30 November, 2016

Spring's End

A couple of weeks ago, we went to this place pictured above. My brother was working away for a couple of weeks, and we met him and a couple of friends there. It was nice to sit around and talk about lessons from the Bible, and have lunch – quiche, stir fried vegies from the garden, and the best salad I’ve had in months. Then we went for a walk to the waterfall; to a viewing platform, to the bottom of the waterfall, and then my siblings and I went off-track to get to the top of the waterfall. It was sunny and bright, but still cool. It amazes me the views hidden away at the end of back roads. Somehow the fact that we had to bump over a track made for vehicles more rugged than ours made the view even more spectacular. 

It’s ironic typing ‘spring’s end’ as a title, because it feels like spring has barely begun. We’ve had a few warm days, but nothing suggesting that tomorrow is the first day of summer. This year, spring ending means the beginning of a new season of activity for me.

By the time you’re reading this, I’ll be en route to the other side of the country to join in with a group of young people for five weeks of canvassing – sharing Christian books door-to-door. It’s a new beginning because I’ve never been away from home for that long, I’ve never canvassed for that long, I’ve never been to the other side of the country. It’s overwhelming to think about, but I’m excited. I’m looking forward to being part of a team of young people passionate about sharing the hope and peace and joy and love of Jesus. I’m looking forward to seeing what God has in mind for me on this trip.

So, all this to say: I won’t be appearing around here until January sometime. Hopefully I’ll be able to reply to any comments, but I can’t promise. I’ll miss you guys a lot – miss reading your blogs, being blessed by your comments, and interacting in this wonderful community. But I’ll be back, and in the meantime, I hope you all have an excellent break, and enjoy your summer, or winter, wherever you live. :) Thank you so much for giving me something to miss; I’ll be thinking of you all. 

This spring's end, I think it comes back to this quote my Grandma gave me to remember for my trip. It says, Dear God, please help me to remember that nothing will happen today that You and I cannot handle together. Keep that in mind, friends – He has all power, and with Him you can conquer anything.

Jessica xxx

26 comments:

  1. Oh....right....you're not in the northern hemisphere. I spent the entire blogpost trying to figure out why you would have "spring's end" in the title, and even checked the date. Oops.

    Have fun on your trip, and I'm looking forward to when you're back with more posts!

    rockandminerals4him.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, sorry about the confusion. Perhaps I should be clearer about where I live. :)

      Thank you - it's already been great! And thanks a lot for reading and leaving a comment too! :)

      Delete
  2. Your trip sounds like a wonderful opportunity! Have a great time!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow...the Australian landscape is lovely! May I ask which side of the country you live in? I have researched very little of Australia, but your photos make me want to dig deeper. It reminds me of the vastness of the world that God has created for us. I live in the middle of the United States, where we are surrounded by hills covered in thick, green trees. It is very different, but both places share a unique reminder of the splendor that our Creator has given us. ♥

    Enjoy your time, Jessica! I hope that God uses you to do great things for His Name. I'm proud of your willingness to step out of your comfort zone to serve Him, and I'm excited to see how He uses you. Keep it up, my friend! I will miss you. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's nice you think so! :) Yes, I live on the eastern side of Australia - in New South Wales, one of our states. It is amazing the variety God has created for us to enjoy! It sounds like you live in a lovely area. :)

      Oh thank you for your sweet words, Hosanna! I'm praying He'll use me to reach others in some small way.. And I'll be missing reading your posts too!

      Delete
  4. That quote your grandmother gave you is absolutely beautiful. I love the photos and the sentiment of this post! I am praying that God would use you as a light and would fill your heart with such joy. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures when you come back! You go girl! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin, you are so encouraging! Thanks so much for your prayers and kind words; I really appreciate it. And yes, I'm sure I'll have some testimonies to share when I return! Thanks again! xx

      Delete
  5. i love this entire post so much, jessica <3 That quote by your grandmother is so so filled with truth. God is so almighty that sometimes it just amazes me so much. I don't even realize how awesome He is half the time. And I should. That sounds like such an amazing opportunity you have to get to go canvassing! Spreading the truth about Jesus is definitely one of the most rewarding things ever. I hope you have a lovely time! Can't wait to hear about it :) I'll miss ya <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, praise God! You're right - He's so amazing we can't even fathom it.. It is incredible He even uses us in His work - such a privilege we have.

      Thanks heaps for your encouragement and thoughtful comment, Autumn. I'll miss you too! :)

      Delete
  6. The photos are beautiful and the place looks amazing. :) the quote at the end was relevant...
    I saw a photo Andy posted the other day that you were in. It made me smile. Looks like a little bit of fun..!
    I hope you're doing well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks - it was really nice. :)

      Haha, I had to check out which photo that was. And yes, it was fun - camping the night in the middle of nowhere. :)

      Thanks again for the comment, and so far yes, I'm going well! xx

      Delete
  7. Hope you have a wonderful and profitable trip! See you next year! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot, Gloria! And yes, it will be next year before I'm back, haha. :)

      Delete
  8. Very nice photos Jessica! Have a great time away. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - it was a lovely spot. And thank you again - I'm sure I will! :)

      Delete
  9. I love the violet picture :) Always a wonderful sign of spring.
    Best wishes for your trip -- it sounds like you're going on an amazing journey! This reminded me of your latest post actually, on bravery, which was very inspiring to me.
    Looking forward to your return!
    -Mary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aren't they pretty?!

      Oh, thank you! I'm sure it will be amazing - it already has been, and I've only been away for a week!

      Praise God that could be inspiring to you, Mary. And thanks again - you are a blessing to me. xx

      Delete
  10. You always have the loveliest pictures! I'm so glad you have a wonderful time with your friends, the waterfall looks beyond amazing :) I hope you have the best of fun canvassing and we'll be here when you return :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, thank you! Yes, it was really nice. :) Thanks so much, Victoria - I'm so blessed to have you read along here. xx

      Delete
  11. Sounds like fun!! The pictures were beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Indeed, it was fun, and a great experience. Thanks a lot for reading and commenting! :)

      Delete
  12. Very pretty pictures! Looks like a place I'd love to visit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a lovely place! And I recommend visiting it, if you get a chance. ;) Thanks for reading, and taking the time to comment, Morg. I appreciate it a lot!

      Delete
  13. Jessica, may the Lord bless you and keep you on this journey! I hope you are having a wonderful and joy-filled time. And the photographs... :O BEAUTIFUL. That waterfall is awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katie, thank you so much! And yes, it was a really nice spot. :)

      Delete

When you comment:

1. My day will be brighter, my face smiling, and my heart blessed.

2. I’m likely to immediately go and explore your blog (if you have one) to find out more of your amazingness, and return the blessing.

3. I will then attempt to craft a response to you that will somehow fail to convey how much I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness. I’m grateful for every word of encouragement you give, and don’t be afraid to share some constructive criticism also; there’s always more to learn. In short: thank-you! :)