Camping Apologizes

Family Radio's Harold Camping has acknowledged and apologized for his error concerning the prediction of the end of the world:

But we now realize that those people who were calling our attention to the Bible's statement that 'of that day and hour knoweth no man' (Matthew 24:36 & Mark 13:32), were right in their understanding of those verses and Family Radio was wrong. Whether God will ever give us any indication of the date of His return is hidden in God's divine plan.

Refreshing.

Unraveling

I was more than a bit surprised when I saw commentators start noting ways Apple's presentations were becoming less well organized post-Jobs. In particular, various folks mentioned the ambiguous “new iPad” name, the play on words used to launch the product and the colorful Apple logo at the end. Matt Thomas deals with these points very succinctly.

Incidentally, am I the only one to note that the lack of a numerical qualifier after the name iPad simply puts the iPad within the naming conventions always applied to the iPod family?

HT: Gruber

Blogging Goal

I decided after Christmas to see how many consecutive days I could blog. I find such goals are helpful, because they encourage me not to wait to blog until I have a perfectly refined idea. So far, I have posted every day since Christmas. Including, with this post, today.

ESVBible.org and the Study Bible

If you own an ESV Study Bible, you have an online access code that allows you to access all the content of that study Bible on ESVBible.org for free. If you've never tried the online access functionality, you ought to try it — it is really well done. Moreover, if you tried it long ago, try it again. The new edition that came out last year sports a significantly improved design (while remaining free for all ESV Study Bible owners).

The iPad 3

Gruber writes about the AP's suggestion that the iPad 3's specs indicate a “modest upgrade:”

I suspect this is a prelude to much of tomorrow's post-event coverage, echoing the initial tech press reaction to the iPhone 4S. But if a faster processor, more RAM, a double-the-resolution retina display, a better camera, and maybe even LTE networking make for a “modest” update, then what would it take for the iPad 3 to be deemed an immodest update? A fusion energy source? Teleportation? A camera that sees into the future?

I Had My Cake and Ate It Too

I had to share this here for my friends who are not on Facebook. This is the beautiful cake that was served last night at the reception after my ordination.

UPDATE: I should have explained it a bit since the picture I posted here is too small to see the details. The book on top is the Book of Church Order for the Presbyterian Church in America, turned to chapter 21, the chapter concerning “the ordination and installation of ministers.” The bow ties adorning the sides are there since I am known to frequently wear bow ties at church. Joyce, my friend from Grace who made the cake, really outdid herself!

Ordained

My ordination and installation service was tonight. I'll need to write on it, hopefully tomorrow. I am amazed by all of my family, friends and church family that were there tonight and how encouraging they were. What an incredible blessing.

Love

George Herbert is a fascinating poet and one of the best examples of the Metaphysical Poets. “Love” is one of his most poignant pieces of poetry:

Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack'd anything.

'A guest,' I answer'd, 'worthy to be here:'
Love said, 'You shall be he.'
'I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee.'
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
'Who made the eyes but I?'

'Truth, Lord; but I have marr'd them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.'
'And know you not,' says Love, 'Who bore the blame?'
'My dear, then I will serve.'
'You must sit down,' says Love, 'and taste my meat.'
So I did sit and eat.

25. Billion.

It seems the the App Store has reached 25 billion downloads. It is hard to even recall the days long past where people questioned whether the App Store could even succeed. It may not be perfect, but I've never seen another form of application distribution that makes getting the apps everyone actually wants so easy.

Lutheran Insulter

No, this? is not a site to insult your favorite Lutheran friends with. Rather, it is the tool you need when what you need is a really good insult. Why? Because few have approached the level of mastery of this art that Martin Luther did and now you can receive random insulting goodness from the man Calvin called the Apostle of the Reformation whenever you want.

This is too much fun.