Says Simpleton

WIRED Magazine gives my Shout-Out a Shout-Out

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:15:00 +0000

WIRED Magazine published the "reader response" that I sent in regarding their May "Mystery" issue. I wasn't sure if they would include it, and they ended up working it in to the intro for the section:

Well, that was fun! We had a blast working with guest editor J.J. Abrams on our mind-bending May issue, which won over even the toughest of customers. "You intentionally issued a challenge to my powers of ratiocination and forced me to involuntarily feel a need for a decoder ring," wrote one, who says he'd nearly let his subscription lapse. "I fished out the discarded renewal notice and sent it on its way. May '09 = For. The. Win." Glad you're still with us, Ched Spellman! (via)

I'd like to take this moment to thank,

Edgar Allan Poe, from whom I learned the word "ratiocination" when I read his "Murders of the Rue Morgue for a college course (Hard-Boiled Detective Fiction). Poe described these short stories as "tales of ratiocination."

Twitter and @pbowden who introduced me to the concept of "for the win" (an "internet expression of enthusiasm") and its emphatic variant, "For. The. Win."

J.J. Abrams, for being awesome.

The Language Log, for clearing my conscience when I'm tempted to intentionally split my infinitives.

And for what it's worth, WIRED, you're welcome.

Sleep Patterns

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Here is a glimpse of what my post-Hope 5:00am looks like:

Alive. Alert. Awake. Enthusiastic.

Time of Birth, A Poem

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:15:00 +0000

"Time of Birth, A Poem"

Thursday,
June 25,
4:50 pm:

The moment I realized
that God had given me
another woman
I would give
my life
for

Ched Spellman, 2009

Chick-fil-a has good theology

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:15:00 +0000

Upon seeing my pregnant bride (37+ wks), they offered me a free "Father's Day milkshake" today.

Reminding me that life is life even in the womb.

The "Easy Sell" of Text-Driven Preaching

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:15:00 +0000

If you draw attention away from the text, then you draw attention away from Christ

—Steven Smith, "The Preacher's Spirit" in Southwestern News (Summer 2009), 27.

Dr. Smith bases this statement on the conviction that

God is revealed in Christ
Christ is revealed in the Scriptures
Therefore, your ministry should be text-driven

On the implications of such a commitment, he writes

So it's an easy sell. It's clear enough at least. The problem is not really with the sales pitch; it's the price tag. The cost of faithful exposition is a life-trajectory of challenging, soul-searching, gut-wrenching, and rewarding years in the study--high front-end investment with the greatest yield coming at the end . . .

All it demands is everything. Like I said, it's an easy sell.

—Smith, "An Easy Sell: How to Talk a 25-Year-Old Into Giving the Rest of his Life to Text-Driven Preaching." In Southwestern News (Summer 2009), 64.

Dr. Smith's charge echoes Paul's:

Preach the Word!

Research Language Log (5): The German Monster Eats my Homework

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:15:00 +0000

When I was transferring 2.5 hours of my German translation homework from a jump drive, I "moved and replaced" in the wrong direction.

Big mistake.

That wooden, semi-readable bit of translated prose is now lost forever in the vortex of deleted random access memory.

In other words, the German Monster ate my homework.

He is a sly beast. I will slay him yet.

Diminished Focus sometimes means Diminished Affections

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Multitasking only makes sense when none of the tasks requires heart-engaged, loving attention.

—John Piper, "More on Not Using Twitter During Worship Services."

Reading Aloud Improves your Depth Perception

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:15:00 +0000

One of the most basic tests of comprehension is to ask someone to read aloud from a book. It reveals far more than whether the reader understands the words. It reveals how far into the words — and the pattern of the words — the reader really sees.

—Verlyn Kinkenborg, "Some Thoughts on the Lost Art of Reading Aloud" (New York Times).

If the Suit Fits . . .

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:15:00 +0000

The "Lawsuit Zeus," also known as "Johnny Sue-nami," filed a lawsuit this week in federal court seeking an injunction to stop the Guinness Book of World Records from naming him as the person who has filed the most lawsuits in the history of mankind.

—"Man sues book over most-litigious crown" (Spokesman Review)

So, the Guinness World Record Holder for "The Most Lawsuits Filed" is suing Guinness Book of Records for naming him as the person with the most lawsuits filed.

Now that's consistency.

Nothing too small in us . . . to be ordained by God

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows (Matt 10: 29-31).

We cannot but admit that not even the least thing takes place unless it is ordered by God. For who has ever been so concerned and curious as to find out how much hair he has on his head? There is no one. God, however, knows the number.
Indeed, nothing is too small in us or in any other creature, not to be ordered by the all-knowing and all-powerful providence of God.

—Huldrych Zwingli (Protestant Reformer), The Defense of the Reformed Faith, 145.

These words remind me that God's providence enables me to trust.

I think this also means that a sustained "fear" of what may happen to me or my family exposes a lack of trust in God's sovereign hand and essentially demonstrates disobedience to Christ's command to "fear not."

Jesus argues that the truth about the lesser matter demonstrates the truth about the greater matter. Insignificant little birds do not escape the guidance of their creator, so why would I fear his neglect?

The sparrow flies and falls within the scope of providence. If a bird cannot fly high enough or travel far enough to escape the grasp of God's guiding hand, then why would I entertain the notion for myself?

An implication of this truth is that I'm not to worry, fear, or be anxious about what happens to my family; about my dad who is battling leukemia; or my daughter who is forming in my wife's womb. Jesus exhorts me to take my fear of chance and circumstance and transfer it into trust in providence and his good pleasure. Hope. Trust. Prayer. These are the actions appropriate in a world that he is guiding. Trifling matters do not exist in this world; only intricate details.

God is sovereign over sparows. So too, white blood cells and amniotic fluid.

"I believe; help my unbelief"

Rockets-Lakers: So far, so good.

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Update:

Game 1: Hou 100, LA 92
Game 2: Hou 98, LA 111 (Kobe mouths "I can't be stopped" after every basket, apparently forgetting Game 1)
Game 3: Hou 94, LA 108 (The great wall of China goes down with a hairline fracture)
Game 4: Hou 99, LA 87 (Rockets backcourt turns Houston into Clutch City)

Bring on the Lakers!

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Last night, the Rockets beat the Trailblazers to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1997. Feel free to jump on the bandwagon now, before the meteoric rise blinds the Western Conference.

Blaze through Portland: Check.
Bulldoze the Lakers: Pending.

Kobe says he's the best, and L.A. is championship-bound.

In the words of Andy Bernard, "Oh it is on like a prawn who yawns at dawn."

One of the "Mysterious Powers of Poetry"

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Its ability, like words, to be simultaneously general (belonging to us all) and particular (connected to individual experience).

—Matthew Zapruder, "Show Your Work!" at the Poetry Foundation.

Bernard of Clairvaux on the Doctrine of the Trinity

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

It is rashness to search too far into it. It is piety to believe it. It is life eternal to know it. And we can never have a full comprehension of it, till we come to enjoy it.

—Bernard of Clairvaux, as quoted by Fred Sanders, "3 Pithy Remarks on Handling the Doctrine of the Trinity" at ScriptoriumDaily.

The New Media Frontier: Blogging, Vlogging, and Podcasting for Christ, Book Review

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

The review I wrote of The New Media Frontier for Themelios is now online (34.1 April 2009, 152-53). If you are using or interested in the New Media (or don't know what that is), this book would be well worth your time.

Here's the beginning and end of the review:

To blog or not to blog. That is the question many pastors and laypeople are asking themselves as online media platforms continue to proliferate and rise in prominence. Along with blogging, there are many other ways to communicate across the web. Due to the nature of digital media and the rate of innovation, the online landscape is ever expanding and constantly in flux. As editors of The New Media Frontier, John Mark Reynolds and Roger Overton aim to equip believers with “a process of critical assessment” so they might use new media “in a manner consistent with the character and quality of Christ” (p. 17).
. . . .
In sum, this volume makes a sustained argument throughout: The new media have revolutionized the way people communicate and are here to stay. Thus, believers must think critically about these changes and utilize the best of them for the glory of God and the furtherance of his kingdom. Through its timely analysis and stable framework, this book will help believers execute this task as they navigate through the “new media frontier” and beyond.

Read the whole thing.

Running Report (2)

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:15:00 +0000

This morning, I successfully turned the "Seminary Stride" into the "Seminary Stroll." There are some things that a Red-Bull and a Whatchamacallit just can't compensate for.

Though there were no "flashes of brilliance" on this run, I did improve on my previous time by a full minute (from 35:49 to 34:11). It's all about the baby steps.

I feel my primary accomplishment was not calling it quits after the guy pushing the stroller with two kids in it passed me at the 2 minute mark. And then again when one of my profs and his 11 yr old daughter breezed by me at the 1 mile marker.

If you are interested in joining me in my workout regimen, just follow these steps:

Run a 5k
Follow that with 7 1/2 months of inactivity
The week before the race, run till the point of exhaustion for four days straight
Follow that with 2 days of inactivity
Run the race.
Repeat.

To be continued . . .

For His Glory Alone, Quincy's Rhythmic Artistic Proclamation

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Quincy Jones and company ministered the word to us at Redeemer Church last Sunday through "Rhythmic Artistic Proclamation" (R.A.P), right before the sermon. All three of these guys did a great job. A powerful offering. Video:

Text:

"Soli Deo Gloria" (For His Glory Alone)

For His glory alone, for His glory alone
He decrees all He pleases
For He’s on His throne (Ps 115:3)
For His glory alone, for His glory alone,
He’ll give His glory to no other
For His glory is His own (Is 42:8)

All things to him, through him, for him (Rom 11:36; Col 1:15)
In Him we live and move bow down before him (Ps 95:6)
Perfection of beauty demands we adore Him (Ps 50:2; 96:6-8)
Besides the LORD there is no other who can ignore Him? (Is 45:21)

One day every knee will bow even who abhor him (Is 45:23-24)
Seven bowls of wrath upon the wicked He will pour them (Rev 16)
BUT, All those He’s given to Christ
He’ll restore them (John 6:39-40)
Spotless and blameless in life
They’ll stand before Him (Rev 7:9-17)

Majesty and adoration to the Lamb slain…
Before the foundations
Purchased the found nations (Rev 5:9-13; 13:8)
His glory’s bound in his creation
Renowned in revelation (Ps 19)
Crowned in the Incarnation
His perfect explanation (John 1:14, 18)

Displayed and arrayed in His expiation…(John 12:23-24)
Raised from the grave to His coronation (Ps 110:1, Eph 1:20)
The consummation of this glory…
To be conveyed in his exultation (Matt 24:30)
End of (His) story! (Rev 22:20!)

Surely the LORD will be exalted (Is 2:11)
His purpose can’t be halted (Job 42:2)
His thoughts cannot be faulted (Rom 11:34 )
For he knows it all, He’s over all (Ps 139:4, 103:19)
bestows it all, controls it all (John 3:27; Matt 10:29)

His foes will fall (Ps 2), He knows His called (Rom 8:29-30)
We owe Him all (Rom 12:1), but who really knows Him y’all?
His foes will fall, He knows His called
We owe Him all, but who really knows Him y’all?

Give Him what’s due Him (Ps 96:7), all glory to Him (1 Cor 10:31)
The LORD is gracious (Ex 33:4), His is the greatness (1 Chr 29:11)
He’s always faithful even when we’re faithless, (2 Tim 2:13)
In the image of His dear son He makes and shapes us (Rom 8:29)

Not to us O LORD, but to You ALONE (Ps 115:1),
May the fame of Your Name be known in every home (Rev 15:4)
Thine is the Kingdom, Power and Glory…(Matt 6:13)
And in joy before thee, we’ll be forever singin’ (Jude 24-25!)

The Goal of Graduate Study in Theology

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:45:00 +0000

A good graduate program in theology stands for something; it has a corporate personality. This is more important than most graduate school applicants realize. An intellectual is not someone who knows a lot. The goal is not just to fill your mind. Graduate study should help you develop an overall outlook, a habit of mind, a point of view.

—R.R. Reno, "On Graduate Study in Theology," in First Things.

My New Equestrian Companion

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

I made an exception to the school's pet-ownership restrictions, and as of today I am now the proud owner of a steely Quarter-Horse.

If the United States were a High-School Yearbook:

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

The Most Likely to ~~Succeed~~ Secede

Not even Google Can Fulfill Every Search, and I still haven't found what I'm looking for

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

This is my entry in the Free Verse Photo Competition:

"But I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"

—Paul David Hewson ("Bono"), The Joshua Tree, 1987.

The criteria for entry was "to capture and share your own ephemeral bits of verse." The quality of some of the entries blows away my quotidian effort. My problem was that I had plenty of good ideas but lacked the equipment, expertise, and fine motor skills to pull them off.

What happens if you Multi-Task?

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

So what happens if you multitask? You will never get into the zone. And if you never get into the zone, you will miss out on the best and most productive experience in work.

—Matt Perman, "What's at Stake with Multi-Tasking."

So, stop reading this blog while you juggle gerbals and paper-mache. Get in the zone!

Maundy Thursday, A Poem

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Audio:

Text:

"Maundy Thursday, A Poem"

The candle is lit. The lights are dimmed.
The service has begun.

As the melting marks our progress,
We do as we are told
Among the reading and response,
We watch the narrative unfold.

We see him set his face like flint
In the direction of his destination
We hear his silence fill the court
As he absorbs ironic accusation

The void his words have left
Are filled with darker sound
The hint of kiss, the curse of foe,
The pound of fist, the rooster crow

I eat the bread and drink the cup
And sense the sin I can't deny
And think of blood he sweat and bled,
And hear my heart shout "crucify"

The old, old story now so real
The weight of murdered son
His dying breath is on his lips
The closing song is almost done

There. Now. It is Finished.

The room is darker now,
The smell of the snuffed out candle is not pleasant.
And Hope must wait for another day.
Ched Spellman, 2009

Background:

I wrote this poem about a Maundy Thursday service. Maundy Thursday is the Thursday of what is called Holy Week, which commemorates the week before Jesus died (the week before Easter). At this gathering, the church takes communion and reflects on the events leading up to the crucifixion (the last supper; his trial; crucifixion). The word "Maundy" comes from the Latin word for "command" (mandatum), from the words of Jesus in John 13:34: "A new command I give you: Love one another." The service anticipates Easter Sunday, but specifically focuses on the last hours of Jesus' life and his death.

Take the time to Rhyme, during National Poetry Month

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

April is National Poetry Month, as declared by the Academy of American Poets.

I've already participated this month by posting a selection from a ~~fictitious~~ forthcoming collection of poetry ~~pretentiously~~ tentatively entitled, "Poems I wrote while having a headache". Alternate titles include "Poems written while hopped up on pseudoephedrine" and "Poetry written under (sinus) pressure". There are presently two entries that have made their way into this future collection:

Further entries, TBD.

So, do something with poetry this month. But, You don't have to do what I do. I.e., spout out mediocre verse about your sinus woes. Rather, You can personalize your experience.

You can read it. Write it.
Quote it. Smite it.
Digest it. Beat it.
Text it. Tweet it.

You can Analyze, or Criticize.
Memorize, or hypnotize.
Just as long as you Verbalize.
Even if no one knows of it.
Just don't thumb your nose at it.

So, at least once this month
Take the time
To make it rhyme.

Worship Songs and Musical Tastes

chedsp@gmail.com (Ched) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Being overly sensitive and excessively opinionated about musical tastes is ridiculously easy to do (at least for me).

Bob Kauflin gives some excellent thoughts to remember before you think, "I hate that music," or even "I do not like this song" in the context of congregational worship.

Being a self-appointed music critic is often just a sign of pride.
Music doesn’t define us.
Great songs don’t always sound great the first time through.
Listening to music the masses have never heard of doesn’t make us better.
Listening to music that is massively popular doesn’t make us better.
Learning to appreciate unfamiliar music is one way to prefer others.
Learning to like other kinds of music can open my eyes to God’s creativity.
We may have to eat our words.
We might be missing an opportunity to be grateful for God’s gifts.
Being opinionated about music can affect our ability to worship God corporately.

Read the whole thing to get his explanation of each point.