"Rules"
My friend Phil has a self-imposed rule against being interested in fellow med school students. He thinks that both of them would have little free time for each other, now and in the future. And then there's the residency, which can take them far apart if they're not married by then. And just in general he worries that their world would be too narrow, ingrown and introspective. There are pluses too, of course, but he just feels like it's not the best idea. i agree with him. So, anyway, i decided a bit ago that i wanted to have a self-imposed rule of my own against being interested in people i don't know in real life. i think it coincides well with courtship, actually, as no one would court me without meeting me first, and i shouldn't be very interested in guys who aren't pursuing me. And it's just a good rule for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, simple chemistry and physical attraction. Anyway, i was discussing this with Phil and he thought it was a good idea. It's always good when your friends support your randonimity. i guess the real problem with rules is not setting them, but rather, following them.
posted by kristen stewart | 02:05 | thoughts? |

30.8.02
My True Race
Bored, i took a quiz and found out my Middle-Earth race is elf. Interestingly, i wrote a paper on the races of Middle-Earth two springs ago when i was taking a class in the Classics department that included LOTR in the curriculum.
posted by kristen stewart | 19:38 | thoughts? |

Me, the TA
This morning i led my first recitation. My students had good things to say in discussion and should make my job relatively easy. Being a TA is fun. It was a bit surreal to get up out of my chair to write something on the board and hear bookbags open and students grabbing pens and paper in order to take notes.
posted by kristen stewart | 09:21 | thoughts? |

29.8.02
Shout-Out
i really enjoy Matt and Sora Colvin's blogs. And their family page too. They seem like good folks.
posted by kristen stewart | 22:55 | thoughts? |

Bad Praise Song: One in an Occasional Series on the Worship of the Church
We sang this song tonight at InterVarsity. i almost walked out in protest. i've sang psalms and hymns all week, to CDs, from hymnals, in Church, at home, walking to and fro on campus and while on the farm. i enjoy singing them not just for the tunes, but also for the ways they engage my mind in active worship of God. The praise song o' the month just can't compare.

When we sing hear our songs to You
When we dance feel us move to You
When we laugh, fill our smiles with You

When we lift our voices louder still
Can You hear us, can You feel
We love You Lord, we love You, we love You
We love You Lord, we love You, we love You

When we sing loud, hear our songs to You
When we dance round, feel us move to You
When we laugh aloud, fill our smiles with You

And our love is big, our love is loud
Fill this place with this love now
Our love is big, our love is loud
Fill this place with this love now
(Fill our lungs, we sing it now)

We lift our voices louder still
Our God is near, Our God is here
We lift our voices louder still
Our God is near, our God is here
by David Crowder
posted by kristen stewart | 22:29 | thoughts? |

Dr. Berger? This is Kristen Knox...
Facticity is the quality or state of being a fact. i don't think i ever encountered the word before today, but i am on page 20 of The Sacred Canopy and Peter Berger has already used it four times. It is relatively funny that i am on page 20 considering i need to have it read in less than 12 hours. I'll probably have it finished by then, actually, between staying up late, my crazy Tibetan Buddhism class, and down-time at work tomorrow at the University Relations office. Sometime tomorrow i need to call Dr. Berger. i joked that i should just call him and ask him what the book is about and Mike bet me i wouldn't call. The terms of the bet only require me to leave a voice mail if he doesn't answer. That doesn't seem too difficult...
posted by kristen stewart | 01:23 | thoughts? |

28.8.02
Babysitting is Fun
i am about to run out the door to go babysit. This is my second week working two days a week for this family and i am already attached. When i tried to leave yesterday, the younger of the two girls latched onto my leg and said "don't go! you're my best friend!" It was really sweet. i now have a lot of refrigerator art as they draw me a lot of pictures.
posted by kristen stewart | 10:35 | thoughts? |

26.8.02
Can You Find Me?
I'm hiding out in your local chain bookstore. You know, the Barnes and Noble or Borders that's closest in proximity to you. The whole thing was accidental. i was helping out at a photo shoot and they needed another person in the picture. i didn't think anyone would see it. Then Kaplan had to go and choose my fair university as one of twelve hot schools and the picture was submitted with several dozen others to the editors of the Kaplan/Newsweek annual "How to Get into College" guide. It got published. Don't worry, it's not a large picture. And my name isn't listed. But i lurk in your nearest mega-bookstore-that-dabbles-in-coffee-and-cds just the same.
posted by kristen stewart | 20:24 | thoughts? |

Visiting...
Speaking of church, i visited the new Christ Church plant in Cary. i found it to be delightful. However, i now find myself to be a church-hopper.
posted by kristen stewart | 09:27 | thoughts? |

Goodbye, Thomas
i went home after church and traded out cars. i no longer drive a car that only starts 2/3 of the time!
posted by kristen stewart | 09:24 | thoughts? |

25.8.02
Sabbath Reflection
O sing a new song to the LORD, for wonders he hath done:
His right hand and his holy arm, the victory have won.

The great salvation wrought by Him, Jehovah has made known;
His justice in the nation's sight he openly has shown.

He mindful of his grace and truth to Isr'el's house has been;
The great salvation of our God all ends of earth have seen.

O all the earth sing to the LORD and make a joyful sound.
Lift up your voice aloud to him, sing psalms! Let joy resound!

With harp make music to the LORD; with harp, a psalm o sing!
With horn and trumpet raise a shout before the LORD the King.

Let seas and all their vastness roar; the world, its living horde.
Let rivers clap, let mountains sing their joy before the LORD!

Because He comes, He surely comes, the judge of earth to be!
With justice He will judge the world, all men with equity.

PSALM 98A -- sung at Christ Church of North Carolina.
posted by kristen stewart | 17:30 | thoughts? |

24.8.02
Links
i've updated my blogroll. One blog i want to draw your attention to is Richard Okimoto's. i've enjoyed it for several years and can't believe i left it off in the first place. My apologies, Richard!
posted by kristen stewart | 22:52 | thoughts? |

23.8.02
Relevance, Transcendence and American Consumerism
Today in a seminar we were discussing the current scandals in the Catholic church and relating them to notions of mission and beauracracy, things we are talking about historically in the developing church. One fellow student spoke up concerning celibacy and said that it helped to promote the notion that priests were "different" from the rest of the church and that they have a harder time being relevant because of that. "How can they counsel on marriage and family when they live cloistered, sheltered lives?" The consumerism behind that really shook me. i don't go to church so that someone can make religion relevant for me, i go to worship with my family and to transcend the contemporary and relevant for something far more eternal. i did respond to what she said, with a measure of grace and tact, framing it more as "the dilemna of a church caught between transcendence and relevancy" than the more accurate problem of people who don't understand that faith is about something much bigger and greater than themselves.
posted by kristen stewart | 15:58 | thoughts? |

For the "only in Chapel Hill" file:
a late model Ford Taurus with approximately 20 bumper stickers, all supporting either (1) the South, (2) the Republican Party or (3) Gay and Lesbian Rights.
posted by kristen stewart | 15:48 | thoughts? |

22.8.02
On Work
i've been so busy this week, this paper by a former Greyfriars student--who now pastors Josh Clark's church--makes me feel better.
posted by kristen stewart | 00:15 | thoughts? |

20.8.02
A Question
For those of you who have read Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down by Marva Dawn: do you think it would be a good choice for an InterVarsity small group on evangelism? the SG is looking for a book to start discussion, rather than to be the typical "how to reach your friends" best seller on the book table.
posted by kristen stewart | 18:20 | thoughts? |

19.8.02
"My Story" as the Inter-Varsity-ites call it
Emeth suggested that i blog about my personal spiritual history, mostly because she found it interesting. So, here goes nothing. i was born the first week of September, 1981 to two Dead Heads--one almost 19, the other barely 21--far more interested in music than any sort of formal religion. Just to please my grandmother, they baptised me in the Roman Catholic Church, which i never knew until i was in college. They're ashamed they did it, i think. i'm rather grateful.

In the bleak midwinter of 1986, light began to shine in the darkness. Some of my parents' friends became Jesus people and started a bible study for dead heads in their home. i was one of two children of group members. The hostess bought us one Davey and Goliath film she tried to show over and over. The other kid was fooled, i wasn't. To avoid overindulging on that fine program, i began eavesdropping on the adults. After several weeks, i bounded into my parents' bedroom one night and asked the question: "how do you get saved?" They explained it to me. i responded rather pretentiously, "Oh. That's so easy!" and took off. That night they decided to submit to the Holy Spirit, figuring if their four year old could understand it, it wasn't THAT hard. Unbeknownst to them, i "prayed the prayer" as well. However, like good evangelical parents, they quickly went down to the local Christian bookstore and upon hearing "Bullfrogs and Butterflies" i made my first profession of faith.

My parents settled in with the local fundamentalist congregation and we remained there until fourth grade. We then spent a year exploring various types of charismania (sometimes traveling four hours round-trip to visit a church) and settled in at a big Assemblies of God church downtown. When we moved to Raleigh, we joined another Assemblies of God church. i was not a good pentacostal. i desperately wanted to speak in tongues or get slain in the spirit or just feel SOMETHING. Finally, my parents got sick of the drive when i turned 16. So we started going to a Southern Baptist church right where we lived. i was theologically confused, so my seminary student sunday school teacher suggested i read up on theology. As soon as i read about Calvinism, i knew i was reformed. Always have been. It's just biblical, so i often argued for it when my youth pastor would say something like "it's your responsibility to bring a busload of folks to heaven with you!" Since then, i have been ever reforming. The story can be told in more detail, but Netscape ate my first post, so this is what y'all get :o)
posted by kristen stewart | 22:28 | thoughts? |

Bad Praise Song: One in an Occasional Series on the Worship of the Church
My least favourite praise song is "Days of Elijah"--

These are the days of Elijah
Declaring the Word of the Lord
And these are the days of Your servant, Moses
Righteousness being restored
And though these are days of great trials
Of famine and darkness and sword
Still we are the voice in the desert, crying,
“Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call
So lift your voice it’s the year of Jubilee
And out of Zion’s hill salvation comes

And these are the days of Ezekiel
The dry bones becoming as flesh
And these are the days of Your servant, David
Rebuilding a temple of praise
And these are the days of the harvest
The fields are white in the world
And we are Your laborers in Your vineyard
Declaring the Word of the Lord

Ok, obviously, These aren't the days of any old testament prophet or king. These are the days of the new covenant. And these are certainly not days of great trials, famine, darkness or sword. These are days of abundance and rich blessings. i think the author meant it as figurative ("temple of praise") but David wasn't allowed to rebuild the temple. Solomon was the one who did that. it's simply irresponsible to sing this song as a congregation, no matter how catchy the tune. Some people are inevitably going to come out with wrong beliefs. My parents' church (Southern Baptist) sings this all the time. Every other week. They know how much it grates my nerves and they tease me about it. To my great shock, my church (PCA) sang this yesterday. i was very disappointed.
posted by kristen stewart | 08:39 | thoughts? |

18.8.02
Sabbath Reflection
The sands of time are sinking, the dawn of heaven breaks,
The summer morn I've sighed for, the fair, sweet morn awakes
Dark, dark had been the midnight but dayspring is at hand
And glory, glory dwelleth, in Emmanuel's land

The king there in His beauty without a veil is seen
It were a well-spent journey though sev'n deaths lay between
The Lamb with His fair army doth on Mount Zion stand
And glory, glory dwelleth, in Emmanuel's land

O Christ, He is the Fountain, the deep sweet well of love
The streams on earth I've tasted, more deep I'll drink above
There to an ocean fullness His mercy doth expand
And glory, glory dwelleth in Emmanuel's land

The bride eyes not her garment, but her dear bride-groom's face
I will not gaze at glory, but on my King of grace
Not at the crown He giveth, but on His pierced hand
The Lamb is all the glory of Emmanuel's land

Oh! I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine!
He brings a poor vile sinner into His house of wine
I stand upon His merit, I know no other stand
Not e'en where glory dwelleth in Emmanuel's land

[based on words by Samuel Rutherford]
posted by kristen stewart | 11:41 | thoughts? |

17.8.02
Growing Up
i don't struggle with my calling. i struggle with what to do between now and then, but i'm sure that i'll be content glorifying God as a full-time mother, if God graciously provides me with a husband and a house full of children. Even though i am relatively secure in that, it's still really hard to hear people, from friends to strangers, make derogatory comments about it. Being a senior, people ask me all the time what i am going to do with my major. Commonly, they inquire about graduate studies and the like. The part of me that loves to learn is so tempted by the very idea of grad school, but the rational part of me sees little value in going into debt to go, and i'm not that disappointed about it. So, anyway, i usually dodge the question and answer about my future as much as possible, but occasionally i answer honestly. "Well, i'll find a job somewhere and support myself until i get married and then hopefully i'll have kids and stay at home and raise them." Yeah, that is definitely a winning line. A woman told me today that i seemed too smart to stay at home and be a mother. Uhhh... no. i know in my head that i shouldn't be hurt by what other people think, but i am, to some degree. i want them to understand. and it's hard to grin and bear it when someone makes a derogatory comment that doesn't just attack me, but the very fibre of family as God intended it. The last thing i want to do is to hole myself up somewhere, on the planet but far far away from the world. It might seem comfortable, but it's the antithesis of Jesus' command to be in the world, but not of it. It's a hard, cold world. My only comfort is that I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ. Maranatha.
posted by kristen stewart | 00:46 | thoughts? |

16.8.02
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Books i bought today for the Fall Semester:
The Augustine Catechism by Augustine of Hippo
Saint Joan by Bernard Shaw
Discourse on Free Will by Erasmus and Luther
In the Beginning by Alister McGrath
The Early Church by Henry Chadwick
Acts of Faith by Rodney Stark and Roger Finke
American Evangelicalism: Embattled and Thriving by Christian Smith
Tradition in a Rootless World by Lynn Davidman
Art of Tibet by Robert Fisher
Introduction to Tibetan Buddism by John Powers
and two course packets

i am taking History of the Christian Traditions (as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant), Sociology of Religion, Buddism in East Asia/Tibet and Censorship. i buy course books that look interesting because they are tax deductible. i end up buying somewhere in the neighbourhood of 30% of assigned books. i get the rest from the library.
posted by kristen stewart | 13:56 | thoughts? |

Freshman Move In
i admit, physical service to others is not my first inclination. i have to force myself to do anything at all. However, once i start serving, i really enjoy it. It's a rather odd phenomenon. i dreaded moving freshman into their dorms this morning at 8a right up until i actually started doing it. Then it became really fun, meeting people, carrying their stuff, answering their questions and giving them "i lived in this dorm 3 years straight" tips. i forgot i was sacrificing my time and energy for the cause of service and started genuinely wanting to help. Maybe that's it. i need to stop thinking of myself as some sort of martyr.
posted by kristen stewart | 13:26 | thoughts? |

15.8.02
Help Wanted
i am accepting applications for a generous benefactor to replace my car.
posted by kristen stewart | 22:43 | thoughts? |

14.8.02
Fine Furniture
i have finished the bookcase. It is handsome, considering it was constructed from plywood i found in the backyard and stained with leftover stain and cost me a whopping $0 to make. i am moving tomorrow and procrastinating from packing right now. i can't wait until i move somewhere permanently.
posted by kristen stewart | 22:43 | thoughts? |

Name That Band
Borrowed from Tim.

You love to sing along with: Pierce Pettis, James Taylor, Mark Williams, Ryan Adams, punk covers of 80s songs, big band... oh, everything!

Sums up your teenage years: Mukala, Third Day

Makes you cry: Yo Yo Ma

Perks you up: various 80s

Makes you laugh: innocent old big band

Wrote lyrics you wish you wrote: Belle and Sebastian, Pierce Pettis, David Wilcox

You never want to hear again: "Who Let The Dogs Out?", "Macarena"

Reminds you of your current love: "Depending on Gravity" by Pierce Pettis

You used to hate but now like: anything bluegrass (love it now)

You like to wake up to: something loud: "New York" by Ryan Adams, currently

You like out of your parents record collection: Phil Keaggy, David Grisman, the Grateful Dead, Bruce Cockburn

You love that you wouldn't know about if it wasn't for a friend: Pedro the Lion (thanks M.S.), Bill and VoL (thanks aR.), the Normals (thanks P.L.)

Has a video you love more than the tune: i don't watch TV. :o/

You are embarrassed to admit you like: Aimee Mann... she's so talented and yet... so depressing!
posted by kristen stewart | 22:36 | thoughts? |

Nerdy Hobby
One of my favourite things to look at for fun, research-wise, is the American Religion Data Archives. There are cool maps and all sorts of data (start at "Interactive Maps and Reports".) You can learn valuable information like that the Presbyterian Church in America is one of the fastest growing (% wise) of any denomination or other religious group in America between 1980 and 1990. It also allows you to get very local and look at data by counties. Well, i think it's fun.
posted by kristen stewart | 11:25 | thoughts? |

13.8.02
Housekeeping
i finally fixed the archives. Now they show up! i also updated what i am reading and spinning. Yes, i really am re-reading I Kissed Dating Goodbye. i found it at the house and i thought, "what the heck?" i think i like it better now that i am not a dating crusader.
posted by kristen stewart | 23:11 | thoughts? |

Reading Material
Catholics and the Covenant between God and the Hebrews. [thanks to Jamie for the heads up.]
posted by kristen stewart | 15:54 | thoughts? |

i See Said the Blind Girl
Growing up, i hated wearing glasses. i felt as if they clued everyone else in on my inherent dorkiness even faster than normal. When we were planning to move South, my parents finally told me i could get contacts. Except, when i went to the eye doctor, he said my prescription was not at all suited for contacts. A year and a half later, i got contacts from another optometrist. Since then, contacts have been my preferred corrective lenses. Earlier this summer, i got cute new glasses. i started wearing them more to give my poor eyes a rest, and i discovered i can see much better out of them than contacts. The original optometrist's opinion had merit. My very unique prescription just isn't served well by contacts. No wonder i failed the eye test at the DMV six times last year before i passed it...
posted by kristen stewart | 10:51 | thoughts? |

12.8.02
Using My Own Two Hands
i love projects. Today i began making a new bookcase out of plywood. The pieces are cut and sanded, tomorrow they will be assembled and stained, Lord willing. Having a handy dad and baby brother really helps projects such as these to actually come out looking half decent.
posted by kristen stewart | 19:59 | thoughts? |

Today's Link
i studied about these Latino Jews for several religious studies classes. Very bizarre...
posted by kristen stewart | 13:24 | thoughts? |

i Like Hymns
The New York City RUF recorded a cd of hymns that doesn't totally reject the old tunes and instrumentation, rather merges them with new sounds to make less drastic modern arrangements. They did a fabulous job. You can listen here and judge for yourself.
posted by kristen stewart | 08:34 | thoughts? |

11.8.02
Sabbath Reflection
Batter my heart, three-person'd God, for you
As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend
Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurp'd town to another due,
Labor to admit you, but oh, to no end;
Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captiv'd, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly I love you, and would be lov'd fain,
But am betroth'd unto your enemy;
Divorce me, untie or break that knot again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.
--John Donne (quoted at Christ Covenant PCA in the Charlotte area this morning)
posted by kristen stewart | 22:30 | thoughts? |

8.8.02
O Thomas, My Thomas
I drive an old Volvo. As old as i am, old. Today as a dear friend gave me a jump, i realised that she and i had shared many memories around that car. She has ridden in tow trucks with me on multiple occasions and endured long hours in the heat waiting for a locksmith after another friend broke the ignition key trying to stick it in the trunk lock and attempted to put the two parts into the ignition to start it. Yes, i am beginning to believe that the true measure of many of my friendships is what you have endured with me and my car.
posted by kristen stewart | 14:55 | thoughts? |

Seasons May Change
Yesterday was my last day at the Country Club and today is my last day doing research. Another summer passes, my last as an undergraduate. Reflecting about that always makes me think of what i will be doing next summer, but that, kind readers, is an adventure that i have not embarked on yet.
posted by kristen stewart | 14:51 | thoughts? |

7.8.02
A Milestone
Four weeks from tomorrow, i'll be twenty one. Unfortunately, i still think beer tastes gross. Jamie has claimed the honour of buying my first Guinness. After that, and a go at Killians, i might stick to wine and mixed drinks and girly hard lemonade for awhile. It's still rather exciting :o)
posted by kristen stewart | 14:48 | thoughts? |

Single collegiate Christian women are quick to tell one another to "guard your heart," usually against getting hurt by men. i have been quick to tell my friends that the context of Proverbs 4 leaves no room for such an interpretation. Instead, they ought to throw around "don't throw your pearls to the swine" from Matthew 7. i guess that doesn't have such a nice ring to it. Anyway, i was thinking about not setting myself up to be hurt and to my surprise, in my head i told myself, "Guard your heart, Kristen." It's a nice sentiment, even if it is poor exegesis.
posted by kristen stewart | 10:00 | thoughts? |

6.8.02
Sung, almost as a Gregorian chant, "I love cheeseburgers and Rachel."
Spoken later, in response to a comment about wearing ones heart on ones sleeve, "I wear my heart on my butt and sometimes I sit on it."
--Rick, early morning, 6 August 2002.
posted by kristen stewart | 15:03 | thoughts? |

5.8.02
The second anniversary of a friend's death is fast approaching. She's with the Lord, and honestly, i don't grieve as much for her as i do for those nearest and dearest to her, the ones that still have a void that she left. But, as i thought about her, i thought about what her death taught us. One thing that sticks out is that it gave John 10:10 new meaning. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Abundant life is not eternal life. Completely different greek words. Abundant life is rich life, deep life, REAL life. It's life magnified, for better and for worse. Thank God for giving us context, or that abundancy might wound us.
posted by kristen stewart | 23:44 | thoughts? |

After the Old Testament and New Testament readings, right before the Gospel reading, the congregation of the church i attended yesterday began singing that Vacation Bible School classic "the B-I-B-L-E." Despite the fact that it is, indeed, the book for me, i had a hard time keeping a straight face.
posted by kristen stewart | 08:30 | thoughts? |

4.8.02
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. [recited with the congregants of Hope Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod).]
posted by kristen stewart | 13:44 | thoughts? |

3.8.02
95 Theses

1) Name: Kristen Marie Knox
2) Dad's Name: Rob
3) Mom's Name: Annette (NB Annette is short for Anntoinette and should be pronounced An-Nette not A-Net)
4) Birthday: 5 Sept 1981
5) Last time you showered: about twenty minutes ago
6) What color pants do you have on right now? brown
7) What song are you listening to right now? Allison Krauss "Stay"
8) Last four digits in your phone: 1171
9) Last thing you ate: a bowl of cereal. Honeycomb, because it was all we had.
10) Weirdest name you have ever heard: Cotton
11) Fav. radio station: if i do listen, i listen to NPR
12) If you were a crayon, what color would you be? lavender
13) Last movie you saw? Ocean's 11 (again)
14) Where do you want to go on your honeymoon? Ummm... the United Kingdom, if it's long enough.
15) Have you ever been in love? No, not like that.
16) Who do you want to marry right now? it's not ladylike to divulge that information (i plead the Fifth.)
17) Last book you read? The Four Loves by CS Lewis.
18) Do you have a pager? No.
19) Lava lamp? i did in high school. i passed it on to a sibling.
20) How many bud's on your buddy list? 193
21) What's the weather? sunny and warm.
22) What did you do last night? worked, got some coffee, called Rachel, et. al.
23) Who are you talking to online right now? Nathan Blevins
24) Name backwards: Xonk Netsirk
25) Screen name: ms kris10k
26) Sexiest thing about the opposite sex?: Godliness. OK, and a nice smile.
27) If you had a genie what wish would you make? A new car. I like mine, it's just as old as me.
28) Fav. CD: too many.
29) Where ya going tomorrow? To worship at church.
30) Who do you most admire? Rachel Eyre - she has a perservering spirit
31) Are you happy? yes
32) What are you looking forward to this summer? turning 21
33) Would you pierce your nose, tongue or belly button? no.
34) Be serious or funny? Both
35) Boxers or briefs? bikini briefs
36) Whole or Skim Milk? 1%
37) Simple or complicated? as simple as possible
38) Law or anarchy? law
39) Grey or Gray? Grey
40) Night or Day? both
41) Color or black and white photos? Black and white
42) Sunrise or Sunset? depends on where i am :o)
43) Rap or Rock? rock
44) Stay up late or early? late
45) Is it POP or SODA? coke
46) X or O in Tic-Tac-Toe? X
47) Eat an apple or an orange? either
48) What came first the chicken or the egg? chicken
49) Tall or short guys/girls? medium height boys
50) Sun or moon? Moon.
51) Emerald or ruby? sapphires
52) Pants or shorts? pants
53) Left or right? Left
54) 10 acquaintances or 1 best friend? 1 best friend
55) Vanilla or chocolate ice cream? Chocolate w/ Heath Bar
56) Green beans or carrots? carrots
57) Hair in pony tail or leave it down? leave it down
58) Silver jewelry or gold jewelry? silver
59) Kids or no kids? kids, lots, after i am married
60) Dogs or cats? Dogs.
61) Half-full or half-empty? 1/2 full
62) Mustard or Ketchup? ketchup
63) Hardcover books or soft cover books? Hardcover
64) Newspaper or magazine? magazine
65) Catsup or Ketchup? Ketchup
66) Sandals or sneakers? sandals
67) Wonder or amazement? wonder
68) Red car or white car? blue, green or grey
69) Happy and poor or rich and sad? Happy and poor
70) Singing or dancing: both!
71) Hug or kiss? both!
72) Corduroy or plaid? corduroy
73) Happy or sad? happy
74) Live or die? either... to live is Christ, to die is gain
75) Ben Affleck or Matt Damon? neither
76) Fav. Person online: ?
77) Braces? Never had them
78) Fav movies: depends on the mood
79) Fav Drink: sweet tea
80) Fav. Musical: Les Mis
81) Fav. Car: volvo 240
82) Fav. tv show: I don't watch TV
83) What color hair do you prefer for the opposite sex? brown
84) Coke or Pepsi? neither
85.) Fav. store in the mall: 2 story Barnes and Nobles
86) Fav. store anywhere: Schoolkids Records
87) Siblings: two sisters and a brother
88) Did this survey suck? umm, that's rather unladylike
89) Least fav. subject in school? science
90) Thing you hate to admit that's true about you that's embarrassing? i'm a dork
91) Would you rather be single or taken: taken
92) Do u have a b/f / g/f? No.
93) Who is the last person you talked to on the phone: Rachel. Honourable Mention: Rick.
94) How many email addresses do you have? two
95) Do you keep your car messy or clean? clean.
posted by kristen stewart | 10:54 | thoughts? |

2.8.02
i didn't grow up in a hymn singing church. i think the only hymns i knew before i started college were "Amazing Grace" and "This is My Father's World." In spite of this humble beginning, in the last three years i have fallen in love with hymns. i collect hymnals. i sing them everywhere i go. And so i began to ask myself why. First it struck me that hymns are complex, significantly deeper and typically more true than praise songs. Several verses give me time to reflect without becoming bored. i tend to like things that are older--antiques, language, etc. They have stood the test of time. It wasn't until a few weeks ago that i identified this: a good hymnal has hymns that speak to all of life's ups and downs, all of our human emotions and what we ought to be expressing to God in worship. When i am worried i can sing to my soul "Whatever My God Ordains Is Right." When i feel as if the Church has little hope, "The Church's One Foundation." In hard times, "O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go" or "It is Well with My Soul" or "Be Still, My Soul." i can look towards heaven with "The Sands of Time are Sinking" and "On Jordan's Stormy Banks i Stand." This list could go on for pages. About a year ago i told a friend that after a Bible, i think all Christians ought to own a hymnal. i wasn't sure why, then, but i am now.
posted by kristen stewart | 10:13 | thoughts? |

Take a minute and read this post from my friend Jamie. It's worth your time.
posted by kristen stewart | 10:01 | thoughts? |

1.8.02
Because really, deep down, all i want is to be as cool as Rick, a movie quote quiz for your enjoyment.

1/ "I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen."
2/ "I'm gonna go upstairs and pay a visit to the shower fairy."
3/ "It's this brain of mine, it's always makin' mistakes. it's got a mind of its own."
4/ "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, 'til you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."
5/ "be specific but not memorable, be funny but don't make him laugh. He's got to like you then forget you the moment you've left his side."
6/ "Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."
7/ "That's the beauty of music. They can't take that away from you."
8/ "What the cops never figured out, and what I know now, was that these men would never break, never lie down, never bend over for anybody."
posted by kristen stewart | 11:32 | thoughts? |

Aaron // Alex // Amy // Andrew // Annie // Barb // Ben // Berek // Brandon + Wendy // Chris // Christin // Daniel // Dave + Melissa // Dave H. // Dave K. (mostly) // Davey // Dawn G. // deadyetblogging // Deacon // Dustin // Ellen // Emeth // Francis // Dr. George // Gideon // Hester // Isaiah // J.T. // Jake // James B. // Jason G. // Jason K. // Jason W. // Jeff M. // Jeff N. // Jen // Jenn H. // Jenn N. // Jenny // Jessie // Joel // John Ba. // John Bu. // Jon A. // Jon B. // Jon S. // Jonathan W. // Jonvw // Josh M. // Josh S. // Josh W. // Kelly // Laurel // Lucy // Matt B. // Matt C. // Matt H. // Megan // Melissa // Mike // Nate // Nathanael // Nick // Nikkiana // Paul // Paulo // Phil // Rachel // Real Live Preacher // Remy // Richard B. // Richard O. // Rick // Rob // Russ Y. // Sarah G. // Sarah H. // Sarah J. // Seth // Shane // Shimmer // Sora // Summer // Tim E. // Tim G. // Tom // Valerie // Valerie S. //