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 have an exciting, and slightly scary few weeks ahead of me. I leave early Monday morning to do a three week tour of youth camps doing PR for GBS. Ahh.... I feel tired already But, I know it'll be fun. I can't wait. I'm traveling with a amazing and fun group of friends, which will make it much more enjoyable. I'm afraid I won't be able to update too much during this time, but I'll see what I can do. I'll try and take some cool pictures along the way. We'll be in NC, VA, and OH. That's a lot of miles. Well, I need to pack and get ready to leave tomorrow. Shout back, if you're still out there

- Ryan

Tags: GBS

Choir Tour '09 is officially underway. I'm at a place where I have wireless internet for tonight, and thought I would upload a few pictures. I don't have time to post them one by one on my blog, so I uploaded them under the "New Photos" page, and you can view them all there. We are going to Sea World tomorrow, and I will be sure to post more pics as I can. Enjoy!

- Ryan

Tags: Tour, GBS, Photography

Sorry for taking so long in getting these updates! Isn't it strange how in spite of your most ardent efforts to stay on top of things, they always seems to slip into the abysmal abyss of misplaced intentions? Well, it happens to me anyway. Here are a few of the events that have filled my existence lately.

I recently photographed Jessica Cravens' Senior Recital.

She did a phenomenal job!


Jessica and Jacinda performing a duet.


Lighting was definitely...tricky.


It was clear that everything was done for the glory of God.


Jessica with her accompanist, Mr. Crater.


Jessica & Jacinda


Jessica and Michael Maloyed


Jessica with Alfonso Chen & Lucas Ryder who assisted her on a song


Jaleesa jumping in front of the camera at the reception... figures


The great Nathan Gumbiner


Rachelle, Jeff, and Cassy


Isaac Owens handled the video recording of the event


The one and only, Isaac Owens


I helped with a PR team that went down to Galax, VA to represent GBS at a youth camp, and we drove through Kentucky to get there which had just been hit by a huge ice storm. It was one of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken in my life!


I love how your eye naturally follows this picture.


It was a magnificent sight!


Joe Hough was our designated driver for much of the trip.


Jenny was the team leader.


Maria also joined our quartet or PR reps.


Jenny & Maria


Just me


Joe, Maria, and Eric Going (the PR rep from Hobe Sound. A very cool guy)


May this suffice for my blatant lack of words

- Ryan

Tags: Photography, GBS

Finals are over! I just finished up my last scholastic project today. Now all that I have left to do is work related. I still have two-three major projects left. But come Monday I'm going home! Ahhh, time to get some sleep!

See yah,
Ryan

Tags: Finals, GBS

Bedtime yesterday - 4:30am
Bedtime today - 3:30am

Hmmm... I think I see a pattern! Maybe by the end of the week I'll get to bed before 11:00pm!

Ahh.... Gotta love finals week!

Ryan

Tags: GBS, Finals, Busy

Well, it's almost over. Finals started last Thursday, and end (for me) this Tuesday. Oh....SO much to do! But, God will be faithful (Heb. 13:5). I had a fun weekend by going up to my grandparents and surprising my mom (who was visiting) for Mothers Day. I even got conned into to preaching Sunday (on very short notice I might add ).Travis (my cousin) and I had fun plinking around with a few of his guns. We are the bottle and dandelion kings when it comes to .22LRs Good times! Well, Monday is my biggest day, and I still have much to do. If you happen to think of it, pray for this busy college student!


The sniper Himself


Just me plinking around


Ryan

Tags: GBS, Homework, Finals, Weekend

I decided not to make excuses for my long absence from the blogosphere, but let me just say that it involves homework (well, I guess I just did anyway)... I just finished taking an assessment exam for Greek. Let's just say, better luck next time... Let me forewarn you, you may not see too much of me over the next two weeks as finals start Thursday of next week. But, hopefully after that I will have some time to relax, and blog, and sleep, and live!

May you have a peaceful, quiet, serene, slow-paced, lollygagging day
Ryan

Tags: Busy, Greek, End, Homework, GBS

Well, it's 1:24AM and I just got back from doing Lesson 29 exercises for Greek class tomorrow with Shane. I seemed destined to never get to before before midnight again. Let me introduce you to this wonderful language (and I mean that seriously, even though I don't always feel like it. Besides, you can't argue with God because it was His choice to reveal the New Testament in Koine Greek). Or maybe should I say, let me introduce you to the bane of 1st year Greek students. Infinitives, and participles.




They're bad enough in English, now Greek?! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Ryan

Tags: GBS, Homework, Greek

Ahh, it was another late night here at GBS for a certain college student (yours truly). It was about 2 am when I rolled into bed. Can I be done yet? I'm ready for summer. But, it's good for me, and I'm learning a lot. Well, on to Greek. Were working on aorist participles right now...the fog is pretty thick right now. And I'm taking 2nd year Greek when I don't have to?! I need my head examined! Or in the words of Festus, "much learning doth make thee mad" (Acts 26:24).

Ryan

Tags: Homework, GBS, Busy

We had blizzard conditions this weekend in Cincinnati. A snow emergency was declared and you could be arrested and fined $500 for driving on the roads anywhere in Hamilton County till noon today. It was pretty nasty! And, yes, I've lived in Michigan long enough to get a taste for what "nasty" is. Just when I thought Spring was around the corner! I have to preach tomorrow, I have a huge test Monday, I preach in class Tuesday. Ahh... I feel the crunch setting in. BUT "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13) Remember this struggling college student in your prayers!

Ryan

Tags: Snow, GBS

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

It has been an action packed beginning for the '08 GBS Choir Tour. We left at 7:40 am Thursday morning under very cold conditions. I eventually fell asleep and woke up a few hours later to see the front window of the bus covered in a solid sheet of ice. So, the bus crept along at a the rate of a sloth before all traffic eventually came to a dead halt. The entire road was a solid sheet of ice! Ahead was a hill that under normal conditions was small, but, covered in ice, proved insurmountable. There was a semi in the ditch, a car in the other ditch, and traffic as far as the eye could see. A group of us actually got out and "ice-skated" down the I65 freeway in Kentucky.




We were stuck there for about 3-4 hours before we eventually turned around and headed back to a truck stop to eat. It was packed! There were all kinds of people. In fact, there was a group of people from Campus Crusades for Christ there. We got to talking to the representative, and he told me that he was traveling with Andre Cole, the Christian illusiionist, and that he was sitting in the back booth. I found this so ironic as I had went to one of his shows about 10 years ago at the Christian Family Center. He is the one circled in the picture below.



We barely got to the service in time. We actually didn't even have time to change or set up risers or PA equipment. And so we sang, just as we were. But, the Lord came, and we had a tremendous service. After getting all packed up after the service we got on the bus and headed out. Unfortunately, we never made it out of the parking lot. After cutting a corner too sharp the back passenger tire ended up in a ravine, suspended off the ground. So, out go all the students and the guys get on the back of the bus and tried (in vain) to push it out. Alas, we returned to the church, hopelessly defeated. It was fun though just sitting around playing games, and talking.


A wrecker was called in and eventually the bus was loosed and we were on the road again. We got into Pell City, AL about 2 am Friday morning. The good thing was we got to sleep in the next day. What a blessing! We left at 7 am this morning from Pell City, and we are headed to Ocala, Florida. We have very nice weather so far, and you certainly don't need a coat! In the words of Mr. Davison, "We're suffering for Jesus!" Well, we stop in 11 miles to eat at (what else...) McDonalds. It seems that's all we ever do on tour, eat, eat, eat. I will try and post more later. See yah.

Ryan

Tags: GBS, Personal, Photography, Relax, Choir, fun

It has been an extremely busy past couple of weeks! I have a lot to update you on. I actually went Alabama this weekend with the Ministerial Dept., and had a blast. But, it is now 1:56 A.M., and I just got back to my room from working on Greek for class tomorrow (oops, today ) and I am too tired to do it now. I will try and make time later. See yah!

Ryan

Tags: Busy, School, GBS, Crazy

You may be asking, "Why such short posts?" The answer is simple, no time. I know that sounds like a lousy excuse, but to that I say, become a GBS student and see for yourself what it's like. Hopefully I'll get some time this weekend to upload pictures, and post some more blogs. Have a great day!

Ryan

Tags: School, Busy, GBS

I ventured into a new area tonight, carpentry (yes, I heard you chuckle as you saw my sorry excuse for an entrance project). The fact of the matter is I don't have enough space to hang my clothes so I am forced to build myself a "closet/closerack". It's going to be a double bar rack which will greatly help with the space issue! I got it about half way done tonight.

Tags: Carpenter, Clothes Rack, Build, Construction, GBS

GBS has been in Revival this week with Rev. John Manley. It has been an amazing week and God truly has been working among the student body! Praise the Lord for being faithful to His children.

Tags: Revival, Manley, GBS

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

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School is officially over TOMORROW! And the student's of God's Bible School & College are getting a little stir crazy! We want to go home! Ahh, the countdown begins...13 hours, 41 minutes, 55 seconds.....54 seconds..... 53 seconds.....

Ryan

Tags: Last day, GBS, Crazy, fun, Break

Yesterday (Saturday the 26) was the graduation service for GBS college and high school seniors. There was a large crowd! The auditorium was packed. I must admit viewing the ceremony with an ounce of envy, wishing it was my turn to walk across that platform, and have the next few years behind me. Ahh, well, this year has flown by, and I guess the next few will as well.

Ryan

Tags: Graduation, GBS

Camp Meeting started tonight here at GBS and will continue through Sunday. There are three speakers, including tonight's speaker, Dr. Paul Kaufman, and Dr. Wingrove Taylor, who is a regular speaker for the meeting, and Rev. Chris Cravens. Dr. Kaufman did a fantastic job tonight! I have a feeling we are in for some good preaching over the next few days!

Ryan

Tags: Camp Meeting, Kaufman, Taylor, Cravens, GBS

Yesterday was GBS' Concert on the Lawn where the Symphonic Wind & String Ensemble performs works from a plethora of sources. Some of the music this year included the National Anthem, selections from The Phantom of the Opera, and Oklahoma. They did a superb job! It was well attended, and I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed it!

Ryan

Tags: Concert, Symphony, Music, GBS

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I just took my last exam, and, as far as school work goes, my freshman year of college is over! Thank the Lord for helping me through this year! It feel funny not to have to worry about doing homework tonight for classes tomorrow. I think I can get used to this....

Ryan

Tags: End, Last day, Exams, GBS, Break

It was a sad day last week as we finished up our last D Group (Discipleship Group). It was a good year, and we shared a lot of good times. Out last meeting consisted of a lot of food, and just talking. It was a lot of fun. Hopefully we can be in the same group next year.

Ryan

Tags: D Group, GBS

Tonight was officially declared a study night into the cafeteria for exams tomorrow. They had snacks and a lot of students with worried, stressed out, bleary eyed, crazed looks on their faces incoherently chanting things like "T.S. Elliot wrote The Wasteland....T.S. Elliot wrote The Wasteland...T.S. Elliot wrote..." As I write this I am sitting by the British Literature table, remind me not to take that class, it sounds like a lot of work. The snack pile has been depleted, the caffeine is running low, the students are dropping like flies. Keep the GBS students in your prayers this week, they're going to need it!

Ryan

Tags: Exams, GBS, Study

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There are only three days of school left! I am now finished with four classes, and have two more to go. I finished my Doctrine of Holiness class today. I actually don't have any exams tomorrow! So my next exam will be Discipleship/Small Groups on Wednesday, followed by Principles of the Christian Life II on Thursday. Then, the push on through Camp Meeting and then... FREEDOM! I can make it, I can make it, I can make it....

Ryan

Tags: Exams, GBS, End, Break

We had two choir performances yesterday, drawing to a close choir for the 06/07 school year. We have one more performance at camp meeting in a couple weeks, but that's it. We basically no longer have choir practice the rest of the year. The first event was for the National Day of Prayer, in which we sang on the steps of the court house. They had various people gives prayers on a plethora of topics. It was a really neat experience. That evening we had our most important performance yet, oratorio. We performed Handle's Messiah at a large church downtown. We were backed up by the orchestra, in which several professional musicians were hired to play as well. It was a really neat experience!

Ryan

Tags: Choir, GBS, Music

I arrived back from IHC Thursday night to go straight into shooting picture for VIP Day at GBS. VIP Day is simply a time when people interested in coming to GBS can come and look at our school and gain some information. It was a very busy time with 174 VIP'ers on campus! But it was a lot of fun, and it went very smoothly. This was Mr. Makcen's first year as student recruiter and he has simply done a phenomenal job organizing and drawing people in.

Ryan

Tags: VIP Day, GBS

For those of you who remember the Terri Schiavo case, you may remember another name connected with the event, and that is David Gibbs III. Mr. Gibbs is a part of the Christian Law Association (CLA) and was the chief lawer assigned to the case. For chapel today we had Dr. Gibbs speak about the case and what the real story is. We heard a much different account of what happened than what the media presented to us. By the media she was presented as a (to put it bluntly) brain dead vegetable being kept alive by machines. When in reality this was not at all the case. She was handicapped, yes, but she was just as alive as any of us. She squealed with joy every time her parents came to see her. She liked music. She let the doctors know when she needed things like Tylenol or Aspirin. The only thing she could not do on her own to keep her body healthy was feed herself because her hands were not coordinated to that degree. It is truly an amazing story about the struggle to save this woman's life that stirred a nation, from the grassroots level, to the White House. Afterwards he gave everybody there a free copy of the book he wrote explaining the story in greater detail. This is truly one of the blackest marks on American history, and one which should never be forgotten.

Ryan

P.S. For more information on the book go here.

Tags: Chapel, Gibbs, GBS

Sorry for the recent lack of updates, but I was on choir tour as of 2/22. It has been very enjoyable, and God has really been helping. Having said that, I think we are all very, very tired, and looking forward to getting back on campus. We traveled through many different states. Namely Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, Indiana, and Ohio. We have traveled a lot of miles with our knees on our chest in the "Big Bus." But it has truly been a great experience, and I am glad I went. We have one more service tonight around 30 min. from the school and then the tour is officially over. Again, sorry for those dwindling few of you who may have checked my blog expecting it to be updated.

Ryan

Tags: Choir, GBS, Music

Here are a few random pictures that I like from Choir Tour. I will post more later. Enjoy.

Ryan

Tags: Choir, GBS, fun

Could it be? Another snow day?! YES! God truly is good to the students of GBS We received word tonight that because of the layers of ice that coat everything there will be no school tomorrow. I can not express to you how much ice is covering everything. They warned us this afternoon that if any of our cars are parked under trees we better move them because the branches are beginning to break. It is absolutely treacherous to go down the ramp to the dining hall! In fact, one student simply sat down and without any pushing glided down. There are also 60,000 people in Cincinnati without power! I pray that it doesn't hit us! Well, tomorrow will be yet another day of homework that I still didn't get caught up on today. It's a vicious cycle. If you're in this storm stay inside, and stay safe.

Ryan

Tags: Snow, Ice, fun, GBS

Is it true? Could my prayers have been answered?! YES! It is a snow day! I NEEDED a snow day! Although it would probably be more appropriate to call it an ice day. We are receiving a lot of rain here in Cincinnati that is already enveloping the trees in ice. It is absolutely beautiful! It's supposed to continue till around 7:00 P.M. from what I'm told. However, the day will pretty much be spent on all the back homework and current homework I still need to do. I was able to get a decent amount of sleep last night which I am very grateful for! Well, back to Doctrine of Holiness notes!

Ryan

P.S. If any of you photographers were wondering how I took my camera out into the pouring rain, I took a garbage bag, ripped a hole for the lens and a whole for the viewfinder, and wallah, a weather proof container.

Tags: Snow, Ice, GBS

I was told that it would be cold outside, but, come on! This cold?! The SWSE (band) was supposed to go out today using the bus, but when they woke up this morning they found that the brake lines on the bus had frozen solid! They were forced to load everyone, and everything, into a caravan of vans. What an experience! It is definitely "bone chilling" cold in Cincinnati today! As you'll notice the fountain has literally inches of ice on it. It does make for good ice skating though! I trust you're staying warm!

Ryan

Tags: Ice, GBS, Snow

Hey everyone, Not too much to say, just haven't checked in with you all for a while so I thought I would give you a quick update. I had a very hectic day today with a test and a quiz back to back. I stayed up till after 1:00 A.M. this morning studying for the test and was still very shaky on it. However, I prayed and asked God for His help and He most certainly came through! While I did not get a 100% on the test, I at least passed it with an acceptable grade. I also received a good grade on the quiz. I am finding more and more that when my back is against the wall I can turn to Him for strength and guidance. He has always been faithful to pull me through, even when I may not have given the "best" performance beforehand. It's so amazing that even though we may have a hard time believing, He is faithful to us (2 Timothy 2:13). May God's presence saturate your day, and may you follow His will in every nuance of your life.

Ryan

Tags: Busy, Test, GBS

Our prayers have finally been answered, and snow has arrived to the GBS campus! I was overjoyed when I awoke this morning to behold the wondrous scene of a snow laced fountain! Because of the suddenness of the snowfall they decided to let GBS students stay on campus for the morning. So, on top of the inherently wonderful snow, we also were able to sleep in for a serene hour or so. I have tried to take a lot of pics which you can see here. Ahh, life on GBS campus is good today!

Ryan

Tags: Snow, GBS

I think the entire campus was a little disheartened to see revival come to an end Friday night. It was an amazing service and the the presence of God was palpable. Numerous people received help throughout the revival including myself. I was challenged to dig in deeper spiritually, and my spiritual life has flourished because of it. He is so good!


Ryan

Tags: Revival, GBS

Tonight was the official start of a week long revival here at GBS with the Rev. Duane Quesenberry. He did a phenomenal job tonight, and I was deeply challenged. Please be in prayer for us during this revival that God's presence would move on our campus in a fashion we have not seen for years, but more importantly that issues would be settled, and the lives of the GBS students would be impacted for eternity.

Ryan

Tags: Revival, Quesenberry, GBS

And so it ends, another festive Christmas program has come and gone and now it's time to tear it all down. We made siginificant progress in reverting the chapel to it's original state. We are on schedule to have everything in order for Revival next week.

Ryan

Tags: Play, Drama, Cleanup, GBS

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

It's over! Finals are done, and I survived...barely. I finished my last exam Friday morning, turned in my last reflection paper by noon, and left by 1:00. I am now home and thoroughly enjoying my sleep! Thanks for all your prayers!

Ryan

Tags: Exams, Test, End, Last day, Relax, Break, GBS

Well, finals are almost over! I have one more exam tomorrow and one more reflection paper due and that's it. I can't wait to be wheeling my way home tomorrow! Have a great day!

Ryan

Tags: End, Exams, Test, GBS

Since I can't take pictures of the Christmas play I found a picture of it on Malcom's blog for you to see. Enjoy! Click Here

Ryan

Tags: Play, Drama, GBS, Photography

Well, the first night of the Christmas play is complete. All in all I would say it went very well! The Lord most certainly added His help and blessing to the evening. It actually turned out to be a blast! Thanks for all of your prayers!

Ryan

Tags: Play, Drama, GBS

Sorry for the long gap in updates! With the Christmas program tomorrow, and finals less than a week away, busy is not an adequate adjective!! Still, things are moving along relatively smoothly without any major hiccups...so far. But finals week will be grueling! I can't wait for Christmas vacation!! I will be leaving sometime Friday afternoon. Well, I have another class in a few minutes so I better get going. Have a good day!

Ryan

Tags: Busy, GBS

It's hard to believe that Christmas time is getting so close! We are really starting to get into the Christmas spirit here at GBS. To start with we decorated the Christmas tree last Wednesday (for a few pictures visit the Photography page). The entire campus is starting to sprout garland and wreaths galore! Not only that, but many of the radio stations are switching over to Christmas music. It really hit me today how much I am looking forward to Christmas, and yes, even snow. I will, however, sorely miss my snow days for school this year I also have some misgivings about that time of year because it will mean exams! But then the relaxation that will follow it knowing that I am finally finished till next semester. Well, I hope you will begin to get into the Christmas spirit as well, and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Tags: GBS, End

A lot has happened since my last post. To start with I am really enjoying helping out with set construction, and I am learning many new things. Friday afternoon was spent helping with set construction, and then I went with about 20 other GBS students ice skating at a local ice skating rink. I really enjoyed this and can't wait to go back (I didn't even fall!). We got back from there around 11:00 P.M. and we continued working on set construction till about 3:30 A.M.! I slept in very late Saturday morning, and then went out to eat with a couple friends. We then went to Starbucks and met up with a few other GBS'ers and played games until it was time to return to campus. It was a really fun time. If you want to see a few pictures of the ice skating escapade just go to the Photography page. Have a good day!

Tags: Weekend, GBS, fun, Friends

About a week ago in choir Mr. Wolf read off my name with about 6 other people, and asked to meet with us after choir. So I nervously waited through choir wondering what it would all be about. When choir was finished Mr. Wolf announced to us that he would like us to audition for the narration parts in the Christmas program. "Yeah right!" I laughed inwardly knowing that there would be no way I would get chosen. I was, however, very excited at the opportunity and honor of being chosen. Well, needless to say, Monday (today) rolled around and I went down to the tryouts with the rest of the group. Some, however, had decided not to audition because of time restraints on their schedule. So, we all got up and went through our speeches and left; returning to choir. A few minutes later Mrs. Potteiger came up and beckoned me off the risers. "This is a callback" she said as we walked down the stairs toward the chapel. When I got there they asked if I had any previous acting experience, so I told them that I had competed in Famous Speech in the A.C.E. Student Convention. So instead of running through the Christmas lines again, they asked me to go through my speech. That completed, they told me they enjoyed it and I left again. An hour or so later, another one of the people auditioning, Brandon Hilligos, called me and told me we were to meet in the chapel again. So I headed down once more to the chapel, not sure what to expect. But imagine my excitement (and nervousness) when I was informed that Brandon and I had been chosen to be the narrators for this years Christmas play! I pray God will give me the wisdom and strength to perform this part as it should be done for His glory!

Ryan

Tags: Play, Drama, GBS

Hey Everybody, It is currently 1:38 AM and I am sitting in the lounge with Seth and Darren wasting time on our computers. Fun, Fun. I did however have an enjoyable evening at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. They are simply amazing! The concert went for about 2 1/2 hours, but the time flew! If your ever in Cincinnati try and take time to see them. Well, I guess that's it for now.

Ryan

Tags: Relax, GBS

It's hard to believe that in less than a month we will be having our annual GBS Christmas Program! The choir is busy preparing and trying to learn all these new songs. We are singing a song from Handles Messiah...difficult is not a strong enough adjective! I spent some time today observing Mike and Nathan today as they take care of the set construction and lighting. It's much harder than it looks! I am getting excited about the program. If all the work that we are putting into it is any gauge by which to judge the performance, it should be spectacular!

Ryan

Tags: Play, Drama, Setup, GBS