I finally made it to the beach! We started at Coogee and worked our way around the coast a bit. It was so much fun and absolutely breathtaking! The temperature was in the low 80's, sun out, cool breeze, cold blue water and sand. I had seen pictures of the very same spots but actually getting to experience them felt like a dream. In places like these I see God's creation on a whole new level. His design is so perfect in every detail and shade of color. I think it shows His power and creativity but also just how personable He wants to be with each one of us. He is the great Creator and at the same time a loving and caring Father who likes to do things just to put a smile on our face.
I had my first church graphics training today! I will be the one responsible for putting the words on the screen during each song and setting timers for the order of service. There are several monitors with several screens and several buttons and numbers and words to all bring together at just the right moment. No pressure at all, right? Ha. It's intense at times when last minute (more like second) changes come up but I have an awesome specialist assigned to me who made it super fun. She let me practice while the band was doing a run through then watch her lead during the service. I'm still several trainings away from being able to do it on my own but having been on a team and knowing the songs has given me an advantage. It's a good thing I'm a worship music junkie huh? :)
Pastoral studies are going well! Personal Leadership, Public Speaking and Old Testament were a few of my classes last week. It's been so interesting and fun to dissect the meaning of The Church. Learning, by definition and biblical evidence, it's purpose and how it applies to the church today. In Old Testament, we are currently studying the first three chapters of Genesis. Instead of just reading over the stories with familiarity, we are challenged to really dig deep and discover more of God's character. Looking for the who and why instead of focusing on finding the what, how and when. Some food for thought along those lines: "If the answer is not in the Bible, maybe God didn't think it was necessary for us to know." There are many benefits that come from learning all the intricate details of creation but if we don't know the function and reasoning behind it then I think we've missed the point. Nothing just happened. Everything was created by Him and for a specific purpose.
I've included some pics this time! If there's anything you'd like to see or want me to write about just let me know!
Oh and my health is much better this week so thank you for all the prayers! I'm almost back to 100% :)
Love always, Lauren
This is proof that I was at all of the beautiful places below :)
(Pardon the serious face...it was extremely bright and I was very focused on taking this picture)
Coogee Beach
View from the hike overlooking Coogee
It was amazing how much the terrain changed around every corner!
Panoramic view of a rocky area, natural pool and Coogee Beach
We sat here a while just watching and listening to the waves crash over the rocks
I was trying to be brave...you can't really tell but this was actually quite high!
One of the views from our hiking adventure
I love the color contrast in this picture!
I had some fun with this one...
"through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God" is not my favorite verse but it's in there. Part of our maturing process into adults and disciples is God allowing us to go through things that we might come to have self awareness and learn to put the flesh under. Boy, o' boy, is that fun! not! Once we go through some tough spots, everything else seems easier. Remember: Let no one say when they are tempted ((tested and tried)) that God is tempting (testing or trying) them, but God takes you through to teach you. The devil wants you to fail the test, but God wants you to pass the test! He will even give you the answers to the test :) 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
ReplyDeleteYes, so true! It's not always fun. But if we keep our eyes on Him, the refining process always produces growth and an even greater understanding of who He is.
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