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.