Day 31: Goodness, Gracious

Yesterday was just an amazing day, no question about it. I was feeling a bit under the weather emotionally a couple times last week, and I wanted to be secure in what I'm doing here. God responded; and with full force. In the morning service, Donna Crouch gave a message about Joshua and how after Moses's death, it became his job to help the Israelites enter a new land. When
I thought about it, all I could think of was "Dude, sounds like me.." All my life I was following examples of a solid Christian life: my parents, my original pastor, my teachers, my friends, and other figures. I stood under them, watching, observing, and learning about what it takes to amplify my Christianity. But now that I'm here, those examples aren't. I can't rely on anyone back home to keep me in check; I have to take what I've learned over the years and use it. I'm in a "new land"; a land with promise. I felt that God wanted me to come here, so I responded; not just because it's Hillsong, but because I know by experience here that it's a life-changing atmosphere. Your view on God can really turn up a notch out here; and the country itself is just beautiful. I feel so comfortable to breathe the fresh, clean air and walk down the streets that are filled with natural decorations like trees and flowers. If it wasn't for all the smokers, it would be almost perfect. I mean even the water's good; it sounds weird, but you can drink water from the bathroom sink and it tastes almost identical to the types of water you get at fountains (the good ones). Sure, that seems gross, but just the fact that bathroom sink water is just as good as any other water that isn't added with vitamins/minerals is amazing. Yesterday, God just really gave me a better clarity of why I'm here, and I'm very relaxed now. It's nice to be relaxed.

God bless,
Steven

Day 30: Slowly Closing In

Today was another chill day; fortunately Erik was here, so I wasn't alone today. I finished another song for the EP, which was exciting and relieving, because I had to record the ideas for the song before I forgot them! It definitely ended up going in a different direction that what was planned, but I like it even more now. AND I got to go back to memory lane by getting some L&P (check my new video on Youtube to find out what that is) and finally eating a Tim Tam. In all honesty, that was my day: recording a song, eating, and chilling in the apartment. How active I am these days, right? Well, that's all for today; tomorrow will be interesting though, because it's church!!!

God bless,
Steven

Day 29: Productiveness!!

I was alone today; other than Jesus, of course. However, it wasn't in vain because I got quite a bit accomplished today! First thing was my music; as you know I mentioned I'm working on my first music set release called Here and Alive; today I had the blessing of recording, mixing, AND finalizing 3 songs for that EP, and I am pretty excited about it!! All these ideas just kept flowing, and I just kept playing until something would catch my ear of approval; and there was much approval. I also have the layout for 3 other songs, but the only one I have yet to conjure up it's composition is the title track. But after seeing how awesome today was, I don't doubt it's an impossible feat. I'm trying to get it done as soon as possible so everyone can join in on the listening, so just bear with me as I'm working hard to put it out there.
I also got a chance to finally put together an accompaniment to this here blog with a vlog! I know I'm not the most original video kind of guy, but I figured I should might as well give it a shot; so you can go check out my first episode of the One Man's Journey, One God's Plan Video Edition right here on Youtube; see my world through my eyes 8)
That was pretty much my day, so I have nothing else to report.

God bless,
Steven

Day 28: The Starting Line and Slight Delay

Today was a bittersweet day. On the bright side of things, I finally enrolled in my classes and will be starting on Tuesday; there's some other things I have to keep track of for now, but I know God's in control. I got to meet many more people, especially from other cultures. It was like being in a missions conference or something. My audition for the level of worship I'll be put in is on Monday, so I'm pretty excited about that; there's even a possibility that I could be launched headfirst into Hillsong worship!! How cool is that?? It was a good morning; one I wish didn't take SO long with the lectures, but it was necessary for us to be prepared. The other thing that was good was finally and officially completing one of the 7 songs for my first music venture, Here and Alive. I have 6 more to go, and my goal is to have it done before my first semester ends. I have this weekend as a start, so that's good 8)

The bitter side is that I saw my mom and sister for the last time until this December; they were such a help to get me settled in, and I wish they didn't have to leave. But work is work, and I'm sure my little ones are driving my dad crazy back home. So it'll be good for all of them to be reunited. My dad's been sending me emails every now and then giving me words of ecouragement; I love my dad, what else can I say? I really miss him; he's been there for me more than anyone else. Fortunately, I heard he might be coming out here to visit for my birthday! If that's the case then I can't wait for my birthday so I can see him. I miss all of you: my spiritual union of brothers and sisters in Christ. Even though I'm in a semi-foreign land, I can't help but wish my peeps could see what I'm experiencing out here. Maybe you will someday, only God knows. But He is good. He's never been any different. And I have that to be grateful for.
Tomorrow I have to try and get to the Powerhouse retreat, but I don't know what could happen. Just pray I'll make it there safely.

God bless,
Steven

Day 27: The Initiation of Grace

Orientation for my first semester of Hillsong college began today; and it was everything I hoped it would be AND more. Worship was powerful (as is Hillsong's custom), the messages were impacting, and the lectures had something for everyone to hear. We had good laughs, met new friends, and really connected with God; it was truly the beginning of a life-changing experience. I felt such a peace of heart, it's something that words on a blog just can't explain. I feel fresh, you know? Like everything that led me to Australia is just stored in archives so I can completely take in what's happening here. I will admit, thoughts of home came frequently, but God reassured me that it's gonna be okay. He has so much in store for all the students, and we are so excited to see what happens. After orientation, we all went to our rooms to enjoy the rest of the day off, but Eric invited me to join him at a prayer and worship hangout with some of the other fellow Christ-followers. Naturally, I went; and I am very happy I did. It was a great time, worshipping with new friends and being joined together through our hearts for God to move in us and through us. This day was just incredible; what else can I say to describe how good the day was? God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. That's how.

God bless,
Steven

Day 26: Australia Day

Today I saw a lot of Aussies wearing their Australian garb, waving flags, and chanting the ever famous rally chant. But I wanted to spend today with my mom and sister, since it's the last full day I had with them. So we took a very relaxing walk through the city, going through stores and chowdown centers and stuff. It was nice. I'm very glad that they got the chance to come with me; this whole process would have been so much more difficult without them in the city. It's gonna be hard to not have them in so convenient of a location, but I know they're supporting whether or not I'm with them. The excess number of dogs I saw in the streets made me miss my little guys; I just hope they haven't driven my dad crazy. But at least they get to see my mom and sister when they get back to the U.S., so that should be relief for them.

Well, tomorrow is it: orientation day for Hillsong. I'm so pumped!!!!!! I felt like listening to Michael Gungor's song Prodigal, because it really just cultivated my thoughts. Nothing compares to what He's done for me, regardless of how much my life has been impacted by His presence and work in me. I'm proud to say God is good and full of grace, and I know that He is my hope for a better life. I've wanted so much to see God work in me in ways I never dreamed, and I know in a place like Hillsong it's bound to happen. It's in God's time when He'll start drawing me in, but I'll stay patient until then. I want to walk by faith, not by sight. I don't want to rely on what I can do, because that'll get me nowhere. But God is everything I need, and He's everything I want to have.

God bless,
Steven

Day 25: Moving In

Today, I moved into my new apartment. I was truly blessed to have a place that has most of the essentials: a living room with couches, a couple tables, and even a TV, a kitchen with the standard appliances, a washer and dryer (MAJOR PLUS!!) A nice bathroom, and a bedroom I'm sharing with Tyson, a native Queenslandian Aussie. My other roommates are Eric, who is from Ikea land (Sweden, for those that don't know what I mean...) and Brandon from Washington state. Unfortunately, Brandon is moving out Wednesday because he found cheaper rent at another place, but he's still going to school, so it's all good. And we're getting another Swede on Wednesday, which is awesome because I've always wanted a couple Swedish friends (and Eric is freaking awesome already!) To add to the day's success, I was finally able to get a CD I've been excited about since I got to hear previews of it: Number One Gun's To the Secrets & Knowledge. This album is incredible, and done by a great artist. One of the personal highlights is his version of Journey's Don't Stop Believing (which is reason enough to give this CD a shot.) Also, the 26th has a another well-anticipated release: the return of Living Sacrifice with their new album, The Infinite Order. These guys are the originators and well-renowned veterans of the Christian hardcore genre, and so far they have never disappointed.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention why January 26th is so important over here: Australia Day, which marks the day the country was able to call itself a free country (just like our 4th of July.). But get this: the year it happened was 1986. Can you believe it? Australia didn't get it's independence until 1986!!! Craziness. But hey, it's another reason for Aussies to get wicked drunk and party all day, so they don't care. Tomorrow should be an interesting sight to see. I'm also trying to get a video camera so I can share this world through vlogs so you get an idea of what I see, so hopefully I can find some way to get it soon.

Well, that's all for now; I got some exploring to do as the new guy. Later friends!
God bless,
Steven

P.S.: Seriously though, give Number One Gun a shot; you should know if I'm highly appraising this album, it HAS to be some form of awesome.