Husband + Hillsong = PERFECT Night

This past Saturday night was a very unexpected one. I had gotten tickets for Jarrett and I to go to Hillsong together about 2 months ago. Well, the time came and we didn't know how we were going to make it work with the kids, but the Lord made it happen!! We have been needing a night out for a while now and the night couldn't have been better.

The concert was at the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates so we had a bit of a drive. We stopped on our way and had dinner and Sangria at Big Bowl - my fav!! We left early so we could enjoy our dinner and relax for a bit!! After dinner, we went next door to Woodfield Mall and walked around for a bit and found ourselves at The Cheesecake Factory for dessert!

On the way out, we stopped at Nordstrom and I used a gift card from Christmas to buy a new pair of my favorite black pants! They are a little pricey, but I got my first pair my Senior year in high school and I just now needed a new pair. They are SO comfortable and SO worth the extra $!!

Since the concert didn't start until 8:00 p.m., we got a quick Starbucks and we were on our way!

Every time I go to a Hillsong concert, I feel like I maybe get a teeny tiny glimpse of heaven. There are so many different ages and races all there to worship the One and Only God. It's a beautiful thing! I would be one to stand in the center so I have room to jump around, but my darling husband will go to concerts on a seat-only basis!! I'm thankful he goes with me!!

Speaking of jumping around, since having my two darling babes, I haven't been able to jump around at concerts like I maybe would like to - all you mom's out there know what I mean!! I have to say this concert was a little better! My calf muscles got a good work out though!! I was doing calf raises in leu of jumping around!

To my surprise, Marty Sampson led a LOT of songs that night - personally, I think he's the best!! Don't get me wrong - I really like Joel and J.D., but Marty is our favorite!! If you don't have his album check it out here. You need to own it!!

The night was incredible. We sang, Tear Down These Walls, You Hold Me Now, Arms Open Wide, and With Everything just to name a few!

When we were singing You Hold Me Now I couldn't help but notice a girl two rows back from me with her arms outstretched - she had no hair left from what seemed to be some intensive chemo treatments. She looked just like the sister from the movie My Sister's Keeper. As soon as I saw her I started weeping. I really couldn't help it. There are times I think life is hard and I've got it bad, but I don't. My heart was also heavy that night for Megan Moss so I was crying out to the Lord on her behalf that night. Praise God on our way home that night we found out she had a heart waiting for her! Here are the lyrics to the song:

On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace

All my fears swept away
In the light of your embrace
When Your love is all I need
And forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence here to hold
Let these songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suff'ring You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

In this life fin'lly stand
Through my joy and my pain
Knowing there's a greater day
There's a hope that never fails

When You're name is lifted high
And forever praises last
For the glory of Your Name
I'll be livin' for the day

When the world has finally cease
All creation rest in peace
Let these songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weepingr, no hurt or pain
No suff'ring You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

It was an incredible night. I'm so thankful that Jarrett and I were able to spend some much needed time together and that I was able to participate in an amazing time of worship!

P.S. Don't wear your cute new shoes (that I got for $45 might I add) the night you will be walking a lot. I have a nice blister, but it was worth it!!

Love,

Erin