"Hello hello it's me again, it's me again..."

Hello everyone!! :)

So… I counted it up the other day with some of my friends here… and I can’t believe it will have been a year in 4 months!!!!!!! CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously…. It’s ridiculous how quick the time has flown by! I can’t wait to be back home with you so soon, but I also hate knowing the rest of my time here is so limited!
It’s been unreal since I last updated you all. I’ve officially started back because I had my first 2 assessments due yesterday! I absolutely love being back for real!! It’s great! My tutorial group is great, my teachers are amazing and there’s just so much to get! I feel like I’m more open this semester than I was last semester, and more aware of the classes and what they have to offer.
I think my favorite class has got to be Old Testament. All the first years have it together, with our principal, who is AMAZING! She’s huge into the Old Testament, and is actually learning Hebrew now. She’s been to Israel heaps of times, and is so knowledgeable and good at imparting her knowledge. She manages to turn every class (a 2 hour class once a week) into a sermon.
There’s just so much to take from it about how to read it and apply it, but how to keep perspective that it was written as a history log… just SO much! I love it! I walked out of class this past Thursday, just mind blown and ready for more.
I feel like this semester, and even talking with some other students, we’re much more receptive to what’s being taught because we’re not so new anymore. We’re not the newest intake; we’re not new to the culture; we’re not new to church life, we’re just much more settled and comfortable and can focus a little more.
I just love this place. I seriously have heard God this semester giving more direction than anything else and it’s quite exciting! I know he covered a lot last semester on the tedious internal details of me, but this semester I feel like he’s still working on that however He’s trusting me with more of his vision for my life. It’s been so great just to be with him and talk to him. Not always easy, hearing what he’s got to say, but he’s softening my heart to be capable of carrying all that he’s purposed out for my life, and knowing that is really cool!
I promise to blog soon, and give some more nitty gritty details, but for now… this is what I’ve got! :)
THE NEW HILLSONG UNITED ALBUM IS OUT!!!! “Aftermath” is AMAZING, and if you haven’t already, you should check it out! I love it, and it’s so cool that we worship to a good number of those songs every week! :) It’s quite nifty! :)
Also… one last thing, I’ve been informed that some of you have expressed interest in supporting me but didn’t know how to get that money to me! Well, here’s the link to my paypal account where you can donate whatever you would like! :) Thank you so much in advance for your help! God is so sovereign and good to provide, all the time. If you haven’t thought about it, I ask that you do pray about and consider it now. Thank you SO much, you have no idea how much it means to me.
Even if you can’t or don’t feel led to support me, please partner in prayer with me about my finances for the rest of my time here. I was given 4 hours at work over the last 2 weeks, I pay rent weekly, and was making mends meet prior to the lack of hours. I know God will bring what’s needed, and ask that you believe in prayer with me for that.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts!! I am so blessed to have the family and friends that I do!!
Here’s the link to my pay pal account, and if that doesn’t work, the link to the right, there is a “donate” button that will take you to the pay pal screen the first link is suppose to take you to! :) The donate button will always be there so even if the post doesn’t have the link, the blog will always have it to the right!
Paypal link:
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=E63gEX8gaU61g-Yi2XcNX6QGO-cNEyg4kZs9MsHO48LbybC461o8SWYOIHC&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d61ec37c409b56235bed2ddf64505aee9


Miss you all and am praying for you and what God’s doing constantly!! Love you all, and I’ll see you sooner than we all think! :)

Michelle :)

This thing called love

Oh how I miss home!!!!

I LOVE this place, but wish so bad the people I love could be in the place I love with me!

It’s been RIDICULOUSLY too long since I’ve last posted and I am SO sorry!

I hope everyone had a GREAT holiday season and has had a wonderful start to this new year!!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY WEEK!!!! :)

I seriously can NOT believe it’s already the middle of February!! I’m back in school, officially more than half way done with my time here!

We just finished our first two weeks of classes, which are called intensives. They’re different classes than the ones we’ll take on a weekly basis and they last for all day of every day basically.

I can’t explain to you how good it feels to be back in school. Seriously, the anticipation and sense of a new season has been in swing since last semester ended, and now its here, unfolding! I’m SO PUMPED!

Seriously, I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas break, but I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things, in a new way! :)

Just so everyone IS aware, some of you have heard, the boy who has my heart is currently residing in the same hemisphere, country, city, and apartment complex as me! :) Max, is staying! Our break and the time we thought we had was wonderful, but God totally made it clear and opened the doors for him to be able to stay here for this semester.

Honestly, can I just take a moment to tell you guys WHY he’s so amazingly wonderful and God knew I needed Him here this semester?

I’ve been super homesick the past 2 weeks, just missing my family and wanting to be back in Georgia with an actual winter! SO, knowing this Max didn’t make plans for Valentine’s day… or so I thought when I’d spent all day making him Cupcakes and made it down to the courtyard to meet Him 2 hours after we were first suppose to, and he asks me what I want to do for the night. Frustrated doesn’t even begin to cover how upset I was! I didn’t want to have to make plans, or decide anything and when his schedule had been what I’d known it to be on Monday, I was not a happy girl when he asked me what I wanted to do. However, I was VERY wrong when we let me out on the balcony to see where he’d set dinner up for the two of us along with his laptop and my new favourite black and white movie “Adam’s Rib” there as well. Come to find out he’d been in the kitchen all day and skyped my mom to figure out how to cook my favourite dishes of hers. Seriously, could I be more blessed?!? God knows… all the time he knows what we each need, and for me, in order to make it through this semester and NOT getting on a plane, He knew I was going to need him here if it was even only for valentine’s day! Oh my gracious… I love that Boy, but I love God even more!! Because its God who’s given him to me, and has made him the way he is!! I’m so blessed! :)

It’s been so cool already to be here with Him, and serve together! Honestly, what better place could I ask to be apart of and have the man I love with me. Serving alongside and being poured into by this place I’ve come to know as home.

Honestly, I really feel like God’s about to do a lot of new things. I’m still serving in all of the same places, still working HEAPS!! But I’ve decided to be diligent with what’s in my hand. This is a new thing for me! I’m going to be content and give where I’m serving all that I have to give of my best. My dreams seemed to be much bigger and not connected to serving in choir on Sunday’s, going to nursing homes every Saturday and serving as basically a Crowd control leader for all of those at Northway, but I’ve come to realize this is the crucial time. I’m never going to be 100% ready for what’s in my heart, but not honouring God in the meantime, doesn’t make me more capable. I’m not too good for these things… it’s a privilege to begin with to say that I’m apart of God’s family, and I’ve come to realize that while I have a huge desire for worship and to see the nations in worship, my heart is to see God’s kingdom come and expand here on earth and the big picture is made up of the small things.

I can’t even begin to explain what all God’s done in the last two months while I haven’t even been in school, but it’s just the beginning! Hillsong isn’t the dream, it’s the beginning of the dream, and the Lord knew it was going to be needed in the process of me being more healthy and capable to carrying the dream he’s entrusted to me!

Part of what he’s entrusted to me is keeping you all updated and posted on what’s going on in my life! And I promise, to try and do better! I just get so behind that I feel like there’s SO much to catch you all up on, I don’t have time to catch you up unless I sit down and make sure I have uninterrupted time!

I miss you all SO much!!!!! Praying for you all constantly! Crazy that our God is big enough to move here in my life, and move in your in the other hemisphere on the completely opposite side of the world. I LOVE OUR GOD!!!!!

This semester is going to be full on with our Women’s conference and Hillsong Conference, along with song-writing classes! It’s going to be so good though! I’m pumped! Full on but so good and full of God’s presence and spirit!

I love you all, and thank you all for your prayers! I promise to have another update soon! :)

Also, I moved. I’m pretty sure I told you all in my last update, but my new address for any of you who feel led to give or just want to send a letter , is:

373/8 Lachlan St.

Waterloo, NSW 2017

Australia

Love,

Michelle :)

Tis' the Season! :)

Hi everyone!!!!!

I MISS YOU ALL MORE THAN YOU KNOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!!!!! I’m sorry it’s been so long, been wrapping up the end of the semester, DONE! I’m officially done with my first semester over here at Hillsong International Leadership College! CRAZY!! My how it’s flown by!!

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and ate a portion of turkey and green bean casserole for me! :) They definitely don’t have thanksgiving over here, considering it was something formed due to the colonists and the Native Americans!! :) However, I was able to get a little taste of it thanks for Brian and Bobbie Houston (Hillsong’s senior pastors) for having all the American and Canadian students over to their river property for Thanksgiving! It felt more like the fourth of July, but was still such a nice treat to get out of the city and feel like home!

UGH!! So, school’s done, I’m moved into my new flat with new girls and I LOVE it!!!

I’m now living with 5 other girls instead of 3, but my rent in cheaper and the view is MUCH better from my new place! :) It’s awesome, and I love all the girls I live with!! One’s from New Zealand, and the rest are American!

I can’t believe how long it’s been since I last updated… OUTRAGEOUS!! Just SO busy!! I’m still not completely settled in from moving, but it’s all-good!!

MAX GETS HERE IN 2 DAYS!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)

He’s coming here for Christmas and New Years and his birthday!! :) It’ll hopefully feel a little more like the Holiday’s when he gets here! Probably as much as it can feel like Christmas in 90 degree weather… haha! I attended Hillsong’s “Christmas Spectacular” last night, and it so made me want to be home! But, I’m here! And it’s going to be AWESOME! :)

Even though classes are done God’s still up to so much!! I FINALLY got a job! About a month ago… but still haven’t been getting all the hours I really need to be able to live, so it’s either get another job, or believe God to provide the hours I need! Just be praying for guidance in that!!

God’s just still revealing a lot about Himself to me!! It’s been so cool! I’m not exactly sure what next semester holds but I know it’s going to be good! He’s about to reveal a lot about what he’s got in store I feel like and I’m super pumped!! :) It’s gonna be cool! It always is when He’s got His hand in it!

I’m sorry this isn’t more full. I attempted to write one about two and a half weeks ago, but then got busy with moving and people leaving that I wasn’t ever able to finish it.

In the time Since I’ve last updated, I got a job!! :) PRAISE JESUS!!! I’ve have graduation ball, which would make you want to stay at college another year, just so you can attend it again. I’ve had graduation, which was so much fun, but so sad all at the same time. People leaving who’ve helped make this place home for me!! I’ve moved out of my old place, and into my new! (I’ll post pictures of the view soon) And I’m not getting ready for the best boyfriend ever, to get here! :) It’s been so crazy and so fast, people going home for good, people going home just for Christmas, everyone moving out and around! It’s just crazy, but it’s so good!! It’s my life here!! :) I love it!! You can see all my tagged pictures from Graduation and Grad. Ball and just life here on my facebook! :) http://www.facebook.com/rosa.michelle.garrett

I love and miss you guys SO much!!!!!! Praying for you all the time!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If I’m not able to post before!! Enjoy the smell of your tree’s for me and the cold and the decorations!! Take care of my family those of you who already know how hard it’s been, esp. for momma!! :) You all are my family!! And I miss you SO SO much!!!!!!!!

Michelle :)

P.S. My new address is:

373/8 Lachlan St.

Waterloo, NSW 2017

Australia

You’ll notice not too much changed about it except one number!! I’m in the same building just on floor 15 and not 10 now! :)

"I will see this season through, I will fix my eyes on you, Only You!"

HELLO AGAIN!!! :)

Here’s what’s going on…… I’M IN AUSTRALIA!!!!!! Seriously?? I’m studying at Hillsong… in Australia… I’m HERE!!!!!!! Ugh… I think it finally hit me for REAL last night… it’s so strange. This is my REALITY!!!!!! Not some dream anymore… it’s my life!!! It’s SO CRAZY!!!!!!! We’re getting ready for the new album recording this Sunday night, and we had rehearsal last night, which basically just ended up being a time for the choir to worship to the new songs before everyone else… and I just was with Jesus. Right there… loving on Him, but being loved by Him more. It’s always Him loving me more! There are two songs particular that have resounded with me and where I am right now. One of them is a scripture that God has SO been sharing with me, first in my own quiet time, then from the platform, and then in one of the new songs. Oh my gracious… I just love Him!! He absolutely overwhelms me!! We were in the middle of the song, and I was talking with my friend Lindsey throughout the entire thing because we were both just being consumed with His love, and I just looked at her with tears in my eyes… and felt drenched in love. I’m here… I finally felt like I belonged. It had NOTHING to do with album or because it’s Hillsong, but I was so worn out already, but there was still work to be done… and all I wanted to do was take a quick nap in the chairs and then get back to work. It honestly felt like home, and like family! Like working on all of the vacation bible schools and other events at the church always felt, late nights trying to get stuff done before the date. It sounds weird… I know, that last minute chaos is comforting… but it is! It felt like home, and God totally just loved on me. This is my home now, for the next 8 months at least… this is where I’m suppose to be belonging, and putting in the late nights and feeling like it’s home. I loved it! :) It’s so surreal, that Darlene Zschech was 20 feet in front of me, and I’m part of the team that gets to help her lead worship. HOW CRAZY?!?! :) Joel Houston, Rueben Morgan, Ben Fielding, JD and Jad… ha!! You’ve got to be kidding me. The place I use to you-tube just to get a taste of their worship and see what they do, is now the place I’m calling MY church, my HOME, and I’m apart of making it happen. Not even close to a “big” part, but still!! I get the privilege of being apart of the team that will lead people into worship with these songs all around the world. The same videos I use to watch, I’ll now be in… Our God is a just God. I can’t believe I’m here! :) It’s like a fairytale!!

Anyways… yeah… just needed to share that moment with you all!! :) I hope everyone is have a WONDERFUL first week of November, and had a GREAT Halloween. I can’t believe it’s already November… CRAZY!!!

It’s really weird being here in what I’m use to being fall! Australian’s don’t really celebrate Halloween so there weren’t any Halloween decorations out or candy bags… instead they already have Christmas stuff up, and that’s even weirder, because it’s warming up… I’m going to have a HOT Christmas… WEIRD!!!!!!!!!!! And what makes it worse is I won’t even be with my family… thankfully Max is coming to see me and will be here so I get to spend Christmas with him… In AUSTRALIA!!! Which… is pretty cool for sure! :)

God is so good!!!!!!!! That word, “good” had just resounded with me for the last few weeks and continues to. There’s such a sweetness to it and I love that it’s part of His character. Goodness is not what God has… but who He is!! AGHHHH!!! I love it! :)

Anyways… Just some updates… For those of you who didn’t see my facebook status a few days ago… if you remember me blogging about receiving a random $400 under the door of my flat two weeks ago, God gave me another $340 the same way this Sunday evening!! I now have enough to pay bond and the first two weeks of rent to move out… I’ve been saving the first $400 waiting because I know I would need it for sure at some point, so I now have $740 to go towards the $760 needed in order to be able to move into cheaper accommodation!! :) How cool… haha!! I didn’t even know what to do, humbled doesn’t even begin to describe the place God’s taken me to through all of this. SO GOOD!!!!!! I love Him… just do!! He’s lovely!!

AGHH!!! So… yeah… I’m getting teary eyed again as I’m writing all of this!! Just reflecting on what God does and how it’s so His character!! He is love, and He is blessing!! It’s who He IS!!!!! He is!!! I love it!!

For those of you who are wondering what exactly it is I’m getting from Hillsong, and not just what God’s doing, there is no separation or distinction between the two. Hillsong, is just a church, what’s distinguishing about them from others, is their desire to let God do as He pleases through them. It’s the healthiest church I’ve ever been apart of. I’m under one of the greatest leadership teams in the world, and it’s a lot to swallow especially coming from growing up as a minister’s kid, in multiple churches. It’s just healthy, for the leaders individually, for their families, for the congregation. If I’ve gotten anything from “Hillsong” it would be a healthy image of what to look for and what’s needed for me. But honestly, even that has NOTHING to do with Hillsong, it has to do with their sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide them as a fully rounded church. What I’m learning here isn’t what you learn with your typical college course, it’s what I’m learning because God’s in the midst of it and is changing the way I eat the apple and drink the water and put on the garments, there’s this whole other level he’s revealing of himself to me, and of our relationship. It’s BEAUTIFUL!!!! And while I haven’t LOVED every minute of it, there’s this peace that I can barely swallow it’s so overwhelming! I honestly can’t describe what I’m getting from Hillsong, because what I’m getting is from God, and I can’t let Hillsong take the credit for what the Lord has orchestrated and is having His spirit work out in me, while I’m here.

UGH!!!! I just LOVE Jesus, and His Father, and His Spirit that he’s allowed to rest with and in me DAILY!!! He is absolutely overwhelming!! :) There’s this whole new level to Him that’s tangible, and it’s something that I’ve always heard, but never really understood, but I’m starting to!! :)

ALSO… I got a call back from Deon, the manager at E-Spirit, they filled the position, however she spoke with her regional manager and they want me to come in for another interview and see what store they can get me into and trial because she said they definitely want me!! :) God is SOOO GOOD!!!!!! UGH!!! I know that it’ll work out the way it’s suppose to, I’m suppose to hear from them tomorrow, Thursday to schedule me for an interview and trial with the regional manager! :) So please keep that in your prayers and I will keep you updated throughout!

I love and miss you guys so much!! I’m sorry this is so long; it’s just a busy season, and God’s doing so much!! It’s definitely not a “be still and know” season! :) but I’d be ok if it was!! I’d love to hear from all of you at some point!! I’m sorry if the longer this goes on, the less sense I’m making! I’ve had to write it in intervals because I was babysitting all day, and wrote during the naps, and now finishing it up at home! :)

You all matter so much to me, which is why I want you to be fully aware of all the details as much as you possibly can be!! I’m praying for you all!! Thank you for your prayers!

Michelle :)

333/8 Lachlan St.

Waterloo, NSW 2017

Australia

Partnering in Prayer! :)

Hello everyone!!! I hope everyone is wonderful! I miss you all!! Here are some specific things I’d love to partner with you in praying for and you could pray for

I’m still on the hunt for a job, went out today after having been sick all weekend, and had an on the spot interview at an “E-Spirit” store, and it went really well. I was really encouraged by what the lady had to say even after the interview, but I’ve come to learn not to bank on anything here until it’s officially yours.

They’re having someone else go in on Saturday and trial, and the lady said that if she didn’t go well, she wants me in next Wednesday for one. So I’m praying for favor, and I’m actually fasting until I get a job. I’m going out again tomorrow afternoon to hand out resumes after class, and I’m just trusting that God’s got it! He knows what I need and when I need it, and I can take him at his word when he say’s he’ll provide. He’s provided the babysitting job on Wednesday’s and an occasional catering job, but he knows that I need more money coming in than what those provide, and he’ll bring it.

Here’s what’s been going on, Our grading period is actually almost over!! CRAZY!! The 8^th of November is the last day I’ll be graded on anything for the semester, so I have exams and lots of assessments due this coming week and the following. Pray for strength and discipline and all the other things I need in order to accomplish the tasks at hand.

Also, I’VE FOUND A PLACE TO LIVE… a cheaper place! :) It would save me $120 a month on rent, and has a gorgeous view and would be ideal. The only problem is, I found out about the $760 paid in advance rent and bond that are due before I move in at the beginning of December, and without a job, I’m not sure I’m going to have it to be able to move in. Pray for favor and provision

Please pray for healing, I’ve been sick for a week now and am still not sure what it is. My entire flat has it, but it’s taken a toll and me and my roommate specifically. It’s really hard to get everything done that needs to be done when being sick and not having any energy. Especially with the last exams and assessments due and rounding into the end of the semester, it’s crunch time with energy I don’t have.

Last thing, I’ve been praying a lot and asking the Lord, for LOTS of things on different fronts, and part of praying is getting answers or receiving guidance, and I feel like the Lord’s telling me it’s ok to ask for prayer, but also for support. Whether it’s monthly or a one time gift, especially with Christmas coming up, I just really feel like the Lord’s telling me to ask those of you who might feel led, to budget something for a one time giving or a monthly giving. I know that God’s brought me here, and he didn’t bring me here to leave me by myself. He says in Matthew 7, that if you ask you will receive, and I’ve asked from him and received from him. I know that he is clear and particular in how He answers. I’m asking you to seek the Lord, and receive direction in this specific area. I know he’ll make it clear to you on whether or not to give and how much. If he leads you to give, you will be blessed. And if he doesn’t lead you to give, you will be blessed! Everyone will be walking in obedience, and there is SO much blessing to be poured out on His children for that!

I love you all so much and miss you so much more than you could imagine. I know I say it every time, but I really mean it! There is no place like home or the people that make it up! I’m praying for ALL of you, and am so appreciative for all of your prayers. God is good.

Michelle :)

333/8 Lachlan St.

Waterloo, NSW 2017

Australia

What a MIGHTY God!!! I'm sitting in LOVE!!!!!!!

So.. twice in one week… I hope everyone is excited! :) I pretty much am!!

Seriously… so… It’s been what? Maybe 4 days since I last posted?? Yeah… I think so!

Here’s the deal… God is GOOD!!!! Understand what I mean when I say Good?? I don’t think so!! Good, is good! There is no bad! Good, is delightful! Good, is a blessing! Good, is comforting!! Good, is our God!!

Read these lyrics slowly, take them in, allow the truth to be revealed that they are! If you haven’t heard it or listened to it in a while… put it on!!

Forever Reign- Hillsong- Beautiful Exchange Album

You are Good, You are good when there’s nothing good in me

You are love, You are love on display for all to see

You are light, You are light when the darkness closes in

You are hope, You are hope, you have covered all my sin

You are peace, You are peace when my fear is crippling

You are true, You are true even in my wandering

You are joy, You are joy you’re the reason that I sing

You are life, You are life, in you death has lost it’s sting

I’m running to you arms, I’m running to your arms, the riches of your love, will always be enough, nothing compares to your embrace, light of the world forever reign!!

You are more, You are more than my words will ever say

You are Lord, You are Lord all creation will proclaim

You are here, You are here in your presence I’m made whole

You are God, You are God of all else I’m letting go!

My heart will sing, no other name, Jesus, Jesus!

My heart WILL sing, NO OTHER NAME!! Jesus, JESUS!!!!!’

This is the song that I’m singing as I’m heading to bed tonight… Our God is GOOD!!! I love how that’s the first very first line to describe Him! It blows my mind thinking that SAME word, he used to first describe us! We were GOOD! He delighted in us!!

SERIOUSLY!!! Oh my gosh… I want to post the lyrics to a new song because some of the lyrics were all I could say after the events that have occurred hourly the past few days!! BUT… I can’t!! Just know that this new album is going to be REDICULOUS!!! :) Recording is in 3 weeks… and I can’t WAIT!!!!

This is gonna be another long one and my roommate has got to hate me right now… and I have to say is what goes around comes around... haha!! As she’s sleeping right now… and I’m up typing away!

ANYWAYS!! So… After I posted my blog… and seriously sitting with God and feeling some peace about all that’s taking place… I feel back into my pit!! I seriously was depressed!! I could barely hold it together when people asked me how I was… I’ve come to realize now.. which took some breaking of pride too, for me to realize the devil was totally taking hold of my emotions!! I’d totally let him control how I thought and how I felt about everything!! I hated admitting to myself that I’d actually let the devil in more than God at that point! I was letting the devil win! BLUH!! It makes me sick to think about it!! I realized it Sunday morning, after EARLY church, serving in choir and sitting in for the sermon! I had to take back what was rightfully mine!! I have to claim the joy I know I have and tell the devil to back off, I have to constantly be praying and asking God to step in and help because I can’t fend the devil off through my own strength! I’m a fool to think I actually intimidate the devil… It’s God in me, and the power HE’S given me to call on His name and call him down that makes the devil want to flee, nothing of my own! It was what the entire sermon was about!! Take captive your thoughts and use the tools that have been given to you!! Prayer being one of the biggest!!

Oh my gosh… so seriously!! AGHHHHHHH!!!! I just want to give you all the details! But out of respect for your time… I’m try and consolidate!! ANYWAYS!! Friday, and Saturday… I was a mess!! Come Saturday night… I had it out with God in a way I haven’t, ever, I don’t think!! I was so distressed and the job was the first thing, because it was hitting more so on why I’m even here in the first place!! If I don’t feel like I have a purpose here, are you’re not providing the way for me to stay… WHAT AM I DOING HERE???????? Come to realize… thanks to the wisdom of my wonderful parents, who have been at similar places like this before… God’s doing some hardcore gardening in my lot! Not tripping… but pulling up the weeds by the roots… which are DEEP in this soil!! He doesn’t want the roots to choke out the fruit… so he’s getting them out!! OH MY GOSH… it hurts like nothing else!! But he’s ridding me of what’s left of me!! He’s shaping me for his purpose!! And after realizing prayer is a conversation… and it’s conversation doesn’t happen one way, and He WANTS to talk to me, about the things I’m praying for!! I’ve begun to let him again!! I had this overwhelming peace Sunday after spending Saturday night on my bathroom floor pouring my heart and frustration out to God, allowing him to pour into me and come meet me Sunday morning through worship, his word, and through prayer with my family (I don’t know what I do without skype!). I was so at peace yesterday and confident in the fact that I HAVE joy, all the time, it’s just a choice I have to make daily!! I just have to RENEW my mind daily and remember that!! It’s training that takes place, and filling yourself with the word helps that process!!

Ya’ll… seriously!! I really, literally can’t begin to cover what God’s spoken to me the past few days… I decided to accept the challenge that’s before me, and not let the devil even begin to think he’s come close to a victory! I’ve come to realize, I am just like the Jews and Israelites of the bible! I was reading in Exodus 14:10-14 today… and realized I’m JUST like them!! They wondered WHY God had taken them out of Egypt if he was just going to abandon them- parallel- God brought me all the way to Australia… I began to question WHY and should I just go back?? They asked and said the same thing!! Should they just return, they hadn’t want to leave in the first place! Just read it and see what happens!! They’re reassured… as the Egyptians are coming to kill them and take them back as slaves- parallel- the devil always on the quest to destroy the children of God, manipulating how they perceive themselves, their circumstances and feed them lies. They panic because they see what they think is about to take place, but Moses reassures them, God’s going to FIGHT for them!! And what does he do next??? HE PARTS THE RED SEA!!! Could they possibly have seen that coming?!?! Not a chance… We CAN’T see what God has planned, but we can TRUST that it is GOOD!! The way he first intended ALL things to be!! The world was first GOOD, we were first GOOD!!! God has every intention to bring us back to the goodness He originally created us in… HENCE! Him sending His son to restore us back to goodness, and a place without sin!! OH WOW!! Seriously… It’s been incredible!! God just kept putting scripture after scripture in my heart, reminding me of how it ALL ties together!! He’s AWARE!! He remembers His promises!! He WANTS to fulfill His promises… we have to choose to let him by relinquishing control to Him!!

OH MY JESUS!!!! You are AMAZING!!! I so wish I could talk to you all… because I think we’re all quicker listeners than we are readers… and I’d rather talk to you anyways!! Just pretend I’m telling you all of this at in our voice lesson, the church hallway, the wal-mart parking lot; WHEVER it is I would run into you and tell you this, or sit with you on a comfortable couch and chat!! :)

GOD IS GOOD!!! He provides and loves and sees and remembers and knows!!

Anyways… after having this whole revelation that God is GOOD, and all aspects about Him are deserving of my praise. In my circumstances and doubts and confusion and fears, HE IS GOD!!!!! HE IS GOOD!!!!! HE IS WORTHY!!! I need NO other reason, NO more provision, NO more good circumstances to understand the truth of the matter is, He deserves all of my attention and all of my praise, ALWAYS!! So what does God do?? He blesses me!! Because he loves me, and that’s His hearts desire!! To bless those who bless him, I’m going to bed tonight having received and envelope slid under my flat door, with nothing more than my name written in it, containing $400! God is GOOD!!! If I never have another dollar to my name, never again have a roof over my head, our God REIGNS and He is GOODNESS!!!!! I’m beyond blessed and amazed and humbled!! He really does care, and he really does hear, and always ALWAYS provides!! Just not always as we expect or ask Him to!!

Yep… that’s my story for now!! I love you all so much!! Miss you TONS!!!! Know that I’m praying for you all!!

Michelle :)

Our God Reigns; You can't consolidate what is true!!

HI!!!!

Finally, getting around to letting everyone know what’s going on over here in Aussie land… :) Sorry it’s been so long, trust me, I would have had a post up long ago if I’d been able to!!

I miss you all so much!!! You have NO idea!! Especially, making the final decision that I’m not going to be able to come home this Christmas!! SAD DAY!! But it will be good, and God has it all worked out I’m sure of it!

So… where to even start!! I’m not even sure!! What was the last thing I posted?? Prob. should look at that and see how much I need to cover. Truth is, it’s almost impossible to cover everything if it’s not a day-to-day update, which I def. don’t have the time for.

So… God’s been up to more than I’m even aware of! I’ve had my ups and downs, and moments where I’m ready to hop on a plane and head home, but I’m here! For as long as it is God has me here, I will remain here!!

I don’t even know where to begin??? I seriously have never been at a place in my life where it was such a rollercoaster daily!! Literally, it’s a daily choice and struggle to determine my attitude for the day! If I’m happy with God and believe he’s holding me in the palm of his hand, or if I’m upset and don’t believe and trust that He knows what it is He’s doing, He’s just enjoying watching me deal with all of this. It’s a lot easier to pick the latter choice, and just absolutely pick my day apart and explain why I think that. Some days, the only thing good I have going for me, is that I’m a daughter of the King almighty!! He’s been teaching me a TON About that too!! That without him, I’m nothing!! That… He is God!! And that doesn’t change according to my circumstances so who the HECK am I to question and doubt the plans he has, which have always been good!

Honestly, dealing with school stuff and church stuff and job stuff, I’ve just been at a complete loss for why it is exactly I am here! Who would have thought?? The girl who had her heart set for YEARS on going to Australia to study at Hillsong, would rather be home more times than not while being there… CRAZY!! But sometimes… that’s just how it is!! In the midst of God doing a big work and big shaping, we’d rather be anywhere but the uncomfortable and aggravating place of change, even if it’s what we thought we wanted for so long! It’s not the place he’s called us to, but the change inside of us. It’s never about us, always about him, and that’s hard sometimes to swallow!! That, in all actuality, me coming to Australia and Hillsong was never about me and what I wanted, but about God and what he planned and still has planned to do inside of me!! To get rid of the nasty dishonoring things, and make himself more evident and visible through my life!

WOO!!! Ok… Not what I expected! It’s not easy, but it’d be harder to give up the joy and peace He is just to keep me comfortable in myself! Christianity isn’t about comfort at all, and if I’m a Christian, I would never be right in thinking I’m right where he’s called me to be if I’m comfortable at that spot! Don’t get me wrong, there’s comfort in the truth that He is God, and He is in control, but the moment I begin to think it’s about me and where I am and am comfortable with that, I’ve lost sight of what my purpose is!!

So… that’s where I am!! Fighting daily to believe that in all this discomfort and uncertainty, that God is still God!! He holds me! He has plans for me! He’s called me! He’s started a GOOD work within me and will see that it is finished!

In my struggle to find a job, He is provider! In my constantly draining, almost empty bank account, He pours out favor on His children! In my confusion, He is purpose! In my disbelief, He is faithful!

Have you ever had those periods where you’re just so frustrated and upset with God where you can talk to him all day, giving him a piece of your mind, but you won’t let him talk to you and you avoid picking up your bible because you’re so upset with Him?? That was me this past week!! I spent 4 days of my break, looking for a job and finding not one thing!! I had an interview at a place last week but they ended up filling the position before I could come in and trial with both managers, so that went down the drain! I’d already spent 2 days hunting for jobs when I got the call that they’d hired someone else, and spent two days afterwards. What do I have to show for the 30 resumes I passed out and the few I filled out online? ZERO! I was so upset with God because I pay rent this week, and that’s it! I have enough for one more trip to the grocery store and that’s all! So, last night after spending all day handing out resumes all over town, I felt like I just needed to genuinely lay it down at His feet, and let him talk to me, what else do I have to loose?

So I journaled to Him and laid it down, my frustration and confusion and anxiousness and worry! I opened my bible, and just flipped! I just had a peace that he was going to talk to me! Well… talk to me He did!! With the SAME scripture… LITERALLY the same exact scripture, in two separate books and spheres of the bible. I read first in Isaiah, closed my bible, didn’t feel like I was done, opened it back up… was flipping through… stopped in Luke… just happened to be the section where Jesus was at the temple in Nazareth and had been handed a scroll to read from… what was it?? The scroll of Isaiah with the SAME verse I’d just read!! Out of all the verses and chapters in Isaiah, Jesus quotes Isaiah 61 in Luke 4! BLEW MY MIND!!! Do I know what it means? Not just yet, but I do know God’s purposed my life for his kingdom, and will provide all that I need in the right time!

I haven’t gone a day without a meal, and I haven’t gone a night without a roof over my head! I have to say I’m doing pretty good! I’m at a completely new place in my life, and it terrifies the snot out of me, but in my fear, God is God! He reigns sovereign and lovingly! Looking out for His sons and daughters! I’m apart of His family, and He won’t ever let His children be without! I’m not exactly sure if it’s going to be a job he provides, but I know he’ll provide enough to cover my needs! In whatever way he see’s most fit! The scripture actually makes me think it’s not going to be from the number of resume’s I handed out over the past 4 days, but the scripture assures me that he will. His way’s are not my ways, and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts, he tells me elsewhere through His scripture. I’m clinging to truth right now!

What you could pray for: a job and money! Friends! A more economical place to live at the end of November! What God’s teaching me! Peace and assurance! A trusting and believing heart! Open doors! Clarity and guidance!

I know God’s brought me here, he’s assured me numerous times that He’s appointed me to lead, and the dreams in my heart are dreams He placed! He’s provided this far, He’ll provide that much further and more!

Thanks for your prayers and for being interested!! I’m SO sorry I haven’t been better about keeping you all up to date!! I’ve been failing at placing value on all of you back home and I promise to try my best to do better! You all mean so much to me, and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for each of you uniquely and instrumentally used in bringing me here weather you’re aware of it or not! I pray constantly for you all as a whole and individuals when God brings you up specifically! God is good, and He is love! He’s holding you just as much as He’s holding me! Don’t hold things back from the one who holds it all!

Just to prove God knows and he see’s his Children and their needs… As I was signing onto the internet to post this, I got this text from a precious girl named Melody who is in all of my classes:

“Hey beautiful :) soo good to see you today! The Lord just brought you to mind and wants you to know that he will meet all your needs :) he is faithful to answer! Sleep good and know you are loved!”

That’s MY God… He holds me!! He sees me!! He created me!! He loves me!! He KNOWS me!! He’s going to provide for me!! Wow… ok!! Yep… someone else needs to know that too!! In my midst, in our midst… He is! And always will be!

Thank you so much Jesus!!!

Love, Michelle :)