I’ll stand with arms high and heart abandoned

So January 6th, I got the most amazing opportunity to go see Hillsong United in concert. I first found out about it in October and bought tickets AS SOON as they were on sale. I've wanted to see them for so long and they were actually going to be in Colorado! YAY! When the tickets came in the mail, I put them on my fridge, anxiously awaiting the day I would get to use them.

Fast forward to that night.... A snowstorm was supposed to hit, and boy did it when we (James, Tyler, Kaci, Chris, and I) were driving through Denver. The concert started at 7:30 and we weren't sure how long it was going to take us to get there. An hour and a half drive turned into about a three hour drive...I couldn't stand how long it was taking to get there, but I knew it was going to be amazing once we did show up.

FINALLY, the moment arrived, we got in, got our bracelets, and BAM! "Our God is Mighty to save, He is Mighty to save."

The beating of my heart followed the deep beat of the drum. (my absolute favorite part about any concert, but so much more when it's worship)

Ears ringing with thousands of voices singing his praises.

Singing as loud as I could until my throat was dry.

Because of the storm, about a thousand people didn't get to come for various reasons that had to do with the weather. A part of me is sad that so many people weren't able to make it, but the majority of me is very glad, because the floor (where we were for the concert) wasn't completely full. There was room to dance around, not be squished by other people, and have your arms completely out and not hit anyone.

Brooke Fraser, one of my favorite artists and one the most amazing artists from Hillsong, was there (I was SO excited) and as soon as she started singing, I got down on my knees and in the moment of being lost in pure worship, my eyes filled up with tears, and I knew it was just me and Jesus. I've never had a moment like this before...where it felt as though everyone around me slowly disappeared and it was just me, alone, with Hillsong, in this huge stadium. My heart was moved and everything inside became consumed with the Lord.

THEN...it's like the Lord knew right then and there what I needed to hear..."A thousand times I've failed, Still your mercy remains, And should I stumble again, Still I'm caught in your grace, Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades, Never ending your glory goes beyond all fame, My heart and my soul, Lord I give you control, CONSUME me from the inside out..."

My favorite song. My hearts cry. As I knelt there, arms wide open and heart abandoned, tears falling down my cheek, I knew that the Lord was starting a work in me, He was going to do great things in my heart, He was preparing me for the operation and healing on my angry, bitter, very hurt, unforgiving heart that was taking over my life, my thoughts, my emotions...everything.



And His work has begun.... as of Sunday, January 17th....