COLLECTIONS
i collect license plates and hymnals. i can't remember how i started acquiring either.
posted by kristen stewart | 11:02 | thoughts? |

29.10.02
TAKING A CUE FROM BLOGGING NEIGHBOURS
i am going to combine the recent blog topics of Doug Wilson and Halloween by presenting Doug Wilson's thoughts on Halloween. i got them via email from our church secretary and thought they were worth passing along.

As another Halloween approaches, and as many of us are working on building alternatives, I wanted to take the opportunity to offer a few thoughts and pastoral suggestions.

Background: First, November 1 is All Saints Day. The All Saints festival was first established during the times of persecution in the early church when the number of martyrs accumulated to the point where it was no longer possible to commemorate them all. In the time of John Chrysostom, all the martyrs were remembered on the first Sunday after Pentecost. In 608 A.D., the Pantheon, a former pagan temple to all the gods, was dedicated in Rome as a Christian church. The date of that dedication (May 13) became the day of "all saints." The day was moved to November 1 in 741 A.D. with the dedication of the Chapel of All Saints.

Second, in the British Isles, the day was known as All Hallows Day. The "eve" of that day, the night before, was known as Hallowe'en. In the minds of simple people, the night before the day of the holy ones was thought to be a last ditch party on the part of unholy ones -- devils, witches, fairies, imps and so forth. With this kind of superstition, of course, we have nothing to do. Obviously, the custom of kids dressing up in order to play trick or treat did descend from this view, but the thing that is objectionable here is not the dressing up in itself, but rather the dressing up as wicked creatures.

Third, Reformation Day is on October 31 and commemorates the posting of Luther's famous theses, which is usually regarded as the inauguration of the Reformation. It is frequently honored by churches on the last Sunday of October. As it happens, Reformation Day is Halloween. Fourth, and the bottom line, is that these two days belong to the Christian church, and not to the pagans. And the days have been ours for many centuries, despite certain pagan encroachments. We should keep the days, and fight off the encroachments. And so . . .

To Do: We are encouraging parishes to hold Reformation Day/All Saints Day parties and gatherings. The mood should be festive and filled with rejoicing -- an exhibition of our gratitude for the faithfulness of the martyrs of the early church and the martyrs of the Reformation. This obviously can (and should) include kids dressing up and getting loads of candy, but I would strongly urge that no one have their kids dress up as members of the other team -- witches, ghosts, devils, imps, or congressmen. We do want to urge a high level of celebration, but we don't want to take our cues from the surrounding culture. So if you take your kid around to grandma's house dressed up like an M & M, or like Theodore Beza, don't have them say "trick or treat" like some ghost or witch. Of course, "repent or perish" or "sola fide" probably wouldn't work either. Let's do this differently, and intelligently, and still have fun.

To Avoid: We want parish parties, not pious parties. So when neighborhood trick or treaters come to your door, I would encourage you to give them more candy than unbelievers give, as opposed to a glare and/or a tract. We want to behave during this time in such a way that their celebrations are revealed as far more anemic than ours (not to mention twisted and gross). We do not want our parish parties to be a cheesy alternative, a sort of faux-Halloween. It should be a true All Hallow's Eve, a true Reformation Day blow-out.

On a related note, there is no way to do this without kirkers differing among themselves about what is appropriate. This is reasonable -- up to a point. We know the direction we want to go, and we want to get there together with unity of spirit. This means learning to lighten up on details. So don't freak out and rebuke someone if their kid goes over to their aunt's house dressed like John Knox, but he says "trick or treat" instead of soli Deo gloria. But feel free to be concerned if someone from the Night of the Living Dead shows up at the parish party.

28.10.02
BLOGS OF THE WEEK
Due to laziness, the first five commenters to this post will become the blogs of the week.
posted by kristen stewart | 22:38 | thoughts? |

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
Just today, i have gotten to give people practical advice, listen to their problems, and SEVEN people asked me about reformed theology. Someone asked about the five points, another about balancing grace and legalism, a third about the covenant and a fourth about predestination. the other three were along for the ride. i think Carolina has promise again all of the sudden... i had given up hope on having an intellectual discussion about faith here...
posted by kristen stewart | 22:36 | thoughts? |

TRAVEL REPORT
My trip west was lovely, for the record. My first time flying Southwest. i got my first manicure and pedicure. i wore makeup. Truly a personal revolution. Being at Sarah and Brian's wedding was an honour and privilege. It was a lovely affair, but very short. The ceremony was literally 15 minutes. i cried at the rehearsal and giving my toast at the rehearsal dinner and didn't cry at the wedding. i think it was too quick for everything to sink in. i caught the bouquet at the reception, for the first time ever. i had a lay over in Austin so i hung out with Mike Stewart a bit. It was a good trip.

posted by kristen stewart | 12:23 | thoughts? |

27.10.02
SABBATH REFLECTION
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, be leaving, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
—Katharina von Schlegel
posted by kristen stewart | 13:54 | thoughts? |

23.10.02
FLYING WEDDING TOAST
i love to fly. i also like driving and walking and running and riding in hot air balloons and trains, so maybe i am just obsessed with transportation. Late this afternoon i will board a plane and fly most of the way across the country to stand beside my best friend Friday when she weds an amazing guy who chased her halfway around the world after they met in Ireland. It's my first time (and perhaps my only) being the maid of honour, so i'm planning on living it up. i need to start working up a toast...
posted by kristen stewart | 00:00 | thoughts? |

22.10.02
WHAT I'VE GOT IN MY HEAD
How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet is is to be loved by you

I needed a shelter of someone's arms and there you were
I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were
With sweet love and devotion deeply touching my emotion
I want to stop and thank you baby
I want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I close my eyes at night wondering where would I be without you in my life
Everything I did was just a bore, everywhere I went seems I'd been there before
But you brighten up for me all my days, with a love so sweet in so many ways
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

You were better to me than I was to myself
For me, there's you and there ain't nobody else
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you
—always sung in my head by James Taylor
posted by kristen stewart | 16:48 | thoughts? |

COULD BE PROOF I'M GOING CRAZY
i think i am going to knit myself a sweater.
posted by kristen stewart | 00:15 | thoughts? |

21.10.02
STRUGGLING WITH SIN
One thing i wrestle with is bitterness. This pamphlet (in .pdf) is really helpful. i like how it explains bitterness. Guilt is how we feel about our own sin, bitterness is how we feel about someone else's sin that affects us. However, bitterness is a sin, in and of itself, apart from the original sin that was committed. i often fall into the trap of shifting blame and harbouring bitterness, but i am commited to addressing it. i guess that's a start.
posted by kristen stewart | 20:50 | thoughts? |

HERE'S A TERM SANDLIN SHOULD WRITE ABOUT
my boss: i took my mother to homecoming at our church down in eastern North Carolina. We're one hour Presbyterians.
me: yeah?
my boss: yeah, we are out the door by noon. they had some guest pastor speak and he preached until 12:10! that's worthy of defrocking! we were supposed to take communion because it was a special Sunday, but the pastor had to make things right, so he got up and said "Jesus gave his disciples the Lord's Supper and then they went out. So we're going to take the elements as we leave this morning." And they served them as we walked out the door!
me: really?! that's bizarre. my Presbyterian church goes an hour and forty-five minutes, two hours.
my boss: y'all are Hasidic Presbyterians.
posted by kristen stewart | 17:28 | thoughts? |

NOSTALGIA
i often kick off my socks in my sleep and on cold nights i find myself longing for those old school kids pajamas with the attached feet.
posted by kristen stewart | 07:39 | thoughts? |

20.10.02
SABBATH REFLECTION
I waited for the Lord; He stooped and heard my cry.
He brought me from the pit, out of the dungeon mire,
My feet set on a rock, my footsteps made secure.
My lips He gave a song, a song to praise our God.

Many will see with awe, and so will trust the Lord.
Blessed he who trusts in God, and turns not to false men.
You have worked wonders, Lord; no one compares to You!
Should I declare each one, their number is too great.

You want no offering, nor ask a sacrifice,
But You have given me a ready ear to hear.
You ask no off'rings burnt nor sacrifice for sin.
So I say, "Here I come, as in the scroll inscribed."

"To do Your will, O God, to me is my delight.
Your law is part of me, deep in my heart, O God."
In congregation great I told Your righteousness.
You know, Lord, I spoke out; I did not close my lips.
—Psalm 40E
posted by kristen stewart | 16:03 | thoughts? |

19.10.02
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
My blogroll is always expanding. There are some hidden gems in there for y'all to check out!
posted by kristen stewart | 00:01 | thoughts? |

17.10.02
NEW TEMPLATE
Kindly Valerie offered to design me something, but not wanting to put pressure on her, i borrowed from Wicked Designs and worked this one up for the interim. What do y'all think?
posted by kristen stewart | 23:57 | thoughts? |

ALL THE GOOD IDEAS START IN SEATTLE
No, not Starbucks... bring a friend to church and win a prize!
posted by kristen stewart | 23:01 | thoughts? |

BE ON YOUR TOES
Boundless published a great article on the International Churches of Christ recently i've been meaning to blog about. The local ICOC, Triangle Church, has a big presence on UNC's campus, as well as neighbouring Dook and NC State. The biggest scare about this cult is that it is a warped form of Christianity, so people are duped into believing they are part of the "real" New Testament church. i've had a few encounters. i told them to stop calling me or i'd call Campus Police. True story.
posted by kristen stewart | 12:51 | thoughts? |

FALL BREAK
i am at home, enjoying a four-day weekend. My family lives in the quintessential sleepy Southern town. It's very lovely. This morning the weather was perfect autumn cool with bright blue skies and i felt blessed to get to drive around and see the sights. i also got the great privilege of visiting my dentist, who is the most positive, nice dentist i have ever known. Tomorrow is homecoming, a parade and a game against our big rival school, and my little sister's on court. It should be fun.
posted by kristen stewart | 12:13 | thoughts? |

15.10.02
DEVELOPING A WORLDVIEW
Please pray for Indonesia. The recent attacks are all a part of a scheme by Muslim fundamentalists to scare the country into being favourable to an overthrow of the secular goverment and the establishment of Islamic rule.
posted by kristen stewart | 23:56 | thoughts? |

EMERGING FROM THE SHADOWS
Jim Hart points us to an article that highlights the bleaker side of academia.
posted by kristen stewart | 23:48 | thoughts? |

WORD OF ADVICE
Never, under any circumstances, express how content you are on your blog. i feel as if i am now under attack. My fatigue has reached all time highs and my bloodwork seemed fine so now my doctor thinks it is all in my head. i get a new bill every day i can't pay. My friendships are in precarious positions. Please pray for me, if you remember.
posted by kristen stewart | 08:59 | thoughts? |

13.10.02
SABBATH REFLECTION
By grace I am an heir of heaven: why doubt this, O my trembling heart?
If what the Scriptures promise clearly is true and firm in ev'ry part,
This also must be truth divine: by grace a crown of life is mine.

By grace alone shall I inherit that blissful home beyond the skies.
Works count for naught, the Lord incarnate hath won for me the heav'nly prize.
Salvation by his death he wrought, His grace alone my pardon bought.

By grace! These precious words remember when sorely by thy sins oppressed,
When Satan comes to vex thy spirit, when troubled conscience sighs for rest;
What reason cannot comprehend, God doth to thee by grace extend.

By grace! Be this in death my comfort; despite my fears, 'tis well with me.
I know my sin in all its greatness, but also him who sets me free.
My heart to naught but joy gives place since I am saved by grace, by grace.
—Christian L. Scheidt
posted by kristen stewart | 11:59 | thoughts? |

12.10.02
QUOTEABLE
"The ideal life is in our blood and never will be still. Sad will be the day for any man when he becomes contented with the thoughts he is thinking and the deeds he is doing—where there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger, which he knows that he was meant and made to do."
—Phillips Brooks
posted by kristen stewart | 22:23 | thoughts? |

I LUV IT!
The Genevan Book of Order: The Form of Prayers and Ministration of the Sacraments, etc. used in the English Congregation at Geneva (1556). Link via Isaac.
posted by kristen stewart | 09:24 | thoughts? |

11.10.02
THE STATE OF AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY
It's not just mainline "cultural Christians," or those happy-clappy evangelicals. American Christians have no concept of what it means to worship God.

One in three adult regular attendees said they have never experienced God's presence while in church. Two in three were unable to describe to the survey-takers what worship is. Less than half reported that worship was a top priority in their lives. Only one in four described worship as something people do for God.

Americans make worship services a self-centered activity, he said. Of the reasons given to researchers on why they go to church, 47 percent were self-focused, 29 percent were God-focused and 2 percent had no focus at all, Barna said. "We view ourselves first and foremost as consumers," he said. "Americans are always looking for a deal," or what's in it for them, he added.

10.10.02
THINGS I LIVE IN HOPEFUL EXPECTATION OF
graduating.
getting married.
our first apartment.
our first real house.
having someone to read to me.
being pregnant.
having kids.
learning French.
learning Latin.
having an empty nest.
heaven.
posted by kristen stewart | 21:45 | thoughts? |

8.10.02
Avoiding Self Fulfilling Prophesies
Mike asked why my imood is tired if i am so happy. My imood has recently been "beaming" "joyful" and "content" for those of you who like to keep score. Alas alack, i am tired. Tired is pretty typical. My mom told me i had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on Sunday. She has long suspected it. She made me go to the doctor last year. i told them i slept more when i came home and it worried my mom and they gave me a clean bill of health. i think it's important to mention that my mom is not one of those moms that think doctors fix everything and rarely took us growing up. i went to a physician three times between the ages of six and sixteen other than the obligatory yearly sports physical. i guess i should have taken the whole thing more seriously. i do get headaches and muscle aches. Sleep isn't really all that restful or rejuvenating for me. i could have CFS, i suppose. i am just worried i will get diagnosed and start being really slothful, since i have an excuse. Am i just being lame?
posted by kristen stewart | 19:14 | thoughts? |

Contentment
i am currently setting a record for the most consecutive mornings i have woken up happy to be me. No, i don't really keep track, i just know that i am doing a lot better in this arena than i have been over the course of my life. i am not especially sad. i am just overly realistic. i tend to see my life as generally middle of the road, i could be better off or worse, and that i'm okay being me. i wasn't discontent. i wasn't highly depressed. i just felt average. i have been slowly inching my way up to feeling magnificent and joyful and blessed and the recipient of far more common grace that i could ever deserve. And that's a good feeling.
posted by kristen stewart | 17:14 | thoughts? |

7.10.02
My Hopes Are So High
Last night i went to a Dashboard Confessional concert with one of my sisters, one of her friends and one of mine. It was fun. Dashboard puts on a good show. You might recognize them from their song "Screaming Infidelities" which got some radio play. They won an MTV2 Video Music Award. i got to hear my favourite new song "Hands Down" which is about a really really good date. "My hopes are so high that your kiss might kill me. So won't you kill me, so I die happy. My heart is yours to fill or burst. To break or bury, or wear as jewelery. Which ever you prefer." I didn't get to hear my favourite old song, "Living in Your Letters." i've been singing it to myself so i'll just post the lyrics. "i'm always assuming the worst. but you're going on nonetheless. and there's nothing to cushion your heart led fall. letters from further away keep pulling me close to home. and they're something to cushion my callous sighs. and i know that you hope for longer good-byes. embracing for forever and falling in your eyes. in your eyes. your eyes. pouring over photographs. i'm living in your letters. and breathe deeply from this envelope. it smells like you and i can't be without that scent. its filling me with all you mean to me, to me. continually failing these trials, but you stand by me nonetheless. and you won't let me sink though i'm begging you, i'm begging you. phone calls from further away and messages on my machine. but i don't ever tell you this distance seems terrible. there's no need to test my heart with useless space. these roads go on forever and so do you and i. there will always be a place for you in my heart. pouring over photographs. i'm living in your letters. and breathe deeply from this envelope. it smells like you and i can't be without that scent. its filling me with all you mean to me, to me. so i'll hit the pavement. it's gotta be better than waiting. and pushing you far away cause i'm scared. so i'll take my chances and head on my way up there. cause turning to you is like falling in love when you're ten." My favouritest thing about the concert was that all the kids knew the lyrics and sang them loud and were encouraged to. That makes me happy.
posted by kristen stewart | 07:33 | thoughts? |

6.10.02
Sabbath Reflection
"All ends of earth rememb'ring Him, shall turn themselves unto the LORD.
The kindreds of the nations then to Him their homage shall accord.
Because the LORD the kingdom owns and rules above all earthly thrones.

The rich and mighty of the earth shall eat and low before Him bend,
And in His presence all shall bow who helpless to the dust descend.
The wretched who although they strive, yet cannot keep their souls alive.

A seed shall rise to serve His will, and to the age it shall be told.
About our Lord; then they shall come and shall His righteousness unfold
Unto a people yet unknown, that this was done by Him alone."
--Psalm 22I
posted by kristen stewart | 15:15 | thoughts? |

5.10.02
Fully Embracing My Calvinism
Jamie and i went to Tyler's tonight so that i could partake in my first Guinness. It wasn't BAD. It was almost good. i am learning that you drink beer in gulps, as opposed to wine, which you drink in sips. Maybe someday i can wear an extra-special "Guinness is for Calvinists" shirt if i work on enjoying beer very hard this year.
posted by kristen stewart | 22:52 | thoughts? |

Hilarious!
My oldest little sister called this week and somehow we started talking about music with shady lyrics. i quoted one of the most depraved lines i could think of from Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On," a song i like very much, for the record. Today, i read her buddy info on AIM and it said "[screenname], if the Spirit moves ya, let me groove ya." What a silly girl!
posted by kristen stewart | 10:23 | thoughts? |

4.10.02
Shifting Seasons
Last week it felt like fall, this week it felt like summer again. i can't wait for autumn to REALLY start. i love the changing leaves and the cooler weather. One of my friends claims autumn is good for love. Is it wrong to hope she's right?
posted by kristen stewart | 15:22 | thoughts? |

2.10.02
When is Your Quiver Full?
Lately, i've had some interesting discussions with people (mostly unbelievers) about how many children i want to have. My real, honest-to-goodness answer is "as many as God'll give me." i have been known to estimate in the neighbourhood of six to eight when really pressed about it. Anyway, people always inevitably ask how i am going to feed and clothe them all and send them to college. i just want to point them to the Colvins' site. The FAQs are simply priceless!
posted by kristen stewart | 11:18 | thoughts? |

1.10.02
When i Read It, i Weep
Amen to this article... the TNIV has to be the worst translation on the market today. Mostly because people think it is good. At least everyone knows the Message is a paraphrase.
posted by kristen stewart | 18:20 | thoughts? |

Everybody's Doing It
My Bloginality is ENTJ!

posted by kristen stewart | 06:23 | 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. //