"God is great!"

In a dark bar with loud music in the background spewing curse words and lyrics that are way too sexual for my taste - I see people all around having fun in their environment, not realizing how incredibly lost they are.

This first act goes up and I quickly realize she is using a looping technique, which is promising - but unfortunately did not turn out to be of any quality.  There was a dancing unicorn and slinky, and I'm not entirely sure what I had witnessed.  The lyrics were fitting for the environment though - and they screamed brokenness - even though she tried to hide it through angry lyrics.

They next act revels in getting high, promiscuity and drunkenness.  You could tell they were having fun with it though - and the lead worked pretty hard to interact with the crowd.

Finally, we get to the performance I've been waiting for: Izreal Graham and the Narrow Path Band. Everything from his lyrics to the clothes Izreal wore was a representation of God's love.  In that moment, I realized why they were in this dive location - full of people who probably couldn't care less about who God is.  Izreal's stage presence took over and seriously brought church into that bar though.  As he shared his story - that the reason why he comes into these areas is with the hope that others where he had come from would be able to experience God in a way just as real as he had.  This wasn't just a performance - This was a mission field.    

Photo credit:  Maria :]

During their performance, Maria's voice was peaceful - and the lyrics were real.  She raised her arms in the air and it was suddenly a worship set - but complete hip-hop - throwing in some incredible jazz when Justin Smith Williams began playing his saxophone. Josh was incredible on the bass - and Mike was fabulous on the drums.  

Suddenly, during the set, Izreal said, "SAY GOD IS GREAT!" - Giving a pause so the audience had a chance to repeat the declaration.  To my complete surprise - they repeated it!  My first thought, okay - they are just in the moment - maybe they didn't realize the words that were being said.  He proclaimed again, "SAY GOD IS GREAT!"  Again, they repeated those same words - over and over -just as he had led them too.  Suddenly we are in a room full of people, who seconds ago may not have said those same words.  I noticed that each time Izreal proclaimed his love for God - and why he was there in that bar - to reach their hearts - the audience cheered.  

In this moment, I was reminded of a verse:  Mark 2:17 - “...It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

God doesn't call us to only sit in our churches or around our Christian friends talking about how great He is - but to take that message and deliver it to those who may not realize they are in need of His perfect love. To take it to those who may never step into a church to hear the gospel message - And that is EXACTLY what Izreal and the Narrow Path band did last night. God's word never returns void, and there is no doubt in my mind that seeds were planted.

Thanks for bringing church wherever you guys go. I couldn't be more proud to know such incredible people.

-jennilea

Decorating. Travel. Fitness.

I've been in my new home for 1 month now - and it's incredible!  Brian surprised me with some awesome decorations for my wall, which we hung up yesterday, so I am all set now.

Everything feels warm and happy - I couldn't imagine a more perfect place to be.

1 week ago, Yessica and I bought our tickets to Italy when prices took a HUGE dip!  We are leaving in just over 5 months - wow!  Flying into Rome, and exploring as much of Italy as possible.  My family has a ton of history there, so I am looking forward to seeing and learning more about that.

I'm also on my fitness like crazy!  Brian and I are on this journey together, so we started our own wee fitstagram:  @Brilea_fit - Yes, couples IG accounts are a little lame, but this helps keep both of us accountable, and motivated - so we are lame together.  haha.  I switched from doing online training at The Dungeon because I found I was just making excuse after excuse to not go in - so this is my first week back to normal in-gym training and I haven't missed a session yet!  Even more exciting, is that I am seeing some major changes in my body - and still getting stronger.  A few months ago, we started assisted muscle-ups using a false grip and resistance bands to help get up there.  One of the resistance bands I had been using broke during another session - leaving two instead of three.  I thought that would be it until Jamie brought in another one - but she had other plans.  Instead of stopping there, she had me try with the 2 bands.  I couldn't even kind of get up there.  Haha.  I was failed time after time and it all felt completely pointless - until one time, when I was finally able to get my arm up.  Within 2 weeks, I got my other arm up - and was finally able to start pulling myself up!  I'm not lifting myself all the way up at this point, but I am closer than I ever have been before.  I feel strong - and I feel confident.

So - here is to adventures and major changes!  I am declaring right here that I've remembered why I started this journey, and I am determined to make the next 8 weeks incredible as I fight my way towards the fitness level I'd like to be at.  Going from this to being healthy is just that; it's a fight. - It is a decision each day to prep my meals, drink a gallon of water, say no to the thing I am craving - unless it's a cheat meal - and to make each scheduled workout!

With the huge amount of support and love from my trainer - Jamie, Team Dungeon, my fantastic boyfriend, and from amazing friends like Kaite (seriously follow her on IG @fromchubba2hubba), Juanita, Toni, and my giiiirl Jessica - I know that I can rock this out - exactly as I have in the past.

I look forward to checking in with you guys each week to let you know how I'm doing as well.

I'd also like to thank all of you for following my journey over the past few years.  Life has changed a ton - but it is so incredibly beautiful. <3

In other news - blue whales are so enormous that a human being could swim through their largest veins. (Check out more cool facts here).

-jennilea