Some of you already know that I've kind of had a rough past two days adjusting to being back in Australia. For some reason it all just hit hard on Saturday and I began to reconsider sticking it through the remainder of the year. I've calmed down a bit, I've talked to multiple people, and I went to church. And church alone pretty much sums it up... most of me doesn't want to listen to it, but I'll give the next month a go and see where God leads me.
Church this morning was great... as always. I really was looking forward to coming back to Garden City. It almost feels like my church. I always know I'm going to get something out of the worship and the sermon. This morning was no different. The worship began with a song I didn't know, so - on top of being sick - I thought I'd sit it out, well, stand, but not sing. The second song was one that was oh so familiar. A Hillsong worship song called 'You Are My Strength'. The title speaks for itself. The lyrics are as follows:
You are my strength
Strength like no other
Strength like no other
Reaches to me
You are my hope
Hope like no other
Hope like no other
Reaches to me
(We continued to sing with: "You are my peace", followed by "You are my joy")
In the fullness of Your grace
In the power of Your Name
You lift me up
You lift me up
Unfailing love
Stronger than mountains
Deeper than oceans
Reaches to me
Your love O Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness
Reaches to the skies
The song broke me. I haven't been depending on God for strength as I did all of last semester. Part of me didn't/doesn't want to and just wants to go home. But He got me here... I need to ask Him if He wants me to stay here. But there's more... and I'll try to make is short...
The sermon dealt with Isaiah 40:27-31 (read the whole thing if you can) "...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint". The pastor connected the traits of the eagle to Christianity. How every 10 years eagles would pluck their own feathers out (humorously comparing it to tweezing nose hairs), and to do so they would go out on their own, away from their mate and their eaglets. They would climb to the highest rock, pluck out their feathers, dive into water to clean, then go back to the rock to dry for 40 days, and while waiting would sharpen their talons and prepare their beak. He said this: Allow something to take place that God needs to. Go on your own. Progress cannot take place without pain. Go back to the rock, get alone with God and rest in the presence of the Son.
Yes, I was supposed to hear this sermon.
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On a lighter note... I went bushwalking with my flatmate and two other of his friends. It was such a beautiful day, it just couldn't be passed up. So we went on a 5km (a little over 3 mile) bushwalk through the Toohey Forest and saw God's wonderful and not so wonderful creations. :) It was nice to get out and get some fresh air.
awesome little praying mantis. never actually seen one of these just out in nature.
if you look more towards the center you might see a giant spider. it's a little difficult to see. maybe if you click the picture to make it larger. let me know if you see it.
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3 comments:
Eww.. I saw the spider and it made me want to cry.
I saw the spider! And its huge web! But how cool was that praying mantis! Looks like you had a beautiful day!
Andie,
Hi from ACH the home of the Elderly and somewhat of kilter segment of earth.
Just finished reading your blog and watching the video of your trip to Sydney. WOW
Andy,
Your video was great! It made me think of something I wanted to share with you. On 2nd thought Im telling your mom and you can talk to her to get the jist of this.
Keep up the good work.Twyla
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