Trial by Fire

Ciao a tutti,

Finally I have some time to update you of my many misadventures. This morning I took my Art History midterm. The test lasted 3 hours, contained 20 slide and term ids and 2 essays, and required at least 10 hours of study and preparation.

In a positive light, I can now tell you all about the qualitative assessment of the Vasarian paradigm and explain the nuances of Neoplatonism and the stylistic effect this philosophy had on High Renaissance art. I can also look at many early Renaissance pieces and rattle off facts like a true tour guide. For example:

Giotto - "Trial by Fire" (1320s)

"If you look to your right in the Bardi Chapel, you'll see 'Trial by Fire,' part of a series of frescos painted by Giotto in the 1320s that depict the life of St. Francis, for whom this church was founded."

I hope I passed!


Even though I am relieved that this test is over, I'm still aware of the multitude of work ahead of me, and I don't just mean my classes (which can be a distraction in and of themselves). I am so blessed to have such encouraging friends back home who lift me up when I'm discouraged, who impart wisdom without realizing how desperately I need it, and who love me enough to gently correct me when I stray.

God has been so faithful this semester, when I have been so unfaithful to Him. Never before has He so consistently answered prayer, and so timely! Just last night, I was talking to Him about how I've been failing at having a ministry here, and I asked Him to create in me a pure heart (Ps. 51:10), to give me wisdom from heaven (James 3:17) and encouragement to have boldness (Eph. 6:19).

Then, when I opened my Bible for my daily devotion, I was reading in II Corinthians about everything that I had just prayed about. In chapter 5, Paul talks about the ministry of reconciliation and how we are Christ's ambassadors, compelled by Christ's love (one of my all-time favorite passages, just so you know). In chapter 6, he talks about the ways in which Christians commend themselves, such as endurance, purity, patience, and kindness, and at the beginning of chapter 7 he gives a reminder to pursue holiness. I won't go into all the details, but suffice it to say God directly answered my prayer.

Not only does He work through His Word, but God speaks through other people. I had incredible conversations with Annahlyse and Lauren via Skype. Annahlyse told me some hard truths that I needed to hear and prayed with me about my struggles, and Lauren encouraged me and gave me wisdom from her own experiences. I can't even express the beauty of God's timing. He is so good.

Knowing I just said so much - maybe without saying anything at all - I ask forgiveness if the message is confusing or disjointed. I guess it's a dissipated look into the mechanics of my heart.

Regardless, these next weeks will be a testament to what I've learned, and I hope I am ready to withstand the test.