God rocks.

     Lordship week was crazy awesome. Something that really stood out to me: "The God you imagine is the God you reflect." If we imagine God to turn us away every time we sin or do anything wrong, expecting us to get our lives in order before we can be with him, we will treat people the same way. If we imagine God to be all loving father and friend, serving, forgiving and filled with joy, we will again treat people the same way. If we can't  except God's love for us, knowing He loves us in spite of our flaws, how can we love other people? Another quote that stuck out: 'When was the last time the world promised satisfaction and actually came through?' Now THAT made me realize how blessed I am to know God. What is life without Him in it? On Friday we had a ministry day. Not like street ministry, but ministering to each other. We started at 10:30 am and went until 1:00 am Saturday morning. It seems like a long time but really the day flew. We worshiped and praised God with everything in us. There was a cross and we all brought things to lay at the foot of the cross and give over to God. My life is in His hands: my time, my need for approval from others, my music, my dreams and plans for the future. Where He wants me, I will go. We had a time of confession and repenting. There was worship all throughout and we ended with communion and more worship. God rocks, guys. He deserves so much more than we could ever give.
     Christmas here was so fun! In the week before Christmas the base had a big Christmas dinner; our school had a Love feast served out of love by our awesome staff team; on the Saturday before, our school had Christmas together with a big breakfast and a Secret Santa gift exchange and the rest of the day at the beach. For Christmas eve and Christmas day, me and 7 other girls went to the Gold Coast. The beach on Christmas day - was a first. :)  Also, having a family who sent the best package ever with Christmas gifts made it feel a little more like home. Thanks, Mom. :)
      Tomorrow morning (Dec. 28 - my birthday!) we leave for impact summer! Half of the MAD school went to Airlee Beach and left this morning and the other half will be leaving tomorrow morning for Byron Bay. We will be doing beach and street evangelism in creative ways i.e. volleyball tournaments, music and dancing on the street, etc. God has been challenging me lately to have more boldness when talking to people about Him. I have this amazing love and I carry the Holy Spirit with me wherever I go. I need to be confident in myself and the joy I have to share with others. HE gives me strength and words, it won't even be me talking. HIS power is made perfect in weakness. We will be gone for eight days; we come back on January 4th.
     I have been blessed with friends and family who send cards and letters and I must thank you! Having mail in the box when I go check brings joy to the day.
     Prayers are always appreciated - for boldness to step out in faith, for unity, for God's heart for others and compassion.
     Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - Rachel