the Wonderful Gazing

The deepest part of my being responds to God.
I find Him, not as an unfamiliar character,
but a One so much better than the nicest things
I have ever seen, felt, heard, and loved.
He Is what the best version of me wants to emulate.
He is not far off, but Near,
not Unlike; but on the other hand,
infinitely more Great
than the greatest parts of myself.

His and my heart lock hands,
because they were Meant to be together.
He needs me not, of course;
but Reached toward me anyway.
I don't ever attain to His limitless Good,
But my life is a Wonderful Gazing
toward His Loving Face,
Small shreds of his Likeness
Being shown in mine.

Transition

God spoke wonderful words of comfort to me while I was in church this morning. At the moment the best word I could use to describe my life is "mess". Lots of good things are happening, but in this time of transition and change, I sometimes feel lost in all of it. I'm going through intense spiritual struggles - funny, I thought things would get easier over time; they don't - you just get more and more challenged as you give more of your life to God. Every area of my life is being stretched and tested as God shapes me for the tasks ahead. I see a lot of obstacles and problems; I can do nothing but give them to God and trust Him to provide.

It is good to be in the hands of a loving God, who disciplines us because he cares for us deeply. It's just a difficult time. But as I reach through the darkness and cling to God, I know he carries me through. I rest in His hands of grace, and while the world rushes around me, I hear His voice:

"Come," He said, "And I will show you the view from the mountain top...".

Brick by Brick

Last Saturday night we had a pretty laid back meeting to throw around some ideas for the youth ministry. It was good; I enjoyed getting to know some of our young people and praying about the future. Things are happening, slowly but surely. "Brick by brick", as one of the ladies in the church said.

We had pizza too, which was goood. I realised that when we finally move, I'll have to find out where all the good places to eat are, where all the streets are, shops etc. One great place I know of already is Nandos, my absolutely most favourite restaurant.

I'm feeling a lot more encouraged after the weekend. The people in the church are just great - we feel so welcome already. It was sad to return home today... I can't wait to go back and visit the church again!

Test

A lot of amazing things have fallen into place in order to get to this point.
That's why I must keep trusting God through these testing times, because I know he will provide what I need to fulfill the dreams he has put in my heart.
I must fight to hang on to my faith that God will bring about what he has called me to do, no matter what happens or how much I become discouraged.

Lord, I'm hanging on.
I trust you with my life, my future.
Help me to have the strength
to not lose hope,
no matter what.

New Horizons

I have decided to begin a new blog as I begin a new phase in my life. In January next year, I will begin working as a youth pastor in regional Victoria. I will also complete my Bachelor of Arts (Ministry) degree that year.

It's all new and exciting, and I look forward to sharing many good and challenging experiences with you.