(when I thought it was due). So off to type my research paper. I have most of the research done, so I'm glad I had taken the time to do that. Have a good night guys! much love, shalom and charis,

Caleb

NEW BLOG

2008-11-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

YES! My creative writing is now free! It has escaped the fence that internet and the world placed on it! haha. I have moved my creative writing to www.mindblogeling.blogspot.com . There is another guy with a blog called Mind Blogeling...so I called mine, Mind Blogeling By Caleb Childers...i dont think i can get sued for that...haha. Anywho, there is a short poem up there if you are interested in reading one of my love poems. I will soon get some more of the story up there. there are two more chapters that need to be typed up.
This week was really busy, but awesome. The highlight of the week was probably this weekend, and getting to relax...stopping the beeping noise in my car from ever returning!(yes I conquered an electic beeping sound and Im proud of it). The most relaxing thing, is to sit here and listen to music. I have been listening to stuff that I have recorded over the years and laughing, and saying...holy cow, that was a good line, when did i think of that...haha. Its good times! Anywho, head over to www.mindblogeling.blogspot.com and subscribe so that you can read the crazy mess I think of daily. much love, and I'll be trying to update this blog with more accounts of my days, with more humorable(if thats a word, if not, i just made it up!) moments. Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

100th Post! whoohoo!

2008-11-03T22:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I made it. After trudging through countless mindless blogs, and small talk, I'm running with the big dogs now...not really. This is just my 100th post so i decided to take a break from the story, although I already have 2 more chapters written, I wanted to share one of the old essays i wrote..i guess its an essay. I wrote it after hearing the hypothesis that there is a 3-second period in our dreams in which we wake, but no one knows what we think or what happens in those three seconds before we wake. So I wrote this over a year ago, maybe two years ago. but yeah, check it, its pretty sweet. Its called Good Morning, Truth.

It seemed like a normal day. just another day in monotonous suburbia. Urban country if I can say so. My pants seemed a little tighter today. My pants used to be loose and baggy. Today they were tight. My old belts wouldn't even wrap around my waist. Stupid clothes, dumb body. Nothing bad has ever happened to me, and now that I think about it, nothing interesting has ever taken place in Hannibal, MO. A long time ago some guy named Samuel Clemens lived here and his legacy carries on in literature. His name walks down our boulevards, waining its way through the streets of Hannibal. He didn't even use his real name. You probably know him as Mark Twain. What kind of a name is that? Mark Twain. Every once in a while you can catch a glimpse of a white individual with great curls in their hair and a small mustache claiming their resemblance to Clemens. It was just your average lonely day. My eyes always drift to colors, don't yours? It seems as if lost in bright colors, hidden among yellows, reds, and blues, our purpose might find itself. But I promise you, you can dig as deep as you like, but you wont find it, because its not there. Its nowhere. Hope is a word we say when we know we cant explain anything. Maybe its time realized that we cant explain anything. It is all far beyond our grasp. Mentality crossed with human brutality. That's all we are. Raised in philosophical ignorance, blissfully wrong in innocence. We are guilty of one thing: Life. Or is it death that binds us together, or the fear of it. Our dreams are haunted by our fears, mutilating my retina, causing tears. Its just another day...nay, is it different, is it so much the same that my life is changed? If my daily routine is pure coincidence then why are the results always the same? Is my subconcious more powerful than my active concious? Is my active councious a concious at all? Is it, more than likely, a result of a routine, a pettern in my own mind? Five till 2. Man, I woke up really late. But what is time, how do we compare it? What if i sleep less or sleep more, yet time stays the same? Time should plan itself around me, not me around time. but then again, its just another day. Another day in silence or in speech, to fight or to be meek. I find myself in the eternal argument of life, of high and low and low and high. Yet how do we know what high is, why do we call it high? if we stop speaking, writting remains, if we stop writting, thought remains. we cannot kill this constant world of thought-chains and big brains. Philosophy of Life? How do we test this? How can we view something that we live in? We cannot judge something if we havent seen it from somebody else's perspective. There must be a God. There has to be a reason for all this madness. But then again its just another day. I wonder what I thought yesterday, but i cant remember, i guess im not really awake. Or is it now in the average 3 second dream that i am awake, alive, breathing, my very essence of philisophical argument? Is it philisophical at all? Is it not common reasoning? Is there something deep within us all that we know is true? That for these 3 seconds, I live, i live eternally i live happily adn i am fulfilled? If this is true, there is no God, no reason for this madness, because all this is a figment of my own imagination, every day on "earth," if it is in fact matter, what is matter? The question is: Do they matter? Do our thoughts make a difference? Will it change the way you wake up today?
Then again, its just another day.

Good Morning, Truth.

-------
Im thinking about seperating my personal blog and making another one for my creative writting, since I have so much stuff from my past, and i am constanly writing more...let me know your thoughts on this idea...

Caleb

Capter 3.

2008-10-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here is the third chapter of my story. Hope you enjoy it. I have no idea when I'll stop writting this thing. Please excuse my use of God's name. It is creative writting, and I found it very appropriate to use at the time. But here goes:

Chapter Three. Blood.

“Oh my God.”
The sight of blood had always bothered Joseph.The civics interior was never meant to match the exteriors dark red color. Joseph stepped back, his stomach fighting to get rid of its contents and his esophagus fighting back.
“Dear Lord, what is this?”
No driver.
The car was empty.
“Oh my God, where is he? Is he alright?” The voice from behind startled Joseph. He took another step back and his jaw locked up with fear. His mind struck the capstone of an utter loss for words. Complete confusion.
“I don’t know.” It was the only words he could get out, his eyes still glued to the empty car.
“Well, he must have run away.” The voice returned. “Did you see where he went?”
“I don’t know.” Joseph sat down on the curb, his mind rambling.
He dropped his head into his arms on his lap.
It didn’t take long for the ambulance to arrive. They picked up Joseph and got him onto a stretcher and carried him into the ambulance.
“Where is the other driver?” The police officer looked at Joseph.
Joseph couldn’t speak. After so many years of causing trouble with the law in his youth, he had a hard time talking to police officers due to the abuse they had dealt him. It was nothing personal to this officer, just couldn’t get rid of old memories.
“He disappeared right after it happened.” It was the voice again, “but it was the other drivers fault, this guy didn’t do anything wrong.”
Joseph was so thankful for this person, whoever he was, that he had stuck around to wait for the police. Most people, where he came from, would have left him alone to fend for himself.
“Ok. And you saw all this happen?” The officer asked.
“Yeah. After the crash, I ran to see if this guy was ok, I didn’t even get a look at the other guy.” The voice was very deep and convicted, but it didn’t sound like he was from Seattle at all.
“And your name, sir?” The officer asked as he pulled out his pen and pad.
“Geoffrey Walsh. W, A, L, S, H.”
“Thank you, Mr. Walsh, for your cooperation.” The officer wrote down the mans address and then turned to the parametics sitting in the ambulance next to Joseph.
“Take this guy down to the Swedish Medical Center and when he is released let me know so I can talk with him.”
The paramedics nodded. Seems that they had done this kind of business before with this specific officer.
“Everything is going to be alright,” The officer smiled, attempting to comfort Joseph, “we’ll get this worked out.” The officer clicked the doors closed and patted the back window to indicate that everything was done here to get Joseph to the hospital.
“Sir,” an EMT turned to Joseph with an oxygen mask in his hands, “this is just a standard procedure. We need you to breathe through this oxygen mask to get you some clean oxygen. Can you do that for us?”
Joseph nodded and the EMT wrapped the mask around his head. Immediately he felt the difference in the air, at first a little nauseating, but soon the feeling left him, and he became very still. He was exhausted. His mind and the intensity of the crash had left him completely worn out. His eyelids dropped down like a curtain at a matinee. Blinking hysterically as they fell. He breathed some relief. He would be ok now.
TUK.
TUK, TUK, tuk.
CREEEAAAKKK…CRACK…BAM
The tree limb hit the ground, scattering snow in all directions.
“This should work for some good firewood.” Joseph raised the branch with his slender, yet muscular arms and hoisted it onto his shoulders. He had gathered a good amount of wood for the winter, but still wondered if he had enough.
“Maybe I can get some more maple word this week. That stuff burns for a good while.”
Walking up the hill to the cabin, he began to whistle away the tune fro the Andy Griffith Show. It put his heart at ease, if only a little. It would take him back to the days when he and his father would sit in front of the TV on a rainy Saturday and laugh together at those crazy people of Mayberry.
What would Dad think of me now? The question aroused a deep growing sadness in his heart. He threw the branch into the pile with the rest of them by the cabins south-facing wall.
“I miss you dad.” His heart rate slowed and his knees weakened. He plopped down by the branches and stared up into the snow-filled skies. Everything was white, and yet he felt so dark.
“God, if you are still there…tell Dad I’m sorry.”
He moved his stare to the ground. Maybe when winters gone I’ll understand all of this. But that was the exact same words he had used to describe the fall, and it was almost winter now.
He hadn’t shed a tear in months. Maybe the wetness of the Canadian winter had replaced his need for tears. The snow covered the mountainside. If he was going to go into town he needed to prepare some stuff. Last time it took him almost two whole days to get down there. And the snow wasn’t half this heavy last time.
He stared at the snow covered cabin. The door still wide open. How much snow would be inside? How much cleaning up was there to do, just so that he could get a good nights rest?
A couple weeks before he had found that he could use the sap from the maple tree to make his own meals. He remembered buying maple syrup on the shelves for his girls to have his ‘world famous’ French toast. Maple syrup.
It couldn’t be that good for you by itself, but it was better than nothing, and it would always give him the energy he needed to make it through the day.
How many more days? Joseph continued to stare at the open door. What supplies do I need? What should I go for? Should I go to the town and get supplies? Could I talk to anyone? Would they know who I am? Does anyone know about what I’ve done?
Silence, even in his thoughts, silence.
“Maple. I need maple.”

End of Chapter 3.

Hope you are enjoying reading it as much as I am writting it. Please say a prayer for me as I am working on many things at a time, and I need to finish up a Romans Wrap-up for tommorow's youth group. Pray that it goes well and that the kids can learn to hide God's word in their hearts and not forget the teachings of Paul from Romans. Thanks guys! Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Chapter 2

2008-10-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Well, if you read the previous post, you would know im writting a short story. This is the second chapter...kind of... its all reeeeaaalllll unedited and quick writting. It will be perfected.

Chapter two. Open Door.

Joseph sat up. He wwas a little dizzy from the blood loss. One of the cabins doors must have somehow come open during the night. An oninous feeling crept accross Josephs back.
"H-h-h-hello?"
He shook his head.
"There is noone here."
It was early morning, he presumed, by the suns placement over the mountains. He had already planned out how he was going to survive the darkness of winter, so he knew that today was the day he needed to gather more wood for the winter. He stood up and shook the excess snow off his wool jacket.
The front door of the small cabin had come off its hinges, causing it to open during the night. In an old cabin like this, Joseph thought, I'm just glad the doors are still on it. Joseph looked around at the cabin. He did this everyday, knowing that one day the place would probably fall apart. Crevaces between the logs were packed tight with snow by this time and his fear was that when the snow was gone it could collapse, but then again, how long would he be out here. He noticed the broken tables and old china that someone had just abandoned. 20 years ago this place was a get-away house for him and his buddies. They had saved almost $80,000 during college as a group of 8 guys, and they all bought this little cabin in Alberta. So far from anything it was the perfect getaway, both then and now.
He remembers the day they sold it back to the Canadian government for national forrest perservation. It really wasnt a choice, but Canada gave them all the money they had paid for it, which was really nice. He couldnt understand why it hadnt gotten torn down. Maybe the small cabin was used for a while. Not anymore. It had been abandoned. The perfect place for Joseph. Here he hoped when the snow would cover him, maybe then would his sin dissappear. Maybe then, in pure white bliss would he find the answer he so desperately seeked.
Why?
The most powerful question in the human language.
Why?
Joseph looked back at the door.
"Looks like Ill have to fix this door too." He had begun talking to himself a few weeks before. He figured it could help him think things through better. He knew of a town not far away where he could get some supplies. He had gone in once before to steal some food, but felt convicted and couldnt go through with it. They don't know how I am. Maybe they will think that I'm from out of town.
The thought of trying to interact with people overwhelmed him. He had a hard enough time trying to get out of Seattle a measley 6 months before.
"Where you headed?" The driver asked him.
"North." Josephs voice cracked and his heart raced.
"How far north?"The driver seemed like a really nice guy but Joseph was frozen in frigid fear.
"North."Joseph replied.
Once they had crossed into the Canadian border, Joseph felt he could breathe again. A releif came over him that everything could maybe get fixed. If only he just knew why.
"Here is fine." Joseph raised his voice a litte trying to indicate his haste in getting out of the truck. The blackness of night was barely pierced by the trucks headlights.
"But there ain't anything round there here parts. There is a town bout 15 minutes up the road. I'll leave you there." The drivers concern for Joseph put his heart at ease a little bit. He didnt respond, instead he continued to focus on the blackness of the night, hoping his heart wasn't as black as the darkness he was running from. A darkness so compelling it overtook all his senses. All he smelt was blood. He couldnt understand why the driver hadn't said anything. Drenched in red sadness and distress, Joseph had covered his shirt with his thick wool jacket from his highshool days.
Captain of the football team. The thoughts of his highschool years caused and immediate fringe. Funfilled nights turned to lonely days and fears reached their peak of chaos. The jacket alone was am emblem of his own dirt and filth, but at the time he grabbed it, it seemed a much cleaner ideal than that which he had experienced.
The towns lights were bright. Almost bright enough to dialate Josephs iris, but nothing could break his stare. The truck pulled to a stop. The driver said something but Joseph didnt think to process the words, instead he opened the door and rapidly began to climb out as if reaching for something he might attain when he reached ground.
His feet sank into the dry canadian soil.
"Thanks." He closed the door. The drivers face turned from concern to worry. He was no longer concerned for Josephs life, but his own. He locked the doors and drove off into the pitch black darkness that Joseph attributed to his own sin.
Standing Alone.
It must have been passed midnight because the town breathed death into his lungs as he drew his breath. Alone in the streets. He searched the horizon. Is there anyone here? What am I doing? From what am I running?
Just days before at this very time, he thought, he had put his daughters to bed after Naomi's 16th birthday party. He remembers her smile and yet how tired she was. He ussually tucked the girls in, but this night, he just stood in the doorway and smiled.
"Dad," Naomi spoke first, "tell us one of those stories you used to tell us when we were little."
"Maybe next time. Get some sleep girls, you have school tommorow." Joseph smiled, the feeling of love was warm and soothing. Like a hot cup of tea, he took in the smell and taste of true love he shared with his family.
This feeling was gone here in Canada. The cold air beat against his jacket. He longed for that love again. It would never return.
A voice rung out in the midst of dead silence, "Excuse me, sir, can I help you?"A small old man emerged from the shadows. "Kyle McCormick." He stuck his hand out and struck a smug smile. "Where you headed?"
Joseph looked at the mans hand, but refused to pull his hands out of his pockets, in fear of what might be on them. "North." He replied.

End of Chapter 2.
Check back for chapter three! Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Short Story

2008-10-25T00:08:00.001-07:00

Well, in English class we were assigned to write a piece of Fiction. My hands started their work, and my brain soon followed. So i decided I might just post my work up on my blog, and see what people who read my blog think. You'll get the story chapter by chapter as I develope it. Remember, it is still a work in progress, this is the first draft of the first chapter, and you might want to get a cup of coffee or something...:

Chapter 1. Awake.

It wasn't varnish.
It seemed that way, but he knew it was blood. In the deepest of winters chill, blood froze over almost immediately. Joseph had come to learn this. This wasn't the first time he had experienced hypothermia.
-Nov. 1st, 2006. 6 Months earlier.
"Joseph!" The voice was of great familiarity and brought a sense of warmth to his body.
"Joseph! Get up!" The second time it was more alarming, as if the warmth he felt fevered into a chill slowly running down his spine. Jumping from the bed, his muscular physique reshaped as he came to a defense stance, towering over the king size bed. His thoughts rushed to him.
"Whats the matter, honey?" Joseph muttered in a half-slumber.
"It's your day to get the kids to school and you are already late." She returned.
The firm never had Joseph go into work before 10 am, so he usual sleep habbits were always cut short on Tuesdays, bt he still couldnt acustom his body to the idea.
Jospeh looked at his beautiful bride, which after two children had still been able to maintain an amazing physique. He smiled softly.
"Get the children, take them to school." She only mouthed the words to him as if to say, if I say it aloud I would have to be screeming at you.
"Ok, dear." Words Joseph had grown fond of saying, seeing as he knew that this was his responsibility and it was her day to sleep in. She rolled back over to her side and sighed slowly. Her form only intensified by the white cotton sheets they had owned for years. To Jospeh she didnt need a name. She was his wife. He didn't think twice about it. There was not one word in his mind that could identify his most precious love and desire.
They had met in college. His friend was dating her friend, and eventually they started hanging out more and more, leading into a growing fondness for each other. After she had graduated, he spent countless nights pondering their relationship or if such a relationship had ever existed, let alone should exist. He prayed for and about her daily. Not long after she left the college town, she began to find excuses to return to see him. In his final year, he gathered the nerve to discuss his feelings with her and before long he found himself married and driving his two beautiful daughters to school.

Vanessa and Naomi were born just 15 months apart. Although they were an annoyance with each other, they were extremely close. In one occasion, Vanessa was being picked on and Naomi stepped in and punched the kid in the face. Must have gotten it from her father. You see, Joseph grew up in the streets and knew just a bit too much about street brawls. He had taught the girls when they were young about defense techniques.
Now they were older, much older. Naomi was turning 16 in a couple weeks and was planning on having a huge party. Joseph sometimes wondered where time and his little girls had run off to. The same girls that used to beg to play football with daddy now lived, it seemed, with headphones growing out their ears.
"Hey, daddy loves you girls, dont forget it." Joseph never once passed up the chance to say he loved them, "I'll be back to pick you up at 3."
"We know dad, love you too." Naomi pushed Vanessa out of the car as she spoke.
"Bye dad!" Vanessa's voice was always soft, but Joseph always felt that same strange warmth come over him. There was this strange haunting love that carried through her words to his heart. She had always had a way with words. Jospeh always loved to pull out some of her poems when company was over. His favorite was a small haiku:
Evil inside us.
Try what you might, it will return

To haunt you again.

Joseph never truly knew why he liked it so much. Maybe because theologically evil is "beyond the reach of no man(St. Augustine)." It gave him a peace, because he knew that only with God could he stop his own evil. Sure ther were times when life was rough and Joseph had forgotten about God. But he always knew God would be there when the times got hard. He didn't go to church much, but he knew God was out there and very much liked the idea of getting to talk with Him.

Crash.

Josephs mind had become distracted in his rabbit trails about his daughters and the poem. He had been T-boned by a red civic. Not a new civic, but maybe early 90's model. His mind ran laps through his brain. Am I ok? Is the car ok? What about the other driver? He hoped out of his car.

"H-h-hey man, are y-y-you ok?" Joseph shouted as he ran towards the red civic, but no response. "Sir?"
The sight of the blood on the driver side window halted Josephs feet. No, he thought, I have to see if he's ok. He inched forward trying to see through the cracked tinted windows. He placed his hand on the door handle.
"Are you ok in there?"

Click. The door opened.

-End of Chapter one
Hey let me know what you guys think of chapter one...it may be kind of hard to understand, but as you read on you will know more and more. I may add chapter two up tommorow. Thanks guys!

Caleb

School Paper

2008-10-21T15:53:00.001-07:00

Well last night, I finnally finished my Feature Story that I have been working on in my Journalism class. I have been working on it for a good while now, and it was nice to get it done. It was about the affect homelessness in Riverside should have on Calbaptist students.

In writting it, I learned more and more facts about homelessness here in Riverside. I have been trying to help out more and more with several programs here in Riverside, but missing the meeting last month on the 10-year plan and missing the homeless meetings every 3rd Thursday of the month because of class, kinda sets me back in my quest to help the homeless of Riverside, besides doing that which I can do as an individual.

Stats like, are you aware that there are 4,500 homeless in Riverside. Riverside has been chosen as one of the 100 cities in the U.S from which a 10-year plan is being developed to END homelessness. It is the first time that homelessness has been proposed to be ended, says the USICH.

I love it! Im so ready to get involved, maybe once I get out of this study stage of life, but I know that God has blessed me with the ability and privalage to go to school, so in the meantime I just continue to do what I can. Hope all is well with you guys! Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Ternat, Belgium

2008-10-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Recently, the youth pastor at Central Community, John Denton, did a blog on his visitors from Kampala, Uganda. It made me curious to see where my recent blog visitors have come from. Much to my suprise, there were many from the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. Then there were a couple countries scattered around, but when I saw Belgium I was very interested. I tried to think, do I have any friends that live in that area, or are traveling through there? Maybe...? Maybe som eone from Ternat just happened to come accross my blog. Awesome! Well this is my shout out to those two visitors from Ternat, Belgium. Looks like an absolutely beatiful place.
I have always wanted to travel into Europe. Maybe one day I will get to go. Untill then, I say hello to my friends in Europe. May God bless and keep you, Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

film

2008-10-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been working on editing the pieces of the film that we have so far. And it is alot of work. As of now, we dont have as much as I had hoped, which only means one thing....More footage. My plan is to get another solid 30 minutes of footage in this month of October. While going through and editing most of the footage, I find some awesome stuff that I cant find a place for in the film. So go to www.malachifilms.com or www.simplyalivefilm.blogspot.com(same site) and you can see the latest video that I added called Jamming Out. Check it out! Thanks guys. I have been sick recently, so if you could keep me in your prayers, that would be awesome. much love,

Caleb

Theological Discussion.

2008-10-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been praying and talking to friends about the opportunity to be a part of a column of theology students in an effort to open apologetic discussions on the internet. There are plenty of people who do this, but none of these have Theology students seeking after the answers. I have been trying to come up with the ideal blog for theology students, and anyone interested in theological discussions online. I have already acquired several students interested in writting with me. We should start it up soon. When we do I will let you guys know, but make sure to keep it in your thoughts, and send me your ideas, or theological questions you might want to see us answer. Much love, Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

New video for Simply Alive project

2008-09-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Well, last night i worked on a short video I put together for the Simply Alive film projet. I have spent several hours today looking at different Film Festivals and talking to some producers who work there to see what would be our best bet to finalize the film. The prayer is that we get it done in mid January and by then, we can get most submissions in a little late to alot of the local film festivals. Because of the nature of the film, Simply Alive, we know that some will mock the title of "documentary," but this is the way it must be. Watch the short video I put together about my trip on Friday back into Skid row to talk with some connections made there, and spend some time reflecting in the streets. Make sure you check out the Simply Alive blog as well for more information on what goes on down there with the film. Now you can also go to: www.malachifilms.com, and you will be redirected to the blog. Thanks for watching! Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

car in the shop again....

2008-09-24T00:15:00.000-07:00

well. today i had to take my car back to the mechanic because my breaks started to lock up. turns out that they need to be replaced. the calipers fell out! How does that happen?!? two words: California's law. Never anywhere else in the US have I seen a flashing red light. till a couple nights ago. My friend Paul screamed: Caleb you have to stop at a flashing red light...I saw the flashing and just assumed it was yellow. well, needless to say I had to stop in a hurry, and when you dont have ABS then, your brakes dont do much good...and they lock up! ahhhh! so its in the shop and its making me bankrupt...oh great. but its ok. its just a car, and its just money. God is much bigger than all this mess on earth, so im not worried about it. I hope you are all having better luck with your vehicles, much love,

caleb

Be Still

2008-09-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

This morning I was asked to do the youth, since John was sick. And it went really well. I talked about humility and how we are to humble ourselves in the face of Christ. so I put a quick video together based on Psalms 46:10, to help us understand what it means to be still and let God speak. Check it out. Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

School has taken my weeks!

2008-09-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

School has grasped tightly to this thing that I used to call weeks, and made them pass so rapidly that it seems hard to get anything done. Just got back from Transitions, where we had about 5 people besides me, david and pastor Eric. It was a great service, but my heart still cries, lets bring more and more people together! But I also have to take a step back and say, ok God, we are doing the work, bless us when Your time is right. Still I will continue to plug my saturday night college services to every person I meet and talk to at CBU. I just continue to pray that Gods work be done. Tommorow, I pray, God will give me the opportunity to go back down to Skid Row and get some more footage, and hopefully meet up with some friends. Im working on a message for tommorow morning, and it seems God keeps closing the door to my own mindset and showing me His will, so tommorow I hope to talk to the kids about God's eternal will. As we know, His will is the same everyday, past and future, His glory. So we are going to talk about that tommorow. Anyways, thats pretty much it. I got in touch with some other people who are on Skid Row or working there, so hopefully God is going to bless us with some interviews. I pray that He blesses the film, and in that, we may all be blessed. Please pray that God would continue to open the doors for the film and that it may be His more than anything else! Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Transitions!

2008-09-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! So transitions was awesome the other night. we only had like 15 people, but it was still awesome, cause we get to bbq again next week! so if you missed it, COME NEXT SATURDAY! So we made a quick video to help promote Transitions. It was a good night, so make sure you keep up to date with Transitions on the site, www.transitionscommunity.com . We went to the beach saturday morning for David, my roomates, birthday and that was awesome! today i took him to blockbuster and we got 3 movies for his bday! yes...anywho, life is good, im working hard, and working on getting some more work done on our film, Simply Alive. Im working on the storyline for a short that i will hopefully release in two weeks. we need to go back and get some more shots, and i know that God will provide when the time is right, so we are awaiting His timing. Hope you are all doing well. Let me know how things are going! much love to all, shalom and charis,

Caleb

Cleaning up and Preparing

2008-09-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a crazy weekend, but really good. This past weekend I started really cleaning out the house and making sure i had some guys moving in. We had one guy move out at the last minute, which kinda hurt, but hopefully i can fill that spot in the next month. David and Julia got in and it was really good to see tham, and get to talk to julia again. Having David back has been fun, but crazy, we have fixed up beds in the room, broken old beds, lots of stuff happen, but its great! The house is ready, so ready to be filled. And yet the three guys who said they would be moving in have not contacted me, so im working on getting them here today and they first months rent as well. Crazy when all this stuff is going on, and it seems everything is just on the brink of being so great and taken care of. There is still two guys who havent given me an answer. but hopefully if they back out now, they will move in in Oct. so we will see. The stress easily builds, so i just pray that God grants me patience and peace during these times. school starts this week too, AAHHH, so much going on! Pray for me,

Caleb

Transitions site is up!

2008-08-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, well if I hadnt mentioned it, me and John Denton are going to be working on building up the saturday night services here at Central Community. The service is called Transitions, and now we are working on the new site, so check back to see when we have it up and running, and if you live in Riverside, come check it out on Saturday Nights! Much love, Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Here we go again

2008-08-25T11:32:00.001-07:00

Well, here we go again, i definitely fail at blogging more often, but i guess twice a week is ok, cause then i have more things to tell you guys. Today is my day off, and its so nice to just wake up at 10 and get up and listen to some nizlopi. I fell in love with this bands sound when i heard their song worry. It is an awesome song, with such a true meaning to it. It seems so hard for me not to worry about things, and yet i know that there are many people around the world that worry alot more than i ever will. so this is a song for everyone to learn from. I dont know why this person decided to make this video thats just blank, but oh well, just listen to the song. it is awesome. anyways, these past couple days have been pretty good. i helped people move into Calbaptist, i tried to work out housing arrangements here at the house, and I also did Paul Smith's dreadlocks. My good friend, Paul, now wears on his head, dreadlocks made by me! Yes! its so good to see another dreadhead around. haha. Anywho, that was friday and thursday, saturday was good, i did my normal cleaning and it went well. I almost forgot to throw away the diaper trash, but i remembered at the last minute and went back for it. haha. so yeah, we had transitions and it went well, although we only had a couple of people, but i have been praying and i feel that God wants us to change it all up, so me and John are planning some new ideas for saturday nights. Sunday worship went well, it was good to see the kids again and continue to hang out with them and lead worship. Last night, we tried to figure everything out about the housing arrangements, and i got 2 for sures moving in next week, and 3 that are pretty close to saying yes, so im pretty extactic about having all that work out. Tommorow i need to go speak to the pastor or the associate pastor, cause we are in a huge need for the furnishings for the bedrooms now that we are like a week away from school, but im sure it will all work out. Well, thats where im at. Hope all is well with you guys, and remember, dont worry about yourself!

Caleb

Long time since i blogged

2008-08-20T00:09:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
Well here we go again, another summer week where it has been a long time since i blogged. It has been a pretty succesful week. I put some more videos up on the Simply Alive Blog, and then went to Six Flags with the youth group last saturday, it was alot of fun, but i was very worn out. Then my thursday was a typical thursday, and friday we went down to the beach, and i got to see my good friend elsa one more time before she headed back to school in arkansas. So that was alot of fun, although the skim wasnt very good that day, we had a good time, and finished our day off with the typical chipotle. Saturday i did my cleaning and then hung out till we had our saturday night study, Transitions, which God willing will take off, and also that God would force me and John to put forth effort in getting college students here and get new messages and great times. Im pretty excited to see what God will do with that ministry. Then Sunday was a typical sunday except for the fact that John took off to go fishing so i was the youth pastor on sunday night, which turned out to be kinda tough, but still rewarding. Then yesterday i felt kinda useless so i cleaned the whole house up and i worked on getting my sound system bumping in my car. I was pretty excited to get all the wireworks fixed and the car is running smoothly. So yeah, that was yesterday. Today i got the oil changed and hopefully thursday i can get the smog and the registration finally finished untill next year, so im pretty syched about all that stuff...oh yeah, i also washed my car today and i got shades for the dash since i park in the sun alot. they are pretty sweet, ill have to get some pics of them. Well, now hopefully if you arent bored out of your minds after reading this, you know what ive been up to this past week. Tommorow the youth is going paintballing, and that should be amazing! So wish me luck that i might get some good shots in and have a great time with the kids, and also that noone would get hurt. Much love, thanks for reading, Shalom and Charis,

Caleb

Simply Alive

2008-08-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

Well, we finnally got the promo up for the film, but we lost alot of lighting in the editing. So we will work on correcting those mistakes, but for now enjoy the small promo we put together. Thanks guys!

Caleb

Crazy awesome week!

2008-08-08T21:00:00.001-07:00

Hey guys, this week was amazing. I spent most nights driving to Skid Row in L.A. and ministering to the people there as well as preparing for the film. There will be some video blogs going up on the site very soon: www.simplyalivefilm.blogspot.com . That is what i did most of the week, and i really appreciate your prayers and your continual support for the film. Today, after getting home at 3 am last night, we got up around 9 and drove out to get our skimboarding on. it was alot of fun, but my roomate ryan broke his toe in the process. something that i may have done as well, but his broke a clean 45 degree angle....it was sick nasty. ill post a pic later. anywho, i hit my toe on a rock while skimming and it swole up pretty nice, but i think itll be ok, it doesnt hurt too bad. we got some good shots of us skimboarding too, so all in all this week was amazing. and i also want to point out that the youth pastor, john denton is running his triathalon, so please say a prayer for him. much love! shalom and charis,

Caleb

hey hey!

2008-08-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

hey hey guys, it felt like it had been a while and i had told noone about what was going on so here goes. thursday i kinda just sat around, dont remember getting much done, John probably came over and we played some Battlefield. it seems to happen more often these days, which is really nice, cause we dont get to hang out much during the week when we arent with the youth, so its a good break to relax and have a good time. thursday night bible study went well and we had a good group, so that was cool. friday me and john went to the movies to see step brothers...which was alright, it wasnt the best movie of the year for sure, but it gave me some laughs. then we hung out and played some video games, then i was able to get some stuff done around the house as well as write some new songs. after a couple hours here at the house, i rejoined john and steph as we drove down to balboa to the church beach cookout/hangout, and it was pretty fun, just sitting at the waters edge watching skimboarders and kinda hoping to see someone take a nasty stumble. we had hotdogs and smores. it was good times, beautiful beach as well...great for skimming. after they dropped me off at the house i recorded some more of my music and then hit the hay a little early cause i was going to clean the church this morning. so about the end of my cleaning, i find out that the electricity in the youth building isnt working, so i wasnt able to finish cleaning it with the vacuum, so i was going to go back later, which obviously i havent done by now, so ill have to get up nice and early tommorow to get that done. anyways, after cleaning i met up with Scott Rendel, a good ole friend from CBU and we hung out and went to check out a new rock-climbing facility here in Riverside. the place is called Hanger 18. it was pretty sweet, especially when we found out that since it was opening day everything was free! including the pizza at the front desk! haha. so we had to do it, we had to climb. it was so worth it, untill i cut up my hands a little, which hurt me while attempting to play guitar for Transitions tonight, but was well worth it. Transitions went well, hopefully in the coming weeks we can turn it into a fulltime ministry. im going to pull all my strings to get my college friends, and even people i dont know to come out, and hopefully eventually make it an awesome place to be on saturday nights for tons of students. after transitions i went back to scotts and we ate mac and cheese and hot dogs, then we talked about the bible and theology for about 2 hours. it was an awesome time. took me back to our accountability group, which will be starting back up this fall...cant wait, so awesome...anywho...man im writting alot tonight. i apologize, but i feel like i really have done so much. then we went out and got some stuff to make homemade donuts at 12 at night...haha we are so stupid...so much sugar. but it was an awesome time of fellowship with brothers in Christ. anyways, that was the last couple days, ill try to get something back on the blog hopefully tommorow night, since im planning on going skimming tommorow afternoon. much love to all! hope all is well with you guys, shalom and charis,

caleb

Day at the beach!

2008-07-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Today was alot of fun, but i am so worn out. we went to the beach with the youth group, and it was alot of fun, but i got a little burnt. we got to skimboard and hang out. i had a video to upload, but it wont upload, someday ill figure it out, untill then here are two pics of John skimboarding, which is what we did most all day today.

Caleb

back to work!

2008-07-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! well its back to work after my "week off". i only say that because i didnt really get that much done besides buying a car and all that. which is awesome. today i did a cleaning at my house, and cleaned my car and put new seat covers in it. i bought a new stereo the other day, so i installed that myself and got it up and running. checked the engine cleaned it off. so yeah. this is now my baby, and i must take care of it. i also finnally got a computer chair! haha! so now i wont have to sit around my house just to type emails and stuff. yeah! got it at goodwill of course, for $14. oh yeah! love the goodwill. thats about all ive done today, im waiting to see if Dan, one of the guys from youth group calls me up to teach him some drum lessons, so that hopefully we can get a band together for youth group. Oh! yesterday! yeah, yesterday was fun, we played rockband for youth night, and just hung out, here are some pictures. and then ill throw in some pics of my car too. anyways, hope all is well. much love guys, shalom and charis,

caleb

Yeah, rockband was most excellent!

Ive tried to tell Jordan Katona, that this is just a classic classic pic, but he hasnt come around to this idea yet....

Week off

2008-07-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it definitely has been a good week! This past week i invested in the biggest investment ive ever made(at least i like to think so.) i bought a car! YEAH! I bought a 1990 Acura Integra! Soon ill put some pictures up of the car and the beauties im doing with it. Anywho, that took up alot of my time, buying, registering, and getting insurance. I however need to get it smogged. probably at the begining of next week. Anyways, so Wednesday night we went out to LA and saw the Craig Fergusson Show. Known as the Late Late show. it comes on at 12:30, he is a scottish guy with a querky sense of humor. He is very funny, although sometimes inapropriate, but we wanted to get out there and have a good laugh. We then ate at a Greek Cafe in West Hollywood. It was pretty sweet. Then we came back home about 9 on Wednesday and hung out, played some BF:Bad Company! Great game! We ussually end up playing everynight. but not for too long, it gets boring nowadays. When i say we, i mean me and my roomate, Ryan Connelly. He moved in like last week, so its really cool to be living with him, and hanging out. He works most everyday, so i ussually just get things done around the house, like clean up, or do the recycling, which was my job monday and tuesday. anywho, thursday was a lazy day where we did much of nothing, and then i had my bible study and did my routine cleaning of the offices. it went really well. today was a good day, we went down to salt creek and did some skimboarding, although i was so off on skimming, and the waves just werent helping us out, but its all good. we still had a good time. then we went back to Elsa's house, a good ole friend, and we ate pizza and smores, and hung out till we drove back home in my new car...which is amazing...haha. anyways, im back home now, and the kids get back from Camp tommorow, i hope that they had an awesome blessed time! So tommorow should be an interesting day. hope everything is going well with all of you, shalom and charis!

Caleb

Sunday Night on Skidrow.

2008-07-21T11:37:00.001-07:00

There are times in life when we say...why dont i do this everyday.

Times when filled with compassion, we reach to see the need. like the good book says, there is a time for everything(Ecclesiastes). Last night it was obvious that there is a time to help the homeless. Central Community has been going to the streets of Los Angeles for a very long time. I had gone once before with a big group of kids from Calbaptist, but this time was different. This time i felt free to talk to these guys and get to know them. Last nights experiences helped me remember what God has me doing. As many of you may know, and others of you may not, I am filming a movie this summer as I live on Skid Row for five days. We are well prepared and have it all worked out to the most degree that anything of this sort can be worked out. Recently God has been telling me to get down there more and start making my connections. Last night i spent some time talking to some guys in spanish, Lalo, and Jose, from Monterrey, Mexico who both love living in America but are tired of living in the streets. Both of these guys try to get as much work as possible, but many a time people will not hire them. Then Pastor Eric asked me to talk with a guy in spanish, because he was struggling with his english. His name was Julio, we was from Guatemala, and now he lives on Skid Row. He told me how since he has been on the streets he has been taking pictures and video and wants to make a documentary out of what he is experiencing. This is how he described it, "I want to show how when you have nothing you try to find yourself, you know, who you are. In finding yourself, I think, if you are truly looking, there is no doubt that you will find God." Julio told me his story and i shared with him my story of filmmaking and passion for the streets. I gave him my business card and I told him to get in touch with me, then we all joined hands as pastor eric prayed over them and the streets. Afterwards, he gave me a hug, and said, "God Bless you." It is so ironic to see that just by meeting Julio God was already blessing me, and hopefully someday when i get his phone call God will bless his struggle, and perhaps i can help him get his movie into production. God, please be with Lalo, Jose and Julio. Protect them as they seek you in a dark world. Thank you Lord Jesus,

Caleb

Good Day off

2008-07-19T00:57:00.000-07:00

I had a great day off today. I met up with Braven, and Kyle at Chipotle in Lake Forest. It was pretty sweet, we talked more about the film Simply Alive and the project logistics and stuff. it was really good. we are really excited to see what God can do with this. Anywho, afterwards me and my roomate Ryan went down to Salt Creek with my old friend Elsa and her sister to skimboard and just hang out. we skimboarded for about 2 hours. it was alot of fun. Here are some pictures of my recent beach trips. Good times. We saw a Lotus Espirit on the road today, it was pretty sweet.

Thanks for reading guys! Hope you had an awesome week too, ill try to work on writting my blogs on time, cause that will just be better.

Caleb

Long Week

2008-07-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well, its been a long week. a good one, but i have definitely failed to write on my blog for a long time. Well, it was a good week, had an awesome time at the beach and saw Paul leave for North Carolina. Besides that, i went to the beach on friday and skimboarded like crazy....

but my phone would not work, because i walked into the water with it in my pocket, because i had to cross the river since skimboarding isnt allowed on one side of the river...so ridiculous. so im just waiting to see if it will dry, but it does not look like it will happen....oh well. i am without a phone for a little while. I also recorded some music and jammed out with the kids at our cookout yesterday and today. it has been a good week. Thanks for reading guys!

Caleb

Meet the neighbors.

2008-07-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well it was about time that i meet my neighbors. Today i kept hearing this girls voice say...get back over here. Get out of their yard...it was a good-ole southern voice...i was like...ok...then i turned the light on and went outside, and sure enough, there was my neighbor Sally and their cat. He has been enjoying living in my backyard every now and then. So we got to chat for a little bit. It was good. finnally met the neighbors. Her and her husband Chris moved in about a month ago. It was a strange circumstance, but hey, whatever brings neighbors together works! Awesome. I pray that the opportunity to share the gospel with them could arrise soon. Thanks for reading...oh and i cut my finger today...long story, maybe ill get a picture when i take the bandage off and tell the story. Much love,

Caleb

Music

2008-07-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

Music will always be a big part of my life. It seems that ideas for songs come to me at the strangest times. I have written several songs over the past days, and im still trying to perfect them. I recorded them on my laptop with the mic that comes with it...haha. its so bad quality, but i just am trying to get my ideas down somewhere, and ive never been good at putting them on paper, its so much easier to record them, then i remember them when i play them. Maybe someday God will bless me with the opportunity to record some of these songs and perfect them, that others may hear what he speaks to me. Thanks for reading! We have our Fourth of July celebration tonight at the church, pray that it goes well, and that God would be glorified in all that we do. Much Love,

Caleb

4th of July!

2008-07-04T23:31:00.000-07:00

Well, its the 4th of July. Actually its almost past, but it was a good day. Today I got up early and worked on getting my phone fixed, since the screen got messed up on thursday. I got it fixed early in the morning, and for free, the awesomest part. I looked up some more job opportunities, but it just seems a little harder to find translator, or interpretator jobs in Riverside than elsewhere in Cali, but i know in due time God will provide me with a job. I really didnt want to, but i have been looking at working at Starbucks. They give good benefits, and i want to work hard and make money to put away for the future. I know God will provide. So today anyways, back to the story, i was able to cook some steaks along with some cheese rice and a little salad. Awesome! Whoo hoo! Scatt and Stephanie came over and we ate together, hung out, then i went back to their place and we tried to fix some monitors, and figured out one was working. so it was an awesome fourth of july, even though i guess, i dont really celebrate it. it was fun, but its not my day. September 24th...dia de santa Cruz! That will be a fun day for sure, cause Jere and monica, my brother and sister in law will be here. Awesome. I cant wait to see them again, especially since they are going to have a baby! I get to be an uncle! Its so cool! The baby could even be born the same week as my bday. Im pretty excited about that. Its so cool. Ok, well, thanks for reading guys, and i hope you had an awesome 4th! Let me know what you did, even if you didnt celebrate the American holiday! Much love!

Caleb

Beach Bums....

2008-07-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well, if you have called me in these last two days...sorry i missed your call. Ive been at the beach. On Tuesday i went out with Paul, Kyle, and Jessie, and we tried to surf it up at Salt Creek. It was such a small day, we didnt catch much if anything at all...but we did rock the skim board for a little bit. and Today we went with AcceptYM! The youth group went out and had an awesome time at Huntington. I got a good burn on my feet....dont know why or how, but it always happens. so here's some pics from our fun day with the youth! Tommorow night is pizza night! YEAH!this is what happens when a youth pastor thinks he is a super hero...Steve was burried at the expense of the youths fun.

This is what the day looked like for me most of the time. I sat in the chair most of the day. Thanks for reading!

Caleb

Scraping the dirt from the floor.

2008-06-30T09:55:00.001-07:00

Today my bank dissapointed me so badly that I decided i would close my account with them. They charged me overdraft fees when their own system was unnavailable for two days. I was very upset...so now here i am. My wallet isnt even fat from the money I was able to get from my account. I need a new bank...Emmanuel, take care of my funds!

Caleb

Working at the Carwash!

2008-06-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

Haha. Well today was a good day to clear my head and focus on the ministry here at Central. We had the youth car wash today! whoo hoo!(i still think wamu stole this slogan from me...haha) anywho, it went really well, and we made some money to help send the kids to camp. Here's two pics to help you see all the effort the kids put forth today! If you want to support the youth group, and help send kids to summer camp get in touch with me or John Denton! For sure! Help support our ministry to these kids. They are awesome! they did a great job and had possitive attitudes about the whole thing...good work AcceptYM!

Caleb

My request for prayer

2008-06-27T23:39:00.000-07:00

Please my dear friends, pray for me, as i am going through some dificult times, and require God's guidance. Thank you for all of your support. God sometimes shows us things that we are certain about, he makes us question them so that our eyes stay focused on Him. He is the author and perfector of our faith, and it is to Him that our full focus should be on. Pray that i do this in my times of trouble. Thank you, my brothers and sisters,

caleb

Home

2008-06-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

I knew i was home again when the police choppers started circling near my house again. I went out to check the church just to make sure everything was ok. One of the gates seemed to be open a little bit, but when i checked it, the bottom stick thingy that holds the gate where it should be wasnt clicked down into the little notch. everything was ok, i checked everything. so i went back to the house, thats when i noticed a car parked diagonally accros two parking spots in the middle of the lot. I pulled out my handy maglite...its the size of a pencil..haha so cool, but on my way walking around the church the car started and left. my guess is two kids just hanging out, thinking that they could sit in a random parking lot and make out or something...i really wanted to bust them..haha. but oh well. ill walk-through again tonight just to make sure they dont come back. well...just thought that was an interesting incident. catch you later,

caleb

Home again, Home Again, jiggidy jog!

2008-06-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

,I dont exactly know where that saying came from. But my mom used to always say it when i was a little kid, so I thought this would be an appropiate time to use it, seeing as I just got back to Socal. And I guess this kinda is home for me for now. I have an awesome church, through which I am able to minister to youth and other peoples. I have to figure out how to make this page translatable(that wont translate..haha) into spanish, so that my fellow broders and sisters in South America can read my blog without thinking so hard...thats on the agenda. Well well, the story begins where life for my computer seemed to have ended. My computer was freezing up and slowing down alot on my trip to Maine, so I left it off till we got back down to the beach in NC, when the unexpected horrible error occured: NTLDR is missing! aaaah! I thought it was done for, because I dont have any back up disks( something im investing in now). So i went the whole week without internet...kinda nice, but at the same time, you guys, my readers, missed a bunch of my life during the week. We went and did all the fun stuff of trying to surf a tiny wave to body surfing, and playing marco/polo in a tiny pool...haha. good times. It was a good week. regretably, I was able to recover my computer, but at the lost of alot of my work. All my classification of Scripture is gone! Needless to say i do remember alot, but its so nice to have it on paper(or on computer i guess). so thats another task. I also lost my video editing program!SHNIEKIES! anywho, i know that God will provide in the end, and its not that big of a deal. just a computer. and it runs fine again, just lost alot of information. well. its good to be home. Got my new skimboard in which I ordered just before I left. That will be broken in very very soon! whoo hoo! so yeah. life is still off the heezy...haha. im definitely of caucasion descendance...haha. check you guys later, shalom and charis,

Caleb

Back on the East coast

2008-06-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Well here we are back on the east coast. I just got back from Maine! WOW! What a trip! 17 hours worth of driving. Thank God we had four drivers, and its all done now. but it was really cool to see my good friend Calvin get married, and i will put up some pics and video at a later time. Saw alot of the east coast i had never seen before, including New York City. Good times. But now, at 10:30pm, after being in the car for 17 hours, we are going straight down to the beach to hang with the fam, so ill write later. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more info on my small vacation. Shalom and Charis,

Caleb