As of late

Balancing work, school, and what is left of a social life, the blog as finally ended its sabbatical.

Below are 6 papers that have been submitted within the last year. I am aware my sources are not being listed properly, but I do have them should anyone desire to verify or read for additional research. I by no means want to portray plagiarism, or to not respect original authors through giving credit.

In addition to the papers, a simple update;

Classes in Religious Pluralism, Advanced Apologetics, and Theology are currently informing my life, both academically and spiritually. I am being challenged in ways different from every before, as this semester has thus far presented itself quite differently. Honestly, the past year has not been that demanding besides the occasional stress that is alleviated in a day or two. I keep telling myself that these current hardships are making this part of my life more meaningful, because "if it was easy, everyone would do it," right?

These past few months have been characterized by sleepless nights and lots of tears. The pun-reference to Seminary being like a Cemetery for the faith has sadly been personally accurate as of late. As I focus so much on the immutability and goodness of God, I have not rested in His personal nature, and have come to regard him as a Cosmic Brain of which I am becoming an expert. I have been challenged to recognize and deal with this through my Spiritual Formation process. (Through all of this I have actually come to view that class in much less of a cynical attitude. Point for honesty?)

With the hardships this season of life is presenting, I have found myself crying out to the Lord to show me that He is personal. Prayer and thoughtful time spent in Proverbs has been the only source of strength or peace I have received, and this keeps me going back for more.

I am supposed to be thankful for what brings me closer to the Lord, right? I know the Sunday School answer is to focus on His perfect desires and not my immediate selfish desires, but this shift of perspective will require nothing short of a miracle. I am weak.