Catching the Breath of Heaven

  Every day I am awaken by a beautiful sunrise that alights the sky at 6:45 every morning with out fail .It's colors dance across the sky every dawn with promise with another beautiful day. I can feel the warmth of its rays kiss my face , its presence awakens my senses.  The beauty outside of my window is astounding ...the lush tropical greenery ..palm trees . I am blessed coming in and I am blessed going out .

  I have been on this journey dedicated to God ...He has called me to Australia . I just wanted to update those who have been a key part of my life and have given me words of life and encouragement. It has been a very busy July .  Something we hold dear to our hearts here at YWAM Darwin is our God focused  program called Mission Adventures . It was awesome to see God encourage the youth of Australia to grow in Him and get a revelation of the big picture . We did one week of training here in Darwin and one week of outreach in an Aboriginal community. One of the most awesome parts of Mission Adventures was to have devotion groups in the morning . God came through for each and every young girl that was apart of my group ,  with a word of encouragement and the truth about what God had to say about them.
   One of our outreach locations was a community called Palumpa that was 6 hour drive away through vast amount of bush , alot of the way is smokey because of controlled bush fire. The Lord reminded me of His faithfulness to fulfill his promises and the deep felt dreams that He had kindled for so long in the depths of my being . There was such a deeply embedded desire in my heart to reach the people of Australia . Every day I am reminded that the Lord is on the throne and that HE is a God of strategy , His way's are higher than mine . It was such an amazing feeling to set my feet on red dirt ... and look into the most gorgeous dark eye's....what your name ms. ? A little dark arm around your neck asking you , "What your team?" In the outback the lil black fella wants to know your Ruby or AFL team .  All they want is tella a story time...the people of generational stories and  a festering wound of an identity crisis. I really feel like the Lord is saying ...who will tell them my story . The dark people of the red dirt ...searching on journey to know the one true God . The red dirt has left an impression in my heart.
  Just recently I was in the city in Darwin on my way home from Woolies  and a little aboriginal girl came along side me and started a little chat . I asked her where she was from and she said  Palumpa and she was like " Auuh yea , you that from that other mob. It was quite funny that encounter . It made my heart light ..before we parted ways she gave me hug . They are impressionable and offer a innocent love. I hope I see her again .
   I have made Australia my home . I feel that the Lord has called me here long term  . I am looking for those that would take the time to partner with me and support my cause in prayer. At the moment I will be living at the Ywam base here in Darwin and looking for a job .I have been blessed by the Base Director Jen Keatch to allow me to stay on base in support of God's vision and direction for my life .I will get to partake in an awesome opportunity to continue to do some ministry with Jen in a community near us called Bagot . I am being lead to do a DTS at the New Castle base in January . I am very excited and would love your prayers!!!!! I will keep everyone updated!!! Cheers!!
Shelly
  

     

A Decorated House....

  I found that I connect with the Lord in a intimate way when my pen gracefully meets the paper and I hear a still small voice whisper to my spirit.
 I read this passage that caught my attention.... Proverb 24:3-5
By wisdom a house is built , and by understanding its is established ;by knowledge the rooms are filled with precious and pleasant riches .A wise man is full of strength  and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can rage war and in abundance of counselors there is victory .
  This beautiful passage caught my attention ...I am house ... and in the depths of my being there are rooms. The deeper my roots are established ...the more understanding that makes my foundation ...the more that I tap into the spiritual realm there are precious and pleasant riches on the walls of my heart . I am a decorated house with Gods word....on the walls of my heart, His words are imprinted .

Mission Island ....

  Since I have been here in Australia I have been experiencing God in an awesome way . Everyday that I wake up I am greeted with the secure feeling that I am in the center of Gods will . I had amazing experiences that I cannot describe . Opportunities that I could have never dreamed of are coming my ....dreams that come from God are indescribable. For many years I have had on my heart the Indigenous in Australia .  At this time in YWAM Darwin we preparing to go out to many different communities in several locations to spread the gospel of God's great love . On June 20th we will be having an outreach to Elcho Island for 10 days . It is a remote Aboriginal community on an Island . I have been asked by our base director Jen Keatch to join her on the mission trip to Elcho  Island . Our only cost will be fuel ...we will be flying in a small aircraft to the Island .  The cost will be $300-$400 roughly . So if you feel in your heart to support the cause let me know . Financial support would be greatly appreciated !!! Thank you guys !!!

Waves of refreshing water ......

   It was a quite place in my heart as the background music played ...... I felt the sweet sensation of the Holy Spirit breeze across my being ......the refreshing breath of life . Its like filling your lungs with the purest oxygen . Every breath bringing more life than the  last .I felt nestled in My fathers arms ....the Lover of my soul ...healer of my heart ...giver of Dreams . My  deepest fears so small in comparison to the overwhelming sense of  comfort that I felt in those short moments face to face to the ultimate sacrifice . I am marked for Christ ..... He has a seal upon my life .....I am locked in with Christ ... I cannot be moved or shaken ....I am a locked Garden . I am in covenant with the Lord Almighty .
   I am so excited to embark upon this journey to catch God's dreams for Australia . Here He has met me and I will continue to seek after Him and allow him to take over .....in sync with His heart beat .  The heart beat of Heaven continues to throb for the lost .....

Time clock faded ....

   I had a great experience in the country . It could not have been more heart warming . There is always an unexpected surprise around every corner and avenue in life . Our lives are like busy town squares with streets...some streets are more busy and others chaotic....... some streets filled with painful memories ...then there are undiscovered streets that have not been visited . There is always a mystery behind roads with no footprints and missing history .  The years had passed by , untouched like an old fashioned clock with dust clouding its once vibrant face . The hands of the clock frozen in time with young memories ......vague places ... distant faces ...blurred  tears . A shadow of time,  a glimpse of the future .... the years passing by like a skipping rock on unclear waters , each skip making ripples of time and passing seasons . I remember being 8 and being hugged by a tall man with black hair and blue eyes in a distinct gray jumper suit infront of a mechanic shop ....that was my older brother . It would be years to come as the hands of the clock would fast forward vast amounts of time ...years ...days ...seasons ...fazes ... family.
    There is a season of time where people must change ... ways be molded ...habits forbidden and character built .  I grew up to be the person that I am through the careful preservation of watchful caring parents . I was sent down the river in a basket like Moses down the waters to a quiter place . I remember asking God why I given up by my mother ...the Lord told me this " You were sent away so that you could be preserved ". Yet in the mind of a child you still wonder . There came a season when I looked in the mirror and the traces of a little girl had left me . I became a woman ....of virture .... of strength ..character ...one who would follow the steps of my Savior .  It was all new when distant family came back into my life .. The Lord speaks gently to quite our every fear .... He spoke to my dad and said this " Just as I have sent her down the stream like Moses .....I am now sending her back to her people " .  
    I was headed out to Decatur to visit my older brother and his wife along with their little family ....with a thousand thoughts running through my mind ...quite curious if I would appear to them to be this odd creature from the city . It all caught by surprise like a little girl swept off of my feet from a stronger force than myself . I was enamored by the hospitality and warmness from his wife ...all my previous fears melted away by the kindness and common grounds shared . I felt neslted in their little haven, like I belonged and had never missed a heart beat . Many conversations shared over good southern cooking and bukoo's of sweet tea . I must say that they strongly altered my thinking of the country ....I still think back and hear the country music that filled the house with warm tones of comforting moods and occasionly the belting out of words from little Miley intune .
  It was a beautiful dream that unfolded better than I could have imagened .....sitting nestled with my brother ...talking endlessly with Shannon and sharing an addiction for flavored coffees ... watching the girls be dearly loved ....cherished and lavished with glowing affection . I could say that I love my brother and his wife very much and am quite proud of who they are ....gladly to be associated with all of that yummy food . I could have stayed forever . I was nestled in their haven . I found alot of common personality traits .....I am my Gransfathers princess....my Grandmothers Grand Daughter and my Brothers baby Sister .

Blood of Jesus.....

 The blood of Jesus consumes me  like a raging river cleansing my soul and putting weapons of warfare in my hands . Where does my help come from ? It comes from the maker of heaven and earth . Every drop of blood that hit the ground is the reason that I live ....beautiful redeemed daughter of Christ . I am clothed in righteousness that no human currency can purchase . I am the vessel filled ...blessed shall I be coming in and blessed shall I be going out.  I will awaken to His likeness ... I am made in the image of Christ ..no longer will i cringe at the past canvas painted with grief but  I am  radiant and powerful ...sharper than a two edged sword... my face will glow in the likeness of my father who sits on the throne . Abba Father ... in the name that I call upon ...my Lord hears me and is beckoned at my call ... He rushes to engulf me in His presence . He is all surrounding past , present and future . Lover of my soul ...I am a purchased precious one . This is the truth ... lies shattered, as I enter the enemies camp and take back what he has stolen .

Divine Appointments ......

God always has something in mind. I went to the local coffee shop with no expectation for God to show up ....but its always important to keep our ears open to what God might want to speak . You'll never know what is going on inside the heart of another human being or the turmoil rolling over in the depths of the intricate  mind . God cares..His spirit is longing and waiting to reveal how precious and valuable each unique creation is to His heart . He has a word of life to fufill every persons soul . There is a spring of authority coming from the word of God that not only gives us dominion over our lives but waters the desire to see God move in the quiet depths of who we are .  We may not know a person but Gods Spirit identify's with another knowing them inside and out ...He knows them by name ...He has a plan ... He has a purpose ... He has a way about wooing them....He has an eternal destination written upon His palm ....He has no restrictions to where He can move ...He can not be put in a box...His light cannot be hidden ...He is radiant with life ...His blood covers a multitude of sin. What vessel can stand in His way ? The king of Glory ......

Words of Life .....

   There was an amazing presence that engulfed the room .....it was evident that a sweet spirit had entered and was breathing its breath of awakening life. The senses of the heart were dawned upon like a sunset hitting the skies ...a pleasant splash of color running across the canvas of the intricate part of the human race ...called the heart .
  I knew as my dad was pacing and praying that he was going to ask me to have a seat on the wooden chair to receive prayer. He said " we just want to pray for you concerning Australia , you will be leaving soon." I sat down with a sorta jumpy expectation in my heart , curious to know Gods latest thoughts on His beckoning call into my life was . So I closed my eyes ...thinking about the vast unknown future ahead of me . I felt the soft weight of a hand  upon my shoulder and a quiet prayerful voice speak into my ear .... it was coming from Mrs. Patricia . " The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord ....The Lord is taking you away for a season..He will give you the desires of your heart....You will go before kings and queens . I sensed the  wooing of a Loving God moving upon the quiet intimate dreams of my heart. Gentle happy tears ran down my cheeks as all those things related to the quiet  thoughts of my being .
  I sat in the chair waiting for the next voice to fill the room . It was my mother ..." I believe the Lord has been preparing you for such a time as this like Esther .... she spent a year preparing herself and rubbing in special precious oils ... allow the Lord in these next two months soaked any area that may be dry, let the oil be worked in . It was a very encouraging word knowing that there was great purpose in a year of preparation.
   I was content with those two words that spoke so much life to my coming trip but still there was another word . I was still positioned on the chair and my head and attention was turned toward Mr. Bobby . " Now is a very critical time you are laying a foundation that is going to effect the rest of your life ...you placing a structure that is going to be built on and God wants to build beautiful things on it . Just make sure that your foundation is strong .
  It was a very blessed evening ... I felt a sigh of relief in my heart ...I felt backed up with spiritual support .  

Prayer Answered

  A few days ago ...My prayers were answered in an odd way . I am really praying that God is going to keep me there and I know that He will make away . A few days ago Ywam contacted me and told me that I needed to reapply for another for another type of visa  . Honestly the reaction in my heart was "Lord time is running out and I need to apply for another visa ...hmm what does that mean ?"  I have had  the days planned out making sure that I would have plenty of time to get everything taken care of. I was going to have a "Special Program " visa . It only gets better, I applied for a " 1 Year Working and Holiday visa " . Now I have many unknown doors that could possible open. I was granted the visa 6 hours after I applied . I was really surprised and greatly relieved . It happened quicker than I could have imagined . Every day that goes by, I am excited to see the plan of God go forward in my life ...He is the ultimate dreamer of dreams ...He dreams up almost impossible dreams for the human mind to come in agreement with . Our dreams would not be valid if we could accomplish them on our own .

Working and Holiday Visa

 So , it turns out that I have to apply for a new visa , its called the Holiday and working visa . Its is a blessing that I could have oppurtunity to work and stay in Australia . I am very excited however I would love it if you would cover this process in prayer .

Whoop ...Whoop...

   I can't get over the exciting feeling dancing around in my heart ...I just bought my airline ticket for Australia. I am so excited to have 2/3's of the journey under way . I am looking to stay for 6 months and believing for God to open the door.  I am so grateful to see God's faithfulness along this road of  opportunity.

Love to the Nations .....

  Well, my visa has arrived in Darwin . I am so excited , it is going to be  reviewed this week . Some very exciting idea's have come up . I would love to partner with My mother in her ministry " Love to the Nations". We have been reaching out to a few different nations and would be excited to carry it on in Australia . I will praying for an open door and a contact . I looking forward  to what God has in store .

Surprises ....

  There are great amount of surprises that greet us around every corner ....If I look back at the at the smallest and silliest desires of my heart ... and forgetting what I asked for ... I have received it at one time or another.I remember telling a co-worker , " The most beautiful thing about serving God is that when you honor Him with your life style , He will honor you with His presence. "

Life beyond the Horizon ...

  I have learned to look at the horizons of life with a new perspective ...every morning the sun rises with its bright new rays ...freshly warming the earth . Every evening the sun sets, flushing the skies with its brilliant colors . Every day the Creator of Heaven and Earth ...breathes His life into the skies and every night He lights our paths with twinkling stars that are bright masses of intense fire. He set the sun not too close that we might burn , He set the sun not too far away that we might freeze ...but He set it close enough to man and the earth ,that we would be taken care of . In every detail , He is present . He is the past,present and future .He was nailed to a cross that I could be redeemed from my sin of the past ,He lived a life on earth so that I would know how to walk in the present ,He was raised from the dead so that I could have a future . He is the Almighty God. Instead of fearing what lies in the horizon of tomorrow ,there is always hope laying in the other side of every mountain. He grants the oppressed peace ...He heals the sinner ...Picks up the defeated...
Psalm 18:32-36
" It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect . He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights . He trains my hands for battle ;my arms can now bend a bow of bronze.You give your shield of victory ,and your right hand sustains me;and you stoop down and make me great .You broaden the path beneath me,so that my ankles do not turn."

Stolen Generations....Identity Thieft...

  I cannot help but wonder how the "Stolen Generation " is still deeply wounded and effected .Its estimated that 100,000 children were taken from their families in a 60 year span . I  have been doing light research on various subjects concerning Australia in my spare time.
   In 1869 the "Victorian Board for the Protection of Aborigines" was established, the nightmare and horror of separation began. The Governor could remove any child of Aboriginal decent to a reformatory or industrial school .Similar legislation's were passed in other colonies:
New South Wales 1883
Queensland 1897
Western Australia 1905
South Australia 1911
   By 1915 the NSW Aborigines Protection board is given power to remove Aboriginal children without a court hearing .
  While the government wanted to culturally reprogram Aboriginal children ,to make it in modern society, the results were emotionally damaged human beings . As well as being a stolen generation ,there is a deeply embedded feeling of identity theft . The impact upon the generation has only left a negative social and psychological effect on the indigenous community. The social impacts of forced removal have been measured and found quite severe.
  Here's a quote that I can came across " Four generation of my family went without parently love ,without a mother or father. I myself found it hard to show any love to my children because I wasn't given that , so was my mother and grandmother .
~Carol~
On Feb. 13th a formal apology was given by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the stolen Generations. My prayer is  that The Stolen Generations will be redeemed by God . 

Rain Drops in a Barren Land .....

  When I was 17 years old I remember the Lord clearly speaking to me ......I was praying and the Spirit of God visited my room and said to me "Shelly, you will walk in dry and desolate places....people's feet will burn in the desert floors and crack but your feet will go unscorched ." He is a sustaining rain . I remember thinking to myself where could that place be.
   One day I was sitting in the floor of the IB in the Bible College that I was attending and once again the Lord met me there. He spoke like a gentle wind , and with sweet whisper into the ear gates of my spirit . He said to me "Just as a flower passes through many seasons and becomes battered , it returns to life every spring even if there is not evidence of its existence . God is a poet that comes to woo the heart of man with His unfailing gracious love that exceeds the understanding of a mans heart .
   I am very excited to step into the intricate calling of God upon my life . I am delighted to follow in the footsteps of my Father . How beautiful are the feet of those that carry the Gospel of Peace . I know that God has called me to Australia and will soon be launching into a great destiny . As of now I am preparing daily and getting ready for the trip . I have sent of my visa and waiting for word that it has been received .
~Shelly~