The Changing of Seasons

We are most definitely well into spring here in Australia! It was beautiful and sunny today, but still a bit too warm for my liking. It is exciting, however, to know that we'll be swimming soon!

In other news, school is still splendid and God is still teaching me things that are blowing my mind. I'm convinced that it wouldn't hurt every Christian to do Bible College! There's just so much to learn and so many of us don't know near enough! I'm so glad that I'm here learning everything I can, it's such a privilege.

In regards to college family, things are going okay. Still loving these amazing people. However, there has been a bit of tension in the house this past week. Simple misunderstandings, miscommunications and mistaken motives, nothing too devastating at all. But when a group of people that are so close nit, even the little things cause tension. We did work through our problems, and learned from the experience, and hope handle the next situation more effectively. A good learning experience for all of us. It's good to have people in my life that are committed to relationships and growing together. Conflict is not near as painful when you have people like that.

Today in Chapel I got emotional, realizing that my time here is very limited. I feel like one day I can't wait to get out of here, and the next I'm worried about leaving! It's a good process though. I do have such a peace about the changing of seasons in my life, and this fragile time of transition is quite precious.

I shall update again later. College Break is coming up next week and I'll have 7 whole days to do whatever I please. I'm sure I'll find some space for a blog or two. :) All my love, as always!

His Mercy Is New

These past 5-6 weeks have been so incredible, and spring has officially arrived. Let me tell you a little about it...

School is really great. This semester has been much more enjoyable and I'm closer to my classmates than I was a couple months ago. We had our first performance of the semester, and it went really well! We've also written a song already. Each of us had to co-write a song with a classmate and I got to work with a girl named Mirang Jung from South Korea. It was such a fun experience! That was one of my first big assignments and it's completed and submitted, so I'm pretty happy. Out of all the co-writes, our trainers will pick the top 3 songs and the class will plan a 15 minute worship service using the original songs. I'm really looking forward to that.

My college family is amazing. Our house of girls hangs out with a house of guys, and we all have way too much fun. We get together at our house every Sunday night for Family Night and Chelsea cooks us dinner. Most weeks we're over at the guys' house at least 2 nights of the week. We just can't seem to spend enough time together! We play card games by candlelight and laugh hysterically while trying to solved funny riddles. They're just the best crowd of people.

It's funny how people from all over the world can come together and bond so quickly. It's hard for me to think about doing life without them.

I'm already getting anxious about leaving. Some days seemed to crawl by, but looking back, these months have gone so incredibly fast. I just know that in no time at all I'll be home wondering where the time went. And for that reason, I've taken so many more opportunities these last couple months. I stay up late, and go out with the gang (even when I have assessments due) because I know I won't regret it in a couple months. It's been so fun, and I've got heaps of memories to carry with me for the rest of my life.

I've been sick these last couple of days, and I went to plug my nebulizer in to start treatments...and it blew up. So, now I don't have that, but I'm still believing for divine healing! I haven't had to use any treatments this whole year, and I think God can keep me well for the last 12 weeks! =)

I think I'm going to try to get to bed early tonight. I value sleep quite highly these days, and tomorrow is a full day. All of you back home should be waking up soon, so enjoy another beautiful day that our God has given us. His mercy is new, so let's not live for yesterday.

All My Love,

Bri

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

Happiness

What is happiness?

Happiness is a rainy day.

Happiness is the windows down and the stereo up.

Happiness is an ocean shore in North Carolina.

...A sunrise and a cup of coffee...A convertible Mustang and Billy Joel.

Happiness is a good book & cup of tea.

Happiness is Denny’s at 3am.

Happiness is slow dancing on a frozen pond.

...A campfire, a guitar, and 30 friends singing at the top of their lungs.

Happiness is an authentic Italian restaurant and a Billy Joel & Elton John concert.

Happiness is new friends that seem like old ones...The Blue Mountains and road trips...

...An old pontoon boat and a muddy lake...A four-wheel drive truck and 3 feet of snow.

Happiness is laughing uncontrollably... Playing tag on horseback... Sleeping in.

Happiness is creating something no one’s ever heard...Singing harmony, and dashboard drumming.

Happiness is swimming in the dark, falling asleep in the boat, waking up and driving home at 6am.

...Corny musicals... a cappella duets... Diet Coke... Slippers.

Happiness is a homecoming football game...A high school dance... A teddy bear that smells like him.

Happiness is my great-grandmother’s piano... An old barn and a pool table.

Happiness is baking cookies and wrapping presents.... decorating the Christmas tree and a handmade nativity set.

...A can of deluxe mixed nuts... A scrapbook full of priceless memories.

Happiness is candlelight and a bubble bath... Sugar-free chocolate...

Happiness is a pair of old cowboy boots and horse that’s your best friend...

It’s your brother’s arms around you when you’re crying... And thinking that it was worth all the years of fighting... It’s sitting on his bed and telling him you’ve got a crush on his best friend...

Happiness is an country dirt road and an old farmhouse... A chinese restaurant... A church family...

...Watching Doctor Who and playing Quelf... Fourth of July & Superbowl...

Happiness is being independent...The Sydney Opera House... And saying ‘No Worries’... It’s finding out who you are... And making changes along the way...

Happiness is a moment... No matter how close or far away...

When you realize that God is good... And every breath is reason enough to smile.

So tell me, what is happiness to you?

I've figured out...

I've figured out that I have this problem with blogging... Every time I go to post something new, I can't figure out where to start! It's only been a month since my last post but so much has happened - as it does here at Hillsong. How about we start shallow and work our way deeper?

Life is good! School is still as wonderful as ever. I still love my classes (with the exception of one) and still look forward to every lecture. Brilliant people they have working here... Musically, I've got my performance this coming Monday! I was crazy stressed about it last week, but after God did the whole, "Brianna. Chill." thing... I'm good. See, I've recognized the pattern of my thinking, and I'm working on "renewing my mind" (Rom. 12:2). It's a process, but I'm getting better. When it comes to conflict - internal or external - in my life, I tend to worry way too much, emotionally wreck myself, and expect my little mind to work things out. Later, I realize that there's no need for that when God has things under control. I could be using all that wasted energy to fan into flame the gift of God that's in me! (2 Tim. 1:6) Which brings me to my next point...(too many lectures and sermons! haha)

I've figured out that I'm not here for music. In a sense, I knew that when I came, but I'm finding more and more that music is just one of the benefits of being here. And I know as I continue to stretch and grow, I will know even more that I am here for something much bigger than music. (It's that whole, "We are saved, and we are being saved. We are healed, and we are being healed." thing. I knew, I know and I will know!) When I tell people that, some of them get a little confused and ask, "well what are you here for?" I laugh... I just say: "Open heart surgery. I came to Australia for open heart surgery." And that is so true. Oh, and brain surgery too! It's the most incredible experience. God did it as soon as I got here and He's doing it everyday... It's like, each day God breaks through another mindset, smashes another attitude, and destroys one more of those little boxes I try to put Him in. I told my housemate, "I'm wearing skinny jeans and converse, I stopped drinking coffee, and I say 'No Worries'...What's happened me?!" haha And that's the beauty of it - from mindsets to style: I'm recreating myself. Actually, I'm not recreating myself, I'm just learning how to be the woman God created me to be all along.

There's actually heaps more to tell... (They say heaps here in Australia, did I tell you that? Heaps and Loads. And they say Ta, which is short for Thank You...I like that one.) I'll try to write more soon. Less TV, more blogging!

Oh and one more thing, it's COLD here! It's Australia, no I didn't bring a winter coat! I plan to buy one soon.

So friends, rejoice in the Lord always!

:)

~ Lord Jesus, you're brilliant. If only I could write something so powerful and unique as what you're doing in me. I love you. Help me to be the woman you've uncovered, the one you've always intended for me to be... I like her. All for you, and you alone. Ta Daddy. ~

An Inheritance

I'm in the middle of reading the book of Joshua in the Old testament, and after doing my devotions today, I thought I'd write a little about what I'm learning from Joshua.

So, first off, I just so admire Joshua. He's appointed to lead the Israelites after Moses passes on, and he steps right up into leadership, without question or hesitation. One thing we see God speak to Joshua several times is: "Be strong and courageous." Moses says this to him when he appoints him as leader, and then the Lord speaks it to him several times throughout his life. This is something that has always stood out to me. We don't see Joshua panicking or questioning God, but God is constantly telling him to be strong and courageous. God reminds him repeatedly that He is with him, and that He will never leave or forsake him. God promises those same things to us, only if we would walk in the same kind of faith and trust that Joshua did! It's something I'm learning to do... When we take God at His word, and live without fear, we will see God's promises come alive in our lives.

Another group of people I'm learning from is the Levites. The Levites were set apart in the tribes of Israel as an offering to the Lord; to do the work in the Tent of Meeting(the Tabernacle). It was very high calling. We see in Numbers 8 where the Lord has Moses dedicate the Levites. He presents them as an offering to the Lord--not a burnt offering--but a wave offering.

**A wave offering was something done to accompany the peace offering. If was the offering of the first fruits, that was to be presented("waved" before God) and viewed as holy unto God. It was done, almost as a gift unto God, because of His covenant and communion with the people.**

So for the Levites to be presented as a wave offering to God, was to say - "These are our best men, set apart as holy, to serve Christ." What a honor! It was a high calling to work in the Tabernacle. I was thinking about this because personally I've felt called to ministry in the church, and it's what I'm learning and growing in while I'm here. As I was reading Joshua today, I was reading the sections where Joshua is dividing the land among the tribes, and this is what it say's about the tribe of Levi:

Joshua 18:7 -- "The Levites, however, do not get a portion among you, because the priestly service of the Lord is their inheritance."

I posted a blog last year on "Other's May; You Cannot." and that verse reminded me of it. It talks about how those in ministry are held to a higher standard and, as we often do with God's word, we see it as law instead of freedom. We see the things we can't do and can't have, instead of realizing everything we get to do and have! What a wrong way of thinking! As I read this in Joshua today, I just repented before God for the times when I view ministry as a burden or duty. It's the high calling of God; it's our inheritance!

I never want to get to the place where I feel like serving God is something I have to do, but instead always seeing it as an honor; an inheritance. How amazing is God, that He would choose us-finite, imperfect, human beings-to join Him in His work. He calls us to be holy, as He is holy; to be set apart, as He is set apart. What an honor! I'll take that over anything the world has to offer, any day.

So, those are just my thoughts. I'd love to hear yours! :)