I THINK HE'S JUST KIDDING...
Like many poor graduate students, Matt has been brainstorming about ways to cut costs next school year. One idea he has been tossing around is living in his carrel in Davis Library. He reports that the desk is long enough at 8 feet to transform into a bed at night if he had a long mat to set atop it. Woolen gym is only 50 yards away and has public showers. Though some would miss Matt's skill as a host, he would save enough on rent and utilities to be able to eat and drink out every day. The most hilarious thought for me is the looks on the faces of those working at the circulation desk, as they see Matt leave the library every morning soon after it opens in his pajamas, wearing flip-flops and carrying a shower caddy.
posted by kristen stewart | 10:48 | thoughts? |

30.3.03
SABBATH REFLECTION
The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want.
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again;
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
Even for His own Name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill;
For Thou art with me; and Thy rod
And staff my comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnishèd
In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house forevermore
My dwelling place shall be.
--Psalm 23 from the Scottish Psalter
posted by kristen stewart | 22:39 | thoughts? |

29.3.03
TEASER
Jeremy inquired about my thoughts on The Brothers Karamazov. I'm not far enough in to comment, but look forward to thoughts on that work and Kierkegaard's Sickness Unto Death early next week.
posted by kristen stewart | 13:09 | thoughts? |

27.3.03
PRAYER
Lord, I believe, only help my unbelief.
posted by kristen stewart | 22:51 | thoughts? |

SENIORITIS
I've got it bad.
posted by kristen stewart | 10:47 | thoughts? |

25.3.03
BY REQUEST
The summer of 2001 I interned at First Presbyterian Church in Montrose, CO, a small city up in the San Juans between Grand Junction and Telluride. First Pres is a very evangelical PCUSA church committed to the reformed tradition. There is a small PCA church in Montrose, and during the summer their youth workers befriended me, leading us to bring our youth together in partnership for such events as the Lame Games 2001. Plus, they were just cool guys with whom to spend hours at Denny's and the Coffee Trader discussing theology and life. Too poor for going away gifts, we both ended up giving and receiving music, which was a fun surprise. The guys wrote me my own short, silly song (which i have compley forgotten) and i learned "Leaving on a Jet Plane" which performed with slight lyrical adjustments (line re: wedding ring --> bring you some sweet tea). The next day, I went to the airport in Montrose as scheduled. United had called my house to slightly adjust my itinerary (by 12 minutes) just two days before, so i was confident about my arrangements. i get to the counter, look up at the board and my flight was not listed. My anger and lament were great as my whole itinerary was shot. This was Saturday. Classes started Monday. I wanted to go home and sleep before moving in on Sunday, but alas, alack, the airline did not consider this important. My fellow interns, staying until Monday themselves, had come to say their goodbyes and seeing my deep sorrow, whisked me off to the diner for a milkshake and some jukebox fun. On the four minute drive between the airport and the diner (Montrose is a very small city), i composed a (pretty lousy) parody chronicling my experiences with United. Since United has yet again worked its magic and ruined my plans, i post these lyrics in their honour.

All my bags were packed i was ready to go
United cancelled my flight two weeks ago
And didn't have the decency to call

Now i'm going to have to fly all night
Man, this day's turned out to bite
i may not get to see my home at all

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that i'm going to be
in Carolina before i even know
Cause i'm leaving on a jet plane
Don't know when i'll be back again
O babe, i want to go

There's so many times i've been let down
So many times you've played around
But rarely so completely that i cry

Every time i fly i'll think of this
Montrose flights are easy to miss
But i admit, the flight boards never lie

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that i'm going to be
in Carolina before i even know
Cause i'm leaving on a jet plane
Don't know when i'll be back again
O babe, i want to go.
posted by kristen stewart | 21:46 | thoughts? |

UNUSUAL HABITS
When i am feeling an excess of any emotion, i feel the urge to write a song. i have occasionally followed through on these urges, but not in the last year or so. Now i begin to compose in my head, finding lyrics and a hooky piece of music. In a process i have not fully mapped, my mind determines an artist, someone best suited to perform the song. Yesterday, I wrote an excellent Elliot Smith song i should have written down and sent to him. It was a sad love song that just suited his vocal stylings. Today, I worked for Etta James. I am not sure how this odd habit started.
posted by kristen stewart | 20:40 | thoughts? |

24.3.03
MENTAL HEALTH
Pharmaceuticals intended to alter mood/chemical levels: only for pagans or can Christians take them?
posted by kristen stewart | 22:03 | thoughts? |

MISSED 'IM
Jim Hart is back and better than ever, now located at Poshlost.com.
posted by kristen stewart | 15:18 | thoughts? |

23.3.03
SABBATH REFLECTION
"Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art:
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a king,
born to reign in us for ever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne."
--Charles Wesley
posted by kristen stewart | 22:27 | thoughts? |

22.3.03
I LIKE RYAN AND I LIKE QUIZZES

I'm "Crazy About You."
What Ryan Adams song are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

THE "PERFECT" CHURCH
i am well aware that no church is perfect, but i can't help but wish that i lived in Austin and got to go to Redeemer every week. Their worship service and work in the community are things i wholeheartedly support. i am just not CRE at heart. i place far too much emphasis on social justice and catholicity, perhaps, or i don't always buy into the social norms. if only the PCA would get on the ball and start communing covenant children...

ED. 24 March 2003 -- i really do love my church. it has great people and it does many things well. Like every church, it has areas to grow in, but the covenant community is strong and vibrant. Being at Redeemer means more for me than just attending church on Sunday, if that makes any sense.
posted by kristen stewart | 14:08 | thoughts? |

20.3.03
THEY SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday dear Michael!
Happy birthday to you!
(and many more!)
posted by kristen stewart | 23:33 | thoughts? |

FISHING
We got a good rain today and all the worms were out on sidewalks and on top of the grass. It made me want to grab a container, fill it with dirt, find some good worms and go out to the lake.
posted by kristen stewart | 15:00 | thoughts? |

BUSYNESS
i have been running around and doing lots of schoolwork so i haven't had a chance to finish posting about Spring Break. However, Mike wrote a post about it of Jonesian proportions. Well, not quite Jonesian. In any event, you ought to read it.
posted by kristen stewart | 14:59 | thoughts? |

18.3.03
WEDNESDAY
After Mike made me breakfast, we lounged around the house for a while, watched a movie, etc. We finally went out, drove around Rohnert Park and had In and Out as a picnic lunch, mmmhmmm. Mike's sister Amber turned 13. So we went and got ice cream and went to play mini-golf and arcade games. Mike made Amber and i play Dance, Dance Revolution. i found it fun, but rather difficult. That night we hung out with his paternal extended family. It was a less busy day.
posted by kristen stewart | 19:02 | thoughts? |

17.3.03
HOME
I'm back, with lots of stories to tell. What do you want to hear about? My first visit to a winery? My first trip in a little four seater plane? San Fransisco? My Big Fat Scotitalian Mouth? Torrential downpours at 4 a.m. while driving? Getting stuck in Denver? So many tales and not enough energy to blog them all.
posted by kristen stewart | 16:49 | thoughts? |

12.3.03
CALIFORNIA
I've been really enjoying myself in Rohnert Park and Windsor in Sonoma County, where Mike's parents live. On Monday we drove down Route 1 and i saw lots of fog and some ocean as well. I went into a random store on the coast and found out that was formerly owned by the author of The Beatles, the Bible and Bodega Bay. I skimmed the book while Mike was off buying salt water taffy for his siblings and it was interesting. The landscape here is so beautiful! We drove up to see some of Mike's grandparents in Fort Bragg and I saw redwood trees :o) They have a gorgeous little house on a bit of land and told us stories about their chickens and other assorted country adventures. After we drove back, Mike took me to the most amazing restaurant last night, a teeny place called Mirepoix, just around the corner from his Mom's. It deserves an entry itself! Really, everything does. Oh, and my best friend gave birth early this morning! It's been an amazing adventure thus far. More later!
posted by kristen stewart | 15:14 | thoughts? |

9.3.03
SABBATH REFLECTION
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his word;
in God my Savior shall my heart rejoice.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his Name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
his mercy sure, from age to age to same;
his holy Name--the Lord, the Mighty One.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.

Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
to children's children and for evermore!
--setting of the Magnificat by Timothy Dudley Smith, 1965
posted by kristen stewart | 12:39 | thoughts? |

8.3.03
BLOG: HIJACKED, PLANE: NOT
Hello, this is Mike and I've hijacked Kristen's blog. I just wanted y'all to know that she arrived safely Thursday night -- though her plane was delayed a few minutes. So, she's at the Grooms' house, and she is well. Except for that small bump on head that I gave her. However, let me explain.

We were sitting in the Grooms' living room after dinner, drinking tea, and chatting. Kristen normally likes to sit on my left side with my left arm around her. Well, on my left hand is my watch. So, my hand is rested on the back of the sofa and all-of-a-sudden this kitten jumps three feet in the air and POUNCES on my hand. I, living in a pet-free dormitory, freak out and whipped my hand in the opposite direction, which unfortunately was blocked by Kristen's forehead. In the midst of apologizing profusely and trying to see if she was all right (I actually said: "Are you I'm sorry?"), I managed to get some ice on her forehead and she is doing well. I don't imagine she'll retain any evidence marks, but I still felt absolutely horrible. I can just imagine trying to explain to my folks why Kristen has a mark on her head. "Well, Dad, she was trying to open the door for me! again."

Anyhow, that was late this evening. Earlier in the day, she went to visit Regents School of Austin. She said it was really nice. The position she's considering has a number of applicants, so prayers for favor and guidance are requested.

Tomorrow, we'll do a mini-tour of Austin, stop by the five Half Price books locations, go to JT's parents house for dinner -- REAL BBQ, Texas style. We don't mess with that "pulled pork" and vinegar stuff, and you don't need no side orders to go along.

Sunday, we'll gather for worship at Redeemer Presbyterian. Later in the day, we'll fly to CA.

Kristen, or I, will try to catch you up later.

Cheers, Mike.
posted by kristen stewart | 00:21 | thoughts? |

5.3.03
ASHES, ASHES
Sometimes i think i view Christianity as a buffet. My main course is Reformed. However, i'll take side dishes of Liturgy from the Catholics or Episcopalians or Lutherans and community from the Evangelicals. What do y'all think of that?
posted by kristen stewart | 18:48 | thoughts? |

WHAT'S THE DEAL?
Anyone else having issues with their template? Silly blogger! I've been trying to change my blogs of the week for two days!
posted by kristen stewart | 13:03 | thoughts? |

4.3.03
BUTTERFLIES
Friday, i am going to Regents School in Austin to meet the headmaster and turn in my application. i picked out my cutest teacherish outfit, i'm working hard on the application, but i'm scared. i really want to teach. What will i do if i don't?
posted by kristen stewart | 18:55 | thoughts? |

2.3.03
WHAT IS THE RELEVANCE OF THE BIBLE IN RELATIONSHIP TO EDUCATION?
The Bible is the single most important text man has been given and must be the basis of any education that claims to be Christ-centered. Though Bible classes are profitable, the Bible must not be limited to just one class. The Bible tells us that everything was created through God and for God and also that Christ Jesus is before all and holds all together. God created and sustains all things; so all learning must be conformed to biblical authority. Though it was inspired and transcribed thousands of years ago, the Bible is still relevant to all aspects of education. It contains history, philosophy, poetry, and literature, but moreover, it is the revelation of the Triune God to mankind. It tells us of God’s covenant with man. No other knowledge can surpass biblical knowledge in importance. And so, the knowledge of God must inform the study of all things, because all things are God’s, and cannot be fully understood apart from him.
posted by kristen stewart | 23:40 | thoughts? |

SABBATH REFLECTION
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.
--American Folk Hymn
posted by kristen stewart | 20:02 | thoughts? |

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