What makes you come alive?

Good day mates!  I hope all is well.  This past week of lectures has stretched my mind & thinking more than ever.  A man named Dave Fenton spoke on Spiritual Gifts with an emphasis on prophecy.  A lot of this was completely new to me and I just did my best to comprehend everything being spoken so that I can study it more for myself later.  Ultimately though, every speaker we've had continues to express the importance of one's character.  I love when there are reoccurring themes and a positive character is something I'm continuing to strive for.  Dave shared personal stories of prophecy, healing, and words on knowledge that he experiences on a regular basis.  Most churches have "proof" that these types of gifts no longer exist and that is merely because they don't practice the gifts readily available to them.  Friday we watched a movie called "Furious Love" that shares of the spiritual warfare in the world today and those who have discernment to recognize different situations.  It was kinda spooky so I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but it helped me realize the spiritual battle that is alive and well today.

Saturday I went into town and was confronted by two women who wanted me to know that I wasn't a born again Christian, because I can't speak in tongues.  Supposedly speaking in tongues is the only evidence that the Holy Spirit lives within you and boy was I in trouble.  We talked for a good 40min before I had to be on my way, but it definitely got to me.  This is just one of a few situations I've encountered since being here and I really feel like God is placing these situations in life to strengthen and encourage my beliefs.  My only solution is to dig deeper into the word.

Saturday night we had a bonfire & fresh hamburgers at some local Aussie's farm and it was a nice getaway.  Later Saturday, some buddies and I went to the skate park where I received multiple bruises due to my inexperience.  That was my first time actually skating & possibly my last haha.  However, it's not keeping me from trying other new activities here on the Sunshine Coast.

Also I visited the doctors and I have a damaged ear drum that's infected so I'll be heading to a specialist this week :(  No surfing or ocean for me... Otherwise I've become a caveman, because I haven't shaved or cut my hair since the first week here.  For some reason the laddies here can't seem to appreciate what I'm doing.

Overall, God is giving me a new rejuvenation and I am beginning to realize how open my future is.  I still have absolutely no idea what it holds, but it will be something that allows myself to come alive.  What stirs your heart?

Kondalilla Falls

Local rain forest 

My first Kangaroo sighting!

Surfs-up!

I miss you all and can't believe I only have 4 weeks left here in Australia before I head for outreach. Also, thank you all again for your generous support.  It's hard to imagine I'm actually here and I wouldn't take this experience back for anything!  Make it a good week!