these are the rules
| According to the student handbook of a certain Christian college, if you don't follow all of these guidelines, you'll bust Hell wide open. Listen carefully to a few snippets of their policies on music, dress and your life in general. Music Standards -- We feel it important that our students learn to appreciate and be involved in music that enhances their Christian testimony. Therefore, students are encouraged to listen to classical, semiclassical and good Christian music. The fine arts staff of the College acknowledges its responsibility to provide musical experiences designed to develop the appetites of our students for such music. The following types of music are not permitted: a. Current popular music b. Jazz, rock, rap, folk, "Nashville" type, or new age music c. Religious music performed in the folk, western rock, or gospel rock style d. Soundtracks from movies rated PG-13, PG, or below Dress Code for Men--Hair should be cut in such a way that it does not come over the ears, eyebrows, or collar. Sideburns should be no longer than the middle of the ear. Styles related to counterculture, such as hairstyle or color, clothing, and jewelry, are not acceptable. Gym: Casual pants (Dockers, Bugle Boy, etc.), nylon jogging suits. We ask that no caps, Levi's/jeans, denim, sweatpants, sweatshirts, or spandex be worn. Collared shirts (no writing or pictures) should be worn (Okay, I do agree with the spandex policy). Hats may be worn where casual wear is permitted. Hats may not be worn backwards. Dress Code for Women--Styles relating to counterculture, such as hair style or color, unusual nail color, clothing, and jewelry, are not acceptable. No pants or shorts, please. Young ladies should dress in a manner that others will focus on the face and particularly the eyes, for some say, "the eyes are the mirror of the soul." Although the wearing of multiple earrings has become common in the world, ladies are asked to wear a maximum of two sets. These should be worn in the ear lobes only. Except for participation in recreational activities and on campus on Saturdays, our ladies will always wear hosiery outside the residence hall. Women students may not wear slacks or shorts on campus, off campus in public, or in the presence of other students. Miscellaneous--Sunday is considered by the Lord's people as a day of rest. Shopping for groceries, etc., should be handled on another day. I guess I missed the rule about having to wear your WWJD bracelet at all times, I'm sure it's in there somewhere. |
posted by Christie
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
hitting below the belt
 Need I say more? |
posted by Christie
learning to learn
| It's been just a little over a year ago that I graduated college. As difficult as it was, I successfully crammed four years of schooling into five (and a half). I know that's hard to believe. In 2002 I left BCF as a second semester senior, only to transfer and take a huge hit, losing around 70 hours of classes! Honestly, I really wasn't sure that I could recover and actually finish school. I would, for the second time around, be a first semester junior. Although then, that situation caused me much gnashing of the teeth, looking back, it probably turned out to be one of the greatest assets of my life. It was in this second college experience that college really made sense to me. I finally began to learn and think and not just remember information for later regurgitation. For the first time I was seriously challenged, both spiritually and academically and I realized that I could no longer get away with doing as little work as possible, nor did I want to. That enlightenment brought about 4 semesters of school that fostered in me a deep love and desire to study that I had never experienced before. Many of the classes in my major were arranged more like Masters level courses, where we read books, wrote papers and discussed important issues. I don't remember one day of class that I didn't have, not only the required reading completed, but usually extra background information, too. Go ahead, call me wierd, geek, nerd. I can take it. Somehow, I never developed a love for test taking, but as far as studying and writing, I was hooked. Now, as I stand on the other side of college, I miss it. I'm not at the position yet where I can go back to school, and there's not really any outlet for me to teach anywhere. So, in the meantime, I just lug around my Church history and theology books, and receive strange stares from many. Oh well, if finishing college in such an untimely matter doesn't embarass me, I guess that shouldn't either. |
posted by Christie
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
waterlogged
I have to confess that I really hate drinking water. Despite that fact, I try and guzzle four or five bottle a day, but always end up feeling as if I’ve ingested enough liquid to fill the Hoover Dam. However, I’ve lately discovered a nice diversion from the blandness that Zephryhills, Dasani and Aquafina have to offer. This wonder is none other than Crystal Light on the Go. They're small tubes, filled with just enough drink mix to be added to a bottle of water and are available in several flavors such as lemonade and raspberry. It's pretty simple - grab a bottle of water, tear off the Crystal Light pouch, pour it in the bottle, cap it, shake it – and voila! Taste wise, it’s no different than regular Crystal Light, so you probably already either love it or loathe it. Either way, you should at least give this stuff a try. |
posted by Christie
blue collar comedy
| It's rather, eh, interesting, I guess, visiting different churches. This weekend I went with my family to a small church they've been attending for a while. I sat on the pew, trying to decide if I was delusional, or if I really was in a scene from The Apostle. Thankfully, before the steel guitar got too loud, my nephew had to use the bathroom. Escape. On the way to the potty, even four year old Daniel expressed feelings about his dismay with the service. He said he was going to tell the preacher that church wouldn't be quite so boring if he'd talk about something interesting like animals. I guess it's not too much to ask a preacher to throw in a couple illustrations about dinosaurs or squids, is it? I mean, the least he could do is talk about the Gadarene swine or Balaam's ass or something. You know, be all things to all people - even if they're little. Well, after extending this conversation and the potty break about as long as I could get away with, I realized my return was inevitable. I arrived back just in time to hear several people stand up and involve themselves in rather long stories that included vivid imagery of others ailments and body parts. A little too much information if you ask me. It all culminated rather nicely when the man sitting just a few rows ahead of me, I think supposedly expressing his agreement with something that was said, actually, in audible words uttered the phrase, "git-r-done." Yes, I said "git-r-done." As I endured the rest of the service, somehow, the thought kept running though my mind, "Please tell me you're kidding, or kill me." Unfortunately, neither happened. |
posted by Christie
Thursday, June 23, 2005
confusion of the palate
 Ah, memories. The Carriage Inn Restuarant. It was a local favorite in my hometown. They served a daily buffet and had menu items that ranged from burgers and blt's to steaks and homeade soups. Although their food wasn't exactly exquisite, it was your typical small town cafe complete with southern charm. To everyones surprise, several years ago the family owned business was sold to some out of towners. An Oriental couple bought the restaurant and decided to make a few changes to the current menu. While keeping the traditional southern flavors alive, they also thought it necessary to add some tastes of the Orient as well. And since to most of us anything Oriental is Chinese, I guess it was. What is interesting, is some of the foods in which they chose to serve together. It was almost akin to the food bar at BCF (affectionately known as the House of Seven Starches) in which spaghetti was served with turnip greens. And no I didn't say and, I said with. So anyway, in honor of the wide array of flavors at the Carriage Inn Restaurant, several friends and I created some names we considered appropriate for some of the strange concotions created there. Fried Rice and Gravy Pork Chop Suey Deviled Egg Rolls Moo Goo Gai Pan Fried Chicken Grilled Cheese Wonton Sweet and Sour Chicken and Dumplings These items account for the restuarant earning its nickname - not the Greasy Spoon, but instead, the Greasy Chopstick. Eh, I guess If the shoe fits. |
posted by Christie
quips, comebacks and catchphrases
| The American Film Institute has revealed its top 100 movie quotes of all time. Although there are some that I think they missed, last I checked, they didn't ask me. Like, how is it possible that "You'll shoot your eye out kid" is absent from the list? Do people not know good television when they see it? It must be some wierd conspiracy theory that Rick is covertly involved in since he loathes A Christmas Story. I guess nothing is ever "easy peasy, Japanesy." Oh, and name that movie... |
posted by Christie
a flower speaks
While assigned to write a poem on our mission trip, this is what transpired.
A tulip just a flower Yet stands for so much more A tulip just a symbol Yet it speaks of Christ our Lord It first tells of depravity Living deep within And then of the election That God has chosen for some to win The atonement that is limited Though some may disagree It must be efficacious, remember To truly set men free Irresistible this grace that draws I cannot tell Him “no” Salvation does not hinge on man But on the God who chose What did I do to gain this state? Nothing on my own So since no work can merit it Perseverance is of God alone! |
posted by Christie
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
not a kid anymore
 Just sending some 20th birthday love to our favorite guitar playing, luggage of the stars working, tulip inspired, Jesus loving, Jeep driving, California born, good buddy, Mike. Keep it real. |
posted by Christie
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
true story
| Just in case your television diet doesn't already provide you with enough debauchery and fornication, then tune in tonight at 10 pm to the season premier of The Real World:Austin. The show, which films the lives of seven strangers picked to live in a house together, is in its 16th season. As always, MTV promises that this one will be even raunchier than the last. No doubt, they'll deliver. |
posted by Christie
Monday, June 20, 2005
i always thought i had some magical powers...
 i'm not exactly sure what this says about me, but at least i'm cool. and btw, once again, this is rick - not christie... |
posted by Christie
philly up your cup
| Having formerly been under the assumption that I'd experienced the ghetto, I now realize that I was mistaken. Infact, mistaken is probably an understatement. More like confused, deluded and basically just way off. Philadelphia is an interesting place, and West Philadelphia is even more so. To be honest, I secretly enjoy those extreme cultural experiences that leave me feeling as if I've just been in a movie. This trip was certainly no exception. Infact, I think I might even be up for an Academy Award. |
posted by Christie
Thursday, June 09, 2005
the city of love
 We’re leaving it all behind for the next week as we hit the road Friday morning to take our youth to M-Fuge Philadelphia. We’ll spend our time connecting with inner-city kids, the homeless, the elderly - and hopefully, spread the love of Christ as we go. So until next time - coupleofwords, out. |
posted by Christie
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
singing the blues
From the very first time I heard the song "Walking in Memphis," I've been a fan of Marc Cohn - despite his one hit wonderdome. But, even though I've been singing that tune around the house since 1991, and rather unsucessfully playing it on my guitar here recently, I always was a little puzzled about some of the meanings of the lyrics. However, upon some research, I've been amazed at the facts I've learned about the words of this little diddy. Here are a few of them:
The song is filled with references such as these and has proven to teach me quite a bit of meaningless factoids. Next time you listen to it, see what you pick up on. Just make sure you don't listen to the whiny version Lonestar put out a while back, stick with the original. |
posted by Christie
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
it's understandable
 Found this t-shirt design pretty amusing. While I laugh, Charles Sheldon is currently turning over in his grave. |
posted by Christie
one down...
| After paying on, not a huge, but a pretty significant sized student loan - I'm about to be free of it. I made my first payment in June of 2004, and I'll make my last this week. I tried very hard to pay as much as possible each month so we could get out from underneath that debt, and it's finally paid off. Now, my last loan, which I've only been paying the minimum on, will be the next goal to tackle. Hopefully it will only take about another year or so to knock that one out. As for now, I've never been so happy to write someone a $298 check in my entire life. |
posted by Christie
Monday, June 06, 2005
hadn't been there...won't get the t-shirt
| Although we've lived in the area for almost three years now, there is a notorious local restaurant that I've never had the chance to go to. It's about 25 miles from here and is located at Gray's Landing, on the banks of the famous Altamaha River. Well, the river isn't all that famous, but it is known for being the widest river east of the Mississippi. Back to the restaurant, it's called Benton Lee's and we're headed there tonight. Although the place has very limited advertisment, it's visited by people from all over the state and country. The atmosphere is extremely laid back and the place is known for its occasional bar room brawl. Infact, the joke is that if you come in the place without a weapon, they'll give you one at the door. Despite the seedy conditions, the food is supposed to be great - as long as you can get beyond the fact that it's served on a tv tray. The portions are said to be huge - so huge that if you eat the entire large sized steak, you get your meal free plus a t-shirt! Legend has it that that particular steak has sent at least one person to the hospital. So, it sounds like it will be an interesting experience...and that I won't be coming home with a t-shirt. But I might take a weapon, you know, just to be on the safe side. I'll at least have my car key ready to become a projectile point if necessary. I know everyone feels safe now. |
posted by Christie
Rick = Yoda
 Rick = Yoda You scored as Yoda. Yoda 69% R2-D2 67% General Grievous 64% Obi Wan Kenobi 64% Anakin Skywalker 61% Chewbacca 61% Mace Windu 61% Clone Trooper 50% Darth Vader 47% Padme Amidala 39% Emperor Palpatine 25% C-3PO 17% Which Revenge of the Sith Character are You? **Sorry, I had to remove the link after discovering extreme profanity that I somehow missed. If you would really like to have it, you can go to quizfarm.com and search for it. ** |
posted by Christie
Friday, June 03, 2005
makes you go hmmm...
 I ordered this shirt, and somehow I managed to miss the pun involved. I take things far too literally. Eh, I think I'm going to wear it anyway. Hopefully I won't be too misunderstood. Update: Rick says I'm not allowed to wear this shirt. Arghh! |
posted by Christie
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
point and click
| Check out the website for emerge, a new ministry beginning at our church. Right now, the site is ever so basic - but it will later include a belief statement, and sections about life, faith, culture, etcetera. We launch this weekend, and are very excited about what God has in store... |
posted by Christie
it's positively summer
| Finally summer is here. I was reminded of that as we traveled through a podunk hollerish south Georgia town this past weekend. The electronic bank sign in the middle of town flashed, "+90 degrees." Thankfully, someone clarified the positive thing because I had questions of whether or not the continual sweat gushing from my brow wasn't possibly due to negative temperatures. Nothing like stating the obvious. Also, a reminder of the impending solstice is my hair that now has conspicuous blonde streaks throughout. As much as I'd like for it to be due to our trip to the beach this past weekend - it really has more to do with a bottle, but oh well. Ah, and flilp flops. I wear them mostly year round anyway, but now they can be enjoyed to their fullest extent. I've been on a several week long pilgrimage trying to find the perfect pair of flops - but as of yet, they have eluded me. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the sun, the heat and probably not the steam, but 2 out of 3 ain't bad. |
posted by Christie