Wow, I never thought when I last updated that it would be two months before my next blog. The very nature of my life as of late has proven inhospitable to nearly all forms of communication with the outside world. In other words, school (among other things) has struck, and I have been flailing violently in an attempt to regain my footing. But, God, true to His nature, has been faithful. I am learning to, as 1 Peter tells me, 'cast all my cares upon Him.' Such a unique concept. Here I am lumbering along embroiled in worry and care, and I crank my neck up to see a Savior inviting me to roll them onto His back for a change. Hmm... Do you really think I'm going to reject an offer like that?! But, it's sometimes a little easier said than done. The habit of solo performance is sometimes hard to break. It takes practice to learn how to look to the Director for guidance, rather than free-styling it on your own. It takes patience to wait upon God and His grace to sustain me instead of the drive within me to get things done. But, here I am, my back firmly molded into the contour of the concrete wall behind me with nowhere to turn but the grace of God. It's a good place to be. A safe place to be. It keeps you humble, and longing for more of Him.

- Ryan

Tags: Back

Well, another school year is getting under way. I arrived around 11:00pm last night and dutifully lugged all of my belongings up the treacherous five flights of stairs. Whew... it's amazing how out of shape your leg muscles get in three months.

-Ryan

Tags: GBS, Back

I knew I couldn't take it on the lam any longer, and I decided to turn myself in. So, about 5:30 this afternoon I headed back to the 'Natti (no idea why I used that term as I sincerely dislike it). I am being punished for my weekend escape by having a reading report over 150+ pages of reading due Wednesday for Church History II. They're brutal on insurrection here. I must sign off for now, the guard's coming back...

Ryan

P.S. Did you know that meat explodes when you leave it in the microwave too long? Ask me how I know.

Tags: Back

I couldn't handle the smell anymore, as it was vigorously wafting into my room. So, I went into the kitchen with a few other guys as backup, and we went on a seek and destroy mission. The enemy was soon located, and was, disturbing. Have you ever seen (or smelled) fish and vegetables that have been in a slow-cooker for two days with the heat on the whole time? We found a new home for it Today was the first day of classes...scary. Huhh, I'm glad I don't have to do it on my own!œ

Ryan

Tags: Back

I arrived back in Cincinnati around 10:30 tonight. I was greeted by a most rank smell coming from the refrigerator in the guys dorm! I didn't have the courage (or stomach) to investigate. I shall leave it to the cleaning crew Well, It's 1:30am, and I'm ready for bed. Adios!

Ryan

Tags: Back

I got back on campus around 9:30 tonight, and received a chilly surprise when I entered my room. When your expecting to walk into a nice cozy cocoon, 55 degrees is a bit... startling. Apparently they shut off the heat during break, and have not yet turned it on. That in itself would not have been a problem, but my window decided to fall open about 3 inches of its own accord, which let the frigid air blow freely into my room. It's now up to 60, so it is improving. Oh well, things could most certainly be worse. It's now onto the home stretch! Only 16 more days and this semester will be nothing but a memory. Memories... Many good. Some bad. But all to the glory of God.

Ryan

Tags: Back, Break

I arrived back on campus around 7:00pm tonight. It was busy! A lot more people than I expected. I began the extremely laborious treks up down down the 76 stairs to my room. I'm guessing I made between 10-15 trips. Don't do the math, let's just say, I've never been so near to heaven! Neck bulging as I gasp for air in the sweltering stairwells. The asyphxiating smell of fresh paint and dry wall from some work recently completed added to the effect. But, you know what they say, what doesn't kill you....

My room is coming together. Here is a pic of the in progress unpacking/organization.




Well, back to the organizing. Have a good evening!

Ryan

Tags: School, Back

I head back to school tomorrow in Cincinnati. Summer went by WAY to quickly! I'm not ready...

Ryan

Tags: Back

Choir Tour 2008 is officially over. We returned Sunday night from our last service. It was hard, especially for the ones graduating or not returning. Everyone went around to each other and said their final goodbyes. Lot's of tears, lot's of hugs, lot's of unity. But, now it's back to the grindstone. I admit, it's probably going to take a small atomic bomb to get me moving again. I just feel like sleeping, and doing nothing for the next 2 months. Ah well, for God and country.

Ryan

Tags: GBS, Back, Choir, Break, End

I decided to roll all three posts into one. I apologize for the gap in updates again. I don't have convenient internet access for my laptop at my house, and so I ended up putting it off till I got back to school. I arrived about 12:00 yesterday afternoon, and I survived my first day of classes today. I've returned with mixed emotions. I must admit that I am slightly reluctant as I begin this semester, just because of the sheer vastness of the workload before me. But, I know the Lord brought me safely through this last year, and I'm sure He will do it again. I have added a few pictures, one of which is my room after I dumped everything off before heading to work yesterday afternoon. Trust me, it looks better now

Ryan

Tags: Back, Return, Break

Well, the fun is over and it's back to the grindstone. Well, considering I worked all summer, did I ever leave it? Hmmm, questions that have no answer. Anyway, I am back at GBS and moved into my own room! What a blessing! I started my new job working for Dr. Brown on Tuesday. Things are going well, but I'll feel better once learn all the ins and outs involved with the position. But, I guess that will come with time. Things have been extremely busy since my return, and even now I am pressed for time so I must cut this short. I will try and post more later. Have a great day.

Ryan

Tags: Room, Move, Return, Back, GBS

Surprisingly enough, I was able to update my website this afternoon! Hopefully it will continue! I will spend the rest of today trying to update with some new blogs as to what's been going on. Stay tuned! I think you'll like what I have to show you.

Ryan

Tags: Back, Return, Website

Just a quick note that Megan & I arrived safely back on campus around 1:00 this afternoon. Back to the battle...

Ryan

Tags: Back, Return, Break

Just a quick note to let you know that I arrived safely back on campus around 12:00 P.M. yesterday. And so it begins...

Ryan

Tags: Back, Return, GBS