I haven’t been blogging as of late, but have been spending my time in a variety of relatively productive ways. I got out of town again this past sunday to visit savannah and scad yet again. me and crystal got the opportunity to visit two graduate classes down there on monday–art criticism and design methodologies. both were very interesting, and really reminded me that I won’t be at BJ anymore. I’m encouraged, but at the same time still very scared about the upcoming transition from lifelong faculty brat to independent graduate student, away from home for the first time in his life. Although I welcome change, and am reasonably independent by nature, so much of my life and memories are intertwined with bob jones, so it will be a difficult disconnect.

I got the wonderful opportunity to talk to some of my art professors about my hopeful graduate school plans, and unexpectedly, they’re almost as excited as I am about the move away from greenville–I think they want to start building up the reputation of the department by getting outside degrees. Regardless, providing everything application-wise goes as planned, I’ll be moving down late in the summer to who-knows-where, and getting a job that I don’t even know about yet. It’s comforting, yet scary at the same time to let someone else lead you to a new place with no human means or hopes of success. Fortunately, that’s what God offers to me daily–to let me rest in him, even though it often feels like jumping out of an airplane not knowing you have a parachute on. I’m trusting crystal will get into the art history program again, so I won’t be utterly alone, but after the large group of art friends I’ve had here, it will be quite the adjustment.

On the work front, things have been going less than well, unfortunately. Some major decisions will be made in the next couple days, so I trust things will work out in God’s time. Meanwhile, my blood pressure and stress levels are staying pretty high. On the flip side, I’ve gotten the chance to train a whole bunch of employees for the new store that will be opening later this month–it’s really been a joy to get to know some new people, and help them learn to love coffee as much as I do.

I’m starting french as of tomorrow morning, so I may be practicing some french grammar in this venue from time to time, so don’t feel too startled if you see some unfamiliar words and phrases, and if you happen to be a french speaker, feel free to correct my structure and/or word choice.

For the benefit of anyone who hasn’t seen me lately, I’ve been a bit sick since thanksgiving. I’ve been getting increasingly behind in final projects coming due this week, and generally feeling a bit out of control. To make everything a bit worse, I’m still missing class and valuable project time.

Well, God has a way of putting things in perspective at just the right time. I was listening to a random selection of music tonight, and this song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean came up. I think the words speak for themselves.

Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a Lamb
Could rescue the souls of men
Could rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way
Oh, we hopelessly lost the way

You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for

Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we’re falling before Your throne