1. We found an amazing public bathroom (Australian: toilet) last Sunday. Seriously, it was almost like a Disneyland ride. Everything was automated (even the toilet paper dispenser) and there was a ten minute usage limit (after which time an alarm would go off and the door would open). It even spoke to you and played elevator music while you used it.
2. We went to the mouth of the river last Saturday, which was quite delightful. Lots of big waves, and we got to swim across the river and go sandboarding! I was rather concerned about crocs on the way across.
3. Australia Day is next week so Miki, Kirsten, and I went into the city this Saturday and bought shirts. We also went to a really cool restaurant called Jus Burgers.
4. We had street evangelism on Friday night. I've never done that before- it was so scary just introducing myself to someone and asking them if I could pray for them! But I did do it, in the end, with a little pushing from Clarissa and Tirza (my one-on-one)
5. Tyler, Jake, Aiden and I all went for bubble tea last night. I had a mango smoothie with mango jelly in the bottom.
6. Danielle, Clarissa, Whitney, Faith, and I walked to Coles today and bought ice cream, TimTams, and gummy snakes and had a junk food splurge. It was wonderful and delicious.
The topic this week was the Nature and Character of God. We talked about the Truth Box (you put things you consider truth in it. Example of a truth in the truth box: the Earth is round.) and how we often put truths about God in the Truth Box that aren't actually true. It sounds confusing, but it makes sense.
It's hard to process everything we've been learning, but I hope a lot of it is taking root. Something that I think God spoke to me this week was how humble he is. I guess I've never considered God humble before, but he really is! The way he loves us and pursues relationship with us... he talks to us personally. The Bible says that he always tells at least one person what he is planning. Sometimes he even does things our way (Abraham and Sodom and Gomorrah).
Something else really amazing: we talked about the ultimate consequence of sin. The classic answers: separation from God, the Curse, etc... but our speaker said that the worst consequence is how much it hurts God. Just think: every time somebody chooses against God, he loses one of his children to Hell. Imagine one of your children turning against you, and there's nothing you can do to get them back. He will grieve over them forever, and nothing can fix the problem.
Important to note: we can affect God (he made himself vulnerable to us when he chose to love us and give us a free will) but we can't change him.
Good post Hayley!!
ReplyDeleteGod does have a lot of attributes which we don't see at first, and keep posting so I can learn with you! ;D
Love your little cousin Sarah
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time Hayley! Lots of fun! Lots of learning. I am so proud of you. Keep on going, you will prob find you won't be so nervous saying hi to people while you evangelize after awhile. xo.
ReplyDeleteAunts.
Excellent installment Mr. Snodgrass! er...I mean..Hayley! (remember Litltle Women?) :^)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're pushing yourself to do new and sometimes scary things...well..I'd rather you didn't swim across possible crocodile infested waters...
Love Mom
How wonderful to use every opportunity to grow in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It sounds as though you have some godly, Biblical teachers. That is a blessing. Remember though, nothing can take the place of personal devotion time with God and His Word, it and it alone can renew our minds to be more like Him. I also think it is great that you went on a street evangelism tour. I did that when I was at Bible college in Texas and yes, it was sort of scary at first, but there is a freedom that comes when we challenge and over come that fear. We are praying for you Hayley, stay firm in the faith and grow in the knowledge of His grace. Love, Aunt Norma
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