Stand up? Sit Down?

Hillsong. Holy spirit. God. Home. Passion i don't know what it is but it ruined me :D

How can we sit with our arms folded while we sing about the Birth of our Lord. Trust me I didn't want to stand up. Uhhhhhh I didn't want to  have  the whole congregation looking at my big rear end but I couldnt sit another second! I laughed at myself during joy to the world, why I was bouncing and moving. Silly me didn't care.
I worship how I worship....

I thought of my mom this morning. She used to get super excited during Christmas songs and patriotic music and I would be like "mom stop moving", or "do you not know your the only one clapping?" or "why are you crying it's just a song." Thanks mom for being embarrassing yet planting the seeds of worship in me, no matter how much I wanted you to stop!

I realize I make my FBC congregation to sound like fuddy duddy. They really aren't!!!!  I think out pews are too comfortable because I know the Holy Spirit runs through this place.  I love these people and am in no way saying the way each person chooses to Worship is right or wrong. I'm just saying that for me personally today I couldn't sit still. Next week I may not stand at all.

Where do I fit God?

okay God
Where do I fit in?
 Somewhere in-between Snyder and Sydney I guess.


People told me when I left I wouldn't be the same when I came back. They warn you at school that home is often a battlefield. well I sure don't fit in on this battle ground anymore.

I had to grow up and be slightly independent in Sydney. I had to learn how not to lean on mom or g-ma my friends or family. just God.  I learned how to go to the dr alone.  eat alone. walk alone.  fend for myself ect. God knew exactly what he was doing allowing me to go through this past season "alone" slowly learning how to lean solely on HIM.

well I'm back in the real world. Out of my little bubble and now realize I can't relate to people. I spent so much time focusing on fixing myself and growing ect I must have forgotten how to be human in the real world. Funny.



People keep telling me I'm different. I know that. I would hope that 5 months with intense spiritual classes would do that to someone. I'm glad I've changed. whether you think its for the better or worse I'm still glad.

Many of you keep asking me how I'm doing and I say okay. I'm not good and I'm not bad. I'm just okay. I don't know what I'm doing or where I'm going. I'm just hanging out getting trapped and lost in trying to please everyone from snyder to sydney. Its an awesome awesome pain in my neck,  honestly I wouldn't want to change it.

My prayer is that through all the "changes", "your different's", and awkwardness that the people I come across would see a small glimpse of God light in me.

Even if I don't fit in.

THEN

 NOW

Change

Summer Summer Summer time.... I mean Christmas :)

welp Its summer break for us Hillsong College kiddos.... Sadly I'm in Texas... where its abnormally cold :)

So what have I been up to?
Adjusting to life back in Snyder.
Its crazy to think that I could come back and fit right in. I for sure don't. Probably never will but thats okay!
God is making it easier for me to drop everything in the home I love and continue to follow his plan for my life! He has a funny way of doing things in my book.


I sang on the square with our praise team which was  quite southern and I got to sing Winter Snow.
Here is a craptasticly awesome video

Small town Greatness!!!!

Glad my people came out to support me!

Thanksgivin in Oz

Yesterday could not have gone better if I had planned it.
It was great!

Words can't really express the love and joy I feel for the people that I do life with here at HILC. God has truly blessed us with each other.
Proverbs 17:17

I was so worried about Thanksgiving. I was excited when the idea came up but I also had some mulah at that point. The closer it got and the more people got invited and ideas got bigger the more worried I got. I mean everyone thinks I'm the best cook ever because im there friend and they love me lol. I was like uhhhhh maybe I can't pull thanksgiving off. Sunday was filled with crazy tears and emotions and me being like nope this day is going to be crap. The thought of me having a "fake" one because we wouldn't be with our family had me all torn on deep down... but I'm mama Sarah. I can't be scared. I'm tough.
Anyways  I put my feelings and tears aside and prayed long and hard about it and BAM

I woke up yesterday with the same little kid feelings of thanksgiving! I waited for the boys to awake and bounced my happy self into 272 to make the magic happen! Boy did it! They were all, well mostly, keen to help clean and so so so helpful! I told mom last night that God took over big time :)
David was like Mr Thanksgivng! he's going to be a super hubby/dad one day... just saying girls----scoop him up... Same for Jared. We did some damage in the kitchen!

Just when I was getting discouraged with the food to people ratio charlie swooped in and the boys headed to Coles only to come back with even more yummy goodness

something about " its not thanksgiving unless we have leftovers" we did and they were amazing!

Then the girls got back from the beach ( RED) and added the girly touch to the table then everyone else showed up and we DUG IN!!!


I know it may sound dumb to you but throwing a Thanksgiving for people who haven't had one or its their first from home was kinda a big deal for me. These people have held my hand through alot. They delt with me tears, fears, Late night hospital visits, countless trips to coles, CRAZY mood swings, brokeness,  hormones, medicines, surgery's, ect This was the least I could do to show everyone how Thankful I really am for them. The people that God placed here wasn't an accident, well maybe a few of us ;) but  I feel as though we are a family.

My Heart is so ready to be in Snyder but something tells me that won't be home forever and that scares me.

Self image

I had to sit through a lecture from a friend- a skinny one btw -about weight loss for guys. 

Hello im not loosing weight for a man. 
Been there done that and bought that t shirt.

10th grade,2 weeks of Adkins torture  (no carb no cokes)  and I finally got mr perfect to ask me out:) it was prolly my Charm Or that i was a BEAST at poultry judging that made me so intriguing! Not my awesome body - 20 lbs and new pair of jeans that made him take the bait!
anyways 45 mins later we broke up at the football game and I had a hot dog, doritos, and a vanilla cream dr pepper waiting to console me ( I broke up with him though) I think I tried it once in college at SFA. ohh maybe if i was smaller hed like me.... 
Sadly I'm a grouch when I dont eat and ended up not even liking the dude.

Anyways point being I'm not 16, or some naive girl right out of hs longing for someone to love me.

It says in the bible that we are to treat our bodys a temples! If that's the case my temple is a giant greasy-cheesy dr pepper tower lol
I feel as though God has said here is a jump start to a healthier you  now keep going.

Did you know someone ask me if the surgery I had was gastric bypass? My answer was hunny I'd be a heck of a lot smaller if that was the case. 

So I've thought and prayed about it to make sure there wernt some " oh if I was skinny I'd meet my husband" crap going on in my head. 

Top 10 reasons I'm loosing weight!

1. I'm a broke college kid and everything is more expensive in oz

2. I'm surrounded by non Americans who don't live off grease like i used to.

3. Vegetarian things are yummy

4. We walk alot and I don't like being the girl huffing and puffing

5. I'm using the "funny fat girl" thing as an excuse to not fulfill the purpose and plans God has for me.

6. I Want to have babies one day

7.  Life without fast food, Mexican food, and cheddar cheese is  one of great sadness but less poundage ;)

8. There aren't clothes that fit in this country :)

9. I have more energy

10. Jesus told me to:)


The pressure to be what the world perceives as beautiful will always be a struggle for me, most likely the rest of the world struggles with it to. I'm not saying I don't have body/self confidence issues, I guess I'm airing out that stuff an trying to become a more Godly woman with the way I view myself!

Hillsong Live Album Recording

So much is going on in my head today...
Words can't express how lucky I feel to have been a part of a gathering of believers like last night.
I can't help but think about the people who it will reach. Kids in their rooms, People in Church, Teens in their Cars, the 20 somethings who feel lost in the gap ect....

To be there was a dream of mine, not to be on the platform (which would be cool) but just to be.

In rehearsal when I saw and heard Jill sing awakening with her preggo belly I almost lost it. The desires of my heart have changed and grown so much in the past few months.

I wish Jordan and Casey could have been with me at one point I almost called them but it was the middle of the night and life can't stop evertime I get excited and wish they were here.

I yelled in Davids ear all night... He deserves and award.

I have that lost feeling again, like I'm stuck in between Snyder and Sydney and don't know which to call home. I'm calling both of them home at the moment but don't want to leave either one. I'm sure its just a feeling that will pass. I should feel at home wherever I am because I have Jesus :D

Its hot today so I'm letting the Fan blow dry my hair for me.




Grad ball is coming up and I don't know if I'm excited or not. There is a large part of me who is over joyed at the fact that I have to get all dressed up and get to go hang with my friends. Where azzz there is another part of me who doesn't want to go at all. Im trying to focus on the fact that this is one of the toughest seasons I've been through and I should jump at the chance to celebrate :)



Money- still praying for some kind of Financial miracle<<<<


If you were expecting something profound sorry, I'm trying to clear out my brain before I get to class.

TEXAS in 18 days

Mens Conference!

Since high school I've  been one of the Guys or so it seems! So of course I wasn't surprised that God has once again placed me in life and fellowship with dudes... Girls to but this week is about Men

This week is mens conference.

God has blessed me with some amazing guy friends who challenge me in my everyday life. From the moment I got sick and even before they have opened their door and kitchen to me( and everyone else for that matter)

God has placed each one of them on my heart at a different time this week and it's been awesome to pray for them and encourage them this week. Im not good with words but I can cook. I can't tell them how much I appreciate their friendship but I can make some brownies! I have a hard time asking them how they are when it comes to their lives but I can cook and pray lol!!!
I pray that they feel valued each and everyday. So i as thinking you could help pray to.

Pray for their futures!
Pray for financial provision
Pray for wisdom
I pray that they have a massive encounter with God that will change their life radically! That the Lord would reveal himself and that they would be better equipped to be the Godly men they already are!!!

John
Jared
Tory
David
Charlie

Each one has specific callings and purposes on their life and I'm so glad that I get to be on the journey with them for a little bit of time!

Practice Journal- Assessment-

Piece (song) or exercise	This song/exercise will help me improve in the following areas
1. Performing Exercise	1. Help me not look so terrified on stage
2. I run to You- Lady Antebellum	2. Help me to harmonise with a male singer
3. Bust Your Windows- Glee	3. performance/ range
4. Mighty Fortress- Christy Nockels	4. Its a power song with a lot of Range
5. Vegas- Sara Barilles	5. The song is the complete opposite of me.

  

At the beginning of the semester we had to make a practice goals and add songs to our repertoire ect. Then we had to journal every time we practiced and how we improved or didn't! Then at the end of the semester ( NOW) we were to write a 300 word summary of our time with out practice journals. I'm posting mine as a blog because it was a very honest paper for me to write. It made me look back at myself from the beginning up until now. I went back and read a paper I wrote on my goals for the semester. I haven't accomplished any of them but thats okay because I've gained so much more!

 I know my practice journal looks a little different than everyone else’s. To be honest I was so excited at the beginning of the semester to do this. I carefully thought out all of my songs and picked things that I really thought would help.  Looking back through my notebook/journal I remembered how fun it was to practice in the beginning and how I looked forward to the quiet time with the music. My plans were to learn theory and bust out non country songs and just go with this full on.  

Then I got sick. I’m pretty sure I didn’t sing at all after the ultrasound and results unless I was in my room singing songs about healing and declaring them over my life. Looking back at it now I wish I wouldn’t have let Satan take the music from me in this hard time of my life. I didn’t want to sing, I didn’t want to practice, I didn’t even want to get out of bed. When I felt well enough to go to church I couldn’t even worship, nothing came out of my mouth but prayerful tears. I don’t know why my voice left. Maybe it was Satan or maybe God just needed to deal with me in other ways. My worship time had become something very different and so much more than a song.  After the surgery and as I slowly recovered my voice slowly started coming back. I wanted to sing again. My band were some of the most supportive people through the whole ordeal. I remember the day I came back to class and sang “I want to know what love is” one of them was like “oh yeah I forgot you could sing, Im just used to you being sick.” Looking back over my journal and semester I feel like that’s a statement to my whole semester.   I’m not happy with the way my practice journal looks, but I’m not going to fabricate it for a grade. I realized the other day after a conversation with Mary that I’m not Surgery Sarah, and I shouldn’t let this semester define my whole time here. I thought about the girl who auditioned and the girl who actually got on stage and sang “I want to know what love is” for my performance. They were two completely different people. So even though my practice journal doesn’t show improvement or proper competency I know that I learned more this semester than I ever could have dreamed but not the way you or I thought or expected.

Small town Girl

Feelin a little homesick today! Its the weather :)



One of my dearest friends needs me and I don't know how to be there for them. Its so weird being so far away... sometimes phones and skype and facebook don't do it justice!

A childrens Story

Sarah went TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH so she could have LOVE TEAR DOWN THE WALLS around her heart :)- a Childrens Story

Once upon a time lived a girl named Sarah.
She had a friend ( just a friend) named Jordan and they liked Hillsong.

She stole some music from his computer and put it on a CD which Jordan named Sarah's Future... It was a nice CD full of songs she liked to listen to and enjoyed singing, but that was about all. Sarah loved to sing but she thought she wasn't good enough to sing songs like that.....

Jordan got ask to sing a song in his church service and asked Sarah to help out. The song was called "to the
ends of the earth" ( also on Sarahs future CD) Sarah silently sang prayed those lyrics over and over again.....

THEY ROCKED
 
Later Sarah got her own music and wanted Jordan to listen to it. A song called "Tear down the walls" sparked a conversation ( she doesn't remember the exact convo but just that it took place) anyways there is a line that says "Let Love Tear Down These Walls" in the middle of the converation/car ride Sarah silently prayed that God would tear down her walls, she had alot of them.......



God sent Sarah to the ends of the Earth, she is now in Sydney Australia studying at Hillsong International Leadership College.
She auditioned with a song from her "Sarahs Future" CD.

She got really really sick and had to have surgery far away from home and most of the songs on that CD meant something different but comforted her just the same.

She was in a church service last night and they sang "tear down the walls" full of tears and joy she praised her Lord because he had torn down some walls she just hadn't realized it.......

God had given her everything shes prayed for, sang, declared, ect.... all in His own time and His own way.



I'm learning more about God putting people in our lives at specific times and planting seeds and giving us small glimpses into out future. Jordan wasn't the only one who has helped me on my journey by any means but hes played a big part in it. God used Jordan and Casey and Jim to remind me I had a voice at different times in different ways. A gift from the Lord that I should use to Glorify him!

Last night standing there worshiping to that stupid song I was so overcome with Joy. it had been so long I'd forgotten I had ask God to help break some walls down but he didn't forget, hes slowly been molding me and shaping me all along

God Knew and he Knows

He knew from the moment I stepped on that plane that this would be a HELLISH semester.........but He also knows that its just for a Season and that I can handle it with him guiding the way. His arms haven't left me and never will for that matter.
People keep telling me that satan was so scared that he just threw everything at me and attacked and still is... well you know what he should be scared.

Because I'm Sarah and I'm a beautiful, strong, confident warrior of the Lords and I can do anything with Christ because he strengthens me.

Jordan doesn't know but Sarah is in the process of making a Jordans Future CD... We'll see what happens :)

Warrior Chick!

do you know what I mean when I say that everyday I wake up and feel like there is a battle going on?
To be able to get out of bed, to look nice, to not hop on an airplane and say I QUIT and go back to my comfort zone? Its not like that every day though, some days I wake up armed and ready to face the big city! I want to be better equipped so Im starting a book called.......

WARRIOR CHICKS

Rising strong, beautiful, and confident!

 Through his love and blessings He has reminded me that I'm loved and valued and that I too am beautiful, strong and with some added work I can be confident! I am warrior princess Sarah who can do anything that the Lord wants me to without fear because I am HIS.

I'm going to try to blog about the book as I read each chapter. Its so good I want to soak it in but who knows I may just finish it off tonight! 

This month is all about  falling in Love with myself. I'm so tired of listening to what the world says about beauty. "Let your light shine"... I'm going to focus on that for awhile!

:)

Charm is deceptive and Beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised! Proverbs 31

Southern state of mind- update

I've started a blog today about 17 times but just don't know what to say that's not negative. Negative nancy is what some peeps back home called me behind my back, and they were right most of the time. So I'm really trying to change my attitude and renew my mind.
Romans 12:2

Still no job! But I know the Lord has the right one for me! 
I've had some amazing up lifting conversations and prayers in the past week, so I know God is at work'

Someone blessed me with 200 in my bank account, praise Jesus! It will be a nice start to getting me off suspension! God is our ultimate provider and could still use prayers for his provision!

I got incredibly down this week with everything that's going on! In the midst of one of my prayers God reminded me not to put him in a box. Just because I'm not learning what I thought I was supposed to be learning about doesn't mean I'm not learning what God wants me to!

Prayer! Lots of us need it! Kids all over this place are getting attacked! Does anyone know of any good books on spiritual warfare?

Casey told me to read Isaiah 41- it's been such a passage to study!

Darius Rucker has a new album out, I don't have it but i have the song called southern state of mind- here are the lyrics! It's so cute and such a fun song!

I was up in New York City just the other week 
You should've seen the waitress face when I ordered sweet tea 
She said we don't have that here and I apologized 
I said please forgive me I'm in a southern state of mind

And those girls out in California they don't understand 
They don't like it when I hold the door or when I say yes ma'am 
They act like I done something wrong and they give me the evil eye 
I say honey I'm sorry I'm in a southern state of mind

(Chorus) 
I could be anywhere 
In my heart I'm always there 
Where they drink sweet tea and they raise you to be polite 
No changin' who I am 
That's the way I've always been 
No matter what state I'm in 
I'm in a southern state of mind

I'm always walkin' 'round tellin' everybody hi 
Just a wavin' at the strangers in the cars passin' by 
Some people may look at me and say that boy just ain't right 
Hey y'all I ain't crazy I'm in a southern state of mind

Repeat Chorus

You can see it in the clothes I wear you can hear it when I talk
Ball cap, boots and jeans and a little southern drawl 
I could be up in Ohio or back home in Caroline 
No matter what state I'm in 
I'm in a southern state of mind 
Don't matter what state I'm in 
I'm in a southern state of mind 
A southern state of mind

Spring Break

SPRING BREAK HAS BEEN AMAZING!

I started off the week by venturing into the city just because I could, when I was met by Carli at the bus station. So we ventured off together, It was so good just to hang out and get to know the poeple you do life with better!


The next day I went on a massive job hunt all over the place and by the afternoon was broken hearted and miserable! I've been big all my life but havent had to many people tell me to my face.
I applied at a store, a smaller people clothing store, the sign on the door said URGENT Sales required.
Well............... I was told that I would have to fit in the close to sell them.
It gets worse, I applied at  accessory store later and the manager told me I didn't have the look they were going for. hello you don't have to be skinny to sale headbands and handbags....
As I sat at home and cried I was praying for a distraction, then I mustered up some guts to text a friend and say I need you basically. All of us have those girls or guy  that you can say  "I need you" and they will drop everything and come running, well my "I need you" people arn't here! Thankfully God knew what was happening and already had someone in mind! Its great to have Godly women to do life with here!

Next day I job hunted like a mad woman online then we went back to the city to China Town and Paddys Market. It was great fun just to be out and about in the city! I tried my first bubble tea which was highly disgusting.


Then the beach. SO I woke up feeling incredibly down and was like OKAY GOD ITS ME AND YOU TODAY and headed to the beach with my bible! I soul searched for a long time.
Its hard in the midst of all the action going on here for me to remember why I came. So many of my hopes and dreams have changed I feel like I'm just flailing around.
Lately I've felt like I'm just here to have surgery. most of this stemming from the enemy and lack of $$$.
which is a whole different blog post! God then swooped in and said enough alone time, I've sent some girls so I walked an incredibally long way down the beach and hung out with my friends all afternoon.


Overall this break has been amazing, yesterday was spent doing nothing but hanging out and being a dork, and I taught charlie to make Fajitas :) it was exiting! and yummy too!

As always pictures!

Cheese and Sin

When I get upset I eat cheese. It doesn't make me feel better. It doesn't even taste that good. And usually I'm like really why did eat that?

This morning i was in a sooky ( Australian for pouty) mood. I huffed and puffed and cried. So then I tried the whole, ive got to get over myself and help others thing, so I made the boys and jess pancakes. Well after breakfast I started in on my cheese. Jared has already stated that it's gross and laughs at me or shakes his head when i do it(quite often)
but.......
Today was different. Today it was full on Sarah that's disgusting, don't eat it,it won't make you feel better, and then .......it's making me sick.
I pouted and ate my cheese in silence lol
But he made a great point, eating the cheese wasn't going to help anything. Just like taking that drink, or messing around with that person, or screaming and yelling all don't help they just make things worse...
Then I got to thinking about sin. Sin can be used as a analogy to the cheese! Its gross, and often times we do it without thinking! It's also the same because our sin can have negative effects on the people around us. We as Christians should hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable the way Jared did with the cheese!

I know it sounds silly but the thought really blew my mind today so I figured I'd share!

All clear, homesickness and weddings:)

All clear no atypical or malignant cells up in me :D God is good!

Today people kept asking me if I had lost weight. I just laughed and said yeah a metaphorical 20000 lb weight lifted off my shoulders. ( though I am down quite alot) Don't get me wrong I knew I would be okay but untill I had the results i couldn't fully relax and breath. God has taught me that he is Faithful in every season! As the desert song says" all of my life in every season you are still God  I have a reason to sing" I would have had a reason to sing and worship had the results been different! Because God is good and Sovereign always! 

I've learned so many powerful lessons since being here its hard to out into words!

In other news

Everyone is sick :( it's no fun! But on the other hand I'm using this as an opportunity to serve and grow and learn how to be selfless. As in I cleaned the boys kitchen just because and would have cleaned the bathroom if I had a hazmat suit! Worship and service go hand in hand. 
It gives me great joy to help others especially in the kitchen! To watch someone take a bite and smile just makes me happy :)

I've been incredibly homesick this week! Then i was thinking how much I'm going to miss this place! Jess and Jared especially , everyone else and I will most likely be in the same country but not them. Anywho I'm adjusting to the food homesickness, mostly because I'm learning how to find the Aussie equivalent! I'm also learning how dumb I sound by whining about certain foods like orange  cheddar cheese and Mexican! 


Everyone in my life is getting engaged or married or met someone special, or new! It's all very exciting! Big shout out to the newly engaged ABBY AND LISA!!! God has blessed me with amazing women a friends and it's such a blessing to watch them find the man God has for them! I know your expecting me to complain and whine about it but God is preparing me in his own time and own way for my prince charming! I'm still holding out for my Cowboy with an Australian accent who can sing though:) just sayin.......

Miss and love to y'all!

Top 5 things and Value and PRAISES

Someone last night ask me what I wanted.
Name the first 5 things you can think of that you want right now...

Off the top of my head it went something like:

Husband  (All this baby maker drama has me all hormonal)
Home ( I'm tired of sharing a room)
Money for school  ( DUH)
to play a musical instrument ( I'm surrounded by talent)
Burrito ( I need mexican in my life)

then I spent a while pondering that question. I didn't really like my answers they all had negative parts and God has shown me in the past 3 months that I'm truely negative person.  My goal this week is to really seek God in answering this question!


Tonight we discussed Value in church. It was such an amazing sermon! It really made me think about how I treat people and how I'm treated. Am I really valued? Do I really value this person?


"I'd rather have you messy then not have you in my life at all!"
What a loaded statement right?
Do we truly feel this way about our brothers and sisters in Christ?
I mean I'm a uber messy person :)


So We are in a season of souls here at Hillsong. This means we are all praying for a harvest of lost souls. The other day I got really down because nothing was happening with the people I was praying for. Then I talked to my G-ma. Her Sisters husband Uncle lee had past away early in the week and most of the family had come in for the funeral. One of her sisters, Aunt Jo, came in from California- If I remember correctly from growing up aunt Jo was the only kid out of 7 not saved. My grandmother has always prayer for her family... anyways


AUNT JO GOT SAVED AT THE FUNERAL!!!!


here I am complaining because I've been praying specificly for 2 months meanwhile G-ma is praying for as long as she can remember!!! What a total God thing! I mean WOWZERS

Each day here is a blessing, pain or not :)

Country Music............

 It is no secret to my friends here how much I miss Country music.

I  miss the twang, and steel guitar, and fiddle ect....

The other day in class I thought I was dreaming but I heard Alan Jackson... I literally walked up to a group of kids I really didn't know and made a fool of myself because I was SOOOO excited that someone was listening!

I've also learned how hard it is for a person with a twang in my voice like me to blend with others who don't. Its incredibly hard actually and has even brought me down a few times. I say my r's  Aussies dont, not that i sing with aussies in my band but we southerners pronounce are R's. I realized this the other day in Vocal class when we were doing a warm up. I just couldnt make my mouth form the same vowels they were... it just wouldn't happen.

So this got me thinking about how many country artists do learn how to blend with others, or how rock/pop artist appreciate the country style ect.
Off the top of my head we have....
Nelly and Tim Mcgraw- who was in Sydney on Tuesday :(
Sugarland and BonJovi
and a few more

yesterday I was goofing off on Itunes and found Maroon 5 did a Duet with Lady Antebellum. I thought the song "out of goodbyes" was a great blend of the two. Someone ask me the other day why I love Lady A so much and didn't really have a reply besides I like the music. After thinking about it, its more than just the music, its the lyrics too, also the fact that I can sing like her if i try real hard jk jk.

Anyways just some thoughts going on in my head. There is a TON going on up there!!!
I know that God gave me my voice and I just have to remember how to use it for his Glory. I felt like I have to change everything about me to  "BLEND" with others here but that is so not the case. I'm going to embrace my twangyness and keep saying my RRRRR'SSSSS .

Desert Song- Culture Group Service!

Above is my bands assessment for a culture group which is 18-25 Koreans in Sydney! I figured I'd share with you some about my band!

Muzos-
Marcos is from Brazil and plays electric guitar. Marcos is the kindest guy and is willing to help anyone with anything!
Moses is from Korea and a classical pianist. He is super shy but I think its just the language barrier, hes super funny once you loosen him up!
Aksel is from Norway and he's our Bass player. There are only 2 in our intake so we are lucky he's in our band. Aksel is such a leader, he helps so much to encourage us and keep us on track.
Ryan is from TEXAS and he's our Drummer. Ryan cracks me up and lightens the mood. He is such a talented Musician, like professional so we are lucky to have him.

Vocals
Edith is from Kenya! Shes such a joy to have in class always caring and wants to make sure things are great!
Lea is from Germany. Shes hilerious! She keeps me laughing in class and is just a genuine person!
Nong is from Tialand ?I think? She is an incredablly passionate person and it shines through to everyone
Michele is from Georgia! She and I bonded instantly I think over the Southernness she is a natural leader and so so so caring
Then there is me.
I haven't been to band very much because of the Surgery but they have welcomed me back with open arms and I'll find my place soon enough.

Veiwing people in Gods image

My mind just got blown today.

We are made in the image of God...

ALL OF US.

What if we all started viewing the people we do everyday life with that mindset.
You roommates, friends, family, people on the bus ect.
the one that hit me the most was talking about relationships and males and females ect....

The man standing next to you is a man made in Gods image, maybe you have something to learn from him.

Hello slap in the face.

I've been saying all along that God has placed each person here in my life for a reason but man, that just made me change my view a little bit.

another thought is that I'm made in His image so maybe someone needs to see Christ through me. Maybe I'm the woman that someone needs to learn from too.


I know you were expecting greatness but just some thoughts  :)
here are some pictures from the other night at the Gathering :)

Hillsong stuff :)

Happy Fathers Day from Hillsong Church on Vimeo.

Great Australian Fathers Day Video!


Sunday Night Live August 2010 from Hillsong Church on Vimeo.

I loved Sunday night live. I had to miss a few but the ones I saw were amazing. Heres the video preview!

Post Op- another random update

I figured I should let you internet world know how I'm doing now that the surgery is over.

I'm hanging in there!

Pain wise- Its better but different. A different sore pain as opposed to the stabbing sharp that it was before. If I stand or walk for long periods I have some issues. It will just come down to me knowing my body.

Mental- My body has been on so many different medicines and hormones its going to take a while to chill out. I'm having some major problems with insomnia so that will do a number on anyone! I'm learning more and more how to rest in the Lord though.

Spiritual- WOW . Its hard for me to put in to words how much God has done with me in the past few weeks. I feel like I should be able to get it all out and I'm dying to share with so many of you but not yet I guess.

Mulah- Money Money Money- A lyric is about all I have to say about that. "My God is the God who provides"
A student jumped in and rescued me and paid for my surgery. You know what she had to say "Its Gods money not mine" Thank you Dave Bilderback for drilling that phrase into my head!
Also my roomy Arja saved the day with purchasing a $250 perscription when the pharmacist wouldnt take a credit card number.
Just a side note- I'm 15 hours ahead of my bank in Snyder. Sometimes this causes some major issues :D


God has blessed me with so many amazing people here.
I wish I could stop and thank everyone but that would take forever.
Many people have told me I have the whole church of hillsong praying for me, I didnt realize this WASN'T an exaggeration. I've recieved flowers, prayers, cards, and well wishes from the leaders in this church! Its been amazing just as amazing as the prayers, flowers, and support from back home.


God has truly shown me first hand how amazing HIS family is all over the WORLD!

I'm so SO SO blessed and I know that I'm right where I need to be :)

What is written on your forehead?

Do you ever feel like something 

is written on your forehead? 

Like everyone in the world can see something about you but you can't?

That one thing that makes you go home and say they must be crazy for thinking that I could be that, or do that...........

Everyone must feel this way at some point in time.

I have a friend who is BEAUTIFUL! She is probably the most beautiful woman I have ever met. She can take control of a room with her beauty in a heart beat, I've seen it happen many times. But as most woman are, shes not confident in her beauty.
Beauty is written on her forehead, everyone else can see it but he can't!

I have another friend who screams LEADER. Everyone loves him, and respects him. I mean BAM respect. God has given him authority but does he think he could be a leader? nooooo 
Its like Leader is written on his forehead, everyone else can see it but he can't!

Another Friend is an amazing worship leader, talk about anointed to bring people closer to God through worship, its this guy. He doesn't know but some of the times I've felt closest to the Lord have been following him. Gods has blessed him in so many ways but does he see it? most of the time No, Satan attacks him constantly and its annoying!



I have another friend who is STRONG. She is facing some hard things right now and just keeps going. I mean everyone breaks but ... man talk about putting on the Full  Armor of God this girl is marching into battle head on. The problem is that she can't see how strong she is. Her friends, family, and even strangers tell her how inspiring she is, and how they can see Gods strength shine through her.
 All she can see is fear, brokenness, worry, uglyness, and loneliness!
 Then she remembers that Strength IS written on her forehead. Actually its TATTOOED on there because Gods strength will never leave me.

Lately I feel as if God had to bring me to the "Ends of the Earth" to show me how much strength I really have in HIM!

Strength has been a word that hasn't really been in my vocabulary up until recently but boy has it made a grand entrance. According to bible gateway Strength is in the Bible 237 times.
Here are a few  of my favs so far......

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
Psalm 81:1
  Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob!

Should I keep going?
Okay last but not least in my book.....

 Proverbs 31:25
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.<<<<<< FAVORITE


Anyways God has really opened my eyes to some qualities of Him that reside in all of us.  His gifts are endless, sometimes we just don't get it. Our poor human minds are so full of other junk, we just don't see how Gods Glory can shine through us or we believe one of Satan lies.

I guess what I'm trying to say is look in the mirror and try to see yourself through Gods eyes. Most likely thats how people are seeing you!

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven- Matthew 5:16

SO WHAT IS TATTOOED 

ON YOUR FOREHEAD?

***** DISCLAIMER*****

If you feel I called you out above, or think wow sarahs talking about me, its because i probably am, or I could have been talking about normal qualities in all of us and you got convicted, or I could just be talking about myself. Figure it out, or take it for what it is. 

Me- Your friend sarah just trying to process whats going on in her life :)