United's coming out with a new album that's been long in the making. The reason it took so long?
There are 30 songs all together in there & the unique thing is that they will be using shots & videos from different concert venues for each song. 30 songs equal to 30 venues..
On side B of the album..in one of my 'favouritest' reprise aka tag of a song- 'Be lifted high' (that reprise will never cease to capture me), guess which concert venue they chose for that.
The one we went in '06. KL's!
So, can't wait :)
But all that aside, the trip to KL then was a God-thing, you know. Us hanging out together, sharing our live stories...it wasn't one teeny bit of a mistake.
I feel a story coming up..so lean back in your seat & hopefully, let this seep in..
Btw stories have many sides...
Back in '06...Amy, who is my voice of reason was listening to the songs on my laptop when she stumbled upon United's "Till I see You". She got hooked to it immediately & how she could not even know that song prior to that week still puzzles me.
It was around a week or so before our trip to KL and she was studying for her finals or something like that. The music calmed her down.
So, over and over again for that whole week, she let the song play. I didn't mind one bit cos i love it too.
But, i guess once a tune gets you - it REALLY gets you.
She hummed it in the airport, hummed it on the plane, in the LRT & monorail, walking in the city of KL...to a point, i remembered turning to her on the monorail train & said something like this 'If United by whatever reason will bring that song during the concert, i WILL scream at you!'
She gave me a sly smile & kept humming!
Ok..in my logic. I thought the song will not be brought because they just came out with a new album - "United we stand" & thought that most of the songs for the concert will be from there..
We were in for a surprise...
***********************end of 1st side of the story*************************
Drawing from a different angle of the story...
So, we were lining up to enter into the concert hall ok...but had one minor set back.
We felt awful because Joy, who was with us wasn't able to get a ticket into the concert. She had to wait in one of the meeting room where a live telecast of the concert would be shown and if there was an opening, only then will she be let inside.
I think she was on the verge of tears. You see, she was a late addition to the team, so we were not able to get a ticket for her but she was so psyched about the whole thing & said that she won't mind not being inside the concert hall.
But after spending time in the workshop with United & just hanging out together with us - it made her want to share the same experience together too.
We turned to her & said 'It's ok Joy. We've come this far and let's just pray that you will somehow be able to come in but in the end, though we came to see them in concert - it's not really them we're after. So, how so ever God chooses to answer; it's still the best answer.'
She puppy-dog-eyed said 'Ok.' So, we went up the staircase & she disappeared into the hallway.
We felt awful because Joy, who was with us wasn't able to get a ticket into the concert. She had to wait in one of the meeting room where a live telecast of the concert would be shown and if there was an opening, only then will she be let inside.
I think she was on the verge of tears. You see, she was a late addition to the team, so we were not able to get a ticket for her but she was so psyched about the whole thing & said that she won't mind not being inside the concert hall.
But after spending time in the workshop with United & just hanging out together with us - it made her want to share the same experience together too.
We turned to her & said 'It's ok Joy. We've come this far and let's just pray that you will somehow be able to come in but in the end, though we came to see them in concert - it's not really them we're after. So, how so ever God chooses to answer; it's still the best answer.'
She puppy-dog-eyed said 'Ok.' So, we went up the staircase & she disappeared into the hallway.
***********************end of 2nd side of the story*************************
So, here we are lining up to the concert hall and the staircase was packed!
Because of the longer time we took in just talking to Joy, we found ourselves somewhere at the back of a REALLY long line and as we approached the foyer of the concert hall, we realized they were a LOT more people in front of us.
By the time we reached the entrance, the hall was already packed. Front seats were all taken..ah! to the back i guess..leaning against the cold back wall
A little dissapointed? yes, actually. We kinda came quite far for just this one night of concert. I told God i was dissapointed but we were already there and coming to the concert was something we all prayed about & knew we were there not by mistake.
So, we took a deep breath & reminded ourselves that it's still ok. Life doesn't end here.
Anyhu..although we waited for a really long time to reach the entrance & the staircase was pack & a little stuffy...we found ourselves breaking into an acapella of songs while waiting at the staircase.
How did it started? Well, have you noticed the acoustics of enclosed staircases area?
We accidently did & we felt in love with it. The next thing we know, above the chatters of people and some frowning faces (haha! they were NOT frowning at us btw. Think KL people may tend to be a little uptight sometimes - just my opinion) we just sang.
So, that kinda put all of us into a mode of just wanting more of Him.
Because of the longer time we took in just talking to Joy, we found ourselves somewhere at the back of a REALLY long line and as we approached the foyer of the concert hall, we realized they were a LOT more people in front of us.
By the time we reached the entrance, the hall was already packed. Front seats were all taken..ah! to the back i guess..leaning against the cold back wall
A little dissapointed? yes, actually. We kinda came quite far for just this one night of concert. I told God i was dissapointed but we were already there and coming to the concert was something we all prayed about & knew we were there not by mistake.
So, we took a deep breath & reminded ourselves that it's still ok. Life doesn't end here.
***********************end of 3rd side of the story*************************
Anyhu..although we waited for a really long time to reach the entrance & the staircase was pack & a little stuffy...we found ourselves breaking into an acapella of songs while waiting at the staircase.
How did it started? Well, have you noticed the acoustics of enclosed staircases area?
We accidently did & we felt in love with it. The next thing we know, above the chatters of people and some frowning faces (haha! they were NOT frowning at us btw. Think KL people may tend to be a little uptight sometimes - just my opinion) we just sang.
So, that kinda put all of us into a mode of just wanting more of Him.
**********************end of 4th side of the story*************************
HOW IT ALL ENDED....
1. On the 4th or 5th song of the night..started out as an unrecognizable intro of a song, Michelle Fragar stepped out & sang 'Til we see You' and yes, i screamed at Amy but the moment i did that, she fell to the floor & just wept! and it's not because their singing her song but because God's presence was just so real & personal that we all just broke down. Mind you, we had that one particular song seeping into us for the past few days...Junior too looked lost in her worship.
2. As we were seated, we were still so much preoccupied with the thoughts of Joy. How much we wanted her here too. Texts were exchange vigorously just to check in on her. Then the concert started, she was still in the room and she finally said it's really is ok now. She can & will still worship where she is. We sighed. Sad but very touched on her new perspective. AND THEN! after the 1st song..if anyone could scream in a text, Joy could. She finally got in! Just like that..the moment she was willing to let go of her desperate heart desire then..God actually gave her her request.
3. As we were walking into the entrace, we could see & hear the MC on stage directing the people where to go & sit. Those in front of us turned to the left & sat at some of the few available seats near the back wall AND just as we were about to turn to that direction, we hear clearly above the noise the MC saying this 'Those group of people that just walk in, i encourage you to come & sit on the floor in front." FRONT!!! We were amazed how God just heard our whispers. And guess what..throughout the whole concert, the boys were at the 2nd row while we were on the 4th. We had full view on what was going on onstage..talked about coming from way back of the line!
4. In the midst of the concert, especially during "Till we see You" the whole place just soared into a deep worship. For the few of us that took this trip together - we who are friends, confidants, shoulders-to-cry-on, corporate goofballs, comrades in faith; that moment just went to another level in itself. Our worship went past the carpeted floor, cushioned seats, air-conditioned hall, amazing sound system and definitely went way past United. It went to Him. Him, who alone is the sole reason we live. Him, who NEVER cease to amaze us. Him, who strengthen us to go on to the next step. Him, who gave life in death. Him, who holds all things & all people in His hands. Him, who gave us a destiny.
The excitement was reserve for Him, the Lord of lords!
1. On the 4th or 5th song of the night..started out as an unrecognizable intro of a song, Michelle Fragar stepped out & sang 'Til we see You' and yes, i screamed at Amy but the moment i did that, she fell to the floor & just wept! and it's not because their singing her song but because God's presence was just so real & personal that we all just broke down. Mind you, we had that one particular song seeping into us for the past few days...Junior too looked lost in her worship.
2. As we were seated, we were still so much preoccupied with the thoughts of Joy. How much we wanted her here too. Texts were exchange vigorously just to check in on her. Then the concert started, she was still in the room and she finally said it's really is ok now. She can & will still worship where she is. We sighed. Sad but very touched on her new perspective. AND THEN! after the 1st song..if anyone could scream in a text, Joy could. She finally got in! Just like that..the moment she was willing to let go of her desperate heart desire then..God actually gave her her request.
3. As we were walking into the entrace, we could see & hear the MC on stage directing the people where to go & sit. Those in front of us turned to the left & sat at some of the few available seats near the back wall AND just as we were about to turn to that direction, we hear clearly above the noise the MC saying this 'Those group of people that just walk in, i encourage you to come & sit on the floor in front." FRONT!!! We were amazed how God just heard our whispers. And guess what..throughout the whole concert, the boys were at the 2nd row while we were on the 4th. We had full view on what was going on onstage..talked about coming from way back of the line!
4. In the midst of the concert, especially during "Till we see You" the whole place just soared into a deep worship. For the few of us that took this trip together - we who are friends, confidants, shoulders-to-cry-on, corporate goofballs, comrades in faith; that moment just went to another level in itself. Our worship went past the carpeted floor, cushioned seats, air-conditioned hall, amazing sound system and definitely went way past United. It went to Him. Him, who alone is the sole reason we live. Him, who NEVER cease to amaze us. Him, who strengthen us to go on to the next step. Him, who gave life in death. Him, who holds all things & all people in His hands. Him, who gave us a destiny.
The excitement was reserve for Him, the Lord of lords!
BTW..thought you all might wanna see this..
So...lessons learned? Let go and let God!
If we claimed to love Him then trust Him. If He gives us our desires - praise Him and if He doesn't - still praise Him.
He DOES have our utmost best interest in mind! Even better than we know..
Whatever He has mould us to be, whatsoever He desire us to be or to do - let's go towards that.
We mankind don't live that long..70 -90 yrs top.
What are we doing with our lives today?
'Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.' Psalm 90:12
Just be careful who or what we pursue. It might not be what you really want in the first place.
Heard this statement this week...'our chief and only purpose is to worship God.'
It is in recognising Him that we recognise ourselves, other people, the world and the dire needs around us..And only by knowing Him can we have the strength, courage & will to do what should be done.
If we claimed to love Him then trust Him. If He gives us our desires - praise Him and if He doesn't - still praise Him.
He DOES have our utmost best interest in mind! Even better than we know..
Whatever He has mould us to be, whatsoever He desire us to be or to do - let's go towards that.
We mankind don't live that long..70 -90 yrs top.
What are we doing with our lives today?
'Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.' Psalm 90:12
Just be careful who or what we pursue. It might not be what you really want in the first place.
Heard this statement this week...'our chief and only purpose is to worship God.'
It is in recognising Him that we recognise ourselves, other people, the world and the dire needs around us..And only by knowing Him can we have the strength, courage & will to do what should be done.
Go with God people!
p.s. Not to forget..some snapshots!
them
us
us 2
6 comments:
AWESOME! From the part where Joy got in there and the part where u guys were ushered to the front..dat was AWESOME. All glory to God!!! Say, if Hillsong United's coming again, perhaps to KL or Singapore, i am not going to miss that!!!!
ah.... memories. enjoyed staircase singing wth u girl! hey, it works in the bathroom too! =p
haha! yes, junior..singin at the staircase will forever be ingrained in my sweetest of memories..wat fun we had..
and grace, if United do come again..let's all go together :D
your stories kinda made me have goosebumps lah.. so amazing.
I want to go to United! wheeee. if they come down again, I do I do I do ooooh!
that was pure greatness. crazy, u know. i nearly cried. then bam, the phone rang! n within 2mins b4 the thing starts, im finally in the hall. n wonderfully enjoyed His presence.. that was really nice.. haaaaaa.... hehehehehe
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http://arun.vijayganesh.com
this is my site keep visiting this.........
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