Hillsong United: Empires
Hillsong United is the worship band from the Hillsong Church which is dedicated “To reach and influence the world by building a large Christ-centered, Bible-based church, changing mindsets and empowering people to lead and impact in every sphere of life.” Hillsong United is the worship band portion of the Hillsong Church bringing the word of God into people’s hearts through music. Based out of Australia, the church has ministries around the world bringing their love of God to local churches.
“Empires” is the follow-up release to the successful 2013 album “Zion” which reached number one on the American Billboard Christian Song charts. Hillsong United’s mission is “to write songs the speak truth, create a unique sound, connect with churches, individuals and ultimately connect people everywhere with God.” “Empires” fulfills their mission. The songs are well crafted with layered harmonies that take your heart to the clouds. I listened to this album many times over the past several days while driving hundreds of miles in the car. The sounds brought me to the joy of sitting in worship service. I especially was drawn to “Touch the Sky” the first single released off the album. I must say that Hillsong United has achieved their mission with the release of “Empires.” I can see these songs easily being included in local churches worship services.
@HillsongUnited
#Empires
#FlyBy
Embarking On A New Journey
Today is just an ordinary Thursday … until you realize that your daughter graduates TOMORROW!!!
Where has the time gone?
It seems like just yesterday that I was rocking this little 5 lb 15 1/2 oz baby girl in my arms! 
Then I blinked, and she grew into this beautiful young woman that as of tomorrow will be embarking on a new journey.
Oh Lord. Thank you for allowing me to be here with my daughter through all of these years! Thank you for allowing me to see her grow, learn, and stretch her wings.
Now, I must brag on my daughter a little bit. You knew that was coming, right?
This soft spoken, often times shy and timid young lady is the President of her Senior Class. She was also voted by her classmates as the “Class Clown” as well as “Most Talkative.” Can you believe that? You would never expect this from HER! But yes, so it seems that when she warms up to you, you’d better watch out because she’ll talk your ears off while clowning around the entire time! That made me laugh when I saw it in her year book.
My daughter is also on the National Christian Honors Society, and because of her accomplishments, she has received a partial scholarship at a college of her choice. She received none other than the Leadership Scholarship, too!
Have I mentioned how very proud I am of my daughter?
Her school days have not been easy for her either as she has been on the receiving end of bullying. She has faced things in her life that she never should have had to endure, but it has made her the strong young lady that she is today.
I am proud of her academic accomplishments, but I am so proud of her for the morals and values that she has that seem to be lacking in most teenagers and young people these days. I can say that my daughter walks with integrity and great character while extending love, grace, and compassion to all.
Tomorrow I will try really hard NOT to cry. I did not think I would cry at the National Honors Society program last year either … but I did. So, I will have a box of tissue handy, just in case!
Our friend, Greg, just got into town a short while ago. He came all this way to see my daughter graduate. That says a lot right there that he would take time away from work and go through the long two day drive to be here for this special occasion.
I have prayed over my daughter throughout these past 18 years, and I prayed for my daughter actually before she was ever conceived. I will continue to pray for her as she goes out into the “real world” now to follow her dreams.
I pray for her future husband as well – although she is not engaged at this point, nor does she have a serious relationship as of yet. But I pray for what the future will hold and that she will have a beautiful life ahead of her. I pray for the young man that will win her heart one day. It is my prayer that he will treat her like the treasure that she is and that he will love her so much and do all things to honor, respect, and uplift her; that he will be faithful to her always and remain true in his heart and mind as well. Oh yes, I am already praying for this young man, and she hasn’t even met “him” yet.
If I may, I’d like to make a request for any one that reads this post. Would you please take a minute of your time to pray for my daughter and all of the 2015 graduates? God has a beautiful plan for all of their lives, and we get the privilege of watching His great plan unfold.
If you’re a parent preparing to watch your son or daughter walk across that stage, you’re in my prayers, too. Be proud, Mom & Dad. You did a great job! Now dry your eyes and celebrate their big day while clinging to Jeremiah 29:11. Make it personal to your child! I know without a shadow of a doubt that my God has great plans for my daughter, Nicole. I trust that they are plans to prosper her and not to harm her. I have full confidence that they are plans to give Nicole a hope and a future!
Thank you, God. Thank you.
You
By mere chance your light came into my life at a time of darkness. A simple comment revealed that you had the heart of an angel. Numerous jousts of comedic and heartfelt remarks painted a masterpiece of a soul with a heart filled deeply with kindness, compassion and love. A love deeply centered within your world for family, friends and the world around you. A caring soul that will go beyond what most will to encourage and support others in their darkest times.
Yet, these traits were not your only gifts. You have an insight into things most people commonly overlook in their daily lives. Hidden talents abound within you that you tend to keep to yourself yet when you blossom out to the world you show those around what beautiful gifts you have for the written word and a singing voice that makes a melody dance across a light spring breeze.
For most, you are the embodiment of what is and should be a person’s most treasured friend. This is you.
