Back to school, back to school
Today was the first day of orientation and what a day it was! We began the morning by diving right into chapel where the one and only Mark Hopkins spoke to us. Mark overseas all of Hillsong College and embodies the role of a “Papa Bear” more than anyone I’ve ever met. He has an incredible ability of being approachable and gentle yet bold and challenging at the same time. Basically when Mark comes, you know you’re in for a treat J Mark reminded us that our job is to create momentum that starts a movement; we’re called to get uncomfortable and do something out of the ordinary. Instead of clinging on to the old we need to learn how to welcome the new. Often we revert back to what we know—we need to be open for change and transformation!
After chapel we got split up into 3 different groups according to how long we’ve been at college. During this time Katie Peters gave us a refresher on rules and expectations while at college. Some key points included
Ø Time to lead—not just attend. We need to contribute and realize we’re doing this together
Ø Expect God to do new works in you!
Ø Attitude! 10% of this semester is what happens, 99% is how you respond (SO TRUE!)
Ø Grow! I only grow when I am uncomfortable. Stretch your capacity within God’s house this semester
Once that was over we had a quick lunch break where I got to catch up with old friends while meeting new students. We ended the day by having another chapel with teaching from Joel A’bell who oversees all of the Hillsong Australia campuses.
To top the day off, I got to attend Day 1 of a three day college retreat that I’m attending this week. One of my favorite things about Hillsong is that everything is always intense haha! The night started off with a crazy rave party with techno/dance music, ridiculous lights, and thousands of 18-25 yr olds dancing their hearts out. We then transitioned into passionate worship that truly sounded like heaven at one point. “All of the praise, unto your name, be lifted higher, all of the praise, unto your name, forever!” Environments like tonight remind me that my time at Hillsong is priceless. The atmosphere here is unparallel. In a world where it’s so easy to become familiar with what’s around you I pray that I never lose sight of what a blessing it is to be here!
Overall, such a great day! It feels great to be back and to be in the swing of things. I’m beyond excited about what God is going to do this year and truly feel that there are big things in store for 2012. I’m looking forward to taking the heart lessons that I learned while at home at Christmas and using that momentum to carry me into 2012. I’m also looking forward to sharing the heart lessons that I’ve already been experiencing so be checking the blog frequently because there will be more posts coming within the week!
