What's Happening In My Mind...

It's Saturday night, the 21st of August, and I'm sitting here laughing hysterically! Chelsea, Liz, Stian and I are sitting around the table talking about Jim Carrey movies. Ahh, college life is good.

Tonight I was rostered for Kids Creative (worship for our kids programs) and we had so much fun. Saturday night church is a whole other atmosphere compared to Sunday services. Everything is in The Hub and the setting is always very casual and relaxed. It's very comfortable and feels like home. Anyways, the kids are always great and our Saturday PM team is great... I love those people.

Today was nice, I was able to relax and recharge. We got a new refrigerator and washing machine, thanks to my new housemate, Chelsea. Very excited about that. But this afternoon found me on edge for some reason... I got to Skype briefly with my parents, but the connection was terrible. I ended up extremely irritated after that and it kind of continued through the day. I prayed about it and tried to find an explanation but couldn't. Maybe it was just the series of events in my day, or something else. I'm still soul-searching and trying to figure out why I'm responding to people/events in this way. It's very unlike me... At this point, I'm feeling defensive (and I'm not sure why) and that makes me want to retreat back into myself. Isolation was always the answer for me, BUT I'm learning not to do that. So, because I'm changing the way I do life, my goal is to not completely pull away from everybody! Surely this is just a phase and all will return to normal soon.

Life is so funny. Occasionally, my mood will change like the weather here in Syndey (completely unpredictable), and it surprises me, causes me to step back and question what's happening in my mind, and I usually come out understanding myself a little better. Something God uses to grow me, I suppose. Whatever this is, I'm prepared to be educated on my own motives, beliefs, and thought processes. Good? Definitely. Fun? Not at all.

Well, before I start rambling about internalization and psychology, I'm going to go to bed. These kinds of crazy posts is the usual product of my late night blogging. Everything should be less dramatic after a good night's rest!

Until next time...

"The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."

It Is Well With My Soul

So...I completely forgot that I had a blog! I saw a friend’s blog and thought: ‘Oh my goodness!’ :) It’s been over 2 months since I posted anything, and so much happens in 2 months here at HILC. I’m not sure where to start, let’s see...

As of right now, I have less than 16 weeks left here in Australia. Thats right folks, I’m homeward bound! After lots of praying and seeking, I’ve very sure that after my year here, I’m meant to be back in my home church. As excited as I am to be home, each day I’m realizing how much I’m going to miss this place. This has been the most incredible 7 months of my life! It’s been a wonderful season, but seasons must change. Life is so bitter-sweet!

In other news, I’m 3 weeks into the 2nd semester, and it’s a whole new ballgame. It’s a bit more academically and musically demanding, but it’s going to stretch me spiritually, more than anything. And it’s wonderful! The classes have already been outstanding, and I get to write songs for my assessments, how much more wonderful can it get? This semester is already so different than the last. God did so much in me during the first 6 months, and my attitude and outlook are so much better. The peace that I have now is absolutely incredible. God just keeps blowing my mind! Anyways, I’m quite looking forward to what the next 14 weeks (end of the semester) brings. One of my subjects is Personal Evangelism, and that’s where the spiritual stretching comes in. It’s good though, I’m understanding that God likes to keep me uncomfortable... it’s necessary for growth. And growing is what I’m here for!

I wish I could tell you everything that God’s doing in me and around me... it’s truly indescribable. But instead of writing it all down, I have faith that when we meet again, you’ll see the change for yourself! I’m definitely looking forward to the ‘homecoming’ season, but I’m very content to be in this season of training and growth. I’m getting better about living in my ‘now’... it’s definitely the way to live. Actually, there’s nothing quite as satisfying. Here’s a quote that inspired me regarding this thought:

“Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.” ~Mary Jean Iron

Life is good. My life, 10,000 miles away from home, is good. And I can finally say that and believe it without a shadow of a doubt. I can’t wait to see what God does next. This really is the adventure of a lifetime! Thanks for all the prayers and support. You guys are the best.

All My Love,

Bri