Stand Up
This morning Cordie (husband), and I went to my sister Elizabeth’s church Hillsong NYC. I am not used to arriving an hour before the start of a service to wait in line, in the hopes of getting a seat for the service, but this morning we did! In the ‘excessive heat warning’ that was going on here in New York City with temps of 90+ and with the humidity according to the weather forecast felt like 105 F! The wait and walking in with sweat running down my brow was definitely worth it! Stepping into an environment where more than just one person is expecting to meet with God and worship together was very refreshing. The church does not have their own building so this week’s service was at a club near Union Square and had gorgeous chandeliers, I was offered water, mints, a Popsicle and a cupcake in the three hours of attending and waiting-I was very impressed over all.
We had the privilege of being able to watch one of Pastor Charles Nieman’s sermons that was recorded at the recent Hillsong Conference in Sydney, Australia. You can go check out his story at the link above, in a few words he recently lost his wife to ovarian cancer (she was diagnosed then died 6 months later) and preached about what to do when ‘life doesn’t go your way’. His teaching was straight from the word and was enlightening to be reminded of a few simple things. The main thing he emphasized was when life hits you in a really bad way or something awful happens and there is nothing in you to ‘stand up’ or keep going to let God ‘STAND UP’ in you and do the work for you. To fully be dependent in your weakest moments rather than avoiding and trying to run from God and those that love and care for you as well. It was an awesome word. You can listen to it here. The message reminded me of one of my favorite songs that my husband has written called Your Corner. Have a listen and hopefully this same message will speak to you through his song. 
After church Cordie and I had lunch at beautiful Mediterranean restaurant north of Union Square then wandered around ending up in the Air Conditioned Barnes and Nobles to escape the heat and enjoyed our very first Argo Tea. It was a wonderful Sunday and I am looking forward to the days ahead here in New York City.
Pictures to come later when my computer and phone decide to interact together again.
