All I want is to live free and have fun.

Just before I start, a quick reminder that I'm not forcing anyone to read this and all views are my own and blah blah blah. If I offend anyone you can take it up with my boss (Jesus).

I want to talk about freedom.

I live a life that is free. It has nothing to do with what I eat, how much I exercise, how nice I am to people or how often I get things right. It has everything to do with Who I know. Before you get bored, I just want to say this: Freedom is so much more than just doing what you want... It's doing what you love, and having happiness by doing it. Even then, it's more than that. When you're living in true freedom, what releases you into your utmost happiness will usually release others into theirs too. As members of society, we're all called to live harmoniously and as one whether we're Christian, Atheist or any other form of faith system. I posted a blog a few weeks ago about falling into a career that you love and doing what makes you happy, and this is sort of following that mindset but I think I'm going to expand a little more.

When I think of freedom I think of joy. To me, when I'm picturing in my mind what it looks like to be free I see a sunny day, driving along the coast with the windows down, hair blowing everywhere and the people I love. Free because there are no restraints. Free because there are no distractions. Free just because. But realistically, there are very few of us who get to drive down the coast with no cares in the world every day of our lives. Most of us have jobs, or any other number of commitments.

Quickly back tracking to what I said DOESN'T bring freedom, I feel like I wouldn't really be doing justice if I didn't mention that eating right and exercising does play a massive part in how a person feels about themselves. So if you're eating lots of junk food and never exercising (that was me 2 months ago) don't expect to have the best mindset you possibly could. Exercising brings out natural endorphins and it makes you feel good about yourself, so if you're feeling sad, do some sit ups, go for a run or just do some star jumps... You'll feel better! Also, eating right also effects the way your body processes things, so do yourself a massive favour and don't eat McDonalds or hungry jacks! It might taste good for five minutes, but in the long run it's killing you. Your body would love you so much more if you ate the things it was designed to eat (boys, eat a steak instead of a big mac... You don't get much manlier than that!!)

And also, being nice to people is SUPER important! I don't need to expand on that, just remember your manners and swallow your pride when you need to! (preaching to myself here)

OKAY. So I got all that out... NOW I wanna talk about freedom.

My belief is that freedom comes from God. I'm not refraining at all from saying that because I know it as truth. I know that on days/weeks/months when I neglect to spend time with my King and Saviour, things just don't work as well. BUT the split second I turn back and spend time with God, everything is better. I didn't say easier. But it's better. God isn't a God of making things easy, He's a God of making things worth it. Things don't suddenly become all flowers, rainbows and pretty songs... God just provides you a way out when the storms come rolling in and the lightning and rain are threatening every aspect of your life.

2 Corinthians 3:16-17 says this, "but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Some key points:

1. but whenever a person turns to the Lord. So, every single time. Whether the first time, the 5th time or the 900th time, the veil that separates us from the freedom of Christ is actually taken away.. Physically taken away. The only way it's brought back is if we do it ourselves. 

2. where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Believing in God isn't about rules and regulations, the scripture here says plain and simply: there is freedom. Nothing binding, not restraining, not hard work, effort and striving. Just freedom.

I know all to well the pain of striving and being put right back in my place. I know how it feels to search everywhere for friends only to be shut down. I know how it feels to be dreaming dreams but not knowing how to activate them or reach goals. But what I know even more is the feeling of freedom that comes when I hand it all over to God and just let Him help me out. He's actually a top guy, hey. He knows what He's doing and believe it or not, He knows what's best. I'm quite an independent person and I hate being told what to do, yet I feel so comforted when I know the creator of the universe has a plan for me and all I have to do is say, "yeah, I'm ready for that." and I'll be able to walk in more than my wildest dreams could ever have imagined.

I'm going to post this video of Hillsong Young + Free's story below... It's significant for this generation... This generation needs to learn that freedom comes from sober thoughts, not clouded judgement. This generation needs to know how loved they are... This generation needs to rediscover what it means to be young and free.. And I believe we can.

What is acceptance? Is it weird to love people?

Forever posting strange titles, somewhat in the hopes it might get an ear to listen. (At least I'm honest)

Acceptance. This concept has been going over and over in my mind for a few weeks and I can't shake it. Australia, as a free country, claims to be accepting. Accepting of religion, accepting of gender, accepting of lifestyle. But how exactly do we accept what other people do? Is it classified as acceptance if someones lifestyle choices really bug me, but I keep my mouth shut and smile? Or is that just tolerance? The answer is obvious, it's tolerance.

I hate tolerance.

Yes, it's a very general statement and you're never going to be able to accept everyone so sometimes you need to suck it up and just tolerate them... But what I do hate is the thought that tolerance is good enough. It really isn't. Society most definitely has its issues and as a Christian, sometimes it's assumed that I'm going to instantly not want to be friends with someone just because their lifestyle choices are a bit different to mine. But that's not how it is. Honestly, I just love people. Full stop.  There's no fine print. I just love people.

I'm so tired of it being common practice to slander people and call people names, but it's suddenly "weird" or "soft" to go around genuinely complimenting people and trying to build them up. Seriously, what's with that? Ha, sitting here now I can recall times where friends have told me that I need to stop being such a "flirt" because I was "overcomplimenting" another friend. I'm sorry, but what? How is there such a thing as overcomplementing? The red lines underneath the word as I type tell me that it's not even a true word. (So don't hold back with the compliments, you don't know who might actually really need it.)

So back to the topic of acceptance....

I believe there are two principles that have worked for me in accepting people and not just "tolerating" them.

1. Listen to what they have to say and don't just judge on face value (or what others have said)

2. Accurately self-assess self so one doesn't just think they're better than other people (I'm not - you're not either)

Acceptance is important. It's vital. Australia needs a generation of young people who actually care about each other, not just about themselves. We need young people who are willing to love unrelentingly. We need young people who want to actually make a change and aren't just concerned about the latest iPhone or Android or debating which is better. I'm passionate about seeing people realise who they can truly be given the opportunity to shine.

There's no harm in trying to love on people.

P.S,

This blog has come out a lot messier than I intended. What I really want to say is that I'm over seeing people hurting over feeling left out, unloved or unwanted. I desire to see people feel loved, included and valued and it breaks my heart that it's just not happening. If you take anything from this, please just take this: do your best to be kind. You could make someones day.

Are you doing what you love?

Yesterday I returned home from a family holiday to The Whitsunday's. The week away was one of the best mini-holidays I've ever had and it made me really step back and evaluate life and where I am, where I'm headed and am I doing myself justice by following a path that truly makes me happy? They're pretty big questions, but I've been pondering over them for a few days and felt that I needed to write another blog post - especially seeing as it's been so long since the last one!

I met so many people on my trip, we did a couple day trip cruises around the islands and on those we met some of the crew, my family consisted of myself, my parents, my brother and his wonderful girlfriend, my grandparents and two of my aunties. It didn't matter where we went, people were drawn to us. On one of the day trips one of the crew said to me, "It's really wonderful what you have here, it's so special to see such a happy family here... Your happiness brings something special to this cruise." She was a single mum of three, migrated from China on her own, became an Australian citizen, and had made a way for her children to have the best. Another of the crew on this specific cruise sat down with us and started opening up about his life and how he had come to be in Australia (he was English) and on board this boat as a crew member... it really is humbling hearing about the struggle some people go through to find themselves. Personally, I think the best customer service is when the customer walks away feeling like they were treated like a real human being. But it got me thinking about the remark made it the movie Fight Club, where on the plane a comment is made about "single serve friendships"... Everything on a plane comes single serve, including the friendship with the person you sit next to. I guess the same thing applies to the cruises. But I can't help but feel extraordinarily blessed by the people I met, I might only meet them once, but their stories will stick with me forever. And what will stick even more is that they loved their jobs. The crew for the cruise ship worked 12-13 hour days, sometimes 7 days straight and yet because of what they were doing (taking people snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, and just seeing awesome sights in general) and how happy they could make people they loved it.

Just before I went away, I did an assignment all between the link of what is put inside of you from birth that you are passionate about and the career that you take up when you finish school. The question I found difficult to answer is whether or not there really is a link. I believe there is. I believe everyone is called to do something with themselves that will not only satisfy their own person, but it will contribute to the greater picture in making the world a better place. A career can be a calling, but not everyone is called to it. The pressure of this generation is to go through school - and do it with excellence. Once that's done, go to uni - and do it with excellence. Finally, after Uni, fight your way into a job, trying to prove why YOU are a better uni graduate than anyone else. And who knows if by that time you're going to enjoy what you've spent years studying? But isn't it too late? You've got student debts, you probably haven't been earning much whilst you were studying, so it's just too late.

But it's not. From seeing the people love their work so passionately and not really care about how much they were earning, it spoke to me. It's never too late to get into what you love. And when you work somewhere you love, people will notice it. You'll do your work better, you'll put heart and soul into it because it's what actually matters to you. And you'll flourish.

Life can be challenging, and it can take a lot to get us on the right path... But once you're there, you'll grow and succeed and you'll see why you went through what you did. Going back to the crew member I mentioned earlier, he literally went through hell and back before he got into a job he loved. He told of how he served in the army for 6 years, and learnt a trade. He couldn't stand it anymore, he was miserable at his posting and miserable when he came back home... But because of that time in the army and learning a trade, it made it possible for him to move to Australia. Sometimes we need to do things out of obligation, or do things we hate, in order to find what we truly love doing.

It's not too late to do what you love. (And it's not too impractical or too big a dream either)

This is not for the easily offended.

The purpose of creating a blog, as I've probably said many a time, is to convey what I think and where I stand when it comes to certain topics. I decided to do it in blog format so as not to fill Facebook feeds, and so that if people don't like it, they really don't have to look at it.

Spoiler alert: I'm going to talk about my own personal Christian viewpoints ahead. Stop now if you're prone to taking things the wrong way.

I've been "feasting", so to speak, on a couple of scriptures of late.

Firstly, 2 Timothy 2:22.  "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Evil desires of youth? What does that even mean? I guess, when I read it, I take it as things that come as part of growing up that are optional extras. e.g, underage (and of age) partying/drinking/smoking/drug taking, etc., unprotected and pre-marital sex (oops, did I just drop the s word?!), swearing, gossip, hopefully you know what I'm getting at. They're things that as a society are seen as being acceptable or written off as "part of the norm". I'm going to try very hard to make it clear that I am not judging or pointing the finger at any lifestyle decisions, I'm simply trying to convey the reasoning behind my own. 

When I was 14 years old, I cemented a decision that had been on my mind since I was old enough to think for myself. (I was an independent child - just ask my mum, I apparently came out of the womb giving orders, ha!) I decided that I wanted to fight for my purity, and I wanted to make this a well-rounded decision. In my speech, in my thoughts, in my actions and most importantly in sexual purity. I made a conscious decision that I wasn't going put any substance in my body that wasn't intended for it, and I wasn't going to break any laws. This meant refraining from partying and drinking, and in turn actually made it easier for me to remain pure in my sexuality too. Another factor making it a tad easier was that I wasn't popular in high school so I didn't have the temptation of going to parties every single weekend, there were still some invites and temptations that I had to overcome, but I was in a place where by 15/16 I knew so strongly what I believed that I didn't think twice on them.

You might be sitting there thinking, "good on ya mate, you did that for yourself, who cares." or you might be in the same position as me, either way, you're great. The beautiful outcome of protecting my purity in all senses of the word is that I have a whole heart, I've felt pain and suffered rejection and the like, but I know who I am, I know who I belong to and I can face each day with a confidence in myself and what I believe because of Who I believe in. It's not something I take for granted at all.

I haven't done this on my own though. My incredibly supportive parents have nurtured me and grown me in a way that has always steered me down the path of things that build up, bring happiness and grow. As a teenager I was given some leeway to do the things I wanted to do, but sometimes a firm "no" was the answer, and that was that - no matter how much I argued or got upset. That was protection. Not restriction.

Because of this, I'm working every day to continue to flee the things that are temptations and a potential thief of the purity I've fought so long to keep. I'm working at it so that I can pursue righteousness, I can truly love, I can know what it is to be at true peace, but most importantly I can have genuine faith in God and the people in my life. I'm so free because I walk in God's love. The best part? That's knowing that even if I fall short and make a mistake, God's got me covered. I love Him so dearly, and I am His child, His princess. When I stuff up, He's calling me back. He wants to know me and He wants to forgive me, no mistake is too great that it's not covered by Him. All I have to do is realise the things I do that aren't beneficial to me, or the people around me, turn from them and say "I'm sorry." I live in absolute freedom. 

Secondly, Galatians 5:24, "Those who belong to Christ have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there."

I want what's best for me. So does God.

Pursuing righteousness, leaving the things of my heart at the foot of the cross provides God with the opportunity to provide me with the best of the best.

This might sound as if all I see is sin, but honestly, all I see is freedom. Leaving sin behind doesn't mean leaving all the fun behind, it actually means leaving all the brokenness and heartache and pain behind. Having said that though, the bible never ever says that drunkenness and parties and the sexual stuff isn't going to be fun, it simply makes a point to prove that when done in the wrong context and with the wrong intentions and behaviours, it won't last and it will only bring pain. Why torment your heart with an hour of fun that leaves hours of discontentment?

I'd rather just try to do what is right and live in the safety net of Christ.

I really hope this doesn't offend anyone. Sorry if it does, :)

Much love xx

Society.. How odd you are!

Have you ever heard someone say something like, "Society is going down the drain." or, "We live in a faceless society." or, "Today's society is selfish, greedy, (insert other negative phrases here)"? I definitely have. And it's funny, because as a person I get quite frustrated at these statements. They're statements that tend to suggest that the person saying it isn't included in the statement. Because, after all, a society is made up of a collective group of people. If I was to say, "I'm so ashamed of the society we live in because they're all terrible drivers." I would be implying that I'm not a terrible driver, but you - and everyone else that lives in this area with me is. It's silly!! We, as people, have an incredible opportunity to be more than just a faceless society that is a disappointment to the generations that have lived before. The thing that restricts us, however, is that we never stop complaining (myself included). Today's society doesn't have to be a disappointment. We don't have to have twelve year olds walking the streets in their underwear thinking that they're fashionable, we don't have to have teenagers believing that they're worthless because they've been hurt by relationships or vacant parents, we don't have to have adults working relentlessly at jobs they hate just to get by. There's a solution, but it rests in you and it rests in me.

Positivity. Telling young girls that they're beautiful so they don't feel like they have to show off their bodies to get attention is vital. It's unbelievably important to encourage the girls in your life of their beauty that they've possessed since birth. We, as people (not just as girls), need to treat others with the respect that everyone deserves. We need to tell men that it's not okay to stare at a girls body, but not with words! We need to pass on that message through how we carry ourselves, and what we wear. (Now just to be clear - if a man attacks a woman and blames it on what she is wearing that is NOT okay. There is no justification for that whatsoever.) Wearing decent amounts of clothing isn't about being ashamed of your body. Covering up is about protecting the men in your life, not exposing them to everything that you've got can actually change the way they think about you. I wear modest clothing and it's not because I think I've got a bad body, but it's because I respect the men in my life as brothers, and I would never, ever want to wear something that would confuse that. I'm proud of the way I look, I'm proud to be a woman - and I'm not a crazy feminist. I just believe that it takes two to tango, and if we respect boys through what we wear, they will respect us through how they treat us. (Reiterating - there is no excuse for an attack from a man to a woman.. and also vice versa. I do not want anyone to think that I favour women just because I am one - I don't.)

Positivity can also change the worth that one feels. Sometimes, people are born into terrible situations with parents that don't love on them enough, or they're bullied in high school, or they just simply don't have many friends. Showing unrelenting positivity to everyone can change the face of society. It can save lives. Never underestimate the power of an encouraging word, or a smile. Everyone longs to feel loved and you have the power to make someone feel that way. Negativity is a natural part of life - but please, it doesn't have to rule over you and you don't have to let it rule over the way you treat other people. There is always a silver lining, it just needs to be observed!! 

Obviously, working is a part of the society we live in. Everyone needs money to survive - and if you have no money, it's likely that your parents are working and providing for you. But that doesn't mean we have to work a job we hate. Not everyone will have the opportunity to be working their dream job their entire life. Heck, my first job was at McDonalds. I didn't plan to stay in that place, and I didn't. But I have good memories of my time there. Why? Again, positivity. There is an upside to everything. Whether it's the people you work with, the customers you can help, the work that you're doing.. There's always some form of goodness in what you do. Some work is seasonal, so enjoy what you do (even when it sucks!) You're in your job because you filled a role that your employer believed you were the best fit for... Remember that! Working and money is a fact of life, but there's no reason why you can't take it and make it the best thing for you. Chances are, you'll spend a lot of time at work and if you don't make the most if it - you'll be miserable. The whole reason I wrote this paragraph is because I've just started a new job in the past couple months and at first I loved it, I thought it was the best thing ever. But then I hit a wall, I started to get frustrated by colleagues and things were taking a turn for the negative. One day this past week I left work so furious at the day that had been that I was sure I wanted to quit my job. However, I went back the next day - I didn't want to - and I pasted a smile on my face and acted like I was loving life. I had four people tell me that they appreciated my joy, and I got six drawings from kids that came in... (I work in finance, not child care!) I was proved wrong. My job matters, and I'm meant to be there. I'm privileged to work there. I left work that day with tears in my eyes - not from anger, but from the realisation that for this season I'm in the right place... And all I had to do was smile.

I haven't even mentioned God yet.

So if you're not a Christian and you've read so far, I really want to thank you. I'm sure you were expecting some form of Christian talk at some point and here it is, feel free to stop reading if you like - but I promise I'll keep it concise.

As cliche as it is - you have the power to bring change to this society. You have the power to make things better. And God has destined every one of us to do the right thing and create positive experiences for everyone that walks this earth. God has a plan for every life, meaning he has a plan for society as a whole. Please don't waste your time here by whinging about the problems of society, please, please, please instead decide to be a contributing factor to why this time in history will hold the best society yet. 

I have decided to follow Jesus.

Haha. Obvious title? Possibly. Though this one stems from a song that has just been released by the incredible team at Hillsong Church... Although, the words aren't quite original.

My dad, a marvellous man, challenged me on when the words were written as they were a popular hymn from "50 years back" or so he claimed... (I said they were only forty years old). But we were both wrong. The words come from a man in the 19th century. He lived with his family in India and they all converted to Christianity after the Welsh missionaries came and taught the word of God. The man was threatened with death if he didn't take back his faith in Christ, and instead the man proclaimed, "I have decided to follow Jesus! Though no one joins me, I still will follow!" He was murdered whilst he sang, "the cross before me, the world behind me!" The faith the man showed during his last living moments led to the salvation of the village he lived in, and even the man that killed him and his family. There was no turning back for this courageous man.

Today in church we taught the song Christ is Enough to the congregation - I love this song. It's an absolute declaration of our love for Christ. It's so great. I'll post the lyrics below. 

[VERSE]

Christ is my reward

And all of my devotion

Now there's nothing in this world

That could ever satisfy

Through every trial

My soul will sing

No turning back

I've been set free

[CHORUS]

Christ is enough for me

Christ is enough for me

Everything I need is in You

Everything I need

[VERSE]

Christ my all in all

The joy of my salvation

And this hope will never fail

Heaven is our home

Through every storm

My soul will sing

Jesus is here

To God be the glory

[BRIDGE]

I have decided to follow Jesus

No turning back

No turning back

The cross before me

The world behind me

No turning back

No turning back

There's something so freeing about declaring that Christ is enough and that we've decided to follow Him. The message that was spoken today touched my heart and taught me that God wants to come down to my weakness, he doesn't expect me to strive for perfection. All He asks is that I love Him, and I do what I can, He'll do the rest. The message taught about the fact that God sees you, he hears you and he is attached to you. The brokenness that I hold onto, can become a thing of the past if I'll only give up my praise to Him!

But you don't need a recap of the preach - it's best if you're just there haha.

My joy is found in the hope of Christ and my greatest desire for you is that you would feel loved in the same why I do. God's love is irreplaceable, and so are you. I seriously pray that you know that. And if you don't, let me tell you: You hold far more worth than you see. 

Also!! I want to say a massive thank you to all of the thoughtful and beautiful people who have taken the time to encourage me over the last few weeks. A lot of lovely people have given me scripture, or a text, or something and it's meant so much. I'm so unbelievably blessed by the people in my life, no amount of words can really explain how much it all means to me. Every word of encouragement means something, I promise. So thank you.

Sorry my blogging has been sporadic xx

(No turning back.)

Community.

I have been thinking of what I could post on this silly little thing for a couple weeks now. It's been a while since I've posted. I've come to the realisation that although I always feel like I have too much to say, it never really makes as much sense as I want it too. And writing titles is the hardes thing ever.

I suppose what I could say here is that tonight we had community. Generations Youth Community. It's where the youth ministry splits into 9 different groups and we all hang out in people's homes and eat food and have heaps of fun. Tonight mine had a bonfire - and it was awesome. We play board games too. I love my church. It's a privilege to be able to serve in a place with vision. I think I love it because I myself have a lot of vision. I have passion, and I have vision.

I just thought of what I can talk about. I am absolutely and entirely over seeing posts like the following:

"This generation sucks"

"Teenagers are grumpy, rude and awful."

"There's no hope for the future."

It stirs something in me. I know for a fact that in this city alone there are thousands of young people connected into youth ministries that put them on a purposed track for life and they are respectful, diligent and they desire better for the world. Three churches in the Australian Christian Churches movement within Adelaide have had camps recently and if you would only look at the genuine transformation of the young people that go on these camps you would see a generation of HOPE, of LOVE, of PURPOSE.

I refuse to accept that we are a useless generation and I refuse to accept that we're "the worst one yet". I believe in the future of today's young people and I will work every day for as long as it takes to serve God in proving that there is hope for the future.

Change starts with me.

It continues with partnership in Godly vision.

(I'm stopping this here for fear that passion will takeover.)

You are alive in us!

"Nothing can take Your place - You are all we need, Your love has set us free!"

I'm a wordsy kinda person. If you follow my blog, you probably already know that. And if you haven't been following my blog, at least you're here now... haha.

Wintercamp A L W A Y S shakes my life up. So one post simply wasn't enough to cover it all. Just before camp, we introduced a song to the youth called Alive, written by the youth of Hillsong. They call themselves Hillsong Young and Free... Amazing in itself. But this praise song has something incredible about it. The words are so phenomenal... Here, I'll copy and paste them for you:

Verse 1:
I was lost with a broken heart,
You picked me up now I'm set apart.
From the ash I'm born again,
Forever safe in the Saviour’s hands
Verse 2:
You are more than my words could say
I'll follow you Lord for all my days
Fix my eyes follow in your ways
Forever free in unending grace
Pre-Chorus:
Cause’ You are, You are, You are my freedom
We lift You higher, we lift You higher
Your love, Your love, Your love never ending
Oh oh oh
Chorus:
You are alive in us
Nothing can take your place
You are all we need
Your love has set us free
Verse 3:
In the midst of the darkest night
Let your love be the shining light
Breaking chains that were holding me
You sent your Son down and set me free
Verse 4:
Everything of this world will fade
I’m pressing on till I see your face
I will live that your will be done
I won’t stop till your kingdom come

This just blows my mind! These words are so incredible, and from the hearts of youth! My prayer is that the youth of today would realise these words to be reality... His love sets us free, so He is all we need! Nothing else can take the spot in our hearts that was created for us. If we don't acknowledge Him, and love Him, there will forever be something missing that can never quite be filled. My heart is that everyone will live with whole hearts, filled with love and free from sorrow. That doesn't mean free from adversity - it means free from solitude and loneliness. God will always provide a way out from adversity, He will always be stronger and greater than a situation. Christianity doesn't promise a free ride, it provides a stronghold when things go wrong. It provides comfort and safety when things are at their hardest. Nothing can replace the love of Christ - and I take comfort in the fact that I know He has my best interest at heart and He knows me.

Psalm 139:1-6 tells of how well He knows. I know I wrote on this topic just a couple weeks ago and focused it around my singleness, but it stretches further than that. It stretches from the beginning to the end. My whole journey of life revolves around the fact that He knows me. And not only does He know me, He protects, He loves, He cares, He provides for me. He is all knowing, but in His knowledge He doesn't stand back idly. He gave and continues to give His all. My saviour is not dead. He is ALIVE in me. In the midst of the darkest night. His love shines. He breaks chains. Each day is not promised to be easy, but I hold my head high knowing that He will guide me with the gentleness of His love.

I hope, and I pray that you find strength in your own lives. Life without God, for me, never worked. My strength is found in Him, because I am actually small and not so significant, but He is massively big and the most significant being ever. And He loves me. So tonight, my prayer is for those who don't feel fulfilled, or loved. My prayer is for the ones who desire greater meaning but don't know where to find it. My prayer is for those that are sick of the day to day routine and are beyond ready for life to begin. God can do far beyond your greatest expectations (Ephesians 3:20) and He has the ability to complete everything that He begins (Philippians 1:6).

And that is that. He's good. He loves you.

The download.

Where the heck do I even start? I got home about an hour and a half ago from Wintercamp 2013 where Jesus was unbelievably present. There's something so incredible when a room of 400+ youth and young adults come together for one purpose... Glorifying God's name, with expectant hearts for fresh revelation and growth.

I had the privilege and honour of serving at camp and I can't even begin to explain what that did for me personally. I've been feeling a bit run down lately, as if I were simply going through the motions of life, but God totally shook up everything on camp. I say this, but it was so gentle. It was purely as if it were a lightbulb moment... God made it clear where I was going wrong and why I was feeling the way I was feeling and has now given me the opportunity to move forward in freedom.

Obviously God is the centrefold of camp, but I couldn't write a post without mentioning Winter Warfare!! It was my absolute honour to be the team leader of the Cowboys - a team with courage, strength and dignity. We fought a battle that was hard, and the odds were stacked against us. We didn't come out with the victory, but we came second and to me, that was enough. The team spirit was incredible, without stopping until the very end. They gave it everything they had, there was nothing they didn't give. I'm so proud of this team and everything they gave. So thank you Cowboys!! (2014 will be our year - we've proved that we're tough enough!)

God moved through camp, He touched lives for the first time, and He refreshed those who have been walking this journey for a while. There's literally nothing quite like Wintercamp and I'm so expectant for the next 12 months in the lives of our youth and youth ministry as a whole - it's going to be incredible and I really believe that they are ready for revival to begin.

Big God, little me.

Read and take in the lyrics of this song, their weight is unbelievable.

"Friend of sinners, God's own son. God in flesh, among men. You walked my road - You understand."

He knows me. All I want is to be like Him... More of Him, less of me.

Lord, it's Yours.

What are you expectant for?

W I N T E R C A M P 2013 is literally hours away. As it's past midnight, it actually begins today. I legitimately can't put into words my excitement for the next few days for the lives of 450 youth and young adults, and then a further 180 children that follow on with kids wintercamp.

There's something about camps that is so different to a regular Friday night youth meeting. It's not God, because He is immeasurable, He doesn't suddenly become bigger. It's not the location, because that really doesn't make much difference. It's our expectancy. As youth and young adults, we have financially invested as much as we can into this and we're coming prepared with our sleeping bags, mattresses, journals and expectations. We're ready to see change in our worlds and we're just waiting to see what God is going to do. Part of me feels like God waits for wintercamp. Not because He has to, but because when wintercamp comes, we set something aside. For three days the entire focus is on Him, and He has the ability to work things into hearts that are otherwise "far too busy". (I'm guilty of this.) I feel like God waits on the edge of His throne saying, "Come on! Just ask for me to do something for you! I'm ready! When will you ask!?" And at camp, we not only ask - we beg. We declare His name and we beg that He come and fill us afresh with whatever we feel we're lacking. We honour Him. We glorify Him. We give our all over, we become vulnerable and weak beings, encouraged by the vulnerability of our peers. It's a judgement free zone. Everyone is welcome to feel as they please.

So what am I expectant for?

I'm expectant for clarity. I'm expectant to learn more about myself - when to speak, and when to stay silenced. I'm expectant for further understanding of others and a greater opportunity to learn about God and His ways so I can walk in it, and in turn do His will for my life. I'm expectant for growth and for healing within my emotions. I'm not just hoping for it, but I expect these things to come to pass in one way, shape or form. My God is good and He is beyond able.

Psalm 23 sits on the tip of my mind constantly.

"The Lord is my Shepherd - I lack nothing." I don't want to say that because I "have it all". I want to say that because no matter what I do or don't have... I lack nothing.

"My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name."

I want these words to be resounding truth in my life. I want to solely trust in Christ so that I might be free of any disappointment or offence that might come my way.

"Jesus, Jesus all I want is to be like You."

To be in Your presence... I can't wait.

Philippians 4:7, "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

When peace like a river attendeth my way... I trust that this will be made evident to me.

I'm expectant for a lot. But Ephesians 3:20, a scripture spoken on about this camp says that my God is immeasurable and He can do beyond my wildest expectations.

With that said,

BRING ON CAMP!!!

And stay posted to see whether or not Cowboys come out victorious....  WHICH THEY WILL!!

Gonna party like it's ya birthday.

Birthday's are a strange thing. Every day a human being gets progressively older, and once every 365   days (or 366 - if it's a leap year!) we celebrate the year that has passed. Time, a man made creation used to describe what we know as life, is an interesting thing. I'm no scientist or academic genius, but I feel I'm not alone in over-thinking the concept of time. The planet on which we live is old, how old exactly is still up for debate... but the earth existed before me, and more than likely it'll exist when I go. The challenge I face in this thought is how exactly to make the time while I'm existing count. I don't believe I'll ever become an incredible doctor that just knows how to save lives. I don't think I'll become a fireman, pulling helpless people from a burning wreckage. I don't know if I'd have the patience or passion for law to assist in the acquittal of the innocent and incarceration of the guilty. These respected jobs don't suit me. I don't sit behind an instrument practicing for hours on end, I can't create music that changes lives, I simply don't know how - I'm sure I could learn, but it just doesn't seem... "me."

Yesterday I turned nineteen. It was weird even typing that. I've been living in this country for nineteen years, this house for thirteen and I've been out of school for almost two. I'm inevitably growing up, leaving behind childish ways and heading into the mature and grown up world of adulthood. But I don't want to do that because the natural way of human life is to be born, grow up, grow old and die. I refuse to settle for that. I just know that there's purpose in everything. And everyone. I can't shake this feeling of undeniable purpose on the people I know, and even myself. I see so much that can happen and I desire to help make it happen - not for myself but for the greater good of humans and for the glory of my Maker. As a nineteen year old, I don't want to fall into the pattern of working too much, studying too much or simply being too busy. I want to remember why I was created. I was created for people. To love people. To lead them, and be led by others. I'm designed for friendship. I desire that. My heart is to do the right thing by all people, and bring an energy of positivity and light wherever I go. I know that to change the world, it begins by being kind to just one person. I believe kindness has a ripple effect, and I pray that to be true.

There's something that bursts my bubble though. I'm not perfect. I can't always be bubbly and positive. I can't please everyone and no matter how hard I work there's always going to be something in my life that I need to work on - and I'm aware and okay with that. What I'm trying to do though, is improve myself with every day and continue to grow. I'm learning to not have expectation on people, so then I won't be let down by them. And I wish that people would do the same for me. Unfortunately though, as recent events have shown, everyone has an expectation of another person and you can't always come out a winner. But I'm trying. I'm working my best to be as good as I can be and bring as much positive light into my friendships as possible. So to those I have let down, I apologise. To those I am yet to let down, I apologise. Please join with me on my journey to help bring God's light to the world, and try not to hate me too much for the days when I stumble or fall short of your expectations. I'll try to remember to do the same.

"Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Singleness: You know me.

I can't shake this thought. It's 1am and I'm absolutely burdened with this, and so I switched on my lamp and began to write things down in my personal journal. However, a stirring in my soul told me this wasn't something just for me. Some things were meant to be shared.

I turn nineteen on Sunday. It's a reality that hasn't yet hit me, and I don't really know what to do with it. But basically, I'm pretty well nineteen years old and I am single - a relationship status that has been a constant in my life bar one or two fleeting "relationships" in my high school years. This singleness seemed to plague my self esteem with thoughts such as, "If I were good enough - I wouldn't be single." and, "If I was better looking, boys would like me."mand, "If I wasn't so loud, over-confident, and whatever, someone would have taken me by now." I was led on quite a few times. Each time, a belief that I wasn't good enough was confirmed in my heart. Now, I can't honestly that I'm 100% healed from that - it's definitely a journey and it's one that I am happily walking with all the trials and triumphs that come with it. What I can honestly say, is that every day I'm teaching myself that I'm called out by an incredible God who actually cares enough about me to listen to my heart. He knows me. Stefany Rizzell at Bethel Church sings these words so prophetically and profoundly, 

"You know when I rise, and when I fall. When I come or go - You see it all. You hung the stars, and you moved the sea... and still You know me." 

The stars in the sky, the billions, the galaxies... The vastness of it all - yet He knows you, and He knows me. Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of the purpose that God has for us, that He delicately formed us within an expectant mother - a woman designed to nurture and love us in the same way that God nurtures and loves.

How does this tie in to singleness though? I love my rhetorical questions - haha. It does, because it shows that there is purpose for you, and there is purpose for me. Isaiah 43 says that God called us by name - He redeemed us by a grace that surpasses understanding. Psalms is filled with songs of despair where King David cried out to God for help - and help was delivered. See, singleness can be testing. This is one thing I know, being single can challenge the self esteem - and that is exactly why one should stay single. The time we have as a single being is fleeting, and it gives each and every one of us  the opportunity to work on ourselves, to become whole in who we are as people that another person doesn't bring us completion - but instead brings their own wholeness, and together wholeness can be shared and celebrated.

I know quite well that within myself, I'm really and truly not ready for another person to be welcomed into the deepest areas of my heart and soul. I'm working on my self faith, I'm working on my love for God. I'm working to become the woman that the man I will one day marry so deserves. I challenge you to do the same. Instead of expecting Mr Right... work on yourself to become Miss Right! (And vice versa, men) See, you were created beautifully. You were handcrafted by a perfect God - there is no mistake about you, irrespective of how you came into this world, you're the age you're meant to be, the height you're meant to be, every single thing about you that you can't change, is perfect. And I'm learning to accept that as truth about myself too.

God loves me. I am working to love myself. Singleness is an underrated blessing, and I don't want to hurry God, I don't want to get into anything prematurely. Everyday I'm realising more and more that my singleness is a blessing not a curse... A challenge isn't a bad thing. So thank You God for blessing me with the opportunity to become the person I need to be, You're the best.

"Nothing is hidden from Your sight. Wherever I go, You find me. You know every detail of my life, 'cause You are God and You don't miss a thing."

Success V Failure.

I'm a Uni student. I'm an employee. I'm a daughter. I'm a sister. I'm a friend. I'm a member of a church. I'm a youth leader. I'm a worshipper. I'm one of those people who pressures themselves into doing more than what is humanly possible.

So what is success? Is it personal satisfaction? Is it fulfilling the needs of others? Is it wealth? Is it good looks? Is it recognition from others? Is it fame? Is it having it all together? To be honest, I don't know. In my mind, for me to be successful I need to be able to work 40 hours a week, get distinctions on all of my assignments, be committed in all areas at church and complete all these tasks without batting an eyelash. But if we're being honest, that's unrealistic. There's not enough hours in the week to complete all of those tasks, to a high standard, whilst still maintaining a level head and a healthy amount of sleep every night. Currently, I'm meant to be preparing for my exams but I'm taking a few minutes to ease my mind and write down what's flooding my thoughts. I'm freaked out. I don't know if I know the content well enough to pass as I haven't been listening to enough of my lectures, and I have read all of the texts that have been assigned to me. Rookie. Move. Being honest, I don't know what I'm going to do. The idea of failure scares me. Repeating a semester that's costing me more money than I've had in my life is just terrifying.

So, what is success? Ps. Steven Furtick from Elevation Church in North Carolina put it like this: "Just because in your eyes something has failed, doesn't mean it didn't work exactly the way God intended it to." No, I don't want to fail the semester. However, I need to keep my eyes on the prize. I feel called to study what I'm studying, and I have no doubt that if I put in all the effort I possibly can, God will guide me and get me through it. Psalm 23 says He leads me by still waters, it says I'll never be in want. So even though my course is expensive, He's got it covered - whether I pass or fail the semester, He knows exactly where I need to go in life, and He's going to make sure I get there. All I need to do is remember that, and turn it all over to Him and trust Him with my whole heart.

I still haven't answered the question.

What. Is. Success.

Is there really a definition for success? (Yes, there is. Dictionary.com tells us that, in case you were wondering) But at the same time, while yeah there is a definitive answer for what success is, it doesn't actually tell anyone what personal success looks like. The dictionary is never, ever going to tell you what your success is. What I need to remember is that I can't please everyone, all the time. I need to remember what God has put on my heart and called me to. I need to remember that there's a purpose for everything, and all I can do is my best. God has defined my success. He has called me by name (Isaiah 43:1-4), He knows where I'm at.

Success, for me, looks like this:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6.

Trust. Submit. It'll all be okay.

(Failure isn't the end of the world, it's sometimes a necessary bump in the road to get you to success.)

"What's done is done."

The past is a fact, it's not an excuse.

Sit on that for a second. Because I bet you, like me, read that first line and thought, "that's cool." or you didn't take it in at all. The first time I didn't take it in at all. The second I said, "that's cool." Then the third, I realised exactly what that means. Every time I go through something and I react to it, my first reaction is to say these words, "Yeah, but, in the past...." And I doubt I'm the only one. "Yeah, but in the past, I got bullied." "Yeah, but in the past, I had my trust broken." "Yeah, but in the past, my friends didn't support me." Yeah, but in the future, you're going to wish you had controlled your issues instead of letting them control you. In the future, you'll suffer the consequences of sweeping what hurts you now under the carpet. In the future, you'll look back and see all that time you wasted on something that shouldn't have had time wasted on it at all.

The past has happened. It's done. It's gone. It's over. Whether you like it or not, you can't change that. No amount of what if's or if I just's or whatever will change the past. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, and for those who already figured that out, sorry for being Captain Obvious.

You want to know what you, and you alone have the power to change?
You guessed it;

Your future.

I've heard it preached that if one is to stare too long in the rearview mirror, they'll crash their car. That's why the rearview mirror is small, yet the windscreen large. You're meant to be primarily looking forward, only checking behind you momentarily from time to time. So why spend more time looking back than looking forward? You've got a future, there's hope for you, there's so much that life has to offer and you need to reach for it. Don't wait for that person to apologise, don't wait for everyone else to start getting their act together, just get up and work for yourself. Do what makes you happy, and forget whatever you've done in the past.

Learn from your mistakes, hold your head up high, and stop making excuses. Look positively to the future and enjoy a brighter present.

What's done is done.

Positivity - why is it so important?

pos·i·tiv·i·ty

  [poz-i-tiv-i-tee]

1. The state or character of being positive: a positivity that accepts the world as it is.

pos·i·tive

  [poz-i-tiv]

1. Tending towards progress or improvement; moving in a beneficial direction.

I work in a customer service role within a financial institution, so every day I see people from all different walks of life. I get the opportunity to get to know the regulars, help those who have enquiries, and offer my sympathies to those who are doing it tough. However, the stigma that often goes with financial institutions is that "all we want is your money". Which, isn't exactly true. But that's not where I want to go, I want to talk about the importance of positivity.

I desire to live in positivity. I desire to live as one who accepts the world as it is - that doesn't mean I don't want to change it, but I do accept it. I see where we are as a society, and I get that. Things sadden me, and there are things that encourage me to fire up and get passionate, but I never want to dwell so much on what's wrong with the world that I forget that I have the ability to bring a change - no matter how small or large. Mahatma Gandhi is often quoted in contexts such as this, his famous words, "be the change you want to see in the world" are incredible. Luke 6:31-34 (MSG) puts it like this, "Here is a simple rule of thumb for behaviour: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the loveable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that." Talk about telling it how it is. How do you like to be served, with a frown or with a smile? Do you like it when the person at the McDonald's window is grumpy, or happy? Do you love jumping on an airplane for the holiday of a lifetime and your flight hostess looks like she wants to jump off the plane, or would you rather her be cheerful? Clearly, most people would choose the happier of the two. Everyone wants to be served by someone who seems like they genuinely want to be there, no one wants to be treated like a second grade citizen, so why would it be okay for me to treat others like they're not worthy of my service?

Wearing a smile, asking someone how their day is (and actually waiting for a response) can make someones day, it can change their mindset. Do you want to be part of the problem or part of the solution? Positivity is a step in the right direction, it's never misplaced. It's not always easy, but at the end of the day - it's so worth it. Make someone else's day and you may just find it makes yours too.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

Christian Clichés.

Don't jump to any conclusions from the title of this post, but I just want to talk about Christian Cliché's for a second. Maybe, not so much clichés, but I guess the things that in a Pentecostal church, I've seen many become accustomed to. (myself included)

Obviously in such a blessed western world country such as Australia, it's so easy to take things for granted. But when it comes to God, and a relationship with Christ, there are some things that just shouldn't be taken for granted. So really, this post is more for me. I want to highlight to myself some things that can be said, and some things that can be done simply out of habit.

Example: Songs like I Will Exalt. "Your presence is, all I need, it's all I want, all I seek and without it, without it there's no meaning." Sorry, but what? ALL I need? ALL I want? ALL I seek? Without it there's NO meaning? They're such definite statements! Why would I even want to think that, let alone declare it with my mouth through song? Are you telling me I'm not the king of the world, that there's something and someONE better than me? Are you telling me that I shouldn't seek to develop further in my studies, career, life? That God is everything? ....Well, yeah. One famous scripture puts it like this, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matt. 6:33 NLT)

So all I've gotta do is seek Him and everything I need will be mine? Cool. Good to know. So, uh, how exactly do I do that? Just seek Him, and Him alone? Yeah, good question Tash. Do I have the answer? No, I definitely don't. I mean, to me it seems impossible. To just seek God, and absolutely trust Him to pull through with everything I need? Come on now, that's crazy talk! And I guess it is, but if I knew the answers to everything, if I could answer every single "why", if I could do everything on my own... There'd be no need for faith. I couldn't live like that. I couldn't live in denial of the fact that I was called for a higher purpose than just an average 9-5 life. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I just know in my own strength I can only go so far. But with Christ... There's no limits. The only limits are the ones I create. "He's a limitless God, limited to the measure of my faith." (Thanks Ps. James!)

This post didn't really end up the way I intended... But I think I just learnt a good lesson. That's the whole point of this blog, I want to teach myself as well as share my thoughts with whoever reads this. So thank you - to the 135 people who have read my past three blogs.... Thank you. 

"Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." - Philippians 4:13, MSG.

Over-thought, over-processed, not enough sense.

I am a thinker. Or, maybe more accurately, I am an over thinker. I process everything through deep thought and "meditation" I suppose. I never want to come to an incorrect conclusion, and I never want to act without knowing the outcome first. Although, having said that, I also love spontaneity and adventure, so quite often my personality is a paradox. However, of late I've been thinking on the concept of love. What is it? Why do most popular movies, songs and books have love as a major theme? Why is the topic of marriage, and gay marriage absolutely everywhere we look? What is it about love that is so desirable, and why do we all want a part in it?

As a Christian, I think the answer is simple: God created us to love, and be loved. To recreate, to spread joy and happiness. He created us with the intention that we wouldn't stay alone - that we'd love Him, and love the others He created.

So I believe I am a being created for love. Previously I've mentioned that I believe I'm created for worship, and I definitely believe that they link in. To worship, for me, means to bring glory and honour to God. Therefore if I'm created to love, and I want to bring glory and honour to God, the best way to do that is to love... and attempt to do so unconditionally. Somehow though, this creates a bit of trouble in my mind. See although I'm ready and wanting to love anyone and everyone without condition, something in the way the world is today makes me think that maybe it's not safe. It's dangerous to love. People let you down, and it hurts. And that's true. Sometimes people do let you down, and sometimes they do things you don't expect, meaning the love and trust you've put into them feels betrayed and discarded. I don't want to live in that fear though.

I've grown up in a life where friends came and went quite quickly. I wasn't sure why they'd leave so eagerly, so I formed the belief that it was my fault. After reading this quote in Stasi Eldredge's book Captivating I sort of realised I wasn't the only one.... "What makes her journey so frustrating is that she isn't sure what is wrong with her. She simply fears that somehow she is not enough." and that's it! I fear that, always! I don't want to wake up one morning and find out that all my friends are gone, because that hurts. I think the thing that hurts me the most is having a friendship that I hold so dear and so close to my heart end. Whether it ends slowly, through circumstance or whatever - it hurts just the same. I don't place my trust easy, so when someone walks away with it, my heart is saddened.

However! There's hope through the sadness. God created me for love, so he created me to love and to be loved. So I know, regardless of whatever is happening in my life, there's a God that cares enough about me to love me unconditionally. It makes my heart sing. Through all days, through everything, I can rest in the knowledge that I am loved. And so are you! If only you knew! The friends that may leave, the people that may say nasty things - they're all wrong.... He loves you! Your heart, your mind, everything you do right and wrong, it's all loved by the one who made you. Nothing can take that away, ever.

My greatest hope is that I would live in a generation that raises the next to know how precious and loved they really are. Love is undying, and the most important thing on earth.

"Oh, my heart sings."

"From the north, to the south. From the east to the west, let everything that has breath praise."

What is praise?

Praise... Worship... It's been on my heart so much lately. Actually, it never leaves my heart. And messages from church over the past week and the introduction of this song into our youth ministry has triggered deep thought about it. I can't help but analyse and try to decipher meaning, and find the meaning that is applicable for me. I'm an analytical person, which in someways entirely contradicts my personality, but it's something that is so important to me.

This is how I see it:

God created man, he created the seas and the land, he created the animals, the plants, from the smallest thing to the largest... You get the point, he created it all. He gave me breath, and he ordained my life from the get go and from the minute I was born he had hope that I would follow the plan he has for me. Time after time, I've said "no." "No, not now God." "Why me?" "I can't." "That's not something I feel comfortable with." And last week, it hit me. God, the Father, sent His son. As in, His child. His precious, precious child with whom He is well pleased, to earth. He walked without a single blemish. And then he died, the death of a sinner. A death of shame, and he carried everything that I was to do wrong, and God let it happen. He knew full well every time I would sin, He knew I'd deny Him, He knew I'd refuse His call, and He knew I'd come back to it. He did it with the knowledge that one day I'd be here living for Him. But not only did He do it knowing that about me, He did it with the knowledge of everyone and what they would do with their lives.

So where does worship come in? It comes in here... I am one human amongst 7 billion in this world we live in, and I have the privilege of sitting here in my warm bedroom on my laptop, typing to strangers. God chose me to live, and he chose me to do specific things in life. I could say no to the things he set on my heart, very easily so I could turn it all away. But I had this realisation; God chose me. Who am I to say no to perfect love? Who am I to think that I'm so clever I can do life on my own? Who am I to think that I'm too good for grace? So why would I not worship? Not just on a Sunday morning when I'm standing on the platform as part of the worship team, but every day of my life. When I go to work. When I come home from work. When I hang out with my friends. When I arrive at church. When I leave church. When I'm at parties. When I'm on my own in my bedroom.

So again I find myself asking, so what are you getting at Tash?! I'm getting at this, worship is the act of giving back to God the glory he sent down to earth. Worship is returning to Him what is rightfully His, whether it be my finance, the talents/gifts He's given me, my time, my heart, anything and everything. It's all worship, every single bit of it. So this is how I'm trying to live, with the mindset that everything I do is worship. I walk in to work with my head held high, knowing that I'm about to encounter people who don't know what I know about hope and love, and some people who do. I walk into church knowing I get to celebrate my faith with like-minded people. I go into my studies knowing that good grades glorify God. Everything I do, I do to the best of my ability so that I can worship Him every single day. Standing on a platform with a microphone isn't the most important way I worship. It's an honour, and a privilege, but God has called me to more than just that. And I'm determined to live like that.

Everything that has breath, Praise the Lord. (Psalm 148)

The reason for the blog...

So it's 2013, and I'm just jumping on board the "blog bandwagon". I decided to steer clear of Tumblr due to content that one can be exposed to, and I chose blogger as I want this to be a space for me to express my faith in a forum that can be shared with others. Here I will shamelessly post my faith journey, and I hope that it can encourage others as they walk in theirs.

I feel the best place to start a blog is to tell all who may one day stumble upon this exactly who I am.

My name is Natasha Gardner, and at this moment in time, I'm 18 years old. I'm from the city of Adelaide, and that is in South Australia. I've live here my whole life, but I've traveled to five other countries in the time I've been alive. I work at a Credit Union, and no, I'm not academically qualified for it. I finished year twelve in 2011 with a final score of 77.15, nothing special, but enough to get me into the field I desired. I dropped maths in year ten, but due to my bubbly nature and history in customer service, I landed the job at the Credit Union in March 2013. I'm of the belief that this was a God-ordained job, and so I go to work every day with the attitude that it's God who I'm representing and this is exactly where I should be for the time being. I am studying ministry by correspondence through the Sydney college, Alphacrucis. I've been doing this since March 2013, and so far have received good grades. I'm passionate about my studies, and I am so, so incredibly passionate about God and spreading His love to everyone I meet. I'm a youth leader at Edge Church, and I adore it. I don't think I would want to be anywhere else, and for this season of my life I truly believe that Edge is my home. The people, the culture and the attitude towards people who aren't in the church is amazing. The community focus makes my heart happy and it is good and honest work. As well as being part of the youth team, I'm part of the music team. I love that too. I'm passionate about worship, and whilst music is only one way to display worship, there's something about music that just shifts a mood. It creates something so beautiful, so pure, so true, nothing can take that away. I love to worship, so I love to serve in God's house. If I'm in God's house, I'm in my element. I'm learning that God's house isn't only the four walls of the church though. God's house is wherever His people are, and His people are everywhere. My place of work can be God's house. Whilst I don't preach to them every day, through my day to day life I believe I can bring a positive atmosphere and somewhere that people truly love to work.

What I want from life, is to bring joy to the lives of others while glorifying my King. I want everyone to experience the love that I feel, and be stretched and challenged and grow in the wonderful ways that I get to! It's not always easy, and quite often I question myself, but every day is new, and every day brings new challenges. I'm excited for my future, and the future of those around me. I love my friends with everything I have, I love my God with everything I have, and I love life with my whole entire heart.

I try to live a positive life, my heart beats for positivity and hope and truth and love. My heart beats to worship. 

In a nutshell, I'm just sold out for Christ and I can't wait to see this world changed.