Jude Smith

Just did ANOTHER personality indicator but this is actually quite good!

Am in a lecture with a bunch of numbnuts who keep asking ridiculous questions!

"A parable is a well shaped, small story that is not about itself." (John Nolland) Am mid lecture: about Biblical interpretation. I'm struck that I would like my life to be a parable by that definition: a well shaped small story that is not about itself. "There was a woman... ". much food for thought about how that story continues to shape. John has been making the point that Jesus' parables are really nuanced: they should never be dulled by overfamiliarity; they should be slightly mysterious.. I could go on, and go off on one! But maybe I should stop! Very excited!

Rubbish title: not rubbish film. I have to say that I'm not sure what the point of the film was. (the cynic in me would suggest that the point was to get an Oscar nomination for Angelina Jolie). It tells the story of Mariane and Daniel Pearl. He was killed in Pakistan in early 2002. And thats what it does. No analysis (save maybe some comment about the feisty and somewhat butch FBI lady). Just a story. Very well shot and really gets into the Karachi/ Pakistan thing, but not sure whether it really has a point.

I probably shouldn't but I can.. So you join me in a lecture looking at intertestamental apocalyptic literature! Its not the Messiah, its a very naughty boy.. and all that! Happy days!!

It would appear that Freshers flu is not a phenomena merely reserved for the wee bairn type freshers who drink lots and kiss each other... I don;t know what is sadder: being poorly or having acquired it in such a dull manner! Seriously prayers appreciated: I have a very nasty throat just now (theres a big hole full of grossness!)...

You scored as Jürgen Moltmann , The problem of evil is central to your thought, and only a crucified God can show that God is not indifferent to human suffering. Christian discipleship means identifying with suffering but also anticipating the new creation of all things that God will bring about. Jürgen Moltmann 67% Anselm 60% Karl Barth 60% Charles Finney 53% Friedrich Schleiermacher 53% Augustine 47% John Calvin 47% Martin Luther 47% Jonathan Edwards 33% Paul Tillich 27% Which theologian are you? created with QuizFarm.com

.. When your tyres are pumped up. ..... And when your seat is high enough. Its probably also easier when your lungs don't shrink when it gets cold, when you don't have a stodgy pudding at lunch and when you have done more exercise in teh last three months than I have! But I knocked three minutes off my time this morning and only got off for twenty yards on the way home! Woo haaa.....

College is about 4 miles from my house. Thats not very far: it takes maybe 20 minutes in the car: longer during rush hour. To cycle it on one level (literally) seems easy. But college is 4 miles away and uphill virtually all the way! So today at 1025hrs I got on my little silver MTB and I peddled. And then I pushed. And then I peddled a bit more. And then I pushed for quite a long time.. And then I peddled: and 45 minutes later I made it into college. I was very red. You could have cooked vegetables in the sweat from my back (I am a lady, I am a lady!). But I made it!!! I can't begin to tell you how chuffed I was. Endorphins rushed round my body and made me feel all alive! Very exciting!!! And oh my is getting home easier!! Watch this space for progress (including if I can sit down tomorrow!)

Just clocked this: The BBC magazine has posed a new challenge: look at it HERE

Communities are funny things aren't they? I totally believe in community but just have the feeling that I'm not very good at it. Being chucked together with a bunch of people who you don't know and being expected to all bond and be able to work together straight away is a bit of a journey for me. I'm finding myself longing for space: ten people working on a project in week one is just too crazy for me. It leaves me wondering: what if I just can't do community? What if the dreams that I have for church will falter because of my own inability to dive in and not want to punch people! I'm praying for grace (and dancing feet). I'm wondering if I actually warm to institution more because it saves me having to define how the relationships work. I'm not going to pretend that I find it easy: I would very much welcome your prayers.

After a very people intensive week I decided to head down to the local Cineworld to catch a film. I decided against Atonement: I needed fluff.. ish. So Run Fat Boy Run it was. And I have to say I really enjoyed it. I think it was inevitable: it has sport (of sorts), and its British and it has Simon Pegg. Good film. Its not a rip roaring laugh... its more rom com with a few slap stick beauties. Made me feel much more human again! Will post more about life here in a bit: just watching rugby!

We have a cohort blog (ie the ten of us plus our tutor have a chance to blog about whats going on!).. have a look here.

Morning... just going swimming. Though I would mark the occasion with a post! mwahxx

So. I'm here. In fact I'm sat in front of Points West (!?) in my living room. Wi Fi is working, my room is pretty much unpacked, and I'm beginning to find my way round the City. I do love Bristol: such a variety of stuff and people and all that! House is OK, its all quite random and stuff but feels mighty peaceful. We start tomorrow: church at ECFC (thats Easton Christian Family Centre, the largest of the four churches we'll be hanging out in). I'm quite looking forward to getting going though am a little bit tired already! And yes, I miss Luton already. Mainly just people. Its bizarre because Bristol is just so good that I want to share it with people. I can visualise who would enjoy what and how they would get excited and stuff and that makes me want them all here! So come on folks, Bristol is calling!