Winter Jam 2011

BEST NIGHT in a crazy long time.....
Newsboys,Kutlas, Red, David Crowder Band, Newsong, Sidewalk Prophets, Francesca Battesteli, Chris August, to name a few, were all amazing. I owe a ginormous thanks to my older girls' momma, Shelley, for the invitation to attend. I sure do love her!

FACT:
There is such a thing as a stupid question.
The doors had been open for two hours, we had been sitting in our amazingly close seats for over 1 and a 1/2 hours.....there was a large youth group that sat beside us that always had holes of seating open.....kids were up getting merchandise, food, etc. I am estimating that at least 50 people came up to us and asked if those seats were taken. Some people would even argue with us. It was as if people seriously thought they could walk in 30 minutes before a concert and sit in sweet seats.....it was so hard to not be sarcastic back to them.

FACT:
Contemporary Christian music concerts ROCK.
I feel so cheated that as a teenager we didn't have this kind of music to fortify our relationship with God. What an amazing outlet for teens, and what an amazing way for kids to express themselves. We listened to the entire spectrum of musical genres lastnight. I did not even know the heavy metal Christian band, Red, even existed. Not my typical style, but really gifted musicians.
I can't help but wonder how more mature my faith would be if I had had a musical outlet to learn about God's love. Not that the Gaither Vocal Group and Amy Grant aren't good musicians, but not what you'd want to get caught listening to on the bus ride to a basketball game.

FACT:
It is the most amazing thing to witness that many people, gathering in one place, to praise our God. Sprint Center was SOLD OUT, with people that were turned away at the door. This was no sit in your seats and quietly give a soft clap after each song......we stood for every band, we danced, we sang, we praised God. There was no hysterics, no one getting escorted out by security, no one dressed inappropriately(although I did see a man dressed in what appeared to be pajamas, with matching printed top and bottoms) no obnoxious drunks, no weird people scream-crying like you see in videos, no underwear being thrown up on the stage, no strange aromas...

I guess the best way to describe it is people were excited, energetic, and full of JOY to be praising God through music, but no one was acting like a FOOL....although I can't think of a better reason to act a fool than for the love of GOD :)