Qualified to be Righteous.

Earlier this week I was sitting in the library reading Psalms.  It suddenly occurred to me that as I read about the 'righteous' and the 'upright in heart', I could not help but question if I am included in those categories.  Do I qualify to be in the 'righteous' group?

Well let's figure this out.  I'm definitely not a righteous person.  I'm a crazy lunatic sinner.  I tend to connect more with the evildoers and the wicked.  However, I am cleansed every day by the righteous blood of Jesus.  Perhaps I do qualify.  I've failed and will continue to fail.  I am not denying that.  But Jesus did pay my debt of failure in FULL.  From the day I was born until the day I die, I have complete coverage for my sins.  So it would be absurd to think my failures, great or small, could have any power to reverse what Jesus did on the cross.

I don't think it's that I'm disqualified or qualified to be called righteous.  The truth is that there is nothing I can ever do to make myself righteous.  I was not born a righteous person.  But somehow I was chosen to know Jesus.  And Jesus will always qualify.  Jesus is always righteous.  Jesus is always upright in heart.  Through Him I have access to HIS righteousness.  It's His and He is mine.

Romans 3:22

"This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe."

  

2 Corinthians 5:21

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Galatians 2:21

"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

 

It's Been 3 Years Esteban.

At the orphanage in La Mesa, Colombia

Not quite three years ago I completed my first year of college.  My roommate, Shelley, and I took a mission trip to Colombia, South America.  While we were there I met this little boy pictured above.  His name is Esteban.  He would be about 8 years old now.  One of the sweetest little kids I have ever met.  He was completely full of joy and laughter.  We had a blast during the time we spent together.  The orphanage Esteban lived in was not the fanciest facility we saw; however, it could have been a lot worse.  I think he is blessed to have the life that he has been given.

I often think of the children I've met in the different countries I have visited.  I keep several of them close to my heart.  Esteban is the one of those few.  If I ever get the chance to go back to Columbia, I will go back to this orphanage and find Esteban.  Maybe he has learned some English.  I have learned more Spanish.  We could talk more.  Maybe we would build paper airplanes again.  Maybe he has been adopted and is in proper grade school.  Maybe I will never see him again.  However our lives turn out I'm confident that I will never forget this loving spirit and I hope he will never forget the love of Christ's church.

This Side of Heaven.

The final year of a college student's course work can be daunting.  Plenty of choices to be made.

I'm in business school.  I'm being instructed on who I have to be and how I have to act in order to succeed in life.  I learn many helpful tips; however, I don't quite make the connection with the over all principle.  I'm sure the instructors are excellent communicators.  It's my fault.  I think my mind just operates differently.  If success meant: CEO of Bank of America, then perhaps my faculty would be a lot more effective with me.  I know what the world is screaming at me to do.

That way of living works for a lot of people.  However, I've decided I can't live my life that way.  I can't conform to the pattern of the corporate world.  I don't know that I will ever be that person, but here is what I know to be true: On average somewhere around 85 years is what we have in this place.  I have the piece of mind that I actually belong in Heaven.  And that's where I'll be forever.  So I don't think my vision is blinded.  It's clear.  Success will fade away with everything else.  Eternity is what counts.

In any case, I'm ready.  To go home where I belong.  And so, I feel like all that matters now is to help others be ready as well. 

TRUTH: He will build His church. (Matt.16:18)

TRUTH: His church will bring glory to His name. (Ephesians 3:21)

TRUTH: In His name we have an eternal home. (1 John 5:13)

TRUTH: Our home is Heaven. (2 Corinthians 5:1, Philippians 3:20)

TRUTH: He will take us there someday soon. (John 14:3)

When I look at the truths presented to me, my perspective changes my way of thinking.  It's peaceful.

--*Happy birthday to Brittney Lightfoot.*

21.

Well I'm 21.

I thought all my fun as a kid would end at this point. But I can't allow that to be true.  And I don't care if that's socially acceptable.  A child of God is a child of God forever.

Anyways, I've learned a few things. Just recently.

1. I always thought the best way to eat a Reese's cup was to bite off the circumference and leave all the Reese goodness for the last bite.  Well, this summer I got the hick-ups and the nearest peanut butter was a pack of Reese's.  So I tore them open and sunk my teeth right into the first cup.  Just completely ignoring my lifetime knowledge of Reese etiquette.  And you guys...I've never felt so free.  I'll never waste time eating the circumference again. (Helpful Tip: Peanut butter cures hick-ups immediately.)

2. The cross was enough.  If Jesus never does another thing for me, He's already done enough.

3. Satan is sneaky but he's powerless in the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Keep that in mind when temptation comes your way.

4. Psalms is so much better than I ever anticipated.  Just read 1-7 on a whim sometime. Let me know if it doesn’t make you feel more alive.

5. Just because my favorite color is Yellow, doesn’t mean I have to choose yellow when I’m given a color choice.  There is no loyalty requirement when it comes to colors.  Freedom of color if you will.

6. Nothing is ever too bad. I can always open the Bible and receive comfort and joy.

7. Never smile at a crocodile.

I'm going to stop numbering there because I like 7.

However I have a little more to add.

The world will eventually always disappoint.  Always.  But In the book of John, Jesus says that He is not of this world.  Our complete and constant satisfaction is in Jesus Christ. Psalm 107 is really good. "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for humankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." -Psalm 107:8-9. 

TRUTH: "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." -1 John 2:15-17.

Little 7th graders wearing hoodies on a cruise.

And Just Like That.

Well guys, looks like my Australian journey has now come to an end.  It's super bitter-sweet as well.  I'm currently feeling incredibly blessed and thankful.  You know it's funny the first 2 days I was here in Australia, I sat in my room and begged God to let me come home.  Even though I knew His answer, I still begged and bribed.  I look back at those prayers and think 'How glad I am that God doesn't always give us what we want.'

When I was a small child I use to throw temper tantrums when I didn't get my way.  I remember doing it.  I remember getting so frustrated because I couldn't understand why someone that loves me wouldn't give me the satisfaction that they clearly had the power to give.  But I understand now.  Romans 8:28 says 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.'  Then right before that Romans 8:26 (which I'd like to point out is my Romans birthday, August 26th) says 'In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.'  How glad I am that the Spirit of God that lives in me trumps every wrongful prayer that I pray.  I don't have to worry about making bad decisions in my askings of God.  And now that I know that, I can apologize and thank God for His goodness.  Similarly as a child, I didn't know that it was in my best interest when my family members would allow me to flop around in the floor and pitch an embarrassing fit.  Just like God, I'm glad my family loved me enough not to care if I thought they were mean at the time.  Remember this line Mommy? 'I don't like you. I take back all my hugs.'  Mommy being my Jesus at the time...'Okay. But I know you don't mean that.'  Whoa.  Does that sound anything like Luke 23:24 'forgive them, for they do not know what they do.'

I'm thankful for this experience.  I absolutely feel like a different person and I'll never be the same after this trip.  I don't ever want to forget.  I happily took the good things and worked out the 'not as good' things.  I was used for a greater purpose and that's all I ever wanted.  Not to mention, Australians have the best accent.  So that's been a plus.  My favorite words they pronounce are: [garage, awesome, father, heart, together, her and God.]  Also I have a new Aussie word:  [Port-a-loo = Port-a-potty.]  I know.  I think we should inherit that word as well.

Thank you all for joining me for this season of my life.  It's really been a privilege.  I've kept you with me every single day.  Wonder what's next eh?

Be blessed.  See you in the western hemisphere.

Hearing From God Through Preaching.

I go to church hungry to hear from God.  Sure I hope to hear from God each day of the week, but church is different.  Church is a place where we should be able to feel at home in the company of a united body of people desiring Jesus together.  We come to experience the overwhelming presence of God.  That’s a sermon in itself isn’t it?  So many people can’t even understand why we go to church every weekend. Church shouldn’t be a weekly event that we’re guilted into going to.  If you are going because you feel guilty, you’re taking up a seat that the church needs for someone else.  It’s better for everyone if you stay home.   

If you’re one of those people who need church like you need to eat to survive, we will understand each other quite well.  We just can’t get enough of experiencing the grandeur of church.  I don’t believe my love for church is unhealthy.  I know some people who need church in order to make it from week to week.  That’s not good.  Church isn’t a weekly pick-me-up.  If that’s all it was…I feel bad for the pastors.  That’s quite a lot of pressure to undergo.  Typically I come expecting to hear a word straight from God.  Most times I just try and gain wisdom from what is taught.  However there are some weeks that I come seeking a special word from God and in those weeks I don’t want a learning sermon.  I want what I call a revelation sermon.  These are the ones where you’re sure the speaker is reading your thoughts.

Pastor Brian Houston preached a revelation sermon to me tonight. It’s a 30 minute walk to the bus stop where the church shuttle picks up.  I was about half way there when I experienced a torrential downpour.   It was absolutely unpleasant in every way because it’s winter in Australia right now.  And torrential rain comes with wind, which annihilated my free umbrella.  I should have ducked inside a shop but when you have an understanding of how important it is to hear what God wants to tell you, you have no choice but to put your head down and truck through the storm.  I completely love hearing our senior pastor Brian preach for us.  It has nothing to do with his speaking ability or complexity of his sermons.  He’s simply the most humble person I have ever seen.  His wisdom and understanding of God’s word keeps my hand writing as fast as it will go.  I’m not going to go into all that the sermon spoke to me, but I’ll tell you this much…I went seeking God and I left having been set free.  I also got a dry ride home.

Seriously try to remember that God wants to do so much for us.  Jesus didn't overcome the world in order that we would sit feeling guilty or worried or unworthy.  We don't have to fend for ourselves; our 'selves' are what create the sabotage in the first place.  We can live through a resurrected God who already overcame our struggles.  So now we have a new purpose with new blessings and new promises.  Be encouraged to claim them for your life, as I'm encouraged to do the same.

Words & Phrases- Part 3

I suppose I can go ahead and give you my final Aussie words and phrases since the trip is coming to an end.
(American translation is in blue)

Zed- letter Z
Cinema- Movie Theater
Queue- Line
Maths- Math
Barbeque- Grilling out
Prawn- Shrimp (They DO NOT say 'shrimp on the barbie' afterall)
Massive- Anything large
Tyre- Tire
How good is that!- That's awesome
Phone(verb)- Call
Holiday- Vacation
Petrol- Gas
Postman- Mailman
Uniform- School outfit (Basically looks like Madeline)
Proper- Correct
Bum- Booty
Far out- Cool

I'm only just finishing up my class assignments and preparing for finals.  Then it's back on a plane to the US of A-wesome!  It's been an interesting trip and I've learned many new things about myself, God, and Australia.  Australia is truly a wonderful country and I'd recommend everyone to check it out sometime.

Shout-Outs:
-Happy birthday Tonya from last Tuesday!
-Happy birthday Chabrella on this Wednesday!
-Everyone remember to encourage one another.

Lara Michelle.

Lara is my cousin and best friend.  As I have explained before, she is one super amazing woman.  Anyone that comes in contact with her should consider him or herself enriched to have had the encounter.  She has literally been my best friend my entire life.  I was born just 3 months after her.  Lara has always been a natural leader with a competitive spirit.  She just dominates in everything.  This girl is the hardest worker I’ve met and she has charm like no other.  Hilarious.  Intelligent.  Gorgeous.  Compassionate.  Nearly perfect.

She’s 21 today.  Jims, I’ve loved you for 21 years and this is only the beginning.  Every single day God fills your life with mounds of purpose.  You have been given dignity and value.  Since God has given me the honor of doing life with you, I promise I will never stop pushing you into Jesus.  I know you’ll do the same for me.  Happy 21st best friend!

A Bit For Us (Lara=BLUE Jordan=RED):

 

-You’re the only person I’ve laughed so hard with that I gagged. (Billary)

 

-‘1) No one needs to know that happened. 2) I can’t believe that just happened.’

 

-You’re the only person I’ve seen Jesus with in the flesh.

 

-I love that you smile and laugh when you’re going to start crying.

 

-I know you blame me for your first speeding ticket, but your argument really wouldn’t hold up in court. (You were speeding way before I distracted you with the camera)

 

-The hardest I’ve ever cried was when we said goodbye before leaving for college. (We saw each other the next weekend)

 

-I'm still sorry my fish killed your fish. (RIP Ezekiel Able. LONG LIVE Chronicle Cain.)

 

-The reason I love stars so much is because they take me back to Strawberry Wine 2008. (It's shooting! Take a look at it G because it doesn't happen often!)

 

-Setting: Grandmother’s bushes. ‘Let’s see if we can walk on top of these. Brilliant idea.’ (Grounded)

 

-You’re the only person that I have ESP with. (Do you wanna go...to the barn for a snack? Yeah, then we can…go stargaze in the upper field? Exactly.)

 

-You could probably set a Guinness World Record for rate of falling asleep. (So what time we getting up tomorrow? Jims? Jimmy! ‘snoring’)

 

-I love that when we mentally sin, we ask for physical abuse. (Dang it, hit me. ‘Sketchy African American with hood walks by.’ Dang it, hit me twice. 'Heavy-set couple walks by.')

 

-Equally addicted to food. (Dude, did you know there’s an old granola bar smashed in your cup holder? Why’d you just put it in your mouth! I don’t know, I need help, I have a problem!)

 

-It isn’t normal to share that many bathroom stories. (Why is it that color? Just get a pitcher! ‘gags’)

 

-Brownies really aren’t that difficult to make. (Trial 1: Why is it like pudding?  Whoops, I thought it said 1 1/3 cups of water. Trial 2: Uh oh, they’re skinny and hard as a brick.  Well, you just had to put them in the 13 by 9 pan.)

 

-Let’s Disney battle it out! (Name that character: ‘Hey, d'you see that sky today? Talk about blue.’ KRONK- Emperor’s New Groove! Next.)

 

-I love that you’re sensitive to my many fears. (Sweet Jesus, please don’t say the word Yeti at a time like this. 'Laughter' For the love of God Jimmy, turn on the light. 'Just laughter')

 

-Copper, you're my very best friend. And you're mine too Todd. -Fox and the Hound

Satisfaction of Home

Straight from my journal...

“You know, I wake up every day and at some point think… ‘I’m in Australia.’  And in the beginning I was taken aback by it but in reality it isn’t as big of a deal as I thought.  I mean I’ve been dreaming of traveling the world for years.  I still dream and plan to travel.  But the truth is, once you get the pictures taken and you’ve seen what you’ve come to see…it’s just another place.  Don’t get me wrong I completely L O V E every country I’ve visited.  However, after a while the places mean close to nothing without the people I love most.  It doesn’t have the same affect on me as H O M E.  That’s why Heaven is going to be so good.  That’s my real home.  As good as home is now…I can’t imagine what Heaven, my real home, is going to be like.  I don’t think anyone actually knows what real happiness feels like.  I bet I won’t experience real happiness until the day I get to heaven and am sitting at the feet of Jesus.  My greatest love.  Home is where we all actually belong.  H E A V E N.”

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. –John 14:3

“It actually doesn’t matter where I go in the world.  Being struck by the initial beauties and wonders just wears off after a while.  But see, home never loses its goodness.  Likewise, things of this world will only satisfy us temporarily.  Jesus is the only everlasting satisfaction.  Home is where the heart is because  home is where Jesus is.

[H A P P Y  M O T H E R S  D A Y to my Mommy, Grandma, and Grandmother! Best mums in the world!]

Wonders of the Ocean.

Alright, it's about 2:30am on a Sunday morning.  I'm tired and about to go to sleep but I've been inspired.  I was inspired by this little shell that I picked up last month on Manly Beach here in Sydney.  It's been sitting on my desk since I brought it home.

As I was sitting here waiting for my iPod to charge, I picked this shell up to look at it more closely.  I don't know why but I just started thinking about looking at this same shell again once I'm back at home.  I'd probably be thinking... 'Wow, this little shell came all the way from Australia.'  But then, that's not that significant because even I will have just come all the way from Australia.  And I'm not in awe of myself.  So then I thought, 'Well, this shell not only came from a beach in Australia, it's possibly been to certain depths of the ocean that I, of course, will never have access to.  Yet I am holding it in my hand right now.  It's been on the sea floor no telling how many meters below, and  it's now in my possession.  Where it's been touched by the earth below, I am touching it now.

So as this blew my mind a few times over, I sequentially made a connection to God my Father.  I will never have all the understanding of God's wisdom and glory for as long as I live on this earth as a mere human being. But Jesus?  He does have all the understanding of God's wisdom and glory.  By myself I don't have access to God.  But with Jesus, my savior and prince,  I am given freedom to have access to God.  Romans 8:9-17 says things like: The same power that conquered the grave lives in me, I am a co-heir with Christ, I share in His glory.

Just as my shell can share with me the unreachable wonders of the ocean, Jesus is my soul connection to my heavenly Father in all His glory.

"I am His and He is mine."

Sending Love.

To my family and friends, just wanted to say I LOVE YOU from Manly Beach, Australia.

What I've been wanting on a daily basis:

1. Chick-fil-A

2. To hug my cat

3. To be more in love with Jesus

Well I obviously can't have the first 2 for another couple months, but all it takes to receive number 3 is to read in the red lettering of the Gospel. "When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, 'Don't cry.'" (Luke7:13)  That's the kind of God I serve.  Amen.

If you're blessed you should be a blessing.  So since many of you probably don't have the privilege to own a baby tiger,  I will share mine with you....

What I don't understand is how an animal could be so handsome.

Paradox.

In church every weekend we are told to bring people to the cross.  We're not here to point out sin, we're here to point out Jesus.  Having said this I have a quick story to go along with it.

One day this week I was starring at my large map of Sydney like I often do just for fun (I could look at maps all day), and my eyes rolled across one of the suburbs nearby called Kings Cross.  I've never been to Kings Cross simply because there is no good reason to spend a valuable bus swipe to travel there.  This suburb is known for it's clubs, pubs, and bar life.  A lot of the friends who live on my street go there often on weekends.

So have you ever heard of the filter theory of attention?  It's when your brain subconsciously brings your attention to a word or sound you hear.  Even though you're not listening to a conversation, certain words or sounds of importance will spark your attention.  This typically refers to sound but I think it can work visually too.  Because when I saw Kings Cross my eyes were drawn to the word 'Cross' obviously because that word is significant to me.  My mind immediately thought Jesus, but this cross is a different kind of cross.  Then it struck me.  My friends always say the phrase 'Let's go to the cross.' How paradoxical is that statement?  I've been asked by friends 'come to the cross with us.'

This made me think, I can't wait for the time in their lives when they wake up on a Sunday and say 'let's go to the cross.' Only this time, it will be to worship their savior.  And they'll go to their lost friends and say 'come to the cross with us.'  Only this time, they will be leading the way to Jesus.

Best Day.

This may seem glum.  But a friend and I were recently discussing funerals and how they made us feel.  I have a hard time handling funerals and try to avoid them at all cost.  But my friend said he actually enjoys them, because everyone seems to show their pleasant side at funerals.  Friends and family have big full hearts and bring love and compassion to funerals.  The person who has passed on is celebrated for the life they lived.

I understand his logic, but I am still very emotional with funerals.  I realized, it isn't because the person is no longer living among us.  My empathy streams to those affected by his or her death.  These loved ones are left with only memories.  And memories, good or bad, always seem to hurt.  It hurts because it's in the past.  Those good things will never reoccur.  Death is painful.  But actually...it's ok.

My family and I just finished reading the book of John together.  I was looking through my notes and saw where I wrote 'John 17:24- Jesus longs to be with us.'  If that fact doesn't make you feel good, I don't know what can.  That verse comes from a section of scripture where Jesus is praying to God for all believers.  Right before being crucified He's praying for each of us.  Telling God, 'I want them with me where ever I go.'  So it hit me...Jesus is sitting in Heaven, at the right hand of God, continually praying for us.  But I wonder if He's sitting there kind of squirmy.  Just waiting so eagerly to bear hug us when we finally get promoted to Heaven to be with Him.  Funerals don't have to be sad.  So now I add this to my notes....

'The day we get to Heaven, is the best day of our lives.'

Star Struck.

(First off, just letting everyone know our day light savings ended yesterday.)

So for those of you who don't know...I sort of get star struck REALLY easily.  I mean, SUPER star struck.  Also I am a HUGE fan of the band Hillsong United.  I cannot express to you how much of a fan I am.  For some people it's the Beatles or U2 or Lady Gaga.  For me, Hillsong United all the way.  Like, I want to be friends with these talented people.   Everyone can have their opinion, but I believe they started a revolution in worship music.

 

 

A little background: Their band was birthed out of Hillsong Church, which I've been following for the past 3 years now.  One of the main reasons I chose to study in Sydney, Australia is because this church was planted there.  Hillsong Church actually began in 1977, though it was then named Christian Life Centre.  It wasn't until it expanded into the Hills district of Sydney that the church was given the name 'Hillsong'.  Now in 2012, Australia alone has: 3 main campuses and 12 extension sites in Sydney, 1 in Brisbane, and 1 in Melbourne.  Other country locations include London UK, Kiev Ukraine, Cape Town South Africa, Stockholm Sweden, Paris France, Moscow Russia, New York City, and Konstanz Germany.  Just recently started were Hillsong Copenhagen Denmark and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.  I attend Hillsong's city campus and we are over capacity even with 7 services over the weekend.  By the promise of God we've been approved another building nearby, which will open this year. 

I wrote this blog not only to give you a small background of the awesome-ness I get to be a part of here in Sydney. But also because I had what Aunt Chabrella and I would call a 'George Clooney' moment.  When the service started tonight, to my surprise, Jad Gillies from Hillsong United was leading in worship. I had a freak out moment, but then realized my cousin Lara wasn't with me to join my freak out moment, so I regained composure.  After the service somehow I reached down deep to gather up my boldness and decided I should meet the guy.  I mean come on!  How often do you see your favorite musician or actor?  So I met Jad, we shook hands twice, I thanked him for everything and made sure he knows America appreciates them.  He was a super nice guy and I'm pleased with the words I managed to form during the conversation.

Here's Jad leading Forever Reign...

Words & Phrases- Part 2

I've been living in Sydney, Australia for 6 weeks now.  Therefore, I have aquired more lingo to share with you.  I know how exciting accents and language can be to Americans.  Here you go...(Aussie in black. American in red)


Where's Wally- Where's Waldo
Wanker- An idiot
Mobile phone- Cell phone
Bub- Baby
Cram- Stroller
Cuppa- Cup of tea
Swimmer, Cozzie- Bathing suit
Toilet- Bathroom
Have a go- Try
Jumper- Hooded sweat shirt
Lift- Elevator
Nappy- Diaper
Rego- Registration
Takeaway- Fast food
Capsicum- Peppers
Cheers- Thanks
Mum- Mom
Oovie- Red Box
Chicken burger- Chicken sandwich
Timetable- Schedule
SMS- Text (Example: I'll SMS you when I'm on my way)
Schoolies- Spring break (Americans go to Miami Beach, Australians go to Fiji)
'Hey-ch'- 'A-ch' (Pronouncing the letter 'H')

*Shout out to Andy Pat for his birthday this week! Good on ya mate!
*Remember to read John and pray for those who are downhearted or afflicted.
*Love you guys!

She is One, She is Many.

"Starbucks without coffee is as rediculous as the church not marked by the glory of God."  The church being one body of believers.

I got to go to Colour Conference 2012 in Sydney last weekend.  As an avid follower of Hillsong Church over the years, I have heard about this conference every year and I knew if I didn't go this year, I may never get the chance again.  I'm thankful to have gotten the opportunity.  For those of you who are not familiar, Colour Sisterhood is a women's humanitarian movement.  This is all women using what is in their hand to make a difference.  It is about raising awareness, standing in the gap and finding solution for those who have no voice, or for those who need a helping hand.  As a company of women, we believe that prayer can displace darkness, open the heavens and cause His love to prevail.

Ya know, together there really in no limitation to what God can do through us.  Our days are numbered and we shouldn't waste them spending time away from His purpose.  There is justice to be served and souls to be won!  We should pray for justice, point people to Jesus, and be obedient to God's call.

It's all about Jesus.  And Jesus is all about people.
"Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." --Isaiah 1:17

In the meantime, we're currently still finishing up Romans.  But then we're jumping back to the gospel of John.  This would be my older brother Zickle's genius choice.  Jump on board!

Romans.

My family and I are currently reading the book of Romans together. Obviously we are not all living in the same house, but via the internet we are able to keep each other updated on our reading. So Romans was my book choice. I chose it because it is my personal favorite book in the Bible. It’s just 16 short chapters and I’ve read it many times. The amazing thing about reading scripture is, you can read the same book over and over again and God will reveal new things to you every time. It’s so much fun!

We have been shooting emails back and forth about what we’re reading and the wisdom God has given us. It’s about been a week since we began Romans and I’m only in chapter 8. I prayed for God to overwhelm me with wisdom as I study His word and boy is He pouring it out! I can’t write fast enough to keep up with Him. It took me one sitting just to get half way through chapter one. Two things: 1) Pray big prayers that you know only God can make happen and 2) If you pray for it, be ready to receive it.

I like what my mommy said about the first half of Romans. So very wisely she summed it up as this: “We are all sinners and we should try to live as Jesus did and that is not easy but we need to work at it every day so that we can fulfill our purpose that He has for all of us. Romans 3:23-24 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." He paid the price for our sinful ways so that we could focus on what was important....to live a godly life and to live our lives to His purpose.”

I also really like what my older brother Zickle said about God’s love. He said this: “Romans 4 verse 25 was the one that stuck out to me the most. It says, "He (Jesus) was delivered to death for our sins and was raised for our justification.” It just blew me away because it shows the love that God has for us. God delivered, He gave, He said here you go death take my son so that all my children that I love so very much will not have to suffer for their sins. Then what really blew me away about the lengths God takes so that He can have relationships with us is, He did the impossible, He rose Jesus from the grave for our justification. I wish I could love as He loves! Also in chapter 4 it says a variation of, "righteousness comes by faith," six times. You can be righteous in the eyes of the creator of the Earth by having faith. God loves us so and wants nothing more than to have a relationship with us and He does every possible and impossible to make that happen.”

For me, I could rewrite my whole notebook, but trust me…that would be way too long for a blog post. I’ll just keep it short and sweet. Adam sinned, all of humanity is condemned to death. Jesus died, all of humanity can live and be made righteous. That’s chapter 5. But do you know what else? Chapter 6 is really good as well because it’s convicting but also explains our freedom in Christ. My sinful self died over 2 thousand years ago with Jesus on the cross. I’m no longer a slave to my sin. Though I deserve death, Jesus already conquered my death. It doesn’t need to be conquered again. It’s like the ACC Tournament right? Florida State(Me covered in Jesus’ blood) conquered Miami(my sin) on Friday. No matter how much Miami still wants to beat Florida State in this years tournament, it’s not going to happen. It’s single elimination and this battle has already been finished!

We’re free, is what I’m trying to say. We’re slaves to righteousness now. And that’s something to boast about in Jesus because our righteousness isn’t anything we did to earn. It’s everything Jesus did in obedience to God.

I’ll leave you with a glimpse of what I did this weekend…(Bondi Beach)

P.S. I used Miami and Florida State, because I figured no one would be too offended by that game.

Words & Phrases.

I keep getting asked by other international students if I have a hard time understanding the Australian accent.  I get told that my accent is really easy to understand, but I think that's because I feel like I have to annunciate when I'm talking to someone from Asia.  I don't know why.  I also find that occasionally I have to ask the meaning of some words and phrases when talking with my Aussie friends.  So I started writing down some of the more common ones.  The translation is in blue.

-Mate  (friend)
-Thongs  (flipflops)
-No worries  (that's ok)
-Arvo  (afternoon)
-Macca's  (McDonald's)
-I Reckon  (I think)
-Footy  (Rugby)
-Heaps  (a lot/so)
-Dodgy  (sketchy)
-How ya goin?  (how are you?)
-Bikkie  (biscuit/cracker)
-Fairy floss  (cotton candy)
-Lollies  (suckers)
-Jelly  (jello)
-Rubbish bin  (trash can)
-Uni  (college)
-Walkabout  (adventure)
-Frothing  (getting really excited)
-Just there  (right there/over there)
-Keen  (excited for/interested)
-Fair enough  (Oh ok)
-You're alright  (You're welcome)
-Good on ya  (well done)
-Beetroot  (beets) (they put them on their burgers, gross)
-Cringe worthy  (intense)

So that's what I have so far.  More to come in the later weeks and months.

Meet The House

First of all, I would just like to say.. I’m very thankful for the house God placed me into. We all get along really great. For those of you who don’t know, there are 4 bedrooms in my house and we share a backyard with our neighbors who also have 4 bedrooms. There are 8 of us in total. Although the 8 of us are so uniquely placed together, we’re all incredibly accepting of one another and it’s a beautiful camaraderie.

 This is my very first Australian friend. When I opened the door to the house for the first time, Dylan greeted me with the phrase ‘Yes! A friend!’ I was so comforted by that. He’s one of the most generous people I’ve ever met and gets overly excited about everything. He’s a first year university student studying computer science. Part of his family is from South Africa. He’s a magician, artist, video game creator, bird call expert, skateboarder/surfer and has had cancer. But his spelling is terrible. Example: Scissors = Sizers





 From the capital of Australia, Canberra, comes Lukas. This is also his first year at the university although he took a year off traveling Europe. He’s studying Art: Film Studies. He’s incredibly down to earth and genuinely kind hearted. He’s a snowboarder, loves Spongebob Squarepants and is a mix of Aussie and Kiwi.

 My only female housemate comes from New Zealand.  Which I think is awesome! New Zealanders are called Kiwis. And it is a privilege to live with a kiwi. Like Lukas, Lilly also took a year off to travel. She was an au pair in France, but go to travel around quite a bit. This is her first year and she is studying linguistics. She has a wonderful sense of humor, is into drama, and shares my love of maps!

 

 

Our neighbors consist of Elise, David, Winny, and Tony. Basically a house full of very intelligent people. Elise is studying space engineering. David is studying philosophy for his honors. Winny is doing her 4^th year of music. She plays percussions, which is awesome. Tony is from China and is studying engineering as well I believe.

So there you have it. That’s my home life for the semester. While they aren’t my church family that I pray to receive, they are a family that I’m going to grow to love and spend loads of fun times with. We mostly spend our time laughing at Dylan. Not with him…at him. All in love.

Exotic Animals Gone Wild!

As promised I present to you exotic animals gone wild, although this is only part one and you shouldn’t use all your zeal on this post. I haven’t reached the climax of wildlife here in Australia just yet. I’m saving that experience for a later date.

This is the Australian Magpie- It sounds like R2D2 from Star Wars.  And it's a little bit dodgy.

This is a White Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo- It sounds like a screaming and yelling child most times. And it doesn’t care if it’s midnight or 6am. It will continue to rant and rave at all hours of the day and night. Just look at him sitting up there.. ‘Listen to me! No one gives me attention! Only international people give me attention because they can’t believe a bird could be so obnoxious!’

This is an Australian White Ibis- They are EVERYWHERE on campus. And they aren’t very afraid of people, so I get a little uncomfortable when they are in pecks reach of me.

I hope you find those enjoyable.  I do have a couple of shout outs if you don't mind.  I'd like to wish a happy 21st birthday to my ever lovely Irish friend Vicki while it's still March 1st in part of the world!  Also, it is 12 midnight here on this side of earth. Therefore it is officially one of the most special days of the year, March 2nd.  Happy 14th birthday to my little brother Wes!  God is too good to put both Wesley and Victoria into my life.

Stay tuned to meet my house mates!

Aus Adventures #2

So many events to share…

What you need to know are these…

No.1-
Australian sun is no joke. ‘Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes.’ -Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast. Literally there is a hole in the ozone layer over parts of Australia and Antarctica, therefore the UV rays are incredibly feisty. Skin cancer is one of Australia’s top killers.

No.2- Never walk outside at night in Sydney barefoot. I even leave my socks on walking around the house, because we leave windows and doors open so frequently (Typically Aussie houses don’t have A/C). I’ll say the word cockroach and leave it at that.

No.3-

Who knew didgeridoos came from the Aboriginal tribes of Australia?? And to think, my brother bought one in an antique shop in North Carolina. Oh my gosh, that’s the same antique shop I bought my tree carving of a Kookaburra! ‘Oh yeah, it’s all comin together.’ -Kronk, Emperor's New Groove

No.4-

‘Fish are friends, not food!’ -Bruce the Shark
Fish and chips. Ew. If a smell makes you gag, I don’t understand why you would eat it.

No.5-

Now I’m not one to promote Starbucks, just because McDonalds coffee is cheaper and just as good. BUT Starbucks Australia is several notches above Starbucks USA. Just look at the baked goods selection! All we get in America are old scones.

No.6-

Pancakes on the rocks!!! This is a popular restaurant that everyone has to try when in Sydney. ‘The Rocks’ is an area in Syd where the colony first was established. It’s a really cool place with street markets. ...Yes, chocolate pancakes.  Somebody shield Granny, I give you Devil’s Delight…

No.7-

Circular Quay is pronounced Circular KEY. I shall not make that mistake again. This is where the ferry ports are as well as the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.  Yes, it is as awesome as it looks.  Probably even more awesome than it looks.

So I’m going to stop there with numbers because 7 is a good number. But I did want to share a few more bits of excitement.

A) I went to the store to get groceries today and only spent 20 dollars! They had peanut butter, I was thrilled! I guess I expected to see Vegemite and Kangaroo meat. Anyways, I got excited and took a bite before the photo, but here is the first meal I cooked myself in Australia that's not Ramon Noodles (I squirreled away a couple 5 in my suit case).

B) I participated in my first public transportation in this huge city. By myself. I’m not proud or anything, because I did get antsy and get off 4 stops too early. BUT the point is I did it and made it safely to my destination.

C) I WENT TO HILLSONG CHURCH!!!! SYDNEY CITY LOCATION!!! Trip’s complete. Let’s go home. Ha I’m kidding, I still have to hold a Koala, take my roommates to church and eat a homemade meat pie.

Stay tuned for Exotic Animals gone wild...

First Week in Aus.

So guess what? I’m in Sydney, Australia! Proof you ask? ...

Alright. So now that we cleared that up…I’ll give you the run down of my trip so far.

I said goodbye to this darling creature on Friday afternoon: (Tigger Chilton)

I flew to Dallas Sunday morning and got to meet this darling creature: (My cousin George Chewbacca Scott)

I flew over the entire Pacific Ocean all of Monday:  (Shout out: Qantas Airways treats you right)

I arrived here on Tuesday afternoon: (My new home)

  

I walked with my roommate Dylan and his friend Ryss around the city:

I discovered there are many gross things like this:

And I have done a good bit of walking around my new university:

So there are some cool pictures you can hopefully enjoy. I really try to be secretive when I take photos because I don’t want to look like a tourist. I can totally blend in and look like an Aussie as long as I remember to stay to the left when walking. I keep wanting to go right and end up getting in the way. I’m bound to get run over looking the wrong way crossing the street. Speaking of blending in, a foreign student asked me for directions to a building yesterday. I pretended I knew what I was talking about and gave him directions. Who knows if he made it or not. Several international students have asked me questions for help. I guess they see white skin and think Aussie. Well I’m honored quite frankly. That means I must look as though I know what I’m doing. Success!

Quickly I’ll tell you how things are going. Honestly, I nearly came home earlier this week. I was completely overwhelmed by the initial shock of a new place and new people. Clearly the culture here is different and it will take some getting use to. I’ve decided that I will keep trusting God’s purpose for me in this place and try harder to get connected. Having said this, I do like my roommates Dylan and Lucas a lot. They are both very kind people. We have nice neighbors as well.

I wanted to thank you all for your support. It really REALLY means a lot to me and helps HEAPS. (Heaps being an extremely commonly used Aussie word. I don’t think they know the phrase 'a lot'. Everything is heaps.)

Staying United.

I am a wee bit scared to embark on my Australian journey, however, it grieves me more to leave my family and friends.  I've been aware this would be my most difficult obstacle while away, so I have a plan.  Actually in all honesty, God shot me this idea about a month ago.  Here's my reasoning:  I want to know that the people I love most are safe and happy.  The only way I can be sure is if God is the one taking care of them.  But people are sinful, so how will I know if God's being welcomed into their lives?  Well, if I'm sure they're saturated in God's word of course!! BINGO. It's foolproof.

So, having said this...I invite anyone who would like to, to join my family and I in reading books of the Bible together.  I haven't made a schedule yet.  Perhaps that special feature will come soon!  But here is what I was thinking, we'll read Romans (I decided we could start with Romans because it's my personal favorite) at our own pace over a 2 week period.  Maybe 3 weeks for longer books.  I like to take notes and journal because it makes it real and applicable and permanent.  But others may do it differently.  However anyone goes about studying, I think it's important to afterwards discuss what God revealed to us and what questions come up.  It'll be awesome and it'll be a huge blessing to our family.

I see unity as one of the most important things that can exist.  A fellow community group member said 'When the church comes together, Christ gains power'.  That is golden. Unity in Jesus is an unbreakable force.  For the occasion, I found a verse of coure.  It's Psalm 133:1 'How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.'  GOOD and PLEASANT.  Those are nice. Those are what I want to know my friends and family are feeling.  I'll let you know ahead of time what the plans are, and you let me know if you have any beneficial ideas.

Hey Jeremiah 29:13 I believe it is, says 'you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'  So let's seek Him together eh? For NARNIA!

P.S. I used the phrase 'wee bit' at the beginning in honor of my irish friends. Shout out to you mates!

Won't Be Long Now.

Who knew packing to move to another country could be so difficult.  It's all about strategy really.  Try to take the bare minimum.  Consider weight, space, appropriate items for carry-on baggage.  It literally took me a whole day.  BUT...I have successfully packed and feel pretty accomplished.  I'm sure I forgot something, but no need to fret.

 I have updated news also!  Ready? ....I have a place to live!  I don't know details yet, but I will be living on campus, which is quite a relief.  No house hunting when I arrive.  I will, however, have to go buy a cheap pillow and blanket when I get there.  No big deal.  Now let's pray I can get an on campus job of some sort.  That would be lovely.

So currently I am getting excited about the trip as a whole.  I haven't been sleeping much, but come on!  Who would who's moving to an unfamiliar country across the world?  Once again, God has not failed me but given me hope and a future.  Just as Jeremiah 29 reads.  I actually have a few words to share on the matter.  The past 6 months have been a roller coaster.  There's just so much uncertainty in life and I think everyone would agree that that's sometimes difficult to deal with.  Having said that, I have found a way that is easier.  People so often get bogged down in circumstances and begin believing things will never be good again.  And I'm guilty of it too.  But let me proclaim this fearlessly..NO circumstance can take away the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  None.  I've felt it, I've lived it, I know it to be true.  It doesn't matter what darkness you're experiencing, there is always a better purpose.  Don't believe me, let God prove it...

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." --Hebrews 12:11

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." --Romans 8:18

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." --James 1:2-4

I like to think of it in the analogy of lifting weights.  You lift weights in order to tear your muscles (hints being sore afterwards).  But the pain is worth it because your muscles grow back stronger and better.  That's where we get the phrase 'no pain, no gain.'  Such is this in our life serving Jesus.  I know this to be true and I will show you...

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." --Romans 8:28

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." --Isaiah 58:11

"The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." --Deuteronomy 1:30-31

Ya know, I can look over my short life thus far and honestly say with certainty that God has never failed me.  He's protected me, looked out for me, provided for me, blessed me, favored me, and loved me literally my entire life.  If He's taken me to it, He's brought me through it.  Examples.  I went off to college having not a clue of what to expect, God placed me in a college designed perfectly for my character.  That was the best year of my life.  The summer after, I took on a position that was out of my comfort zone at that time, God allowed me the opportunity to have my best friend as my co-worker.  That was the best summer of my life.  I changed colleges and the only two friends I had there..left, God gave me a spirit of boldness and I found a church community.  This gives me life during the school year.  The events on this timeline go on and on and never stop.  Because God never stops loving me.