The conference has been great so far. I’ve had the opportunity to listen to some great keynote speakers. This morning Rick Leventhal from Fox News offered tips for public relations professionals from a senior correspondent’s point of view. For example, he stressed the importance of PR people understanding the technology that big networks like Fox News use. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of relationship building with the people you are pitching to. He even offered to write letters of recommendation.

I’m looking forward to listening to Special Investigations Correspondent Soledad O’Brien from CNN’s “In America” speak this afternoon.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! :)

After this morning’s sermon at First Assembly, I’ve been meditating a lot on what it means to be joyful. I’ve been praying and seeking the Lord and asking him for revelation. When you pray for God to reveal things through His Word, boy does it happen! Has it really penetrated the depths of your soul that Jesus was a joyful man and finds joy in you?

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY set before him endured the cross, and sat down at the right hand the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

I’m here to encourage you that the Holy Spirit gives joy unspeakable. It is a glorious joy beyond all compare. You might think that this world gives you joy, but it’s a false sense of security. I know that false joy because I’ve had it. I’ve tried finding joy in alcohol, parties and affirmation from others. But nothing compares to the joy I have now. Thanks to Jesus, He gave me the choice to have a taste of this world, and then showed me how much better His joy is. This joy is glorious, unshakeable, rooted and confirmed in the Word of God. 

Join me in praying that God would infiltrate our hearts with His unspeakable joy. Let’s invite His presence into our rooms and find fullness of joy. How awesome is it that we can be in the presence of our Savior and Creator? And how often do we not invite His presence into our lives? 

Jesus, I love you, and I want to fall more in love with you. I thank you for your gift of joy. 

Yesterday, I was in search of various items that I needed for my backpacking trip this weekend. My trip leader told me to go to Brasingtons Adventure Outfitter on NW 13th St in Gainesville.

I immediately knew that I was going to spend too much money when I walked in. However, students do get a 10% discount with a valid student ID. They have quite the selection on travel gear for backpacking, hiking, kayaking and camping. They have something for everyone here. They have tents, pants, vests, jackets, kayaks and sleeping bags. The staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful with all of my questions. 

If you are wanting to try out a kayak before you buy one, they have kayak demos, according to their website. The next one is this Saturday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m. on the Santa Fe River. Call the store to make a reservation at 352-372-0521.

Brasingtons offers outdoor instructional education classes. This two-day course covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel and work in the outdoors, according to their website. They also have Backpacking 101 classes that only cost $15. 

To stay updated on the latest information about Brasingtons, become a fan of them on Facebook! 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is a place that I am dying to go to. 

On the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, guests will be given a chance to tour the Hogwarts castle firsthand to see some of their favorite locations including Professor Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room and more, according to Universal Studios. They have refurbished the old Dueling Dragons roller coaster into a new Potter-themed Dragon Challenge roller coaster. They added a Goblet of Fire and the Triwizard Cup, but it is essentially the same ride. The last ride is Flight of the Hippogriff, which is an enchanting family coaster. 

Of course, a Harry Potter theme park wouldn’t be complete with out the Three Broomsticks! I’ve heard the Butterbeer served here is outstanding. There are several themed gift shops modeled after those in the movies. I’d love to stop by Honeydukes and pick up a delicious sweet treat. 

Three entertaining shows are also offered at the Harry Potter theme park, according to the fan site. There is a presentation of songs by a small number of Hogwarts students, accompanied by their large croaking frogs. Another show takes place inside Ollivander’s Wand Shop and consists of guests trying out different wands. Lastly, the Triwizard Spirit Rally is a showcase of talent from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students. 

Melbourne, Australia is our next stop. It is the second largest city in Australia and is also called the ‘Sporting and Cultural Capital of Australia’, according to the official site for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 

For those of you who are watching your wallet, Melbourne offers cosy bed and breakfast establishments and hostels. They even have an award winning hostel for backpackers. Check it out the Greenhouse Backpacker. :)

Melbourne has a very eclectic dining scene ranging from homestyle favorites to groundbreaking new dishes. Cafes are very popular in Melbourne.

If sports is more your thing, then no worries you are in the right place. The people here are obsessed with football, cricket, soccer and just about any other outdoor activity. A fun fact to note is the Melbourne holds the world record for the highest attendance at a cricket match. 

If you want to check out some artwork, stop by the National Gallery of Victoria which is the home of the largest glass ceiling in the world, according to their website. The National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest and one of the finest art museums in Australia. It offers an extensive international art exhibition. 

Denmark regularly tops the charts as both one of the most-liveable and happiest nations on earth. Denmark conveys a sense of cosiness, camaraderie and contentment. What more could you want?

The best time to visit is between May and September, according to the Lonely Planet’s website. One of the top sights to see are the charming cobblestoned streets in Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town. Be sure to stop by the Roskilde’s Viking Ship Museum to learn all about the history of the vikings. If you are hoping to see the beach on your trip, visit the island of Bornholm where you can rent a bike and explore. 

Also, check out Copenhagen, which has been named both the most wonderful city in Scandinavia and the most liveable, according to the Lonely Planet’s website. The Danish cafes and restaurants are sure to keep you well fed.

It is said that Copenhagen has experienced a culinary revolution over the past decade. Their food supposedly rivals that of Madrid or Rome. Some of the benefits of visiting Copenhagen are that everyone speaks English and they have suburb public transportation. It is important to note that visiting here is not cheap, but it is less expensive than London or Paris. :)

Photo courtesy of Building Theme Parks blog

Tivoli Gardens, pictured above, is located in Copenhagen and is the top attraction in Denmark, according to VisitDenmark. Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world. Walt Disney are inspired by his visit here and modeled Disneyland after Tivoli Gardens, according to Wikipedia. Besides the rides, it also serves as a venue for various performing arts and is an active part of the cultural scene in Copenhagen.