A Picture of Heaven
Ok, so maybe a very small picture of Heaven, but a very neat one at that.
We had one of our periodic Lord’s Supper and Worship Nights at church last night and one of the words our worship pastor, Eddy, used to describe it was “eclectic.” It very much was. There was something for everyone.
The student band opened the evening with three energetic pieces – they sounded great from the green room and backstage, but otherwise I have no idea. Admittedly, I was in my own little world of bundled nerves and awaiting my turn. *blush* I was so excited for them to play for Worship Night – it is such a great experience, like none other.
So you wanted to hear old and comfortable yet convicting and fabulous hymns? Check that. We have a fantastic saxophone player, Evan, who played “The Old Rugged Cross” while Eddy played acoustic guitar during the passing of the “grape juice” portion of the Lord’s Supper.
Fiddle tunes? Got that, too. A violinist played the old tune “There Is A Fountain” while myself and another keyboard player, Rebecca, accompanied on piano and keyboard. This was played during the passing of the bread. I love, love, love hearing the violin. Just warms the soul.
Have a taste towards the classical? Check and check. Our pastor, Spike, and his wife, Kitty, sang The Prayer (made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli) while myself and Rebecca accompanied again. (Yes, I was a busy and nervous girl. Remember, Shoeless? I get nervous, my hands shake, and God keeps me humble, thankfully.) Super job! They don’t sing often enough, but they are also busy enough.
Do you prefer a moment of quiet reflection with perhaps some harp sounds? Yes, live and in person. This was beautiful! I was so fascinated that I nearly forgot to plug in my in-ears to get ready with the rest of the band. Oops. *blush again* Fascinating to watch and so nice to hear.
The harp transitioned us nicely into the praise and worship music portion of the evening…we quietly got into our places while she played. Eddy read some more Scripture and we started with Jennifer singing Hosanna (Hillsong).
Oh. Wow.
Truly a picture of Heaven. A taste, a sampling if you will, of what it will be like to sing with voices and instruments raised inworship to the One we love. To look out and see a sea of faces – my church family who I love, everyone with faces lifted, smiling, hands raised to Him…just leaves me speechless. To hear the sounds of the voices (even with a lot of the sound block by my “in-ears”) was truly amazing.
Next we did “Breathe On Me.” I love the line in the one that says “You are the God of my story…write every line for Your glory…” Hits me right there every time.
Jenna hit the next one home….oh, it gave me chills. I could live in those moments forever. Truly the power of the Holy Spirit was felt in that time and place when we did “You Are Good (Gateway Worship).” If you’ve never heard it before, go listen to it. Now. Ok, thanks. The words are simple but true and powerful. They should never be forgotten.
Oh, but it gets better. Next up… “How He Loves” (Eddie Kirkland) (I have no idea whose mission trip video this is, but it had the right song on it. Great work they did!) What an amazing song. Just let the words sink into your soul… I can’t wait to play and sing that one IN Heaven!!
The next set of songs were very high energy and SO much fun! Before I knew what was going on, we had a choir coming out, youth members crowding the stage, and I think Eddy took a flying leap off one of the platforms during “Happy Day.” But I wouldn’t know because I was concentrating, but there sure was a lot of movement off to my right…I wouldn’t put it past him. :) We went from there into “My Savior Lives.” I’ve always loved that one, too. Great keyboard part. No, I’m not biased. *cheesy grin*
And you thought the service was over. Oh no, not yet. While the crowd helped put chairs up (to prepare for next day’s conference or something), we played “Glory to God Forever” (Steve Fee) and everyone enjoyed that one.
Time to go!
Oh, wait…nope! Let’s do another one! The fast “You Are Good” (Lincoln Brewster)…and that one is a blast to play.
I see a couple of cute kids off to my left just dancing their hearts out. I wonder, “Whose kids are those?” I glance up long enough to see if I can place them.
They’re mine! Ha! It was so cute and hilarious watching them.
What an amazing night. I do not think anyone from any walk of life could walk away disappointed.
Besides…it’s all about Him anyways, right?
I can’t wait to worship in Heaven.