In Australia, the day happens to be April 27th, 2008, in the Morning, but I know that it is either late afternoon or early evening in Manitoba right now on the 26th of April instead.
Therefore...
Happy Birthday Mom!
I know that I rang her on her morning of her Birthday, but I also wanted to leave this message for her too.
I love you Mom, and hope that today's Birthday celebration is a great one and memorable. I hope you'll get the chance to bug Dad and Justin accordingly on your day, because they do that kind of thing all the time to each other, and sometimes you too, so its fun to em back (even for me too, eh?)
Tell Dad I miss him, and tell Justin he's a bum, but I miss him too. As always, to you too Mom, I miss and love you too!
Happy Birthday again!
You're the best, Mom!
Love always.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Random Fun of Life
It feels like its been a while since last posting...
So since last I posted, a few things have been going on. Mostly completely random and heaps of fun, and of coarse the fun things in life I have pictures of. So I'm not sure when I last mentioned I went Horse back riding, but here's the picture of some of the people in the group I went with.
The following week, Our house had the first full house dinner with all the new members and the remaining members of the House combined. See before I moved into the new house, there were 4 other guys that were last year's graduates from previous intakes of Hillsong College, and the house has had a few additions. So since then, the final four guys left our home, and it was a sad day, but new beginnings had already been in the making. Our final member of the house had fully moved in, and we always have great dinners on Monday nights. We call our house "the Brotherhood."
This is us:
From Left to Right: Ben Mays, Michael Newsted, Lukas Jundt, Paul Ross, Jared Harries, & Phil Dunn.
One thing that has been a little "interesting" is that our lawn mower stopped working some time ago, and the result is the following:
The following Monday, the pictures of our Monday dinner went up on Facebook, and another house of girls found them, and wondered if they could have a joint house dinner. So since the idea came up, the guys thought it would be pretty cool, and we had our first joint house dinner.
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For dessert... you guessed it...
People are now calling them "Paul-cakes!"
So after a great meal, we had this random idea. We thought it would be hilarious if we made a picture of our joint house dinner to commemorate the moment, by having a 1920s depression picture. The following pictures show that moment, both the serious one where we actually pulled it off, and one picture of the many bloopers we have of us trying not to laugh... but laughing anyways!
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That joint house dinner was incredibly memorable, its been 8 days since we had shared the moment, and its still being talked about today. Good times!
So the following Saturday, my flat mate Phil and I decided to go and check out an AFL game at the Sydney Olympic Stadium. We watched the Sydney Swans play against the West Coast Eagles, and the game was a blow out! Sydney played a dominating game and won 107 to 45. The point system works by kicking a hand ball between two middle posts giving the team 6 points as a goal. If your kick is outside the posts and within the outside posts, it counts as a ball, where 1 point is given instead. There are other rules to the game, but I'm still learning them at the moment.
The Sydney fans were pretty pumped!
My final picture to share with everyone, is one of what my recent ministry I'm doing. I lead a group of guys in Hillsong Men. I have 9 guys under me, and our group of 10 enjoys hitting the beach before classes start on Thursday mornings. Its been really fun, and I get to really connect with the guys while we hang on the beaches. Our goal is to one day conquer and visit every beach along the Sydney Coast.
And that concludes this post, and hope to hear from you soon. Please send an email, when you read this post, I like knowing that I'm actually posting information to people who are actually reading and caring to know what life is like for myself.
I love you all!
So since last I posted, a few things have been going on. Mostly completely random and heaps of fun, and of coarse the fun things in life I have pictures of. So I'm not sure when I last mentioned I went Horse back riding, but here's the picture of some of the people in the group I went with.
The following week, Our house had the first full house dinner with all the new members and the remaining members of the House combined. See before I moved into the new house, there were 4 other guys that were last year's graduates from previous intakes of Hillsong College, and the house has had a few additions. So since then, the final four guys left our home, and it was a sad day, but new beginnings had already been in the making. Our final member of the house had fully moved in, and we always have great dinners on Monday nights. We call our house "the Brotherhood."
This is us:
From Left to Right: Ben Mays, Michael Newsted, Lukas Jundt, Paul Ross, Jared Harries, & Phil Dunn.
One thing that has been a little "interesting" is that our lawn mower stopped working some time ago, and the result is the following:
The following Monday, the pictures of our Monday dinner went up on Facebook, and another house of girls found them, and wondered if they could have a joint house dinner. So since the idea came up, the guys thought it would be pretty cool, and we had our first joint house dinner.
.jpg)
For dessert... you guessed it...
People are now calling them "Paul-cakes!"
So after a great meal, we had this random idea. We thought it would be hilarious if we made a picture of our joint house dinner to commemorate the moment, by having a 1920s depression picture. The following pictures show that moment, both the serious one where we actually pulled it off, and one picture of the many bloopers we have of us trying not to laugh... but laughing anyways!
.jpg)
.jpg)
That joint house dinner was incredibly memorable, its been 8 days since we had shared the moment, and its still being talked about today. Good times!
So the following Saturday, my flat mate Phil and I decided to go and check out an AFL game at the Sydney Olympic Stadium. We watched the Sydney Swans play against the West Coast Eagles, and the game was a blow out! Sydney played a dominating game and won 107 to 45. The point system works by kicking a hand ball between two middle posts giving the team 6 points as a goal. If your kick is outside the posts and within the outside posts, it counts as a ball, where 1 point is given instead. There are other rules to the game, but I'm still learning them at the moment.
The Sydney fans were pretty pumped!
My final picture to share with everyone, is one of what my recent ministry I'm doing. I lead a group of guys in Hillsong Men. I have 9 guys under me, and our group of 10 enjoys hitting the beach before classes start on Thursday mornings. Its been really fun, and I get to really connect with the guys while we hang on the beaches. Our goal is to one day conquer and visit every beach along the Sydney Coast.
And that concludes this post, and hope to hear from you soon. Please send an email, when you read this post, I like knowing that I'm actually posting information to people who are actually reading and caring to know what life is like for myself.
I love you all!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Setting Your Sails
I've had a personal vision, or "revelation", if you will, about setting your sails and how faith applies in the journey of life respectively to this vision. It seems as though when I became a Christian, the comparison of "setting my sails" was the process to begin my journey with Christ. The scenery would be a vast ocean, a golden sky as the sun sets, and stars peering through what used to be a blue sky.
I envisioned this really big ship, setting its sails and venturing into a vast ocean of opportunities, potential, and mystery. This ship would travel by the sails of faith, trusting for strong winds to support it and help guide the vessel to its destination. Where unforeseen storms may lie ahead, or undiscovered treasures may wait their discovery. A life filled with adventure, with anticipation for the unknown upon its horizons.
I believe our faith is much like the sails, that when a storm presents itself, you wonder if the sails will hold. Sometimes, during a strong wind, the sails may tear in places, causing problems to catch the winds properly. Other times the sails may sway too hard in the wrong direction, causing problems for a hopeful and planned direction. Even worse, at times the wind won't even blow, and we're left with the test of patience in a stand still.
What if the tears in the sails bring us to a slower pace, will we enjoy the view? What if swaying sails sets a new course, will we appreciate the detour? What if patience prevents us from entering an unseen storm, will we take the time to rest?
I also wonder if we find purpose in setting our sails. Some may sail in hopes of treasures, or marking their fame in history. Others may even sail to escape the places they've previously been to, hoping to find new beginnings.
Why not set your sail for the sake of life's journey with Christ? So keep your faith strong, endure your storms, and learn from your adventures, and enjoy your journey. After all, Jesus is the wind that guides your ship, with your sails of faith set high, He’ll bring you to your destination.
I envisioned this really big ship, setting its sails and venturing into a vast ocean of opportunities, potential, and mystery. This ship would travel by the sails of faith, trusting for strong winds to support it and help guide the vessel to its destination. Where unforeseen storms may lie ahead, or undiscovered treasures may wait their discovery. A life filled with adventure, with anticipation for the unknown upon its horizons.
I believe our faith is much like the sails, that when a storm presents itself, you wonder if the sails will hold. Sometimes, during a strong wind, the sails may tear in places, causing problems to catch the winds properly. Other times the sails may sway too hard in the wrong direction, causing problems for a hopeful and planned direction. Even worse, at times the wind won't even blow, and we're left with the test of patience in a stand still.
What if the tears in the sails bring us to a slower pace, will we enjoy the view? What if swaying sails sets a new course, will we appreciate the detour? What if patience prevents us from entering an unseen storm, will we take the time to rest?
I also wonder if we find purpose in setting our sails. Some may sail in hopes of treasures, or marking their fame in history. Others may even sail to escape the places they've previously been to, hoping to find new beginnings.
Why not set your sail for the sake of life's journey with Christ? So keep your faith strong, endure your storms, and learn from your adventures, and enjoy your journey. After all, Jesus is the wind that guides your ship, with your sails of faith set high, He’ll bring you to your destination.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Packages & Phone Calls
My last message on here was one I totally never want to happen again, but I guess you can say, no matter who you are, "Life Happens!" On the contrary to my previous message, I'll be sharing how great a day I've had today, and to tell of my experiences and adventures serving in one of the top 100 largest closed complex arena's in the world for Hillsong!
I'll start with my day today, just because it was filled with joy. I received a phone call from Mom today, and got to talk with Grandma Ross, Ma Tante Louise, and cousin Marco, for a little while, plus say hi to everyone at home too, and they told me they saw me on Hillsong TV! I was kind of shocked, on a couple of levels, first because I was on TV, but secondly, that my parents saw me! It was a little on the random side, but I'm excited to hear that, especially if Mom & Dad are checking out some Hillsong TV! I can't help it when I say: "That's AWESOME!"
Then to make the day even better, I had previously chatted with my good friends Candace and Calvin, and their two Angels Tyler and Megan, and had some great talks, and some great catch ups. What they don't know, is that later my afternoon, after chatting with Candace and Calvin in the morning, I received the package at my front door! I LOVE IT! The parcel contained 4 NHL Caps, many pretty pictures by Megan, a card with photos of the family and Brittany and Karl's Wedding, and a giant tin of Tim Hourton's coffee, with a little tin as well, and last but not least... Reece's Peanut-Butter Cups! Talk about being blessed today, eh!? I know, I know, I don't normally say "eh" as often as I should (as a Canuck), but I couldn't help myself on that one.
So, to explain a little of what my life was like, the past 4 weeks in a row, I haven't had a single day off! I've worked on every day off possible, and when I wasn't working, I was in classes, and if that wasn't the case, then I was serving in Church. I haven't had a day of full rest of nothing to do in a given full day since the Christmas break! So today, I actually had a full day off of complete rest, and a time more needed now than EVER! Mainly because, previously to this week, I had served 4 days straight a one of the largest venues that Hillsong Church puts on for a conference dedicated to women, known as "Colour Conference."
Here's the link for those that are interested:
Colour Conference
I must say, that serving there was incredible, seeing and meeting some of the guest speakers, serving along side the Church, and seeing women from all over the world come to this one venue get so impacted, was absolutely phenomenal. Hillsong knows how to host a party for ladies, and they did a tremendous job empowering women, and serving them with excellence. I happened to be working backstage, in charge of a small venue outside the main arena, for production and hosting kids with a sound board. The kids were hilarious (as usual), and they had a blast. The plus side, was that I only had to serve at 10:00am - 11:30am for the kids in the morning and again at 6:30pm - 7:00pm in the evenings from Thursday night till Saturday night. So I had a bit of free time between serving, and had a blast helping out randomly through the arena. I helped out a few lovely ladies, with the power of a "backstage pass", to assist with needs, I help run a few cables out to TV land in the arena for more camera work and angles, and last but not least, yes, I even made pancakes for our departments, and even had them served to some of the worship leaders and pastors. I can't say how awesome it is to serve for Hillsong, the adventures are AMAZING and fun, and God keeps shining everyday brighter and brighter in the lives of so many, including my own.
Well, I'm basically giong to have supper now, so I have to run, it's House Dinner night tonight, so Lukas is in charge of cooking tonight, and we'll have a great time in fellowship and sharing with a great meal. Be blessed everyone, and keep being the best blessing you can ever be to anyone you can! The only way we'll ever see this world change for the best is if we see a world of change in us to start the chain reaction of a changed world for the best!
I love you all, and don't be shy in sending letters, emails, parcels, and love!
I'll start with my day today, just because it was filled with joy. I received a phone call from Mom today, and got to talk with Grandma Ross, Ma Tante Louise, and cousin Marco, for a little while, plus say hi to everyone at home too, and they told me they saw me on Hillsong TV! I was kind of shocked, on a couple of levels, first because I was on TV, but secondly, that my parents saw me! It was a little on the random side, but I'm excited to hear that, especially if Mom & Dad are checking out some Hillsong TV! I can't help it when I say: "That's AWESOME!"
Then to make the day even better, I had previously chatted with my good friends Candace and Calvin, and their two Angels Tyler and Megan, and had some great talks, and some great catch ups. What they don't know, is that later my afternoon, after chatting with Candace and Calvin in the morning, I received the package at my front door! I LOVE IT! The parcel contained 4 NHL Caps, many pretty pictures by Megan, a card with photos of the family and Brittany and Karl's Wedding, and a giant tin of Tim Hourton's coffee, with a little tin as well, and last but not least... Reece's Peanut-Butter Cups! Talk about being blessed today, eh!? I know, I know, I don't normally say "eh" as often as I should (as a Canuck), but I couldn't help myself on that one.
So, to explain a little of what my life was like, the past 4 weeks in a row, I haven't had a single day off! I've worked on every day off possible, and when I wasn't working, I was in classes, and if that wasn't the case, then I was serving in Church. I haven't had a day of full rest of nothing to do in a given full day since the Christmas break! So today, I actually had a full day off of complete rest, and a time more needed now than EVER! Mainly because, previously to this week, I had served 4 days straight a one of the largest venues that Hillsong Church puts on for a conference dedicated to women, known as "Colour Conference."
Here's the link for those that are interested:
Colour Conference
I must say, that serving there was incredible, seeing and meeting some of the guest speakers, serving along side the Church, and seeing women from all over the world come to this one venue get so impacted, was absolutely phenomenal. Hillsong knows how to host a party for ladies, and they did a tremendous job empowering women, and serving them with excellence. I happened to be working backstage, in charge of a small venue outside the main arena, for production and hosting kids with a sound board. The kids were hilarious (as usual), and they had a blast. The plus side, was that I only had to serve at 10:00am - 11:30am for the kids in the morning and again at 6:30pm - 7:00pm in the evenings from Thursday night till Saturday night. So I had a bit of free time between serving, and had a blast helping out randomly through the arena. I helped out a few lovely ladies, with the power of a "backstage pass", to assist with needs, I help run a few cables out to TV land in the arena for more camera work and angles, and last but not least, yes, I even made pancakes for our departments, and even had them served to some of the worship leaders and pastors. I can't say how awesome it is to serve for Hillsong, the adventures are AMAZING and fun, and God keeps shining everyday brighter and brighter in the lives of so many, including my own.
Well, I'm basically giong to have supper now, so I have to run, it's House Dinner night tonight, so Lukas is in charge of cooking tonight, and we'll have a great time in fellowship and sharing with a great meal. Be blessed everyone, and keep being the best blessing you can ever be to anyone you can! The only way we'll ever see this world change for the best is if we see a world of change in us to start the chain reaction of a changed world for the best!
I love you all, and don't be shy in sending letters, emails, parcels, and love!
Friday, February 29, 2008
The "Off Beat"
I'm firstly going to start this blog message on a note to set the bar...
Today may have been the worst day at work to swallow since I've started working. I caused stress for both of my bosses, and I couldn't have helped it! I made little mistakes that ended up compiling upon each other, and made this day one I wish to forget. I won't even go into details, cause I'll just reiterate what I don't need to remind!
So the reason why I titled this message The "Off Beat", is quite simple. You've normally read a message on my blogs of great life is, or how Happy I am, or what excitement the future may have, but today, I can't help but feel I screwed up! Like I'm down, more than I've ever been in a long while really. The truth is that I never want days like these, ever again, but randomly they creep up on me, and I get a bad taste in my mouth from it, but even worse, I just get upset at myself and the world. I'm already sorry that you have to read this, but I'm not going to type anything positive, if I just don't have it in me to do it!
On the contrary to my last statement, I have one option that I'll choose, right now, and that's to praise God! Even if I can honestly say that its not even my whole heart that praises, but at least its a decision I will make for a portion of myself to give back to God. In some cases, the thought "better than nothing" strikes me, but in this case I won't allow for that attitude of do nothing to take over!
There is a song, and if I had it, I'd share it with you, and its called "Praise You in the Storm" by Casting Crowns. The song brings my perspective in view, about how the storms of life can get you down, or worried, or stressed, or sad, or angry, or frustrated, or depressed, or even on your death bed, but that you continue to choose to say "our God is worthy of my Praises!" After all, He is an Awesome God, one of Grace, Love, Compassion, Wisdom, Power, Mercy, & the "calmer" of all storms.
I even realize that after this message, I'm not nearly as down as I was, but I will now set aside the time to bring myself to do devotionals.
On another note to add, my laptop just blanked out, and the screen was all white, and unable to function. As you can tell, this day just gets better and better! I repeat myself... I still choose to give Praise to God!
Amen.
Today may have been the worst day at work to swallow since I've started working. I caused stress for both of my bosses, and I couldn't have helped it! I made little mistakes that ended up compiling upon each other, and made this day one I wish to forget. I won't even go into details, cause I'll just reiterate what I don't need to remind!
So the reason why I titled this message The "Off Beat", is quite simple. You've normally read a message on my blogs of great life is, or how Happy I am, or what excitement the future may have, but today, I can't help but feel I screwed up! Like I'm down, more than I've ever been in a long while really. The truth is that I never want days like these, ever again, but randomly they creep up on me, and I get a bad taste in my mouth from it, but even worse, I just get upset at myself and the world. I'm already sorry that you have to read this, but I'm not going to type anything positive, if I just don't have it in me to do it!
On the contrary to my last statement, I have one option that I'll choose, right now, and that's to praise God! Even if I can honestly say that its not even my whole heart that praises, but at least its a decision I will make for a portion of myself to give back to God. In some cases, the thought "better than nothing" strikes me, but in this case I won't allow for that attitude of do nothing to take over!
There is a song, and if I had it, I'd share it with you, and its called "Praise You in the Storm" by Casting Crowns. The song brings my perspective in view, about how the storms of life can get you down, or worried, or stressed, or sad, or angry, or frustrated, or depressed, or even on your death bed, but that you continue to choose to say "our God is worthy of my Praises!" After all, He is an Awesome God, one of Grace, Love, Compassion, Wisdom, Power, Mercy, & the "calmer" of all storms.
I even realize that after this message, I'm not nearly as down as I was, but I will now set aside the time to bring myself to do devotionals.
On another note to add, my laptop just blanked out, and the screen was all white, and unable to function. As you can tell, this day just gets better and better! I repeat myself... I still choose to give Praise to God!
Amen.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Let Round 2 Begin
Greetings and Salutations everyone,
It seems that everything in the coming semester for 2008 will be expectant for great things!
To start it all off, my first week of College has already passed, and we are currently running through "intensives." Where all the students divide up amongst first year, second year, and third year College students and also degree students to accommodating classes for full on subjects. The reason why we call these first two weeks "intensives" is pretty simple, we only take to specific subjects in a given two weeks to complete a large portion of a full curriculum. So at the moment, our two intensive subjects happen to start off with Church & Ministry, and Personal Leadership. Both are great subjects, and Church & Ministry in particular have some extremely great insights that I've found fantastic.
I have to admit, being back in College feels great! The only draw back is that life is back to normal at high speeds again, thanks to the campus life with ministry and learning all rolled into the week. At this particular moment, I have little to type, for two reasons. One, I'm pretty tired at the moment, I've had a big first week, and the weekend was great. Secondly because I'm preparing "homework" I want to complete for the next couple of blogs, pending on how my weeks to come provide the timing to do what I'd like to share. So till then, I'll continue my time in Australia, pouring myself into this great Church, and loving and missing all of you amazing friends and family back home.
Peace and Joy be with all of you!
Be blessed everyone.
It seems that everything in the coming semester for 2008 will be expectant for great things!
To start it all off, my first week of College has already passed, and we are currently running through "intensives." Where all the students divide up amongst first year, second year, and third year College students and also degree students to accommodating classes for full on subjects. The reason why we call these first two weeks "intensives" is pretty simple, we only take to specific subjects in a given two weeks to complete a large portion of a full curriculum. So at the moment, our two intensive subjects happen to start off with Church & Ministry, and Personal Leadership. Both are great subjects, and Church & Ministry in particular have some extremely great insights that I've found fantastic.
I have to admit, being back in College feels great! The only draw back is that life is back to normal at high speeds again, thanks to the campus life with ministry and learning all rolled into the week. At this particular moment, I have little to type, for two reasons. One, I'm pretty tired at the moment, I've had a big first week, and the weekend was great. Secondly because I'm preparing "homework" I want to complete for the next couple of blogs, pending on how my weeks to come provide the timing to do what I'd like to share. So till then, I'll continue my time in Australia, pouring myself into this great Church, and loving and missing all of you amazing friends and family back home.
Peace and Joy be with all of you!
Be blessed everyone.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Summer Camp: The Next Chapter
Hi everyone,
Before I leave for summer camp today, I have to at least update my blogs with the details of the event. I'm very excited for what's to come, I hear heaps of great things about summer camp from Hillsong and everyone that's gone before. So I get to share this with you all. I'll bring my camera for some pictures to take too. Anyways, the event itself is phenomenal, with over 1300 Young adults (ages 18 - 25) headed out to a beach camp setting, where we have massive prayer meetings, lots of praise and worship, and opportunities to play some tribal wars during our stay in camp. Plus, I'll have more opportunities to surf, since we're hooked up to a beach with some good surf I hear. I'm looking forward to spending this great time with amazing Godly people, and have the chance to really connect with God on a more personal and "Nature" like level too.
Some other news that has taken place since last I posted anything on this blog, was that the co-worker I used to run deliveries with, has already given his two weeks notice, and now my boss (Simon) will be asking me to take over my co-worker's position. Which, in return, means more hours for work, and hopefully will have a pay raise. I may also get the opportunity to bless another student at Hillsong in need of work and a job to help provide finances.
Well, till my next post, I have to run along, and get ready for summer camp. Enjoy the day, and will post again soon. Be blessed everyone, and be a blessing too.
Before I leave for summer camp today, I have to at least update my blogs with the details of the event. I'm very excited for what's to come, I hear heaps of great things about summer camp from Hillsong and everyone that's gone before. So I get to share this with you all. I'll bring my camera for some pictures to take too. Anyways, the event itself is phenomenal, with over 1300 Young adults (ages 18 - 25) headed out to a beach camp setting, where we have massive prayer meetings, lots of praise and worship, and opportunities to play some tribal wars during our stay in camp. Plus, I'll have more opportunities to surf, since we're hooked up to a beach with some good surf I hear. I'm looking forward to spending this great time with amazing Godly people, and have the chance to really connect with God on a more personal and "Nature" like level too.
Some other news that has taken place since last I posted anything on this blog, was that the co-worker I used to run deliveries with, has already given his two weeks notice, and now my boss (Simon) will be asking me to take over my co-worker's position. Which, in return, means more hours for work, and hopefully will have a pay raise. I may also get the opportunity to bless another student at Hillsong in need of work and a job to help provide finances.
Well, till my next post, I have to run along, and get ready for summer camp. Enjoy the day, and will post again soon. Be blessed everyone, and be a blessing too.
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