I've been rather busy lately, but I just couldn't pass this day without sharing something about this special day... which is very much like the 4th of July in America!
I'm writing this at the end of the day. It's been lovely! Very hot and humid, but great! We enjoyed a picnic bbq lunch with friends at Wellington Point, a lovely park by the bay. Played music and sang and just basically got burnt to a crisp! A typical Australia Day out! Though I could've done without the last bit...
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| Wellington Point, Brisbane, QLD, Australia via Pinterest |
I found this beautiful version for our national anthem: 'Advance Australia Fair'
The following is an oft forgotten verse...understandably so, I suppose but it is very special and I sing it prayerfully with faith and hope for the future! Nothing is too hard for God!
(*oh, by the way, I think you'd enjoy listening to link above for the anthem. It's a lovely, sweet version*).
With Christ our Head and Cornerstone,
We'll build our Nation's might,
Whose way and truth and light alone,
Can guide our path aright.
Our lives, a sacrifice of love,
Reflect our Master's care
With faces turned to heaven above,
Advance Australia Fair
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Here is also one of my favourite Aussie songs...a bit dated, I think, and probably not so well known...it's by Ted Egan, 'This Land Australia'. However, I just love the way it describes the variousness and vastness that is Australia...Would just love to explore more one day!
This Land Australia
by
Ted Eagan
Chorus:
Try to understand
This land Australia
Take her as she is, her moods, her mysteries
Mother of us all
Beneath the Southern Cross
In her frame of peaceful seas.
(1) The shimmer of the midday haze
Un-endless inland plains
The busy city's bustling pace
The drenching life-filled rains.
(Chorus)
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| Uluru - Ayer's Rock, Australia via Pinterest |
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| Brisbane, Queensland, Australia via Pinterest |
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| via Pinterest |
(2) The lustre of the Barrier Reef
The snow-clad Alps on high
The fires, the floods, the searing droughts
Just love her don't ask why!
(Chorus)
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| The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia via Pinterest |
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| Snow gums in the Snowy Mountains, Australia via Pinterest |
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| Mt. Buller, Victorian Alps, Australia via Pinterest |
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| Searing Droughts and Burning Fires via Pinterest |
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| Floods! via Pinterest |
(3) The tribal stories ages old
The deeds of pioneers
The way of life we proudly hold
The triumphs and the tears!
(Chorus x3)
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| Indigenous Australia, 'The First Australians' via Pinterest |
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| Pioneers via Pinterest |
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| via Pinterest |
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This was just a tinsy-winsy sample of the so many contrasts of this beautiful land...this land I call home...I'm so blessed to live here. I pray that God would bless this land. May He visit us and truly make it ''Terra Australis Espirito Santo', The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit'! Amen!
Extra Bonus!!! Just a couple of my favourite Aussie Movie Classics...
Thanks for the beautiful pictures of Australia. It is like a mini visit to your country and viewing all its beauty. When I tried to play the video it messed up but I will try again.
ReplyDeleteI was finally able to view the video and the flowers are gorgeous! Such beauty! I know you are proud of your country.
ReplyDeleteAh dear Sarah such a blessing to live in a land like Australia! Praise God for His many mercies...
ReplyDeleteLove the additional stanza to "Advance Australia Fair".... Had never ever heard of it!!!!!
Every blessing dear sister to you and your family!
Hugs,
Shaz in Oz.x