Once upon at time, my family went to Hilton Head, SC, for vacation.  For those who may not know, people usually hit up Hilton Head for their beaches or for golf.  Well, we were there for the beaches, but lo and behold, it rained while we were there, forcing us to stay inside most of the time.  The only thing on TV we watched was the French Open, the year Michael Chang and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario won, being the youngest ever at the time in both men’s and women’s categories.  Well, before that trip, you could not have paid me to watch or follow tennis.  I think it was the fact that this Asian guy was killing it and because he and Vicario were both wearing the same Reebok shirts that grabbed my interest.  So that was the year my interest in tennis began.

I’m not a player.  I can’t play.  I can’t play for 2 reasons - carpal tunnel in my right wrist and because I am just not good.

I’m not even a die hard follower of the sport.

But one thing is for sure- I love watching the slams.

My all-time faves:

Stefan Edberg
Michael Chang
Andre Agassi (later years)
James Blake
Andy Roddick (earlier years)
Rafael Nadal!!!!!!!
And the one and only ROGER FEDERER!!!!!!!!!!!

So all that to say… one of my dreams for the longest time has been to attend all 4 Grand Slams sometime in my life.  I haven’t traveled much since being in Aus, and people keep reminding me to do it while I’m here.  So tonight, I am flying to Melbourne for my first ever Grand Slam… THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN!!!

CANNOT BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

KEEP ON DREAMING, people!!! And watch some good tennis this week!
Go Federer! Or Nadal.

Monday. 19-01-09
These days, with “on demand” on most flights, including the one I was just on, the time spent on flights go much faster.  Likewise, so did my time in Atlanta and on the East Coast.  It’s hard to believe that 2008 came and went just as quickly.  When I was home during this holiday, I sorted through some of my older belongings and such, and I realized that many things were about AUSTRALIA or HILLSONG.  I dreamt that one day I’d get to go to this far away land and perhaps even experience Hillsong full tilt.  That dream began MANY years ago, and by the grace of God, I have had the privilege to be there, to smell it, hear it, and see it with all my heart and mind.

And yet the time IS going by so quickly.  I don’t want to be one of those who lives with regrets or moves slowly.  I totally believe in waiting on God.  But I also don’t want to move slow on MY part, know what I mean?

On the flight, I ran into my friend Danny, who is a fellow musician and one of our regular worship leaders back at Northpoint (and its campuses).  Of all the flights in the entire world, how on earth do you end up on the same flight as someone you already know just unexpectedly like that?  “It’s a small world afterall.”

Tuesday. (Next Day 20-01-09)
I got to try Red Mango yogurt for the first time yesterday.  I prefer the following over it: Pinkberry, Yogurtland, Yoforia, Cali Yogurt and even the kind they serve at Maum.  It was good for sure, but Yogurtland still takes the cake in this category.  If you’ve never been to LA or tried any of the Pinkberry type yogurts, be sure to put that on your list of things to do while here.

Later that evening, we met up with a bunch of former East Coasters (mostly Georgians) who have all been living here for a few years now to grab dinner at this delicious Thai restaurant called Coconut Bay.  It was weird, though, b/c the Kobe vs LeBron (is that how you spell it?) James game was on all over the restaurant like it was a sports bar or something.  What a weird combo, but you know what?  It worked, and I liked it.  Then we hit up Yogurtland for dessert.  That’s right… 2 yogurt stops on my 1st day back here.  HAHAHA.

Wednesday. (The next next day 21-01-09)
So today is my last day in the States for another good chunk of time.  I am so glad I was still in the country to witness (via tv) the inauguration of our new President - Barack Obama.  It’s been an emotional last few days with the MLK Jr holiday and then this the following day.  Whether you are an Obama supporter or not or what you think of his policies and who you voted for, the truth is… this was an historical moment, and he now shoulders the heavy cost of leading this country.  Let’s pray for him and the leadership of this nation.

In other news, I tried yet another yogurt place called Mumbles over in Riverside yesterday.  Yogurtland is still in the lead.

Lastly, Lost starts tonight. 

Technically, I’m still in the country while the show airs but will be at my gate in the airport.  And I’m not sure Lost is the best show to watch just before you board a flight.  Ha.

I’m excited about this new year.  It’s already off to a great start, and I believe this new year is going to a great one.  If we keep our eyes peeled and our ears more attentive, I know we are going to taste and see greater things than we’ve ever seen before!

Well, I know that was long, but I just write to say that it was (and still is) great being here.  I look forward to this new semester and new year with both feet in.  There are some big decisions to make by mid-year this year, so a prayin’ and a seekin’ I will do.  Please pray along with me, won’t you?!

OK friends!  X’s and O’s.

i’ve been home in atlanta for a little over 3 weeks now, and it’s been great… very full and packed but great seeing everyone and catching up as much as you possibly can.  i even had the wonderful chance to go to miami/ft lauderdale for a few days for a worship event, where i got to lead and speak to a wonderful group of people.  and this weekend, i get to join with my other church family in orlando, FL, for their annual winter youth retreat, and i’m highly looking forward to that.

although i’m not technically working a “regular” job while i’m here, i am thankfully able to make some money during my stay.  i’m looking forward to spending christmas with my family, and i pray you are as well.  if you’re unable to be with your family for whatever reason, i pray that the God who sent Jesus to us will fill your hearts with the kind of peace and security that only He can offer.   you are all precious and treasured in His sight.

things i’m thankful for -

my parents, their business, their warm home where i am staying.  thank You, Jesus, for their hospitality and graciousness.  also, protect and comfort those who don’t have homes during this cold time of year.

my mom’s flexibility with the sharing of my car while i’m here. thank You, Lord, for her generosity and kindness and for this car that You have allowed me to take full advantage of.

a brother who pretty much rocks.  thank You, God, for his constant loyalty to our family and for his willingness to just do anything that is required of him… for his great heart.

friends who i get to see and the conversations we get to have face to face.  i’m also thankful for those who have graciously shouted me meals or coffee (in australia, they say ’shout’ for when you cover/spot someone).  thank You, Lord, for their generosity.  i know You will bless those who bless me.

and of course, i’m thankful for …

the OK cafe.
chick-fil-a.
taqueria del sol.
fat matt’s.
chosunok.
five guys.
pinkberry.
hurry curry of tokyo.
you get my drift…  ;P

and most of all, i’m thankful for my Savior who came so that i might have life and have it abundantly.  bless you all.  have a very merry christmas and the best new year!

Jesus. Hope for Humanity.

p.s. i just saw this on my friend ryan’s blogsite. you may need to check his site out for the bigger photo. haha.

i’m home at last.

spent the last few days in beautiful California. 

and now, i’m back in chilly Atlanta, GA.  shoot me a message, y’all.  let’s meet up!!!

Hey friends.
Here is the song I sang in chapel.
I didn’t write the entire thing, just the melody and 4th verse.
The title of the song is O Love That Will Not Let Me Go.
Verses 1-3 are from a song by the same title with words by George Matheson, 1884.

Thanks and keep checking back!!!

Some of the peoples at my birthday party…

h & t (hi & thanks)

3 announcements:

1. Going out of business sale

this is a wonderful website that after 10 years is shutting down.  here is a little snippit into why -

Last month, the founder and owner of IndependentBands.com, Chip Carruth, suddenly passed away of a heart attack. He was the guts, the brains, and the mind behind IndependentBands.com. He was the “man behind the curtain” that operated almost every facet of IndependentBands.com. And while we have been able to run the business since his passing, we have come to realize that we must close the business for various reasons.

all of the cd’s and such will be marked down, including mine.  so if you have never bought one before, this is the best time to get one.

2. check out my latest photos!

city time!!!

3.

hi!
stay posted for another video soon to come.
in the meantime, here are some things to think about -

1.what’s your favorite game to play (non-sport, i.e., taboo, hold em, monopoly…)?
2.what is the current black for 2008 (as in the fashion sense)?
3.what book are you reading at the moment?
4.when is the last time you cut your hair or got it done (coloured, highlighted…)?
5.summer, fall, winter or spring?
6.what are your top 3 songs at the moment?
7.how often do you wash your sheets?
8.mac or pc?
9.sour or sweet?
10.bbq or honey mustard (or some other fabulous sauce)?

–
ha. just wanted to make this fun and interactive.
hope you are all well. i’m doing so well right now, and i’m super pumped about what God is doing here. i’m so blessed to be here and really glad i stayed to do a 2nd year. the friendships are closer, the classes are smaller and better, and i’m more involved in things in general, which is always fun.

we have our school break coming at the of the week, ENCOUNTERFEST and next week KIDSFEST,

the new UNITED album will be recorded at Encounterfest, and the new Kids album and DVD will be recorded at Kidsfest, and the new songs are incredible, as always.

ok peace!

Today was one of the best days ever. It is now a little past 1AM as I sit to write this, but I had to just remember and give thanks. I don’t want to be like the other 9 who forgot to give praise but desire to be like the 1 leper who remembered. Please, Lord… I want to remember to give you praise, for you are great and greatly to be praised.

We had College Open Day, where any potential student or persons interested in Hillsong College came and checked things out. And I had the privilege of being a part of the worship team for the Chapel. And I just thought it was phenomenal. As I’ve mentioned and as you can easily imagine, it really IS always good, but there are always even those above and beyond special moments, and I would say that today was one of them… for me… personally.

See… just prior to this gathering, I listened to a voicemail from back home that was very difficult to process, and I quickly became heavy hearted and distracted. And over the course of the next half hour, I was a bit “distracted” and just contemplative. I had thoughts going left and right about “what if this… or what if that… or what about this… and what about that…” but I knew we were about to enter into a time of praise and worship.

In this environment, it is virtually impossible to stay discouraged for too long, because the very CULTURE of the house, and the language of the people is encouragement, faith, and truth. At the end of the day, it’s about getting the focus off yourself, “your” circumstances, “your” troubles, “your” whatever… That’s why it’s so important to stay 1st close to God, 2nd and so importantly, immersed in the kind of house of God that facilitates the language of encouragement. Interesting, b/c Pastor Brian actually spoke on this last night, and I wonder if that is why I’m thinking along these lines at the moment. I bet it is, and that just only reinforces the power of staying in that kind of environment.

Anyway, I believe that there is so much power in the very ACT of praise. If you’re in a good place, it comes easy. But when you decide to praise when things aren’t so good, God’s grace is so evident, sufficient, more than enough, and just made manifest. And I stood literally IN grace. And worship was just gooder than good.

Praise belongs to God. And it is my only reasonable response for this glorious life I have in Christ. And without making light of my troubles, it is still a light and momentary one. And if my thoughts are on His, and if my eyes are on Christ, it just doesn’t leave much room for the kind of dwelling on the “my” stuff.

And sure, today, had its speedbumps, but had I dwelt on it, I would’ve missed out on SO much goodness that was ALL around me. I have some of the most amazing people in my life here (and everywhere), and tonight, we had a group of about 12 of THE best people you could go to war with over at our house. Eating, laughing, and having just some of the sweetest times. Of course, we did a few rounds of Taboo later, and we laughed til we cried and until our stomachs hurt. And I just had to remember to give thanks for these wonderful moments.

And a night like tonight was only made possible because of my generous friends and family back home who are praying for me and supporting me during this time here, which was my initial purpose of writing this one.

Your blessing on me always overflows into the blessing of others.

I love and miss you all so much!!!

—-
New Prayer Points:
Leading worship this coming Monday (your Sunday night at 10:30PM, EST. ha.). DONE.
Speaking at an Espresso (mini-chapel) on Fri 26 Sep (your Th 25 Sep, 9PM, EST).* date has been changed but don’t know when yet.
Kids Album Translations team and overall project - the process has begun again.
Searching for a job.
Situation back home.

Brian Houston’s Blog re: Michael G. (referring to my 24 Aug 2008 post) An excellent and honest read.

A little chocolate + some music + an iphone (with remote access to my itunes) + good people = an excellent time.

Meet some of my friends - Abigail, Nathalie, Dorien, Mandy and Dorien.