Two Yanks In Oz

Hillsong Church does a month or two of what's called "Sunday Night Live" every so often, and we are right in the middle of them. Basically, it's just a church service with the message presented in a creative way. That could mean music, dance, artwork, drama, video, testimony among other things. Tonight's was something that particularly stuck with me. I can't remember all of it- but the message was clear: God will never leave, or forsake us- no matter what we experience here on Earth, God is with us and we can expect beautiful things in the life to come.

There were 3 really great video testimonies of people who experienced some rough times and were now on the other side of those experiences, looking back and seeing God's hand in all of it. There was artwork, and speaking, and someone (who has a beautiful voice oh my goodness!) sang Kari Jobe's "You Are For Me" which made me cry. I posted the song on facebook but it's also on youtube if anyone doesn't know it.

The scripture that has really stayed with me throughout the night is this:

Sometimes we can hardly wait to move—and so we cry out in frustration. Compared to what's coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and we're tired of it! We've been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less.
That's why we live with such good cheer. You won't see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don't get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:2-8

So, I am not going to droop my head or drag my feet when I feel discouraged or alone. For example, when I feel fear because of my lack of finances, I will remember that God has good things to come for me. Someday, I won't have to worry anymore. And in the meantime, my faithfulness in him will come with an Earthly reward all in good time. I should be encouraged by the glory I will see someday, and I will never settle for less.

"Funds are low again, hallelujah! That means God trusts us and is willing to leave His reputation in our hands."~ CT Studd, Missionary to India.
Speaking of finances...:)

In other news, I was rostered for choir tonight. I get up to the stage and who is standing in front of me leading worship? Uh...Brooke Fraser. BROOKE FRASER...I had a little freak out moment. I mean Joel Houston was there too, but I was all about Brooke. If you know me, you know I have all her CDs memorized. You probably do too, if you've ever ridden in my car. But no worries, I didn't do anything embarrassing...just watched her like a crazed hawk while I was up on stage. I tried so hard to be in worship, I seriously did...I had to pray very hard for the Spirit to come upon me so I wasn't distracted, God forgive me.

Ok. I am going to bed. That was a very scattered blog post. Goodnight all!